Archive:History of Westminster, Heywood, Part 1

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Heywood, William Sweetzer, History of Westminster, Massashusetts (First named Narragansett No. 2), From the date of the original grant of the township to the present time, 1728-1893, with a Biographic-Genealogical Register of its Principal Families, (Vox Populi Press: S.W. Huse & Co., Lowell, Mass.: 1893); New England Historic Genealogical Society Call No. F/74/W72/H6.

<center">Whitney Extracts transcribed by Jeanne (Whitney) Muse, 2000

PART ONE DESCRIPTIVE REVIEW OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

History of Westminster Index - First Surname Page

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[p. XV]

PORTRAITS

Mrs. Fred. P. Whitney . . . . . 465

Wilbur F. Whitney . . . . . . . 921

Dea. and Mrs. David Whitney . . 923

Capt. Joseph H. Whitney . . . . 929

[p. XVI]

LANDSCAPES, DWELLINGS, ETC.

Residence of Calvin Whitney — Old Homestead . . . 382

Central Village, from Geo. W. Whitney's Hill . . . 508

Summer Residence, of E. and G. C. Whitney . . . . 925

[p. 74]

[June 2, 1741] The number of persons who received the offered bounty was nineteen, their names, as found in the treasurer's books, being given below. Those having a star prefixed to them, eleven in all, were permanent residents, the other eight were in the place but a few years.

. . . , *Samuel Whitney, . . .

[p. 81]

"The Committee Appointed by ye Great and General Court in April 1750 to view the Settlement at the new Township called Narraganset No. 2, having repaired to sd. place and carefully attended that service, beg leave to report that the following persons have fulfilled the Conditions of tlie Grant, Viz.: —

[p. 82]

"Names of Persons Settled there and for What Lots Duty is done.

Names.	No.	Origl Propr.
7. Samuel Whitney,	51.	Ebenr. Boynton.
and for	52.	Jona. Remington Esqr.

"The following persons are new Settlers mostly since ye 1st of last January.

Names.	No.	Origl. Propr.	Condition of Lot, etc.
15. Nathan Whitney,	90.	James Kettle.	is at work on ye Spott, a good man.

[p. 89]

"To His Excelency Thos. Pownall Esqr. Capt. General and Governor in Chief in and over His Majesty's province of the Massachusetts Bay in Newengland and Vice admiral of the same, and To the Honble. His Majesty's Councile & the Honble. House of Representatives in General Court assembled att Boston August The fifteenth 1759: — The Humble Petition of the Inhabitance of a New Plantation Called and Known by The Name of Narraganset Township Number Two:

"~Humbly Sheweth: —

"That Whereas The Greate and General Court was pleased to Grant This Township in the year of our Lord 1732, To Number of Soldiers and their Legall Descendants as a Reward for Their Public Service in the Narraganset War under these Considerations Viz. That the Grantees Settle Sixty families with a Learned Orthodox Minister in Said plantation within Seven years from the Grant of said Township; in Compliance with the Conditions Enjoyned on the Grantees your Exelency's and Honours" petitioners (Together with other inhabitance) have appeared and Settled said plantation Near to the Number Required and have also Had a minister Settled in said plantation (Tho now Destatute of one) your petitioners Show that we Labour under many Difficulties and Disadvantages by reason of our Lying under a propriety without Haveing the power and privaleges of a Town (Tho the occupants are many of them unable to bare the Charge of a Town) Therefore your Exy. and Honours' petitioners Humbly pray That Said Township may be Incorporated into a Town with all the privaleges and power of the Same; but if anything Lyes as an irremovable Bar in the way whereby we can by no means be a Town att present, Then we pray that we may be a Separate District annext to no town till a Dore may be opened for our being a Town — your Exys. & Hons. petitioners Likewise Show That we are now Destatute of a Gosspell minester and Have one to Settle Directly and many of the Inhabitance but new Settlers and very unable to bare the charges ariseing in said plantation without a tax on the non-residents, therefore your petits. Humbally pray that the non-residents' Lands may be obliged to pay Equal Taxes with us for Seven years to the Support of the Gosepell and that the non-resident proprietors may be obliged to bare Equal Taxes with the inhabitants in Laying out and Clearing any New Roads that they shall Require to their Lands, and as The Charges arising this year on the Inhabitants will be Greate if Incorporated therefore your petit. Humbally pray that The plantation may be freed from the province Tax for this year.

"And your petitioners (as in duty bound) shall ever pray.

". . . Nathan Whitney . . . Samuel Whitney . . . Jonas Whitney . . .

[p. 91]

Fathers and Founders. In closing what may be termed the first or rudimentary period of the history of Westminster, it is deemed advisable to present a complete list of the early settlers, — of those who located here previous to the date of incorporation, and contributed, by their presence and labors, to that consummation and to whatever of prosperity and success resulted therefrom. In that list, found below, the names are given in chronological order, each one accompanied by the name of the town whence the person represented came, the date of his coming, the number of the lot where he located, and its present occupant. When the lot has been given up as a place of residence, the fact is indicated in this form (A. H. No. — ), whereby the reader is referred to the chapter of this work entitled "Abandoned Homesteads," in which he will find under a corresponding number the e.xact site described, with collateral information. The dates are, for the most part, correct, though in a few instances there may be an error of a year or two. Very doubtful ones are ma`rked thus {?). A star (*) before a name shows that it appeared on the first tax list of the incorporated district, bearing date Dec. 17, 1759. A dagger (†) following a name implies that the person referred to was a transient resident. Children of early settlers coming to the township with their parents during their minority and locating here in mature life, have the year when they became "of age" noted in [p. 92] the column of dates. Generally speaking, each person mentioned had a family, at least a wife, who joined him at an early day after his settlement. Biographical notices, personal incidents, family antecedents, pedigrees, etc., will appear in due place in Part II of this work.

EARLY SETTLERS

1. Fairbanks Moor (†),	Lancaster,	1737	19	Hobart Raymond.
2. *Joseph Holden,	Watertown,	1737	1	F. E. Green.
3. *Joseph Holden, Jr.,	Watertown,	1737	19	Hobart Raymond.
4. *Philip Bemis,	Cambridge,	1738	66	(A. H. No. 60.)
5. *Thomas Bemis,	Cambridge,	1738	104	John Curry.
6. *Stephen Holden,	Watertown,	1738	40	Wid. Jonas Cutler
7. *Thomas Stearns,	Watertown,	1740	42	Warren La Geyet.
8. Seth Walker (†),	Groton,	1740	22	(A. H. No. 81.)
9. Justinian Holden (†),	Harvard,	1740	32	Otis W. Sawin.
10. *Daniel Hoar,	Concord,	1740	11	(A. H. No. 67.)
11. *Joseph Miller,	Newton,	1740	32	Otis W. Sawin.
12. *John Stearns,	Watertown,	1741	41	Wid. Nathan Howard.
13. Joseph Lynde (†),	Malden,	1741	9	(A. H. No. 65.)
14. Jonathan White (†),	Lancaster,	1741	28	Theodore S. Wood.
15. *Joseph Hosley,	Billerica,	1741	38	Betsey Bacon place.
16. *Benjamin Hosley,	Billerica,	1741
17. Nathan'l Norcross (†),	Watertown,	1742	37	Samuel Bridge.
18. *Samuel Whitney,	Weston,	1742	51	Leander Hartwell.
19. Benjamin Garfield (†),	Waltham,	1742	58	George M. Davis.
20. William Baldwin (†),	Newton,	1742	14	(A. H. No. 66.)
21. Joshua Bigelow,	Watertown,	1742	12	(A. H. No. 68.)
22. *Eliezer Bigelow,	Watertown,	1742	12	{A. H. No. 68.)
23. Daniel Walker,	Sudbury,	1742	82	Isaac Seaver.
24. Isaac Stedman,	Newton,	1742	35	Mrs. W. H. Larrabee.
25. David Dunster,	Cambridge,	1742	10	Edwin L. Burnham.
26. John Hadley (†),	Weston,	1742	5	Estey estate.
27. Joseph Gibbs (†),	Framingham,	1742	102	(A. H. No. 87.)
28. *James Taylor,	Sudbury,	1742	98	(A. H. No. 43.)
29. Joseph Bowman (†),	Lexington,	1742	16	Wm. H. Carter.
30. William Bowman (†),	Lexington,	1742	16	Wm. H. Carter.
31. Isaac Clark (†).		1742
32. Rev. E. Marsh,	Cambridge,	1742	8	Edward P. Miller.
33. *Abner Holden,	Watertown,	1743	1	(A. H. No. 64.)
34. Joshua Child (†),	Watertown,	1743	23	Ephraim Luufkin.
35. Joshua Church (†),	Lancaster,	1743	74	G. Smith heirs.
36. *Richard Graves,	Sudbury,	1744	58	Geo. M. Davis.
37. Benjamin Wilson (†),	Westboro'	1744	50	C. B. Morse.
38. Asa Flagg (†),		1744	25	Wm. C. Foskett
39. Benjamin Bellows,	Lunenburg,	1745	78	(A. H. No. 78.)
40. *John Rand,	Bolton,	1747	50	C. B. Morse.
41. John Hoar (†),	Concord,	1748	13	Joseph F. Howard.
42. *Andrew Darby,	Acton,	1748	22	(A. H. No. 81.)
43. Henry Stevens,		1748	112	Geo. W. Merriam.
44. Samuel Gibbs.	Framingham,	1748	20	(A. H. No. 62.)
45. *William Bemis,	Cambridge,	1748	65	Willard F. Battles.
46. *Reuben Miles,	Concord,	1749	14	(A. H. No. 66.)
47. *Noah Miles,	Concord,	1749	36	Wid. Joisah Foster.
48. *John Miles,	Concord,	1749	57	(A. H. No. 80.)
49. *Elisha Bigelow,	Watertown,	1749	18	Rufus J. Lavers.
50. *Moses Stearns,	Watertown,	1749	68	W. H. Evans.
51. *Jacob Warren,	Littleton,	1749	59	(A. H. No. 96.)
52. Obadiah Kendall (†),	Woburn,	1749	39	Wid. Calvin Baker.
53. *Seth Herrington,	Watertown,	1750	23	Ephraim Lufkin.
54. Jonath'n Lawrence (†)	Littleton,	1750	27	W. H. Parks.
55. *David Bemis,	Cambridge,	1750	21	(A. H. No. 61.)
56. *John Brooks,	Acton,	1750	43	(A. H. No. 38.)
57. Timothy Mosman(†),	Sudbury,	1750	16	Wm. H. Carter.

[p. 93]

58. *Elijah Gibbs,	Framingham,	1751	2	(A. H. No. 39.)
59. *Benjamin Gould,	Topsfield,	1751	106	(A. H. No. 57.)
60. *Ebenezer Taylor.	Shrewsbury,	1751	49	F. & S. Morse.
61. *Asa Taylor,	Shrewsbury,	1751	49	F. & S. Morse.
62. *Thomas Conant,	Concord,	1751	4	Wid. Phineas Reed.
63. Ebenezer Conant (†),	Concord,	1751	"3	(A. H. No. 86.)
64. Ephraim Button (†).	Lunenburg,	1751	3	1st Parish Church.
65. *James Walker,	Sudbury,	1751	24	Aspasio H. King.
66. Ephraim Stevens (t),		1751	l01	Wm. H. Benjamin.
67. *Nathaniel Sever,	Framingham,	1757	30	Frank A. Taylor.
68. Robert Sever,	Framingham,	1751	70	(A. H. No. 88.)
69. Nathan Whitney,	Waltham,	1751	90	E. & Geo. C. Whitney.
70. Nathan Merriam,	Lexington,	1751	81	D. & J. Harrington.
71. *Thomas Merriam,	Lexington,	1751	84	Otis Flagg.
72. *James Cohee,	Lancaster,	1751	96	Isaac N. Smith.
73. John Sangar,	Watertown,	1751	48	E. L. Martin.
74. *Josiah Cutting,	Watertown,	1751	45	Geo. W. Whitney.
75. *John Woodward,	Nottingham,	1751	7	Susan H. Underwood.
76. *William Edgell,	Lexington,	1751	28	Theo. S. Wood.
77. John Gill,		i75i(?)	87	(A. H. No. 100.)
78. *Jonas Winship,	W. Cambridge,	1751	46	Wid. W. W. Comee.
79. *"Nicholas Dike,	Lunenburg,	1751	74	Geo. Smith heirs.
80. Noah Ashley (†),	Western,	1752	85	Wm. J. Black.
81. Isaac Jackson,	Newton,	1752	92	F. M. Poore.
82. *Josiah Jackson,	Newton,	1752	92	F. M. Poore.
83. *Edmund Bemis,	Cambridge,	1753	66	(A. H. No. 60.)
84. *Benjn. Butterfield,	Chelmsford,	1753	16	Wm. H. Carter.
85. Michael Brigden (†),	Charlestown,	i753(?)	70 I.H.	Joshua Liverpool.
86. Samuel Hager (†),	Watertown,	i754(?)	25	Wm. C. Foskett.
87. *Joshua Bigelow,	Watertown,	1754	12	(A. H. No. 68.)
88. Josiah Goodnow (†),	Sudbury,	1754	28	Theo. S. Wood.
89. Nathan Maynard (†),	Sudbury,	1754	27	W. H. Parks.
90. *John Estabrook,	Lexington,	1754	103	Edward C. Estabrook.
91. *Timo. Fessenden,	Lexington,	1754	100	Geo. W. Peeler.
92. *John Wheeler,	Acton,	1755	3	1st Parish Church.
93. *Richard Baker,	Concord,	1755	39	Wid. Calvin Baker.
94. *John Foskett,	Bolton,	1755	120	Ambrose E. Weston.
95. Daniel Munjoy,	Cambridge,	1755	56	(A. H. No. 42.)
96. *Nathan Wood,	Sudbury,	1756	28	Theo. S. Wood.
97. *Stephen Calef,	Waltham,	1756	73	(A. H. No. 9S.)
98. *Nathan Pierce,	Lexington,	1756	55	D. G. Newcomb.
99. *Josiah Stearns,	Watertown,	1756(?)	91	(A. H. No. 36.)
100. *Edward Joyner,	Lancaster,	1756
l01. *Hubbard Dunster,	Cambridge,	1756	76	(A. H. No. 84.)
102. Ebenezer Darby (†),	Acton,	1757
103. *Jabez Bigelow,	Watertown,	1757	3	1st Parish Church.
104. *Isaac Dupee,	Reading,	1757	109	Wid. J. T. Dupee.
105. *Paul Gibbs,	Framingham,	1757	20	(A. H. No. 62.)
106. *Richard Newton,		1757	14 2 D.	(A. H. No. 69.)
107. *Jonas Whitney,	Waltham,	1757	81	D. & J. Harrington.
108. Asahel Smith,	Sudbury,	1757(?)	56 2 D.	Edmond T. Smith.
109. *Zacheus Bemis,	Cambridge,	1758	48 2 D.	Alonzo Curtis.
110. Nathan Darby,	Acton,	1755	100 2 D.	M. Miller.
111. *Joseph Spalding,	Chelmsford,	1755	25 2 D.	S. D. Hobbs.
112. Nathaniel Wheeler,	Acton,	1755	48	E. L. Martin.
113. *Nathaniel Merrill,	Pelham, N.H.	1759	116	Melville H. Warner.
114. *John Edgell,	Lexington,	1759	24 2 D.	Leonard M. Gates.
115. *Thomas Dunster,	Cambridge,	1759	117	Elmer Baker.
116. *Josiah Puffer,	Sudbury,	1759	62	R. P. Merriam.
117. *Jonathan Stedman,	Newton,	1759	35	Mrs. W. H. Larrabee.
118. *Gideon Smith (†).	Unknown,	i759(?)
119. Samuel Harris (†),	Ashburnham	1759
120. Gideon Fletcher,	Unknown,	1759

[p. 127]

"At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the District of Westminster on November ye 19: 1759 Legally assembled at the meeting House for to Chouse town officers as the Law Directs, and then Proceeded and Chose Capt. Daniel Hoar for a moderator to manige Said meeting.

. . .

Voted and Chose Joseph Miller, Capt. Daniel Hoar, Andrew Darby, Ensn. Richard Graves, Left. Samuel Whitney for Selectmen.

. . .

Voted and Chose Left. Samuel Whitney Nathan Wood Capt. Daniel Hoar William Bemis Thomas Conant for Surveyers of high ways Sworn.

. . .

5ly. Voted that they will Chuse a Commity also voted and chose Deacon Holden Left Nicholas Dike Josiah Cutting for a Commity for to Provide Preaching and gave the Commity the following Directtions that they apply to Mr. Hancok for three Saboth and three to Mr. Jobe Whitney and Mr. Rice for three Saboth Each.

[p. 128]

Of the seventy male tax payers there mentioned, who constituted essentially the voting citizens of the district, the largest in their order were Daniel Hoar, Reuben Miles, Eliezer Bigelow, John Miles, Joseph Miller, John Estabrook, Nathan Parker, Richard Graves, Samuel Whitney, Joseph Holden, Jr., Thomas Stearns, John Rand.

The largest owners of real estate, according to the same authority, were Daniel Hoar, Reuben Miles, Nathan Parker, Eliezer Bigelow, Joseph Holden, Jr., Joseph Miller, John Miles, Nathan Whitney, John Estabrook, Samuel Whitney, John Rand, Richard Graves.

[p. 138]

On the 8th of July [1765], the selectmen, in obedience to the statutes of the province, presented a list of names of persons who should be liable to be drawn as jurors to serve in the courts of the county of Worcester. The list was accepted and approved by the voters in district meeting assembled, and, as it was the first in the long series which has been continued to the present day, is given in full, as it stands in the clerk's book of records:

. . . Nathan Whitney, . . . Jonas Whitney, . . . Left. Samuel Whitney, . . .

[p. 139]

Oct. 19, 1763. The district voted "to grant six pounds to procure a town Stock [of powder, balls, etc.] and waits and Measures," and Captain Hoar was charged with the duty involved thereby. Mr. Nathan Whitney was appointed to the office of "Surveyor of Wheat and flour."

[p. 152]

"Our Country being Suffecent to Support us with most of the Nessecesaries of Life, we promise and Ingage to apply ourselves to Industry and a more plaine way of Liveing, being the only way to save ourselves from Impending Ruine — we are further of opinion that Whatsoever method shall be agreed upon by the Congress as they are the Representatives of the Body of the people ought to be adheard to with firmness and Resolution and that we are willing to Defend our Liberties in all proper and Constitutional ways. And We each one for ourselves Covenant and agree with Each other that we will stand to and abide by this our Covenant unless alteration be Nessecesary by Reason of the Result of the Congress which is to meet in September Next. The above we Subscribe unto.

"Abner Holden,	Elisha Jackson,	Joseph Hosley,
Nathan Wood,	Richard Barns,	Joseph Spaulding,
Joseph Miller,	Josiah Jackson,	Andrew Darby,

[p. 153]

Richard Graves,	Elisha Bigelow,	Nathan Howard,
Jabez Bicelow,	Samuel Merriam,	Jona. Warren Smith,
Jeremiah Everett,	Joshua Everett,	Simon Gates,
Nathan Whitney,	Samuel Sawin,	Edmund Bemis,
John Rand,	Edward Jackson,	Nathaniel Woodward,
John Brooks,	Zechariah Rand,	Samuel Norcross,
John Woodward,	William Bickford,	Josiah Wheeler,
John Foskett,	David Maynard,	Nathan Darby,
Norman Seaver,	David Bemis,	James Clark,
Asa Taylor,	Nathan Pierce,	Zaccheus Bemis,
Abraham Stone,	Thomas Conant,	Ephraim Wetherbee,
Amos Conant,	Solomon Gearfield,	John Darby,
Samuel Whitney, Jr.	Seth Herrington."

[p. 172]

WESTMINSTER MEN IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR

NAMES OF SOLDIERS

Who went to Cambridge upon hearing of the battles of Lexington and Concord, April 19, 1775, for ten days' service.

Captain Estabrook's Company, in Col. Asa Whitcomb's Regiment.

John Estabrook,	capt.	David Pratt,	private.	Samuel Brooks,	private.
William Edgell,	lieut.	Edward Wilson,	"	Nathaniel Kezar,	"
Nathan Howard,	private.	Moses Seaver,	"	John Cowee,	"
Jabez Bigelow,	"	Barron Brown,	"	Josiah Wheeler,	"
Jonathan Brown,	"	Edward Jackson,	"	Elias Stearns, Jr.,	"
Jedediah Cooper,	"	Asa Ray,	"	Nathan Pierce,	"
Nathaniel Wheeler,	"	Samuel Warren,	"	Joshua Millens,	"
David Child,	"	Silas Whitney,	"	Eli Keyes,	"
Thomas Bemis,	"	John Goodale,	"

[p. 172]

RESPONSE TO LEXINGTON ALARM.

[p. 173]

Abijah Wood,	private.	Ephraim Wetherbee,	priv.	Josiah Hadley,	private.
Jonathan Sawin,	"	John White,	"	William Horseley,	"
Josiah Jackson,	"	Andrew Beard,	"	Jonathan Hager,	"
Nathan Lewis,	"	Joel Miles,	"	Nathan Miles,	"
David Bemis,	"	Nathan Wood, Jr.,	"	Noah Miles, Jr.,	"
Benjamin Barnard,	"	Lemuel Houghton,	"	John Darby,	"
Zaccheus Bemis,	"	Isaac Russell,	"	Elijah Hardy,	"
John Ball,	"	Solomon Garfield,	"	Aaron Bolton,	"
Jonathan Graves,	"	Peter Graves,	"	Levi Graves.	"
Samuel Whitnev, "

Barron Brown was in Captain Warner's company, Colonel Whitney's regiment, at Hull, 1776.

[p. 174]

Barron Brown was in Captain Warren's company, Colonel Whitney's regiment, for the same service.

[p. 175]

In a pay roll of one month's men, dated Dec. 28, 1777, and presented by Capt. Francis Wilson of Col. Danforth Keyes' regiment, are the names of

Norman Seaver, ensign.	Joseph Chapline,	Phineas Whitney,
Paul Walker,	Ephraim Rohbins,	Joseph Seaver,

all of Westminster. Their place of service is not given; probably Rhode Island.

There were recruited for the "Rhode Island Service," during the year 1777, mostly in the company of Captain Sargent, Col. Josiah Whitney's regiment,

Hannaniah Rand,	Joel Miles,	Moses Seaver,
John Brooks. Jr.,	Ephraim Miles,	Phineas Whitney,
Jonathan Sawyer,	Elisha Whitney,	Nathaniel Wheeler,
Thomas Wetherbee,	Jonathan W. Smith,	Joshua Mellen.

Dec. 26th Capt. William Edgell enlisted for the same service:

John Fessenden [Jr.?],	William Putnam,	Dudley Bailey for 8 months.
Nathan Pierce,	Joseph Bailey,	Henry Talbot, hired.
Jonathan Child,	John Ball,	John Woodman, "
Barron Brown,	Joseph Cavendar,	John Batt, "
Eli Keyes,	Butler Whitney,	John Morson, "

[p. 176]

Pursuant to a resolve of the general court, passed June 5, 1780, there were raised for Captain Boutelle's company. Colonel Rand's regiment, the following men for three months' service:

Lieut. Jabez Bigelow,	John Cohee,	Hannaniah Whitney,
Jonadab Baker,	William Boynton,	Nathaniel Wheeler,
Asa Brooks,	Edward Wilson,	David Wyman,
Samuel Edgell,	Aaron Wood,	Ephraim Hall,
Benjamin Eaton,	Abraham Sampson,	Solomon Fessenden,
Jeremiah Gager,	Elisha Whitney,	Calvin Hale.
Ebenezer Hart,

[p. 177]

ALPHABETICAL CATALOGUE

Of Westminster Men known to have been in the Revolution.

MINUTE MEN.

Whitney, Samuel
Whitney, Silas

[p. 179]

ENLLISTED MEN.

Whitney, Butler
Whitney, Elisha
Whitney, Hannaniah
Whitney, Phineas

[p. 180]

According to the tax lists for the year 1770, the town had, at the time of its full incorporation, one hundred and sixty-one resident and twenty non-resident tax payers, numbering in the aggregate one hundred and eighty-one, among whom there were one hundred and seventy-two polls. The same lists show that there were in the town at the same date, oxen, 158; cows, 363; horses, 80; swine, 167; sheep, 669. Only eight persons were taxed for money on hand, as follows, begining with the highest:

Nathan Whitney, Josiah Puffer, Sebez Jackson, Daniel Walker, Jonas Whitney, Edmund Bemis, John Woodward, Isaac Williams. The amounts ranged from about two hundred dollars in United States currency to seventeen and a half dollars. The eight largest real estate owners in the same order appear to have been Reuben Miles, Daniel Hoar, Joseph Miller, Nathan Whitney, Samuel Whitney, Abner Holden, Joseph Holden, John Miles. The twelve largest tax payers were John Rand, Richard Graves, Abner Holden, Nathan Whitney, Daniel Hoar,

[p. 181]

Reuben Miles, Joseph Miller, John Miles, Elisha Bigelow, Samuel Whitney, Elisha Jackson, Noah Miles. There were three slaves in town, owned respectively by James Cohee, Daniel Hoar, and Widow Sarah Blanchard.

[p. 191]

An enactment of the General Assembly for the prevention of monopoly and oppression, and called "the Monopoly Act," placed upon the statute books in 1779, was followed by the appointment of a committee on the part of the citizens in public meeting assembled, consisting of Capt. Edmund Bemis, Samuel Whitney, Jr., Dr. Israel Green, Asa Ray, and Timothy Damon, to see that its provisions were carried into effiect.

[p. 197]

"Sept. 9, 1777. Gent". You have herewith the Parol of sundry Officers lately taken at or near Bennington which the Council have assigned to your care to remain in such parts of your town as you shall assign them. You will have a particular eye to their conduct and in case they in any way or manner break their Parol you will make an immediate report thereof to the Council."

These men were probably taken in charge by the town authorities, though there is nothing in the general records relating to them, and were placed in the families of Joshua Everett, Stephen Sawin, Daniel Walker, Nathan Whitney, and perhaps elsewhere. Within the memory of the writer, some mementoes of their residence here in the form of autographs or other inscriptions in the German language were to be seen upon the walls of the dwellings where they boarded — which are still standing — but probably ere this are wholly obliterated or hidden from view.

[p. 207]

Valuation of the Town in 1798. It will throw considerable light upon the condition of the population of Westminster at the close of the last and opening of the present century, as well as give the names of the families and responsible persons then resident within its borders, to present a calendar or table showing who were the owners or occupants of homesteads and lands, the extent of the latter, and the appraised value of each, respectively. It is prepared from tax lists made by order of the national government in 1798, and under the direction of assessors appointed and commissioned for that especial duty, of whom Ebenezer Jones, Jonas Miles, and Abel Wood were chosen for this district, and may be deemed, generally speaking, correct and reliable. The first column gives the names of the tax payers; the second, the number of houses owned; the third, the valuation of the house or houses, including the lots not exceeding one-fourth of an acre each; the fourth, the amount of land in acres; the fifth, the valuation of the land; the sixth, the value of total taxable property. A few outbuildings and other unimportant items are omitted. The names appear in the order found in the list. Those with star (*) prefixed were non-residents.

[p. 210]

NAMES	Houses.	Value.	Acres Land.	Value.	Total
Whitney, Nathan	1	520	262	3,182	3,702

[p. 211]

NAMES	Houses.	Value.	Acres Land.	Value.	Total
Whitney, Nathan, Jr.	1	$380	130	1,362	1,742
Whitney, Abner	1	101	195	1709	1810
Whitney, Alpheus	1	160	120	1,249	1,409
Whitney, Phinehas	1	275	90	1,177	1,452
Whitney, Elisha	1	15	35	335	350
Whitney, David	1	380			380
Whitney, John	1	520			520
Whitney, Joel	1	105	65	746	851
Whitney, Jonas	1	355	113	1,151	1,506
Whitney, Samuel	1	50	315	3,160	3,210

[p. 216]

On the 19th of June, 1751, Daniel Hoar, Samuel Whitney, and Stephen Holden were chosen a committee "to lay out ye Highways in said township," and on the 4th of December following, reported a list of twelve which were duly considered and acted upon by the proprietors.

[p. 217]

TABLE OF HIGHWAYS.

9. Dec. 4, 1751. "From lot 83 to 85." This was an extension of road No. 6, and ran from the Isaac Seaver place to the house of Calvin Whitney.

13. Dec. 4, 1751. This was a branch of the road to the North Common, leaving it near the present town farm, and running westerly to lot No. 45, above where George W. Whitney resides, then the home of Josiah Cutting.

[p. 220]

70. March 5, 1775. The road previously built to where Calvin Whitney now lives was continued by the house now owned by the Whitney Brothers of Worcester, to the town line.

[p. 222]

94. March 18, 1799. From Calvin Whitney's to the former dwelling of Reed Merriam, now owned by W. J. Black.

[p. 223]

105. May 9, 1808. From North Common to Winship road, by the present dwelling of George W. Whitney.

[p. 237]

At the same meeting [22 Sep 1766] it was furthermore voted "to Build one School House," and "to Build it att the pound [near where Hobart Raymond's barn stands]." "Chose messirs David Bemus, Lieut. Samll. Whitney and Stephen Holden a Committee to Build the Schoolehouse." "Chose Mr. Stephen Holden Lieut. Whitney and Mr. Josiah Cutting to provid a Schoolemaster."

[p. 238]

On the same day [2 Mar 1767] the account of Richard Baker "for boarding Abagail Whitney a school mistress" was allowed as was that of Elisha Marsh for boarding a schoolmaster whose name is not given.

The schoolhouse having been completed according to the terms of the contract, and accepted, it was on the 15th of October voted "to Keep the Schoole in the Schoolehouse till the first of March next." At the same meeting the district "allowed to Abigail Whitney one pound three shillings and four pence for Keeping Schoole Eight weeks lacking two days," and Captain Hoar, Abner Holden, and Captain Dike were appointed "a Committee to take Care of the Schoole till next March."

Having caught a glimpse of two of the early schoolmistresses of the township, Mrs. Sarah, wife of Nathan Pierce, and Abigail, presumably the daughter of Samuel Whitney, we are also introduced to two of the early schoolmasters in a report of the district treasurer made March 7, 1768, . . .

[p. 239]

FIRST SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN TOWN

At the subsequent May meeting £20 were appropriated for school purposes during the year 1768, and Mr. Samuel Whitney was allowed £3 "for boarding the school-master twelve weeks."

[p. 243]

ORIGINAL DISTRICT SYSTEM

North East District. From Samuel Whitney's [on Bean Porridge Hill] easterly to fltchburg line, thence with said line to the northeast corner of the town and so along Ashburnham line till it meets the great road leading to said Ashburnham, [near John Ward's,] thence to the pond, thence by Jonathan Sawyer's house to the first mentioned point. All within said bounds to belong to said District.

North District. Beginning at Abner Whitney's and extending easterly by Joseph Holden's to the East District line, then by said line to James Taylor's and Lieut. Bacon's, then to Lieut. Rand's house, and thence to Josiah Wheeler's and by the pond to the town line, and with that line to Blocked's house and to the line of Gardner, then from Gardner line to Mr. Houghton's house, thence along the road to where it began: all on said road and within said bounds to belong to the North District.

North West District. Beginning at the town line above Blocked's house wher Gardner corners with Westminster, thence with the town line by Widow Mileses to the County road to Templeton, then with said road to Capt Bigelow's then to follow the Middle I3istrict line to Ensign Woodwards, [p. 244] to Samuel Miller's and to Abner Whitney's thence along the North District line to where it first began. It includes all those residing within these bounds, who with Widow Miles constitute the West District.

[p. 246]

School Books. Until the year 1803 neither rules nor restrictions were established in regard to the use of books in the work of public instruction. On the 4th of April of that year a committee was appointed "to take into Consideration the expediency of a uniform Sistem of Books to be used in the Schools &c." The committee consisted of Abel Wood, Abner Holden, Asa Farnsworth, Jacob Sawyer, Zachariah Rand, Merari Spaulding, Jonathan Minott, Jonas Whitney, and Timothy Heywood.

[p. 248]

At a meeting held May 7, 1821, Joel Whitney and twenty-one others, residing on or in the vicinity of the North Common, petitioned for a new school district to be taken mostly from what had been No. 2.

At the annual meeting in March, 1838, a petition was presented to the town by a number of inhabitants belonging to the old south district, No. 3, asking for a new district to be composed of those families residing on the west side of Graves' Hill. The subject was referred to a committee consisting of Simeon Sanderson, Edward Kendall, and Joseph Whitney, who, at an adjourned meeting, made a lengthy report in favor of granting the request.

[p. 254]

WESTMINSTER ACADEMY

Subsequently to the retirement of Mr. Gaut, the Academy was in charge successively of W. S. C. Abbot, James F. Clark,

[p. 255]

C. D. Jeffords, Mr. Johnson, Henry Clark, W. K. Davy, W. B. Pond, Albert S. Ingalls, Nichols, Wilber F. Whitney, Wm. B. Adams, Francis A. Whitney, Alvin Sawyer, Timothy Holden, and perhaps others, none of them "to the manner born," whose terms of service were of varying length, whose labors were more or less successful and satisfactory, and whose honors and rewards the historian makes no attempt to estimate or classify and distribute.

[p. 256]

[The Reunion of 1884.]

PROGRAMME.

9. Song, "The Star Spangled Banner," by Mrs. F. P. Whitney of Boston.

[p. 257]

PUBLIC LIBRARIES.

Near the close of the last century, the exact date not being ascertainable, a social library, as it was termed, was started, which had a wide patronage and ran a long career of honor and usefulness. . . . Where it was at first located, there have appeared no means of determining. It is understood that it was for a while housed at

[p. 258]

the residence of Capt. Nathan Whitney, who was probably librarian at the time, whence it was transferred to the cabinet shop of Edward Kendall, Esq., where it remained through all the later years of its existence, Mr. Kendall having it in charge.

[p. 262]

THE PUBLIC LYCEUM.

After the building of the town hall in 1839, frequent meetings of the lyceum were held in it for the discussion of important topics, chiefly of a social, moral, and economic character, and for lectures of the same general nature and value. Active in these meetintrs as debaters were such men

[p. 263]

as Edward and George Kendall, Dr. John White, Theodore P. Locke, Joel Merriam, Jr., Alfred Wyman, Harrison G. Whitney, Darius M. Allen, and others, while a goodly number of women added to the variety, attractiveness, and profit of the gatherings by contributions from their pen.

[p. 265]

ATTEMPTS TO SETTLE A MINISTER.

At a proprietors' meeting held Nov. 15, 1758, six months after the formal dismission of Mr. Marsh, accounts were presented and accepted "for Mr. Angler's preaching, 4 days, £4 l0s. 5d."; "for Mr. Swan's preaching, 13 days, £17 6s. 8d. and a Thanksgiving Sermon"; "for Mr. Winchester's preaching, six days, £8"; and "for Mr. Hemingways' one day's preaching, £1 6s. 8d." At the same date it was "voted to proceade to settle a minester in Said Township and ordered the Committee to Gett Mr. Winchester on probation." Whether or not Mr. Winchester came "on probation" does not appear. It is certain, however, that he did not receive a "call" to settle. Nor did any one for more than two years. Meanwhile the pulpit was supplied by Messrs. Mellen, Farrar, Wheeler, Belcher, Hancock, Gardner, Swift, Goss, Lovering, Harrington, Rawlins, Frink, Rice, Whitney, and perhaps others; some of whom were settled ministers in the vicinity.

[p. 266]

A good impression, however, as early as 1759 had been made by Mr. Asaph Rice, in which year, December 24th, the committee on pulpit supply had been instructed to employ him and Mr. Hancock — presumably Rev. John, afterward of Lexington, and uncle of the patriot bearing the same name — and Jobe Whitney "three Sabbaths each." After the several ineffectual efforts to obtain a minister adverted to, the public mind seemed to turn to him as the most acceptable of the twenty or more candidates who had been "tried and found wanting" in some of the qualities deemed requisite in a minister for the place. He received, in due ecclesiastical form, an invitation from the church to settle, and July 19, 1765, the district "voted to Concur with the Church in the choice of Mr. Asaph Rice for their Minester."

[p. 273]

The Second Meetinghouse.

At an adjourned meeting, held Oct. l0th [1786], the committee on letting out the material for the building reported the result of their action in detail. The whole is duly tabulated in the [p. 274] clerk's records, but would require too much space to warrant a place in this volume. The names only of the contracting parties are, therefore, presented: Joseph Miller, Josiah Conant, William Edgell, John Foskett, John Woodward, Jabez Bigelow, Sebez Jackson, Elisha Bigelow, Samuel Miller, Thomas Rand, Stephen Hoar, Oliver Jackson, Isaac Dupee, Samuel Hoar, Reuben Sawin, Nathan Miles, Timothy Damon, Ephraim Robbins, Isaac Williams, John Hoar, Ezra Holden, Jonas Miles, Stephen Miles, Paul Walker, Abner Holden, Jonathan Brown, Levi Holden, Joseph Holden, Nathaniel Wheeler, Joseph Smith, John Estabrooks, Jonas Whitney, Edward Jackson, Joel Miles, Nathan Darby, Daniel Sawin, Zachariah Rand, Jonathan Minott, Peter Graves, Elijah Hager, Asa Farnsworth.

[p. 278]

ORIGINAL PEW-HOLDERS IN THE SECOND MEETINGHOUSE
Lower Floor - Central Section

1. Capt. Nathan Whitney

6. Abner Whitney

Transcriber's Note: The Second Meetinghouse in Westminster was completed in 1788.

[p. 288]

GENERAL MILITARY ANNALS.

Previous to the incorporation of the township in 1759, most of the residents who performed military duty or rendered service of any kind as soldiers, did so either as members of regular companies in neighboring localities, as recruits in an existing war, or as special scouts or guards to meet some danger, real or apprehended, to which the infant settlement was exposed. A home company, however, had been formed before that event took place, of which Daniel Hoar was captain, and in which Nathan Whitney served as corporal.

[p. 289]

Ten years afterward, in 1771, instead of the one company just referred to, there were two in town, Caleb Wilder being colonel of the regiment. One of them, it would seem, recruited from the northerly part, and the other from the southerly; and these were distinguished from each other by terms indica-

[p. 290]

tive of the locality to which they respectively belonged. The officers of the North company were: John Rand, captain; John Estabrook, lieutenant; William Edgell, ensign. Those of the South were: Nathan Whitney, captain; John Miles, Lieutenant; Noah Miles, ensign. The commission of Captain Whitney has been preserved, and is now in possession of his grandson, Calvin Whitney. As a matter of historical interest in several respects it is herewith inserted.

( Place of the )	"Thomas Hutchinson, Captain General and Governor in
( Governor's )	Chief in and over His Majesty's Province of Massa-
( seal. )	chusetts Bay.

"To Nathan Whitney, Gentleman. Greeting: —

"By virtue of the Power and Authority in and by His Majesty's Royal Commission to me granted to be Captain General, &:c. over His Majesty's Province of Massachusetts Bay aforesaid, I Do, by these Presents, (reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Loyalty Courage and good Conduct,) constitute and appoint you, the said Nathan Whitney, to be Captain of the Second Military Company of foot in Westminster in the Regiment of Militia in the County of Worcester whereof Caleb Wilder Esq. is Colonel.

"You are therefore Carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of a Captain in leading, ordering, and exercising the said Company in Arms, both inferior officers and soldiers, and to keep them in good Order and Discipline, and they are hereby commanded to obey you as their Captain, and you are yourself to observe and follow such Orders and Instructions as you shall from time to time receive from your Colonel or other Superior Officer, according to Military Rules and Discipline pursuant to the Trust reposed in you.

"Given under my Hand and Seal at Arms in Boston, the 12th day of July in the Eleventh Year of the Reign of His Majesty King GEORGE the Third, Annoque Domini, 1771.

"By his Eccellency's Command. JNO. COTTON D. Secr.y"

There is also preserved as above and herewith presented in full,

"A List of Souldiers under the Comand of Nathan Whitney, Capt.

. . .

[p. 291]

"Westminster, Sept. the 8th 1772."

Another document worthy a place in this chapter is the fol- lowing, which explains itselt.

"Westminster Oct the 28 1771.

"Capt John Rand and Capt. Nathan Whitney with their other officers mett at the house of Mr. Abner Holden Innholder in Westminster and agreed on a Devition of their Milletary Companies as follows, viz: —

"The South Company under the Command of Cap. 'Nathan Whitney to contain all the training Soldiers living South of the County road by Mr. James Walker's Leading to Winchendon by Mr. Amos Gatesses, and all living on the northerly side of the afore said roade within twenty rods of it from the Town lyne by James Walkers to Ensign Edggles and from Jabez Bigelows to the town lyne by the said Gateses. . . ."

[p. 292]

Several of these, composed of committees of correspondence and delegates from the different towns of Worcester County met at Worcester during the summer and early autumn of 1774. That of Sept. 20th was principally engaged in reorganizing the militia of the county on an independent basis, as a needful preparation for impending emergencies, and as an offset to the continued concentration of troops under Governor Gage. Seven regiments were provided for in place of the two previously existing ones, two of which, with the brothers John and Asa Whitcomb of Lancaster as colonels, included the towns in this general vicinity, Westminster among the rest. All commissions then in force were to be given up and new officers were at once to be elected. This accounts for the fact that among the four captains who with their men responded to the "Lexington Alarm" the following April, three of those already named. Hoar, Rand, and Whitney, had no place.

[p. 294]

. . . at a meeting called Aug. 3d [1812], "to take into consideration the alarming Situation of our publick affairs and choose an agent or agents to attend a County Convention to be holden at Worcester" in reference to them.

Pursuant to that call, Solomon Strong, Esq., was chosen a delegate to the proposed convention and a series of Resolutions was passed, expressing the sentiment of the inhabitants upon the great issue of the hour, two of which only are given as sufficiently indicative of the spirit and purport of the whole.

Resolved, that we highly deprecate the present ruinous and destructive war with Great Britain occasioned as we verily believe by an undue attachment in our national government to France and an unreasonable prejudice against Great Britain, which war in our opinion [is] unjust, unnecessary, and inexpedient; a war in which we have everything to lose and nothing to gain; a war without hope of success, and, if successful, would cause the loss of our liberties and the ruin of our beloved Country.

Resolved, that we will use every peaceable and Constitutional means in our power to affect [effect] a change in the Administration of the national Government and to elevate to office men who have wisdom to discern, [and] firmness and patriotism to pursue such measures as will tend to restore to our country that prosperity and happiness which it once enjoyed."

These Resolutions, drawn and reported by a committee consisting of Solomon Strong, Esq., Abel Wood, Esq., Jonas Whitney, Esq., and Dr. Isaac Warren, were passed unanimously and ordered to be printed over the signatures of the Moderator and Town Clerk in the Spy and Aegis published at Worcester.

[p. 295]

OLD RIFLE COMPANY FORMED.

About the year 1816 the early military division of the town into two sections, each having its respective company, was virtually abandoned, and a more general system was adopted. In place of the old organizations, a Rifle Company was formed, which, though originally composed of men from the northern section of the territory, at length drew its members from all directions, representing in its own field the entire community. It was in existence some twenty or more years, attaining a high standing and an enviable reputation in military circles abroad, while at home it was regarded with much pride by those interested in the profession of arms. So important a place did it fill in the military annals of the period to which it belonged, that it is deemed due to it and to the memory of those interested in it, to present a full list of its commanding officers, and also, as is understood, of its charter members.

Its several captains were:

Oliver Adams.	Joseph H. Whitney,	Major Page,
Nathan Merriam,	Joseph Howard,	Sylvester Miller,
Silas Smith,	Aaron Wood,	Asa Brooks.
Jesse Spalding,	Reuben Fenno,

[p. 296]

. . . there continued to be in certain directions a lingering interest in military affairs, and a prevailing desire to revive and re-establish the ancient practice of "playing war" as it had existed under varying forms among different nations of men since the world began. This interest and desire culminated, at length, in the formation, about the year 1843, of a new company, which assumed the name of the "Westminster Guards." It was organized with Joseph H. Whitney, who was chiefly instrumental in getting it up, as captain; Rufus P. Chase, first lieutenant; and Philander C. Brown and William Edgell, second lieutenants. Its successive commanders following Captain Whitney, were James R. Bruce, Josiah Puffer, James M. Whitman, Amos B. Holden, and Henry Lucas, under whose administration it disbanded in the year 1857.

[p. 305]

Jonathan and Zachariah Whitman had a sawmill on a small stream coming from the easterly part of Gardner, near what was called Benton's crossing, and also one on the river near their residence in Scrabble Hollow, which was converted into a chair factory and became the center of a prosperous business conducted for many years by Franklin Lombard, and more recently by Daniel C. Miles. Half a mile below, James Puffer had a mill which was ultimately sold to Wilbur F. Whitney and moved to South Ashburnham.

[p. 306]

A gristmill was run in connection with the Whitman sawmill at Scrabble Hollow for a while, but by whom it was put in has not been ascertained. It was in operation during the ownership of Merriam and Whitney, 1831-1833, and of the Monroe brothers afterward.

[p. 313]

Carriage Manufacturing. After the death of Joseph Minott and the consequent termination of the bass viol Indus-

[p. 314]

try, the shop in which that business had been prosecuted was devoted for a term of years to carriage making, under the direction of Benjamin H. Whitney.

[p. 315]

THE MANUFACTURE OF CHAIRS.

The old mill of Jonathan and Zachariah Whitman in Scrabble Hollow having been remodeled and fitted up with appropriate machinery was run as a chair factory for several years by John Whitney, 2d, Aaron and Pearson Cowee, the Monroe brothers, John Mosman and Walter Carr, Franklin Lombard and Daniel C. Miles, of whom more presently.

[p. 319]

The Bakery. The reputation which [Alfred Wyman] created for the "Westminster bread" accrued greatly to the advantage of his successors as well as of himself, giving them a good start and contributing not a little to that prosperity which, by following the same lines of effort pursued by him, and by taking advantage of what has been gained to the art, at home and abroad, since his day, they have, with scarce an exception, been fortunate enough to secure. Those successors have been Harrison G. Whitney, Joseph W. Forbush, Harrison G. Whitney again, Chas. T. Damon, Damon & Burnham, Daniel C. Miles, Damon & Burnham a second time, Edwin L. Burnham, E. L. Burnham & Son, George N. Haynes, the proprietor and manager in 1890, who has recently sold to J. Boardman.

[p. 323]

TRADERS OF A LATER DATE.

In or about the year 1824 Timothy Doty, who had been keeping the hotel in the Center for ten years before, built the large double house on the adjoining lot with a store close by, and began trade there, continuing it till his last illness, ten years later. He was succeeded by Leander Cowee, Abel S. Wood, Artemas W. Johnson, Harrison Whitney, and perhaps others of brief continuance. For forty or more years the building has been used for a variety of purposes, of which mention need not be particularly made.

[p. 324]

It has been stated that among the occupants of the store erected by Timothy Doty, after his decease in 1835, was Harrison G. Whitney, who is thought to have been the last permanently established there. He moved across the street into a building fitted up for his special use. After a few years he gave up business and was succeeded by a Protective Union which had been organized in town.

[p. 327]

INNS AND INNHOLDERS.

Isaac Miles bought the land on which the brick house near the easterly end of the central village now stands — the Doctor White estate — in 1801, and is supposed to have erected that structure directly afterward and opened it as a hotel when completed. He appears to have been succeeded in the management, though not in the ownership, of the place a few years later by Adam Noyes, and he by Stephen Whitney, Jr., who died in 1810.

[p. 329]

It would seem that Mr. Wood built and occupied the original house standing on the site of the recent residence of George W. Merriam. That he lived there is certain, but no mention of a dwelling is made in the deed conveying the property to him. He sold, in 1811, all his possessions, — two mills, thirty-seven acres of land, a house and barn, — to Asa Moor of West Boylston, and Mr. Moor, five years afterward, disposed of the same to Thomas Miles, previously a hotel keeper on the turnpike below the Daniel Miles place. Mr. Miles mortgaged the property to Andrew Whitney of Princeton, and it was sold under foreclosure to Wonder Wears, from whom it passed to the ownership of Asa Farnsworth and by him was advertised for sale in the Massaclnisetts Spy, 1825.

[p. 338]

For some years previous to the erection of this (the present) house of worship, efforts had been made by interested parties within the parish to have that body assume the responsibility of a similar enterprise, but the strong opposition developed among the members residing in the south, southeast, and east parts of the town defeated them all. At length some thirty persons, interested in the project and determined to have it carried into effect, formed a "Meetinghouse Company," which voted to build, pledging money for the purpose and choosing Edward Kendall, Esq., Col. Asa Bigelow, Joseph Whitney, Thomas Knower, and Thomas Damon a committee to execute their plans in this regard.

[p. 342]

Before the 28th of the following March [1815], a Methodist society had been formed in Westminster, of which Luther Barrell, who had previously resided for a time in Ashburnham, was a certified member. The records of the town clerk show that the following persons, in addition to those already named, withdrew from the support of the town ministry and joined this new movement during the six or seven years subsequent to its organization: Samuel Marsh, Jr., Stephen Puffer, Elisha Tottingham, James Puffer, Joshua Burgess, Abigail Barrell, Joseph Mudge, Jr., Joseph G. Whitney, James Sawin, and Oliver Sampson who had recently moved into the place from Ashburnham, where he had been an active and influential member of the church.

[p. 350]

After an interregnum of some two years [i.e. about 1851], during which the desk was supplied by Rev. Lyman Maynard and other casual preachers, Rev. Ouincy Whitney became the resident minister of the parish and church. He had many personal friends in town, having been born in the south part of Ashburnham, and having spent several terms at the Academy some years before, which gave him a prestige enjoyed by none of his predecessors. When he entered upon his labors here he was in the prime of life, and took up the work he found to do with a full heart, carrying it forward with energy and persevering zeal. Of scholarly attainments and good address, with more than average oratorical power and skill, he awakened fresh interest in the church and its officers, renewing the prosperity of former days. Under his administration somewhat extensive improvements were made in the house of worship, and considerable increase of attendance was secured. Strongly denominational in his convictions and tastes, his preaching was designed and calculated to reach and influence his hearers for good, chiefly through the proclamation and exaltation of the doctrines and ideas distinctively characteristic of the Universalist communion.

The successor of Mr. Whitney was Rev. D. C. O'Daniels, who entered upon his labors early in 1854, and continued them for two years with varying degrees of efficiency and success.

[p. 351]

Such a complete renewal of life was effected, and such courage and faith on the part of the people prevailed, that in 1866 Mr. E. W. Whitney, a young man fresh from his studies, was duly called, ordained, and installed in the long vacant pastorate, taking up his abode in town, and becoming a settled minister in the midst of those he had engaged to serve. Mr. Whitney had rare gifts in some respects, and labored diligently and with gratifying success. But his ministry continued for only a year, when he left for other fields of Christian usefulness.

[p. 359]

Joel Merriam was elected deacon of the church April 6, 1830, resigned February, 1846; Benjamin Harrington, January 1834, resigned July, 1841; John Whitney, July, 1841, died March, 1844; John Foskett, February, 1846, died April, 1883; John P. Roper, November, 1867; J. Hervey Merriam, March, 1884, resigned February, 1886; Frank A. Merriam, March, 1886.

The following persons have served as clerk of the Baptist society since its formation: Joel Merriam, 1827-1835; John Foskett, 1835-1836; John Fessenden, 1836-1838; John Foskett, 1838-1845; Joel Merriam, Jr., 1845-1847; John E. Whitney, 1847-1850; Daniel C. Miles, 1850-1876; Henry J. Partridge, 1876-1885; William E. Gilson, 1885—.

[p. 366]

For more than thirty-five years the establishment on Beech Hill, purchased in 1830, was used for the housing and support of the poor, with no very great expenditure for repairs, improvements, etc., above and beyond what would naturally be required. But time and use had told somewhat severely upon the buildings at the expiration of that period, and it became evident that considerable extra outlay would be necessary at an early day to put them in proper condition for much further service. This consideration, taken in connection with the fact that experience had brought to light certain serious objections to the farm itself, which could not be readily obviated, gave rise to the question of disposing of the estate and of seeking a more satisfactory location, which resulted in the chosing of a committee, consisting of Joseph Hagar, Augustine Whitney, and Aretas Raymond, March 4, 1869, to consider the matter and report at a future meeting, which they accordingly did. The whole subject was then referred to the Selectmen with instructions to sell and buy again, repair the old buildings or erect new ones, as they might deem best.

Pursuant to this vote sundry repairs were made, in order to serve the present needs, as there were from time to time during several succeeding years. The prevailing feeling, however, seemed to be in favor of a new location, which at length materialized in the purchase of the former Jonas W. Whitney place near the North Common (recently vacated), and the corresponding sale of the old farm to Albert Sanderson of Gardner, the bargain being ratified by the town in regular meeting held Nov. 3, 1874. The new purchase was renovated, put in order, and made suitable for the proper housing and care of the town's dependents, whither they were transferred at an early date.

[p. 372]

The Westminster Martha Washington.

In a few months after its organization, this association had a membership of about 200, made up largely of the intelligent, active, and earnest women of the town, who labored diligently, conscientiously, and effectively for the reclamation of the fallen, the relief of the needy, and the true welfare, prosperity, and happiness of the community. Its first board of officers, representing every school district, were, Mrs. Sally M. Titus, President; Mrs. Charles Hudson and Mrs. Jonathan Forbush, Vice- [p. 373] Presidents; Mrs. Mary M. Wood, Secretary; Mrs. Mary F. Kendall, Treasurer; Mrs. Rufus P. Chase, Mrs. Joseph Whitney, Mrs. Simeon Warren, Mrs. Reed Merriam, Mrs. Daniel Miles, Mrs. Josiah Page, Mrs. Joseph Howard, Mrs. Aaron Wood, Mrs. James Puffer, Mrs. Joshua Upham, Mrs. Reuben Sawin, Mrs. John Heyvvood, Managers.

[p. 376]

These men and those like minded elsewhere were known as "Conscience Whigs" in contradistinction from their pro-slavery fellovv-partizans, who bore the corresponding sobriquet of "Cotton Whigs." To this class belonged Dr. John White, William S. Bradbury, Harrison G. Whitney, John Heywood, and many others, who acted under the inspiration and leadership of such statesmen as Charles Sumner, John G. Palfrey, Henry Wilson, Judge Allen, and other distinguished citizens of the Republic at that date.

[p. 387]

So great have been the changes thus indicated that many names once familiar here, and representing large families, such as Brooks, Graves, Heywood, Hoar, Taylor, are no longer to be found ; while others, like Holden, Miller, Sawin, Whitney, and Wood, though remaining, yet appear in greatly diminished numbers.

[p. 389]

ABANDONED HOMESTEADS.

No. 9. Some 50 rods in front of the Smyrna Whitney house on B. P. hill, are there evident signs of a former dwelling and accompanying farm buildings presumed to have been built by Darius Sawyer, who came to town from Lane, about 1770. He conveyed the estate to his brother-in-law, Joseph Gerry of L. and John Darby of W., the following year, but prob. continued to occupy it some time afterward. It was sold to Samuel Whitney, Jr., father of Smyrna, in 1778. He soon located upon it, remaining there till the large house upon the present highway was erected, ab. the year 1800, when he removed thither. Elisha Train, and perhaps others, subsequently lived there. It seems to have been a part of lot 65, 2d Div. A road running from near the dwelling of the late S. Newell Barnes to the Nathl. Sawyer place just mentioned, passed by the site.

No. 10. Half a mile eastwardly from the last mentioned locality are there similar tokens (unvisited) of an old family residence. One David Pratt bought lands of Dr. Zachariah Harvey ab. 1770, and, after erecting buildings, resided there till 1778, when he sold to S. Whitney, Jr., and left town. Other occupants, if any, unknown.

No. 12. Half a mile N. W. of the last, in the Cowee pasture, so called, there are plainly visible an old cellar, well, and orchard. The lot thus marked was No. 3, 2d Div., which was sold, in 1770, by Wm. Bemis to Eli Keyes of Shrewsbury. He erected the house and made other improvements, but soon disposed of the property to Timothy Lewis of Reading, who res. there several yrs. In 1777 it came into the possession of Silas Whitney, bro. of Saml., Jr., who, early the following year, disposed of it to James Cohee. His son, James, Jr., lived there awhile, the last resident perhaps.

[p. 390]

No. 22. Opp. the residence of Mr. Kellon just named, formerly stood that of John Whitney, 2d (so called), father of Wilber F. of So. Ashburnham, built by him in 1832, and destroyed by fire in 1856.

No. 24. Half a mile N. E. of the residence of the late S. Newell Barnes, on an old cellar now visible, once stood a house built possibly by Joshua Mellen bef. 1777, in which year he mortgaged the property to John Brooks. In 1780 he sold to Elisha Whitney, who lived there till ab. 1800, when the estate was conveyed by him to his nephew, Jonas W. Whitney. The last resident owner is sup. to have been Lorey Barnes, who sold to Francis Curtis in 1812. Prob. occupied by transient tenants afterwards.

[p. 391]

No. 29. A few rods south of the Noah May, now Charles S. Smith, place, on the road to No. Common, stood the house of Vinal S. Dunn, on a part of lot No. 76, 2d Div.. sold by Jonas W. Whitney to Dolly Dunn in 1822. The building was rem. many yrs. ago.

No. 37. In the large field opposite the residence of Geo. W. Whitney, on the N. W. slope of the hill, is the site, now easily recognized, of the original dwelling of Josiah Cutting, the first occupant of lot No. 45. His estate finally included lot No. 44, on which the house of his present successor was built in 1823.

No. 38. In an open field some 50 or 60 rds. S. E. of the just mentioned house, is a well, with other indications of a former dwelling near by. These

[p. 392]

mark the spot on lot No. 43, 1st Div., where John Brooks had settled in 1751, and where Benjamin Butterfield located about 1755, remaining some 8 yrs., when he left for Vt. He sold to Elijah Gibbs. How long Mr. G. occupied is not known. The estate, or a portion of it, rem. in possession of the Gibbs family till 1817, when it was conveyed to Abner Whitney, gd. father of Geo. W.

No. 43. Half a mile northward, perhaps, of the last place, and some 30 or 40 rods east of the Thomas Merriam (now M. D. Whitney) house, on 1st Div., lot No. 98, stood the house of James Taylor, built by him as early as 1751. He d. in 1792. Most of his estate had previously been disposed of to Col. Thaddeus Bond, who suffered the buildings to be removed or to run to decay.

[p. 401]

At a town meeting called April 29th [1861] to see what should be done in response to the requisition for troops, it was

"Voted to raise a company of volunteers and pay the expense of uniforms and each man one dollar a day, in addition to government pay, while in actual service, not exceeding 3 months, and expenses of organization.

"Voted to furnish the officers with revolvers and to raise $1000 for the above purposes.

"Voted, to choose a Committee to procure the uniforms, if a sufficient

[p. 402]

number be enlisted, or the number enlisted be joined by others from anv other town, to make up a company."

In accordance with this vote, Charles A. Forbush, Augustine Whitney, and Harrison G. Whitney were elected, to be joined by an equal number to be appointed by enlisted men, for the duty specified. Pursuant to this action it is stated that "twelve men enlisted at once," the first contribution of the town to the service of the government in the great crisis. To these, other recruits were added from time to time until, according to the report of the town officers made March 3, 1862, the number had reached 46 at the end of the year.

The need of troops growing more serious and imperative by reason of the obstinacy and military strength of the enemies of the Republic, an additional call for three hundred thousand nine months' men was made on the 4th of the following August. A town meeting to take action in reference thereto was held on the 25th of the same month, whereat it was

"Voted, That the town raise its quota of nine months' men by volunteers, and pay to each man a bounty of one hundred dollars whenever they are mustered into service and accepted by the U. S. government.

"Voted, That the Selectmen, Assessors, Treasurer, and Augustine Whitney be a Committee to carry out this vote.

"Voted, That there be a Committee of three persons ... to act in connection with similar Committees in adjoining towns without remuneration for their services [from the town] to look after our sick and wounded soldiers in the service, and, if expedient, to bring home for interment the bodies of those who may fall in battle or by disease."

Agreeably to this vote, Joseph Hager, Augustine Whitney, and Charles A. Forbush were made members of this committee.

[p. 422]

The Soldier's Monument.

As it drew near com- pletion, the town was called upon to take action in respect to the proper dedication of the same. The matter was referred to the "Monument Committee," enlarged by the addition of John Minott, Joel Merriam, George Miles, Amos B. Holden, Clinton Warner, A. E. Drury, Charles Upton, and Leander Hartwell, with full power to do what seemed to them to be proper and best, and to draw on the treasurer for money to defray the expenses incurred thereby. These gentlemen attended to the duty assigned them and, under their general direction, the contemplated event took place July 4, 1868. The introductory exercises of the occasion were held on the grounds where the structure was located, the programme being as follows:

1. Music by the band; 2. Prayer by Rev. R. S. Johnson; 3. Singing of an ode written for the occasion by Mrs. Ann C. Roper; 4. Address by Rev. Henry Cummings of Rutland; 5. Reading of a poem written by M. Elizabeth Whitney.

A procession was then formed of the large assemblage present, which proceeded under the lead of the local military organization, Wachusett Rifle Company, A. E. Drury, captain, to the Bigelow grove, where formal services befitting the event were resumed and continued in the order named:

I. Prayer by Rev. A. J. Rich ; 2. Reading of the report of the action of the monument committee by the chairman, Capt. A. B. Holden, and the presentation of important papers relating thereto, to the chairman of the board of selectmen ; 3. Response by the latter, Edward Bacon; 4. Collation; 5. Music; 6. Oration by Rev. Joseph Peckham of Kingston; 7. Reading of selections from original poem by Dea. Robert Peckham, eighty-three years of age; 8. Address by Gen. J. W. Kimball of Fitchburg; 9. Singing of an ode written by Calvin Whitney; 10. Poem by Rev. A. J. Rich; 11. Address by Hon. Joel Merriam ; 12. Benediction.

[p. 429]

At a legal meeting of the town held April 7, 1823, the citizens were asked to vote upon the question of consenting to have the residences and estates of John Ward and William Barrell, together with certain lands belonging to Ohio Whitney and Samuel Whitney, set off to Ashburnham, the two former transferring thither their citizenship. The proposition was met with a decisive negative. Nevertheless, the parties interested, not to be diverted from their purpose, petitioned the General Court, which appointed a hearing of the case. Jonas Whitney, Simeon Sanderson, and Timothy Doty appeared in behalf of the town to oppose the measure, but their efforts were unavailing, and on the 28th of July a resolve was passed making the desired transfer. By this enactment Westminster lost several hundred acres of her territory and two substantial citizens. John G. Woodward and Charles Whitney of Ashburnham now represent the greater part of the transferred landed property, as they do the two families more immediately concerned.

The Proposed Town of Vernon. The details of a movement on the part of the inhabitants of contiguous portions of Westminster, Fitchburg, Ashburnham, and Ashby in the latter part of the last century, designed to secure the incorporation of a new township, are given on pages 199-202. A second effort in the same behalf was made in 1815, when a petition was sent to the General Court of similar import to that of thirty years before, asking for an act on the part of that body establishing a municipality bearing the name of Vernon. The document was signed by Jonas Smith and thirty others of West-

[p. 430]

minster, comprising most of the voting population residing north of Scrabble Hollow, and sixty-nine from neighboring towns. The petition took its usual course. Westminster was cited to appear and show cause (if any it had) why the prayer of the petitioners should not be granted. A meeting was called on May 8th, at which Solomon Strong, Esq., Abel Wood, Esq., and Jonas Whitney, Esq., were appointed a committee to draw up a remonstrance to be presented to the Legislature, which they accordingly did. The town accepted the document, ordered it to be signed by the clerk in its behalf, and chose Dea. Jones White and Alexander Dustin a committee to have charge of the matter before the Court. They were successful in their efforts; the remonstrance prevailed, and the proposed town of Vernon was never heard of more.

[p. 436]

Guide Posts. At a town meeting held May 6th, it was voted "that the Selectmen provide Guide-boards agreeably to the Law."

"By Virtue of a Law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and By order of the Town of Westminster, We the Subscribers Selectmen of the Town of Westminster for the year 1795, do agree to arrect the Following guide posts at the Crotch of the following Roads.

[p. 437]

"The Selectmen have agreed that the Bords be painted and the inscription be put on Hansomly and an index pointing to the Road

"in Witness where of we have Set our Hands at Westminster July 1795 —

"Joseph Holden	)
Eber Jones	)
Abel Wood	)	Selectmen."
Zachariah Rand	)
Jonas Whitney	)

The work was done as provided for, the posts being supplied by Abel Wood, Jonas Whitney, Captain Bigelow, and Captain Bemis, and the painting, lettering, etc., by Silas Perry.

[p. 438]

Powder House. At the March meeting in 1817, one item of business specified in the warrant calling the same was "to see if the Town will erect a building for the purpose of keeping the Town Stock of Ammunition, etc." . . . This action was, however, subsequently annulled, but in 1820 the matter came before the town again, when a similar vote was passed and Alexander Dustin, Esq., Dea. James White, and Luke Bigelow were made a committee to consider and report upon the size, material, cost, etc., of such a house as in their judgment was needed.

[p. 439]

They reported in favor of one "six feet square, to be built of brick, with walls one foot thick, five feet eight inches high, a square roof of plank well shingled, with suitable shelves in the same — a suitable door with lock and key well hung, all thoroughly finished and the wood work painted at a cost of not less than 25 nor more than 30 dollars." The report was accepted, and Capt. Nathan Whitney, Dea. James White, and Edward Kendall were chosen a committee to have charge of the work.

Fire Department.

Westminster Apr. 11, 1825. To the Gentlemen Selectmen of the town of Westminster. — We, the subscribers, inhabitants of said town, who with many others have procured a Fire Engine for the use of said town, and as there is no select company to take care and manage the same in case of fire, request you gentlemen to take from the Militia Companies in this town such persons as your wisdom may dictate to take charge of said Fire Engine and manage the same whenever necessery.

"Alexr. Dustin,	Oliver Estey,
Jonathan Minott,	Joseph Minott,
John White,	Asa C. Everett,
Leonard Minott,	Luke Minott,
Nathan Whitney, Jr.,	Thomas Gaut."

Pursuant to this petition, the Selectmen appointed the following named persons members of the first engine company of Westminster, to wit: Jonathan Minott, Thomas Gaut, John Damon, Jonas Cutting, Luke Minott, John Dunn, Isaac B. Woodward, Nathan H. Cutting, William Sawin, Nathan Whitney, Emory Bates, Oliver Estey, Edward Kendall, Jr., Leonard Minott, Hiram Everett, Ebenezer Jones, Joseph Minott, Philip Crosby, Asa Cutting, Robert Peckham, Ira Hoar.

[p. 440]

The first engine was a cheap affair and satisfied the public but a few years. Hence, in March, 1839, Simeon Sanderson, Joseph Whitman, Esq., John Heywood, Capt. Jesse Spalding, Col. Asa Bigelow, and Capt. Joseph H. Whitney were chosen a committee to purchase a new engine, the expense thereof to the town not to exceed $300.00 — the presumption being that private subscriptions would considerably increase the total amount.

[p. 441]

Town House.

A meeting of the voting citizens was therefore called on the 5th of December [1836]

"To see if the Town will take any measures to purchase the old Meeting-house of the First Parish for a Town House etc.

"To see if the town will take any measures to build a Town House for the use of the Town etc."

The first article was passed over, and on the second a committee, consisting of Wonder Wears, Esq., Capt. Joseph Whitney, Leonard Minott, Edward Kendall, and Capt. Jesse Spalding, was chosen "to ascertain the necessity of building a Townhouse or provide a place for holding Town meetings in future," and report at the next March meeting. The committee reported as directed, but the nature of their report is not recorded.

[p. 442]

The town "voted to accept the report of the Committee and to build a Town-house the present season on the land of Mr. Cutting. Capt. Joseph Whitney, Leonard Minott, Simeon Sanderson, Esq., Dr. John White, and Joseph Whitman, Esq., were chosen a committee to carry the several votes into effect.

<[p. 443]/span>

But the time at length came when the growing needs of the town, especially with reference to the public library, which had been established and had increased to such proportions as to require better accommodations than it had thus far enjoyed, demanded important improvements in the chief public building of the place. On the 4th of November, 1884, a committee was chosen in regular town meeting to take into consideration the matter of remodeling the Town House, and report thereon. The committee, of which Augustine Whitney was chairman, presented the result of their deliberations March 2, 1885, recommending the raising of the building and putting a new story underneath, with library room, kitchen, pantry, small hall, etc., at an estimated cost of $2,800.00. The report was accepted and adopted, and the same committee, consisting of Augustine Whitney, S. D. Simonds, Charles Nichols, Theodore S. Wood, and E. L. Burnham, was chosen to have charge of the proposed work, and carry it forward to completion.

[p. 445]

For many years subsequent to the settlement of this town there was no post office nearer than Boston, and whatever business was done through the mail, which was very little indeed, had to be done there. On the 8th of June, 1773, a letter was advertised in the Massachusetts Spy, then published in that town, for "Solomon Whitney, Westminster."

[p. 446]

In 1775 an office was started at Worcester under the auspices of the Provincial Congress, with Isaiah Thomas, Postmaster. This was afterwards adopted by the United States government, and for more than twenty-five years the postal business of Westminster was transacted at that point. Aug. 14, 1776, a postrider, name not given, advertised in the Spy, previously transferred to Worcester, to set out thence "for Fitchburg. arriving every Wednesday night. Towns in vicinity accommodated. Letters carried with safety and dispatch." In the same paper lists of letters awaiting delivery from time to time appeared, among which were the following Westminster names at the respective dates designated: Sept. 24, 1789, Nathan Whitney; Nov. ii, 1790, Mrs. Sarah Sever; Jan. 21, 1795, Ebenezer Jones; April 10, 1799, Oliver Jackson; April 16, 1800, Asa Miles.

[p. 447]

CEMETERIES.

At length, on the 29th of August, 1846, the necessity of increased burial accommodations being apparent, Dea. Benj. F. Wood, Maj. Edward Bacon, and Horace Whitney were chosen a committee to clear up the old grounds and to examine adjoining lands with the view of purchasing them, if deemed advisable. Sept. 20, 1847, they reported certain work done by them, and recommended buying a few acres adjoining the existing grounds on the east, which were owned by Martha Hager and Sarah (Hager) Upton, daughters of the late Elijah Hager. The report was accepted, and they were instructed to effect the contemplated purchase, and to lay out the new grounds into lots, drive-ways, avenues, walks, etc., which was accordingly done.

[p. 448]

A house for the hearse was voted Dec. 22, 1795, to "be Set at the Pound if room, if not to Sett it on the common by the meeting house." It was built fifteen feet long, ten wide, with seven feet posts, by Abner Whitney, at a cost of $24.00, its site being the one last named.

[p. 451]

Co-operative Union.

For some years the enterprise prospered. Arrangements were made by which the local branch of the larger organization had come into possession of and stocked the store previously occupied by H. G. Whitney, now represented by George W. Bruce, and considerable business was done in West India goods, groceries, flour, and grain, accruing to more or less of profit to the members and to the outside public.

[p. 456]

The Municipal Centenary. Pursuant to the request of prominent citizens desirous of having some appropriate recognition made of the one hundredth anniversary of the incorporation of the town, which was to transpire on the 20th of October, 1859, a legal meeting was called Aug. 22d of that year . . .

. . . it was deemed advisable to enter upon the proceedings of the occasion as provided for by the Committee of Arrangements, and this was accordingly done under the immediate direction of the following

Officers of the Day.

President, — Benjamin Wyman.

Vice-Presidents, — William S. Bradbury, George Miles, Samuel G. Kendall, David Whitney, Joel Merriam, Anson Spalding, Franklin Wyman, Benjamin F. Wood, Stillman Brooks, Manasseh S. Forbush, Jonas Miller, Edward Bacon, Aaron Wood.

. . .

Assistant Marshals, — Joseph W. Forbush, Daniel C. Miles, Artemas Merriam, Philander C. Brown, Joseph M. Whitman, Amos B. Holden, James R. Bruce, Franklin Howe, Caleb S. Merriam, Major Page, Augustine Whitney.

[p. 457]

Arriving at the "Common," where seats had been provided in front of the stage referred to, the assemblage, numbering about twenty-five hundred persons, came into as much of quiet as possible, and the exercises proceeded as follows:

1. Music by the bands.

2. Anthem by the Centenary Choir.

3. Reading of Scripture by Rev. Brown Emerson of Westminster.

4. Prayer by the Chaplain, Rev. Marcus Ames of Chelsea.

5. Original hymn by Lucy B. Whitney, sung by the congregation.

6. Address by Hon. Charles Hudson of Lexington.

[p. 461]

The Sesqui-Centennial.

. . . a large audience gathered at ten o'clock in the Congregational Church, where the proposed programme of exercises was to be carried out. Artemas Merriam had been appointed president of the day :iv\d J. Hervey Miller, chief marshal, with numerous assistants. The services began and went forward in the following order, to wit:

1. Music by the Fitchburg band.

2. Prayer by the chaplain. Rev. Charles M. Palmer.

3. Address of welcome by the president of the day.

4. Song of greeting, written by Sarah B. Whitney and sung by the united choirs of the town.

5. Historical address by Rev. Wm. S. Hey wood of Boston.

6. Song, "Vive l'America" by Mrs. F. P. Whitney of Boston, a native of the town.

[p. 462]

The exercises at the tent were: 1. Thanks and Invocation; 2. Dinner; 3. Poem by Hon. John M. Moore of Gardner; 4. Sentiment — Our relations with Westminster; 5. Responses as follows: Maj. F. D. Fosdick, Fitchburg; William P. Ellis, Ashburnham; Hamilton Mayo, Esq., Leominster; W. H. Howe, Hubbardston; John D. Edgell, Esq., and Charles F. Read, Gardner; Dea. Joshua T. Everett, Princeton. These exercises were interspersed with music by the band, singing by Mrs. F. P. Whitney, reading of letters from Levi Miller of Antwerp, N. Y., George Wood of Jamestown, N. Y., and others; the whole concluding with an anniversary hymn prepared for the occasion by Mrs. Anna Curtis Roper, and sung by

[p. 463]

the united assemblage to the familiar tune of "Auld Lang Syne."

[p. 465]

The "choir" connected with the town church in the early part of the century attained a wide reputation, not only for its size, numbering at times thirty or forty persons, but for the excellence of its performances. It had no superior, and perhaps no equal, in the north part of Worcester County, and its renderings on important public occasions were exceedingly attractive and meritorious, receiving many encomiums both from the general public and from experts in such matters. The same praiseworthy qualities have characterized to a greater or less extent its lineal successor, the choir of the First Parish, under the efficient leadership of George F. Miller, Harrison G. Whitney, and others.

Among the families in which the musical faculty has seemed to be indigenous and easy of manifestation, rising to reputable prominence under different forms of expression, may be mentioned those of Winship, Wood, Bigelow, Miller, Barnes, Kendall, Merriam, Cutting, and Minott, while many individuals of other names have evinced much more than ordinary talent of the same sort. Two women, one a native and the other an adopted daughter of the town, Mrs. Mary (Merriam) Whitney, now of Boston, and Mrs. Jennie (Twichell) Kempton of Chicago, have acquired distinction and honor by their richly endowed and highly cultivated gift of song.

[p. 468]

Vaccination for Smallpox.

. . . when the matter was brought before the citizens again, March 5, 1810, in the following form : "To see if the Town will pass a vote obliging the inhabitants to have the kine pock innoculation," it met with general favor, a committee being chosen "to Devise the Best plan for giving the kine pox to the

[p. 469]

inhabitants," etc. The committee in clue time made a satisfactory report, pursuant to which another committee, consisting of Timothy Heywood, Jonas Whitney, Esq., and Ezra Holden, was chosen to superintend the matter of vaccination, whereby it was honored with the sanction of popular approbation. This action led to the voluntary adoption of the practice by the greater part of the population many years before it was made compulsory by the statutes of the Commonwealth.

[p. 470]

Great Mortality. In the year 1756 a fearful epidemic, the nature of which is unknown, prevailed to an alarming extent, proving fatal in a large number of cases, especially among children; whole families of them, in some instances, being cut down in a brief period of time. A similar visitation afflicted the place eight years afterward, with similar disastrous consequences. The disease in this case is understood to have been scarlatina or canker-rash. Nathan Whitney, who lost three children, all he had, in the first-named year, was equally bereft by the death of four in 1764.

[p. 471]

Permanent Estates. Only a very small number of homesteads remain in possession of the families of those first settling upon them. More than ninety per cent, of them have changed owners, and the majority of these several times. It is believed that the only ones to which the same name is attached as at the beginning, are those now occupied, wholly or in part, by Calvin Whitney, Oliver M. Merriam, John F. Sawin, Susan Derby, Charles F. Knower, Widow Joel Newton, John Minott, Thomas Damon, Widow Alexander Bigelow, Edward C. Estabrook, Charles H. Dupee, Anson and Hiram Ray, and James H. Laws.

[p. 485]

OCTOGENARIANS.

The following table contains the names of persons living in town during the past century, so far as ascertained, who have reached the age of eighty years. The year only of their decease is given.

Died	Name	Age
1821	Sarah, wid. Jonas Whitney	90
1822	Tabitha, wid. N. Whitney	89
1834	Samuel Whitney	88
1846	Esther, wid. Alph.Whitney	87
1848	Abigail, w. Joel Whitney	81
1851	Nathan Whitney	85
1853	Elizabeth, w. D. Whitney	84
1857	Widow of Jonas Whitney	91
1867	Dea. David Whitney	99
1868	Joseph G. Whitney	86
1875	Levina, wid. J. G. Whitney	86
1885	Ann M. wid. N. Whitney	84

[p. 489]

CASUALTIES BY FIRE

No record of the numerous buildings that have been destroyed by fire in Westminster has been found, and the list that appears below is therefore made up from such detached and casual data as have come incidentally to light. It has been found impossible to obtain dates in a few cases, and no doubt there are other omissions in the category. It makes no claim to absolute completeness, although so far as it goes it is deemed reasonably correct.

[p. 490]

Whitney, Abner, dwelling house

Whitney, Joseph, dwelling house opposite James Puffer's

- [Errata - correction Joseph should read John]

NAMES LEGALLY CHANGED

1845 - Charles Whitney, 2d, to Charles Hubbard Whitney

1845 - George Whitney to George Edwin Whitney

[p. 495-498]

PROFESSIONAL AND OFFICIAL PORTFOLIO

Graduates - Members of Professions - Public Officers

Voting List, 1892

COLLEGE GRADUATES (The letters indicate several well-known New England institutions.)
Name	College, Year
Whitney, Moses	D. C., 1817
Whitney, Leon	Worcester Technical School, 1886
RESIDENT CLERGYMEN Under their respective denominational names, with dates of service.
UNIVERSALIST
Quincy Whitney, 1851-1854
George W. Whitney, 1866-1867
PRACTISING LAWYERS
Giles H. Whitney, 1842-1848
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE
Jonas Whitney, 1807
Giles H. Whitney, 1843
Harrison G. Whitney, 1851

[p. 499-507]

CIVIL AND POLITICAL STATISTICS
OFFICERS OF NARRAGANSETT NO. 2 - 1733-1759

STANDING COMMITTEE	ASSESSORS (First elected in 1736)
Samuel Whitney, 1755, 1758, '59	Samuel Whitney, 1754, '55
DISTRICT and TOWN OFFICERS 1759-1892
Jonas Whitney, 1815	Harrison G. Whitney, 1861-64, '67-69
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Samuel Whitney, 1759-61	Joseph Whitney, 1830, '34, '43-45
David Whitney, 1811, '12	Harrison G. Whitney, 1848-50
Jonas W. Whitney, 1816-20	Horace Whitney, 1848, '51
Joseph H. Whitney, 1830-33, '35-37	Augustine Whitney, 1865, '67
TREASURERS
Nathan Whitney, 1810-31	Harrison G. Whitney, 1845-56
BOARD OF ASSESSORS
Jonas Whitney, 1794, '96, '99-1802, '07-24	Harrison G. Whitney, 1851 Calvin Whitney, 1863
Joseph H. Whitney, 1840-42	Frederic Whitney, 1867
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Smyrna Whitney, 1810, '19, '21	Isaac Whitney, 1834
Jonas Whitney, 1814	Harrison G. Whitney, 1835-37
Jonas W. Whitney, 1825	Giles H. Whitney, 1843-45
Rev. Quincy Whitney, 1852, '53
DELEGATES TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS To amend State Constitution, convened Nov. 15, 1820
Jonas Whitney
REPRESENTATIVES IN THE GENERAL COURT
Jonas Whitney, 1801-13, '23	Harrison G. Whitney, 1856, '57
Joseph H. Whitney, 1836-39	Augustine Whitney, 1863
TOWN OFFICERS, 1892
Field Drivers - Stillman Whitney
VOTING LIST, 1892
Whitney, Augustine	Whitney, George W.
Whitney, Calvin	Whitney, Leon A.
Whitney, Charles S.	Whitney, Murray D.
Whitney, Ellis G.	Whitney, Stillman

[p. 959]

HISTORICAL INDEX

Whitney, Abner, 278, 448, 490;
Augustine, 366, 402, 443, 456;
Benjamin H., 314;
Calvin, 290, 314, 422, 471;
Charles, 490;
David, 456;
Rev. E. W., 351;
Francis A., 255;
George, 490;
Harrison G., 263, 319, 323, 376, 402, 465;
Horace, 447;
John, 315, 359;
John E., 359;
Jonas, 89, 150, 246, 290, 294, 429, 430, 437, 469;
Joseph, 248, 338, 441, 442, 490;
Joseph H., 295, 296, 440;
Lucy B., 457;
M. Elizabeth, 422;
Nathan, 89, 128, 139, 153, 180, 197, 258, 278, 289, 290, 291, 292, 439, 445, 470;
Rev. Quincy, 257, 350;
Samuel, 74, 89, 127, 128, 153, 180, 181, 191, 216, 238, 239, 243, 389, 485, 499, 500, 502;
Sarah B., 461;
Solomon, 444;
Stephen, 327;
Wilbur F., 252.

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Copyright © 2000, 2006, 2011, 2017, Robert L. Ward and the Whitney Research Group.