A Ai : 0: 8 7 7 9 3 FARMER An Historical Memoir of Billerica. :i'^ ■ ■■ - A -.«■••*. r^ AN HISTORICAL MEMOIR OF BIILLEMICA. IN MASS A CHUSETTS. CONTAINING NOTICES OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS, IN THE CIVIL AND ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN, FROM ITS FIRST SETTLEMENT TO 1816. BY JOHN FARMER. Published by Request. AMHERST, N. H. PRINTED BY R. BOYLSTON. 1816. <• / f c AN HISTORICAL MEMOIR OF BILLEMCA. IN MASSACHUSETTS. CONTAINING NOTICES OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS, IN THE CIVIL AND ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS OP THE TOW/f, FROM ITS FIRST SETTLEMENT TO 1816. BY JOHN FARMER. ^^ Published by Request, AMHERST, N. H. PRINTED BY R. BOYLSTON. 1816. f^ LIBRARY HISTORICAL MEMOIR. ttlLLERICA, in the County of Middlesex, was known to the first European inhabitants by the name of Shawshin, which it probably received from its proximity to the river of this name. To the aboriginal inhabitants, it appears to have been known by the name of Shawshinock,* or Souhegenock, a name applied to the river Shawshin in an ancient plan. Its present name is derived from Billericay, in the county of Essex, in England, from whence it is sup- posed that several of the first inhabitants emigrated. By them it was written Billericay in the earliest records of the town. It is known that some of the first settlers were from Raleigh, a town contiguous to Billericay, in England, and t}iis, with other circumstances, affords a presumption that 5?veral were actually from the latter place.t A concise view of the IcgtU origin of the town may b^ gratifying to the curious enquirer. The means of informa- tion on this subject must be derived from copies of original grants, which fortunately have been preserved! Nothing • I fimi in the reewds, " Shawshinock, or Billcrica," and in an old plan, " Souhegenock river," which it is thought can be no other thah S hawihin river. f BiLLKRiCA wa* about the tifelfth original town settled in the county of Middletex. It i^ ranked among the "noted towns" of New-England, in Herman Molls' Folio Geography, printed in 1701. It it 18 miles north of Bolton, and is watered bjr Cencord and Shawshin rivers, which run northeast- wardly into Merrimac river. The number of inhabitants at the commence- fbent of the century might have been 870. The limits were then much more •xtensive than they are at present. It is now surrounded by Chelmsford, Tewksbuiy, Wilmington, Burlington, Bedford, Carlisle, all of which adjoin it. Anciently, it was bounded by Chelmsford, Andover, Woburn, Cambridge and y oncord. From an ancient plan in mjr possession, apparently taken in confor- mity to the original grant to Cambridge, the length from Andover line to Concord was arioout 1 1 miles ; the greatest breadth from Shawshin to the mouth of Concord river, 6| miles, and the leaft breadth from Shawl^in t6 Concord river 3i miles. The town, lying on both sides of Concord river, is at this time feven miles in length, and of various breadth, and contains aboat 17,000 acre*. " j ' • satisfactory occurs in history. In 1642, a grant of all the land* between Concord aad ohivvshiii rivers, and extending to Merrimac river, was made by the General Court to the town of Cambridge, upon the conditioji " that they should erect a village there within five years, which should not ex- tend so as to prejudice the villages of Charlestown and Co- chittuate." From the nature of this grant, it appears proba- ble that this was the first within tliese limits, that was made by the General Court with a view of forming a township. The next year, a second grant was made, without the express condition of effecting a settlement as stipulated by the for- mer. Several years passed away, before the inhabitants of Cambridge availed themselves of the privileges conferred by these grants. The last undoubtedly retarded the settlement, . as the town of Cambridge was exempted from the condition of forming a settlement within a limited time. From the best evidence which can be obtained, it is infer- red that tiie first settlement was made about the year 1653. It was commenced by a number of respectable families ; some from CamhHdge. but the g'-enter pT.rt were originally from England. The following in!ormafion respecting some of tlie mo3t prominent characters among the early inhabitants is collected from authentic sources, yohn Parker, supposed to have been born in England, was approved as clerk of the writs, in this town, in December, 1657. He was one of the first selectmen, and continued in that Otfice seven years. He died, 14 June, 16G7. yoii.a KiUicd^e vva,» an inhabitant as early as about 1659. From .him, it is said, have descend- Cvi all of the name in New-England. Tradition informs us, "that he had knowledge of the healing art." This knowl- edge seems to have descended to his posterity in the eldest branch of his family. He died, -18 October, 1676, leaving five sons. John Kittredge, his oldest son, was a physician in this town, and died, 27 April, 17 14, at the age of 49. yohn Rogers was among the early inhabitants. He died, 25 January, 1686, leaving four sons. John Rogers, his oldest son, from whom are descended all of tlie name now in town, was killed by the Indians, in 1695. William French, born in England, in 1604, it seems was an inhabitant of Cam- bridge, but afterwards came to this town. He was a mili- tary officer, and frequently solemnized marriages. He died, 20 November, 1681, in his 78th year. John. French, his son, was an inhabitant in 1659, and died in October, 17 12, • With the reservation of individual grants. See Appendix, article I. aged about 78. George Farley, a resident at Woburn a few years after bis emigration to this country, was one of the se- lectmen seven years. He died, 27 December, 1693. Ralph Hill, who died, 29 November, 1663, was an early inhabi- tant, and one of the selectmen two years. Three of his sons, Ralph, Jonathan and Nathaniel settled in this town at an early period. Ralph Hill, his eldest son, was one of the selectmen aJeven years, and a deputy to the General Court in 1693 and 1694. He died, 2 May, 1695. Samuel Manning was selectman nine, and town clerk six years. In the years 1695 and 1696, he was elected a deputy to the General Court. He died, 22 February, 1711. Simon Crosby was one of the first innholders in town. Th« time when he first became an inhabitant does not appear. He was admitted a member of the church, 24 November, 1667, and consequently must have been an inhabitant about that time. In several town offices, he appears to have acquitted himself to general sat- isfaction. He died after the year 17 14. yonathan Dan- /orth, brother to the honorable Thomas Danforth,* was a native of Framingham in England. He was distinguished among the first settlers of this town, and had a principal share in all its public transactions. He died, 7 September, 1712, aged 85. Jonathan Danforth, his son, died, 17 January, 171 1, aged 53. Reverend Samuel Whiting ^zs an inhabitant as early as 1658. He was son of reverend Samuel Whiting of Lynn, who married a daughter of the right honorable Oliver St. Johnf of England. It is presumed that she was his mother. $ The time of his birth has not been ascertained. The records of Lynn have been examined for that purpose, but give no information. Considering the time he graduat- ed, it appears probable that he vnc^ bom in England. Of the last two, a more particular acc to.vii reui;ived any essential injury during King Philipi' war. The number of families in town about thi^ timrj, appears to have been forty-eight, and the numl^er of dwelling-houses forty-seven. In 1679, there were si-cty raie iblc estates, in- cluding non-residents. Irv a return made Ia i63o, to a warrant from the deputy Governor, the town stated th© number of families able to bear public charges to be fifty j(, and of aged persons and p^or, including wij')vvs, to be ten* A writing and reading school was at this time taught b/ Joseph Tompson. No grammar schoal wa"; in to.v.i. In 1684, Jonathan Danforth Was choien deputy to a " special General Court." This is the first notice we find on * The following were the garrisons appointed at these meetings, with the in- habitants belonging to each. 1. /^a//>A //i/h' — Nathaniel and Jonathan Hill, T'aomi.^Dutton, jan. WlHIam French, William and Isaac Chamberlain. (5 houses.) 2. 7 /ttmtas Foj'ers'— Joseph Foster.James Frost.Joseph French.Joseph Walk- er, Daniel Rogers, John Kittredge and T'homas Richardson. (0 houses.) 3. Simon Oflj^yV— Richard Daniel, WiliiamHam'et,J\cob Ham':et,Jonathan Hides, Joseph /"ompson and Peter Bracket. (7 families.) 4. Rev.Samiul Whititts^s — Thomas Dutton, sen. John Dutton, Dan'el Shed John Shed, John Durant, John Rogers, John Rogers, jr. Thom is and Nathan- iel Rogers. (6 families.) 7'his was " the main garrison and the last refuge in case of extremity." 5. Thomas Patten' s—GoXAsvl More, Samuel Froft, John Kidder, Roger Tooth- aker and John Trull, (5 families.) 6. James jPatterson' s~john Baldwin, Edward Farmer, Thomas Farmer, Hen- ry Jefts and John Jefts, (4 families.) 7. Jacoi French's— John French, John Marshall, Thomas Ross, and William Chamberlain, jr. (4 houses.) 8. James A'iJjer's—D^mtl Shed, jr. Samuel Trull, John Bracket, and James Kidder, jr. (4 families.) 9. Jomthan Dj-nforth's—SiTOMel Manning, Johm Du-ikin, and Jonathan Dan forth, Jr. 10. Timothy Brooks^ — Michael Bacon. 1 1. George Farley's house " to entertain as it miy be capable." 12. Job Lane, from his remote situation wis allowed to fortify his own fcouse, and "to have two soldiers if the country could spare them." Th« Masters of the several Garrisons were sergeant Rilph Hill,serg. Thomas F(»> ier, serg. Joseph Tompson, Rev. Samuel Whiting, Thomas Patten, Jamoi Patter&on, John Marshall, serg. James Kidder and Jonathan DaiifortL is fhc records of a deputy being chosen from this town. The inhabitants, it is probable, had been represented by non-resi- ient deputies, which was frequently practised under the old charter of the province. This practice was abolished in 1694, when an act passed the General Assembly, "restrain- ing towns from choosing any person to represent them in the General Court, other than freeholders and residents within Buch towns." It appears that previous to 1669, this town had been rspresented by Mr. Davie of Boston. In this year, 1684, an Indian title of the township appears to have been obtained at four Indian meetings, though 1 have tiot been so fortunate as to find the existence of any instru- ment purporting to be an Indian deed. The consideration made to the Indians for their title cannot be ascertained, but the charges arising from making the purchase were fifteen ihillings. Though the inhabitants of this town lived in the vicinity «f a considerable number of Indians,* particularly their plantation at Wamesit, and were for a long time exposed to their attacks, the-e appears no evidence of their being molested by them till the year 1692. On the first day of August, this year, they killed Ann Shed, wife of Zachary Shed, with two of her children, Hannah, aged 13, and Agnes» Bged 2 years ; Joanna Button, aged 36, wife of Benjamin Dutton, and two of her children by a former husband, Mar7 Dunkin, aged 16, and Benoni Dunkin, aged 2 k years. Tra- dition has pieserved few, or no particulars of the manner in which these familie?; were assaulted. The second meeting-house, 44 feet in length and 40 feet in width, was erected, 16 July, 1694.! The inhabitants had worshipped in the old one about thirty-four years. On the 5 August, 1695, the Indians made a second irrup- tion on the inlabitants of this place. In the northerly part o£ the town, on the east of Concord river, lived several families, who, though without garrisons and in time of war, felt no apprehensions of danger. Their remoteness from the fron- tiers might have contributed to their apparent security. Th« * See Appendix, article VIII. ^ October 23, 1693, the town agreed to build a new meeting-house, and December 8, appointed a committee for that purpose. The following account t)f raising it, is left on record in the hand-writmg of Deacon Jofeph Tompson. — " This service wa» attended by about 45 hands of our town the first day ; and the town came generally the second day, and some of other towns. Some tame to inspect us and several were helpful to us of other towns. The third day we concluded our work with our town's help. No considerable harm wa» done — not a bone broken. We had the help of our reverend pastor to desir* God's blessing, and when we had finished our work, we concluded with a psalm of praise and returned thanks to God by our reverend pastor.** 13 Indians came upon them suddenly, in the day-time. They entered the house of John Rogers while he was sleeping, and discharged an arrow at him, which entered his neck and pierced the jugular vein. Awakened with this sudden and unexpected attack, he started up, seized the arrow, which he forcibly withdrew, and expired witla the instrument of death in his hand. A woman being in the chamber, threw herself out of the window, and though severely wounded, effected her escape by concealing Ixerself among some flags. A young woman was scalped and left for dead, but survived the pain- ful operation and lived for many years afterwards. A son and daughter of Mr. Rogers were taken prisoners. The family of John Levistone suffered most severely. His mother-in-law and five young children were killed, and his oldest daughter captured. Thomas Rogers and his oldest son were killed. Mary, the wife of Dr. Roger Toothaker, was killed, and Margaret, his youngest daughter, taken prisoner. Fifteen persons were killed or taken at this sur- prisal. After the most industrious examination of the rec- ords, I find the names of fourteen, which, with their several ages, will be added in a note.* Though the Indians were immediately pursued by the inhabitants of the centre of the town, yet so effectually had they taken precautions in their flight, that all efforts to find them were unavailing. It is said they had even tied up the mouths of their dogs with wampum, from an apprehension that their barking would discover the direction they had taken. The shock given to. the inhabitants by this melancholy event, was long had in painful remembrance. Through the lapse of years, it is difficult to give a very circumstantial account of it, and the few particulars I have collected, ought, perhaps, to receive some deductions from the brevity of human memory.f The first bridge over Concord river, on the Boston road, was erected at, or near the fordway, some time previous to * John Rogers, aged about 53, Thomas Rogers, about 48, Thomas Rogers, jun. aged 1 1, Daniel Rogers,*i2, Mary Rogers,*27, MaryToothaker, Margaret Toothaker,* 13, Widow Ross, perhaps 63, Alexander, five weeks, Margaret, 2 years, Mary 5, Thomas 6, Seth 8, and Sarah,* 11, children of John Levis- tone. Those with a star were missing and supposed to be captured. t Governor Hutchinson in his History of Massachusetts, vol. 11, page S6, thus notices this transaction. — " [p. Auguft, they killed and took fifteen at Bil- lerica, and plundered the house of Rogers." In the town records I find, "Aug. 5, 1695, this day received that awful ftroke by the enemy, when five- teen persons were flain — more sad than that we met with three years before." Dr. Cotton Mather publifhed in 1698, "Decennium I.uctuosum; an hiftory of the remarkable occurrences of the long war with the Indians from 1688 to 16 ;8." As this event falls within this period, some account of it in this work may possibly be given. 14 165S, In 1663, it was removed from this place at fh« expcnce of this town and Chelmsford. For many years after, it wts supported by Groton, Chelmsford and this town.* It does not appear to have been removed again till about 1699, when th« former bridge having been " car- ried away by a flood, a new one was erected considerably higher up the river." In consequence of this removal, it became necessary to alter the road between Chelmsford and thi« town. This was mutually done by a committee,! appointed by each town, who attended that service, 2j September, 1699. In 1701, the boundaries between this town, and Chelms- ford and Concord were adjusted by a committee, appointed by the General Court at their session in May, 1700. The difficulties, which had for some time subsisted, were termin- ated by the ratification of the report of the committee. J On the 4 April, 1707, the north burying ground was located. It iB five rods on the road, and twenty rods in length. July 7, 1707, the town made choice of reverend Samuel Ruggles to assist reverend Samuel Whiting in the ministry, for the term of one year. Before the expiration of the year, he received an invitation to settle as a colleague with rever- end Mr. Whiting. The town voted him ;^.ioo settlement, and £.A<^ per annum during Mr. Whiting's life, and ;^.70 after his decease. He wa« ordained on the 19 May, 1708. In 1708, a grant of land and other privileges, at the falls in Concord river, was made to Christopher Osgood, jun. of Andover, for the " erection of a grist-mill." The mill erected by him, was the first erected on Concord river, within the limits of the town. This grant embraces the place, where the valuable mills and factories are now situated, near the intersection of Concord river by the Middlesex Canal. In 17 12, died Capt. Jonathan Danforth, distinguished for his mathematical knowledge and extensive usefulness in this town. He was son of Nicholas Danforth, J and brother to • The country rate of these towns in 1663, which may give »n idea of their relative importance at that time, was as follows. — Chelmsford ;£■. 18. 19. r. Billerica, j^.13. 10. 2. Groton, £.6. it,. 7. They were all incorporated, May 29. «*Biog. Diet, page 240, with documents in my pof^ session. The Rev. John Elliot, D. D. in his Biog. Diet, observes that " the reverend Samuel Danforth came to NewEngland, 1634, with his fatheriVposed to have been his nephew. Rev. John Danforth of Dorchefter. The following extract, I received verbally fronn Samuel Whiting, Esq. and ia aJl I Lava been able to obtain of it : " He rode the circuit, chain'd great towns and fame, To good behaviour ; and by well marked ftations, He fix'd their bounds for many generations. His art ne'er fail'd him, though the loadstone fail'd, When oft by mines and streams it was assaii'd ; All this is charming, but there's something higher, Gave him the lustre which we most admire." Then followed an account of his piety, attention to religious duties, which are celebrated by the poet in the TersiAcation peculiar to that period. 16 fidelity, circumspection and diligence, with which he dis- charged the various duties of a private, social and ministe- rial nature, prove that he was actuated by a spirit of Chris- tianity. The affection and benevolence of his people towards him, prove that tliey held his character in high estimation. In 1702 and 3, when sickness prevented him for several months, from attending to the duties of the sanctuary, their affection for him as upon other occasions, was manifested. They procured reverend John Fox to preach during his indisposition, and rewarded him at their own expence. In 1707, when the infirmities of age rendered him unable to dis- charge all the various duties of his sacred calling, reverend Samuel Ruggles was procured to assist him, and was ordain- ed his colleague the following year. It is not known that he published any thing.* He had ten children, but the great- er part died young. John Whiting, his second son, gradu- ated at Harvard College in 1685, and was ordained the second minister in Lancaster about the year 1691.! In that town, he was slain by the Indians, 11 September, 1697, at the age of 33 years. I About the year 17 18, there appears to have been a com- pany of snow-shoe men formed in this town, and in several others in the vicinity. Their object was to repel the incur- sions of the Indians, and attack them in their quarters during the winter. Dr. Belknap, in his history of New- Hampshire, observes that this is called in the Council records an honorable service. The number belonging to this town was 19.11 * Mr. Whiting was one of the seventeen minifters, who bore testimony a- gainft the settlement of Mr. Davenport in the firft church in Bofton, and one of those who presented an address to the General Court, in vindication of their conduct from the unjuft charge of innovation, &c. made againft them by a committee appointed bv the house of deputies at their session in May, 1670. Vide Hutchinson's Hilt. Mass. vol. i page 34S — 250. In a poem on his death, written about a century since, he has the following character. " Whiting, we here beheld a ftarry light, Burning in Christ's right hand and shining bright; Years seven times seven sent forth his precious rays. Unto the gospel's profit and Jehovah's praise." t The Rev. Mr. Whitney, in his hiltory of the county of Worcester, says that he was probably settled in 1691. t On the II September, 169"', the town of Lancafter was surprised by the Indians and twenty-one persons were killed, among whom, was the Rev. John Whiting, who being on som,; occasion at a distance from the garrison, the In- dians surprised and killed him. They indeed offered him quarter, but he chose rather to fight to the last, than resign himself to those wliose tender mer- cies are cruelty. Rev. 7". Harrington's Century Sermon, 1753. II 7"his is the number I find upon an old paper, purporting to contain " a lift of the snow-shoe men in the towns of Billerica, Chelmsford and Dracut." 17 In 1729, the inhabitants of the southerly part of the town petitioned for the privilege of being detached from Billerica, that they might be incorporated as a separate town. At a general town meeting, the subject of their peti- tion was taken into consideration, and a committee of eleven persons was chosen, who were empowered "to manage the affair and agree with the petitioners respecting the line." In September, the same year, this part of the town, with a part of Concord, was incorporated with the name of Bedford. Three years after this, the northerly part of the town peti- tioned to be set off as a township. A committee was chosen to view the land, who made a report at a subsequent meeting, when it was voted that the northerly and northeasterly part of the town be set off as a township, "granting two thirds of the land from Andover line to Billerica meeting-house, by a parallel line with said Andover, extending from Concord river to Wilmington line." On the 23 December, 1734, this tract of land was, by an act of the General Court, incor- porated by the name of Tewksburv. In 1738, the third meeting-house, 60 feet in length and 46 in width, was built and consecrated to divine worship.* In April, 1747, the town made choice of reverend John Chandler of Andover as an assistant with reverend Mr. Ruggles. They voted him ^.600 old tenor, settlement, ;^.2oo salary, of the same currency, during the life of Mr. Ruggles, and an addition of ;^.ioo after his decease, with 20 cords of wood. On the 21 October following, a council of eight churches was converged for his ordination. On this occasion, reverend Daniel Rogers of Littleton, commenced with prayer, reverend James Chandler of Rowley, preached from John iii. 11 ;t reverend Samuel Phillips of Andover, gave the charge, and also added an exhortation to the people, in which, he pressed upon them the particular duties of a peo- ple towards their minister, and reverend Nicholas Bowes of Bedford, gave the right hand of fellowship. The reverend Samuel Ruggles, second pastor of the church in this place, died, i March, 1749, at the age of 67, * Sept. 15, 1737, "the town voted to build a new meeting-house for the pnblic worship of GoD'" Nov. 28. " Voted to build said house, 60 feet in length and 46 in width." March 7, 1738, "Voted to set said house about 37 feet north of the former one." Town Records. t " Verily, verily I say unto thee, we speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen." 18 having been in the ministry forty years and nine months. He was son of Mr. Samuel Ruggles of Roxbury, and was born in that town on the 3 December 1681.* He graduated at Harvard College in 1702. In 1755, a considerable number of inhabitants in the south- west part of the town, applied to be set off as a township or district. Their application at this time was unsuccessful. Twenty-four years after this, having renewed their request, all the inhabitants, within certain defined limits, were, by vote of the town, set off as a township. The tract of land thus de- tached was incorporated, in 1780, as a district, with the name of Carlisle, and on the 18 February, 1805, was invested with town privileges. In 1760, an ecclesiastical council, composed of five church- es, was convened for the purpose of hearing the difficulties between the church and people in this place, and reverend John Chandler. Under the sanction of this council, the pastoral relation of Mr. Chandler to the church, was dissolv- ed on the 5 of' June. This was the only vacancy, which had occurred in the church, for almost a century from its organi- zation. From this time till the vacancy was filled by a suc- cessor, the pulpit was supplied with the labors of Messrs. Edward Brooks, Samuel Foxcro/t, Job Whitney, Edward Perkins Sparhawk, Samuel Angier, Nathaniel Noyes, yohn Treadweli, William Whitwell and Benjamin Caryl.^ The reverend Mr. Whitwell was chosen by the church and town to settle in the ministry, but on account of some divisions, they deemed it not prudent to proceed any further in reference to his settlement. Thursday, the 2 October, 1760, was set apart as a day of fasting and prayer, to supplicate the throne of grace for divine direction in the choice of a minister. Reverend Messrs. Rogers, Spalding, Morrill and Sherman, of Littleton, Tewksbury, Wilmington and Woburn, were requested to assist in the public exercises of the day. The town having heard the gentlemen already mentioned, on the 17 May, 1762, chose reverend Benjamin Caryl to settle with them in the work of the ministry. $ F'or some reasons, which are not mentioned, he did not comply with their request. On the 18 November, 1762, the church and town met in con- * MS. letter of Mr. Samuel Parker, Town Clerk of Roxbury, 1815. t Those in Italics were afterwards settled in the gospel ministry. } The vote was determined by yeas and nays. Yeas 86, Nays 22. The town voted him ;^.i6o settlement, and ^^.73 6. 8. annual salary. 19 junction, and made choice of reverend Henry Cumings of Hollis, in New-Harapshire, to settle with them in the gospel ministry. They voted a settlement of ;^.2oo, and an annual salary of ;^.8o, with other privileges. He was ordained, 26 January, 1763. At this time the council was composed of ministers and delegates from seven Churches. Reverend Isaac Morrill of Wilmington, opened the solemnity with prayer, reverend Daniel Emerson of Hollis, preached from Heb. xiii. 17 ; reverend Daniel Rogers of Littleton, gave the charge, reverend Ebenezer Bridge of Chelmsford, the right hand of fellowship, and reverend Joseph Emerson of Pepperell made the concluding prayer. On the 10 November, 1762, died reverend John Chandler, who sustained the pastoral relation about twelve years. He was a native of Andover, and graduated at Harvard College in 1743. His sermons were written in a neat style and dis- cover a benevolent spirit. From this period to the commencement of the difficulties between this country and Great Britain, I do not find that any transaction, deserving particular notice, occurred. At an early stage of the opposition to the restrictions of the Brit- ish parliament, this town appeared an advocate for freed oin, and during the important struggle for liberty and independ- ence, manifested a firm and unshaken spirit of resistance to all the encroachments of arbitrary power. As this was an interesting period in the affairs of the town, a few extracts from the records will be subjoined, in order to shew the spirit, which actuated the inhabitants on this memorable occasion. On the 6 of June, a few days after the Boston Port Bill went into operation, this town held a meethig to consider the subject of a l«tter, which they had received from that devoted town. A committee was chosen, to deliberate and deter- mine upon proper measures in this emergency of public affairs, who reported an answer, which reflects much credit on the patriotism of the town. "We consider," say they, "the blow struck at Boston, as aimed at the province in general, and as a prelude to something further, equally vindictive, yet in store for this and the other colonies. As we have a fixed reliance on the virtue of our brethren in Boston to persevere in the noble cause of liberty, which they have hitherto maintained with such laudable fortitude and reso- lution, and viewing ourselves as bound to animate and en- courage them, we do hereby promise and declare our read- iness to support and strengthen them in any measures, that shaM be judged expedient for our common safety and de- fence — ^for defeating every vengeful machination of those, who would punish us for shewing ourselves men, and dragoon us into slavery, because we disdain patiently to take the yoke upon our necks at their bidding." Towards the conclusion of the report, they say, " It would be an indelible disgrace, and a violation of the sacred obligations, we are under to God, to our country, to ourselves and to posterity, for us tamely and pusillanimously, to give up those invaluable liber- ties and privileges, which our worthy ancestors purchased at such a vast expense of blood and treasure." Such was the language of freemen, contending for their dearest rights and privileges. On the morning of the 19 April, 1775, the inhabitants of this town became early apprized of the motion of the British. A considerable number collected, and proceeded to Concord to oppose their progress, and were present in that memora- ble engagement. This town lost no one during the arduous conflict, but two of their citizens were wounded.* In 1779, a delegate was chosen from this town to the Convention, which convened at Cambridge, for the purpose of framing a Constitution, or form of government. The town's quota of men, agreeably to a resolve of the General Court, passed, 30 June, 1781, for raising 2700 men, was thirteen.! The valuation, in 1782, was £.^. i. o.t This town accepted the constitution of the United States by Col. William Tompson, their delegate to the Convention. || The political character of the town has ever been decidedly federal. For more than a century from 1692, it is believed, this town annually chose a representative to the General Court. The first chosen after the constitution of Massachusetts went into operation, was Major Edward Farmer, who con- tinued in that office, with the exception of one year§ till 1795. * John Nicldes and Timothy Blanchard. t Resolves of General Court for 1781, page 47. t Resolves of 6 March, 1782. II Massachusetts Gazette of Februarys, 1788. § 1787, when Col. William Tompson was chosen. Edward Farmer, Esq. died, 4 August, 1804, at the age of 70. In the line of his maternal ancestors, he descended from Edward Johnson of Woburn, the early historian of New- England. Possessing the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens, he was placed by them in many responsible offices, which, without the advantages of education, he discharged to general acceptance. His zeal for the cause of Amer- ican freedom was a prominent trait in his character. It induced him to engage with ardor in the service of his country. After the capture of Burgoyne, at 21 The namber of polls in 1809, entitled this town to tw representatives, who were accordingly chosen. In 1797, a building for an academy was erected in this lown, under the care and direction of Ebenezer Pemberton, A. M, who received considerable assistance by the donation of individuals. The academy was opened by Mr. Pember- ton for the reception of scholars the succeeding winter. Under his superintendence, with the assistance of Mr. Whiting, teacher of mathematics, this institution flourished, loi' several years. It discontinued in the autumn of i8o3. In this year, the fourth meetin-^-house, 65 feet in length, And 51 in breadth, was erectea.* It was dedicated to Christian worship, by appropriate reli:;ious exercises, on Ihe 7 January, 1798. This respectable edifice is supposed to Vtand near the spot where the tirst meeting-hcuie was erect- ed. Its situation is pleasant and delightful, and commands an extensive and beautiful prospect. He:e has the church flourished under the auspices ot lea''ned and pious pastors, and here have successive ;enera'.i:)ns repaired io offer the incense of devotion, and pay their weekly adorations to the Parent of all Good. In J807, died Deacon Joshua Abbott, at the age of 84, having enjoyed the confidence of his fellow townsmen trough a long series of years. His voluntary contributions Jpr public uses, entitle his memory to a liberal share of re- lict. In his last will and testament, he devised a sum t* purchase a town clock, which was received in i8o3, and nade a bequest of $1400,! of which the interest ii to be which h€ was present, be returned to his native tiwn, wherp he was chosea llelegate to a Convention at Concord, and one of ih-; Committee of Safety f«r J779 and 1780. In the insurrection of 1786, he assisted in forming a compa- ay, and was one of the Justices, deputed to receive the oith of allegiance from me insurgents. The iahabitants of Bilierica and the adjacent tow ij, paid par- ikular respect to his memory, an account of which, miy be seen in the Boston Repertory of August 10, 1804. The successors of E Iward Farmir, Esq. are, >795 and 6, Jonathan Bowers, Esq. ; 1797, not represented; i '9\ Jonathan Bowers, Elsq. ; 1799, Major Oliver Crosby ; iSo2, Joiathaa B)wers, Esq. ; 1603, James Abbot, Esq. ; 1S04, Major Oliver Crosby; 1S05, Col. John Par- ler; 1806, Joseph Locke, Elsq. ; 1809, Joseph Locke, Esq. and C apt. Dudley Walker; 1810, Josiah Crosby, E>q. wao is the present representative. • It is ornamented with a handsome spire, and a clock, cost 50 dollar^ aiade at Worcester, by Abel Stowell. It originally had 62 pews on the ftoo^ and a6 in the gallery, which sold for 8504 dolls. 3* cts. t This amount is not specified in his Will, as it was the laft bequest, an4 depended upon the residue of the testators' estate, after the several legacies •were discharged. Sept. 4, 1809, the town voted to receive 1400 dollars c< Jamti Abbot, Executor, in full of the last bequest in the last will and testament «f Dea. Jofhua Abbot. 2S annually applied to support a school, for disseminating * knowledge of church music and psalmody. These, with other acts of public and private munificence, will not permit the memory of the donor to sink into oblivion. In the summer of 1811, the small pox made its appear- ance in the north part of the town. The cause from wheticse it originated, seems to be involved in mystery. It commenc- td in the family of Asa Frost, and had communicated 't» several others, before the disorder was known. The aiarli produced in the neighborhood, when the disorder was ascer- tained to be the small pox, can better be conceived than dfe- acribed. The consternation became general, and extended through the town, and to ethers in the vicinity, till a period was put to it by a general vaccination, which was effected m a few weeks. Of fifteen, who had the small pox, five persons fell vicunis to its malignity.* On I November, 18 13, the town voted to invite reverend Nathaniel Wiiitman to settle as a colleague with reverend Doctor Cuming.*:. At the same time they voted $1000 for a settlement, and an annual salarj' of $500, so long as the pastoral relation, between the venerable Doctor Cumings and his people, should not be dissolved by death. Distant be the period when his life and usefulness shail terminate. Reverend Mr. Whitman accepted of their invitation, and was ordained, 26 January, 181 4, it being on that day, fifty- one years after the ordination of his venerable senior. On this interesting occasion, reverend Ezra Ripley of Concord, moderator of the council, addressed the numerous assembly, convened to witness tlie solemn and important scene. Intro- ductory prayer was made by reverend President Kirkland of Cambridge ; sermon, by reverend James Flint of Bridge- water, from Colossians i. 28 ; consecrating prayer, by rever- end Ezra Ripley of Concord ; charge, by the senior pastor ;t right hand of fellowship, by reverend Samuel Stearns of Bedford ; concluding prayer, by reverend Nathaniel Thayer of Lancaster, The unanimity and harmony, which prevail- ed in the settlement of a colleague, and in the measures pre- paratory for that event, afford evidence for believing that the Christian and benevolent affections will be mutually cultivat- * The Small Pox prevailed in a few families in 16^, and three or four persons died. t A lift of the pablications of the venerable Doct. Cumings, will be foHiul b the Appendix, Art. IX. it 23 od ; and inspire a hope that the connexion will be happy, li» ^ it may be lasting. " LoDg may kis light oa earth be spar'd to shine." Such have bieen the leading events in the civil and tcc\^ siastical affairs of Billerica, during a period of one hundred iind sixty-three years. In tracina the progress of improV^' ment, and in noticing the care and attention of the eailj settlers in transmitting their privileges to posteritj*, many emotions of pleasure have been realized. Though ifconsid* ^able perplexity and obscurity have occasionally arisen,* iii the investigation of several important facts, the writer diet-' ishes a hope that this humble effort of his researches will be found to contain nothing contrary to truth and impartiality, j Remarks on Healthy Mortality, ^c. — In general, this towii may be said to have been healthy. Its elevated situation, doubtless contributes in some measure to the health of its in- habitants. In almost every situation, there are particular dis- tricts more favorable to health and longe.vity than othera. The cause of this superiority is chiefly a free circulation of the air, uncontaminated with the noxious vapours and ex- halations, which destroy its purity in other parts. This town does not, however, claim a superiority above those situated in its vicinity. The first inhabitants partook liberally of their healthy situation, if we may judj.;e from the small number of deaths, which occurred among them. Those, who came from England, as well as their immediate posterity, attained to con- siderable ages.t Of those, who may be termed early settlers, twenty-one upon an averajje attained to the a':;e of 83. The ages of several others, who must have been equally advancedj are not noted. The number of deaths for thirty-nine years after the first records commerced, was 94. The births dur- ing the same period, were more than five times that number. • Much of this perplexity has arisen from the decayed and imperfect 8tat« of the early records, which, if not soon put in a better state of prenertatioa, vill be lost to posterity. t Besides those already mentioned, the ages of the following persons are re» corded. Died, Nov. 22, 1683, Margaret Hill, 88 ; May 6, 16X4, Ann Wilkin- son, who was born in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, 94 ; Feb. 8, 1692, Mary Chamberlain, 88 ; Sept. 3, 1698, Golden Moore, 89; May 24, 1700, Heniy iefts, 94 ; June 5, 1701, fames Patterson, 63 ; June 15, i;o4, John Trull, 70 j fay 31, 1706, William Chamberlain, 86 ; Dec. 28, 1717, Sarah Hava, ^5; 1726, Elizabeth Frost, 80 ; Oct. 9, 1743, Mary Tompson, 91. 24 It docs not appear that any correct records of deaths were kept f rem 170410 17S4, a period of eighty yiears. Frcm the*" ftccounts of deaths, kept by the reverend Dr. Cumings for .28} years, he infers that the instances of mortality in the course of 50 years, commencing with his settlement in 1763, amount to loioj that the number of males is 478; that the annual average of deaths has been about 20; and that the ages of the several individuals collected into one sum, amount to 36,584 years. - The number of deaths, from July, 1784, to February, 18 13, was 559, of which, 273 were males, and the aggregate of their ages amounted to 20,248.* The number from i January, 1813, to 1 January, 181C, was 90. Males, 50; females, 40. ' Baptisms and admissions to the Church. The number of Eaptiims during half a century, from 26 January, 1763, a- moiinfed to 1460, of wl ich, 45 were adults, and 796 were males. The number of persons who joined in full commun- ion with the church, was 307, besides 199, who were received into covci ant with if, upon their making a public profession of their Lhiibtian faith.f • See appendix. Art. XII. f RcT. Dr. Cuming's Half Century Sermon. APPENDIX. ARTICLE I. THE following copy of this grant is taken from the town records, with some variations of orthography. "At a General Court held at Boston, on adjournment; 14 June, 1642. All the land upon Shawshin river, and t>'e- tween that and Concord river, and between that and Metr^- mac river, (not formerly granted by this court) are grafted to Cambridge, so, as that they erect a village there within five years, and so as that it shall not extend to prejudice Charles- town village, or the village at Cochittuate, nor the farms for- merly granted to the now Governor, of 1260 acres, and k» Thomis Dudley, Esq. 1500 acres, and 3000 acres to Mrs. Winthrop; and Mr. Flint and Mr. Stephen Winthrop aire tb set out their head line toward Concord," That there were several grants to individuals before this was made to Cambridge, is evident, as is implied above. Mr. Dudley's farm, which consisted of 1500 acres, was laid Out in twelve ten acre lots. Mrs. Winthrop's farm of 3000 acres, was at Wamesit, now Tewksbury, and extended from the Indian plantation, on Merrimac river, about 2\ miles below the mouth of Concord river. The Church Farm, containing 215 acres, lay upon Shawshin river, and extended from tiie ridge down the river, 349 rods. Harvard College Farm, lay upon Shawshin river, and contained 220 acres. Besides these, were Elder Richard Champney's Farm, and Majoi' Daniel Gookin's Farm, whiclj were situated within the an- cient limits of Billerica. ART. II. The second grant is expressed as follows : — " At a G«i- eral Court held at Boston, 10, 3m. 1643. Shawshin is grant- ed to Cambridge without any condition of making a village D there. And the land between them and Concord is granted to them, all, save what was formerly granted to the Artillery Company, or others, provided the church and present elders ••BttuMie at Cambridge." AUT. III. GRANTS OF THE GENERAL COURT, to BiUerua, in 1656. At a General Court, begun 14 May, 1656. " In answer to the petition of several proprietors and inhabitants of Shaw- shin, humbly desiring a tract of land lying near the farms of John and Robert Blood, and so along by the side of Concord river, &c. the Court grants their request in that respect, so as it hinders not former grants; and grant the name of the plantation to be called Billerica," "In answer to the petition of the inhabitants of Billerica, this court doth grant to the town of Billerica, eight thousand acres of lands, for the ends desired, in any place or places that are free and not capable of making a town, provided that the said lands be laid out before the next Court of election, and the inhabitants of Cambridge do accept thereof, and dis- engage the lands desired at Billerica ; and also, that the town of Billerica be settled with twenty families, at least, within three years, that the ordinance of God may be settled and en- couraged, in the said place of Billerica, And it is ordered, that Major Willard, Captain Edward Johnson, Mr. Edward Jackson, or any two of them, with Thomas Danforth, or any other Surveyor, shall lay the same out at the petitioners' charge, making return at the next Court of election," ART. IV. SCHOOLS, LIBRARIES, AND POPULATION. SCHOOLS. The first notice in the records of a school in town, is in 1679, ^^^en Joseph Tompson was chosen school- master by the selectmen. He continued an instructor of youth many years, and was employed as late as 17 11. !■ 117 17 iS, and about that time, schoolmasters were chosen or ap- fointed by the selectmen, and had an annual stipend of ;^.35. A committee was annually chosen to direct the affairs of the school, and order where they should be taught. The town is divided into ten wards, or districts, of which, two oome under the appellation of grammar schools. These dis- tricts are designated as follows : first centre, second centre, third centre, first east, second east, north, south-west, Shaw- shin, north and south-west. The two last are west of Con- cord river. LIBRARIES. There are two libraries in town, besides Dobson's edition of the Encyclopsedia, which, with the supplement, is a valuable source of information and instruction. The first Social Library in Billerica was instituted in 1772. It was among the first instituted in the Commonwealth. The second Library was incorporated in November, 1807, by the name of the " Second Social Library." " Both togeth- er contain a large and valuable collection of books."* POPULATION. The number of inhabitants of Billerica in 1790, was 1200, in 1800, 1383, in 1810, 1289. The number of free white males, according to the census of i8io, was 623, and of females 664. Of the former, 183 were under ten years of age, 108 of ten and under sixteen, 117 of sixteen and under twenty-six, 97 of twenty-six and under forty-five, and 118 of forty-five and upwards. Of the latter, 176 were under ten, 103 of ten and under sixteen, 116 of sixteen and «nder twenty-six, 139 of twenty-six and under forty-five, and 130 of forty-five and upwards. The number of polls in 1810, was 316. The number in 1815, was 251. In 1800, Billerica ranked as the ninth town in population in the county of Middlesex. * MS. letter of Dr. Rufus Kittredge, April 5, 1816. 28 ART. V. PASTORS OF THE CHURCH IN BILLERICA. With the times of their ordination, removal, and death, I. Samuel Whiting, A. M. ordained, ii Noveirf>er, 1663 ; died, 29 February, 17 13, ^t. 80.* II. Samuel RuGGLES, A.M. ordained, 19 May, i/o*; died, I March, 1749,^1. 67, III. John Chandler, A. M. ordained, 21 October, 1747 ; dismissed, 5 June, 1760 ; died, 10 Nov. 1762. IV. Henry Cumings, D. D. graduated at Harvard Col- lege, 1760; ordained, 26 January, 1763. V. Nathaniel Whitman, A. M. graduated at Har- vard College, 1809 ; ordained, 26 January, 18 14. DEACONS OF THE CHURCH. Joseph Tompson, James Frost, Joseph Foster William French, John Sheldon, William Patten, Joseph Davis, Joshua Abbot, Samuel Whiting, William Stickney, Ralph Hill, Joshua Davis, Joshua Abbot, William Tompson, Timothy Danforth, Oliver Crosby. Ebenezer Pemberton, Samuel Whiting. Joseph Locke. Jeremiah Patten, Died. Age. 13 October, 1732. 93- 12 August, 17 1 1. 74-* December, 1721. 75.* 30 September, 1723 ^^^ 27 August, 1724. 64. 5 October, 1730. 60. 30 September, 1747. 80* II February, 1769. 84. 4 November, 1772. 70. 27 August, 178 1. 76. 13 February, 1789. 82. 18 February, 17/7. 63. 8 August, 1807. 84. 2 September, 1806. 83- 2 I June, 1 792. 63. resigned. 2 I January, 1815.45. * The ages of those with this mark, are stated from the best evideaee which could be obtained. 29 ART. VI . A LIST OF THE NATIVES OF BILLERICA. Who have received a publi