Concord, Middlesex co, MA History Chapter XIX ************************************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ************************************************************************ transcribed by Janice Farnsworth Farns10th@aol.com History of Lincoln, Mass. from the History of Concord, Mass. by Lemuel Shattuck, 1835. CHAPTER XIX HISTORY OF LINCOLN, MASS. P.294 The inhabitants in the southeasterly part of Concord petitioned that town severqal times between 1734 and 1743 to be set off into a separate precinct or town; but, being unsuccess- ful, a petition was preferred to the General Court, August 10, 1744, which obtained favor, though opposed by a committee of the town; and the following individuals, living in the easterly part of Concord, westerly part of Lexington and northerly part of Weston, were in- corporated as the Second Precinct of Concord, April 24, 1746, viz. Joshua Brooks Thomas Garfield Benjamin Brown James Brooks Robert Gage Ephraim Segard John Whitney Benjamin Allen Ebenezer Hunt Thomas Baker Samuel Dakin Joseph Parks John Wright Ambrose Tower Daniel Reed Mary Conant Jeremiah Clark Thomas Garfield, Jr. Benjamin Brown, Jr. Hannah Corey Jonathan Wellington Jonathan Gove George Pierce Joseph Brooks Jordan Clark Amos Merriam Joseph Pierce Zebediah Smith Ebenezer Lampson John Headley Timothy Wesson Benjamin Monroe John Gove Samuel Bond Thomas Wheeler Ephraim Flynt Joseph Pierce, Jr. Joshua Brooks, Jr. John Garfield Ebenezer Cutler Nathan Brown Edward Flynt Stephen Wesson John Adams John White The following individuals living within the limits of the proposed precinct did not sign the petition; and were exempt in the act of incorporation, unless they should choose voluntarily to comply with its provisions: Daniel Brown Thomas Nelson Nehemiah Abbott Jabez Stratton Nathaniel Billings Daniel Billings John Billings Timothy Billings Joseph Billings Daniel Parks Zaccheus Parks Amos Heald Samuel Farrar Joseph Wheat Joseph Wheat, Jr. John Wheat Jonas Wheeler Benjamin Wheeler Nathaniel Whittemore Samuel Billings George Farrar Jr Job Brooks Daniel Brooks Samuel Brooks Hugh Brooks Joseph Brooks, Jr. Timothy Lampson Ephraim Hartwell Josiah Brown John Jackson William Hagar Joseph Underwood. p.295 Several attempts were made to procure an incorporation as a town and in 1753 the exempted persons were consulted on the subject and Chambers Russell, Esq., Capt. Samuel Bond, and Deacon Joshua Brooks were chosen to present a petition to the General Court. The town of Lincoln, named by Chambers Russell, Esq., after Lincolnshire, England, the residence of his ancestors, was incorporated April 19, 1754. The bounds were then the same as they are now (1835). The estates in Concord in 1753 were 15,007 pounds, 9 shillings and the polls 442. That part set off to Lincoln contained 3,372 pounds, 15 shillings and of the polls, 88; about one fifth. The proceedings of the town appear to have been conducted with harmony, and no occurence worthy of notice marks its history till the great question of opposition to England was agitated. In this controversy, it became early enlisted, and uniformly on the popular side; and was distinguished for its ardent, decided and independent patriotism, and for its intelligence and originality. March 15, 1770, the town voted, "that they will not purchase any one article of any person that imports goods contrary to the agreement of the merchants of Boston" and in a long answer to a circular sent to the town, they say, February, 1773, "We will not be wanting in our assistance according to our ability, in the prosecuting of all such lawful and constitutional measures, as shall be thought proper for the continuance of all our rights, privileges, and liberties, both civil and religious; being of opinion that a steady, united, persevering conduct in a constitutional way, is the best means, under God, for obtaining the redress of all our grievances." The first committee of correspondence was chosen November 2, 1773, - Deacon Samuel Farrar, Capt. Eleazer Brooks and Capt. Abijah Pierce. A similar one was elected annually since 1784. The sentiments of the town, on several questions then agitating the province, being requested by the citizens of Boston, were communicated in the subjoined very interesting letter, on the 20th of December. p.296 "Gentlemen, We have read your letter, enclosing the proceedings of the town of Boston at their late meeting; as also another letter enclosing the proceedings of a collective body of people, not only of Boston, but the adjacent towns; in which, after some very pertinent observations on the alarming situation of our public affairs, you desire our advice and to be acquainted with the sense of this town respecting the present gloomy situation of our public affairs. We rejoice at every appearance of public virtue, and resolution in the cause of liberty; inasmuch as, upon our own virtue and resolution, under Divine Providence, depends the pres- ervation of all our rights and priveleges. "We apprehend that we, in America, have rights, privileges and property of our own, as well as the rest of mankind; and that we have the right of self-preservation, as well as all other beings. And we are constrained to say, that after the most careful and mature deliberation, according to our capacities, weighing the arguments on both sides, we appre- hend our rights and privileges have been infringed in many glaring instances, which we mean not to enumerate, among which the late ministerial plan, mentioned in your letter, is not the least. "The Act imposing a duty on tea is alarming, because, in procuring the same, our enemies are dealing by us, like the great enemy of mankind, viz. endeavouring to enslave us by those things to which we are not necessitated, but by our own contracted ill habits; although, if tea were properly used, it might be of some advantage. When we speak of our enemies, as above, we mean those persons on either side of the water, who by many ways, either secret or open, are sowing the seeds of strife and discord between Britain and her colonies; or are in any way the active instruments of our distress. "Now since it must be granted that our rights and privileges are infringed, and that we have the right of self-defence; the important question is, by what means tomake such defence. Doubless the means of defence in all cases ought to quadrate with the nature of the attack; and since the present plan seems to be to enslave us, we need only (had we virtue enought for that) to shun the bait, as we would shun the most deadly poison. Notwithstanding, con- sidering so many are so habituated to the use of tea, as perhaps inadvertantly to ruin themselves and their country thereby; p.297 and othes so abandoned to vice, expecting to share in the profits arising from the ruin of our country, as to use all means in their power to encourage the use of tea; we cannot, therefore, but commend the spirited behaviour of the town of Boston, in endeavouring to prevent the sale of the East India Company's teas, by endeavouring to persuade the consignees to resign their office, or any other lawful means; and we judge the consignees, by refusing to comply with the just desire of their fellow-citizens, have betrayed a greater regard to their private interest than the public good and safety of their country and ought to be treated accordingly. "The situation of our public affairs growing more alarming, and having heretofore tried the force of petitions and remonstrances and finding no redress; we, the inhabitants of this town, have now come into a full determination and settled resolution, not to purchase, nor use any tea, nor suffer it to be purchased or used in our families, so long as there is any duty laid on such tea by an act of British Parliament. And we will hold and esteem such, as do use such tea, enemies to their country; and we will treat them with the greatest neglect. And as we beg leave to recommend it to the several towns within this province, who have not done it, to go and do likewise. "How easy the means! How sure the event! But be the event what it may, suppose this method should not obtain a repeal of the act, which we judge to be unrighteous, but the event should be a total disuse of that destructive article, we might then (if we may so express ourselves) bless God, that ever he permitted that act to pass to pass the British Parlaiment. "We trust we have courage and resolution sufficient to encounter all the horrors of war in the defence of those rights and privileges, civil and religious, which we esteem more valuable than our lives. And we do hereby assure, not only the town of Boston, but the world, that whenever we shall have a clear call from Heaven, we are ready to join with our brethren to face the formidable forces, rather than tamely to surrender up our rights and priveleges into the hands of any of our own species, not distinguished from ourselves, except it be in disposition to enslave us. At the same time, we have the highest esteem p.298 for all lawful authority; and rejoice in our connexion with Great Britain, so long as we can enjoy our charter rights and privileges." This able paper is attributed to the pen of the Hon. Eleazer Brooks. The original agreements of the town about the disuse of tea and non-consumption of imported articles of merchandise have been found among his papers and are now deemed worthy of preservation. "Whereas the town of Lincoln did, on the 27th day of December current, by a full vote, come into full determination and settled resolution, not to purchase nor use any tea, nor suffer it to be purchased or used in their families, so long as there is any duty laid on such tea by the act of the British Parliament; and that they would hold and esteem all such as do use such tea, as enemies to their country; and that they will treat with them with the greatest neglect; We the subscribers, inhabitants of said town, pursuant to the same design, do hereby promise and agree to and with each other, that we will strictly conform to the tenor of the abovesaid vote. In witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names. "Lincoln, December 27th, 1773." This was signed by 52 of the principal inhabitants. The following by 82 inhabitants. "We the subscribers, inhabitants of the town of Lincoln, do sincerely and truly covenant and agree to and with each other, that we will not for ourselves, or any for or under us, purchase or consume any goods, wares, or manufactures which shall be imported from Great Britain after the 31st day of August, seventeen hundred and seventy-four, until the Congress of Deputies from the several colonies shall determine what articles, if any, to except; and that we will thereafter, respecting the use and consumption of such British articles as may not be excepted, religiously abide by the determination of said Congress." This was a time when it was impossible to stand on neutral ground and escape censure. Those who were not decided in opposition to the measures of Great Britain were supposed to favor them. Of the suspected was the minister of the town; p.299 and, though the suspicion was groundless and of short duration, the people in September assembled around the meeting-house on a Sabbath, and prevented him from entering to preach. Two or three individuals were subsequently obliged to leave the town for not conforming to the prevailing sentiments of the people. One of the largest estates in the town was for some time in the hands of the government. March 6, 1775, "voted that 52 pounds, 4 shillings be granted to provide for those persons who have enlisted as minute-men, each one a bayonet, belt, cartridge-box, steel rammer, gun- stock, and knapsack; and that they attend military exercises four hours in a day, twice a week, till the first day of May next. In case anyone refuse to attend, 2 shillings for each four hours, and in proportion for a smaller time, shal be deducted from their wages." p.299 The part performed by Lincoln in the county conventions at Concord, and by her minute-men and militia on the 19th of April, 1775 has been noticed in the History of Concord and was highly honorable to her patriotism and valor. At length, on the 24th of June, 1776, the town passed this important vote: "That, should the Honourable Congress, for the safety of the United American Colonies, declare themselves independent of Great Britain, we, the inhabitants of this town will solemnly engage with our lives and fortunes to support them in the measure." About this time, the town was requested to instruct their respresentative, according to the general custom at that period; but it was thought more proper to "empower him to act according to his best judgement and discretion." The following table, compiled from a report made May 8, 1778, to the town, by its committee to estimate the services rendered by the citizens in the war, furhishes important information: p.299-300 Date. Men. Place. Service Hired at Pounds-Shillings-Pence £ s. d. 1775 32 Cambridge 8 mos. 8 0 0 = 256 0 0 1776 7 ditto 2 " 2 0 0 = 14 0 0 1776 7 Canada 12 " 18 0 0 = 126 0 0 1776 6 the Southward 12 " 12 0 0 = 72 0 0 1776 & 77; 6 Boston 12 " 4 0 0 = 24 0 0 1776 19 Ticonderoga 5 " 12 10 0 = 237 10 0 1776 4 Ticonderoga 4 " 15 0 0 = 60 0 0 1776 5 Roxbury 4 " 6 0 0 = 30 0 0 1776 & 77;17 Dorchester 3 " 1 0 0 = 17 0 0 1776 12 New York 2 " 6 0 0 = 72 0 0 1776 & 77; 8 New York 3 " 9 0 0 = 72 0 0 1777 4 Providence 2 " 4 10 0 = 18 0 0 1777 10 Saratoga 3 " 11 5 0 = 112 10 0 1777 12 Saratoga 1 " 3 0 0 = 36 0 0 1777&78; 9 Cambridge 5 " 7 10 0 = 67 10 0 1777 26 Continental Army 3 yrs. 30 0 0 = 780 0 0 1777 8 Worthington 1 10 0 - 12 0 0 ___________ £ 2006 10 0. p.300 These bounties were paid by the town, beside many other charges for the public service. When it is recollected that the town did not then contain more than 187 male inhabitants over 16 years of age, and that several enlisted into the army not included in the above estimate, it will appear that Lincoln contributed a large proportion of men to promote the great revolution. I have no means of ascertaining the precise number furnished subsequently to the above dates, but the town always contributed promptly all required; though it was supposed at the time the burden was not justly proportionate to other towns. A petition was presented to the council early in 1778, to obtain some relief. In this petition it is said, "The large farm of Dr. Charles Russell, now in the hands of the public, greatly augments the tax on the town, and consequently the number of men required." Several officers were furnished for the army from this town. The Hon. Eleazer Brooks was at Ticonderoga in 1776 as a Colonel and also the Hon. Samuel Hoar as a Lieutenant. Both were at the taking of Burgoyne. Hon. Eleazer Brooks was at Dorchester Heights in 1777. On the 4th of September, of 1777, Brigadier-General Prescott sent an order to Colonel Brooks to have his enlisted men formed into companies and to meet in Concord the following Saturday to appoint his field officers. He wrote in this order, that "he never received one of greater importance," and entreated him "not to fail paying attention to it, as he valued his own reputation or the salvation of the country." These orders, like all others, were promptly obeyed. Colonel Pierce, Captain Samuel Farrar and others were also distinguished in the service. March, 1778, £3,880. were granted to pay soldiers and in 1780 it was voted "that each person that furnishes one cotton shirt p.301 for the continental soldiers, shall received out of the town treasury £3-1/2; and each person that furnishes one pair of socks shall receive £2." On the 2d of June, £18,000. were granted to hire men for the war; and in September, £15,840 for the same object. During 1781, large sums were raised to hire men, buy clothing, and for other public objects, till this town, like many others, became exceedingly embarrassed. Such are a few items selected from the proceedings of the town in relation to the Revolution. They are sufficient to show the undeviating and devoted patriotism of the town; a patriotism not consisting in resolves only, but in a series of noble sacrifices of self-interest for the general good, alike honorable to it as a town and to the indi- viduals composing it and worthy of being remembered and imitated. The town guarded their rights with careful jealousy. When the constitution, formed by the State Convention, Feb. 28th, 1778, was submitted to the town, it voted 39 to 38, to dis- approve of it. In May, 1779, it was voted, "that the town will not choose at this time to have a new constitution or form of government made." But on July 28th, the Hon. Eleazer Brooks was chosen a delagate to the convention in Cambridge, "for the sole purpose of framing a new constitution, and the delegate was instructed to cause a printed copy of the form of a constitution, they may agree upon in said convention, to be transmitted to the Selectmen of each town." This constitution was submitted to the town, 22d of May, 1780. "On the 2d Article in the 1st Section of the 1st Chapter in the form of government, voted, that this town disapprove of the said article: 1. Because we think the legislative, executive, and judicial powers ought to be in separate departments and not exercised by the same body or bodies of men, either in whole or in part. 2. Because we judge this article to be repugnant to the 17th and 30th articles in the bill of rights; as also to the 1st article in the frame of government, which we think to be founded in reason. "On the 2d Article in the 3d Section of the 1st Chapter, voted, that the town disapprove of this article; because we think the mode of representation pointed out in this article is not founded upon the principles of equality as provided by the preceding article. We apprehend that all circumstances ought to be taken into consideration to determine a representation founded in equality and that neither the number of rateable polls nor any other circumstance singly considered, determines such a representation. This state is constituted of a great number of distinct and very unequal corporations, which are the immediate constituent parts of the state; and the individuals are only the remote parts in many respects. In all acts of the legislature which respect particular corporations, each corporaton has a distinct and separate interest, clashing with the interests of all the rest. And, so long as human nature remains the same it now is, each representative will be under an undue bias in favor of the corporation he respresents; therefore any large corporation having a large number of representatives, will have a large and undue influence in determining any question in their own favor. Should the number of rateable polls in any particular corporation incease till they overbalance all the others, they could completely tyrannize over all the rest and every degree of inequality gives power for the same degree of tyranny. Another circumstance which renders the mode of representation pointed out in this article unequal is, that the small corporations can have no voice in government without being at the whole expense of a full representation; whereas, the large corporations, by dividing the attendance of their representatives, can vastly lessen their expense, and yet, in such cases as respect their particular and separate interests, have a full representation. The 3d Article in the Declaration of Rights was accepted 46 to 2; the last clause of the 10th Article, 3d Section, and 1st Chapter was rejected 30 to 11. Voted unamimously to revise the constitution in 7 years by 40 votes, and to accept it with the foregoing exceptions. The first meeting under the new constitution was held on the first Monday of September, when there were 41 votes cast, all of which but one were for the Hon. John Hancock. p.303 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY OF LINCOLN The ostensible object of those who obtained the act of incorporation for the town of Lincoln, was to enjoy the preaching of the gospel. Measures were taken even before the precinct was formed, to effect this object by private individuals in their houses. Mr. Edward Flint gave a lot of land on which a meeting-house was erected and nearly completed by the following individuals by whom it was given to the precinct, viz., Benjamin Brown Edward Flint Judah Clark Joseph Brooks Joshua Brooks Samuel Bond Jonathan Gove George Pierce Benjamin Monroe John Hadley Samuel Dakin Ebenezer Cutler Jeremiah Clark Amos Merriam John Gove Jon. Wellington Ephraim Flint Thomas Wheeler Joseph Pierce Nathan Brown Jonas Pierce Timothy Wesson. Money was raised to complete this house, by the precinct and a vote passed in 1747, that pews should be built and allotted to the inhabitants according to their valuation - the highest to take the first choice. A steeple was built in 1755 and furnished with a bell, the gift of Mr. Joseph Brooks. This house has been several times repaired and its appearance is still respectable. On the 18th of August, 1747, twenty-five male members of the churches in Concord, Lexington and the second precinct in Weston, met together and agreed to embody themselves into a distinct church. The public organization took place on the 20th of the same month, when Mr. Benjamin Brown was chosen permanent moderator till the ordination of a minister; and the Rev. Messrs. John Hancock, Israel Loring, William Williams and Wareham Williams assisted in the public religious exercises on the occasion. A covenant was adopted and signed by the following persons: Jonathan Gove John Hadley Joshua Brooks Josiah Parks Joseph Pierce Samuel Bond John Gove Stephen Wesson Thomas Garfield, Jr. Woodis Lee Thomas Wheeler Benjamin Brown Thomas Garfield Edward Flint Joseph Brooks Timothy Wesson Benjamin Monroe Benjamin Brown, Jr. George Pierce Ephraim Flint Jonas Pierce Joseph Brown John Garfield Nathan Brown Judah Clark William Lawrence p.304 The persons employed as preachers in 1746, 1747 and 1748 were John Brown Benjamin Stevens Jonathan Winchester Cotton Brown Samuel Pemberton Samuel Turrell Mr. William Lawrence was first employed in April, 1748 on trial. On the 18th of May, the church and precinct being together, voted 22 to 7, to invite him to become their minister. It was agreed to give him £800 currency as a settlement and £400 and 10 cords of wood, as an annual salary. This salary was finally fixed according to the prices of corn at 15 shillings and rye at 20 shillings per bushel, and port at 1 shilling, 8 pence, and bee at 1 shilling per pound. The estimate to be made near the close of the year. He was ordained the 7th of December following; and £100 were granted to pay the expenses. The council on the occasion consisted of: Rev. John Hancock of Lexington, moderator who prayed and gave the charge. Rev. William Williams of Weston Rev. Nathaniel Appleton of Cambridge who made the introductory prayer. Rev. Caleb Trowbridge of Groton, who preached from 1 Tim. iii. 15. Rev. Wareham Williams of Waltham who gave the right hand of fellowship. Rev. Daniel Rogers of Littleton who prayed after the charge. Rev. Samuel Cook of West Cambridge and delegates from their respective churches. Few important occurrences took place worthy of notice for several years. The church voted in May, 1751 to receive any member of the church in Concord who should be dismissed. In 1763 the reading of the Scriptures was first introduced as a part of the excerices of public worship and in 1768 a short prayer was made before this reading. A vote was passed 27th of April, 1767 "that in future Dr. Brady's and Mr. Tate's version of David's Psalms and some Hymns of Dr. Watts, which are now bound up and published with this version shall be made use of and sung in carrying on the public worship of God in this place." In 1771, forty-two persons, "who had attained a good degree of understanding in the rules of singing," were seated together by vote of the town on the lower floor. p.305 The Rev. William Lawrence, son of the Hon. William Lawrence and grandson of Jonas Prescott, Esq., of Groton, was born, May 7, 1728, and graduated at Harvard College, 1743. During his ministry his church, unlike many in the neighbourhood enjoyed great peace. 122 persons were admitted into full communion, 31 of whom were from other churches, the remainder by original profession; 120 owned the covenant; 605 were baptized; 122 marriages were solemnized and 294 died. His epitaph appears in the Lincoln burying ground thus: "In Memory of Rev. William Lawrence, A.M., Pastor of the Church of Christ in Lincoln, Who died April 11, 1780, in the 57th year of his age and 32d of his ministry. He was a gentleman of good abilities both natural and acquired, a judicious divine, a faithful minister, and firm supporter of the order of the churches. In his last sickness, which was long and distressing, he exhibited a temper characteristic of the minister and Christian. 'Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life.' His funeral expenses amounting to £366 currency and £300 to purchase mourning for the surviving widow, were paid by the town of Lincoln. He married Love, daughter of John Adams, who died January 3, 1820 at the advanced age of 95 and had the following children - William Lawrence Love Lawrence who m. Dr. Joseph Adams John P. Lawrence who died 1808. Susanna Lawrence Sarah Lawrence Phebe Lawrence who married the Rev. E. Foster of Littleton, Mass. in 1783. Ann Lawrence Abel Lawrence. Insert: Source: Prescott Memorial p.48 Susannah Prescott b. Dec. 31, 1691, dau. of Jonas Prescott and his wife Mary Loker. Susannah m. June 27, 1722, William Lawrence, son of John Lawrence and Anne Tarbell, b. Dec 31, 1697. They resided at Groton, where he died May 19, 1764 aged 67 and she died Sept 10, 1771 aged 79 years, 9 mos. John Lawrence, the father, was a grandson of the first John Lawrence who came to Watertown. William Lawrence was a Colonel of militia, Justice of the Peace and Quorum, for many years Representative of Groton and member of the Council. (see p.55 for their children) p.55 William Lawrence and his wife, Susannah Prescott had issue: 1. Rev. William Lawrence b. May 7, 1723; grad. at Harvard Coll. 1743, studied divinity, ordained over the church of Lincoln, Mass. Dec 7, 1748; m. Love Adams, dau of John Adams, b. 1725; had three sons and five daughters. On his tombstone it is said of him that "he was a gentleman of good abilities, natural and acquired; a judicious divine, a faithful minister. In his last sickness, which was long and painful, he exhibited the spirit of a humble Christian min- ister." He died April 11, 1780 in his 57th year ad 32d of his ministry. His widow d. Jan 3, 1820 aged 95 years. 2. Susanna Lawrence b. Feb 5, 1726 m. abt 1752 her cousin, Hon. James Prescott. 3. Anna Lawrence b. Jan 24, 1728; m.July 7, 1748 her cousin Israel Hobart. 4. Abel Lawrence b. Feb 25, 1730, m. Nov 1751, Mary Bulkeley & settled in Groton; d. Sept 20, 1770. 5. Sarah Lawrence b. Mar 12, 1732 d. Aug 28, 1778; m. oct 23, 1755, Rev. Joseph Perry who grad. Harvard Coll., 1752; settled in East Windsor, CT; d. 1783. 6. Phebe Lawrence b. Sept 20, 1734; m. Sept 30, 1756, Jonathan Bancroft of Danvers Mass. Transcribed by Janice Farnsworth Deacon Samuel Farrar was moderator of the church from the death of Mr. Lawrence to the ordination of his successor. A day of fasting and prayer were held, according to the usual custom in such cases, on the last Thursday in August, 1780 and the Rev. Mssrs. Cushing, Woodward and Clark were present on the occasion. Rev. Charles Stearns was first employed to preach in Lincoln in October 1780 and on the 15th of January, 1781, the church voted unanimously (29 votes) to invite him to be their pastor; and in this vote the town concurred on February 5th, 65 to 5; and agreed to give him "£220 in hard money, or its equivilant," (to which £70 were subsequently added), as a settlement, and £80 and 15 cords of wood as an annual salary. His ordination took place November 7, 1781. The church then consisted of 96 members. The churches in Waltham, Weston, Lexington Lunenburgh, Leominster, East Sudbury, 1st in Reading, Stow, and Concord, were represented in the council, of p.306 which the Rev. Mr. Cushing was moderator. The Rev. Zabdiel Adams preached on the occasion from 1 Timothy iii. 3, and his sermon was printed. In consequence of the fluctuating relative value of money, the town voted in 1797, "that the Rev. Mr. Stearns's salary should be £80 per year at all times when the current price of Indian corn is 3 shillings and rye 4 shillings per bushel, and beef 20 shillings and pork 33 shillings per hundred; and to be increased or diminished according as the prices of those articles vary." In 1789, the church voted, that the reading of the psalm by line, after it has been once distinctly read, be discontinued. The church has never had a confession of faith. The covenant into which the communicants enter does not differ materially from that in the Church of Concord. the principles of the first organization of the church appear to have been somewhat more liberal thatn those of the Rev. Mr. Bliss. As early as 1749, it was voted not to "require public relations of religious exercises as a condition of admission into the church," but it was left optional with the candidates to do it or not. Public confessions before the whole church and congregation for crimes were not uncommon until late in Dr. Stearn's ministry. The Rev. Charles Stearns, D.D. was son of Thomas Stearns and grandson of Charles Stearns, whose ancestors first settled in Lynn, Mass. He was born in Leominster, graduated at Harvard College in 1773, and died July 26, 1826 in the 75th year of his age and 45th year of his ministry. At the time of his ordination the church consisted of 96 members and during his ministry, 155 persons were admitted to full communion, 78 owned the covenant, 536 were baptized and 201 marriages were solemnized and up to 1818, 387 died. The town erected a monument to his memory, on which the distinguished traits of his character are drawn with force and accuracy. "He was distinguished for his high attainments in various branches of science; for strength and soundness of mind; for method and accuracy in reasoning, and facility in communicating knowledge. By his piety, benevolence and learning he gained the affection and respect of his beloved people, the esteem and confidence of his numerous friends and the well-deserved honors of literary societies. His life was full of practical goodness, p.307 the genuine fruit of deep-felt piety, and his death, of religious hope and peace. By the habitual exercise of faith, humility, patience, and charity, he exhibited Christianity in a strong and prominent light; and is gone, it is believed to enjoy the rewards of a good and faithful servant of Jesus Christ." The Rev. Dr. Charles Stearns married Miss Susanna Cowdry of Reading, 1781 and had the following children: Susanna, Charles, Thomas, Julia, Sarah, Elizabeth, Francis, William Lawrence, Daniel Mansfield, Rebecca, Samuel and Edwin Stearns. During the ministry of Mr. Lawrence and Mr. Stearns the church and town were in great harmony. No council was at any time called to settle difficulties. After the death of Mr. Stearns, Deacon Thomas Wheeler was chosen moderator and Deacon Eleazer Brooks, clerk, to serve till the ordination of another minister. On the 13th of August, 1827, the church gave the Rev. Elijah Demond a unanimous call to be their pastor. He was born at Barre on Nov. 1, 1790; grad. at Dartmouth Coll. 1816; and had been minister in West Newbury. In this vote the town concurred, and voted him $600. as an annual salary. He was installed Novmber 7, 1827. The public exercises were performed as follows: Introductory prayer by the Rev. Rufus Hurlbut of Sudbury; sermon by the Rev. John Codman, D.D. of the 2nd church in Dorchester; installing prayer by the Rev. Gardner B. Perry of Bradford; charge by the Rev. Samuel Stearns of Bedford; right hand of fellowship by the Rev. Sewall Harding of Waltham; address to the p.308 people by the Rev. Rodney G. Dennis of Topsfield; and the concluding prayer by the Rev. Marshall Shedd of Acton. These and the churches in East Sudbury and Weston composed the council of which the Rev. Mr. Stearns was moderator. He was dismissed in 1832 and installed in Holliston, October 31, 1833. On the 16th of January, 1833, the Rev. Ebenezer Newhall, a native of New Ipswich, N.H., and recently a minister at Oxford, was installed over this society. The introductory prayer on the occasion was by the Rev. Mr. Gilbert of Newton; sermon by the Rev. Mr. Nelson of Leicester; installing prayer by the Rev. Mr. Hurlburt of Sudbury; charge by the Rev. Mr. Allen of Shrewsbury; right hand of fellowship by the Rev. Mr. Demond, the late pastor, and the address to the people by the Rev. Mr. Harding of Waltham. SUCCESSION OF THE DEACONS OF LINCOLN, MASS. Name Chosen Died Age Benjamin Brown Aug. 20, 1747 April, 1753 Joshua Brooks Apr. 18, 1749 June 26, 1768 80 John Gove Apr. 18, 1749; was in office about 40 years. Samuel Farrar Dec. 28, 1763. April 18, 1783 75 Joshua Brooks Jr. Dec. 28, 1763. March 8, 1790 70 Edmund Wheeler May 6, 1784. June 1, 1805 74 Samuel Farrar May 6, 1784. Sept. 19, 1829 93 Eleazer Brooks Nov. 6, 1794 Nov. 9, 1806 80 John Hartwell Apr. 9, 1804 Nov. 2, 1820 73. Thomas Wheeler Sept. 2, 1805 James Farrar April 27, 1812. Eleazer Brooks April 27, 1812. DESCRIPTION OF THE TOWN OF LINCOLN p.308 Lincoln lies about three miles an a half southeasterly from Concord and is bounded south- westerly by East Sudbury, southerly by Weston, southeasterly by Waltham, easterly by Lexington, northerly by Bedford and northwesterly by Concord. Its greatest length is about five miles, and greatest breadth three and a half, nearly; and it contains about 7,000 acres. See Concord Public Libary's Lands and Surveys online http://www.concordnet.org/library/scollect/Thoreau_surveys/Thoreau_surveys.htm It has all the varieties of soil from the richest to the poorest. Though rough and uneven it contains some of the best farms in the county. The most celebrated is that known at different times as the Russell, Codman, and Percival farms. p.309 Farming constitutes the principal employment of the inhabitants. The hill on which the meeting-house stands is 470 feet above high water mark in Boston. Two other hills, one 370 and the other 328 feet high, lie near the Lexington bounds. Flint's or Sandy Pond - the oly considerable collection of water, contains, according to the estimate of the Hon. Samuel Hoar* 197 acres. footnote: *Hon. Samuel Hoar, Lieut. William Lawrence and Mr. Nathan Weston were chosen a committee August 21, 1794 to take a plan of the town agreeable to a resolve of the General Court the previous June, to be deposited in the Secretary's office. It derives its name from the first owner, being situated in the farm of Ephraim Flint, one of the principal owners of Lincoln. This pond is a favorite resort for pickerel; and its fisheries have been considered of sufficient importance to require the interference of the Legislature to regulate them. An Act was passed Feb 16, 1824, prohibiting any person under penalty of $2. from fishing with "more than one hook" ! between the first of December and April; providing, however, that the town may repeal its operation for one year at a time. This pond is the source of Stony Brook, and receives Lilly Brok, the outlet of Beaver Pond, lying near the south line, and containing about 50 acres; and it flows into Charles River at the northwest corner of Waltham. Its waters also have lowed by an artificial channel, made, as is supposed for the benefit of the Mill which once stood in the centre of Concord by Mill Brook into Concord River. A Post-Office was established in the southwest part of the town in 1825, in which the post- masters have been David S. Jones - Jan. 24, 1825 to Sept 18, 1826 - resigned. Luke Gates from Sept. 19, 1826 - present Post-master (1835). A county road and the Cambridge and Concord Turnpike (which was also made a county road in May, 1829) run through the south part of the town. Another similar road runs through the south part. These add greatly to the expense, and very little to the convenience of the inhabitants. According to a valuation taken in 1784, it appears that there were 143 polls, 26 of whom were not rateable; 88 dwelling-houses, 84 barns, 1 tan-yard, 1 grist mill and 21 other buildings p.310 454 acres of tillage land, 429 of English mowing, 800 meadow, 1,502 pasturing, 2,057 wood land, 2,128 'other land,' and 137 unimproveable; 840 barrels of cider were made, 105 horses, 155 oxen, 266 neat cattle, 378 cows, 155 sheep, and 136 swine were held. Probably, if an estimate was made now it would not essentially vary from the above. The polls in 1790 were 156; the houses in 1801 were 104. The population in 1764 was 639, including 28 negroes and in 1790, 740; in 1800, 756; in 1810, 713; in 1820, 786, in 1830, 709. In 1820, there were foreigners not naturalized, 81 engaged in agriculture, 5 in commerce, and 34 in manufactures. The militia is comprised in one company of about 50. An estimate, made by Dr. Stearns in 1820 appears in the church records in which the following "averages from the beginning of the town are determined (the nearest being taken when there is a fraction) births, 22 in a year; baptisms, 19; admissions into church 4; marriages; 4 and deaths, 10." These average annual estimates, will hold good now, excepting in the baptisms, the number of which has diminished. Appropriations made by the Town at different Periods Date 1755 1765 1775 1785 1795 1805 1815 1825 Minister £56 69-2/3 70-2/3 85 105 $600 $460. Schools £13-1/2 20 13-1/2 50 85 480 520. Highways £25 50 40 80 80 $450 600 400. Incidental Chgs. £24-1/2 19 37 250 125 $830 $1,450 500. It appears from this table that the excess of births over the deaths is 484, more than two to one; and, according to the census, that, from 1790 to 1800, one in 86 died annually; from 1800 to 1810, one in 64 and from 1810 to 1820, one in 78; a result which is highly favorable to the healthiness of the town. SCHOOLS p.311 Lincoln has always given liberal support to her common schools, and has been rewarded in the distinguished character of her educated sons. At its incorporation in 1754, it was divided into three districts; and a 'moving school," was kept in each. A school-house was built in the middle of the town in 1762; and in 1763 £5 were granted to build one in the southwest district, £5 for the southeast and £10 for the north. In 1768, the schools wer kept in three instead of four places; and in 1770 and some other years, the grammar school was sub- stituted for all the others. In 1780, the town was again divided into four districts, which having been continued, excepting a few years since. In 1791, a committee was appointed to make a general regulation for dividing the school money, who reported, that the east district have 21 weeks, the south 17 weeks and the north 14 weeks, in proportion to the 12 months' schooling. This regulation was accepted by the town, which was divided into three districts; but continued a few years only. It was so altered in 1791, as to give 17 weeks to the south, 14 to the north, 11 to the east and 10 to the middle district. Since 1812, the south has drawn 11/56 and the three others 15/56 each of the money. Among the teachers of the grammar school, I find the names of Jacob Bigelow Timothy Farrar Fisher Ames and others who have been distinguished in public life. Mr. Joseph Brooks among other liberal donations, made one for the support of schools, which has been of great service to the town. It amounted to in 1761, £388. and now to more than $1,000, the annual interest of which is divided among the districts in the same proportion as other school money. An institution called the "liberal school," similar to an academy, was established by the Rev. Dr. Stearns, and several other gentlemen in 1793, and was successfully continued about ten years. From the annual return made to the State in 1829, it appears that the aggregate time for which the four public schools were kept was 32 months, 17 by males and 15 by females; and that they were attended by 220 scholars. $576.70 were paid for their support. There were two private schools, and 8 pupils attending academies. The estimated amount of tuition was $70. None are unable to read in the town. The north district contains 40 scholars, the south 86 and the east 42 and the middle 44. p.312 The poor were supported previous to 1785 in such families as undertook it at the lowest rates. £8 were granted for this purpose in 1760, £35 in 1762 and £18 in 1783. A committee was chosen in 1785 consisting of the Hon. James Russell, Edmund Wheeler and Eleazer Melvin, by whom a poor-house was built; principally from the liberal donation of the chairman. The land on which it stood was presented by Mr. John Adams. The poor were supported here til about 1800 when the house was abandoned, and the old system of letting them out to the lowest bidder was again adopted. The annual expense now is between $400 and $500. There are two burying-grounds in town, one the gift of Mr. Ephraim Flint and the other of Deacon Samuel Farrar. TOWN CLERKS OF LINCOLN Ephraim Flint 1746, '62, '54, '57, & '57. Ebenezer Cutler, 1753, 1755 & 1759. Samuel Farrar, 1758, 1760-1766. John Adams, 1767 - 1777. Abijah Pierce, 1778, 1779 & 1781. Samuel Hoar, '80, '82, '87-'98, 1807 - '9. Richard Russell, 1783 to 1786 Grosvenor Tarbell, 1799 to 1803 Thomas Wheeler, 1804 to 1806. Elijah Fiske, 1810 to 1821. Stephen Patch, 1822 to 1827. Charles Wheeler, 1828 to 1830. Elijah Fiske, 1831. REPRESENTATIVES Chambers Russell, '54-57, '59, '62, '63 & '65 Samuel Farrer, 1766 to 1768 Eleazer Brooks, '74-78, '80, '85, '87, '90-92. Chambers Russell, 1788 Samuel Hoar, '94, '95, '97, '98, 1801, 1803 & 1808. Samuel Farrar, Jr. 1800. Joshua Brooks, 1809-1811. Leonard Hoar, 1812-1814. William Hayden, 1815, 1816. Elijah Fiske, 1820 - 1822. Joel Smith, 1824. Silas P. Tarbell, 1827 & 1828. Not represented: 1758, 1760, 1762, 1769-1773, 1779, 1781, 1782, 1786, 1789, 1793, 1796, 1799, 1802, 1817, 1823, 1825 & 1826. SENATORS Hon. Eleazer Brooks 1780 to 1786, - 1788 - 1795. Hon. Samuel Hoar 1813 to 1816. COUNSELLORS Hon. Chambers Russell 1759 to 1766. Hon. Eleazer Brooks 178, 1792-1800. p.313 JUSTICES OF THE PEACE Chambers Russell James Russell Charles Russell Eleazer Brooks Joseph Adams Chambers Russell Samuel Hoar Eleazer Brooks, Jr. Joshua Brooks Grosvenor Tarbell William Hayden Charles Wheeler Elijah Fiske Stephen Patch Joel Smith Clergymen and Physicians are the only professional men who have resided in town. The former have already been noticed in the Ecclesiastical History; the physicians are as follows: Dr. Charles Russell, son of the Hon. James Russell, born in Charlestown, grad. at Harvard College 1757 and inherited his uncle Chamber's estate in Lincoln, where he resided as a physician. He married Miss Elizabeth Vassall of Cambridge, and from his father-in-law he contracted opinions opposed to the measures of the people in the revolution, and left Lincoln on the 19th of April, 1775 and went to Martinique in the West Indies where he died. Dr. John Binney died August 14th, 1760 aged 55. His widow married (2) Capt. Daniel Adams. Dr. Joseph Adams was also unfriendly to the revolution and went to England where he died. Dr. Mann practised in Lincoln between 1780 and 1790. He afterwards moved to Castine, Maine, and married a daughter of Mr. John Adams. Dr. Richard Russell was son of Mr. Richard, a brother of the Hon. Chambers Russell, born in Charlestown, settled in Lincoln in 1778, drowned in the Beaver Pond Aug. 12, 1796 aged 46. Dr. Grosvener Tarbell was from Sturbridge, settled in Lincoln in 1796 and died in 1822. Dr. George Russell, son of Dr.Richard Russell, born Sept. 23, 1795, grad. at the Medical Inst. of Cambridge in 1820 and has since practised in Lincoln. COLLEGE GRADUATES FROM LINCOLN p. 314 Stephen Farrar, son of Deacon Samuel Farrar, was born Sept 8, 1738 & grad. 1755. He studied divinity, and was ordained as the first minister of New Ipswich, N.H., Oct 22, 1760, and performed the duties of his office with distinguished ability till his death, June 23, 1809. Timothy Farrar, brother of the foregoing, was b. June 28, 1747, & grad, 1767. He studied law and settled in New Ipswich, N.H., was elected Judge of the Court of Common Pleas under the temporary constitution of N.H. in Jan. 1776; was a Counsellor in the year 1780, 1782 and 1783; apptd Judge of the Superior Court in 1790; resigned that office, 1803 or 1804; and was afterwards Chief Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas. Besides these offices he was an elector of President and Vice-President of the U.S. in 1792, 1796, 1800 and 1808 and in 1804 and since one of the trustees of Dartmouth College. Charles Russell, of Lincoln. He rec'd a Medical degree at Aberdeen, died in Antiqua, May 27, 1780 aged 42. Joseph Farrar, son of George Farrar was b. June 30, 1744 & grad. 1767; was ordained at Dublin, N.H. June 10, 1772 when the church was organized; dismissed Jan. 7, 1776; installed at Dummerston, VT in 1779; dismissed 1784 and is prob. the same who afterwards settled in Eden, VT. He died at Petersham. (ibid.) Jonathan Gove, son of Deacon John Gove, b. Aug 22, 1746, grad. 1768. He studied medicine and lived many years in New Boston, N.H.; was Representative at the General Court, a popular physician, and one of the oldes in practice at the time of his death in the county of Hills- borough. He was also a Justice of the Peace. One of his sons, Charles F. Gove, was an attorney at Law in Goffstown. - Farmer & Moore, Gazetteer of N.H. p.315 Moses Brown grad. 1768 and settled as a merchant at Beverly; Justice of the Peace and of the Quorum; died June 15, 1820 aged 72. Jonas Hartwell, son of Ephraim Hartwell, was b. June 26, 1754, grad. 1779. After he graduated he engaged in mercantile pursuits, went to Bilboa in Spain, and while innocently engaged in his vocation, was arrested and confined in the Inquisition where he died March 2, 1784. Nathaniel Pierce was born September 27, 1754 and grad. 1775. He was a merchant of Boston. He died in Watertown, Dec 3, 1783, aged 30. Abel Flint son of Mr. Ephraim Flint was b. June 22, 1758 and grad. 1780. He taught a school several years in Haverhill and elsewhere and died in Lincoln of consumption Jan 25, 1789 aged 32 yrs. William Brooks, son of Deacon Joshua Brooks, was born March 13, 1757 and grad. 1780. He settled as a merchant in Augusta, Maine and has held several civil and military offices in that state. Daniel Stone, grad. 1791; was ordained in Augusta, Maine, Oct 21, 1795, and dismissed by mutual consent May 1809. He has since lived a respectable private citizen in that town. Daniel Adams son of Joseph Adams grad. at Dartmouth 1797, and rec'd a medical degree at Harvard Coll.; settled in Keene, N.H., and obtained an extensive professional business. Samuel Farrar, son of Dea. Samuel Farrar, b. Dec. 13, 1773, grad. 1797; was tutor one year, studied law and settled in Andover; is the President of the Bank in that place and Treasurer of the Theological Seminary. Samuel Hoar, son of the Hon. Samuel Hoar, b. May 18, 1778; grad. 1802. He studied law and was admitted to the bar September, 1805 and immediately after settled in Concord. He was a member of the Convention for revising the Contstitution of the State in 1821 and of the Senate in 1825 and 1832. John Farrar son of Dea. Samuel Farrar b. July 1, 1779, grad. 1803; was tutor from 1805 to 1807; and p.316 appointed that year Hollis Proffessor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy in Harvard Univ. and yet continues in that office (1835) Nathan Brooks, son of Joshua Brooks, Esq., b. Oct 18, 1785, grad. 1809; est. himself in the profession of law in Concord, represented the town in 1823, 1824, and 1825, and was Counsellor in 1829 and Senator in 1831. Nathaniel Pierce Hoar, son of the Hon. Samuel Hoar, b. Sept 2, 1784 and grad. 1810. He read law with his brother in Concord, and commenced practice in his profession at Portsmouth, NH in 1813, where he soon obtained an extensive business. Being attacked by a fatal disease, he removed to his native town and died deeply lamented May 24, 1820 aged 35. Thomas Fiske, son of Elijah Fiske, Esq., grad. 1819; read law and began his professional business in Charleston, So. Carolina in 1826. William Lawrence Stearns, son of the Rev. Dr. Stearns, born October 13, 1793, grad. 1820; studied divinity and was ordained at Stoughton, Nov 21, 1827. Daniel Mansfield Stearns a twin brother of the preceding grad. Brown Univ. 1822 and was ordained minister at Dennis, May 21, 1828. Joseph Green Cole, son of Capt. Abraham Cole, grad. 1822, read law with Gov. Lincoln of Maine and settled in his profession at Paris, Maine. George Fiske, son of Elijah Fiske, Esq., b. Aug 22, 1804, grad. at Browon Univ. 1825 and in 1835 was Episcopal minister in New York. Humphrey Farrar, son of Humphrey Farrar was b. Sept. 15, 1773 and grad. Dartmouth 1794. Joseph Farrar, b. Feb 14, 1775, brother to the above, grad. as his classmate & studied law. George Farrar, grad. at Dartmouth 1800, brother to the two above and was an eminent physician in Derry, N.H., and a Fellow of the N.H. Medical Society. William Farrar, another brother, b. Oct 2nd, 1780 grad. at Dartmouth in 1801. p.317 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES Mr. Joseph Brooks died Sept. 17, 1759 aged 78. He was son of Joshua Brooks and grandson of Thomas Brooks, the 1st American ancestor of the Brooks family. He acquired a respectable estate, as a farmer, and while living was distinguished for his liberality. From him the church in Lincoln received a part of its communion plate; and the town, the meeting-house bell, and the school fund. These, and several other acts of liberality, render his name deserving of lasting remembrance. Hon. Chambers Russell, was son of the Hon. Daniel Russell of Charlestown, who died Dec. 6, 1763 aged 78, a member of the Council, commissioner of imports and treasurer of the County of Middlesex upwards of fifty years. He grandfather was the Hon. James and great-grandfather the Hon. Richard Russell who in 1640, at the age of 29, came from Here- fordshire, England and settled in Charlestown; was a most eminent merchant, a member of the Council and otherwise distinguished. His mother was daughter of the Hon. Charles Chambers. He grad. at Harvard Coll. in 1731, and soon settled in that part of Concord which is now Lincoln on the estate of his father-in-law, which has since been known as the Russell, Codman and Percival estate. He represented the town of Concord several years in the General Court and was the chief instrument in obtaining the act of incorporation for the town of Lincoln. After this town was set off, he was eight times elected its Representative. In 1759 he was chosen a Councellor, just a century from the time when his great-grandfather was chosen to the same office. He was apptd. Sept. 1747, Judge of the Court of Admiralty and at his death sustained that office and also that of Judge of the Superior Court. He died without issue, according to the Lincoln records - at Guilford in Surry, England, 24th of November 1767. He married Mary Atkins who died in Lincoln the 13th of August, 1762. Hon. James Russell, brother of the foregoing was born in Charlestown Aug 5, 1715 and succeeded to all the public honors of his respected ancestors as a Representative, p.318 Counsellor and Judge. he represented the town of Charlestown 13 years from 1746; was a Counsellor many years, and 16th of May, 1771, was apptd one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas. When Charlestown was invaded by the British in 1775, he removed to Dunstable; and after his son Charles, who inherited his brother Chambers's estate, left the country, he removed to Lincoln where he lived fifteen or twenty years. This town is indebted to him for several valuable donations. The expense of the poor-house, erected in 1786 was principally borne by him. He m. Katharine, dau. of the Hon. Thomas Graves, a descendant of the third generation from the Hon. Thomas Graves who arrived in Salem, Mass., in 1629, and soon after settled in Charlestown. She died in Lincoln, 17th of Sept. 1778 aged 61. He died in Charlestown. His children were Hon. Thomas, a most eminent and opulent merchant of Boston; James who went to England; Dr. Charles, Harvard College 1757; Chambers, who died in So. Carolina; Katherine who m. Mr. Henrly of Charlestown; Rebecca, who m. (1) Judge Tyng and (2) Judge Sewall; Margaret tho m. John Codman and Sarah and Mary who died single. Hon. Eleazor Brooks was the son of Mr. Job Brooks and a descendant of the 4th generation from Capt. Thomas Brooks, one of the first settlers of Concord, b. Sept 10, 1727 and died 19th of Nov., 1806, aged 79. His grandfather was Daniel, and great grandfather Joshua Brooks. His father was a respectable farmer, and intended his son for the same employment. The circumstances of the time when he lived, were such, that his education did not equal that of many of his contemporary young farmers, which at best was very ordinary. Considering that he was self-instructed, his future intellectual improvements were truly remarkable. He early discovered indication of talents; and, before the great work of the Revolution commenced he was called into office. He was appointed by Gov. Barnard, a lieutenant of a foot company in Lincoln, 11th May, 1768 and a Captain by Hutchinson, 13th of July, 1773; by the Council, a Colonel of the 3d regiment, 14th of Feb., 1776 and a Brigadier General 15th of October 1778, p.319 and to the same office under the new constitution, 22 of August, 1781. He commanded a regiment of the Middlesex militia at the battle of White Plains in 1776 and at several other times appeared in the camp, where he distinguished himself for his cool and determined bravery. The laborious duties, which his military office imposed during the Revolutionary War were performed with great ability and decision. He was often chosen a member of the town's committee of safety, and the state's committee of secrecy; was a member of the Provincial Congress in 1774, and was afterwards annually a member of the General Court or Executive Council till 1800. He was appointed Justice of the Peace in 1777; and on the 27th of March, 1786, a special Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. He was delegate to the convention at Cambridge in July, 1779, to form the constitution and at Boston in 1788 to ratify the Constitution of the United States; and in various other places, during his public life, his services were put in requisition. After being 27 years a public man, he declined in 1800 being a candidate for the suffrages of his fellow citizens and retired to private life. As a military man he was brave, patriotic, and considerate in designing, but expeditious in executing his plans. His habits of thought and action were systematic and correct; his industry untiring. By a judicious improvement of his faculties, by reading, conversation, and reflection, he compensated for the neglect of his early education. Possessing the confidence of his associates in public life, he acquired great influence and his opinions were much respected. But for nothing was he more respected than for his strict probity, real goodness of heart and exemplary piety. He united with the church early in life, and was chosen one of its deacons in 1794. In all his important trusts he set a noble example of what may be accomplished by a judicious application of one's own powers of mind and left a character worthy of remembrance and imitation. End, Chapter XIX.