Westport Town (part 1 of 8)

Towns Of Westport & Dartmouth

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Source changes here: from History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men, by Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) Ed, published 1883; 16,168 words in this source stream.

Westport Town

Westport lies in the southwestern part of Bristol County, and is bounded as follows: Northerly by the city of Fall River, easterly by the ancient and time-

1 For the Revolutionary and ancient history of this town the reader is referred to the history of Dartmouth and New Bedford, elsewhere iu this history.

honored town of Dartmouth, southerly by Buzzard's Bay, and westerly by the towns of Tiverton and Little Compton in the State of Rhode Island.

The territory embraced within the bounds of the present town of Westport formed a portion of the old town of Dartmouth until 1787, when it was incorporated as a separate town under its present name.

The Indian name of the town was Acoaxet, and it was early settled by a hardy, industrious, and intelligent class, who have left the impress of the sterling New England character upon their descendants.

The original bounds of Westport have been enlarged by the addition of a portion from Dartmouth Feb. 25, 1798, and still another addition from the same town March 4, 1805, and a part of Portsmouth, R. I., was also annexed in 1801.

Documentary History. - The following is a record of the first town-meeting, with names of officers elected, together with other interesting votes, among which appear the votes concerning the location and building of the first town-house, which seemed to have given the good j>eople of the town considerable vexation :

" In compliance with a Warrant issued from Benjamin Russel, Esq., Directing William Almy to Notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Westport to meet Together at some suitable place in said Town to choose all such Town Officers as Towns are required to choose at their annual Town-meetings in the month of March or April annually, and a Committee to settle with the Towns of Dartmouth and New Bedford agreeable to a late act of the General Court, for incorporating said Town of Westport.

" The inhabitants of said Town of Westport who were qualified by law to vote, being legally Notified and Warned by the said William Almy, assembled at the Dwelling house of William Gifford, in said Westport, on Monday the Twentieth day of August, 1787, at ten of the clock, a.m.

" 2. Abner Brownell was chosen Town Clerk for the year ensuing, and was duly sworn by William Davis, Justice Pacis, to authorize him to officiate in said office.

"3. William Almy, Richard Kirby, and Edward Borden were chosen Select Men for the year ensuing, and took and subscribed the Oath of Allegiance to authorize them to officiate in said office. Before me Abner Brownell, Town Clerk.

" 4. Richard Kirby was chosen an Assessor for the year ensuing, and was duly sworn, to authorize him to officiate in said office. Before me, Abner Brownell, Town Clerk.

" 5. Thomas Tripp, Stephen Cornell, and Pardon Brownell were chosen fence-viewers for the year ensuing, and were duly engaged to authorize them to

" Abner Brownell was chosen Town Treasurer for the year ensuing, and was duly sworn to authorize him to officiate in said office. By William Davis, Justice Pacis.

" 7. Stephen Davis Carpenter and Barjonas Devol were chosen Surveyors of lumber for the year ensuing, and were duly engaged to authorize them to officiate in said office. Before me, Abner Brownell, Town Clerk.

" 16. Benjamin Davis, Innkeeper, Israel Brightman, Jonathan Davis, Wanton Case, Jonathan Taber, Capt. Sylvanus White, George Lawton, Job Almy, Pardon Brownell, Samuel Willcox, Peleg Cornell, Junr., and Lemuel Milk were chosen Surveyors of Highways for the year ensuing.

" 17. It was voted to have three men chosen for a committee to settle with Dartmouth and New Bedford agreeable to the Act of Incorporation of said Town of Westport.

" 19. Lastly it was voted for this meeting to be adjourned to Thursday Sept. 20, 1787, at one of the Clock p.m. to be holden at the dwelling house of Joseph Gifford, Inn-keeper."

"In compliance with a Warrant Issued from the Selectmen of the Town of Westport, Requiring any or either of the Constables of said Town to notify and warn the inhabitants thereof to meet at the dwelling house of William Gifford in said Town on Thursday, Novbr 22, 1787, at ten of the clock a.m. for the purpose of choosing a Delegate, Agreeable to a late Resolve of the General Court, to Represent this town in the Convention to be holden at the State House in Boston, the second Wednesday of January next, 1788, for the purpose of Assenting to, and Ratifying the Constitution of the United States, as proposed by the Federal Convention lately assembled at Philadelphia.

legally Notified and Warned by Benjamin Cory one of the Constables of this Town Assembled on Thursday Novbr 22, 1787, at the Dwelling House of William Giffbrd at ten of the clock a.m. And proceeded agreeable to the directions of said warrant, -

" 2. William Almy was chosen a Delegate to Represent this Town in Convention at the State House in Boston on the second Wednesday of January next, 1788, for the purpose aforesaid."

" 14. The Article was taken up Respecting the building of a Town House or not, and it passed in the Affirmative. Nextly it was Motioned to choose a Committee to look and enquire for the best accommodations for a place to set it and to make report thereof to the next Town Meeting. Also a vote was called how many the Committee should consist of, and it was voted to have three upon the committee. And William Almy, Wesson Kirby, & Edward Borden were Nominated to be of the Committee, and they were Chosen and were to make report of their doings to the next town meeting.

" 15. The Article was taken up Respecting the Regulating of the Fishery and a vote was called whether the Town would Tolerate the inhabitants thereof to proceed in the method of Seining fish, or not, & it passed in the Affirmative.

"Agreeable to an adjournment of the meeting of the 7th of April last past that was adjourned to this day & house (viz.:) to the 2nd Monday of May, 1788, at 10 O'Clock a.m. at the House of Joseph Giftbrd.

"Voted to allow those accounts brought against this Town, viz. : To Mr. Stokes Potter, for keeping Job Potter from the 2d of July, 1787, to May 16, 1788, forty-five weeks and four days, at 5/ 6d. pr. week, twelve pounds, ten shillings, and Id. To Susa Dick, for keeping Hannah Simon (a Black Woman j from July 2, 1787, to November 1, 1787, Seventeen Weeks and an half, at 3/ pr Week, and from November 1, 1787, to January 14, 1788, ten weeks and two days, at 6/ pr week, Total five pounds fourteen shillings and sixpence. To Abiel Macomber, for keeping Ann Worgin when Sick, from Jan. 28, 1788, four weeks, viz., one week at 12/, next at 9/ Do., at 5/, and Do. at 2/, Total £1 8/. To Edward Borden, for some provisions for the use of Ann Worgin, 6/.

" Voted that the Town Clerk Certify upon the Accts. allowed by the town when the allowance thereof is, and Record the same; and that the Town Treasurer be directed to issue to such possessors of accts. allowed, as shall apply for the same, a certificate or certificates, in Lieu of such accts., which certificates shall be received in payment by the Town Treasurer for any Town Tax not all payed in at the time of the date of the Certificate, equal to the same sum in Gold and Silver.

"A further proceeding upon the article respecting the building of a Town House, and it was motioned that the committee, which was chosen for the purpose of enquiring for the best accommodations for a place to erect the Town House should be called upon to make a report. The Committee being called upon, reported that at Stephen Kirby's, Northwest corner of his Land adjoining the Road, was the best place ; and the town to receive of the said Stephen Kirby four rods of land each way, - that is, Sixteen Square Rods, upon the condition of his being exempted from paying his proportion of the expense of building said Town house.

"Motioned that a Committee be chosen for the purpose of building said house, and George Lawton, Wesson Kirby, and William Hicks were chosen.

" Voted that the Committee be impowered to conduct as they think proper, in preparing Materials for said house, and in the method and order of erecting it, having regard to the manner of doing of it, so that the inhabitants of said town, in things they receive of them, may be as justly proportioned, according to the circumstances of the Town, and apprized by the said committee in as near an equality as they can come at it; also voted that the committee be impowered, if in case the aforesaid quantity of land should not be enough for the use of said town for the purpose of a Town house Lot (in their opinion), that they purchase as much more as will be sufficient.

"At a town-meeting held Aug. 2, 1788, acting on the following article of the warrant, viz.: 1st. To take into consideration the expediency of reconsidering the former vote of said Town respecting the place of building a Town House, and if thought proper by said town, to agree on a more suitable place for the above said purpose, or otherwise, for the town to act and do what shall be thought most proper respecting said building.

"The matter respecting a place for building a Town-house was taken up and a vote was called whether the Town would reconsider a former vote (which was for erecting said house at the Northwest corner of Stephen Kirby's land) or not, and it passed in the affirmative.

" A vote was called whether said house should be erected at Stephen Kirby's, Southwest corner of his land, or at the Northwest corner of William Gifford's land, and it passed to have it erected at William Gifford's.

"Voted that the Committee first chosen for building said house, viz., Capt. William Hicks, Wesson Kirby, and George Lawton, be further impowered to proceed therein agreeable to the last vote for said house, and according to the former instruction.

" A vote was called whether the Town would reconsider the former vote passed for building a Town House at the Northwest corner of William Gifford's land or not, and it passed in the negative not to reconsider it, 53 voting for and 63 against reconsidering of it.

" Voted that the Committee for building said Town House, viz., Capt. William Hicks, Wesson Kirby, and George Lawton, be further instructed to proceed in building said house, so far as to inclose it Convenient & Sufficient for holding the next Annual Town Meeting in March or April, 1789, if possible.

" Voted for the town to purchase two Eods each way of land of Ichabod Potter in the Southeast corner of his home farm, and give him Six Dollars for the same.

" Voted to reconsider the former vote of said Town for building a Town House at the Northwest corner of William Gifford's, and to build it at said Southeast corner of Ichabod Potter's land.

" The town-house was accordingly built at the lastnamed place, and was so far completed that a townmeeting was held therein for the first time on the sixth day of April, 1789. This house is the one now in use by the town. The committee were paid for their service and attendance in building the house at the rate of 3/ per day each. The workmen were paid 4/ per day each. The timber and plank, which was mostly of oak, was purchased of twenty-five different persons, and ten other persons furnished shingles in quantities of from 250 to 519 shingles ; and the nails, which were made by hand, were furnished by seven different persons. The total expense of the house for materials and labor, so far as finished to May 13, 1789, was t:30 1/ 5</."

" To all people to whom these presents shall come, Jonotus, Sam Parachus, and Sue Codomoch, sister to said Jonotus, Indians of the town of Little Compton, in the county of Bristol, in New England, sendeth greeting :

"Know Ye, that we the said Jonotus, Sam Parachus, and Sue Codomoch, for and in consideration of the full and just sum of One Hundred and Twenty Pounds of current lawful money in New England aforesaid, to us in hand paid before the sealing and delivering of these presents by Capt. William Southworth, of Little Compton aforesaid, and John Rogers, some time an inhabitant of Boston, in New England, and now in said Little Compton, of which said sum of One Hundred and Twenty Pounds we the said Jonotus, Sam Parachus, and Sue Codomoch do own the receipt of, and thereof and every part and parcel thereof acquit, exonerate, and discharge the said Wm. Southworth, John Rogers, them, and their, and either of their heirs, Executors, and Administrators forever, by these presents have given, granted, bargained, and sold, alienated and enfeoffed, confirmed, and by these presents do freely and absolutely give, grant, bargain, sell, alien, enfeoff, and confirm from us, the said Jonotus, Sam Parachus, and Sue Codomoch, our heirs, and each of our heirs, unto Win. Southworth and John Rogers, their heirs and each of their heirs and assigns forever, a certain Neck of Land. Said Neck lyeing and being in the township of Little Compton aforesaid, and in that part of the town called Coxit, commonly called and known by the name of Stephen's Neck. Bounded as followeth, viz. :

"On the North side or end partly by the lands of Isaac, an Indian preacher, now deceased, and partly by a straight line drawn from the South East corner bounds of said Isaac's land. Eastly by a shag wood tree, and from said snag wood tree bounded on the East side by a strait line running southerly to the South West corner of a great rock that lieth about two rods Eastward of a little brook, the bounds of a parcel of medow land formerly sold by Mamanuah unto Capt. Wm. Southworth and Wm. Soale, as may appear by a deed under the hand and seal of the said Mamanuah, bearing date April 2, 1694, and then bounded by said brook on the East side of the brook until said brook falls into the pond called Coceast, and then bounded on the East side of said pond to the place where said pond runs into the sea. Bounded on the West side from the said Isaac's South West corner, bound Southerly by the bounds that were formerly the land of Peter Quashim, until it comes to a pond called by the Indians Nonoqueshago, and then said pond to be the Bound on the West side untill it comes to the place where said pond runs into the sea. The sea being the bound on the South side or end of said Neck, containing about Three Hundred acres of land, be it more or less, with all the singular, the privileges, and appuranenses thereunto belonging in Little Compton aforesaid, called Stephen's Neck, with all and singular the privileges and appurtanenses thereunto belonging, as it is herein before butted and bounded unto the said Wm. Southworth and John Rogers, they and either of them, their and either of their executors, assigns forever, to the only proper use and behoof of them their heirs and assigns forever, free and clear, clearly acquitted of and from all other and former grants, bargains, sales, leases, mortgages, dowers, intangles, alienations whatsoever made, committed, or done by us the said Jonotus, Sam Parachus, Sue Codomock, or any of us or our heirs, or any of our heirs or assigns whatsoever, and that it shall and may be lawful, by virtue of these presents, to and for the said Wm. Southworth and John Rogers, and either of their heirs, executors, administrators, or assigns, and every of them from time to time, and at all times forever hereafter freely, peacably, and quietly to take and possess, occupy, use, and enjoy before bargained premises without any lawful suit, trouble or denial, interruption, eviction, or disturbance of us or any of us, the said Jonotus, Sam Parachus, and Sue Codomock, or any of our heirs or executors or assigns whatsoever, and that we the said Jonotus, Sam Parachus, and Sue Codomock do own and affirm to be the true proprietors and lawful possessors of the above Neck of land, and for the confirmation of the sale thereof, in manner and form above expressed, we the said Jonotus, Sam Parachus, and Sue Codomock have to these presents set our hands and seals this 6th day of April, Anno Domini One Thousand seven Hundred, in the twelfth year of the reign of William the Third of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, King.

" John Coe, "William Pabodie, Jr. " Bristol, ss., April 9, 1700. The above-mentioned Jonotus, Sam Parachus, Sue Codomock appeared before me, the subscriber, one of his majesty's Justice of Peace for said county, and acknowledged the above written instrument to be their own free act and deed.

" The mark of Sam Parachus and a [seal] " The mark of Sue Codomock and a [seal] " Entered April the 11th by John Cory, Recorder. " Bristol, ss., 11th. May 12, 1703, then taken out of the record for said county and is a true copy thereof.

At the south end of the town of Westport lies a small harbor, at the mouth of Westport River, "fortunate in the natural position of its boundaries," and favorable for a good harbor, so situated that one of the boundaries of the harbor laps by the other so as to completely mislead one as to the entrance thereto. So complete is the deception that during the Revolutionary war it gained the name of the " Devil's Pocket-Hole," as vessels acquainted could enter, sail up the river a short distance, and drop their sails at the wharves of Westport Point, where only the masts could be seen, but no manner of admittance thereto; and such was the anger of the Britishers at being thus foiled of their prey that they, after cruising back and forth, in wrath would open fire upon the hamlets lying along the shore, and during one of these flurries the south side of the present dwelling of G. Frederic Davis was carried away by a shell from a vessel lying about half a mile off the shore, marks of which the ancient building carried till thoroughly renovated a few years since.

Militia. - From 1664 until 1787, a period of one hundred and twenty-three years, the local militia of that section of country now Westport formed a part of the military forces of Dartmouth, which forces were, in 1667, by the Colonial Court ordered to submit to the orders of Sergt. James Shaw and Arthur Hatherway, who by the authority of the said court were appointed to exercise the men in arms in the town of Dartmouth. About six years later, viz., March 4, 1673, John Smith was appointed and commissioned lieutenant commandant of all the local militia of Dartmouth, and consequently of those residing within the limits of what subsequently became Westport. Lieut. Smith's subordinate officer was Jacob Mitchell, who was commissioned ensign-bearer.

It is extremely difficult, and in some cases impossible, to learn who were the military leaders, the "Train Band Captains" of the local militia of the different towns, as very meagre records of these appear in the public archives in the office of the Secretary of State in Boston, and these are particularly deficient for the century commencing at the date when the colonies of Massachusetts Bay in New England and that of New Plymouth, now called Old Colony, were united. Indeed it was not until the adoption of a State Constitution, near the close of the war of the American Revolution, that order came out of confusion, system and care succeeded irregularity and neglect, and the military history of each town can be definitely and easily traced in the offices of the Secretary of State and Adjutant-General in Boston.

While the French and Indian war was progressing, Zacheus Tobey and Ebenezer Willis were captains of Dartmouth militia. Capt. Tobey was promoted to major of the Second Regiment in 1762, and Capt. Willis was promoted to major of the same regiment in or about 1771, and discharged Sept. 19, 1775.

As early as 1762, the militia of old or original Dartmouth had become so numerous as to be divided into five companies, one of which doubtless embraced the train band and alarm list of what is now Westport. The commissioned officers of these companies at that date were as follows :

Nineteen years later the militia of ancient Dartmouth had been increased to nine companies, and that part of these forces in what subsequently became Westport appeared under these officers, viz. : Robert Earl, captain ; Sylvester Brownell, lieutenant; and John Hix, ensign.

In July, 1788, Capt. Robert Earl was promoted to major of the Second Regiment of the Bristol County brigade, and Lieut. Sylvester Brownell advanced to captain of the Westport company.

Barber, in his " Historical Collections," published in 1848, in speaking of Westport, says, "This town, previous to its incorporation in 1787, was a part of Dartmouth. There are two small villages in the town, one at the head of East River, the other at Westport Point. The people are much divided in religious sentiments. There are five meeting-houses : two for Friends, two for Baptists, and one for Methodists. There is also a small society of Congregational ists. The village at the head of East or Nochacuck River is about eight* miles from New Bedford, eight from Franklin, and twenty-one from Newport. Formerly considerable quantities of timber were obtained in this town. The whale fishery is now an important branch of business ; eight whaling vessels now go out from Westport Point. There is a cottonmill in this town having 3072 spindles, which in 1837 consumed 300,000 pounds of cotton ; 270,000 pounds of cotton yarn were manufactured, the value of which was $67,500."

Westport in 1883. - The town of Westport has five post-offices, viz. : North Westport, Westport, South Westport, Central village, and Westport Point. The principal villages are Westport Point, Head of Westport, and Westport Factory.

Westport Point is situated at the southerly part of the town, between the east and west branches of Westport River. It contains about one hundred and fifty inhabitants, many of whom are engaged in fishing. Whaling vessels were formerly fitted from this port, but there is no large shipping there at this time.

Head of Westport, or Westport village, is situated at the head of the east branch of Westport River, and contains from one hundred and fifty to two hundred inhabitants.

Westport Factory village is situated one and a half miles northerly from Westport village and partly in the town of Dartmouth. It contains upwards of two hundred inhabitants, most of whom are employed by the Westport Manufacturing Company, who carry on an extensive business in the manufacture of carpet warp, twine, wicking, cotton batting, etc.

Westport Harbor is situated on the west side of the West River, nearly opposite Westport Point. It has a large boarding-house and several cottages, which are occupied by visitors from abroad during the summer season. The New Bedford and Fall River Railroad passes across the northerly part of the town, but is of little advantage to the majority of the inhabitants of the town.

"One of the most quiet, pleasing, and successful business villages in the vicinity of Fall River is Westport Factory, some six miles out from this city, on Westport River, in the town of Westport. A long time ago capital was invested there and a cotton-mill of medium size was erected, the power being furnished by a dam across Westport River. Some twenty or more years ago this property was purchased by Mr. William B. Trafford, who for some years previously had been associated with Mr. Augustus Chace, of this city, in manufacturing enterprises. Mr. Trafford reorganized the mill and infused a new life into every department, and it soon became a standing success. Mr. Trafford secured the best of help, discouraged the use of alcohol, encouraged the operatives to build themselves permanent homes, and in the history of the concern there has been no clashing between employer and employe on the questions of labor or wages. No strikes are said to afflict this concern, because the work-people are contented and satisfied. Many of them own their neat little homes, and on riding through the village a noticeable feature is the cleanliness of everything and the quietness surrounding the place. A neat little chapel has been erected, which is occupied half of each Sunday by a Protestant and the other half by a Roman Catholic preacher, if they choose to preach, and as there is no liquor-shop allowed, there is no drunkenness unless the victim buys his liquor abroad. In fact, it is a strict rule that the work-people must keep sober, and the rule is obeyed. Mr. William B. Trafford was a man of great public spirit, and paid out of his own pocket half the expenses of a new road from the Narrows to the Factory, three miles or more, some ten years ago. He died about 1880, but fortunately had reared his sons to the business. Within a year after his death the oldest son was thrown from his buggy and killed. Mr. Chapin Trafford, another son, now manages the concern. The business now carried on is buying the waste of the cotton-mills in Fall River and cheap cotton, and manufacturing cotton batting and yarn for cheap goods. All their supplies are hauled from this city, and the finished 'goods returned the same, and their heavy teams are quite a feature on our streets. The business has been highly profitable. Mr. Trafford, the manager, completed an elegant mansion in the Factory village last year, and lives neighbor to his operatives, but in elegant style. It is rare to find an established business that has done better than this in the same number of years."

History Of Bristol Counts, Massachusetts

the close of the last century this vicinity, so long under the influence of religious tenets of the Friends, was inspired with a desire for more comprehensive religious opinions, and as the Baptist Church at North Dartmouth (Hixville), under the pastorship of Elder Daniel Hix, had adopted the Bible as their only rule of faith, and Christian experience their only test of religious fellowship (so considering all creeds unnecessary), this doctrine of gospel liberty naturally extended itself into this town, where Elder Hix was well known and much respected.

In 1819 religious meetings were held at the Head of the River, when Peleg Sisson, Jonathan Mosher, George Mosher, Thaddeus Reynolds, Catharine Sowle, Sophia Tripp, Rachel Tripp, Susannah Lawton, Elizabeth Tripp, and Phebe Mosher, being in "fellowship, requested Elder Daniel Hix, of Dartmouth, to i meet with them, and, agreeable to their request, acknowledged them the First Christian Church in Westport, Mass." They continued to worship in private dwellings until the completion of their house of worship, which was erected under the following call :

" Whereas, It is essential in all civilized societies that some suitable place be provided for public worship, and as there is none near the village at the head of the east branch of Acoaxet River, in Westport, the subscribers hereby agree to pay what we here subscribe, in order to build a house for public worship, said house to be free for all denominations of Christians to assemble in and worship in their own way, when unoccupied by the church and society established at that place by the name of the Christian Church and Society.

There were no officers chosen until November, 1825, " when they made choice of Peleg Sisson for minis- '' ter, and Brethren George M. Brownell and Jonathan Mosher for deacons, agreeable to the directions given in the Holy Scripture, by fasting, prayer, and laying on of hands. Elder Sisson lived about eleven months from that time. His days were filled up with a good degree of usefulness, agreeable in life and lamented in death." He was succeeded by Elder Howard Tripp, a young man whose praise is in all the church, under whose labors the membership increased to one hundred and eighty-four. Deacon Mosher moved to New Bedford soon after his appointment, and Deacon Brownell died Sept. 20, 1830. They were succeeded in office by Benjamin Tripp, whose labors continued until his death, Jan. 17, 1874, and Howland Tripp, who united with another church in 1843. Since then other members have served as occasion demanded. Deacon Howland Tripp was chosen first clerk Oct. 16, 1830; Robert Lawton, Aug. 20, 1841, and John A. Smith, the present clerk, March 9, 1878.

About 1833 they were troubled with Mormon missionaries, who persisted in occupying their house of worship, and in 1844 they were greatly annoyed by those who headed the cry, " Come ye out of Babylon," but the timely counsel of Rev. I. H. Coe, and the

"Resolved, That we hereby confess our mistake, and acknowledge our regret that such should have been the case, and thereby the feelings of some have been injured."

The first mention of a Sabbath-school is July 16, 1842, but it is known to have existed before this. Jan. 9, 1844, the society was incorporated, and in 1854 pews were put in the house of worship. Present value of property is about eight hundred dollars. In 1842, Abner G. Devol was "licensed to improve his gift." Since then James L. Pierce, John G. Gammons, Gideon W. Tripp, as ordained ministers, and Robert A. Lawton, a licentiate from this church, have joined the Rhode Island and Massachusetts Christian Conference, the church joining September, 1862.

This church has enjoyed a number of revivals, and as the nucleus of religious effort here has the pleasure of recognizing the following societies as her offspring : The Second Christian Church at South Westport, organized Sept. 18, 1838 ; the Third, at Central Village, June 10, 1839; the Fourth, at BrownelPs Corner, July 4, 1843; and the Pacific Union Congregational, May, 1858. Services were held at Westport Factory for many years, and they continued with us until 1871. Since then a respectable congregation of Christians assemble regularly, but are as yet unorganized.

No article of faith has ever been received by this body, but rules for business have been adopted when necessary, all of which passed a complete revision March 9, 1878.

Mrs. Elizabeth Tripp, wife of Deacon Benjamin, the last of the original members, died in the year 1883 at the advanced age of ninety-two years. Three hundred and twelve persons have joined this church, its present membership being eighty-one.

The following have been pastors and supplies: Peleg Sisson, Howard Tripp, John Phillips, Isaac Smith, William W. Smith, Wesley Burnham, I. W. Graffam, R. B. Eldridge, Samuel White, James L. Pierce, John B. Parris, George W. Dyer, John G. Gammons, Gideon W. Tripp, A. D. Blanchard, F. P. Snow, Gardner Dean, Curtis I. Pierce, H. P. Guilford, and Curtis I. Pierce.

The Second Christian Church at South Westport was organized Sept. 18, 1838, with the following members: Sanford Brightman, David Brownell, Sarah W. Brownell, Betty Brightman, Mary Brightman, Myra E. Brightman, and Ann Macomber, Elders Moses How, Charles Morgaridge, and Gardner Dean participating in the inaugural services. David Brownell was chosen clerk, and was the only officer until Aug. 28, 1841, when Brethren Jacob Chase and John Allen were chosen deacons and ordained soon after. With the decease of Deacon Chase the office remained vacant until Aug. 28, 1880, when Charles

R. Allen was chosen junior deacon. Deacon Allen was chosen clerk Nov. 2, 1849, and continued thirtyone years; Abraham Allen, present clerk, Aug. 28, 1880. The Sabbath-school was organized June 5, 1849. Feb. 1, 1876, they dedicated their new house of worship, valued at sixteen hundred dollars. Aug. 28, 1880, they revised their articles of church government.

This church has enjoyed a good degree of prosperity, even without much pastoral labor, one hundred and forty-two having joined since its organization, and numbering fifty-five at present.

The following have been pastors and supplies : Elder Matthias E. Gammons, Cephas Chamberlain, Gideon W. Tripp, Philip Sanford, Benjamin Masher, Nathaniel Lovering, Charles P. Snow, N. S. Chadwick.

The Third Christian Church, at Brownell's Corner, was organized July 4, 1843, with the following membership: Howland Tripp, Gideon Tripp, Philip Devol, Holder Earl, Thomas Sanford, Elizabeth Tripp, Sarah Lawton, Basheba Earl, Mary Sanford, Maria Devol, Naomi Briggs, Betsy Petty. The house of worship was opened and dedicated the same day. Elder Howard Tripp delivered the dedicatory sermon, and continued as pastor until the summer of 1847. Since then the following have served as pastors : Elders Frederick Tripp, John W. Hunter, Matthias E. Gammons, Philip Sanford, Ephraim Burroughs, Benjamin F. Masher, Gould Anthony, O. F. Woltze. Howland Tripp and Gideon Lawton were the first deacons. Isaac D. Earl and Edwin Lawton are the present deacons ; Isaac D. Earl, present clerk. Seven years from its organization it numbered seventy-five members; whole number who have joined is one hundred and nineteen; present membership, fifty-one ; value of property, eight hundred dollars. There are six of the first members still living. The oldest is Mary Sanford, aged ninety-one.

The First Christian Church, North Westport, 1 was organized Jan. 1, 1858, with the following members: Joshua Wordell, Perry Davis, Gershom Wordell, Sylvia Wordell, Rachel Davis, Edmund Wordell, Peleg Dennis, Mahaley Dennis, Mary Blossom, Sarah Ann Crapo, Patience A. Barney, Isaac A. Anthony, Christiana Anthony, Abiel Davis, Rhoda Davis, Abby S. Sherman, David D. Petty, Louisa Sherman, Clarissa Blossom, Rosina Sherman, Martha Millard, Ann Mariah Branley, Ruth B. Davis.

At a church-meeting held Sept. 10, 1864, J. B. Parris was chosen pastor, and at a meeting held April 10, 1866, Stephen M. Andrews was chosen pastor, and Jan. 26, 1873, A. H. Francis was accepted as pastor of the church, and was ordained by request of the church.

The next account of a pastor is in 1875, when Elder Elihu Grant commenced his work the second Sabbath in January, and resigned in March, 1879. Rev. B. F. Mosher, the present pastor, was chosen the same spring.

The church accepts no creed but the Bible, and fellowships all who maintain a Christian character. There are on rolls one hundred and nineteen names, twenty-four of whom have died, eight have been dismissed, one excommunicated, leaving seventy-six on the roil at present, many of whom are non-residents, having moved from the place. The edifice was erected before the church was organized; probably completed in 1857. There is no date of the dedication of the building, but probably it was dedicated on the same day of the organization.

The Third Christian Church2 of Westport was organized June 10, 1839, with the following members: Daniel Tripp, Abner Tripp, Gidean W. Tripp, Green Allin, Silva Tripp, Susanah Tripp, Pheby Potter, Pheby Allin, Susan T. Brownell, Christiany Allin, Cathrine Tripp, and Pheby Tripp. The following is a list of pastors from its organization to the present time: Elder Callogue, Elder George Dyre, Elder Gideon W. Tripp, Elder Isrel Wood, Elder Orrin J. Weight, Elder Bardon M. Bacer. The church building was erected in 1842. The present officers are: Deacons, Henry Brighton and God fry Cormet; Clerk, Henry Brightman.

Friends' Church, Central Village.3 - The Friends' Meeting at Central village was set oft" from Dartmouth Meeting in the year 1766, under the name of Acoaxet Monthly Meeting, - this village at that time being the western part of Old Dartmouth, and called by the Indian name of Acoaxet. Several years afterwards its name was changed to Westport Monthly Meeting. The present house was built in 1814 at a cost of eleven hundred and ninety-eight dollars. This was, however, a rebuild (but we have no record of when the house was built which was occupied previous to this). I wish I could give you a picture of it. It is with great pleasure I look back to my childhood days, and think of that large, commodious old meeting-house, with its bright, blazing fires in the large fireplaces, and its rows of venerable gray heads arranged along on the high seats. No paint or marks of decoration were seen upon its massive beams or walls, no stuffed cushions on its benches, or carpets covered its sanded floors, but the whole was a picture of neatness. In 1872 the old meetinghouse was summoned to lay aside its quaint old garb and undergo another remodeling, which is the present house now occupied.

The first members were Ichabod Eddy, Joshua Devol, Mercy Devol, Israel Wood, Philip Tripp, Margaret Tripp, Christian Brightman, Sarah White.

I cannot justly leave the history of this meeting without making particular mention of one of its members. I allude to Capt. Paul Cuff, whose name has been handed down from generation to generation as a man of great worth and noble character. He was born on Cuttyhunk, one of the Elizabeth Islands, in the year 1759. His father was a slave, his mother a native Indian by the name of Ruth Moses. He was tall and dignified in his appearance, his hair straight, and his complexion was not dark. A man of limited education, and, in traveling over the world as he did, sensibly realized what a loss he sustained by this privation. Several times during his voyages he took home with him poor boys from foreign ports to educate them. In two weeks he learned enough of navigation to command his own vessels, of which he built seven.

At the age of sixteen he became a sailor, and made a whaling voyage to the Gulf of Mexico. His second voyage was to the West Indies, but on the third he was captured by a British ship during the Revolutionary war (in 1776), and held a prisoner three months at New York. He joined this meeting in the year 1808, and often appeared in the ministry with deep devotional feelings.

In 1810 he received a certificate from the meeting to visit Africa; later he had one to go to Washington ; still later, two others, one to visit Africa the second time. He had a strong attachment for the people of his own color.

It was this same Capt. Cuff, with his brother John, who sent in a petition to the Legislature in the year 1778 which was the means of passing the law giving all free persons of color equal privileges with other citizens, also rendering them liable to taxation, - a day which ought to be gratefully remembered in connection with the name of Paul Curl' by all the colored people of Massachusetts.

One more incident of this worthy man. On a certain time he visited New Bedford, and stopped at a public-house with some friends, and was sitting in the travelers' room, warming himself by the fire. When the hour of dinner arrived the landlady entered the room and told Capt. Cuff she would set him a separate table. He politely thanked her, and then told her he had previously accepted an invitation to dine with Hon. William Rotch.

He owned a farm in Westport of one hundred acres, about two miles south of Hix's Bridge ; also a store-house and wharf, where his vessels were built.

month of March, 1850, Rev. J. B. Parris was engaged to supply the pulpit of the Old House (so called), it being the first Christian Church in Westport of that denomination. Mr. Parris labored with them two years. His salary was small, and obtained by voluntary subscription. At or near the close of his second year, as usual, a committee was chosen to solicit subscriptions for his salary the coming year. The day before his last Sabbath for the year a meeting of the church and society was held to hear the report of the committee. The committee reported they had been unable to obtain the amount for his salary. The moderator of the meeting (Dr. B. B. Sisson) suggested that he, Mr. Parris, be informed of their inability to continue his labors longer, and that a letter of recommendation be given him to other sister churches. A letter was written and presented to the meeting, and a vote passed that the clerk inform him of the doings of the meeting, and present to him the letter of recommendation.

The week following his last Sabbath at the Old House he was called upon by three gentlemen, two of whom a short time previous had returned from California, and neither of the three had been an attendant upon his ministry, but were highly pleased with his deportment as a minister of the gospel. They questioned him to know if he would continue his labors in the village and preach in Washingtonian Hall if they could obtain subscriptions to the amount of his salary, assuring him that no effort had been made to obtain it, and the people were anxious for him to continue with them. His answer to them was that if the people wished him to stay and preach in the hall he had no objection, and the amount raised on or before Saturday. A subscription paper was started, and before Saturday night he was informed the amount had been obtained, and Sunday he commenced his labors in the hall, it being March, 1852, where most of the church members from the Christian Chuch and all the congregation followed him.

Mr. Parris continued his labors in the hall till December, 1855, when the Pacific Union Church building was completed and dedicated, and he was invited by its proprietors to occupy its pulpit, which he did till March, 1858, when he informed his friends and congregation he should not be a candidate for the pulpit any longer, as his throat had troubled him much during the past year, and several Sabbaths was unable to preach.

In the month of December, 1853, Zacheus Gifford, an attendant at the hall, after the close of the services one Sabbath-day, stated to P. W. Peckham, Stephen Howland, and C. A. Church, in my presence, that a short time previous he attended the rededication and sale of pews at the church at Hix's meeting-house, which had been repaired and pewed off and nicely fitted up, and that the sale of the pews amounted to more than the expense incurred, leaving a balance on hand, and that a new house was needed here, and he thought one could be built and paid for from the sale of pews. From that time the enterprise commenced to be agitated, and as the hall was uncomfortably crowded most of the time, it was concluded to call a meeting on the subject.

"All persons feeling interested in the cause of Christianity in this Village, are requested to meet at Washington Hall on Thursday, Feh. 2:?, 1854, at 2 o'clock p.m., to consult together upon the present state of the causi' ainl the best means for its promotion.

The meeting was held and a vote passed that one of the means to promote the cause of Christianity in this village is to build a meeting-house. A committee was chosen to draft and report resolutions at the next meeting. The meeting was adjourned to Wednesday, March 1, 1854.

March 1, 1854, meeting held, and committee reported that a good degree, a healthy state of religious feeling and interest, and for the welfare of the cause of Christ these should be concentrated in some form of religious association, and offered the following resolutions :

"2d, That the cause would be promoted by the formation of a society to co-operate with the church. And that it would be promoted by the erection of a building suitable for a place of worship. That it is expedient to refer the choice of the form of church organization to such as are willing and ready to become members of a church. And that such consult together and come to some decision, and report to the adjournment of this meeting."

It was voted that the committee, of which Rev. Mr. Parris was chairman, be instructed to give a general invitation to all persons desirous of becomiug members of the proposed church to meet at such time and place in said village of Westport, Head of the River, as said committee may designate. Said notice was given, and a meeting held at the house of Hon. N. C. Brownell, Esq., Saturday evening, March 4, 1854. Adjourned to meet at the house of Stephen Howland on Tuesday, March 9th, and from there to the house of Thomas Winslow. ,

Meeting called to order by Rev. J. B. Parris. C. A. Church chosen chairman ; Stephen Howland, secretary. Prayer offered by Rev. J. B. Parris. The articles, confession of faith, and covenant of a Congregational Church was adopted. At this point of the proceedings Zacheus Gifford and Adam Gifford withdrew from the enterprise, they wanting the church to be of the same denomination as the old church, which had no creed. There were several meetings held during the year and the matter discussed, but no definite action taken to form a church, some taking the ground that it would be better to have a place to worship in before forming a church organization.

and completeness of finish will reflect no discredit on the liberality of the Stockholders. The funds for its erection have been contributed wholly by them ; DO pecuniary aid has been received or asked for from any denomination or from any other Source. The conditions on which it is offered to the public we believe to be just, open, and fair to all, and free from any reasonable objection.

" The object and design of its erection are to subserve as far as possible the moral and religious welfare of the Community, & we trust and beliove in the Providence of God that desirable end will be attained; but to accomplish this all friends of moral and religious improvement should come together in a spirit of true Christian liberality, all minor differences of opinion and jealousies must bo offered a willing sacrifice on the Altar of charity, concord, and kindly feelings. If this be done may not hope that God will own and bless our efforts and crown them with success; and that He will so direct and govern them by this spirit as will redound to the good of all and to His honor & Glory.

At a meeting held Nov. 30, 1855, it was voted that all pews remaining in the hands of the original stockholders unsold, and not leased by them, shall be exempt from taxation for incidental expenses attending public worship, and no pew shall be taxed for the support of the ministry.

Voted that the house be appraised at four thousand dollars, and the pews be appraised to cover that amount. A committee of three was chosen to sell and convey the pews. Adjourned to Tuesday, Dec. 4, 1855, at 9 a.m., at the meeting-house. At this meeting it was voted that the stockholders reserve to themselves the privilege of inviting a preacher to officiate until a society is formed and a preacher called by it. Adjourned to 3 p.m. Adjourned to Friday morning, December 7th. At eight and a half o'clock Friday morning the committee on appraisal presented their report, which was accepted by the meeting, as follows : That the apprisals of the pews shall forever hereafter be the basis for taxation.

Voted that the front seats, Nos. 19, 20, 43, 44, be forever free seats. Voted that the committee on dedication be a committee to invite a preacher to supply the pulpit until a society is formed and a preacher supplied by them. Voted to adjourn to meet in the evening at six and a half o'clock.

At the adjourned meeting held on Friday evening, voted that the committee on selling pews be authorized to lease the unsold pews at the rate of eight per cent, on their appraised value and payment of taxes for incidental expenses, with a provision that should any one wish to purchase said pew, the lessee shall have the first privilege of purchase ; but if he does not wish to purchase, shall then peacefully surrender said pew, and have the privilege of leasing another. Voted that the sale of pews and the purchaser, their valuation, number, and premium paid for choice be recorded in the stockholders' records ; also each pew shall bear its proportion of insurance, to be paid by its purchaser, one-third of purchase money to be paid on delivery of deed, and one-third in thirty days, and one-third, or balance, in sixty days thereafter. The records show there were eighteen sold and sixteen leased out of the forty-two to sell or lease.

Of those who were numbered among the stockholders that purchased one or more pews six have died, three have moved away and sold their pews. Of those who leased pews, six have died, six have left town, and four remain.

It was also voted at the meeting held Friday evening, December 7th, that the superintendent of the Sunday-school at Washington Hall transfer said school to this vestry.

Voted to have the records revised and written up in consequence of the sudden death of our respected and lamented friend, Stephen Howland, a former clerk of this association. Adjourned to Tuesday evening, Dec. 18, 1855. Meeting held, B. B. Sisson in the chair. Clerk read the records of the last meeting. Voted that the committee appointed at the last meeting on revising the records be empowered to take such action as shall be necessary to organize the stockholders into a legal corporate body. Voted that the sum of two thousand dollars be assessed on the stockholders for the purpose of paying the outstanding debts against the house and preparing the lot; that the same be assessed and collected and paid into the treasury on or before the 15th day of January, 1856. Voted to adjourn to meet at Washington Hall, Dec. 26, 1855, at 6.30 p. m. Meeting held according to adjournment. The committee to organize the stockholders as a corporate body report they are engaged in the business, and will report as soon as sufficient progress shall have been made to enable them to do so. Voted to adopt the book of records now present and in the hands of the clerk as the book in which to record the doings of the stockholders, and this vote be entered at the commencement of the records.

Voted that all meetings in the future be called by posting up notices in two public places three days at least before the time for holding said meetings. Voted that in the death or absence of the clerk the meeting shall be called by the treasurer.

Voted that the building committee be authorized to draw on the treasurer for such sums as may be necessary to discharge the debts against said house and lot. Voted to meet at Washington Hall on the evening of December 26th, at six and a half o'clock.

Dec. 26, 1855. Meeting called to order by the clerk ; chairman being absent, J. L. A. chosen pro tern. The chairman of committee appointed to revise and examine the records as left by Mr. Howland, the former clerk, made their report, which was accepted. Voted to adjourn without day.

The next meeting was called by the clerk to meet in the vestry of the church, Monday evening, 20th, at eight o'clock ; first, to choose a moderator ; second, to hear the report of the committee on the organization of the proprietors ; third, to hear the report of the building committee. C. A. Church, chairman of the building committee, read the report :

" The Com1 report they had Erected a Meeting-house for the public Worship of God in the Village, Having from time to time made partial report as all were aware in the Work. Having as they believe Completed the Work assigned or Confided to them, they are Now prepared to make a final report and settlement of the business assigned them. They presented to the Meeting the Accompanying bills of Expenditures and the receipts in the hand of Treasurer to show what became of their Money. It being so arranged as to show in detail the amount expended in the Various departments, deeming it the most business like and probably the most satisfactory to the stockholders who have a right to know, where & for what, purpose their money has been expended. The Com4 thought it desirable that all debts against the House should be paid with as much promptitude as possible. And they think they may Assert with Safety that rarely has a house of the Kind been erected where the debts against it have been more promptly paid. They also return their thanks to the Stockholders for their liberality and promptness in furnishing them with the means for doing so. The Com' would also say in conclusion they have endeavored to discharge the duties Assigned them to the best of their ability and that all will agree they are attended with no little trouble and anxiety and responsibility, and that better and more competent persons from among our numbers, could have been chosen, we do not doubt ; but as we are of your own choosing the responsibility you have to assume. We charge Nothing for our Services and if they are worthless, you pay Nothing for them. It they have been of any Value whatever it may be, You are welcome to them. And we hope that he who governs all things will own and bless the Edifice that we all have contributed to erect ; And make it instrumental in promoting his honor and Glory. We respectfully submit this report and accompanying Account and ask to be discharged from further Service.

The bills of each person employed in preparing the lot for the foundation, stone-work, plans, carpenter's bill, masons, painters, furnace, upholstery, chairs, table, sofa, Bibles for vestry and auditorium, insurance for five years, dedication expenses, etc., amounted to $5092.50. The above account and report was accepted and ordered to be recorded.

" The undersigned a Com' appointed to present some plan the said organization of the Stockholders as a Corporate body, report that they have examined the subject and consulted Council in the case, and they recommend the Stockholders to organize under the 43d chapter of the Revised Statutes.

Then follows a copy of a deed given by James B. Congdon and wife to owners of pews of the lot on which the house stands, said lot having previously been conveyed to him by the heirs of Mr. Howland, who were now stockholders in common. Said deed conveys to each stockholder the amount of his share, also naming each heir of Mr. Howland, the share of

Then follows the petition to George H. Gifford, justice of the peace, representing that they with others are the proprietors and holders in common of certain real estate situated in Westport; that they are desirous of forming themselves into a corporation according to the statutes in such cases made and provided. Wherefore they request that you, the said justice, issue your warrant calling a meeting of said proprietors to be held for the purpose of organizing themselves as a corporation under the provision of the law in such cases provided ; and to choose all necessary officers, and to determine the manner of calling all future meetings, and make arrangements for the sale or transfer of their property, and transact other business that may be necessary and proper.

George H. Gifford, the justice, issued his warrant to the said holders in common, directing them to call a meeting of said proprietors to be held in the vestry of the new meeting-house at the Head of the Biver, in Westport, on Monday, the 25th day of August, in the year 1856, at seven and a half o'clock p.m., for the purposes aforesaid, by posting up a notice containing the substance of this warrant, signed by you, the said C. A. Church, in one or more public places in said Westport, fourteen days at least before said meeting, and also by publishing the same in a newspaper printed in said county of Bristol. Given under the hand and seal of said George H. Gifford, justice of the peace. Then follows the certificate of C. A. Church that he had complied with the order of the warrant. The meeting was held according to the warrant, J. L. Anthony, chosen moderator; N. W. Winchester, chosen clerk, and sworn by the moderator; P. W. Peckham, chosen treasurer; Isaac Howland, collector; C. A. Church, assessor ; J. L. A. I. Howland, J. T. Thompson, chosen a committee to sell or lease unsold pews, and make the necessary conveyances, and to have the general care of the house and lot.

Voted that this corporation shall be known by the name of the proprietors of the Pacific Union Church. It was also voted that the clerk shall call all future meetings of the corporation by posting up one notice at the church and at one or more public places in the village seven days at least before the holding of the meeting, and in case of death or absence of clerk, meeting shall be called by treasurer.

Voted that the clerk shall call a meeting at any time on application of three or more of the proprietors in writing, stating the object of said meeting, and at all other times when he shall deem it expedient. Voted that five shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business of this association. Voted

The committee chosen at a previous meeting reported that they had sold and conveyed said house and lot by the following deed, a copy of which is hereto annexed. And in order to close up the affairs of the corporation the undersigned committee have made an agreement intended to accomplish that result, with a committee duly authorized by the Pacific Union Society to purchase said house and lot, and to adjust and settle all matters in relation to said purchase. Said deed and agreement we present with this report and ask that they be ratified and entered in the book of records of the proprietors. Then follows the deed and agreement on the part of the two committees as recorded in the proprietors' records.

Then said deed and agreement was ratified and approved, and the clerk directed to enter them in the records of the proprietors. Voted to adjourn without day.

A meeting called according to notice, to be held on Friday evening, 3d month 9, 1866, was adjourned to April 3, 1866. Meeting held April 3, 1866, by adjournment, and it appearing from the records that there has been a final distribution of the common property belonging to the proprietors, and that there are no debts owing from the proprietors and none due them, and that the business of the corporation is closed up, therefore voted that the book of records be deposited with the clerk of the Pacific Union Society, said society having been the sole purchasers of all the property formerly belonging to the proprietors.

On the 9th of May, 1858, a notice was read from the pulpit by Rev. Isaac Dunham stating that it was thought necessary to have an organized church connected with this house of worship, and that all who were willing to unite in the formation of a church to meet in the vestry of the church building the next afternoon, May 10, 1858, at 3.30 o'clock, to consider upon the subject, and to take steps for its completion.

The meeting was held, moderator chosen, as also a secretary. There were seventeen persons present. Remarks were made by J. L. Anthony setting forth the necessity of an organized church, and the desires of a number to connect themselves with it. By permission of the meeting the secretary read articles of faith, covenant, and standing rules of a Congregational Church which, if satisfactory, would recommend for adoption, if thought best to have a Congregational Church. As there were persons in the meeting that thought a church of the Christian or Methodist denomination would be preferable, it was concluded to take a vote and have the majority to decide the question. The vote stood : for the Christian, three ; for Methodist, two; for a Congregational, nine; and three not voting either way. It was voted to call a council for the organization of a church three weeks from that day. Meeting then adjourned sine die.

to the following-named churches to send pastors and delegates to meet on Monday, May 31, 1858, at ten o'clock, a.m., to advise and aid in forming a church on Congregational principles, and publicly to recognize the same, if in the judgment of the council it should be thought expedient so to do. Signed, J. L. Anthony, D. H. Kay.

Pursuant to letters missive an ecclesiastical council met at the meeting-house in Westport, May 31, 1858, for the purpose of organizing a Congregational Church.

J. L. Anthony was called upon to give an account of the previous prospects of the society ; what means were at command to sustain the ministry provided a Congregational Church was organized.

Mr. C. A. Church gave his views in regard to the control of the house, expressing his opinion that, provided a church was formed, most of the stockholders would heartily co-operate. Rev. I. Dunham gave his opinion that the time had come for the organization of a church.

The articles of faith and form of covenant were presented and read, whereupon it was voted that the articles of faith and form of covenant, together with the name of the church, and their rules and regulations now presented, are satisfactory to the council.

The following-named presented themselves, and were examined upon certificate or by profession of their faith, aud the examination proving satisfactory to the council, it was Voted to proceed to the organization of the church : J. L. Anthony, Rev. J. B. Parris, Dr. B. R. Abbie, David H. Kay, Miss Caroline Tallman, Mrs. Mary Howland, Elizabeth G. Howland, Mrs. Mary W. Anthony, Mrs. Mary J. Rowland, Mrs. Eliza A. Macomber, Miss Nancy A. Cornell.

Order of exercise for the organization of the church : Reading of the minutes, by the scribe ; invocation and reading the Scriptures, by the Rev. J. B. Parris; introductory prayer, by Brother Dennison ; sermon, by Rev. Eli Thurston, - text was, " For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up," Psalm lxix. 9 ; reading confession of faith and covenant, by Rev. Timothy Stowe ; recognition of church and consecration prayer, by

A meeting of the church was held Aug. 21, 1858, at which a clerk and deacon was chosen. It was also voted that this church extend an invitation to the Rev. I., Dunham to serve them as pastor for the year commencing June 1, 1858. The articles of faith, covenant, and standing rules of the church were read for the information of those present desirous of joining this church. Voted that those persons present who wish to join the church be examined on their profession of faith.

Mrs. Hannah Crocker, Mrs. Phebe Tripp, and Miss Lucilla Borden presented themselves, and were examined by the committee, and the examination proving satisfactory, it was voted that they be propounded.

Voted that the clerk inform the society that they had concurred with them in extending an invitation to the Rev. Isaac Dunham to become their pastor. Rev. Mr. Dunham accepted the invitation. Voted to adjourn for two weeks. At the meeting held on Sept. 4, 1858, Brother J. B. Parris was chosen treasurer, which office he has held to this day.

On Sunday, September 5th, to which the last meeting was adjourned, the three persons previously propounded were received into full membership.

March, 1866. At the request of Sister Hannah Cobb to join the First Presbyterian Church in Oswego, N. Y., and Sister H. W. Bosworth to join the Middle Street Christian Church, New Bedford, it was voted that their request be granted, and letters given them.

August 9th. The ordinance of baptism was administered to the infant son of John H. and Rebecca A. Gifford, and infant daughter of Thomas and Georgie R. Cornell.

Sept. 1, 1867. The ordinance of baptism was administered to Emma Cowen, and she was admitted to the fellowship of this church. The ordinance of baptism was administered to Thomas Ashly, infant son of John H. and Rebecca A. Gifford.

January, 1868. Rev. Isaac Dunham, who had been the acting pastor of this church nearly ten years, declined to serve it longer, as he wished to go and build up a church at Whittenden, near Taunton. His year expiring April 1, 1868, he had provided a pastor for the church, if they should unite in calling him, by the name of Leonard, who came and preached { a sermon Feb. 19, 1868, and the call was given February 22d. For many other items of interest, they will be found in extracts from the society records. A council was called June 30, 1868, and Rev. H. P. Leonard was installed as pastor. Brother Leonard continued his pastorate till March 16, 1875, when, at his request, a council was called and dissolved his connection with this church. The pulpit was supplied to June 1, 1875, by Rev. H. P. Gilford, N. S. Moore, and Rev. N. S. Moore engaged for six months, or to Dec. 1, 1875, after which the pulpit was again supplied to Oct. 20, 1876, by Mr. Bonnell, Dyre, Gilford, D. D. Campbell, Pettee, Smith, Allen, Bacon, Prescott, Atwood, and Bristol.

At the request of Brother H. P. Leonard and wife, the usual letters from this church to the Congregational Church at East Taunton was sent him, and notice received July 3, 1877. Rev. F. L. Bristol gave notice that at the close of his year of labor with this church and society he should leave, and therefore should not be a candidate for acting pastor the next. The church was supplied thereafter till Jan. 1, 1878, by Mr. Bonnell, L. P. Atwood, Mr. Dodge, Mr. Tenney, Mr. Willams, and William P. Alcott. The committee then agreed with Rev. L. P. Atwood to supply the church and society for three months from Jan. 1 to April 1, 1878. He (Mr. Atwood) was engaged from year to year till April 1, 1883. He then declined to be a candidate to supply the4 church and society longer.

Sept. 27, 1880. At the request of Sister Ellen M. Leland to change her connection from this dear church of her childhood to the West Newton Baptist Church, the letter of recommendation 'and dismission was granted by vote of the church, and notice received.

Mrs. Rebeccah A. Smith having signified to Rev. L. P. Atwood her desire' for baptism, and being received into this church; a committee waited upon her at her house, she being sick and in feeble health, and upon examination of her experience and profession of faith, and it proving satisfactory in finding her in fellowship with the articles of faith of this church, and of her hope in the hlood of Christ which cleanseth from all sin, a vote of the church was taken on the report of the committee, which was unanimous to receive her after the ordinance of haptism had been administered.

Sabbath afternoon, July 2, 1882, Rev. Mr. Atwood and members of the church assembled at her home, and the ordinance of baptism by sprinkling was administered, and she admitted to this branch of Christ's visible church in usual form, after which the sacrament was administered.

On the 31st of December, 1882, a letter was received from Brother Atwood stating that he respectfully declined the candidacy to supply the pulpit after expiration of his present year of labor, ending the last Sabbath of March, 1883.

Jan. 18, 1883. The letter of Rev. Mr. Atwood read. On motion of Brother Dr. J. B. Parris, it was voted that a letter of recommendation be given him to sister churches.

" Whereas, The Rev. Lewis P. Atwood, who has labored with this church and society for more than five years past, has declined to be a candidate for the pulpit the coming year, it is therefore

"Resolved, That we deeply regret the severing of the Christian and brotherly ties that bound our hearts together, and this church doth cordially and cheerfully recommend Brother Atwood to the confidence and Christian fellowship of sister churches who may be in want of a pastor, he being an earnest, faithful, and devout minister in his Lord's vineyard, and deeply interested in Sabbath-schools and its work, for which

Biographical Sketches Andrew Hicks

Robert Hicks came from England in ship " Fortune" in 1621. His wife, Margaret Hicks, two sons, Samuel and Ephraim, and two daughters came in ship " Ann," August, 1623. He was in 1618 a leatherdresser in London. He died March 24, 1647. Samuel Hicks, eldest son of Robert, Plymouth, 1643, removed to Eastham ; there married Lydia, daughter of John Doane, Esq.; was a representative in 1649; removed later to Barnstable, where he was engaged in promoting the settlement of Dartmouth. He was among the thirty-six original purchasers of that town, who met at Plymouth, March 7, 1652, to divide their purchase. He owned one-thirty-fourth of the town, where he removed before 1670, as on May 20th of that year we find him recorded as one of the seven freemen of Dartmouth.

His descendant, Jacob Hicks, who married Mary Earle, was a farmer in that part of Dartmouth now Westport. He had three children, - Gabriel, William, and Mary Durfee. Gabriel was a farmer and tanner, and owned about one hundred acres of land. He married Mary Manchester, and had eight children, - William, who married Susannah West; Joseph; Benjamin, married Mary Gibson; John, married Mary Congdon ; Thomas, married Hannah Sowle ; Comfort, married John Potter; Elizabeth, married Constant Sisson ; and Susan, married William Macomber.

Joseph Hicks, born Feb. 22, 1722, was a farmer and tanner, and, like his father, was a valued citizen and of sound judgment. He married Elizabeth Waite, and reared a family of twelve children. They were Benjamin, married Eunice Briggs; Oliver, married Polly Earle ; Barney, married Sarah Cook ; Durfee, married Susannah Potter ; Thomas, married Elizabeth Davis ; Comfort, married Philip Corey ; Mary, married Stephen Earle; Lucy, married Philip Taber; Priscilla, married Stephen Earle (second wife) ; Deb-

Mr. Hicks died Oct. 12, 1798. Mrs. Hicks was born Jan. 20, 1727, and died Sept. 25, 1827, having attained the remarkable age of one hundred years, eight months, and five days.

Barney Hicks, third son and child of Joseph and Elizabeth (Waite) Hicks, was born in 1754. Before he was of age he became a soldier in the Revolutionary war, enlisting as a private soldier under Maj. Manchester, in a Rhode Island regiment of the colonial army, and was for some months in service. He then fitted out a sloop at Westport for the West India trade, and started on a voyage. His sloop was captured by a British cruiser, however, before night of the first day out. The weather becoming rough, the sloop could not be carried in to Newport, as the captors desired, and they bore away for New York. The storm continued, and they were cast away near Little Egg Harbor, and all were lost except Mr. Hicks, one other man, and a dog, who reached a small desert island. The cold was intense. Mr. Hicks' companion and the dog were frozen to death. Mr. Hicks was so badly frozen as to lose both feet from this cause after the lapse of twenty years. At last he attracted the attention of the residents of the Jersey shore, and they succeeded in rescuing him from his perilous condition. He remained at the house he first reached twelve months before he recovered his health so far as to do any business. Then going to Philadelphia, he engaged, with some New Bedford friends, in fitting out a privateer. In three weeks after sailing he returned to Philadelphia in charge of a captured vessel, and after receiving his share of the prize-money he paid for his year's board in New Jersey. He soon sailed as captain of another privateer. On the first voyage the vessel was captured and taken to Plymouth, England, and after a short captivity-in a prison-ship, Capt. Hicks was sent to America. During a fog he incited a mutiny and captured the vessel. The fog lifting, the attempt at escape was discovered, and the vessel retaken by the British. Capt. Hicks again succeeded in capturing the vessel, and this time cut her out from the fleet and brought her safely as his prize into Boston. - He made other privateering cruises, was again captured, and held for nearly two years a prisoner on a prisonship at New York. When the war closed he entered the merchant service, which he followed until he was about forty years old, when he returned to his farm in Westport, where he spent the rest of his life. He made forty-five voyages to San Domingo, and on his last voyage sailed to Africa and the East Indies.

He married, about 1798, Sarah Cook, born in 1776, and had twelve children, - Betsey, married Nathaniel Tompkins; Andrew; Lydia, married Nathaniel Church, and now lives in Fairhaven ; Isaac, married Huldah Tompkins; John, married Caroline Almy; Hannah, married Edward G. Sowle (their children are Sophia, Francis, Andrew, Julia, - Mrs. C. B. Tripp, and Joseph); Barney, married Catharine Seabury; William, married Eliza Seabury; Reuben, married Sarah Kirby ; Alexander, married Elizabeth Howland ; Sarah, married Ephraim Brownell ; Joseph, married Betsey Briggs. Three of these children, Andrew, Isaac, and Lydia, are now living, each over eighty years of age. Notwithstanding his privations and vicissitudes, Mr. Hicks attained the age of seventyeight, dying in 1832, showing that he must have had an unusually strong constitution. He was prompt, decisive, and resolute, and was esteemed by his acquaintances. His wife died in 1826, aged fifty.

Andrew Hicks, son of Barney and Sarah (Cook) Hicks, was born in Westport, Mass., June 17, 1799. His boyhood until his thirteenth year was passed on» the farm. He then engaged as clerk in a store in Adamsville, R. L, where after eight years' service he opened a store of his own. After trading three years he returned to the farm of his ancestors. In 1836 he fitted out a vessel and began an extended whaling business, continuing from that time down to the present. He has owned interests in eleven vessels at one time. He has seen the various stages of this great enterprise of other days, from its palmy and prosperous days to its decay and subsidence. He has built eight vessels for whaling, and his ventures have met with very satisfactory results.

Mr. Hicks was in former days a Whig. Since the formation of the Republican party he has been active in support of its principles. He has been justice of the peace for twenty-eight years, and represented Westport in the Legislature of 1866. He is a director of the Merchants' Bank of New Bedford, and is universally considered a sound financier, careful, prudent, and fortunate. He now owns sixty acres of the homestead farm, dating back over two hundred years in its possession in his family. He has never married, and at the advanced age of eighty-four years has a remarkable memory of events and dates and unusual clearness of intellect.

The Gifford Family

Cheshire, which was the seat of the Dukes of Buckingham of this family. Sir Stephen GifFord was one of the barons accompanying Richard Co3ur de Lion to the Holy Land, and was killed at the siege of Jerusalem. His son Sir Stephen was wounded there. The family enjoyed great distinction in the English court for several centuries, and no less than five peerages existed in it at one time. Baron George GifFord was made Earl of Buckingham by Henry V., but joining the House of York against that of Lancaster, and being one of the prime favorites of Edward V., he was created Duke of Buckingham, and married the Princess Maude Plantagenet, the king's cousin. His son, George Gifford, Duke of Buckingham, was one of the favorites of the Duke of Gloucester, afterwards Richard III. Being detected by that tyrant in the act of corresponding with the Earl of Richmond (Henry VII.), he was attainted of high treason and beheaded by Richard's orders. This Duke of Buckingham left several children, but as they had been deprived of their lands and titles, the mercenary king (Henry VII.) found it more convenient not to restore them, and Humphrey Stafford, a very rich and powerful nobleman, having married the oldest daughter of Henry, was created by him Duke of Buckingham. The Staffords followed the fate of their maternal ancestor (Gifford), for the grandson of Humphrey was beheaded and his family deprived of their vast estates. Of the sons of the last George Gifford, Duke of Buckingham, George continued the first line, and continually solicited the crown and Parliament for his restoration, but, from the powerful opposition of his brother-in-law (Stafford), was always defeated. The Giffords, in the reigns of Henry VIII. and Queens Mary and Elizabeth, ineffectually put their claims before the English Parliament, never, however, being able to obtain a judgment. In the reign of James I., Sir Ambrose Gifford claimed before the House of Peers to be Duke of Buckingham, and in the second year of the reign of Charles I. his claims were disallowed on account of his poverty. Walter Gifford, the son of Sir Ambrose, emigrated from England to Massachusetts Bay in 1630, and was the originator of the American branch of this family." All those bearing the name in New England are traceable to this ancestor, and the descendants in America are found no unworthy bearers of the honorable name, as they have distinguished themselves in art, literature, and science. Honesty, sturdy independence, and industry have been characteristic of the name in Bristol County, where many now bear it.

George H. Gifford

George Howland Gifford, son of Elihu and Barbara (Howland) Gifford, was born in Westport, Mass., Feb. 9, 1806. His grandfather, Stephen Gifford, married Rhoda Anthony. He lived on the line of Dartmouth, was a farmer, and died advanced in years, leaving five sons and two daughters. Elihu, one of his sons, was born Jan. 9, 1783, married Barbara, daughter of John and Elizabeth Howland, about 1804. She was born in Westport, Nov. 12, 1782. They had five children, - George H., Keziah H. (married Henry B. Gifford, lives iti Providence, R. I., and has three children now living), Elizabeth (Mrs. Isaac Howland, of Westport), John H., of Springfield, and George E., of Westport. Elihu was a blacksmith of that early day, ran a forge, made hoes, axes, and other cutting instruments, in connection with his brothers Job and John, and worked at his trade until his early death, Dec. 26, 1809. He was a nervous, impulsive, and impetuous man, hard-working, social, fond of his family, and a member of the Friends' Society. His widow married John W. Gifford, and died Oct. 6, 1867, in her eightyfifth year. She was a woman of great strength of character. Very thoughtful of others, she was universally loved, and was called by every one in her old age " Grandmother Barbara." She learned the trade of tailoress at the age of fifteen, and was very ingenious, making dresses, coats, vests, bonnets, etc. She was erect and quick in her movements, retained her activity until her death, and was noted for her superb horsemanship. She was an elder of the Friends' Society and held in high esteem.

George H. Gifford was educated at common school, and attended the select school, which enjoyed high reputation, under the teaching of George W. Baker, fitting himself for an instructor. He began to teach in 1827, and devoted himself to this for several years, part of the time being in charge of a high school- He married, Dec. 3, 1826, Rebeckah, daughter of Joseph and Judith (Brightman) Davis. She was born at Westport, Sept. 18, 1806, and died Dec. 21, 1879. Their children were (1) Henry T. (deceased), married Mary E. Ramsdell, and had one child, George H. ; (2) Julia S., married William Davenport, has two children, George W. and James H., and lives in Fall River; (3) Nancy H., married Edwin R. Pool, who died in Salisbury prison while serving as a soldier in the Union army during the late civil war; they had two children, Augusta D. (married C. W. Tripp, and has one child, Edwin P.) and Carrie May ; (4) George D., died in infancy. In the family of Mr. Gifford was reared Frank Seymour Davis, a son of Mrs. Gifford's brother John and his wife, Emily Wilbur, and he has ever been considered by all a member of the family, and was made an heir of Mr. Gifford equally with his children.

After the death of her husband Elihu, the mother of Mr. GifFord returned with her children to her father's home, and for seventy years thereafter, and until his death, this was Mr. GifFord's home. He became a farmer, and purchased the place after his grandfather's death, varying this avocation by sailing, Aug. 23, 1837, on brig "Elizabeth," from Westport, on a whaling voyage which lasted nine months. With this exception, this farm was Mr. GifFord's resi- dence for seventy years and until his death. On his return from this voyage he engaged in manufacturing shingles in connection with farming, and also became a carriage-maker. He bought the Moose Mill, in Westport, and made carriage woodwork, and owned the mill at his death.

But it was his long and active career in public affairs and his prominence in temperance work that most deserves perpetuation. He was much in public life. He was commissioned justice of the peace about 1845, and continued in that office until his death. He held every town office, and represented his town in the Legislature. He settled many estates, and also was chief surveyor of this vicinity for many years. He was often called upon to give advice, and was a wise and sagacious counselor. He was a popular auctioneer, and continued to transact some kinds of business till within a few days of his death, May 19, 1882. He acted at various periods of his life with the Democratic, Republican, and Prohibitory political parties. His temperance history was a marked one. At the formation of the Washingtonian Temperance Society, in 1842, he was somewhat dissipated, but such was the interest in him and desire to secure his aid that when organizing the Westport Society the office of vicepresident was left vacant to be given him if he would take the pledge and join them. He did so, became its first vice-president, and held that office, or that of president, so long as the society existed. He took hold of temperance with all the ardor of his positive nature, and fought the rum-demon everywhere and at all times. He was a forcible speaker, and soon received the sobriquet of the " Old Temperance Warhorse." He had the satisfaction of knowing that tangible and permanent results came from his efforts. He was chief officer of Sons of Temperance and Good Templars for a number of terms. In religion he was liberal and independent, inclining, however, to the Friends' belief. He was accurate, methodical, and systematic in all things, and correct in all business matters, and successful in the acquisition of property. He was a kind and loving husband and father, covering a warm heart by an appearance of austerity and gruffness. He was an agreeable social companion, full of humor and laughable stories. Honored by the community, his death was deeply regretted.

William Gifford Vxd William H. Gifford

From Eli Wodell's genealogical work - a rare and really ingenious and labored production - we glean something of the North Westport Cliffords. Ananias (?) Gifford had at least five children, - Benjamin, Etecompence, Abigail, Mary, Kezia. Benjamin was a cooper, died in Westport about 1817. (E. W. says lie was son or brother of Ananias Gilford.) He had children, - Nathaniel, .lames, Stephen, John. George, and Ruth. (" George Gifford, son of Benjamin and

Susan Sherman, daughter of Sampson Sherman, his second wife, was married four times, and barely escaped two other such calamities. He was to marry Miss Andrews, who died bride expectant. He married Elizabeth Wodell, Susan Sherman, Ruth Cottle, and Mercy Bullock, and escaped Miss Andrews and Mrs. Randall, to whom at his death he was contracted. He was a good and sensible man, and had considerable literary talent." - Eli Wodell.) George, born Feb. 17, 1772, in Freetown, was a farmer, well read, and a good penman. He acted as clerk at auctions, town-meetings, etc. He was also a schoolmaster, and a worthy and deeply-devoted member of the Baptist Church. He moved in later life to Graf-, ton, N. H., and in that new country was very useful, and by his aid in forming churches and religious societies, made a permanent impress on the place. By his first wife he had Elizabeth, married Samuel Thurston ; by his second wife, Susan, he had William, Stephen, and Charles (who died at Fort Mahon, Aug. 2, 1828, while in the United States naval service) ; and by his third wife he had one daughter, Caroline. He died at an old age.

William Gifford was born in Westport, Mass., Feb. 12, 1794. He was reared on the farm, and became a farmer. Married Deborah, daughter of Thomas Freelove, of Troy (now Fall River). She was born Oct. 12, 1791. Their children attaining mature years were Ruth and William H. Ruth married Jacob Hicks, of Fall River, Mass. Her only surviving child, Charles, married Catharine Paine, and had one son, Charles A., now a practicing physician in Fall River. Mr. Gifford was an energetic and an industrious man, and possessed good intellect. He taught school in early life successfully, and was a farmer the rest of his days. He was one of those earnest and devoted yeomen who did good service in the progress of the better elements of civilization. Quiet and undemonstrative in manner, he read much, and had clear and original thoughts and ideas. His judgment was sound, and weighed impartially all things, and rarely was it at fault in its conclusions. He was a Christian, a worthy member of Elder Hicks' (Baptist) Church at North Dartmouth, where he retained his membership during life. His religion was not the pompous religion that flaunts itself obtrusively in all unseemly places with a Pharisaical pride. It was a portion of his being, and his heart was the prompter of every thought, word, and deed, which so worthily adorned this modest child of Christ. It modified all his life. In social, family, and business relations it gave gentleness and kindness, and a sterling love of right for right's sake, and made him the steadfast foe of everything tending to draw men downward. Consequently we find him an active member of the first temperance society (the Washingtonians) organized in this section, and equally as strong and pronounced was he against the monster evil of slavery. He was universally esteemed for his many good qualities, and

William Henry Gifford, son of William and Deborah (Freelove) Gifford, was born Jan. 19, 1827, in Westport, Mass., not much more than forty rods from his present residence. He had common school education ; became a farmer ; inherited his father's real estate of about seventy acres, to which by his industry, economy, and thrift he has added largely, owning now about seven hundred acres of laud in this vicinity, beside real estate in Fall River. He has been a worker. From early morn till late at night he has wrought diligently, and has never eaten the bread of idleness. He has invariably sided with the political and moral forces which promised the elevation of the lower classes and the benefit of humanity. Never caring for nor accepting office, he has done good service in the Republican party, and in the old Washingtonian Temperance Society was one of the most efficient laborers, and secretary of the society in his neighborhood for years. To these principles he still tenaciously adheres. Although he could realize larger rents for various properties of his in Fall River if he would allow liquor to be sold on the premises, he was true to his principles, refusing to let to such parties, even if they remained vacant. He was at one time somewhat interested in whaling, owning three-fourths of a whaler; but it did not prove profitable, and he sold out in 1881. He has been stockholder and director of the Barnard Manufacturing Company, of Fall River, from its organization. He married Ruth L., daughter of David and Zilpha (Devoll) Brownell, of Westport. . After a short wedded life she died, leaving her infant daughter and namesake, Ruth Louisa, to follow her to the grave in three short months. Although these deaths occurred twenty-five years ago, Mr. Gifford has remained true to his first love and never again married. He is to-day one of the wealthy and progressive citizens of his town.

Capt. Benjamin Gifford

CAPT. BENJAMIN GIFFORD. Capt. Benjamin Gifford, son of Humphrey and Phebe (Davis) Gifford, was born in Westport, Mass., July 11, 1824. He commenced coasting voyages with his father when but seven years old, so had but little advantages for education except that given by personal application on board of ship, where he was a diligent student. He sailed on his first whaling voyage on his fifteenth birthday in bark " Hope," his uncle, Capt. Gideon Davis, being master. He returned in November, 1840. He then made three voyages in brig " Mexico," and two in " Dr. Franklin." The last one he commanded the vessel, rising to his position of master by steady promotion. The wages of his first four voyages were taken by his father, for he was under age. He next commanded the bark " Marion," of New Bedford, on a three and one-half years' cruise. His next vessel was the bark " Mattapoisett," of Westport, and the next, in which he made three voyages, was the bark " President," of New Bedford. He afterwards went three voyages as captain in the vessels "Glacier," "Spartan," and "Sunbeam," of New Bedford. He returned from his last voyage Dec. 2, 1879, having accumulated quite a property by his services. He was very conscientious in all things, so much so that an acquaintance remarked once, when the captain was talking of leaving the sea and engaging in merchandising, " He never would make a living, for he was too honest." He married, Aug. 14, 1853, Hannah R., daughter of Stephen and Hannah (Baker) Allen, an estimable and generous lady who survives him.

Capt. Gifford was a Republican in politics, and as such represented Westport two terms in the State Legislature. He died April 18, 1881. He was a remarkably genial man, knowing no difference in his intercourse between the high and the low, the rich and the poor, and won the love and confidence of all. He was generous to a fault, and never refused to assist any benevolent object. He was dignified in appearance, but with a cheerful courteousness he was a pleasant companion, with many a repartee and ready joke. He was of nervous temperament, and rarely sat down an hour in his house, but was busy in something he wished to do. He was a devout Christian, belonging to the Friends' Society. When stricken down by paralysis, and forced to leave all active labor by being deprived partially of the use of his right side, he never murmured, but with cheerful content accepted the condition with the remark, " It is all right ; I have already had my share of good health," and during one long year of invalid and suffering life he retained the same cheerfulness, filling the hearts of all who were near him with sunshine, and when he died a host of friends mourned, and letters of condolence came to his widow from all quarters of the globe. The New Bedford Mercury, April 19, 1881, contained this short tribute to his memory: "Capt. Benjamin Gifford, of Westport Point, died of paralysis yesterday morning, aged fifty-six. He made quite a number of voyages successfully in whaling, his last one being in the ' Sunbeam,' of this city. He was not a great man ; he was more than that, he was a good man. Honest and straightforward in his transactions, and of pleasant disposition, he won the respect of all who knew him. He was a strong advocate of temperance and a Friend. He was a member of the House of Representatives of Massachusetts, 1877-78."