1752. Mr. Carter was succeeded by Rev. Jabez Fox, ordained in 1679. He was succeeded by his son, Rev. John Fox, ordained Nov. 17, 1703. There are at present seven churches in Woburn. The surface of the town is uneven, and there are three bold eminences,- Whispering Hill, Zion's Hill, and Horn Mountain (the last has a reservoir), thus affording beautiful scenery, while two branches of Mystic River afford good drainage. The Lowell Railroad passes along the eastern part of the town, and sends a branch to the centre, and the Mystic Valley Railroad will also pass through Woburn. Horn Pond, with an area of ninety-one acres, a noted resort, is well stocked with fish, and furnishes the town an abundant supply of pure water. Manufacturing is the principal interest. There are establishments in different parts of the town, employing large capital, for tanning, making glue, clothing, enamelled leather, chemicals, boots and shoes, shoe stock and mechanics' tools. The town has a bank, two journals, a lyceum, town hall, and a superior high school, with an excellent building. The town furnished 775 men for the last war, and has erected a fine monument, costing $10,000, surmounted by a bronze soldier by Milmore, to the honor of the 82 who died. A small outlet to Spot Pond in Stoneham flows from Many of the inhabitants are business men of Boston, The place was originally a part of Charlestown, but was incorporated May 2, 1649. A church was organized the same year, and in 1682 a town bell was placed on "Bell Rock." Rev. Michael Wigglesworth was ordained in 1656, and remained until his death, in 1705. He was a noted poet, and a metrical version of the passages of Scripture, relating to the final judgment, called “The Day of Doom," and published in 1662, went through Warren Academy, a flourishing institution, was founded nine editions here, and two in England. In 1702, in 1828, and has a fine building. Samuel Blodget, an eminent inventor, was born at Woburn in 1724, and died in 1817. Gen. James Reed (1724-1807) was one of the officers at the battle of Bunker Hill, and did good service later in the Revolution. Jeduthan Baldwin (1732-1788) was an able engineer, and laid out most of the towns in Middlesex County. Col. Loammi Baldwin (1745-1807) was a noted surveyor and a prominent officer in the Revolution. Roger M. Sherman, LL. D. (1773-1844), was a noted jurist. But no one of the sons of Woburn has been more noted than Benjamin Thompson, born in 1753, and died in 1814. He early gave promise of especial interest in natural laws, and, when a mere lad, went to Concord, N. H., where he made a number of important experiments. He afterwards went to England, and first demonstrated the law which now forms the basis of the theory of "conservation of force." He was honored by the title of Count Rumford. MALDEN is a prosperous town of 7,367 inhabitants, in the eastern part of the county, four miles from Boston, with which it has connection by the B. & M. and the Saugus Branch railroads. The southern part of the town is low and marshy; the northern, a range of high hills. "John Sprague was appointed schoolmaster for the year Jacob Green (1722-1790) was an able divine, a noted NATICK is a flourishing town in the south-west part of the county, with a population of 6,404. The name is of Indian origin, signifying "a place of hills." It is connected with Boston by the B. & A. R. R. The Charles flows through the town, winding along a valley so beautiful, as to draw from Washington the exclamation, "Nature seems to have lavished all her beauties here!" Pegan Hill, in the south-east part of the town, commands a view of at least sixteen villages, and enables the observer to distinguish Bunker Hill Monument, nearly 17 miles distant. Broad's, Tom's and Fisk's hills are also fine eminences, the latter commanding a charming view of Lake Cochituate, with its broad expanse. town in the county, as it was settled previous to 1630. The name, originally Meadford, signifies the great meadows. The first grant of land was made to Gov. Winthrop in 1631, and he induced Matthew Craddock to build a substantial house of brick, still standing, and supposed to be the oldest house in the State. The date of incorporation cannot be definitely determined. About 1830, the manufacture of brogans for the Southern trade was commenced in this town. Soon machinery was introduced, and, under the leadership of such men as the Messrs. Walcot, Hon. Henry Wilson and Isaac Fe.ch, the business increased, and gave a new impetus to The town contains 5,717 inhabitants, and comprises the place. Now there are elegant residences, six hand- three villages, East Medford, Medford Centre, and some churches, a high school, a public library, with a West Medford. The eastern and central portions are building erected by means of a bequest by the late connected to Boston by a branch of the Boston and Miss M. Morse; a shaded park and a beautiful cemetery; Maine Railroad, and the Boston and Lowell has three and the value of the stations to accommodate the western portion, while the Mystic Valley road is to pass through the entire length of the town. The Mystic, the outlet of Mystic Pond, ilows through the town, by a devious course, and the town is pleasantly built along its banks. The central village stands upon rising ground, and the two portions are connected by a bridge containing a draw. These elevations furnish as many fine views as can be found in any place near Boston, and in the vicinity of Rock MENT Kah Wouk WASKU TESTAMENT," a work that no | Hill, Walnut Hill, Pine Hill, and the hills near Malden, living person can read. His church had fifty members the scenery is exceedingly picturesque. in 1670. The oak-tree where Eliot preached still stands at South Natick, and a monument has been erected to his memory, with the inscription "UP BIBLUM GOD." The late Hon. Henry Wilson, for many years United States senator, was a resident of this town. He was elected vice-president in 1872, and died before his term of office expired. William Bigelow, born here in 1773, graduated at Harvard 1794, died 1844, was an editor, poet, and historian of the town. Calvin Ellis Stowe, D.D., celebrated as a professor at Andover, and a writer, was born here in 1812. The town has a public library, with a fine building, the gift of Mr. Thatcher Magoun; a high school, a journal, the "Medford Chronicle," a town hall, a savings bank, and ten fine churches. Rev. Aaron Porter, ordained in 1712, was the first minister. Tufts College, under the auspices of the Universalist denomination, is located on Walnut Hill, and consists of three elegant and commodious buildings. The surrounding scenery cannot be surpassed for beauty. The citizens of Medford have been but little interested in manufactures, except in making brick. Nearly the whole town is underlaid with fine clay, and the working MEDFORD is one of the oldest, and perhaps the oldest of this has long been an extensive industry. Ship Many distinguished persons have been residents of Medford. Dr. Simon Tufts (1700-1747), was an eminent physician; John Tufts was noted as a divine, and was an author of some eminence; died in 1750. Samuel Hall (1740-1807), was a noted editor. The "Essex Gazette," "Salem Gazette," and "Massachusetts Gazette," were founded by him. Samuel McClintock, D.D., was a noted divine. John Brooks, M. D., LL. D. (1752-1825), was a soldier in the Revolution, a statesman and governor of the State for seven years; Rev. Charles Brooks (1795-1872) was influential in developing the present system of education in the State. Lydia Maria Child has won renown as a writer. 168 acres, Shakum Pond, and Learned Pond, all well stocked with fish, add much to the beauty of the town. The first, together with Lake Cochituate, which lies on the southern side of the town, furnishes a part of Boston's water supply. The soil is fertile, and many of the inhabitants are engaged in farming. At Saxonville, there are extensive woollen-mills, where blankets are manufactured. South Framingham has three large straw-hat manufactories, employing about 150 persons, a carriage-wheel and a box manufactory. Harmony Grove, on the shore of Farm Pond, has long been a noted picnic-ground, and a camp-ground on Mount Wait and a State parade-ground add to the town, and furnishes good water-power. North Pond, of valuation of the town. The first church was organized Dec. 8, 1701, Rev. John Swift, pastor. The town was incorporated June 25, 1800. The churches of the present town are nine in number. 81 acres, is formed by Mill River. Both these ponds abound in fish. There are three large swamps covered with cedars, and several quarries of good building stone. Mineral springs, discovered in 1816, containing carbonic acid, carbonate of lime and iron, are found in the west The State Normal School is situated on Bare Hill, and ern part of the town. is most beautifully surrounded. Feb. 1, 1676, a party of Indians, under Netus, surprised the house of Mr. Thomas Eames, killed Mrs. Eames and three of the children, and destroyed all the property. Gen. John Nixon, Col. Thomas Nixon, Col. Jonathan Brewer and Col. William Buckminster, natives of the town, were all officers in the Revolution, and the last two were wounded at Bunker Hill. Moses Hemenway, D.D., was an able clergyman and author. John Reed, D. D. (1751-1831), was a member of Congress for six years. Cyrus Eaton was a successful teacher; and Charles R. Train, was, until recently, attorney-general of the State. STONEHAM, originally a part of Charlestown, was made a separate town Dec. 17, 1825. Population, 4,573. It was settled about 1645, by three brothers named Holden, though a man named How probably built one house previously. The first meeting-house was built in 1726, and Rev. James Osgood was ordained in 1729. The surface of the town is very uneven. Spot Pond, with an area of about 220 acres, is a broad and -clear sheet of water, 143 feet above sea level. It contains several beautiful islands, and its wooded shores are a noted pleasure resort. Many fine residences border this pond. The town has a savings bank, a town hall, a free public library and two public journals. There are five churches, the Congregational, the original first church, being organized in 1739. The town sent 404 men to suppress the Rebellion, and has erected a beautiful monument to the memory of the 49 who perished. He was The principal employment is farming, though many are engaged in making boots and shoes. The town has a good system of schools, a savings and a national bank, and four churches. The first church was organized Sept. 2, 1724, and Samuel Barrett ordained. succeeded in 1772 by Rev. Elijah Fitch, author of "Beauties of Religion." The third minister was Rev. Nathaniel Howe, ordained in 1819, and the original of "Rev. Mr. Pendexter" in Longfellow's "Kavanagh." An Episcopal church, established about 1750, was endowed with a glebe of 170 acres by Roger Price, rector of King's Chapel, Boston. Capt. Daniel Shays, the leader of Shays' rebellion, was a native of the town. He was an ensign at Bunker Hill, and afterwards became captain in the army. He died at Sparta, N. Y., Sept. 29, 1825. Dr. Appleton Howe, an eminent physician of Weymouth, and John Barrett, a teacher, and author of an English grammar, were also natives of this town. Hon. Lee Claflin, a man of great probity and benevolence, was long a resident of this place, and died here. His son William, the exgovernor and present member of Congress, is a native of the town. † WATERTOWN.-This town is one of the oldest in the State, having been settled in 1630. Its Indian name was Pigsgusset. It is eight miles from Boston on a branch of the Fitchburg Railroad, and the Charles River is navigable to the dam. Its area is small, yet it includes several eminences upon which some of the finest residences in the State have been erected. The population is 4,326. The inhabitants are engaged in market gardening, and in manufacturing paper, woollens, drugs, dyestuffs and iron castings. The U. S. arsenal, established in 1816, occupies about 43 acres, and employs 600 or 700 persons manufacturing arms and munitions of war. The Union Cattle Market is also located here. There are also national and savings banks; a public library, a fine high school; a paper, the "Free Press"; and five churches. + Hopkinton was once the seat of a magnificent mansion erected and owned for many years by an English nobleman, Sir Henry Frankland. See a poem by Oliver Wendell Holmes, entitled "Alice." The first church was organized in 1630, and Rev. Geo. Phillips was pastor. The Provincial Congress met in Watertown at the breaking out of the Revolution, and Gen. Joseph Warren presided. He left the assembly for the battle of Bunker Hill. The "Boston Gazette" was removed to Watertown and published from June 5, 1775, to the evacuation of Boston. Benjamin R. Curtis, LL. D., and George T. Bigelow, LL. D., both eminent jurists, George T. Curtis, the author of the "Life of Washington," and the distinguished sculptress, Harriet G. Hosmer, were all born in Watertown. Deane Winthrop and others, and incorporated May 29, 1665. Being a frontier settlement, it suffered much from the Indians, was destroyed in King Philip's war, March 13, 1676, and again suffered in King William's war, July 27, 1694. The first meeting-house was built in 1666, and the second, to replace the one burned by the Indians, in 1680; the third, in 1730; and the fourth in 1754, which still stands. The first church was gathered July 13, 1664, and Mr. Samuel Willard ordained. He was afterwards pastor of the "Old South," Boston, and vice-president of Harvard. The next minister was Rev. Gershom Hobart, who accompanied the settlers when they rebuilt the town in 1678; and Dudley Bradstreet succeeded him. The Lawrence Academy was founded as Groton Academy by subscriptions from the inhabitants, amounting to £325, in 1793, and Henry Moor of Londonderry, New Hampshire, a graduate of! Dartmouth College, was the first principal. Mrs. Hannah Brazer, at her death, left the trustees about $2,000. In 1846, the name was changed, in honor of munificent donations from Wm. and Sam'l Lawrence.* At present, the institution has a commodious building for school purposes, well furnished and possessing good apparatus, and a boarding-house for students. LAWRENCE ACADEMY, GROTON. Col. William Prescott, the commander at Bunker Hill, Groton was settled soon after Concord, granted to was born in 1726 and died in 1795. Samuel Dana was The Lawrence family has been one of the leading families. John Lawrence settled as early as 1663. Col. Wm. Lawrence, his son, occupicd prominent positions in the town. Dca. Samuel Lawrence was an officer of the Revolution, and his hat was pierced by a ball at Bunker Hill. Amos Lawrence, who died in 1852, was an eminent merchant. Abbott Lawrence, LL. D., was minister to England from 1849 to 1852. The following anecdote not only illustrates a family trait, but withal the promptness with which the men of the Revolution responded to the call of their country: At the beginning of our War of Independence Maj. Samuel Lawrence, the father of Boston's two great merchants, Amos and Abbott Lawrence, lived in Groton, Mass. He was the commander of a company of "minute-men," who held themselves ready to march against the enemy at a moment's notice. The major was engaged to be married to Miss Susanna Parker. The lady's mother suggested that in view of the uncertain fortunes of war, the marriage should take place forthwith. "Susic had better be Sam's widow," she said, "than his forlorn damsel." Susie and the major being willing, the parson was called in. While he was tying the nuptial knot, a mounted orderly interrupted the ccrcmony by handing scaled orders to Maj. Lawrence. They directed him to march his men immediately to the headquarters of the American army. The major delayed obedience long enough to complete the ceremony, and then, giving the bridal and the farewell kiss, assembled his men and marched. On reporting himself to his commanding officer he was complimented upon his promptness. Learning the circumstances under which the major had marched, the officer procured him a furlough. For a few days the major enjoyed a honeymoon, and then returned to duty. The major lived to see fifty years of American independence, and to raise an honored family. |