Worcester City (part 43 of 58)

1868. - Town Clerk, James K. Comstock; Selectmen, George E. Bullard, Millens A. Taft, Daniel S. Southwick ; Assessors, Lewis R. Daniels, Jeremiah Gatchell, Alexander Blanchard ; Overseers of the Poor, Willard Wilson, Step'nen Tucker, Lawrence Boy Ian ; Treasurer, Moses Farnum. Alexander Blanchard declined to serve, and Willard Wilson was chosen. School Committee, William A. Cole for three years ; Samuel Thayer, Jr., for one year.

March 2d, when most of the above officers were chosen, was an extremely bleak and snowy day. Whether owing to the storm, or to dissatisfaction with the management of town affairs, the result was the placing in office of men for the most part of the opposite politics of those who had controlled the town for some years. The selectmen having, under a vote of the town, contracted with George M. Blanchard to build a stone lock-up, and the town having rescinded its vote, the lock-up was not built, but the town paid rather more than its cost would have been in the way of damages and costs to Mr. Blanchard. Forty-two thousand dollars of the town debt was funded with the State treasurer, under vote of November 4th.

Rev. M. E. Phetteplace was called to the Baptist Society at Waterford, and Rev. Frederick C. Newell was appointed to the Millville Methodist Society. A missionary effort for several months in East Blackstone, by Joseph iMiett, of Woinsocket, led to the appointment of Rev. Thomas B. Gurney to that field.

August 9th died Rufus Hayward, a native of Mendon but a resident of Blackstone the greater part of his life, and thoroughly identified with the political history of the town. For many years he was the leader of the Democratic party in the town. He was an active politician, a man of genial temperament and a kind neighbor. He had filled various town offices, and was once elected to the General Court as Representative. He was found dead in his bed at the Lincoln House, having probably died of apoplexy. Daring this year work was prosecuted on the road-bed of the Boston and New York Railroad, and there was an unusual number of fatal acciden's on the tracks.

John C. McCarthy ; Overseers of the Poor, John G' Gatchell, Joseph Byrne, Samuel Verry ; Treasurer, Moses Farnum ; School Committee, for three years, Samuel Thayer, Jr. Willard Wilson having declined to serve as assessor, Americns Welch was chosen, Samuel Verry having declined to serve, and Joseph Byrne having removed from town, Millens A.Taft and Bezaleel Richardson were chosen overseers of the poor.

A new school-house was built at the Five Corners. May 24lh the County Commissioners laid out that part of St. Paul Street extending from Canal Street to the Rhode Island line under the tracks of both railroads. Pearl Street, in Millville, was laid out at this time with mutual asseverations of interest on the part of town and railroad in its behalf The " Hiram Daniels road" (section of IMendon Street from Milk Street to Asylum Street) first appeared in town affairs November 2d, when a committee was appointed to ojipose it before the County Commissioners.

March .31st Junius Bates was appointed postmaster at the Blackstone office. April 24th the Methodist Episcopal Society of East Blackstone was organized, and a church, costing about $3500, was erected during the summer. The organization of the Quickslream Lodge of Good Templars on March 22d afforded a powerful auxiliary to the church continuing to the present time (January 1, 1880).

Edmund O. Bacon, late landlord of the Lincoln House, was appointed one of the deputy sheriffs of Worcester County at the beginning of January. The firm of Bates & Comstock (Laban Bates and James K. Comstock), who had been engaged in the grocery business in Blackstone Block for twenty years, sold out in May to John W. France.

A new depot was built at Waterford as a Union station for both railroads. In November the smallpox was again introduced into Blackstone and resulted in forty cases and eight deaths.

The new school-house at the Town House was built. This provided all the eight districts with good houses except No. 4, - " Pickerings." An article in the April warrant to repair or to rebuild in No. 4 simply secured a vote to repair, - an injustice which the town has not yet (1888) reversed in its treatment of tliis district.

April 30th the town resolved against the " Hiram Daniels Road," and appointed a committee to oppose it. It is difficult to understand why this road created so much opposition. The construction of five or six miles more of such road, in certain lines, would enable the town to close up nearly double that length of poor road difficult to keep in repair. August 2d, 20th, 30tb, three town-meetings were held in regard to increasing the number of school-rooms at Blackstone and Waterford, and using the ui)per story of the High School-house as a library and readingroom. At the third meeting the whole scheme was negatived. Lyman Paine was chosen representative - to the General Court. I

The Blackstone River Lodge built the Masonic building on Main Street, at a cost of eight thousand dollars. It was dedicated Washington's Birthday by a fair and ball. The building is sixty feet deep by thirty-two feet wide, and two stories in height, the end fronting the street. The heavy stone arches on the Boston Road in Waterford village were completed during the year after several intermissions in the work.

The Blackstone Valley Lodge of Good Templars became extinct in June. Rev. T. H. Bannon, of the St. Paul's Society, falling into poor health, he resigned, and in October Rev. William A. Power was installed. Rev. James H. Cooley was assigned to the East Blackstone Methodist Episcopal Society, and Rev. Thomas S. Thomas to that of Millville. Rev. James Rand was called to Waterford Church.

1871. - Town Clerk, Junius Bates ; Selectmen, Darius Bennett, Micajah Fuller, Owen Bradley; Assessors, Jeremiah Gatchell, Louis R. Daniels, David M. Gaskill; Overseers of the Poor, John G. (jatchell, Samuel Thayer, Sr., Estes Burdon ; Treasurer, Moses Farnum; School Committee, for three years, William A. Cole, April 3d, Louis R. Daniels and David M. Gaskill having declined to serve as assessors, Patrick Kennedy and Americus Welch were chosen. John G. Gatchell and Samuel Thayer, Sr., having declined to serve as overseers, Stephen Tucker and James H. Boyle were chosen. It was voted to increase the School Committee to six, and John Worrall was chosen for three years. Welcome A. Thayer two years, and Horace H. Benson for one year. The latter having declined, Samuel S. White was appointed.

Blackstone sent no representative to General Court this year. Silas A. Burgess, E.sq., was appointed trial justice in August, T. S. Johnson having resigned to accept the position of clerk of the Municipal Court at Worcester.

Rev. Samuel E. Evans was appointed to the Methodist Society at Millville. In April the Blackstone Library Association and the Athenteum held a union meeting, and effected an organization under which their libraries, conjointly numbering nearly three thousand volumes, were united and placed together in the Arcade. The last week in July the house and barn of Mr. Bernard Hoye and the barn of Mr. L. .S. Penniman were destroyed by tire, causing a loss of

The first week in August died Varnum Bartlett, a native of Cumberland, R. I., but a resident of Blackstone for a quarter of a century, and bis shoe-store on Main Street was one of the old landmarks of the town. His honest dealing secured a largeijatronage in trade, and he was a successful business man of the old school.

A lively interest in temperance work prevailed during the year among the several societies, religious and lay. In October the St. Paul's Temperance Society celebrated the anniversary of the birth of Rev. Father Matthew, and by the interest aroused largely strengthened its membership.

1872. - Town Clerk, Junius Bates ; Selectmen, Henry S. Mansfield, Samuel S. White, Augustine H. Rankin; Assessors, F. Myrick Thayer, Americus Welch, Robert J. M. Chase; Overseers of the Poor, Caleb S. Taft, Darius Bennett, Michael Rowan ; Treasurer, R. K. Randolph; School Committee, Henry C. Kimball, Louis A. Cook, for three years, John S. Needham, two years, Alvin C. Robbins, one year.

April 15th, F. M. Thayer and R.J. M. Chase having declined to serve as asse-sors, Jeremiah Gatchell and John S. Needham were elected. It was voted to chooae Road Commissioners, and there were elected, Andrew Kelly, for three years, Samuel S. White, for two years, Henry S. Mansfield, for one year.

John C. Scott was elected representative to the General Court. The new Board of Road Commissioners laid out a continuation of Main Street from New City iron bridge over the Blackstone Dam to Millville, passing near the houses of George Hanney and James Pitts to Central Street. This was accepted and ordered built and then the acceptance was revoked.

Rev. S.imuel D. Church was called to the pastorship of the Waterford Society, Rev. Walter J. Yates was appointed to the Methodist Society at Millville, and the Rev. E. N. Maynard at East Blackstone. Rev. Edward H. True became rector of St. John's Parish, Millville.

August 1st, the Second District Court of Southern Worcester, embracing the towns of Northbridge, Douglas, U-\bridge and Blackstone, took the place of the trial justice courts, with Arthur A. Putnam, Esq., as justice. It holds sessions every week-day alternately at Blackstone and Uxbridge - Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Blackstone; Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at U.Kbridge. The court has jurisdiction in all civil actions where the amount does not exceed three hundred dollars, and a trial by jury may be had on the demand, in writing, by either party.

Assessors, Americus Welch, Miilens Taft, Michael Rowan ; Overseers of the Poor, Micajuh Fuller, Daniel Hefl'erman, F. Myrick Thayer; Treasurer, Austin A. Wheelock ; School Committee, Horace A. Bensou, Dr. Robert Booth, for three years, Welcome A. Thayer, one year. It was voted to abolish the Board of Road Commissioners. Milieus Taft having declined to serve as assessor, Daniel Wheelock was chosen. Town liy-laws, oftered by A. A. Putnam, Esq., in regard to obstruction of sidewalks, disturbance in streets, fast driving, etc., were adopted and were subsequently approved by Judge Devens, of the Massachusetts Superior Court, as required by law. The sum of one hundred dollars was now first voted to be placed at the disposal of " Gatchell Post, G. A. R.," for the suitable observance of Memorial Day. The " Hiram Daniels road " first ordered by the county commissioners January 4, 1871, had been so far successfully resisted because the lay-out crossed the Town Asylum Cemetery. The commissioners now executed a Hank movement and issued a decree, June !-, 1873, and the road was built by a contractor.

On the evening of October 16th occurred the great firein Wilder's Lane, which destroyed eight dwellinghouses and several barns. The Woonsocket steam Hre-engine prevented a more extensive conflagration by its opportune arrival. Several meetings were now held to secure fire apparatus, but there was no result. Eighteen families were rendered homeless, and altogether some fifty families moved their household goods at considerable loss, so that this fire caused a widespread feeling of insecurity.

Albert Smith was elected Representative and Jeremiah Gatchell Senator to the General Court. Lyman Legg was appointed postmaster at Millville. Rev. Albert W. Moore was called to the vacant pul()it at Blackstone, January 22d. Deacon Daniel Gunn died February 21st, aged sixty-five years. He was born February 6, 1808, at Swauzy, Vermont, and <'ame to Black-tone in 1833, where he resided until his death. He was an ardent and devoted member of the Waterford Church. The Worcester County National Bank removed to Franklin in August.

1874. - Town Clerk, Aaron S. Esty ; Selectmen, Jerennah Gatchell, Matthew Faulkner, Albert Smith ; Assessors, Americus Welch, Philip Nully, Millens Taft ; Overseers of the Poor, Micajah Fuller, Richard Newsome, William G.Miller; Treasurer, Austin A. Wheelock ; School Committee, Welcome A. Thayer, John P. Needham, three years each.

There was considerable agitation during the year for a new town hall, to be located at the village. One proposition was to purchase " Block Hall." Nothing was accomplished, however, in this direction, the committee reporting through its chairman, John S. Needham, "in view of the present depressed state of business the committee recommend a postponement, but not an indefinite postponement of the subject."

The town having paid no attention to the decree of the County Commissioners in relation to the " Hiram Daniels Road," they had built the road, and now served notice upon the town to pay the expenses and charges of completing, amounting to $5505, into the county treasury. This the town voted to do, October 3 ; then also voted " that a committee of three be appointed to take into consideration the matter of inducing capitalists or mechanics to locate in this town." The committee was Jeremiah Gatchell, Daniel Simmons, John' C. Scott.

Thanksgiving morning, November 26th, a fire destroyed the barn, paint, wheelwright and blacksmith shops, and the dwelling-house of Micajah Fuller, the barn and greater part of the Lincoln House, owned by Martin Jenckes. As in the preceding year, the Woonsocket steam fire-engines came to the rescue. At a meeting, December 9th, it was voted to have a steam fire-engine, and five thousand dollars was appropriated for its purchase.

In February a disastrous fire in Millville destroyed the large stone woolen-mill. The satinet-mill at Upper Canada, run by John C. Scott, was burned this year.

1875. - Town Clerk, Junius Bates; Selectmen, Henry S. Mansfield, Patrick Kennedy, Samuel S. White; Assessors, Americas Welch, William A. Cole, John Gallagher; Overseers of the Poor, Micajah Fuller, Alonzo W. Southwick, Dennis McMullen ; Treasurer, John S. Needham ; School Committee (for three years), Alvin C. Robbins, Andrew Kelly.

John S. Needham having declined to serve as treasurer, Daniel Wheelock was chosen. The steam fire-engine company of the town was organized. The town accepted the selectmen's lay-out of Farnum Street, September 18th. Patrick Kennedy was chosen Representative. Rev. Edwin G. Babcock was assigned to the Methodist Society at Millville, and Rev. William R. Mays to East Blackstone. Under the kindly infiuence of Rev. William A. Power was formed, in St. Paul's Society, the Young Men's Catholic Union, a literary society, which long held weekly meetings, and collected a considerable library.

Mr. John Needham, after twenty-three years' residence in town, having removed to Lawrence, Mass., to become superintendent of the Washington Mills in that city, the Rev. S. D. Church was chosen to fill the vacancy on the Board of School Committee. In May John L. Utley opened a law-office in Blackstone. Myron Daniels was appointed postmaster at East Blackstone. .Tune 9th died Dr. Moses D. Southwick. He was born in Mendon, July, 1805, on the farm of his father, George Southwick, where his early life was spent. By teaching school he won his way through Brown University, graduating in 1828, and Bowdoin Medical College in 1831, having read medicine with Dr. Usher Parsons, of Providence, R. I. He practiced a short time in Bellingham, but soon (1834) removed to Millville, where he spent the rest of his life. He was a man of sterling character, of vigorous powers of mind, well-balanced, and of remarkably even temperament.

1876. - Town Clerk, John Nugent; Selectmen, Americus Welch, Patrick Kennedy, Matthew Faulkner ; Assessors, Americus Welch, James Dollard, Patrick Baxter ; Overseers of the Poor, Micajah Fuller, Willard Bennett, Richard Newsome ; Treasurer, Horatio Stockbridge; School Committee, James Dollard, three years; Austin A. Wheelock, one year.

Francis N. Thayer was chosen Representative to the General Court. The town now voted to reduce the Board of School Committee to three members again.

In December Rev. Theodore G. Wilder was called to the Waterford Baptist Society, and May 21st Rev. George F. Walker to the Blackstone Church. Rev. William H. Turkington was appointed to the Methodist Society, Millville, and Rev. N. G. Axtell to East Blackstone. Rev. John D. McConkey took charge of St. John's Parish October 14th. Francis N. Thayer, a native of the town, having been admitted to the bar of Worcester County, opened an office in Blackstone Village.

Rev. S. D. Church closed his pastoral labors at the Free Baptist Church, in Waterford, on Sunday, June 4th. He returned to the church in Taunton, Mats., where he first entered upon his pastoral <luties and where he then served for six years. Mr. Church was a devoted student, a man of excellent abilities and attainments, and as a Hebrew scholar ranked high in his denomination.

Early in the year was completed Institute Hall, a large and handsome edifice, near the St. Paul's Church, devoted to the social and educational interests of its people. The building is .of wood, eighty feet long by forty-five feet in width, and two full stories in height above the basement.

This spring the town was seized with one of its periodical spasms of small economy and fixed the price at which its servants must work. This process involved the choice of a new tax collector and the consequent loss to the town within two years of several thousand dollars. It was voted that the School Committee shall appoint a superintendent of schools, and that board appointed Alvin C. Robbins. The committee appointed to secure the settlement in town of additional manufacturing enterprises were active during "the year, and the valuable water privilege at

Millville, on the Blackatone River, was sold by its Worcester owners to the Woonsocket Rubber Company, of Woonsocket, R. I., and the Lawrence Felting Company.

Rev. R. D. Dyson was appointed to the Methodist Society at Millville and Rev. Charles Nason to the East Blackstone Society. The Mansfield Scythe Factory, built in 1871, oft' Central Street, Millville, was purchased by Messrs. Booth & Kidd and converted into a woolen-mill with four sets of machinery. Dr. Frank J. King opened his office in Millville in August.

The last week in October the Waterford No. 8 Mill was totally destroyed by fire. This mill was the oldest of the Watei ford Mills, having been built by Welcome Farnum in 1825. The loss of this mill was a serious drawback to the town and resulted in the removal of many industrious families and good citizens elsewhere.

1878. - Town Clerk, John Nugent; Selectmen, Americus Welch, Terrence McGinley, Michael Tuite ; Assessors, Americus Welch, Patrick Baxter, Dennis J. Connors; Overseers of the Poor, Micajah Fuller, Peter McCooey, William F. Byrne; Treasurer, Austin A. Wheelock ; School Committee, for three years, Adrian Scott.

April 1st, it was voted, " that the assessors be instructed to abate all taxes assessed on the real estate of Messrs. Cook & Banigan, for the term of five years from the date of their purchase in the village of Millville, except upon the valuation upon said real estate of that date." This vute was passed in behalf of the improvements made at Millville by the Lawrence Felting Co., consisting of the Felting Jlill and its adjuncts, machinery, &c.

Resolred, That the inhabitaiifs of the Town of Blsiclietone, in town, meeting assemliied, leceive with regret tlie information of tlie death of ourreepected former fellow-citizen, Sylvanns H. Benson.

ReauUe'i, That we deem it our duty to express in our name our regard for tlie various imi)nrtalit public services wliicli distinguislied Ills oliicial life and to mark with appiopriate honor the points of his character and the integrity of his aduiiniatration of the several departments which have been intrusted to his care. These entitle him to the afTectioiiate remembrance of the inhabitants of this Town and an honorable place in the history of its public servants.

Resolved, That the Town Clerk be requested to transmit copies of the foregoing resolutions to the family of our deceased friend and to have the same placed upon the records of the Town.

September 27th the town voted to fund the town debt by establishing a Sinking Fund. Commissioners were elected as follows : Jeremiah Gatchell, for three years; Lawrence Boylan, for two years; Henry S. Mansfield, one year.

1879. - Town Clerk, Daniel Wheelock ; Selectmen, Americus Welch, Terrence McGinley, Frederick Thayer; Assessors, Americus Welch, Mathew Marty, James A. Kidd ; Overseers of the Poor, Andrew Kelly, Francis N. Thayer, Lawrence Gibney ; School Committee, Augustus Wilcox, three years, - Dennis McCaffrey, one year, to fill vacancy caused by the resignation of Henry C. Kimball ; Treasurer, Leonard T. Gaskill.

The proceedings of the previous September, in regard to the Sinking Fund, not appearing upon the records in sufficient form, were void. The town, therefore, again pas.sed its vote establishing a Sinking Fund, ordering the assessors to assess each year one and one-half mills on each dollar of taxable property, and elected Jeremiah Gatchell for three years, Henry S. Mansfield for two years and Rice A. Brown, Jr., for one year. Sinking Fund Commissioners.

The revised Truant Laws oftered by Adrian Scott, chairman of the School Committee, were accepted and adopted by the town and were approved by the Superior Court, Francis H. Dewey, Nov. 15th.

A committee was appointed to name the public roads and streets in the town. The committee reported, November -llh, forty-four public and two private ways with names, and the report was adopted.

Mr. Francis Kelly died the latter part of August, in the seventieth year of his age, at Dorchester, Mass., where he removed some three years previous. He was a native of Bellingham, but came to Blackstone when a young man and resided in this town over forty years. His life-long occupatiou was teaching. He had an aptitude for teaching, and his schools were characterized for good order and discipline, a systematic pursuit of studies and a strict attention to the rules and duties of the place. He filled many important town ajjencies.

1880. - Town Clerk, John Nugent; Selectmen, Americus Welch, William J. Bowes, Lawrence Don- Ion, Jr. ; Assessors, Americus Welch, George Williams {1st), Louis R. Banigan ; Overseers of the Poor, Daniel Heft'ernan, James H. Boyle, Andrew Kelly ; Treasurer, Lawrence Boylan ; School Committee, Dennis McCaflrey (for three years), Samuel S. White (for two years, to fill a vacancy caused by removal of Augustus Wilcox).

" Voted that all persons building in the town for manufacturing purposes will be abated their taxes for the term of five years, provided the amount of said investment be not less than $50,000." Under

The new Almshouse was the subject of two meetings during the spring, and was eventually built on the old road opposite the old house, instead of upon the new section of Mendon Street, where it would have been much more accessible and in a much more sightly location.

Rev. Ck'orge F. Walker having resigned his charge at the Blackstone Church, the society remained without a settled pastor for several years.

A new church, known as St. Augustine's, was built at Jlillville by the Roman Catholic Society of that village, which continued under the charge of Rev. William A. Power, of Blackstone.

1881. - Town Clerk, John Fay ; Selectmen, Americas Welch, William.!. Bowes, Lawrence Donlon, Jr.; Assessors, Americus Welch, Michael Tuite, George Baxter ; Overseers of the Poor, Daniel Heffernan, James Meagher, John Clark ; Treasurer, Austin A. Wiieelock; School Committee, for three years, Adrian Scott.

The school-house at Millville was enlarged during the summer. The school-house in the Pickering District becoming untenable, the school was suspended after the spring term. During the summer the iron bridge at the New City began to give signs of weakness, and August 22d a committee of five was appointed to conti'act for a new bridge. The Providence and Worcester Railroad having refused to bear its proportion of the expense, a committee of three was appointed November 11th to a.scertaiu that company's liability. The contract of the company with the town upon the construction of the first iron bridge, in 18()7, as well as all other records bearing upon the subject, were submitted to Francis P. Goulding, Esq., of Worcester, and Judge E. Rockwood Hoar, of Boston, who gave it their opinion separately that the railroad company was chargeable. The attorney for the company, having reviewed these opinions, gave his assent thereto, and the company eventually helped pay for the new iron bridge.

1882. - Town Clerk, William F. Byrne; Selectmen, Americus Welch, Louis R. Banigan, Lawrence Donlon, Jr. ; Assessors, George Williams, John J. Hefl'ernan, John Conway; Overseers of the Poor, Daniel Hefternan, Patrick Baxter, Francis McMnnus ; Treasurer, Austin A. Wheelock; School Committee, for three years, Horatio Stockbridge.

Early this year the proprietor of the Franklin Sentinel at Franklin, Mass., undertook to revive the Blackstone Valley Clironicle by printing a Blackstone edition of his paper, with Edward Savage, Esq., as local editor.

1883. - Town Clerk, William F. Byrne; Selectmen, Americus Welch, Louis R. Banigan, George F. Creighton ; Assessors, Americus Welch, James A. Kidd, Edward McCooey ; Overseers of the Poor, Patrick Kennedy, James H. Boyle, George Williams ; Treasurer, Austin A. Wheelock ; School Committee, for three years, Orlando Scott. November 6th Francis McManus was chosen in place of James H. Boyle, deceased.

March 12th the town adopted a town seal as follows : " Voted, that the Town adopt as a design for a Town Seal, a shield, one-half of which shall contain the coat-of-arms of the Blackstone Family, the other half contain the representation of the tower of the old Blackstone Mill. Below this, upon a scroll, the Blackstone motto, ' T>o well and doubt not,' with flowers ; and above the shield a scroll with the date of the Town's incorporation, 1845 ; and upon the margin shall appear, ' Nepmug Country until 1667; Mendon, 1667; ' and directly above the shield, in the margin, ' Blackstone.' "

The New York and New England Railro.ad removed its unsightly wooden bridges over Main and Canal Streets, and substituted iron bridges during the fall and winter. Under a decree of the County Commis sioners, the company was allowed to erect piers between sidewalks and roadways upon both streets.

Decenil)er 10th the village of Blackstone was startled to learn that Dr. William M. Kimball had been found in his office in an apoplectic shock and unable to speak. He lived about two days, but did not recover the power to speak. Dr. Kimball was born in Southbridge, studied with Dr. Miller, of Providence, and attended lectures at the Berkshire Medical School and at Harvard Medical School, graduating from the latter. He settled in Blackstone in 1840. |

1884. - Town Clerk, William F. Byrne ; Selectmen, Americus Welch, Louis R. Banigan, George F. Creighton; Assessors, John F. Campbell, Orlando Scott, Edward McCooey ; ' Overseers of the Poor, Daniel Heffernan, Francis McManus, George Williams; Treasurer, Austin A. Wheelock ; School Committee, for three years, Adrian Scott. November 4lh Edward R. Thompson was chosen in place of Daniel Hefl'ernan, deceased.

1S85. - Town Clerk, William F. Byrne ; Selectmen, Americus Welch, Patrick O'Donnell, John J. Dorsey ; Assessors, John F. Campbell, Orlando Scott, Edward McCooey ; Overseers of the Poor, Patrick Kennedy, Francis McManus, George Williams (1st); Treasurer, Austin A. Wheelock : School Committee for three years, Horatio Stockbridge.

April (5th, it was voted to have Road Commissioners, and the ballot taken elected Peter Maloney, for three years, Cornelius R. Day, for two years, and Americus Welch, one year. It was also voted to adopt the system for keeping town accounts and printing town reports offered by Americus Welch. The grade of that portion of South Main Street recently re-located was fixed, and the width of the sidewalks was established at two-elevenths of the established width of each street, equal to nine feet upon Main Street, and all roads three rods wide.

This year was rendered memorable by the famous strike at the Millville Rubber Work?, the disastrous effects of which upon the prosperity of the village and the town are not yet entirely overcome. The strike began the latter part of June, and lasted several months. In September the attitude of the strikers was so threatening, when the company substituted new help, that the selectmen judged it prudent to bring down a company of Worcester city police.

The different temperance organizations in town, united with the clergy, and a strong public sentiment that the liquor dealers were acting unscrupulously in selling to minors, on Sundays, etc, gathered force during the winter and manifested its strength at the ensuing annual election.

Matthew Blanchard, the postmaster at Millville, having died suddenly in January, his wife was appointed, and still holds the position (January 1, 1889).

William Byrne was appointed postmaster at Blackstone in August, in place of Junius Bates, and Caleb Colvin at East Blackstone in place of Myron Daniels.

McCooey ; Overseers of the Poor, Daniel W. Heffernan, Francis McJIanus, John P. Maloney; Treasurer, Austin A. Wheelock; School Committee for three years, George K. Marshall; Road Commissioner, Salmon Blanchard.

Prospect Street was laid out by the Road Commissioners, accepted by the town and ordered built. The following resolution, oflered by Hon. Jeremiah Gatchell, was read and adopted : "Resolved, That the Boards of School Committee and Selectmen be requested to arrange a system of payment of the salaries of the teachers of the several schools in town, by which they may receive their salaries in regular monthly instalments."

Since March, 1886, in consequence of the above resolve, the teachers in the public schools have been paid monthly while schools were in session.

Forest fire wards were first appointed July 3d, under the law of 1886, and I-ouis R. Daniels, William A. Aldrich and John DoUard constitute the board.

The northerly abutment of the Central Street wooden bridge, Millville, having partially fallen in, a heavy masonry abutment was built during the fall and winter under the charge of Cornelius R. Day, chairman of Road Commissioners.

The County Commissioners re-districted Worcester County and placed Blackstone with Mendon, Milford and Hopedale in the Eleventh District, with two representatives. Both representatives were chosen from Milford this year.

The town at its annual March election voted on the question of license to sell intoxicating drinks - " Yes," 259, "No," 369, and no licenses were issued, not to apothecaries even.

1887. - Town Clerk, Michael Carroll; Selectmen, Adrian Scott, John W. Cannon, James P. Mulvey ; Assessors, John F. Campbell, James P. Mulvey, Joseph Byrne; Overseers of the Poor, Patrick Kennedy, Thomas Downey, Patrick R. Shea ; Treasurer, Austin A. Wheelock; Road Commifsioner for three years, Patrick Haggerty ; School Committee for three years, Adrian Scott; for one year (to fill vacancy caused by the resignation of Horatio Stockbridge), Rev. John D. McGann.

chusetts, with twenty-seven charter members. Its meetings were held weekly during the year at Coverdale Hall, corner of Elm and Blackstone Streets, and at the close of the year it numbered nearly seventy members.

1888. - Town Clerk, Michael Carroll; Selectmen, Patrick Kennedy, John Conway, Thomas McCaffrey; Assessors, John F. Campbell, Robert Miller, Joseph Byrne ; Overseers of the Poor, Patrick Kennedy, Patrick R. Shea, Thomas Downey ; Treasurer, Lawrence Boylan ; Road Commissioner for three years, Michael A. Bradley ; School Committee for three years, Joseph Byrne.

April 2d it was voted that a committee of three be appointed to purchase a lot of land as a site for a new school-house in Millville. May 2d, four thousand dollars was appropriated for a lot and building, and a lot having been secured by gift from the Lawrence Felting Company, a school-house with two rooms was erected and furnished in season for two schools to be held therein, December 1st.

The Blackstone Library and Athenteum Association, havintr been dormant for .some years, a proposition on the part of the majority of its stockholders, that the town take the books as the nucleus of a public library was accepted, as was also the ofter of the Blackstone Manufacturing Company of the old vestry building as a library room, rent free for ten years.

The lay-out of Preston Street, Millville, as made by the road commissioners, was accepted, and the road ordered built May 2d. The stone arch over Fox Brook, Main Street, Waterford, was widened and sidewalks built during the fall. May 2d it was also voted to divide the town into voting districts, but when the selectmen had established the bounds the town did not accept the same.

The Baptist Society at Waterford thoroughly renovated its church building this summer, and greatly increased its interior beauty and convenience.

Daniel S. Southwick

age and went to live with his uncle, Jacob Southwick, where he remained until his uncle's death. Daniel having reached the age when it became necessary for him to think of learning a useful trade, found employment with Ale.xander Wilson, one of the old time scythe-makers. This was the time when numerous small scythe-shops were scattered over the county. So well satisfied was Mr. Southwick with his employer that he remained with him twenty years. At the age of twenty-eight he built the home where he resided until his death, February 17, 1886. During his lifetime he held many important offices in his town and was ever faithful to all trusts reposed in him. The friendless poor, the unfortunate and those in any trouble, ever found in him a .sympathizing friend. In all matters of business he was prompt and punctual, his word was as good as his bond, and throughout a long life he maintained this character. He married Sally Wilson January 28, 1832. In his family relations he was the loving husband and the kind father. In the community in which he lived he was a re-, spected citizen, and there having rounded out the three-score years and ten allotted him, he passed to his reward, leaving a widow, two sons, two grandchildren and one sister.

James C. Southwick

James C. Southwick, the son of Daniel, grandson of John, and great-grandson of Jonathan, is a direct descendant from Lawrence, the Pilgrim, who came from England to America in l(i27, and probably settled in Salem, although his name does not appear on the records until 1639, when he and his family were admitted to membership in the First Church of Salem, and land was given him by the town on which to carry on the business of manufacturing glass and earthen-ware. The subject of this sketch was the only son in a family of seven children, five of whom are now living. He was born in Mendon (now Blackstone), December 12, 1824, on the homestead which has been occupied by the three preceding generations. In early life he attended the district school in his native town, and supplemented his education at Scituate, R. I., and at the Worcester Academy.

When a young man he purchased a farm adjacent to the old homestead, which he carried on until the decease of his father, when he bought the latter place, which he still occupies. Mr. Southwick is a progressive agriculturist, and has all the modern appliances for farm work. In his religious views he is liberal, believing in deeds rather tha,n creeds. September 18, 1845, he married Elizabeth F., daughter of Wilder Holbrook. They have had fimr children, viz. : Medora E., born June 17, 1847, who married Josiah B. Davis, of Black'-tone; Eva A., born August 14, 1852, who marri. i Charles H. Buflum, of Oxford, and died May 31 1 883, three years after her marriage ; De Etta, bo.iJ February 28, 1859, who died August 7, 1860 ; Wilder D., born April 19, 1866. The latter having completed a course of study in the American Veterinary College, at New York, received his degree in 1887, and is now practicing as a veterinarian in Woonsocket, R. I.

Chapter Lxxxv Spencer

History whex a Part of Leicester. - As Spencer was originally a part of the town of Leicester, its early history would be incomplete without speaking briefly of the mother township, from its purchase until the separation between it and Leicester took place. In the latter part of the seventeenth century certain gentlemen, known as "proprietors," purchased large tracts of land within what is now Worcester County, to settle " plantations " thereon, and it is reasonable to suppose, as a speculative venture also. These purchases were made upon conditions that a "certain number of families, within a certain number of years, shall there be located, and a sufticieut quantity of land thereof shall be reserved for the Gospel ministry and a school." In this manner, and upon like conditions, was purchased a " tract of land, eight miles square, lying near the new town of the English, called Worcester, to be called Leicester and to belong to the County of Middlesex." The deed of this tract was from the heirs of Oraskaso, "sachem of a place called Tontaid," and was dated the twenty-si.xth day of January, Anno Domini one thousand six hundred and eightysix.

This, then, was the first step taken towards settling this wilderness, and the history of Spencer must necessarily date from this purchase, although it was fifty years or more before the division was had which made it a separate and distinct town.

For more than a quarter of a century there was nothing to encourage the "proprietors" to go forward, settle and develop the tract, as the depredations by the Indians in the surrounding towns were of such serious nature that a postponement of the project seemed the only alternative. A few years previous to this purchase, King Philip and his warriors were raiding the territory in this immediate vicinity, murdering the inhabitants, laying waste the towns or causing them to be abandoned, through great fear; and since these incursions were more or less frequent until 1713, it remained a wilderness up to this date, without a "single white inhabitant."

At the conclusion of peace, in 1713, another and successful attempt was made to put the original plans into execution. Inasmuch as the "proprietors" had not been able to fulfil their part of the contract, viz., to settle the number of families in the time required according to conditions imposed by the General Court, their right to proceed further without permission from the said General Court had lapsed. Accordingly, as early as possible after this period, application was made to this body for carrying into eftect the spirit and letter of the first-named agreement, and consent obtained. This they did by a petition, praying a "confirmation of the said tract to them and their associates," and their prayer was granted upon conditions similar to those made in the previous contract.

An early meeting of these gentlemen was called to enter into and consummate arrangements for settling a part of this grant, and it was decided that the East half should be used for this purpose, while the West half should be retained by the " proprietors." Thus, early in the history of the town, the two sections came to be known as the East, or settlers' half, which is now Leicester, and the West, or proprietors' half, now Spencer.

A survey was made of the East half, house-lots were laid out and inducements to settlers were offered similar to those in other localities, viz.: that one shilling an acre, a nominal price, should be charged, "provided the purchaser should agree to settle a family thereon within three years from the date of purchase." As a further inducement, every houselot should be supplemented with an additional one hundred acres in some other part of the town, for every ten acres of house-lot. Thus, by paying forty shillings, the purchaser became possessor of four hundred and forty acres of land. These lots were made accessible by public highways, running north and south, east and west, abutting upon each. Lots were also set apart for the Gospel ministry and school purposes agreeable to the original contract. With fair prospects now of a more lasting peace between settlers and Indians, the proprietors again indulged the hope of locating a settlement here that might yet rival, in population and business enterprise, many of the older towns in the county.

Yet, a decade passed before the number of families necessary to the carrying out of the original conditions were located, but within twenty-five years from the planting of the first habitation " the town had increased rapidly in population and wealth." The entire interest of the proprietors now being transferred to the West half, early preparations were made by them for further development of these lands and favorable inducements offered to settlers for this purpose. They caused a survey to be made of the tract, dividing it into eighty lots of two hundred and fifty acres each, and two of these lots were set apart for ministerial and school purposes. They also entered into an agreement with the purchasers, that "as soon as twenty-five families were settled within the limits of the said eighty lots, the proprie- tors, as an encouragement to the settlement of religion among them, will advance and give the sum of forty pounds towards building a meetinghouse."

First Skttlers. - Later these original lots were sub-divided, and the first one of them sold was in 1717, to Nathaniel Wood, containing one hundred acres, and was situated near the Brookfield line, on the old County Road. Up to 1725 but two other lots had been sold to families who had located thereon, viz., to Samuel Bemis and John Graton. The land of the former adjoined that of Nathaniel Wood, while that of the latter was situated in the southeast part of the plat or near the "Styles reservoir," now so called.

The process of settling this half was a slow one, and as late as 1740 it contained i)robably not more than one hundred and fifty inhabitants. For more than twenty years these sturdy pioneers struggled manfully against poverty and want without complaint in regard to their condition, but there was a growing feeling that they had been neglected, on the part of the town authorities in repeatedly refusing to grant them " roads for their better accommodation." Both church and school were located in the east half, and although they contributed_by tax towards their support, yet, practically, they were deprived the benefit of them. The records show that when they asked that " roads might be laid out, at the just expense of both parts of the town, so that the inhabitants might get to meeting,'' the request was not only refused, but was "regarded as an injustice." The need of roads appeared to be a constant source of grievance to these people, and up to 1736 little or nothing had been done in this direction to relieve their pressing wants. Under these circumstances the minister and highway tax had become burdensome to them, and it is not surprising; perhaps, that they should early seek some measure, or measures, that would, sooner or later, relieve them from such an embarrassing position. At this time the town was about to settle a minister and provide for his support; therefore a tax of one penny per acre was laid upon all the lands of the proprietors and individual settlers. This act was so unsatisfactory to the people of the west half that they forwarded a petition to the General Court, asking that they might be exempt from paying this tax " unle-s their proportion might be applied towards the support of preaching among themselves." The House of Representatives was inclined to grant the request, but the Council opposed the petition, alleging an "error in directing the petition, &c.," which was in all probability a pretext only, as upon this and other subsequent occasions they too plainly indicated that they had little or no sympathy in common with the people. The petitioners had entertained strong hopes that this request would be favorably considered by the proper authorities, and that, ere long, the difficulties in regard to both meeting and minister would be obviated. In this they were disappointed. But the dawn of a brighter day aw dted them, for closely following this event the proprietors came to their assistance with pecuniary aid and a Mr. Cunningham donated them land for a meeting-house and other ])urpo8es, which in time was erected, and by these gifts they early came into possession of a place of worship and minister.

Now that this institution had become a fixed fact for this part of the town, and consequently a centre around which a settlement might sooner or later develop, it was not a surprise to the people of the "settlers' part" that a division of the town should be seriously agitated. Whatever might have been said by the people of the west half about distance from the church or school or bad or no roads, their objective point was undoubtedly that they be "set off" into a new town. The first move in this direction was in 1741, when a petition was presented to the town, in town-meeting, asking that they be made a separate and distinct town, and there seemed to be no objection to granting this request. Stimulated by this success, a petition was now prepared and forwarded to the General Court, asking that a legal division might be had, and a bill favorable to the petitioners passed both Houses, but when it came to the Governor - Shirley - for his signature he refused it. This action was disappointing to both sections, as each had now come to feel that the interests of the whole would be best subserved by a separation. With this feeling now dominant, it is singular that so important a matter should be allowed to rest, but for nearly three years following there is no record showing to the contrary, and the supposition is that no further action was taken during this period. But early in 174.3 the subject was again agitated with renewed enthusiasm. It was then decided that a committee of both proprietors and settlers request of Governor Shirley a personal interview "that they might lay their case before him in a more friendly way," and induce him, if possible, " to reconsider his recent decision." But their efl^brts were fruitless, and Hij Excellency could not be induced to change his former opinion, much less consent to any measure or bill to form a new and distinct town. At this juncture, in his judgment, it was not politic to do so. This action of the Governor's towards these people was a very unpopular one for hira, and did much to strengthen the feeling of dislike that was taking root in their hearts for royalty, whether in Governor or subordinates.

It was thought that further effort looking towards separation must be abandoned for a time until a new expedient presented itself, which, if successful, might be made an entering wedge in the near future for more satisfactory results. It was that application be made to the (ieneral Court to be created into a precinct, as this would give them an ecclesiastical government at least, independent of the east half. Accordingly, on the 31st day of May, 1744, Mr. James Ormes was chosen to present a petition to this body, representing " that the difficulties which moved him to apply, that they should be a distinct township, do still subsist, and may in a great measure be removed by their being made a precinct." In this they were successful, and an act of incorporation, as such, was granted the 18th of June following.

Precinct. - In compliance a warrant was issued, calling a meeting of the " Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Precinct, or Parish, Qualified by Law to vote in Town affairs, which as yet has never been had," and on the 10th of September, 1744, the following precinct officers were chosen, viz.: Jonathan Lamb, moderator ; John Stebbings, clerk ; Samuel Bemis, John Newhall and James Willson, assessors; David Adams, collector; David Allen, treasurer; Samuel Bemis, John Cunningham, Jonathan Laml), John Stebbings and James Willson, committee for calling precinct meetings. From this date and until April 12, 1753, all calls for parish meetings were dated " Leicester West Parish," etc.

The advantage derived by this new order was to give them the liberty of action in parish matters, as they could now choose officers to regulate their church affairs, but in all things else they were subject to the town, as heretofore.

The perplexing question of better roads was yet a matter of serious consideration, and five years after the above proceedings an earnest appeal was made to the selectmen "to lay out suitable roads for their accommodation," and while this request was not now considered unreasonable, inasmuch as the town had expended considerable money for the same purpose in the East half, yet they were not disposed to grant the request. Further appeals to the town authorities were regarded useless, but still believing their claims to these improvements to be valid, they resolved to take their case before the Court of Sessions for adjudication. They, therefore, petitioned this body, asking " that they cause certain roads to be laid out." The selectmen were cited to appear and " show cause why this request should not be granted," and the town chose a committee of citizens to appear with the selectmen in support of their position. The case, however, did not reach the court, as before the day appointed for a hearing a compromise had been arranged between the parties, the result of which was that before the close of the year eleven of the muchneeded roads were laid out and constructed. This was very satisfactory, as the roads contributed largely to the comfort and convenience of the West Parish, but the feeling still existed that the differences between the two sections were again liable to arise under the same regime, and that the proper remedy, under the circumstances, would be found in a division of the town. This view of the matter was now entertained by the East Parish, and they not only gave their consent to a dissolution, but expressed a desire to unite with the West Parish and work harmoniously together to accomplish that jiurpose. Accordingly, on the 22d of November, 1749, the following petition was presented to Acting Governor Phipps, viz.:

Petition to the Itonorable Spencer Pbipps, Lieut. Governor, by the siiliacribere, a committee of the town of Leicester, stating that the inhabitants of the westerly part of said town have built a meeting-house, and settled a minister, and stating further, that about Eight years ago, moved to tlie town of fjeiceeter to be set off and made a distinct town, which was readily granted, whereupon application was made to the court, about three years afterwards, for the same, but instead of being made a town, was made a Precinct only, which was very grievous to both, nor had the town any opportunity given them to offer any reasons to the Honorable Court to the contrary, although they have many to give, and one was that the west partcalled upon the selectmen of Leicester to lay out roads for them, upon the joint expense of both parts of the town, so that the inhabitants of the west part might get to meeting, Ac. They further state that when the hinds of the easterly part were laid out, sufficient land was appropriated for roads, but when the west part was divided, it was laid out into lots, and no land left fur roads, and now the east part was called upon to be at their proportion of the expense, which tliey considered unjust. That the inhabitants of the west part preferred a complaint to the court of sessions, for a committee to lay out roads for their accommodation. They therefore pray the Court to erect the west part of Leicester into a distinct and separate town, &c.

The matter was now pressed upon the General Court by the people of both sections, and as a result, this body, as it had done on two former occasions, passed a bill in compliance with the request as set forth in the petition, but again His Excellency vetoed it, giving as his reasons for doing so, that he would not consent to this or any other bill " unless provision be made that the number of representatives be not thereby increased, or a clause suspending the execution of the act until His Majesties pleasure shall be known thereon, be inserted in the said act." This shallow message exasperated the House, as the only conclusion to be reached by them was, that their combined judgment in this matter was entitled to little or no weight by him, or that he had not manliness enough to assert the authority vested in him until lie should first learn "His Majesties pleasure" thereupon.

This position of the Governor did not, however, change the sentiment of the House in relation to the equity of the prayer of the petitioners, and they at once addressed a communication to him setting forth their views in regard to the relations of His Majesty to his subjects, also stating that " the number of Representatives the town of Leicester, by charter and laws of the Province, are entitled to is not enlarged by this bill," and in closing, they " flatter themselves that your Honor will give his consent.'' But His Excellency was immovable, and this appeal had no effect. This, and the previous experience of the people in this direction, taught them that the House of Representatives was the only branch of the government that had a common feeling with them, and this was accounted for because it was made up of the people, and for the people, and they could better appreciate their condition and necessities. Notwithstanding this last attempt resulted in failure, they were not discouraged, as the cause for which they were laboring was as vital to them now as ever, and there was no good reason why they should, at this time, retreat from the position taken. They did, however, allow it to rest for tliree years, at the end of which time it was renewed with their old-time energy- A parish meeting was called March 6, 1753, and a committee, consisting of Benjamin Johnson, Lieutenant John White and Deacon John Worster, was chosen to again petition the General Court to be incorporated as a separate town. The action of the House of Representatives, on this occasion, was endorsed by the Council, but again the result was a failure for want of His Excellency's signature, although an act was finally passed, which received his consent, erecting the precinct into a separate and distinct district, to be known as Spencer, " with all the powers, privileges and immunities that towns in the Province may enjoy, that of sending a Representative to the General Assembly only excepted," but giving the said district " full liberty and right to join with the town of Leicester in choosing a representative," they paying their proportional part of the expense of the same. This, then, was another step secured towards the one great object and aim of these people, yet it did not, by this act, dissolve entirely the relations existing between Leicester and Spencer. There were other districts in the province, similarly situated, subject to the same restraints, etc., which remained in force until 1775, at which time they were removed. In 1780 tlie ''right" of representation was guaranteed under the Constitution.

Town Origin. - The birth of the town then, really, dates from this act, - although by it, it did not attain the full dignity of a township, owing to the terms imposed. By this act one Thomas Steel, Esq., was "empowered to issue his warrant, directed to some principal of said district, requiring him to notify and warn the inhabitants of said district to meet at such time and place as shall be therein set forth, to choose all such officers as shall be necessary to manage the affairs of said district." In accordance with this authority, in him vested, he issued his warrant to Captain Benjamin Johnson, and a meeting for the above purpose was called, at which the- following officers were elected, as directed by the law, viz. : Captain Benjamin Johnson, moderator; Captain Benjamin Johnson, town clerk ; Deacon John Worster, John Cunningham, John Muzzy, Deacon James Willson and Captain Benjamin Johnson, selectmen ; Captain Benjamin Johnson, treasurer; Samuel Bemis and James Ormes, constables ; the selectmen were voted assessors ; Ensign John Stebbings, Samuel Garfield, John Prouty, Caleb Bridges and Robert Griffin, highway surveyors on the north side of the county road; Jacob Stoddard, Jonathan Lamb and David Adams, highway surveyors on the south side of the county road ; James Richardson, highway surveyor on the county road ; Joshua Draper and Benjamin Woodard, hogreeves ; Deacon John Worster and Thomas Bridges, fence-viewers; Israel Holton, sealer of leather ; Lieutenant John White, sealer of weights and measures ; John Draper and Jacob Stoddard, tythingmen. One of the first acts passed by the district was to " allow Lieut. John White the sum of £2 ISs. 4d. for his services in going to the Grate and General Corte in order to git us to be a District."

The town was never made such by any special act of incorporation, but it became one, virtually, by an act of August 23, 1775, which made all places, incorporated originally by the name of districts, "towns, to every intent and purpose whatsoever." Agriculture was the only occupation known to these people, at this early period, and the cutting away of the forests, sowing and gathering the fruits of the ground, were the only sources of revenue with which to meet the wants of the family and various taxes. The plow, hoe and other like implements assisted largely in supplying the scanty food, while the spinningwheel and loom, with industrious hands to guide them, furnished the family clothing " fit for mill or meeting." The district at this date, 1753, numbered about five hundred inhabitants.

Location. - The town lies south of the centre of the county, and about midway between the eastern and western boundaries. On the north are the towns of Oakham and Paxton, on the east Paxton and Leicester, on the south Charlton, and on the west Brookfield and North Brookfield. It is quite regular in shape, forming nearly a parallelogram, being about eight miles long by about four miles wide, and containing thirty-two square miles, more or less, or rising twenty thousand acres.

Situation. - It is pleasantly situated upon the "Great Post Road," running from Worcester to Springfield, twelve miles from the former and thirtysix miles from the latter. Its villages, aside from the main or central one, are Hillsville, northwest; Upper and Lower Wire Villages, northeast; and South Spencer, southwest.

POMDS, Rkskrvoirs anp STREAMS. - It is fairly well watered by ponds, reservoirs and small streams. Among the latter, the principal one, known as Seven Mile River, enters the town at its north boundary, and, emerging from the Browning Pond, takes a southwesterly course through the town. It is swollen to a river of moderate dimensions before reaching Podunk Pond, in the town of Brookfield, and thence its waters pass into Long Island Sound, by way of the Connecticut River. In addition to the water it receives from its main supply, it is fed by numerous small brooks, and a principal tributary called Turkey Hill Brook.

This stream enters the town at its northeast corner, its source being Turkey Hill Pond, lying in Paxton and Rutland. It runs in a southwesterly course, and makes a junction with the Seven Mile River near the old " Daniel AVniitteniore " place, so- called. A small stream which takes its rise in Shaw Pond, Leicester, connects with the Turkey Hill Brook near the main mill of the Spencer Wire Company, upon which stream the extensive works of this company are situated, the same being about two and a quarter miles northeast from the post-office.

Another small stream passes through the centre of the village, and connects with the Seven Mile River at the " Great Meadows," its source being Whitteraore, or Moose Pond. A tributary from the south is Cranberry Meadow Brook, which rises in Cranberry Meadow, and flows north, through " Howes Pond," connecting with it a quarter of a mile north of the South Spencer Station, on the Boston and Albany Railroad. The streams, or brooks, in the southeast part of the town iiow in this direction, and eventually reach the Blackstone River, which runs to Narragansett Bay. Although most of these streams are unimportant, yet in "ye olden tyme " they furnished the power for various small mills and factories located upon them, for grinding grains, manufacturing powder, wire, hoes, scythes, etc.

The principal body of water (natural pond) within its borders is the Whittemore or Moose Pond. It is situated in the centre of the township, and covers about eighty acres of land, is very pure and wholesome water, being fed almost entirely by springs, and yields in the winter a harvest of excellent ice for summer consumption. In winter, also, it is a fine sporting field for persons of piscatorial habits, as it contains hard, luscious pickerel, that sustain a wide reputation. Brooks and Browning Ponds, lying on the north, are quite large bodies of water, but they are principally in the towns of Oakham and North Brookfield. There are two large reservoirs - one the "Sugden," lying wholly in Spencer, and situated near the Upper Wire Village, and the other the "Styles," situated at the southeast corner of the town, and lying one-half in Spencer and one-half in Leicester. Cranberry Meadow and Burntcoat Ponds cover over a considerable territory, the former lying between Spencer and Charlton, and the latter three-fourths in Leicester. The other ponds, or small reservoirs, contain water enough to make them an important auxiliary to steam, and are made fairly remunerative when used in this connection.

Soil. - The soil, when properly cultivated, yields abundant crops of grass, grains, potatoes, &c., and compares favorably with the average farming lands of the county.

Surface. - The surface is very irregular, but not abrupt, is diversified by hills and valleys, some of the hills forming the highest points of land between Springfield and Worcester, on the line of the Boston & Albany Railroad, and are very symmetrical in form. They overlook a large extent of country to the north, west and south, and from the summit of some of them the eye takes in an extended sweep of country, dotted with houses, ponds, streams, valleys, other hills and

Geological. - The geological formation of the town consist? mostly of gneiss rock; mica and chlorite slate are found, and the rock is generally unfit for building purposes. The highest ledges retain a horizontal position, while in the low river bottoms they are tilted about one-third, showing that the disturbing force has been a sinking, rather than an uplifting one. Trap prevails to some extent in the north part; the boulders correspond with the native ledges, and scratches of glaciers are found.

The Village. - The village spreads out over a very uneven surface. The original streets are crooked and narrow, but in the more modern portions they are laid out with more regularity, wider and more convenient for travel and business.

Railroads. - The railroad accommodations are limited to one line, viz. - the Boston and Albany, which is located two and one-quarter miles from the business centre, the station being at South Spencer. This was a long distance to transport the large number of passengers and amount of freight laid down at this depot, and numerous coaches and heavy teams were constantly employed for this purpose. In 1870 a route was surveyed from the Boston and Albany Railroad at South Spencer to the central part of the village, and in 1872, at a town-meeting, the town was called upon to subscribe to the capital stock in a railroad to connect these two points ; but at this meeting it was voted " to pass over the article." Various surveys were now made, covering this and other routes, but the matter was not brought before the town again until April 7, 1877, when the article was again passed over. Several more meetings were held for this purpose, but with like results, until, at a meeting April 3, 1878, the town voted to subscribe to two hundred and fifty shares (twenty-five thousand dollars) of the capital stock in said road, which action caused the road to be forthwith constructed, greatly to the relief of the increasing traffic and to the convenience and comfort of the traveling public.

Meeting-Houses. - CongregaHonalista. - The Jint care of the settlers here, as elsewhere, was to arrange for such shelter as would meet the wants of their families ; then, as they invariably carried .their religion with them, it became their next duty to provide for a metting-house and minister, that their spiritual wants might be properly cared for. April 2, 1739, Samuel Bemis and John Stebbiugs were chosen a committee by the settlers of the west half to proceed to Boston for the purpose of meeting the proprietors, then and there, "to come into some arrangement about the building of a meeting-house and having the gospel preached to them." At the meeting held for the purpose it was voted " to lay a tax of three pence per acre on their lands the following year, and two pence per acre for the next two years, to assist the settlers in building a good, substantial meeting-house, forty- five foot in length and thirty-five foot in width, and towards the minister's support." As a further assurance that the undertaking should be a success, Nathaniel Cunningham, of Cambridge, donated to them by deed, February 26, 1740, two acres of land " for the accommodation of a meeting-house, a training-field and such other public uses as the town shall direct, forever." In all probability they were about erecting this house in the year 1743, although the records do not indicate that such was the case, as on the 30th of November of that year it is recorded that the proprietors held a meeting at which a report of the parties who contracted for the building of the same was considered by them. That the house was occupied when in a very crude condition, the records, further on, give conclusive evidence. It was covered with rough, unplaned boards, having a ground floor and loose flooring for the galleries, the inner walls unfinished, the interior lighted by a few small windows, the glass set in leaden sash. Yet. notwithstanding it was a rude and uninviting structure, it afforded the inhabitants shelter from the sun and storm, and furnished them an altar around which they could gather for religious worship and instruction.

It became necessary now to make some arrangements for seats, or pews, and on the 7th of November, 1744, a meeting of the inhabitants was called, "to see if they would come into any method in order to build the body of seets," and also " to see what method they will come into to dispose of the pews." The " body of seets " was located in the centre of the house, on either side of the centre aisle. The wallseats, on the west side of the house, were for the elderly men without pews and those on the east side for the elderly women without pews. The galleries were for the younger people and the sexes were separated in the same manner as below. At the last meeting a " comity " was chosen to build the "body of seets" and to " mark out. Dignify and set a prize on the pew spots." This work having been completed, the following plan was adopted for disposing of the "spots," viz. : "The man that shall be highest in valuation of real-estate shall have the first choice, and the next in succession until the pews are all taken up." According to this plan Samuel Bemis was entitled to the first choice, and it was voted that " he have the Pew Spot on the Rite hand side of the Coming in of the South Doore, prize £5 Os. Orf. ; Left. Jonathan Lamb shall have the Pew Spot on the easte end of the polpet ajoining thereunto, prize £4 Os. Od." And so on until twelve spots had been assigned and located. The sum of two pounds was the lowest price paid.

One year later the sura of £25 was voted " to defray the charges of building a polpet. Deacon's sect, body of seets and ministerial pew." For nearly five years the "doors" had been without proper fastenings, and on the 28th of March, 1748, a committee of three, viz. : Lieutenant White, Deacon Worster and Daniel

From this time until March 2, 1767, the subject of finishing the building had Ijeen discussed and voted upon at nearl)' every district meeting held, and small sums of money appropriated to finish or improve some part of the same, and at a meeting held this day it was voted to raise the sum of £50, "to finish the meeting-house decently." This sum, however, was never raised, but four years later, or at a meeting held February 13, 1771, it was decided to build a new house, the size of which should be fifty-six feet in length and forty-seven in width, " and upon the spot where the old one now stands." After the usual preliminaries had been arranged and details decided upon, as far as possible, the contract was awarded to Daniel Baldwin, " to build it in a proper manner," for the sum of seven hundred pounds, he taking the old building as part pay. As he declined to take the responsibility of raising the new one, the selectmen were m.ade a committee to attend to it, with authority to expend an amount which had been appropriated for that purpose, and in their report to the town they certify that it was expended for " Liquor, ropes and other things." The house contained sixty-eight pews, forty-six being located on the floor and twenty -two in the galleries, and the same system was adopted for disposing of them as in the previous house. The appraised value of these pews was fixed at five hundred pounds. In 1801 a tower and cupola were added to the house, and three hundred dollars was voted for that purpose. This improvement suggested a bell, and the sum of $426.87 was secured by private subscription for one, and in town-meeting it was voted " that the names of the generous subscribers be entered upon the town records."

Up to 1821 no means had been provided for warming the meeting-house, but this year it was decided to introduce stoves, " under the inspection of the selectmen." For two years their experience with this " innovation " was not wholly satisfactory, because of the propensity of these stoves to smoke, and a committee of three was accordingly appointed " to take into consideration the subject of stove-pipe, or funnel, in the meeting-house ... to remedy their smoking." This committee attended to their duty and recommended alterations " at the outlet by carrying the funnels out at the east and west windows."

In 1838 this meeting-house was repaired by turning a quarter around and fronting it to the south, with new inside finish, new pews, etc., making it to conform, .as nearly as possible, " to the meeting-house recently fitted up in Paxton." It was completed and dedicated on the 14th of November of this year. May 1, 1843, during a high wind, the spire of this church was blown oft', and passing down through the roof, damaged the ceiling and interior to some extent. On the 1st of January, 1862, it was entirely destroyed by fire, and from this period, until a new house was erected, religious services were held in the Town Hall. Preparations were at once made to rebuild, and on the 8th of April, 18t)3, the new edifice was dedicated.

On the ground floor of the new building was the vestry, and on the second floor the audience room. In 1881 this vestry was enlarged, a church parlor aud kitchen were fitted up for the convenience of church and society gatherings and other parochial purposes. In 1885 it was generally felt that this building had become inadequate to the growth of the church and society, and it was proposed to enlarge the audience room and change the entire arrangement, providing the alterations could be done without expense to the society. Individuals responded generously by subscriptions to carry out the plans suggested, and an addition of twenty feet was made to the north end of the building. The organ and singers' seats were placed in the rear of the pulpit, the pews were rearranged, the walls beautifie<l by fresco decorations, and gas, public water and steam-heating apparatus were introduced. It was re-dedicated December 22d of this year. These alterations transformed the building into an attractive edifice both inside and out, and by these changes the proportion of the whole structure was greatly improved. The front and steeple are of a mixed order of architecture, bold in outline and projection, and from base to pinnacle the symmetry is well preserved.

The late Isaac Prouty, while living, expressed a desire that the church building might, sooner or later, be remodeled, and that he would subscribe the sum of five thousand dollars towards the payment of the same. The work now having been completed, his heirs, in accordance with his wish, presented this amount to the subscription fund, with a request that it be received as a " memorial of him.''

Singing. - From the days of our forefathers, singing has been considered an exercise in the service of the church, next in importance to the " preaching of the Word," and in its rendering was regarded by them as (/evotional. If, during the last half of the nineteenth century it has become emotional, it certainly is not the fault of the forefathers.

In the early days the deaconing of the hymn or psalm was a necessary custom, as but few, joining in the exercise of song, possessed the hymn or psalmbooks; consequently, the service was of a purely congregational nature. In 1782 an attempt was made to place singing seats in the gallery of the meetinghouse, " that the singers may sit together," but just what time they were allowed to "sit and sing together " is not recorded. The chorister, in those days, held that j>osition by the united vote of church ami congregation, and the first to occupy that position was Dr. Ormes, in 177U. The next was John Muzzy, Jr., in 1775, and, in 1782, Lieutenant Jonas Muzzy, with Mr. Oliver Watson as assistant.

The first hymn-book that came into general use was the " Watts' Psalms and Hymns," adopted in 1769, after an animated controversy of ten years or more, and it remained in use until 1862. It was exchanged for the "Sabbath Hymn-Book," which was used until 1885, when the " Laudes Domini " took its place.

The first instrument introduced into the choir was the bass viol in 1829, and was played by O. S. Worthington and others, and the next was the double bass, played by William G. Muz^y. Then followed the violin, flute and other instruments, and, later on, the reed and pipe-organ. In 1863 the latter, a two-bank organ with twenty-eight stops, was purchased of William A. Johnson, of Westfield, Mass., the maker of it, and, in 1887, at the remodeling of the church, it was taken down by G. H. Ryder & Co., of Boston, and enlarged by the addition of five new stops, and otherwise improved in power and gpneral appearance. The singing, up to and at the present time, is by a volunteer choir.

Universalis/a. - In 1808 the citizens of Spencer were asked to remonstrate against certain towns (including Spencer) being incorporated into a religious society to be called the "Universal Society;" but in townmeeting they voted "to take no action relating to the subject." Some of the inhabitants were, however, agitating the advisability of a separation from the established church, but no decided move in this direction was taken until 1820. This year David Adams gave notice that he had become a member of the " Second ITniversalist Society in Brookfield and Charlton," and before the close of 1821 forty-three persons had withdrawn to join this and a Baptist Society about to be formed in this town. This year, also, the town and parish had so far become separate and distinct bodies, as to cause the making aud collecting of the ministerial tax to be done by the Congregational Society.

In 1830 a Universalist Society was incorporated with ten members, and in 1833 a meeting-house was erected, in which services were held until 1840. The society, from this time, gradually decreased in numbers, until it ceased to exist, and the house and church property were disposed of.

This building stood upon the west corner of Main and Wall Streets, and twenty years after it was abandoned for church purposes it was converted into a boot-factory. For many years it retained its original outward appearance, until, finally, such additions were made to it, that it entirely lost its identity. From about 1875 occasional meetings of this denomination were held in the town hall, but in 1881 the society was reorganized under the general statute of this State, and at a meeting on the 26th of October of this year they adopted a cou'ititution and by-laws and voted "to purchase land and build a church." This edifice was erected in 1882 and dedicated February 20, 1883, with Rev. F. A. Bisbee as pastor.

while internally it is very complete in its modern arrangements, which consist of a commodious audience-room, chapel and church parlors upon the ground floor. Upon the basement floor is a spacious room for entertainments and church gatherings, with a kitchen conveniently connected and abundantly supplied with all the conveniences required in this department.

Mefkndht. - In 184(1 a few families, representing the Methodist faith, assembled themselves together and held public religious meetings in the audience-room of the Universalist meeting-house. In 1841 a society was organized in conformity with the rules of this denomination, and made use of the town hall for holding meetings for nearly six years. In 1847, to accommodate their increasing numbers, they purchased land and erected a very sub-stantial church building with belfry and spire. It contained a vestry upon the first floor and audience-room upon the second. In 1872-73 the house was remodeled by making additions upon either end, repainting and frescoing both audience-room and vestry and adding parlors, kitchen and other ante-rooms. It has a large membership.

Baptists. - The formation of the Baptist Society January 30, 1810, resulted from a division of the Baptist Society in Liecester, which took place in 1818. Their meeting-house was erected in the northeast part of the town (called North Spencer) in 1820. There was preaching at this house, at intervals, up to 1840, but their membership diminished so rapidly after this date that stated services were wholly abandoned. In 1878 the society was reorganized with twenty-one members, holding services in a small hall in the townhouse at first and later in a private hall fitted up for the purpose, until in 1885 a new brick church building was erected. The size of the audience-room, 39 x 49 feet, with a seating capacity of 330; the vestry, 39 X 40 feet; parlor, 17 x 20; and kitchen, 12 x 17. The ceremony of the laying of the corner-stone was held on the 7th of September, 1885, and on the 21st of June, 1887, the church was formally dedicated.

St. Mary's (Boman Catholic). - In 1845 a few scattering families of this faith worshipped at rare intervals, in .the houses of private individuals. In 1851 this, with several other parishes, was placed under the charge of a clergyman, and in 1853 the parish had grown numerically sufiicient to warrant the building of a church, and one was completed this year. It was a handsome frame building, with tall spire and bell. In 1855 the parish was attached to an out-mission to Webster, and so remained until 1857, when it was placed under the charge of the Jesuit Fathers, resident of the Holy Cross College, Worcester. This year the Catholic population numbered less than one-fifth the inhabitants of the town, but thirty years later those who affiliated with this church numbered about five-eighths of the whole. In .1871 they were given a resident pastor, in the person of Rev. Julius Casson. He died in July, 1879, and was succeeded by Rev. Thos. D. Beaven, and in 1883 Rev. Bernard S. Conaty came as assistant pastor. In November, 1888, Father Beaven was assigned a charge at Holyoke, Mass., and a few weeks later Father Conaty was transferred to Springfield, Mass. In 1883 they began the building of a new brick church edifice, and dedicated it in 1887, as the Church of the Holy Rosary. The general style is cruciform, and outwardly it is a stately and beautiful exemplar of church architecture. The nave is one hundred and forty-five feet in length, and the transept eighty-eight feet, and the interior decorations are a high order of ecclesiastical art. The windows are a prominent feature in these decorations, and the fifteen, in the chancel and aisles, represent the Fifteen Mysteries of the Rosary. The two large transept windows, thirty by twelve feet, are fine works of art. In 1886 the growth of the church occasioned the separation of the English and French-speaking portions of the parish, and the Old St. Mary's was set apart for the latter, under the charge of Rev. C. R. Veins, pastor, and Rev. J. A. Manceau as assistant. In December, 1888, Rev. G. R. Dolan was transferred from Springfield, Mass., to the charge of the new church.

jMiiiistc7-s. - The fact that the inhabitants of the west half could not easily enjoy the privileges of the sanctuary had an important bearing upon their early eflforts in securing for themselves a place of worship and a gospel teacher. About the time the frame of the first meeting-house was erected, the Rev. Joshua Eaton began preaching as a candidate for minister, to be settled over them, and on the 17th of May, 1744, a church was formed and a covenant subscribed to, between himself as pastor and certain of the inhabitants. Shortly after this compact he received an invitation from the church and people " to become our Gospel Minister," which was accepted by him, and on the 7th of November following he was duly ordained as such. The following pastors represented their respective churches at this service, viz.. Rev. Mr. Prentice, of Grafton ; Rev. Mr. Plall, of Sutton ; Rev. Mr. Cheney, of Brookfield ; Rev. Mr. Goddard, of Leicester ; Rev. Mr. Webb, of Uxbridge, and Rev. Mr. White, of Hardwick. This was then designated as the " Second Church of Christ in Leicester." The terms of settlement gave to the minister "all the land-tax, an additional sum by subscription and £1.50, old tenor" (equal to $66.67), as salary, and this sum was to be increased by £5 each year until it reached £200 annually. As the currency depreciated this sum was increased, until in 1766 it was made about equal to $244, where it remained until his death.

Mr. Eaton was a native of Watertown and a graduate of Harvard University in 1735. After two years of law study he practiced at the bar about five years, then began the study of theology and fitted himself for the ministry. He remained in charge of this parish until his death, which occurred April 12, 1772. " He was greatly beloved by his people, tender and sympathetic in his nature, plain and practical in all his preaching," and although the profession of law presented more worldly attractions, yet he felt that the ministry was his calling and that he would not " return to the practice of the law, with its tumult, dissipation and snares that attend court, on any consideration." The parish was now obliged to resort to candidates, and after six Sabbaths' trial, the Kev. Joseph Pope, of Pomfret, Conn., was invited to occupy the pulpit with a view to settlement. His manner and preaching soon won the hearts of the people and they heartily concurred with the church in calling him to become their pastor, and at a meeting, February 15, 1778, the district so expressed themselves. They agreed that his settlement should be the sum of £133 6.?. 6rf., lawful money, and that they woulil pay one-half at the end of the first year, and the balance at the close of the second year, with a stated salary of £67 (lf244) annually, "so long as he shall continue in that office in this place," and his ordination took place the 20th of October following. A committee was chosen " to provide entertainment for the Council, Gentlemen of Liberal Education and Mr. Pope's relatives and friends,'' but Dr. William Frink, a parishidner, relieved the committee of that duty, as the following note explains :

Mr. Pope's pastorate was one of kindness and brotherly love for all his people, and during the long and wearisome years of the Revolution the attachment between pastor and people never abated, but it continued warm and abiding until he was separated from them by death. Whether or not it was the custom of these people that the public meeting should be opened with prayer, the first and only record of that exercise w.is at an annual meeting held March 5, 1781, when Mr. Pope was sent for "to open the town-meeting with prayer."

Mr. Pope married Miss Anna Hammond, of Newton, who survived her husband thirty-three years, living to the great age of one hundred and four years, six months and twenty-eight days, " Honored and beloved by all, cheerful in her old age, and a beautiful illustration of that perfect peace vouchsafed to those whose souls are stayed on God."

As a scholar Mr. Pope was more than a peer of the profession of those days. He enjoyed the confidence and esteem of all within the limit of his acquaintance, and after a faithful service of forty-six years, as pastor, his health failed him, and it was the unanimous wish of the people that a colleague be settled with him. The Rev. Stephen Crosby, of Thompson, Conn., came to preach, as a candidate to fill this position, and at the expiration of ten Sabbaths he received a unanimous call to become the junior pastor, and accepted the same. His salary was fixed at six hundred and fifty dollars per year, "as long as he should remain in that office, and should regularly supply the pulpit in this place." Notwithstanding the unanimity in which the call was made, there appears to have arisen a difl'erence of opinion in regard to the construction of the terms of settlement, which caused some unfriendly feelings. However, the majority sustained Mr. Crosby in his version of it, and on June 111, 1819, he was duly ordained.

Although there was no outbreak to disturb the harmony between pastor and people during the following four years, yet it was apparent that the majority were feeling not a little disturbed at the persistent and selfish manner in which he insisted upon his interpretation of the contract with the parish. For two years a spirited correspondence passed between the minister and parish ; committees were chosen, requesting " Mr. Crosby to alter the contract between him and the people ;" votes were taken upon propositions suggested by him, which were generally unfavorable to his view of the question ; yet be protested against dissolving the compact. But on the 3(Hh of May, 1825, a council was convened to consider the situation, and they were unanimous in their opinion that his pastorate should cease, and he was accordingly dismissed.

Mr. Crosby received his education at Brown University, Rhode Island, and Union College, Schenectady, N. Y., and graduated in 1817. He studied theology under Doctor Knott, president of the latter college.

Nearly a year now passed without any stated supply in the parish, but during this time the Rev. Levi Packarti, of North Bridgewater, Mass., had occupied the pulpit as candidate for that place. Be was so well liked by both church and people that a call was extended to him April 3, 182(5, to settle with them as their minister. The terms proposed by the church and parish were, " that the contract should be dissolved, after six months' notice, by either party, and a salary of five hundred and fifty dollars per annum.'' With a slight modification in them, which was agreeable to the parish, Mr. Packard accepted. The change in the conditions was, "that the salary should be four hundred and seventyfive dollars per annum and a respectable dwellinghouse for himself and family during his continuance with the society as minister." Arrangements were at once made tor his ordination, which took place June 14, 1826. Previous to this, on the 18th of May, of this year, a lot had been selected by a committee of the town and a vote passed to build a parsonage. When completed this dwelling cost two thousand dollars, and was the same building and premises owned and occupied by the late Isaac Prouty. On the 3d of May, 1847, Mr. Packard purchased this property of the town.

He was a man of more than ordinary ability ; a kind neighbor and citizen. He was ambitious to see the society over which he had charge prosper in increasing numbers and devotion to the Master. Whenever the times pressed heavily upon the parish he was quick to comprehend the situation and liberally remitted portions of his salary, and this considerate generosity was duly appreciated.

Being of the "Old School," he was stern in his conviction of duty as he understood it, and perhaps was judged too harshly for the bold stand he took in sustaining it. On account of a conflict of opinion between the principles which he maintained and more modern ones, entertained by the younger members of both church and parish, on the 3d of September, 1853, he asked that he might be dismissed from the pastorate. He was a graduate of Brown University in 1821, and completed his theological education with Rev. Joseph Ide, of Medway, Mass. His pastorate continued over this people twenty-seven years.

The Rev. Stephen G. Dodd, of Milford, Conn., supplied the pulpit after it was vacated by Mr. Packard, and in due time received a call from the church, in \yhi(h the parish concurred, to become their pastor. With his salary, a parsonage was to be furnished, and, in case of dissatisfaction by either party, six months' notice was necessary to terminate the relations. These terms and conditions being satisfactory to the parties interested, he was installed August 23, 1854.

Mr. Dodd was not a brilliant man, in the common acceptation of the term ; but his kindness of heart and .sympathetic disposition won for hira the most profound respect. Even in his temperament, gentle in his manners and po.ssessing an unusual degree of forbearance, he secured to him.self lasting friends, both among his parishioners and the peo|)le of the town. His services ended October 1, 1860, and he was dismissed by Council June 5, 1861. His pastorate extended over a term of six years. He was a graduate of Princeton College, New Jersey.

A call was now extended to Rev. T. T. Waterman, of West Killingly, Conn., to fill the vacancy caused by this resiguation, and accepted by him. His terms of settlement difl'ered from the preceding only that three instead of six months' notice be given in case of dissatisfaction. His installation took place immediately following the ratification of the resignation of Mr. Dodd, and by the same council.

Mr. Waterman was an older preacher than the former pastor, and consequently came to the duties incumbent upon him with ripe experience and a thorough knowledge of the relations which should exist between pastor and people. He was enthusiastic in his preaching, presenting his subject with ardor and his prayers were fervent, with a flow of word and soul which were, at times, eloquent.

In closing his labors he made no communication to the church, resigning his office as pastor ; therefore when his letter-missive was presented the council had no action to take upon the matter. His ministry was of short duration, and ended January 1, 1863.

December 8, 1862, the parish warrant contained an article "to see what measures the society will take to supply themselves with a minister after July 1, 18(J3." The action upon this article gave the prudential committee authority to confer with the Rev. James Cruickshanks, of Chelsea, Mass., and " engage him, if possible, to preach for the society for one year." He was employed as supply for the above term. After len months the church and parish united in a call to him to become their settled minister, which he accepted, and January 13, 1864, he was regularly installed.

Mr. Cruickshanks was a preacher of superior ability ; his sermons were well grounded upon a sound evangelical doctrine, and all his literary efforts bore marks of culture and high scholarly attainments. He remained in charge of his duties eight years, his resignation taking effect July 2, 1871.

He was followed by Rev. H. A. Shorey, of . Camden, Me., who was installed September 6, 1873, and dismissed January 1, 1877. His successor. Rev. A. S. Walker, of Gloversville, N. Y., was installed November 14, 1877, and remained in his charge ten years, when he was dismissed, September 1, 1887. The Rev. Erastus Blakslee, of Fair Haven, Conn., followed, and after preaching three months was installed May 15, 1888.

The Revolution. - The military reputation of .Spencer from the French and Indian Wars to the closing of the late Rebellion has been one of patriotism and courage, and the town has furnished liberally of both men and means in all the conflicts for freedom.

Edmund Bemis and James Smith were in the great expedition sent out under Sir William Pepperell, in conjunction with Admiral Warren, for the capture of Louisbourg in 1744, the former serving with some distinction. James Smith, Jr., was in a later service; John Stebbings was captain in the regiment of Col. Timothy Ruggles at Fort Edward in 1755 and 1756^ where he died. In the same expedition Capt. Philip Richardson and his lieutenant, John Wicker, were in command of a company, and before the war closed, which was substantially in 1762, the following persons participated, viz.: Israel Richardson, Jonas Berais, James Capen, William May, Josiah Robinson, Jr., James Stebbings, Joseph Worster, Nathaniel Parmenter, David Prouty and Daniel Hill.