Stoneham Town

Las Dean

TOXEIIAM cannot, like many otht-r towns and cities, produce any records or copies of records to show tliat the Tiame was given in honor and memory of some place in the mother country. Although such a has been made in b_\gone da_\s, the source whence it came cannot be relied upon a^ authentic. The best information obtained fixes the time of settlement about 1645, and though no names can be given, it may be that a few families became residents at an earlier period. Colonial records show that, on February 7, 1632, Governor Winthrop and a party visited the southerly ])art of the town. Of this visit the following account is given : " The governor, Mr. Nowell, Mr. Elliott, and others went over Mystic Eiver at Medford, and going north and by east among the rocks about two or three miles, they came to a very great pond, having in the midst an island of about one acre, and very thick with trees of pine and birch, and the pond had divers small rocks standing up here and there in it, which they therefore called Sjrot Pond. They went all about it on the ice. From thence towards the northwest about one half mile they came to the top of a very high rock, beneath which, towards the north, a goodly plain, partly open lands and ])artly woods, from whence there is a fair prospect, but it being then close .and rainy, they could see but a small distance. The place they called Cheese Eock, because ^\hen they went to eat somewhat, they had only cheese, because of the governor's man forgetting, for haste, to put up some bread."

In the year 1640 four brothers by the name of Holden came to this country, being natives of the county of Suflolk, England ; the fifth and youngest brother remaining in his native land. The names of three of them were Eichard, Oliver, and Justinian. Oliver took up a permanent residence in the vicinity of what is now Cliarlestown Square. Justinian, not being able to procure land to his liking, finally removed to the present town of Westminster, in the northerly part of Worcester County. He is said to have taken possession of the township and remained there to the close of his life. The fourth brother, whose name is not given, removed to the state of Connecticut, and nothing further is known in regard to him. Eichard, it appears, decided to locate in the northerly part of Cliarlestown, it being presumed that he remained with his brother Oliver until he had selected the ground for his new home. The land which he purchased, and where he built his house and lived for years, is but a short distance southwesterly from the house of Nathan Bucknam, deceased, in later years the property of J. Alvin Wilson. His house was near the brow of what is now known as Bear Hill, upon the summit of Avhicli stands the notable Cheese Eock. It appears that from Eichard Holden descended all of his name in this immediate vicinity. His first child, Samuel, was born in 1649. Asa Holden, a former resident of this town, who died at Concord, New Hampshire, was a descendant of Eichard in the fifth generation. There is an ancient stone in the burial-ground with this inscription : -

She was evidently the wife of Eichard's first son, and, according to the date of her death, was born in the year 1659. As previously stated, when the four brothers Holden came to this country - the reason for their removal being that they might live in the enjoyment of religious ordinances - the youngest brother remained in England. The family was reported as having been heir to the estate of a rich lord, who was a baclielor. After his decease the remaining brother took all the inheritance, and in 1646 came to this country with his family. He purchased a large tract of land in the state of Rhode Island, and there took up his abode. He made every possible eti'ort, as has since been ascertained, to find his brothers, in order to give tliein their several portions of the estate, but all proved unavailing. His anticipations also of enjoyment in his new home in the possession of all desired religious privileges were soon blasted, for in a few short months he sickened and died. All hope of finding tiie brotliers being given up, his widow sold the estate, took the property, whicli was, no doubt, of considerable amount, in her own possession, and returned to old England. Mr. George Piper, an Englishman by birth, who lived iu East Woburn about forty years ago, stated that he had knowledge of a large sum of money on deposit in England, designated as tlie Holdeu fund, which leaves little reason to doubt that it was the same to which the Holden brotliers were entitled.

If traditionary statements are to be relied upon, the first settler in town was a Scotchman, named Patrick Hay, afterwards called Peter Hay, but family record would lead to the belief that Ricliard Holden was the first one. It is probable tiiat Hay was the first to settle at tlie centre, or what is now tlie business part of the town. The circumstances connected with Hay's coming to this country are as follows : He was bound out as an apprentice in the cily of Edinburgh, Scotland, but, being dissatisfied with his situation, resolved to leave his master. He accordingly sailed on board a vessel bound for Salem. On his arrival at that port, being unable to pay for his passage, the captain sold or bound him out to a man in Lyniifield to work until he should earn the necessary sum, whicli would re(|uire some six or seven years of service. He served out his time, after which he concluded to settle ill this vicinity, and commenced his labors by clearing the ground now known as Cobble Hill. It is stated that he came over from Lynnfield with his axe and gnu, stopping for a few days at a time, and lodging in a building or hut which st.MMl nrai- thr spot uluTc the li,Hisi. of the widow Abhy Locke now stands. Fnmi ihe fact of his bringing his gun, it would seem that ho stood in fear of the Indians, although it is said that ho purchased his land of tiiein for the paltry sum of two coppers per aci'c.

Northerly from (he tract of land ..wncd by Hay, which might have extended cdii^idi ralily bcvund the northern limits of what is \\t\\\ Khii Street, on the westerly section of (hat street, a man bv the name of Thomas (iel'ry became the owner of the lands, including in his purchase that lying on the northerly side of Farm Hill. Gerry came to Boston in a war vessel, acting in the capacity of boatswain. On his arrival he incidentally met the Scotchman Hay, came out and surveyed the land, and being pleased with the prospects of taking up a residence here, went back to Boston and obtained permission to return and live in the place, it is said, on condition that if called for to go on an expedition against the French, he would do so. He became ac([uainted with a young lady in Boston, whom ho married and brought to this place. He is said to have been a man of great courage, and the following incident is related of liiin : At that time wolves were numerous in this section. On a certain day Gerry was away from home until a late hour, and on his return called upon a family living near where the house of Cornelius Doyle now stands. It then being about dark, it was thought rather dangerous for him to go home. However, having an axe with him, he went his way, but after travelling a short distance he encountered a number of wolves. He braced himself against a large tree and fought it out with his brute antagonists. Notwithstanding his neighbor heard the conflict, he was left to conquer or die alone. He was victorious, and went home. In the morning he returned to the scene of the conflict, and found that he had killed four wolves, and by the blood-stains it was evident that another was wounded. The bounty on each wolf was, at that time, £4. Gerry remained here for several years, but was eventually called upon to fulfil the promise made previous to settling. He left his wife and children, never to return, and it is stated that he fell during an engagement with a foreign enemy. lie had several sons, one of whom settled in this town, another Mciit to Harvard, and another to Marblehead. LIbi'idge Gerry, formerly governor of this state, and vice-president during Mr. Madison's administration, is said to have been connected with tlie family. The following extract from the oration of "William B. Stevens, Esq., given at Stoneham, July 4, 1876, makes reference to the same person: " The next pioneer of whom I can speak with any degree of certainty was one wild, as earlv as KKi'.t, had made a clearing just biydnd the northern slope nf Farm IHII, aiid 'had his home there during King i'hilip's War. He was, at the same time, a cunning and courageous man. On a certain occasion, having reason to suspect (lia( an Indian was lying in wait for him behind a log, and not caring to unnecessarily expose his person, he kept iiiniself under cover, and extended his hat in sucli a manner as to draw the fire of the unwary savage, and the next instant the ball had whizzed from his unerring musket with fatal effect. Fearing the vengeance of the tribe should they discover the dead body, he buried it in his own cellar. By family tradition it iias been handed down that this man died as a soldier in 1690, when returning home from the expedition of Sir William Phi])s to Canada. From then till now his name has been borne by numerous descendants who have always been among the chief men of the town of wiiicii he was one of the first settlers. I refer to Thom'as Gerry."

Tlie tradition connected with the settlement of the first person by the name of Hadley is as follows : One morning, during the early settlement of the town, a man named Gould, living near the residence of Pliilander Ames, formerly that of Thomas Gould, being at his barn at a very early, hour, saw a man destitute of clothing approaching him, who said that lie had deserted from a vessel tlie previous night, and being fearful that his clothes miglit retard his escape, had divested liimself of them. He also stated that if Gould would provide him with clothing, and keep him secreted until after the vessel had left Boston, he would work a sufficient length of time to compensate Gould for all the trouble and expense incurred.

Hadley's Christian name is supposed to have been Anthony ; the records, however, do not confirm this. But as he is said to have married a daughter of Richard Holden, and the marriage of Anthony Hadley to Abigail Green, November 15, 17-i4, is registered, and the birth of Abigail Hadley, a daughter of Anthony Hadley, Jr., and Abigail, recorded July 5, 11 -il, there can be little doubt as to his Christian name.

Anthony Hadley ; a piece of it still retains the name of Spring Pasture. Among tlie first settlers were John Vinton and Jonathan Green, at the southeasterly part of tiie town ; the lands then belonging to John "Vinton, and in later years owned by several of the same name, as well as lands owned by persons by the name of Green, being at the present time included within the limits of the town of Melrose. The house of Jonatliau Green was built about the year 1700, and is still standing on the westerly side of Green Lane. When first occupied, the east part of the house was used for a stable, thereby exhibiting the kindness of the occupant for his horse as well as for the members of his family. Green was a member of the Troop Company, and often went to Groton and vicinity, as that appears to have been a noted place of resort for the destruction of the Indians. Jonathan Green, a descendant in the fifth generation, is still an owner and occupant of the premises. John Gould, Thomas Cutler, and William Rogers are said to have been numbered with the first settlers at the northeasterly part of the town, and although the names of John Gould and William Rogers do not appear in the records of births, marriages, or deaths, the births of Sarah Gould, born August 29, 1706, and Daniel Gould, born June 10, 1709, son and daughter of Daniel and Sarah, are found the first births occurring in Stoneham that are entered upon the records.

Of those early days Mr. W. B. Stevens says in his oration: "Prior to 16S5, when two of the first highways were built, - one from that part of Reading which now constitutes Wakefield, to Woburn, and the other to Charlestown, - and the communication had been by means of bridle-ways and circuitous cart-paths cut through the wilderness, you will be able to form an idea of the rude life wJiich must have been led by our early ancestors. During these years our pious forefathers, not numerous enougli to support a minister themselves, with the musket in one hand and the Bible in the other, travelled on Sunday to the meetinghouse in Reading, and there mingled their prayers with the people of a neighboring town."

Stoneham remained for a long period a part of Charlestown, notwithstanding the early dates of the incorporation of the town of Medford, September 2S, 16:30 ; Woburn, May 18, 1643 ; Reading, May 29, 104-4, and Maiden, May 2, 1649. Stoneham was made a town December 17, 172.5. The following is a part of the act of incorporation : -

" Whereas the Northerly part of the Town of Charlestown, within the County of IMiildlesex, is competently filled with Inhabitants who labor under great difficulties by their remoteness from the place of Public Worship, &c. And have thereupon made their application to the said Town of Charlestown, and have likewise addressed this Court that they may be set off a distinct, and separate town, and be vested with all the powers and privileges of a Town, and the Inhabitants of Charlestown, by their Agents, having consented to their being set off accordingly. And a committee of this Court having viewed the northerly ])art of the said Town of Charlestown, and reported in favor of the Petitioners : Be it therefore enacted, by the Lieutenant Governor, Council and Kepresentatives, in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same; That the northerly part of the said Town of Charlestown, That is to say, XW the lands lying on the east side of Woburn, the south side of Reading, the west side of Maiden, and the north side of the Fifth Range of the first Division of Charlestown Wood-lots, be and hereby is, set o(f and constituted, a separate Township by the name of Stoneham. And that the inhabitants of the said Town of Stoneham do, within the space of two years, from the publication of this act erect and furnish a suitable house for the Public Worship of God and as soon as may be procure and settle, a Learned Orthodox minister, of good conversation and make provision for his comfortable and honorable support and likewise provide a school master to instruct their youth in writing and reading, and that thereupon they be discharged from any payments for the maintenance of the Ministry and School in the Town of Charlestown."

The bounds at the southerly line were set, March 2:i, 17^5, nine months previous to the act of incorporation, by committees chosen from Charlestown and the proposed new town of Stoneham.

The first town-meeting was held December 24-, 17.25. Timothy Bolden, Sr., was chosen moderator, and Daniel Gould, Jr., clerk. The next vote passed was " To chouse a commity To treat with Mr. Nathaniel Rencook to preach with us." They also chose a committee of three to survey the meeting-house at Lynn End. It wSs voted, January 4, 1726, to build a meeting-house thirtytwo feet wide and thirty-six feet long, with twentyfoot posts, but subse(|uently the dimensions were changed to thirty-six feet in width and fortv feet in length. The third meclint,' was held Mareli 7, 172G, at which time the lolloumi,' Uiinicd persons were chosen a board of scliclincii : Ciptain Benjamin (ieary, (Japtain John \'iiil(iii, Mr. Peter Hay, Mr. Timothy Bolden, and LicnlciKint Timothy Wright. For many years the board consisted of five persons, who received no compensation for their services. 'J'he eonimittcc for building llu' meeting-house was also instructed to select the site. Tliere was considerable contention in regard to this, some being anxious to build at the easterly part of the town, on the plain, which for a long time was owned by the heirs of the late Captain Daniel Green. It was, however, finally decided to have it stand between the black-oak tree and the red-oak tree, upou the hill, near the end of the school-house ; and the building was raised about the last of November, 1726. The lot of land on which it was erected is now owned by Jlr. Charles Buck, and is situated on the east side of Pleasant Street.

For furnishing the meeting-house, " the sum of £5 \\s. dd. was given by the women of Stoneham, £1 1*. G(L by the Maiden Gentlewomen, and £1 1*. Gi/. by the gentlewomen of Woburn and Reading." About ten years after its completion a vote was passed that family pews might be built which should be lotted out to such men as appeared to be the highest in rate and right, and by the subsequent distribution the preferred individuals were the Hays, the Goulds, and the Greens.

" The only public building in existence previous to the erection of the meeting-house was the schoolbouse. The town well organized, and the meetinghouse built, measures were next taken to procure a settled minister and to secure the services of a schoolmaster. The former was considered a question of such vital importance to the welfare of the people, that it was voted in town-meeting assembled to set apart a day for prayer to seek God's direction in the choice of a minister, and so strong was their religious faith, that they doubted not their jjrayers had been answered when, in the following month, they elected the Rev. James Osgood." '

Mr. Osgood received Ids call from the inhabitants of the town to settle, October 29, 1728, and gave an afRrinative answer, April 21, 1729. The church was organized July 2, 1729, and Mr. Osgood's ordination occurred on the lOlh of the following September. The first marriage solemnized by him was that of John Tidd, of Woburn, to Abigail Gould, of Stoneham, November 26, 1729.

The town continued gradually to increase m population, and consetpunitly in the demand for more tenements, land, and additional highways or bridle-ways, so that about 1731 the road now known as Wyoming Street was built, passing ou to Medford on the easterly side of Spot Pond. Action relative to this way was taken at a meeting held December 31, 17''50, the town voting to have " an open road from the county road at Spot Pond to Charlestown land line, and as near the pond as the selectmen shall see room and convenience for the road to be."

It is probable tiiat the first representative to the General Court was Captain John Vinton, and that he was elected May i-i-, 17o4. The records do not show this, but at a town-meeting held May 23, 1 735, the following vote was passed : " Voted, Eased and granted to give John Vinton, Esq., the sum of twenty-three pounds, eighteen shillings, (£23 IS*. Or/.) for his sarving representative for the yeare 1734."

At a town-meeting held Monday, May 22, 1738, it was voted to raise ten pounds towards building a new school-house, using, as far as was possible, the materials of the old one.

Mr. Osgood continued as pastor of the church until his sudden death, March 2, 1746. A warrant was issued for a town-meeting to be held March 4, at which fifty pounds. Old Tenor, were voted for the burial of Rev. James Osgood, the sum being equivalent to about thirty dollars. The funeral was on Wednesday, March 5, when the body was carried to the meeting-house, and then attended to the grave by several ministers and a great concourse of people.

In the year 1748 a man named Peter Hay, supposed to be the Scotchman Hay, died at the advanced age of ninety-one years. It is said that he married no less than five wives, and at the last marriage ceremony he displayed his youthful buoyancy by dancing. His death occurred at the house, several years since destroyed by fire, formerly owned by Captain Jonathan Hay, deceased, standing on the lot of land upon which the house of tlie late Jesse Tay stands.

The dwelling-house known as the Old Parsonage, standing on the west side of Central Street, for many years tiie property and residence of the late Eev. John H. Stevens, was erected or completed in the year 1747, and first occupied by Rev. John Carnes.

In reference to the matter of schooling there seems to have been some delinquency, as no action was taken until a meeting held August 15, 1729, when Captain John Vinton, Daniel Gould, Jr.^ and

Peter Hay, Jr., were chosen a committee to provide a schoolmaster. At a meeting held November 21, 1729, it was voted to raise nine pounds for a school for the ensuing year. In the years 1730 and 1731 nine pounds were raised; in 1732, six pounds ten shillings; in 1733, nine pounds ; in 1734 it was voted to raise two pounds ten shillings to repair the school-house. May 17, 1736, voted nine pounds for schooling; in 1737, sixteen pounds. At a town-meeting, held May 18, 1752, " Voted, raised, and granted, the sum of two pounds, lawful money, to pay for repairing the meeting House in said town. Also, voted, to give Elder Samuel Sprague liberty to build a pue in said Stoneham Meeting House, according to his desire to cut down the remaining part of the two hind seats in the body of seats below, on the woman's side, and to build said pue upon his own cost and charge." At a meeting held in March, 1753, it was "Voted to sell a pue belonging to the Town that Avas built by perticular men at thir own cost and charge for Mrs. Sarah Osgood, formerly widow of Rev. James Osgood, but now Mrs. Sarah Hart." Also voted not to give to " those perticular men that built said pues the money they expended in building said Pue." A great deal of disquietude appears to have been occasioned at different times in consequence of taking down the long seats and erecting pews. They also appear to have experienced considerable difficulty in reference to providing seats for the colored persons then resident with tliem, and at that time slaves, as at a town-meeting held October 14, 1754, they passed the two following votes : " Voted, That the Town will seat the negroes in Stoneham in Stoneham Meeting House. Voted, That the negro men in Stoneham shall set in the hind seat in the side Gallery in the west end of Stoneham Meeting House, and the negroes wives and other negro women shall set in the hind seat in the side Gallery in the east end of said Meeting House and no where else in said Meeting House, if there be convenient room in said seats, except it be on special occasions."

The Rev. Mr. Carnes wns dismissed from his pastoral charge July 31, 1757, expressing his wish to remain if he could have received a sufficient amount of salary for his support. During his ministry he solemnized eleven marriages.

His successor was Rev. John Searl, who was settled January 17, 1758, so that they were without a pastor only a short time. The population at that time was small, and the means of acquiring wealth and the facihties for improvement were limited. Stoiieham was a poor town, inferior to most of its neighbors in territory, population, and wealth, the number of its people being probably about three hundred, with fifty houses, including those which now form parts of Melrose and Wakefield. In 1767 the valuation included 10 slaves, 42 horses, 41 oxen, l-li, cows, -311 sheep, swine. There were ;i,:346 bushels of grain, and 526 barrels of cider. The money at interest was £1,160. May 9, 176S, the town voted the following amount to defray the expenses for the year ensuing.

Tiie purchasing of a bell appears to have been agitated as long ago as 1772, as an article was inserted in the warrant for a meeting of that year held July 9, and although the vote relative to its purchase was negatived, a few months later the desirability, if not the necessity of having one was seen.

Although nearly half a century had passed since the incorporation of the town, there iiad been a general unanimity of action in its public affairs, but this tranquillity was soon to be disturbed by a foreign foe. The change in the administration of government in the mother country had given rise to feelings of intense anxiety. The peoi)le believed, with all the colonies, that their rights liad been invaded. Expression was given to tlieir views on the subject by the calling of meetings, writing uf letters, passage of resolutions, etc. In January, 1773, a communication was despatched to Boston, in which they declared their belief that, as the right of freedom is the gift of Almighty God, it is not in the jjower of man to nlieiinte it. At a meeting held August 1, and adjourned to November 1, 1774, a covenant was made which contained the following: "That having taken into serious consideration the ])resent distressed condition of this insulted i)roviiice, embarrassed as it is by several acts of the Brittish ])arliainent. That lirnecforth we will suspend all intercourse with Great liritaiii, That we will not buy, ])urchase, or consume aiiy goods or merchandise which shall arrive in America from Great Briton. These things we solemidv promise to observe, provided no better schinie shall be devised to answer the same ends hv tin- Congress who are to meet the next mouth at ['liiladelphia." C'ai)tain Samuel Sprague was chosen delegate to the provincial congress holden at Concord, October 11, 1774, and also to the one convened at Cambridge, February 5, 1775. During the time of the Revolution the house of Deacon Edward Bucknain, at that time town-clerk, was the place of rendezvous. An arrangement was made that no gun should be discharged in town, except under the following rule : A certain number was chosen to give an alarm. The first person that received the notice was immediately with two or more individuals to repair to the Common, in front of the old meeting-house. The discharge of the muskets in succession was considered as a general alarm, when the members of the company were immediately to repair to the jjlace of rendezvous. This ancient dwelling was recently owned by Iliram Marston, and was taken down in 1873. "The population wns small ; but a common enthusiasm possessed the hearts of the whole community, aiul a company of sixty minute-men was organized, which comprised nearly all the iidiabitants capable of bearing arms. Sainuel Sprague was captain ; Joseph Bryant, lieutenant; Abraham Gould, ensign. John Bucknam and Daniel Bryant were sergeants; and David ami Joseph Geary, drummers. They were called together at early morn, on the 19tli of April, 1775, and hurried over the hills to Lexington, arriving there in time to meet the British as they were retreating from Concord, and ])ursue them to Charlestown. The first shock over, the war fairly commenced, and the history of Stoneham was that of almost every other Massachusetts town. Captain Sprague and Major Joseph Bryant were sent as rej)resentativcs to the Provincial Congress. Among those who were killed during the war were John Noice and AVilliam Connery. E])hraim and George Brown and John Noble were prisoners of war. The roll of honor embraced the names of Peter Hay, Priilxii and David Geary, Nathan VViIKy, J.'.liu llill, .lohn Holden, Charles Richardsou, Joseph Jlatthews, Joseph Holden, John Wright, William Deadman, Samuel Clap, Beiijiimin Eaton, Jonathan Farley, Thomas Hay, Eli Mclutire, John Thayer, Jabez Upton, Jacob Brown, Sainuel Brown, Joliii Boyd, Henry Hawks, Daniel Holden, Samuel Howland, Samuel Ingals, John Knight, James Weston, Joshua Geary, Daniel Bryant, Daniel Hay, Freeman Sharper, Cato Freeman, John and Job Potaina, and Pompey Magus, the last five of whom were negroes, some of them obtaining their liberty by eidistiiig in the army.

Among the military officers were Major, afterwards Colonel Josepii Bryant, Captain Abraham Gould, Lieutenant John Bucknam, Lieutenant Joshua Burnham, and Lieutenant Daniel Bryant. The names of at least eighty-seven difi'erent Stoneham men appear upon the revolutionary musterrolls. During these years the town was constantly purchasing ammunition, furnishing supjjlies to the army, raising bounties with which to pay soldiers, and with unflagging zeal supporting the common cause.

At a meeting held September 17, 1792, it was voted to procure a schoolmaster, with instructions to commence the sciiool the middle of October and continue two montiis; then a vacation until the next March ; tiien to contiime until all the money raised shall have been expended.

Altimugh farming had hitherto been the chief occupation, this year a mill was built, being first used as a snuff-mill, but afterwards eidarged and used for the purpose of manufacturing satinets. It was located but a short distance uortii of the rubber-works now known as Hayward Mills, and near the buildings for a series of years owned and occupied by the millwright, the late Jabez Kendall, and subsequently by the Messrs. Grundy for the purpose of brass-finishing. In 1812 a mill was built on the grounds of the rubber manufactory, and used for several years for grinding spices and various medicinal articles.

The ministry of Mr. Cleveland was a few days over nine years, his dismission taking place October 23, 1791'. During his ministry he solemnized twenty-six marriages. His successor was Rev. John H. Stevens, who was pastor of the church at Methuen at the time of the dismission of Mr. Cleveland. Mr. Stevens was installed November II, 1795. He was a popular preacher and a good pastor, and continued witli the society for thirty-two years.

In 1800 Rev. John H. Stevens was elected as one of the school committee, and this appears to be the first instance where a minister was chosen a member of that board. May 7, of the same year, it was voted to build a new meeting-house, and a committee was chosen to view the old one, now standing in Stoneham, and report to tiie town the estimated cost of repairing the old and of building a new one. In 1802 this matter was again presented, and the committee chosen in reference to the subject was instructed to view different lots of ground, and report at a meeting to be held

January 17, 1803. At that time it was voted to build a meeting-house fifty feet in length and fortysix in breadth, with a porch and steeple. Each window in the building was to contain twenty-four squares of glass 8x10. It was also voted to hire §100 for building purposes. The meeting-house was located on the north side of what is now known as Sjjring Street, at its junction with Pleasant, and stood upon the lot of land at present belonging to the widow of the late Captain John H. Dike. The dedicatory services took place Wednesday, December 14, the sermon being preached by tiie pastor, Rev. John H. Stevens. His text was taken from fLaggai ii. 7 : " I will fill this house with glory." Tiie Sabbath previous, December 11, Mr. Stevens preached a farewell sermon in the old meetingiiouse, and on Thursday, the 15th of December, the day following the dedication of the new church, the people assembled and took down the old one. There it had stood, with but few changes, for seventy-seven years, the loved resort of a Sabbathloving people.

With the new meeting-house, which was conveniently and pleasantly situated, the people were desirous of making improvements in church music. Accordingly, at the annual meeling, held March 5, 1801, it was voted to raise $10 for the ])urchase of one or more bass-viols, or for defraying the expenses of learning and practising in church.

About this time the manufacture of children's shoes was begun in town, and in a few years it became the principal employment ; the farmers themselves, in many instances, engaging in it during the winter months. For several years a shoemaker's shop might liave been seen at almost every house, or a room used for the convenience of those engaged in this work.

In tlie year 1805 the xVndover and Jlcdford turnpike, now Main Street, was laid out. At that time a portion of the inhabitants were desirous of having the road run on the east side of the parsonage, probably wishing it to be on the line of what is now Central Street ; but their objections were finally withdrawn, and in 1806 the turnpike was built.

In 1805 it was voted to raise the sum of five hundred dollars to be worked out on a proposed road from Woburn to Stoneham meeting-house, - the present William Street. At that time the land over which Cottage Street is laid out was the prop- erty of Captain Hay, who owned a mill standing upon a water privilege westerly from the house of W. B. Stevens. It being advisable to have the road go above the mill, it was voted to adjourn the meeting to the u])per dam of Captain David Hay, where the necessary arrangements were made. At a town-meeting held Jlouday, May 5, 1806, it was voted to send a representative to the General Court, and Daniel Gould was elected, receiving thirty-one votes.

In 1809 Rev. .lohn II. Stevens was elected a representative to the General Court, and was also re-elected in 1810. This year a bell was purchased by subscription, and placed upon the meetinghouse. It was to be rung for all the Sabbath services and all other religious meetings, also for funerals and all public meetings, as is usual in other places. Auy one ringing the bell without the permission of the person employed for that purpose was to pay a penalty of five dollars.

In 1811 Jabez Lynde was chosen representative, and in 181'2 Rev. Mr. Stevens was again elected. This was the first instance of the number of ballots cast being placed on the record, which is as follows : Rev. John H. Stevens, forty-one ; Daniel Gould, twenty-nine ; Peter Hay, 2d, three.

Early in the morning of November 2(3, 1819, the inhabitants of the town were startled by the announcement that a brutal murder had been committed the previous night. The family of Jacob Gould consisted of two bachelor brothers, a maiden sister whose name was Polly, and a Widow Winship, the hired help. Between eight and nine o'clock in the evening of November 25 three ruffians, with blackened faces, and armed with dirks, entered the house occupied by the Goulds, which stood but a short distance from the one now owned and occupied by Philander Ames, and situated on the westerly side of Pond Street, a short distance north of Spot Pond. They inllicted a deadly wound upon Jacob, who died about three o'clock in the morning. David and Polly were both wounded. The robbers ascertained that .^800 j were in a chest, and secured the money. The event produced great excitement for miles around, and a reward of S.500 was offered by David (iould for | the driection of the robbers, and to this tiie gov- I crnor of the state added §500 more. A man by the name of Daniels was arrested at Niwjiort, '

Rhode Island, and committed for trial, but just before tte time appointed for it to take place he hung himself, thereby confirming the belief in his guilt, though he made no confession. Several others were arrested, but sufficient evidence against them was not obtained to warrant their detention.

The annual town-meeting for the election of officers was held at the school-house, Moiulay, JIarch 6, 1826, wanting but one day to complete a hundred years from the time of the first annual meeting, that having occurred Monday, March 7, 1726, at 8 o'clock a. m. The following is a summary of the town expenses for the year commencing March 7, 1825, as reported by the board of selectmen.

Town clerk Coilectoi-'s premium Selectmen's account Overseers of the poor Assessor's services Printing expenses Making out accounts Miscellaneous expenses Debt ot the town

At this meeting it was voted to raise one hundred dollars to defray the expense of building a new school-house near where the old meetinghouse stood. The building was to be two stories in height, - a school-room being finished in the lower story, and a hall above for the transaction of town business, and for holding public meetings. It was removed to the site where it now stands, at the corner of Central and Pleasant streets, in 18;5;5.

In the year 1^25 the number of dwelling-houses was seventy ; ninnher of barns, sixty-three; mills, shops, and ullicr buildings, about seventy-five. The total valuation fur the financial year ending March, 1826, was |157,251.5II ; (..lal amount of polls, one hundred and sixty-six. Of this number nearly one half must have been engaged in shoemaking or other matmfacturing business.

The ministry of Rev. ilr. Stevens terminated in 1827, ho being dismissed November II of that year. During the time of his coiniection \\\\\\ the society he had enjoyed seasons of prosiierity and passed through varied scenes of sorrow and adversity. During his ministry lie solemnized one hundred and seventy-five marriages. He also kept a record of two hundred and fifty-seven deaths. His successor, Kev. Josepii Searle, was installed May 1, 18^8. This year a subscription paper was circulated, and fifty-seven dollars collected by K«v. Mr. Searle for the purpose of putting stoves in the meeting-house. During his stay in the place he specially interested himself in behalf of the scJiools. He was dismissed Jumiary -l, 18:J:J. Kev. Jonas Colburu was settled August 1, of tiie same year. During the time of his ministry lie was at each annual Marcii meeting elected a member of tlie board of school committee. He was dismissed February 27, IB.;}?.

The following description was given of tiie town for the year 1837 : " This is a small town, rocky and uneven. It has some good soil and a considerable quantity of woodland. The population, in 1837, was 2-61. During the year ending April 1, 1837, there were made in this town 380,100 pairs of siioes, valued at §181,717, employing more than half its inhabitants. Spot Pond, a beautiful sheet of soft and jinre water, lies in this town, eight miles north from Boston. It covers an area of '283 acres, and is 1-13 feet above high-water mark. Tiiere is also said to be a fall of 100 feet in the distance of about 100 rods from the pond. A short distance northerly from Spot Pond is another one of small size, situated on the easterly side of Pond Street, and kuown as Doleful Pond. The -water is said to be of great depth and in a constantly unsettled condition, which may account for the name. Eeference should also be made to a marble-pit situated at the southwesterly part of the town, upon land formerly belonging to Joseph Kurd, at tJie present time owned by Colonel Lyman Dike. Tiie lime used in building the first meeting-house is said to have been taken from that place. The former jiractice of removing the marble to make lime was that of making a fire in the pit, thereby rendering it more susceptible of impression from the tools made use of for removing the same. Two pits are open at the present time ; small quantities of the marble have, at different times, been taken out; specimens of which, when worked, have proved it to be of an excellent (piality. But as it lies far below the surface of the ground, it is su))posed that the expense of getting it out would outweigh its value when ready for use."

by fire, Sunday, January 5, 1840. The fire was discovered between the ceiling of the porch and the singers' gallery, soon after the commencement of the morning service. Religious services were held in the afternoon at the town-hall, and were continued at tiie same place during succeeding Sabbaths until October. The Congregational jMeeting-house now standing on the east side of Main Street was erected and dedicated October 22.

The Universalist meeting-house (at present the Eoman Catholic Church, standing on the north side of PomewortJi Street) was also built in 1840, on the lot of land now occupied by the Christian Union Church, and was dedicated August 20. This year a newspaper was published in town, bearing the significant name of The Stoneham Regulator. The jiopulatiou of the town, according to the census of 1840, was 1,017. Up to this time the number of shoe-manufacturers, as Avell as of shoemakers, had been steadily increasing, and consequently an increasing amount of capital was invested.

The Rev. John Haven was settled as pastor of the Congregational Church, February 24, 1841 ; and dismissed October 4, 1849. In 1841 a lot of land was purchased by the town, and laid out into two hundred and seventy-one burial lots, situated on the northeasterly side of William Street, and was publicly consecrated May 15, of that year. It is now known as the William Street Cemetery. In 1847 it was voted that all school-district boundaries slionld be annulled, and a committee was chosen to enlarge and make all necessary repairs on the school-houses, and build new ones where needed. Also to erect a building near the townhouse with basement rooms, the second story to be finished for a town-hall and tJie lower story for school-rooms, this being the present town-house, which was first erected a short distance north from where it now stands, but was removed at the time of the erection of the high-school building.

The Stoneham Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in April, 1856, and at the present time has two hundred and fourteen members. It is under the pastorate of Rev. Charles W. Wilder.

April 5, 1856, a section of the northeasterly part of the town, containing about one hundred and ninety acres, was annexed to South Reading.

to establish a free public library, and appropriated for that purpose the sum of $;300; and at the annual March meeting in 1860 it was reported that the number of the volumes in the library was fourteen hundred and seventy.

At this meeting it was also voted to purchase land of William Ricliardson for a cemetery, if, in the opinion of an appointed committee, it should be for the interest of the town so to do, the ground being located on the westerly side of tlie town, adjoining Woburn. The lot was purcliased, containing i-l^ acres and 14 rods, and was subsequently laid out into 699 burial lots.

Tlie Stoneiiam Liglit Infantry Company, being Company L of the 7th Eegiment Massachusetts Infantry, was one of the first to respond to the call of the President for troops at the time of the late Rebellion. The officers were Jolni H. Dike, captain; Leander F. Lynde, Darius N. Stevens, James F. Rowe, and William B. Blaisdell of Lynn, lieutenants.

This company was transferred from the 7th to the 6th regiment. At two o'clock on the morning of April 17, 1861, Captain Dike received orders from the governor, by a special messenger despatclied from the office of Adjutant-General Sciiouler, to report himself with his company at tiic state-house next morning. The reply of Captain Dike to tl\e messenger was, "Tell the adjutantgeneral that I shall be at the state-iiouse wilii my full command by eleven o'clock to-day." True to his word. Captain Dike reported at the state-house at eleven o'clock, and that afternoon, attached to the Gth regiment, the company left for Washington. Two days afterw-ards, on the 19tli of Aj)ril, during their march through Baltimore, Captain Dike was shot down while leading his company through the mob, rc-ceiviug a wound in the leg which made hiin a cripplr lor life.

Stoneham furnislud four Iniiulri'd ami four men for the war, wliicii was a of forty-six above all demands. Twenty-rive were commissioned officers. The amount of money raised and expended for war purposes, exclusive of state aid, was $.'50,616.79.

In July, 1868, the town voted to build a soldier's monument, and chose a committee to carry out the vote. The monument is of Concord granite, and consists of a base six feet square and three feet high. On this is a pedestal, five feet square at the base, seven feet high, with a concave die surmounted with a heavy cornice. From the top of this springs the shaft, which is sixteen feet high. The four dies bear on their faces heavy marble shields, handsomely cut, and inscribed Avith the names of the soldiers whose deaths are commemorated. About middle way of the south side of the shaft, in bas-relief, are two hands clasped over the swords of Justice and of State crossed ; a wreath of laurel surrounds the hands, aiul the streamer that binds the wreath is inscribed : " By the sword she seeks peace under liberty." Over these emblems is a canopy of stars. On the west the word "Justice," in a wreath. On the north, an anchor, cannon, national shield, and fiags. On the east " Liberty," in a w reath.

Died Of Wounds

> Jarob Pnrker Gould, (i son of Jacob and Pbcbo C, was born >Iiiy 15, 1822, graduated at Norwicli Uuivers'ly, Virmout; was a i-ivil engineer; wns major of the 13lh Regiment XIassacluisetts Voluuteeii; afterwards colonel of the 59th Massachusetts rcginiciit ; wounded nt the battle of Petersburg, Virginia, bod B leg aniputated, and died at Pliiladelphia, July 21. 1864.

Died In Eeeel Phisoxs

1 This name, and the date of -the death of AF. ilorton Dike, are erioneoiisly given on the monnnient. The first should be James H. Ayers, the second, Nov. 18, 1863. - Ed.

It was at first intended tn place tlie monument ill Central Sfinarc, and had it been so located tlie arcliitectural elfect would have been much better. Ill its present location, on open ground in Lindenwood Cemetery, at the right of the main avenue, it docs not appear so large as it really is, on account of its isolated position. By vote of the town the location was clianged from Central Scjuare to the Cemetery. It stands on a slight elevation, so that the top of the monument is about thirty feet above the avenue.

" Stoneham's company of ininute-mcii having been engaged in the first battle of the Revolution it was almost a providential coincidence that Captain John H. Dike's company, from the same town, on the same day of the same inontli, should have participated in tlie first skirmish of the Rebellion. xVt Lexington, she was in the vanguard of the army which founded the Republic ; at Baltimore and Washington, she led tlie hosts that saved the Union."

Eev. George

FTER tlic incorporation of Concord, Sudbnry, Marlborongh, Jjancastcr, and Groton, tlicrc was left, environed by these towns and tlie Indian plantation of Naslioba (now Littleton), quite a large tract of land called by the Indians Ponipasittacntt. Upon tins territory two settlements were made,- - one by a IMr. Boon, near Sudbury, about 1G60, the other by Jolni Kettle, some three years later, near by the borders of Lancaster. Both of these men are said to have come from Charlestowii, but neither remained as a permanent settler; for the breaking out of King Philip's War drove them from their homes, never to return. The day before the massacre of Wadsworth's company at Sudbury, l^oon and his son, while removing (ln'ir goods to a place of safety, were ambushed and slain by the savages. Nothing more is known relative to him or his family. Kettle fled for protection to Lancaster, where his second wife and some of his children were captured by the Indians in their famous raid upon that town in 167G. There is a doubtful slory about Kettle himself having been cajitured and'killed by the rcd-skius. lie probably died at sea about Kl'.HI. jlr married first Sarah Goodnow, of Sudbun.and had by her three children, - John, Sarah (born March S, l(iO:5), and Joseph. ]Iis second wife was Elizabeth Ward, by whom he had Jonathan, born Novcanber -IX, 1(570, and cral Court to appoint some persons to view this land, " which," say they, " we judge may be convenient to make a plantation in that your petitioners may see what encouragement they may have to make farther address unto this honored court for acoraodations for themselves, fanialyes being at present much wanting therein."

October 13, 1669, the court appointed five persons to examine this territory and ascertain ",the qualitye and quantity thereof, wdiither it be capable (if the farms be layed to it) to make a village." The coiTimittee report. May 31, 1670, that they find, by estimation, ten thousand acres of "country's land, whereof five hundred acres of it is meadow ; the greatest part of it is very meane laud, but wc judge there will be planting land enough to accommodate twenty familycs; also aijt)ut four thousand acres more of lands that is taken up in farms," that the Indian town of A"ashoba, bordering on one side "is exceeding well meadow ed, and they make but little or no use of it." The court then granted the land to the petitioners, to make a village, "provided the j)lace be settled with uot lesse than tenn familycs within three years, and that a pious, orthodox, and able minister be mainteyued there." Daniel Gookiu, Thomas Danforth, and Joseph Cooke, or any two of them, were appointed to regulate the settling of the jjlace. These men, December 4, 1672, apl)ointed a committee of four to lay out twelve farms of fifty acres each, and to "cast Lotts for them " among the persons and their associates to whom the territory was granted, provided tliat tiicse persons " be men of good and honest conver- .«ations, orthodox in Eeligion," and engage to help sMp|)ort "a (jodly minister among them," and also setth" u])ou (iieir lands within two years from the next May, or els,' gix,- up llu'ir I, its t,i oth,M-s who would s,'itl,'. ihit a> lal,' .as .liiu,' 1, Ki?.'), most of lh,'s,' hits ha,l b,vi. r.,ir,il,,l l,x noii-selt!,an,'nt, aii,l \\\r ,',,iiiiiiill,v MMi-1,1 lo ha\,- lh,aii iiiipr,,N .al bv Th,' all further

Source changes here: from History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, by Drake, Samuel Adams, published 1880; 5,332 words in this source stream.

Stoneham Town

behind a log, and not caring to unnecessarily expose his person, he kept himself under cover, and extended his hat in such a manner as to draw the fire of the unwary* savage, and the next instant the ball had whizzed from his unerring musket ynih fatal effect Fearing the vengeance of the tribe should they discover the dead body, he buried it in his own cellar. By family tradition it has been handed down tliat this man died as a soldier in

- 1690, when returning home from the expedition of Sir William Phips to Canada. From then till now his name has been bonie by numerous descendants who have always been among the cliief men of the town of which he was one of the first

Tlie tradition connected with the 'settlement of the first person by the name of Hadley is as follows : One moniing, during the early settlement of the town, a man named Gould, living near the residence of Philander Ames, formerly that of Thomas Gould, being at his barn at a very early hour, saw a man destitute of clothing approaching him, who said that he hnd deserted from a vessel the previous night, and being fearful that his clothes might retard his escape, had divested himself of them. He also stated that if Gould would provide him with clothing, and keep him secreted initil after the vessel had left Boston, he would work a sufficient length of time to compensate Gould for all the trouble and expense incurred.

Hadley's Christian name is supposed to have been Anthony ; the records, however, do not con-, firm this. But as he is said to Iiave married a daughter of Richard Holden, and the marriage of Anthony Hadley to Abigiiil Green, November 15, 1744, is registered, and the birth of Abigail Hadley, a daugliter of Anthony Hadley, Jr., and Abigail, recorded July 5, 1747, there cau be little doubt as to his Christian name.

Anthony Hadley ; a piece of it still retains the name of Spring Pasture. Among the first settlers ' were John Vinton and Jonathan Green, at the j s6utheasterly part of the town ; the lands then Ik*- longing to John Vinton, and in later years owned by several of the same name, as well as lands owned by iiersons by the name of Green, being at the present time included within the limits of the ~ town of Melrose. The house of Jonathan Green was built about the year 1 700, and is still standing on the westerly side of Green Lane. When first occupied, the east pirt of the house was used for a stable, thereby exhibiting the ki^idness of the occupant for his horse as well as for the members of his family. Green was a member of the Troop Company, and often went to Groton and vicinity » as that appears to have been a noted place of resort for the destruction of the Indians. Jonathan Green, a descendant in the fifth generationi is still an owner and occupnt of the premises. John Gould, Thomas Cutler, and William Rogers are said to have been numbered with the first settlers at the nprtheasterly l)art,of the town, and although the names of John Gould and William Rogers do not api)ear in the records of births, marriages, or deaths, the births of Sarah Gould, bom August 29, 1706, and Daniel Gould, bom June 10, 1709, son and daughter of Daniel and Sarah, are found the first births occurring in Stoneham tliat are entered upon the records.

Of those earlv davs Mr. W. B. Stevens says in his oration : " Prior to 16S5, when two of tiie first highways were built, - one from tlmt part of Reading which now constitutes Wakefield, to Wobum, and tlie other to Charlestown, - and the communication had been, by means of bridle-ways and circuUous cart-i)aths cut through the wilderness, you will be able to form an idea of the rude life wliicli must have been led by our early ancestors. During these years our pious forefathers, not numerous enough to support a minister themselves, with the musket in one hand and the Bible in the other, travelled on Sunday to the meetinghouse in Reading, and there mingled their prayers with the people of a neighboring town.*^

Stoneham remained for a long period a part of Charlestown, notwithstanding the early dates of tlie incor|)oration of the town of Medford, September 2S, 16:J0; Wobum, May 18, IBii; Reading, May 29, 1G44, and Maiden, May 2, 1649. Stoneham was made a to\ni December 17, 1725. The following is a.jKirt of the act of incorporation : -

"Whereas the Northerly part of tlie Town of Charlestown, within, the County of Middlesex, is competently filled with Inliabitants who labor under great difficulties by their remoteness from the place erf Public Worship, S:c, And liave tlieieupon made their application to the said Town of Charlestown, and have likewise addrt^sed this Court that thej may be set off a distinct, aud separate town, and be vested with all the powers and privileges of a Town, and the Inhabitants of Charlestown'^ by their Agents, liaviiig consented to their being set off accordingly. And a committee of this Court having viewed the northerly part of the said Town of Charlestown, and reported in favor of the Petitioners : Be it therefore enacted, by the Lieutenant Governor, Council and Representatives, in General Court assembled, aud by the authority of the same; Tliat the northerly [xtrt of the said Town of Cliarlestown, Tliat is to say, All the knds lying on the east side of Wobum, tlie south side of Beading, the west side of Maiden, and the north side of the Fifth Range of the first Division of Cliarlestown Wood-lots, be aud hereby is, set off and constituted, a separate Township by tlie name of Stoneham. And that the inhabitants of the said Town of Stoneham do, within the space of two years, from the publication of this act erect and furnish a suitable house for the Public Worship of God and as soon as may be procure and settle, a Learned Orthodox minister, of good conversation' and make provision for his comfortable and honorable support and likewise provide a -cliool master to instruct their youth in writing and'xeading, and tliat thereupon they be discharged from any payments for the maintenance of- the Ministry aud School in the Town of Charlestown/'/ The bounds at the southerly line were set, March 22, 1725, nine months previous to the act of incorporation, by oommittees chosen from Charlestown and the proposed new town of Stoneliam. ^The first town-meeting was held December 24,

1725. Timothy Bolden, Sr., was chosen moderator, and Daniel Gould, Jr., clerk. The next vote passed was '* To chouse a commity To treat with Mr. Nathaniel Rencook to preach with us/' They also chose a committee of three to survey the meeting-house at Lynn End. It was voted, January 4, 1 726, to build a meeting-house thirtytwo feet wide and thirty-six feet long, with twentyfoot posts, but subsequently the dimensions were changed to thirty-six feet in width and forty feet in length. Tlie third meeting was held March 7,

1726, at which time the following named persons were chosen a board of selectmen : Captain Benjamin Geary, Captain John Vinton, Mr. Peter Hay, Mr. Timothy Bolden, and Lieutenant Timothy Wright. For many years the board consisted of five persons, who received no compensation for their services. The committee for building the meeting-house wa§ also instructed to select the site. Tliere was considerable contention in regard to this, some being anxious to build at the eiisterly {Kirt of tlie town, on the plain, which for a long time was owned by die heirs of the hte Captain Daniel Green; It was, however, finally decided to have it stand between the black-oak tree and tlije red-oak tree, upon the hill, near the end of the school-house ; and tlie building was raised about the last of November, 1726. I1ie lot of land on which it was erected is now owned by Mr. Charles Buck, and is situated on the east side of Pleasant Street.

For furnishing tlie meeting-house, ** the sum of £5 11 «. 9d. was given by the women of Stoneham, £1 1^. 6d. by the Maiden Gentlewomen, and £1 Is, 6(L by the gentlewomen of Wobuni and Reading.". About ten years after its completion a vote was passed tliat family pews miglit be built which' should be lotted out to such men a^ appeared to be the highest in rate and right, and by the subsequent distribution the preferred individuals were the Hays, the Goulds, and the Greens.

" Tlie only public building in existence previous to the erection of the meeting-house was the schoolhouse. Tlie town well oi^nized, and the meetinghouse built, measures were next taken to procure a settled minister and to secure the services of a schoolmaster. The former was considered a question of such vital importance to the welfare of the people, that it was voted in town-meeting assembled to set apart a day for prayer to seek God's direction^ in the choice of a minister, and so strong was their religious faith, that they doubted not their prayers liad been answered when, in the following mouthi they elected the Rev. James Osgood.*' ^

Mr. Osgood received his call from the inhabitants of the town to settle, October 29, 1728, and gave an affirmative answer, April 21, 1729. Tlie church was onranized July 2, 1729, and Mr. Osgood's ordination occurred ou the 10th of the following September. The first marriage solemnized by him was that of John Tidd, of Wobum, to Abigail Gould, of Stoneham, November 26, 1729.

The town continued gradually to increase in population, and consequently in the demand for more tenements, land, and additional highways or bridle-ways, so that about 1731 the road now known as Wyoming Street was built, passing on to Medford on the easterly side of Spot Pond. Action relative to this way was taken at a meeting held December 31, 1730, the town voting to have '' an open road from the county road at Spot Pond to Charlestown land line, and as near the pond as the selectmen shall see room and convenience for the road to be/'

It is probable that the first representative to the General Conrt was Captain John Vinton, and that be was elected May 24, 1734. The records do not show this, but at a town-meeting held May 23, 1 735, the following vote was jwissed : *' Votedy Based and granted to give John Vinton, Esq., the sura of twenty-three pounds, eighteen shillings, (£23 \%9. Od.) for his sarving representative* for the yeare 1734."

At a* town-meeting held Monday, May 22, 1738, it was voted to raise ten pounds towards building a new school-house, using, as far as was possible^ the materials of the old one.

Mr. Osgood continued as pastor of the church until his stldden death, March 2, 1746. A warrant was issued for a town-meeting to be held March 4, at which fifty pounds. Old Tenor, were voted for the burial of Rev. James Osgood, the sum being equivalent to about thirty dollars. The funeral was - on Wednesday, March 5, when the body was carried to the meeting-house, and tlien tfttended to the grave by several ministers and a great concourse of people.

In the year 1748 a man named Peter Hay, supposed to be the Scotchman Hay, died at the advanced age of ninety-one years. It is said that he married no less than five wives, and at the last marriage ceremony he displayed his youthful buoyancy by dancing. His death occurred at the house, several vears since destroyed bv fire, formerly owned by Captain Jonathan Hay, deceased, standing on the lot of land upon which the house of the late Jesse Tav stands. The dwelling-house known as the Old Parsonage, standing on the west side of Central Street, for many years the property and residence of the late Rev. John H. Stevens, was erected or completed in the year 1747, and first occupied by Rev. John Games.

In reference to the matter of schooling there seeitls to have been some delinquency, as no action was taken until a meeting held August 15, 1729, when Captain Jolm Vinton, Daniel Gould, Jr., and

Peter Hay, Jr., were chosen a committee to provide A schoolmaster. At a meeting held November 21, 1729, it was voted to raise nine pounds for a school for the ensuing year. In the years 1730 and 1731 nine pounds were raised; in 1732, six pounds ten shillings; in 1733, nine pounds; in 1734 it was voted to raise two pounds ten shillings to repair the school-house. May 17, 1736, voted nine pounds for schooling; in 1737, sixteen pounds. At a town-meeting, held May 18, 1752, '' Fofed, raised, and granted, the sum of two pounds, hwSul money, to pay for repairing the meeting House in said town. Also, voied, to give Elder Samuel Sprague liberty to build a pue in said Stoneham Meeting House, according to his desire to cut down the remaining part .of the two hind seats in the body of seats below, on the woman's side, and to build said pue upon his own cost and charge.^' At a meeting held in March, 1753, it was *^ Voted to sell a pue belonging to the Town that was built by perticular men at thir owa cost and charge for Mrs. Sarah Osgood, formerly \ndow of Rev. James Osgood, but now Mrs. Sarah Hart.'' Also voted not to give to ^' those perticular men that built said pues the money they expended in building said Pue." A great deal of disquietude appears to have been occasioned at different times in consequence of taking down the long seats and erecting pews. They also appear to have experienced considerable difficulty in refereuee to providing seats for the colored persons then resident with them, and at that time slaves, as at a town-meeting held October 14, 1754, they passed the two following votes : " Voied, Tliat the Town will seat the negroes in Stoneham in Stoneham Meeting House. Voiedy Tiiat the negro men in StonehMn shall set in the hind seat in the side Galleiy in the west end of Stoneliam Meeting House, and the negroes wives and other negro women shall set in the hind seat in the side Galler}' in the east end of said Meeting House and no M'here else in said Meeting House, if tlierC' be convenient room in said seats, exccj)t it be on special occasions.*'

The Rev. Mr. Games was dismissed from bis pastoral charge July 31, 1757, expressing his wish to remain if he could have received a sufficient amount of salary for his support. During his ministry he solemnized eleven marriages.

His successor was Rev. John Searl, who was settled January 17, 1758/ so that thev were without a ])nstor only a short time. The population at that time was small, and the means of acquiring wMthand the fiicilities for improTement were limited.' Stotieham wo^ a poor town, inferior to most of its neighbors in territory, population, and wealth, the number of its people being probably about three hundred, with fifty houses, including those which now fonn parts of Melrose and Wake-' field. In 1767 the valuation included 10 slaves, 42 horst», 41 oxen, Hi cows, 311 sheep, 233 swine. There were 2,34'6 bushels of grain, and 526 barrels of cider. The money at interest was £1,160. May 9, 176S, the town voted the following amount to defray the expenses for the year ensuing.

The purchasing of a bell appears to have been agitated a^ long ago as 1772, as an article was inserted in the warrant for a meeting of that year held July 9, and although tlie vote relative to its purchase was negatived, a few months kter the desirability, if not the necessity of having one was seen.

-Although nearly half a century had (xissed since the incorporation of the town, there had been a geifefal 4inanimity of action in its public afhirs, but this tranquillity was soon to be disturbed by a foreign foe. The change in the administration of government in the mother country had given rise to feelings of intense anxiety. The people believed, with all the colonies, that their rights had been invaded. Expression was given to their views on the subject' by tlie calling of meetings, writing of letters', passage of resolutions, etc. In January, 1773, a communication was despatched to Boston, in which they declared their belief that, as the right of freedom is the gift of Almighty God, it is not in the power of man to alienate it. At a meeting held August 1, and adjourned to November 1, 1774, a covenant was made which contained the following: ''That liaving taken into serious consideration the present distressed condition of this insulted province, embarrassed as it is by several acts of the Brittish parliament, That henceforth we will suspend all intercourse with Great Britain, That we will not buy, purchase, or consume any goods or merchandise which shall arrive in America from Great Briton. Tliese things we solemnly promise to observe, provided no better scheme shall be devised to answer the same ends bv the Congress who are to meet the next month at Philadelphia.'^ Oiptaiii Samuel Spnigue was chosen delegate to the provincial congress holden at Concord, October li; 1774, and also* to tile one con- %'en^d at Cambridge, February 5, 1775. During the time of the Bevolution ilie house of Deacon Edward Bncknam, at tiiat time town-derk, was the place of rendezvous. An arrangement was made that tio gun sliould be discharged in town, except under the following rule : A certain number was diosen to give an alarm. Tlie first person that received the notice was immediately with two or more individuals to repair to the Common, in fVont of tlie old meeting-house. Tlie discharge of the muskets in succession was considered as a general alarm, when the mraibers of the company were immediately to repair to the place of rendezvous.. Tliis ancient dwelling was recently owned by Hiram Marston, and was taken down in 187ct. ''The population was small ; but a common enthusiasm possessed the liearts of the whole t;omtnunity, and a company of sixty miuute-men was oi^iiized, which comprised nearly all the inhabitants cajxible of bearing arms. Samuel Sprague was captain; Joseph Bryant, lieutenaiit; Abraham Gould; ensign. John Bucknam and Daniel Bryant were sergeants; and David and Joseph Geary, drummers. They were called t<^ther at eariy mom, on the 19th of April, 1775, and hurried over the hills to Lexington, arriving there in time to meet the British as they were retreating from Concord, and jNirsue them to Charlestown. The first shock over, the war fairly commenced, and the history of Stoueliam was that of almost every other Massachusetts town. Captain Sprague and Major Joseph Bryant were sent as representatives to the Provincial Congress. Among those who were killed during the war were John Noice and William Coniiery. Epiiraim and George Brown and John Noble were prisoners of war. The roll of honor embraced the names of Peter Hay, Seuben and David Geary, Natlian Willey, John Hill, John Holden, Clmrles Richardsou, Joseph Matthews, Joseph Holden, John Wright, William Deadman, Samuel Cbp, Benjamin Eaton, Jonatlian Farley, Thomas Hay, Eli Mclntire, John Tliayer, Jabez Upton, Jacob Brown, Samuel Brown, John Boyd, Henry Hawks, Daniel Holden, Samuel Howland, Samuel Ingals, Jolm Knight, James Weston, Joshua Geary, Daniel Bryant, Daniel Hay, Freeman Sliarper, Cato Freeman, John and Job Potama, and Pompey Magus, the last five of whom were negroesy some of them obtaining their liberty by enhstiug in the army.

Among the militaiy oificers were Major, afterwards Colonel Joseph Br}*ant, Captain Abraham Gouldi LieutemMit Jolm Buckuam, Lieutenant Joshua Bumhamy and Lieutenant Daniel Bryant. The names of at least eightj-seven different Stoneham men appear upon the revolutionary musterrolls. During these years the town was constantly parchasing ammunition, furnishing supplies to the *anny, raising bounties with which to jxiy soldiers, and irith unflagging zeal supportuig the common cause.

At a meeting held September 17, 1792, it was voted to procure a schoolmaster, with instructions to commence the school the middle of October and continue two montlxs; then a vacation until the next March; then to continue until all the money raised shall have been ex (tended.

Although farming had hitherto been the chief occupation, this year a mill was built, being first used as a snuff-mill, but afterwards enlarged and used for the purpose of manufacturing satinets. It was located but a short distance north of the rubber-works now known as Hayward Mills, and near the buildings for a series of years owned and occupied by the millwright, the late Jabez Kendall, and subsecjuently by the Messrs. Grundy for the purpose of bms$-fiuishing. Li 1812 a mill was built on the grounds of the rubber manufactory, and used for several years for grinding spices and various medichial articles.

- The ministry of Mr. Cleveland was a few days over nine years, his dismission taking place October 23, 1794. During his ministry he solemnized tventy-six marriages. His successor was Eev. John U. Stevens, wlto was pastor of the church at Methuen at the time of the dismission of Mr. Clevehind. Mr. Stevens was installed November 1 1, 1793. He was a popular preacher and a good pastor, and continued with the society for thirty-two ' years.

In 1800 Rev. John H. Stevens was elected as one of the school committee, and this appears to be the first instance wlicre a minister was chosen a member of that board. May 7, of the same year, it was voted to build a new meeting-house, and a committee was chosen to view the old one, now standing in .Stoneham, and rei>ort to the town the estimated cost of repairing the old and of building a new one. In 1802 this matter was again presented, and the committee chosen in reference to the subject was instructed to view different lots of ground, and report at a meeting to be held

January 17, 1803. At that time it was voted to build a meeting-house fifty feet in length and fortysix in breadth, with a porch and steeple. Each window in the building was to contain twenty-four 8C|uares of glass 8x10. It was also voted tojiire §100 for building purix)8es. The meeting-bouse was located on the north side of wliat is now known as S])ring Street, at its junction with Pleasant, and stood ui)on the lot of land at present belonging to the widow of the late Captain John H. Dike. The dedicatory services took place Wednesday, December 14, the sermon being preached by the pastor^ Rev. John II. Stevens. His text was taken from Haggai ii. 7 : ** I will fill this house with glory/' The Sabbath previous, December 11, Mr. Steven9 preached a farewell sermon in the old meetinghouse, and on Thursday, the 15th of December, the day following the dedication of the new church, the [jeople assembled and took down the/ old one. Tliere it had stood, with but few clianges, for seventy-seven years, the loved resort of a Sabbathloving people.

With the new meeting-house, which was conveniently and pleasantly situated, the people weie desirous of making improvements in church music. Accordingly, at the annual meeting, held March 5, 1804, it was voted to raise 840 for the purchase of one or more bass-viols, or for defraying tlie expenses of learning and practising in churclu

About this time the manufacture of children's shoes was begun in town, and in a few years it became the principal employment ; the farmers themselves, in many instances, engaging in it during the winter months. For several years a shoemaker's shop might have been seen at almost every house, or a room used for the convenience of those engnged in this work.

In the year 1805 the Andover and Medford turnpike, now ^fain Street, was laid out. . Ai tliat time a portion of the inliabitants were desirous of having the road run on the east side of the parsonage, probably wishing it to be on the line of what is now Central Street ; but their objections were finally withdrawn, and in 1806 tlie turnpike was built.

In 1805 it was voted to raise (he sum of five hundred dollars to be worked out on a pro|X)sed road from Wobuni to Stoneliam meeting-house, - the present William Street. At tliat time the land over which Cottage Street is laid out was tlie prop- eitj of Captain Hay, who owned a mill 9tanding upon a water privilege westerly frdm the hoose of W." B. Stereiis. It being advisable to have the load go above tlie mill, it was voted to adjourn the meeting to the upper dam of Captain David Hay, where the necessary arrangements were made. At a town-meeting held Monday, May 5, 1806, it was voted to send a representative to the General Court, and Daniel Gould was elected, receiving thirty-one votes.

In 1809 Bev. John H. Stevens was elected a representative to the General Court, and was also re-elected in 1810. This year a bell was purchased by subscription, and placed upon the meetinghouse. It was to be i-ung for all the Sabbath services and all other religious meetings, also for funerals and all public meetings, as is usual in other places. Any one ringing the bell without the permission of the persoii employed for that purpose was to pay a penalty of five dollars.

Li 1811 Jabez L}lide was chosen representative, and in 1813 Rev. Mr. Stevens was again elected. This was the first instance of the number of ballots east being placed on the record, which is as follows : Bev. John H. Stevens, forty-one ; Daniel Gould, twenty-nine ; Peter Hay, 2d, three.

Early in the morning of November 26, 1819,^ the inhabitants of the town were startled by the announcement that a brutal murder had been committed'the previous night. The family of Jacob Gould consisted of two bachelor brothers, a maiden sister whose name was Polly, and a Widow Winship, the hired help. Between eight and nine o'clock in the evening of November 25 three ruffians, with bkckeued faces, and armed witli dirks, entered the house occupied by the Goulds, which stood but a short distance from the one now owned and occupied by Philander Ames, and situated on the westerly side of Pond Street, a short distance north of Spot Pond. They inflicted a deadly wound upon Jacob, who died about three o'clock in the morning. David and Polly were both wounded. The robbers ascertained tliat S800 were in a chest, and secured the money. The event produced great excitement for miles around, and a reward of 8500 was offered by David Gould for the detection of tlie robbers, and to this the governor of the state added $500 more. A man by the name of Daniels mm arrested at Newjk>rt,

Rhode Island, and committed for trial, but just before the time appointed for it to take place he hung himself, thereby confirming the belief in his guilt, though he made no confession. Several others were arrested, but sufficient evidence against them was not obtained to warrant their detention. Tlie annual town-meeting for the election of officers was held at the school-house, Monday, March 6, 182C, wanting but one day to complete a hundred years from the time of the first annual meeting, that Imving occurred Monday, March 7, 1726, at 8 o'clock k, bi. Tlie foUovring is a auliimary of the town expenses for the year commencing March 7, 1825, as reported by the board of selectmen. '

At this meeting it was voted to raise one hundred dollars to defray the expense of building a new school-house near where the old meetinghouse stood. The building was to be two stories in heiglit, - a school-room being finished in the lower storv, and a hall above for the transaction of town business, and for holding public meetings. It was removed to the site where it now stands, at the comer of Central and Pleasant streets, in 1833.

In the year 1825 the number of dwelling-houses was seventy ; number of bams, sixty-three ; mills, shops, and other buildings, about seventy-five. The total valuation for the financial year ending March, 1826, was $157,251.50 ; total amount of ]K)ll5, one hundred and sixty-six. Of this number nearly one half must ha\'e been engaged in shoemaking or other manufacturing business.

The ministn* of Rev. Mr. Stevens terminated in 1827, he being dismissed November 11 of that year. During tlie time of his connection with the society he liad enjoyed seasons of prosperity and passed throngh varied scenes of sorrow and ad<r versi^tj. Paring his ministry lie solemnized one hundred and seventy-five marriages. ^He also kept a record of two hundred and fifty-seven deaths. His successor, Bev. Joseph Searle, was installed May 1, 18£8. This year a subscription paper was circulated, and fifty-seven dollars collected by Bev. Mr. Searle for the purpose of putting stoves in the meeting-house. During his stay in the place he siiecially interested himself, in behalf of the schools. He was dismissed January 2, 1832. Bev. Jonas Colbum was settled August 1, of the same year. During the time of his ministry he was at each atniual March meeting elected a member of the board of school committee. He was dismissed February 27, 1837.

The following description was given of the town for the year 1837 : " This is a small town, rocky and uneven. It has some good soil and a considerable quantity of woodland. The population, in 1837, was 932. During the year ending April 1, 1837, there were made in this town 380,100 pairs of ^hoes, valued at 3184-,717, employing more than half its inhabitants. Spot Pond, a beautiful sheet of soft and pure water, lies in this town, eight miles north from Boston. It covers an area of 283 acres, and is 143 feet above high-water mark. There is also said to be. a fall of 100 feet in the distance of about 100 rods from the ))ond. A short distance northerly from Si)ot Pond is another one of small siase, situated on the easterly side of Pond Street, and known as Doleful Pond. The water is said to be of great depth and in a constantly unsettled condition, which may account for the name. Beference should also be made to a marble-pit situated at the. south westerly part of the town, upon land formerly belonging to Joseph Hurd, at the present time owned by Colonel Lyman Dike. The lime used iu building the first meeting-house is said to have been taken from that place. The former practice of removing the marble to make lime was that of making a fire in the pit, thereby rendering it more susceptible of impression from the tools made use of for removing the same. Two pits are open at the present time; small quantities of the marble have, at diflerent times, been taken out; specimens of which, when work(»d, have proved it to be of an excellent quality. But as it lies far below the surface of the ground, it is supixised tliat the expense of getting it out would outweigh its value when ready for use.*' by fire, Sunday, Jannaiy $, 1840. The fire wi|s discovered between the ceiling of the porch and the singers* gallery, soon after the commencement of the moniing service. Beligious services were held in the afternoon at the town-hall, and were continued at the same place during succeeding Sabbaths until October. The Congregational Meettf ing-house now standing on the east side .of Main Street was erected and dedicated October 22.