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THE
HISTORY OF SUDBURY,
MASSACHUSETTS.
1638-1889.
BY
ALFRED SERENO HUDSON.
There is no past, so long as books shall live. Biilwer.
PUBLISHED BY
THE TOWN OF SUDBURY.
1889.
Copyright, 1889,
BY
Alfred S. Hudson.
PRINTED BY R. H. BLODGETT,
30 Bromfield St., Boston.
TO MY FAMILY,
AND THE
FAMILIES PAST AND PRESENT OF SUDBURY,
IS AFFECTIONATELY AND RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED
BY THE AUTHOR.
In submitting this volume to the public, we do not expect to be so fortunate as to have avoided all mistakes. We hope, however, that it contains as few as could be expected in a work relating to so broad a field of facts and so long a period of time. The following statements concerning the general plan of the work may assist the reader to a fairer estimate of its merits.
The primary object of the writer has been to present the annals or general history of Sndbury. The age of the town, its importance and prominence in the past, and the fullness of its records have left no room for complete genealogies, and partial sketches of families or individuals have been given only so far as pertains to the general design of the work.
The second object has been to make the book readable. If a local history is to be read it must be more than a collection of statistics, or quotations from records, or a compilation of facts given apart from their relation to each other or to events in the country at large. To accomplish the second object, whenever local events have been connected with general history, we have taken the space for the latter which we considered essential to show this connection, and thus to broaden the view of the reader and add interest to the subject. As, for example, tlie statement that some French Neutrals were for a time cared for by the inhabitants of Sudbury might be invested with no interest to the general reader, and soon be forgotten, unless somewhat of the history of those unfortunates was also given. Secondly, we have intended, while we have not neglected minor things, to give greater prominence to events in which the general public is most interested. Thirdly, in some instances when we have quoted records verbatim, we have also taken space to give the same in our own language that, by enlarging upon the events recorded, we might add prominence and interest.
In gathering historic material we have relied upon original sources of information, except in such instances as the reputation of an author has warranted us in accepting of his statements. The original sources from which we have drawn are the voluminous mass of town records, the loose, fragmentary papers of the Stearns Collection, the State Archives, the traditions of old inhabitants, and histories whose authors were contemporaneous with the events they recorded. The first source referred to consists of several large record books, the first of which dates from the beginning of the settlement, and is followed by a series of wellkept books containing a detailed and unbroken record of the transactions of the old historic town. These books cover a space of two hundred and fifty years, and in instances the paper is worn and the writing illegible. The Stearns Collection is made up of manuscripts which were gathered by Dr. Thomas Stearns of Sudbury. Some of these bear an early date, and consist of deeds, wills, journals or diaries, and fragmentary bits of information. The State Archives contain valuable information not found in the town books. This is especially so as regards the early wars. The town books contain but little about the war with King Philip, and the conflicts that occurred during the last of the seventeenth and the first of the eighteenth century, and also but little about the French and Indian wars. The old inhabitants referred to are some who are now living and some who have passed away since this work was commenced. Among the former are Mr. John Maynard, Capt. James Moore and Mr. James S. Draper of WayLand. Among the latter are C. G. Cutler, Esq., Mr. Josiah Haynes, Mrs. Samuel Jones, Mrs. J. P. Allen, Mr. Reuben Rice of Concord and Mr. Abel Heard of Wayland, formerly East Sudbury. We have also obtained valuable information from local histories of modern date.
In our system of arrangement, we have combined the chronological with the topical ; that is, we have, since 1650, considered the history of the town in successive periods of a quarter century each, taking topically, in the main, the events which each contained. We consider the advantage of this system to be that, after a careful perusal of this work, the reader will be able to take a general view of the town in all its relations civil, social, and religious at any period of its history.
In the selection of material we have been guided by the main object of the history, namely, to give a correct and vivid impression of times, characters, and events.
We have endeavored not to pass lightly by any event that had an especially formative or far-reaching influence ; but, in the history of two hundred and tifty years of a town once the largest in the count}^ it may be expected that much will be left out which would otherwise be gathered up.
In making reference to the town books the page has been generally omitted, partly to save space, partly because some of the books are not paged, and partly because the date sufficiently indicates the place where the record may be found.
In seeking information we have been kindly received, and we extend our thanks to all those who have rendered assistance, and to all who, by the confidence they have reposed in us and their interest in the work and appreciatioii of its magnitude, have made the difficult task more pleasant. The autlior would acknowledge his indebtedness to the members of his own family for substantial aid ; and especially to Mrs. L. R, Hudson, who has shared with him in the arduous work, and without whose sympathy, encouragement, and assistance, this history would have been longer in completion and of less value.
Thanks are also especially due to Mr. Jonas S. Hunt, Sudbury's efficient and courteous town clerk, whose hearty co-operation as well as substantial assistance demand the o-ratitude of botli the town and the author.
Thanks are due to Mr. John Ward Dean, Librarian of the New England Historic-Genealogical Society, for kindly giving access to the books of the Society, Mr. James S. Draper of Wayland, for his assistance in locating and drawing a map of the early homesteads of the settlers, Mr. Asahel Balcom of Maynard, for facts about the north-west district, Mr. George H. Barton of the Institute of Technology, Boston, for preparing a paper on the geology of Sudbury, Miss G. A. Goodnow, for facts concerning the Methodist church, and others who have furnished valuable information.
We would also acknowledge the valuable assistance received from Temple's History of Framingham, Shattuck's History of Concord, Saunderson's History of Charlestown, N. H., Reed's History of Rutland, and Drake's History of Middlesex County. We would also take this occasion to express our thanks to the town of Sudbury for the liberal appropriation which has enabled us to complete the work.
Alfred S. Hudson.
Ayer, June 1st, 1889.
Early Condition of the Country. Original Boundaries. Indian Names. Primitive Forests. Laws concerning Timber. Clearings. Game. Johnson's Description. Meaning of "Meadow Lands." " Old Connecticut Path." Indian Trails, . . . 1
Indians of Sudbury Territory. Relics. Localities where they Lived : at Nobscot, the Vicinity of the River, Weir Hill, Cochituate. Names and History of Prominent Indians : Karte, Tantamous, Nataous. Description of Wigwams. Food. Characteristics. Method of Hunting and Fishing. Tribal Relations. — Nature of their Early Intercourse with the English, .
Origin of the Sudbury Settlement. Why it was formed. Names of Early Settlers : Residents of Watertown, Emigrants from England. Passenger List of the Ship " Confidence." Tradition about John Rutter. Character of the Settlers. Biographical Sketches, 24
Method of Acquiring Territory. Character and Jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Colonial Court. Response to the Petition for a Plantation at Sudbury. Successive Land Grants. — Purchase of Territory. Indian Deeds. Incorporation of the Town. Name. Sketch of Sudbury, Eng. Town Boundaries, 57
Place and Plan of Settlement. Data of House-lots. Description of Map. Course of First Street. Sites of Early Homesteads. Historic Highway. Time of Settlement. Dimensions of First Dwelling-house. Early Experiences of the Settlers, . . .73
Town Meetings. Their Origin and Character. Conditions of Citizenship. Freemen. Place of Town Meeting. Town Officers. Highways. Bridges. " Indian Bridge." The " Old Town Bridge." Contracts with Ambrose Leach and Timothy Hawkins. Causeway. Formation of Church. Settlement of First Minister. Erection of First Meeting-House. Contract with John Kutter. Building of Grist-Mill
Land Divisions. Origin of the Terms " Common " and "Lot." Permission of Colonial Court for Land Division. Principles upon which Land Divisions were Made. The Meadows a Basis of Division. Meadow Rights, or Meadow Dividends. Rules of Division. Quantity of Meadow Received in Three Early' Allotments. -Division of Upland. Town's Common or Undivided Lands. Proprietors' Common or Undivided Lands. Proprietors' Meetings subsequent to 1700. Specimens of their Records. Land Allotments to be Recorded. Cow Common. Land for the Support of the Ministry. Reservations for " Planting Fields," a " Training Field," a Mill, a Pasture for " Working Oxen," Timber Land, 104
Miscellaneous. Laws concerning Domestic Animals, Birds, Wolves, Ammunition and Fire-arms. Common Planting. Fields. Fence Viewers and Fences. Staple Crops. Meadow Grass; Abundance, Time and Price of Cutting, Measures for Improving. Mode of Travel. Staking the Causeway. Climate. Rain and Snow Fall. Occasion of Floods. Breaking Out Roads. Care of the Poor. Laws for the Prevention of Poverty Enacted by the Town; by the Province. Town Action for the Encouragement of Industry. Education. Morality. Instruction in the
Use of Fire-arms. Tything-men. Stocks. Lecture Day. Fasts. Baptism of Infants. Laws Relating to Labor, Payments Often Made in Produce. Negroes Bought and Sold. Copy of Bill of Sale. Schedule of Inhabitants a Century and a Half Ago. Respect Shown by the Use of Titles; by Gratulation ; by Seating in the Meeting- House. Careful of Dues. Precaution Against Fire. Borrowing Canoes. Board of the Representatives. Peculiar Names of Places, .... 128
Sudbury in the Colonization of Other Towns : Framingham, Marlboro, Worcester, Grafton, Rutland, 151
Activity on the West Side of the River. Early Homesteads. Laying Out of the "New Grant." Land Allotments. Owners and Occupants. "The Thirty Rod Highway." Settlement of Marlboro. The " Hop Brook Mill." Highway to the New Mill. — "Old Lancaster Road." New Meeting-House; Contract. The " Cow Common " Controversy, 177
1675-1700.
Philip's War : Sources of Information ; Cause and Nature. Defensive Measures by the Town : Garrison- Houses ; Militia. Defensive Measures by the Colony. Services of the Town outside its Limits; List of Men Impressed. Swamp Fight. Services of Ephraim Curtis among the Nipnets: As a Messenger with Proposals of Peace; As a Guide in Captain Hutchinson's Expedition. Signs of Indian Hostilities in and about the Town. Edmund Brown's Letter. Night Attack on the Indians, and Death of Netus, 195
1675-1700.
Philip's War. Indian Invasion; Date. Number of the Enemy. — Philip's Preparation. Indian Powwow. Movements of the English. General Attack on the Town. Assault on the Haynes
Garrison. Hostilities on the East Side. Resistance of the English. Arrival of Reinforcements ; Concord Company, Watertown Company. The Indians Driven Over the Causeway and Bridge. — Attempt to Reinforce Captain Wadsworth. Description Given in " The Old Petition," , . . 217
1675-1700.
Philip's War. The Sudbury Fight. Number of Men in Captain Wadsworth's Company: The Arrival at Marlboro; The Return to Sudbury. The Ambuscade: Place of It. Philip's Plan of Attack. Number of Indians. The Battle. The Forest Fire.
— Retreat of the English. Refuge in Hop Brook Mill. Number of the English Slain. Philip's Loss. Treatment of Captives. Rescue of the Survivors. Burial of the Dead. Place of Burial. Biographical Sketches: Captain Wadsworth, Captain Brocklebank. Roxbury Men. Concord Men. Marlboro Men.
— The Christian Indians. Movements of the English after the Battle. Sudbury's Loss 233
1675-1700.
Revival of Prosperity after Philip's War. Payment for Fortification of the Meeting-House. Erection of Saw-Mill at Hop Brook. Death of Rev. Edmund Browne; Place of Burial; Historical Sketch. Settlement of Rev. James Sherman. Purchase of Parsonage. Building of New Meeting-House. Political Disturbances. Change of Charter. Administration of Sir Edmund Andros. Indian Hostilities. The Ten Years War. Distribution of Ammunition. Petition of Sudbury. Phipps Expedition. Sudbury Canada Grant. Witchcraft. Samuel Paris; Historical Sketch. Incorporation of Framingham. Miscellaneous Matters, . . . , 259
1700-1725.
Educational Advantages; Why so Small.— School Laws by the Province. Town Action. Grammar School ; Location. Mixed Schools. Masters. School-Houses. Ecclesiastical Matters.
Dismission of Rev. Mr. Sherman. Ordination of Rev. Israel Loring. Division of tlie Town into Two Precincts; Petitions, Remonstrances, Decision of the Court, Subsequent Action of the Town. Call of Mr. Loring by the People of the West Precinct; His Acceptance. Renewal of the Church Covenant by the People of the West Side; Subscribers Thereto. Settlement of Rev. Mr. Cook in the East Parish. Building of a Meeting-House on the West Side ; Location. Removal of the East Side MeetingHouse ; New Location 277
1700-1725.
Queen Anne's War; Attendant Hardships. Father Ralle's War ; Eastern Expedition, List of Sudbury Soldiers. Ranger Service; Its Nature. Death of Samuel Mossman. Imperiled Condition of Rutland. Death of Rev. Joseph Willard by the Indians. Petition for Assistance. List of Sudbury Soldiers at Rutland. Captain Wright's Letter. Lieut. William Brintnall ; His Letter. — Province Loans. River Meadow. Causeway. Roads. Miscellaneous. 295
1725-1750.
Highways. Bridges. Schools. Movement for a New Township; Remonstrances. Petition Relating to the River Meadows. — Sale of Peter Noyes's Donation of the Hop Brook Mill. Gratuities to the Ministers. Miscellaneous Matters. . . . 305
1725-1750.
Third French and Indian War. Sudbury Soldiers at Cape Breton. — Fort No. 4, N. H. Capt. Phineas Stevens. Sketch of His Life. His Service in Connection with the Building and Defense of the Fort. Capt. Josiah Brown. Engagement with French and Indians about the Fort. Petition of Captain Brown. Petition of Jonathan Stanhope. Battle between, the Forces of Captain Stevens and General Debeline. Expedition of Captain Hobbs. Battle between the Commands of Captain Hobbs and Chief Sackett. Sketch of Capt. Josiah Brown.— List of Captain Brown's Troopers, 313
1750-1775.
The Work-House. Regulations of it. Pest- House at Nobscot. Graves of Small-Pox Victims. Pest- Houses on the East Side. Graves of Victims. Inoculation for the Disease. Statistics Relating to It. Highway Work. Lottery for Repairing the Causeway. Schools. School-Houses. Fourth French and Indian War. Causes of It. Lists of Sudbury Soldiers in Various Campaigns. First and Second Foot Companies. Alarm List. Troops of Horse. Battle at Half- Way Brook. Death of Captain Dakin. Sketch of his Life. Covenant. Correspondence.
— French Neutrals. Death of Rev. William Cook. Settlement of Rev. Josiah Bridge. Death of Rev. Israel Loring. Sketch of His Life.— Settlement of Rev. Jacob Bigelow. Division of West Part into Wards. Powder House. Noon Houses.
— Pound. Measures to Suppress Swindling, . . . .327
1775-1800.
War of the Revolution. -Causes of It. Attitude of the Town Relative to the Stamp Act. ■ Instructions to the Representative Concerning It. Report of the Committee Relative to the Importation of Tea. Patriotic Resolutions of the Town. Instructions to its Representatives. An Old Document Descriptive of the Times. Military Preparations. Choice of Militia Officers. ■ — -Organization of Minute Companies. Names and Captains of Companies. Muster Rolls.- Equipments. Drill. Call Roll of Captain Nixon's Company. Military Stores Removed to Sudbury. The Alarm. The Mustering and March. The Arrival at Concord. The Encounter at the North Bridge. Retreat of the British. The Pursuit. Encounter at Merriam's Corner. At Hardy's Hill. Incident. Sudbury's Loss. Sketch of Deacon Josiah Haynes. Sketch of Mr. Asahel Read. 358
1775-1800.
Revolutionary War. Sudbury Soldiers at Bunker Hill. Muster Rolls of Captains Russell, Moore, and Haynes. Battle of Bunker Hill. Position and Service of the Regiments of Colonels
CONTENTS. XV.
Nixon and Brewer. Number of Casualties. The Siege of Boston. List of Men in Two Months Service. List of Men in Colonel Whitney's Regiment. Government Storehouses at Sand Hill. Service outside the State. List of Officers in Sudbury Companies in 177G. List of Men in Capt. Aaron Haynes's Company. Men in Captain Wheeler's Company at Ticonderoga; in Colonel Robinson's Regiment, in Colonel Read's Regiment. Supplementary List. Soldiers at Ticonderoga in 1770; in Captain Wheeler's Company, Captain Craft's Company, Captain Edgell's Company, Captain Aaron Haynes's Company. Canada Campaign.- New York Campaign. Men Enlisted for Three Years in 1777. Guard Roll. Pay Roll. List of Two Months Men in 1777. List of Three Months Men in 1777. Names of Sudbury Captains and Companies in the Field in 1778. Captain Maynard's Company. Captain Wheeler's Company. Captain Moulton's Company. Captain Haynes's Company. Captain Bowker's Company. Prices Paid for Enlistment in 1780. . . 383
1775-1800.
Revolutionary War. Report of a Committee Appointed by the Town to Estimate the Service of Sudbury Soldiers. Appointment of a Committee to Make up and Bring in Muster Rolls of the Services of Each Soldier in the War. Muster Rolls: Captain Rice's, Captain Wheeler's, Captain Maynard's, Captain Cutting's. Whole Number of Men in the War. Their Valiant Service. Casualties. Sketch of Gen. John Nixon. TownMeetings. Encouragements to Enlistment. Specimen of Enlistment Papers. Various Requisitions Made on the Town, . 402
1775-1800.
Attention the Town Bestowed on its Home Needs during the War. — Specimen Report of a Town-Meeting. Attitude of the Town towards the Measures of Boston Merchants relative to the Re duction of Prices. Appointment of Delegate to a Convention Called for the Purpose of Framing a New Constitution. Committee Appointed to Regulate Prices. Report of Committee. Vote on the New Constitution. Educational Matters. Division of the Town. Committee on a Line of Division. Committee Appointed to Present a Remonstrance to the Court Instructions
to the Committee. Act of the Court Authorizing a Division. Committee Appointed to Mal<e a Division of the Money and Real Estate. ■ Report of the Committee. Appointment of Other Committees. Financial Report. Official Boards for 17S0 and 1781. Miscellaneous. Shay's Rebellion.— Erection of Meeting-House.
— Miscellaneous, 415
1800-1825.
Early Families Residing in Sudbury about the Beginning of the Present Century. Families Who Came into Sudbury during the Interval between the Formation of the Town and about the Middle of the Present Century. Biographical Sketches, . . . 432
1800-1825.
Continuation of Old Customs to the Beginning of the Present Century. Inventory in a Will of 1806. Extracts from an Old Account Book. Description of Manners and Customs by an Old Inhabitant. Changes in the Early Part of the Nineteenth Century. Extract from "Fireside Hymns." Highway Work. North Sudbury Road. South Sudbury Road. Rebuilding Wash Bridge. Railing the Causeway. Setting out Willow Trees. Rebuilding the Canal Bridge. Miscellaneous. Educational Matters. Report of School Committee in 1802. -^ Removal of Centre School-House to the Common. Singing Society. Church Music. Military Matters. Patriotic Attitude Assumed by the Town. Money Pledged to Soldiers as Wages. As Bounty. Patriotic Resolutions. Militia Officers. How Chosen. Where.
— Specimen of Company Order. Soldiers in 1812. Wages per Day. Settlement of Rev. Timothy Hilliard. Ordaining Council. Dismission. Bill Allowed for Entertaining the Dismissing Council. Sketch of Mr. Hilliard. Appointment of a Day of Fasting and Prayer Relative to the Settlement of a New Minister.
— Call Extended to Rev. Rufus Hurlbut. Accepted. Death of Rev. Jacob Bigelow. His Annuity. Money Paid his Widow for Service Rendered by the Clergy as a Gift to her. Funeral Expenses. Sketch of Mr. Bigelow. Addition to the Church during his Ministry. Enlarging the Burying Ground. Purchase of a Bier and Hearse. Formation of "Sudbury Ministerial Land Corporation." Sale of Ministerial Land. Report of
the " Ministerial Fund Corporation," ...... 454
1825-1850.
History of the Sudbury Methodist Episcopal Church. Members of a Baptist Society in Sudbury in 1828. Town Farm. Town House. Erection of Tombs. Ecclesiastical Disturbance. Formation of a New Parish. Building of a Meeting-House. Dedication of it. Death of Rev. Rufus Hurlbut. Sketch of his Life. Settlement of Rev. Josiah Ballard. The Old Parish. Settlement of Rev. Linus Shaw. Sketch of his Life. Succession of Pastors. Miscellaneous, 472
1850-1875.
Names Applied to different Sections of the Town. Division into Districts. Change in the Districts. Description of South Sudbury. Location. Location of the Railroad Station. Tiie Boston and Worcester Highway. Houses Situated along this Highway half a Century Ago. Changes in Buildings.- The Village Grocery. Captain Kidder's Shoe Shop. Sketch of Captain Kidder. Sketch of Mrs. Kidder. The Mill. Wadsworth Monument. Industries. Modern Improvements.- Former and Present Owners or Occupants of Homesteads. The George Pitts Farm. ^Description of Sudbury Centre. Location. Oldest House. Location of Old Buildings. Noon House. Parsonages. Old Burying-Ground. Common. Grocery Stores. Mills. Former and Present Owners or Occupants of Homesteads. North Sudbury. Location. Post OfHce and Postmasters. Industries. Iron Ore. Grocery Stores. Change in Construction of Houses. Taverns. Saw-Mill. . . .484
1850-1875.
Description of School Districts. Lanham District. Territorial Limits. School-House. Old School Customs. Order of Exercises.— Examination Day. Former Dwellings. Their Owners or Occupants. Clay-Pits. South-West District. Origin of the Term Peakham. School-house. Name of it. -District Limits. Location of Railroad Station. Places of Historic Interest. Mills. Present and Former Owners or Occupants of
n; Homesteads. North-West District. Location of School-House.
— Assabet Village. The " Rice Tavern." The Oldest House.
— Early Inhabitants. North-East or Pantry District. Territorial Limits. Origin of the Name. Railroad Station. Pantry School-House. Poetic Description of it. Mr. Israel Haynes. Incident of his Life. Block House. Old Loring Parsonage. The Gravel Pit. Historic Reminiscences. Taverns. SchoolHouse. Indian Grave. Government Store-Houses. TrainingField. Irregularity of Town Boundary Line. Cause of it. Caleb Wheeler Farm, 501
1850-1875.
The Wadsworth Monument. Petition to the Legislature.^ Response. Description of the Monument. The old Slate Stone. Fac-simile of it. Dedication of the Monument. Dismission of Rev. Josiah Ballard. Sketch of his Life. Ordination of Rev. Charles V. Spear. His Dismission. Installation of Rev. Erastus Dickinson. His Dismission. Sketch of his Life. Rev. Webster Patterson. Settlement of Rev. Philander Thurston.— His Dismission. Sketch of Rev, George A. Oviatt. Rev. Calvin Fitts. Rev. David Goodale. Rev. Warren Richardson. — Deacons. Donation of Samuel Dana Hunt. Bequest of Miss Emily Thompson. Gifts from Mrs. Abigail Smith and Miss Ruth Carter. ^ Wadsworth Academy. Congregational Chapel. Changes in School Districts. In School-Houses. Numbering the Districts. The Goodnow Library. The Building. The Donor. Incorporation of Maynard. The Framingham and Lowell Railroad. The Massachusetts Central Railroad. Miscellaneous.
1850-1875.
The Civil War. Causes of it. Warlike Activity at the North. First War Meeting in Sudbury. The " Wadsworth Rifle Guards."
— Acts of the Town Relating to the War. Soldiers' Aid Society.
— Enlistments. Sketch of the Thirteenth Regiment. The Sixteenth. The Eighteenth. The Twentieth. The TwentySixth.— The Thirty-Fifth.— The Forty-Fifth. The Fifty-Ninth.
— Enlistments in other Regiments of Infantry. Sketch of First Massachusetts Cavalry. Enlistmenls in other Regiments of Cavalry. Enlistments in the Artillery Service. United States
Sanitary Commission. List of Conscripts. Casualties. Bioggraphical Sketches of Men who Died in the Service. Of Soldiers now Living in Sudbury. Summary of Service. List of Citizens Subject to a Draft in 18(33. Bicentennial of the Wadsworth Fight. Laying out of Road to Railroad Station, South Sudbury. The George Goodnow Bequest, 53.5
CEMETERIES.
First Burial Place. Old Burying-Ground at Sudbury Centre. Mount Wadsworth Cemetery. Mount Pleasant Cemetery. New Cemetery. North Sudbury Cemetery. Burial Customs, . .568
TAVERNS.
Early Names. Character and Importance. First Tavern. Others on the East Side. Taverns in the South Part of the Town. Description of the South Sudbury Tavern. "Howe's Tavern," or the "Wayside Inn." Mr. Longfellow's Connection with it. Location ^nd Early History. Description, The Last Landlord. Traditions Concerning it. Taverns on the Central Road of the Town. Taverns at North Sudbury, 588
PHYSICIANS.
Early Mention of Physicians. Biographical Sketch of Dr. Ebenezer Roby. Ebenezer Roby, 2d. Ebenezer Roby, 3d. Josiah Langdon. Moses Taft. Moses Mossman. Ashbel Kidder. Thomas Stearns. Levi Goodenough. Otis O. Johnson. George A. Oviatt, . . 599
TEMPERANCE.
Early Customs. Effects of Cider Drinking in North Sudbury. Connection of Taverns with the Liquor Traffic. Drinking Customs in South Sudbury. Common Use of Malt. Extract from James Thompson's Account Book. Dawn of Better Times. Pioneers in the Temperance Cause. Reformatory Measures. Temperance Reform, 605
COLLEGE GRADUATES AND PROFESSIONAL MEN.
List of Graduates before 1800. Biographical Sketches of College Graduates and Professional Men since 1800, .... 612
NATURAL FEATURES.
Hills. Forests. The Flora. Ponds. Brooks.— Sudbury River.
— Its Rise and Course.— Its Fish. Poetical Description of Pickerel P'ishing. Birds about the River. Poetical Description of Duck Hunting. Fur Bearing Animals about the River.
— Slow Current of the River, 621
THE RIVER MEADOWS.
Width of the Meadows. Former Productiveness. Litigation and Legislation.- Change in Productiveness. Causes of it. Natural Features at the Present Time. Grass, ..... 633
Public Bequests. Action of (he Town relative to the Publication of the History of Sudbury. Preparations for the Observance of the Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the Incorporation of the Town, 653
Rev. Alfred S. Hudson, Frontispiece.
View of Hop Brook Valley and Nobscot, .... 13
Jonas S. Hunt, 47
Map of House-lots, by Draper, 77
A Portion of Sudbury Centre, 107
Map of 1708, by Haynes, 125
The Goodnow Library, South Sudbury, .... 149
Residence of Joseph C. Howe, 183
The Browne Garrison House, 199
The Haynes Garrison House, 225
Map of 1676, by Hudson, 237
The Wadsworth Grave, South Sudbury, .... 251
The Walker Garrison House, 271
The Loring Parsonage, Sudbury Centre, .... 291
The Woods, or Allen House, 313
The Summer Residence of Hon. Homer Rogers, . . 333
The Common, Unitarian Church, Town House and Methodist Church, Sudbury Centre, 365
Residence of Charles P. Willis, 391
Residence of Samuel B. Rogers, South Sudbury, . . 413
Map of 1794, by Mossman, 429
Residence of Richard R. Horr, South Sudbury, . . 445
The Bigelow Parsonage, Sudbury Centre, .... 471
The Hurlbut Parsonage, Sudbury Centre, . . . 481
Mill Village (South Sudbury), 487
The Residence of Nahum Goodnow, 505
Rev. Josiah Ballard, 523
The Wadsworth Academy, South Sudrury, . . . 527
The Wadsworth Monument, South Sudbury, . . . 555
The Wayside Inn, 593
Residence of Nichols B. Hunt, South Sudbury, . . 605
The Residence of Hon. C. F. Gerry, Sudbury Centre, . 615
Residence of George E. Harrington, 643
CHAPTER I. page 1
Early Condition of the Country. Original Boundaries. Indian
Names. Primitive Forests. Laws concerning Timber. Clearings. Game. Johnson's Description. Meaning of "Meadow
Lands." "Old Connecticut Path." Indian Trails.
The town of Sudbury was settled in 1638, and received its
name in 1639. It was the nineteenth town in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and the second situated beyond the flow of
the tide. Originally it was bounded on the east by that part
of Watertown which is now Weston, on the north by Concord, and southerly and westerly by the wilderness, or the
unclaimed lands of the Colony. Up to the year 1637 there
was no white man's trail through the length or breadth of
this land tract. The smoke of no settler's cabin curled
upward through the tree-tops of its far-stretching forests,
and it was only the home of the Indian and the haunt of
wild beasts and birds.
The Indian name of the river and country adjacent on the.
north was Musketaquid, or Musketahquid, and it is presumable that the same name was applied to this region. Musketahquid is supposed to be made up of two Indian
words, muskeht, meaning " grass," and ahkeit, which signifies
"ground," the whole signifying "grassy ground;" and if
applied to the river, "grassy brook," or "meadow brook."
The name formed by these words, it is stated, as nearly
resembles Musketahquid as the Indian dialect will allow.
(Shattuck.) As the same stream runs through Concord and
Sudbury, and the meadows in these places are equally green
and broad, it is not by any means unlikely that the same
term was applied to each place and the river as it runs
through them both. This is rendered still more probable by
the fact that Karte, the Indian owner of the land first granted
at Sudbury, was also an owner, with others, of the territory
at Concord ; as the Colony records inform us that Karte, with
Tahattawan, the sachem of that place, with some others,
consented to the sale of territory to the English in 1637.
(See Chapter II.) As Karte lived in the territory that is
now Sudbury, and liis wigwam was not far from tlie river, it
is presumable that he would call the stream as it flowed near
his home by the same name that it was known by as it flowed
through his domains a few miles farther north. Moreover, it
is not to be supposed that the Sudbury Indians had no name
for their river.
Probably the first Englishman who made a record of this
word was William Wood, in a work entitled " New England
Prospects." Mr, Wood, it is supposed, came to this country
about 1633; that he then visited the Musketahquid region,
and was so charmed with its resources and scenery that, by
representations of it on his return to England, plans were
formed for a settlement at Concord. However this may be,
he first made a record of this Indian name of the river and
the adjacent country, and that before any town boundaries
could have limited its application or made local the name of
this old natural landmark.
The country about Sudbury at the time of its settlement
was largely covered with heavy timber. That tar making
was, to an extent, an early occupation indicates that these
trees were, many of them, pines. But probably not one of
them now remains ; the rapid growth and early decay of these
trees, and their fitness for buikling purposes, causing them
to disappear long since. A solitary pasture oak, left here
and there for a landmark or serviceable shade, is about all
that remains of those old monarchs of the wood.
But, notwithstanding there was formerly so much timber
land, we are not to suppose the country was one unbroken
forest ; on the contrary, it was interspersed with clearings ;
and the fact that in those first years the town was choice of
its timber, and passed stringent laws concerning it, indicates
that these clearings were considerable. The following are
some of the laws. In 1645 Edmund Goodnow was appointed
to look after the timber on the common, and liberty was
given him to designate what timber should be taken ; and
" it was ordered, that, if any one took any without his leave,
they were to forfeit nineteen pence a tree."
In 1646, "Ordered, that no oak timber shall be fallen without leave from those that are appointed by the town to give
leave to fell timber, that shall hew above eighteen inches at
the butt end."
Also, " That no man that hath timber of his own to supply
his want shall have anj^ timber granted upon the common."
In 1647, " It was ordered that the people should have timber for that year to supply their wants, for every two shillings that they paid the ministiy, one tree."
On different occasions persons were permitted to take the
town's timber as an encouragement to business, as when a
blacksmith was allowed so much as was necessary to build a
shop, on condition he would set up his trade in town.
In 1664 "timber was granted to Elias Reives for his building, and also timber and hoop poles for carrying on his cooper's trade, in case he would live in Sudbury six years, and
honestly and carefully do the town of Sudbury's cooper work
the said six years, both for making and trimming casks at
such honest rates as they are made and trimmed for at the
bay of Boston."
The cleared spaces were occasioned by both natural and
artificial causes. The Indians, by setting fires, cleared places
for their planting grounds and sunny spots for their homes.
The natural openings were the broad, beautiful meadows on
the river and brooks.
A remarkable feature of these forests was their freedom
from underbrush. The early settlers could traverse large
portions of them on horseback and meet with few obstacles,
except the streams and swamps. In places the forests Avere
kept clear by means of the annual fires which the Indians
set to facilitate transit and the capture of game. These fires
were set in the autumn, after the equinoctial storm, that
they might burn with less intensity and be more easily controlled. Afterwards the Colonial Court enacted laws regarding forest fires. It was ordered that " whoever kindles fires
in the woods before March 10 or after April 2, or on the last
day of the week or Lord's day, shall pay any damages that
any person shall lose thereby, and half so much to the common treasury."
The country afforded fine ranges for wild animals, and was
well stocked with game, which made it an attractive hunting
ground for the Indians. (See Chapter II.) Deer reeves
were annually chosen by the town for years after the settlement, and wolves were considered such a pest that a bounty
was set upon them. Prior to 1646 ten shillings were offered
apiece for them ; and repeatedly were laws enacted for the
destruction of these forest marauders. Bears found favorite
resorts among the highlands of Nobscot and Goodman's Hill,
and tradition informs us that within about a century one has
been killed at Green Hill. Beaver pelts were an article of
merchandise through a large part of the Musketahquid
country. Wild fowl were abundant. Turkeys strutted with
statel}^ tread in the lowlands by the meadow margins, and
large flocks of water fowl frequented the streams and made
their nests on their sedgy borders. Pigeons were plentiful,
and grouse enlivened the shrubbery of the numerous swamps.
The supply of fish was ample, including salmon, alewives,
shad and dace.
The following is a description of the place as given by
Johnson, a writer of 1654, in a book entitled " WonderWorking Providence : '' " This town is very well watered,
and hath store of plow-land; but by reason of the oaken roots
they have little broke up, considering the many Acres the
place affords ; but this kinde of land requires great strength to
break up, yet brings very good crops, and lasts long without
mending. . . . The place is furnished with great plenty of
fresh marsh, but, it lying very low, is much indamaged with
land floods, insomuch that when the summer proves wet they
lose part of their hay ; yet they are so sufficiently provided
that they take in cattel of other towns to winter."
In those early times meadow land had a meaning a little
unlike that which it now has. The term, at least in places,
was used to designate mowing land of whatever description,
after the manner of its significance in England. This distinction may have been made here by the early writer just quoted.
The marsh he refers to is doubtless the meadow on the socalled Great River, and the meadows those tracts by the
higher banks of the brooks and those found in natural forest
openings, or wherever the grass land abounded.
Before the Plantation of Sudbury was commenced, there
passed through the southeasterly corner of its territory a
memorable trail. This was a part of the " Old Connecticut
Path." This highway extended from the sea-board settlements far into the interior. From Watertown it passed
through what is now Waltham and Weston to that section
of Sudbury now Wayland ; from thence southwesterly to the
north side of Cochituate Pond, and on through the wilderness towards Connecticut. It is, we believe, the road now
traveled from Weston Corner, by the " Five Paths," W^ ayland, to Framingham. Mention is made of this way in the
town records as early as 1643, and again in 1648. Where it
passed through the town it was called "the road from Watertown to the Dunster Farm," a tract of six hundred acres granted
in 1640 to President Dunster of Harvard College, bounded on
the west by Cochituate Pond, and early leased by Edmund
Rice of Sudbury. This trail was first made known to the
English by some Nipnet Indians, who came to Boston bringing corn at a time when there was a scarcity of it in the colony. From this time for years it was the way travelled by
the English in their journeyings to the Connecticut valley.
In 1633 John Oldham and several others journeyed by it to
the westward, in search of a settlement. In 1635 some
inhabitants of Watertown took this way as they travelled to
Wethersfield, Conn., where a large part of them settled. A
year later the ministers Hooker and Stone, with about a hundred others and their families, took this path in their emigration to Hartford.
Thus through a portion of Sudbury passed an old and
historic road, which is interesting because of the things now
mentioned. But other associations also may cluster about
it. Because of this path, perhaps, the plantation at Sudbury
was started. This supposition is favored by various circumstances. The Watertown people, as they journeyed to Connecticut, may have been pleased with the country along this
part of the way, and as some of them returned to Watertown, at which place a plantation at Sudbury was afterwards
planned, favorable reports may have been rendered concerning it.
It was easy to obtain a view of it from the top of Reeves's
Hill, along which their path led, and it is not at all improbable that more than one traveler ascended that sightly eminence, and from it obtained a broad view of the INIusketahquid
and its adjacent meadows. The slow-winding stream, as it
flashed afar in the sunlight, and the wood-covered hills that
extended beyond, together with the proximity of such a
desirable spot to their Watertown home and the sea-board
towns, may have led to the plan of its early settlement.
Favorable to this conjecture is the fact that the Watertown
people petitioned for the land soon after the return of the
emigrants. But whether or not emigration through the place
by this path suggested or originated the settlement, it must
have aided it when once begun, and promoted exploration in
that locality.
A trail so near what was to be the first street of Sudbury
would be quite helpful in the conveyance of the various commodities that were essential in starting a settlement. The
planters journeying from Watertown could follow this wellworn way almost to the spot assigned for their house-lots
where they erected their cabin homes.
Besides this path from the sea-coast to the Nipnet country,
other trails doubtless led through the place, which were used
by the Indians, and which afterwards may have become traveled roads. As the town afforded favorite fishing i-esorts,
there were doubtless paths from various quarters leading to
them. There were doubtless such to the fishinsc weir and
fording place in the town's northerly part, and to the rocky
falls of the Sudbury River at the south. Karte probably had
a path from his hill-top home to the lodge of Tahattawan
at Concord. The old pasture path at Nobscot, which still
winds along the northern hill-slope by the spring and the
Nixon farm, was perhaps the well-known way of Tantamous
as he visited the wigwam of Karte at Goodman's hill, or
attended the preaching of John Eliot at Natick, or with a
pack of candle or light -wood upon his back, went with
spear or net to the Musketahquid to fish. Thus the country
of Sudbury at the time of its settlement was, perhaps, more
than ordinarily broken by paths ; and its timber lands, rich
pasturage, and facilities for the capture of game and fish,
made it attractive to both the Indians and the Enolish.
CHAPTER II. page 8
Indians of Sudbury Territory. Relics. Localities where they Lived:
at Nobscot, the Vicinity of the River, Weir Hill, Cochituate.
Names and History of Prominent Indians: Karte, Tantamous,
Nataous. Description of Wigwams. Food. Characteristics.
Method of Hunting and Fishing. Tribal Relations. Nature of
their Early Intercourse with the English.
8
Beside this sickness, there was another that raged a Httle
hiter. This was the small-pox scourge, which prevailed during the winter of 1633. Drake says of the fatality of it,
that " The Indians died by scores and hundreds ; so fast,
indeed, that the services of the white men were called into
requisition to give them burial." He says the pestilence was
not confined to a single locality, but swept with destructive
effect through all the sea-board nations. The Narragansetts
were reported to have lost seven hundred men, and the warlike Pequots an unknown number. If such was the fatality
of these diseases along the Massachusetts Ba}' shores, it is
not unlikely that it extended as far inland as Sudbury, and
if so, that it thinned out the inhabitants. The supposition
that this was the case is strengthened by the absence, in the
records, of many Indian names of places. Few of these names
suggest that there were few people to speak them, or to pass
them along to the race that next possessed the land. There
are but few places in Sudbury whose names are suggestive of
the murmuring woods or the rij^pling streams. They are
more of English than of Indian origin. The name of Nobscot is still the reminder of a race that has passed away.
Cochituate Lake and the highlands about it, places once near
the town's southeasterly limits, have a name unmistakably
Indian. Assabet or Assabeth, the name of a stream running
through Maynard, a place once a part of the tOAvn, savors in
sound of the Indian dialect ; yet the origin of this term has
been a matter of doubt, as it has been spelled Assabeth, Elizbeth, Elzebet and Elizebeth. Even the name of Karte, who
once owned a large part of the town's territory, has been
spelled and pronounced Cato, and the place of his abode
called Goodman's Hill, with all its prosaic simplicity. The
" Great River," as the town's principal stream was once
called, now bears no name suggestive of its natural features ;
of meadows green with their grassy covering, outstretching
to forest and flowery bank, or winding along its swampy outskirts, where the vine and berry bush produce their rich,
plentiful fruit; but it is now known as plain "Sudbury
River."
But although no distinct tribe is known to have existed in
the territory when it was settled, and the evidence is that the
town was not largely occupied by Indians, it is nevertheless
probable that at some period they were considerably numerous. That this may be so is indicated by various circumstances. First, the natural features were such as would
invite them to it, and induce them to remain. There was
the hill, valley and plain, just suited for corn lands or fine
ranges for game, while the streams and ponds had supplies
of fish. It is doubtful if there is a town about it where more
advantages meet to make the Indian life eas}^ than here.
The natives depended largely for subsistence upon maize,
game and fish ; hence good land, easily worked and in close
proximity to places where they could take game and fish, were
the conditions of Indian comfort. That these natural advantages were once improved by the Indians is evident from the
number of relics which have been found in various localities.
These consist of arrow and spear heads ; stone plummets ;
chisels and gouges; mortars and pestles, implements for
pounding and crushing corn ; stone tomahawks or hatchets;
and what may have been the stone kettle. Beside these,
there have been unearthed by the plowshare small stones,
that show the probable action of heat, and which may have
been used for their hearthstones, or to form rude ovens for
the purpose of cooking. Where these stones are found under
circumstances favorable to the supposition, they indicate the
former existence of a wigwam or cluster of wigwams. The
favorable circumstances are the neighborhood of a fishing or
fording place, or the common conveniences of a life in the
woods. These wigwams were more or less on dry, sandy
spots, such as are in the present wind-swept, and sparsely
covered with grass. Such places were probably selected as
natural forest openings, where, because of the light, sandy
soil, the wood growth would likely be small, and where the
rays of the winter sun would more easily penetrate, to give
light and heat. When in such places various relics are found,
it is highly probable that there may have been situated an
Indian dwelling-place.
In several such spots in Sudburj', various relics have been
found, notable among which is one by the river meadow, just
east of the Jonathan Wheeler place. It is between the
meadow margin and the Water Row road, and has an area
of one or two acres. It is a light, sandy upland, in places,
almost or quite without sod. Arrow-heads and plummets
have been found there in abundance, and of a kind of stone
unlike any native to the neighborhood. These relics have
not only been 'unearthed there by the plow or spade, but
some have been uncovered by the wind. Another place
where relics have been found in abundance is on the Coolidge estate, by the Lanham Meadows, a little south of the
East Sudbury depot. This spot is also of a light, sandy soil,
and has a sand pit Avithin it. A little farther north in this
district, on the Frank Walker estate, arrow-heads and parts
of a mortar or stone kettle were found ; while southerly' of
Lanham Brook, on the Albert Larkin estate, on an upland
some rods west of the house, arrow-heads have been quite
numerous.
Another place worthy of mention is at South Sudbury, on
the east side of Mill Brook, on what was lately the farm of
Israel How Brown. The spot is a little southeasterly of a
rock by the brook called " Great Rock," and midway between
that and the Goodnow Library. On this place, which is a
light, loamy upland, within the space of a few rods have been
plowed up quite a quantity of loose, discolored stones, that
look as if they had been subjected to the action of fire, and
also coal and charred pieces of wood. The nature of the
place at South Sudbury is such as would be favorable to
Indian occupation. Before the mill was erected there was
probablj^ quite a fall to Hop Brook, and for some distance the
shoal, sparkling stream might form a fine fishing place in the
season of the alewives or shad.
In the west part of the town, at a sandy spot between the
Solomon Button and Otis Parmenter places, Indian relics
have also been extensively found.
At North Sudbury there were likewise indications of the
presence of these former inhabitants. Says Mr. John Maynard, " I have found on my land, east of Cedar Swamp, a
stone axe, part of a tomahawk, a gouge, chisel, flaying knife,
and other strange things : also about four hundred arrowheads, one-half of them broken. I have plowed over seven
or eight collections of paving stones that were discolored
by fire, that I suppose were the hearthstones of Indian wigAvams."
There are some parts of the town which we will especially
notice as being places that were perhaps occupied by the
Indians in considerable companies. These are the neighborhood of Nobscot, the River, Weir Hill, and Cochituate Pond.
In the vicinity of Nobscot there is little doubt but that Indians once made their homes ; as tradition, record and relics
give evidence of it. As we shall notice further on, a noted
Indian by the name of Jethro had a wigwam near there, and
it is supposed the Indians had a lookout there. At the base
of the hill, along the plain land, on the estate of Hubbard
Brown, by the brook, and also on the land south of the Framingham road, more or less stone relics have been discovered.
The old "Indian wash-bowl," so called, is pointed out in a
field about east of the hill. This is an excavation shaped
like a wash-bowl, formed in a large rock, and may have been
made by nature or art. Probably it was never used as a
washing place by the Indians, but, if made or used by them
at all, it may have been for grinding corn.
That the Indians largely frequented the neighborhood of
the river is quite evident. They probably lived along almost
its whole course, as relics of them have been found here and
there from one bound of the town to the other. On the east
side of the river was an Indian burial place. (See chapter on
cemeteries.) An Indian skeleton has been exhumed by the
roadside at Sand Hill. This was discovered when the road
was built, by a person who was passing by. He drew it
from the bank, together with several Indian relics. The
" old Indian bridge " was supposed to be southerly of Sand
Hill, over West Brook, and formed a crossing in the direction of Heard's Pond. The home of Karte was not far from
the river. From his wigwam home on the hill, he could
easily reach the mooring place of his birch canoe, or look
down upon the expanse of broad meadow lands, green with
their covering in Summer, or brown with the frosts of Fall.
Pie could watch the early flight of wild water fowl, or perhaps catch a glimpse of the canoe of Tahatawan as it glided
up the Musketahquid.
But the places where it is supposed the Indians were more
numerous than at any other point along the river were toward
the town's northeast bound. Near this point were fording
and fishing places. One of these was at Weir Hill, below
Sherman's Bridge. The very locality of this place is favorable for Indian occupancy. It is situated at a point of the
river where, as we have been informed, at low water the
river can be forded. On its opposite bank a hill extends
almost to the stream, and on either side the meadow bank is
hard, which is a circumstance rare on the river course. At
this place tradition says there was an Indian fishing weir,
which old inhabitants state was about northeast of Weir
Hill ; and from this the hill has derived its name. The fishing weir was an important thing for the Indians, as by means
of it large quantities of fish could be taken. The principle
of construction was the placing across the river of an obstruction, as perhaps some kind of a fence, which, running diagonally from either bank to tlie centre of the stream, left a
small aperture at the apex, where the fish could be taken in
a wicket work or net. Such an apparatus, at a favorable
place on the river, would supply fish for a considerable village. These fish served not only a present purpose, but were
dried and preserved for future use. Another inducement for
Indians to locate in this part of the town was a good fording
place just below Weir Hill, which is at or near a small hill
called Mount Headley, and is between the river and tlie
county road. That this locality was improved by the Indians
is evident from the quantities of relics that have been found
there. Both about here and at Weir Hill more or less of
these have been picked up ; and, at the latter place, their
hearthstones have been unearthed by the plowsliare, with the
coals still upon them.
As has been stated, there are indications that the Indians
once dwelt in considerable numbers about Cochituate Pond.
The region about there was favorable to Indian occupation,
not only on account of the lake itself, but because of its nearness to the falls of Sudbury River (Saxonville). The name
of the locality has been spelled Wachittuate, Cocliituet,
Chochichawicke, Coijchawicke, Catchchauitt, Charchittawick,
Katchetiiit, Oochichawauke, Cochicliowicke. The word as
now spelled is found in a record dated 1644, in connection
with laying out the Glover farm. " The southwest bounds
are the little river that issuetli out of the Great Pond at
Oochituate.''^ This record, as \vell as others, also shows that
originally the term was applied, not to the pond, but to the
region near the outlet. Temple states that the w^ord signifies, " place of the rushing torrent," or, " wild dashing brook."
On the westerl}'- side of the pond was an Indian fort, and,
near by, a permanent settlement.
Not very much is known, at most, of the Indians who lived
in Sudbury at the time of its settlement ; but a few facts are
on record concerning some of them.
Karte was owner of the first land tract which was sold to the
Sudbury settlers. His home at one time was at Goodman's
Hill, sometimes called Wigwam Hill, but where he lived
in his last years is unknown. That he was a man of some
prominence in and about the town is probable, not onlj'" from
the amount of his landed possessions there, but from his association with certain rulers or sagamores at the sale of a weir
and planting grounds at Concord. Of this transaction the
following account is found in the Colony Records :
"5th, 6mo., 1637. Wibbacowett; Squaw Sachem ; Natanquati.ck, alias Old Man: Carte, alias Goodmand; did express
their consent to the sale of the Weirs at Concord, over
against the town : and all the planting ground which hath
been formerly planted by the Indians, to the inhabitants of
Concord; of which there was a writing, with their marks
subscribed, given into court expressing the price."
It is said that he Avas an attendant upon the ministry of
Rev. Edmund Brown, first minister of Sudbury; and that by
liis preaching he was converted to the Christian religion.
Another Indian of some notoriety was Tantamous, who
was also called Jethro. He had a son called Peter Jethro.
On an old survey is " Peter Jethro's field," near Nobscot
Hill, where Jethro lived. This field was upon a farm once
in the possession of Mr. Ezekiel How. According to Drake,
Tantamous lived at Nobscot Hill at the beginning of King
Philip's war, and there were about twelve persons in his
family. He was present with Waban of Natick, and some
other natives, at the sale of the territory which is now the
town of Concord. When about seventy years old, he made
a deposition about the transaction, and in connection with
that deposition is spoken of as a Christian Indian of Natick.
In 1674, Tantamous was appointed missionary to the Indians
at Weshakim (Sterling), but remained there for a short time
only. Mr. Gookin speaks of him as a " grave and pious
Indian," and says he was sent to be a teacher at a place near
Lancaster. In 1675, while Tantamous was living at Nobscot
with his family, he was ordered by the Colony to Deer
Island, Boston Harbor, for security. Resenting the ill usage
that was received from those conducting them there, Jethro
and his family escaped in the darkness of night. He was
betrayed, however, by his son, Peter Jethro, into the hands
of the English, by whom, according to Hubbard, he was executed, Sept. 26, 1676.
Peter Jethro, or Jethro the Younger, who was perhaps
also called Ammatohu (as this term was applied to one of
the Jethros), was connected with several real estate matters.
He was among the Indians who conveyed to John Haynes
and others thirty-two hundred acres of land east of "Quinsigamoge Pond," in Worcester. In 1684, he was among the
Indian grantors of the two-mile tract which was granted to
the Sudbury settlers, and laid out on the town's westerly side.
In 1683, Peter Jethro lived at Dunstable, with Mr. Jonathan
Ting ; and in consideration of this man's kindness, as shown
to himself and his uncle, Jethro gave Mr. Ting a tract of
land six miles square at Machapoag, north of Wachusett
Mountain and west of Groton, which he had obtained from
his uncle Jeffy.
Still another Indian of some prominence was Nataous. He
was also called William of Sudbury. "Indian William's
Meadow " is mentioned in the Colony Records as early as
1658. Rev. Edward Brown was to have " one small parcell
of three acres formerly called ' Indian William's Meadow,'
lying toward the falls of Cochittuat River." It is stated that
in 1662, he lived at Nipnax Hill, a place about three miles
north of the plantation at Natick, perhaps Reeves' Hill.
Hubbard speaks of him as being " very familiar with the
Avhites." Gookin states tliat he was among the "good men
and prudent " Avho were rulers at Natick. He Avas designated also as the Nipmuck Captain, and was called, in the
Colony Records, Netus; and by this name he was known in
some of the sad scenes of his subsequent life. This Indian,
whose beginning as a Christian was so bright, and who left
on record a religious confession, did sad work in Framingham,
by leading, near the outset of Philip's war, a party who
destroyed the house of Mr. Thomas Eames, a former resident
of Sudbury.
In 1668, Mr. Thomas Eames leased the " Pelham Farm "
(in Wayland), and it was ordered, that during his lease of
the place he should "pay to the minister fore pound (for) a
man and 20sh. to ever}^ £20 rate." Mr. Eames subsequently
moved to Framingliam, and made his liome near Mt. Waite,
in the southerly part of that town. When absent on a journey to Boston for a stock of ammunition, a party of Indians,
Feb. 1, 1676, burned his dwelling-house and barn, and killed
or carried away captive his family. We may not know all
the circumstances that led to this act, but it is supposed that
some of them were of an aggravating character.
English distrust had doubtless led to Indian suspicion.
The removal of certain parties from their homes to Deer
Island might not have been understood. Besides this, it is
said these Indians had been to Maguncook, an Indian station
near by, and, on finding that corn had been removed from
their granaries, they started out, partly for food and partly
for revenge, toward the nearest English settlement. Netus,
or Nataous, from this time probably joined the hostile tribes,
and made common cause with King Philip. We hear of
him afterwards near Sudbury, with a war part}^ which was
attacked in the night, March 27, 1676, by a party of English
from Sudbury and from the garrison at Marlboro. (See
chapter on Philip's War.) In that night encounter Netus
was slain, with several others of the enemy, while tlie}'^ were
asleep about their camp-fire. Thus sad were the closing
scenes in the history of Tantaraous and Netus, these illustrious sons of the forest.
The following are Indian names that have been preserved
in documents concerning real estate transactions in Sudhury: Jehojakim, Magos, Mnskqua, Musquamog, Wenneto,
Nepamun.
That no more Indian names are found in the records is no
evidence that other Indians did not inhabit the town at the
time of its settlement. Those Avhose names are recorded
were landed proprietors, and so connected with real estate
transactions ; but others of humble condition, and possessed
of nothing but a few utensils for the wigwam and chase, may
have ranged through the valley and over the hills.
Beside the Indians whose abode was in Sudbury, it is also
probable that Indians from neighboring hamlets or clans made
use of the town's hunting grounds, and were more or less
residents of them. On the north, east, and west were Indian
villages of considerable importance. At Natick they were
gathered in Christian relations by John Eliot, the apostle of
the Indians. At Concord were Tahattawan's subjects, and
at Nashoba, now Littleton, there was a praying band of
Indians. On the west, at Whipsuffrage, now Marlboro,
other Indians were gathered in friendly relations ; while at
Magunkaquog, or Maguncook, a place in Ashland, there was
also another station which had been established by Mr.
Eliot.
It is hardly supposable that, when so many Indians lived
in the surrounding localities, they did not from time to time
traverse the town, and resort to it for fishing and hunting, so
that, if the native inhabitants were few, the place might yet
be considerably occupied. It should furthermore be considered that one Indian householder might have a numerous
family. An Indian wigwam, as will be farther observed,
sometimes had capacity for several residents. It is said that
a dozen Indians lived at Jethro's house at Nobscot. Karte's
wigwam, at Goodman's Hill, ma}' not have been the home of
a single inhabitant, but a numerous family may have been
about him. His wigwam may have sheltered several families.
About the hill maj^ have resounded many a merry voice at
the coming of the early green corn, or the gathering in of
berries or nuts, or when the alewife or shad returned in the
spring ; or at the fall migration of birds, when the whistle of
the wild water fowl's wing was heard, and the pigeons made
their way over the plains.
Tlius merry may have been the places where even a single
wigwam stood ; and in those silent, now far-away times, there
may have been more of liveliness connected with aboriginal
life than we are wont to suppose. The inmates of wigwams
or villages may have had more or less intercourse in a neighbor-like way, Nataous visiting the residence of Karte, and
Karte calling on Tantamous. Tahattawan or his people may
have often passed through Sudbury from Concord to visit
John Eliot at Natick, and more than one may have been the
rougli wilderness paths they trod on errands of toil or friendly
intercourse. So that the town, if not very populous, may
have been far from a desolate or lonely place.
The character and habits of the Indians about Sudbury
were naturally in common with those of others in the near
vicinity. Probably no authority on this subject is more reliable than that of Mr. Gookin. He was associated with Mr.
Eliot in his labors, and was conversant with the mission stations in the vicinity of the town. From him we learn the
following about the customs, houses and food of the aborigines in this part of the country. The houses were called
" wigwams," and were made by placing poles in the ground,
and fastening them together at the top b}^ the bark of trees.
The best of these structures were covered neatly, and made
quite warm by strips of bark placed upon them. The bark
used for this purpose was stripped from the trees when the
sap was up, and made into great flakes by the pressure of
weighty timbers. By thus securing and using them when
•green, the flakes when dry retained the form to which they
were fitted. The more meanly made wigwams were covered
over with mats made of bulrushes. The Indian houses varied
considerably in size ; some were twenty, some forty feet long.
Says Gookin, " I have seen one fifty or a hundred feet long,
and thirty feet broad."
We are informed by Mrs. Rowlandson (see chapter on
Philip's War) that, after the Wadsworth fight, the Indians
made a wigwam sufficiently large to contain an hundred men
as a place in which to celebrate their victory. These wigwams were kept warm by a fire or fires made within. In
the smaller dwelling one fire was made in the centre ; in the
larger, two, three or four were sometimes made. A door was
formed by a mat hung at the entrance, to be raised as the
person entered, and dropped when he was within. Thus
there may have been more of warmth and comfort in these
rude forest homes than some are wont to suppose. Savs
Gookin, " I have often lodged in these wigwams, and found
them as warm as the best English houses." In the wiowani
was a sort of mattress or couch, raised about a foot high.
This was covered with boards split from trees, upon which
were placed mats or shins of the bear or deer. These
couches were large enough for three or four persons to sleep
on. They were six or eight feet broad, and could be drawn
nearer to or farther from the fire, as one chose.
The food of the Indian, to an extent, consisted of game,
the streams furnishing an abundance of fish, and the forests a
sujDply of game. Such a diet would be most easily obtained,
and the methods of obtaining it most in accord with the Indian's wild nature and life. But this food was by no means all.
Says Gookin, it consisted chiefly of Indian corn boiled. Sometimes they mixed beans with their corn, and frequently they
boiled in their pottage fish and flesh of all sorts, either fresh
or dry. Bones also were cut in pieces and used ; but, says
our authority, "they are so dextrous in separating the bones
from the fish when eating that they are never in danger of
being choked." They also mixed with their pottage various
kinds of roots, ground nuts, pompions (pumpkins), squashes,
acorns, walnuts and chestnuts, dried and pow^dered. Sometimes they beat their maize into meal, and sifted it through a
basket made for that purpose. With this meal tliey made
bread, which they baked in the ashes, after covering it with
leaves. They also made of this maize meal what was called
" Nokake," which it was said was sweet, toothsome and
hearty, so much so that when the Indian was going on a
journey, he would often take with him no food but a bag or
basket of this.
The corn was planted in places perhaps first cleared by
fire. It was planted when the oak-leaf was about the size
of a mouse's ear, and fertilized by a fish placed in the hill.
Gookin states that the Indian was given much to hospitality,
and that strangers were given their best lodging and diet.
Their religion consisted in the belief in a Good Spirit called
Kiton, and a Bad Spirit called Hobbammoc, and in a happy
hunting ground beyond the grave. They had their powwows and medicine men who served the place of a rude
priesthood among them, and they conformed to various customs which corresponded to their wild ways of life. Some
of these customs, as well as some of the coarse phases of
Indian character, are indicated by the following orders drawn
up and agreed upon at Concord, and as set forth by Rev.
Thomas Shepherd, an early minister at Cambridge.
These " conclusions and orders made and agreed upon by
divers sachems and other principal men amongst the Indians
at Concord in the end of the eleventh month (called January), An. 1616."
"2. That there shall be no more Powwowing amongst the
Indians. And if any shall hereafter powwow, both he that
shall powwow, and he that shall procure them to powwow,
shall pay twenty shillings apiece."
" 6. That they may be brought to the sight of the sinne
of lying."
" 8. They desire that no Indian hereafter shall have any
more but one wife."
"16. They intend to reform themselves in their former
greasing."
" 20. Whosoever shall play at their former games shall
pay ten shillings."
" 23. They shall not disguise themselves at their mourning as formerly, nor shall they keep a great noyse by howling." (Shattuck's History of Concord.)
Johnson speaks of them as " being in very great subjection
to the Divel," and the powwows as being "more conversant
with him than any others." But to the great glory of the
religion of Christ, it is said these notions were corrected
wherever civilization and Christianity were introduced. The
money or medium of exchange was warapurapage.
In the capture of game the methods were various. Fish
was taken both with the hook and spear. In the migrations
of the alewife and shad, the birch-bark canoes, torch and
spear, were probably effective means in the catch. The
canoes were sometimes forty feet long, saj's Gookin, and
would carry twenty men. The larger animals were perhaps
sometimes caught by the pitfall, a place dug in the ground,
and covered lightly with sticks and leaves, through which
the game when passing would fall ; sometimes by a forest
drive, by which means a portion of countrj^ was traversed by
a company of men deployed at short distances, who moved
towards a given point, where was a partial enclosure, through
which the animals were forced to pass ; at the place of exit,
hunters were stationed to dispatch the game as it strove to
make its way through.
Part of the Indians living in Sudbury, when its territory
was transferred to the English, belonged, as it is supposed, to
the Massachusetts Indians who lived about Massachusetts Bay,
and the remainder to the Nipmucks or Nipnets, who lived in
the interior of the State. Those who belonged to the former
were probably of the Mystic Indians, the chief of which
tribe was in the early part of the seventeenth century Nanapashemit. The home of this chieftain was at Medford, situated on a prominent place which overlooked the Mystic River.
He was killed by the Tarrentiues, a tribe of eastern Indians.
After his death, his wife reigned under the name of the squaw
sachem. She married Wibbacowett, the chief powwow or
priest (Shattuck). She also lived near the Mystic. The
subjects of this sachem or squaw probably extended nearly
or quite to the Nipmuck country, as it embraced Tahattawan
and his tribe at Concord.
Tribal relations so extended would probably include some
of Sudbury's Indians. Such is supposed to be the case.
It is stated in the Colony Records, that, in 1637, Karte was
associated with the squaw sachem at Medford in the sale of
a fishing weir at Concord, " and all the planting grounds
which hath been planted by the Indians there." Nataous, it
is supposed, was of Nipnet origin. If these prominent natives
of Sudbury had different tribal relations, so may it liave been
with others less prominent ; but whether they belonged to the
Nipnet or Massachusetts Indians, they all alike belonged to
the great family of Algonquins. The Algonquin Indians
included the class of American aborigines who inhabited
that part of the country extending for hundreds of miles
between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mississippi River. They
included Canada on the north, and their southern limits extended as far as North Carolina. Among these Indians were
various and powerful tribes, inhabiting various parts of this
extended territory. "The New England Indians inhabited
t]ie country from Connecticut to the Saco River. The principal tribes were the Narragansetts in Rhode Island and the
western shores of the Narragansett Bay, the Pokanokets and
Wampanoags on the eastern shore of the same bay and in a
portion of Massachusetts, the Nipmucks in the centre of Massachusetts, tlie Narragansetts in the vicinity of Boston and
the shores southward, and the Patuckets in the northeastern
part of Massachusetts, embracing the Pennacooks of New
Hampshire." (Lossing.)
In the early years of the town's history, the Indians in and
about the place were on friendly terms with their pale-faced
brethren. As has been noticed, on several sides of the town
were Indian mission stations, from which wilderness outposts
went forth the voice of prayer and praise. Influences so salutary not far from the borders of Sudbury might be expected
to reach into the town itself, and tend to bring its people
to a right way of life. These stations were, to an extent,
made up of people gathered from various parts. It was so
at Natick. Mr. Eliot gathered the natives from different
directions, and fostered with fatherly care those who sought
at his hands the truth, until he fell, as has been stated by
another, "like a great tree in the stillness of the woods."
Truly it might be expected that such influences, radiating like
light through the dark shadows of the unenlightened land,
would bring peace to the people, and that a loving, neighborlike spirit would pervade the life of both the Indian and his
white benefactors. Such natural results did prevail prior to
Philip's war. But that war and the death of Mr. Eliot were
sad blows to the poor aborigines : by the latter they lost a
friend, and by the former they were called to turn their backs
on the graves of their fathers, knowing not what the end was
to be. Allured, perhaps, by designing men of their race to
join Philip, and ordered from their homes to another locality,
it is not strange if some were demoralized, and that the Indians should become a weak and broken band. It is said that
at one time about three hundred Indians gathered at Natick
on a training occasion. But, as years passed on, they grew
rapidly less, even at this their old mission home. The last
family hereabouts has long since disappeared, their name is
unspoken, and their very graves are unknown. They have
been gathered to their fathers, with little to tell the stranger
where once they dwelt. The streams still sparkle, but not
for them ; the hills are crowned with our corn ; in the valley
our gardens smile ; our grain makes yellow the plain. The
town's natural outlook, in a measure, remains unchanged,
but a race has vanished, and the customs, language, and life
of another race is here.
" Like leaves on trees the race of man is found,
Now green in youth, now withering on the ground;
Another spring another race supplies,
These fall successive, and successive rise.
So generations in their course decay,
So flourish these when those have passed away."
It is true tlie Indian is still in the land, but how neglected
and lone ! As another has said :
" His eye rests on the earth, as if the grave
Were his sole hope, his last and only home.
His pride is dead ; his courage is no more ; .
His name is but a by-word. All the tribes
Who called this mighty continent their own
Are homeless, friendless wanderers on earth."
But while this race is passing, let us cherish what is good
in their history, and in charity excuse Avhat we reasonably
can of their faults. Above all, let us present to them the
truths that their great apostle, Mr. Eliot, so long and so successfully used.
CHAPTER III. page 24
Origin of the Sudbury Settlement. Why it was formed. Names of
Early Settlers : Residents of Watertown, Emigrants from England.
Passenger List of the Ship "Confidence." Tradition about John
Rutter. Character of the Settlers. Biographical Sketches.
And that-pale pilgrim band is gone,
That on this shore with trembling trod;
Ready to faint, yet bearing on
The ark of freedom and of God.
PlERPONT.
In passing from the early condition of the territory of
Sudbury, and its aboriginal inhabitants, we will next notice
who they Avere, who became possessed of this territory as
settlers, and so changed its condition ; whence they came,
their names, and their character.
The town was settled by Englishmen. The plan of settlement originated at Watertown, which was settled a few
years previous by Sir Richard Saltonstall and Company, who
came to America in the ship "Arbella." Mr. Saltonstall's
party landed at Salem, went from there to Charlestown, and
thence about four miles up Charles River, where they founded
Watertown. Few, if any, colonial places were better prospered than this. It rajjidly grew in strength and importance,
and soon parties went out from it to form new settlements.
Some went to the places noAV Dedham and Concord, and
some as far off as Wetliersfield, Conn. In fact, emigration
from Watertown helped form some of the best towns of the
period.
In 1637, it was proposed that a company proceed westerly,
and settle at what is now Sudbury. The reason for starting
this settlement was, as the petitioners state in their paper,
" straitness of accommodation, and want of more meadow."
Going westerly, they could obtain both these objects ; for,
bordering on the mother town was a territory through which
ran a large stream, with abundance of fresh water marsh. But
though the plan of settlement originated in Watertown, not
all of those who carried it into effect were inhabitants of that
place. To a large extent, the settlers came direct from England. Bond, the historian of that town, says, " Only a small
proportion of the names of the early grantees of Sudbury are on
the Watertown records ; and some who went there returned.
Some, whose names are on the records of both places, were
either residents of Sudbury but a very short time, or, it may
be, never lived there at all." The explanation of this may
be, first, that the plantation was not proposed because all the
petitioners designed to make it their permanent home, but
that it might be an outlet to an over-populous pLice. Watertown, it was considered, had too many inhabitants. The
emigrants of ship after ship, as they arrived at these shores,
went to the older places ; and this led to what was called
"straitness of accommodation." New land would present
greater allurements to the new comers, and the earlier settlers
would thus be left undisturbed in their original estates.
Secondly, speculative purposes may have led some to engage
in the scheme for the Sudbury settlement. More or less
doubtless enlisted in the enterprise designing to transfer their
titles to others, as fresh emigrants came to the country.
Sharing with the residents of the settlement the expense of
the undertaking, the}^ had a right to convey the lands that
were allotted them, and receive such compensation therefor
as their increased value miglit bring. Thus, while the plan
of the settlement of Sudbury originated at Watertown, and
some of the settlers came from there, yet largely, as we have
said, it was settled by emigration direct from England. Most
26
or all of the names of the earlier settlers have been pveseiTed,
and are repeatedly given in connection with land divisions
prior to the close of 1640.
From the town records we have compiled the following
list of the early grantees or settlers, who went to the Sudbury Plantation about 1638 or 1639 :
Mr. William Pelham,
Mr. Edmund Browne,
My. Peter Noyse,
Bryan Pendleton,
Walter Haine,
John Haine,
John Blandford,
Hugh Griffyn,''
Edmond Goodnowe,
Robert Beast,
Thomas Noyse,
Thomas Browne,
Robert Darnill,
AVilliam Browne,
Thomas Goodnow,
John Freeman,
Solomon Johnson,
William Ward,
Richard Newton,
John Howe,
George Munnings,
Anthony Whyte,
Andrew Belcher,
John Goodnowe,
John Reddock,
Thomas Whyte,
John Knight,
William Parkei',
John Parmenter, Senior,
Edmond Rice,
Henry Rice,
Wy ddo w B u ff u m thy te ,
Henry Curtis,
John Stone,
John Parmenter, Jun.,
John Rutter,
John Toll,
Henry Loker,
John Wood,
John Loker,
Widow Wright,
John Bent,
Nathaniel Treadaway,
Robert Hunt,
Widow Hunt.
John Maynard,
Joseph Taintor,
Robert Fordum, or Fordham,
Thomas Joslyn, or Jslen,
Richard Sanger,
Richard Bildcome,
Robert Davis,
Henry Prentiss,
Wm. Kerly,
Thomas Hoyte,
Thomas Flyn.
The following are names of persons who were at the settlement soon after it began :
Thomas Axdell,
Thomas Read,
John Moore,
Thomas Bisbii
Thomas Plympton, John Waterman,
Hugh Drury, Goodman Witherell,
Philemon Whale, John George,
Wm. How, ^ Thomas King,
John Smith, Peter King,
Thomas Buckmaster, Jonas or James Pendleton,
John Grout, John Woodward,
Thomas Cakebread, Shadrach Hapgood,
John Redit, Edward Wright.
Of the Sudbury settlers who once lived in Watertown, we
have the following names : Robert Betts (Beast), Thomas
Calcebread, Henry Curtis, Robert Daniel (Darnell), John
Grout, Solomon Johnson, John Knight, George Munnings,
William Parker, Bryan Pendleton, Richard Sanger, Jbseph
Tainter, Anthony White, Goodman (John) Wetherell, Nathaniel Treadaway, Jolin Stone.
Some of these men were prominent and valuable citizens
of Watertown. Bryan Pendleton Avas one of its early Selectmen. Nathaniel Treadaway and John Stone were sons-inlaw of Elder Edward How. Robert Betts had a share in the
Great Dividend Allotment, and the Beaver Brook "plow
lands." Of those who came direct from England, we have
on a single ship's list of passengers the names of some of the
most prominent persons in the Sudbury Plan.tation, namely:
" The list of the names of the Passeng''^ Intended for New
England in the good shipp the Confidence of London of C C.
tonnes John Jobson M'" And thus by vertue of the Lord
Treas" warr' of the xjth of April, 1638. Southampton,
24° Aprill 1638.
" Walter Hayne of Sutton Mandifield in the
County of Wilts Lennen Weaver 55
Eliz : Hayne his wife
Thomas Hayne \ their sonues
John Hayne \ under 16
Josias Hayne ) yeares of age.
Sufferance Hayne , their
Mary Hayne \ daughters
John Blauford \ their 27
John Riddett | 26
Rich Bild combe ) servants 16
Peter Noyce of Penton in the
County of South" (Southampton) yeoman 47
Thomas Noyce his sonne 15
Eliz : Noyce his daughter
Robert Davis \ his 30
John Rutter > ^^
Margarett Davis ) servants 26
Nicholas Gay | ""^Z^^i^ "' \ can-entev 50
Jane his wife
Mary Guy his daughter
-^ Joseph Taynter ) ^^.^^^^^
\ Robert Bayley )
^ohn Bent of Penton in the
County of South" Husbandman '^^
Martha Bent his Avife
Robert Bent ^
William Bent, their children
Peter Bent, > all under y^ age
John Bent | of 12 years
Ann Bent j
John Goodenowe of Semley
of Welsheir Husbandman 42
Jane Goodenowe his wife
Lydia Goodenowe j their
Jane Goodenowe ) daughters
Edmund Goodenowe of Dunhead in Wilsheire Husbandman 27
Ann Goodenowe his wife
) their sonnes
John Goodenowe ^ ^.^^^.^ ^^^^^
Thomas Goodenowe J ^^nder
Richard Sanger his servant
Thomas Goodenowe of Shasbiiiy § 80
Jane Goodenow his wife
Thomas Goodenowe his sonne
Ursnla Goodenowe his sister
Edmond Kerley j of Ashmore 22
William Kerley \ Husbandmen "
It is not certain tliat the young men mentioned in this
ship's list as "servants," or "hired men," ever came in that
capacity. John Rutter was by trade a carpenter ; Richard
Sanger was a blacksmith ; one had a family when he came ;
two others were afterward sons-in-law of the persons in
whose employ they ostensibly came ; and all of them took
their place among the substantial men of the settlement.
It was a tradition among the descendants of John Rutter,
without their having a knowledge that this ship's list was in
existence, that their ancestor came to this country disguised
as a servant.
The state of tlie times and tlie strictness of English laws
at that period, with regard to ships and emigrants coming to
America, might be a reason why some might come in disguise.
If this was so in the case of one, it might have been so with
regard to the rest.
In connection with the names of the settlers, it is appropriate to state something of their character. In attempting
this, perhaps we can do no better than to say that they fitly
represented the noble element that came to the New England
shores at that period. They were Puritans both in theory
and practice ; and afar from the conveniences and luxuries
of their native land, sought in a new country a home remote
from ecclesiastical and political strife. They embarked for
America at a time when England was in an unsettled condition, and when ship after ship was bringing to these shoi'es
some of her purest and stanchest citizens. As we pass
along, we shall see that they were a practical people, and
possessed of energy equal to the emergencies incident to
pioneer life ; and that they began the settlement as men who .
could forecast what a substantial and prosperous community
would require. The whole trend of their conduct is indicative of self-reliance, though recognizing all proper authority.
What the common weal required they took hold of with zest;
and in their adherence to what they thought suitable, they
showed a perseverance truly commendable. Their proceedings in town-meeting, and the manner in which the records
were kept, indicate that the education of a part of them at
least was good for the times ; and the measures enacted for
the common convenience and welfare show common sense
and sagacity.
As a religious j)eople, thej in no way lacked what we
ascribe to the historic Puritan. Although compelled by circumstances to economize all their resources, and to make the
most of time, talents and strength to meet the demands of
every day life, yet they found time to serve their Creator,
and praise and adore Him in their forest home. Their Christianit}" manifested itself in their steadfast adherence to the
Christian faith, in their reliance on God, and their love for
His holy law.
Industry was u prominent characteristic. From the minister down to the humblest citizen, each had a share in the
manual work of the settlement. Though the minister's salary was in part paid in produce, yet he was assigned lands
and attended to husbandry. Another characteristic trait of
the settlers seems to have been their desire for territorial
enlargement and possession, and for the pioneering of new
places. To such an extent did this spirit prevail in Sudbury
and its neighboring town. Concord, that the following law
was passed by the Court in .1645 :
" In regard of the great danger that Concord, Sudbury and
Dedham will be exposed unto, being inland Townes and but
thinly peopled, it is ordered that no man now inhabiting and
settled in an}^ of the s'd Townes (whether married or single)
shall remove to any other Town without the allowance of
the magistrates or the selectmen of the towns, until they
shall obtain leave to settle again."
The settlers of Sudbury were young men, or in the prime
of stirring manhood : they were not patriarchs near the close
of their pilgrimage. Even those with whom, because of their
prominence, we most associate dignity and gravity were compuratively young men wlieii the settlement began. By the
passenger-list of the "• Confidence " it will be noticed that
only Walter Haine had reached the age of 55, and John Rutter was only 22 ; Robert Davis, 30 ; John Blandford, 27 ;
John Reddet, 26 ; Peter Noyes, 47 ; Jolm Bent, 35 ; John
Goodenow, 42 ; Edmund Goodenow, 27 ; Thomas Goodenow,
30. These ages are doubtless correct, as we have in 1666 a
deposition made by one of them, Edmund Goodenow, in
which he alleges that he is about fifty-five years old. liev.
Edmund Browne was in about the prime of life when he
came to the plantation; and Edmund Rice was about thirtyfour. In fact, we find in an old petition })resented at the
close of Philip's war in 1676, from a dozen to a score or
more of names tliat may have belonged to the early grantees.
Probably from a quarter to a half century passed before there
was a generation of old men in Sudbury. Having noticed
thus much of the character of the Sudbury settlers collectively, we win give a few facts concerning them individually. These facts will serve the purpose not so much of
genealogy, as an introduction of these ancient worthies, with
wliom the history of our town is so closely connected.
William Pelham came to this country in the fleet with
Winthrop. and may have been a brother of Herbert and John
Pelham. Savage states that he lost the passage with the
" Govenor's son Henry, by going ashore at Cowes from the
'Arbella,' and trusting fortune for another ship." It is
recorded in the Colonial Records, 1645, that " Mr. William
Pelham being recommended to this Court by y^ town of
Sudbury for the Captaine, and Edmund Goodnow as tlie
Ensign, were both accepted and confirmed in their places by
this Court." In 1645-6 he was selectman, and representative in 1647. He returned to England, and was theie in
1652.
Edmund Browne. (See chapter on First Minister,
Meeting-House, etc., and period 1675-1700.)
Peter No yes came from England in the ship " Confidence," 1638. He is called "yeoman" in the ship's passenger list, but is repeatedly mentioned in the records of this
country as "gentleman;" and the term "Mr." is often
applied. After a short stay in America, he returned to
England, but came back the next year in the ship "Jonathan," with, it is supposed, other children, viz., Nicholas,
Dorothy, Abigail and Peter ; also the servants John Waterman, Richard Barnes and William Street. Mr. Noyes was a
freeman May 13, 1640, a selectman eighteen years, and represented the town at the General Court in 1640, '41 and '50.
He died Sept. 23, 1657. Three years before his death he
gave his estate in England to his son Thomas. The day
before his death he made a Avill in whicli he made his son
Thomas his executor, and named the following other children : Peter, Joseph, Elizabeth (wife of Josiah Haynes),
Dorothy (wife of John Haynes), Abigail (wife of Thomas
Plympton), his daughter-in-law Mary (wife of his son
Thomas), and his kinsman Sliadrach Hapgood. The Noyeses
have lived in various parts of the town. The mill on the
west side was built by them. (See period 1650-75.) Prominent members of the family are buried in the Old Buryingground, Wayland.
Bryan (or Brian) Pendleton came from England in
1634, and became a freeman Sept. 3, 1634. He went to
Sudbury from Watertown, where he was a grantee of ten lots
of land, which he sold when he left the place. He was one
of the prominent petitioners for a plantation at Sudbury, and
his name is on the town records as one of the foremost business men of the jjlace. He was early appointed to lead the
"train band," and was one of the early selectmen. A hill
in the centre of the town still bears the name of " Pendleton
Hill." (See chapter on Cemeteries.) Mr. Pendleton did not
live long in Sudbury, but returned to Watertown, which
place he represented in the Colonial Court for several years.
About 1642 he moved to Portsmouth, of which he was representative some years, and from thence went to Saco. At the
close of the Indian war of 1676, he returned to Portsmouth,
where lie died in 1681, leaving a will which was made Aug.
9, 1677, and probated Aug. 5, 1681.
Waltp]ii Haynes (Hayne or Haine) came to America
from England on the ship " Confidence," in 1638. (See
ship's passenger-list.) He was a freeman May 13, 1641. He
represented the town in the General Court in the years 1641,
'44, '48 and '51, and was a selectman ten years. Mr. Haynes
was probably one of the first grantees to erect a house on the
west side of the river, which house was probably the "Haynes
Garrison." He died Feb. 14, 1665. In his will, Thomas is
mentioned as being away from home, and Sufferance as being
the wife of Josiah Treadway, and Mary as the wife of Thomas
Noj-es. One piece of property disposed of in his will was a
tenement in Shaston, Dorsetshire, Eng. The Haynes family
has been well known and quite numerous in Sudbury. Members of it have lived in various parts of the town, and held
prominent ofBces, both civil and military. Capt. Aaron
Haynes commanded a Sudburj^ company that marched to
Concord on the memorable 19th of April, 1775, and participated in the stirring events of that day. Dea. Josiah Haynes
was slain in that contest at the age of eighty, and Joshua
Haynes was killed at the battle of Bunker Hill. (See Revolutionary period.) One of the descendants was Capt. Israel
Haynes, Avho represented the town in the Legislature at the
session when Charles Sumner was first elected United States
Senator. (See chapter on Pantr}^ District.) A descendant
now living in town is Hon. C. F. Gerry, who has served both
in the House of Represenatives and the Senate of Massachusetts, and whose wife, a great-granddaughter of Judge Foster, the first representative in Congress from New Hampshire,
Avas a well-known authoress.
John Haynes, son of Walter, came with his father, in
1638, in the "Confidence," at the age of sixteen. We hear
of him about 1658, with other Sudbury parties, in possession
of lands in the territory of Worcester. (See chapter on
Colonists from Sudbury.)
John Blandford came from England in the ship " Confidence," in 1638, at the age of twenty-seven. He came in
the emplo}' of Walter Haynes, and, it is supposed, brought
wdth him Mary, his first wife, who died Dec. 4, 1641. He
married for his second wife Dorotlw Wright. He had at
least four children, all born in this country, Sarah, Hannah,
John and Steven. He made a will, dated Oct. 21, 1687, probated Nov. 23 following before Sir Edmund Andros. His
widow received all of tlie estate for her life.
Hugh Griffin (or Griffing) was a freeman in 1645, and
held the office of the first town clerk in Sudbury. The Colony Records state that, in 1645, Hugh Griffiu was "appointed
clerk of the writs in place of Walter Haynes." He married
Elizabeth Upson, a widow, who had one daughter by a former
marriage. He died 1656, and left a will in which are mentioned as his children, Jonathan, Abigail (born Nov. 16,
1640), Sarah (born Nov. 20, 1642), Shemuel (born Jan. 9,
1643, O.S.), and also Hannah, daughter of his wife by her
former marriage. Among his descendants was Rev. Edward Dorr Griffin, D. D., who was a professor of Sacred
Rhetoric at Andover, a pastor of Park-Street Church, Boston,
and third president of Williams College. Dr. Griffin was born
at East Haddam, Conn., in 1670, and graduated at Yale College in 1790.
EDMU^!D GooDNOWE (Goodnow, Goodinow, Goodenow or
Goodenough) came in the "-Confidence," in 1638. The
house-lot assigned to him was on the north street, the third
east of the meeting-house, and adjacent to that of John
Haynes. He was an early inhabitant on the west side, and
probably built the " Goodnow Garrison." (See chapter on
Philip's War.) He was a freeman May 13, 1640. He
repeatedly represented the town at the General Court, was
appointed to lay out land, and was a captain of the town
militia. He died April 6, 1688, aged seventy-seven. His
wife, Ann, died March 9, 1675, at the age of sixtj^-seven.
Edmund Goodnow and wife were buried in the Old Buryingground, Wayland. Mr. Haj'Jies brought with him to America
his children John and Thomas. Hannah and Sarah were
born afterwards. Thomas, it is supposed, died young. Hannah married James Pendleton, April 29, 1656. Sarah married John Kettle. The Goodnow family has had a prominent position in town from an early date. It has largely
dwelt on the west side of the river, and to quite an extent
in the south part of the town. One of the descendants was
John Goodnow, the donor of the Goodnow Librarj^ who was
for many years a well-known mel'chant of Boston ; as was
also George Good now, who gave a fund for the aid of the
poor in Sudbury. Their father, John Goodnow, lived to be
over a hundred years old, and was the last survivor in Sudbury of those who did service in the Revolutionary War. He
was born on the Noah Clapp farm, about half way between
Sudbury Centre and South Sudbury, from which he went in
early life to lands in Lanham, formerly owned and occupied
by Thomas Read and his descendants.
Robert Betts (Best or Beast) came from Watertown,
where he owned lands. He died at Sudbury in 1655,
bequeathing his estate to his brother-in-law, William Hunt,
and other relatives.
Thomas Noyes. (See sketch of Peter Noyes.)
Thomas Broavne was at Concord in 1638, and was perhaps a brother of Rev. Edmund and William Browne. He
was a freeman March 14, 1639. His wife's name was Bridget, who died Jan. 5, 1681, and he had several children. It
is supposed he removed to Cambridge. He died Nov. 3, 1688.
Robert Darnel (Darniel or Darvell) came to Watertown, where he was a grantee of five house-lots. He died
in 1655.
Wn^LiAM Brown, Bond saj^s in his history of Watertown,
has been thought to be of the lineage of Christopher Brown
of Hawkedon, of the Parish of Bury St. Edmunds, County
of Suffolk, Eng. ; but no evidence of it has been discovered.
Probably William, Thomas and Edmund Brown were relatives, if not brothers, and all perhaps arrived at Sudbury at
or about the same time. William Brown was assigned a
house-lot on the south street of the settlement, the fourth
east of the first meeting-house, adjoining that of Edmund
Goodnow. He eventually settled near Nobscot, on a tract
of land of two hundred acres, which was granted him by the
General Court in answer to a petition presented by him in
1649. (Colonial Records, Vol. HI., p. 155.) He was a
freeman June 2, 1641, and became a prominent man at the
plantation, and at one time captain of the militia. He was
the first deacon of the church at Sudbury, and a representative under the new charter in 1692. About 1643 he "was
chosen and sworne surveyor of the amies of Sudbury." He
1137206
Avas married Nov. 15, 1641, to Mary, dangliter of Thomas
Berbeck or Bisby. (See sketch of Thomas Bisby.) He had
seven children, Mary, Thomas, William, Edmund, Hopestill,
Susanna and Elizabeth. His son Thomas, born May 22,
1645, known as Maj. Thomas Brown, was a man of considerable prominence, because of his public position and services. He married, in 1667, Patience Foster, who died
August, 1706, aged fifty-two. He married for his second
wife Mary Phipps of Cambridge, widow of Solomon Phipps,
Jr., and daughter of Dep.-Gov. Thomas Danforth. His
daughter Mary married, Jan. 8, 1691, Jonathan Willard of
Roxbury. Major Brown was a man much engaged in town
business, a representative for successive years, and commanded a company of horse in the Indian war. In 1701
he was allowed by the General Court compensation for a
horse lost in pursuit of the Indians in 1697. He died May
7, 1709, and the following note is found concerning him in
the diary of Judge Sewall : "Maj. Thomas Brown, Esq., of
Sudbury, was buried in the Old Burying-place." We consider it quite probable that the " Old Brown Garrison " in
Sudbury was built by Major Brown. (See chapter on
Philip's War.) Hopestill, another son, married for his fii-st
wife Abigail Haynes, and for his second wife Dorothy, the
Avidow of Rev. Samuel Paris of Salem withcraft notoriety.
(See period 1675-1700.) The original William Brown
homestead at Sudbury was probably at, or not far from,
the spot where the house now occupied by Hubbard Brown
formerly stood, which was by a large buttonwood tree on
the hillside, a short distance to the westward of its present
location. A short distance southerly, at or near the edge of
the plain, is still visible the site of another building. Either
of these may be the spot where William Brown erected the
first house on his grant of two hundred acres at Nobscot.
The Brown family has been numerous in Sudbury, living for
the most part on the west side of the river. Members of the
family have never ceased to dwell, and occupy land, in the
neighborhood of Nobscot. In the old homestead located
there the three brothers, John, Israel How and Edward,
were born ; and on the ancestral estate Everett and Hubbard, two sons of Edward, still live. A third son is Dr.
Frank Brown of Reading, a graduate, of Amherst College,
and surgeon in the Union army in the civil war.
Thomas Goodnow was a brother of John and Edmund,
and became a freeman in 1643. He was twice married, and
had seven children by his first wife, Jane. In his will, bearing date 1664, he mentions his brother Edmund and John
Ruddocke. He was petitioner for the Marlboro Plantation,
and moved there at its settlement. In 1661, '62 and '64, he
was one of its selectmen. At least two of his children were
born in Sudbury, Thomas, and Mar^^ who was born Aug. 25,
1640. The house of his son Samuel, who was born in 1646,
was one of the Marlboro garrison houses. jNIary was killed
and scalped b}' the Indians in 1707.
John Freeman. We have received but few facts relating
to this early grantee of Sudbury. His wife's name was Elizabeth, and he had one child, Joseph, who was born March 29,
1645, and who was a freeman in 1678.
Solomon Johnson became a freeman in 1651. He was
twice married, his first wife, Hannah, dying in 1651. By
this marriage he had three children, Joseph or Joshua and
Nathaniel, who were twins (born Feb. 3, 1640), and Mary
(born Jan. 23, 1644). He married for his second wife
Elinor Crafts, by whom he had four children, Caleb, who
died young, Samuel (born March 5, 1654), Hannah (born
April 27, 1656), and Caleb, again (born Oct. 1, 1658).
He assisted in the formation of the Marlboro Plantatation,
and was assigned a house-lot of twenty-three acres there.
He was selectman from 1651 to 1666. His son Caleb
purchased, with Thomas Brown and Thomas Drury, the
Glover farm near Cochituate Pond, of John Appleton, Jr.
Upon this land Caleb erected a house near Dudley Pond,
Wayland, and died there in 1777. In the inventory of his
real estate one piece of land was " Beaver-hole meadow."
William Ward came to this country about the time of
the settlement of Sudbuiy, bringing with him, it is supposed,
five children, John (born 1626), Joanna (born 1628), Obadiah (born 1632), Richard (born 1635), and Deborah (born
1637). He became a freeman in 1643. By his second wife,
Elizabeth, he had eight children born in America, Hannah
(born 1639), William (born Jan. 22, 1640). Samuel (born
Sept. 24, 1641), Elizabeth (born April 14, 1643), Increase
(born Feb. 22 1645), Hopestill (born Feb. 24, 1646), Eleazer (born 1649), and Bethia (born 1658). In 1643 Mr.
Ward represented the town as deput}^ to the General Court.
He was prominent in helping to establish a plantation at
Marlboro, and moved there in 1660. He was made deacon
of the church at its organization, and was sent as representative of the town in 1666. He died there Aug. 10, 1687,
leaving a will made April 6, 1686. His wife died Dec. 9,
1700, at the age of eighty-six.
Richard Newton came from England, and was a freeman
of the colony in 1645. He was a petitioner for the Marlboro
Plantation, and settled in that part of the place now Southboro. It is supposed he was twice married, and that Hannah, his last wife, died Dec. 5, 1697. He died Aug. 24,
1701, at the age of about one hundred vears. He had six
children, the first of whom, John, was born in 1641. The
second son was Moses, who, when the Indians attacked
Marlboro, in 1676, causing the inhabitants who were at
church to suddenly disperse, nobly remained to assist in
the escape of an aged woman. He received a ball in
his arm, but succeeded in removing the woman to a place
of safety.
John How (or Howe) was a son of John How, whom it
is supposed came from Warwickshire, Eng., and was descended from John How, the son of John of Hodinhull, who
was connected with the family of Sir Charles How of Lancaster, Eng. John How was admitted a freeman in 1641,
and two years later was one of the town's selectmen. In
1655 he was appointed to see that the youth were well
behaved on the Sabbath. He Avas said to be the first white
settler on the new grant land. He was petitioner for the
Marlboro Plantation in 1657, and moved to that place about
the same year. He was located east of the Indian "planting
field," and was the first tavern-keeper in Marlboro, having
kept a public house there as early, at least, as 1670. At this
ordinary his grandson, who afterwards kept the Sudbury
" Red Horse Tavern," ma}^ have been favorably struck with
the occupation of an innholder, and thus led to establish the
business at Sudbury. Mr. How was a man of kindly feeling
and uprightness of character, and both Sudbury and Marlboro were favored with the presence of successive generations of the family. John How died at Marlboro in 1687, at
which place and about which time his wife also died. (See
chapter on Wayside Inn.)
George Munnings (or MuUings), aged thirty-seven,
came from Ipswich, County of Suffolk, Eng., in tlie ship
" Elizabeth," in 1634. He was accompanied by his wife,
Elizabeth, aged forty- one, and two cliildren, Elizabeth and
Abigail, aged respectively twelve and seven, and perha2)S a
daughter Rebecca. He was for a time at Watertown, and
became a freeman March 4, 1635. He was an active man,
and prominent in public affairs, both of church and state.
He was in the Pequot war, and lost an eye in the service.
In 1845 he resided at Boston, at which place he died Aug.
24, 1658. By a will, made the day before his death, he gave
his estate to his wife.
Anthony Whyte (or White), aged twenty-seven, came
from Ipswich, County of Suffolk, Eng., in 1634. He came
to this country in the " Francis," went to Watertown, and
subsequently engaged in the enterprise of a settlement at
Sudbury. Afterwards he returned to Watertown. He married Grace Hall, Sept. 8, 1645, and had three children, all
born in Watertown, Abigail, John and Mary. He died
March 8, 1686, leaving a will, of which Rebecca, widow of
his son John, was named executrix.
Andrew Belcher married Elizabeth, daughter of Nicholas Danforth of Cambridge, Oct. 1, 1639. His occupation at
one time was that of taverner. He had six children, Elizabeth (born Aug. 17, 1640), Jemina (born April 5, 1642),
Martha (born July 26, 1644), Mary (born ), Andrew
(born Jan. 1, 1647), and Ann (born Jan. 1, 1649). He
died June 26, 1680, leaving a widow.
John Goodnowe was a brother of Edmund, and came
with him in the ship " Confidence," at the age of forty-two.
He was a freeman June 2, 1641, and a selectman of Sudbury
in 1644. His daughters Lydia and Jane came with him.
He died March 28, 1554.
John Reddocke (Ruddocke or Reddick) became a freeman of the colony in 1640. He was active!}' engaged in
forming the phmtation at Marlboro, and in the assignment
of house-lots he received fifty acres of land. His homestead was northwesterly of the Marlboro meeting-house. He
was three times married, his second wife, Jane, being sister
of Rev. Mr. Brimsmead, pastor of the Marlboro church. He
built one of the first frame houses in Marlboro, was one of
its first selectmen, first town clerk, and deacon of the church.
Thomas White was a freeman May 13, 1640. He was a
selectman in 1642, and shared in the first three divisions of
land.
John Knight came from Watertown, where he lived in
1636. He was a freeman in 1642, and was by trade a
manlster.
William Parker came from Watertown. He became a
freeman June 2, 1641. The name of liis wife was Elizabeth,
and he had two children, Ephraim (who died in 1640, aged
five months) and Ruhamah (born Sept. 19, 1641). He had
land assigned him in the first and second division of meadow
lands, which amounted to five and one -half acres. The
house-lot assigned him was on Bridle Point Road, adjacent
to Peter Noyes. None of the Parker family bea,ring the
name now live in Sudbury.
John Parmenter, Sr., (Parmeter or Peimenter) came
from England to Watertown, and from there to Sudbury,
and was made a freeman May 13, 1640. He was accompanied to America by his wife Bridget and his son John,
who became a freeman May, 1642. Other children may have
come from England with them. His wife died April 6, 1660,
after which he removed to Roxbury, Mass., where he married Aug. 9, 1660, Annie Dane, widow of John Dane. He
died May 1, 1671, aged eighty-three. Mr. Parmenter was
one of the early selectmen, and second deacon of the
church, to which office he was chosen in 1658. Sept. 4,
1639, he was appointed one of the commission to lay out
the land.
Edmund Rice was born in 1594, and came to this country
from Barkhamstead, Hertfordsliire, Eng. He was twice married. His first wife, Tamazine, died at Sudbury, where she
was buried June 18, 1654. His second wife, whom he married Marcli 1, 1655, was Mercie (Hurd) Brigham, widow of
Thomas Brigham of Cambridge. He had twelve children,
nine of whom were born in England, and the others in Sudbury: Henrj^ (born 1616), Edward (born 1618), Edmund,
Thomas, Mary, Lydia (born 1627), Matthew (born 1629),
Daniel (born 1632), Samuel (born 1634), Joseph (born
1637), Benjamin (born 1640), Ruth (born 1659), and
Ann (born 1661). Mr. Rice died May 3, 1663, at Marl^
boro, aged about sixty-nine, and was buried in Sudbury.
His widow married William Hunt of Marlboro. Mr. Rice
was a prominent man' in the settlement. He early owned
lands in and out of the town, some of which came by
grant of the General Court. His first dwelling-place
at Sudbury was on the old north street. Sept. 1, 1642,
he sold this place to John Moore, and Sept. 13 of the
same year leased, for six years, the Dunster Farm, which
lay just east of Cochituate Pond. He bought of the widow
Mary Axdell six acres of land and her dwelling-house,
which were in the south part of the town, and some years
afterwards he bought of Philemon Whale his house and nine
acres of land near "the spring" and adjacent to the Axdell
place ; and these taken together, in part at least, formed the
old Rice homestead, not far from the " Five Paths " (Wayland). This old homestead remained in the Rice family for
generations. Edmund sold it to Edmund, his son, who
passed it to his sons John and Edmund, and afterwards John
transferred his share of it to his brother Edmund, by whom
it passed to others of the family, who occupied it till within
the last half century. On Sept. 26, 1647, Mr. Rice leased
the " Glover Farm " for ten years, and April 8, 1657, he purchased the " Jennison Farm," which comprised two hundred
acres, situated by the town's southerly boundary, and between the " Dunster Farm " and what is now Weston ; and
June 24, 1659, the " Dunster Farm " was purchased by Mr.
Rice and his son. Mr. Rice was one of the substantial men
of the Sudbury plantation. He was a freeman May 13, 1640,
and was one of the committee appointed b}' the Colonial
Court, Sept. 4, 1639, to apportion land to the inhabitants.
He served as selectman from 1639 to 1644, and was deputy
to the General Court several successive years. He was prominent in the settlement of Marlboi'o, for which he was a petitioner in 1656. The Rice family in Sudbury have been
numerous, and the name has been frequently mentioned on
the town books.
Henky Rice was the son of Edmund (see sketch of
Edmund Rice), and was born in England, 1616. He was
assigned a house-lot on the south street of the settlement,
adjacent to that of John Maynard on the east, and his father,
Edmund, on the west.
Widow Buffumthyte (or Buffumthrope). We have
received no facts concerning this early grantee, except that
she received early allotments of land.
Henry Curtis (or Curtice) had his homestead on the
north street of the settlement, probably about where, until
within nearly a half century, an old house called the Curtis
House stood. His descendants have been conspicuous, not
only in town historj^ but also in that of the county and
colony. Ephraim, his son, was a famous Indian scout. (See
chapter on Philip's War.) Major Curtis, whose grave is in
the west part of the " Old Burying-ground," Wayland, was
a distinguished citizen. (See chapter on Cemeteries.)
John Stone came to Sudbur}' from Cambridge, and was
son of Dea. Gregory Stone of that place. He was born in
England, and accompanied his father to America. He married Ann, daughter of Elder Edward Howe of Watertown,
and had ten children, most of whom were born in Sudbury.
He was at one time an elder in the church, and in 1655 was
town clerk. He was an early settler on land now in Framingham, and at one time owned the land that is now included in
Saxonville. It is supposed when the Indian war began he
removed to Cambridge. He was representative of that town
in 1682-83. He died May 5, 1683, aged sixty-four.
John Parmenter, Jr., was also an early proprietor, and
kept a tavern or ordinary, at which the committee of the
43
Colonial Court and Ecclesiastical Council for the settlement
of difficulties in Sudbury, in 1655, were entertained. The
old ordinary was situated on the south street of the settlement (Wayland), on the house-lot assigned at the general
allotment of 1639. And until near the beginning of the
present century the "Old Parmenter Tavern" was continued
at the same spot, a little westerly of the house occupied by
the late Dana Parmenter. John Parmenter, Jr., had six
children, among whom was one named John. His wife, Amy,
died 1681. The Parmenter family has been numerous in
Sudbury; they have lived in various parts of the town, and
been a people of industry and thrift.
Ai'mes.
RUTTER.
•Gules, three Garbs and Chief, a Lton Passant Argent,
OR Mullet for difference.
Nicholas Rutter descended from Kinsley Hall in Com. Chester, who
came first and lived at Hilcot in Com. Glouc.
John Rutter came to America in the ship "Confidence,"
in 1638, at the age of twenty-two. He married Elizabeth
Plympton, who came to this country in the ship "Jonathan,"
in 1639, having as fellow-passengers Peter Noyes, who was
on his second voj^age to America, and also the mother and
sister of John Bent, both of whom were named Agnes.
(See sketch of John Bent.) John Rutter had a house-lot
assigned him on the north street, a little westerly of Clay-pit
Hill. He was by trade a carpenter, and engaged with the
town to build the first meeting-house. (See chapter on First
Meeting-house.) He had three children, Elizabeth, John
and Joseph. About the time of the settlement several acres
of land were given him by the town, in acknowledgment
of some public service. He was selectman in 1675. His
descendants for many years lived on the south street. Wayland ; and the old homestead of Joseph Rutter, which name
has been in the family almost from the very first, still stands,
being occupied at present by Mr. James A. Draper. At this
spot Gen. Micah Maynard Rutter, son of Joseph, was born
in 1779. Gen. Rutter was a prominent man in Middlesex
County. For years he held the position of sheriff, and received the commission of General from Gov. Lincoln. He
was energetic and public spirited, and interested in all that
pertained to the well being of the community. He died in
1837. Another descendant was Dr. Joseph Rutter Draper.
He was a graduate of Williams College, principal of the high
schools in Saxon ville and Milford, surgeon in the Union
army in the Civil War, and a practising phj'sician in South
Boston, where he died in 1885. His mother's name was
Eunice, daughter of the last Joseph Rutter. Until her marriage with Mr. Ira Draper she lived at the old homestead.
Dr. Draper well represented the John Rutter family, which
as a race was noted for purity and uprightness of character.
He was buried in the Old Burying -ground, in Wayland,
where generation after generation of this ancient family
were laid. Another grandchild of Joseph Rutter is Mrs. A.
S. Hudson (L. R. Draper), formerly principal of Wads worth
Academy, South Sudbury, and of the high schools of Lincoln, Wayland, and Marlboro. The accompanying /ac simile
of the Coat of Arms was that of Nicholas Rutter, from whom
John Rutter is supposed to have descended.
John Toll. We have received but little information
relative to this early grantee. His wife was named Catheriiie, and they had three children, Jolin (born Nov. 20,
1641, died Jan. 31, 1643), Mary (born Dec. 31, 1643), and
John who died Jan. 8, 1657. As the male issue all died, the
family name was not continued in Sudbury. There is still a
place by the river meadows, between the old causeway and
Sherman's Bridge, called "Toll's Island."
John Wood (or Woods) was one of the petitioners for
the township of Marlboro, and a prominent man of that
place, being one of its selectmen in 1663-5, and one of the
early members of the church. He had several children; and
his wife, who it is supposed was Mary Parmenter, died Aug.
17, 1690, aged eighty years.
John Loker was assigned a house-lot just west of the
meeting-house, where he lived in a house with his mother
as late as 1678. The town purchased of him at that date,
for a parsonage, the east end of his house, together with an
orchard and four acres of land, and the reversion due to him
of the western end of the house, which his mother then occupied. (See period 1675-1700.) It is said that before 1652
he married Mary Draper. Families by the name of Loker
have lived within the ancient limits of Sudbury since the
days of its settlement, dwelling for the most part in the
territory now Wayland, and more especially in the southerly
portion. Isaac Loker was captain of a troop of Sudbury
men on the memorable 19th of April, members of his company coming from both sides of the river. (See Revolutionary Period.)
Henry Loker was perhaps brother of John.
Wn)OW Wright (or Mrs. Dorothy Wright) early had
land at Sudbury. She was assigned a house-lot on the south
street, east of the meeting-house, between that of John Toll
and John Bent. She married John Blandford, whose wife
Mar}' died December, 1641. She was perhaps the mother of
Edward Wright.
John Bent came to America from Penton, Eng., in the
ship " Confidence," in 1638, at the age of thirty-five. He
was by occupation a husbandman. He was accompanied by
his wife Martha, and by five children, all of whom were
under twelve years of age, whose names are as follows: Robert, William, Peter, John, Ann (or Agnes) who married
Edward Rice, Joseph, and Martha who married Samuel How
in 1668. The same year of his arrival in this country he
returned to England for others of his family, and came back,
in the ship ''Jonathan" the next year. His sister Agnes
Blanchard and her infant child died on the voyage ; and
his mother Agnes also died on the voyage or soon after the
ship reached our shores. He was a freeman May 13, 1640.
He was one of the proprietors of the Marlboro Plantation,
but died Sept. 27, 1672, at Sudbury. His wife died May 15,
1679. His son Joseph was born at Sudbury, May 16, 1641.
The Bent family has from the first been quite numerous in
Sudbur}'. Some of them have long been residents of Cochituate, formerly a part of the town. John, Jr., purchased
land of Henry Rice near Cochituate Brook, where he built
a house ; and it is said that he Avas the fourth person to erect
a dwelling in the territory of Framingham. The Bents have
lived on both sides of the river, and the name is still familiar
within the present limits of the town.
Nathaniel Treadway (Tredway or Treadaway) was a
weaver by trade. He married Suffrance, daughter of Elder
Edward How, and was brother-in-law of John Stone, eldest
son of Dea. Gregory Stone of Cambridge. He had seven
children, three of whom were born in Sudbury : Jonathan
(born Nov. 11, 1640), Mary (born Aug. 1, 1642), and perhaps James (born about 1644). On the death of his fatherin-law he removed to Watertown. There he was appointed
selectman. He inherited property from Dea. Stone's estate.
His wife died July 22, 1682.
Robert Hunt came from Cliarlestown, where he was in
1688, and shared in the meadow divisions of Sudbury.
The Widow Hunt, one of the original proprietors, might
have been the mother or the sister-in-law of Robert. She
had a house-lot assigned on the south street, between those
of John Wood and John Goodnow; but it is supposed she
sold this, and took one at "Pine Plain." (See map of houselots.) The name of Hunt has long been familiar in Sudbury,
but more or less of this name probably descended from the
Concord Hunts. The first of the name in Concord was
'AnAr^—
William, wlio was there as early as 1640, became a freeman in
1641, and died in Marlboro, October, 1667, leaving an estate
of X596, and the children Nehemiah, Isaac, William, Elizabeth, Hannah and Samuel. William Hunt was l)orn in 1605,
and married Elizabeth Best, who died in 1661. He afterwards married, while at Marlboro, Mercie [Hurd] Rice,
widow of Edmund Rice, in 1664. The descendants of
William Hunt have, for more than fifty consecutive years,
kept a store at South Sudbury. One of the descendants was
Mr. Sewall Hunt, who died in 1888, at which time he was
the oldest inhabitant of the town, and the last of a family of
ten children. " Mr. Hunt was for more than fifty years a
member of the Congregational Church of Sudbury. In political matters he was alwaj^s in advance of the times, being an
' Abolitionist ' when to be such required strong convictions
and great moral courage. He was the first, and for two
years the only, voter in Sudburj^ of the old ' Liberty party,'
and for two years a candidate of the ' Free Soilers ' for representative to the General Court." His farm was called
the "Hunt place," situated a short distance from "-Hunt's
bridge," which crosses Lowance Brook not far from the
southerly limit of the town. He had five children, Sereno
D., Jonas S., Samuel M., Edwin and Clara J. The eldest,
Sereno D., has been principal of the high schools at Concord, Brockton and Milton. Edwin, a graduate of Amherst
College, was assistant principal of the high school in Utica,
N. Y. Jonas S., the second son, has for many years occupied official positions in Sudbury, having been representative
to the General Court in 1876, one of its selectmen and assessors for successive years, and its postmaster and town clerk
for more than a quarter of a century, which positions he still
holds. Clara, the only daughter, married Rev. John WhiteIiill, a Congregational clergyman. Samuel for a time lived
on the old homestead, and died some years since.
John Maynard was a freeman in 1644. It is supposed
he was married when he came to this country, and that he
brought with him his son John, who was then about eight
years old. Perhaps there were other children. He married
for his second wife Mary Axdell, in 1646. He had by this
marriage Zacherj (born June 7, 1647), Elizabeth, Lydia,
Hannah, and Mary who married Daniel Hudson. Mr. Maynard was one of the petitioners for Marlboro, and died at Sudbury, Dec. 10, 1672, The Maynard family has been prominent in the town, and honorably connected with its annals.
Nathaniel Maynard was captain of a comj^any in the Revolutionary War.
Joseph Tainter (or Tayntor) was born in England in
1618. He sailed for America in 1638. He was at Sudbury
for a short time, where he married Mary Guy (or Gray)
about 1640, and where for a time he was a selectman. He
died in 1690, aged eighty-six ; and his wife in 1705, also
aged eighty-six. He had nine cliildren, four of whom were
sons.
Robert Fordum (or Fordham) was from Southampton,
L. I., and may have come to this country about 1640. He
was for a short time at Cambridge. His wife's name was
Elizabeth, and he had two children. He died September,
1674.
Thomas Joslin (Joslyn or Jslyn) came from London, in
1635, on the ship " Increase." He was aged forty-three, and
by occupation a husbandman. His wife's name was Rebecca,
and her age was forty-three. He had five children, Rebecca,
Dorothy, Nathaniel, Elizabeth and Mary. He was for a time
at Hingham, and in 1654 at Lancaster.
Richard Sanger came to America in the "Confidence."
He was by occupation a blacksmith. In 1649 he went to
Watertown. He married Mary, daughter of Robert Reynold of Boston. He was twice married, and had several
children.
Richard Bildcome came in the "Confidence," in 1638.
He was sixteen years of age, and, according to the ship's
passenger-list, came in the employ of Walter Haynes.
Robert Davis (or Davies) came to America in the ship
" Confidence," with Margaret Davis, who was perhaps his
sister. His wife's name was Bridget. He had two daughters, Sarah (born April 10, 1646) and Rebecca.
Henry Prentice came from Cambridge. He was a freeman in 1650, and died June 9, 1654. His wife Elizabeth
died May 13, 1643 ; and by his second wife, Joanna, he liad
six children.
William Kerley (Carsley or Carlsly) came in the ship
" Confidence," in 1638, and was a freeman in 1666. He
was a man of some prominence in the colon}^ having land
assigned him at Pedock's Island, Nantasket, in 1642. He
was a proprietor of Marlboro in 1657, and a selectman for
years. At one time, also, he was sent as representative. In
1667 he was appointed by the General Court to lay out land
between Concord, Lancaster, and Groton. His wife's name,
as mentioned in his will, was Anna, daughter of Thomas
King. He had three children, Mary, Sarah and Hannah.
By his will he gave his brother Henr}^ ''his sword, belt and
other arms; and also his military books."
Thomas Flyn. This name is found among the early proprietors, on the town books, but we conjecture it may have
been written by mistake for Thomas Joslyn, or Jsljni.
Thomas Axtell (or Axdell) came to this country about
1642. He was born at Burkhamstead, Eng., in 1619. A
brother was Col. Daniel Axtell, a soldier and officer under
Oliver Cromwell. He commanded the guard at the trial of
Charles I.; for which he was put to death as a regicide,
when Charles II. was restored. Thomas Axtell settled in
Sudbury, and died there in 1646, at the age of twenty-seven.
His son had land in Marlboro in 1660, married in 1665, and
had several children. He was killed by the Indians, April
21, 1676. His descendants were early settlers of Grafton.
Thomas Read (or Reed) was in Sudbury as early as 1654.
He was the son of Thomas Reed of Colchester, Essex Co.,
Eng., a carpenter; a memorandum of whose will, dated
July, 1665, and probated 1666, was published in the "New
England Historical and Genealogical Register," Vol. XXI.,
p. 369, August, 1867, by Mr. William S. Appleton of Boston,
who copied it in London. By the will of Rev. Edmund
Brown, and depositions taken in court, Thomas Read was his
nephew; the term cousin being used for nephew (Waters).
In the will of Thomas Read of Colchester, his son Thomas in
America is mentioned ; also there is mention of his son-inlaw, Daniel Bacon, who married his daughter Mary, who
were also living in America. Other relations are also mentioned, but not as being in this country. Thomas Read settled at Sudbury, in the Lanham district, on land which he
purchased of his uncle. Rev. Edmund Brown, wliile he (Mr.
Read) was in England. This locality was probably called Lanham by Rev. Edmund Brown, from a little place in England
spelled Lavenham, but pronounced Lannam, near Sudbury,
or between Sudbury and Bury St. Edmunds, about which
locality Mr. Brown and Mr. Read are supposed to have
come from, and from which place Mary Goodrich, the wife
of Thomas Read, the son of Thomas Read of Lanham, came.
Thomas Read, the older in this country, married for his first
wife Catherine, and for his second wife Arrabella. He had
one son, whose name was Thomas; and in the two following
generations there were but two children, both sons, and both
also named Thomas, the last beino- born in 1678. Thomas
of this latter date had five children, Nathaniel (born 1762),
Thomas (born ), Isaac (born 1704), Daniel (born
1711), and Joseph (born 1722). Nathaniel settled in Warren ; Thomas and Daniel settled in Rutland, Mass. ; Isaac
and Joseph remained in Sudbury. Joseph had one son
named Joseph (born 1773), who married Olive Mossman of
Sudbury, who died there March 9, 1877, at the age of ninetyseven, being at the time of her death the oldest person in
town. By the death of Joseph Read the last of the descendants bearing the family name ceased to be residents of Sudbury; but descendants bearing other names have long lived
there, among whom were his daughters Sybel, wife of J. P.
Allen ; Almira, wife of George Heard ; Sarah, wife of D. L.
Willis ; and Maria, wife of Martin N. Hudson. Mr. Joseph
Read and wife are buried in Wadsworth Cemetery, in the
family lot of A. S. Hudson, a grandson. Thomas Read was
a prominent citizen of Sudbury. He was early appointed
one of the tything-men, and in 1677 he was one of the persons to whom the town gave leave to build a saw-mill upon
Hop Brook. (See period 1675-1700.) His place at Lanham was for many years in the family, and his descendants
have been widely scattered and useful citizens. (See chapter
on Lanham District.) Says the historian of Rutland of the
descendants of the Sudbury Reads, who settled there: "Tliis
family of Reads have been useful and industrious inhabitants
of Rutland for one hundred and twenty years." Asahel
Read was one of the two Sudbury soldiers who were killed
at the battle of Concord and Lexington. (See Revolutionary Period.) For the space of about two centuries the name
of Read is connected with the annals of Sudbury. One of
the descendants of Nathaniel Read who settled at Warren
is Alanson Read, Jr., a well-known citizen of Chicago, and
one of the proprietors of Read's " Temple of Music." He
has been lately engaged in preparing a history of the Read
family.
John Mooee was at Sudbury by 1643, and may have
come to America from London in the " Planter," in 1635, at
the age of twenty-four, or he may have arrived in 1638. He
was twice married, his first wife's name being Elizabeth, and
he had several children. His second wife was Ann, daughter of John Smith. His daughter Mary married Richard
Ward, and Lydia (born June 24, 1643) married, in 1664,
Samuel Wright. In 1642 he bought the house-lot of
Edmund Rice. In 1645 he bought of John Stone "his
house-lot, with all other land belonging to the said John
Stone that shall hereafter be due to the said John Stone by
virtue of his first right in the beginning of the plantation of
Sudbury; and also all the fences that is now standing about
any part of the said land, and also all the board and shelves
that are now about the house, whether fast or loose, and now
belonging to the said house." (Town Records, Vol.1 ., p. 54.)
The Moore family have long been numerous in Sudbury,
members of it living on both sides of the river, and at times
taking prominent part in the affairs of the town, Ephraim
Moore, who lived in the west part, was major of the Second
Battalion of Rifles, M. V. M.
Thomas Bisbtg Besbedge (or Bessbeck) came to America
in the ship " Hercules, in 1635, with six children and three
servants. He embarked at Sandwich, County of Kent. He
went to Sudbury, joined the church there, and afterwards
went to Duxbury. He subsequently came back to Sudbury,
where he died March 9, 1674. He left a will, which was
dated Nov. 25, 1672, and probated April 1, 1674. In this
will he directed that his body be buried "at the east end of
the church ; " and he gives to his grandson, Thomas Brown,
the eldest son of his daughter Mary, wife of William Brown,
all tlie houses and lands in the parishes of Hedcorn and Frittenden, County of Kent, Eng. ; and he mentions his greatgrandchildren, Mary, Patience and Thankful, daughters of
the said Thomas Brown, also other children of this daughter
Mar}*, of whom there were seven.
Thomas Plympton (or Plimpton) was at Sudbury by
1643. He may have come to America in the ship "'Jonathan," which sailed from London, for Boston, April 12, 1639,
bringing among its passengers Elizabeth Plympton and Peter
Noyes. Sometime before 1649 he was in the employ of Mr.
Noyes, as is shown by the following record: "Peter Noyes,
Sr., did give unto Thomas Plympton, once his servant, the
sum of six acres of meadow, of his third addition of meadow
lying on the meadow called Gulf Meadow, with the commonage unto the same belonging. Sept. 26, 1649." (Town
Records, p. 89.) He married Abigail, daughter of Peter
Noyes, and had seven children, Abigail, Jane, Mary, Elizabeth, Thomas, Dorothy and Peter. Thomas Plympton and"
Elizabeth, who married John Rutter, were probaUy brother
and sister, as both were legatees of Agnes Bent, a grandmother of Elizabeth. He was killed by tlie Indians, AjDril
20, 1676, the da}^ before the Wadsworth fight, while he was
engaged, tradition says, in endeavoring to bring a Mr. Boone
and son to a garrison house. The Plympton family has been
numerous, and members of it have been prominent in the annals of Sudbuiy. Thomas Plympton was a tower of strength
to the town in the Revolutionary War, being a member of the
Provincial Congress, and the one to whom the news of the approach of the British to Concord was first brought. He was
at Concord the 19th of April, and had a bullet put through
his clothing. (See Revolutionary period.) The old Plympton house, a large unpainted structure, was about a mile
from Sudbury centre, and was demolished a few years since.
Hugh Drury was in Sudbury as early as 1641, and was
by trade a carpenter. He married Lydia, daughter of Edmund
Rice, for his first wife, who died April 5, 1675 ; and for liis
second wife, Mary, the widow of Rev. Edward Fletcher.
He had two children, John and Hugh. After dwelling- in
Sudbury for a time, where he bought a house and land of
William Swift, he removed to Boston, and died July 6, 1G89,
and was buried in tlie Chapel Burying-ground with his wife,
Lj'dia.
Philemon Whale was in Sudbury in 1646. He was a
freeman May 10, 1688, and Nov. 7, 1649, married Sarah, the
daughter of Thomas Cakebread. His wife died Dec. 28,
1656 ; and Nov. 9, 1657, he married Elizabeth Griffin. He
owned land in various parts of the town, but his early home
is stipposed to have been not far from the head of the millpond (Wa3dand), perhaps by the present Concord road. He
afterwards built a house in the neighborhood of the " Rice
Spring." A culvert or bridge at the head of the mill-pond
is still called Whale's Bridge ; but the name, except as it is
thus perpetuated, is now seldom heard within the limits of
the town.
John Smith was at Sudbury in 1647. He may liave been
John Smith, an early settler of Watertown, or a relative of
his. His wife's name was Sarah. He had assiofned him lot
No. 29 in the second squadron of the two-mile grant. The
name Smith has been a common one in town. Capt. Josej^h
Smith commanded a company from Sudbury on the 19th of
April, 1775. The Smiths have lived in various parts of the
town, and were early settlers of what is now Maynard, the
names of Amos and Thomas Smith being prominent among
the pioneers of that part of Sudbury territor}^ A descendant of the Smiths on the east side of the river is Mr. Elbridge
Smith, formerly principal of the Norwich Free Academy and
present master of the Dorchester High School.
Thomas Buckmaster (or Buckminster) it is supposed
was of the family of John of Peterborough, Northamptonshire, Eng. He was a freeman in 1646, and was at one time
at Scituate and afterwards at Boston. His Mife's name was
Joanna, and he had several children. He died Sept. 28,
1656. Descendants of the family early went to Framingham, and have been numerous and prominent. One was
Col. Joseph, an officer in the French and Indian War* period.
Another was Major Lawson, who was in the Revolutionary
War. A third, and one well known, was Thomas, a tavernkeeper, deacon and selectman ; and another Avas William,
who was publisher and editor of " The Boston Cultivator "'
in 1839-41, and who established "The Massachusetts Ploughman."
John Grout came from Watertown to Sudbury about
1643, and about the same time came into possession of the
Cakebread mill, and was allowed by the town "to pen water
for the use of the mill " on land adjacent to the stream above.
The name of his first wife was Mary, and for his second wife
he married the widow of Thomas Cakebread. He had ten
children, two of them by his first marriage, John (born Aug.
8, 1641) and Mary (born Dec. 11, 1643). His children by
his second marriage were John, Sarah (who married John
Loker, Jr.), Joseph, Abigail (who married, in 1678, Josepli
Curtis), Jonathan, Elizabeth (who married Samuel Allen),
Mar}^ (who married Thomas Knapp), and Susanna (who
married John Woodward).
Thomas Cakebread was from Watertown, and became a
freeman May 14, 1634. In 1637 he married Sarah, daughter
of Nicholas Busb}^ He was for a while at Dedham, and
subsequently at Sudbury, where he died Jan. 4, 1643. He
erected the first mill at Sudbury, for whicli the town granted
him lands. (See chapter on First Church, Meeting-house,
Mill, etc.) The Colony Records state that, in 1642, "Ensign
Cakebread was to lead the Sudbury company." His widow
married Capt. John Grout, and his daughter Mary married
Philemon Whale, at Sudbury, Nov. 1, 1649.
John Rediat lived at Sudbury for a time. He became an
original proprietor at Marlboro, and at the assignment of
house-lots he received twenty-two and one-half acres. He
had one child born in Sudbury, in 1652. He died April 7,
1687.
John Waterman came to this country in the ship "Jonathan," and landed at Boston, 1639. His passage was paid
by Mr. Peter Noyes, and hence it is supposed he was in his
employ. No descendants of this name live in Sudbury, and
we have found nothing to designate the former dwellingplace of this early inhabitant.
Goodman Witherell early received land in the town.
His name is mentioned in the list of those who received land
in one of the divisions of meadow.
John George. We have found no facts relative to the
genealogy of this early grantee, and the name is not familiar
in Sudbury. He was in the town as early as 1644.
Thomas King was at Sudbury near 1G50. In 1055 he
married Bridget Davis. He owned land in the fourth squadron of the two-mile grant, his lot being No. 50, and adjoining
the cow-pen in the southwest part of Sudbury. (See chapter
on periods 1650-75.) He was one of the petitioners for tlie
l^lantation of Marlboro, in 1656, and was on the first board
■ of selectmen of that town.
Peter King was at Sudbury not far from 1650. He was
a man of some prominence in the town, being a deacon of
the church, and a representative to the Colonial Court in
1689-90. He was one of the contracting parties for the
erection of the second meeting-house. Peter King's homestead was probably not far from the town bridge, on the east
side of the river, a place on the river not far from this point
being still called "• King's Pond." The name King was often
spoken in earlier times in the town ; but perhaps not in the
memory of any now living have any descendants of these
early inhabitants, of this name, lived there. ■
Jajvies Pendleton was a son of Brian, and came from
Watertown. His wife, whose name was Mar}-, died Nov. 7,
1655, and he married for a second wife Hannah, daughter of
Edmund Goodnow, at Sudbury, April 29, 1656. By his
first marriage he had one son, James (born Nov. 1, 1650),
and by his second marriage he had Brian, Josepli, Edmund,
Ann, Caleb and James. He was one of the founders of the
first church at Portsmouth, in 1671. He lived at Stonington in 1674-8, and at Westerly in 1586-1700. He acquired
the title of captain, and served in Philip's war,
John Woodward, at the age of thirteen, came to this
country in the ship " Elizabeth," in 1634. He was accompanied by his father, and was for a time at Watertown. His
wife's name was Maiy, and they had a son, born March 20,
1650, who it is snpjiosed died yonng. He went to Sudbury,
where his wife died July 8, 1654. He afterwards moved to
Charlestown, and there married Abigail, daughter of John
Benjamin, widow of Joshua Stubbs. He returned to Sudbury, and by his secoud marriage lie had three children.
Rose (born Aug. 18, 1659), John (born Dec. 12, 1661), and
Abigail. He was a freeman 1690, and died at Watertown,
Feb. 17, 1696. John Woodward received in the division of
the two-mile grant lot No. 41, adjoining that of John Moore,
in the fourth squadron. The name appeared from time to
time in the earlier annals of Sudbury, but has for many years
ceased to be as familiar to the town's people as formerly.
Daniel Woodward, who died in 1760, built a mill on Hop or
Wash Brook in 1740, and about one hundred and fifty years
ago he also erected the house occupied by Capt. James Moore,
who is one of his descendants.
Shadrach (or Sydrach) Hapgood, at the age of fourteen,
embarked at Gravesend, Eng., for America, May 30, 1656, on
the ship " Speedwell," Robert Locke, master. He settled in
Sudbury, and married Elizabeth Tread way, Oct. 21, 1664.
He was killed in the Nipnet country, near Brookfield, in an
expedition against the Indians under the command of Capt.
Hutchinson. (See chapter on Philip's War.) He left three
or more children, one of Avhom, Thomas, was born in Sudbury, Oct. 1, 1669. He settled in the northeast part of
Marlboro, at which place he died Oct. 4, 1765, aged ninetyfive. He left nine children, ninety-two grandchildren, two
hundred and eight great-grandchildren, and four great-greatgrandchildren.
Edward Wright was perhaps a son of the Widow Dorothy Wright, and may have come to Sudbury with her. He
married Hannah Axtell (or Adell), June 18, 1659, who died
May 18, 1708. He had eight children, one of wliom was
Capt. Samuel Wright, one of the prominent settlers of Rutland, and conspicuous in one of the Indian wars, having
charge of a company of rangers, and doing good service on
the frontier. Edward Wright died at Sudbury, Aug. 7, 1703.
CHAPTER IV. page 57
Method of Acquiring Territory. Character and Jurisdiction of the
Massachusetts Bay Colony. Colonial Court. Response to the
Petition for a Plantation at Sudbury. Successive Land Grants.
Purchase of Territory. Indian Deeds. Incorporation of the
Town. Name. Sketch of Sudbury, Eng. Town Boundaries.
Before considering the successive steps in the settlement
of the town, we will notice the methods by which the settlers became possessed of the territory. There were two
parties with which contracts were to be made, namely, the
Colonial Court and the Indian owners of the land. To ignore
either would invalidate their claim. From the former it was
essential to obtain a permit to make a settlement, to sell out
and remove from Watertown, to secure the appointment of a
committee to measure and lay out the land ; and from the
Indians they were to purchase the territory.
In order to obtain a right knowledge of the matter before
us, it is important to consider, first, the authority and nature
of the Colony of the Massachusetts Bay. King James of
England claimed by right of discovery all the continent of
North America. In the eighteenth year of his reign, he
transferred a portion of this to a company called " The
Colony of Plymouth in the County of Devon, for the planting, ruling, ordering and governing of New England in
America." " The territory conveyed was all that part of
America lying and being in breadth from forty degrees to
forty-eight degrees of north latitude, and in length of and
within all the breadth aforesaid through the mainland from
sea to sea." And a condition upon which the conveyance
was made was, that " the grantees should yield and pay
therefor the fifth part of the ore of gold and silver which
should happen to be found in any of the said lands." From
this "Council of Plymouth in the County of Devon " a company, in 1628, purchased a tract of territory defined as being
" three miles north of any and every part of the Merrimac
River," and "three miles north of any and every part of
the Charles River," and extending westward to the Pacific
Ocean. Some of the chief men of this company were John
Humphry, John Endicott, Sir Henry Roswell, Sir George
Young, Thomas Southcoote, Simon Whitcomb, John Winthrope, Thomas Dudle}^ and Sir Richard Saltonstall.
The proprietors received a charter from the King, March
14, 1629, and were incorporated by the name of " the Governor and Company of the Massachusetts Bay in New England." The government of this company was vested in a
governor, deputy governor and eighteen assistants, who Avere
to be elected annually by the stockholders of the corporation.
A general assembly of the freemen of the colony (see chapter on Town-meetings) was to be held once in four years at
the least, for purposes of legislation. The king claimed no
jurisdiction, since he regarded the affair, not as the founding
of a nation or state, but as the incorporation of a trading
establishment. But, although the common rights of British
subjects were conferred upon these Massachusetts Bay colonists, a broader and better basis was soon to be adopted.
In September, 1629, tlie members of the new company, at a
meeting in Cambridge, Eng., signed an agreement to transfer the charter and government to the colonists. Upon this
desirable change, enterprising men set sail for this country,
and soon that portion of it now Salem and Boston was
smiling with settlements that were founded by persons of
marked character and intelligence. In May, 16B1, it was
decided, at an assembly of the people, that all the officers of
the government should thereafter be chosen by the freemen
of the colony ; and in 1 634 the government was changed to
a representative government, the second of the kind in
America. This government had its court, to which delegates were sent by tlie people, called " The Great and General Court of the Massachusetts Colony."
By the authority of a Court thus established, land grants
were allowed the New England colonists. Some of these
grants were to companies who designed to establish towns,
and some to individuals, for considerations that the court saw
fit to recognize. In the former case, certain conditions were
imposed, namely, that the place sought should be settled
within a specified time, that a certain number of settlers
should o'o there, and that a church should be established and
the gospel ministr}'- maintained. These land grants were
usually preceded by a petition, stating the object for which
the land tract was sought, and perhaps reasons why the
court should allow it. The territory of Sudbur}^ was in
part granted to the people collectively who formed the plantation and established the town, and in part to individuals.
The errants to the former were allowed at three different
times, and were preceded by three different petitions. The
first petition met with a response Nov. 20, 1637, of which
the following is a copy :
" Whereas a great part of the chief inhabitants of Watertown have petitioned this Court, that in regard to their
straitness of accommodation, and want of meadow, they
might have leave to remove and settle a plantation upon
the river, which runs to Concord, this Court, having respect
to their necessity, doth grant their petition, and it is hereby
ordered^ that Lieut. (Simon) Willard, Mr, (William) Spencer, Mr. Joseph Weld and Mr. (Richard) Jackson shall take
view of the places upon said river, and shall set out a place
for them by marks and bounds sufficient for fifty or sixty
families, taking care that it be so set out as it may not hinder
the settling of some other plantation upon the same river, if
there be meadow, and other accommodations sufficient for
the same. And it is ordered, further, that if the said inhabitants of Watertown, or any of them, shall not have removed
their dwellings to their said new plantation, before one year
after the plantation shall be sot out, that then the interest of
all such persons, not so removed to the said plantation, shall
be void and cease, and it shall be lawful for such as are
removed and settled there, or the greater part of them^ being
freemen, to receive other persons to inhabit in their rooms,
in the said plantation ; provided, that if there shall not be
thirty families at least there settled before the said time limited, that then this Court, or the Court of Assistants, or two
of the Council, shall dispose of the said plantation to any
other. And it is further ordered, that after the place of the
said plantation shall be set out, the said petitioners, or any
such other freemen as shall join them, shall have power to
order the situation of their town, and the proportioning of
lots, and all other liberties as other towns have under the
proviso aforesaid. And it is lastly ordered, that such of the
said inhabitants of Watertown, as shall be accommodated in
their new plantation, may sell their houses and improved
grounds in Watertown ; but all the rest of the land in Watertown, not improved, shall remain freely to the inhabitants,
which shall remain behind, and such others as shall come to
them.
"And the said persons appointed to set out the said plantation, are directed so to set out the same, as there may be
1500 acres of meadow allowed to it, if it be there to be had,
with any convenience, for the use of the town." (Colony
Records, Vol. I., p. 210.)
A further record of Court action, dated March 12, 1637-8,
is as follows :
"The Court thinketh meet that they (of Watertown)
should have liberty to sell their allotments in Watertown,
and they are to give their full answer the next Court,
whether they will remove to the new plantation and John
Oliver put in the room of Richard Jackson, for to lay out
the said plantation, which they are to do before the next
Court."
The Court having granted the request for a plantation at
Sudbury, allowed the petitioners to go on with their work,
and appointed a committee to establish the bounds and
make an allotment of land, as set forth by tlie following
record :
"At Gennall Court held at Boston the 6th Day of the 7th Month, a 1638 [Sept. 6, 1638].
" The petitioners M"" Pendleton, M"" Noyse, M"" Brown, and
Comp% are allowed to go on in their plantation, & such as
are associated to them and Lift. Willard, Thomas Bro
[Brown] and M"" John Oliver are to set out the bounds of
the said plantation & they are alowed 4^ a day, each of them
& M"" John Oliver 5 sh* a day, to bee borne by the new plantation. And the petitioners are to take care that in their
alotments of land they have respect as well to men's estates
& abilities to improve their lands, as to their number of persons ; and if any difference fall out the Court or the couusell
shall order it." (Colony Records, Vol. I., p. 238.)
The land first appropriated was supposed to comprise a
tract about five miles square. It had for boundaries Concord
on the north, Watertown (now Weston) on the east, and on
the south a line running from a point a little east of Nobscot
Hill along the present Framingham and Sudbury boundary
direct to the Weston town bound, and on the west a line
two miles east of the present western boundary
The second grant was of an additional mile. This was
allowed, to make up a deficiency in the first grant, which deficiency was discovered on making a survey a few years after
the settlement began, and it was petitioned for May 13, 1610.
The petition was for a mile in length on the southeast and
southwest sides of the town ; and it was allowed on condition
thai it would not prevent the formation of another plantation,
" or hinder Mrs. Glover's farm of six hundred acres formerly
granted." (Colony Records, Vol. I., p. 289.)
The third tract was granted in 1649. It contained an area
two miles wide, extending; alono- the entire lenoth of the western boundary. The Colony Record concerning this grant is :
"That Sudberry is granted two miles westward next adjoining to them for their furtli"^ inlargement, provided it [prejudice] not W™ Browne in his 200 acres already granted." (Vol.
II., p. 273).
Besides these three grants, there were others made to individuals. One of these was to William Browne, of which the
record is as follows: "In answer.to the petition of W"" Browne
ffor two hundred ac''^ dew for twenty five pounds putt into
the joy net stocke by M""^ Ann Harvey his Aunt, from whom
he made it appear to the Court he had sufiicyent deputacon
to require it, his request was grannted ; viz., 200 aC^ of land
to be layed out to him w'^^out the west lyne of Sudbury by
Capt. Simon Willard & Seargeant Wheeler." This land was
easterly of Nobscot Hill, and about the locality where the
Browns have since lived.
Another grant was the Glover Farm, situated on the town's
southerly border. This tract was largely in the territory of
Framingham. It consisted of six hundred acres, granted to
Elizabeth, the widow of Rev. Josse Glover. Mr. Glover,
rector of Sutton, Eng., in the June of 1638 made a contract
with Steven Day, a printer, to come over at his expense,
designing to set up a printing-press in Cambridge, the seat
of the university. Shortly afterward he embarked for this
country, but died on the passage, and was buried at sea.
Mr. Glover had aided the colonists in various ways, and by
his death they lost a valuable friend. This land tract may
have been given to his widow in recognition of service
received. It lay westerly and northerly of Cochituate Pond,
extending to the northeast corner of Dudley Pond, thence to
the Sudbury old town bound ; being bounded on the west by
the river, and on the south by Cochituate Brook.
Another grant was that of the " Dunster Farm," sometimes called the "Pond Farm." This was a tract of six
hundred acres, granted, in 1640, to Henry Dunster, first
president of Harvard College, who in 1611 married Mrs.
Elizabeth Glover. This farm was situated southeasterly of
the " Glover Farm," and had Cochituate Lake for its western boundary.
Beyond this farm easterly was a tract of two hundred
acres, extending towards the Weston town line, and called
the "Jeiinison Farm." This was granted, in 1638, to Capt.
William Jennison of Watertown, for service that he rendered
in the Pequot war. It was laid out in 1646.
Another grant was to Mr. Herbert Pelham, Sept. 4, 1639.
This land grant was situated in the present territory of
Wayland, and was what is called " The Island." For many
years it was mostly owned and occupied by the Heards. Mr.
Pelham came to America in 1638, and for a time lived at
Cambridge. Savage, states that he was a gentleman from
the county of Lincoln, and when in London, where he may
have been a lawyer, was a friend of the colony. Governor
Hutchinson says, " He w^as of that family which attained the
highest rank in the peerage, one hundred years ago, as Duke
of Newcastle." He was much engaged in public service,
and put into the common stock of the colony XIOO. He
became a freeman in 1645, at which time he was chosen an
assistant. He was the first treasurer of Harvard College in
1743. In 1645 Herbert Pelham, Thomas Flynt, Lieutenant
Willard and Peter Noyes were appointed commissioners of
sewers " for bettering and improving of y^ ground upon
y^ river running by Concord and Sudbury " (Colony Records, Vol. III., p. 13). He returned to England in 1649,
and resided at Buers Hamlet, County of Essex. He died
in England, and was buried at Bury St. Mary's, in Suffolk
County, July 1, 1673. By his will, dated Jan. 1, 1672, he
gave his lands in Sudbury to his son Edward. His daughter
Penelope married, in 1657, Gov. Josiah Winslow. "Pelham's
Island" was sold in 1711 by the Pelhams, who were then
in Newport, R. I., to Isaac Hunt and Samuel Stone, Jr., who
in November of that year sold a part of it to Jonathan and
George Read.
Land was also granted to JNIr. Walgrave, who was fatherin-law of Herbert Pelham. The Records state concerning
both of these men that "■ they are granted their lots at Sudbury absolutely w^'' condition of dwelling there only Mr.
Pelham p mised to build a house there, settle a family there
and to be there as much as he could in the summer time."
(Colony Records, Vol. I., p. 292).
The Colonial Court as a rule did not interfere with the
disposition of the lands granted. It held in reserve the
power to adjust any difficulties, and to see that the conditions on which a township was allowed were kept.
As has been already observed, the Court was not the
only party with which the settlers had to deal if they would
obtain indisputable titles to their estates. While the English claimed the country by right of discovery, there were
those who held it hy right of ancient hereditary possession, and the English were in justice called upon to recognize this right, and purchase the territory of tlie native proprietors.
'Tis like a dream when one awakes, -
This vision of the scenes of old;
'Tis like the moon when morning breaks,
'Tis like a tale round watch-fires told.
PIERPONT.
Chief, sachem, sage, bards, heroes, seers,
There is no evidence that many Indians lived in Sudbury
at the time of its settlement by the English. But few of their
names have been found on the town records, and comparatively little is there mentioned of business transactions between the natives and whites. About the beginning" of the
seventeenth centur}^ a great pestilence prevailed among the
Indians in the vicinity of Massachusetts Bay, and it is not
improbable that it affected the population of Sudbury. This
pestilence or plague was in places severe. It is stated that
the New England Indians, before its outbreak, could muster
about eighteen thousand warriors, but were reduced by it to
about eighteen hundred. Thousands of Indians died in the
country along the south shore. The Pilgrim fathers were
informed of the sad ravages of this dreadful disease by
Squanto, an early visitor among them. It is stated that
Obbatinawat, a sachem living at Shawmut, now Boston,
treated the English very kindly, and was glad to submit himself to King James, that he might find protection from his
enemies, as his once powerful tribe was reduced by the pestilence of 1616.
That live in story and in song,
Time, for the last two hundred years.
Has raised, and shown, and swept along.
PIERPONT.
We have no title-deeds to house or lands ;
Owners and occupants of earlier dates
From graves forgotten stretch their dusty hands,
And hold in mortmain still their old estates.
- Longfellow.
A. ROCKY PLAIN. (Sudbury Center.)
B. NOYES'S MILL (So. Sudbury,) C. WIGWAM HILL (Goodman's Hill.) D. GREEN HILL. E. WADSWORTH BURIAL PLACE. F. HAYNES GARRISON HOUSE. G. EDMUND GOODNOW GARRiSON. H TOWN BRIDGE. I. FIRST MEETING HOUSE J. ROAD TO HOP BROOK MILL. Constructed 1659. |
K. OLD LANCASTER ROAD, Constructed 1654.
L. HOP BROOK. M. LANHAM BROOK. N. LOWANCE BROOK. O. OLD WOOD ROAD OR CART PATH. P. CAUSEWAY. Q. GRAVEL PIT. R. MARLBORO ROAO. S. SUPPOSED PART OF CART PATH. |
The following statements from several well-known authorities favor the foregoing suppositions. Says " The Old Indian Chronicle," " When they arrived within a mile and a half of Sudbury, the enemy having hid themselves behind the hills, sent forth two or three to cross the march of our forces, and being seen to counterfeit themselves affrighted and fly, whereby to trepan our men into their ambuscade, which mischievous plan succeeded according their to wishes." Hubbard says, "Being come within a mile of the town, we espied a party of Indians not far from them, about a hundred, not more as they conceived. These they might easily deal v/ith, who turning back awliile drew Capt. Wadsworth and his company above a mile into the woods." Says Gookin, "Being spent and weary with travel and want of rest Capt. Wadsworth fell into the enemy's ambushment on the morning, and the enemy being numerous encompassed him round."
It is noticeable by these statements, that the distance that these men were decoyed is variously estimated at from a mile to a mile and a half. This does not exactly correspond with the distance between the supposed place of ambush and the aforesaid roads. But they may have been allured by a circuitous course, or the distance mentioned by these authors may have been a loose estimate. It would not be strange if authors should be somewhat inexact on a point like this. It was an unfamiliar locality to them. If they received information from survivors of the fight, the place also was strange to them, and they might think the distance over which they were led by decoy to be greater than it in realitj^ was ; and as in the case of the date of the fight, one historian might transmit another's mistake. If our conjectures, then, are correct, we think these soldiers were allured from some point on the road from Hop Brook to East Sudbury to a spot near the place of their burial.
THE AMBUSCADE.
The force that lay in ambush is supposed to have been quite strong. Gookin speaks of "the enemy being numerous." " The Old Indian Chronicle " speaks of it as about a thousand. The latter estimate is probably not far from right. If two hundred Indians were engaged about the old town bridge, and if Philip entered Sudbury with towards fifteen hundred, about one thousand may have been in ambush. As the foe appeared, the English pursued, and followed hard as they withdrew. That they should do this unsuspicious of peril may be a matter of some surprise. Captain Wadsworth was not inexperienced in Indian warfare ; before this he had been on their trail. When Lancaster was assailed, he had gone to its relief. It might seem strange, then, that he should be led into ambush, wheji aware of Indian strategy, and accompanied by Captain Brocklebank, who could advise him of King Philip's strength.
A little reflection, however, may diminish surprise. If one hundred Indians, as is stated by Hubl)ard, at once hove in sight, the English may have considered it King Philip's main force. These by their flight may have acted surprised. They were in the vicinity of the place whither, it is said, the Indians had gone. Wadsworth was not far from two of Sudbury's garrisons, and not far from the outskirts of the east side settlement. He may have heard the sound of guns in different directions, and especially the firing at the old town bridge ; this, perhaps, led him to suppose Philip's forces much scattered about, and that what he saw was the nucleus of his powerful host. It is not, then, very remarkable if he was thrown off his guard, and that he considered tha.t but little caution was required.
But the pursuit was fatal. The Indians retreated until the place of ambush was reached. Then suddenly the foe opened his fire from a chosen place of concealment, where each man had the opportunity of working to advantage. By these means the trap was sprung. Simultaneous with tliis sudden onsUiught of the ambushed foe an attempt was made to surround the English. Mather says that, " a great body of the Indians surrounded them." Hubbard states, " On a sudden a great body of the enemy appeared. About five hundred as was thouglit compassed them around." This was shrewd on the part of Philip. The first move of the English would naturally be to regain the main path, and make for the highway so near at hand. A short run to the northerly would lead Wadsworth to the Old Lancaster Road, or a quick retreat southerly would soon bring him to the road from Hop Brook to East Sudburj^ ; while one of these ways would bring him to the town bridge and the old Haynes Garrison, and the other to the Goodnow Garrison. It might, then, be expected that Philip would cut* off the retreat.
But, though suddenly surrounded and beset on all sides, they maintained a most manly defense. It may be doubtful if there is its equal in the annals of the earl}^ Indian wars. From five hundred to one thousand savages, with Philip himself to direct their manoeuvres, pouring their fire from every direction, and this against about four-score of English, hard marched, in an unfamiliar locality, could do deadly work. Yet there is no evidence of undue confusion among the ranks of the English.
The sudden onslaught of the savages was attended, as usual, with shoutings and a horrible noise, which but increased the threatening aspect, and tended to indicate that things were worse than they were. In spite of all this, the brave company maintained their position, and more than held their own. Says Mather, " They fought like men and more than so." Says "The Old Indian Chronicle," "Not at all dismayed by their numbers, nor dismal shouts and horrid yelliugs, ours made a most courageous resistance." Not only was the foe kept at bay, and the English force mainly kept compact, but a movement was made to obtain a better position ; hard by was the summit of Green Hill, and thitherward, fighting, Wadsworth directed his course. This he reached, and for hours he fought that furious host, with such success that, it is said, he lost but five men. Says "The Old Indian Chronicle," "Having gained the top of the hill, they from thence gallantly defended themselves, with a loss of five men, near four hours." Hubbard informs us that " the Indians forced them to the top of an hill, where they made very stout resistance considerable while." Thus successfully was the battle waged by the English, despite circumstances and the strength of the foe.
THE FOREST FIRE.
But a new element was to be introduced. The fight had doubtless been prolonged far beyond what Philip had at first supposed it would be. Desperate in his disappointment that the English had not surrendered, they again resort to strategy to accomplish their work. The day was almost done. Philip's force had been decimated by Wadsworth's stubborn defense. Darkness was soon to set in, and under its friendly concealment the English might make their escape. New means were to be employed, or the battle to the Indians was lost, and the fate of Philip's slain warriors would be unavenged. Wadsworth might form a junction with the soldiers at the east side of the town, or make his way to the Goodnow Garrison just beyond Green Hill. A crisis was at hand. Philip knew it, and made haste to meet it. The fio'ht bcGfan with strategy, and he soucrht to close it with strategy. He set fire to the woods, the leaves of which at that season are sometimes exceedingly dry; and the flames, fiercely fanned in the April breeze, drove Wadsworth from his adv^antageous position. The English were forced to fl_y l)efore the devouring element. Says " The Old Indian Chronicle," " The cowardly enemy disheartened by so many of their fellows slain in the first attack, not daring to venture close upon them, yet that we may not think these barbarians altogether unacquainted with strategem, nor so silly as to neglect iiny advantages, at last they set the woods on fire to the windward of our men, which by reason of the wind blowing very hard, and the grass being exceedingly dry, burnt Avith a terrible fierceness, and with the smoke and heat it was like to choke them, so that being no longer able at once to resist the approaching fire, and the cruel enemy, they are forced to quit that advantageous post in disorder." The historian Hubbard says nothing about the fire ; he states, however, " The night drawing on, and some of the English beginning to scatter from the rest, their fellows were forced to follow them so as the enem}'^ taking the chase, pursued them on every side as they made too hasty a retreat." That Hubbard mentioned no fire may naturally occasion surprise; but the silence of one historian concerning an event should not invalidate the affirmation of it by another, especially since by a little reflection it may be a matter of surprise that the English should retreat in such haste without the menace of some new peril, when night's friendly help was so near. The statement then of one author, with no reason to doubt his veracity, but a strong presumption to confirm his words, may remove any doubts that might be suggested by the silence of others.
THE RETREAT.
With this new combination of forces pressing hard upon them, nothing was left but retreat. But the results of the retreat were disastrous and exceedingly sad. There is something melancholy indeed attendant on that precipitous flight. For hours, shoulder to shoulder, those men had manfully stood. Inch by inch they had gained the hill-top. The wounded had likely been borne with them, and laid at their protectors' feet; and the brave compan}^ awaited night's friendly shades to bear them gently to a place of relief. But they were to leave them now in the hands of a foe less merciful than the flames from which they had been forced to retire. Their defenders had fired their last shot that would keep the foe at bay, and in hot haste were to make a rush for the Hop Brook Mill. It was a race for life ; a gauntlet from which few would escape.
Historians agree that the rout was complete. Hubbard mentions the too hasty retreat, " by which accident, being so much overpowered b}- the enemy's numbers, they were most of them lost." Sa3's "The Old Indian Chronicle," " The Indians taking advantage of [the rout] came in upon them like so many tigers, and dulling their active swords with excessive numbers obtained the dishonor of a victory. Our two Captains after incomparable proof of their resolution and galantry, being slain upon the place with most of their men." So closed the scene on Green Hill, as the fitful gleam of the forest conflagration lighted the night shadows and revealed the terrible work.
The flight of the men to the mill was doubtless attended with fearful loss. It was situated at what now is South Sudbury village, on the site of the present Parmenter Mill. The distance from the top of Green Hill is from a quarter to half a mile. This distance was enough to make the slaughter great. A break in the ranks, and the foe could close in, and the tomahawk and war-club could do a terrible work. It is said that a small company broke away from the enemy. Says "The Old Indian Chronicle,'' "But those few that remained escaped to a mill which they defended until niCTht." This statement indicates that the rout began before night, while Hubbard says " the night drawing on." T.his disparity of statement is slight. Each may mean the same thing, if the rout occurred about night, as it probably did. We would expect Philip's strategy to be employed before the day closed, as he wished to scatter the English before darkness afforded the means of escape. Gookin informs us that " Wadsworth's men Avere generally cut off, except a few who escaped to a mill which was fortified but the people were fled out of it, and the enemy knew not of their flight." Other authorities give different estimates. Hubbard states, "scarce twenty escaping in all."
Thus closed that tragic day. The firing had ceased. Silence settled with the nightfall over that usually peaceful spot; yet night's natural stillness was not undisturbed. The shouts of the captor as he exultingly looked over his fallen foe, the groans of the wounded white man and savage, the gathering of Philip's scattered forces, each to narrate the deeds of that eventful day, the blaze of the Indian's night-fire, and the strange forms that flitted to and fro, all together might present a scene that was dismal, weird, and strange. LOSS OF THE ENGLISH.
As to the number of English slain, accounts somewhat differ. This is not strange, when men differ as to the number engaged. Mather says " that about fifty of the men were slain that day." Gookin speaks of " thirty-two besides the two captains." Hubbard says, " So as another captain and his fifty perished that time of as brave soldiers as any who were ever employed in the service." Lieut. Richard Jacobs of the garrison at Marlboro, in his letter to the Council, dated April 22, 1676 (Vol. LXVIII., p. 223, State Archives), says, " This morning about sun two hours high ye enemy alarmed us by firing and shouting toward ye government garrison house at Sudbury." He goes on to state that " soon after they gave a shout and came in great num♦ bers on Indian Hill, and one, as their accustomed manner is after a fight, began to signify to us how many were slain ; they whooped sevent}^ four times which we hope was only to affright us, seeing we have had no intelligence of any such thing, yet we have reason to fear the worst, considering the numbers, which we apprehend to be five hundred at the most, others think a thousand." The Indians informed Mrs. Rowlandson that " they killed two captains and almost an hundred men." She states, "One Englishman they brought alive with them, and he said it was too true, for they had made sad work at Sudbury."
■ Thus, according to the various accounts, by far the greater part Were slain. There is one thing which goes to show, however, that Mather may not be far from correct, that is the evidence of the exhumed remains. When the grave was opened a few years ago, parts of the skeletons of twentj^-nine men were found. We can hardly suppose, however, that these were all the slain. Some who were wounded may have crawled away to die. Others, disabled, may have been borne from the spot by the foe ; and in various waj's the wounded may have been removed, to perish near or remote from the field of battle.
According to the testimony of Mrs. Rowlandson, the bodies of the slain were plundered. She remarks, that, "after the master came home, he came to her and bid her make a shirt for his pappoose of a pillow-bier." She says also, "About that time there came an Indian to me and bid me come to his wigwam that night, and he would give me some pork and ground nuts. I did, and as I was eating, another Indian said to me, he seems to be your good friend, but he killed two Englishmen at Sudbury, and there lie the bloody clothes behind you, I looked behind me, and there I saw the bloody clothes behind me with bullet holes in them." No signs of equipments or attire were found in the grave when the remains were disinterred ; and it is probable that the slain were stripped by the savages, and the garments and equipments were carried away.
LOSS OF PHILIP.
As to the number of savages slain on that day, we can hardly expect to obtain any accurate knowledge. The Indians would intend to leave no traces of what havoc the English had made. They would likely care for their wounded, and remove or conceal their dead. Tradition states ("History of Framingham "), that one of the sons of Eames of Framingham was present as a captive at the attack on Sudbury, and he is said to have reported that the Indians suffered severely by the fire from the garrison ; and that an aoed squaw lost six sons, all of whom were brave and distinguished warriors.
From all the circumstances, there is space for fair inference that their loss was large. Wadsworth and Brocklebank were bold and sagacious men ; their soldiers were doubtless valiant to a great degree. During those hours of defensive work there is little doubt but the ranks of King Philip were greatly thinned. Encompassed as the English were by hundreds of combatants eager to rush in and close the contest with hatchet and club, it is safe to infer that only an effective and quickly repeated fire, such as would be deadly to many, would keep such a host at bay. The very fact that Philip by daybreak withdrew, after his destructive work at Green Hill, is a presumption that he was in a crippled state. Without losses so severe as to make it utterly unwise to push on, flushed by Wadsworth's defeat, he would naturally move forward to destroy the east side settlement, and go with conquering march toward the sea. But he retraced his steps westward.
A further evidence that the havoc in Philip's force was great, is the statement of Mrs. Rowlandson, "that they came home without that rejoicing and triumphing over their victory which they were wont to show at other times ; but rather like dogs (as they say) which have lost their ears, yet I could not perceive that it was from their own loss of men. They said they lost not above five or six. And I missed none, except from one wigwam. When they went they acted as if the devil had told them that they should gam a victory, and now they acted as if the devil had told them they should have a fall. Whether it were so or no, I cannot tell, but so it quickly proved, for they quickly began to fall, and so they held on that summer till they came to utter ruin. They came home on a Sabbath day, and the poww^ow that kneeled upon the deerskin came home, I may say, without any abuse, as black as the devil." She further states that " it was their usual manner to remove when they had done any mischief, lest they should be found out ; and so they did at this time. We went about three or four miles, and there they built a great wigwam, big enough to hold one hundred Indians, which they did in preparation to a great day of dancing. They would now say among themselves that the governor would be so angry for the loss at Sudbury that he would say no more about the captives."
Hubbard says, " It was observed by some (at that time their prisoners, since released), that they seemed very pensive after they had come to ther quarters, showing no such signs of rejoicing as they were usually wont to do in like cases. Whether from the loss of some of their own company in that day's enterprise (said to be an hundred and twenty) or whether it were the devil in whom they trusted, that deceived them, and to whom they paid their addresses the day before by sundry conjurations of their powwows, or whether it were by any dread that the Almighty sent upon their excreable Blasphemies which 'tis said they used in the torturing of some of their poor captives (bidding Jesus come and deliver them out of their hands from death if He could) we leave as uncertain, though some have so reported. Yet sure it is, that after this day they never prospered in any attempt they made against the English, but were continually scattered and broken till they Avere in a manner all consumed."
As ultimate authority in this, as in other matters, we refer to "The Old Petition," in which it is stated as follows of the Indians slain : " Secondly, y^ service pformed at Sudbury by y^ help of y^ Almighty whereby y^ Enemy lost some say 100, some 105, some 120, and by that service much damage prevented from hapning to other places whereby y* Country in Generall was advantaged, reason requires some favorable considerations to y^ servants of Sudbury. For if it be considered what it hath cost our Country in sending out some forces some of which p ties have not returned with y^ certaine newes of such a number slaine as with us."
These things indicate that Philip's loss was severe. He was staj^ed in his course ; he was unable to reinforce his outstanding detachments in their attempt to destroy the town, and he quickly made his retreat. Wadsworth did not die in vain. Not only did he help save the east side settlement, but, keeping the foe hotly engaged for hours, he crippled their force to such a degree that they abandoned their plans of conquest in that vicinity.
THE CAPTURED.
But the sad story is not wholly told when we speak of the slain. The tragedy was not complete when the surviving few had left the field and taken refuge in the mill. Some were captured alive. These were subjected to such atrocious treatment as only a savage would be expected to give. Says Hubbard, " It is related by some that afterwards escaped how they cruelly tortured five or six of the English that night." Mather says, "They took five or six of the English, and carried them away alive, but that night killed them in such a manner as none but savages would have done, . . . delighting to see the miserable torments of the wretched creatures. Thus are they the perfect children of the devil." THE SURVIVORS.
The few English who escaped to the mill found it a place of safety. Says tradition, this was a fortified place, but it was then left in a defenceless condition. This latter fact the Indians were ignorant of, hence it was left unassailed. The escaped soldiers were rescued at night by Warren and Pierce, with some otliers, among whom was Captain Prentis, " who coming in the da}"^ hastily though somewhat to late to the relief of Capt. Wadsworth having not six troopers that were able to keep way with him fell into a pound or place near Sudbury town end, where all passages were stopped by the Indians." Captain Cowell also gave assistance, and thus these weary, war-worn men, the remnant of the gallant company that fought on that memorable day, were conducted to a place of safety.
BURIAL OF THE DEAD.
The morning light of the 22d of April broke upon a sad scene in Sudbury. The noise of the battle had ceased, and the fires had faded away with the night-shadows. Philip had betaken himself from the field of his hard-earned and unfortunate victory, and nothing of life was left but the leafless woods, and these charred as if passed over by the shadow of death. It was a scene of loneliness and desolation. The dead, scalped and stripped, were left scattered as they fell ; while their victors by the sunrising were far on their way back over the track which they had made so desolate. This scene, however, was shortl}^ to change. Warm hearts and stout hands were pushing their way to see what the case might demand, and if possible render relief.
Before nightfall of the 21st, so far as we have learned, little, if any intelligence was received by the parties who had rushed to the rescue, of the true state of things about Green Hill. Wadsworth and Brocklebauk were encompassed about by the foe, so that no communication could be conveyed to the English, who anxiously awaited tidings of their condition. It was known at the easterly part of the town that hard fighting was in progress at or near Green Hill. The shouting, firing, and smoke betokened that a battle was in progress, but how it M'ould terminate none could tell. After the Sudbury and Watertown men had driven the Indians over the river, they strove hard to reach the force on the hill. Says Warren and Pierce, in their petition : " We who were Avith them can more largely inform this Honored Council that as it is said in the petition, that we drove two hundred Indians over the river and with some others went to see if we could relieve Capt. Wadsworth upon the hill, and there we had a fight with the Indians, but they being so many of them, and we stayed so long that we were almost encompassed by them, which caused us to retreat to Capt. Goodnovv's garrison house, and there we stayed it being near night till it was dark."
But another force had also striven to reach the town, and join in the work of rescue. This was a company from Charlestown, commanded by Captain Hunting. Of this company, Gookin says ("History of Christian Indians"): '• On the 21^' of April, Capt. Hunting had drawn up and ready furnished his company of forty Indians at Charlestown. These had been ordered by the council to march to the Merrimac river near Chelmsford, and there to settle a garrison near the great fishing places where it was expected the enemy would come to get fish for their necessar}^ food." But, says Gookin, " Behold God's thoughts are not as ours, nor His ways as ours, for just as these soldiers were ready to march upon the 21^' of April, about midday, tidings came by many messengers that a great body of the enemy . . . had assembled at a town called Sudbury that morning." He says " that just at the beginning of the lecture there, as soon as these tidings came. Major Gooken and Thomas Danforth, two of the magistrates who were there hearing the lecture sermon, being acquainted, he withdrew out of the meeting house, and immediately gave orders for a ply of horses belonging to Capt. Prentis's troop under conduct of Corporal Phipps, and the Indian company under Capt. Hunting, forthwith to march away for the relief of Sudbury; which order was accordingly put into execution. Capt. Hunting with his Indian company being on foot, got not into Sudbury until a little within night. The enemy as is before [narrated] were all retreated unto the west side of the river of Sudbury, where also several English inhabited."
But though the rescuing parties were either repulsed, or too late to render assistance at the fight, they were on hand to bury the dead. Says Warren and Pierce : " After hurrying the bodies of the Concord men at the bridge's foot, we joined ourselves to Capt. Hunting and as many others as we could procure, and went over the river to look for Capt. Wadsworth and Capt. Broklebank ; and we gathered them up and hurried them." ,
The manner in which this burial scene proceeded is narrated thus by Mr. Gookin (''History of Christian Indians"): " Upon the 22"^^ of April early in the morning over forty Indians having stripped themselves and painted their faces like to the enemy, they passed over the bridge to the west side of the river without any Englishmen in the company, to make discovery of the enemy (which was generally conceded quartered thereabout), but this did not at all discourage our Christian Indians from marching and discovering, and if they had met with them to beat up their quarters. But God had so ordered that tlie enemy were all withdi-awn and were retreated in the night. Our Indian soldiers having made a thourough discovery and to their great relief (for some of them wept when they saw so many English lie dead on the place among the slain), some they knew, viz, those two worthy and pious Captains, Capt. Broklebank of Rowley and Capt. Wadsworth of Milton, who with about thirty two private soldiers were slain the day before. . . . As soon as they had made a full discovery, [they] returned to their Captains and the rest of the English, and gave them an account of their motions. Then it was concluded to march over to the place and bury the dead, and they did so. Shortly after, our Indians marching in two files upon the wings to secure those that went to bury the dead, God so ordered it that they met with no interruption in that work."
Thus were the slain soldiers buried on that April morning, in the stillness of the forest, far away from their kindred, friends, and homes. Those, who through inability had failed to defend them in the day of battle, now tenderly took them to their last long resting-place. A single grave contained them. Though scattered, they were borne to oiie common place of burial, and a rough heap of stones was all that marked that lone forest grave. Such was that soldiers' sepulchre, a mound in the woods, left to grow gray with the clustering moss of years, 3'et marking in its rustic simplicity one of the noblest and most heroic events known in the annals of King Philip's War. Thej^ sleep
" While the bells of autumn toll, Or the murmuring song of spring flits by, Till the crackling heavens in thunder roll, To the bugle-blast on high."
PLACE OF BURIAL.
The grave was made on the westerly side of Green Hill, near its base, and was in the northeast corner of the South Sudbury cemetery before its recent enlargement. In our recollection, the grave was marked by a rude stone-heap, at the head of which was a plain slate-stone slab. The heap was made of common loose stones such as a man could easily lift, and was probably placed there when the grave was made. It was perhaps three or four feet high, and a dozen feet wide at the base. The slab was erected about 1730 by President Wadsworth of Harvard College, son of Captain Wadsworth. As we remember the spot, it was barren and briar-grown ; loose stones, fallen from the top and sides of the mound, were half concealed in the wild wood grass that grew in tufts about it. It remained in this condition for years, and the villagers from time to time visited it as a place of interest.
In the year 1851 the town agitated the matter of erecting a monument, and the Legislature was petitioned for aid, which was granted. But the monument does not mark the original grave. The committee who had the matter in charge located it about fifty feet to the north. The old grave was at, or about the turn of the pi'esent avenue or path, at the northeast corner of the Adam Smith family lot, in the pres
THE WADSWORTH GRAVE,
So. Sudbury
From an original painting by A, S. Hudson. ent Wadswprth Cemetery. After it was decided to erect the monument in its present position, the remains of the soldiers were removed. The grave was opened without ceremony in the presence of a small company of villagers. It was the writer's privilege to be one of the number, and according to our recollection the grave was about six feet square, in which the bodies were placed in tiers at right angles to each other. Some of the skeletons were large, and all well preserved.
In connection with the 'events just described, we will give a few facts concerning some of the men engaged in them.
CAPT. SAMUEL WADSWORTH.
Capt. Samuel Wadsworth was the son of Christopher and Grace Wadsworth of Duxbury. He was supposed to be their oldest child. It is stated that when he died he was forty-six years old, but this is uncertain. He married Abigail Lindall of Duxbury, and owned lands at one time in Bridgewater, which were a part of a grant to his father. These lands comprised one sixty-fourth part of Bridgewater when it included most of Hanson and Abington. In 1685 Captain Wads worth's share is entered upon the Bridgewater records under the name of Widow Wadsworth. About 1660 Captain Wadsworth bought several hundred acres of land in Milton. A part of this estate was retained in the family to the eighth generation. His family consisted of six boj^s and one girl. His wife lived on the homestead many years after his death. Captain Wadsworth was an influential citizen, and took an active part in affairs both political and religious. At the time of Philip's War he was a captain in the militia of Milton. He was considered "a resolute, stout-hearted soldier," and " one worthy to live in our history under the name of a good man." (Genealogy of the Wadsworth Family).
CAPT. SAMUEL BROCKLEBANK.
Capt. Samuel Brocklebank was a citizen of Rowle3% Mass. He was born in England about 1680. A few years after his arrival in this country, his mother, who was a widow, came over, accompanied by two children. Samuel Brocklebank shortly after becoming of age was chosen a selectman, and continued to hold important town offices until his death. He became a deacon of the church Feb. 18, 1665. In 1673 the Council appointed him captain of militia, and after the breaking out of Philip's War he was stationed at a government garrison at Marlboro, where he had command of some colonial soldiers, and from which place he went with Captain Wadsworth to Sudbury. At the time of his death he was about forty-six j-ears old. He left a widow and six children, Samuel, Hannah, Mary, Elizabeth, Sarah, and Joseph^ Captain Brocklebank was an estimable citizen, a brave soldier, and a fit associate of Captain Wadsworth in his perilous work.
Lieutenant Sharp of Brookline and Lieut. Samuel Gardiner of Roxbury were, it is stated, brave and efficient men. And all the soldiers who were slain on that disastrous occasion were, we are informed, as brave soldiers as any who were engaged in the service at that time.
ROXBURY MEN.
The following is a list of the Roxbury men who were of Captain Wads worth's company, and killed at the Sudbury fight : Thomas Baker, Jr., John Roberts, Jr., Nathaniel Seaver [or Leason], Thomas Hawley [or Romley], Sr., William Cleaves, Joseph Pepper, John Sharpe, Thomas Hopkins, Samuel Gardner.
CONCORD MEN.
John Barnes lived in Concord in 1661, and married Elizabeth Hunt in 1664.
Joseph Buttrick was a son of William Buttrick, who came to New England in 1635, and died in 1698, aged eighty-two. His second Avife was Jane Goodnow of Sudbury.
James Hosmer was the oldest son of James, who came to Concord among the first settlers, and died in 1685. James, the son, married Sarah White in 1658. His widow married Samuel Rice. Samuel Potter was son of Luke Potter, one of the first settlers at Concord and deacon of the church there. Samuel married Sarah Wright in 1675.
MARLBORO MEN.
In Hudson's "History of Marlboro" it is stated that the records of that town give the names of John Howe, Henry Axtel, and Eleazer Ward as being slain by the Indians in Sudbury;, but whether in the Sudburj^ fight with Wadsworth, or not, is not known.
John How was a son of John How, one of the petitioners for the Marlboro Phmtation. He was born in 1640, probably in Sudbury, and married in 1662.
Henry Axtel was one of the proprierors of Marlboro at the time of its incorporation, and drew his land in the first division. He married in 1665, and was slain by the Indians between Sudbury and Marlboro, April 20, 1676.
Eleazer Ward was born near 1649, married Hannah Rice, lived in Sudbury, and was killed by the Indians upon the highway between Sudbury and Marlboro, April 20, 1676. •
THE CHRISTIAN INDIANS.
In connection with what has been said of the English who were in this battle, we will give a few facts concerning the Indians who came to the rescue under Captain Hunting. These were a detachment of the Christian Indians who had been placed on Deer Island by the colonial authorities, after the outbreak of the war. Years before, they had been gathered by Rev. John Eliot into several villages, where they lived peaceably among themselves, and on friendly relations with the whites. Their character and conduct was such as showed the civilizing influence of Christianity, and the power of the gospel to uplift and bless their race. But a few acts by a few recreant and unfaithful ones aroused the suspicion of the English against them all, so that, instead of allowing them to be their allies, they exiled them to an island in Boston harbor. But as the war progressed, their assistance was needed; and at the request of Mr. Eliot and General Gookin, the Governor and Council allowed a detachment to be placed under the command of Captain Hunting, and sent at once to Sudbury. In this service they showed their bravery and faithful attachment to the English. When they crossed the river, to discover the enemj^'s movements on the west side, they knew not but what Philip was in ambush for further prey, but they moved forward, and went beyond Green Hill ; and when in the solitude of the forest they beheld those prostrate forms, their stern spirits were melted, and it is said, the}^ wept.
MOVEMENTS OF THE ENGLISH AFTER THE FIGHT.
The dead having been buried, the English repaired, according to Warren and Pierce, to Nobscot to bring the carts into " Sudbury to wne." These carts are probably the same as those mentioned by Gookin, when he says, " At the same time [that is, at the time the survivors of this fight were secreted in Noyes's Mill] Captain Cutler of Charlestown, with a small company," according to Hubbard, eleven, "having the convoy of some carts from Marlboro that were coming to Sudbury, having secured his carriage at a garrison house, escaped narrowly being cut off by the enem}^" The same autlior goes on to state, that the enemy " at tliat time cut off some English soldiers that were coming down under the conduct of one Cowell of Boston, that had been a convoy to some provisions at Quaborg Fort." Other soldiers were soon on the march to the spot, the country having been aroused by this disaster to Wadsworth.
On April 22, 1976, it was ordered by the Council, " that the majors of Suifolk and Middlesex issue out their orders, Maj. Thomas Clark to the Captain of the troop of Suffolk, to raise forty of his troops, well attended, and completely armed with fire arms, and furnished with ammunition, under the conduct of Cornet Eliot, [and] such officers as he shall choose to accompany him, forthwith to visit Dedham, Medfield, and so to Sudbury ; and Major Daniel Gookin to issue out by order a like number of troops out of Middlesex troops, under the conduct of Thomas Prentis, or such as he shall choose, to visit Concord, Sudbury, and so to Medfield." The order to Cornet Eliot was, " You are ordered and requested to take forty of the troop, and so many as you can suddenly raise, and march with them into Sudbury, and inquire of their present distressed condition, and of the interring of the dead bodies, as also of the enemy's motion, and place of their rendezvous, and if you have opportunity you are to distress, kill, and destroy the enemy to the uttermost, taking good heed lest, through any neglect, or too much adventurness, you hazard the lives of the men by their sudden surprisal of you. You are also to visit Medfield, and make report of what you find to the Council, and in so doing this shall be your warrant."
Thus, after this disastrous battle, the English were on the move; but the Indians had departed westward. As we have noticed by the letter of Lieutenant Jacobs, they passed through Marlboro on the morning of the 22d, when the sun was about two hours high. This was Philip's westward retreat. He never retraced his footsteps. Sudbury was the last eastward town in his march. As a conqueror he could go no farther. On April 21 his sun had reached its meridian; on the 22d it turned towards its setting. His host was broken ; the ranks of his warriors began to thin ; and when he returned to his home at Mount Hope, it was to be hunted and harassed ; and Aug. 12, 1676, he fell by the hand of one of his race.
Sudbury's loss.
The war with King Philip left the town in a weakened condition. Even had the people sustained but little direct loss, their prosperity would naturally have been checked by the imperiled state of the community; but the actual loss to the people in property was considerable, as is indicated by various petitions, in which they set forth their circumstances. In 1677, some inhabitants of Marlboro, Lancaster, and Sudbury sent a petition to the Court, asking that a certain tract of land lying about Marlboro, called by the Indians Whipsuffrage and Ocogooganset, might be given them. The reason of this request was, as they say, " Because many of which Indians in our late war have proved very perfidious and combine with the common enemy," and because we having been "upon ye Country's service, and hazarded our lives against 3^e common enemy, have suffered much damage by being driven from our habitation, and some of our habitations burnt." (State Archives, Vol. XXX., p. 240.)
But we are not left to general statement of the material loss sustained, for the specific damage to each individual's property is given in "The Old Petition." The first part of the petition, together with a list of the losses, which we give here verbatim, is as follows :
To ye Honbie ye Govemo'' Magistrates & Deputies of ye Gen' Court assembled at Boston ye 11th Octob'' 1676.
Tlie humble Petition of yor poore, distressed Inhabitants of Sudbury Humb'y Showeth.
That whereas yor impoverished Petition's of Sudbury have received intelh'gence of a large contribution sent out of Ireland by some pious & well affected p sons for ye reliefe of their brethren in New England by ye hostile intrusions of ye Indian Enemy, and that upon this divers distressed towns have presented a list of their losses sustained by fireing and plundering their estates. Let it not seem presumption in yo"" poore Petition's to p'sent a list of what Damages are sustained by yo' enemies in his attempts ; hoping that o' lott will be considered among Our brethren of ye tribe of Joseph ; being encouraged by an act of Our Honbie Genu Court; that those who have Sustained considerable damage should make addresses to this p'sent session.
An Accompt of Losse Sustenied by Severall Inhabitants of ye towne of Sudbury by ye Indian Enemy ye 21st Aprill 1076.
L
s
D
Mary Bacon formerly ye Relict of
Ensign Noyes
140:
00:
00
Thomas Plimpton
130:
00.:
00
Deacon John Haines
180:
00:
00
Seg Josiah Haines
190:
:00:
:00
Capt James Pendleton
060 :
00;
:00
John Goodenow
150;
:00:
:00
William Moores
180:
:00:
:00
Edward Wright
100:
:00:
:00
Elias Keyes
060:
:00:
:00
John Smith
080:
00:
:00
Samuell How
140:
:00
:00
Mr Pelham
050:
:00:
:00
Mr. Stevens
015:
:00:
:00
Corporall Henry Ric.e
180
:00
:00
John Allen
060
:00
:00
James Roose
070
:00
:00 John Grout jun"" 060 : 00 : 00
Thomas Rice 100 : 00 : 00
Widd Whale 024 : 00 : 00
Henry Curtice 200 : 00 : 00
John Brewer 120 : 00 : 00
Jacob M cores 050 : 00 : 00
Henry Loker 100 : 00 : 00
Joseph ffreemon 080 : 00 : 00
Joseph Graves OGO : 00 : 00
Peter King 040 : 00 : 00
Widd Habgcood 020 : 00 : 00
Benjamin Crane 020 : 00 : 00
Jhomas wedge 015 : 00 : 00
John Blanford 010 : 00 : 00
Thomas Brewer 010 : 00 : 00
Richard Burk 010 : 00 : 00
Thomas Reade 003 : 00 : oo
WhoU Sum 2707 : 00 : 00
Beside ye uncovering ye Many houses & Barnes & some hundred of Acres of lands which are unimproved for feare of ye Enemy to Our greate loss & Damage (Signed)
Edm Browne Joseph [ ]
Edm Goodnow Peter Noyes
John Grout Jonathan Stanhope
John Haines Edward wright
Josiah Haines Jabeth Browne
Thomas Read John Grout jun""
Peter King Joseph Graves
John Ruter sen"" Tho Walker
Joseph Noyes John Blanford
John Goodnow John Allen
Mathew Gibs Henry Curtis
Thomas wedge Jacob Moores
Benjamin Crane John Brewer Zecriah Maynard James Ross
Joseph Moore Richard Burk
John Parminter Thomas Brewer
Henry Loker Samuell How.
The contribution to which the petition refers was called " The Irish Charity Donation or Fund." The gift was made in 1676, for the people in the Massachusetts, Plj'^mouth and Connecticut colonies who had suffered in King Philip's War. It was " made by divers Christians in Ireland for the relieffe of such as are Impoverished, Distressed and in Nessesitie by the late Indian Avars ; " sent b}^ the " Good ship called the Kathrine of Dublin." Rev. Nathaniel Mather, the brother of Increase, is supposed to have been a means of procuring the fund. The proportion received by Sudbury was for twelve families, fort3'-eight persons, 71. 4s. Od. This was to be delivered to the selectmen of the several towns in meal, oat meal, and malt at 18d. per ball, butter Qd. cheese 4d. ]3er pound. The following is another section of the same petition :
Furthermore prmitt yC humWe Peticon''s to present a second motion. And let it be acceptable in ye eyes of this Our Grand Court vizt:
That whereas by an Act of Our late Gen" Court ten rates are leavied upon Our towne amounting unto 200'^: as appeareth p warrant from Our Treasurer, which said sum was leavied by Our Invoyce, taken in ye yeare before Our greate damage susteyned. It is ye humble & earnest request of yC Petitionrs to commiserate Our Condition, in granting to us some abatement of ye said sum for ye ensueing consideration, Vist: ffirst Our towne to pay full for theire estates then taken which in greate pte they have now lost by ye enemy's invasion may seem not to savor of pitty no not of equity
Is it not reason'es that this service soe beneficiall should not be considered with some reward which may not easily be esserted (sic) by issuing forth an Act of yor grace in a suitable abatem' of ye said sum leavied with ye conferring of a Barrell of Powder & suitable shott in regard that yC Petioners have spent not only their owne stock or others but much of ye Towne stock.
In response, "the Court judged meet to order that Sudbury be allowed and abated forty fower pound ten shillings out of ye whole sume of their ten county rates." (Colonial Records, Vol. V., p. 124.)
CHAPTER XIV. page 259
1675-1700.
Revival of Prosperity after Philip's War. Payment for Fortification of the Meeting-House. Erection of Saw-Mill at Hop Brook. Death of Rev. Edmund Browne ; Place of Burial ; Historical Sketch. Settlement of Rev. James Sherman. -Purchase of Parsonage. Building of New Meeting-House. Political Disturbances.^ Change of Charter. Administration of Sir Edmund Andros. Indian Hostilities. The Ten Years War. Distribution of Ammunition. Petition of Sudbury. Phipps Expedition. Sudbury Canada Grant. — Witchcraft. Samuel Paris; Historical Sketch. Incorporation of Framingham. Miscellaneous Matters.
The land lies open and warm in the sun, Anvils clamor and mill-wheels run ; Flocks on the hillsides, herds on the plain, The wilderness gladdened with fruit and grain.
Whittier.
The war with King Philip being ended, the way was opened for renewed prosperity. New buildings went up on the old estates, the garrisons again became quiet homesteads, and the fields smiled with plentiful harvests. An earl}^ movement was made to meet indebtedness caused by the Avar. March, 1676-7, it was ordered, " that the rate to be made for the fortification about the meeting house of this town shall be made by the invoice to be taken this spring, leaving out all strangers and sojourners, and that the logs there used be valued at two shillings six pence each, boards five shillings six pence per hundred foot, and every man's day's work at 18d." A little later, Feb. 26, 1677, it was ordered, "that such persons as have brought in logs for fortification of the meeting house, do bring in their account of logs, and all persons an account also for their days' work done thereupon
259 unto the town clerk between this and the next town meetingno w appointed to be the 11^'^ of March next, and such as do not, shall lose both their logs and work, for the town will wait upon them no longer."
ERECTION OF SAW-MILL.
Another movement that denotes the town's activity and recuperative power was the erection of a saw-mill. A town record, dated March 26, 1677, informs us it was ordered that ''Peter King, Thomas Read, Sen., John Goodenow, John Smith and Joseph Freeman have liberty granted them to build a saw mill upon Hop Brook above Mr. Peter Noyes's mill, at the place viewed by the committee of this town chosen the last week, which if they do, they are to have twenty tons of timber of the common lands for the building thereof, and earth for their dam, and also they are to make a small dam or sufficient causage so as to keep the waters out of the swamp lands there, provided also that if Mr, Peter Noyes shall at any time throw up his corn mill they do in room thereof set up a corn mill as sufficient to grind the town's corn and grain as Mr. Noyes's present mill hath done and doth, and see to maintain the same, and whenever they or any of them their heirs, executors, administrators. Assigns, or successors, shall either throw up their said corn mill or fail to grind the towns corn and grain as above said, the toAvns land hereby granted shall be forfeited and returned to the town's use again, and lastly the said persons are not to pen up the water, or saw at any time between the middle of April and first of September, and they are also to make good all the highway that they shall damage thereby."
DEATH OF REV. EDMUND BROWNE.
The town had not moved far on the road to renewed prosperity before another calamity came. This was the death of its pastor. Rev. Edmund Browne, who died June 22, 1678. The first intimation we have on the town records of Mr. Browne's sickness is the following : " Ordered, that next Lord's day there be a free contribution [asked] and collected by Deacon Ilaines for and towards carrj'ing and charge of Preacher (upon the sickness of Mr. Edmund Browne, Pastor) that the pulpit might be supplied notwithstanding, after the best manner that may be obtained," Ca])tain Goodenow, Deacon Haines, Mr. Joseph Noyes and Peter King were empowered to be a standing committee during the pastor's sickness, and ordered " to take care that this town be supplied with able Preachers whilst the Pastor is not able to officiate." "The following named persons offered themselves for the 1*' month to travel with horse and weekly to fetch and return Preachers for the supply of the town, at least every Lord's day. 1** Peter Noyes, Joseph Parmenter, 2=^ Tho. Brown, Joseph Moore, S'^ Jn° Goodenow, Joseph Graves, 4^'' Samuel How, Thomas Read, Jr."
We have discovered no record, and are aware of no tradition, relating to Mr. Brown's burial or place of interment. He may have been buried in the old yard in Wayland, and the grave may have been left unmarked, or the stone may have been broken or fallen, and been removed. It has been conjectured that his remains were placed in some tomb in. or about the .city of Boston. The writer has examined copied inscriptions on the stones of some of the older graveyards of Boston, but has discovered there no name which could be that of the first pastor of Sudbury. In Sewall's Diary is the following entry: "Monday, May 9th, 1709. Major Thomas Brown Esq. of Sudbury was buried in the old Burying jjlace. Bearers, Cook, Sewall, Hutchingson, Townsend, Jas Dummer, Dudley, Scarves and Gloves," "Tlie old Burying place " was that of King's Chapel, Boston. The wife of Major Thomas Brown was buried in the East Side Buryingground, Sudbury. If Major Brown was not buried with his wife, but it was considered important that his remains should be taken to Boston for interment, the same may have been the case with Edmund Browne.
In the death of its first pastor the town met with a great loss. It is true, he was nearly or quite fourscore years old, but judging from his activity in the Indian war, in fortifying his house, and sending messages to the Colonial Court, he was still energetic and robust. Moreover, he had been wdth the people from the beginning of the settlement ; he had passed with them through the desolations of a terrible war, and had been a sharer of their jo^^s and sorrows for many years. From what we know of him, we judge him to have been a warm friend of the truth, and an ardent defender of the Christian faith. It is certainly creditable to him, that, after such a long pastorate, his people were of a character to empower their committee to provide " an able Orthodox Preacher," after he was taken ill.
Mr. Browne came from England in 1637, and, according to Mather, was ordained and in actual service in that country before he came to America. He was a freeman of Massachusetts Bay Colony, May 13, 1640. He married, about 16-45, Anne, widow of John Loveren of Watertown, but left no children. He was a member of the synod that established " The Cambridge Platform," 1646-8 ; was on the council that met in 1657 to settle the difficulties in Rev. Mr. Stone's church, Hartford ; preached the artillery election sermon in 1666 ; and his name is attached to the testimony of the seventeen ministers against the proceedings of the three elders of the First Church, Boston, about 1669.
Mr. Browne was quite a land owner, his real estate, as it is supposed, amounting to three hundred acres. His early homestead at Timber Neck had originally belonging to it seventy acres. He received from the General Court a grant of meadow land situated in the present territory of Framingham, and from time to time became possessed of various lands both within and without the town. Mr. Brown hunted and fished, and it is said was a good angler. He played on several musical instruments and was a noted musician. In his will he speaks of his " Base Voj^al " and musical books and instruments. He was much interested in educating and Christianizing the Indians, and at one time had some of them under his special care. His library was for those times quite valuable, containing about one hundred and eighty volumes. He left fifty pounds to establish a grammar school in Sudbury; but by vote of the town, in 1724, it was diverted to another purpose. He also left one hundred pounds to Harvard College. SETTLEMENT OF REV. JAMES SHERMAN.
The towu was not left long without a pastor. It soon called the Rev. James Sherman, who had preached during the illness of Mr. Browne. May 6, 1678, " it was ordered that the committee engage the service of Mr. James Sherman that hath officiated in the town in that kind to continue in that work till the first of September next, or longer as they shall see cause, or till further order from the town." May 20, on a " training day," it was decided that Mr. Peter King was to entertain Mr. Sherman, and to have six shillings per week "for his diet, lodging, attendance, and horse."
Active measures were immediately taken to provide the minister with a house. The town bought of John Loker the east end of his house, standing before and near the meetinghouse, and his orchard, and the whole home lot of about four acres ; it also bought of him the reversion due to him of the western end of the house that his mother then dwelt in. This part of the house was to be the town's property at the marriage or death of the said Widow Mary Loker. For this property the town was to pay John Loker fifty pounds. (See p. 116.) The Widow Loker appeared at town-meeting, and surrendered all her reversion in the western end of the house to the town, reserving the liberty to have twelve months in which " to provide herself otherwise." She also promised in the meantime "to quit all egress and regress through the eastern end of the house and every part thereof." ^ In consequence of this the town agreed to pay her annually that is, till she should marry or die twenty -five shillings, money of New England. The town also voted to raise twenty-five pounds with which to repair the house. The records inform us, that " the said town doth freely give and grant unto Mr. James Sherman, minister of the word of God, all that house and lands which the said town bought lately of John Loker, and twenty pounds to be paid him in [country] pay towards the repair of the said house, and also twenty pounds more to be paid him in money, for and towards the purchase of the widow Mary Loker's lot that lies adjoining to it, when she shall have sold it to the said Mr. James Sherman, and also six acres of common upland lying on the back side of the town at the end of Smith field, and also six acres of meadow ground some where out of the common meadows of tliis town. These foregoing particular gifts and grants the said town doth engage and promise to the said Mr. James Sherman minister and his heirs ... in case he shall settle in this town and live and die amongst them their Teaching Elder. But in case the said Mr. Sherman shall not carry out the constant work of preaching in and to this town, during his life, or shall depart and leave this town before his death, then all the premises shall return to the said town's hands again to be at their own dispose forever, only they are then to pay to the said Mr. Sherman all the charges he hath been out for the same in the meantime, as [they] shall be judged worth by indifferent men mutually chosen, unless both parties shall agree therein among themselves."
The town also agreed to pay Mr. Sherman eighty pounds salary; twenty pounds of this were to be paid him in "money, twenty pounds in wheat, pork, beef, mutton, veal, butter, or cheese, or such like species at country price, and the remaining forty shall be paid him in Indian Corn and Rye, or Barley or Peas, all at country prices." He was to have five pounds added per annum to his salary for the cutting and carting home of firewood. He was also to have the use of the minister's meadow lands, and could j^asture his cattle on the common land, and have firewood and timber from the common land of the town.
The 30th of October, 1678, " the said Mr. James Sherman did then and there freely and fully declare before the town his acceptance of all that which the said town had granted and done in all respects as is before written, in consideration thereof for his part he did promise the said town, that he would live and die in the constant and public discharge of this duty, by preaching the word of the Lord unto them, and in the faithful administration of all the ordinances of Christ amongst them ; which the Inhabitants of the said town accepted of; and said Mr. Sherman also declaired there that if the mint house should be put down so that money cannot be had he should neither expect nor desire any part of his salary in money."
Thus the town secured the services of Mr. Sherman, and provided him with a place of residence ; and within a year after the death of Mr. Browne, the church was again equipped for work. Mr. Sherman was son of Rev. John Sherman of Watertown. He mnrried Mary, daughter of Thomas Walker of Sudbury, and had two sons, John and Thomas. He was ordained in 1678, and was dismissed May 22, 1705. After leaving the pastoral office he remained in town for a time, occasionally preaching abroad. Afterwards, he practiced medicine in Elizabethtown, N. J., and Salem, Mass. He died at Sudbury, March 3, 1718.
NEW MEETING-HOUSE.
During the pastorate of Mr. Sherman, the town took measures for the erection of a new house of worship. Oct. 6, 1686, " it was determined, ordered, and voted, that a new meeting house be built within this town with all convenient speed, after such manner as shall be resolved upon by the town." " It was ordered that the said new meeting house shall be erected finished and stand upon the present Burjdng place of this town and on the most convenient part thereof or behind or about the old meeting house that now is."
The business of building the meeting-house was entrusted to Deacon John Haines, between whom and the town a covenant was made at a town-meeting, Jan. 10, 1685. It was to be raised on or before the first day of July, 1688 ; and for the work Mr. Haines was to have two hundred pounds, one hundred and sixty pounds of it to be paid in " country pay and at country price," and the other forty pounds to be paid in money. The country pay was to be in " good sound merchantable Indian corn, or Rye, or wheat, or barley, or malt, or Peas, or Beef, or Pork, or work, or in such other pay as the said Deacon Haines shall accept of any person."
The meeting-house was to be " made, framed and set up, and finished upon the land and place appointed b}'' the town on the 6'^ of October last past, in all respects for dimentions, strength, shape, . . . and conveniences, as Dedham meeting house is, except filling between studs ; but in all things else admitting with all in this work such variations as are particularly mentioned in the proposition of Corporal John Brewer and Sam^ How." The town was to help raise the building, the clapboards were to be of cedar, the inside to be lined with either planed boards or cedar clapboards, and the windows were to contain two hundred and forty feet of glass. It was voted, " that Lent. Daniel Pond shall be left to his liberty whether he will leave a middle alley in the new meeting house, or shut up the seats as they are in Dedham meeting house, provided always that the seats do comfortably and conveniently hold and contain seven men in one end of the seats and seven women in the other end of the seats."
At a town-meeting, Feb. 13, 1687-8, " a committee of eleven men were chosen to receive the new meeting house of Deacon John Haines, when it is finished according unto covenant made between him and the town," and also "• to appoint persons how and where to sit in the meeting house." It was voted, " that the most considerable rule for seating of persons in the meeting house shall be by what they pay to the building thereof, excepting in respect to some considerable persons or to age and other considerable qualifications." It was voted that there should be " a good, sufficient and strong ladder placed at the meeting house with as much speed as may be, to prevent whatsoever occurrence may happen." "Mary Loker was to have one pound fifteen shillings for the year ensuing for sweeping the new meeting house and keeping it clean." It was voted, that "there should be a convenient place for the storing of the ammunition of the town over the window in the south west gable. The dirt on the north east and south east side of the new meeting house was to be moved and placed at the foreside of it, and the ground was to be raised to within four or five inches of the sill, and to cover it with gravel and make a convenient way in at the door."
A few years after this meeting-house was built a bell was provided for it. It cost "twenty and five pounds in money." John Goodenow and Edward Wright paid this, and they bought the bell of Caleb Hubbert of Braintree. It was voted that Joliii Farm enter should sweep the meeting-house from April 1, 1696, to April 1, 1697, for fourteen bushels of Indian or twenty shillings in money. The building being completed, a committee was chosen " to go to Dedham and clear up accounts with and obtain a discharge from Lieut. Daniel Pond concerning our new meeting house."
CIVIL AND MILITARY DISTURBANCES.
While the people of Sudbury were endeavoring to repair their misfortunes, they worked at a disadvantage. The country was by no means quiet. Disturbances, both civil and military, embarrassed the land. Kings in rapid succession ascended the British throne. In 1685 came the death of King Charles, who was succeeded by James II., who was followed by William of Holland. Change in England meant change in America, and change in America meant change in the colonial towns. For some time there had been a controversy concerning the colon3''s charter. In 1685 it was declared that this charter was forfeited. The liberties of the people passed into the hands of the King of Great Britain, and the colony was called to submit to such form of government as Charles II. and James his successor saw fit to allow. But the people yet hoped to resume the old charter. Events, however, proved that these hopes were vain. In 1692 a new charter was brought to Boston by Sir William Phipps, and from a colony Massachusetts passed to a province, which included Nova Scotia, New Hampshire, Plymouth, Massachusetts, and Maine. With this change came new relations and laws. The new charter gave the governor extended power. He had the appointment of all the military officers, and, with the consent of the Council, the judicial also. He could call or adjourn the General Court, and no act of government was valid without his consent. But before the completion of this list of events, the community was agitated by a usurpation of power unsurpassed in the history of the colony.
In 1686, Sir Edmund Andros was commissioned by King James to succeed Dudley as colonial governor. Andros proved a pernicious ruler, whose despotism was not long to be borne. Among his arbitrary acts was imprisonment without trial, unjust and oppressive taxation, denial of the right of habeas corpus and the right of the people to hold their town-meetings. But the act which perhaps threatened the greatest embarrassment was that relating to real estate. The people were informed that they had unsound claims to their lands, and that the titles to them were void. Notwithstanding Indian deeds were produced, they were told these were " worth no more than the scratch of a bear's paw." Although King James is said to have commanded, that "the several properties according to the ancient records" should be continued to the people, yet the commission to Andros intimated his intention of assuming the whole "real property " of the country, and that landed rights were to be granted the people on such terms as the king might demand.
The result was a general embarrassment, and on April 18, 1689, there was a revolt and resort to arms. A council of safety was formed, and there met in Boston the 22d of May, the representatives of fifty-four towns. Sudbury sent Peter King as its delegate. He was instructed " to consult with the council sitting," and directed " not to resume the former charter government only that the present council should stand until we receive orders from his Royal Highness the Prince of Orange, and that the prisoners in durance be safely kept until such time as they may be brought before lawful justice." Forty of the representatives of the fiftyfour towns voted in favor of resuming the old charter. This, however, being opposed by Broadstreet, the president, and also by many of the old magistrates, it was agreed to resume only the government chosen in 1686 under the charter, until further orders were received from England. Forty delegates voted for this measure, and Mr. King of Sudbury was among the number. The dissolution of the old charter was in 1686. On May 26, 1689, a ship brought the news of the proclaiming of King William and Queen Mary ; and the arrival of the charter for a province was in 1692.
Thus, when the country was stirred by civil commotion, the town took its appropriate part ; and, despite the bustle and stir in these important matters of state, it pursued its steady way. The persons who served from Sudbury in the General Court from the deposition of Andros, in 1689, were Peter King, Peter Noyes, John Haynes, Joseph Freeman. (Mass. Hist. Coll., Vol. XXIV., p. 289.)
THE TEN YEARS WAR.
The disturbing elements of this period were not confined to civil relations. The border settlements were exposed to the sudden assaults of the savages, who needed only a pretext or an opportunity to commence their depredations. An occasion was soon afforded. About 1689 hostilities broke out among the settlements of New Hampshire and Maine, and the county of Middlesex was called upon to send its troops and munitions of war to the ravaged districts between the Penobscot and Merrimac. But a war of greater proportions soon threatened the colony, and which was to be of a duration, not of months, but of years. This war, waged between England and France, and known as King William's, or the " Ten Years War," for about a decade of years, menaced the frontier towns of New England. The work of devastation was soon commenced, and revived the associations of by-gone years. The musket was once more to be shouldered and the sword unsheathed in defense of imperiled firesides and the arbitrament of disputed rights.
French authorities, with the sanction of the governor general of Canada, sought an alliance with the Indians, and the French and savages combined made the border a perilous place. But the war affected the New England colony in general. Levies were made on the towns for men to man the outposts and to go on expeditions of an aggressive and hazardous nature. During these years of hostility Sudbury was less exposed than in the war with King Philip. Her greatest trial was from sudden incursions, and a liability to large drafts on her weak resources. It is recorded in the town book, that, in 1688, there was a distribution of the stock of ammunition. The following statement is accompanied by a list of persons who took the stock in charge :
270 The names of those persons as have taken the public stock of ammunition into their hands, and have agreed to respond for the same in case that it be not spent in real service in the resistance of the enemy are as followeth.
Benjamin Moore Samuel How Matthew Gibbs Mr. Hopestil Brown Daniel Stone Corp. John Bent Corp. Henry Rice Mr. William Brown Mathew Rice John Allen Mr. Peter Noyes Widow Mary Rice John Parmenter Mr. James Sherman Stephen Blandford John Grout, Jun. Thomas Knapp Benjamin Parmenter Sarjeant James Barnard John How.
Captain Thomas Brown John Goodenow Lieut. John Grout Ensign Jacob Brown Peter King
Lieut. Edward Wright John Rice
Mr. Thomas Walker, Sr. Thomas Reade, Sr. Deacon John Haines Lieut. Josiah Haines Sargent Joseph Freeman Corp. John Brewer Joseph Curtis Mr. Joseph Noise Joseph Moore Zachariah Maynard Sargent John Rutter Jonathan Stanhope Corp. Richard Taylor Corp. Joseph Gleason Jonathan Rice Thomas Plympton
The most of the persons thus named had allowed them a little over four pounds of powder, a little over thirty-three pounds of shot, and thirteen flints. About two years from this date, 1690, an order came to Major Elisha Hutchinson, commander of the forces, to detach " 18 able soldiers well appointed with arms and ammunition out of the several companies of his regiment to rendezvous at Sudbury upon Tuesday the 27*'' of May with six days provisions a man."
These things indicate a harassed condition of the country, and perhaps a near approach of the foe to Sudbury. Nothing, however, so forcibly sets forth the military service of the town in those times as a paper bearing no date, but found in the State Archives among others belonging to that period. The document, which is in the form of a petition, is as follows : To the honorable Governor, Deputy Governor, and to all our honored Magistrates and Representatives of the Massachusetts Colony, now sitting in General Court in Boston. The humble petition of us who are some of us for ourselves, others for our children and servants, whose names are after subscribed humbly showeth that being impressed the last winter several of us into dreadful service, where, by reason of cold and hunger and in tedious marches many score of miles in water and snow, and laying on the snow by night, having no provision but what they could carry upon their backs, beside hard arms and ammunition, it cost many of them their lives. Your humble petitioners several of us have been at very great charges to set them out with arms, and ammunition, and clothing, and money to support them, and afterwards by sending supplies to relieve them and to save their lives, notwithstanding many have lost their lives there, others came home, and which were so suffered, if not poisoned, that they died since they came from there, notwithstanding all means used, and charges out for their recovery, others so surfeited that they are thereby disabled from their callings. Likewise your humble petitioners request is that this honored court would grant this favor that our messengers may have liberty to speak in the court to open our cause so as to give the court satisfaction. Your humble petitioners humble request is farther that you would please to mind our present circumstances, and to grant us such favors as seems to be just and rational, that we may have some compensation answerable to our burden, or at least to be freed from farther charges by rates, until the rest of our brethren have borne their share with us, and not to be forced to pay others that have been out but little in respect of us, whereas the most of us have received little or nothing but have been at very great charges several of us. If it shall please this honorable General Court to grant us our petition we shall look upon ^ourselves as duty binds us ever pray.
John Haynes Sen. Thomas Walker
Joseph Noyes Sen. John Barrer Peter Haynes Sen. [or Noyes] Samuel Glover
Mathew Rice Joseph Gleason sen
John Allen Thomas Rutter
Mathew Gibbs sen Joseph Rutter
Thomas Rice Benjamin Wight
James Rice sen Peter Plympton
Joseph Curtis Israel Miller
Josiah Haynes sen. Stephen Cutts
(State Archives, Vol. XXXVI., p. 59.)
This petition presents a story of sorrow. The serviqg referred to was, it is supposed, in connection with the illfated expedition of Sir William Phipps in 1690. In this expedition Sudbury was represented by a company of men, some of whom were from Framingliam. A large force, consisting of forty vessels and two thousand men, most of whom were from Massachusetts, was fitted out for the capture of Quebec. The fleet sailed from Boston, and the land forces marched by way of Montreal and the lakes. But the great enterprise failed. Gotten up in haste, it was poorly prepared, and its militarj^ stores were but scant. Being late in the season, unfavorable weather prevailed, the small-pox set in, and the expedition came back with its object unachieved. It is said that many more died of fever after the expedition returned to Boston. But this was not all. The mone}^ in the treasur}'- was insufficient to pay the soldiers, and for the first time in the history of the country paper money was issued ; but from this the soldiers obtained only from twelve to fourteen shillings to the pound.
Years after the Phipps expedition, survivors or their heirs petitioned the Court for land grants, and received them. These lands were called Canada grants. In answer to such a petition, Sudbury received land in Maine, which was called the Sudbury Canada grant. This giant now makes the towns of Jay and Canton. (New England Historical Antiquarian Register, Vol. XXX., p. 92.) The names of the petitioners for the foregoing grant have been preserved in a paper which bears date " Oct ye 26''' 1741." The list was given in connection with what was called " A lift tax of fifteen shillings a man." A few of these names are as follows : Ward, Graves, Stone, Rice, Bridges, Newton, Walker, Woodward, Joseph Rutter, Gibbs, Peter Bent, Brewer, Samuel Paris. The petitioners were formed into a society, having Capt. Samuel Stone, treasurer, and Josiah Richardson, clerk, both of Sudbury.
Thus along from 1688 till the declaration of Peace at Ryswick, Dec. 10, 1697, there was inconvenience and loss. On the 27th of July, 1694, a detachment of the Abenakis, under the Chief Taxous, crossed the Merrimac, and assailed Groton, where the Indians killed twenty-two persons and captured thirteen. In August, 1695, a sudden descent was made on Billerica, in which fifteen persons were killed or
THE WALKER GARRISON HOUSE. See page I 99. captured. Lancaster suffered in 1692, also in 1695, and in September, 1697, the Indians again entered the town. Thus near lurked the troublesome foe, and Sudbury doubtless felt its insecurity when it learned of these savage incursions in the neighboring towns. The following record on the Town Book bears testimony to this sense of insecurity: "Also agreed to call the town together for the choice of all town officers next lecture day at twelve of the clock, and it being a troublesome time with the Indians but few appeared."
WITCHCRAFT.
Another source of disturbance towards the last of the century was the witchcraft delusion. Supposed cases had occurred before in the Massachusetts Colony, and persons had been executed whom it was said had the power to bewitch men ; but in 1692, it broke out with renewed violence, and strangely disturbed societj^ We know of no alleged cases in Sudbury ; but a person prominently connected with Salem witchcraft subsequently went to Sudbury, and dwelt there until his death. This was the Rev. Samuel Paris, the first minister of what was then Salem Village, but now the town of Danvers. In view of this fact, a few words concerning the matter and Mr. Paris', sad history may not be amiss.
The Salem witchcraft delusion began in Mr. Paris' family. During the winter of 1691-2 a compan}^ of young girls were accustomed to meet at his house and practice fortune-telling, necromancy, and magic. It is stated they attained some skill in this matter, and that after a while they ascribed to it supernatural agency. The community became alarmed, and the physician called them bewitched. Two of these girls were of Mr. Paris' household, one a daughter, the other a niece, neither of them over eleven years of age. The complaints made were similar to those made years before by the children of John Goodenow of Boston. An Indian woman named Tituba, who had been brought from New Spain, lived in Mr. Paris' family. Tituba was accused of being the witch, and of bewitching these children. She confessed, and claimed to have confederates. Had the children of Mr. Paris been unnoticed, or tlie matter brushed lightly by, perhaps it had stopped right there ; but they were pitied, and shown special attention, and new cases soon occurred. The work of accusation and suspicion went forward, and rapidly spread, until it reached fearful proportions. Scores were apprehended, tried, and condemned, until men knew not when they were safe.
The delusion was soon dispelled, and society resumed a more tranquil state ; but as the darkness broke it left bitter regrets ; for the light shone on a record as sad as any in the annals of the Massachusetts Colony. From Mr. Paris' position, as pastor of the Salem Village Church, he may have come in contact with cases in a perfunctory way which gave hhn unpleasant publicity. In 1695 a council met at Salem Village to confer about the witchcraft matter as related to Mr. Paris and his people. Shortly after this he left the church and the place. He became a trader, went to Watertown, then Concord; but his stay in each place was short. He then went to Dunstable, where for a few months he preached. He at length went to Sudbury, and died there about 1720. Thus originated the Salem witchcraft, and thus passed away the man who received notoriety by it.
Moral. Deal not with familiar spirits. "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Leave necromancy, magic, and all the black arts, and seek more substantial and sensible things. Mr. Paris was the son of Thomas Paris of London. He went to Harvard College, but did not remain .to graduate. Before preaching at Salem Village he preached at Stowe. He Avas twice married, his first wife dying in 1696, at about the age of forty-eight, his second wife in 1719. His first wife was buried at Danvers; her grave is marked by a headstone upon which is the following verse, after which are the initials of Mr. Paris :
Sleep Precious Dust, no stranger now to Rest, Thou hast thy longed wish, within Abraham's Brest, Farewell Best Wife, Choice Mother, Neighbor, Friend, We'll wail thee less, for hopes of thee in the end. Mrs. Paris, it is said, was a good woman. Mr. Paris left several children. His daughter Dorothy, born 1700, became the wife of Hopestill Brown of Sudbury. Another daughter married Peter Bent. His son Noyes Paris, born 1699, took his first degree at Harvard College, 1721. His other son, Samuel, was born 1702.
After Mr. Paris came to Sudbury, we conclude that for a time he taught school there. The records state, that in 1717, Mr. Samuel Paris was to teach school four months of the year at the school-house on the west side of the river, and the rest of the year at his own house. If he was absent part of the time, he was to make it up the next year. In Book III., Sudbury Records, we have the following statement, with date May 25, 1722 : " These may certify that ye 28 pounds that ye town of Sudbury agreed to give Mr. Samuel Paris late of Sudbury, for his last yeares keeping school in s"^ town, is by Mr. John Clapp treasurer for said town by his self and by his order all paid as witness my hand John Rice excuter of ye last will and Testament of ye s"! Mr. Paris."
There are graves of the Paris family in the old burjdngground at Wayland. Towards the southeast side of it stands a stone with the following inscription : " Here lyes ye Body of Samuel Paris, Who Died July 27'^ 1742 in ye 8'^ year of his age." On another stone is marked: "Here lyes ye Body of Mrs. Abigail Paris who departed this life February ye IS"' 1759 in ye 55^^ year of her age."
INCORPORATION OF FRAMINGHAM.
At the close of the century, Sudbury lost a portion of the inhabitants who dwelt upon its southern border and were identified with the town. This loss was occasioned by the incorporation of Framingham in 1700. A petition was presented to the Court in 1792-3 (State Archives, Vol. CXIII.) by these people and others, who state, that they are "persons dwelling upon sundry farms lying between Sudbury, Concord, Marlboro, Natick, and Sherborn, and westerly in the Wilderness." They say they "have dwelt there about fort}' years, and are about forty families, some having built, and some building." They also say they "have endeavored to attend public worship some at one town, some at another;" and they ask to be made a township, and have the privileges usually accorded in such cases. The Court granted the request of the petitioners, and ordered that the farms adjacent to Framingham should be annexed to the proposed new town ; and the people of Framingham having asked the Court "that the line between s*^ annexed farms and Sudbury be accepted," the request was granted. Some of tlie names attached to the petition are still familiar in Sudbury, viz. : Bent, Stone, Rice, Gleason, Walker, and How.
STATISTICS.
The population of the town toward the beginning of this period is indicated by the fact that in 1679 six tything-men were appointed, who were " to inspect from ten to thirteen families each." The following is a report made at a selectmen's meeting, in 1682, of improved land in and bordering upon the town: "Lands- of persons dwelling in the town, 3896 acres. List of lands in town of persons dwelling elsewhere up and down the country, 2522 acres. List of men's lands bordering about or near the town, amounted to 5130 acres, in which Mr. Danfortli's lands and Mr. Gookin's lands were not cast, because the contents were not certain."
These were sent, together with the list of troopers in and about town, by Deacon Haines, commissioner, to Cambridge. The list of troopers that the town clerk made a rate upon, as mentioned with date 1683, is eighteen ; and with date 1682 we have the county's money rate mentioned as follows : " The part to be collected on the east side the river, 5ibs : 4s : 5d . on the west side the river, 4'^^ : 8^ : 0^."
Some little attention was given to matters of education in this period, as indicated by a selectmen's report dated March 30, 1680. On Oct. 2, 1692, John Long was chosen as " a wrighteing school master, to teach children to wright and cast accounts." Mr. Long continued to serve the town as schoolmaster for several years.
Thus closed the century in which the town of Sudbury had its beginning. It was a diversified history, in which the light and shadow alternately played on the scene. But the power of a protecting Providence kept the j^eople safe amid eveiy trial and danger, and brought them forth with a prosperity and strength which fitted them for the important events of the future. Probably but few, if any, who were of the original grantees in 1638, entered upon the scenes of the eighteenth century; but their children and children's children were to continue their work, and project their influence into far-off years; and as we continue the narrative, and consider the subsequent events in this history, we may see how the fathers lived in their sons.
CHAPTER XV. page 277
1700-172.J.
Educational Advantages; Why so small. School Laws by the Province. — ^ Town Action. Grammar School; Location. Mixed Schools. Masters. School-Houses. Ecclesiastical Matters. Dismission of Rev. Mr. Sherman. Ordination of Rev. Israel Loring. Division of the Town into Two Precincts; Petitions, Remonstrances, Decision of the Court, Subsequent Action of the Town. Call of Mr. Loring by the People of the West Precinct; His Acceptance. Renewal of the Church Covenant by the People of the West Side; Subscribers Thereto. -Settlement of Rev. Mr. Cook in the East Parish. Building of a Meeting-House on the West Side; Location. Removal of the East Side Meeting-House ; New Location.
The wealth of thought they knew.
And with a toil-blest hand The path of learning, broad and free,
Sped through our favored land.
Miss Simes.
A PROMINENT feature in Sudbury at the beginning of the eighteenth century was the attention given to schools. Hitherto comparatively little had been done in this matter. As has been stated, means were provided for moral instruction, but the opportunities for acquiring more than the rudiments of secular knowledge were extremel}' meagre. The causes of this were various. It was not an educational age, there was but one college in the Massachusetts Bay Province ; teachers at that day were scarce, and without proper instruction there was but poor encouragement to establish public schools. Moreover, it was an age of economy. Careful expenditure was a necessity in that tax-burdened and impoverished period. Society was bearing the burdens incident to the waste of successive wars. Specie was scarce and commodities dear. To procure things needful for every-day life payment in country produce was often made. Sometimes town taxes were paid in wares. In 1687 the taxes of Hingliara were paid in pails. In 1693 those of Woburn were paid in shoes. Various were the expedients that the towns employed to meet necessary calls that were made upon them. No wonder that in such times schools were neglected. It would not be strange if men were unmindful of everj^ demand but those of stern necessity.
But in 1692 a law was enacted, that every town in the province having fifty householders, or upwards, should be "constantly provided of a schoolmaster to teach children and youth to read and write; and where any town or towns have the number of one hundred families or householders, there shall also be a grammar school set up in every such town, and some discreet person of good conversation, well instructed in the tongues procured to keep such school." Any town neglecting this requirement one year was liable to be fined ten pounds. In 1701 the Provincial Court passed an additional school act, stating, concerning the former one, that it was " shamefully neglected by divers towns, and the penalty thereof not required tending greatly to the nourisliment of ignorance and irreligion, whereof grevious complaint is made." For neglecting this second law the penalty was made twenty pounds. This also proved quite insufiicient for its purpose, for it was stated "many towns . . . would incur the penalty and pay for the neglect of the law rather than maintain the school required." In 1718 the Court enacted that the -fine should be thirty pounds in the case of towns that had one hundred and fifty families, forty pounds in the case of towns of two hundred inhabitants. There was certain provision made by the hiw of the province 1)}^ wliich the schoolmaster was to be maintained. He was to have a convenient house and competent salary. It was also provided that the instructor should be an actual schoolmaster; the town minister was not to act as a substitute.
Such were some of the school laws at the beginning of the eighteenth century. That thej^ affected town action is probable ; and very likely they exerted a powerful influence in procuring better schools in Sudbury. The records inform us that Jan. 1, 1702, the town voted that a rate should be made "to pay the 5 pounds the town was fined for want of a school master." This is the only time we hear of the town's receiving the penalty. On the contrary, there is ample evidence of diligent endeavor to meet the law. Nov. 17, 1701, at a town-meeting, "it was voted to choose J\Ir. Joseph Noyes as a grammar school master for one year. . . . Also cliose Mr W™ Brown and j\[r. Thomas Plympton to present the said school master unto the Rev. ministers for their approbation of him, wliich are as foUoweth, Mr. James Sherman, Mr. Joseph Esterbrooks, Mr. Swift of Framingham." This Reverend Committee duly met, and examined the candidate, and reported as follows, Nov. 21, 1701: "We the subscribers being desired by the town of Sudbury to write what we could testify in concerning the justification of Mr. Joseph Noyes of Sudbury for a legall Grammar School master, having examined the said Mi\ Joseph Noyes, we find that he hath been considerably versed in the Latin and Greek tongue, and do think that upon his dilligent revisal and recollection of what he hath formerly learned, he may be qualified to initiate and instruct the j^outh in the Latin tongue. Joseph Esterbrooks, John Swift."
On the strength of this careful approval and guarded recommendation, the successful candidate went forth to his work. He did not, however, long retain his position. For some cause not mentioned, the place soon became vacant ; and February of the same year Mr. Picher became ]Mr. Noves's successor. The contract made with Mr. Picher was as follows : " It is agreed and concluded that the town will and doth grant to pay unto Mr. Nathaniel Picher six pounds in money in course hee doth accept of the Towne's choice as to be our Grammar scool master, also for one quarter of a yeare, and to begin ye third of March next ensuing, and to serve in the place the full quarter of a yeare, one half of the time on the east side of the River, and the other half of the time on the west side of the river. This Grammar scool master chosen if he accepts and doth enter upon tlie work it is expected by the above said Towne, that he should teach all children sent to him to learn English and the Latin tongue, also writing and the art of Arithmatic." In 1TQ3 it was voted to pay Mr. Picher for service done that year twenty-eight pounds, " he deducting a months pay . . . for his being absent one month in summer time from keeping of scool, which amounth to twelfeth part of time;" "also voted and agreed as a free will, to give unto INIr. Picher two days in every quarter of his year to visit his friends, if he see cause to take up with it." In 1711, Lieut. Thomas Frink and Quartermaster Brintnall were " to agree with sum person who is well instructed in ye tongues to keep a scool." His pay was not to exceed thirty pounds.
Tliese records show something of the expense of a grammar school in the olden times; they also give hints of the cliaracter, duty, and pay of the teachers ; and of the manner of selection and examination. We have no means of knowing the proficiency attained by the pupils in those grammar schools ; but with so much careful painstaking, and so large an expenditure of mone}^ we may j)resume that something more than the mere rudiments were obtained.
The place of the school was changed from time to time. In 1702 it was voted " that the scool master should keep y^ scool on y^ west side of y^ river at y'^ house of Thomas Brintnell, which is there parte of time belonging to y^ west side of y^ river." The custom of changing the place of the school was continued for many years ; for we find the following record as late as 1722: "Voted by the town that y« scool master shall keep scool one half of y^ time on y^ west side of y^ river in Sudbury, voted by y^ town, that y^ scool master shall keep y^ first quarter at y^ scool house at y^ gravel pitt, voted by y^ town that y^ second to bee keept on y^ east side y^ river as Near y« water as may be eonveniant, voted by y^ town that y^ third quarter to be keept at y* house of Insign John Moore, voted by y* town that y^ fourth quarter to be keept at y^ house of Clark Gleason." In the year 1717, Samuel Paris was to keep school four months of the year at the school-house on the west side of the river, and at his own house the rest of the year. If he was away part of the time, he was to make it up the next year.
But in addition to these means for obtaining advanced instruction, there were schools of a simpler character. About the time that provision was made for a grammar school, we read of " masters who were to teach children to rede and Wright and cast accounts." This was done in 1701, at which time the town " voted and chose John Long and John Balcom " for the purpose just stated, and to pay them for one year thirty shillings apiece. From this time repeated reference is made in the records to schools of a primary or mixed character.
Among the schoolmasters who served before 1750, are William Brintnal, Joseph Noyes, Nathaniel Picher, Jonathan Hoar, Samuel Paris, Nathaniel Trask, Jonathan Loring, John Long, John Balcom, John Mellen, Samuel Kendall, Ephraim Curtis, and Zachery Hicks. Some of these taught for a succession of terms or years. William Brintnal taught a grammar school as late as 1733-4, and receipts are found of Samuel Kendall in 1725 and 1736.
Prior to 1700, school-house accommodations were scant. There was no school building whatever. In 1702 " the town agreed that the school should be kept at the meeting house half a quarter and the other half quarter at the house of Benjamin Morses." But it is a law of progress that improvement in one direction suggests improvement in another ; so with better schools better accommodations were sought for. Jan. 1, 1702, the " town voted and paste into an act, to have a convenient scool hous ; " also voted " that the scool house that shall be built by the town shall be set and erected as near the centre of the town, as may be conveniantly set upon the town's land;" also "that it be twenty feet m length, : : : eighteen feet in breadth, seven feet from the bottom of the cell to the top of the plate, a large chimney to be within the house, the house to be a log house, made of pine, only the cells to be of white oak bord and shingles to be covered with. Also the chimney to be of stone to the mortling and finished with brick. This was paste into an act and vote Jan. 15"^ 1701-2." At another meeting it was decided " that there should be two scool houses ; " that they should be of the same dimensions; and "that the one on the east side should be set near to Enoch Cleavland's dwelling house." It was afterwards voted that " the scool houses should be builte by a general town acte and that the selectmen should make a rate of money of 20 pounds for their erection." One of the houses was to be placed " by Cleafflands and the other near unto Robert Mans." In 1711 the town voted to have but one school-house, and this school-house was to be built at "ye gravel pitt." " Y^ scool house " here mentioned was '' to be 20 foot long, 16 foot wide, six foot studd, nine foot and a half sparrl. Ye sills to be white oak ye outside, to be horded, and ye bords to be feather edge. Ye inside to be birch and horded with Ruff bords, lower and uper flower to be bord and a brick Chemne, and two glass windows 18 Enches square pe"" window, and the Ruffe to be borded and shino-led." It was to be ready for a school by the last of May, 1712. Joseph Parmenter was to make it, and have for pay fourteen pounds.
The evidence is that the desire for school privileges spread, and that the extremity of the town soon sought for increased advantages. April 17, 1719, the town was called upon " to see if it will grant the North west quarter of the towns petition, they desiring the school master some part of the time with them."
The above records comprise the most important ones relating- to schools during this period. As we leave these educational matters, some reflections arise concerning their relation to the town's future and far-reaching history. They were the beginnings of great and long-lasting influences. Those humble houses of the early New England schools were the town's nurseries of useful knowledge. In them minds were disciplined for that active period which, before the century closed, was to shape the country's career, and make of the colonies a great cluster of states. What a work was wrought within them ! What responsibility was upon those who had charge of these far-back beginnings ! We have found nothing on the records to indicate what methods were employed in governing or teaching ; but there is abundant room for the supposition that those who founded and those who taught these schools feared God ; and that they considered his Word a book suitable to be read and taught in all places of learning. No wonder, that, with such a beginning, our common schools have had such great success ; and that the influences that survived those times, manners, and men should have such large and lasting results.
ECCLESIASTICAL MATTERS.
As in educational matters, so in those pertaining to the church, we find the period prolific in change. Great and important events transpired relating to the meeting-house, the minister, and the people. The first change was the dismission of the pastor. On May 22, 1705, the pastoral relation between Rev. James Sherman and the people of Sudbury was dissolved. But not long was the church left pastorless. The same 3xar of Mr, Sherman's removal a town-meeting was held, in which it was voted "y' y^ town will chose a man to preach ye word of God unto us for a quarter of a year." The Rev. Israel Loring was chosen for the term mentioned. He began to preach in Sudbury, Sept. 16, 1705 ; and the result was he was ordained as pastor, Nov. 20, 1706.
After the settlement of Mr. Loring ecclesiastical matters were not long in a quiet state. A new subject soon engrossed public attention. There was an attempt made to divide the town into two parochial precincts. The west side people doubtless loved the little hillside meeting-house, about which were the graves of their friends, and whose history was associated with so much of their own. Their fondness for it had doubtless increased as the years passed by, and there clustered about it memories of things the sweetest and the saddest that had entered into their checkered experience. Here their children had been oifered in baptism ; here had been the bridal and the burial, the weekly greetings and partings, the exchange of intelligence of heart and home. It had been the place for prayer and the preached word; a place of watch and ward, and a place of resort in times of danger. But notwithstanding their fondness for the sacred spot, they were too practical a people to allow sentiment to interfere with their true progress, and what they believed to be their spiritual good. With their slow means of transit, and the rough roads of that period when at their best, it was a long and weary way they had to travel eveiy Sabbath day; but when the roads became blocked with the drifting snow, or the river was swollen with floods, then it was sometimes a perilous undertaking to reach the east side meeting-house and return. In that primitive period the people of Sudbury did not desire even a good excuse to keep them from public worship ; they were Puritanic in both precept and practice. They would allow no small obstacle to cheat their soul of its rights ; but if there were hinderances in the way to their spiritual helps, they required their immediate removal.
In the natural way - |
Whites, 644
Blacks, 55 Total, 699 |
Died |
Whites, 182
Blacks, 22 Total, 174 (25%) |
By inoculation |
Whites, 4690
Blacks, 207 Total, 4897 |
Died, |
Whites, 43
Blacks, 3 Total, 46 (< 1%) |
Removed into the country to avoid the disease, 1537.
This old manner of practice is now among the things that were ; and with it the pest-houses, too, have passed away.
HIGHWAY WORK.
In 1751, it was voted that in highway work " eight hours shall be accounted for a days work," "two shillings shall be a day's wages for a man, or so in proportion to an hour ; " also " that one shilling be allowed for a good yoke of oxen a day."
In 1756, a proposition was started to raise money by way of a lottery to repair the long causeway from the town bridge to Lieut. Benjamin Estabrook's. When it came to townmeeting it "passed in the negative." In 1758, the town again proposed to raise and repair the long causeway, and
THE SUMMER RESIDENCE OF HON. HOMER ROGERS. Biographical Sketch, page 619. two short ones towards Lieutenant Estabrook's, and to do it hy means of a lotter3% To tliis proposition a formal remonstrance was presented, in which it was stated that the raisiijo; of the causeway would damage the meadow, by causing the water to flow back ; tliat there was "a good bridge over the river where peojole may travel at all seasons of tlie year, from Boston to Marlboro;" and that there is not "one foot of fall in said river for twenty-five or thirty miles." This remonstrance, however, did not prevent the ultimate accomplishment of this project. At a March meeting, 1758, the town voted to petition the General Court for leave to repair and raise the causeway by lottery, and chose the following committee to attend to the work : Col. John Noyes, William Bakhvin, and Col. Josiah Brown. The Court gave its assent, and made specifications and conditions as to how the scheme should proceed. One of the conditions was that drawing lotteries was not to continue over fifteen days, exclusive of Sunday. In these lotteries the town took ventures. In 1761 "the town voted to take the tickets in Sudbury Lottery third class, that shall remain unsold in the manager's hand, when the drawing 1^' Lottery shall commence, : : : and ordered the tickets that remain unsold aforesaid to be lodged with the Town Treasurer, on the da}^ the Lottery commences drawing." The town lost by this venture, as May 11, 1761, it "granted 27'^^ 12^ Lawful money, to defray the loss the town sustained by the tickets which the town voted to take, and ordered the assessors to vote it into a rate forthwith, and each person to have the liberty to work out his rate, provided he or they work it out at or before the time set for working out s'^ rate, and to be under the regulation of the managers of s^ Lottery." In October of the same year the question came up as to taking tickets in Sudbury lottery fourth class that should remain unsold in the hands of the managers when the drawing began. " The vote passed in the negative."
In 1653, it was "voted to accept of a highway laid out from Peletiah Deans North east corner, unto ye town way leading from the Training field b}^ Ephraim Curtis, Esq. by Lt. Rice's to Weston." The same date a road was laid out
334 HTSTOEY OF SUDBURY.
from " Mr. Jonathan Griffin's Corner, rnnning soutliwesterl}' into the way by Mr. Eliab Moor's North Corner, formerly Mr. John Adams'." In 1769, the town " granted money to improve a road lately laid out from Rev. Josiah Bridges, to the school house near the East meeting house." The schoolhouse was the old Newell Heard store, and the road referred to, was the present way from the Wellington place by H. B. Braman's into Wayland Centre. In 1773, the town took action to see if it would discontinue the road "leading from Dr. Roby's [now Warren Rol)y's] to Zecheriah Briant's [now H. B. Braman's] lying between the two county roads." This was a travelled road before the hwing out of the one last mentioned. It had its course from near the old Roby house, just west of Mr. Braman's, along the ridge toward Bridle Point. In 1774, the town accepted " a way laid out from Samuel Goodnow's dwelling house to the Lancaster road." The same date the town accepted a way " laid out from Lancaster old road to Lt. Joseph Willis' gate by the widow Brigham's dwelling house." In 1774, the town accepted a road "laid out from Mr. Thomas Walker's land leading to the west meeting house." In 1771, money was granted "to widen the causy at Iron Works meadow." Jabez Puffer, John Balcom, and Joseph Willis were chosen a committee.
SCHOOLS.
While the town was advancing in means for the public convenience and safety, educational matters were progressing also. In 1751, the selectmen agreed " with Mr. W™ Cook [only son of Rev. Mr. Cook] to keep a grammar school . . . for six months, beginning the school the first day of November; and also to teach children & youth to Read English and Wright and Instruct them in Rethmetick, and to keep the school in the Town School House as the Selectmen shall from time to time order For the sum of Twelve pounds Exclusive of his Board." It was voted that year that the grammar schools should be kept in the two town schoolhouses by each meeting-house. This shows us where two of the town school-houses stood at that time ; and this, with other records, show that school matters were at that time conducted by the Board of Selectmen. Another record of 1756 shows where two other scliool-houses i^tood, inasmuch as the town voted that year tliat the grammar school should be kept at four places, "■ two at the school houses near the meeting house, one at the school house near Joseph Smith's, and the other at that near Nathan Goodnow's." John Monroe was to keep the school, and have five pounds thirteen shillings four pence for a quarter, and the town was to pay his board. Other school-houses were also alluded to in the following record made the same year: " The town voted 14 pounds for a reading and writing school, and that it should be kept at four places, viz, at the school house near Samuel Puffer's [perhaps the Pantry school], at the one near Deacon Rice's, at the one near Joseph Stanhope's, and the one near the house of Jonas Brewer."
In 1755, the towni " voted for Grammar school 30 pounds, three fifths to be spent on the west side, and two fifths on the east side the river; for the west side the school was to l)e kept at the farm." In 1752, it "• voted for the support of the Grammar school in sd town the year ensuing 37 pounds 6 shillings 8 pence." The school was to be held in five places, "two on the east side the river and three on the west, in places as followeth. In the school house near the house of Mr. Joseph Smith, and in a convenient place or near the house of Dea Jonas Brewer as may be, or in a convenient place as near the house of Mr. Edward More as may be, and in a convenient place as near the house of L* Daniel Noyes as may be, and in the school house near to and northerly from the house of Dea Jonathan Rice all in sd town." The same year the town voted that " the Reading & writingschool should be kept In the two Town school houses the year ensuing." During this period several school-houses were built, which stood about half a century. In 1705, it was "" voted, that the School house near [the] East meeting house [should] be improved, [and] to build a new school house near said meeting liouse." This may have been afterwards the Newell Heard store. Besides school-houses repaired and built, an attempt was made to supply them with fuel at the town's expense. It is recorded, that, March 1, 1774, the town voted " to see if [it] will order that the several school houses in said town shall he supplied with wood for the future at the charge of the town, agreeable to the petition of Jacob Reed and others." " The article passed in the negative."
FOURTH FREISICH AND INDIAN WAR.
The peace that followed the treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle was of short duration. But a few brief years elapsed before the thunder tones of a terrible conflict burst on the ears of a startled land, and sent a shudder to hearts and homes. For the fourth time the English and French were to cross their Aveapons in an inter-colonial war. For years the two nations had been expanding in population and power on the American shores, and during this interval they had been fanning the old flame of jealousy which had its origin far back in a feudal age. Each was desirous of supremacy on this side the Atlantic, and to obtain it each was strengthening its lines for aggressive and defensive work. The one power worked on the seaboard, and extended its operations from the Penobscot a thousand miles south; the other stretched its lines of defense along the far-distant interior, and dotted the valley of the St. Lawrence River, the margins of the Mississippi and far-distant lakes, even to the borders of the Gulf of Mexico, with its trading-posts, its strongholds, and its papal missions. These powers sought the same common prize, the conquest of the country. Already the English claimed that part of it south of the latitude of the north shore of Lake Erie, and westward to the far-off Pacific, by right of charter. Alread}^ the Frenchman disputed this right, and claimed the interior as it bordered the Mississippi River and its tributaries, by right of exploration and settlement. Which was to be the permanent title was to be settled, not by diplomac}^ but by the arbitrament of the musket, tomahawk, and torch. The French earh' prepared for this mode of adjusting their claims. More than sixty fortifications had been constructed by them prior to 1750. The English, made suspicious by the erection of garrisons, and knowing the significance of trading-posts in the interior of the country, prepared to arrest the course of the foe.
Before, however, a settlement was effected a long and severe war ensued ; so severe, indeed, was the struggle, that long after the period was past its events were prominent in the annals of New England. Tradition kept them alive as the years rolled by, and the wild scenes set forth by survivors became the subject of ballad and song. Long after the struggle had ceased, tales of those times were recited by the blazing hearth, as, gathered by the fitful fire4ight, groups of listeners gave ear to the thrilling rehearsal, while they watched the changeful glow of the coals as they crackled and crumbled on their ashen bed. The snow-shoes, brousfht down from the garret, where they had long lain amid the dust of that mystic place, were reminders of the cold, rough march, and the noiseless procession of rangers, as they sped over the pathless snow. The bright fire-light, as it flickered up the chimney's broad flue ; the mossy wood, newly cut, in the corner, all were alike suggestive of forest adventure, of the lone sentinel guard in the dark, deep shade, and of tales told by the light of camp-fires in places far from home.
The war was to a large extent carried on by expeditions or campaigns, the object of which was to capture the strongholds of Canada. We will give lists of Sudbury soldiers who were in these campaigns.
CROWN POINT EXPEDITION.
In 1755, a regiment was raised, and placed under command of Col. Josiah Brown of Sudbury, for the purpose of preventing the encroachments of the French about Crown Point and upon " Lake Iroquois, commonly called by the French, Lake Champlain." The regiment belonged to the command of William Johnson. The following is a list of the field and staff officers :
Josiah Brown, Col. Samuel Brigham, Surgeon.
John Cummings, Lt. Col, Benjamin Gott, Surgeon's Mate
Steven Miller, Major David Mason, Commissary
Samuel Dunbar, Chaplain Joseph Lovering, Adjutant Sej)t. 10, 1755, Samuel Dakiu received a commission as captain of foot in this regiment. The muster-roll of his company contains forty-eight names, of which the following are supposed to be from Sudbury:
Capt. S. Dakin Sam' Grout
Elisha Cutler Jason Gleason
Silas Clapp • Abel Farrar
Moses Puffer Josiah Barker
Nath' Eveleth Ephriam Woods, Jr.
Sam' Gibbs J"" Samuel Estabrook
Sam' Burbank Lt. Joseph Baker
Joseph Sherman Jon^ Barrett
Sudbury men in a second list of Capt. Samuel Daldn's Company, 1755 :
Samuel Grout sergt. Samuel Mead, Jr.
David Eveleth corp' Jason Gleason
Jonathan Bent Nathaniel Gibbs
Silas Clapp Samuel Burbank
Silas Puffer Moses Jones
Joseph Maynard Charles VVetherbe
W™ Skinner Abijah Brigham
Simon Maynard Josiah Sherman
Jedediah Parmenter Josiah Walker.
Sudbury men in Capt. Jonathan Hoar's company, 1755 :
Adam Gilbert Charles Roiley
Uriah Choochett Jonathan Stanhope.
Sudbury men in the Crown Point expedition of 1756, in Capt. Ebenezer Newell's company :
John Nixon Lieut. [Fram] Micah Grout
Ensign Joseph Brintnall Leavitt How
Warren Goodenow Isaac Goodenow Ezra Barker
Sudbury men in Capt. John Nixon's company, 1756 :
Samuel Parmenter Samuel Putnam
Phinehas Haynes W™ Puffer
Samuel Burbank Jon'J. Maynard Eph. Hayden Sudbury men in a third list of Capt. Samuel Dakiu's company :
Samuel Grout Joseph Sherman
David Evelith Jonathan Bent
Silas Clapp Joseph Maynard
W" Skinner Silas Puffer
Jedediah Parmenter Simon Maynard
Samuel Mead Jr. Jason Gleason
Nathaniel Gibbs , Moses Stone
Samuel Burbank Abijah Brigham Charles Wetherbe
Sudbury men in other lists are as follows : Crown Point expedition in Capt. William Jones' company, Colonel Thatcher's regiment :
Jonas Balcom Miles Realy
Ebenezer Woodis Nathaniel Hayden
Leavitt How Nathan Maynard
Oliver Grout Jonas Gibbs
Benjamin Gleason Solomon How
Joseph Mungry Nathan Smith Micah Grout
In Col. John Jones' regiment for the invasion of Canada, under command of General Amherst :
Joel Clapp Daniel Parmenter
Silas Hemenway Isiah Parmenter
Joseph Green Cole
Ebenezer Wooddis Samuel Putman Andrew White
In Capt. Josiali Richardson's compau}'. Col. Joseph Buckminster's regiment :
Jonas Balcom Miles Realy
Joseph Muzzy Nathaniel Hayden
Leavet How Nathan Maynard Micah Grout
In the company of Capt. John Nixon of Sudbury, 1761:
Isaiah Parmenter, Serg' ■ Uriah Gibbs.
Ebenezer Woodes, Corp' Moses Haynes Caleb Clark Ephraim Hayden Nathaniel Cutter ■ Isaac Lincoln
Benj'' Cutter Jesse Putnam
Ben]^ Clark John Putnam
W™ Daniels Daniel Parmenter
Josiah Everton. David Rice
Ephraim Goodnow Jun. Elijah Willis. Thomas Green
In Capt. Moses Maynard's company :
Oliver Gould Benjamin Gleason
Others in the service :
John Rutter. Samuel Graves
Josiah Baldwin. Daniel Wyman.
Josiah Pratt.
Lieut. Samuel Curtis and eighteen men joined Capt. Samuel Dakin's company in the expedition to Canada in 1758.
The following lists contain the names of the active militia force of Sudbury, April, 1757. Many whose names are in these lists engaged in one or more of the campaigns as the war progressed, and then returned to exchange the musket or sword for the implements of peaceful pursuits, still holding themselves in readiness at their country's call to place their names again on the muster-roll :
A List of The Officers and Soldiers of the First Foot Company in Sudbury under the command of Capt. Moses Maynard, L' Joseph Curtis and En, Jason Glezen.
Sarg John Rice Abraham Jenkens Jun.
" Israel Rice Ebenezer King
" Samuell Russell Joseph Trask
" Isaac Cutting. Thomas Allen Jun
Corp^ Jonathan Underwood Elijah Rice
" Nehemiah Williams John Parmenter Jun
" Josiah Farrar Grindly Jackson
" Sami Fisk Caleb Moulton
Drum. John Combs. Bezaleel Moore
" W™ Russell. Timothy Underwood
Joseph Smith Phineas Gleyen 341
Shemnel Griffyn Joseph Rutter Samu" Abbott Randall Davis Jun W"' Mouitoii John Parmenter Sam' Gould Jun. Ephraim Smith Jonathan Graves Jacob Alderick Sam' Livermore Charles Wetheaby W" Ravis David Bent Isaac Damon James Davis Henery Coggin W>" Dudly Micah Rice Isaac Wetheaby Jonathan Belcher Ephraim Abbott John Allen Benj* Glezen A true Copy taken Apr. 25, 1757
A true list of the 2ond Foot Company Cap'° Josiah Richardson taken by Ezek
Samu" Griffyn Micah Maynard W™ Grout Edw** Sharmon Jun John Walker John Meriam Edmond Rice Jason Glezen Elijah Ross John Morffet Benj* Cory Ebenezer Staples Sam' Pool Zebedi.ih Allen Jun Josiah Maynard Jonas Woodward Benj^ A. Williams David Patterson David Stone Jason Glezen Jun Thomas Bent Jun Thadeus Russell James Ross W'" Sanderson
Sam^ Curtis, Clerk.
in Sudbury under command of iel How Clerk, April y« 25"^
Capt. Josiah Richardson Lef°' Abijah Haynes Ens'" Jabez Puffer Serg' Joseph Willis Serg' Elijah Smith Serg' Corneleas Wood Serg^ David Moore Corp Joseph Stanhope Corp Samuell Eaton Corp Oliver. Dackin Corp Josiah Richardson Jun. Drum. Jessie Willis
" W™ Rice Jun. John Rice John Reamos Jonas Gibs John Jacob Cibellar
W™ Skiner W'" Gibs W"' Hayden , Isaac Hunt Jun Jeams Wier Ephriam Rice Ephriam Goodenow Elijah Parmenter Ezekiel Parmenter Ephriam Hayden Edmond Goodenow Eben'' Burbank Eben"" Woode Geo. Wheller Geo. Mossmon Joseph Maynard Jun Jeames Carter
542 Leavit How Micah Goodenow Michall Mellong Morris Clarrey Micah Parmenter Micah Grout Miells Rayley Mosies Rice Nathan Moore Nathaniel Gibs Jun. Nathaniel Muzzey Norman Saever Nathaniel Cuter Rowen Boogrill Reubin Willis Richard Ralley Reubin Norse Oliver Mors I'eletiah Parmenter Edward Bointon Patrick Roach Simeon- Harris Samuiell Parmenter Samuiell Osbon Samuiell Brigham Samuiell Dackin Jun Samuiell Burbank Jun Samuiell Puffer Jun Samuiell Knight Jun Silas Balkom Silas Puffer Silas Smith Samuiell Putnam Thomas Goodenow Thomas Walker Jun Uriah Parmenter Jun W" Parmenter Daniel Noyse Jun
James Haynes Isaack Linckon Jeames Thompson Jonathan Maynard Josiah Haynes John Mossman Jonas Hallden Jonas Hayden Isrial Haynes Jeams Puffer Jonal Balcom Josiah Rice John Willis John Burbank Josiah Bennit Jun Jonathan Haynes Jonathan Rice Jun John Goodenow John Puffer Jeams Puffer Jun .Joseph Muzzey Jun Aron Haynes Abijah Walker Ambrus Tower Asa Smith Asiell Clap Aron Johnson Abel Brown Aron Eams Andrew White Benimin Tower Beniman Berry David Maynard Jun Daniell Clap Daniell Bowken David Clark Daniell Parmenter
There was ako in Sudbury wliat was called an Alarm List. This included persons between the ages of sixteen and sixty, who were ordinarily exempt from military duty, but were liable to be called upon in emergencies. The following are the names on an Alarm List which is supposed to have been commanded by Capt. Thomas Damon. 343
List of those persons who are obliged to appear on an alarm, between
the ages of 16 and GO in the First foot Company in Sudbury. Apr 25.
1757
Samuel Curtis, Clerk.
Ebenezer Roby, Esq. W'" Cook Jun W" Baldwin Ebenezer Roby Jun. Abial Abbott Isaac Baldwin Naham Baldwin John Ross. Zecariah Briant. Benj" Briant Benj° Ball Daniel Wyman James Patterson Thomas Bent Joseph Goodnow Elijah Bent Cor. Thomas Damon James Graves Amos Sanderson Ezra Graves Joseph Livermore Isaac Rice Peter Bent
Zebediah Allen Paul Brintnai. Hopstill Bent, Joseph Beal. Joseph Sharmon, James Brewer jun. Eliakim Rice. Benjaman Dudley Samuel Parris. Peter Bent Jun Thomas Graves Isaac Woodward Thomas Jenkinson David McDaniels Daniel Moore Jun Amos Brown Jonathan Patterson Elisha Rice Jun. Peter Briant David Sharmon Josiah Haynes Isaac Stone Jonathan Griffin.
In August, 1757, the men on both the Active and Alarm Lists were mustered for service. The year had been one of disaster to the English and American forces ; and, on August 3, General Montcalm with about nine thousand French and one thousand Indians besieged Fort William Henry, which he captured after a six daj's" siege, during which time it was gallantly defended by Colonel Monroe with a force of twenty-three hundred and seventy -two men. The report of the disaster was sad intelligence to New England and consternation prevailed. The militia were called to arms, and soon a large part of those on both the Active and Alarm Lists were on their way towards Fort ATilliam Henry ; but Montcalm not taking advantage of his victory in the way that was expected, in about two weeks the troops returned. ' The following are the officers of a troop of horse in Sudbury in 1762 :
Capt. John Noyes 1st Lieut. Israel Moore 2ond Lieut. Richard Heard Cornet, Jonathan Parmenter Quarter Master, Samuel How,
Officers of the troop of horse in Sudbury in 1771 :
FIRST COMPANY. SECOND COMPANY.
Capt. Joseph Curtis Capt. Aaron Haynes
1st Lieut. Micah Maynard. 1st Lieut. Daniel Bowker
2ond Lieut. Ebenezer Staples. Ens. James Puffer. Ens. Samuel Choate
THIRD COMPANY.
Capt. Samuel Knight 1st Lieut. Moses Stone
The foregoing lists indicate that the town was well represented in the last French war, and that its militia force was quite strong. Some of the officers whose names are given were prominent citizens. Col. Josiah Brown has been mentioned in connection with military operations of a preceding period. Capt. John Nixon, who in 1759, is mentioned as a citizen of Sudbury, was, subsequentl}^ General Nixon of Revolutionary fame. Other of her soldiers who became efficient officers in the Revolutionary War received their first lessons in military tactics in this severe school.
In one of the expeditions of this war, the town sustained the 'loss of Capt. Dakin and several others of its citizens, who were killed by the Indians at Half-Way Brook, near Fort Edward, July 20, 1758. At the time of this event, Capt. Dakin and his company were connected with the expedition of General Amherst against Crown Point. The following brief account of the attendant circumstances are stated in a diary kept by Lieut. Samuel Thomson of Woburn :
" July 20, Thursday in the morning, 10 men in a scout waylaid by the Indians and shot at and larmed the fort and a number of our men went out to assist them, and the enemy followed our men down to our Fort, and in their retreat, Capt. Jones and Lient. Godfrey were killed, and Capt Lawrence and Capt. Dakin and Lieut. Curtis and Ens" Davis, and two or three non-commissioned officers and privates, to the number of 14 men, who were brought into the Fcjrt, all scalped but Ens" Davis, who was killed within 30 or 40 rods from the Fort: and there was one grave dug, and all of them were buried together, the officers by themselves at one end, and the rest at the other end of the grave ; and Mr. Morrill made a prayer at the grave, and it was a solemn funeral ; and i!^ath' Eaton died in the Fort and was buried ; and we kept a very strong guard that night of 100 men. Haggit [and] W'" Coggin wounded."
Then follows a list of the killed, beginning,
Capt. Ebenezer Jones of Willmington Capt Dakin of Sudbury
Lieut Samuell Curtice of Ditto Private Grout of do
" We have also an account that there are seven of our men carried into Ticonderoga, which make up the number of those that were missing.
" 21. Friday, in y'^ forenoon a party of about 150 went out to find more men that were missing, and we found 4 men who were scalped, and we buried them, and so returned : and at prayer this evening we were Laromed by a false outcry. Nicholas Brown died and was buried ; and Moses Haggit died."
As Jonathan Patterson and Nathaniel Moulton of Sudbury are reported missing, they may have been among the number above referred to.
The following epitaph of Captain Dakin was written by William Rice, Esq., who was his orderly sergeant.
Good by, Capt. Dakin Samuell.
In a battle near Lake Georoe he fell.
t
■ In the death of Captain Dakin, a loss was sustained by the town, the church, and the province. The following sketch contains some facts concerningf his life. SKETCH OF CAPTAIN DAKIN.
Samuel Dakin was a son of Deacon Joseph Dakin, whose father, Thomas, settled in Concord prior to 1650. In 1722, he married Merc}^ Minott, daughter of Colonel Minott who built the first framed house in Concord. The farm of Captain Dakin was in the northern part of Sudbury, on the road running northerly to Concord, his house being very near the town boundary. As early as 1745, he was appointed ensign of the second company of foot in Sudbury, of which Josiah Richardson was captain and Joseph Buckminster was colonel. Sept. 10, 1755, he received the commission of captain in Col. Josiah Brown's regiment. In May, 1758, he received an order from Ebenezer Nichols to be present with his company at Worcester on the 25th, and to furnish his men with " Bounty for Biliting." From Worcester he proceeded to Fort Edward, where he probably arrived about the middle of June, and in the vicinit}^ of which he remained till his death, which occurred as before described. Captain Dakin was not only valiant in his country's service but valiant in the army of the Lord as well. His character as a Christian is indicated by the following covenant, copied from the original, which is still in the possession of one of his descendants.
COVENANT.
O, Thou Glorious God I Thou hast promised mercy in Christ Jesus, if I turn to Thee with my whole heart. I therefore upon the call of the Gospel, do come and throwing down my weapons of rebellion, do submit to Thy mercy, as Thou requirest as the condition of ni}' acceptance with Thee, that I put away mine idols and be at defiance with Thine enemies, which I acknowledge I have wickedly sided with against Thee, I do now from my heart renounce them all, firmly covenanting with Thee not to allow myself in au}^ known sin, but constantly to use all means that I know Thou hast prescribed, for the death and destruction of my corruptions, and as my heart has been running after this world and sin and vanity, I do now resign it to Thee that made it, protesting before Tliy Glorious Majesty, that it is the firm resolution of my heart and that I do unfeignedly desire grace from Thee, that when Thou shalt call me hereunto, I may practice this my resolution, and by Thine assistance, to forsake that which is dear to me in this world, rather than turn from Thee to the ways of sin, and Thou wilt enable me to work against all temptations, whether in prosperity or in adversity, lest they draw my heart from Thee. O, Glorious God, I would again come before Thee with all possible veneration bowing myself at the feet of Thy Glorious Majesty. I do here take the Lord Jehovah, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, for my portion and chief good, and do give up myself body and soul for service to serve Thee all the days of my life I do here upon the bended knees of my soul, accept of Jesus as the only way by which sinners have access to God. I do this day take the Lord to be my Lord, and Jesus Christ to be my Saviour, resolving to serve Thee in all my affairs. I do renounce my former righteousness, and take Thee to be " The Lord my righteousness " and am willing to take my lot as it falls, as to the goods of this world, leaving all my concerns with Thee, verily supposing that nothing separate me from the love of Jesus Christ my Lord and dear Redeemer, and from this da}^ I shall be bold to call the Lord Jehovah my Father, and Jesus Christ my Redeemer, and the Holy Ghost my sanctifier, hoping that my God will suffer no allowed sin to make void this covenant, and this covenant that I have made on earth, may it be ratified in heaven. Amen & Amen.
July 27th 1753. memorandum.
This day renew tliis covenant having often broken it. The Lord accept me again for his great mercy sake in Jesus Christ.
Sept. 29th 1756. memorandum.
This day renew this covenant, having often broken it, although nothing hath failed on God's part and now going on an Expedition against the enemy at Crown point, I have given myself up wholly to God to be at His disposal in life or death, and O that God would accept of me again for Jesus Christ's sake. May 2Cd 1758. memorandum. This day renew this covenant with God, and while going on an expedition against Canada I have left myself wholly in the hands of God, to be at His disposal in life or death.
Samuel Dakin.
Captain Dakin's character is also shown b}' the followingextracts from letters to his wife while he was serving in the Canada campaign. In a letter dated Sept. 26, 1755, he says : " I am in good health and my company are so obedient to me and so loving one to another that it makes my life exceeding comfortable and pleasant. I have never yet heard one thwarting word in my company, bnt they seem all to have a brotherly care one for another, and have never heard one profane word among them, and their forwardness to attend religious exercises is delightful to me so that I have many mercies."
In a letter of June 10, 1758, he speaks of the condition of his company, and says : " they are all well, and I hope I shall be very happy in my company, and the}^ are very ready to attend prayers and singing of Psalms which we have practiced on our journey."
July 11, 1758, in writing from Lake George he says: "And now my dear wife and children, I desire you would not distress yourselves about me but commit me in your prayers to God to be wholly at his disposal and I hope by his preserving providence I shall after awhile rejoice with you again in my own house ; but if not I hope we shall all rejoice together in heaven which will be spiritually better." Before he closes his letter he asks for their prayers for himself, his men, and the whole army.
Such are some extracts from the correspondence of this Christian soldier. They serve, not only to set forth the character of the man, but of an officer in the military service of those times. Surely, if Captain Dakin was a representative of that generation of men, no wonder that the cause for wliich they fought was at last triumphant. His descendants have been prominent citizens of Sudbury. Levi and Thomas, grandson and great grandson, were deacons in the Congregational Church.
JfflSTORY OF SUDBURY. 349
Not only were the New England towns called upon to furnish men for the war, but then* equipment and maintenance also when in the field. As the soldiers to an extent enlisted for single campaigns, repeatedly, the expense of fitting out demanded new contributions. This condition of things occasioned heavy taxation and the issuing of bills of credit by the government. Besides the money provided by the public for the prosecution of the Avar, some means were furnished by the merchants, farmers and others for the encourao'eraent of enlistments.
FRENCH NEUTRALS.
Among other services rendered by the towns was the maintenance of what were termed French Neutrals, the people whom Longfellow has described in his poem, "Evangeline." As Sudbury had some of these to care for, a few words relative to their general history may be appropriate. Upon the cession of the province of Nova Scotia by France to the British in 1713, a colony of about seven thousand French Roman Catholics became subjects of Great Britain. These colonists were allowed to remain on the land they had occupied, on condition of their taking the oath of allegiance to England. The oath was taken with the qualification that, in case of war against France, they were not to take up arms against their own countrymen. It was thus they acquired the name of French Neutrals. But it was alleged that, during the war which began in 1755, they furnished the French and Indians with substantial aid, thus enabling them the better to harass the English, that three hundred of them were found in arms at the taking of Fort BeauSejour, and that although an offer was made to such as had not resorted to arms to still hold their estate on taking the oath of allegiance without qualification, yet the}* one and all refused to do so. In view of this attitude, the English believed that the public safety required their removal from the province. If they were taken to Canada they would "still be enabled to assist the French. It was, therefore, determined to convey them to different parts of the British Colonies. The plan of removing them was largely intrusted to the forces of Massacliusetts under command of LieutenantColonel Win slow.
At an appointed time, the people were called into the different ports "to hear tlie King's orders." About four hundred of their best men assembled at the village of Grand Pre. A guard being placed about the church where they were, Colonel Winslow made known his sad errand.
One thousand of these French Neutrals arrived in the Massachusetts Bay Province and were supported at public expense. Different towns, among which was Sudbury, had their quota to care for. Repeatedly is there a record of supplies furnished them by the town. The following is a general statement of some of these, and also a bill of attendance and medicine furnished l)y Dr. Roby, one of Sudbury's old time physicians.
An account of what hath been expended by s"^ Town of Sudbury on Sundry French Persons sent from Nova Scotia to this province and by s'^ government to Town of Sudbury.
The subsisting of Eighteen persons ten days six persons three weeks, and four persons twenty-three weeks, the whole amounting to one hundred and twenty-seven weeks for one person charged at four shillings week for each person ^25 8*
Ephraim Curtis . Ebenezer Roby
Josiah Brown Josiah Haynes
John Noyes Samuel Dakin
Elijah Smith. Selectmen.
Some of them being sick a great many comers and goers to visit them made the expense the greater even thirteen or fourteen at a time for a week together.
State Archives, Vol. XXI II., page 98.
MASSACHUSETTS PROVINCE.
For medicine and attendants for the French Neutrals from Nova Scotia.
1755, Dec. 11 To Sundry Medicines for French young woman 27 To Do. for girl 6'i
175G, Mar. 22, To Sundry Medicines and Journey in the night west side the River 0-5-8
To Sundry Medicines Journey west side 0-4-0
To Do. 4' To Journey and Medicines 0-7-0
To Do. \ for the old Gentleman when he fell off the House an4 was greatly bruised and sick of a fever the clavicula being broke.May, 1750, To medicine and attendants for the old Gentleman, the whole month of May and his wife greatest part of the time himself when dangerously sick of a fever, violent coughs and are still remaining in a low languishing condition.
N. B. The above old gentleman and wife have been in a low languishing condition all the spring and have had no more doctoring than what has been of absolute necessity.
.State Archives, Vol. XXIII., page 97.
Melancholy, indeed, was the fate of those ancient Acadians. Although the circumstances were such that the English may have considered their removal a military necessity, yet the fact remains that sorrow and hardship attended their exile. They were strangers in a strange land. Their pleasant homes Avere abandoned, and with their lands passed into the hands of another race.
" Waste are those pleasant farms and the farmers forever departed ; Scattered like dust and leaves when the mighty blasts of October Seize them, and whirl them aloft and sprinkle them far o'er the ocean."
Feb. 10, 1763, a treaty of peace was signed at Paris, and the long, arduous struggle between the two great nations ceased. The announcement brought great joy to New England. Dsijs, of public thanksgiving were observed, and praise was offered unto Him " from whom all blessings flow." No longer was Canada to be a place from which a foe could sally forth to harass the exposed frontier, and to which he could return with his captives and booty. The same flag was to float over New England and beyond tlie northern border, and the Canadian fortresses were to be manned by English or American soldiers.
In yet another way did this war bring its benefits to Americans. It gave them a knowledge of the military tactics of Europe, by which they were the better able to cope with the British when, in after 3'ears, they met them on the memorable fields of the Revolutionary War.
About ten years after the close of the war both precincts lost their pastors. The first that died was Mr. Cook, who passed a\vay in 1760. That year the town voted " sixty-five pounds to each of tlie Rev'^ ministers for the year ensuing inclading their salary and fire wood ; in case they or either of them should decease before the expiration of the year, then they or either of them to receive their salary in proportion during the time tliey shall live and no longer."
This may indicate that their death was anticipated. Another record indicates that Mr. Cook had been sick some time when this vote was passed, as the town book goes on to state, " The same meeting granted thirty-three pounds, six shillings six pence to pay persons who had supplied the pulpit in Mr. Cook's confinement, and also granted thirty pounds more to supply the pulpit during his sickness, and chose a committee to provide preaching in the meantime." May 11, 1761, the town appropriated seventeen pounds, six shillings, eight pence " out of the money granted for the Rev. Mr. Cook's salary in the year 1760, to defray the Rev. Mr. Cook's funeral expenses."
Mr. Cook had one son who taught the grammar school for years in Sudbury, and died of a fever in 1758. After the decease of Mr. Cook, another minister was soon sought for on the east side. A little disturbance, and perhaps delay, was occasioned b}^ a petition sent to the General Court relating to the settlement of another minister on the east side the river. But the matter was amicably adjusted by a vote of the town ; whereby it decided " not to send an agent to the General Court to show cause or reason why the petition of Deacon Adam Stone and others relating to the settlement of a Gospel minister on the East side the river should not be granted." The town furthermore voted, that the " prayers of the petition now in Court should be granted. Provided the Court would Grant and confirm the like Privilege to the West Church and Congregation when there shall be reason. John Noyes Moderator."
The way cleared of obstructions a new pastor was soon found. Choice was made of Rev. Josiah Bridge. Oct. 14, 1761, Capt. Moses Maynard was allowed twelve shillings '■'■ for his travel to Lunenburg to wait on Mr. Bridge ; " and, at the same meeting, it was " voted to grant to Mr. Bridge liis settlement and salary as he had contracted with the East Precinct for, and ordered the assessors to assess the iiihaljitaiits of the town for the same."
Delegates .were duly chosen by the West Side Church, Nov. 3, 17G1, to attend Mr. Bridge's ordination, Deacon Haynes, John Haynes, Josiah Richardson, and Cornelius Wood. jNIr. Bridge was a native of Lexington, and graduate of Harvard College in 1758. He was ordained Nov. 4, 1761, and died June 19, 1801, aged sixty-two, and in the fortieth year of his ministry. A few years after Mr. Cook's decease Rev. Mr. Loring also passed away, his death occurring March 9, 1772.
The West Church voted, April 7, 1772, " to set apart Thursday next as a day of Fasting and prayer to seek ye direction and blessing of heaven on the endeavor to settle another Gospel Minister among them." Also, " voted that the Rev. Mr. Stone of Southboro, Rev. Mr. Bridge of the East Precinct, Rev. Mr. Bridge of Framingham, and Rev. Mr. Swift of Marlboro be requested to give their presence and assistance. Exercises to commence at 10 o'clock." May 6, 1772, the town " granted Eighteen pound Lawful money for to pay the charge of Rev. Mr. Loring's Funeral," also at the same date it Avas " voted that the remainder of the [money] granted to pay the Rev. Mr. Loring's salary should be applied for supplying the pulpit."
SKETCH OF MR. LORING.
The service of Mr. Loring in the church at Sudbury was long and fruitful. He died in the ninetieth year of his age and the sixty-sixth year of his ministry. It was said of him that " as he earnestly desired and praj^ed that he might be serviceable as long as he should live, so it pleased God to vouchsafe his request, for he continued to preach 'till the last Sabbath but one before his death, and the next day prayed in the town meeting, which was on the 2"'^ day of the month. The night following he was taken ill, and on the 9'" of March 1772, he expired." Mr. Loring had pious parentage; His father, Mr. John Loring of Hull, came from England, Dec. 22, 1631. It has been said of him that, like
354 History of sudbury.
Obadiah, " he feared the Lord greatly." His mother was also religious, and '' praj-ed with her family in her husband's absence." Mr. Loring was born at Hull, Mass., April 6, 1682. It is supposed lie was converted in his youth. He graduated at Harvard College in 1701. He began to preach at Scituate, lower parish, Aug. 1, 1703, and preached first at Sudbury July 29, 1705. In the year 1723, on the 25th of July, he removed to the west side of the river, where he continued in service until flesh and strength failed. He left two sons and four daughters, his son Jonathan having died some years before the death of his father. Elizabeth, born Nov. 16, 1712, married Richard Manson of Sudbury, June G, 1746. Mary, born Sept. 14, 171G, married Elisha Wheeler, and died, Jan. 22, 1801. Nathan, born Nov. 27, 1721, married Keziah Woodward, Dec. 31, 1747, who died July 28, 1754. He married a second time, and died April 25, 1803. " He was a farmer, and lived on the place afterwards owned by Loring Wheeler 1st." On the fidelity of Mr. Loring's ministry we need offer no comments: his works are his memorials. At the time of his installation at Sudbury the church numbered one hundred and twenty, forty-one males and sevent3^-nine females. During his ministry four hundred and fifty were added to it ; of these, forty-two males and seventy-two females were added before tlie division of the church, and, after the division, there were added to the West Church one hundred and twentj^-nine males and two hundred and seven females. The whole number of children baptized by Mr. Loring in Sudbury was fourteen hundred.
It has been said concerning his service on the West Side, " Thus did this excellent and venerable man thro' a longseries of years, burn and shine in eminent Piety, indefatigable Dilligence, faithfulness, and distinguished usefulness of truly primitive stamp. Heu Pietas ! heu prisca Fides ! " It is said, further, that he was " honored and revered by all whose regards were worth receiving ; and for a great number of years was the head and the glory and delight of the ministry." Beside these substantial testimonials of merit. he has left various publications which also set forth his Avorth. Some of these printed works are as follows :
"The nature and necessaty of the New Birth, (a sermon.) Printed for and sold by D. Henchman, over against the British meeting house. MDCCXXVIII."
"Serious thoughts on the miseries of hell. (Preached at Sudbury, Sunday, Feb. 20, 1731-2.)"
Several other sermons on important reh'gious subjects were published, also an election sermon, of date 1739 ; a convention sermon, 1742, and others not mentioned liere, making in all eleven publications. He also kept a succession of diaries, some of which are still extant. They are closely written and somewhat hard to be read, but contain valuable matter that pertains to the affairs of both province and town. Mr. Loring was a strong Calvinist, an earnest preacher and somewhat noted minister. It is said he did not like the ways of INIr. Whitefield, the evangelist, and the excitement attendant upon his revivals ; and this, together with some other matters, led to some unpleasantness for a time. He was fine looking, tall, slender, and of dark complexion. When he lived on the East Side, he occupied the parsonage which the town provided for Mr. Sherman. In 1778, the town voted " to give to Mr. Isreal Loring our present minister ye 4 acres of land and ye building now upon it y^ 3'e bought of John Loker to him and his heirs forever, on y^s'^ Mr. Isreal Loring relinquishing ye £50 which y^ town granted him." (See Chapter XV.)
Thus lived and died a good and great man; but "though dead he yet speaketh."
" The precious memory of the just Shall flourish when they sleep in dust."
After the death of Mr. Loring, the church did not remain long dependent upon a temporary supply. On July 27, 1772, it proceeded to select a Gospel minister, and the Rev. Jacob Bigelow was unanimously chosen. He was to have a salary of seventy-four pounds. He was ordained Nov. 11, J772. The following churches were represented on the occasion of ordination : East Precinct, Josiali Bridge ; Waltham, Jacob Gushing; Weston, Samuel Woodward; Sherburn, Elijah Brown ; Framingham, INIatthew Bridge ; Lexington, Jonas Clark ; Westborough, Ebenezer Parkman.
MISCELLANEOUS.
For a time preceding the Revolution, the West Side was divided into the North and South Wards. In 1765, Richard Heard offered to collect the taxes on the East Side the river for three pence per pound if the}^ would appoint him collector and constable ; and Aaron Ha3'nes offered to collect them for the North Ward, West Side, and Jedediah Parmenter for the South Ward at the same rates.
In 1765, the town " voted to build a new stone pound between Lieut. Augustus Moors' dwelling house at the gravel pit, on Col. Noyes land Avhich he promised to give the town to set a pound on bj^ Dead." The pound was to be " 30 feet square from Enside to Enside 6 ft high with pieces of timber locked together round the top 8 inches square, for six pounds and the old pound."
In 1771, the town voted to build a powder-house in which to keep the town's stock of ammunition. It granted for this object " 7 pounds 9 shillings and 4 pence, and agreed with Col. John Noyes to build it, and place it near or on W"" Baldwin's land near Major Curtis'." Another record of the same year states that "the town voted to erect the powder house on the training field near Mr, Elisha Wheelers." In 1773, it " voted to remove the powder house to some suitable place on or near the gravel pit hill, and chose a committee to remove the same, if the committee should think the house will be sufficient for the use it was built for, and rough cast and underpin said building."
In 1772, the town " gave leave to John Balcom, Joseph Willis, Abijali Brigham, and Jonathan Smith, to set up a small House on the town land near the west meeting house for the people to repair to on the Sabbath day." There may have been other similar buildings erected near. They were intended as a convenient resort for the people, during the interval between services on Sunday, for the purpose of warming themselves and eating their dinners.
May 17, 1773, the town chose a committee " to consider and report what is proper to be done in order to suppress that set- of men in this town, who make it their business to trade with and cheat strangers." The comniittee reported, as follows :
" That for tlie benefit of the public, the names and character of the persons belonging to and residing in Sudbury hereafter named. .... are persons who go about the country and cheat honest men by purchasing their horses, cattle and other effects, by telling fair stories^ and promising short pay, should be published in. the several newspapers, that the Public may be cautioned against trading with or trusting them on any account."
The town accepted of the report, and chose a committee to find out the persons who aided and assisted in the work, " by purchasing the horses and cattle &c at a low price which they know are obtained in such a clandestine wa}^ and manner, that their names may be exposed in like manner. Also voted, that tlie town Clerk send an attest copy to the several Printers in the town of Boston, to be printed for the benefit of the public."
CHAPTER XX. page 358
1775-1800.
War of the Revolution. Causes of It. Attitude of the Town Relative to the Stamp Act.' Instructions to the Representative Concerning It. Report of the Committee Relative to the Importation of Tea.- Patriotic Resolutions of the Town. Instructions to its Representatives. An Old Document Descriptive of the Times. Military Preparations. Choice of Militia Officers. Organization of Minute Companies. Names and Captains of Companies. Muster Rolls. Equipments. Drill. Call Roll of Captain Nixon's Company. Military Stores Removed to Sudbury. The Alarm. The Mustering and March. The Arrival at Concord. The Encounter at the North Bridge. Retreat of the British. The Pursuit. Encounter at Merriam's Corner. At Hardy's Hill. Incident. Sudbury's Loss. Sketch of Deacon Josiah Haynes. Sketch of Mr. Asahel Read.
Far as the tempest thrills
Over the darken'd hills, Far as the sunshine streams over the plain,
Roused by the tyrant band,
Woke all the mighty land, Girded for battle from mountain to main.
O. W. Holmes.
The period from 1775 to 1800, in this countrj^ may truly be termed the period of the Revolution. It witnessed the commencement and close of armed opposition to the British Crown, and the establishment, in America, of a new nationality. In the work of overthrowing the old and establishing a new government, the several provincial towns had a common concern ; each supplied its quota and each stood ready to respond to the country's call. Sudburj^ on account of its situation and size, bore a prominent part. It was the most populous town in Middlesex County ; its territory was extensive, and for a time in close proximity to the seat of
358 war: for these reasons, mucli was expected of it, and its patriotism was equal to the demand. Before a consideration in detail of the part taken by the town in this stormy period we will notice in brief the causes of the war. Tlie thirteen original States were, for the most part, settled by English emigrants. They loved the mother country, its institutions and laws, and had no desire to throw off allegiance so long as England respected their rights. The two countries had stood together on the fields of successive wars, the}^ had things in common to be shared and kept, one language set forth their traditions, one literature contained their history and laws. It was natural and desirable that they should liave but one flag and sustain one general government. But causes worked to alienate and bring about a final rupture. The colonies were oppressed with excessive taxation, denied the rights of their ancient charters, refused representation in council and the right of petition at court. Misguided and rash officials were placed in their midst, and the}^ were subject, in various other obnoxious ways, to checks on their peace and prosperity.
Before hostilities broke out, protests were repeatedly presented to the Crown against its despotic proceedings; but the colonies had little hope of English concession, hence, great activity prevailed in council, and the people prepared to meet the worst. Resolutions were passed, and such plans laid for aggressive and defensive measures as the exigencies of the province required. In these measures Sudbury had her share. The town was usually present, by delegates, in response to all calls, and her vote was stanch for the continental cause. In 1770, the people manifested their heart}' appreciation of the agreement of merchants in Boston " to stop the importation of British goods, and engaged for themselves and all within their influence, to countenance and encourage the same." At an early day, they chose a committee to prepare and present instructions to Peter Noyes, Representative to the General Court, in regard to the Stamp Act, which set forth their opinions very strongly concerning that petty piece of tyrannj-. Record after record appears on the Town Book, of resolutions and acts that show how positive the people were in their patriotism, and how pronounced they were in dechiring it. These are of such a character that to give a few of them -^Aill suffice.
1773. The Town being met, the committee appointed by the town to take into consideration the affair relating to the Tea sent here by the East India Company, reported as follows, viz."
Taking into Consideration the late Conduct of administration, together with an act of Parliament enabling the East India Company to export their Teas unto America Free of all Duties and Customs, Regulations and penalties in America as are provided by the revenue Act ; we are justly alarmed at this Detestable Craft and Policy of the Ministry to deprive us of our American Liberties Transmitted to us by our Worthy Ancestors, at no less expense than that of their Blood and Treasure. That price our Renowned Forefathers freely paid, that they might transmit those Glorious Liberties as a free, full, and fair inheritance to Posterity, which liberties through the Indulgent Smiles of Heaven, we have possessed in peace and Quietness, till within a few years Past (Excepting in the reign of the Detestable Stewarts) but now Behold ! the pleasing scene is changed, the British ministry, assisted by the Inveterate Enemies to American Liberty on this as well as on the other side of the Atlantick, Combining together to Rob us of our dear Bought freedom; have Brought us to this sad Dilemma, either to resolve like men in defense of our just Rights and Liberties, or sink under the weight of their Arbitrary and unconstitutional measures into a State of abject Slavery. Therefore as Freeborn Americans Intitled to all the immunities, Liberties and Privileges of Freeborn Englishmen, we look upon ourselves under the Strongest Obligations to use our utmost Exertions in defense of our just Rights in every constitutional method within our Power, Even though the Cost of the Defense should equal that of the purchase. Therefore resolved
l'^' That as we are entitled to all the Privileges of British Subjects, w^e have an undoubted and exclusive Right to Grant our own monies for the support of Government and that no Power on Earth has a right to Tax or make Laws binding us, without our consent.
2dly That the British Parliament laying a Duty on Tea Payable in America, for the express purpose of Raising a Revenue, is in our opinion an unjust Taxation, and that the specious method of permitting the East India Company to export their Teas into the Colonies, has a direct tendency to rivet the Chain of Slavery upon us.
3dly. That we will lend all the aid and assistance in our Power in every Rational Method, to hinder the Importations of Teas, so long as it is subject to a duty; and that this Town are well pleased with, and highly approve of that Resolution in particular entered into by the Town of Boston, viz that they will not suffer any Tea to be imported into that Town whUe subject to an unrighteous Duty ; and it is the desire and expectation of this Town tliat said resolution be not relaxed in any Degree; which if it should it would much lesson that confidence (which we hope we may justly say) we have reason to place in that respectable metropolis
4thiy That the Persons appointed by the East India Company to receive and vend their Teas (by their obstinate refusal to resign their odious Commission) have shown a ready disposition to become the Tools of our Enemies, to oppress and enslave their Native Country, and have manifested such stupidity and wickedness to prefer private Interest to the good of their Country, and therefore can expect no favor or respect from us ; but we leave them to accumulate a load of Infamy, proportionate to their vileness.
5 That whoever shall sell, buy, or otherwise use Tea, while subject to and poisened with a Duty, shall be deemed by us Enemies to their Country's welfare ; and shall be treated by us as such. The Town by their Vote Ordered the foregoing resolves to be recorded in the Town Book, and a Copy of the same to be forwarded to the Committee of Correspondence at Boston, with our sincere thanks to that Respectable Town, for their Manly Opposition to every minsterial measure to enslave America.
Thomas Plympton, Ezekiel Howe, John Maynard } Sampson Belcher, Phinehas Glezen, Josiah Langdon f
With like spirit the town expressed itself in the following instructions to Peter Noyes, its Representative to the Court :
Sir, you being chosen by the inhabitants of this town to represent them in the Great and General Court or Assembly of their Province, we think proper at this critical Day, when our invaluable rights and privileges are so openly invaded to give you the following instructions.
That you invariably adhere to and steadfastly maintain (so far as you are able) all our Charter Rights and Priveleges and that you do [not] consent to give them or any of them up, on any pretense whatever. That you make use of all your influence, that some effective method be devised and pursued for the restoration of our violated rights and redress of all our grievances. That you use your endeavors that the Governor be prevailed upon to make a grant for the payment of our agent chosen by the Representative body of the Province to present our complaint to the ears of our King
John Maynard. 1 Sampson Belcher- I John Balcom. !
W- Rice, Jr. f Committee.
Phineas Gleason. j Aaron Merriam. J Nov. 14, 1774, tlie town voted " their approbation of the several measures of tlie Provincial Congress so far as has been communicated to them." It also voted, at the same meeting, " to choose a committee to observe the conduct of all persons touching the association agreement entered into by the Continental Congress, whose business it shall be to see the articles contained therein are strictly adhered to by the inhabitants of this town."
In 1774, the town chose Thomas Plympton, Capt. Richard Heard, and James Mossman to represent it at the proposed Provincial Congress. The records just quoted are a few from many that show the fidelity of Sudbury to the great cause of freedom in those tumultuous times. It was decided as to the true principle of action, and equally prompt and consistent in carrying it out. Enough has been said to show the town's place in that preparatory period that led to the clash of arms ; but we will quote a paper written by a Revolutionary soldier of Sudbury, which shows the spirit of the age and gives a synopsis of events and the way in which they were viewed by one living in town at the time of their occurrence ; and although, in presenting this paper, we may anticipate some of the events we are about to narrate, yet we think it proper to do this, rather than make a break in a paper so valuable both to local and general history.
" The Causes that led the Colonies to Take up amies Against the Mother Country is proper to be Shown To Prove the Necessity the Colonies were under to resist the oppressive Measures which the Colonies were laid under ; namely the stamp act; on the Stamp act Being Repaled, an act called the Declaritory act, more oppressive and Hostile to American Rights than any thing that had Preceded it. A Cargo of Tea was consigned To the Friends of the Roj'al Governor Hutchinson with a duty [of] three pence on a pound, but the inhabitants of Massachusetts [being] Determined not to pay that Duty, a Party of men in Disguise Entered on bord the Ships and Destroj^ed Three Hundred and Forty Two Chests of Tea. After these proceedings were received in England The Excitement was very strong against Massachusetts and Particularly against Boston, which was considered The seat of Kebellion. A Bill was then Brought forward that was called the Boston Port Bill ; the Port of Boston was Precluded the Privelege of Landing and Discharging or Loading and Shiping goods. The words Whigs and Tories was introduced about this Time. To the Honor of Sudbury there was Not any of the latter Class to be found within the limits [of] Sudbur}^.
" The People were Carfull to Promote men that were Strongly opposed to British Tireny. The Town of Boston Passed a vote to stop all importation from Great Britain and the West Indies.
" Requesting the other Colonies to fall in with the same Resolve, Many of the inhabitants of . . . signed a Resolve not to buy any imported goods. Most Noted Men in Boston that took the lead . . . were James Otis John Hancock and Samuel Adams ; in September 1774 Nint}^ of the Representatives of Massachusetts Met at Salem and formed What was Called the Provincial Congress and adjourned to Concord. Here they chose John Hancock President, and drew up a Plan for the immediate Defense of the Province By appointing officers, also Pased a Resolve to get in Readiness to Compose an Army at the shortest Notis and called Minute men. The minute company in Sudbury was commanded by Capt John Nixon afterwards General, the North Melitia Company was commanded [by] Capt. Aaron Haynes The South By Capt. Moses Stone, the orders were for Ever}^ man to be supplied with a Gun and Bagnet Cartrege Box and 86 Rounds, our Guns to [be] Kept in Good Repair. The men that were freed by E-e from doing Militory Duty formed themselves into a Company Called the Alarm Company Commanded by Capt. Jabez Puffer. Trainings were as often as once a week the three fall months, in the winter Not so often. The 3'oung Men In the Winter months made a Practis of calling on their officers Evenino-s and going through the Manual Exercise In Barn Flours. I have exercised many a Night With my Mittens on. Such was the Patriotic sperit that Reigned in the Brest of Every True American Never to stain the Glory of our worthy
X Ancestors but like tliem Resolve never to part with our birthright. To be wise in our deliberations and determined in our Exertions for the preservation of our libertys, being Irritated by Repeated Injuries and Striped of our inborn rights and dearest Priveleges ; The Present Generation may view those Transactions Avith surprise ; every Rational mind must feel satisfied of the overruling hand of Providence. To bring about the great event here we must Cast our Eyes on the Father of Mercies with a full belief that He \vould Make his arm beare For us as he did for our Ancestors that we should be Enabled to Defend and JNIaintain our Rights Boath of a Civil and Religious Nature. With these impressions Strongly impressed in their Hearts on the morning of [the] Ever Memorable 19'^ of April 1775 Husbands left their wifes and Fathers their daughters Sones their Mothers Brothers their Sisters to Meet a Haughty Foe.
" On this eventful morning an Express From Concord to Tho^ Plympton Esq"" Avho was then a Member of the Provintial Congress [stated] that the British were on their way to Concord : In 35 Minites between 4 and 5 oclock in the Morning, the Sexton was immadelly Called on, the bell Ringing and the Discharge of Musket which was to give the alarm. By sunrise the greatest part of the inhabitants were Notified. The morning was Remarkable fine and the Inhabitants of Sudbury Never can make such an important appearance Probably again. Every Countenance appeared to Discover the importance of the event. Sudbury Companies were but a short distance From the North Bridg, when the first opposition was made to the Haughty Enemy. The Dye was Cast and the Torch Lit by which means we Have Becom an independent Nation, and may the present generation and those unborn, preserve unimparred the Libertys, sivel and Religious so long as Time Endures
" On the 19 of April, I was Runing across a Lot where there was a bend in [the] Road in order to get a Fair Shot, at the Enemy, in company Avith a Scotchman who was in Braddock's Defeat 19 year Before, after we had Discharged our Guns I observed to the Sco' avIio appeared very Com
THE COMMON.
Unitarian Church, Town House and Methodist Church,
Sudbury Centre. posed I wished I felt as Calm as he appeared to be [He said] its a Tread to be Larnt,
" Before I served through one Campain I Found the Scots Remark to be a just one
" The old soldiers Name is John Weighton He informed me he had been in seven Battles and this Eight." (Stearns Collection.)
MILITARY PREPARATIONS.
Nov. 14, 1774, " it was voted, that the town recommend to the several companies of militia to meet for the choice of officers for their respective companies, as recommended bj the Provincial Congress. Also voted, that a company of militia on the East side, meet on Thursday next at twelve o'clock at the East meeting house in Sudbury, to choose their officers ; and that the companies on the West side to meet at the West meeting house at the same time and for the same purpose."
Besides looking after the militia, the town took measures to form companies of minute men. These, as the name implies, were to hold themselves in readiness to act at a minute's warning. The officers received no commissions, but held their positions by vote of the men. Two such companies were formed, one on each side of the river. There was also a troop of horse composed of men from both precincts. Besides these companies of able-bodied men, there was an alarm company composed of men exempt from military service. The names of the companies were,
North Militia Co. West Side, Capt. Aaron Haynes 60 men
East Militia Co. East Side. Capi. Joseph Smith, 75 men
South Militia Co. (Lanham District) both Sides. Capt. Moses Stone 92 men.
Troop of Horse. Both Sides. Capt. Isaac Loker. 21 men.
Minute Co. West Side. Capt. John Nixon. 58 men
Minute Co. East Side. Capt. Nathaniel Cudworth. 40 men.
These make, besides the alarm list of Jabez Puffer, six companies three hundred and forty-eight men in process of preparation for the coming struggle.
The muster rolls of these companies, as present at the Concord and Lexington battle, have for the most part been preserved, and are here given as found in State and town documents. They may not, in every case, give the names of all who were on the rolls of either militia or minute men in 1774 ; and they may also contain names which were not properly of the companies in whose rolls they stand. But this may be explained by the fact that these rolls represent those who were in the Lexington and Concord fight, and that the alarm company and troop were mingled with other companies of the town on that memorable day.
A muster Roll of Militia Company and part of an Alarm Company that marched to Cambridge by Concord on the Alarm on the nineteenth of April last under the command of Capt, Aaron Ilaynes of Sudbury and returning home.
Aaron Haynes Capt, Thomas Puffer
Daniel Bowker Lieut, Rufus Parmenter
James Puffer Lieut, James
Joshua Haynes Sergt,^ Ebenezer Plympfon
Samuel Dakin " Abel Tower
Samuel Puffer " Francis Green
Jonathan Haynes " Jason Haynes
Benjamin Smith Corp. Joseph Haynes
Ashael Balcom " Israel Brigham
Hope Brown " Abel Willis
Ithamon Rice " Isaac Rice
Phineas Puffer, Clark John Bemis
Aaron Haynes Moses Noyes
Abel Maynard, Private David Moore
Micah Maynard Abijah Brigham
John Maynard Israel Haynes
Jonas Haynes Edmund Parmenter
Isaac Puffer Henry Smith
Oliver Dakin Dea Thomas Plymplon
Silas How Lieut Dakin Sworn to by Capt. Aaron Haynes, Jan. 20, 1776
A muster roll of the Company under the Command of Capt. Joseph
Smith, in Col. James Barret's Regiment from Sudbury on April 19"* 1775, in persuit of the ministerial Troops
' Capt, Joseph Smith Isaac Damon
Lieut, Josiah Farrar John Tilton Jr.
Lieut, Ephraim Smith John Cutting
Ensign Timothy Underwood Samuel Tilton Jr,
Sergeant William Bent Amos Addaway
Sergeant Samuel Griffin ^ Travi.^
tllSTORY OF SUDBURY.
367
Sergeant Robert Cutting Sergeant John Bruce Corporal Samuel Tilton Corporal Nathaniel Smith Corporal Peter Johnson Corporal John Merriara Drumer Thomas Trask Edmund Sharman Timothy Bent Micah Rice Isaac Gould John BarneyJacob Gould Benjaman Dudley Zachariah Briant Jr, Ebenezer Johnson Jonathan Bent Simon Belcher Joel Stone
Middlesex Dec 21=*' 1775, Th solemn oath to the truth of the Justice Peace.
Roland Bennett Isaac Stone John Stone Isaac Rice Jr, William Dudley John Peter Francis Jones James Sharmon Samuel Sharmon Joseph Goodenow Josiah Allen Elisha Cutting John Dean James Goodenow Ephraim Bowker, Jonathan Cutting James Davis Jason Parmenter
e above named Joseph Smith made above roll, Before me, Moses Gill>
These Certify that the ye 19th of April last to Col" How of Sudbury and
Moses Stone Cap' Jon"^ Rice L' Joseph Goodenow 2 Joseph Moore Serg' Ephr"" Carter Corp' David How Benj'' Berry Jon* Carter Elijah Goodnow David How Ezek' How jr. Jonas Wheeler Isaac Lincoln
The abov Peter Haynes L' Elisha Wheeler Aaron Goodnow Thomas Walker Eben' Burbank
The abov
mens names hereafter annex'd marched on Head Q" we being under Command of Lt Moses Stone Cap
Tho' Ames Thomas Burbank Lt. Nathi Bryant
Israel Maynard Tho^ Carr jun'' Isaac Moore Uriah Moore Abner Walker W" Walker Abel Parmenter Dan' Osburn Tho' Derumple
e named were out four days.
Tho' Derample
Nath' Brown
Uriah Hayden
Israel Willis
Calven Clark e named were out three days.
868 Province of the INIassacliusetts D"^ to Isaac Locker and the men under me by name in y*^ Colony for service done in defence of the Country on y'= lO"* day of April to y*' 21'' of the same vi'hen the alarm at Concord, agreable to the General Courts Order made up this Acco'
Tim° Sharmon Dan^ Moore ]■■ David Curtis Zach*^ Heard Jacob Jones Nath^ Knovvlton
Isaac Locker L* Oliver Noyes O' M' Ja« Puffer Corp^ Ja° Noyes Corp Jesse Gibbs Corp^ Abel Smith Da' Woo<i Moore Eph Moore Jonas Wheeler Jesse Mossman Rufus Bent Jason Bent W Wyman Jo' Rutter W" Noyes
Jonas Rice Nathan Stearns Micah Greaves Nath' Jenison Steph^ Locker Asaph Travis Jonas Locker Simon Newton David Heard
A List of a Company of Minute Men under the command of Capt.
John Nixon, in Col Abijah Pierce's Regiment who entered the service
April 19* 1775
David Moore Lieut Abel Holden "
Ashael Wheeler 2"^ Lieut Hopestill Brown Corp.
Micah Goodnow Sergt Jesse Moore "
Elijah Willis " Uriah Wheeler "
Jeremiah Robbins " William Moore
PRIVATES.
Joseph Balcom Philemon Brown Samuel Brigham Samuel Cutting Asher Cutler William Dun Aaron Ames Robert Ames Eliab Moore Uriah Moore Isaac Moore John Moore Josiah Richardson Nathan Read Charles Rice James Rice Ezra Smith
Rueben Haynes Joshua Haynes -Caleb Wheeler John Weighten Simon Kingman Israel Willis Hopestill Willis Ebenezer Wood Jonas Holden Elisha Wheeler Daniel Loring Thadeus Moore William Maynard Daniel Maynard John Shirley Peter Smith Abraham Thompson
mSTOtlY OF StTDBURY. 369
Samuel Gleason Daniel Weight
Thomas Goodenow Nathaniel Rice
Jesse Goodenow Daniel Putman
William Goodenow Micah Grant
Sworn to by Lt. Asahel Wheeler, Feb. 3, 1776.
A muster Role of the Minute Company under the command of Capt. Nathaniel Cudworth in Col. Abijah Pierce's Regiment.
Nathaniel Cudworth Capt. Samuel Pollard
Thadeus Russel, Lieut. Daniel Rice
Nathaniel Maynard Ensign Samuel Whitney
Nathaniel Reeves Sergent Benjamin Adams
Jonathan Hoar " Samuel Curtis
Caleb Moulton " Richard Heard Jr
Thomas Rutter " Samuel Bent
Joseph WilHngton Corp. Samuel Haynes
Thadeus Bond " Joseph Nicolls
David Clough " William Grout
Joshua Kendall " Samuel Merriam
John Trask Drummer David Underwood
Phineas Gleason Private Naum Dudley
Ebenezer Dudley James Phillips
John Noyes Jr Edmund Rice Jr.
Timothy Underwood Nathaniel Parmenter
Peter Britnell David Damon
Zebediah Farrar David Rice
Jonathan Parmenter Jr Edward How
Jonathan Wesson Timothy Sharmon
Sworn to by Nathaniel Cudworth, Feb. 21, 1776.
In 1776, the town " voted to pay each of the minute men one shilling and sixpence for training one half day in a week, 4 hours to be esteemed a half day, after they were enlisted and until called into actual service or dismissed ; and the Captains 3 shilling and Lieutenants 2 shillings and six pence and the ensign 2 shillings."
The foregoing muster rolls represent about one-fifth of the entire population. The number in actual service at the Concord and Lexington fight three hundred and two. The following report shows to what extent these companies were equipt. " Sudbury March y^ 27"^ 1775 :
" The Return of the Several! Companys of Militia and Minute in s'^ Town viz.
" Capt. Moses Stone's Company 92 men of them, 18 no guns, at Least one third part y^ forelocks unfit for Sarvis others wais un a quipt.
"Capt. Aaron Hayns Company 60 men weel provided With Arms the most of them Provided with Bayonets or hatchets a boute one quarter Part with Catrige Boxes.
"Capt. Joseph Smith's Company consisting of
75 able Bodied men forty well a quipt twenty Promis to find and a quip themselves Emedetly fifteen no guns and other wais un a quipt
" The Troop Capt. Isaac Locer (Loker) 21 Besides what are on the minit Role well a quipt.
" Returned by Ezekiel How. Left" Con' " (Stearns Collection.)
It is not strange that, at the time this report was given, the troops had not been fully equipped. It was not easy to provide for so many at once, but the following record may indicate that the town had been endeavoring to supply the deficiency since the preceding fall, Oct. 3, 1774.
To Capt. Ezekiel How for 20 guns and Bayonets 27 2 600 pounds Lead 8—16—
300 french Flynts [9 or] 19— 11
Chest for the arms and carting them 7 2 2
Probably before the 19th of April they were fairly equipped for service, as there is among the town 2:)apers a bill to one of the minute companies for ammunition that the town had supplied. Each man mentioned had, for the most part, received about a pound of powder and two pounds of balls for which a charge was made of one pound, one shilling.
In the matter of military drill, the men showed a spirit of perseverance which indicates their expectation of rough work. It was by no dress parade or review on some gala occasion when, with burnished muskets and uniforms gay and bright, they became proficient in the art of defence, but 371
on the cold barn floor in their homespun suits, with the mute cattle their only spectators, that tliese men were fitting for work, and zeal for their object was the tocsin that mustered the clan. To show the regularity witli which the min\ile men met for drill as the crisis approached, we will present Capt. John Nixon's minute company's call roll, which is still preserved among the old documents of Sudbur}'. We find in it but six blanks ; showing an average of only one absentee each night. We might expect that, when the call of the 19th of April came, these men would be present and ready for work.
A Call Roll of Capt.Jn° Inlisted IVIarch y« 13"'
Jn° Nixon Capt.
David Moor Lieut.
Asehel Wheeler Do
Josiah Langdon Clarke
Micah Goodenow Serg'
August^ Moor D° ^Elijah Willis D° • Jerem'^ Robbins D°
Hope' Brown Corp'
Jesse Moor D"
Uriah Wheeler D°
Will™ Moor D° ■ Dmiel Putnam Drum
Caleb Brown Phiffe
Joseph Nixon D°
Joseph Balcum
Phil" Brown
Sam' Brigham
Hosea Brigham
Sam' Cutting
Asher Cutler
W" Dun
Aaron Emes Jr.
Robert Emes
Dan' Goodenow
Sam' Gleason
Tho^ Goodenow
Jesse Goodenow
W™ Goodenow
Nixon's Company of Minut Men. They
March ve 13th 1775
March ye 20
March ye 27
April 3
April ye 10th
Do ye 17t
372 March ye 13th 1775
March ye 20
March ye 27
April 3
April ye 10th
Do ye inh
Reuben Haynes Joshua Haynes Jonas Holden Jr Abel Holden Simeon Ingersol Daniel Loring Thadeus Moor
'1
1 1 1 I 1 1 1
W™ Maynard Daniel Maynard Hezekiah Moor
1 1
1
Eliab Moor
1
Uriah Moor Isaac Moor Jr.
\ 1
1
1
John Moor Josiah Richardson Nathaniel Reed
1 1 1
Charles Rice
1
Oliver Rice Jonas Rice
1
1
Asahel Reed
1
Ezra Smith
1
John Sheirley Peter Smith
1 1
Abel Thomson
1
Daniel Weight
1
Caleb Wheeler
1
John Weigh ton Elisha Wheeler
1 1
Israel Willis
1
Hopestil Willis Ebenezer Wood
1
1
1
It was becoming more and more evident that a collision with the King's forces was close at hand. A considerable quantity of Continental supplies had been deposited at Concord; there also was a centre of strong patriotic influence ; at that place, therefore, the blow was liable to fall first. March 29, a report came that the British were about to proceed to that place. The Committee of Safety for the Province met at Cambridge, and ordered the removal therefrom of stores. The order was carried out and the stores sent in several directions. To Sudbury were sent fifty barrels of beef, one hundred of flour, twenty casks of rice, fifteen hogsheads of molasses, ten hogsheads of rum, and five hundred candles, fifteen thousand canteens, fifteen thousand iron pots ; tlie spades, pickaxes, bill-hooks, axes, hatchets, crows, wheel-barrows, and several other articles were to be divided, one-third to remain in Concord, one-third to be sent to Sudbury, one-third to Stow, and one thousand iron pots were to be sent to Worcester. (Shattuck.)
The rumor at this time proved false, yet a little later the event came about. General Gage, who was stationed in Boston as Commander-in-chief of the British troops, took measures to send a detachment to Concord for the destruction of Continental stores. For the accomplishment of this purpose he sent out spies to examine the land. Two of these secret messengers. Captain BroMni and Ensign D'Bernicre, went to Worcester in February, and to Concord, jNIarch 20. They went by way of Weston and Sudbury, stopping in the former town at the Jones Tavern, which still stands on the main street of Weston, and passed through East Sudbury by way of the South bridge. Having received the report of these spies, the British* prepared to advance. General Gage detached eight hundred of liglit infantry, grenadiers and marines from the ten regiments under his command, and, on pretence of instructing them in a new military exercise, took them from regular duty on April 15. His plan was for the troops to cross Charles River by night, and at daybreak be far on their way toward Concord and thus take the place by surprise. But there were those who were watching his wary course, and a sh^, swift courier was to precede him on his way.- A previous arrangement had been made by which a lantern was to be displayed in the belfry of the old North Church when the British began their march. Paul Revere, at the signal, was to start with the news and proclaim it from place to place. About that messenger, his mission, his midnight ride, it is unnecessary for us to relate. The oft-told tale is very familiar, how Paul Revere went forth and " spread the alarm through every Middlesex village and farm." THE MUSTERING AND MARCH.
The news thus started by Paul Revere reached Sudbury between three and four o'clock in the morning. As the town is eight miles southwestward of Concord, intelligence of the approaching column was received later than at towns on the Boston and Concord highway. But, notwithstanding the distance, the sun was not yet arisen when the summons arrived in town, and then followed a scene of activity unparalleled in the annals of Sudbury. The course taken by the various companies to reach Concord was, probably, not the same, as they started from different parts of the town. Two companies from the West Side the minute company and the North Militia would go b}' the road through North Sudbury, while the East Side men would, most likely, go by way of Lincoln. Captain Nixon's company started from the West Side meeting-house. The companies of Nixon and Haynes designed to cross the Concord River by way of the old South bridge, or " Wood's bridge," on the site of the county bridge near the Fitchburg Railroad. From doing this, however, they were deterred by an order which reached them when about half a mile away, and by which they marched on to the North bridge. The appearance of this host of town's people, on an errand like that before them, must have been imposing and sad. The gathering and the start were enough of themselves to stir the idlest spectator, and move the most indifferent soul. The morning was peaceful and lovel3\ Nature was advanced for the season. The fields were green witli the grass and grain which even waved in the April breeze, and the buds were bursting, prophetic of early spring. But, in strange contrast, the souls of the people were stirred as if swept by a tempest. The appearance of tliat hurrying pageant as it swept through the town was at once solemn, strange, and sublime. Their haste was too great to admit of a measured or dignified pace. They were impatient to arrive at the front. Daniel Putnam maybe excused if no drum taps are heard save the ''long roll " at the very start. Caleb Brown may put by his " Phiffe " until he hears from Luther Blauchard, at th^ old
History ot sudbury. 375
north bridge, the strains of "The White Cockade." The music of the morning was made by tlie quickened heartthrobbing in those patriotic breasts, as in double-quick they strode over the old north road to be on hand at the approach of the foe. Along the route, mothers and children appeared, to catcli a glimpse of the loved ones, who fast flying were soon lost to view. A kiss lovingly cast into the morning air, the passing benediction of word or look, and the crowd rushed by. The loved ones were left to sad conjecture as to what the dread issue might be. AVe have heard a great-granddaughter of Captain Nixon say that she has been told by her grandmother that a messenger came at night to the house and said, " Up, up ! the red-coats are up as far as Concord! " that jNIr. Nixon at once started off on horseback, and that sometime during the day Mrs. Nixon went out of the house, Avhich was on Nobscot hillside, and putting her ear to the ground could hear the sound of distant guns.
The north militia and minute company, as we have stated, designed to reach Concord village by wa}^ of the old south bridge, but Avhen about half a mile from it were ordered to proceed to the north bridge by Col. James Barrett, the commander of the minute regiment, whose son Stephen had been sent to convey the message to the approaching companies. By obeying this order, the Sudbury companies would join a force already assembled on the north side of the village, and also avoid speedy contact with the British guard that already held the south bridge.
When the British arrived at Concord by way of the Lexington road, which leads from the easterly into the town, Colonel Smith, the commander, made a threefold division of his force of eight hundred men. The light infantry were sent in two detachments to guard the bridges and destroy the stores on the village outskirts, while the grenadiers and marines he detained with himself and Major Pitcairn at the centre. In the execution of this plan, Capt. Lawrence Parsons took possession of the north bridge, Capt. INIundy Pole did the same at the south bridge, and each sent detachments from their force to destroy Continental stores. The Americans, meanwhile, were powerless to prevent this occurrence. As yet, but comparatively few Continental troops had arrived. It was only about seven or eight o'clock in the morning, and but a few hours since the general alarm. They knew not positively about the work at Lexington Common, nor that the British had come with a deadly intent. They wanted to know just what was right, and waited for strength to enforce the right; while thus waiting, they withdrew over the river beyond the north bridge. To this vicinity were the Sudbury men sent. But there was, at least on the part of one of the company, a reluctance to turn from their more direct course. Thej were in the country's highway, and this one person, perhaps, felt like Captain Davis of Acton, who before leaving that town said, '•' I have a right to go to Concord on the King's highway, and I intend to go if I have to meet all the British troops in Boston." The person referred to as reluctant to turn from his course was Deacon Josiah Haynes, who was eighty years old. It is stated that he was " urgent to attack the British at the south bridge, dislodge them, and march into the village b}^ that route." Had his opinion prevailed, the battle might have been then and there, and the old south rather than the old north bridge have been the place of note forever. But the south bridge was avoided. In accordance with Colonel Barrett's command. Captains Nixon and Haynes with Lieut. Col. Ezekiel How started, as we have stated, for the old north bridge.
When at the South bridge they were on the westerly side of Concord village, while the North bridge was a little to the north of east. Their way, therefore, was by something of a circuitous course ; and, to reach the point to which they were ordered, they were to pass the house of Colonel Barrett, a mile and a half north-west of the village, where Captain Parsons with three British companies were destroying Continental stores. When the Sudbury soldiers came within sight of Colonel Barrett's house they came to a halt. Before them were the British engaged in their mischievous work. Gun carriages had been collected and piled together to be burned, the torch already had been applied, and the residence of their Colonel had been ransacked. They halted, and Colonel How exclaimed, " If any blood has been shed not one of the rascals shall escape ! " and, disguising himself, he rode on to ascertain the truth. It was, probably, not far from nine o'clock when this event took place. This indicates the celerity with which the Sudbury troops had moved. From the morning alarm, by which the minute men met at the West Side meeting-house, until the foregoing transaction but about five hours had passed, and, meanwhile, the mustering, the march, the arrival. While the Regulars were engaged in their destructive work at Colonel Barrett's, the Provincials were concentrating their forces in preparation for what was to come. Their place of gathering was at Punkatasset Hill, about a mile north of the Concord meeting-house. While here, they increased their forces by repeated arrival of troops. Says Drake, "Meanwhile," that is while the British were engaged at Colonel Barrett's, " tlie Provincials on Punkatasset were being constantly reinforced by the militia of Westford, Littleton, Acton, Sudbury, and other neighboring towns, until the whole body numbered about four hundred and fifty men, who betra3'ed feverish impatience at playing the part of idle lookers on while the town was being ransacked ; but, when flames were seen issuing in dijfferent directions, they could no longer be restrained. A hurried consultation took place, at the end of which it was determined to march into the town at all hazards, and if resisted to " treat their assailants as enemies." Colonel Barrett told the troops to advance.' From Punkatasset they moved to Major Buttricks, but a short distance above the North bridge, and from Major Buttricks they marched to the bridge where the Americans and English met face to face. The circumstances at the bridge are too familiar to need any narration by us. The British attempted to remove the planks, a remonstrance was made and the work ceased. The Provincials advanced with rapid steps ; when a few rods away a single shot was fired by the foe, which was at once followed by a volley. The first shot wounded two of the Americans, and the volley killed two Davis and Hosmer of Acton. The order then came for the Provincials to fire. It was obeyed, and three British soldiers were slain, besides several officers and four soldiers wounded. Then came the retreat and pursuit. Whether or not the companies of Nixon and Haynes had joined the Provincials at Punkatasset when the command to move forward came, we leave the reader to judge for himself. Drake implies that they had,; some circumstances may also favor this theory, for, after leaving Colonel Barrett's, they would likely hasten to join the main force, which was not far distant. But other things would lead us to conclude that they had not caught up with the column when it reached the bridge.
Shattuck says, " Two companies from Sudbury under How, Nixon and Haynes came to Concord, and having received orders from a person stationed at the entrance of the town, for the purpose of a guide, to proceed to the North instead of the South Bridge, arrived near Col. Barrett's just before the British soldiers retreated." The same author, after speaking of what we have just narrated of LieutenantColonel How, states, " Before proceeding far, the firing began at the Bridge, and the Sudbury companies pursued the retreating British." From these statements and facts, we may infer this, that these companies passed the British at Colonel Barrett's and pushed on to meet the force at tlie bridge, that before they joined it the foe made his attack and that they joined in the hot pursuit. This theory accords with the statement that we have quoted before, as made by a survivor of the fight, which is that " Sudbury Companies were but a short distance from the North Bridge when the first Opposition was made to the Haughty Enem3^"
Thus, to an extent, have we traced the course of two Sudbury companies during a part of that eventful day. As to the others, it is supposed tliey attacked the British at different points along the line of the retreat. The men who came from East Sudbury would, as \ve have hitherto said, be likely to march through Lincoln to Concord. If so, they would be likely to strike the British retreat ; there it is that we hear of them. Two encounters, at least, are mentioned in which East Sudbury soldiers were engaged. To rightly anderstand how and where these engagements took place, let us notice the movements of the British after the events that transpired at the old North bridge. Having fired on the Americans as they approached the bridge from the opposite bank, by which fire two Acton minute men fell, and having received the Provincial fire in return, by which three of the English were slain. Lieutenant Gould of the regulars withdrew his shattered guard to the village. Three signal guns having been fired by the British just before their troops fired at the bridge, all the distant detachments came in. Captain Parsons hurried his companies from Colonel Barrett's to the old North bridge ; and, seeing the havoc that had been made with Gould's guard and their dead comrades upon the bank, " they were seized with a panic and ran with great speed to join the main force." Captain Pole withdrew his companies from the old South bridge, and then Colonel Smith began to retreat towards Boston. But it was not only a retreat but a rout. The battle at the bridge was but the beginning of aggressive work. The foe were followed and hard pushed from point to point. At the cross-roads they met fresh arrivals of Provincial troops. The stone walls and stumps were coverts from which they directed their fire. In addition to an almost continuous engagement, occasional encounters occurred which were exceptionally sharp and severe. In two of these severe encounters the soldiers from East Sudbury were engaged, one at Merriam's Corner, the other at Hardy's Hill.
The action at Merriam's Corner occurred at about halfpast twelve. Three circumstances concurred to bring about and make severe this conflict. First, there was a junction of roads, the one from Bedford meeting that leading to Lexington along which the English marched. By this road had come reinforcements from Reading, Chelmsford, Bedford and Billerica. To this point, also, had come some Provincials across the great fields in the direction of the old North bridge. Another circumstance that made the fight sharp was that here the British massed their forces because of the lay of the land. In their march from Concord, which was about a mile thus far, the British threw out a part of their infantry to serve as a guard to their flanks and to protect the main body as it marched on the road. These flankers moved along the dry upland on the right of the road, as it curves gently from Concord village, until they reached Merriam's Corner where they joined the troops in the road, in order to avoid the moist land by the wayside, and pass the dry causeway to the highway beyond. As this flank guard thus joined the main force it gave the Provincials, who as we have indicated were there gathered in force, an opportunity which they were not slow to make use of. They poured upon the regulars a destructive fire. " Now and here began," says Drake, " that long and terrible conflict unexampled in the Revolution for its duration and ferocity, which for fifteen miles tracked the march of the regular troops with their blood." A company from East Sudbury were in time for this second conflict. This, doubtless, was the one commanded by Joseph Smith. Rev. Mr. Foster, an historian of 1775, says of this conflict : " Before we came to Merriam's Hill we discovered the enemy's flank guard of about eighty or a hundred men, who on the retreat from Concord kept the height of the land, the main body being in the road. The British troops and the Americans at that time were equally distant from Merriam's Corner. About twenty rods short of that place the Americans made a halt. The British marched down the hill with a very slow but steady step without a word being spoken that could be heard. Silence reigned on both sides. As soon as the British gained the main road and passed a small bridge near the common, they faced about suddenly, and fired a volley of musketry upon us. They overshot and no one to my knowledge was injured by the fire. The fire was immediately returned by the Americans, and two British soldiers fell dead at a little distance from each other in the road near the brook. Several of the officers were wounded, including Ensign Lester." The other engagement in which the Sudbury soldiers are especially noticed was at Hardy's Hill, a short distance beyond. One narrator has spoken of it as a spirited affair, where one of the Sudbury companies. Captain Cudworth, came up and vigorously attacked the enemy. It is interesting that we can thus trace our soldiers and know so much of their whereabouts and what they did on that memorable day. An incident of the fight was related to the writer by the late Mr. Josiah Haynes when eightyfive years old. He said that his grandfather, Josiah Haynes, one of the militia of Sudbury at the Concord fight, captured a gun from a British sergeant. The Briton was with a squad of soldiers a little removed from the main body, probably a part of the flank guard before mentioned. Mr. Haynes lay concealed behind a stone wall with some comrades who soon left him alone. As the squad approached, he thought they were coming directly upon him, but, as the main body followed a curve in the road, the squad turned also. With this movement, Mr. Haynes placed his gun on the wall, and on firing the sergeant fell. My. Haynes sprang and seized the sergeant's gun and tried to tear off his belt and cartridge box, but these last he did not secure. The squad, but a few rods away, turned and fired. The balls whistled about him, but he escaped unhurt. It would be interesting to know more of the incidents and adventures of our soldiers on that April day, but time has made havoc with tradition and the records are scant. Years ago the last survivor of the Revolution died, and years before, the}' were scattered, many of them into other towns and other States. But the fragments of tradition that have floated down from that far-off period are all the more valuable because they are few.
THE LOSS.
During" the day Sudbury sustained the loss of two men. Deacon Josiah Haynes and Asahel Reed. Joshua Haynes was wounded. Deacon Haynes was eighty years old. He was killed by a musket bullet at Lexington. He belonged to the old Haynes family of Sudbury, where his descendants still live. He was one of the original signers of the West Precinct Church Covenant, and was made deacon May 24, 1733. He was buried in the Old Burying Ground, Sudbury Centre. The grave is marked by a simple slate stone. Mr. Asahel Reed was of Captain Nixon's minute men. His name is found on that company's call roll to which we have before referred ; it is left out after the battle, probably because after his death the name was stricken from tlie list. He belonged to the old Reed family of Sudbury, whose progenitor, Joseph Reed, settled at Lanhara about 1656. Probably he was also buried in the old ground at Sudbury Centre. Mrs. Joseph Reed, a member of the same family and' grandmother of the writer, said many years ago that the body of Mr. Reed was brought to Sudbury. So, although no stone has been found which marks the grave, he doubtless rests somewhere in the old burying-ground at the centre, which was the only one at that time in the West Precinct. Joshua Haynes, who was wounded, may have been one of Captain Nixon's minute men or one of the militia of Captain Haynes. The same name is on each company's muster roll ; but the one in the latter was sergeant while the one wounded is mentioned without any title. Lieut. Elisha Wheeler, whose horse was shot under him, and Thomas Plympton, Esq., who had a bullet put through the fold of his coat, were both volunteers on horseback.
After the fight the soldiers showed no undue haste to return, but some of them lingered from three days to a month to repel attack or serve their country in whatever way it might require ; and, when at length they returned to their homes, it was only, in the case of some of them, to bid the loved ones good-by and then go away again to engage the foe.
CHAPTER XXI. page 383
1775-1800.
Revolutionary War. Sudbury Soldiers at Bunker Hill. Muster Rolls of Captains Russell, Mooi^e and Haynes. Battle of Bunker Hill. Position and Service of the Regiments of Colonels Nixon and Brewer.
— Number of Casualties. The Siege of Boston. List of Men in Two Months Service. List of Men in Colonel Whitney's Regiment.
— Government Storehouses at Sand Hill. Service outside the State. List of Officers in Sudbury Companies in 1776. List of Men in Capt. Aaron Haynes's Company. Men in Captain Wheeler's Company at Ticonderoga ; in Colonel Robinson's Regiment, in Colonel Read's Regiment. Supplementary List. Soldiers at Ticonderoga in 1770; in Captain Wheeler's Company, Captain Craft's Company, Cap'ain Edgell's Compan}-, Captain Aaron Haynes's Company. Canada Campaign. New York Campaign. Men Enlisted for Three Years in 1777. Guard Roll. Pay Roll. List of Two Months Men in 1777. List of Three Months Men in 1777. Names of Sudbury Captains and Companies in the Field in 1778. Captain Maynard's Company. Captain Wheeler's Company. Captain Moulton's Company. Captain Haynes's Company. Captain Bowker's Company. Prices Paid for Enlistment in 1780.
Few were the numbers she could boast; But every freeman was a host. And felt as though himself were he On whose sole arm hung victory.
Montgomery.
Sudbury was represented by three companies at the battle of Bunker Hill. These were commanded by Sudbury captains and made up mainly of Sudbury citizens. The town also furnished three regimental officers, Col. John Nixon, Major Nathaniel Cudworth and Adj. Abel Holden, Jr. Capt. John Nixon of the minute men was promoted to the rank of colonel, and was authorized, April 27, to receive nine sets of beating papers. Capt. Nathaniel Cudworth was
383
384
History of sudbury.
made major in the regiment of Col. Jonathan Brewer, who received enlistment x^apers April 24, and Abel Holden, Jr., was made Colonel Nixon's adjutant. The Sudbury men who served in these companies are as follows :
A list of Captain Russell's company in Colonel Brewer's resriment.
Thaddeus Russel Capt. Nathan Tuckerman Lieut. Nathan Reeves Ens. Sergt Josiah Wellington
" Thomas Rutter
" Thad Bond
Ephraim Alien Longley Bartlett Rolon Bennet Peter Brintnall Timothy Bent Samuel Curtis Edward Sorce [Vorce] Jacob Speen Ephram Sherman Samuel Tilton Asa Travis David Underwood Jonathan Wesson Lemuel Whitney Samuel Sherman Nahum Dudley Oliver Damon
Corp. Joshua Kendall " David Rice " David Damon Drumer Thomas Trask Fifer Nathan Bent " David Smith
PRIVATES.
William English Ambros Furgison William Grout Elisha Harrington Richard Heard William Mallet Samuel Merriam Cuff Nimra Benjamin Pierce Nath^^ Parmenter James Phillips Samuel Pollard Rufus Parmenter Edward Rice Martin Rourke Denis Ryan Amos Silleway
A return of Captain Moor's company in the fifth regiment, commanded by Col. John Nixon, Sept. 30, 1775.
David Moore, Capt
Micah Goodenow 1st Lieut
Jona Hill, 2ond Lieut Framingham
SARGENTS. Elijah Willis Daniel Loring
Hopestill Brown Daniel Wait
Jesse Moore Uriah Wheeler
CORPORALS.
James Rice Joseph Balcom
Oliver Rice Aaron Eames Jun. 385
DRUMMER AND FIFER
Ebenezer Boutwell Thomas Nixon
Framingfham
PRIVATES.
Nathaniel Bryant Aaron Ernes Benj^ Bennet Samuel Cutting Micah Goodenow Ephraim Goodenow Lemuel Goodenow Asahel Gibbs Uriah Hunt Isaac Moore Eliab Moore
Total in the Co. 48. From Sudbury 33.
Thadeus Moore
Jesse Mostman [Mossman]
Israel Maynard
William Maynard
Nathan Rice
Israel Willis
Ephraim Whitney
Abel Thompson
Ezra Smith
Charles Rice
A list of names of the officers and soldiers in Captain Haynes's company in Colonel Brewer's regiment. ^*
Aaron Haynes Capt Mathias Mossman 2ond Lieut Serg' Josiah Moore Cop John Weighting
Cop Daniel Putnam Drummer Aaron Haynes Fifer Naham Haynes
PRIVATES.
John Bemis Nathan Cutter Porter Cuddy James Durumple Joseph Dakin Joseph Green Francis Green
Abel Parmenter Asa Putnam Ephraim Puffer John Brewer Isaac Rice Aaron Mossman Joshua Haynes
Prospect Hill, Oct. 6, 1775
Aaron Haynes, Capt
Total in the Co. 47. From Sudbury 21.
The following names found in the Stearns Collection, as being in the eight months service, we give in connection with the foregoing lists.
Jonas Haynes John Stone Caleb Wheeler Hezekiah Moore
Jeremiah Robins Benj Berry [or Barry] John Shirley Wm Dun Total number in these three muster rolls is one hundred and fifty-two. Of these, one hundred and four were from Sudbury, and only the latter have been here given except when designated. Lieut. Nathaniel Russell re-enlisted a part of the East Sudbury company and reported for duty April 24. Capt. Aaron Haynes went into service with his company May 3. These companies were in the regiments of Colonels Nixon and Brewer, which did valuable service in tlie engagement of June 17. A consideration of the plan of that battle and something of its history will show where these regiments were, what they did, and the conduct of the Sudbury soldiers.
BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. p.386
On the 16th of June, the Americans, under command of Colonel Prescott, to the number of about one thousand men repaired at night to what was then called Breed's Hill, to fortify the place by earthworks. Their object was to prevent the occupation of Charlestown by General Gage, who had been reinforced by about ten thousand men. Through the still hours of the night they plied the pickaxe and spade, and at daybreak General Gage, from his quarters in Boston, surveyed the newly-made works with surprise. British batteries soon opened their fire from ship and shore, yet steadily the provincials worked on. Gage summoned his officers in council, and it was determined to take the place by storm. Immediately, columns were formed and set in motion, boats were procured to carry troops to the Charlestown shore, and a scene of general activity set in. Meanwhile, the Americans were also astir forming plans to resist the assault. Reinforcements were ordered to the Charlestown peninsula, and long lines of troops filed from the neighboring encampment to ioin their comrades at the hill. The march was attended with hazard, for British batteries swept the way, and ranks broke into detachments and squads, rather than pass the ordeal in closely formed lines. Among those who marched over this perilous way were the regiments of Brewer and Nixon, and they arrived on the field in season to form for the fight. When the regiments had all arrived on the Charlestown peninsula, an almost unbroken line stretched along from the Charles River on the south to the Mystic River on the north. The places of the respective regiments were as follows : Prescott held the redoubt near the summit with about one hundred and sixty-three men ; a bredstwork to the northerl}^, near this, was occupied by men of Prescott, Bridge and Frye ; on the left, to the northwesterly or north, were the regiments of Brewer, Nixon, Knowlton and Stark ; while on the right, to the southeasterly or south, were the regiments of Wyman and Robinson with about three hundred men. Sudbury soldiers were thus placed on the left of the line to the northerly of the Bunker Hill summit. Between the breastwork and redoubt, and the Mystic River or left flank on the northerly, there was, for a time, an unfilled space. By this way, the foe had only to advance, attack the American works in the rear, and the place was captured and retreat cut off. General Putnam discovered this gap in time, and ordered troops to man it at once. Stark, Knowlton and Reed took their stand on the north by the Mystic, Brewer and Nixon on the south of them. Thus was filled the hitherto unprotected gap, which, if neglected, had invited the foe, and caused speedy and most disastrous defeat.
The British, knowing the importance of the position thus held, brought against it a formidable force. This was led by Sir William Howe in person. Some of the troops had been recently at the Concord and Lexington fight. They were likely eager to recover their prestige or avenge the fate of their fallen friends. Furthermore, the protection of the Provincials at this point was weak ; no entrenchments were there to protect them from the foe. The most favored had but a few rude improvised works, hastily constructed after they arrived on the ground, but the position of the regiment in which the Sudbury men served was the most exposed of any in that poorly protected column. A part of the line had not the slightest protection whatever. The only attempt that was made to construct a breastwork was by the gathering of some newly-mown hay that was scattered about the place. But they were prevented from tlie completion of even such a slight breastwork as this. The foe advanced and they were compelled to desist. But no exposure to the fire of well-disciplined, veteran troops, and no lack of breastwork protection led those brave Middlesex colonels and companies to turn from or abandon this important position. It was enough to know that there was an unguarded gap. The practised eye of Col. John Nixon, who had so often seen service in the old French wars, doubtless saw at a glance what the case required, and knowing the need took measures to meet it. Says Drake, " Brewer and Nixon immediately directed their march for the undefended opening so often referred to between the rail fence and earthwork. They also began the construction of a hay breastwork, but when they had extended it to within thirty rods of Prescott's line the enemy advanced to the assault. The greater part of these two battalions stood and fought here without cover throughout the action, both officers and men displaying the utmost coolness and intrepidity under fire." The same author also says of Gardiner, Nixon and Brewer, "Braver officers did not unsheathe a sword on this day ; their battalions were weak in numbers, but under the eye and example of such leaders invincible." He states that, " with about four hundred and fifty men, they stood in the gap with Warren and Pomeroy at their head." Just before the attack, Putnam gave the order not to fire until they could see the whites of the enemy's e3'es. When the foe was fairly in range the Provincials opened fire. The lines blazed with a hot discharge ; whole ranks were swept down before it, men dropped on the right hand and left ; no mortal could withstand that withering storm ; it was an unerring, deathdealing discharge. Howe's attendants were struck down at his very side, and for a time he stood almost alone. He gave the word for retreat, and his shattered remnant withdrew from the field. He had failed to break the ranks of these left line regiments, and hence the redoubt was still safe from an attack in the rear. But these soldiers were again to be put to the test. For about an liour there was a cessation of strife, then the column advanced to a second assault. Steadily the veterans moved forward and bravely did tlieir opponents' await them. When the signal was given the engagement began. The same tactics were employed as before, and with like results : whole ranks melted away before the Provincial fire, battalions were reduced to mere companies, Howe's best officers were dying or dead, the way was mown by Provincial bullets, and again the redoubt and breastwork were safe. But the British, persisting with the tenacity that belongs to the race, reformed for still another assault, and this time they were more successful, for the ammunition of the Provincials was exhausted and there remained nothing but retreat or a hand-to-hand fight. The order was given and the Provincials withdrew, but before leaving, there was a terrible encounter. Prescott, Avho so bravely held the redoubt while the left line regiments held the British from an attack on the rear, now rallied his men to fight in an improvised way. With clubbed guns, and with bayonets wrenched from the foe they still fought the unequal fight, until, steadily pressed, they were compelled to give up the redoubt. This captured and the breastwork abandoned, the men in the gap were between two fires and the onl}^ resort was to retreat. They stood while there was any hope of success, and did not abandon the gap until General Warren, who, it is said, stood at the head of the rail fence breastwork between the regiments of Brewer and Nixon, considered it expedient. In fact. Colonel Nixon's regiment was one of the last to leave the battle-ground. Both Nixon and Brewer were wounded, the former so severely that he was borne from the field, and their brave leader, General Warren, was slain. Thus nobly was the defence maintained. The losses sustained by the regiments of Brewer and Nixon were as follows :
Brewer's regiment : Killed 7 Wounded 11 Nixon's regiment: Killed 3 Wounded 10
Total 10 21
Of the killed, two were of Captain Ilaynes's compau}-, namely : Comming Forbush, Framingham ; Joshua Haynes, Sudbury. One was of Captain Russell's company, namely : Lebbaus Jenness of Deerfield. Thus ended that day of destinies. Dismal indeed was the scene as night settled upon it. The beloved of both armies had fallen. Major Pitcairn, prominent in Concord fight, was among the English slain, while General Warren, a man of promise and much admired by the Americans, had also perished.
THE SIEGE OF BOSTON.
After the engagement at Bunker Hill the Provincials began the siege of Boston. The British bivouacked the night of the seventeenth on the battle-field, but the Americans soon environed them from Roxbury to Medford. On the 3d of July, George Washington took formal command of the Continental Army, and then commenced, under his generalship, that series of military movements which resulted in the evacuation of Boston by the British, March 17, 1776.
The soldiers of Sudbury in the battle of Bunker Hill, all or nearly all having enlisted for eight months, were engaged in this siege. During the summer. Colonel Brewer's regiment was stationed at Prospect Hill, and General Nixon had quarters at Winter Hill.
Before closing the account of Sudbury's service in the year 1775, we will insert the names of some Sudbury men who were in the two months service with Captain Wheeler in 1775, and also of a small number who were in the regiment of Colonel Whiting and did service at Hull, and after leaving there were stationed at Fort Independence.
IN THE TWO MONTHS WINTER 1775.
Capt Asahel Wheeler Daniel Maynard
Ilhamer Rice
Gideon Maynard
John Maynard Jr.
Silas Mosman
John Balcom Jr.
COL reed's regiment.
Peter Smith Abel Tower
Ebenezer Plympton Joel Brigham
Jonathan Bent James Haynes
Ruben Haynes Daniel Frazer
Simeon Ingersol Thomas Smith
IN COLONEL whiting's REGIMENT.
Micah Balcom John Brown
Thomas Goodenow Lt. Abel Brigham
Jas Balcom Jacob Reed
Luther Moor Thos. Dal [rymple]
Thad Harrington Elijah Howe
Israel Tr Moore
GOVERNMENT STOREHOUSES.
Besides other responsibilities the town had charge of some government storehouses containing munitions of war, which the Sudbury teamsters, from time to time, conveyed to the front. Various receipts are still preserved which were received by these teamsters. These buildings were situated on the northerly part of Sand Hill, east of the county road. There were several of them, and some were remaining within the memory of an aged citizen who conversed with the writer concerning them. One or more of them were moved to Wayland, and one was moved to the Captain Rice place where it was used as a cider mill. Recently it was moved to another spot on the same farm and made over for a stable ; the old timbers of the original structure were retained. Before its alteration the writer examined it and took measurements. It was a very low building, perhaps forty by thirty feet, with a broad sloping roof. It was without partitions, and formerly had a very wide barn-like door in front. At one time Mr. William Rice, the father of Captain William, had charge of these houses and military stores. Several squads of soldiers were employed to guard them, and at one time Captain Isaac Wood was commander of the guard. In 1777, the following soldiers did guard duty : " Corporal Robert Eames, Silas Goodenow Jr, Philemon Brown, Elisha Harrington, Jon=^ Clark." A guard of the same number was there in 1778 and 79, but all the men were not the same. The field in or near which these buildings stood was used as a training field in former years, and at one time a militia muster was held there. But now all trace even of the site has become obliterated, and for years it has been a quiet feeding place for cattle, and all is as peaceful there as if the slow pacing of the old Continental guard had never been heard at Sand Hill.
SERVICE OUTSIDE OF THE STATE.
While Sudbury was so well represented in the field during the eventful year of 1775, when the seat of war was in its own neighborhood, when its farms were liable to become the front and its very door-yards the field of battle, it was also fitly represented when the war passed to other localities. We will now present the names of some of the soldiers who served in the subsequent scenes of the war in places remote from the town. A few that have become illegible will be omitted and doubtful ones will be enclosed in brackets.
After the British left Boston the American Army went to New York, and a i)art of the Sudbury soldiers, including three captains, went with it. These captains were Abel Holden, Caleb Clapp and Aaron Haynes. Gen. John Nixon, it is supposed, accomj)anied it in the brigade of General Sullivan. On the 9th of August, John Nixon was promoted to the rank of brigadier-general, and his brother, Thomas, became colonel of his regiment. This regiment and another with a body of artillery, all under command of General Nixon, were stationed for a time at Governor's Island, New York Harbor, and after the retreat of General Washington from Brooklyn, August 27, the brigade passed up the North River with the army.
The following is a list of officers and some of the privates in the Sudbury companies in 1776, Gen. John Nixon's brigade_
COL. THOMAS NIXON'S REGIMENT.
Capt. Abel Holden Ruben Haynes
Lieut Levi Holden Colven Eames
Lieut Oliver Rice Thadeus Moore
Capt Caleb Clap Luther Eames
Lieut Joshua Clap John Stone
Serg't Joseph Balcom Joshua Maynard
Joseph Nixon Roland Bennet
Luther Moore Hezekiah Moore
The company of Capt. Aaron Haynes was in Colonel,
RESIDENCE OF CHARLES P. WILLIS. (David Lincoln Place) Historical Sketch of Willis Family. Pagf 4jj. 303
Whitcomb's regiment, having been transferred from Colonel Brewer's while stationed at Prospect Hill. The following list contains part of the names :
Capt Aaron Haynes. Aaron Haynes Jr. John Rusk
Joseph Maynard Jonas Haynes Ephriam Goodenow
Capt. Aaron Haynes was in command of a company at Peekskill, N. Y., in the spring o^ 1777.
Besides the soldiers who went with the army to New York in 1776, there was qnite a force that went in an expedition against Canada. A large part of the soldiers who served in these campaigns were under the command of Capt. Asahel Wheeler, and in one at least of the campaigns were in the regiment of Col. John Robinson. Of the Sudbury soldiers who served under these officers in the Canada Expedition or Ticonderoga Campaign, we give the following : '
John Merriam
Benj
Joseph Smith Ephraim Smith Zebediah Farrar Daniel Lawrence Job Brooks. Rhuben Hains. Roger Bigelow Oliver Curtis Samuel Jones John Tozer Abijah Mead Samson Wheeler. John Lough Oliver Conant Jonah Gilbert Joseph Mason A Buttrick John Weston Samuel Adams Joel Adams Uaniel Hosmer Phinehas Hager Jacob Jones
Phinehas Glezen David How jr. Francis Jones Timothy Underwood Jonathan Davis Daniel Benjaman Ithamer Rice. John Peter Nathaniel Park
Converse Big
Abraham Parmenter Steven Taylor Jonas Brown Andrew Green John Cobb James Stedman Francis Chaffin Amos Nutting
G Ames
Amos Stow William Thorney John Hives Nathaniel Bemis Thomas Corey John Farrar
Sd4
HISTORY OF SUDBTJRY.
Besides those who served iii the Canada Expedition in Captain Wheeler's company, Colonel Robinson's regiment, we give the following who served in his company when in the regiment of Colonel Read. A large share of the names in this and other lists were once familiar in Sudbury. Those which were not may have been of substitutes who made up the quota.
COT.ONEL read's REGIMENT, GENERAL BRECKET'S BRIGADE, GENERAL
gates' division.
Capt. Asahel Wheeler Sergent Uriah Wheeler Lieut. Hopstill Willis Corp. Daniel Osborn Aaron Eames Thomas Eames Josiah Richardson Jesse Goodnow Uriah Hunt Thomas Burbank Benj. Berry, Nathaniel Rice Deliverance Parmenter Isaac Moore Daniel Noyes John Sheperd W"^ Walker Daniel W. Moore Jonas Clark W'" Dun Nathaniel Bryant Aaron Maynard Jonathan Burbank Richard Wetherbee Phinehas Gleason Phinehas Gleason Jr John Barney John Adams John [Thonning] W" [Thorning] Ebenezer Park Edward Whitman Thomas Emes David Underwood — Rice
John Taylor Hezekiah Hapgood [Moris Clary] Nathaniel Browne Ebenezer Plympton Gideon Maynard Isaac Rice Timothy Rice Francis Green Abel Willis John Frazer Jacob Kibley Jason Haines Samuel Merriam Jonas [Chase] Abel Willis Aaron Eames Jr. Josiah Hosmer Benj. Tower Solomon Taylor Judah Wetherbee W'" Graves Ezekiel Smith James Willis Edward [Cheney] Thomas Harrington Jacob Stevens Phineas Stevens Nathan Gates Daniel Noyes Benj. [Hale] Nathaniel Rice W™ Hosmer Jr.
Amos
Samuel Brown 395
Joseph Rutter Charles Brown John Parmenter Francis Hemenway
Isaac Rice Silas Conant Blanchard
Several names belonging in tlie above list have become illegible in the records.
The following were also in 1776, in tlie company of Captaii
the Ticonderoga Campaign, in Wheeler :
James Wright Abel Tower Isaac Bartlett Mica Graves Thomas Bloget Ezra Parmenter Abel Goodenow Theodore Harrington Jonathan Bent Isaac Bartlett Abel Tower Aaron Mosmon Ebenezer Nixon Jonas Emery Paul Colidge Josiah Tomson Elias Bigelow Joseph Abbot Gregory Stone Nath' Knowlton Nath^i Browne John Park Samuel Bond William Hosmer Peter Brintnal Nathan Maynard Aaron Maynard Abel Child
Jacob
John Carter Joseph Rutter Nathaniel Knowlton
Ellijah
Jacob Jones Uriah Wheeler W™ Grout Joseph Goodenow
John Hoar Ebenezer Heald Christian Wagner Abel Goodenow [Samuel Dakin] Ebenezer Heard Solomon Whitney William Thomas
Samuel
Josiah Farrar Caleb Wheeler Jason Belcher Samuel Emery Jonas Billings Samuel Hoar Samuel Osborn Jesse Mosmon Capt. David Moore Francis Green Joshua Haynes Lieut Daniel Maynard John Parmenter Micah Graves Charles Rice Samuel Curtis John Adams Eleezer Parks Jonas Bond Samuel Poland Abel Willis John Parks Isaac Moore Micah Bowker John Bennef John Warren John Lands
The following Sudbury men served in the Ticonderoga
Campaign, 1776, in the compan}^ of Captain Craft, Colonel
Graton's regiment :
Peter Smith Abel Maynard
Isaac Wise Jesse Mosman
Aaron Mosman Simeon Ingersol
Abel Tower Charles Eames
The following served in the Ticonderoga Campaign,
1776, in the company of Captain Edgell, Colonel Brewer's
regiment :
Lieut. Jonathan Rice Serg't Augustus Moore
William Maynard Nathan Hayward.
Joel Brigham.
Capt. Aaron Haynes had a company at Ticonderoga in
1776 in Col. Asa Whitcomb's regiment. His minute roll
bears date, December, 1776, and the following names are
upon it :
Aaron Haynes Capt Joseph Willis Ensigne
Aaron Holden 1'' Lieut, Aaron Haynes Drummer.
The soldiers included in the lists now given were of the
armies which were endeavoring to gain Canada for the Continental cause, and force the British from the State of New
York. The expedition or campaign against Canada was
planned in the year 1775 by a committee of Congress which
met at Cambridge in August of that year. The capture of
the fortresses Ticonderoga and Crown Point on Lake Champlain in May, 1775, by Connecticut and Vermont militia,
had opened the way to the St. Lawrence, and the expedition
was designed to aid in getting possession of that part of
Canada. Two forces were engaged in the work. One of
these was composed of New York and New England troops
and was placed under the command of Generals Schuyler
and Montgomery and ordered to go by way of Lake Champlain to Montreal and Quebec. The other expedition left
Cambridge, September, 1775, and was under the leadership
of Col. Benedict Arnold. In the Canada Expedition, 1776,
the following casualties occurred : Benjamin Berry lost an
397
arm, and at Ticonderoga the same year the following persons died :
Ensign Timothy Underwood Phinehas Gleason
Solomon Rice Timothy Rice
Sergeant Samuel Maynard died of small pox at Quebec with Arnold.
The service rendered by the Sudbury men who left Massachusetts with the army under Washington was largely performed in New York and vicinity. Washington arriving at New York about the middle of April, at once set about fortifying the vicinity and securing the passes of the Highlands on the Hudson River. In the operations about this part of the country hard fighting and toilsome marches were experienced. We hear of Sudbury soldiers at Saratoga, Stillwater, Fort Edward, and other places connected with the activity of the Continental forces in New York. At Saratoga Serg. Thadeus Moore was slain and Lieut. Joshua Clapp was wounded.
Names of Sudbury men enlisted in 1777 for three years or during the war.
OFFICERS.
Gen. John Nixon Capt. Abel Holden Leuit. Levi Holden Leuit. Oliver Rice Capt. Caleb Clap Leuit, Joshua Clap Capt. Aaron Haynes
Nathaniel Cutter Charles Gouell Ruben Moore Jr. Oliver Sanderson Uriah Moore Hezekiah Moore William Dun Joseph Nixon Joel Puffer Ephraim Goodenow Francis Green Luther Eames Luther Moore Joel Brigham
PRIVATES.
Sergeant Ruben Haynes Sergeant Aaron Haynes Sergeant Joseph Balcom Sergeant Uriah Eaton Sergent Thadeus Moore Sergeant Jonas Haynes,
John Buck Joshua Maynard Joseph Maynard Jonathan Robbinson Zak. Robbenson Oliver Robbenson Joseph Cutter Calvin Eames Josiah Cutter Joseph Willis Donal Lincoln Ruben Moore Joseph Meller
398 In connection with the foregoing we give the following list of men who enlisted for the same length of time but perhaps in another year. They were from " the 4"^ Regiment of Foot, commanded by Col. Ezekiel How." Only five of the names u'iven in the two lists are alike.
GUARD ROLL.
Capt. Abel Holden Benjamin Tower Luther Eames ' Charles Eames Corneleus Wood Joel Brigham Joseph Nixon Levi Holden Luther Moore Uriah Moore
years
Micah Grant 3 years
Jesse Goodenow "
Thomas Burbank "
Ephraim Goodenow "
Jonathan Bevens "
Jonas Welch "
Joseph Bent "
Abel Thompson "
Thomas Gibbs during; the war
PAY ROLL.
Sudbury June the- 27"^, 1778. We the Subscribers have received of Capt. Asahel Wheeler Nine Pounds for oure wages in full oure pay for October & Part November 1777 both for contannatel and State and mileage we say Received by ous
Moses Stone Nathaniel Rice Abel Smith William Brown Jonathan Haynes W" Moore Timothy Moore Abel Brigham Mathias Mosman Samuel Puffer Gidon Maynard Silas Tower James Moore Hezekial^ Johnson
his Silas X Parmenter mark
Samuel Knight in behalf [of]
Silas Knight
Daniel Maynard
Caleb Stacy
Timothy Ernes
Ephraim Moore
Asher Cutler Jr
Hopestill Willis
Jason Haynes
Daniel osborn
Phineas Puffer
John Parr is
Samuel Cutting
Isaac Goodenow
Beside men Avho enlisted for a long term of service in 1777, we have two lists of those whose enlistment was for a very short period. FIRST LIST. JAX. 1777 To New York Two months Capt. Nathaniel Hayward's Company, Col. Thatcher's Regiment. Cornelius Wood Thomas Dalremple
Daniel Loring Thomas Dalremple Jr
Ser' Maj"' W™ Goodenow Thomas Moore
Serg* Uriah Wheeler - Daniel Hamynes
W"' Brown Theodore Harrington
Abel Parmenter
The last four of these men are spoken of as having been taken prisoners and never lieard of afterwards.
SECOND LIST. July 1777. To Saratoga Three months. Col. Brown's Regiment. (General Gates, Commander. Capt. Jonathan Rice John Brown
Serg' Abel Maynard Ebenezer Burbank
Ezekiel How Nathaniel Brown
Caleb Wheeler Nathaniel Bryant
Isaac W^ier David How
Abel Willis
As the war j'l'ogressed Sudburj^ was still active in filling its quota. In 1778, several companies were still in the field. Four of these had three hundred and twenty-seven men and were commanded as follows : West Side men, Capt. Jonathan Rice and Capt. Asahel AVheeler; East Side men, Capt. Nathaniel Maynard and Capt. Isaac Cutting. In the Stearns Collection we have the following lists of men in two of these companies.
FOR CAP. MAYNARD'S COMPANY, SUDBURY
Lieut. Joseph Wellington, during the war.
Robert Bennet "
Farkins Hosmer "
Oliver Sanderson "
Simon Newton "
Ephraim Barker ."
Jonathan Barker "
James Gibbs " Pathrick Flinn during the war.
James Welch "
Timothy Ahgeii "
John Carrol "
Morris Griffin "
Daniel Hickey "
Samuel Whitney "
Joseph Foster "
Christopher Capen "
Ephraim Carry " Ambros Fergerson for 3 years
Timothy Bent "
Samuel Whitney "
Phinehas Butler "
W"" Cook Gleason "
Thomas Jones "
Abraham Parmenter " Noah Bogle
John Stover transient "
FOR CAPT. wheeler's COMPANY.
Joseph Balcom 3 years Joseph Mossman 3 years
Ruben Haynes " Joel Brigham "
Capt. Jonathan Maynard had a company in the two months service in 1782 in the Seventh Regiment, Lieut. Col. John Brooks. He also had a company in the twelve months service in the same regiment.
FOR CAPT. MOULTON'S CO.
Joseph Smith 3 years Richard Morris 3 years
John Burk " James Scroday "
Joseph Maynard " W" Bevens "
Joshua Maynard " Uriah Eaton '•
Isaac Rice " Francis Green "
Nathaniel Cutler " Patherick Flin during the war
Joseph Cutler " John Carrol "
Thadeus Moore " Morris Griffin " Oliver Sanderson "
Other enlistments were,
Capt Aaron Haynes during the war Eleazer Lawrence 3 years Aaron Haynes Jr 3 years James Beamis "
The following is a list of Sudbury men in Capt. Daniel 401
Bowker's company, together with the time when they joined Colonel Webb's regiment :
SUDBURY.
Daniel Bowker Capt. Oliver Parmenter Ezra Mossman Edward Moore Silas Ames Ashbel Moore
Steven Puffer, died Oct. 3d. Silas Puffer John Brigham Samuel Willis Corp. Ezra Willis
SUDBURY EAST.
Isaac Gary Asa Holden Oliver Travis
Isaac Cory Jr Ruben Graves
The men from Sudbury joined Sept. 9th except Capt. Bowker who entered Sept. 15th. Those from East Sudbury entered Oct, 6'^
Highlands, Nov 20, 1785
The following paper shows the sums paid for enlistments
in 1780:
Sudbury June 22^ 1780
hereby acknowledge that we have severally
appointed by the town of Sudbury to agree
wn's Quota of soldiers agreeable to an act of
of June instant the several sums annexed to
We the subscribers do received of the Committee with and hire the said To the Gen. Court of the fifth our names
his
Benjamin X Seaver £^00
mark
Joshua Hemenway " 750
Jonas Haynes " 600
Abel Brigham " 600
Abel Cutler " 600
Ezra Willis " 900
Naham Haynes " 750
Asa Holden " 600
his Joseph X Cutter ^900
mark
Peter "900
Ebenezer Parmenter "600
his Peletiah X Parmenter "600
mark Luther Moor ' " 700
Luther Emes " 900
CHAPTER XXII. page 402
1775-1800.
Revolutionary War. Report of a Committee Appointed by the Town to Estimate the Service of Sudbury Soldiers. Appointment of a Committee to Make up and Bring in Muster Rolls of the Services of Each Soldier in the War. Muster Rolls: Captain Rice's, Captain Wheeler's, Captain Maynard's, Captain Cutting's. Whole Number of Men in the War. Their Valiant Service. Casualties. Sketch of Gen. John Nixon. Town-Meetings. Encouragements to Enlistment. Specimen of Enlistment Papers. Various Requisitions Made on the Town.
Their death shot shook the feudal tower, And shattered slavery's chain as well ; On the sky's dome, as on a bell.
Its echo struck the world's great hour.
Whittiek.
Having now j^i'esented the names of the soldiers obtuined from various other sources, we will give a list found on the Town Records, which purports to contain the names of all soldiers of the town who served in the Revolutionary War up to the fall of 1778, together with extracts from the records which led to this enrollment of names.
June 25, 1778, " The town by their vote ordered their Com. appointed to estimate the services of each particular person in Sudbury in the present war, to report at the next Town meeting."
At a town-meeting held October 10, tlie committee above mentioned reported as follows: (The fractional parts of pounds we have omitted.)
That the minute men be allowed each £0
That the Eight Months be allowed each 20
Six weeks men to Roxbury allowed each 4
402 Two months men to Cambridge allowed each ^6
The years men to York and the Northward allowed each 75
Six months men to the Castle allowed each 9
Five months men to Ticonderoga allowed each 50
Three months men to Dorchester with Cap' Moulton allowed each 7
Two months men to York allowed each 25
Three months men to York and the Jerseys allowed each 4S
Two months men to Providence allowed each 12
Three months men to Ticonderoga allowed each 52
Thirty days men to Saratoga allowed each 20
Three months men to Providence allowed each 30
Three months men to guard at Cambridge allowed each 18
Six weeks men to Rhode Island allowed each 20
Four months men to guard' the troops and stores allowed each 20
Three months men to Boston allowed each 20
That those persons who have hired men to perform any of the above services at a time when there was an actual Levy for men, be allowed for Said Service as if performed in person. That those that paid fines or advanced money for the good of the service, be allowed in the same proportion as their money would procure men to perform the Services which at that time they Neglected to do in person. That no persons shall be intitled to Receive pay for any of the above Services Unless he Shall be first taxed towards the payment thereof. Also that Each person shall Receive pay only for the time he was in actual Service
Sudbury Octo'' 19"> 1778 Ezekiel How ]
Phineas Glezen I
Ton'' Rice ^
A , , TTr, , r Committee
Asahel Wheeler
Isaac Loker |
Tho Walker J
The town voted to accept the above report, and appointed men to make up and bring to the town complete muster rolls of the services of each person in Sudbury in the then present war with Great Britain. This meeting was adjourned to October 26, at which date the following record was made, namely :
Oct. 26"^ 1778. Capt Rice's musteroll was read, and the town voted to Grant to Each person Expressed by name in said musteroll the Sum Set to their Respective name, as may appear by said musteroll, which was as follows viz'
To Hopestill Willis £73 Silas Parmenter ^17
Ens" Josiah Richardson 75 Elisha Harrington 12
John Moore 53 Nathan Read 25
404 Uriah Moore Ju""
i:58
L' Micah Goodenow
i:n6
Asher Cutler Ju''
71
Eben'' Wood
51
Will™ Goodenow
51
Jesse Moore adm'
21
L'' Thomas Goodenow
30
Hopestill Browne ad"'
6
Israel Willis adm""
51
Cap' Sam> Knight
44
Sami Cutting
41
Asher Cutler
9
Nath'^i Rice Ju""
35
Cori Sam^ How
46
Joseph Green
10
Aaron Johnson
77
Abel Parmenter
17
William Parmenter
9
Isaac Hunt Ju''
62
Reuben Vorce
12
Nath" Bryant
35
Sam" Hunt
12
Uriah Hayden
95
Cap' Israel Moore
102
Abel Goodenow
31
L' Elisha Wheeler
73
David How
126
Aaron Goodenow Ju''
52
Philemon Brown
35
Tho. Emes
26
U Jacob Read
76
Nath^' Brown
11
James Wyse
75
Edward Bayanton
26
John Goodenow
50
John Browne
52
L* Jon^ Carter
102
Wid" Sarah Brigham
52
Dan",W Moore
50
Israel Parmenter
52
W™ Walker
50
Cap' Moses Stone
50
Deliverance Parmenter
50
Silas Goodenow
40
Jotham Goodenow
50
Tho' Carr Ju''
48
Col. Ezekiel How
70
Uriah Gibbs
30
Dan'i Osborn
70
Micah Parmenter
30
Elijah Rice
50
James Thomson
41
Peter Haynes
50
Ens" Jonas Holdin
53
Jon" Carter Ju''
70
W" Hayden
53
Nath" Rice
50
Eliab Moore
39
Cap' Jon° Rice
95
Jonas Wheler
18
Isaac Read
33
Tho' Dalrimple
27
Elijah Moore
10
Sam" Geason
26
Cap' Cornelius Wood
9
Abel Thomson
75
L' Rowand Bogle
63
Will™ Hunt
33
Robert Ernes
20
D'' Josiah Langdon
12
Eph™ Carter
25
Sam" Bent
3
John Brigham
35
Elisha Wheeler Ju
51
John Parry
45
Eph™ Goodenow Ju'
20
Uriah Parmenter
55
David How Ju'
3
Jos^ Parmenter
45
Moses Goodenow
3
Oliver Mors
28
John WilHs
32
Eph™ Moore
45
Sam" Brown
32
Joseph Moore
35
Joseph Grout
32
Hopestill Brown
90
Cap' Abel Holdin
96
W'" Brown
68
Luther Moore
29
Isaac Lincoln Ju""
48
Aaron Emes
21 405
Jesse Gibbs ^48
Nahum Hayden 48
W" Parmenter 48
Reuben Willis 48
Tho» Walker 48
L' Joseph Read 27
L' Joseph Goodenow 19
Timothy Ernes 27
M"" Asahel Goodenow ;^12
Elijah Willis Exe^ 10
Aaron Goodenow 17
Augustus Walker 17
Charles Ernes 20
Ezekiel How Ju'' 52
Ens° Levi Holdin 75
Capt Asahel Wheeler's MusteroU was read, and the town voted to allow to each person expressed by name therein the Sum Set to his name in said musteroll, which was as follows viz*
To Cap' Asahel Wheler
^83
Phinehas Puffer
;^68
L' Joshua Haynes
78
Tho^ Puffer
52
L' Abijah Brigham
41
Isaac Puffer
32
Augustus Moore
46
James Parmenter Ju''
30
Isaac Maynard
198
Edmund Parmenter
50
Asahel Balcom
72
Tho^ Plympton Esq''
86
Will™ Moore
71
Dan" Puffer
32
Uriah Wheler
61
Charles Rice
21
Jason Haynes
70
W"^ Rice 3d
70
Peter Smith
82
Ithamor Rice
54
John Maynard Ju'
16
Abel Smith
44
Dan^^ Maynard
59
John Shirly
21
Jason Bent
66
Sam" Puffer
65
Jon* Bent
17
L* Oliver Noyse
81
Joseph Balcom
30
Nathan Loring
32
John Balcom
49
Cap' Elijah Smith
52
Jonas Balcom
52
Henry Smith
96
Sam^' Brigham
18
Benj'' Smith
52
Hope Brown
55
Jotham Brown
26
John Clark
29
John Shepard
30
James Carter
21
Ambrose Tower
132
Joseph Dakin
38
Israel Wheler
50
Dea" Sam" Dakin
25
John Weighton
34
Dan" Goodenow
32
Abel Willis
50
Moses Haynes
32
Copi Dan" Bowker
70
Israel Haynes
113
L' James Puffer
52
James Haynes
129
James Puffer Ju''
45
Jon* Haynes
45
Dan" Loring
76
Charles Haynes
73
Jere'^ Robbins
21
Cap' Aaron Haynes
190
W"^ Hunt Ju'
62
Macah Haywood
49
John Mosmon
50
Moses Maynard
25
L' Mathias Mosman
35
Nathan Maynard
35
Francis Green
20
John Maynard
150
Jesse Willis
32
406 Aaron Maynard ^50
Timoy Moore 24
Zee'* Maynard 70
Jesse Mosman 95
Joseph Maynard Guar 75
Dan'^ Noyse Jun 55
Moses Noyse 77
Silas Tower £\
Capt David Moore Ex'" 20
Thads Moore Ex'' 95
Simeon Ingersal Ex"" 79
Nath'^ Cutter Ex'' 24
Jonas Rice Ex'' 20
Jon^ Smith 49
Then Cap' Nath" Maynard's MusteroU was read and the town voted to allow to each person expressed by name therein the Sum Set to his name in said Musteroll which was as followeth viz'
To John Adams Benj'* Adams Josiah Allen Ephe"* Abbot Amos Abbot W" Baldwin Esq'' ,L* W" Barker Rolan Bennet John Dean James Davis L' Josiah Farrar Abraham Jenkinson Sam'i Griffin •• Micah Graves Phinehas Glezen Isaac Gould Reuben Gould Jacob Gould Cap' Josiah Hoar L* Jon^ Hoar Cap' Nath" Maynard Daniel Maynard Dan" Moore Israel Moore John Noyes Esq"^ James Noyes Jason Parmenter Jon'' Parmenter Ju'' D' Eben'' Roby Joseph Rutter Ju'' Tho' Rutter Jonas Sherman Edward Sherman Timoy Sherman
Z50
L' Eben"" Staples
Z18
23
Tho^ Trask
12
50
Isaac Woodward
7
30
L' John Noyes
73
20
Samuel Sherman
20
50
Eph'" Allen ad'"
95
32
James Philips
95
12
Lemuel Whiting
95
45
L' Josiah Wilinton
95
52
John Brewer
40
13
Elijah Bent
95
52
Zechh Bent
6
80
Zech** Bryant Ju''
70
57
John Bruce
50
63
Maj'' Jo^ Curtis
5
4
David Curtis
32
25
L' Sam" Choat
25
25
Thad^ Bond
40
5
Cap' Joseph Payson
32
40
W" Wyman
30
G8
Isaac Brintnal
20
50
Peter Brintnal
20
34
Joshua Kendal
20
12
Cap' Richard Heard
132
50
Tho« Heard
53
52
Richard Heard Ju''
20
18
Trobridge Taylor
18
15
Darius Hudson
52
50
Joseph Emerson
52
50
Nath ' Knolton
20
20
Sam" Haynes
3
25
Wid" Ann Noyes
30
50
Isaac Moore
20
12
Simon Newton
70 407
Then Capt Cutting's MusteroU was read and the town voted to allow to each person expressed by name therein, the Sum Set to his name in said MusteroU, which was as follows, viz'
To
Lt W" Bond
£-2i
L' Joseph Smith
^95
Thom^ BrintnaJ
r,
Cap' Caleb Moulton
34
Joseph Beal
32
Micah Maynard ad''
50
Isaac Cutting
32
Amos Ordeway
4
John Cutting
50
D"^ Sam" Parris
32
Elisha Cutting
58
L' Isaac Rice
54
Jon"^ Cutting
20
Isaac Rice
25
Sam" Curtis
20
Dan" Rice
17
Tho' Damon Ju''
57
Israel Rice Ju''
26
W" Damon
25
Jonas Rice
9
Isaac Damon
12
Edmund Rice
42
Benj" Dudley Ju""
L' Sam" Russell
32
Cor' Joseph Dudley
50
Capt. Thad'' Russell
20
Eben"" Dudley
29
Capt Robert Cutting
55
W'» Dudley
56
Jacob Reeves
46
Eben'' Johnson
50
L' Nath* Reeves
20
Peter Johnson
24
Joseph Smith Capt.
76
John Loker
45
L' Ephraim Smith
22
Jonas Loker ad''
5
Isaac Stone
50
Cap' Isaac Loker
76
David Stone
50
John Meriam
26
Joel Stone
16
Capt. Caleb Moulton
34
John Tilton
32
Capt Micah Maynard ad''
50
John Tilton Ju'"
60
Amos Ordeway
4
Timo^ Underwood acV
55
D-- Sam" Peris
32
Timoy Underwood
21
Lt Isaac Rice
54
Jon" Westson
20
Isaac Rice
25
Isaic Williams
20
Dan" Rice
17
L' John Whitney
88
Israel Rice Ju''
20
Eben"" Eaton
52
Micah Rice
4
Will"^' Grout
35
Isaac Smith
56
Francis Jones
64
Cap' Tho^ Damon
20
Cap' Jesse Emes
5
John Barney
4
The foregoing lists indicate a patriotic zeal highly commendable to the citizens of Sudbury. The town had a population of twenty-one Imndred and sixty with about five hundred ratable polls ; and it is supposed that, during the war, from four to five hundred men had some service either in camp or field. Of these soldiers, cue was brigadiergeneral, three were colonels, two were majors, two were adjutants, two were surgeons, twenty -four were captains and twenty-nine were lieutenants. We hear of Sudbury men from Concord to Bunker Hill, and from there to the Highlands of the Hudson. Where Washington went they followed. They stood near Stark in that post of danger by the bank of the Mystic. They were ordered to strike the front of Burgoyne at the north, and they endured the rigors of a Canadian winter in the attempt to gain Canada for the Continental cause. It matters not where they were found, they were true to their commander and loyal to every trust. The officers were the friends of the great leaders of the American army, and the record of the achievements of the sons of Sudbury, in the old French and Indian War period, was not broken when they met in open field the discipline and experience of the veteran troops of the British throne. Wherever an English front was deployed, Sudbury soldiers, if ordered, never flinched from meeting it. They went into the field to stay, or, if they returned, to rally if again called to the conflict. The summons to town-meeting at home was but as the long roll of the civilian Avhich called him to devise means for filling and equipping the quota of troops or to assist the families of men at the front. Ticonderoga, Saratoga, Stillwater and White Plains were familiar names in old Sudbury. The battle-fields of the Revolution were not alone heard of by the children in the little red schoolhouses on the town's common land, but they heard them talked of in the household by those who had been upon them in the measured march or counter-march, the advance, retreat, or pursuit, until they were as well known as the broad acres on their own peaceful farms. The old king's or queen's arm in the corner had its history. The bullet-pouch had been emptied time after time into the ranks of the foe, and the cocked hat that long hung by the fireside was begrimed, not by the smoke from the hearth, but by the dust and smoke of battle. That the soldiers were in places of peril is indicated by the following record of casualties, though probably but a part of them are here recorded. CASUALTIES TO SUDBURY SOLDIERS. KILLED.
Deacon Josiah Haynes, Aged SO, April 19"^ 1775
Asahel Read April 19"^ 1775
Joshua Haynes Jr, of Capt Aaron Haynes' Company, June "' 1775, at
Bunker Hill. Sergeant Thadeus Moore, 1777, at Saratoga Benjamin Whitney, By accident
WOUNDED.
JGen, John Nixon at Bunker Hill Cornelius Wood
Nathan Maynard : : Nahum Haynes
Capt, David Moore Lieut, Joshua Clapp, wounded at
Joshua Haynes Saratoga
Benjamin Barry, lost an arm in Canada Expedition, 177G
DIED OF SICKNESS.
Sergeant Major Jesse Moore Sergeant Samuel Maynard, of the
Sergeant Hopestill Brown small pox, at Ouebeck with
Sergeant Elijah Willis Arnold, 1776
AT TICONDEROGA.
Ensign Timothy Underwood Oliver Sanderson
Daniel Underwood James Puffer
Phinehas Gleason Stephen Puffer, of Capt Daniel
Solomon Rice Bowker's Co., Col Webb's Reg'
Timothy Rice died Oct 3'^
Josiah Cutter
TAKEN PRISONER AND NEVER HEARD OF.
Thadeus Harrington Thomas Dalrimple
Thomas Moore , Daniel Haynes.
LOST PRIVATEERING. '
Isaac Moore Silas Goodenow
Lemuel Goodenow Peletiah Parmenter
PERSONS WHO MET WITH CASUALTIES THE NATURE OF WHICH IS NOT
SPECIFIED.
John Brewer James Demander
John Bemis Timothy Mossman.
" Green be the graves where her martyrs are lying ; Shroudless and tombless they sank to their rest; While o'er their ashes the starry fold flying Wraps the proud eagle they roused from his nest."
In closing tliis account of Sudbury's military service we will qive some facts in the life of General Nixon. SKETCH OF GENERAL NIXON.
Gen. John Nixon was a son of Christopher Nixon who went to Framingham about 1724, where seven children were born of whom John was the oldest. At an early age, being but a mere boy, he entered the army, and at the instigation of older persons he left unlawfully, but clemency was shown him and he was allowed to return to the ranks. His subsequent career proved him to be a true soldier.
In 1745, when he was but twenty years old, he was in the Pepperell Expedition to Louisburg, and lieutenant in Captain Newell's company at Crown Point in 1755. Later in the war he served as captain. At one time, when operating against the French forces, he was led into an ambuscade and only forced his way out with the loss of most of his men. As before noticed, at the beginning of the Revolutionary War he served as captain of a company of minute men. April 24, 1775, he received the commission of colonel. He fought and was wounded at the battle of Bunker Hill. He went with the army under Washington to New York, and was promoted, August 9, to brigadier-general. His promotion to the rank of general of brigade was on recommendation of Washington, who stated to Congress that Nixon's military talents and bravery entitled him to promotion. In his new position he had, for a time, command of two regiments an^ a force of artillery at Governor's Island, New York Harbor. August 27, he left there, and subsequently operated with the army in the northern campaign in New York State against Burgoyne. When it Avas decided to advance against the latter, General Gates ordered Nixon and two other commanders to make the attack. A cannon ball passed so near his head that the sight and hearing on one side were impaired. After the surrender of Burgoyne, General Nixon and some others were detailed to escort the prisoners to Cambridge. About that time he had a furlough of several months, in which time he married his second wife. General Nixon was on the court-martial with Generals Clinton, Wayne and Muhlenburg, and of which Gen. Benjamin Lincoln was president for the trial of General Schuyler for the neglect of duty in the campaign of 1777, by which Ticonderoga was surrendered. The trial was at the request of General Schuyler, and by it he was fully acquitted with the highest honors. In 1777, General Nixon's brigade had head-quarters for a time at Peekskill, N. Y., and for a time in 1777, at Albany. On Sept. 12, 1780, he closed his military career by resigning his commission as general, and retired to private life. He married for his first wife Thankful Berry, Feb. 7, 1754 ; and for his second, Hannah Gleason in 1778, the widow of Capt. Micajah Gleason who was killed at the battle of White Plains, N. Y., in 1776. He had nine children, of whom five were daughters. One of them, Sarah, married Abel Cutler, the father of the late C. G. Cutler, Esq., of Sudbury.
About 1806, he went to Middlebury, Vt. At the time of the battle of Lake Champlain he was living with a daughter at Burlington ; and, on hearing the sound of the cannon on the lake, he wanted a horse brought that he might go and witness the fight. General Nixon died at Middlebury, 1815, at the advanced age of ninety. When he was thirty years old he bought a tract of thirty-two acres of land of Josiali Browne on the northern side of Nobscot Hill, where he was living at the breaking out of the Revolutionary War. After he retired from the army, he lived for a time at Framingham and kept tavern at Rice's End. He afterwards returned to Sudbmy, and was admitted to the church there May 22, 1803.
Although Mr. Nixon was pre-eminently a military man by nature and experience, and had known much of the hard fare and the rough companionship of the armj'", yet he was a man of affable address and quiet demeanor. He was of light complexion, medium size and cheerful disposition. He was a decided man and a great lover of children. One of his grandsons informed the writer that the old man used to take his grandchildren on his knee and sing war songs to them ; one that he remembered was as follows :
" Oh, why, soldiers, why, should we be melancholy, boys ? whose business 'tis to die. Through cold, hot and dry we are always bound to follow, boys, and scorn to fly."
412 liisTORY OP suDiBURl^
C. G. Cutler, the grandson referred to, was about ninety years old when he repeated the verse. None of General Nixon's family, who bear the name, are now living in vSudbury. The site of his dwelling-place is still pointed out not far from the run or spring land on the northerly slope of Nobscot, but even the last faint trace of his former dwellingplace time is fast wearing away, and soon nothing but the record will tell of this illustrious citizen and soldier of Sudbury.
In considering the military service of the town in the Revolutionary War, we have only considered a part of her history. During that time important civil transactions were taking place also. There were deprivations to be endured by those at home : the country was burdened with debt, the currency was in a very uncertain state, and, because of its depreciated condition, there was more or less confusion in commercial affairs. There was as much need of sagacity on the part of the civilian in council, as of military men in the field, to direct the affairs of State and town. The townmeetings of those days were very important occasions, and, unless the people met emergencies there in a prompt and efficient manner, the fighting element in the field could accomplish but little. In this respect the people of Sudbury were not deficient. We have heard of no instance where a Tory spirit was manifest nor where a patriotic purpose was wanting. During the war, a large share of the town Avarrants set forth the needs of the county or town which were caused by the war ; and the town-meeting that followed was about sure to result in a generous response to the demand. As the history of the war period will not be complete without presenting some of these acts we will give a few of them here.
ENCOURAGEMENTS TO ENLISTMENT.
We may well presume from the spirit manifested by the minute companies, more or less of whose members enlisted for a longer or shorter term, that patriotism was a prominent motive for entering the service. But the war was protracted, and a large share of the soldiers had families dependent upon them, and, hence, for the late enlistments extra inducements
RESIDENCE OF SAMUEL B. ROGERS, So. Sudbury. Sketch of Family History /'agi- 4jo.
tilSTORY OF sudJbuey. 413
were to be expected. To narrate all that was clone at each successive town-meeting would be needless ; we will, therefore, give only a few specimens which will serve to show the spirit of the peoiDle.
In 1777, twenty pounds were voted to each man who would enlist ; also the town chose a committee to provide for soldiers' families.
In 1778, voted some three hundred and seventy pounds for clothhig for the soldiers ; also the town committee were instructed to hire men for the army for seventy-four pounds each "if they could if not, to give more." The same year " voted to give 50 pounds to each man who would enlist as a part of the town quota for 9 months."
The same year a committee was appointed " to hire 12 men to go to the North River for 8 months or such time as they will agree for."
The same year " 14 men were hired for the service of Providence."
On May 17, 1779, voted to "hire the men to be detatched from the militia of this town to march to Tiverton, R. I., and granted 1300 pounds to hire the men with and 200 pounds to provide things for their families."
In 1779, a committee was chosen " to hire men for the public service in behalf of the town whenever there may be a call on the militia for service."
At the same date, four hundred and twenty pounds were granted " to hire live soldiers with for service of Tiverton R. I."
The same date, thirty-nine hundred pounds were granted to hire thirteen soldiers for nine months' service.
In 1781, voted that the committee should attend to "hiring the town quota for three years without loss of time and if the men cannot be obtained in town then they are to apply elsewhere," fifteen pounds in specie was granted for the purpose.
As an inducement to enlistment the town sometimes oifered live stock. The following is a specimen :
" We being a Committee appointed by the Town of Sudbury to hire the Town Quota of men for three years or
4l4 During the war agreable to a Resolve of Court Dec 2, 1780 do agree with John Ruck, Naynam Haynes, Zechrus Robison and Oliver Robison who has enlisted themselves into the Sarvis agreable to Law, Resolve to give each of them Eighteen this Spring Calves, Said Calves to be kept for and Delivered to the above Parsons when they are Regularly Discharged from the Said Sarvis, also Three Thousing Dollars old Currency to be paid Each when they are properly mustered.
" Asahel Wheeler \
"Aaron Haynes > Committee."
"Jon* Rice }
We give below a copy of a soldier's Enlistment Paper.
We the subscribers do hereby severally inlist Ourselves into the Service of the United Colonies of America to serve until the first day of April next, if the service shall require it ; and each of us do engage to furnish and carry v^ith us into the Service a good effective Firearm and Blanket also a good Bayonet and Cartridge Pouch if possible. And we severally consent to be formed by such Persons as the General Court shall appoint into a Company of Ninety men including one Captain Two Lieutenants one Ensign four Sergeants, four Corporals one Drummer and one Fifer, to be elected by the Companies, and when formed we engage to march to Headquarters of the American Army with the utmost Expedition and to be under the command of such Field Officer or Officers as the Gen. Court shall appoint. And we farther agree during the Time aforesaid to be subject to such Generals as are or shall be appointed ; and to be under such Regulations in every Respect as are provided for the Army aforesaid. Dated this Day of
A. D. 1776.
Jesse Jones Zebediah Farrar.
John Peter Richard Heard
Sarson Belcher Joseph Smith
Timothy Underwood John Merriam.
Josia Farrar Abraham Parmenter
Ephraim Smith Benjamin Dudley
Phinehas Glezen Israel Jones Uriah Moore.
Besides tlie furnishing of men and equipments various other services were from time to time required of the town. At one time the towns were assessed for hay for the army at Cambridge, and Sudbury was required to furnish nine tons; only three other towns were required to furnish as much. At another time they were called on to provide men and teams to convey gunpowder to Springfield.
CHAPTER XXIII. page 415
1775-1800.
Attention the Town Bestowed on its Home Needs during the War. Specimen Report of a Town-Meeting. Attitude of the Town towards the Measures of Boston Merchants relative to the Reduction of Prices. Appointment of Delegate to a Convention Called for the Purpose of Framing a New Constitution. Committee Appointed to Regulate Prices. Report of Committee. Vote on the New Constitution. Educational Matters. Division of the Town. Committee on a Line of Division. Committee Appointed to Present a Remonstrance to the Court- Instructions to the Committee. Act of the Court Authorizing a Division. Committee Appointed to Make a Division of the Money and Real Estate. Report of the Committee. Appointment of Other Committees. Financial Report. Official Boards for 1780 and 1781. Miscellaneous. — Shay's Rebellion. Erection of Meeting-House. Miscellaneous.
The roll of drums and the bugle's wailing
Vex the air of our vales no more ; The spear is beaten to hooks of pruning,
The share is the sword the soldiers wore.
Whittier.
The following specimen of work done at a fall townmeeting in the very midst of the war shows that home needs were not neglected while militar}'- matters were absorbing so much attention. Nov. 8, 1779, the town granted money as follows, namely :
To pay the several town Debts .2^1457 : :
To pay the Rev"* Ministers their Salary 148 : : Gratuity to the Rev^ Ministers /2000 : :
for the Grammar School 1000 : :
for a Reading and Writing School 2000 : :
for the support of the Poor 2000 : :
to pay the Assessors 200 : :
to pay the town Treasrer 40 : :
to the Towns Com""^" for money paid to the Last Six
months men to the State of New York 500 : :
to the Selectmen the money paid to s*^ men by order of
the General Court 500 : :
to pay the money that has been paid to the six months
men to Rhode Island 180 : :
to provide for the Continental families 800 : :
At the same town meeting adjourned to Dec. G**^ 1779 the town granted six hundred pounds to enable a committee chosen at said meeting to oppose a Division of the town and to carry on said affair.
James Thompson, Town Clerk.
At a town meeting held July 12, 1779, it was
Voted that this town highly approves of the measures taken by the merchants and other the inhabitants of the town of Boston in order to reduce the exorbitant prices of the necessaries of life. Consequently to appreciate our Currency that the town will adopt such reasonable measures as may be agreed upon by the joint Committees from the several towns in this state. It also voted to send Major Joseph Curtis to represent them in the convention to meet in Cambridge for the purpose of framing a new constitution or form of government, and instructed him to cause a printed copy of the form of a constitution that might be agreed upon to be transmitted to the Select Men of the town.
Aug 9th. The town voted to appoint seven persons to state the prices of Innholders' labour, Theaming, manufactures and all other articles not taken up by the convention at Concord.
Aug. 16th. The town having met according to adjournment, the Committee appointed to state the prices of all such articles as were not taken up by the Convention at Concord reported as follows
West India Rum by the gallon £6. 9
New England Rum by the gallon 4.15
Coffe by the pound 4.15
Sugar by the pound from II to 14. Chocolate by the pound 24. Bohe Tea by the pound 5 : 16. Cotton wool by the pound 37 : 6, German Steel 30 D" Salt best quality by the Bushel ^10 : 10 Country Produce Indian Corn by the Bushel 80, Rye by the Bushel, l~i : 10 Wheat by the Bushel ^8 : 10 Beaf by the pound 5 Muton, Lamb and Veal by the pound 3 : 6 Foreign Beaf and Pork as sett by the convention. Butter by the pound 11 Chese D" 6 Milk by the quart 16 English Hay q"" hundred 30
Men's shoes 6"*', women's shoes 4^"^', cotton cloth 4 : 6, Labor. teaming under 30 miles IS, carpenter work by the day GO, i\Iason per day 60, Maids wages per week 5 Dollars. Oxen per day 24, Horse Hire 3 per mile. Inn Holder a good dinner 20, common dinner 12. Best supper and Breakfast 15, each common Do. 12, Lodgings 4. Horse keeping 24 hours on hay 15, on grass 10, a yoke of oxen a night 15.
The grade of prices thus established was made in accordance with a resolve of a convention that met at Concord, and the list of prices made was in depreciated currency that was in ratio of about twenty shillings paper to one shilling in silver. " If any one should persist in refusing to accept these prices, their names should be published in the public News Paper and the good people of the town should withhold all trade and intercourse from them."
On May IT, 1779, a vote was taken to see how many favored the formation of a new constitution or form of government. Fifty -nine voted in the affirmative and ten in the negative. The representative was instructed to vote for calling a State convention to form the new constitution.
At a meeting held May 22, 1780, " The Constitution being read, the town voted that they think it reasonable that each town in the State should pay their own proper representatives both their travel to and attendance at the General Court, and desire that clause providing for their pay for travel out of the public treasury should be altred, 41 voting for this alteration and 8 against it. The}' desire that the word Protestant may be inserted in the room of, or added to the word Christian Religion, in qualifications of the Govenor and all other officers both civil and military, 30 for and 19 against it.
" They also desire that the time for revising the Constitution may not exceed seven years, 55 voting for this alteration, one against it." EDUCATIONAL MATTERS.
Prominent among the records relating to educational matters in the early part of the period was the following : 1773. "To Daniel Bowker for building N. W. School House 18 pounds, to the same for building Lanham School House 23-6-8. To Ambrose Tower for building school house near west meeting house 17-7-4. To W"' Dudley to building the Farm end school house 26-13-4." In 1774, a vote was taken to see " if the town will order that the several school houses in said town shall be supplied with wood for the future at the charge of the town." It " passed in the negative." It may be that it had been customary for the citizens of each district to contribute wood for the school-houses and that this was an early movement made to have it supplied by the town. That the school-houses were warmed in those times is evident. The following year the town granted eight pounds for supplying the several school-houses with wood for the year, and repeatedly after this were sums granted for this purpose. That the school-houses at that time were warmed by means of a fire-place is indicated by the following record of 1782: " To Jacob Reed for mendinghearth at Lanham school house." In 1778, the town voted to build a new school-house near IMr. Phineas Puffers. In 1779, it was voted to build a new school-house in the northwest corner of the town, appropriating the two old schoolhouses for the building of the new.
DIVISION or THE TOWN.
A prominent event of this period was the division of the town. The proposition came before the town by petition of John Tilton and others June 25, 1778, in the East meeting -house. " The question was put whether it was the minds of the Town, that the Town of Sudbury should be divided into two towns, and it was passed in the affirmative. And appointed the following gentlemen to agree on a Division Line and Report at the Adjournment of this meeting viz Col Ezekiel How Cap' Richard Heard M"" Nathan Loring M"^ Phinehas Glezen M"" John Maynard and M-" John Meriam." The committee reported that they were not agreed as to the line of division.
At a meeting held Jan. 1, 1779, the town appointed Major Joseph Curtis, Thomas Plympton, Esq., Mr. John Balcom, Capt. Richard Heard and Capt. Jonathan Rice to agree on a line of division. At the same meeting measures were taken to petition the General Court. Strong opposition at once manifested itself, and the town was warned to meet at the West meeting-house December 6,
" 1^' To choose a moderator
" 2^^ To see if the town will clioose a Committee to act in behalf of this Town at the Great and General Court of this State to Ojipose a Division of s"^ Town and give the Com'^^ So chosen Such Instruction Relating to said affair as the Town may think proper and grant a Sum of Mone}^ to Enable said Com'^^ to Carry on Said Business "
The meeting resulted as follows :
" 1** Chose Asahel Wheeler moderator
" 2^ Chose Col Ezekiel Howe M-" W"* Rice Ju-" and Thomas Plympton Esq a committee for the Purpose contained in this article and granted the sum of three hundred Pounds to Enable their Com'^^ to Carry on said affair then adjourned this meeting to tomorrow at three oclock at the same place.
" Tuesday Decem*" 7th The Town met according to adjournment proceeded and gave their Com*^^ Chosen to oppose a division of this Town &c the following" Instructions viz.
" To Col° Ezekiel Howe, Tho^ Plympton Esq and M-" Rice Ju^ you being chosen a Com*«^ by the Town of Sudbury to oppose a division of s'^ Town as Lately Reported b}' a Com'" of the Hon'^ General Court of this State
" You are hereby authorized and Instructed to preferr a Petition or memorial to the General Court in behalf of Said Town. Praying that the Bill for Dividing S'^ Town May be set a fire or altred setting forth the Great Disadvantages the Westerly part of the Town will Labour under by a Division of said Town as reported by s^ Com'" viz : as said report deprives them of all the gravel and ol)liges them to maintain the one half of the Great Causeways on the Easterly part of said Town notwithstanding the necessary repairs of the Highways on the westerly part of said Town are nearly double to that on the East.
" Said Report also deprives them of the Pound, it also deprives them of a Training field though Given by the Proprietors of Said Town to the Westerly side for a Training field for Ever
" And further as there is no provision made in said report for the Support of the Poor in Said Town which will be a verry heavy burthen to the West side of the Town as the report now stands. Also at said adjournment the Town Granted the sum of three Hundred pounds, in addition to the other Grant of three hundred Pounds to Enable their Com'^^ to carry on said Petition
" Then the town by their vote dissolved this meeting "
But, notwithstanding the vigorous protest made by prominent citizens, their arguments did not prevail with the Court, and an article was passed, April 10, 1780, which authorized a division of the town. A committee was appointed by the town to consider a plan for the division of property and an equitable adjustment of the obligations of the East and West parts of the town. At an adjourned meeting, held March 14, the committee rendered the following report which was accepted and agreed upon.
" We the Subscribers being appointed a committee to Join a Com*^^ from East Sudbury to make a Division of the Money and Estate belonging to the Town of Sudbury and East Sudbury agreeable to an Act of the General Court Passed the lO'i^ of April 1780, for Dividing the Town of Sudbury, preceded and agreed as followeth viz : that all the Money Due on the Bonds and Notes being the Donation of Mary Doan to the East Side of the River be Disposed of to East Sudbury according to the will of the Donor. And the money Due on Bonds and Notes given by Mr. Peter Noyes and Capt Joshua Ha^aies for the Benefit of the Poor and Schooling be Equally Divided between Each of the S'l Towns, which Sum is 423 : 3 : 4 That all the Money Due on Bonds and Notes for the New Grant Lands, or Money Now in the Treasury or in Constables' hands be Equally Divided between Each of Said Towns which Sums are as follows viz :
" Due on New Grant Bonds and Notes 133 : 14 : 7 " Due from Constable 3110 : 10 : 7
" Due from the Towni Treasurer 348 : 6:5
" And that all Land that belonged to the Town of Sudbury or for the benefit of the Poor shall be Divided agreeable to the Act of the General Court for Dividing Said Town. And that the Pound and Old Bell and the Town Standard of Weights and Measures which belonged to the Town of Sudbury be Sold at publick vandue and the proceeds to be Equally divided between the towns of Sudbury and East Sudbury.
" Also that the Town Stock of Arms and Amanition be Divided as set forth in the Act of the General Court for Dividing the Town of Sudbury. And if any thing shall be made to appear to be Estate or property that Should belong to the town of Sudbury before the Division of the above articles it Shall be Equally Divided between the Town of Sudbury and the Town of East Sudbury. And that the Town of East Sudbury shall Support and Maintain as their Poor During their Life the Widow Vickry and Abigail Isgate, And all Such Persons as have Gained a Residence in the Town of Sudbury before the division of S"^ Town and shall hereafter be brought to the Town of Sudbury or the Town of East Sudbury as their Poor Shall be Supported by that Town in which they Gained their Inhabitance. Also that the Debts Due from Said Town of Sudbury Shall be paid the one half by the Town of Sudbury and the other half by the Town of East Sudbury which Sum is 2977 : 7 : 1
" AsHER Cutler Asahel Wheeler ^
" Tho^ Walker Isaac Maynard S Committee "
" James Thomson )
Other committees concerning the matter of division were appointed the same year. The assessors were to make a
^1487.
9.
10
1G61.
,19.
5
142 lbs
394 lbs
4
^1183.
10.
391,
,15.
27.
, 0.
20.
8.
division with East Sudbury of the men required of Sudbury and East Sudbury for three years ; also to make division of clothing, beef, etc., required of said town. A committee, April 23, 1781, made the following financial exhibit:
Due to Sudbury in the Constable's and Treasurer's hands
That the town had to pay the sum of
Sudbury's part of the Powder
Their part of the Lead
their part of the Guns on hand
The old Bell, Pound and Town Standard of Weights and Measures sold for
Sudbury's part of the above sum is
Received of money
The charge of sale
The remainder to be paid by the treasurer of E. Sudbury.
Money due to the town in M"^ Cutler's hands taken out of the State Treasury for what was advanced by the Town of Sudbury for the support of Soldiers' families who are in the Continental Army 120G .2.0
In the division Sherman's Bridge was left partly in each town, and the river formed about half the town's eastern boundary. At a place on Sand Hill the town line was made irregular in order to admit the training-field and the Caleb Wheeler farm, which was a triangular piece of about fortythree acres. The definition of the town boundary line and the clause which retained the training-field and the Wheeler farm in the town is as follows :
" Beginning with the river between Concord and Lincoln, thence running with the river till it comes to the mouth of a ditch on the west side of said river between the lands of W"" Baldwin Esq, and Eliakim Rice ; thence on said ditcli to the County road leading to Stow, crossing said road ; connected (or continuing) on the South side thereof till it comes to the line between land of Nath^ Rice and Jona. Carter ; thence southerly with the line between said Rice &, Carter to land of Elisha Wheelor ; then running Easterly with the line between said Carter and Wheelor to the County roading leading to Marlboro'; thence running up and bounded on the Westerly side of said road till it comes opposite to the line between the heirs of Lieut. Dan' Goodnow and hind in possession of Robert Emes at " Sandy Hill"; thence crossing said road to the corner aforesaid ; — thence running to a White Oak the head of Capt. Moses Maynard's meadow; thence on a straight line; thence on a straight line to a swamp-White-Oak on the bank of the River eastwardly from the dwelling house of Capt. Moses Stone; thence up the river to Framingham line."
" And it is also enacted that the House and lands of Caleb Wheelor together with the Training-field adjoining thereto, shall remain to the Town of Sudbury."
In the division provision was made for the maintenance, by Sudbury, of the Canal Bridge [-jch Rte 20/Boston Post Road] and that portion of the old causeway which extends from the bridge westerly to the upland. As the support of the Canal Bridge came upon Sudbury and mention is made of it in various places in the Town Records, it may be of interest here to state something of its history. This bridge is so named because it crossed that portion of the river which it is supposed ran through an artificial channel. No bridge in that immediate vicinity but the " Town bridge " is mentioned in the earlier records, and the stream, as before stated (see page 93), originally passed near the eastern upland. The earliest record we have any knowledge of, which contains reference to this bridge, is in 1768, which is a bill for the repairing of the "new bridge near Dea. Stone's, Lanliam, Sherman's, the Town bridge and the Canal bridge." This shows its existence at that time, but gives no intimation as to when it was made ; neither is there any record so far as we know as to when the canal was constructed. An artificial opening might not have been made there until years after the bridge was made. The first water-way may have been a natural one which only required a small crossing, and may subsequently have been enlarged by the current. In other words, when the causeway was built a small outlet may have been left in it at this point for the purpose of allowing the water to pass off the meadow more readily in time of flood. This passage way at first may have been but an open fordway. In the process of time, as
424 HlSTORY OF SUDBURY.
the causeway was gradually raised and the channel or aperture naturally increased in size, a more substantial bridge may have been required. Another theory is that the making of the canal and the bridge was the result of raising the causeway at one time or another. If the town succeeded in raising the money when it tried to do so by means of a lottery in 1758, the Canal Bridge may have been built at that time. As there was opposition to raising the causeway, because it was supposed that it would set back the water, the statement being made that there was " not one foot of fall in the river for 25 or 30 miles," an aperture might have been left in the raised road or causeway or a canal cut to obviate the difficulty, and the canal would require a bridge. Still another theory is that the canal was built by private enterprise. Mr. Abel Gleason, now one of the oldest inhabitants of Wayland, states that when he was a boy, ten or twelve years old, he helped make hay on both sides of the canal for Colonel Baldwin, the owner of the land ; and that the colonel told him that " the water always made its Avay over the ' oxbow ' more or less ; but at one time a Mr. Goodnow and another man, whose name he could not remember, dug out a straight channel for the water to run in." A channel once dug would naturally increase until sufficiently large to allow all the water to pass through it. The short causeway from Sudbury to the Canal Bridge was laid out by the county commissioners in 1832, and the same year was made under the supervision of a committee from East Sudbury.
The following officers were chosen, just before the division, at a town-meeting held in the East and West meetinghouses, March 6, 1780 : " Selectmen Capt. Asahel Wheeler. W" Baldwin Esq. Mr. Thomas Walker, Capt. Caleb Moulton, Mr. Isaac Maynard. Capt. Thadeus Russel, Mr. Benjamin Smith. Town Clerk and Treasurer James Thompson. Other officers chosen were 3 Assessors, 4 Constables, A ' committee of correspondence,' consisting of five persons. 4 ' wardins.' 2 surveyors of shingles, 2 sealers of leather, 3 fence viewers. 2 deer reeves, 4 tythingmen, 4 hog reeves, 2 field drivers, 8 surveyors of highway, 2 fish reeves, and 2 clerks of the market. Total on the official board fifty-five persons."
After the division the town went on with its usual activity. At a town-meeting held March 5, 1781, the following officers were chosen : " Moderator Capt. Jonathan Rice. Selectmen Mr. W'" Rice, Capt. Moses Stone, Lieut. Jacob Reed, Lieut. Abijah Brigham, Capt. Samuel Knight. Clerk and Treasurer, W™ Rice." The records state that the town-meetings were frequently held at the house of Mr. Johnson. Probably this was the house of Aaron Johnson, Innholder. Some of the early town records and acts after its division are the following : Oct. 8, 1781, granted " Rev. Mr. Bigelow for salary the ensuing year seventy-four pounds in specie, also granted for a grammar school for a year, 12 pounds and ordered that said school be kept at the school house near the meeting house, also granted for support of a reading and writing school 48 pounds and ordered the same to be kept in the other four school houses in the same proportion. Also granted 60 pounds to furnish their quota of beef for the supply of the army. Also allowed 16 shillings for the taking ci).re of the meeting house, and chose John Green to take care of the meeting house and dig graves as occasion required for the ensuing year." At the same meeting money was granted for the supply of the soldiers for the Continental army.
In the warrant of a meeting dated Jan. 15, 1781, was an article " to see if the town would choose a committee and empower them to bring an action against or proceed otherwise in a suit of law with the town of Boston for their bringing Mary Piper and her children into Sudbury, she and her children not being able to support themselves and not belonging to Sudbury." At a subsequent meeting the committee was chosen to proceed against Boston as suggested.
In 1782, it was " voted to pay Rev. Mr. Bigelow's salary in specie 111 pounds, of which Roland Bogle's part to collect as constable was X52 11^ 9"^ and Mr. Joshua Haynes part as constable to collect was X58 8* 3^." In 1782, the town ordered their committee to build a suitable place at the school-house " near the meeting house for hanging their bell on instead of repairing the place where it now stands." In 1785, the number of selectmen chosen was reduced to three. In 1787, it was voted to rebuild the canal bridge. The same year Isaac Lincoln was chosen to take care of the meeting-house and ring the bell, for which he was to have eighteen shillings, which was the lowest price bid.
shay's rebellion.
In 1786, occurred an event called Shay's Rebellion or Insurrection. The cause of it was the unsettled condition of the country, its depreciated currency, and a lack of business prosperity in general. A small portion of the community sought to adjust matters by resorting to arms. An effort was made by some of the insurgents to prevent the holding of the county courts, and, on several occasions, the presence of troops was required to preserve the peace. Concord, being a county town, was one of the imperiled places, and there were indications that on Sept. 12, 1768, an outbreak might occur there, as on that day a company of about one hundred men assembled there under command of Job Shattuck of Groton, and Nathan and Sylvanus Smith of Shirley. Matters, however, were adjusted without any open outbreak. From the proximity of Concord to Sudbury, naturally the town would be expected to render military service at that place, if it was needed, and also to furnish aid, in common with the other towns, for the suppression of the rebellion. The following papers are supposed to refer to sucli service.
" Sudbury 10''^ September 1786 " Sir you will fully comply with tlie orders you received from me this Day, Excepting your Marcliing by the shotest Rout to Concord, you will instead of Marching to Concord March with your Company Imbodied to Sudbury Meeting House at Eight oclock in the Morning in order to join the Regt
" Capt Benj Sawin yours &c Jon^ Rice Lt. C. Comd " " Commonwealth of Massachusetts D"" " To tlie Selectmen of Sudbury for furnishing the men that was called out to Supres the Late Rebellion agreeably to the INIilitia Law to three different times to seven Days each at four Shillings P"" Day."
Nov. 24, 1788, it was voted to hear the report of a committee who had, at a previous meeting, been appointed to present a report of the depreciation of Mr. Bigelow's salary. They " reported that the sum of <£155 18^ 9*^ was due to Mr. Bigelow on the deficiency of his salaries for the years 1776, 1777, 1778 and half of 1779," and it was voted to pay X120 to make up the deficiency.
In 1789, the town " empowered a committee to purchase the land of Mr. Doane for the purpose of enlarging the burying ground and voted that the committee provide and build the wall around the yard." When the town were assembled in October, 1789, and the committee reported relative to the land for enlarging the burying-ground, it was voted "that the inhabitants of the town now present go out and inspect the land proposed, when the inhabitants returned, and a vote was taken, but passed in the negative ; this question came up if they would accept of the land if they could have it free of expense and they voted in the affirmative."
In 1792, the town voted to sell the training field in the southeast part of the town, and " the Committee formerly employed to sell the Work house " were appointed to attend to the work. The same jenv measures were taken for the prevention of the small-pox. The article concerning it in the warrant was " To see if the town would admit the Small Pox into sd town by Inoculation," " It passed in the negative." The following year the selectmen were instructed " to take measures to prevent the spreading of the small pox, and to prosecute the persons who transgressed the laws respecting the disease." Instructions were also given " to make diligent search to see if there were any persons who had been inoculated for small pox contrary to law."
Image: Mathias Mosmon's 1795 Map After Page 428
In accordance with a vote of the General Court in 1794, a map was made of the town. This map, a copy of which is in the State Archives (Vol. II., page 7), was made by Mathias Mosmon, and bears date April 17, 1795. A copy of it is here given together with the following statement and description by the author of the map :
"The above Plan of the Town of Sudbury in the County
of Middlesex, Common Wealth of Massachusetts was taken
by the Direction of a Committee Chosen by the Inhabitants
of Sd Sudbury in obedience to an order of the General Court
dated June 26th 1794. on the above plan Air inserted
and described Each Town line that meets or joins with
Sudbury. the Rivers are also accurately surveyed and
planned, the breadth of which are as followeth. the River
Elsabeth is from 4 to 5 rods wide, but [there is] no public
bridge over the river where it joins Sudbury, the other river
called Sudbury or Concord River is from 7 to 8 or 9 rods
wide, and [there is] one bridge over sd river where it joins
Sudbury called Sharman's Bridge, 100 feet long, one-half
belonging to Sudbury, and 25 rod of Causeway. Sudbury
also [is to] build and keep in repair the Canal Bridge in
East Sudbury Long causeway and 52 rods of sd causeway,
the County roads are also surveyed and planned, in Sudbury is but one house for public worship which is noted,
the center of the town is about one mile northwestwardly
from the meetinghouse, the distance from Sd Sudbury to
Cambridge the shire-town of the county is 17 miles, and
from sd Sudbury to Boston the Metropolis of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts through Watertown and Roxbury
is 22 miles, and through & over West Boston Bridge is 20
miles, in Sudbury is but 3 ponds of any considerable magnitude which has been Surveyed and planned as above,
here is no falls of Water worthy of note, in Sd Sudbury is
not a hill whose summit is lofty, in the Southwardly part
of sd town is part of a hill called Penobscott which will be
described in the plan of Framingham. No manufactories are
erected in Sudbury, in sd [town] are three grist mills, two
saw mills, and one fulling mill as above described, on a
Stream known by several different names as above, the
width of which where it leaves Marlborough and enters
Sudbury is not much more than a yard wide and where it
enters East Sudbury is about 5 yards wide, in the Northwardly part of sd Sudbury a mine has been discovered and
worked upon, the depth of the hole is about --- feet in
a Ledge of rocks supposed to be a copper mine but has not
been worked in since the beginning of the Revolution, here
is not Iron Works or furnaces, said plan is laid down by a
scale of 200 rods to an inch Surveyed by
" Mathias Mosmon
" Dated at Sudbury April 17 == 1795."
THE NEW MEETING-HOUSE.
In the latter part of the period the town took measures to erect a new meeting-house. In 1789, " chose a committee to look out a place suitable for a new meeting house, for drafting a plan, and receiving proposals from individuals in relation to building the same." They subsequently decided upon the shape and dimensions, but, different opinions prevailing relative to the location, the construction of the building was deferred for some years.
Oct. 5, 1795, the town again voted " to build a new Meeting House, that it should be erected on the common land near to the present meeting house, and that the south and west cells of sd house should occupy the ground on which the south and west cells of the present meeting house now stand upon, and that the enlargement of the meeting house should extend North and East. Voted to accept a plan drawn by Capt Thomson which plan is 60 feet by 52 with a porch at one end with a steeple or spear on the top of sd porch. Voted that the Committee for building the house should consist of nine persons, and that they should receive nothing for their services." In 1796, it was voted that a bell should be purchased for the meeting-house. October, 1798, the building committee presented to the town the summary of receipts and expenditures which was six thousand twenty-five dollars and ninety-three cents. The town granted three hundred dollars for the purpose of grading the ground around the new meeting-house. Those who desired it were granted the privilege of working out their proportionate share of the expense; the price of labor being nine pence per hour for a man and nine pence per hour for a good yoke of oxen and cart. November, 1796, it was " voted to request the Rev. M. Bigelow to preach a sermon at the dedication of the meeting house." At the same meeting it was " voted that the Pew Holders in the body of the Meeting House as soon as Divine Service is over fling their pew Doors wide open so as not to obstruct the passage of the people in the allies that the Speaker pass out first, then the pew holders to pass on after as fast as Conveniently may be out at the front Door, then those who sit in the seats next also voted that as soon as they are out they move off from the door steps so as to let the people have liberty to come out without Crowding also voted that the pew holders in the galleries fling their pew doors wide open that they empty their pews, together with the fore seats first, the 2nd and 3rd seats to follow in course also voted that those who come down the West pair of stairs pass out at the West Door those who come down the East stairs pass out at the East Door, and to move from the door steps so as to give Liberty to empty the house as soon as conveniently may be. It was then voted to Choose a Committee for the purpose of Regulating the Assembling of the people at the Dedication of the Meeting House, to keep good order on said day and prevent damage being done to said House. Said Committee to consist of 12." At the same meeting " voted to appropriate to the use of the Singing Society in Said Town the front gallery and so much of the side galleries next the front as shall be necessary for their accommodation."
May, 1799, the town-meeting adjourned to allow its committee on building stables to go out and view the land ; on their return they reported that they had "set up a stake and stone at the south east corner of Lt Willis stables to the North east corner of the meeting house. Sd line being about 35 ft back of sd meeting house." "Report was accepted."
In 1796, the town-meetings were held at the house of Col. Benjamin Sawin, innholder. This was during the building of the new meetinghouse. The same year the town appointed Coh Sawin's new barn and yard adjoining the same for a pound for a year.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 431
October, 1797, " The Committee previously appointed to select a suitable place whereon to erect a pound reported that said pound be erected upon the East end of the Burying yard, the south side to be erected about ten feet north of Jj^ Reuben Rices Stone wall, the wall of sd pound to be 5|- ft in Height with a He-wn stick of chestnut, or white pine Timber 10 inches in Height upon the top thereof, the Burying yard wall to form one side. Sd pound to be thirty feet square within the walls." The report was accepted, and twenty dollars was granted for the purpose. The committee appointed for letting out the building of the pound were to " have the privilege of all the stones on the common round the meeting house, excepting so many as shall be necessary for horse blocks." At the same meeting forty dollars was granted for rebuilding Lanham Bridge.
April, 1797, voted " to provide a carriage for the town's use Suitable for the conveyance of Corps to the Burying yard." October, 1797, granted thirty dollars for the purpose of teaching a singing school for one month. In 1798, " Chose a Committee to let out the building of a school house in the north east district in place of the one which was burnt." Also appropriated two hundred dollars for the building. At the same meeting appropriated two hundred and fifty-five dollars for building a school-house in the centre district. Also at the same meeting, granted " for a harness for the town carriage to carry corps upon 15 : 75 " In 1799, voted " that the Committee that was appointed to build a shelter for the funeral carriage, if they think it can conveniently be done, to build a place in it for storing of the towns stock of ammunition,"
CHAPTER XXIV. page 432
1800-1825.
Early Families Residing in Sudbury about the Beginning of the Present Century. Families Who Came into Sudbury during the Interval between the Formation of the Town and about the Middle of the Present Century. Biographical Sketches.
Happy he whom neither wealth nor fashion, Nor the march of the encroaching city,
Drives an exile From the hearth of his ancestral homestead.
Longfellow.
In entering upon the history of the nineteenth century, we may, with propriety, pause in our narrative to notice the condition of the community at the beginning of this new period, and compare it with the condition of things in former and distant years. We have arrived at a point when this can be done to advantage. We have chronicled the events of more than a century and a iialf, and considered the character, customs and conduct of the earlier inhabitants, and the town when in its formative state. We have seen influences gather and grow from sources small and remote, and men come in, act their part, and go out. Before proceeding to consider new facts, let us notice the results of those already set forth and their relations to what is to come. Let us notice to what extent early names and families were familiar at the beginning of the nineteenth century, what new inhabitants had come into town, and how far there had been a transmission of customs, traits and manners of living and doing in the home, the church and the town.
Down to about the year 1800, quite a share of the old families remained, and, to an extent, kept their former prestige. Such were the Goodnows, Bents, Parmenters,
432 Maynards and Reeds, the Hunts, Browns and Hows, also, the Haynes family, the Rices and Plymptons. In East Sudbury there were the Ratters, Curtises and Lokers, the Johnsons, Noyeses, Grouts and Wards. But, while so many of the old families remained, they no longer, as at the town's beginning, bore all the responsibility of its management, nor were their names alone prominent upon the records. Some of these families had begun to decline. Their ranks were decimated, their power was on the wane. So it was with the Hows, the Plymptons, the Maynards, the Rices, the Reeds ; and in East Sudbury with the Curtises, Noyeses and Grouts. Indeed, the decline of some of these families, which began before the century set in, has to such an extent gone on that some of them have not a member in Sudbury who bears the family name : when it is called, no one is left to respond. Their history is but a tradition for others to tell, or found in fragmentary records on the town book, or inscribed on the tombstones of Sudbury's old-time burying grounds. But the decadence of old families is not the only reason why, at the beginning of the present century, town business was not wholly done by the descendants of the early grantees. There had been, in the process of years, the introduction of new families into Sudbury, many of which took a prominent part in its affairs. Among those of this class who came before or about the beginning of the eighteenth century, there are the following names of persons on the west side of the river : Balcom, Bogle, Bowker, Brigham, Brintnal, Bush, Clapp, Cutler, Cutter, Dakin, Gibbs, Hayden, Jones, Mossman, Perry, Puffer, Richardson, Stanhope, Stevens, Taylor, Thompson, Tower, Walker, Wedge, Wheeler, Willis; on the east side, Abbott, Allen, Baldwin, Brewer, Bryant, Cutting, Damon, Drury, Frink, Gleason, Graves, Heard, Jennison, Long, Paris, Reeves, Roby, Ross, Sherman and Wellington. The following are names of families who settled in the present territory of Sudbury between about the years 1800 and 1850 : Adams, Allen, Arnold, Bacon, Barton, Burr, Carr, Clark, Conant, Dwyer, Eames, Eaton, Fairbanks, Garfield, Gerry, Harrington, Horr, Hudson, Hurlbut, Lyon, O'Neil, Powers, Pratt, Robinson, Rogers and Shaw. We will give a few facts concerning sucli of these families as have a member still living in town who bears the family name, or is in some way still identified with the place. The object of these sketches is not to give anything like a complete genealogy, but, as in the case of the early grantees (Chapter III.), only to give a brief outline of family history, mainly as it has been connected with the town.
Adams. At an early date the name of Adams is upon the town records, and the indications are that one of the name was living near the Sudbury and Concord boundary not long after the settlement began. In 1671, James Adams was to' have liberty to feed his cattle on Sudbury bounds, and " to take old and dry wood that shall be upon the ground, the said Adams to prevent any trespass by Concord herds or cattle also in our wood and timber,- forthwith to give notice to the town." (Sudbury Records.) This James Adams is probably the one referred to in the genealogy of Concord inhabitants (Concord History) as belonging to a family said to have been banished from Scotland by Oliver Cromwell, and who married Priscilla Rarasden of Concord in 1G62, and died Dec. 2, 1707. James had seven children, — Priscilla, Elizabeth, James, Hannah, John, Nathaniel and Dorcas. Descendants of these have lived in Acton and Carlisle, which places were formerly in Concord. A John Adams of Sudbury was wounded at the Swamp Fight, R. I., in 1675. (See period 1675-1700.) The Adams family of Sudbury descended from the Acton branch. John Adams was born at Acton, Sept. 27, 1746, and had six children, Lydia, Paul, John, Josiah H., Mercy, Mary. Josiah H. was born Aug. 4, 1780, and lived about twenty years on the place now occupied by the American Powder Company ; he then moved about a mile south to the present John Adams place. He had five children, two of them sons, Joseph B. and John. John Adams, the present superintendent of the Fitchburg Railroad, was born at and now owns the place formerly occupied by his father in Sudbury.
Allen or Allin. The Allen family was early in Sudbury. The name of John Allen is on the " Old Petition " of 1676 ; on another, of 1690 are the names of John and Thomas, Jr., and Zebediah, Jr., and on a paper of 1707, subscribed to by the East Side inhabitants protesting against a parochial precinct on the West Side, are the names of John and Samuel Allen. The first Allen of the present century in Sudbury was John Plympton, who moved from Wayland to South Sudbury, where he carried on the blacksmith's trade for nearly fifty years. He married Sibel Read who was born in Sudbury in 1800. He had four children, Francis, Franklin S., Margaret M., Abby A. Margaret M. Allen is at present a resident of South Sudbury.
Arnold. The name of William Arnold is on an old petition among a list of inhabitants on the west side the river in 1707 ; but for an interval of years there were none by the name in town. Edwin, first Sudbury resident of the name in the present century, is grandson of Winslow and Abigail (Hagar) Arnold, who were born, married and lived in Marlboro. His father was Joel who married Ruth, daughter of Israel and Susanna (Stone) Parmenter of Sudbury, April 25, 1843. Edwin married Abby Hunt, daughter of Abel and Sally Smith of Sudbury. They have had one child, Frances A. Edwin Arnold resides at South Sudbury.
Bacon. The Sudbury ancestor of the Bacon family, which in the present century has resided in town, was Jonathan who came from Natick in 1835. His father, whose name was Jonathan, was born in Natick in 1756, married Zipporah (Goulding) Mann and had two children, Jonathan and Ebenezer. Jonathan, Jr., married Lydia Hammond of Natick, born Oct. 11, 1778, and had six children, Zipporah, Asa, Samuel, Edward and Lydia, all born in Natick, and Adoniram born in Sudbury. He lived on the South Sudbury and Marlboro road in a house built and once occupied by Joel Jones, and at present occupied by Adoniram. Jonathan died several years ago, but his widow, Lydia Bacon, is still living at the age of one hundred and one.
Balcom. The Sudbury Balcoms are descended from Henry Balcom of Charlestown, Mass., a blacksmith. He married Elizabeth Haynes of Sudbury, August 12, 1666, and died April 29, 1683. Soon after his death, the family moved to Sudbury and settled in the northwesterly part in what is now Maynard, where his descendants still live. Among the children of Henry was Joseph, who was born Dec. 17, 1674, and died Sept. 17, 1745, at Sudbury. He married Tabitha Mossman. Among their children was John who was born March 13, 1713 (or 1715), and married Susanna Haynes, August 23, 1737. Among the children of John and Susanna was Asahel, born June 5, 1741, who married Jerusha Willis. Their children were Asa who married Adah Balcom, Jerusha who married Adam Howe, Rebecca who married Daniel Puffer. Asa was the father of Hollis and Asahel, two Av ell-known citizens of the present century living in that part of Sudbury now Maynard.
Barton. George Barton was born in Concord, and came into town April 1, 1851. He married for his first wife Mary Susan, youngest daughter of Israel Hunt of Sudbury, and occupies the Israel Hunt farm in the Pantry district. His children are George H., born 1852; Frank P., 1857 and Alice M., 1859.
Bogle. Thomas was the first of the Bogle family who lived in Sudbury. He came from Scotland to Boston, and, after remaining there a short time, went to Sndburj^, where he purchased the farm now occupied by Deacon Francis Walker. He had seven children, one of whom was Rowand who married Elizabeth Goodenow and occupied the old homestead. Rowand and Elizabeth had five children, Hannah, Francis, Elizabeth, Submit and Poll}^ Francis married Patty Hemenway of Framingham, and had four children, Miranda, Sarah H., Lucy and Nancy E. Miranda married Azariah Walker of Framingham, who purchased the Bogle farm in 1826, which he occupied till his death. Lucy and Nancy Bogle reside at South Sudbury.
BowKER. The Bowker family was in town as early as 1707 ; the name Widow Sarah Bowker being upon a paper of that date. A prominent member of the family was Capt. Daniel Bowker, who served in the Revolutionary War, and died early in the Nineteenth Century. He went with his wife from Hopkinton before 1756, and settled on what has
since been known as the Bowker place in North Sudbury. He had ten children, two of whom were sons named Daniel and Joseph. He died Jan. 31, 1822, aged ninety-two, and his wife died June 28, 1813, aged seventy-nine. Daniel Jr., born Sept. 13, 1772, married Ruth Brown of Hubbardston and had fourteen children. He died Oct. 18, 1853, aged eighty-one, and his wife died Jan. 15, 1846, aged sixtyeight. Two sons of Daniel Jr. were Daniel and Samuel N. Daniel died May 19, 1880, leaving no children. Samuel N. was born June 16, 1799, and died Oct. 9, 1872. He married Mary Earle of Berwick, Me., and had seven children, one of whom is Frank M., born in 1850. Frank M. married for his first wife Anna Hunt of Morenci, Mich., and for his second Carrie Conley of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and has had five children. He lives on the old homestead, and his children are the fifth generation who have lived there.
Brigham. The ancestor of this family in New England was Thomas, who embarked from London for America in 1635, and settled in Watertown. He had several sons, the eldest of whom, named Thomas, lived in Marlboro, and married the granddaughter of Edmund Rice, one of Sudbury's original grantees. It is conjectured that the Sudbury Brigham's are descended from this branch of the family. The name of John Brigham is in the Indian Deed of the Two Mile Grant, and also (page 65) on the petition to Governor Dudley by the West Side people for a new precinct in 1706-7. One of the same name early settled in the territory of Maynard. The name of Samuel is found on the roll of the 2nd Foot Company in 1757. A prominent member of the family in the present century was Capt. William Brigham. His farm was that now occupied by Elisha Goodenow. Rufus, a son of William, resides at Sudbury Centre. The Brigham family have lived mostly in the north and northwest parts of the town.
Burr. Hiram Burr, son of Daniel, came from Derby, Vt., in 1845, when a young man. His first wife was Ellen, daughter of Deacon Gardner Hunt. His second wife was Nancy J., daughter of Deacon Thomas Dakin. He owns and lives on the Gardner Hunt farm, South Sudbury. He has had four children, Frank G., Arthur H., Clifford B., Howard C., Nellie May.
BuTTERFiELD. Lutlicr Butterfield was born at Antrim, N. H. He came to Sudbury in 1841, and settled in the Lanliam district on the road from Sudbury to Saxonville. He has six children, Ebenezer S., James B., George F., Sarah, Jerome, Edward C.
Carr. The Sudbury ancestor of the Carr family now living in town was Ezra, who went to Sudbury in 1810 and resided on the old Carr homestead, then occupied by his brother John and since owned by his son Crosb3^ Abiathar, another son, was born in Wilmington, Vt. He married Rebecca, daughter of Israel and Rebecca (Rice) Wheeler, and had six children, four of whom are living, Lucinda J., Charlotte M., Frederick E. and ]\Ierrick. Lucinda and Merrick are residents of Sudbur3\ The old homestead passed out of the family about 1850.
CoNANT. Silas Conant was born in Stow, May 31, 1747. He moved to North Sudbury in 1782, and lived until his death, Sept. 20, 1836, on the farm since owned and occupied, until his death in 1859, b}^ Emory, his grandson. The father of Emory was Amos, who had four sons, Emory, Dexter, Silas and Amos. John M., son of Amos, Jr., and present resident of Sudbury, is of the tenth generation from Roger, who came from England to Plymouth, New England, about 1623. John M. has served as selectman and assessor for several years. He married Lucretia A. Richards of Concord, Vt., and has had four children, Clara J., Lillian, Edwin A. and Louisa.
Clark. Isaac Clark was born April 18, 1806, in Windham, N. Y., and moved to Hopkinton in 1816. He married Almira Osborn of Sudbury, Sept. 26, 1833. In April, 1837, he purchased and settled upon the Osborn place where he now resides. He has had six children, Everett O., Eliza S., Almira A., Ellen O., Frederic P. and Franklin P.
Cutler. The name of Thomas Cutler is found on a petition of 1707, and that of Elisha on a muster-roll of 1755. The family have resided mostly at the south part of the town. Asher, grandfather of the late C. G. Cutler, Esq., once owned the mill at South Sudbury, which he left jointly to his sons Asher and Abel. In the early part of the century, Abel, the father of Christopher, kept a tavern near the Gravel Pit. C. G. Cutler, a well-known citizen, died at his residence in South Sudbury a few years since at the advanced age of ninety. He had four cliildren, Joseph, Mary, Emeline and Caroline.
Cutter. An early resident of this name was Nathanael, who was a soldier in Captain Nixon's Company in 1761. (See period 1750-1775.) Joseph Cutter was born in 1761, and married Prudence, daughter of James Thompson of Sudbury. He was a drum major in the Revolutionary War, and died in Sudbury in 1807. He left several children. A daughter married William Stone, who formerly kept tavern about a mile west of South Sudbury on the Boston and Worcester road (William Stone place). A son, Joseph, Jr., lived on the present Hiram Goodnow farm until his death. Joseph, Jr., married Lucy, daughter of Gideon Richardson. They had five children, Dana, Augustus, Dexter, Caroline and Lucy Ann. Augustus married Abby A., daughter of John and Sibel (Read) Allen, and has four children, Harry C, Howard A., Joseph, Mary Sibel. Lucy A. married Hiram Goodenough.
Dakin. The first Sudbury ancestor of this family was Captain Samuel Vv^ho was killed in the last French and Indian War. (See period 1750-1775.) Thomas, the father of Deacon Joseph the father of Samuel, went to Concord prior to 1650. The family lived in North Sudbury near the northern boundary. Three of them have been deacons, Samuel, June 30, 1775 ; Levi, March 24, 1817 ; and Thomas L., son of Levi, in 1838.
DwYER. Richard Dwyer emigrated to America in 18-15. He purchased the place in North Sudbury on which he still resides. He has seven children, John, Richard, Thomas, Maria, Kate, Mary and Lizzie.
Eaton. The Eaton family descended from Jonas who was in Reading in 1642. He had eight children, among whom was Jonas, whose son John had eleven children, among whom was Jonas, born May 18, 1680. Jonas was a carpenter and bricklayer, and settled in Framingham in 1705-6, where he bought eighty acres of land and erected a house on the present John M. Harrington place, near the Sudbury and Framingham boundary. He had ten children, among whom was Noah, born July 22, 1708. Noah was known as Cornet Eaton. He had eight children, among whom was John, born July 30, 1740. John lived on the old homestead. He married Olive Conant and had twelve children, among whom were Reuben and Sally. Reuben, born May 14, 1769, married Betsy Hunt, and Sally, born Nov. 8, 1770, married Elisha Hunt of Sudbury. Reuben went to Sudbury in 1799. He lived on the Loring Eaton place (near Heard's Pond). Among his children were Loring and John. Loring lived until his death on the old homestead, and had five children. John lived on the present John Eaton place at Lanham. He had three children, Edward, John, Sarah. The sons live on the old farm.
Eaivies, This family is descended from Thomas Fames, whose house, in what is now Framingham, was destroyed by the Indians, Feb. 1, 1675-76. He came to America by 1634, served in the Pequot war in 1637, lived for a time in Cambridge, and moved to Sudbury where he leased " the Pelham Farm" (Heard's Island, Wayland), and lived until he leased land, in 1669, at Mt. Wayte, Framingham. (See page 154.) He was twice married; the second wife, whom he married in 1662 and who was killed by the Indians, was Mary, a daughter of John Blandford of Sudbury. It is supposed he had twelve children, three of whom were born in Sudbury. John, one of the children of Thomas, born Oct. 6, 1642, built a house in Framingham, and had ten children, among whom was Henry, born April 28, 1698. Henry married Ruth Newton of Marlboro in 1722, and had eleven children, among whom was Timothy. Timothy was twice married ; his first wife was Sarah Stone, who died April 25, 1763, at the age of twenty-three ; his second wife, Hannah, widow of Dr. Hills, died in 1795. He lived on the Sewall Hunt place, south of Lowance Brook. He had six children, among whom was Phinehas, born May 14, 1766, who married in 1788 Jane, daughter of Col. Ezekiel How, and had eight children, among whom was Fisher, who married Laura H., daughter of Benjamin Dudley. In 1835, Fisher settled at Lanham on the place now occupied by his son, Addison E.
Fairbank. This family descended from early inhabitants of Framingham, Holliston and Sherborn, who it is supposed were descendants of Jonathan Fairbank of the West Riding of Yorkshire, England, and settled in Dedham previous to 1641. The first who came to Sudbury was Jonathan, who came from Holliston or Sherborn prior to 1783. He was twice married, his first wife being Hannah Morse of Northboro, who died leaving two children, and his second wife, Bridget Parmenter, who had ten children. He settled in the south-west part of the town on what is known as the Abijah Walker place. Among Jonathan's children was Drury, who was born July 17, 1793, and married, Oct. 26, 1817, Mary Spring of Hubbardston. He lived in the west part of Sudbury on the farm now occupied by Charles Whitney, on the road from Sudbury to Hudson. He was colonel of militia, justice of the peace, and held various town ofi&ces. He had six children, Nelson, Nancy, Winthrop, J. Parker, Hannah, Mary S., all of whom were born in Sudbury except Nelson who was born in Boston. Nelson is at present a town resident and has held various town offices. He married Susan, daughter of Aaron and Lois Hunt of Sudbury, Dec. 24, 1844, and has had four children, Albert G., Hattie S., Sarah A. and Mary L. The latter was born Dec. 12, 1858, and married William H. Goodnow of Sudbury, Oct. 17, 1888. J. Parker married Emily, daughter of Loring Wheeler of Sudbury. His son, Winthrop H., lives on the Tilly Smith farm and has held the office of selectman.
Fisher. The Sudbury ancestor of the Fisher family was Edward, who moved into town from Newton in the early part of the century. His wife was Mary Norcross, and they had nine children, Emily, Mary, Edward, Fanny, Caroline, Joseph, Charles, Martha and Lyman. Six of these children were born in Newton. Charles married Harriet Brown of Sudbury, and had one child, Julia, wife of Hubbard H. Brown.
442 SlSTORY OF SUDBURY.
Martha married John Goodwin, an ex-speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives and editor of a Lowell newspaper. Lyman married Dolly Conant, and his son Fred, who resides in Sudbury, married Emma H., daughter of Everett and Mary (Dakin) Brown. Edward Fisher, Sen., was a wheelwright, and carried on business at the old shop. South Sudbury, where his son Charles also followed the same trade until his death.
Gaefield, A near ancestor of the Garfield families in Sudbury was Enoch. He was born in New Hampshire and his wife was from Lincoln. His sons, Francis and John, were born in Lincoln, and went to Sudbury from Concord, the former in 1860 and the latter about 1854. Francis married Sarah, daughter of Thomas B. Battles, and has four children, Emma F., Thomas F., Henry C. and William E, John has been twice married ; his first wife was Louisa Rice of Marlboro, married in 1853 ; and his second is Harriett M. Flagg of Lincoln, married in 1858. He has two children, Mary L. and John W. Francis is a farmer and John is in the grocery business, and both reside at Sudbury Centre.
Gerry. According to sketches of Stoneham, by Silas Dean, Thomas Gerry came to America as boatswain on a war vessel sometime in the seventeenth century and settled at Stoneham ; and, after remaining there several years, he entered the service of his country and was killed in battle. The same authority speaks of him as a man of great courage, and narrates the following incident : One day, when on his way home about dusk, he came in contact with a number of wolves. Armed with an axe, he braced himself against a tree and pitched battle with his antagonists. The next morning, on returning to the spot, he found he had killed four wolves and wounded a fifth. Elbridge Gerry, formerly governor of this State and vice-president under Mr. Madison's administration, is said to have been a member of this family. Thomas, another descendant, was born in Stoneham, March 15, 1732. He married for his first wife Jane Wilder, and for his second, Priscilla Jewett. He struck the first blow towards settling the town of Royalston by building a. log -house for another party, being guided to the spot designated by marked trees. David Jewett, fourth child of Thomas and Piiscilla, was born in Stirling, Feb. 23, 1770, and came to Sudbury about the year 1817, where he died, Oct. 27, 1849, aged seventy-nine. He married Lucy Thompson of Stirling. Their children were Thomas, Eliza, and Charles. He kept the Old Pratt Tavern about five years, and subsequently engaged in roof building, then a separate trade, and bridge building. With his son Charles, he built the first span bridge across the Nashua River at Dunstable, now Nashua. Charles was born in Fitzwilliam, Feb. 3, 1802, and went to Sudbury when about fifteen years of age. He was one of the selectmen in Sudbury several years, and master builder of the Acton Powder Mills. For many years he lived on the present Farr farm. His children are Charles F., Martha A., Eliza L., Edwin A., Israel H., Laura J., Sarah A., David J., Helen F., Clara J., Henry E., Frank E., Herbert L. and two who died in infancy. Charles F. is the only son now living in Sudbury.
Harrington. The name of Daniel Harrington is on a list of nine soldiers who were impressed into the service by a requisition made on the town by the Colony in 1675. The family, however, has not been numerous in Sudbury, Edwin Harrington, born in Lexington, Feb. 21, 1821, went to Sudbury in 1843, where he married Eunice E., daughter of Reuben Moore, Nov. 27, 1845. He carried on the wheelwright's business for some years at Sudbury Centre in the shop once used by the Evangelical Union Society for religious services. (See period 1825-1850.) He built the dwellinghouse adjoining, and subsequently erected the house lately moved from the site of the present residence of George E. He was town treasurer in 1861-1863. He had one child, George E., who was born in Sudbury, Oct. 27, 1846, married, June 13, 1878, Alice E. Brown of Sudbury, who died, Nov. 19, 187-9, and Dec. 31, 1881, married M. Edna Newton of South Framingham. He has three children, Beth Margaret, Ruth Elinor and Alice Erline.
Hudson. Martin Newton Hudson was born in Framingham Sept. 22, 1812. He went to Sudbury, and, Jan. 8, 1837, married Maria, youngest daughter of Joseph and Olive (Mossman) Read, who died Jan. 17, 1857. He lived at South Sudbury, and had three children, John Plympton, Alfred Sereno and Ellen R. He died at South Sudbury, Oct. 7, 1861, at the age of forty-nine. The Hudson family in Sudbury is descended from Nathaniel Hudson of Lancaster, born May 15, 1671, and whose father was probably Daniel of that town. Nathaniel married Rebekah Rugg and settled in Lancaster where his two older children were killed by the Lidians. From 1709-1719 he lived in Billerica where he held town, office. He afterward removed to Framingham. Nathaniel had eight children besides those killed by the Lidians, Nathaniel, Abigail, Sarah, Samuel, John, William and Johanna. William lived at Framingham, married, March 8, 1747, Dorcas Walkup, and had three children, Nathan, Thomas and William, all of whom were baptized in Framingham. William, baptized May 11, 1755, married Tabitha Kibbey and had three children, among whom was Nathan, born Dec. 15, 1786. Nathan was twice married. His first wife was Annie, daughter of Andrew Newton, married July 3, 1808, by which marriage he had four children, among whom was Martin Newton of Sudbury.
Hayden. The Hayden family was in Sudbury as early as 1701, and settled near the west boundary of the town. The name of Josiah Hayden is on the list of west side remonstrants to the division of the town into two parishes in 1707, and it is repeatedly on the muster-rolls a century and a half later. Within the last fifty years the family has gradually died out ; the last one being Dana, who lived until his death on the old farm.
HoER. The first of this family in Sudbury was Richard R., who came in 1850 from Castleton, Vt. His mother was of the old Smith family of East Sudbury (Wayland). He married for his first wife Julia N. Brown of Sudbury, in 1853, who died, 1877. His second wife is Annie Lee, a native of England. By his first marriage he had two children, Jervis E. and Roger H., by the second he had Howard A. He has held the office of selectman three years and trustee of the Goodnow Library fifteen years.
HuRLBUT. Rev. Rufus Hurlbut was the first Sudbury ancestor of the family now living in town. He had six children, Thomas P., Mary S., William R., Steven H.,
RESIDENCE OF RICHARD R. HORR, So. Sudbury. John L. and James D. Thomas Prentiss married a (]au":hter of Curtis Moore of Sudbury and had three children, Rufus, Elisabeth and Helen. He was a prominent citizen and held various town offices. Between 1864 and 1872 he was chairman of the board of selectmen. He was a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1870 and 1873, and of the Senate in 1874. He was chairman of the town committee for the arraugement of terms at the incorporation of Maynard. For years he was deacon of the Evangelical Union Church, which position he held at the time of his death. Rufus, son of Thomas P., married Catherine, daughter of Jonas Tower of Sudbury, and has four children, Arthur S., Marion B., Grace P. and Anza P. He was a member of the House of Representatives in 1884. He lives at South Sudbury and is one of the firm of Hurlbut & Rogers, machinists.
Jones. An early inhabitant of this name was John, who lived at Lanham, and was a soldier in the expedition to Canada in 1690. Early in 1700 he moved to Framingham. He had two sons, both named John, one of whom died young, the other, born July 15, 1709, lived on his father's place in Framingham, was twice married, and had six children, one of whom was Samuel, born Nov. 18, 1746. Samuel settled in Framingham, and went to Dublin, N. H., about 1779, where he died in 1820. The Joneses now in Sudbury are descendants of the Jones family in Holliston, whose ancestor was, probably. Colonel John of Boston, who in 1715 removed to what is now Ashland, then Framingham. Samuel, son of Samuel of Holliston, went to Sudbury where he married Rachel Haynes, Feb. 12, 1778. He had eight children, Joshua, Samuel, Joel, Asa, John^ Lydia, Rachel and Eliza. Joshua's children were William and Cyrus. William married Sarah Bogle of Sudbury and had three children, William, John and Marshall. John, son of William and Sarah, resides at South Sudbury. Samuel had five children, one of whom was William, who married Catherine, daughter of Israel Howe Brown, and lives at South Sudbury. Asa had three children, among whom was Smith, who lives at Sudbury Centre (Hurlbut place). John, the youngest son of Samuel and Rachel, had seven children, among whom was Maynard and Dexter. Dexter lias been twice married ; his first Avife was Emily Richardson and his second Elizabeth Hurlbut, both of Sudbury. He lives on the road between South Sudbury and the Centre. He has held various town offices and Avas Representative to the Legislature in 1861.
Lyon. Patrick Lyon emigrated to America in 1844. He purchased a place in North Sudbury where he has resided for about thirty-five years. He has five children, John, Frank, Thomas, Mary, and Margaret.
O'Neil. John O'Neil attended St. Jarlath's College, Suam, Ireland, and was a member of the government surveying party that surveyed England, Ireland and Scotland in 1845. He emigrated to America in 1849, and settled at Concord. He married Julia, daughter of Thomas McManus of Assabet. In 1863, he moved to the Samuel Puffer farm, North Sudbury, where he still resides. He has four sons, Thomas F., John L., Charles E. and Joseph M. Thomas F. was sent as Representative to the Legislature in 1887.
OsBORN. An early inhabitant by this name was Samuel. His father's name was Andrew, who, with his wife, came to this country from Annapolis, Ireland. Samuel was born on the water. He married Lydia Griffith of East Sudbury (Wayland), Nov. 1, 1732, and had five children, two of whom were Samuel and Daniel. Daniel married Sarah Perry of Sudbury, Nov. 16, 1769. He lived south of Hart Pond, his house being but a short distance from the County road. The Osborn place in the south part of the town was the farm since owned by Isaac Clark.
Perry. The Perry family is descended from Ebenezer Perry, who came from Dedham, probably not far from the beginning of the eighteenth century. He married Mercy Brigham, and lived on the farm now occupied by Obadiah and Levi Perry in the west part of the town. He died in 1731. He had a son Obadiah, whose son John was the father of Obadiah, who was the father of Obadiah and Levi E. Obadiah, the father of Obadiah and Levi E., was born March 25, 1779. He had eight children, Betsy, Jesse, Lyman, John, Charles, Luc}^, Obadiah and Levi E.
fiiSTORY OF SUDBURY. 44?
Obadiah was born Oct. 9, 1817 ; Levi E. was born March 18, 1820, and has two chiklren, Ellen Maria, born July 2, 1847, and Sylvester D wight, born Jan. 4. 1851.
Powers. Abijah Powers, first of the name in Sudbury, was a native of Maine. He went from Stirling to Sudbury in 1841, and purchased a place at the Centre where he still lives and carries on the blacksmith's business. In 1838, he married Delia Maynard of North Sudbury and has had four children, Emily R., Edwin A. (died in 1846), Clara A. and Edwin A. Edwin A. married Emma F., daughter of Francis and Sarah Garfield, in 1869, and has one son, Willard M.
Pratt. An early Sudbury resident of the name was Ephraim, who, with others, in 1729 signed a petition asking that the subscribers, who claimed to be owners of the New Grant lots, might hold a legal meeting " to be at the house of Jonathan Rice (North West District) in said Sudbury, Innholder." The farm occupied by Ephraim Pratt was known as the VVedge-Pratt farm, which was sold in 1743 to Jabez Puffer of Braintree, and is now included in the toAvn of Maynard. Mr. Pratt moved to Shutesbury, where he died in 1804 at the age of one hundred and sixteen years. He was born in Sudbury in 1687. Dr. D wight, having visited him a short time before his death, in liis " Travels " gives the following facts concerning him : " He was of middle stature ; firmly built ; plump, but not encumbered with flesh; less withered than multitudes at seventy; possessed of considerable strength, . . . and without any marks of extreme age." But a short time before, his sight and hearing had become impaired. " His memory was still vigorous ; his understanding sound and his mind sprightly and vigorous. He had been a laborious man all his life ; and had mown grass one hundred and one years successively. The preceding summer he had been unable to perform this labor ; but in 1802 he walked without inconvenience two miles and mowed a small quantit}^ of grass. . . . Throughout his life he had been uniformly temperate. ... In the vigorous periods of his life he had accustomed himself to eat flesh, but more abstemiously than most other people in this country. Milk,
448 fliSTORY OP SUDBURY.
which had alwaj^s been a great part, was now the whole of his diet." He was never sick but once, and then with fever and ague. Nathan Pratt, one of the founders of tlie American Powder Company, was a native of Fitchburg, came to Sudbury from Charlestown about 1833, moved to Arlington about 1855, and left the powder business in 1865. He had no children. Nathan, a nephew of Nathan and present resident of the town, was a son of Capt. Levi Pratt. He was born in Fitchburg in 1829, and came to Sudbmy Jan. 1, 1849. He was for twenty-one years in the employ of the American Powder Company, and from 1860 to 1870 superintendent of the Powder Mills. In 1870, he bought and took possession of the property previously known as " Moore's Mills " in the west part of the town, which consists of a saw, grist and planing mill. Mr. Pratt is a Director in the American Powder Company and the Hudson National Bank and Trustee of the Hudson Savings Bardi. He lias also held various town offices and was chairman of the board of selectmen for four years. In 1855, he married Harriet, daughter of Aaron Hunt of Sudbuiy, and has three children, Sarah E., Harriet M. and Nathan R. Sarah E. has for the past nine years been a teacher in the State Normal School, Framingham .
Puffer. This family first appeared in Boston in 1640, and was granted land at Mount Wollaston, now Quincy. George, who sometimes was called Poffer, had three children. James the oldest married at Braintree, 1656, Mary Ludden. He had six children, James, born 1663, and Jabez, 1672 ; both removed to Sudbury in 1712. James married Mary Ellis of Dedhani in 1690, and had six children born in Braintree ; he died in 1749. Captain Jabez married Mary Glazier in 1702 and had seven children, all but the last two born in Braintree ; he died in 1746. Jabez 2d married Thankful Haynes in 1731, Samuel married Dorothy Haynes in 1732. They were sons of Jabez 1st and married sisters. Reuben, son of Jabez 2d, graduated at Harvard College in 1778, and was settled at Berlin. He died in 1829. He was distinguished in his profession, and received the decree of D. D. from Harvard Colleg'e in 1810. A. D. Puffer a great-grandson of Jabez 2d, who resides in Medford and is an extensive manufacturer of soda fountains was born in Sudbury in 1819. Daniel, grandson of Jabez 2d, was an extensive land owner. The Puffer family have lived mostly in the north-west and north-east parts of the town. Deacon Samuel Puffer lived in the latter district in the early part of the present century. One branch of the Puffer family, in which the name Daniel has been prominent, was so noted for skill in catching wild j)igeons as to give rise to the term, familiar in Sudbury, of Pigeon Catcher Puffer. Luther, a son of Samuel, Jr., graduated at Bowdoin College in 1853. Alpheus, another son, is a resident of South Sudbury. James, a son of Josiah, resides at Sudbury Centre.
Richardson. Major Josiah was the first of the Richardson family in Sudbury. He was born in Woburn Jan. 12, 1701-2, and married Experience, daughter of Benjamin Wright of Sudbury. They had four children, Gideon, Josiah, Experience and Luther. Gideon went into the ministry and settled at Wells, Me., but soon afterwards died. The Richardsons of the present day are descendants of Josiah, Jr., who was the only son living when his father made his will in 1758. Major Josiah Richardson lived on the Israel Howe Brown place, which once included what are now the Newton and Hiram Goodenow farms, the first of which formerly belonged to Gideon, son of Josiah, Jr., and the latter to Joseph Cutter, who married Lucy, one of Gideon's daughters. Major Richardson has already been mentioned in connection with the Sudbury militia. In 1765, Josiah was appointed coroner of Middlesex County. The family have lived mostly at South Sudbury. Abel Richardson, son of Gideon, for years owned the saw and grist mill there, and his brother Josiah was a well-known musician. Benjamin, a son of Benjamin, who was brother of Josiah and Abel, represented Sudbury in the Legislature in 1858, and is a justice of the peace. He has had eight children, Anna M., Merrick L., Clifford W., Waldo F., Emily C, Leonard F., Ralf L., Nellie M.
Robinson. A member of this family early in town lived in a house which stood on or near the Smith Jones place (Ilurlbut place). He had several children, among whom were Paul, Oliver and Silas. He went from Stow to Sudbury, where he died. Paul was born in Stow, went to Sudbury, and had several children, among whom was Dexter, who still lives at South Sudbury. Dexter had two children, Fitz A. and Martha A. Fitz married Louisa Tower of Sudbury Centre and resides in Weston. Martha married Elias King.
Rogers. The Rogers farailj'' has been in town more than three-quarters of a century. The first was Walter, born in Marshfield Aug. 6, 1767; he came from Braintree in 1805. His wife was Betsey Barstow of Hanover, born Aug. 1, 1772. He purchased of Mr. Waite a part of the Jonas Holden place, of which the C. G. Cutler farm is also a part, and both of which belonged to the George Pitts place in the early part of the eighteenth century. He erected a house on the farm and died in Sudbury at an advanced age. He was a person of considerable mechanical ability, having made a hand fire engine for his own use. He had nine children, Betsey, Lydia, Lucy, Abigail, Mary, Jane, Walter, Nancy, Samuel B. Betsey, widow of Deacon Gardner Hunt, is still living at the age of about ninety. Walter married for his first wife Emily M. Hayden, Dec. 1, 1831, and for his second wife Emeline S., daughter of William Stone of Sudbury, July 10, 1855. He owns and occupies the old homestead, and has had five children, Bradley, Edwin, Albert, Homer and Elizabeth. Samuel B. has been a prominent business man in South Sudbury. He married Eliza, daughter of Noah Parmenter, and has had four children, Alfred S., Bradley S., Melvina A., Atherton W. Atherton resides at South Sudbury and is chairman of the present board of selectmen.
Taylor. The name of Mello C. Taylor is recorded in connection with a petition to Governor Dudley by the West Side inhabitants in 1706-7 ; and among the inhabitants of the north-west district, early in the century, was Richard Taylor, who was one of the Proprietors of and prominently connected with the settlement of Grafton. (See page 167.) Hezekiali and John were early settlers of what is now Maynard. The immediate ancestor of the present Taylor family in Sudbury was John, who went to Sudbury from Stow about 1800. He married for his first wife Mary Conant of Framingham, and for his second wife Elizabeth Hews of Weston. By his second marriage he had six children, Mary, Eliza, Cyrus, Sarah, Rebecca and Susan. Sarah married Thomas B. Battles of Sudbury. Cj^rus, born 1796, married Mary Barker of Sudbury and had nine children, John, Sewall, Mary, George, Henry, Susan, Lewis, Andrew and Martha. John married Caroline, daughter of Samuel Jones of Sudbury, and has one child, Carrie, who married W, H, Bent, formerly of Sudbury. Sewall married Mrs. Susan (Moore) Moulton. George married Susan Spring of Weston, and has one son, Edward.
Thompson. Tradition says that the first Thompson in Sudbury was born on the passage from England to America. While living in Sudbury, but absent from home, his house was at one time attacked by the Indians. His wife, with an infant child, escaped to the woods. In her flight she received a musket-ball in the leg from which she suffered greatly, being obliged to stay in the woods all night. A son, James, was town clerk in the latter part of the eighteenth century. Jedediah, son of James, was born and died in Sudbury. Naftum, son of Jedediah, was a prominent citizen. In the early part of his life he was town clerk, and later town treasurer. He had seven children, three of whom are sons, of whom Alfred is a Sudbury resident. The old Thompson house at South Sudbury stood just west of the track of the Massachusetts Central Railroad at its junction with the county highway. A part of it was moved to the Thadeus Moore place west of Hayden's Bridge.
Walker. Thomas Walker is mentioned as teacher of a free school in Sudbury in 1661. (See page 139.) He is also mentioned as an Innholder in 1672. Thomas, probably the same one, had eight children, among whom were Mary and Thomas. Mary married Rev. James Sherman ; and Thomas, born May 22, 1664, bought sixty acres of land, April 10, 1688, of Gookin and How, in the territory now Framingham, and built a house near Rice's End. He married Martha, daughter of Samuel How, Dec. 7, 1687, and had ten children, among whom was Samuel, born Sept. 24, 1689, who married, Nov. 3, 1715, Hannah Jennings. Samuel and Hannah had five children, among whom was Azariah, born June 24, 1722, who married Abigail Seaver. The youngest son of Azariah was Mathias, who married, in 1792, Jane Moulton of East Sudbury, and one of whose sons, Azariah, born Nov. 1, 1798, married Miranda Bogle and moved to Sudbury. His son Francis married Ellen, daughter of Edward Brown of Sudbury, and lives on the old homestead. Their children are Eugene, Prentiss, Elinor, Shirley and Carlton. Thomas has been a common family name. It is found on the " Old Petition " in 1676, in a list of those who shared the town's stock of ammunition in 1688, and in the muster-roll of the 2nd Foot Company in 1757. From William, son of Thomas 1st, has descended the Walker family that long lived in the west part of the town. He had a son Thomas who was deacon of the Sudbury Church and father of Paul, who was sent as a representative to the Legislature. Willard Walker, son of Paul, lives on the old farm. He has been twice married and has' three children, Roselbie, Caroline and Georgiana.
Wheeler. It is quite probable that this family came from Concord, where the name appears from •the settlement of the town. It is stated (History of Concord) that the family came from Wales, and that the descendants have been so numerous and so many have borne the same Christian name that their genealogy is traced with great difficulty. The name of George Wheller is on a muster-roll of the 2nd Fodt Company in 1757 ; and the name of Caleb Wheeler is attached to a petition to the selectmen asking that a townmeeting be called to consider the matter of purchasing a house for small-pox patients. A prominent member of the family in the present century was Loring, whose father, Abel, was born in Sudbury July 21, 1776. Loring married, April 10, 1827, Polly Cutter of Temple, N. H., and had seven children. He lived until his death, Oct. 15, 1855, on the place formerly occupied by his father in the east part of the town. He had five children, Emily, Adaline, Loring, Henrietta and Abel. Emily married J. Parker Fairbanks ; Adaline, John Goodenow ; and Henrietta, James Puffer, all of Sudbury. Loring, Sen., was for years on the board of selectmen.
Willis. The names of Samuel and Joseph Willis appear on a petition of 1706-7 ; and on a list of the 2nd Foot Company of 1757 are the names of Serg't Joseph, Jesse, Reuben and John. The family have, for the most part, lived in the westerly or north-westerly part of the town, and Willis Pond and Willis Hill are familiar landmarks. Among well-known citizens of the present century, descendants of whom still live in town, were Smith and James Prescott, brothers ; Daniel Lyman and George W., brothers ; and Eli. The former two were sons of Silas. Smith had two daughters, Adaliza and lantha. James P. married Adaline R. Haynes, lived near Sudbury Centre and had five children, James L., Albert, Adaline, Edward and Charles P. James L. married for his first wife Emily R., daughter of Abijah Powers, June 17, 1866 ; for his second wife, Ella S. Simpson, July 7, 1870. Charles P. married Cora E. Willard. Both are residents of Sudbury. Daniel Lyman married Sarah, daughter of Joseph Reed, and had eleven children, Jerusha, George, Charles A., Nancy, Mary, Abi, George L., Joseph H., Samuel A., Charles A. and John F. Joseph H. married Caroline Hunt and had one child named Samuel. George W. married Adaline Haynes and had six children, Edward, Cyrus L., Harriet E., Mary, Adaline and Ella. Eli married a daughter of Israel Haynes of Sudbury and had several children, one of whom, Eli, married Sarah Butterfield and lives at Lanham.
By this brief review of family history, we are reminded that the years have brought changes in the homesteads and among the households of Sudbury. There has been a going out and coming in of inhabitants, and not only highways, occupations, churches and schools have changed, but whole families have vanished, leaving no one to perpetuate their names.
CHAPTER XXV. page 454
1800-1825.
Continuation of Old Customs to the Beginning of the Present Century.
— Inventory in a Will of 1806. Extracts from an Old Account Book. Description of Manners and Customs by an Old Inhabitant.
— Changes in the Early Part of the Nineteenth Century. Extract from " Fireside Hymns."— Highway Work. North Sudbury Road. South Sudbury Road. Rebuilding Wash Bridge. Railing the Causeway. Setting out Willow Trees. Rebuilding the Canal Bridge. Miscellaneous, Educational Matters. Report of School Committee in 1802. Removal of Centre School-House to the Common. Singing Society. Church Music. Military Matters. Patriotic Attitude Assumed by the Town. Money Pledged to Soldiers as Wages. As Bounty. Patriotic Resolutions. Militia Officers.
— How Chosen. Where. Specimen of Company Order. Soldiers in 1812. Wages per Day. Settlement of Rev. Timothy Hilliard. Ordaining Council. Dismission. Bill Allowed for Entertaining the Dismissing Council. Sketch of Mr. Hilliard. Appointment of a Day of Fasting and Prayer Relative to the Settlement of a New Minister. Call Extended to Rev, Rufus Hurlbut. Accepted. Death of Rev. Jacob Bigelow. His Annuity. Money Paid his Widow for Service Rendered by the Clergy as a Gift to lier. Funeral Expenses. Sketch of Mr. Bigelow. Addition to the Church during his Ministry. Enlarging the Burying Ground.
— Purchase of a Bier and Hearse. Formation of "Sudbury Ministerial Land Corporation." Sale of Ministerial Land, Report of the " Ministerial Fund Corporation."
By the fireside there are old men seated Seeing ruined cities in the ashes,
Asking sadly Of the Past what it can ne'er restore them.
Longfellow.
The interest of the community in ecclesiastical matters in the beginning of the nineteenth century was similar to that of the century that preceded it. The town was the parish and the church was still at the front. The people regarded
454 the minister as the exponent of a system of truth that they revered and of a faith that they cherished and taxed themselves to support. Marked respect was shown him by both old and young ; the former not being too busy to leave the workshop or field when he called, and the latter, not having so far outgrown that civility which is becoming to youth, as to pass unnoticed one whose calling was held in such esteem by their elders. The Sabbath was observed by a general attendance at church, and a large share of the town officials were either church members or regular church attendants. Special church occasions, such as ordinations, installations and dedications, were gala days to the community, and days of fasting and thanksgiving were religiously observed. The outward form of religion was not then divorced from the town-meeting, the school or the home.
Politically and socially, at the beginning of the present century, affairs were conducted largely as in the century precedmg. Officials were elected mainly on the basis of merit. Military honors were still recognized. The same strict economy was practised and the same carefid consideration of need before the smallest expenditure. If it was only to decide upon the location of a horse-shed, the town deemed the matter of sufficient importance to adjourn its town-meeting to take a look at the premises, and, if thought desirable to erect a "noon-house," it might be essential to bring the subject before the town.
The custom and manner of living had not yet undergone any radical change, and all "new fangled " things were still looked upon with suspicion. The fireplace was the same as when the family group sat about it at evening and listened to the tales of Indian warfare. The people still wore the coarse cloth their own hands spun and wove. The hired man and the housemaid might be children of some of the most well-to-do families in town. Travel was largely on horseback or on foot. The horseblock by the meeting-house was still in use. Malt was a common commodity. New England rum was considered essential in hay-time. The wooden plow was in use, and the hay-fork and other farming tools were still made by the village smith. As late as 1806 the following articles are mentioned in the will of Hopestill Willis of Sudbury, which is, perhaps, a fair specimen of the inventory of a householder about the beginning of this century: "One calaca gown. A small Spinning Wheel. Wooden Ware. Meal sieve. Old Chist. Pewter Ware. Warming pan. Flax comb. Candle sticks and shears. Tongs, Trowels, meat tub. Cyder barrel."
In order to show the articles manufactured and used in town about the beginning of the present century, the price of work and of some common commodities, we quote a few extracts from the account book of James Thompson of South Sudbur3\
Jeduthan Moore D"'
To making a slead 0-4-0
to two Bushil of Malt : 9:0
to two pecks of Ground Malt 0:2:9
to mending a Spinning Wheele : 0:6
to a pair of temples. : 1:0
Hezekiah Moore D"" Old Tenor £ ^ ^
1770 to making a Bedstead 2- 0-0 to making a flax Breake 1- 2-6 1771. to one Days Reaping of Abel 0-15-0
Ashur Cutler D-- Old Tenor.
1772 to two days Labour at the Mill 1-16-0
1773 to Ashur's Trundle Bedstead 0-18-0 to a kneeding Trough 0- 9-0
1774 Making the Sawmill whele and work in the mill 5-10-0 Making a foot to a Little whele 0- 3-0
Credt to Mr Ashur Cutler Old Tenor
1771 by one Bushil of Rie 1-7-0 one Bushil of Indian Corn 1- 2-6 and one Bushil of Malt 1- 5-0
Capt John Nixon D"" Old tenor
Jan y« 10'*^ 1774 to making a Slay and finding nails 3- 0-0
May y^ 26, 1774 to mending a Spinning Wheele 0- 5-0 July at the Begining to making a cart and Ladders
and finding boards 3- 7-6
and making an ox yoke - 7-6
Jany 1775. to one Bushil of Malt 1- 5-0
April 17. 1775 to a Chist 2-8-0 457
Col° John Nixon D'' old Tenor
1776. to Kneeding trough 1 : 2:0
to four Bushils of Barley Malt 7- 0-0
Dec. 27"^ 1776 to Coffin for his wife 3 - 0-0
July 1783. Rec-i of Gen" Nixon 2 : 2:0
1781, Isaac Hunt. Debtor in Lawful money,
to making a cart body : 12 :
To a Coffin for his Father : 10 :
To making a Slead : 5:0
Jonas Holden Ju"" Debtor to James Thompson
1790 to 2 Days framing : 7:0
and half a Day Covering the Mill : 1:2
1791. to two Bushils of Malt 1 : 6:0
to four Days on the Gates : 8:0
To Aaron Johnson Dr Old Tenour
to making two Margent window frames 1- 7-0
to making three plain frames 1- 7-0
to making 203 Squares of Sashes at J 11-16-0
Confirmatory of the truth of our conjecture that, up to the time of which we write, no great changes had taken place in the customs and ways of society, we quote the following description of manners and customs by Mrs. Israel Haynes, a resident of Sudbury, written about the year 1864, at the age of eighty.
STATEMENT OF MRS. ISRAEL HAYNES.
" * * I still remember seventy-five years back more correct than what has been transacted within a week. * * I think people enjoyed their simple way of living as well as they do now. I recollect when the old meeting [house] was standing. A plain Building Ceiled with Boards and a few pews. There are several Barns now in town Finished much handsomer than that was. * * There was no bell on the house. But a small school house stood near by on the common finished of as poorly as the meeting house, there was a little entry-way where there was a little Bell Hung all that belonged to the town to ring for meetings or funerals or what not. There was Body seats below for the oldest people And seats in the gallery for other people. The most popular took the front seats and had Pegs put up to hang their Cockt Hats on. [they] made quite a show. * * The Deacons used to read the hymns two lines or a verse and then they sung it. They had a pitch pipe to pitch the tune. After awhile there was a bass viol Introduced and brought into town and did not suit the old People, one Old Gentleman got up took his hat of the peg and march'd off, said they had begun fidling there would be dancing next. The children occupied the stairs when the seats were full, and I believe they enjoyed [it]. They chose tithing men to keep them regulated but still there was some confusion. I would describe their dress as near as I can remember, it Consisted of one Dress one of their Mother's old Dresses she had when she was married or a Cheap Calico Coarser than A strainer I ever used. I recollect the first one I had it was thirty three cents a yd as we recon now and I thought it as Beautiful as they think of A Nice silk. As to bonnets I dont seem to remember as far back as I went first to meeting. But Children went to meeting in such clothes as they had now if they have not such clothes as they like they stay at home. They Avant a gold watch a breast pin and rings on the finger. In my ,young days we did not know what such things were. There was a minister in each adjoining town I Believe all of one Denomination, old People called it the old standing Order * * I have not described the men's Attire, it Consisted of A Cotton and linen shirt a pair of trowsers they were then called an under jacket one coat or Frock no padding or lining * * I have heard an old lady say she could make a coat in a day with her Baby in her lap. It would have been thought extravigant for A young man to have had boots before they were twenty one they wore cowhide shoes and liggins I never saw any under clothes they stood the cold weather better than they do now. I must say a word about our schools. The scholars were under as good regulations as they are now, there was no books in school except the Bible Dillingsworth spelling Book the primmer and Psalter and only one of a kind in A Family. The teacher set all the Coppies made all the pens. Those that studied Arithmetic the Master wrote down the Rules and sums in their Books and then they had Birch Bark split to do their sums on instead of slates. The school house was a little rough Building like a shed only it had a Door, there was A large Fire Place large enough to hold several logs and four feet wood and a stone hearth and chimney and Cross leg'd Benches for writers. The Boj^s "wore leather aprons and breeches And for dinner they used to fetch a sausage or slice of Pork and a Crust of Bread sharpen a stick and broil it over the coals and [there were] plenty of grease spots. The girls wore short loose Gowns and skirts and thick leather shoes and woolen stockings. They wore a blanket over their heads or their Mother's old Cloak. In the summer they wore [shaped] gown and skirt and cape bonnet colour'd otter with bare feet. You might as soon look for a wdiite Bear as to see shoes on Children in summer time. The Dwelling houses for the most part had two rooms and a fire place almost as large as they build their little Kitchens now and an oven right over the fire place and a large stone hearth. They mostly Built one room first and when they got able set up another room and if they had A son Many generally settled down at home. There was two families in almost every house that had two rooms. ?. * The People were farmers, most of them w^ent on Pretty much the same way every year. Each one tried to raise enough for their family, they did not make much improvement nor speculate. They kept Oxen and Cows and hogs for their own use and raised Corn and Rye Potatoes and Beans and other vegitables, some kept A Horse, they had no Carriages except a cart and sled. They used to ride horseback to meeting have a saddle and Pilion the man ride forward the woman behind. Sometimes go to visit their friends forty Miles and carry two Children, they w^ent to Market horseback had a wallet made of two Cloths, left open in the middle on a pair [of] paniards made of Basket stuff. The women went as often as the men, they swung the wallet over the horse's back put in their boxes each side so as to balance, then the Paniards [were] fixed on behind filled with pigeons or something else. I remember when there was but one old chaise in town and I dont remember of there being any thing that could be called A Carriage seventy years ago. seventy years ago I dont think there was a Carpet in town scarce a painted floor Our diet was simple not as many luxuries as they have now. at thanksgiving we had flower a good Chicken Pie and INIince pies and apple and Pumpkin and Plum pudding. I think a pound answered, sometimes a part was used in the Best mince pies * * if our Flower fell short we used Rye flower we had good rye. the best Farmers did not buy by the Barrel, 7 or 8 lbs used to answer the purpose, we had no Factories spun and wove and made our own Clothing * * I recollect when they began to go with two and four horses tackled in a wagon it looked as strange as these new inventions the cars or steamboats * * Neighbors used to visit and seemed to enjoy themselves. For supper they generally had Fresh meat or sausage or a short rye Cake made into a toast, Pye and that was good enough for a king, the women were Neighborly and Industrious willing to assist each other, one would get in a bedquilt and the others drop in and help get it out * * People began to improve in dress and living sixty years ago. I earnt money enough to buy a silk Dress when I was Married and A white Bonnet, if you could see it you would say the shape resembled a scale that store keepers use. we had to be prudent to lay by enough to purchase a silk Dress they was as high as they are now and Avages only four shillings a week for house work, but we did not have so much Cloth in a dress as they do now and no needless trimmings. I have had Calico Dresses made out of six yards and a half. It was customar}'' in winter to make a party for the middle aged, invite all the nearest neighbors and the school master, get a meat supper and the company and table set in the same room, for the most part there Avas a Bed and trap door in the room twas a considerable undertaking but they enjoyed it better than to call one or two at a time."
Thus much did the beginning of the nineteenth century partake of the spirit and ways of the past, but as the years advanced there came a wonderful change, and before the first period had passed, modern improvements began to creep into society, the church and the home took on an altered appearance ; and the second generation of the period became as accustomed to new manners, methods and implements, as if the former ones had belonged to some remote age. The change has continued to go on with accelerated speed, until now tlie very architecture, compared with that of the past, is strange ; even the products of our fields are different, and men and women and children at church, at home and at school do that and say that which to the fathers of 1800 would be as unfamiliar as to those of the century that went before. The years of the present century have taken away the things of the olden time.
Though we search for them long and with diligent care,
There were joys in the past now exceedingly rare.
The fireplace no longer burns bright as of yore
Sending out its bright beams on the old kitchen floor,
With its back-log all glowing as snugly it lay
Against the huge chimney, 'mid warm ashes gray ;
The ancient brick oven is closed from our gaze,
Where were baked the brown loaves of the rich, golden maize,
And the beans and " pan dowdy " and nice pumpkin pie
That so suited our taste, and delighted our eye ;
The " beaufet " that once so smilingly stood
With its three-cornered shelves of unpainted wood ;
The quaint pewter platters, substantial and bright ;
The candle of tallow, so smooth and so white ;
The hard, oaken floor that was scoured with such care ;
The garret, a store-house of relics most rare ;
The old-fashioned clock with its bell-note so clear.
And whose pendulum-tick we could easily hear ;
The plain, simple dress and the old-fashioned ways.
The " raisings," the " huskings " of those early days,
The " apple-bees," " training-days," breaking out roads,
The turnpikes, the toll-gates, the stages, the loads
Of rich country produce that was carried to town
By the farmer, whose custom it was to " go down ; "
The old-fashioned winter, the mild early spring,
With snow-drifts and sunbeams which these used to bring ;
The old district school with its three months a year,
The little red school-house with benches so queer,
Where to cipher, to read, to parse, and to write
Were deemed wholly sufficient to educate quite ;
The singing-school also has passed out of date.
And the fugue-tune and fiddle have shared the same fate.
462 History of sudbury.
As these were made use of in country church choir, Or on special occasions by the sitting-room fire. Thus have the years in their flight left behind The old-fashioned things that are now hard to find ; We may search for them long and with diligent care, And if we find them at all, 'tis exceedingly rare.
We now pass from a consideration of general changes that occurred about 1800, to events that took place in the first period of the present century. First, as they are related to highwa^^s, bridges and causeways. Early in the century an effort was made to secure the construction of a highway throngh North Sudbury. As early as 1800, complaint was made against the town for not making a road there, and the town appointed an agent to defend its cause.
In 1801, a committee was apjiointed to see about " an alteration in the road from Rev. Mr. Bigelow's to near Mr. Tower's by W™ Rice's Esq as far as Mr. Vose's." The indications are that an alteration had been made in the road, that a shorter way was proposed, and that the court had been applied to for a discontinuance of the alteration formerly made. In 1806, an article was in the warrant to see if the town would take any measures " for the purpose of discharging an execution against said town it being in consequence of not complying with tlie requisition of the order of the Court of Sessions for the making of the road through the northerly part of said town." The town also appointed an agent to oppose the acceptance of tlie road ; but, notwithstanding the opposition, the North road was built. About the same time the south part was interested in a proposition to make some alteration in the South road, known as the Boston and Worcester. In 1805, a committee was appointed to act with one ajjpointed by tlie Court of Sessions for this purpose. The design was to straighten portions of the road from Green Hill to the brick kilns or Gibbs farm. In 1805, the sum of $1800 was appropriated for highway work, and the same year $1000 was granted for tlie purpose of repairing " Lancaster and Worcester Road so called." The following year the records make mention of a road laid out from Jonathan Fairbank's to John Perry's. In 1807, it was voted " to sell and discontinue part of the road from Ezekiel Loring's to Framingham line."
In 1801, Lieut. David How rebuilt Wash Bridge for fortyfive dollars and twenty-five cents. That year, also, a committee of five was appointed " for the purpose of railing this town's proportion of the Long Causeway, and setting out a sufficient number of willow trees to answer the purpose for Guides in the time of flood." In 1804, sixty-four dollars were granted for making a wall each side of Sherman's Bridge. In 1806, the town voted to let out the rebuilding of the Canal Bridge. In 1815, the town voted twenty dollars and thirty-three cents for the Canal Bridge.
MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS.
In 1804, the town voted two hundred and twelve dollars for repairing and painting the meeting-house. In 1805, a settlement was made of a prolonged lawsuit between the town and Peter Smith "who brought forward a pauper." The suit was decided in favor of the town to tlie amount of ten hundred and sixty dollars and twenty-five cents. But "it remitted to Smith 1544.31 out of said execution it being the balance which appeared to be due him." In 1806, the town granted thirty dollars for the jDurpose of enabling their selectmen to settle with Captain Barrett, the gaol keeper of Concord, " for Boarding of certain Poor persons that were confined in gaol and belonged to the town." As, formerly, the law allowed imprisonment of poor debtors, these persons probably belonged to that class. In 1816, voted tliat the constables see that the porch of the meeting-house, botli above and below, be cleared of those people who were inclined " to occupy the avenues to the meeting house at the commencement of the exercises of each day of public worship." Also, to see that peoj^le at the close of worship went out properly. In 1817, the town engaged in lawsuits with East Sudbury, Lincoln and Stow about the support of the poor. It was successful in the first suit, but failed in the last two. EDUCATIONAL MATTEES.
No marked changes took place during this period in educational methods. The money granted for schools was equally divided between the five districts. In the year 1800, money was granted for building three school-houses, in the south-east district, two hundred and eighteen dollars ; in the north-west, one hundred and fifty-seven dollars and fifty cents ; and in the south-west, two hundred dollars. The committee that year were William Rice, Esq., centre district ; Gen. Benjamin Sawin, south-east ; Deacon Thomas Walker, south-west ; Lieut. Hopestill Willis, north-west ; and Samuel Puft'er, north-east. The old building in the south-west was sold for twenty-four dollars.
The following is, in substance, part of a report of the school committee in 1802. That they had been empowered to hire all the teachers of the public schools in town for the year ensuing, and that they had been instructed, after consultation with the minister and the teachers employed, to decide what books should be used, only that the same ones should be used in all the schools of the same grade. That, if any scholar should fail to provide himself or herself with the books required, six daj's after notice of the deficiency had been given to the parent or guardian, the scholar should not receive instruction in the branch of study to which said book or books were assigned until supplied. Provided, nevertheless, that if any scholars were unable by reason of poverty to provide their own books they should be supplied by the committee. In 1825, leave was granted to the centre district to move its school-house to some convenient place on the Common. Besides the attention bestowed by the town on the common or day schools, encouragement was given to instruction in music.
Along the first of the present century there existed what was termed a "Singing Society," and the town, from time to time, made appropriations for its benefit. This " Society " constituted the church choir. A half century ago, the long rows of singers along the length of the gallery was quite a part of the audience ; and, doubtless, it was for the purpose of benefiting tlie cliiircli music tliat tlie town granted aid to the " Singing Society." In 1801, a committee was appointed by the town " to get a singing master and for regulating the Singing Society." The same year liberty was given the society to occupy the several school-houses, indicating that the sessions were held in different districts. Ten dollars was granted that year to pay the master. In 1802, the town voted " to have Dr. Belknap's Psalms and Hymns introduced and made use of in the Singing Society," In 1821, twenty dollars were allowed for the society, and in 1822 thirty dollars. Early in the century quite an orchestra assisted in the old church. Mr. Josiah Richardson, familiarly known as " Uncle Siah," played the violin, Mr. Emory Hunt the clarionet, Mr. George Hunt the base viol, and Deacon Martin Brown the bassoon. At the same time. Esquire Lyman How, the last landlord of the Wayside Inn of the name of How, was among the singers. He also led the choir afterwards at the Orthodox Church.
MILITARY MATTERS.
Before the war of 1812 and 15 set in, the town of Sudbury, as did others, took action as to the state of affairs then existing between the United States and England ; it also made provision by which it could supply its quota of men in case they were called for ; and passed resolutions relative to the conduct of public affairs that evinced a patriotic spirit and a steadfast purpose to stand by the government. In 1807, when the American frigate, Chesapeake, had been attacked by the English frigate, the Leopard, activity in military matters commenced in the New England towns. Sudbury voted to give to " each soldier that was called upon to stand at a minute's notice |12 per man per month including what government has made provision for, during the time they are in actual service, and six dollars to each soldier as advance pay, that shall equip himself for said service, the aforesaid six dollars to be paid previous to his marching if called upon and to be subject to deduction from his wages." In 1808, the towni "voted |36 as a bounty to this town's proportion of soldiers that are called upon to hold themselves in readiness at the shortest time, being eighteen in number." Also, " directed the commanding officer of each respective company, to make out a return of the name of each soldier that held himself in readiness." A meeting was called Feb. 4, 1809, " to see if the town will express their opinion in such manner as will show to the world that we are willing to support the laws of our general government, in consequence of certain resolutions denouncing, all good citizens who shall give their aid and support in the execution of the laws of said government." A committee was chosen at that meeting to draw up a preamble and resolutions to present to the town, relative to what was mentioned in the above article. The Preamble and Resolutions that were reported were passed in the affirmative and were in substance as follows: The inhabitants of Sudbury see with concern a party in the State exciting jealousies against the government and recommending resistance to its laws. Therefore, resolved,
1. That we have the highest confidence in the wisdom and integrity of the government.
2. That we believe the embargo laws are good and necessary.
3. That we have seen with regret certain resolutions denouncing all good citizens who give their support in the execution of those laws, and that such resolutions produce on our minds a determination, when called upon, to give those laws prompt and undivided support.
4. That, as the management of our foreign relations is delegated to the councils of the nation, it is inexpedient for the State legislature to interfere.
In 1812, the number of soldiers reported to be in readiness was eighteen. " Voted to give them $1.25 per day while in service and doing actual duty." The following persons from Sudbury were in service a short time during the war; Aaron Hunt, Jonas Tower, James B. Puffer, Josiali Puffer, John Carr, Cyrus Willis, George Barker, Leonard Button, Otis Puffer, Jesse Puffer, John Sawyer. Warren Moore was in the naval service on a privateer, was taken prisoner and spent some time in Dartmoor prison. In the militia the officers were chosen by the men and received their commission from the Governor of the State, as in hiter times. In 1806, Caleb Strong gave a commission to Jesse Goodnow as captain of a company in the 4th Regiment Infantry, 2d Brigade, 3d Division Militia. To an extent, it was customary to hold the meetings for the election of militia officers at the taverns. The following is a specimen of the " Company Order " of the times.
COMPANY ORDER.
" To Reuben Gleason Corp^
" You are hereby ordered and directed to warn and notify all the men, Commissioned Officers and soldiers whose names are hereafter mentioned belonging to the company under m}^ command, to appear at Mr. John Stone's Tavern in Sudbury, on Friday, the 18tli day of March Inst, at 1 o'clock P. M., for the purpose of electing a Captain, and filling such other vacancies as may then happen.
" By Order of Ephraim Plympton Lieut. Col. Dated at Sudbury, March 14, 1814."
ECCLESIASTICAL EVENTS.
In 1814, the town settled a new pastor. Rev. Jacob Bigelow having become infirm. In 1810, Rev. Timothy Hilliard had been invited to preach as a candidate, and June 1, 1814, he became colleague f)astor at a salary of six hundred and fifty dollars and five hundred dollars to begin with. The ministers, with their churches, who comprised the ordaining council were Rev. Messrs. Kellogg of Framingham, Newell of Stow, Adams of Acton, Ripley of Concord, Stearns of Lincoln, Lovering of Andover, and Dr. Kirkland of Harvard College who preached the sermon. The next year Mr. Hilliard " resigned his office as clergyman of the religious Society of Sudbury." His resignation was accepted, and he was recommended to the churches on a vote of thirty-eight to eight. A council was held for the purpose of ratifying the doings of the church and town " in dissolving the Covenant with Rev. Mr. Hilliard." He was dismissed Sept. 26, 1815. The following- is the bill allowed to Mr. Asahel Wheeler for the entertainment of the council :
To eleven dinners and Suppers with wine $6 "
To Horse keeping 2 "
To Liquors 2 "
10 " Also allowed Mr Daniel Osborn for Notifying the
Council and for attendance $3 "
After leaving Sudbury, Mr. Hilliard practised medicine in his native town, Kensington, N. H., and also engaged some in teaching. He was a scholarly man and a graduate of Harvard College in 1809. He also studied divinity at Cambridge. During his short ministr}^ forty-three united with the church, nineteen males and twenty-four females. Soon after the pastorate became vacant, the town took measures to secure another minister. May, 1816, it was " voted, at the request of Dea. Puffer, to set apart a day for fasting humiliation and prayer to the Supreme Governor of the Universe for his direction and guidance in those measures that shall be most conducive to the harmonizing us in the reestablishment of a gospel minister amongst us." The da}^ appointed was November 3. It was voted to invite some minister to preach on that day, and also to invite the attendance of other ministers. Soon after this the town " voted to hear Mr. Hurlbut and two others on Probation." At a townmeeting Dec. 16, 1816, " it was moved to see if the town would request the church in this place to give Mr. Rufus Hurlbut a call to settle with them in the gospel ministry, and being put to vote, it passed in the affirmative by 58 for and 9 against it." The church having voted to extend the call, on December 23 the town expressed its concurrence by a vote of thirty-four for and six against. " It was then voted that Mr. Hurlbut's creed be read before the town, which was produced and read agreeable to said vote." A committee was chosen by the town to confer with the church ; and they recommended a salary of seven hundred dollars while he was in active service without the improvement of the ministerial land, " wdiich " their late minister Rev. Mr. Bigelow had the improvement of during liis life." Mr. Hurlbut dechned to accept of the sum specified, if he was only to be allowed it while in actual service ; giving as a reason for his refusal, that, in case of inability to preach at any time, by a reduction or withholding of his salary he would be left without a means of support. The matter was, therefore, reconsidered, and an offer made of six hundred and fifty a year so long as he should continue to be their pastor. This offer was accepted. A committee or agent was appointed to receive a quit-claim of Mr. Hurlbut of all the ministerial land.
Soon after the settlement of a new minister. Rev. Jacob Bigelow passed away. He died Sept. 12, 1816, at the age of seventy-five, having filled the Sudbury pastorate for over forty years. He was beloved by his people, and in his last years was granted an annuity. In 1816, two hundred and forty-six dollars and sixty-seven cents was granted " for Mr. Bigelow's salary." This vote, at a later meeting of the town, was reconsidered, probably on account of his death. The town also gave to his widow thirty dollars for the service that was rendered by the reverend clergy, as a gift to her, by their supply of the jiulpit after her husband's death. The funeral expenses were defraj^ed by the town and the following bills are on record :
" To Mr. Jonathan Fairbanks Jr. for making the coffin for Rev. Mr. Bigelow, $10.00.
" To Lewis Moore for digging the grave and attending the funeral of Rev. Mr. Bigelow |2.00.
" To Capt. Jesse Moore for beef he provided at the funeral of the Rev. Mr. Bigelow 1—13
" To Mr Ruben Moore for 7 lbs old cheese he found at the funeral of Rev Mr Bigelow.
" To Doctor Ashbel Kidder for dining the clergy & committeee of arrangements &c at the funeral of Rev. Mr. Bigelow $16.20
" To Mr Daniel Goodenow for spirit an sugar &c provided at the funeral of the Rev. Mr. Bigelow, $15.40." Mr. Bigelow was a native of Waltham. He was twice married. His first wife was a sister of Dr. Heard of Concord. By this marriage he had a daughter. He married for his second wife Mrs. Wells, and had two sons. One of these was Dr. Jacob Bigelow of Boston, a noted physician, and at one time Professor of Materia Medica in Harvard Medical School. He died at the age of ninety. ' An old inhabitant of Sudbury (C. G. Cutler) described Rev. Mr. Bigelow to the writer as being " a large man with a large face, very pleasant and full of jokes." He was said to be affable and social. He built the house now known as the George Goodenow place, about a quarter of a mile from Sudbury Centre, and there he lived and died. He was ordained Nov. 11, 1772. During his ministry one hundred and forty-two were added to the church, fifty-five males and eighty-seven females.
The year of Mr. Bigelow's deatli the following records were made relating to the enlargement of the Burying Ground : ." Bought of Walter Haynes in 1816 about a half acre of land on the whole south side the grave yard for enlarging it." The price paid was one hundred dollars. Among the town debts : " To Walter Haynes for building the burying yard wall and a small gate, $19.50." There are other records relating to placing posts near the yard. The indications are tliat the yard, at that time, was nearly fall, and, probably, the death of the minister called the town's attention to the fact. As Mr. Bigelow's grave is on the southerly side of the yard, it may have been made in the portion that was bought at that time. Besides the addition on the south, in 1800 the town bought a " piece of land for three dollars of Asher Goodenow on the east end of the burying ground." Another matter in this period, pertaining to the burial of the dead, Avas an order, in 1806, "for a bier for the Burying yard," and in 1818 for building a hearse.
About the time of Rev. Jacob Bigelow's death a movement was made to dispose of the land which had been set apart for the support of the ministry, for cash or notes at interest. As has been observed, a committee was appointed at the settlement of Rev. Mr. Hurlbut to obtain of him a
THE BIGELOW PARSONAGE, Sudbury Centre. quit-claim to tliese lands, which act was, doubtless, in anticipation of the movement in 1818. In 1816, a committee was appointed to apply to the Legislature for leave to dispose of the ministerial land, and it was granted. The following year there was constituted what was called " the Sudbury Ministerial Land Corporation." Li March, 1818, the trustees of this corporation reported that, in accordance with an act of the Legislature, June 14, 1817, they had sold the land lying near Mr. Elisha Jones', containing by plan seventeen acres and fifty-three rods, on July 24, 1817, in two lots : No. 1 to Capt. Silas Puffer for $61 per acre, No. 2 to the same party for $43 per acre. The first lot contained a little over ten acres, the other a little over six acres. The whole amount received was S996.56. Other lots were as follows : Ministerial river meadow near Mr. Israel Wheeler's was sold July, 1817, in two lots. No. 1 to Lewis Moore for $146.09, No. 2 to Israel Wheeler for 1154.40. " The ministerial land laying near the meeting house " Avas sold August, 1817. It contained about thirty-eight acres, and was disposed of in lots as follows : No. 1 to Walter Haynes and Thad^us Tower for $462, No. 2 to William Moore for $406.87, No 3
to Capt. William Rice for , No. 4 to Joshua Jones for
$372.15, No. 5 to Israel Moore for $336.81, No. 6 to Joshua Jones for $10. " The total sum arising from the sale of the ministerial lands in said town amounts to $3200.96. At the close of this period, March, 1825, the following report was rendered to the town by the Ministerial Fund Corporation :
Capt Silas Puffer Note the sum of
M"^ Lewis Moore " " " "
Mr. Israel Wheeler " " " "
" Walter Haynes " " " "
William Moore " " " "
Thadeous Towers " " "
Haman Hunt " " " "
Josua Jones " " " "
Joel Moore " " " "
The interest on this amount was paid to the Rev. Rufus Hurlbut, agreeable to the act of incorporation,
996 '
' 56
146 '
' 69
154 '
' 40
200 '
' 31
406 '
' 87
200 '
' 31
376 '
' 86
382 '
' 15
336 '
' 81
$3200 '
' . 96
CHAPTER XXVI. page 472
1825-1850.
History of the Sudbury Methodist Episcopal Church. Members of a Baptist Society in Sudbury in 1828. Town Farm. Town House. — Erection of Tombs.- Ecclesiastical Disturbance. Formation of a New Parish. Building of a Meeting-House. Dedication of it. Death of Rev. Rufus Hurlbut. Sketch of his Life. Settlement of Rev. Josiah Ballard. The Old Parish. Settlement of Rev. Linus Shaw. Sketch of his Life. Succession of Pastors. Miscellaneous,
Our theme shall be of yesterday, Which to oblivion sweeps away Like days of old.
Longfellow.
Between 1825 and 1850, important ecclesiastical events transpired in Sudbury. Measures that resulted in the formation of the Methodist Episcopal Church were taken in the last part of the preceding period, but, as this church became established or largely developed in this period, the history of it properly comes here.
THE METHODIST CHURCH.
In 1823, a class was formed by Rev. Erastus Otis, in connection with the "Old Brick Church" at Marlboro, which consisted of the following members : Varnum Balcom, leader, Webster Cutting, Buckley Willis, Emerson Brown, Abel Noyes, Samuel Dudley, Miss Abigail Dudley, Mrs. Noah Smith, Mrs. Edwin Cutting, Mrs. A. Noyes, Mrs. Varnum Balcom, and some others. Previous to the formation of this class there were but two members of the Methodist church in Sudbury, In the early stages of the enterprise, meetings were occasionally held in the school-house of the north-west district; but, in 1835, the town voted not
472 to allow the school-houses to be used for religious meetings. After this, preaching services were sometimes held in a hall at the house of Mr. Walter Haynes ; but not long was the little company to be without a church home. A paper was soon started by Emerson Brown, soliciting aid for the erection of a meeting-house. A part of the names are lost : the following are some of the subscribers and their gifts, Emerson Brown, $500 ; Edwin Cutting, $500 ; Isaac Parmenter, $500 ; Marshall S. Rice, $200 ; Martin Brown, $200 ;
Solomon Weeks, $100 ; Amos Hagar, $50 ; Noah Smith .
A piece of land for a meeting-house, consisting of sixty rods, was purchased of Luther Goodnow for the sum of one hundred and twenty-five dollars. It was conveyed by deed to Isaac Parmenter, yeoman, and Emerson Brown and Edwin Cutting, shoemakers ; and bears date Sept. 19, 1835. The meeting-house was soon erected, and in 1836 was dedicated. Rev. Abel Stevens, LL.D., preached the dedication sermon. In 1841, a bell was purchased at a cost of three hundred and three dollars and twenty-five cents, Edwin Cutting giving one hundred dollars. The new church was in what was then called the " Needham Circuit." After the erection of the meeting-house, meetings were held five days and thirtyone evenings in succession ; at which time it is supposed about fifty persons were converted. In the early years of the church, E. O, Haven afterwards Bishop Haven, then a young man, taught school in the vestry. The fact that the career of that widely-known and useful man was connected in its early beginning with this quiet spot adds to it a special interest and pleasantness. In that little meeting-house, hard by the margin of the town's common land and one of its oldtime burial places, was the spot where at least two of Sudbury's college graduates now living pursued their early studies. (See College Graduates.) Here, too, at least one worshiper, who afterwards entered the ministry, took the first step that led to that service (Rev. L. P. Frost). Rev. Charles Rogers, who for several years has been Presiding Elder, was one of the later preachers, and at the same time a teacher in the Wads worth Academy. The very surroundings of the place are suited to stir to reflection ; and when
474 nature, in spring-time, clothes with green the shrubbery about it or there rests on it the stilhiess of the soft summer day, then the scene accords with the associations of the meeting-house, the wayside burial place, and the memories that cluster around the village green. From the time the meeting-house was completed the new church has moved steadily on. At its quarterly meeting, February, 1837, the Presiding Elder present was D. Kilburn. The same year the Conference sent as first pastor. Rev. Elias C. Scott. He taught school for which he received eighty-four dollars, and this, with what he received from other sources, made his salary three hundred and twenty-three dollars and fifty-five cents. Succeeding Mr. Scott are the following pastors of the church with their dates of service :
Luman Boyden
1837-8
Porter M. Vinton
1863-64
George W. Bates
1839-40
George Sutherland
1864-65
J. S. Ellis
1840-41
Philo P. Gorton
1865-66
P. R. Sawyer
1841-42
J. W. P. Jordan
1866-67
W. Tucker
1(542-43
George E. Chapman
1867-69
G. W. Weeks
1843
Miles R. Barney
1869-71
Benjamin King
1845-4G
Walter Wilkins
1871-74
Luther Caldwell
1846-47
John S. Day
1874-75
W. F. Lacount
1847-48
A. M. Sherman
1875-76
Horace Moulton
1848-49
Nathaniel Bemis
1877-79
George Frost L. P. Frost John W. Lee
J. Richardson 1879-80 J. A. Ames 1880-81 F. 0. Holman and M. D. Sill 1881-83
1852-53
J. H. Gaylord
1853-55
A. R. Archibald
1883-84
M. Leffingwell
1855-57
J. Marcy
1884-87
Wm. A. Clapp
1857-59
Geo. H. Bolster
1887-88
Charles S. Rogers
1859-61
H. E. Wilcox
1888-89
Joseph Scott
186L-63
Nearly a half century ago the little congregation was gathered from various parts of the town ; the Butterfields came from Lanham, the Parmenters and Noyeses from Peakham, the Battleses from the Gravel Pit district, the Bents and Hayneses from Pantry. Years ago, some of these early worshipers passed from this place of prayer to the temple above. In 1875, Amos Haynes the old sexton died. For thirty-two years he had faithfully stood at his post and rung the bell at the hour of prayer. The familiar form of Thomas B. Battles about the same time was missed from the choir. Then the tall, slender form of George Goodnow, who had been a tower of strength, was also called to his reward ; and thus, one by one, they have passed away, till now only two remain whose names were on the church records forty years ago. Amid its many vicissitudes the church has never been closed more than one Sabbath at a time. The highest salary ever paid its minister was seven hundred dollars. The ladies have been associated in a society which has aided in all the church enterprises : and a prominent member among them has been Mrs. George Goodnow Avho has faithfully planned and labored for the maintenance of the church through many years of its history.
BAPTIST SOCIETY.
In 1828, the following persons were members of a Baptist society in Sudbury :
Leander G. Wiley, , Obadiah Osborn.
Joseph G. Hunt, Azariah Walker.
James Moore, John W. Haynes.
Abijah Walker, Amos Haynes.
Ruth Walker, W™ Stone Jr.,
Cyrus W. Jones, Thadeus Tower,
David Lincoln, HoUis Gibbs.
Harden Moore, Joel Dakin, Clerk.
TOWN FARM.
March 5, 1832, the town voted to purchase a Town Farm. The place selected was the property of Asa Noyes, situated in the north part of the town, and the same now used for the town's poor. In 1843, the town voted to build a house on the farm, and in 1845 it granted one thousand and seventy-six dollars and sixty-seven cents to pay for it. Some years ago the barn was burned and another was erected soon after.
TOWN HOUSE.
In 1845, the town voted to build a Town House. A committee was chosen consisting of five persons, one from each school district, to select a spot, bring in a plan, and estimate the cost. April 20, 1846, the town granted one thousand dollars for the building, and appointed a committee to confer with the First Parish about the terms on which the town could have a spot on the common to set a building upon. At a legal meeting of the First Parish held in April, 1846, it was " voted that sd Parish give to the town of Sudbury liberty to set a town house on the meeting house common, nearly or partly on that part now occupied by the Center school house sufficient for the occupation of sd Town House, and ten feet passage around it. Provided, sd gift to sd town shall not be construed in any way to injure the title of sd Parish to the remainder of sd common." The town "voted to place the Town House where the school house now stands, provided, said Parish adheres to their agreement." A few years ago an iron safe was procured, in which to keep the town records, and placed in the Town House ; and recently, a fire-proof depository of brick- work. The west part of the Town House was formerly used as an armory of the " Wadsworth Rifle Guards ; " and rows of rifles and military accoutrements were ranged on the side of the long, narrow room. A part of this room is now used as a selectmen's office.
ERECTION OF TOMBS.
A petition having been presented to the town by William Hunt and others, for leave to erect a number of tombs on the northerly part of the meeting-house plot, nearly opposite the burying-ground, April 3, 1826, the town granted permission, and appointed a committee of five to locate the ground where they should be built, and to confer with the petitioners as to the plan, so as to have them uniform. In November, the committee reported a place, and recommended that leave be given the petitioners to fix upon some uniform plan of building to suit themselves. The report was accepted. April 3, 1830, Luther Goodnow, Asher Goodnow, Tilly Smith and Levi Smith received permission to erect tombs on the east side of the powder house. ECCLESIASTICAL DISTUP.BANCE.
A prominent ecclesiastical event in tliis period was the formation of a new parish. The causes which brought this about had been at work for some years previously, and were, mainly, the same as those which wrought similar results in other New England towns about that time. In the early part of the century a controversy took place concerning certain theological questions, principal among which were the nature and mission of Christ, the measure or extent of human depravity, and man's need of regeneration by a personal Holy Spirit ; or, in other words, the Divinity of Christ, the Atonement, Total Depravity, Regeneration and the Personality of the Holy Spirit. The advocates of the liberal movement among whom were Ware, Buckminster, Norton and Channing sought to extend the principles of Unitarianism. On the other side, prominent theologians, among whom were Prof. Moses Stuart of Andover and Rev. Lyman Beecher, stoutly set themselves to oppose it. The controversy spread through society. In this part of the country the age became one of theological discussion, and, in the course of a few years, many old churches and parishes were divided into two organizations, one of which took the name of Unitarian Church, and the other of Orthodox Congregational or Trinitarian Church. The influence of this wide-spread discussion did not produce any marked result in the Sudbury church till about 1839. There were in the town records, some years before that time, various statements which indicate that dissatisfaction prevailed respecting the minister's theological views. The desire was expressed that Mr. Hurlbut would exchange more with the neisfhboring;' clergymen, " as formerly ; " and there was querying as to why he did not. Notwithstanding, however, the existence of dissatisfaction there was no outbreak until JNIr, Hurlbut, whose health had become 'feeble, procured the services of another minister to supply the pulpit for a Sabbath. The attitude of the congregation then became clearly defined. On the Sabbath morning two new clergymen appeared on the scene, one provided by Mr. Hurlbut, the other by the parish committee. When Mr. Hurlbut and his minister arrived at the steps of the church, he found the door had been fastened, and that the minister whom the parish had provided was within. Says one, who was standing by and witnessed the affair and heard the conversation, " Mr. Hurlbut informed the committee that he would like to introduce his minister. The request being granted, they passed in, and Mr. Hurlbut, after making a few remarks to the people, left the meeting-house. A large share of the congregation left also, and, with their minister, went over and worshiped that morning with the Methodists." Soon after, they hired a hall, which stood on the site of Mr. Sewali Taylor's wheelwright's shop. It had two stories and a gallery on three sides of the audience room. It was subsequently used as a wheelwright's shop by Edwin Harrington and was destroyed by fire about thirty years ago.
FORMATION OF A NEW PARISH.
Shortly after the events just narrated a new religious society was organized. March, 1839, a warrant was issued by Christopher G. Cutler to Israel How Brown, an applicant for the same, requiring the said Brown to notify all the legal voters " who have congregated the year last past for public worship in a building owned by W™ Brigham in said Sudbury to meet at said building" March 25, at one o'clock in the afternoon, for the purpose of " organizing according to law a religious society for the public worship of God." The petitioners for the warrant were Enoch Kidder, A. B. Richardson, Israel H. Brown, Abel Dakin, Joseph Cutter, Roland Cutler and Gardner Hunt. The meeting was held pursuant to warrant, and, in the absence of C. G. Cutler, Esq., and at his request, Lyman How, Esq., presided. Samuel Puffer was chosen clerk and William Brigham moderator. Nahum Goodenow, William Brigham and I. H. Brown were chosen assessors, and William Rice collector and treasurer. The assessors were also chosen as the prudential committee, and the same persons were also appointed to report a name for the new society. It was voted at the same meeting to grant eight hundred dollars for preaching the ensuing year. The
filSTOKY OF SUDBURY. 479
committee presented the name of The Sudbury Evangelical Union Society, Avhich was accepted and adopted. The word Sudbury was afterwards struck off, leaving the name of the society as it stands to-day. A second meeting was held, April 8, 1839, at which Lyman How, Esq., was chosen moderator. The society at that meeting voted to build a meeting-house " on the plan of the Orthodox Society of Marlboro." A committee chosen at the previous meeting for selecting a suitable building spot reported " that it is expedient to set the house on the ground near the Blacksmith's shop owned by Jonas Tower." A building committee was chosen of which Mr. Gardner Hunt was chairman. This committee was instructed to borrow money for building the house on the credit of the society ; and, after the completion of the building, to sell the pews to defray the expense of construction. A contract was concluded May 27, 1839, between Gardner Hunt, William Brigham and Jonas Tower, building committee, and Mr. Jeremiah Flint. Mr. Flint, by the terms of the contract, was to have for the work fifty-seven hundred dollars. The society was to provide the foundation and the steps, and the work was to be completed by the following November, At a meeting Dec. 25, 1839, it was voted to direct the building committee to sell the pews on the appraisal that had been reported, reserving the right to tax to an amount not exceeding five per cent, per annum on the appraised value. Also voted to direct the committee to sell the pews on the day after the dedication of the house, and give deeds of the same. In the sale of the pews. No. 1 was to be reserved for the minister, and the four under the gallery were to be reserved for free seats. The valuation of the pews varied from forty dollars to one hundred and five dollars, and the total amount was fortyseven hundred and five dollars. At a meeting of the society, held Feb. 10, 1840, it was voted to direct the parish and assessors to "circulate a petition for to obtain money to procure a bell." The money was raised and a bell was purchased at Medway. Jan. 1, 1840, the meeting-house was dedicated ; Rev. Mr. Horsford of Saxonville preached the sermon. April, 1840, it was voted to sell rights to build sheds on the society's lands.
While the new meeting-house was in process of completion. Rev. Rufus Hurlbut passed away. He died May 11, 1839, liaving been pastor of the church twenty-two years. He was a son of Steven Hurlbut, and was born in Southhampton April 21, 1787, graduated at Philips Academy in 1808, and at Harvard College 1813. He studied theology with Rev. Thomas Prentiss, D.D., of Medfield, whose daughter Mary he married Dec. 17, 1817. His wife was the granddaughter of Dr. John Scollay, who was for over forty years town clerk of Boston. Mr. Hurlbut was tall and thin, of dignified demeanor, agreeable and gentlemanly in his ways. He lived at the present Smith Jones house. He was buried in the old burying-ground where a slate stone marks his grave.
SETTLEMENT OF FIRST PASTOR.
Feb. 15, 1841, Rev. Josiah Ballard was called at a salary of six hundred dollars, and accepted the call. His installation took place March 2, 1841. The council was composed of the following ministers with their churches : Rev. Messrs. Brigham of Framingham, Harding of East Midway, Corner of Berlin, Hyde of Wayland, Horsford of Saxonville, Dj'er of Stow, of Medfield, Woodbridge of Acton, Means of Concord, Day of Marlboro. Rev. Mr. Buckingham of Milbury preached the sermon. For a time the tax for preaching was levied upon each person on the basis of the town valuation, but later, the money was raised by subscription, and recently the envelope system has been employed.
THE OLD PARISH.
After the division took place, the old parish disclaimed any formal or legal relationship to Rev. Rufus Hurlbut. March, 1839, it declared by vote that it no longer considered him their minister as he had withdrawn from them. The records state that after " a portion of the church and congregation had withdrawn and formed a new Society called
THE HURLBUT PARSONAGE, Sudbury Centre. Orthodox the old Society enjoyed the outward services of the Gospel irregularly," and that the church was reduced to a small number. We have not ascertained from record what membership was left ; but Deacon Thomas P. Hurlbut was accustomed to state that "but one member remained with the old Parish." All the property was retained by the old society ; but the indications are that a portion, at least, of that which was portable was transferred to it by those who no longer worshipped at the old meeting-house, since one of the records of the Evangelical Union Church, dated February, 1839, is as follows : " To choose a committee to settle with Levi Dakin, the present Treasurer of the Church, and take the papers and money now in his hands, and keep them until claimed by the church, which may be formed in the first Parish." A few years afterwards the First Society had an increase of membership, and the church was reorganized as the records of the old parish state. (Page 38.) " In the Fall of 1844 the Church was reorganized, and a number of persons came forward and united in the Lord's Supper, with the few who were members before, and were acknowledged members of the First Church. The number then uniting was twelve."
For a time the old society had different preachers to supply the pulpit. From March 30 to September 22, according to a record book of Capt. Israel Haynes, no less thail twelve different ministers preached there. In the summer of 1841, Rev. Linus Shaw was invited to preach, which he did till fall. Soon after, the meeting-house was remodelled, and in 1844, he was invited to preach there again ; he did so, and the result was his settlement as pastor. He was installed June 5, 1845, and continued in the pastorate till his death.
REV. LINUS H. SHAW.
Linus H. Shaw was born in Raynham Nov. 29, 1804, where he fitted for college with Rev. Enoch Sanford, pastor of the Trinitarian Congregational Church. He entered Brown University, which he left at the close of two years in 1827, to engage in teaching. He was for a time second principal of the Bristol County Academy at Taunton, and in 1830, he entered the Divinity School, Cambridge, where he remained three years. In 1834, he was ordained at Athol. He married Louisa Alden Jones, and had five children, Louisa, Henry, Joseph, Maria and Helen. In 1850, he built a house on Plympton Hill, a little north-east of Sudbury Centre, where he lived until his death, Jan. 5, 1866. Mr. Shaw was an estimable man, a valuable citizen, and much respected by the community. He was small in stature, dignified and gentlemanly in demeanor, quiet and unassuming in his ways. Nov. 24, 1864, he preached a sermon at a union service, held by the several churches of Sudbury, on the subject, " The Black man and the War ; " which, at the people's request, was printed. Since the death of Rev. Linus Shaw, the following ministers have acted as pastors for the First Parish : Revs. Bond, Dawes, Webber, Knowles, Willard, Sherman, E. J. Young and Gilman. For several years the church has had preaching but a small portion of each year.
MISCELLANEOUS.
In 1825, " the building Lanham Bridge was let out to E. Fairbank and David How for the sum of eighty eight dollars."
In 1826, the town granted thirty dollars " to furnish dinners and powder for soldiers muster day."
In 1828, voted to exchange the old bell for a new one.
April 7, 1828, a road was accepted " from W™ Hunt's land, over land of Elisha Hunt to Lanham."
Nov. 14, 1831, " the town gave leave to have stoves placed in the porch of the meeting house, the funnel passing into the house up through the roof." Rev. Rufus Hurlbut offered to pay fifty dollars towards the expense of the stoves, provided others would raise the remaining amount. A subscription paper was started to which thirty-five names were subscribed. The sums pledged varied from fifty cents to six dollars, making in all one hundred dollars. Only three of the thirty-five are now living, Walter Rogers, Hopestill Brown and Willard Walker.
In 1832, a road was accepted by the town " from the Berlin road to Ephraim Moore's." "Voted that the Poor be left to the Overseers of the. Poor to let them out to one or more contractors for one year as they shall think best."
In 1833, the town chose a committee to petition the Postmaster-General for a post office at the Centre, and also " to have the North and South offices discontinued. At the same meeting " voted to take the map [of the town] of Mr Wood at sixty-eight dollars." Also "voted that each individual in town shall have a map of the town for twenty-eight cents." Also " voted to authorize some person to give a warranty deed of the John Green farm."
In 1835, the town gave liberty to Thomas Plympton to enclose with a fence " the graves of his father and mother and family connections now buried in the grave yard."
In 1848 and 9, much excitement was caused in Sudbury, in common with other places, by the discovery of gold in California. The discoverer was James W. Marshall, who first saw it near the saw-mill of Capt. John A. Sutter, Feb. 2, 1846. The " gold fever " became quite general, and a number of persons started out in the hope of making their fortune, among whom were Humphrey Sawyer, Hiram Burr, Haman Hunt, Nichols Brown, Samuel and Edward Bacon, Thomas Stearns, Samuel Carr, Eli H. Willis, Samuel Garfield, Elbridge Haynes and Levi Dow.
CHAPTER XXVII. page 484
1850-1875.
Names Applied to different Sections of the Town. Division into Districts. Change in the Districts. Description of South Sudbury. Location. Location of the Railroad Station. The Boston and Worcester Highway. Houses Situated along this Highway half a Century Ago. Changes in Buildings. The Village Grocery. — Captain Kidder's Shoe Shop. Sketch of Captain Kidder. Sketch of Mrs. Kidder. The Mill. Wadsworth Monument, Industries. Modern