Townsend Town (part 5 of 7)

In 1864, this estabhshment was bought by George Taft, who retained the foreman, and some of the workmen under the firm which preceded him, and he went on with the business. The building and finished stock contained in it were burned in 1868, but in due time Mr. Taft built another structure, of about the same dimensions and on the same site, which remained about three years, when that also was burned. Since that time the ruins of this factory have remained undisturbed. Within the last quarter of a century this branch of industry in Massachusetts has been concentrated into a tew places, like Woburn, and other populous towns, containing heavy capitalists, with whom competition is next to impossible.

Soon after the old meeting-house was moved on to the common (1804), a blacksmith, a tinsmith, and a hatter, set up their several trades, near each other, just west of the Goss bridge, at the centre of the town.

Eben Wilder, the hatter, lived on the spot now owned and occupied by Americus Lawrence. His hats were "felt" throughout the town, and none of them, while in his possession ever contained a "brick" inside, tor he was "brim" full of temperance and moderation. Had he lived till 1832, he might have seen the dexteritv witii which the farmers' wives and daughters turned out the palm-leaf hats with their nimble fingers. At that time more than three-fourths of the families in this town contained one or more persons, sometimes three or four, who braided palmleaf hats nearly all the time.

Mr. John Snow was the first trader at the centre of the town, who furnished leaf to be manufactured into hats. The other storekeepers soon followed, and this enterprise furnished employment for many people in Townsend, and the two northern towns in New Hampshire which join it, who had scarcely any other method of earning any money. From 1855 to i860, while Mr. Daniel Adams was in trade at the centre of the town, the entire business in this line passed through his hands. He sold yearly, from twelve to fifteen thousand dozen of palm-leaf hats, a large portion of which went to the southern states, and were worn by those people who at one time in our national histor}' were known as "intelligent contrabands," but more recently have been the principal stock in trade of a victorious and enthusiastic political party.

About 1830, Beriah Blood and Reuben Farrar came from Concord to the Harbor, and bought the Conant mill. Soon after, they moved a large barn, standing near by on the south side of the river, and set it up in their mill yard, near the side of the road, and converted it into a Ibundry. Quite a sum of money was invested in the building and stock. Albert S. Page commenced the business, which afterwards was in the possession of several different men and different firms. At one time, the establishment turned out a large quantity of goods. The Wards, two brothers, there for a while, were experienced workmen, and gave character to their goods in that branch of industry. There always appeared to be a lack of capital in the hands of the owners of this foundry, to prosecute the business in a successful manner. About 1852, it was burned while the

The foregoing synopsis of the different businesses and enterprises, which have engaged the attention of the Townsend people, has been prepared with all the care and attention that could be given to the subject. A large part of the manufactures and trades, described here partially, were begun and ended before any considerable portion of the present inhabitants were born. Only a few venerable forms, which bear "the human face divine," have come down to us through the generations, which were the least cognizant to the various interests, which, in the days of yore, were so important. "Heaven has so bountiously lengthened out the days" of Miss Mary Palmer, Miss Hannah Seaver, Mr. Samuel Searl, Mr. Benjamin Barrett, Mr. Seth Davis, and a few others, that certain interesting facts have been drawn from the repositories in their remembrance, which have been of great assistance to the writer.

It is remarkable how soon a few years will sweep into oblivion the dates of events which once were of thrilling interest to the whole community. A friend when laid in the ground has the time of his departure indented on the faithful marble that perpetuates his memory, but no monument is ever erected on the spot, once cheered by the hum of happy industry, where a mill has rotted down, or been swept away by fire or flood ; neither is there any record of the event, and, generally, unless the searcher after the date can obtain an interview Avith some intelligent mother who recollects that "it was the same year that my Mary was born," he can scarcely ever with certainty hx the date. It has been considered in good taste, inasmuch as this is the centenarv of our nationalitv, to insert here, the statistics of the manufactures and occupations of the town, as brought out by the Massachusetts decennial census of 1875. This statistical table will supersede the necessity of a single word further on the manufacturing interests of the town : -

Chapter Xi

Uabkluess of the Politicians Previous to the Rebellion - Stupendous Effort of Massachusetts in Suppressing It - War a Terrible Agent in Civilization - Call for a Town Meeting. April 20th, 1861 - Patriotic Resolves of the Town - Names of the Men who Enlisted in June. 1861, and were Mustered into the Sixth Massachusetts Volunteers - Men of the Twentv-Sixth Massachusetts Regiment - Account of the Thirtj'-Tliird Regiment, and the Townsend men in the same - Re-enlistment of the Nine Months Men in the Old Sixth Regiment, in August, 1862 - The Fifty-Tliird Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers for Nine Months - Sketch of Capt. Anson D. Fessenden - Names and Terms of Service of Townsend Men in Various Regiments - Roll of Townsend Men Belonging to the Twenty-Fourth Massachusetts Heavy Artillery - Roll of the_ One Hundred Days Men who Enlisted July 7. 1864 - Patriotism of our Young Men, and the Number of them Killed and who Lost their Lives - Aid Afforded by the Ladies of Townsend to the Sanitary Commission.

It is hardly necessary for a town historian to enumerate and discuss the causes which led to the rebellion of i86i, which has engaged the attention of so many different writers. An exact and impartial account of that gigantic struggle, embracing the incipient causes thereof, is not to be found in English literature.

years, previous to the bombardment of Siimpter, is beyond dispute. The words and acts in the halls of Congress, by persons calling themselves gentlemen, were akin to barbarism. What man would assault a defenceless gentleman, with a bludgeon, for words used in debate, as Brooks did his intended victim, unless he was the very personification of drivelling insanity !

When the news of the election of Abraham Lincoln (who did not receive an electoral vote from any of the southern states,) reached Boston, Faneuil Hall swarmed with exultant men. Among the ill-timed remarks of the orators, on that memorable occasion, was that of Henry Wilson, who, in speaking of the southern people, used these words : "We now have our feet on their necks." Certainly these words were not called for, and no sane man at that time would have used them, for they were calculated to arouse the combativeness, and meet with a martial response, when received by the southern people over the telegraphic wires.

The great wrong of firing upon the national flag, and plotting treason against the government, must be held in everlasting remembrance, to the disgrace of the southern leaders in the rebellion : but let no reader suppose that the South alone was responsible for this civil feud which sundered the ties of consanguinity and drenched the land with fraternal blood ; which entailed a monstrous debt on the nation, and swept away from their homes and into the grave nearly half a million of men. on both sides, who have fought their last battle.

War Of The Rebellion

It cannot be said that special attention was paid by any state or statesman to the precautionary words here quoted, but Massachusetts gave good heed to the last part of this compound declarative sentence, by a vigorous and unqualified support of the government in its effort to preserve the Union by military force.

According to William Schouler, adjutant-general of Massachusetts during the rebellion, in his report to the General Court, January i, 1866, this Commonwealth was represented in the army and navy, in the different terms of service during the war, by one hundred and fifty-nine thousand one hundred and fifteen (159,115) men.*

Massachusetts stood at the end of the war, showing that with the exception of twelve small towns, every town and city in the state had furnished a surplus over all the demands from the war department, which amounted in the aggregate to fifteen thousand one hundred and seventyeight (15,178) men, of which the town of Townsend furnished thirty-three (33) men.

As on the 19th of April, 1775, the Middlesex county men were the first to yield their lives in the revolution, so on the 19th of April, 1861, just eighty-six years afterward, men from the same tow^ns, belonging to the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment, were the first who gave up their lives for their country, in the mob fight at Baltimore, on which occasion three men were killed and thirty wounded.

"Men of reflection have become satisfied that a nation, like an individual, is by the laws of nature - the laws of God, clothed with the right of self-preservation : and when its existence is threatened, it is bound by a religious obligation to sustain its being at every hazard, and by all the fair means that God and nature have put in its power. War is to be dreaded, and prevented as far as practicable ; but like the amputating knife, is allowable to save the life of the body politic. And though war in itself is a great calamit}', and leaves many evils in its train, the history of the world shows that some of the grandest steps in civilization have grown out of the wars, which at the time were regarded as great calamities."

Apparently nothing but war could have checked the lordly pride of those southern masters, who fain would have made the chief corner-stone of their confederacy the institution of slavery. No people were ever more humiliated than those conspirators who took the sword, and their cause perished by the sword.

A dismal despondency hangs over the distressed people of the gulf states, the educated portion of whom can never adapt themselves to the grade of poverty to which they have been levelled by the war. Undoubtedly the time will come, after the present generation has passed awa}', when commerce will spread her wings over their navigable waters - when the hoarse breathing of the steam engine will keep time with their various industries - when Education will dispense her favors irrespective of race or complexion, and the flag, once spurned by their fathers, will be a blessed symbol.

On the twentieth of April, 1861, a warrant was posted at the usual places, in Townsend, calling a town meeting on the twenty-seventh day of said April, which contained the following article : -

On this article, voted and chose a committee of five citizens to report to the town a plan for its action. Chose for said committee, Henry Sceva, Walter Fessenden. Daniel L. Brown, Nathaniel F. Cummings, and Samuel S. Haynes, who submitted the following preamble and resolutions, which were accepted and adopted by a unanimous vote of the town : -

"Whereas, a portion of the states of this confederacy, are now in open rebellion against the Government, and whereas, the President of these United States has called upon the Loyal States for a Militar}' force sufficient to suppress the rebellion and maintain the laws of the land :

"Now, therefore, we, the citizens of Townsend in town meeting assembled, hereby declare our undying love for liberty, and our sacred regard for the Constitution as transmitted to us by its founders.

"Resolved, that our foreign born citizens, for the promptness with which they have rallied to the support of this their adopted country, have laid us, the native born citizens, under everlasting obligations, and that our gratitude for their support and sympath}' should be appropriately, cheertully, and promptly acknowdedged."

"Voted, that Walter Fessenden, Daniel S. Brown. Nathaniel F. Cummings, James N. Tucker, and Altred M. Adams, be a committee to take 'immediate measures for the enrolment of a company of able-bodied men.

The President called for seventy-tive thousand men, through the war department, on the fifteenth of April, 1861. The gentlemen of the committee, chosen at this town meeting, and other men of w^ealth and influence, appealed to the patriotism of the citizens, assuring them that the families of married men should be cared for, in case they should volunteer to fill the quota of the town. During the next June, seven Townsend men w^ere enlisted, and were mustered into the Sixth Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers (June 19). The names of these men, and their record in connection with the regiment, are here presented : -

It appears that the seceding states had been makingpreparations for a fight, for some time, while the North, with the exception of a few regiments of volunteer militia, in Massachusetts and one or two other states, was unprepared for either an offensive or a defensive war.

During the summer and fall of 1861, the North began to "get on its muscle," and "guess" that something must be done. In September, of this year, thirty-two Townsend men volunteered into the service, and joined the Twent}^- Sixth Massachusetts Regiment, Company G. This regiment was mustered in, October 18, 1861, and mustered out, August 26, 1865. It sailed from Boston directly for Ship Island, where it arrived by steamer, in less than ten days from the time of its departure. It was a part of the Nineteenth Army Corps, Department of the Gulf. It took part in the engagements of Winchester, Cedar Creek, and Fisher's Hill.

Second sergeant, Nov. i, 1861. Promoted to second lieutenant, Sept. 30, 1862. Promoted to lirst lieutenant, Dec. 12, 1863. Promoted to captain, Oct. 18, 1864. Mustered out with the regiment.

Promoted to corporal, July 30. 1862. Veteran - Re-enlisted in same company. Jan. 6, 1864. Killed in action, at Winchester, Va., Sept. 19, 1864.

As has been seen, Townsend sent forty -two men into the iield during the first year of the war. Before June, 1862, the battles of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, and Shiloh, had been fought and won against the secessionists. The mouth of the Mississippi had been cleared of rebel batteries, and its forts captured. New Orleans was under the military rule of General Butler. The success of the loyal troops, particularly in the west and southwest, in nearh' every engagement, had been complete, and the people of the North were hopeful of a speedy suppression of the rebellion. But the reverses in the Shenandoah Valley, and the imminent danger of a successful attempt to take Washington, caused the President to issue the call for three hundred thousand men, for three years, which he did on the first of July, 1862.

Under this call, twenty-five men of this town, on the twenty-second of July, volunteered into the service, and joined the Thirty-Third Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers, Company E, Capt. William H. H. Hinds, of Groton, (discharged May 17, 1863,) and afterward under command of Capt. George M. Walker, of Newton.

This regiment was mustered into the service of the United States, August 13, 1862. Mustered out, June 11, 1865. It took part in the engagements at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Beverly Ford, Gettysburg, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, and the several battles of Sherman's grand army. It may be mentioned that there were only one or two regiments from this Commonwealth, that endured as many hardships, or faced death on the battle-field, as often and as bravely as did the Thirty- Third Massachusetts Volunteers. On the arrival of the regiment at Boston, June 13, 1865, Mayor Lincoln gave it a generous reception ; after parading the principal streets, the regiment marched to Faneuil Hall and partook of a bountiful collation, furnished by the city authorities. Names of the volunteers and their record : -

This regiment used up two stands of colors, which were so torn and mudlated by wear and bullets, that they would scarcely hang together. They were sent home and deposited in the state house, with other mementos of this sanguinary conflict. A third stand of colors was sent to the regiment, on which were inscribed the names of the twenty-two battles in which it was engaged.

mustered out, in June, 1863. It participated in the siege of Suffolk, Virginia, which continued from April 11 to May 4, 1863. It was in a skirmish at a place called Deserted House, where it lost several men, killed. Five Townsend men were with Capt. George F. Shattuck, of Groton, in this regiment, viz : -

The first of August, 1862, the President called for three hundred thousand nine months men. War meetings during that month were frequently held, at the town hall, to devise means to fill the quota of the town. At one of these assemblies of the citizens, Anson D. Fessenden was selected to recruit a company, if possible, if not, as many as he could. He attended to that duty in a commendable manner, and on the second day of September following, forty Townsend men, including himself, volunteered for nine months, and signed enlistment papers. A sufficient number of recruits enlisted, about the same time, in the town of Shirley, and other neighboring towns, which were added to the Townsend men, to make up a company. The officers chosen for this company were : Andrew J. Clough, of Shirley, captain ; Anson D. Fessenden, of Townsend, first lieutenant ; Stephen W. Longle}', of Shirley, second lieutenant.

This company w as attached to the Fifty-Third Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers, and w^as designated Company D. Mustered in, October 17, 1862.

Captain Clough was discharged at the city of New York, on the outward transit, January 23, 1863, "on surgeon's certificate, by special order, No. 26."

Anson D. Fessenden, the son of Benjamin and Betsey (Stevens) Fessenden, was born February 18, 1839. At a suitable age he was sent to Wilbraham Academy, w'here he diligently applied himself to his studies, standing well in his class. He was prompt in his attendance, and gave strict attention to the exercises of that institution. During the year 1861, he was a member of the scientific department of Union College, where he pursued the studies of mathematics and civil engineering. The fact, that he has a good command of language, and just confidence enough to make him a good public speaker, is sufficient proof that he improved his time while he was a student. On the first day of January, 1864, he joined his father in the coopering trade. Since that time, this firm, doing business under the name and style of B. & A. D. Fessenden, has done an extensive business in the manufacture and shipping of goods in that line. As a manufacturer, he is as popular with his workmen as he was with the "boys in blue" under his command. He is a man of a social and agreeable disposition, and much respected as a townsman. He represented this district in the lower branch of the General Court, in 1865. He married Thirza A. Boutell, of this town, December 6, 1865.

The Fifty-Third Regiment served in the Department of the Gulf, - Nineteenth Army Corps - ^John W. Kimball, of Fitchburg, colonel in command.

This regiment was in the battle of Port Hudson, May 27, 1863 ; assault on Port Hudson, June 14, 1863 ; siege of Port Hudson, from May 24 to July 8, 1863; March 12, 1863, skirmish with enemy on the Bayou Road; skirmish at Pattersonville, La., near Fort Bisland, April 12, 1863 ; skirmish in front of Port Hudson, May 24, 1863. Names of Townsend men on the roll of Company D : -

Mustered out with the regiment. Veteran - Re-enlisted Aug. 24, 1864, into the Tw^enty-Fourth Mass. Regiment. Mustered out with the regiment.

Enlisted July 2, 1861, for three years, in Sixteenth Mass. Regiment. Wounded at battle of Gettysburg, July 3, 1863. Discharged by order of General Wadsworth.

Enlisted Sept. 20, 1861, in First Mass. Cavalry. Promoted to corporal Feb. 21, 1862. Transferred to Fourth Cavalry. Discharged for disability, Nov. 25, 1862, on surgeon's certificate.

Enlisted Sept. 28, 1861, for three years, in Twenty-Third Mass. Regiment. Wounded in action at White Hall, North Carolina, Dec. 16, 1862. Discharged June 12, 1863.

Enlisted Sept. 20, 1861, for three years, in First Mass. Cavalry. Transferred to Fourth Cavalry. Corporal - Discharged for disability. May II, 1862.

Enlisted Sept. 30, 1861, for three years, in First Mass. Cavalry. Transferred to Fourth Cavalry. Discharged at expiration of term of service.

Enlisted for nine months, Aug. 29, 1862, in Forty-Fourth Mass. Regiment. Credited to Dorchester. Discharged at expiration of term of service.

Enlisted December, 1863, for three years, in Fifty-Fourth Mass. Regiment. Wounded slightly, Feb. 20, 1864. All the men in this regiment, except the officers, were of African descent. Mustered out with the regiment.

Drafted. Served in Fifty-Fourth Mass. Regiment. This was the only Townsend man who was drafted that went to the war. Mustered out with the regiment.

Enlisted Aug. 27, 1864, for one year, in Fifty-Fifth Mass. Regiment, Company I. All colored men in this regiment, except the officers. Mustered out with the regiment.

Enlisted July 19, 1862, lor three years, in Thirty-Seventh Mass. Regiment. Credited to the town of Hadley. Mustered out at expiration of term of service.

Enlisted for three' 3'ears, in Sixteenth Mass. Regiment. Wounded severely in right hand by a shell. Lost his hand. Discharged - date unknown.

Enlisted at Sioux Cit}', in Spring of 1861, in First Nebraska Regiment, with Capt. Hollins. Died at Syracuse, Missouri, of fever, Nov. 24, 1861.

Enlisted at Boston, tor three years, March 12, 1862, into Third Regiment Rhode Island Ardllery. Discharged at Hilton Head, for disability, Dec. 26, 1862. Died and was buried in Townsend, in May, 1863.

The following is a list of the names of men who enlisted in August, 1864, for one year, and were mustered in on the twenty-fifth of the same month. They are described in the records as belonging to the "Twenty- Fourth Massachusetts Regiment, Unattached Heavy Artillery." They were stationed at Fort Delaware and near the city of Washington : -

A roll of the men who enlisted, July 7, 1864, for one hundred days, and proceeded to Washington and performed guard duty at Arlington Heights, and at other places, near the Capital. The men are represented in the record as belonging to Company B, Sixth Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers. No casualties happened to these men during their absence : -

In closing the record of those who thus gave their best efforts to preserve the Union, it must be remembered, that to every call for troops, a response from the citizens of the town went forth as generous as the revolutionary lathers returned one hundred years ago. While the town was pouring forth its treasures without stint or reluctance, these patriotic men gave their presence in the "tiger strife," - their lives to the cause. The terrible battle-fields of Virginia, Louisiana, and other states, testify to the bravery of these Townsend young men, twelve of whom were killed in action, and twenty-two lost their lives by starvation in rebel prisons, disease and the casualties of war.

"^How sleep the brave who sink to rest. By all their country's wishes blest. Where Spring with dewy fingers cold, Returns to deck their hallowed mould, She there shall find a sweeter sod. Than fancy's feet have ever trod.

"By fairy forms their dirge is sung. By hands unseen their knell is rung ; There Honor conies a pilgrim gray. To bless the turf that wrap? their claJ^ And Freedom shall a while repair To dwell a weeping hermit there."

The foregoing rolls contain the names of all the Townsend men, as far as is known, who volunteered to assist in suppressing the rebellion. No mention of the substitutes has been made, as they were mere merchandise, used for the time to shield the men who chose t-o purchase them rather than to take the risks of war upon their own shoulders.

It has been a source of pleasure to the writer, that, during the entire labor of examining muster rolls, discharge papers, diaries, Adjutant-General's reports, and town records, in order to present a correct history of these volunteers, that the word ^^ deserted''' has never been found, written or printed, opposite to the name of one of them. Nearly every one of these volunteers, who returned after the rebellion was crushed, assumed the duties of industrious citizens, with as much fidelity as though thev had never been introduced to "grim-visaged war.''

The town records, during the time the rebellion was in progress, were not kept with the greatest accuracy, but, as near as can be ascertained from all sources, Townsend sent to the field, troops enlisted for three months, one hundred days, nine months, and three years or for the war, including substitutes, to the number of two hundred and seventy men, of whom one hundred and sixty-one were voters in this town at the time of their enlistment.

The services of the women of this town, acting in concert with the Sanitary Commission, are not to be overlooked. During the war, from the time our soldiers were tirst encamped within the borders of the state, till they returned home at the expiration of their term of service, they were remembered by this class of patient toilers. The sessions of the Ladies' Benevolent Society were many, which were devoted to industrious efforts in making quilts, clothing, lint, and cushions for broken limbs. The busy hands of the home-circle, similarly employed, should also be mentioned. The goods thus made together with condiments, provisions, stimulants, and delicacies, purchased at considerable expense, suitable for those who were suffering in the hospitals, were, at different times, carefully packed, filling many boxes and barrels, and forwarded in a cause where philanthropy was at a premium. Among the ladies who were active in this womanly sympathy, the names of Mrs. Dr. Bertram, Mrs. Ralph Ball, Mrs. Jonas Spalding, Jr., Mrs. Noah Bali. and others (did space admit) , might be mentioned. Their efforts awakened gladness in many hearts, and will be held in grateful remembrance, as was that of Eunice Locke, of revolutionar}' fame. This chapter now closes with the simple statement, that, all that is claimed for Townsend, during those modern "days that tried men's souls," is, that the town did its duty in a commendable manner, compared with the other towns of this timehonored Commonwealth.

Chapter Xii Lawyers. Fhysicians. And College Graduates

The following memoirs and sketches of the law3'ers and physicians, contain the names of those only who have resided here for considerable time, and have been permanently identified with the interests of Townsend. Probably more men, of the medical profession, have come here and had a temporary residence, than the number of those whose names will appear in this chapter. Men, having various grades of skill, character, and learning, have given this town a short trial, and then taken their departure. A promising young physician, by the name of Gerry, about 1848, came to Townsend Centre and located. He married Caroline Brooks, daughter of Samuel Brooks, of this town. Within a short time after his, settlement here.

while engaged in a surgical operation, he got some virus into a slight scratch in his hand, which caused his death very suddenly. The "what might have been" was deeply considered by his widow and friends whom he left behind. There have been only two or three lawyers who came to Townsend and made it their residence for a short time.

Walter Hastings was the first lawyer who made Townsend a residence and a place of business. He was born in Chelmsford, 1778, was graduated at Harvard College, 1799, and studied law with Judge Prescott, of Groton. He commenced practice here, soon after he was admitted to the bar, in 1803. His father and grandfather were both graduates of Harvard College, and both were prominent patriots in the revolutionary service. He lived at the Harbor, and is remembered by the elderly people of Towmsend, of both sexes, as a man of elegant personal appearance ("a handsome man"), and of dignified address.

In 1808, he was chosen captain of the North Company of Townsend, which ofiice he held till 1812, when, war with England having been declared, he w^as appointed colonel, and was placed in command of about three thousand Middlesex county troops, stationed at Fort Warren, now Fort Winthrop.* He remained in command till the close of the war, when he returned to Townsend and resumed practice in his profession. He took great interest in military affairs, which engrossed much of his time and attention, even after peace was declared, for which reason.

*The war witli Kngland, in ISl-2, was not popular iu Massacliusetts. Towiigenfl Iiad six or eight drafted men with Colonel Hastings, at Fort Warren, among whom were John Emery. Daniel Campbell and Samuel Searls. Tliese men weie absent from home onlv a short time.

Lawyers And Physicians

In 1814, he married Roxanna Warren, daughter of Moses Warren. She survived him, and afterward married Elisha Glidden. Colonel Hastings died, June 6, 1821, and at his solicitation, he was buried with military honors, at Townsend Centre. The Townsend Light Infantry, Captain Levi Warren, was in attendance as a guard of honor, and discharged "the last farewell shot'' at the portals of his sepulchre.

Aaron Keyes, the second lawyer who practiced in this town, was born at Westford, in 1791. He was a good scholar, and he enjoyed the privileges of a thorough academic education. He commenced reading law in an office at Bridgewater, in this state, and finished his studies in that direction with John Abbott, a lawyer practicing at Westford. He was admitted to the bar in 1822, and he opened an office at Townsend Centre, the same year. He was in practice in this town from the time of settlement here till his death, which occurred in 1842, a period of twenty years. He was postmaster, at the central village, from 1826 to 1835. He was a good counsellor, well read in his profession, and withal, not inclined to "engender strife" among his acquaintances, for the purpose of making business which would turn to his pecuniarv advantage. He was much respected as a townsman, and what is rather the exception than the rule among men of the legal profession, his chirography was neat and perfectly legible, which made him an excellent conveyancer. In 1824, he married Martha Warren, daughter of Moses Warren.

Frederick A. Worcester was the third person who permanently located in Townsend, in the practice of law. He was born in Hollis, New Hampshire, 1807. His father, Jesse Worcester, Esq., was the most influential man of his time, in that town.

When only fifteen years old, young Jesse was at Ticonderoga, in 1776, and he did good service in the continental army during the latter part of the war. This revolutionary patriot married when about twenty-two years of age, and subsequently "many children played around his door." By his good management, industry, and their help, he found means to give five of his sons a collegiate education: Joseph E. Worcester (the Lexicographer), Yale College, 1811 ; Rev. Taylor G. Worcester, Harvard University, 1823 ; Rev. Henry A. Worcester, Yale College, 1828 ; Hon. Samuel T. Worcester, Harvard University, 1830; Hon. Frederick A. Worcester, Harvard University, 183 1.

In addition to these five sons, who were college graduates, two other sons fitted and entered college. Jesse Worcester, Jr., born 1782, fitted for, and afterward entered Harvard College, 1809, and died in 1809. His brothers have credited him with being the quickest of apprehension, and having the greatest natural scope of intellect of an\' of them. Rev. Grant Powers, in a centennial address, delivered at Hollis, in September, 1830, says of him : "Jesse Worcester, Jr., was a rare youth.'' ***** "Over his remains, Genius wept for a favorite son, and the world sustained a loss of which she was unconscious." David Worcester, born 1808, entered the Freshman class at Harvard College in 1828, where he remained till near the close of the Junior year, when he left to accept a lucrative position as a teacher. It would be difficult to find another New England family which contained so man}^ brothers who obtained a college education. These men all inherited the large vital forces and strong intellectual powers of their father.

Frederick A., fitted for college in part at Pinkerton Academy, in Deny, New Hampshire, and partly at Phillips Academy, Andover. At Cambridge, he ranked well in his class, which contained a large number of good scholars, among whom were Rev. John H. Morrison. Hon. John L. Motley, who was United States Minister at one time to Austria, and subsequently in the same office at the Court of St. James, Wendell Phillips, the agitator, and others, who have left their mark. Soon after his graduation he commenced the study of law, with Benjamin M. Farley, in his native village, where he remained about a year. From thence he entered the law school at Cambridge, and continued his studies there for one year. He finished his professional studies with George F. Farley, Esq., a noted lawyer, at Groton, the next year.

In September, 1835, ^^^ came to Townsend, intending to locate here, but at the solicitation of Hon. John B. Hill, (the historian of Mason, New Hampshire,) of the law firm of Appleton & Hill, Bangor, Maine, he was induced to go to that city and manage the office business of that firm. The position not being as agreeable as he anticipated, he returned to Townsend, the following summer, and opened a law office. Since that time he has diligently applied himself to his profession, and acquired a large practice. At present, he is considered one of the best men to prepare a case for a jur}-, that the county contains. He does not pretend to be an advocate, and is not an eloquent speaker, but he possesses a masculine mind, is a good judge of law, and when associated at the bar with a good speaker, his clients are most always on the winning side. He appears to the best advantage before a bench of judges in cases carried up to the Supreme Court. Mr. Worcester is a man of strong passions and prejudices, and he generally takes more interest in the causes entrusted to his care than his clients do. For the last few years he has had an office at Aver, residing in Townsend. In 1854, ^^^ married Jane M. Kellogg, of Amherst.

The tirst physician in Townsend, of which anything is know-n, was Joseph Adams, who came to this town in 1774, and left in 1776, when the patriots made it too warm for the tories, of which he was one. A more particular account of this man may be found in that part of this w^ork w^hich treats upon the loyalists in the revolution.

Dr. Samuel Hosley, tradition says, was a surgeon in one of the New^ Hampshire regiments in the continental service. He was in practice for a long time, residing on the place now owned by Daniel Dix, on the east side of Hathorn's meadow. He was born there, in 1758. Nothing is known about his preparation or education for a physician or svirgeon ; and it is probable that his education was quite limited. He married Mary Farrar, of Concord.

Dr. Isaac Mullikin originated from Bradford. He came here from Lunenburg, about 1780, and located at the fork of the road, just easterly of the bridge over the brook that empties into Hathorn's meadows from the southeast. The house which he built, and in which he lived, is still standing. Tlie bridge over the brook at that place is called, in the town records, the "ministerial bridge," Mr. Hemenway having owned the land on one side of this brook, and Mr. Dix the other side. He was a man of good culture and gentlemanly deportment, both careful and skilful in his profession. He was a justice of the peace. He was also town clerk for a number of years. The records, made by this gentleman, are neat, legibly written, and arranged with strict grammatical accuracy. He was much respected as a citizen, a physician, and as an exemplary man.

Dr. Samuel Lovejoy was born in Wilton, New Hampshire, in 1775. He received his education at New Ipswich Academy. It is not known where he took a medical degree, or whether he ever took one. In his time, it was the custom for young men desiring to become doctors, to pass a couple of years, more or less, with some experienced physician, from which apprenticeship they would emerge, don the Dr., and commence practice. Dr. Lovejoy, came to Townsend, in 1802, and was in practice here more than thirty years. He possessed a good share of natural affability, had onl\' a few enemies, and was considered a skilled and competent physician. He was the last doctor in town who travelled on horseback, with saddle-bags, in which to carry his medicines. During the latter part of his life he became insane, and continued, at times, in that condition for a long time, which was a source of much grief and trouble to his friends and relatives. In 1802, he married Betsey Lawrence, of Groton. the oldest sister of Hon. Abbott Lawrence. For a second wife, he married Sarah Barr, of New Ipswich, in 1831. He died in 1851, aged 76.

Dr. Moses Kidder was a native of Billerica. He titted for college, and entered Williams College, two years in advance, where he spent the junior year in 1810, but he did not proceed further in a collegiate course. Most of the year 181 1, he was studying with Dr. Stickney, of Antrim, New Hampshire, and the next year he was with Dr. Matthias Spaulding, of Amherst, New Hampshire, who, probably, was the best educated physician and surgeon, at that time, in the state. In 1813, he was a surgeon at Fort Warren. He practiced medicine at Dublin, New Hampshire, two or three years. He also was in practice at Littleton and Ashby, a short time at each place. He came to West Townsend and began practicing medicine about 1822. He was skilful, and had a large business, sometimes riding long distances to consult with his medical brethren in difficult cases. He did not have good health all the time, and occasionally, through over-exertion and anxiety, his physical condition was such that he should have been a patient rather than a medical adviser. On the tenth of December, 1814, he married Rachel Kendall, of Miltbrd, New Hampshire. About 1835, he moved to Lowell, where he continued in the practice of his profession, and where he died.

Dr. John Bertram was a native of Peterborough, New Hampshire, born 1794. He took his medical degree at Dartmouth College in 1825. He was in practice in one of the towns of Hillsborough county, New Hampshire, with one. Dr. Farley, for about two years. He came to this town in 1827, and entered upon the duties of physician and surgeon at Townsend Centre. He died in December, 1846. During the nineteen years in which he was in practice here, he obtained an extensive acquaintance, a good reputation, and the confidence of the community. He had many friends, and but few enemies. He married Mary, only daughter of Deacon Joel Adams.

Dr. Ebenezer P. Hills was born in Newbury, 1804. He fitted for college, but did not take a collegiate course of study. He studied medicine and took his medical degree from Bowdoin College, in 1825, where he ranked well as a scholar. He came to Townsend Harbor and began practice there in 1825, and remained there in business about twenty 3'ears.

He possessed more tiian ordinary natural abilities : was agreeable in his manners, fond of company, and enjoyed a good joke or a playful repartee. He spent the last part of his life at Shirle}- Centre, where he died in 1854, ^^^ the fiftieth year of his age. He married (i) Ruth Perkins, of Lunenburg, in 1826 ; {2) Betsey Perkins, of Lunenburg, in 1828: (3) Sophia Gerrish, daughter of Paul Gerrish, Esq., of Townsend Harbor, in 1841.

Dr. John Heard was born about 1810, in the state of Maine. In 1838, he took the degree of Bachelor of Medicine, at Dartmouth College. He practiced medicine at Acworth, Hopkinton, and Rindge, New Hampshire, and at Leominster and Townsend. He was at Townsend Centre most of the time from 1852 to 1861. He rode in good style, after a well-cared-for fast horse, the team constituting the greater part of his wealth. Mr. Stearns, the historian of Rindge, says of him : "It is probable that Dr. Heard was deficient neither in skill or natural abilit}' ; but his cynical manners and current conversation repelled the respect and confidence of the community."

Dr. Augustus G. Stickney was born in Antrim, New Hampshire, 1807. He was the son of Dr. Jeremiah Stickney, who was a practicing physician in that town for many years. After acquiring a good academical education, he entered the Berkshire Medical College, at Pittstield, where he graduated as a Bachelor of Medicine, in 1833. Dr. Stickney married Louise Wilson, of Antrim, in 1834, ^^d established himself in business, at West Townsend, the same year. He did a good share of the work required in this vicinity, and stood well with the members of the medical profession. He was admitted as a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society, in 1844. He died, August, 1862, much lamented and highly respected.

Dr. Royal B. Boynton was born in Pepperell, in 1836. While he was a student at Lawrence Academy, Groton, under James Means, principal, he was attacked with a severe inflammation of the ' eyes and partial loss of sight, at about the time he was finishing his preparatory studies, with the intention of entering college, one year in advance. For nearly a year he was almost entireh' unfit for study. Like many professional men, he took his turn as schoolmaster, to raise money to pay the expenses of an education ; abandoning the idea of a liberal education, he attended the Medical College, at Woodstock, Vermont, and took his degree from that institution, in 1852. He came to Townsend Centre, in 1853, and devoted a large part of his time to dentistry, in which business he was well patronized. Subsequently, he moved to West Townsend, where lie is still in practice. Lately he has laid aside his dentistry, and given his attention to the general duties of physician and surgeon, in which capacity he has many friends and mam- enemies. He is quite skilful, and has a

Dr. Edward J. Donnell was born in Lyndeborough, New Hampshire, in 1835. He graduated at Appleton Academy, New Ipswich, New^ Hampshire. He spent most of the time for three years, after his graduation, with Dr. Marshall, of Mason Village, New Hampshire, in the study of medicine and surgery, in which pursuit he was engaged at the outbreak of the rebellion. He enlisted, in 1862, into the Fifteenth Regiment, New Hampshire Volunteers, Company C, in which he was second lieutenant. After this regiment was mustered out of service, he enlisted into the Thirteenth Maryland Infantry as assistant surgeon, in which capacity he served till the close of the war. His experience in this regiment was of great value to him. On his return to New Hampshire, in 1864, he immediately entered the medical department at Dartmouth College, and took his degree at that institution, in 1865. He commenced practice at Athol, and was there about tw^o years. He came to West Townsend, and entered upon the practice of medicine, in 1870, and continued until October, 1876, when he left for Kansas. He was a member of the New Hampshire Medical Societ}^ He married Ellen Prescott, of Mason, New Hampshire.

Dr. Charles J. Towne was born in Stoddard, New Hampshire, in 1840. He was fond of his books when a child, and made rapid progress as a scholar. From the common school he went to the "Valley Seminary," a good institution, at Westmoreland,. New Hampshire, where, after a course of three years, he graduated, in 1857. He studied medicine with Dr. O. H. Bradle}', at East Jaffrey, New Hampshire, and afterward took a regular course of

^itudy at the Colleg-e of Physicians and Surgeons, in the City of New York, where he graduated, in 1865. He settled in practice at Richmond, New Hampshire, and continued there about two years. In 1867, he moved to Townsend Centre, where he has remained to the present time. During his practice of ten years in this town, he has made a good record. He has generally been called the second time, and onward, after once making the acquaintance of a family. He responds at once to all calls for his services, no matter what the weather, distance to be travelled, or condition of the roads may be, and he keeps his appointments. October 23, 1868, he married Nancie Lewis, daughter of Benjamin F. Lewis, Esq. He is a modest man - seldom uses the perpendicular pronoun - keeps his own counsel and minds his own business.

The following names comprise the list of the seventeen Townsend men who graduated at college. It \\\\\ be noticed that their record is very creditable to the town : -

College Graduates

John Hubbard was the first person of this town who aspired to and received college honors. He was born in 1759. Graduated at Dartmouth College, 1785. Died at Hanover, 1810, aged fifty-one. He worked on a farm till he arrived at majority, when he commenced fitting for college, and at the age of twenty-two entered Dartmouth. He studied theology after his graduation and commenced preaching, but found his voice too feeble for a public speaker. He was the first preceptor of New Ipswich Academy, from 1789 to 1795. and by his good management the academy was brought into public favor. In 1797, he was engaged as preceptor of Walpoie Academy. In 1798. he was appointed Judge of Probate for Cheshire Countv. New Hampshire, which ofiice he held till 1802, when he resigned. He was then chosen preceptor of Deerfield Academy, but on the death of one of the professors of Dartmouth College, he was elected to the vacant chair of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, in that college, which office he held until his death. He was a man of much versatility of talent, an excellent mathematician, a good linguist and noted musician. During his professorship he was very popular with the graduating classes. In 1803, he published "The Rudiments of Geography," and the "American Reader" in 1808. He wrote an essay on music, which was read before the Middlesex musical association, afterwards ordered to be printed. This Association numbered among its members Rev. David Palmer, of Townsend, Rev. Daniel Chaplain, of Groton, Rev. John Bullard, of Pepperell, Rev. Ebenezer Hill, of Mason. Lowell Mason, and many others of the best musical talent and culture. "Hubbard's Anthems, Newburyport, 1814," was one of the favorite books of those times.

This collection of tunes, compiled by John Hubbard, was used at all the ordinations, installations and thanksgivings for more than twenty-tive years. Hubbard was the author of one of the anthems, and his opinion was the law of this association. Every fashion has its time to flourish and then pass away, still those old tunes, sung and executed as they were, both for sublimity of movement and sweetness of melody, once heard, can never be forgotten. Prof. Hubbard was of a genial disposition, enthusiastic in every enterprise in which he engaged. Perhaps one of his weak points was his excessive loudness for sacred music, on which he spent much time, it may be, at the expense of more solid and scholarly attainments. He died while he was professor, and was buried at Hanover, New Hampshire, highly respected b}^ the college officers and students, and beloved by a large circle of relatives and friends. Dartmouth has given to the world riper scholars and greater men, but not one has gone forth from her venerable halls with a keener sense of truth and duty, or who carried a better heart in his breast than John Hubbard.

Abraham Butterfield was born in a house which stood near Pepperell line, in 1769. Graduated at Dartmouth College, 1796. This graduate assisted his father on a farm, in the support of a large family, till he was twenty-one years of age, when he commenced titting for college. He earned most of the money expended for his education, by labor on a farm and district school-teaching. Soon after his graduation he commenced the study of law, teaching at the same time. There is no account, however, of his taking a degree from any law school, or that he was ever a practical lawyer. He was a successful teacher for a number of years, in Cambridge, and other places in the vicinity of Boston. In 1811, he was a major in the Massachusetts militia, and during the same year a member of the Massachusetts Legislature.

He subsequently moved to Machiasport, Maine, where he engaged in the milling and lumber business. In 1830. he represented Machias in the Maine Legislature. He was a police magistrate, at Machiasport, for a long time, always holding one or more of the offices in the gift of the town. He was greatly interested in the cause of temperance and a zealous advocate of the so called "Maine Liquor Law." He spent the last years of his life, with one of his sons, at Bowdoinham, Maine, where he died, in 1857, aged eighty-eight.

He was a quiet gentleman, his good judgment, his reticense and his perfect honesty, securing tor him that good name which is an honor to his memory, his native town, and his Alma Mater.

Prominent among this interesting group of collegians. and deservedly so, is Daniel Adams, a grandson of one of the original proprietors of Town send. Born in 1773. graduated at Dartmouth College, 1797, and died at Keene, New Hampshire, in 1864, aged ninety-one years. His father was one of the tew men of this town, at that time, who possessed sufficient pecuniar\- means to educate a son at college. He received the degree of Doctor of Medicine, at Hanover, New Hampshire, in 1799. He married the only daughter of Dr. Mullikin, of Townsend. and located at Leominster, where he commenced as a practical physician. Leominster, like most large towns, joined in the funeral services in honor of Washington, in the winter of 1800, and Dr. Adams was chosen to deliver the eulog}-, which duty he performed in an impressive and eloquent manner. The town ordered the eulogy to be printed, and served to ever}- legal voter. In 1801, he engaged with Salmon Wilder, in publishing a weekly newspaper at Leominster, called "The Telescope." This publication continued about a 3'ear, when he conceived the idea of his "Scholars' Arithmetic," which caused the "Telescope" to be laid aside to give place to the new enterprise. "The Scholars' Arithmetic, Leominster, 1803," was received wnth much favor, and filled just the place in our district schools for which it was intended by its ingenious author. Pike's Arithmetic, used in the schools at that time, contained the advanced principles in the science, but was wanting in simplicity and adaptation to the minds of those who were able to attend school only a few weeks in the course of the year. Generally the teachers had a copy of Pike's Arithmetic, which was comparatively a costly book, which answered for the whole school. The "Scholars' Arithmetic," a first-class text book, containing all that is necessary for any business man to know of that science, fully equal, if not superior to any book of the kind now in use, and offered at a reasonable price, was received with great interest by all our common schools.

Plis "Understanding Reader," and a treatise on Geography, were published in 1808. These two books were not so popular as his Arithmetic, although the Understanding Reader was used considerably.

Dr. Adams went from Leominster to Boston, and engaged in teaching, where he remained for a few \ears, when, fmding his health begin to fail, he removed to the airy town of Mont Vernon, New Hampshire, and resumed the practice of medicine. This locality brought him in frequent contact with the celebrated Dr. Matthias Spaulding, of Amherst, New Hampshire, who scarcely had a peer in his profession. The most friendly relations existed between these men. They were the consulting physicians in that part of the state. Let it be remarked here, that Dr. Adams was eminently an intellectual man. He liked to investigate the cause of things, to lay open their hidden relations and affinities. Such an intellect may be compared to the head-light of a locomotive, that darts its rays far along the track. In 1822, he became a member of the New Hampshire Historical Society, and soon after, a member of the New Hampshire Medical Society, of which, at one time, he was president.

From Mont Vernon he went to Keene, New Hampshire, where he prepared "Adams' New Arithmetic, Keene, 1828." This school book was considered, by good judges, as inferior to the "Scholars' Arithmetic." "The Monitorial Reader,'' published the last of any of his school books, was very favorably received by school committees and educators. In scholarship, at Dartmouth, he ranked among the first third of his class, and was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society. There was a semi-centennial meeting of his class at the commencement at Dartmouth College, in 1847, at which seven of the original thirty were in attendance. Three or four of this number had not seen each other during the fifty years. In a letter written to Rev. David Palmer, of this town, giving an account of the meeting. Dr. Adams regrets that Mr. Palmer was unable to be present. It appears that Phineas White, a member of the class of 1797, died in 1847. and these seven class-mates, at this their semicentennial meeting, prepared and forwarded a letter of condolence to his widow. The letter to Mr. Palmer, describes all the particulars of this meeting, and contains a copy of the letter of condolence, giving the names of the seven signers thereto, all of which is very affecting. The Doctor, at the close of his letter to Mr. Palmer, adds this as a postscript: "After preparing the letter, we united with Brother Cabot, in a very affecting and fervent prayer ; when taking each other by the hand for the last time, we parted, crying like babies."

We regret that our limits compel us to take leave of this graduate, whose life-work of ninety-one years was one continuity of good acts, not only in guiding the youthful mind in the acquisition of useful knowledge, in assisting the poor and the destitute, in soothing the dying, but in bequeathing to us, and especially to every one by the name of Adams, an exemplary character, worthy of lasting and affectionate remembrance.

Joseph Walker was born on Bayberry Hill, in 1792, graduated at Bowdoin College, in 1818. Mr. Walker, acquired his education without any pecuniaryassistance from any source, obtaining funds by teaching as he went along. In the course of his studies he evinced an enterprise and determination, which gave a color and character to all his professional acts, well worthy of his puritan ancestry. Professor Packard, of Bowdoin, in answer to enquiries, says of him, "He was a good student, and held a good reputation for diligence, and lor a sound, discriminating mind. His commencement part was a 'soliloquy," a part never before or since assigned with that designation. I supposed at the time it was so assigned on account of his reflective turn. He was, I know, greatly respected as a student and a man, his religious character being clearly decided. He studied theology with Rev. Dr. Payson, of Portland, Maine, and was afterwards settled as a pastor and preacher of the Orthodox Congregational denomination, at Norway, Maine." This synopsis of the character of Mr. Walker, b}^ a gentleman in college with him, whose venerable form still graces the halls of learning and religion, is exceedingly valuable. During the most active part of Mr. Walker's ministry, strong and heated religious controversies were entered into by the clergy. The unitarians had just acquired ''a local habitation and a name," and the universalists marshalled their forces with consummate skill and ability under Balfour, Whittemore, Dean, and others. The difference of opinion concerning the method of baptism was another source of disagreement. In all these subjects of controversy, Mr. Walker took an active part. He published a pamphlet, with the title "Glance at Dean's 120 Reasons for being a Universalist, Portland, 1828," and another with the title, "Examination of the New Testament Evidence on Modes of Baptism, Portland, 1830." The "Glance at Dean's 120 Reasons" shows an amount of scholarship, and keen discrimination, which must have convinced even Mr. Dean that "he had met a foeman worthy of his steel." His sermons were ably and logicalh' written, his ideas being expressed often in chaste and elegant diction, but his delivery and manner of address were awkward, and wanting in the graces of oratory. He died and was buried at Paris, Maine, in 185 1, aged tifty-nine years.

William Farmer was the son of Jonas Farmer, born in the south part of the town, in 1793. Graduated at Harvard University, in 1819. He took his degree from the divinity school at Cambridge, in 1823, in the class with Rev. Ezra Styles Gannett, who lost his life, with others, in the fatal railroad collision, near Revere, in 187 1. William Farmer, with six of his brothers, all attended school on Bayberr}' Hill. These boys, in altitude, were of the a la Lincoln type, so much so that, on returning home from a visit to this school, Mr. Palmer remarked to his wife, that during the week forty-two feet of Farmers had been in attendance at this school. While fitting for college, this graduate w^as at New Ipswich Academy part of the time, and part of the time at Groton Academy. He studied for some time after this with Rev. Eli Smith, of Hollis, New Hampshire, but whether this was with a view of being a minister, without going to college, is unknown. It is quite certain, however, that the strongly marked calvinistic sentiments of Rev. Eli Smith were not in accord with the doctrines imparted at the Harvard divinitv school. He taught school tw^o or three years after acquiring his profession. In 1831, he was ordained over the Unitarian church, in Belgrade, Maine, where he remained about six years, when he resigned his pastoral charge. In 1838 and 1839, ^^ supplied a Unitarian pulpit, in Dresden, Maine. He preached at Pomfret, Vermont, for about a year, and was in the same calling at Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire, for a year or more. During the latter part of his life, he was an invalid for many years, suffering from pulmonary hemorrhage. His decline was gradual. He exhibited great patience during his illness, not a murmur or complaining word passing his lips. He departed hence, with

John Stevens was born on Battery Hill, in 1798. His ancestors came from England and settled in Newburyport, in 1638. He is a son of Solomon Stevens, who was the son of Solomon Stevens, who was the son of John Stevens, of Groton, one of the first proprietors of Mason, New Hampshire, and he was a descendant of John Stevens, one of the first settlers of Andover. In 1815, an uncle of this graduate, who resided at Middlebury, Vermont, being on a visit to the old homestead on Battery Hill, noticed young John, then about seventeen years old, and invited him to go home with him, and attend the Middlebury Academy with his son, a youth of about the same age, who was then fitting for college. This generous offer, so unexpectedly tendered to him was gladly accepted. He fitted in two years, at this academy, and graduated at Middlebury College, in 1821, with the Latin salutatory address, the second honor in a good class of twenty-three members.

For the year 1822, he was the preceptor of the academ}', at Montpelier, Vermont. In 1823, he was a member of the junior class, in Andover Theological Seminary. In 1824, he was preceptor of New Ipswich Academ}-, and previous to 1830, he was for three years, tutor in Middlebury College.

In 1831, he went to Ohio, under engagement to take the editorial chair of a new paper, at Cincinnati, called the "Baptist Weekly Journal of the Mississippi Valley." He was editor of this paper for seven years. From 1838 to 1843, he was Professor of intellectual and moral philosophy, in Granville College, at Granville, Ohio. From 1843 to 1849, ^^^ ^''^^ district secretary and agent of the "American Baptist Missionary Union," residing again at Cincinnati. During the years 1857 and 1858, he was a teacher, in Fairmount Seminar}-, near Cincinnati. In 1859, ^^ returned to Granville, as Professor of Greek and Latin languages in Dennison University, formerly Granville College, and so continued till 1868, when a separate Greek chair was established, and he was appointed Professor of Latin and literature. It appears that he favored the baptist denomination even while a student at Andover Theological Seminary, as he joined the first baptist church in Salem, Rev. S. Bolles, D. D., pastor, in 1823. His religious life and labors have been spent among the baptists. He was ordained as an evangelist, in 1844, in connection with his agency and secretaryship in the cause of missions. In 1873, the degree of D. D. was conferred upon him, by the Rochester, New York, University. Professor Stevens has discharged the several duties committed to his trust, in a dignified, faithful and scholarly manner. Probably his influence, in giving character and a high moral position to Dennison University, has been as great as that of any one man. This institution, under the patronage of the baptists, has a pleasant and healthful location, at Granville, Ohio. It is in a community distinguished for intelligence and moralitv, and maintains a reputation that will compare favorabh' with some of the older colleges situated in the Eastern States, sending " forth a good influence coextensive with the Mississippi valle}-. And now when we turn to contemplate the character of Professor Stevens, we behold an aflTectionate husband and father, a warm-hearted friend.

an eminently industrious and accurate classical scholar, a taithtul and successful teacher, and a modest christian gentleman. He died at Granville, Ohio, in April, 1877.

John Graham was born on Nissequassick Hill, in 1802, graduated at Aniherst College, in 1829, died in 1833. aged thirt3'-one years. During the year 1816, there was an unusual religious excitement in town, particularly in the North End district. Several young persons related their religious experience, at the meetings held at their school-house, and among those was John Graham, then about fourteen years old. Soon after, he, in company with some twenty others, made a public profession of their faith, and united with the church of which Rev. David Palmer was pastor. From that time he ardentlv wished to be a gospel minister, all his hopes and plans looking to and aiming at that devoutly wished for consummation. Unlike many collegians, he knew on the start what calling he would pursue on entering active life. He commenced his preparatory studies with Mr. Palmer, but spent more than a year at New Ipswich Academy, before entering at Amherst. Although he industriously applied himself, as much as his health would allow, he did not take high rank in scholarship at college. After his graduation, and while teaching at Concord, he studied theology with Rev. Mr. Southmaid, who was preaching there at that time. He was in attendance at the theological department of Yale College for some time, with the intention of finishing his studies there, but his health failing he was obliged to leave. In 1831, he went to Charleston, South Carolina, where he remained about a year and a half, preachingpart of the time, and teaching some. Not finding the location so beneficial to his health as he expected, he returned to his father's home, and in a few weeks died there, of pulmonary consumption. Like too many others, he never fully realized the high hopes and yearning aspirations of his youth, which urged him on in the acquirement of the important and sacred profession of his choice. His best eulogy is spoken when we assert, that, after adopting the calling to which he aspired with his whole heart, he performed every duty incumbent on him, with marked sincerity and faithfulness, through the remainder of his life, until he arrived at that ''inevitable hour" when he crossed the peaceful river, with his eyes triumphantly fixed on the shining gates of the "celestial city."

Joel Giles was born on Nissequassick Hill, in 1804, fitted for college with Rev. David Palmer, and graduated at Harvard University, in 1829. Edward Giles, the earliest American ancestor of that part of the numerous Giles family to which our graduate belongs, came from Salisbury, in Wiltshire, England, to the colony of Massachusetts Bay, in 1633, ^^'^ settled in what is now the town of Peabody. Giles is a name familiar to readers of English history. The honors of knighthood have been enjoyed by at least three of that name, and their coat-ofarms has come down from unquestionable antiquity. The subject of this sketch needs no ancestral renown to recommend him to our confidence, and we venture the opinion that he holds the stern virtues of the Pilgrim Fathers, from whicli he is descended, in much higher regard than all the sprigs of chivalry that ever blossomed on his genealogical tree. From 1831 to 1834, ^'^^ ^^'^^ tutor, in Harvard

University. The degree of Bachelor of Laws was conferred on him by the same institution, in 1837. He opened a law office, in Boston, and became distinguished in his profession. He never acquired notoriety as a jury lawyer or advocate, but whenever the Boston merchants wanted to know about any point where their legal interests were in jeopardy, Joel Giles was the man whom they would consult for an opinion, and he would furnish the brain-work to be elaborated in the oratory of an associate. He was appreciated by the entire bar of Suffolk County, for his legal and judicial ability. On the Fourth of July, 1848, he delivered the oration before the municipal authorities of the City of Boston. He has been a member of both branches of the Massachusetts Legislature, for Boston, and in 1853, he was a prominent member of the Massachusetts Constitutional Convention. During the last few years, he has divided the time which he has devoted to business, between the cities of Boston, New York, and Washington, as a patent-office lawyer. Mr. Giles is a bachelor, a gentleman of benevolence, rather conservative in his tastes, and withal an honest man, which is "the noblest work of God."

John Giles, the youngest brother of the last described graduate, was born on Nissequassick Hill, in 1806. He also fitted for college with Rev. David Palmer, who said he was the best scholar that ever fitted for college with him. He required the least assistance and prompting, both while in preparation for, and at the University, of any in his class. The difficult parts and knotty points, in all his lessons, were always overcome and solved before he entered the recitation room. He possessed a vvellbahmced, penetrating mind, well adapted to either languages or mathematics, so that he went through his collegiate career in a manner calculated to give him excellent mental discipline. Before graduating at Cambridge, he united with the Congregational Orthodox Church, in Cambridgeport, under the pastoral care of Rev. William A. Stearns, D. D., now president of Amherst College. He was pleasing in his manners, and prepossessing in his person, having an agreeable temper, and a heart "full of the law of kindness." John Giles aimed high. He intended to have been an author. He did publish a book, of much merit in its way, entitled "The Latin Reader for Beginners." He was a successful teacher, at Jamaica Plain, for some time, and he read law in the office of the noted legal firm of Parsons & Stearns, in Boston. Soon after his graduation, he was attacked with a disease of the lungs, which finally caused his death. This incapacitated him for any mental labor during a period of five or six years. He died at the house of his brother. Deacon Daniel Giles, in Townsend, June, 1838, aged thirty-two years.

In addition to what has been said concerning his intellectual strength, we may add that his moral and religious life was everything that a truly good man would wish to review, at that tr3'ing hour, when about to leave this earthly existence. His older brothers, Daniel and Joel, were the only members of his kindred, in this town, who survived him. Daniel has since died, but Joel remains, the only one of the name, of Townsend birth, who now, at the age of more than three score and ten, and after the lapse of thirty-nine years, frequently recurs to the

Charles Brooks was born on Nissequassick Hill, in 1831. Graduated at Yale College, in 1853, died in 1866, aged thirty-five years. He pursued his preparatory studies with the ministerial office in full view before him. He learned the languages easily, so much so, that he received many compliments from the president and professors, at Yale, where he took a good rank in his class. After his graduation, he commenced the study of divinity, at Yale, but spent the last year of the course at Andover Theological Seminary. In 1858, he was ordained over the church and society, at Byfield, a parish in the old town of Newbury. He married, in 1858, Miss N. L. Adams, of this town.

After remaining at Bytield about seven years, where he was a very acceptable preacher, he received a call from the church at Unionville, Connecticut, which he accepted. He had scarcely commenced the discharge of his duties in his new situation, when in September, 1865, he was attacked with pulmonary consumption, which caused his death, in Jane, 1866. In person. Rev. Mr. Brooks was medium size, light hair, (almost flaxen,) a good eye, which sparkled in a countenance lighted up with a smile for all who approached him. He never was contentious, either as a student, citizen or clergyman, never intentionally injured the feelings of anv one, and never preached politics. Rev. S. H. Tolman, of Wilmington, in an obituary address, said of Mr. Brooks, "He telt the disappointment of so early a departure verv keenly.'' Said he to Mr. Tolman : "I have all the feelings of a husband and a father, a young man and a minister. I love this good work, and the future in that tield whither God in his providence has so recently sent me, opens before me so bright, with such promise of sheaves to be garnered into the heavenly store-house," - he hesitated a little and then said, "but it is all right - I have more confidence in God's wisdom than my own. Thy will, not mine, be done." Of his last days, Mr. Tolman says : "He manifested just that sweet confidence in God, just that calm and intelligent resting on the doctrines of the gospel, which constituted a most fitting end to all that he had been, and preached and done." Nothing can be added to these closing words of the obituary, except, perhaps it may be remarked in the words of another, that "God buries his workman, but still carries on the work."

Warren Brooks, a brother of Charles Brooks, (just described,) was born in 1829. He entered Yale College, in 1851, and remained there till his brother's graduation, in 1853, when he left Yale, and joined the junior class at Harvard University, where he graduated, in 1855. In scholarship, he ranked in the first fourth of his class, which was large, and contained some excellent scholars. Rev. Phillips Brooks, the popular Boston preacher, was one of his classmates and friends. In September, 1855, he entered Andover Theological Seminary, and while a member of that institution, in 1857, he died of consumption, induced by too close application to his studies, aged twenty-eight years. Rather taciturn than loquacious, he possessed great modesty and a sensitive retiracy of character, which won for him the respectful consideration of all with whom he came in contact. He devoted no time to idleness. From boyhood, either his hands, his brains, or both were incessantly at work. While pursuing his studies, he earned most of his expenses by teaching in our common schools, in which he had complete success. He had that agreeableness and dignity of address, which added embellishment both to culture and refinement. For his piety and purity of character, as well as his untiring industry both as student and teacher, he has left an example worth}- of imitation.

Mark Davis was born in 1834, "^^'ithin a short distance of the birthplace of the two gentlemen last described. They were school-mates. Mr. Davis fitted for college partly in this town, besides spending more than a vear at New Ipswich Academy. Townsend had an academy at that time. The natural brain powers of this graduate were superior, which, together with his prepossessingpersonal appearance, made him a general favorite in circles where wit and playful repartee went gayly round. He was "Young America" in his tastes and habits, and was decidedly popular with his professional and political associates. Professor E. D. Sanborn, of the chair of oratory and belles-lettres, in Dartmouth College, where Mr. Davis graduated, in 1856, in answer to a letter of inquiry, turnishes the following sentence: "Mr. Davis was a man of good abilities, and capable of high attainments, but unfortunately declined in scholarship towards the close of his college course." He received the degree of Bachelor of Laws, at Poughkeepsie, New York, in 1858. Soon after, he commenced the practice of hiw, in Boston, where he acquired a respectable standing in his profession. Having a good knowledge of human nature and a quickness of apprehension, excelled by none, he was well adapted to the law^ business. He w^as rather a prominent member of the republican party, and during his last illness took great interest in the news from the seat of w^ar, in which treason was pitted against loyalty, freedom against slavery, and he had the pleasure of living longenough to hear the ringing of the bells and the roaring of the cannon, which announced that the rebellion was crushed - that the flag of many stars was the revered emblem of an unbroken and restored nationality. After being in business about three years he was taken with consumption. He resorted to every means know to science to regain his health. He went to New Orleans, hoping that a change of climate might be in his favor, from whence he returned to the old homestead, then his brother's house, located in full view of the school-house where he and his comrades vied for the head of the class, where after much suffering he died, in 1865, aged thirt}'- one years.

Charles T. Haynes was born on Nissequassick Hill, in 1835. He graduated at Appleton Academy, New Ipswich, New Hampshire, in 1858: and graduated at Amherst College, in 1862. He studied tlieology, at Andover. during 1863 and 1864, and was then compelled to abandon his purpose of becoming a minister, on account of sickness. He resided in Townsend. till 1868, when, finding his health sutficiently established, he embraced the profession of teacher. He was principal of the high school, at Edgartown. from 1868 to 1870. He was teacher of mathematics in Highland Military Academy, at Worcester, part of the year 1870, which place he left to take charge of the high school, in Webster, where he remained till April, 1872. He then returned to Worcester, and from that time to the present, he has been principal of the Lamartine School, in that city, w^here he ranks high as an educator. He married Sybel Wallace, of this town, in 1870. A member of his class in college, thus writes of him : "While faithful in everything, he never took high rank as a scholar, standing about midway in a large class, containing an unusual number of good scholars. He particularly excelled in mathematics, while the languages were ditficult for him. As a writer, he stood high, and was chosen h\ the class their prophet. In this capacity he did not in the least disappoint their expectations, for his prophecv was one of the wittiest, brightest, and most kindlv, ever delivered in Amherst." Mr. Haynes, through the vear previous to leaving town, served on the school committee, in a manner both profitable to the schools and acceptable to his colleagues. As a teacher, he excels in seeing intuitively that upon which the pupil blunders, and then by a word or two, helps the scholar to help himself. Above all these attainments, which have been enumerated, either by his classmate or the writer, stands out in bold relief an influential, unblemished and exemplary character.

Long may he live to adorn that profession which furnishes to our youth that full mental equipment, which will enable them, in after years, to give battle against every sin and wrong, with which they will be surrounded.

John M. Proctor, son of Deacon John Proctor, was born in the east part of the town, in 1839, and graduated at Dartmouth College, in 1863. He fitted for college, at Lawrence Academy, Groton, from whence, for his strict attention to his own business, he carried away the best wishes of his classmates, and the blessings of his teachers. At college he found the benefit of his diligence at Groton, tor he took a good rank in his class, through the entire college course. He was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society. In 1862, during the war excitement, a member of his class, from Wakefield, New Hampshire, on offering his services to his country, was appointed adjutant of the Ninth New Hampshire Regiment. Before leaving the state, however, he was taken sick and died ; whereupon, b}- appointment of his class, Mr. Proctor pronounced an appropriate eulogy, on the life and character of this volunteer, before the college faculty and students. The eulogy, printed at Hanover, New Hampshire, by order of the students, is an honor to its author. For the kindly and feeling w^ords spoken of his friend : for its fitness to the occasion : for its manliness and patriotism, it was happily received by his auditors, and must have been read with deep interest by the bereaved relatives of the deceased. Prof. John Carroll Proctor, of the Greek chair in Dartmouth, thus writes : "John M. Proctor was among the best scholars in his class, quiet, but ver}- decided in his opinions, a good writer and speaker." He might have added, with equal justice, that he was a good thinker and debater. He spent some time stud3"ing law, and undoubtedly he intended to be a lawyer. In 1865, he was appointed principal of the "Moravian Institute,'' an advanced school, charmingly situated near Geneva Lake, in the state of New York. At the close of the first term of the second year of his engagement, in 1866, on account of ill health, he resigned his position and returned to his father's house, where, after a confinement to his room, of about two months, he died of pneumonia, aged twentysix years.

No better close to the sketch of this graduate can be made, than his own language, applied to the voung volunteer, which was as follows : " We turn with pleasure on an occasion like this, from the contemplation of mere intellectual qualities, to recall those richer endowments of the heart and affections, so eminently charactei'istic of our deceased classmate. The fonmer may, indeed, be forgotten : but the latter will never perish from our remembrance. Intellectual ability of acknowledged merit we ma}^ recognize in the streets, and in the highways of life ; but the genial companion and true friend is rare indeed. When we consider the talent of our departed brother, we may confess to a feeling of pride - he was our classmate and a man of ability, but when we reflect upon his social virtues, his unselfish disposition, his sympathetic nature and manl\- character, we are dissolved in tears."

H18 History Of Townsend

Randall Spaulding was born near Tovvnsend Harbor, in 1845. Graduated at Yale College, in 1870, with the rank of fourteenth, in a class of one hundred and twenty students. Soon after his graduation, he received the appointment of head master of the high school, at Rockville, Connecticut, where he remained about three years, when, wishing for a broader culture, and desirous of securing the advantages of travel, he resigned his position, in September, 1873, went to Europe, and passed a year in Germany, in finishing his studies. From his boyhood, he has had the profession of teacher in view. He is at present, principal of the high school, at Montclair, New Jersey, fifteen miles from New York City, by the way of Jersey City Ferry, and Morris & Essex Railroad, and one of the most aristocratic suburban settlements. The good people of Montclair, New Jersey, claim that they are in possession of the most elegant private residences, the most ample school buildings, and in the person of Mr. Spaulding, the best teacher in the state. He is now thirty-two years old, well adapted to his calling, enterprising, having self-reliance without egotism, and genuine scholarship without ostentation. He married Florence A. Chapman.

Eliel S. Ball was born at Townsend Centre, in 1848. Graduated at Lawrence Academy, in 1869, and at Dartmouth College, in 1874. This gentleman, since his graduation, has been a teacher at Lawrence Academy. Through both his academic and collegiate course, he was higlily respected as a student and a gentleman. He has that executive abilitv, self-control, and readv command of his learning, which eminently lit him for the profession upon which he has entered. At college, in scholarship, he ranked in the first third of his class. The commencement part assigned him was an English oration, entitled "The conflict of creeds with popular education." In his record, thus far, from his excellent acquirements and his strict conformity to every filial and moral duty, his friends may reasonably expect that pure motives and dignified actions "will ever keep the Ball in motion." He is, at present (1878), the principal of this Lawrence Academy, and is well qualified to fill the chair, once occupied by William M. Richardson, Caleb Butler, Asa F. Lawrence, and others, who ranked high among educators. On the fourth day of August, 1875, ^^t? married Ella F. Sawin, of Townsend.

Wayland Spaulding was born September 26, 1850. Graduated at Williston Seminary, Easthampton, in 1870, and at Yale College, in 1874. ^^^s rank at Yale, in a class of one hundred and eighteen, was the tenth, leaving one hundred and eight students who were not his peers. His class picture indicates a large amount of vital force, a clearness of perception, a skill in the use of languages, and a thorough mental discipline, all of which are indispensable to a good public speaker. Before he had seen his twenty-fourth birthday he was appointed principal of the high school at Rockville, Connecticut, where his brother taught just after his graduation. There are about six hundred scholars in this school. During the three years which have passed since he was at the head of this institution, he has given entire satisfaction to the people of

Six of the seventeen graduates from this town, came from three families : Two brothers from each, Joel and John Giles, Warren and Charles Brooks, and Randall and Wayland Spaulding.

Chapter Xiii

The most prominent traders in Townsend, whose names have not previously appeared in this work, are the following : Charles Osgood, and William P, Taylor, both of whom have recently retired partially from business. at the central village ; Edmund A. Shattuck, at West Townsend ; and Charles Emery, at Townsend Harbor. These gentlemen are all well known to the present generation. Most of them have done a successful business in this town for the last quarter of a century.

From 1830, and onward for about live years, Giles & Jewett (Daniel Giles and Solomon Jewett,) were copartners in trade at the brick store in Townsend Centre. Mr. Jewett died in the prime of lite. He was an enterprising, go-ahead man. On the death of Mr. Jew^ett, Mr. Giles received Samuel Adams as a partner, who remained onlv a short time in trade with him. When Mr. Samuel Adams retired, Daniel Adams associated himself with Mr. Giles, in business, under the name and style of Giles & Adams. About 1847. Mr. Giles disposed of his interest

Samuel Stone was one of the most successful traders in Townsend, known to the writer. He was the son of Lieut. Samuel Stone, born August 17, 1779. After acquiring all the education afforded by the common school, he went into a store in Charlestown, as a clerk, remaining there long enough to learn the routine of business, and forming a mercantile acquaintance so that he had acquired a sum of money, which, added to his credit, he considered sufficient to commence business for himself. He returned to Townsend and opened a store in a small wooden building, which stood on the corner at the south side of the common, near where the post-office now is. His business increased, and he went on accumulating property. On the twenty-first day of March, 1809, he married Lucy Wheeler, of Mason, New Hampshire. Finding the building, in which he commenced business, too small, he bought the real estate where it stood, and erected the present brick store at that location. The ample and tasteful brick dwelling-house, now standing on the opposite corner, was also built by Mr. Stone, for his own home. He was extensively known and patronized in his business, so that, considering the time in which he lived, he acquired a large property. He became a member of the orthodox church about 1816, and contributed liberally to the support of that institution, besides subscribing live hundred dollars towards the erection of the brick church edifice. Being considerably corpulent, trom extra exertion in assisting his workmen in the hav-tield, he became so surfeited and heated that he died, rather suddenh*, on the twenty-ninth dav of August, 1830. Having no children, the question with him was, how to dispose of his property, when he found he was near the end of his earthh" pilgrimage. His will, drawn by Dea. Joel Adams, one of his particular friends, was so peculiar, that a short notice of it in this place, may be acceptable to the reader.

Before the Supreme Judicial Court, in a friendl}' w ay, by an agreement of facts, it appeared, that Samuel Stone, on August 7, 1830, being seized of certain demanded premises, made his will, which was duly proved, September 28, 1830, and in which, after devising certain real and personal property to his wife, he made the following devise : -

"I give and bequeath all the residue of my estate, both real and personal, of whatever name or nature soever, or wherever said property may be found, to the cause of Christ, for the benefit and promotion of true evangelical piety and religion. And I do order and direct my executor hereafter named and appointed, to collect all the above last specified property, as soon as can be done consistently without sacrificing too much by forcing the sale thereof in an improper manner, not however to exceed the term of five years, and pay over the same unto Rev. John Todd, of Groton, Rev. James C. How, of Pepperell, Rev. Phillips Payson, of Leominster, and Rev. Rufus Putnam, of Fitchburg, preserving a reasonable sum to compensate him for his trouble,) placing full confidence in their piety, judgment and integrity, immediately to be by them sacredly appropriated to the cause of religion as above stated, to be distributed in such divisions and to such societies and religious charitable purposes, as they may think fit and proper."

It appeared that the testator appointed Joel Adams, his executor ; that Mr. Adams, having accepted the trust, entered upon the demanded premises, and on November 17, 1831, conveyed them to the demandant: and that the tenant claimed, as one of the five heirs-at-law of the testator.

It further appeared that the property of the testator amounted to about the sum of $21,000; that the personal estate, exclusive of that bequeathed to his wife, amounted to $10,000 ; and that the real estate, which would pass by the residuary clause, was of the value of between $4,000 and $5,000.

John P. Robinson appeared and argued the case for the tenant (John Emery), and George F. Farley for the demandant (Eliab Going). The vagueness and uncertainty, in regard to the manner in which the donation was to be disposed of, was urged by the counsel opposed to the will. He argued that, 'TIpon the death of the testator, the real estate descended to the heirs ; for it is not given to the executor, nor to Messrs. Todd and others, either for their own use, or in trust, but 'to the cause of Christ.'" And again, "The absence of a court of chancery in this Commonwealth, to compel the execution of trusts for such vague and indefinite purposes, is a reason why such donations as have been held valid by the court of chancery in England, should not be held valid here."

"In all tlie cases of charitable uses, or nearly all, the persons ultimately to be benefitted by the donation are micertain. The heathen of foreign lands, in case of Bartlett z'5. King, were the ultimate objects of the donor's bounty; but of what foreign country, when, how, and to what amount, with all the particular details, were left uncertain, in all other respects than this, that the testator reposed confidence in the trustees, a confidence earned by their known character for fidelity and judgment, that they would appropriate the money in such manner as to accomplish his intention. This was held sufficient to obviate the objection of vagueness and uncertaintv-

"We are of opinion that the present case falls within the same principle : the donees are particularly designated, the trust is clear, the general objects sufficiently indicated to bind the consciences of the trustees, and to render them liable in equity to account for the execution of this trust, by a suit to be instituted in the name of the attorneygeneral, representing the public ; and that these objects are sufficiently certain and definite to be carried into effect, according to the established principles of law and equity, governing donations to charitable uses.

The property of this testator was disbursed, in part, by these four ministers, as follows : To different missionary objects, $5,000; Gilmanton Academy, $i,ooo; Marietta College, $i.ooo; Wabash College, $i,ioo; East Windsor Theological Seminary, $2,000; Amherst College, $1,000. There were several other gifts, in small sums, to different churches and societies. No further record or account of the manner in which the balance of the property was expended is to be found. The executor put the money derived from the sale of the property into the hands of these men. No executor's account is to be found at the Probate Office, and the information in regard to the manner in which the property was distributed is

Ralph Warren, son of Aaron Warren, Esq., was born in 1800, at West Tovvnsend, in a cottage house which stood where the present family residence is located. Being an only son, his boyhood was guided by a kind and generous father, yet a strict disciplinarian, and a good mother, with puritanical religious principles. He acquired his education at the common school, together with the advantage of a limited attendance at Lawrence Academv. Leaving school he took the position of clerk in his father's store, discharging its duties with so much care and ability, that the details of the business were left principally to his supervision, while his father was away on business or at the consecutive sessions of the General Court. In May. 1823, he married Betsey Sherwin, an amiable woman, who will lony; be remembered with tender recfard bv all who knew her. About that time he moved to Boston, and went into business, where he remained about two years, when he returned to West Townsend, and associated himself in business with his lather, in the firm of Aaron Warren & Son. This firm continued several vears in business. On the retirement of his father, he formed a copartnership with Daniel Bolls, his brother-in-law, but this firm was soon dissolved ; and he continued the business without any partner for se\'eral vears.

About the time he was most successful in trade, the traffic in spirituous liquors was the most profitable part of the business of a country store-keeper. The sale of liquors was as common then as the sale of tlour at the present time. When the Washingtonian temperance movement appeared he abandoned the sale of ardent spirits, and solicited other traders to follow his example, braving the obloquy of public opinion. He interested himself in the improvements going forward in his native village, was one of the patrons of the building of the Baptist meeting-house, and Female Seminary, was a trustee and treasurer of the seminary tor a number of years. He solicited subscriptions to the stock of the Peterborough & Shirley Railroad ; and was deeply interested in the success of that enterprise. About thirty years previous to his death, he gave up business in Townsend and went into trade in Boston, keeping his residence in Townsend ; and for twenty years his dail}^ presence on the morning and evening trains of cars was remarked. He was a man "diligent in business," kind-hearted, temperate, and generous, besides being strongly attached to his family, in the presence of which, he passed his happiest hours. He gave liberally towards the support of the baptist denomination and was a constant attendant on its services ; and, although he never united with the church, his current conversation and blameless life comported with the teachings of the Great Master. He died in 1873, leaving one daughter and four sons.