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	DATE DUE

UNIV. OF MASSACHUSETTS/AMHERST

LIBRARY

F 74 F5 F6 V* 3

GIFT TO

UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LIBRARY

from

The Friends of the Library

of the

University of Massachusetts

at Amherst

PROCKKDTNGS

(IK THE

FITCHBURG HISTORICAL SOCIETY

AND PAPERS RELATING TO THE

HISTORY OF THE TOWN

READ BY SOME OF THE MEMBERS.

VOLUME III.

FITCHBURG, MASS.:

PUBLISHED liY THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 1902.

Sentinkl Printing Company,

FlTCHlUJKG.

OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY 1902.

President. HENRY A. GOODRICH.

Vice-Presidents. Frederick 1\ Woodward, Jamics I'\ D. Garfieed.

Secretary. Ebenezek Bailey.

Treasurer. Frederick A. Cirrier.

Librarian. J. F. D. Garfield.

CONTENTvS.

Officers for 1902, 3

Proceedings, 5

Capt. Thomas Cowdin, . . . liy Miss Ada L. Howanl, H)

Asa Thurston, the Pioneer Missionary, . By Ebenezer Bailey, 39

The Division of Worcester County, . By Henry A. Willis, 70

George Trask, the Anti-Tobacco Apostle,

By Atherton P. Mason, 84

The Verse Writers of Fitchbukg, By Henry A. Goodrich, 104

Geological Features of Fitchbukg, By E. Adams Ihiriwcll, \',V.)

The Old Stores ok Fitchbukg, Part I.,

By Frederick A. Cnrrier, 159

Till'; ()li> Storks ok Fitchbukg, Part II.,

By Frederick A. Currier, 188

Inscriptions from the Burial Grounds ok Lunenburg:

South Burial Ground, 224

North Burl^l Ground, 269

Goodrich Burial Ground, 322

Arnold Burial Ground, 323

PROCEEDINGS.

October 18, 1897. — The regular monthh' meeting of the societ3', the first after the summer vacation and fifty- eighth since the society's first organization, was held at the common council room. President Henry A. Willis pre- siding.

Mr. Frederick F. Woodward read a paper relating to the Woodw^ard ancestry, and in connection presented some interesting letters written during the Revolutionary period by John Woodward, a RevolutionarA^ soldier from West- minster.

November 15, 1897. — The regular monthly meeting Yv^as held at the common council room. President Willis in the chair. Mrs. Frederick F. Woodw^ard, Mrs. Leander W. Cumings and Mr. Harold M. Dean were elected to membership.

Judge Charles H. Blood read a review of the Adams- Cunningham correspondence, a series of letters written by ex-President John Adams and William Cunningham, Esq., of Fitchburg, during the early years of the last century. The letters were published in 1823, during an exciting political campaign when John Quinc\' Adams was a candi- date for president. A sketch of the existing political par- ties of that day and brief notices of prominent men men- tioned in the correspondence, lent additional interest to a valuable paper.

6 Proceedings.

December 20, 1897.— The regular monthly meeting was held at the common council room, President Willis presiding. Mrs. Elijah M. Dickinson and Mrs. Robert N. Wallis were elected members of the society.

Announcement was made that the society's second volume of Proceedings had been issued from the press and was ready for distribution to purchasers.

Mr. Robert N. Wallis read an instructive paper on the history, objects and methods of the organization known as Tammany Hall, or the Tammany Society of New York.

ANNUAL MEETING.

January 17, 1898. — The annual meeting of the society was held at the common council room, President Willis in the chair. The secretary read his annual report, from which the following extracts are taken :

There are at present upon our roll of membership 131 names. Twenty-one of these are corresponding members, six are life members and one honorary. * » *

It may be safely said that our organization has passed the experi- mental stage, and has demonstrated its usefulness and vitalit}'. The approval of the public, shown by its steady increase of membership, indicates that our citizens are willing to endorse and encourage its work as worthy and commendable.

One of the chief objects of our society, as suggested b\' the motto of its seal, and also as stated in its by-laws, is to gather up and pre- serve the materials for history ; and while we strive to rescue the rec- ords of the past from oblivion, it should not be forgotten that the pres- ent generation is making history as truly as did our fathers in their day; and a transcript of passing occurrences of the present will be as important for the use of the future historian as are the musty records of the past to the historian of the present day. * * ♦

If the old Fitchburg Philosophical Society had had a historical plank in its platform of by-laws, it might have gathered up and saved the transient and ephemeral productions of the press of its day and generation — including files of the local newspapers from 1830 to 1838, only scattering numbers of which are now known to exist.

Proceedings. 7

Much useful material for local history has been gathered together by this society, and some has been put into an enduring form for pres- ervation; but much more has been irretrievabl}' lost for the want of some safe depositor^' in the past for its reception and safe keeping. For the first third of the present century there is very little of written or printed history' relating to the town of Fitchl)urg. except what is con- tained in the l)rief records of the town clerk and in the records of the two churches of that time. The coming local historian will here find substantially untrodden ground awaiting his labors, and much of the information he will seek will not be easy to obtain.

Through the courtesy of its publishers, our file of the daily Sentinel has been kept complete. • The historical value of newspapers is unques- tioned. The}' contain current history more complete than can elsewhere Ije found. To all seekers after historical data the newspaper files are veritable mines of information. The newspaper press of this city, from its commencement in 1830, covers a period that has no parallel in his- tory—a period that has produced the locomotive, the telegraph, the tele- phone and the wonderful development of electrical science as applied to commercial and domestic uses; a period that has developed the sewing machine and brought forth the manifold improvements in machinery as applied to the mechanic and industrial arts; the improved methods in agriculture, the steam plow, the mower, the reaper, and the thresher; and last, but not least, the power printing press of lightning speed, which has made the great city dailies of the present time possible. Surely this society should make special efforts to secure as full files as possible of all newspapers that have been, or are now being, published in our city.

In calling attention to some of the needs of our institution it would be a singular omission if I should fail to again refer to the greatest of all our needs — that of safe and commodious rooms in which to store our accumulations, and to arrange them for the convenient use of those seeking the information they contain. On the principle that "all things come to those who wait," we ma}' venture to hope that the time is not far distant when we shall be permanently located and in a condition to accept some valuable material which we know is now withheld because of the lack of such suitable accommodations. And then, as people become more and more assured of the permanency of our institution, and of the safet}' of its archives, we may confidently look for a more generous flow of historical material into our custody than we can hope for under the present conditions.

8 Proceedi)iirs

^>•

The treasurer presented his sixth annual report, show- ing receipts for the year $224.50; expenditures $77.12; with total amount of funds on hand of $366.30.

The librarian read his annual report, showing addi- tions to the societ3^'s collections of 15 bound volumes, 113 pamphlets, besides several files of newspapers, maps, manuscripts, and other miscellaneous donations.

A ballot for officers for the ensuing year resulted in the election of the following:

Executive Committee: Henry A. Willis, Henry A. Goodrich, Frederick F. Woodward, Atherton P. Mason, and James F. D. Garfield.

Clerk : James F. D. Garfield.

Treasurer and Librarian : Atherton P. Mason.

Committee on Nominations (three years) : Ebenezer Bailey.

At a subsequent meeting of the executive committee the following officers were elected :

President: Henry A. Willis. •

Vice-Presidents: Henry A. Goodrich and Frederick F. Woodward.

Interesting letters were read by Frederick A. Currier and Dr. A. P. Mason, from corresponding members.

February 21, 1898. — The regular monthly meeting w^as held at the common council room. President Willis presiding. A large audience was present, consisting of members and invited guests.

The president announced as the subject of the even- ing's paper, "The Life and Public Services of Capt. Thomas Cowdin," one of Fitchburg's prominent citizens in the early days. He then introduced Mrs. Lillian Upton Law- ton of Brattleboro, Vt., who proceeded to read an ex- ceedingly interesting account of Captain Cowdin, which had been prepared by Miss Ada L. Howiird, ex-president of W'ellesley college, who was unable to be present. The

Proceedinsrs.

'<i'

paper showed careful and painstaking research, and is a valuable contribution to local history. Both Miss Howard, the author, and Mrs. Lawton, the reader of the paper, are lineal descendants of Captain Cowdin.

At the close of the reading remarks were made by Captain James M. Upton of Boston, Captain Albert H. Kelsey of Cambridge, Dr. S. E. Lawton of Brattleboro, and b^^ Alonzo P. Goodridge of Fitchburg. Captain Upton alluded to his friend, Captain Kelsey, now eighty-six 3'ears of age, who during his youth had learned his trade in Fitchburg, and who during the past four years had held the responsible position of superintendent of the work of enlarging the State House in Boston. Captain Kelse3^, in response to a call, referred to his residence in Fitchburg, to the many changes that have taken place since then, and mentioned some of the enterprising men of that day. To such men as Captain Zachariah Sheldon, Abial J. Town and Samuel Willis, was Fitchburg indebted for much of her later prosperity. Dr. Lawton spoke briefly, expressing his pleasure at being present, — it being his first visit to Fitchburg, — but excused himself from making any lengthy remarks. Mr. Goodridge gave some pleasing reminiscences of the olden time, including his rec- ollections of some members of the Cowdin family.

Portraits in oil of Captain Thomas and Mrs. Hannah Cowdin, loaned for the occasion b3' Miss Ethel M. Eager of Belmont, were on exhibition, as were also several origi- nal commissions held by Captain Cowdin while in the military service of the country'.

The thanks of the society- were extended to Mrs. Law- ton, the reader, and to Miss Howard, the author of the paper.

March 21, 1898.— The regular monthly meeting of the society was held at the new high school building

10 Proceedings.

(room 26), President Willis in the chair. Ebenezer Bailey was chosen to act as secretary during the absence of Sec- retary- J. F. D. Garfield.

Frank H. Snow of Lawrence, Kansas, chancellor of the Kansas State University, was elected a corresponding member of the society.

Mr. Joseph G. Edgerly, superintendent of schools, gave a most interesting talk on "The School Books of Former Days," illustrating his subject with specimens of old-time school literature. President Willis exhibited a quaint work on the geography of Europe, published in 1711, the prop- erty of Charles Fosdick.

April 18, 1898.— Regular monthly meeting at the com- mon council room. President Willis in the chair. The fol- lowing persons were elected to membership: Rev. Abram Conklin, Mrs. Ellen M. Gushing, Mrs. Addie L. Chase.

The librarian reported the receipt of a photograph album* presented by Mrs. Hattie E. (Miles) Young through President Willis, containing pictures of all members of Company A, Fifty-third Massachusetts Regiment, in the Civil war, who died while in the service.

Mr. Sullivan W. Huntley gave a detailed account of the flood of May 6, 1850, caused ])y the giving way of the dam of Rice pond in Ashbumham. The large body of water, in its mad rush down the valley through the town of Fitchburg. occasioned the loss of two lives, and was the cause of great damage to property by the destruction of bridges and the carrying away of mills and other buildings. A vote of thanks was tendered Mr. Huntley.

May 17, 1898.— The last regular meeting previous to the summer vacation was held at the common council room, President Willis occupj^ing the chair.

The paper for the meeting, presented by Mr. Ebenezer

ProceediuQ-s. 1 1

■^

Bailey, had for its subject "The Life and Character of Rev. Asa Thurston," one of the pioneer missionaries to the Sandwich Islands. Its timeliness, in view of the public in- terest in the annexation of the islands which were the scene of Mr. Thurston's life work, made the paper one of peculiar interest, aside from its importance as an addition to local history.

Mr. A. P. Goodridge gave reminiscences of Prince George Tamaree, a native of the Hawaiian Islands, who spent some years in Fitchburg, and finally returned to his native islands with the missionary party led by Mr. Thurston. Mr. H, A. Goodrich referred to Asa Thurston as the first native of Fitchburg to receive a college educa- tion. The thanks of the society were presented to Mr. Bailey for his valuable paper.

October 17, 1898. — The regular monthly meeting was held at the high school building (room 26), President Wil- lis presiding. A good audience was present, including members and invited guests.

Dr. A. P. Mason read a letter from Thomas C. Cald- well of Dorchester, a corresponding member, acknowledg- ing receipt of the society's second volume of " Proceed- ings," and enclosing a check for ten dollars as a donation to the society.

"The Verse Writers of Fitchburg, Past and Present," formed the subject of the paper read by Henry A. Good- rich at this meeting. It was a notable record of the local verse writers from the early days to the present time, with brief but discriminating criticism of their work, inter- spersed with characteristic quotations from their writings.

President Willis alluded to Mrs. Mary Lowe Dickinson as one of Fitchburg's native verse writers, and to the in- cident of his meeting her in Germany in 1872. He read an extract from her poem entitled "Edelweiss," and ex-

12 Proceedings.

hibited a specimen of the Alpine flower which gave title to the poem.

The secretary called attention to Mr. Goodrich's own work as a verse writer, and read extracts from two of his earlier poems. A vote of thanks was extended to Mr. Goodrich for his entertaining paper.

November 21, 1898.— The regular monthly meeting of the society was held at the high school building (room 26), President Willis in the chair.

Rev. Abram Conklin read a paper on Ferdinando Gorges, one of the early founders of New England, who, hy wise and persistent efforts at colonization, opened this portion of the continent to settlement and thereby pre- served it to England and to Protestantism, — whence have come down to us some of the chief features of our politi- cal freedom and greatness. At the conclusion of the read- ing an informal discussion took place, in which remarks on the subject of the paper were made by Mr. Conklin and others in reply to questions. The thanks of the society were tendered Mr. Conklin for his interesting and valuable paper.

December 19, 1898. — The regular monthly meeting was held at the common council room. In the absence of the president, Vice-President Woodward presided.

Mr. E. Adams Hartwell was elected a member of the society. No paper was read at this meeting.

ANNUAL MEETING, 1899.

The annual meeting of the society was held at the common council room on the evening of January 16, i^resident Willis in the chair.

The annual reports of the secretary, treasurer and librarian were read, accepted and ordered on file. That of

Proceedings. 1 3

the secretary comprised a brief review of the year's w^ork, with suggestions for the future, and referred to the society's publications as follows :

During the past year a third volume has been added to the publica- tions of this society-, consisting of the " Early Records of the Town of Fitchburg" for the twenty-five years following its incorporation. The importance of having the early records of the town printed was dis- cussed at a meeting of the society as early as November, 1892 ; and it was then urged that the society should use its influence toward the accomplishment of that object. No action, however, was taken at that time, but at the annual meeting in January, 1895, the subject was again considered, and a committee was chosen to petition the citj' council in regard to the matter. As a result of the action of this committee, an order was passed by the city council providing for the printing of the records as petitioned for, and an appropriation was made for carrying on the work. As a preliminary to the printing of the Fitchburg records, during the year 1896 a volume was issued comprising the "Early Rec- ords of the Town of Lunenburg, including that part which is now Fitchburg, from 1719 to 1764," and in the following year a similar vol- ume appeared, containing the "Proprietors' Records of the Town of Lunenburg," from 1729 to 1833.

The first volume of the Fitchburg Records, issued during the past autumn, makes a handsome book of 416 pages ; and this society availed itself of the opportunity offered to have an edition struck off for its own use, and bearing its own imprint, which is now presented as a fit companion volume for the two before mentioned.

In issuing this volume the society is fortunate in being able to pre- sent as illustrations the portraits of Captain Thomas Cowdin and Cap- tain Joseph Fox, two of the early town clerks, both noted characters in the early history of the town, and of Mrs. Hannah Cowdin, wife of Thomas Cowdin, well known in her day as the accomplished landlady of the Cowdin Tavern. None of these have ever before been presented to the public.

The librarian's report showed donations to the soci- ety's collections of 25 bound volumes and 46 pamphlets, besides several manuscripts, maps, and a variety of other material.

The treasurer's report showed disbursements for the

14 Proceedings.

year of $453.64, with cash resources remaining in the treasury of $107.18.

Officers for the current 3'ear were elected by ballot, as follows :

Clerk: James F. D. Garfield.

Executive Committee : Henry A. Willis, Henr^'- A. Good- rich, Frederick F. Woodw^ard, Atherton P. Mason, and James F. D. Garfield.

Committee on Nominations (three years) : Charles Fos- dick.

At a subsequent meeting of the executive committee the following officers were elected :

President: Henry A. Willis.

1st Vice-President : Henry A. Goodrich.

2d Vice-President : Frederick F. Woodward.

Voted that the executive committee consider the expe- diency of the appointment of department committees as suggested by the secretary in his annual report, and re- port thereon at a future meeting.

February 20, 1899. — The regular monthly meeting was held at the common council room, Vice-President H. A. Goodrich in the chair. The librarian announced an important donation to the societ3''s collections, consisting of the records and papers of the Third Congregational (Trinitarian) Society of Fitchburg,— from 1843 to 1863 inclusive, — presented by Mr. Henr}^ J. Colburn of Toledo, Ohio.

Mr. E. Adams Hartwell read a paper entitled "Some Geological Features of Pltchburg." The paper was illus- trated with diagrams and drawings, and held the close attention of the audience.

The secretar}^ read a paper relating to several unsuc- cessful attempts at mining for the precious metals within the limits of Fitchburg.

Proceedin<rs. 15

',b

March 20, 1899, Regular monthly meeting at the common council room, Vice-President F. F. Woodward presiding. The executive committee reported recommend- ing the appointment of department committees on the following subjects: Local Histor\', Militar}^ History, Gene- alogy, Photography, and Woman's Department. Report accepted.

Mr. Henry B. Adams read an interesting paper relat- ing to the early history of San Francisco, before and dur- ing the gold excitement of 1849 and the 50's, some por- tions of which was derived from his own experience and observation.

April 17, 1899. Regular monthlj^ meeting at the com- mon council room, Vice-President Goodrich in the chair.

The secretar3' read a paper giving some account of Fitchburg men who went to California in the early days of the gold excitement and later, and of the part they took in the settlement of the new state.

May 15, 1899. — The regular monthly meeting was held at the common council room, President Willis in the chair. Mr. Ebenezer Bailey read a paper on Deacon Eph- raim Kimball, ancestor of the Fitchburg families of Kim- ball, in which he traced the line of descent from Richard, the emigrant of 1634, to the Fitchburg Kimballs of the present generation. The thanks of the society were pre- sented to Mr. Bailey for his interesting paper.

October 16, 1899. The regular monthly meeting was held in the committee room at cit}- hall building, Presi- dent Willis presiding. A special committee, appointed at a previous meeting to report a list of department com- mittees, reported names for five committees as follows:

16 Proceedings.

On Local History. — Frederick A. Currier, Henry O. Putnam, Ebenezer F. Bailey, Charles C. Harris, Alonzo P. Goodridge, Joseph G. Edgerly, Alvah Crocker, William A. Emerson, John H. Daniels, and Ebenezer Bailey.

On Militarv History.— John W. Kimball, Alfred R. Ordwa\% Henry B. Adams, Charles F. Baker, Dr. C. H. Rice, Walter Periey Hall, William M. Willis, Charies H. Blood, J. Calvin Spaulding, and Wilbur W. Henr3\

On Genealogy. — Arthur H. Lowe, Charles Fosdick, Charles E. Ware, Elijah M. Dickinson, Harrison Bailey, (3rin M. Lowe, Henry F. Rockwell, Henry M. Francis, Jabez F. Fisher, and James B. Austin.

On Photography. — Frank E. Fairbanks, Robert N. Wallis, Harr}' G. Townend, Rev. Abram Conklin, Edward P. Pierce, E. Adams Hartwell, Henry A. Estabrook, George Ra3^mond, J. E. Thompson, and David Low^e.

On Woman's Department. — Mrs. Louise H. Wellman, Mrs. A. C. Smith, Mrs. Martha L. Weyman, Mrs. Louisa C. Upton, Mrs. Sarah C. Brown, Mrs. Mary A. R. Lowe, Mrs. Martha G. Woodward, Mrs. Florence R. D. Daniels, Miss Adelaide Z. Mclntire, and Miss Mar}^ E. Jaquith.

In closing their report the committee say :

It is expected that the chairmen of these various committees will call their members together and adopt some feasible and systematic plan of work, and that each committee will yearly or oftener make a report of its doings to the society. In regard to the field to be covered by each committee, we think the details should be left largely to their dis- cretion, the main object to be realized being to aid our organization in carrying out the purposes of its existence.

The Committee on Local History \\u\.y do this by bringing to light facts of our local history of the past, or taking means to preserve the local history of the present ; the Committee on Military History l)y do- ing just the same, with special reference to military matters.

The Committee on Genealogy has an important and fertile field before it. Much is l^eing made of this subject at the present time, and facilities for tracing ancestry are greatly increased. The genealogical his- tory of any family will be of permanent value to us.

Proceedings. 17

The Committee on Photography can be of great use b3^ helping us to photographs of dvvelHngs and places which are liable to be destroyed or changed.

The Woman's Department Committee is the recognition by this societ3^ of the special value of women in lines in which they may work in collecting and preserving facts which relate more particularly to woman and the household.

At this meeting the secretarA^ read a paper giving rem- iniscences of the presidential campaign of 1840, and in connection therewith some account of the Chapman brothers, formerh^ workmen in the office of the Fitchburg Gazette, but who went west, and as newspaper men be- came famous in 1840 for the active part taken by them in opposition to the election of Harrison, and in favor of the re-election of Van Buren to the presidency.

November 20, 1899. — The regular monthly meeting was held at the common council room, President H. A. Willis presiding. Mrs. A. C. Smith of the Committee on Woman's Department, appointed at the October meeting, reported for that committee, suggesting suitable lines of work for the committee to follow out.

A paper was read by the secretary, suggested and illustrated by "A Shelf of Old Books," including some local imprints, each having some bearing on the histor}^ of Fitchburg.

December 18, 1899. — Regular monthly meeting at the common council room, President Willis in the chair. Mrs. Ellen M. Merriam of Fitchl^urg was elected a member of the society.

The paper for the evening was read by the secretary, having for its subject "The Life and Military Services of General James Reed," a Revolutionary hero, who died in Fitchburg, February 13, 1807.

18 Proceedings.

Announcement was made that a fourth volume had been added to the pubHcations of the societ3% — it being the second volume of the Fitch1)urg Town Records, covering the period from 1789 to 1796, and including also the vital statistics contained in the first and a portion of the second manuscript volumes, a feature adding much to the useful- ness and permanent value of the volume.

CAPTAIN THOMAS COWDIN.

BY MISS ADA L. HOWARD.

Kx-President of Wellesley College.

Read at a Meeting of the Society, February 21, 1898, by Mrs. S. E.

Lawton of Brattleboro, Vt.

Had a stranger, something more than a century ago, been travelling in quest of picturesque scenerv^ and Hygeian air, he might have driven toward the hill country about Mount Wachusett and tarried for a rest in the village of Fitchburg. At the hospitable "great house of the ' Squire' " he would have lieen courteoush^ received as guest. The host would have impressed him as a man of marked indi- viduality' of character, and led him to inquire, "Who is he?" The citizen would have replied, "Thomas Cowdin, Esquire, the autocrat of Fitchburg, whose word is law."

Down through the hundred years since putting off his visible form, the unique and powerful personality of Thomas Cowdin comes to us in bold relief, and the essen- tial man is a living centenarian to-da3\ His services in making the world stronger and better led grateful fellow- citizens to chronicle him as "by far the most prominent founder of Fitchburg," and caused historians to give him honorable militar}' recognition in King George's war, the French and Indian war, and the war of the Revolution. By summing up records and family traditions, and inter- preting his portrait, we find Thomas Cowdin cast in a clear-cut mould, sensitive in fibre, clear in thought, and

"True as the needle to the pole. Or as the dial to the sun."

20 Capt. Thomas Coivdin.

There was fire in the depths of the greyish blue e3^es, a trace of the old Roman in the handsome nose, but the tell-tale comers of the firmly-closed mouth revealed a ca- pacit}^ for genuine humor, and for speaking winged words of affection to the innermost friends of his heart. His lineaments, expression, and general bearing indicated quick perception, strong mental grasp, and a will to overcome every obstacle. He was less a talker and a writer than a thinker and a doer, his modes of thought and action bear- ing a deep impress of his Scottish descent.

In some encyclopedic records Thomas Cowden appears as an "Irish gentleman," but his ancestors in both pater- nal and maternal lines were of the land of the Thistle — Scots "dyed in the wool" — and the short sojourn in Ulster Province, Ireland, but intensified their Scottish elements of character.

The most distant background of the Cow^dens of which we have any knowledge includes the deep, wooded valleys of England, where the name originated. In Nor- folkshire, at a very early period, were landholders named Thomas Cowden and Nathaniel Cowden. For centuries Cowden has been known as a place-name and a family name in Scotland. Colden or Colding and Cowden are different forms of the same name.

Near Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott, are the " Cowden-knowes" (or Colden-knowes), and in the vicinity once stood "Cowden Peel," the stronghold of chieftain, or laird, to whose ruins allusions are made b3'' the poet.

Of the Cowden-knowes, Hon. Robert Ferguson writes : " Knowes means little hills, and Cowden is the name of an old estate there. I conceive Cowden to be a name of local origin from den or dene, the Anglo-Saxon for valley, and Cowden ma^' signify cow-valley. Cowden-knowes, Cowden-heath, etc., I take to be later possessions of that

Capt. Thomas Cowditi. 21

family." There is a record of the removal of one Thomas Cowden from Scotland to Ireland, and traditions in Ire- land fix the date about 1688. The old Cowden home in Ireland was at Manor-Cunningham, near Londonderry^, on the road to Letterkenny. There is still standing a large building called the "Cowden-house." The Cowdens were known as the wealthiest famih'^ in that section.

James Cowden, father of Thomas Cowden, Esq., was born in Ireland in 1695, and was probably son of Thomas Cowden who went from Scotland to Ireland about 1688. His coat-of-arms answers in descripton to the most ancient Cowden coat-of-arms in Scotland. In heraldic language it is described: "Az. on a fesse ar. between three annulets or a lion pass, sa. The crest a demi-lion sa. charged with an annulet or label." "The lion indicated kinship with royalty, or a grant to a favorite follower."

In Ireland Cowden was sometimes spelled Cowdin. Both forms appear in official records of James Cowden, but the true name, Cowden, has been retained by most of his descendants.

Of the personality of James Cowden we have but the brief summar}- :

"He came from the North, and his words were few, But his voice was kind, and his heart was true."

Famil^^ tradition says, "He was a barrister in his own country, and sometime resident in Dublin." He married young and had one child, David. This wife could not have long survived, for "early in 1720" James Cowden married Janet Craige. The first wife was probably "Lady Polly Connor." Marriages between Scots and Irish were rare, but occasionally a typical Scotsman, "shrewd, silent, more prone to listen than to speak," found a delightful complement in an Irish companion, with wide range of feeling from deepest pathos to highest merriment. The

22 Capt. Thomas Cowdin.

young barrister might well be captivated by that "sweet- ness and innocency of expression that characterized an Irish lady," especially if she inherited the spirit and talent of the ancient family, Connor.

Janet Craige, second wife of Barrister Cowden, was of the ancient family, Craig, Craige, or Craigie, whose name seems to have been derived from an old estate in Linlith- gowshire, Scotland. The Craigs and Cowdens emigrated from Scotland to Ireland about the same time and located near each other, the Craigs living between Manor-Cun- ningham and Newton-Cunningham. In later years there were other marriages between the Cowdens and Craigs in Ireland and in America.

In the spring of 1728, an earnest band prepared to sail from Londonderry for America. Of the number were Barrister James Cov^^den, his wife and four or five chil- dren; also Matthew Cowden, son of William Cowden, twelve years the junior of James, and probably his cousin. Matthew went to Paxtang township in Penns3dvania, and in his family records we find, "He had relatives in New England."

Imagination and a knowledge of the shipping facilities of the time must furnish the diary of hardships and dan- gers, hopes and fears of the family, from the day of pack- ing their goods in Ireland to that of landing at the foot of King street in Boston. James Cowden's "double-case, bull's-eye silver watch," still in possession of his great- great-grandson. Rev. David C. Cowden of Gallipolis, Ohio, gives no clue to the time it measured from shore to shore.

Mrs. Cowden probably had relatives here, for James, John, David and Robert Craige were among those who came from the vicinity of Londonderry to New England in 1718, fifty of the families settling in North Worcester, Mass., near the "Old Fort," while others founded Lon- donderry, N. H.

Capt. Thomas Cowdin. 23

In 1731 James Cowden purchased land in North Wor- cester and made a homestead there. The place was nearlj' a wilderness, no permanent settlement having been made till 1723. The colony of 1718 suffered persecution as "Irish" and Presbyterians, till many families left; yet they were not Irish, but intensely Scotch.

The history of the period in England and Ireland sug- gests reasons why Barrister James Cowden chose life in New^ England. Impaired health, natural inclination to quiet life, and a desire to join his fellow-countrymen seem to have influenced him to settle in North Worcester. In 1740 the names of James Cowden and his son, David Cowden, appear in a petition to the general court, pray- ing that North Worcester may be made a separate town. The act of incorporation was passed and the town named Holden.

His children at length numbered seven sons and two daughters, — David, Thomas, Margaret, William, Samuel, Elizabeth, Robert, John and James. They were doubtless brought up on the old Scotch s\'stem, — "fine air, simple diet, and solid training in knowledge human and divine." To each son Mr. Cowden gave a trade, and thej^ all be- came landholders.

During the Revolutionary war David, Thomas and William entered the service of the army, holding the rank of captain. Capt. David Cowden was in Col. Woodbridge's regiment at the battle of Lexington, April 19, 1775. John and James entered the "Alarm List Companies" as privates. "To be a private in the Alarm List Companies was proclaimed by the journals to be an honor; to be chosen to office in them to be a mark of highest distinc- tion."

Capt. David Cowden was an officer in the army in New York state during most of the war. He and his brothers, James and John, invested in lands in New York

24 Capt. Thomas Cowdiii.

and in Canada, and John settled in Canada. "Capt. David Cowden, gentleman." and "James Cowden, gentle- man," remained in Cambridge, Washington County, New York. Among the descendants of James Cowden, Jr., were the late Rev. David C. Cowden, GallipoHs, Ohio, and Rev. Truman S. Cowden of Cincinnati and Piqua, Ohio.

Robert Cowden was an esteemed citizen of Princeton, Mass., and held the highest town offices for many years. William lived in Worcester and in Rutland, Mass. Samuel settled in Rutland, and has prominent descendants. James Cowden, 1st, "died October the first, 1748." "Having gone to Worcester to execute his will, just written, he was taken suddenly ill, and died in a few hours." "He left real and personal estate of value." His widow, Mrs. Janet (Craige) Cowden, settled the estate.

Widow Janet (Craige) Cowden married Capt. James Craig, a prominent citizen of Rutland, Mass., April 16, 1755. Hence the form of record in the Bibles of her chil- dren, "Our honored mother, Jane Craige, departed this life February 19, 1776." Her full name was Janet, and was so signed by her in all legal documents.

Thomas Cowdin,* Esquire, of Worcester and of Fitch- burg, Mass., the eldest son of James Cowden, 1st, and Janet (Craige) Cowden, was born in Ireland, December 25, 1720. His education was received chiefly in the quiet home in North Worcester, under the instructions of his father. With his ready apprehension and retentive memory he be- came well versed in Roman, English, Scottish and Irish history, and in the fundamental principles of jurisprudence. Keenly alive to the varied impressions of life about him,

•The Cowdins of Fitchburg have invari-

ably spelled their name Cowdin, and not ^ /L^ A /7 /-n

Cowden. Thomas Cowdin, Es<i., for many \!_jj f^^^ ( Cr^ ^ f*^

j'ears town clerk of Fitchburg, always signed V_-/

his name Cowdin, as indicated by the accompanying facsimile.

Capt. Thomas Cowdin. 25

and rarely gifted as a reader of character, the study of humanity was far more interesting to him than the study of books. We have proof that he early became familiar with ideals that fitted him to meet the needs of his time.

In youth he served an apprenticeship in Marlborough as blacksmith, the trade then including the making of farm implements, as axes, scythes, augers, chisels, and a variety of edge tools. He afterwards established the busi- ness for himself on Main street in Worcester. He belonged to a company' of cavalry and became very fond of mili- tary tactics. Aglow with the spirit of patriotism, he responded to the call of the governor, and, as sergeant, joined the brave little army of civilians that sailed from Boston for Louisbourg March 24, 1745, saying, "We can," while many of the assembh^ and wisest men said, "They cannot take that Gibraltar of America!"

Surely no one started with more buoyant spirit and elastic step, nor returned after victory to build a brighter bonfire than did Sergt. Cowdin of Worcester. During the siege the young officer was "in the thickest of the fight," distinguishing himself by that dash of movement that characterized him when occasion required quick and deci- sive action.

After the conquest Sergt. Cowdin returned to his busi- ness in Worcester. He married, Nov. 19, 1748, Experience Grey of Worcester, of whose famih^ we find this record : "When the Scotch Presbyterian band of North Worcester was dispersed, the Greys remained. '^

When trouble arose with the Indians upon the frontier prior to the French and Indian war, Sergt. Cowdin was pressed into service, and stationed at Charlestown No. 4 in New Hampshire. One of the tales of this perilous mis- sion w^as that of bearing despatches from Charlestown No. 4 to Fort Dumnier. With the documents in his knap- sack, and accompanied by two soldiers, Sergt. Cowdin

26 Capt. TJiomas Cozvdin.

started on his march, momently exposed to attacks by savages secreted in the thickets. They had traveled but a few miles when they came suddenly upon an Indian encampment. The war whoop sounded and the soldiers fled for their lives. With his precious papers Cowdin flew like a deer toward Ashuelot, now Keene, N. H. There a company of soldiers was sent with him, and the despatches were safel3'' delivered at Fort Dummer, now Brattleboro, Vt. When returning to Charlestown No. 4 thej' met bands of men searching for Cowdin, whom the two sol- diers who reached Charlestown in safety reported as cap- tured or killed by the Indians.

Sergt. Cowdin sailed from Boston May 20, 1755, in the expedition against Nova Scotia. He continued in ser- vice most of the time till the close of the French and In- dian war in 1763. He received the appointment of ensign the 24th day of September, in the thirtieth year of the reign of His Majesty, King George the Second, Anno Domini 1756, and that of second lieutenant the 30th day of October following. He was "appointed first lieutenant February 21, in the thirty-third j^ear of the reign of His Majesty, King George the Second, Anno Domini 1760." He w^as put in charge of the soldiers in the regiments of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, under the hand and seal of the governor at Boston the 28th day of August, 1760, in the thirt3^-fourth year of His Majest3''s reign. On April 17, 1761, he was appointed to make search for all deserters, "all the justices of the peace, sheriffs and their deputies, and all His Majest\''s subjects to afford him every assistance."

The commission of Thomas Cowdin as captain of a company of foot in the regiment commanded hy Col. Richard Saltonstall was given by Francis Bernard, Esq., captain general and governor-in-chief in and over His Majesty's Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New

Capt. Thomas Cowdin. 27

England, and vice admiral of the same, April 18, 1761, in the first year of the reign of King George the Third. This commission was presented to the Wallace library in Fitchburg by his grandson, Thomas Cowdin Upton of Fitchburg.

Mrs. Sarah A. Wiggin of Cambridge, great-grand- daughter of Thomas Cowdin, presented to the Wallace library his commission as captain in the Eighth regiment of militia in the county of Worcester, dated April 6, 1780, and also that appointing him justice of the peace.

A sad loss came into the life of Capt. Cowdin by the death of his beloved wife. Experience Grey, on April 3, 1760. She left two children, Thomas and Experience.

On Oct. 2, 1761, Thomas Cowdin married Hannah Craig of Rutland, Mass.

The following letter, written to his wife under date of July 9, 1762, shows that he was at that time in service at Crown Point:

Crown Point, July 9th. 1762.

My dear — Having this opportunity I with pleasure embrace it to let you know that I am in health, as I hope these will find you and my children in health. I have wrote a number of letters to you, and hant had one from you. I beg the favor of a line from you if possible and acquaint me concerning the season. I hear it is very dry, which makes me very uneasy to hear from home — and must continue so till I hear. The company is well and our camps health}'. I desire to come home at Superior Court if possible; I have prospect of getting liberty. ******! want to hear how the crop is like to turn this year as to hay and English grain. I have sold m^' mare and want to buy another if hay be plenty. Give my compliments to inquiring friends. I have sent a number of letters sealed together, but I fear they will not arrive, as the man that I delivered them to, afterwards gave them to a man that I did not know. Nat Biglo is well and Job Harris, and the company in general. This from your loving husband, till death

Thomas Cowdin

In 1764 Capt. Cowdin purchased of Samuel Hunt "all his lands, tenements and buildings situated thereon.

28 Capt. Thomas Coivdin.

lying and being in Fitchburg," and removed from Worces- ter to Fitchburg in July of the same ^^ear. Mr. Hunt's residence had been open as an inn and Capt. Cowdin con- tinued the hospitalities there for ten years. The location on Pearl street has long been known as the "Gen. Wood place."

Capt. Cowdin was appointed one of a committee to manage and take care of building a new meeting house, and gave for the site "an acre and fort^^ rods of land from his wheat field," at the corner of the present Cres- cent and Blossom streets. The town voted to have preach- ing for six weeks during the winter of 1764-65 in Thomas Cowdin's house. The services were continued till the following autumn, when the new meeting house was com- pleted.

When Thomas Cowdin became a voter in the town he was elected selectman and a member of the school board, positions held by him for many years. He was town clerk from 1766 to 1775. He was a large landholder, owning 400 acres in Fitchburg, his homestead, including about 200 acres, extending from Mt. Vernon street to Baker's brook. In 1770 he w^as the highest taxpayer in town. In 1775 he built a house on the site of the present American House, and resided there the remainder of his life.

The majestic presence, clear vision and rare executive ability of Esquire Cowdin gave him the right of way among his fellow-citizens. He was on the alert to seize every opportunity for gaining fresh information, and was relied upon for shrewd interpretation of the present and keen forecast of the future. About the cheery fire in the hirge "corner room" of the second stor^' of his house was often held, during the long winter evenings, a symposium of the leading citizens, including Esciuirc Fox, Dr. Snow, Messrs. Hale, John Goodridge, Abijah Goodridge, Asa Perry and others. They discoursed of things known and

Capt. Thomas Cow din. 29

unknown, — of problems of town interests, the latest news from Boston, the relations of the colonies to Old England, the nature and decrees of the Deit3\ The "Squire" was a leading spirit, but often sat in silence till others had ex- pressed their various opinions. Not a point escaped his notice, and w^hen persuaded to speak he went straight to the heart of the subject, saying much in few words. He was privileged to teach many a lesson in right living that, from the pulpit, might have given the minister long leave of absence.

Esquire Cowdin was justice of peace and trial justice, and equally at home in camp, court or drawing-room. As a popular magistrate he officiated at many marriage ceremonies in Fitchburg, Worcester and elsewhere. We see him in the dress of his time, — conventional puce coat, long light brocaded waistcoat, ruffled bosom, long silk stock- ings, silver shoe-buckles and knee-buckles, sparkling with Bristol diamonds — the face softened by his modest wig. He is alive, even to the outer garments, while he rever- ently speaks the potent words that make the twain one.

In 1779 Thomas Cowdin became a member of the "ancient Masons." The degrees w^ere conferred upon him b}' Trinity Lodge of Lancaster. This lodge was organized in the midst of the Revolutionary war, and liberally re- cruited from men in the military service on the colonial side. Its officers took their degrees from St. Andrew's Lodge, chartered from Scotland, and having its meeting place at the Green Dragon Tavern in Boston. Its mem- bers were leading men, among w^hom w^ere Warren, Revere and Hancock. Trinity Lodge caught their spirit of pa- triotism and enterprise, and Paul Revere was sometimes present at their meetings. We can imagine what these touches of kindred spirit and bands of the mystic tie meant to the loyal and wide-awake Thomas Cowdin.

30 Capt. Thomas Cowdin.

The sorest trial of Esquire Cowdin's public life came at the high tide of his mature manhood, when the agita- tion arose that culminated in the War of the Revolution. He could not at once turn from his king, furl the good English flag under which he had so long and loyally served, and adjust himself to the new order of things proposed. He believed that King George would see the wrongs to the colonists and secure their rights. When misunder- stood, and sometimes called a Tory, his dignified reticence showed his native nobility in high relief. Notwithstanding his apparent loyalty to the king, he sent his son Thomas with a load of provisions for the minute men, when on their march to Concord and Lexington.

To his broad, true, sensitive nature the sting must have been poignant when his name was dropped from the roll of town officers for the first time after he became a voter in the town, but he proved himself "better than he that taketh a city." Honestly and fearlessly he continued his duties, "in praise and in dispraise the same."

He was not the man to bear prolonged taxation with- out representation, and when radical means became neces- sary he heartily espoused the cause of the independent colonists. When the alarm arose at Bennington in 1777 he responded to the call of Gen. Stark, and had marched ninety miles toward Bennington when the company, no longer needed, was discharged by Gen. Lincoln. In 1778 Capt. Cowdin enlisted for eight months' service in the state of New York. In 1779 he enlisted for three months as captain in Col. James Denny's regiment, raised by order of the general court Oct. 6, to reinforce the Continental army in the state of New York. Gen. Burgoyne surren- dered Oct. 17, and Capt. Cowdin was discharged Oct. 23.

No labor was too hard and no sacrifice too great in this cause; and the citizens awoke to a fuller comprehen- sion of the true character of Esquire Thomas Cowdin,

MRS. HANNAH COWDIN.

Capt. T/iomas Coxvdin. 31

honored his unswerving adherence to his convictions, and chose him representative to the first general court under the new constitution in 1780, and also in several subse- quent years. His influence became more powerful than ever.

During Shays' rebellion "the theater of which was in Worcester county," he was a stanch supporter of the gov- ernment and administered the oath of allegiance to all w^hose loyalty w^as suspected.

In all his services under the native British flag, and later under the stars and stripes, the spirit of Capt. Cow- din was well typified by the regal lions of the Cowdin coat-of-arms.

We cannot obtain a true estimate of the life of Esquire Cowdin without some glimpses of his family relations, in which he was especially happy. Brave as a lion in war, he was gentle as a woman with his wife and daughters at his own fireside.

Mrs. Hannah (Craig) Cowdin was a woman of ster- ling character and worthy of her honored husband. Her portrait indicates broad comprehension and sound judg- ment. The features suggest the statement of Lavater: "The double chin, coupled with the rounded nose, charac- terizes a mind that can rise to heights, is firm, reflecting, but not obstinate. A face so endowed is reason's own image." All traditions represent Mrs. Cowdin as endowed with strong mental power, and the physical health to make that power effective in many directions. Her deep affection was a potent influence in controlling their large family of boys. Jupiter seems to have been the natal star of each of the eight sons, for they were among the mer- riest of the merry boys of Fitchburg. In mature years they gratefully remembered their mother's wise counsel and strict training in gallantry. They paid great respect and deference to their mother, alwa3^s uncovering their heads in her presence and standing till invited to be seated.

32 Capt. Thomas Cowdhi.

When taking drives in her well-known chaise, arrayed in the scarlet cloak of the period, Mrs. Cowdin never for- got to fill her capacious embroidered pocket with confec- tionery or other goodies for the children hy the wayside that remembered their respectful bows and courtesies. The unmannerly were passed in dignified silence.

The servants of Esquire and Mrs. Cowdin were de- voted to the family interests. Till the emancipation act in 1780 some of these were colored, and owned by Esquire Cowdin. When one earned his freedom a grand banquet was given and friends of the family and of the freeman were invited for miles around. Bonfires were built, and violins, banjos, drums and cymbals aided in expressing the jubilance of spirit of the merry men.

The freemen were unwilling to leave Esquire Cowdin and remained as hired servants. Two of these servants, the ebony Nancy and Mevus, were specially identified with the family, Nancy as maid servant to Mrs. Cowdin and Mevus as body servant to the Esquire. These played an important part in many a family story, as in the adven- ture with the bear, in which the young son, Angier, is the hero. While going on an errand, Angier espied a bear close by a huge log. Speeding home he asked his father for a gun, but was refused, the father probably thinking an imaginary gun more suitable for killing an imaginary bear. Nancy, hearing the refusal, finds a gun, arms Angier, and diverts the father's attention, while the young hunter flees by the back door. The feat was soon accomplished, and some admiring woodsmen brought the bear and laid it before the door of Esquire Cowdin's house. "Who killed that bear ?" exclaimed the astonished father. "Your son Angier killed the bear," replied one of the woodsmen. "No, he did not, for I refused him the gun," responded the father. Just then Nancy appeared. "I gave Angier the gun, and he did kill the bear," she answered, with

Capt. Thomas Cowdin. 33

characteristic pride and privilege. "Nancy" (with a rising inflection), "you are a curious girl," was the only reproof. The chuckling woodsmen, the proud father, the modest Angier, and the triumphant Nancy were a group for a painter's canvas.

Mevus spent his leisure time in practice upon the violin, and became an important personage at the merry- makings in Fitchburg and surrounding towns.

The impress of the heads of the household extended to all its belongings, including the family dog, Rover, a fine specimen of dogship, a loyal sentinel of the house, and a safe guardian of the children in their rambles.

Rover was as much entitled to honorable mention and enrollment with historic dogs as the classic "Rab," — de- clared by Dr. Brown "as worthy in his own line as Julius Cgezar or the Duke of Wellington." By what escapade Rover received the nickname "Brandy" is now forgotten, but he was doomed to bear it the remainder of his event- ful days. His feats were rehearsed 133^ all lovers of dogs. A traveller arrived greatly troubled b}^ the loss of a valu- able watch. Brandy's sympathies were enlisted, and he understood the word "lost." After circling about the stranger, he ran before the searchers straight to a brook, dived, and brought up the missing watch, the traveller having dropped it while watering his horse.

A villager asserted that, if asked, Brandy would take a hat from the signpost. On a bet of $25 and the risk of a fine new hat, he was given the task. He jumped higher and higher, till many spectators gathered to watch the result. The second day, nearly exhausted. Brandy trotted with the tattered brim to the owner. The "charity- box" was enriched to the amount of the bet, and the lesson in perseverance given to children and children's children.

In later 3'ears the children of Esquire Cowdin remem- bered with pleasure the winter evenings when their father

34 Capt. Thomas Coivdin.

told stirring tales of the past, interweaving lessons of his- tory relating to important epochs in England, Scotland and Ireland, and recounting the struggles in which his ancestors had borne part.

When a storm promised security from interruption the children knew their petition for a story would be granted, and the entire household anticipated the entertainment with pleasure. Mevus selected his best back-log, top-log and forestick, and piled high his choicest pine knots in the ample fireplace. Even Brandy early stretched himself in listening attitude. To the boys the tales of their father's military days were of most thrilling interest. When these began the door was softly moved ajar by the outside audi- ence of servants. When the boys wished to make sure of hearing the old clock in the corner dole out the midnight hour, they begged for stories of hair-breadth escapes from the Indians. The father was transformed into the military commander as he paced up and down the long, wain- scotted room, giving vivid portrayals of the manner of life and warfare of those sons of the forest.

A Louisbourg evening was especially memorable. Without was the howling of the wind down the valley, the plaintive soughing of the surrounding pines, the swirl- ing of the drifting snow against the window panes. Esquire Cowdin was a master in narrative and anecdote, and described with graphic words the successive events be- tween the hesitating vote of the Assembly in the Province of Massachusetts Bay, and the unconditional surrender of the French fort at Louisbourg. . He pictured the fitting out at the old homestead,— father, mother, brothers and sisters v\dng with each other in the equipment, and fear- ing these would be the last ministrations to their brave Thomas; the march through Boston with beating drums and clashing cymbals, to the shore where waited the snows, frigates and transports ; the sailing of the white-winged

Capt. Thomas Cowdin. 35

fleet, bearing the streaming motto, "M7 desperandum Christo duce:'^ the booming of cannon from Fort Hill and the Sconce; the waving of handkerchiefs and bidding "God- speed" by all Boston as the city faded from sight. Their motto, given by Whitefield, was graven on the hearts of many of his followers in the ships, giving the whole move- ment the cast of an ancient crusade. He related the hard- ships after leaving the vessels. Fourteen successive nights thc}^ struggled to reach the fort, wading knee-deep in the mud and dragging their cannon upon sledges, in and out among the weird, black stumps of ancient trees. Sleeping upon the cold, wet ground brought fever and death to many a brave comrade. At the father's recital of the simple burial rites over those who fell by the way, a hush fell upon the eager listeners at the fireside, while the storm wailed a fitting dirge for those sleeping in their nameless graves.

After fortj'-seven days' siege, of varying success, and when about to make the final attack, the white flag was hoisted by the enemy, and the army entered the citadel. Within was a French Jesuit chapel, in which one of the victors preached a stanch Puritan sermon. The cross in the chapel was taken as a trophy to Boston, and at length placed over the entrance to the library of Harvard college. New Englanders, filled with joy over their first military victory, rang bells all day, built bonfires on the hilltops at night, and held thanksgivings in the churches.

The account of the reception in Boston for the heroes from Louisbourg led each son to decide that he would be a soldier, and as the father pointed to the tall old clock, ringing cheers re-echoed the exultation of 1745, and out- vied the diapason of the storm.

The ambitions of the sons were so far realized that of the eight sons of Esquire Cowdin four gained the title of

36 Capt. Thomas Coivdiu.

captain, and a grandson, Robert Cowdin, wore the epau- lettes of a brigadier-general.

The story of a deserter was often told. He fled to New York state, Capt. Cowdin in hot pursuit. On Sun- da}' morning came an intimation that the fugitive had sought refuge in a Dutch meeting house. The captain entered, stepped lightly up the aisle, espied the man and made him prisoner, to the great amazement of minister and congregation. A sharp struggle followed, but the renegade was overpowered, endangering the captain's life, bound and taken to Boston, to be put into Castle Wil- liam. Investigation showed his last desertion was from Crown Point, and Cowdin was ordered to take the pris- oner to that place. The long marches by day, the lonely campings by night, and the conversations by the way with the man who knew death awaited him at the end of the journey, were memorable experiences in the life of the intrepid ofllicer.

The occasions were rare when the father would unfold the panorama of Acadian days. The heart of the strong man failed before memories of events vividly presented in the "Evangeline" of our poet Longfellow — memories of the hour w'hen

"Softly the Angelus sounded,"

and that later hour when

"from the church no Angelus sounded" —

luemories of many an Evangeline in "her Norman cap and kirtle of blue," and many a Gabriel with "face like the face of the morning."

Not infrequently the stories of Esquire Cowdin w^ere of merry-makings in the great hall of the "Red Horse Tavern" in Sudbury, christened b}'- Longfellow the "Way- side Inn;" a "kind of old hobgoblin hall," surrounded by oaks and elms, and l)uilt in 1701. From one of these

Capt. Thomas Cowditi. 37

swung the sign-board with the "Red Horse prancing on the sign."

This inn was on the King's highway', about twenty- miles from Boston, a common halting place for soldiers on their marches to Ticonderoga and Crown Point during the F'rench and Indian war. Lafayette and Washington were entertained beneath its roof. The landlord, Col. Eze- kiel Howe, knew how to plan festivities for the French, English and colonial officers who were often his guests, and for travelers on pleasure trips to and from Boston. Nor were the market men, with their homelier jollities, less heartily welcomed.

Till past threescore and ten, Esquire Cowdin was strong in heart and intellect. He was keenly alive to the interests of the town of Fitchburg — the *schools, the mili- tia and the church. He was honored, and "one of the richest men of his time;" and the great secret of his suc- cess and power w^as his unswerving integrity. One would have expected to see the stars move from their courses as soon as Esquire Cowdin deviating from what he believed to be right. He was trusted as

"That tower of strength That stands four-square To all the winds that blow."

We hear more of his deeds than of his creeds, the whole tenor of his life showing his steady aim

"to do With cheerful heart the work that God appoints."

He had the satisfaction of seeing six of his children allied by marriage with some of the best families in New England, and a flock of grandchildren making merry at his home on Thanksgiving da3'^s.

A close stud3' of the development of the town of

•Oct. 9, 1780, he gave £500 "to be Scoold out in the School house Sot on sd Cowdins Land," as appears by an entry in his records as town clerk. The town's appropriation for all the schools at that date was £2000. 4

38 Capt. Thomas Cowdin.

Fitchburg would reveal much unwritten history of Thomas Cow'din's work. When this work was done, the town clerk of Fitchburg wrote in the record: "Thomas Cow- din, Esq., departed this life at Fitchburg April 22, 1792, in the 72d year of his age. Being the Lord's da^^ morn- ing, at 10 o'clock." The interment was in the old South street cemetery, beside his son William.

Mrs. Cowdin administered upon the estate and guided her five children, who were minors, with that judgment and energy that had characterized her management of home affairs during her husband's absences in the army. She was full of good works, helping others with generous hand and kindly heart. She spent her latest years in Fitchburg, with her daughter, Mrs. Jacob Upton. She died July 30, 1822, and was buried beside her husband and son in the old South street cemetery.

John Cowdin of Boston has erected on the summit of Laurel Hill a substantial memorial to his grandparents, Capt. Thomas and Hannah Cowdin. The monument is a plain shaft of Quincy granite, with highly polished tablets. The one toward Rollstone street bears the inscription : "Thomas Cowdin, born 1720. Died 1792. He was elected in 1780 first representative to the general court of Massachusetts from Fitchburg, under the new constitution. Erected b}- his grandson, John Cowdin of Boston." On the opposite side of the monument is the inscription: "Hannah, wife of Thomas Cowdin. Born 1740. Died 1822." On the side toward Laurel street is simply "Cowdin," in raised letters.

The monument is one of the largest in this "city of the dead." Capt. Cowdin's remains, which have rested for ninety-two j'ears in the South street cemetery, and those of his son, will be taken up and interred by this monument. The monument is a filling memorial of Ihe most prominent of the early citizens of Fitchburg. — Fitchburg Sentinel, Oct. 4, 1884.

John Cowdin died soon after the setting of the monu- ment and the reinterments have not been made. The family Bil^le of Thomas Cowdin, Esq., purchased in 1762, is in possession of Hon. Nathaniel Augustus Cowden of Batavia, N. Y.

ASA THURSTON, THE PIONEER MISSIONARY.

Read at a Meeting of the Society, May 17, 1898. BY EBENEZER BAILEY.

Far out in the Pacific ocean, twent3^-one hundred miles from San Francisco, lie the Hawaiian or Sandwich Islands. Far away as they are from the city of Fitchburg, w^e yet have a peculiar interest in them — an interest shared by but very few New England towns. For here, on one of our own hillsides, ^vas born and reared a man who was one of the founders of that nation of the sea, which to-day stands before the world a civilized and Christian republic, and may soon become a part of our national domain.

John Thurston came to Fitchburg from Rowley, Mass., about 1765, with his wife, Lydia, and seven children. He settled on the farm now owned and occupied by Alonzo Eaton, on the Fisher road, in the easterly part of the city, and entered with enthusiasm into the pursuit of agriculture, raised the finest apples in this region, and owned a cider mill. He had been a soldier in the French and Indian war, and was enrolled as a minute man in 1775. He was also one of the first deacons of the first church in Fitchburg. His fifth son was Thomas, who grew up on the farm until he was of an age to leave the paternal roof, when his father apprenticed him to a Mr. Brown of Concord, Mass., to learn the shoemaker's trade.

40 Asa Thw'ston, the Pioneer Missionary .

To his work at the shoemaker's bench he joined the pro- fession of a music teacher, and we soon find him teaching singing schools in Concord and the surrounding towns. In this he not only gained a reputation as a musician, but also a wife, Lydia Davis, one of his scholars. After his marriage he came to Fitchburg, settled on a farm in the northwest part of the town and began to break up the land. But his wife was homCvsick and induced him to return to Concord, where for more than a year he worked at shoemaking. Then he returned to the farm which he had left in Fitchburg, where he lived during the remainder of his life, which terminated August 5, 1807. He was the leading musician in this region, and for thirty 3^ears was the leader of the church choir. He was generally called Captain Tom Thurston.

The homestead of Captain Thomas Thurston was the farm known as the Taylor place, now occupied by George W. Taylor, in the northwest part of Fitchburg, at the end of the Thurston road, leading from the Ashby West road, just beyond Scott reservoir. It is situated on a height of land overlooking the easterly portion of the city and commands a beautiful and extensive view. Pearl hill is seen most distinctly, and further to the south and east the hills of Lunenburg, and so on in the same direc- tion till the view takes in the Bolton hills in the distance.

The present structure is a good looking, substantial farm house, but with proofs of age in its construction and inside finish. Fully half of the westerly part of the building has been added to the original structure, and the old door-rock can still be seen where once must have been the front door. Entering the present shed, which is at- tached to the east of the house, one sees the original shed front as it must have been in the time of Asa Thurston. In his time, too, the outside surroundings must have given a somewhat different appearance to the place, for the for-

ASA THURSTON.

Asa Thursto7i, the Pioneer Missionary. 41

est came nearer the house and there was less open land around.

Here Asa Thurston was born on the twelfth day of October, 1787, the fourth child and second son of Thomas Thurston, and here he grew up in a large family of good New England stock, in a typical New England home. His brothers and sisters were Thomas, Hannah, Elizabeth, Ebenezer, PolW, C3'rus, Sylvania, Mahala and Maria. The school house ^vas near by, on the opposite side of the road from the present school house in the Page district, and here Asa went to school to Caleb Wilder, w^ho is rep- resented as being a "terror to rogues, big and little." When he reached the age of fourteen years there \vas a change in his life. He was apprenticed for seven years to John and Joseph Farwell, scythe makers, whose shop was on the south side of what is now West Main street, a short distance above the River street bridge, and he boarded with Joseph Farwell, who lived where is now the residence of Gerry B. Bartlett. The Farwell house now stands on the corner of Lunenburg street and Highland avenue. Somewhat of an event for him this must have been — the change from the farm and the school to the work of the shop and the more stirring incidents of the village.

He enjoyed life and action. Always fond of active sports, he early became proficient in wrestling, and seldom was there found an antagonist who was his superior. In those daj^s wrestling was one of the principal diversions of the young men, and these trials of strength and agility were of common occurrence at the store, or after work at the shop, or at any place of general gathering. Asa was not the onh' member of his famih^ who could wrestle. His youngest brother, Cj'rus, so long and so well known in Fitchburg, although small of stature, was quick and wiry, and it was almost impossible to floor him. On one

42 Asa Thurstouy the Pioneer Missionary.

occasion he was wrestling with Ebenezer Torrey in Per- kins' store. It was elbow and collar, and Mr. Torrey tried in vain to lay him on the floor. At last, discouraged and disgusted, he lifted him by the collar and dumped him into a hogshead of salt, amid the laughter of the crowd.

The work in the shop and life in the village were con- genial to Asa. Strong, robust and active, while on his way to his work he vaulted back and forth over the rail fence all the way from the house to the shop, and at noon he would amuse himself and others by jumping in and out of a hogshead without touching the sides — a dif- ficult and dangerous feat. While at work in the shop, or using his superfluous energy in athletic sports, there was no hint of the future, no premonition of his destiny. The Sandwich Islands, lying in heathen darkness in the far away Pacific, and the young apprentice in Fitchburg — a mysterious Providence was even then weaving the web that should join their destiny.

As he grew older, Asa's temperament led him into social life and made him a leader there. At dances and social gatherings he was brim full of life, and if there was any young man in Fitchburg who thoroughly enjoyed life it was probably Asa Thurston.

But disease and death are factors to be reckoned with in this world. In the autumn of 1805 typhoid fever was prevalent in Fitchburg, and to quite a number it proved fatal. Asa contracted the disease and for some time his life trembled in the balance. It is related that his elder brother, Thomas, who was studying for the ministry, watched with him one night, and that he spent a greater part of the time in prayer. The next morning, when asked about his brother, he said: "Asa will get well and be a missionary, but I shall not live long."

Mrs. Thurston nursed her son with a mother's care and devotion, and he recovered, but she was taken down

Asa Thiirstoji, the Pioneer Missionary. 43

with the same disease and died January 19, 1806. This sad loss to him was quickly followed by the death of his brother Thomas, February 15, and thirteen days later by the death of his sister Elizabeth, both of the same dis- ease. These sad events had a powerful and lasting effect upon him. Now Asa Thurston began to feel the effect of character and environment. With a deeph' affectionate dis- position, fond of music, a natural lover of pleasure, and possessed of a keen sense of humor, he had also a tender conscience and a vein of strong and serious feeling. For years his mind had been at times turned to the subject of religion ; members of his family had urged him to profess a Christian life, and now, again, his thoughts turned in that direction, and most seriously. But it was hard for him to give up worldly pleasures and take only the will of God for his guide. That, with him, could not be done in any half-way or doubting manner; it must be a self- renunciation. The whole trend of his temperament and character led him inevitablj' to that; but the time had not yet come. In six months he was again in the ball room, again the leader in pleasure, and apparently forget- ful of religion, while under the surface, deep within his soul, was working a force which he could not resist, that brought him at the age of twenty-two 3'ears to a public profession of religion, and henceforth he was a new man. The following paper was written by him and pre- sented to the examining committee of the church when he w^as propounded for admission. It was formerly in pos- session of Dea. Alvan Simonds of Boston, and was first published by Mr. Edwin A. Harris in his pamphlet on the life of Asa Thurston. It is well worthy of preservation as a help to the study of character, and the nature and ten- dencies of religious thought in the early years of the nine- teenth centur3\

44 Asa Thurston, the Pioneer Missionary.

I lived almost entirely unconcerned abotit my precious soul till I was past sixteen years of age. I sometimes thought that religion was of importance and that I would attend to it at some future period, but I felt disposed to put off repentance to a more convenient season. I thought that after I had become old I should have nothing else to do but to attend to religion, but could not bear the thought of attending to the concerns of eternity so young. I thought that I was as good as many others, and that I should fare as well. When I was about sixteen years old it pleased God to send his Holy Spirit to convince and convict many in this place of their sins, by which I was alarmed. I Ijegan to think religion was of some importance, that I would attend to it. See- ing some of my young friends and connexions embracing the Saviour and singing the wonders of redeeming love, I thought I should like to be one of the happy number. I felt somewhat anxious about being pre- pared for death and eternity, but I had very little if any conviction of sin by the law. I knew that I was a sinner, but I had no realizing sense of the opposition of my heart to God and holiness. I knew that I must repent of my sins or perish forever, but notwithstanding all this knowledge, I soon lost all my serious impressions and anxious thoughts about myself and became as careless as ever. But I could not go on in sin with so calm a conscience as before. Some of my friends and con- nexions that formerly had been my most intimate companions in sin became faithful witnesses against me, and in particular my sister. She would often reprove me for my folly. Her friendh' voice would fre- quently warn me in the most solemn manner: "Why will you not for- sake your beloved sinful companions and go along with me ? Do be entreated, my dear brother, to forsake your sins and embrace the Saviour. How can you crucify the benevolent Jesus?" But I could see no loveliness in him, so I said, "Go thy way for this time; when I have a more convenient season I will call for thee." And thus I went on in my own chosen way till at length God appeared in judgment against me and visited me with sickness, at which time few, if any, expected I should recover; but God, being rich in mercy, saw fit to for- bear, and restored me to health. I felt somewhat rejoiced, but had no heart to sing praises to God for his mercy. My spared life, which ought to have been devoted to God, was spent in the service of Satan. I expected I should have no more to trouble me, but I was soon arrested by a most solemn providence. God was pleased to take from me a most affectionate and loving mother. This, indeed, was a most solemn scene to me. To think that but a few weeks before she was in sound health, and I, to all appearance, on the verge of eternity, and then to

Asa Thursto7i, the Pioneer Missionary. 45

look back and behold the hand of God in restoring me to health, while she was called into the eternal world ! About this time my eldest brother was taken sick, and in a short time departed this life. In his last moments I stood by the side of his dying bed, to hear his last, his dying admonition. Solemn and heart-affecting were his last words. He earnestly entreated me to see first that my peace was made with God. He solemnly warned me to escape from the wrath to come. I then made some resolves that I woiild attend to religion. I was again soon called to witness the departtire of my sister. She was one of the richest of heaven's blessings to me, and, alas! she was too precious a blessing for me to retain. God was pleased to take her from me, and thus in about the space of six weeks I was called to part with a most affec- tionate parent, a most faithful brother, and an affectionate and dear sister.

I thought if all these solemn warnings and admonitions that I had been called to pass through did not excite me to attend to the concerns of my soul, that there was no means that would. But, alas ! I soon forgot them and became as careless and heedless as ever, and more so. That I was extremeh' hardened in sin by these providences is evident from this — in about six months I was engaged in the ballroom ! Who would have thought this of a rational creature ? To look back on the solemn scenes that I had been called to pass through so lately, and then to see the ungrateful, stupid part I was acting! Who would have thought that my limbs, that had been so latelj' snatched from the grave, would have been suffered to move in the service of Satan ? But I scruple not to sa}' there was no one there more gay and active than myself; but in the midst of these scenes of gayetj' and sinful pleasure these solemn words of my deceased brother would come into m3'^ mind, viz., "Escape from the wrath to come." These words followed me for the space of about four j-ears, until at length I was brought to feel that if I did not escape I should soon be lifting up my eyes in torment. In this solemn situation I looked back on my past life with trembling. I then saw how I had been deaf to all the solemn calls, warnings and invitations of the gospel and the offers of mercy. I saw how I had been fighting against God all my da3's, and that it was because he was God and not man that I was spared.

Twenty-two years of my precious life had been trifled away in the service of Satan ! So much time gone to eternity and the deeds thereof sealed up to the judgment of the great day ! In this solemn situation I l)id farewell to my gay companions. I felt, indeed, that I was in a lonely and disconsolate state. In this gloomy and melancholy situation

46 Asa Thurston, the Pioneer Missionary.

I sometimes attempted to ask for mercy, but no mercy could I find, and, indeed, I could see no mercy that I deserved, for saith the eternal God, "I have called, but ye have refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded ; therefore I will laugh at your calamity, and mock when your fear cometh ; when distress and anguish come upon you, then shall ye call, but I will not answer." I felt that God had called so long on me to repent, and I had turned a deaf ear to his voice, that there could be no hope respecting me. I found that my heart was wholly and totally opposed to God and holiness, and that it would be just in God should he cast me off forever. All the solemn warnings that had been addressed to me in my past life from the people of God, and in particu- lar those from my brother and sister, stared me in the face. I could almost hear them saying, "Escape from the wrath to come." But I could see no way of escape for me. I thought I had sinned against so much light and knowledge that there could be no hope respecting such an ungrateful wretch as myself 1 sometimes read my long-neglected Bible, but, dreadful to behold, the curses of the divine law all stood against me. I looked forward to the dreadful Judgment day — there I seemed to stand trembling, expecting every moment to hear the right- eous Judge pronounce the awful sentence, "Depart!" and myself saying, "Amen! it is just!" Under these solemn considerations, I would fre- quently ask myself, "What shall I do?" and the answer would always be at hand, which was this — "Submit to God!" and at length I was brought to feel that such was the hardness of my heart and the stub- bornness of my will that nothing short of the power that raised Christ from the dead could ever subdue the heart of stone and bow the stub- born will. I then felt that I was entirely dependent on God's sovereign will and pleasure, and that he would do with and dispose of me and all his creatures for his own glory.

I was brought, as I humbly hope and trust, to feel willing to say, with my heart, to my God, "Glorify thyself with me, do with and for me that which shall be most for thine honor and glory." I thought I felt willing that God should take the throne that I had been long con- tending with him about, likewise I was willing to cast myself down at the foot of sovereign mercy. I then was brought to feel the way in which mercy could flow down to such a heaven-daring sinner as I had been — and to my joyful surprise I beheld with the eyes of the mind the Lord of life and glory suspended on the cross. I then saw how my sins had pierced his innocent hands and feet and fastened them to the accursed tree. I saw the big wound in his side that the spear of unbe- lief had made — and then I seemed to hear him saying to me (not with

Asa Thnrstoiiy the Pioneer Missionary. 47

an audible voice, but by his Spirit), "Come unto me, look and live," and trul^' astonishing and animating was the smiling of his counte- nance. Oh, how cheerfulh' did I embrace him as the Lord my righteous- ness. I felt willing to trust my all, my eternal all, in his hands. Oh, how sweet was the union and communion between Christ and my soul I And what love and joy then filled my peaceful brea.st! Oh, how glori- ous was that Saviour who honored the divine law, in my view ! Even the Lord of glory condescended to dwell in the heart of such a self- destroying apostate. Oh, what songs of praise did my heart sing to my God and Saviour ! I felt in my heart that the inhabitants of heaven were rejoicing over a repenting, returning prodigal. I went about saj'- ing to myself, "Can this be true?" Am I a subject of the love of God? Can this be the heart so lately filled with bitterest enmity against God and all goodness? But now it is melting! Melting with what? Why, with love to my God and Saviour. Who can measure the love of Christ ? Surely-, no one. It is boundless ; it cannot be fathomed. And Oh, what gratitude I owe to my God for his long-suffering patience with such a vile wretch, and for the wonders he has wrought for me in the course of my past life. Once he delivered me from immediate death by the untimely discharge of a gun, and once his almighty arm brought me up from the borders of the grave. Must not this God have all m^^ songs and all my love ? He must and shall have the first share in the affections of m^' heart. I must count all things but loss and dross for the excellence of the blessed Immanuel. I think I now take comfort and satisfaction in religion if I am not deceived. The long-despised band of Christians now appear most lovely ; they have the first share in my affections below my God and Saviour. I think, if I am not deceived, I feel willing to deny myself and take up the cross and follow Christ.

Asa Thurston now felt that he must become a minister of the gospel, and to that end he must obtain a suitable education. He entered Yale college in 1812. In these days he would have been quickly seized upon as just the man for the football team or the "Varsity" crew. As it was, he participated with distinction in various college sports, and his athletic ability was so well recognized that at one time he was requested by the faculty to clear a room of sophomores, who were understood to be prepciring some plan for hazing the freshmen, which duty he easily per-

48 Asa Tliursto7iy tlie Pioneer Missionary.

formed. New Haven was a long way from Fitchburg at that time, and he came home but seldom. In 1815 he came, however, and spent some weeks here during the col- lege vacation. He graduated in 1816, and immediately entered Andover Theological Seminary, from which he graduated in 1819, ready to enter upon his chosen career of a missionary.

The Sandwich or Hawaiian Islands, although they had undoubtedl}^ been previously visited by Europeans, were practically discovered by Capt. Cook, who landed there in 1798, and who gave the name "Sandwich Islands," and lost his life at the hands of the natives, mainly by his own folly and imprudence. From that time vessels often touched at the islands, and there was considerable trade and communication with them in the opening years of the nineteenth century.

About the year 1812, a boy thirteen or fourteen years of age, by the name of George Prince Tamoree, a native of the Sandwich Islands, was living in Fitch- burg. He was the son of King Kaumualii, of the island of Kauai. George, who is called in some histories "Tamoree," and in some "Kaumualii," was brought to this country by an American sea captain, to whom he was entrusted by his father, either that he might obtain an education, or because the king's wife, or more likely one of the king's wives, was jealous of the boy, and the father wished to remove him from her sphere of influence. At any rate he came, and the captain who had charge of his funds, lost them, and the boy was thrown upon his own resources. Where or how he lived we do not know^ (except that at one time he was a carpenter's apprentice) until he came to Fitchburg. Here he is known to have been in the family of Rev. Mr. Cutting, a Baptist minister, for a short time. Mr. Alonzo Goodridge remembers that the lad used to draw liim to school on a sled, the school

Asa Thitrston, the Pioneer Missioiiary. 49

house being located a short distance beyond the poor farm, on the Wanoosnoc Hill road.

Afterward, Mr. Thomas Litch, who was the father of Charles S. Litch of this citj^ and of A. K. Litch, who formerly kept a hardware store on Main street, took the 3^oung fellow and employed him at his tannery, which was located at the intersection of Pearl and Townsend streets. Being punished by Mr. Litch for some fault, George ran away and never again made his appearance in Fitchburg, although Mr. Goodridge's grandmother Pearce believed him to be in hiding for some time on their farm. He enlisted in the U. S. navy, was wounded in the engage- ment between the Enterprise and the Boxer. He after- wards went to the Mediterranean and was in an engage- ment with an Algerine vessel. When the vessel returned to Charleston, S. C, some friends got him released from service and sent him to the school for heathen youth, at Cornwall, Conn.

George afterward returned to his home in the Sand- wich Islands in the same vessel with Asa Thurston and the pioneer mission band. He met with a cordial recep- tion from his father. King Kaumualii, who gave him a post of great importance in the kingdom, and a large and valuable tract of land. The king said, "I love Hoome (Hoome, the name given him hy the natives,) very much more than m3' other children. I thought he was dead. I cry many times because I think he was dead. Some cap- tains tell me he live in America. I say no, he dead. He no more come back. But now he come again. My heart very glad."

The hopes which the missionaries had built up on account of having an educated and Christian native prince with them were not realized. The Christian principle of George was not strong enough to prevent a partial relapse into the habits and customs of his ancestors, and

60 Asa Thtirston, the Pioneer Missionary.

when his father died and he found that the kingdom had been alienated from him, he was induced to head a rebel- lion, w^as defeated and driven into the mountains with his wife and child. He was finally captured when nearly fam- ished, taken to the island of (3haua and kindly treated, but he died in a few years.

We will now pass to the stor}^ of another Sandwich Island boy by the name of Obookiah, who came to New Haven, Conn., on an American vessel in 1809. Obookiah was found one morning on the steps of one of the college buildings, weeping because he could not obtain an educa- tion. The Rev. E. W. Dwight, who found him, took pity on him and began his instruction. Soon it was found that other Hawaiian 3'ouths had drifted to this country, as vi'ell as a few from other heathen nations, and it was determined to found a school for their education at Corn- w^all. Conn. Five of the earliest pupils here were from the Sandwich Islands.

The American Board of Foreign Missions, which was formed in 1810, came to the decision of sending a mission to the Sandwich Islands. Obookiah was a promising young convert and was to be a great help in that enter- prise, but in Februar^^ 1818, he was suddenl}^ taken ill of a fever, which proved fatal. His life and early death were, however, the means of arousing a very great inter- est in his home and countrymen, for his story was writ- ten, published and circulated all through the country, and old and young in many a home perused v\rith interest the history of this dark-skinned youth from the far islands of the sea. Having determined on the Sandwich Island mis- sion, the American Board requested the faculty of Ando- ver Theological seminary to recommend two 3'^oung men as missionaries, and they responded h\ selecting Asa Thurston and his classmate, Hiram Bingham.

Ten 3'ears have now elapsed since Asa Thurston dedi-

Asa Thurston, the Pioneer Missionary. 51

cated his life to the service of God, and now he stands on the threshold of his life work — a work which is to sunder all his home ties, and sever him from his country and his friends. It must be remembered that there were then no steamships, no telegraphs, no railroads, and that to go as a missionary was almost to cut loose from the civilized world. He is to enter upon the gigantic task of raising a people from ignorance and barbarism to Christianity and civilization. There is not an item of evidence that he ever faltered in his determination, but his bearing was that of uniform courage and cheerfulness during all the scenes preceding his departure.

It was now September, 1819, and the Sandwich Island mission was to sail in October. Neither Mr. Thurston nor Mr. Bingham were married, but it was deemed essen- tial that the\^ should be. Mr. Thurston was, however, engaged to a A^oung lady and she was willing to go with him, but finally yielded to her mother's insistence and declined. He must give her up or the mission, and he chose as he believed God w^ould choose for him. The young lady died soon after of a broken heart, and the mother, grieved and disappointed, soon followed her. But if Mr. Thurston was to have a wife to go with him, no time was to be lost. A competent and courageous woman must be found who would cast in her lot with his, and his friends rallied to meet the emergency. The names of two young ladies were proposed. One of them was asked and promptly declined ; the other was his future wife, Miss Lucy Goodale, daughter of Abner Goodale of Marl- borough, Mass.

Miss Goodale was teaching school in Marlborough. On September 17, at her noon intermission, she was called upon by her cousin, William Goodell, then a student at Andover, and afterwards a missionary in Turkey. They were intimately acquainted. He had often spoken to her

62 Asa TJiurston, tJie Pioneer Missionary.

of missionary work, and now he told her of the mission which was about to start for the Sandwich Islands, and asked her if she was willing to become the wife of a stranger and attach herself to that little missionary band. She finally consented to see Mr. Thurston on the evening of September 23, at the house of her father. Meanwhile a momentous decision must be made, and her family de- clined to influence her, leaving it entirely with herself. When Mr. Thurston called she met him as a friend, and the next day promised to become his wife. A famil}- coun- cil was held, and the 12th of October was fixed as the wedding day. Letters were written, notices given to the town clerks of Marlborough and Fitchburg, and all ar- rangements made before evening. The next day Mr. Thurston started for Goshen, Conn., where he was to be ordained. It was at this ordination that Mr. Bingham found his wife. He met her on the way to church, to which she inquired of him the way. On a slight acquaint- ance he proposed and was accepted.

The marriage of Asa Thurston took place as arranged on Tuesday, October 12, and proved a fortunate and happ3^ event. Mrs. Thurston thus writes on the following March, having just arrived at the Islands: "When I gave my hand to Mr. Thurston, and came out from my father's home to go far away to a land unknown, I felt assured of the care and friendship of one precious friend. But my expectations have been more than realized. To be con- nected with such a husband, and engaged in such an object, in the present state of the world, is of all situa- tions in life what I choose." Again, later in life, having just returned from a visit to this country, she writes thus to her daughter. "Thirty-two years ago, at the age of twenty-four. I first passed this way. Then by my side I had my only earthly stay, my new found husband, a strong support, firm in principle, fixed in purpose, refined in feeling, and faithful in love."

MRS. LUCY THURSTON.

Asa Thurston, the Pioneer Missionary. 53

Mr. Thurston came to his home in Fitchburg for a farewell visit. He could stay but a short time, and his friends and relatives hardl3^ expected to see him again. He preached on Sunday for the Rev. Mr. Eaton, in the old church on the common, to a crowded house, from John x. 16: "And other sheep have I which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one fold and one shepherd." The musical talent of the father ran through the family. In the choir were two brothers and two sisters, — Ebenezer, Cyrus, Syl- vania and Mahala.

That day, in this little country town of Fitchburg, many prayers were being offered for the welfare and suc- cess of that brave young man, and for the success of his mission to an idolatrous and degraded people, while at that very time that same people, of their own volition, were casting down and destroying their idols and abolish- ing their priesthood — thus preparing the way for the mis- sion of Christianity.

There was a gathering of friends and neighl^ors on the morning of the final departure of Mr. Thurston from Fitchburg. It was an unwonted scene at that little home- stead on the hill. There were leave takings and farewells, tears were shed, and silent prayers were offered. At last he turned to go. As he mounted his horse he saw before him for the last time the old familiar landscape, the well- known hills and miles of forest, just beginning to flame with the tints of autumn. In a few moments he was to leave behind him the home of his childhood, which his eyes were nevermore to behold. Nevermore was a New England autumn scene to gladden his eyes ; but he pressed onward, his face toward the light and the future.

October 15, 1819, a District Missionary church was formed in the vestry of Park Street church, Boston, which church was to go in a body to the Sandwich Islands,

64 Asa Thurston, the Pioneer Missionary.

under the auspices of the American Board of Foreign Mis- sions. Its members were Mr. Thurston and wife, Hiram Bingham and wife, Thomas Holman, a physician, Samuel Whitney and Samuel Ruggles, teachers, Elisha Loomis, printer, Daniel Chamberlain, farmer, and their wives. Also Thomas Hopu, William Kanui, and John Honulii, three Hawaiian 3^oung men from the Cornwall school. That same evening there was a large gathering in the body of the church to listen to a sermon from Mr. Bingham, and to the public instructions of the Prudential Committee of the Board, given by the Rev. Samuel Worcester, who for five years, from 1797 to 1802, had been pastor of the church in Fitchburg, and who had often seen Asa Thurs- ton,— a blue-eyed, roguish boy, in the family pew. Dr. Worcester spoke in part as follows :

Dearly beloved of the Lord: You are now on the point, the most of you, of leaving 3^our country and your kindred and your fathers' houses, and committing yourselves, under Providence, to the winds and the waves, for conveyance to the far distant islands of the sea, there to spend the remainder of your days.

You have given yourselves to Christ for the high and holy service of missionary work. You have made your vows and you cannot go back. If it be not so, if this point be not fixed in you immovable, stop where you are, nor venture to set foot on board that vessel which is to bear this holy mission to the scene of its labors and trials and eventual triumphs.

Y'^ou are to aim at nothing short of covering those islands with fruit- ful fields, pleasant dwellings, schools and churches.

Mr. Bingham and Mr. Thurston : To you jointly is committed this consecrated mission, proceeding from the bosom of Christian and heav- enly love.

Beloved members of the mission, male and female, the Christian com- munity is moved for you and for your enterprise. The offerings, the prayers and tears and benedictions and vows of the churches are befoi-e the throne of everlasting mercy. They must not be violated ; they must not, cannot be lost. But how can you sustain the responsibility ? A nation to be enlightened and renovated, and added to the civilized world and to the kingdom of the world's Redeemer and rightful sovereign. In His name onh- and by His power can the enterprise be achieved.

Asa TJmrstoti, the Pioneer Missionary. 55

The next morning, Saturday, October 16, at 10 o'clock, Mr. Thurston delivered a farewell address in the same church to a large congregation of friends of missions from Yarious parts of New England. A portion of his words wefe as follows :

" Permit me, my dear friends, to express the sentiments and feelings of •the "rhissionary company on the present occasion. We would express our gratitude to the Great Head of the Church for the provision he has made for the souls of men, and for the evidence which he graciously gives us that are severally interested in this great salvation. We bless God that we live in this interesting period of the world— that so much is done and so much is still doing to extend the blessings of the Re- deemer's kingdom to the ends of the earth.

The present is emphatically styled a day of action. The church is opening her eyes on the mission of a world lying in wickedness. Her compassion is moved and her benevolence excited to alleviate human suflFering and to save the soul from death.

We have felt that the Saviour was speaking to us, and our bosoms have panted for the privilege of engaging in the blessed work of evan- gelizing the heathen. We have voluntarily^ devoted ourselves to this great object and have been set apart to go forth and labor for its accomplishment. In a few days we expect to leave this loved land of our nativity for the distant isles of the sea, there to plant this little vine and nourish it, till it shall extend through all the islands, till it shall shoot its branches across to the American coast, and its precious fruit shall be gathered at the foot of her mountains.

The few days now remaining before embtirkation were spent in preparation. They were to sail October 23 in the brig Thaddeus, Capt. Blanchard, with a cargo of general merchandise, agricultural implements, etc. On that day there were assembled on the wharf a large gathering of friends, A short service was held, the choir sang "Blest be the tie that binds," and Messrs. Bingham and Thurs- ton, assisted by an intimate friend, sang " When shall we all meet again?" in a most affecting manner. A fourteen- oared barge, manned and officered from the frigate Inde- pendence, took them to the ship. Her sails slowly filled,

56 Asa ThtirstoH, the Pioneer Missiotmry.

and amid the waving of handkerchiefs and many farewells she swung around and dropped down to the lower har- bor for the night.

And now, at last, they have really left their homes and friends. The excitement of preparation, of public exercises, of partings and farewells, is over, and in their narrow quarters, amid bales and boxes, ropes and tackle, barrels and hogsheads, dogs, cats, hens, ducks, pigs and seasickness, they begin their vo^^age of more than five months' duration. The vessel encountered head winds and storm and made slow progress. Fifty days out they spoke an East India merchantman and sent letters home. Ninety -four da3^s out the3'^ came in sight of the island of Terra del Fuego, and even that barren land rejoiced their hearts, while the exceeding^ difficult and stormy passage around Cape Horn cut their happiness short. At length they entered the calmer waters of the Pacific and sailed on day after day with little to vary the monotony of the voyage. Mr. Whitney was employing himself in paint- ing the outside of the vessel from a swinging platform. The ship was ploughing on at full sail, when she gave a lurch, and he fell into the sea. A bench was thrown him, to which he clung till a boat could reach him. One day the ship lay becalmed and Mr. Thurston and Mr. Bing- ham and two of the native youths went into the water for a swim. But a very short time after, a shark was discoverd, and George Tamoree and one of the officers succeeded in vSnaring him and taking him alive. In these incidents they were reminded of the good providence of God.

At length, on March 30, 1820, the island of Hawaii could be seen from the deck, and every one was delighted. The native youths especially were excited so that they could hardly eat or sleep. It was still some days before they could reach their destination on the western side of

Asa Thurston, the Pioneer Missionary. 57

the island. However, the captain sent a boat ashore with an officer and two of the natives, Hopu and Honulii, for news. It was not long before they returned with the startling intelligence: "The tabus are broken, the idols are burnt, the temples destroyed, and the priesthood abolished." We can hardly realize the amazement with which this news was received, news which was so vital and opportune to the mission, and which opened the way in such a marvelous manner for the introduction of Christianity.

It is needful for us to give here in outline the manner and occasion of this great revolution. The cluster of eight islands, known as the Hawaiian group, is of volcanic origin, and in a general way the fertile and easily culti- vated portions are near the coast, while the interior is mountainous and sometimes almost inaccessible. The islands extend from northeast to southwest, about 380 miles, and are separated by channels varying in width from six to sixty miles. The Hawaiian race is undoubt- edly of Malay origin, and drifted to these islands from the west. The people were naturally of a kindly and hos- pitable nature and were never cannibals, but like all sav- ages they were easily roused to violence and revenge. The chiefs were much superior to the common people in physical and mental ability, and were truly a royal race. However, the opening of the nineteenth century found these people degenerating in many ways. Their contact with civilization had so far been productive of more evil than good, and intemperance and licentiousness had a firm and fast hold upon them.

At the period of which we write, Kamehameha, their greatest king for a long time, or perhaps of any time, had just died. He had proved himself an enterprising, firm and indomitable heathen ruler, and after many battles had suc- ceeded in uniting all the islands under his rule, although

58 Asa Thurston^ the Pioneer Missionary.

some of the kings, the principal of whom was Kaumualii, the father of George Tamoree, were allow^ed a nominal sovereignty during their lives. He had strengthened him- self by a strong alliance with the priesthood, and was very particular that his subjects should rigidly obey all the rules and customs enjoined by them in the name of religion. Fear and superstition were of course the basis on which their whole system of religion was founded, and for the purpose of increasing their power they had carried the system of "tabus" to great length. These tabus w^ere a system of prohibition or arbitrary rules, the neglect or disobedience of which were punished with death. If a woman ate a banana or tasted of pork, death was the consequence. It was death for a man and woman to eat together. Sometimes the priests gave out the law that no one should speak for a certain time, and silence reigned in a village ; not even a dog was allowed to bark. These arbitrary prohibitions became very galling and irksome, even to the chiefs, and contact with white men made them less superstitious, so that on the death of Kamehameha there was a reaction against them, the high priest himself assisting. The scale was, however, turned by Kaahumanu, one of the widows of the old king, who was associated with the new king in the government. She wras an able, ambitious woman, determined to crush the priesthood, and she succeeded in inducing the king to eat with his v^ives. This was the signal for the wholesale destruction of idols and temples, and a heathen people was left with- out a religion. The practical result was that the men and women now ate together, drank together, and smoked the same pipe. This radical' and unexpected course of the government was the cause of a rebellion, which was in- cited by the priests. It, however, proved unsuccessful, and the new order of things was firmly established when the missionaries arrived. The high priest, Hemahewa, who

Asa Thurston, the Pioneer Missionary. 69

was prominent in this anti-heathen movement, said: "I knew that the wooden images of deities, carved b3'' our own hands, could not supply our wants, but worshipped them because it was a custom of our fathers. They made not the kalo to grow, nor sent us rain ; neither did they bestow life or health. My thought has always been, There is only one great God, dwelling in the heavens." He cordiall)" \velcomed his "brother priests," as he called the missionaries.

If there had been any doubtful or discouraged ones among the little mission church (and if there were any such we are sure Asa Thurston was not of the number), surely they must now have become hopeful and courageous, for the field was, indeed, "ripe for the harvest." No won- der that, as they sailed along the shore of Hawaii with the soft light of the moon flooding the deck, amid the quiet of a beautiful tropical evening, their feelings uttered themselves in music, and Messrs. Bingham and Thurs- ton sang their favorite hymn, the hymn sung at the fare- well service in Park Street church, "Head of the church triumphant."

On the morning of Tuesday, April 4, 163 days out from Boston, they dropped anchor before the village of Kailua, the seat of the roj^al government. Soon after Mr. Thurston, Mr. Bingham, Capt. Blanchard and Hopu went ashore for an interview with the king. They stated to him their object in coming, and asked permission to land. The king took the matter into consideration, and even- tually the mission£iries were given permission to remain one year in the islands. On the 6th the king came on board the ship, dressed in a girdle, a silk scarf, a gold chain, and some yellow feathers. After they had dined the missionaries and the royal family gathered on deck, and hymns were sung, George Tcimoree playing the bass viol. It was considered very important to begin the Chris-

60 Asi7 TJuirston, the Pioneer Missionary.

tian instruction of the royal family, and Mr, and Mrs. Thurston, with Mr. and Mrs. Holman were left at Kailua, while the others went to different stations on different islands.

On the 12th they landed and took possession of the house which was assigned them by the king. It was the best house in the village and known as the king's palace, containing two doors, one two and one-half feet high and the other a foot higher. Here they began their labors with the royal family, who were eager for instruction, even the king himself showing an inclination that way. On the whole, however, he preferred that his little brother, the heir to the throne, and some of his favorite compan- ions should do the studying, thinking that in some way he could absorb it from them.

Notwithstanding the friendliness of the natives and their sincere desire to learn, there were many things to discourage and disgust a sensitive, refined nature. Many things the missionaries frowned upon, which the people could not understand. They believed the onlj^ use of clothing to be ornament. If one of the queens wished to dress in state she would lie down and roll herself up in a dozen or twenty yards of cloth, make a call on the mis- sionaries, and as soon as it became uncomfortable, lie down and roll herself out of it. A chief would be remon- strated with for his scant apparel, and the next time he called he would show that he had heeded the advice by adding a stovepipe hat or a pair of stockings to his toi- let. The natives all lived on dirt floors and had not much appreciation of cleanliness, though this was less objectionable on account of their passion for bathing, and they had but little clothing to keep clean.

Mr. Thurston and his wife had been at Kailua but a short time before Mr. and Mrs. Holman, who were left there with them, indicated a desire to give up their work.

Asa Thurston, the Pio7icer Missionary. 61

This was a great trial, as it would leave them alone on the island, and they were obliged to face the question of going on with their work alone, apart from their friends, or of giving up the task which they had undertaken of pressing home upon the royal family the truth of Chris- tianitj'. Now was a test of character and true-hearted devotion. It showed at the outset the stuff of which Mr. Thurston was made, for the decision \vas to remain and stand by the citadel, for, indeed, here was the key to suc- cess. The natives themselves said, "If the king is good we will be good, but if the king is bad we will be bad."

Mr. Thurston could not remain the whole time with his wife at home. One da3^ in his absence a priest of the old religion entered their dwelling, and the few natives who were there immediately fled. The priest advanced towards Mrs. Thurston with evil intent. She struck his arm sharply with a stick which she had secured, and as he involuntarily drew back for a moment she slipped past him and ran through the village toward the school where Mr. Thurston was teaching. She met him coming toward her, for some of the natives had informed him of her dan- ger. The\'' returned to their home, and many of their scholars and attendants followed. The priest, whose sta- tion had formerly been high, and who was still feared by the people, again made his appearance. He refused to leave till Mr. Thurston quietl}-- walked him off the prem- ises, for no native could resist the strong arm of the ath- letic New Englander. The king would have had the offender put to death, but Mr. Thurston restrained him. So far as is know^n this is the only time that a missionary lady received an insult from a Hawaiian, and this priest himself, in later years, is said to have expressed regret for the act, and professed to have embraced Christianity.

For about seven months they continued to preach and teach in Kailua, but in the latter part of the year 1820

62 Asa Thurston, the Pioneer Missionary.

the king removed to Honolulu with his court, and Mr. and Mrs. Thurston went with him, remaining there for three years, pursuing the work so well begun at Kailua. The translation of the Bible was begun, and a Hawaiian spelling book was printed, of which the king took one hundred copies. An alphabet of twelve letters w^as fixed upon, which would express all the necessary sounds in the language. In the translation of the Bible, which was par- ticipated in by a number of the missionaries, Mr. Thurs- ton translated Genesis, Numbers, Deuteronomy, the whole of Samuel, and the second of Kings, the gospel of John, and a portion of Matthew.

In 1823 they returned to Kailua in a native vessel. Two of the principal chiefs were on board, and they usu- ally dined with them. Some things were served in a very stylish manner; for instance, the half-clad native servant would wipe out a bowl wnth a part of his only garment, pour in some tea, ladle in a quantity of sugar, crumb in some sea bread with his teeth, and present to the guests, who, for conscience sake, could not refuse it. They re- turned with two children, both having been born at Honolulu.

The seed sown at Kailua had brought forth fruit in their absence. Soon after their return Mr. Thurston dedi- cated a church, which had just been completed. It w^as a building 60x30, built within the ruins of a heathen temple. He read a portion of Solomon's prayer at the dedication of his temple. Then the people sang the jubilee hymn, "Blow yc the trumpet," after which he preached a ser- mon from Haggai i. 7, 8, "Thus saith the Lord of Hosts, consider your ways. Go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the house, saith the Lord." Nothing could have been more appropriate, for all the timbers for the church had been brought some distance from the mountains. In this church the usual attendance was from

Asa Thurston^ the Pioneer Missionary. 63

six hundred to one thousand. The native governor en- acted a law that after two years no woman could enter the church without a bonnet.

In a letter to the American Board, dated November 24, 1823, Mr. Thurston says: "Thus have I again been called to return and sit down upon this barren spot, where I labored and where I wept. But with all its rudeness and barrenness it is a most interesting field for missionary ex- ertion. Within thirty miles of this place there are not less than twent}^ thousand inhabitants, who lie scattered in villages. In this village there are three thousand. This place is the permanent residence of the governor." He concludes his letter as follows: "On this important, long neglected island two standards of the cross are now erected, and throughout its borders the gospel trumpet has been blown. With my associates I travelled and searched out the land. These eyes beheld the miseries of the people. As we passed from place to place we told within the cottage, beneath the shade of the tree and by the wayside, of a God and of a Savior."

Mr. Thurston here alludes to a tour around the island of Hawaii, w^hich he took with the Rev. William Ellis, an English missionary, and some others in the earlier part of the year. Mr. Ellis published a little book giving an account of this journe3^ and running through it, from beginning to end, are these words often occurring: "Mr. Thurston preached to the natives." It seems as though he w^as their main stay for that work. In 1839 Mr. Thurston made another tour around the island with his family.

One of the severest trials of the earh' missionaries was the difficulty of bringing up their children. They could not let their children associate with the natives nor learn their language. Soon after returning to Kailua they enclosed five acres of land with a wall six feet high, and

64 Asa Thurston, the Pioneer Missionary.

in this enclosure built a house and some outbuildings. The natives were only allowed access to the front of the house, which was used as a study and reception room by Mr. Thurston. Most of the missionaries sent their chil- dren to the United States as soon as they were old enough to be educated, but Mr. and Mrs. Thurston kept their children with them till the oldest had nearly reached ma- turity.

In October, 1830, Mrs. Thurston writes thus of their daily life: "Mr. Thurston is entirely devoted to works of a public nature. My duties are of a more private char- acter. I am the housekeeper, the mother and domestic teacher. What time I can redeem from familj^ cares I give to our native females. Twenty-six hundred have been gathered into our Friday meetings. This society is in a very flourishing state. As I cannot see them all at our house I teach them by proxy, selecting from the most intelligent ones a class of teachers to come under my instructions. When night closes upon me and there is a suspension of maternal and domestic duties, I take my chosen season to meet the natives."

Thus, in a general way their time passed, with the variation of a ^^early trip to the general meeting of the mission at Honolulu, until August, 1840, when Mrs. Thurston took her children and sailed for New York, where she arrived six months later. During her stay in this country she came to Fitchburg and was interested to visit the old Thurston homestead and see the room where Mr. Thurston was born. She had with her some interest- ing curiosities from the Islands and exhibited them at a meeting of the Ladies' Home Missionary Society of the C. C. church, which she addressed. This society made Mr. Thurston a present of a suit of clothes, for which Dr. Jonas A. Marshall was measured.

Asa Thurston, the Pioneer Missionary. 66

Mrs. Thurston's stay of two 3'ears in the United States was saddened by the death of her daughter Lucy, who died in Brooklyn, N. Y., February 24, 1841, at the age of seventeen years. She died at the home of Mr. A. P. Cummings, editor of the New York Observer, and an inter- esting Httle book relating the story of her life was written by Mrs. Cummings, under the title of "The Missionary's Daughter." She was a lovely and interesting girl, and a great favorite with everj' one who knew her. Mrs. Thurs- ton left two children to be educated in this countrj^ when she started on her return October 24, 1842. She was received with joy by her husband and the natives, and found a church of eighteen hundred members — three times as many as when she w^ent away.

The Sandwich Island mission of the American Board was by this time an assured success, and to that end Asa Thurston had contributed years of steady and unfaltering labor. To him and to his associate, Mr. Bingham, was largely due the great advance in Christianity and civiliza- tion which had taken place in the islands. Mr. Bingham, who Was located at Honolulu, the principal seaport and commercial center, had a most difficult task to perform, as he had to deal not only with the latent barbarism of the natives, but also with that of a certain class of white men, which was worse. Much credit should also be given the other missionaries, especially Rev. Mr. Ellis, the Eng- lish missionary, who joined them soon after their arrival. In 1843 the governments of the United States, Great Britain, and France gave a full recognition of the inde- pendence of the Hawaiian Islands, and thus was consum- mated the work of founding an independent Christian na- tion, where twenty-three years before was only savage darkness and barbarism. King Kamehameha III. was now on the throne, and liberal laws were enacted and constitutional safeguards given to the people.

66 Asa Thurston, the Pioneer Missionary.

The address of King Kamehameha IV., at his inaugura- tion in 1854-, well sums up the progress which had then been made since the death of his great-grandfather.

With the accession of Kamehameha II. to the throne, the tabus were broken, the wild orgies of heathenism were abolished, the idols thrown down, and in their place was set up the worship of the only living and true God. His was the era of the introduction of Christianity and .all its peaceful influences. He was born to commence the great moral revolution which was begun with his reign.

The age of Kamehameha III. was one of progress and of liberty, of schools and of civilization. He gave us a civilization and fixed laws ; he secured the people in the title to their lands, and removed the last chain of oppression. He gave them a voice in his councils, and in the making of the laws by which they are governed. He was a great national bene- factor, and has left the impress of his mild and amiable disposition on the age for which he was born.

The annual report of the Sandwich Island mission to the American Board in 1857, says, after recalling the for- mer degrading heathenism:

Our towns are rising, our roads are improving, agriculture and in- dustry are assuming increasing importance. Our government, in its leg- islative, executive and judiciary departments, has acquired organic form, and is moving on in the discharge* of its functions. Our schools are sus- tained. Our islands are being dotted over with improved church edifices. Law is supreme, order prevails, protection of all human rights is nearly complete, there is little complaining or suffering in the land, shocking crimes are rare, and it may be doubted whether the sun shines on a more peaceful people.

Mrs. Thurston made a second visit to the United States in 1851, and made a short visit to Fitchburg, but her husband still labored on at Kailua. After forty years of missionary work he was stricken with paralysis, and was obliged to go to California for health and rest. He was there in 1863, but soon returned to Honolulu, where he passed the remainder of his life. The disease made progress, till at last it affected his brain. At times he would seem to behold crowds of people, and pointing,

Asa TJiiirsto)i, the Pioneer Missionary. 67

would exclaim, " Ke Aupini, Ke Aupini," (the kingdom, the kingdom). For the last two daj^s of his life he could not speak, and he passed quietly away on the eleventh day of March, 1868, at the age of eighty 3'ears,— a veteran in the service of the Lord.

I cannot do better than to give a portion of the fu- neral address of the Rev. Eli Corwin, delivered at Hono- lulu, March 12, 1868. The text was Proverbs xvi. 31: "The hoary head is a crown of glor3% if it be found in the 'W'-ay of righteousness."

The instructor for a time of both Kamehameha II. and Kanielianieha III., his influence upon the conduct and disposition of especialh- the lat- ter must have been ver3' great, at a period of Hawaiian history when it was most important to secure the good will of those highest in authority, and when the word of the king was law and his will was absolute. But, as is ever the case with the faithful minister, his influ- ence was greatest and his usefulness most apparent among the masses of the common people. Never once leaving the islands for fort3' years, he was honored of natives and foreigners alike as a faithful, patient, persistent worker; steadfast and abiding in one stay far beyond the ordinary duration of missionary lite. Indeed, I know not that in the entire history of missions a like instance is recorded of one remaining so long upon the field, and at a single post, during the lifetime of a generation, without revisiting the home of his childhood or visiting any other land. Only when advanced age and repeated strokes of paralysis had rendered him incapable of service ; only when his strong hand lost its cunning and his tongue had begun to give a doubtful utterance, did he consent to resign his pastorate at Kailua, that he might spend the closing years of his life in this citj'.

Though remarkably taciturn all through hfe, yet he was hardly less remarkable for a quiet humor, which was kept in subjection to his Christian dignity, while it did much to make him agreeable in social life and to make him buoyant in spirit under all the trials of missionary labor. And this cheerful temper and Christian mirthfulness character- ized him to the last. No pleasantry was lost upon him, even when his memory of the past seemed a blank and he could not recognize his famih' or his friends.

His peculiarlj' rich and well-trained voice, even when age had some what shattered it, gave forth at times such tones as made it a feast of

68 Asa ThurstoUy the Pioneer Missionary.

melody to my ear to have him seated for years close to my right hand in the sanctuarw Neither the choir nor the congregation were ever dis- turbed by his singing out of time or out of tune, while the general effect of congregational singing was greatly improved by tha^ remarkable voice of manly power, yet of womanly sweetness, to which we shall listen in the service of song nevermore.

MfvS. Thurston lived to be the only survivor of that first missionary band, and she died honored and beloved, surrounded by her relatives and friends, in Honolulu, Octo- ber 13, 1876. I cannot refrain from giving the text from which was preached her memorial service, at the Fort Street church, Honolulu, October 22, 1876: "And Jesus answered and said. Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, but he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the w^orld to come eternal life."

Mr. and Mrs. Thurston had five children, Persis, Lucy, Asa, Mary, and Thomas. Persis is still living in Honolulu, a near neighbor to Mr. Hiram Bingham, the son of Asa Thurston's classmate. Mr. Lorrin A. Thurston, ex-minister to this country from the Hawaiian republic, is the son of Asa, Mr. Thurston's eldest son.

Asa Thurston was of the finest product of New Eng- land Christianity. Out of the crucible of personal religious struggle he emerged strong, devoted, chivalrous, and with unchangeable convictions. In his work at Hawaii he goes about with a smile upon his lips and stern duty in his heart. At the general mission meeting in 1845 he confesses his sins and deficiencies, and asks forgiveness. He closes the meeting with these words : "In union may we be one; in heart and action one ; then shall we be one with thee in heaven." He stands like a figure of bronze, tall, erect,

Asa Thurston, the PioJieer Missionary. 69

broad-chested, athletic, yet kind and true. Tenderly' and unfalteringh' he ministers to the savage, the degraded, and the ignorant, till hand and brain fail him, and the good God takes him home to rest from his labors.

Note. — In 1878, Mr. Edwin A. Harris wrote and published a pam- phlet, entitled "Asa Thurston. — A Hero of Fitchbur;.?," and some copies of this are still in existence. It was an interesting, trustworthy and valuable publication, and is the source of most of the facts which can now be obtained of the Fitchburg life of Mr. Thurston. It has been of much value to me in m}' attempt to give in this paper a pen picture of the life, character and work of this pioneer missionary.

THE DIVISION OF WORCESTER COUNTY

BY HENRY A. WILLIS.

Read at a Meeting of the Society, April 19, 1897.

In the art department of our public library there hangs a frame containing a copy of the Massachusetts Gazette and Boston News Letter of date of August 13, 1764. This paper was first published April 24, 1704, and was the first regular newspaper published in Boston. It is insignificant in size and general appearance, its dimen- sions being sixteen by twenty inches, but it is a very interesting relic. It contains several quaint and curious advertisements and a proclamation by Francis Bernard, "Captain General and Governor in Chief of the Province of Massachusetts Ba3%" relating to an old act regulating trading with the Indians. Among the advertisements is one offering for sale "a stout able bodied negro man;" another states that "a good price will be paid for a likely negro boy from sixteen to twenty years of age," by Rich- ard Billings. But the notice which particularly arrested my attention on a recent visit was the following petition, and it suggested the preparation of this paper. The peti- tion, in its peculiar composition and spelling, is a curiosity, and I have thought it worthy of being copied in full. It is as follows:

Division of Worcester County. 71

PROVINCE OF THE MASSACHUSETTS BAY.

To His Exellency Francis Bernard, Efq ;— Captain-Gerneral and Governor in Chief in and over His MAJESTY'S faid Province; and to the Honorable His Majefty's Council, and Houfe of Representatives, in General Court aflembled at Bofton, December, A. D. 1763.

The Petition of the Subfcribers, Agents for the feveral Towns and Diftricts, viz: of Groton, and Diftrict of Shirle}', and Pepperell, as alio the Towns of Weftford, Lyttleton and Townfhend, in the County of Middlefex, and the Town of Lunenburg, and the Townfhip of Ipfwich- Canada, and Dorchefter-Canada (fo called) in the County of Worcefter,

Humbly Sheweth, That Y'^our Petitioners and their PredecelTors, in- habiting the feveral Towns and Diftricts aforefaid, from the firft Settle- ments of faid Towns and Diftricts have, and ftill do labour under great Difficulty and Burthen, by Reafon of the great Diftance they live from the ufual Place of holding the feveral Courts of Juftice within the Coun- ties aforefaid, as well as the Courts of Probate in the fame Counties; many of the Inhabitants living fifty, some forty, and few lefs than thirty Miles from the Courts of Probate aforefaid, which renders it at all Times very difficult, and fometimes impoffible, for poor Widows and others to attend the Probate Courts, and other Courts of Juftice, with- out great Expense; by Means whereof, many times Actions are and neceffaril}- muft be continued, to the great Coft and Charge, oftentimes, to poor Orphan Children, and others who are neceffarilj' obliged to attend faid Courts; and this almoft inconceivable Difficulty and Burden daily increafes, in Proportion to the Increafe of the Inhabitants of faid Counties, which are now fo large, that the Inferior as well as Superior Courts are frequently obliged to adjourn over Sundays, in order to finifh the neceflary Bufinefs of faid Courts, to the great Coft and Damages of many poor Witnefles and Jurymen, and others who are obliged to at- tend, &c. Wherefore Y'our Petitioners, in behalf of themfelves and the feveral Towns and Diftricts aforefaid, moft earnestly- pray Y'our Exel- lency and Honors to take their difficult Cafe under your wife Confidera- tion, and pafs fuch Acts and Laws, as that the Towns and Diftricts aforefaid, together with the Towns of Chelmsford, Dracut, Dunftable and Stow, in the County of Middlefex, and the Towns of Harvard and Leominfter, in the County of Worcefter (or fuch of faid Towns and Plantations, or any others, as Your Exellency and Honors fhall think fit) may be erected and incorporated into a feparate and diftinct County, and that the fame may be invefted with all the Privileges that other Counties have and enjoy in this Province; or otherwife grant Relief as

Agents for Groton.

72 Division of Worcester County.

Your Exellency and Honors, in Your known Wifdom and Goodnefs fhall

fee meet, and Your Petitioners in behalf of theniflves and the feveral

Towns they rcprcfent, as in Duty bound, fhall ever pray.

Abel Lawrence Oliver Prefcott Jonas Cutler James Prefcot Jofiah Sartell

Jonath. Lawrence ]

Thomas Warren ; Agents for Lyttleton.

Jofeph Harwood )

Jonas Prefcott ]

William Fletcher ; Agents for Weftford.

Jabez Reep J

Benjamin Brooks J Agent for Townfhend.

William Prefcott \ Agent for Pepperell.

Hezekiah Sawtell } Agent for Shirley.

In the House of Representatives, June the 14th, 1764. Read, and ordered. That the Petitioners infert Copies of this Petition in all the Bofton News Papers, three Weeks fucceffively, that fo that feveral Towns in the Counties of Middlefex and Worcefter may fhew Caufe (if any they have) on the Second Wednefday of the next Seflion of this Court, wh}' the Prayer thereof fhould not be granted. Sent up for Concurrence,

Thos. Clapp, Speak'r Pro. Tempr.

In COUNCIL, June 14. 1764, read and concurred.

A. Oliver, Sec'ry.

It will be observed that the petition was dated Decem- ber, 1763, but the order of notice issued in June, 1764.

The town of Fitchburg was not named in the petition, for it had not been set off from Lunenburg; but it had become incorporated before the order of notice was issued, and was fully identified with the movement thereafter, and we find that on Oct. 22, 1764, it was voted in town meeting "to join Groton and others in petitioning the Great and General Court for a new county," and David Goodridge, Amos Kendall and Thomas Cowdin were chosen a committee "to confer with the committee chosen by the town of Lunenburg to manage the affairs of said county."

This petition in one way and another was kept before

Division of Worcester Coimty. 73

the legislature through several A^ears. It was bitterly opposed by the counties of Worcester and Middlesex, and in 1776 the petitioners abandoned their object. This was the first thoroughly organized effort to divide this great county, which was incorporated in 1731, and which con- tains more than one-fifth of the entire territor3^ of the state and is more than double the size of any count}' in the state except Berkshire and Middlesex.

But there had been other movements and conferences among some of the towns in the northern sections of Middlesex and Worcester counties having the same object in view, and we find in the Lunenburg Town Records the following vote recorded at a meeting held on September 2, 1734, only three years after Worcester county was in- corporated, and this is the first recorded action relating to a division of the countj^:

voted and Chofe Col.' Jofiah Willard Edward Hartwell Esqr Capt Jonathan Hubbard Isaac Farnfworth and Mr Benja Goodridge to be a Comttc for and in behalf of y^ Town of Lunenburg who is hereby fully Impowered and Directed to Confer and act with ye other Comittes that Shall be Sent bj' an3' of ye Towns in ye County of Middle and Worcef- ter in order for ye Errecting and making a new County. Provided that the Town of Groton be ye County or Shire Town and alfo that ye Town of Lunenburg aforefd be free from Coft and Charge in ^-e firft Settlement of ye Said County

and upon thefe Conditions ye Comtte are hereby Directed to act in all particulars in order to bring forward ye Said County as they Shall Think moft proper, and they are hereby wholy forl)iden to act any Thing to ye Conterar3' whatfoever

At a meeting held December 16, 1734, the restrictions named in the foregoing vote were repealed, as it was voted that the committee or any three of them be "verted with Power for and in Behalf of y^ Town of Lunenburg aforef? to Do and act an\^ thing or things Respecting y^ making of a New Count}' out of y^ northerly Parts of y« Countyes of Middlefex and Worcefter as they in their

74 Division of IVorcester County.

wifdom Shall think mod Proper and Conducing to y*^ wel- fare thereof."

Following this action the delegates met in convention, but it does not appear that the matter was brought before the legislature. From the records of Fitchburg we find that in 1784 Deacon Kendall Boutelle and Thomas Steams attended, as delegates from this town, a conven- tion at Westminster holden for the purpose of dividing the county of Worcester, or for devising means for that purpose; and in the following May Dr. Jonas Marshall, Capt. Thomas Cowdin and Elijah Garfield attended a convention at Lunenburg for the same purpose. I cannot find that any petition went to the legislature as a result of these conventions.

In the year 1794 the following vote was put on rec- ord in the town of Shirley: "Voted to send a man to Leominster to meet a committee from the several towns in the counties of Worcester and Middlesex in order to petition the general court for a part of each of the said counties to be made a distinct county." Dr. Benjamin Hartwell was chosen delegate. But the whole matter was reconsidered later and the delegate dismissed. I do not find anywhere any other reference to a convention at Leominster and probably nothing came of it if held.

In 1785, James Bell and others presented a petition to the legislature, praying for a new county, with Peters- ham for a shire town. This movement was confined to the northwestern portion of the county. The towns of Hardwick, Barre, Hubbardston, Petersham, Templeton, Winchendon, Athol and Royalston were to be separated from Worcester, and united with the towns of Warwick, Wendell, New Salem, Shutesbury, Orange and Greenwich from Hampshire. This petition was also rejected.

In 1798 the representatives of Templeton, Barre, Petersham, Athol, Winchendon, Hubbardston, Oakham,

Division of Worcester County. 75

Gerry, Gardner, Royalston and Warwick presented a peti- tion to the legislature pra3nng for the incorporation of these towns into a new county, but failed of their object. Fitchburg does not appear to have joined in this move- ment. But in connection with this action we find a resolve passed by the legislature March 3, 1798, on a me- morial of the delegates of the towns of Templeton, Athol, etc. This resolve directed the selectmen of said towns to cause the voters to meet on the first Monday of April, 1798, to give in their votes on the expedienc}^ of dividing said county into two separate and distinct counties and to make returns to the next general court on or before the second Wednesday of their next session.

In 1828 a new attempt was made by Ivers Jewett of Fitchburg, and others, to form a new county, out of almost identicall}' the same towns as were later proposed for a new county in 1874. The legislature submitted the question to the voters of Worcester and Middlesex coun- ties, and of course it was defeated. It was l^elieved that had the voting been confined to the inhabitants of the towns to be included within the limits of the new^ county, a different result would have been obtained.

In 1850, N. P. Smith and others of Groton petitioned the legislature for the establishment of that place as a shire towm, instead of Concord ; but the petition was rejected.

In 1851 a petition was presented to the legislature, signed by 4505 voters from the towns from which they prayed that a new county might be formed. The petition- ers far outnumbered the remonstrants. The committee to whom the petition was referred reported no bill; but the matter was referred to the next general court.

In 1852 a petition was presented, asking for the estab- lishment of a half-shire at Fitchburg. A bill was reported and defeated in tlic house.

76 Division of Worcester County.

In 1853 William B. Towne and others presented a petition for the erection of a new county, to be composed of nearly the same towns as those later included within the proposed new county of 1874. Upon this petition a bill was reported to establish the county of Webster, named in honor of Daniel Webster, who had just died. The report was amended in the senate by substituting a bill to make Fitchburg a half-shire, but was afterwards lost between the two houses.

Not disheartened by so many defeats, the petitioners came again to the legislature in 1854. After a full hear- ing, a bill was reported to incorporate the county of Web- ster. The burden of the complaint, then as now, was that the petitioners did not enjoy facilities for "obtaining right and justice freely" in the same measure as they were meted out to the people in any other part of the commonwealth. It was proved that the extra expense for travel of witnesses, jurors and parties from the northern part of the county of Worcester amounted to so large an annual sum as to be a severe tax on those who w^ere compelled to bear it. It was proved that eleven of the Worcester towns were obliged to travel twenty-six miles out and twenty-six miles home again, further, by being obliged to go to Worcester to transact their law business, than the}^ would travel if Fitchburg was their county seat; and the Middlesex towns were forced to make a journey twenty-eight miles longer, on the average, than they w^ould if Fitchburg were their county seat. This, it must be borne in mind, was before the shire town of Concord was abandoned, as such. Those towns now have to go to Cambridge or Lowell to despatch court business.

The committee decided that the new county should be created, as prayed for, and declined to submit the question to the voters, as urged by the remonstrants. The number

Division of Worcester County. 77

of petitioners was 742 ; of remonstrants, 4060. To quote from its report, the "committee were convinced that the creation of a new county was an act of government, of the propriety' of which the legislature was peculiarly the judge, and which it was bound to perform whenever it was satisfied that the necessities, either of the present or of the future, called for it ; and that it was such an act as should never be allowed to depend for its force upon the wishes or prejudices of those who, after all, are inca- pacitated by their very position from seeing the question in all its bearings. As it would not be pretended that any number of towns, small or large, that might desire to be formed into a new count}-, should have their prayer granted, though never so united in urging it, unless they could show forcible reasons for the change, aside from their own desires, so it ought not to be contended that the opposition of a large majority of the inhabitants of the towns, most of them but slightly interested in the objects for which counties are primarily created, should deter the general court from erecting them into a new- county if it should be satisfied that, as a matter of state polic3^ wisely looking to the future, it was desirable, even though it could not be accomplished without some sacri- fices, some social suffering, from the sundering of ancient and accustomed relations, and some increase of expense at the moment." This bill was defeated, like so many that went before it.

The bill was reported in the senate and there amended by striking out the town of Groton, and passed. It went to the house, where Groton was restored, and the provi- sion that Fitchburg provide $25,000 toward the county building was stricken out, and the bill passed. The sen- ate non-concurred in these amendments, and the bill failed. This was the nearest that we ever came to having a new county.

78 Division of Worcester County.

In 1855 the people, conscious of the justice of their cause, again appealed to the legislature. The testimony for and against the formation of a new county w^as similar to that of former years. The substance of the complaint was that the people, as jurors, parties or witnesses, were subjected, by reason of their distance from the county seat, to much unnecessary expense and inconvenience, a great part of which would be obviated by the proposed change, and that thev did not possess the same facilities for transacting court business as were possessed by other citizens of the commonwealth.

"It was strongly urged by the opponents of division that, by a separation of the countj^ Worcester would be shorn of much of her comparative importance in a politi- cal point of view% and that she would cease to hold that elevated position among her sister counties which she has maintained for so long a time."

The committee close their able report as folio w^s:

Your committee still further believe, from the evidence adduced, taking a comprehensive view of the whole matter, that the interests of the whole county would be better promoted by a division, from the fact that the city of Worcester would still be left the centre of the largest county, territorially, in the State, and one of the most thriving and most prosperous, while such division would tend to develop more rapidly, along the northern line of the State, those resources which now lie comparatively dormant ; and the same prosperity may be confidently an- ticipated for the new that has already been realized by the old county. With these convictions, your committee, however much they may differ from those who, from local attachments, from personal or other con- siderations, entertain opposite views, would be doing injustice to their sense of right should they fail to express emphatically that a case of exigency, decided in its character, has been shown to exist, and that the prayer of the petitioners should and ought to be granted.

A bill to establish the county of Washington was ac- cordingly reported and defeated in the senate.

Nothing daunted by repeated defeats, in 1856 the peti-

Division of Worcester County. 79

tioners came again and asked for a new county. So strong and clear was their case that the committee reported a bill without giving any extended reason for their action. This bill was also defeated in the senate, but by so small a vote that it was apparent the new county must soon be established, and its opponents permitted a bill to pass making Fitchburg a half-shire. Since that time three terms of the superior court have been held annuallj^ at Fitchburg. A house of correction has been erected here, and in 1871 an elegant and commodious court-house was completed, so that all requisite count}^ buildings, with rooms for all county offices, are now provided within the limits of the proposed new county.

In 1873 a petition was presented to the legislature for the establishment of a registry of deeds for the district of Northern Worcester. A bill was reported in the senate, but defeated in the house. But the registry was established in 1884 and regular monthly sessions of the probate court in 1878.

After the establishment of the half-shire the matter rested until 1874, when another effort was made to estab- lish a new county by the name of Lincoln. The advocates of division had formerly conjured with the names of Wash- ington and Webster. Now the potency of the name of the martyred president was invoked to help the cause on. The towns proposed to be incorporated in the new county were Fitchburg, Ashburnham, Athol, Berlin, Bolton, Clin- ton, Gardner, Harvard, Hubbardston, Lancaster, Lunen- burg, Leominster, Petersham, Phillipston, Princeton, Ro^^- alston. Sterling, Templeton, Westminster and Winchendon, in the county of Worcester, and Ashby, Shirley and Town- send in the county of Middlesex.

The petition was heard, but was summarily bowed out of court in the following report :

80 Division of Worcester County.

That considering the strong opposition from the towns which it is proposed to include in the new county, as well as from the county at large, and in view of the fact that the inconveniences which may exist in consequence of the great extent of Worcester County are certainly less than formerly when the legislature refused to divide it, and believing that the matter deserves a more extended and careful consideration than your committee, with their other duties have been able to give it, the committee recommend that the subject be referred to the next General Court.

The late Col, E. P. Loring, one of our representatives at that time, and a member of the judiciary committee, whom we remember as quite an aggressive man when he considered his cause a good one, dissented from the report of the committee and made a very able and exhaustive report, accompanied with a bill, closing his report as fol- lows:

The printed remonstrance from the city of Worcester suggests that Fitchburg is ambitious. Ambitious of what, indeed ? Only to have her rights, as other citizens of the Commonwealth have their rights. Fitch- burg has had the courts for eighteen years ; a house of correction for seventeen years : an elegant court-house for three years. This city is not to be aggrandized by the erection of new county buildings, nor b}' the establishment of any new courts, except one term of the supreme judi- cial court. She only asks that the 56,000 people within eleven miles of her court-house and jail, may have increased facilities for recording their deeds, more terms of the probate court, and relief from the needless travel and expense of the present arrangement of the courts.

The expense of the new county officers will be less than $6,000 per year, a small sum compared with the amount now paid for travel and term fees under the present system.

I am, therefore, of the opinion that the question submitted to the Committee, "Whether proceedings in the courts of justice, and the con- venience of the people in the towns of the northern part of Worcester County and the western part of Middlesex" would be facilitated and promoted by the formation of a new county ? must be answered in the affirmative. And I submit the accompaning bill to establish the county of Lincoln.

Division of Worcester County. 81

The majority report of the committee was accepted and the bill failed.

In 1875 the subject of division was again brought before the legislature. A hearing was given b}' a commit- tee and an unfavorable report resulted. A discussion fol- lowed in the house, and an effort was made to substitute for the committee's report Col. Loring's bill of the preced- ing year, leaving out Shirley and Townsend, but it was voted down and the committee's report accepted h\ a strong vote. This was the last attempt to secure a divi- sion of the county.

This is in brief the history of the several attempts to get a division of Worcester county during the past one hundred and sixt^'-three years. The cause is not dead but sleeping, and there are reasons for believing that the next effort will result in an easy victor3'.

Of the many struggles to bring about a division of the county, it is probable that those of the years 1854 and 1856 were the most persistently fought. In both of these 3'ears the petitioners had the services of Hon. Rufus Choate, the silver-tongued orator, of whom the present generation know but little from personal recollection, of whom it was said at the time of his death, "as an advocate he has left no successor at the Boston bar."

No better talent could have been employed by the petitioners, and in both of these 3^ears he succeeded in hav- ing bills reported ; but which failed, as has been before stated, in the legislature.

The leading counsel opposed to Mr. Choate in 1854 was Richard H. Dana of Boston, and in 1856 Judge Henry Allen of Worcester. Ex-Governor George S. Boutwell also opposed in behalf of Middlesex county in both of these years.

In 1852 Hon. Nathaniel Wood and Charles Mason

82 Division of Worcester County.

represented the petitioners, and Hon. Emery Washburn and Joseph Mason of Worcester, the remonstrants. Mr. Washburn also represented the remonstrants in 1855, and we have his argument in print, a pamphlet of seventy-six pages, from which I do not find it necessary to quote at the present time.

It has seemed, to me that I cannot better close this hastih' prepared paper than to read you some extracts from Mr. Choate's two arguments, the first made in April, 1854, and the second in April, 1856. [Mr. Willis then read several of the most effective portions of the addresses, closing with the following eloquent sentences contained in Mr. Choate's last argument of April, 1856.]

A ver3' powerful final appeal was made to you on behalf of the four towns in the county of Middlesex, which it is said strongly desire to remain in the county of Bunker Hill, and Concord Bridge, and Lex- ington. Sir, I honor and have these beautiful regards, and this filial feeling which appeals so peculiarly to the glory of our fathers, and makes us all desire to share it. But, sir, I submit that I distrust the cause, — although, in this case, I can hardly distrust the advocate who tries to enlist these holy and noble affections to defeat the claims of two and forty thousand of his fellow-citizens to an equality of justice. If he were here, I should be glad to tell Governor Boutwell that these same towns, when the proposition was first presented to them, petitioned by large majorities for a change. Had they then forgotten Bunker Hill ; or is it not this vast body of misrepresentation in regard to the increased expenditure that has constantly influenced them to change their minds ? Let me tell him that these sentiments refuse to march under the banner of injustice.

Let me tell him that the true descendant of the men who fought at Bunker Hill would be the first to say to this government: — "Gentlemen, assign me my civil or military post, and there I will stand, and there I will fall, by whatsoever name you please to call the county in which I live. Whatsoever place you assign me in the attainment of justice, — ^vhatsoever place you assign me in the accommodation of my fellow- citizens, I accept it gratefully, all of it; I accept it all. And meantime, on every Nineteenth of April, and Seventeenth of June, and Fourth of July, I shall continue to take my children, as heretofore, and lead them

Division of Worcester County. 83

out and show them where their ancestor was loading his gun for the last time when the British ba3'onet pierced his breast; I shall take them to the shade of the monument and teach them to be ready at that day when the country is to fall — when her day of trial shall come — to shed their blood too, in her defence; and I shall reconcile them and myself to that, as good citizens." There will be sentiment against sentiment. These aged men will pass away as a dream, and a new generation will come forward, in whose hearts will spring up that other feeling, — pride to know that there is inscribed on these hills and valle3's the greatest name of earth, before whom all ancient and modern greatness is dim ; pride to know that on their own county is borne the superscription of Washington, which is to stand a monument at once attesting and shar- ing his immortality. Let one sentiment, if it is sentiment, counteract the other; and between the two give us justice, and give us our rights. I thank the committee for their patience, and leave the case in their hands.

REV. GEORGE TRASK, THE "ANTI-TOBACCO

APOSTEE."

Read at a Meeting of the Society, September 21, 1896. BY ATHERTON P. MASON, M. D.

George Trask was born in Beverly, Mass., August 26, 1796. His parents were Jeremiah and Hannah (Wallis) Trask. Of them and his ancestry Rev. Mr. Trask, in his autobiographical sketch printed in The Phrenological Journal, December, 1870, characteristically said: "They were both of a godly type — Israelites indeed — Calvinistic to the hub and as true to the venerable catechism as the needle to the pole. The blood of both is traceable to the blue hills of Scotland ; and it must have been very respect- able blood, for even now, in spite of all adulterations, it is not half so bad as much that is current about us. I have searched m^^ pedigree and I find no Trask who was a king, lord, duke, or an3^ tremendous character, and I find none that was hung, whatever our deserts."

Jeremiah Trask was a man of unusual intelligence, but in moderate circumstances, and young George was early put to work and so did not receive a very extended com- mon school education. In later years, however, he ac- quired, through his own exertions, an excellent collegiate and professional training.

When about sixteen 3^ears old he was apprenticed to an elder brother, Israel Trask, of Beverly, who is credited with being the pioneer manufcicturcr of Britannia ware in

Rev. George Trask, the '' Anti-Tobacco Apostle'"' 85

this country, and remained with him some four A'ears. In 1816 he went to Marhlehead and opened a hardware and jewelry- store, where, as he expresses it, he "made a little money when it required but little brains and less knavery to make it." It was during his sojourn in Marblehead that the life-lon<j^ intimacy between George Trask and the writer's grandfather, Dr. Calvin Briggs, began ; and this close acquaintance was continued by the two families ever after. In 1819, young Trask w^as converted and felt an imperative call to prepare himself for the ministry. He therefore gave up his buvsiness, which b\' that time had become both lucrative and agreeable, and went to Gorham academj' in Maine to fit for college, and in due time entered Bowdoin, where he graduated in 1826. During his collegiate course, George Trask was a marked man, not on account of his lirilliancy as a scholar, for, as he wrote, "My recitations, if I remember aright, were indif- ferent, seldom calculated to inflame vanity and pride," l)ut because of standing up for whatever he believed was right, and being strenuous in advocating unpopular meas- ures. He was naturally an agitator and reformer, and aspired to usefulness rather than to greatness. As one of the Bowdoin professors remarked, "Trask is to be the useful man of his class." He w^as associated in college with such men as Franklin Pierce, John P. Hale, Jonathan Cille\', James Bradbury and others who afterward became famous ; and with their bright and keen intellects his was often at variance. Many were the discussions he had, in the college debating societies, with these young men on slavery and other vital ({ucstions ; and if he was on the unpopular side (as he usualh- was) and believed it was the right side, he advocated it with indomitable courage, perseverance and zeal.

One instance will suflice to illustrate his strong tend- enc3'- to reform and his keen sense of justice. He thus relates it:

86 Rev. George Trask, the "Anti-Tobacco Apostle^

Kussworin — an intelligent negro, who has since died lieutenant-gov- ernor of Libei'ia — joined m\' class in 1824 and soon made application to join one of the literar3' societies. This application was contested by storm3' opposition from Frank Pierce and other collegians. My enthusi- asm for the negro's rights then and there sulijected me to an uncom- fortable amount of obloquy, and, though honored with no hangman's rope as was Mr. Garrison ten years after, still, before Russworm's rights were acknowledged, as they were, I was hissed and hooted down to my heart's content.

After finishing his college course, he became a student at the Andover Theological seminary, from which he grad- uated in 1829.

September 15, 1830, he was ordained at Framingham and settled as pastor of the Congregational society in that town. Seven months later, April 15, 1831, he was married, in Lancaster, to Aliss Ruth F. Packard, daugh- ter of Rev. Asa and Nancy (Quincy) Packard. He closed his pastorate over the Framingham church April 6, 1836, and a few^ months later became minister of the Congrega- tional church at Warren, Mass., where he remained about eleven years. During his ministry at Warren he founded Quabog academy for boys and girls. Lucy Stone received her education at this academy and was a frequent visitor in Mr. Trask's family.

During these sixteen years of active service in the min- istry, Mr. Trask was a zealous worker in temperance, anti-slavery and similar reforms. Many a time did he address audiences on these subjects "when," as he says, "brickbats were in high repute, and when we had to say to 'gentlemen of propert}' and standing,' 'Gentlemen, these arguments are weighty, but not conclusive.'" In this connection we may note the cause of his giving up his pastorate over the church in Framingham. Rev. Mr. Trask would pray for the slaves every Sunda}-, and one of the influential deacons strenuously opposed his doing so. Neither would give in to the other and Mr. Trask

REV. GEORGE TRASK.

Rev. George Trask, tJic ''A)iti-Tohacco Aposild' 87

very properly \vithdre\Y from such an unchristian contest and sent in his resignation as pastor, " He lacked the sym- pathy of even his immediate relatives in his agitation of reforms, his father frequently telling him to "preach the gospel," and let other matters alone.

Early in 1847 Mr. Trask's pronounced anti-slaverj- views, coupled with his recognized ability as a preacher, led the members of the Trinitarian church here in Fitch- burg to extend him a call to Ijecome their pastor. This call was accepted and Mr. Trask was installed July 21, 1847. He continued as pastor less than two years, sever- ing his pastoral relations on June 18, 1849. There were apparentlj^ two reasons for his doing this — one was poor health and the other a burning impulse to labor in his new field, which proved to be his life-work during the last tw^enty-five years of his career, the anti-tobacco crusade. As the "Anti-Tobacco Apostle," Rev. George Trask was one of the most noted and widely -known citizens of Fitch- burg from 1850 to 1875.

For over twenty years he had been an excessive user of the weed. He wrote in his autobiography': " Ph\'si- cians said I was at the gates of death. I abandoned this poison. The act was an epoch in my life." Having eman. cipated himself, he was all aglow to free his fellow-men from the tobacco habit. He began by talking to his tobacco-using neighl)ors. Then he went into the public schools and Sundaj' schools in Fitchburg and talked to the children and circulated pledges against tobacco and strong drink. Later he began the publication of his anti- tobacco and anti-rum tracts and Anti-Tohncco Journal, and spent much of his time going hither and yon circula- ting them and his pledges and medals and making innu- merable addresses in churches and public halls, besides do- ing an immense amount of missionary work privately on railroad trains, or wherever he chanced to be.

88 Rev. George Trask, the ''•Anti-Tobacco Apostle!'

Some years later he was advised by a clerical brother to publish extracts from his experiences in traveling about the country, and in 1863 there appeared his "Journal and Memoranda of My War on Tobacco." The writer has seen onl3^ extracts for the years 1852, 1853 and 1854, and there is no evidence that there are published records of other years.

A few of these extracts from his printed journal will perhaps, better than anything else, give an ciccurate idea of Mr. Trask's methods and labors in prosecuting his mission :

Oct. 28, 1852. — On my way to Boston see Rev. Dr. P. in the cars; have a free talk on the evils of tobacco. He says, "It is an insidious evil; it injures the individual more than the community; to fight it is like fighting the miasma;" and winds up by saying, "Brother, I would not fight it another day. Take a parish, be quiet and happy the rest of life."

Boston. — Right in front of the Tremont Temple a clerical brother takes me by the button and facetiously asks, " Brother, have you got all the tobacco out of the world?" "Not all, brother; to mend the world is a vast concern. Dr. P. Ijids me quit this reform and take a parish." "No, no," my friend exclaims, "go on; agitate, agitate. It is up-hill work, but in the strength of the Lord go on." Doctors disagree.

Maiden, Nov. 1. — The clergy here seem about right. They entertain my cause with sufficient respect and interest. Sabbath. — In the morning preach on the sinful aflinities of tobacco, in the Methodist church; in the afternoon, on the same, in the Baptist church. In the evening I lec- tured chiefly on the traffic in this poison. As I enlarged on the immo- ralit}' of manufacturing cigars and selling them to thoughtless urchins and dandies, my audience became much excited. The cause I could not divine. As I closed I learned that a superannuated clergyman, "deaf as an adder," and who had kept his trumpet at his ear all the evening, was a manufacturer of cigars and had piles of the genuine Havana at the depot, manufactured in Maiden! The audience was excited, not so much by the magic of my clotiuencc, as by the fact that I was dealing with a brother clerg^'man a little as Nathan dealt with David.

Monday morning. — Call un my clerical friend. He appears well; talks like a good man. He says, "You convinced me, last evening, that

Rei'. George Trask, tJie ''A)iti-Tohacco Apostle^ 89

I am in bad business. When I have used up the little stock I now have I'll (|uit it; and as some atonement for damages done, I will buy one hundred copies of Tncle Tobj' on Tobacco,' and spread them among the Ijoys." A child can see the poor man's inconsistency.

Labor in Maiden not in vain. Addressed three Sabbath schools, five day schools ; obtained a good number of names to my pledge. Collec- tion, $8.75.

Stoneham, Nov. 8. Sunday. — Preach for Messrs. Whitcomb and Jew- ell, both ver^- kind and wide awake. Lectured both Sabbath and Mon- day evenings. Collection, $5.37. A few "Uncle Tobies" sold, still more disappeared. Hope they will do the 3'oung robbers good. Whitefield, as he left Marblehead, having made no converts, mounted a lofty rock and cried, "Marblehead and marble hearts!" I mount the stage to leave Stoneham, sa3-ing, "Lord, turn Stoneham hearts to hearts of flesh I "

Andover, Nov. 21. — Called on Rev. Dr. Justin Edwards. He re- marked: "An anti-narcotic reform is coming on. It is a necessity of the age and I am glad 3'ou are doing something in this direction." » » « "Doctor," said 1, "I must travel, lecture, preach and print on this sub- ject. How shall I obtain support?" The good man put his lips in posi- tion and as usual simply said, "Trust God."

Called on Professor , of the seminary. He assures me that I

shall do a world of good if I do not carry matters too far. " I chew a little," he adds. "The little I chew does me good. I detest smok- ing— it poisons the common air."

I passed to the seminary to give a lecture to the students. The first I met accosted me thus: "Mr. Trask, a-ou came too late to benefit me. I gave up tobacco some three months ago." "You smoke, ni\' young brother; I smell it." "Yes, I must smoke a little; but / abhor chew- ing." Doctors disagree.

Concord, N. H., Dec. 7. — On the college score I call on Frank Pierce at the Eagle House. He endorses m\' notions on the affinities of to- bacco and strong drinks by some striking statements, and thanks me for my "Boys' Temperance Book," a copy of which was sent to his lit- tle son b^' Mr. Lawrence. God made Frank a gentleman — slave-drivers will make him president.

Boston, Dec. 31. — Sad! sad! Hear of the decease of Amos Law- rence, Esq. Man}' rills of beneficence are cut off by this stroke of death. He had just begun to show an interest in my huml)le cause, had printed two editions of m\' "Uncle Toby" and generoush' spread them over the land. Hut 3'esterday he said, "I like this boys' book. If I live, every school-boy in our state shall have a copy." "I owe," he says, "my

90 Rev. George Trask, the '' A iiti-Tobacco Apostle."

present position in society, under God, to the fact that I never used rum or tobacco." He wrote in his pocket-book, "How hardh' shall they who have riches enter into the kingdom of heaven!" On whom has the mantle of Lawrence fallen ?

Boston, Jan. 16, 1853.— I see, at the Marlboro' Hotel, Rev. Dr. Walker of Vermont. He says, "Clergymen and Christians must set a safe example, or we can no more stop the use of tobacco than we can stop Niagara."

I sit at the table by Hon. Amasa Walker, secretary of state. I ob- served to him, "You are scented with the odor of the weed, and, as much as you hate it, you must have Ijeen smoking." "O, no," he replied, "I have only been in bad company. I have been at the Revere House with the governor and council."

A Boston deacon takes me by the arm and says, "I once thought \'ou a fool for fighting tobacco. I have stopped smoking and begin to think you are a wise man." "Reformers, deacon, always have the name of being a little 'cracked.' Even the apostles did not escape the re- proach. We bide our time."

I tramp up and down the streets to get booksellers to sell my anti- tobacco productions. They all politely excuse themselves and give me to understand that it is not their business to carry on reforms, but to make money. The notions of Boston booksellers are not verj' celestial and sublime.

Essex, Jan. 15. — I am here by a previous understanding with Dr. Crowell; but I learn that his mother-in-law, Mrs. Choate, lies dead in the house. Hence I tell the doctor that his people will not expect a theme like mine to-morrow, and I had better go elsewhere. " You are mistaken," he replies; "This is just the time we need your sympathies. Preach on your reform in the morning; preach a funeral sermon in the afternoon, and lecture in the evening." I did so.

Had an interview after the funeral with Hon. Rufus Choate. He asks many ([uestions respecting the bearings of tobacco on individuals and nations. He says, "It is a mystery, a standing mystery, that a narcotic so destructive should be used by so many millions and excite so little attention. I never used it. It has been said that I used opium; but I don't know opium from other poisons, in color or taste." I asked him if Mr. Webster used tobacco. He said, "No, he is an enem^' to it. If he has sometimes taken a pinch of snuflf with Mr. Clay, or somebody else, it was on the score of courtesy; but Mr. Web.ster abhorred the common use of it."

Rev. George Trask, the ''Aitti-Tobaeeo .l/yost/e." 91

Clinton, Jan. 23.— Do my best to present my cause here. Do not succeed. I am told there is a revival in prospect— had better not do it. According to King Solomon, there are some things sufficient to make a wise man mad. Now, there is no revival here, and, I fear, no prospect of one. There is a gentleman here, however, an abominable smoker, who controls the pulpit at pleasure, and this "expounds the riddle." If. however, a revival were in prospect, what harm would it do to beseech these numerous "factory hands," steeped in lager beer and smoke, to drop their idols and have a part in a blessing so rich ?

Boston, Feb. 9.— Prayer meeting in Old South chapel. Subject for discussion was "Obstacles to Revivals." One brother named the errors of the day; another, theatres, balls, horse races; another, the unbelief and deadness of the church. I named intoxicating drugs and drinks and the destructive power of tobacco on young men. A deacon, ift fine broadcloth, straight and handsome, called me to order and appealed to the meeting to decide whether this was a place to introduce a reform of this nature. It was a Boston meeting. It largely sympathized with the deacon. He was up and the "anti-tobacco apostle" was down.

Beverly, Feb. 20.— Addressed three Sabbath schools. Preached at the Dane street church in the afternoon. Lectured on the destructive eftccts of tobacco on the body and soul, on church and state, in the evening. Large audiences, though Beverly people are eminently sensitive in relation to what they hear on Lord's day evening. My friend, A. W., says, "The lecture had better been given on some other evening." He says, also, that a neighbor hard by, who had no scruples about reading Scott's novels all Sabbath day, says my lecture was a profanation of the Sabbath, and exclaims, "O, you going t-j hear tobacco talked about on the Sabbath I" Ahl when will people see that anything which stu- pefies and stultifies the immortal mind • * • » • should be assailed Sabbath day or an^- da^' ?

Thursday, 21st.— In company with "'Squire Rantoul " and the Rev. .Mr. Thaj-er visit schools and address them on my theme. The venera- ble 'squire was a boanerges against rum when I was a bo}-. He is now a boanerges against tobacco.

Templeton, March 2.— Lectured in the town hall on the vile affinities of the weed. Tracts, etc., had a fine run here. They gave me a collec- tion of $1.85, and passed a resolution expressive of their thanks. I gave this vote of thanks, very courteously, to the conductor, to pay my passage. lie smiled and refused it. Conductors are rather particular what money they take!

92 Rev. George Trask, the ^'Anti-Tobacco Apostle.''

Gardner, March 6. — Preach here and lecture in the evening. Large audience. Brethren Paine, Hohnes, Stowell and other clergymen present. A spirited meeting. Contribution, $7.

See a Baptist clergyman. He talks sensibly about the evils of to- bacco. He has no charge — doing nothing — has nothing to do. I assure him that I cannot beg a salary for myself, but I can, with good grace, and will, beg a salary for him, if he will work in the anti-tobacco vine- yard. He curls his lip and leaves me to infer that he scorns a work so humble! Ah, how slow are we to learn that there is dignitv in work and dignity in doing good in any sphere !

Sterling, March 20. Sabbath. — Preached for Messrs. Green and Guil- ford and gave an evening lecture. Sterling is sadh- saturated in rum and tobacco. The twin devils have fair play here. O, Lord, bless my poor efforts in casting them out!

Boston, March 22. — An agreeable chat with A. A. Lawrence, Esq. He sa3's, "My father's anti-tobacco hobby was a good one," and adds, "It can hardly be expected that his family will show the same zeal in the cause." He, however, contributed $10, and Dr. William Lawrence the same. Chips of the old block.

Concord, Ma3' 8. — Preached here and attempted to lecture at a third service, but was prevented by a thunder storm. May 9. — Attempt to lecture again, but find I run an opposition stage with California bears on exhibition here. Paul fought with beasts at Ephesus; we with bears at Concord. I know not how large an audience Bruin & Co., my rivals, had, but mine was sufficiently small to keep me humble. My visit here, however, is not a failure. Father Hoar — noble Puritan — expresses much interest in my mission and has accompanied me to all the schools.

May 13. — On iwy route to Waltham. Three red cents in my treas- ury to hire a hall, pay board and battle the most popular of all nar- cotics. God give me grit and grace !

Boston, May 27.— Meet Hon. Charles Sumner on Boston Mall. He says, "Congress is all defiled by tobacco! If you will do anything, my friend Trask, towards removing the gigantic evil, I will," pointing to the state house, "see to it that 3-ou have ^i statue there."

These extracts show how thoroughly imbued Mr. Trask was with the idea of the vaUie and importance of his peculiar mission and the cheery wa}' in which he met the man}' ol)stacles that naturally arose in a crusade against so popular and universal an evil. Many scoffed

Rev. George Trask, the ''Aiiti-Tobacco Apostle!' 93

at him and made fun of his work, but he also had numer- ous staunch friends and supporters, not a few of whom were people of note.

During his quarter century of labor, Mr. Trask pub- lished some three hundred tracts, which were always forci- ble and to the point ; most of them contained some strik- ing example of the evil arising from the use of tobacco or strong drink. Man}' were illustrated. The3' were chiefl\^ in prose, but a number of them were in verse and were mainly contributed by Mrs. Phoebe A. Hanaford and Mrs. Caroline A. Mason. The stereot3'ped plates of his tracts and some other publications were damaged in the great Boston fire in November, 1872. The writer has one of these damaged plates, interesting both as a memento of Air. Trask and as a relic of the fire. Mr. Trask published several pamphlets and at least two small books — "Uncle Tob^-'s Letters to His Nephew, Bill}- Bruce," and "Dr. Ed- ward Hitchcock's Zoological Temperance Convention" — a cop3^ of each of which was given b^- Mr. Trask to the writer when he was hardly old enough to read them. These books, each inscribed "To m^^ young friend, Ather- ton, Geo. Trask," are highh^ prized. The Anti-Tobacco Journal he published at two different times, and in 1871 he issued a thick pamphlet containing an "Autobiographi- cal Sketch," "Journal and Memoranda of My War on Tobacco," "Reports of the American Anti-Tobacco So- ciety'," etc. All these publications are hard to find now, and probabh' a complete set is unobtainable. This society will doubtless have a tolerably complete set if ever a place is provided for their safe keeping.

Mr. Trask also had an anti-tobacco medal about the size of a silver quarter dollar. It was made of ^-ellow metal and was as resplendent as gold when new. These medals were freely circulated hy Mr. Trask during his travels, but are rarely seen now. His daughter, Mrs.

94 Rev. George Trask, the ''Anti-Tobacco Apostle.^''

Ruth Q. Powell, of Scranton, Penn., has recently pre- sented to this society a handsome specimen in mint state. The first report of the "American Anti-Tobacco So- ciety" is dated " Fitchburg, Mass., May 30, 1860," and covers a period of ten 3^ears preceding. It opens thus :

Ladies and Gentlemen : A few friends liave urged nie to call you to- gether to listen to a statement of the doings of the American Anti-To- bacco Society for the ten 3'ears of its existence, and to give you an opportunity- to adopt measures to arrest an evil of our times of great magnitude.

Other societies spread before you, as officers, a proud array of the great and good, whose presence dignifies their operations and commands public homage and applause. This society is not rich in names; still, we are happy to present a Board of Officers so united in purpose, so efficient in action, so reliable and so well-looking, considering the " wear and tear" of this decade of hard service. The president of this societ}' is George Trask. The vice-president, secretary, treasurer and auditor is the Rev. George Trask. The honorary bod\-, corporate and incorporate, is the same unwearied individual, the "Anti-Tobacco Apostle." Fearing that rival societies, envious of our honors, may charge us with egotism, we would remind them that Dr. Timoth3^ Dwight has said that wego- tism is as bad as egotism.

The object of this society is to break up a death-like, prevalent stu- pidity in relation to the evils of tobacco, and "by light and love'' cre- ate a public conscience which, we trust in God, will lead to the removal of so great a curse. Other societies wield the Ijattle-axe of reform against local evils; this evil is all-pervasive; this demoralizes nations. Christian and heathen.

Among obstacles to the society's work the report enu- merates the incorrigibility of the habit, the insidious man- ner in which the narcotic does wiischief, the scorn and derision encountered from both saints and sinners, the indulgence with which manj^ ladies regard the habit, and the cowardice of the clerg}'. The report then goes on to state that during the past ten years Mr. Trask had deliv- ered over 2000 sermons and lectures on the subject, in eight different states, besides addressing manj^ colleges,

Rev. George Trashy tJie '■'Anti-Tobacco Apostle ^ 96

academies, female seminaries and over 2000 common schools and Sabbath schools, and pledging many thousand youths to total abstinence from strong drink, tobacco and profane language. Several small books and thirty tracts had been published, free from copyright. The pub- lication of the Anti-Tobacco Journal, "richly illustrated with cuttin<^- cuts,'' is mentioned as having been begun in November, 1859. I^rice $1 per year, with 400 subscribers. During the ten years the total receipts, in the form of voluntary- contributions, were onh' three thousand, five hundred and forty-one dollars and eighty-four cents — truly a meagre salary- for such an immense amount of mental and plwsical toil! After 1860 these reports were pub- lished annually until 1870, and perhaps longer, and arc well worth reading.

During the civil war Mr. Trask issued a series of "Tracts for Our Arm3^ and Navy," which were freeh' dis- tri1)uted among the soldiers and marines, and doubtless did good service.

Although Mr. Trask was away from town so much, 3-et his portly form and genial face were often seen upon our streets and in our homes; and, although so deeph- engrossed in his mission, he never forgot or neglected his duties as a citizen of the town and state. In town meet- ings his voice was alwa^-s raised in support of all meas- ures Ccdculated to result in benefit to the people, and his ready, active debate will be remembered by many. He often addressed other public meetings and took a lively interest in ever\'thing that in an^- way tended to promote the public weal, or ameliorate the condition of his less fortunate fellow-men and advance them in Christian civili- zation. His zeal and labors in the anti-slaver^' cause were persistent, and during the war he was present at almost all the numerous meetings held in Fitchburg for the relief and succor of our boys in the field of war and often was

96 Rev. George Trask, iJte ''Anti-Tohacco Apostle ^

one of the speakers. Of course, \Qxy naturally, he fre- quently strayed away onto the tobacco subject when speaking, and this fact detracted somewhat from the force of his remarks on the minds of his audience; but it has 1)een affirmed that at at least one of these war meetings he made by far the most telling address and helped the cause along more than all the other speakers put together.

Mr. Trask was pre-eminently a man of action. Over the desk in his study were these words in large letters : "If you have anything to do, do it." This was the mot- to of his life and he conscientiously lived up to it. He was a kindly, gentle man, a gentleman of the old school. Among the v^^riter's earliest recollections is that of the genial, cheery presence of Mr. Trask and his good wife and their children in the house on Laurel hill. A throng of pleasant memories arise in recalling the frequent inter- change of visits during the fifteen years prior to Mr. Trask's death and the breaking up of the home he so long occupied on Crescent street. It was a delightful place to visit. Mr. Trask was jovial and witty and withal a fine-looking man. He had a twinkle in his eyes and an almost j"oguish expression in his licnign counte- nance that made young folks like him. Mrs. Trask, with her kindly face surrounded by a lace cap of goodly dimen- sions and perennial snowy whiteness, was always enter- taining. About a 3'ear and a half after Mr. Trask's death she went to Boston Highlands to reside with her daugh- ter, Mrs. John L. Hill. She continued to live with the Hill family until her death, November 1, 1880, at the age of nearly eighty-one years. Her funeral was held at the Rollstone church in this town November 4, and the burial was in the family lot in Laurel Hill cemetery.

Mr. and Mrs. Trask had a family of six children, all of whom lived to adult age with the exception of one, William Dodge, w^ho died, at the age of eight months, on

Rev. George Trask, the "xlnti-Tobacco Apostle." 97

January 25, 1844, just thirt\'-one ^'■ears before his father. Two other sons, Brainerd Packard and Josiah Chapin, died in the prime of manhood. Brainerd P. Trask was born August 6, 1834. He served as an officer in the U. S. navy during the war, and was acting ensign of the "Congress" at the time of the memorable action with the confederate "Cumberland." He married Miss Ma r\' Cann, sister of George W. Cann, formerly of this town. After the war he studied law, and was about to be admitted to the bar at the time of his death in Frederick, Mary- land, September 29, 1870.

Josiah C. Trask was born May 9, 1837. He was one of the Fitchburg pioneers in Kansas. At the age of six- teen he left home to find emplo_vment in his chosen profes- sion—journalism— and became foreman of the pressroom of a New York paper. The Evangelist. Three years later he emigrated to Kansas and took up his residence in Lawrence in that state. In 1862 he married Miss Rhoda Hibbard. He was an ardent admirer and supporter of Charles Robinson, who later became governor of Kansas. He continued his journalistic career and became editor of the Kansas State Journal, and the bold and manly stand he took for freedom, in his paper, caused him to be early marked as a victim l)y the enemies of liberty-. He was one of the first to fall in Quantrell's raid on Lawrence, August 21, 1863. He was called out of his house at early dawn and shot down by the guerrillas l^efore the very eyes of his 3-oung wife. The Ijody of this nol)le A'oung patriot and martyr was brought to his New England home and laid to rest in Laurel Hill cemetery. The funeral service was conducted l)y Rev. Elnathan Davis, his former pastor. The following extracts from Rev. Mr. Da- vis' tril)ntc arc worthy ol record, as showing the sterling qualities pcjssessed l)y Josiah C. Trask:

98 Rev. George Trask, tJie "■Auti-Tobacco Apostle^

Governor Robinson, with other state officers, had been indicted, on charges of a gross nature, bv the senate of Kansas, and he asked young Trask to go to the seat of government and publish a small daily sheet in his defence during the trial. The boy editor loved the governor, but he would not defend him if guilty ; and so he asked him in his straight way, "Governor, /s it all right?'' "Trask," was the equally straight reply, "You can trust me; it is all right.'' Each knew, as great souls always do, his man. The case was defended in a keen little sheet and the young editor had the satisfaction of seeing the executive of Kansas vnanimousiy acquitted by the same bod\' that corruptly indicted him. He was asked, sometime previous to his fall, " What will you do if the guerrillas invade your state?" His reph' was brave and characteristic: "I'll die for Kansas!"

Truly it was sad to have a young life, so full of rare promise, blotted out by dastardly border ruffians, and his tragic death must have stirred many hearts in Fitchburg to their lowest depths.

The other three children of Mr. and Mrs. Trask still survive. George Kellogg, the oldest son, married Miss Ellen M. Waite of Fitchburg. For over thirty years he has been a resident of Indianapolis, Indiana, and is con- nected with the Indianapolis Journal as railroad editor. He visited Fitchburg for a few days during the past sum- mer, and the writer regrets that appointments to meet him and secure additional material for this sketch of his father unavoidably fell through.

Of the two daughters, Ruth Quincy married Lewis B. Powell, who died several years after their marriage. She resides in Scranton, Penn., and has aided considerably in the preparation of this paper.

Eliza Sessions Carpenter Trask nuirried John L. Hill. She possesses in a marked degree her father's reform instincts and is widely known as a lecturer.

It now remains to saN' ^i few words touching the close of Rev. George Trask's life and labors. During these last 3'^ears he suffered more or less at intervals from some

Rev. George 7 rusk, tJic ''Aiiti-Tobacco Apostle^ 99

affection of the heart. His step became less firm and elas- tic and he began to show the effects of old age and ardu- ous labor. Still, he lost none of his zeal. During 1874, in addition to his regular missionary work, he officiated as chaplain at the Fitchburg house of correction and preached there fifty-two Sundays without omitting a sin- gle one.

Through the courtesy of Rev. Edwin R. Hodgman, for many years scribe of the Middlesex Union Association, of which Mr. Trask was a member, I have a copy of the following letter:

Fitchburg, Dec. 29, 1874. Dear Bro. Hodgman : Your letter I read with interest and sj-mpa- thy. I am profoundly impressed with 3'our toilsome labors and surpass- inff self-denial in long serving the association. We have few "like- minded." I am an old man. My compeers, dear honorable men, are falling on every hand and I am daily admonished of my own doom. I hard]}' expect to live to the coming March, but if the association will take the risk of mj' being alive on the earth at that time, I welcome them here and will stand in open door and say, "afo imo pectore" — "Come in, come in, ye beloved of the Lord." I am frail, I am crushed with labors, but the Lord permitting I shall be with you at Ayer, the pill box, next Tuesday, and confer, perhaps, still further. Pray for me, brother, that I may do a little more good. Give my poor face (enclosed) to some dear soul that loves the Saviour and loves reforms.

Yours as ever, Geo. Trask.

Rev. Mr. Hodgman, who no\v resides in Townsend, adds the following:

This was the last letter I received from Brother Trask. He did not meet with us at Ayer. He died about four weeks after it was written. I have copied it because I wish to keep the original.

About the 10th of January, 1875, Mr. Trask experi- enced a sudden and (|uite severe exacerbation of his heart dirticidty and was confined to his room until his death, January 25. He was engaged at the time in the prepara- tion of a tract — " Spurgeon and his Cigar." The great

100 Rev. George Trask, tJie ''Anti-Tobacco Apostle.^''

London divine's use and public defense of tobacco had greatly disturbed Mr. Trask, and his earnest desire was to live long enough to see this tract printed and distribu- ted, and have a copy in Dr. Spurgeon's hands. He worked on it as much as he could and was reading the second proof at the time of his death. The tract was soon after printed uncompleted exactly as he left it and is very keen and just.

As far as other matters were concerned he felt ready to die. "During his last illness he expressed no desire to recover, but rather an anxiety to depart. He thought he had reached such an age that he would no longer be use- ful, but rather a burden to his friends. Better for the world had no worse men than George Trask lived in it." And yet, towards the last of his illness, when some slight signs of improvement were manifested, he exclaimed to one of his daughters, "It looks, child, as if the Lord was going to let me get up again. If he does, I'll take up my battle-axe and go at it again." He was conscious of hav- ing been a martyr in a good and righteous, but unpopu- lar cause, and often made the remark, "I'm not so great a man as Martin Luther, but I have the same mart\^r spirit."

On the morning of January 25, 1875, he was seated in his easy chair, reading a book brought to him by his daughter Ruth. It was Huxley's "Lay Sermons," and he enjoyed it very keenly. A few minutes before noon he arose from his chair and looked into the mirror. He went back to his chair, reopened the book he had l)ccn reading, threw up both arms and almost instantly expired. His strong religious faith was maintained to the very end. Only a few minutes laefore his death, speaking of the vic- tory over death, he said, "How' do we get this victory? Through sinful man ? No. Through the church ? No. Thanks be to God, through our Lord Jesus Christ! That's it! that's it!"

Rev. George Trask, the "Aiiti-Tobacco Apostle." 101

His funeral was held Januar\' 28, at the Rollstone church, the pastor, Rev. Leverett W. Spring, conducting the services. Revs. A. P. Marvin of Lancaster, George Allen of Worcester, Edwin R. Hodgman and others took part, and a large number of his friends from far and ncjir were present. The burial was in the family lot in Laurel Hill cemetery.

In the course of his eulogy on Mr. Trask's life and work, Rev. Mr. Spring said :

Our friend will be known as the great anti-tobacco agitator, but he was a reformer before he made war on tobacco. The character of a re- former needs original personal traits, and Mr. Trask had these to an extent that might be called eccentricities. To judge of his character one must be thoroughl}- acquainted with his whole life. He belonged to the givers rather than the receivers. His desire was to lessen the sufferings of mankind.

No words were wasted by Mr. Trask in his published tracts. They flew, like the arrow, straight to the mark. In his anal3'sis of character there was a sort of ideality'. It was marked by justness, penetrating as it did into the very springs of life and thought. Towards younger men he showed nothing of jealous3', but rather the heartiest applause of everything well done. Mr. Trask has shown the possession of the great- est courage, such as few- men attain to, in undertaking this great reform, unpopular as it is and was. By and Ijy, if not now, men will put upon that head the chaplet of heroism. No man can be efficient in any re- form and not arouse hostility. In the end it will Ik- shown that he has started a war that shall tell of power that has been and power that is. He died gloriously.

Rev. A. P. Marvin in his brief tribute said :

The tendency' of reform is to embitter the reformer; but the si)irit of George Trask grew sweeter and sweeter as he grew <jlder.

The following just and fitting memorial to the char- acter, life and work of Rev. George Trask was entered upon the records of the Middlesex Union Association, at a meeting held in Fitchburg, March 8, 1875:

102 Rev. George Trask, the ""Anti-Tobacco Apostle''

It having pleased God, our Savior, to call to a higher service in Heaven, our l)eloved brcHher, Rev. George Trask, a member of this as- sociation, we, his associates and fellow-laborers in the ministry, do here- by express our conviction that he was a true man of God, endowed with great force of intellect, clearness of vision and strength of purpose ; a man renewed ])y the Holy Spirit and ordained a preacher of righteous- ness of singular directness and power; a real philanthrojiist, pure in heart and life, liberal, genial, tenacious of his own views, but charitable toward all men, magnanimous, patient under scorn and reproach, dis- tinguished for the love that is "not easily provoked," but "endureth all things;" a man of strong faith, who walked with God in daily com- munion and fellowship, called by the Master to a work of reform in which he showed rare devotion to principle, a spirit of noble self-sacrifice, and a dauntless courage and heroism in the support of an unpopular cause, and in which he died with his hand still grasping the sword of truth; a man whose growing spirituality and loyalty to Christ have been more and more manifest as he drew near the end, and whose ten- der, fraternal spirit has been a source of jo_v to us all.

To him the translation brings unspeakable gain ; to us it brings de- privation and loss, but not tears; for we shall gather inspiration from his example to finish our course with joy, and the ministry which we have received of the Lord Jesus.

We tender to the family of our departed brother our sympathv and (jur congratulations — our sympathy for the pain which results from the Icjss of his presence and the aroma of his piety; our congratulations that he has won the rest and the crown.

Edwin K. Hodgman, Scribe.

Let US close this paper with an epitaph suggested b3' John Pierpont, the poet. Riding in the cars from Brattle- boro, Yt., one Monday morning, Mr. Pierpont and Mr. Trask were fellow-passengers. " What did you do yester- day?" asked Mr. Pierpont. " I preached," said Mr. Trask, "to Baptist friends in the morning on the text 'Whether ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God,' and showed them they could not glorify God by using tobacco. I addressed three Saljliath schools at noon ; showed the boys that tobacco tends to idleness, poverty, strong- drink, vice, ill health, insanity and death. 1

Rev. George Tnisk, the ''Anti-Tobacco Apostle.'' 103

preached to the CongregationaHsts in West Brattleboro in the afternoon on the text 'That which is highl^y esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God ; ' showed them that men highly esteemed tobacco, but God abhorred it. I lectured in the evening in the town hall to a noble bod^^ of young men on the destructive effects of tobacco in manifold respects." The poet uttered an exclamation of surprise, "A prodigious worker!" After musing a mo- ment he said, "I will give you your epitaph." Then in a Hudibrastic sort of verse, which Mr. Trask could not re- member, he said in sulistance, this: "We have great men enough, philosophers enough, poets enough, geniuses enough, LL. D.'s enough, D. D.'s enough; the world needs workers; here lies one. This is your epitaph."

THE VERSE WRITERvS OF FITCHBURO, PAST AND PRESENT.

Read at a meeting of the Soeiety October 17, 1S9S. BY HENRY A. GOODRICH.

At the solicitation of members of this society', the writer has undertaken the delicate task of collecting and transmitting specimen verses by Fitchburg writers, accom- panied in some instances b^^ a l)rief liiographical sketch of the author.

It must be apparent to every one who gives the sub- ject a moment's thought, that the first attempt at such a compilation must fall far short of completeness. It is like going into the fields in summer to gather flowers. How- ever varied and comprehensive the selection, there will still be many choice specimens left undisturbed.

It is not unlikely that some authors of real merit, and that some "gem of purest ray serene," may yet remain undiscovered. If any such are known, the writer will be only too glad to revise this paper before its final publica- tion. Valuable assistance has been rendered l)y your sec- retary, and by Miss Martha D. Tolman, as will ap])car later on.

As a matter of local histor^^ it is well to recall even the little gems of thought which are liable to be lost or forgotten. Wc rcnicnil)cr that Longfellow once asked a friend to read :

The \^ersc Writers of Fitehbnrg. 106

Not from the grand old Masters,

Not from the bards sublime, Whose distant footsteps echo

Through the corridors of Time;

Read from some humbler poet,

Whose songs gush from his heart, As showers from the clouds of summer,

Or tears from the eyelids start.

Previous to the establishment of the first printing office in Fitchburg, which was in 1830, there is no record of verse writing in this locality, save a few uncouth rh3'mes scattered here and there. Still, there ma^- be in existence some original poems which have never been in type.

The first collection of local verse of any consequence was published in 1831, in a little magazine called The Album, devoted to original tales, selections and poetry. During its brief existence of less than one 3'ear, there ap- peared poems, presumabl}' by local writers, although none of them signed their full names. Two were signed "Uncas," but who "I'ncas" was we have not been able to deter- mine.

The first was an ode to Baron De Kalb, an enthusias- tic German, who espoused our cause at an early period of the American Revolution. He fell at the battle of Camden in 1780, receiving eleven bayonet wounds. MauA' years afterward Gen. Washington visited Camden and inquired for his grave, for there was then no monument to mark the spot.

After gazing in silence for a few moments, he exclaimed, "So there lies the brave Baron De Kalb — the generous stranger who came from a distant land to fight our bat- tles, and to water with his blood the Tree of Liberty!"

The ode of "Uncas" consisted of seven stanziis, of which the following are the first and second:

106 The Verse Writers of Fitclibnrg.

Sleep on, thou ])ravest of the brave. Who came from a foreign land to save

From stern oppression's grasp, A few, that had risen in their might. And were rushing on to the bloody fight

For sacred Liberty.

With fondness we remember yet,

The time when our patriot fathers met

And laid the t^vrant low. When freemen rose, and side by side Withstood the rushing, stormy tide

That swept our happ_v shore.

Another selection from The Album has more of local interest at the present time. It was entitled "Lines writ- ten while standing on the shore of Uncheewalem," Ijy " Auvin."

This was the old Indian name for what is now Wha- lom lake, and were the author living to-day he might quietly seat himself l^eneath the umbrage of Whalom park, instead of standing on the shore as he did when he penned these lines :

Silent lake, whose bland waters fret

And dash upon the pebbled shore, As the ripple and the wave bear on

The light boat, that is dancing o'er Thy bosom clear — nor starts the tribe That on thy surface noiseless ride.

The fearless boy sits at the helm,

And onward guides his light, frail skiff.

Lightly dipping his little oar,

As he steers for the beetling cliff.

Where the fish-hawk, with piercing e_ve,

Sits and watches for the finny fry.

It is not altogether certain that the author stood all the time while writing this poem, for he says in the third verse :

TJic Verse Writers of FitcJiburg. 107

I love to sit and gaze on thee,

And watch the Hght ripple and wave.

That's wafted by the rising breeze To the deep-wooded banks, to lave

The rocky beach, as the3' did before

The white man knew thy peaceful shore.

Then follows "The Phantom Ship," by "P. T. Q.;" "The Days of Boyhood," by "Alberto;" "The Choice," by "Roscoe;" "A Dream," by " Rolla ; " "Death," by "Ilia." None of these last-named poems have any local or historic interest, and it is hardh' worth while to repro- duce them, especially as there is no clue to their true authorship.*

The last contribution to The Album was a clever specimen of magazine poetry by " T. H. B.," entitled "He Came at Morn." This is already published in full in the first volume of the Proceedings of this societ3\

Marj^ Lampson was one of the earh" verse writers. Born in Fitchburg, she early in life moved to Rutland, Vt. Returned to Fitchburg a short time before her death, which occurred Ma^' 11, 1832, aged twent^'-five years.

Undoubtedly the most extensive writer of poetr3' who ever lived in Fitchburg was Augustine J. Hicke^^ after- wards known as Col. J. H. Duganne. He was born in 1823, came to Fitchburg during his boyhood, and was employed in the Sentinel printing office. At the age of fif- teen he w^as a pupil at the F'itchburg academy, under the tutorship of Cragin and Waldo.

*In a bound volume of The Album, forinerly owned by Dr. Oti.s Abercrombic of Lunenburg, and recently presented to this Society l)y his son, Otis P. .\bcr- crombie, Esq., there are annotations in the handwriting of the former owner, giving the names of some of the contributors. J. K. Whitcomb, the editor, wrote under the assumed names of "Tineas." "Oscar," "Alberto," "Roscoe," "Rolla," and others. I. Porter Putnam used the jiseudonyms " .\uvin," ;ind "McTrvin." Mr. Putnam was a son of Isaiah and liann;ih (Cowdin) Putnam of I-'itchburg. He died in Havana. Cuba, Sept. 10, l.s;i4., at the age of twenty- four years. J. V . D. G.

108 The Verse Writers of FitcJilnirg.

His poetic taste was ver3^ early developed ; while 3'et a schoolboy he commenced to write verses, some of which are still remembered by his early schoolmates. His first publications were written for the Sentinel and signed "Julian," but were carefully copied liy a friend before the^^ reached the office, so that not even the pul^lisher of the paper knew the real author.

The first of his poems to attract public attention w^as the following, published in 1839, at the age of sixteen:

Hark ! hear ye the sound that is borne on the gale ? And wot ye what meaneth that wild, ringing wail? 'Tis the intellect's groan — 'tis the wail of the mind, — 'Tis the clash of the chains that the soul has confined.

Then on to the rescue — its call is to thee, Arise to its beckoning — arise and be free ; Let the mists of Ignorance fade from our land, And Bigotry vanish at Freedt)m's command.

Let the sons of New England arise in their might; Let them spread the glad tidings of new coming light; And over each mountain and over each vale Let the yeoman's cry be "Education all Hail!"

After leaving Fitchburg, Hickey went to Boston, hired an office and went into the business of proof-reading, in connection with his literar3' work. He soon after, in 1844, published a handbook of patriotic songs and po- ems. He subsequently- went to New York and was at one time connected with the Tribune.

In 1855 a large volume of 400 pages of his poems was published by Farry & McMillan of Philadelphia. The first poem in this collection was entitled "The Mis- sion of Intellect," and was somewhat lengthy, as were many of his publications. It opens with a reference to personal experience, as expressed in the following lines :

I was a student in the school of earth — I was a wrestler in the strife for gain —

The ]^eTse Writers of FitcJilnirg. 109

Until a voice, which was not of m^-self,

Out led my soul from life. My refluent thoujjjht

Upon the electric wires of wondrous sleep

Had compassed the immeasurable Past,

And journeyed with the Ages!

These lines, with several pages which followed, \Yere entitled "The Vision," while the closing stanzas were under the head of "Aspiration." In the last verses are summed up the author's idea of the mission of intellect.

Lo ! the Thought is Man's redemption — Man's enfranchisement from wrong — When the Earth to all God's children, • Shall in brotherhood belong —

And the weak shall rest securely On the bosom of the strong.

Perhaps the most unique poem in the collection is the one entitled " Parnassus in Pillory," a clever satire of 56 pages, in w^hich almost ever^' prominent contemporary author comes in for a share. For instance, this is the way he begins to address James T. Fields :

Ah, Jimmy Fields! thy verse I'll not berate; Bostonia's Helicon is Cochituate ! Why should we mourn in these teetotal times, That water-level is the gauge of rhymes ? Rich are thy covers — ink and paper good; So we'll forgive the inside platitude.

His parting salute to Whittier is characteristic of the whole poem :

Whittier, adieu ! my blows I would not spare. For whom I strike, I strike who best can bear. Oft in this rhyme of mine I lash full hard The man whom most I love as friend and bard.

These two metrical essays, "The Mission of Intellect" and " Parnassus in Pillory," are the longest in this collec- tion. Several other volumes of Duganne's poems have

110 The Verse Writers of FitcJibnrg.

been published, no less than three of which are in our public library.

Some of his shorter poems are more readable and would seem quite as meritorious. For example, we will quote a verse from "Plymouth Rock."

Rock of Freedom — old and hoary —

Footstool of the Pilgrim band ! Emblem of their toil and glory —

Altar where their children stand; Lo ! we keep th^' name immortal,

We who own the Pilgrim stock ; For they marched through Freedom's portal

O'er her threshold — Plymouth Rock I %

Col. Duganne had a remarkable career from beginning to end. The story of his life would need to be consider- ably abbreviated if one should attempt to review it in a single evening. A prominent writer said of him that his lyrical powers were characterized by a nervous energy, a generous S3'mpathy with humanity, a wonderful command of language, and an ardent hatred of wrong and oppres- sion in all its forms.

Perhaps it would be fitting to his memory to quote the last verse of one of his poems :

Oh! deck my grave with tlcnvers ! The cold, dark stone would weigh my spirit down; 'Twould sink like Love beneath Misfortune's frown ; But flowers — sweet flowers — deep rooted in my heart, Would have their life in me, and be of me a part.

Then deck my grave with flowers I

One of the earlier poets who resided for a time in Fitchburg was Mary J. Wetherb}'. She was a factory girl and worked in the woolen mill in Factory square, now one of the Parkhill mills. While here she married B. F. Chapin, but did not