Tewksbury Town (part 1 of 2)

Tewksbury Town

Built in tlie old colonial day. When men lived in a grander way. With -n-eather stains upon the wall, And stairways worn and crazy doors. And creaking and uneven floors. And chimneys huge and tiled and tall."

The Wayside Inn, as a building, was small at first ; from time to time additions were made to it as was needed, till it became a tavern, for such a locality, of large dimensions. It is on the great road from Boston to "VYorcestcr, about midway between the two cities, and in the days before railroads was usually thronged by travellers of all classes, while many were drawn tiiere by the reputation of the house for fine entertainments.

The most important parts of this building remain in the e.\act style of the olden times. The rooms are as they were, most of them, when Washington and Lafayette were entertained there over night. Tlie oaks still standing around it, very large, sparsely supplied with limbs, and with hollow trunks, are evidently very aged. Even now many come from a distance to take a look at tiiis ancient structure and be conducted through its rooms and up into the dancing-hall, in which the visitors of so many years ago were wont to make merry.

'^^^^^ n - " the east, Wilmington and Billerica on the soutli, the Concord River on the west, and the Merrimack River on the north, was taken from Billerica in 1734, and incorporated into a new township, bearing the name of Tewksbury. It is supposed to have derived its English name from Tewksbury in the county of Gloucester, in England. Its Indian title was Wamesit, from tiie tribe of that name whose camping-ground was at the confluence of the above-named rivers. The area of the town is much less now than when incorporated ; for in 1834 nearly one thousand acres, embracing the village of Belvidere, and in 1874 another considerable tract adjoining, were added to Lowell. It now comprises some 13,200 acres, and sixty-five miles of roads lying east of and adjoining Lowell, and about twenty miles north from Boston. It is separated from New Hampsliire only by the Merrimack River and the town of Dracut.

tliere are a few exceptions to tliis rule, where the land is of the best quality. As we approach the northern part the ground rises, and assumes a better character. The beauty of the scenery is also superior in that part. The surface of the town is also somewhat uneven, there being several considerable hills, of which the most conspicuous is Prospect Hill, near the Andover line, which much adorns the town ; also Snake Hill, near the line of Wilmington. In addition to the Merrimack and Concord rivers, washing its western and northern banks, the Shawshine runs through the southern and easterly sections, and with Strongwater and Beaver brooks, and Long and Round ponds, furnish a good variety and quantity of the small fish that usually inhabit our New England streams.

There are two saw and grist mills ; one in the north part of the town, near the Merrimack River, and the other in the southeast part, on the Shawshine. There are also an extensive tannery, expensive and successful chemical works, and a foundry and machine-shop doing a large business in tlie manufacture of cotton machinery. Both of these last-named establishments are owned and operated by Lowell jArties.

Tiie town has good railroad facilities. The Lowell and Lawrence and Salem and Lowell railroads pass through the Centre. 13y a branch from the Salem and Lowell Railroad, near Wilmington Junction, at a sliort distance from the limits of the town, a through connection is made over the Boston and Lowell Eailroad to Boston. In the latter part of the year 1874- the Lowell and Andover Railroad was completed, and leased to the Boston and Maine Eailroad. This road passes through the town, the depot being situated about one mile from the Centre Village, and two miles from the North Village, and trains run quite frequently between Lowell and Boston.

In the old times the two sections (soutliern and northern) were distinguished by tiie sigiiiticant names of Pigeon End and Shad End ; the former on account of the numerous flocks of pigeons captured in that part, and the latter because of the immense quantities of fish (shad and salmon) taken in the spring of the year in the Merrimack, before the days of Lowell and Lawrence, and when the river was unobstructed by dams.

In the way of phenomena we liave to note a Sandy Desert situated near the Billerica line. It is a barren, sandy tract of nearly a mile in extent. In some portions of it not even a scrub-pine, twig, or blade of grass is to be seen. It is truly a miniature Sahara. Tradition says that part of it was at one time an Indian burying-ground, which is indeed probable, as some arrow-heads, hatchets, and otlier appurtenances of the red man have been exhumed here.

No gold-mines have yet been found within our borders, nor silver, nor even copper ; but rarer, if not as valuable, a bed of real Scottisii heatli has been discovered ; and we believe in only one or two other localities in this whuie country has it been found.

market-gardening .and small fruits have, to a large extent, usurped the place of the crops previously enumerated, on account of the ready markets for them.

Tewksbury is practically free from debt. All the expenses of the late war have been cancelled. The town's property consists of seven good sclioolhouses, a new, convenient, and suitable town-hall, an excellent farm, witli substantial and suiBcient buildings for the shelter, comfort, and support of tiie poor. Its cemetery is well, appropriately, and tastefully laid out, and the proprietors and inhabitants keep it in excellent order. A public library has been recently established, and is proving a complete success.

The Stale Almslionse. - Tliis great charitable institution was foumli-d ^lay 1, ISSi. Since then it has been much inlargi'd and greatly improved by the annexation of various buildings. Tiiis town was selected for its location, perhaps, on account of the cheapness of land, and, still more, because it can be so easily reached from so many of the great cities of the commonwealth, being at short distances, with direct railroad communication, from Boston, Cambridge, Chelsea, Newton, Somerville, Salem, Lynn, Newburyport, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, and many other places. Tiie number of inmates averages from eight to nine hundred in summer, and about one thousand in winter. It has, for more than twenty years, been under tlie kind, discreet, and judicious management of Captain Thomas J. Marsii, whose watchfulness and vigilance have secured to these multitudes of poor and abandoned ones, under the liberal provisions of the commonwealth, a quiet home, a wellsupplied table, clean and comfortable beds, Avith many civilizing, moral, and Christian influences surrounding anil rest raining them from evil, and helping thi'iu lo attain to a better life.

A large farm, of some two linndred and fifty acres, is connected with tiiis institution, on wiiich the inmates - such of them at least wlio liave tlie re(|uisite strength - are eiuiiloyrd. And the soil being light and easily tilled, many aiv able to do sonietliing towards tiieir own supporl. At any rate, with the wise management bestowed upon il, ami a few men empinyed to assist and diirel.llir farm yields most ahuiidaiilly, supplying giral quanlilies of vegetaliirs fur I he hnusr iniiiatrs, and great quantities of tiehl crops, iia_\, grain, roots, etc., for the barn stock. Witlioul being jirecise, of hay nearly 200 tons, of cabbages more than l,k)0 heads, of potatoes 3,400 bushels, -vverc grown hist j'ear; milk produced, more than 25,000 gallons; besides large crops of roots of all kinds, sweet corn, beans, pease, squash, tomatoes, etc. The number of acres in hoed crops is usually about sixty.

Tiie population of the town, including the inmates of the State Almshouse, is about 2,000. Valuation of property, excluding State Almshouse and Farm, S8;34.,006. Number of horses, 290; number of cows, h\Q ; number of houses, 2.56.

The earlier history of Tewksbury - that part which dates back of 1734', when it was part of Billerica - is exceedingly limited. Indeed, all that is known is in the history of Billerica, and therefore the history of tiiat town and the general incidents related up to the date of the separation are Tewksbury's as well.

From tiie date of the organization and incorporation of the town in 1734 to the beginning of (lie struggle for independence, the chief matters of interest to tiie inhabitants, as shown by the records, were laying out and constructing roads, and the building, care of, and alterations in their meeting-house. Scarcely a town-warrant was issued for a meeting during that time that did not contain one or more articles relating to tiiese matters. The people seemed to be deeply interested in them. But how little appears in the records upon these subjects from 1774 to 17S4 ! All controversies as to alterations and improvements in their house of worship cease ; all petitions for new highways, town roads, or even bridle-paths are laid aside. War, grim and terrible, absorbed all their energies. And while the town was not one whit behind her neighbors in valor, on account of her scanty numbers, and because no leading military commander was found within her borders, her fame, periiaps, was not as high as theirs.

The "old French and Indian War" records are meagre indeed ; only a few references are found touching those perilous years from 1750 to 1760.

In the list of deaths are recorded the names of four men, who died in 1756 "in y* service at Fort Wm. Henry," also " one man died in y* service at Lake George in 1760." One or two are recorded as dying in iVew York, near Oswego.

It is believed there were six or seven more from Tewksbury who served in the provincial armies in that war. And as this struggle began about twenty years after the incorporation of the town, when there were only a few inhabitants, it was perhaps her full contribution to that early conflict.

"Tewksbury, June the 2d 1757. Eec'd of .Mr. Isaac Gray thirteen pounds ten shillings and six pence lawful money in full of the wages due to Benja" Hoagg for the town while he was in the country service in the expedition formed against Crown Point in the year 1756. It was in Capt. Butterfield's company. Pr we

No traditional incidents relating to that early struggle have been found by us, and we give the above scraps from the early records as all we know of Tewksburv in the French and Indian AVar.

Tiie first intimation of the impending revolutionary struggle appears to be the votes passed September 21, 1774 : " Voted to buy more powder for a town stock .... to buy two barrels of powder in addition to the town stock," .... and "to leave it to the Committee to provide bullets and flints as they shall think proper." September 27, 1774, it was voted "to choose a Delegate for the Provincial Meeting to be holden at Concord on the Second Tuesday of Oct. next," and Mr. Jonathan Brown was the delegate chosen " for the said Provincial Meeting." Tiie same delegate was chosen on January 23, 1775, " for the Provincial Congress Meeting at Cambridge on the 1st day of Feby. next ensuing."

A little over six weeks before the opening of the conflict, March 6, 1775, the following important votes were passed. We copy them as they stand on the town records : -

Of these minute-men Captain Jolin Trull was commander. He resided in the northern part of the town, near the banks of the Merrimack River, on the farm where some of his descendants still dwell. On the morning of the memorable 19th of April he was awakened by the clatter of iiorses' hoofs approaching his house from the road which leads to the centre of the town. The rider was either one of the few who had left Charlestown the previous night, or might have been started upon his course by Revere himself. Immediately his voice was heard shouting, " Captain Trull ! the

British are on their way to Concord, and I have alarmed all tlie towns from Cliarlestown to here." One of the cliildreii, who were sleeping in a trundlebed in the room with tlieir parents, - a boy about eight years old, - said it was about two in the morning. This boy, in his maidiood, often told the story to his son, Deacon Nathaniel Trull, who furnishes these reminiscences. Immediately on receiving the alarm from the horseman, who at once disappeared, the captain sprang from liis bed and seized the gun which hung over it. To open the window and disciiarge the gun was the work of but a moment. Almost instantly a response in the same manner was received from Captain Yarnum, across the river in Dracut. Soon the whole region was alarmed, and was echoing and re-echoing with the discharge of fire-arms. This was tlie preconcerted signal by which the country was to be aroused.

Long before the numerous reports had ceased, and while tliis section was arousing, Captain Trull was on his liorse, hurrying to the centre of Tewlcsbury, where tlie arsenal was located. On his arrival he found his company of minute-men drawn up in order, and awaiting only the word of their commander to march to the defence of Concord or to face the common foe. The messenger wlio had awakened Captain Trull had aroused the sleeping village on his way to the captain's house, the limit apparently of his ride, on account of the river. Tewksbury once alarmed, her minute-men broke into the arsenal, obtained tlieir arms, and placed tliemselves in readiness to march on the appearance of their leader. He was not long in coming, and soon the little band was on its way toward Concord and Lexington. Concord is some fifteen miles from Tewksbury. Charlestown, by way of Concord, is at least thirty-five miles from tliis town. Yet our men appear to have followed the retreating British, and to liave assisted in turning tlieir retreat into a terrible fiiglit. A grandson of Captain Trull still relates how, in his earlier years, when on his way from Salem to Tewksbury, to spend Thanksgiving, he was often hailed by the aged and enfeebled Eliphaict Manning, one of the survivors of tliat memorable march, wlio would tlius address him: "I fonglit witli your graudfatlier from Concord to Cliarlestown." The Tewksbury men arc believed to liave begun their part in (!iat opening of the coiillirl al Mciriaiu's Corner, where it is stated lliat tlic I'illcrica iiini and several small jiarties met the British and the pursuing Americans. Ca])taiii Trnli fre(|nen(ly related how the regulars " ran well " under some galling fire from the minute-men closely following their rear. He had hard work to restrain the eagerness of his excited and valiant men as they M'cre picking off the red-coats from beliind the sheltering trees. The men were so engaged in their deadly work that they would frequently expose their elbows, which were almost sure to be pierced by a British bullet. Hence tlie need of their leader's frequent warning, " Stand trim, men, or the rascals will shoot your elbows off!"

Tewksbury did her part not only from Concord to Charlestown, but from the beginning to the close of the glorious struggle. The scanty records, at times amounting to little more than a bare catalogue of accounts, are full of votes to raise troops for the Continental army, - - to furnish them with clothing, arms, and ammunition, and to recompense them for past services at Boston, Dorchester, Boxbury, Cambridge, New York, Ticonderoga, and the various high places of the field. When it was deemed necessary, delegates were sent to the Provincial Congress, the committee of safety was formed, and committees having various patriotic duties were raised. Page after page is found whose every brief entry is of money paid to or for the Continental soldiers. Their families are duly cared for. This brief history of the town might be indefinitely extended by copying the long list of votes which record the patriotic action of Tewksbury during this trying period.

The name of Captain John Trull is a frequent one in the records of this period. The son, for whose services a recompense was voted, was one of the town's quota called for by the Provincial Congress. He died of disease at New York while in the service of his country. The circumstances of his enlistment and tlie manner in which that (piota was filled, according to tradition, are very interesting to illustrate some of the customs of those stirring days.

Captain Trull was accustomed to drill and ])arade his company of minute-men on one of the fields of his farm, - afield situated on the cross-road whieli now connects the Lawrence and the Lowell main roads. The company numbered some sixty men. When the call for troops came, the captain dclcrmined to see if the town's quota could not be raised by volunteers at one of these parades. Five men were retpiired. He decided to make them a s|)eeeli. They slood in their ranks, in the elevated field alreadv mentioned, which commands a beauti- ful view of Lowell with its surrounding villiige?, and of some of the hills of Xew Hampshire, which lose themselves in the distance. According to the universal custom of those days, a vessel full of stimulating mixture stood before the men, at their free disposal. Their officer had taken care to have it well replenished, and doubtless hoped it would assist his manly eloquence in kindling their patriotism, or "nationality," as those times designated that generous virtue. " Now," said the captain, "if any one is tiiirsty, let him step forward and drink. Eefreshmeut is provided free to all." Tliey needed no urging to accept the liberal offer. He then reminded them of their duty to the common cause, of the honor it would be to the company and to the town if the requisite quota could be filled without resort to a draft. Yet he would have no one act liastily, but with all due consideration. After other words of shrewd wisdom, reminding them of the loftiness of the great cause Aviiich was calling them to its defence and support. Captain Trull said, " Now let each man wcigii the matter and his duty. The music playing will march around the company, and if any man wishes to volunteer, let him fall in behind it." The rude band of that time struck up an inspiriting air, and began to parade around tiie little company of patriots. Before it had taken many steps a man stepped from the ranks and fell in behind it. Then another, and another, until before the band was more than half round the ranks the quota was full. It is inspiring and pathetic to see that little assembly thus raising their volunteers to defend the fair country lying around them in its beauty, and the great pruiciples so deeply engraved in their hearts.

One of these volunteers was the son already mentioned. The father, much affected at this efl'ect of his patriotic efforts, said to his first-born, " You must decide the matter ; I sliall not say a word to keep you or to urge you." The boy went, and, as we have seen, returned no more to the home for whose defence lie went forth so willingly and nobly.

But onr forefathers suffered not only the troubles of war, already indicated, but what is usually an accompaniment, a disarrangement of the finances of the country. So great was the depreciation of the currency, that it took, according to our town records, seventy-five dollars of paper money to jjay for one silver dollar.

" An order was passed by the town, March y^ 8, 1780, in favor of 'Tliomas Kidder, Esq., it being for ten pound of Salt Pork which he let Davison's wife have at five dollars pr pound £15: 0:0.'

"July f 24, 1780. An order to the K<?v'» Ih. Sampson Spaulding to receive of Mr. Isaac Kittredge, constable, and of Mr. David Bayley, constable, the full of his Sallary for the present year £2666: 13:4.

"December y"* 27, 1780. An order to Paul Thorndike for twelve hundred weight of Beef to supply the army which he let the town have £1628: 0:0." [This would be at tiie rate of nearly seven dollars per pound.]

At several of the town-meetings held in the year 1781 there were orders adopted to pay the soldiers' bounties in " hard silver dollars," and in one or two instances about that time committees were chosen by the town " to hire hard money to pay off the soldiers with."

Towards the close of the Revolutionary War, when the currency was greatly inflated, the town substituted for Continental currency and hard silver dollars, in many instances, Indian corn currency, and gave the soldiers notes called " corn notes."

In October, 1781, at a town-meeting held on the 22d of that month, the town voted to "give the soldiers 4 shillings [unquestionably in hard dollars] per bushel for corn that are entitled to corn."

In December, 1781, the 4th day, the town " Voted, That the assessors give the constables orders to strahi upon the inhabitance and others for the money that dont pay in the corn in twenty days from the time the constables revise the lists."

eriior was of the date of " September y'' -itli, 1780. Votes for Jolui Hancock Esq. for Governor, 26; votes for James Bovvdoiii Esq. for Governor, 5."

Such are a few of the many entries in the town records. Could we clothe tliese dry bones of mere accounts with the ilesli and blood of the circumstances and details belonging to them, we should find that Tewksbury had her thrilling and pathetic incidents as well as her sister towns into whose records more of the historian's spirit has been breathed. Alas! little more is left us than the monotonous but necessary catalogue of votes taken and bills paid. Yet how suggestive many of them are! how pathetic some like those which record payments made to the widows of townsmen fallen in the fight, or to men disabled by disease or wounds! A little imagination, assisted by the fuller accounts of the general history of those eventful days, can easily kindle these dry and musty records into a glowing flame, which lights up this old town during the Revolulionary period witii all the lurid glow of war, - -a war not waged for conquest, but for liberty, human rights, and mankind.

In the last war with England the town still maintained the patriotic spirit so prominent in the conflict for independence. Although only the following extracts are found relating to this war (1S13-1815), they are sufficient to show that Tewksbury bore her part in sustaining the government : -

"July 6, 1812, rol,-i}, That if the soldiers are called on to marcii tliat are enlisted for the Government's service in this town that the town will make up their pay to them so that with what goverimient gives them they shall receive thirteen dollars per month.

" Voted, To raise the sum of five liundrcd dollars for the purpose of carrying on tlie War drclared by Government. '"Sept. 13, IS 14, roM, To raise the sum of Five hundred dollars for the payment of soldiers and ]mrchasing equipments for town stock.

" Voled, To make up the soldiers that liavc bcni or may be called out for the defence of the ((luntrv fifteen dollais per month llw i)rcsent

for patriotism by rallying with the entire North when it sprang to the defence of the Union, - just as almost a century previous we find in the town records votes to raise and pay troops, the levying of assessments to defray the extraordinary expenses of war, and all the unusual events which betray the presence of a great conflict. Costly sacrifices in the lives of fellow-townsmen were paid as the price of liberty, and to preserve the government so heroically founded in the days of the fathers. The town did what it could; and thus, although no names celebrated in martial story are hers, she contributed her portion to achieve tlie peace which it is fondly hoped will be perpetual.

In educational matters, nothing in the history of the town calls for particular mention. The town is too small and sparsely populated to warrant it in sustaining a high school. There are seven district schools in which it is intended to furnish instruction which shall enable pupils to enter the higher schools and semin.iries of adjoining towns and cities. The records show that, like all New England towns in their early history, Tewksbury furiushcd schooling for its children during only a part of the year, and like them boarded her teachers out, as was customary in those primitive days.

Almost immediately after the incorporation of the town in 17^3 1 efforts were made for the establishment and maintenance of religious worship. Although there is no distinct statement to that effect, it is to be inferred that preaching services were regularly held at some private house previous to the erection of the meeting-liouse.

March 29, 17;5t), a little more than a year after incorporation, it was " VolnJ, Tiiat the Meeting House shall stand upon y'' Land of Nathaniel Richardson."

We have been unable to find evidence of the church or churches to which these persons previously belonged, but presume that they and the females who constituted the original membership came from the old church in J5illerica, Svhich is now the Unitarian Church there. Possibly some came from the Old South Church in Andover.

About this time a vote wns taken to give the singers a part of tlie front gallery. Whether the singers were accompanied by an orchestra, as was the case at a subsequent period, we are unable to state.

Tliere are various notices of tlie erection of pews by different individuals. These pews were about five feet square, made in a row around the walls, botli on the lower floor and in tlie galleries. Tiie central part of the lower floor was occupied by pews in a similar maimer. The pulpit was perched aloft, the floor of it being seven or eight feet above tlie floor of the meeting-house. It was shut in upon all sides, a door opening to admit the minister. Above him was suspended tlie huge sounding-board, causing much anxiety to the young children present lest it should fall upon tlie minister's head. During the entire period of eighty-eight years which tliis edifice existed there were no means of heating it except by foot-stoves which eacii family carried for its own use.

After organizing a church and building a meeting-iiouse, the next step was to secure a pastor. The first pastor, Rev. Sampson (or Samson) Spaulding, a native of Chelmsford, and a graduate of Harvard College in 173:J, was unanimously chosen by the people of Tewksbury, on the 17th of January, 17;37, and ordained on the 2.3d of November, of the same year. On the 7th of February, 17.37, at a general town-meeting, the following vote was passed : " To give Mr. Sampson Spaulding of Chelmsford, wliom they had made choice on for their minister, yearly for Ids salary, one hundred and twenty pounds, according to the valuation of grain as it gos now iiere among us ; Indian corn at six shillings the bushell, Rie at eight shillings the bushell, aud Wheat at ten shillings the bushell. Voted to give to Mr. Sampson Spaulding whom tlie town had made choice on for their minister, even for his settlement among them. Three Hundred pounds, and to pay the same at tiiree payments, namely, one hundred a year till the whole sum be paid."

Tradition says of Mr. Spaulding, that wlien far advanced in years he was possessed of a TCiierable form and commanding stature, wearing a white wig and carrying a long staff, and that with a weak and tremulous voice he spoke unto his people the words of eternal truth.

ecclesiastical strife. Peace and harmony prevailed. His influence was mild, genial, and Christian. His character was gentle, judicious, faithful, consistent, and exemplary. He died (after suffering from paralysis for nearly five years) at the advanced age of eighty-six, December 1.5, 1790.

Source changes here: from History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, by Drake, Samuel Adams, published 1880; 6,063 words in this source stream.

Tewksbury Town

Built in the old colonial daj. When men lived in a grander way. With weather stains upon the wall. And stairways worn and crasy doors, And creaking and uneven floors, And chimneys huge and tiled and tall."

The Wayside Inn, as a building, was small at first ; from time to time additions were made to it as was needed, till it became a tavern, for such a locality, of large dimensions. It is on tlie great road from Boston to Worcester, about midway between the two cities, and in the davs before lailroads was usually thronged b/ travellers of all classes, while many were drawn there by tlie repatation of the house for fine entertaiiunents.

The most important parts of this building remain in the exact style of the olden times. The rooms are as they were, most of them, when Washington and Lafayette were entertained there over night. The oaks still standing around it, very large, sparsely supplied with limbs, and with hollow trunks, are evidently very aged. Even now many come from a distance to take a look at this ancieiit structure and be conducted through its rooms and up into the dancing-hall, in which the visitors of so many years ago were wont to make meny.

By Ijbonard Huntress, Assisted By J. C. Kittredgb

lerica on the south, tlie Concord River on the west, and the Merrimack River on the north, was taken from Biller- - - . _ ica in 1734, and incorporated

\ the name of Tewksbury. It is supposed to have derived its English name from Tewksbury in the county of Gloucester, in England. Its Indian title was Wamesit, from tlie tribe of that name whose camping-ground was at the confluence of the above-named rivers. The area of tlie town is much less now than when incorporated ; for in 1831 nearly one thousand acres, embracing the vilkge of Belvidere, and in 1874; another considerable tract adjoining, were added to Lowell. It now comprises some 1 3,200 acres, and sixty-five miles of roads lyini; cast of and adjoining Lowell, and about twenty miles north from Boston. It is se])arated from New Hampshire only by the Merrimack River and the town of Dracut.

there are a few exceptions to this rule, where the land is of the best quality. As we approach the northern part the ground rises, and assumes a better character. The beauty of the scenery is also superior in that part. Tlie surface of tbe town is also somewhat uneven, there being several considerable hills, of which the most conspicuous is Prospect Hill, near the Andover line, which much adonis the town ; also Snake Hill, near the line of Wilmington. In addition to the Merrimack and Concord rivers, washing its western and northern banks, the Shawsliine runs through the southern and easterly sections, and with Strongwater and Beaver brooks, and Long and Round ponds, furnish a good variety and quantity of the small fish that usually inhabit our New England streams,

Tlicre are two saw and grist mills ; one in the north part of the town, near the Merrimack River, and tlie other in the southeast part, on the Shawshine. There are also an extensive tannery, expensive and successful chemical works, and a foundry and machine-shop doing a brge business in the manufacture of cotton machinery. Both of these last-named establishments are owned and operated by Lowell parties.

ihb town-hall, post^ffice, stores, and Congregational Church are situated ; the other at the north, where the Baptist Church is located. * The town has good railroad fdcilities. The Lowell and Lawlrence and Salem and Lowell railroads pass through tlie Centre. By a bi^nch from the Salem and Lowell Bailroad/uear Wilmington Junction, at a short du^tance from the limits of the town, a through' collection is made over the Boston amd Lowell Railroad to Boston. In the htter part of the year 1874 the Lowelf and Andover Sailroad was completed, and leased to the Boston and Maine Bailroad. This road passes through the town, the depot~ being situated about one mile from the Centre Village, and two miles from the North Village, ind trains run quite frequently between Lowell arid Boston.

In the old times the two sections (southern and northern) were distinguished by the significant names of Pigeon End and Shad End ; the former on account of the numerous flocks of pigeons captured in that part, and the latter because of the immense quantities of fish (shad and salmon) taken in the spring of the year in the Merrimack, before the days of Lowell and Lawrence, and when the river was unobstructed by dams.

*Ih the way of phenomena we have to note a Sandy Desert situated near the Billerica line. It IS a barren, sandy tract of nearly a mile in extent. In some portions of it not even a scrub-pine, twig, 6r blade of grass is to be seen. It is truly a miniature Sahard. Tradition says that part of it was at one time an Indian burying-ground, which is indeed probable, as some arrow-heads, hatchets, and other appurtenances of the red man have been exhumed here.

No gold-mines have yet been found within our borders, nor silver, nor even copper ; but rarer, if not as valuable, a bed of real Scottish heath has been discovered ; and we believe in only one or two other localities in this whole country lias it been found.

Agriculture has always been the principal occupation of the inliabitants. In the early part of the present century many of the farmers were engaged in the cultivation of hops, which proved to be quite profitable. As large forests abounded in several parts of the town, the cutting and sale of wood and timber have also been a source of profit to many. Formerly the farmers cultivated wheat, com, rye, oats, etc., as well as hops ; but since the cities of Lowell and Lawrence came into existence.

market-gardienmg and small fruits 6av^^ to a largi^ extent, usurped the place of the crops previously enumerated, on account of the ready markets Tor them.

Tewksbury is practically free from debt. All the expenses of the late war liave been cancelled. The town's projx^rty consists of seven good 'schoolhouses, a new, con^Tnient, and suitable town-hall, an excellent fanri, with substantial and sufBcient buildings for the shelter, comfort, and support of the poor. Its cemetery is well, apjwopriately, and tastefully laid out, and the proprietors and inhabitants keep it in excellent order. A public library has been recently established, and ' is proving a complete success.

The State Almshome. - This great charitable institution was founded May 1, 1854. Since then it lias been much enlaced and greatly improved by the amiexation of various buildings. ' This town was selected for its location, perhaps, on account of the cheapness of land, and, still more, because it can be so easily reached from so many of the great cities of the commonwealth, being at short distances, with direct railroad communication, froni Boston, Cambridge, Chelsea, Newton, Somerville, Salem, Lynn; Newburyport, HaveriulT, Lawrence, Lowell, and many other places. The number of inmates averages from eight to nine hundred in summer, and about one thousand i(i winter. It has, for more than twenty years, been under the kind, discreet, and judicious management of Captain Thomas J. Marsh, whose watchfulness and vigilance have secured to these multitudes of p6or and abandoned ones, under the liberal provisions of the commonwealth, a quiet hOme, a wellsupplied table, clean and comfortable beds, with many divilizing, moral, and Christian influences surrounding and restraining them froin evil, and helping them to attain to a better life.

A large farm, of some two hundred and fifty acres, is connected with this institution, on wliic& the inmate^ - such of them at least who have the requisite strength - are employed. And the soil being light and easily tilled, many are able to do something towards their own support. At any rate, with the wise management bestowed upon it, and a few men employed to assist and direct, the farm yields most abundantly, supplying great quantities of vegetables for the house inmates, and great quantities of field crops, hay, grain, roots, etc., for the barn stock. Without being precise, of hay nearly 200 tons, of cabbages more ttian 1,400

Imdffy of potatoes 3>400 bashels, were grown last jcmfj milk produced, more than 25,000 gallons; besides large crops of roots of all kinds, sweet com, beans, pease, squash, tomatoes, etc. The number of aeies in hoed crops is usually about sixty.

The popplation of the town, including the inmates of the State Almshouse, is about 2,000. ValuatioQ of property, excluding State Almshouse and Farm, 8834,000. Number of horses, 296; anmber of cows, 546 ; number of houses, 256.

The earlier history of Tewksbury - that part which dates back of 1734, when it was part of Billarica - is exceedingly limited. Indeed, all that, is known is in the history of Billerica, and therefore tlie history of that town and the general ineidents related up tp the date of the separation mie Tewksbury's as well.

: . From the date of the organization and incorporaiion of the town in 1734 to the beginning of the stro^le for independence, the chief matters of interest to tlie inliabitants, as shown by the records, were laying out and constructing roads, and the building, care of, and alterations in their meeting-honse. Scarcely a town-warrant was issued for a meeting during that time tliat did not contain one Qr more articles relating to tliese matters. Tlie people seemed to be deeply interested in them. But how little appears in the records upon these subjects from 1774 to 1784 ! All controversies as to alterations and improvements in their house of worship cease; all petitions for new highways, town roads, or even bridle-paths are laid aside. War, grim and terrible, absorbed all their energies. And while the town was not one whit beliind her neighbors in valor, on account of her scanty numbers, and because no leading military commander was found within her borders, her fame, perhaps, was not as high as theirs.

The "old French and Indian War'* records are meagre indeed; only a few references are found touching those perilous years from 1750 to 1760.

In the list of deaths are recorded the names of four men, who died in 1756 " in y* service at Fort Wm. Henry,'' also " one man died in y* service at Lake George in 1760." One or two are recorded as dying in New York, near Oswego.

It is believed there were six or seven more from Tewksbury wlio ser\'ed in the provincial armies in that war. And as this struggle began about twenty years after th^ incorporation of the town, when there were only a few inhabitants, it was perhaps her full contribution to that early conflict.

No traditional incidents relating to that early struggle have been found by us, and we give the above scrap from the early records as all we know of Tewksbury in the French and Indian War.

The first intimation of the impending revolution^ ary struggle appears to be the votes passed September 21, 1774 : *' Voted to buy more powder for a town stock .... to buy two barrels of powder in addition to the to.wn stock," . - - . and '' to leave it to the Committee to provide, bidlets and flints as they shall think proper.'' September 27, 1774, it was voted ''to choose a Delate for the Provincial Meeting to be holden at Concord on the Second Tuesday of Oct. next,*' and Mr. Jonathan Brown was the del^ate chosen '' for the said Provincial Meeting.'' The same delegate was chosen on January 23, 1775, ''for the Provincial Congress Meeting at Cambridge on the Ist day of Feby. next ensumg."

A little over six weeks before the opening of the conflict, March 6, 1775, the following important votes were passed. We copy them as they stand on the town records : -

Of these minute-men Captain John Trull was commander. He resided in the northern part of the town, ne^r the banks of the Merrimack River, on the fann where some of his descendants still dwell. On the momins^ of the memorable 19th of April he was awakened by the clatter of horses' hoofs approaching his house from the road which leads to the centre of the town. The rider was either one of the few who had left Cliarlestown the previous night, or might have been started upon his course by Revere himself. Immediately bit voice was heard shouting, " Captain Trull ! the

British are on their way to Concord^ and I have alarmed all the towns from Charlestown to here/' One of the children, who were sleeping in a trundlebed in the room with their parents/ - a boy aboat eight years old, - sajd it was about two in the rooming. This boy, in his manhood, often told the story to his son, Deacon Nathaniel Trull, who furnishes these reminiscences. Immediately on receiving the alarm from the horseman, who at once disappeared, thiQ captain spmng from his bed and seized the gun which hung over it. To open the window and discharge the gun was the wprk of but a moment. Almost instantly a response in the same manner was received from Captain Vamum, across the river in Dracut. Soon tlie whole region, was alarmed, and was echoing and re-echoing >rith the discharge of fire-arms. This was the preconcerted signal by which the country was to be aroused.

Long before the numerous reports had ceased, and while this section was arousing. Captain Trull was on his horse, hurrying to. the centre of Tewksbury, where the areeual was located. On his arrival he found his company of minute-men drawn up in order, and awaiting only th^ word of their commander to march to the defence of Concord or to face the con^mon. foe. The messenger who had awakened Captain Trull had aroused the sleeping village on his way to the captain's house, the limit apparently of his ride, on account of the river. Tewksbury once alarmed, her minute-men broke into the arsenal, obtained theij arms, and placed themselves in leadiness to march on the appearance of their leader. JHe was not Ipngin coming, and soon the little band was on its way toward Concord and Iiexington. Concord is some fifteen miles from Tewksbury. Charlestown, by way of Concord, is at least thirty-five miles from this town. Yet our men appear to have followed the retreating British, and to have assisted in taming their retreat into a terrible flight. A grandson of Captain Tmll still relates how, in his earlier years, when on his way from Salem to Tewksbury, to spend Thanksgiving, he was often hailed by the aged and enfeebled Eliphalet Manning, one of the survivors of that memorable march, who would thus address him : '* I fought with your grandlather from Concord to Charlestown.*' The Tewksbury men are believed to have begun their part in that opening of the conflict at Merriam's Comer, where it is stated that the Billerica men and several small parties met the British and the punning Americans. Captain Trull frequently related how the regubrs " ran well '' under some galling fire from theininute-men closely following their rear. He had Itard work' to restrain the eagerness of his excited and valiant men as they were picking off the red-coats from behind the sheltering trees. The men were so engaged in their deadly work that they >vould frequently expose their elbows, which were almost sure to be pierced by a British bullet. Hence the need of their leader's frequent warning, *^ Stand trim, men, or the rascals will shoot your elbows off!''

Tewksbury did her part not only from Concofd to Charlestown, but from the begitming to the close of the glorious struggle. The scanty records, at dmes amounting to little more than a bare catalogue of accounts, are full of votes to raise troops for the Continental anny, - to furnish them with clothing, arms, and ammunition, and to recompense them for past services at Boston, Dorchester, Eoxbury, Cambridge, New York, Ticoiideroga> and th^ various high places of the field. ' When it was deemed Necessary, delegates M^ere sent to the Provincial Congress, the committee of safety was formed, and committees having various patriotic duties were raised. Page after page is found whose every brief entry is of money paid to or for the 'Continental soldiers. Their families are duly cared for. Tliis brief history of the town might be indefinitely extended by copying the long list of Voteis which record the patriotic action of Tewksbury during this trying period.

Tlie name of Captain John Trcdl is a frequent one in the records of this period. The aon, fdr whose services a recompense was voted, was one of the town's quota called for by the Provincial Congress. He died of disease at New York while in the service of his country. Tlie circumstances of his enlistment and the manner in which- that quota was filled, according to tradition, are very interesting to illustrate some of the customs of those stirring days.

Captain Tmll was accustomed to drill and parade his company of minute-men t>n one of the fields of his farm, - afield situated on the cross-road which now connects the Lawrence and the Lowell main roads. The company numbered some sixty men. When the call for troops came, the captain determined to see if the town's quota could not be raised by volunteera at one of these parades. Five men were required. He decided to make them a speech. They stood in their ranks, in fhe elevated field already mentioned, which commands a beanti- fill view of LaweQ with its sarrounding yilbges, and of some of the hills of New Hampshire, which lose themselves in the distance. According to the universal oustom of those days, a vessel full of stimulating mixture stood before the men, at their free disposal. Tlieir officer had taken care to have it well repleiiisiied, and doubtless hoped it would assist his manly eloquence in kindling their patriotism, or ''nationality,'^ as thosfs tiroes designated that generous virtue. '' Now," said the captain, '' if any one is tliirsty, let him step forward and drink. Befreshment is provided free to all.'' They needed no urging to accept the libei:al offer. He then reminded them of their dutv to the common cause, of the honor it* would be to the company and to the town if the requisite quota could be filled without resort to a draft. Yet he would have no one act hastily, but with all due consideration. After other words of shrewd wisdom, reminding them of the loftiness of the great cause which was calling them to its defence and support, Captain Trull said, '' Now let each man weigh the matter and his duty. The music playing will march around tlie company, and if any man wishes to volunteer, let him fall in behind it." The rude band of that time struck up an inspiriting air, and began to parade around the little company of patriots. Before it had taken many steps a man stepped from the ranks and fell in behind it. -Then another, and another, until before the band was more than half round the ranks the quota was full. It is inspiring and pathetic to see that little assembly thus raising their volunteers to defend the fair country lying around them in its beauty, and the great principles so deeply engraved in their hearts.

One of these volunteers was the son already mentioned. The father, much affected at this .effect of his patriotic efforts, said to his first-bom, '' You must decide the matter ; I shall not say a word to keep you or to uige you." The boy went, and, as we have seen, returned no more to the home for whose defence he went forth so willingly and nobly.

But our forefathers suffered not only the troubles of war, already indicated, but Mhat is usually an accompaniment, a disarrangement of the fin<inces of the country. So great was the depreciation of the currency, that it took, according to our toxm records, seventy-five dollars of paper money to jiay for one silver dollar.

''An order was passed by the town, March f 8, 1780, in favor of 'Thomas Kidder, Esq., it being for ten pound of Salt Pork wliich lie let Davison's wife have at five dollars pr pound £16:0:0.'

" July }-- 24, 1780. An order to theltev* Mr. Sampson Spaulding to receive of Mr. Isaac Eittredge, constable, and of Mr. David Bayley, constable, the full of his Sallary for the present year £2666:13:4.

"December y« 27, 1780. An order to Paul Thonidike for twelve hundred weight of Beef to supply the army which he let the town Imvb £1628: 0: 0. [This would be at the rate of nearly seven dollars per pound.]

At several of the town-meetings held in the year 1781 there were orders adopted to pay the soldiers' bounties in " hard silver dollars," and in one or two instances about tliat time committees were chosen by the town " to hire hard money to pay off the soldiers with."

Towards the close of the Eevolutionary War, when the currency was greatly inflated, the town substituted for Continental currency and hard silver dollars, in many instances, Indian com currency, and gave the soldiers notes called " com notes."

In October, 1781, at a town-meeting held on the 22d of that month, the town v6ted to "give the soldiers 4 shillings [unquestionably in liard dollars] per bushel for com that arc entitled to com."

Ill December, 1781, the 4th day, the town "Fated, That the assessors give the constables orders to strain upon tlie inhabitance and others for the money that dont pay in the corn in twenty days from the time the constables revise the lists."

ertior was of the date of '' September y* 4thj 1780. Votes for Jolin Hancock Esq. for Goveniory 2&; for James Bowdoin Esq. for Governor, 6.'' * ^ Such are a few of the miinjr entries in the town records. Could we clothe these dry bones of mere accounts with the flesh and blood of the circumstances and details belonging to them, we should find that Tewksbury had her thrilling and pathetic iiicidents as well as her sister towns into wh<5sie records' more of the historian's spirit has been breathed. Alas! little more is left us than the monotonous but necessary catalogue of votes taketi and bills paid. Yet how su^estive many of them are! how pathetic some like those which xeoord payments made to the widows of townsmen jGnlien in the fight^ or to men disabled by disease or wounds! A little imagination, assisted by the fuller accounts of the general history of those eventful dars, can easily kindle these dry and musty records into a glowing flame, which liglrts up this old town daring the Bevolutionary period with all the lurid glow of tfar, - ^ wai* not waged for conquest, but for liberty, human rights, and mankind.

In the last war with Enj^nd the town still maintained the patriotic spirit so prominent in the conflict for independence. Although only the following extracts are found relating to this war (1812-1813), they are sufficient to show that Tewksbury bore her part in sustaining the government:' -

'' Jtoly 6, 1812, Voi^d, That if the soldiers! are called on to march that are enlisted for the Grovernmenf s service in this town that the town will make up their pay to them so that with what government gives them they shall receive thirteen dollars per month.

** Votidy To make up the soldiers that have been or may be called out for the defence of the country fifteen dollars per month the present season.

No mention is made of the Mexican War in the records ; it is presumable, therefore, that none of the inhabitants of the town were participants^ for patriotism by rallying with the entire North when it sprang to the defence of the Union, -^ just as almost a century previous we find in the 'town records votes to raise and pay troops, the levying' of assessments to defray tlie extraordinary expense^T of war, and all the unusual events wliidi betray the presence of a great conflict. Costly sacrifices in tlie lives of fellow-^townsmen were paid as the price of liberty, and to preserve the government so heroically founded in the days of the fathera. Tlie town did wliat it could; and thus, although no names celebrated in martial story are here, she contributed her portion' to acliieve the peace which it is fondly hoped will be perpetual.

In educational matters, nothing in > tlie history of the town calls for particular mention. ' The town is too small and sparsely populated to warrant it in sustaining a high school. There are seven district schools in which it is intended to famish insthiction which shall enable pupils to enter tlie higher schools and seminaries of adjoining towns' and cities. The records show that, like all New England towns in their early history; Tewksbuiy furnished schooling for its children during billy a part of the year, and like them boarded her teachers out, as was customary in those primitive days.

Altnost immediately after the incorporation of tlie town in 1734 efforts were made for the estab-- lishment and maintenance of religious worship;' Although there is no distinct statement to that effect, it is to be inferred that preaching services were regularly held at some private house previous to the erection of the meeting-house.

March 29, 1736, a little more than a year after incorporation, it was '' Votedy That the Meeting House shall stand upon y* Land of Nathaniel -Bichardson.'*

We have been unable to find evidence of the church or churches to which these persons previously belonged, but presume, that they and the females who constituted the original membership came from the old church in Billerica, which is now the Unitarian Church there. Possibly some' came from the Old South Church in Andover.

The meeting-house, thus erected, stood upont the Common, in front of the present house. It was rudely constructed, covered only with boards aikl shingles. No clapboards, no steeple, and no paint. The interior, after the style of those days, had galleries upon the three sides.

About this time a vote was tal^en to give the singers a part of the front gallery. Whether the singers were accompanied by an orchestra, as was the case at a subsequent period^ we are unable to Qtate.

Tlieie are various notices of the erection of jpews by different individuals. The^e pews were about five feet scinare, made in a row around the walls, both on the lower floor and in the galleriesk The central part of the lower floor was occupied by pews in a similar manner. Tlie pulpit was perched aloft, the floor of it being seven or eight feet above the floor of the meeting-house. It was shut in upon all sides, a door opening to admit the minister. Above him was suspended the huge sounding-board, causing much anxiety to the young children present lest it should fall upon the minister's head. During the entire period of eighty-eight years which this edifice existed there were no means of heating it except by foot-stoves which each .family carried for its own use.

After organizing a church and building a meeting-house,. the next step was to secure a pastor. The first pastor, Bev. Sampson (or Samson) 3p&alding, a native of Chelmsford, and a graduate of Harvard College in 1732, was unanimously clioseii by the people of Tewksbury, on the 17th of January, 1737, and ordained on the 23d of November, of the same year. On the 7th of February, 1737, at a general town-meeting, the following vote was ))assed : '' To give ll^lr. Sampson Spaulding of Chelmsford, whom they had made choice on . for their minister, yearly for his salary, one hundred and twenty pounds, according to the valuation of grain as it gos now here among us ; Indian com at six shillings the bushell, Bie at eight shillings the bushell, and Wheat at ten shillings the bushell. Voted to give to Mr. Sampson Spaulding whom the town had made clioice on for their minister, even for his settlement among tliem. Three Handred pounds, and to jxiy tlie same at three paymen^ namely, one hundred a year till the whole sum be paid.''

Tradition says of Mr. Spaulding, that when far advance^ in years he was ])05sessed of a venerable form and commanding stature, wearing a white wig and carrying, a long staff, and that witli, a weak and tremulous voice he s|K)ke unto his people the words of eternal truth.

ecclesiastical strife. , Peace and harmony prevailed. Ilis influence was mild, genial, and Giristian. His cliaracter was gentle, judicious, faithful, consistent, and exemplary. He. died (after suffering from paralysis for nearly five years) at the advanced age of eighty-^ix, December 15, 1796.

The second pastor was Bev. Titus Theodore Bar* ton, a graduate of Dartmouth College in 1790. He was ordained as. colleague with Bev. Mr. Spaulding, October 11, 1792, and dismissed May 19, 1803. He was a man of sterhng character, strong physically and mentally, an avowed enemy of the halfway covenant. Sometimes rash and indiscreet, he was always bold in defence of the truth as he un* derstood and believed. In reference to his ordination the following record exists : " August 2Sd I79£, Voted to choose a Committee to provide* a place and make entertainment for the. Council that sliall come to ordain Mr. Titus Theodore Barton."

The ministry of Mr. Barton was short compared with that of Mr. Spaulding, being only eleven years. After his dismissal the church was without a pastor for more than three years.

The third pastor Was Bev. Jacob Coggin, a na* tivQ of Wobum, and a graduate of Harvard College in 1803. He was ordained October 22, 18Q6, and died Decembjer 12, 185i. He was mild and pacific in spirit, always seeking to pour oil upon the troubled waters, wherever found, in church. or town.

About the year }818 some of the people bq^n to feel tlie necessity of a new church-building, and to inaugurate plans to this end. The subject was agitated at the town-meetings for four or five years. Several matters had to be adjusted ; among other tilings, the exact location. Tlie one finally selected was that where the present building now . stands. Arrangements were perfected, and the new house was commenced in 1823. It was completed, and dedicated July 6, 1824.

The meeting-house, as then constructed, eon-. tained galleries on three sides, instead of one, as at present There were box-pews against the walls ;. the others were nearer the form of those now in that time (1841) \ change was made. The First Cbngregational Society was formed, and tlie prop- 'erty transferred from the town to the society, or parish. A short time previous to this stoves were first introduced into the meetiug-house, and brought great comfort to the worshippers.

The fourth pastor, Rev. Closes Kimball, a graduate of Dartmouth College in 1826, was installed February 24, 1847, and dismissed May 15,1849.

Tlie Bev. Samuel Lawsou supplied the pulpit at different times before and after the pastorate of Bev. Mr. Kimball, - about five vears in all. ' Tlie fifth pastor tkras Bev. Bichard Tolnuin, a native of Doilehester, a graduate of Amherst College in 1^39 and of Andover Theological Seminary th 1844. He was installed as colleague with Bev. Mr. Coggin August 25, 1852, and after a ministry of nearly eighteen years wa» dismissed July 11, 1870. He is characterized as a ripe scholar and an able and instructive preacher.

Tliorough improvements and radical alterations were made in the church edifice in 1860, and in 1872 the addition of a hall and vestrv-rooms to the rear of it were made at a cost of about 86,000.

The fifth pastor is the present incumbent, Bev. 'SamneT Franklin French, a native of Candia, New Hampshire, a graduate of Dartmouth College in 1860, and of Andover Theological Seminary in 1864. He was installed over the church November 1, 1871.

The Sabbath school connected witli this church an\l scksiety was establistied about sixty yeara ago. Students of Phillips Academy, Andover, and some people boarding in town assisted in its early work. It has proved a valuable auxiliary to the church.

The Sabba-day, or Sabbath day, or noon houses, which existed before tlie introduction of stoves in the meeting-house, were a kind of church refectory. Several of them were connected witli this church, and were located at short distances from the meeting-house. They were owned by parishioners living at a distance from th^ house of worship, a number of families associating, and B|iending together the intermission between the forenoon and afternoon services. They kept fuel near tlie premises of each to make good fires in the cokl seasons, and brouglit with them their lundibaskets containing their noon repasts; and so in a social and quite enjoyable way spent their time, rehiting to each other tlie incidents of the week, and discussing die merits of the sermon.

Th6 old mansion built by the Bev; Sampson Sjiaulding in 1738, and located in tlie centre of the town, still stands, and is in excellent condition. Although nearly a century and a lialf old, it shows no marks' of decay. It is a commodious structure, double in width, two stories, with hipped roof. Tlie present occupant and owner is Benjamin F. Spaulding, Esq., a grandson of the old minister, and, what is quite remarkable, these three generations liave been the only occupants of the old house. Tlie original, Bev. Sampson Spaulding, was bom in 1711, his son John was bom in 1756, and his grandson, Benjamin F., ia 1811. r The old minister was the occupant until his death in 1796, his son John uiitil his death in 1843, and his grandson, Benjamin F., until the. present time. The site of the old house is a pleasant one, in the northeasterly part of the centre village, and only a few rods, in a southeasterly direction, from the depot of the Lowell and Lawrence Bailroad.

In the year 1842 a portion of the people in the north part of the town withdrew from the old church, and finally formed the. Baptist Church. This church was organized in 1843. For several months before the organization religious services were held in the town«>hall. Most of the original members were residents in the north part of the totJirn, and quite a large share of them had been attendants at the Congregational Church, under the pastorate of Bev. Mr. Co^n. In the year 1842, under the great revival in Lowell, a number of tht leading families of the north part of Tewksburv were included in the work, and united with the First Baptist Church in Lowell. Before that time, also living in the north jiaft of the town, were a few other families, memben too of the First Church in Lowell, and these, with scattered. Baptist families elsewhere in Tewksbury and the west part of Andover, made up a little church of sixtyeight members. About the same date witli the oi^.mization of the church, Sejitember, 1843, tlie Baptist meeting-house was completed and dedicated. The first pastor of this newly formed churcli and societv was Bev. J. M^ Graves. He has been succeeded by Bev. D. Burroughs, Bev. L. Tandy, Bev. John E. Wood, Bev. Oiflon Fletcher," Bev. A. De F. Palmer, Bev. E. E.

^UHiuu, and Bev. George T. Rajmond. The present minister is Bev. E.- W. Pride, a graduate of Brown Untreraity io 1865, and of Newton Theological Institution in 1868. The number of members is about cHie hundred and thirty. Since the boildiog of the Baptist meeting-house iu 1843 it has been enlai^ and great); impTored. A commodious vettry has been added at tlie tear. AVhen this church, «as formed a Sabbath school was also organized, and has been eoccessfull; cwidocted ever siuoe.

Source changes here: from History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men, by Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) Ed, published 1890; 12,826 words in this source stream.

Hon. Luman T. Jefts

Hon. Luman T. Jefts, of Hudson, was born of humble parentage in Washington, N. H., in 1830. His opportunities for cultivating the mind were very limited. When seventeen years of age he attended school away from home one term; then, feeling the need of a more thorough course of education, he ob^ tained permission from his father to gratify his cherished wish, providing he did it at his own expense. He spent most of the next six years in working every spare day out of school, attending school as much as his limited means would allow and then teaching and attending an academy. Afterwards he became a clerk in a store at the munificent salary of $300 per year. After finishing his contract there he went into the grocery business. We find him, in 1859, at the age of twenty-nine, with the little money he had saved by practicing economy, entering into partnership with A. K. Graves for the manufacture of shoes in the village of Feltonville (now Hudson). After two successful years in a small way, the partnership was dissolved, and he alone continued the business, which has steadily increased, until he is now one of the most successful business men in this town.

While pursuing his honorable business career, Mr. Jefts has found time for culture of mind and heart, having traveled extensively in his own country and twice visited Europe, and lately Mexico. He has shown his public spirit by building and presenting to his native town of Washington, N. H., an elegant public library building. He has also given to the Methodist Episcopal Church in Hudson an elegant parsonage. He has taken a deep interest in the Chautauqua Assembly. He is treasurer and trustee of the New England Conservatory of Music, and was last winter unanimously elected trustee of Boston University. He was the first president of the Hudson Cooperative Bank, and has been president of the Hudson National Bank since its establinhment. He has for many years been one of the trustees of the Hudson Savings Bank, and is now vice-president and one of the committee of investment of the same.

He is a Knight Templar in Trinity Commandery, Hudson, belongs to Hudson Grange and is a member of the Rawson Council, No. 936 Royal Arcanum.

In 1882 he was nominated by the Republicans and handsomely elected Representative from the Thirtythird Middlesex District, and served on the Committee on Banking. In 1885, and again in 1886, was he unanimously nominated by acclamation as a candidate for Senator for the Fifth Middlesex District, a thing unprecedented in the political history of the district. Each year he was elected by a large majority, and served in the Senate both years on the Committees on Manufactures, the Liquor Law and Public Charitable institutions. In the Senate of 1887, he served as chairman of these several committees. At a dinner given by Senator Jefts, near the close of the session. President Boardman said : " Recognizing his ability in last year's Senate, I appointed him chairman of three important committees, and the work accomplished by him in these committees ponvinces me that I made no mistake." He is now serving his second year as a member of the Republican State Committee. Starting out as a poor boy, we find him filling every position, whether in private station or public life, with honor and credit to himself, while gaining the respect and confidence of all who have been associated with him.

Chapter Xxiv By Rev. E, W. Pride

The town ofTewksbury is bounded on the north by the Merrimac River and Andover, on the east by Andover and Wilmington, on the south by Wilmington and Billerica, on the west by Billerica and Lowell. Its extent is, by the census of 1890,-13,301 acres with a population of 1713, and 1000 inmates of the State Almshouse, that being the average number of inmates of that institution. The valuation of the town is 11,365,495.

For a small town Tewksbury possesses considerable river frontage. The Merrimac flows for some three miles along its northern boundary and separates it from Dracut, which town alone divides it from New Hampshire. The Concord winds along its southwestern part for miles, and formerly was its boundary on the west till the union of that river with the Merrimac. The " Shawshine," a deep, swift, but narrow stream, runs through the southeast part of the town for its entire length. Numerous brooks pour into these streams; prominent among them is Mills' Brook, which runs into the Merrimac, Strong Water Brook, and Heath Brook, which empty into the Shawshine. There are three ponds of considerable extent - Long, Round and Mud Ponds.

Two hills - Prospect and Strong Water - rise to a considerable height, and afford fine views of the surrounding country from their summits. These hills with their wooded slopes form beautiful features in the landscape.

The north part of the town called North Tewksbury, has land of a superior quality, and from various points the prospects are remarkably beautiful of Lowell, the neighboring towns and also of the distant bills of New Hampshire. It possesses a small village, a church, and formerly had a post-office which the proximity of Lowell rendered superfluous.

disadvantage because of the large extent of light and sandy soils, which, however, often allow the cultivator to produce earlier crops than can be done where the land is heavier. Towards the Billerica line on the south the sand is so extensive as to form a miniature desert, whose drifts in spots encroach on the neighboring grass and shrubs.

The chief village of Tewksbury is at the Centre. There are the Congregational Church - till 1843 the only one in town, - the post-office, the store and the station of the Boston & Lowell Railroad. With its common and trees, its well-kept walks and trim-looking houses, it is a pleasant village of the old New England type, from which the goodly ancient stock has not yet all departed. Much of this beauty in the village is due to the laudable eflbrts of the Village Improvement Association for the last three years.

Toward the west part of Tewksbury appear two manufacturing establishments, which intimate the proximity of the neighboring city. These are the chemical works of Taylor Barker, and the Atherton Machine-Shop, which turns out a large quantity of cotton machinery.

On the edge of Lowell are many suburban residences, whose owners do business in the city. Near the Lowell Cemetery and Concord River many of the factory population live, whose work is in the adjoining great manufacturing centre.

In past years Tewksbury was quite a seat for the manufacture of furniture. Mr. Alvin Marshall was engaged in this business at the Centre for years, employing quite a number of men. Gregory & Barrell also for some time manufactured pine tables and similar articles. Lowell gradually absorbed these firms By far the largest business of this kind was that begun in Tewksbury Centre, in the spring of 1851, by Joel Foster, Enoch Foster and N. P. Cole, under the style of J. & E. Foster & Company, only one, Joel, being of the age of twenty-one years. The beginning was small, the power used was horse-power, and in hired buildings. Soon were built shops and a steam mill, and from five to fifty men were employed. Early in the business a great demand sprang up for furniture in California, and freights were high, and as the ti'ade was large, the plan was devised of making the furniture to be knocked down, thereby putting four bureaus into the space of one, and boxing up tight, which gave this firm the advantage of all other manufacturers, and orders were received which would take from two to three months to fill, giving all that could be done. In the mean time a tine trade was being worked up in all the Southern States, Cape Town, South Africa, Cuba, etc.

In 18(52 Mr. Cole went to San Francisco and opened a wholesale store for all kinds of furniture. He was followed in 1866 by Mr. Joel Foster, and a new store.

In 1868 the business in Tewksbury was sold, and in 1870, Mr. Enoch Foster, the last member of the firm to leave town, followed the others to California, where they manufactured all kinds of furniture in the State Prison at San Quentin. Here, in the best years, the sale of goods exceeded $100,000 per month.

For the facts in this brief sketch of the firm, the writer is indebted to Hon. Enoch Foster, a name frequently appearing in almost every office in the gift of the town.

A large tanning business also was formerly carried on by the late Mr. George Lee, which has been continued by his son, Mr. William H. Lee, whose name frequently appears on the official lists of the town.

Besides these larger manufacturing establishments, a number of smaller ones have sprung up near the edge of Lowell. There are also two saw and gristmills, known as Trull's and Kendall's, which, before the extensive use of steam as a motor, ground large quantities of grain and cut multitudes of logs into lumber.

The occupation of the mass of the population of Tewksbury, especially of its older families, is agricultural. As the town is within easy distance of Lawrence and Lowell, and quite accessible to Boston by rail, its business is market gardening. Cabbages are the main crop, but every variety of vegetable and fruit adapted to a northern clime is raised and yields an abundant return. Large portions of land are also used for grass farms, and the production of milk is carried on extensively.

For its moderate area the town has an extensive road .surface. The highways are estimated as extending sixty-five miles, and are kept in good repair by teams owned by the town under charge of a .superintendent.

The following is a brief description of its botanical and geological distinctions, furnished by Mr. G. Homer Galger, late principal of the High School :

" The town offers many attractions to the lovers of natural acience, being locally famous for the abundance and variety of its wild flowers. Scotch heather, Calluna vulgaris, is found in small quantities growing wild.

" Two varieties of Sundew, brotera rotunJifcUa and Itrosera longifoUa, are found growing in abundance. Among the Orchidacere, besides the Spiranthes, the Oypripedium, the Pogoniay the Arethtisa, the Habenaria and others, many of the less common genera are found.

"Prospect Hill is one of many similar eminences scattered throughout Dorthea£tern Massachusetts, all of glacial origin. Such hills, in geological language, are known as " drumlins,' and are supposed to have been formed by sub-glacial streams in a way similiar to that by which (on a smaller scale) a stream of water often malies longitudinal ridges of sand in its bed. A somewhat remarkable ' sand desert,' of a dozen acres or more in extent, is found on the Billerica Road. A part of this ' desert * is sparsely covered by a growth of pines, but along its western edge runs a kame-like ridge of sand almost entirely destitute of vegetation. This sand kame is about 1500 feet lung by one-third as wide, and is about fifty feet in height at its highest point. It has gentlysloping, rounded sides, the trend being southeast, thus resembling the gravel-kames of glacial origin. It is said that many flint arrow.heads have been found here. A number of large boulders of porphyritic gueisfl running through the .town are fragments torn from the cliffs near Lake Winnepesaukee, by the ice, carried south and left in their present positions. Very fine examples of contorted gneiss are found in abundance ; in fact, the town and Its vicinity offer quite as many attractions to the geologist as to the botanist."

The wood lots of Tewksbury are quite extensive. In former days much of the timber was heavy, and a few specimens - alas ! too few - of the fathers of the forest still remain.

The town is noted for its various and beautiful flora, and on account of this is often visited by eminent botanists. It is one of the few places on the American continent where the Scotch heath is found. This plant is becoming rare, chiefly, as authorities declare, by its extinction through the encroachments of other vegetation. It would be well to make an attempt to save it from total disappearance.

Tewksbury has two churches, eight school-houses, in which are kept ten schools, one of which is a High School, a public library, the State Almshouse and the usual public buildings requisite to such a community. Of most of these institutions brief descriptions follow.

The Salem and Lowell Railroad, a branch of the old Boston and Lowell Road, runs through the southern and central part of the town, and the Boston and Maine has a branch about a mile farther north, thus bringing the stations within six miles of Lowell, and about twenty-two of Boston. The city of Lawrence is also quite accessible by these railroads and by carriage roads.

Tewksbury is known to the world chiefly by its State Almshouse, one of three such institutions established by an Act of the Legislature, May 20, 1852. The other two are at Bridgewater and Monson. All were opened for the reception of inmates by a proclamation issued by Governor Emory Washburn May 1, 1854. Within three weeks nearly 800 inmates had been admitted to the Tewksbury Almshouse alone.

The first superintendent was Capt. Isaac H. Meserve, the first physician Dr. Jonathan Brown, the first chaplain Rev. Jacob Coggin. For many years a school for the children was part of the institution, whose influence was helpful and whose singing was a marked and attractive feature. Its numbers ranged from 86 to 153.

The plan of supporting State Almshouses originated in this Commonwealth ; hence the three in Massachusetts were largely experiments constructed to accommodate far less numbers than soon crowded them. In the year 1857, a season of great suffering for the poor, more than 1200 were daily lodged and fed at this institution.

The farm, consisting of 250 acres, was originally so poor as to be a by-word in the Commonwealth, but now, through judicious and faithful cultivation, has been brought to a condition highly productive. This is evident from a few of the products as given in the last annual report of the superintendent, Oct., 1889 :

English hay, 137 tons; rye straw, 35 tons ; ensilage, 425 tons ; rye, 200 bushels; potatoes, 900 bushels; cabbage, 2000 heads; milk, 39,544 gallons; eggs, 1860 dozens. There were slaughtered from the stock of the farm 14,111 pounds of pork, 341 pounds of poultry and 8797 pounds of beef.

The whole institution shows a correspondent and constant improvement. Where a sandy prospect without a shade tree was found, now are shady walks, green plots of lawn sprinkled with bright and varied flowers, the whole surrounded with buildings no longer a disgrace, but a credit to the State.

During the war nearly a company of men enlisted from this institution, and many others went as substitutes. Dr. Brown went as a volunteer surgeon and rendered important service in the hospital at Yorktown. Other surgeons for the army went or originally came from Tewksbury service. Even the children of the school scraped lint for the use of the wounded.

In 1871 the Almshouse at Monson has changed into a " State Primary School," and that at Bridgewater to the " State Work-house," and the Tewksbury one into an almshouse proper, for the accommodation of the more helpless poor.

In 1866 the ofiice of resident chaplain was abolished, and since that time the religious services have been conducted by clergymen in the vicinity of diflerent denominations.

Captain Marsh closed his connection with the institution July, 1883, and was succeeded in the following August by C.Irving Fisher, M.D., the present superintendent. The institution had gradually passed from a shelter for the poor into a vast hospital. Hence the election of a physician for superintendent.

Chester Irving Fisher, M.D., the present superintendent of the State Almshouse, was born in Canton, Massachusetts, April 25, 1847, and was the third son of Cyrus and Caroline (Guild) Fisher. He was educated in the common schools of his native town, and theu prepared for teaching in the State Normal School at Bridgewater. After leaving Bridgewater he taught in Provincetown, where, in 1867, he began the study of medicine with Dr. J. Baxter, and in June, 1870, was graduated from The Harvard Medical School. In April, 1871, he entered the Quarantine Department of Boston as assistant port physician, and became port physician, February, 1873. In September, 1875, having resigned his position, Dr. Fisher entered private practice in Holbrook, Massachusetts, where he continued until he assumed the duties of superintendent and resident physiciaii at the Almshouse, August 1, 1883.

Jsiiicu his couucction with the institution the most important improvements are doubtless the two new hospitals erected from his plans and under his immediate oversight - one for women, at a cost of $69,000, having 110 beds ; and one for men costing $35,000, with 50 beds. The old hospital for men has been thoroughly renovated and re-arranged under his direction, so that the entire hos[)ital accommodations are now ready for 275 patients, thus divided - for men, 140 beds ; for women, 110 beds; maternity, 25 beds. Of these hospitals, their lighting, ventilation, conveniences, &c., competent medical authority has officially pronounced that they are the " best appointed, best equipped and best administered of any hospital for the indigent sick in the world."

The aim and marked characteristic of Dr. Fisher's administration have been to incorporate into the working of the institution the practical and tried appliances and methods of modern science in all its available and multiplied branches.

Dr. Fisher is an enthusiast in the great charitable work to which his life is consecrated. He is one of the devoted members of the National Association of Charities, and has published the following pamphlets : "The Other Infectious Disease; or, A Plea for a New Hospital ;" " The Prevention of Insanity by the Timely Control of the Dissolute;" and "The Necessity for Social and Statute Recognition of Syphilis." He has also, as opportunity came, in carefully prepared addresses, presented these and kindred topics to churches, to clubs, medical and ecclesiastical, and to any body which might aid in arousing the intelligent part of the community to these subjects, so germane to the jirosperity and health - physical, mental and moral - of the Commonwealth.

The 'I'cwksbury Almshouse is and has ever been a model of cleanliness, where the poor have received wholesome food in abundance, gentle treatment and the best medical skill the State could furnish. It is and has been open for the inspection of the public, subject to the conditions requisite to the conduct of all public institutions.

HiSTOUY. - Previous to its incorporation Tewksbury belonged to what in early times was the large town of Billerica or "Shawshin." Its history, therefore, before 1734 is included in that town once so extensive. Little can be gathered from those days concerning our northern part of the great township, but a few items are worthy of preservation.

At the junition of the Concord and Merrimac Rivers was the former Indian towu of Wamesit, once the northwestern part of Tewksbury, but now in Lowell, a great resort of the Wamesita - part of the large tribe of the Pawtuckels - one of the five great nations which in the days of the first settlers dwelt between the Penobscot and Hudson Rivers. Some five hundred acres of the Wamesit purchase was included in what became Tewksbury, and appears to have been the site of the Indian praying town of which an eyewitness, Mr. Daniel Gookin in his Historical Collections of the Indians in New England, in 1674, two hundred and sixteen years ago, has preserved a description worth quoting: '

" Wamesit is the (iftli praying town ; and this place is situate upon tlte Merrimacli River, being a neclc of land, where Concord River falletb into Merrimack River. It ia about twenty miles from Boston, north northwest, and within five miles of Billerica and as much from Chelmsford ; BO that it bath Concord River upon the west northwest, and Merrimack River upon the north northeast. It hath about fifteen families ; and consequently, as we compute, about seventy-five souls. The quantity of land belonging to it is about twenty-five hundred acres. The land is fertile, and yieldeth (plenty of corn. It is excellently accommodated with a fishing place, and there is taken variety of fish in their seasons, assalmon, shads, lamprey eels, sturgeon, bass and divers others. There is a great confluence of Indians, that usually resort to this place in the fishing seasons. Of these strange Indians, divers are vitiousand wicked men and women ; which Satan makes use of to obstruct the prosperity of religion here. The ruler of this people is called Numphow. He is one of the blood of their chief sachems. Their teacher is called Samuel, son to the ruler, a young man of good parts, and can speak, read and write English and Indian competently. He is one of those that was bred up at school, at the charge of the Corporation for the Indians. These Indians, if they were diligent and industrious, - to which they have been frequently excited, - might get much by their fish, especially fresh salmon, which are of esteem and good price at Boston in the season ; and the Indians being stored with horses of a low price, might furnish the market fully, being at so small a distance. And divers other sorts of fieh they miglit salt or pickle, as sturgeon and bass ; which would be much to their profit. But notwithstanding divers arguments used to persuade them, and some orders made to encourage them ; yet their idleness and improvidence doth tlitherto prevail.

'- At this place, once a year, at the beginning of 3Iay, the English magistrate keeps his court, accompauied with Mr. Eliot, the minister, who, at this time, takes his opportunity to preach, not only to the inhabitants, but to as many of the strange Indians that can be petsuaded to hear him ; of which sort, usually in times of peace, there are considerable numbers at that season. And this place being an ancient and capital seat of the Indians, they come to fish ; and this good man takes this opportunity to spread the net of the gospel to fish for their souls. Here it may not be impertinent to give you the relation following.

" May 5th, 1674, according to our usual custom, Mr. Eliot and myself took our journey to Wamesit or Pawtuckett ; and arriving there that evening, Mr. Eliot preached to as many of them as could be got together out of Matt. xxii. 1-14, the parable of the marriage of the king's son. We met at the wigwam of one called Wannalancet, about two miles, frem the town, near Pawtuckett Fails, and bordering upon Merrimack River. This person, Wannalanrett, is the oldest son of old Passaconoway, the chiefest sachem of Pawtuckett. He is a sober and grave person, and of years between fifty and sixty. He hath been always loving and friendly to the English. Many endeavors have been used several years to gain this sachem to embrace the Christian religion ; but ho hath stood off from tinte to time and not yielded up himself pei-suually, though for four years past he hath been willing to hear the word of God preached, and to keep the Sabbath. - A great reason that hath kept him off, I conceive, hath been the indisposition and averseness of sundry of his chief men and rnlations to pray to God ; which he foresaw would desert him, in case he turned Christian. - But at this time. May fi, 1674, it pleased God so to influence and overcome his heart, that it being proposed to him to give his answer concerning praying to God, after some deliberation and serious pause, lie stood up and made a speech to this effect ;

" ' Slr», you have been pleased for four years past, in your abundant love, to apply yourselves particularly unto me and my people, to exhort, press and persuade us to pray to God. I am very thankful to you for your pains. I must acknowledge,' said he, ' I have, in all my days, used to pass in an old canoe [alludiug to his frequent custom to pa-ss in a canoe upon the river] ; and now you exhort me to change and leave my old canoe and embark in a new canoe, to which I have hitherto been unwilling ; but now I yield myself up to your advice, aud enter into a new canoe, and do engage to pray to God hereafter.'

Unfortunately there is no town record of those who fell on the field, but a few notes may be added, chiefly culled from the pastor's book of Church Kecords. In the muster roll of Captain Benjamin Walker's company of Col. Bridges' regiment of Twenty-seventh Foot is found the name Philip Fowler, of Tewksbury, deceased 17th June, enlisted April 19, 1775. In the pay roll which follows, Fowler is reported missing. The captain was reported dead, and the company was in charge of Lieutenant John Flint, of Tewksbury. The Rev Mr. Spaulding records among the deaths " Philip Fowler's son, died June 17th, m5,perhaps, Silver Cord Broke Sud^" The boy fell for his country in the fight, and his body never having been recovered, as was not unlikely, something of a shadow remained upon his end. In addition to the ancientpastor'srecord.the following certificates are copied from the file preserved at the State House : tewksbuey, April 23, 1776.

This may Certify that phiUip Fowler served in the Late Cap'. Benjamin Walkers Con'pany, in 27 Eegiment, Comh^anded by Co". Ebenezer W, and the said Phillip was taken or killed in the flte a Bunker bni, and has not Kc. the Coat that was Dew to ^:^-;^X^,^' CongreBS.

"To the honor.. Committee at Watertown, pleas «o I)^'";'^ J^; Coat or the price of one. to the Bearer, that was Dew to (ph.hp Fo«er), my husband, and the bearer's Receipt shall be your Discharge.

"Ester X fowler." mark "This may Certift that the above phiUip FowUer, Dc^., Did not leave any Estate worth Administering upon. "Tewksbury, 18th, 1776.

It would seem that these various testimonies to Fowler's death ought to place his name upon the tablets erected on Bunker Hill as among the killed in that memorable fight.' _

From Mr. Whitmore's "Report to the Boston City Council, on the Bunker Hill Tablets, Appendix B, Taken Prisoners "-is taken: "Jacob Frost, Tewksbury 'was taken in Bunker Hill fight/ Captain Benjamin Walker, Chelmsford, Col. Ebenezer Bridge, alive Septembers, 1775, and in prison."

The following from the records seem to mingle the Indian iind Revolutionary Wars : "October 26, 1779, to Jesse Baldwin it being for six pound which he paid Nathaniel Hunt for engaging in the Continental Army During the war and for three pound six shillings for one blankit, and six pound six shillings for one pair of shoes, and one pound ten shillings for a toniehawk, all for .said Hunt £26.2. "

" Boston, June 14, 1782. " Rrceived of Cnp<. John Trull, Chairman of Class No. 3, for the Town of TewkBbury, the «ume of eeventy-five pounds L money, as a bounty to serve in the Conlinental Army for the term of three years. " Witness my hand,

Interesting is the treasurer's account all through the Revolutionary period, as showing how heirs of estates, trustees for the same, men and women of all classes, furni.shed supplies such as shirts, stockings or shoes or blankets for the soldiers, and how the same general response was given by loaning the town money in this hour of its need.

June 24, 1776, voted "that the Selectmen shall provide ammunition and shovels, spades and peckaxes, &c., according to their discretion ; " also, " that the Town shall ])rovide baynotts for the training band in the Town," - " that the selectmen shall provide fire-armes for those persons that they shall think proper, and other Acoutrements."

Oct. 14, 1776, they chose William Brown, Aaron Beard, David Bailey, Nathaniel Heywood and John Flint, "a committee to make a draught for government," which plan for government was accepted eight days later.

For many years in its early history Tewksbury refused to avail itself of representation in the General t 'ourl. May 16, 17^8, it wa.s voted not to send a rcpriwentative. For a long period this was the customary disposal of the matter in the May meeting, coupled with this language, that they would not send a representative, but trust to the mercies of the General Oiurt. These mercies failed to satisfy them always, for (in the records are several protests, through committees, against legislative actions.

In any business necessary to come before the General Court they usually chose a committee to represent them, but )ireserved a frugal mind in reckoning with said committeeB, as a vote like this shows:

" Voted not to allow James Kittredge, Jr., and Samuel Hunt £17 for services at the General Court in getting the non-residents' land taxed," but " to pay them later, conditionally."

For years the business and history of the town pursue the usual channels of such bodies. Highways are laid out or closed; bridle, often spelled " bridal "-paths are laid out most frequently, that persons may go to public worship. The course of the present roads, as the one which goes by the old Hunt place to the Centre, w.as often determined by these " bridal-paths.'"