Worcester City (part 44 of 58)

Thus early in the history of the country the people of Spencer were being trained in the art of war by actual service, willingly fighting the battles for Eng- lish sovereignty. (At this period most of tlie people supposed themselves loyal to the Kiug, and were ready to shout, " God save King George I ") Scarcely had the people recovered from the shock occasioned by these frontier wars before they were called upon to enter upon another contest, fraught with greater hardships and more personal sacrifices. The British ministry were begitining to press measures which some of the leadinj;- spirits regarded as infringements upon the liberties of the American people. A spirit of resentment to these acts, born, perhaps, without any ambitious design of dissolving connection with Great Britain, in a few short years became universal, and as a result the War of the Kevolution.

This town distinguished herself - not by sending into the army illustrious men, for those she had not - but by promptly furnishing her quota of the soldiers called for and patiently bearing the heavy burdens imposed by the war with as much patriotism and loyalty to the cause of freedom as the average American community of those times. Chief among these burdens was the payment of taxes necessary in the prosecution of the war. These they met heroically ; but the system of taxation early iustituted by the British government against the colonies, of which these people' were a part, was both obnoxious and oppressive to them. "Taxation without representation" they considered unjust, no matter how trifling the tax, and objected to it as it involved a principle, and many of the wisest Englishmen of that day regarded their objections as reasonable. The people of Spencer were by no means alone in this reasoning. The Stamp Act of 1765 and later Revenue Acts were particularly obnoxious, and Spencer was in full sympathy with the town of Boston, which was first to enter a protest against these and other like measures. Circulars and pamphlets sent out from Boston fired the hearts of the people and probably had much to do in hastening the conflict which soon followed. For seven years the people of Boston and immediate vicinity were discussing the situation and attempting to solve the problem involving their relations to the mother country. Very early, however, those towns more removed from the immediate effects of these acts began to comprehend the design of Great Britain towards the American people, and the eftect produced by this literature upon them was very marked.

The towns of Leicester, Spencer and Paxton, being united as a representative district, met in convention January 1, 1773, " to consider these circular letters concerning the state and rights of the Province," and " spirited and patriotic resolutions," endorsing the views of Boston, were adopted and instructions of the same nature were prepared and ibi warded to their representative in the General Court, Thomas Denny, Esq., of Leicester, requesting that his course of action be guided by the " spirit and letter of these instructions." For two years these towns acted jointly in these deliberations, adopting patriotic measures, for-

The British Government, from policy, had, up to this time, abandoned some of the taxes upon imported articles, but among those upon which a tax still rested was tea, to give, as Lord North proudly said, "the King an opportunity to try the question with America." The opportunity soon presented itself, and the result was the " Boston Tea Party " of December 16, 1775.

The people of Spencer were heartily in sympathy with that movement, and on the 27th of December, at a convention of the above-named towns, strong resolutions were presented condemning the use of tea, " while ladened with a tribute, contrary to our consent," and declaring that " we will not use it in our families." The women, too, acted as patriotically as the men of the convention, and they declared "that any of the sisters found using the destructive herb should be treated with scorn and contempt."

The resolves of the Great Continental Congress, for the non-importation of goods, wares and merchandise, were also cordially endorsed by these towns, at a convention held two days later, and the people of Spencer found no difficulty in abstaining from the use of such goods. The women, also, on this occasion affirmed that the " home spun " should be sufficient for the wants of themselves and their families on all occasions.

At a meeting held December 15, 1774, the town voted that sundry " Province assessments be paid to Henry Gardner, Esq., of Stow, and not to Harrison Gray, Province Treasurer," and they further added that they would " defend the assessors or constables from any damage of what kind or nature soever, that may arise from conforming to the votes or orders of this meeting." But the spirit of resistance to the real or imaginary encroachments made upon them by the British authorities was not confined to words or resolutions. Long before the conflict between the colonies and mother country began active measures had been taken, and a stock of powder, bullets and flint had been provided, and minute-men raised, that they might be prepared for an emergency at a moment's warning.

Under a warrant dated April 29, 1774, the town voted to raise " Fifty efl'ective men, and that one pound of powder and Bullets answerable, be delivered out of the town's stock to each soldier," and any amounts remaining in the treasury from unexpended appropriations were also ordered to be used for patriotic purposes. At the raising of the meetinghouse, in 1772, the sum of £1 6s. 6rf. was still in the hands of the treasurer, and it was ordered that £1 Os. 6d. be given to the Continental committee, and six shillings be paid to Jeremiah Whittemore " for bringing a Barr of Lead from Boston for Bullets."

1775, " to make provisions for the company of minutemen in case of any special Imergency, such as providing Waggons and Drivers to carry their Baggage, and support them before they can be otherwise supplied." But before this meeting convened they were called to '' march in the Defence of our Just Rights and Liberties before the day came.'' The signal lantern had been hung out from the belfry of the old North Church, and messengers had brought the word to this and other towns in all directions from Boston, that "the war had begun, the British troops were marching on Concord." Although this was not in the days of the telegraph or telephone, yet the news of this movement sped with a rapidity almost rivaling these modern inventions, as on the afternoon of that eventful day, April 19th, "Capt. Ebenezer Mason, with a company ot fifty-six men, buckled on their knapsacks, shouldered their muskets, and before the set of sun were on the march for Cambridge." Tiie following are the names of those composing this company, viz. : Captain, Ebenezer Mason ; Lieutenant, Abijah Livermore ; Ensign, Jo.seph Livermore ; Sergeants, Benjamin Bemis, Jr., William Green, William White and Samuel Hall ; Corporals, Oliver Watson, Jonas Muzzy, Asa Sprague and Jedulhan Green ; Drummer, James Draper ; Fifer, Luther Prouty ; Privates, John Draper, Jesse Bemis, Isaac Prouty, Nathaniel Wilson, Isaac Livermore, Michael Hatch, Jonathan Rich, John Waite, John Knapp, Joseph Grout, Benjamin Gleazen, Joseph Wheat, Levi Thayer, Joshua Draper, Jr., Elisha Whitney, Reuben Lamb, John Hatch, Amos Whittemore, Wright Woodward, Samuel Bemis, Rand White, Benjamin Sumner, John Woodward, Jr., Jonas Lamb, Thomas Sprague, John Bemis, John Ball, David Livermore, James Watson, Robert Watson, Thomas Whittemore, Nathaniel F. Loring, David Rice, Richard Huttice, Samuel Garfield, Jr., Nathaniel Cunningham, John Lamb, Jr., Asa Whittemore, .John Worster, Elijah Southgate, Knight .Sprague, David Lamb and Timothy Capen. Of this company forty enlisted, upon arriving at Cambridge, into the service for eight months ifnder Captain Joel Green, with David Prouty as his lieutenant. In Captain Seth Washburn's company of Leicester, which left there on the 17th of June for Boston, were nine men from Spencer, viz. : Ensign Joseph Livermore, Corporal Elijah Southgate, Privates Andrew Morgan, Jonas Lamb, Peter Rice, Thomas Sprague, John Hatch, Wright Woodward and Isaac Livermore. Those that participated in the battle of Bunker Hill were Joseph Livermore, Elijah Southgate, Jonas Lamb, Peter Rice, Thomas Sprague and Isaac Livermore. In the unfortunate expedition against Quebec, in 1775, were four Spencer men, viz. : John Guilford, Daniel Ball, Benjamin C. Ball and David Chamberlain. Although the town had no officers of high rank, it will ever be proud of those holding the minor offices, together with the rank and file who served in the army of the Revolution. REPRESENTATIVE.S. - On the 17th of June, 1775, the town elected their first representative to the Great and General Court, to be convened at Watertown on the 19th, and Oliver Watson was selected for that post of distinguished honor. He was re-elected in 1776.

Declaration of Independence. - In June of this year a resolve of the General Court was forwarded to the various towns in the Provfnce to ascertain the minds of the inhabitants of said towns in regard to declaring the Colonies independent. In response to this resolution the town voted, emphatically, that they "Do Fully, Freely and Solemnly engage, with their Lives and Fortunes, to abide by and support said Congress in all such measures as they shall think proper to come into for the safety of the United Colonies."

The Continental Congress, having no power to manage trade, could not force Great Britain into a trade treaty ; consequently the continued importation of English goods caused consternation in the Colonies, and balances, which were heavily against them, and which must be settled in coin, were forwarded to England by boxes and barrels. This caused Congress to issue its paper money as a circulating medium, and this act, together with the unfortunate condition of the country, with the evils of the war pressing hard upon them, added another and serious embarrassment. The people of Spencer early took into consideration the situation, and resolved to do what lay in their power toward maintaining the value of the currency. The first of a series of instructions to their Representative, Mr. Watson, was that " he use his influence in the support and credit of the paper currency of this Colony, and if any person or persons shall, by petition or any other way, motion or move for the discredit of said currency, that his or their names be published to the world." On the 4th of July, 1776, the ever memorable Declaration of Independence was signed, and agreeable to orders of the Continental Congress it stands recorded upon the town's records, " there to remain a perpetual memorial thereof"

State Constitution. - The following October the question was submitted to the town, " Whether they will give their consent that the present house of representatives, together with the council, shall enact a Constitution and form of government for the State of JIassachusetts Bay." A meeting was called to consider this important question, and, upon presentation of the article, it passed in the negative, and the following were their reasons for sustaining the vote : " First - There being many of the members of this town absent and in the army at this time, therefore not in a proper capacity to consent. Secondly - We do not understand, by said hand-bill, that after our perusal of s'' constitution, if not agreeable, we have no liberty to make objections, and if made, no encouragement of any alterations ; and, thirdly - As circumstances, are at this day, we are of opinion a form of government ought to be suspended for the present.'' To frame a Constitution for a great State, under these circumstances, they felt to be a matter of grave import, and, in their judgment, the people should be allowed more time for its consideration.

Prices of Commodities. - Prices of all commodities were high, a depreciated currency was the only available money, and people were put to their wits' ends to meet their obligations, and trade generally was in a demoralized condition. Early in 1777 the General Court sought to remedy one feature of this evil, viz., the exceeding high prices, and an act to prevent monopoly and oppression '' was passed by that body. A committee for the purpose, together with the selectmen of the towns and districts, wtre required to fix prices upon agricultural laborand products ; also upon all goods, wares and merchandise necessary to the support of the people, or in use in the various trades. The following are some of the prices " fixed " for the tow n of Spencer, viz. : "Farming labor not to exceed 3s. per day ; a day's work for a yoke of oxen Is. 6rf. ; wheat 6s. per bushel ; corn 3s. ; rye 4s.; beef 20^. per pound; shoes 3s. per pair; meal of victuals 9(i. ; West India rum 8s. 2(/.' per gallon ; New England rum 5s.; W. I. flip lid. per mug; N. E. flip 9rf., etc." This scheme, however, was not a success.

A Credit Measure. - During the years which immediately followed the Revolution the people here, as everywhere else among the colonies, were greatly crippled financially, and it required the united wisdom and watchfulness of the General Court to de- Tise means and measures for the best interests of the people and for bolstering up the currency and credit of the country.

Near the close of the year 1777 an act passed the House and Council calling in the State's money or bills of credit and putting the same on interest, which act appeared to be an oppressive one, and the inhabitants of this town instructed their representatives to " use every effort in their power to procure a repeal of the said act, as they considered it injurious to the poorer sort of people." A still further objection was, that " it would become payable about the same time that a large amount of the Continental money would be called in " The act, however, was not repealed, and, at a meeting December 29th, they proceeded to arrange for their proportion of the " called money," and voted "that £991, 17s. be assessed upon the Polls, Real and Personal, Estates of the inhabitants, for the purpose of paying the town's proportion of Four Hundred Thousand Pounds, which is now called in by way of Loan." This assessment represented about thirteen hundred dollars in hard money, and was a burdensome tax for the people to meet at this time.

Articles of Confederation. - January 5^ 1778, a meeting was called to hear read the "articles of Confederation for a perpetual union between the United States of America," and a committee was chosen for the purpose of examining said articles.

This committee reported that " we find them to be, according to our best judgment, a well-concerted plan for the rule of government for the United States of America," and without further comment it was voted that "the representative be, and he is hereby directed to give his consent in the General Court to authorize the delegates of the State to ratify and confirm the said articles of confederation." At a meeting called May 4th, following, to hear the form of government proposed for Massachusetts Bay, a committee was chosen, consisting of Joshua Barton, Oliver Seagerand Elijah Howe, to consider the same. Their report was unfavorable, and, after a long debate, the question was put, "whether, or not, the town would approve of the Constitution," and it passed in the negative, one hundred and two voting against it, and none voting for it. They also sent to the General Court a remonstrance against adopting the instrument, and, from the tone of their "long debate," their reasons, in sustaining their vote, were, in substance, that the fundamental principles, in such a form of government, should originate with the people, through their delegates in convention for the purpose, as such a method was more in harmony with the great principles that underlie a free government, and eminently more democratic ; and then, that the doings of such a convention be submitted to the people for their acceptance or rejiction.

Aid to Soldiers and their Families. - AII though at this time the people were absorbed in discussing matters of state, as they understood them, they were not unmindful of the wants of the soldiers in the field, or their dependants at home. At this meeting aid was voted to their families, and a supply of shoes, stockings and shirts was forwarded to the soldiers in the camp or field.

Early in 1778 nine men enlisted into the army for nine months, and each received, as bounty, a note of thirty pounds, given by the selectmen, and on the 8th of June, of the same year, the town voted the selectmen authority to draw the sum of two hundred and ten pounds and interest from the treasury " to pay the said notes when they shall become due."

In 1779 six soldiers were furnished to go to Rhode Island, and eighty-four pounds in bounties was voted them for this service, and at the same time sixty pounds was voted to " provide for the families of the soldiers who are in the public service.''

Returned Tories. - The spirit of self-sacrifice that actuated these people was a noble one, and during the years of anxiety and hardship through which they had already passed their deliberations were marked by an earnest regard for the welfare of the country and their posterity. Actuated by this ardent love of country, they demanded that cowards in it be disgraced or otherwise punished, and traitors to it hanged.

ton, by resolutions, in regard " to certain Inimical persons Lately Returned into the State." .January 21, 1770, resolves were offered in town-meeting, the third of which read as follows, viz. :

IieiioIve{1, Tlmt we will, to the utmost ut" our power, aid and assist the j ciTil magistrate in tlie execution of all laws made fur the purpose of exfludinjj all such hntefid creatures from among ns.

The persons referred to were Tories, or Loyalists, as they styled themselves, who fled the country at the commencement of the Revolution, but were now appearing again in Boston and other towns in the State, and their presence was as obnoxious now as at the commcncementof thetroubles with Great Britain, to which country they preferred to give their allegiance. Although their appearance again was so dista-teful, the magnanimity of the people, after the conclusion of peace, not only allowed their return to their homes, but even invited it, and they freely forgave them the heinous sin of disloyalty.

More Soldiers and E(}uaijzing Expense. - During the year 1779 the energies of these people were severely taxed in devising ways for furnishing men to fill up the army, and raising money and material for the support of the same. On the 21st of June the sum of five thousand four hundred pounds was voted to pay for the services of seven men hired for the Continental Army, four for Rhode Lsland and others for guard over prisoners in the barracks at Rutland. This year a committee was chosen " to see if the burdens caused by the expense of the war'' could be equalized, and each made to bear his proportion of the cost; but after giving the matter careful consideration, it was found "that it was very difficult to do each person justice, and we omitted to proceed on sd business."

Instructions to Representative. - On the 7th of August following. Deacon John Muzzy was chosen representative, and instructed "to have particular regard for the United States, the Stale and his constituency, to support the credit of the currency, and not to give his consent to any act for making up the sink of money between debtors and creditors, either public or private, soldiers and officers of the Continental Army excepted."

Prices Regulated. - August 17th, Major Asa Baldwin was chosen delegate to a convention to be held at Concord on the first Wednesday in October, to take into consideration, among other matters, the regulating of prices of the necessaries of life. The following is a partial list of prices, established by the convention, and they indicate the condition ef the currency at that period, viz.: Corn, S14 per bushel rye, $7 ; wheat, $27 ; oats, |6; hay, $5 per hundred; labor, 19 per day ; beef, 92 cents per pound ; butter, $1.83; cheese, 92 cents; men's shoes, $20 per pair; stockings, $12, etc.

Condition of Money. - The condition of the -finances was growing worse daily, and at the beginning of 1780 one dollar in currency was valued at about one-sixtieth of a hard dollar. This situation pressed so heavily upon the people, that many were obliged to ask an abatement of their taxes for this and the past year.

The Constitution. - On the 27th of May, of this year, they were called upon to consider a new Constitution for the government of the Commonwealth, and after earnest discussion, with the exception of one article, the whole document received the unanimous approval of the town. The exception was to article two of the third section of chapter one, relating to the House, of Representatives. In their judgment the small plantation4 were deprived of representation, and "they should be allowed to join two or more of them together, in choosing one or more representatives." This was, in substance, an amendment unanimously agreed upon by them, and language similar was, later on, made a part of the Constitution.

Governor. - In the autumn of this year the town cast its first vote for Governor, and .John Hancock received the whole number of votes cast, viz : sixtynine. The first representative under this new legime was John Bisco, Esq.

During this and the two succeeding years the town responded to the calls for more men for the army, raised money for bounties and other purposes, cared for the families of the soldiers and forwarded requisitions of beef and other supplies to headquarters. The appropriations for 1780, for war and kindred expenses, were : July 11th, £19,000 to pay for services of six and three-months' soldiers; October 12th, £48,-156 for the same purpose ; £3,565 for horses purch.ased ; and £12,000 for beef supplies, aggregating nearly £90,000, or about $4,000 in coin.

Watchful. - In 1780 the General Court passed an act for repealing, or "taking of the new emissions of money," and the people of Spencer thought this to be a " notorious Breach of y° Public faith and a grand Reflection on y* Continental Congress," and they forwarded a remonstrance and petition to that body, asking for the immediate repeal of said act, requesting, at the same time, that the " vote be taken by yea and nay, and published, that the good people of the Commonwealth may have a Greater Opportunity to Guard against Enemies of the Glorious cause of America." They watched closely the doings of the General Court, condemning that which seemed oppressive or unjust, and commending when they felt that the people would be benefited thereby.

In 1781 they were passing through the severest crisis of their existence, the heavy war debt causing burdensome taxes, the resources of the country nearly exhausted, and the Continental money almost worthless. Nothing could procure the men and materials called for but hard money, and the town was in great danger of having executions levied upon it for deficiencies in men and beef. June 20th the sum of £416 hard money was raised for supplies of men and beef, and a committee of three, viz. : John Bisco, Lieutenant John Muzzy and Lieutenant John Worster, were chosen to procure the same. All transactions were now made upon a hard money basis. Spencer filled her last quota in March, 1782, the war being now virtually over; still there were men in the field to be cared for, as it was not yet considered safe to disband the army.

Grievance. - The following five years was a period full of grievances and, sad to relate, of misguided judgment. In the winter of 1781-82 the General Court passed the Valuation and Excise Acts, and the town, upon their consideration, freely expressed their disapprobation of them in a remonstrance as being "unjust and oppressive, and an Infringement on y" National Rights of mankind.'' That part relating to the valuation they characterized as "unjust and unreasonable as Nebuchadnezzar's demanding of his magicians an interpretation of his untold Dream," and they demanded that both be repealed.

April 9, 1782, a meeting was held at Worcester to take into consideration " the many grievances of the good people of this commonwealth," and Isaac Jenks was sent as delegate from the town. On the 16th of May following he was elected representative, and a long list of instructions, suggested by the recent convention, were given him, of which the following is but a fractional part, viz. : " that it shall be unlawful for the Creditor to sue, until the Debtor be notified ; that all state securities, whether notes or certificates, be made Lawful tenders ; that all goods or estates, taken on execution, be appraised to the Creditor, &c., &c."

In 1785 the people were in a most " Distressing and Disagreeable" condition. No cash was to be had; stock and produce, though they had it, would not pay debts, unless sold at too great sacrifice, and they asked the General Court to relieve them, by making paper money pass equal to silver or gold, or real and personal estates a tender in discharge of debts. But this they could not do. The town was now deficient in its taxes, executions had been served upon it for their payment, and they were obliged to pawn their State securities to satisfy these demands. These securities were, however, subsequently redeemed.

On the 26th of June, 1786, a convention was called at Leicester to see if means could be devised which would bring " relief for grievances, done one way or other, occasioned by. the scarcity of the Circulating Medium," and John Sumner was chosen delegate.

Grievances were now, with common consent, the order of the day ; but Spencer was not alone aff'ected by this malady. Other towns and plantations in the State bear record of the same disease, contracted under the same infiuences. Business was at a standstill, while the State and Continental debts were enormous, and the people were called upon, by way of taxation, until their patience was well-nigh exhausted. Property was seized for debt ; people were thrown into jails, and great distress prevailed here and throughout the Commonwealth. High salaries of public officers, fees of lawyers and sherifi's and costs of courts, when compared with their own scanty means of subsistence, and, added to these, their own jealousy towards those officials and courts, were, according to their reasoning, sufficient grounds for complaint, and for a resort to force, if need be. Their animus was especially directed to the courts, and they demanded that they be abolished, as " their existence was a burdensome exjjense." This, and the nursing of the feelings which led to it, were but the wild vagaries of the communistic ideas, better known to the present age than to the people of those times.

Shays' Reeelliox. - It was this condition of the social atmosphere that led to the inglorious Shays' Rebellion, which " began with high-sounding trumpets at Worcester, about the 3d of December, 1786, and vanished like a mist on the hills of Princeton," not far from a month later. Some of the good people of Spencer took part in this unfortunate fracas, among whom were found commissioned officers of the militia. At its close they were temporarily disqualified, and ordered to renew their allegiance to the government, which they humbly did. One Abijah Livermore and six confederates broke into the town magazine and took away the stock of powder, balls, etc., but soon after the insurrection was stamped out, he, with three others, made a written confession to the inhabitants of Spencer, in which they " craved the assistance to live to the Honor of the town and the Glory of God in all our future conduct."

Henry Gale was one of the leaders in this revolt, and after his capture was sentenced to death for high treason. The people of Spencer interested themselves in his behalf, and forwarded a petition to His Excellency, Governor Hancock, asking that he might be pardoned, " as he appears to be very Penitent and Humble for his very wicked crime." He was brought to the g:illows for execution, but was there reprieved and afterwards pardoned.

Committees of Cokrespondence. - The Committees of Correspondence, during and after the war, were: - in 1774, John Cunningham, Oliver Watson, Asa Baldwin; in 1775, Oliver Watson, Moses Livermore, John Muzzy; in 1776 and 1777, Asa Baldwin, Jeremiah Whittemore, Joshua Draper, David Prouty, Knight Sprague, Benjamin Gleason ; in 1778, Joshua Lamb, John Muzzy, Joshua Bemis, John Worster, John Watson; in 1779, James Livermore, Benjamin Gleason, John Worster, John Muzzy, Jacob Upham ; 1780, John Muzzy, Johnson Lynde, John Sumner, Benjamin Bemis, Jonas Muzzy ; in 1781, John Sumner, Jonas Muzzy, Johnson Lynde, Jeremiah Whittemore, Nathaniel T. Loring ; in 1782, Asa Baldwin, Jeremiah Whittemore, Captain Ezz'kiel Newton; in 1788, James Hathaway, Jonas Muzzy, Isaac Morgan.

the military spirit of this town wjs aroused, as in days of yore, and men and means were furnished without stint or grudging, in the grand effort made for the preservation of the Union. The echo of the first gun fired on Sumter, and the clash of arms in the streets of Baltimore, had scarcely died away before the heroic spirit of the people of Spencer showed itself, with but one feeling of sentiment and purpose, viz. : that the government should be sustained at all hazards in this hour of her need. From this moment until the closing scenes at Petersburg the citizens never faltered in their duty to the Union cause ; and the courage and bravery of the men sent out were honorable' alike to the town as her citizens and to themselves as soldier.^. Before the first call of the President for seventy-five thousand soldiers, men were volunteering into the service of the government, and the .sound of the fife and dram resounded through the streets, calling them - not to a holiday festival, as was their wont, but to the stern realities of a bloody war.

On the 2;)th of April, 1861, a town-meeting was called, " to see what measures the town would take to furnish outfits and uniforms for a company of volunteers about to be organized for the service of the government." At this meeting the selectmen and assessors were made a " Committee of Safety," and their duty was to "supervise, expend and lay out such a sum of money, not exceeding ij.5000, as may be necessary," paying the members of the company "seventy-five cents for each one-half day they drill during the next thirty days." The.se men were at first placed under the military instruction of Col. Alonzo Temple, of Spencer, a militia officer of the old school, but later on Capt. J. M. Studley, of Worcester, became their drill-master, and their time was now occupied in becoming familiar with the manrouvres of the soldier in camp or field. When the time for their service should arrive, the town stipulated that they should be paid a further sum of ten dollars per month, in addition to their government pay. This company left town for camp at Springfield, arriving there .June 20th, and on the 21st were mustered into the service of the United Sta'es for the term of three years. It numbered fifty-one men, and formed parts of Companies F, G, H and K, of the Tenth Massachusetts Regiment.

At the above-named meeting a committee of eleven citizens was chosen for recruiting purposes, and the ladies were invited to procure a flag for the volunteer company. The Committee of Safety were also ordered to purchase a flag, to be erected on the town-house." This committee, according to instructions, purchased the uniforms for the company in training. For these, together with a flag and staff, and the drilling of the volunteers, they expended the sum of .12463.75. One of their important duties was the care of the soldiers' families, and this they attended to most carefully and conscientiously.

At a town-meeting held July 19th, measures were discussed for offering bounties, and it was decideil to pay the sum of $100 each " for thirty-two persons who shall enlist into the service of the United States at such a time as the committee of safety shall prescribe," and a further sum of .f 50 each " to all who remain in the service more than one year," and an additional sum of |5 "to all who shall enlist to-day." This number was the town's quota under the President's call. May 29, 1862, for 300,000 troops, to serve for the term of three years, or until the end of the war. On the 4th of August fellowing, another call was issued for 300,000 men to serve for nine months, and in response to this a town-meeting was held, to make provisions for their quota under it, and a bounty of SlOO was voted to each volunteer, together with aid to the families of nil such.

At an adjourned meeting, held September 11, 1862, eleven persons were chosen to notify the enrolled militia to meet at the town-house for medical examination, preparatory to a draft, "if one is found necessary." On the 17th of October, 1863, a call came for 34 men more, and on the 25th of February following, an additional one for 25 men. In the meantime a draft had taken place, and by it 28 men were secured, either by voluntary enlistment, furni-hing substitutes or paying a commutation fee of $300. This number was further increased by ten soldiers reenlisting and 49 new recruits, and the town now had a surplus of 23 men, which could be applied on future calls. August 20, 1864, a meeting was held to arrange for 39 soldiers to fill the quota of the town, under the last call of the President, and a bounty of $125 was ottered to such as would enlist. December 24th the selectmen were authorized "to procure all the soldiers that, in their judgment, they think the town will need." April 26, 1866, the town refunded the sura of $5955 to such of the enrolled militia as had previously subscribed to the war expense account.

lilany of the soldiers, at the expiration of their long or short terms of service, having a desire to witness the closing scenes of this gigantic Rebellion, re-enlisted "for the war," with an enthusiasm all the more earnest for the hardships they had endured or dangers encountered in behalf of the cau<e. Spencer furnished 319 men for the war, which was a surplus of 32 over and above all demands, among whom, at its close, were eight commissioned officers.

The first regiment forwarded to the seat of war, in which were Spencer soldiers, was the Tenth Massachusetts, and they were engaged in the battles of Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Malvern Hill, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Rappahannock Station, Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court-House, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, &c. The Fifteenth Regiment contained five men from Spencer, who went into camp June 28, 1861, and were under fire the first time at Ball's Bluff, October 21, 1861. This body of troops went into the engage- ment with six hundred and fifteen men and came out with only three hundred and eleven fit for duty. The Twenty-first contained twenty-six Spencer men, and went into camp July 19, 1861, on the agricultural grounds, Worcester, and they reached Annapolis, Md., on the 29th of August following, and on the 6th of July, 1862, embarked in the Burnside expedition to North Carolina and took part in the battles of Roanoke Island, having fifty-seven men killed and wounded. In one year the regiment had lost one hundred and thirty men, in killed, disabled by wounds, prisoners and discharged. At the expiration of their term of service all but twenty-four men re-enlisted for a term of three years, and nearly all the Spencer soldiers returned with there-enlisted. Besides Roanoke Island, they were engaged in the battles of Newbern, Camden, second Bull Run, Chantilly, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Wilderness Spottsylvania and Petersburg. The Twenty-fifth, with nine Spencer men, followed the Twenty-first on the 7th upon the same expedition, and their lo.ssat Roanoke Island was six killed and 42 wounded. It was also in the engagements at Xewbern, Port Walthall Station, Arrowsfield Church, Drury's Blufl, Cold Harbor, Point of Rocks, &c.

The Thirty-fourth went into camp June 3, 1862, with forty-three Spencer soldiers. Their first year's experience was garrison and picket duty in front of Washington. From the time of its first engagement it passed through the battles of Newmarket, Piedmont, Lynchburg, Winchester, Fisher Hill, two battles at Cedar Creek, Petersburg and Richmond. June 16, 1865, the original members were mustered out of the service and the remainder transferred to the 24th. The o7th contained sixteen Spencer men and was raised in the spring of 1864. It left the State in April and "fought its way from the Wilderness to Hatcher's Run, bearing a part in nearly every battle which occurred between these two points." For three months, following January 1, 1865, they were in the lines before Petersburg, marching and fighting until Lee's surrender. The (JOth was a one hundred days' regiment, and in it were fifteen men from Spencer ; also twenty-five men were distributed through the 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th and 5th Cavalry and ten men in the 2d and nth Heavy Artillery. Spencer was also represented in the Ist, 9th, 12th, 19th, 24th, 28th, 36th, -50th, 54th Massachusetts Regiments, the 154th New York, the California Artillery and the navy.

Tablets erected in the town-house bear the following names of those brave and true men who gave their lives in defence of the liberties of their country, viz. : Oscar R. Bemis, 10th Regiment, died in hospital at Baltimore, Md., August 22, 1862 ; Harry F. Adams, 21st Regiment, died at home on a furlough, May 19, 1863 ; Frederick A. Bemis, 21st Regiment, killed at Chantilly, Va., September 1, 1862; Elbridge C. Barr, 21st Regiment, killed at Fredericksburg, Va., December 13, 1802 ; Frank Bird, 57th Regiment, killed at Wilderness,

Va., May 6, 1864; Dwight Chickering,34th Regiment killed at Snickers Ford, Va., July 18,1864; Henry C. Chickering, 34th Regiment, lost from transport. May 2, 1865 ; Isaiah Crosby, 10th Regiment, killed at Malvern Hill, Va., July 1, 1862; Thomas Carney, 10th Regiment, died in hospital, Washington, D. C, August 30, 1861 ; James Crook, 2d Heavy Artillery, died at home on a furlough, April 25, 1865 ; Freeman Davis, 15th Regiment, killed at Wilderness, Va., May 6, 1864; Louis Dana, 2l8t Regiment, killed at Newbern, N. C, March 14,1862; Nathan S.Dickenson, 25th Regiment, died in hospital, Philadelphia, Pa., August 18, 1864 ; Lucien Fogg, 10th Regiment, killed at Wilderness, Va., May 12, 1864; William A. Frink, 25lh Regiment, killed at Drury's Bluft', Va., May 1(), 1864 ; George Farrel, 5th Cavalry, died at Point Lookout, Md., July 29, 1864; Joel W. Green, 1st Cavalry, died at Potomac Creek, Va., January 22, 1863 1 David Green, 3d Cavalry, died in hospital, Louisiana, July 28, 1864 ; Gardner M. Gage, 34th Regiment, killed at Berryville, Va., October 18, 1863; George W. Henry, 21st Regiment, killed at Roanoke Island, N. C, February 8, 18(i2 ; Otis M. Hunter, 34th Regiment, killed at Harper's Ferry, Va., April 10, 1864; Leroy Haws, 34th Regiment, died on transport, April 3,1865; Dennis Harrington, 25th Regiment, died in hospital, New-bern, N. C, September 21, 1862; Sylvester D. Johnson, 10th Regiment, killed at Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862; Daniel Kelly, 9th Regiment, died in hospital, Fairfax, Va., October 20, 1862 ; Waldo H. Luther, 10th Regiment, died at Newbern, N. C, October 23, 1864; Edward A. Lamb, 60th Regiment, died at Indianapolis, Ind., October 31, 18()4; Abraham Luchay, 57th Regiment, killed at Wilderness, Va., May 6, 1864; James Larkey, 21st Regiment, died at Arlington, Va., June 1, 1864; Alfred W. Midgely, 10th Regiment, died of wounds. May 12, 1864 ; Joseph Mead, 21st Regiment, died at Danville, N. C, January 15, 1865 ; George W. Nason, 2d Heavy Artillery, died at Newbern, N. C, April 15, 1865; Nelson Reno, 4th Cavalry, died at Jacksonville, Fla., September 5, 1864 ; Samuel D. Sargent, 21st Regiment, killed at Roanoke Island, N. C, February 8, 1862 ; Jarius Sessions, 46th Regiment, died at Newbern. March 10, 1865 ; Edmund Toomey, 10th Regiment, died at Harrison's Landing, Va., July 19, 1862; John M. Worthington, 10th Regiment, killed at Winchester, Va. September 9, 1864; Horace Wilson, 24th Regiment, died in hospital, Newbern, N. C, April 26, 1862.

Schools. - The advantages for schooling in the West Precinct of Leicester were very limited during its early history as a precinct. Indeed, there were no schools in this part of the town until 1748, when a term of ten weeks was granted them, and three years later another term of six weeks. In 1753 this pre- cinct contained a population of more than two hundred people, and while they were paying taxes for the support of schools in the East Precinct, yet they were of little or no value to them, owing to the great distance to travel and poor roads to reach them. In 1755, two years after being incorporated into a parish, the sum of sixteen pounds was raised for schools, and the annual appropriations for this purpose, up to 1775, averaged thirty pounds. There were, as yet, no school-houses here, but for several years the question of building one or more had been before the parish.

In 176G the town was divided into six school "squadrons," three on the east and three on the west, and it was voted that " schools be kept in such as the inhabitants shall appoint," and private houses were used for this purpose. Two years later, houses were erected in some of these, but, as each was so sparsely settled and embraced so much territory, schools kept in them could not be made either practical or profitable.

In 1786 it was decided to reduce the size of the " squadrons," making them ten in number, and a vote was passed " to build houses in each," but the impoverished condition of the town at this time prevented the carrying out of this vote, and they were not commenced until 1790. In 1792 two hundred pounds were raised to finish school-housps already in process of construction, and also to build more, and in 1795 an additional sum of four hundred pounds was voted for the same object. The houses were now completed and the late divisions were now known as wards or districts, and in 1810 were formally numbered from one to ten inclusive, and duly recorded.

The first School Committee chosen in the town was in 1815, and the member? thereof were required to visit the schools twice each year, to note the progress of the various classes and their standing in reading, spelling and pronouncing, also in writing, arithmetic and English grammar, and "more especially their decent and respectable behuvior both in and out of school." It was also obligatory upon the committee to instruct the scholars in their " duty as to piety and morality." At the first visit of the committee they required each scholar to write his or her name upon a slip of paper, and the same again at the close, "that by this test they might ascertain what proficiency the pupil had made during the year."

The growth of the town from 1795 to 1837 did not require extra school facilities, and annual appropriations ranging from five to eight hundred dollars gave them a fair amount of schooling, both summer and winter.

In 18.32 a school sustained by private subscription was opened in the vestry belonging to the Congregational Church, in which the higher branches were taught, and remained there until a room for school purposes was fitted up on the first floor of the old town-house building, where it was transferred and the same grade continued until 18-57. In 1856, the population having reached the required number named in the school law making a high-school obligatory, steps were now taken by the town to comply with that law. Additional land adjoining that upon which the vestry stood was given them by William Pope, Esq., for a high-school building, and " a large and commodious edifice, 60 x 40, two stories high, with cupola and bell," was erected. The school and ante-rooms were upon the first or ground floor, and the second floor was used as a hall. Mr. Charles E. Denny, a respected citizen of Spencer, bequeathed the sum Of two thousand dollars towards the payment of this building, and in appreciation of this generous act the hall was thereafter to be known as " Denny Hall." In 1888 this building was moved to the south side of Main Street, near the Baptist Church, to be used as a graded or grammar-school, to give place to a new high-school building.

The first important addition to the district schools was in 1867, in District No. 9, when a substantial brick building, three stories high, was erected, which would accommodate three hundred scholars. The rooms were spacious, well lighted and ventilated, and it cost, when built, $22,000. In 1885 steam-heating apparatus was added and in 1887 gas for lighting. From 1865 to 1888 the population of the town trebled in numbers, necessitating a continued enlargement of school buildings in many of the districts, while within a radius of one-half mile from the centre extraordinary facilities were required. Within the latter limits six large brick structures have been built, the last one completed in 18SS, which will accommodate two hundred and eighty scholars, and the aggregate sittings in the six is sixteen hundred and twelve. They are unique in architectural designs and constructed with great care in reference to sanitary arrangements ; airy and well lighted and furnished with all the modern improvements.

The High School building, built in 1888, is the gift to the town of Spencer by David Prouty, Esq., a lifelong resident and honored citizen. The dimensions of this building are eighty-five by ninety-two feet, two stories high, with a basement. It is built of brick andstone, and the style of architecture, above the base- . nient, is Romane:ique in type. Upon a front corner is a tower eighty-three feet in height, and at its base a corner stone, with the inscription: "David Prouty High School."

The basement contains tvvo large play-rooms, a laboratory and library room, heating apparatus, storerooms, etc. On the first floor is the principitl's office, school and recitation rooms, and upon the u]iper floor a large hall used for meetings and entertainments in connection with class exercises. The cloak-rooms.

Spencer

This generous record is indicative of the steadilygrowing interest the inhabitants have manifested over the intellectual training of the younjr.

Datid Prouty. - David Prouty was the fourth of that name in direct descent from Richard Prouty, who was a resident of Scituate, 5Iass., as early as 1667. The first David in the line moved to Spencer early in the eighteenth century, purchasing and settling upon a lot north of the centre of what was, years after, Spencer Township. He had a son David, born in 1739, who was conspicuous as a soldier in the war with the French, a captain in the War of the Revolution, a major in the State militia and for many years selectman and assessor of Spencer. He had a son bearing his name, born in 1772, who also participated in the honors of the town as selectman for many years and Representative to the General Court ; and he had a son of the same name, born October 13, 1813, and is the suliject of this sketch.

Mr. Prouty was reared as a farmer and continued in this occupation until he reached the age of twentythree years. The year following he left the farm and entered the employ of Mrs. Hannah Hatch, widow of the late Eli Hatch, manufacturer of wire, and in 1840 he purchased these works of her. This was his first business venture, and he remained in it until 1846, when he disposed of the works to Liberty Prouty, that he might take possession of the farm inherited by him from his father, who died in 1845. In 1850 he sold this farm and came to "the village" and erected the dwelling-house he now occupies, moving into it January 6, 1851. In 1852 he entered the boot-firm of Charles E. Denny & Co., but in 1853 this firm was dissolved, in consequence of the ill-health of Mr. Denny, and in 1854 a second dissolution occurred, by the death of John G. Prouty, a member of it. John Boyden then became partner, under the firm-name of Prouty & Boyden, until 1857, at which time E. Jones & Co. took the interest of Mr. Boyden in the concern, and the name of the firm was changed to David Prouty & Co. In 1859 Isaac L. Prouty bought out the interest of E. Jones & Co , but the style of the firm remained the same, and in 1862 T. C. Prouty was admitted to the partnership.

There are qualities in the make-up of individuals, which, if well balanced and blended, are a guarantee to success. These Mr. Prouty possessed in a marked degree, viz., prudence, good management and a sound judgment; and they were in a great measure the secret of his prosperity.

Being a man of quiet and unpretending habits, whether in a social or more public way, unnecessary or outward demonstration or show was always carefully avoided by him. He has represented his fellow-citizens in the General Court, has held many offices in the gift of the town, and in any, or all of them, there has been no question raised as to his faithfulness, honesty or capability.

In his business efforts he has been richly rewarded with an ample fortune, and in his quiet way has made it the source from which many charitable objects have obtained pecuniary relief, and no worthy charity has appealed to him in vain. He has merited and still receives the kindest remembrances of his fellow-citizens, and they trust he may live long to enjoy the fruits of his generous charities.

He married Caroline, daughter of Dr. Jonas Guilford, of Spencer, Jan. 14, 1840. She died Nov. 14, 1863. Dec. 16, 1867, he married Mrs. Sarah B., widow of the late Charles E. Denny, sister of his former wife, and she died January 3, 1873. By his first marriage he had but one child, a son, Jonas Guilford Prouty, born September 21, 1844, and he died at the age of nineteen years. Mr. Prouty was deeply afflicted by this loss, as it not only destroyed in him bright hopes for the future, but this death left him childless and alone. Possibly it may have warmed his heart towards other worthy young men, as he has been deeply interested in a number of such, and they have reason to thank him for material aid rendered them. The spontaneous gift of the David Prouty High School Building was a noble illustration of a desire to confer a lasting benefit upon the young of this and future generations who shall seek it for moral and mental improvement.

Roads. - The traveled ways of the early settlers were the foot-path, which led from house to house, and the bridle-path, which led to town. Later on, these ways became roads, and at the present time, after passing through the various changes of straightening, widening and gr.iding, many of these " primitive paths " constitute important highways in this town. There is no record showing when the " Great Post. Road" was laid, but it was a public traveled way previous to 1726, as during that year the town - Leicester - was " presented " at the Court of Quarter Sessions for having no bridge across the " Seven Mile River." If the road had not a recorded location at that time, it must have had a little later on, as in 1728 the town was assessed the sum of £12 2s. 5d., it being their proportion of the expense of locating it.

After having been " presented " the second time at the court for the same oftence, in 1729 they caused a bridge to be built. In 1800, complaint having been made by the attorney-general of the " badness of the Great Post Road," an eft'ort was made to convert it and the North County Roads into turnpikes, but the town successfully remonstrated, by petition to the General Court, against it. In 1807 this road was altered and improved, by straightening easterly and westerly, from the house of Amasa Becnis, near Wescville, now so called. Further alterations, in location, east of this point had been suggested from time to time, and the commissioners called upon to make them, but as late as 1832 no important changes had been made. This year, however, they ordered specific repairs through "the village," and September 10th the sum of eight hundred dollars was voted ''for repairs near the houses of Joseph Mason and Walton Livermore." In 18")6 general alterations were made in the road from Brookfield to Leicester lines, re-locating it in places, widening, cutting and filling it in others, and marking the boundaries by stone posts at each angle along the whole line. The North and South County Roads were located in 1756 and '57 respectively. The Great Post Roatl was the busy one of these three highways, as the principal business between the country towns and Boston centred upon it. It was the main thoroughfare between Hartford and . Worcester, and was the route over which the first line of stage-coaches between these two points plied. This line was established in 1783, and the trip was made in four days.

Tavern.s. - Spencer was a famous stopping-place for these coaches I'rom the days of the " three taverns " in 1788 to the supplanting of them by railroads. It was a relay station for change of horses while its taverns furnished travelers with substantial food and drink, and it was not unusual to see fifteen coaches congregated here at the noon hour, and upon extra occasions, twenty-five. The Centre was early designated as " Upper and Lower Villages," the meeting-house being the nucleus of the former, and the "three taverns" the latter. These taverns, in 1788 the only three dwellings in the lower village, were the " Jenks," which occupied the site of the Massasoit Hotel ; the " Mason House, " beneath the "big elms'' near the boot factory of J. Prouty & Co., and the "Livermore House," on the site of the residence of J. W. Temple. In 1743, Josiah Robinson built a small dwelling upon lot No. 22, which was purchased in 1754 by one John Flagg and kept by him as a public-house for seven years. In 1775 Isaac Jenks became owner of the property and the house was ever afterward known as the " Jenks Tavern," and was the most famous of all the inns in Spencer with the traveling public. A French gentleman who chanced to spend a night under its roof in 1788 spoke in high terms of the manner in which it was kei)t in comparison with French taverns-

He said, " the chambers were neat, the beds good, the sheets clean, the supper passable ; cider, tea, punch and all for fourteen pence per head." Also, General Washington passed the night here October 22, 1779, and Mrs. Jenks, the hostess, was ever proud to refer to the event, as her illustrious guest complimented her at the breakfast-table by saying, " Madam, your bread is very beautiful."

There were but two dwellings in the " Upper Village " at this time, viz., the " Morse House," now standing on the west corner of Main and May Streets, and the " Pope Mansion." This latter, the oldest dwelling standing in town, was built in 1745 for Rev. Joshua Eaton ; and four years after the Rev. Joseph Pope succeeded Mr. Eaton. The former occupied this house with his bride. At his decease it came into possession of his son, William Pope, Esq. ; then was owned by Hon. William Upham, son-in-law of the latter; and since his death, Mrs. Lucretia H., widow of the late William Upham, has owned and occupied the premises.

This building has been carefully preserved for nearly a century and a half, and bids fair to pass far into the twentieth century us a veuerabl-j land-mark representing the birth of the " Leicester West Precinct."

Town Pound. - Upon a small piece of land, "five or six rods square," at the west end of the meetinghouse, was located the town pound, stocks and horse-block. The two latter " fixtures " did not survive the eighteenth century. There is no record showing at what date the pound was built ; but it was undoubtedly of early origin, as in 1768 a new one appeared to be necessary, the town voting then to build "a new one with stone," and appropriated £7 for the purpose. It would seem that they had but little use for it, as in 1772, and again in 1790, articles were in the warraut of these years, " to see if the town would use the stone to underpin the meet- | ing-house," or " to take the stone to fence the bury- ' ing-ground." Previous to 1796 one or more attempts were made to move it; but this year the ground upon which it stood was wanted for horse-sheds, in connection with the meeting-house, and it was voted "to build a town pound on Jeremiah Whittemore's land, at the corner of the town road where it turns to Benjamin Gleason's, of the same bigness of the old one, three sides of stone and one of wood." The contract for building was awarded to Mr. Whitteniore for £11. This enclosure remained until 1877, when the wall was taken down and the pound abandoned.

Post-office and Postmaster.^. - The first postoflSce established in town was on the Ist of October, 1810, and was kept in the "Jenks tavern." Isaac Jenks and his son, Isaac, Jr., were postmasters until December 15, 1825. At this date Charles Bcmis received the appointment, and moved the otiice to the tavem in the "Upper Village." Amasa Bemis, Jr., was appointed postmaster August 12, 1828, and Nathaniel Wilson February 25, 1831. Eleazer B. Draper became postmaster October 24, 1832, and he removed the office to the first location. William Bush, Jr., succeeded him September 22, 1845, and after two years he moved the office to the store of Dr. L. Bemis, now corner Main and Elm Streets, east side. April 3, 1849, Dexter Bemis received the appointment. The next appointee was George H. Livermore, January 13, 1851, and he located the office at "Union Building." The 3d of May, 1853, AVillard Rice became postmaster, and he changed the location to the ell part of the "Solomon Davis" house, corner Main and Elm Streets, west side. May 23, 1845, Luther Hill was appointed, and he removed the office to the "Bemis Store." July 11, 1861, Eli J. Whittemore was made postmaster, and it was again taken to Union Building, where it has remained to the present time. Horace A. Grant was postmaster September 2ii, 1864, and Emerson Stern was appointed May 18, 1869, and no change has been made since his appointment.

Cemeteries. - The first public burial-place in the town was upon about one acre of land, donated by Mr. Cunningham, and was the north part of the meeting-house and training-field lot. In 1791, 1817 and 1857 one-half acre each year were added, making the lot contain about three acres.. In 1872 afurtber addition was made, and at this time a trust fund was raised by parties having an interest in the protection and preservation of the family lots, monuments and other stones that marked the burial spots. The sum subscribed for this purpose was three thousand and thirty-five dollars, and the town was made trustee of the fund. New lots were located, concrete walks laid out and from time to time appropriate monumental and other work erected in memory of the departed.

The first person buried in the original lot was Elizabeth Adams, in 1742. In 1759 John Stebbings and others were given permission to erect tombs on the burying-ground. In 1790 this lot was inclosed with a "Good stone wall, with two Gates for to Pass and Repass." In 1793 it was voted " to purchase a carriage to carry Corpse to the Graves," and in 1794 a house was built for the hearse and a pall purchased. This was the only burial-ground until 1845. On the 20th of May of this year B. H. Kinney, of Worcester, purchased four acres of land lying partly on and forming the west bank of the " Seven i\Iile River," near the "Whittemore Bridge," so-called. He laid this out into burial-lots, avenues, paths, etc , and while it remained in his possession it was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies as " Pine Grove Cemetery." This lot lias been added to at two different times, until it now contains about twenty-five acres. It is owned by an association of proprietors belonging to Spencer, and the spot selected for it shows ability and taste to provide a home for the remains of loved

In 1864 the Catholics purchased three acres of land for a cemetery lying on the west side of the great post road, one mile west of the post-office. In 1868 they bought thirteen acres upon the east side of the road and opposite this lot, and subsequently, four and onehalf acres more were added. The new ground is ! neatly laid out, with a circular drive around a central mound, upon which is erected the Holy Cross. They have considerable fine monumental work, and are doing much each year to beautify the place.

Division of the CouuTy. - As early aa 1798 the question of a division of Worcester County came before the town, but the people were as loyal to the old county at this time as tliey had been to the country during the late perilous times, and did not cast a single vote in its favor. In 1828 another attempt at separation was made by taking sixteen towns from this county and four from Middlesex, and a petition from parties interested was presented to the General Couri, for that purpose. The vote of the town upon the question was two in favor and eighty-five against. A third time, in 1874, the people were requested to vote for or against a division, and they were as decided in their opposition to it as ever, and instructed their Representative " to oppose any legislation tending to make any change in the county."

Connected with State (Jovernment. - The following persons have been cimnected with the State government, viz. : William Uphatn, Councilor in 1878-79. Senators: James Draper in 1831-32; William Upham in 1859; Luther Hill in 1867; Charles P. Barton in 1883, and George P. Ladd in 1888. Delegates to Constitutional Convention : John Bisco in 1779; James Draper in 1820, and Jabez Green in 1853. Representatives to the General Court: Oliver Watson in 1775-76-77-80; John Bisco in 1777-80- 81 ; John Muzzy in 1779 ; Isaac Jenks, 1728 to 1786 ; James Hathaway, 1787 to 1794; Benjamin Drury, 1794 tol811; Jonas Muzzy, 1811-12 ; Phineas Jones, 1812 ;

Spencer, for several years after its incorporation, elected a representative alone ; then a representative district was formed of Leicester and Spencer. In 1866 the towns of Leicester, Spencer, Southbridge, Charlton and Auburn formed a district, and in 1876 Southbridge, Spencer, Oxford and Charlton were made a representative district. In 1887 the district was again changed to Leicester and Spencer.

Physicians. - The physicians of Spencer, previous to 1800, were James Ormes, from 1732, and later on, Asa Burden, William Frink, Benjamin Drury and Jonas Guilford. At the present time they are E. R. Wheeler, E. W. Norwood, F. J. Sanborn, E. A. Murdock. Marc Fontaine, Ishmael Verner and Eli Barnard.

Hox. James Draper. - James Draper was born February 26, 1778. He traces his ancestry to James Draper, of Yorkshire, England, who was born in 1618, and came to this country " between 1640 and 1650,'' and located in Roxbury, Mass. .Tames, the subject of this sketch, was a native of Spencer, as were two generations of his ancestors, and after a long and useful life he quietly passed away at the great age of ninety years, eight months and one day. His early life was devoted to the farm, but as this occupation was not altogether congenial to his taste, by close application to the limited educational advantages of the times, he fitted himself to perform such duties as an adviser or magistrate was expected to be familiar with in those days. With this qualification, and possessed of a good degree of intelligence, he very soon became a leading man in the town, and in the various positions in which he served his townsmen, acquired their confidence and established a high reputation among them and throughout the county. Although of an irascible nature, his kindness of heart and sincerity of motive enabled his many friends not only to overlook this characteristic, but to fully appreciate his abundant good qualities and worth.

In 1810 he was appointed a justice of the peace under Governor Gore's administration, and held the office more than fifty years. He ably performed the duties of it, whether called to act within the immediate vicinity of Spencer, or, as was often the case, in the more remote parts of the county. As a magistrate, his decisions or rulings were made after a conscientious consideration of the case in question, and J by common consent it was admitted they were ren- \ derod in a fair and impartial manner. He was regarded as good authority in matters of common law, and was well qualified for writing deeds, wills, agreements or other legal documents, and being a practical surveyor, was particularly adapted for the work of conveyancing. He was county commissioner for several years, was twelve times elected as representative to the General Court, and twice to the State Senate. j In 1820 he was delegate to the convention for making ' or altering the Constitution and, at times, occupied other positions of importance in the Commonwealth. < In town artairs he was selectman, assessor, town clerk 1 and treasurer for many years. I

In his early life, when church and town were one i and the same, he was prominent in the management of the former and interested in whatever pertained to it, and although a man of liberal spirit, he had a strong sentiment of veneration for whatever was spiritual and sacred. He was a great lover of music, and in his younger days taught singing-school in his na- J tive town. He composed some music, and at his de- i cease considerable in manuscript was found among his effects. At the installation of Rev. S. G. Dodd an anthem, written by iiim, was performed by the choir, and was regarded as a very worthy production.

In 1840 Mr. Draper completed a history of the town of Spencer, relating to " facts, incidents and events" recorded therein, with "brief notices and genealogies of families,'' and three hundred copies of it were published. In 1860 he revised this history with "additions and improvements," to this latter date. The genealogical department contains a list of more than five hundred families, and the history, as a whole^ is a work of considerable merit.

Mr. Draper married Lucy, daughter of Captain Samuel Watson, of Leicester, January 6, 1805. She died July 7, 1848. Their children were four daughters, all of whom lived to be married, but only one survived the father.

Town-House. - From 1744 to 1838 all meetings for the transaction of public business, of whatever nature, ' were held in the meeting-house. At this latter date objections were raised to the further use of this house forthese jjurposes, and the subject of building a townhouse was, at the earliest moment, brought before the town.

At a meeting previous to April 1, 1839, a committee was chosen to purchase a lot of land for a townhouse, and after consideration a lot four by five rods, on the corner of what is now Main and Maple Streets, the same being a part of the present " Union block lot," was bargained for and purchased. Then at a meeting, the above date, it was voted " that the town take measures to build a townhouse, or building for the purpose of transacting Public town business." At a subsequent meeting, however, the purchase of this lot of "4x5 rods,'' and all the business connected therewith, was reconsidered, on account of strong opposition to the location, and the lot upon which the present house stands was substituted. A building was at once contracted for, the same to be " .50x40 feet, 2 stories high with cupola," the first floor to be used for rooms for selectmen, weights and measures and other town purposes, and the second floor for a town hall. While this building was in process of construction, town-meetings were held at the taverns of Eleazer B. Draper and Dexter Bemis.

In 1S59 a bell was purchase<l and hung in the cupola, but in 1803 this became injured to such an extent that the selectmen were authorized to replace it by a new one " to weigh not less than 1800 pounds."

In 1871 the town had increased in population to such an extent that the old town-house was wholly inadequate to the wants of the public, either in hall facilities or rooms for the transaction of the town business. Consequently, at a meeting called for the purpose this year, it was voted to build a new townhouse,- " not less than 60, nor more than 80 feet in width, and not less than 80, nor more than 100 feet in length, 3 stories high, with bell, clock and memorial tablets." A committee of thirteen was chosen to arrange the details and attend to the building of the same. The old house was disposed of, and a large brick structure erected on the spot of the old one, containing rooms on the first floor for the use of town officers, a lock-up and the Fire Department; also waiting-rooms, a hall, reading and library rooms. On the second floor is the main hall, with a seating capacity for a thousand people, and convenient ante-rooms, and the third is occupied as a Masonic hall on the east side,'and on the west a large hall for entertainments, with kitchen attached. The cost of this building, with furniture, was §57,870.

Town Farm. - The question of purchasing a farm upon which to maintain the town's poor was under consideration by the town for several years previous to 1825. This year a committee was chosen, with authority to negotiate for the Eleazer B. Draper farm of ninety-six acres, and the Joseph Cheever farm of sixty-six and a half acres, to be used unitedly as a "town farm." After purchasing the farm and furnishing equipments, making repairs, etc., upon the same, the total cost was 16,142.61. On the 28th of March, 1826, " Rules and Regulations " for the government of the inmates and the observance of good order" were adopted and entered upon the town records. In 1841 a new barn "72x38 feet with 16 foot posts" was built. Three years later, and also in 1851, propositions were entertained in townmeeting to dispose of the whole or a part of the farm, and committees were chosen to effect a sale accordingly, but without success. In this latter year the sum of $600 was raised "to build a new house and repair the old one.'' In 1871 the farm barn was raised, turned one-half round and a cellar excavated under the whole building, and in 1880 the house was enlarged by an addition of sixty by thirty feet, two stories high.

The whole building at the present time contains thirty-two rooms, and the halls, sleeping apartments and waiting-rooms are well ventilated and warmed by steam-heat.

The farm is pleasantly and healthfully located two and a half miles north of the village, and is under a good state of cultivation. The sunny exposure of the " home " and farm buildings, together with an extended southern view, lend a charm to the spot, whether viewed by inmate or visitor. It has been the study of those in charge of this institution to make it a cheerful and comfortable retreat for the town's unfortunates, and their efforts have been attended with marked success. ! Fire Department. - Since first the need of better protection against fire was felt the town has been generous and wise in adopting safeguards for preventing or extinguishing fires. In 1830 dwellings and other buildings in the immediate vicinity of the village had become numerous enough to demand provisions for their l)etter security against this element. At a meeting held March 7th, of this year, this subject was discussed and an appropriation of one hundred dollars was made towards the purchase of a fire-engine. This machine was a primitive affair, operated by two horizontal levers, requiring eight persons to "man the breaks," and often five times this number, with buckets in hand, to supply it with water. On the 26th of the same month, a further sura of thirty-five dollars was voted to purchase hose for this engine. A small building was erected on what is now "Union Block" lot, to house the new fire apparatus. This "tub engine" proved of but little value, as the buildings increased in number and size, but was the only appliance for protection again.st fire for nearly twenty years. In 1840 the town voted the sum of five hundred dollars to purchase a hand fire-engine and the committee, chosen for the purpose, selected a " Hunneman machine," with hose-reel and five hundred feet of hose. The small engine was now abandoned, the house disposed of and a new one erected on the east side of the town-house. A company of forty-five members was organized, and this organization has been well maintained to the present time. In 1851 the first board of fire wards was chosen, viz., Alonzo Temple, David Prouty and Andrew J. Roberts. The fire companies held their meetings in the new building until 1859, when the town granted the department the use of a room in the town-house building for business purposes. In 1871 a Hunneman steam fire-engine and hose-carriage was added at a cost of five thousand eight hundred dollars; and in 1874 a hook-and-ladder truck.

fully equipped for service, provided. A large and convenient room was now fitted up in the new townhouse for the storage of the fire apparatus and use of the department. In 1882 a double tank fire-extinguisher was purchased, and in 1883-8-1 two new hosereels were added lo the equipments.

These additions necessitated a more abundant water supply, and reservoirs were, from time to time, located in convenient places for this purpose, at a cost of more than ten thousand dollars. In 1882 the introduction of public water-works added materially to the efficiency of this department by the location of eighty-eight hydrants exclusively for fire purposes. The manual force aggregates eighty men. Although an expensive necessity, the citizens have freely voted money to sustain the Fire Department, and they fully appreciate the perilous and responsible labors rendered by the firemen. They have expended, since 1849, the sum of sixty-five thousand dollars for engines, hose, equipments and services of men; and for engine-houses a further sum of twenty-five thousand dollars.

Water Works. - In 1882 steps were taken to procure a supply of pure water for the town, as it was feared by medical experts and others that in the thickly-settled portions of the village the water had become contaminated to such an extent as to affect the sanitary condition of the people in these localities. A supply by gravitation was essential, if possible, and "Shaw Pond," in Leicester, was found to be the only body of water of sufficient altitude and supply. The town took this, by charter from the General Court, but subsequently transferred their interest in it to Messrs. Goodhue & Birnie, of Springfield, Mass., and they constructed the works as a private enterprise. In 1884 the town purchased them of the owners for two hundred and forty thousand dollars. The receipts for the six months ending January 1, 1885, were $7,036.97 ; for the year ending January 1, 1886, $14,171.38 ; 1887, $15,094.81 ; 1888, $15,324.79. The whole number of miles of pipe laid to January 1, 1888, was twelve and three-quarters, and at this date the daily consumption, 153,000 gallons.

Library. - January 7, 1867, " about thirty young people of both sexes," members of the High School, met at the house of Emory Shumway and organized themselves into a society "for social and intellectual improvement," and after the choice of officers proceeded to the further business of adopting a constitution and by-laws. This society was to be called the Young People's Library Association and the object was to establish a High School Library. As a prerequisite to membership one must be a member of the High School and pay a fee as follows, viz : " For a young gentleman twenty-five cents, and for any lady twelve cents," and at each weekly meeting a tax of five cents for the former and three cents for the latter. These moneys were to be used as a fund for the purchases of the library. One year later it was voted to change the name to the " Spencer " Library Association, and the constitution was altered accordingly. April 21, 1858, by vote of this body, it was made a " Public " Library, with a membership fee of one dollar per year, half-yearly or quarterly in the same proportion. The first installment of books purchased was one hundred and ninety volumes, and the first librarian John W. Bigelow. These books were kept in an ante-room on the floor of the "Denny Hall," but subsequently they were arranged in cases in the hall.

About the year 1862 twenty-nine persons, principally farmers, organized themselves into a body, called the Spencer Agricultural Library Association, and purchased one hundred and ten volumes, relating to farming interests, and these were kept in a case in the store of Temple & Whittemore, they acting as librarians. In 1864 it was thought best to merge this into the Public Library, and, on the 30th of November the following proposition was submitted, at a meeting of the members of both, viz.: " That the members of the Agricultural Association have free use of the Spencer library for the space of four years, as an equivalent for its books." This arrangement was accepted, and their books were transferred to the cases of the latter. Until the year 1869 the funds for the purchase of books were obtained from membership fees and fines and the proceeds of " fairs," to which the public gave generous support.

November 8, 1870, a proposition was made by the Library Association to turn over to the town their books, cases and other property, upon conditions that the town should assume the indebedness of the a.ssociation, and " keep the library in good condition." This proposition was accepted, and from this date it became the propeity of the town. At the next annual meeting of the town it was voted that the money known as the " Dog Fund " be expended for standard books, to be added to the library, and their " use be free to the town." This " fund" was annually thereafter appropriated for the use of the library. In 1871 a spacious room was fitted up in the town-house, to accommodate the large number of books already accumulated, and, a few years later, further additions to this room were made for the same purpose. In 1888 a public library building was erected for the use of the library and a free public reading-room. This beautiful building was the gift to the town of Mr. Ilichard Sugden, a highly respected citizen. It is of brick, with brown-stone trimmings and granite basement. The main room is thirty-two by sixty feet. The front projection is eleven by thirty-nine feet, and at one corner is an ornamental tower fiftytwo feet in height. The projection is used for an entrance hall, librarian's and delivery room. In the rear of these is the library and reading-rooms, and these rooms are essentially one, being separated by a screen only. The shelves on the floor are arranged to accommodate from eight to ten thousand books, while the galleries, which are reached by a spiral stairway, furnish shelf-room for an additional twenty thousand volumes. It is a substantial and enduring edifice, and reflects great credit upon the generous and noble-hearted giver. His portrait, in oil, occupies a prominent place in the main room. This building is called the " Richard Sugden Library." It was completed at a cost of twenty-five thousand dollars. The number of volumes in the library January 1, 1887, was 6,272, and the number of books taken out from March, 1887, to February, 1888, was 16,384.

Rich A Ki> Sugden. - Richard Sugden was born in an obscure village near Bradford, England, March 26, 1815. His parents were of humble origin and circumstances, and he struggled hard, from boyhood to early manhood, to overcome these embarrassing conditions of birth. He gave his daily labor for his board alone, while his scanty clothing was obtained from hours of overwork, and it required weeks of such toil to purchase a single garment even. Although he was deprived of the privilege of an ordinary education, yet in a small way he was able to gratify a longing for books and the current literature of the day. There were but two libraries in the neighborhood in which he lived, one containing three volumes, viz. : the Bible, Baxter's Saint's Rest and Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress; the other was the treasure of an old Welsh cobbler,- consisting of about sixty volumes, carefully secured in a box beside his bench. He became a confidant of this man, and as a consequence was privileged to take a book for perusal, once a week, from this primitive library. His method for procuring a newspaper was novel and business-like. Fourteenpence per copy was required to purchase one paper each week, and he and six comrades formed a club at a cost of two-pence each per week, and in this way obtained the coveted prize.

This ardent love for literary information followed him to manhood, and when the cares of business were laid aside for the day, the book and paper were the solace of his evening hour. Works of history and autobiographies of self-made men were his favorite reading, and now, in his riper years, when the cares of business press less heavily upon him, he scans these works, together with the popular magazines, as eagerly as in his younger and more vigorous days. Blessed with a retentive memory, and being an intelligent reader, he possesses a fund of knowledge which renders him an entertaining companion for social conversation.

At twenty-eight years of age he embarked in an emigrant ship for America, and, after a prosperous voyage of twenty-seven days, landed in New York, March 29, 1845. During the passage he formed the acquaintance of a young Scotchman, whose brother in America had sent him a small hand-book, descriptive of the manufacturing towns in Massachusetts.

From this he learned that wire was manufactured in Spencer and card clothing in Leicester. Wire- working being his particular trade, he decided to make one of these two points his first stopping-place. Reaching the latter, he applied for, and obtained work of, H. A. Denny, in a small wire-drawing mill in Cherry Valley, Leicester. Two years later he and a fellowworkman - Nathaniel Myrick - came to Spencer and purchased the small wire-works owned by Roswell Bisco. In 1850 they purchased the machinery of a mill in Cherry Valley in which H. G. Henshaw was interested, and moving it to Spencer, admitted Mr. Henshaw to the firm. The business was expandiogquite rapidly, but the feeble health of Mr. Henshaw made this a partnership of short duration. The firm became Myrick & Sugden again, and so continued until Mr. Myrick retired from it in 1870. Harry H., son of Mr. Sugden, was now admitted, but in a few years this firm was dissolved by his death. In 1876 Mr. Sugden purchased the large works of J. R. & J. E. Prouty, in the " lower wire village," and converted the combined business into an incorporation called the Spencer Wire Company, of which he is president and general manager.

From the time of entering upon his business life, the characteristics of his younger days have been steadily developed and strengthened by the experience of years, until now, in a matured manhood, he is able to enjoy, with satisfaction, their fruits.

At the age of seventy-three years he is still hale and hearty, and though he has resigned the details of the business to subordinates, he still gives his personal attention to its general management.

Street Lamps. - Previous to 1872 the village was partially lighted by street lamps, erected and cared for mostly by private individuals. This year the town voted " to light all the lamps at the expense of the town," and this mode of street lighting continued, with many additions to the number of lamps, until 1887. A three years' contract was made at this time with the Spencer Gas Company, to light the streets with electricity, and sixty electric lights were distributed through the various parts of the village. The cost to the town for these lights was to be S.SJ cents per evening for a single light. From 1872 to 1888 the town expended the sum of $16,000 for street lamps lighting and maintaining the same.

SuADE Trees. - Much interest has been taken by the inhabitants of the older portion of the village in setting out and preserving shade and ornamental trees. The number of growing trees, of all sizes and ages, add materially to the attractiveness of the streets and general appearance of the village. Some of the older ones are majestic. This is true of the three " big elms " near the corner of Main and Mechanic Streets. They were set out on the day the battle of Bunker Hill was fought, and the " oldest inhabitant," at the present time remembers that his father informed him that while engaged in planting these elms he distinctly heard the booming of the cannon while the battle was in progress. In 1871-72 the town appropriated one hundred and fifty dollars each year " for setting out shade trees in the public streets."

Societies. - The Ladies' Benevolent Society, connected with the Congregational Church, is the oldest social organization in town, dating from 1821. But one of the original members survives, viz., Mrs. Dennis Ward. The Si. Jean Baptiste is the largest society .and contains a membership of five hundred and sixty-two and has a relief fund of 110,000. The other societies are the Masonic Lodge, chartered December 11, 1872; the Ancient Order of Hibernians, organized 1872 ; Royal Arcanum, 1879 ; Home Circle, Daughters of Rebecca, Association Mallet, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, F. A. Stearns' Post, No. 37 . G. A. R. ; Institute Canadien-Francaise; Luthe"^ Hill Camp, Sons of Veterans ; Sons of Temperance' Fanciers' Club, Firemen's Relief Association, Woman's Christian Temperance Union and Patrons of Husbandry. This latter was organized February 11, 1875, with twenty charter members, but in April. 1877, it, like many other granges, gave up its organization. It was re-organized July 27, 1882, and, at the present time, Parsiello Emerson is master.

Farmers' AND Mechanics' Association. - August 26, 1884, a few farmers, and others interested in agriculture, met at the town hall to consider the advisability of holding a " Fair and Cattle Show the coming fall " and following this meeting several more were held for a further exchange of opinion upon the project. In the interim an interest developed sufficient to cause an association to be formed and officered as follows, viz.: George Wilson, president, and Thomas J. Comins, secretary and treasurer, and the first fair and exhibition was held October 1, 1S84. Meetings and fairs were held annually thereafter and were attended with such success as to encourage the members to apply for a charter, that they might become a State institution. One was granted March 8, 1888, and by it they became known as the "Spencer Farmers' and Mechanics' Association." The following April Nathaniel Myrick, a former resident of Spencer, donated to this body property to the value of $2000, to be used toward the purchase of a park and fitting up the same with a racing course and buildings. Thirty acres of land were bought, lying south of and adjoining the Pine Grove Cemetery, and suitable luiildings were erected for the accommodation of agricultural and livestock exhibits. A good one-half mile track was also laid out and constructed for horse sports and other exhibitions.

The cost of the land, buildings, track and other improvements was about eight thousand dollars. The main building, forty by eighty-four feet, two stories high, contains an exhibition-room upon the groundfloor, the second being used as a dining-hall, and has a seating capacity of three hundred and sixty people. Rooms for a kitchen and steam cooking apparatus are conveniently attached. The crockery service, consisting of twelve hundred pieces, was also a donation from Mr. Myrick, and upon each piece is apju-opriately inscribed the giver's name. In appreciation of these generous gifts, the grounds are called "The Nathaniel Myrick Park." The premiums paid at the fair held October 4 and 5, 1888, amounted to eight hundred and seventy dollars, and the membership of that date was five hundred and sixty. The officers during the year 1888 were Chas. N. Prouty, president ; Thos. J. Comins, secretary ; I. L. Prouty, treasurer, and John G. Avery, delegate to State Board. Gas Works. - In 1886 the Spencer Gas Company was chartered, with Luther Hill as president and Edwin Evans as general manager. From July 1,

1887, to July 1, 1888, the works distributed eleven million feet of gas, used for heating, lighting and cooking purposes, and at the latter date had laid twelve miles of gas-pipe.

Banks. - The Spencer Savings Bank was incorporated in 1871, with Wm. Upham, president, and Erastus Jones, treasurer, and was kept at the office of E. Jones & Co. until January 1, 1876, when it was moved to the banking-rooms of the Spencer National Bank. January 4, 1877, Mr. Jones became president and W. L. Demond, treasurer. The latter resigned the office in June, and Asa T. Jones was chosen in his place, and October 1, 1886, C. T. Linley succeeded Mr. Jones. The deposits January 1, 1875, were $94,647; January 1, 1880, $221,462, and January 1,

The Spencer National Bank was chartered in 1875 with a capital of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, with Erastus Jones as president ; W. L. Demond, cashierandC.T.Linley,assistantcashier. Mr. Demond resigned July 1, 1882, on account of ill health, and Mr. Linley was appointed October 1, 1882, as his successor. The office for the transaction of business was first opened in rooms in the I. Prouty & Co. boot factory, but January 1, 1876, was moved into their new quarters in " Bank Block."

Newspapers. - In 1872 Tlie Spencer Sun, a weekly newspaper, was founded by Stillman B. Pratt, of Marlboro', Mass., and the concern was known as the " Sun Publishing Company.'' January 1, 1873, Samuel G. Ames became editor and proprietor, and April 27, 1875, he sold the paper and business to James Pickup, who continued it until liis decease, June 20, 1887. It was then purchased by H. M. Converse, the present proprietor and manager.

October 10, 1885, the i§)c«ce7'5?irte<m was established by A. H. Johnson, manager, and H.N. Carter, editor. On account of failing health Mr. Johnson sold out the business to Mr. Carter, and January 8, 1888, it was merged into the Spencer Sun, and the paper was known as the Sun-Bulkiin. It was, however, soon changed to the original Spencer Sun heading.

of 1873 a bread bakery in Spencer, situated upon Elm Street, south of the railroad track. He has had several partners in this establi^^hment from time to time, but, at present, the business is carried on by the D. Girouard Co. October 29, 1883, this concern started a cracker bakeiy at the corner of Chestnut and Maple Streets, and are now turning out about twenty-five barrels of crackers daily, which they sell principally to the New England trade. They also manufacture pastry and small bread. This company was incorporated at the above date, and is composed of D. Girouard, P. Berthiaume, D. Parent, A. Dufault, F. Collette and A. Girouard. In June, 1879, B. C. Dustin opened upon Wall Street a bakery for the manufacture of plain and fancy bread, cake and pastry. In 1886 he associated his son with him in the business, as B. C. Dustin & Son, and in 1888 they enlarged their establishment and added the manufiictory of confectionery to the works. Their trade is not confined to Spencer, but extends to the Brookfields and Leicester.

Public Park. - The towu owns a beautiful park of fourteen acres, situated upon the south shore of the " Whittemore Pond." The tract is well-shaded by a heavy growth of native pine trees, and the land slopes gradually to the water's edge. It is encircled with a broad, well-laid drive, and is a refreshing spot to while away a pleasant hour, in vehicle or on foot, in the heat of a summer's day, or after the labors of the day have closed. The trees, with their cooling shade, and the pond, across which can be had a charming sail, make this an attractive resort for private lunch parties or picnics.