Walpole Town (part 2 of 3)

Erastus Worthington was tho son of Erastus Worthington (W. C. 1804), and was born in Dedham, November 25, 1828. He was graduated at Brown University in the class of 1850. After residing nearly a year in Wisconsin ho entered the Dane Law School at Cambridge, where ho received the degree of LL.B. Ho completed his professional studies in the office of Hon. Ezra Wilkinson, at Dedham, and was admitted to tho Bar at tho February Term of the Supremo Court in 1854 at Dedham. He began practico in Boston, and was for some time a partner of tho late lion. David A. Simmons of Roxbury. In l>">ii he was elected Register of Insolvency for Norfolk County, which office he held until July, 1858, when he resumed practice in Dedham. Ho was also Trial Justico from 1857 to 1867. He was elected Clerk of the Courts of Norfolk County in 1866, and entered upon its duties in January, 1SG7. Ho has been twico re-elected to this offico, tho last time in 1876 for a term of five years, and continues to reside in Dedham.

Edgar II. Kingsucry was bom in Canandaigua, N. Y., June 22, 1817. Ho lived in Brockport, N. Y., from 1825 to 1S45, removing the latter year to Dodham. In April, 1846, now i'« ned and occupied by Hon. Tlios. L. Wakefield. Lieut. Geo. II. Derby, U.S.A.. well known as Jolin Phoenix," was hia grandson, and was born in Dedham, April 2, \v'j.'->. He was a graduate of West Point, and n man of brilliant talents. He died in New York of softening of the brain, May 10, lSol, aged 08 years.

ho entered the Registry of Deeds as a Clerk, and remained there until Scptemher, 1855, when ho becarno clerk to Ezra W. Sampson, Clerk of tho Courts of tho County. At tho February Term of tho Supremo Judicial Court, in I860, owing to tho illness of Mr. Sampson, he was appointed by the Court as Clerk pro tern, in which position ho remained until Mr. Worthington assumed tho office, January 1, 1807. Mr. Kingsbury remained in tho office as clerk to Mr. Worthington until tho establishment of tho offico of Assistant Clerk ; and June 25, 1807, he was appointed by the Supreme Judicial Court as Assistant Clerk of the Courts of Norfolk County, which position ho still hulds by successive reappointments.

Hon. Ebenezer Thayer, of Braintree, the first Sheriff of Norfolk County, was the son of Hon. Ebenezer Thayer, also of Braintree, and was born Aug. 21, 1740. His father was for many years a prominent citizen of the town, having served in tho office of Representative eighteen years, and was chosen Representative to the General Court seventeen years successively, and in 1770 was a member of the Executive Council. His mother was Susanna, daughter of Rev. Samuel Niles of Braintree. Mr. Thayer served tho town many years as Selectman, Town Clerk and Treasurer; was Representative to the Goneral Court in 1790, 1S00 and 1801, a member of the Senate in 1705, '90, '97, '98, '99, and a member of tho Executive Council in 1793 and :94. He was also a brigadier-gonoral in tho militia. On the organization of tho county, in 1793, he was appointed Sheriff, but owing to illhealth resigned early in the following year. He died May 30, 1809, aged 03 years.

Atherton Thayer, half-brother to the preceding, was born in Braintree, February 9, 1700. His mother was Rebecca Miller, of Milton, who was the second wifo of Hon. Ebenezer Thayer, Senior. On the resignation of the offico of Sheriff by his brother, in 1794, he was appointed to fill the vacancy, and continued in the offico until his death, July 4, 1798, aged 32 years.*

Benjamin Clarke Cutler, of Roxbury, was born in Boston, September 15, 1756, and was for many years a merchant, removing afterwards to Jamaica Plain. Ho was appointed Sheriff July 31, 1798, and held tho office until his death. He died very suddenly at his residence on Centre street, Jamaica Plain, April, 1S10, aged 54 years.

Elijah Crane was born in Milton, August 29, 1754, and was tho son cf Thomas Crane, for many years a prominent citizen of that part of Stoughton now Canton. He early removed to Canton, where his regular business was that of a farmer, in which ho met with marked success, although much of his tirao was devoted to public life. Ho was a man of large and erect stature, well developed form and graceful carriage, and was noted for his splendid horsemanship. He oarly took a deep interest in military matters, rising, by successive appointments, to the rank of Brigadier-General of tho Second Brigade, First Division, M.V.M., to which he was promoted August 1, 1803, and promoted and commissioned Major-General of tho First Division, Juno 10, 1809, which position ho continued to hold until his discharge, Juno 8, 1827, a period of service in the highest military offico of tho State without a parallel in Massachusetts. Do also attained high rank as a Mason, being successively Junior Grand Warden of tho Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in 1820, '21, Senior Grand Warden in 1822, and Grand Master in 1832. On the death of Sheriff Cutler, in 1810, he was appointed Sheriff, and continued in offico until 1811, when ho was removed for political reasons by Gov. Gerry. Tho following year he was reappointed, and continued in office by succcssivo reappointments until his death, the longest term of service as Sheri.i ever held in tho county. Ho died February 21, 1834, aged 80 years. f

William Brewer, of Roxbury, was for many years a prominent citizen of tho town, having been Chairman of tho Board of Selectmen for several years, and was Rcpresenf Atherton Thayer, like his father and brother, was a man of commanding appearance and of 6 i' martial figure, it is related that at the funeral of Gen. Hancock, who died October 8, L7( ;, ],i appearance al the head of his troop of light horse (of which he was major) made such an Imprc inn that Sarah, daughter of Rev. Joseph Jackson, of Brookline, fell in love with him, souL;!it him out, and married him against the wishes of ber parents. He lived and died in thu i rhich wai for many years the residence of the late Hon. I'. V. French. Ill-* brother, Hon.

f Gen. franc was very fond of military life, and his long continuance in the office "f major- in ml gave Berious offence to many of tin- junior officers, whose promotion was thereby deferred. It Is related that at a military supper given in the county, a false rumor of the general's death was circulated, when the following toast was offered, ami drank with great gusto: " The laic Major-Gi neral < !rane : may he be eternally rewarded in Heaven for his everlasting services on earth."

County Officers

tative to tho General Court from 1801 to 1811, inclusive, and again from 1814 to 1817, inclusive. In 1811 he was appointed Sheriff of Norfolk County by Governor Gerry, which position he held for ouo year. He died August 2, 1817, aged 59 years.

John Baker, 2d, was born in Dorchester, February 27, 1780. He learned the trade of a wheelwright in Roxbury, and soon removed to Dedham, where for somo time ho carried on the same business. Ho was a Coroner, and for several years a Deputy Sheriff of tho county. On tho death of Gen. Crane, in 1834, Mr. Baker was appointed Sheri J, and held the office until his death, which occurred January 1, 1843, at tho age of G3 years.

Jerauld Newland Ezra Mans was born in Medfield, Juno 26, 179G. He learned the trade of a carriage-painter, serving his time with tho Messrs. Bird of Walpole. In 1823 he went to Easton, whore ho remained but a short time, removing the year following to Taunton, where ho remained fivo years, at the end of which time ho went to Wrentham, and thenco to Dedham, whero he took tho place of his brother-in-law, Major T. P. Whitney, as Deputy Sheriff and Jailer. On the death of Sheriff Baker, Mr. Mann was, Feb. 8, 1843, appointed Sheriff for tho term of five years, at the expiration of which he declined a reappointment, but continued to act as Deputj' Sheriff and Jailer until July, 1855, when failing health compelled his resignation. He soon after removed to Vernon, Conn., tho residence of his youngest daughter, where ho died, April 15, 1857, aged GO years and 10 months.

Thomas Adams was born in Quincy, April 20, 1804. In early lifo ho was ongaged in business with his father as a butcher, and afterwards was proprietor of different stage lines, and an extensive dealer in horses. Ho then went to Roxbury, whoro ho continued to reside until his death. Ho was Deputy Sheriff under Sheriff Mann, and in 1^48 succeeded that officer as Sheriff of tho County. Ho was removed from office for political reasons in 1S52, but was reappointed the following year, and continued in office until January 1, 1857. After Roxbury became a city, he was for two or three years City Marshal, lie died suddenly, of apoplexy, January 2, 18G9, aged 65 years.

John \V. Thomas was born in Weymouth, April 1, 1815. Learned tho trade of a shoemaker, and afterwards went into business as a manufacturer. Was a Representative to the General Court in 1852, a delegate to tho Constitutional Convention in 1853, and a lieutenant-colonel in tho militia. May 13, 1852, ho was commissioned Sheriff of Norfolk County by Gov. Boutwell, but was removed the following year for political reasons. In 1856 he was elected Sheriff by tho Republican and American parties, and assumed the position January 1, 1S57. He soon after removed to Dedham, where ho continues to reside. Ho was tho first sheriff elected by tho people in the county, and at each successive election was chosen by a large majority of the popular vote. He is now serving his seventh term, each of three years.

County Treasurers

Isaac Bullard, tho first Treasurer of the County, was born in Dedham, July 10, 1744, and was a lineal descendant from William Bullard, one of tho first settlers of the town. He was for many years in public life, having been Town Clerk for three years, Selectman five years and Representative to the General Court from 1794 to 1801, inclusive, and again in 1806 and 1807. He was chosen deacon of the First Church, May 28, 1780, which office he continued to hold until his death. On the organization of the county, in 1793, ho was chosen County Treasurer, to which position he was annually elected until his decease, which occurred Juno 18, 1S08, at the ago of C4 years.

Jon.N Bulla ud, son (if tho preceding, was born in Dedham, January 9, 1773. He was also much in public life, having been twenty years a Selectman, and ono year Town Clerk. On the death of his father, in 1808, he was chosen County Treasurer, which position ho occupied by successive elections until his death, February 25, 1852, a period of forty-four years. He was 79 years of ago.

George Ellis was born in Medfield, September 2, 1793, and early removed to Dedham, where for several years he carried on business as a trader. Ho was captain of ono of the Dedham militia companies; for several years a Deputy Sheriff of tho County, and for fourteen years ono of tho Selectmen of the town. Ho was Secretary and Treasurer of the Dedham Institution for Savings from May, 1845, to June, 1855, when, owing to ill-health, ho resigned. On tho death of John Cullard, in 1852, ho was appointed by tho County Commissioners County Treasurer, and tho two following yeaTS was elected by tho people, failing of a re-election in 1855. Ho died June 24, 1855, aged 02 years and 10 months.

Chauxcev C. Churchill was born in WestFairlee, Vermont, September 15, 1815. Received his early education in tho district schools of his native town, and at Post Mills High

School. Removed to Ainesbury, Mass., in March, 1837, and thcnco to Dedham, April 6, 1842. In April, 1855, he was elected County Treasurer by the American party, and on the chango of the law concerning tho office, was re-elected in November of the same year for a term of three years, and has since held the office, by repeated re-elections, until the prosent time, and January 1, 1877, entered upon another term of three years.

Registers Of Deeds

Eliphalet Pond, the first Register of Deeds for tho County of Norfolk, was born in Dedham, April 11, 1745. He was at one time colonel of a militia company, but during the latter portion of his life was known as Capt. Pond. He was Town Clerk for twenty-five years, and Selectman for sixteen years. On the organization of tho county, in 171)3, ho was chosen Register of Deeds, and by successive elections held the offico until his death, which occurred July 2, 1813, aged 08 years.*

James Foord was born in Milton, October 30, 17G1. In early life he was a farmer, teaching school in the winter months. On the death of Mr. Pond, in 1813, through tho influence of his friend and neighbor, Hon. Edward H. Robbins, afterwards Judge of Probate, lie was elected Register, and the following year removed with his family to Dedham, where ho continued in the office until his death, October 15, 1821. Aged 00 years.

Enos Fooud, son of tho preceding, was born in Milton, Oct. 21, 171J0. In early life ho was a teacher, and on the election of his father, as Register, assisted him in tho work of the office, and on tho death of Mr. Foord, Senior, in 1821, his son was chosen as his successor, and continued in offico until his death, April 22, 1801, at tho ago of 04 years. For ten years, from 1834 to 1844, Mr. Foord was Secretary aud Treasurer of the Dedham Institution for Savings.

James, son of the preceding, was born in Dedham, in November, 1832, and on leaving school entered tho office of his father, where he continued until his father's death, in 1801, when he was appointed Register by tho County Commissioners, and chosen by the people at tho ensuing November election. He declined re-election in 1873, and vacated tho office January 1, 1874. He has for several years been a resident of California.

John II. Buudakin was born in Cambridge, November 3, 1841. After writing for several years in tho Middlesex Registry yf Deeds ho entered the Norfolk Registry oftico in January, 1803. On the declination of Mr. Foord, he was elected Register in 1873, assuming the office in January, 1874, aud was re-elected for a further term of three years in 1870.

Councillors And Re Pre Sb Nt Ati Yes

The following is a list of members of the Executive Council and House of Representatives in 177G, from those towns which afterwards constituted Norfolk County, with such brief sketch of the history of each as it was possible to obtain. Of course at this time the Senate was not in existence.

strong Common sense; that intuitive perception of tho proper adaptation of means to any proposed ends; that discriminating acumen which at once and without any apparent effort

* lie owned and lived on the estate on the Providence Turnpike about a mile south of tho village and now known as the Asylum for Discharged Female Prisonprs. Hi* father, Col. Eliphalet Pond, was born in Dedbam, May 17, I7u4, and died January 19, 1795, aged 91 years. II" represented the town in the General Court in 1761 and '03; was Town Clerk for twelve years, and Selectman for 16 years.

severs tho sound and practicable from the specious and visionary, which detects sophistry and bullies cunning; that inflexible adherence to principle; that courteousness of manners and that salient and unfaltering desire to be useful, - which, through tho whole course of a protracted life, inspired the confidence, not only of his immediate neighborhood, but of the public, and raised him to those offices of power and trust, by the faithful and untiring discharge of which ho became tho pride - decus et tutamen - of his native town, and a benefactor of his country.

Mr. Fisher was a Representative from tho town of Wrentham for soveral years, we believe, under tho Provincial charter, llo was certainly a member of that very full house of delegates that assembled at Salem on the 7th of October, 1774, and formed themselves into a provincial congress, and then adjourned to Concord and chose John Hancock President, and Benjamin Lincoln Secretary; of the second provincial congress, that first met at Cambi idge, in February, 1775; and of the third, which convened on the last Wednesday of May, in the same year, and of which Dr. Joseph Warren was elected President. This last congress remained in session until July 10th, when the representatives assembled, who had been elected, agreeably to the advice of tho continental congress and the provisions of tho charter of William and Mary, to constitute a houso of assembly. Of this house, also, Mr. Fisher was returned a member; and was one of tho renowned twenty-eight who wero then elected councillors, to act as a distinct branch of the legislature, and likewise to exercise the executive powers of tho Government. Among tho councillors elected at this time were all the delegates from Massachusetts to tho continental congress, and who were then attending that body at Philadelphia, viz.: John Adams, Samuel Adams, Thomas Gushing, Robert Treat Paine and John Hancock. But on tho adjournment of the congress at Philadelphia, on the first of August, these gentlemen returned to Massachusetts, and some, if not all of them, took their seats in the executive council. They returned to Philadelphia on tho reassembling of tho continental congress, on tho 5th of September.

To be elected in such times for an office of so great responsibility, and to bo associated with the members of the continental congress, with James Bowdoiu, Benjamin Lincoln and other ardent patriots and wise men, forms in itself an enviable and lasting distinction. But the fidelity, zeal and ability with which Mr. Fisher discharged the duties of tho office, during several successive years of darkness and peril that " tried men's souls," are tho true measure of his merit, if not of his fame. No member of that honorable board was " in labors more abundant" than he. No one's judgment was more highly estimated, no one's firmness less distrusted. lie was regarded as the special watchman of tho country part of Suffolk (which, at that time, inclxdod the present County of Norfolk), and was always relied upon to arrange and bring into officient action all tho force, moral and physical, of that important section of tho province Much as was expected and demanded of him, he never disappointed any expectation which he had voluntarily excited, nor failed to effect any practicable purpose which he deliberately formed. No man better knew what was practicable, and no man deliberated more thoroughly.

^^" tien the Constitution of tho United States was submitted to the several States for ratification and adoption, Mr. Fisher was tho delegate returned from Franklin to tho convention of this State, which assembled on this important subject in 17SS. Though tho delegates from tho towns contiguous to that which he represented, opposed, and finally voted against the Constitution, ho, in conformity with tho will of his constituents - a will which ho had greatly contributed to form - and tho dictates of his own judgment, not only recorded his vote in favor of adoptiug that instrument, but by his efforts among a certain class of men in tho convention, . who went thero with views utterly hostile to the proposed frame of government, but with patriotic hearts and minds fair and open, and to whom he had ready access, ho is known to have been instrumental, by laboring in season and out of season, a. id by urging his sound, lucid, and enlarged views, in effecting a change in their ultimato opinion.

The time which Mr. Fisher was not called to dovoto to tho public service, he employed in agricultural pursuits, which were the choice of his youth, and the amusement of his old age. lie died on tho 15th of October, 1806, aged 89 years.*

Dr. Emmons preached a sermon on the Sunday following the death of Mr. Fisher, in which he bore strong testimony to his eminent worth an I ability.

Harvard College in 1744. He was a farmer, but very conspicuous for many years in public n Taiis. He was Selectman for eighteen years, and Town Treasurer soven years. He was Representative for several years, and a member of the Council from 1770 to 1779, inclusive. He died May 8, 1790, aged 66 years.

Hon. Ecenezeb Thayer was born in Brain tree, July 31, 1721. He was Selectman eighteen years, and was chosen Representative to the General Court seventeen years successively, and was a member of the Executive Council in 177G. He died February 7, 1794, in the 73d year of his ago, after a confinement of sixteen years. Ho was the father of Hon. Ebenezer Thayer and Major Athertou Thayer, the first two Sheriffs of Norfolk County.

Hon'. Joseph Palmer, Esq., was born in England, but came to this country in 1746 with Richard Cranch, his brother-in-law, and purchased a large tract of land in Braintree (now Quincy), which he called Gcrmantown, and whero ho expended much money in improvements. Ho was a man of good education and fino manners, and was soon called to positions of trust and honor. He was Moderator of tho famous meeting of delegates held at the house of Richard Woodward, in Dedham, September 6, 1774, aud member of the First Provincial Congress, October 7th, of tho same year. Ho occupied a prominent position on the committees of that body, and was tho only delegate from Braintree to tho two following Congresses. Ho was also an active membor of the Committee of Safety. He and his son were engaged at Lexington, the father acting as brigadier-general. Ho was afterwards stationed during tho war at Hull, aud in Rhode Island. He did not long survive the Revolution.

Col. Lemuel Robinson was born in Dorchester, March 4, 1736. Ho was prominent in town affairs, having been Selectman and Assessor, and was Representative for tho town in 1771 and '76. Ho died suddenly, July 29, 1776, aged 40 years. -j-

Mn. Daniel Perry, of Medfield, was born in Sherborn, November 24, 1724. Removed at at early age to Natiok, where ho remained until 17.56, when he settled in Medfield. Ho was prominent in church and town affairs, and was for several years an Associate Justice of tho Court of Common Pleas for the County of Norfolk. He was Representative in the General Court in 1770, '77, '78, '80, '84 and '85. He died July 6, 1804, aged 79 years and 7 months.

Elijah Clark, Esq., was born in Med way, September 9, 1727. Ho was for many years Town Clerk and Selectman, and was Representative in 1770, '77, '78 and '79. He died October 7, 1S01, in the 75th year of his age.

Capt. Ebenezer Tucker was born in Milton in 1723, and was for several years a Selectman of tho town. He was Representative in 1776, '77 and '78. He died in 1797, aged 74 years.

Mb. Joseph Clapp was born in Milton, June 7, 1726. He was deacon of tho church, and removed to Sterling, where he died January 30, 1799, aged 73 years.*

Col. William Mackintosh, of Needham, was born in Dedham, June 16, 1722. Married August 20, 1745. Ensign and first lieutenant in French war. Removed from Roxbury to Needham, May 23, 1704. In 1774 chosen first captain of ono of tho two militia companies in tho town, and soon after was made lieutenant-colonel, and as such served at Lexington. On the 14th of February, 1770, by tho Council of tho State, ho was appointed colonel of tho first regiment of militia in Suffolk County, and sorved during the war with gnat credit. Ho was twelvo .years Selectman, and five years Representative. In 1779 he was a member of the convention which framed the Constitution; and in 1788 was a member of the convention appointed for tho purpose of taking into consideration tho National Constitution, and voted for its adoption. On tho 19th of April, 1790, was appointed deacon in tho church, which office ho held until November 22, 1803, when, owing to infirmities, he resigned, and a unanimous vote of thanks was passed by the church. He died January 3, 1813, aged 90 years, 0 months, 18 days.f

Mr. Increase Sumner was born in Roxbury, November 27, 1740, and was graduated at Harvard College in 1707. Studied law with Samuel Quincy; was admitted to tho bar in 1770, and commenced the practice of tho law in his native town. He was a Representative in the General Court from Roxbury in 1770, '77, '78 and '79. He was a Senator from Suffolk Count; in 17S0, '81, '82. Ho was a member of the State Constitutional Conventions in 1777 and 1779. In Juno, 1782, ho was chosen a member of Congress, in place of Timothy Danielson, resigned, but never took his scat in that body, having in August of the samo year been made an Associate Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court. Judge Sumner was also a member of tho Massachusetts Convention of 1789. In April, 1797, Samuel Adams having declined a re-election, Judge Sumner was elected Governor, receiving a large majority of votes. Ho was re-elected in 1798 and 1799, tho last time by an unanimous vote, but was unable to enter upon the duties of tho office. He was languishing on a bed of sickness at the time of tho meeting of tho General Court at the

In 177.) Col. Robinson carted out si me cannon from Tioston which he kept concealed on his ics to prevent them falling into the hands of the British. The tavern of Colo IE rwards owned and occupied by his grandson, the late John Mears, recentlj deceased, and was situated about half a mile south of the meeting-house of the late Dr. Codman. It was destroyed by fire a few years sirn commencement of the political year; but the Legislature having some constitutional scruples about the right of the Lieut. -Governor to act as chief magistrate after the death of the Governor, without his acceptance of the office, this ceremony took place in the bedchamber of the dying Governor. He died of angina pectoris, on the 7th of June, 1799, in the 53d year of his life, " mourned and lamented by the whole people."

Mb. Thomas Crane was for many years one of the most prominent citizens of the town, and lived in that portion now included in the limits of Canton. He was born January 6, 1727. He was Selectman for several years, and was Representative in 177G, '77, '78, '7'J and '81. He afterwards removed to Milton, where he died, October 7, 1804, aged 78 years.*

Joshua Clapp, Esq., was born in Walpole in 1707. He was for many years one of the most prominent men in the town, being a captain in the militia, Justice of the Peace, for many years a deacon of the church, and Representative in 1768, '70, '71, '72 and '70. In 1745 he marched his company to Boston to help defend it from the attack of the French feet, then daily expected. He died May 6, 1802, aged 95 years.

Mp.. Solomon Lovell was born in Weymouth in 1733. In the Revolutionary War he was actively engaged in the service of his country and rose from captain to general. In 1771) he had command of the land force in the Penobscot expedition, which was fitted out to attack the British troops at Penobscot, now Castine, Maine. He was a man of marked character, and possessed the entire confidence of the people of his native town. He was Representative in 1771, '76, '77, '78, '79, '81 and '83. On the organization of Norfolk County, in 1793, he was appointed Special Justice of the new Court of Common Pleas for the county. He died September 9, 1801, aged 68 years.

- Thomas Crane, Esq., was much relied upon by the General Court of Massachusetts during the Revolution, as appears by their resolves, in which they entrusted the charge of the State powder-mill, in Stoughton 'now Canton, and on the spot where the Revere Copper Works are), and the manufacture of powder there, to his care and supervision. Mr. James Capcn, of Stoughton, who died February 24. 1853, In the nin< ty-seventh year of his age, related not long before his death, that when the affairs of the Revolution wore a gloomy aspect, and the army was Buffering for supplies, Thomas Crane, Esq., went around the town solicitirg contributions for foi tbearmy; and he well remembered that on producing his papers, Mr. ( 'ranc's tear* f,-ll on them like a shower, and that with great expression and emphasis he assured the bythe child Liberty was about to be horn, and that all thai was needed was strength t<> enable it to be delivered. - '<- n. /'< g., July, l 363. Mr. Crane, daring the latter part of his life, owned and occupied the house In Milton now : by John Oakes Shaw. He was the father of Sheriff and Major-General Crane.

Councillors, Senators, Etc, 1876 Councillors, Senators And Representatives, 187G

[These sketches, with Blight alterations, are taken from the "Boston Journal" of January 5, 1S76. From 1866 to 1876, Roxbury. Dorchester and West Roxbury were, for purposes of representation, considered as a pan of Norfolk County.]

District No. 2, which includes tho whole of Norfolk County. - Hon. Harrison Tweed, of Taunton, Republican, was born in South Reading, February 17, 180G, and was educated in that (own. He is agent and treasurer of the Taunton Locomotive Manufacturing Company, and was a member of the House in 1852 and '58, and of the Senate in 18G8 and '69.

First Norfolk District. - Hon. Albert Palmer, Republican, of Roxbury, firm of Prescott and Palmer, ice dealers, was born in Candia, N. II., in 1831; studied at Phillips Academy, and was a member of the class of 1858 at Dartmouth College. He was a very active and useful member of tho Houso in 1872, '73 and '74, and was in the Senate in 1875 and '76.

Second Norfolk District. - Hon. Joseph E. Fiske, Republican, of Needham, was born in that town, October 23, 1839, and has held seveial local offices. He has been engaged in real-estate transactions, and was a member of the House in 1874. He distinguished himself during tho war, and was successively orderly sergeant, Co. C, 43d Mass. Vols., 2d and 1st lieutenant and captain of the 2d Mass. Heavy Artillery, and aid-do camp on the statf of the late Major-General F. P. Clair, 17th Army Corps. He was a prisoner-of-war at Andersonville, Macon and Savannah. Mr. Fiske was educated at Harvard, graduating in ] Ml , and after tho war entered tho Andovor Theological Seminary, graduating in 1867. He is at present Chairman of tho Board of Seleotmon and of the School Committee. He was also a member of the Senate in lb77.

Third Norfolk District. - Hon. J. White Belcher, Republican, of Randolph, is a grain doaler and TJlerk of the District Court of East Norfolk. He was born in the town in which ho resides, November 14, 1823, and was educated at Randolph Academy. He was a Trial Justice for Norfolk County from 1866 to 1872; has been Chairman of tho Selectmen, Assessors, and Overseers of the Poor for the past eighteen years; was an Inspector of the Stato Workhouso at Bridgowater in 1874, a nioinber of tho House in 1855, and of the Senate in 1875 and '76.

Norfolk and Plymouth District. - Hon. E. Atherton Hunt, Republican, boot manufacturer of Weymouth, was born in that town, January 26, 1826. Ho was a member of the House in 1873, and of the Senate in 1875 aud '76.

District No. 1, Dedham. - John Doggett Cobb, Republican, lawyer, was born in Dedham, April 28, 18-10, and was graduated at Harvard in 1861, and at the Law School in 1866. Ho was clerk in tho office of tho Secretary of the Treasury, at Washington, in 1871 and '72. He was sergeant in tho 35th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, and gradually rcso to first lieutenant and adjutant, and finally captain. He was a member of tho Houso in 1876, '77.

District No. 2, T Vest Roxbury. - Joseph Samuel Ropes, Independent, merchant, was born in Boston, February 6, 1818, and educated in various New England schools, and tho Gymnasium and University of St. Petersburg. Mr. Ropes has been President of the Boston Board of Trade, and was in the House in 187"), '76.

District No. 3, Roxbury. - William Sterling King, Republican, lawyer, was born in >»ew York City, Oct. 6, 1818, and educated at Union College. Ho was colonel and brevet brig.-general of volunteers, U. S. Assessor of Internal Revenue, and Register of Probata for Suffolk County. Ho was a member of tho Houso in 1855, '57, '75 and '7G.

District No. 3, Roxbury. - Henry W. Fuller, Republican, lawyer, was born in Hooksett, N. H., Juno 30, 1840, and educated at Dartmouth College, graduating in tho class of 1857. Ho served five years in the army, entering as private and leaving as brigadiergeneral, by brevet. Ho was in tho House in 1875, '70 and '77.

District No. 3, Roxbury. - Ebenezer Adams, Republican, mechanical engineer, was born in Norwich, Conn., Dec. 1, 1830, and educated in that place. Ho was a member of tho Roxbury Common Council for two years, and was a member of the House in 1875 and '70.

District No. 4, Roxbury. - William Morse, Republican, builder and carpenter, was born in Wiscasset, Me., July 4, 1822. Ho was a member of tho Roxbury Common Council for five years, Alderman one year, and in tho Boston City Government three years.

District No. 5, Dorchester. - Frederic Pierce Moseley, Republican, iron merchant, was born in Dorchester, September 20, 1820, and educated in that place. He was in tho IIouso in 1875, '7G.

District No. 5, Dorchester. - Gardner A. Churchill, Republican, printer, firm of Rockwell & Churchill, of Doston. He was born in Dorchester, May 20, 1830, and educated in tho public schools of that town. Ho loft school at tho ago of fourteen, and went to sea, shipping in the merchant service as sailor, and rising to tho rank of officer. During the war he was an officer in the United States Navy. Ho was Junior Vico-CouitnaiuhT, Department G. A. R. for Massachusetts in 1872, and was elected Commander of Post 08, Dorchester. Ho was a member of the Houso in 1875, '70.

District No. 0 Quincy. - John D. Whicher, Republican, manufacturer, was born in Quincy, December 25, 1825. Ho was a member of tho House in 1&76, and of tho Senate in 1877.

District No. 1,Braintree. - James T. Stevens, Republican, tack and nail manufacturer, was born in Braintreo, June 20, 1835, and during tho war was first lieutenant aud captain of Co. C, 4th Regiment, and captain of Co. I, 42d Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. He was a member of tho Houso in 1870.

District No. 8, Weymouth. - Elon Sherman, Republican, box-maker, was born in Marshfield. November 5, 1820, and educated in tho public schools. He was a member of tho House in 1870.

District No. 8, Weymouth. - William Sprague Wallace, Republican, machine bootfitter, of Weymouth, was born in East Braintreo, October 11, 1838. He was a member of tho House in 1870.

District No. 0, Holbrook and Randolph. - Seth Mann, 2d, Republican, of Randolph, was born in that town February 28, 1817, and was graduated at Brown University in 1830. Ho was County Commissioner three years, on tho bchool Committee four years, Selectman and Assessor eleven years, and Deputy Collector of Internal Revenue from 1802 to '75. Ho was a member of tho Houso in 1801, '70 and '77.

District No. 10, Stour/hton. - Warren P. Bird, Domocrat, mechanic, was born in Stoughton, October 18, 1843, and received a common-school education. He was a member of tho House in 1S7G.

District No. 11, Canton, Milton, Sharon and Walpole. - Edward Lillie Pierce, Republican, lawyer, of Milton, was born in Stoughton, March 29, 1829, and was educated at' Brown University and tho Harvard Law School, graduating from the former in 1850, and tho latter in 1852. At the breaking out of tho war, ho enlisted as a private in the 3d Regiment Massachusetts Militia, and was Special Agent of the United States Treasury Department in L861,'62 in charge, of the freed men and plantations i:i South Carolina. The following year ho was Supervising Agent of tho Treasury Department for tho Department of the South. Ho was Collector of Internal Revenue for tho Third Massachusetts District from 18G3 to '66; District Attorney of Norfolk and Plymouth Counties from 18GG to 18G9; and Secretary of tho Board of State Charities from 1800 to 1874. Ho is tho author of the well-known treatise on " American Railroad Law," and of tho " Abstract of Special Railroad Laws of Massachusetts." lb? was a member of the House in 1*75 ami '70. District No. II, Canton, Milton, Sharon mid Walpoh. - Elijah A. Mouse, Republican, of Canton, is proprietor of "The Rising Sun Stove Polish Factory." Ho was born at South Bend, Ind., .May 25, 1841, his father, Rev. Abnor MorSe, having removed from Holliston in this State, and he- received a common-school education. Ho was a corporal in Co. A, Hli Regiment Massachusetts Volunteors, and sorved in Virginia and Louisiana. IIo was ;i member of tin' Bouse in ls70.

District No. 12, Foxborowjh, Medway, Norfolk and Wrentham. - David Allen Partridge, Republican, boot and shoo manufacturer, of Medway, was born in Milford, April 3,

Centennial Celebrations

1833, and educated in the public schools. During the war Mr. Partridge was first lieutenant in the 4'2d Massachusetts Regiment, adjutant and captain in the 54th Regiment, and was detailed while in service as A. A. G., and Assistant Provost Marshal. lie has been Commander of "Wilder L>wight" Post 105, G. A. R., for frur years. IIo was a member of the Houso in 187G.

District No. 12, Fnrhomu'jh, Medway, Norfolk and Wrentham. - Joseph A. Kingsbury, Democrat, grocer, of Foxborough, was born in that town Aug. IV, 1837, and educated in the public schools. IIo was a member of the House in 1876.

Dutrirt No. 13, Bcllinyhnm and Franklin. - Davis Thayer, Jr., Republican, manufacturer, of Franklin, was born in that town, October 20, 1816. He was a member of the Hou*e in 1S76.

District No. 14, Dover, Medfield and Needham. - James Mackintosh, Republican, farmer and market gardener, of Ncedhatn, was born in that town, April 9, 1S38, aud is a member of the Board of Selectmen. He was a member of the House in lST^i, '77.

District No. 15, Brookline. - Moses Williams, Jr., Republican, is a lawyer, was born in West Roxbury, December 4, 184G, and educated at Harvard College. He was in the Huuse in 1S74, '75 and '76.

[In nearly every town in the county the day was observed by processions, speeches, bonfires and illuminations, but those named below were municipal celebrations.]

At the annual town meeting, in March, an appropriation was made and a Committee of Arrangements appointed, consisting of Elias Ilayward, Elisha Thayer, N. E. Hollis, James T. Stevens, Josephus Shaw, S. A. Rates and A. T. Pratt, to arrange for a proper observance of the 4th of July by the town of Braintree.

The exercises of the day were as follows: Introductory Address, by Elias Ilayward; Prayer, by Rev. T. A. Emerson; Address, by Asa French, Esq., President of the Day; Reading of the Declaration of Independence from the original records of the town, by Samuel A. Bates, Town Clerk; Oration, by Hon. Francis A. Hobart; Reading of Centennial Ode, by A. T. Pratt; Music, by Braintree Brass Band; Singing, by select choir under direction of M. A. Perkins. In the evening there were grand displays of fireworks and burning of tar-barrels at several prominent places in the town.

The Committee of Arrangements having in charge the celebration of the 4th of July consisted of tho following citizens : Edward I. Thomas, Chairman; Murray M. Wing, Secretary; Wm. I. Bowditch, Henry M. Whitney, Charles U. Cotting, Wm. II. Wilder, James M. Cudman, Frank W. Lawrence, George P. Richardson, Moses Williams, Jr., William B. Sears, Alfred Kenrick, Jr., Benj. F. Baker, Philip Duffy, Michael DriscoII, Henry Mason, Francis Hunnewell, R. G. F. Candage, J. Emery Hoar, Wm. II. Lincoln, Charles II. Drew, Howard N. Brown, Warren Goddard, Jr., Charles II. Stearns, Alexander S. Arthur.

A national salute of thirty-eight guns was fired and the bells rang at sunrise, noon and sunset. At 6.30, A. M., two American elms wore set out in front of tho Town Hall with singing and a dance around tho trees by the school-children. A procession consisting of Grand Army Post 143, tho Fire Department and the several civic societies, with a military escort of tho Boston Fusileers and the Brooklino Cadets, marched at 8, A. M., through the principal streets of the town. At 11, A. M., there was a meeting of tho citizens in the Town Hall, presided over by William I. Bowditch, Chairman of tha Board of Selectmen, the exercises of which were as follows: Music, by the Orchestra ; Prayer, by Rev. Henry C. Mabie; Centennial Hymn, written by John G. Whittier, and sung by tho children's chorus; Introductory Remark?, by the Chairman ; Music; Roading of tho Declaration of Independence, by Francis Lewis Welltnau; Song, by Myron W. Whitney; Address, by Wendell Phillips; Keller's American Hymn, by children's chorus; Address, by Edward Atkinson; Music, by Orchestra; Star Spanyled Banner, sung by M. W. Whitney; My Country, 'tis of Thee, sung by children's chorus; Address, by Charles H. Drew, followed by the Benediction. In the evening, displays of old-fashioned bonfires of tar-barrels were made on Corey and other hills.

The day was celebrated under the direction of a Committee of Arrangements, consisting of Messrs. Thomas E. Grover, Chairman; J. Mason Everett, Elija'a A. Morse, Ezra S. Brewster, Samuel H. Capen, Arthur C. Kollock, David T. Hagan, W. Henry Bense and Frank L. Gates. The exercises, which took place in the meeting-house of the First Congregational Parish, were as follows: Organ Voluntary, by Miss Clara B. Lopez; Reading from tho Scriptures, by Rev. John W. Savage; Prayer, by Rev. W. H. Sa very; Paine's Centennial Hymn, by chorus; Introductory Address, by Thomas E. Grover; Chorus; Reading of tho Declaration of Independence, by Miss J. Annie Bonso; Keller's American Hymn, by chorus; Historical Address, by Hon. Charles Eudicott; '.The Star Spangled Banner, by chorus; Addresses, by citizens; Singing of America, by chorus and audience, followed by Benediction, by Rev. Clifton Fletcher. In tho evening, displays of fireworks were made at sevoral points.

A large meeting of the citizens was held, which was presided over by Hon. Joseph G. Ray. After prayer, by Rev. St. John Ohambre, America was sung by the audience, followed by the Reading of the Declaration of Independence, by Miss Mary A. Bryant. Waldo Daniels acted as Toastmastcr, the first sentiment boing " The Day wo Celebrate," which was responded to by Rev. St. John Chambre. " Tho Spirit of tho Hour" was responded to by Rev. Mr. Short; "Our Flag in 1776 and 1S7G," by Rev. W. M. Thayer; "Reminiscences of Franklin," by Stophen W. Richardson; "Our Fathers of the Past Contury," by Rev. W. II. Daniels, of Illinois; "Our Public Schools," by Rev. S. W. Squire; " Then and Now," by James M. Stewart, of tho Franklin " Register," " The Colleges of America," by A. Barclay Fletcher; and tho closing sentiment, "Tho Church, Past and Present," by Rev. Geo. W. Ryan. After music by the band, an amplo collation was served. Tho exercises of the day closed with a display of fireworks in tho evening.

Med Way

Tho day was celebrated by a meeting of tho citizens in Shumway's Grove, at West Medway, at which Charles II. Deans, Esq., acted as President of the Day. A procession of citizens in carriages, preceded by a cavalcado and followed by those on foot, marched through the principal streets of West Medway to tho grove, where the exorcises were as follows: Prayer, by Hev. E. 0. Jameson; ' Heading of tho Declaration of Independence, by [Ion. M. M. Fisher; Oration, by Rev. S. J. Axtcll, Jr. ; and Music by the West Medway Band. A fino collation was furnished by tho citizens of West Medway. There was a display of fireworks in the oyening.

Centennial Celebrations Hyde Park

Tho day was celebrated with great enthusiasm, commencing with a procession in tho morning, followed by a meeting of the citizens in tho grove at the corner of Austin and West streets, which was presided over by Edwin R. Walker, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen. Tho exercises were in the following order: Singing by chorus; Prayer, by Rev. Perley B. Davis: Singing of Keller's American Hymn, by the chorus; Reading of tho Declaration of Independence, by Mr. G. Fred. Gridley; Singing of The Star Spangled Banner, by Miss M. C. Pollard; Oration, by Hamilton A. Hill; closing with the singing of America, by tho audience. At 4 o'clock, P. M., union religious services wero held in the Orthodox Church, which wero opened with prayer by Rev. Mr. Alderman, followed by remarks by Theodore D. Weld, Rev. P. B. Davis, and Rev. J. H. Gilbert, and closing with prayer by Rev. Mr. Gilbert. At 7 o'clock, P. M., an immense meeting was held in Everett square, for tho purpose of dedicating the new pump presented to tho town by the Women's Temperance Union of Hydo Park. Mr. Walker presided at the dedication; an address was made by Mr. Edward J. Humphrey, followed by a choice original poem by Mr. Charles F. Gerry. A flag, the gift of Mr. N. H. Tucker, was then presented by Miss Nettie B. Richardson, and accepted by Mr. Humphrey in a brief speech, after which the flag was run up to tho mast-head amid the cheers of tho assembled multitudo. A regatta and an exhibition of athletic sports wore among the other attractions, and at night a grand exhibition of fireworks closed the stirring observanco of the day.

Nancy "Ware Hawes, died August 28, aged 96 years, 8 months, 6 days. Mrs. Hawes was the daughter of Capt. Nathaniel Ware and sister of the late Hon. Jairus Ware, and was born in Wrentham, Dec. 22d, 177U. In 1807 she married George Hawes, who was for many years prominent both in town and county, serving as colonel in the war of 1S12, as Representative to the General \?ourt in 1828, and Senator from Norfolk County in 1834 She survived her husband nearly forty years. One who had known her long and wall paid this fitting tribute to her character: " Even since the infirmities of age came on, the mind of this venerable woman retained its freshness and buoyancy of 6pirit. Her keen sense of humor, her quaint drollery, was full of sound, good sense and real wisdom, ami her words l.avc been stored in many hearts. Her memory, which scores of years did not seem to enfeeble, helped to make her mind one of unusual quality and p< nver. In person she must have been beautiful in 5-outh. and was ever of commanding presence." Her pastor, in years gone by, thus wrote of her: " She was one of the elect and grand persons of that grand old town ; one of those few who constitute the charm and crown of our New England towns, whose loss we can ill-afford in these days. Let us consider what she has been and what she still is, a character so strong, so sincere, so'royal, and yet so humble."

Appendix

The following valuable statistical matter is taken from the admirable and exhaustive Census of the State of Massachusetts for 1875, prepared and arranged under the direction of Hon. Carroll D. Wright, Chief of the Bureau of Statistics for the State. A portion of the matter relating to the manufactures of the County was kindly furnished by him in advance of the publication of the volume of the Census devoted to manufactures, for which, and for other attentions, the compiler desires to return his acknowledgments.

Norfolk Cootty

[Incorporated March 26, 1793. Loss of population since the Census of 1S65, 27,985 ; owing to annexation to Boston of Dorchester, Koxbury and West Roxbury, with a population of 78,000. Otherwise Norfolk County would have shown a gain of 50,015.]

Bellingham. - Nov. 27, 1719. From parts of Dedham, Wrentham and Mendon. Boundary between Bellingham, Franklin and Medway established Feb. 23, 1832.

Brookline. - Nov. 13, 1705. Part of Roxbury annexed to Brookline, Feb. 24, 1844. Part of Brookline annexed to Boston, May 8, 1874. Gain, 1,413 over 5,262; due to building enterprise.

Dedham. - Sept. 8, 1036. Boundary between Dedham and Dover defined March 7, 1791. Part of Dedham annexed to Dorchester, June 17, 1831. See Bellingham, Dover, A, i dham, Medfield, Walpole, Ilifilc Park and Norwood. Loss, 1,439; from loss of South Dedham, set off as town of Norwood, 1872, and territory set off to Hyde Park, 1868. Chief loss from South Dedham, now Norwood, the population of which is 1,749.

Dover. - July 7, 1784. Part of Dedham incorporated as a district, July 7, 1784, and as a town, March 31, 1836. Boundary between Dover and Dedham defined March 7, 1791; between Dover and Walpolc changed Feb. 27, 1872.

Foxr.OROEGll. - June 10, 1778. From parts of Wrentham, Walpolc, Stoughton and Stoughtonham (Sharon). Parts of Stoughton and Sharon annexed to Foxborougb, March 12, 1706; part of Wrentham annexed Feb. 7, 1831; and part of Sharon, Feb. 28, 1850. Sec Sharon, Walpole and Wri iii iii i iii .

Franklin. - March 2, 1778. Westerly part of Wrentham. Part of Medway annexed to Franklin, June 27, 1792. Boundary between Franklin and Medway established Nov. 3, 1792, and Feb. 23, 1832. See B< Ilingham and Norfolk.

1 1 \ i > i : PARK. - April 22, 1868. From parts of Dorchester, Dedham and Milton. Population, 6,316, which the towns named lose. Hyde Park lias lost since 1873, by the burning of a large woollen mill, and the shutting down of a rolling mill and a machine shop.

Medway. - Oct. 24, 1713. Part of Medfield. Boundary between Medway and Sherborn established March 3, 1792. See Bellingham, Frank/ iii. and Norfolk in this county, and Collision in Middlesex. Gain, 1,023 over 3,219; due to establishment of several boot manufactories.

Needham. - Nov. 5, 1711. Part of Dedham. Boundary between Needham and Natick, changed June 22, 1767. See N( wton. Gain, 1,755 over 2,793; from general development of the building and manufacturing interests of the town, and perhaps from the establishment of VVellesley College.

NORFOLK. - Feb. 23, 1870. From parts of Wrentham, Franklin, Medway and Walpole. Boundary between it and Wrentham changed in 1871. Population, 920, Which the towns named lose.

NORWOOD. - Feb. 23, 1872. From thai pari of Dedham called South Dedham and small part of Walpole. Population, 1,749, taken chiefly from Dedham, which see.

Qmncy, Feb. L2, 1819, and May 2, 1855, and a part of Braintree, April 24, 1836. Gain, 2,437 over 6,7 18; from building operations and the desirableness of Quincy as a residence.

ItANDOLPn. - March 9, 1793. Part, of Braintree. Portion of boundary defined June 22,1811. part set oil' in! o new town of liolbrook, which see. Loss, l,67(i; from loss of territory as above.

Sharon. - June 20, 1765. Formerly Stoughtonbam, Second Precinct of Stoughton. Pari of Stoughton annexed to Sharon, Feb. 12, 1792; also, March 26, 1S64. Boundary between Sharon and Foxborough established Jan. 30,1833. Part of Sharon annexed to Walpole, May 1, 1874. Bee Foxborough and Walpole .Small loss, from loss of territory in 1874 as above.

Wrentham. - Oct. 15, 1673. Boundary between Wrentham and Foxborough established Feb. 3, 1819; between Wrentham and Norfolk changed in 1871. Part set off to Norfolk, Feb. 23, 1870. See Attleborough, Bellingham, Foxborough, Franklin and Norfolk. Loss, about 700; from loss of territory as above.

Source changes here: from History of Norfolk County, Massachusetts, with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men, by Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) Ed, published 1884; 12,180 words in this source stream.

Walpole Town

Pioneer History - The Dedham Covenant - Indian Proprietors - Primitive Condition of the Country - Early Settlements - The Cedar Swamp - Petition for Precinct - Incorporation of Town - The French and Indian War - Capt. Bacon's Company from Walpole - Slavery in Walpole - Deacon Robbins' Slave " Jack"" - War of the Reyolution - Resolutions of the Town - List of Revolutionary Soldiers - War of 1812 - Capt. Samuel Fales' Company of Light Infantry

Pioneer History - The Dedham Covenant - Indian Proprietors - Primitive Condition of the Country - Early Settlements - The Cedar Swamp - Petition for Precinet - Incorporation of Town - The French and Indian War - Capt. Bacon's Company from Walpole - Slavery in Walpole - Deacon Robbins' Slave " Jack'' - War of the Revolution - Resolutions of the Town - List of Revolutionary Soldiers - War of 1812 - Capt. Samuel Fales' Company of Light Infantry.

Tue town of Walpole was one of the subdivisions of the old mother-town of Dedham, and for nearly one hundred years the history of this town is the history of Dedham.'

In 1635 the General Court of the colonies made a grant to twelve persons of land lying in Dedham for the purpose of founding a settlement. Nearly all of the early settlers came to Dedham from Watertown and Roxbury, and the settlement was founded the year after (1636), and called Contentment. When these men came to Dedham to form their settlement, they joined in the following covenant:

"1, We whose names are hereunto subscribed, doe, in the fear and reuerence of our Allmightie God, mutually; and seuerally p mise amongst our selves and each to other p'fesse and practice one trueth according to that most p'fect rule, the foundacion whereof is euerlasting love.

"2, That we shall by all means laboure to keepe of from us such as ar contrarye minded, and receaue onely such unto us as be such as may be p'bably of one harte with us as that we peaceable conversation with all meekness of spirit for the edification of each other in the knowledge and faith of the Lord Jesus: and the mutuall encouragm't unto all temporall comforts in all things: seeking the good of each other out of all which may be deriuded true peace.

"3, That if at any time difference shall arise betwene p'ties of our own said towne that then such p'tie and p'ties shall pr'sently referre all such difference unto some one, 2 or 3 others of our said socictie to be fully accorded and determined without any further delay if it possibly may bee:

"4, That every man that now or at any time here after shall haue lotts in our own said towne shall paye his share in all such rates of money, and charges as shall be imposed upon him rateably in p'portion with other men as allso become freely subject vnto all such orders and constitutions as shall be necessariely had or made, now or at any time here after from this day forewarde, as well for loveing and comfortable societie, in our own said towne as allso for the p'sperous and thriueing condicion of our said fellowshipe especially respecting the feare of God in which we desire to begine and continue what so euer we shall by his loving fauoure take in hand.

"5, And for the better manefestation of our true resolution here in, euery man so receaued; to subscribe here vnto his name thereby obligeing both himself and his successors after him for euer as we have done."

When these men came into Dedham they adopted a liberal and honest policy towards the Indians. though they had a grant of this land, yet they were late as forty-nine years after the establishment of the settlement certain descendants of the former Indian proprietors claimed rights, and they were purchased

Alfound in examining the old records and the old annals | the great cedar swamp spoken of, and spoken of at a very early time. It is conceded by all the Dedham historians that that cedar swamp is the cedar swamp between the plain and South Walpole. The lumber which could be procured there was a necessity to the settlers, and was early sought for. As early as 1646, ten years after the people first established the town, Ralph Day was allowed twenty shillings for beating the drum at the meeting-house, to be paid in cedar _ boards. On the 4th of May, 1658, an agreement was made between the town and Eleazer Lusher and Joshua Fisher to erect a saw-mill on the Neponset In 1674 it passed into the possession of Thomas Clapp, and a highway was soon after laid out from the town to the cedar swamp near the saw-mill. It is said this mill stood where the mill of Caleb Ellis afterwards did, but after an examination of the records, I am pretty thoroughly convinced it stood within the limits of the present town of Walpole.

The moving cause of the settlement of the town was the support of preaching and of religious worship, and as the settlement extended south and away from Dedham, the people living upon this territory could / not be accommodated by the churches in Dedham, and efforts were made for the erection of a parish or | precinct in this region.

Incorporation of Town. - In 1721 a petition was presented to the General Court of the colonies, praying that the south part of Dedham, which doubtless included what is now Walpole, might be incorporated as a parish for the purpose of supporting religious This petition was opposed and defeated, but four years afterwards it was renewed, and Walpole I have not been able to find at the State-House the original petition for the incorporation the upland was mainly covered with timber. meadows were open and could be mowed. from the meadows that they derived their principal stock of hay for their cattle. The woods were filled with animals, and as late as the incorporation of this town a bounty was paid for the destruction of wolves,

"Whereas the South part of the town of Dedham, within the county of Suffolk, is competently filled with inhabitants, who labor under great difficulties by their remoteness from the place of public worship, etc., and have thereupon made their application to the said town of Dedham, and likewise addressed this court, that they may be set off a distinct and separate town, and be vested with all the powers and privileges of a town; and the inhabitants of Dedham having consented to their being set off accordingly, and a committee of this court having viewed the said town of Dedham, and reported a proper divisional line

" Be it therefore enacted by the Lieutenant-Governor, Council and Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, That the southerly part of the said town of

Dedham be and hereby is set off and constituted a sep[a] [e]- rate township by the name of Walpole; the bounds of the said township to be as follows,'" - I will omit the boundaries, -

" Provided, that the inhabitants of the said town of Walpole do, within the space of eighteen months from the publication of this act, erect and finish a suitable house for the publick learned, orthodox minister of good conversation, and make provision for his comfortable and honorable support; and likewise provide a schoolmaster to instruct their youth in writing and reading; and that thereupon they be discharged from any built, the church was the foundation, and the school was the cap-stone. Dedham had consented to the separation, I judge from the records that they did not do it very graciously.

Voted to give Jarvis Pike twenty shillings for keep- Walpole set off from That is how the town of Dedham gave away her all that. She took her name from the great English statesman, Sir Robert Walpole, and she took the place with the other municipalities of this old province of Massadaughter. But she has grown for with her history for which any Walpole citizen ought to blush or hang his head with shame. From that time, 1724, we find by the records that they held their meetings, they selected their representatives, they supported their ministers, they paid for their schools, and during the different wars which followed they did their part as should well become them.

In the Crown Point expedition in the French and Indian war a company went from this town, commanded by Capt. William pedition a company went from Dedham, commanded by Capt. Eliphalet Fales, and there appears upon his

3acon. In the same exroll the names of a great many Walpole men. I have seen the old rolls, worn and stained after the lapse of a hundred and twenty-five years, which contain the names of the men who went from within the limits of this town to serve their country against their enemies in Canada and elsewhere. Slavery. - Slavery once existed in Walpole. The records of the church show that at least one slave was owned and kept here. One of the famous men one hundred and twenty-five years ago was Deacon Ezekiel Robbins, who kept the Brass Ball Tavern. When he shall not sell him, as she is hereby empowered to do, then my w/7d/ is that the aforesaid church in Walpole shall take tender care of him and suitably provide for him all the remainder of his life, and afford a decent burial after his death."

The records of the church show that they received the legacy with the condition. This will was admitted to probate in 1772, and Mrs. Robbins died shortly You will find upon the church record year after year a charge of so much paid for the support of " Jack." year you find a vote instructing the committee to inquire into the legality of his marriage with a certain woman with whom he lived. In 1810, when the death of "Jack" oceurred, there is a statement of the expenditure of one hundred and sixty-three dollars and thirtythree cents for his funeral. It is evident that Jack had a big funeral, and that it was celebrated with becoming honor. Perhaps some of you may remember the old colored woman who lived this side of the plain, and how she used to travel about from place to place. She was the woman with whom Jack lived, and concerning whom a church committee was instructed to inquire whether they were legally married or not. War of the Revolution. - The first question which any patriotic citizen of Walpole will be likely to ask to say to you, ladies and gentlemen, that I have examined the records with especial reference to these events, and I say to you that I closed the examination manfuliy and bravely in resistance to British oppression." They were a series of resolutions reported by a committee consisting of Aquilla Robbins, Enoch Ellis, Seth Bullard, George Payson, and Samuel Cheney. The resolutions were ringing with patriotism and

Sept. 26, 1774, the town voted to join with other towns in sending a representative to the Provincial Congress, and chose Nathaniel Guild representative. Dec. 19, 1774, the fourteen articles of association of the American Congress that met at Philadelphia the 5th of September were adopted, and by vote entered upon the town's book, and there you will find them pieces, and chose Benjamin Kingsbury, captain, Ebenezer Clapp, and Ensign Theodore Mann a committee to purchase them. Then they chose a Committee to join with other towns as a Committee of |

But that is not all that Walpole did in the Revolution. I want you to go back with me to the 19th of April, 1775, to two little towns in Middlesex County. You have heard of the lights in the Old North Church, and the rapid ride of Paul Revere through Medford and Lexington to Concord. You have heard how the minute-men rallied and were slain upon Lexington Green. You have heard how the British Regulators marched into Concord, and to enable them to carry out their work of destruction, they posted four companies of light infantry at North Bridge to how the minute-men from Acton and Concord and Lincoln met upon the hill, and were formed in battallion by Adjutant Hosmer, the Acton men led by Capt. Isaac Davis, the young gunsmith who that morning bade his wife and little children good-by, with the words, ' Hannah, take good care of the children," and was borne back that night to his home tion of attacking this British guard was discussed, Capt. Davis said, "I haven't a man that is afraid to go," and so they marched up the river-bank by the right flank with trailed arms, and were met by a rattling volley from the British infantry, and Capt. Davis and Hosmer fell dead, and Major Buttrick cried, " Fire, fellow-soldiers; for God's sake, FIRE!" cord!" The alarm was given, and the men gathered from the centre of the town, from the mill, from the shop, the south end, from the plain, from the other parts of the town, and took the road over to Medfield | Dover, and Sherborn, on towards Concord ; two companies, with twenty-five additional men in a Medfield company, responded to the alarm. Ladies and gentlemen, the least we can do for these men is to remember them and speak their names, and when I found the old, brown, worn, moth-eaten rolls, these rolls of honor, I had them copied, and I want to read the names of these men, because I see before me the I tell you the best

«A muster roll of the company in the colony's service which marched from S. Walpole on the alarm last April ye 19: 1775, under the command of Capt. Jeremiah Smith in coll. John Smith's Regiment.

"A muster roll of a militia company in Walpole in coll. John Smith's Regiment: Seth Bullard, Captain, Eliph't Ellis, Lieutenant, Enoch Ellis, Ensign, Samuel Smith, Thomas Pettee, Henry Partridge, Eben. Gay, Nathaniel Nason, Eben. Harts- mum, and the other containing sixty-four men, I find twenty-five names upon the roll of a Medfield company who were commanded by Capt. Sabin Mann, all Walpole men:

One hundred and fifty-seven men! And it must be that they included every able-bodied man, with a fair share of the boys and cripples. Later on in the war a company from Walpole, under command of Capt. Aaron Guild, helped build the intrenchments upon Dorchester Heights, which movement resulted Another company marched from Walpole under Capt. Fisher Besides these, there were men that served in the Continental army. You have all heard the story of Holland Wood, the old artilleryman, who was with

Washington when he crossed the Delaware, and you have heard the story of his strength, when, at the battle of Monmouth, his gun fell from its position, and with his own unaided strength he raised it and put it upon its carriage, and when it was so hot it burnt through the sleeve of his coat. I assure you our good old town stood up in the front ranks in those days, and I do not believe the breed has all run out yet.

After the close of the war the town went on as did other towns, the people cultivating their farms, building their dams, erecting their mills, filling their We all of us know of the old historic companies of our fathers, the Walpole Light Infantry, formed in 1802 under command of Capt. Samuel Fales, and when it was called upon by the government, under the command of Capt. Warren Clap, they marched to Boston _one hundred pounds settlement; fifty pounds of the cuss them at length here. I know, and you know, that at the first call Walpole sent her men to fight the battles of liberty and union, and the events of that war made our country and government a stronger and better government and country than ever it was

Chapter Lx

The First Congregational Society in Walpole.' - The history of this society dates from the incorporation of the town, in 1724, though religious services were undoubtedly held in the settlement before that date.

The earliest record bears date March 30, 1725. It was voted then by the people of the town to build a meeting- house. Subsequently measures were taken for the "' support of preaching" and the securing of a minister to live with the people.

Many meetings were held over the perplexing question of the proper size of the house, but at last it was decided to build one thirty-eight feet long and thirty-two feet wide, smaller than was at first proposed.

In 1726 work was actually begun on the building, but for many years it remained unfinished. Therefore there is no account of a dedication. There is no record of a formal ''raising." There were, originally, but twelve pews, but this number was greatly increased as the congregation grew, and as the people tired of the rough benches. The congregation steadily increased until, in 1743, the seats on the floor and in

The first minister called by the town was Rey. Joseph Belcher, who wrote his acceptance May 17, 1728. He was to receive fifty pounds as salary and settlement to be paid the year he was ordained, the For some reason, not recorded, the town voted, May 5, 1729, to dismiss Mr. Belcher.

June 8, 1729, Rev. Phillips Payson preached for the first time in Walpole. Jan. 30, 1730, he accepts a call of the town, voted Oct. 20,1729. The letters of Mr. Belcher and Mr. Payson are in strong The one is fervent, enthusiastic, abounding in pious phrases, the other is brief, business-like. The one condition stated in Mr. Payson's letter is, that the town shall furnish him all the firewood he may need, that it shall be four paces in length, and that it shall be brought to the house.

Mr. Payson was ordained and installed minister of the town Sept. 16,1730. The town, when making preparation for this great event, voted that Ebenezer Fales should entertain the ministers taking part in the ordination service, and that he should be paid The ministry of Mr. Payson covers a period of nearly forty-eight years. It is not stated who presided at the organization of the church. July 2, 1730, the following persons were embodied : James Bardens, Ebenezer Fales, Kleazer Partridge, Samuel Kingsbury, Peter Fales, Thomas Clapp, Joseph Carryl, Moses Chamberlain, Ebenezer Robbins, Joseph Smith. Samuel Kingsbury was the first deacon of the church, having been elected Oct. 8, 1730. Ebenezer Fales, elected Dec. 10, 1731, was the second deacon. admitted to the church by Mr. Payson was two hun-

" discipline." was the minister's thorn in the flesh. He seemed to have a genius for mischief, but the church was faithful to the commandment and forgave him many times.

was easy to pass a vote for the original salary, and even to increase it. As the minister's physical and mental powers waned, it was deemed necessary to reduce the salary somewhat. But, on the whole, a good understanding existed between minister and people through this long pastorate, and as young and old man, Mr. Payson enjoyed the respect of his people, while most of the years were passed in quiet and peaceful labor. The thoughtfulness of his people is shown in a vote of 1772.

The minister was Mr. Payson lived to see the colonies fully committed to an armed conflict with Great Britain. In the meeting-house were held the important meetings of that war-time. Here was first read and administered, without doubt, the oath

Here the people ratified the fourteen articles of the ' Association of the Grand American Congress." Here they elected their representatives, voted money and provisions for the support of the army, and talked eloquently of their wrongs.

How strange to find the first meeting-house and first pastor drawing to their decay together! Mr. Payson died Jan. 22,1778, and in 1781 the meetinghouse was condemned, the town voting to build a new one on the same spot.

The new building was raised in 1783. In June of that year it was voted to appoint a committee "to get ministers to pray with us at the raising." Adam Blackman was the head carpenter. The building was sixty feet long and forty feet wide. When it was finished no one knows; for, as in the first case, meeting-house bills came up, the regular subject of All hundred and fifty-two persons. 1829. event or change, so far as his own charge was concerned. He lived, as Mr. Payson, to see his countrymen engaged in war with Great Britain, and realized how profoundly a small community like his own could be moved, for Walpole was loyal always.

After his death, according to his directions, all his manuscripts were destroyed. We are not able, therefore, to determine the quality of his preaching or - his literary ability; but it is said he used certain mysterious signs and abbreviations that would have made the task of deciphering his writings to-day hopeless. Indeed, the It that, with the advent of his successor, the great majority of his people espoused the Unitarian side in the controversy over the doctrine of the Trinity. He has left one impressive monument in the row of noble elms planted by his hands near the site of the old homestead, on the Medfield road.

of his church members came up cay id. i: coos Morey, my mind is greatly troubled over this matter can you tell me something to relieve "You better go home

Just before the time for starting for meeting on a Sunday the horse was brought to the door, and the parson, standing at the window, watched to see the bell swing in the belfry on the hill, and before the sound actually reached his ears he had started for the door. The horse had become so accustomed to his promptness, and had so associated it with the sound of the meeting-house bell, that one morning, when the parson was delayed, he trotted decorously off to meeting, and took his place in the familiar shed near the meeting-house.

Once Mr. Morey preached an eloquent and powerful sermon against card-playing. adjusting the pulpit-cushion, he dislodged a pack of cards, which fell upon the heads and into the laps of the venerable deacons, who sat just beneath. Imagine the astonishment of the preacher, the stupefaction of the deacons, the horror of the older ones in the congregation, the mirth of the younger!

On the 15th of November, 1826, Mr. Storer was ordained and installed junior pastor of the church and society in Walpole. For several years it had been evident to the people that their old pastor had become too infirm for the duties of his position, though he would not admit it, but endeavored, heroically, to meet his people's wants.

long as he lived. There was a notable Mr. Storer. of those attending the council : land; Porter, of Dorchester ; Richmond, of Dorchester; Pierce, of Brookline ; Lowell, of Boston; Saunders, of Medfield ; Providence; Rev. Messrs. Ware, Pierpont ; Gannett, of and Dewey, of New Bedford.

presence of certain ministers at his ordination would, of itself, members of the church in Walpole, still holding firmly to the doctrine of the Trinity, and considering it their duty to still profess it, finding little sympathy among the other apes of the caaeern addressed a letter to the Congregational Church in Walpole, praying that they might be dismissed from membership in order to form a second church.

A meeting of the church was immediately held, but the subject was referred to the next regular meeting, that all the members might be present and the matter be fully voted upon.

Before action could be taken by the church the petitioning members organized what is now known as the Second Church, or Orthodox Congregational Church. At the regular meeting of the old church, action on the petition was indefinitely postponed. The original members of the Second Church, therefore, were always members of the First. During the ministry of Mr. Storer church and society prospered greatly, one hundred and twenty-one members being received into the church. Being of a social nature, well educated, and, as a preacher, magnetic, Mr. Storer became very popular. His removal to Syracuse, N. Y., to take charge of an important church there, in 1839, was considered a calamity. Some of the fine trees on Common Street attest the interest he felt in the town which he had made his home. His

Before Mr. Storer left Walpole it was determined The porches and all projecting portions that would interfere with its march were cut away, and it was lifted from its foundations and swung around, rear end first, being guided by a pole stuck in the ground midway the old and new sites.

With the rededication of this meeting-house, which they called a new one, there was the installation of a new minister. Rev. John M. Merrick received a call from the church and society August, 1839. December 11th of that year was memorable, it being the date of his installation and of the rededication. The The sermon was by Mr. Merrick was pastor twenty-six years, resigning his charge in 1865. N. H., March 20, 1871, pastor of the Unitarian church and society. The recorder says of his sufferings in his last days, ' He bore all with patience and a Christlike resignation." During his ministry in Walpole forty members were admitted to the church. His son, Prof. John M.

Boston, rapidly rising to eminence as a scientist and writer on various subjects, died suddenly in Walpole in 1879. Mr. Merrick presided at the council called to examine his successor, Rev. W. B. Smith, and at the installation made the address to the people.

Mr. Smith was installed Oct. 5, 1865, Dr. Hedge, of Brookline, preaching the sermon. ministry all things prospered, and he affection and confidence of his people. absence in Europe, in 1874, considerable made in the interior of the meeting-house.

leries were removed, the pulpit was lowered, and a recess made at the rear of the pulpit. J. Young, of Cambridge, preached the sermon at the reopening. the pastor from Europe, his letter resigning his pastorate came, taking the people by surprise, and bringing sorrow to very many. which he was then suffering, and which occasioned his resignation, Mr. Smith has not recovered. removed to Grafton, where he now lives. his ministry of eight years Mr. Smith admitted to church membership thirty-nine persons. Pending the selection of a successor to Mr. Smith, Professor Young, of Cambridge, preached for the society.

March 22, stalled pastor, Rev. J. F. Lovering preaching the sermon. sons were admitted to church membership. Hamblett was greatly liked as a preacher. Impulsive and enthusiastic, he did not spare himself, but being burdened by sickness, he found himself unable to perform all the duties or meet all the demands of his position, and in 1882 he resigned, removing to his old home in New Hampshire, where he hoped to recover his lost health, and where he still lives. He left many interested friends in Walpole.

In November, 1882, Rev. J. H. Weeks, the present pastor, preached for the first time in Walpole. He took charge of the pulpit January, 1883, but did

A movement towards the erection of a chapel for Sunday-school uses has been started. The church and society have several funds at their disposal, left them by will.

Orthodox Congregational Church.' - No one can write the history of a church. A church is a living soul, not a machine. It has an inner life whose record is alone in heaven. We can measure the length and the breadth and the depth and the power of a river, but a church, - its full history, its influence, its power, We may tell some incidents connected with its growth, we may outline a sketch of its external life, and this is all.

Nov. 13, 1826, the following ministers and delegates composing the council: Rev. Ebenezer Burgess and Nathaniel Guild, of Dedham; Rev. Warren Pierce and Deacon Ebenezer Forrest, of Foxborough ; Rev. Moses Thatcher and Artemas Woodward, of North Wrentham; Rey. Jonathan Curtis and Philip Curtis, of Sharon.

Rev. Ebenezer Burgess was chosen moderator, and T wentynine persons appeared before the council stating that they desired to be formed into a church of Christ for their own edification and improvement in divine knowledge, for the better maintaining of gospel ordinances and public worship among themselves, as well as for and entered into ' Covenant" with God and with each other, and thus became the original members of the Orthodox Congregational Church of Walpole: Henry Plimpton, Aaron Guild, Joshua Allen, Jonathan Wild, Rhoda Bird, Keziah Thompson, Lucy Nason, Phebe Robbins, Nabby Robbins, Keziah Kingsbury, Susanna Plimpton, Mercy Billings, Anna Ellis, Lucy Morse, Cynthia Guild, Priscilla Lewis, Catharine Everett, Sarah Smith, Catharine Allen, Mary Nason, Jerusha Clapp, Miriam Smith, Susanna Lewis, Milley Baker, Joanna Hill, Patty Bowker, Unity Allen, John P. Allen, Susanna Smith.

on the corner of Main and East Streets, and adjoin- Until they were prepared to call a pastor, they were minising the site of the present house of worship.

whom were Rey. Dr. Lyman Beecher and Rev. Dr. Green, of Boston. Of the original members only one is now living, but the descendants of many of them are still represented in the church and society.

The society which is connected with the church - - called the Orthodox Congregational Society - dates back to Oct. 4, 1826, with an original membership of seventy-four persons. Henry Plimpton, John Blackburn, Oliver Lincoln, Levi Clap, Nathan Ware were the first committee of the society; and John Blackburn, Henry Plimpton, Everett Stetson the trustees of the society. The first clerk was George P. Ellis, who held the office but one year, and was succeeded by John Morse, who served nearly nine years. During its history this society has had but four clerks; the present incumbent, Samuel Allen, having served thirty-five years.

The first treasurer of the society was Josiah Hill, who held the office thirteen years. He was succeeded by Asa Hartshorn, who served twenty years; while meeting-house ; and by the earnest labors and many sacrifices of the members, and by the good providence of God in increasing their means and their membership and blessing their endeavors, a house of worship was completed, and in September of the following year, 1827, was dedicated to the worship of the Triune God. It was a happy day for the little

The total expense of the building, without the vestry or galleries, which were added several years afterward, was less than three thousand dollars.

On the 25th of April, 1867, after having been thoroughly remodeled at an expense of seventeen thousand dollars, the house was rededicated to the worship of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Rev. idward G. Thurber, the pastor, preaching the sermon.

The first pastor of the church was Rev. Asahel Bigelow, of Boyleston, Mass., a graduate of Harvard College and Andover Seminary. He was installed March 12, 1828, and dismissed Jan. 1, 1849. The council of installation was a large one, consisting of thirty-seven members, and included Rev. Lyman Beecher, D.D., and Rev. John Codman, D.D.

During his pastorate of twenty-one years, which was the longest that the church has ever had, one hundred and sixty were added to the membership. Mr. Bigelow was pre-eminently a Bible preacher, and so plain and clear were his teachings that even the children could understand. He was a man of deep piety and earnest prayer. A diligent student, he was much in his study, 'searching daily the Scriptures whether those things were so." After a long and faithful service here he removed to Hancock, N. H., where he labored twenty years more, and then passed to his reward at the age of eighty years.

Seminary in 1850, and was installed Sept. 10, 1850. A young man, coming to his first pastorate, he brought all the freshness and ardor of youth, and by his earnest Christian life, his genial spirit, and love of men for But his ministry was cut short by his early death. Aug. 24, 1853, he died, at the age of twenty-seven, and was buried here in the midst of his people. Though for less than three years he ministered, yet his influence still abides with the church, and his memory is

He was succeeded by Rev. Edwin H. Nevin, of Cleveland, Ohio, who was installed Nov. 15, 1854. Within three years he was called to the pastorate of Plymouth Church, Chelsea, Mass., and April 7, 1857, was dismissed by council to accept this call. He is at present residing in Philadelphia, Pa.

After two years of brief supplies of the pulpit, Rev. Joseph W. Healey, of Andover, Mass., was called to the pastorate and installed Sept. 14, 1859.

to minister in the Hanover Street Congregational Church, of Milwaukee, Wis., was dismissed by council from this church. Thirty-nine were added to the church during his ministry.

Here he was ortheological at Union and Andover Seminaries. was Mr. Thurber's first pastorate. dained to the ministry of the gospel Oct. 29, 1862. After serving a year he was installed as pastor Oct. During Mr. Thurber's ministry of nearly eight years - the second longest the church has had - the meeting-house was thoroughly remodeled and

Kighty-eight were added to the membership in the eight years, and of these nearly one-half, forty, were added in one year. During Mr. Thurber's pastorate, also, the first complete manual of the church was published. May 3, 1870, he was dismissed, and en- some time at Montclair, N. J. Since, however, he has resumed pastoral labor, and is minister of the Protestant Episcopal Church at Burnt Hills, N. Y.

uate of Brown University and Andover Theological Seminary, became the eighth pastor of the church. He was ordained Jan. 27, 1875. arly in 1876 an

Theological Seminary. His pastorate - being the third longest the church has had - continued until Aug. 1, 1881, when he was dismissed by council, and soon after became pastor of the First Congregational Church of Milton, Mass.

1882. By this review it will be seen that the church has had a pastor over them for forty-nine out of the fiftyeight years since its organization. The average term the anniversary of each being observed annually, November 13th. Among the first superintendents we find the names of Deacon Everett Stetson, Daniel Allen, Jr., Jeremiah Allen, and Willard Lewis. Mr. Myron H. Piper is the present superintendent, and the membership of the school is two hundred and fifty.

Congregational Church, East Walpole.' - April 28, 1877, a meeting was called at the house of Mrs. Selany Smith for prayer, and to consult about observing the Lord's Supper, and it was voted by the Christian people that Rev. C. B. Smith be requested to present at an adjourned meeting a statement of belief and covenant for the purpose of a permanent organization.

_ize by adopting the statements recorded as the substance of our religious faith and covenant, and Brother William Rhodes and Mr. Joseph Cheney to provide the elements used at the Lord's table, and to serve as deacons of the church; also voted to observe

July 1, 1877, the sacraments were again observed, Mrs. Ellen N. Brown being baptized, and was added to the church. Services were held in Bird's Hall, its free use being given by the Hon. F. W. Bird. Meet- this for some two or three years by different preachers and laymen from out of town, but nothing permanent. About this time Rev. C. B. Smith came among us, and has still remained. Everything went on quietly in a union way until September 3d, when at a regular meeting of the church it was voted to choose a committee for the purpose of considering the propriety of calling a council to recognize the church and recommend it to the fellowship of other churches, if thought advisable to do so, and to determine the time of inviting such churches to meet in council as they should think advisable.

April 20, 1881, the church was admitted to full membership in the Massachusetts Suffolk South Conference, which held their meeting at Boston Highlands, Deacon Rhodes and the pastor being present in behalf of the church.

Methodist Episcopal Church, South Walpole.' - Methodism was introduced into South Walpole by Rey. Benjamin Haines in 1818. The meetings were held in a private dwelling, the residence of Mr. Eliphalet Smith. The next year a Methodist class was formed by Rev. Isaac Jennison, who then resided in Mansfield. In 1822 a church was organized with its officers, among whom was Josiah Hall, who served in

In 1830 the first church edifice was erected under the pastoral charge of Rev. Francis Dane. It was built on the site of the present parsonage, donated to the society by Silas Smith. The house, when completed, was dedicated that year to the worship of God by Rey. Lewis Bates. The second church edifice was erected in 1846, under the liam Rhodes, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel G. Fuller, and | Simon Gould, who was chosen treasurer of the committee. Fuller were chosen to solicit money for same.

Oct. 14, 1882, Deacon Rhodes and wife gave the land for the church. It was erected by Frank Smith, of Franklin, and dedicated May 18, 1883, with the following service: Valedictory by F. O. Winslow ; invocation by Rev. F. J. Marsh; reading Scripture by George Hill; singing by congregation ; history of church by Rev. C. B. Smith; music; sermon by Rev. A. H. Plumb, D.D., of Boston ; prayer of dedication by Rev. J. Coit; benediction by pastor.

Centre was formed in 1874, with a membership of twelve. The first minister was lowed by Rev. J. H. Vincent, one year; Rev. H. V. Webster, one year; Rev. E. Comstock, one year; Rev. KE. C. Farwell, one year; Rev. I. O. Holman, two years; Rev. M. D. Hornbeck, one year; Rev. Rev. M. D. Sill is the to the worship of God by Rev. Charles Adams, D.D., at the cost of three thousand seven hundred dollars. The following board of trustees were then appointed : Josiah Hall, Silas Smith, Caleb S. Ellis, R. Clapp, J. Boyden, A. Ellis, and M. Smith.

two young men of great promise, who afterwards entered the ministry and became members of the New Their names are Rev. Luman This revival was under the labors of Rev. William R. Stone. More than forty pastors have served the church during its history of sixty years. The present pastor is Rev. O. W. Adams. The membership is about seventy. The trustees are H. L. Boyden, E. P. Boyden, J. D. Hunt, C. S. Ellis, George Scott, E. C. Boyden, W. Shephard.

The Press - The Walpole Standard - The Walpole Enterprise - The Norfolk County Tribune - The Walpole Star - Manufacturing Interests - Civil History - The Town Hall - Military History - Number of Men Furnished - Amount of Money Expended - Roll of Honor - Memorial Tablets.

THe first paper bearing a Walpole head was the Walpole Standard, which was printed in Franklin and was started early in October, 1870, by James M.

Stewart, of the Franklin Register. This paper appeared every Friday and lived to see the eighth volume. The Walpole Enterprise was started Saturday, March - 1, 1878, by E. H. Hosmer, of Walpole, who, after | about six months, sold the paper to T. 8. Pratt, of Mansfield. Charles M. Thompson, of Walpole, was | its next editor, and he remained until June, 1881, | when Charles J. McPherson succeeded him, and after | three months bought the paper out, and the Norfolk County Tribune was started in its place. The Tribune lived about ayear. On June 17,1882, The Walpole Star appeared, being published by Charles J. Mc- Pherson, and met with a greater success than any of its predecessors. It is still flourishing, and gives | promise of long life. Its size, as also the Standard | and Enterprise, is an eight-column folio, while the Tribune was a nine-column folio.

Town Hall. - The present town hall was dedicated | Sept. 28, 1881, an historical adddress being delivered | on the occasion by Henry E. Fales, Esq. It is a substantial and commodious brick structure, with a town clock in the tower. It is beautifully located, and reflects much credit upon the building committee and the citizens of the town of Walpole.

Military History. - The first vote in reference to | the Rebellion is under date of April 30th, when it was voted that the treasurer borrow not exceeding $5000 to pay soldiers belonging to Walpole and to aid their families.

The town furnished about one hundred and twentysix men for the war, one of whom was a commissioned officer. The whole amount of money expended for war purposes, exclusive of State aid, was $14,564.47. | The whole amount paid for aiding soldiers' families - and expended by the State was $10,203.54.

The selectmen during the Rebellion were as follows : In 1861-63, Nathaniel Bird, Calvin Hartshorn, M. B. Boyden; in 1864, James G. Scott, J. H. Leland, Horace Draper; in 1865, J. G. Scott, J. H. Leland, and J. P. Tisdale.

The town clerk in 1861-64 was Palmer Morey (Mr. Morey died in August, 1864, and Samuel Allen was appointed for the balance of the year); in 1865, | George P. Morey. The treasurer in 1861-63 was Samuel Gilbert; in 1864-65, Samuel Allen.

Manufacturing Interests.' - Neponset River rises | in Foxborough and enters Walpole at the extreme south corner, takes a northerly course to the centre, then changes to an easterly course, and enters Norwood just below Holingsworth & Vose's paper-mill, formerly known as Hon. F. W. Bird's lower will. |

On this stream are fen separate and distinct water privileges, with a combined fall of one hundred and fifty-one feet. A description of each privilege separately will be given as correctly as records and personal information will permit, beginning at the south and following the river to the last one in town.

The first fourteen-feet fall is known as Elbridge Smith privilege. In 1814 it was the property of Timothy Gay, of Dedham, with a grist-mill located there, it being near the Boston and Providence turnpike, where a toll-gate was; the miller, besides grind- A few years after it became the property of Daniel & Elbridge Smith, who built a factory for manufacturing cotton goods. Several gentlemen occupied it only each for a short time. Sumner, of Canton, made rubber lining; Brad- There is no record to be found of any other transaction. The property is now owned by George Fisher, of West

The second privilege, twenty-one feet fall, is known A deed dated Suffolk County, 1720, signed by Theodore Mann Clothier to his son, Timothy Mann, later called colonel, who at a still later date deeded to his son, Timothy Mann, shows clearly the business there for many years. In 1812 there were two privileges, one five hundred or six hundred feet below the other. Col. Timothy Mann James Richardson & Co. About