Woburn City (part 2 of 4)

The MliJiUesexJonnialAwCi The irohurn Budget, both local papers, spoke wise and brave words for the cause. Their editorials were vigorous and patriotic, and did much to concentrate popular feeling upon the duties of the hour. The AVoburn Phalanx, an old military organization of much repute, was revived, and its ranks recruited to the maximum number. Securing a new and full equipment, it marched to Boston, under Captain Timothy Winn, and oflered itself to the governor foriminediate service. Several causes led to adelay of its acceptance as a body, whereupon many of its members hastened to join other organizations ; and it was not until the next year that the Phalanx, under new enlistments, went to the front in its proper place in the 5th regiment. In its municipal capacity the town acted with decision and liberality. At a meeting held on the 6th of May, after stating the desire of the town to do its duty to the country in that perilous hour, it was voted to pay to single men enlisted from Woburn %\"l, to married men without children §16, and to married men with children $ 20 per month, in addition to the pay received from the United States government, and the treasurer was authorized to borrow % 5,000 for military purposes. On April 14, 1862, the town treasurer was authorized to borrow all the money required to pay state aid to the families of soldiers. September 2 of the same year § 17,000 were appropriated for the payment of a bounty of $ 100 to each person, to the number of one hundred and seventy, who should enlist for nine months and be mustered to the credit of the t.iwn. March 0, 186:5, $500 were appropriated to aid the women of Woburn in purchasing material to be made into garments for the soldiers in service. November 3, 186:3, the subjoined paper was read and agreed to : " If the town of Wobiini agrees to pay the lifty-two men now called for to make up its quota S ;J00 each,

April 4, 1864, the town treasurer was again authorized to borrow the sum of $15,000, "and more if necessary," to pay to the families of soldiers in the service of the country. §8,000 were also voted to refund money voluntarily paid by citizens to persons enlisting to fill the quotas of the town for the two previous years, provided the sum should not exceed $ 1:J5 to each recruit. In August of the same year it was voted to pay to each volunteer for three years' service one hundred and twenty-five dollars in gold, if such payment should be found to be legal. At the April meeting (1865) the sum of S 15,000 was again appropriated in aid of the families and dependants of men engaged in the war, and $500 to purchase material to be made into useful garments by the patriotic women of the town for the soldiers at the front. In the following month (May) §£3,500 were appropriated to reimburse citizens for money contributed to fill the quota of the town for 1864. The wiiole amount of money expended by the town on account of the war, exclusive of state aid, was $89,066.68. The amount raised and expended for state aid to soldiers' families, and reimbursed by the commonwealth, was §51,456.22.

After the dispersion of the members of the Phalanx into various regiments in the spring of 1861, enlistments went on in Woburn, and in July more than one hundred men were in the field at various points. When the 22d regiment was formed, under the colonelship of Henry Wilson, in the summer of that year, a company was organized under the name of the Woburn Union Guard. Before its ranks were completed it was filled up from other towns, and ordered to the field with its regiment. The number of Woburn men in its ranks was forty-seven, including its officers, - Captain Samuel I. Thompson, First Lieutenant John P. Crane, and Second Lieutenant William R. Bennett. In 1862 two full companies were sent into the field, besides enlistments into several others. The first of these companies was called the National Rangers, and was attached to the 39th regiment as Company K. Its officers were :

John I. Richardson, captain ; Luke R. Tidd, first lieutenant; L. F. Wyman, second lieutenant. The other company was made up largely of the old Phalanx and young men ^^-ho were that year of suitable age to enhst. Its term of service was for nine months, and was attached to the 5th regiment, and went on the expediticm to North Carolina. It was officered as follows : AYilliam T. Grammer, captain ; Charles C. Converse, first lieutenant; William A. Colgate, second heutenant. These were the only companies tliat were organized, as well as made up wholly or in greater part and officered, by Woburn men. During the years 1863 and 1864 the work of enlistment was carried on with energy and success. Although the demand for labor was great among the manufacturers hi town, yet the pay and bounties ofl'ered to men were always equal to the occasion, and the government quotas were promptly filled. These recruits went to fill up the gaps in broken companies of infantry, or into the artillery, cavalry, or navr.l service. The whole number of men (as nearly as can be ascertained) enlisted in Woburn or made part of her quota, was seven hundred and fortynine, divided among the different arms of the service, and for different periods, as follows : -

Alaiiy of the above were re-enlistments. The number of men killed in battle, or dying from wounds, sickness, and the infamous treatment of rebel prisons, was eighty-two (for details see the in-

Among the patriotic activities created by the war were the societies auxiliary to tlie sanitary and Christiiin commissions. These were generally conducted by women. Those of Woburn contributed their full share to the success of these benevolent agencies, besides furnishing directly to the soldiers of their own town comforts and luxuries in generous supply, both for field and hospital. The work done by the several organizations previous to January, 1863, is without public record, but it was large and effective. At that time the several societies banded together under one general head, although still working in distinct bodies. The receipts from festivals, concerts, and general contributions, from thence to the end of the war, were $ 2,322.59, which sum was expended for materials, made chiefly into garments and bedclothing, but to some extent into small articles of prime convenience. No labors or sacrifices (except those of the loss of limb and life) to sustain the cause of the Tluion and freedom were undertaken more earnestly, or submitted to more cheerfully, than those which characterized the noble women of this town, as well as of the North generally.

Soldiers' Monumenf. - This fine memorial in honor of the Woburn men who gave their lives to their country's service was dedicated with impressive ceremonies, October 14, 1869. Governor Claflin and staff, and mai\y prominent men in military and civil life, were present at the exercises. General William Cogswell, of Salem, the orator selected for the occasion, delivered an eloquent and patriotic address. The monument stands in the central square of the town, on the spot nearly identical with that of the first meeting-house. Its principal feature is the bronze figure of a soldier eiglit feet in height, standing in easy posture, iiulicative of quiet but earnest observation. His musket rests upon the ground, and passing upward, between the arm and the body, is firmly grasped by the right hand, while the left arm falls naturally by the side. The countenance of the figure is strikingly firm and intelligent, and gives assurance that the volunteer soldier is fully conscious of his rights and duties as a freeman. The costume is that of the common soldier of the period, surmounted by the historic overcoat which serves as a foil to the stiffness of the close-fitting uniform. The figure stands upon a granite pedestal twelve feet in height, composed of a base, plinth, die, frieze, and cornice. Set into the die (which is four feet square), on each of its sides, is a bronze tablet, on three of which are inscribed the names of the dead heroes of the war, as follows : killed in battle, twenty-two ; died of wounds, seventeen ; died of disease, twentyseven ; died in rebel prisons, sixteen ; in all, eighty-two. On the fourth side is the following legend : -

The sculptor, Mr. Martin Millmore, who designed the monument, both the figure and base, is the well-known artist of Boston, whose more recent work in the same line for that city has greatly enhanced his reputation. The cost of the monument, vith its surrounding bronze and granite fence, was not far from SI 1,000, for which the first ajipropriation made by the town was $10,000.

Manufactures. - Tire present large manufacturing interests of Woburn are the outcome of small beginnings, developed without special facilities and without combinations of capital. For tlie first one hundred and fifty years or more the only manufactures known were those for supplying the local wants of the inhabitants. Tanners were among them, as they were among those of every considerable town in the commonwealth. During the war of LSI 2, or a little earlier. Deacon John Cummings and General Abijah Thompson began the tanning of leather in a small way, as their jiredecessors had done before them. For a number of years they continued to supply merely the usual local needs. But as both these men had thrifty and enterprising natures, they soon began to extend their business by finding customers among the neighboring towns. In a few years a good market was opemd for all the leather they could make, among the shoe manufacturers, as well as among the carriage-makers, whose business was tlien rising into importance in Essex County. For a long time the dealing with these parties was direct, that is, without the intervention of Boston counting-rooms or agents. The product of the vats and the currying-shops was taken in wagons and delivered directly to the purchasers. It was not until about 1833 that places were hired in Boston for facilitating the transactions between the difi'erent classes of manufacturers. It is said that in brisk times, before the introduction of railroads, the teams taking leather into Boston were intercepted in Charlestown, oreven farther out, by enterprising purchasers, and the contents bargained for in advance of reaching the market. The eidarging business of Deacon Cummings and General Thompson, Jonathan Tidd, etc., led to the adoption of numerous apprentices, to whom a good knowledge of the art of tanning and currying was given. Among these apprentices are the uames of those more recent manufacturers who have given to AVoburn its high place among the leather-producing towns of the state, namely, Hon. John Cummings, Hon. J. B. "Winn, Captain Timothy Winn, Hon. Horace Conn, E. L. Shaw, Charles G. Lund, Joseph Kelley, Stephen Dow, Henry Taylor, and others less conspicuous. It was from 184-0 to 1850 that these younger men began business for themselves, and they were not long in establishing a reputation for their excellent manufactures. Under their management the business increased steadily and prosperously. A^evv markets were opened for the sale of tiieir goods, and with the enlargement of the wants of tiie country, Woburn became known as the leading town for the production of leather in Middlesex County. There are no statistics of the amount of capital invested, the number of men employed, and the annual value of the manufactures, until 1865. Then there were twenty-one tanning and currying shops, and four for the manufacture of patent leather, employing together six hundred and twelve men. The value of these productions was a little rishig $3,000,000. In 1875 the number of shops was 18, hands employed, 808; 11,275 sides, and 4,000 skins manufactured weekly. In January, 1879, the number of shops was 34, hands employed, 1,288 ; and the weekly production was 14,800 sides of grain and buff leather, 14 tons of split leather, and 10,180 calf-skins, at a total yearly valuation of about $3,500,000.

rivalled that of the leather maimfacture. But since 1850 its increase has been slight. The earlier manufacturers were Edmund Parker, Deacon John Tidd, Deacon Thomas Richardson, William and Charles Choate, Simon Holden, and others. In 1875 the amount of capital invested in the business was about $75,000, and the production more than $260,000; number of hands employed, two hundred and eight. Since that time the capital and production is much the same.

The manufacture of shoe stock from refuse leather has grown to be a considerable and profitable business. N. J. Simonds has the largest establishment of this kind. The number of hands employed in the eight workshops engaged in the business in January, 1879, was four hundred and sixty-two; capital invested, about $25,000; and the annual value of production, $350,000.

Neivspapers. - The first paper printed in "Woburn was called The Sentinel. It was founded in 1839, at the opening of the great Harrison campaign, and was quite active in its support. It survived, however, but a few months. In 1812 William "White began the publication of T/ie Woburn Gazelle. The paper was a small one, and sold at two cents a copy. It did not pay, however, and was discontinued at tiie end of two years. The New England Family followed it ; but as it was not a strictly local paper, it was soon suspended. In the spring of 1846 Mr. "White had the courage to revive The Gazetie, and continued its publication, with fair success, for a year and a half, when he sold out to Smith, Kelley, & Co., who changed the name to The Weekli/ Aflcertiser, and in a few weeks again altered the title to The Guide-Post. In 1847 Mr. H. N. Hastings bought the establishment, and published the paper for about a year, when it was discontinued. Tiie next venture in the newspaper enterprise was by Fowle and Brother. In October, 1851, they commenced The JFohurn Journal, with John A. Fowle as editor. The paper was larger than any of its predecessors, and immediately took firm root among the peo])le. It has since been under the proprietorship of John J. Pippy, E. T. Moody, Edgar Marchant, H. C. Gray, and John L. Parker, who assumed its management in 1869 and has continued its publication to the present time (1879). For a few years the title was changed to Middlesex' County Journal, and its circulation was extended to the neighboring towns, but in 1873 the original title of U'oljuru .Journal w-is resumed. In 1857

Mr. H. N. Hastings started a small sheets in connection with his jjrinting-office, which he called The JFolant Budget. It was enlarged in 1858, and again in 1859, when John L. Parker became associated with Mr. Hastings, and T/ie Budget continued an active and spirited paper until December, 1863. It was then suspended by the second entrance of Mr. Parker upon service in the army. Being disabled from such duty, he returned to Woburn, and started The W'o/mrn Townsman in February, 1864 ; but enlisting again in the following September, the paper was merged in The W'oLunt Journal, then conducted by E. Marchant. In January, 1871, Mark Allen began the publication of The IFubiirn Advertiser, which has continued in his hands to the present time. All of the above papers were, or are, issued weekly. In addition. The Weekly Independent was published by P. L. Richardson from January to August, 1878. In 187-2 two young men, H. B. and E. A. Dow, started an amateur paper called The Yonng Independent, printed monthly. At the close of the tenth issue it was suspended. Our Paper was the title of a monthly publication begun by E«v. Mr. Barnes, pastor of the Unitarian Parish, in the interest of that society, and was continued for two years (1875 to 1877). A paper of similar character was issued for a short time by the Baptist Society in 1875.

The business of Woburn naturally connects itself with the Branch Railroad. It may seem scarcely credible to the present generation to be told thit when the directors of the Boston and Lowell Railroad established their line of road between these terminal points, in 1883, they made a special effort to avoid all the villages lying on the route. Hence Medford, Woburn, Wilmington, Billerica, and Tewksbury were ])assed by on one or the other side. But the increasing travel between Woburn and Boston, and especially the heavy freights from the bark regions of the north, led to negotiations for a branch to this tnun. A charter was (jbiaincd by citizens of Wobnrn, whicii was iiMii>r(ir((i 1(1 the Boston and Lowell Corporation, an, I the r.iiid was built by that e<)nii)anv. It was o|i nr.l for liav.l in Di'frinbcr, is I I.' For the

Banks, Public Works, etc. - T:\\& first institution for loaning money in Woburn was the Agricultural and Mechanic Association. It was a private enterprise, formed in 1830 by several of our leading manufacturers and capitalists. An ofhce was opened, and deposits were solicited on the basis of a small fixed capital and the individual responsibility of its stockholders. It soon attracted to itself the surplus money of the town, which was re-loaned to parties in need of funds on notes and mortgages. It still continues its business, which has always been carefully managed, and has paid liberal returns to its stockholders. In 1855 its average deposits were about §100,000, since which time they have increased to more than $400,000. The rate of interest to depositors has averaged five per cent.

In 1853 a state bank was organized, with a capital of S 100,000, with General A. Thompson as president, and E. J. Jenks, cashier. In 1865 the bank was reorganized as a national institution, and its capital increased to S 300,000. It has always maintained an excellent reputation for its skilful management and good dividends. Its present officers (1879) are E. D. Hayden, president, ami J. R. Green, cashier.

The Woburn Gaslight Company was incorporated in 1854, with a"" capital of Si 20,000. For several years the return to the stockholders was small, but by prudent management, the gradual cxteiisidii (if service-pipes, and the adoption of street lighting by thi' town, it now pays a fair dividend. The iiii'rease of construction account caused the enlarg.aneiil (if the capital in 1874 to $40,000. J. M. Harlow jiresident ; Aaron Thompson, treasurer and general manager.

The Five Cent Savings-Bank was incorjiorated in 1854. Its first operations were small. The de- ))osits gradually increased from \T;ar to year. In 1865 they amounted to $90,000. In 1877 they had risen to nu)re than $500,000, whicli was the highest point attained. Hon. .loim Cummings was elected |)resi(leut in 1S79. Janu'sX. Dow has hehl tlie ..llieeiif Ireasnrer fnini its ineorporalion.

.\n.vji,iliee of W.ihnrn wimhi he inennn.K'le without reference to her excellent supply of water. The town is less abundantly supplied with water from natural sources tiian many of its neighbors. It has no large stream, lis principal one, the Aberjtina, llows tiirongh its easterly border, at a considerable distance from its centre of business and population. Horn Pond is the only sheet of water of any magnitude within its limits. As the town increased in its manufacturing industries and the number of its dwellings, the need of an ample supply of water for domestic and fire purposes was felt more and more every year. In 1871 the town appointed a committee on water-supply, with power to secure an act of incorporation for that purpose. The act was obtained which allowed the use of the water of Horn Pond and authorized the issue of water bonds not exceeding $^00,000. Water commissioners were chosen, and the work was immediately begun. A reservoir was constructed on Horn Pond Mountain, capable of holding 600,000 gallons, which at high water would be £22 feet above the level of the pond, and supply the highest points of the town. Pipes were laid at first through the central part of the town only, but the outer villages (Cummingsville, Korth and East Woburn) demanding the same rights and privileges acquired by the Centre, the town voted the extension of the pipes to those sections. To do this, involved the issue of $200,000 more of water bonds, which the town voted and the legislature approved. In digging for the foundation of the engine-house a few rods from the pond an unexpected and remarkable How of water rushed to the excavation from the land side. To dispose of this flow, one, another, and then another of the most powerful pumps were used without checking its force. As the water was of the purest quality (issuing directly from the gravel bed on the southerly part of the pond), and its supply apparently inexhaustible, it was determined by the commissioners to appropriate it for the use of the town in preference to drawing directly from the pond. Connection was made with the pond, as originally proposed, to secure a supply in case the flow from the land side should at any time collapse. To this period (1879) there is no sign of exhaustion, and Woburn is furnished in abundance with purer water than could be obtained from Horn Pond or any other source within many miles. The whole cost of the water-works to 1879 is about $450,000.

Some notice should be taken of two men who have made "Woburn conspicuous as being the place of their birth, - Benjamin Thompson (Count Rumford) and Colonel Baldwin. Loammi Baldwin was born in the north part of the town, January 21, 1745. In his youth he disclosed those qualities of character for which he afterward became eminent. The natural bent of his mind was toward mathematics and physical science. In this he resembled his friend and boyish neighbor, the future count. In his early school-days he was a pupil of Master Fowle, the noted teacher in "Woburn at that period. Not having the o])portunities of securing a collegiate education, he took advantage of all chances to add to his positive knowledge. In company with young Tliompson he walked to Cambridge to hear the lectures of Professor Winthrop on astronomy and other sciences at Harvard College. To show the interest these young men felt for their studies, it is said that upon returning home from these lectures they made various rude instruments for their own use, with which to verify the experiments and problems of the professor.

At the opening of the Revolutionary "War, in 1775, Baldwin enlisted as a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Gerrish. His promotion was rapid, as in the course of a. few months he was advanced from post to post till he was made commander of the regiment. This was stationed about Boston as a part of the investing forces of Washington. After the evacuation of that city by the British, Colonel Baldwin followed his chief to New York. There he was placed in command of the main guard at the Battery. Upon the retreat of the army from New York to a position behind the Delaware, his regiment made part of the forces. When Washington recrossed the river and performed that brilliant action at Trenton, Colonel Baldwin and his men were an important element in its success. During the following year, and before any other leading event in the war had occurred, he asked and received an honorable discharge from service, on account of seriously impaired health. Returning to his native town, he continued to exercise his talents and influence in support of the independence of his country. In 1780 he was appointed high sherifl" of Middlesex County, and was the first who held that responsible office under the new state constitution. He was several times elected as representative to the General Court, and became a candidate for the offices of senator, lieutenant-governor, and elector of president. Being of the minority party, he was unsuccessful in his candidacy, but had the satisfaction of receiving, with one or two exceptions, the solid vote of his fellow-townsmen. At the time of Shays' Rebellion, 1786-87, when Woburn in a fit of despondency over the state of affairs voted not to assist with men or money in its suppression, Colonel Baldwin and a few others made such an earnest protest against this action of the town that the vote was in a very few days rescinded.

In 1793 the construction of the Middlesex Canal was authorized by the legislature. Colonel Baldwin was an active promoter of this enterprise, and one of the persons named in its charter. Although an English engineer was employed to survey the route from Chelmsford to Charlestown, Colonel Baldwin attended the survey throughout, and thonnighlv supervised the location. The canal was nut nuiipleted until 1803, when it became a matter of extensive notoriety, and was visited by hundreds of persons from different parts of the country. The canal traversed the town of Woburn through its central part, and during the time of its most active business (a period of about thirty years) it presented a picturesque and animated scene. After the construction of the Boston and Lowell Railroad the canal fell into disuse, and its bed is at tiie present time nearly obliterated. To Colonel Baldwin the public is indebted for the introduction of the famous Baldwin apple. He did not "invent" it, or grow it out of wild stock, but he discovered it on a tree on the farm of J. Butters, in Wilmington, and being attracted by its fine flavor and free bearing, secured scions from it for his own use, and afterward freely distributed them to all the neighborhood. Colonel Baldwin died on the iOtli of October, 1807, at the age of sixty-three.

Benjamin Thompson, afterward widely and honorably known as Count Eumford, was born in tlie north village of Woburn, in March, 1753. His ancestor, James Tliorapson, was one of the original settlers of the town, and one of its first selectmen. The father of young Thompson, who was also named Benjamin, died when his afterward famous son was but one and a half years old. The early boyhood of the son was s])ent on his father's farm, but at the age of eleven he was sent to school at Medford ; he was also a pupil of Master Fowle, of the Woburn grammar school, and in attending it was the intimate friend of Colonel Loainmi Baldwin. Not having the (pialitios of character that suitrd (hi; vocation of farming, he was sent to Nilcin al the age of tiiirtcen, as an apprentice to an importer of English goods. This employment was as unsuitod to iiis nature as that of farming, as he was continually busy with tools and inslrumenis, with drauiiig and nnisir. He continued at Salem for lliree ve';,rs, at the end of which lime he matured greatly more in philosophy and machinery than in the mysteries of trade. But he was sent again in a few months to the dry-goods trade in Boston. AVhile there the historical Massacre took place, in which it was said Thompson was conspicuous among the excited populace. The business of the city being now Tiearly suspended, he returned to AVoburn, and began the study of medicine with a Dr. Hay.

It was at this period that he attended the scientific lectures at Harvard College, given by Professor Winthrop, in company with young Baldwin. He afterward took up the occupation of teaching, and was invited to take charge of a school in Concord, New Hampshire, then called Rumford, in 1770. While thus engaged he became acquainted with Mrs. Sarah Rolfe, widow of Benjamin Rolfe, to whom he was married hi 1772. By this union he came into possession of considerable property. The new social position acquired brought him in contact with Governor Went worth, of that state, who, recognizing his talents, gave him a commission as major in the 2d New Hampshire Regiment. This promotion over the heads of officers already in the service caused the bitterest feehngs on their part towards him, while the attitude of loyalty to Great Britain held by the governor caused his friends, Thompson among them, to be held as " unfriendly to the cause of liberty." Major Tiiompson had also about this time given shelter to two deserters from the British army in Boston ; but, on learning that they wished to return, he interceded with General Gage for this purpose, and asked, as a precaution, that he (Thompson) might not be known in the matter. The transaction leaked out, however, and Thompson was brought before the " sons of liberty " to answer to the charge of toryism. The charge was not sustained, hut he was the object of constant suspicion, and at h^igth his house was mobbed by a party of excited jjat riots, and he fled in haste to Woburn. Just before this his daughter, afterwards the Countess Sarah, was born. Thompson found, on his arrival at his native ])lace, that he had reached no harbor of safety. The suspicions against him had travelled to the town before him. An arrest and examination before a committee of his townsmen resulted in his discharge, and a recommendation to public confidence. But, feeling insecure, he went for a time to Charlestown. At tins time the war had opened, and no evidence is olfered from any (piarler to shinv liis hostility to the patriot cause. lie a])piicd to Washington for a commission in the army, which was not given. The refusal is believed to have been founded on the animosity of the officers of the New Hampshire regiments. This rebuff touched him deeply, and the feeling was intensified wlien, on his return to Wobnrn, a company was sent to arrest liim. His persecutors were foiled by the presence of mind of his friend Baldwin. Thompson wrote to his fatherin-law at Concord that he " had done nothing to merit such cruel usage, and he could not bear any longer the insults that had been offered him." He determined, therefore, to leave the vicinity, if not the country. He left Woburn quietly for Newport, Rhode Island, where he was taken on board a British frigate, wiiich soon after came to Boston. Here he remained through tiie winter. Upon the evacuation of the town, in March, he Mas despatched to England as bearer of the news. He was immediately taken into favor, and a place was made for him in the office of Lord George Germaine, one of the Englisii ministers. In four years from the time of his arriving in England he was appointed an under secretary of state. Toward tiie close of the war he was commissioned as a colonel of dragoons, and came to America in the service of England. For a little time he was in South Carolina, and acted as a partisan commander against General Marion, and was afterwards stationed on Long Island, at the head of a regiment of refugee dragoons. He saw but little active service, and on the declaration of peace returned to England. Obtaining leave of absence for the continent of Eurcjpe, he visited Austria with a view of obtaining miHt:iry service against the Turks. He was warmly received by the emperor; but the war soon closing he came to Munich, where he entered the service of the elector of Bavaria, whom he had previously met at Strasburg, and who had been favorably impressed by his talents and accomplishments. As grand chamberlain of the prince he at once set about important reforms in the government. He thorouglily reorganized the military department, not only introducing a better standard of discipline and economy, but founded army Avorksliops and military gardens, wliere the soldiers could employ their time and talents in mechanical and agricultural pursuits, to their own personal advantage as well as tlie benefit of the state. These things being accomplished, he set about reforming the system of beggary pervading Munich and its suburbs. This mendicancy was of the most sliameless and extortionate character, and needed a wise and firm hand to control it. Thompson was fully equal to the emergency. He made such careful preparations for the execution of his projects, that the whole body of beggars was arrested on a certain day, and consigned to a large and well-arranged workhouse, and the lazy and troublesome vagabonds set to useful employment. Sir Benjamin (he had been knighted by George III. on leaving England) also instituted otiier social reforms, greatly improved tlie breed of iiorses and of horned cattle, and converted an old hunting-ground near Munich into an attractive park. This spot, nearly six miles in circumference, is still known as the English Garden, and is a favorite resort of the people of the city. Within it is a monument to the memory of its founder, on whicii are inscribed the sentiments of affection and gratitude lie inspired in all classes in Bavaria. As other evidence of the esteem in which he was held, he was invested by the elector witii many titles of honor. He was made major-general of cavalry, a privy councillor of state, and first minister of war. A little later, in 1791, he received the rank of a count of tlie Holy Roman Empire. In selecting the title to accompany it he chose that of Ruraford, the town in New Hampsliire where lie had once resided. In carrying out the plans in which he had been so laboriously engaged, tlie health of Count Rumford was much enfeebled. He went to Italy for relief, but not improving as rapidly as he wished, he returned to England. There he received great attention. His advice and opinions on many scientific and other matters were much sought for, and he published a series of essays embodying his views on social and sanitary reforms.

During the time Count Rumford was engaged in these public labors he gave much attention to philosophical subjects. Heat was one of those to which he applied his investigations with great boldness and success. Modern scientists are tardily awarding to him the honor of first announcing the modern doctrine of heat, and the great law of tlie correlation and the conservation of the physical forces. He also experimented on fireplaces and cooking ranges, and to liim, as the original investigator, is due nearly all the modern improvements in these matters of domestic comfort and economy.

In the war that followed the French Revolution Austria was involved. The Bavarians wishing to hold a neutral position. Count Rumford was sent for to act as head of the Council of Regency. His skilful management resulted in maintaining the desired neutrality. New honors were conferred upon him for this important service. The heavy labors of the count again brought him into an enfeebled condition, and he determined to once more revisit England. The elector acceded to his wishes, and appointed him as Minister Plenipotentiary to the Court of St. James. The Englisii government declined to receive him, as, in its views of the matter, no British-born subject could divest himself of his perpetual allegiance. Count Rumford solicited an audience, but his request was unnoticed. He was greatly chagrined, and did not soon forget this rebuff. During the administration of Washington he was publicly solicited to return to the United States, and a correspondence was opened to bring about such a result, but it failed of its purpose. In 1799 Count Rumford suggested the establishment of a public institution for the diffusion of knowledge, and the application of the mechanical arts and the discoveries in natural philosophy to the common purposes of life. His clear presentation of the subject, and his enthusiasm in advocating it, led to its formation. This institution was the Royal Society of London, which has done so much in the direction indicated.

Leaving England again in 1803, he went to the continent, where he resided for the rest of his life. In 1804 (his first wife never leaving America, and having been dead some years) he married the widow of the celebrated French chemist, Lavoisier, and went to live with her at Auteuil, a suburb of Paris. Here he pursued witii his usual zeal and penetration his philosophical studies, and in the companionship of Cuvier, - the distinguished naturalist, - and a few other intimate friends, passed tlie remaining years of his life. He carried his scientific principles into his dress and diet, for even in winter he wore white clothing, and always regulated his meals by a strict regimen. Believing that broad wheels to carriages were of easier motion and draught than those in ordinary use, he had tiiem constructed for his own vehicles, and wlienevor he rode through the boulevards of Paris attracted special attention. Count Rumford died at Auteuil in August, 1814, after a very short illness.

The career of this man was more remarkable than that of any other American, uidess we except Franklin. Like Franklin, his genius was essentially scientific and practical, but in addition he had intellectual traits which the former did not possess. As a diplomatist and organizer he was certainly his equal, as witness his successful management, amidst much opposition, at Munich. What he might have accomplished on the field cannot be known, as circumstances did not give him the opportunity of demonstrating jhis attribute of his mind. It is to be regretted that the genius of so eminent an American should not have displayed itself more fully on its native soil. If such had been the case, his claims to the gratitude and esteem of his countrymen, if not more certainly due to him, would have been more surely awarded.

The house in which Benjamin Thompson was bom is still standing, in the north village of Woburn. From the period of his leaving the country his name and reputation were both held in light esteem among his townsmen, as the old prejudice against toryism did not easily wear away. Of late, however, his fame has revived, and a successful effort was made a year or two ago to secure the Thompson estate to posterity as a memorial of one of New England's foremost sons. It was purchased by a subscription from collateral descendants and persons interested in the project, and is held by them under the title of the Rumford Historical Association. A few necessary repairs have been made on the building, which will be carefully preserved, and within which will be gathered such memorials of Count Rumford as are to be secured. Thus after many years of unmerited neglect he will receive in some measure the honor due to such an illustrious son.

Appendix Judicial History And Civil List

3!3Sk^^HE first step looking to the establishment of courts in the colony was taken by the Court of Assistants of August 23, 1630, constituted those persons holding the offices of governor and deputy-govirf^ ernor, justices of the peace. Saltonstall, Johnson, Endicott, and Ludlow were also appointed justices, with the same jurisdiction as the law conferred on such officers in England.

Except in those cases where justices liad jurisdiction, the judicial authority, in both civil and criminal causes, was exercised by the Court of Assistants. Juries of inquest, and also for the trial of persons presented by such juries, were impanelled by the govenior. In Kovember, 1633, the court ordered the secretary to issue his process to the beadle for summoning twenty-four jurors, who were to be named by the secretary. In 1634 an order was made that no trial affecting life should be held without a jury regu- ' larly chosen by the freemen. Grand juries were first established in September, 1635.

After the division of the colony into shires counly courts were established,' which were held by the m.igistrates who lived in the county, or any others who would attend, togetlier with such other persons as the freemen of the county should from time to time nominate and the General Court approve ; making the whole number five, of whom three were competent to hold a court. The county courts had jurisdiction in testamentary matters, but without any well-settled form of procedure, the judges, in most cases, exercising discretionary power in the distribution of estates. When they established a general rule tliey nearly conformed to the rules governing personal estate in England, except that the eldest son was given a double portion. In the distribution of real property the widow usually received only her dower; but Ihe circumstances of the family were taken into consideration. The conveyance by an inhabitant of one town or plantation of lands allotted to him to the inhabitant of another town was at first strictly prohibited.

extend to life, member, or banishment. Grand and petit juries were summoned to attend them. Appeals from them lay to the Court of Assistants, and then to the General Court. According to Hutchinson, from whose digest of the laws our account is cliiefiy derived, " the higher offences against law were cognizable by the assistants only, except upon application, by appeal or petition, to the General Court. In all actions, civil or criminal, in which any stranger was a party, or interested, who could not stay without damage to attend the ordinary courts of justice, the governor or deputy-governor, with any two magistrates, liad power to call a special court to hear and determine the cause if triable in a county court." The record was to be made on the records of the Court of Assistants. " In divers towns a petty court was established for small debts and trespasses under twenty shillings; and in every town the selectmen, who were annually chosen by the town, had power to hear and determine all oifences against the by-laws of the town."

For more than ten years after tlie settlement the parties to a suit spoke for themselves. When the importance of the cause required it they were sometimes assisted by a " patron, or man of superior abilities," who received neither fee nor reward. Thomas Lechford adds to this (16il), that the parties were warned to challenge any juryman before he was sworn. Jurors were returned by the marshal, who was first called a beadle, the title being changed in 1634. James Penn was the first beadle. His successor was Edward Michelson, of Cambridge, appointed November, 1637.

Lechford complains that as none but church-members - were eligible to any office or to serve upon juries, great injustice was felt by tlie majority of persons in the colony wlio were not church-members, but who were liable to be tried for ofi'ences touching life or limb by those whom they regarded in the light of adversaries. Oaths were administered, as now, by holding up the hand.

In 1640 provision was made for a public registry, and no mortgage, bargain, sale, or grant of any realty was good where the grantor remained in possession, against any persons, except the grantor and his heirs, unless the same was acknowledged before a magistrate and recorded. All grants made before that time were to be acknowledged and re- corded before tlie end of November, otherwise to be void. Every marriage, birth, or death was also registered, lirst in the town, and at the end of tlie year tlie record was to be taken by the town-clerk, or clerk of the writs, as he was then called, to the county register. Neglect was punishable by a line of twenty shillings for each offence.

By the province charter power to appoint all officers of courts of justice was conferred upon the governor, subject to the consent of the council. The first General Court held under it assembled in June, 1692, when an act passed declaring those laws of Massachusetts and Plymouth colonies, not repugnant to the laws of Eiigland, to be continued in force until November. All justices of the peace had the same powers given to them as magistrates formerly had. Under this law justices of the peace sat with the regular judges in Middlesex County.

Charlestown continued to be oue of the places for holding courts until 1775. Regular terms were held at Concord from 1692 till 1867 ; and at Grotou from 1778 to 1796. Lowell became one of the regular seats of justice in 1837. The first county court-house in Cambridge was burned in 1071, with a volume of the court records from 1663 to 1671. In 1816 the county buildings which had stood in Harvard Square were abandoned for the present location at East Cambridge.

The Middlesex Convention, held in August, 1774, passed a resolve to the ell'cct that no obedience ought to be paid | to processes issuing from the Courts of Sessions or of Com- j mon Pleas, and declared two of the justices of the Court I of Common Pleas - Danforth and Lee - incapable of | holding any office whatever. These two judges were soon i compelled to resign,' and the funcliims of the court virtually ceased until November 2, 1775, when the council appointed John Tyng, Henry Gardner, and Sanuiel Phillips Savage justices, and Uavid Cheevcr special justice of tin; Coiirt of Common Pleas. Abraham Fuller was appointed March I, 1779.

A reorganization of the judicial system closely followed the adoption of the state constitution, but many changes took place both in the construction and jurisdiction of the inferior courts before the present efficient organization was reached. Upon assuming office. Governor Hancock, by proclamation, directed all officers, civil and military, to continue in the exercise of their functions until otherwise ordered. An act establishing County Courts of Common Pleas passed July 3, 17S3. It provided for four justices, who should be inhabitants of the county, three to constitute a quorum. The justices of the old Court of Comujou Pleas were then : -

Special Justices. ' Josiah Stone, of Framingham, 1780. Ebenezer Bridge, of Chelmsl'urd, June 28, 1785. John Pitts, of Dunstable, July 1, 1785. Eleazer Brooks, of Lincoln, March 13, 1786. James Winthrop, of Cambridge, October 14, 1789. William Hull, of Newton, May 14, 1792. Ephraim Wood, of Concord, March 12, 1795. Joseph B. Varuum, of Dracut, March 13, 1795. Loaiumi Baldwin, of Woburn, March 14, 1795. Abiel Haywood, of Concord, February 25, 1801. Benjamin Gorham, of Charlestown, February 20, 1810. Asahel Stearns, of Chelmsford, May 18, 1810. Joseph Locke, of Billerica, May 18, 1810.

In 1811 the old Courts of Common Pleas were abolished, and the Circuit Court of Counnon Pleas established, Suffolk, Middlesex, and Essex counties constituting the Middle Circuit. The judges were : - Samuel Dana, Chief Justice. William Wetmore, First Associate. Stephen Miuot, Second Associate. Court of General Sessions of the Peace. A court with this title was constituted as early as 1692. Jidy 3, 1782, an act passed constituting a Court of General Sessions of the Peace, to consist of the justices of the county and to have jurisdiction in cases cognizable by justices of the peace at conunon law, or under acts of the legislature. June 19. IMi?. an .uldilional act reorganized the court by the ilor Middlesex county) of one chief and six a>sii(iaii- jnsiioi-s, who were to hold the courts formerly luhl liy jnsiiccs <if the peace. The court, as newly constitnti-d in Miildlcsrx, was as follows : - Joseph H. Varnnm, nf Dracut (chief justice), appointed

In 1814 tlie Courts of Sessions were abolished, and their powers transferred to tljc Circuit Court of Common Pleas. Two justices, called " Sessions Justices of the G. C. C. P.," were appointed in each county to sit with the regular justices of that court, wliicli was to hear and determine all matters of which Courts of Sestiuns had formerly jurisdiction.'

Sessions Justices Coiinti/ Court of Common Pleas. John Walker, of Burlington, appointed May 24-, IS] J. Abiel Hey wood, of Concord, appointed May 21-, 1811. Joseph Locke, of Billerica, appointed July 2, 1814. Lounimi Baldwin, of Woburn, appointed May 10, 181.5.

The Circuit Court of Common Pleas was superseded in 1821 by the Court of Common Pleas, which gave way in 1859 to the Superior Court of the Commonwealth. The judges of this court are : -

Chief Justice, - Lincoln F. Brigliam, of Salem. As.mciiite Justices, - Julius Rockwell, of Lenox ; Francis H. Dewey, of Worcester ; Ezra Wilkinson, of Dedhani ; John P. Putnam, of Boston ; Robert C. Pitman, of Newton; John W. Bacon, of Natick; P. Emery Aldrich, of Worcester ; William Allen, of Northampton ; Waldo Colburn, of Dedham; William S. Gardner, of Newton.

Civil terms of this court are held at Lowell, second Monday in March and first Monday in September; at Cambridge, first Monday of June and second Monday of December. Criminal terms at Cambridge, second Monday in February and first Monday in June ; at Lowell, third Monday in October.

In 1867 the courts which had been held at Concord were removed to Cambridge, the county buildings at Concord becoming, subsequently, the property of that town.°

' The Court of .Sessions for Middlesex wns re-established in 1819, with Joseph Locke as chief justice, Abiel Haywood and Isaac Kiskc associates.

'^ In compiling the civil list of the county I have been materially aided by Charles Cowley's Middlesex County Manual and by Whitmore's Massachusetts Civil List. - -Ed.

The office of Judge of Probate was superseded in 1858 by that of Judge of Probate and Insolvency. William A. Richardson was appointed to the latter office July 1, 1858, and upon his resignation was succeeded by George M. Brooks, the present incumbent. May 13, 1872.

Sessions of the Probate Court are held at Cambridge, first, second, and fourth Tuesday of each month except August; at Lowell, third Tuesday of January, Marcli, May, July, Septendjer, and November.

Samuel Bartlett, June 12, 1795. William F. Stoue, September 13, 1S21. Caleb Haydeii, April 1, 1816. Cbailes B. Steveus, April, 1865. In 1855 a special registry was eslablisbed for the city of Lowell aud tlie towas of NortLeni Middlesex. Tlie registers for the new district have been : A. B. Wright, 1855 ; Ithamar A. Beard, 1S6S; and Joseph P. Thompson, 1874.

First Northern Middlesex (court held at Aver: jurisdiction in Ayer, Groton, Pepperell, Townscnd, Asliby, Shirley, Westford, Littleton, and Boxborougb). - Justice, Levi Wallace. Special Justices, Warren H. Atwood, John Spaulding. Cleric, George W. Sanderson.

First Southern Middlesex (court at South Framingham : jurisdiction in Ashland, Framingham, Hnlliston, Ilnpkinton, Natick, Sherborn, Sudbury, and Wayland). - Justice, (Iniistiintine C. Esty. Special Justices, Lucius H. Wakefirld, i:<hvin C. Morse. Clerk, Ira B. Forbes.

First Eastern Middlesex (court at Maiden and Wakefield: jurisdiction in Wilmington, North Reading, Heading, Stoncham, Wakefield, Melrose, Maiden, Everett, and Medford). - Justice. John W. Pett(-iigill. Special Justices, Tboinas S. Harlow, Solon Bancroft. Clcrk,V{\\\\i\m N Tyler.

Hoard of Count 1) Commissioners. The County Commissioners succeeded, in 1828, to what was left of the functions of the Court of General Sessions. The act of 1827, constituting this board, provided for the appointment by the governor of four commissioners for Middlesex, to serve three years. The statute of 1835 provides for three instead of four. In 1836 the manner of electing was changed, one commissioner being chosen in each year thereafter. The first meeting of the Board of County Commissioners was held at Concord, the second Tuesday of May, 1828.'

Municipalities of the County. The following tabidar statement, compiled from official sources, in-esents, in a form convenient for reference, the dates of incorporation of the several towns of the county, with the names of the towns of which they originally formed a part.

Acton, June 27, 1735, part of Concord. Arlington, Feb. 27, 1807, " Cambridge (first incorporated as West Cambridge : name changed in April, 1807).

Lowell, March 1, 1826 ; part of Chelmsford ; part of Tewksbury annexed, 1834; of Dracut, 1851 ; parts of Dracut, Chelmsford, and Tewksbury, 1874 ; part of Dracut, 1879. Incorporated as a city, April 1, 1836.

Medford, Sept. 28, 1030; part of Maiden annexed, 1817; part of Medford annexed to Charlestown, 1811 ; part of Everett annexed to Medford, 1875.

Index

Aberckombie, Colonel, killeti at Bunker Hill, i Aberginians, Indians at Oharlestown called, i. .3£ Abigail, ship, voyage of, to New England, i. 18 Academy, Groton, established, i. 4G5 ; Newtt

"Adams Circular," reply of Lexington to, ii. 16. Aged people, notable, in Arlington, i. 212. Agriculture, peculiar, of Belmont, i. 252; in Carlisle, statistics of.

Tewksbun Allerton, Isaac, boards the Arbella, i. 42. Alliance formed between Colonies, i. 72. Allotment of lands, first made, i. 20. Almanacs, different, printed at Cambridge, i. 318. Almshouse, State, in Tewksbury, described, ii. 374. Ambrose, ship, sails for New England, i. 21. American army, condition of, i. 136; flag, tirst raised at Prospect i. 94: difficulty of, with Wohurn, ii'. Ansart, Colonel Lewis, notice of, i. 41.5. Antinomian controversy, prevalence of, i. 68. Antislavery Society, Ladies', in Reading, ii. 281. Anville, Duke d', sails against Boston, i. 102. Apple, Baldwin, first found in Wilmington, ii. 509; tirs in Winchester, ii. 512. Appleton, Major Samuel, sent against Indians, i. 81. Apthorp, Rev. Ea>t, founds Christ Church, Cambridge, Arbella, ship, sails lor New England, i. 21; voyage an

Arlington, history of town of, i. 208. Army and fleet from England to Queb tion of, i. 136; efforts to recruit, ii Ai-nold, Captain Benedict, at Cambndg

Arsenal built at Watertown. Artists resident in Melrose, Ashby, history- of town of, Ashland, history of town of Assistance, writs of, debate Association, High School, Lowell, ii. 90, Library.

of, ii. 3-32-34. Auburndale, village of, origin stated, ii. 238. Authors, various, at Medford,ii. 168; resident at Melrose, ii. 182. Aver, historv of town of, i. 235; Dr. James C, correspondence of, made at IlopUiiiton, i. 494. Boott, Kirk, doings of, at Unveil, ii. fl'2; death of, ii. 74. Boston, name of, first given to Sliawmut, i. 4G; Charlestown about, i. 167. " Boston Gazette " removed to Watertown, ii. 447. boundaries, singular, of Concord and Carlisle, i. 361; of Watertown with adjacent towns, ii. 4.35. Boutwell, Hon. George S., resident of Groton, i. 468. Howdoin, James, succeeds as governor, i. 169.

i. 93. Brastow, Hon. George 0-, notice of, ii. 337. Brattle, Thomas, writer against witchcraft trials, i. 95. Brazil, Emperor of, visits Lowell, ii. 98. Breed's Hill, situation of, stated, i. 141 ; fortification begun on,

Cambridge, settlement begun at, i. 50; first called Newtown, i. 50; towns since formed out of, i. 53; history of the town of, i. 305; English agreement made at, i. 30: incorporation of, explained, i. 354; people of, aroused by battle of Bunker Hill, i. 345.

Cannon, seized by British at Cambridge, i. 109; placed in redoubt at Breed's Hill, i. 145; withdrawn from same, i. 147; and stores brought from New York by Knox, i. 347; deposited in Watertown, ii. 447; and powder seized in Cambridge, i. 341; given forinonumental statue, i. 402; position of Perc3-'s, at Lexington, ii. 11; given to Newton by John Pigeon, ii. 227; concealed at Maiden, ii. 127; captured" at Noddle's Island, ii.

Charlestown, history of settlement at, i. 38; first place in county wilh English name, i. 38: settlement forwarded at. i. 43; settlers at, dispersed, i. 44: settlement removed to Boston, i. 46; names left in after transfer to Boston, i. 47; towns since formed from, i. 63; deserted by inhabitants, i. 131; topography of. sketched, 1. 141: navy-yard and dry. dock at, i. 173; part "of, set off as Somerville, ii. 309.

College, buddings for. first at Cambridge, i. 317; Tufts, founded in Medford. ii. 173; Harvard, committee to establish, i. 68: list of presidents of, i- 3-56: buildings of, i. 357; temporary removal of, i. 391; rules of, offensive clauses in, i. 349; progress and growth of, i. 350.

Concord, history of town of, i. 380; battle-ground at, described, i. 121; notes of progress in, i. 403; incidents of fight at, i. 388; share of, in Shays's Rebellion, i.391; reason for Indians not bm-ning, ii. 351.

Cradock and Goff, choice of, i. 18; Governor, proposition of, i. 20; Matthew, character of. i. 22; influence of, i. 48; founder of Medford, ii. 159.

Danvcrs. militia from, killed at Menotomy, i. 126 Park day of 1780. account of, ii. 176; noticed in Reading, Davies, Rev. Nathan, minister in Dracut, i. 413. Davis, Captain, killed at Concord, i. 123. Dawes, William, rides from Boston for alann, i. 114. Dave, Samuel, first printer at Cambridge, i. 70; Stephe " printer at Cambridge, i.318; Matthew, second printer i

Dorchester Heights, plan for Americans to occupy, i. 130; Gage tries to occupy, i. 136; attempt of Gage toward, i. 155; Americans decline to occupy, i. 159; fortilied by Washington, i. 165.

Eliot, Rev. John, arrives from England, i. 54; mission of, to Indians, begun, i. 75, 321; early improvement by, at Natick. ii. 185; makes Indian grammar, ii. 187; movements of, among ludian.s, ii. 219; begins to preach in Watertown. ii.

Fletcher, and Forbush, survivors of 1812, i. 206; Hon. John, Jr., letter of, from Acton, i. 207 ; Deacon Samuel, instructed as representative, ii. 477; Solomon, L., notice of, ii. 524.

Gridley, Richard, provincial military engineer, i. 129; engineer at Dorchester Heights, i. 165 ; Captain, disobedience at Bunker Hill, i. 147.

Hancock, John, first American governor, i. 169; president first Provincial Congress, i. 109; wai-ned at Lexington by Revere, i. 118; and Adams flee from Lexmgton, i. 302: statue of, at Lexington, ii. 31.

Harvard College, first founding of, i. 68 ; first commencement at, i. 69; first buildings for, i. 70; strict former method of, i. 323; founding of, i. 316; Whitefield's preaching in, i. 330.

Hudson, history of town of, i. 496 ; settlement with Bolton, i. 501 ; local statistics of, i. 502; topography of, i. 504; scenery and advantages of, i. 505; Hon. Charles, gift of, i. 500.

Indians, at Block Island, colonists invade, i. 64 ; pra.^nng, alliance proposed with, i. 83; disturbed by settlers, i. 83 : employed against Philip, i. 83; murder by, in Burlington, i. 301; troubles by, in Groton, i. 456; early dwelling in Framing-

Lands, first allotment of, i. 20; in Hopkinton, leases of, i. 485; in Kramingham, early grants of, i. 436; early granted in Billerica. i. 255 ; granted to Crown at Ashland, i. 227; first allotted iu Cambridge, i. 310; in Dracut, town action laying out, i 409; early grants of, in Maiden, ii. 114; granted" to Maiden in Woicester County, ii. 119 ; early grants of, at Maynard, li 154; first purchase of, for Lowell factories, ii. 59; of Reading, first granted to Lynn, ii. 270; in Sudbury, early described, ii. 357; and ways, liow disposed in Wayland, ii". 462.

Lead pencils, early made in Concord, i. 396. Leaders of first colonial enterprise, i, 22. League, Patriotic, in Dunstable, i. 424. l.earnard, Henry IL, honors shown to, i. 288. Lechlbrd, aullio"rof Plain Dealing," i. 71. Lechnu-re's Point fortified by Americans, i. 162. Lee, Orno, and Gerry escape British, i. 119; General, commands American left wing, i. 56 ; Ann, preaches in Harvard and

List of lo^ses at Cambridge by Lexington fight, i. 344. Lil<lifield, Rev. Paul, first pa"stor iu Carlisle, i. 3U5. ' . Lillleton, history of town of, ii. 44; name of, given to Nashobah, ii. 46. Livermorc, Captain Samuel, useful at ii. 412. Looms, iHiwcr, first building of, ii. 57. Loring, Rev. Israel, anecdote of, ii. 371. Losses at Bunker Hill, .-iccount of, i, LVJ. Louisbiirg, expedition against, i, 101. Lovewell, Captain John, fight with Indians, i. 99.

Lowell, history of town of, li. 03; manufactures begun at, ii. 54; cotton business brought to, ii. 58; town receives name of, ii. 64; first town-meetinj,' in, ii. C4; various annals of, ii. G6-G8- 85; described bv Basil Hall. i. 185; foundation of, for cotton manufacture', i. 184.

i. 76. Manly, Captain, takes British ship Nancy, i. 161. JIann, Hon. Horace, resident of Newton, ii. 257. Manners, earlv, in Billerica, i. 262 ; and discipline in Harvard ii. 63; in Woburn, growth of, ii. 546. Map, Danforth's, of Nashobali Plantation, ii. 45. Marblehead, Cradock's trading-post at, i. 22. del Occidente," or Mrs. Brooks, ii. 168. Market, cattle, established in Brighton, i.286. Markets, dispute of Boston and Watertown about, ii. 445. Marlborough, history of town of, ii. 137; Indian attack upon, ii.

Minister, first in Burlington, i. 299; in Bedford, shut out of church, i. 24G; first settled in Holliston, i. 471 ; first resident in A^-er, i. 237 ; first, at Reading, ii. 271 ; difficulty of settling"in Stow, ii. 352; first in Wayland, ii. 468; first in Woburn, ii. 527.

"i. 173. Ncal, opinions of, as to rise of colonv, i. 29; in "History of Puritans," i. 32. Needham, Hon. Daniel, resident in Groton, i. 469. Negroes, good service of, in army, ii. 194; formerly held in Reading, ii. 279; seats of, in meeting-house, allotted, ii. 343. Nelson, Captain John, takes Andros prisoner, i. 93. Nesutan, Job, Eliot's Indian teacher, ii. 218. New England, men of, serve Cromwell, i. 74. "New England's Prospect," published by Wood, i. 56. New Hampshire, boundary adjusted with, i. 412. " New Light " Society formed in Newton, ii. 225. Newman, Robert, signals to Paul Revere (note), i. 117. Newspaper, "Boston Gazette," first issued, i. 98, 103; earliest, published in Ayer, i. 237. Newspapers established in Natick, ii. 199; in Wakefield, notice of, ii. 403; local, in Woburn, ii. 544; in Woburn, notice of, ii. 547. Newton, history of town of, ii. 203; set off as a parish, ii. 214; effort for incorporation of, ii. 214; (or Newtown) incor|iurated, i. 97; present name, how obtained, ii. 216; early relations of, with Cambridge, ii. 217; Upper Falls in, first improved, ii. 235; movement to divide town of, ii. 240; North Village in, how begun, ii. 246. Newtonville, village, how begun, ii. 238. " New Town," Hooker emigrates from, to Connecticut, i. 53. Nichols, Thomas, sells slaves in Melrose, ii. 181. Nipmucks join Narragansetts, and burn Mendon, i. 81. Ni.>con, General John, sketch of, ii. 3G8; Captain, recruits in

Wavland, ii. 470. Noddle's Island, skirmish at, i. 133. Nook's Hill fortified by Americafis, i. IfJG. Noon-houses, several, at Newton, ii. 224; formerly in Tewksbury, ii. 380. Norfolk County fonnerly north of Merriraac, i. 72. North Reading, history of town of, ii. 259; statistics of town of, ii. 260. Norton. Rev. John, agent to England, i. 79. Norton and Davison claim part of Medford, ii. 161. Noted men of Lincoln, ii. 43. Nowell, Increase, character of, i. 27. Noyes, Thomas and Peter, mill of, at Sudbury, ii. 361 ; John, i. 341. Ordination of Rev. Mr. Wilson, i. 46. Orne, Lee, and Gerry escape British, i. 119. Osgood, Rev. James, first pastor in Stoueham, ii. 342.

at Newton, ii. 213; second, in Sherborn, organized, li. 293. Parishes formerly in Reading, ii. 399. Park, public, laid out in Somerville, ii. 326. Parker, Captain John, commands at Lexington, i. 118; Rev.

Jonas, patriotic death of, ii. 22. Parris, Rev. Samuel, resident at Stow, ii. 351. Parry, John, land of, taken for cemetery, ii. 142. Parsonage, built at Cambridge, i. 324; burned at Maiden, ii. 118. Parsons, Captain, with British at Concord, i. 122. Patrick, Captain Daniel, sent against Pequots, i. 67; services at against, i. 67 : slaughter of, at Mystic, i. 67. Percy, Lord, supports British, i. 126. Perry, Major Abner, instructed by town, i. 474. Phips, Sir William, made Governor, i. 95; discharges witchcraft i. 94. Pidge, slave woman called, sold in Melrose, ii. 181. Pigeon, John, gives cannon to Newton, ii. 227. Pigot, General, forms British line at Bunker Hill, i. 149. Pirates, tradition at Maynard about, ii. 156. Pitcairn, Major John, with British at Lexington, i. 114; killed at

Bunker Hill, i. 150: pistols of, given to Lexington, ii. 25. " Planter's Plea," issued by Rev. John White, i. '28. Plough, vessel, arrival of, i. 54. Pole, Captain, with British at Concord, i. 122. Polk. President, visits Lowell, ii. 80. Pollard, Asa, killed at Bunker Hill, i. 264. Pomeroy, General, volunteers at Bunker Hill. i. 148. Pomeroy, Rebecca B., teacher at Newton, ii. 232. Pond, Spot, visited by Winthrop, ii. 160; water-supply secured

Prentice, Captain Thomas, at Wadsworlh's fight, ii. 209. Prescott, Samuel, rides with Kcvcrc, i. 118; Colonel William, services of, ii. 263. Press, started in Cainbridgo bv Kev. James Glover, i. 317; Cambri.l'r, liM ..fwoiU. is-ii.,'l rrnin, i. 313.

Pulling, Captain John, signals to Paul Revere (note), i. 117. Punkatasset Hill, provincials posted on, i. 122. Putnam, General Israel, arrives at Concord, i. 128; reconnoitres

Railroad, Western, remarks of Abbott Lawrence on, i. 193; Fitchburg, beginnings of, i. 193; Boston and Maine, account of, i. 194; opened in Reading, ii.281; Boston and Albany, stage-ride over route, i. 192; beginning and progress of, i. 191; Lowell, first projection of, i. 190; general description of, i. 191; begun, ii. 67; Saugus Branch, opened in Everett, i. 4.30; station, in Boxborough, i. 273; first, in Holliston, i. 478; location of, in .South Reading, i. 400.

P.ailroads, opening of, in Cambridge, i. 355: beginning of, in Concord, i. .398; first built through Somerville, ii. 314; connection of, with Westford, ii. 487.

Reading, history of toivn of, ii. 270; original grant of, i. 71; action of, during siege of Boston, ii. 278; various annals of, ii. 2S0; action of, in Rebellion, ii. 282; South, incorporated as

Rebellion, .Shays's, effect of, upon Ashby, i. 224: action of Concord in, i.391; action of Bedford upon, i. 246 : Shirley men enga<;cd in, ii. 302: Townsend men in, ii. 384; War of, action of Bedford concerning, i. 2.50.

Records of First Church in Newton, burned, ii. 225 ; oldest, of Maiden, lost, ii. 116; early, of Watertown, lost, ii. 443; poverty of early, ii. 270.

Revolution, men of Ashby in. i. 223; action concerning, in Acton, i. 199; movement toward, in Billerica, i. 263; events in Cambridge preceding, i. 339; action before, in Chelmsford, i. 374: relation nf Concord to opening of, i. 385: preparation for, in and others, in Townsend, ii. 381. Rivers, Connecticut and Merrimac, hinder commerce, i. 188. Roads, early, in Melrose, ii. 178. Robinson, Rev. John, pastor Leyden congregation, i. 33.

" lulion, i. 351. "Rumford, Count," native of Woburn, ii. 649. Rumford Institute, in Waltham, ii. 428. Rutter, General Micah M., notice of, li. 474.

Schools in Ashland, notes as to, i. 231; in Chelmsford, statistics of, i. 379; in Cambridge, statistics of, i. 358; in Carlisle, account of, i. 367; in Dunstable, early care of, i 425; in Everett, statistics of, i. 4.32: in Holliston, first established, i. 476 ; in Hopkinton, first established, i. 487; in Lincoln, history of, ii. 39; in Littleton, first established, ii. 51 ; in Lowell, first established, ii. 65; in Lowell, history of, ii. 99; in Lowell, various, described, ii. 100; in Lowell, teachers in, ii. 101; in Maiden, earliest, ii. 119; in Marlboroii-Ii, hi>tory of, ii. 149;

307; outraged by mob, ii. 30S Shattuck, Rev. Benjamin, pastor in Littleton, ii. 40. Shattuck, .Job, leader in Shays's Rebellion, i. 392: desperation

Stone, Rev. Mr., arrives at Boston, i. 55; Cotton, and Hooker, escape of, i. 31 ; Rev. James, pastor at HoUiston, i. 471 ; Deacon Reuben, gives clock to church, ii. 234.

Thompson, Colonel, with Billerica men at Concord, i.l25; Ceorge, speaks on slavery at Lowell, il. 70; second visit of, to Lowell, ii. 71; Benjamin, sketch of, ii. 550; Benjamin F., noticed, ii. 520.

of Eliot, ii. 218. Wachusett, Mountain, first seen by explorers, i. 54. Wadsworth, Captain Samuel, sent against Indians, i. 84; defeated at Sudbury, i. 84. " Wadsworth's Defeat," vexed question of date of, i. 87.

Wahginuicut, Sachem from Connecticut River, i. 56. Waketield, Cyrus, South Reading newly named for, ii. 401; history of town of, li. 399 ; topography and scenery of, ii. 405. Waldo, Samuel, goes against Louisburg, i. 101. Walford, Thomas, settler at Charlestown, i. 39. Walker, Rev. James, notice of, i. 304; garrison-house of, described, ii. 367. Waltham, history of town of, ii. 407; action of, as to Independence, ii. 417 ; contributes to provincial fund, ii. 419 ; recruiting in for Revolution, ii. 421; described by Bernhard, i. 185. War, French and Indian, ravages in, i. 95 ; renewed afresh, i. 99 : outrages in, i. 383; effect in Framingham, i. 442; Hopkinton men in, i. 489; Pepperell men in, ii. 262; Newton men in, ii. 221; Maiden men in, ii. 124, 125; Watertown men in, ii. 444; effect of, in Wayland, ii. 469; shareof Woburn in, ii. 538. War, King Philip's, inception of, i. 80; shareof Concord in, i. 382: hardships of at Billerica, i. 2.59; Reading takes part in, ii. 273; sufferings by in Sherborn, ii. 290; troubles in at Wavland, ii. 467. War, Mixican, notice of, i. 178.

Wars early, share of Dunstable in, i. 423; Indian, doings of Marlborough in, ii. 146; Weston men in, ii. 492; Woburn men in, ii-629; different. Medford men in, action of Way'and in, ii. 472. Ward, Gen., made Commander-in-Chief, ' from Roxbury, i. 167; commands Ami Ward, Rev. Nathaniel, to frame laws, i. 71. Ward. Colonel .Toseph, sketch of, ii. 2.58. Warner, .Tohn, joins Shirley Shakers, ii. 307. Warrant, curious, by Indian justice, ii. 190. Warren. General Joseph, president Provincial Congres:

Water, difficulty of getting, at Cliarlestown, i. 45; introduced into Concord, i. 401; movement for in Everett, i. 432; Jlalden supplied with, ii. 135; system at Carlisle, noticed, i. 367; taken at Ashland for Boston, i. 2-33.

Water Supply, obtained for Lowell, ii. 97; for Natick, ii. 202; for Newton, ii. 250; for Somerville, ii. 322; for Winchester, ii. 516; for Woburn, ii. 548.

Waterworks, built at Arlington, i. 215: Cochituate, pass through Newton, ii. 251; for supply from Sudbury River, ii. 252; built at Winchester, ii. 517.

Watertown, history of town of, ii. 433; notes of first settlement of, ii. 4.36; settled by Salton.slall, i. 44; named by court, i. 40; ordered to be fortilied, i. 50; people dispute taxes, i. 55; towns formed from, i. 53; part of, becomes Waltham, ii. 407; men of, at Lexington fight, ii. 446; town hall and library in, ii. 458.

Whitney, Rev. I'hinehas, pastor in Shirley, ii. 305 ; Asa, of Townsend, notice of, ii. 390. Whittcmore, Samuel, braverv at Jlenotomy, i. 344. Wigglesworth, Rev. Michael," at Maiden, ii. 117; death of, ii. 121. Wilds, Elijah and Ivory, first Sliakers in Shirley, ii. 307; house

M'illiams, Colonel, joins American camp, i. 1.59; Colonel Ephraim, college named for, ii. 222 ; Rev. Roger, mediates with Indians, i. 64; Rev. William, pastor in Weston, ii. 491.

Winthrop, Dudley and .lohnson, associates, i. 20; quarrels witli Dudley, 1.50; John, character of, i. 22; farm of, on Mystic Kiver,'i. 53; lost on his ..wn farm, i. 53; signs first covenant, i. 37; explores Mystic River, i. 43; wife arrives from England, i. 54 ; chosen Governor over Vane, i. 68; Governor, oM place of, in Bedford, i. 241; lost at Mvslic, ii. 159; first notes of Weston, by, ii. 488.

Witchcraft, delusion of, begun in colony, i. 75; breaks out at Salem, i. 95; troubles by, in Billcrica, i. 261; felt in Reading, ii.274; persecution for. in Maiden, ii. 121); earlv execution for, in Watertown, ii. 443.

Source changes here: from History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, by Drake, Samuel Adams, published 1880; 21,281 words in this source stream.

Woburn City

J|FTER GoYcmor Winthrop and a mijority of liis colonjr left Cliarlestown for the lie* venture in Boston, the remaining part of the compnny, aJthougli much weakened for the time, grew to very tnnsiderable numbers in the course of a fewyears, itnd nev territory vas called for. On the application of sevtal persons the court granted an extension of four miles in » north and westerly direction, the main pnrpose of vhich was, undoubtedly, to secure increased land for cultivation. This grant was called Charlestown Village. The settlers who pushed obt in the quarter indicated soon found themselves in need of, or their ambitious craved, a pteeinct or government of their own. Accordingly, on tlie 5th of November, 1640, seven men were chosen from the church at Cliarlestown : namely, Edward Converse, Edward Johnson, Ezekiel Richardson, John ?tIousall, Tiiomas Graves,' Samuel Riclmrdson, and Tliomas Biclianlson, to proceed with the formation of a church and township. The numbers, however, who seemed desirous of following the new lead were so great, that the parent charch began to consider whetlier it would not be seriously vceakened by this spirit of eiDigration. At the end of a long discussion it was decided to be a prudent measure to let the enterprise goon. As in like attempts to colonize or open new settlements in a country tliat had known no civililation, whose forests were unbroken, meadows undrained, and rivers unbridged, the^e commissioners found many serious obstacles to overcome, and many hardships to encounter. But the spirit that led them across the Atlnntic to find that religious freedom denied them at home, supported tliem in these trials, and nerved them to the accomplishment of their work. Although so late in the season, tlie sun-ey of the new territory was begun tt once. On tlie fourth day after their appointment, November 9, wlitle exploring near the Sharshine River, a heavy snow-storm overtook them, in wliich they tost their way, and were obliged to pass the night under the shelter of some friendly rocks. During the winter the e^cplorationa were from time to time carried on. Tlie 22d of December was observed as a day of special fasting and pmyer for the blessing of God upon their arduous work. About this time a series of meetings wss held at the dwellings of tlie several commissionen at Charlestown, to adopt such measures with regard to the new settlement as their nnited judgments might approve. Arrangements were made during the winter (1640-41) for the iminediite occupation of the new territory. In Februaiy, 1641, a bridgb was built over the Aberjona ' River, within the present Hmits of Winchester, and tlie first dwelling-honse was erected "over a^inst it" by Edward Converse, and occupied by himself and &mily successors for many years. The location of the township by the commissioners took place at the same time. The site selected was on the bank of the Aberjona, on tlie " east side " of the present town. The Boston and Lowell Railroad runs through nearly the centre of the proposed village. Considerable opposition was at once developed to the site chosen, and upon con.*ultation with prominent men of Qiarlestown who were not of the emigrating party, the location was abandonedj and one fixed upon something over a mite to the westward. This became the centre of the town, and embraced, tlien as now, the site of the present Common and its immediate surroundings. In the course of the following spring house-lots were laid out, and several dwellings were built during the season. Having earned out their phins thus far, the colonists, in conformity with their religious convictions, began immediately to cast about for a suitable minister. Two persons were applied to, - Rev. Jonathan Burr and Rev. J. Miller, - both of whom, after much negotiation, declined to > Tkit word hu m tdtkd ortLognpbr.

accept the call. Mr. Thomas Carter was then urgently requested to become their pastor^ amid much discouragement caused by the previous unsuccessful calls^ and the faiut-heartedness of several who felt that tlie new enterprise would have to be abandoned ; all of which difficulties are set down in the quaint manner of Edward Johnson in the town record, and in his notable book entitled JFonder- Working Proviflence of Zion^s Saviour in New England. To the great joy of the colonists, Mr. Carter at length fell in with their desires, and was ordained as the first minister of Woburn, December 2, 1642. In anticipation of this event those persons wiio were connected with the church at Cliarlestown had asked for a dismission from that body^ with authority to found a new one. With some reluctance this was acceded to, and the new church was organized in the previous August. Through the more than two centuries which have followed it lias had vital and permanent influence in the town and vicinity, and is still known as the First Congregational Church of "Wobuni. In th^ interim between the founding of the church and the settlement of the pastor, a petition had been presented to the General Court for the incorporation of. the town. The court received the petition favorably, and an act was passed at the September session, 164-2, couched in tlie following brief words, which gave to Woburn its corporate existence: "Charlestown village is called Wooburne.'' Neither Edward Johnson, who is especially the early chronicler of the town, nor any other person, has given a reason for the adoption of the name. The suggestion of it is probably due to Richard Bussell, of Charlestown, who, it is . believed, mtis a relative of the distinguished Russell family in England, to whom. had been given the abbey and ]Xirk at Woburn, in Bedfordshire, as a place of residence. The desire on the part of Mr. Russell to perpetuate the name of a town so honorably associated with his noble kinsman was a .very natural one, and the disposition of the people to accept it from so prominent and popular a |)erson is an equally plausible one. Tlie town thus authorized Mas situated seven miles north and west from Charlestown, and ten miles from Boston. Although the grant specifies a plot " four miles square,'^ without definite bounds, it must have been practically much larger than tliat. Containing within its limits the present towns .of Wilmington, Burlington, and Winchester (or the greater portion of them), the area of the town must have been nearer ten miles square than four. Its surface was pleasantly varied ; the greatest elevations were Horn Pond Mountain, Rag Rock, and Locke Hill. Its principal streams, or rivers, were the Aberjona and the Shawshiue; and its water basins were Horn Pond, W^edge Pond, Sandy Pond, etc. In the curtailment of the town by setting ofl" portions to other municipalities, Locke Hill and part of Horn Pond Mountain, Wedge and Sandy ponds, and the Shawshiue River were taken froni Wobuni. The remaining sheet of water, Horn Pond, while supplying facilities for boating, furnishes many thousand, tons of ice for shipping and local use, and is a charming feature in its present landscape. It was ^qiething more than a year after the town received its title to corporate existence before a meeting of the inhabitants was held. This occurred in November, 1643. Committees Mere chosen for various purposes, but the first town officers were not elected until the following April. April 13, 1644, seven persons weire chosen as selectmen, and as they were the leaders in the town, their names are given : namely, Edward Johnson, Edward Converse, Joha Mousall, William Learned, Ezekiel Richardson, Samuel Richardson, and James Thompson. It was not requisite to choose a town-clerk annually, hence Edward Johnson, who had been originally chosen as clerk of tlie commissioners, was retained in .that office until his death in 1672, without re-election. The town treasury was managed by the selectmen, with the exception of one year (1695), until 1719. The duties of assessors and school committee were also discliarged by the selectmen. The . town having now an oi^anization, there were many things to be done to make the situation of the people as comfortable as possible. House-lots were to be laid out and streets opened, and the "common lands" (of which there were four hundred acres) were to be divided among the inhajbitants. A house for the minister was also to be provided, as well as a mccting-house for public worship.

Another matter of mucli interest required early attention, namely, the settlement of the boundary between Cliarlestown and Woburn. This liad never been defined. Negotiations were opened from time to time, the initiative always being taken by Woburn until 1650, when tlie lines were finally established and. entered upon the records of Cliarlestown. Nearly coeval with the settlement of Rev. T. Carter as minister, the first meeting-house iras built. Of this structure little or nothing is known. Johnson, in bis lustoiy, alludes to it as standing in a *' small pkin where four streets meet." The location is with good reason believed to have been at the castcriy end of tlie Common, near where the soldiers' monument now stands. The house could not have been otherwise than a very phiin affair, without tower or steeple. Humble as it was, it served the purpose of a place of public worship for about thirty yeaw. A new one was voted by the town in 1671 and completed in 1672. It stood on the sharp spur east of the Common which is still known as Meeting-house Hill. It was never dedicated, as the Puritan methods were in opposition to all rites and ceremonies in religious matters. This meeting-house was not divided into pews, as became the fashion in after years, - only the minister's and the deacons' wives having the privilege of pews allowed tliem. Thirty or forty years subsequently special permission was given to a newcomer from Boston to build a pew at his o^ii cost. Th^ led to requests of the same sort from other persons aristocratically inclined, which being granted, caused such an outbreak of feeling as to induce the town authorities to revoke the order. A committee was appointed to '' seat the people,'' and each person was assigned a regular place. In doing this, reference was to be had to '* estate, office, and age." Privilege was, therefore, recognized in the matter of position, if not in the form of pews. This meetinghouse, with one or two enlai^ements, served the reb'g^ous uses of the town for eighty years, or until 1752. Bev. Thomas Carter occupied its pulpit for a few years, though for the larger part of his ministry he had preached in the one built about the time of his ordination. In 1678 his growing age and infirmities led the town to consider the matter of providing him a colleague. An invitation was given to the Rev. Jabez Fox to become his associate. This was accepted, and the two clergymen labored togetlier harmoniously and satisfactorily to' their people for six years, when Rev. Mr. Carter died, in the seventy-fourth year of his age and the forty-second of his ministry. Mr. Carter was born in England, and received his degree at St. John's College, Cambridge. He was eminently a good pastor, sound in doctrine^ and ready with tender consolation and sympathizing words to meet the spiritual needs of his people. In illustration of one of the customs of the town, now liappily re- - mitted to the darkest corners of societv, the following bill, found on the town records, reLiting to the

Bev. Jabez Fox, associate pastor, uow became the sole minister of the church. He continued in his position for twenty-four years, laboring successfully to promote the general interests of the parish. During the ministry of Rev. Mr. Carter, or from 1642 to 1675, Wobum had steadily increased iu population, the land had been partially subdued, good crops \Vere gathered, a better class of houses than those built at first had been erected, and some of those industries started which have since made the town so well known. The number of inhabitants cannot be given with accuracy, as no recorded census was taken till nearly a century Uter; but from the rates levied by the county, and the laws respecting the establishment of grammar schoob, it is prbbible that the population was not far from 500. But this general prosperity was soon to receive a serious check on account of the outbreak of the Indian Mars. Kng Philip, who had heretofore been in accord with the colonists, and had agreed by solemn treaty to live with them on amicable tenns, now became restive under the restraints imposed by the com^iact, as well as moved by an ambition to rid the knd of an alien race which seemed likely soon to become its sole possessors. He brought into combination his own and two or three other powerful tribes, and began a murderous assault upon all the exposed frontiers. Wobum was too near the central towns of the colony to receive much hann by the direct invasion of the wily enemy. Small raiding parties appeared in two or three instances in the town or its immediate vicinity, and although little loss was incurred by the burning of dwellings or destruction of crops, four persons were killed. This, however, was but a small portion of the suffering and hardship tliat befell Wobum iu common with all the towns of New England. To carry on a vigorous and successful war, the taxes of the people were enormously increased.

The year before the war broke out Wobura's share of the colonial tax was but £50 ; before its close it had grown to the large amount of £633. I These heavy drains upon the people caused much

The first order from the court for service required thirteen men and five horses to be provided for the forces being raised. Fifteen horses and three men were shortly after added to the requirement. These, however, were no more than a third of the men who became soldiers in the war. From various sources it has been ascertained that fortyfive others were subsequently engaged in the service. The number of men from Wobum who took part in the fight at Narragansett, in December, 1675, is not certainly known, but it may be safely estimated at from forty to fifty. The whole number from Massachusetts was five hundred and twenty-seven. Of the Wobum soldiers engaged in the action, eight were either killed or wounded. On the death of Philip, in the August following, the war, so far as active hostilities were concerned, was closed ; but the depredations of the Indians in small parties and against isolated settlements were continued with much loss and cruelty to the people expqsed.

But another adversity followed in the wake of the Indian war. Small-pox was introduced into the town from Boston, which caused very general alarm. Great efforts were made to prevent the spread of the disease, but tlie cases were numerous and many of them fatal. Stringent orders were issued by the selectmen forbidding jier^ons who had been sick to api)ear in the meeting-house for several weeks, or, if there, to be seated in a place apart from the others, and to return home without speaking to or mingling with the people. The distress and alarm from this source continued for more than a year, when the scourge abated.

The people of Wobum, as well as those of the colony in general, had enjoyed from the beginning all the freedom under their original charter which they desired. They managed their affairs in .thrir own way, elected their own officers, from the governor downward to the most unimportant positions jn each town. They held a firm allegiance to the king, ^nd considered themselves bound to further the interests of the crown as against all other nations. They had that strong feeling of loyalty wliich has ever been characteristic of Englishmen, and which took many years of indignities and oj)pressions to, cancel in the colonies. After the Restoration in England, and when Charles II. liad become firmly seated on the throne, there was a growing disposition on th ^ part of the defenders of the king's prerogatives to withdraw the charten under which the New England colonies were planted, and substitute others shorn of many privileges they enjoyed. These attempts to interfere with the people of New England were met with a bold and resolute spirit, and it was not till the accession of James II. that the charter of ilassachusetts was declared vacated. Then Sir Edmund Andros appeared in Boston as governor appointed by the king. This act caused great commotion throughout New England. There was not for some time any open resistance to the power of the new magistrate, but many obstructions were made to the arbitrary laws passed by the council, and a general ' spirit of insubordination ever}'where prevailed. Wobum felt the indignity cast upon the people) as keenly as Boston. The order passed forbidding town-meetings to be held but once in a year, and then to be called by justices of the county rather than the selectmen, was treated with rude contempt.

In 1687 the people assembled in town-meeting, as was customary, and cliose the usual officers. This election was declared void by the governor, and a new meeting was ordered. The order waa obeyed, but the inhabitants displayed their inde* pendent spirit by electing the same men to office M'ho had been previously chosen. In 1688 the same proceedings were repeated. The town, in defiance of the king's creatures, met and elected its officers ; again its acts were annulled. Andros was growing desperate, and fines or imprisonment were , expected soon to follow these contumacious doings^ It appears that Wobum at length yielded somewhat to the threatening attitude of the authoritiea. Mr. Johnson, who had been first selectman for several years, now declined to sen'e, and another person was chosen, in his place. This is supposed to have been to this extent, a reversal of the bold ^ position the town had taken. The following year (1689) there is no record of a town-meeting being held, and it is probable that the old officen held <

But the tyrannous proceedings of Sir Edmund Andros were suddenly closed. News came that James II. was detlironed, whereupon the people of Boston and neighboring towns rose in arms, captured and imprisoned Andros and some of his most obnoxious adherents, and replaced the old magistrates in office. There is no known account or record of the part Wobum played in this revolution, but its near vicinity to Boston, and its spirited en-

Soon after this a new charter was granted by "William and Marr to Massachusetts, which combtued the two colonies of Plvmoutli and Massachu- -aetts, and was generally acceptable.

'One of the matters that excited much interest ih the ^riy days of the town was the support of Mystic Bridge, on Mystic River, in Medford. This biHdge, which was an important one in connection with the main avenue from Charlestown, was maintained for a long time by the towns of Medford, Charlestown, Wobum, Maiden, and Beading. Woburn was restive under the cost of her portion of the repairs, and inclined if possible to throw it off. In 1691 the town voted ''to withstand allowing anything more to the repairing of Mystic Bridge,^^ and paid nothing for more than two years. But the court interfered, and indicted the town for neglect of duty. Great excitement fol- . lowed. Tlie town appeared in defence, and denied its liability; but the court ordered the towns named,'including Woburn, to continue to support the bridge upon '' paiue and penalty of five pounds fine." ' Woburn reluctantly complied with the decision of the court, but always with a protest, until 1761, when the town was released from further taxation on account of the bridge, for the present payment of $200 Old Tenor ; and the controversy was thus permanently settled.

As the end of the century approached, Woburn, in common with other towns of the colonies, was growing poorer rather than riclier. Much difficulty was found in collecting and paying the salary of the Rev. Jabez Fox, which was £80 per year. The most severe measures were adopted for the purpose, even to "collecting it by distress.'^ During the ministry of Rev. Mr. Carter, and the earlier years of that of Mr. Fox, the ministerial salary had been easily and promptly raised, and many gmtuities in addition to the legal amount were annually bestowed. But now there was an absolute want, on the part of a great many, of the means to pay. The depressing effects of 'the troubles and disasters of the last twenty-five years were now more fully realized than ever. Before the renewal of proiii)erous times Rev. Mr. Fox died suddenly, in Boston, of small-pox. Like his predecess^or, he was not widely known as a preacher, but he seems to have been a faithful -and acceptable minister, who received from his