-(M§Y§M^ 250™ AnjvTivei^ary OF THE Pounding op T^aunton 1639 — 1889 Quarter Millennial CELEBRATION CITY OF TAUNTON, MASSACHUSETTS, Tuesday and Wednesday, June 4 and 5, 1889. Taunton, Massachusetts : Published by the City Government. 1889. PRESS OF CHARLES H. BUFFINGTON, TAUNTON. To the Honorable City Council of the City of Taunton : The committee appointed to publish a History of the Cele- bration of the 250th Anniversary of the Founding of Taunton re- spectfully submit this volume as a result of their labors. The initiatory proceedings relative to this celebration were commenced by the City Council in April, 1886, when a committee was appointed to confer with a delegation from the Old Colony Historical Society relative to deciding upon the year in which the celebration should take place. This committee reported in Octo- ber, recommending that the year 1889 be selected, that being the 250th year from the founding of Taunton according to the most reliable information obtained by the committee. This recommen- dation was adopted and the following year an order was passed, appointing the 4th and 5th of June as the days on which the cele- bration should be held. In January, 1888, an order was adopted authorizing His Honor the Mayor, on behalf of the City, to petition the Legislature for leave to expend the sum of $5,000 in this celebration, which peti- tion was granted and in February, 1889, an order was passed by the City Council appropriating that amount for the above purpose. A full and exhaustive account of the proceedings during the celebration will be found in the following pages. We desire to express our full appreciation of the valuable ser- vices rendered by the committee on the part of the Old Colony Historical Society, Hon. Wm. E. Fuller, James H. Dean, Esq., and Rev. S. Hopkins Emery in collecting and preparing the matter for publication. Richard Henry Hall, Mayor, Ripley \V. Townsend, Edward H. Temple, E. Clarence Holt, Charles S. Anthony, Alden H. Blake, Edward A, Fay. COMMITTEES APPOINTED ON BEHALF OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT: COMMITTEE 1886. Mayor Richard Henry Hall. Aldermen. Daniel Carey, Henry W. Colby. President George H. Rhodes. Councili)ian John H. Eldridge. COMMITTEE 1887. Mayor Everett D. Godfrey. Aldennen. Francis S. Babbitt, Henry W. Colby. President Ripley W. To^vxsEND. Connciluien. Charles S. Anthony, E. Clarence Holt, Crysis T. Scott. committee 1888. Mayor Richard Henry Hall. Aldermen. Charles S. Anthony, John H. Eldridge, President Ripley W. Townsend. Councilmen. E. Clarence Holt, Alden H. Blake, Edward A. Fay. committee 1889. Mg,yor Richard Henry Hall. Aldermen. Edward H. Temple, Charles S. Anthony, President Ripley W. Townsend. Couneilmen. E. Clarence Holt, Alden H. Blake, Edward A. Fay. CITY GOVERNMENT, 1889. Mayor. Richard Henry Hall. Aide line n. Edward H. Temple, Chainiian. Edward H. Temple, Benjamln Morrls, Charles S. Anthony, Arthur K. Williams, A. Gilbert Willlvms, George N. Elmes, G. Arthur Llncoln, Willlam McAusland, Edwin A. Tetlow, Clerk. Common Conneil. Ripley W. Townsend, President. Herbert N. Pierce, J. Alfred Messinger, Alden H. Blake, E. Clarence Holt, John T. Franks, Willis K. Hodgman, WiNTHROP A. Robinson, Gustavus T. Fisher, Edward A. Fay, Henry A. Short, Charles E. Mason, Noah Lemaire, Marcus A. Dary, Albert M. Clark, James H. Lincoln, Thomas F. Hoye, Frederick V. Brown, Charles L. Johnson, Frederick E. Austin, John A. McDonald, *David Johnson, Frederick A. Walker, John C. Finn, George Ellam, Joseph R. Tallman, Clerk. ♦Deceased. NOTE OF COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATION. Charged with the care of preparing for publication the proceedings of the Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of Taunton, the committee wish, first of all, to express the general feeling of gratification in the favor with which the celebration was regarded by the thousands of visiting friends. Numerous letters have been received, congratulat- ing the city on the success of the first memorial occasion in its history. The design of this publication is to reproduce and pre- serve on the printed page all which was said and done dur- ing these two memorable days, for the instruction and bene- fit of the coming generations. There is no attempt to go beyond these prescribed limits. It is hoped the book, such as it is, may suggest to some future historian a more com- plete account of the ancient Taunton, than has ever yet been produced. Samuel Hopkins Emery, \ Committee on William Eddy Fuller, > Publication James Henry Dean, ) of Proceedings. NTRODUCTORY NOTICE. The first suggestion during the two centuries and a half of Taunton's distinct existence as a town and city of a suitable observance of the anniversary of its birth, occurred, so far as the records show, on this wise : — Taunton, July 20, 1885. At a meeting of the Old Colony Historical Society, Samuel Hopkins Emery offered the following Preamble and Resolution : — Whereas, the time is near, when the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the incorporation of the most ancient towns of the Old Colony should be appropriately observed and whereas it IS fitting that the Old Colony Historical Society should call attention to the observance and take the initiatory steps thereto, Therefore, Resolved, That William E. Fuller, Henry Williams, Edmund H. Bennett, Timothy Gordon, Charles A. Reed, Edgar H. Reed and James H. Dean be a committee of the Society to consider the whole subject of such an observance and to report, as early as they may be able, the exact dates of the settlement and incorpora- tion of these towns and to recommend some form of com- memorating their beginning whether as settled or incorporated.* *It was in the inind olkthe mover of this Resolution to commnnicnte with the towns of the Old Colony winch in their settlement antedated Taunton vix. Duxliury and Scituate, which he accordingly did, suggesting a suitable observance. Duxburj» at its annual meeting^ April 4, 1887, voted to celebrate and fixed on the 17th of June, of that year as the day- Justin Winsor, whose parents were natives of the town delivered the historical address and Governors Long and Ames, President Boardman of the Senate, Speaker Noyes of the House, Secretary Peirce and other distinguished men honored the occasion with their presence and were heard at the Banquet. The observance of the day was a great success. This good example has been followed by other towns— by Sandwich and Yarmouth, Tuesday the 3d of Septembei', 188'J. 8 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. After extended remarks from Mr. Emery and others, the Preamble and Resolution were unanimously adopted, an amendment being made thereto by adding the name of S. Hopkins Emery as chairman to the list of names pro- posed in the Resolution. The first meeting of this committee was held in what was then Cedar Street Chapel, now Historical Hall, Oct. 3d, 1885. Present, the chairman, S. Hopkins Emery, Edmund H. Bennett, William E. Fuller, Henry Williams, Charles A. Reed, P2dgar H. Reed. Willjam E. P"uller was chosen secretary. It was voted, that some appropriate observance of the approaching 250th Anniversary of the settlement of Taunton be provided for. Further discussion followed, chiefly upon the question of time when the community of Cohannet first obtained recognition by the General Court at New Plymouth, as a corporate body, no distinct act of In- corporation having been found in the records of Plymouth Colony. Committee adjourned to meet at the same place. Oct. 10. At the adjourned meeting, Oct. 10, after considerable discussion, on motion of Edmund H. Bennett, it was voted, to report to the Society the recommendation that the City Government be requested to appoint a committee of confer- ence to consider the question not only of time but the whole subject of an observance, such as is contemplated. At the quarterly meeting of the Old Colony Historical Society, held Oct. 20, such a report was made, its recom- mendation was adopted, the Society's committee continued with authority to act in concert with any committee the City Government might ap}M)int. So near the close of the city's municipal year, it did not seem best to call the attention of the City Government to the subject, and it was not till April 7, 1886, the committee of I.X'IKODUCTOKV NOTICE. 9 the Old Cijlony Historical Society passed the following vote : That the City Government of Taunton be requested to appoint a committee of its own members to act in confer- ence with the committee heretofore appointed by the Old Colony Historical Society to take into consideration the mat- ter of celebrating the 250th Anniversary of Taunton and that the President be requested to lay the matter before the Mayor at the earliest opportunity. This was accordingly done and soon after, the attention of the City Government was called to the subject and a committee of conference was appointed, consisting of the Mayor, R. Henry Hall, Aldermen Daniel Carey and Henry W. Colby, President George H. Rhodes of the Council and Councilman John H. Eldridge. April 20, 1886, the first meeting of the Joint Com- mittee was held in the City Hall, Mayor Hall being in the chair. William K. Fuller was chosen secretary. On motion of S. Hopkins Emery, it was unanimously voted, that in the opinion of this Joint Committee, it is desir- able to observe by appropriate ceremonies the 250th An- niversary of the founding of Taunton. On motion of P^dmund H. Bennett, and after much dis- cussion, it was voted, that, in the opinion of this committ^, we should recommend the year 1889 as the time when such anniversary may be properly celebrated. No other business was transacted. It being decided, notwithstanding the purchase and settlement of Taunton by the name of Cohannet, early as 1637, that it was best to defer the observance of the 250th Anniversarv of its founding till such a time as it was repre- sented by deputies in the General Court at Plymouth, under the name of Taunton in 1639, no further meetings of the Joint Committee were held during the year 1886, only Oct, lO QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. 5th, to order a report to their respective constituencies, recommending that some day in 1889 be observed as the 250th Anniversary of the founding of Taunton. Oct. II, 1886, William E. Fuller, secretary of the com- mittee of the Old Colony Historical Society, reported to the Society, when the committee was continued and made a permanent committee, with instructions to make further needed arrangements for the proposed celebration and with authority to fill vacancies, enlarge its number and appoint sub-committees for special service. In 1887, the City Government was represented in the Joint Committee by Mayor Everett D. Godfrey, Aldermen Francis S. Babbitt, Henry W. Colby, President Ripley W. Townsend of the Council and Councilmen Charles S. Anthony, E. Clarence Holt and Crysis T. Scott. The first meeting of the Joint Committee was held June 4th and S. Hopkins Emery was chosen secretary. On motion of the secretary, the procedings of previous years on the subject of a celebration were ratified by this committee and accepted as authority for still further action toward the proposed observance of the founding of Taunton sometime in 1889. « On motion of Charles A. Reed, Mayor Hall, S. Hopkins Emery and James H. Dean were appointed a committee to name historic places in the territory of ancient Taunton and suggest suitable memorial tablets or inscriptions. On motion of Alderman Babbitt, voted, that the Mayor be authorized to seek the co-operation of adjacent towns, which once formed a part of Taunton. On suggestion of the Mayor, it was moved by President Townsend of the Council, seconded by Councilman Anthony, and voted, that the portion of this committee representing the Old Colony Historical Society be requested to suggest INTRODUCTORY NOTICE. II the name or names of one or more persons, in their ju(l<^- ment suitable to prepare an address or addresses on the occasion of the proposed celebration. The committee did not meet again until Nov. 22, 1887, when the name of Edmund H. Bennett was suggested as the proper person to deliver the historical address and he was accordingly chosen. The committee also fixed on Tuesday the 4th day of June, 1889, as the day for the celebration, not only as being in a pleasant season of the year, but, particularly as com- memorating the First General Assembly in Plymouth Colony, when towns for the first time sent deputies to Ply- mouth for legislative purposes, Taunton being one of the number. The committee voted, to ask the City Council, to secure, if necessary, special legislation the coming winter, for authority to appropriate money for the purposes of the celebration. In 1888, the City Government was represented in the Joint Committee by Mayor R. Henry Hall, Aldermen Charles S. Anthony, John H. Eldridge, Councilmen, Ripley W. Townsend, President, Alden H. Blake, Edward A. Fay and E. Clarence Holt. The first meeting was held Jan. 18. The secretary of last year was reappointed and all former proceedings rati- fied. Five thousand dollars was the sum fixed upon to ask the Council for authority from the Legislature to appro- praite. Edmund H. Bennett signified his acceptance of appoint- ment for the historical address. It was voted to meet again soon, and secure so far as possible a representation from the Board of Selectmen of the six adjoining towns, Raynham, Berkley, Dighton, Nor- 12 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. ton, Mansfield and Easton, for consultation and conference. This meeting was held Feb. 1 1, when the Mayor read the letter of invitation to the selectmen of the six adjoining towns to be present for consultation as to the proposed cele- bration. The town of Easton was represented by Messrs. Hiram Williams and Henry W. Heath. No other towns responded. After a full consideration of the part which it was desired the six adjoining towns should take in this celebra- tion, on motion of the secretary, it was unanimously voted that the Joint Committee on the 250th Anniversary of the founding of Taunton hereby request the six adjoining towns, which once formed a part of Taunton, to appoint at their coming town meetings, committees authorized to con- fer with this committee and to act in their behalf, in concert with it. At this meeting, Henry W. Colby was chosen Poet for the day of celebration. The next meeting of the committee was May 26. Henry Williams, of the committee representing the Old Colony Historical Society, having died, and Timothy Gor- don, resigned, John W. D. Hall and Henry M. Lovering were appointed in their place and were present at the meeting. There were also present from Dighton, Whitman Chase, George E. Gooding, Alfred W. Paul ; from Easton, Hiram Williams; from Norton, Isaac F. Braman, George H. Talbot; from Raynham, T. B. Johnson, Stephen R. Lincoln, Damon D. White. Mansfield was not represented. Henry W. Colby signified his acceptance of appoint- ment as Poet. The committee on memorial tablets was enlarged by adding John W. D. Hall and William E. Fuller from Taun- ton, and one from each of the six adjoining towns — Alfred INTRODUCTORY NOTICE. I 3 W. Paul, from Dighton ; William L. Chaffin from Easton ; Joseph \V. White, from Raynham ; Elkanah Hall, from Mansfield ; Austin Messinger, from Norton; Giles L. Leach, from Berkley. This enlarged committee was busy during the year, and made reports at meetings held Aug. 23 and Dec. 29. The City Government was represented in the Joint Committee in 1889, by Mayor R. Henry Hall, Aldermen Edward H. Temple, Charles S. Anthony, Ripley W. Town- send, President of the Council, Councilmen Alden H. Blake, Edward A. Fay, E. Clarence Holt and Ex-Selectmen Cornelius White and Nathan S. Williams. The committee of the Old Colony Historical Society was enlarged by the addition of Alfred B. Hodges and George A. Washburn. At the first meeting of the committee, January 28, all past proceedings were accepted and ratified. S. Hopkins Emery, the secretary of the past two years was re-chosen. The committee on historic places and tablets was re-appointed, with the addition of Edgar H. Reed. It was voted to take two days for the celebration, Tues- day and Wednesday the 4th and 5th of June, 1889. Also, to appoint a committee, of which the Mayor should be chair- man, to report program for the two days and a list of sub- committees to carry out the proposed program. The secretary was requested to call the attention of the clergy of Taunton and the surrounding towns to the cele- bration and suggest discourses and other exercises on the Sabbath preceding, suited to the occasion. On the 4th of P'ebruary, John E. Sanford was chosen toastmaster, who subsequently declined to serve and William H. Fox was chosen. At a meeting held the 23d of February, Henry M. Lovering was chosen chief marshal, by acclamation and a 14 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. committee heretofore appointed, reported through its chair- man, the Mayor, a program for the two days' celebration and a list of sub-committees required by that program. The report was substantially agreed to, the same ap- pearing in the lists of committees hereafter given and the proceedings of the two days published in this book. The Joint Committee have held twenty meetings, ar- ranging for the celebration, and these meetings have been characterized by the utmost harmony and a common desire to make the celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the founding of Taunton memorable in the annals of the Old Colony of Plymouth and the Commonwealth of Massa- chusetts. 15 OFFICERS OF THE DAY. PRESIDENT OF THE DAY. Richard Henrv Hall, Mayor of Tait/ifon. vice presidents from taunton. William H. Bent, Charles H. Learoyd, William H. Fox, Charles L. Lovering, William E. Fuller, Silas D. Presbrev. VICE presidents FROM THE SIX ADJOINING TOWNS. Norton, Austin Messinger, Dig/iton, George E. Gooding, Easton, Oakes A. Ames, RaynJiain, Nathan W. Shaw, Berkley, Giles L. Leach, Mansfield, Erastus M. Reed. JOINT GENERAL COMMITTEE Representing the City Govei-nment and the Old Colony Historical Society. R. Henry Hall, Mayor, Chairman. S. Hopkins Emery, Secretary. Edward H. Temple, Edmund H. Bennett, Charles S. Anthony, James H. Dean, Ripley W. Townsend, William E. Fuller, Alden H. Blake, Charles A. Reed, Edward A. Fay, Edgar H. Reed, E. Clarence Holt, John W. D. Hall, Cornelius White, Henry M. Lovering, Nathan S. Williams, Alfred B. Hodges, George A. Washburn. l6 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. SUB COMMITTEES. Ccwimittee on Historic Places and Memorial Tablets. R. Henry Hall, Chairman. John W. D. Hall, Secretary. James H. Dean, S. Hopkins Emery, William E. Fuller, Edgar H. Reed. All of Taunton. Samuel A. Chapin, of Norton. Alfred W. Paul, of Dighton. William L. Chaffin, of Easton. Joseph W. White, of Kaynham. Giles L. Leach, of Berkley. Elkanah Hall, of Mansfield. Committee on Finance. R. Henry Hall, Chairman. George A. Washburn, Secretary. Henry M. Lovering. Committee on Invitation of Guests. R. Henry Hall, Chairman. S. Hopkins Emery, Secretary. William E. Fuller, John W. D. Hall, Henry M. Lovering, George A. Washburn. Committee on Reception of the Press. William Reed, Jr., Chairtnan. William F. Greenough, Secretary. William F. Kennedy. Committee on Salute and Bell Ringing. E. Clarence Holt. Committee on Pi/ldication of Proceedings. S. Hopkins Emery, Chairman. James H. Dean, Secretary. William E. Fuller. SUP. COMMITTEES. 1 7 Coi)i))iittcc on Decorations. Edward H. Temple, Chairman and Secretary. Francis S. Babbitt, Nathaniel J. Grossman, Herbert L. Peck, Herbert T. Washburn. Committee on Vocal and hist rii mental Music. Charles L. Lover i no, Chairman. Walter M. Dunbar, Secretary. Georoe Bridgham, Lkander Soule, Mrs. a. Glinton Rhodes. Committee on Banquet. Charles S. Anthony, Chairtnan. RiPLEV W. Townsend, Secretary. Edward F. Gallioan, George H. Rhodes, Joseph S. Tidd. Committee on Ball. Frederick Mason, Chairman. Joseph R. Tallman, Secretary. Charles P. Foster. John H. Galligan, Edwin A. Tetlow, Ripley W, Townsend, Alfred B. Sproat, James C. Sproat. Committee on Printing. Edwin A. Tetlow, Chairman. George A. Washburn, Secretary. S. Hopkins Emery, Silas D. Prksbrey, Albert E. Swasey. Committee on Carriages and Transportation. John H. Church, Chairman. Byron F. Kingsbury, Secretary. Aldex H. Blake, Edward A. Fay, Joseph L. Macomber, Jr. iS QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. Coniiii/tfer oti J^iradc. Henry M. Loverinc, Chief Marshal, C//air?rian. Harrlson a. Cushman, Secretary. Orville a. Barker, Leonard B. Higgins. William H. Bent, Alfred B. Hodges, Henrv G. Brown ell, Charles L. Lovkrtng, CiEORGE W. CoLP.v, Henry C. PERR^, Abner Coleman, Henry G. Reed, N. Bradford Df.an, Geor(;e E. Wilbur, Henry A. Dickerman, Philander Williams, Solon R. Wright. Covwiittce on Fire Wotks. E. Clarence Holi'. C/ia/mian. James A. Tinkham, Secrdary. Charles S. Anthony, John J. Barker, Daniel Carey. Committee (m Tableaux. William R. Billings. Chairman and Secretary. Albert L. Carpenter, James H. Dean, William C. Loyering, James C. Sfroat, ALr.K.Ri' E. Swasey, HARR^■ H. Townsend. Comviittec on Location of School Children. George C. Capron, Chairman and Secretary. George Bridgham, Edward H. Temple, Edward A. Eay, F. Arihur Walker. Committee on Halls. Alden H. Blake, Chairman. John H. Eldridge, Secretary. John C. Walker. SUP. COMMITTEES. JQ CoDunitfee on Loan Ex/iihit. John W. D. Hall, Chairnuvi. S. Hopkins Emery, Secretary. John F. MoNixiOMERY. Mrs. Nathalie E. Bavliks, Mrs. Henry M. Loverino. Mrs. Geor(;e Brabrook, Mrs. Charles L. Loverino, Mrs. \\'ALrER J. Clkmson. Mrs. Frederick Mason, Mrs. Joseph J. Cooper. Mrs. Thompson NEWPrkN, Mrs. Joseph Dunkar, Mrs. John Paul, Mrs. Frank L. Fish, Mrs. Joseph Philp.rick, Mrs. Frederick L. Fish. Mrs. Henry G. Reed. Mrs. R. Henry Hall, Mrs. S. R. Townsend. Mrs. Elisha 1\ Jackson, Miss Adeline S. Ba\lies, Miss Sarah B. Williams. [The al)ove from Taunton.] Miss Harriot A. Newcomb, Norton. Mrs. Ebenezer Andrews, Mrs. Mary C. Rose, Dighton. Mrs. John O. Dean, Mrs. Olive J. Gilmore, Easton. Miss Amy Leonard, Mrs. Alcott E. Lincoln, Raynham. Mrs. Alfred Boardman, Mrs. Charles Corey, Berkley. Mansfield was not represented. Committer on Flowers. Miss Annie Andros, Mrs. C. H. Lincoln, Mrs. J. J. Barker, Mrs. Alfred Messinger, Mrs. O. a. Barker, Mrs. F. H. Miett, Mrs. Daniel Carey, Mrs. C. E. Monroe, Mrs. \V. J. Clemson, Mrs. J. F. Monhjomery, Miss Alice G. Colby, Mrs. O. S. Paioe, Miss Maria Converse, Miss Annie Paul, Mrs. H. L. Davis, Miss Charlotte L. Peck ham. Mrs. a. N. Dyer, Mrs. A. C. Rhodes, Miss Alice Lane, Miss Annie Woodward, 20 OTARTKR MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. Commiltce on Reception of Giitsts. R. Henry Hall, Mayor, Chairman. S. Hopkins Emery, 'Secretary. Charles S. Anthony, Edward H. 1'emple. Ripley W. Townsend. President of the Council. Ai.DEN H. Blakk, Edward A Fay, E. Clarence Holt. Cornelius White. Nathan S. Williams, Edmund H. Benneit, James H. Dean, W" II. LI AM E. Fuller, John W. D. Hall, Alfred B. Hodges, Henry M. Loverinc, Ch.'Xrles a. Reed, Edgar H. Reed, CtEorge a. Washburn. George N. Elmes, William McAusland, A. Gilberi' Williams, Frederick E. Austin, Albert M. Clark, George Ellam, GusTAVUS T. Fisher, Willis K. Hodciman, Charles L. Johnson, Noah Lemaire, John a. Macdonald, Herbert N. Pierce, Henry A. Short, Aldermen. Council^nen, G. Arthur Lincoln, Benjamin Morris, Arthur K. Williams. Frederick V. Brown, Marcus A. Dary, John C. Finn, John T. Franks, Thomas F. Hoye, ''David Johnson, James H. Lincoln, J. Alfred Messinger, WiNTHROP A. Robinson, Frederick A. Walker, Charles E. Mason. jldditional Af embers from Taunton. Frederick W. Abpoti', Arthur M. Alger, Ebenezer C. Arnold, Henr\ D. Atwood, George H. Babbitt, Francis S. Babbitt, Anson J. Barker, Grville A. Barker, Henry P. Barstow, Josiah C. Bartlett, *l>pc{'it!«e(I. sun COMMlirF.ES. 21 Committee on Reception of Hknrv F. Basse'it, William R. Black, Alfred Bkabrook, Isaac B. Brkuis, John P. Brown, Ansel O. Burt, Hopkins B. Cady, Daniel Carkv, John H. Church, William B. Church. Walter J. Clemson, Henry W. Colby, William (/ox, Henry S. Culver, James M. Cushman, Seth L. Cushman, Edwin A. Dary, Ezra Davol, N. Bradford Dean, Samuel A. Dean, Jeremy W. Denneit, John H. Kldridge, Thomas (). Falvev, John P. Forbes, William H. Fox, Everett D. Godfrey, Chrisiopher a. Hack, Frederick S. Hall. Charles F. Hanson, Henr\ S. Hari. John T. Hawkins, Lednakh B. Hiccins. Geo ROE F. Howard, {■"rank a. Huisbard. Elisha T. Jackson. Charles F. Iohxsox. Guests Continited. William H. Bent. William F. ?)Odfish, Geor(;e Brakrook, James Brown, Uharles H. Buffington, L. Cl.OVIS BUSSIERE, Geor(;e C. Capron, George F. Chace, LeBaron B. Church, Nathan Clark, Geor(;e W. Colby, Peter H. Corr, Nathaniel J. Crossmax, Charles Curtis, HoRAiTo L. Cushman, George P. Cutler, William C. Davenport, Charles R. Dean, Robert S. Dean, Heman p. Deforest, Horace W. Durgin, Abram D. Emery, Charles H. Field, Charles Fostkr, Henry J. Fuller, 'I'lMo WW Gordon, William M. Hai.i:. Herbert E. Hall. Edward O. Hari, loHN W. Hart, Joseph W. HA^wARD. Edwin M. Hills. Chari.es 'I'. Hubbard, Edward L. Hyde, Edward N. Jennev, Ei.ijAH U. Jones, (KWKTIiK MILLKXMAL CELEIJKATIOX. Coiiimittec on Reception HowAR]) A. L. KiNc, JosKPH Maurick LaMo'ihe, Nathan Lawrence, Hknrv B. Leach, Lorenzo Lincoln, Charles L. Loverino, Donald Macdougall, Edward B. Maltry, Frederick. Mason, John T. Meats, Erastus Morse, George O. Morse. Edward Mott, Thompson Newbury, NoMUS Paige, Abel W. Parker, John Paull, John B. Perkins, Joseph Philbrick, Alfred C. Place, Franklin Pratt, George H. Reed, John D. Reed, Marcus M. Rhodes, Charles E. Richmond. John S. Sampson, John C. Sharp, Jr., Nathan H. Skinner, Leander Soule, Abiel B. Siaples, Albert E. Swasey, l{i)\vi\ A. 'I'eilow, Charles Thornton, Pt.ijah Tolman, Salmon \\'ashi;urn, Lloyd E. Whitk. of Guests Continued. John Kittredge, Andrew J. Lawrence, Arunah a. Leach, Charles H. Learoyd, Thomas J. Lothrop, William C. Lovering, James T. Maher, Francis Mansfield, Joseph E. McDonough. Daniel L. Mitchell, Francis L. Morse, Henry W. Morse, Joseph Murphy, John O'Hearne, Jr., Onias S. Paige, Charles H. Paull, David D. Perkins, Parley L Perrin, William H. Phillips, William H. Pleadwell, Silas D. Presbrey, Henry G. Reed, William Reed, Jr., S. Holbrook Rhodes. James F. Roach, John E. Sanford, Zachel's Sherman, WiLLiA.M J. Smith, Alfred V. Stall, Sylvanus N. Staples, John P. Swinerton, Sylvanus M. '1'ho.\ias, E. Dawes Tisdale, Daniel A. Trefeihen, LuiHER B. West, William L. W^hite. SUB COMMITTEES. William L. Wmib;, Jr.. Alexander H. Williams. Georce B. Williams, John R. Willl\ms, Nathan Wilmarih, Joseph K. Wilson, JOSEI'H E. WlLHAK. A. Kino Williams, G. Edgar Williams. Lewis Williams, George C. Wilson, George M. W(jod\vard. Other members of the Committee. Djghtoii, James H. Coddin(;, Charles N. Simmons, Berkley, Herbert A. Dean, Thomas Paul, Xorton, Geor(;e R. Perrv, George H. Taliujt. Easton, Mansfield and Raynham failed to apppoint. N. B, Some few names fail to appear on the lists of com- mittees of such persons as fell obliged to decline serving. This statement is made to explain the absence of certain names, which might be looked for. Committee of /'u/i/ieatio/i. 24 OUAKTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. PROCEEDINGS On the moniing of the First Day in Music Hall. The Literary Exercises of the Anniversary were begun on the morning of June 4th, and proceeded in accordance with the following PROGRAMME: "GLORIA," from Mozart's Twelfth Mass., BEETHOVEN SOCIETY. - PRAYER. Rev. SAMUEL HOPKINS EMERY. ADDRESS OF WELCOME. RICHARD HENRY HALL, Mayor. ••■|"hc Heavens are Telling," from Creation, ----- Haydn. BEETHOVEN SOCIETY. HISTORICAL ADDRESS. Hon. EDMUND HATCH BENNETT. "Star-Spangled Banner," BEETHOVEN SOCIETY. POEM. HENRY WILLIAM COLBY, Es(j. CLOSING HYMN. "America," I!KKrHOVp:N SOCIETY AND ALT:)IENCE. .\cci)in|)anit;(l l)y Rkkn'Ks" AmI'.kk'AN Hand. BENEDICTION.! Rkv. CHARLES HENRY LEAROYD. -^'"-■y^ PROCEEDINGS AT MUSIC HALL On the moniing of the first day of the celebration Music Hall was crowded with spectators, the stage filled with ofificials and invited guests and the whole scene one of the grandest, perhaps in all respects the grandest, in the history of the city. The proceedings were opened with the beautiful "(rloria" from Mozart's Twelfth Mass by the chorus and orchestra. It was magnificently performed. The Mayor then introduced Rev. S. Hopkins Emery as chaplain of the day, who said : Let me read a few words from that Blessed Book, which has been the solace and strength of the fathers and mothers of New England in all its generations — of the founders and first settlers of this ancient town and their childrens' child- ren down to the present time ; We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the days of old. Thou didst drive out the nations with thy hand and plantedst them in. For they gat not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them ; but thy right hand and thine arm and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them. That which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us, we will not hide from their children, telling to the generation to come, the praises of the Lord, and his strength and his wondrous works that he hath done. For he established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children, that the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born, who should arise 26 OUAKTEK .MILLENNIAL CELEliRATlON. and tell them to their children, that they might set their hope in God and not forget the works of God but keep his command- nients. The reading of the Scripture lesson was followed by prayer : God of our fathers, we, their children and thy children, bow reverently and humbly before Thee on this glad day. We adore the riches of the Divine goodness in which our God hath passed before us and those who have preceded us in this place, lo, these two hundred and fifty years. We this day review these centuries of busy life and behold them crowded with tokens of God's care, guiding grace and abundant blessing. We unitedly bring our tribute of thanks- giving and praise. We thank Thee, Lord, for all the pre- cious memories which crowd these memorial days. We thank Thee for the re-union of long separated friends — for the return to the home circle of such as years ago went out from us. We thank Thee for the coming of such as represent this Commcjnwealth and the sisterhood of states, in their various departments of government, in their industry and in their social life. We commend to Thee, merciful Father, our general government, our state government, the cities and towns in all this broad land, whilst in a very special manner our supplication is in behalf of our own city, its officers and its people, that, as Thou hast been with us in the generations past. Thou wilt never lea\e nor forsake in the generations to come. With the increase of our popula- tion and the enlargement of material resources, grant, Lord, the still greater blessing of spiritual growth — a higher civili- zation — a nobler manhood and womanhood — a completer likeness in all who make our homes, to the perfect man, Christ Jesus. To this end, let all our schools and churches, and home training, household inHuences conform to the teachings of the Great l^acher and be under the inspiration MAYORS ADDRESS. 2/ and guidance of his most holy religion. Direct, Lord, in all which is said or done, this day and this hour. All which we ask in his most worth\- name, who hath taught us to pra\', saying. Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name. 71i\" kingdom come, Th}' will be done in earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from e\il. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glor\' for ever. Amen. His Honor, Ma\"()r Richard Henr\' Hall, then wel- comctl the sons and daughters, friends and visitors in the following words : MAYOR'S ADDRESS. Ladies and Gciitlimcn : — It falls to m\' pleasant lot to welcome \'ou to the cele- bration of the founding of the ancient town of Taunton. Two hundred and \\\l\ years on the page of the world's history seems but a trifle, and \et that same number of years in the histor\- oi our own town carries us back to the earliest davs of colonial life. How changed the scene. How different the condition of this locality — its inhabitants, its industries and its relations. From a few scattered fami- lies, we have become a flourishing city of twenty-six thou- sand people. In place of a small and lowly settlement in the midst of the forest, stands to-day a thriving municipalit}', peopled by a bus}', industrious jjopulace. Where once the red man 28 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEHRATION. held undisputed sway, and the sturdy pioneers tilled the soil, now trades and pursuits of manifold description are followed on every hand. Instead of a barter trade confined for the most part to the indigenous red men, have si^rung uj:) commerce and negotiations with a thousand and one distant places. We stand to-day a prosperous and happy communit}', and yet the vast change which has been wrought in this long span of years, has not easily been accomplished. Our dear country has taken the foremost place in the family of nations, but with what sacrifices has this been done, and through what an ordeal has it passed. The savages who once roamed at will through its wilds, haxe been driven to remote regions and well nigh exterminated. Two dangers which assail every nation, we have suc- cessfully met and passed. Foreign invasion will no longer have terrors for us, and internal strife is not easily renewed. These and many other obstacles have been surmounted in our nation's progress, and in them Taunton has taken an earnest and active part ; and so she may fittingly say to-day as she looks upon her fortunate and prosperous peojjle, "This is my reward. " A quarter of a thousand years ha\e passed. It is very fitting therefore, at this time for us to pause in our daily routine of duty, to forsake our fields, our work shops and ])laces of business, and gather here in the observance of this natal day ; and as we have been guided and protected b}' Divine Providence in the past, may we humbly claim the same guidance in the future, and by (lod's blessing continue a united and ]M-osperous people. I bid you all a most hearty welcome. To the daughter towns, who for many years were bound to us, and of us were a part, but who now lead an HIS'I'OKICAI. /XDnKESS. 2g independent existence, mother Taunton to-day extends her warmest welcome. She bids them be merry with her in the festivities now to be held, for to-day ancient Taunton and our present city join hands and celebrate. To the most distinguished representatives of nation and commonwealth who have honored us by their presence at this observance of her two hundred and fiftieth birthday, I give a heartfelt and generous welcome. To a// our guests, be they sons or daughters of Taun- ton, be they neighbors or from distant states, whatever may be their relations to us, we this day throw open the gates of the citv, and bid them most cordial and sincere greetina". The Beethoven Society next sung "The Heavens are Telling;" after which Mayor Hall introduced the orator of the day, Hon. Edmund H. Bennett who delivered the fol- lowing HISTORICAL ADDRESS. Ladies and Gentlemen, Sons and Dano;Jiters of the Aneient Tozvn of Taunton: — It is the story of the virtues and the sufferings of that worthy band, which so successfully laid the foundations of this community, and secured for us the manifold blessings we now enjoy, that you have assembled this day with such tender interest to hear. The presentation of such a subject, which reaches so many ears, attracts so many eyes, and interests so many hearts, properly belongs to some one who is a "native here, and to the manor born ; " some one, whose childhood has been passed in your daily sight, who has been 30 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEHRATION. reared amid those hallowed memories that cling around your hearth-stones, and whose ancestors sleep beneath the same sod, side by side with your own. But notwithstanding the natural hesitation of one not thus blessed to undertake so deli- cate a duty, none of your own sons, I assure you, could more highly appreciate the honor conferred on me by your kind invitation ; not the least of many others received during my residence among you. And, conscious of my own inability to adequately present so eventful a subject within the time allotted me, may I not appropriately add one more peti- tion to those which have already ascended to the Throne of Grace from the lips of our beloved chaplain, and be permit- ted to repeat those devout words in which the divine poet introduced his more exalted theme : — " What in me is dark, Illumine; what is low, raise and support." With all the aid vouch.safed me, the field is so broad and the period included so long, I shall necessarily weary your patience in considering matters of public and general interest only, and, therefore, I reserve for an appendix many minor details, whatever interest they might have for some here present. But I must hasten to the immediate topic of the hour, the treatment of which naturally assumes a more narrative form than if we already possessed complete local histories, or even former memorial addresses to which reference might be made. The exact date of the first settlement of Taunton can not now be ascertained, and the loss of her public records by the disastrous fire of rledfoi-d, Newbury, (Juincy, Roxbnry, Salem, Springfield Watertown and Weynioutli,— tliough not clironolofiically in that order. iiis'i'oRic.\[. .\i)i)Ki:ss. 33 Neitlic!" the original deed ot this purchase, nor an}' rec- ord of it, can now be found, nor is its exact date known ; but there is abundant reason to believe that it came from Mas- sasoit, whose Indian name was Oiisamequin, to whom the purchasers paid two shillings per acre on their home lots to extinguish the Indian title.^ This conveyance was confirm- ed in 1663, by his son Philip, who received sixteen pounds more. Indeed it is an established fact that our forefathers never took possession of a foot of land in this colony, which they did not fairly purchase of the Indians, with the excep- tion of Assonet Neck, and some other similar sections, which they were not allowed to buy, but which were confiscated by the Government to pay the expenses of King Philip's war, and sold by the Colony to individuals. A list of the first pur- chasers may be found in the Proprietors' Records, now in the city clerk's office, among whom we find the prominent names of Richard Williams, George Hall, William Poole, John Deane, John Crosman, Walter Deane, John Gilbert, Henry Andrews and William Scaddinge, from whom doubt- less that lovely, but not fully appreciated sheet of water, Scadding's Pond, derives its name.- This Richard Williams, whose many descendants have led honorable and useful lives among us for generations, deserves justly to l)e called the father of the town, or certainly one of the most prominent of them. The monument to Elizabeth Poole, now stancHng in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, erected by the ladies of Taunton in 1836, describes her in glowing eulogy as the "Foundress of the Town of Taunton;" but her name nowhere appears as one of the original purchasers, although that of another lady, " Widdo Randall, " does ; and so far as we can ascertain, the popular tradition of her purchase of the place with a jack- 1. See Appendix C. 2, See Appemlix 1). 34 QUARTER MILLEXMAT. CELEBRATION. knife and a peck of l^eans must be ranked with the legend of Romulus and Remus as the founders of Rome, with that of William Tell as the deliverer of Switzerland, or that of Pocahontas as the saviour of Captain Smith.' But notwith- standing the doubt that Miss Poole can justly be deemed the "foundress" of the town, we do know with sufficient cer- tainty that she was born of noble lineage in Devonshire, England, on the 25th of August, 1588; that when nearly fifty years of age she came to this countr\- with her younger brother William, and after a short tarry in Dorchester re- moved to Cohannet, and became the owner of much land in this vicinity, and an active promoter of its interests.- Gov. Winthrop says (V'ol. I, p. 302) under date of 1637, "She went late thither, and endured much hardship and lost much cattle. " The Poole family usually spelled their name P-o-l-e, and the plain towards Berkley was called "Mrs. Pole's plain, " easily abbreviated to Pole plain, as now com- monly known. Miss Poole's homestead and adjoining land containing about twenty acres, was on the south side of Main street, extending from the Bristol County Bank build- ing easterly to near the Leonard Block, and bounded on the south by Mill river. F'rom this estate she remoA'ed in 1653 to the corner of Dean and Winter streets, at or near the present residence of James H. Dean, Esq. With a well earned reputation for "Piety, Liberality and Sanctity of Manners, " she departed this life on the 21st of May, 1654, in the sixty-sixth year of her age ; and after resting in her own private tomb on her homestead estate for more than a cen- tury, her remains were removed in 1771 to the Plain Ceme- 1, The romantic story that Pocahontas saved the life of Capt. Smith by nishinj;' lietween the descending war club of her father and the head of his captive, rests upon no reliable evidence. She was only thirteen years of age at the time of the alleged incident, and recently published documents leaving little doubt but that the story is, in the main, a fiction. See English Colonization of America, by E. 1>. Niell, 1871: Oeane's E,,'•. 48 OUARTRR MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. ammunition for an attack upon Taunton and other villages. He was compelled to surrender about seventy guns into the hands of the commissioners, and promised better behavior for the future.^ But the truce soon failed. The issue was too vital to be settled except by force of arms ; and in the long and bloody conflict that ensued, costing over six hun- dred lives, half a million of dollars, (of which Taunton con- tributed over three hundred and twenty-seven pounds) and the total or partial destruction of fifty-three towns, Taunton, from its central position was the chosen rendezvous of the troops from Ph'mouth, Boston and elsewhere. For the same reason it was a constant point of attack by the savages, and several of its dwellings were consumed, and their inmates cruelly butchered ; among others John Tisdale, James Phillips, Henr)' Andrews and Edward Bobit. The danger of the entire destruction of the village was so imminent that the Cape towns actually invited all our people to remove thither until the war was over. This offer was declined by Taunton people in a letter full of thankfulness to their friends, and with a firm reliance upon the Lord God of Hosts, for final deliverance from all their perils. - As might be expected, the Anglo-Saxon blood soon be- came dominant ; and in August, 1676, twenty men from Taunton, under the guidance of a friendly Indian, attacked a bodv of the sax'ages at Gardiner's Neck and put them to utter rout ; and their squaw-Sachem, Weetamoe, formerly the wife of Alexander, sister-in-law of King Phili]), in attempting to swim the (ireat river, perished in her flight. A few days after, by the death of Phili]), and the capture of Annawan by Captain Church at Rehoboth, this sanguinar)- conflict was terminated and our land had peace. 1. Sec Ai)iieiulix S. 2. See Appendix T. HISTORICAL ADOKESS. 49 FREE SCHOOLS I 677. Whatever reason there is for believing that some school had been kept by " Master John Bishop " at the earliest set- tlement of the town, the year 1677 is memorable for the in- auguration of the Free School System in the Old Colony, which, notwithstanding its many imperfections, has doubtless done more than any human agency to improve and elevate the great body of our people. By a law passed that year it was provided that, " In whatever Township consisting of fifty families, or upwards, any meet man shall be obtained to keep a Grammar School, such Township shall allow at least twelve pounds to be raised by rate on all the inhabitants ; and the profits of the Cape Fishery shall be distributed to such towns as have such grammar schools, not to exceed fi\'e pounds per annum to any one town. "^ No doubt Taunton availed itself of this law, for in 1683 she received three pounds of the Cape Fishery money for her " scoole, " then kept by Mr. James Green, who was paid mostly in bar iron ; and in 1685 good Parson Shove tells us that "Taunton has eighty scholars on her list, some of whom have entered Latin. " We have lived to see in one-seventh of the old town, forty-five hundred scholars, nearly a hundred teachers, and over thirty school houses, representing an estimated value of more than 5300,000, all maintained at an expense of over S6o,ooo annually. "Though thy beginning was small, thy latter end hath greatly increased. " TAUXTOX'S RESISTAXCE TO COY. AXDROS 1686. But soon another cloud appeared on our northern bor- der. In 1684 the Massachusetts Charter was falsely de- clared forfeited ; and Gov. Edmund Andros having been appointed Governor over the whole of New F2ngiand, com- menced his arbitrary and tyrannical measures. One of the L See Ai>]ienilix I'. 50 OUAK'n:R MII.I.F.NNIAI. CELEBRATION. first was to le\'\' a tax of tvvent}' cents on each j^oll, and one pennv in the pound upon all the property in the late Col- onies and Pro\'inees. Hut the people of Taunton replied to him. thev did not "feel free to raise money on the inhahi- tants without their own assent in an assembly. "' For trans- mitting; this spirited answer to John ITsher, the Treasurer, our Town Clerk, Shadrach Wilbore, was fined twenty marks, and imjirisoned for three months in i^oston and in jail at Bristol. In less than two years from that time Andros was himself on his way to Eng^land under arrest to answer for his misdeeds, and Wilbore received from his i;rateful towns- men one hundred acres of land at Cotley, "in consideration of his imprisonment and suffering. "- rALXTOX SHII'-P.UII.DlXCi I 7OO. In the year 1699, Thomas Coram,'' who had previous!}' come to this country from Dorsetshire, England, bought a tract of land of John Reed on the west side of Taunton river, and established a ship-yard in South Dighton, at or near what is now sometimes called Bragg's ship-yard, being- south of the town-landing, near the end of the road leading from Dighton Four Corners to the river, at the place now George A. Shove's homestead, a descendant of the Rev. George Shove, our third minister. Here he built several ships and laid the foundation of that industr\' which flourished for many )'ears in this vicinit\- ; and although actual ship-building has been discontinued in this town, t)iu' shipping interests hax'c so largcl\- increased that Taunton is the owner in whole or in |)art of o\er fifty vessels of differ- ent kinds, with a combined tonnage said to exceed that of an\ i(i(ist-ii.'i.u- shi])))ing list in an)' othei" cit\' of New Eng- 1. :i I'iillrey's \. K, p. n.iij. l!cvi>('ii(li.\ \ . ;;. An iuteresting pai)er on Tliomas Corani, !iy tlie Hon. ("Iiarles A. Reed, of 'raunton, may be lonnd in tlie Old Col. Hist. Src. I'apers. N'o. •_'. A nnniber of roiaiu'si lettfTM are in " The Davis I'apeis, '' in the .Mass, Hist. Society Lilivaiy, Boston. IIISIOKICAI, ADDkF.SS. 5 I land. It may not be uninteresting' in this connection to state, that notwithstancHn,!;" the Lceneral disapproval of lotteries at the ])resent (la\', e\en toi" worths' objects, our pious tore- talhers frequenth' resorted to them on s])ecial occasions; and in 1760 a law was ])asse(l authorizinj;' James Williams, ("ieorL;"e Williams, Kobert Luscomb and John Adam of I'aunton and Ste])hen J-5urt of Berkley, to establish a lot- tery for the ):)urpose of raisinj;' three hundred and tift\' i:)()unds to remo\'e the rocks and shoals from i'aunton (ireat ri\'er "between the Ware Bridge and Rock\' l^)int. "' i'he first Weir Bridge had been built about 1667, the (jeneral Couit allowing tweh'e poimds toward the same out of the pub- lic treasur}-. The lottei\- was established, and jirinted tick- ets were issued, one of which 1 now ha\"e before me. How successful the lottery pro\'ed to be in clearing the river ma)' be understood when we know that since that time the gen- eral government has spent §250,000, for the same purpose, besides indi\'idual expenditures by parties interested ; and these improAcments are not yet complete. IXCORFORA'riOX OF XOKTOX AXD OTHER TOWXS I/I'-SS- Our history records no other interesting e\'ents until about 1710, when a i)eriod of twentv-hve vears witnessed \er\' important changes in our extensive territorv. The earliest settlement in the tract afterwards included in the North Purchase, before s]:)oken of, was made in 1669, on the easterh' side of Wiiinecunnet Pond by W'illiam Witherell, a prominent man in Taunton, ancestor of the pi'esent William D. Witherell of Norton, and justly called the father of that town. The settlement in the pleasant neighborhood around this pond had so increased in 1707 and the people were so remote from the only place of public worship, that in No- vember of that year they sent a petition to the town to 1. See Appendix W, 52 OUAKTEK MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. l^ound them out a separate precinct, "for the maintanance of a minister, " whom they plecl<^ed themselves to support. I'aunton was not quite ready to assent to this request, as- signing to the General Court the ostensible reason that " the generality of the North Purchase are so poor that we ffear they will not be able to build a meeting house and maintain a preacher. " Probably the other reason given in their pro- test was no less weighty, namely: "that many of its are so extream poor, and rates and taxes so high, that we find it hard and difficult to rub along. " Application to the General Court was finally successful, and in 1709 the North Precinct was established, which in 171 I became a new town under the name of Norton, prob- ably an abbreviation of North Town.^ It included, as is well known, the present territory of Easton and Mansfield, subsequently organized into separate towns, in 1725 and 177 1 respectively, the latter being so named by Gov. Hutch- inson, in admiration of the eminent Chief Justice of Eng- land. The same inconveniences which led the I^orth-folk to take the step above mentioned, also induced the southern part of the town to similar action ; and in 1708 about thirty of the dwellers in that region also petitioned for a separate precinct. This caused even more opposition than the other; the town seemingly being anxious lest the petitioners should be exposed to much " difificulty by reason of the Great river that runs through the middle of that desired precinct, which will be difficult to pass in winter by reason that the ice is many times not strong enough to bear, and too hard to break!" An excuse much thinner than the ice itself; for the General Coui-t made short work of it, granted the re- quest of the petitioners, and set out their new precinct as desired; which in 17 12 was declared to be a separate town \. Sec Aiiiu'iidix X. HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 53 under the name of Dighton, so-called from Frances I)i,i;hton, a sister-in-law of Gov. Dudley, and wife of the Richard Wil- liams before mentioned.' Several other attempts were made to di\ide the town, but without success until 173 i, when the north-easterly por- tion having become in the language of that day, "compe- tently filled with inhabitants, " was incorporated under the name of Raynham.- The fashion of town-division was now at its height, and in 1735 our old town was called upon to part with another section on its southeasterly border ; and the new town of Berkley (named for Bishop Berkeley, who had resided a short time at Newport, R. I.) took its place on the flag of the Old Colony. This completes the list of our municipal offspring.-'" No other town in the Old Colony can boast of so many daughters. As in an earlier age the HeaN'cnly Saturn is said to have successively thrown off its several bright rings, so in a later day, did this our terrestrial planet, in the first century of her existence, set six new stars in her surrounding firmament, which together con- stituting one united constellation, this day revolve — har- moniously revolve — around one common centre of interest and attraction. But to follow them in their respective or- bits would lead us too far from our present path. They will soon have interesting celebrations of their own. SETTLEMENT OF NEW TAUXTOX 1 736. I take especial pleasure as a son of Vermont in stating the fact known doubtless to many of you, that tlie first per- manent settlement in that state was made by hard)' [)ioneers from this j^lace. In the year 1735 a number of Taunton people petitioned the General Court of Massachusetts to be incorporated as a new town on the Connecticut river. Their request was granted, and a new town was created, under the 1. See ApiieiKljx V. 2. See Appendix /-. ;!. See Apiteiulix A. A- 54 Or.\Fn 1 K i;- l(i\\ x — 1 74^. In the \ear 1 74'^> anothei' inipoi-tant event occuri'ed bearing laigelv upon the future inteiesls of Taunton, I'he 1. See .\|i|ii'iHliX I!I5. iiis'i oKicAi. .\ni)Ki:ss. 55 town ot Bristol, th()ii,^h much smallci" than 'I'aunton. had been made the count)' scat in 1685. when liiistol Count\- was created. I'^\er)' student of history knows tliat origin- all) the western boundar\- of the Plymouth Colony, and so of Bristol Count) , was the Narrag'ausett Bay ; and that for many years Bristol, Warren. Barrington, and other neigh- boring" towns, were a part of Massachusetts, and sent repre- sentatixes to our General Court in Boston ; but by decree of the king and council in 1746 (a \"er)- unjust one, in mv opinion) the boundary line was so run that those towns fell to Rhode Island, and our jurisdiction o\er them ceased. l-5ris- tol, having heretofore been the count\- seat, all the courts had been held there, and the records of deeds and wills were there also. It became necessary to choose another shire- town ; and the central location as well as the relati\e import- ance of Taunton i-endered its selection natural and eas\'. a choice which should ha\e been made when the count)- was established. Accordingly an act was jjassed, creating Taun- ton a shire-town, and all books and pai)ers in Brist()l were biought here, and the hi"st Count\- Court, or Inferioi- Court of Common Pleas, was held here December 9, 1746. This e\ent made Taunton the legal centre of the county, a posi- tion that had much to do with her future ])rosperit\-.' The first Court House was built about 1747. Taunton contiibut- ing nearl)- one thousand i:)ounds towards its erection. It stood a little southwest of the ])resent building, until 1772. when it was succeeded by another, fortx' feet squai-e. and twent)-f()ur feet high, which in i(S27. being found inade- quate, was removed northward down Cobb's Lane, now Court street, and conxerted into a tenement house. The present resiDcctable edifice, erected in the same \ear, even now reepiires enlargement. '!"he first jail was built in 1747. at a cost of about S3,000, on the site of the Bristol Count\ 1. See A|i|ieii(Ux CC. 56 OUARTKK MILLENNIAL CELEliK ATK )N. liank lniil(lin<4, and duriiii;" the erection of it the school liouse was "impressed" for jail purposes. This first jail was used in 1775 for the confinement of "prisoners of war" by order of the council.^ The present one, erected in 1873 at a cost of about S 160,000, is known as one of the model jails in the Commonwealth, and under the j^resent manage- ment might sometimes be taken by the passer-by for a first- class conservatory, and always as a most inviting home for honest and gentle folk, of whatever degree ! TAUNTON IN THE REVOLUTION T776. Hut time rolls on. Mighty events are fast approaching; events involving the existence of a nation, and the destinies of a world. The oppressive measures of luigland had be- come unendurable ; Lord North controlled the British policy ; the Stamp Act had passed ; Writs of Assistance had issued ; the streets of Boston swarmed with foreign soldiery ; the Bos- ton Massacre had taken place ; Crispus Attucks had fallen ; the Boston Port Bill had become a law. These cruel and vindictive measures aroused the indignation of our people. Committees of safety were everywhere appointed ; minute men were organizing companies ; beacon fires were burning on e\ery hill-top ; and the spirit of resistance was kindling into an irresistible fiame. In these stirring exents Taunton was not backward ; indeed she was among the foremost. The same- spirit which led her fathers, a centurv before, to refuse obedience to tlie arbitrar)' acts of (ioxernor Andros, inspired the breasts of their descendants. Long before the Declaration of In(k'|)en(lence, long be- fore the burning woi-ds of I'ati'ick Henr\- ; before Putnam IkuI left his plow in its Connecticut furrow, oi- Washington taken conmiand of the Amei"ican annv ; before the march to Lexington, oi" the bill ot Ticonderoga, the citizens of Taun,- 1. See .\i>|irii(li\ |)|). HISTORIC A I. ADDRESS. 57 loii, with ])i"()|)hctic c\'c, toresaw the real issues imohed in the comin<;" contliet, and as early as October, 1774. unfurled their banner to the breeze on Taunton (ireen, bearing those inspiring" words. " Libert\- and Union; Union and Liberty. "^ The uprising in this \icinity became so great that Gov- ernor Gage deemed an armed force necessary to keep the people in subjection, and at his request, CcjI. Gilbert, a notorious Tory of Freetown, raised a body of three hundred men to overawe the friends of Liberty. These proceedings produced intense indignation, and Col. Gilbert was denounced as "an enemy to his country, to reason, to justice and to the common rights of mankind;" and it was declared that " whoexer had knowingly espoused his cause, or taken up arms for his support, does, in common with himself, deserve to be instantly cut off from the benefit of commerce with, or countenance of, any friend of virtue, America, or of the human race. " .Such was the spirit of Bristol county, says one of the Boston papers of that day, "that it is more dan- gerous to be a Tory at Taunton, than in Boston itself. '"- On the 28th of .September, 1774, a spirited county con- \ention was held at the old Court House in this town, at wliich Zephaniah Leonard, Lsq., (afterwards Judge of the Common Pleas) was chairman, and Dr. David Cobb, clerk. Patriotic resolutions were unanimousl\- adopted, declaring that the)' were "determinetl at the risk of their fortunes and their lives, to defend their natural and compacted rights, and to oj^jiose to the utmost all illegal and unconstitutional measures, which ha\'e been or mav be hereafter adopted b}" a British Parliament or a ]3ritish ministrv. "'' Thus earlv were the yeomen ot this \-icinity pi"ej)aring thi' wa}' for the lull declaration of .Amei'ican Independence. 1, l'n>tliiii.i;li;nirs Lile i.f Wiineu. 1). 40o. 'J. .St'i' Apin-iKlix KE. 3. See Al'l"?'"'i'^ I*"!' • 58 QUARTER Mir.LEXNAI, CELEBRATION. Tlic news of the l^attlc of Lc\ini;t()n reached Taunlo on the evening- of April 19th, 1775. That \^ery night both of the Taunton companies, one commanded by Capt. James Williams, Jr.. the other by Capt. Robert Crosman, rallied in full force, and led by Col. Nathaniel Leonard, suc- ceeded by rapid night marches in reporting for duty in Roxbury early on the following morning.' From that da}' Taunton was all alive. Within four days another com pan \' of si.xty men was organized, and went into active service under Captain Oliver Soper, on the 24th of the same month. On the 3d of July the town appointed a committee of Inspection and Correspondence,'-' consisting of twenty-one of her most active patriots : such men as George Godfrey, Nicholas Baylies, George Williams, Dr. David Cobb and Josiah Crocker, son of the sixth minister, and father of Hon. Samuel Crocker. A comjjlete record of the ]M"oceedings of this committee has been happily preserved among the (iod- frey papers in the hands of that zealous antiquar\-. Deacon Edgar H. Reed. One of their first acts was to seize the es- tate and effects of Daniel Leonard, who, o\er the signature of Massachusettensis, had written the most plausible articles ever put forth in support of the Royalist cause, and which were for a long time attributetl to Attorney-Cjcneral Sewall. In 1776, nearly one hundred citizens of this town headed by John Godfrey, signed a solemn league and co\en- ant, (the original of which is still preser\-ed) "not to aid or assist the British forces, or su]:)plv them with |)ro\isi()ns, (»i" stores, or give them an}' information, but on the contrary. according to their best power and abilities, to defend b}' arms the American colonies against ever} hostile attemjjt of the fleets and armies of (ireat l^ritain. "■' Taunton also furnished the colonel for a new regiment of Bristol County, and a brigadier general for a new brigade 1. See A)ii)eii<-(■ ApiiPiiilLv ir 6o QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEHRATIOX. Revolution was about forty-five years old. His house was on the east side of City Square, on or near the site of the Taunton National Bank. He had conducted the prosecution airainst the British soldiers for the Boston Massacre, had warmly espoused the side of the colonists, was delegate from Taunton to the General Assembly of Massachusetts in ,"/}, and '74, to the Provincial Congress of '74 and '7 5, and to the Continental Congress which succeeded it, and was one of the fifty-si.\ who, in that "diploma of immortality, " pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor for their country's independence. Subsequently he became Speaker of our House of Representatives, Attorney General, State Councillor, and finally Judge of the Supreme Court. He was a man of great legal attainments, a brilliant wit, an ex- cellent scholar, an able and impartial judge, a devoted i)a- triot. His philanthropic descendant, the embodiment of all "Associated Charities," worthily bears his honored name. On the other hand Daniel Leonard, then about thirty- '(wc years of age, although born of the best blood of the Old Colony, educated in her highest institutions, gifted with remarkable powers as a writer, lawyer and orator, and for several years our chosen, jiopular and trusted representative in the General Court, in an evil hour deserted his former friends and embraced the Tory cause. His house, (now standing just east of the Court House) was assailed by his indignant fellow-citizens, and he fled to Boston to join the enemies of his country. I^'or this lie was soon banished from the Commonwealth, his property was confiscated, and he (lied in exile in a foreign land, shunned and des|)ised by his formei" townsmen and by every true lox'er of his country. He left no descendants in America. Of these two contem- ])oraries, the name of the one is e\er mentioned with honor and res])ect, that of the other is almost forgotten. "The IIIS'IORICAL ADDRESS. 6 I memory of the just is blessed, but the name of the wicked shall rot. " I have spoken thus particularly of two prominent law- yers in our Re\'olutionary period, but these are not all. Of the long^ roll of able counsellors and judges, who at some time resided in Taunton, what more shall I say ? Time would fail me to tell of Samuel White, the first Taunton lawyer, and his grandson, Francis Baylies, of George Leon- ard, of Samuel Fales and Seth Padelford, of Seth Williams, of Samuel Sumner Wilde, of Nicholas Tillinghast, of Mar- cus Morton, father and son, nay, three sons, of John Mason Williams and Pliny Merrick, of Theophilus Parsons, Har- rison Gray Otis Colby, of Chester Isham Reed and others ; governors and lieut. governors, justices and chief justices of every court in this Commonwealth. What wonder there- fore, with such a record before me, that I should have been induced, forty years since, to leave the land of my birth, and to say unto this place, henceforth "thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God. " TAUNTON IN SHAYS' REBELLION 1/86. The war of the Revolution was over ; but it left the colonists completely exhausted. The expenses incurred in carrying it on were enormous ; taxes were burdensome ; pub- lic and private indebtedness overwhelming. The currency was sadly depreciated ; trade uncertain ; and the avenues of industry were closed. Corn was X^ 1 5 a bushel ; board ^52 a week ; wood ^^40 a cord.^ Every silver dollar was worth seventy-five paper dollars ;- landed property was worth- less, and starvation stared many in the face. An uprising of discontent took place in many counties, Bristol among the rest. Collection suits were so obnoxious that courts were the special object of attack. At the September term of the Common Pleas in this town, the Court House was 1. Atwoort's Reminiscences, !>. .">ri. '-'. See Ai)penili.x J.T. 62 «)l'.\Rri:K MII.I.F.NNIAI. CKLF.15R A'lloX'. llireatcned 1)\ an aimed mob, clemaiKliiii; that the court slioiilcl not he held. (ien. Cobl), then one of the justices of that court, in answer to these threats, uttered, according;- to tra(Htion, these memoiable words, so familial- to e\er\' 'I'aunton ear, and which have jiassed into histor\- : "Awa)' with \()ur whinint;- ; I will hold this couit if I hold it in blood; 1 will sit as a iud_i;e. or die as a L^eneral. " Awed b)' his resolute spirit, the crowd dispersed ; but the spirit of in- subonlination was not \et quelled ; the western counties were soon in open rebellion, and the October term ot the Supreme Court was approaching;-. Apprehending- a second demonstration, (ien. Cobb, on the Simday eveninj;- previous, took possession of the Court House with a small bod}- of volunteeis from this town, and one field piece, still in exist- ence amonu us. The court opened its session on Tuesda)- morning- and on Wednesday the insurgents again appeared to the number of about two hundred, and armed with English muskets put themselves in battle arra\' under Col. Valentine of Freetown. Gen. Cobb drew up the militia, numbering about four hundred and planted his loaded cannon. To the de- mand that the court papers be delivered up or destroyed. Gen. Cobb, it is said, diew a line with his sword on the groinid and shouted to the rebel leader, " if you want these papers, come and take them ; but pass that line and J Hre ; and vour blood be on youi- own head. " The insurgents were cowed and fled in dismay, and armed lesistance to the law of the land in I^ristol coimt\' ceased. It is to the cretlit of Ra_\nhani that it sent moie men to put down this insur- rection than any other tinvn in the count\ ; two full com- panies from that place ha\ing ])romptl\- responded to Gcu. Cobb's call. lIlSTOKrCAI. ADHKESS. 63 Cieneral C'ohh. th()ui;h born in Attleboro'. came to Taunton at an early a<;h position had Small charm to lure your Puritanic dad. If Governors were priced at twenty pounds, What limit, think you, of financial bounds Would circumscribe, at proper market rate Some of our minor officers of state, — Whose Titan struggles for official loaves, Would striJD the laurels from a dozen Joves .'' Among old penalties for slips from grace, We find this pointer stares us in the face ; — Shirking church service cost the absentee In form of fine, a round ten-shilling fee. P'rom this small straw we find the truth evolved Concerning one old problem long unsolved ; Why those grim saints should take such keen delight In service, morning, afternoon and night, Was never quite apparent till we read The old colonial statutes on that head. For, facts and premises brought down to us, We reasoned to a fair conclusion thus — If we, whose Sabbath homes are all aglow With every comfort that a soul can know, And piety by dint of fashion's aid, Combines devotion with a dress-parade. Where inspiration generates in style. Within some gorgeous architectural pile. Upon whose sunlit panes the artist paints His grotesque fancies of the honored saints, (Creating pictures, which to unschooled eyes Are those of angels in extreme disguise.) With more than kind provision made for those, pof<:m. 87 Who wish relij^ion minn(;land, May i6, 1889. Df.ar Mr. Mayor: — I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your kind letter and in- vitations to the celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the found- ing of your town. I brought the subject before our corporation at their monthly meeting, and also had invitations sent to each member, but I am afraid tlie long journey will prevent us from accepting your kind hospitality. Hut on behalf of myself, the other members of the rilK I5ANOUET. Ill corporation and the inhabitants of the old town. I beg to thank you and your committee for your kind feelings toward us, and to assure you that although we shall not be present at your celebra- tion our hearts will be with you, and we trust you will have a pleasant and enjoyable time. Our corporation has decided to send you an address of con- gratulation which is being prepared, and I hope will reach you in good time. 1 have sent you a local paper from which you will see the ac- count of our Council meeting. Vou will also observe that last week we had the honor of a visit from H. R. H., the Duke of Cambridge. With kind regards and best wishes, I remain, dear Mr. Mayor, Yours faithfully, Henrv I. Spili.er, Mayor of Taunton, England. 'l"o His Worship, the Mayor of Taunton, Mass., U. S. A. The l^Mrst Settlers of Taunton : — Perhaps the most |)roniinent of the first settlers of Tatinton was Richard Wil- liams, whom the historian calls the father of the town. How near this statement came to being the literal truth, we may infer from the fact that there are ninety-three W'illiamses in our last city directory. And this number by no means indi- cates the whole family ; for a great many of them have got away, and are scattered all over the earth. One of these wandering sons, who has come back to us to-day, has carried to so fair a fruitage the good seed sown by his ancestor, that it has been publicly said of him that he is the only man in Maine who could be elected governor who would not accept the ofifice. And that high office is so highly cf)veted, we know, in the Pine Tree state, that they sometimes have two governors at a time. Our friend, in his leisure moments, is something of an antiquarian and, 1 am told, has collected i,ooo names of the descendants of Richard Williams, and 1 believe he offe^^s a reward for any new descendant that ma)- be brought to him, dead or alive. I give you " The Plrst 112 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. Settlers of Taunton, " and present to you a descendant, in the seventh generation, of Richard Williams, the Hon. Josiah H. Urummond of Portland. RESPONSE BY HON. JOSIAH H. DRUMMOND. Mr. President, Ladies afid Gentlemen : Or, if you will allow me to salute you by a title more pleasing to me, I will say Cousins of Ancient Taunton : If I had ever lacked interest in my descent from the founders of your town, one glance up and down these tables would have revived it: and to-day I count myself fortunate in being a descend- ant from Richard Williams and that I have learned the fact before 1 had become any older. Yes, many of the descendants of your " First Settlers " have wandered away ; my friend King and myself, speaking for those who live in Maine, represent many more than are now found in your limits, even if you take your beautiful city and all the towns which went to make up Taunton of " ye ancient time. " In Maine, the descendants of the " First Settlers of Taunton " are found all over the State, from Kittery Point to Quoddy Head, from the Highlands to the ocean. On the shores of Casco Bay, in the valley of the Androscoggin, the roar of whose falls is lost in the hum of manufactories ; in the valley of the glorious old Ken- nebec, the music of whose waters was the lullaby of my infancy and the delight of my boyhood ; in the valley of the majestic Penobscot and even in the valley of the far St. Croix, are equally found the descendants of the noble men and women, who re- deemed from the wilderness the spot where I now stand. To illustrate; — among the first settlers of one town in Maine were seven families from Taunton ; how well they obeyed the injunction to "increase and multiply" you may know from the fact that in each one of five of these families, there were nine children ; the other two, as the saying is, "broke the record, " by having eleven children in each. In the neighborhood, too, in which I was born, there were, in my boyhood, fourteen families dwelling consecu- tively within a space of two miles upon the same road, twelve of which, upon the one side or the other, were descendants of Rich- ard Williams. In fact, I believe that you could not call the roll of a single hamlet in Maine without some descendant of Ancient Taunton answering the call. On behalf of these almost countless far-away cousins, I greet you, and most heartily congratulate you upon this auspicious day. THE BANQUET. I I 3 But my friend, the toastmaster, has called upon me to respond for the "First Settlers of Taunton" instead of for their descend- ants, of whom, I infer, that he and the other young men propose to take care, without help from me. Indeed, he has warned you that I am "offering a reward for a descendant of Richard Wil- liams, dead or alive ; " he has slightly exaggerated ; my work ends with the fifth generation, and those now living are in no danger. Recent investigations, set on foot, I think, by the influence of your Old Colony Historical Society and its indefatigable officers, have somewhat changed the formerly prevailing opinion in rela- tion to the ancestry and place of birth of Richard Williams. The discovery of wills made by his immediate relatives, and the infor- mation gained by Ex-Gov. Joseph H. Williams of my state, first made public to-day through his letter to you, render it quite cer- tain in my mind, that Richard Williams was not born in Wales, or if he was, that he left there in very early childhood. Referring to the letter of Gov. Williams (the information in which he has kindly communicated to me,) we find that "Richard Williams of the parish of St. Johns in Gloucester and Frances Dighton of the parish of St. Nicholas in Gloucester were married in the parish of Whitcomb Magna, February ii, 1632 (O. S. ") In passing, we note that Gov. Williams has discovered the parentage and family of the fair bride, whose memory has been worthily honored by giving her name to one of the towns that made part of "Ancient Taunton," and of her sister Katherine, the wife of Gov. Dudley — a problem that has heretofore bafifled all the efforts of genealogists and antiquarians. They were the daughters of John Dighton, an eminent surgeon, and his wife, Jane, daughter of Edward Bassett of Uley. The Bassetts were descendants of the Berkeleys of Gloucestershire, so that in the old limits of Taunton we have two towns bearing the name of the wife of Richard Williams and of the famous family from which she was descended. We have not yet the precise date of her birth, but she was baptized in the church of St. Nicholas, Gloucester, March i, 161 1 (O. S.) She survived her husband and all but two of her nine children, dying early in 1706, at the great age of ninety- five years. She was universally honored and beloved during her long life, and as a testimonial of the regard in which she was held, six years after her death, and in the centennial anniversary year of her birth, a part of the town of her adoption and in which she had dwelt more than the three score and ten years usually allotted as the limit of human life, was created a new town and named "Dighton" in her honor. I speak of her "in passing:" but when we consider the influences that must have gone out from 114 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. the life of so good a woman, who is entitled to more honorable mention, when "the First Settlers of Taunton "' are eulogized, than Frances Dighton Williams ? Richard and Frances had two children born to them while living in the City of Gloucester; John, bap. March 27, 1634; Elizabeth, bap. Feb'y 27, 1635 (O. S.) ; both of whom died young. These dates, with others already known, establish with great certainty that Richard Williams came to this country in 1636. His daughter was baptized in February of that year in Gloucester and he purchased land in Dorchester in 1637 and the same year became one of the original purchasers of Taunton. Question has been raised whether the Richard Williams, who bought land in Dorchester, was Richard Williams, later of Taunton ; but there is no room for doubt, because Richard Williams of Taunton on October 20, 1646, sold one of the lots in Dorchester, and another lot "which fell to Richard Williams" in Dorchester, descended to, and was sold by, the great grandson of Richard Williams of Taun- ton. Richard Williams and family must have been in Taunton in 1637, as he was one of the first purchasers at that date. The settle- ment of the place must have been made long enough before the incorporation of the town, to give assurance that it was to be per- manent. John Richmond and John Hathway say in depositions (which I have not seen in print) that they came to Taunton in 1639, ^"^1 t^^t t'"*^^ John Gilbert, one of the original purchasers, " had a house down on the meadow, on the westerly side of Great River. " It would seem that the settlement must have com- menced immediately after the purchase, and the prominence of Richard Williams indicates that he was one of the first of the " First Settlers. " I have not examined the grounds upon which the tradition, that he came to Taunton from Scituate, rests, but from the facts established by records, I am inclined to doubt its truth. But wherever he passed the time between his arrival in this country and 1639, it is certain that from that date till his death in 1692, more than half a century, he lived in Taunton an honorable and useful life, being almost continually entrusted with the management of public affairs, both religious and civil, and in all relations, commanding the respect, confidence and esteem of the community. He represented Taunton in the Colonial Court twelve years from 1645 to 1665, and was also one of the board of selectmen twelve years. But whence did he originate ? 1 have already stated that in my opinion he was not born in Wales, or, if he was, that he came to Gloucester when quite young. TITE BANQUET. II5 The discovery, iDy Mr. Waters, of two wills, an abstract of which is given in the thirty-seventh volume of the Genealogical Register, gives us iniporiant and quite decisive information. One of the wills was made in 1650 by an unmarried sister of Richard Williams, and the other in 1695, by his nephew, the son of a de- ceased brother. The sister, Jane Williams, mentions in her will, her brother, Samuel Williams, her brother Richard Williams and her sister Elizabeth Williams, "that are in New England"; Benjamin Wil- liams and Nathaniel Williams, the sons of her brother Samuel ; her sister, the wife of John Hall, and her children John, Samuel, Daniel and Susanna. The testatrix describes herself as of Whiten- hurst, Gloucester — the place where Richard Williams lived before he went to America. The nephew, who made the other will, was the Benjamin, son of Samuel, mentioned in the first will. He was a school master and lived in Surrey County. He mentions his cousins, the Hall children, named in Jane's will as "now or late of Whitenhurst in Co. Gloucester : " other cousins apparently on his mother's side ; then his cousins, Samuel, Thomas and Benjamin Williams of. New tjigland; the eldest child of his cousin, Nathaniel Williams of New England, deceased ; the eldest child of his cousin Joseph Wil- liams, deceased; his cousin Elizabeth Bird of Dorchester, New England; the eldest child of his cousin, Hannah Parmater. He thus not only names all the children of Richard Williams, but he calls the daughters by their married names, and also mentions as " deceased " the two sons and one daughter of Richard Wil- liams, who had then died. This will identifies the families beyond peradventure. From both, w-e learn that Richard Williams had a brother Samuel, a sister Jane, who died unmarried, a sister who married John Hall, and a sister Elizabeth Williams, who, in 1650, was in New England. We learn, too, that they all lived in Gloucester and that the married ones had families there ; and the presump- tion is very strong that they were all born there, or came there in childhood as one family. Moreover the clause in the nephew's will, in which he leaves a legacy to the poor of Whitenhurst in Gloucester, " any poor people of my father's kindred principally re- commended" shows clearly that there were in that parish collateral kindred beyond those descended from his father's father, as he already made specific legacies to all of them. In the absence of other evidence, I hold with much confidence that the Williams family had lived in Gloucester several generations, when Richard Williams left his old home to seek a new one in New England. Il6 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. It has been suggested that Roger Williams was the brother of Richard, or, at any rate, that Richard had a brother Robert, who married a sister of Roger Williams. The enumeration of the family in these two wills pretty fully demolishes both of these theories. In my researches I have found no evidence of their truth. As yet, however, no trace has been found of this "sister, Elizabeth Williams, " who was in New England in 1650; it does not appear whether she was then married or single ; all the tradi- tion about Richard's having a brother may have arisen from the marriage of this sister, Elizabeth, with a husband by the name of Williams; but this is mere conjecture. For fifty years after the incorporation of Taunton, there is in its records and history frequent mention of the name of Wil- liams; but they were always Richard and his sons. But in 1688, Elias Williams witnessed a deed executed by William Makepeace, whose daughter Emmanuel Williams married, not many years la- ter; and in 1796, the marriage of Charles Williams and Mary Gladding is recorded. These are in a contemporaneous group ; and apparently Elias and Emmanuel either lived with William Makepeace or in his vicinity ; still whether they, or any of them, were of one family is yet left almost wholly to conjecture. Beyond the record of the birth of a child, Charles made no further sign, and I have met with no further mention of Elias. But Emmanuel married, and in 1709 was included in the list of "Heads of Fami- lies" in Taunton; he died about 1719, leaving six children whose descendants still live in Dighton and New Bedford. But these Williames were nearly of the same generation as Richard's grand- children, and could scarcely have been the children of Elizabeth ; in a word, her history is still a blank. Richard Williams evidently named his first born, John, in honor of his wife's father. His naming his first daughter, Eliza- beth, and the fact that he had a sister (apparently the oldest) by the same name, indicate that his own mother bore that name also. Considering, too, the practice in those times, the facts that Rich- ard named his second son, Samuel, and that his older brother's name was the same, if I were endeavoring to trace his parents, I should look first for Samuel and Elizabeth Williams. But this reminds me that my work is confined to his descend- ants, and I am happy to say that in spite of the deplorable loss of early records, with the generous aid I have received, I have had unexpected success, and I expect to add something to the mate- rials for the history of Taunton. And in this connection may I be allowed to express the hope, that in the near future, some son or daughter of Taunton, " to the THE BANQUET. I I 7 manor born," will undertake to write that history. My friend on my right (Rev. Mr. Emery) has already given us an exceedingly valuable and interesting history of the " Ministry of Taunton ; " but there is yet a mine of historic wealth, almost wholly unex- plored. Few towns in the whole country afford materials for a history so well worth writing as " Ancient Taunton. " It is a duty which this generation owes both to the past and to the future to prevent the loss of these materials. I trust you will allow my re- cently discovered relationship to be a sufficient justification for my pressing this matter most earnestly upon your attention. Does some one ask "r/// bono}'''' What good will result ? For answer, I point to the wonderful growth and prosperity of your city and her sister towns, founded by that little colony two centuries and a half ago, and, in turn, ask what have been the causes ? Will not the same causes continue in the future to pro- duce the same results ? It has been well said that " Eulogies of the dead are useful only as lessons to the living. " So the history of the past is use- ful only as a guide to the present and the future. The history of " the First Settlers " shows that with them came the minister and the school master; their earliest laws denounced idleness and dissipation. The foundations, which they laid for the success of their enterprise, were industry, sobriety, education and religion ; to know how well they succeeded we have only to look around us. To continue this success, you must con- tinue to build upon the same foundations; and in earnestly bespeak- ing for you. growth and prosperity, equal to your most ardent hopes, I can best do so by expressing the wish that when another "two hundred and fifty years " has rolled away and your descend- ants of that day and generation shall assemble to celebrate the event, they may be able to say truly, "As the First Settlers found- ed, so have their successors builded." Our next toast shall be "Taunton in the Revolution," and I am happy to present to you one who bears with undi- minished honor the name of his great-grandfather, the adopt- ed son of Taunton, who was one of the immortal signers of the Declaration of Independence ; Robert Treat Paine. RESPONSE BY HON. ROBERT TREAT PAINE. Mr. C/iainuafi : — I rejoice in the privilege of being here to share in the pleas- ures of this great day, and to be inspired by the reminiscences of our glorious past. Il8 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. 1 come with the feelings of a wanderer returning to the old home from which io8 years ago my great grandfather wandered away, but I read on the great arch which you have thrown across your Main street the cordial words, " Sons and Daughters, Wel- come Home. " I am glad to have listened to the profoundly interesting ad- dress of the Orator of the Day, your distinguished fellow citizen and my honored friend, and to have heard his vivid account of the growth of this wonderful quarter millennial period. No wonder that after we pass from the Platform of History to the freer festivities of this Hall of Banquet, we feel tempted to let the American Eagle scream just a little with irrepressible delight and even ourselves to give again that famous American Toast. Even while we are celebrating this and our recent centennial anniversaries, some of our countrymen have gone abroad to wit- ness similar centennials in France. How can we help comparing our growth in prosperity with the decay which is seen in parts of Europe. Only this week we read of workmen leaving Italy in such numbers as almost to depopulate some places, and we know how the intolerable burdens of taxation crush their energies and how homes are emptied of their young men drafted into their great standing army. Turn for a moment to the striking contrast of France to the United States now and in the days of our Revolution. Then France was rich in all the accumulations of wealth and art and poetry and cultivated life. Massachusetts was bare in- deed! Rich only in the character of its citizens, but otherwise in the condition of barest need described by Shakespeare: — - "Oh reason not the need ; Allow not nature more than nature needs. Man's life is eheap as beasts." Shay's Rebellion grew out of the dire distress into which a large part of our people were plunged when the war was over and the army disbanded and the payments for the war had ceased. Perhaps it was true of Taunton as it was said of some towns, that there was not actually money enough in the whole town to pay the tax. What a wonderful contrast in these two nations physically ! Washington and Napoleon were types of the two national characters. Each nation rose under its great leader to a place of high honor before the eyes of the world. The aim of Washington was honorable peace and a stable government of the people. THE BANQUET. I I9 That of Napoleon was brilliant war and successful conquest. The aims of each were accomplished, but what has been the har- vest? Washington's name has risen in the affectionate honor of the world, till to-day men like Gladstone proclaim that the loftiest pedestal in the history of the world belongs to Washington, and the character which he typified and helped to impress on our country, has become our noblest inheritance, but in France in less than sixty years after his warlike uncle's death, the younger Napo- leon, in needless and fatal war lost at the disastrous defeat at Sedan, besides his own throne, the accumulated glory which it had taken France ten centuries to acquire. No wonder that to-day France is ready to cast itself in des- pair into the arms of an exiled charlatan. What are the great causes of this tide of prosperity which has changed the face of Taunton and of Massachusetts from the gloom of Shay's Rebellion to the abounding wealth of to-day? What are the deep causes of this even more striking contrast of character between France and our country? Were there not four noble traits of character which had long been growing strong but which were fully matured in the great days of the Revolution, when this nation like a young giant was just rising out of youth into full life? Shall we not put first, as the most prominent feature of our national character in those days, as ever since, fixed, resolute, in- domitable Will ? Who can conceive how sad would have been our fate and how striking the contrast if the national character had been weak vacillation ! Was not the second great trait the strong sense of Justice, in both directions; yielding justice towards others, (what more strik- ing illustration and proof of the spirit of justice than in the ac- count we listened to this morning from Judge Bennett of how every inch of land in Taunton was acquired of the Indians with absolute honesty, a fact I was surprised and delighted to hear :) and also demanding justice for themselves at all hazards, at any cost or sacrifice, without purchase or concession ; proclaiming to the world their rights, and pledging their lives and fortunes and sacred honor to maintain them. The third great trait of the character of those days was pro- found religious faith which in every event of life, looked to God for support, a spirit which was powerfully manifested on many oc- 120 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. casions in the early life of Taunton, as told in the address this morning and which we have just heard wonderfully described in the address from Dr. Dexter. The last great trait of character which in my judgment molded the life of those days and of these, is a profound spirit of hopefulness: — which could listen to Jonathan Edwards and still love God: which could throw overboard the tea and still be calm ; which wrestled with all the varying problems of a life some- what severe and still was full of hope. If to-day I were searching for that trait which like Aladdin's magic lamp, is most potent to improve the lot and physical career of the masses of the people, the habit of hope seems to me most able to accomplish this grand consummation. Are not these the four great characteristics of the times and lives of our fathers .'' Strong, fixed, indomitable will which wrenched victory from any circumstances most adverse. That sense of justice which has made this people love law and grow into the most law-abiding people in the world. Firm religious faith has given depth and intensity to life and has inspired our race with the ennobling conviction that as we live in God, so God guides and supports us. Soaring hope has lifted man's aspirations to lofty possibilities and grows into a mighty power to make possibilities our actual life. Even as no more fatal palsy can create the evil it dreads, than weak despair, so no force more potently creates what it desires than unwavering hope. Fixed Purpose, Justice, Faith and Hope, these are the four corner-stones of American character. These are the noble quali- ties which were the bulwarks of our national life in the crisis of the Revolution and which were brought to full maturity in that long ordeal. These are the qualities which are our strength to-day and which we rejoice to have inherited from our fathers' fathers and to believe that we shall transmit to our children's children. These are the qualities which make great men. These are the qualities which are radiant with enduring promise, and which enable us to look into the future with head erect and eye toward Heaven, and hearts beating high with hope, as we repeat the bold prophecy of Tennyson in Locksley Hall. " Forward, forward lei us range ; Let the great World spin forever Down the ringing grooves of change." THE BANQUET. T2T This seems to be a good time to hear from our Orator of the Day, whose admirable address was just what we ex- pected from one who always does his work so thoroughly and well. Let me introduce to you the Hon. I'klmund II. Bennett. RESPONSE BV HON. E. H. BENNETT. Air. Toasff/iaster: — I rise, sir, at your bidding, but not to make a second address to an audience which has already heard me for two mortal hours and more. I am aware it is customary on these occasions to call up the Orator of the Day, as he is sometimes styled, but who might on this occasion more properly be called simply the " Histori- cal Addresser. " Such a custom is one of those perhaps " more honored in the breach than in the observance, " were it not that it properly limits the response to thanking the audience for their patient attention and kind consideration in listening to his pre- vious effort of the day. This is especially fitting in this case, be- cause of the very extraordinary but necessary length of my address, which not only must have sorely tried the patience of the hearers, but which has left my voice in a condition totally unfit for any longer service. Thanking you for the courtesy of your request, and all here present for their patient attention to, and tender in- terest in what I had to say this morning, I beg to be excused from saying more. We do not intend to lag behind the statelier ceremonies of the morning in paying our homage to the Muse. A poem written by one of Taunton's gentle poets. Miss Mary E. N. Hatheway, will now be read by the Rev. John P. Forbes : — THE OLD COLONISTS. Let us recall them to-day, With reverence due their degree, — Men who through hardship and toil Opened the Land of the Free. Leaving their country and kin. Stations of plenty and pride, Slender in number their bands, They crossed the ocean-track^wide. 122 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. Reaching these unchristened shores, Bleak in their barren repose, Girded by forests untrod Save by the footsteps of foes ; But steadfast in courage and heart To face the known and unknown, United in purpose they stood, And chose the New World for their own ; Turning not back in despair When pressed with want and disease ; Not famine, disaster nor death. Could daunt such spirits as these. Valiant the birthright they owned. Saxon, Norman and Dane, Blent in their English blood, Molding their fibre and braui. Lovers of justice and law. They gave defiance and hate To error, and tyrannous sway Ruling in Church or in State. Faith in the guidance Divine, Faith in man's knowledge of Right, Led them in peril and peace. Wrought in their labors with might. Simple in order they built Altars of Learning and Home, Fairer than sculptures of fame. Arch or imperial dome. Time, the searcher of lives. Their work has measured and weighed, And over their memory sheds Honor that never can fade. Liberty, star of their hope. Worshipped through storm-beaten days. Risen full-orbed in the West, Now lightens the earth with its rays. Seed which in darkness they sowed. Tending with vigils and prayer, 'i'hrough all the ages shall grow. Harvests immortal to bear. THE BANQUET. 123 At this time of good feeling and good cheer we will have no quarrel about Elizabeth Pool and her peck of beans. Our historians who throw doubt on that story are tied to the traditions of Plymouth Rock, where they undoubtedly never had a bean. For do we not frequently read in the chronicles of the colonists the brief but significant legend, " Nota Bene" .'' Now P21izabeth Pool came from Boston or its imme- diate vicinity ; and without doubt brought with her for her Sunday dinner a supply of those delicious vegetables which have always been a distinguishing feature of Boston culture. And it is fair to presume that in making her trade with the aborigines, she threw in a few beans as a delicate token of her "bean"eficent spirit towards the poor Indians. So let critics no longer peck at that peck of beans story. If I am not right in these conclusions let me be aided and counselled by the most worthy president of the Old Colony Historical Society, a society which in its thirty-five years' existence has done excellent service in rescuing our local history from oblivion and from falsehood which is worse than oblivion. But as my friend has been doing two men's work all his life, I am going to call on him to respond not only for the Old Colony Historical Society, but also for the Ministry of Taunton, of which he has himself been so large a part, the Rev. Samuel Hopkins Emery. RESPONSE BY REV. S. H. EMERY. Mr. Toashnaster :— You very well know that I persistently refused to answer any sentiment, for the very good reason that none of the precious time of this memorable occasion should be wasted on one, who is but a relic of a past generation and who might better form a part of the loan exhibition over yonder in Historical Hall. But your persist- ence, it seems, proves more than mine, and here I am in the pres- ence of this most respectable company, called upon to speak for the "Ministrv of -Taunton." 124 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. Having already, some years ago, published all I knew on this prolific theme in two bulky volumes, I will not presume to enlarge — certainly not to the extent of issuing a new edition of that work in an after dinner speech of two or five minutes, when we are all anxious to hear from our eminent visitors from abroad, one of whom, the present chief magistrate of our sister state of Rhode Island, sits by my side. I will content myself with expressing my extreme satisfaction at taking by the hand to-day a direct descendant, of the seventh generation, from that most eminent first settler and father of the ancient Cohannet, Richard Williams, (at the same time grasping the hand of the Hon. Josiah H. Drummond of Portland, Maine, who sat next to him) my satisfaction also, at looking into the face of another, sitting yonder, the Rev. George E. Street, of Exeter, New Hampshire, who is directly descended, in the seventh genera- tion, from the Rev. Nicholas Street, the eminent associate of the no less eminent William Hook, in the first pastorate of the Taun- ton church. This descendant has the distinguished honor likewise, of be- ing a direct descendant, on his mother's side, of the famous John Davenport of New Haven and Boston — which Davenport had for his colleague in New Haven, first Hook and afterward Street, who also became his successor in the ministry. The first two Taunton ministers, Oxford graduates in Old England, were learned and godly ministers, ranking among the foremost Divines in this, then new world. In passing, I may say, in a letter just received from Mr. Edwin Sloper, the well known antiquarian of the mother town, Taunton, Somersetshire, England, expressing his regret at not be- ing able to be with us to-day, he writes: — "Had I been able to participate in your welcome gathering, it was my intention to read a short paper on 'old Taunton' and how a tribe of incoming Saxons settled in the Dean and made it their home in the seventh century. I think I should also have been capable of nearly prov- ing that Street gave the name to your town. " Well, if he did not give our town its name, we know the Spring street bridge bore his name, and, although superseded by another and a better may well be called Streets Bridge, for the minister's homestead was by its side. But I must hasten on, and — out of respect to that virgin mother of Taunton, the gentlewoman, who, if she did not buy the town in its beginning, was as Robert Treat Paine wrote of her, "a chief promoter of its settlement, '' and should be held in ever- lasting remembrance. Miss Elizabeth Pole — I will ask your atten- THE BANQUET. 12$ tion to the production, in verse, of one of the daughters of Taun- ton, ever loyal to the good old town and a lover of its hills and brooks — its every foot of soil and drop of running water — Miss Anna Dennis Reed. I may add, these lines were prepared specially for this occa- sion, and made to be sung to the melody of " Sweet Afton, " but you will hardly expect a song from one, who long ago hung his harp on the willows. To present residents on Mill river, it may not be necessary to say, that the " Sweet I'aunton, " which is the subject of our song, is not that stream but the larger, grander, sweeter stream, on which are built the Taunton Water Works, and which has long borne the name of "Taunton Great River," to distinguish it from inferior, smaller streams. Flow gently, sweet Taunton, thy bright course along, Flow gently, sweet river, the theme of my song, For planted along by thy silvery tide. Are the happiest homes in all the world wide. We love thee, sweet River; thy banks are as green. As when by brave Winslow and Hopkins first seen ; The sturgeon and shad still in summer are here, And herrings make glad the spring-time of the year. Flow gently, for oft by thy murmuring stream. The maiden and lover have breathed life's young dream; Flow gently, the wise and the fair of lang syne, Have wandered so oft on those green banks of thine. Sweet River, so long as thy tides ebb and flow, And o'er thy clear water the cooling winds blow, Thy name for fond memories and hopes will be dear, To all who find peaceful and happy homes here. For many years and until our vigorous sister city on Mt. Hope Bay came in for her thirds, Taunton divided with New Bedford the honors of the Shire town of the County. We want to hear to-day from this our twin shire and I call upon her distinguished citizen, the Hon. William W. Crapo. RESPONSE HV HON. W. W. CRAPO. Afr. Chairman : — Manufacturing New Bedford brings greetings to maritime Taunton. The City of the Sea joins in the general congratula- tions and with hearty good wishes recognizes the importance of the merchant marine of the City at the head waters of Taunton 126 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. River. The web-footed denizens of Buzzards Bay are a trifle per- plexed as they hear of the growth of vessel ownership in this inland community. How comes it that while our tonnage fades yours in- creases ? You do not hear the music of the waves as they roll upon the beach ; you do not gather inspiration from the breakers dashing against the rocks. You must have learned the story of the sea from the herrings, as in the spring time they climb your fish ways on their journey to the spawning grounds. While your sister shiretown has put the earnings of many generations, gathered from the Brazil banks and the Gallipagos Islands, from New Zea- land and the Arctic, into hundreds of thousands of cotton spindles, the proceeds of your labor and thrift find investment in a fleet of magnificent sailing vessels which in model and carrying capacity is the envy of every sea port. May your pluck and enterprise in this direction meet, as it deserves, with continued and abundant success. But on this occasion we turn from the present, however pros- perous and promising, to the contemplation of the past. Our thoughts go back to the first beginnings of this model New Eng- land Community, as we listen to the story of its founders, so elo- quently told by the Orator of the day. The men who penetrated the wilderness and built their cabins on the banks of your beau- tiful river were hardy, sturdy, earnest men wlio had a purpose which unselfishly and heroically they maintained. We need not repeat the phrases which describe their qualities and virtues. They were God-fearing, self-reliant men. They have never been ex- celled for inflexible integrity of character. With toil and self- denial they met unflinchingly the exigencies which surrounded them. History furnishes no instance of public honor and individ- ual self-sacrifice surpassing that of our fathers at the close of the Indian Whys which devastated this region. After a struggle for existence, in which the mother Country had rendered no assist- ance, but with strange indifterence had left the Colonists to fight single-handed against savagery ; with numbers decimated and homes desolated by the tomahawk and the torch, the pioneer men of the old Colony proved themselves as honest as they had been brave. With a public debt greater iji amount than the value of the entire personal property within the Colony they paid that debt, not in paper promises, but with gold and silver coin, unmurmur- ingly asking no abatement. These men as they saw their duty performed it. If their public administrations were at times marked with austerities, they were never marred by compromises and were free from evasions. Whatever the issue presented, they met it squarely. There was no mistaking the meaning of your David TIIK nANOUET. 12/ Cobb when, standing in front of the Court House, facing the armed mal-contents who demanded the abandonment of the Court, he said, "I will sit as a Judge or I will die as a General. " And he did sit as a Judge. The men who inaugurated civil government in the Old Colony may not have been, in details and methods, as broad-minded and liberal as the men of the present day, but they were clean handed and brave hearted. Whatever their limitations they stood by the principles of uprightness and strict justice and old fashioned honor, and the result, after the lapse of two hundred and fifty years, is a proud, powerful, infiuential Commonwealth, leading the nations in moral and mental elevation of the people and in the triumphs of social order. In many things we are in advance of our fathers. In the.se days a man may believe in his religion and allow every other man the same liberty: a man may practice piety without feeling it necessary to practice persecution. The intolerance of the past has been softened by liberality. We have lifted and broadened the social, moral and intellectual life of all the people, and in count- less ways have beautified humanity by works of philanthropic en- terprise. These are results expected of us from the training and teachings, the wisdom and virtue of the past. The foundation upon which rest the progress and glory of the present was laid in the character and struggles of the early settlers. By their example we have been strengthened, encouraged and cheered. The duly which devolves upon us, in meeting the fortunes and trials which are before us, is to keep up the standard of public virtue which they established. The Military Record of Taunton : — The first military order issued in Taunton was given in 1639, ^'"^^l was to the effect that " Capt. Pole exercise the inhabitants in armes. " That order having been issued to an infant colony, the natu- ral result, of course, has been that babes in Taunton have been exercised in arms ever since. The next notable military order (of which I care now to speak,) was when Brig. Gen'l and Judge David Cobb cried aloud near the court house .steps, "I will sit as Judge or die as General. " The result of that has been that a kernel from the same Cobb has cried aloud in the court house ever since, or at least for the last generation. 128 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. Having brought you in this expeditious manner out of ancient history, I refer you, for the later record, to the brave and tried soldier of the last war, Capt. Geo. A. Washburn. RESPONSE BY CAPT. GEO. A. WASHBURN. The history of Taunton in the early wars has been eloquently told by the Orator of the Day. In the few moments allotted to me I can only give a very brief review of Taunton's work in the great Rebellion. At the outbreak of this war, this city, then a town, had one company of Volunteer Militia, Co, "G," attached to the 4th Regiment of Infantry. It had but one commander from its organization, until the close of its service for the first three months of the war, Captain Timothy Gordon. This company was ordered into service by special messenger on the morning of April 16, 1861 — the requi- sition from Washington upon the Governor of this Commonwealth for twenty companies having been telegraphed to Boston on the day previous, April 15. On the 27th day of April, eleven days after the departure of Co. " G, " a legal town meeting was held and the town voted to furnish each soldier who should enlist from Taunton a full uniform, to pay him ^15, and such a sum as should make his pay $26 a month. . The committee appointed consisted of Thompson Newbury. Samuel L. Crocker, Henry Williams, Lovett Morse, Harrison Tweed, L. B. Church and S. O. Dunbar. During the absence of this company at Fortress Monroe and vicinity, the most vigorous measures for recruiting a three years' regiment from this vicinity were pursued. The Seventh Regiment of Infantry was the result. This regiment was mustered in June 15th, i86i,for three years. The colonel was a soldier whom Taunton has always honored, Darius N. Couch. In this year, 1861, five companies distinctively belonging to Taunton were recruited, Companies C, D and F, of the 7th Regiment, Company B, 18th Regiment, Company C, 2 2d Regiment. Taunton furnish- ed men in other companies in the same regiments. The cost to the town in 1861, was bounties, 5,085.00, other expenses, 12,782.28, a total of $17,867.28; and 493 men enlisted, of whom 154 received no bounty. The same methods of recruiting were followed in 1862, that is, local companies were recruited so that the regiments raised prior to July, 1863, contained companies enlisted entirely from a locality and whose members had been former associates. In 1862, Co. B, 33d Regiment, Capt. James Brown ; Co. F, 39th Regiment, Capt. J. J, Cooper, both companies enlisting for THE BANQUET. I 29 three years, and C"o. G, Capt. C. H. Paull and Co. K, Capt. W. H. Bartlett both attached to the 4th Regiment and whose term of ser- vice was nine months, were recruited. On the 14th of August, 1862, at a town meeting, it was voted, that a bount}' of $200, be paid to each volunteer, enlisting for three years. At a meeting held August 26, it was voted that a bounty of $100 be paid to each volunteer, for nine months, these bounties to be paid to those soldiers who enlisted as a part of the quota of Taunton. The number enlisting in 1862 was 170 three years men. and 166 nine months men. Bounties paid, $65,800.00. other expenses, $500, total, $66,300.00. It would seem that by January, 1863, the military ardor had much abated, and that voluntary enlistments had almost ceased. It had been discovered that other methods than voluntary enlist- ments must be adopted to fill the ranks and this contingency Con- gress provided for by law. On the 29th day of April, 1863, Capt. J. W. D. Hall, was appointed Provost Marshal of the 2d District. His associates upon the Board were Nathaniel Wales of .Stoughton and Henry B. Hubbard, M. D., of Taunton. The first draft was held in Taunton, July 15, 1863, and the first man drafted from Taunton was Alfred Martin. The entire number of men drafted was 3,260; exempted for various causes, 1,880; number drafted who served in person, 64; recruits furn- ished, 569; substitutes, 643: amount of commutation paid by drafted men, $94,800. One result or out-come of the draft was a great stimulation of those liable to involuntary service. On the 3d of December, 1863, a meeting of citizens was held in the interest of those liable to draft and a committee chosen consisting of T. Newbury, H. Tweed, S. L. Crocker, S. O. Dun- bar, L. B. Church, E. H. Bennett, Jas. Brown, Sam'l A. Dean, C. L. Lovering, Alex. Hodges, Alfred Paull and N. S. Williams. On the 17th of December following, another meeting was held and Geo. M. Woodward was chosen treasurer, to receive contribu- tions which committees chosen at the foregoing meetings were ac- tively soliciting. The number of men enlisted in 1863 was 308; bounties paid, $26,505; other expenses, $439.56 In the spring of 1864, Allen Presbrey, Abram Briggs and Na- than S. Williams were elected selectmen. Messrs. Briggs and Williams, together with Capt. Wm. H. Phillips, were constituted by the citizens a board of trustees to have entire charge of recruiting, to receive and hold moneys contributed and to expend the same in filling the quotas. Geo. A. Washburn was chosen secretary and treasurer of this board and so continued until the close of the war. By the active exertions of this Board, drafts were averted. 130 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. the quotas promptly filled and while many towns in the state lost heavily by reason of having their recruits taken from them fraudu- lently, it is believed that Taunton held all its own and " a little over. " The total quotas of Taunton for 1864 were 356 ; bounties paid, $84,803 ; other expenses, $804.39 ; total in 1864 $85,607.39. Enlistments continued without cessation in the spring of 1865 and unremitting efforts were made to avert a draft. Agents were em- ployed among the veteran regiments to secure re-enlistments in the field. But little idea of the labors performed by the selectmen and the recruiting committee can be conveyed in this short sketch, nor can it now be comprehended to what extent a dread of the draft pervaded the whole community. The total number of men furnished by Taunton upon calls and requisitions for troops, including 159 men assigned in the navy, who had enlisted before quotas were thought of was 1,652, at a total cost of $196,719.23. The citizens contributed $62,383.00, showing a net cost to the town of $134,336.23. No sooner had the war closed than Taunton prepared to pay its war debt, which, exclusive of assets, was at the close of the war $11 2,000. Under the administration of Hon. E. H. Bennett, the debt was funded on a term of ten years, bonds were issued for $100,000, and the notes existing, mostly on short time, were paid, and a sink- ing fund, with annual instalments to be raised by taxation created. This fund was so well invested, that in seven years after its estab- lishment, or in 1873, during the administration of Hon. Wm. H. Fox, the last assessment was made, and in Hon. Geo. H. Babbitt's administration the debt was paid. The payments for bounties during 1861 and 1862 were of more than doubtful legality, yet such was the necessity of the occasion, that the people became a law unto themselves and loans were made and the proceeds paid from the treasury with little sanction or question of law. But, the debt was long since paid and is a thing of the past. Before closing, I wish to say a few words concerning Co. " F, " ist Regiment, our present sole company of militia. It should have the abundant support of the community. The militia is the school. Wm. Schouler, adjutant general of Massachusetts during the entire war, says that Taunton furnished fifty-nine commissioned officers during the Rebellion. When you consider that not less than twenty-five of this number were graduates' of the Taunton Light Guard, and went to Fortress Monroe, with that Company, you can realize the advantage of maintaining a good militia company in your midst. So, let Company F have such an interest with you, that its stability shall not be questioned. THE BANQUET. I3I Taunton in the great Rebellion did her whole duty. She filled every quota and had sixty three men to spare at the end of the war. We have reason to be proud of her record. In this brief recital I have no time for a rehearsal of much that would interest you. It all seems like a dream and were it not that you see in your midst those organizations, the Grand Army of the Republic whose members bear on their persons honorable scars, and the Sons of Veterans, we might in the enjoyment of our great prosperity, forget that the war cloud ever hung so low above us, or that our homes were draped in black by reason of sorrow for our young men who died on the field of battle. In our Historical Hall is an old flag, worn to fragments almost, yet about whose every fold lingers a tender memory. It is the flag of old Company "G" which first of all went from your midst. On it is borne this legend: '■'■ Fidelity to duty, whenever it may calL wherever it may lead. " So may it always be with our own ancient town and in time to come as in the past may she always be found in the van when duty calls. The Taunton Lawyers : — One only needs to mention the names of White, Tillinghast, Paine, Parsons, Merrick, Colby, and Morton, to show how illustrious the Taunton Bar has been. In speaking of the Bar of to-day, modesty compels me to use the words of another: "The fathers sleep, but men remain As wise, as true, as brave as they ; Why count the loss and not the gain? The best is that we have today." If any one questions the aptness of this quotation, I beg leave to refer him to one who has full liberty to speak for himself and his brethren ; the Hon. William E. Fuller, Judge of the Probate Court. RESPONSE BY HON. W. E. FULLER. How can I worthily speak of that profession whose history in this ancient shire town includes the career of Samuel White, first lawyer in Bristol County and by character and attainments fit to be the first, — whose fame it was as speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives during the Stamp Act, to sign the circu- lar calling the first Colonial convention, meeting in New York in 132 QUARTER MILLENNIAI. CELEBRATION. 1765; of Robert Treat Paine, signer of the Declaration, — attorney general both before and after the revolution, member of the Gov- ernor's Council, and a judge of the Supreme Court; of Daniel Leonard who, though a loyalist in the revolution and becoming a political exile, achieved the distinction of becoming Chief Justice in a foreign land ; of John Mason Williams, Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas ; of the elder Marcus Morton, Congress- man, Judge of the Supreme Judicial Court, Governor of the Com- monwealth ; of Francis Baylies, Congressman, foreign minister, scholar, historian; of Chester 1. Reed, who, though dying at middle age, had achieved high distinction at the bar, and had filled the positions of senator, attorney general, and Judge of the Supe- rior Court; and (if I may be pardoned for mentioning the living) of the learned doctors Bennett and Ordronaux, eminent law schol- ars and authors known wherever the common law is known. And 1 may add that our Bar claims a certain kinship with, and feels a just pride in that distinguished son of Taunton, whose hereditary instinct for the law, whose learning, long experience and high character as a jurist sheds fresh lustre upon a name long- noted in the Old Colony, and adds new honor to the preeminent position of Chief Justice of the Commonwealth ; nor let me close this shining roll before I name Henry Goodwin, practicing here near the close of the last century, and later, attorney general in a neighboring state; David Leonard Barnes, his contemporary who became Judge of the United States District Court for the State of Rhode Island; Seth Padelford, for a quarter of a century Probate Judge in Bristol County and widely known in his time as a sound and trustworthy councillor; and it may be of interest to lawyers to recall that he was first president of the first Bar Association organ- ized in the Old Colony, including in its membership the lawyers of Plymouth, Bristol and Barnstable; properly too may I name George T. Davis, in practice here in 183 1 and afterwards a Massachusetts Senator and a representative in Congress from the Greenfield Dis- trict; Pliny Merrick, who with high distinction filled in turn the ofifice of Judge both of the Common Pleas and of the Supreme fudicial Court; Theophilus Parsons, son of the great Chief Justice of that name, a law partner at one time with Francis Baylies and afterwards Dane Professor in the Law School of Harvard Univer- sity, and well known as lecturer and an author of several law text books ; H .G . O. Colby, author of the Massachusetts Practice and Judge of the Court of Common Pleas; and Horatio Pratt, well re- membered by the older members of the bar as a formidable antag- onist, and for a time Commonwealth's Attorney in this district. THE BANQUET. 133 Need 1 name Henry Williams, whose recent death we deplore, a man of refined manners, of scholarly tastes, of unswerving rec- titude and greatly interested in our local history. He was Vice President of the Old Colony Historical Society and a member of the committee appointed to take preliminary measures for this cele- bration. At the time of his death, he was the senior member of the Bristol County Bar. Many years ago he represented this dis- trict during two terms of Congress. He was also a member of the last Massachusetts State Constitutional Convention. He was a descendant in the seventh generation of Richard Williams, fore- most among those early settlers of Cohannet whom we this day especially honor. 1 may also mention that Samuel Sumner Wilde, who for thirty five years was a Judge of the Supreme Judicial Court, was a na- tive of Taunton. He studied law here in the office of Judge Barnes but removed to the State of Maine before entering the Bar. And what citizen of Taunton whose memory goes back to a period before the war will not recall the venerable form of Ansel m pjassett, the veteran of the bar — who was in active practice nearly fifty seven years, covering the entire official terms of Chief Jus- tices Parsons, Sewall, Parker and Shaw. The former lawyers of Taunton : — in response to the call on this memorable day what familiar names rise up in the memory. There were Breck and Burgess son of Tristam, Cushing and Cobb son of the sturdy old General, Dean, Danforth and Ellis and Hodges, Sanford, District Attorney, and the Sproats in three gen- erations, hlling the office of Clerk of Courts in two, Tillinghast and Townsend and Vickery. All these and perhaps others whom my memory now fails to summon from the shades of the past, have in their day and generation according to the measure of their ability and honor aided in administering the law among the citizens of Taunton. "The Mayors' Club": — Taunton has been a city for twenty four years btit it is only for three years that her mayors have belonged to a convivial crowd called the Mayors' Club. Many of that club we are glad to see with us to-day, and I am going to call on the president of the club to tell us how our mayors beha\ c when they get away from home. I present to }ou the lion. Hugh O'Brien of Boston. 134 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. RESPONSE BY HON. HUGH o'bRIEN. Mr. President : — I consider it a great privilege to be present on this occasion, to unite with you in celebrating your two hundred and fiftieth anniversary, and to congratulate you on the growth and prosperity of the past two hundred and fifty years. As President of the Mayors' Club, I am also authorized to ex- tend to you the heartiest greetings from every city in the Common- wealth. We all rejoice in your prosperity. Quite a number of the mayors are present, and if it were not for the unfavorable weather almost every city in the Commonwealth would have been repre- sented by her chief magistrate. Your toastmaster alludes to the social feature of the Mayors' Club. On this point I will merely say that we are guided largely by the temperance principles of your excellent chief magistrate. The city of Taunton possesses many natural advantages for building up manufacturing industries, but these advantages would not amount to much were it not for the enterprise, the industry and the integrity of your business men. In Boston we feel the in- fluence of this enterprise. One of the finest structures in Boston to-day, the Mason Building, was erected by one of your leading manufacturers from the product of his workshop in Taunton. It was the pioneer of those large buildings now in process of erec- tion and in contemplation, and has added largely to our taxable valuation. As your historian very truly remarked, in his very able and eloquent address, that Taunton was largely indebted to citi- zens of Dorchester, now a prominent part of Boston, for its early settlement, it is very proper now for the wealthy citizens of Taun- ton to help us build up the leading commercial city of New England, the home of many of their ancestors. These centennial celebrations are events that forcibly recall the past landmarks that mark our progress. It was only a few weeks ago, when, in the great city of New York, we celebrated the one hundredth anniversary of the inauguration of President \\'ash- ington. What a history these one hundred years recall. When Washington was inaugurated President in 1789, the population of the country was a little more than 3,000,000 people. Now, after the lapse of one hundred years our population is about 65,000,000 people. I repeat what a wonderful history, what a marvellous growth and prosperity! I should feel proud to-day, after listening to your honorable record and progress for the past two hundred and fifty years, if I could call myself a citizen of Taunton, but we must all feel proud that we are citizens of this great Republic whose growth and prosperity have been so wonderful. THE BANQUET. 135 'Wjii, citizens of Taunton, have reached the venerable age of two hundred and fifty years, but as a city your existence only goes back twenty-four years, and as a city you are youthful and vigor- ous. Your city is recognized by the Mayors' Club as one of the prominent cities of the Commonwealth, your municipal govern- ment has always been excellent, your schools and institutions of learning, your charitable institutions and your homes for the poor and unfortunate compare favorably with any other city in the state. We hope that this prosperity will continue for generations to come. I am aware that time is precious on these centennial celebrations and will detain you no longer. The Press of Taunton, past and present : — You may now be thinking of our venerable fellow citizen who for forty years, as a faithful and efficient journalist gave us all the daily and weekly news we needed to know. Perhaps I ought not to call a man venerable whose step is still as elastic as a boy's, but it will have to be admitted that for about four score years he has stood erect under a name which, very appropriately, is a whole encyclopedia of the early settlers — John Williams Dean Hall. But Capt. Hall is now indulg- ing his antiquarian tastes and has left editorial work to younger men. So upon a younger man I will call. I am happy to present to you the Hon. William Reed, Jr., of the Taunton Daily Gazette, who for the last seventeen years has labored with gratifying success to make his pen mightier than his — scissors. RESPONSE BY HON. WILLIAM REED, JR. Mr. Toasi/naster, Ladies and Gentlemen : — He who brings up the rear of an oratorical procession has as hard a place as the last straggler of an army corps. Hence the policy of brevity to escape from trouble as soon as possible. It will not take long to tell the story of the press of the early days of Taunton. There was none. The town had no newspaper from 1639 to 1820 — a period of 181 years. The seaport settlements, with their varied mercantile interests, their men who were like those old Athenians — continually asking after some new thing — learned the value of ink and paper much sooner than the farmers 136 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. of the interior. The people of Taunton, like most of the rural neighborhoods, were content to depend upon Boston and Newport for glimpses of the outside world, and upon each other for the gossip of the village exchanged at the church door or the country store. In 1820 the lirst weekly newspaper was born, and it still lives in the Republican, vigilant and prosperous. In 1848 the first daily appeared — the Gazette — and that paper can speak for itself to-day much better than I can speak for it. Journalism once introduced became firmly rooted. Every appliance to expedite or lighten labor, gather or disseminate the news, was promptly adopted. The press grew with the town, and it can be safely said that the newspaper offices of Taunton are as well equipped to-day and as prompt to serve the public as those of any other provincial city of New England. That the press of Taunton will ever be ready to mirror the record of the day 1 can with assurance predict. That it will be the mainstay of the orator of the next centennial celebration is certain, and by its industry he will have a far easier time in groping among the shadows of the past than the eloquent gentleman who has done that work for us to-day. The press of the past and the present has been devoted to the best interests of the city. There will be no falling off in the efforts of the press of the future. It will go on from strength to strength. His Excellency, Governor Herbert W. Ladd, of Rhode Island, being present, witli his .Staff, was prepared to re- spond for Rhode Island, as follows : — This great anniversary, which we are celebrating, has more than a passing interest for me, for although the neighboring state of Rhode Island has adopted me, fostered and kindly invested me with honors far beyond my merits, I cannot forget that I am a Bristol County boy; that in the adjacent city of New Bedford I was born, reared and learned what it is to be an American citizen. When I received the invitation to participate in these festivi- ties with you, a pardonable feeling of pride took possession of me, and I looked forward with great pleasure to this visit to the old town of my youthful associations, which has a place of warm af- fection in my heart, and where I spent many pleasant hours. In reviewing its history, the wonderful power of endurance of the men and women at the time of its settlement is most forcibly brought to my mind. From all stations in life they came, from the daughter of a nobleman to the honest yeoman. Just three years ago the good old City of Providence from which I came to-day, celebrated her 250th anniversary with similar THE 15Ai\QUET. 137 rejoicings and witiiout any disloyalty to tiiat dear little but sUirdy State into which I have had the honor of being engrafted, i feel to-day the same pride that I felt on that occasion. I was proud of ancient Providence with her grand history of progress and I am proud to-day of having been born in the same county that contains this old Taunton of historic fame. It gives me pleasure in behalf of Rhode Island to extend to Taunton and her good citizens the warmest congratulations on this happy event, and to hope that the prosperity of which there is such abundant evidence present, may continue. The business and social relations existing between the people of Bristol County and Rhode Island are exceedingly close and in- timate. Rhode Island has been very kind to the sons of Massa- chusetts. Three consecutive Governors were born in the Bay State, two of them in this Bristol County. There is my good friend Davis, most appropriately called "Honest John Davis" who was elected to the highest office in the State and who left behind him a most honorable record. He w^as born in Bristol County. Fol- lowing him came Hon. Royal C. Taft whom many of you know and of whose faithful service the people of Rhode Island are still talk- ing_ He is a Massachusetts man. Last as I have said, New Bed- ford was my birthplace. You cannot give too great honor to the memory of those who settled this town, and I feel assured that the next two hundred and fifty years will advance Taunton even more than the last have done. Hon. Elijah A. Morse, Congressman elect from the Second Massachusetts District, was a guest of the city dur- ing the Celebration. He was prepared to respond to the toast, — "The Congress of the United States, " had the time j)ermitted. By urgent invitation of the Committee, he ftu'n- ished what he would have said, as folUnvs : — I feel honored by being invited as a guest upon this interest- ing occasion ; but perhaps the emotion and inclination uppermost in all our hearts to-day w'ould be to pause amid our festivities and let fall a tear of sorrow and sympathy with the sufferers by the sudden and appalling providence of God that has overtaken a section of our country. We cannot understand it. but we will obey the command, " Be still and know that I am God. " and "'Shall not the |udge of all the earth do right?" 138 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. But, fellow citizens, I congratulate you upon this auspicious occasion, and in answer to my toast, and so far as I have the hon- or to represent Massachusetts as a Member of Congress from the Second District, I bring you salutations of the nation and the Commonwealth. It seems almost impossible for us to roll back the tide of time for two hundred and fifty years and realize, in the language of an- other, that "where you now sit, surrounded by all that adorns and embellishes civilized life, the rank thistle nodded in the wind and the wild fox dug his hole unscared ; beneath the same moon that now shines on you the Indian lover wooed his dusky mate, and here lived and loved another race of beings. " But why should you celebrate this day ? Why should the sons and daughters of Taunton from every section, from every clime, from over the sea, return to their native town and city, .to the home of their fathers ? I remember to have read the reply of an Indian chief, a copper colored son of the forest, to the demand of a United States Commissioner that he and his people should leave their lands and remove to a distant reservation. The Red man pleaded, in pathetic tone, "that in this valley his tribe had lived for centuries ; here they had held communion with the Great Spirit; they heard his voice in the thunder and in the rushing water; they saw his tears in the rain drops, and in this valley the bones of their fathers were buried. " You can at least plead that here the bones of your fathers were buried, men who knew no fear but the fear of God. It is said, that the sailors of Columbus on approaching this shore across a trackless and unknown ocean, detected strange, spicy and sweet odors in the air. They were still prisoners in their little ships, nothing but the boundless ocean in sight, shore- less, trackless, but they knew the land was near. The unknown ocean of the future and eternity stretches out before you to-day, but in the reminiscences of the past you to-day recall the forms and faces of loved ones gone on before, and joy- ous anticipations of a heavenly reunion are wafted to you from the better land. Unseen hands are beckoning you to a higher, nobler, grander manhood and womanhood. "What mean ye by these stones? " In answer, I repeat a remark I made over the graves of our fallen comrades on Memorial evening, in yonder hall. The father of Hannibal once brought his son into the presence of the Carlhagenian army, and on his bended knee taught him to swear eternal hatred to the Romans. Let us bring our sons and daugh- ters to this Memorial occasion, and pledge ihem anew to everlast- ing love of liberty, of our free institutions, of our free schools, as THE BANQUET. 139 our fathers made them, and everlasting hatred of tyrants and oligarchies. The Apostle Paul on his journey to Rome came to the place of Appii Forum, and the Three Taverns, and it is recorded the brethren came out to meet him, and "he thanked God and took courage. " Citizens of Taunton, you have struck the Three Taverns and Appii Forum to-day and on this Two Hundred and Fiftieth An- niversary, as you review the past and anticipate a glorious future, you may thank God and take courage. George A. Shove, Esq., of Dighton, was prepared to respond to a call from the Toastmaster, for the " South Purchase, " as follows : — Mr. Toastmaster: — I should prefer that a person more accustomed to public speaking than myself had been chosen to respond to this toast. One of my ancestors, the Rev. George Shove, third minister of Taunton, and one of the grantees in the deeds from the Sachem Philip of the land that is now the town of Dighton, had some reputation for eloquence in the good Old Colony days, when, as Wendell Phillips once said, the air was black with sermons, but his mantle as an orator has not fallen upon myself. If it were bleak November instead of early June, this occasion would remind one strongly of Thanksgiving time, when the child- ren, after long absence, return to the old homestead to see the folks and enjoy a good dinner. Dighton, Berkley, Raynham, Nor- ton, Easton and Mansfield, worthy children of Taunton, not a black sheep among them, — though it might be supposed by one who took all this bountiful preparation of fatted calves and other delicacies to be solely on their account, that they were long lost prodigals, over whom there was great rejoicing, — are all here to- day and bring their congratulations at the evidences of prosperity they see around them. Of the many things for which Taunton is to be congratulated it is hardly my province to speak, even if time permitted, but I may mention, from its connection with this celebration, the Old Colony Historical Society, whose headquarters are one of the at- tractive resorts of the city. If such societies had been common in past ages history would be a more satisfactory study than it is. Hardly a year passes in which some of our long fixed beliefs, dril- led into us at school, are not proved to be either false or apocry- 140 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. phal, SO that it would not be very surprising if there were a pre- vailing Pyrrhonism in regard to many of the unassailable facts of history. And the iconoclasts are still at work smashing our idols. One of the latest assaults of these gentry is upon what has been considered an undoubted historical fact for many generations. We had hardly got used to the deposal of Cristoval Colon as the hrst discoverer of America, and the installation of Leif Ericsson, the Norseman, in his place, when now comes a French investigator who proves, at least to his own satisfaction, that America was not named for Amerigo Vespucci, but for the Amerique mountains, and that Vespucci's prenomen was not Amerigo but Ai^ieligo. Will there be any such doubt in the distant future over the prominent events of to-day as there is now over those of the rcr mote past. It seems impossible, yet it may be that in that far off day when Macaulay's New Zealander shall be seen sitting on a broken arch of London Bridge sketching the ruins of St. Paul's, there will be a warm controversy somewhere on this planet over the question whether it was Harrison and Morton, or some other persons who were President and Vice President of the United States in this year of grace, 1889. The main points in the history of Dighton have been given in Judge Bennett's able address and, after the feast of good things of which we have partaken, you would hardly thank me if I brought on a dish of dry dates. One of the Schlegels, I do not now recall which of the cwo philosophic German brothers it was, advanced the dictum that a historian should be a prophet looking backward. We are all historians, in a certain sense, to-day, and it will not be out of place for one of us, instead of going over the past to use the other prerogative of the historian and take a brief look into what the future probably has in store. It needs no special gift of prophecy to believe that there are persons in this hall who, if Taunton encourages her manufacturing industries as she ought, will see within her corporate limits a pop- ulation of a hundred thousand people. Her already magnificent fleet of coasters will have grown with her growth and will, perhaps, include vessels for foreign trade. The narrow, shallow, and tor- tuous channel up to the enterprising village at the Weir, which now lets out her larger craft — her inaccessibility to her own fleet reminding one of the jest about a shipwreck on the coast of Bohe- mia, an analogue to which would be a shipwreck on the coast of Oklahoma — will, long before the time we are considering, if it is not so already, be totally inadequate tcj the needs of her commer- cial mariife; where, then, will be the headquarters of her maritime activity .-' It will inevitably be at the nearest available point on THE BANQUET. I4T the river, whicli is at Digliton, wliere it nu<;ht to be now. Tlie channel, at that place, runs for nearly two miles close to the shore, forming admirable sites for spacious wharves. The river broadens into a lake-like expanse; there is a fair depth of water now and, with a little outlay for dredging at two or three points, not enough to reduce our uncle's surplus to any alarming extent, there would be depth sutificient for even a five master, like the Governor Ames. It is understood by those in a position to know that it would not be very difficult to induce the Old Colony Railroad Company to remove its upper bridge and find a way to Fall River and New- port for its western branch by way of the Slade's Ferry bridge, which would leave the way fairly open to the se?.. As the port of entry and maritime headquarters of Taunton for large craft, Weir Village still being the headquarters for smaller vessels, Dighton would become a thriving seaport and would be to your city what Leith is to Edinburgh or the Piraeus to Athens. Taunton would ex- tend its avenues of residences and business blocks far down stream to meet more than halfway its great need, an accessible seaport of its own close at hand. Then would be vindicated the judgment of Capt. Thomas Coram, founder of the city of Halifax and of the London Foundling Hospital, who, nearly two hundred years ago, came over from England and set up large shipyards in the Taunton South Purchase, now the town of Dighton. Our town is now chietiy noted for two things — for the pro- duction of that luscious fruit, of which a quaint English writer made the oft quoted remark that ''doubtless God could have made a better berry but doubtless God never did," and for having its name connected with that inscribed monolith, or bowlder, which lies, half buried in the mud on the eastern bank of the river, which has so long been a bone of contention to archaeologists, and the rudelv drawn characters on the face of which are so obscure and indeter- minate that, with a little aid from the imagination, they may be made to support almost any theory as to their genesis. When the changes that I have briefly touched upon — which is all that can be done in the few minutes allowed for this post-pran- dial talk — shall have been brought about by Father Time's whirli- gig, and that day may not be very distant, our town will be noted among other things, for the man)- gallant craft which will arrive at and clear from its wharves, for the manufacturing industries which will spring up in connection with its commerce, and for the hun- dreds of handsome villas which will adorn the slopes of its hills and the sides of its shaded avenues. It might, indeed, take on such a boom as to consider itself the city and look upon Taunton only as a suburb, (though I trust that none of the Tauntonians l4^ QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. present will be unduly alarmed at the suggestion,) in that case it could say to its parent as the bumptious youth, "who had taken his father into partnership, said, as they stood admiring their new sign with its legend of Timpkins and Father in large letters, "me and you, old boy, will do a staving business. " I will close by offering this sentiment, may this occasion be the beginning of a closer union, socially and commercially, between Taunton and her river-child, her seaport that is to be, the pleasant, healthy and fertile township of Dighton. Hon. John E. Sanford was invited to speak for the mother-town in Old England, which he had visited but de- clined. Also, Hon. Charles A. Reed, being called on to re- spond for the General Court, in both branches of which he had served, through lack of time, felt obliged to decline. The decorations of the banqueting hall were all in good taste and under the direction of the chairman of the commit- tee on decorations, Alderman Edward H. Temple. The table arrangements were successfully carried out by the com- mittee on banquet, of which Alderman Charles S. Anthony was chairman. Reeves' American Band rendered choice se- lections during the progress of the feast. Too much cannot be said in praise of the Beethoven Society, which, under the leadership of Director Soule, both in the morning at Music Hall and in the afternoon at the banquet, rendered most ex- cellent service. This Society since 1847* has been identified with the best interests of music in Taunton and its vicinity, having on its roll of membership such names as Crandell, Sproat, Hodges, Tinkham, Perry, Dunbar, Jackson, Taylor, *In an interesting; article, supposed to be by Capt. J. W. D. Hall, in the Union (Jazette and Dcniocrat, of Taunton, , Ian. 29, 1874, it is stated "the Beethoven Society was organizi'd ill 1H21." Aniony; its iiunnbeis were "Abieser Dean, Jotham Colburn, I'.eii j. Seavcr, .lames aiuMViii. A. K. Siiroat, Tliouias C. Urown. Dea. Jazaniah Sum- ner, Zeplianiah I.. Hodges, Klias and Nathan Fislier, Gen. Cri)inwell Washburn, John W. S<;abury, Win. B. Craudoll, Uic liiiioiid Dean. Col. Adonirani Crane, of Berkley, Kllis Hall, Otis and CaU'li S. 'W'ashbiii ii, ol llayiihani, Julia Dean, Nancy Sproat, Abliy ingell, ICIiza Seabnry, Eleanor Dean, Mary Shaw, Nancy Hall, Polly Hood. <-!ol. S. Fobes, ol I5ii(l;z;ewater, was Director, Jothaui Colburn, instrumental leadei', and James Sproat, Sei-retary." Oliver Shaw, who was eminent as a musician, originated in Taunton. The First Beethoven, afterward taking tlie name of Mozart, ceased to exist and the Beethoven of 1847 was virtually a n('\\' organization. THE HANOUET. 1 43 Dean, Soule, Winch, J^ricl<(ham, Abbott, Clemson, Goss, Woodward, Loverino;, Rhodes, Paige, Cutler, Hayman, Mon- roe, Fuller, Lord, Totten, Richards, Reed, Wood, Fish, French, and hundreds of others which are now and for long years have been associated with song in this region. The rehearsals of this Society, under the direction of Mr. Zerrahn, largely contribute toward the success of the autumnal three days' festival of the South Eastern Massachusetts Musical Association ; of this as of the Beethoven Society, Mr. Lean- der Soule is an active member, having belonged to the latter since 185 1, and been a large part of the time its director. Wm. B. Crandell will long be remembered as the first presi- dent of the Beethoven Society in its re-organized form and a great promoter of music, both vocal and instrumental. Taunton has not been wanting in musical composers since Sumner wrote his remarkable Ode on Science and had it sung in the latter part of the last century at the opening of Bristol Academy. Our recent celebration suggested the compositions which are to be found on the following pages. They were sung, with excellent effect, at intervals during the progress of the after-dinner exercises. The Anniversary Ode was sung by the following quar- tette : — Mrs. Cora Elizabeth Rhodes, first soprano ; Miss Emily Hayman, second soprano ; Mr. Thomas Lord, tenor ; Mr. Arthur Barton Totten, basso. The Trio was rendered, under the direction of Mr. Soule, as follows: — First soprano, Mrs. Cora Elizabeth (Dyer) Rhodes, Mrs. Hannah Fifield Abbott, Miss Caroline Thomas Cutler; first alto, Mrs. Abbie Grinnell (Barrell) Goss, Mrs. Helen Otis (Briggs) Monroe, Mrs. Mary Louise (Park) Paige ; second alto. Miss Elizabeth Speight Cutler, Miss Phnily Hayman, Mrs. Martha (Allen) Hanson. FESTIVAL ODE. "Words by Mrs. Eleanor S. Deane. Music by George W. Dean. 1. Ye cit - i - zens of Taun-ton, Who love her fair re - J. Tliey founded liomes and churches, And schools; they tilled the -J A- -m- « «- d: =|--j^t^i:: :?S: nown, (rive hon - or to the men of worth Who built this olden soil; They taught their sons the fear of (;od ; Tliey lived by honest \ -J^LllX-- ^^=F^ X-'~ B^&«^^EEfctEB: t: town. The first ad - venturers ne'er for - get, Nor e'er toil. The Red Men of the for - est wild Were broth or - net Mic few ci's to imr siies, Who l)raved the sav - age wil - der - ness, Wcie of - ten lodged be - neath their roofs -ia. S' -1 — I — \ — I H ^ — ' - 1 ^ — ' Whuse hearts were strong and true, And seat - ed by their fires, N Who braved the sav - age Wei'e of - ten lodged be - '-h- 'm wil - der - ness neath their roofs, 4t- -c- Whose hearts were strong and true. And sea - ted by their fires. Xr- :E^ .-^_ ^f- ^- 1 They brought from " Merrie England" The love of liberty, Were loyal — but not England's self Might dare oppress the free. Among the sisterhood of towns First Freedom's fiag to raise ; For honor, conscience, country, law, Alert in later days. 4, Such were our city's founders ; Such have tlieir children been ; And generous deeds and peaceful arts Still keep their memory green. We cannot name them in our song. But cherish in our heart, And in old Taunton's fair renown Woidd bear a filial part. ANNIVERSARY HYMN. "Words by Mrs. Eleauor S. Deane. Music by Annie M. (Soule)-Lewis, 'H ^—•- Kind straii - j^ers we wel - come you, To tlie -i-P ?5|==^=^ 2. And wel - come ye com - rades old, Who re U ^---^--±=7-^-. One house - hold we meet to - day, And give :SJ=i$=>!=y: I ^-0 — ^ 1- — j— scenes of our fes - ti - val day. To ban- quet, song, sto - -b — I N N — •- ~\^-0 1— :S -•-^•-&- • 9. 0- turn to the pla-ces once known, With thoughts of the days -k EH: 3 =1= -JiN- -^ •-•- thanks for thefath-ers of old. The motli - ers true, lov ^r :f:fcq jL^fTi — — 0iit\-r--^—ft — 0. — ^ -0---0 — ^ — 0- -I — h — ^ h" ry, and lay; Good wo-men, brave men and true. Your — N Sr — i — K 1 i 1^^- -^-^— 0- long since gone. Friends bet-ter than rubies and gold. Your ^=^:^- ^-U ^ -*- * -0- -^ m J^-I=q: sr -w -^ -0- I^ -*••■*•■*• -#• ing, yet bold, In song let them live for aye. In (1.)' -2 m- :*_ ?Z3: •-# — r— p — — ^ — »■ He^#-#- :ta=s= Iiauds we clasp With friendly grasp; As in glad-ness of soul we =«!« liomes of yovith, Of love and truth. Hold the hearts that never grow :;2=:z ^!?zd: 13^: t^==Jt otliLT ways, .Men in la - ter days Have as faithful-ly wrought as -y- »-^— • =^ :U= H«— • i^- -(*— • y— y — M — to- t> — o ^ Ba- sing, Your hands we clasp With friendly grasp; As in told, Your homes of youth,Of love and truth. Hold the S :^= -^=t- i^izN they. In oth - er ways,Men in la-ter days, Have as -mJIfi ,_ s/ glad-ness of soul we sing. i :t:=[:=i5=ti=zi=z=J: While our riv - er :t!i=|2ii hearts that nev - er grow cold. While our riv - er ■*■ -# ^ TT* * -1^ -0- -0- ^ \ faith -ful - ly wrought as they. {■2.) While the lit - tie ^=^ * *_I=# sJ #— ^ -_H ^- sea - ward rtow-eth; Long as sum-mer's bloom is seen, ^x t^S: =|: E3 3=? ~l 1 — ^ 1 — ' l-j — I V =t sea - ward How - eth, Long as sea - son's change is seen, =|: ^^=X '^- :q: :^- Taun - ton How - eth. Wheels re-volve and spin - dies play. ^-^ Welcome to old Taun-ton Green. In heart we' I'e brothers; Our ti\cn- X ^ut __| , 1 1— 1^ 1 1 — ^ — n^ 1 1 1 r^ i ,_ -0- -m- -0- -•■ [j-# -•■•M -•■-#■-#■•• ' Welcome to old Taun-tonGreen. For aye we're brothers. The i^aEs -^ — s- ^ — I 1 '.- ■ 1 \-, i 1 1 ' 1 \—, hr K 1— ♦ -^ i^ J ^^:^^-* -^ ^ ^ ^ tl^ ^ -^ Taun-ton bids good com - ers stay. Then let us ev - er give /n :^; ¥^ y — ^ f~-f--5 . — = — ^- country is one; Though we praise our father's here. Our — 6# tf — • — •—'-!• * *?• — ihf-^S.*—i-* • sons of the free; Where the woodland, stream and mead, Were ^^ ^ 3 «5 «^ iiilzzz::?^^: §^ 5 ^ ^ :3^5 thanks to our God, For the free-dom of our laud, For (3.) I^IP - -• 1 1 ^ — H / — , 1 y !^ — nation's he -roes all arc dear; No dream of re-nown led them tS ::^=:S=:1: t^ 53 -^^^ haunts where the wolf anrl bear might feed, They wrought for the towns yetto ^^4-^-: &13-^ 4 ^^ -#•-#■-#• -^ -•■ ^ ^ men of worth who with heart and hand, For right and for truth they have «— •- -M> -*=i- SE Their no - ble names Are ours and fame's, And their H \ — ^ — — 1 1 »-i-d ^- *—i-0 ^ ^v^;^ •- --■t --> — s- be. Their hon - est names Are ours and fame's,And their ^^- ~t- ' -w ;=]: =«' iitzzitz^zV: faith is our her tage, Their hon - est names Are ^tfc ::^=:i.=«: ^?E^Ei s aye in our songs shall live. Their no - ble names Are \ttJ ^-\ u ^ a <- -^t?*-#- m^^ ours and fame's; And their deeds are our lier - i - ta^e. ours and lame's; And tlieir faith is our her - i - tage. pEEi — H — ^ -N- — (■ — ? >— t- -ft ^-^ -#-T-#- IJ \ -^ -^ -^ tj- ours and fame's; And for aye in our songs shall live. ; After last verse onli/. ^fc; « — — • — #- 3 » — * — *- While the lit - tie Taunton flow - eth; Wheels re - volve and :2: =1==^ , . , ; ^ 1 ^^^— -I -f^ — ± -^ — ^- While the lit - tie Taun - ton flow - eth; Wheels re - volve and S^ :tq: :l==:>i=4 While the lit - tie Taun - ton flow - eth ; Wheels revolve and I E^^^ — ^— H— hi :t: -SET^z :p: spin - dies play, Taun - ton bids good com - ers stay. :!2=: ~-K spin - dies play, Taiui - ton l>iils good coni - ers stay. 5;=q=i -^—-X '-X spin - dies play, Taun - ton bids i^ood com - ers stay. (5.) THE BANQUET. 15 ^ INVITED (;UESTS UV THE C1T\'. Honjamin Hanison. President U. S. A., and wite; Levi Parsons Mor- ion, Vice President, U. S. A., and wife; Oliver Ames, Governor of Mas- sac-husetts, and Staff: .lolm Quincy Adams Brackett, Lieut-Governor of .Massachusetts: Herliert Warren Ladd. Governor of lUiode Island, and Staff: Henry Laurens Dawes, U. S. Senator from Massaeliusetts: George Frisbie Ploar, U. S. Senator from Massachusetts: Charles Sturtevant llandall. Representative in Congress from 1st Mass. Dist. ; Elijah Adams Morse, Representative in Congress from 2d Mass. Dist. • vVrthur Webster Tufts, member of the Governor's Council, Massachusetts; Henry Bailey Peirce, Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts: Harris Cowdrey Hartwell. President of the Massachusetts Senate; William Emerson Barrett, Speaker of the Mass. House of Representatives; Mel- ville Weston Fuller. Chief Justice of the XJ. S. Supreme Court; Marcus Morton, and wife, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Massachu- setts: Lincoln Flagg Brigham. Chief Justice of the Superior Court of Mass.: Elliott Sandford, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Utah: Hiram Putnam Harriman. Judge of Probate, Barnstable County, Mass.: Benjamin Winslow Harris, Judge of Probate. Plymouth County Mass.; (Jeorge White, Judge of Probate, Norfolk County, Mass.: Charles (iideon Davis, Judge 3d Dist. Court. Plymouth Mass. : Simeon Borden, Clerk of the Courts, Fall River, Mass. ; Caleb Benjftmin Tillinghast, State Librarian, Boston, Mass.; Justin Winsor, Librarian, Harvard Uni- versity, Cambridge. Mass. ; John Davis Washburn, U. S. Minister to Switzerland: Willi;iui Thomas Davis, Trustee, Pilgrim Society, Ply- mouth, Mass. ; William Seaver Danforth. Register of Deeds and Sec. Pilg. Society, Plymouth, Mass.: John Ward Dean, Sec. of the New Eng- land Hist. Genealogical Society, Boston, Mass.; Amos Perry, Sec. and Librarian. Rhode Island Hist. Society, Providence, R. I. ; Reuben Al- d ridge Guild. Librarian, Brown University, Providence, R. I. ; George Edward Ellis. Rev.. President, Mass. Historical Society, Boston, Mass. : Charles Henry Payne, Rev., Sec. Board of Education, M. E. church, New York city: Henry Martyn Dexter, Rev., New Bedford and Boston. Mass.: Phillips Brooks. Rev., Boston, Mass.: George Edward Street, Rev., Exe- ter. New Hampshire; Richard Salter Storrs, Rev., Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Rufus Emery, Rev., Newburgh, N. Y. ; Thomas James Conaty, Rev., Worcester, Mass. : Benjamin Henry Paddock, Bishop, Boston, Mass. ; L'homas Marsh Clark, Bishop, Providence, R. I. ; Martin Harkins, Bishop. Providence. R. I.: William Aridrew Leonard, Bishop, Gambler, Ohio; Thomas lIub]).Ti(l Vaill, Bishop, Topeka, Kansas: Darius Nash Couch, General, and wife. Xorwalk. Conn.: Ebenezer Weaver Peirce. General, Freetown. Mass. : Charles Jackson Paine, General, Boston. Mass. : James Burrill .Vngell. President, University, Ann Arbor. Michigan: John 152 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. Ordi-onaux, I'rofcssor, Columbia College, Now York city; Daniel tSiuith. Talcott, Piofessor, Emeritus, Theological Seminary, Bangor, Maine: William Maxwell Evarts, IT. S. Senator fi-om New York; George Ban- croft, Washington, D. C, and Newport, R. I.; John Grreenleaf Whittier, Amosbury and Danvers, Mass. ; Robert Charles Winthrop, Brooklinc and Boston, Mass. ; John Davis Long, Hingham and Boston, Mass.; Robert T)-eat Paine, Waltham and Boston, Mass. ; Charles Francis Adams, Quincy and Boston, Mass. ; Frederick Lothrop Ames, North Easton and Boston, Mass. ; Samuel Crocker Cobb, Taunton and Boston, Mass. : Oliver Prescott, New Bedford, Mass. ; Alexander Hamilton Rice, Boston, Mass.; George Dexter Robinson, Chicopee, Mass.; William Wallace Crapo, New Bedford, Mass. ; Robert Thompson Davis, Fall River, Mass. ; Ebenezer Rockwood Hoar, Concord, Mass. ; Moses Gage Leonard, Brook- lyn, N. Y. ; William Henry Leonard, Newcastle, N. Y. ; Joseph Hartwcll Williams, Augusta, Maine; James Phinney Baxter, Portland, Maine: Josiah Hayden Drummond, Portland, Maine; Marquis Fayette King. Portland, Maine; John Wilson Smith, Providence, R. I.; Charles Wood- bury Thrasher, Springfield, Missouri; Llewellyn Deane, Washington, I). C. ; Thomas Merriam Stetson, New Bedford, Mass. ; John Summerlicld Brayton, Fall River, Mass.; James Madison Morton, Fall River, Mass.; Enoch Pratt, Baltimore, Md. ; Matthew Gault Emery, Washington, D. C. : Elisha Clark Leonard, New Bedford, Mass.; Alfred Mason Williams, Providence, R. I.; Charles Harrison Tweed, New York city; William Dexter Marvel, Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Charles Deane, Cambridge, Mass. ; George Augustus Crocker, New York city; Chester Allyne Reed, North Attleboro', Mass.; James Heron Crosman, New York city; William Thomas Crandell, Providence, R. I. ; Niels Arnzen, Fall River, Mass.; Curtis Guild, and wife, Boston, Mass.; Stephen Holbrook Rhodes, Bos- ton, Mass. ; Samuel Leonard Crocker, Naples, Italy; Arthur Kinglakc, Justice of the Peace, County of Somerset, Taunton, England; John Mar- shall, Taunton, Somersetshire, England; Wilfred George Marshall, Taunton, Somersetshire, England; Edwin Sloper, Taunton, Somerset- shire, England ; Mayor and Corporation, Taunton Borough, Somerset- shire, England ; Henry Rodney Barker, Mayor, Providence, R. I. ; Almon Kent Goodwin, Mayor, Pawtuckct, R. L ; Henry V. A. Joslin, City Clerk. Providence, R. I. ; Cyrenius A. Newcomb, Detroit, Michigan. Members of the Mdsmrhu.'^etls Muyorx.'' Club, Present or Past Mayors of Cities: — Thomas N. Hart, Hugh O'Brien, Boston; Samuel Winslow, Worces- ter; Charles D. Palmer, James C. Abbott, Lowell; James F. Jack.son, John W. Cummings, Fall River; Henry H. Gilmore, William E. Russell, Cambridge; Alvan E. Mack, Alexander B. Bruce, Lawrence; Asa T. Ncwhall, George D. Hart, Lynn; Edward S. Bradford, Elisha Burr May- nard, Springfield; John M. Raymond, Salem; Walter Clili'ord, Morgan THE BANQUET. 153 Uotcli, New Bedford; Charles G. Pope, Mark F. Burns, .Somervillc: Artluir B. Cliamplin, George E. Mitchell, Chelsea; Jeremiali F. Sullivan, .lames E. Delaney, Ilolyoke; William W. French, David I. Ilobinson, Gloucester; Frederick G. Richards, Geori^e H. Carleton, Joseph H. Sheldon, Haverhill; J. Wesley Kimball, Heman M. Burr, Newton; Al- bert C. Titeomb, J. Otis AVinckley, Newburyport; Jeremiah Brown. Arthur Gaylord Hill, Northampton; Joseph F. Wisgin, Marcellus Cog- u Celebration, Dighton, Mass. Oakes A. Ames, Vice Pres. of Day, Easton, Mass.; Hiram Williams George Copeland, Henry W. Heath, Selectmen, Easton, Mass. ; William L. Chaffin, Edward Belcher Hayward, Committee on Celebration, Eas- ton, Mass. Erastus Maltby Reed, Vice Pres. of Day, Mansfield, Mass. ; Benjamin K. Flint, Valorus B. Hodges, Seth Carroll Shepard, Selectmen, Mansheld. Mass.; Elkanah Hall, John W. Rogers, William B. Rogerson, Commit- tee on Celebration, Mansfield, Mass. Austin Messinger, Vice Pres. of Day, Norton, Mass. ; Charles Tower Oldfield, Charles Henry Makepeace, Oren E. Walker, Selectmen, Norton, Mass. ; Samuel A. Chapin, Isaac T. Braman, George H. Talbot, Committee on Celebration, Norton, Mass. Nathan W. Shaw, Vice Pres. of Day, Raynham, Mass. ; Stephen R. Lincoln, Thomas B. Johnson, Elijah E. Williams, Selectmen, Raynham, Mass. ; Damon D. White, Joseph W. White, Jesse King, Soranus W. Hall, Charles T. Robinson, Edward F. Leonard, Alexis C. Dean, Joseph R. Presho, Elwyn S. Harlow, Cyrus Leonard, 2d, Charles B. Gardiner, Charles H. Lewis, Sidney K. B. Perkins, Edward B. Wilbur, David G. Dean, Edward B. King, Committee on Celebration, Raynham, Mass. Mrs. Susan Tillinghast fMorton) Kimball, Boston Mass. ; Mrs. Lydia (Morton) Lee, Moline, Iowa; Mrs. Eliza Baylies (Chapin) Wheaton, Nor- ton, Mass.; Mrs. Harriet Little (Chase) Pulsifer, Auburn, Maine: Mrs. Leonice Marston (Sampson) 31oulton, Roslyu, N. Y. ; Mrs. Sarah Ann (Pease) Wadsworth, Auburn, N. Y. 154 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. The iM'cccding list contains only the names of guests of the city from abroad. To past mayors of the city and other residents of Taunton the courtesy was extended but their names are not included. A larger part of our guests honored the occasion with their presence. A few excused their absence with such words of interest in our celebration as should be }nit on record : — [Letter from Lieut.- Go veiiKir Brackett.] Pleasant St., Aklington, Juxk 2, 1S8U. liev. S. Hopkins Emcri/, Dkai! .Sir: — I regret very imich that by reason of illness, which eon- iines me to my house, I shall not be able to attend the eelebration at Taunton on Tuesday, the kind invitation to which I accepted several weeks ago. Very truly yours, J. Q. A. BliACKETT. [Letter Iroiii U. S. Senator Dawcs.J PiTTSFiELD, Mass., May ol, 18S!». Brvj. S. Iluiik'niff Eiitcnj, Sccn'hir(i, Commiftea oh Iiivitntionx. Tdniitoii. Mass. Ukak .Silt: — 1 am in receipt of an invitation, for which I tender my cordial thanks, to become a guest of the city of Taunton on the 4th and ."^th days of June and particijiate in the celebration of the two hundred and lifticth anniversary of the founding of Taunton. It would b(! a pleasure indeed to accept your hosi)itality, to visit the city for whose river I have voted so many appropriations, to tread the turf of the fam- ous Taunton Green, to lay some humble tribute at the tomb of the ven- erated Elizabeth Poole, and to be a witness of the marvellously thrifty growth which has sprung from the seed which she sowed. It is witli great regret, therefore, that I find myself compelled by the pressure of my engagements to deny myself this pleasure. Accept, my dear sir, aiul extend to your associates on the committee, my grateful acknowl- edgements of your courtesy and my best wishes for the success of the ceremonies of this notable occasion. Very truly yours, H. L. Dawks. [Letter Innii V. S. Sciiatnr Hoar.] WoitcK.sTEiJ, Mass., Ai'itii. 2!), LSS'.t. Mv Deai; ,Sik: — I regret that I shall be absent from Massachusetts when the celebration of the 2.")()tli Anniversary of the Founding of Taun- ton will take place. Otherwise it woidd give me great pleasure indeed to take part in an occasion of so much interest. 1 am, faithfully yours. To Jtcr. ti. llDpLins Kmcnj. Geo. F. IloAi;. THE BANQUET. I 55 [Lt'ttcr Iroui Chief Justice Fuller.] Washington, D. C, M.vy 25, 188U. Mrs.Ki-s. lih/iHrd lltuini Ifall, Samuel Hopkins E mar ij, William E. Fuller, .In/ill W. I), ilull, llciiry M. Loverinrf, Gcorc/e Alherl Waxlibiini. (iKNTLEMK.v:— It would s'ivo me great pleasuic to accept yoiu' invi- tation to participate in the ceremonies attendant upon the celebration of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the founding of Taunton, but my engagements are such that I find myself, to my regret, entirely unable to do so. i , ,- Pray accept my acknowledgments of your courtesy and believe me. Very truly yours, ar. w. FuLLEu. [Letter from Chief Justice Brigham.] New BEDFoiti), May ol, 188'J. Iter. S. Hopkins Emery, Seeretarij of the Comiiiittrr on LivihUiinis to the Cclebnaioii of the Tioo llitndrcl dud Fiftieth Annirer.sari/ of the found in[i of Taunton. Mv Deau .Sir:— My delay in replying to the gracious invitation of the committee whose representative you are, has been due to the hope that 1 might be able to attend and participate in the celebration of the 2oUth anniversary of the founding of Taunton. 1 now lind that official duties will constrain me to be here, on the days of your celebration, to my great disappointment. Yours truly, Lincoln F. Bkigham. [Letter from Judge Uavis.] Plymouth, May u, 188'.». Deai: Jiiu:— I regret that the state of my health will prevent nie from undergoing the fatigue of enjoying your anniversary services on the 4th and 5th of June, which as a native of the Old Colony, I should be glad to attend. Old Plymouth is connected with Taunton by many interesting associations, historically, socially, and in business and law. Yours truly. Rev. S. Hopkins Enwrij, Serretanj. Chas G. Davis. [Letter from State Liltrariiiii Tilliuyhast.] Boston, May :]!, l.s8'J. Ber. s. Hopkins Emenj, Serretanj of the Committee on Invitations. My Dear Sir: — I am honored and obliged by the kind invitation of your committee to participate in the ceremonies at the celebration of the quarter millennial anniversary of the founding of Taunton, but re- gret that I shall be obliged to forego the pleasure of its acceptance. For two centuries and a half the people of Taunton have illustrated the development of the intelligence, the virtue and the patriotism which unite to form the basis of New England civilization. It is well to honor the founders, as well as their descendants who have cherished, defended and preserved the independence and purity of its civil life, including the T56 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELERRATION. loii^ roll of Uvv sons, eminent for their ability and their hif^h ideal of ]>nblic service, which the nmnicipality has furnished to the Colony, the I'rovince and the Commonwealth. Yours very truly. C. B. TlLLlNGIIAST. [Letter I'roiii the Secretary of the New Eu,i;lan successful, and with many kind wishes for its participants. I am. very truly. D. N. Couch. THE BANOUF.T. I 59 (Letter from President Angell.) Univehsity of Michigan, Ann Arbok, Aimml 2!t, IHSU. My Deai! Sik: — I beg to acknowiedue my indebtednt'ss to tlie i-oni- inittee for the courtesy oi' an invitation to attend tlie 2.")()tli Anniversary of the founding' of Taunton. I deeply regret tliat my engagements will prevent me from accept- ing the invitation. The story of few of the old New England towns is so interesting and important as that of Taunton. As (me connected by marriage with the (Jasuells of Taunton, I have ;i personnl interest in the celebration. Yours truly. Rpv. S. Ilophhis Enirrii. 'rtiiiutdii. James P.. Anoki.i.. (Letter Irom IMotessor Talcott.) Bangoij. Me.. June 1, 1880. To tJie Committee nn Inritatlnns. Taunton. Mass. Gentlemen: — Please accept ray thanks for the kind invitation sent me to be present at your approaching celebration. I have long desired that it might at sonie future time be in my power to make a pilgrimage to the old historic city of Taunton, and the more especially in view of tlie fact that one of tlie most warmly cherished friends of my youth, (although my junior in age,) whose name it is pleasant to recognize among your number, has been for many years largely identilied with the best interests of your community. The programme of your proposed celebration is certainly most at- tractive, and I trust that the weather may be such as to allow of its being carried out in a manner worthy of the spirit which has planned it, and such as to secure to the multitudes that will be in attendance, an ample measure of enjoyment and of profit. P.e assured, Gentlemen, that it is with no ordinary regret that 1 feel myself obliged to say that just at the present time, peculiar circum- stances forbid me to be absent from home. I am, Gentlemen, yours with high consideration and respect, D. S. Talcott. (Letter Irom Hon. Rot)ert C. Wintlirop.) • Brookline, Mass., May 21, 1889. Jfon. B."H. Hall'J'halniiiin, Rev. S. H. Emery, Serretar!/. Gentlemen: — I thank you and your associates on the Committee, for including me among the invited guests of the City of Taunton for the 4th and 5th of June ne.Kt. It would atford me great pleasure to unite with you in celebrating the -JSOth Anniversary of the founding of the most ancient town of iiristol County, and in recalling the memory of its Worthies, from the days of Elizabeth Pool to those of the Baylies, and dockers whom I have known and valued personally. But 1 dare not contemplate the fatigues of such an occasion, and can only offer you my grateful acknowledgments of the invitation, with my sincere regrets thaf T am unable to accept it. Believe me. Geutlemen, resp'y and truly yours, PiOBT. C. WlNTHROP. l60 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. (Letter from Hon. John D.Long'.) HiNGHAM, Apk., 27, 1889. My Deak Sir:— I am in receipt of the kind invitation of the city of Taunton to the celebration of its 2r)0th Anniversary. If my engage- ments will j>ermit I shall be happy to attend, but I fear that on the 4th ami nth of June next, T shall be so engaged that I cannot do so. With many thanks for the courtesy I am, Truly yours, Erv. S. IfapJon^! Empry. John D. Lono. (Letter from Hon. Alexander H. Rice.) Boston, June 3, 1889. R. II. Ilall, Esq., Chairman, etc, Taunton, Mass. My Dear Sir: — I extremely regret that an unexpected engagement beyond my control, compels me to be in Boston to-morrow and the next day; and consequently deprives me of the anticipated pleasure of at- tending the commemorative festival in Taunton, this week. Believe me not less appreciative of the courtesy of your committee in this kind invitation. Very truly yours, Alexander H. Rice. (Letter from Hon. Ocoroc 1). Kobinson.) Chicopee, Mass., May 14, 1889. Bev. S. Hopkins Empry, Taunton Mass. Dear Sir; — I am under great obligations for the honor of the invi- tation in behalf of the City of Taunton to participate in the ceremonies of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the City, and legret to say in reply that I am constrained, by reason of engage- ments which 1 cannot avoid, to forego the pleasure of an acceptance. Accept my sincere wishes for the highest enjoyment of all who shall be in attendance or interested in the event, and for the continued pros- perity of the City and the happiness of all her people. Yours truly, Geo. D. Robinson. (Letter from Hon. E. Rookwood Hoar.) Concord, May 18, 1889. McKsvs. Richard Henry Ilall, Saiiiucl Iloplrats Emery and others, Connirif- U'p on Invitations. Gentlemen: — I am much honored by the invitation of the City of Taunton to be present as its guest and participate in the ceremonies at the celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the fotniding of Taiuiton, on the 4th and 5tli of June of this year, and regret extremely that my state of health will mit allow me to accept it. The history of so old a New England town, and the memories be- longing to one of such honorable distinction as Taunton, make the occasion one of great interest; and especially attractive to me, not only from i)leasant relations to some of your citizens in days gone by, but from the ])leasure T should ex])ect in hearing my valued friend, Judge THE BANQUET. l6l Hennott, who is, as I am informed, to deliver the historical address — and ill witiiessiiio' the Xh of June next, as a guest of that city, and to participate in the ceremonies of the occasion, which you intend to make a most attractive memorial of the early Fathers. I would gladly avail myself of the generous hospitality of your city to pay the humble tribute of my presence, at least, at the time and place appointed to manifest our pious interest in the early period before Cohannet became Taunton — but the state of my health will not permit me to take a journey at this time, and to undergo the fatigue incident to a full appreciation and enjoyment of the celebration you have in view. Permit me to add that I shall regret my absence from your festi vities the more because, within a few weeks, 1 have received from Eng- land some interesting items of intelligence about my ancestor Richard Williams, prior to his emigration: and if I could be present, and were to be called upon to say a word or two, at some suitable stage of your proceedings, I am quite sure the authentic facts I have learned would impart a grateful flavor to whatever I might feel moved to say concern- ing Deacon Richard and his well born wife — Frances Dighton. But, I pray you to have me excused; and trusting that all propitious influences will attend your 2.50th anniversary, I am very gratefully yours, Joseph H. Williams. Eev. Samuel Hopkins Empvn, otc. of the Comniifff^e on InnfiiflDiis, Tami- ton, ]\f(iss. Mr. Williams, on being applied to, .since the anniversan', for copies of any official certificates in his possession, show- ing new facts concerning Richard Williams, has done ns the favor of transmitting the following : — THE BANQUET. 1 63 (Extract from Rjolands City of (iloucester, (Eng.) page 184. Inscriptions in St. Nicli- olas Church.) "Here lies interred the bodies of John Deigliton of tliis city, gent., and Jane, his wife, daughter to Edward Basset of Uley, Eng., liy whom he had issue three sons and four daughters. He spent all his time in the study of chirurgery and attained to great knowledge therein. He died 16 May 1()(40)— and she the 23 April l(i81.— " II. (Baptism of Frances Dighton, in Church of St. Nicholas, Gloucester.) "Anno dmi 1611. •'The first of March was baptized Frances the daughter of John Dighton. " I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the Register of Bap- tisms of the Church of St. Nicholas, Gloucester, extracted this four- teenth day of December, 1888, — by me, (Signed) John J. Luce, Vicar. III. (Marriages.) " Richard Williams of the parishe of St. Johns in Glouc'r and Fran- ces Deighton of the parishe of St. Nicholas in Glouc'r afoiesayd were marryed the Xlth daye of February at Witcombe Magna by Mr. Stubbs (t)eacher 1632. " « « * "John Lloyd, Minister. Thomas Baylis, J ^h i j >» Richard PACKsk, f Church wardens." [Witcombe Magna is about five miles (easterly) from city of Gloucester.] "I certify the above to be a correct extract from the Transcript of the Register of the pari.sh of Great Witcombe for the year 1632 now in my lawful keeping. '' (Signed) B. Bonner, N. P., Registrar of the Diocese of Gloucester and Bris- tol at Gloucester. IV. (St. Nicholas Vicarage, Gloucester. "Mr. Thomas, has discovered these two l)ai)tis- inal entries.) " 1634 March 27, John, son of Richard Williams. " — "1635 February 7, Elizabeth, daughter of Richard Williams." — Yours very tiuly, (Signed) J. J. Luce'" 18, 12. '88. Copy of a Post Card addressed to Conway Dighton, Esq., St. Julius, Cheltenham. [The Civil year began March 25tb,] 164 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. The Hon. James Savage, once President of the Mass. Historical Society, in V^ol, 4 of his Genealogical Dictionary, )). 565, quoting from Emery's ministry of Taunton. Vol. i p. 44 — what is there stated concerning" the Richard Williams family, observes : " I greatly distrust the tradition of his ver}- early coming to our country and more the Gloucestershire wife. " We are glad to be assured that the correspondence of Gov. Williams, now published, removes all ground for "distrust" concerning either the marriage or the early com- ing to this country. Frances Dighton, the wife of Richard Williams, was the daughter of Jane Bassett, the daughter of Edward Bassett, whose lineage appears to run back to the first Lord Berkeley. Hence the expression " w'ell born" is not misapplied to her. Seethe "Visitation of Gloucestershire, 1623 " and printed in Vol. 21, Publications of Harleian Society, 1885. (Letter from Artlmr Kinglake, Esq.) Haines Hill, Taunton. England. May, 21, 1889. My Deak Sir: — Many thanks for your kind invitation to join in the approaching- anniversary of the founding of the city of Taunton whicii would have given me great pleasure to have accepted, but as you are aware, I am no longer young and am not free from the infirmities of old age. You have extended your hospitalities not only to me but like- wise to some of the citizens of our town, and I am not without a hope that a representative of old Taunton may be enabled to be present at the forthcoming ceremony. It is cheering to me and my friends to find that you have not forgotten us, and be assured that we thoroughly ap- preciate your friendsliip. 1 often reflect on the spirit and enterprise and civilizing influences of your great Republic. We in Taunton have not forgotten the extreme delight which we experienced some few years since by the visit of your distinguished Statesman and Author, Mr. Lowell, who delivered in our Shire Hall in Taunton, a splendid address (m the life and character of the ''father of the English novel," Henry Fielding, one of the worthies of Somersetshire. The name of General Washington is not forgotten in Somerset to this day. When the unhappy war between this country and America took place, Lady Harriet Acland in a truly heroic spirit sought Ut ac- company her husband Colonel Acland on the Battle Field and this re- quest was courteously granted by the illustrious Commander. With best compliments to Mr. Lovering and his family, I remain with much esteem and regard yours very sincerely, Ajjtiutk Kinglake, Justice of the Peace for the County of Somerset, THE BANQUET. 1 65 I Letter I loin .lohii .M:ii>IkiI1, Ksij.) HkLMONT, TAL NTON, KN(iLANl). MAY 8, 1889. Dkak Sii;: — 1 bej; to tliank yo'i JUid your (-011111111100 for your kind invitation to he incsent wlioii you celebrate the 250th Anuiversary of the loundinu of Taunton. Mass. r reyrot I am not able to accept it; my healtli i.s very feeble, and 1 am (luite unable to leave my home. I am yours faithfully. The R>' Tduntun, Si)iiu-i-Ni't.sliin-. hJiu/ldinl , The "oak frame" was aeeompanied with a letter as fol- lows : Taunton, EN(iLANi), Nov'r 8th, 188U. Dk.vk Mil. Mayoi;: — 1 have at last sent you the long promised oak frame for the Congratulatory address sent by our Corporation. 1 trust it will arrive safely and that you will be able to lind a place for it in your THE BANQUET. 1 69 Municipal Biiil(lin<;.s. The carvings in the upper corners represent, old En^jhind to America, and the lower ones, old Taunton to new Taunton. My year of office expires to-morrow and I have taken the liberty of cnclosin.\, Eng., Feb. .j. 1800. WoitsHii'KLn, Sir: — The package containing the framed address as advised, came safely to hand and was ofticially handed to the Taunton town council at its last meeting, when Alderman Si)iller lead the corre- spondence addiessed to liinL On behalf of the council I am desired to express to you and the members of the corporation of tin- city of Taun- ton how much we esteem your kind and beautifully framed address. It now hangs in a conspicuous position in our new council chamber and I trust will l)e handed down to future generations as a proof of the good feeling existing between the corporation of the city of Taunton, IT. .S. A.. and the town of Taunton, England. May your city still continue to prosper in every sense of the word and may the bond of friendship be- tween old England and your new and great country be strengthened as time rolls cm! The writei' has succeeded Aldeimaii .Spillei- (one of the best mayors Taunton ever had) in the civic chair, and should you i>ay a visit to this country during my year of office I can i)romisc you a hearty welcome to our dear old town. Believe nie. dear Mr. Mayor, Yours very faithfully, (iROROK .S.\rM)Ki:s. .Ir.. Mayor. To his wor.shipful. the mayor of 'I'aunton, V. S. A. W e close our acc(Hint of the I)an(|uet with a Haltciin;^' notice of the celebration from an issue (jf a newspaper ol the THE BANQUET. I71 mother town, soon after, and we mav add that letters ha\e been received from many, who were present or who had read tlie account ot our proceedinj^s, expressint;' in the warmest terms, their _t;rati heat ion at the success of the ,i;reat under-, taking;-. "rAUNTON's AMERICAN DAUGHTER.'' The above is the heading of a column article in a receut issue of tile Taunton. (England) Courier, descriptive of our anniversary celebra- tion, the introduction to which is as follows: The ancient borough of Taunton, the county town of Somerset, can trace back its history for considerably more than a thousand years. Many and stirring are the events which have occurred in the garden town from the days when the Koman legions first occupied it as one of the dwelling places of the Hritons. Since those times of remote antiqui- ty it has been the frontier fortress of the Saxons, when the Tone was made the border of Wessex; it was seized by Perkin Warbeck in his brief rebellion; Blake's heroic defence of it against the onslaughts of the Cavaliers is one of the most famous incidents of the vvais of the com- monwealth, while the triumphal entry of the ill-fated Monmouth and the Bloody Assizes at which the infamous Jeffreys punished the Taun- tonians by hanging or transporting four hundred of them, forms one of the saddest ]»ages of our national records. Though our American cous- ins in Massachusetts cannot boast that their city — which their ancestors, ■'in honor and love to their dear and native country, '* named after the well remembered English home in the fair vale of Taunton Deane— has played so prominent a part in history as its namesake, yet during the two hundred and fifty years of its existence it has done much of which it may well be proud. It has greatly outstripped the mother town in population, its manufactures are important and increasing, and it has worthily followed the example of old Taunton in its struggles for liberty, and in that enterprise and desire to benefit by human progress and dis- covery wiiich has ever been the characteristic both of the mother and the daughter. After quoting- extensively from Judge liennett's adch'ess and citing some of the important matters connected with the celebration, the Courier closes with saying : On the whole, the inhabitants of Taunton. Mass., are to be congratu- lated on the highly satisfactory way in which they have celebrated their anniversary, and on the thriving position in which their industry has 172 QUARTER IMILLE^■^MAL CELEBRATION. placetl tlu^i^ city. One of tlie ino.st pleasinj; features of the affair, and an instance of liearty fjood-will whicli exists between the mother and daughter towns, was the cordial invitations sent over to tlie T.aunton Town Councnl to send representatives to the celebration. The mayor. (.'\lderman Spiller's) letter in reply was published in the Massachusetts iu?wspai)ers, but it seems as if the address did not reach its destination in time. Our American cousins are rather at fault when, in referring to the old familiar names being given to New Kngland towns, they say *• Uehoboth is in Somerset, not far from Taunton. " This name appears to have a Scriptural derivation. RECEPTION AND BALL City Hall was brilliantly illuminated and beautifulh- decorated with flags and mottoes in honor of our x'isitors from abroad. The reception committee and others of our citizens were present to meet our invited guests. Reeves' l^and was in attendance and added to the pleasure of the occasion by their fine selections. After an hour or two of pleasant intercourse the ball committee from the adjoining- hall appeared and announced that the time had arrived for the commencement of the festivities there. Thereupon this informal but very enjoyable part of the da}''s observances came to a close. The programme of Tuesday closed with a Promenade Concert and Ball held in Armory Hall immediately after the close of the Public Reception at the City Hall, and was in charge of the following committee : — Frederick Mason, Chairman, Jo.SEPH R. T.XLLMAX, Secretary, Ripley W. Townsexu, Edwin A. Tetlow. John H. Galligan, James C. Sproat, Charles P. Foster, Alfred B. Sproat. 1/4 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. The assignments of sub-committees were as follows : — On Keccption of Jm'ited Guests. Frederick. Mas(.)x, James C. Spruat. John H. Galligan On Hall Arrangements. Edwin A. Tetlow, Riplev W. Townsend On Refreshments. Frederick. Mason, Joseph R. Tallman, James C. Sproat On Ball l^rogramme. Alfred B. Sproat, John H. Galligan On Decorations. RiPLEv W. Townsend. Charles P. Foster Floor Director. Frederick Mason. Aids. Ripley \^^ Townsend. Joseph R. Tallman, Edwin A. Teilow, John H. Galligan, James C. Sproat, Charles P. Foster, Alfred B. Si-roap, A. CTeveland Bent. RoHERT C. Brown. The Hall was beautifully decorated with streamers, flags and lace dra]:)eries, the front of the stage being filled will) a terrace of jilants and flowers behind which 'Reeves' full orchestra was stationed. Tlie invited guests were es- corted from the Reception at the City Hall by the reception committee, and upon their ani\al the Ball was opened by a Grand March led by His Honor Mayor Hall and Lady, fol- RECEPTION AND BALL. 175 lowed b\' more than two liundrcd couples amoni;' whom were man}' of our most ])i()minent citizens who had for years been absent fi'om ^atlierin^s of this cliaracter, but who on this t)Ccasion united with the )'oun,i;"er element in doini;' honor to our celebration, 'i'he electric lights shininj.;' through the many hued f^'auze canop\- bringin^i; out the rich coloring" of the varied decorations and reflected from the g-littering emblems and devices with which the walls were hung, the insjnring strains of the music and the elegant toilets of the ladies all combined to make the scene one long to be remembered, and when the festivities ended, at a late hour, it brought to a close one of the most successful features of the celebration. SECOND DAY OF THE CELEBRATION. The Grand Procession. The great feature of the second clay's observances was the Grand Procession Much apprehension was felt in the morning lest the weather should prove unfavorable. But the threatening as- pect of the clouds soon vanished and the day proved all that could have been desired. Under the efTficient management and control of the Chief Marshal every detail of the vast parade had been determined, and so complete were the arrangements, and so faithfully were they carried out by his Aids and the Assisant Marshals and Aids of the different divisions, that the procession moved promptly at eleven o'clock, the appointed time. The streets were packed with spectators, and every window, balcony and piazza was crowded with citizens or guests who heartily cheered the numerous beautiful floats, tableaux and trade representations. The decorations displayed were by far the most extensive, artistic and elaborate the city had ever seen. On the route of the procession the decorations were of course the most general and profuse, but many even of the dwell- ings and other buildings not so favored were gaily decked out in holiday attire. The City Hall, county and district court houses, registry buildings, public library and police station were artistically draped and festooned in handsome THE GRAND PROCESSION. 177 designs. The City Hotel was one of the first buildings to be decorated, and was surely one of the finest. An arch of fine proportions spanned Main street near City Square, t;racefully decorated with evergreens and flags, and bearing on its eastern face the legend — "'39. 250th Anniversary of Taunton. '89, " and on its western face the legend — "'39. Sons and Daughters Welcome Home. '89." On the westerly side of the Common raised seats were provided, and there during the parade were assembled three hundred boys and girls of the grammar schools under the charge of Mr. Fred. W. Howes, the music teacher. They greeted the procession as it passed with patriotic songs, fluttering handkerchiefs, clapping hands and enthusiastic cheers. Nothing on the route of the procession was so thrill- ing and beautiful. The eyes of many glistened with tears while their faces beamed with smiles, as they passed this blooming array of the coming generation. No mere enumeration of the varied representations of our arts, industries, manufactures and trades, which so largely constituted the attractive features of the procession, can give an adequate idea of the fulness, completeness and magnifi- cence of the display as a whole. Never before did our own citizens behold such a demonstration of our broadly diversi- fied industries, and of the degree of excellence attained in them. For one day we could well afford to be proud of our progress and attainments. The towns of Norton, Dighton, Raynham and Berkley, daughters of Ancient Taunton, added features of great his- toric interest to the parade by their fine displays. Much labor and thought had evidently been bestowed upon the details of their representations by the town committees, for which they are deserving of very great credit. 1/8 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. The procession extended over a distance of four miles and was arranged in the following order. FORMATION OF PROCESSION. Four Mounted Police — Platoon of Police under command of City Marshal Francis L. Dow. American Band, Providence, D. W. Reeves, Leader. Chief Marshal, HENRY M. LOVERING. STAFF. Chief of Staff, Lieut.-Col. Alfred B. Hodges. William H. Bent, F. L. Fish, F. S. Babbitt, George H. Talbot, Giles L. licacli, George F. Howard, John C. Sharp, Jr., George 0. Morse, Fred. S. Hall, Joseph S. Tidd, C. B. Gardiner, Frederick Thayer, AIDS. N. H. Skinner, Edward B. Maltby, Edward Mott, Joseph A. Bullard, John W. Rogers, Horace W. Durgin, H. Frank Reed, Edward F. Galligan, H. P. Copeland, William C. Davenport, W. J. Clemson, George F. Chace, FIRST DIVISION. Silas D. Presbrey, William R. Billings, Orville A. Barker, Oliver Ames, 2d, Arthur R. Sharp, Cyrus Savage, Edward Lovering, John J. Barker, Henry S. Hack, W. F. Kennedy, William M. Lovering, William F. Palmer. Capt. Alden H. Blake, Assistant Marshal. AIDS. Col. Elisha Doane, Capt. Geo. A. King, Lieut. Chas. F. Park, F. Arthur Walker, Edward King, John C. Macdonald. Company F, ist Regt. Infantry, M. V. M. Taunton High School Cadets. CARRIAGES, Containing His Excellency Oliver Ames, Governor of Massachu- setts, and Staff; His Honor, R. Henry Hall, Mayor of the City of Taunton, President of the day; Hon. Marcus Morton, Chief Jus- tice of the Supreme Court of Mass.; His Honor the Lieut. -Gov- ernor and members of the Executive Council ; Invited Guests ; the TABLEAU VIVANT. Dighton Rock. First Approach of Civilization. &gS^:^:^i TABLbAU VIVANT. Cohannct, the Land of Snow. THE GRAND PROCESSION. 1/9 Orator, Poet, and Toastmaster of the day ; Members of Congress ; Members of the Massachusetts Senate and House of Representa- tives ; Members of the City Government; Veterans of Co. G, 4th Regt. M. V. M., (3 mos.,) and distinguished citizens. No. I No. 2 No. 3 No. 4 No. 5 No. 6 No. 7 HISTORICAL TABLEAUX. DiGHTON Rock, the First Approach of Civilization. CoHANNET, the Land of Snow, Elizabeth Pole, " Dux Femina Facti. " The Capture of Anawan. The Leonard House. The Puritan Parson, a Leader of his People. Jesse Smith and his well-known Stage Coach. SECOND DIVISION. H. A. Cushman, Assistant Marshal. aids. Charles B. Hathaway, John C. Chace, Frank R. Washburn, Henry A. Pratt. Representations from towns which once formed a part of Taunton. NORTON, incorporated 171I. Represented by the Crescent Drum and Fife corps, sixteen men. E. R. Lincoln, six-horse team representing heavy teaming, with banner bearing the legend, " Norton 171 1 — 1889. " Geo. H. Talbot, four-horse team with large load of combed wool, representing wool scouring. A. H. Sweet, two two-horse teams and two one-horse teams with wood and paper boxes, representing wood and paper box manufacturing. A. G. Pierce, one two-horse team with cases, representing cotton yarn manufacturing. J. S. \\'ood, two two-horse teams, representing agricultural im- plements, wood and coal. l80 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. DIGHTON, INCORPORATED 1712. Represented by carriage with national flag bearing the inscription, Dighton, 1672, — 1712, — 1889. Grand Army veterans in two carriages. Committee of the town in carriage. L. Lincoln & Co., paper manufacturers, carriage with raw ma- terial, carriage with manufactured articles. E. Almy, loaded wagon representing grocery trade. School Children in two barges and carriage. C. S. Chace, florist, carriage with display of plants in bloom. J. A. Lewis, carriage with nursery stock and flowers. Dighton Fruit Growers Association in six carriages. C. N. Simmons, boat mounted on wheels with seine and fix- tures, representing the herring fishery. BERKLEY, INCORPORATED T735. This part of the Division formed at Burt's corner, in Berkley, and marched to Taunton in the following order, where it joined the rest of the Division. Marshal, Giles L. Leach. AIDS. Thomas P. PauU, Jesse P. Leach. Cavalcade of fifty horsemen in uniform, the horses handsomely caparisoned, with colors inscribed, "Berkley, 1735 — 1889." Captain, Rollin H. Babbitt, ist Lieut., Charles French, 2d Lieut., Thomas F. Burt, 3d Lieut., Adelbert Stone. Color-bearer, James F. Clark. School Children and Teachers in two barges. The Berkley Gleaner, carriage with editor and reporters. Eight milk wagons, four butcher carts, representing the milk and meat interests. C. D. Babbitt, florist, carriage with display of plants and flowers. THE GRAND PROCESSION. 151 THIRD DIVISION. This entire Division was furnished by the town of Raynham, once a part of Taunton. RAVNHAM, IXCORF'ORATED I 73 1. The following Committee of the Town had charge of the dis- play, which was exceedingly fine. Jesse King, Charles B. Gardiner, Soranus W. Hall, Charles H. Lewis. Charles T. Robinson, Edward F. Leonard. Nathan W. Shaw, Alexis C. Dean, Joseph R. Presho. Edward B. Wilbur, Damon D. White, Elwyn S. Harlow, David G. Dean, Cyrus Leonard, 2d, Edward B. King, Sidney K. B. Perkins. The Division formed at Raynham Centre, and marched to Taunton, where it joined the procession. Order of Division. The Middleboro' Brass Band. Capt. Chas. T. Robinson, Assistant Marshal. AIDS. Soranus W. Hall. Edward B. Wilbur, Elwyn S. Harlow, Cyrus Leonard, 2d, Henry H. Robinson. Barge containing the Town Officers. Cavalry Co. A,* Capt. B. B. Cain. Cavalry Co. B, Capt. Frank Williams. Floats draw^n by oxen, carrying paintings of the old Anchor Forge, the old Meeting House, the Fowling Pond, the ancient I^eonard House, the Washburn House, also a team carrying a model Anchor, marked 5,500 pounds, representing the business once extensively carried on at the Anchor Forge. Team carrying "Old Tobey, " a cannon used in the Revolu- tionary \\ar, now owned by the Tobias Gilmore families, at North Raynham. Children of the public schools in four barges. D. D. White & Co., float, with men and women at work, illus- trating the process of manufacturing shoes. l82 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. G, B. & E. Williams, float, illustrating the Herring Fishery. The Milk Business was represented by the teams of Dean Bros., Geo. F. Fletcher, Jos. H. Gregory, Jesse King, Job G. Rob- inson, Mervin W. Leonard. Nathan W. Shaw, Barge, representing some of the branches of Market Gardening. Bradford D. Snow, Team containing curious ancient articles, very useful in olden times, now but seldom seen. M. B. Leonard, load of sawdust, a product of the saw mills much in demand. Thirteen yoke of large Oxen were a noticeable feature in this display. FOURTH DIVISION. Spary's Military Band, W. C. Spary, Leader. Abner Coleman, Assistant Marshal. AIDS. Benjamin H. Baker, Jerome B. Mason, Albert L. Carpenter. FIRE DEPARTMENT OF THE CITY OF TAUNTON. Rescue Hook and Ladder Co. No. i.; Captain D. L. Brownell. Steam Fire Engine Co. Niagara No. i.; Captain A. F. Sprague. Steam Fire Engine Co. Edward Mott No. 2.; Captain T. C. Lucas. Hose Co. No. 3. ; Captain William H. Cushman. Fire Engine Co. Charles Albro No. 4 ; Captain H. J. Kingsley. Hose Co. No. 5, Captain T. W. Porter. Hose Co. No. 6, Captain E. Francis. Hose Co. No. 8, Captain E. Mallon. Veteran Firemen, under command of Ex-Chief Edward Mott. Old engines " Oregon, " " Elizabeth Poole, " " Hancock, " AJ'PARATUS. Hook and Ladder No. i, Engine No i. Hose No. i, Engine No, 2, Hose No. 2, Hose No. 3, Engine No. 4, Hose No. 4, Hose No. 5, Supply \vagon, TABLEAU VIVANT. Elizabeth Poole Making her Purchase, as represented on the City Seal. TABLEAU VIVANT. Capt. Church at Anawan's Rock. THE GRAND PROCESSION. 183 FIFTH DIVISION. Captain Z. Sherman, Assistant Marshal. AIDS. Henry D. White, George F. Seaver J. Edward Seaver, Lewis B. Hodges. Post No. 3, Grand Army of the Republic, 100 men, with Continen- tal Drum Corps, of Providence, R. I. Sons of Veterans, General Couch Camp No. 26, 50 men. I. O. O. F., Patriarchs Militant, Canton Cohannet, No. 49, 30 men. Manchester Unity, I. O. O. F., Friendship Lodge, No. 6429, 150 men, with Taunton City Fife and Drum Corps. Catholic Total Abstinence and Aid Society, 100 men. Division 8, Ancient Order of Hibernians, 100 men, with the Fall River Fife and Drum Corps. Y. M. C. T. A. & L. Society, 100 men, with Carter's Band. Whittenton C. T. A. 8z B. Society, 60 men. Society of St. John the Baptist, 50 men, with Whittenton Brass Band. French Naturalization Club, 50 men. Woman's Christian Temperance Union, barge. Taunton Tennis Association, Tally-ho Coach. Improved Order of Red Men, Winnecunnet Tribe, No. 71, under command of Sachem Albert S. Eldridge. Order of the Iron Hall, Branches No. 439, 473, 607, 612. SIXTH DIVISION. Hill's New Bedford Brass Band, George Hill, Leader. Capt. William R. Black, Assistant Marshal. aids. William F. Bodtish, George E. Dean, Herbert Fisher. Representations of Various Branches of Business in the City of Taunton. 1 84 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. The Butchers' Association, 50 Men in Uniform. Trades Wagons, Nos. i to 50. EXHIBITORS. A. White & Co. L, H. Goward. Geo. E. Packard. Geo. Williams. Alfred Boardman. A. O. Packard. P. Williams & Co. W. F. Bodfish & Co. Reilly Bros. Ingell & Clapp. Cobb, Bates & Yerxa. M. J. Gammons & Co. Gifford & Trafton. A. J. Pierce. Frank Beaulieu. Eustus C. Bassett & Co. Geo. T. Bullock. Henry Paling. Hamilton Parker. Geo. W. Parker. Robert Coutts. SEVENTH DIVISION. Major Joseph J. Cooper, Assistant Marshal. AIDS. Capt. Zeba F. Bliss, Charles T. Williams. G. A. Babbitt. Weir Stove Company, 150 men in line, with Drum Corps. Floats and Wagons representing the Manufactures of Taunton, Nos. 50 to 100. EXHIBITORS. Brick Makers Asso. Presbrey Stove Lining Co. Union Stove Lining Co. Mason Machine Works, nighton Furnace Co. PhoenixjMfg. Co. Peck & White. Reed & Barton. J. H. Sproat. Taunton Crucible Co. A. Field & Co. Taunton Copper Mfg. Co. Brovvnell & Burt. Elizabeth Poole Mills. No. Dighton Co-op. Stove Co. W^est Silver Co. The New Process Twist 1 )rill Co. John B. Sullivan. H. A. Williams eS^ Co. Leonard Co-op. Foundry Co. S. A. Dudley. Barker & Mason. THE GRAND PROCESSION. 185 Strange's Machine Works. Whittenton Mfg. Co. I. A. McDonald. EIGHTH DIVISION. Philander Williams, Assistant Marshal. AIDS. Lyman Mason, John H. Eldridge, Henry N. Hopkins. Representations of the 'I'rades and Business of Taunton. Trades Wagons, Nos. 100 to 150. EXHIBITORS. Staples Coal Co. Jos. Peltier. Briggs & Co. M. A. Cleary. Nelson Mallet. Clark Bros. N. Crapo & Bro. Wm. R. Black. Manter Bros. A. Milot. W. H. Chase. Centennial Tea Co. P. Coyle. L. E. Leonard Heirs. Quigley Bros. R. H. White. Dr. C. W. Gregory. NINTH DIVISION. Martland's Band of Brockton, Mace Gay, Leader. Wm. H. Lewis, Assistant Marshal. AIDS. Bradford D. Albro, W. H. Gatifney. George F. Story. Representations of the Trades and Business of Taunton. Trades Wagons. Nos. 150 to 200. Colby's Clothing House. Taunton Clothing Co. N. H. Skinner & Co. F. W. Ganong. Davenport & Mason. Thos. O. Falvey. W, N. & M. G. Smith. EXHIBITORS. Hunter Bros. Fred. A. Jones. Soule Piano Co. Chas. VV. Coops. H. L. Davis & Co. Thos. Cusick & Sons. Morton Bros. Steam Laundrv t86 quarter millennial celebration. W. L. Presbrey. John D. Robinson & Co. Chas. H. Washburn. Peter H. Corr. Pierce Hardware Co. C. Coleman. Sanborn & Pye. Taunton Lumber Co. P. H. Kiernan. H. A. Dickerman. B. Kiernan. J. Hayden. Dunbar's Drug Store. U. M. Haskins. Geo. F. Williams. formation of procession. The first division formed on Summer street, right resting on Main street, at Cedar street. The second division formed on Dean and Main, right resting on Main at Union. The third division formed on Dean, right resting on Dean at O. C. R. R. crossing. The fourth division formed on School, right resting on Main. The fifth division formed on Spring and Bow, right resting on Spring at Summer. The sixth division formed on Broadway, right resting on Broadway at City Square. The seventh division formed on Cedar, right resting on Cedar at Main. The eighth division formed on Weir and High east of Weir, right resting on Weir at City Square. The right of the ninth division formed on Court, resting on Court at City Square, and the left of this division formed on Crocker Square, and Cohannet, west of Crocker Square, with right resting on Crocker Square at City Square. route of procession. Main at Cedar street, -City Square, north side,-Winthrop,- High,-Weir,-West Water,-Second, -Somerset avenue, -Webster,- Harrison avenue, -Harrison, -Win throp.- High, -Washington, -Pleas- ant, -Broad way, -Washington, -Grant,- Cedar,-Fruit, -Union, -Main. -Spring,-Summer,-Main,-City Square. TABLEAU VIVANT. The Puritan Parson, a Leader of liis People. THE GRAND PROCESSION. 187 The procession completed its march and reached City Hall on its return at about three o'clock, where it passed in review before the Chief Marshal and his Aids, Distinguished Guests, His Honor the Mayor and the City Government ; after which the several Divisions as they arrived at points previously designated, left the procession and were dismissed in perfect order, so that all confusion was avoided. Nothing occurred on the route to mar the complete suc- cess and enjoyment of the parade. The immense crowds that thronged City Square were entertained in the afternoon by the playing of the bands, which were stationed at different points on the Common. The Celebration closed with a grand disi)lay of fire works in the evening at Agricultural Park, furnished by Hyde & Co., of Boston, who superintended the exhibition under the general direction of the committee on fire works. In addition to the usual display of rockets, Roman candles, mines, &c., the following set pieces were presented : Welcome, Etoile Magique. Wheel of Prometheus. (Crown with date 1639. |^ I Flags " " 1889. i Constellation. Buying the Land, — Indian Figures with Elizabeth Pole. Portrait Gen'l Cobb, and Motto. Polka Pyramid. Falls of Niagara. City Seal. It was an extremely satisfactory exhibition and reflected great credit upon the committee having the matter in charge. 1 88 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. No satisfactory estimate can be made of the number of people who were present to witness this closing performance. It has been variously placed at from ten to twenty thousand, and even more. But when the brilliant display was over, the vast assem- blage dispersed quietly and peaceably, as became the descend- ants and successors of the venerated colonists of 1639. And so ended our Quarter Millennial Celebration. FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. Occupying Site of the First Church Erected in Taunton. DONATION AND LOAN EXHIBITION In Histopjcal Hall. At a meeting" of the Joint Committee of the 250th An- niversary Celebration, in City Hall, Feb. 23d, 1889, a vote was passed, that Historical Hall be opened for the reception of portraits, articles and relics of historic interest, for the entertainment of visitors during the days and evenings of the anniversary, and the following Committee was chosen to carry the vote into effect, viz : Rev. S. Hopkins Emery, Mr. J. F. Montgomery, Mrs. R. Henry Hall, Mrs. S. R. Town- send, Mrs. H. M. Lovering, Mrs. J. E. Sanford, Mrs. Fred- erick Mason, Mrs. Thompson Newbury, Mrs. E. T. Jackson, Mrs. George Brabrook, Mrs. N. E. Baylies, Mrs. Chas. L. Lovering, Mrs. Walter J. Clemson, Miss Adeline S. Baylies, Miss Sarah B. Williams, and two ladies from each of the six towns of ancient Taunton, and John W. D. Hall, Chairman. In compliance with the foregoing action the chairman called a meeting of the Committee in Historical Hall, Mav 6th, for conference, relative to obtaining portraits, ancient relics, &c., for exhibition during the contemplated celebra- tion, June 4th and 5th. At this meeting Taunton, Norton, Dighton. Eastoii, Raynham and Berkley were represented bv ladies enthusi- 190 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. astic in the cause of the celebration. The proceedings were introduced in a brief address by the chairman : Ladies and Gentlemen : We are called together for a pleasing, not an irksome duty. Men have been making prepa- rations for months to inaugurate a celebration worthy the occasion — the 250th natal day of our ancient pilgrim town. Now the women propose to take action in a modest, less conspicuous way to honor the day and entertain visitors who may gather here during the anniversary, and wish to enjoy a quiet rest from the jostling crowd out of doors, during the day and evening. This hall was appropriately selected for that purpose. Three women donated 1^500 each for mem- bership to consummate the enterprise, by securing the hall for memorial and historical purposes. This thoughtful gen- erosity of women is of rare record. As this hall is forever dedicated to the above objects, it is proposed, with the advice and co-operation of women, to secure the donation or loan of memorial portraits to be placed upon these walls, of revered men and women who have passed away, that they may look down upon us with favor and bene- diction. Three of our lady members have recently passed away and we hope to have their portraits, in memoriam. Also, rare memorial relics, which have been carefully laid away for years, are solicited for the same historic, in- structive purpose. All donations and loans will be duly re- corded and safely cared for. This is a brief key note to our proceedings. Rev. S. H. Emery, was elected Secretary. A committee was appointed, consisting of two ladies from each ward and two from each town, to solicit donations and loans, and they proceeded to work with alacrity, worthy the contemplated object. Ample arrangements were made in due season for the contemplated exhibition, and on the ist and 3d of June the DONATION ANr3 LOAN EXHIBIT. 19! exhibitors began to throng Historical Hall with their dona- tions and loans, from the several wards of the city and adjoin- ing "daughter towns. " The subjoined reports in detail com- prise the donations and loan exhibits on the days of the cele- bration. PORTRAITS DONATED. Washington — full size copy of Stuart's painted 60 years ago, — by Bristol County Nat. Bank. Francis Baylies, — by John Ordronaux, LL. D., N. Y. Edmund Baylies, — by Mrs. Nathalie E. Baylies. Judge Laban Wheaton, — by Mrs. Eliza B. Wheaton, Norton. John Daggett, late Pres't. — by his daughter, Mrs. G. Sheffield. Dr. Alfred Baylies, — by Mrs. Frances A. Baylies. Samuel L. Crocker, — by his daughter, Mrs. D. N. Couch. William Allen Crocker, — by his son, Geo. A. Crocker, N. Y. Harrison Tweed, — by his son, Charles H. Tweed, N. Y. Dr. Ebenezer Dawes, — by his son, Rev. E. Dawes, Lakeville. Rev. Mortimer Blake, D. D., — by Mrs. Graham. Dr. Dan King, — by his daughter, Mrs. Alex'r H. Williams. Samuel O. Dunbar, — by Chas. A. Moore, St. Paul, Minn. Maj. Gen'l. G. H. Crosman, — by his son, J. H. Crosman, N. Y. Willard Lovering, — by his sons, Charles L., William C, and Henry M. Lovering. Robert Strobridge Dean, (from Hunter's easel.) H, B. Wetherell, — by his brother, H. W. Wetherell, Chicago. Abraham Lincoln, — by Harlus W. Wetherell, Chicago. Daniel Webster, — " " " " Chas. Richmond, — by his son, Capt. Henry Richmond, N. Y. Albert Field, — by his son, William T. Field. Mrs. Abigail (Tisdale) Trescott, — by E. D. Tisdale. Joseph Dean, — by Rev. S. Hopkins Emery. Timothy G. Coffin, — by Hon. E. L. Barney, New Bedford. Silas Shepard, — by his daughter, Mrs. Lewis R. Chesbrough- Elias Strange, — by his son, Emerson C. Strange. Ben. P'ranklin, in Fr. court dress, 1785, — by J. W. D. Hall. 9 10 1 1 12 ^3 14 15 16 '7 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 192 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. 27. Horatio Leonard, — by Mrs. B. Franklin Dean, Raynham. 28. Dr. Zephaniah Leonard, — by Gustavus Dean, " 29. Rev. S. Hopkins Emery, — by Gilbert R. Manter. 30. Frederic Crafts, — by Mrs. H. W. Crafts, Abington. 31. Charles Sumner,— by J. W. D. Hall. 32. Washington and his Generals, — by H. W. Wetherell, Chicago. 33. Webster and the Statesmen of 1850, — by the above '• 34. John Bradford Williams, — by Mrs. M. J. Hammond. 35. Washington and Henry Clay, — by J. W. D. Hall. 36. California Pioneers of New England, — by Gen. Samuel A. Chapin, Norton. View of residences north and east of the Green, 100 years ago, — by S. A. Williams. Original deed of "Taunton North Purchase" 1689 — signed by Gov. Wm. Bradford, only one extant. Original deed of 200 acres territory to Captains Thomas and James Leonard for the Chartley forge, 1696 — origin of Norton. Deed of Dighton Rock. — procured by Niels Arnzen. PHOTOGRAPHS PORTRAITS. Mrs. Frances Baylies, Mrs. Harriet Baylies Morton, Nathaniel Morton, John Ordronaux, LL. D., Mrs. Peddy (Leonard) Bowen, a medallion, — all by Mrs. L. M. S. Moulton, Roslyn, N. Y. Rev. Caleb Barnum, — by Mrs. Ann S. B, Vickery. Sam'l Caswell, — by his grand daughter, Mrs. W. Billings. Alexis Caswell, ex-pres't Brown University, — by same. Henry G. Reed, Edmund H. Bennett,— by Rev. S. H. Emery. Isaac Babbitt, — by Emerson C. Strange. Col. J. Sullivan Lincoln, — by Miss Ellen Lincoln. Leonard-Padelford Mansion,— by E. E. Leonard. William Rotch mansion,-view of Union St., New Bedford, in 1800, — by W. Macfarlane. The following is a list of the exhibitors and articles exhi- bited : from — WAKI) ONE. Mrs. David Wastcoat — silver tankard, silver porringer, silver sugar tongs 150 years old; silver snuff box date of 1771; a candle. DONATION- AM) LOAN I-:\ II 1 1! I'l". I93 Stick which was used on a table at which Gen. Washington sat; a china coffee pot, a laughing cup, a glass punch bowl, a tumbler, two pictures 150 years old. All these articles formerly belonged to the grandparents of Mrs. Wastcoat. Mrs. Martin J. Lincoln — an old chair. Isaac W. Wilcox — an old stand, a foot stove and warming pan, a calash, three pewter porringers, one bowl, two mugs, six small silver spoons, formerly belonging to the Wetherell family; a large silver spoon formerly belonging to the Ingell family, each article over a century old. Mrs. Charles Husband — a small table over a hundred years old, formerly owned by Miss Abigail Foster; a sampler wrought by Mrs. Husband in 1821; picture of first steam cars used in America. Mrs. Nathan Pratt — a silhouette of her father. Deacon Asahel Bliss. Mrs. J. A. Peckham — miniatures on ivory, of her father and mother, Eliab W. Metcalf and Mrs. Lydia (Steadman) Metcalf. Mrs. Abram Briggs — an ancient chair. Miss Mary E. Wilcox — two platters and three creamers, each over 150 years old, a plaid cloak 97 j-ears old. George A. King — a flint lock gun used in the war of 18 12, andirons. Mrs. Herbert Pierce — spinning wheel, a bunch of flax, a pair of snuffers. Mrs. J. A. Peck — picture of her grandmother, Mrs. Abigail (Leonard) White, an old mirror, 200 years old, -bought in Paris. Mrs. Dexter Horton — pair of wine glasses. Mrs. Thomas Goff — an old picture, "The Age of Man." Mrs. John Blake — sword used in war of 1812. enrollment list. Mrs. J. C. Bartlett — a portrait of her great grandmother, the wife of Rev. Stephen Hull, a former minister of Raynham. Miss Alice Grossman — a silver spoon. 150 years old, a china cup and saucer. Mrs. Elias A. ^lorse — a picture of the old E^lliot house, which stood opposite Music Hall. Mrs, M. Babbitt — a home made linen towel. 194 OUARTKK MII.I.F.NXIAT. CELKF'.K ATIOX. Mrs. R. Temple — a pair of satin slippers, a cenliiry old, a reticule, a beaded bag. Mrs. Edward 'I'empte — pitcher, 150 years old, ancient looking glass, a foot stove. The Misses Husband — oil painting of Mr. Charles Husband at the age of 15, a portrait of the samp at 60. Miss M. Wilson — home made linen, a striped blanket. Mrs. Edward Mott — warming pan. pitcher, two silhouettes. James E. Wilmarth — picture of the old C'ohannet Tavern. Miss Ellen Lusconib — an oil painting of Mrs. Mary J. ( Has- kans) Lincoln. Mrs. A. W. Ashley — two ancient pictures, of Christ and his mother. Mrs. N. Paige — a platter, a plate. Mrs. Job Crossman — a very old silver spoon. Mrs. R. H. Hall — a mortar and pestle, linen table cloth, three silhouettes, a coffee pot, china tea caddy, two pewter plates, two china plates, a brown platter, a wooden l)owl,-each article o\er 100 years old. P. Williams — picture of the "Old Hall Homestead," Dean St. Mrs. Philander Williams — coffee pot, plate, water pot, large tumbler of Howered glass, foot stove, each over 100 years old; infant's dress embroidered in 1828; a picture in memory of Paul Leonard, who died in 1814. Miss Phebe Robinson — a picture, worked in silk, in memory of a child of Ephraim Raymond and Polly, his wife; a chair So years old, a platter with boat. Mrs. John W. Dixon — a coffee pot, over 100 years old, a sugar bowl, two tea pots, plates, glass decanter, 100 years old; cup and saucer, fruit dish, a platter, each very old; an old portmanteau, picture of Leigh Richmond and John \Ve.sley. Mrs. 1). S. King — three ancient books. John C. Walker — a portrait of his father. Joseph Walker. Mrs. Charles H. Lincoln — six old plates, two silver spoons, over 100 years old; an old pitcher, a mustard jar, pinich tumbler, plate and platter, each over 100 years old. Mrs. Robert Crossman — an account book of 1767. noNATiox AM) i.oAx I'.xiiiiiir. 195 Mrs. Charles A. Hathaway — :Coat of arms of Hathaway family. .Misses Ann K. and Elizabeth A. Dean — plate, cup, and sau- cer, formerly belonf^ing to their grandmother. Mrs. Amy ( l-'rancis) Walker, and each over a century old. Geo. H. Park — a cane, belonging; to the Stephens family, in 1730; worked pocket, over 140 years old, tiie Bible of Samuel Ste- phens, printed in 1762, the agreement concerning the Mill privi- lege at N. Dighton. L. C. Porter — Anti-Ma.sonic medal of 1806. Arthur E. Park — horn pepper bo.x, over a century old. John V. Park — warrant for collection of state tax of 'I'aunton '11 1754- Frederic W. Park — portrait of his grandfather, Capt. Richard Park, of Westville. Miss Mary J. Walsh — homespun linen, 150 years old. Miss Alice C". Walsh — prayer book of 1735, arithmetic, 1716. L. F. Dary — an almanack, 1779, a Bible, 1792. Mrs. John E. DeBlois — a dictionary of 1600 to 1700, Bible printed in 1715, sampler wrought by Miss Scott in 1741, coat of arms wrought in silk in 1763. three pieces of china ware over 200 years old, three pieces of china ware 130 years old. Mrs. Edward Bliss — cotTee pot, plate, and cup, made in China for her grandfather, over 100 years ago. Mrs. Thomas Bates — a platter, over 100 years old, formerly belonging to Mrs. Abigail (White) Babbitt, her grandmother. Mrs. John Lovell — cup and saucer, over 100 years old. a plate, formerly belonging to Gov. John Hancock. Mrs. Isaiah Crowell — a sun glass, 150 years old. a skirt, spun and woven by her grandmother, a century ago. Mrs. McCrillis — a book "Parable of the ten virgins. '" printed in 1695. Mrs. Mary I. Richmond — a chair. 150 years old, formerly the property of Rev. Thomas T. Richmond, and originally belonging to Judge Sam'l Tobey, of Berkley. Mrs. Albert I). Davol — a chair and tinder box, each over ico years old. 196 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. Mrs. George F. Seaver — a white bedspread, pink bedquilt, linen sheets, pillow cases and towels, pair of ear rings, two brass candlesticks, silver knee buckles, silver spoons, a tin lantern, em- broidered pocket books, chain, -each article a century old; two china cups 120 years old; glass castor and vinegar cruet each 150 years old, two dolls 90 years old, sampler 85 years old, sampler 91 years old, two portraits 65 years old, lace and muslin embroid- ery from 55 to 70 years old; a Poem, written in 1772, a sermon, in 1792, three books of 1746,-1763,-1797: two silk dresses 60 years old. Mrs. Shubael Bliss — bedspread, spun and woven by her great, great grandmother, over 100 years ago. Miss Ann E. Wilmarth — platter, 125 years old, pewter porrin- ger 100 years old, formerly belonging to Mrs, Mary Keith, the mother of Mrs. Samuel O. Dunbar; the sword carried by her father Learned Wilmarth, when captain of Norton Artillery, and his portrait. Mrs. Jeremiah J. Whitmarsh — a scarf which was brought from the East Indies by Capt. Robert Whitmarsh of Dighton and is about 150 years old; sampler, wrought by Sally Talbot of Digh- ton, -daughter of Seth Talbot, 105 years ago. Mrs. A. C. Brownell — portraits of her father and mother, Lemuel M. Leonard and Mrs. Mary L. (Babbitt) Leonard; a stand- ing stool, over 100 years old used by the ancestors of Mr. A. C. Brownell, a chair 106 years old, formerly belonging to her great grandmother, Mrs. Bathsheba (Luscomb) Babbitt. Mrs. Francis B. Perry — silver dollar 1797, an iron pipe, brought from England 225 years old, seven pieces of china ware over a century old, miniature of Capt. Solomon T. Hallett of Yar- mouth, painted in 1822 in France, a "Zion's Herald" of 1828; a poem by Christopher Smart, copied from the Providence Patriot of June 14, 1820. Miss C. A. Luscomb — two ancient bonnets. Mrs. J. Alfred Messinger — two tea spoons, coffee mug, plate over 150 years old. Mrs. Hugh Cunningham — a cup, saucer, and creamer, each 150 years old, formerly the property of Galen Hicks. DONA ri()\ AM) LOAN i:\ 1 1 niii'. 197 I'. If. Pickens — compass and chain, 100 years old, made and used by Silas Pickens. Fred. A. Pickens — watch 106 years old, a box 193 years old. (ieorge A. Washburn — portrait of his grandfather Isaac Wash- burn; a drummer's coat, worn in the war of 18 13. Mrs. N. J. Crossnian — portrait of Learned J. Wilmarth, her father. Mrs. Edgar G. Blandiug — portrait of her father. Rev. Horace Seaver, a satin picture wrought by her mother, Mrs. Louisa (Loth- rop) Seaver. Miss Maria W. Nichols — portraits of her father and mother, James M. Nichols and Mrs. Eliza (Worsley) Nichols. John F. Montgomery — an ancient sun glass, used by Nicho- las Roche to light his pipe: money scales, used by the same over 100 years ago: a carved busk; silver spoons that belonged to John Montgomery, who came from Scotland 17 14; a pocket belonging to the great grandmother of Mrs. Wm H. Phillips. (). L. Merriam — a rare engraving "The Politician" by Ho. ganh; "The Jocund Peasants," by DuSant-brought from England l)y Mr. Jacques, the donator of Worcester Hospital. George E. Manning — ancient books, two of them over 150 years old, the others about 80 years old. George W. Colby — portrait of his father. Samuel Golby. J. J. Cooper — a cane, made from a part of Fort DuQuesnc. which was built in 1753. Miss Anna I). Reed— a china tea cadd\-, which once belonged to her great grandmother, Mrs. Abraham Dennis, and afterwards to her great aunt, Mrs. Rebecca (Dennis) Padelford, wife of Judge Seth Padelford: a pair of brass andirons, which belonged to her mother. Mrs. Wm. Reed. WARD TWO. Mrs. I). S. Elliot — copy of " Hoston (iazette, " Oct. 10, 1757: a pewter drinking cup for invalids, a pewter porringer, a pair of pointed slippers 125 years old. Joseph E. Wilbar — portrait of his father Dea. Joseph Wilbar. Harrv A. Holmes — an ancient shawl. 198 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEHRATION. Capt. Alden H. Blake — the eonmiission ol Kdward Blake, gentleman, ensign of the company of (apt. Sanuiel Williams. issued by Gov. Jonathan Belcher, 1737. Charles Emerson Strange — portrait of his grandfather Klias Strange. Mrs. ¥. A. Brown — a tea pot, over 100 years old. Mrs. Nancy H. Hood — linen vest 106 years oUl, lady's out- side ]50cket, 90 years old. Miss H. Swasey — a christening robe 200 years old, foot stove. over 100 years old, a mandolin, a tbnt box. Mrs. Mary A. Cordner — pewter plate 141 years old, pewter sugar bowl, a copy of the "Connecticut Gazette," 1788, silver shoe buckle. William Bosworth — pewter platter, pewter porringer, lantern, horn comb case, china platter, each over 100 years f)ld; old trunk, hammer 40 years f)ld, a bed wrench in use 50 years ago, rule 40 years old, razor and strap 90 years old, shuttles for hand weav- ing, spectacles 80 years old, tinder box 75 years old, tobacco ;^7, years old. house pocket book 90 years old. tea pot 75 years old; old coins, two wine bottles which came from England in 1780; continental currency, 1776-1778; Portuguese coin, 1795; Wash- ington Medal 1799 and a coin of 1700, both found in ruins of "Knotty walk" building; books of 1751 and 1790, pamphlets from 1793 to 1843, newspapers from 1793 to 1844, coarse Hax, yarn spun from Hax; timber pins and hand made nails, trom "Knotty walk" building, a cane made from wood of same. Bristol ("ounty Nat'l Bank — portrait of Theodore Dean. Broadway Church — portraits of Rev. Erastus Maltby and 1 lezekiah W. Church. Mrs. Morse — portraits of her parents. -Laban Eddy and Mrs. Clara Cook Eddy. Mrs. W. J. ikeed — portrait of her father Jesse Smith. Mrs. Walter J. Clemson — portrait of her father William Ma- son, a hurdy-gurdy made by him when 15 years old. Heirs of jared Sparks — a desk used at tfie first Congress, 1 7S9. Mrs. G. R. Huntley — portrait, Isaac Babbitt — donated. DOXA'I'IOX AND LOAN I.MIM'.n. I99 WAKI) 111 REE. Mrs. CX S. I'aige — ancient "New England Memorial;" needle work, wrouf^ht by Miss Esther Stephens, in 1780; two cut glass dishes, owned bv Rev. Nathaniel l'"isher, first minister of Dijihtoii 1710; a book owned by Edmund Andrews, of 'I'aunton, in 1725: stays, worn by Miss Susanna Lincoln, on her weddin<^r day. Jan. 14. 1779: a chinn plate and a book, each 133 years old and belonj;- inu; t o the same. .Miss ( arolinc W. ( randell — portrait of her L:;reat i;rand. mother, Mrs. Abi<;ail ( Kariingt(jn-Weatherby) Johnson; three tea spoons formerly belonging to the Weatherby family; pictures of Eailh and Charity, published in London, 1799. .Mrs. Thomas E^llery — ancient tea pot, sugar bowl, creamer. A. E. firagg — china punch bowl over 180 years old. Mrs. William H. (randell — miniature of her father, ( harles Wcatherbv, born 1778, died 1812. Mrs. Helen J5. Crane — a silver dollar which went through the "great tire" of 1838, three silver spoons, wooden mug, pewter dish. 150 vears old. wine glass over 100 years old. .Miss .Mercy M. Hathaway — almanack of 1772, sampler, his- lory of King Philip's war, infant's wardrobe. lleni\- M. L()\ering — a portrait of his grandfather, (jo\-. Mar- cus .Morton. Elisha C. Clark, New Bedford, — portrait, Leonard-Padelford m.uision, east Court House — donated. WARD I'OUK. Miss Sarah 15. \\'illiams — a table cloth spun by hand, a ring, each of these have been in Car\er family over 100 \ears; cup and saucer, a plale 150 years old, continental currency, •775-7(>. for- merly belonging to Capt. Geo. Williams; book, printed during the reign of (ieorge the Second; book of sermons 1638, an account of coronation of Charles the Second, Jan. i, 1651, ancient docu- ments belonging in the Williams familv: two paper knives made from the timber of the first meeting house in Taunton; home made towel, formerly belonging to Mrs. Jean (Gordon) Strobridge; cu|) 200 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. and saucer, formerly belonging to Mrs. Anna (Strobridge) Dean; the wedding dress of Mrs. Abigail (Williams) Hodges; dinner horn over I GO years old, used in the family of Capt. George Williams. Miss Celia A. Williams — silver plated teapot. Mrs. Gertrude W. Austin — embroidered linen robe. Joseph F. Dean — tobacco box. J. Lewis Austin — silver watch, tiint lock musket, bread peel. Mrs. B. Church Vickery — a pitcher over a century old. Miss Alice M. Williams — white silk stockings and white satin Vist, worn by Capt. Abiathar \\'illiams on his wedding day,-Oct. i8, 1801. Miss Charlotte A. Williams — large silver spoon, belonging in the Carver family over 100 years. Mrs. J. W. D. Hall — a pair of gold ear rings, worn by a bride in 17S3, pair of gold cuff buttons, mourning piece, wTought in 1805, a silver sugar bowl, 80 years old, glass tea bottle of 1776, India wrought shell comb. Miss Julia Seaver — portraits of her parents, Benjamin Sea- ver and Mrs. Susanna Lippitt (Hull) Seaver, a silver pitcher. Mrs. James Brown — ancient china tea set, a sermon preached by Robert Cushman, in 162 1, at Plymouth, printed, 1626. Mrs. Lewis R. Chesbrough — three line engravings of old heads, 1640; old china, very old embroidery. Mrs. F. C. Brown — snuff box, 100 years old, Bible of 1715, two cups and a saucer, 100 years old. Elizabeth Hall — portrait of Rev. Pitt Clark. H. L. Waldron — law dictionary, 1773, -ancient document. J. W. D. Hall — autograph letter of President George Wash- ington in 1796 to John Marshall, Chief Justice in 1801, found in a Virginia mansion during the rebellion; U. S. continental curren- cy, three notes issued in 17 76, -paid to Samuel Hall, a revolution- ary soldier in 1783. Mrs. Wm. H. Fox — Bible, 1756, Gazetteer, 1796. Mrs. Lois H. Congdon — confederate currency, ^i, and $5, re- spectively, also continental money. Herbert A. Dean — watch charm, knee buckles, spur, sleeve buttons. DOXATIOX AND LOAN KXHllUT. 20I Mrs. G. Frank Dean — a reel, formerly belonji;inj.; to her threat ji;randinother. two samplers loi and 82 years old respectively; kid mits, child's embroidered apron, cup and saucer, over two centu- ries old, ancient jug. Miss Anna L. Bonney — portrait of her great, great, great grandmother, Mrs. Abigail (Crossman) Thompson, born about 1700; portrait of Nell Gwynne, Duchess of St. Albans, painted by Sir Peter Lely, and an old portrait of 17th century,-each formerly belonging to her grandfather, Cephas Thompson; ancient Flemish tapestry, from a cartoon of Raphael, nearly 300 years old, former- ly the property of the same. Mrs. Mary B. Washburn — cradle 200 years old, ancient skates. Samuel G. Hicks — a square over 100 years old. Mrs. J. W. Dean — ancient pepper box. Mrs. J. S. Rounds — miniature on ivory of her father, E. B. Leonard, at the age of 17, wedding ear rings of her mother, Mrs. Harriet (Ingell) Leonard; miniature on ivory of her grandfather, Samuel Leonard, and a portrait of the same; portraits of her grand parents, Jonathan Ingell and Mrs. Freelove (Andrews) In- gell: a quilt embroidered by Mrs. E. B. Leonard. Miss A. S. Baylies — portrait of Charles R. Vickery; minia- ture on ivory of Capt. Job Hall, -painted by Sir Joshua Reynolds; portrait of James Sproat. who was born in 1758: Sproat family tree, embroidered on satin; miniature on ivory of Apollos Leonard; a china plate and coat of arms of the Beale family brought from England by Miss Beale, who married Jonathan Cobb of Taunton: cup, saucer and salt cellar, formerly owned by Rev. John West. Joseph S. Pitts — portraits of his parents. -Abner Pitts and Mrs. Eleanor (Sanford) Pitts. Mrs. Henry G. Reed — infants shoes, worn by her grand- father. Christopher Carpenter, who was born in 1762. D. A. Burt— ancient books.-" Curious Epitaphs.' "Looking unto Jesus" or a "Collection of Experiences and Sermons" preached in the 17th century and printed 1762; "Farrago" 1733. Mrs. James B. Lane — brass candlestick, silver spoon. 109 years old, formerly belonging to her grandmother, Mrs. Mary \\'illiams Byram. 302 (JUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. Miss Charlotte Morton Levering — portrait of her grand- mother, Mrs. Charlotte (Hodges) Morton, wife of Gov. Marcus Morton. 13. I). Perkins — a wooden sugar bowl, made by one of Wash- ington's army at Valley Forge, in winter of 1777-S. George M. Woodward — portrait of his father, James Wood- ward. (iertrude 1. I'ond — a ])amphlet containing letters respecting the American Revolution, written by John Adams, in Holland, in 1780. The "Old Flag" of Co. G, borne by Capl. Gordon's compan\- at Fortress Monroe in 1861-and Capt. PauH's c(>mpan\- at the Gulf expedition in 1863-4 — donated for preservation. WARD I'i\i:. Samuel A. Dean — portraits of his parents, Robert Dean wiio died 1822, and Mrs. Sarah Susan Leavitt (Padelford) Dean, who died 1850. Mrs. Samuel A. I )ean — a brass candlestick. Mrs. Charles N. C. Barstow — IJy-laws of the proprietors ol (he 'J'aunton Social Library-1836. Miss Anna W. Dean — a sermon preached May j 6, 1792: home made long white gloves: a glass mug and a cream pitclicr, each 100 \ears old, owned by her grandmother, Mrs. Anna ( .Slrobridge) Dean; three white feathers, white crape collar, and white lace arm- lets, worn by Mrs. Betsey (Dean) Hart, on her wedding da\, 70 years ago. Mrs. John W. Hart — china plate. cheri"\- rum bottle, a reel, swift, an embroidered silk picture wrought l)\ Mrs. IJetsey (Dean) Hart, gold beads, formerly the property of her grandmother. Mrs. Sarah (\\'illianis) Williams, and which were given to Mrs. Williams by her father (ieorge Williams. Mrs. Henry .Shove — a pewter pot. 200 years old. used for making checkerberry tea. Joseph H. Padelford — ver\ old chair. Jr)seph L. .Macomber — a stone jar. made b} Joseph Hood, in '7'J.S- DONATION AXn l.oAX I'.X II I l!ll . 203 Ebenezer A. Dean — metal pipe. hangin<^ iron candlestick, copies of Resolves of the T,eji;islatui'e, 1776- 1778: military order to commanders, 1780, warrant from Henry Gardner, 'I'reasurer State of Mass. Bay. to Ebenezer Dean, Collector, 1777: assessors' book for expense of expedition to Crown Point. 1776: assessors' book for Province, Town, and Minister's tax 1767: the commission of Ebenezer Dean as Captain of Militia, from Gov. 'I'homas Hutch- inson, under George the Third. 1772. Mrs. Paddock Dean, who is 91 years old — a silver pepper box, 150 years old, first owned by her great grand parents. Rev. Caleb and Mrs. Priscilla (Payson) Rice; a Bible 150 years old with silver clasps, owned by Mrs. Priscilla (Payson) Rice, before her marriage; gauze veil, cushion, fan, bead bag, bracelet and pin, heirlooms in the Barnum and Vickery families; a sermon preached by her grand- father, Rev. Caleb Barnum. in 1761: rules of Princeton College, while Mr. Barnum was a student there in 1753: a picture wrought by her grandmother, Priscilla Rice (afterwards the wife of Re\'. Caleb Barnum) while attending school at Boston; pine apple pitch- er, formerly belonging to her father. Capt. David Vickery; china, which belonged to her mother. Mrs. Priscilla ( Barnum 1 Vickery; a silver spoon, no years old once the property of Capt. Vickery and wife. .Mrs. E. r. Jackson — a Jiible. 1743. once l)el<)nging to her great grand mother, jean (Gordon, who married Henry .Strobridgc. Afrs. William Richmond — a shawl, over 70 years old. Jonathan Richmond — saddle bags, an ancient uniform coat worn by Walter Richmond in 1806. Miss Alia R. Soper — Continental currencv. 1 775.-76.-77: a chest, 191 years old. Miss Jennie M. Soper — snuff box. siher spoons. Mrs. William E. Dean — silk bed quilt. 120 years old. which belonged to her great grandmother, Mrs. Polly ( Dean) Williams, wife of Capt. Jonathan Williams, of Raynham. Lysander Soper — a basket for holding quills, used by his an- cestor, Mrs. Hannah (Standish) Staples, wife of Dea. Seth Staples, and grand daughter of Capt. Miles Standish. of Duxhury. 204 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. Mrs. Dr. Haskell — pitcher and sugar bowl. Mrs. Charles T. Robinson — clock, 115 years old. once owned by Gen. Cromwell Washburn. Mrs. Nathalie E. Baylies — epaulettes of Major Hodijah Baylies, of Dighton, aid-de-camp to Gen. Washington; two silver teaspoons, a silver watch, a pewter platter, three pieces of Continental curren- cy, $60, $8, and $5, respectively; each of these articles formerly belonged to Major Baylies; an invitation from the Gov. of Mass., to Major Hodijah Baylies, July i, 1799; letter of Judge Hodijah Baylies, resigning the ofifice of Judge of Probate for Bristol County, in 1834; letter from General Washington to Major Baylies, 1783; letter from Gen. Benjamin Lincoln to Maj. Baylies, 1778; an ad- dress or "broadside," distributed among the British soldiers, in England, during the Revolutionary War; a silver teaspoon belong' ing to Gen. Benjamin Lincoln; ancient pointed shoe, which was worn by Miss Elizabeth Lincoln, of Dighton, who died in 1824, aged 85 years; facsimile of the inscription on "Dighton Rock." Mrs. Samuel W. Robinson— Indian arrow heads. Miss Margaret S. Dean — cup and saucer, chocolate bowl, birch bark rind. Gentleman's Magazine. -1 75 i; home made linen, hand reel, a lin lantern; a pewter platter, marked Z. D. 1720,-tliis was bought in Boston, by Miss Zipporah Dean, daughter of John and Hannah Dean, before her marriage to Benjamin Dean, who was son of Benjamin and grandson of Walter Dean. Mrs. Zip- |)orah (Dean) Dean died Sept. 27, 1778, in 75th year. Mrs. Eliza Ann Padelford — The History of the Reformation of Religion in the Realm of Scotland, from 1422 to 1567, which was brought from Scotland, by Mr. Wade, her great, great grand father; Ledger of Edmund Williams, beginning 1740; a very old History of New England. Samuel VV. Macomber — a tea jug, which once belonged to the first Richard Williams of Taunton. Edward O. Hart — a sun glass. Mrs. Edward O. Hart — ancient books. Lysander W. and Edward O. Hart — a pair of patchers. Mrs. Julia Fairbanks — flax, prepared for spinning; a boiuiet, made by "Ma'am Barstow, " wrought worsted pocket book. 125 noNAJ'ION AM) I.OAX ['.XIIIIllT. 205 years old; a ])iece of an enil)roidered weddiiiij petticoat, 125 years old. Miss Harriet A. Barstow — linen pillow cases, spun and woven by her great grandmother, Anna Strobridge of Lakeville, before her marriage to Joseph Dean, of Taunton, in 1774. She was daughter of Henry and Jean (Gordon) Strobridge; gold beads which once belonged to Mrs. Jean (Gordon) Strobridge; a lilac silk shawl formerly the property of Miss Lois Dean, daughter of Joseph and Anna (Scrobridge) Dean, who died a few years since, aged 91; a bible, a large spoon, six tea spoons, the last three ar- ticles have been in the Carver family over a century. WARD .SIX. Mrs. Cyrus M. Hoard — portrait of her father, Capt. Allen Pre.s- brey; Kensington work, wrought in 1806, by her mother Mrs. Mary (Locke) Presbrey; wedding tea set belonging to her grand parents, Seth Presbrey and Mrs. Sarah (Pratt) Presbrey; portraits of the same; a map of the world, drawn by Capt. Allen Presbrey, with a quill pen; portrait of her uncle, Capt. Seth Presbrey, Jr., born 1779. Henry F. Cobb — silver porringer and mug, belonging to his grandfather, Jonathan Cobb. Mrs. J. F. Montgomery — wedding vest of John Montgomery; ancient spoon; chair 150 years old. Mrs. Ruth A. French — table cloths, towels, and pillow cases, woven 114 years ago, by her grandmother, Mrs. Burt, when 17 years of age; ancient dishes; two shawls 100 years old; old books; teaspoons 112 years old. Mrs. Frances P. Tripp — portrait of her father, Alpheus San- ford; portrait of her son. Dr. F. D. Tripp; several ancient books, formerly belonging to the Sanford family; a book of sermons. 1685. Mrs. Edward Cushman — pewter platter, owned by her ances- tor, Capt. Miles Standish; three ancient receipts; flax wheel and flax; cotton hank bag 150 years old; two deeds, of 17 12-1725, signed by Thomas Cushman, a grandson of Elder Cushman; book, 1743; hatchel; three silver tea spoons o\er 130 years old; embroid- 206 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. eied pocket book 117 years old; toilet set, made bv Mrs. E. S. ( "ushman, from home made linen, 100 years old. Mrs. A. Jones Sanford — copy of the "Massachusetts Sun," 1775; a spear, used in the battles of Lexinoton. and Bunker Hill, by Capt. John Sanford. Mrs. A. H. Hathaway — spoon mould, 100 years old. Herbert M. Bassett — a chair, played with by six generations of children, and formerly the property of Richard Hathaway. George G. Crane — the sword carried by his great grandfather. Brig. Gen. George Godfrey, in the war of the Revolution. Mrs. Seth E. Williams — snuff box, tea spoon, cup and saucer, ear ring, sword, knee buckles, beaded bag, continental currency, - each article over a century old: silhouettes of Misses Hannah and Hertilla Seaver. WARD SEVEN. Mrs. John Dunbar — mirror, pewter porringer, cup and saucer, tea spoon, milk pitcher, wooden candlestick, each over a century old; shawl no years old; salt cup 150 years old; pewter platter, three pewter plates, horn pepper box, each 125 years old. Mrs. George Dunbar — linen bedspread, woolen bedspread, towel, handkerchiefs, tea spoon, bead bag, plate, basket, snuff box, each article over 100 years old; six ancient coins; decanter; bead purse: a copy of "Ulster County Gazette," Jan. 4, 1800: Bible of 1752; teaspoon 175 years old; Indian History of 1772. Mrs. Hezekiah Merrill — sugar bowl, tea spoons, ear rings, breast pin, each over 100 years old; book of 1785; gold beads: linen shawl 125 years old; woolen coverlet. Mrs. Wm. Kittrell — a book, 1785; counterpane, table cloth, three towels, each over 100 years old; a chair used in Westville ciunch, during the pastorate of Rev. Alvan Cobb. Frank Bragg — pewter platter ;in(l plate, over 100 years old ; cup and saucer 75 years old; pitch pipe: cider mug. Mr. Whitman — a Fiji war Ctul): tea pot 200 years old: linen gloves, spun and woven bv a bride of 200 years ago; worn b)' the grcKjm at weddings for four generations. DOXAIKIN AXI) low I"..\llli;l'l'. 207 Henrv Hart— a drawing of highton Rork. 1S21; horn of the. oryx; books of 1793 and 1795. Mrs. John W'ihnarth — coin of 1789; an old plate; communion service of the old Baptist church at West 'I'aunton. Mrs. Chester W'ilmarth — silver spoons 90 years old: a pitcher 1687; bowl 200 years old: two sugar bowls over 100 years old. Mrs. Eber Luther — .VIonkey jug 125 years old. Lewis Dary — spy glass, taken from the house occupied by JelV. Davis at the evacuation of Richmond. Mrs. Allen Burt — a history of England, 1759; a plalr, cup and saucer, each over too years old: punch glasses; copy of '• Rut- land Herald,"' Oct. 12, 1795: copy of "The Sun"' a Taunton paper, July 12, 1833; sugar bowl 150 years old. \N'alter Burt — ancient coin. Miss Lucy Bliss — bead chain, 1833. Mrs. Joseph Dunbar — sugar bowl, tea pot, creamer, three pitchers, tea cup and saucer, coffee cup, mustard cup, three p]ate.s, decanter, w'ine and punch glasses, shawl, collar, linen pillow cases, towels, thirty pieces of wearing apparel, each over 100 years old; cup and saucer 80 years old; linen apron front 150 years old; pocket with skeins of linen and cotton 125 years old: three dresses and other articles, formerly belonging to the LeValley family; nine ancient coins; ear rings 125 years old; hair bracelet 75 years old: two books over 100 years old: gold beads over 125 years old. Mrs. Abigail Pratt — large painted plate over 200 years old. Abel Crane — scales for weighing money, two centuries old. W'm. J Walker — needle book 125 years old; silver sleeve but- tons. Benj. Lincoln — cradle: documents 1680. Dea. Lorenzo Lincoln — spectacles 150 years old. Miss Mary R. Lincoln — open work plate 175 vears old: doughnut fork 200 years old. Miss R. Babbitt — two cups and saucers. 125 years. Mrs. Samuel W. Gulliver — sugar bowl: china cup and saucei: painted tea set 125 years old. Mrs. Randall Bullock — a plate over 200 years old. Frank Walker — suit worn in war of 18 12, bv George Walker, 208 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. Mrs. R. Hoyt — sword 75 years old, owned by Capt. Ebenezer Walker. Mary \V. Lincoln — bottle called "Woodpecker bottle," 200 years old. Miss Caroline Lincoln — basin, pewter platter, pewter plate, earthen dish, each 250 years old; pitcher 200 years old; two hand- kerchiefs, infant's cap, each 125 years old; breadth of silk dress 120 years old; pewter plate 115 years old; towel woven in 1783, by Bethany Lincoln; ancient book. WARD EIGHT. Mrs. B. F. Knox — a small wooden box, formerly the property of Rev. Samuel Danforth, the fourth minister of Taunton. Mrs. George Harvey — a cannon ball of Revolutionary War. Mrs. Enoch Chase — tea pot 150 years old. Miss Sarah Brabrook — two ancient books; sampler 97 years old; two silver tea spoons over 100 years old. Mrs. H. J. Burbank — large glass tumbler. Mrs. George Brabrook — portrait of her mother, Mrs. Fidelia (Danforth) Knowles; bead necklace, a bag, child's hood, child's bank; mug and plate having Franklin's proverbs on them; china cream pitcher; a cake plate; Majolica cup and saucer; bonnet and veil of 60 years ago; armlets: two samplers 68 and 83 years old, respectively. William H.Tyndal — two nails from the coffin of Elizabeth Pole. Edwin M. Hills — a chair 140 years old, originally owned by Daniel Williams, -born 1718,-dieci 1782; infant's homespun linen o-arment and caps over 125 years old; china tea caddy, creamer, and plate, 85 years old; blue crockery ware 65 years old; milk- weed cape made in 1830, by his mother, Mrs. Sarah M. (Pratt) Hills; portrait of his father, Capt. Seneca Hills. Mrs. David D. Babbitt — saddle bags, pewter dish, flint, tin- der, tobacco and cartridge boxes, each over 100 years old, and once owned by Obed Dean, a Revolutionary soldier, born 1750; wooden plate; spice mill; three almanacks, 1783, 1788, 1789; In- dian hatchet. DONATION AND r.OAN EXHIRIT. 2O9 Mrs. Albert Mitchell — Indian arrow head and spear head, dug up near Scadding's Pond in 1868; a copper penny blank, found in the old copper privilege, near the site of Reed & Barton's dam, a pink pearl, found in a fresh water clam taken from Taun- ton River. Frank L. Fish — a spoon, made from silver buckles worn by his grandfather in 1770. Miss Maude Fish — a beaded needle book 65 years old. , John A. Abbott — valuable papers, printed in 1789; Maga- zines, printed in 1 748-1 793; coat of arms of his great grand- father. Rev. Jonathan French, of Andover, Mass., a descendant in the 5th generation from John and Priscilla Alden. Mrs. J. A. Abbott — a warming pan 200 years old; mirror 175 years old; china cup and saucer 150 years old; pewter plate 170 years old; earthen churn with w^ooden paddle, 150 years old; china cup and saucer 100 years old; china fruit dish 150 years old. Mrs. Frank L. Fish — lady's tobacco and pipe case over two centuries old; a foot stove used in church 175 years ago; a pewter platter 170 years old; a beaded bag 65 years old. Mrs. Theo. P. Hall — a sermon on the parable of the prodigal, delivered to the third parish in Newbury, Aug. 18, 1793, by Abra- ham Moor, A. M. NORTON'. Mrs. Moses Lincoln — almanacs, 1789, 1790. 1791: a Bible 133 years old, formerly owned by Dea. Simeon Williams, of Taun- ton, and bought Mar. 3, 1762, for 18 shillings. Miss Kate L. \A'ood — almanacs, from 1759 to 1788. John D. Hardon — commission of his grandfather, Lieut. Isaac Hardon, 1790. Eben Willis — kettle-drum, carried by his great grandfather Nathaniel Stone, at the siege of Boston, also used in French war; it was made in 1745. by Robert Grossman of Taunton, drum maker of New England. Mrs. Eunice M. Blanding — Robinson Crusoe, 1794. Mrs. E. T. Wetherell — a tile from the Peddy Bowen house, built before 1700, 2IO QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. Miss Lizzie A. Smith — needle case and thread bag over loo years old, formerly the property of her great grandmother, Mrs. Lydia (Perry) Bowen, of Rehoboth. Mrs. John D. Hardon^sampler wrought by Mrs. Eunice (Sweet) Hardon. Miss Lintha A. H. Francis — silver spoon 128 years old, for- merly belonging to her great grandmother. Mrs. Elizabeth (Wil- liams) Gilbert; a small earthen pitcher, given to her grandmother, Mrs. Mary (Kimball) Goward, in 1781; a spinning cup, used on a wheel to wet the fingers when spinning by her grandmother, Mrs. Mercy (Gilbert) Francis, who was born Aug. 25, 1776; a pepper box owned by the same. Alexander Foster — honey jar, brought from England nearly 200 years ago, by his great grandfather. Alexander Foster, who settled in Attleboro', Mass. The jar has never been used for any other purpose. George R. Perry — portrait of Rev. Pitt Clarke; pitch pipe 85 years old, made and used by his father. Capt. Lemuel Perry. Mrs. Joseph Newcomb — a specimen of ancient carving; In- dian adze. Mrs. Allen Blandin — iron knocker formerly on the door of the first church built in Norton. Mrs. William W. Smith — sword broken in a battle, formerly owned by her great grandfather, Mr. Davis, of Mattapoisett, who was drafted in the Revolution; his son Joseph Davis (her grand- father) went in his place, Mrs. S. J. Freeman — two commentaries, of 16 18 and 1677. Miss Achsah Williams — a standard, brought home from the French War. by her great grandfather, ("apt. Benjamin Williams, who commanded a company in 1756. at Fort William Henry. Mrs. ]ones Godfrey — powder horn taken in French War; an- cient church records of Norton; sword and spear, carried by Capt. Tisdale Godfrey; a Bible of 1752. William D. Wetherell — a deed, bearing the only known sig- nature of William Wetherell, the first settler of Norton; pair of scales; Indian relics. noNATiox wn i.o.w Kxiiiiiri'. 211 Alden H. Leonard — ancient bullets and Hints: Indian relics. Miss Sophia C. Sweet — a medical work, 156 1, broufi^ht from England by her great grandfather, Dr. John Blake; a ferule used in school, by her grandmother, Sarah Balcom, born 1757, and afterwards wife of Jason Blake. Miss Harriot A. Newcomb — portraits of her grand parents. General Thomas Lincoln, of Taunton, born Sept. 4, 1759, died Aug. 10, 1836, and Mrs. Esther (Newland) Lincoln, born May 23, 1766; sampler wrought by Esther Newland in 1784: saucer over 100 years old, from a set owned by her great grand parents, Ambrose Lincoln and Mrs. Hannah (Clapp) Lincoln; bill of sale of two slaves to Ambrose Lincoln. Mar. 16, 1747: a permit for a slave to visit Stoughton, May 31, 1749: a lottery ticket, to aid in removing rocks and shoals from Taunton Great River, May, 1760: school certificate to Betsey Lincoln, bearing the signature of Rev. John Pipon: promissory note, having the signature of Alexander Hamilton, June 5, 1788; writing book of Ambrose Lincoln, 17 16: a love letter, written Jan. 13, 1763, by Miss Sarah Bowen, of Dighton, to Amos Newland, of Norton, with draft of reply, and a second letter, in rhyme; a purse made from home made crewels, by Hepzibah Lincoln, born 1749, died 1782, first wife of Solomon Wetherell, of Taunton; home made, plaid linen shirt, worn by Ambrose Lincoln, Sr., who died Mar. 3, 1795; a silver stock but- ton, worn by Gen. Thomas Lincoln; quill pen, used by Hannah C. (Lincoln) Brigham, while at school in Boston; home made gar- ments over 100 years old, worn by her grandfather, Josiah New- comb, Sr.; silver shoe and knee buckles, owned in Newcomb fam- ily over 100 years; infant's slip and cap of ancient make; cane. owned by Nathaniel Newcomb. made from wood from the Han- cock house, Boston, erected in 1729; cartridge box carried in Rev- olution; letters patent, signed by James Madison, president of United States, Dec. 3, 1814; kitchen furniture; an India rubber, made many years before Goodyear's patent was issued; printed account of battles and songs over 100 years old; two India cotton dresses, worn in 1799. by Nathaniel Newcomb, who was born Apr. 12, 1797: silver tray and snuffers. 212 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. nniHTOx. Mrs. Abbie W. Whitmarsh — tea caddy and pickle dish, over 150 years old; foot stove and brass candlesticks, over 100 years old; pair of slippers which were worn by a lady when riding with Gen. LaFayette; nutmeg grater, 1787: a serpent: a bass horn, made of wood; clarionet. Edward R. Talbot — clarionet played by William B. Whit- marsh: bass viol, tuning fork, and psalm book, used by Capt. Seth Talbot; violin, played by Frank Whitmarsh; communion service, given by Joseph Atwood; these articles were used in the Dighton church, when Elder Gushee was pastor: ancient pistol used in the Revolutionary War. William Z. Whitmarsh — cane, made from the stick which •'stout" George Briggs used to successfully defend himself from a press gang, in Havana, Cuba. C. C. Andrews — English verge watch. Mrs. E. F. Andrews — linen, woven over 100 years ago. Mrs. Caroline Atwood — portrait of her grandfather, Col. Robert Elliot, painted by Copley, in 1765; Elliot and Coggeshall coat of arms; three pictures over 100 years old. Mrs. George E. Gooding — clock reel of great age. Mrs. George B. Townsend — the first china cup and saucer used in Berkley. Mrs. L. P. King — ancient documents; bowl; chair. Mrs. M. A. Trafton — ancient documents: cup and saucer: china plate; covered mug. Mrs. William Babbitt — ancient hall clock. Mrs. William Hathaway — ancient shell comb; iron mortar. Mrs. Edward R. Talbot — two pewter platters. Weston Earle— buckles; Indian pestle; arrow points. Chandler Bro's — candlesticks 250 years old; ancient tongs. George A. Shove — fourteen pictures, entitled, -Landing of the Northmen; A Cove in Autumn: Design for a Sanitarium; A Large Allowance: Schr. Oliver Ames, with a free wind; W'aiting for a lireaker: Earlv < )ctober; Interior of a Glass-covered Street; The DONATION AM) LOAN EXHIIJIT. 213 River Bank; After Sunset at Sea: H. H.: A Farm Lane: Coach Dog: Aglae and Boniface. Whitman Chase — carved chest 200 years old, two cups and saucers, sugar bowl, pitcher, plate;-these articles formerly belonged to the Doane family, of Harwich, Mass.; a powder horn, dated. Crown Point, July 29. 1760, formerly belonging to John Chase. George D. Chase — collection of ancient coins. Sarah Babbitt — bellows 100 years old: flax reel. William (). Lee — bread peel: bed cord made from hogs bristles, each article over two centuries old: ancient bit. Sylvanus Chase — spoon mould; pair of cards: canteen used in war of i8ii; ancient plane, and saw. S. M. Smith — looking glass 125 years old. The Rose Farm — china tea set used in 1754 at the wedding of Sylvester Atwood and Ruth Church, the youngest granddaughter of Capt. Benjamin Church: china which belonged to Mrs. Eliza- beth Atwood, wife of Jx)seph Atwood, gent.: a table which be- longed to the same; a rapier left in the house of Joseph Atwood by a Tory officer; pudding spoon, made with jack knife by Thomas Rose, while in Dartmouth Prison; linen wheel of 1778: iron dogs of 1758; silver spoons of 1700; old documents 1648 to i/oo; an- cient window and shutters. EAST OX. Miss P. H. Reed — pipe box, and tobacco tongs, 100 years old. foruicrly owned and used by Rev. William Reed; tinder box; Latin (Jrammar, 1767: pewter porringer 75 years old: sermons by Cotton .NLither and others, 1695-6. Miss A. H. Reed — the I'niversal Spelling Book, 75 years old; pewter porringer. Miss L. E. Gilmore — a Bible 17 15; Voung Ladies" Accidence, 1804; pewter platter; two pewter basins: two pewter porringers: pair of iron andirons; three crane hooks; iron pot: two pewter plates; iron candlestick; ivory and shell snufif box, 100 years old. Mrs. Richard Hunt — iron skillet, sugar bowl, tea pot, each 150 years old: pewter basin 125 years old; glass salt cellar over 100 vears old. 2 14 yUAKTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. Daniel B. Wheaton — tongs, for turnini;- steak before an open lire. W. H. Lothrop — a rule used in the Revolution, by Capt. Elisha Harvey. Edward D. Williams — Hint lock musket, with bayonet, 175 years old, used in French war, by Mr. James Dean; cartridge box 175 years old; sword, saddle bags, horse pistol cases, each over 150 years old; teapot, sugar bowl, creamer, each 150 years old; wooden skimmer and ladle; a pitcher 175 years old, used for Hip, by Mr. Thomas Williams, tavern keeper on the Bay road, Easton; book of votes, belonging to the Taunton North Purchase Company, begun in 1664. All these articles came from the oldest house in Easton, built in 17 15. Mrs. Bernard Alger — a piggin, over 100 years old; pair oi snuffers and tray; an embroidered bed spread, designed and wrought over 100 years ago, by her aunt, Miss Vesta Howard, who became the wife of Dr. Samuel Guild; the Hax of which this is made, was grown, spun, woven, and dyed, on the farm of Roland Howard, Esq., of Easton. Rev. William L. Chaffin — Interleaved Almanack, 1754, used by Rev. George Farrar, of Easton, as a diary. Charles H. Reed — a Yankee Baker. Mrs. O. J. Gilmore — iron pot; glass mug; string of gold beads; canteen of Easton Light Infantry; copy of "Columbian Cenlinel,'' Jan. 14, 1797; Heliotype likeness of her grandmother, Mrs. Olive (Poole) Reed, wife of Rev. William Reed, pastor of the church in Easton from 1781 to 1806. N. W. Perry — a half hour glass, 80 years old; Hancock writing; watch, owned by Lieut. James Leonard, about x68o. Mrs. William White — tinder box, sun dial, eagle, scarf, each over a century old; continental money $7,0, 113 years old. Guilford White — sash; Bible Dictionary, 1622. William P>osworth — samplers; almanac. 1801: ancient (.[ccd. Mrs. Charles Wade — Indian pipe; cape. Mrs. E. A. Fobes — book; warrant. Ross Heel Co. — Louis XX heel. DONATION AM) LOAN ]:.\ 1 1 1 1:11 . 215 Mrs. Clara Bonney — vase 150 years old. The office of O. Ames &: Sons— bust of ( )li\'er y\ines, ist. O. A. Ames — portrait of his father, Hon. Oakes Ames. Mrs. ( ). Ames — portrait of Oliver Ames, 2d. I'aul Dean Lodge — portrait of Rev. Paul Dean, from whom I he Lodge received its name. K \\"xiia:\i. Mrs. I). Franklin Dean — portraits of Sheriff Horatio Leonard and Dr. Zephaniah Leonard; military cap; canteen; gun and sword used in the War of Revolution. .Miss Louisa Snow — portraits of George the 'i'hird and his (^ucen; a Nelson pitcher; ancient hymn book. Alfred Gilmore — continental money, hymn book, phite. Mrs. Cassander (lilmore — child's suit, fancy box, powder case. Mrs. L'a Dickerman — Indian pestle; pewter platter; a wooden shovel made by an Indian. Nathan H. Fuller — writing desk, chair, pewter plate; each of these were once the property of Gov. \\'m. Bradford. Mrs. Jairus Gushee — tea cup and saucer 100 years old; coffee cup brought from England 150 years ago. Mrs. Betsey Leach — spectacles, apron, sampler. Dea. Samuel Jones — Indian relics. Frederic ^^^ Gushee — boy's jacket, feather cai)e, shell cunib. sniilT bo.\; a George Washington pitcher. ¥. Carey Andrews — pitch pipe. Willard T. Copeland — lady's busk. Nathan W. Shaw — journal of Revolutionary War; lace, cup and saucer, two punch bowls, two old portraits, ancient book; cow- bell over 200 years old. Miss Harriet Robinson — a leaf from a bible that was brought (i\er in the Mayflower; towel made 1740. William Caswell — a carved whrig Commerce," painted in Italy, in 1792; portrait of Capt. Jonathan Bowers, painted in Holland in 1808. Maria Bowers — trunk 200 years old. Annie M. Bowers — piece of a wedding dress, 1744: chatelaine bag, salve, cake basket, pickle dish, bobbin block. Mrs. George Strange — dictionary of 1788 formerly belonging to Thomas Strange; skein of homespun linen thread. Mrs. Andrew Coville — portrait of her father, Joseph liaskins; tea pot 150 years old. Mrs. H. A. Dean — portrait of Dea. Thomas C. Dean; cup and saucer 160 years old; copy of the "Boston Gazette," 1733; silver porringer 125 years old; pair of scales used by Dr. Bullock; tea spoon 150 years old; cup and saucer, and punch bowl each over a century old; table spoon 93 years old. Mrs. Thomas C. Dean — three plates formerly belonging to Sally and Lydia Hodges, grand daughters of William Hodges, wlio came to America about 1633 and settled in Taunton before 1643. .Mrs. Julius Haskins — platter; plate, bunch of Ha.\. Mrs. Alfred Pierce — china teapot. Miss Ellen Burt — two china plates 150 years old; skirt em- broidered 50 years ago by Mrs. Matilda (liiirt) lUnt. wife of DONATION' AND LOAN" KXHIMIT. 2 I9 Thomas Burt: skirt embroidered 150 years ago by Mrs. Rebecca (Macomben Hurt, wife of Edmund Burt: pair uf slippers, silver candlesticks and two work bags owned by Mrs. Rebecca (Burt) Burt, wife of Nathaniel Burt: pair of knee buckles, shoe buckles, sleeve buttons and silk stockings formerly owned by ("apt. Edmund Burt: a coin of 1778: sugar tongs 100 years old: two tea spoons 200 years old. Mrs. Thomas Dean — tlax wheel 100 years old: hand reel: a Bible of 1794. Mrs. Rhoda Hathaway — sugar bowl once the property of Mrs. Rhoda (Hathaway) Nichols: a pitcher owned by Mrs. Betsey (Weaver) Dean: a tea pot belonging to Mrs. Annie ( Clifford ) Shove, wife of Theophilus Shove. Samuel S. Pierce — wooden plate 200 years old formerl)- the property of Martin and Wessiah Fierce; pair of brass candlesticks; watch case 200 years old ownec} by Enoch Boyce: pipe box for- merly belonging to (leorge Shove, a grandson of Rev. George Shove of Taunton. Mrs. Samuel S. Pierce — infant's shoes worn b\- Jeremiah Pierce over 100 years ago: wedding suit 75 years old worn by Mrs. Jeremiah Pierce. MANSFIELD. Elkanah Hall — sermons by Cotton Mather, 1690: sermon by Rev. Joseph Palmer on the death of Rev. Roland (Ireen: sermon preached at the ordination of Rev. Pitt Clarke, in 1793; Scripture passages acrostically arranged by Miss Abby Doggett: two copies of "Dedham Gazette," Mar. 25th and April ist, 1814: copy of "The Yankee, "' Apr. i, 1814; silver bowl 225 years old, brought to this country by George Watson; a picture of the oldest house in Mansfield, built about 1700 by Dea. Nicholas White. Mrs. Elizabeth Green — portrait of Rev. Roland Green. Mrs. Robert G. Parker — mourning piece. liOSTON. Mrs. M. Day Kimball — -scales used and buckles worn by Nathaniel Morton in iSth centurv: two siher spoons and silver 220 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. ladle belonging to the Morton family; the belt, epaulettes and stirrups, worn by Gov. Marcus Morton, at his inauguration, in 1840. Hon. Samuel C. Cobb — portraits of his grandfathers, Gen. David Cobb, and Hon. Samuel Crocker. FALL RIVER. Miss Mary A. Fry — a wooden sugar bowl over 150 years old. BRIDGEWATER. Horatio B. King — sword carried by John King of Raynham. in the Revolutionary \\'ar; cartridge box carried by him at tbe Battle of Bennington. PORTLAND, .MALXE. Mrs. W'yer Green — shoe buckles worn by her ancestor, Lieut. Josiah Smith, an officer in the French and Revolutionary Wars. PORTSMOUTH, R. I. Mrs. William E. Cook, who is in her 90th year — china cup, saucer and plate each 220 years old; a wooden vegetable dish 200 years old. The foregoing revised list of loan exhibits has been carefully prepared by Mr. Isaac W. Wilcox, for this book of the anniversary celebration under the supervision of the committee assigned the interesting duties. J. W. D. Hall, Chairman. REI'ORl Ol- tO.NLMI rrKi: ox DOX.VTIOX AND LOAN KXHllMT. The committee, appointed bv the joint committee of the 250th anniversary, for the loan exhibit in Historical hall, assembled on the afternoon of May 6th, to prepare for the entertainment during the celebration, and comprised, after a few additions and changes, as follows : John W. D. Hall, Rev. S. Hopkins Emery, John F. Montgomery, Mrs. R. Henry Hall, Mrs. Joseph J. Cooper, Mrs. Elisha T. Jackson, Mrs. S. R. 'I'ownsend, Mrs. Nathalie E. Baylies, Mrs. Charles L. Lovering, Mrs. Henry G. Reed, Mrs. Henry M. Levering, Mrs. Fred. L. Fish, Miss Adeline S. Ijaylies, Miss DOXATIDX WD LOAN EXHIIin'. 22 1 Sarah B. \\Mlliams, Mrs. George Brabrook, Mrs. John Paull, Mrs. Walter J. Clenison, Mrs. Frederick Mason, Mrs. Frank L. Fish, .Mrs. Joseph Dunbar, Mrs. Joseph Philbrick, all of Taunton; Miss Harriot Augusta Newcomb, Norton ; Mrs. Ebenezer Andrews and Mrs. John A. Rose, Dighton ; Mrs. Olive J. Gilmore and Mrs. John O. Dean, Easton ; Miss Amy Leonard and Mrs. Alcott J. Lincoln, Raynhani ; Mrs. Charles Corey and Mrs. Alfred Board- man, Berkley. After a brief encouraging address by the chairman, tiie ladies were assigned to duty in the wards and adjacent towns. For three weeks they devoted their faithful services in soliciting do- nation and loan co-operations in hundreds of residences, resulting in the most interesting and successful exhibition of the kind ever witnessed in Taunton, surprising to all visitors and to themselves in the vast accumulation, varied extent and value of the attractions. Two lines of portraits of revered men and women, passed away, were arranged upon the walls of Historical Hall, while eight glass cases were filled with contributions of choice articles of every description, tastefully arranged — ancient books, silver ware, rare gems of virtu, crockery, coins, heirlooms and keepsakes of his- toric interest, which had been treasured from family to family for years or centuries, embroideries of unique patterns, photographs and medallions of those cherished in memory. Also a table the length of the hall well filled with numerous small portraits, pic- tures and rare articles of antiquarian curiosity, origin and interest. The old-fashioned kitchen, improvised in the basement, Asso- ciated Charities room, by Miss Newcomb, of Norton, assisted by Mrs. Gilmore, of Easton, Mrs. Corey and Mrs. Boardman of Berkley, with its ancient fireplace, its crane, ''pot hooks and tram- mels," unique furniture, chairs and cases, made up an interesting- attraction for the young and old, many of whom were surprised at the specimens of household implements of the mothers of a cen- tury ago. For the careful arrangement of the loans, numbering a thou- sand or more, by the ladies, and to their patient attendance and supervision during the four days' throng of eight or ten thousand 222 QUARTER Mir,LENNIAL CELEBRATION. \isitois, must be accorded the oratifying success of the exhibition and entertainment: and it was a cause of congratulation to the contributors, to the committee and all concerned, that, of the numerous articles on exhibition, none have been lost or missing. It was an auspicious auxiliary of the natal celebration of Taun- ton, long to be remembered by participants and visitors. In behalf of the committee, John W. D. Hall. Chairman. KXPLANATORY NOTE.— The AVaid Coiiimittee.s of Taunton, appointed to soliir Ciovernour had sent him a copper Chayne, desirintr if any messenjjer should come from him to us, we might know it by bringing it with him, and hearken and give credit to his message accordingly. Also requesting him that such as have skins, should bring them to us, and that he would hinder the multitude from oppresing us with them, and whereas at our first arrival at Paomet (called by us Cape Cod) we found there Corne buried in the ground, and finding no inhabitants but some graves of dead new buryed, took the Corne, resolving if ever we could heare of any that had right thereunto, to make satisfaction to the full for it. yet since we understand the owners thereof were fled for feare of us, our desire was either to pay them with the like quantitie of Corne, English meale, or any other Commodities we had to pleasure them withall ; requesting him that some on of his men might signifie so much unto them, and we would content him for his paines. And last of all our Governour requested one favor of him, which was that he would exchange some of their Corne for feede with us, that we might make tryall which best agreed with the soyle where we live. With these presents and message we set forward the tenth June, about 9 a clocke in the Morning, our guide i-esolving that night to rest at Namaschet, a Towne under Massasoyt, and conceived by us to be very neere, because the Inhabitants flocked so thicke upon evei-y slight occa- sion amongst us; but wee found it to bee some fifteen English myles. On the way we found some ten or twelve men women and children, which had pestered us, till wee were wearie of them, perceiving that (as the manner of them all is) where victuall is easliest to be got. there they live, especially in the summer; by reason whereof our Bay affording many Lobsters, they resort every spring tide thither: & now returned with us to Namaschet. Thither we came about 3 a clocke after noone. the Inhabitants entertaining us with joy, in the best manner they could, giving us a kind of bread called by them Maizium, and the spawne of Shads, which then they got in abundance, in so much as they gave us spoones to eate them, with these they boj'led niustie Acorns, but of the Shads we eate heartily. After this they desired one of our men to shoote at a Crow, complaining what damage they sustained in their Corne by them, who shooting some fourscore off and killing, they much admired it, as other .shots on other occasions. After this Tisquantum told us wee should hardly in one day reach Pakanokick, moving us to goe some 8 myles further, where we should finde more store and better victauls than there. Being willing to hasten our journey we went, and came thither at Sunne setting, where we found many of the Nanias- chencks (they so calling the men of Xamaschet) fishing uppon a Ware which they had made on a River which belonged to them, where they caught abundance of Basse. These welcomed us also, gave us of their 238 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. fish, and we them of our victuals, not doubting but we should have enough where ere we came. There we lodged in the open fields; for houses they had none, though they spent the most of the Summer there. The head of this River is reported to bee not farre from the place of our abode, upon it are, and have been many Townes, it being a good length. The ground is very good on both sides, it being for the most part cleered: Thousands of men have lived there, which dyed in a great plague not long since: and pitty it was and is to see so many goodly fields & so well seated, without men to dress and manure the same. Upon this River dwelleth Massasoyt: It commeth into the Sea at the Narrohiganset Bay, where the French men so much use. A shipp may go many myles up it, as the Salvages report and a shallop to the head of it: but so farre as wee saw wee are sure a shallop may. But to returne to our journey: The next morning wee brake our fast, tooke our leave and departed, being then accompanied with some sixe Salvages, having gone about six myles by the River side, at a knowne shole place, it beeing low water, they spake to us to put off our breeches, for we must wade thorow. Heere let me not for get the vallour and courrage of some of -the Salvages, on the opposite side of the River, for there were remaining alive only 2 men, both aged, especially the one being above threescoure; These two espying a company of men enter- ing the River ran very swiftly & low in the grasse to meet us at the banck, where with shrill voyces and gi-eat courage standing charged upon us with their bowes, they demanded what we were, supposing us to be enemies, and thinking to take advantage on us in the water; but seeing we were friends they welcomed us with such foode as they had, and we bestowed a small bracelet of Beades on them. Thus farre we are sure the tide ebbs and flows. Having here againe refreshed ourselves, we proceeded in our jour- ney, the weather being very bote for travel, yet the country so well watered that a man could scarce be drie, but he should have a spring at hand to coole his thirst, beside small Rivers in abundance; but the Salv- ages will not willingly drinke, but at a Spring head. When wee came to ariy small Brooke where no bridge was, two of them desired to carry us through of their owne accorde also fearing we were or would bee wearie, (jffered to carry our peeces, also if we would lay off any of our clothes, we should have them carried; and as the one of them had found more speciall kindnesse fiom one of the Messengers, and the other Salvage from the other so they shewed their thankfulnesse accordingly in afford- ing us all helpe and furtherance in the journey. As we passed along wee ob.served that there were few places by the IMver, but had beene inhabited, by reason whereof much ground was clean;, save of weeds which grew higher than our heads. There is much good Timber both Oake, Walnut-tree. Firre, Beech and exceeding great APPENllIX. 239 Chestnut-trees. The country in respect of the lying of it, is botli Cl)ampanie and hilly, like many places in England. In some places its very rookie both above ground and in it: And though the country bee wilde and over-growne with woods, yet the trees stand not thicke, but a man may well ride a horse amongst them. Passing on at length, one of the company, an Indian, espied a man, and told the rest of it, we asked them if they feared any, they told us if they were Narrohigganset men they would not trust them, whereat, we called for our peeces and bid them not to feare: for though they were twenty, we two alone would not care for them: but they hayling him, he proved a friend, and had onely two women with him: their baskets were empty, but they fetched water in their bottles, so that we dranke with them and departed. After we met another man with two women, which had beene at Randevow by the salt water, and their baskets were full of roasted Crab fishes, and other dryed shell fish, of which they gave us, and we eate and dranke with them : and gave each of the women a string of Beades and departed. After we came to a Towne of Massasoyts, where we eat Oysters and other fish. From thence we went to Packanokick. " Although this account says they set forward on the tenth of June, &c., other writers, such as Bradford's "History of Plymouth Plantations'" and Morton's "New England Memorial," p. 69, give July 2, as the day of departure. Mourts Relation by Prince, p. 106 and 107, says "Tuesday July 3d.'" June 10, 1621 was Sun- day, and it is improbable that they started on such a journey on the Lord's day. APPENDIX C. LPajie .33.] Among the notes of the town, showing the payment to the Indians, is this : March 11, 1042. Imprimis. Whereas there was a rate of two shil- lings for an acre laid upon the inhabitants' home groiuids, for the paj'- ment of the purchase of the lands of the township to the Indians, and other persons being received since for inhabitants, were not rated there- unto. It is therefore ordered that the said latter inhabitants, or others tliiit shall hereafter be received for inhabitants, shall pay for their house lots 240 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. tliat shall be o-ranted unto them by the town, the said proportion of two shillings for an acre, and the said money to be kept for a jjiiblic stock for sneh used as shall be reqnisite for the use of the plantation. APPENDIX D. (Pasie33.) There seems to he much uncertainty about the names of the first purchasers. 'l"he list given in Baylies' "Old Colony Memoirs," Vol. I. page 286, with the shares of each, is as follows : Henry Uxley, 8. '/ Richard Williams. 12. Joseph Wilson, 8. Benjamin Wilson. 8. William Coy, 8. George Hall, 12. David Corwirthy. 12. Mr. Wm. Poole. 12. George Macy, 8. William Harvy. 8. Richard Paull, «. Richard ISmith, 12. ^Mr. John Gilbert, 12. Wm. Phillips, 8. Wm. Hailstone, 8. Wm. Parker, 12. John Parker, S. "^jjohn Richmond, (i. Wm. Holloway, 12. The widow Randall, ti. Francis Doty, 12. Wm. Dunn, 8. Wm. Scadding, 12. John Bryant, (>. Anthony Slocnni. 8. John Gengille, S. Francis Streete, 8. Hezekiah Hoar, 8. Walter Dean, 12. John Dean, 12. John Strong, 12. Henry Andrews, 12. Thomas Cooke, 6. John Smith, 12. Mr. Thomas Farwell, 12. Edward Case, 8. John Kingsley, 12. Hugh Rosseter, 8. John Gilbert, 12. Thomas Gilbert. 12. Robert Hobell, (5. Richard Burt, 8. John Grossman. 0. John Luther, (J. John Drake, 12. Mr. John Brown, — 'I'his list contains only forty-six names, while the list found uii tiu' Proprietor's Records is as follows: Henry Uxley. Richard Williams. Joseph Willson. John Gengille. Francis Streete. Hugh Rosseter. ATPENDIX. 241 Hcnjaniiii Willsot). VVilliani (Joy (or Toy.*) (ieor<;e Halle. Daved Oervvitliy. Mr. William Pool(^ CJuori»e Masy. William Ilarvy. Ilezekiah IToi(\ Walter Deane. Jolin Ueaue. .lolin Strcmge. William Dunne. William Scaddiniic .lolin Bryant. Antliony Slocum. 'I'lioinas .I(ianeis. 'I'homns Linkon, junior. Thomas Linkon. scnioi. Joseph (iilbert. Giles Gilbert, liobert Crosman. Robert Thornton. Henry Andrews. Thomas Cooke. .John Smith. Mr. Thomas ffarwell. P^dward Casce. John Gilbert. Thomas Gilbert. Robert Ilobell. Richard Burt. John Greenmaii. John Lnthur. John Drake. Mr. John (lUcjiible. Clement Maxfield. Edward Rue. Thomas Harvy. William Hedges. William (Tlleoible. ) Aron Knap. John GoUap. John Kingslo. Richard Paull. Richard Smith. Mr. John (Gilbert. AVilliam Phillips. William Hailestone. William Parker. John Parker. John Richman. William Holloway. The widdo Randall. (Illegible.) This list includes s/x^y names, but it is not certain tiiat even this is perfect, for in a memorandum book, now in the possession of Edgar H. Reed, Esq., of Taunton, believed to be in the hand- writing of Brig. James Williams is found this record: "Richard Williams was one of the eig/tty purchasers of the tract of land, l)eing called the " Eight Mile Square, " and received the name of Taunton at the time of its incorporation. "' DIVISION OF LANDS. \Miat ever may have been the exact number of the "first pur- cha.sers, " so called, the division of the land among them, and those ♦Note. This luiine is usually luiiitcil ••Coy" bill the tirst letter is ((uile like the other " Ts '' in the leeorils. 242 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. who afterwards became proprietors, gave rise to much considera- tion and discussion in the town. Apparently the iirst purchasers took possession of a lot of land for a "home lot'" of more or less extent, which was to be charged to them, as it were by way of an advancement, in the final and complete division of the whole terri- t6ry among them, which did not take place for many years after the first settlement. For we read that in 1641, when the General Court granted to the first seven freemen forty acres each for their very valuable services, they declared that this was "in addition to their proportion of lands in other places, as the other inhabitants have, when the said lands shall come to be divided hereafter. " (2 Ply. Col. Rec. p. 18.) We append the action of the town upon this subject of divi- sion, so far as it can now, in the loss of our public records be sat- isfactorily ascertained. Nov. 28, 1653. At an orderly town-meeting warned by tlie constable it is acted and voted that there shall be a general division of land to every inch, and to whom rights of division shall belong. 2(1, It is agreed that the rule for dividing of land shall be by lots, heads and estates, according to the last rate made, which was a rate of eight pounds made for public charges for the country, charged upini every inhabitant by the raters that made that rate, and in the division three acres to be laid to each head, and three acres to every shilling that is charged in that rate, contained in this order, and three acres to the house or home lot, and those that are single men to be looked upon as two heads. [This said agreement was changed February 20, 1654, to be the one-half of the proportion in the division.] It is voted and granted that such as possess the lands of those that lemoved from the plantation, or have been received since, shall have their divisions that doth belong to their lots only, their persons and estates being departed hence, which said division to a six acre lot, apper- tains two acres and a half, and twenty-six pole. It is agreed concerning other inhabitants that have not had division shall have (right) to future divisions in the lands yet undivided, provided they pay their twelve shillings apiece to public use, as former inhabi- tants have done, according to town agreement in that case. Dec. 28, 1659. The names of those inhabitants within the Town- ship of Taunton, who are to have their division of land now agreed upon, Dec. 28, 1659, whose proportion is to be according to the rate here following, together with the quantity of land, lots, and heads, at two acres to the head, two acres to the shilling, and two acres to the lot. APPENDLX. The rate. (The lots are ali £ s. d. Heads. Acrei Msris Winiiifred (xilbo rt. 1 10 o James Walker. 1 5 7 8 m .lolin Tisdill. 1 10 10 9 82 liicliani Hurt. 18 2 4 46 James P>uit, 12 fi 38 Francis Smith, 1 7 4 6 01 Msris Jane Gilbert. 9 7 55 Fransic Street. (\ 7 5 25 John B^iant, (i 9 2 19 Christopher Thrasher. 5 2 7 20 John Hathaway, 10 7 7 37 Jonah Austin, Sr. 19 11 12 40 William Parker. 15 p, 2 36 James Phillips, 13 4 2 31 Peter Pitts, 1 00 7 C^ 55 William Haylston r> 4 2 17 Aaron Knap, 7 9 2 32 Thomas Lincoln, Jr. 14 8 f) 43 Kdward Bobbit, 10 8 4 29 James Wiatt, 1 8 • 11 2 64 Georf^e Macey, IS o 7 52 William Witherell, 7 10 5 28 William Harvy, 14 00 7 44 Thomas Lincoln, Sr. 2 00 o 6 94 Gapt. Poole, 1 2 o 'J 8 62 John Macomber, 7 00 4 24 Edward Rew, 7 00 2 20 Joseph Wilbore, 14 7 3 37 Samuel Howard, 4 4 9 Thomas Caswell, 11 o 9 42 Widow Woody, 5 7 2 17 Shadrach Wilbore, 12 G 3 3.'! Robert Grossman. 9 8 7 33 John Cobb, 12 00 2 30 Henry Andrews. 18 n o 44 Jolin Deaue, ] 8 10 8 7<» Walter Deane, 13 1 8 44 Hezekiah Hoar, 12 1 5 36 Anthony Slocvim, 19 4 53 George Hall, 1 15 o 7 86 Richard Williams, 1 13 10 91 Thomas Jones, 4 3 3 16 243 The rn te. (The h ;)ts are ■ alike.) £^ s. (1. 10 Head Is. A. cres. It) 5 ou 10 82 18 1)11 10 58 2 00 6 244 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. Robert Thornton. William iShepard, James Leonard, Nathaniel Woodward, Timothy Holloway. Jan. 5, 1659. It was ajureed by a free vote of the town that all oi'phans or fatherless children shall have their rights in all divisions of lands which are due unto them according to proportion. Dec. 9, 1002. Voted that all lands that are yet undivided belonging to the town shall for future time be divided by way of purchase. For- mer act of dividing lands by heads and estates canceled. In 1662, some complaint was made to the General Court about the method pursued of dividing the hinds in 'I'aunton, which produced the following order : Att this Court, this following order was directed to the towne of Taunton: — Vpon the comi)laint of some of the inhabitants of Taiuiton that some there liaue gone about to alter the ancient way of distribution of lands in that towne fwrmerly settled and long practised, wherby, besides many other inconveniencyes that doth arise tlierby, some Indians that by the leause of the towne had libertie to plant corne in the remote ptes of the townshipe are disturbed in the improuemeut of the said lands, to theire great impouerishing by such psons theire taking vp such great quantities of land, which is ill resented by vs; wee doe therefore require them to desist from any such practice as that which we fear may create much trouble and iuconveniencye, vntill wee haue fiuthcr in(juired into the same. (Ply. Col. Rec. Vol. IV. Page 84.) Jan. 10, 1669. It is voted and agreed upon by the town, and these ten men following are chosen to draw a list of the pmchasers or free inhabitants here in town as foUoweth: James Walker, William Harvey. Richard Williams, Walter Dean, Lieut. Macy, P^nsign Leonard. Aron Knap, John Hall, Joseph Wilbore, John Richmond. 2d, That an exact list be taken of the names of all siudi inhabitants amongst us that have rights in divisions of lands, and also that a list be taken of all the rest of the inhabitants, to the intent that we may know who are by Court order allowed to vote in to ^ n-meeting, and who not. ;}d, And in the beginning of each town-meeting the list of all the free inhabitants or purchasers shall be called over, and if sixteen of them with the clerk do appear at the time and place aijpointed, it shall be lawful for them to proceed .to the enacting of such things as for whicli the town-meeting was appointed, but not to distribute our lauds although it be due, except sixteen of the purchasers appear. APPENDIX. 245 •liiii. S, 1()~4. It is vok'd iiiul iiffrcerl by the town tliat tlie ooinmittec cliosi'ii roruierly, the lOtli, Janiuiry, IGtJO, tliem or the major part of tliem have full power to rlraw up a list of the purchasers or proprietors of this town, and how lands shall be settled and confirmed to the pur- chasers or proprietors so that the town may be freed from future (laniaree upon or do in or about the premises shall stand firm and good. In Jan. 21, KiTS, another Committee of seven, including five of the last named Committee were appointed with similar power and duties, and also to ratify their supposed lost grants and town orders. This Committee consisted of William Harvey. Walter Deane, Samuel .Smith, John Richmond, James Walker, Thomas Leonard & William Witherell. By the vote creating them they were to report in "a year's time after the date hereof." But their report not being ready in that time, the town voted, on Dec. 1, 1679, to give thein until the last day of May, 1680, which was then made as follows: " Tn iiur hcliireiJ hiet/ircii mid iieli/lihurs, Ihe Inlniliitmits of the town of Taunton, in the (/oi-i^i-tiDieiit of Neiu Plymouth; "The committee chosen by the said town for to ratify town orders ;ind grants, and to bring them into a formal body so thiit they may stand in foice, and also to determine how lands shall be recorded that they may be confiimed, both to ourselves and to our posterity. " The committee wisheth grace, mercy, and peace in our Lord Jesus Christ. " Amongst the many mercies that we enjoy here in this wilderness this ought to be accounted none of the least that we enjoy such rulers chosen from amongst ourselves (in the Commonwealth) and live under such Covernment, by means wherof, we as well as the rest of the towns in this Government, enjoy liberty and power to make such town orders from time to time as we shall find needful for the ordering and man- aging our prudential affairs and the maintaining the worship of God jinumgst us. Provided that no town order do infringe or be repugnant to any onler of our Government, and considering that God is a God of order and not of confusion, and that he hath in some measure put us into a capacity to observe and be guided by good and wholesome orders, it hath been looked upon as great pity and neglect that our town orders have not before now been brought into a formal body, distinct from the ri( Olds of om lands, which our town having well considered and chosen us to do such a needful work. Although we are sensible of our own weakness an man barred of his just right, and whatsoever this committee, or the major ))ai t of them shall agree upon oi- do, in or about the premises, shall stand firm aiul good; we, theiefore, whose names are under written, being (he major part of said committee, do agree and conclude that lands shall be APPENDIX. 249 recoidcd unto, coiifirim-d and settled upon such persons, unto whom the town hath already granted or divided lands by virtue of their en- Joyin}^ either purchase lots or purchase rights to divisions, whcse names are on the list which we have drawn, notwithstanding it is not hereby intended to deprive any person, (that removed hence) of his rights, but he shall have free liberty to demand and recover (accordi)ig to the afore- mentioned law) his rights, if any. of any such person or persons to whom the town divided lands, by virtue of his possessing the purchase lot or purchase rights of any such ancient inhabitant, who was formerly accepted under tlie motion of a purchaser. JAMES WALKEK. JOSEPH WILBOKE. JOHN RICHMOND, JOHN HALL. THOMAS LEONARD. RICHARD WILLIAMS. WALTER DEAN. This 2.")th of May 1080. The town hath voted that they accept of what the committee hath done; by the committee is understood those that did this day present what they had caused to be entered on the t»»wn book of Town Orders, concerning settling of our lands and town orders. A list of the names of the present purchasers or proprietors of the Town of Taunton unto whom the town hath already granted or divided lands by virtue of their enjoying eithei- purchase lots or purcbase rights to divisions of land as followeth: Richard Williams on his own rights, it on that which was Ileniy U^xley'Sj'jfe on tliat which was xAnthony Slocum's and that which was John Gingil's. John Hall and Samuel Hall on their two rights which were Joseph Wilson's and Benjamin Wilson's. Joseph Hall on tbe rights that was his fatlitrs. Captain William Poole's heirs on his rigiits. Lieutenant George Macey on his own rights ;ind on tiiat wiiich was Mr. Bishop's. William Harvey on his own rights. Edward Rew on the rights that was William Coy's. Hezekiah Hoar on his own rights. Walter Dean on his own rights. John Dean on his father's rights. Henry Andrews on his father's rights. Increase Robinson on the rights that was Thomas Cooks. John Cobb on the rights that was John Smith's. Thomas Farwell's heirs on his rights. Sliacrienced in measur- ing of grounds. Miles Standish. .John Brown. " Hon. Henry Williams, in a valuable article read before I lie Old Colony Historical Society, (Coll. No. 2, p. 76,) tints comments on this report: — " Fioni the report it ajjpears that Miss I'ool had a farm with a house on it, at Littleworth, without detinite bounds or a determinate quantity of land. The commissioners first set off forty acres of meadow, and fifty acres of upland "which she will make choice of thereabouts." This farm seems to have been the only bind of wiiich she had jtosscssion among the several tracts then set off to her. The locality called Littleworth was a tract of land embracing a num- ber of large farms situated in the easterly j)art of Taunton, adjoining the present town of Lakeville, extending to the Middleborough line ad- joining Taunton. The Inuise on Miss Pool's farm was about a mile from Myrick's station on the road formerly called " the Rhode Island Patli, '" . AI'I'ENDIX. 253 leiidinj^ fiom IMynioutli to hliode Island. There is a ti-aditioii that slie I'oinicily lived there, but it may hiive arisen from the fact that she owned a house there. The second tract of land set ott' to hei' is descrihed as "near the two mile brook. '" This shows it was situated near the Anchor Forj^e, now within the limits of Kaynham. The third tract was an hundred acres described as "on the other side of the jjreat river of Taunton.*" This is very indefinite, and not readily located without reference to subsequent deeds. It was near Neck of Land, so-called. ' " For her home lot, "' they set off twenty one acres on the southerly side of what is n()w Main and a portion of Summer streets, extending'- from Mr. Hooke's house, near that now occui)ied by James H. Anthony, Esq., to the mill situated on the westerly side of Mill IJiver, adjoining what is now (-ohannet street. On this '•home lot'' there were then no buildings. A house was subsequently built thereon in which ISIiss I'ool liv(!d with her brother till 1()58.— "' Mr. Williams also appends to his article a copy of the will of Miss Poole, giving her real estate chieHy to her nepliew John Pole, which we annex hereto. The Last Wii.i. and Testament of Mks. Elizabeth Pooi.e, ex- hibited before the Court held at Plymouth the sixt of June 1056, on the oaths of Lieutenant James Wiaie and Richard Williams, and by the said Couit ordered to bee recorded, the seventeenth day of the Jkl month, '1(')54, — one thousand six hundred and fifty four. In the name of God, Amen. I, Elizabeth Pole of Taunton, in Col- onie of New* Plymouth, in New England of the age of sixty and five, or thereabouts, being sick and weake under the visitation of the Lord, yett being of perfect memory and understanding, and willing to set my house in order according to the direction and message of the Lord unto Heze- kiah, when he was sick, that I might leave mine affairs soe as might be peaceable and comfortable to my friends remaining behind mee. I therefore commit my body to the grave, according to the appointment of (Jod, whoe took mee from the dust, and saith wee shall return unto the dust, there to remain until the resurrection, and my soul into the hands of God, my Heavenly Father, through Jesus ('hrist. who is to me all in all. and hath, as I believe, and am persuaded through the mercy of God, reconciled me unto God, and taken away the guiltiness of sin and fear of death, which would otherwise have been heavy to bear, and makes me willing to leave the world, and desire to be dissolved, and to bee with Christ which is best of all: and as for tliat portion of worldly goods, which the Lord of his mercy hath yett continued unto mee. I give and bequeath as foUoweth : — 254 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. Imprimis: — I give and bequeath unto my brother, Capt. William Pole, now living and dwelling in Taunton, my dwelling house which I built and have dwelt in until a little time past, wherein my brother now dwelleth, with my orchard and home ground thereunto appertaining, as also my forty acres of meadowing at Little Worth, as alsoe my neck of land so called, lying on the further side of the Great River, containing an hundred acres, — these I bequeath unto my brother aforesaid, and also the house wherein I now dwell, bought of Robert Thornton, and the land thereunto appertaining which I bought of him therewith as alsoe my fifty acres of land lying by the two-mile meadow so-called, and my part of meadowing in that two mile meadow, which contains the one- half of it adjoining unto my said fifty acres, with all my rights of land in divisions due to me in Taunton. I give and bequeath these all for- mentioned unto my brother during his lifetime, to enjoy as his own freely, tcf improve and enjoy for his advantage, and after his decease, I give and bequeath unto my cousin John Pole, my brother's eldest son, my house aforesaid, which I built upon my own lot, wherein my brother now dwelleth, with the orchard and all the home grounds thereunto ap- pertaining, with my meadows at Little Worth, and my neck of land of one hundred acres, on the further side of the Great River, with all the lands and rights of divisions that thereunto appertain in Taunton, to appertain and belong to my cousin, John Pole, and his heirs after him forever, from the day of the decease of his father; and in case God shall see good to bring my cousin, John Pole, to a married estate before the decease of his father, my brother, then my will is that from the time of his contracting a marriage, he do possess and enjoy as his own freely, the house wherein I now dwell, that I bought of Robert Thornton, which my will is, that it be presently repaired and kept in good order to support it out of my stock, and by such means as 1 have appointed for that end, and so be kept for my cousin, John Pole, as aforesaid, with the lands thereunto appertaining by right everyway, and my brother the home-lot lying adjoining to it, throughout, with my fifty acres by the two-mile meadows, and my half of that meadow to it, to be his only and freely until his father's decease, and then to surrender up his said house and lands unto his mother, to be hers to possess and enjoy during her lifetime, and after her decease to appertain unto her two younger sons, Timothy Pole and Nathaniel Pole, and my cousin John Pole, to enjoy and possess his own house and land whereof his father, my brothej-, had possession of, which I dwelt upon before, and forsook, I now give unto my cousin, John Pole, at my decease, one cowe, called Onely; and whereas I have left to my brother, his father, a yoke of oxen of my stock, my will is that liis fjither make them good unto him out of his estate, at his fathei's decease; also I give unto my (!ousin, John Pole, all niv household stuff ;ind goods within dore, the which I commit to the APPENDIX. 255 cave and keeping of my overseers, to have in their custody and care to preserve for liim until he come to keep house for himself, being married, and then if the Lord continue his life, to enjoy it as his own, but if the fiOrd take him away by death before he be of age to marry, then my will is that my cousin Timothy Pole, his next brother, enjoy these things forementioncd as my gift to him. Or if my cousin John Pole marry and die without issue, then the lands to return to my cousin Timothy Pole, oidy this excepting: a parcel of the land is promised to James Bell for a lot, if there be none procured for him by my brother in another place. I give to my cousen Mary Pole, one cow at my decrease, and all my ap- parel and wearing clothes, which I commit to the keeping of my over- seers for to let her have what they think may be fit for her to wear as she hath need of it, and what they think is not fit for her to have, to make sale thereof and put it into some stock that may be to her benefit. Furthermore, I give unto the Church of God at Taunton, for the further- ance of any special service thereof, one cow whichsoever the overseers shall like best to take for that end, after my decease, and improve it for that end. I give my part in the iron works to be from my decease for the fur- therance of my cousin John Pole, in leaving which I earnestly desire him to attend unto and show all due respect unto his parents, both with respect to the word of God and my last charge. And after the Lord hath brought him to age, then my said part in the iron works to be for the training up my cousin Nathaniel Pole in learning as fast as it may heljj that way, and afterwards when he is grown of age, I give and be- queath it to him as his own forever. I give unto my kind and old friend sister Margery Paule widow, one yearling heifer, if it be living at my decease, and appoint my overseers to see it delivered unto her after my decease. I appoint and make my cousin John Pole to be my sole Executor, to receive all and to pay debts and any engagements, and .so commend him to the blessing of the Lord. I appoint my kind friends Kicliard Williams and Walter Dean Dea- cons of the Gliurch of Taunton, and Oliver Purchis to be my overseers, to whom I commit my trust and care to see this my last will be fulfilled according and as it is expressed in all the paits thereof, and herein I rest. This signed by me, ELIZABETH POLE. Witnessed by James Wiatt, Oliver Purchis. Richard Williams. (Ply. Col. liec, of Wills. Book 2. Part T, Page 24-5-ti,) 256 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. Her real estate thus given to lier nephew John Poole after the death of his father William, came into his possession, and in 1680 he was ordered to clear up and make apparent the true boundaries of his forty acre meadow lot, by an order, a copy of which is as follows : At a General Court held at Plymouth, ( )ct. 27, 1680, it was 'ordered as follows : — "111 reference vnto forty acrees ot ineddow tormerly grauuted viito Mistris Elizabeth Poole, of Taunton, deceased, now appertainino' vnto lier successor, Mr. John Poole, niaicliant in Boston, forasmuch as the bounds of the said meddow., by reason of rubbish groune vp, can not be descerned, whicli occafcioiietli some disputes between the tenants of tlie said John Poole whoe impioue the same and the iiaighbours next ad- joyning, whoe haue injoyed theiie rights bonlering thereon for the space of twenty yeers in peace, this Court doth order, that Mr. Poole be speed- ily informed of the pniises, and required to make the bounds of the said meddow to :ij)peer, in order to a settlement thereof according to equity and justice, and for the preventsion of future differences about it. which if neglected, the Couit will see themselues necessitated to take some speedy course for tlie settlement thereof. " (Ply. Col. Pec. Vol. VI. Page 54. ) MR. hook's and MR. srRKEl's LAND. The lands " layd forth" for Mr. Hooke and Mr. Street jointly under the above order were in the present town of Berkley, and comprising about 400 acres of upland and 30 of meadow. When Mr. Hooke moved to New Haven about 1644, he sold nearly all his interest to Mr. Street, and in 1658 when Mr. Street succeeded him in New Haven, he conveyed the same (by his attorneys, James Wyatt and George Macye,) to John Hathway, Edward Bob- bett, and Timothv Holloway, all of Taunton, for 150/?, as appears by ihis deed. PRKNCK GOV. To all Christian People to whom the Presents shall come. James Wyatt of Taunton, in Plymouth Patent, in New JCngland, and Gleorge Macye of the same towne. Attorneys unto Mr. Nicholas Streete, now or late Teacher of the Church of Taunton aforesaid, sendeth (Jreel. &c. Know yea Ihat whereas the said Nicholas Street by his letter of Attor- ney, healing date the nineteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand six hundrew ay, their heirs and assigns forever. To the only use and behoof of the said John Hathwav, Edward 258 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. Bobbett, and Timothy Holloway, their heirs and assigns fore-ver, witliout any the let, molestation or expulsimi of him the said Nicholas Street, his heirs, executors or assigns, or any claiming any title, claim or interest to the same or any part thereof, from or under him them or any of them, and for warranting of the said premises the said .James Wyatt and (xeorge Macey doth for themselves, their heirs Executors and Administrators, covenant and (irant, to and with the said John Hathway, Edward Bob- bett, and Timothy Holloway, their heirs and assigns, by these presents, that the said premises now be and at all time and times hereafter shall be, remaine and continue and abide unto the said John Hathway, Edward Bobbett, and Timothy Holloway, their heirs and assigns freely acquittetl exonerated and discharged, or otherwise from time to time and at all times hereafter, well and sufhciently saved, defended and Kept harmless off and from all and all manner of former and other bargains and sales. gifts, grants, feofments, joyntures, dower, title of dower estates, mort- gages, forfeitures, seizures, judgments, extents, executions and all other acts and incumbrances whatsoever had, made, done, acknt)wledged and committed by the said Nicholas Street or any other person or persons claiming or having any title or interest of in or to the said demised prem- ises or any part thereof, or any of the appurtenances thereof, by from or under him the said Nicholas Street or his assigns, or done or committed by the assent, demand or procurement of the said Nicholas Street or his assigns, or by any other person or persons whatsoever, whereby the said John Hathway, Edward Bobbett, or Timothy Holloway i)r any of them or the heirs or assigns of them or any of them, shall or may be lawfully evicted out of the possession or enjoyment thereof or of any part or par- cel thereof as aforesaid provided the said John Hathway, Edward Bob- bett and Timothy Holloway, or some or one of them, or the heirs. Execu- tors, Administrators of them or some or one of them, shall pay or cause to be paid unto the said James Wyatt and George Macey, attorneys as aforesaid unto the said Nicholas Street, and to and for the use of him the said Nicholas Street, the sum of one hundred pounds, for the nature of pay and time and place of payment, acct>rding to the tenor of that mort- gage of the premises agreed upon. To be sealed by them, the said John Hathway, Edward Bobbett, and Timothy Holloway; but if therein they shall fail and forfeit the premises in case of nonpayment the next afore- said covenant in point of warranty to be of no force against the said Wyatt and Macey, anything in these presents, to the contrary thereof in any wise notwithstanding, and also the said James Wyatt and George Macey doth further covenant jiromise and grant to and with the said John Hathway, Edward Bobbett, and Timothy Holloway, that when the purchase money due for the saiil bargained premises is as aforesaid i)aid and satisfied, according to time and i)lace of jKiyment, and nature of pay. then they the said James Wyatt and George Macey, or one of them shall Al'PENDIX. 259 and will (IcliviT i»r cause to be delivered, all and singular such evidences ■.uu\ writiiiiis tliat they have or can procure only touching or concerning the premises severally with the said mortgage agreed to be sealed for security as aforesaid, and acknowledge satisfaction of the said debt upon the record thereof if the said mortgage shall be recorded; and lastly that when the said debt or sum is fully paid, as aforesaid, the said James Wyatt and (ieorge Macey, shall and will perform, and do or cause to be performed and done any such further act or acts as they the said James Wyatt and (ieorge Macey shall thereunto advised or required by the said John Hathway. Edward Bobbett. and Timothy Holloway, or their or any of their assigns, for a more full and perfect conveying and assuring the said bargained premises, and every part thereof unto the said John Hath- way. Edward I>obbett, and Timothy Holloway their heirs and assigns. In witness whereof the said James Wyatt and George Macey have hereunto put their hands and seals the day of In the year ttf our Lord one thousand six hundred fifty and eight. James Wyatt and a [seal.] signed, sealed. (ieorge Macey and a [seal. J and delivered in presence of. William Poole, Walter Deaue, William Harvey. This deed was acknowledged by James Wyatt and George Macey the 24th of June Ititi?.. Before me, John Aldin Assistant. (Ply. Rec. of Deeds. Vol. III. p. ISO. By another deed dated February 9, 1669, William Bradford, son of Gov. Bradford, confirmed the title, and in consideration of two pounds, gave a new deed of the same, as follows : To all unto whom these presents shall come. Gi-eeting: Whereas, the Honorable, the Council Established at Plimouth. in the County of Devon, for the planting, ruling, ordering and Governing of New England in America, by vertue and authority of Lett's Patent under the (ireat Seal of England from our late Soverainge Lt)rd King James the first, bearing date at AVestminister in the eighteenth year of his sd Mat'es Keign of England. For and in consideration that William Bradford, Esq"'^ and his Associates had of their own proper cost and charges planted ami in- habited a Town called by the name of New Plimouth in New England as aforesd. and for their better encouragement to proceed in so pious a work especially tending to the i>ropagation of Heligion and the Great encour- 26o QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. agement of trade to his Mat'^s Realms, and Advancement to the Pnblick Plantation. The said Council by their Patent or Grant under their Com- on Seal, Signed by the Right Honourable Robert Earle, of Warwick, President of sd Council, bearing date the thirteenth day of January, in the tifth year of the reign of our late Soverainge Lord King Charles, the first Anno Dom. I(i29, did give, grant, Enfeoffe, Assigne and contirme unto the said William l}radf(»rd, his heires Associates and Assigns forever. All that part of New England in America aforesaid. And Tract or Tracts of lands That lye within or between a certaine Rivulet or Runlet comonly called Coahasset, alias Conahasset towards the north. And the River comonly called Narhaganset River towards the south, and the Great Ocean towards the East, And between and within a straight line directly extending up into the Main land towards the AVest, from the mouth of the said River called Narhaganset River to the utmost limets or bounds of A country or Place in New England, comonly called Pocanocket Alias Sowamset, Westward, And another like straight line extending itself di- rectly from the mouth of sd River Coahasset, alias Conahasset, towards the West so far up into the Main land westward as the utmost limits of the sers and appurtenances thereof (H)ntained within the bounds and limits afore- said unto the said Jolui Hathaway, Edward Bobbett and Samuel Hollo- way and William Phillips, their heirs and assijifus forever, aecordinc to their eaeh and every of their particular several A respective estate, right, title and interest whatsoever in and to the premises or to any part or parcel therein severally and not joyutly with the rif>hts, memliers, juivi- leges, comodities and appurtenances thereof, so that I the said William Bradford nor my heii's shall or may from hence forth have claim or de- mand any Estate, ri<;"ht. title or intesest in (^)r to the sd granted and re- leased inemises or any part or ])arcel thereof but of and from all action of right, title, interest, claim and demand thereunto we and every of us to be utter excluded and forever debarred by these pi-esents. To be holden of his Majesty as of his manour of East (Treeuwich in the County of Kent, within the llealm of England, in free and common soccagc an not in capite nor Knight service, yielding and paying to our Sovereign Lord the King, his heirs and successors forever, one-fifth part of the ore of the mines of gold and silver, and one fifth part to the President and Council which shall be had possessed and obtained within the precincts aforesaid for all service and demands whatsoever as is expressed in the forerecited patent or (Trannt from the Council Established at T'limouth. And I the said William Bradford, and my heirs, all and singular, the said jiremises with tlie appiu'tcuauccs unto the said John Hathaway. Edwarfl Bobbett, Samuel Holloway and AVilliam Phillips, their heirs and assigns forever, and to the onely use and behoof of themselves, their heirs and assigns forever, according to their each and every of their several partic- ular proportion, right, title. Estate and interest therein lespectively, against me and my heirs shall and will Warrant and forever defend by these presents. In witness whereof, 1. William Bradford havi' hereunto set my hand and seal, this ninth day of February one tlioiisand six luindrcd t-ighty eiglit nine. signed, sealed and \Villi:nii Bradford delivered in presence of us [seal. | Joseph Bradford Kenelm Baker Elisha Wadsworth December 21 HiS'.t. Major William Bradford whose hand and seal is hereunto set and aftixed, personally a])peared and owned and acknowl- edged this Instrument to be his voluntai-y and free act and deed. Betdre Dani(^l Smith. Assistant, Entered and Becorded. April 24th Ki'.tl. i)er Samuel Sprague, Becordcr. (Ply. Col. Uec. of Deeds, Vol. V. p. 4.")!>.) APPENDIX. 263 APPENDIX F. [Page 35. 1 These seven were the only original freemen, and became prom- inent and influential men in town, and largely established its char- acter and position in the colony. Their services were so important that in 1641, the Court gratefully voted them a grant of land in these words : "Whereas tliose seauen first freemen, men of Taunton, that hauc ynrlergoiie great trauell and charges about the attending of tlie Courts, liiying out of lands, and other occations for the toune, it is tliought meete by tlie goument tliat therefore they haue a pporcon of land in convenyent place lying together assigned them, so that it exceede not the quantyty i>f fourty acrees apeece, besides thother ppporcons of lands in other places as of other of the inhabits of the said towne of Taunton hauc. when the said lands sliail come to be deuided hereafter. "" (2 Ply. Col. Kec. p. 18.) APPENDIX G. LPage 35.] Presumably Cai)tain Pool's company had considerably increased in the next four years, for in 1643, a list of "all the males able to beare Armes from xvl Yeares old to TE. It should l)e remeuiberecl that at the time, September, 1GC7, was earlier than March liJCT, as the year commeneeU about March 2.'5th, instead of January 1st. 27^ QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. slon, as being an ancient purchaser. The jury find for the plaintiffe his proportion of land due him as appeers by their towne orders, twelue pence damage, and the cost of the suite. A review was granted to defendants of this action. The names of tlie jui'y that tryed tlie last aboue named were, sworne: William Peabody John Thompson .lohn Tracye Thomas Tilden Henery Wood Gilbert Brookes Andrew Hindge Samuell Sturtivant Saniuell Hyder Ensign Jonathan Alden, William Swift William Foard. Jr. (Ply. Col, Rec. Voh VIL p. 143.) APPENDIX M. [Page 41.1 On June 3, 1646, the (Jeneral Court gave the town permission to purchase a calf pasture as follows : — " The Court doth graunt to the inhabits of Taunton that they shall purchase the pcell or neck of land, or yland, lying at namaskett Pond, or Wtj, in the sd pond w< '' they desire for a calues pasture, and to haue the u.se of it vntill there shalbe a plantacon erected there abouts to whom it may be helpfull; and that then they, paying the purchase and r.he charg that Taunton inhits shalbe at about the said pcell of land, shall haue such pt thereof as shalbe thought meete by the Court. " (2 Ply. Col. Rec. p. 102.) This tract was apparently beyond the limits of the original purchase of Taunton; and on April iith, 1647, it was conveyed by the town to Mr. Andrews, in payment for the erection of the meeting-house, by a deed in these words, viz: MRADFORD (iOV'R. "This indenture following was recorded by order from the Court: This Indenture made the eleventh day of the second month in the year of our Lord 1647 between the inhabitants of Taunton in the colony of New Plymouth in New England of the one party, and Henry Andrews inhabitant of the said plantation of Taunton within the colony of New Plymouth in New England of the other party witnesseth, that whereas there was a certain parcel of land or neck of land appertaining unto the inliabitants of 'i'aunton aforesaid called by the said inhabitants their calves pasture, That this parcel or neck of land, it lying and being APPENDIX. 277 l)oiiii(lc!(l by the Great River lioin the land of Kichaid Williams inlial)!- taiit ot Taunton heading' it the said neek at the upper eorner thereof, and the land of George Hall, inhabitant of Taunton heading it at the lower corner thereof or near unto it, &c, This parcel or neck of land with its appurtenances is granted and sold by the inhabitants of Taun- ton aforesaid unto him the aforesaid Henry Andrews and his heirs and executors or assigns, To have and to hold forever in lieu of a meeting house built by him the aforesaid Henry Andrews for the inhabitants of Taunton aforesaid for their full satisfaction for the said neck of land, and for his peaceable and secure enjoyment thereof by him the said Henry Andrews or his assigns, &c, any or every of them, it is further promised by the inhabitants aforesaid that all such manner of persons as have been heretofore inhabitants resident within this plantation of Taunton them or their heirs or assigns that shall challenge or demand any i)art or portion in the aforesaid neck of land, shall be either satisfied for their part of the charge bestowed thereon by the town in fencing, thereof to make it a calves pasture or else be satisfied in land in some other place. As also it is by these presents witnessed and promised by the inhabitants aforesaid, that this said parcel or necke of land shall not be rated by the town aforesaid: and for the better confirmation of this deed have the seven men chosen by the inhabitants of Taunton aforesiiid to order the atrairs of the town for that present year, have .set to their hands for the day and year first above written. John Strong. Oliver Purchis. Walter Deane. Richaril Williams. Edward Case. (Ply. Ucc. of Deeils Vol. II. p. 57.) APPENDIX N. [Page 42.] Mr. Haylies. who wrote before the loss of the Town records in 1838, thus states the action of the Town as to these iron works. " It was at a town meeting conferred and agreed upon between the inhabitants of Taunton and Henry Leonard of Braintree: Imi)riniis. It was agreed and granted by the town to Henry and James Leonard, his brother, and Ralph Russell, free consent to come hither and join with certain of our inhabitants to set up a Bloomery work on the Two Mile River. 2yS QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. "It was also agreed and granted by a free vote of the Town, that such particular inhabitants as shall concur together with the said per- sons in this design, shall have free liberty from the town so to do, to build and set up this work, and that they shall have the woods on either side of the Two Mile River, wherever it is common on that side of the river, to cut for their cord wood to make coals, and also to dig and take moine or ore at Two Mile Meadow, or in any of the commons apper- taining to the town, where it is not now in propriety. " (Baylies, Part II. p. 268.) Documentary evidence in the hand-writing of Oliver Purchis, the first town clerk, gives these persons as proprietors " in the Bloomerie, " viz: The names of those who hath put in themselves to be proprietors in the Bloomerie, viz: Hezekiah Hoare, Thomas Gilbert, Richard Williams, Walter Dean, George Hall, Oliver Purchis, James Walker, John Tisdale, Wm. Parker, Mr. Gilbert Senr., Peter Pitts, Richard Stacey, John Cobb, Wm. Hodges, Nathaniel Woodward, Timothy Holloway, James Burt, Edward Bobitt, Jonah Austin Senr., John Parker, Samuel Wilbore, Miss E. Pole, Jane Pole. Additional records show the names of Wm. Pole, Timothy Lindall of Salem, his son-in-law, Nicholas White Senr., Henry Withington, John Turner, Thomas Linkon Senr., Anthony Slocum, James Leonard. Thomas Amsbery, Jos. Wilbore, Henry Andrews, John Hall. James Phillips, Francis Smith, Geo. Watson, Gov. Leverett and Major Edward Tyng of Boston, Nath'l. Paine Senr. and Stephen Paine of Rehoboth, John Gary and Nathaniel Paine Jr., of Bristol, Benedict Arnold of New- port, Richard Thayer of Braintree — contributing from 20 pounds to 5 pounds each, for whole, half and quarter shares. (.See a valuable article by Capt. J. W. D. Hall, read before the Okl Colony Histori- cal Society, No. 3. ]). 134.) APPENDIX O. (Page 45.) The report of the Committee defining the boundaries of Taun- ton in 1640, is thus recorded : " The limmits and bounds of the plantacon of the townc of Taunton als Cohannet, wthin the goument of Plymouth, bounded and )angcd for length and breadth, by order of Court, by Miles Standish & John Browne, APPENDIX. 279 gentlcm, Assistants in the ffoumcnt, the Xixth day of June, ano Dm 1640, in the xvjth yeaie of our souaine k)icl, Charles, &g, as followeth, vizs: — Impiis from two marked trees nere vnto Asonet, a neck of hind heing hetweene Asonet and them, lying southerly, and from the said marked trees ranging east and by south foure miles; rangeing also from the ex- tent of the said foure miles north and by west; also from two markt trees neere the Three Mile Riuer, lying southerly of Taunton, the rang to runn foure miles west & by north; and from the extent of this last menconed foure miles, the rang to runn north and by west eight miles; moreou, from the extent of this eight miles range, then the range to runn on the east and by south line, to meete w'^ the former expressed north and by west lyne vpon a long square; alwayes puided, that if these ranges do not take in a place called Schadingmore Meddowes, the said Schadingmore Meddows to be included as belonging to the aforesaid towne of Taunton, wth one thousand acrees of vpland neere and adjacent vnto the said meddowes; prouided likewise, that these lines do not iiititle the said towne of Taunton to intermeddle wthin two miles of Teightaquid. MILES STANDISH, JOHN BROWN." (2 Ply. Col. Rec. p. UU-IOO. ) APPENDIX P. [Page 45.] The first addition seems to have been of meadow lands at Assonet, in March, 1640, when the General Court passed this order : — ''WHEREAS the inhabitants of Cohaunett, now called Taunton, haue complayned of thire greate want of meddow grounds, the wch. hath beene seriously weighed and considered vpon by speciall order of the whole body of the Court, and fynding their wants to be such that vnlesse they be supplyed of meddow lands they cannot comfortably there sub- sist, the Couit doth therefore now order and graunt the meadow lands at Assonett, and betwixr. Taunton and Assonett on both sides of the riuer, vnto the said inhabitants of Taunton, prouided always that the ministers and people now there which are fitt & do pceede & contin- ue in a church estate there the space of seauen yeares next ensuing, (ex- 280 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. ccpt some speciall hand of God doe hinder the same,) that then the meddow lands aforesaid shalbe to them and theire heires, to haue & to liold to them & theire heires foreuer. " (1 Ply. Col. Rec. p. 142.) In 1643, the inhabitants of Taunton having applied to the General Court for permission to purchase more wood and pasture land, the Court passed this order : (2 Ply. Col. Rec. p. 58.) " The Court is willing to condescend thus far, viz: that those lands which belono; to Hesbone may be procured by all due means, and with what convenient speed may be; also that the best and speediest means be used to procure them further enlargement on that side of the Main Kiver to answer to Mr Hooke and Mr. Street's farms on the other side; and whereas they desire the Neck of Assonet for pasturing young beasts, it is also granted by the court, provided leave can be procured from Ousamequin, and all payments to be made by themselves without any charge to the country; but whereas the timber is requested below the said bounds, that we cannot grant without great detriment to another plantation intended below that. " This land was probably bought of Ossamequin (or Massasoit,) for in 1663 his son Philip made a confirmatory deed of the same, as well as of the original first purchase ; a copy of which is as fol- lows : " March 23, 1663. These Presents wituesseth. That wheieas tl)ere was a plantation graunted by the Court of Plymouth in the year one thousand six hundred and thirty-eight (named Taunton) to sundry per- sons whoe there satt downe viz: Capt. William Poole, Mr. John Gilbert, Ilenery Drew, John Dean, Walter Deane and sundi-y others, the bounds of which plantation are expressed in the graunt of the Court of Ply- mouth according to the several points of the compass, therein expressed, which plantation so bounded as above mentioned, together with the meadows upon the Great River downward so far as the Store House Point so called, with all the meadow of Assonett and Broad Cove, with a small tract of land bought of Ishbon lying betwixt the maikcd tree at the pond and the mouth of the Xistoyoahamock or the Three Mile River, which lands and meadows with their appurtenances, immunities and privileges whatsoever were bought of Ousamequin by the parties above mentioned; I Philip Sachem do therefore by these presents, ratify and confirm for myself my heirs and successors the granted premises nuide by the Court of Plymouth and also assented unto by Ousamecpiin my father, to the aforesaid inhabitants of Taunton and their heirs mid suc- cessors forever, peaceably to enjoy without molestation or disturbance APPENDIX. 281 from, by or under me. Witness my liand and seal the day and year above written. Witness John Sasamou, Interpreter. Philip the Sachem " his P mark and |scal| The mark X of Pemichason alias Nimrod. This confirmation was signed and sealed before me the day and year above expressed. Witness my hand. THOMAS WILLETT. (Ply. Rec. of Deeds, Vol. III. page 13, part 1.) In October of the same year (1663) the southern boundary of these purchases was thus defined by the General Court : "The inhabitants of the towne of Taunton having seuerall times, for diners yeares, complained of the straightness of the bounds of their towne and haueing petitioned the Court for some enlargment, the Court haueing desired some to take a view of what they haue desired, and finding that it is not likely to bee prejudiciall to any, they graunt as fol- loweth, vizs: that the path which goeth from Namassakett to Assonet Riuer bee theire bounds on the southeast, and soe by a line from thence to Baiting Brooke, and from Baiting Brooke a north line till it meet with theire opposite line called the Longe Square, prouided that it come not within two miles of Tetacut; alsoe, it is graunted that the inhabi- tants of Taunton that haue interest in the iron workes there shall haue free libertie to cutt wood on those lands for the vse of theire iron workes, but not any foraigner excepting Richard Church, of Hingham." (4 Ply. Col. Rec. p. 45.) The original Taunton was apparently separated from Titacut by an intervening strip of land, about two miles wide : and this territory soon became an object of desire by the settlers; and in 1660, the General Court made this preliminary order in regard to it . viz : "Apcell of land, lying betwixt Tetacutt and Taunton, is to bee viewed by Constant Southworth and William Peabody, and if it shalnot bee found within the bounds of Taunton, nor to neare Tetacutt, that then William Brett, John Willis. Thomas Haward. Senior, and Arthur Harris haue a competency graunted and confeirmed vnto them, if it bee there to bee found: if not, they have libertie to looke out for further supply with what conveniency they can. " (Ply. Col. Rec. Vol. III. page 193. ) 282 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. This soon led to a grant by tlie Court, in 16(55 unto William Brett, Thomas Haward, Sen., Arthur Harris, Richard Williams, John Willis and John Carey, to each of them three-score acres of land hjiixj betwixt the Itinds of Tdunton and Titlcat; but in case these lands shall any of them fall within the last grant of Taunton, these lands being before granted to these men, notwithstanding, it shall not make the former grant void, but that the said lands shall be and remain, with all and singular the appurtenances belonging unto them, to the said William Brett, Thomas Haward, Sen., Arthur Harris, Richard Williams, John Carey, to them and their heirs and assigns forever." (Ply. Col. Rec. Vol. IV. p. 45. ) APPENDIX Q. [Page 45.] In the Ply. Col. Rec. Vol. IV. p. i8, (1662) we read as fol- lows: "Captaine Willett is appointed by the Court to purchase the lands of the Indians which is graunted vnto such that were servants, and others that are ancient freemen, which the thinkes meet to add to them to haue interest in the said graunt, the tenure whereof is extant in the of the Court. And still later at the same Court, p. 28, another vote was passed as follows : " Att this Court, Captaine Willett and some other whom hee shall thinke meet, are requested by the Court to view the bounds of Taunton, wherein they desire to bee enlarged; and if hee sees it convenient, and that it bee not prejudiciall to others, to confeirm it to them; and incase that Captaine Willett shall neglect soe to doe, the Court haue declared that they will take some course to answare theire desires att the next March Court. " These votes prepared the way for the purchase of much land of the Indians, including the North Purchase. June ;}, lfi(i2. In reference vnto a former graunt to sundry ancient freemen of the towne of Taunton, to looke out lands for their accomoda- tion, and in answare to the request of some others that are joyned with them in desiring accomodations of land, the Court haue granted vnto APPENDIX. 283 them tliat they shalbee accomodated on tlie lands on the northerly bonnds of Tannton, and that the major, Captaine .Sonthwortli, and Captaine Bradford are appointed by the Court to purchase the same of the Indians in the behalf(! of those hecrafter named, prouided that which shalbee purchased shall not bee prejudicial! to the Indians. The names were as follows : Captaine Thomas Southworth. Josepth Warren. Mr. Willam Parker. Leif t James Wyatc. Mr. Henery Andrews. John Morton. John Parker. Ephraim Morton. Gabriell Fallowell. Robert Finney. Gyles Rickard, Senior. Ensigne Marke Eames. Richard Wright. William Paybody. Anthony Snow. George Hall. Nathaniell Morton. John Deane. Mr. John Gilbert. Walter Deane. Captaine Poole. John Dunham, Jr. James Walker. John Rogers. Richard Williams. George Bonum. John Wood. Jonathan Briggs. Henery Wood. Dauid Briggs. Willam Harlow. John Bundey. It is ordered by the Court that the abousaid land shalbee purchased by the next June Court, and not to exceed such a proportion as is suit- able in quantity to soe much as such a number as those haue that had a graunt with the major in those two graunts or tracts before mentioned in thisbooke. (Ply. Col. Rec. Vol. IV. page 20.) 1602. Subsequently three others were added to the above list, viz. : Mr. John Done, John Smalley, & Jonathan Sparrow. Id. p. 27. The Rev. Dr. Blake in a very valuable paper read before the Old Colony Historical Society, in 1855. thus describes the acqui- sition of the North Purchase : "In 1661 [or 1662] Capt. Thomas Willett of Rehoboth, either at the suggestion of the Court or by his own sagacity, bought this whole irreg- ular tract of Wamsutta or Alexander, the son and successor of Massasoit as chief of the Pokenokets. This territory so ])urchased was by the Col- ony put into the hands of a Committee — Mr. Thcmias Prence, Major Jos- ias Winslow, Capt. Thomas Southworth, and Mr. Constant Southworth, - "to settle and dispose of said lands for the Colonies use. " A portion of this territory was granted by the Plymouth Court to the town of Reho- both and called the " Rehoboth North Purchase. " This tract included Attleboro, Cumberland, R. I., and parts of Norton and Mansfield. But 284 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. all the lej^ion between Attleboio and Biidftewater — some fifty square miles — and the balance of Willett's puiehase was still in possession of the Colony. It was bounded by the Massachusetts Patent on the north, by Bridgewatei' on the east, by Taunton on the south, and by Rehoboth North Purchase on the west. Taunton projected its northern corner half way through this trapezium. The idea that Taunton ought to l)OSsesss the region into which it had so far projected its northern horn> took shape in a company of its chief citizens to buy it of the colony. A bargain was soon made and a deed granted to fifty-two purchasers. It is dated 6th June, 1608, and this is a copy from the Ply. Col. Deeds, Book, 3, p. 118. PKENCE OOVR. *' Whereas the Generall Court of New Plymouth have Imi)Owered Mr. Thomas Prence, Major Josias Winslow, Capt. Thomas Southworth and Mr. Constant Southworth to take notice of some purchases of land lately made by Capt. Thomas Willett, and to settle and dispose the said lands for the Colonies use — Know therefore all whom it may anyway concern. That the above named Mr. Thomas Pience, Captaine Thomas South- worth, Mr. Constant Southworth and Major .losias Winslow by vertue of power by and from the said Court derived unto them, have and by these presents doe bargaine, sell, grant, allien, allott, confer, and make over unto Richard Williams, Walter Deane, George Macye, James Walker. Joseph Wilbore, William Harvey, Thomas Leonard, John Turner. Henry Andrews, John Cobb, Gorg Hall, John Hall, Samuel Hall, James Leon- ard Sen., Nathaniel Williams, Thomas Williams, Nicholas White Senr. Nicholas White jun., Hezekiah Hoare, AUice Deane, Israel Deane, Rob- ert Grossman, Shadrach Wilbore, Thomas Caswell, John Macomber, John Smith, Edward Rue, John Parker, Samuel Paule, Thomas Lin- koln Senr. Thomas Harvey the elder, Nathaniel Thayer, Thomas Linkoln Jun. Peter Pitts, John Austine Senr. John Richmond, Samuell Williams, Christopher Thrasher, Mistriss Jane Gilbert, George Watson, Samuell Smith, James Burt, Richard Burt, John Tisdall Jun., James Phillips, Edward Bubbitt, John Hatheway, Jonathan Briggs, Encrease Robinson, John Bryant, Thomas Harvey Jun., Proprietors of the Town of Taun- ton, and to their iieirs forever, a certain tract of land lying and being on the northerly syde of Taunton aforesaid, and is bounded as follows, viz: Beginning on the noithwest att the bounds of tiie lands formerly sold by us unto the Town of Rehoboth, and to be bounded on the northerly syde by the Massachusetts line until it comes to bear with the western bounds of the Town of Bridgewater and soe from the said Massachusetts line by •a south line home to the bounds of Taunton, and thence by a westerly line untill it meets with the bounds of Rehoboth abovesaid, and so to follow the said bounds of Rehoboth untill it comes unto the bounds first APPENDIX. 2S5 mentioned upon tlie Massacliusetts line; all tlie lands within this com- pass, excepting' onley a small parcel granted unto John Bundey, and alsoe a jjrant made unto Thomas Briffgs, tlie son of (Element Rritfgs, to- oether with tlie meddows, woods, waters, and other henefitts, privileges, emoluments, piottits and ennuities tliereto appertaining and belonging. To have and to hold to them and their heires forever; and doe alsoe hereby acknowledge tliat wee have in hand received the full sume of an hundred pounds in full payment and satisfaction from tlie above said Richard Williams, Walter Deane and George Mayce, and the rest of their parteuers above named, respecting tlie premises, and doe fully acquit, release, exonerate, free and discharge them and every of them, theii' heires, executors, and assigns, of and concerning the premises; for true performance whereof the above named Mr. Thomas Prence, Major Jos- ias Winslow, Captaine Thomas Southworth and Mr. Constant !South- worth have hereunto set our hands .and seals the sixt [or first] day of June Ann. Dom. one thousand six hundred sixty and eight. I(i68. Signed, sealed and )THOMAS PRENCE, and a [seal| delivered in the presence ) of THOMAS HINCKLEY, )JOSIAS WINSLOW and a [seal] ) NATHANIEL BACON. )THOMAS SOUTHWORTH and a [seal] ) )CONSTANT SOUTHWORTH and a [seal] Mr. (xeorge Shove his name is hereunto affix in the margeant as a propriator of the abovesaid lands by order of the Court upon testimony of the said Mr. Shove his title in the Premises, together with the ac- knowledgement of the same l>y the generality of the propriators con- cerned, and notice given to the propriators if they had anything to object against the said Mr. Shove, his interest, or the inserting of his name in the deed, they should jiresent to the Court, as by several orders sent them may appear, and none did appear to present any such objection. The 8th of March, 1681: (82.) (Ply. Deeds, Vol. III. page lis.) The letter of Mr. Shove whicli led to the addition of his name a.s a grantee in the above deed was as follows: "To the Right Worshipful Governor and Deputy-Governor, with the Worshipful Assistants, assembled at Plymouth, June 1, 1080. RIGHT HONORABLE AND WORSHIPFUL,— It were great ingrat- itude to God. who continueth our peace and maketh us so happy in our rulers in this wilderness, unnecessarily to augment their burden and trouble, 'i'his consideration, with many more upon the heart of your 286 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. petitioner, hath made him slow to complain, as willing i-ather to suffer than contend for his right; being assured that God knows how to requite good for the wrong we suffer from men. But now (at lea.st to his own apprehension) he is concluded under a necessity to make your authority his refuge. Be pleased, therefoi-e, to take cognizance of his gi-ievance, presented to your view as followeth : — Some of the proprietoi's of the township of Taunton, in this Colony, purchasing a certain parcel of land, lying between Taunton's north line and the south line of Massachusetts Colony for themselves and their associates, your petitioner (who is also a proprietor in the said Taun- ton) essayed to join with them in their purchase of the said lands; upon which at the motion of some of themselves, it was agreed in a conven- tion of the said proprietors that his proportion of charge in the said purchase should be defrayed amongst them : which he, being informed of (though more than he ever sought) accepted as their kindness, and upon that account, disbursed not at the times of payment as othei-s did; and a considerable time passing between the time of the purchase and the making of the deed they now hold the said lands by, — (viz) two years or thereabouts, — he never had the least intimation that his interest in the said lands was questioned. Nevertheless, when this deed was obtained, in which the names of all the proprietors concerned ought to to have been expressed, his name, and his only, was omitted; whereby that which he interpreted as a kindness he perceived to be managed to the contrary, and was in danger to prove a considerable damage. And after long patience exercised, and divers overtures made by him (som® whereof being in writing are extant) to the said proprietors, in which he claimed his interest in the said lands (which yet lie in community not divided) the most of the said proprietors, being sensible how injurious it would be to exclude him in such a manner, were so ingenuous as to offer him a small script, with their several names subscribed thereto, wherein they acknowledge your petitioner's right, and that his name ought to have been put into the deed, &c., as may appear upon view of the said script. But some persons concerned appear against it and deny his interest; making non-payment (though not by his default) their advantage to deprive him of his just right. In tliis your petitioner l)rieHy (yet he trusts you will find faithfully) lias presented his case before you; to whose sentence and judgment he freely subjects it, requesting your favorable construction of this his ad- dress, who most unwillingly and of constraint occasions you such trouble, is bound incessantly to pray for you, and subscribeth him- self, worthy i)atriots, Your servant in everything in the Lord, CKOIIGE STTOVE. (Mass. Ilist, Soc'. Coll. 4th Scries, Vol. ^^ j). .JO.) APPENDIX. 287 The petition of Mr. Shove led to the following action by the Court; for at a General Court held at Plymouth, Oct. 28, 1618, it was ordered as follows : "WHEREAS it did appeer to the Court liolden att Plymouth in July, 1801, that Mr. George Shoue, of Taunton, had an interest in a tract of land att Taunton, the North Purchase; and al tho, by what ouer sight so euer, his name was left out of the deed of the said land, the generality of the said propriators doe owne the said Mr. Shoue to haue an interest with themselues, and did petition to the Court that his name might be inserted in the said deed, and diuers testimonies did ap- peer wherby it was euident to the Court that Mr. Shoue ought to haue his name entered in the said deed, and therefore directed an order to the clarke of the said propriators to call them tegether, and giue them notice, that if they had any thinge to object against Mr. Shoue why his name should not be entered in the said deed, that they appeer att this psent Court to render theire reasons if they hade any, otherwise the Court would see cause to enter or affix his name to the same deed, which the said clarke attests hee hath don; and wheras notwithstanding none doe appeer to oppose or object why Mr. Shoue should not haue his name entered, and the deed not being att Court, the Court doth heerby order the clarke of the said propriators to giue notice to the said propriators that hee is ordered by the Court to produce the deed of the said tract of land the next Court, which wilbe in March, 1682, that then the Secretary may enter Mr. Shoues name, or affix it to the said deed, vnlesse any of the said propriators then shew reason to the contrary. (Ply. Col. Rec. Vol. VI. Page 73.) 1681. In March, 1682, therefore the entry of Mr. Shove's interest was made on the deed, as appears in the endorsement thereon before stated. Mr. Blake's article then proceeds to say: "As signs of settlement in the purchased territory appeared, the Punkoapags of Massachusetts raised a claim of ownership through Charles Josias, a son of Wamputuck and grandson of Chickatabut, who lived at Neponset, now Stoughton. It shows the honest purpose of the proprietors that they voted Feb. 24, U58(j, " To levy and to rais sixteen pence in money en each share in said purchase to pay Josiah, the Indian Sachem for a deed they have procured of him, and it is to be paid in to Thomas Leonard by the l(i day of March next." This assessment amounted to :; pounds, lils, (id." 288 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. This additional deed from .losiah, in 1(586 seems to have originated in this way — There being dispute between Taunton on tlie one side, and Bridgewater and Middleborough on the other as to the true eastern line of Taunton, the agents of those towns had agreed upon a line between them which the Indians claimed included a strip of land not within the original purchase of Taunton, and which was a part of the Titicut lands still belonging to them, therefore the sum abtive mentioned was raised to extinguish the right to (his strqy, and they gave a quitclaim deed of which the following is a copy: "To all Christian People to whom these presents shall come, Josiah, otherwise called Charles, an Indian Sachem living at Mattakesett in ye Collony of New Plymouth A son of Josiah, deceased who was an Indian Sachem, and Peter it David Hunter (both Indians of Titticnt, an Indian Plantation in New Plimouth Collony) send greeting, &c. Know yee, that whereas it doth appeare to ye said Josiah & Peter & David, both by Indian & English testimonyes that Mrs. Elizabeth Poole formerly of Taunton in ye Government of New Plimouth aforesaid did, for and in behalf of the said Town of Taunton purchase ye lands of Titti- cutt in ye year one thousand six hundred thirty A: seven, and that ye right owners of the said lands did then make sale thereof to ye said Mrs. Elizabeth Poole as abovesaid cV: received pay of her for itt, and those In- dians or Indian Sachems that formerly were ye right owners of those lands at said Titticutt being those that were ye Predecessors of ye said Josiah, alias Charles iXr Peter & David, Know yee therefore, that ye said Josiah, alias Charles & ye said Peter and ye said David, doe, by these presents so farr owne, acknowl- edge, rattifye «& contirme ye abovesaid sale of those lands for ye Towne of Taunton aforesaid, that they so by these presents on ye aforesaid con- siderations give, grant, make over, sell, contirme and deliver unto Thomas Leonard, John Richmond, William Witherell & John Hathaway (all of Taunton abovesaid iV agents for ye said Towne) for ye only use, benetitt, ])i'otltt i& behoof e of ye ])roprietated inhabitants of said Taunton & such proprietors as are not inhabitants and to their heires & assignes forever, so much of i/f lands of all sortes, fi>rmprly called Titticutt lands, as are & do lye within the Township of said Taunton by vertue of Aureenicnts made between ye ai/ents of said Taunton f these presents reserve and except that land called f 'harles his feild on ye westward side of Tittiontt River, that is that which Charles «t Obediah have now within fence, they allso excpt. and reserved any land in ye within Taunton Bounds on ye Enstward of Trout brooke where it conies into ye <;reat River. Witness .loseph f'rosman, Benjamin Leonard. .lolm Tobb. junior, j liis niarke. Jabez Ilackitt, H ''i'* niarke on ye twentyeth day of .Iidy KiStJ ye witliin written witnesses, viz: Joseph C'rosnian, Benjamin Leonard. John Cobb, Junr.. and Jabez Hackitt, tooke oath thattliey saw ye witliin written Josiah & Peter & David si<>iie. scale & deliver tliis within instru- ment as their .\ct & deed before nie. THOMAS LEONARD, As.sociate. Recorded i)rimo December. KISC. pi-. STEPITEX BrHTOX, Recorder. This Josiah, the first signer of the above deed, was a great grandson of Chickatabut, and probably owned no more lands in this vicinity, and no more right in the original Taunton purchase than his ancestor had. But there is good reason to believe that the domain of (."hickatabut did not include any of the Tavuiton lands, and extended only from •' Nishamagoguanett, near Duxbury mill, to Teghacut, f/ear Taunton." See the afifinnation of five In- dians, made the ''ist of 4th month, 1650," and recorded in 2 Ply. Col. Rec. p. 157, from which the above language is quoted. The regard of our ancestors for the Indian title to lands which they desired to obtain from the General Court, however vague and indefinite that title may have been, is well illustrated by a letter of Gov. Winslow, dated May i, 1676, in which he writes: " I think 1 can clearly say that before these present troubles broke out, the English did not possess one foot of jiround in this Cohmy but what was fairly ol>tained by honest purchases of the Indian proprietors. We first made a law that none should buy or receive by t;ift any land of the Indians without knowledge of the Court." (See Thacher's History of Plymouth p. U)S: also Ply. Col. Rec. Vol. XL p. 41. 129. IS:',. IS.').) In 1689, Major William P.radford set up a claim or interest in all the territory about here, and on July 9th, 1689 made a deed to the purchasers of the North Purchase; the original of which now hangs on the walls of the Old Colony Historical Society, in Taun- ton, a copy of which with the original spelling is as follows: APPENDIX. 291 'I'o all nnto whom those juvsints shall coine. Oreetiiif;': whereas the lloiiouiable the Council Estahlished at I'lyinouth in the f'otinty of Devon for the Plantin<>. Kuleinu. ()r(lerin<; and (ionernin<; of New Kn.nland, in America. By vei'tue and Authority of letters Patents, under the (Jreat Scale of England, from our Late Soveraione Lord Kiny James the lirst. l)earin<; Date at Westminster in the eighteenth year of his said Majesties Keioiie of Enoland & I. for and in consideration that william Bradfoid Escj. and his Asotiats had at their owne proper cost and charges I'lanted and Ldiahited a towne called by the name of New PlinKuith in New Eng- land aforesaid. And for their better encouragmet. to proceed in soe pious a woik (illegible) tending to the proi)Ogation of Ifeligion and the great incouragment of Trade to his >fajesties Kealmes and advanc- ment to the Publick, Plantaticm, the said Council by their Patent or grant, under their common Seale Signed, by the Bight ironourable Bobert Earle of Warwick, President of said Council, bearing Date, the thirteenth day of January in the fifth year of the Beigne of our Late Souvereigne Lord King Charles the first, Annoq Dom ]()2n did give grant infeoffe assigne and contirme unto the said william Bradford his heirs Asotiates and as- signes for ever, all that part of New England in America aforesaid, and Tract, or tracts of Land that lye within or betwene a certaine ri volet or Bundlett there eomonly caled Chasset alias Conihasset towards the North, and the River commonly called Narraganset Biver towards the South, and the great westerne Ocean towards the East, and between and within a straight line Directly extending up into the maine Land towards the west from the mouth of the said Biver, called Narraganset Biver. to the utmost limits or Bounds of a country or place in New England commonly called Pokanocket alias Sowamset westward, and another like straight line extending itselfe. directly from the mouth of the said PJiver, Cohasset alias Conihasset towards the west. So far up into the mairie Land west- ward as the utmost limits of the said place or Country eomonly called Pokanocut alias Sawomset Do extend &ac And all lands, Bivers, waters Havens &c Sittuate lying and being, or arising within or betwene the said limits and bounds or any of them. And thereof was jiut into jjeace- able and quiet Possession as in and (by) the said grant and Indorsment thereon Beferente thereto being had will more fnlly and at large appeare: and whereas the said william Bradford with the advice of his asotiats, in the yeare of our Lord God one thousand six hundred and fourety did grant unto, M'ss Elizabeth Poole and mi' Nicholas Street and to such others as they should Assotiat to themselves, a tract of Land for a Plan- tation or Township, formerly called by natives Cohannet upwards of fouerty yeares seme settled and Planted. Now called and knowne by the name of Taunton, Lying in the County of Bristol in New England afore- said [And whereas alsoe the proprietors of said Town of Taunton have seme obtained divers inlargments and additions from tlie (;inirall Coiirr 292 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. at Plimouth [:the members whereof where the Assotiats of my said Hon- oured father] and from their nei.yhboiiring Townes, by agreements with them, with the alowance of said Assotiats, as appears by records, Al which being percalls of the lands contained within the Limits and Bound- erys exspresed in the afore resighted Patent or grant from the Councell Established at Plimouth in the County of Devon, [for tlie Plantin Ruel- ing ordering and Gouering of New England in America] and to the said William Bradford his heirs asotiats and asignes] together with power duly to dispose of said lands for the ends aforesaid to such as should be admitted inhabitants and proprietors with them in said Towne of Taun- ton, and such other priviledges and imunities tis are usialy granted to the inhabitants and proprietors of other Townes, within this his Majes- ties most anciant Collony of New Plimouth in New England aforesaid, for the more perpctluer making and better confirmation whereof. Now know yee that I william Bradford of New Plimouth in the (bounty of Pli- mouth in the Colony of New Plimouth in New England aforesaid, Son and heire of the above named william Bradford Esqr : Deceased, as well in performance of the true intente and meaning of the said william Brad- ford my father in and by the said grant, and for the ends above men- tioned, and for Divers other good causes and considerations, we at this time especially moveing, have granted, remised, realeased. and for ever quitt claimed, and by these presints for me and my heirs, doe grant, re- mise, release and for ever quitt claim unto: nv John Poole, m'" Samuell Danforth, Richard williams, waiter Deane, Garge Macey, Hezekiah Hoar, william Harvey, Henry Andrews, John Deane, Giles Gilbert, James Walker Senior, Shadrach wilbore, Phillij) King & Joseph wilbore, John Cob, John Hall Petter Pitts, Samuell williams, Nathaniell will- iams, Joseph williams, Samuell Hall the son of Samuell Hall Deceased, Joseph Hall, Edward Rews Exexitrixe, Isack Negus, Increase Robinson, Thomas Farwell, Thomas Caswell Senior, James Leonard Junior, John Smith Senior, James Philips, John Richmond, william Paul], Jonah Austin, william withrell Senior, william withrell Jun: John withrell, Robert Crosman Jun: John Briant, Richard Stephens, Mary Street, Jo.seph willis, Eliazer Gilbert, Thomas Gilbert, Malachi Holloway, John Smith Jun: Samuell Smith, James Burt, the Asignes of Richard Burt Deceased, James Tisdill, John Tisdill, Joseph Tisdill, James Walker Jun; Petter walker, Thomas Harvey Jun: John Crosman, Samuell Thrasher, John Hathway, Isack Deane, Joseph Leonard, John wood- ward, John Macomber Jun: Joseph Staple, Samuell Deane, Samuell Stasie, John Hodges, the sons of Aron Knap Deceased, Ileniry Hodges, Richard Godfree Sen: Thomas Lincon Sen: John Lincon, Samuell Lin- con, George Watsons Asignes, Robert Crosman Sen: Robert Thornton, James Letmard Sen: John Turner, Thomas Leonard, Edward Bobit, Elckanah Bobit. Samuell Holloway, Jonathan Brigs, Nicholas White APPENDIX. 293 Sen: mi' George Shoves Asifjncs, Gcoif^o Goodinft- & John Edy |who are such proprietois wlio in said Taunton arc called and owned purchasers of the old Township, some havcinff two or three purchase rij^hts, some one purchase riftht, and some but halfe a purcliase right, and some less: [and tmto] Richard williams, waiter Deane, George Macey, James Walk- er, Joseph wilbore, william Harvey, Thomas Leonard, John Turner, Heniry Andrews, John Cob, George Hall, John Hall, Samuell Hall, James Leonard Sen: Nathauiell williams, Thomas williams, Nicholas whit Sen, Nicholas whit Jun: Hezakiah Hoar, Allice Deane, Israel Deane, Robert Crosman, Shadrach wilbore, Thomas Caswell, John Ma- comber, John Smith, Edward Rew, John Paiker, Samuell Paul, Thomas Lincon Sen: Thomas Harvey the elder, Nathaniell Thayer, Thomas Lin- con Jun: Fetter Pitts, Jonah Austin Sen: John Richmond, Samuell wil- liams, Christopher Thrasher, m's Jane Gilbert, George watson, Samuell Smith, James Burt, Richard Burt, John TisdilSen: John TisdilJun: James Philips, Edward Bobit, John Hathway, Jonathan Brigs, Increase Robinson, John Briant, Thomas Harvey Jun & m'' (George Shove |Some of the above said properietors in the said Towne of Tanton and all pio- perietors in the tract of land, called the North purchase, which shall hereafter be cxspresed in this Instrument, and as appears by Deed from the Colonys Agents, the Associats of my said Hounoured Father, Dated June the six one thousand six hundred sixty eight, upon record, and unto) James walker, John Richmond, william Brenton Esq^:, List: (ieorge M:vcey, Richard williams. waiter Deane, william Harvey, m"" (korge Shove, Heniry Andrews, Giles Gilbert, Hezekiah Hoar, John Hall, John Macomber Sen: James Philips, John Hathway, John Deane. Joseph wilbore, Aron Knap, Petter Pitts, Thomas Gilbert, Richard Burt, John Tisdil Sen: Cristipher Thrasher, John Poole, Edward Bobit, Ed- ward Rew, Thomas Caswell, william withrell, Heniry Andrews Jun: Samuell Pitts, Samuell williams, Nicholas whit Sen: Samuell Hall, James Leonard Senior Thomas Leonard, Nathaniel williams, Robert Thornton. Thomas Deane, Joseph williams, John Tisdill Jun: James Tisdill, Israel Deane, Jonathan Brigs, Thomas Lincon Sen: Thomas Lincon Jun: John Turner, Frances Smith, James Burt, Jonah Austin Sen; George waLson, Richard Stasie, John Hodges. Sh.idrach wilbore, John Smith Sen: Tiiomas Harvey Sen: Samuell Smith, Robert Crosman Sen: william Paul, Samuell Ilolloway, Malachi Holloway, Ester Golup, Joseph Hall, Mary Stiect, Nathaniel Thayer, Increase Robinson, Thomas Harvey Jun: Isack Deane, Ezra Deane, James walker Jun: Petter walker, Israeli Thrasher, Samuell Macey, Nicholas whit Jun; Jarit Talbut, James Leon- ard Jun, John Lincon, Richard Stephens, Thomas williams, william withrell, Jun: Richaid Brigs, John Smith Jun, Thomas Amsbery, John Macomber Jun & Joseph willis [who are properietors of the Tract of land, called the South Purchas. mentioned alsoe in this Instrument, as 294 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. iippcars by Deeds and Court records [and unto] tlie Asignes of niiGeorj^e Shove, James walker Sen: James Tisdill, waiter Dcane, william Harvey. Richard williams, and william Paul [who are the properietors of Asonet neck, mentioned alsoe in this Instrument as appers by their Deeds Re- spectinly which they received of m'" Constant Southworth, the Collonies Tresurer which deeds are recorded in the Court records] And to their heirs and asi^nes forever in the behalfe, and to the use of themselves and others the allowed inhabitants and properietors of said Towne of Taunton, in their and every of their, full and peaceable possession, and Scisen, now being acording to their and every of their comon and geni- rall and Respective Interest and to their and every of their heirs and asio'ues for ever, in all such estate right title interest possession and de- mand what soever, which I the said william Bradford, had now have or ought to have of in or to all, or singular the messuages lands Teniments growndes: soiles, matters, rivers. Havens, creeks, ports, fishings, herid- itaments, Royaltyes, minerals, projects priviledges and Comodities what- soever. Scituate Lying and being, arising, hapning or acrueing, or which shall arise, happen, or acrne, in or within the limits and boundes of said Township of Taunton, and alsoe within that Tract of land, comonly calleil and knowne in said Taunton by the name of the north Purchas. both said, Towneship, and said north Purchas as they, have both been, anciantly stated and set forth, and are discribed. and bcuuided as follow- eth (the Township Takin in all Asonet neck which belongs to some particular men as it above exspresed, Takin in alsoe all the meadow lands, there upon and about it, and on the other side of Asonit b;tye, and from the northerly end of said neck, to run fouer miles East and by South by Free Towne Lyine, to a forked tree standing close by Asonit River, with stones laying about it, and from said tree, to run north and by East to a black oake marked with the letter M: on the Southerly side and tlie letter T on the norther side, by the path side, leadin from Asonit to Middlcberey, and from said oake, to run by the path to Baiting Brook soe called, to a great marked white oake, by the brooke and from said wliite oake to run Northerly on a line, Betwene Taunton and MiddJc- bery, and soe running along by some Indians lands at Titicut, and soe to Taunton Great River at Titicut and over said River upon a line agreed on, betwene Taunton and Brcdgwater Agents, To a heap of stones on Rockie plaine |soe called | on tlie north westward side of the Rhode that leads from Taunton to Brcdgwater, and from said hea]) of stones, upon ;i, line, to the Southerly end of Nuncketetest pond to a great white onke tree, and from thence North wcest to a great stake with a heap of stones about it, and from said stake on a north line, until it mcete with an East and by South Line, which runs Betwene said Towneship of Taun- ton, and the above said North Purchas, [and from the Southermost point of Asonit neck, to run over Taunton Great River west and by North, to APPENDIX. 295 Uic nioiitli of a Cove called liroad Cove, anrl soe Runiiinj; alonj; by tlie Lower side of said Cove, as to take in all tlie meaddowes, unto a lieape of stones near the head of said Cove, and from thence to nm weest and by N'oith fouer miles, and from the end of said fouer miles to run thence north and by East, untill it extends as fare as to tlie end, of the fouer miles, that did run from the Two marked trees, near the three mile Uiver, which was the first line of the Township first j^rant [so takinfj in the tract of Land called, the South Purchas which three mile River, and then the three mile River, is the boundes, betwene the old Township, and the South Purchace, until it come to the Great River, which is the bounds alsoe, of said South Purchase downe to Broad Cove as above said, as ai)peaies by Deeds, and Court Records as above said| and from the Exstent of the last mentioned fouer miles, the old towne line, to Run cijiht miles; North and by weest, and from the end of the said eijjht miles to run upon an East and by South line, untill it meet with the afore said bounds, between Taunton and Bred<; water, and the aforesaid north Purchfise, And the bounds of the said North Purcha.se are as Fol- lowcth. Beoinin^' on the North and by weest, at the bounds of the Lands belonging to the Towne of Rehoboth, and to be bounded on the North- erly side by the Masachaset Line untill it come to beare with the westerne bounds of the Towne of Bredgwater, and soe from the Masa- chuset line, to the boundes of Taunton Towne Ship, and thence by a weesterly line, untill it meet with the the bounds of Rehoboth above said, and soe to follow the said bounds of Rehoboth, untill it cometh to the bounds, first mentioned upon the Masachuset line, the proprietie of of which said North Purchase belongeth only to some of the men, whose names are above named, as appeares by Deed as above said, Soe that is to say. that I the said william Bradford nor my heirs from hence forth shall or may have or Clainie any right title estate interest or demand of in or to the .said Premises, or any part of them, but thereof shall for ever here after be barred and exscinded by these presents, know yee further alsoe, that I the said william Bradford for the ends and Consid- erations aforesaid have approved, and by these presents, doe for me and my heirs, soe much as in me lieth Ratifie and confirme, unto the said, mr John Poole, mr Samuell Danforth, Richard williams. James walker Senor, william Paull. and John Tisdill, and to all the rest above named, and to other the allowed Inhabitants of said Towne of Taunton, and to the proprietors of the North Purchase aforesaid to their, and every of their full and peaceable possession and Seisen, and according to their and every of their respective Intrest in each tract of land, and to their and every of their heirs and Asignes for ever, all and Singular, the afore said lands, and other the premises, and their and every of their, appcr- tinances within the said boundes and limits, according to their, and every and each of their, eomon or perticular. severall and i{espective in- 296 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. trest ill the said Premises, or any part or percall thereof, To Have and TO Hold to the said mr John Toole, mr Samuell Danforth. Richard Wil- liams. James walker Sen: william Paull and James Tisdil, and to all the rest above named, according to their, and every of their respective in - trest in each Tract of land as above specified, and their and each, and every of their heirs and asignes forever, in the behalfe, and to the use of themselves and others the allowed Inhabitants, and proprietors of said Towneship of Taunton, and the proprietors, of said North Purchase, and to their, and to each and every and each of their, heirs and asignes for ever, in manner and forme following, that is to say: to hold in comon all such lands, within the bounds and limits aforesaid respectively, to the proprietors of each tract of Land Respectively, as yet doth lye in Comon, and undivided or wast lands, or for herbage, feed for catill fire wood and Timber or such like comon use, together with such Comon priviledges and Comodities belonging thereunto, and every part thereof shall and may from time to time, and at all times be ordered given grant- ed disposed and assigned as the Major Part of the proprietors of each tract of land in comunitie Respectively shall soe meet and conveniant, as formerly have bene accustomed, and to hold in Severally, and not jointly, to each one and. evei-y of them, all and every such messuages, Teniments and lands, as each or any of them are severaly and perticu- larly possessed of by vertue of any grant from the said william Bradford my Father or his Associats, or from the Comitee Impowered to dispose of said lands, or from the proprietors of said Towne, or obtained by gift or purchase from any to whom any such grant, hath beene heretofore made, and to each and every their heirs and asignes for ever, and to the only proper use and behoofe of them, and each and every of their heirs and asignes, Respectively forever. To be holden by his Majesties as of his maiinor of East Greenwich in the County of Lent in the Realmc of England in the free and comon Socakage and not in Capite nor Knight, servaire, yeilding and paying to our Soveieigne Lord the King his heirs and asignes for ever, on fifth part of the Oare of the mines of Gold and silver, and one other fifth part thereof to the said President and Council, which shall be had, possessed and obtained, within the Limits aforesaid, for all services and demands whatsoever, as is exsprcssed, in said Leteis Patents, or grants of the said Council Iln & I the said william Bradford, and my heires all and Singular the said Premises with the appertinances, unto the afore said, mr John Poole mr Samuell Danforth Richard Wil- liams, James walker Sen: william Paull and James Tisdil, and to all the rest above named, as is above mentioned, their and every of their heires and asignes Respectively, against me the said william Bradford and my heirs, will forever hereafter, warrand and defend, by these Presents. In witness whereof I have here unto set my hand and Seal this ninth day of June Anno Domini one thousand six hundred Eighty and nine APPENDIX. 297 and in the iiist year of Reign of King William and (Jueen Mary over England cVrc. Memorandum the word (by) over the tenth line and the word (this) over the twentyeth line and Philip King in the margent against the twenty second line and the word (Town) over the sixty third line were Interlined before the sealing and delivering hereof William Bradford. |seal| Signed Sealed and Delivered In the presence of John Pollard Richard Haskins Phillip Mason. The within and above mentioned William Bradford appears this l*ith of August ItiSO and acknowledges this Instrument to be his act & deed, before me Tho'^ Hinckley Gov. APPENDIX R. [Paffe 46.1 The history of the Sotith Purchase was in this wise : By an old Colonial law no person was allowed to buy land of the Indians except by leave of the General Court, and on July 2d, 1667, the Court gave permission to Richard Williams and others to buy land on the west side of the River in these words: ■'The Court haue granted vnto some ancient freemen liueing in Taunton, viz: Richard Williams. Walter Dean, George Hall, AUis Dean, the wife of John Dean deceased, Mr. John Poole, Peter Pitts. James Walker and Henery Andrewes, that they shallhaue some sup- plyes of land upon the west side of Taunton Riuer, if not already granted to any other; or some other place if it may be obtained." (4 Ply. Col. Rec. p. 160.) Within two years the town took action in the matter and passed the following vote : 298 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELERRATION. •'Tliis (itli of May. Kiliii. The town liatli voted and ^•ho^sen Lieut, (reoige Masy, Henry Andrews and Joseph Wilbore to go down to Pliilip Saeheni and eontir with him about l)uying of ye hind from the Tlirce Mile Kiver down as far as Storehouse Point, as far as the meadows, and lo buy it of ye Sachem as far as they can into ye woods from ye Great IJiver, and wliat bargain the above said men sliall make with him the town dotli engage to perform, and the above said men are to go down about tlie aforesaid design the next week."" In the winter of 167 1 the town passed this vote : ••Tliis ISth day of December. KiTl. It is voted and agreed ui>(>n by ye town tliat the selectmen now in being are empowered to use the best of their discretion for ye i)rocuring of yc land down ye river from ye Three Mile lUver to Store House Point, that it may be contirmed to our township by the Court."" (Tlie selectmen then "in being"' were (ieorgc Macy, liichard Wil- liams. Walter Dean, James Walker and William Harvey.) In the following March, the (General Court declared "That James Walker and .loliii Kiclniioiid arc authoi-izcd by Mic Court to i)urchase the land of the Indians in the behalfe of the towiie of Taunton, lying on the west sy Richard Williams, Walter Dean, James Walker, William Harvey and John Richmond, do by these presents declare to be our associates and to be equally interested in the abovesaid four miles of land, the now living free inhabitants of the town of Taunton whose names are underwritten, always provided that all these associates shall truly and faithfully pay or cause to be paid their full proportions to the purchase and all other necessary charges expended in or about the abovesaid land as they shall be appointed both to the sum and the species, and time and place of paj'- ment, but if any of those associates shall refuse or fail to pay their full proportion to all payments as abovesaid, they shall lose their right and interest to the abovesaid land tV: it shall be lawfully forfeited to the re- mainder of the associates, odly. That these associates shall not make any alteration of their parts or interest in the abovesaid land to any for- eigner, except first approved by the town of Taunton. APPENDIX. 305 The names of ye Associates. George Shove. Giles Gilbert. John Macomber sr. John Dean. Peter Pitts. John Tisdale sen'r Mr. John Pool. Edward Rew. Henry Andrews Jr. Nicholas White sen'r. Thomas Leonard. Thomas Dean. James Tisdale. Thomas Linkon sen'r. Francis Smith. George Watson. Shadrach Wilbore. Samuel Smith, Samuel Holloway. Joseph Hall. Increase Robinson. Ezra Dean. Peter Walker. Nicholas White Jr. James Leonard Jr. Richard Stephens. Jonah Astin, Jr. John Smith Jun'r. Aaron Knap Jr. George Macy. Hezekiah Hoar. James Phillips. Joseph Wilbore. Thomas Gilbert. Christopher Thrasher. John Cob. Thomas Caswell. Samuel Pitts. Samuel Hall. Nathaniel Williams. Joseph Williams. Israel Dean. Thomas Linkon Jr. James Burt. Richard Stacy. John Smith sen'r. Robert Grossman sen'r. Malachi Holloway. Mary Street. Thomas Harvey Jr. William Hailstone. Israel Thrasher. James Bell. John Linkon. Thomas Williams. Richard Briggs. John Macomber Ji John Eddy. Henry Andrews. John Hall. John Hathaway. Aaron Knap. Richard Burt, John Briant. Edward Bobit. William Wetherell. Samuel Williams. James Leonard sen'r. Robert Thornton. John Tisdale Jr. Jonathan Briggs. John Turner. Jonah Austin sen'i". John Hodgos. Thomas Harvey sen'r. William Paull. Ester Gollop. Nathaniel Thayer. Isaac Dean. James Walker Jr. Samuel Macy. Jared Talbut. Stephen Caswell. William Wetherell. Edward Cobb, ye son of John Macomber. Thomas Armsbee. Joseph Willis. "These persons named we acknowledge to be our associates upon the condition above written. November 20: 1672. " " Walter Dean. AVilliam Harvey. Richard Williams. James Walker. John Richmond. " Here are eighty-seven persons named as probable owners in the South Purchase, but apparently they did not all comply with the conditions mentioned in the deed; for in 1683-4 another declaratory deed was made to only seventy-seven of the above list, as follows, viz : 306 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. The Committee's declaration of, or deed, to their Associates. "This present writing declareth to all to wliome it may come or concerne, That whereas, ye Honoured Court of Plymouth, in New Eng- land, granted to James Walker, Sen'r, and John Richmond, of Taunton, in ye Colonic of Plymouth aforesaid, an order to purchase a tract of land of the Indians for the free Inhabitants of ye Township of Taunton aforesaid, as by ye records of ye said Court as may more fully appear, ye above sd tract of land is lying and being on ye west side of Taunton Great River, so-called, and for ye better managing of ye sd purchase, the free Inhabitants of Taunton aforesaid did add to ye aforesd James Walker and John Richmond, William Brenton, Esquire, Lieft. George Macey, Richard Williams, Walter Deane, and William Harvey, all of them Inhabitants of Taunton aforesaid, as a Committee to act for and in behalf of ye free inhabitants of Taunton aforesaid, that whatsoever this above named Committee, or the major part of them shall doe in or i-especting ye premises aforesaid should stand firm and good, as by ye records of ye Town may at large appear, the above named Committee obtaining deeds for ye afovcsd tract of land, under ye hand and seals of ye right proprietors thereof to be to ye abovsd Committee and their Associates, and to their heirs, executors, and assigns, the sd Committee declaring under their hands who might be their full Associates in all respects whatsoever in ye said tracts of Innd named in ye said deeds from Philip Sachem, alias Metacombe, and Mr. Constant Southworth, treasurer for ye Colony aforesd, dated ye 28th day of September, 1G72, and its other deed ye first day of October, in year 1672, upon conditions inserted in ye records of said Towne, bearing date ye 6th December, 1672, as by ye records of ye said Towne may apper: Now, we, ye aforesd Com- mittee do by these presents declare that these men whose names are un- derwritten, and none but these, are fully associated and as fully com- pletely and firmly interested and entitled in ye above sd Tract of land, specified in ye above named deeds, as this above named Committee whose names are inserted in ye sd deeds, and as equally interested as it is already laid out by lott, and in that part of ye abovesd lands which shall or may be hereafter or may be hereafter divided by lott, firm and free to them and their heirs, executors administrators and assigns forever, acknowledging these and none but these, performed all condi- tions specified in ye said declaration bearing date December ye 6th, 1672 as abovesd; in confirmation hereof we, the major part of the abovesd (Jommittee, have set to our hands under ye names of ye Associates this 18th of March, 1683-4" Mr. George Shove. Israel Deane. Henry Andrews. Jonathan Briggs. Mr. Giles Gilbert. John Turner. APPENDIX. 307 Hezekiah Hoar. John Hall. John Macomber, Sr. James Phillips. John Hathaway. John Dean. Joseph Wilbore. Aron Knapp. Peter Pitts. Thomas Gilbert. Richard Burt. John Tisdale, Sr. Christopher Thrasher. John Poole. Edward Bobbitt. Edward Rew. Thomas Caswell. William Witherell. Henry Andrews, Jr. Samuel Pitts. Nicholas White, Sr. Samuel Hall. James Leonard, Sr. Thomas Lincoln, Sr. Thomas Lincoln, Jr. Francis Smith. James Burt. Jonah Austin, Sr. George Watson. Thomas Leonard. Nathaniel Williams. Robert Thornton. Thomas Deane. Joseph Williams. John Tisdale, Jr. James Tisdale. Richard Stacej'. John Hodges. Shadrach Wilbore. John Smith, Sr Thomas Hai'vey, Sr. Samuel Smith. Robert Grossman, Sr. William Paul. Samuel Holloway. Malachi Holloway. Ester Gallop. Joseph Hall. James Leonard, Jr. John Lincoln. Richard Stephens. Joseph Willis. Mary Street. Nathaniel Thayer. Increase Robinson. Tliomas Harvey, Jr. Lsaac Deane. Ezra Deane. Thomas Williams. William Witherell Jr. Richard Briggs. Samuel Williams. James Walker, Jr. Peter Walker. Israel Thrasher. Samuel Macey. Nicholas White, Jr. Jared Talbot. John Smith, Jr. John Macomber, Jr. Thomas Amesbery. The names of the Committee are these^ — GEORGE MACEY, [seal] JAMES WALKER, [seal] WALTER DEANE, [seal] JOHN RICHMOND, [seal] This 80th of December, 16S4, ye Associates above named hath by vote chosen John Richmond and John Hathaw ay Sr. to see this writing 308 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. signed, sealed, and delivered before a magistrate, and also to see it re- corded in ye Court Roles at Plymouth. George Macey, James Walker, Walter Deane, and John Richmond, being ye major part of ye Committee above mentioned, appeared ye 20 March, 1684, and acknowledged this instrument to be their act and deed, before JOHN W ALLEY, Assist. (Ply. Col. Rec. of Deeds, Vol. V. p. 302. Dighton Prop. Records, Vol. L p. lo. Thus far the Taunton Purchases had all been made originally of the Indians, with or without a confirmatory deed from the Gov- ernment. But Assonet Neck, a peninsular between the Great River and its Assonet Branch, about two miles long and less than one broad, the natives had always refused to sell, if indeed the white people were allowed to buy. It was seized by the Colony to pay the expenses of the Indian Wars, and in 1675 the lands "att Assonett Necke 200 pounds" were pledged by the General Court for the " incurragement of the souldiers sent forth on the first expedition against the Indians" as indicated by this order: •'Whereas the Court for the incurragement of the souldiers sent forth on the first expedition against the Indians, did order and engage, according to theire desire, that they should have theire pay in mony or lands; and noe way att psent appeering to raise monyes, doe, theirfore, for theire satisfaction, order, that certaine tracts of land be assigned, to the vallue of about one thousand pounds, to be deuided amongst them for the payment of theire respectiue ptes due vnto them; the said tracts assigned being att Showamett supposed to be neare the vallue of 500", att Assonett Necke 200", att Assowmasett, 200", and about Agawaam and Sepecan, one hundred pound; soe as the said tractes shallbe more pticularly viewed and vallued as att mony prise, according to such indif- ferent rates as they might haue bine esteemed worth when the said or- der was made; and for the better effecting thereof, the Treasurer, Major Cudworth, Cornett Studsou, and James Walker are desired and appoint- ed to take view thereof and make reporte to the Court or councell, for the settieing of the same att such reasonable rates as to them shall seem meet, to be deuided to the .said soldiers, or sold for theire pay or dis- charge of other nessesarie dues occationed by this warr. '" (Ply. Col. Rec. Vol. V. p. 191.) And in July 1677, the Court ordered said lands to be sold, and the proceeds divided among the several towns according to APPENDIX. 309 their disbursements towards the war, and if not sold the lands themselves should be divided. (V Ply. Col. Rec. p. 240.) On Nov. 12th 1677 Constant Southworth, the Treasurer of the Colony conveyed these Assonet lands to George Shove, James Walker, James Tisdale, Walter Deane, William Harvey and Rich- ard Williams which Mr. Baylies says were divided among them. May 23d, 1680. This tract was, in July 1682, annexed to and made a part of Taunton by order of the General Court at Ply- mouth in these words : "July 1682. This Court orders the land called Assonett Necke, being purchased by some of Taunton, that the said tract of land shalbe in the townshipp of Taunton." (VI Ply. Col. Rec. p. 94.) This was apparently the last addition of territory to Taunton. At the incorporation of Dighton in 1712, it was included in the boundaries of that town, but owing probably to its inaccessibility from Dighton it was added to Berkley in 1799 and still remains in that municipality. A copy of the act annexing it to Berkley fol- lows. Chap. 35. — An act to set off part of the town of Diohton, in the County of Bristol and to annex the same to the town of Berkley, in said county. I3e it enacted by the Senate and House of Kepresentatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, That all the lands called Assonet Neck, lying within the following bounds, now belonging to the town of Dighton, in the County of Bristol, viz. : Beginning at the head of a " Cove " called Smith's Cove, a bound between the said towns of Dighton and Berkley, and running southwesterly by said Cove on the line between the towns aforesaid to the Great River; then running- down stream by said river till it comes to Assonet River; then up stream on Assonet River till it comes to the line of the town of Freetown; then running northcasteily on said Freetown line till it comes to the line of said town of Berkley; then northwesterly on said Berkley line to the place of beginning at the head of the Cove, with the inhabitants there- on be, and the same are hereby set otf from said town of Dighton, and aimcxed to said town of Berkley. Provided, that the inhabitants living on said tract of land shall be holden to pay their proportion of all legal taxes which have been assessed, ordered or voted to be laid on said Dighton by the inhabitants thereof or by the General Court in the same manner as though this Act had never passed. 3IO QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. In 1685 Gov. Hinckley made a confirmatory deed of all the lands then belonging to Taunton, the language of which clearly indicated that the first purchase of Taunton was made of Mas- sasoit and is in these words : "BE IT KNOWN TO ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: That whereas the Gouvcruour & Associats of this his Maj'ties Col- lony being assembled to<:»cthcr in General Court in the year of our Lord 1040 (lid {Tiant unto Mrs. Elizabeth Pool, Mr. Nicholas Street & some others and to such as they should associate to them a tract of land for a plantation called by the natives Cohanet as by the Records of ye said Grant with ye explanation thereof doth and may appear which hath now for upwards of forty years been settled and brought into a Township called known by ye name of Taunton. The first settlers, pro- prietors & some of ye inhabitants haveing allso purchased ye sd. lands of Woosoquequen the then Clieefe Sachem of Mount Hope, and the Po- kanet Countrey and since confirmed unto them by Philip his son as by Record doth appear and likewise have made several aditions of lands to ye said Towneship by i^urchase from said Philip by deeds under his hand and seal. And from Isbond another Indian with the Courts allow- ance, and from others of their neighbour English. All which appears upon ye Records of this Court. The lines and bounds of the whole Township as it now lyetli run and stated between them & other of the neighbour towns and plantations are as followcth, viz: first talcing into said Township, Assonate Neck with the meadow land thereon & there- about, Belonging to Taunton as appears by ye Agreement between Taunton agents & ye Freetown agents as appears allso by Record. And so ye Township of Taunton to goo to and border upon the Township of ffreetowu, And an east & by south line running between them four miles as by Court grant in Anno Domini 1040 and said Agreement and Record doth appear, until it come to Middlcbury bounds and thence on a right line between Middlcbury and Taunton townships to Basting Brook as by Record doth appear and from thence northerly on a line between Mid- dlcbury and Taunton Townships and between Taunton and ye land be- longing to some Indians at Titicut until it meet with and come to yc bounds between s'd Taunton and Bridgewater on the westerly side of Taunton Great River, agreed upon by the Agents of the respective towns & so running from station to station on the bounds, between the town- ships of Taunton and Bridgewater as by the agreement between s'd agents doth appear upon Record, untill it meet an East by south line running between the Township of Taunton and a tract of land called the North purchass taking in to Taunton Township all the meadows on both sides Taunton Riv(!r on the ui)per Bide of a line running from ye ])oint of ATPENDIX. 311 Assonate nock next to Tannton River cross to the wcstwardly side said River on a west and by north point and from thence to tlie bonnds be- tween Tannton & Swanzey by the water side and so lunning from ye water side four miles west and by north and from the end of that four miles to run north and by east until it meet with the line of the Courts first {i-rant, which was to run foui- miles west & by north from two marked trees at a place called the pond near three Mile River and from thence runninj^ north and by west eight miles and from thence upon an cast and by south line untill it meet with the afores'd bounds between Taunton and Bridgewatcr and the aforesaid north purchass. All which lands both of upland, Marsh, meadow, Islands and Swamp, contained within the bounds and lines afores'd and all other lands and meadows above expressed at Assonate and both sides of Assonate Bayalltho some of said meadows not falling within these lines yet the property of them doth belong to the proprietors of Taunton and the rest being within the afores'd lines are hereby declared to be of and belong unto the said township of Taunton, both jurisdiction of Township and soyle. Now Know Yee that I, Thomas Hinckley Gov. of his Majesties Col- lony of New Plimouth afores'd for our Sovereign Lord, the King, by vertuc of the power committed to me as well as by an Act and order made by William Bradford and his Associates assembled in Court Anno Dom. lG-'}(3 as by after Acts and orders of Court since made for ye more full assurance and absolute confirmation of all the said lands above men- tioned both upland. Marsh, Meadows. Swamps, together with all the wood, trees, timber, underwood lyeing, standing or growing thereon or on any pait or parcel thereof, & all rivers, brooks, creeks, coves, bays, ponds & waters therein or thereunto belonging, together with all rocks stones, mines, minnorals with all herbage, feedings rights, liberties, privileges & appurtenances thereto belonging or anywise appertain- ing as to other grants of Court have been accustomed unto the propri- ated Inhabitants and other proprietors alltho. not inhabing the said Town of Taunton according to each person, his or her several respective rights title and interest therein. To have and to hold the same unto ye said proprietois respectively and to their respective heirs and assigns forever to be holden of his Majestic his heires and his successors as of his Manor, of East Greenwich in the County of Kent in the Realme of England in free & common soccage & not in capitie nor by Knts service, yielding and paying to our Sovereign Lord the King, his heirs and successors, the one-llfth part of the ore of gold and silver and one other fifth part to the president and council according to the form and 3T2 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. tenour of our f?rant. Granted in our Charter or Patent having hereunto fixed the common seal of ye Government. Given the tenth day of June Anno Dom. 1685 Annoqe R Rs. Jacobi secundi primo &c. THOMAS HINCKLEY Publique and ye seal. Vera Copia extracted from the original & entered upon record March ye 28, 1709 by John Cary Recordr. | Bristol Co. No. District Land Records, Book V. Pages 479 & 480.] By all these conveyances it would seem that Taunton had a perfect title to all the lands therein mentioned ; but in 1689 Major William Bradford having made some claim to all this territory, the town paid him twenty pounds for his alleged rights, and he gave a deed of release and confirmation to John Poole and one hundred and three others, whose names are given in Vol. IV of Mr. Baylies' Memoirs, p. 81, and note. There was therefore much foundation for the statement of John Richmond, son of the first purchaser, of that name, made in 1698, in a letter from him to Lieut.-Col. Elisha Hutchinson and others, dated Taunton, April 30, 1698, to be found in the State Archives, Vol. 113, p. 167, in which he says: — "We bought it first of Woosamequin in the year '39 or '40 (this was in my minority) tlic sum paid I know not; then we bought all again of Philip, and paid him 16 pounds for it; then we bought that very spot of Josiali, he claiming some land there as appears by his deed, then we bought that spot again, with other land of Maj. Bradford, he had 20 pounds more," etc. By the foregoing deeds it appears that the South Purchase, was originally about four miles square ; but a controversy soon arose between Taunton and Swansey as to the new territory, which in 1672 was referred to the General Court at Plymouth, which made this order thereon : "In reference to a controversye depending betwixt the townes of Taunton and Swansey respecting the lands mortgaged to the Treasurer by Philip, tlie sachem, being by the said townes respectiue agents re- ferred to tills Court for the finall determination and issue thereof, whose picas being licard and duly woyed, this Court orders, that the three miles first purchased, for which a deed hath been obtained of the said sachem, APl'ENDIX. 313 slialbc and belon<^e viito the townc of Taunton, and aucounipted witliin tlieire township, provided that Swanscy men doe pay or cause to be ]Kiyed tlieire full part of the payment made or to be made for the re- deeming of the said lands mortgaged, or for the farther payment of the purchase vnto Philip, according both for specie and time equally pro- portionable to the other lands purchased as abouesaid; alsoe that Swan- scy men shall from time to time allow convenient ways to Taunton men vnto their meddows lying within the line of Swansey and timber to fence them, with such smalle stripps or points of vplaud to run theire fence on as may be necessary for fencing the said meddowes, and that the said meddowes bee exempted from rates att Swansey." [Ply. Col. Rec. Vol. V, page 107.] But this adjustment did not apparently prove satisfactory, for on the next July the agents of each town made a division by which " the property of the two miles abutting on the salt water shall belong to Taunton, and that the property of the other two miles, running into the woods shall appertain and belong to Swan- sey, the town of Swansey paying to Taunton thirteen pounds ten shillings, [Ply. Col. Deeds, Vol IV, p. 105] This accounts for the projection of a corner of Swansey into the southwest corner of Dighton, and which has since been called "The Two Mile Pur- chase." APPENDIX S. [Page 48.1 In the Spring of 162 r, (March) Massasoit and the Colonists entered into an alliance, called the Peace of Plymoutli, the terms of which were : ''First, That neither Massasoit. nor any of his, should injure nor do hurt to any of the Colony. Secondly, That if any of his did any hurt to any of theirs, he should send the offender that they might punish him. Thb-dly, That if any thing was taken away from any of theirs, he should cause it to be restored, and they should do the like to his. Fvnrtlily. That if any did unjustly war against him. they would aid 314 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. him; and if any did war aji,ainst tlicm lie sliould aid them. Fifthly, That lie sliouhl send tt) liis neii;ld)()nr confederates to eertify them t)f tliis, tliat they mi<;lit not wron<;' them, hut minlit be likewise eompvised in the conditions of Peace. Sixthly^ That when his men come to them on any occasion, they should leave their Arms, (viz. : Bows and Arrows) behind them. Seventhly, That, so doing, the Soverei<^n Lord, Kinpcrtaining to any strangers, or to any without our priuity, consent, or apjiointnient, but will in all things indeauor to t-arry peaceably and inotlcnciuelly towards the English. And the said Coiu't did then alsoe exprcsse theire willingness to con- tinew with him and his abouesnid friendshij), and doe on their pte prom- ise that they will afoard tlicni such friendly assistance by aduise and otherwise as they justly may; iuid wee will retpiire our English att all times to carry frindly towards them. In witness whereof the said Phillip, the sachem, hath sett his hand, as alsoe hisvnkcll, and witnessed vnto by sundry other of his chiefmen. The niarkc of P Phillip allis Metacum, Sachem of Pocanakett. The nrarke of Vncuiiipowett, Vnkell to the abouesaid sachem. Witnessc John Sasonioii. The marke of Francis, the sachem Nausett. The marke of Nimrod allis Pumpasa. The marke of Punckqnancck. The marke of Aciuetaiiuesh. APPENDIX. 315 At the meeting in Taunton, in April, 1671, at which the Com- missioners from Plymouth were Gov. Prince, Josias Winslow, and Constant Southworth, Philip signed this document: "Taunton, April lOtli. HmI. Whereas, my father, my brother and myself have formerly suhmitted ourselves and our people unto the king's majesty of England, and to this colony of Xew Plymouth, hy solemn covenant under our hand; but I hav- ing of late through my indiscretion, and the naughtiness of my heart, violated and broken this my covenant with my friends, by taking up arms with evil intent against them, and that groundlcssly; I being now deeply scnsil)le of my unfaithfulness and folly, do desire at this time solemnly to renew my covenant with my ancient friends, and my father's friends above mentioned, and do desire (that) this may testify to the world against me, if ever I shall fail in my faithfulness toward them (wliom I liave now and at all times found so kind to me) or any other of the English colonies; and as a real pledge of my true intentions, for the future to be faithful and friendly, 1 do freely engage to resign up unto the government of New Plymouth, all my English arms, to be kept by them for their security, so long as they shall see reason. For tlie true performance of the premises, I have hereunto set my hand, together witli the rest of my council. The mark of Philip, chief sachem of I'ocanoket. In presence of — The mark of Tavoser. William Davis. The mark of t'apt. Wispoke. William Hudson. The mark of Woonkai)onchunt. Thomas Brattle. The mark of Nimrod.'' [Mather's Hist, of Indian Wars. Postscrijtt, p. T.] [Hubbard's Ind. Wars. Vol. I.] As Philip did not promptly bring in his guns, as stipulated in in the foregoing agreement, a letler was sent to him by the Colony, dated May 27, 1671, as follows: — ■• .Since o'" treaty att Taunton, we are vnsattished in nuiny things, but especially yt you have not so freely and fully as we expected jier- formed your Tender and o"" agreement respecting the bringing in of all yoiu" guns. We heare of very few you have brought in, though it was known you had a great number of men in amies but a day or tow before the treaty, and many were knowne to return to Mount hope with Armes after the Treaty, and pi'ticularly an Indian called John, the interpreter, is known to have cariyed home tow guns, and lives by you, and yet you call them not in ; nor have given any order, as is said, to some of your men (as in prticulqr tlicm att Assonett) about bringing in these armes. 3l6 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. And yt you had a considciable number of men near Taunton in Amies att the Time of our Treaty,to wiiat intent may be Easilie conjectured. These and what Elce we might mention makes to judge it Expedient yt you shoukl come down and speake w"' us at our generall Court the beginning of next Month, that so if it may be, peace and good agreement may he continued between us. Thus expecting your Compliance here in we rest. Your friends. Labelled— (iov. Prince. A coi)y of this Letor sent to Phillip since the treaty at Taunton. [See Winslow Papers, in Mass. Hist. 8oc'y, p. oU.] To this letter Philip, so far as known, made no response. Ac- cordingly in June following, the guns which he had delivered on the loth of April, were declared forfeit by the General Court, by this order : "The Court determines all the guns in our hands that did belonge to IMiillip are justly forfeit, and doe att the psent order of the deuiding of them, to be kept att the severall townes according tt) theire equall pro- portions, vntill October Court next, and then to Ije at the Courts dispose, as reason may appeer to tliem, and then to belonge vnto the townes, if not otherwise disposed of. By the Court. That which the Court grounds theire judgment vpon is: For that att the treaty att Taunton Philip and his councel did ac- knowlidge that they had bine in prepaiation for warr against vs: and that not grounded vpon any injury sustained from vs, nor prouocation given by us, but from theire own naughty harts, and because hcc had formerly violated and broken soUeme couenants made and renewed to vs; hee then freely tendered (not being in a capasitie to be kept faithfull by any other bonds) to resigne vp all his English amies, for our future cecuritie in that respect; hee failed greatly in pforance thereof by ce- crett conveying away and carrying home seuerall guns that might and should have bine deliuered, and not giuing them vp since, according to his engagement, nor soe far as is in his power; as appeers in that many guns are knowne still to be amongst the Indians that line by him, and not soe much as giuing order to some of his men. that are under his ymediate comaund, about the bringing in of theire arines.'' [Ply. Col. Kec, Vol. V, p. (>'■].] Philip, still continuing to act in a hostile and threatening manner towards the I^lymoulh Colony, was summoned before the APPENDIX. 317 Council of War at Plymouth, the result of which is thus stated in their records. " Seurall conclusions agreed on by the Councell of Warr att theire Meeting held at Plymoutli on the 23 of August, 1671, as followeth. I. The councell of war, liaueing seriously considered of the ca.se in reference to the Phillipe, the cheife sachem of Pacanacutt, hee hauing neglected to answare his ingagement to bring in his armes att the day appointed, and alsoe in his not coming in to giue the reason thereof, being required thervnto, and his vnkind carriages towards vs as other wise, soe in his indeauoring to insence our naighbour collonie against vs by misinformations and by his insolent carriages and expressions of vs and against vs and likewise by his entertaining of many strange Indians which miht ptend danger toward vs; in special by his entertaineing of diuers Saconett Indians, professed enemies to this collonie, and this against good councell giuen him by his best friends; the pmises consid- ered, doe vnanimously agree and conclude, that the said Philip hath vio- lated his couenant plighted with this collonie att Taunton in Aprill last. II. It is vnanimously agreed and concluded by the said councell, that we are necessarily called to cause the said Sachem to make his psonall appeerance to make his purgation in reference to the pmises; which in case of his refusall, the councell, according to what att psent appeers, doe determine it necessary to indeauorhisreducement by force; and inasmuch as the controuersy, which hath seemed to ly more eme- diately between him and vs, doth concerne all the English plantations, it is therefore determined to state the case to our naighbour collonies of the Massachusetts and Rhode Island; and if by theire waighty advice to the contrary wee are diuerted from our psent determinations, to signify vnto them, that if they looke vpon themselues concerned to engage in the case with vs against a comon enimie, it shalbe well accepted as a naigh- bourly kindnes, which we shall hold ourselves obliged to repay wiien Prouidence may soe dispose that wee haue opportunitie. Accordingly, le'rs were despatched and sent from the councell, one vnto the said Phillip, the said sachem, to require his psonall apperance att Plymouth on the loth day of September next in reference to the ptculares aboue mencioned against him; this letter was sent by Mr. James Walker, one of the councell, and hee was ordered to request the companie of Mr. Roger Williams and Mr. James Browne to goe with him att the deliuery of the said letter. What success Mr. Walker had as bearer of this letter to Philip is disclosed in this letter from him to Gov. Prince, on the first of Sept. as follows : 3l8 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. JAMES WALKER TO GOVERNOR PRINCE. Much Honovred Sir, AFTER my humble respects presented to you, these are to acquaint you with Philip's answer to your letter. My sons being visited with the ague, forced me to procure brother Harvey to go over to cousin James Brown with the letter, who sent for Mr. Williams to interpret; Mr. Wil- liams not being well, came not till afterwards; yet cousin James and brother Harvey went down to Mount Hope; and the dance being broken up, Philip and the most of his chief men were much in drink; only Ac- umpouin and Tom Sancsuik were sober; so that Philip could not then give any answer. Only there passed some words betwixt Philip and cousin James, and Philip struck oft" cousin James Brown's hat. The day following they went again to Philip, and Mr. Williams with them. The letter being read and Philip caused fully to understand it, they could get no positive answer about Philip's coming to Plymouth, because Mr. Eliot had sent for him to Boston, and he looked for another messenger that day; which messenger they met about two miles from Philip's house; which messenger told them that his message was to desire Philip to be at Punkapoge the last day of this week, and at Boston the Tuesday fol- lowing. Philip and Tom exclaimed much against Sausiman for report- ing that any of the Narragansett sachems were there. Not further to trouble you; but rest desiring the good Lord to be with you, and guide you in all your weighty affairs. Yours to serve, Taunton, Sept. 1, 167L JAMES WALKER. The records of the Council then proceed as follows: And another letter was sent to the Gour. and Councell of the Massachesetts by the hands of Mr. John Freeman, one of our majes- trates, and a third was directed to the Gour. and Councell of Rhode Hand, and sent by Mr. Thomas Hinckley and IVfr. Constant Southwoith, two other of our majestrates, whoe are ordered by our Councell with the letter to vnfold our psent state of matters relating to the pmises, and to certify them alsoe more certainly of the time of the meeting to- gether in reference to engagement with the Indians, if theire be a goe- ing forth, which wilbe on the 20 of September next. It was further ordered by the Councell, that those formerly pressed shall remaine vnder the same impresment vntil the next meeting of the said Councell on the loth day of September next, and soe alsoe vntill the intended expedition is issued; vnlesse they shall see cause to alter them, or adde or detrate from them, as occation may require. And that all other matteis remaine as they were in way of prepara- tion to the said exjiedition, vntill wee shall see the mind of God further by the ptculares forenamed, improued for that purpose. APPENDIX. 319 It was further ordered by the Councell, that all the townes within this jurisdietion shall in the interem be sollisitonsly cavefull to pi'ouide for theii'e safety by convenient watches and wardings, and carrying theire armes to the meetings on the Lords dayes, in snch manor as will best stand with theire pticulare and the comon safety. And in pticulare, they ordered, that a guard shalbe prouided for the safety of the Gou'nors pson, during the time of the abouenamed troubles and expeditions. And the Councell were sumoned by the presedent to make theire psonall appeerance at Plymouth, on the thirteenth day of September next, to attend such further business as shalbe then psented by Proui- dence in reference to the pmises. The action of the Council at the next meeting is thus stated : On the 13th of September, 1071, the councell of warr appeered according to theire sumons, but Phillip the sachem, appeered not, but in sted thereof repaired to the Massachusetts, and made complaint against vs to diuers of the gentlemen in place there, who wrote to our Gour. by way of pswasion, to aduise the Councell to a comi)lyance with the said sachem, and tendered theire healp in the achieuing thereof, declaring in sume that they resented not his offence soe deeply as wee did, and that they doubted whether the couenants and engagements that Phillip and his predecessors had plighted with vs would plainly importe that hee had subjected himselfe and people and country to vs any further then as jn a naighbrly and frindly correspondency. ' The Councell, haueing deliberated vpon the pmises, disiDatched away letters declareing theire thankfull acceptance of theire kind proffer, and invited the comissioners of the Massachusetts and Conecticut (they then being in the bay) & some other gentlemen, to come to Plymouth and aford vs theire help; and accordingly on the 24th of September, 1G71, Mr. John Winthorpe, Gour. of Conecticott, Major Generall Leuerett, Mr. Thomas Danforth, Captaine Wilam Dauis, with diuers others, came to Plymouth, and had a faire and deliberate hearing of the controuersy between our CoUonie and the said sachen, Phillip, hee being psonally psent, there being alsoe competent interpretors, both English and In- dians, att which meeting it was proued by sufficient testimony to the conviction of the said Phillip, and satisfaction of all that audience, both the said gentlemen and others, that hee had broken his couenant made with our coUonie att Taunton, in April last, in diuers pticulares, as alsoe carryed very vnkindly vnto us diuers wayes. 1. In that hee detained and neglected to bring in the resedue of his English armes, not deliuered att Taunton, according tt> his engagement, and that notwithstanding hee was allowed competent time, yea, bis 320 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. time enlarged, yett hee neglected as aforesaid, and instead of bringing them in, improued the opperfcnnity of time rather to make them out of the way. 2. That hee had carryed insolently and proudly towards vs on seuerall occations, in refusing to come down to our Court, when sent for to have speech with him, to procure a right understanding of matters in difference betwixt vs. 3. That hee entertained, harboured, and abetted diners Indians, not of his owne men, which were vagabonds, our proffessed enimies, who leaning their own sachem, repaired to him and were harboured. 4. That notwithstanding the great wronge hee had done vnto vs in these and such like respects, instead of repairing to the Court, and to endeauer a reconcilliation, hee takes his journey into the Massachusetts Bay, with seuerall of his councell, indeauoring to insinuate himselfe into the majestrates, and to misrepresent matters vnto them, whoe are our good frinds and naighbors, and what in him lay, therby to work mischeife and difference between them and vs. 5. That hee had shewed great inciuillitie to diners of ours att seuer- all times, in special vnto Mr. James Browne, whoe was sent by the Court on speciall occations as a messenger vnto him, and vnto Hugh Cole att another time, &c. The gentlemen forenamed, takeing notice of the pmises, haueing fully heard what the said Phillip could say for himselfe, haueing free liberty soe to doe without interruption!, adjudged that hee had don vs a great deal of wronge and injury respecting the pmises, and alsoe abused them by carrying lyes and falce stories to them, and soe misrepresenting matters vnto them, and they pswaded him to make an acknowlidgment of his fault and to seek for reconcilliation, expressing themselves that there is a great difference between what he asserted to the gou'ment in the Bay and what hee could now make out concerning his pretended wronges; and such had bine the wrong and damage that hee had done and procured vnto the coUonie as ought not to be bourne without com- petent repairation and satisfaction; yea, that hee by his insolencyes had in probabillitie occationed more mischeife from the Indians amongst them then had fallen out in many yeares before; they pswaded him therefore to humble himselfe vnto the majestrates, and to amend his wayes if hee expected peace, and that if hee went on in his refractory way, hee must expect to smart for it, the pticulares whereof are more att large to be seen in a full discourse between our majestrates and the gentlemen aforesaid and him, which is extant. In fine, seuerall propositions were drawn vj) and read, every which hee was left to accept of or reject, as he should see cause, in reference vnto his entering into a new couenant with vs; and alsoi; in reference to a way of reparation of APPENDIX. . 321 somo pte of the wron^js doji viito ns, the contents whereof are as follow- eth, hy him accepted of and signed vnto. New Plymouth, this 29th. of September, 1(»71. 1. Wee Pliillip, my councell, and my subjects, doe acknowledtfe onrselues subjects to his ma'tie the Kings of England, &c. and the gou'ment of New Plymouth, and to theire lawes. 2. I am willing and doe promise to pay vnto the gou'ment of New Plymouth one hundred pounds in such things as I haue, but I would entreat the fauor that I might haue three yeares to pay it in, forasmuch as I can not doe it at psent. 3. I do praise to send in to the Gour. or to whom hee sliall apijoint, fine wolues heads, if I can gett them, or as many as I can procure, vntill they come to the number of fine wolues yearly. 4. If any difference falls between the English and my selfe or people, then I doe promise to repaire to the (touv. <>f I'lyiiKuitli to rectify the dif- ference amongst vs. ."). I doe promise not to make warr witli ;iiiy but witli tlie (iouernors approbation of New Plymouth. (i. I promise not to dispose of any of the lands that I haue att l)resent. but by the approbation of the gou'ment of New Plymouth. For the true pformance of the pmises, I. the said Phillip sachem of Paukanaukett. doe heerl)y bind my selfe and such of my councell as are psent. our selues, our heires and successors, faithfully and truely to l)forme. Tn witness heerof wee liane heerunto subscribed our hands the day and yeare abdue written. The marke p of PHILLIP, Sachem. The marke J of WOHKOWPAHENITT. The marke of | WATTAKOOSEEIM. The marke of / SONKANUHOO. The marke of 3- WOONASHUM, allies NIMROD. The marke of Y WOOSPASUCK, allies CAPTAINE. In the presence of the Court and diners of the majestrates and other gentlemen of the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts and Conecticut, — Takamunna, a sachem att Saconett, appered in Court this third of Xouember, (71) with Phillip, cheife sachem, and did engage for the fu- ture that hee. vn«ler the said Phillip, would stand to and abide by the same engagement of subjection to the Kiuges ma'tie of England, this gou'ment and the lawes thereof, with other articles in the engagement, whereto the said IMiillip bath suliscribed as aboue said, and tliat the said 322 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. Takaimiiuia shall and will Itriiio in or cause to be brouglit in yearly one Molfs head vnto the Treasurer; T'liilli)), alsoe, the said eheife sachem did eujijajie for the said Takauiuunas ptnnnance of the said en.ua^eineiit in all ))(»iiits thereof. In witnes wherot. I. the said Takamunna. have sett my hannge Arines out of tlie seuerall Collonies in sueh propor- tion as tiie Articles of Confederation doe appoint: The Massachusetts, .">2T) Plymouth, - - - !••)«) lOOO ("onecticot - - - r,!")) [I'ly. Col. Com. llec. Vol. 11, p. :;(;2. | APPENDIX T. [IMgc 48.] I'his rciiiarkablc letter was in these words : Taunton. Ai>ril I"). "T'l. Ilonorcil ;ni(l l>clo\ed : We have received your affectiitnate letter full of Love and undeserved bountie towai'ds us, your unworthy Hretbren and neiyldiors. and we bless (rod that He bath ^iven us soe niucli room in ymir hearts, tiiat you soe freely tender us a part with you in your bouses, fields and i)rovisions. at sucli a time when the Lord is threatening us with bereavement of our own. It much comfortetb us in this day of darkness and distresse; we assuring;' (nirselves thereby, that if our distresses continue and increase, wi' slnvll want noe succor you are able to afford us. We therefore return you all serious thanks for your syneere and abundant Love, beseechiun the Lord still to continue and increase your peace, and abilitie and readi- ness to relieve the distresses in this evil daye. Nevertlieless, upon our serious and mature deliberation upon and eoiisideratit)n of your soe great offer, we cannot at present comply with a motion to remove and qnitt our places, and leave our habitations to be a desolation, and that because we fear we shovUd in soe doing be wanting to the name of God and the inter- est of Christ in this idace, and bewraye much diffidence and cowardice, and give the adversarye occasion of triumph over us, to ye reproach of that great and fearfull name of our (iod, that is called on us. Onr sins are already such as might render our friends (did they k)n)w us) affraid to entertain us: and what can we expect as the issue of such an addition thereunto, but that the hand of flic Lord would follow us. and tiiid us out whithersoevei' we lied. ■326 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. ■'Besides, if the Jjonl have any pleasure in us, and will sue fair favour and honour us, we judj^e we may here he more serviceahle to ye country than elsewhere, and hazzards of removal (as great as of abiding where we are) avoided ; and who can tell, but that the Lord may make way for our enjoyment of seed time and liarvest here, by prospering' our forces which are coming forth, if we could but humble ourselves before Him? And if the Lord have no delight at all in us. l)ut will for our sins (Avhich were but just) make His dwelling place here as tshiloh, we are in His hands. The Lord do with us as seemeth good in His sight. Here we have sinned, and here we submit oiu'selves to suffer, except the Lord's Pi'Ovidence, and order or advice of Authorities shoidd plainly determine us to removall: in case whereof, we shall esteem it an undeserved kind- ness to find shelter among yourselves, and comply with your motion for aught yet appears, more generally than with any course we can proi)ose to ourselves: Asa pledge whereof we are willing, if it may be judged cnmcnient by ytained to teach a grammar scluxtl, such township shall allow an least twelve pounds, in current merchautalde pay, to he raised by rate on all the inhabitants of such township; and those that have the more immediate benefit thereof, by their children's going to school, with what others may voluiitai-ily give to promote so good a work and general good, sliall nr.ike up the residue necessary to maintain the same, and that tlu- l)rotits arising of the cape fishing, lieretoft)re ordered to maintain a gram- mar school in this colony, be distributed to such towns as have giammar schools, for the maintenance thereof, not exceeding hve pouiuls per annum to any such town, unless the court treasiuer or other appointed to manage that affair, see good cause to add thereunto, to any respective town, not exceeding five pounds more pci' ann. And further, this court orders, that every such town as consists of seventy families, oi- upwards, and hath nt)t a grammar school therein, shall allow and pay unto the next town, whicli hath such grammar school kept up anumg them, the sum of ti\(' p(uuuls per anu. in currt'ut merchantable pay, to be levicfl on tiic inlial)itants of such towns l)y rate, aiul gathered and delivered by the constables of such towns, as by warrant from any magistrate of this ju- risdiction shall be rcipiired. (Mass. Hist. Coll. 2(1 Series. Vol. 4. p. s:j. XI Ply. Col. Rec. p. 247.) In .Mai'cli. KiSi'. tiic Court divided the c;ii>c fishery money as follows: ■"to l>arnstablc scooh'. tweluc pound; to Duxburrow scoole, eight pound: to Kchoboth scooh". Hue ])oun. — An act for raising a sum of money by lottery. foi- lemoving the rocks and shoals in Taunton (ireat Kivi-r. and thereby to render the iia\igation in said livcr more easy and less liazardcuis. Whereas the navigation in Taunton (ireat Kiver. Ix-tween (the) Ware Bridge and Bocky I'oint. is much ol)stru(te(l and straightened by reason of divers rocks and shoals in said river, and vessels are often sunk by running on the rocks between tlie said liridgc and Rocky ]^)int. to the great i)rejndicc not only of trade in general. l)nt to those i»articuhir i)er- sons who have occasion to transport their lundier anhen Bull of Berkley, or an> three of tlieni. be and hereliy arc imixiwered to set up and - on one or more lottery oj- lotteries, amounting in the whole to snrb a sum as. by drawing oi' deilucting ten percent out of I lie API'KNDIX. 331 same, may raise tlui'i- Iiimdrcd mikI lilty pounds, and no moir: and tlia) the said sum of tlireo iiundied and lilt y jiouuds. laised by the d('du<'tion ai'oiesaid. \h\ by tlio pei'soiis above named, paid lo Messieurs .lanu-s Walker, Israel Tisdale and Stephen Maeomber. a committee appointed for the purposes in this act mentioned, within ten days after the sale of the tickets of said battery siiall be compleated. takin^r^H IS Ticket [No. 1100 ] intitles the Poffeffor to any Prize drawn againft laid Number, in a LOTTERY granted by an Act of the General Court of the Province of the M(^f- fac/iuf efts-Bay, April 1760, for removing the Rocks and Shoals in Taunton (ireat River, and to make the Na\igation more eafy and lefs ha- zardous, fubjecl to no Deduction. E ctition, and the bounds of said precinct which we desire is, the line or l)ounds of the military company called the North purchase company may be the bounds of the said precinct, which is a brook called hurt's brook, and from the mouth of said brook to wennaconnit bridge, and from sd. bridge north-easterd to the North-purchase line, but leaveing out of sd. precinct all the Inhabitants in the North purchase that com- monly go to Bridgewater meeting, who live on the Estardly side of the rhode that Leeadeth from winnacunnit to the bay, — for they in time hope to be a precinct with part of Bridgewater, which we shall not op- pose—but taking into sd. precinct all belonging to Taunton old Town- ship within the bounds above mentioned, but if all the North purchase ware Enexed to Taunton for the present, we think it woald be best for the manageing of public concerns; only that the lands within the bounds settled and agreed on between the propi-iators of Taunton North ])ur- (diase and thair neighbors, on all parts, be confirmed to said proprie- tors, and the abovesaid precinct settled for the maintenance of the min- istry in said precinct, and we farther pray that this honored court would also appoint a. committee to order where the meeting-house should be sett, all which, if this honored court please to grant, your humble peti- tioners shall, as in duty they are bound, ever pray. GEORGE LEONARD, ( Agents for and in thebe- NICHOLAS WHITE, ( half of said Inhabitants. IStatc Papers, Vol. CXllI. ]>. .MO. | ( )n lliis petition the (leneral Court made this order: APPENDIX. 335 •• 22 Ootn.. 17i>s — Read in Coimcil: and Orden^iJ, that the Selectmen of Taunton be served with a copy of this Peton., and lieard thereupon before rliis Court ui)on the second 'I'uesday of the next Session of ye sd. <:ourt, if anything they liave to say why tlie i>rayer of tlie witliin Peti- tion sliould not be frranted." ISA. ADDINdTON, Seery. [(ieneral-Court Records. Vol. VIII. p. 8!>].| The service of this petition on tlie town led to a town meet- in <;■ as follows : Taunton, Feb. ye first day, 1708-'.). — Whereas ye selectmen of our town was served with a coi)py of ye North purchas and South purchas petitions, and they caused ye town to meet toojether this day, and I.'ead thayr petitions in ye town-meatintj. when matters was fairly mile from sd. nieeting-hduse: and i)etter .Mdricli. nicholas white, niathew white. Seth Dorman. .lohn Hall, .loiin Caswell. Benjamin Caswell, and Joseph Elliot, dwell about ten miles from sd. nieeting-house. Benjamin Williams dwelleth about Kicvcu iinlc and a half fioui sd. niccting-house. All these APPENDIX. 337 abovonained i^o to 'Pauiiton meeting: but Isaac Shepherd, Thomas Gro- ver, Andrew Grovei', Ejdiriam (Jrover, Ephraim Shehhm, John Skinner, Samuel Bi'intnell, dwell fartluT from Taunton meeting-house than these abovenamed, (so) that they commonly go to wrentham meeting; and they dwell six, seven and eight miles from wrentham meeting. This accoiuit is as neer as can In- comi)uted without mesuring; as witness our iiaiids. GEORGE LEOXAKI). NICHOLAS WHITE. [State Papers. Vol. GXIII. p. .")].").] The controversy grows warmer, and the town proceeds to additional opposition, thus: ■' June tlie first, ITOU. — At a Legall Town meeting, warned and licld at Taunton publick meeting-house, "2. It was put to vote, whether the Town would chuse a committee of live men to give Reasons, in behalf of the Town, to the General Gourt, wliy the petition of the Xortli and South purchases should not be granted. ":). It was voted tliat the town shall chuse five men to make lieturn to the Genwall ( 'ourt, and give their reasons why tlie prayers of the Xorth and South purchasers should not be granted; and the persons then chosen for the committee were Lieut. James Leonard, Thomas Harvey, Ensign Phillip King, Ensign Thomas Gilbert, and Jonathan Padleford." [State Papers, Vol. XI, p. 299.] This Committee promptly acted by sending in this petition : •'To his Excly. Joseph Dudley, Esquire, &c. "Whereas George Leonard and Xicholas White, as they call them- selves, agents for and in the behalf of divers of the Inhabitants of Taun- ton Xorth purchase, and divers of the Inhabitants of Taunton old Town- ship, preferred a petition to this honored. Court on ye 20th day of Octo- ber, 1708, for the settling a precinct according to certain bounds sett forth in sd. petition: and in Reading sd. petition, in Octo. 22, 1708, this great and Generall Court ordered That the selectmen of Taunton be served with a coppy of sd. petition, and to be heard thereupon, &c., upon ye second Tuesday of the next Session of this Court, If any thing they have to say why the prayer of the petitioners should not be granted ; and that the matter may stand In a true Ijight, we the subscribers, a commit- tee chosen in Taunton, would humbly offer to this honrd. Court, that, when the tract of land was bought (called the Xorth purchase) by the Inhabitants of Taunton, It was designed for a Township by it Self, and not any ways to Damnihe the old townshii) l)y taking any of the Inhabi- tants thereof then settled, or to he settled to make the purchase a Town- sliip or precinct; for. If tliat may be, our forefathers and some of us layed out our own money miserably to our own \\Tong, and to the wrong- 338 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. ing of our poor old town, and the petitioners well knew all the sircum- stances before they settled, and their imprudent settling sd. north pur- chase procures these difficulties; for, had they settled in or about the middle of sd. purchase, the people that are now there would have been capable of beino- a Townshij), and so to maintain A minister without breaking or harming the old town, and whereas it is Insinuated in sd. l)etition, that, when they had communicated to the town, Tliey had In- coridgment that the most considerable Treading men would be for it, and as If there weie but some few tliatdid hessitate about the bounds: which must needs be some great mistake, or sometliing else; for the town being warned together by the selectmen, upon tlieir being served with a coppy of their petition, to consider that matter (and the south piuchase peti- tion) there was such a contention and tumult betwixt the town, — that is, the whole body almost of the town and leading men and petitioners, — that the meeting was dismissed, and nothing done but confusion, aiid now we come to some few objections against granting the prayer of sd. petition (we humbly ho])e and fear will doo) u])<)n a due consideration. First, as has been hinted, it is very griveous to and contrary to the minds of the body of the people of the old township, — Excepting some few that are Related and some ways Interested, as things plainly appear to us, — and, If granted, we very mucli fear will unsettell us in our present settled state. 2ly, we know no part of the old-township Inhabitants but arc Equally concerned and obliged to pay to the Reverend Mr. Saml. Dan- forth, our settled minister. Though some may pretend that it is butt an Inconsiderable thing that is desired, we must say it is a great thing; for our charges are almost Intolerable already, and growing Every day. and the line the petitioners speak of would Incompass almost all our mead- ows, for they lye chiefly in that part of the town; and will .separate some new houses from their lands, which must needs be a great confusion. 3dly, Sundry of our neighbouis of the old Township, which will be In- composed within sd. line. If Granted, — considerable men, — have been with our selectmen, and manifested their great unwillingness to be joyned with the north purchase as a precinct, and offered to us sundry papers signifying that the.y had been persuaded and imposed upon by some of ye north purchase to joyn with them to petition for a precinct, but they wholly refused; but upon some other considerations, did sign some of these papers and so when they had got their hands and by these tricks the poor subscribers are quite contrary to their minds and Intents. Improve them, as it were deceiptfully. to make them part of the intend- ed precinct; which actions cannot be consistent with the truth and their good promises, but must needs be Displeasing to almighty God. the selectmen not agreeing to make answer to this honrd. Court, the se- lectmen warned a town meeting, June 1st, 1709; and the Town and peti- tioners mett together; and the town chose a commite. which are the APPENDIX. 339 subscribers, to act and make answers to this honrtl. Court now, for wliicli reasons we have layed down, and what may be farther offered, we do desire and humbly hope that this honerd. Court will so far in their wisdom consider the matter as not to grant the precinct Desired, Least it should be the beginning of trouble with us. we would farther offer this honrd. Court, as the mind of the whole town, that they are very willing and Desirous that the north purchase should have all previleges proper and needfull for them both civil and Ecliasticall; and, therefore, have not the least to say against their being a township of themselves, according as was intended from ye foundation of it (as above was hintefl) and not any way to .loyn to, or Enterineddle with, the old townsliii), or with that sd. purchase, craving ])ardon for our boldness and a charitable construction of what we have writ, we pray tlio allmighty (Jod to Direct you in all the affairs before you, and subscribe your honer's most humble servants. Dated Taunton, June 4th, 1709. ^•'.lAMS. LEONARD, ) ) PHILLIP KING, ) ) THOMAS GILBERT, ) Commity." ) THOMAS HARVEY, ) ) JONATHAN PADELFORD, ) IState Papers, Vol. CXIII, p. 509.] Some of the inhabitants of the North purchase evidently pre- ferred a new town to a precinct and thus expressed their views : " To his Excellency Joseph Dudley, Esqr., &c. "We whose names are underwritten, being inhabitants of ye town of Taunton, humbly sheweth, that wee being very sensible of ye great daingur we are in of being Impoverished and biought to great distress for yt, to witt, Som of our neighbovrs, Inhabitants of sd. Taunton, and som of ye west part of Taunton North purchase, being often very im- portant with us to agine with them to pertetion ye General Court to grant them a precinct; but we knowing ye inability of ourselves and our neighbours, could not comply with them but they, after pleading there want of a precincts to be granted to them, and their inability to main- tain ye same without our help, we, willing to doe them a cindness, did, som of lis, signified to ym, yt if they would petition ye General Court to 340 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. grant a township to tlie whole north purchase, and so much of Taunton as was agined to them in ye military, that we would agine with them. som of us whose names are underwritten, and ye rest of us, did wholly refuse to sett our hands to any writing Either for a township or precints neither; But they, having pertitioned ye honored Court for to grant them a precincts, contrary to our minds and intent, and hath set forth ye limets of sd. precincts to make us a part thereof, which will be no ben- efit to us, but so great a charg yt will soon bring us to poverty; for we are not able to pay our parts to a precincts charg, and to pay ratts to ye town also. And as ye petitioners do preten to ye want of a minister to dispence ye word of God to them, we say we are in no such want; for we have ye benefit of hearing ye word preacht by ye Reverant Mr. Danforth, under whose ministry we desire to continue. Therefore we pray ye hon- ored Cort to consider our condition, yt we may not be consarned with our precincts, but yt we may injoy our privilidges as formerlly. And whereas .som of us (namely John wetherell, John Nulan, Benjamin Nulan, Nicholas Smith, John Briggs, junior) did sett our liands to soms of there papers, but we understood ourselves only conserned with them for a township; but we understand they have made a wrong improve- ment of our names; we did not think they wold have taken such ad- vantage as to improve our names as petitioners with them for a pre- cincts. But our comfort is yt ye honored Cort will not suffer us to wrong- one another, we subscribe ourselves your most humble petitiimers. William Wetherell, sen., John Briggs, junr., John Austin, John Nulan, Edward Whit, Ben. Nulan, Jeremiah Wetherell, Nicholas Smith. Jeremiah Newland, William Cob. John Wethell, [State Papers, Vol. CXIII, p. .511.1 The General Court with all these petitions and counter peti- tions, apparently took this action as the next step : "Junes, 1709. In Council. — Upon the hearing of the several peti- tions of the inhabitants of the No. and So. Purchases, in Taunton, to be made separate Precincts for the settling and support of the ministry in the respective places, — " Resolved, that Nathaniel Thomas, Nathaniel Byfield, and James Warren Esqrs., be a committee to repair to Taunton, and view the said sev- eral purchases, and upon consideration of all circumstances, to set olT proper Precincts to encourage the good Ends desired by the petitioners, and to advise and direct to the most suitable places for the raising of their meetinghouses, and to make their report to tlie next session of APPENDIX. 341 Mii.s Court lor cunformation, Xathaniel Thomas Esqr., to appoint tiic Tiniu. The chai<;cs of the said Committee to be borne by the said Pre- cincts." |Gen. Court. Kec. Vol, VIII, p. 441. | The Legislative Committee soon visileci Taunlon, to perform their duty and made a report as follows : ••Taunton Auf^t. ol, ITU'J. ••Pursuant to an order of the Great and General Court dated June ye 8th, 1709, to u.s Directed to Hepaire to Taunton and view the several tracts of land which the Inhabitants of the North and South purchases in Taunton have petitioned to be made separate precincts, for the settlinji and support of the ministry in said Respective places; — And we the subscribers, havint^ viewed the several tracts, and heard the allegations of the opposite Parties thereto, upon consideration of all circumstances, have sett the bounds of the several Precincts as follows: That is to say. That the Bounds of the North Precinct (according to their petition) shall begin at the line between the two late Colonies of the Massachusetts and Plymouth, in the line of the bounds between Taunton North Purchase and Attleboro' and from thence southward to Itehoboth North-east corner: and from thence eastward, on the said North Purchase line, to Taunton Bounds; and from thence eastward to the mouth of the Brook called Burt's Brook, Leaving out Capt. Hodge's Land at Burt's Brook, and extending from the mouth of Burt's Brook to the Bridge made over the mill River, near William Wetherell's; and from thence North-eastward to the North-Purchase Line; and from the North-Purchase line, the road that leads from said Bridge towards Bos- ton to be the bounds till it come to the Line between the said late Col- imies; wch line to be the Bounds to Attleborough Boiuids aforesaid. And that the meeting-house for the said North Precinct be sett on the Northward side of the way that leads over Rumford river at Cross- man's way, at the place where the way crosseth it that leads from .lohn Hodge's to the lieech Island. In testimony whereof, we have hereunto set our hands. NATHANIEL THOMAS, NATHANIEL BYFIELD. .TAMES WARREN. I State Papers. Vol. XI, p. 2'.l(i.l This report, in favor of a precinct, merely stirred up those who desired a new town to make one more effort for the latter; and they a^ain addressed the Governor as follows : 342 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. "September!), 17()0. " To his Excellency Joseph Dudly. Esqr., &c. "Wee ye subscribers, Inhabitance and propriators of Taunton North purcheis (so called) humbly sheweth, that whereas we understand that som of our neij^hbours, with som of ye Inhabitants of Taunton, have ob- tained incoragement from this General Cort to be a precincts; but, for- asmuch as our neighbours have not acwuainted us therewith as they ought so to do, we, being major part of sd. purceis inhabitance, and ye first Setlers, do, in all humble submition, offer to your honors ye un- happy effects yt may happen not only to ourselves, but to ye whole tract of land which was from ye foundation, intended for a township, which now it is capable of; there being many inhabitance already settled, and many more going to settel, on said tract of Land. But if there be so great a part of sd. Land taken of us as we understand is set forth for a precincts by those honorable gentellmen ye committy, who have done ac- cording to their plesure; and if ye meeting-hous be built whare sd. com- mitty hath appynted, — which is neare ye west End of sd. purchies, which will be serviceable but to very few; wh. will be a means to spyle ye said tract of Land and cans it to be wholly unfit for a township, and frus- terate ye intention of us, ye proprietors thereof, and will discourage many from settling on their lands in sd. purcheis. And whareas they have left about one-third part of sd. purchies of ye East part, supposing Bridgewater will add part of their town to it, to make ye part a pre- cints, it is a great mistake, ye inhabitants of Bridgewater give us no such incoragement. Therefore we pray this honored Cort, that there may be pertition-lines between ye one end of our sd. purcheis and ye other; but yt; if ye honored Court thinks it convenient, wee pray yt ye honerd Cort would grant us a township, with all the privilidges belonging to a town, to ye whole north purches, and so much of Taunton old township as belongs to our military Company, which is from ye mouth of a Broock called Burt's Brook, and from thence to wenaconnett bridge, and from thence north-east to ye sd. north purcheis line; and yt ye meeting hous may be set in ye most con- venient place in ye senter, between the East and ye West End, which we conceive will be most conveuieut for ye whole town, both for ye worship of God on Sabbath dayes and for militery trainings, and all other pubiick meetings. And wee would humbly say, yt wee are very sensable yt we are in a great necessity of an able orthodox minister to be settled amongst us to dispence ye word of God amongst us: which when we are a town, we hope we shall be able procure and settel amongst us; which we hoop we shall soon indcvor for, that tharein we may be happy. And whereas some have objected, and said yt ye north purcheis is to long to come to one mitteng, we think it a great mistack; for we can come to yc senter; and why cannot tiiose who do object against it com as well as we? And f urder, we pray this Cort to give a name unto APPENDIX. 343 our town; but, if this Coit thinks it is not proper to sei)li Dudley Es(ir. (iovcnioiiv. And to tlie Iloiioui- ;il)lc ('ouiu'C'll, And Ifepicsoiitatives Assembled in their (Jreat and (lenei- all Court Att Boston Oetoher 20, ITOS. We the Subscribers, Inhabitants of Taunton South purchase t(>,i;ct]ier Avith seveniU Inhabitants of the old Township of Taunton That dwell on the east side of the great river; Being under great disadvantages By reason of remoteness from the meeting-House in the center of the old Township, many of us liveing six and seven and some of us Eight miles and some more then so distant therefrom, so that it is impossible foi' us to carry our whole families with us to meeting. And those that are Aged and Crasey among us can seldom repayr thether And while the heads of the families are absent, the younger persons are exposed to pro- phayn the sabbath att Home. We doe therefore out of a sincere respect to the glory of god and the leaveing religion as a portion unto our posterity; Pray This Great and ( renerall Conrt, That we may have the liberty to settle a minister among our selves That is able orthodox Learned and pious Hoping that there is a competent number of us the Petitioners, to Afford that support to such A (piallifyed Minister as may Incorrage one to settle among us In Case this Court will please to free ns from paying to the supi^ort of the Minis- try in the old Township; Which we humbly conceive may be thought reasonable; Considdering that there will be as great a number of Inhabi- tants Remaining in the old township to support the ministry there when we are drawn of. As there was in the whole townshij) twenty years since And that the greatest part of the Inhaliitants of this south purchase have settled themselves there within this twenty year, And we submit to the wisdom of this (ireat and (ienerall Court to make us either a precinct or a township as they shall see Cause, And to set such a line thereunto as may Comprehend All the families of your Petitioners; Although the line we our selves Have thought upon is the line that Runs Betwixt the south- purchase and Taunton old township: And Crossing the great river to keep the same point till it meet with the line of fretown Township: And wo have chosen ('apt. Jared Tall>ut To present this our petition and to wait upon the Court As is need full to obtain their favourable answer therein. Dated In Taunton October Uth 1708. By your very Humble Peti- tioners. Edward paull John paull John Reed Richard haskiiis Ebenezer briggs James paul Henry Pitts Ebenezer Pitts Nathaniell Briggs Samuel Waldron Nicolas Haskens ^ Ephraim Hathway James Talbut Thomas Jones Isaac pooll Hezekiah Hoar ;4.S OUARTEK MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. M;ittliew brigfis Tlioinas bri<;cs David AValker Amos brings Joseph pooll Samuel Whitmaish Abraham bhiiu-haid rcnieman biiges John Crane Isaac hathway Edward Shove James Tysdale Joseph Dean Jared Talbut Abram hathwav This petition was followed b\" the following' order: •' 111 Coiilicil, 2S Octo. ITOS. iU-ad and Ordered That tlie I'et''^ caiisi- tlic Selrctincn of Tauuloii to be Served with a Copy of tliis Petitiim and tliat they be licard thereiiixm before tliis Court, on the seeond Tuesday of tlieir next Session: If any thinji' they have to Say why the Prayer thereof may not l)e Granted. Jsa. Addinnton Seery. Sent down for Coneurrenee. In tlie House of Representatives. Oeto. 2ilth 1708. Head & I'ass'd. in ( oncurreme. Thomas ( »livt'r Speaker. " Upon Ueadinj"' of a Petition of the Inliabitants of Taunton Soutii I'ureliase, witli several of the old Township, Setting; forth their Remote- ness from the Place of publick Worshij), Piayin<; to be made a Separate Piecinet for the Ministry; Ordered that the Petitioner.s Cause the Select Men of Taunton to be served with a Copy of the said Petition And that they be heard thereupon before this Court, on the second Tuesday of their next Session, If any Tliino- they have to say: why the Prayer there of may not be granted. Voted a Concurrence in the House of Ilepresentatives. Consented to J. Dudley. (Date of meeting, October 28, 1708.) On the serviee of this petition there was a tumult in 'I'aunton, as is easily gathered from the following action of the town : \iz.: "Tanton feb ye first day 1708-0 Whereas y(' select men of our town was served with a coi)])y of ye north imrchas and south juirchas petitions and they Caused ye town to meet to (Jatlier this d;i,.y and Ivcad thayr i)etitions in ye town mcicting when matters was fairly debated and thare being many nien of many minds so tluit nothing was Concluded on, only some persons would have ye select APrENDix. 349 men to take tlinyr lime ;unl write ye Couvf an answer, so ye assembly ware rlismisscd. Jolin Wilbore Town Clerk. Henry He(l<;os Another town meeting three weeks afterwards as follows : At a Legall Town meetincj. warned and held at Tannton publick meetinj^ bouse the 22 day of februarj' lTOS-9 It was voted that the Town doth Im- ))ower the present select men. to make Return to the Generall (-'ourt in answer to the petitions of the north and south purchasers A True Coppy Transcribed by me John Wilbore Town Clerk. In May following the Selectmen sent in this communication : " And as for the South Purchase, we are very sensible that they will be exposed to great difficulty, by reason of the Great River that runs throuoh the middle of that desired precinct, which will be difficult to pass in Winter by reason that the ice is many times not strong enough to bear, and to hard to break. Yet we say, that if this Honored Court in their wisdom see it convenient, and our neighbors and friends see their way clear, we shall not oppose them; so that the Court order it that we be no way concerned with any of their charges, but that they bear it themselves. " But the town apparently desired to reinforce this protest and accordingly a special committee was appointed for this purpose, as appears by the following : •■June the first 17(>!» At a Legall Town meeting warned and held at Taunton jjublick meeting house it was first Voted to chuse a Moderator and the person cliosen by Vote was Lieut James Leonard. 2. It was put to vote whether the Tow-n would chuse a committee of five men to give Reasons in behalf of the Town, to the Generall Court, why the petitions of the north and south i)urchasers should not be granted, 8. it w as voted that the Town shall chuse five men to make Return to the Generall Court and give their Reasons why, the prayers of the north and south purchasers should not be granted, and the persons then chosen for the committe were Lieut James Leonard, Thomas Harvey Ensign phillip King: Ensign Thomas Gilbert and Jonathan paddleford. A true cojipy Transcribed IJy nic .John Wilbore Town Clerk. There was evidently some sharp work going on here, for on the 4th of June, 1709, the Selectmen sent this word to the General Court : 350 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. To ye lionoviMl (Jeiierall ('ort we whose names are under written Knowinj^ it to be our duty to be faitli- full unto ye Care and trust ooniniited to ns by ye towne of Taunton and Knowing' yt (apt Jarat Talbut of our taunton south pureliase and otliers of liis neiii,'hbours had petitioned ye (ireat and (xenerall fort to '.) T said Thomas Harvey desired sd Talbiit to give us ye sd noti- lication and sd Talbut said he had given a copye of sd notilication to John Spur on of our select men as witnes our hands this 4th day of Jun in yeare of Christ ITOV). James Leonard ( two of ye Thomas harvey | selectmen. This Committee, above chosen June ist, immediately sent in this remonstrance. To his Excly Joseph Dudley Esqr. Captn Cenerall & Covernour in chief in and over her majesties province of ye Massachusetts bay &c and to ye lionoured Council] and Kepresentatives convened in General Court. Whereas a petition has been presented to this great and General Court by some of Taunton south purchase and some of the Inhabitants of The East side The Great River opposite to sd purchase, to be joyned to gether either in a township or precinct. Separate from the old Town- ship or other parts of sd town, and upon Heading and Considering sd ])etition This Oireat and general Court ordered that the Select Men of Taunton bee served with a coppy of sd petition as we hear, that they might be heard If they had any thing to say, why ye prayr of sd petition- ers should not be granted, the Select Men warnd a town meeting to Con- sider of the matter (as also concerning ye north purchase petition) and the Town met togather and petitioners: but fell into such a heat of spirit by such a Striving by the petitioners to break our Town to pesis: The day was spent in Confusion and the meeting dismist and nothing done: and the selectmen warnd another town meeting to be on ye 22nd day of february lT0S-!t and the town and petitioners mett to gather, the selec^t men dcsird of <'ai)t. Talbut to se the petition That they and the Town miglit Consider it and doo what was proper to be done al)out it but ( iiptn. Talbut Utterly Refused to show it To them or to Lett them see it, so that we the subscribers cannot tell what is properly petitioned tor, and are therefore Rendered incapable of making any objections or to manifest nur unwillingness to have it granted, having nothing but c(nn- uion talk to cniisidei' of, wliicli grieves us and puts us to a stand what to APPKNOIX. 351 il(», now may it pleas this (Jicat and iidiiKid ('(turt. If we offer any tliiiij"' as objections to ye >;raiitiiiu sd iictitioii, it ( aiinot be certain for we know not certain what they petition tor: If onr neibours wouhl be a Township, we humbly conceive tliat cannot be witliont the Towns willingness, for Townships are to continne as they are by onr Charters and Laws, and If it be a precinct that onr neighbonrs wonld have according as is talked abont, it is not i)ossible to answer the end tliey propose to themselves and it will certainly pnt snch a charge on tlie midle part of the Town who live npon small Lots that they will not be able to beare it. bnt mnst we fear Dismis onr setled minister and qnit onr houses and smal Lots and move into the ont parts of the Town too Or I>eave tlie Town quite, all that we can .say farther is nntill we are farther acqnainted with the sd petetition is earne.stly to pray This great and General court, that the mat- ter may wholly sease, or at Least be suspended that the matter may lie farther considered In our Town, and If it may fairly and in a christian way be Debated among us which we humbly conceive may stop a great Deal of Trouble and Contention among us. and we are humbly of opinion that ye true state of the matter cannot be known by what is oftored. but If there be any farther proceedings about it, we pray a f'ommite of Ue- mote persons be chf>sen to vew what is Desii-ed and hear what may be said and make Report to this great and generall court att ye Tharge of tliose that Trouble us. The .Select men not agreeing in making answer to this honrd Court they warnd another Town metting June 1st ITOi) and ye Town and petitioners mett Together to chuse a commite and the Town made a choyce of us the subscribers to act and make answer to this lionrd Court and .so pray that Cxod almighty Direct in this and all the weighty affairs before in this time of Difficulty we subscribe your honord humble servants Dated June .")th 17(1! 1. James Leonarro ] Phillip King I Thomas Harvey |-Commitey Thomas GilBert | Jorathan padelford j Some of the Southern residents however did not concur in the foregoing petition, but sent in this remonstrance, which indi- cates a need of a school master quite as much as of a minister. To his Exelencey the governor Capt. giniaril In and over his maiest.es province of the masachu.setts bay in New Ingland: and lieeir maeistes Councel and to his honnourable house of Hepresentatives sitting at bos- ton febnarey 24th 1708 may it pleas this great and general Court to here the humble petishiim of ns whose names are mider writon being the iii- habetence of the south pnichas that behmgeth to Taunton: We under 352 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. stand some of our neighbours of sd south purchase have proposed a petishio to gether with some of the East side of Taunton oreat River whose hands are to sd petishion for township or presink we pray tliat no such thing may be for these Resens folowing 1. We aie but fu in number 2. The most of us young beginirs having great laings out to to subdue tlie wildrnes and to build houses to dwell in. :>. the great- ness of Rates by Reson of wars and long continuing and no appearance of ])eace and that we cannot expect peace so long as every mans hand is ngainst his neighbour 4 we are informed our neighbours of the south purchas have made artickles of agrement that they will build the meeting house upon their one Cost and Charge and be at the Charge of setting an atardoxe minister and half charge of ferebots tofere over sd River which will be several hundreds of pouus lost; it will be Runus to us and them if any such thing be: Sly the defilcy of feren over the River by Reson of else often fresing and thain that it is so un serting that some of Those most Knoing the River Latly fell threw the ise and were in great Danger of Drowining: (ily great Diffilcy by Reson of the waters exces of swiftnes up the River and some times down some tides with wind very dangrous pasing acros some times by great floods Riming so swift down sd River dangrous pasing over: 71y We ar not willing to love our Reverend Mr. yamuel danfoth who is and will be we hope until! death our faithfull menester of Jesus Christ: therefore In par- ticular we pray that we may not be Removed from under his faithfull ministrey: 81y we pray as childrin to their father that you would not sufer aney such thing to be because we are not able to bare it by Reson of our in ability : the litle bee when neley swarmed is destitute of honey ; Dly We wer not In formed of sd petishion untill we were Informed by sd generall court: and that we dooe owne one quarter part of sd south liurchas as Oiu- one freehold: lioi)iiig in your clemency yours to i)ray for. nicolas morey James Walker sen. eleazer Walker elezabeth emerson James Walker John Ward Nathan Walker 'I'he General Court feeling much perplexed at this variety of view.s in the persons most interested, resolved to send a committee to examine and report upon the subject, in these words: Fixiii llic IbMiing of the scvcnil I'clitioiis of the Inhabitants of the North A- Soiilli I'lircliMscs in 'I'auntoii, to be made .separate Precincts for the Seltling A- Siiiipoit of tlie Ministry in the respective Places. I.'csoKcd lliat \;illi;iiiiel TlioniMs, \;itb;niiel Uylield and James War- ren I'lsiiis. l)c :i (onimittee to repair to 'l':iinitoii, A- \'it'\v tliesaid several APPKNDIX. 353 Purchast'S. & T']i()ii roiisidcrMlioii of nil C'iiciinistinicfs. to sett oil' ])i(i|>('r Pi't'fiiicts t(i fiicDiiia.m' till' u I I'liids (Icsiicil liv tli(i l\-titionei's. ;ni(l to iidvisf A- Direct In tin' iiiDst siiitnlilc I'hiccs lor tlu' liaising of tlieiv Meet^ ing Iloiist's. ami to make tlu-ir I.'citort to tin- next Session of this foni't for Ooiifirniation, Xafiiaiiiel 'I'lionias l'",s(ir. to appoint the 'I'iuie: The Charges of llie s;ii(l romniittee to he horn hy the said I'reeincts. Well liesolve heing sent (hiwii to tlie l!e]>resentvfs Was ('on( in"d l)y tiiat Tfcnise And is Consented to. .1. Dndiey. (J)ato of meeting. .Inne s. ITHti.) Thi.s Committee re|3orted a.s follow.s: •' Pursuant to au Order of the Great & Genii Court dated June ye otli 1700 to us Directed to Repaire to Taunton it vew the severall Tracts of land which the fnhabitants of the North & South Purchases in Taun- ton have Petioned to be made separate precincts for the settling & suport of the Ministry in the said Respective Places. And We the subscribers haveing vewed tlie said severall Tracts tt Heard the allegations of the opposite Partys thereto upon Consideration of all Cirenmstances have set the bounds of the seveiall piecincts as fol- loweth That is to say 'i'hat the bounds of the North Piecinct according to their Petition) shall begin at the Line between the two old Colonys of the Massiichusetts & Plimouth in the line of the bounds between Taun- ton North Purchase & Attlebury & from thence Southward toRehoboths Northeast Corner & from theuce Eastward on the said No. Purchase line to Taunton bounds, & thence Eastward to the Mouth of the brook Called hurts brook leaving out Capt. Hodgess land at Birts brook & Extending from the Mouth of Burts brook to the bridge made over the Mill River near Wm. Witherells & from thence North Eastward to the North Purchase line & from the North Purchase line the road that leads from said brig towards Norton to be the bounds till it come to the line Betwen the said late Colonys which line to be the bounds to Attle- })nry bounds aforesd. And that the Meeting house for the said North Precinct shall be sett on the Northward side of the way that leads over Rumford River at Crosmans Way at the Place where the way Crosseth it that leads from John Hodges's to the Beech Island. And the bounds of the Precinct of the South Purchase aforesd shall (according to their Petion ) be the Line between Tan ton Town old Bounds & the said South Purchase & from the Mouth of three Mile River to the Maple Tree att assemitt River at the Road of freeTown land. And that the Meeting house for the said South Precinct shall be set on the West side of the way near Capt. Jerard Talbntts house according as the I'eti- tionrs have agreed. 354 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. In testiiviony wlioreof We liave lienninto set our hands NATHANIEL THOMAS. N. BYFIELD, 10th Sept., 17UU In Council. JAMES WAKI^EN. Read and accepted. .Isa. Addiu^ton. Socry. Sent down for concunence Sept. 16 1709. Read In the House of liepiesentatives. Sept. 10 170!). Read & Concurred witli the Proviso annex'd John Clark SjK'akcr. Diepredict .V^reed to the l^rovisio In Council Jsa. Addington Secrj'. Provided tliat the East End of the North Purchase shall have hall'e the said Purchase, as their Precint; when they are al)le to maintain n Minister, & this Court judge them so. Hut soon this South ])recinct was anxious to l:)econie a sejxirate town and petitioned for that purpose, on whirh this action was taken by the House of Repiesentatives. " Upon reading a petition of C!pt. Jared Talhot Agent for & in the Name ct Behalf of the Inhahts of the South Precinct in Taunton, Pray- ing to have their Bounds circumscrihed & ascertained & to he made a Township of them selves; Ordered That the Petitioner Cause the Select Men of Taunton to be served with a Copy of this Petition to notify them that they attend a Hearing of the Prayer of the Petition before this Court on Friday the tenth of November next, if they continue to sit so long. If they have any Thing to object thereto, Otherwise on the first Tuesday of the next Ses- sion. Concurred by the Representatives: — Consented to, J. Dudley. (Date of meeting, October -'7th 1710. If any opposition was made to tlie creation of a new town it was not successful, and in 1712, an order was passed as follows: I^pon Reading a Petition of Cpt. Jared Talbot Agent for the Soutli Precinct in Taunton, Praying in the name & Behalfe of tlie Inhabitants of the said Precinct that they may be made a Town, as ])rayed for in a formei' Petition. Ordered that the Prayer of the Petition be granted for a Townsliip The Town to be named Dighton, There having been a Hearing betwixt the Petitioners d; the Agents for the Town of 'I'aunton before this Court in afornier Session some Tinu' since, and that upon the application of APPENDIX. 355 the Select Men of Taunton or of Dighton. tlie former Committee assignetl to survey & propose a Line for the I'rec^inet be desired & impoweied to perfect fully describe i(Ic of s:iiil line. — wliicli is to ii;iy liis ])r(>]M)rti(Hi (it ;ill iMiMirk cIkii^cs to siiid new tow iislii|i. — :niil cxcliuliii;; tlic laml of N;itli;niicl \\'illi;im>. joiiiini; to mikI on the cMst side of said line. — wliicli is to pay his iirojiort ion of imlilick cliarucs to tlic town of Taunton: tlicncc to run noil iicrly tiy said way to the meat cedar swamj) at flic liuin.u in of the urcat-island way: thence to cross said island, and run straight to hlaslon line, at the nearest place: thence to inn easterly by s(ai)d I'";aston line, until it coines to l>rid<.i(e) water line, lirst men- tioned: and that the inliabitiints of tlie said lands, as before dosciibod. are hereby accurdinj;ly endowed and vested with all powers, privileges. immnnit(ie)(y)s and advantajies wliieh other towns in this piovince by law have and enjoy: pror'nleil, that the inhabitants of the said town of Kaynhani do, within the space of three years from the publication of this act. procure and settle a learned. ortho(h>x minister, of yood conver- sation and make i)rovision for his comfortable and honouiable supjjort, and likewise provide a school master to instruct their youth to read and w rite. Provided, also, — And be it fuitlier enacted. (Sect. •2.) That tiie said inhabitants of the s(ai)d town of Itayniiain pay their resiiective proportions of all taxt's and town rates that arc al- ready levied r>r assessed upon the town of Taunton, for cliarj;es hitherto arisen within said town; and that that ])art of tlie land belons'inK t(j .John Kinji and I'liillip Kin<;', within the bounds herein described, tliat lia(th) (ve) been heretofore exempted from payini; public char<:;cs to the town of I'annton, be also in like manner exempted from payinj; any charj^es towaids this new townshi]i. ( I'assed April '1: i)ublished April "j, \T-'>\. APPENDIX .AA. The act crcatinu the town of Mcrklev reads liius : An act for dividing the towns (it Taunton and Di^hton. and creclinj: a new town there by the iiaine of IJeikcley. Wlicrcas the s(uitheily part of 'I'annton. and the north part of Dijihton. on the east side of the Great I'iver. is c i)etently fiir{e)fl with inhabitants who laluiui under ditiiculties by reason of their lemotcness fiom the places of publick meetiuj>s in the said towns, and have tliere- 35^ QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. u))on niiuli' thcirai)pli cation totliis couit.that tlioy maybe set off a distinct and sei)(a)(e)rate townslii]). and be vested witb all tlie powers and priv- ileges that other towns in this province are vested with. — Be it therefore enacted by His Excellency the Governor, Council and Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same. (Sect. 1.) 'i'hat the southerly part of 'i'aunton, ;iud tlie northerly jiart of Dif^hton, on the east side of tlie Great Uiver, as hereafter bounded and described, be and hereby are set(t) off, constituted and erected into a sep(a)(e)rate and distinct towniship, by the name of Berkeley. (Sect. 2.) The bounds of the said townshiii bein^ as follows; viz., beginning at the great river at a forked white oak tiee, at the landing j)lace between the land of Abraham Tisdal(e) andMicab Pratt, and from thence to extend on a streight line to a dam. known by the name of Lit- tle Meadow Dam(ni); from thence to a rock with a heap of stones on it, in the said Little Meadow: from thence to extend on a streight line, until it intersects the line of the precinct, which includes part of Taun- ton and part of Middleborough, opposite to the dwelling house of John Williams; from thence to extend on said i)recinct line to the )riaplc tree, which is the corner bounds of Middleboiougli, Freetown, Dighton and Taunton: and from thence, bounded by Freetown, till it comes to a littlt; knapp or hillock of upland, being the bounds between Dighton, Free- town, and Assonet Neck; and then bounded by the land of Mr. Edward Shove, till it comes to Taunton river, and then bounded by said river, till it comes to the first' mentioned bounds. (Sect. :]. ) And that the inhabitants thereof be and hereliy are vested and endowed with equal powers, privileges and immunities that the inhabitants of any of the other towns within this j)rovince are, or by law ought to be vested with. Only (Sect. 4.) It is to be understood that .lohn Spurr, Nicholas Stevens, John Tisilale. Abraham Tisdale, Israel Tisdale and Kbenezer Pitts, and their families and estates, are not to be imduded in said township, and are to belong to the towns of Taunton and Dighton, as ft)rmerly. (Sect. 5.) And the inhabitants of the town of Berkeley are hereby required, within the space of two years from the publication of this act. to procure and settle a learned, orthodox minister of good conversation, and make provision for his comfortable and honouiable supjjort, and also errect and finish a suitable and convenient house for the i)ublick worshij) of God, in said town. Provided also. (Sect. (i. ) That the inhabitants, included within this township, that heretofore belonged to Taunton, shall from time to time, pay towards APPENDIX. 359 the repair of Ware Bridj;c in pr(ii)()rtion witli tin- reniaiiiii)<; part, of Tamitoii, accordiiif;- to their assessnu-nt in tlie hist province tax, and also tlieii' proi)ortion of the rates and tax(!S already nnuh- in Taunton: and tliat that part of this new t,o\vnsliii» whi(di beloiij;'d to Difrhton, ]>ay tiieir proportion with tlie said town of Difjhton of tlii^ arrears of their out- standinji' rates already made, and of the debts due from the said town of Dighton, and also their propoi'tiou of the chai-.n'e for the maintenance of the present poor of the town of I)ii;htou. (Passed and i)ublished April 18. lT-'>'>. Prov. Laws. IT-U-"). Ch. lit.) APPENDIX BB. [Tii-i-e 5-i.l The histor\- of ihc settlement of New 'j'aunton is Ivilly dis- closed in a copy of (lie records of the Proprietors, which has been obtained in full from the records of the town of Westmin- ster, Vermont, and are given below. '' Rumford on Merrimac," mentioned hereafter, is well known to be Concord, N. H., and the '• Great Falls " is now called Bellows Falls. Twenty-eight town- ships wei"e laid out between the Connecticut and the Merrimack rivers. One on the 7C'i'sf bank of the Connecticut, was on its sur- vey called "'Township Number One," and being granted to a number of persons from Taunton. Norton and Easton, in Mas- sachusetts, and from Ashford and Killingly, in Connecticut, who liad petitioned for the same, was named '' New Taunton," as most of the petitioners were from this town. The first meeting of the proprietors was Jan. 14, 1736, (O. S.), and on the 26th Sept., 1737, ( O. .S..) only nine months later, the allotment of shares took place. and proposals were issued for building a saw mill and grist mill. ( )n the 5th of .March, 1740, the true northern boundary line of Massachusetts was established, and New Taunton was found to be not within the jurisdiction of this Commonwealth. Af II (ri-iiit mill (ii-iii-nil Cniirl nr Asstuibli/ J'm- Ins .\fiijesfirs Pinr'nir<' ■ 1/ llir Milssiir/insclts lliiij in Xifi^ h'lii/laiiil liri/iiii It inl liild (it BiisLmi npnn ]\'('iliiesuriinii-iits In W<'d))ef«hiii llic T/iirly-firat Dmj nf Dci-cuihcr I'niliiiviii;/ , ITO-"). Kdiiiiniil Qiiiiiri/ Esquire from lln- < 'oimnittee of both Houses on tin pe- litionsfor Toivnsliips tliersof P>rid.<;ewatei-. tliMt liM\-c not licrcloforc Itccii Mdiiiittcd (;rMnlc<'s or Scttlerforinanci' of tlu' conditions of tlu-ir (irant \iz. 'i'liat eacli (Jrantee ]>uild a Dwelling House of Kiyiiteen feet s(|uare and seven feet stud at tin; li'ast. on tlu'ii' respectixc Home lots, and !•"( iice in an(] hreak u]i for IMowini;. or clear and stock with Kn^iisli (irass i'"i\e Acres of 1/ind within three years next after their adnuttance. and cause their I'l'spt'ctixc Lotts to lie inliahited: Anil (hat the (irantees do within the sjtiice of Three years fiom the time of their hein<; admitted Huild and furnish a convenient Meeting; Ho\isi' for the Puldiek Woiship of (hxI, and settle a Learned Orthodox ^finistei-: and in ease any of the (irantees shall fail Or nej^lect to jierform what is enjoined as ahove. '{"lie Comnnttee shall he ohlij^cd to juit the Bonds in suit, and take pos- sesion of the Lotts and Ui<;hts that shall heconu' foifeit. and proceed to Urant them to Other I'ersons that will apjiear to fultill tlu' conditions within (me year next after the said last mentioned (irant. And if a suf- licient luunher of Petitioners that lia\f no (want within se\en years as aforesaid (viz.) (sixty to cadi j'ownslii]!) do not ap]>ear. Others may he adnutted. i'ro\ ided they ha\c fidlilled tlie < 'onditioiis of their fornu-r (iraiit: The Committee to take caic that there he sixty three llonn' Lotts laid out in as reiiular. com]iact and defensihle a manner as the Land will allow of. One of whicli Lofts siiall lie for the First settled .Minister. One for the second settled Miuister. an Nundier ( >ne on the west side of ( onnecticnt liivei'. adjoiinni; to tlu' F(iui\'alent Land, so <'alled. (Mvin;.; Tinudy notice to tlic said (irantees admitted into the sai. hy the ( 'onnnittec of this ( duit. annc \ otin.u accordiim' to his Interest which choice was hy a i^rcat .Majority. '_'d \dtcd Tliat .lames Williams he pidiuictors ClcrU for said Town- ship, and was then sworn to said Trust am! then said mectinu- was ad- APPEiNDIX. S^3 jounuMl to the I)\vi-lliiiii liousi- of ('■.\\>t. .losciili 'risdiilc: mihI 'I'licii iiiic- diatt'ly met. ."'.1(1 \'i>rc(l 'I'liiit the s;ii(l Clerk tortliwitli Piucliasc at tlie said I'ln lirii'tors cost and cliainc a suitable' IJook in older to iteeord tluTe votes and proceedinjis in tlie Dividinij it settlinj;' said Town accordin<»- to Mii' said Courts Direction. 4tli Noted 'I'hat He a ('(unmitte to llejiair to said 'rownsliip (iianted as aforesaid and Lay Out Sixty 'I'liree Home l.ottsiu niaiiner a> the said (xrantees shall Diicct. .•)th V<)teliall he ot the Nuiiiher of six men and that any four of them shall I'.e a (,|orum ()th N'oted tluit Cajit. Joseph 'I'isdale. Meut .John Harvey. Kns. Seth Sumner. .Mr Joseph Eddy. ^Ir Edmond Andrews ami .Mr Ehenezer Dean be the Committee to Proceed in the s'l affair. Tth \'oted That the Committee aftoiesaid lie fully imi)owere ax men to assist in layin*:' out the Fiome Lotts in said \ew To\vushi|i. njioii the iii-ojuietors ( Ust tt Charo-e Nth N'oted That the Committee afforesaid Eay (Uit the Sixty tliicr home Eotts aecordinu to the Direction of the (General Conit. Each I,ott not to exeed fifty acres: nor less than ten acres to Each Ilonu- J,ott: And to proi»ortion the sanu' accordin<;' to (Quality that so Each Eott may be of E(iual value, as also to appoint a suitable place foi' the meetini; honse and liay a Convenient Itoad or Hoads Through the said Town: and lay the Lotts in the most Defensible manner as may be: also Lay out a Convenient Training field and I'.uryiiiL; [dace Xear the Meetiii.u House ])latt, as also lay out a convenient place (if any there be) Xear to or \vitli- in said home Lotts for a a saw mill and a (iiist MU] '.ifh \'oted that the intei\ail Lands or so much as the sait(•^l lliut the six ('(iiuniittcc affon'said sliall have llic sum of I'avi'Im' Sliilliii^s ]icr Day allowed and I'aid to cacli of tlK'iii fortlu'ii' tiiiu' & Ex})C'iisc in I,ayiii or for his time and lv\)it'nco in Layinj;' ( )vit said ■{"own Shiji and also alU>\v A- ]>ay I-".a
  • Impowered upon api)lication to him matle ))y live ]n(>i)iietors lu- (ii-autees Desirinn a })roprierors meetiui;, and there in sett fiu'th the tinu'. placi' ai!d ( )cation of such meetiuii. TJie said Clerk is forth with Ordered to warn a nieetin tlic siiliscritpcrs. tlicv Kr;isiiiii- tlic woi'd (I>l;inlv) in tln- tniiitli A- littli \(ilc, ;iii(l I'liiisiiio tlir \(.tr for I'.xin- Tlif Kfiuid llnoU tin- * 'niiiinitlcc ll;i\iiiL; pn'sidcil the s;mic In the Xaiiic A- li> Order of llic Coiiiniitti-f Wni I)udlc> 'I'liis KtMonU-d 'I'liis liflh l)M\ ..f .M;ir( li IT:;ti Ii\ me .lames Williams Piti|)ei'. Clerk. l-'ehniary -Id \~'Mk The meetiii.u adjourned fiom the fouiteenth of January I7-'!ti This day nu'f aecovdin.ruary 2-"!d ll'M'i met accordinj^ly lly Voted that the foi-e-ioin.^ votes with the IIoiii'- Oouiuiittee of the (General (.'ourts allowame, 15i- Iteeorded as they Now staml amended L'ly Voted That those persons that are in a Hear for tonner Cliar<;e for jJreferriiiL;' the petition to the (leiieial T'ourt and in viewing;' the lanT Legally warned and meet and came into the following Votes \'iz 1st Made choice of Deacon Samuel Sumner .Moderator for said meet- ing and then the said meeting was adjourned to the dwelling house of Capt Josei)h Tisdale and there to meet forty minutes after twelve of ('lock on this present day — And there meet according to adjournment. ■2(\ A'oted that a Rate or assesment be made on said proprietors for the Gathering in the Thirty Shillings to Each Right as voted tlie fourteenth day of January Last: with the aRear voted fehrnary ;Jd I7o(i. :31y Voted that Cjipt Josej^h 'I'isdale James Williams and Setli Staples he assesors to make such Rates or assessments as are or shall he agreed upon for this present year l\v said proprietors 4 Voted that Mr Jonathan Padelford Jnn he Tolleetor for said projiriety the year next ensuing Voted That s'd collector shall Inive the sum of twelve pence ui>on the pound for gathering and c(dlecting sncli assesnients as shall he out Standing from and after the first Day of May next: and said assessors are directed 1<> deliver no assesnients to said (-ollector until tlie said first ^566 OITAKTER MIT.I.P.NMAT, CET.EBRATION. Day of May; And said assesors are to make an Addition of tlie sum of twelve pence upon Each pound and so in ])ro])oition for a lessor or (ireater sum for the i)ayment of the Collector: upon Each Wight as shall not be paid by the said first day of May next: To the Treasurer of said propriety: and said Treasurer to Keep a fair Record of all such payments to him made as aforesaid: or to be paid to our Clerk agieable to the vote of the fourteenth of January I^ast (> Voted That James Williams be Treasurer for the ensuing yeai'. 7 Voted That the first Monday of Aprill yearly, and anualy be & shall be a day for making Choice of Officers Necessary for said propri- ety: and the Clerk is to post up a notification thereof at Taunton meet- ing house yearly fourteen Days at least before said meeting 8 Voted that the said C^ommittee is forbid the perambulation of the out side Lines of said Township at the time of there a Lottmentof the Home I^otts and then the Question was Putt whether the said pro- prietois will petition the Great and General Court for some addition to there said Township: and then it was voted that said article Be Refered to the next meeting of said propriety: and that the Clerk Ensert this ar- ticle in the next meeting and in the meantime Lieut Eliphlet Leonard be Desired to make Encjuiry in said affair and to procure such coppys of tlie survey of the Equivelant Lands as shall be necessary from the Plat and Return of the Eciuivelant Land as may sett the affair in a true Light> and the proprietors to be at the Cost of Coppying such Records 9 Voted that the Committee be sworn to the faithfull Discharge of the Trust Reposed in them by the said proprietors in Lotting the home Lotts and Entervail according to the votes of the proprietors: and that the .Surveyors and Chainmen and axmen be Like wise sworn to the faithfull Discharge of there Trust 10 Voted that Lieut Morgan Cobb be added to the Committee in the Room and stead of Mr Edward Andrews — Andrews Declaring his non acceptance, and said Cobb to be allowed as a Surveycu- and Commit- tee man fifteen Shillings per Day for his time & Expence and in said meeting said Cobb Declared his acceptance of said clioice 11 \^oted that the Treasurer shall pay all payments to him made of the thirty Shillings to Each Right to the five Committee or the major part of them taking a Receipt for the same and said f'ommittte to be ac- countable for the san>e to the proprietors alforesaid 12 N'oted tiiat the assesors, ui)on Capt Tisdalcs i)rescnting his ac- count to them »>f former aRears and they allow ing the same shall make there assesment ui)on Defective persons accordingly l:} Voted that all persons that have i»aid in thirty shillings with the alJear to Each rigiit to tln^ Treasurei' for said ])ropriety s'd assesors are to cross out or Cliancell tiicrc names Itctorc tlicy Deliver there Rate Streake to the Collei-tor APPENDIX. 367 14 Voted llial nil |icrsiiii.s tli;it liiivc ;iiiy tliiiiy Due to Miem toi' for- mer services for viewing flic liaiid petitioned for, \vli()se iiceounts liave been formerly allowed by the pioprietors as (Committee men or agents shall have the same Discounted in there assessment or so far as there proportion is to ])ay toward said assesnient they Giveino- a Receipt To the Treasurer before said first Day «>f May that they have K'eceived the said snm of the assesnient and then (!ame into said meeting tiie Honf Setli Willard Esqr who adminestred an oath to Mr Morgan Cobb, John Harvey. Seth Sumner. Joseph Eddy and Ebenezer Dean to the Discliarge of tliere Trust accord- ing to the v()te. Jonathan pacU-lford Jur: and Seth Tisdale Chainmen : all which persons Declared there acceptance of there Choice Respectively and then said meeting was Dissolved Recordeetitit)n to tiie (ieiieiiil (Onit jind n;imed: also in there said petition or by the of \oven)ber 17o(). Tliomas (Jilbert John Tisdale Joseph Drake Robert Woodward. James Walker. Nathaniel Caswell. William Haskins. David Cobb. Morgan Cobb. Simion Cobb. Joseph Richmond. William 'I'hayer. Stephen Macombei, A brain Tisdale. William Leonnnl. Stei)hen (iray. )rdci Lisint; in T.-innton tVc: admitted this lUth lU'ctird Aj)ril l;!th IT^iT by James William l;!th 17:;T ) Wm. Dudley by Order of the Com- ( s projtr elerk. ( mittee foi' tiiis purpose. ) APPENDIX. 369 The Aconipt of dipt James Leonard for money. Expended at Boston. The acconnt of Capt Tisdale for viewing the line of Town 12 Days and for one Pilott. The accompt of Mr. Andrews for his travell in s'd affairs To Mr. Clapp going to Boston To Capt Tisdale going to Concord for Deacon Sumner for Liuet Eliphelet Leonard & Mr Joseph Eddy 44 1(1 This voted and allowed the articles above by The petitioners in a meeting for that purpose. JOSEPH TISDALE This recorded May 4th 1737 by James Williams propr Clerk. Capt Tisdales account of what the proprietors of Taunton New Township have paid of former aRears to him & what is ytt due and from whom 2 s. 18 d. )('> 1) () 1 •• (i Vi (1 II 1 K- 1 IC. 4 i2 2 (I Paid Due s d s d Joseph Tisdale 15 Dito on the Right of John Crossman 15 Dito on Joseph Jones 15 Dito on Benjamin Crossman 15 Dito on Jeremiah Wittwell 15 Dito on Samuel Darby 15 Dito on Stephen Wilbore 15 Dito on John Smith 15 Samuel Sumner 15 Dito on Benjamin Willis 15 Dito on Stephen Macomber 15 Mr. Benjamin Ruggles on Henry Richmond 10 5 James Williams (5 V) Dito on Abraham Tisdale 15 Mr Thomas Clap Nicholas Stephens 15 Dito on Samuel Pratt (> LI Eliphelet Leonard William Hodges 15 Dito Henry Hodges 15 Dito Frances Liscomb 15 Dito William Haskius 15 Dito Stephen Wood 15 370 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. Paid Seth Staples on the Ri<;lif Setli Sumner Dito Capt Jnnies Leonard Dito Dito James Leonard 3d Edward Blake Jonathan Padelford Jnr. Dito Dito Dito Dito Dito on Joseph Wilhore Jonathan liarney t^benezer Dean Joseph Barney Ebenezer Dean James Walker Jnr Dito Ebenezer Smith Joseph Eddy Dito Joseph Eddy Dito Joseph Tisdale Jur. Dito Dito Ezra Dean Morgan Cobb 2d Dito Ephraim Dean William Ware John Harvey Dito Ebenezer ('obb Israel Tisdale James Leonard 2d 1)1' John Andrews Isaat^ Merick Morgan ('obb David Cobb ]-) 2 If) 15 ir, \u V) T) IT) Thomas IJnkon Md iS Samuel Williams Junor 11 Josiah Linkon IT) Joseph Willis 1") Eliakim Walker in 15 15 Joseph Richmond 1(1 Due s d 12 (i S 2 12 15 15 15 James Walker 15 Thomas fJilbert 9 15 (3 Nathaniel Cogswell 15 William Leonard 15 Edmund Andrews 15 John Tisdale 15 Robmt Woodward 15 Josei)h Drake 15 15 2 (i 12 Sim ion Cobb 15 . 1 14 William Thayer 2 (i 1 12 <» () Stei)hen (Jary 15 1 14 12 APPENDIX. 371 The account of Capt Tisdale onr former Clerk of what each inau hath paid to yt former arrears and what is yett due from each proprie- tor Examined by us JAMES LEONARD ) Dated May 8d 1737 E. EZRA DEAN, } ("ommittee SAMI'EL SUMNER ) Recorded May Otli 1737 by James Williams propr Clerk. We have also Examined said Tisdales account further and find he hath Rec'd of the proprietors on the account of former arrears: t'21 = 15s=ld and have paid out to those that have served the propr in vievvinoj & Obtaining said Township 21=8=G and there is still in Capt Tisdales hands £9=6=7 We also find that Joseph Eddy hath due to Ballance 5=10 — and to Eliphelet Leonard 7=4=6 To Deacon Sumner 0=9=4 And we find that the aRears which are not yett paid to said Tisdale are as on the other side £0=10=5 Also we find that Capt Tisdale ought to be allowed by the Treasurer lis — Gd pd by s'd Tisdale for Eliakim Walker. These accounts we have also examined at the same time as within mentioned Attest JAMES LEONARD ) EZRA DEAN } Committee SAMUEL SUMNER ) At a meeting of the proprietors of the Township No. 1 on the west side of Connecticutt River warned and held at the schole house in Taun- ton on the 20th Day of May 1737 and then came unto the following votes viz 1 — Voted that Mr Samuel Sumner be s'd Moderator for s'd meeting 2 — Voted that the whole number of the Committee Surveyors & Chainmen & Pilots that shall be imployed upon the proprietors Cost in the aLottment shall not exceed the number of Eleven men of which two of them shall be surveyors and im]>loyed as Surveyors in said a Lott- ments. 3 — Voted that the whole number of the Committee all Ready chosen Except Leiut. Morgan Cobb shall be and are fully impowered and chosen Chain Men; and that Jonathan Padelford Jur all Ready chosen a Chainman be added to^'the Committee and that each of them shall have the sum of twelve shillings per day for their time & Expense as was voted the Committee on the fourteenth of January Last 4 — Voted that the major part of the Committee that Repair to the a Lottmeut of said Township and all present at said shall be a Quorum 372 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. to Determine The a Lottment & to act in the whole affair as submitted to the Committee the fourteenth of January Last. 5 — Voted that James Williams be added to the Committee and also That he be one of the surveyors and that he shall Receive no more for his time than fifteen sliillino;s per Day for his time & Expense, and said Williams Declaimed his non acceptance of his choice in said meeting- — Voted that Decon .Samuel Sumner he added to the Committee & be also imploycd as a Chain Man in the a Lottment of said Township as allReady voted and that he have for his time and Expense the sum of twelve Shillinos Per day and no more. And then the said meeting was dissolved Record May 26th 1737 James Williams Propr Clerk. At a meeting of the proprietors of the township Number one on the west side of the Connecticutt River Legally meet at the School house in Taunton on Monday the Eleventh Day of July A. D. 1737 and then Came into the following votes 1 — The said proprietors made choice of Mr Thomas Clap Moderator for said meeting by the major part of the votes; each one voting accord- ing to his interests 2 — Voted That the Piatt & IJeturn Presented by the Committee 15e accepted and the Return Recorded in said proprietors Book 3 — Voted that this meeting be adjourned untill six o'Clock This af- ternoon; and then meet accordingly. 4 — Voted that the sum of Eleven pounds Be Raised upon said pro- prietors in Due proportion in full Ballance of the account of said Com- mittee & Surveyor and that the assessors be directed to make an assess- ment for the same. 5 — Voted that Mr Thomas Clap the Moderator Draw Each house Lott & intervail Lott for Each Respective Person that have paid his pro- portion to former charges; or that have satisfied the Committee his just Part of said Cost & Charge. 6 — Voted that there be a Committee Chosen to take into Considera- tion what method will be most proper for said proprietors to take in building a saw mill and a Gristmill and make report at the adjournment of this meeting to said proprietors and in the mean time Receive the propo.salls of any Person or I'ersons that are willing to take said mill or mills to build, and that the Committee shall Consist of the number of five men, and the persons chosen ware Mr. Thomas Clap Capt. Joseph Tisdale, Leiut John Harvey, Leiut Eliphelett Leonard and Jonathan Barney, and then the said meeting was adjourned unto the first Monday of Sept. next at one of the Clock in the afternoon & there to meet at said School house precisely at s'd hour. Recorded Sept 3d 1737 James Williams propr Clerk. APPENDIX. 373 So])tenibor ."itli Ho? being the lirst Tuesday of said niontli. The meeting of the township No. 1 adjourned from tlie Eleventh of .July last meet aeeording to adjournment Then said meeting was adjourned to the Dwelling house of Capt .Joseph Tisdale and there to meet at Three O'clock This afternoon: and then said meeting meet accordingly. The Proprietors agreed and voted that the following persons That have given Bonds to the Committee of the General Court and are ad- mitted settlers in the Township number one Intervail Lott Dito :5 Drawed 23 house Lott 22 Intervail Lott 174 OUAKTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. Rijiht. 10 Dito Ditto Ditto Ditto John Smith Mr Samuel Suninei Ditto Mr Benjamin Ruoftles II James Williams 12 Ditto 13 Mr Thomas Clap 14 Ditto 15 MrEliphclet Leonard 10 Ditto 17 Ditto IS Ditto 111 Ditto 20 Seth Stai)Ies 21 Ens Seth Sumner 22 Ditto 23 Capt James Leonard 24 Mr Moif;an Cobb 2d 2.j Edmond Andrews 2(i Mr John Harvey 27 James Leonard o 2y Ens Edward IJlake 2!) Joseph Willis oO Eliakim Walker 31 Josiah Linkon 32 Jonathan Padelford Jur 3 Ditto 34 Ditto 35 Joseph Barney 3() Joseph Wilbore 37 Jonathan Barney 38 Ebenezer Dean 3'.t James Walker 2d 40 Ebenezer Smith 41 Joseph Eddy 42 James Leonard 2d 43 Joseph Tisdale Jur 44 Ditto 45 Ditto 4(i Drawed 30 house Lott 21 Litervail Lott Drawed 37 house Lott 20 Intervail Lott Drawed 41 house Lott 19 Intervail Lott Drawed 42 house Lott 50 Intervail Lott Drawed 47 house Lott 55 Intervail Lott Drawed 25 house Lott 7 Intervail Lott Drawed 11 house Lott 24 Intervail Lott Drawed 38 house Lott 31 Intervail Lott Drawed 31 house Lott 20 Intervail Lott Drawed 49 house Lott 49 Intervail Lott Drawed 52 house Lott 27 Intervail Lott Drawed 33 house Lott 28 Intervail Lott Drawed 10 house Lott 12 Intervail Lott Diawed 3 house Lott 51 Intervail Lott Drawed 53 house Lott 8 Intervail Lott Drawed 8 house Lott 4 Intervail Lott Drawed 27 house Lott 00 Intervail Lott Drawed 13 house Lott 37 Intervail Lott Drawed 59 house Lott 10 Intervail Lott Drawed 12 house Lott 9 Intervail Lott Drawed 40 house Lott 41 Intervail Lott Drawed 39 house Lott 47 Intervail Lott Drawed 51 house Lott 5 Intervail Lott Drawed 54 house Lott 32 Intervail Lott Drawed 10 house Lott 22 Intervail Lott Drawed 58 house Lott 11 Intervail Lott Drawed 19 house Lott 10 Intervail Lott Drawed 18 house Lott 43 Intervail Lott Drawed 35 house Lott 34 Intervail Lott ! Drawed 50 house Lott 3 Intervail Lott Drawed 45 house Lott 59 Intervail Lott Drawed 29 liouse Lott 57 Intervail Lott Drawed 03 house Lott 53 Intervail Lott Drawad 30 house Lott 20 Intervail Lotl Drawed 32 house Lott 34 Intervail Lott Drawed 20 liouse Lott 15 Intervail Lott Drawed 34 house Lott 35 Intervail Lott Drawed (iO house Lott 01 Inteiwail Lott Diawed 01 house Lott 13 Intervail Lott Drawed 4 house Lott 40 Intervail Lott Drawed 1 liouse Lott 40 Intervail Lott Drawed 48 house Lott 38 Intervail Lott Drawed 49 house Lott 39 Intervail Lott APPENDIX. 375 Joseph Eddy 4s Capt tiames Leonard 4U 50 Ki.nht. James Walker 2(1 47 Drawed 17 house I.ott .Ui lutervail Lott Drawcd 62 Iiouse Lott 14 lutervail Lott Drawed 44 house Lott 17 lutervail Lott Drawcd 6 house Lott 44 lutervail Lott Drawed house Lott IJO lutervail Lott Drawed 43 house Lott 48 lutervail Lott Drawed 20 house Lott IS lutervail I^ott Drawed 5 house Lott 58 lutervail Lott Drawed 28 house Lott Interval! Lott Drawed 2 house Lott 50 lutervail Lott Drawed 57 house Lott 2 lutervail Lott Drawed 55 house Lott o3 lutervail Lott Drawed 21 house Lott 45 lutervail Lott Drawed 50 house Lott 42 lutervail Lott Drawed 24 house Lott 1 lutervail Lott Drawed 15 house Lott 62 lutervail Lott Drawed 14 house Lott Go lutervail Lott 54 5(5 Ditto Ezra Deau liiut Morgan Cobb Ebenezer Deau Ephriam Deau William Waie Samuel Sumuer Joseph Eddy 57 John Harvey 58 Ebenezer Cobb 5'.) Israel Tisdale 00 1 Ministers Ui.nht (il 2 Ministers 02 .School 0."! And then it was voted that the Clerk of said Proprietors Record the forejioiuo- as it now stands on this Book Attest James Williams Pro])r Clerk Aiul then the Committee appointed the Eleventh of July last made a Report ac(;ordin_un on the fourth Day of June 17o7 and fin- ished on the tenth of the same month by us the subscribeis the Committe Chosen and impowered to Lay out sixty three house Lotts and sixty three intervail Lotts with a mill Lott and a burein^ place and a meeting' house platt, accordinroper Touching tlie several articles following: I — To (Miuse a proprietors (Uerk Committee Treasurer assesors Col- lector A'c '1 — Whether tlu; iiroi)riett)is will by way of Rate or otheiwise mak(< some allowance or consideration to a number of those that will first Bnild there Dwelling houses on there house Lotts & be Leading in the fulfilling of the condition of their said Grant: APPENDIX. 379 3 Whether the proprietors will agree to fcnee their Intervale Lotts or so many of them as s'll proprieters shall think fitt into one or more (ieneral field, or fields as also sueh Other Lotts as butt on said Kivcr 1 — The Moderator then Chosen was Capt James Leonard 2 — James Williams was Chosen proprietors Clerk for said Township 3'y Voted that Lieut Morgan Cobb, Ens Edward Blake, & Mr Joseph Eddy be a Committe to take effectual Care that all & each proprietor or (iranteee of said Township No 1. that have not paid there proportion to former Rates & taxes Granted and agreed upon, or that shall this present year be Granted & agreed upon by said proprietors for Bringing forward the Settlement of said Township, by pursuing the Law of this province on Delinquent i)roprietors in such cases made and provided 4i> — Treasurer Chosen for this present year is Mr James Walker J an or 5th — Collector Chosen for this present year is Mr Setli Staples (ji.v — the assesors Chosen for said year 173!) ware Lieut John Harvey James Williams & Joseph Eddy Vy — Voted that Mesrs Thomas Clap James Williams John Harvey Joseph Eddy & Seth Staples be a Commitee to take into consideration what sum or sums will be proper for said proprietors to Raise by way of Rate, or what other encouragements will be pro^jer for said proprietors to make to a certain number of the first settlers as are leading in the settlement of there Grants, and said Committee to make report of there opinion to s'd proprietors what will be best to do thereon, at the ad- journment of this meeting and this article is adjourned to that time 8 — Voted that said Committee also Take into Consideration what wall be best and most convenient for said proprietors to do about fencing their Intervale Lotts into one or more field or fields and such other Lotts as do butt upon the River — and said Committe to make Report at the adjournment of this meeting and then said meeting was adjourned by vote to 3Iunday the Eleventh Day of June next tt there to meet at twelve of the Clock in s'd Day at said schoole house in Taunton and the Moderator Declared s'd meetiiwi was adjourned accordingly .lames Williams propr Cler The proprietors meeting adjourned from the 2Stli Day of May 17-J'.) to the Eleventh Day of June 17311 then meet according to adjournment & then the said meeting was adjourned by vote from the schoole house in taunton to the Dwelling house of Captn .Josei)h Tisdale & then to meet immediately tt the iiro^jrietors Did accordingly meet and then the Report of the Committee Chosen the 28th of May w^as Read to sum incouragements to a number of jiroprietors wiu) should first Repair to s'd town ship iV: build there house etc which Report is as followctli viz 380 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. Tlu' Committee Chosen the 2Sth of May ITolt to take into considora- tioii wliat sum or sums of money will be proper for s"d proprietors to Hais 1)y way of Kate; or what other incouragement will be proper for s"(l l)roprietors to make to a certain number of the first settlers: and such otliers as will be leading- in the first setliny of there Grants: we have duly considered thereof, are of opinion & do Report as followeth viz I — Tiiat the proprietors of the Township No 1 on the west side of (^onnecticutt River Rais l)y way of Rate the sum of four pomids on Each Right in Due proportion on each right according to the number of Rights each one holds & Claims in s'd propriety, which sum amounts to two hundred tt forty pounds and y' ye assessors for this present year make a rate for ye same & s'd Collector Collect ct pay in the same to the treas- urer of s'd propriety at or before the first day of Aprill 1740 — also that s'd proprietors at ye adjournment of there metting in ye Eleventh of .hnie Currant make choice of a Committe to draw out the sum of one liundred ct twenty pounds on the fifteenth Day of June 1740 & pay to sui-h a number of s'd proprietors who shall this present year Repair to s'd Township tV: there on his Respective house Lott build a Dwelling lujuse according to Court act: and by the fifteenth Day of June 1740 fence in it brake up for plowing or Clear ct stock with Inglish Grass five acres of Land: That the number of said prt)prietors that shall so do or cause to be done on his or there house Lott or Lotts in s'd Township &: make the same appear: so s"d Committee shall by order from said Committee to said treasurer Draw out the sum of one hundred & twenty pounds, Each one to Draw in proportion to the number of houses he shall build on his house Lotts (no person to build more than one house on one Lott, & Each Right to clear five acres as afforesaid for Each house he shall so Build in said Township 2ly — That the Renuiiner half part being one hundred and twenty pounds shall be paid to those that shall actually Inhabit their homes so built Eitiier by themselves or some other Christian subject of our Lord Mic King for the space of three month between the said fifteenth of June 1740 A' the fifteenth of November next after, & make the same ai>- l)eai' to s'd Committe, shall Each one Draw his proportion according to I lie number of liouse he shall so Cause to l)e Inhabited at the end of said three montiis, & said treasurer is Directed upon Receiving an order from said Committee in- the major part of them to pay out the same according to Eacli ones Respective Due: all which is huml)ly submitted by In s;ii(l nuicting said Re])ort was i TIIOALVS CLAP > Read and a Considerable Debate iiad ' .lOSKl'H KDDV [ Committee, thereon: and then the said propric- f JAMES WILLIAMS \ tors by a great majority Came into the following vote thereon AlM'ENniX. 381 Voted that tlie rei)<)rt (tf the Comniitte Chosen the i^Sth of May Last past be accepted tt that the sum of Sixty pounds be aded to the' said two liundred and forty pounds to be paid in Etpiallialfs, aj^reeable to tiie first iV: second articles in said Report all whicli was voted in tlie alitlrnia- tive — And tlu' said pioprietors proceed to make Choice of the Committe above said: And the Committe then Chosen was Lint. Eliphelet Leonard Lint Morgan Cobb Mr Joseph Eddy Liut John Harvey & Ebenezer Dean and then the Committe Chosen to make report what s'd proprietors should do as to fencing there Intervale & house Lotts next the liiver into one or more field or fields Reported as followeth : We the subscribers a Com- mitte Chosen l)y the proprietors f)f the township number one on the west side of Connecticutt River Consider what is proper tor said proprietors to do about fencing the lower tier of Lotts &, the Intervale Ijotts, Do re- ])ort that the said Lotts be fenced into a General field by those that shall (io up there before the first day of July 1740 ct every proprietor that have his Lott or Lotts fenced in shall i)ay to those yt Do it nine pence a Rod which is submitted by us Taunton June sth 173'.i THOMAS CLAP / JOSEPH EDDY } Committe JOHN HARVEY ) This Report Read r said meeting 2 — Made Choice of James Williams Esqr Proprietors Clerk :> — Made Choice of Liut John Harvey Treasurer for sd. Proprietors for the next year ensuing 4 — The proprietors made Choice of Ens Setli Sumner Ebenezer Dean i& Seth Tisdale assessors for this present year 5 — Made Choice of Mr Joseph Eddy Collector for this present year and then said proprietors by vote Dismised said meeting and the Moder- ator Declared yf said meeting was Dismised accordingly James Williams proprietors Clerk Bristol Sc At a proprietors meeting Legally warned and held at the school house in Taunton on the Seventh Day of Aprill 1740: which 382 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. said meetino; was warned by tlu- iJi-oprietors Clerk upon application to him made by live proprietors: and then the proprietors Came into the tollowinfi; votes 1 — Said Proprietors made Chf)iee of Lint Morgan Cobb Moderator of said meeting And then tlie said proprietors by vote adjourned said meeting to the Dwelling house of Ruth Tisdale and then meet forthwith according to adjournment ■2 — Voted that ('apt James Leonard be an agent in the name & be- half of said proprietors to petition the Great and General Court (if need be) to Grant a further time to said proprietors to fulfill the Conditions of the Grant of said Court for settling the same according to Court act: the time being now elapsed ;! — That article mentioned in the application Relating to putting in suit those bonds Given by some proprietors for building a Saw Mill was dismised by vote 4 — Voted that James Williams Esqr be an agent in the name ct be- lialf of said proprietors to petition the General Court Committe to Con- tirm the votes of said proprietors at there meeting held at Taunton on the 2Sth Day of May IToU and then said meeting was by vote Dismised and the Moderator Declared said meeting was Dismised accordingly James Williams proprietors Clerk At a proprietors meeting Legally warned and held at the Schoole house in taunton on the Eight Day of July 1740 to act and vote on the several articles set forth in the application for calling said meeting The Moderator Chosen for said meeting was Ensign Seth Sumner 1 — Voted that Messurs Joseph Eddy James Leonard Junior & Seth Tisdale be a committee to take into Consideration what way in (the) Township number one will be proper and beneficial for said proprietors to clear out, by way of Rate, for there conveniancy to pass and Repass to & from yt Saw Mill in said Township and yt said Committe Report to said proprietors what is Proper to vote tliereon and to Report as soon as may be. Passed in the affirmative And then said proprietors by vote ad- journed said meeting to y' Dwelling House of the widow Ruth Tisdale and to meet at Plight 0'Clo(;k this present day: and then meet according to adjournment and then said Committe made report to said proprietors there place which is as followeth July the sth 174(1: we the subscribers who was chosen a committe by the proprietors in tlie Township No 1: on the west side of Connecticutt River to Report to said proi)rietors wiiat way in said Township proper and necessary to be cleared to i)ass and Repass to & from the saw mill in said Township: are of opinion yt the ten Rod highway Be cleared and made passable from tlie four Rod highway that is between the forty second anil forth eighth L(»tts south ward to yt Saw Mill, and so over as APPENDIX. 383 far as can be (lone wit li tliiitv iiinuids. and that a rate be made on s'd pro])rietors of tliirty pounds and Delivered to a C'ommitte appointed for yt purpose to receive it and see it laid out acccn-din.uly: July SlJi IT-JO JOSEPH EDDY / JAMES LEOXART) :;d Coniniitte SETH TISDALE S and after the foreo;oinr Incouragement of the first setlers, and also to Report what allowance shall be made to our present Clerk for his service as i)roprietors Clerk ever since we have been a propriety; voted in the affirmative and then the meeting was adjourned by vote to tuesday ye Second Day of December next and then to meet at s' d Schoole house at one of ye clock in ye after- noon and the ^foderatin- Declared it was adjourned accordinglj* James Williams proprietors Clerk At a proprietors meeting held at the Schoole house in Taunton on Tuesday the second Day of December 1740 being continued by adjourn- ments from the Eight day of July Last past unto this Day and then meet according to adjournment and then the Report of the Committee Chosen the nth Day of Xovember I^ast past made Report according to Order as foUoweth viz We the subscribers being a Committe Chosen by the proprietors of Township number one & on the 17th Day of November Last to Take into Consideration and Consider what service have been Done by several Per- sons who have done service on the Respective house Lotts and how far Each of them have been servisable to the proprietors and make Report to the adjournment of said meeting what allowance each one that has Labored on said Township ought to have provided they forego the vote (jf £800 for Incouragement of the first setlers: as also what allowance shall be made our present Clerk for his service as proprietors Clerk ever since he has served in said office 1 — We have duly considered and find a vote of May 29th 1739 that said proprietors did Chuse a Committe who Reported to said proprietors that the sum of two hundred and forty pounds should be Raised by way of Rate on them to Incourage a sertain number of proprietors that should 1)6 first setlers and leading the settlement of there Grants in said Township and that such number of proprietors as should in the same year 1709 Repair to his Respective house Lott and build a Dwelling house according to Court act and by the fifteenth of June 1740 fence in and brake u)) for plowing or clear and stock with Inglish (4rass five acres of Ijand; that such mend)er as should so do and make the same appear to a conuuitte should Draw out £120 of the afforesaid £240 2'y — And the Other half of the two hundred and forty pounds being £120 should be paid to those that should actually Inhabit there houses APPENDIX. 385 SO built themselves or some other subjects of Our Lord the King for the space of three months between the 15th of June 1740 and the 15th of Xo- vember the same year &c-. 2'y — it appears to your Committe that altho there was a Rate for said sum of three hiuidred pounds yet no part thereof is Collected by Reason there was no Collector sworn for said year 1739 Therefore your Com- mitte Rei)ort as followeth 1 — It Doth not appear to us that any person or persons has fulfilled or Complied with the afforesaid vote so as to be Intitled to any part of said three bundled pounds 2h' — Are of the Opinion that the said sum be not Collected nor paid into the treasury of said Township 3 — Are of the opinion that those persons that have actually been up and Labored in said Township should have an honourable allowance made to each of them according to there Respective service as followeth To Mr Richard Ellis who in a Great measure so to us appears built a Dwelling house and broke up five or six acres of Land be paid and al- lowed by said proprietors for both years service 1739 and 1740 the sum of f45=0=0 Voted. To be paid Leuit John Harvey for himself and hand in ye year 1739 £10=0=0 voted. To be paid James Washburn for his service and part of the team £10=0=0 voted. To be paid Mr Joseph Eddy for himself and one hand and one third part of the team £15=0=0 voted. To be paid Seth Tisdale for his Labor 1739 £5=0=0 Voted Jonathan Harvey ye 2d to be paid £5=0=0 Voted £90=0=0 To be paid Jonathan Thayer for his service in the year 1740 on said Township £10=0=0 This article of Jonathan Thayers was Read and passed in the nega- tive: and upon said proprietors voting the several sums to the several Persons above named they to Declare under there Hands that Each of them Do freely and fully Discharge the proprietors vote of £300 and that our Clerk Record the said Discharge on our proprietors Records And that our present assesors be Directed to make a Rate and assess- ment on said proprietors in Due proportion for collecting the same and the Collector to Gather in the same and pay it to our Treasurer and he to pay out the same by the twentieth Day January next to the Respec- tive persons to whome it is voted in bills of Either of the Governments of New England Also we further Report that the sum of ten pounds be Raised and added to said Rate for payment of James Williams Esqr Our present 386 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. Clerk for his service as proprietors Clerk ever since we have been a pro- priety and in full Discharge of all the service he has Done the proprie- tors in the propriety and y* the same be aded to said Rate and the treas- urer Directed to make payment to him said Williams by the said 20th of January next — all of which is humbly submitted. December 2d 1740 SETH SUMNER / ELIPHELET LEONARD Committee JONATHAN BARNEY ) December 2d 1740 — The foregoing Report being Read and Consid- ered voted that the same be accepted and that the Clerk Record the same Recorded Dec. 3d 1740 by James Williams Proprietors Clerk James Williams propr Clerk And whereas at this meeting on the 8th of July 1740 it was in a Com- mittees Report then Chosen that thirty pounds be Raised for clearing a highway from the saw mill to the four Rods highway between the 47 and forty Eight house Lotts in said Township; now it is voted that Mr James Walker Jur, Liut. John Harvey and Mr Seth Staples be Chosen and they to Do and perform as by said Report on Record is Directed, which was voted in the affirmative and then the meeting by vote was Dismised and the Modei-ator Declared the same was Dismised accordly, James Williams proprietors Clerk. At a proprietors meeting warned and held at the schoole house in Taunton on Tuesday the Second Day of December 1740: the Moderator then Chosen was Ens Seth Sumner And then the proprietors adjourned said meeting to the Dwelling house of Ruth Tisdale widow; and there forthwith meet according to adjournment, and came into the follow- ing vote viz Voted that Liut Morgan Cobb ye 2d, James Williams Esqr Liut John Harvey, Decon Samuel Sumner and Liut Eliphelet Leonard be a Com- mitte in the Behalf of the proprietors to make the Best Inquiry they can and Inform themselves so as to be abill to Lay before the proprie- tors at the adjournment of this meeting how the Circumstances of the said Township are as to settlement of Hampshire Line and what the General Courts Committes opinion is thereon to which we have Given bonds for the performance of the Conditions therein Enjoyed: said Com- mittee to be at no Charge to the propriety Voted in the affirmative and then the proprietors by vote adjourned said meeting unto the first Tuesday of January next at one of the Clock in the afternoon and then to meet at the schoole house in said Taunton : and then the Moderator Declared said meeting was adjourned accordingly by James Williams propr Clerk APPENDIX. 387 At a proprietors meeting held at the Schoole House in Taunton on Tuesday the 6th Day of January 1740 being Continued by adjournment from the second Day of December Last and now meet according to ad- journment and then the proprietors by vote adjourned said meeting unto the first Munday of Aprill next and said moderator Declared that said meeting was adjourned accordingly James Williams propr Clerk At a proprietors meeting held at the schoole house in taunton on Munday the Oth Day of Aprill 1741: being the first Munday in sd month: for Choice of Clerk treasurer assesors and all Other officers necessary for the proprietors of the said township or propriety and being meet Came into the following Choice of Officers 1 — Mr Seth Sumner Chosen Moderator for said meeting 2 — James Williams Esqr Chosen Clerk for said propriety for ye year 1741 3 — the Collector Chosen was Mr Seth Staples bvit he Refused in sd meeting to serve and then the proprietors made choice of Mr Joseph Eddy • 4 — assesors Chosen for sd year 1741 was Mr Seth Sumner Ebenezer Dean and Seth Tisdale the Treasuer chbsen for said year 1741 was Lieut John Harvey and then the proiDrietors by vote Dismised said meeting & moderator Declared said meeting was dismised according. James Williams Pi'opr Clerk At a proprietors meeting held at the Schoole house in Taunton on Munday the 6th Day of Aprill 1741 being continued by sevei'al adjourn- ments from the 2d Day December 1740 and meet according to adjourn- ment. Voted that this meeting be further adjourned unto the second Munday of May next; and then to meet at the Schoole house in taunton at one of the Clock in the afternoon of sd Day and the Moderator De- clared ye meeting was adjourned accordingly James Williams Propr Clerk At a proprietors meeting held at the Schoole house in taunton on Munday the Eleventh Day of May 1741 being Continued by several ad- journments from the Second Day of December Last past and meet ac- cording to adjournment and came into the following vote 1 — Voted that there be a division of fifty acres of Land to each Pro- prietor also three fifty acre Lotts: one for the Minister: One for the Min- istry; and one for the Schoole and Each Lott to be Laid in proportions for Quantity and Quality and to be surveyed and Laid out agreeable to the Direction said proprietors shall Give to there Committe yt shall be ap- pointed to Lay out the same— It is also voted that Richard Ellis one of ye proprietors of said Township shall have full Liberty to Lay out one 388 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. fifty acre Lott at the South East Corner of said Township: he being at the cost of the survey of said Lott; and he to Lay the same in one square body; and said fifty acres to be Deducted out of his Right for one of his Lotts on s'd Division and said Ellis to present a Return of s'd fifty acres to said Proprietors Laid out by a surveyor and Chain men by the first Munday of Aprill next. Provided he actually Repair to said Township and settle on the same this present year and build a Dwelling house on the same Lott: but if he fail of so doing then to be as one of the Other Lotts to be Drawn for ye said proprietors; also provided he Do not lay any part of said fifty acres within thirty Rods of the Line of ye Equive- lent Land adjoining to said Township. voted in the affirmative And then said Proprietors adjourned said meeting by votes unto the Last Munday of July next and there to meet at said schoole house at one of the clock in the afternoon, and the Moderator Declared said meet- ing was adjourned accordingly James Williams Propr Cler To James Williams Esqr Clerk of the Township No 1 on the west side of the Connecticutt River these are to Desire you to warn a propri- etors meeting on fryday the 25th of September Instant at one of the clock in the afternoon: in the schoole House in Taunton for the ends and purposes here after mentioned viz first to Chose a Moderator 2 — To Choose three or five or more men to lay out the fifty acre Divi- sion all Ready agreed upon " 3d— To agree upon a division of the Intervail Land and how many acres shall be to a Right 4 — To Impower the above said Committe to Lay out the Intervale Land if the said proprietors Think fitt to to have a Division of it. 5 — To agree and vote how much they shall have a day for Laying out the above said Land 6 — To vote how much the said proprietors will Give to the first set- ler or setlers 7 — To vote to Imi)ower those men that ware formerly Impowered to sell the Rights in the affore said Township of those men that neglect or Refuse to pay there part of the Charge that have all Ready Risen or shall Rise 8 — To see whither the proprietors of s'd Township will Impower the above said Committe to Imploy any persons to Clear a path From fort Dummer to the Township number one and in so Doing you will oblige yours to serve Taunton .September the 8th 1741 Sept 9th 1741 Notification \ James Leonard posted up to warn the affore said Joseph Eddy meeting at Taunton meeting house -j John Harvey according to Law by me I Jonathan Thayer James Williams propr Cler [ Jonathan Harvey APPENDIX. 389 Bristol Sc At a proprietors meeting warned and held at the Schoole Mouse in Taunton on fryday the 25th day of September 1741 for the Ends and vies set fort in the warrant Calling said meeting as on Record Lieut. John Harvey was Chosen Moderator for said meeting and then voted that this meeting be adjourned unto the first fryday of Octo- ber next being the Second day of said month at two of the Clock in the afternoon, and the Moderator Declared said meeting was adjourned ac- cordingly James Williams propr Clerk October 2'i 1741 the proprietor.s meeting held at the Schoole house in taunton the 25th of September Last being Continued by adjournment to this Day meet according to adjournment voted that Lieut John Harvey, Mr Joseph Eddy, James Williams, James Leonard the 3d and Seth Tis- dale or the major part of them be a Committe to take a survey of all the Intervale Land in said Township that adjoynes the Connecticutt River that is not all Ready alotted and Drawn for in the foimer survey; and to Lay the same into sixty three Lotts and proportion the same for Quality and Quanity that each Lott may be of Equal value, and to make Return of the survey and alottment to said proprietors in a meeting for that pur- ])ose with a jjlan of the said survey Voted in the affirmative, and then voted that this meeting be adjourned at the time and place when the next Legall meeting shall be held by said proprietors: and then to meet: and the Clerk is Directed to Give notice seasonably that said meeting is adjourned by posting up the same at the publick meet- ing house in said Taunton: and then the Moderator Declared said meet- ing was adjourned accordingly James Williams propr Cler At a proprietors meeting held at the Schoole House in Taunton the fifth Day of Aprill 1742, being continued by several adjournments from the 25th Day of September A. D. 1741 met according to adjournment and then adjourned said meeting to four o'clock in the afternoon and then met accordingly and then the proprietors adjourned said meeting by vote to the first Munday of August next at one of the Clock in the afternoon, and the moderator Declared said meeting was adjourned accordingly. James Williams, Proprietors Clerk. Bristol Sc at a proprietors meeting legally warned and held at the Schoole house in Taunton on Munday the fifth Day of Aprill A. D. 1742 being the first Munday of said mounth: and anuall meeting for said pro- prietors according to there vote Being meet according to warning. 1 Capt. James Leonard was chosen moderator for .said meeting. 2 James Williams was Chosen Clerk for the ensuing year 1742. 390 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. 3 Voted that Mr. Joseph Eddy be an agent and wait on the Honl Committe to whom the proprietors of our Township Gave Bonds for performance of settlement of said Township according to Court act, and said agent is fully Impowered and Desired to acquaint said Com- mitte of the Difficulty said proprietors Labour under; and has ex- pended Considerable money and Labour on said Township and in Con- siderable preparation to fulfill the Court act on us enjoyned: yett not with standing said Township of Land (as sd proprietors are Informed) is now fallen into the Government of New Hampshire: which is much Discouraging to said proprietors Settlement and Going forward to fully Compleat there worke on said Township said proprietors humbly De- sires the Honl Committe to Inform said proprietors and give them Di- rection what proper meathod to take in order to have there Rights se- cured to sd proprietors according to Court act:— said ageiit to make report to said proprietors at the adjournment of this meeting: and shall have five shillings for his trouble and Expence in said affair. Voted in the affirmative and then the proprietors by vote adjourned said meeting unto the second Munday of June next at one of the Clock in the afternoon : and the Moderator Declared said meeting was ad- journed accordingly. James Williams, Proprietors Clerk. The Record of this last meeting closes the Records under the head of Township No. i on the west side of the Connecticutt River The call for the next meeting is from the Proprietors of the Town ship of VVestminster in the Province of New Hampshire and was dated July 26, A. D. 1753 and in the Record Book immediately follows the record above given, and therefore leaves a missing link between the two setts of Proprietors, which was probably lost, as nothing appears between April 5, 1742, and July 26, 1753. APPENDIX CC. IPage 55.1 The act establishing Taunton as the Shire town of Bristol County passed at the session begun and held at Boston, on the sixth day of November, A. D. 1746, Ch. 15, in these words: APPENDIX. 391 "An act for niakino- the town of Taunton the shire or County town of the County of Bristol, instead of tlie Town of Bristol, and for remov- intr the books of records, and papers, of the said County of Bristol, that are in the Town of Bristol, to the said Town of Taunton. Be it enacted by the Governor, Council and House of Representa- tives, (Sect. 1.) That from and after the thirteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and forty-six, the town of Taunton shall be and hereby is made and established the county or shire town of the county of Bristol, instead of the town of Bristol, and that the superiour court of judicature, court of assize and general goal delivery, and the court of general sessions of the peace, and inferiour court of common pleas, which by law was heretofore to be held and kept at the said town of Bristol for the said county, shall forever hereafter be held and kept at the said town of Taunton, within and for said county, on such days respectively, from time to time, as are now by law estab- lished for said county, and for the same respective ends and purposes, and with the same authority, respectively, as, heretofore, the said courts were held and kept in the town of Bristol; and all causes, suits and actions depending and to have ben heard in the several courts in said town of Bristol, for said county, shall be heard and tr(y)(i)ed at Taun- ton, by the said courts resi^ectively, on the same days on which they should have been heard and tried at Bristol before the passing of this act. (Sect. 2. ) And all writs, whether original or of execution, informa- tions, presentments, venireft for jurymen, and all other writings and in- struments that by law were returnable to the several courts or offices in Bristol, shall be and hereby are made returnable to the same courts and offices, respectively, in the town of Taunton. (Sect. 3 ) And all the records and papers of the court of general sessions of the peace, inferiour court of common pleas, court of probate of wulls and for granting letters of administration, and of the register of deeds, now in the said town of Bristol, shall be forthwith delivered to George Leonard, Esq(r)., Mr. Thomas Foster and John Shephard, Esq(r)., or the major part of them, who shall cause them immediately to be con- veyed to the said town of Taunton, and there safely deposited under the care of the same persons as heretofore, or others, as said committee shall judge best, who shall serve in these offices with full power, and shall give the same obligations and be under the like penalties as they or others had or were under heretofore, until this court shall further order, or others shall be duly appointed in their stead. (Sect. 4.) And the said committee are also directed to demand and receive of the treasurer of said county, now living in the town of Bristol, all money, records and papers to said county belonging, which they are 392 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. also directed to remove and deposit at Taunton, in the same manner as is before directed concerning the records and papers to the said courts belonging; and the several clerks, treasurer, register, and all other per- sons who are possessed of any records, books, papers, money or other things belonging to said county (such person or persons living now in said town of Bristol,) are hereby impowered and required to deliver them forthwith to the said committee. (Sect. 5.) And the sheriff of the said county is hereby directed to cause all prisioners now in his majestic' s goal in the county of Bristol, to be conveyed to said town of Taunton, and there put under safe cus- tody, in some proper place to be kept for that purpose, 'till said county shall provide a proper goal in said town of Taunton, or 'till they shall be delivered by due course of law. (Passed November 13; published Nov- ember 14. Mr. James H. Dean, in his valuable sketch of Taunton thus states the action had on the subject. "The earliest matter receiving attention after Taunton was made the shire town of the county was the providing a county house and jail. The record is as follows : "At his Majesty's Court of General Sessions of the Peace, begun and held at Taunton within and for the County of Bristol, on the second Tuesday of December, being the ninth day of the said month, A. D. 174(5. Justices present: Seth Williams, Thomas Terry, George Leonard, Timothy Fales, Samuel Willis, Thomas Bowen, Stephen Paine, Silvester Richmond. Jr., Ephraim Leonard, John Foster, Edward Hay ward, Sam- uel Rowland, Samuel Leonard, John Godfrey, Samuel White. Timothy Fales, Esq., chosen Clerk of this Court and Sworn. Ordered by the Court that the School House in Taunton shall be for the present impressed for a Goal and that Samuel Leonard, John God- frey, and Samuel White, Esqrs. be a committee to see that said School House be made as secure as may be for the safe custody of all persons that maybe committed thereto with the utmost dispatch, and that Seth Williams the second shall take care to secure the two prisioners now in custody and all others that shall be committed in the mean time. Ordered by the Court that Seth Williams, George Leonard, Samuel Leonard, .lahn (Jodfrey, and Samuel White, E.sqrs. be a committee to look out a suitable jilace for the standing of a Goal and County house in the Town of Taunton, & know what the land for erecting said houses on may be purchased for and make report of their doings thereon at the adjournment of this Court." At the adjournment on the second Tuesday of January, 1747, the committee for looking out a suitable place for County house and Goal made their report as followeth to wit: "We the subscribers appointed a APPENDIX. 393 committee as within mentioned to look out a suitable place for the standing of a G.oal and County house in the Town of Taunton liave pur- suant to the within orders looked out a suitable place as we apprehend which is towards the upper end of the old Training Field a little below where they used to dig gravel and is to be sixty foot square which place we look upon to be the most suitable for setting a County house upon provided the Town Proprietors' Committee give a legall conveyance thereof with a suitable and convenient way to pass to and from said place. And also that the most suitable place for setting a Goal and Goal house be on the land of Samuel White and Mr. Semeon Tisdale at a place near the spring (so-called) adjoining to the way that leads from said Tis- dale's to Mr. Grossman's grist mill provided the said White and Tisdale give a legal conveyance thereof. Seth Williams, George Leonard, Sam'l. Leonard, John Godfrey, Samuel White, Committee. " Which rcjiort was ai)i)rovcd of and accepted by the court. "Ordered by the Court that John Foster, Silvester Richmond, Jr. and John Godfrey Esqrs. be a committee to provide materials and build a County house and Goal and Goal keeper's house with suitable dis- patch. The Goal to be thirty foot long and fourteen foot wide two story high and fourteen foot stud, to be studded with sawed stuff of six inches thick to be framed close together with a chimney in the middle suitable for a Goal. The house for prison keeper to be seventeen foot wide and twenty three foot long two story high besides the entry between the Goal and dwelling house and to be fourteen foot stud with a suitable chimney and cellar." At an adjournment Jan. 28, 1747, Samuel White was appointed on the committee in place of Silvester Richmond, who was appointed sheriff. "January 28, 17-46-7. Ordered by the Court that George Leonard, Ephraim Leonard and John Foster, Esqrs., be a committee to receive deeds of conveyance from the committee of the Town of Taunton, and proprietors of said Town, of the lands mentioned in the committee's report (as oil file) for the use of the County of Bristol." The following appears in the records of the Court in June, 1047: "Upon the Court's receiving a subscription of many of the inhabi- tants of the Town of Taunton, amounting in the whole to the sum of nine hundred twenty two pounds, fifteen shillings, old tenor, from the subscriber's committee, for building a Court house, ordered that the 394 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. same shall be accepted, and that the committee appointed by this court shall be joined with the aforesaid committee of the subscribers in build- ing the Court-house as projected by the subscribers, and what further may be subscribed on the land given by the proprietors and inhabitants of the Town of Taunton, and as lias been accepted by the Court of Gen- eral Sessions of the Peace, holden at Taunton, by adjournment in Jan- uary last." History of Bristol County — Massachusetts — p. 769 APPENDIX DD. (Page 56.) Mittimus to the Keeper of the Goal at Taunton. You are hereby ordered and diiectod to take unto your Custody Edward Webb, Thomas Newman, Charles Clarke, John Wooden, John Dunstcr. and AVilliam Carthieu, prisoners of War, and them safely keep, in Close Confine- ment, till the further order of the Major part of the Council — Hereof fail not at your Peril. Signed by fifteen of the Council. (Monday, October 9th 1775. Date of Meeting.) Return from the Keeper of the Goal at Taunton Informing the Hon.bie Council of the Escape of three prisoners — Viz Bartholomew Lan- ham a Serjant and Robert Pomeroy a Sailor both taken on Noddles Island & William Smith a Marine taken at the Light House — In Council Read and Ordered to be Entered on the files of Council. (Wednesday, October 11th 1775. Date of Meeting.) APPENDIX EE. (Page 57.) The Massachusetts Spy of Sept. i, 1774 contains a letter from Taunton, dated Aug. 25th, in which the writer says : — "Tliis morning about 200 men met at the Ware Bridge, in this town, and after choosing a moderator, appointed a Committee to warn the towns of Dighton, Swansey, Raynham, Norton, Mansfield, Attle- borough and Easton to meet tomorrow, at eight oclock, when it is APPENDIX. 395 thought two or three thousand men will be assembled, from whence they are to proceed to Freetown to wait on Col. Gilbert, and desire of him not to accept of the office of high Sheriff under the present adminis- tration of the new laws, and that if he should, he must abide by the con- seciuences; also to desire Urigadier Ruggles to depart this county imme- diately.— Such is the spirit of this County; they seem to be , 1774.] APPENDIX FFa. [Page 58.] The battle of Lexington took place on April 19, 1775. The news reached Taunton in the afternoon or evening of that clay. By an arrangement previously made, the Committees of Safety throughout the Province dispatched messengers on horse in every direction; every town within one hundred miles being in- formed by evening that the war had begun. The news was made known through the town by the firing of guns and other signals so that people in remote sections of a town weret »soon aware that they were needed. We give below the rolls of the two Taunton companies : A muster roll of .James Williams, Jr"s., company of minute men, which marched from Taunton to Roxbury, each one from his respective home, on the 20th day of April, 177o: Captain ,Jas. Williams, ,Jun., Lieutenant Josiah King, Ensign Abiel Macomber, Sergeant John Shaw, Sergeant John Hall, Sergeant Abra. Hathaway, Sergeant Dan Briggs, Drummer Eben Sumner, Fifer Eben Pitts, Jr., Privates Thomas An- drews, George Andrews, Jacob Burt, Richard Cobb, Rich'd Caswell, Job Caswell, John Caswell, Ashel Crossman, Job Dean, Xathan Dean, Micah Dean, Abijah Dean, Eben'r Dean 2d, Joseph Eliot, George Eliot, Jr., John Godfrey, Seth Godfrey, Elijah Gushee, Peter Hoskins, Joshua Hall, Reuben Hart, Hezekiah Hall, \Vm. Johnson, (xeorge King, Job King, Nathan King, Eliab Knap, Atherton Knaj), Daniel Lane, Silvester Liu- 398 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. koii. James liiitham, Benj. Leach, Jona. Macomber, Edw'd Paul, Zach. Padelford, Jas. Padelford, James Presho, Eben'r Robinson 2d, Josiali Robinson 2d, Gideon Shaw, Joseph Shaw, Jr., Job Smith, Jr., James Sliaw, Seth Staple, Elibeus Shelly, Ashel Shaw, Shadrack Wilbore, Rich. Williams, Hamaniel Wilbore, Israel AVashburn, Jr., Ephraim Wood, Seth Williams, Nath. Woodward, Thomas Williams. These were all of Taunton, except Elijah Gushee, Joshua Hall, and Hezekiah Hall, all of Raynham, and Daniel Lane, of Nor- ton. They served twelve days, and were paid as follows : Capt. £2 IDS. Lieut., ^i i6s. 8d. Sergeants, £\ i6s. Privates, ;^i 3s. 9 d. each. Total, ^76 4s. Capt. Robert Grossman's company was also in service twelve days, as follows : Robert Grossman, Captain, Joshua Wilbore, 1st Lieutenant, Edw. Blake, 2d Lieutenant, Sergeant Elkanah Hoskins, Sergeant Eben Babbitt, Sergeant Josiah Smith, Sergeant Lem. Hathaway, Corporal Rufus Lin- con, Corporal Elka. Smith, Corporal Rufus Barney, Corporal Simeon Palmer, Fifer Joseph Wood, James Ball, Henry Brooks, Eben Grossman, Jabez Carver, James Davis, John Dillinham, Daniel Drake, Jona. French, Ephraim Hathaway, Samuel Hoskins, Richard Hunt, Josias Hall, James Hodges, Elkana Hodges, Jona. Ingle, Silvester Jones, Elijah Leonard, Benj. Lincon, Joshua Lincon, Nat. Leonard, Jr., Stephen Long, John Pratt, Amasiah Richmond, John Richmond, John Read, Solomon Smith, James Stacey, Nat. Tower, Beuoni Tisdale, (ieorge Tisdale, John Tur- ner, Nat. Williams 1st, Nat. Williams 2d, Jona. Williams, James Wood- ward, Joseph Willia^is, Benj. Wilbore, Isaac Washburn, Stephen Wood- ward, Daniel Wetherel, Thomas White, Stephen White, Benj. Jones, Edward White. We are indebted to Arthur M. Alger Esqr., for the informa- tion above given. APPENDIX GG. [rage 58.] The List and Proceedings of this Committee of Inspection and Correspondence is here given in full. APPENDIX. 399 "At a meeting of the inhabitants of the Town of Taunton on ]\[on- (lay, July 3rd, 1775, said town made choice of George Godfrey, Esq. Capt. Henry Hodges, Maj'r. Ricliard Godfrey, Lieut. Solomon Dean, Ensign Ichabod Leonard, Cap. Simeon Williams, Lieut. Elisha Banney, James Williams, Jr. Lieut Ebenezer Cobb, J^ieut. Wm. Thayer, Lieut. Benj. Dean, Jr. Mr. Elijah Lincoln, Mr. Nicholas Baylies, Doc. David Cobb, Benj. Williams, Esq., Mr. John Adam, Col. Geo. Williams, Mr. Josiah Crocker, Lieut. Edward Blake, Robert Luscombe, Esq., Mr. John Keen, as a Committee of insi>ection and correspondence for said town and any seven to make a quorum. The Committee of Inspection, etc., of the town of Taunton met to- gether on Monday, July 10th, 1775, and made choice of James Williams, Jr. for their clerk. Mr. Nicholas Baylies, Col. Geo. Williams and *Capt. John Read were chosen a Committee to take into their care the effects and estate of Daniel Leonard, Esq., lying in Taunton, who has fled for protection to Boston. Said Committee to improve or let the same to the best advan- tage and render a true accoimt of the profits arising therefrom to this Committee or any other committee of correspondence of this town that shall be chosen for that purpose. VOTED— That Geo. Godfrey, Esq., Capt. Simeon Williams and Col. Geo. Williams be a committee to take into their custody the Pork and Grain now in the store of Doc. McKinstry and send the same to the army as soon as may be, and take an account of the same and keep an account of the cost of transportation. Doc. David Cobb and Capt. Simeon Williams were added to the first mentioned committee to take care of the goods and estate of Daniel Leonard, Esq., and said Committee or the major part of them, to take care of the effects and estate of any other persons who have fled to Bos- ton for protection, and to let or improve the same to the best advantage, and render an account of the profits thereof. Wednesday, August 2d, 1775. The Committee met and VOTED — That no future vote or resolve of this Committee shall be good or binding unless such vote or resolve be minuted or recorded by the Clerk. VOTED — That Mr. Jonathan Cobb be permitted to sail out of Taunton great river, where she is now lying, to any place which is not forbid by the Continental or Prov. Congress. •*His name is probably oiuitted by mistake on the committee cliosen, July 3(1. 400 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. There was delivered to James Williams Jr., one note from K. Lis- combe, Esq. t'ii.8: one from Eobt. Caldwell for the Committee t'0.0; Dean & Crocker £'2.8, one from Lem. Hathaway £2.8. The meeting adjourned to Monday next at i o'clock in the afternoon. Monday Aug. Tth, 1775. The Committee met and adjourned said meeting to Monday, Aug. 14, 1775. Said meeting further adjourned to the 21st instant and from that time to the 23rd of said month. At a meeting of the Committee of inspection Aug. 23d. 1775, Re- solved, that it be earnestly recommended to the inhabitants of this town, that thej' refrain from killing any Lambs till the further advice of this Committee, or some future Committee of this town : agreeable to a late resolve of the Provincial Congress. The Committee being informed of divers letters from Newport to sundry Merchants and Traders in this town desiring them to collect all the Flax Seed in their power, so that it may be shipp'd, before the 10th of Sep. next, and as such conduct at this time must essentially militate against the spirit of the Association of the Continental Congress, Therefore, Resolved, that no person in this town be guilty of trans- poi-ting or exporting any Flax Seed so that it may go off the Continent, and that this resolve be printed in the Providence and Watertown news- papers, and a Copy sent to the Committee of*each town in the county of Bristol. Monday, Aug. 2Sth, 1775. The Committee of Correspondence met and Voted that the Clerk set up one or more advertisements in the town respecting non-commissioned officers and soldiers who have absented themselves from the Continental army. Joseph Dean, being complained of for his late conduct in transacting business for Thomas Paddock of Middleborough, the Committee put off the hearing thereof to Monday next at two o'clock in the afternoon. Col. Godfrey, Doc. Cobb and James Williams, Jr, were chosen a Committee to write to the Committee of Providence respecting exporta- tion of Flax Seed. Mr. Ichabod Leonard was desired to caution Jacob Leonard or any other person against carrying any Flax Seed out of this town. Lieut. William Thayer and Lieut. Cobb were desired to do the same to Henry Burt and others. Monday, Sep. 4th, 1775. The Committee then met. A vote was called to see whether Joseph Dean has transgressed in his going to the General Court to transact bus- iness for Thomas Paddock. Passed in the negative. APPENDIX. 401 2d A vote was called to see wliether he had transgressed in utter- ing some slanderous expressions respecting the town of Middleborough, and passed in the affirmative. Thereupon, Voted, that said Joseph make an acknowledgment therefor — which was done in writing before this Committee. The meeting was then dismissed. At a meeting of the Committee of Inspection and Correspondence of the Town of Taunton, Dec. 8, 1775 — Whereas, it is of the utmost importance at this time of general dan- ger to use our power for the preservation of peace and unity in every respect; and whereas, of late some uneasiness hath arisen on account of the sale of Rum, Molasses, English Goods, and other merchandise which by the cruelty of our common enemy is very likely to become scarce amongst us — and taking under consideration the recommendation of the Grand Congress respecting the venders of goods and merchandise, we have thought proper to adjourn this meeting to the 18th of Dec. at one o'clock in the afternoon at the dwelling house of Mr. Eliphaz Harlow in Taunton. Then and there to hear all such complaints as shall be ex- hibited to us touching such venders of goods in said Taunton: and de- termine thereon, agreeable to the Association of s'd Congress. Geo. Godfi-ey, Esq., Mr. Josiah Crocker, Benj. Williams, Esq., Mr. Nicholas Baylies and James W^illiams, Jr. were appointed to examine the invoices and other papers of said Traders which can inform said Committee of anything respecting purchasing or selling such goods and merchandise. Dec. 18, 1775. Met according to adjournment and after the Committee had made a verbal report the meeting was dismissed. The Committee of Correspondence for the Town of Taunton met on the 2d of Octo. 1775, Voted, that the money which was given by the inhabitants of this Town towards the support of the poor of the Town of Boston, be now paid into the hands of the Select Men of the Town of Taunton: and that said Select Men apply the same for the support of said Poor who are or may come to Taunton, and that said Select Men keep an account of what they expend. The Committee of Inspection and Correspondence for the Town of Taunton met on the 4th of March 1776 — To consider a complaint made by Isaiah Stephens against Mr. Nicholas Baylies, respecting said Baylies' tendering money in the name of Henry Lawton, etc. and after consider- 402 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. ing said complaint and hearing both parties, said Committee were of the opinion that said Baylies had not trangressed against any resolve of Congress or General Court. The Committee then adjourned their meet- ing to Friday next at one o'clock in the afternoon. Friday Mch. 8, 1776. Then met according to adjournment. The Committee having been informed that Nathaniel Bird of Taunton, a shopkeeper in said Town had refused the Continental Bills in pay for his goods; and said Bird being desired to appear before said Committee to answer to the aforesaid charge, refused to attend; and as the Committee are sufficiently convinced from the examination of a number of evidences that said Bird has been repeatedly guilty in refusing paper currency without a very great discount thereon, and sundry instances refused taking it; Therefore, in compliance with the Resolve of the Continental Con- gress and of the General Court of this Province: said Committee think it proper to publish said Bird to the world as an enemy to American Freedom, and all persons are forewarned having any trade or intercourse with him as they regard the welfare of this country or the authority of the Continent. Further, Voted, that James Williams, Jr., Clerk of said Committee send copies to the Printers of Cambridge, Watertown and Providence, for publishing said Bird, and set notifications up in this and the neigh- boring Towns. This closes the proceedings of the Committee of Inspection and Correspondence first chosen, July 3, 1775. Another similar Committee was chosen in the spring of 1776, the proceedings of which appear below : At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Taunton on Monday the 11th of March 1776, the Town made choice of Geo. Godfrey, Esq. Benj. Williams, Esq. Mr. Nicholas Baylies, Col. Geo. Williams; Capt. Henry Hodges, Doc. David Cobb, Capt. Simeon Williams, .James Williams, Jr., Mr. Elislia Barney, to serve as a Committee of Correspondence, Inspection and Safety, for the year ensuing, agreeable to a Resolve of the General Court wliicli ))assed Feby. KJ, 177(i. Attest James Williams, T. Clerk. The above Committee met at the dwelling house of Mr. Eliphaz Harlow in Taunton Monday evening Mcli, 11, 1776, and made choice of APPENDIX. 4O3 James Williams, Jr. for their Clerk, Geo. Godfrey, Esq. for their Chair- man and Benjamin Williams, Esq., Chairman in the absence of Esq. Godfrey. The Committee taking into consideration a complaint to the former Committee of this town against Nathaniel Bird respecting his condnct in refusing paper bills, and the proceeding of said Committee thereon. Therefore, Voted, to continue said meeting for a further hearing to Wednesday next at tliree o'clock in the afternoon. Wednesday, Mch. 13, 1776, met and further adjourned said meeting to Monday, Mch. 18th. Mch. IS, 1770. The Committee met and i^roceeded as follows, viz: In Committee, Taunton, Mch. 8, 1776, Nathaniel Bird a shopkeeper in this Town being convicted for refusing Paper Currency in his payments, the Committee resolved to publish him to the world agreeable to the order of the Continent, but said Bird soon after applied to the Commit- tee desiring their pardon for his crime and promising reformation for the future. They therefore have stopped all proceedings against him and recommend him for the future to the good opinion of the Continent on his signing the follovring paper. By order of the Committee, Attest James Williams, Jr. Clerk. Whereas,!, the subscriber, a shopkeeper in this Town have been repeatedly guilty in refusing Paper Currency in pay for my goods and as I find that my conduct in so doing has essentially interfered with the resolutions of the Continent and of the General Court of this Province, I therefore in this humble and public manner ask the forgiveness of my country, and promise determinately for the future to abide by and per- sonally support the resolutions of the Congress and General Court of this Pi'ovince as far as lays in my power. Taunton Mch. 18, 1776. N. Bird. Recorded per James Williams, Jr., Clerk to the Committee Tuesday Apr. 2, 1776. The Committee met. Mr. Nicholas Baylies, Capt. Simeon Williams, Col. Geo. Williams, Capt. Henry Hodges, and James Williams, Jr. were chosen a Sub-Com- mittee to take care of the improvement for one year or a shorter time, if they see fit, of the buildings and land or other estate of the several per- sons who fled to Boston for refuge or of such as are enemies to the Con- tinent — agreeable to a Resolve of the late Provincial Congress — and let the same to such person or persons as will give the most at a Vendue to be held for that purpose. The meeting adjourned to the first Monday in May next at one o'clock in the afternoon. 404 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. In Committee Apl. 22d, 1770. Whereas several complaints have been made to said Commit- tee respecting the high price which salt is sold for in this Town, in the store of Mr. Job King, and owned by Mr. Henry Bowers of Swanzey, Therefore, Voted, that Mr. Bowers be notified to attend said Committee on Thursday next at two o'cloclc in the afternoon and give reason, if any he have, for asking such an exhorbitant price. Further Voted, that Cap. Simeon Williams secure said store and see that no more of said salt be taken out till further order of this Commit- tee, and if he cannot obtain the key, to nail the door. Thursday, Apl. 2o, 177(5. The Committee met according to adjournment from the 22nd instant. Mr. Bowers being present the Committee advised him to dispose of his salt after the rate of 4 s. 6 d. per bushel, whereupon he consented to sell fifty bushels and no more at that price. The meeting was then dismissed. May 6, 1776. Being the first Monday in said month the Committee met according to adjournment from the first Tuesday in April last, and further adjourned said meeting to 1st. Monday in June. Monday, May 13, 1776. The Committee met and voted that the Sub- Committee whicli were chosen on the 2d. of April last, proceed to lease and let the improvement of lands and buildings which belonged to per- sons who are deemed enemies to the United American Colonies, agree- able to the several Resolves of Congress and General Court. The Committee then adjourned their meeting to the last Monday in this month at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. *The Committee being informed that Alexander McPlierson, a pris- oner sent this Town from Boston by order of Council, had not behaved as he ought to have done; therefore, ordered that said McPherson be imprisoned till further order. The t^ommittee of Inspection being met Aug. 19, 1776, — Eesolved, that those persons who have taken any of the prisoners which were delivered to the Committee by the sheriff of the Couuty of Bristol, keep said prisoners which they now have till the 1st. day of Apl. next and provide suitably for them in sickness and health, and keep their clothing in as good repair as it was iu at the time when they were distributed, unless said prisoners are called for before that time. At a Town Meeting held at Taunton on Monday ]\Ich. 17, 1777 said Town made choice of Capt. Simeon Williams Capt. John Read, James Williams, Jr. Capt. Cornelius White, Capt. James Leonard ♦There may be a leaf gone here in the manuscript. APPENDIX. 405 for ;i Committee of Conespondence, Inspection and Safety. And at the adjournment of said meeting, viz. on the 14th of April following the Town made choice of the following persons for an addition to said Com- mittee, to wit: (ieo. ( Godfrey, Es(i., Capt. Elisha Harney, Mr. Ni('holas Baylies, Col. Ceo. Williams, Benjamin Williams, Esq. Attest: James Williams, .Jr., T. Clerk. The major part of the before mentioned Committee met Apl. 14 1777 and made choice of Geo. Godfrey, Esq. for their Chairman and James Williams. Jr., for Clerk. And made choice of Capt. Simeon Wil- liams, James Williams, Jr., Mr. Apollas Leonard, Capt. Cornelius White and Capt. John Read for to lease and let out the improvement of the Tory lands and buildings (so-called) in said town. Capt. White and Capt. Head are desired to inspect the land belonging to Mr. Laugh ton and the land belonging to Laughton and Ballou, and likewise a lot of land belonging to Daniel Leonard situated in the South Westerly part of said Town. Capt. Barney and Mr. Leonard to inspect the Wood Land belonging to said Daniel Leonard and the land lately Mr. Borland's in the northerly part of said Town. The Meeting then adjourned to Monday Apl. 21. at four o'clock in the afternoon. Apl. 21, 1777. The Committee met and chose James Williams Jr., Col. Williams and Benj. Williams E.sq., a Committee to repair to the land of Mr. Borland in the northerly part of said Taunton and see what (piantity of wood has been cut thereon and who cut the same and make report. Mr. Apollas Leonard, Col. Williams and Capt. Read were chosen to lease out the house and land of Solomon Smith and a lot of land late William McKinstry's, near Streets Bridge, if they find said premises come under the care of the Committee. ( )rdered that Munroe a Highland prisoner ordered by the sheriff to the town of Dighton (now in this Town) be committed to Prison and that the Committee of Dighton be acquainted thereof, and Capt. Lis- comb is desired to commit him. The meeting adjourned to Friday next at two o'clock in the afternoon. Friday Apl. 2d, 1777. The Committee met. Brig. Godfrey and James Williams Jr. were appointed to draft a petition to the Council of the State of Massts. Bay, for a removal of the Highland Prisoners now in the Towm to some other place. Mr. Isaac Dean is desired to take care of and inspect Litfh' North Meaduw (so called) that which is not now within fence, and to take the grass or hay that may grow thereon for one year. 406 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. The Committee made choice of Mr. John Porter, Capt. Luscombe and Mr. Timothy Foster, to take cave and inspect the conduct of the Higliland Prisoners now in this Town, and if any of them shall be seen strolling or walking on the Lord's Day, any other way than directly to or from some house of Public Worship in said Town ; or out atany unsea- sonable time of night without leave from the head of the family to which they respectively belong, or give some satisfactory account for their so doing, you or any of you are desired to comit such prisoner or prisoners to Jail, and if any such prisoners belonging to any other town shall be found in this Town, at any time without leave given by some Committee, Sheriff or other creditable person or giving, a satisfactory account thereof, you are desii-ed to commit them to said Jail. Voted that George Godfrey Esq., draft and sign a Petition to the Hon. Geo. Leonard Esq., Judge of Probate &c. for the County of Bristol, and in the behalf of said Committee desire him to appoint an agent or agents for the estate of Danl. Leonard Esq., Solomon Smith and Doc. Wm. McKinstry, they having left the Town of Taunton for more than three months, and each of them leaving an estate of more than twenty pounds value. May 2, 1777. On the petition of a number of Inhabitants in the westerly part of said Taunton respecting the spreading of the small pox. Voted that a letter be sent to Mr. James Hoar and Capt. Herrick who are suspected to be assisted in carrying on inoculation. Col. Williams and Mr. ApoUas Leonard are desired to apply to Mr. Henry Bovven Jr., for a quantity of Molasses he has now in this Town, for the benefit of the needy inhabitants thereof. Then adjourned to Monday, May 5th 1777. Monday May 5, 1777. Tlie Committee then met and voted tiiat Three hogsheads of Molasses out of Ten and in that 2)roportion for a larger or smallei' number belonging to Col. Bowers and Mr. Boylston be stopped and not suffered to be removed out of the stores where they are now deposited in Taunton, till further order from the Committee. On the verbal complaint of Mr. Porter respecting the abuse he re- ceived from Mr. McWhorter, after hearing both parties, the Chairman was desired to give Mr. McWhorter a reprimand wliicli was accordingly done. Thursday May 9th, 1777. Tiie Committee met. It being represented to the Committee that several persons in this Town had signed a paper for protection under Lord How, the Committee thereon examined Mr. Ed- ward Phillips and Mr. Abijah Hodges (two of whom were suspected had signed said paper) both of which jjcrsons declared they had never signed any such thing, nor had seen none only what was jniblished in the News- papers. APPENDIX. 407 May 1"). Tlic Committee ordered that Mr. Seth Padelt'ord be recom- mended as a suitable person for an agent to the estate of Daniel Leonard Esq. and that James Williams Junr. write to the Judge of Probate (in behalf of said Committee) for his appointment. May 23. Mr. Porter, Capt. Luscombe and others complained of being abused by Joseph Tisdale. Said Tisdale being sent for and ex- amined, confessed that he had spoken unadvisedly and was sorry he had treated them or the Committee with such language. Then adjourned to Thursday next at 9 o'clock. June 2, 1777. Ordered by the Committee that Brig. Godfrey write to the Committee of Upton and desire them to search the papers belong- ing to the Highland Officers which were sent from this Town and if any enemical design can be discovered to acquaint this Committee. Ordered that Joseph Tisdale be notified to settle with Mr. Porter and Capt. Liscombe, relative to his abusing them on the evening of the day of May last. Said Tisdale being called for appeared and declined making any suitable acknowledgment to said Porter and Liscombe. The meeting adjourned to Saturday next at 2 o'clock P. M. ilonday, Nov. 17, 1777, Col. Williams, Benj. Williams, Es(i., Capt. Ivcad to lease and let to Mr. Baylies the house and land belonging to Mr. Laughton or M. Ballon or both of them, as the Committee see fit, and for such time as they may think proper. Same day. Voted that tlie f hairman petition the General Com t for liberty for Mr. Adam to cut and cord 150 cords of wood on land in Taunton formerly Mr. Borland's. In Committee. Feby, 9, 1778. Col. Geo. Williams, Benj. Williams, Es(]., and Capt. Simeon Williams were appointed to inspect the cutting and carrying off wood and iron ore on the land late Mr. Borland's in the easterly part of Taunton, the wood not to be sold for less than S shil- lings per cord. Committee of Inspection, Correspondence and Safety chosen at Taunton, Mch. 23d, 1778. Brig. Geo. Godfrey, Mr. Apollas Leonard, Benj. Williams, Esq. Capt. James Leonard. Capt. Simeon Williams. Capt. Cornelius AVhite, James Williams, Jr., Capt. John Read, Mr. Xicholas Baylies, Capt. Henry Hodges, Capt. Elisha Barney. Mch. olst, 1778. The Committee met. Chose Brig. Godfrey. Chair- man, James Williams, Junr., Clerk. Committee and Select 3Ien being 408 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. requested to procure a number of Shirts, Shoes and Stockings for the Soldieis agreed to purchase 100 pair of Shoes at 25 is $25. 100 " Stockings at 24 is $24. 100 Shirts at 30 each, $30. Benj. Williams, Esq., Capt, Simeon Williams and James AVillianis, Jr., was chosen a Sub-Committee to lease and let out the improvement of Tory Land (so called,) in Taunton. The meeting adjourned to Friday next at 3 o'clock P. M. Friday Apl. 3, 1778. The Committee met and Voted to act in prose- cuting Mr. Robert Grossman for writing and signing a letter directed to Seth Williams at Newport, and adjourned to Tuesday next at 3 o'clock P. iM. Tuesday, Apl. 7, 1778. The Committee met. Mr. Crossmau present, was asked the following questions. Quest. Did you write a letter and direct it to Seth Williams of Newport on or about the 27th day of Mch. last? Answer. Yes. Quest. What view had you in writing said letter? Answer. In hopes to entice liim off tlie Island for he owed me a sum of money. Quest. Did you ever ask any person to carry s'd letter to U. I.? Answer. No — nor did I intend to send it, for after 1 had wrote it 1 ilis- liked it myself. Quest. What view had you by enquiring after Gilbert and others. Answer. Only out of curiosity? After which the Committee considered the matter and ordered snid Crossman notto go out of this Town till the 24th day of April current, and then to appear before the Committee at this ])lace at one o'clock in the afternoon. Friday Apl. 24 1778. Then met. Mr. Crossman present, was asked if he was willing to take the oath of allegiance to the State. Answered yes. And iifter being reprimanded for liis niiscondnct relative to the above mentioned letter, was dismissed. 'I'he Committee ordered that the shoes collected for the Soldiers of this Town, be deposited in the house of Benj. Williams Esq., and the Shirts and stockings at Brig. Godfrey's, they to deliver the same to Mr. Durfey who is appointed to receive the same. Benj. Williams Esq., Capt. Simeon Williams and James Williams, Jr., to lease to said Macomber for one year the land he has within fence lately belongijig to John Borland Esq., dec API'ENDIX. 409 APPENDIX HH. (Page; 58.) The Solemn League and Covenant (as prescribed by the Prov- ince Laws, Vol. V, c. 21, p. 479, May i, 1776) was in these words : We the Subscribers, Do each of us severally for ourselves, profess testify and declare before GOD and the World, tliat we verily believe that the War, Resistance and Opposition in which the United American Colonies are now engaiece with its company of volunteers in the centre, — composed the front line. The re- mainder of Col. Orr's detachment with the Rehoboth troops and two companies of militia formed the rear line. The other company of militia was posted at the door of the court house. Soon after this order w as completed the insugreuts came on the Green with military parade, and with more insolence than force formed their line directly in front of mine, and not more than thirty yards distant. Their numbers were one hruidred forty-eight in arms, including officers, and thirty-four without 4l6 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. arms. The fear aud raoe with which they liad alarmed the county for some days past, appeared to have vanished, and the sight of government in force made them as peaceable a set of rioters as ever with so much im- pudence advanced so near their enemy. They continued in the same situation almost three hours, and after presenting a petition to the Supreme Court and receiving their answer, they retired in the same manner they came on. Their commander wish- ing me a good night, as he went off the field, and promised to return the next day with petitions that would be more agreeable to the Honorable Court, but before they had marched a mile, he dismissed them from any further service. Although the insurgents were dispersed yet I conceived it necessary to continue the troops during the morning session of the court, and accordingly they were not discharged until Friday noon. The behavior of both officers and men during their continuance here, would have done honor to much older troops. They retired from the town without the least injury to persons or property. Some of the militia that were called upon on this occasion, turned out with alacrity and spirit, — but the exertions of the little town of Raynham deserves every praise from government. These proceedings will, I hope, meet the approbation of your excel- lency and the Honorable General Assembly. I have the honor to be with great esteem and respect, your excellency's most humble servant, David Cobb. To His Excellency Governor Bowdoin. The following extracts from the newspapers of that period, throw some light upon the occurrences at Taunton, alluded to in the Address : [Mass. Gazette, Oct. 27, 1786,] Order, on the probability of attempts being made to stop the sitting of the Supreme Judicial Court at Taunton. ( )n Saturday an order jjassed apijointing a committee of both Houses, to wait on the (Governor, to inform him, that information having been given, that there was a degree of probability, that some attempts might be made to prevent the sitting of the Suisreme Judicial Court in 'I'aunton on the next Tuesday, although the Legislature entertained full (•(inlidence that his Excellency exercise that authority on this occasion, with which the constituti(m had vested him, yet that they could not forbear expressing their desire, that he would imnu'diatcly give the most serious attention to the subject. On Monday, his Excellency sent a message to both Houses, acquaint- ing them of his proceedings upon this subject, which gave rise to an- APPENDIX. 417 other committee of both Houses who were instructed to thank his Excel- lency for the intelli<;ence he had been pleased to communicate to the Court, respectin U. CoiiANNET, Tlie Land of Snow, ) lU. Elizabeth Poole making her Purchase, ) (As represented on the City Seal.) ' Opp. p. l8o 11. Capt. Church at An aw an' s Rock, ) 12. Model of Leonard House, in Raynliam, . . ^ [ Opp. p. 187 13. Puritan Parson, Leader of his people, ) 14. Church of the First Conojjeoational Society,. . ) Opp. p. 18U 15. HisTOiHCAL Hall, ) 16. Ancient Leonard Mansion, "iiouscof Seven oabics,". . ■ ) Opp. p. 223 17. Old Gamrrel Roofed House, ) (Opposite the Ancient Iron Works.) TABLE OF CONTENTS. Page. Protatory Notice of the Committee of City Government o Committees of City Government, 1886-89, 4 City Government, 1889, 5 Note of Committee on Publication, Introductory Notice, 7-14 Officers of the Day and Joint General Committee, 15 Sub-Committees, 16-2y Proceedinos in Music Hall : Scripture Reading and Prayer by Rev. S. Hopkins Emery, 25-27 Address by Hon. Richard Henry Hall, 27-29 Historical Address by Hon. Edmund H. Bennett, 29-77 Poem by Henry W. Colby, Esq. , 77-94 Benediction by Rev. Charles H. Learoyd, 94 The Banquet in Agricultural Hall : Invocation by Rev. John P. Forbes, 95 Introductory Address by Mayor Hall, 96 First Sentiment of Judge Fox, the Toastmaster, 96 Letters from President Hari'ison and Vice-President Morton,. . 97-98 Address of Governor Oliver Ames, 98-99 Address of Chief Justice Marcus Morton, 100-102 Address of Rev. Dr, Henry M. Dexter, 103-108 426 QUARTER MILLENNIAL CELEBRATION. Address of Rev. Dr. George E. Ellis, lOS-110 Letter from the Mayor of Taunton, England, 110-111 Address of Hon. Josiah H. Drummond, 112-117 Address of Hon. Robert Treat Paine, 117-120 Address of Hon. Edmund H. Bennett, 121 Poem by Miss Mary E, N. Hatheway, 121-122 Address of Rev, S. Hopkins Emery, 123-12,5 Address of Hon. William W. Crape, 125-127 Address of Capt. George A. Washburn, 128-131 Address of Hon. William E. Fuller, 131-133 Address of Hon. Hugh O'Brien, 134-1.35 Address of Hon. William Reed, Jr., 135-136 Address of Hon. H. W. Ladd, Governor of Rhode Island, 136-137 Address of Hon. Elijah A. Morse, 137-139 Address of George A. Shove, Esq. , 139-142 Festival Ode, by Mrs. E. S. Deane, I 144-145 Mvisic by Mr. George W. Dean, ) Anniversary Hymn, by Mrs. E. S. Deane, } ^Ar-1ncl Music by Mrs. Annie M. (Soule) Lewis, ( i^o lou Invited Guests of the City, 151-153 Letters from invited guests, 154-166 Correspondence with Taunton, England, 166-172 Reception and Ball, 173-175 The Grand Procession, on the second day, , 176-188 Donation and Loan Exhibition in Historical Hall, 189-222 Memorial Tablets, 223-232 Appendix, 23.3-421 ^R^^Si'^f^'^^^'KM THE LIBRARY ^ i UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA r^ Santa Barbara 1 C THIS BOOK IS DUE ON THE LAST DATE % STAMPED BELOW. 1 k Tt; 1 I 1 Series <)482 I ^^M^^^^^^-: ^#^^'''■^61..^ 1205 02528 6756 -■^sr'^^ ■v;^ ■ ,vw;^^ '^iK^fr. ..^ . • IE\ •>;> '"»• <».,» ■ ■ * •\>K- «^"^7^5yv