Wakefield Town

Wakefield Town

process of construction a freshet occurred in the river by which the trestle-work and a part of one span of the bridge were carried away. Fifteen or twenty men were precipitated into the river, yet all were saved. This bridge is not only of great convenience, but also adds much to the scenic beauty of the village.

T/ie Centennial Record, pp. ^I, containing many particulars in respect to the town, was published by the Young People's League in 1876. The town officers for this year were Luther Butterfield, Cyrus Butterfiekl, and Oliver Felker, selectmen j Howard Coburn, town-clerk ; and John G. Upton, town-treasurer.

Tyngsborough is the birthplace of John S. Sleeper, Esq., editor of the Boston Journal from 1834 to 185-i. He was born here September 21, 1794. He was mayor of Roxbury from 1856 to 1858, and author of Tales of the Ocean, 1843 ; Salt IFater BiilMes, 1854; Jack in the Forecastle, 1860; and Mark Rowland, 1867. He was a graceful and effective writer.

By Chester

TITS town is old, though its inline is new. Its history, as the abode of white men, runs back to 1639, when, under a special grant of land from the General Court to the town of Lynn of " four miles square," it was settled by families coin- \\\'S mostly from Lynn, and I'lok the name of Lynn Village. This grant included the territory substantially within the limits of tiie present towns of AYaketiekl and Reading. Tlie first settlement was made in what is now Wakefield, and in 1644, seven houses having been erected, seven families located, and a humble church edifice built, the village was made a town corporate, with the name of Reading. In 1651 a second grant of territory was made to the township of two miles square, including substantially what is now North Reading. In 1713 the inhabitants of the last-named territory, " having become of sufficient and competent numbers to call, settle, and maintain a Godly, learned, orthodox minister," were incorporated as a distinct parish by the name of tlie North Precinct of Reading, the remaining portion of the town being known as the First Parish. Li 1769 the northwesterly part of the First Parish, the part then called Woodend, was incorporated by the name of the West Parish of Reading, forming the nucleus of the present town of I

Reading. In ISH the old town was divided, and the First or South Parish, then commonly known as the Old Parish, including the present territory of Wakefield, was incorporated as a new town under the name of South Reading.

The causes that niduced the First Parish, the oldest and largest settlement, thus to separate from her younger sisters, to forego in part the prestige and charm of its time-honored name, and to surrender its ancient and valued archives and records, and other manuscript property, were principally political ones. The town of Reading, in 1812, consisted of three well-defined parishes, namely, tlie Old Parish, now Wakefield; the North Parish, called the Precinct, now North Reading ; and the West Parish, or Woodend, now Reading. The Old Parish was then almost unanimously of the Democratic-Republican party, supporters of President Madison and his administration, then in power, and in favor of fighting old England for her insults to our seamen and our ilag; while the otJier two parishes, with a similar unanimity, were of the Federal party, unfavorable to Madison's administration, and violently opposed to a war with England. The South Parish was the largest of the three in population and voters, but not equal to the two others. Political feeling rose to a high pitch, and parties were very bitter towards each other. As a consequence, the citizens of the South Parish were excluded from town offices, and were without influence in municipal affairs. Such a state of things had not the elements of permanence, and, taking advantage of an opportunity when tlie Republicans were in power in the General Court, the 01(1 Parish obtained a charter for a distinct town, and South Reading was born. The new town began witii liJo dwelling-houses, a population of 800, and a valuation of $100,000. Witli an ardent spirit of patriotism it contributed liberally in men and property to sustain tlie ensuing war with Great Britain, and greatly rejoiced at its triumphant conclusion.

The town entered at once upon a career of prosperous development, tiiough not rapid growth, until in ISi-i it had nearly doubled the number of its inhabitants and the value of its property. Dr. John Hart, a skilful physician and wealthy citizen, was a leading man of the town during all the lastnamed period.

At tliis time occurred a notable episode. On the 39th of May, 1844, the people of the three villages included within the limits of ancient Reading, forgetting all rivalries and animosities, united in a glad and grand celebration of tlie bi-centennial anniversary of the incorporation of the old town. The exercises were held in the village of tlie West Parish, and included a brilliant military and civic display, w^ith an excellent and powerful address by Rev. Dr. James Flint, a gifted son of the North Parish ; an appropriate poem by Hon. Lilley Eaton, of the South Parisii, replete with sparkling iiumor, felicitous allusion, and historical reminiscence; and concluding witii a bountiful banquet in a spacious pavilion erected for the purpose. It was a day long to be remembered for its cloudless beauty, the glowing and universal enthusiasm of the people, and tiie complete success of tlie celebration.

In this same year took place an important event in its results on the future material prosperity of the town, - tlie chartering and construction of the Boston and .Vlaine Railroad extension fromAVilmington to Boston, and tiirougli the pleasant domain of Soutii Reading. Tlie railroad brought a large addition of business, wealtii, and good citizens to the town, wliich at this point took a new departure in growtli, enterprise, and business development. The boot and siioc industry, for which the town had long been noted, received a new impetus and expansion, the old and reputable establishment of Tiiomas Emerson and Sons taking tlie lead in tlie business, a position it still easily maintains. Its senior member, Hon. Thomas Emersmi, closni his long and honorable life in 187-"3.

The Boston and Maine Foundry, built in 1854, soon achieved a high reputation for the excellence of its stoves and ranges, and has given to the town a large body of substantial and intelligent citizens. The Rattan AVorks, established in 1856 by the late Cyrus Wakefield, in a few years became, and still continue, the leading industry of the town.

In 1861 the cloud of rebellion burst in war and blood upon a happy land, and Soutli Reading was not cold or backward in proving her patriotism in the trying crisis, but pressed to the front of the loyal North, as her regiments and battalions rallied to the defence of country and our insulted flag.

The Richardson Light Guard, the town's own gallant corps, under Captain John W. Locke, with full ranks and high enthusiasm, amid " tumult of acclaim," left town for the scat of war, April 19, 1861, and were enlisted into the United States service for three months as Company B, 5th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, and performed valuable service in guarding and protecting the national capital. This corps fought bravely in the first battle of Hull Run, in which some of their number were wounded and three taken prisoners.

As the larger scope of the terrible conflict became rapidly foreshadowed, another company, recruited in South Reading, under Captain John Wiley, 2d, was enlisted for three years as Company E, 16th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, and left forthe'^seat of war, August 17, 1861. This company served in the army of the Potomac, and sustained a high character for courage and heroic endurance, and is entitled to lasting gratitude and iionor. As, during the progress of the struggle, call after call issued from the President for more men, the town nobly and promptly responded, and well sustained her ]iart in \\w time of the nation's exigency, and it points with glowing pride to the record of five hundred and live men sent into tlie military and naval service of the Republic, of whom more than sixty have given up their lives in the sacred cause. The Horace M. Warren Post No. \-l, Grand Army of the Republic, and the Memorial Hall, in the beantifnl town-house, commemorate (be heroic saeriliecs of the living and the dead.

The years sneeeediiig tlu' el,,se of the AVar of the Rebellion was a period of uiicxamiilnl prnspcrity, and the growth of the town was \ir\ rapid. All its industries grew and flourislu'd, pe'ople flocked to the town, real estate greatly advanced in price, graceful dwellings and business structures rose on

In 1863 occurred a notable change. The inhabitants had long felt the desire for a name more simple and euphonious, an identity more clear and distinctive. At this time the late Cyrus Wakefield, a liberal citizen of the town, descended from one of its older families, came forward and unconditionally offered the town the princely gift of a new and costly town-hall. The cpialified voters, in town-meeting assembled, in accepting this generous and opportune donation, resolved that the time had come to cliange the name of the town, and voted, witii unanimity and acclamation, in so doing to honor the name of tiieir friend and benefactor. The authority of the General Court was invoked, and by its aid the town exchanged its long-endeared name of South Eeading, on the 1st of July, 1S6S, for the new and significant name of Wakefield. Tiie inaugural exercises appropriate to tiie assumption of its new name were held on tiie 4th of July, 1868. The day was an occasion of double celebration. Bells rang in the day ; cannon awoke patriotic echoes ; fluttering flags, wreathed mottoes, and decorated arciies apj)ealed to the eye and memory; band concerts tempered and refined enthusiasm witli the rhythm and melody of music; a long procession gave nearly every one active participation in the celebration ; an historical address eloquently blended the stirring memories of the jiast and present ; a sparkling poem added the blossoms and fragrance of wit and fancy to the occasion : -

" Thrice blest this day, whose breath of balm Refreshing blows, and free : No slave-step 'neath tlie Soutlieru palm. No slave-ship on the sea ; -

The grand celebration dinner, in tlie mammoth tent upon the Common, made brilliant by the flash of wit and sentiment, was a notable feature of the occasion. The excessive heat which prevailed was the only drawback to the full enjoyment of tiie festivities of the day. Races upon the lake aftbrded much pleasure, and the day was closed amid the roar of artillery and the explosion of fireworks.

This town has always been conspicuous for its patriotism and military spirit, as its record in the French and Indian wars, in the struggles witii mother England, and in the recent civil war amply attest. Its first military corps, the Eeading Infantry Company, was organized in 1644, under Captain Riciiard Walker, and was cherisiied and sustained until 1840. The Wasliington Eifle Greens was organized in 1812, became tiie renowned company of the vicinity, and was disbanded about 1850. The Eichardson Light Guard, so named in honor of the late Dr. Solon 0. Eichardson, a generous friend of the company, and a public-spirited and liberal citizen, was organized in 1851. This company was thrice called into the service of the United States during the recent Eebellion, and acquitted itself with honor. It is still flourishing as Co. A, 6th Eegiment Massachusetts Volunteer Militia.

The town has always had regard for spiritual privileges and the worship of God. It now contains five handsome church edifices, with active and flourishing memberships and societies.

The Congregational Church was organized in 1644, and was the twenty-fourth founded in tlie Massachusetts colony, and for many years tiie only church W'ithiu a circuit of six miles. As tiie wilderness and solitary places became slowly settled by the sturdy pioneers of the Anglo-Saxon race, this centra] churcii became the mother of vigorous daughters. In 1720 she sent forth colonies at Lynnfield and North Eeading, in 1729 she helped form the cliurch at Stoneiiam, in 1733 the church in Wilmington, and in 1770 she parted with some of her best blood in the establishment of what is now the Old South Church in Reading. Tiiis old clnirch of Wakefield has always been a strong tower for the rigiit, and is still large and influential.

The Baptist Society was formed in 1797, and in 1804 the church was organized, with sixty-five members. It has beeu a great and growing power for good in this eomnuuiily, and a large congregation now w()rshi[) in their new and beautiful sanctuary.

The Roman Catholic Cluireh (St. Josejih's) was organized in 1S5G, and is the largest in the town. Its first house of worship proving too small to accommodate the large and increasing congregation, a new ehurcli of ample dimensions was erected in 1871. Its clergymen have not until recent years resided witliin the town. Tiie present ofiiciating priest is Rev. Michael F. Flalley.

The j\[elhodist Episcopal Cluireh \\as gathered in 1865, and by its zealous communion is doing a good work in the town. Its present tasicfnl and convenient church edifice was erected in 1^71.

Its pastors have been as follows : Rev. Thomas C. Potter, Rev. Andrew Gray, Rev. Daniel Atkins, Rev. Mcdville B. Chapman, Rev. Convers L. Mc- Cnvdy, Rev. John Peterson, Rev. I'lnory A. Howard, Rev. Gilbert C. Osgood.

The Second Advent Society was formed in ISii, and built a modest tabernacle on Lafayette Street. It has a( present )io house of worship or settled

The Emmanuel (Episcopal) Church was organized in 1871. Services according to the usages of the Protestant Episcopal Church had been occasionally held in the town during a period of about twenty-five years. Eev. Samuel R. Slack officiated as the first rector ; since his resignation in 1873 services have been conducted principally by Eev. George Walker, of Peabody. This, society worship in a convenient hall in AVakefield's Block.

A Union Society, in the village of Greenwood, was formed in 1873, and is gradually accumulating a fund towards building a chapel. Its pastor is E«v. Austin S. Garver, a Congregational clergyman, and its place of worship is in Lyceum Hall.

The nucleus of another religious society was formed in 1873, in the village of Montrose, by the organization of a mission Sabbath-scliool undCr the ausjjices of the Young Men's Christian Association of Wakefield. Its sessions are held in the Montrose School-house.

The cause of education has not been neglected in Wakefield. In its early years the school-house was planted beside the meeting-house, and from these two sources of New England civilization have continued to flow rich and pure streams, refreshing many generations.

Common schools have furnished about the only means of education in this town. The South Reading Academy was incorporated in 18^9, and exercised an important and useful influence on the youth of the town, and prepared the way for the public higli school, which was established in 1845, when the town contained only about three hundred families. It has now become one of the cliiefcst glories of the town. It has for many years had a complete and well-defined course of study. The first diplomas were issued to graduates in 1863, the late Cyrus Wakefield having, with his accustomed munificence, presented to the town the elegant and costly engravings. At a later period of his life he contemplated the gift of a new and improved diploma. Prevented by his sudden death from realizing this design, his widow, Mrs. Eliza A. Wakefield, sought to execute the purpose. Her greatly lamented decease in 1877 left the kindly intent still unfulfilled, but it was, in 187S, carried into full efi'ect by the heirs of Mr. Wakefield.

The Franklin Library was established in 1831, and the Prescott Library about 1845, and were very useful in their day. In 185G was established the Public Library of South Reading, now known as tiie Beebe Town Library of Wakefield, in honor of Lucius Beebe, Esq., its generous and constant friend, and, with its si.\ty-five hundred well-chosen volumes, is a radiating centre of good and precious mfluences. The number of accounts on which books are charged is si.\ hundred and eighty-two, and the annual deliveries of books amount to thirty thousand. A new alphabetical and classified catalogue of the library has just been printed.

The first regular weekly newspaper of the town was T/ie South Beading Gazette, established by William H. Hutchinson in 1858, though for years previously a South Reading Department had been contained in The Middlesex Jonnial, printed in Woburn.

In 1868 A. Augustus Foster commenced the publication of The Wahefeld Banner, a weekly sheet and welcome visitor in the family circle, which was, September 1, 1872, merged in The Citizen, a newly established journal issued by the Citizen Newspaper Company, and which soon attained a high character and extended influence. A few months later, a new and struggling sheet, called The Wakefield Advocate, appropriated the old name of Wakefield Banner, and sought to divide the public patronage.

These rival newspapers were united, January 1, 1874, under the name of Wakefield Citizen and Banner. This consolidated paper is now the only one of the town, and under the enterprising management of William H. Tworably, editor and proprietor, has become one of the necessaries of municipal life.

A free lecture association was organized about six years ago, and, supported by the liberality of citizens, is still in operation. The association provides an aimual course of lectures, generally of a popular scientific character, free, or nearly so, to all inhabitants of the town.

By invitation of many prominent gentlemen, snppleniented hy vote of the town, Hon. Lilley Eaton, a vahied citizen, long identified with tlie progressive institutions and best prosperity of the town, was intrusted with this congenial service, " to enrich the Present from the gleanings of the Past." The labor grew upon his hands as his design for the book enlarged to embrace in its scope the whole territory and people of ancient Beading. His sadden death, in January, 187^, left the work nearly but not fully completed. A committee, of which John S. Eaton, Esq., was the efficient chairman, acting under authority of the town, carried forward the work to its proper end, and in 1874 was printed, at the town's expense, the Gcnealorfical History/ of the Town of Reading, Mass., indadhig the present Towns of Wakefield, Reading, and North Reading, with Chronological and Historical Sketches from IGJO to IS?^.. This volume is octavo in size, containing 815 pages, embellished with fifty portraits and engravings.

The Wakefield Band has become a valued institution of this comninnity, and worthily sustains, on public occasions, the innsical reputation of the town in stirring and harmonious strains.

The earliest graveyard was located in that portion of the new Park Avhere lately stood the old town-house and the house of Yale Engine Company.

Here for more than fifty years the first and second generations of settlers buried their dead. The present generation can easily recall the appearance of the antique monuments and tablets that marked the graves of the good and true fathers and mothers of the town; but now, alas, no trace remains to greet the fondly seeking antiquarian eye. Tiic ruthless hand of progress has levelled the hallowed site. "Not even these bones fi-oin insult to pnitffi,

Vet ii kindly solicitude and vigilniirc has preserved in private archives most of thi' inscriptions upon these ancient stones. Following is fine of them : -

In 1688 the town erected its second house of worship, and located it a few rods northwest of the present Congregational Church in Wakefield ; and around this second church, soon after its erection, in accordance with an ancient custom that has made churchyards and graveyards synonymous terms, the later inhabitants began to inter their dead; and thus commenced their second burialyard, in recent years known as the " old burialground." For more than one hundred and sixty 3'ears it was the chief ])lace of sepulture for the town. Here rest the ashes of the greater portion of its former inhabitants. Consequently it possesses a most lively though mournful interest, as the place where many a noble and revered friend, many a loved and beautiful form, has been covered from sight but not from memory.

"In this Sepulchre is reposited the mortal part of the Rev. Mr. William Hobby, A. ]\I., late Pastor (the sixth in the order of succession) of the first church in the town of Reading, - learned, vigilant, and faithful ; he was a preacher of the word of God, deservedly commended for his pure evangelical doctrine, replenished with erudition and piety, together witb solid judgment and eloquence; being at lengtli worn out witli studies and labors, and most acute pains of long continuance, calmly resigning to the will of his Almighty Father, and earnestly aspiring after the Heavenly Habitation and Rest, he breathed out liis soul into the hands of his Savior, June IS, Anno Christi 17()5, ^tat. 58 years. He left, to profit liis bereaved flock, a written monument of sage advice, in which, though dead, he speaks, in solemn strains."

In course of time the old burial-ground became so fully occupied that the selection of eligible spots for single interments was difficult, and for family lots impossible; and, in consequence, there was organized in 1846 a private corporation under the name of Proprietors of Lakeside Ccnu'tery, which ])urchased a tract of seven acres of land on the westerly borders of Lake Quannapowitt, and laid out the same in avenues, paths, arb(n-s, bowers, and four hundred burial lots. On the lytli of October, 1816, the new Lakeside Cemetery Avas inibliely and solemnly consecrated by appropriate services on the romantic grounds selected, including addresses, prayers, and original hymns. 1'iie following is one of the hymns sung on the occasion : -

The cemetery has since been greatly enlarged and beautified, and is mournfully attractive by the quiet loveliness of its natural scenery, by its marble shrines and graceful memorials.

The Jewish Cemetery, a smaller enclosure, also on the margin of the beautiful lake, and very near Lakeside Cemetery, is numerously occupied w-ith graves and sepulchres, and is in general use by the Israelites of Boston.

Wakefield is signally rich in traces of the aborigines of America. They evidently found their favorite camping-grounds in this pleasant region, and large and valuable collections have been made of arrow-heads, lance-heads, pestles, knives, hatchets, bone implements, remnants of pottery, etc., the reward of patient and careful search on this prehistoric ground.

The public buildings of Wakefield are deserving of notice. The town-hall is an elegant and imposing structure of brick, and Wakefield's Block and Beal's Block, in near proximity , are metropolitan in size and style and finish. The Baptist Church and high-school building are elegant and graceful specimens of exterior architecture.

There are many private residences in the town worthy of special mention, but the costly and elegant mansion-house on the westerly side of Main Street, erected by the late Mr. Wakefield, stands pre-eminent. This beautiful homestead is now owned and occupied, in fitting sequence, by Cyrus Wakefield, Esq., a nephew of the late proprietor, and a gentleman of higii character and liberal instincts.

The location of AVakefield is of exceptional beauty. From her hills scenery of rare loveliness delights the artistic eye. This spacious Common, with its stately waving elms, and the recent addition of the new Park sweeping gracefully down to the soutliern shores of Lake Quannapowitt, are attractive features in a pleasing landscape. Lake Quannapowitt, with an area of two hundred and sixty-four acres, just north of the central village, and Crystal Lake, with a surface of forty-eight acres on the south, add much to the charms of nature's face, and furnish the convenient means of an ample and healthful supply of pure water for domestic and other purposes. The water of Crystal LaTce is of un

Source changes here: from History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, by Drake, Samuel Adams, published 1880; 4,018 words in this source stream.

Wakefield Town

HIS town is old, though its name is new. Its liistory, as tlie ;ibode of white men, runs bnck to 1639, when, under a sjiccial gmtit of land from the General Court to the town of Lynn of " four miles s([uare," it was settled by families coming mostly from Lynn, and took the nam^ of Lynn Village. This grant included the territory substantially witliin the limits of the present towns of Wakefield and Reading. The first settlement was made in what is now Wakefield, ftiid in 1644, seven houses having been erected, iieven families located, and a humble cliurch edifice built, the village was made a town corporate, with the name of Reading. In 1651 a second grant of territory was made to the township of two miles sr]Uare, including substantially what is now North Rciding. Li 1713 the inliabitants of the last-named territory, " having become of suflieient and competent numbers to call, settle, and maintain a Godly, learned, orthodox minister," were incorporated as a distinct [tarish by the name of the Nortli Precinct of Beading, the remaining portion of the town being known as the First Parish. In 1769 the nurthwesterly part of the First Parish, llie part then called Woodend, was incorpora^d bv the name of the West Parish of Reading, fonqing the iiuclens of the present town of

Beading. In 1812 the old town was divided, aod the First or South Parish, then commonly known as the Old Parish, including the present territory of Wakefield, was incorporated as a new town under the name of South Reading.

The causes that induced the First Parish, the oldest and largest settlement, tlios to separate from her younger sisters, to forego in part the prestige and charm of its time-hunured name, and to Surrender its ancient and valued archives and records, and other manuscript property, were principally political ones, Tlie town of Reading, in 1812, consisted of three wdl-defined jwrishes, namely, the Old Parish, now Wakefield; the North Vuish, called the Precinct, now North Beading; and the West Parish, or Woodend, now Reading. Ttit Old Parisli was then almost unanimously of the Democratic-Republican party, supporters of President Madison and his administration, then la power, and in fa^or of fighting old England for lier insults to our seamen and our flag; while the other two parishes, with a similar unanimity, w«e of the Federal prly, unfavonible to iI.idison's administration, and violently opjMsed to a yrn vith England. The &mth Parish -n as the largest of the three iu popidatiun and voters, but not equal to the two others. Political feeling rose to a high pilch, and parties were very bitter towards each other. As a consequence, the citizens of the Sooth Parish were excluded from town offices, and were without influence in mnnicipal aflaira. Such a state of things had not the elements of permanence^ andy taking advantage of an opportunity when the Bepablicans were in po\ver in the General Court, the Old Parish obtained a cliartcr for a distinct town, and South Beading was bom. The new town began with 123 dwelling-liouses, a population of 800, and a valuation of $100,000. With an ardent spirit of patriotism it contributed liber- -Ilj in men and property to sustain the ensuing war with Great Britain, and greatly rejoiced at its triumphant conclusion.

The tbwu entered at once upon a career of prosperous development, though not rapid growtli, until in 1844 it had nearly doubled the number of its inhabitants and the value of its property. Dr. John Hart, a skilful physician and wealthy citizen, was a leading ipan of the town during all the lastnamed period. '

. \At this time occurred a notable episode. On the 29th of >Iay, 1844, the people of the three villages included within the limits of ancient Beading, forgetting all rivalries and animosities, united in a glad and grand celebration of the bi-centennial anniversary of the incorporation of the old town. The exercises were held in the villatre of the West Fkrish, and included a brilliant military and civic display, .with an excellent and powerful address by Bev. Dr. James Flint, a gifted son of the North Pirish; an appropriate poem by Hon. Lilley Eaton, pf the Sputh Parish, replete with sparkling humor, felicitous allusion, and historical reminiscence; and concluding with a bountiful banquet in a spacious pavilion erected for the purpose. It was a day long to be remembered for its cloudless beauty, the glowing and universal enthusiasm of the people, and the complete success of the celebration.

Li this same year took place an important event in its results on the future material, prosperity of the towit, "* - the chartering and construction of the Boston and Maine Bailroad extension from Wilmington to Boston, and through the pleasant domain of South Beading. The railroad brought a large addition of business, wealth, and good citizens to the town, which at this point took a new departure in growth, enterprise, and business development. The boot and shoe industry, for which the to^^n had long been noted, received a new impetus and * expansion, the old and reputable establishment of Tliomas Emerson and Sons taking the lead in the business, a position it still easily maintains. Its senior member, Hon. Thomas Emerson, closed his long and honorable life in 1873.

I Tlie Boston and Maine Fouiidry, built in 1854, I soon achieved a high reputation for the excellence: of its stoves and ranges, and has given to the town a large body of substantial and intelligent citizens. Tlie Battan Works, established in 1S56 by the Ute Cyrus Wakefield, in a few years became, ^nd still continue, the leading industry of the town.

In 1861 the cloud of rebellion burst in war and blood upon a hpppy knd, and South Beading ww not cold or backward in proving her patriotism in the trying crisis, but pressed to the front of the loyiil North, as her regiments and battalions rallied to the defence of country and our insulted flag.

The Bichardson Light Guard, the town's own gallant corps, under Captain John W. Locke, with full ranks and high enthusiasm, amid " tumult of acclaim/' left town for the seat of war, April 19, 1861, and were enlisted into the United States service for three months as Company B, Stli.Begimeiit Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, and performed valuable service in guarding and protecting the national capital. Tliis corps fought bravely in the first battle of Bull Bun, in which some of tlieir number were wounded and three taken prisoners.

As the larger scope of the terrible conflict became rapidly foresliadowed, another company, recruited in South Beading, under Captain John Wiley, 2d, was enlisted for three years as Company E, 16th Begiment Massachusetts Volunteers, and left for the s^t of war, August 17, 1861. Tliis company served in the army of the Potonmc, and sustained a high character for courage and heroic endurance, and is entitled to lasting gratitude and honor. As, during the progress of the struggle, call after call issued from the President for more men, the town nobly and promptly responded, and well sustained her part in the time of the nation's exigency, and it points with glowing pride to the record of five hundred and five men sent into the military and naval service of the Bepublic, of whom more than sixty have given up their lives in the sacred cause. The Horace M. Warren Post No. 12, Grand Army of the Bepujblic, and the Memorial Hall, in the beautiful town-house, commemorate the heroic sacrifices of the living and the dead.

The years succeeding the close of the War of the Bebellion was a period of unexampled prosperity, and the growth of the town was very rapid. All its industries grew and flourished, people flocked to the town, real estate greatly advanced in price, graceful dwellings and business structures rose on

In 1868 occurred a notable cliauge. The inliabitants had long felt the desire for a name mord simple and euphonious, an identity more clear and distinctive. At this time the late Cyrus Wakefield, a liberal citizen of the town, descended from one of its older families, came forward and unconditionally ofiered the town the'princely gift of a new and costly town-hall. The qualified voters, in town-meeting assembled, in accepting this generous and opportune donation, resolved that the time had come to change the name of the town, and voted, with unanimity and acclamation, in' so doing to honor the name of their friend and beneiactor. The authority of the General Court was invoked, and by its aid the town exchanged its long-endeared name of South Reading, on the 1st of July, 1868,' for the new and significant name of Wakefield. The inaugural exercises appropriate to the assumption of its new name were held on the 4th of July, 1868. The day \c^% an occasion of double celebration. Bells rang in the day ; cdnnon awoke patriotic echoes ; fluttering flags, wreathed mottoes, and decorated arches ai)pealed to the eye and memory ; baud concerts temi)ered and refined enthusiasm with the rhythm and melody of music; a long procession gave nearly every one active partici]xu tion in the celebration ; an historical address eloquently blended the stirring memories of the past and present ; a s])arkliiig poem added the blossoms and fragrance of wit and fancy to the occasion : -

" Tbrice blest tbis day, whose breath of balm Kefresbing blows, and free : No sbivc-step 'neatb tbe Soutbem palm. No sbve-sbip on tbe sea ; -

The grand celebration dinner, in the mammoth tent upon the Common, made brilliant by the flash of wit and sentiment, was a notable! feature of the occasion. The excessive heat which prevailed was the only drawback to the full enjoyment of the festivities of the day. Soces upon the lake aflbrded much pleasure, and the day was closed amid the roar of artillery and the explosion of fireworks.

This town has always been conspicuous for its patriotism and military spirit, as its record in the French and Indian wars, in the struggles with motlier England, and in the recent civil war amply attest. Its first military corps, the Beading Infantry Company, was organized in 1644, under Captain Richard Walker, and was cherished and sustained until 1840. Tlie Washington Bifle Greens was organized in 1812, became the renowned cotnpany of the vicinity, and was disbanded, about 1850. The Bichardson Light Guard, so named in honor of the late Dr. Solon O. Bichardson, a generous friend of the company, and a public-spirited and liberal citizen., was organized in 1851. Tliis comjiany wa$ thrice called into the service of the United States during the recent Bebellion, and acquitted itself with honor. It is still flourishing as Co. A> 6th Begiment ^lassachusetts Volunteer Militia.

The town has always had regard for spiritoal privileges and the worship of God. It now contains five handsome church edifices, with active and flourishing memberships and societies.

Tlie Congregational Church was organized in 1644, and was the twenty-fourth founded in the Massachusetts colony, and for many years the only church within a circuit of six miles. As the wilderness and solitary places became slowly settled by the sturdy pioneers of the Anglo-Saxon racej this central church became the mother of vigorous daughters. In 17£0 she sent forth colonies at Lynnfield and North Beading, in 1720 she helped form the church at Stoneham, in 1733 the church in Wilmington, and in 1770 she parted iiith some of her best blood in the establishment of what is now the Old South ChuTch iiLBeadinf. t^is old church of Walcefleld has. always been a strong}' tOTer for the right, and 'is still Uige- and influmtial.

The Baptist Society was formed iu 1797, and in 1804 the church was on^nized, mth sixty-five members. It has been a great and growing potrer for good in this community, and a .large congregation now worship in their new and beautiful aanctuAry.

llie succession of pastors has been as follows : Bev. Ebeueser Nelson, Bev. Gustavus P. Davis, Bev. Joseph A. fVarne, Bev. James Huckins, Bev. Isaac Sawyer, Bev. Cliarles ^filler, Bev. Lackin B. Cole, Bev. Charles Evans, Bev. Paul 8. Adams, Ber. Daniel W. Phillips, Rev. George Bulleii, Bev. James W. Willmarth, Bev. Bicliard M. Nott, B<;v. Charles Kcyser, D.D., Bev. Budolpli B. Biddell.

Tlie Bomaii Catholic Church (St. Jose])h's) was organized in 1S56, and is the lar^st in the town. Its first house of worship proving too small to accommodate the lat^ and increasing coiigr^- tiou, a new church of ample dimensions was erected in 1871. Its clergymen have not until recent years resided within the town. Tlie present officiating priest is Bev. Jliclmel P. Flatley.

The Methodist Episcopal Church was gathered iu 1865, and by its zealous communion is doing a good work in the town. Its present tasteful and convenient cliurcli edifice was erected in 1S74.

Its pastors have been as follows : llcv. Thomas C. Potter^ Bev. Andrew Gray, Bev, Daniel Atkins, Bev. &lclnlle B. Chapman, Bev. Convera L. Uc- Curdy, Bev. John Peterson, Bev. Emory A. Howard, Bev. Gilbert C. Osgood.

Tlie Second Advent Society was formed in 1844, and bnilt a modest tabernacle on La&yette Street. It luu at present no bouse of worship or wttled

The Emmanuel (Episcopal) Church was organized in 1871. Services according to the usages of the Protestant Episcopal Church had been occasionally held in the town during a period of about twenty-five years. Bev. Samuel B. Slack officiated as the first rector; since his resignation in 1873 services have been conducted principally by Rev. George Walker, of Peabody. Tliis society worship in a convenient hall in Wakefield's Block.

A Union Society, in the village of Greenwood, was formed in 1873, and is gradually accumulating a fund towards building a chapel. Its pastor is Bev. Austin S. Garver, a Congregational clergyman, and its place of worship is in Lyceum Hall.

The nucleus of another religious society was formed in 1873, in the village of Montrose, by the oi^nization of a mission Sabbatli-school under the auspices of the Young Men's Christian Association of Wakefield. Its sessions are held in the Montrose School-house.

The cause of education has not been neglected in Wakefield. In its early years the scliool-house was planted beside the meeting-house, and from these two sources of New England civilization have continued to flow rich and pure streams, refreshing many generations.

Common schools liave furnished about the only means of education in this town. The South Beading Academy was incorporated in 1829, and exercised an important and useful influence on the youth of the town, and prepared tlie way for the public higli school, which was established in 1845, when the town contained only about three hundred families. It has now become one of the chiefest glories of the town. It lias for many years liad a complete and well-defined course of study. The first diplomas were issued to graduates in 1863, the late Cyrus Wakefield having, with his accustomed munificence, presented to the town the elegant and costly . engravings. At a later i)eriod of his life lie contemplated the gift of a new and improved diploma. Prevented by his sudden death from realizing tiiis design, his widow, Mrs. Eliza A. Wakefield, sought to execute the purpose. Her greatly lamented <lecease in 1877 left the kindly intent still unfulfilled, but it was, in 187S, carried into full eflect by the heirs of Mr. Wakefield.

The Franklin Library was established in 1831, and the Prescott Library about 1845, and were very useful in their day. In 1856 was established the Public Library of South Beading, now known as the Beebe Town Library of Wakefield, in honor of Lucius Beebe, Esq., its generous and constant friend, and, with its sixty-five hundred well-chosen volumes, is a radiating centre of good and precioos influences. The number of accounts on which books are cliarged is six hundred and eighty-two, and the annual deliveries of books amount to thirty thousand. A new alphabetical and classified cats* logue of the library has just been printed.

The first regular weekly newspaper of the town was The South Beading Gazetie, established by William H. Hutchinson in 1858, though for years previously a South RearHng Department had been contained in The MifhUesex Journal, printed in Wobum.

In 1868 A. Augustus Foster commenced the publication of The IFakefeld Banner, a weekly sheet and welcome visitor in the family circlCj which was, September 1, 1872, merged in The Citizen, a newly established journal issued by tlie Citizen Newspaper Company, and which soon attained a high character and extended influence. A few months later, a new and struggling sheet, called The IFakefield Advocate, appropriated the old name of Wakefield Banner, and sought to divide the public ])atronage.

These rival newspapers were united, January 1, 1874, under the name of Wakefield Citizen and Banner, This consolidated paper is now the only one of the town, and under the enterprising management of William H. Twombly, editor and proprietor, has become one of the necessaries of municipal life.

A free lecture association was organized about six years ago, and, supported by the liberality of citizens, is still in operation. The association pro^ vides an aimual course of lectures, generally of a popular scientific character, free, or nearly so, to all inhabitants of the town.

By invitation of many prominent gentlemen^ supplemented by vote of the town, Hon. Lilley Eaton^ a valued citizen^ long identified with the progressive institutions and best prosperity of the town^ was intrusted with this congenial ^ervice^ " to enrich the Present from the gleanings of the Past.'' Tlie labor grew ujx)n his Iiands a5 liis design for the book enlarged to embrace in its scope the whole territory and people of ancient Beading. His sudden deatli, in January, 1872, left the work nearly but not fully completed. A coipmittee, of wliich John S. Eaton, Esq., was the eftioient chairman, acting under authority of the town, carried forward the work to its proper ena, and in 197^' wais printed, at the town's expense, t\ie]GeHealoffical HUtorjf of the Town of Reading y J/aM., inclnding ike present Towns of IFakeJieU, Jtbailinff, and' North Reading, with Chronological and Historical Sketches from 1639 to 187 J^. This volume is oc^ tavo in size, containing 815 ^lage^^ ehili^lidjied with fifty portraits and enjgravings.

The Wakefield Band has become a valued' inslitation of this community,^nd worthily ^kajns, on public occasions, the music^ri reputation of the town in stirring and harmonidtis strains.

The earliest graveyard was located in that portion of the new Park where lately stood the old town-house and the house of Yale Engine Company.

Here for more than fifty years the first and second generations of settlers buried their dead. The present generation can easily recall the appearance of the antique monuments and tablets that marked the graves of the good and true7athers. and bothers of the town ; but now, alas, no trace remains to greet the fondly seeking antiquarian eye. Tlie ruthless hand of progress lias levelled the hallowed site.

** Not evea these bones from iusult to protect. Some fnil memorial still erected nigh, With uncouth rhymes and shapeless sculpture decked. Implores the passing tribute of a sigh."

Yet a kindly solicitude and vigilance has preserved in private archives most of the inscriptions iipon these ancient stones. Following is one of

In 1688 the town erected its second house of worship^ and located it a few rods northwest of the present Congregational Church in Wakefield; and around this second trhurch^ soon after its erection, in accordance with. an ancient custom tlmt has made churchyards and graveyards synonymous termsy the bter inhabitants began to inter their dead; and thus commenced their second burialyard, in recent years known as the "old burialground/' For more than one hundred and sixty years it was the chief place of sepulture for the town. Here rest the ashes of the greater portion of its former inlmbitants. Consequently it pos- "[ senses a most lively though mournful interest, as the pfaice where many a noble and revered friend, many a loved and beautiful form, lias been covered from sight but not from memory.

" In this Sepulchre is reposited the mortal part of the Rev. Mr. William Hobby, A. M., kte Pastor (the sixth iu the order of succession) of the first church in the town of Reading, - learned, vigilant, and faithful ; he was a preacher of the word of God, deservedly commended for his pure evangeUcal doctrine, replenished with erudition and piety, together with solid judgment and eloquence; beuig at length worn out with studies and labors, and most acute pains of long continuance, calmly resigning to the will of his Almiglity Father, and earnestly aspiring after the Heavenly Habitation and Rest, he breathed out his sool into tlie hands of his Savior, June 13, Anno Christi 1765, ^tat. 5S years. He left, to profit his bereaved floek, a written monument of sage advice, in which, though dead, he speaks, in solemn strains."

In coi^rse of time the old burial-ground became so fully occupied tliat the selection of eligible spots for single interments was difficulty and for family lots imix)ssible; and^ in consequence^ there was organized in 1846 a private corporation under the name of Proprietors of Lakeside Cemetery, which purcliased a tract of seven acres of land on the westerly borders of Lake Quannapowitt, and laid out the same iu avenues, paths, arbors, bowers, anH four hundred burial lots. On the 15th of October, 1846, the new Lakeside Cemetery was publicly and solemnly consecrated by appropriate services on the romantic grounds selected, including addresses, prayers, and original hymns. The following is one of Uie hymns sung on tlie occasion : - .

The cemetery lias since been greatly enlarged and beautified^ and is mournfully attractive by the quiet loveliness of its natural scenery^ by its marble shrines and graceful memorials.

The Jewish Cemetery, a smaller enclosure, also on the margin of the beautiful lake, and very near Lakeside Cemetery, is numerously occupied with graves and sepulchres, and is in general use by the Israelites of Boston.

TVakefield is signally rich in traces of the aborigines of America. They evidently found their favorite camping-grounds in this pleasant region, and large and valuable collections luive been made of arrow-heads, knee-heads, pestles, knives, hatchets, bone implements, remnants of pottery, etc., the reward of patient and careful search on this prehistoric ground.

The public buildings of Wakefield are deserving of notice. The town-hall is an elegant and imposing structure of brick, and Wakefield's Block and IkaVs Block, in near proximity , arc metropolitan in size and style and finish. The Baptist Church and high-school building are elegant and graceful sj)ecimens of exterior architecture.

There arc many private residences \\\ the town worthy of special mention, but the costly and elegant mansion-house on the westerly side of Main Street, erected by the late Mr. Wakefield, stands pre-eminent. This beautiful homestead is now owned and occupied, in fitting sequence, by Cyrus Wakefield, Esq., a nephew of the late proprietor, and a gentleman of high character and liberal instincts.

The location of, Wakefield is of exceptional beauty. From her hills scener}* of raije loveliness delights the artistic eye. This si)acious Common, * with its stately waving elms, and the recent addi* tion of the new Park sweeping gracefully down to the southern shores of Lake Quannapowitt, are attractive features in a pleasing landscape. Lake Quannapowitt, with an area of two hundred and sixty-four acres, just north of the central vilbge, and Crystal Lake, \nth a surface of forty-eight acres on the south, add much to the charms of nature's face, and furnish the convenient means of an ample and healthful supply of pure water for domestic and other purposes. The water of Crystal Lake is a IL COOK. GEORGE IL SCOTT, a N. HOLLIS. STEPHEN HILL. A. D. ROGERS. NATHAN SAUNDERS. WARREN S. DAMF^ , J. F. HARTWELLm JOHN H. WALSIL H. W. JORDAN. E. A. HOLLIS. HIRAM H. HOLL.IS. CHARLES NORTON. & A. CAMBRIDGE, M.