Worcester City (part 15 of 58)

The Common. - Templeton was one of those fortunate towns whose early inhabitants exercised a wise foresight in providing ample grounds for public use. The beauty of many New England villages is very much enhanced by such thoughtful foresight on the part of some persons. In this town a piece of ground was set apart for " Publick use" some years before the incorporation of the town. In 1754 the proprietors chose committees "to pitch upon burying places," and one site was selected near the meeting-hou?e, the other in the west part of the town. On March 21, 1759, Charles Baker presented to the proprietors the plan of a piece of ground which he had surveyed for a Common and a burying-ground, containing eight acres and seventy rods. This survey was accepted by the proprietors on that date and the land devoted to the public use. The old meeting-house then stood on the southwesterly part of this Common.

At a meeting of the proprietors held at the meetinghouse on j\[ay 3, 1786, they granted and appropriated the burying-place and Common to the use of the town forever. The plan of the two pieces of ground is contained in the" Proprietors' Records,'' Book II., Page 81, and embraces somewhat less than the area laid out in 1759 - six acres and one hundred and nineteen rods. This Common extended on the north only to a line running irregularly across from the present residence of Dr. Tobien to the brick house owned by Charles W. Stone. At the southwest corner it included an area which has since been sold by the town to individuals for the sites of the two houses nearest the present Common. In 1791 the town purchased of Isaac Jones, for ten pounds and ten shillings, a triangular-shaped piece of ground lying between the house of Miss Twichell and the hotel, " to enlarge and extend the Common.'' In 1814 the town purchased of Joshua W. Whitcomb a long strij) of ground containing about one acre, lying on the westerly side of the highway and extending from the Common to a point near the residence of J. Pres- cott Cutting. In 1816 another similar pteje of ground, lying on the easterly side of the road and extending from the Common to the corner of the roads near the residence of Colonel George P. Hawkes, was purchased of James F. Robbins and wife, for the sum of three hundred dollars. That made up the area of the Common to its present limits. At a somewhat recent date the Common was adorned with trees by the generosity of Colonel Artemas Lee. In the olden time the Common was much used for military trainings and musters. It furnishes an excellent play-ground for the school-children in modern times.

Cemeteries. - The first ground set apart for a burying-place in this town was that adjoining the Common. The proprietors passed a vote devoting this lot to that purpose in 1754, caused it to be surveyed by Charles Baker in 1759, and granted it the town by a vote passed May 3. 1786. Very few burials have been made here since the laying out of the new cemetery. There is a burial-place at the " Baptist Common," lying close to the former site of the Baptist Church. No burials are now made here. In 1850 the cown j)urchased ground for two new burialplaces - the one at Baldwinville, the other in the valley lying westerly of the village at the Centre. The improvement and adornment of these places is going on from year to year, partly by individual effort and expenditure, and partly by appropriations made by the town. Cemeteries are no longer the dreary, neglected places which they once were. The town has made special provision for the safe keeping of money bestowed by individuals for the future care of their lots.

Societies. - There was formerly a lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in this town. It was dissolved in 1843, and iis funds were given in trust to the town. This constitutes what is known as the Masonic Fund, the income of which is distributed, charitably, by trustees chosen annually by the town. A large number of persons were connected with the Know- Nothing Lodge in 1854. A post of the Grand Army of the Republic, Ericsson Post, No. 109, was organized in 1869, and holds its meetings at its hall in East Templeton. A lodge of Knights of Honor was formed in 1879. It has a place of meeting at its hall in the Centre Village. The same hall is also the place of meeting for Templeton Grange, No. 122, Patrons of Husbandry. This grange was organized in 1885. There have formerly been organizations of Good Templars in one or another of the villages of the town; one has been recently formed in Baldwinville. There are several organizations for literary and intellectual improvement, combined with more or less of entertainment and social enjoyment. These are more especially intended for young persons and are mostly conducted under the auspices of some one of the religious societies, as the Young People's Union in connection with the Unitarian Society ; the Willing Workers in connection with the Trinitarian, both of the Centre. At Baldwinville there is the Social Temple in connection with the Baptist Society, and the Memorial Union in connection with the Memorial Society. There is also at East Templeton an association for literary improvement known by the name of the Round Table.

Warning Out. - A statute of the province existed before the American Revolution which provided that if persons were legally warned to depart from a town, they could not at once gain a legal residence there, and so the town would not be chargeable for their support in case they came to want. So the selectmen and constables were diligent in serving this notice upon newcomers, "warning out'' all persons soon after their arrival. It was not a warm reception, but it was deemed a wise precautionary measure. When any inhabitants of the town received any persons from another town to dwell in their families, they immediately sent a written notice to the selectmen, informing them of the Aict, and stating the age and circumstances of the persons and the town in which they last dwelt. The selectmen issued a warrant to the constable requiring him, his majesty's name," to warn these people to depart from the town forthwith. The early records of the town abound in copies of these documents.

The Great Load of Wood. - The history of the town would not be complete without some mention of the "great load of wood." It was no uncommon thing for the minister of the olden time to receive gifts of firewood from his parishioners. In the month of January, 1822, Colonel Leonard Stone, who lived in the northerly part of the town and had a saw-mill on Otter River, was drawing a load of hard wood to the parsonage for his minister, Dr. Wellington. As the load passed across the Common, Colonel Ephraim Stone saluted his brother with the question, " Why don't you take your minister a load of wood while you're about it?" Colonel Leonard replies, "I've been sawing out lumber down't the mill, and there's any quantity of slabs. I will give the minister as big a load as you can draw." Colonel Ephraim stirred up the people to make a full acceptance of the offer. A sled was improvised with runners thirty or more feet long and placed eight feet apart, with a tongue for the attachment of oxen in front of each runner. The sled was taken to the mill. The slabs were eagerly piled on. Eighty pairs of oxen were attached and the load was easily drawn around through Baldwinville, up well upon the more level ground. Then with common sleds they brought and piled on more slabs until there were no more slabs at the mill. Night came on, but the morning brought the oxen and men to the load once more, and soon it was brought to the minister's door. It was a more huge wooden structure than that which came to ancient Troy, but yet, in this case, with no menace to the safety of the town. Many people came to see the immense load, as it remained for some days upon the sled in the minister's door-yard.

It is probably known to all that our ancestors were wholly ignorant of the luxury of a modern carriage with its cushioned seats and easy springs. It is not much more than half a century back to the time of riding on horseback. There came a time when a man of means might have a chaise. And the possession of one set a mark of distinction upon its owner. It was esteemed so much of a luxury that the United States imposed a special tax upon them. I subjoin a certificate from the tax collector.

6th Coltectiou District of Massachusetts, has paid the duty of two dollars for the year, to end on the 31st day of December, for and upon a twowheel carriage, for the conveyance of persons, hung on wooden springs, and called a chaise. This Certificate to be of noavail no longerthan the certificate shall be produced to the Collector by whom it was granted and an entry made thereon, specifying the name of the then owner of said carriage and of the time when he became possessed thereof. Given in conformity with an Act of the Congress of the United States the 24th of July, 1814. Worcester, Jan. 21, 1814.

Bounties on Wild Animals. - In the earlier times the town sometimes offered a bounty for killing destructive animals. A bounty of thirty-four cents for each old crow and seventeen cents for a young one was offered in 1797 and on several other years, the last of which was in 1834. A bounty of twenty-five cents for old hen-hawks and twelve and a half cents for young ones was offered in 1801 and 1802. In 1783 and the three following years the town ottered a bounty of forty shillings for each fullgrown wolf's head, and it is known that at least one person actually received such a bounty. There is found no record of any bounty for bears, although it is believed that they existed here in the early times.

Chapter Xxii Educational Affairs

The first settlers of a town whose farms are not fully cleared and dwellings not completed are not in a condition to give much thought to schools. There were uo schools supported by grants of public money until after the incorporation of the town. There was a grant of a small sum for schools, by the town, for the first time, in the year 1763. Two " squadrons" for schools were formed in 1764, one in the easterly, the other in the westerly part of the town. In 1769 it was voted that each "squadron" should receive the same proportion of money for schooling that they had paid in taxes. In 1776 the school money was divided according to the number of children in each division between four and sixteen years of age. In 1779 it was changed so as to divide according to the number between four and twenty-oae years of age. In 1885 the method was adopted of dividing one-half of the school money equally among the districts and the other half in proportion to the number of children therein. The town voted in 1805 to use the word " district " to designate the school divisions. Previously, the word " class " had been used, and earlier, the word " squadron." By a law enacted by the Legislature in 1789, towns were permitted to divide their territory into school districts. The districts were made corporations in fact in 1799, but not in name until 1817; and not until 1827 were the districts authorized to choose prudential committees. That was previously done in town-meeting. The district system prevailed in this town until 1869, when it was given up in accordance with a law of the State, and the town system was substituted. In 1787 the town apportioned its territory into seven " classes " or districts, for school purposes. District No. 8, Baldwinville, was formed from No. 6, in 1831. District No. 3 was divided in 1834, making District No. 9 at East Templeton. These nine districts formed the divisions for school purposes until the district system was given up. From 1815 to 1822 District No. 1 formed two districts, with two school houses, the one standing on the site of the present one, the other standing near the present residence of Mr. P. M. Mirick. Afterwards, for a time, the two houses stood side by side on the present location. Both were moved away to make room for the present structure, and each is now made into a dwelling-house of the village.

In the early times the town did not build or own the school-houses. In some districts they were built by the voluntary contributions of the people. In some cases the schools were kept in private houses. There is no indication that the town appropriated any money for school-houses until 1787. A committee was chosen in that year to appraise the value of the school-houses then existing, and to purchase them of their owners. The appraised value of all was fifty-one pounds, or about one hundred and seventy dollars. The town then granted the sum of four hundred dollars for building and repairing the school-houses throughout the town, and a committee was chosen to determine their location. It was voted by the town in 1801 to allow each district which might build a school-house one hundred dollars, the town to own the house and keep it iu repair. From 1814 to 1869 the school-houses were owned and kept in repair by the several school districts, each district raising money by taxation for the building and repairing of its own house. In 1869 the town again became the owner of all the school-houses, the appraised value of which was $11,846.88; and the school districts were numbered with the things of the past. A school-house for the north jjart of the town, and standing between the two villages, was built in 1801. A school-house was built in Baldwinville by the district in 1850, and another one by the town in 1883. The Otter River School-house was built by the district in 1860, with an addition made by the town in 1877. A public hall was also secured over the school-room by contributions from the people of the neighborhood. The older school-house in East Templetou was built by the district about 1834; the newer one by the town in 1874. The town hall and school-house, in one building at the Centre, were built by the combined action of the town and district, in 1844.

Until the year 1826 the superintendence of the schools, in a legal point of view, seems to have been vested in the selectmen ; but practically, the work was done chiefly by the minister. At the special request of Dr. Wellington, the town, in 1811, chose a committee to assist him in examining school-teachers. A committee consisting of one person for each district was chosen, in 1815, to assist in examining thes-chools, and to recommend " certain useful classical books." Similar committees were afterwards chosen at different times. But still the chief pari, of the work devolved upon the minister. In 1826 towns were required by law to choose three, five or seven School Committeemen ; and ever since that time the superintendence of schools has bylaw devolved upon that body. In 1857 the number of School Committee was fixed at three, or some multiple of three, and the term of office extended from one year to three years, one-third of the number being chosen each year. In this town there have been several persons who have served the town for a long period in the care of the schools. Rev. Charles Wellington, D.D., partly by virtue of his duties as minister, and partly by special election of the town, gave fully thirty years of service. Rev. Lewis Sabin, D.D., was elected for thirty-two consecutive years. Rev. Edwin G. Adams had twentytwo years of service, and Rev. Gerard Bushnell sixteen yeais. Dr. J. W. D. Osgood served ten years ; Captain Samuel Lee, eight years ; Colonel Leonard Stone, Joseph Mason, Esq., and Gilman Day, Esq., each served six years, and Charles Church, five years. In times nearer the present, E. C. Farnsworth, Esq., has served five years, V. P. Parkhurst, Esq., seven years, and Francis Leland nine years. Of the present Board of School Committee, Mr. Ingalls has completed five years of service, Mr. Hosmer six years, and Mr. Blodgett nineteen years. Several other persons have served on the School Committee from time to time, for short periods of less than five years each.

The appropriations for schools were of necessity small in the first years of the existence of the town. There has been a somewhat steady increase in the amount from the earlier to the later periods. The first sum granted for schools was in 1763. A sum a little more than the equivalent of thirty dollars was granted in 1704. The amount of the grant had been increased to three hundred dollars at the end of the century and to one thousand dollars in 1841. It reached two thousand dollars in 1856, three thousand dollars in 1866, and for the last six years the sum has been four thousand and seven hundred dollars. It should be borne in mind that in the earlier times the school money was supplemented by gratuitous supplies of fuel and sometimes by the teachers boarding successively with different families in the district. In the original division of lands in the township one lot was reserved for schools. This school lot, which was No. 86, lying in the southerly part of the town and containing Cook's Pond, was sold at auction, by vote of the town, in 1709, for about one hundred and eighty-seven dollars. This, with some money to be obtained from the sale of " pew-ground " in the meeting-house, was to be kept as a school fund ; but the money seems to have been used for other purposes. The town also received $3,337.74 as its share of the surplus revenue distributed by the United States in 1837, and it was voted to keep it as a fund, the income of which was to be applied to the support of schools. For some three years the income was so used, but the town had pressing need of money and even the principal of the fund was applied to other uses.

Private Schools. - Some public-spirited citizens of this town, impressed with the feeling that there was need of more ample provisions for higher education, formed an association and established a private high school in Templeton. The school met a public want and was largely attended. Many persons still live in the town who retain pleasant recollections of their connection with this school. The school was so fortunate as to begin its course under the instruction of an earnest, enthusiastic teacher, who had great skill in arousing the attention and compelling the pupil to think - theimponantaim of all true teaching. Jacob Bachelder was principal of the school from the time of his graduation from Dartmouth College, in 1830, to the year 1835. He was afterward principal of the Lynn and the Salem High Schools. He was for some years librarian of the Lynn Public Library. He was a man of unusual vigor of intellect and perfect integrity.

Mr. Martin Snow Newton and Mr. Daniel B. Parkhurst were successively principals of the school for a brief time. Mr. Sylvester Judd was the last principal of the school, coming here in 1836. He was afterward, for thirteen years, a Unitarian minister in Augusta, Maine, and the author of a well-known story of New England life, entitled "Margaret." The school was suspended in 1837.

In the twenty years next following there was no High School continuously kept ; but some enterprising teacher, on his own responsibility, would keep a private High School for one or two terms in the town hall, or the school-room next the Common. Such a school was kept at one time by William Barrows, and at another time by William H. Earle.

and was established in ISoO. Tlie first term was kept in the autumn of that year in the grammar schoolroom, at the Centre Village, with fifty-one pupils. The present principal of the school, H. F. Lane, began his long period of service with that first term, and has been the principal of the school, with the exception of one term, to the present time. The second term of the High School was kept at Baldwinville, in the spring of 1857, under the instruction of Mr. L. W. Russell, who has been for many years past the principal of a grammar school in Providence, R. I. An assistant teacher has been employed in terms when the attendance was largest, and thirteen young ladies have served in that capacity from one to three terms each ; another, in these latest years, has rendered such assistance during twenty-one terms.

Until 1866 there were only two terms of the school each year; from that time to 1873 there were three terms each year; afterward there were four terras yearly. These terms were kept alternately in the difl'erent villages of the town.

It hag been the aim of the High School, during all the years of its existence, to have its studies and training so arranged and administered as to promote activity of mind, self-control, self-direction, and a conscientious regard for duty. The persona who have been members of this school are scattered widely over the country. The country towns perform a service of great value to the community in preparing persons for lives of intelligent activity in the larger towns and cities to which they soon depart. About one thousand persons have received instruction in the Templelon High School.

In 1886 a High School was established at Baldwinville for the greater convenience of those living in the northerly part of the town. Mr. E. B. Vining has been the only principal of that school.

Teachers and Graduates. - Some of our teachers have had long periods ofservioe in our schools. Mrs. Lucy Richardson spent nearly her whole active life in teaching, earlier iu the public schools, and later in a private school which she had established at her own home near the Common. Miss Maria Cutting has completed thirty-nine years of service as teacher in the public schools of this town.

Miss Margaret Leland has had many years of experience in the public schools in different parts of the town. Miss Henrietta Sawyer, whose earlier years of service were in the schools of her native town, is a veteran teacher in Washington University, at St. Louis. The present teacher of the Tem])leton High vSchool h.is just completed his thirty-second year of service in that school. Many other teachers have had quite long periods of service, and it would be a suitable tribute if their names could be included in this enumeration.

Many of the youth of this town, having sipped at the fountains of knowledge opened for them here, have taken deeper draughts elsewhere. In the later years a score of young ladies have comp'ieted courses of study at our normal schools. Several have availed themselves of the advantages offered by the Mount Holyoke Female Seminary.

The Worcester Polytechnic Institute was founded by a citizen of this town. George I. Alden, who waa a graduate of the Lawrence Scientific School, has been a professor in this institution from its foundation in 1868. Charles Parkhurst, Samuel S. Jennison, Fred. L. Dudley, Charles H. Wright, William H. Kirschner and Fred. S. Hunting have pursued courses of study in this institution. George S. Stone is a graduate of the State Agricultural College at Amherst. George S. Gates received instruction at the United States Naval Academy, at Annapolis, Md., and entered the navy. Charles Wellington Stone graduated from Harvard College in 1874. He has a private school for boys in the city of Boston, and also conducts a summer school at his Templeton residence. Edward W. Chase is a graduate of Amherst College. He has been principal of High Schools in Ohio, and at present is teaching near Chicago. George I. Jones graduated from Harvard College in 1871, and has been engaged in the book publishing business in St. Louis and at present is employed in Chicago. George M. Bartlett is a graduate of Washington University, St. Louis, and is now secretary and treasurer of that institution. Lucas Lee Baker is a graduate of Harvard College of the class of 1883. He has ever since been engaged in teaching, and is at present principal of the High School in HoUiston, Mass. His brother, B^'ron E. Baker, entered college in the same class, but died before the completion of his course.

Journalism has not often been chosen as a life-work by our young men. But Edmund Hudson has gone from the quiet life of his native village to mingle in the stirring scenes of the national capital, and make a daily record of the doings of law-makers and Presidents. In those days of stirring excitement, preceding the first election of Lincoln, he was just entering upon his studies in the High School. Too eager to begin life's work to wait for an over-long course of study, with much energy he set about learning the stenographer's art. He was for a time a reporter of news for different Boston papers. For several years he has led a very busy life as Washington correspondent of the Bos/on Herald, and editor and publisher of the Army and Navy Register. He also published a weekly paper at Washington calkd The Capital.

Most of these young men whose names have been enumerated as having obtained a higher education do not now count in the census lists for Templeton. The historian, however, rightly classes them among the products of the town, knowing, as he does, that these country towns are the perennial fountains whence come the supplies of physical energy and mental vigor for our cities.

young men who were successful in obtaining a higher education. Oliver Baker was a graduate of Yale College, and engaged in teaching in some Southern State. His brother, Otis Baker, died before the completion of his course in the same college. Amos J. Cook was a graduate of Dartmouth College about the year 1801. He was an intimate college friend of Daniel Webster, and succeeded him as principal of the academy in Fryeburg, Maine, in which position he remained for more than thirty years. Charles Goodnow was a graduate of Amherst College, and was for a time principal of a school in Concord, Mass., and afterwards a lawyer there. Christopher C. Baldwin was the son of Capt. Eden Baldwin. He pursued his studies at Leicester Academy and Harvard College, and then studied law as his profession. He practiced law in Worcester, Sutton and Barre. But his mind was more satisfied with scientific and antiquarian research than with legal contests, and he gave much time to such investigations. In 1831 he was chosen librarian of Antiquarian Library at Worcester. Nothing could have been better suited to his tastes, and he was admirably fitted to perform the duties devolving upon him. In 1835, when on a journey for antiquarian research in the State of Ohio, he lost his life by the overturning of the stage on which he was traveling. He was only thirty-five years of age. His friend, William Lincoln, of Worcester, son of Gov. Levi Lincoln, delivered a very interesting public address, which was printed, commemorative of the life and work of Mr. Baldwin. Charles W. W. Wellington, son of Eev. Charles Wellington, graduated from Harvard College in 1846, and was a book-keeper in the city of Boston. He died in 1880.

This town has not been wholly wanting in those who have been skilled in the use of the pencil and the brush ; artists have found at least a temporary abode among these bills. Lucas Baker had a natural aptitude for drawing and painting, and by careful and diligent cultivation has become highly skilled in the practice of those arts himself and in teaching them to others. He was for ten years instructor in drawing in the public schools of Boston. For the last few years he has been one of the instructors in the Art School of the Metropolitan Museum in New York City, but still keeps a home in Templeton.

Miss Adelaide R. Sawyer was for some years a resident of Baldwinville. She drew portraits in crayon. Afterwards she gave attention to the production of ideal designs in figure. Some of these productions became very popular and met with a large sale. "The Better Land," "Our Hope," "Our Joy," "The Empty Sleeve," " Myrtle Hazard," were titles of some of the most-widely known of these representations. For a time she was teacher of crayon drawing in the Boston Academy of Art. Sarah Goodridge had natural gifts and tendencies leading her to the work of an artist. She became noted as a painter of miniature portraits, had an office in Boston, and some of the most distinguished people of New England were her patrons. Elizabeth Goodridge (Stone), sister of the preceding, was also skilled in the same kind of work. Their early home was at the house now occupied by Mr. Briggs, near the Ware River Railroad station.

Libraries. - Successful efforts have been made at various times to furnish a supply of reading matter through the agency of libraries. Quite early in the history of the town a private library was established by the Templeton Union Library Association, the books of which were distributed among the shareholders half a century ago. In the early part of this century there was a private library known as the Social Library. The Ladies' Social Circle, an organization connected with the First Parish, began to gather a library in the year 1835. This has gradually increased by yearly additions until it now numbers about twenty-four hundred volumes. Books are delivered only on Sunday to annual shareholders, who pay a yearly fee of fifty cents. For many years this has been a prosperous library, and it still continues to be such. The books are kept in a room specially devoted to that purpose in the chapel which adjoins the church edifice. A library society was organized in East Templeton in 1854, which has gathered a library numbering upwards of one thousand volumes. The several religious societies of the town have Sundayschool libraries containing books more especially adapted to the younger people. The books are generally carefully selected and diligently read. The State Board of Education, in accordance with an act of the Legislature of 1843, furnished each school district throughout the State with a school library. These contained many valuable books, but they soon ceased to be used, as there was no provision tor keeping up a lively interest by the addition of new books. A fund was given by Miss Abigail Locke for the establishment of a ministerial library for the use of the minister of the First Parish, and to be kept at the parsonage. This library already contains books of much value. The income of the fund permits annual additions to be made.

In 1854, Dr. George C. Shattuck, of Boston, gave five shares in the Boston Athenseum to the town of Templeton, as a token of regard and affection for his native town. The terms of the gift as expressed by the donor are: " That the Selectmen of the town, for the time being, shall permit the use of the five shares, from year to year, by any five persons resident in said town, to be selected by them from the classes of clergymen, physicians, lawyers, and scientific farmers and mechanics; it being understood that the said shares themselves are to be forever inalienable." And further, Dr. Shattuck anticipated the annual assessment of five dollars a share, by paying a sufBcient sum in advance to provide for that, and thus securing to inhabitants of Templeton the perpetual privilege of taking out books, on the shares, from the extensive and valuable librarv of that institution. For so val- uable and lasting a gift, tlie town passed a vote of thanks in acknowledgment of " their grateful appreciation of his munificence in conferring this franchise upon the town, which has the honor of numbering him among her most distinguished and useful sous." This proves to be a very valuable supplement to the other reading facilities enjoyed by the town. Rare and costly books can thus be consulted which it might not be easy to reach in other ways.

The Boynton Public Library was first opened to the public in September, 1873. The fund for its sup|)ort was the gift of David Whitcomb, Esq., late of Worcester, but formerly engaged inactive business in this town. In 1868 he gave to the town of Templeton, in the name of John Boynton, who was his former partner in business here, the sum of four thousand dollars, to establish and maintain a Free Public Library, for the use of the inhabitants of the town, to be known and called the Boynton Library. In 1885, Mr. Whitcomb gave an additional sum of four thousand dollars for the same purpose. In the case of both sums, one-half of the annual income is to be applied to the increase of the principal, until each sum shall have reached the sum of five thousand dollars. The library fund will thus ultimately become ten thousand dollars. The income is to be wholly applied to the purchase of books and periodicals. By a provision in the deed of gift, the trustees of the library are the chairman of the Board of Selectmen, the town clerk, the School Committee, and three other persons elected annually by the town. H. F. Lane has been the librarian from the opening of the library. For twelve years the library was kept in some upper rooms connected with Mr. Blodgett's store. In 1885 the town appropriated two thousand dollars for the erection of a library building, which was completed and occupied in September of that same year. The library now contains thirty-three hundred volumes, and is increased by yearly additions. More than twelve thousand issues of books are annually made to six or seven hundred persons, scattered over the whole town. The Templeton Historical Society, in an upper room of the library building, has begun to gather a collection of books, papers and articles which would throw light upon the history of the town and community.

Chapter Xxiii Ecclesiastical Affairs

The First Church - The BaplM CJmrch - The TrinUariim Church - Tlia Vnifcrmli»t Church - The Methodist Churck - St. Mtirtin^a Church - memorial Church - MinislerB.

It should be borne in mind that in the towns of New England, in early times, the affairs of town and church were united. The church was one of the institutions of the town. The meeting-house was built and owned by the town. The minister was paid from the town treasury, the amount being voted annually in town-meeting. The meeting-house also was made to serve as a place for holding the jtown-meetings. The tithingmen were chosen at the annual town meeting with the other town officers. When there were about twenty families in this township they determined to build a meeting-house which should be fifty feet long and forty feet wide. It was placed on what is now the Common, a little southeasterly of the present church edifice, and was the first house of worship in the township, which then included Phillipston as well as what is now Templeton. This edifice was used for about fifty years, until the year 1811, when the present church edifice was built.

This first meeting-house was raised July 8, 1753, in the presence of a large number of people, some of whom had come from towns so far distant as Sterling. The frame of this house was of chestnut, and the trees of which it was made are said to have grown wholly on the spot of ground now known as the Common. At the time of building this house the region immediately about was a forest. The building of the meeting-house was performed by Mr. John Brooks, of Sterling. The timber was furnished by the proprietors, and also the glazing and pulpit. A few years later the town made an appropriation toward finishing it, and the whole cost of the structure to proprietors and town was about two hundred and twenty-five pounds - equivalent to seven hundred and fifty dollars.

The first church in this town was organized December 10, 1755, and on that day Rev. Daniel Pond was ordained as the first minister. He was a graduate of Harvard College of the class of 1745. Generous provision was made by the proprietors and people for the ordination. People came in large numbers from the neighboring settlements to attend the exercises. The newly-erected meeting-house was completely filled. It was a day of festivity and enjoyment for the people and their visiting friends. But the ministry of Mr. Pond was of short duration. Difficulties arose between him and the people. A council was called which, after two days' deliberation, recommended his dismission. In 1759 he removed to West Medway and engaged in teaching, receiving pupils at his house. Several persons preached as candidates, and among them the Rev. Ebenezer Sparhawk, who preached for the first time Not. 29, 1760. After preaching a year both minister and people were so well satisfied with each other that his ordination took place Nov. 18, 1761. In 1764 he built and ever after lived in the house which in later years has been known as the " Wellington " house. He had a long and useful ministry of forty years, dying of apoplexy, November 25, 1805. He is reputed to have been a person of superior mental ability and exact scholarship, courteous and dignified in his manners and warm in his friendships. His funeral sermon was preached by the

Rev. Charles Wellington was ordained February 25, 1807. The old and first meeting-house was still in use, but efforts were now made to build a new one, and the work was entered upon in 1810. The new church edifice was dedicated September 18, 1811, Dr. Wellington preaching the sermon. And now for the first time a bell was obtained and placed in the belfry. Three new ones have been successively procured as tlie former ones became defective. The old meetinghouse was tlien moved to the southwesterly corner of the Common, and for about thirty years was used as a town house and place for public meetings. In these early times the minister was expected to have some oversight of the schools, vi.siting them and examining teachers, and Dr. Wellington attended to these duties for many years, sometimes with the help of a committee chosen by the town for such purpose. The fiftieth anniversary of Dr. Wellington's settlement here was pleasantly and appropriately celebrated in 1857. He remained the minister of this church, respected and beloved by all, until his death, which occurred August 3, 1861.

The health of Dr. Wellington was somewhat impaired in bis later years, and Rev. Norwood Damon was settled as his colleague, February 21, 1844. He remained only until November 1, 1845. Rev. Edwin G. Adams was a man of marked ability, who possessed some unusual traits of cliaracter which rendered his life one of much usefulness to the community in which he lived. He was born in the town of Ashby, Mass., December 24, 1821, and died in Templeton, May 10,1877, after an illness of several months' duration. In boyhood he worked in his father's store and attended the schools and academy of his native town. In early life he formed the resolution to become a minister, and worked diligently to that end, graduating from the Divinity School, at Cambridge, in 184(5. The First Congregational Church ill Templeton invited him to become the colleague of Rev. Charles Wellington, and he was ordained January 13, 1847. On the death of the latter, in 1861, he became sole pastor, in which relation he remained to the day of his death. In 1855 the honorary degree of Master of Arts was conferred upon him by Harvard College.

In December, 1855, he pre.iched an historical discourse, commemorative of the hundredth anniversary of the formation of the church. This was published with an appendix, forming a very valuable treasury of information concerning the earlier and later history of the town. The twenty-fifth anniversary of his settlement was pleasantly observed in 1872.

He was married, November 14, 1848, to Sarah L. Priest, of Jjittleton, and when, during his ministry, the people spoke or thought of their minister, they always felt that in some way Mrs. Adams was included in that designation. They labored together for the good of the society and the community, and the service of each rendered that of the other more effective. They were prudent advisers, wi^e counselors, highly valued friends. Their presence in a household brought sunshine and dispelled darkness.

As a mini.ster and pastor, Mr. Adams possessed the esteem and aflfection of the members of his own society to an unusual degree. He was not content with rendering merely the usual professional services of a minister; every force was utilized, nothing was done at random, or without a settled purpose. The art of making social intercourse an elevating influence was understood by him. The sewing society and the social gathering were to be means for the improvement of cliaracter. His was a deeply religious nature ; nothing less than a conscientious regard for duty, at all times, and in all positions, would satisfy him. He was glad always to find reasons for agreeing with other people and sects, rather than for disagreeing with them.

For twenty-two years he served on the School Committee, and rendered valuable service to the schools and the cause of education by his unwearied and painstaking labor, combined with prudence, good judgment and a wise foresight.

Mr. Adams had a natural aptitude for the mastery of legal and financial affairs, and came to have such a knowledge of their underlying principles and their application to practical affairs as to make his opinion and advice very valuable, even to those whose lives were spent in the management of such aff'airs. Few lawyers could excel him in unraveling a knotty legal question. To thread his way through these investigations was among his recreations.

A keen discernment, a well-balanced judgment, great prudence, far-reaching foresight, combined with the most perfect conscientiousness and integrity, made a combination of qualities which rendered his life a highly useful one.

His successor in the ministry was the Rev. Alfred C. Nickerson, whose pastorate was from 1878 to 1886. Rev. Nathaniel Seaver, Jr., was installed January 11, 1887, and is the pastor at the present time.

The Baptist Chukch. - The Baptist Church in this town was organized August 22, 1782, with twentyone members, seventeen of whom - ten men and seven women - had withdrawn from the First Church for this purpose. These twenty-one persons met at a private dwelling, and, in the present e and by the advice of the council which they had called, formed " The Baptist Church of Christ in Templeton." The council consisted of the pastor and six delegates from tlje church in Royal^ton and the pastor of the church in Harvard. This church has had seventeen settled pastors ; and there have been several intervals in which there was a stated supply. Rev. John Sellon, the first pastor, was ordained Nov. 19, 1783, and remained a year and a half. Rev. Joel Butler became pastor in 1787, and remained about four years. There was then a period of about ten years without any settled minister. Rev. Elislia Andrews became the pastor in 1800 and remained until 1813, when he was dismissed.

He also liad a second pastorate, extending over the period from 1827 to 18.32, making eighteen years in all. Mr Andrews is spoken of as a man of strong individuality and commanding natural powers, iis well as earnest religious zeal. The church enjoyed a time of comparative encouragement and strength. In the interval of Mr. Andrews' absence there seems to have been two pastors, whose terms of service, however, filled only apsrtion of the period, - Rev. George Phippen and Rev. James Parsons. Next after the final dismission of Sir. Andrews in 1832, Rev. Winthrop Morse was installed as pastor, and remained about two years. Rev. Isaiah C. Carpenter was ordained as pastor in 1837, and resigned in 1843. Rev. John Woodbury became pastor in 1844, and resigned in 1848, making four years of service. Rev. Sandford Leach was pastor from 1848 to 1851, followed soon in the same year by Rev. A. V. Dimock, who remained until 1857, nearly seven years, and the longest pastorate but one in the history of this church. Rev. John F. Ashley was ordained pastor in 1858, and remained about two years. Rev. A. H. Ball was pastor for six months, beginning in 18G9. Rev. H. V. Dexter became pastor in 1871, and continued in that relation four years. Rev. Miles N. Reed became pastor in 1878, and Rev. N. B. Wilson in 1881. Rev. George Shepard is the present pastor.

The centennial anniversary of the formation of this church was celebrated at Buldwinville, August 22, 1882, with interesting and appropriate exercises. A sermon was preached by Rev. Heman Lincoln, D.D., of the Newton Theological Institution. Over five hundred people were in attendance, many coming from the neighboring towns and more distant places. Several former pastors ofthe church vrere present and took part in the exercises.

During the early years of the existence of this church the only place of meeting for religious services was at private houses. The dwelling-houses of Samuel Byam and Silas Cutler were most often used for this purpose, being larger or more centrally located. About 179(5 there began to be a movement made to see about building a meeting-house, and one was finally erected and dedicated in the autumn of 1799, the Rev. Dr. Baldwin, of Boston, preaching the dedication sermon. This house was located at the "Baptist Common," thus giving a name to this neighborhood. It stood at the southerly end of the small cemetery now seen there. Near to the meetinghouse, on the easterly side of the Common, was a tavern and a store. In 1840 the meeting-house was taken down, and removed to a site presented by Capt. Eden Baldwin, just out of the village of Baldwinville, on the road to Otter River. Here the house was again erected, its length increased and a steeple added. It was re-dedicated February 3, 1841. But the location between the two villages did not prove to be a permanently convenient one, and so once more it was removed, and placed on its present location. This time it was removed without being taken to pieces. A new and graceful spire was built, and the whole interior and exterior was refinished. It was dedicated for a third time in September, 1869. A chapel, containing a kitchen and conveniences for social meetings, was added in 1879- 80. A few years after the removal to the present location a clock was placed in the tower, by the voluntary contributions of the people ofthe village.

The Trinitarian Church. - The Trinitarian Congregational Church was organized April 11, 1832, having at first twenty-four members. Its first pastor was Rev. Lemuel P. Bates, who was installed January 16, 1833, and dismissed April 19, 1837. Then came the long and highly useful pastorate of Rev. Lewis Sabin, D.D., who was installed September 21, 1837, and resigned September 24, 1872. Rev. Charles A. White was pastor from June, 1873, to June, 1876; Rev. C. M. Temple, November, 1876, to June, 1878 ; Rev. R. W. Haskins, December, 1878, to June, 1879 ; Rev. F. H. Kasson, October, 1879, to June, 1880 ; Rev. George Sterling, June, 1880, lo June, 1881 ; Rev. Thomas O. Rice, December, 1881, to June, 1885; Rev. Roswell C. Foster, from 1885 to the present time.

Rev. Lewis Sabin, D.D., had a long pastorate over this church, and his other services are closely interwoven with the history of the town. He graduated from Amherst College with the highest honors of his class, in 1831 ; was installed over this church in 1837 ; received the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity in 1857 ; was elected one of the trustees of Amherst College in 1862, and resigned his ministry in 1872. He died June 8, 1873.

Dr. Sabin was not only a faithful minister, but also a public-spirited and highly-esteemed citizen, interested and earnest in all measures th.at were deemed conducive to the public welfare. He was active in the temperance cause and earnest in the antislavery movement. For thirty-two years he served the town as a member of the School Committee, a longer service than that rendered by any other person. Here he rendered an intelligent, painstaking and conscientious service, highly beneficial to the schools.

The Universalists. - A Universalist Society was organized in 1842. Its first meetings were held in the old Town House, and afterwards the meetings were held in the present Town Hall. No meeting-house was ever erected. Services were held on alternate Sundays, or at other stated intervals. Rev. Gerard Bushnell was the only pastor of this society.

" class " had been maintained for about three years previously, and inchided in the charge of the preachers at Hiibbardston. In 1843 a church of twenty-four members was formed. A meeting-house was erected in 1844, in the southerly part of the village at Templeton Centre, on what is now a vacant lot near the " Hudson " house. The ministers here were Rev. Willard Smith, 1843; Rev. Joseph T. Pettee, 1844; Rev. Simon Putnam, 1845, 1846; Rev. T. G. Brown, 1847. Rev. C. Perry supplied in 1849. Preaching in this meeting-house was discontinued in 1848, and the building was sold. The members of the society attended services at Hubbardston mostly from 1830 to 1859. A church edifice was erected in 1860 at East Templeton, in which the services of this society have since been constantly helc}, under the following succession of ministers: Rev. C. H. Harding, 1860; Rev. N. H. Martin, 1861; Rev. H. Satchwell, 1862, 1863; Rev. C. F. Newell, 1864, 1865; Revs. A. F. Mowry and A. B. Waters, 1866; Rev. W. B. BLickmer, 1868; Rev. D. K. Banister, 1869, 1870; Rev. J. M. Avann, 1871, 1872; Rev. J. W. Fenn, 1873, 1874; Rev. R. W. Harlow, 1875, 1876; Rev. F. M. Miller, 1877, 1878; Rev. W. H. Marble, 1879, 1880, 1881 ; Rev. E. Higgins, 1882, 1883 ; Rev. L. White, 1884, 1885, 1886; Rev. D. Atkins, 1887, 1888. St. Martin's. - Saint Martin's Church is of the Roman Catholic faith and has its place of worship at the village of Otter River. The church edifice was erected in 1853 and consecrated in 1854. The priest who officiates at this church also has charge of one or more parishes elsewhere.

The Memorial Church. - The Goodell Memorial Church was organized at Baldwinville in 1874. Services were held in Union Hall for about nine years In 1882 the work of erecting a church edifice was entered upon. This was dedicated June 28, 1883. The ministers of this church have been Rev. L. Payson Broad, Rev. C. M. Temple, Rev. R. S. Haskins, Rev. J. F. Crumrin, Rev. M. A. Duherty and Rev. Roswell C. Foster.

Ministers. - The ministers of the churches in Templeton have none of them been natives of the town; but this town has furnished some ministers for other regions. Quite far in the southeast part of the town is the "Turner'' farm, now owned by Mr. Lucien Gove. This was the birthplace and early home of Rev. Jonathan B. Turner, for years a professsor in the college at Jacksonville, HI., and Rev. Asa Turner, both of whom were men of vigorous thought and earnest lives. The " Barrows '' place is now the residence of Leonard M. Baker. This was the birthplace of Rev. William Barrows, of Reading, Mass., and Rev. Lewis Barrows. Rev. Emmons Partridge and Rev. Lyman Maynard were natives of this town and relatives of pers'ins still living here. And at least one life-long missionary, Mr. Goodell, of almost world-wide fame, received his first inspiration from these hills and vales.

Rev. William Goodell, D.D., was born in this town February 14, 1792 and died in Philadelphia February 18, 1867. His studies were pursued at Phillips Academy, Andover, Dartmouth College and Andover Theological Seminary. The greater part of his life was spent as a missionary in the Turkish Empire, and an interesting volume has been published giving an account of his labors. He was of feeble bodily constitution, yet he was full of cheerfulness and even mirthfulness, which even his stern Puritan theology could not fully repress. He was an earnest man, thoroughly devoted to the performance of duty and entirely absorbed in his chosen work of being a faithful missionary.

Chapter Xxiv

Templeton was manifestly a better field for the exercise of the lawyer's profession in former times than in later years. In the earlier part of the century two lawyers had their offices near the Common, and seem to have found abundant employment. Hon. Lovell Walker was one of these lawyers. He seems to have enjoyed the public confidence in a very large degree. He was for two years Representative to the General Court, and for some years Senator for Worcester County.

He was born in Brandon, Vt., and was a graduate of Dartmouth College. He died in 1839. His place of residence was the house now owned by Miss Tvvichell. His office was in a small building, recently standing near the " Brick store."

Joseph W. Newcomb, Esq., was engaged in the practice of law here for a brief period of time just after Mr. Walker. The office of Samuel Cutting, Esq., was in a small building not very long ago standing on the corner where now is the residence of Mrs. Batchelder. He was a native of this town, a son of Jonathan Cutting, and a life-long resident here. Edward Kirkland was a lawyer here, removing afterwards to Louisville, Ky. Joseph Mason, Esq., now of Worcester, was an active, public-spirited lawyer of this town from 1837 to '47. He was town clerk for two years, served on the School Committee six years, and took a very active pan in the affairs of the town and the religious society with which he was connected. He was afterwards for many years clerk of courts for the county of Worcester. In 1842 he was appointed one of the standing commissioners of bankruptcy for the Massachusetts District, and has held the office of master in Chancery.

Giles H. Whitney, Esq., a native of Boston, a graduate of Harvard University and its Law School, practiced law in Templeton Centre and Baldwinville from 1846 to '55. In the latter year he reiiioved to

Winchendon, where he died January 12, 1888. He had been a member of both branches of the State Legislature, and was esteemed as an upright lawyer and trusted citizen.

Stillman Cady, Esq., was engaged in the practice of law at Baldwinville from 1858 to the time of his death, in 1884. In the last years of Mr. Cady's life Charles D. Burrage, Esq., now of Gardner, was associated with him.

If it be true that Templeton has imported nearly all of her lawyers, it is equally true that she has exported some of her own product for the benefit of other places. Leonard A. Jones, who has acquired a well-deserved reputation as the author of several valuable legal works, is a son of Templeton. He graduated from Harvard College in 1855, and the Harvard Law School in 1858, in which year he was admitted to the Suftblk bar, and has ever since been in the practice of law in the city of Boston. Mr. Jones is the author of the following legal works : "A Treatise on Mortgages of Real Property," two volumes ; " A Treatise on Mortgages of Personal Property,'' one volume ; "A Treatise on Pledges, including Collateral Securities," one volume; " A Treatise on Liens," two volumes; "Forms in Conveyancing,'' one volume; and " Index to Legal Periodical Literature."

Josiah Howe, son of Dr. .Tosiah Howe, was a lawyer in New York City. Thomas Greenwood, who-ie early home was in East Templeton, graduated at Yale College, and became a lawyer in New York City, where he still resides. Emory C. Sawyer, whose parents have their home in Baldwinville, gained a legal education, and is in the practice of law at Warren, Mass.

Physicians. - The members of the medical profession are engaged in a work which brings them into close intimacy with the lives of the people in their homes. Fortunate, indeed, is the town and community that enjoys the services of a well-educated, skillful, sympathizing physician. Such good fortune this town has experieticed.

Benjamin Shattuck, the first physician of Templeton, was born in Littleton, Mass., November 11, 1742, and died of consumption in this town, January 14, 1794. He was a graduate of Harvard College of the class of 1765. He studied medicine with Dr. Oliver Prescott, of Groton, and settled in Templeton at the special invitation of the people of the town. He continued in extensive practice about twenty-five years, and became one of the most eminent in his profession. The community joined in a public funeral, the Kev. Mr. Sparhawk preaching a sermon in his eulogy. This sermon was printed, and copies of it may still be found.

Josiah Howe, M.D., was a physician of Templeton, who rose to eminence in his profession. He pursued his medical studies with Dr. Benjamin Shattuck, the first physician of this town, and on the death of the latter succeeded to his practice here. Dr. Howe was born in Milton, Mass., March 19, 1771, and died in Templeton, January 24, 184-3. In his later life he gave attention to business affairs. He was at one time connected with the woolen-factory at Otter River. Several dwelling-houses at Templeton Centre were built under his direction and ownership. Among them were the " Hudson " house, Mr. Winch's house and that owned now by Dr. Tobien. At this house he last dwelt.

Charles W. Wilder, M.D., was a native of Ashburnham, Mass. He graduated at the Medical Department of Dartmouth College in 1817. He practiced his profession for many years in this town. He was a skillful physician and an energetic and publicspirited citizen. About 1845 he removed to Fitchburg, and earnestly promoted the building of the Fitchburg and Worcester Railroad, of which he became the first president. The last years of his life were spent in Leominster, where he died February 12, 1851.

Mason Spooner, M.D., engaged in medical practice in this town for a good many years in the first half of this century. He was regarded as a skillful physician, and many persons are now living who remember his presence in their families. He died in 1853, in the eighty-second year of his age.

Jonathan W. D. Osgood, M.D., was the son of Jonathan Osgood, the first minister of Gardner. His studies were pursued at New Salem Academy, Williams College and Dartmouth College, from which he graduated in 1823, and from the Medical School of the same institution in 1826. He spent several months in attending lectures and in hospital practice in Philadelphia. He began the practice of medicine in Templeton in 1827, and continued here until 1858, when he removed to Greenfield. Here he lived until his death, which occurred May 15, 1885. His remains were brought to Templeton for burial. He was a good citizen, a skilled physician, affable and gentlemanly in his manners. Many persons still have pleasant recollections of him as their family physician. His place of residence in Templeton was in the house now owned by Mr. J. 0. Winch.

E. E. Spencer, M.D., a native of North Kingston, R. I., received his diploma from the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati in 1860. He had also received the degree of M.D. from the Worcester Medical College in 1858. He was engaged in the practice of medicine in Templeton from 1861 to 1872, when he removed to Cambridge. He was active in promoting the formation of the Massachusetts Eclectic Medical Society, of which he h.is been treasurer and president.

Department of Harvard University, and in the Medical College at Woodstock, Vt., of which he was a graduate in 1850. He has practiced medicine in Royalston, in Tenipleton, from 1862 to 1874, and since the latter date in WestSomerville, Mass.

Joseph C. Batchelder, M.D., was a native of Topsfield, Mass. His medical education was received at Dartmouth College and at the Harvard Medical School. He practiced medicine in Lynn, Topsfield, Cambridge, and in Templeton from 1857 to the time of his death, in 1885. Dr. B.itchelder was an enterprising and public-spirited citizen, as well as a very skillful physician and surgeon. He was the Representative from his native town in the Legislature of Massachusetts in 184(5. He took an active interest in promoting the construction of the Hoosac Tunnel. In the Civil War he was assistant surgeon of the Twentyfifth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers.

The physicians thus far named had their residences in the village lying around the Common. At the present time there are two physicians whose place of residence is at this village : - Dr. A. S. Tobien has been in practice here since 1874 - and Dr. S. E. Greenwood since 1878.

George Jewett, M.D., was a native of Rindge, N. H. His medical education was received at Woodstock, Vt., and at the Berkshire Medical College, where he graduated in 1846. He began the practice of medicine at Baldwinville in 1847, removed to Gardner in 1862, and thence to Fitchburg.

Lucius W. Baker, M.D., received his degree from the University of the City of New York in 1880, and immediately began the practice of medicine in his native village. Dr. Baker was the projector of the Hospital Cottages for Children, and for five years the superintendent and physician, retiring in 1887 to devote his time more fully to the care of his Medical Home for Nervous Invalids, at Baldwinville.

A list of the names of physicians who have engaged in the practice of medicine at Baldwinville is subjoined. The first physician residing in the village seems to have been Dr. Barrett, who began practice in 1847; Dr. Jewett, in 1854; Dr. Jonathan A.White 1854-63 ; Dr. John W. Bement, 1868-74 ; Dr. William F. Southard, 1873-78 ; Dr. J. S. Fogg and Dr. G. L. Perry remained a short time ; Dr. L. W. Baker, 1880; Dr. E. N. MuUins has been in active medical practice since 1883.

Dr. George C. Shattuck, son of Dr. Benjamin Shattuck, was born in Templeton, July 17, 1783, and died at his residence in Boston, March 18, 1854. He was eminent for his professional skill and for his munificent public and private charities. He graduated from Dartmouth College in 1803, and from the Medical Department in ISOG, receiving also a medical degree from Harvard College in 1807. He was possessed of I much wealth and became noted for his public benefactions, giving liberally to Dartmouth College, Harvard College and various public institutions. From him the town of Templeton received the liberal gift of five shares in the library of the Boston Athenicum. Dr. Shattuck was a very popular and skillful physician of the city of Boston. His son, of the same name, was for many years a professor in the Harvard Medical School.

James Lloyd Wellington, M.D., son of Rev. Charles Wellington, graduated from Harvard College in 1838, and from the Harvard Medical School in 1842, since which time he has been a physician in active practice in the town of Swansea, Mass.

Edward Sawyer, M.D., a physician of Bridgewater, Mass., was a native of Templeton, and received his early education in her schools. He graduated from the Harvard Medical School in 1865, and began the practice of medicine in the autumn of that same year. In addition to his general practice he has for more than twenty-two years been physician to the State Institution at Bridgewater. Besides his busy activity in professional work, he serves the community in various positions of responsibility and usefulness.

Very few women from this town have engaged in any other professional work than that of teaching. Miss Salome Merritt, however, has received a medical education, and is in the active practice of her i)rofession in the city of Boston.

Hospitals. - The Hospital Cottages for Children, organized and incorporated in 1882, are located at Baldwinville. They are arranged on the cottage plan, and are designed for the treatment of children affected with chronic diseases. Their country location makes it possible to have fresh air, sunlight, outdoor exercise and wholesome food, as well as careful nursing and medical care. The idea of the institution originated with Dr. L. W. Baker. His father. Deacon Willard Baker, gave liberal aid by furnishing buildings, rent free, for some years, and in other ways. Mr. J. W. Coolidge has earnestly labored for the institution from its first inception, and has been very efficient in placing it upon a good financial basis. A lady board of visitors, including ladies of prominence living in ditferent parts of the State, has from the first rendered very valuable assistance in support of the institution. This board has also erected a third building with funds which it has gathered. The Legislature of Massachusetts granted ten thousand dollars to the institution in 1887. The institution now has three buildings under its control, and has accommodations for about fifty children.

Dr. Baker's Medical Home for the treatment of nervous diseases, including the alcohol and opium habits, and the nervous disorders of childhood, is located in Baldwinville. It was established in 1885.

ally range themselves under the leadership of individuals who are possessed of an unusual degree of energy, persistence or intelligence. These they appoint to act for them on important occasions either at home or abroad. Such men in the last century were Mr. Thomas White, Captain John Richardson, Captain Joel Fletcher, Captain Ezekiel Knowlton, Colonel Silas Cutler and Captain Leonard Stone. Captain Fletcher was the delegate from this town to the convention which ratified the Constitution of the United States in 1787. Jonathan Baldwin was the first Representative from this town to tlie General Court in 1774. He is aUo believed to have been the first ju.stice of the peace in this town. He was an enterprising citizen of that portion of the town now known as Baldwinville. His son, Captain Eden Baldwin, was a man of great vigor, enterprise and influence, engaging actively in various business enterprises. From him his native village takes its name.

As the next century advances new names come into prominence in different sections of the town. Captain Joseph Davis was for many years a very prominent citizen, living in Baldwinville. He came from Northboro' to this village in 1830 and opened a store. In 1832 he built the hotel. He bought Stephen Knowlton's farm on the east of the village and built a dam at the water privilege there. He was very active in various kinds of business. He labored earnestly and effectively to secure the location of the Vermont and Massachusetts Railroad through this village. He was a very active, energetic, public-spirited citizen. He died November 5, 1868. His son, Thomas W. Davis, has been for several years city surveyor for the city of Boston.

Oilman Day, Esq., was a prominent citizen of Templeton during the greater part of a long life, which extended from April 1, 1802, to August 11, 1877. The neighboring town of Wincbendon was his birthplace. For a large part of his life he was engaged more or less actively in the lumber business and some form of manufacturing. His saw-mill was on Trout Brook, southwesterly of Baldwinville, and is still known as tlie "Day" JMill. For a period of some three years, beginning with 183(), he was associated with Levi Pierce in conducting the hotel at Templeton Centre. He was also owner, in part, of the stageline connecting Worcester and Keene, which line passed through this town. He was frequently called to fill places of trust and honor by the votes of his fellow-townsmen. He held]in successive years various town offices. He served for one term, in 1846, as Representative from this town to the General Court. He was also chosen as the delegate from this town to the convention which assembled in 1853 to revise the Constitution of the State. He held a commission as justice of the peace and trial justice from ISGl to the time of bis death.

and nation. He was earnestly in favor of the division of Worcester County and labored to promote it, in opposition to some of his prominent fellow-townsmen. He occupied a very prominent i)osition among those who labored to retain the location of the Vermont and Massachusetts Railroad so as to pass through the northerly part of this town, instead of being di" verted to Winchendon, and his labors were successful. The greater part of his life was spent in Baldwinvillei and here his widow and sons still live.

Thomas Fisher was a farmer living midway between Baldwinville and Otter River. He was frequently chosen to serve the public in matters where good judgment and integrity were required, and was a prominent citizen in the earlier part of the century. His son, Dea. Charles T. Fisher, lived upon the same farm on which his father had dwelt, and likew'ise possessed the public confidence.

Col. Leonard Stone lived in what is now the village of Otter River, on the farm which his father, Capt. Leonard Stone, had occupied before him, and on which his sons have since dwelt. He possessed the public confidence in a high degree, serving for several years on the School Committee and the Board of Selectmen. He was also for several years the representative to the General Court. He took an active part in the contest for the location of the Vermont and Massachusetts Railroad. He was an influential citizen, trusted and honored.

Capt. Samuel Dadman was another enterprising and influential citizen, engaged in the woolen manufacturing business at Otter River. He was four times chosen as representative to the General Court, and received other marks of the public confidence.

Col. Ephraim Stone lived at Templeton Centre, and was for many years connected with mercantile business there on the site of what has generally been known as the " Brick Store^'' He was a man of great energy of character and activity in affairs, and was frequently chosen to positions of trust and responsibility.

John W. Stiles was, in the early part of the century, a merchant whose place of business was on the east side of the " Common." He is said to have been a man of much vigor and mental ability, and he certainly took a deep interest in public aflairs. He it was who composed the memorial sent by this town to the President of the United States in opposition to the War of 1812.

Col. Artemas Lee was for many years a leading mind in the business and political aflairs of northern Worcester County. He was born in the neighboring town of Barre, November 2, 1793. He came to Templeton in 1810, in his seventeenth year, and for some time served as clerk in the store of John W. Stiles> who was then a merchant of prominence in this region. After some years he formed a partnership with Lipha French, and opened a store in the southerly part of the hotel building. This partnership was dissolved in a few years, and he continued the business alone. In 1829 he erected the dwelling-house and store situated at the southerly side of the Common, and now owned by Mr. Percival Blodgett. Here the main part of his life was spent. He kept a country store with all its great variety of goods. In later times various persons were associated with him in his mercantile afikirs at this place of business. Lee, Harding & Jones, Lee & Lincoln, Lee & Wood, Lee k Gambell were the styles of successive firms. He engaged also in mercantile business in Baldwitiville, in Athol aud in Gardner, having partners in each of these places. He was an earnest, enterprising business man, and met with success in his business pursuits.

Colonel Lee was always deeply interested in public affairs, and entered upon them with earnest zeal and abounding energy. He opposed the division of the town when that project was entered upon. Again and again it fell to his lot to oppose the division of Worcester County. It did not need a large number of such opponents as he was to defeat a measure. When it was proposed to change the location of the Vermont & Massachusetts Railroad, so that it would not pass through this town, he vigorously opposed the change, and was one of a committee of five appointed by the town, who labored earnestly and successfully in opposition to the change of location. He was first elected to the Legislature in 1832, serving in the House of Representatives for four consecutive years. He was again elected as Representative irora this town in 1847, and also in 18G1. He also serVed for three or four years in the Massachusetts Senate as a member from Worcester County. Senators were then chosen by the counties.

He was always deeply interested in the affairs of this town ; the numerous shade-trees upon the Common bear testimony to one form of this interest. He was interested in the militia of the State, realizing that emergencies might arise when tbeir trained services might be essential to the public welfare. He acquired his title of colonel from having been commander of the local regiment of militia. Two of his sons lost their lives in the late Civil War. Colonel Lee was a man of uncommon intellectual vigor and force of character. His life was one of ceaseless activity in business and public affairs. He died in 1870.

If he could communicate his ideas to us, he would not consider this notice complete without some recognition of her who for many years was his efficient counselor and helper. Mrs. Lee, whose married life began June 10, 1830, still lives in the city of Boston, furnishing a home to grandchildren whose father's life was given for his country.

John Boynton, Esq., spent his active business life in TenipletoM. Here he accumulated the fortune which enabled him to give ten thousand dollars for the benefit of the schools of his native town. Mason, N. H., aud one hundred thousand dollars for founding the Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He came to this town in 1825, and began the manufacture of tinware, employing peddlers who traveled about the country and sold it or exchanged it for paper stock. The business increased in volume, and proved to be profitable. In 1830 the late David Whitcomb, Esq., of Worcester, came to live in this town, and became a partner with Mr. Boynton in the tin business. He here laid the foundations of a fortune which has enabled him in later years to bestow gifts to religious and charitable purposes to the amount of a full million of dollars. Mr. Whitcomb gave the money which constitutes our Library Fund, requesting that the library should be called the "Boynton Library." Mr. Boynton was the first president of the Miller's River Bank at Athol. He was always thoroughly devoted to his business affairs, and gave le<s thought to other matters. He died in 1867. Mr. Whitcomb removed to Worcester in 1851, and was engaged in business there until his death, in 1887.

John Bigelow held the office of town clerk for twelve consecutive years, beginning with 1823. He lived in the "Gilbert" house, and kept clocks, watches, and jewelry in a store which formerly stood on the site of Mr. Blodgett's store. His son, Joshua R. Bigelow, gained wealth in mercantile business in Boston, and pleasantly remembered his native town by the gift of the public clock which is in the tower of the Unitarian Church. Dexter Gilbert was a prominent citizen, who was postmaster for eight years, and held the office of town clerk for twelve years, consecutively, beginning with 1842. Rev. Gerard Bushnell was much trusted in the management of public affairs, having served for sixteen years as a member of the School Committee, for twenty-t wo years, beginninsr with 1854, as town clerk, and was, for one year, a representative to the General Court.

T. T. Greenwood was actively engaged in manufacturing enterprises in East Templeton for more than forty years. In 1841 he began the manufacture of chair-seat frames. In 1849 he erected the present furniture-shop, aud, taking Mr. F. L. Sargeant as a partner, they entered upon the manufacture of tubs, pails, churns and other wooden-ware. In 1860 they began the manufactureofpineand chestnut furniture. Mr. Sargeant retired in 1863, and, from that tiiue until his death, Mr. Greenwood carried on the business alone, making additions to his factory and supplementing water-power with steam-power as his business increased. Mr. Greenwood was a pioneer in the utilization of the pith of the rattan. This pith was then regarded as waste merely, and burned in bonfires. He bought it of the American Rattan Company, of Fitchburg, and made it into baskets. It has since been turned to a great variety of uses.

In 1883, in company with one of his sons, he established a store at West Gardner, for the sale of furniture at retail. Two of his sons continue the business at this store, and two others carry on the manufacturing operations at East Templeton.

III addition to his business enterprises, Mr. Greenwood was a public-spirited citizen, ever on the alert for improvements in the condition of his native village and town. He liberally assisted in the establishment of a village library, in 1854, and of a public hall, in 1872. With others, he labored earnestly and effectively for the establishment of the village postoffice, in 1866. He was foremost in urging the construction of the new road to West Gardner, and caused the preliminary surveys to be made chiefly at his own expense. With others he joined in an effort to secure the location of the Ware Eiver Railroad through East Templeton.

He was interested in schools and public education. It was no uncommon thing for him to visit the schools. When the High School was established, in 1856, we find him among those who were earliest, laboring to secure such a result, and he ever maintained a lively interest in its welfare.

Charles A. Perley was born in Gardner, September 15, 1826, and died February 2, 1887. His life was mainly spent in the chair manufacturing business in the village of Baldwinville. After spending four years in the southerly part of Winchendon, he came to this town in 1856 and engaged in the manufacture of chairs, as a member of the firm of Sawyer, Thompson & Perley, afterwards Thompson, Perley & Waite. This firm manufactured a variety of caneseat chairs and in later times large quantities of the child's folding chair, an ingenious contrivance for the comfort of children.

Mr. Perley was always active in promoting the business prosperity of the village in which he lived. He was the prime mover in the formation of the Baldwinville Mill Company, which erected a new shop on the site now occupied by Smith, Day & Co. He had been for some years llie president of the Templeton Savings Bank. He took an active part in the formation of the Memorial Church and the erection of its church edifice. In 1885 he was the Representative from this district in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

Colonel Henry Smith was born in Shrewsbury, Vermont, in 1S26 and died in Boston in 1881. He married Abby Boynton AVbitcomb, daughter of David Whitcomb, Esq., of Worcester. In 18-1:9 he engaged in the manufacture of tin-ware in Templeton, in company with Mr. Whitcomb and continued the business in the later time in company with his brother, until 1865. Thtir traveling agents were accustomed to sell their tin-ware in various parts of Kew England. He was also interested in the same business with partners in Springfield, Lowell, Albany and New Haven. In 1865 he removed to Boston and , engaged in the banking business, being instrumental in the establishment of the Home Savings Bank, of which he became president, and the Central National Bank. His latest business enterprise was the establishment of the International Trust Company, of which he became president.

He served one term in the Massachusetts House of Representatives and three terms in the State Senate, the last term after removing to Dorchester. He served at one time on the staff of Governor Banks as one of his aids. He was an active, enterprising and public-spirited citizen. He had accumulated wealth in his business and was liberal in contributing to religious and philanthropic enterprises.

Percival Blodgett spent his early years in North Orange, Mass., where be was bom in 1841. He received his education in the public schools of liis native town and at Andover Academy. He came to Templeton as a teacher in the public schools in 1861, and taught for several terms. He began his mercantile career in 1865, as a member of the firm of Dudley & Blodgett, whose place of business was at the " Brick store." From 1870 to the present time he has been in business alone, at the stand formerly owned and occupied by Colonel Lee. He became the owner of this establishment in 1877 and carries on here a prosperous business in the sale of various kinds of merchandise usually kept at a country store. Mr. Blodgett has for several years been one of the selectmen, has held the office of town treasurer for twelve years, and has been a member of the school committee for twenty years. He is chosen a representative to the Legislature of Massachusetts for the year 1889, from the Second Worcester County District. Isaac Bourn is a native of Potton. Canada, having been born there November 24, 1821. He came to Templeton in 1845, working for wages for the first two years. He was engaged in the lumber business from 1847 to 1849, in company with Jonas Brown, and from the latter date until 1879 in company with John Brooks. He is at present senior partner in the firm of Bourn, Hadley & Company. They manufacture large quantities of pine, chestnut and ash furniture at their shop, near the Ware River Railroad station, and are also dealers in all kinds of lumber. Mr. Bourn is still actively engaged in the business in which he has manifested so much energy and enterprise.

Some persons who were natives of Templeton have become conspicuous for their business capacity or philanthropic efforts in other fields. One such was George Partridge, who engaged in business in Saint Louis, Mo., was prosperous in his affairs and gave large sums for the benefit of Washington University in that city. Thomas White is extensively engaged in the manufacture and sale of the " White " sewingmachine, in Cleveland, Ohio. He began the business on a small scale in this town. The White family wai one of the old and worthy families of this town and Phillipston. Moses W. Richardson leads an active business life in the city of Boston, in which he has been prosperous. His early life was spent here. He learned his first lessons of business affairs as clerk in the store of Colonel Lee. His name represents two families of prominence in this town. His grandfather, Moses Wright, was for ten years the town clerk, and three years a Representative to the General Court. The Richardson family has ever been prominent in numbers and influence.

The first settlers of a town, with rugged hills completely covered with forests, must have been persons of vigor and steadfastness of purpose. Among the early inhabitants of this town there were men of more than ordinary ability and strength of character. They were also men of sterling integrity. They directed the currents of thought and action into good channels. The influence of such men extends beyond the limit of their own lifetimes, frequently exerting a powerful influence on their successors. There has been in this town a permanence and stability in its affairs which has greatly inured to the public benefit. Many things have worked together in the past to make the influence prevailing in a New England town a very favorable environment for the development and improvement of a human being. May it be long before these towns shall have lost the essential features which have been characteristic of the best of them !

Chapter Xxv By George W. Hobbs

On the west the gently-sloping hilh are covered with the fine dwellings of its prosperous citizens, overlooking a diversified scenery of meadows, rivers, ponds and busy workshops. On the east the plains stretcli out to the lofty Mendon hills, whose westerly slopes form the water-shed for the " West River," which furnishes the water-power for the " Wacantuck" and"Elmdale" Mills; while gently meandering through the valley, the "Blackstone" and "Mumford" Rivers beautify the plain and furnish the power for the numerous other mills which add to the business and prosperity of this lively and enterprising town.

Its natural beauty, fine roads, excellent hotel, secluded drives and cool retreats make it a desired haven of rest for the numerous " summer boarders" who, in increasing numbers, annually make their pilgrimage hither. From the pleasant drive on " Lawler " hill, just west of Main Street, away in the dim distance, - thirty miles as the crow flies, - the blue peak of old Wachusett can easily be seen on a fair day, and the view, once seen, is long remembered. From the opposite side of the town, on the hill near the residence of Mr. T. W. Giles, a bit of scenery is unfolded which has no equal even on the canvas of a Turner. As far as the eye can reach, the beautiful valley of the Blackstone is spread out in all its enchanting loveliness. Here and there, above the abundant foliage, rises the spire of some distant church ; the hillsides dotted with neat houses, green fields, teeming orchards, lowing herds; handsome villas, cool groves, glimmering lakes ; rivers looking like threads of silver, lofty hill-tops crowned with perennial pine, rich meadows fragrant with new-mown hay and golden-hued flowers ; farms, villages, factories, tall chimneys, and all the concomitants of a thriving valley meet the eye and fill the mind with a nevertiring pleasure. The native to the manor born, as well as the stranger within its gates, pause upon this favored spot and involuntarily exclaim " How beautiful ! "

A gentleman from Providence, while riding up this hill with the writer, exclaimed: "Stop! In all my travels at home or abroad, I never saw a finer scene than this. I would like to build a house right on this lot before us and have that view always before me." For an hour we lingered, and with a deep sigh, he took his leave with regret, saying : " I did not suppose there was so fine a view this side the White Mountains, and I don't believe your townspeople appreciate it as they ought."

The facility with which this town can be reached by the numerous trains upon that model railway, the " Providence and Worcester," causes such an influx of seekers after rest and ozone, that the hotel and boarding-houses are taxed to their utmost during the vacation season, and those who come one season are pretty sure to engage rooms for the next.

There are several mineral springs near the centre of the town, and the water furnished by iheUxbridge Water Company proves, upon analysis, to be about absolutely pure, being nearly equal to that of the famous Poland Springs, and pronounced by local physicians to be nearly as effectual in the cure of kidney and urinary troubles. At no distant day these springs will be appreciated, and a sanitarium will invite the health-seekers to come and be cured. Uxbridge ranks among the older towns of the county, having been incorporated three years before the county itself.

Originally a part of Mendon, the history of the causes which led to its separation from the mother town may not inappropriately be recorded here.

In 171G it seems that the western part of the town of Mendon and the eastern part had a disagreement about the road to be built to Taft's bridge, over the Great River (Blackstone), which led to the appointment of a committee of conference. This difficulty having been adjusted, the next recorded difference which arose was in 1720, when, as appears by the '-Mendon Annals," "the inhabitants of the west part of the town (now Uxbridge) began to agitate the question of dividing the town, or of being allowed to be a precinct by themselves; but upon their petition to that effect, the town took no action."

In 1722, October 16th, at a town-meeting held in Mendon, the inhabitants of the western part of the town objecting to being assessed for repairs to the meeting-house, the town " voted, that if they would pay, the town would reimburse them, provided they are set off as a precinct or a town within the space of thrre years."

December 14, 1726, more than the stipulated "three years '' after the last difficulty, the town, " in answer to our western inhabitants petitioning to be set off as a town or a precinct, voted in the negative." But the said western inhabitants were becoming more determined to secede ; and therefore, at a meeting held in Mendon March 31, 1727, the town " voted, after the reading of the petition of the western inhabitants of the town for a division of the town, that the boundaries should be as follows, viz.: Beginning at thesouthweit corner of the town, at the Province line, thence east four miles with .*aid line; thence turning north and running parallel with the west line of the town, until it comes to a small brook running westerly between West and Misco Hills; thence down said brook to the West River; thence up said river to Andruss's Brook ; and thence up Andruss' Brook to the township line "

The western inhabitants lost no time in taking the benefit of the vote, doubtless feeling that a reconsideration might blast their hopes, if opportunity were given ; for it appears from the records in the Massachusetts Archives, " Towns, vol. 113, p. 714," that in an almost incredibly short time, considering the distance to Boston and the roads and conveniences or inconveniences of travel, the petition and vote was presented to the General Court for its approval and the incorporation of ihe new town. The act of incorporation passed both houses (i.e. the House of Representatives and the Council) and became a law June 23, 1727, which is the birthdai/ of the town of Uxbridge. To show the mode of procedure in such matters at that early day uuder colonial government, I transcribe the act of incorporation entire: nilerem, the westerly part of the Town of Mendon, in the County of Sufolk, is completely filled with Inhabitants, who labour under great diffloiilties by their remoteness from the place of Public Worship, ic, and have thereupon made application to the said Town of Mendon, and have likewise addressed this Court that they may bo set off as a distinct aud separate town aud be vested with all the powers and privilege of a town ; and the Inhabitants of Mendon haviug consented to their being set off accordingly; lie it therefore enacted by the Lieutenant-Governor, Conncil and Representatives in General Court aasembled, aud by the authority of the same, that the westerly part of said Town of Mendon is hereby set off and constituted a separate Township by the name of Uxbridge ; the bound of said Town to be as foUowelh : That is to say, Beginning at the South West corner of the town of Mendon, at the Troviuce South Line : thence to run four miles east with the Province Line ; then North a parallel with the West line of the said Town, until that line meets with a small Brook that runs between West Hill and Misco Hill ; then ye sjiid Brook to be the bounds to the West River; then the West River to be the bounds to a brook known by the name of Andrew's Brook, which brook shall bo the bounds to the north line of the Township.

And that the Inhabitants of the said Lands, as before described and bounded, be, and hereby are, invested with the powers, privileges and immunities that the Inhabitants of any of the Towns of this Province, are, or ought by law to be invested ; Provided the Grant of the said Township be not construed to Affect the Rights and privileges of any Persons to lands within the same.

Provided also, that the Inhabitants of the said town of Uxbridge, do, within the space of two years from the Publication of this Act, Erect and finisli a suitable House for the Public \Vorship of God, and procure and settle a learned Orthodox Minister of good conversation, and make provision for his comfortable and honourable support ; aud that they set apart a Lot of not less than One hundred acres of Land in some convenient place in said town near the moeting-IIouse, for the use of the Bliniatry; and likewise provide a School Master to instruct their youth in writing and reaiiing.

The amendment referred to by the record as passed by the House was the striking out of the following clause, which, in the act as approved by the Council, was after the word reading, in the last sentence of the act, viz. :

And that thereupon they be discharged from any further payment for the maintenance of the Ministers and Schools in the said Town of Mendon, for any estate lying within the said Town of Uxbridge.