History of Barnstable County, Massachusetts - Introduction, 1890 | 26KB | Ray Sears - LRSears@CapeCod.net ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. ************************************************************************ _________________________________________________________ [p. i.] HISTORY ---OF--- BARNSTABLE COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS 1620 ||| -------- 1637 -----------------------1686 -------- ||| 1890 ______________ Edited by SIMEON L.DEYO ________________ Special Contributors: HON.CHARLES SWIFT, PROF. JOHN H.DILLINGHAM, CAPT. THOMAS PRINCE HOWES, JAMES GIFFORD, REV. N. H. CHAMBERLAIN, GEORGE N. MUNSELL, M.D., E. S. WHITTEMORE, ESQ., JUDGE JAMES H. PAINE, JOSIAH PAINE, JOSHUA H. PAINE, PROF. S. A. HOLTON, REV. THOMAS BELL, CHARLES DILLINGHAM, F. A. ROGERS, M.D. _______________________ ILLUSTRATED. _______________________ NEW YORK: H. W. BLAKE & CO., 1890 _________________________________________________ [p. iii] INTRODUCTION. In presenting to the people of Barnstable county this history, it is hoped that it will meet with the favorable reception which the earnest and conscientious labors of its compilers merit. It will be seen by an examination of the work that nine important chapters, besides many ,other valuable articles in it, were prepared by well-known citizens of the county, and it is believed that their names will be considered a guaranty that every reasonable effort has been made to secure accu- racy in the many details which constitute a history. Names of the special contributors appear in the work, but oppor- tunity is taken here to return thanks for the generous response with which requests for information have also been met by the clerks of the different towns, officers of societies, editors, clergymen and others who were in possession of special information that was desired. Particular acknowledgement is due for the valuable assistance ,of George E. Clarke, of Falmouth; Charles Dillingham, of Sand- wich; Calvin Burgess, of Bourne; Ferdinand G. Kelley, of Barnsta- ble; Joshua C. Howes and Watson F. Baker, of Dennis; Levi Atwood, of Chatham; Captain Alfred Kenrick and David L. Young, of Orleans; Simeon Atwood, of Wellfleet; and to Mr. Clark, of Eastham, who care- fully criticised and corrected the respective town manuscripts sub- mitted to them. The biographical sketches, for the most part, have been arranged alphabetically at the end of the several chapters. The large number of these sketches has necessitated as brief treatment as the circum- stances would warrant. No pains have been spared to make this de- partment accurate, and it is believed that it constitutes an interesting portion of the work, which will increase in value with the lapse of years. _______________________________________________________________ [p. iv] INTRODUCTION. A new feature and one of interest, is a map showing the location of the various Indian tribes and their villages, which were spread cover the Cape prior to its settlement by the whites. Another map, in its proper place, will enable the reader at a glance to learn the dates of settlement and incorporation of the -respective towns, and as a ready reference will be of great value. These maps were specially drawn for this work by the editor. While some unimportant errors may, perhaps, be found amid the multitude of details entering into the composition of a work of this character, it is believed that this result of the historians' labor will be found as free from mistakes as a work of this kind can well be made, and in behalf of these historians is asked the generous indul- gence of those who may be disposed to criticise. NEW YORK, June, 1890. [p. v] CONTENTS CHAPTER I. TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY PAGE Location and Boundaries.-Geological Formation.-Contour of the Coast.-Surface and Soil.-The Flora of the Cape.-Effect of the Landscape on the Character of the Cape Men...................................................... 1 CHAPTER II. INDIAN HISTORY. Origin.-Manners.-Customs.-Religion.-Cape Indians.-Their Villages.-Their Tribes.-Map.-Kindness.-Subjugation.-Decrease.-Extinction.-Legends.... 12 CHAPTER III. DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION. Early Discovery of the Cape.-Explorations by Gosnold and Dermer.-The Pilgrims. -The Mayflower in Cape Cod harbor.-Explorations by the Pilgrims.-Com- pact Signed.-Plymouth.-Tlie Lost Boy.-Post at Manomet.-Great Storm.- Declaration of Rights.-First Settlement of the Cape by the Whites.-Sandwich, Barnstable, Yarmouth and Nauset.-Erection of County.................. 20 CHAPTER IV. CHARTERS, GRANTS AND INDIAN DEEDS. Spanish Claims.-Cabot's Discoveries.-Plymouth Company.-Council of Plymouth. -The Pilgrims. Patent of 1629-30.-Settlement of the Cape Towns and Pur- chases from the Indians.-Charter of 1691.............................. 32 CHAPTER V. CIVIL HISTORY AND INSTITUTIONS. Basis of Civil Government.-Election of the County.-Political History.-Council- lors.-Senators.-Representatives.-Sheriffs.-Registers.-County Institutions. -Federal Institutions.-Custom House.-Lighthouses.-Life Saving Service ... 38 CHAPTER VI. MILITARY HISTORY. New England Confederation.-First Indian Troubles.-King Philip's War.-French and Indian Wars.-The Revolution.-Shay's Rebellion.-War of 1812........ 62 [p.] vi CHAPTER VII. MILITARY HISTORY (concluded). The Civil War.-The Election of Lincoln and the Fall of Sumter.-The first Call for Three-Months'Men.-Response from the Cape Towns.-War Meetings.-Sub- sequent Calls.-Bounties.-Enlistments.-Return of the Voltunteers.-G.A.R. Posts.-Monuments....................................................... 83 CHAPTER VIII. TRAVEL AND TRANSPORTATION. Packet Lines.-Mail Route and Stage Coaches.Railroads.-Express Lines.-Tele- graph and Cable Lines.-The Telephone Service............................ 110 CHAPTER IX. INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES. The Fisheries.-Coasting.-Shipbuilding.-Manufacturing.-Saltmaking.-Agricul- ture.-Cranberry Culture.-Summer Resorts.-Yachting....................... 130 CHAPTER X. THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS General View of the Rise and Course of their Principles in Barnstable County.- The Society in Sandwich.-Newell Hoxie.-The Society in Yarmouth.-David K. Akin.-The Society in Falmouth.-The Dillingham Family.............157 CHAPTER XI. BENCH AND BAR. The Judiciary of the County.-First Courts.- Formation of the Province of Massa- chusetts Bay.-Revision of the Judiciary.-Courts of the Revolutionary Period. -Early Magistrates.-Judges of the Court of Common Pleas.-Court of County Commissioners.-Probate Courts.-Trial Justices.-The Bar of Barnstable County -Lawyers, Past and Present.-Law Library Association.-District Courts....196 CHAPTER XII. MEDICAL PROFESSION. Introduction.-Barnstable District Medical Society.-Sketches of Physicians Past and Present.-Medical Examiners...........................................221 CHAPTER XIII. LITERATURE AND LITERARY PEOPLE. Early Writers.-Freeman'ss History of Cape Cod.-Other Local Works.-Poetry.- Fiction.-Occasional Writers.-The Newspapers of Barnstable County....149 CHAPTER XIV. SANDWICH. Location and Descrilption.-Settlement and Early Growth.-List of Inhabitants in 1730.-Continued Advancement.-Firing the Woods.-The Town's Poor.-The Revolutionary Period.-The Present Century.-Villages.-Civil History.- Churches.-Schools.-Societies.-Cemeteries-Biographical Sketches........ 264 CONTENTS. vii CHAPTER XV. BOURNE. PAGE Trading Post on Monument River.-Indian Hamlets.-Natural Features.-Land Pur- chases.-Settlement and Early Events.-Formation of the Second Precinct.- Salt Works.-Shipbuilding.-Early Mills.-Ship Canal.-Erection of the Town of Bourne.-Town Affairs.-Churches.-Schools.-The Villages and their Insti- tutions.-Biographical Sketches...................................323 CHAPTER XVI. BARNSTABLE. Natural Features.-Early Industries.-Settlement.-Indian Lands and Names.- Names of Settlers.-Incorporation.-Purcliase from Indians.-County Road.- Early Mills.-Common Lands.-The Revolution.-War of 1812.-Population.- Schools.-Civil History.-Churches.-Cemeteries and Villages.-Societies.- Biographical Sketches .......................................366 CHAPTER XVLI. YARMOUTH. Location and Characteristics.-Settlement.-Tbe Grantees and Early Settlers.- Early Events and Customs.-The Revolutionary Period.-Division of the Town. -War of 1812.-Subsequent Events.-Taverns and Hotels.-Churches.-Schools. -Civil Lists.-The Villages, their Industries and Institutions.-Biographieal Sketches.................................................. 453 CHAPTER XVIII. DENNIS. Natural Features.-First Settlers of Nobscusset.-Incorporation.-Development.- Industries.-Churches.-Cemeteries.-Schools.-Civil History.-The Villages, their Industries and Institutions.-Biographical Sketches........... 507 CHAPTER XIX. CHATHAM. Natural Features.-Settlenient.-Incorporation.-Early Town Action.-Town Poor. -Town House.-Industries.-Ordinaries.-Lighthouses and Life Saving Sta- tions.-Mail and Express Business.-Burying Grounds.-Present Condition.- Churches.-Schools.-Civil History.-The Villages and their Institutions.- Biographical Sketches...................................... 578 CHAPTER XX. FALMOUTH. Description.-Indians.-Settlement.-Incorporation.-Growth and Progress.-The Revolution.-Early Industries.-War of 1812.-Civil War.-Subsequent Events and Present Condition.-Civil Lists.-Churches.-Schools.-Cemeteries.-Vil- lages.-Biographical Sketches ................................... 632 CHAPTER XXI. MASHPEE. Location and Description.-Natural Features.-Early Events.-Incorporation as a District.-Civil History.-Town of Mashpee.-Church and Parish.-Schools.- -Mashpee Manufacturing Company.-Military Service.-Some Prominent Repre- sentatives.-Industries.-Biographical Sketches.................... 707 [p.] viii CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXII. EASTHAM. -Purchase of the Lands.-Settlement and Incorporation of the Nauset.-The Present Town of Eastham.-Natural Features.-Early Settlers. -Growth and Progress.-Industries.-Civil History.-Churches.-Burying Places.-Schools.-Villages.-Biographical Sketches............ 720 CHAPTER XXIII. ORLEANS. Orleans before its Division from Eastham.-Incorporation.-Natural Features.- Wreck of the Sparrowhawk.-Roads.-Early Settlers.-Various Events.-Indus- tries.-Churches.-Cemeteries.-Schools.-Civil History.-Villages.-Biograph- ical Sketches ............................................... 747 CHAPTER XXIV. WELLFLEET. Formation and Description.-Pioneers.-Early Town Action.-The Revolution.- War of 1812.-The Fisheries.-Population.-King's Highway.-The Eastham Line.- Town House.-Shipbuilding.-Town Reeords.-Life Saving Station and Lighthouse.-Early Business Interests.-Wind Mills.-Civil History.-Schools.- Churches.-Cemeteries.-Wellfleet Village.-Soutli Wellfleet.-Biographical Sketches ..................................................... 787 CHAPTER XXV. HARWICH. Incorporation.-Description.-Natural Features.-Division of the Land.-The Set- tlers.-The Fisheries.-The Salt ln(lustrv.-Cranberry Ciilttire.-Religious Soci- eties.-Official History.-Schools.-Tlie Villages and their Various Institutions. -Biographical Sketches............................................. 825 CHAPTER XXVI. BREWSTER. Incorporation.-Natural Features.-Purchase and Division of the Land.-The First Settlers and their Families.-Industries.-Population.-The Militia.-Religious Societies.-Villages.-Civil Lists.-Meteorological Condition.-Biographical Sketches........................................................ 891 CHAPTER XXVII. TRURO. Exploration by the Pilgrims.-Proprietors of the Pamet Lands.-Incorporation of Truro.-Boundaries.-Natural Features.-King's Highway.-Pounds.-Indus- tries.-The Wreck of the Somerset.-The Revolution.-Gale of l841.-Various Town Affairs.-Civil History.-Churches.-Burying Grounds.-Schools.-Vil- lages.-Biograpliical Sketches......................................... 922 CHAPTER XXVIII. PROVINCETOWN. Earlv Explorations.-The Pilgrims.-Location and Cliaracteristics.-First Settle- ment.-Incorporation.-CivilHistorv.-Resources of the Town.-Banks.-Insur- ance Companies.-Public Library.-Societies.-Churches.-Schools.-Biographi- ical Sketches............................................. 951-1010 CONTENTS. ix ILLUSTRATIONS. PAGE Akin, David K .............................Portrait of, facing 183 Akin, David K .......................Late residence of, facing 181 Ames, Simeon L ............................Portrait of, facing 419 Ancient Grave Stones.............. Barnstable Cemetery 393 Attaquin, Solomon....................... Portrait of, facing 715 Atwood, Levi................................. " " 607 Atwood, Nathaniel E.......................... " " 995 Atwood, Simeon .............................. " " 813 Baker, Ezra H ............................... " " 588 Baker, Howes ................................. " " 536 Baker, Joseph K. ............................. " " 540 Baker, Nehemiah P ............................ " " 678 Bass River Lower Bridge ........................... Precedes 553 Baxter, Edwin .............................Portrait of, facing 542 Bearse, Charles C ......................... " " 421 Bourne, Benjamin F ........................ " 345 Boyden, William E ......................... " " 303 Brooks, Obed .............................. " " 863 Burgess, Nathaniel ........................ " " 348 Burgess, Seth S ..........................Portrait of, follows 350 Burgess, Seth S ........................Residence of, precedes 351 Bursley, Daniel P ........................Portrait of, follows 422 Bursley, Daniel P ....................Residence of, precedes 423 Cahoon, Barzillai C ...................Residence of, facing 681 Cahoon, Cyrus .............................Portrait of, facing 866 Chapman, David S ........................Portrait of, follows 544 Chapman, Mrs. Sallie E ........... Residence of, precedes 545 Chase, Albert .............................Portrait of, facing 424 Chase, Job .......................... " " 868 Court House ...................................................400 Crosby, Albert ...........................Residence of, facing 915 Crosby,Isaac ..............................Portrait of, facing 916 Crosby, Nathan ............................ " " 914 Crowell, Edward E .......................... " " 546 Crowell, Eleazer K ......................... " " 548 Crowell, Joshua ............................ " " 549 Crowell, Luther ............................ " " 551 Crowell, Peter H .........................Portrait of, follows 552 Crowell, Peter H ......................Residence of, precedes 553 Crowell, Prince S .........................Portrait of, facing 554 Crowell, Seth .....................................Portrait of 550 Crowell, Rev. Simeon .................. Portrait of, facing 492 Crowell, William ....................... " " 566 CONTENTS. x Dexter House ...........................Woods Holl, facing 671 Dillingham, John H......................Portrait of, facing 195 Doane, Abiathar ........................ " " 874 Doane, George W., M.D................... " " 225 Doane, John ............................ " " 210 Doane, Nathaniel........................ " " 870 Doane, Oliver ...........................Portrait of, follows 770 Doane, Valexitine, Jr................Residence of, facing 873 Doane Homestead .....................Orleans, precedes 771 Drew, George P ......................Residence of, facing 277 Edson, Nathan ..........................Portrait of, follows 428 Edson, Nathan ...................... Residence of, precedes 429 Eldridge, Levi ...........................Portrait of, facing 613 Freeman, Richard R ....................... " " 817 Friends Meeting House ................... Sandwich 175 Friends Meeting House ................... West Falmouth 191 Friends Meeting House .................. Yarmonth 181 Fish, Joseph C .........................Portrait of, facing 687 Fisk, David ............................ " " 45 Fisk, Uriah B ..........................Residence of, facing 558 Ginn, David R., M.D .................... " " 858 Ginn's Bazaar ..........................Dennis Port, facing 858 Goss, Franklin B .....................Portrait of, facing 431 Gould, Samuel H., M.D ........... " " 230 Hamblin, Caleb 0 ...................Portrait of, follows 690 Hamblin, Caleb 0 ................ Residence of, precedes 691 Hamblin, John C ......................Portrait of, facing 692 Harding, Hiram ....................... " " 618 Harding, Joseph C .................... " " 617 Harriman, Judge Hiram P .............. " " 212 Headstones, Ancient ................... Barnstable 393 Holway, David N ......................Portrait of, facing 311 Howard, Ezra C ...................... " " 356 Howes, Jerusha S ................ Residence of, precedes 563 Howes, Joshua C ......................Portrait of, facing 561 Howes, Levi........................... 566 Howes, Aloses ..........................Portrait of, follows 562 Howes, Thomas Prince ................ Portrait of, facing 255 Howes, William F ................... " " 564 Hoxie, Joseph .................... " " 315 Hoxie,Newell ..................... " " 178 Hoxie, Susan F .......................Residence of, facing 175 Hulbert, Chauncy M., M.D ........ Portrait of, facing 232 Incorporation Map ..................................... 39 Indian Map ............................................ 15 Iyanough House ....................................... 411 ____________________________________________________________ xi PAGE Jones, Silas ................. Portrait of, facing 695 Keith, Isaac N ........................ " " 43 Keith, Isaac N ............. Residence of, facing 341 Kelley, Ferdinand G ............. Portrait of, facing 438 Kelley, Stillman .............. " " 568 Kelley, Watson B ............... " " 879 Kemp, Samuel W ................. " " 818 Kenrick, Alfred ................ " " 774 Kingman, Seth K ................ " " 777 Leonard, Jonathan, M.D ......... " " 235 Lighthouse, ............................ Ruins of Chatham 594 Lombard, David ............. Portrait of, facing 948 Loring, Hiram ................. " " 570 Lothrop, Freeman H ............. " " 215 Lovell, Cyrenus A ............. Residence of, facing 440 Lovell, George .............. Portrait of, facing 441 Lower Bass River Bridge ........ Precedes 553 Makepeace, Abel D .......... Portrait of, facing 442 Marston, Russell ........... " " 444 Matthews, David ............ " " 496 Mingo, Walter R ............ Residence of, facing 719 Munsell, George N., M.D Portrait of, facing 236 Nickerson, Frederick " " 919 Nickerson, Samuel M " " 625 Nobscussett House ........... Dennis, facing 155 Nye, David D ................ Portrait of, facing 358 Nye, William A .......... Residence of, facing 339 Packard, William E ...... Portrait of, facing 360 Penniman, Edward ................... " " 742 Phinney, Abishia ................... " " 700 Rogers, F. A., M.D................... " " 242 Salt Works, Ruins of ... South Yarmouth 143 "Sandy Side " ............ Yarmouth Port, facing 479 Scudder, Judge Henry A .......... Portrait of, facing 217 Sears, Barnabas(deceased) ........ " " 499 Sears, Barnabas ............... Residence of, facing 484 Sears. John K ................ Portrait of, facing 500 Sears, Joshua ................ Portrait of, follows 572 Sears, Mrs. Minerva ...... Residence of, precedes 573 Sears, Nathan ................ Portrait of, facing 574 Sears, Stephen ............. " " 502 Sears Homestead ............. South Yarmouth, facing 484 Settlement Map of Barnstable County ...... 39 Shiverick, Asa ................ Portrait of, facing 702 Simpkins, Nathaniel Stone ...... " " 504 Simpkins Homestead ........ Yarmouth Port, facing 480 _____________________________________________________________ xii CONTENTS. PAGE Small, Zebina H ............. Portrait of, facing 886 Smith, Rufus ............................... 627 Snow, Calvin ................................. 782 Soule, Thomas H., jr. ....................Hotel Hyannis 411 Sparrow, Benjamin C., Supt ..............Portrait of, facing 59 Swett, James ............................Portrait of, facing 823 "Tawasentha" ............................Brewster, facing 915 Taylor, Elisha .....................Portrait of, facing 506 Taylor, Joseph .................. " " 785 Tobey, F. B ................... Hotel, facing 155 Tobey Homestead ................... Dennis, facing 511 Young, Jonathan ................. Portrait of, facing 786