Early Land Grants of Groton, Middlesex, MA ************************************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ************************************************************************ Transcribed by Janice Farnsworth Farns10th@aol.com AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. BY SAMUEL ABBOTT GREEN. with Index end of book. TO THE MEMORY OF THE EARLY SETTLERS OF GROTON. Who Went Into the Wilderness, And, braving unknown dangers and hardships, made their homes and laid the foundation of the Town, THIS ACCOUNT OF THEIR LAND GRANTS IS INSCRIBED. BY SAMUEL ABBOTT GREEN. EARLY LAND GRANTS The colonial governments of Massachusetts and Plymouth, as well as the Provincial government of Massachusetts, granted from time to time, to certain persons, tracts of land suitable for townships. These persons, called proprietors, frequently had an equal number of shares, but sometimes one proprietor would have more than another, and they called their shares by such names and styles as they pleased. In Groton, these were called "acre-rights"; but sometimes, as in Bridgewater, they were called "purchase rights," and, at other times, as in Nantucket, "cows-commons," or "sheep-commons." These proprietors organized as a corporation, chose a moderator, clerk and all needful committ- ees, at their meetings, and, pursuant to the vote of the majority, allotted the lands to individuals of the corporation or proprietary, as occasion required, in proportion to their respective shares. In the course of time, the lands of the propriet- ary were all distributed, as appears by their records, which, for the most part, have been preserved. These records are of two kinds: first, those of the votes of the corporation and secondly, those of the location of grants to individuals of the corporation, which last, records are analogous of old towns in New England is full of inter- est, and to these records we must recur to ob- tain the early portion of such history. THE TOWNSHIP OF GROTON. EARLY LAND GRANTS. FIFTY ONE PERSONS OWN THE LANDS. p.6 The township of Groton was equal to eight miles square, or sixty-four square miles - equivalent to 40,906 acres and the whole number of "acre- rights" belonging to the original proprietors was 827, owned by fifty one persons. According to this calculatio, in a general divis- ion of the property at the outset, the owner of a single "acre-right" would have been entitled to nearly fifty acres of land and the larger proprie- tors to similar proportion. The division of land, however, was not made all at once, but at several different times, and the amount set off to each one, was determined somewhat by its value. Considerable land was sold at the start, in order to raise money, to build, in part, a meeting house, and to defray certain other public expenses; and even after this was done, many thousand acres still remained unsold. This undivided land was generally called the "town's common" or "town's commons," or the "common land." The proprietors of the town probably never received from their "acre-rights" - or stock, as we should call it, any dividends in money. Their profits came from the division of lands; and the current expenses of the corporation were met by the income from the sales. The first division was made, doubtless, as early as the year 1661, when a Committee, appoint- ed by the General Court, October, 1659, to con- sider certain difficulties that had arison in connection with the settlement of the town, made a report recommending: - "1. That the old planters and theire assignes whose names are: John Tinker Richard Smith William Martin Richard Blood Robert Blood Jonathan Lakin that they retain & keepe as theire property (of such lands as they now claime an inter- est in) each of them only twenty acres of meadow, twenty acres for the house lott, ten acres intervale land and ten acres of other uplands and that the same be set out by a committee so as may not unequally prejudice such as are, or may be, theire neighbors. GROTON'S FIRST SIXTY FAMILIES. "2 That the neere lands & meadows be so divid- ed as may accomodate at least sixty families & for that end, that the first division of lands be made in manner following - viz - such as have one hundred & p.7 GROTON. fifty pounds estate shall be allowed equal with old planters above and that none exceed & that none have less than ten acres for their house lot & five acres of meadow, two & a halfe acres of intervale and two & a half of other lands for planting lots in theire first division and that one be admitted to have grants of lots there, but on conditions following" .... The selection of land by the early settlers was governed largely by circumstances not now clearly understood. And he might want a certain piece be- cause it joined his neighbor's, or for some other simple reason. At times, the division was made by lot, which fact furnishes the origin and explana- tion of the American use of the word, "lot", as applied to a portion of land measured off, or appropriated to any particular purpose. It is re- corded in the Groton Town Records, November, 1663, the exact date being torn off - that "It is agreed that when all men have their full allowance of meadow - the residue shall be divid- ed to the present inhabitants by lot according to every man's proportion." It should be borne in mind that the first settlers of the town did not attach the same signification to the word, 'meadow' which now belongs to it in New England, where it means low, swampy land, without regard to the mowing. They called by the name, meadow, all grass-land that was annually mown for hay, and especially that by the side of a river or a brook, and this meaning of the word was the common one in England, whence they brought their language. They sometimes spoke of a swamp, meaning by it what we call a bog, but much of this kind of land has since been reclaimed and is known with us, as 'meadow'. As a matter of fact, it happened that the lands which could be mown for the fodder were low lands, and it would require perhaps less than a generation to transfer the meaning of mowing lands to the low lands, which were about the only ones that could be mown in the early days of the Colony. This explanation will make clear the following vote of the town, that was passed February 18, 1680: p.8 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. "At the same meeting it was agreed upon and voted that Mr. Hubbard (Hobart) have all the common which was capable to make meadow, in Swan Pond Meadow up to the upland for seven acres and a halfe, for to make up his fifteen acres of mead- ow." INSERT. THE FIRST 60 FAMILIES OF GROTON, MASS. Source History of Groton, Mass. by Caleb Butler. The Original Proprietors & Acre Rights ____________________________________________________________ Capt. James Parker 50 acre right William Martin 20 Sargeant John Lakin 20 Lieutenant William Lakin 20 Robert Blood 20 Richard Blood 60 James Blood 20 Joseph Blood 10 Timothy Allen 20 John Page 20 William Longley, Sen'r. 30 John Longley 10 Samuel Davis 20 Matthias Farnsworth, Sen'r. 20 Thomas Tarbell, Sen'r. 20 Richard Sawtell 20 James Fiske 20 John Lawrence 20 Richard Holden 18 Simon Stone 18 John Nutting 17 James Knap 15 John Clary 15 Ralph Read 15 Elias Barron 15 Joseph Parker 20 John Morse 12 Nathaniel Lawrence 10 Daniel Pearce 10 William Green 14 Samuel Woods 11 Thomas Boyden 7 John Barron 7 James Robinson 7 Benjamin Garfield 10 Christopher Hall 10 Joseph Morse 5 William Ellis 5 Jonathan Sawtell 5 Jonathan Crisp 8 Joshua Whitney 8 Jacob Ong 6 Thomas Tarbell, Jun'r 6 Joseph Lawrence 5 John Parish 5 Joseph Gilson 9 Thomas Williams 5 Justinian Holden 7 Zachariah Sawtell 10 Rev. Samuel Willard 20 ____ Total 755. End excerpt - transcribed by Janice Farnsworth p.8 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. by Dr. Samuel Abbott Green. "At the same meeting it was agreed upon and voted that Mr. Hubbard (Hobart) should have all the common which was capable to make meadow in Swan Pond meadow up to the upland for seven acres and a halfe for to make up his fifteen acres of medow." Many words in common use in early times have changed their meaning and others have dropped out of the lang- uage. Spong, Spang or spung - different formes of the same word, found several times in these Grants - is a case in point. In its struggle for existence, it has not survived, because it was not needed. James Roberts's (that would be James Robertson who married Elizabeth Farnsworth, daughter of Matthias Farnsworth and Mary Farr (among the first settlers of Groton) and who my own research gives me reason to think that he was one of the Cromwell prisoners sent to Lynn, Massachusetts) James Robertsons land grant speaks of "two parcells or spongs"; William Elluee's (Ellis) of "the northernmost, sprung of Buck Meadow," and John Page's, of "several spongs and angles." It was a local word in England, used in Suffolk, and meant "an irregular, narrow, projecting part of a field, whether planted or in grass." (Moor's "Suffolk Words," London, 1823.) Another obsolete word found in these Grants is "hole," of which the significa- tion is not so clear. The record of Joseph Parker's land (a brother of Captain James Parker) speaks of acre lying "In a hole near (perhaps hollow) the Angle meadow"; and that of Cornelius Church's, of a tract of "land containing two holle or three of swampy meadow"; and Timothy Allen's Grant mentions three acres at "Skull Hole." J. C. Atkinson, in his "Glossary of the Cleveland Dialect," - a dialect spoken in a district of Northumberland, England, gives "Holl" - a deep narrow depression in the sur- face of the land or place, of no great longitudinal extent." The preposition, through is spelled thorow in these records, showing its old pronunciation and its kinship to thorough. In the early records of Groton, "angle" and "squadron" were used to denote districts and these words are other instances of the natural changes in the language. At a meeting of the Selectmen, held December 27, 1669, it was agreed upon that "every many work proportionably according to his estate and that the ways are to be mended in the several angles of the towne" - and again at a meet- ing held January 18, 1671, it was: "agreed upon by the Selectmen for the dividing of their severall p.9 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. by Samuel Abbott Green. squadrons and for the calling out of their men to work, that is within t heir several squadrons as is expressed in their several papers." Both of these words are found in the records during many years, in connection with the schools, meaning what is now known by districts. There was a second division of land made at a very early date. In the record of Sgt. James Parker's lands (Captain James Parker) there is a reference to three acres in Plain Meadow, "that was laid out to James Knop (Knapp) in the second division." This tract of meadow is mentioned in Knop (or Knap) grant, which is dated "The 6th, 5th mo., 1666," and perhaps, refers to the division authorized by the town on October 8, 1665. At at Town Meeting held at Groton, December 24, 1662, it was voted that: "All the lands that are or hereafter shall be grant- ed, shall be recorded with these expressions follow- ing, viz: "To such a one or such a one etc. - Ten or 20 acres and so bounded be it estemmed more or less" In November of the next year, the exact date being torn off - it was voted that: "Every man of this town shall bring a note of all his lands or their lands bounded & abutted unto ye Town Clerk, being subscribed by two that helped to lay them out and then the said Clerk shall record them in the Town Book and give to each one a transcript of his land according to the Town's Record which shall be viewed by the Selectmen, both original & copy, and if ye original Town Record and ye transcript be found to agree, then each man's transcript shall be sub- scribed by the Town Clerk." In accordance with these votes, the grants of land were recorded in the book, which contained also the public acts of the town. This practice was kept up during a period of twenty years, when it became some- what inconvenient. About this time, it was customary for a town to choose a committee to instruct the Sel- ectmen in the management of public affairs, and one of the "instructions" for the year 1682 was that p.10 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON. by Samuel Abbott Green. "the Select men are to take special care that there be a town book & a sofishant (sufficient) man chosen to record our lands, as may stand according to the law." In compliance with this recommendation, John Morse, who had been the Town Clerk during ten years, was chosen as the "sofishant man." He was probably the fittest person in town for the position, as he wrote a good hand and was familiar with the duties of the office, having previously recorded in the town book, most of the land-grants. He began to work in the autumn of 1683, and in the course of a few months, had copied into the new book from the old one, all the Grants as they stood at that time. After the transcript was completed, the new book was used for the subsequent Grants until it was full, when the record continued in other volumes. JOHN LAWRENCE. In the year 1664, a controversy sprung up between the town and John Lawrence, about some land. In it- self, it was of little moment; but, in its conse- quence, it affected the whole town. The question was referred to an arbitrating Committee, which de- cided against Lawrence, who, of course, was dissatis- fied with the result. The matter afterward came up at a town meeting, September 21, 1665, and in substance, was reconsidered. It was then voted that: "John Lawrance, Sr., shall quietly possess and enjoy a parcel of land in controversy and already within his ffence and adjoining to his house lotte, continu- ing to acors more or less bounded west and south by the hyeway and north and east by his own land & grant- ed to him as a gratuity." At the same meeting, it was "also granted that every inhabitant shall have the like priviledge. Some addi- tional action was taken in the matter, October 8, 1665, when it was "voted by the towne that in consid- eration of a gratuity formerly granted to every in- habitant answerable to John Lawrence, Sr., his grant, ye 21st of the seventh month, 1665, that every man have liberty to take up p.11 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON. By Samuel Abbott Green. six acres to a twenty acre house lot, and in case it join to his house every man shall take up proportional thereunto respecting such as have either the whole or any part thereof already, but if more remote every inhabitant shall have liberty to take up two for one." Other instances of gratuities - or accommodations, as they are sometimes called - are found in the records. A brook and a highway, in the neighborhood of some of them, have taken their names from the word, and to this day are known, under its contracted form, as "Tuity Brook," and "Tuity Road." Sometimes land was given in order to induce settlers to come and abide in the town. At a meeting held prob- ably in April, 1669, it was: "By vote granted to Robert Parish...(Parker & Timothy Cooper - that they shall be and now are free Common- ers for wood and timber and for their own cattle, as other men of this town have paying to all town charges according to their porportion." A free commoner was one who had a right to use the common or undivided lands, free of charge. At the same meeting: "The towne did solemnly determine to take in no more but a tailor and a smith -and considering the great charge that hath been upon the present inhabitants they do now, by vote declare that by way of grant or gift directly or indirectly as a town and the towns mind herein declared by vote the second of June 1669, only a smith and no other." Immediately afterward, ten of the proprietors gave twenty acres of land to Robert Parish, which was not done. "As a Town act but out of every man's own particular Right provided he come and settle amongst us, a townsman and not other ways." At a town meeting held January 8, 1680, there were granted "to Thomas Beall of Lynn, tanner, ten acres of land by the Town, pro- vided he come and live among them and be not alienat- ing nor selling it." p.12 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. by Samuel Abbott Green. The following extracts from "The Indian Roll" show - to say nothing nothing of the town clerk's spelling - what was done frequently at the early town meetings. Under date of December 11, 1682 - "It was notyd and agreed upon that was chosin to sell land for the finishing the meeting house too sell no more - at the same meetin it was agreed upon and votid that the land that is called by the name of Thomas William's land should be sold and John Page, Samuel Woods were chosen to sell this land" And again it is recorded: "At a general town meeting 25th 4th month 1683 - agreed upon and voted that the town would sell land for to pay their present dues and the Committ- ee shall sell no land within two miles of the meet- ing house and the committee shall sell no land under twenty acres and except it be first brought to the town Meeting and if the town do determine to sell such land the committee may deed it legally. The inhabitants of this Town have liberty to buy land at a allowable price of the committee so no land shall be sold under twelve pence an acre. Captain Parker, Leftenant Lakin, Sgt. Knapp was chosen a Committee to sell this land" The law authorized the proprietors of lands lying in common to dispose of or divide them; but it was not until March 25, 1713, that an act was passed, prescribing the mode of calling a meeting of such proprietors for this purpose. Under the provision of this statute, a meeting of the proprietors of Groton was called, March 4, 1717; and, from that time, separate records were kept. Before the pass- age of the Act, there was no distinction between the inhabitants of the town and the proprietors. At a meeting held September 5, 1721, by adjourn- ment from April 28, a division of the common land was made, allowing two acres to each acre-right, of which one-half was to be laid out on the east side of the Nashua River, and the other on the west side. Another division was voted, January 17, 1726-7, p.13 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON. by Samuel Abbott Green. GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. _____________________________________________ PHINEHAS NUTTING. giving the same proportion of land to the owners; and subsequent divisions followed, on February 9, 1741; November 14, 1748, and a final one on February 4, 1760. After this last division, the proprietors continued to hold meetings at varying intervals, un- til November 28, 1829, when they confirmed the sale of land made March 21, 1828 to Phinehas Nutting. This was the last tract of common land belonging to the original grant, and contained about six acres and a half. It was situated somewhere between Cady Pond and Brown Loaf, and fetched sixteen dollars. THE ASSOCIATION OF THE PROPRIETORS OF GROTON. The association known as the Proprietors of Groton is now dissolved, and the meeting on November 28, 1829, is the last one that will ever be held. THE LIST OF NAMES OF THE ORIGINAL PROPRIETORS. JAMES PARKER. The following list of names of the original pro- prietors is found on a loose leaf of "The Indian Roll." It appears to be in the handwriting of the person who made the records for James Parker, in the year 1678, when he was Town Clerk. These records are brief, and not dated; they are signed with his name, but not with his autograph signature. The figures indicate the number of acre-rights owned by each individual: THE FIRST GRANT OF EVERY MAN IN THIS TOWN. NAME ACRES Capt. James Parker 50 William Martin 20 Sargeant Lakin 20 Left. William Lakin 20 Robert Blood 20 Richard Blood 60 James Blood 20 Joseph Blood 10 Timothy Allen 20 John Page 20 William Longley 30 John Longley 10 Samuel Davis 20 Matthias Farnsworth, Sr. 20 Thomas Tarbell, Sr. 20 Richard Sawtell 20 p.14 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON. EARLY LAND GRANTS OF: James Fiske 20 John Lawrance 20 Mr. Willard 20 Richard Holden 18 Simon Stone 18 John Nutting 17 James Knapp 15 John Clarey 15 Ralph Read 15 Elias Barron 15 Joseph Parker 20 John Morse 12 Nathaniel Lawrence 10 Daniel Pierce 10 William Green 14 Samuel Woods 11 Thomas Boyden 07 John Barron 07 James Robinson 07 Benjamin Garfield 10 Christopher Hall 10 Joseph Morse 05 William Elue (?) 05 Jonathan Sartell 05 Jonathan Crisp 08 Joshua Whitney 08 Jacob Onge 06 Thomas Tarbell, Jr. 06 Joseph Lawrance 05 John Parish 05 Joseph Gilson 09 Walter Sciner (Skinner?) 09 Thomas Williams 05 Justin Holding (Holden?) 07 Zachariah Sawtell 10 These persons were the earliest settlers of Groton, and probably lived in the town until its destruction by the Indians. Many of them have lineal descendants still within the p.15 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. original township. Among those no longer repres- ented in this neighborhood are Allen, Barron, Boyden, Clary, Crisp, Eluce, Fiske, Garfield, Knapp, Martin, Onge, and Parish. Knop's Pond and Martin's Pond, how- ever, perpetuate two of these names. Cady Pond, alone, preserves the name of another old settler, though Cady himself was not one of the ori- ginal proprietors. (see also Nicholas Cady, Bond's Watertown). It is thought that the surname, Elluee no longer exists in New England. In this word the u had the force of a v, and the named was pronounced as if written, 'Elvy'. Perhaps it has passed into another form. The surname, Onge is also believed to have died out in New England. The following land-grants are copied from the earliest volume of town records, and comprise a few not found in the Proprietor's records. The volume is in bad con- dition and some of the pages are missing. These grants, with a few trifling exceptions, were made before the town was burned by the Indians; and the entries of them in the Town Book are now on loose and detached pages. Considerable interest and value belong to them, as they indicate the sites of the house-lots where the earliest settlers lived, which, in some cases, can be identi- fied. The names of certain hills, meadows and ponds, familiar to us as household words, are mentioned, showing that they were given in the earliest days of the town. Among them are the names of Gibbet Hill and Brown Loaf, Broad Meadow and Half-Moon Meadow, Martin's Pond and Baddacook Pond and others equally well known. Many places, then called by names which are now forgotten, can be recognized from the description of them. Cow Pond, Massapoag Pond, Sandy Pond and Spectacle Pond, all were named at a very early period in the town's history. Nonacoicus was and Indian name, given to a place in the south part of the town, now included in Ayer. It is a little singular that Squannacook, also an Indian word, is not found in these records; it was in use, however as early as the year 1683. I am un- able to identify Pine Hill, or Barralock Hill, mention- ed in Samuel Woods' grant. Indian Hill or Hills, as the expression frequently is, was probably a range of hills beginning INSERT. SAMUEL WOODS Source: Epitaphs From The Old Burying Grounds, Groton, Mass. by Samuel A. Green. p.259 Samuel Woods was an original proprietor of Groton, Mass., and he owned an eleven-acre Right. He is the ancestor of most of the families in this neighborhood, bearing the name. Two of his grandchildren, Thomas Woods And Daniel Woods, were with Captain John Love- well in his famous fight with the Indians, May 8th, 1725 and both were killed. Henry Woods, a great-grandson, was in an expedition up the Kennebec River, in the summer of 1755. At the Battle of Bunker Hill, he was a Major under Colonel William Prescott, and was subsequently promoted to a Colonel - after the war (Revolut- ion), he was a General in the militia. Epitaphs from the old burying ground at Groton, Mass. p.10 NATHANIEL WOODS. Here lies buried ye body of Mr. Nathaniel Woods, who died June ye 20th, anno 1738, in ye 71st Year of his age. Footnote: He was a son of Samuel Woods & Alice Woods, and was born March 27, 1668. p.103 THOMAS WOODS 1794 In Memory of Mr. Thomas Woods who died March 2d, 1794: aged 47. Also, Bennit Woods, son of Mr. Thomas Woods & his wife, Mary Woods - who died April 26th 1794, aged 4 years. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ p.16 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. near James's Brook, a mile south of the village and running in an easterly direction, on the south side of the "Great Road" to Boston. Massapoag Brook, Cow Pond Brook, James's Brook (named for Capt. James Parker), Sandy Brook, Hawtree Brook, and Unqueten- orset Brooke are familiary to the present generation. The meadows are more numerous, but not many of them have kept their designations; although, perhaps, a few are still known by the old names, in their immed- iate neighborhood. Among them are the following: MEADOWS OF GROTON. Accident Angle Brook Buck Burnt Cow-Pond East Flaggy Flax Ferney Little Half-Moon Lodge Long Maple Pine Plain Pretty Providence Quosoponagon Reedy Rock Round Sallo (or Sallow) a species of the willow). Seda (cedar) Sledge South Spang Spot Spruce Swamp Weavers. Angle Meadow and Plain Meadow were situated in the northerly part of Groton, and Burnt Meadow in the vicinity of Cow Pond. Cold Spring was "on ye left hand of the highway that goes to Reedy meadow," - which meadow, also in the northern part of the town, still keeps its old name. Flaggy Meadow was near Brown Loag, and Rock Meadow in the neighborhood of Snake Hill. Quosoponagon Meadow was "on the other side of the River," per- haps Squannacook, and Buck Meadow in the eastern part of the town. Among these entries, no allusion is made to woodland, for the reason, doubtless, that wood was so cheap and so common. The "general field," frequently mentioned in these grants, refers to land owned in severalty by a number of persons who turned it into one field" and "Sargeants field medow," also mentioned, I do not fully understand; perhaps they refer to Sgt. Parker's field. These grants are arranged, for the most part, chronologically; but in some instances, they are not dated. In these cases, the name of the Town Clerk who recorded them is given, with his term of service; and the date can be approximated near enough for practical purposes. In printing them, the capitalization and punctuation have been made to conform to modern usage; but the spelling remains unchanged. p.17 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY GRANTS OF GROTON. THE EARLY LAND GRANTS. A Record of the Severall Propriators of Groton, their names and their lands, which hath been or- derly presented to the Towne Clerk. Revised & approved by the Selectmen, according to an Order of the Towne, bearing date of November 30, 1663. THE LANDS OF WALTER SKINER. (SKINNER). 1. His uplands. To his house lot with some addit- ion thereunto, twenty & eight acres by estimation, more or less, bounded on the north with the upland of Timothy Allen, and on the west with Timothy Allen and on all other points with the highway & the town's Common. 2. Three acres and a half by estimation, more or less, bounded south-west with the highway, north- west with Joseph Parker (brother of Capt. James Parker) north-east with common land, south-east with Timothy Allen and Walter Skinner. 3. His Meadow. In fflaggy meadow, six acres by estimation more or lesse, bounded on the north with ye meadow of Capt. James Parker, and all other points on common land. 4. In Broad Meadow, two acres by estimation more or less bounded north with the lands of John Nutt- ing, east with the lands of Captain James Parker, south with the lands of John Barron & Benjamin Garfield, west with the Town Common. 5. One acre of meadow, more or less, lying in two parcels, bounded west with the pond, & all other points with the town's common. 6. In Maple Meadow, two acres by estimation, bound- ed south-west with the meadow of Samuel Woods, north west with the meadow of Joshua Whitney, and all other points of ye towne common. January 21, 1663. Revised, approved and confirmed according to the order of the Town, by the Select- men. p.18 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON. by Dr. Samuel Abbott Green. WALTER SKINNER. CAPT. JAMES PARKER. This indenture witnesseth that Walter Skinner hath sold, given, granted and exchanged his six acres of meadow, more or lesse, lying in Flaggy Meadow, bound- ed on the north by the meadow of James Parker, and on all points with ye town's uplands, to and with Samuel Woods, his heirs and executors and administrators, forever. RICHARD BLOOD. And also, this Indenture witnesseth that the said Samuel Woods hath sold, alienated, given, granted & exchanged, to and with the above said Walter Skinner his three acres of meadow, more or less, lying in Vncattenorset Meadow, bounded west southwardly with Richard Blood's, and on all other points with the town's upland and river; and with three acres, more or less, lying in Maple Meadow, bounded south west with the meadow of Justine Holden, and on (all) other points with the town's uplands and Walter Skinner's owne meadow; for him, the said Walter Skinner and his heirs, executors, and administra- tors, forever. For the ture performance, the parties abovesaid have entered and set their hands, February 27th, 1666. His Marke - Walter (mark) Skinner. His Marke - Samuell Woods. In the presence of us, William Longley & Nathaniel Lawrence. THE LANDS OF CHRISTOPHER HALL. JONATHAN CRISPE. 1. His Uplands. And, ffirst, his houselot, with that which adjoins to it, thirty acres, more or lesse, bounded north with lands of Jonathan Crispe, south with Daniel Metup (?) east with the hieway, west with the town's common. 2. In the general field, three acres & a halfe, more or less bounded north with the land of Alexander Rouse, southerly with ye lands of James Blood, west- erly with ye river, easterly with ye hyeway. CAPTAIN JAMES PARKER & HIS BROTHER, JOSEPH. 3. His Meadow - and ffirst, in Broade Meadow, two acres more or less, bounded northerly with the mead- ow of Benjamin Garfield, southerly with the meadow of Joseph Parker (brother of Capt. James Parker) easterly with the land of Capt. James Parker, wester- ly with ye town's common. p.19 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON 4. In Pine Meadow, two acres, more or lesse, bounded southerly with the meadow of Benjamin Garfield, north- erly with the meadow of John Lawrence & Nathaniel Lawrence, or one of them, easterly and westerly with the Town's Common. 5. In Ferny Meadow, one acre, more or lesse, bounded westerly with ye meadow of Jacob Onge, easterly with the meadow of Daniell Metup (?) and on all other points with the towne common. Jonathan Crisp & Capt. James Parker. 4. In Flaggy Meadow, three acres, more or less, bounded easterly with Capt. James Parker, westerly with Jonathan Crisp, northerly with ye meadow of Captain James Parker, and southerly with the town's Common. JOHN LAKIN. 5. In Reedy Meadow, two acres, more or lesse, bound- ed with the meadow of John Lakin, easterly with the medow of John Barron, northerly with the town's swamp and uplands, southerly with the highway. JACOB ONGE. 6. Two acres of meadow, more or less, bounded east- erly with ye meadow of Jacob Onge, and on all other points with the Town's common. December 2, 1664. Revised, approved & confirmed, by the Selectmen, according to order of the towne. One parcel of thirteen and a halfe acres of upland, bounded with three lines, one on the south, the 2nd north-east, and the third north west. And also, this writing witnesseth that Christopher Hall hath laid down for common land, five acres & a quarter...in the general field, it being his owne portion and an ____ quarter that the said Hall bought of Alexander Rouse. Act and deed delivered into the Town Clerk's hands. THE LANDS OF CHRISTOPHER HALL. 1. Meadows. In fferny meadow, one acre more or less, bounded westerly with the meadow of Christopher Hall, and on all other points with the town's uplands. 2. In Spot meadow, one acre, more or less, bounded on all points with the town's upland and the nearest meadow to it, is John Clary's - his cow-pond medow, which sale of medow is alienated by Joseph Morse for two acres in fflagy meadow which waws sometimes the said Christopher Hall's, as is specified in the record of the said Joseph Morse, into which aliena- tion the wives of them both do give their consent to the giving up their thirds. p.20 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON. THE LANDS OF DANIEL METUP. (see also, Daniel Mettup, Bond's Watertown - p.366.) 1. His uplands. And first, his houselot, twenty acres, with an addition, more or lesse, bounded southerly with the land of Benjamin Garfield, northerly with the land of Christopher Hall, easterly with the highway, northerly with ye town's Common. In the general field, one acre and three rod, bounded westerly with the river, easterly with the highway, southerly with the land of James Fiske, northerly with ye common. 2. His meadows. And first, in Broad Meadown, one ace, more or less, bounded southerly with the mead- ow of Benjamin Garfield, northerly with the meadow of John Barron, westerly with the town's common. In Pine meadow, of Ralph Reed, southerly with ye meadow of Benjamin Garfield & east and west with the towns' common. 3. In fferny meadow, one acre, more or less, bounded westerly with the meadow of Chrisopher Hall, & on all other points with the town's upland. 4. In Spot Meadow, one acre, more or less, bounded on all points with the town's upland, and the nearest meadow to it is John Clary, his cow-pond meadow. 5. One acre of meadow, more or less, bounded north easterly with ye land of John Moss, southwest with the town's swamp and on all other points with the town's upland. December 2, 1664. Revised, approved and confirmed by the Selectmen, according to order of ye towne. A further grant unto these aforesaid lands as a gratuity only, the aforesaid lands lying in the general field, being laid downe as common land for the town's use, and then the grant is four acres and three quarters on all points with common lands. THE LANDS OF JOSEPH PARKER. His uplands. And first his house-lot with some additions there unto, forty and eight acres, more or lesse, bounded north on the land of James Roberts, and on all other points with ye highways. p.21 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON. by Dr. Samuel Abbott Green. 2. Eleven acres, more or less, of upland & swamp, bounded southerly on the land of James Roberts, west northerly on the land of William Longley & on all other poynts with the town's common. 3. In the general field, six acres, more or lesse, bounded west-northerly with the land of James Knop, westerly with the lands of John Moss & on all other poynts with ye highways. 4. Fourteene acres, more or less, bounded north on ye land of Captain James Parker, south & west with ye land of William Longley & on all other poynts with ye town's common. [author's note: This last paragraph is erased in the original.] 2. His medowes. And ffirst, in Broade Medow, six acres, more or lesse, bounded southerly with the medow of John Page, north with the medow of Christopher Halle, east with the medow of James Parker, west with ye town's upland. 2. (again) In Browne-loafe hill medow, eight acres, more or lesse, bounded north easterly with ye brooke & on all other poynts with ye town's upland. 3. At Unquetenorset Brooke, lyeing on both sides of it, two acres, more or lesse, bounded north westerly with the medow of Joseph Gilson, & on all other poynts with ye town's upland. 4. Lieing on Unquetenorset Brooke, one acre, more or lesse, bounded south-easterly with ye medow of William Longley, & on all other poynts with ye town's upland. 5. Lieing Unquetenorset Brooke, four acres, more or less, bounded south-easterly with ye lands of of William Longly & northwesterly & on all other poynts with the town's upland. 6. Two acres of medow in Swamp Medow, more or lesse, lying in two parcels near together, bounded on all poynts with the towne's common. 7. In Angle medow, one acre, more or lesse, bounded westerly with the medow of James Parker, & on all other poynts with the towne's upland. 8. In a hole neare the Angle Medow, one acre, more or lesse, bounded on all poynts with ye town's up- land; and was given him over & above with respect to the badness of his other medow. 9. In Swamp Medow, four acres, more or lesse, (bounded) east with ye medow of William Lakin & (on all other) poynts with the town's upland. 10. In Pretty Medow, four acres, more or lesse, bounded westerly p.22 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON. by Dr. Samuel Abbott Green. with ye meadow of John Lakin, easterly with ye meadow of Captain James Parker & on all other persons. 11. Of Upland, fourteen (paper much torn). 12. 13. One acre of meadow, more or lesse (bounded) south with the meadow of James Parker, west with the meadow of Benjamin Garfield and on all other poynts with the town's upland. December 2, 1664. Revised, approved and confirmed by ye Selectmen, according to order of towne. THE LANDS OF JOHN PAGE. 1. His uplands. And first, his houselot, twenty acres, more or lesse, bounded east with the highway, west with the town's common, north with the land of Joseph Blood, south with the land of Nathaniel Lawrence. 2. Twenty acres, more or lesse, bounded east with the land of John Page, west with the town's common, north with Joseph Blood his land, south with ye land of Nathaniel Lawrence. 3. Seven acres, more or lesse, bounded east with the land of Richard Blood, west with the highway, north with the land of James Parker, south with the land of Nathaniel Lawrence. 4. Fifteene acres, more or lesse, bounded west with the river, east with the land of Samuell Davis & on all other poynts, with the town's common. General Field. 1. ffour acres, more or lesse, bounded south west with ye land of Nathaniel Lawrence, and upon all other poynts with the river. 2. ffour acres, more or lesse, bounded north- east with ye land of Nthaniell Lawrence, south west with ye land of John Longley, and on all other poynts with ye river. 2. His medows. And first, in Broad Meddow, four acres and a halfe, more or lesse, bounded east with ye medow of Timothy Allen & the medow belonging to the Ministry, west with the town's common, north with ye meadow of .... Parker, south with the meadow of Richard Blood. 3. In Rock Meadow, six acres, more or less, bounded north with the meadow of Thomas Boyden, south with the meadow of John Barron, east & west with the town's common. p.23 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON. by Samuel Abbott Green. 3. In South Brooke Meadow, three acres and a halfe, more or lesse, lying on both sides of the brooke, bounded south with the meadow of Richard Holden & upon all other poynts with the town's common & long-meadow way. 4. Lying upon both sides of Sandy Brooke and upon both sides of the Major's brook, eight acres, more or lesse, bounded east with the meadow of James Knap & Elias Barron, south with the meadow of William Longley, west with Major Simon Willard's line & upon all other poynts with the town's common. Insert. Elias (Ellis) Barron. Bond's Watertown. p.17 Ellis Barron, often written Elliz, Admitted freeman, June 2, 1641; a Constable, 1658; a Selectman 1668 & 1672; died Oct. 30, 1676. He had two wives. 1. Grace, the mother of his child. He m. (2) Hannah, the widow of Timothy Hawkins, Sr. She died Sept. 1, 1685. Her Will, dated Aug 18, 1683, proved Oct 6, 1685, mentions son Timothy Hawkins, dau., Hannah Barron's chil. Mary dau. of Timothy Hawkins; grandchildren, Benjamin & Benoni Garfield. The births of only two children are recorded. His Will dated Oct 26 proved Dec 19, 1676. Inventory, £139. Children: 1. Ellis Barron Jr. who m. Dec 14, 1653, Hannah Hawkins. After the birth of his 4th child, he moved to Groton, in whose records her name is written Anna. Children: 1. Ellis Barron b. Apr. 22, 1655, a house- wright of Lancaster, Mass. 1713; m. May 26, 1679, Mary Sherman. ? married (2) Lydia prior to 1712. 2. Hannah Barron b. Mar 6, 1657-8; m. June 14, 1678 James Cady. 3. Elizabeth Barron b. April 14, 1660 died soon. 4. Sarah Barron b. Nov 4, 1662. 5. Grace Barron b. at Groton, July 29, 1665. 6. Mehitable Barron b. June 22, 1668. 7. Elizabeth Barron who was under 21 yrs. in 1683. 8. Timothy Barron, b. Aril 18, 1673 of Water- town, was a weaver; adm. full communion, Jan 12, 1700-01; m. Mar 10, 1697/8, Rachel Jennison. 9. Dorothy Barron b. March 6, 1674-5 prob. died young. 10. Abigail Barron - in the records b. Nov. 14, 1676; m. Henry Houghton of Lancaster had one child, Henry Houghton bap. at Watertown April 19, 1702. 2. Mary Barron who m. Dec 10, 1650, Daniel Warren. she died Feb. 13, 1715/16. 3. Susanna Barron who m. Dec 14, 1653, Stephen Randall. 4. Hannah Barron who m. about 1658 or 1659, Simon Coolidge. 5. John Barron who settled at Groton, married and had children: 1.John Barron b. April 4, 1665. 2.Moses Barron b. Mar 26, 1669. 3.Ellis Barron b. June 14, 1672. 4.Elizabeth Barron b. Sept 28, 1677. 6. Sarah Barron b. July 24, 1640, m. ___ Estwick. 7. Moses Barron b. Mar 1, 1643 at Chelmsford, m. Mary Learned. 8. Peter Barron was slain by the Indians at Muddy Brook, September, 1675. Transcribed by Janice Farnsworth p.23 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON, MASS. by Samuel Abbott Green. 4. Lying upon both sides of Sandy Brook and upon both sides of the Major's brooke, eight acres, more or less, bounded east with the meadow of James Knapp & Ellis Baron, south with the meadow of William Longley, west with Major Willard's line and upon all other points with the town's common. 5. At Unquetenorset, four acres, more or less, lying in several spongs and angles, bounded north with ye meadow of James Blood, and upon all other points with ye town's common. (in the margin is written - "This parcel of meadow at Unquetenorset allotted to William Lakin.) December 2, 1664. Revised, approved & confirmed by the Selectmen, according to order of Towne; provided that if the town shall see good to view his accomoda- tion of meadows and shall find that his meadows be not equivolent...meadows. Then to make it equivalent. But if his meadows be found much below either for quantity or quality, then the overplus is by agreement to be disposed of by the towne, provided also that Nathaniel Lawrence have his acre & half (which is involved with in the eight acres at Sandy Pond & the Major's (Major Simond Willard) brook) made as good for its part as any acre and a halfe John Page hath or shall have with- in the aforesaid eight acres. As John Page hat promis- ed before the Selectmen. December 2, 1664. December 27, 1664. It was this daye voted and granted that John Page hath or shall have within the foresaid eight acres. December 2, 1664. December 27, 1664. It was this day voted and granted to ye John Page that he shall have all his meadow con- firmed to him according as it was layed out by the surveyors, and that he shall from this day forth, peacably enjoye it without disturbance, not withstand- ing any former order to the contrary. (signed) John Fiske, in the name of the towne. THE LANDS OF JOHN PAGE. His uplands. Twenty acres, more or less, lyeing at Sandy Brook, bounded with Major Simon Willard's corner tree, south with his owne meadow, and on all other points with the town's conditions, only there is a highway of ten polle which goes in through it to the mill, and at the brook two poll wide. p.24 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. by Samuel Abbott Green. 2. For meadow. One acre and a halfe, that is at Sandy Brook, involved in John Page's meadow, which was to Nathaniel Lawrence and is now layed out to John Page. At Cowpond Meadow, layed out to John Page, five acres, more or less, bounded northeast with Thomas Tarball, Sr., south west with Nicholas Cady, south east with the brook, and on all other points with ye town's common. 3. To John Page, one acre and a halfe, more or less, on the east side of the brook, bounded south with Jonathan Morse and on all other points with the town's common. 4. One acre and a halfe, more or less, lying near Simon Stone's meadow in two patches, bounded round with the town's common, each patch by itself. Revised, compared and confirmed by the Selectmen, according to the order of the towne. John Morse, Clerk, January 3, 1669. THE LANDS OF JOHN PAGE. Meadows. Six acres, more or less, in Broad Meadow, bounded south west with Ralph Reed, and south east with Jonathan Sawtell, north east of the meadow of John Page and John Morse, and on all other points with the town's common, which meadow John Page had of Elias Barron for six acres which was his in Rock Meadow. One acre and a half, more or less, bounded north and south with the river, west with his own land and east with the Common, which acre and a half lye part upon the necke. Revised, compared and confirmed by the Selectmen, according to the order of the towne. John Morse, Clerk, February 24, 1670. ____________________ THE LANDS OF THOMAS TARBELL, SENIOR. 1. His uplands. And ffirst, his houselot, 20 acres, more or less, bounded north with the land of Richard Sawtell, south & southeast with the land of James Knapp, west with Broade Meadow, east with the high- way. p.25 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON. by Samuel Abbott Green. 2. Ten acres of swamp, more or less, bounded north with the swamp of Richard Sawtell, south-east with the swamp of James Knapp & Ellis Barron, south with the highway, northeast with ye meadow of James Fisk. 3. Thirty acres of upland, more or less, bounded north with the land of Thomas Boyden, Richard Holden, and the town's common, west with the land of Justin- ian Holden, south with James' Brooke and east with the highway. 4. In the general field, seven acres, more or less, bounded west with the lands of John Moss, with ye land of William Lakin, south with common land, north with the highway. His meadow. And first, in Broadmeddow, five acres, more or less, bounded north with the meadow of William Longly and on all other points with upland, and up to the town's highway. 2. In Little Halfe-Moon, two acres, more or lesse, bounded east with the meadow of Daniell Pierce, west with the meadow of Ellis Barron & north & south with upland. 3. In Little Halfe-moon, two acres more or lesse, bounded northeast with the meadow of Richard Holden, and on all other points with swamp & the town's up- land. 4. Lying upon the south brooke by ye pond, nine acres more or lesse, bounded south-west with the meadow of Ellis Barron, and on all other points with the town's upland. 5. In Long-meadow, two acres, more or less, bound- ed east with the meadow of William Longley, west with the meadow of James Knapp, north & south with the town's upland. 6. In South Meadow, three acres and a halfe, more or lesse, bounded with the meadow of Justinian Hold- en, south with ye meadow of Joseph Blood, west with the meadow of William Longley, and east with the town's upland. December 2, 1664. Revised, approved & confirmed by the Selectmen, according to order of the towne, provided that if the nine acres - South brook is to be twenty - as is reported. Thomas Tarball doth consent, that if the towne make it up nine acres of mowable meadow, they may dispose of the remainder. December 27, 1664. It was this day voted and granted, and is hereby declared, that Thomas Tarball shall henceforth quietly possess and enjoy all his meadow according as it was layed out by the surveyors, not withstanding any former agreemente to the contrary. (signed) James Fiske, in the name of the town. p.26 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. JOHN PAGE & JOHN PRESCOTT. 1. Meadow. Three acres, more or less, lyeing at Cow Pond Brook, bounded south with John Page, and on all other points with the town's uplands, which meadow he had by way of exchanging with John Prescott. 2. Upland. Seventeen acres, more or lesse, bounded south-east side of Sandy Pond, and on all other points with the town's commons. These two parcels of land are annulle, and to be accounted no record. THE LANDS OF THOMAS TARBALL, SENIOR. 1. Meadow. Three acres and a halfe, more or less, lyeing at Cow Pond Brook, bounded south with John Page, and on all other poynts with the town's up- lands; which meadow he had by way of exchange with John Prescott for three acres and a half in south meadow. 2. Uplands. Seventeene acres, more or lesse, lyeing upon the south east side of Sandy Pond, bounded northeast with the way that goes to Long Meadow, and on all other poynts with the town's common. Near Sandy Pond, seventeene acres, more or lesse, bounded on the north east corner with the highway, and on all other points with the town's common. NATHANIELL LAWRENCE & SGT. JAMES PARKER & SIMON STONE. Upland. Nine acres, more or lesse, bounded with the lands of Nathaniell Lawrence west-northerly, and west-southerly with the land of Nicholas Cady, and on all other poynts with the town's commons; which nine acres he have of Sgt. James Parker, by way of exchange for the sixe acres that were Simon Stone's in the General field, and four pounds more which is to be paid in building betwixt this and May day next. THE LANDS OF JONATHAN CRISP. 1. His Uplands. And ffirst, his houselot, twenty & eight acres, (with an addition thereunto) more or lesse, bounded south with the land of Christopher Halle, north with the town's common & the p.27 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON. land belonging to the Minestry, east with the hyway, west with the town's common. 2. In the General Field, three acres, more or lesse, bounded east & west with ye hiewayes, south with ye land of James Parker, north with ye land of Samuell Davis. 2. His Meadow. And ffirst, in Fflaggy Meadow, five acres, more or lesse, bounded south with ye meadow of James Parker, east with the meadow of Christopher Halle, and on all other poynts with ye town's comm- on. 2. At Massabogue Brooke, three acres, more or lesse, lying on both sides of the brooke, bounded north with the meadow of James Parker, and on all other poynts with the town's common. 3. In Angle Meadow, two acres, more or lesse, bound- ed south-easterly with ye meadow of Ralph Reede, north with the meadow of James ffisk, east & west with the town's common. December 27, 1664. Compared and approved by the Selectmen, in the name and with the consente of the towne. THE LANDS OF SGT. *JAMES PARKER. (see end of transcription The Parker Brothers by NEHGS) 1. His Uplands. And ffirst, his house-lot with that which adjoyns to it, fifty acres, more or less, bounded southward with the land that be- longs to the Minestry, easterly and northerly with the great Half-moon Meadow and with Broad Medow, westerly by John Nutting's upland, north- erly and on all other poynts with the highway. 2. fforty & six acres, more or lesse, bounded west with the upland of William Lakin, southeast with the land belonging to ye Minestry, north with the land of Joseph Parker, and on all other poynts with the town's common. 3. Sixteene acres, more or lesse, bounded south east with the upland of James ffiske, south west with the upland of Jacob Onge, north west with the upland of Samuell Woods & William Greene & James Parker & on all other points on common land. 4. Eleven acres, more or less, bounded north-east with the land of William Greene, south east with the uplands of Jacob Onge and on all othe points with the common. 5. Five acres, more or less, bounded southerly with ye uplands of John Nutting & on all other poynts with ye highway. p.28 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON. By Samuel Abbott Green. 6. Two acres of swamp, more or less, bounded north with the land of William Lakin, south west with the land of Thomas Williams, and on all other points with the town common. 7. In the general field, seven acres, more or lesse, bounded easterly with the land of Jonathan Crispe, west with the lands of James Roberts and on all poynts with the highways. 8. Ten acres, more or less, bounded with the land of John Lakin, west with the land of Joseph Blood, and on all other points with the highwayes. 9. One acre of swamp, more or less, bounded north with the meadow of John Lawrence & with the swamp of Joseph Lawrence and on all other points with the town's swamp & upland. 10. Five acres of swamp & upland, more or lesse, bounded east with the lands of James Parker, north- westerly with the meadow of John Lawrence, south with the upland of Jacob Onge, east with the swamp of William Greene, & on all other points with the town's upland. 2. His Meadows. And first, in the Great Half-Moon meadow & swamp fifteen acres, more or less, bounded northeast with the meadow belonging to ye Minestry, and with the meadow of William Lakin, north with the meadow of Joseph Gilson, Timothy Allen and the mini- stry, south easterly upon the meadow of John Law- rence & the town's upland & on all other points upon the upland of James Parker. 2. In Broad Meadow, five acres, more or less, bounded northerly with the meadow of John Nutting, westerly with the meadow of Benjamine Garfield, Christopher Halle, Joseph Parker, John Page, & James Parker, on the west and south with the mead- dow belonging to the Ministry, east with the upland of James Parker. 3. One acre & a halfe in Broad Meadow, bounded on the north with ye meadow of Joseph Parker, on the south with the meadow of John Page, on the east with ye meadow of James Parker, & on the west with the town's upland. This also is an acre by estima- tion, more or lesse, & a halfe should have been said as in the premises. 4. Six acres, more or less, lying in Massaboge Meadow, bounded on the north west with the meadow of Jonathan Crisp, southerly by the river, and on all other points with ye town's upland. 5. In fflaggy Meadow, three acres, more or lesse, bounded p.29 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON. by Samuel Abbott Green. southerly with ye meadow of Walter Skinner, north- erly with the meadow of Jonathan Crisp, & on all other points with ye town's upland. 6. In Angle Meadow, five acres, more or less, bounded easterly with the meadow of Joseph Parker, south westerly with the meadow of John Stratton & on all other points with the town's upland. 7. In the Great fflaggy Meadow, four acres, more or less, bounded westerly with the meadow of Chris- topher Halle, northwest with the meadow of James Parker, and all other points with the town's upland. 8. In Spang Meadow, five acres, more or less, bound- ed on the east with the meadow of Thomas Tarball, Sr., north east with the land of Timothy Allen and with Ungete-norset Brook, on the east & north west & on all other poynts with the town's upland. 9. In the burnt meadows, lying in three parcels, in the one parcell, seven acres, more or less, bounded north with ye meadow of Richard Sawtell, and on all other points with ye town's upland. The second parcell is five acres, more or less, bounded on the west with ye meadow of Richard Sawtell & on all other ..... 10. Twelve acres of upland, more or lesse, bound- ed on the south-west with the lands of John Lawrence, Sr. & on all other points with the town's common. This lieth on the north-east with ye meadow of James Parker and on all other points with the town's common. This lieth on the north-east end of Gibbet Hill. 11. In great fflaggy meadow, three acres, more or less, bounded southerly with the meadow of Christ- opher Hall, south-east with ye meadow of James Parker and on all other points with ye town's up- lands. 12. In Angle Meadow, four acres, more or less, bounded with ye meadow of Jonathan Crispe south- erly and on all other points with the town's up- ands. 13. In Maple Meadow, two acres, more or less, bounded southerly with the meadow of Justinian Holden, northerly with the meadow of Walter Skinner and on all other points with the town's uplands. 14. At Unquetenorset brook, lying on both sides of it, two acres, more or less, bounded with the meadow of Joshua Whitney, south easterly, and on all other points with the town's uplands. 15. In Pretty Meadow, four acres, more or less, bounded west and north with the meadow of Joseph Parker and on all other points with ye town's uplands. p.30 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. by Samuel Abbott Green. 16. In Spang Meadow, four acres, more or less, bounded east with ye meadow of John Nutting, north with the meadow of Ellis Barron, west with the mead- ow of James Parker and on all other points with the town's uplands. Revised, approved and confirmed by ye Selectmen, according to order of the Town. [In the handwriting of Richard Sawtell, Town Clerk, 1662-1665. The last four sections have been cross- ed out, by drawing lines through them.] THE LANDS OF CAPT. JAMES PARKER. 1. ffirst, his uplands. Eighteen acres, more or less, lying on the north side of Browne Loaf Hill, bound- ed on all points with the town's commons. Two and twenty acres more or [sic] lying at Baddicock, bounded partly by the lands of Samuel Woods, west- wardly and on all other points with the town's common. Seventeen acres, more or less, lying on the east side of the pond called Goodman Martin's Pond, bounded on all other points with the town's common. 2. Nine acres, more or less, bounded with the lands of Nathaniel Lawrence, west northerly, west south- wardly with the lands of John Clary & on all other points with the town's commons. 1. His Meadow. First, two acres, more or less, in Plaine Meadow, bounded northwest by the meadow of William Martin, southeast with the meadow of John Stratton and on all other points with the town's uplands. Three acres, more or less of meadow & upland, on the south side of John Lawrence, his house lot, bounded by the swamp and upland of Nathan- iel Lawrence, westerly, southwardly by the swamp and upland of James Parker, easterly by the swamp of Samuel Woods and on all other ponts with the town's commons. Revised, allowed & confirmed by the Selectmen according to the order of the Towne. Sixth of May, 1666. THE LANDS OF SGT. JAMES PARKER. 1. Of upland. Fifteen acres, more or less, in two parcels, one parcel bounded north and east with Nathaniel Lawrance and on all other points on the town's common, the other parcel bounded south p.31 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON. by Samuel Abbott Green. with the lands of Nathaniel Lawrance, and on all other points with the land of James Parker and the town's common. 1. In Meadow. In Providence Meadow, three acres, more or less, bounded north with the land and meadow of Nathaniel Lawrence, south with the land of Samuel Woods, east by the town's common, west by James Parker. 2. Two acres, more or less, bounded west with Samuel Woods and on all other points with the town's uplands. 3. Three acres, more or less, lying on both sides of Brown Loaf Brook, bounded north with Mr. Samuel Willard, west with Peleg Lawrence, and on all other points with the town's uplands. Revised, compared and confirmed by the Selectmen, according to the order of the town. John Morse, Clerk. Nov. 25, 1670. THE LANDS OF SGT. JAMES PARKER. 1. All the common land that lye on the west & north west side of Gibbet Hill, be it more or less, bounded southerly with that piece that was the widow Lawrence's, and partly with the towns land that lye by the side of Nathaniel Lawrence's house lot and northerly by the high- way that leadeth from the bridge into Badacock woods, west northerly by the highway that go from the bridge over to Sgt. William Lakin's, and on all other points with the land of the said James Parker's. 2. Ten acres, more or less, that was the widow Lawrence's land, bounded southerly with the land of Nathaniel Lawrence and Robert Parish, easterly with the highway that run from Parish's land & through Nathaniel Lawrence's up to Joseph Law- rence's land and on all other points by the land of Sgt. Parker. 3. Twelve acres, more or less, lying on the north- east side of Gibbet Hill, bounded southerly with the land of Nathaniel Lawrence and easterly with the land of Nathaniel Lawrence - westerly with his own land, and on all other points with the Town's highway, and near the pond. Revised, compared and confirmed by the Selectmen, according to the order of the town. John Morse, Clerk. Jan. 18, 1671. p.32 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON. by Samuel Abbott Green. THE LANDS OF JAMES PARKER. 1. His meadows. In Plain Meadow, three acres, more or less, that was laid out to James Knapp in the second division, east with William Martin, west with the meadow of James Parker and on all other points with the town's uplands. 2. In Round meadow, two acres, more or less, bound- ed southeast with John Nutting, northerly with William Greene, and on all other points with the town's uplands. 3. Two acres and a half, more or less, in a meadow called Fflax Meadow, bounded on all points with the town's uplands. Simon Stone's Meadow 4. In Little Buck Meadow, half an acre, more or less, bounded northeast with the meadow of Simon Stone, and on all other points with the town's uplands. 5. In Buck Meadow spang, two acres, more or less, bounded west with Joseph Parker, east with Nathan- iel Blood, and north and south with the town's uplands. 6. In New Angle Meadow, one acre, more or less, bounded south with William Longley, and on all other points with the country's uplands and mead- ows. 7. In Reedy Meadow, one acre, more or less, bound- ed east with Richard Blood, west with William Elvee, and on all other points with the town's swamp and uplands. 8. In Great Half-Moon Meadow, two acres, more or less, laid out to Joseph Gilson, in his first di- vision, bounded west by Timothy Allen, northeast with the smith's meadow, south with the meadow of James Parker & William Lakin, and the town's up- lands, north with the uplands of James Parker. 9. In Great Half-moon Meadow, two acres, more or less layed out to the Minister in his first divi- sion, bounded east with the meadow of Timothy Allen and on all other points with his own meadows and uplands. 10. One acre, more or less, at Weaver's Meadow, bounded northwest with Joseph Parker and on all other points with the town's uplands; which acre James Parker and Joseph Morse for that in Great fflagy Meadow. Revised, compared and confirmed by the Selectmen, according to the order of the town. James Morse, Clerk. January....... p.33 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. by Samuel Abbott Green. A bargain adn exchange of lands between Sgt. James Parker and Joseph Morse. Three acres of meadow, more or less, in Fflagy Mead- ow, bounded west, southerly, with Christopher Hall and Jonathan Crisp's meadows and the town's uplands, east and orth with the meadows of James Parker and on all other poins with the town's uplands; the which meadow Joseph Morse had of the said James Parker by way of exchange and purchase, for which parcel of meadow the aforsaid Joseph Morse is to pay like charges hence forward. Revised, compared and confirmed by the Selectmen, according to the order of the town. [In the handwriting of John Morse, Town Clerk, 1669-1676, 1679-1681.] _________________ THE LANDS OF RALPH REEDE. 1. His Uplands. And, first, his house lot with some addition, twenty and one acres, more or less, bounded south & east with the hieway, north with ye land of Daniel Pierce, west on the town's common land. 2. Thirteen acres, more or less, bounded west on James His Brook, north with the land of Daniel Pierce, east & south with the town's common land. 2. His Meadows. And ffirst, in Broad Meadow, three acres, more or less, bounded south with the meadow of Daniel Pierce, noth with the meadow of Daniel Metup, north-east with ye meadow of James Knopp and Elias Barron, one or both of them, west with the town's common. 2. In Pine Meadow, six acres, more or less, bounded southwest with the meadow of Daniel Metup, north- east with ye meadow of James Knopp & Ellis (Elias) Barron, one or both of them, west with the town's Common. 3. In Long Meadow, two acres, more or less, bounded east on Common Meadow, west with ye meadow of Richard Holden, north and south with ye town's Common. 4. In ye Little Half-Moon Meadow, two acres & a half, more or less, bounded north with the meadow of Ellis Barron, east with Richard Holden, south and west with common land. 5. In the Cow-Pond Meadow, one acre & a halfe, more or less, bounded with the meadow of James Knappe, and the town's upland. p.34 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON. by Dr. Samuel Abbott Green. 6. In Angle Meadow, three acres, more or less, bounded north easterly with ye meadow of John Stratton, west southerly with the meadow of Jona- than Crispe and all points with the town's upland. More Uplands. Ten acres, more or less, bounded east northerly with the lands of Samuel Davis, north- westerly with John Page, his land & on all other pointns with ye town's Common. 2. Seven acres, more or less, bounded northerly with the land of John Moss, easterly with the lands of Daniel Pierce, Richard Holden & Ralph Reede, and upon all other points with the town's Common. THOMAS TARBELL, JR. 3. In the general Field, five acres, more or less, bounded east with the lands of Thomas Tarbell, Jr., west with the land of Jacob Onge, south with James His Brooke, north with ye high- way. [In the handwriting of Richard Sawtell, Town Clerk, 1662-1665.] THE LANDS OF JAMES ROBERTS. (or Robertson?) And first, his meadows. And first, in Spring Meadow, five acres, more or less, bounded on all points with the town's upland. 2. In Cedar Meadow, two acres, more or less, bounded on all points with ye town's upland. 3. In Sallow Meadow, one acre & a halfe, more or less, lying in two parcels or spngs near, bounded on all points with ye town's upland. 4. In Sargeant's Field Meadow, one acre, more or less, bounded easterly with ye medow of Alex- ander Rouse, and on all other points with ye town's uplands. 2. Secondly his Upland. And first, his house- lot with some addition there unto, twenty & four acres, more or less, bounded north & south with ye land of Joseph parker and on all other points with the town's Common. In the general field, two acres and a half, more or less, bounded westerly with the land of James Parker, easterly with the land of Jonathan Crispe, and on all other points with the highways. [In the handwriting of Richard Sawtell, Town Clerk, 1662-1665.] p.35 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. by Dr. Samuel Abbott Green. THE LAND GRANTS OF JAMES FISK. JOSEPH LAWRENCE. 1. His uplands. First, his house lot, with some addition there unto, thirty two acres & a half, more or less, bounded north easterly with the lands of Joseph Lawrence and on all other points with the town's common and the highway. 2. Seven acres & a half, more or less, bounded south-westerly with the land of Richard Sawtell, south-east with the land of James Fisk, & upon all other points with ye land of Richard Sawtell and the highways. JOSHUA WHITNEY. 3. Nineteen acres, more or less, bounded north with the land of James Parker, south west with the lands of Joshua Whitney and Jacob Onge and on all other points with the town's Common. 4. In the general field, seven acres, more or less, bounded south, with the land of John Lawrence, north with the land of Daniel Metup, west with the river, east with the highway. 2. His Meadows. And first, his home meadow, eight acres, more or less, bounded south east- erly with the uplands of John Clary and the high way, south-west with the land of Ellis (Elias) Barron, Thomas Tarbell, Sr., and Richard Sawtell, and again, south east and south west upon the land of Richard Sawtell and upon all other points with the uplands of James Ffisk and the highway. 2. In Cow Pond Meadow, seven acres, more or less, bounded south west with the meadow of John Lawrence, Sr., north-east with the meadow of John Clary and upon all other points with the river and the town's uplands. 3. In East Meadow, five acres, more or less, bounded with John Clary, his meadow and on the town's uplands. 4. Four acres, more or less, bounded south-west- erly with the meadow of Jonathan Crisp, north with the meadow of Joseph Parker and on all other points with the town's upland. This medow is alienated for the two acres speci- fied in the new book as Burnt Meadow. 5. One acre of swamp, more or less, bounded south easterly with the upland of John ____, south westerly with the swamp of Elias Barron, north westerly with the meadow of James Fiske, north easterly with the highway. p.36 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. by Samuel Abbott Green. THE LAND GRANTS OF JAMES FISKE. Some of these parcells being altered and some additions before confirmed and transcribed into another page, by which these above are not to be accorded as any record: NATHANIEL LAWRENCE. First, his house lot with the addition there un- to, two acres and a halfe, more or less, bounded north westerly with the land of Samuel Woods, easterly with that of Nathaniel Lawrence and on the lands of John Clary, south eastwardly and on the south west with the country highway. [2] Eleven acres and a halfe, more or less, bounded south westward with the lands of Rich- ard Sawtell, and south west with his own meadow and upon all other points with the lands of Richard Sawtell, and the highways. 3. Thirty eight acres, more or less, bounded south-west with the lands of Joshua Whitney & Jacob Onge, north with the highway and on all other points with the town's common. 1. His meadows. First, his home meadow, eight acres, more or less, bounded south easterly with the upland of John Clary, south, the highway, south west with the lands of Ellis Barron, Thomas Tarbell, & Richard Sawtell & againe south west with the lands of Richard Sawtell, north with his own upland and the county highway lying northeast. 2. In Cow Pond meadow, seven acres, bound- ed southwardly with the meadow of John Lawrence, Sr., northeast with the meadow of John Clary and on all other points with the brook and the town's commons. 3. In the East Meadow, five acres, more or less, bounded with the meadow of John Clary and on the uplands. 4. In Burnt Meadow, two acres more or less, one of which bounded eastwardly with the meadow of Richard Sawtell, and on all other points with the town's lands; the other acre bounded south-west with the meadow of Thomas Tarbell, Jr., & on all other points with the town's upland. 5. One acre of swamp land, more or less, bounded eastwardly with the land of John Clary, southwestwardly with the lands of of Ellis Barron, north easterly with the highway and adjoining to his own meadow northerly. Insert. ELLIS BARRON. Sources: Farnsworth Memorial & New England Marriages Prior ot 1700 by Torrey. p.46 Ellis Barron, ca 1633-1712, and his 2nd wife, Lydia (Prescott)[Fairbanks] 1641 to 1712+ the widow of Jonas Prescott; ca 1678, Watertown & Groton, Mass. Revised and allowed and confirmed by the Selectmen, according to the order of the town, May 6th, 1666. p.37 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON. by Samuel Abbott Green. THE MEADOW OF JAMES FISKE. Five acres, more or less, bounded easterly with the brook, by Nicholas Cady and on all other points with the town's uplands; and on the west side of the brook, a little parcel of meadow lying by itself undevided, of about one half an acre. James Fiske's - this _____ with the consent of _____ (this line torn and illegible.) THE LANDS OF JAMES FISKE. 1. At Jebite Hill, sixe acres of upland and swamp, more or less, bounded west and south with the town's highway, east with the lands of Jacob Ong, and north with the lands of William Longley, Sr. 2. Towards the mill, fifteen acres, more or less, bounded north west with the land of Daniel Pierce, south-east with the lands of Ellis Barron, westerly by the highway and easterly with the town's common. 3. Upon Brownloaf plain, four acres, more or less, bounded easterly with the highway that goes under Brownloaf Hill, southeasterly with the lands of Captain James Parker and the high- way that goe from Thomas Boyden and west with his own lands. 4. A skirt of land of one acre, more or less, lyeing on the south west side of his own Cow- pong meadow, and bounded on the east with his own meadow and on all other points with the town's common. SIMON STONE. 5. Thirty-one acres, more or less, lying on the south-side of Way Pond, near to Simon Stone's meadow, bounded south-easterly with the lands of Simon Stone and partly with the lands of John Page, northwest, taking in a corner of meadow lyeing by Richard Sawtell's patches, and on all other points by the town's common. 6. One acre, more or less, lying on the east side of the swamp of Thomas Tarbell Sr., bounded southeasterly with Ellis Barron, north westerly with Richard Sawtell, south with the swamp of Thomas Tarbell, the line running from the bound tree that stands by the line of Ellis Barron that stand close by the swamp to the corner tree that stand by the line of Richard Sawtell, next the swamp, also east with his owne meadow; which acre of land he had of the said p.38 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON. by Samuel Abbott Green. Thomas Tarbell by way of exchange for three acres of land in the last division. Which acre of land, I, the said Thomas Tarball, do alien- ate and bequeath to the above said James Fiske, Sr., to his heirs and assigns forever. In wit- ness of I have set to my hand. Author's note: These last two sections have been crossed out. THE LANDS OF JAMES KNAPP. 1. Upland. Ffirst, to his house adjoining, 10 acres, more or less, bounded east with ye high- way, west with the end of Broad Meadow, south with Ellis Barron, and north with Thomas Tarball, Sr. 2. Thirty acres and one, more or less, bounded with the highway, south with Ellis, north east with John Clary & Ellis Barron, and again north westerly with Ellis & Thomas Tarball, Sr. 3. Five acres, more or less, bounded with John Morse, west, north & north-west with town land, north east & east with the highway, south with Ellis Barron. 4. Five acres, more or less, in the General Field, being the 13th lot, bounded north with the highway, east with Joseph Parker, south with John Morse, west with Richard Blood. Meadow. First in Little Half-Moon, two acres & a half, more or less, bounded north with the high- way, east with Richard Sawtell, south with the swamp and pond, west with Daniel Pierce. [2] Three acres & a halfe, more or less, lying in Pine Meadow, bounded west with Samuel Davis and on all other points with the town's uplands. [3] Four acres, more or less, in Brooke Meadow bounded on both sides the brook to Sandy Pond & on all other points with the town upland and swamp. [4] In Long Meadow, two acres, more or less, bounded east with Thomas Tarball, Sr., and on all other points with the town's upland. [5] Three acres, more or less, bying in Cow Pond Meadow, bounded south with the pond and on all other points with common land. p.39 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON. by Samuel Abbott Green. [6] Three acres, more or less, lying in Plain Meadow, bounded east with William Martin, west with James Parker, north and south with the uplands. Allow a private way to Ellis Barron, or his heirs, ever, to drive cart or cattel to his swamp in the convenientest place over the brook by his house; and Ellis Barron and his heirs are to make and maintain - when bars or gates to that way, for their owne. Revised, allowed & confirmed by the Selectmen, according to the order of the Towne, 6th day, 5th month, 1666. THE LANDS OF JAMES KNAPP. JAMES PARKER. Meadow. 1. Two acres, more or less, lying upon both sides of Swan Brook, bounded south with Stony Brook Pond, and north with James Parker and the common meadow, and on all other points with the town's uplands, swamp, and meadow. 2. Near to Round Meadow, lying in the spungs, three acres, more or less, bounded south with William Greene and on all other points with the town's upland; which three acres I receiv- ed of James Parker by way of exchange, for which he had of me in Plain Meadow, and this Plain Meadow here expressed is that expressed on page 20. Revised, compared and confirmed by the Selectmen, according to the order of the town. John Morse, Clerk, June 3, 1669. THE LANDS OF ELLIS (ELIAS) BARRON. 1. Uplands. First, his house lot adjoining his house. ____ acres, more or less, bounded east with the highway, south with lands of Daniel Pierce, west, Broad Meadow end and the highway, north with James Knapp. 2. Ten acres of swamp land, more or less, bounded west, southwardly with the lands of James Knapp, south eastwardly with the lands of James Knapp, northeast with the lands of John Clary, north- west upon the meadow of James Fiske, and upon the swamp of Thomas Tarbell, Sr. 3. Twenty acres, more or less, bounded west with the highway p.40 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON. by Samuel Abbott Green. upon James' Brook, south with the lands of Daniel Pierce and on both sides of the highway, that runs along to John Barrons' house, part east and part south west of the lands of John Barron, northeast with the lands of John Clary and north with the lands of James Knapp. 4. Five acres, more or less, bounded with the lands of John Morse, north with the lands of James Knapp, east with the highway, and south with the lands of Samuel Davis. 1. Meadow. First, two acres of Little Half Moon, more or lesse, bounded east with the meadow of Thomas Tarball, Sr., south with Daniel Pierce and on all other points with the upland. 2. Six acres of meadow, more or less, lying in rock meadow, bounded north with the meadow of Thomas Boyden, south with the meadow of John Barron, east and west with the upland. 3. Spruce Meadow, one acre, more or less, bounded south with Sandy Brook, and on all points and upland. 4. One acre, more or less, lying in South Meadow, bounded east with the meadow of Richard Holden, and on all other points with the upland. 5. Two acres, more or less, lying in Long Meadow, bounded east with the meadow of Richard Holden and west with the meadow of William Longley and north and south with the uplands. 6. One half acre, more or less, lying in two parcells, bounded eastwardly with the meadow of Thomas Tarball, Sr., westwardly toward the swamp, and on all other points with up- lands. THE LANDS OF ELLIS BARRON. 1. Three acres, more or less, meadow, bounded south of James Parker, east with that of John Nutting, west with Shady Brooke, and north with the meadow of Timothy Allen. 10th August, 1665. The town granted to Ellis Barron three parcels of meadow, containing two acres, more or less, lying on the south of Indian Hills, bounded on all points with the town's upland or common. Revised, compared, allowed, confirmed and that by the Selectmen, according to the order of the towne, the 6th of May, 1666. p.41 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON, MASS. ing, though the enemy had been lurking in the neigh- borhood and threatening the town. Penhallow, in speaking of the Indians at this time, says that: "The next damage* they did was at Groton, but were so closely pursued that they left several of their packs behind." (p.102) Thirteen of Lieut. Fairbanks's company belonged to Groto, and represented some of the most in- fluential families in Groton. It was on the ninth day of July of this year that John Ames was shot by an Indian, one of a small party that attacked Ames's garrison in the wester- ly part of the town. It is said that he was the last person killed by an Indian within the town. The Indian himself was immediately shot by Jacob Ames, one of his sons. Governor Saltonstall writes of Conn. writes* from New London, under date of July 23, 1724, that the friendly Indians of that neighborhood to hunt for scalps about Monadnick and the farth- er sude if Dunstable and Groton. This was owing to an offer made about this time by the govern- ments of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, of a bounty of a hundred pounds for every Indian scalp that should be taken and shown to the proper authorities. This expedient stimulated volunteers to scour the wilderness for the purpose of killing Indians and Captain John Lovewell of Dunstable, organized a company that soon became famous. INSERT LOVEWELL Lovewell's War by John N. McClintock, A.M. The New England Magazine. p.80 On the morning of September 4, 1724, Thomas Blanchard and Nathan Cross of Dunstable, Massachusetts, started from the Harbor and crossed the Nashua River, to do a day's work in the pine forest the the northward. The day was wet and drizzly. Arriving at their destination they placed their arms and ammunition, as well as their lunch and accompanying jug, in a hollow log, to keep dry. During the day they were surrounded by a party of Mohawk Indians from Canada, who hurried them into captivity. Their continued absence aroused the anxiety of their friends and neighbors and a relief party of ten was at once organized to make a search for the absentees. This party, under the command of Lieutenant French, soon arrived at the place where the men had been at work, and found several barrels of turpentine spilled on the ground, and, to the keen eyes of those hardy pioneers, unmistakable evidence of the presence of unfriendly Indians. Other signs indicated that the prisoners had been carried away alive. The party at once determined upon pursuit, and following the trail up the banks of the Merrimack River, came to the outlet of Horseshoe Pond in the present town of Merrimack, where they were surprised and overwhelmed by a large force of the Indian enemy. Josiah Farwell. Josiah Farwell, alone, of the little band escaped to report the fate of his companions. Blanchard and Cross were taken to Canada. After nearly a year's confinement, they succeeded in effecting their own ransom and returned to their homes. The gun, jug, and lunch-basket were found in the hollow log where they had been left the year before. John Lovewell. Enraged by these and similar depredations, the whole frontier was aroused to aggressive measures. John Lovewell, Josiah Farwell, and Jonathan Robbins at once petitioned for, and were granted, the right to raise a scouting party to carry the war into the enemy's country. At this time the settlements in New Hampshire were near the coast, outside of a line from Dover to Dunstable, except the lately planted colony of the Scotch-Irish of Londonderry, N.H. Hinsdale (or Dummer's) Fort, was the outpost on the Connecticut River. To the north extended a wild, unbroken wilderness to the French frontier in Canada. Through this vast region, now overflowing with happy homes, wandered small bands of Indians, intent on the chase, or the surprise of their rivals, the white trappers and hunters. A large section of this country, fifty miles in width, was opened for peaceful settlement by the bravery of Captain John Lovewell and the company under his command. In this view their acts become more important than those of a mere scouting party, and demand and received, an acknowledged place in New England history. This company, which was raised by voluntary enlistments, was placed under the command of John Lovewell. This redoubtable Captain came of fighting stock - his immediate ancestor serving as an ensign in the army of Oliver Cromwell - England's Civil War. Bravery and executive ability are evidently transmissible qualities; for in one line of his direct descendants, it is known that the Lovewell family have served their country in four wars, as commissioned officers; in three wars holding the rank of General. At this time Captain John Lovewell was in the prime of life, and burning with zeal to perform some valiant exploit against the Indians. The first raid of the company resulted in one scalp and one captive, taken December 10, 1724 and carried to Boston. The company started on their second expedition January 27, 1724-5, crossing the Merri- mack River at Nashua, and pushing northward. They arrived at the shores of Lake Winni- piscogee, February 9, 1724-5, and scouted in that neighborhood for a few days, when, from the scarcity of provisions, a part of the force returned to their homes. Traces of Indians were discovered in the neighborhood of Tamworth by the remaining force, and the trail was followed until February 20th, they discovered the smoke of an Indian encampment. A surprise was quickly planned and successfully executed, leading to the capture of ten Indian scalps, valued by the provincial authorities at one thousand pounds of silver. Indian Chief Paugus. p.81 Captain Lovewell next conceived the bold design of attacking the village of Pigwacket, near the waters of the Saco, whose chief, Paugus, a noted Indian warrior, inspired terror along the whole northern frontier. Benjamin Kidder Commanding a company of 46 trained men, Captain Lovewell started out from Dunstable, Mass., on his arduous undertaking, on April 16, 1725. Toby, an Indian ally, soon gave out and returned to the lower settlements. Near the island at the mouth of the Contoocook which will forever perpetuate the Memory of Hannah Dustin, William Cummings - disabled by an old wound, was discharged and was sent home under the escort of Josiah Cummings, a kinsman. On the west shore of Lake Ossipee, Benjamin Kidder was sick and unable to pro- ceed; and the commander of the expedition decided to build a fort and leave a garrison to guard the provisions and afford a shelter in case of defeat or retreat. Sergeant Nathaniel Woods was left in command. The men of the garrison consisted of: Sgt. Nathaniel Woods Dr. William Ayer John Goffe John Gilson Isaac Whitney Zachariah Whitney Zebediah Austin Edward Spoony Ebenezer Halburt. With his company reduced to 33 effective men, Captain Lovewell pushed on toward the enemy. On Saturday morning, May 8th, in the neighborhood of Fryburg, Maine, while the rangers were at prayer, they were startled by the discharge of a gun, and were soon attacked by a force of about eighty Indians. Their rear was protected by the lake, by the side of which they fought. All through the day the unequal contest continued. As night settled upon the scene, the savages withdrew, and the scouts commenced their pain- ful retreat of 40 miles toward their fort. Left dead upon the field of battle were: Capt. John Lovewell Lieut. Jonathan Robbins John Harwood Robert Usher Jacob Fullam Jacob Farrar Josiah Davis Thomas Woods Daniel Woods John Jefts Ichabod Johnson Jonathan Kittredge. Lieut. Josiah Farwell, Chaplain Jonathan Frye, Elias Barron were mortally wounded and perished in the wilderness. p.82 LOVEWELL'S WAR. Solomon Keyes Sgt. Noah Johnson Corp. Timothy Richardson John Chamberlain Isaac Lakin Eleazer Davis and Josiah Jones, were seriously wounded, but escaped to the lower settlements in company with their injured comrades: Seth Wyman Edward Lingfield Thomas Richardson Daniel Melvin Eleazer Melvin Ebenezer Ayer Abial Austin Joseph Farrar Benjamin Hassell Joseph Gilson names which should be held in honor for all time. Both parties seemed willing to retreat from the disastrous battle, each with the loss of its chief. Indian Chief Paugus and many of his braves fell before the unerring fire of the frontiersmen, and the tribe of Pigwacket, which had so long menaced the borders, withdrew to Canada. The ambitious young men of the older settlements had seen with jealousy a band of strangers - Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, granted a beautiful and fruitful trace, which already blossomed under the industrious work of the newcomers. Lovewell's War. p.83 They clamored for grants which they, too, could cultivate. Every pretext was advanced to secure a claim. No petitioners were better entitled to consideration than the representa- tives of those who had rendered so large a section habitable. Massachusetts Bay Colony had long claimed as a northern boundary a line three miles north of the Merrimack River and parallel thereto, from its mouth to its source, thence west- ward to the bounds of New York. Under the pressure brought to bear by interested parties, the General Court of Massachusetts granted, January 17, 1725-6, the township of Penacook, embracing the city of Concord, New Hampshire. In May, 1727, a petition from the survivors of Lovewell's command was favorably received by the General Court of Massachusetts, and soon afterward Suncook - or Lovewell's Township, was granted. Noah Johnson - the last survivor. Only two of the company are known to have settled in that town - Frances Doyen - who was with Lovewell on the 2nd expedition - and Noah Johnson. Noah Johnson was the last survivor of the Company. He was a deacon of the church at Suncook for many years, re- ceived a pension from Massachusetts and died at Plymouth, New Hampshire in 1798 aged 100 years. Captain John Lovewell was represented in the townshipof Suncook by his daughter, Hannah, who married Joseph Baker and settled on her father's right - raised a large family and died at a good old age. A great multitude of her descendants are scattered throughout the United States. End. Transcribed by Janice Farnsworth. The Ballad of Lovewell's Fight What time the noble Lovewell came, With fifty men from Dunstable, The cruel Pequatt tribe to tame, With arms and bloodshed terrible. Then did the crimson streams, that flowed, Seem like the waters of the brook, That brightly shine, that loudly dash Far down the cliffs of Agiochook. With Lovewell brave John Harwood came; >From wife and babes 'twas hard to part; Young Harwood took her by the hand, And bound the weeper to his heart. "Repress that tear, my Mary dear," Said Harwood to his loving wife; "It tries me hard to leave thee here, And seek in distant woods the strife. "When gone, my Mary, think of me, And pray to God that I may be Such as one ought that lives for thee, And come at last in victory." Thus young Harwood babe and wife; With accent wild, she bade adieu; It grieved those lovers much to part, So fond and fair, so kind and true. Seth Wyman who in Woburn lived, A marksman he of courage true, Shot the first Indian whom they saw; Sheer through his heart the bullet flew. The savage had been seeking game; Two guns and a knife he bore, And two black ducks were in his hand; He shrieked, and fell, to rise no more. Anon, there eighty Indians rose, Who'd hid themselves in ambush dread; Their knives they shook, their guns they aimed, The famous Paugus at their head. Good heavens! they dance the powwow dance; What horrid yells the forest fill! The grim bear crouches in his den, The eagle seeks the distant hill. "What means this dance, this powwow dance?" Stern Wyman said. With wondrous art He crept full near, his rifle aimed. And shot the leader through the heart. John Lovewell, captain of the band, His sword he waved, that glittered bright, For the last time he cheered his men, And led them onward to the fight. "Fight on, fight on," brave Lovewell said; "Fight on, while Heaven shall give you breath!" An Indian ball then pierced him through, And Lovewell closed his eyes in death. John Harwood died all bathed in blood, When he had fought till set of day! And many more we may not name Fell in that bloody battle fray. When news did come to Harwood's wife, That he with Lovewell fought and died, Far in the wilds had given his life, Nor more would in their home abide - Such grief did seize upon her mind, Such sorrow filled her faithful breast, On earth she ne'er found peace again, But followed Harwood to his rest. 'Twas Paugus led the Pequa'tt tribe; As runs the fox would Paugus run; As howls the wild wolf would he howl; A large bear skin had Paugus on. But Chamberlain of Dunstable, One whom a savage ne'er shall slay, Met Paugus by the water side, And shot him dead upon that day. Good Heavens! Is this a time for prayer? Is this a time to Worship God? When Lovewell's men are dying fast, And Paugus'tribe hath felt the rod? The chaplain's name was Jonathan Frye; In Andover his father dwelt, And oft with Lovewell's men he'd prayed, Before the mortal wound he felt. A man was he of comely form, Polished and brave, well learnt and kind; Old Harvard's learned halls he left, Far in the wilds a grave to find. Ah, now his blood-red arm he lifts, His closing lids he tries to raise, And speak once more before he dies, In supplication and in praise. He prays kind Heaven to grant success, Brave Lovewell's men to guide and bless, And when they've shed their heart blood true, to raise them all to happiness. "Come hither, Farwell," said young Frye, "You see that I'm about to die; Now for the love I bear to you, When cold in death my bones shall lie, "Go thou and see my parents dear, And tell them you stood by me here; Console them when they cry, Alas! And wipe away the falling tear." Lieutenant Farwell took his hand His arm around his neck he threw, And said, "Brave Chaplain, I could wish That Heaven had made me die for you. The chaplain on kind Farwell's breast, Bloody and languishing he fell; Nor after this said more, but this: "I love thee soldier, fare thee well." Ah, many a wife shall rend her hair, And many a child cry, "Woe is me," When messengers the news shall bear, Of Lovewell's dear-bought victory. With footsteps slow shall travellers go, Where Lovewell's Pond shines clear and bright, And mark the place where those are laid Who fell in Lovewell's bloody fight. Old men shall shake their heads and say, "Sad was the hour and terrible When Lovewell brave against Paugus went, With fifty men from Dunstable." footnote: Of the men who belonged to Lovewell's party, but nine returned unhurt. Eleven came back wounded, and three had to be left behind on account of their severe wounds. Among these three was Ensign Robbins, who desired to have his gun charged and left by his side, that he might kill one more of them, should they return. The Indian that Seth Wyman killed, was no doubt placed there as a decoy. Suspecting this, the men concealed their packs and advanced with great caution. Meantime Paugus and Wahwa, with two parties of Indians followed their trail till they found their packs. About these they placed themselves in ambush, and when the Englishmen returned, rose and commenced the attack. The death of the celebrated Indian happened in this manner: Paugus and John Chamberlain had been foes, and had met in bloody fray before this battle. Towards the close of the day, the guns of each had become foul from constant firing, and they came at the same time to the water's edge for the purpose of washing them. Paugus was up stream and Chamerlain below. They immediately recognized each other."Now, Paugus, said Chamberlain, "It is you or I." "Yes," answered the warrior, "It is you or I." Both of them sprang to the water and commenced cleaning their guns. Each strained every nerve, conscious that to be last would be death. Almost with the rapidity of lightning the guns were washed out and dried. They began loading at the same instant. The muskets were primed, the powder rammed home, the bullets thrown into their muzzles and who could tell the issue? But now appeared the advantage of Chamberlain's position. Paugus standing above Chamberlain was obliged to follow his ball with a wad to prevent its rolling out. Chamberlain dropped the ball down the muzzle of his gun, his eye glanced along the barrel and with a yell the Indian chief leaped into the air and fell headlong into the brook. Transcribed by Janice Farnsworth Source: Epitaphs from the Old Burying Ground, Groton, MA by Dr. Samuel A. Green 1878 p.2 Tombstone (Death's Head) Here Lyes ye Body of Mrs. Alice Woods Wife to Mr. Nathaniel Woods; Who Deceased January ye 10th 1717/8 in Ye 45th year of Her Age. Author's Note: Daniel Woods, one of her sons, was killed in Lovewell's fight at Pigwacket, May 8, 1725. Surname: LOVEWELL Source: An Historical Sketch of Groton, MA by Dr. Samuel A. Green 1894 In the summer of 1722 the Provincial governments of Massachusetts and New Hampshire offered a bounty of a hundred pounds for every Indian's scalp that should be taken and shown to the proper authorities. This legis- lation incited volunteers to scour the wilderness for the purpose of hunting the savages, and with this motive Capt. John Lovewell of Dunstable, (MA) organized a comp- any which soon became famous. The story of Lovewell's Fight for a long time repeatedly was told in this (Groton) neighborhood and there is scarcely a person who has not from early infancy heard the particulars of that eventful conflict. It was in the spring of 1725 that Capt. Lovewell, with thirty-four men, fought a famous Indian chief, named Paugus, at the head of about eighty savages, near the shores of a pond in Pequawket, now within the limits of Fryeburg, Maine, and known as Lovewell's Pond. Of this little Spartan group, seven belonged in this town (Groton); and one of them, John Chamberlain, by name, distinguished himself by killing the Indian leader. The fullest account of the fight is found in a pamphlet entitled, "Lovewell Lamented," by Thomas Symmes, V.D.M. Boston, 1725. It includes a list of the men who took part in the fight with the names of those killed and wounded. According to this list, the following Groton, Mass., men were members of Lovewell's company and present during this action: John Jefts Daniel Woods (see tombstone, p. 2, Epitaphs) Thomas Woods John Chamberlain Elias Barron John Gilson Isaac Lakin Joseph Gilson Of these, Thomas Woods, Daniel Woods and John Jefts were killed in the fight, and Elias Barron, John Chamberlain, John Gilson and Isaac Lakin were wounded. Joseph Gilson was the only one of the quota who escaped injury. Captain Lovewell, the commander of the company was a brave officer and a noted man. He was at this time in the prime of life and ambitious to distinguish himself. He had previously led two successful expeditions against the Indians and his very name inspired confidence. Only a few weeks before, his second expedition had returned to Dover, New Hampshire, where he made a triumphal entry at the head of his company. They bore ten Indian scalps stretched on hoops, and were received with great joy and excitement; thence they proceeded to Boston, where they were paid a large bounty by the government. The following Groton men were members of the company which went on this second expedition: Jacob Ames Ephraim Farnsworth (see p. 415 Farnsworth Memorial) Reuben Farnsworth (brother of Ephraim) Benjamin Parker Samuel Shattuck Samuel Tarbell Henry Willard Subject: Jacob Ames Source: An Historical Sketch of Groton, MA - Dr. Green p.50-51 John Ames who was shot by the savages at the gate of his own garrison at Groton MA, July 9, 1724, was the father of Jacob Ames. Isaac Lakin was wounded in Lovewell's fight at Pequawket, May 8, 1725. p.33 Farnsworth Memorial Priscilla Ames, dau of John and Elizabeth Ames of Groton m. Feb 27, 1756 William Lakin, Jr. of Groton. p.33 Isaac Lakin b. 1702 son of William Lakin and his wife, Elizabeth Robinson of Groton, MA. Isaac Lakin m. Jan 27, 1726, Elizabeth Shattuck b. 1705/6 dau of John Shattuck and his wife, Mary (Blood) Shattuck. Isaac Lakin was wounded 1725 during Lovewell's fight with the Indians at Pequawket (Fryeburg) ME p.415 Farnsworth Memorial Ephraim Farnsworth b. Jan 2, 1703 son of Jonathan Farns- worth and his wife, Hannah Shattuck of Groton, MA. Ephraim Farnsworth married Deborah Beauman; was a farmer and lived at Harvard; he died there Feb. 18, 1737. He was a man of courage and energy and was with his brother Reuben in Capt. Lovewell's famous expedition through New Hampshire and Maine against the Indians, and in the fight with the Indians on Feb. 20, 1724. For a full account of John Lovewell and his men, see NEHGS Register Vol. 7, pages 61-70. p.416 Reuben Farnsworth brother of Ephraim (above) b. April 28 1705 m. Apr 7, 1730, Mary Holden b. April 28, 1706 at Watertown, MA. Rev. Seth Storer performing the marriage ceremony. She was the dau of Samuel Holden and his wife Susanna Holden. He lived for a while in Watertown but was living at Harvard 1732-1733 and 1734. He died 1755 and his widow m. (2) Thomas Barney. Throughout New England Lovewell's daring was made the subject of talk and the public looked to him as a natural leader in warfare. With the small force now at his command, the heroic captain pressed forward to meet the enemy, and in a few days reached the borders of Saco Pond, since known as Lovewell's Pond, southeast of the present village of Fryeburge, Maine. On the morning of Saturday, May 8th while engaged at prayers they heard a gun, and shortly afterward discovered an Indian on a point of land which ran into the pond. They said, "We came out to meet the Enemy; we have all along prayed God we might find them, and we had rather trust Providence with our Lives, yea die for our Country, than than try to return without seeing them; if we may and be called cowards for our pains." After this answer, Lovewell ordered his men to move forward cautiously; and they soon reached a place where they halted and took off their packs, and piled them up together. Leaving these behind without a guard and advancing a short distance, they came upon the Indian who they had previously descried. He was return- ing to his companions with some game. Several guns were instantly discharged at him when he in turn fired and wounded Capt. Lovewell, and another man; after which, he was killed and scalped. The company then turned back and with their wounded leader, repaired to the place where they had left their packs. In the meantime, Paugus the far-famed chief of the Pequawkets, at the head of eighty warriors on their way home from a marauding ex- pedition, discovered the pile of packs and counting them learned the number of the English. Finding that the force was much less than his own, Paugus placed his men in ambush and awaited the return of Lovewell. When the company came up for their packs, the Indians with hid- eous yells rushed forth suddenly from their hiding places and began to fire. The brave captain ordered his men to return the fire, which was done with terrible effect. Lovewell himself fell at the first shot, and eight of his men soon shared the same fate. Ensign Wyman of Woburn then assumed the command and perceiving that the Indians were trying to surround them, ordered a retreat to the pond, where he took his stand. A ledge of rocks projecting into the water on one side of him and a deep brook on the other made a position favorable for de- fence. The fighting continued, and during the day the savages vainly endeavored to compel the valiant band to surrender; but they would not listen to the proposition Paugus was slain in the action of John Chamberlain of Groton (MA). After the death of their chief the Indians became somewhat disheartened and withdrew from the skirmish. A second edition of Thomas Symmes's pamphlet was entitled "Historical Memoirs of the Late Fight at Piggwacket, with a Sermon Occasioned by the Fall of the Brave Capt. John Lovewell and Several of his Valiant Company, in the Late Heroic Action There." Boston 1725. In the list of the soldiers wounded, the name of Isaac Lakin is given in the place of John Gilson's. Another source: p.241 Epitaphs from the Old Burying Ground, Groton, by S. A. Green Joseph Gilson, grandson of Joseph Gilson one of the first proprietors of Groton, MA, was one of the Groton men with Capt. Lovewell in his fight at Pigwacket, and the only one who escaped unhurt. One Joseph Gilson of Groton presented a petition to the General Court, June 11, 1760: "representing his Services and Sufferings for his Country praying a compensation." Source: p.241 "Epitaphs" (see Gilson) Subject: Chamberlain, Samuel N. (desc. Lovewell's Fight) Source: History of Charlestown, NH, Fort No. 4, by Rev. Henry H. Saunderson 1876 p.306 Samuel N. Chamberlain was born in Dudley, MA about 1777 and died at Glens Falls, N.Y. aged 67; buried at Edgecomb's Corner, Galway, NY. His father, who was a soldier in the Revolution at the time the American Army was most destitute, sold his farm in Dudley, MA and applied the funds for the relief of the soldiers. He was related to John Chamberlain who killed the Indian Chief "Old Paugus" (see Lovewell's Fight) as he was usually called in Lovewell's fight. Samuel N. Chamberlain m. Abigail White of Pomfret, CT dau of Samuel White who claimed to be a lineal descendant of the first male child born in New England. She died at Chelsea, VT Sept. 8, 1808. Their children were: 1. Calvin Chamberlain b. at Dudley, MA Oct 30, 1791 and died and was buried at Charlestown, NH. 2. Samuel Chamberlain b. at Dudley, MA Jan 12, 1794; died at Strafford, VT in 1855; m. Betsy Sanborn of Strafford, VT and had thirteen children. 3. Henry Chamberlain b. at Unity, NH Feb 14, 1796; m. Mary Bailey, 1822; also had thirteen children of which were two sons, one of whom, Edward B. Chamberlain grad. at the Univ. of VT in 1848 and at Andover Theo. Seminary in 1854 and was a minister at Plattsburg, NH; Shoreham, VT, Essex, VT and Westford, VT. 4. Mary Chamberlain b. 1798 m. E. W. Curtis of Galway, N.Y. died in Adrian, MI had five sons of whom James Curtis the eldest was superintendent of E. Division South Michigan Railroad. The others were John W. Chamberlain and George H. Chamberlain. 5. Artemas W. Chamberlain b. at Unity, NH June 9, 1800 m. at Cape Cod and died at Cambridge, MA in Feb. 1875, left three sons and two daughters, Nathan, George, Joseph, Lydia and Mary. Nathan H. Chamberlain grad at Harvard College 1853. He was a Protestant Episcopal clergyman and author. 6. George Olcott Chamberlain b. at Charlestown, NH April 6, 1803 m. 1828, Maria Clark of Providence, Saratoga Co., N.Y. and resided at Saratoga Springs. Their children were: 1. Laurentia P. Chamberlain m. Hiram Thomkins keeper of the United States Hotel at Saratoga. 2. John Chamberlain m. Margaret Ward and lived at Utica, NY. 3. Mary Chamberlain m. James B. Raynor of Chicago, Illinois. 7. Healey Chamberlain b. Dec. 1807 m. at Saratoga and died at Coldwater, Michigan. Had: Webster R. Chamberlain a lawyer at Syracuse, NH and Georgianna Chamberlain also, Henry Chamberlain. Samuel N. Chamberlain married (2) Feb 2, 1815, Dorcas Bingham of Springfield, VT and had the following children by his 2nd wife: 1. Abigail Chamberlain b. 1815 2. Anna Arms Chamberlain b. Feb 14, 1819 3. Sarah G. Chamberlain b. Dec 3, 1821 4. Calvin O. Chamberlain b. Apr 26, 1823 5. Sabrina Chamberlain b. May 24, 1829 6. Joseph Roach Ives Gilbert Marquis Paul M. De La Fayette Chamberlain This name as I understand, was dropped, most of it, as too unwieldly for every day use, and a much shorter one adopted. He was then known as LaFayette Chamberlain. In 1842 Deacon Charles Crosby married (1) Mary C. Blood, daughter of Deacon David Blood, a well-known resident of Pepperell and a staunch abolitionist. Mary was a woman of unusual strength of character and her death December 1863 was the cause of regret. On December 4, 1865 Deacon Crosby m. (2) Caroline A. Shattuck, daughter of Capt. Thomas Chamberlain Shattuck and wife, Lucy (Blood) Shattuck. Capt. Shattuck who commanded a local company of the State militia for several years, erected in 1811 the house and moved to soon after his marriage. He died in 1858 aged seventy-eight years and his wife, Lucy (Blood) Shattuck whom he married in 1812 died in 1872 aged eighty-four years. She was the mother of seven children. Capt. Shattuck was the son of Jonathan and Abia (Chamberlain) Shattuck. His mother was the daughter of Thomas Chamberlain and the neice of John Chamberlain, an Indian fighter of renown, who was with Capt. Lovewell's company at Fryeburg, ME in 1725. The death of Paugus at the hands of Chamberlain has furnished the theme of several Indian romances. John Chamberlain settled in Groton, MA where he operated a mill. A power-horn reputed to have belonged to Paugus or his son, who afterward, it is said, attempted to kill John Chamberlain at his mill, is now in Deacon Crosby's possession. It is decorated with figures of animals and other objects and bears the date of 1736. Transcribed by Janice Farnsworth Surname: LOVEWELL Source: An Historical Sketch of Groton, MA by Dr. Samuel A. Green 1894 In the summer of 1722 the Provincial governments of Massachusetts and New Hampshire offered a bounty of a hundred pounds for every Indian's scalp that should be taken and shown to the proper authorities. This legis- lation incited volunteers to scour the wilderness for the purpose of hunting the savages, and with this motive Capt. John Lovewell of Dunstable, (MA) organized a comp- any which soon became famous. The story of Lovewell's Fight for a long time repeatedly was told in this (Groton) neighborhood and there is scarcely a person who has not from early infancy heard the particulars of that eventful conflict. It was in the spring of 1725 that Capt. Lovewell, with thirty-four men, fought a famous Indian chief, named Paugus, at the head of about eighty savages, near the shores of a pond in Pequawket, now within the limits of Fryeburg, Maine, and known as Lovewell's Pond. Of this little Spartan group, seven belonged in this town (Groton); and one of them, John Chamberlain, by name, distinguished himself by killing the Indian leader. The fullest account of the fight is found in a pamphlet entitled, "Lovewell Lamented," by Thomas Symmes, V.D.M. Boston, 1725. It includes a list of the men who took part in the fight with the names of those killed and wounded. According to this list, the following Groton men were members of Lovewell's company and present dur- ing this action: John Jefts Daniel Woods (see tombstone, p. 2, Epitaphs) Thomas Woods John Chamberlain Elias Barron John Gilson Isaac Lakin Joseph Gilson Of these, Thomas Woods, Daniel Woods and John Jefts were killed in the fight, and Elias Barron, John Chamberlain, John Gilson and Isaac Lakin were wounded. Joseph Gilson was the only one of the quota who escaped injury. Captain Lovewell, the commander of the company was a brave officer and a noted man. He was at this time in the prime of life and ambitious to distinguish himself. He had previously led two successful expeditions against the Indians and his very name inspired confidence. Only a few weeks before, his second expedition had returned to Dover, New Hampshire, where he made a triumphal entry at the head of his company. They bore ten Indian scalps stretched on hoops, and were received with great joy and excitement; thence they proceeded to Boston, where they were paid a large bounty by the government. The following Groton men were members of the company which went on this second expedition: Jacob Ames Ephraim Farnsworth (see p. 415 Farnsworth Memorial) Reuben Farnsworth (brother of Ephraim) Benjamin Parker Samuel Shattuck Samuel Tarbell Henry Willard p.415 Farnsworth Memorial Ephraim Farnsworth b. Jan 2, 1703 son of Jonathan Farns- worth and his wife, Hannah Shattuck of Groton, MA. Ephraim Farnsworth married Deborah Beauman; was a farmer and lived at Harvard; he died there Feb. 18, 1737. He was a man of courage and energy and was with his brother Reuben in Capt. Lovewell's famous expedition through New Hampshire and Maine against the Indians, and in the fight with the Indians on Feb. 20, 1724. For a full account of John Lovewell and his men, see NEHGS Register Vol. 7, pages 61-70. p.416 Reuben Farnsworth brother of Ephraim (above) b. April 28 1705 m. Apr 7, 1730, Mary Holden b. April 28, 1706 at Watertown, MA. Rev. Seth Storer performing the marriage ceremony. She was the dau of Samuel Holden and his wife Susanna Holden. He lived for a while in Watertown but was living at Harvard 1732-1733 and 1734. He died 1755 and his widow m. (2) Thomas Barney. Througout New England Lovewell's daring was made the subject of talk and the public looked to him as a natural leader in warfare. With the small force now at his command, the heroic captain pressed forward to meet the enemy, and in a few days reached the borders of Saco Pond, since known as Lovewell's Pond, southeast of the present village of Fryeburge, Maine. On the morning of Saturday, May 8th while engaged at prayers they heard a gun, and shortly afterward discovered an Indian on a point of land which ran into the pond. They said, "We came out to meet the Enemy; we have all along prayed God we might find them, and we had rather trust Providence with our Lives, yea die for our Country, than than try to return without seeing them; if we may and be called cowards for our pains." After this answer, Lovewell ordered his men to move forward cautiously; and they soon reached a place where they halted and took off their packs, and piled them up together. Leaving these behind without a guard and advancing a short distance, they came upon the Indian who they had previously descried. He was return- ing to his companions with some game. Several guns were instantly discharged at him when he in turn fired and wounded Capt. Lovewell, and another man; after which, he was killed and scalped. The company then turned back and with their wounded leader, repaired to the place where they had left their packs. In the meantime, Paugus the far-famed chief of the Pequawkets, at the head of eighty warriors on their way home from a marauding ex- pedition, discovered the pile of packs and counting them learned the number of the English. Finding that the force was much less than his own, Paugus placed his men in ambush and awaited the return of Lovewell. When the company came up for their packs, the Indians with hid- eous yells rushed forth suddenly from their hiding places and began to fire. The brave captain ordered his men to return the fire, which was done with terrible effect. Lovewell himself fell at the first shot, and eight of his men soon shared the same fate. Ensign Wyman of Woburn then assumed the command and perceiving that the Indians were trying to surround them, ordered a retreat to the pond, where he took his stand. A ledge of rocks projecting into the water on one side of him and a deep brook on the other made a position favorable for de- fence. The fighting continued, and during the day the savages vainly endeavored to compel the valiant band to surrender; but they would not listen to the proposition Paugus was slain in the action of John Chamberlain of Groton (MA). After the death of their chief the Indians became somewhat disheartened and withdrew from the skirmish. A second edition of Thomas Symmes's pamphlet was entitled "Historical Memoirs of the Late Fight at Piggwacket, with a Sermon Occasioned by the Fall of the Brave Capt. John Lovewell and Several of his Valiant Company, in the Late Heroic Action There." Boston 1725. In the list of the soldiers wounded, the name of Isaac Lakin is given in the place of John Gilson's. Surname: GILSON Source: Epitaphs from the Old Burying Ground, Groton, MA by Dr. Samuel A. Green 1878 Appendix p.241 Joseph Gilson was one of the original proprietors of Groton, (MA). He owned a nine-acre right. He married Nov. 18, 1660, Mary Caper, at Chelmsford, (MA) and re- moved from that town to Groton before March 5, 1665/6. He died in the summer of 1676 at Concord where he went when Groton was deserted by its inhabitants due to the Indian assault. An inventory of his estate is on file in the Middlesex Probate Office at East Cambridge, MA. He left five children, viz: 1. Mary Gilson b. Nov 17, 1662 at Chelmsford. 2. Timothy Gilson 3. Joseph Gilson b. Mar 8, 1666/7 at Groton, MA, married twice and had five children by each wife. 4. Sarah Gilson b. June 25, 1669 at Groton 5. John Gilson b.April 23, 1674 at Groton, m. Sarah___? and had five children. Both Joseph and John Gilson lived and died at Groton. John Gilson's widow m. May 17, 1709 (2) Richard Warner by whom she had four children. Joseph Gilson, a grand- son of the original proprietor was one of the seven Groton men with Captain Lovewell in his fight at Pig- wacket and the only one of the seven who escaped unhurt. One Joseph Gilson of Groton presented a petition to the General Court, June 11, 1760: "representing his Services and Sufferings for his Country praying a compensation." (see also, Lovewell) Source: Epitaphs from the Old Burying Ground, Groton, MA by Dr. Samuel A. Green 1878 p.2 Tombstone (Death's Head) Here Lyes ye Body of Mrs. Alice Woods Wife to Mr. Nathaniel Woods; Who Deceased January ye 10th 1717/8 in Ye 45th year of Her Age. Author's Note: Daniel Woods, one of her sons, was killed in Lovewell's fight at Pigwacket, May 8, 1725. Transcribed by Janice Farnsworth Subject: Roster of Westford, Mass. Men in Lovewell's Fight 1724-1725. Source: History of Westford, Mass. 1659-1883 by Rev. Edwin R. Hodgman, A.M. Lowell, Mass., 1883. p.52 In the 2nd expedition of Capt. John Lovewell of Dunstable, Mass., against the Indians - in 1724 (sometimes called the Winnepesockett Expedition), there was an Ebenezer Wright; and he no doubt was from Chelmsford, West Prescinct (Westford was formed by lands of Chelmsford and Groton, Mass.) Ebenezer Wright lived on Frances Hill within the present limits of Westford. In the 3rd and last expedition of Capt. Lovewell, which terminated in that battle, "Nigh unto Pigwacket," in which Lovewell was slain, there was one Solomon Kies. (Keyes) In the list of Capt. Lovewell's men he is said to be of Billerica; but Rev. Henry A. Hazen, in his Genealogy of Families of B illerica says: "The name (Keyes) has been occasionally in the tax-lists, but no family is recorded." Judge Asa Keyes, in his Genealogy of the Keyes Family, published in 1880, says of Solomon Keyes and his part in Lovewell's Fight: "Solomon Keyes in some accounts of this fight has been accorded to Billerica, as was also the birth of his father, the son of Solomon & Frances. But no record of the birth of either father or son has been found in that place, and both are recorded in Chelmsford, where the 2nd Solomon Keyes lived and where Capt. Solomon Keyes probably passed his early life." (see also Keyes Gen. p. 131) The truth seems to be that he was a Westford man whose early home was on Francis Hill, p53 at or near the residence of the late Trueworthy Keyes. The story of his adventures is thus given in Abbot's History of Maine, as quoted by Judge Keyes: "Solomon Keyes received three bullet-wounds and was apparently dying. To save his dead body from being mangled by the savages, he rolled himself down the beach to a canoe which chanced to be there. Almost senseless, he succeeded in creeping under it. A gentle breeze blew the canoe across the pond, diagonally, and landed it but a short distance from the stockade fort, into which he contrived to creep." "Later in life," says the Judge, "he removed to Western (now Warren) Mass., then a part of Brookfield. Capt. Solomon Keyes lived 30 years after the fight at Pequawket and was killed at Lake George Sept 8, 1755 in the French & Indian War." (see Keyes' Gen. p. 131) Lovewell's Fight on May 8, 1725, Colonel Tyng, of Dunstable, wrote to Lt. Gov. Dummer, May 14, saying, "I received your orders about eleven of the clock & I forthwith sent to Capt. Willard for twelve of his best men," etc. These snow- shoe men were a company in Chelmsford under the command of Capt. Robert Richardson and Lieut. Joseph Parker. It numbered 40 men of whom fourteen lived in the west precinct (Westford) and these are their names: Samuel Fletcher, who was in the Winneposockett Expedition. Joesph Keyes, son of Joseph & Joanna Keyes and cousin of Capt. Solomon Keyes. Joseph Keyes was then 26 years old. Josiah Spalding, born 1706; then 19 years old. He settled at the foot of Nubanussuck Pond. Nathan Proctor, born 1698; then 27 years old. John Proctor, Jr. born 1694; was 31 years old. Benjamin Robbins, son of Benjamin & Hannah Robbins, born 1708; was 17 years old. James Burn, born 1696; 29 years old. p.54 Joseph Underwood, probably the son of Joseph Underwood, age not known. Joseph Fletcher, afterwards Captain, born 1689; was 36 years old. Josiah Burge, born 1696; was 29 years old. Simon Rumrill, age unknown. Thomas Read, Jun'r, born 1687; aged 38 years. old. Transcribed by Janice Farnsworth p.41 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS by Samuel Abbott Green. though through enemy had been lurking in the neighborhood, and threatenig the town. Penhallow, in speaking of th Indians at this time, says that: "The next damage that they did, was at Groton, Mass., but were so closely pursued that they left several of their backpacks behind." (p.102) Thirteen of Lieut. Fairbank's company belonged to Groton and represented some of the most influential families in Groton.17 It was on the ninth day of July of this year, that John Ames was shot by an Indian, one of a small party that attacked Ames's garrison in the westerly part of the town. It is said that he was the last person killed by an Indian within the township. The Indian himself, was immediately afterward shot Jacob Ames, one of John's sons. Governor Saltonstall of Connecticut, writes* from New London, under the date of July 23, 1724, that the friendly Indians of the neighborhood seem inclined to hunt for scalps about Monadnock and the farther side of Dunstable and Groton. This was owing to an offer made about this time, by the governments of Massa- chusetts and New Hampshire, of a bounty of a hundred pounds for every Indian's scalp that should be taken and shown shown to the proper authorities. This ex- pedient stimulated volunteers to scour the wilder- ness for the purpose of huntin Indians. Capta. John Lovewell of Dunstable, organized a company which soon became famous. The story of Lovewell's fight was for a long time told in every household in this neighborhood and there is scarcely a person who has not heard, from early infancy, the particulars of that event- ful conflict. It was in the spring of the year 1725 that Captain Lovewell, with thirty-four men fought a famous Indian chief named Paugus, at the head of about eighty savages, near the shores of a pond at Pequawket (Maine). Of this Spartan band, seven belonged in this town. One of them was John Chamberlain, distinguished Footnote *Massachusetts Archives, I.II. 23. p.42 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. by Samuel Abbott Green. himself by killing the Indian leader. It is fit that a reference to this fight should be made, on this occasion, though time does not allow me to dwell on it. The town of Groton, now no longer on the frontiers, was again threatened with danger near the end of King George's war. CAPTAIN THOMAS TARBALL. A company of thirty-two men, under the command of Captain Thomas Tarball, scouted in this vicinity for six days, in July, 1748, but they do not appear to have discovered the enemy. A few days afterward, another company of thirty-six men was sent on a simi- lar expedition, but with no better success. 19 In the rolls of these two companies we find many names that have been prominent in the annals of the town from the very beginning: the PRESCOTTS, the AMESES, the SHEPLEYS, the PARKERS, a son of Parson Bradstreet, and a son of Parson Hobart. The military service of Groton men was not confined to this neighborhood. DANIEL FARMER, a Groton sold- ier was taken prisoner July 14, 1748, in a skirmish with the Indians near Fort Dummer.* He was carried into Canada and kept until the following October, when he was allowed to return home. Fort Dummer was situated on the west bank of the Connecticut River in the present town of Brattle- borough, Vermont. Two of its early commanders had been connected with Groton by ties of kindred. COLONEL JOSIAH WILLARD. Colonel Josiah Willard, in command of the fort for many years, was a grandson of Rev. Willard; and he was succeeded in command by Lt. Dudley Bradstreet, a son of Parson Bradstreet and a native of the place. EBENEZER FARNSWORTH Ebenezer Farnsworth, born at Groton, was captured by the Indians August 30, 1754 at Charlestown, N.H. (the old Fort No. 4) He was taken to Montreal and held a prisoner during three years. His ransom was paid in the summer of 1755, but he was not then set free. INSERT. EBENEZER FARSWORTH SOURCE: HISTORY OF CHARLESTOWN NEW HAMPSHIRE - THE OLD FORT NO.4 p.344 Ebenezer Farnsworth, son of Josiah & Mary (Pierce) Farnsworth of Groton, Mass. He was the 4th of their 10 children. He was born March 22, 1725-26. He settled at Charlestown, New Hampshire about the year 1750. He was taken prisoner with the Johnson family of Charlestown, and carried to Canada where he remained until a short time before Montreal was surrended to the English. Litttle now is known of the circumstances of his captivity except what is contained in the narrative of Mrs. Johnson. He settled, on his re- turn at Charlestown (Fort 4) He married Sarah ___? He died Nov 6, 1794. His wife died 1807, aged 82. Subject: The Captivity of Joseph Willard and his family, by Indians June 7, 1760 Source: History of Charlestown, NH, The Old No. 4, by Rev. Henry Saunderson printed by the Claremont Mfg. Co., Claremont, NH 1876 p.88 June 1760 Colonel Goffe had his headquarters at Charlestown, NH. His regiment was employed in clearing the road between Charlestown and the mountains. The trails of the Indians were occasionally seen in the adjacent woods but they were too few to make, under the circumstances, any general attack. Before this regiment had reached Charlestown they (Indians) had made an incursion and carried off Mr. Joseph Willard, his wife and five children. They were taken at their homestead on the edge of the Great meadow, a short distance from the the later residence of Peter A. Evans. It was June 7, 1760. Considering that Samuel Willard, the youngest, who was an infant, somewhat burdensome to them, the Indians took him aside, the next day (June 8) and beat out his brains against a tree. The family were taken to Canada, their journey through the wilderness occupying fourteen days. They remained in captivity till the surrender of Montreal, into which city they had been taken a few days previous to its capitulation, when, with other prisoners, they were released. This was the last incursion of the Indians on the frontiers of New England and the bloody scene which had so long been opened, now closed. The eastern Indians soon agreed on articles of peace and acknowledged themselves subjects of the Crown of England. Notwithstanding, the war still continued in Europe, and a few provincial troops were raised in 1761-62. New England was still exempted from further hostilities - and, on the tenth of February 1763, a general peace was signed at Paris, and soon after ratified by the belligerent powers of Europe by which Canada and all the other northern French settlements passed quietly under the jurisdiction of the British Crown. p.627 Joseph Willard was the son of Rev. Joseph Willard and his wife, Susanna (Lynde) Willard. He was born 3 mos posthumously after the Indians killed his father in 1723 at Rutland at which time Joseph Stevens two sons, Phineas and Isaac Stevens were taken prisoners and two sons killed. This on August 14, 1723. Rev. Willard returned the fire and wounded one of the Indians, mortally it is said. Another Indian closed in with Mr. Willard who would have been more than a match for him, had not the other three (Indians) come to his assistance and it was some time before they killed him. His scalp was carried to Quebec. The widow of Rev. Joseph Willard married sometime after the death of her husband, to Rev. Andrew Gardner into whose family her children William Willard and Joseph Willard were received and brought up. Joseph Willard b. 1723 m. Huldah Willard dau of Lieut Moses Willard and his wife Susanna (Hastings) Willard and settled at Charlestown (Fort 4). Their children were: 1. Francis Willoughby Willard b. July 14, 1751 m. Deborah Blood in 1772. 2. Susanna Willard b. Feb 5, 1753 died the 16th of the same month. 3. William Willard b. Mar 13, 1754 d. Apr 1, 1825 aged 71; m. Elizabeth Shepley of Groton, MA b. June 5, 1759. d. Sept. 25, 1851.4. Susanna Willard b. Apr 15, 1756 5. James Willard b. Mar 8, 1758 d. Sept. 29, 1760 6 Samuel Willard b. Apr 16, 1760 killed by Indians June 8, 1760 (see p. 88) 7. Joseph Willard b. Nov 22, 1763 m. the widow, Mrs. Pierce and had 6 children and lived and died in Langdon. 8. Samuel Willard b. Nov. 28 1763 (says town records) was prob. twin to Joseph, an error made in recording dates. He m. Abigail ___ who had two children and died. 1. Samuel Willard, Jr. b. Jan 15, 1784 and 2. Jotham Willard b. 1785 Samuel m. (2) Joanna Putnam b. 1763 Joseph Willard the progenitor of the above families with his wife and children were taken by the Indians June 7, 1760 and carried to Canada (see p. 88) The place is still shown on the hill to the east of where his cottage stood, where the party who took them prisoners halted, while a portion of them returned to the house for provisions to sustain them on their way. They were conducted by the old route up Black River to the Green Mountains and thence to Otter Creek and Lake Champlain. They returned to Charlestown after the surrender of Montreal. Mr. Willard died in Charlestown after a brief illness in 1799 and was buried on the 12th of September of that year. Joseph Willard was under Colonel Josiah Willard at Fort Dummer from Feb. 12 to July 1st 1748. He was also a member of Capt. Phineas Steven's Company in No. 4 in 1750. End Inserts Transcribed by Janice Farnsworth ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON. by Dr. Samuel Abbott Green p.43 During the French & Indian Wars, the territory of Acadia - or, Nova Scotia, fell under British authority; and the conquest was followed by a terrible act of cruelty and violence. The simple Acadians, unsuspicious of the designs of the Engish leaders, were assembled in their churches in obedience to military proclamation, and thence, without being allowed to return to their homes, were driven at the point of bayonet to board ships, to be scattered over all the English colonies in America. This was done with so litte regard to human- ity, that in many instances, wifes were separated from husbands and childre from their parents - never to see one another again. Many an Evangeline waited in vain expectation of being re-united with her Gabriel, thus torn away from her. Two of these French families, ten persons in all, were sent to Groton, where one of the mother's died, not many months after her arrival, perhaps, from the rude transplanting. A few years later, a French family, perhaps one of these two - is mentioned as living here; but the household had become divided, some of the children being sent to the neighboring towns. Our pity for these unfortunate people will be strong- er when we reflect that they were miserably poor, among a race who spoke a strange language, followed other customs and abominated their their Catholic relgion. Under these circumstances, their homesick- ness must indeed have been bitter; but we have reason to believe that they were treated with care by the people here. We are glad to learn from the records that they were furnished with medical attention and articles necessary for their bodily comfort. Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie Author: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow PRELUDE This is the forest primeval. The murmuring pines and the hemlocks, Bearded with moss, and in garments green, indistinct in the twilight, Stand like Druids of eld, with voices sad and prophetic, Stand like harpers hoar, with beards that rest on their bosoms. Loud from its rocky caverns, the deep-voiced neighboring ocean Speaks, and in accents disconsolate answers the wail of the forest. This is the forest primeval; but where are the hearts that beneath it Leaped like the roe, when he hears in the woodland the voice of the huntsman Where is the thatch-roofed village, the home of Acadian farmers,-- Men whose lives glided on like rivers that water the woodlands, Darkened by shadows of earth, but reflecting an image of heaven? Waste are those pleasant farms, and the farmers forever departed! Scattered like dust and leaves, when the mighty blasts of October Seize them, and whirl them aloft, and sprinkle them far o'er the ocean Naught but tradition remains of the beautiful village of Grand-Pre. Ye who believe in affection that hopes, and endures, and is patient, Ye who believe in the beauty and strength of woman's devotion, List to the mournful tradition still sung by the pines of the forest; List to a Tale of Love in Acadie, home of the happy. PART THE FIRST I In the Acadian land, on the shores of the Basin of Minas, Distant, secluded, still, the little village of Grand-Pre Lay in the fruitful valley. Vast meadows stretched to the eastward, Giving the village its name, and pasture to flocks without number. Dikes, that the hands of the farmers had raised with labor incessant, Shut out the turbulent tides; but at stated seasons the flood-gates Opened, and welcomed the sea to wander at will o'er the meadows. West and south there were fields of flax, and orchards and cornfields Spreading afar and unfenced o'er the plain; and away to the northward Blomidon rose, and the forests old, and aloft on the mountains Sea-fogs pitched their tents, and mists from the mighty Atlantic Looked on the happy valley, but ne'er from their station descended There, in the midst of its farms, reposed the Acadian village. Strongly built were the houses, with frames of oak and of hemlock, Such as the peasants of Normandy built in the reign of the Henries. Thatched were the roofs, with dormer-windows; and gables projecting Over the basement below protected and shaded the doorway. There in the tranquil evenings of summer, when brightly the sunset Lighted the village street and gilded the vanes on the chimneys, Matrons and maidens sat in snow-white caps and in kirtles Scarlet and blue and green, with distaffs spinning the golden Flax for the gossiping looms, whose noisy shuttles within doors Mingled their sound with the whir of the wheels and the songs of the maidens, Solemnly down the street came the parish priest, and the children Paused in their play to kiss the hand he extended to bless them. Reverend walked he among them; and up rose matrons and maidens, Hailing his slow approach with words of affectionate welcome. Then came the laborers home from the field, and serenely the sun sank Down to his rest, and twilight prevailed. Anon from the belfry Softly the Angelus sounded, and over the roofs of the village Columns of pale blue smoke, like clouds of incense ascending, Rose from a hundred hearths, the homes of peace and contentment. Thus dwelt together in love these simple Acadian farmers,-- Dwelt in the love of God and of man. Alike were they free from Fear, that reigns with the tyrant, and envy, the vice of republics. Neither locks had they to their doors, nor bars to their windows; But their dwellings were open as day and the hearts of their owners; There the richest was poor, and the poorest lived in abundance. Somewhat apart from the village, and nearer the Basin of Minas, Benedict Bellefontaine, the wealthiest farmer of Grand-Pre, Dwelt on his goodly acres: and with him, directing his household, Gentle Evangeline lived, his child, and the pride of the village. Stalworth and stately in form was the man of seventy winters; Hearty and hale was he, an oak that is covered with snow-flakes; White as the snow were his locks, and his cheeks as brown as the oak-leaves. Fair was she to behold, that maiden of seventeen summers. Black were her eyes as the berry that grows on the thorn by the wayside, Black, yet how softly they gleamed beneath the brown shade of her tresses! Sweet was her breath as the breath of kine that feed in the meadows. When in the harvest heat she bore to the reapers at noontide Flagons of home-brewed ale, ah! fair in sooth was the maiden, Fairer was she when, on Sunday morn, while the bell from its turret Sprinkled with holy sounds the air, as the priest with his hyssop Sprinkles the congregation, and scatters blessings upon them, Down the long street she passed, with her chaplet of beads and her missal, Wearing her Norman cap and her kirtle of blue, and the ear-rings, Brought in the olden time from France, and since, as an heirloom, Handed down from mother to child, through long generations. But a celestial brightness--a more ethereal beauty-- Shone on her face and encircled her form, when, after confession, Homeward serenely she walked with God's benediction upon her. When she had passed, it seemed like the ceasing of exquisite music. Firmly builded with rafters of oak, the house of the farmer Stood on the side of a hill commanding the sea; and a shady Sycamore grew by the door, with a woodbine wreathing around it. Rudely carved was the porch, with seats beneath; and a footpath Led through an orchard wide, and disappeared in the meadow. Under the sycamore-tree were hives overhung by a penthouse, Such as the traveller sees in regions remote by the roadside, Built o'er a box for the poor, or the blessed image of Mary. Farther down, on the slope of the hill, was the well with its moss-grown Bucket, fastened with iron, and near it a trough for the horses. Shielding the house from storms, on the north, were the barns and the farm-yard, There stood the broad-wheeled wains and the antique ploughs and the harrows; There were the folds for the sheep; and there, in his feathered seraglio, Strutted the lordly turkey, and crowed the cock, with the selfsame Voice that in ages of old had startled the penitent Peter. Bursting with hay were the barns, themselves a village. In each one Far o'er the gable projected a roof of thatch; and a staircase, Under the sheltering eaves, led up to the odorous corn-loft. There too the dove-cot stood, with its meek and innocent inmates Murmuring ever of love; while above in the variant breezes Numberless noisy weathercocks rattled and sang of mutation. Thus, at peace with God and the world, the farmer of Grand-Pre Lived on his sunny farm, and Evangeline governed his household. Many a youth, as he knelt in the church and opened his missal, Fixed his eyes upon her as the saint of his deepest devotion; Happy was he who might touch her hand or the hem of her garment! Many a suitor came to her door, by the darkness befriended, And, as he knocked and waited to hear the sound of her footsteps, Knew not which beat the louder, his heart or the knocker of iron; Or at the joyous feast of the Patron Saint of the village, Bolder grew, and pressed her hand in the dance as he whispered Hurried words of love, that seemed a part of the music. But, among all who came, young Gabriel only was welcome; Gabriel Lajeunesse, the son of Basil the blacksmith, Who was a mighty man in the village, and honored of all men; For, since the birth of time, throughout all ages and nations, Has the craft of the smith been held in repute by the people. Basil was Benedict's friend. Their children from earliest childhood Grew up together as brother and sister; and Father Felician, Priest and pedagogue both in the village, had taught them their letters Out of the selfsame book, with the hymns of the church and the plain-song. But when the hymn was sung, and the daily lesson completed, Swiftly they hurried away to the forge of Basil the blacksmith. There at the door they stood, with wondering eyes to behold him Take in his leathern lap the hoof of the horse as a plaything, Nailing the shoe in its place; while near him the tire of the cart-wheel Lay like a fiery snake, coiled round in a circle of cinders. Oft on autumnal eves, when without in the gathering darkness Bursting with light seemed the smithy, through every cranny and crevice, Warm by the forge within they watched the laboring bellows, And as its panting ceased, and the sparks expired in the ashes, Merrily laughed, and said they were nuns going into the chapel. Oft on sledges in winter, as swift as the swoop of the eagle, Down the hillside hounding, they glided away o'er the meadow. Oft in the barns they climbed to the populous nests on the rafters, Seeking with eager eyes that wondrous stone, which the swallow Brings from the shore of the sea to restore the sight of its fledglings; Lucky was he who found that stone in the nest of the swallow! Thus passed a few swift years, and they no longer were children. He was a valiant youth, and his face, like the face of the morning, Gladdened the earth with its light, and ripened thought into action. She was a woman now, with the heart and hopes of a woman. "Sunshine of Saint Eulalie" was she called; for that was the sunshine Which, as the farmers believed, would load their orchards with apples She, too, would bring to her husband's house delight and abundance, Filling it full of love and the ruddy faces of children. II Now had the season returned, when the nights grow colder and longer, And the retreating sun the sign of the Scorpion enters. Birds of passage sailed through the leaden air, from the ice-bound, Desolate northern bays to the shores of tropical islands, Harvests were gathered in; and wild with the winds of September Wrestled the trees of the forest, as Jacob of old with the angel. All the signs foretold a winter long and inclement. Bees, with prophetic instinct of want, had hoarded their honey Till the hives overflowed; and the Indian bunters asserted Cold would the winter be, for thick was the fur of the foxes. Such was the advent of autumn. Then followed that beautiful season, Called by the pious Acadian peasants the Summer of All-Saints! Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape Lay as if new-created in all the freshness of childhood. Peace seemed to reign upon earth, and the restless heart of the ocean Was for a moment consoled. All sounds were in harmony blended. Voices of children at play, the crowing of cocks in the farm-yards, Whir of wings in the drowsy air, and the cooing of pigeons, All were subdued and low as the murmurs of love, and the great sun Looked with the eye of love through the golden vapors around him; While arrayed in its robes of russet and scarlet and yellow, Bright with the sheen of the dew, each glittering tree of the forest Flashed like the plane-tree the Persian adorned with mantles and jewels. Now recommenced the reign of rest and affection and stillness. Day with its burden and heat had departed, and twilight descending Brought back the evening star to the sky, and the herds to the homestead. Pawing the ground they came, and resting their necks on each other, And with their nostrils distended inhaling the freshness of evening. Foremost, bearing the bell, Evangeline's beautiful heifer, Proud of her snow-white hide, and the ribbon that waved from her collar, Quietly paced and slow, as if conscious of human affection. Then came the shepherd back with his bleating flocks from the seaside, Where was their favorite pasture. Behind them followed the watch-dog, Patient, full of importance, and grand in the pride of his instinct, Walking from side to side with a lordly air, and superbly Waving his bushy tail, and urging forward the stragglers; Regent of flocks was he when the shepherd slept; their protector, When from the forest at night, through the starry silence, the wolves howled. Late, with the rising moon, returned the wains from the marshes, Laden with briny hay, that filled the air with its odor. Cheerily neighed the steeds, with dew on their manes and their fetlocks, While aloft on their shoulders the wooden and ponderous saddles, Painted with brilliant dyes, and adorned with tassels of crimson, Nodded in bright array, like hollyhocks heavy with blossoms. Patiently stood the cows meanwhile, and yielded their udders Unto the milkmaid's hand; whilst loud and in regular cadence Into the sounding pails the foaming streamlets descended. Lowing of cattle and peals of laughter were heard in the farm-yard, Echoed back by the barns. Anon they sank into stillness; Heavily closed, with a jarring sound, the valves of the barn-doors, Rattled the wooden bars, and all for a season was silent. In-doors, warm by the wide-mouthed fireplace, idly the farmer Sat in his elbow-chair, and watched how the flames and the smoke-wreaths Struggled together like foes in a burning city. Behind him, Nodding and mocking along the wall, with gestures fantastic, Darted his own huge shadow, and vanished away into darkness. Faces, clumsily carved in oak, on the back of his arm-chair Laughed in the flickering light, and the pewter plates on the dresser Caught and reflected the flame, as shields of armies the sunshine. Fragments of song the old man sang, and carols of Christmas, Such as at home, in the olden time, his fathers before him Sang in their Norman orchards and bright Burgundian vineyards. Close at her father's side was the gentle Evangeline seated, Spinning flax for the loom, that stood in the corner behind her. Silent awhile were its treadles, at rest was its diligent shuttle, While the monotonous drone of the wheel, like the drone of a bagpipe, Followed the old man's songs and united the fragments together. As in a church, when the chant of the choir at intervals ceases, Footfalls are heard in the aisles, or words of the priest at the altar, So, in each pause of the song, with measured motion the clock clicked. Thus as they sat, there were footsteps heard, and, suddenly lifted, Sounded the wooden latch, and the door swung back on its hinges. Benedict knew by the hob-nailed shoes it was Basil the blacksmith, And by her beating heart Evangeline knew who was with him. "Welcome!" the farmer exclaimed, as their footsteps paused on the threshold. "Welcome, Basil, my friend! Come, take thy place on the settle Close by the chimney-side, which is always empty without thee; Take from the shelf overhead thy pipe and the box of tobacco; Never so much thyself art thou as when through the curling Smoke of the pipe or the forge thy friendly and jovial face gleams Round and red as the harvest moon through the mist of the marshes." Then, with a smile of content, thus answered Basil the blacksmith, Taking with easy air the accustomed seat by the fireside:-- "Benedict Bellefontaine, thou hast ever thy jest and thy ballad! Ever in cheerfullest mood art thou, when others are filled with Gloomy forebodings of ill, and see only ruin before them. Happy art thou, as if every day thou hadst picked up a horseshoe." Pausing a moment, to take the pipe that Evangeline brought him, And with a coal from the embers had lighted, he slowly continued:-- "Four days now are passed since the English ships at their anchors Ride in the Gaspereau's mouth, with their cannon pointed against us. What their design may be is unknown; but all are commanded On the morrow to meet in the church, where his Majesty's mandate Will be proclaimed as law in the land. Alas! in the mean time Many surmises of evil alarm the hearts of the people." Then made answer the farmer:--"Perhaps some friendlier purpose Brings these ships to our shores. Perhaps the harvests in England By untimely rains or untimelier heat have been blighted, And from our bursting barns they would feed their cattle and children." "Not so thinketh the folk in the village," said, warmly, the blacksmith, Shaking his head, as in doubt; then, heaving a sigh, he continued:-- "Louisburg is not forgotten, nor Beau Sejour, nor Port Royal. Many already have fled to the forest, and lurk on its outskirts, Waiting with anxious hearts the dubious fate of to-morrow. Arms have been taken from us, and warlike weapons of all kinds; Nothing is left but the blacksmith's sledge and the scythe of the mower." Then with a pleasant smile made answer the jovial farmer:-- "Safer are we unarmed, in the midst of our flocks and our cornfields, Safer within these peaceful dikes, besieged by the ocean, Than our fathers in forts, besieged by the enemy's cannon. Fear no evil, my friend, and to-night may no shadow of sorrow Fall on this house and hearth; for this is the night of the contract. Built are the house and the barn. The merry lads of the village Strongly have built them and well; and, breaking the glebe round about them, Filled the barn with hay, and the house with food for a twelvemonth. Rene Leblanc will be here anon, with his papers and inkhorn. Shall we not then be glad, and rejoice in the joy of our children?" As apart by the window she stood, with her hand in her lover's, Blushing Evangeline heard the words that her father had spoken, And, as they died on his lips, the worthy notary entered. III Bent like a laboring oar, that toils in the surf of the ocean, Bent, but not broken, by age was the form of the notary public; Shocks of yellow hair, like the silken floss of the maize, hung Over his shoulders; his forehead was high; and glasses with horn bows Sat astride on his nose, with a look of wisdom supernal. Father of twenty children was he, and more than a hundred Children's children rode on his knee, and heard his great watch tick. Four long years in the times of the war had he languished a captive, Suffering much in an old French fort as the friend of the English. Now, though warier grown, without all guile or suspicion, Ripe in wisdom was he, but patient, and simple, and childlike. He was beloved by all, and most of all by the children; For he told them tales of the Loup-garou in the forest, And of the goblin that came in the night to water the horses, And of the white Letiche, the ghost of a child who unchristened Died, and was doomed to haunt unseen the chambers of children; And how on Christmas eve the oxen talked in the stable, And how the fever was cured by a spider shut up in a nutshell, And of the marvellous powers of four-leaved clover and horseshoes, With whatsoever else was writ in the lore of the village. Then up rose from his seat by the fireside Basil the blacksmith, Knocked from his pipe the ashes, and slowly extending his right hand, "Father Leblanc," he exclaimed, "thou hast heard the talk in the village, And, perchance, canst tell us some news of these ships and their errand." Then with modest demeanor made answer the notary public,-- "Gossip enough have I heard, in sooth, yet am never the wiser; And what their errand may be I know not better than others. Yet am I not of those who imagine some evil intention Brings them here, for we are at peace; and why then molest us?" "God's name!" shouted the hasty and somewhat irascible blacksmith; "Must we in all things look for the how, and the why, and the wherefore? Daily injustice is done, and might is the right of the strongest!" But, without heeding his warmth, continued the notary public,-- "Man is unjust, but God is just; and finally justice Triumphs; and well I remember a story, that often consoled me, When as a captive I lay in the old French fort at Port Royal." This was the old man's favorite tale, and he loved to repeat it When his neighbors complained that any injustice was done them. "Once in an ancient city, whose name I no longer remember, Raised aloft on a column, a brazen statue of Justice Stood in the public square, upholding the scales in its left hand, And in its right a sword, as an emblem that justice presided Over the laws of the land, and the hearts and homes of the people. Even the birds had built their nests in the scales of the balance, Having no fear of the sword that flashed in the sunshine above them. But in the course of time the laws of the land were corrupted; Might took the place of right, and the weak were oppressed, and the mighty Ruled with an iron rod. Then it chanced in a nobleman's palace That a necklace of pearls was lost, and erelong a suspicion Fell on an orphan girl who lived as maid in the household. She, after form of trial condemned to die on the scaffold, Patiently met her doom at the foot of the statue of Justice. As to her Father in heaven her innocent spirit ascended, Lo! o'er the city a tempest rose; and the bolts of the thunder Smote the statue of bronze, and hurled in wrath from its left hand Down on the pavement below the clattering scales of the balance, And in the hollow thereof was found the nest of a magpie, Into whose clay-built walls the necklace of pearls was inwoven." Silenced, but not convinced, when the story was ended, the blacksmith Stood like a man who fain would speak, but findeth no language; All his thoughts were congealed into lines on his face, as the vapors Freeze in fantastic shapes on the window-panes in the winter. Then Evangeline lighted the brazen lamp on the table, Filled, till it overflowed, the pewter tankard with home-brewed Nut-brown ale, that was famed for its strength in the village of Grand-Pre; While from his pocket the notary drew his papers and inkhorn, Wrote with a steady hand the date and the age of the parties, Naming the dower of the bride in flocks of sheep and in cattle. Orderly all things proceeded, and duly and well were completed, And the great seal of the law was set like a sun on the margin. Then from his leathern pouch the farmer threw on the table Three times the old man's fee in solid pieces of silver; And the notary rising, and blessing the bride and the bridegroom, Lifted aloft the tankard of ale and drank to their welfare. Wiping the foam from his lip, he solemnly bowed and departed, While in silence the others sat and mused by the fireside, Till Evangeline brought the draught-board out of its corner. Soon was the game begun. In friendly contention the old men Laughed at each lucky hit, or unsuccessful manoeuver, Laughed when a man was crowned, or a breach was made in the king-row Meanwhile apart, in the twilight gloom of a window's embrasure, Sat the lovers, and whispered together, beholding the moon rise Over the pallid sea and the silvery mist of the meadows. Silently one by one, in the infinite meadows of heaven, Blossomed the lovely stars, the forget-me-nots of the angels. Thus was the evening passed. Anon the bell from the belfry Rang out the hour of nine, the village curfew, and straightway Rose the guests and departed; and silence reigned in the household. Many a farewell word and sweet good-night on the door-step Lingered long in Evangeline's heart, and filled it with gladness. Carefully then were covered the embers that glowed on the hearth-stone, And on the oaken stairs resounded the tread of the farmer. Soon with a soundless step the foot of Evangeline followed. Up the staircase moved a luminous space in the darkness, Lighted less by the lamp than the shining face of the maiden. Silent she passed the hall, and entered the door of her chamber. Simple that chamber was, with its curtains of white, and its clothes-press Ample and high, on whose spacious shelves were carefully folded Linen and woollen stuffs, by the hand of Evangeline woven. This was the precious dower she would bring to her husband in marriage, Better than flocks and herds, being proofs of her skill as a housewife. Soon she extinguished her lamp, for the mellow and radiant moonlight Streamed through the windows, and lighted the room, till the heart of the maiden Swelled and obeyed its power, like the tremulous tides of the ocean. Ah! she was fair, exceeding fair to behold, as she stood with Naked snow-white feet on the gleaming floor of her chamber! Little she dreamed that below, among the trees of the orchard, Waited her lover and watched for the gleam of her lamp and her shadow. Yet were her thoughts of him, and at times a feeling of sadness Passed o'er her soul, as the sailing shade of clouds in the moonlight Flitted across the floor and darkened the room for a moment. And, as she gazed from the window, she saw serenely the moon pass Forth from the folds of a cloud, and one star follow her footsteps, As out of Abraham's tent young Ishmael wandered with Hagar! IV Pleasantly rose next morn the sun on the village of Grand-Pre. Pleasantly gleamed in the soft, sweet air the Basin of Minas, Where the ships, with their wavering shadows, were riding at anchor. Life had long been astir in the village, and clamorous labor Knocked with its hundred hands at the golden gates of the morning. Now from the country around, from the farms and neighboring hamlets, Came in their holiday dresses the blithe Acadian peasants. Many a glad good-morrow and jocund laugh from the young folk Made the bright air brighter, as up from the numerous meadows, Where no path could be seen but the track of wheels in the greensward, Group after group appeared, and joined, or passed on the highway. Long ere noon, in the village all sounds of labor were silenced. Thronged were the streets with people; and noisy groups at the house-doors Sat in the cheerful sun, and rejoiced and gossiped together. Every house was an inn, where all were welcomed and feasted; For with this simple people, who lived like brothers together, All things were held in common, and what one had was another's. Yet under Benedict's roof hospitality seemed more abundant: For Evangeline stood among the guests of her father; Bright was her face with smiles, and words of welcome and gladness Fell from her beautiful lips, and blessed the cup as she gave it. Under the open sky, in the odorous air of the orchard, Stript of its golden fruit, was spread the feast of betrothal. There in the shade of the porch were the priest and the notary seated; There good Benedict sat, and sturdy Basil the blacksmith. Not far withdrawn from these, by the cider-press and the beehives, Michael the fiddler was placed, with the gayest of hearts and of waistcoats. Shadow and light from the leaves alternately played on his snow-white Hair, as it waved in the wind; and the jolly face of the fiddler Glowed like a living coal when the ashes are blown from the embers. Gayly the old man sang to the vibrant sound of his fiddle, Tous les Bourgeois de Chartres, and Le Carillon de Dunkerque, And anon with his wooden shoes beat time to the music. Merrily, merrily whirled the wheels of the dizzying dances Under the orchard-trees and down the path to the meadows; Old folk and young together, and children mingled among them. Fairest of all the maids was Evangeline, Benedict's daughter! Noblest of all the youths was Gabriel, son of the blacksmith! So passed the morning away. And lo! with a summons sonorous Sounded the bell from its tower, and over the meadows a drum beat. Thronged erelong was the church with men. Without, in the churchyard, Waited the women. They stood by the graves, and hung on the headstones Garlands of autumn-leaves and evergreens fresh from the forest. Then came the guard from the ships, and marching proudly among them Entered the sacred portal. With loud and dissonant clangor Echoed the sound of their brazen drums from ceiling and casement,-- Echoed a moment only, and slowly the ponderous portal Closed, and in silence the crowd awaited the will of the soldiers. Then uprose their commander, and spoke from the steps of the altar, Holding aloft in his hands, with its seals, the royal commission. "You are convened this day," he said, "by his Majesty's orders. Clement and kind has he been; but how you have answered his kindness, Let your own hearts reply! To my natural make and my temper Painful the task is I do, which to you I know must be grievous. Yet must I bow and obey, and deliver the will of our monarch; Namely, that all your lands, and dwellings, and cattle of all kinds Forfeited be to the crown; and that you yourselves from this province Be transported to other lands. God grant you may dwell there Ever as faithful subjects, a happy and peaceable people! Prisoners now I declare you; for such is his Majesty's pleasure!" As, when the air is serene in the sultry solstice of summer, Suddenly gathers a storm, and the deadly sling of the hailstones Beats down the farmer's corn in the field and shatters his windows, Hiding the sun, and strewing the ground with thatch from the house-roofs, Bellowing fly the herds, and seek to break their enclosures; So on the hearts of the people descended the words of the speaker. Silent a moment they stood in speechless wonder, and then rose Louder and ever louder a wail of sorrow and anger, And, by one impulse moved, they madly rushed to the door-way. Vain was the hope of escape; and cries and fierce imprecations Rang through the house of prayer; and high o'er the heads of the others Rose, with his arms uplifted, the figure of Basil the blacksmith, As, on a stormy sea, a spar is tossed by the billows. Flushed was his face and distorted with passion; and wildly he shouted,-- "Down with the tyrants of England! we never have sworn them allegiance! Death to these foreign soldiers, who seize on our homes and our harvests!" More he fain would have said, but the merciless hand of a soldier Smote him upon the mouth, and dragged him down to the pavement. In the midst of the strife and tumult of angry contention, Lo! the door of the chancel opened, and Father Felician Entered, with serious mien, and ascended the steps of the altar. Raising his reverend hand, with a gesture he awed into silence All that clamorous throng; and thus he spake to his people; Deep were his tones and solemn; in accents measured and mournful Spake he, as, after the tocsin's alarum, distinctly the clock strikes. "What is this that ye do, my children? what madness has seized you? Forty years of my life have I labored among you, and taught you, Not in word alone, but in deed, to love one another! Is this the fruit of my toils, of my vigils and prayers and privations? Have you so soon forgotten all lessons of love and forgiveness? This is the house of the Prince of Peace, and would you profane it Thus with violent deeds and hearts overflowing with hatred? Lo! where the crucified Christ from his cross is gazing upon you! See! in those sorrowful eyes what meekness and holy compassion! Hark! how those lips still repeat the prayer, 'O Father, forgive them!' Let us repeat that prayer in the hour when the wicked assail us, Let us repeat it now, and say, 'O Father, forgive them!'" Few were his words of rebuke, but deep in the hearts of his people Sank they, and sobs of contrition succeeded the passionate outbreak, While they repeated his prayer, and said, "O Father, forgive them!" Then came the evening service. The tapers gleamed from the altar. Fervent and deep was the voice of the priest and the people responded, Not with their lips alone, but their hearts; and the Ave Maria Sang they, and fell on their knees, and their souls, with devotion translated, Rose on the ardor of prayer, like Elijah ascending to heaven. Meanwhile had spread in the village the tidings of ill, and on all sides Wandered, wailing, from house to house the women and children. Long at her father's door Evangeline stood, with her right hand Shielding her eyes from the level rays of the sun, that, descending, Lighted the village street with mysterious splendor, and roofed each Peasant's cottage with golden thatch, and emblazoned its windows. Long within had been spread the snow-white cloth on the table; There stood the wheaten loaf, and the honey fragrant with wild-flowers; There stood the tankard of ale, and the cheese fresh brought from the dairy; And, at the head of the board, the great arm-chair of the farmer. Thus did Evangeline wait at her father's door, as the sunset Threw the long shadows of trees o'er the broad ambrosial meadows. Ah! on her spirit within a deeper shadow had fallen, And from the fields of her soul a fragrance celestial ascended,-- Charity, meekness, love, and hope, and forgiveness, and patience! Then, all-forgetful of self, she wandered into the village, Cheering with looks and words the mournful hearts of the women, As o'er the darkening fields with lingering steps they departed, Urged by their household cares, and the weary feet of their children. Down sank the great red sun, and in golden, glimmering vapors Veiled the light of his face, like the Prophet descending from Sinai. Sweetly over the village the bell of the Angelus sounded. Meanwhile, amid the gloom, by the church Evangeline lingered. All was silent within; and in vain at the door and the windows Stood she, and listened and looked, till, overcome by emotion, "Gabriel!" cried she aloud with tremulous voice; but no answer Came from the graves of the dead, nor the gloomier grave of the living. Slowly at length she returned to the tenantless house of her father. Smouldered the fire on the hearth, on the board was the supper untasted, Empty and drear was each room, and haunted with phantoms of terror. Sadly echoed her step on the stair and the floor of her chamber. In the dead of the night she heard the disconsolate rain fall Loud on the withered leaves of the sycamore-tree by the window. Keenly the lightning flashed; and the voice of the echoing thunder Told her that God was in heaven, and governed the world he created! Then she remembered the tale she had heard of the justice of Heaven; Soothed was her troubled soul, and she peacefully slumbered till morning. V Four times the sun had risen and set; and now on the fifth day Cheerily called the cock to the sleeping maids of the farm-house. Soon o'er the yellow fields, in silent and mournful procession, Came from the neighboring hamlets and farms the Acadian women, Driving in ponderous wains their household goods to the sea-shore, Pausing and looking back to gaze once more on their dwellings, Ere they were shut from sight by the winding road and the woodland. Close at their sides their children ran, and urged on the oxen, While in their little hands they clasped some fragments of playthings. Thus to the Gaspereau's mouth they hurried; and there on the sea-beach Piled in confusion lay the household goods of the peasants. All day long between the shore and the ships did the boats ply; All day long the wains came laboring down from the village. Late in the afternoon, when the sun was near to his setting, Echoed far o'er the fields came the roll of drums from the churchyard. Thither the women and children thronged. On a sudden the church-doors Opened, and forth came the guard, and marching in gloomy procession Followed the long-imprisoned, but patient, Acadian farmers. Even as pilgrims, who journey afar from their homes and their country, Sing as they go, and in singing forget they are weary and wayworn, So with songs on their lips the Acadian peasants descended Down from the church to the shore, amid their wives and their daughters. Foremost the young men came; and, raising together their voices, Sang with tremulous lips a chant of the Catholic Missions:-- "Sacred heart of the Saviour! O inexhaustible fountain! Fill our hearts this day with strength and submission and patience!" Then the old men, as they marched, and the women that stood by the wayside Joined in the sacred psalm, and the birds in the sunshine above them Mingled their notes therewith, like voices of spirits departed. Half-way down to the shore Evangeline waited in silence, Not overcome with grief, but strong in the hour of affliction,-- Calmly and sadly she waited, until the procession approached her, And she beheld the face of Gabriel pale with emotion. Team then filled her eyes, and, eagerly running to meet him, Clasped she his hands, and laid her head on his shoulder, and whispered,-- "Gabriel! be of good cheer! for if we love one another Nothing, in truth, can harm us, whatever mischances may happen!" Smiling she spake these words; then suddenly paused, for her father Saw she slowly advancing. Alas! how changed was his aspect! Gone was the glow from his cheek, and the fire from his eye, and his footstep Heavier seemed with the weight of the heavy heart in his bosom. But with a smile and a sigh, she clasped his neck and embraced him, Speaking words of endearment where words of comfort availed not. Thus to the Gaspereau's mouth moved on that mournful procession. There disorder prevailed, and the tumult and stir of embarking. Busily plied the freighted boats; and in the confusion Wives were torn from their husbands, and mothers, too late, saw their children Left on the land, extending their arms, with wildest entreaties. So unto separate ships were Basil and Gabriel carried, While in despair on the shore Evangeline stood with her father. Half the task was not done when the sun went down, and the twilight Deepened and darkened around; and in haste the refluent ocean Fled away from the shore, and left the line of the sand-beach Covered with waifs of the tide, with kelp and the slippery sea-weed. Farther back in the midst of the household goods and the wagons, Like to a gypsy camp, or a leaguer after a battle, All escape cut off by the sea, and the sentinels near them, Lay encamped for the night the houseless Acadian farmers. Back to its nethermost caves retreated the bellowing ocean, Dragging adown the beach the rattling pebbles, and leaving Inland and far up the shore the stranded boats of the sailors. Then, as the night descended, the herds returned from their pastures; Sweet was the moist still air with the odor of milk from their udders; Lowing they waited, and long, at the well-known bars of the farm-yard,-- Waited and looked in vain for the voice and the hand of the milkmaid. Silence reigned in the streets; from the church no Angelus sounded, Rose no smoke from the roofs, and gleamed no lights from the windows. But on the shores meanwhile the evening fires had been kindled, Built of the drift-wood thrown on the sands from wrecks in the tempest. Round them shapes of gloom and sorrowful faces were gathered, Voices of women were heard, and of men, and the crying of children. Onward from fire to fire, as from hearth to hearth in his parish, Wandered the faithful priest, consoling and blessing and cheering, Like unto shipwrecked Paul on Melita's desolate sea-shore. Thus he approached the place where Evangeline sat with her father, And in the flickering light beheld the face of the old man, Haggard and hollow and wan, and without either thought or emotion, E'en as the face of a clock from which the hands have been taken. Vainly Evangeline strove with words and caresses to cheer him, Vainly offered him food; yet he moved not, he looked not, he spake not But, with a vacant stare, ever gazed at the flickering fire-light. "Benedicite!" murmured the priest, in tones of compassion. More he fain would have said, but his heart was full, and his accents Faltered and paused on his lips, as the feet of a child on a threshold, Hushed by the scene he beholds, and the awful presence of sorrow. Silently, therefore, he laid his hand on the head of the maiden, Raising his tearful eyes to the silent stars that above them Moved on their way, unperturbed by the wrongs and sorrows of mortals. Then sat he down at her side, and they wept together in silence. Suddenly rose from the south a light, as in autumn the blood-red Moon climbs the crystal walls of heaven, and o'er the horizon Titan-like stretches its hundred hands upon mountain and meadow, Seizing the rocks and the rivers, and piling huge shadows together. Broader and ever broader it gleamed on the roofs of the village, Gleamed on the sky and the sea, and the ships that lay in the roadstead. Columns of shining smoke uprose, and flashes of flame were Thrust through their folds and withdrawn, like the quivering hands of a martyr. Then as the wind seized the gleeds and the burning thatch, and, uplifting, Whirled them aloft through the air, at once from a hundred house-tops Started the sheeted smoke with flashes of flame intermingled. These things beheld in dismay the crowd on the shore and on shipboard. Speechless at first they stood, then cried aloud in their anguish, "We shall behold no more our homes in the village of Grand-Pre!" Loud on a sudden the cocks began to crow in the farm-yards, Thinking the day had dawned; and anon the lowing of cattle Came on the evening breeze, by the barking of dogs interrupted. Then rose a sound of dread, such as startles the sleeping encampments Far in the western prairies or forests that skirt the Nebraska, When the wild horses affrighted sweep by with the speed of the whirlwind, Or the loud bellowing herds of buffaloes rush to the river. Such was the sound that arose on the night, as the herds and the horses Broke through their folds and fences, and madly rushed o'er the meadows. Overwhelmed with the sight, yet speechless, the priest and the maiden Gazed on the scene of terror that reddened and widened before them; And as they turned at length to speak to their silent companion, Lo! from his seat he had fallen, and stretched abroad on the sea-shore Motionless lay his form, from which the soul had departed. Slowly the priest uplifted the lifeless head, and the maiden Knelt at her father's side, and wailed aloud in her terror. Then in a swoon she sank, and lay with her head on his bosom. Through the long night she lay in deep, oblivious slumber; And when she woke from the trance, she beheld a multitude near her. Faces of friends she beheld, that were mournfully gazing upon her, Pallid, with tearful eyes, and looks of saddest compassion. Still the blaze of the burning village illumined the landscape, Reddened the sky overhead, and gleamed on the faces around her, And like the day of doom it seemed to her wavering senses. Then a familiar voice she heard, as it said to the people,-- "Let us bury him here by the sea. When a happier season Brings us again to our homes from the unknown land of our exile, Then shall his sacred dust be piously laid in the churchyard." Such were the words of the priest. And there in haste by the sea-side, Having the glare of the burning village for funeral torches, But without bell or book, they buried the farmer of Grand-Pre. And as the voice of the priest repeated the service of sorrow, Lo! with a mournful sound, like the voice of a vast congregation, Solemnly answered the sea, and mingled its roar with the dirges. 'T was the returning tide, that afar from the waste of the ocean, With the first dawn of the day, came heaving and hurrying landward. Then recommenced once more the stir and noise of embarking; And with the ebb of the tide the ships sailed out of the harbor, Leaving behind them the dead on the shore, and the village in ruins. PART THE SECOND I Many a weary year had passed since the burning of Grand-Pre, When on the falling tide the freighted vessels departed, Bearing a nation, with all its household gods, into exile. Exile without an end, and without an example in story. Far asunder, on separate coasts, the Acadians landed; Scattered were they, like flakes of snow, when the wind from the northeast Strikes aslant through the fogs that darken the Banks of Newfoundland. Friendless, homeless, hopeless, they wandered from city to city, From the cold lakes of the North to sultry Southern savannas,-- From the bleak shores of the sea to the lands where the Father of Waters Seizes the hills in his hands, and drags them down to the ocean, Deep in their sands to bury the scattered bones of the mammoth. Friends they sought and homes; and many, despairing, heart-broken, Asked of the earth but a grave, and no longer a friend nor a fireside. Written their history stands on tablets of stone in the churchyards. Long among them was seen a maiden who waited and wandered, Lowly and meek in spirit, and patiently suffering all things. Fair was she and young; but, alas! before her extended, Dreary and vast and silent, the desert of life, with its pathway Marked by the graves of those who had sorrowed and suffered before her, Passions long extinguished, and hopes long dead and abandoned, As the emigrant's way o'er the Western desert is marked by Camp-fires long consumed, and bones that bleach in the sunshine. Something there was in her life incomplete, imperfect, unfinished; As if a morning of June, with all its music and sunshine, Suddenly paused in the sky, and, fading, slowly descended Into the east again, from whence it late had arisen. Sometimes she lingered in towns, till, urged by the fever within her, Urged by a restless longing, the hunger and thirst of the spirit, She would commence again her endless search and endeavor; Sometimes in churchyards strayed, and gazed on the crosses and tombstones, Sat by some nameless grave, and thought that perhaps in its bosom He was already at rest, and she longed to slumber beside him. Sometimes a rumor, a hearsay, an inarticulate whisper, Came with its airy hand to point and beckon her forward. Sometimes she spake with those who had seen her beloved and known him, But it was long ago, in some far-off place or forgotten. "Gabriel Lajeunesse!" they said; yes! we have seen him. He was with Basil the blacksmith, and both have gone to the prairies; Coureurs-des-Bois are they, and famous hunters and trappers." "Gabriel Lajeunesse!" said others; "O yes! we have seen him. He is a Voyageur in the lowlands of Louisiana." Then would they say, "Dear child! why dream and wait for him longer? Are there not other youths as fair as Gabriel? others Who have hearts as tender and true, and spirits as loyal? Here is Baptiste Leblanc, the notary's son, who has loved thee Many a tedious year; come, give him thy hand and be happy! Thou art too fair to be left to braid St. Catherine's tresses." Then would Evangeline answer, serenely but sadly, "I cannot! Whither my heart has gone, there follows my hand, and not elsewhere. For when the heart goes before, like a lamp, and illumines the pathway, Many things are made clear, that else lie hidden in darkness." Thereupon the priest, her friend and father-confessor, Said, with a smile, "O daughter! thy God thus speaketh within thee! Talk not of wasted affection, affection never was wasted; If it enrich not the heart of another, its waters, returning Back to their springs, like the rain, shall fill them full of refreshment; That which the fountain sends forth returns again to the fountain. Patience; accomplish thy labor; accomplish thy work of affection! Sorrow and silence are strong, and patient endurance is godlike. Therefore accomplish thy labor of love, till the heart is made godlike, Purified, strengthened, perfected, and rendered more worthy of heaven!" Cheered by the good man's words, Evangeline labored and waited. Still in her heart she heard the funeral dirge of the ocean, But with its sound there was mingled a voice that whispered, "Despair not?" Thus did that poor soul wander in want and cheerless discomfort Bleeding, barefooted, over the shards and thorns of existence. Let me essay, O Muse! to follow the wanderer's footsteps;-- Not through each devious path, each changeful year of existence; But as a traveller follows a streamlet's course through the valley: Far from its margin at times, and seeing the gleam of its water Here and there, in some open space, and at intervals only; Then drawing nearer its banks, through sylvan glooms that conceal it, Though he behold it not, he can hear its continuous murmur; Happy, at length, if he find the spot where it reaches an outlet. II It was the month of May. Far down the Beautiful River, Past the Ohio shore and past the mouth of the Wabash, Into the golden stream of the broad and swift Mississippi, Floated a cumbrous boat, that was rowed by Acadian boatmen. It was a band of exiles: a raft, as it were, from the shipwrecked Nation, scattered along the coast, now floating together, Bound by the bonds of a common belief and a common misfortune; Men and women and children, who, guided by hope or by hearsay, Sought for their kith and their kin among the few-acred farmers On the Acadian coast, and the prairies of fair Opelousas. With them Evangeline went, and her guide, the Father Felician. Onward o'er sunken sands, through a wilderness sombre with forests, Day after day they glided adown the turbulent river; Night after night, by their blazing fires, encamped on its borders. Now through rushing chutes, among green islands, where plumelike Cotton-trees nodded their shadowy crests, they swept with the current, Then emerged into broad lagoons, where silvery sand-bars Lay in the stream, and along the wimpling waves of their margin, Shining with snow-white plumes, large flocks of pelicans waded. Level the landscape grew, and along the shores of the river, Shaded by china-trees, in the midst of luxuriant gardens, Stood the houses of planters, with negro-cabins and dove-cots. They were approaching the region where reigns perpetual summer, Where through the Golden Coast, and groves of orange and citron, Sweeps with majestic curve the river away to the eastward. They, too, swerved from their course; and, entering the Bayou of Plaquemine, Soon were lost in a maze of sluggish and devious waters, Which, like a network of steel, extended in every direction. Over their heads the towering and tenebrous boughs of the cypress Met in a dusky arch, and trailing mosses in mid-air Waved like banners that hang on the walls of ancient cathedrals. Deathlike the silence seemed, and unbroken, save by the herons Home to their roasts in the cedar-trees returning at sunset, Or by the owl, as he greeted the moon with demoniac laughter. Lovely the moonlight was as it glanced and gleamed on the water, Gleamed on the columns of cypress and cedar sustaining the arches, Down through whose broken vaults it fell as through chinks in a ruin. Dreamlike, and indistinct, and strange were all things around them; And o'er their spirits there came a feeling of wonder and sadness,-- Strange forebodings of ill, unseen and that cannot be compassed. As, at the tramp of a horse's hoof on the turf of the prairies, Far in advance are closed the leaves of the shrinking mimosa, So, at the hoof-beats of fate, with sad forebodings of evil, Shrinks and closes the heart, ere the stroke of doom has attained it. But Evangeline's heart was sustained by a vision, that faintly Floated before her eyes, and beckoned her on through the moonlight. It was the thought of her brain that assumed the shape of a phantom. Through those shadowy aisles had Gabriel wandered before her, And every stroke of the oar now brought him nearer and nearer. Then in his place, at the prow of the boat, rose one of the oarsmen, And, as a signal sound, if others like them peradventure Sailed on those gloomy and midnight streams, blew a blast on his bugle. Wild through the dark colonnades and corridors leafy the blast rang, Breaking the seal of silence, and giving tongues to the forest. Soundless above them the banners of moss just stirred to the music. Multitudinous echoes awoke and died in the distance, Over the watery floor, and beneath the reverberant branches; But not a voice replied; no answer came from the darkness; And, when the echoes had ceased, like a sense of pain was the silence. Then Evangeline slept; but the boatmen rowed through the midnight, Silent at times, then singing familiar Canadian boat-songs, Such as they sang of old on their own Acadian rivers, While through the night were heard the mysterious sounds of the desert, Far off,--indistinct,--as of wave or wind in the forest, Mixed with the whoop of the crane and the roar of the grim alligator. Thus ere another noon they emerged from the shades; and before them Lay, in the golden sun, the lakes of the Atchafalaya. Water-lilies in myriads rocked on the slight undulations Made by the passing oars, and, resplendent in beauty, the lotus Lifted her golden crown above the heads of the boatmen. Faint was the air with the odorous breath of magnolia blossoms, And with the heat of noon; and numberless sylvan islands, Fragrant and thickly embowered with blossoming hedges of roses, Near to whose shores they glided along, invited to slumber. Soon by the fairest of these their weary oars were suspended. Under the boughs of Wachita willows, that grew by the margin, Safely their boat was moored; and scattered about on the greensward, Tired with their midnight toil, the weary travellers slumbered. Over them vast and high extended the cope of a cedar. Swinging from its great arms, the trumpet-flower and the grapevine Hung their ladder of ropes aloft like the ladder of Jacob, On whose pendulous stairs the angels ascending, descending, Were the swift humming-birds, that flitted from blossom to blossom. Such was the vision Evangeline saw as she slumbered beneath it. Filled was her heart with love, and the dawn of an opening heaven Lighted her soul in sleep with the glory of regions celestial. Nearer, ever nearer, among the numberless islands, Darted a light, swift boat, that sped away o'er the water, Urged on its course by the sinewy arms of hunters and trappers. Northward its prow was turned, to the land of the bison and beaver. At the helm sat a youth, with countenance thoughtful and careworn. Dark and neglected locks overshadowed his brow, and a sadness Somewhat beyond his years on his face was legibly written. Gabriel was it, who, weary with waiting, unhappy and restless, Sought in the Western wilds oblivion of self and of sorrow. Swiftly they glided along, close under the lee of the island, But by the opposite bank, and behind a screen of palmettos, So that they saw not the boat, where it lay concealed in the willows, All undisturbed by the dash of their oars, and unseen, were the sleepers, Angel of God was there none to awaken the slumbering maiden. Swiftly they glided away, like the shade of a cloud on the prairie. After the sound of their oars on the tholes had died in the distance, As from a magic trance the sleepers awoke, and the maiden Said with a sigh to the friendly priest, "O Father Felician! Something says in my heart that near me Gabriel wanders. Is it a foolish dream, an idle and vague superstition? Or has an angel passed, and revealed the truth to my spirit?" Then, with a blush, she added, "Alas for my credulous fancy! Unto ears like thine such words as these have no meaning." But made answer the reverend man, and he smiled as he answered,-- "Daughter, thy words are not idle; nor are they to me without meaning. Feeling is deep and still; and the word that floats on the surface Is as the tossing buoy, that betrays where the anchor is hidden. Therefore trust to thy heart, and to what the world calls illusions. Gabriel truly is near thee; for not far away to the southward, On the banks of the Teche, are the towns of St. Maur and St. Martin. There the long-wandering bride shall be given again to her bridegroom, There the long-absent pastor regain his flock and his sheepfold. Beautiful is the land, with its prairies and forests of fruit-trees; Under the feet a garden of flowers, and the bluest of heavens Bending above, and resting its dome on the walls of the forest. They who dwell there have named it the Eden of Louisiana." With these words of cheer they arose and continued their journey. Softly the evening came. The sun from the western horizon Like a magician extended his golden wand o'er the landscape; Twinkling vapors arose; and sky and water and forest Seemed all on fire at the touch, and melted and mingled together. Hanging between two skies, a cloud with edges of silver, Floated the boat, with its dripping oars, on the motionless water. Filled was Evangeline's heart with inexpressible sweetness. Touched by the magic spell, the sacred fountains of feeling Glowed with the light of love, as the skies and waters around her. Then from a neighboring thicket the mocking-bird, wildest of singers, Swinging aloft on a willow spray that hung o'er the water, Shook from his little throat such floods of delirious music, That the whole air and the woods and the waves seemed silent to listen. Plaintive at first were the tones and sad; then soaring to madness Seemed they to follow or guide the revel of frenzied Bacchantes. Single notes were then heard, in sorrowful, low lamentation; Till, having gathered them all, he flung them abroad in derision, As when, after a storm, a gust of wind through the tree-tops Shakes down the rattling rain in a crystal shower on the branches. With such a prelude as this, and hearts that throbbed with emotion, Slowly they entered the Teche, where it flows through the green Opelousas, And, through the amber air, above the crest of the woodland, Saw the column of smoke that arose from a neighboring dwelling;-- Sounds of a horn they heard, and the distant lowing of cattle. III Near to the bank of the river, o'ershadowed by oaks, from whose branches Garlands of Spanish moss and of mystic mistletoe flaunted, Such as the Druids cut down with golden hatchets at Yule-tide, Stood, secluded and still, the house of the herdsman. A garden Girded it round about with a belt of luxuriant blossoms, Filling the air with fragrance. The house itself was of timbers Hewn from the cypress-tree, and carefully fitted together. Large and low was the roof; and on slender columns supported, Rose-wreathed, vine-encircled, a broad and spacious veranda, Haunt of the humming-bird and the bee, extended around it. At each end of the house, amid the flowers of the garden, Stationed the dove-cots were, as love's perpetual symbol, Scenes of endless wooing, and endless contentions of rivals. Silence reigned o'er the place. The line of shadow and sunshine Ran near the tops of the trees; but the house itself was in shadow, And from its chimney-top, ascending and slowly expanding Into the evening air, a thin blue column of smoke rose. In the rear of the house, from the garden gate, ran a pathway Through the great groves of oak to the skirts of the limitless prairie, Into whose sea of flowers the sun was slowly descending. Full in his track of light, like ships with shadowy canvas Hanging loose from their spars in a motionless calm in the tropics, Stood a cluster of trees, with tangled cordage of grapevines. Just where the woodlands met the flowery surf of the prairie, Mounted upon his horse, with Spanish saddle and stirrups, Sat a herdsman, arrayed in gaiters and doublet of deerskin. Broad and brown was the face that from under the Spanish sombrero Gazed on the peaceful scene, with the lordly look of its master. Round about him were numberless herds of kine, that were grazing Quietly in the meadows, and breathing the vapory freshness That uprose from the river, and spread itself over the landscape. Slowly lifting the horn that hung at his side, and expanding Fully his broad, deep chest, he blew a blast, that resounded Wildly and sweet and far, through the still damp air of the evening. Suddenly out of the grass the long white horns of the cattle Rose like flakes of foam on the adverse currents of ocean. Silent a moment they gazed, then bellowing rushed o'er the prairie, And the whole mass became a cloud, a shade in the distance. Then, as the herdsman turned to the house, through the gate of the garden Saw he the forms of the priest and the maiden advancing to meet him. Suddenly down from his horse he sprang in amazement, and forward Rushed with extended arms and exclamations of wonder; When they beheld his face, they recognized Basil the blacksmith. Hearty his welcome was, as he led his guests to the garden. There in an arbor of roses with endless question and answer Gave they vent to their hearts, and renewed their friendly embraces, Laughing and weeping by turns, or sitting silent and thoughtful. Thoughtful, for Gabriel came not; and now dark doubts and misgivings Stole o'er the maiden's heart; and Basil, somewhat embarrassed, Broke the silence and said, "If you came by the Atchafalaya, How have you nowhere encountered my Gabriel's boat on the bayous?" Over Evangeline's face at the words of Basil a shade passed. Tears came into her eyes, and she said, with a tremulous accent, "Gone? is Gabriel gone?" and, concealing her face on his shoulder, All her o'erburdened heart gave way, and she wept and lamented. Then the good Basil said,--and his voice grew blithe as he said it,-- "Be of good cheer, my child; it is only to-day he departed. Foolish boy! he has left me alone with my herds and my horses. Moody and restless grown, and tried and troubled, his spirit Could no longer endure the calm of this quiet existence. Thinking ever of thee, uncertain and sorrowful ever, Ever silent, or speaking only of thee and his troubles, He at length had become so tedious to men and to maidens, Tedious even to me, that at length I bethought me, and sent him Unto the town of Adayes to trade for mules with the Spaniards. Thence he will follow the Indian trails to the Ozark Mountains, Hunting for furs in the forests, on rivers trapping the beaver. Therefore be of good cheer; we will follow the fugitive lover; He is not far on his way, and the Fates and the streams are against him. Up and away to-morrow, and through the red dew of the morning We will follow him fast, and bring him back to his prison." Then glad voices were heard, and up from the banks of the river, Borne aloft on his comrades' arms, came Michael the fiddler. Long under Basil's roof had he lived like a god on Olympus, Having no other care than dispensing music to mortals. Far renowned was he for his silver locks and his fiddle. "Long live Michael," they cried, "our brave Acadian minstrel!" As they bore him aloft in triumphal procession; and straightway Father Felician advanced with Evangeline, greeting the old man Kindly and oft, and recalling the past, while Basil, enraptured, Hailed with hilarious joy his old companions and gossips, Laughing loud and long, and embracing mothers and daughters. Much they marvelled to see the wealth of the cidevant blacksmith, All his domains and his herds, and his patriarchal demeanor; Much they marvelled to hear his tales of the soil and the climate, And of the prairie; whose numberless herds were his who would take them; Each one thought in his heart, that he, too, would go and do likewise. Thus they ascended the steps, and, crossing the breezy veranda, Entered the hall of the house, where already the supper of Basil Waited his late return; and they rested and feasted together. Over the joyous feast the sudden darkness descended. All was silent without, and, illuming the landscape with silver, Fair rose the dewy moon and the myriad stars; but within doors, Brighter than these, shone the faces of friends in the glimmering lamplight. Then from his station aloft, at the head of the table, the herdsman Poured forth his heart and his wine together in endless profusion. Lighting his pipe, that was filled with sweet Natchitoches tobacco, Thus he spake to his guests, who listened, and smiled as they listened:-- "Welcome once more, my friends, who long have been friendless and homeless, Welcome once more to a home, that is better perchance than the old one! Here no hungry winter congeals our blood like the rivers; Here no stony ground provokes the wrath of the farmer. Smoothly the ploughshare runs through the soil, as a keel through the water. All the year round the orange-groves are in blossom; and grass grows More in a single night than a whole Canadian summer. Here, too, numberless herds run wild and unclaimed in the prairies; Here, too, lands may be had for the asking, and forests of timber With a few blows of the axe are hewn and framed into houses. After your houses are built, and your fields are yellow with harvests, No King George of England shall drive you away from your homesteads, Burning your dwellings and barns, and stealing your farms and your cattle." Speaking these words, he blew a wrathful cloud from his nostrils, While his huge, brown hand came thundering down on the table, So that the guests all started; and Father Felician, astounded, Suddenly paused, with a pinch of snuff half-way to his nostrils. But the brave Basil resumed, and his words were milder and gayer:-- "Only beware of the fever, my friends, beware of the fever! For it is not like that of our cold Acadian climate, Cured by wearing a spider hung round one's neck in a nutshell!" Then there were voices heard at the door, and footsteps approaching Sounded upon the stairs and the floor of the breezy veranda. It was the neighboring Creoles and small Acadian planters, Who had been summoned all to the house of Basil the Herdsman. Merry the meeting was of ancient comrades and neighbors: Friend clasped friend in his arms; and they who before were as strangers, Meeting in exile, became straightway as friends to each other, Drawn by the gentle bond of a common country together. But in the neighboring hall a strain of music, proceeding From the accordant strings of Michael's melodious fiddle, Broke up all further speech. Away, like children delighted, All things forgotten beside, they gave themselves to the maddening Whirl of the dizzy dance, as it swept and swayed to the music, Dreamlike, with beaming eyes and the rush of fluttering garments. Meanwhile, apart, at the head of the hall, the priest and the herdsman Sat, conversing together of past and present and future; While Evangeline stood like one entranced, for within her Olden memories rose, and loud in the midst of the music Heard she the sound of the sea, and an irrepressible sadness Came o'er her heart, and unseen she stole forth into the garden. Beautiful was the night. Behind the black wall of the forest, Tipping its summit with silver, arose the moon. On the river Fell here and there through the branches a tremulous gleam of the moonlight, Like the sweet thoughts of love on a darkened and devious spirit. Nearer and round about her, the manifold flowers of the garden Poured out their souls in odors, that were their prayers and confessions Unto the night, as it went its way, like a silent Carthusian. Fuller of fragrance than they, and as heavy with shadows and night-dews, Hung the heart of the maiden. The calm and the magical moonlight Seemed to inundate her soul with indefinable longing; As, through the garden gate, and beneath the shade of the oak-trees, Passed she along the path to the edge of the measureless prairie. Silent it lay, with a silvery haze upon it, and fire-flies Gleaming and floating away in mingled and infinite numbers. Over her head the stars, the thoughts of God in the heavens, Shone on the eyes of man who had ceased to marvel and worship, Save when a blazing comet was seen on the walls of that temple, As if a hand had appeared and written upon them, "Upharsin." And the soul of the maiden, between the stars and the fire-flies, Wandered alone, and she cried, "O Gabriel! O my beloved! Art thou so near unto me, and yet I cannot behold thee? Art thou so near unto me, and yet thy voice does not reach me? Ah! how often thy feet have trod this path to the prairie! Ah! how often thine eyes have looked on the woodlands around me! Ah! how often beneath this oak, returning from labor, Thou hast lain down to rest and to dream of me in thy slumbers! When shall these eyes behold, these arms be folded about thee?" Loud and sudden and near the note of a whippoorwill sounded Like a flute in the woods; and anon, through the neighboring thickets, Farther and farther away it floated and dropped into silence. "Patience!" whispered the oaks from oracular caverns of darkness: And, from the moonlit meadow, a sigh responded, "To-morrow!" Bright rose the sun next day; and all the flowers of the garden Bathed his shining feet with their tears, and anointed his tresses With the delicious balm that they bore in their vases of crystal. "Farewell!" said the priest, as he stood at the shadowy threshold; "See that you bring us the Prodigal Son from his fasting and famine, And, too, the Foolish Virgin, who slept when the bridegroom was coming." "Farewell!" answered the maiden, and, smiling, with Basil descended Down to the river's brink, where the boatmen already were waiting. Thus beginning their journey with morning, and sunshine, and gladness, Swiftly they followed the flight of him who was speeding before them, Blown by the blast of fate like a dead leaf over the desert. Not that day, nor the next, nor yet the day that succeeded, Found they trace of his course, in lake or forest or river, Nor, after many days, had they found him; but vague and uncertain Rumors alone were their guides through a wild and desolate Country; Till, at the little inn of the Spanish town of Adayes, Weary and worn, they alighted, and learned from the garrulous landlord, That on the day before, with horses and guides and companions, Gabriel left the village, and took the road of the prairies. IV Far in the West there lies a desert land, where the mountains Lift, through perpetual snows, their lofty and luminous summits. Down from their jagged, deep ravines, where the gorge, like a gateway, Opens a passage rude to the wheels of the emigrant's wagon, Westward the Oregon flows and the Walleway and Owyhee. Eastward, with devious course, among the Wind-river Mountains, Through the Sweet-water Valley precipitate leaps the Nebraska; And to the south, from Fontaine-qui-bout and the Spanish sierras, Fretted with sands and rocks, and swept by the wind of the desert, Numberless torrents, with ceaseless sound, descend to the ocean, Like the great chords of a harp, in loud and solemn vibrations. Spreading between these streams are the wondrous, beautiful prairies, Billowy bays of grass ever rolling in shadow and sunshine, Bright with luxuriant clusters of roses and purple amorphas. Over them wandered the buffalo herds, and the elk and the roebuck; Over them wandered the wolves, and herds of riderless horses; Fires that blast and blight, and winds that are weary with travel; Over them wander the scattered tribes of Ishmael's children, Staining the desert with blood; and above their terrible war-trails Circles and sails aloft, on pinions majestic, the vulture, Like the implacable soul of a chieftain slaughtered in battle, By invisible stairs ascending and scaling the heavens. Here and there rise smokes from the camps of these savage marauders; Here and there rise groves from the margins of swift-running rivers; And the grim, taciturn bear, the anchorite monk of the desert, Climbs down their dark ravines to dig for roots by the brook-side, And over all is the sky, the clear and crystalline heaven, Like the protecting hand of God inverted above them. Into this wonderful land, at the base of the Ozark Mountains, Gabriel far had entered, with hunters and trappers behind him. Day after day, with their Indian guides, the maiden and Basil Followed his flying steps, and thought each day to o'ertake him. Sometimes they saw, or thought they saw, the smoke of his camp-fire Rise in the morning air from the distant plain; but at nightfall, When they had reached the place, they found only embers and ashes. And, though their hearts were sad at times and their bodies were weary, Hope still guided them on, as the magic Fata Morgana Showed them her lakes of light, that retreated and vanished before them. Once, as they sat by their evening fire, there silently entered Into the little camp an Indian woman, whose features Wore deep traces of sorrow, and patience as great as her sorrow. She was a Shawnee woman returning home to her people, From the far-off hunting-grounds of the cruel Camanches, Where her Canadian husband, a Coureur-des-Bois, had been murdered. Touched were their hearts at her story, and warmest and friendliest welcome Gave they, with words of cheer, and she sat and feasted among them On the buffalo-meat and the venison cooked on the embers. But when their meal was done, and Basil and all his companions, Worn with the long day's march and the chase of the deer and the bison, Stretched themselves on the ground, and slept where the quivering fire-light Flashed on their swarthy cheeks, and their forms wrapped up in their blankets Then at the door of Evangeline's tent she sat and repeated Slowly, with soft, low voice, and the charm of her Indian accent, All the tale of her love, with its pleasures, and pains, and reverses. Much Evangeline wept at the tale, and to know that another Hapless heart like her own had loved and had been disappointed. Moved to the depths of her soul by pity and woman's compassion, Yet in her sorrow pleased that one who had suffered was near her, She in turn related her love and all its disasters. Mute with wonder the Shawnee sat, and when she had ended Still was mute; but at length, as if a mysterious horror Passed through her brain, she spake, and repeated the tale of the Mowis; Mowis, the bridegroom of snow, who won and wedded a maiden, But, when the morning came, arose and passed from the wigwam, Fading and melting away and dissolving into the sunshine, Till she beheld him no more, though she followed far into the forest. Then, in those sweet, low tones, that seemed like a weird incantation, Told she the tale of the fair Lilinau, who was wooed by a phantom, That, through the pines o'er her father's lodge, in the hush of the twilight, Breathed like the evening wind, and whispered love to the maiden, Till she followed his green and waving plume through the forest, And nevermore returned, nor was seen again by her people. Silent with wonder and strange surprise, Evangeline listened To the soft flow of her magical words, till the region around her Seemed like enchanted ground, and her swarthy guest the enchantress. Slowly over the tops of the Ozark Mountains the moon rose, Lighting the little tent, and with a mysterious splendor Touching the sombre leaves, and embracing and filling the woodland. With a delicious sound the brook rushed by, and the branches Swayed and sighed overhead in scarcely audible whispers. Filled with the thoughts of love was Evangeline's heart, but a secret, Subtile sense crept in of pain and indefinite terror, As the cold, poisonous snake creeps into the nest of the swallow. It was no earthly fear. A breath from the region of spirits Seemed to float in the air of night; and she felt for a moment That, like the Indian maid, she, too, was pursuing a phantom. With this thought she slept, and the fear and the phantom had vanished. Early upon the morrow the march was resumed; and the Shawnee Said, as they journeyed along, "On the western slope of these mountains Dwells in his little village the Black Robe chief of the Mission. Much he teaches the people, and tells them of Mary and Jesus; Loud laugh their hearts with joy, and weep with pain, as they hear him." Then, with a sudden and secret emotion, Evangeline answered, "Let us go to the Mission, for there good tidings await us!" Thither they turned their steeds; and behind a spur of the mountains, Just as the sun went down, they heard a murmur of voices, And in a meadow green and broad, by the bank of a river, Saw the tents of the Christians, the tents of the Jesuit Mission. Under a towering oak, that stood in the midst of the village, Knelt the Black Robe chief with his children. A crucifix fastened High on the trunk of the tree, and overshadowed by grapevines, Looked with its agonized face on the multitude kneeling beneath it. This was their rural chapel. Aloft, through the intricate arches Of its aerial roof, arose the chant of their vespers, Mingling its notes with the soft susurrus and sighs of the branches. Silent, with heads uncovered, the travellers, nearer approaching, Knelt on the swarded floor, and joined in the evening devotions. But when the service was done, and the benediction had fallen Forth from the hands of the priest, like seed from the hands of the sower, Slowly the reverend man advanced to the strangers, and bade them Welcome; and when they replied, he smiled with benignant expression, Hearing the homelike sounds of his mother-tongue in the forest, And, with words of kindness, conducted them into his wigwam. There upon mats and skins they reposed, and on cakes of the maize-ear Feasted, and slaked their thirst from the water-gourd of the teacher. Soon was their story told; and the priest with solemnity answered:-- "Not six suns have risen and set since Gabriel, seated On this mat by my side, where now the maiden reposes, Told me this same sad tale then arose and continued his journey!" Soft was the voice of the priest, and he spake with an accent of kindness; But on Evangeline's heart fell his words as in winter the snow-flakes Fall into some lone nest from which the birds have departed. "Far to the north he has gone," continued the priest; "but in autumn, When the chase is done, will return again to the Mission." Then Evangeline said, and her voice was meek and submissive, "Let me remain with thee, for my soul is sad and afflicted." So seemed it wise and well unto all; and betimes on the morrow, Mounting his Mexican steed, with his Indian guides and companions. Homeward Basil returned, and Evangeline stayed at the Mission. Slowly, slowly, slowly the days succeeded each other,-- Days and weeks and months; and the fields of maize that were springing Green from the ground when a stranger she came, now waving above her, Lifted their slender shafts, with leaves interlacing, and forming Cloisters for mendicant crows and granaries pillaged by squirrels. Then in the golden weather the maize was husked, and the maidens Blushed at each blood-red ear, for that betokened a lover, But at the crooked laughed, and called it a thief in the corn-field. Even the blood-red ear to Evangeline brought not her lover. "Patience!" the priest would say; "have faith, and thy prayer will be answered! Look at this vigorous plant that lifts its head from the meadow, See how its leaves are turned to the north, as true as the magnet; This is the compass-flower, that the finger of God has planted Here in the houseless wild, to direct the traveller's journey Over the sea-like, pathless, limitless waste of the desert. Such in the soul of man is faith. The blossoms of passion, Gay and luxuriant flowers, are brighter and fuller of fragrance, But they beguile us, and lead us astray, and their odor is deadly. Only this humble plant can guide us here, and hereafter Crown us with asphodel flowers, that are wet with the dews of nepenthe." So came the autumn, and passed, and the winter,--yet Gabriel came not; Blossomed the opening spring, and the notes of the robin and bluebird Sounded sweet upon wold and in wood, yet Gabriel came not. But on the breath of the summer winds a rumor was wafted Sweeter than song of bird, or hue or odor of blossom. Far to the north and east, it said, in the Michigan forests, Gabriel had his lodge by the banks of the Saginaw River, And, with returning guides, that sought the lakes of St. Lawrence, Saying a sad farewell, Evangeline went from the Mission. When over weary ways, by long and perilous marches, She had attained at length the depths of the Michigan forests, Found she the hunter's lodge deserted and fallen to ruin! Thus did the long sad years glide on, and in seasons and places Divers and distant far was seen the wandering maiden;-- Now in the Tents of Grace of the meek Moravian Missions, Now in the noisy camps and the battle-fields of the army, Now in secluded hamlets, in towns and populous cities. Like a phantom she came, and passed away unremembered. Fair was she and young, when in hope began the long journey; Faded was she and old, when in disappointment it ended. Each succeeding year stole something away from her beauty, Leaving behind it, broader and deeper, the gloom and the shadow. Then there appeared and spread faint streaks of gray o'er her forehead, Dawn of another life, that broke o'er her earthy horizon, As in the eastern sky the first faint streaks of the morning. V In that delightful land which is washed by the Delaware's waters, Guarding in sylvan shades the name of Penn the apostle, Stands on the banks of its beautiful stream the city he founded. There all the air is balm, and the peach is the emblem of beauty, And the streets still re-echo the names of the trees of the forest, As if they fain would appease the Dryads whose haunts they molested. There from the troubled sea had Evangeline landed, an exile, Finding among the children of Penn a home and a country. There old Rene Leblanc had died; and when he departed, Saw at his side only one of all his hundred descendants. Something at least there was in the friendly streets of the city, Something that spake to her heart, and made her no longer a stranger; And her ear was pleased with the Thee and Thou of the Quakers, For it recalled the past, the old Acadian country, Where all men were equal, and all were brothers and sisters. So, when the fruitless search, the disappointed endeavor, Ended, to recommence no more upon earth, uncomplaining, Thither, as leaves to the light, were turned her thoughts and her footsteps. As from a mountain's top the rainy mists of the morning Roll away, and afar we behold the landscape below us, Sun-illumined, with shining rivers and cities and hamlets, So fell the mists from her mind, and she saw the world far below her, Dark no longer, but all illumined with love; and the pathway Which she had climbed so far, lying smooth and fair in the distance. Gabriel was not forgotten. Within her heart was his image, Clothed in the beauty of love and youth, as last she beheld him, Only more beautiful made by his deathlike silence and absence. Into her thoughts of him time entered not, for it was not. Over him years had no power; he was not changed, but transfigured; He had become to her heart as one who is dead, and not absent; Patience and abnegation of self, and devotion to others, This was the lesson a life of trial and sorrow had taught her. So was her love diffused, but, like to some odorous spices, Suffered no waste nor loss, though filling the air with aroma. Other hope had she none, nor wish in life, but to follow Meekly, with reverent steps, the sacred feet of her Saviour. Thus many years she lived as a Sister of Mercy; frequenting Lonely and wretched roofs in the crowded lanes of the city, Where distress and want concealed themselves from the sunlight, Where disease and sorrow in garrets languished neglected. Night after night, when the world was asleep, as the watchman repeated Loud, through the gusty streets, that all was well in the city, High at some lonely window he saw the light of her taper. Day after day, in the gray of the dawn, as slow through the suburbs Plodded the German farmer, with flowers and fruits for the market, Met he that meek, pale face, returning home from its watchings. Then it came to pass that a pestilence fell on the city, Presaged by wondrous signs, and mostly by flocks of wild pigeons, Darkening the sun in their flight, with naught in their craws but an acorn. And, as the tides of the sea arise in the month of September, Flooding some silver stream, till it spreads to a lake in the meadow, So death flooded life, and, o'erflowing its natural margin, Spread to a brackish lake, the silver stream of existence. Wealth had no power to bribe, nor beauty to charm, the oppressor; But all perished alike beneath the scourge of his anger;-- Only, alas! the poor, who had neither friends nor attendants, Crept away to die in the almshouse, home of the homeless. Then in the suburbs it stood, in the midst of meadows and woodlands; Now the city surrounds it; but still, with its gateway and wicket Meek, in the midst of splendor, its humble walls seem to echo Softly the words of the Lord:--"The poor ye always have with you." Thither, by night and by day, came the Sister of Mercy. The dying Looked up into her face, and thought, indeed, to behold there Gleams of celestial light encircle her forehead with splendor, Such as the artist paints o'er the brows of saints and apostles, Or such as hangs by night o'er a city seen at a distance. Unto their eyes it seemed the lamps of the city celestial, Into whose shining gates erelong their spirits would enter. Thus, on a Sabbath morn, through the streets, deserted and silent, Wending her quiet way, she entered the door of the almshouse. Sweet on the summer air was the odor of flowers in the garden; And she paused on her way to gather the fairest among them, That the dying once more might rejoice in their fragrance and beauty. Then, as she mounted the stairs to the corridors, cooled by the east-wind, Distant and soft on her ear fell the chimes from the belfry of Christ Church, While, intermingled with these, across the meadows were wafted Sounds of psalms, that were sung by the Swedes in their church at Wicaco. Soft as descending wings fell the calm of the hour on her spirit; Something within her said, "At length thy trials are ended"; And, with light in her looks, she entered the chambers of sickness. Noiselessly moved about the assiduous, careful attendants, Moistening the feverish lip, and the aching brow, and in silence Closing the sightless eyes of the dead, and concealing their faces, Where on their pallets they lay, like drifts of snow by the roadside. Many a languid head, upraised as Evangeline entered, Turned on its pillow of pain to gaze while she passed, for her presence Fell on their hearts like a ray of the sun on the walls of a prison. And, as she looked around, she saw how Death, the consoler, Laying his hand upon many a heart, had healed it forever. Many familiar forms had disappeared in the night time; Vacant their places were, or filled already by strangers. Suddenly, as if arrested by fear or a feeling of wonder, Still she stood, with her colorless lips apart, while a shudder Ran through her frame, and, forgotten, the flowerets dropped from her fingers, And from her eyes and cheeks the light and bloom of the morning. Then there escaped from her lips a cry of such terrible anguish, That the dying heard it, and started up from their pillows. On the pallet before her was stretched the form of an old man. Long, and thin, and gray were the locks that shaded his temples; But, as he lay in the in morning light, his face for a moment Seemed to assume once more the forms of its earlier manhood; So are wont to be changed the faces of those who are dying. Hot and red on his lips still burned the flush of the fever, As if life, like the Hebrew, with blood had besprinkled its portals, That the Angel of Death might see the sign, and pass over. Motionless, senseless, dying, he lay, and his spirit exhausted Seemed to be sinking down through infinite depths in the darkness, Darkness of slumber and death, forever sinking and sinking. Then through those realms of shade, in multiplied reverberations, Heard he that cry of pain, and through the hush that succeeded Whispered a gentle voice, in accents tender and saint-like, "Gabriel! O my beloved!" and died away into silence. Then he beheld, in a dream, once more the home of his childhood; Green Acadian meadows, with sylvan rivers among them, Village, and mountain, and woodlands; and, walking under their shadow, As in the days of her youth, Evangeline rose in his vision. Tears came into his eyes; and as slowly he lifted his eyelids, Vanished the vision away, but Evangeline knelt by his bedside. Vainly he strove to whisper her name, for the accents unuttered Died on his lips, and their motion revealed what his tongue would have spoken. Vainly he strove to rise; and Evangeline, kneeling beside him, Kissed his dying lips, and laid his head on her bosom. Sweet was the light of his eyes; but it suddenly sank into darkness, As when a lamp is blown out by a gust of wind at a casement. All was ended now, the hope, and the fear, and the sorrow, All the aching of heart, the restless, unsatisfied longing, All the dull, deep pain, and constant anguish of patience! And, as she pressed once more the lifeless head to her bosom, Meekly she bowed her own, and murmured, "Father, I thank thee!" ------------- Still stands the forest primeval; but far away from its shadow, Side by side, in their nameless graves, the lovers are sleeping. Under the humble walls of the little Catholic churchyard, In the heart of the city, they lie, unknown and unnoticed. Daily the tides of life go ebbing and flowing beside them, Thousands of throbbing hearts, where theirs are at rest and forever, Thousands of aching brains, where theirs no longer are busy, Thousands of toiling hands, where theirs have ceased from their labors, Thousands of weary feet, where theirs have completed their journey! Still stands the forest primeval; but under the shade of its branches Dwells another race, with other customs and language. Only along the shore of the mournful and misty Atlantic Linger a few Acadian peasants, whose fathers from exile Wandered back to their native land to die in its bosom. In the fisherman's cot the wheel and the loom are still busy; Maidens still wear their Norman caps and their kirtles of homespun, And by the evening fire repeat Evangeline's story, While from its rocky caverns the deep-voiced, neighboring ocean Speaks, and in accents disconsolate answers the wail of the forest. -THE END- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem: Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie Another struggle was now impending, severer than any the Colonists had been engaged in. Almost immediately after the French & Indian War, the odious Stamp Act was passed, which did much to hasten public opinion toward Revolution ! I hold in my hand a stamp issued under the authority of this Act. On a public occasion, many years ago, Mr. Everett said, in speaking of a similar one, that "this bit of dingy blue paper, stamped with the two- and-sixpence sterling p.44 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON. by Samuel Abbott Green. created the United States of America and cost Great Britain the brightest jewel in her crown." The Stamp Act was followed by the Boston massacre, the Boston Tea Party, and the Boston Port Bill, - all too familiar to be particularized. These acts excited throughout the land a deep feeling for the capital of New England. The eyes of all the colonies were not turned toward Boston, and she received the hearty sympathy of the whole country. The sentiments of the people of this town are shown in the follow- ing letter* from the Town Clerk: "Groton, June 28th, 1774. "Gentlemen, - The inhabitants of the Town of Groton, in general, are deeply affected with a sense of our public calamities, and more especially, the distress- es of our brethren in the Capital of the Province, as we esteem the act of blocking up the harbor of Boston replete with injustice and cruelty, and evidently de- signed to compel the inhabitants thereof to submiss- ion of taxes imposed upon them without their consent, and threatens the total destruction of the liberties of all British America. We ardently desire a happy union with Great Britain and the Colonies, and shall glady adopt every measure consistent with the dignity and safety of British subjects for that purpose. "In full confidence that the inhabitants of the Town of Boston will, in general, exhibit examples of patience, fortitude and perseverance, while they are called to endure this oppression for the preserva- tion of the liberties of their country, and in token of our willingness to afford all suitable relief to them, in our power, a number of the inhabitants of this town have subscribed and this day sent forty bushels of grain, part rye and part Indian corn, to be delivered to the Overseers of the Poor of said Town of Boston, not doubting but the same be suitably applied for that purpose; and we earnestly desire you will use your utmost endeavor to prevent and avoid all mobs, riots and tumults, and the insulting of private persons and property. And while the farmers are cheerfully resigning part of their substance for your relief, we trust the merchants will not oppress them by raising upon the goods which they have now on hand and heretofore purchased. And may God prosper every undertaking which tends to the salvation of the people. *Massachusetts Historical Collections, Fourth Series, IV. 7, 8. p.45 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY GRANTS OF GROTON. by Dr. Samuel Abbott Green "We are, gentlemen, your friends and fellow country- men. In the name and by the order of the Committee of Correspondence for the Town of Groton. OLIVER PRESCOTT, CLERK. "To the overseers of the Town of Boston." The reply* was as follows: "Boston, July 5, 1774. "Sir, Your obliging letter directed to the Overseers of the Poor of this Town, together with a generous present from a number of the inhabitants of the Town of Groton, for the relief of such inhabitants of this town as may be sufferers by the Port Bill, is come to hand. In behalf of the Committee of this Town, appointed for the reception of such kind donations, I am now to return to you and the rest of our bene- factors the most sincere thanks. The gentlemen may be assured their donations will be applied to the purpose they intend. We are much obliged to you for the wise cautions given in your letter; and we shall use our best endeavors that the inhabitants of this Town may endure their sufferings with dignity, that the glorious cause for which they suffer may not be reproached. We trust that the non-consumption agree- ment which we hear is making progress in the country, will put it out of the power of any of the merchants to take unreasonable advantage of raising the prices of their goods. You will, however, remember that many heavy articles, such as nails, etc. will be attended with considerable charge in transporting them from Salem. As the bearer is in haste, I must conclude, with great regard for your Committee of Correspondence and the inhabitants of the Town of Groton. "Sir, your friend and fellow-countryman, "Signed by order of the Overseers of the Poor, "Samuel Partridge. "To the Committee of the Town of Groton, in Massa- chusetts." The times that tried men's souls were now rapidly approaching; and the rights of the Colonies were the utmost subject in the minds of most people. Groton sympathized warmly with this feeling and prepared to do her part in the struggle. A con- siderable number of her inhabitants had *Massachusetts Historical Collections, Fourth Series, IV. 9, 10. p.46 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. by Dr. Samuel Abbott Green. AS LONG AS THE STORY OF THE BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL BE TOLD, THE NAME PRESCOTT WILL BE RE- FAMILIAR. received their military schooling in the French war, as their fathers before them had received theirs in the Indian War. Such persons did not now enter upon camp life as inexperienced or un- disciplined soldiers. The town had men willing to serve and to command. Within a quarter of a mile of this very spot the man was born, who commanded the American forces on Bunker Hill; and, as long as the story of that battle be told, the name of Prescott will be familiar.* Before the beginning of actual hostilities, two companies of Minute-Men had been organized in this place; and, at the desire of the officers, the Reverend Samuel Webster of Temple, New Hampshire, preached a sermon, February 21, 1775, before them, which was afterward printed. It is there stated that a large majority of the town had engaged to hold themselves, agreeably to the plan of the Provincial Council, in prompt readiness to act in the service of their country. The sermon is singularly meagre in particulars which would in- terest us at this time, and is made up largely of theological opinion, perhaps as valuable now as then, though not so highly prized. THE REVEREND SAMUEL DANA. The Reverend Samuel Dana was the minister of the town of Groton at this period, and unfortunately for him, he was too much in sympathy with the Crown in the great struggle now going on for human rights. Mr. Dana may not have been a Tory; but he did not espouse the cause of the Revolution. The state of public feeling was such that everybody was dis- trusted who was not on the side of political lib- erty. The people said, "He who is not for us is against us;" and the confidence of his flock was converted into distrust. It was easy to see that his influence was gone; and almost very minister in New England who held similar opinions shared the same fate. It was important that the public teacher and preacher should be in sympathy with the popular mind on the prominent political quest- ions. This was a period of great events; and no man could stand against their crushing force. It was evident COLONEL WILLIAM PRESCOTT. Footnotes. *On the night of May 21, 1775, the countersign at the camp in Cambridge, Mass. was "Pepperell," and the parole, "Groton." This was undoubtedly in compliment to Colonel William Prescott. p.47 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. by Dr. Samuel Abbott Green 3. Ten acres, more or less, lying at James' Brook, bounded southeast with the way that goes to James' Brook, north with the highway that goes to the general field and Samuel Davis and James Knapp, west with Richard Holden and on all other points with the town's common. 1. His medows. In Pine meadow, nine acres, more or less, bounded east with John Barron, and on all other points with the town's Common. 2. At Massabog, two acres and a half, more or less, bounded east with Christopher Hall & Jacob Onge, west with Joseph Morse and on all other points with the town's uplands. 3. In Broad Meadow, one acre and a quarter, bounded northerly with James Blood, east with Samuel Woods and Richard Holden, south with John Page, and on all other points with the town's upland. Revised, compared and confirmed by the Select- men, according to the town's order. John Morse, Clerk, November 26, 1670. THE LANDS OF JUSTINIAN HOLDEN, PURCHASE OF JOHN LONGLEY, LYING IN TWO PIECES. 1. Uplands. Ten acres, more or less, lying up on the west side of the highway, bounded north with James' Brook, and eastward with the highway, and on all other points with the town's common. Matthias Farnsworth. 2. Two acres and a halfe, more or less, lying upon the east side of the highway, bounded west with the highway and east with Matthias Farnsworth, and on all other points with the town's common. JOHN PRESCOTT. 1. His Meadows. Five acres, more or less, lying in south meadow, bounded southeast with John Prescott, northwest with Daniel Pierce, south west with William Longley, north east with the upland. Revised, compared and confirmed by the Selectmen, according to the order of the town. John Morse, Clerk, Feb. 17, 1670. p.48 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. By Dr. Samuel Abbott Green. THE LANDS OF SIMON STONE. 1. Uplands. Fifty acres, more or lesse, bounded north east with Ralph Reed, part westerly with Matthias Ffarnsworth and on all other points with the town's common. 2. Six acres, more or less, bounded northwest with Matthias Farnsworth and southeast with Rock Meadow, and on all other points with the town's common. 3. In the general field, six acres and a halfe, more or less, bounded west with the river, north with the highway, south with James' Brook and east with Jonathan Morse. [the following is interlined] This above six acres and a half, alnated to Captain Parker for other land. 1. His meadows. Eight acres, more or less, at Long Pond, bounded south with Long Pond and on all other points with the town's common. 2. Six acres more or less, lying on both sides of the mill brook, bounded east with Joseph Blood and Matthias Farnsworth, north and south with upland. 3. Four acres, more or less, lying on both sides of the mill brooke, bounded east with Joseph Blood, west with Matthias Farnsworth, north and south with upland. 4. Three acres and a half, more or less, lying in two spungs near to Unquetenorset meadow, bounded east with William Longley and on all other points with the town's common. 5. Three acres and a half, lying in Little Buck Meadow, bounded east with the town's line, southwest with James Parker, and on all other points with the town's common. Revised, compared and confirmed by the Select- men, according to the order of the Towne. John Morse, Clerk, Febr. 17, 1670. ______________________ THE LANDS OF TIMOTHY ALLEN. 1. Uplands. First, to his houselot, with an addition, forty acres more or less, bounded south with the lands of Walter Skinner, west with ye land of Timothy Cooper, north with the land of Joseph Gilson and east with the town's common, swamp and highway. p.49 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON. by Dr. Samuel Abbott Green. 2. Thirty eight acres, more or less, upon Chest- nut Hill, bounded north with the lands of Mr. Samuel Willard, easterly with the highway near to Christopher Hall's meadow and common, south and west with the lands of Sergeant James Parker. 1. Meadows. At Unquetenorset, ten acres, more or less bounded north with the meadow of Joseph Parker, southeast with the meadow of Joseph Gilson, and on all other points with the town's uplands. 2. Three acres, more or less with Skull Hollow, on both sides the river, bounded with the town's upland. 3. In Sledge Meadow, two acres and a half, more or less, bounded north with the meadow of William Martin, and on all other points with the town's uplands. 4. At Massagob, four acres, more or less, on the east, with the meadow of William Greene, and on all other points with the town's upland. 5. Two acres and a halfe at Halfe Moon Meadow, more or less, bounded north with the meadow of Joseph Gilson, east with Sargent James Parker, south with the meadow that was Mr. Samuel Willard's, north-west with the town's uplands. 6. Two acres and a half, more or less, in Broad Meadow, bounded north with the meadow of Mr. Samuel Willard, west with John Page, south with Richard Blood, east with ye town's uplands. Revised, compared and confirmed by the Selectmen, according to the order of the Towne. John Morse, November 11, 1671. THE LANDS OF WILLIAM MARTIN. 1. His Uplands. First, to his house lot ad- joining, sixty acres, more or less, bounded north by the land of Sgt. William Lakin, east with the common land and south with common land near the pond, and also westerly turning by his owne meadow and west and points northerly with the highway that goes to Sgt. William Lakin's from the meeting house. 1. Meadows. Eleven acres, more or less, lying Halfe Moone Meadow, bounded south with the town's land near the pond, p.50 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. by Dr. Samuel Abbott Green. westerly with the town's land, and on all points with his own lands. 2. Five acres, more or less in Half Moon Meadow, bounded on the east with the meadow of Nathaniel Blood, west with Sgt. Lakin, north and south with the town's uplands. 3. Four acres, more or less, in Plain Meadow, bounded west with the meadow of Sgt. James Parker, east with Joseph Gilson, north and south with the town's uplands. (This section is erased and the following is interlined.) This record is defaced with the consent of both parties. 4. Five acres, more or less in Sledge Meadow, bounded on a corner towards the west with the meadow of Timothy Allen, and on all other points with the town's uplands. Whereas his upland is said to be sixty, it is seventy-two. Revised, compared and confirmed by the Selectmen, according to the order of the towne. John Morse, Nov. 11, 1671. 1. In Quasoponagone Meadow, on the other side of the river, six acres, more or less, bounded south with with Joshua Whitney and on all other points with the town's swamp and uplands. 2. In Accident Meadow, one acre, more or less, bounded north with Thomas Tarball, Jr., south with Joshua Whitney and on all other points with the town's uplands. 3. One acre, lyeing in a spong of meadow, called Lodge Meadow, bounded round with the towne's comm- ons, which four acres in Plain Meadow is assigned to Sgt. James Parker, four acres of this, which was sometime said Sgt. Parker's, on the other side of the river, which four acres is specified in the Town Book and in his transcript. Revised, compared and confirmed by the Selectmen, according to the order of the town. John Morse, February 26, 1672. _________________________________ p.51 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. by Dr. Samuel Abbott Green. THE LANDS OF THOMAS TARBALL, JR. 1. His houselot, twenty four acres, more or less, (the first division of lands) bounded south with the town's highway, north with the lands of Jona- than Morse, east with the Lancaster hyeway (note at the foot of the town of Groton going to the left is a country road that leads to Lancaster, Massachusetts founded by John Prescott, a dear and lifelong friend of Matthias Farnsworth of (first Lynn, Mass., and then of Groton, Mass.), John Prescott was first of Watertown, Mass. and then the founder of Lancaster, Mass. They were friends in England prior to their leaving England to become founding fathers in Massachusetts.) p.51 (continued) GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. the lands of Jonathan Morse, east with the Lancast- er highway. In the second division, he taking in the highway betwixt Joseph Blood and himself, he did allow a highway for the town, of the same breadth in the most convienient place through his own land. JOSEPH PARKER. 2. Eleven acres, more or less, bounded west, Lancaster highway, south with the highway to Broad Meadow, east and north with the lands of Joseph Parker. RICHARD SAWTELL. 1. Meadow. In Burnt Meadow, ten acres, more or less, bounded west, north west, and north with the brook and the pond, and with the meadows of Richard Sawtell, east and northerly with the meadows of James Fiske and on all other points with the town's uplands. JAMES FISKE. 2. In Quosoponagon Meadow, on the other side of the river, three quarters of an acre, more or less, bound- north with James Fiske, and on all other points with the town's uplands. ZACHARY SAWTELL - CAPTAIN JAMES PARKER. 3. In Accident Meadow, halfe an acre, more or less, bounded northwest with the meadow of Zachary Sawtell, south with Captain James Parker, and on all other points with the town's uplands. Revised, compared and confirmed by the Selectmen, according to the order of the town. December 3, 1673. John Morse, Clerk THE LANDS OF JOSEPH MORSE. Meadow. In flaggy meadow, two acres of medow, more or less, bounded southwest with the town's Common, and southeast and northeast with the meadow of the said Joseph Morse, and north west with the meadow of Christopher Hall, for one acre in fferny Meadow, and one acre in Spot Meadow, which was sometimes the meadow of the said Joseph Morse, as is specified in the record of the said Christopher Hall, unto which alienation the wives of them both give their consent to the giving up of their thirds. JEREMY MORSE. RICHARD BLOOD. JOSEPH PARKER. 1. Near the fordway, upon the Pine Plain, twenty- seven acres, more or less, bounded southeast by Jeremy Morse, westerly by Richard Blood and Joseph Parker, northeast with the Town's Common. JOSEPH PARKER JONATHAN MORSE. 2. Nine acres, more or less, bounded by Joseph Parker, westerly and south-west by Jonathan Morse, northeast a highway p.52 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON. by Dr. Samuel Abbott Green. JOSEPH MORSE CHRISTOPHER HALL Meadow. In fflaggy meadow, two acres of meadow, more or less, bounded southwest with the town's common, and southeast and northeast with the meadow of Joseph Morse and north west with the meadow of Christopher Hall, which parcel of meadow is alienated by Chris- topher Hall for one acre of fferney meadow, and one acre in Spot Meadow which was sometimes the meadow of the said Hall's, unto the which alienation the wives of both give their consent to give up their lands. JEROMY MORSE. RICHARD BLOOD. JOSEPH PARKER. 1. Near the fordway. Upon the Pine Plain, twenty seven acres, more or less, bounded southeast by Jeromy Morse, westerly by Richard Blood and Joseph Parker, northeast with the town's Common. JOSEPH PARKER JONATHAN MORSE. 2. Nine acres, more or less, bounded by Joseph Parker and south-west by Jonathan Morse, north- east a highway running through it by Jerimy Morse's of two poll wide and on all points by the town's common. Revised, compared and confirmed by the Selectmen, according to the order of the town, December 9, 73. JOHN MORSE. THE LANDS OF JACOB ONGE, BOTH UPLAND AND MEADOW. NICHOLAS CADY. JOSHUA WHITNEY. Thirty acres of upland, more or less, envolving his own meadow next to Nicholas Cady within it, bounded east-southwardly with the lands of Joshua Whitney, westerly with the lands of Nicholas Cady and pond, south with the country highway, and north- erly with the highway that go to Brownloaf Plain. Revised, compared and confirmed by the Selectmen, according to the order of the town. John Morse, Clerk, Dec. 11, 1674. A small parcel of land, measured out to Jacob Ong, of about 24 polle, by a committee chosen by the town, to wit, Corporal Cady Ensign Lawrence Joshua Whitney Samuel Woods. Which land is bounded southerly by Joshua Whitney and Samuel Woods, and on all other points by the town's highway. THE LANDS OF MATTHIAS FARNSWORTH AT GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. 1. Uplands. His houselot, ninety acres, more or less, lyeing on both sides of the mill highway, bounded on the north with the sidhill by James's Brook, westerly partly with Justin Holden and partly with common land, south east with the mill highway. The other part of his land, on the east side of the mill highway, bounded with the lands of Simon Stone on the north and east, and on all points with the town's common. 2. Six acres and a half, more or less, lieing on Indian Hill, bounded west with the lands of Jona- than Morse, and with the lands of John Cooper, partly on the east and common land, the country highway running through, north with Thomas Boyden, south with the ends of the other lots. p.53 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. THE LANDS OF MATTHIAS FARNSWORTH (continued) 3. Eighteen acres, more or less, bounded west with the mill road, southeasterly with the lands of Daniel Pierce, and on all other points with the town's common. 4. Seventy one acres, more or less, lying on the other side of the mill road, east with the mill road, west and southerly with the meadows of the mill brook, and on all other points with the town's common. Matthias Farnsworth - His meadows. 1. His meadows. In South Meadow, fourteen acres, more or less, bounded southeast with the meadow of William Longley, Sr., southeast with the meadow of Daniel Pierce and on all other points with the town's common. SIMON STONE JONAS PRESCOTT WILLIAM LONGLEY, SR. 2. Six acres, more or less, near the Mill, bounded southeast with the meadow of Simon Stone, southwest with Jonas Prescott, butting on the southeast with their own upland, and on the north east with the meadow of William Longley, Sr., and on all other points with the town's Common. JONAS PRESCOTT RICHARD BLOOD BENJAMIN CRISP 3. Five acres and a half, more or less, near the Mill, bounded south-east with their own upland, south west with Jonas Prescott, east with the meadow of Richard Blood, and on all other points with the town's common. 4. At Half-Moon Meadow, two acres and a halfe, more or less, running up to John Barron, butting up on the pond, bounded southeast with the land of Benjamin Crispe, and on all other points with the town's common. Revised, compared and confirmed by the Selectmen, according to the order of the Town. John Morse, Clerk, December 13, 1674. ______________ GERSHOM HOBART. CAPT. JAMES PARKER. The record of ye lands granted to Mr. Gershom Hobart, at a general town meeting, June 29, 1678, viz: All the common land that lye near the place where the old Meeting House stood, the Dunstable highway running through it and the highway running into the Captain's (Captain Parker) land, where it may be judged most convenient by them that are to lay it out. TIMOTHY ALLEN. JOSEPH GILSON LIEUT. LAKIN JOHN PARISH That piece of swamp and upland that lye between Timothy Allen, Joseph Gilson, the highway leading to the hawtree and Lieut. Lakin's and John Parish. p.54 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. by Dr. Samuel Abbott Green. 3ly. Three hundred acres taken out of the common land in one or two places, where it is most convenient for him. 4ly. Fifteen acres of meadow, seven acres given by particular men, the other to be made up by the rest of the towne according to their pro- portion. 5ly. That he is to have out of the common, equal prviledge of wood, timber, and commonage, with the rest of the inhabitants of the town, accord- ing as he have made. Moreover he is to have the house that he now liveth in, with all the fornamed priviledges, performing the conditions as followeth, viz: If he accept of ye call and come to settle among us, to be ye town's minister, and the church's officer, then ye above mentioned particulars to be his and his forever. This condition was consented to be written by ye part of ye Selectmen, evidenced by several wit- nesses, to be ye vote of ye town at ye time above mentioned. _______________ THE LANDS OF MR. SAMUEL WILLARD, WHICH IS LAYED OUT TO HIM IN THE TOWNE OF GROTON. 1. His houselot, fourteen acres, more or less, lying on both sides of the highway, leading from the Meeting House to the bay, six acres of it on the west side of the highway and bounded on the north with the lands of Captain Parker, on the west partly with the meadow of Mr. Samuel Willard, and partly with the meadow of Jonathan Cooper, on the south with a highway that leadeth down to Broad Meadow, and on the east with the highway leading to ye bay. JOSIAH PARKER ENSIGN LAWRENCE 2. On the other side of the same highway, eight acres more or less, being bounded north and east with the lands of Josiah Parker, south with a highway that lead downe to Ens. Lawrence's, west with the highway going to the Bay. CAPTAIN JAMES PARKER ZACHARY SAWTELL TIMOTHY ALLEN CAPTAIN JAMES PARKER. 3. One hundred and twenty acres lying in a place commonly called Unquetenorset Woods, being bound- ed north westerly with a highway that goes to Dun- stable, east-northerly with the land of Captain James Parker, southeasterly with the towne common and of Zachary Sawtell's meadow, south westerly by the lands of Timothy Allen and northerly with the lands of Captain James Parker. p.55 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. CAPTAIN JAMES PARKER 4. At the south-east end of Brownloaf Hill, seven acres, more or less, bounded west northerly with the lands of Captain James Parker, and on all other points with the town's common lands. NICHOLAS CADY. JUSTIN HOLDEN. JONATHAN BARREN. JOSEPH PARKER, SR. 5. At Indian Hill, six acres, more or less, bounded on the north with the lands of Nicholas Cady, east- erly with the lands of Justin Holden, on the south with a highway coming by Jonathan Barron, going toward the bay, westerly by the lands of Joseph Parker, Senior. JONATHAN PAGE THOMAS TARBALL, JR. 6. On the other side of Nashaway River, one hundred and twenty acres, lying on both sides of a little brook, running out of it into Nashaway river, be- tween two ford-ways, the one called Jonathan Page's and the other Thomas Tarball, Jr.'s fordway, this lying about a quarter of a mile from the river. The first corner tree is a double black oak at the north east corner, sufficiently marked and double marked with a great S and W, inward to his own land, bound- ed round with the town's common, marked at the corn- ers with "S.W.", and at several trees with a marked with a great W, and sufficiently marked with running marks. 7. Twelve acres of entervale, more or less, on the other side of Nashaway River, bounded north with the lands of Capt. James Parker, east with the river, south with the lands of William Eluee, west with the town's common. 1. His meadows. In Broad meadow, five acres, more or less, bounded north with the meadow of of Captain Parker, on the east by his own house lot, on the south with the meadow of John Coop- er, on the west with the meadow of Jonathan Page. 2. In Brown Loaf Meadow, eight acres, more or less, being bounded south westerly by the brook that run through the meadow, his meadow lying all on that side of the brook, bounded on all other points by the town's uplands. 3. On the same brook, down the brook, three acres, more or less, lying on both sides of the brook, lieing in two or three parcels, bounded easterly by the lands of Nicholas Cady, and on all points by the town's uplands. 4. In Little Flaggy Meadow, four acres, more or less, being bounded south with ye meadow of Captain Parker and Samuel Davis, and on all other points with the town's common. 5. On the south side of a hill called Horse Hill, near Massabeg Pond, two acres, more or less, bounded round with the town's common, p.56 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. by Dr. Samuel Abbott Green. with the head of a little brook that run out of it into Massabog Pond. 6. In Hawtree Meadow, four acres, more or less, being bounded west northerly with the meadow of Jonathan Nutting, on the east, southerly with the meadow of Robert Blood, and on all other points with the town's uplands. In Maple Meadow, four acres, more or less, being bounded west northerly with the meadow of Jonathan Nutting, on the east southerly with the meadow of Robert Blood, and on all other points with the town's uplands. In Maple Meadow, two acres, more or less, bounded westerly with the meadow of Joseph Parker, Sr., easterly with the town's upland. Revised, compared and confirmed by the Selectmen, according to the order of the town - September 29, 1680. John Morse, Clerk. THE LANDS OF JOHN FARNSWORTH. INSERT. JOHN FARNSWORTH Source: The Farnsworth Memorial p.183 John Farnsworth, the 2nd son and 3rd child of Matthias Farnsworth and wife, Mary Farr, was born 1651-2. He was, in estimation, the ablest, as certainly was the most prominent of the sons of Matthias Farnsworth. John married Dec. 8, 1686, Hannah Aldis b. July 4, 1666 at Dedham, Mass. She was a dau. of John John & Sarah (Eliot) Aldis. Sarah Eliot was a dau. of Philip Eliot, Jr. of Roxbury, whose father, Philip Eliot was a brother of the Reverend John Eliot, known as "the Apostle to the Indians. John Farnsworth built a house and lived there on the place in the southerly part of Groton, Mass., formerly known as "Major Moor's place." Farnsworth Memorial, p.183. THE LANDS OF JOHN FARNSWORTH AT GROTON. 1. Uplands. Four acres of bought of Justin Holden, bounded northward with the lands of his father, Matthias Farnsworth, eastward with the Mill Road, and on all other points with the town's highway and common. 2. Two acres of swamp, bounded westward with the meadow of Matthias Farnsworth, on the south side of Half Moon Swamp, and on all other points with the town's common. 3. Four acres, more or less, lying in two parcels, two acres, a piece of swampland, lying betwixt the pond at John Page's saw- mill and the bridge that go to Nonicoyacus, bounded round by the town's common land. Revised, compared and confirmed by the Select- men, according to the order of the town. John Morss, Clerk, December 9, 1680. THE LANDS OF CORNELIUS CHURCH. Uplands. Ten acres, more or less, adjoining to Spectecle Pond, near the pond of Peleg Lawrence's, on the east of a ridge parting them, which land containing two poll or three of swampy meadow, as is described by the marks as they are marked by the sides of the ridges, which ridges are common land - Spectacle Pond being on the south, and the ridges the bounds of all other sides. [In the handwriting of John Morse, Town Clerk, 1669-1676, 1679-1681.] p.57 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. by Dr. Samuel Abbott Green. JONATHAN MORSE. Upland that lye bounded by the highway that go to Jonathan Morse, and by the highway that go into Pine Woods, and by the burial place. (The Old Burying Ground, Groton). [In the handwriting of John Morse, Town Clerk, Groton, 1669-1676 and 1679 - 1681.] THE LANDS OF JOHN COLLES. Uplands. Ten acres of upland, more or less, bounded with the lands of Jonathan Crispe & Zachary Sawtell, on the east, with the lands of Zachery Sawtell and Joseph Morse on the north. South with Common land, and west with the river, having a private highway running through it to the fordway. [In the handwriting of John Morse, Town Clerk, 1669-1676 and 1679-1681.] JONATHAN CRISPE. ZACHERY SAWTELL. JOSEPH MORSE. NICHOLAS HUTCHINS. A parcel of land of ten acres, more or less, granted by the Town to Nicholas Hutchins. 1. One acre, more or less, lying betwixt South Meadow and South Brook, bounded round by the town's common. 2. Two acres, more or less, lying on the north- east side of the highway, lying upon a swamp that runs to South Brook, bounded round by the town's common. 3. Six acres, more or less, lying southeast of Sandy Pond, bounded round with the town's common. [In the handwriting of John Morse, Town Clerk, 1669-1676 and 1679-1681.] THE LANDS OF PELEG LAWRANCE. THE LANDS OF NATHANIEL LAWRANCE. 1. Ten acres, more or less, lying on the north side of Spectacle Pond, bounded on all points by the town's common. 2. Ten acres, more or less, lying by the Cow Pond meadow, bounded east by the lands of Nathaniel Lawrance, and on all other points by the town's common. p.58 AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY LAND GRANTS OF GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS. by Dr. Samuel Abbott Green. THOMAS BOYDEN. MATTHIAS FARNSWORTH, SR. 3. Four acres and 3 quarters, more or less, upon which his house stood, formerly layed out to Thomas Boyden, bounded southward by the country highway, westward by the lands of Matthias Farnsworth, senior, northward by Ferney Meadow, eastward by the hyeway. 4. Six acres, more or less, upon the Cowpond place, bounded on all points by the town's Common. SAMUEL HOLDEN. ENSIGN LAWRENCE. 5. Three acres, more or less, by the Cowpond meadow, bound westerly by the lands of Samuel Holden, partly by the lands of Ensign Lawrence, and on all other points by the Town's Common. [In the handwriting of John Morse, Town Clerk, 1669-1676 and 1679-1681.] THE LANDS OF ALEXANDER ROUSSE. Sgt. Field. Richard Blood. 1. Upland. Eight acres, more or less, lying between the path that goes to Sergeant Field's meadow, and the path that goes to Richard Blood's, bounded round by the Town's common. 2. A swamp, containing two acres, more or less, bounded round by the town's Common, lying between the upper end of the gift - John Lakin's sledge & Reedy Meadow. [In the handwriting of John Morse, Town Clerk, 1669-1676 and 1679-1681. 1. Upland. Eight acres, more or less, lyeing between the path that goes to the Sgt. Field meadow. INDEX. NAMES OF PERSONS HOLDING LAND GRANTS. Timothy Allen p.48 Ellis Barron 39 Nicholas Cady 56 Cornelius Church 57 John Colles 57 Jonathan Crisp 26 William Elluee 43 John Farnsworth 56 Matthias Farnsworth 52 James Fiske 35 Christopher Hall 18 Gershom Hobart 53 Justinian Holden 47 Nicholas Hutchins 57 James Knapp 38 Joseph Lawrence 46 Peleg Lawrence 57 William Martin 49 Daniel Metup 20 John Morse 46 Jonahtan Morse 51 Jacob Onge 52 John Page 22 Abraham Parker 45 James Parker 27 Joseph Parker 20 Daniel Pearse 41 Ralph Reed 33 James Roberts 34 Alexander Rouse 58 Zachary Sawtell 45 Walter Skinner 17 Simon Stone 48 Thomas Tarbell 24 Thomas Tarbell, Jr. 50 Samuel Willard 54 Samuel Woods 41. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ COMPLETE. Transcribed by Janice Farnsworth