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CHAPTER XXI

OLD HEARTH-STONES IN CHELMSFORD. -- PERHAM HOMESTEAD, WHERE NINE GENERATIONS OF THE FAMILY HAVE LIVED. -- TEN GENERATIONS OF SPAULDINGS ON THE OLD FARM. --THE OLD GARRET OF THE SPAULDING HOUSE. -- ELEVEN GENERATIONS OF FLETCHERS ON THE OLD FARM. -- HAYWARD HOME THE OLD GARRISON. -- OLD HOME OF THE BYAMS SINCE 1655. -- THOMAS HENCHMAN AND THE WARREN FAMILY. -- THE BURYING-GROUND

      CHELMSFORD is peculiarly favored in the unbroken family possession of its old farms. The first visited in my circuit of this ancient settlement is the Perham homestead.
      The first white settler on this farm was John Perham. He married in 1664 Lydia Shepley, who had come with her parents in the Wenham Colony.
      When the Perham pioneer began to subdue these acres, the apostle Eliot was looking after the interests of the Indians here; and a company of Mr. Perham's neighbors were trustees for the aboriginal owners of the soil, of what is now the

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town of Chelmsford and the city of Lowell, and even beyond their limits. "The first dwelling," says Mr. Perham, the present thrifty owner and occupant," was doubtless one of the rudely constructed houses of the times, but compared favorably with that erected by him and the other settlers for their minister, Rev. John Fisk, who had come from Wenham. The plan for the minister's house

[Photo - "Perham Homestead, Chelmsford"]

is thus indicated; 'And we do agree and order that he shall have a house built for him, thirty-eight feet in length, and twenty-four in breadth, with three fire rooms. The chimney built with brick or stone.'"
      After enduring the hardships of pioneer life, and struggling nobly for existence for more than a half century in this locality, Mrs. Lydia Perham died in 1710, and was followed by her husband in 1721. They were succeeded on the farm by a son,

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Benoni Perham, who with Sarah Robbins, his wife, was contented in the original house until their son Samuel erected a more comfortable dwelling, which, with modern improvements, has sheltered seven generations. The two who succeed the present owner make nine who have dwelt there. "Our family had been located here a full century," said the present owner, "when the drum beat to arms on April 19, 1775." The hero of the family at that distressing time was Samuel, senior, who served the patriot cause on the Committee of Safety and in the Provincial convention at Concord. His sons Samuel and Oliver were among those who shouldered their muskets, and served in the company from this town.
      Another old homestead visited was the Spaulding farm. The Spauldings were in the town among the first settlers. Edward Spaulding was there before the incorporation in 1655, and was among those selected in November, 1654, "by the consent of the major part of the town for ordering the Public affairs." He belonged to that colony, who, with their minister, left Wenham in Essex County, and did good service in establishing the church and town that have made a most commendable record for two hundred and forty years. Ten generations of the Spaulding family are recorded as having resided in Chelmsford, and figured in the history of the town. I met, among others of the family, Mr. George Spaulding, busily

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occupied in tilling his acres. He said, "My father was Alpheus, and his father was Joseph Spaulding, who left this farm in response to the call of April 19, 1775, and who gained some notoriety in the battle of Bunker Hill. You have read the inscription on the slab at his grave, which gives

[Photo - "Spaulding Home, Chelmsford"]

only a part of my grandfather's story. His own report of it was, 'I fired ahead of time, and Putnam rushed up and struck at me for violating orders. I suppose I deserved it, but I was anxious to get another good shot at Gage's men ever since our affair at Concord. The blow from "Old Put" hit me on the head, made a hole in my hat, and left this scar;' and," said the grandson, "it

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was an honorable scar. Grandfather was proud of it, and carried it to his grave." Mr. George Spaulding, who is of the eighth generation, continued his story, "My grandfather was living at that time in an old house on this farm, and had just raised the frame of this dwelling when he was called to do a patriot's duty away from these acres. When the house was completed he moved into it with grandmother and the children, one of whom was my father; and the Revolutionary roof has already sheltered five generations of Spauldings."
      To make his grandfather's part at Bunker Hill more vivid, Mr. Spaulding brought from the house a silver watch, ticking with as much regularity as it was on the morning of June 17, 1775, when Joseph Spaulding aimed his fowling-piece at Major Pitcairn. Said the proud descendant, "My grandfather brought the watch to this house; and here it has been kept ever since, often proving more reliable than some modern timepieces."

[Photo - "Spaulding Watch, Used at Bunker Hill"]

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      In confirmation of Mr. Spaulding's story of the cocked hat, Mrs. Luther Faulkner of Billerica says, "It was one of the delights of my childhood to play in that old garret with my companions, the grandchildren of Joseph Spaulding. It was the storeroom of scores of articles that dated back to the early generations of the family. There were the rude implements of the farm, the cast-off utensils of the kitchen, and many articles of husbandry that time had relegated to that lumber-room. Oh, what a pleasure it was for us children, on a rainy day, to amuse ourselves among those relics! The flax cards, the hatchel, the reel, the wheels great and small, were all put to our childish service. Then a season was spent in playing soldier, but the boys thought the girls had no part in that. 'Grandsir's' cocked hat was brought from its hiding-place; and each boy in turn, crowned with the tattered relic, marched up and down the garret floor. 'Just as Grandsir Spaulding marched at Bunker Hill,' was the childish order. It had received holes through the crown, and 'grandsir' was proud of them; but the old soldier of 1775 was gone, and I am afraid we were rough with his hat. The hat and all else in that ancient garret were consumed by fire; yet the memory of those days, and particularly of the old cocked hat, will remain as long as life lasts."
      Another most interesting representative of the Spaulding family is Mrs. Mary (Spaulding) Shedd,

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who, at the age of ninety-three years, delights in repeating the stories heard from the lips of her grandfather, Zebulon Spaulding, who was one of the minute-men of the town. The story of the opening Revolution, as she tells it, confirms that already given, and her personal recollections of the second war with England are as vivid as are those of the Civil War. Said this venerable member of the family, "My father was Sherebiah Spaulding." In regard to the second trouble with England, she said, "The early spirit of patriotism was quickly kindled in his breast, as in others of Chelmsford. He presented a most charming appearance to my youthful eyes, when he was equipped in his brilliant uniform, and ready to march to Boston. I

[Photo - "Mrs. Shedd"]

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was too young to fully realize what the war-cry meant; but there were those in our family who recalled the sufferings of Concord, Bunker Hill, and Valley Forge, and with tearful faces stood by as the soldiers went away, while the old fire of patriotism was rekindled in their breasts; but their forms were too much bowed with age to again face the enemy."
      This delightful lady of the old school, on her ninety-third birthday, remarked, "I have known eight generations of my family, and have seen an entire change in the manner of conducting domestic matters, as well as business affairs. I have seen the loom and wheel, which were kept in action in each family, give way to the innumerable looms and spindles of the city of Lowell, which has sprung into existence since I came to maturity."
      I was next conducted to the Hayward farm, where five generations of the family have flourished, Miss Adelia Hayward being the present owner. Miss Hayward said that her great-grandfather came to this house in 1726. Here in the walls are unmistakable evidences of the garrison of the early wars; and the chimney of stone, such as the settlers agreed to build in the minister's house in 1654, is suggestive of a stronghold. There is the hollow passage-way by the side of the rough stone, allowing free passage from the bottom of the cellar to the chimney top. It was

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to be used for concealment, and for an outlook whereby to discern the approach of danger. This place, and, all such in old houses, are always delightfully suggestive and interesting. Here the rude ladder, over which generations of Haywards have climbed, adds to the interest of the place.

[Photo - "Hayward Garrison, Chelmsford"]

An aged neighbor is a frequent visitor at this house, who says her mother often told her that it is the place where the women went for safety when the Indians were out.
      The Hayward family has flourished here for one hundred and seventy years; yet they are modern in the town in comparison with the Adams family,

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of whom the farm was purchased a half century before the Revolution. The name of Thomas Adams is seen in connection with the settlement in 1653, and Samuel Adams was early chosen as the town clerk. The descendants have been among those who have made a record as good patriots through all these years, both in Chelmsford and elsewhere.

[Photo - "Byam Home, Chelmsford"]

      The Byam estate is one that has been in the family since the first settlement of the town. The name of George Byam appears in the list of those who came from Wenham in 1655. He located on the farm where the ninth generation is met to-day. The pioneer wisely selected his land where there was an abundant supply of running

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water; and Beaver Brook, that wound on its course through his meadows, has continued of service to each of the generations in their time. How early the stream was given that name does not appear; but in January, 1659, we find: --
      George Biam and Thomas Barrett are appointed a committee to state a Highway that gos to Tadmuck before Thomas Chamberlain's hous. The tree at his Hogs Coat is concluded one bound, and so to Run his due bredth acording to order, towards the Broak Cold Beaver broak."
      George Byam, the first, had three sons, whom he named for the Jewish patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But instead of representing three successive generations, they were of one and the same; yet the promise to Abraham of old was verified here, and there has not been wanting a son to continue the family name and possession. We find Amos, of the fifth generation, with his wife, Sarah Pierce, located in the original dwelling of only two rooms, one above the other. This house has been preserved; and there are pointed out to-day the four corners where the loom, fireplace, wheel, and bed were located.

WARREN HOMESTEAD.

      Very near the centre of Chelmsford is the Warren homestead. This estate belonged to Thomas Hinchman, who was an influential man in the early days. In the year 1699 he deeded it to the first

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Joseph Warren. A portion of the original house, more than two hundred years old, is disguised in a more modern dwelling, which identifies the spot where the first hearth-stone was placed. So large was the original farm that it admitted of divisions and subdivisions, and several families of the name or blood are settled there in the enjoyment of a competency. For nearly two centuries there has been a Joseph Warren on the farm. The donor of the farm is pleasantly remembered in the name of one of the present generation, who is Edwin Henchman Warren. The family has ever enjoyed the confidence of its contemporaries, each generation doing the part of true patriotic citizens. Among the treasures of early military service held by the family at the old homestead are a musket and a halberd, which doubtless date back to the time when Jeduthan Warren served in the northern campaign in 1776, with a large company, under Captain John Ford. The Lexington alarm called Sergeant Benjamin Warren from the old home. He was in Captain Oliver Barron's company, and actively engaged in the running fight of April 19, 1775.
      The first Joseph Warren, born in 1670, possessed a copy of "The General Laws of the Massachusetts Colony, Revised and published by order of the General Court, in October 1658." This volume has been kept by the successive Josephs, and is now one of the family treasures. It is be-

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lieved to have been the property of Jacob Warren, the pioneer of the family.

THE RICHARDSON HOME

      About two miles north of the centre of Chelmsford is the early home of the Richardson family, where I met Mr. Edward F. Richardson, who modestly said, "I am of the seventh generation in a direct line of our family in possession of this farm. The first was Josiah, who, with the other male inhabitants, petitioned on May 17, 1658, the 'honored Court Assembled at Boston' for the privilege of trading with the Indians. They represent themselves as located 'into this Remoat Corner of the wilderness.' " Says the present owner, "My pioneer ancestor built his log house in the south side of this great sand-bank, and here located with his family. He was succeeded by John, Eleazer, and Samuel, who represented as many successive generations. Each in turn, with his family, enjoyed and improved the homestead, doing manfully their part in church and government. It was Oliver, son of Samuel, my grandfather, who responded from this place to the Lexington alarm. He was but sixteen years of age when he was found in Captain Barron's company in pursuit of the Regulars. He was among those who fought down by the rail fence on June 17, at Charlestown. He had a great powder-horn; and he always said, 'I had a plenty of ammunition

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when the others had none; for my horn was well filled with my own stock from home, and I used it to the best advantage possible on that morning at Charlestown.' Oliver was not disheartened by these early experiences, but was found with the Chelmsford men in the campaign at the north when Burgoyne was obliged to give up his enterprise. Oliver, the young soldier, was succeeded by his son Francis, from whom the present generation received the estate."
      The Adams family early made a record in Chelmsford; and many of that name to-day revert to the mother town as the place of their origin, while the patriotic deeds of their ancestors for two centuries are an inspiration to them.

      "The family of Adam or Adams (meaning red; adamah, red earth) can claim the distinction of having the oldest individual name on record." -- Adams Genealogy.

      Two sons of Henry Adams, the immigrant leader who settled in Braintree, were among the founders of Chelmsford. Thomas, born in 1612, was well established with a large family when he was received as a member of the Chelmsford Church, "27th of 2d '56." Samuel, born 1617, was the father of a family when he appears as town clerk of Chelmsford.
      They did a grand work here during the remainder of their lives. The former died in 1666, and the latter in 1676.

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      Samuel Adams was the first miller of the town. On July 3, 1656, he was granted four hundred acres of land to encourage him to set up a sawmill, and later he had one hundred acres more for erecting a corn-mill. These mills marked a new era in the building of houses, as well as the preparation of grains for food. It was on a commanding site just beyond the brook that the miller erected his dwelling. Seven generations occupied the farm, and presided at the mill; but it has now passed into other hands, as have homesteads of other branches of the family. It is apparent that the Adams family of Chelmsford was connected with Samuel Adams the patriot, and it is interesting that the two branches should have been so positive in espousing the cause of the patriots in the Revolution. Pelatiah Adams from this town, who died in the service of his country at Cherry Valley, is remembered by the monument on the Common in his native town; while Samuel, the leader in the Revolution, sleeps in Granary Burying-Ground in Boston, with no slab to remind the passing stranger of the brave patriot. The Adams Library at Chelmsford is a fitting memorial of not only the donor, but of all the descendants of the early settlers at Chelmsford by the name of Adams.
      The name of Parkhurst first appeared in this town in 1658, and the family is one of the most numerously represented to-day. Joseph, from Water-

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town, was the founder here. He married Mary Read, and settled on his share of the "New Field." He was succeeded by his son Ebenezer. Then came Jonathan, who was born in 1701, married Hannah Richardson in 1724, and died in 1737, leaving a widow and seven children. Of these Josiah continued the family line in the town. He married Elizabeth King. Samuel, one of the four children, was a noted patriot among the many of the town, acted well his part in the various campaigns, and lived to a great age. He was fond of fighting over his battles by the fireside, to the delight of not only his own descendants, but of the many who were inspired by his patriotic zeal to do valiant service for town and country. A sword captured by the patriot Samuel, together with his musket, are treasured relics of the family.

FLETCHER HOMESTEAD.
TWO HUNDRED AND FORTY-THREE YEARS OLD.

      A most peculiar interest centres at the Fletcher farm. The first pulsations of civilized life in the town are traced to this homestead. The name of William Fletcher is seen with others on the petition of May, 1653, for a grant of six miles square "which bordereth upon Merrimack River near to Pautucket, which we do find a very comfortable place to accommodate a company of God's people

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upon; that may with God's blessing and assistance live comfortably upon and do good in that place for church and commonwealth." The petition was granted eight days later, May i8, 1653, on conditions that a reservation should be made for the Indians, through the intercession of the apostle Eliot.

[Photo - "'Captain Bill Fletcher's' House"]

      The common lands were allotted to the settlers, William Fletcher being one of them. He was a son of Robert of Concord, born in England, and made a freeman in the Colony in 1643. He married Lydia Bates of Concord, and they set up their home in this wilderness in 1653. Tradition tells us that the house to which William Fletcher conducted his trustful bride was the first in the

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settlement having the pretensions of a frame, and was distinguished as having been the place of the first town meeting.

The 22d: the 9th: month: 1654.
      At a meeting then at William Fletcher's Hous there was chosen to officiate in Ordering the Publick affairs of the Place, by the Consent of the Major part of the Town for this present year ensuing are as followeth: --Esdras Read; Edward Spaulding; William Fletcher; Isaac Lerned; Simon Thompson; William Underwood; Thomas Adams. They also set apart thirty acres of land for the minister, and provided for his house.

      William the pioneer was of the second generation in the country, and acted a prominent part in the affairs of town and Colony until his death in November, 1677. He was succeeded on this farm by a son William, born four years after the first settlement; but he was not made a freeman until twelve years after his father, William, died. Governor Dudley commissioned him a lieutenant in 1704, which position he honorably filled until his death in 1713. Although the pioneer here was not honored with military titles, yet his record is with the faithful patriots of the early days of the Colony. Josiah of the fourth generation was the next in order on the farm; and he was succeeded by a son Josiah, born October 30, 1719.
      While each generation has continued the name of William, other names have appeared in the line of possession of the farm. In the sixth generation

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William asserts his birthright. He was born December 22, 1754. His cradle lullaby was of the conquered French, and in his maturity a military spirit actuated him. He was one of four Fletchers to respond to the Lexington alarm. His family story repeated by his great-great-grandson William is: --
      "I was one of those who stepped over the body of the first British soldier killed at Concord Bridge, when was made 'the first forcible resistance to British aggression.'"
      The musket carried in the war by one of the family is still treasured at the old home by William of the tenth generation. This musket has never been robbed of the old flint-lock and the primitive arrangements of Colonial days. Oliver Fletcher, the famous town clerk, was of the fifth generation; and his record is among those who did faithful service for his native town.
      William, the hero of April 19, '75, married, during the years of the Revolution, Lucy Hildrith; and thus the two old and influential families were united. William of the seventh generation, their son, was born May 18, 1782, and married in 1815 to Orpha Spaulding, thus making a connection with another of the oldest families of the town. This William died in 1846, and was gathered to the grave with his fathers on the hill. His successor was William, born in 1819. He brought as a helpmeet to the old home, Diantha

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E. Dustin of New Hampshire, and second, Eliza A. Warren of Chelmsford. Having made a good record in the town, State legislature, etc., he resigned the family home in 1893 to Charles Frederic of the ninth generation, who was born on Independence Day, 1846, in time to receive his grandfather's parting blessing. He dedicated himself to the cause of preserving the Union early in the War of the Rebellion, and kept good the record of patriotism begun by his ancestors.
      The next in line of this family is William of the tenth generation, who was born in 1872, and married to Jenny A. Fulton on New Year's Day of 1893. A representative of the eleventh generation in the country, and the tenth on this farm, is Rachel Fulton Fletcher. This babe is cradled within a few rods of the site of the first house built by William Fletcher in 1653. Different branches of the family have set up homes on the paternal acres, the oldest of which is a red house with a gambrel roof. It is in much the same condition as when "Uncle Bill" Fletcher, at ninety years of age, used to gather his children and grandchildren about the old hearth-stone, and tell his story of personal experience at Concord, and in the other events of the 19th of April, '75, and of his service with Captain Ford in the northern campaign of 1777.

Not "a man is now alive, Who remembers that famous day and year;"

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but it comes to us with double reality when told on such homesteads, and from lips first taught to lisp the word patriot by those who fought for independence at Concord and Bunker Hill.
      Having traced the footprints of early and later patriots at the old homesteads, we naturally turn to the old burial-ground where --

"Their names, their years, spelt by the unlettered muse, The place of fame and elegy supply."

      Chelmsford proper has but one burying-place; and in this ground, a gracefully sloping enclosure hard by the meeting-house, has been gathered the dust of many generations. "Quaint inscriptions, the traditional death's head and hour-glass, greet you on every hand."
      The oldest stone is --

HERE LYES YE BODY OF GRACE LIUERMOAR WIFE TO IRON LIUERMOAR AGED 75 YEARS DIED THE 14TH OF IANUARY 1690.

      This and other stones in that enclosure show that the town had among its brave founders those who were born before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth.
A rudely carved and sunken stone, standing in its fastness with but little regard for its more

[Photo - "Major Thomas Hichman's Military Order" (Original owned by the Author.)

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modern companions, recalls to mind a patriot in deed, who did great service for town and country. One can barely decipher the following:

HERE LYETH YE BODY OF
MAJOR THOMAS HINCHMAN
AGED 74 YEARS
DECD JULY YE 17 1703.

He was not mighty with the sword,
but through his skilful management the barbarities
of the savages were averted.

"Peace bath her victories no less renowned than war."--MILTON.

[Photo - "Hinchman Stone, Chelmsford"]

Some of Major Thomas Hinchman's military orders are still preserved by a grateful people; one from which the plate is made was found in a garret of the old town.

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Near by is another small but suggestive stone on which is read: --

HERE LYES YE BODY OF
DEACON CORNELIUS WALDO
AGED 75 YEARS
DIED JAN. 3 1700.
The memory of the just is Blessed.

[Photo - "Cornelius Waldo Stone"]

      His daughter Rebecca married Edward Emerson, a teacher for a time in Chelmsford. This shows us how the name of Waldo was introduced into the Emerson family.
      Evidence of the youthfulness of soldiers in the Revolution is gathered from a stone on which is chiselled: --

ERECTED TO THE MEMORY OF
JOB SPAULDING BORN MARCH 1762,
DIED NOVEMBER 15, 1835.

A Revolutionary Pensioner, Honorably discharged, from
the first three years service of his Country
May 1780, at the early age of
18 yrs. & 2 mos.

An honest man.

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      This man enlisted to the credit of the town of Westford. But among his descendants is Mrs. Parkhurst of Chelmsford, who treasures not only her grandfather's stories of the war, but also a fork made by the young soldier when in service, and a small volume brought from the army, which was printed in Dublin in 1776.
      On a stone to the memory of Mrs. Hannah Foster is read: --

ALSO OF MR. NOAH FOSTER
SON OF MR. WILLIAM AND MRS. HANNAH FOSTER
WHO DIED AT STILLWATER IN THE SERVICE OF HIS
COUNTRY, OCTR. YE 7TH 1777,
AGED 20 YEARS.

      Among the six generations of Perhams, the patriot Samuel has an honored place. He died March 2, 1788, aged 31 years and 6 months.
      At the grave of the pioneer of the family is read: --

HERE LYES YE BODY OF
MR. JOHN PERHAM
WHO DECEASED JANURY YE 21ST, 1721
AGED 88 YEARS.

      The pioneer pastor, Rev. John Fisk, sleeps in an unmarked grave, unless a large table-stone without inscription was intended to mark his place of sepulture. But he is remembered for his unselfish patriotic acts.
      The second minister, Rev. Thomas Clark, who

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died in 1704, is memorialized by a tablet on which is read an extended Latin inscription. The stone was purchased by "a gift of fifty shillings from sundry persons in Chelmsford," as appears by a receipt from Rev. John Hancock of Lexington, who married a daughter of Rev. Thomas Clark.
      We here get a hint of the manner in which the families of the clergymen of early New England were joined in marriage, and a sort of literary aristocracy created. The second wife of Rev. Thomas Clark was a daughter of Rev. Samuel Whiting of Billerica. In following down the line from Chelmsford, we find that a daughter of Rev. John Hancock and grandaughter of Rev. Thomas Clark became the wife of Rev. Nicholas Bowes of Bedford, and that a daughter from the Bedford parsonage became the wife of Rev. Jonas Clark of Lexington, and so was mistress of the Lexington parsonage during the Revolution. A second daughter from the Bedford parsonage became the wife of Rev. Phinehas Whitney of Shirley, and served that people from 1770 to 1805.
      The fourth minister of Chelmsford, Rev. Ebenezer Bridge, married a daughter of his immediate

[Photo - "Minister's Table, Chelmsford"]

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predecessor in office, Rev. Samson Stoddard; and their daughter Sarah married Rev. Henry Cummings of Billerica. Among the scores of stones at the graves of the patriots of 1775 which afford no hint of their peculiar service is one --

TO THE MEMORY OF THEIR MINISTER
DURING THAT TRYING PERIOD.
BY THE CHURCH OF CHRIST IN CHELMSFORD.
In testimony of their esteem and veneration this sepultrial stone was
erected to stand as a sacred memorial of their late
worthy Pastor

THE REV. EBENEZER BRIDGE,

who after having officiated among them in the service of the sanctuary
for more than a year above half a century, the strength of nature
being exhausted, sunk under the burden of age and
joined the congregation of the dead.
OCT. 1, 1792. AE. 78.

      Chelmsford's patriotic minister was represented by his son and namesake, Ebenezer Bridge, a graduate of Harvard University, who did good service on April 19th and June 17th.[1] The minister was faithful in looking out for the comfort of the poor of Boston, of whom forty-nine were consigned to Chelmsford at one time. There were also among his parishioners those who had come out on their own account to seek a place of safety.

      April 9, 1775. Capt. Symmes came from Boston to secure a place of retreat in the present troublesome season at Boston.


[1] See "Beneath Old Roof Trees," page 240.

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      The pastor records the death of Mr. Fitzgerald, who lived in town since the siege of Boston. Rev. Mr. Bridge was among the faithful ministers who went to camp to look after their townsmen during the siege of Boston. He records: --

      May 29, 1775. Rode to Cambridge and lodged with ensign Hastings at the headquarters of the army.
      May 30. Visited our soldiers, dined at Capt. Steadman's by invitation. Met and delighted with the appearance and order. Saw the spoils taken at Chelsea from the Regulars.

      The sculptor did his best work in the execution of customary emblems on a stone to the memory of a clerk of the town, whose records are a source of delight to every one who has an occasion to study them.

"Memento Mori."
OLIVER FLETCHER ESQ.
DEPARTED THIS LIFE NOV. 30, 1771, IN THE 63d YEAR OF HIS
AGE, AND HIS REMAINS ARE HERE INTERRED.

[Photo - "To the Memory of the Town Clerk, Chelmsford"]

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There are two memorial morial stones in this ancient burying-ground, which for position, design, execution, and preservation prompt a stranger to a diligent inquiry. They mark the graves of Colonel and Mrs. Jonas Clark, and serve to recall a most notable couple to the scene of action. Jonas Clark was the eldest son of Rev. Thomas Clark, born in 1684, and was early trained to walk in the strait and narrow way by a genuine New England clergyman. He doubtless disappointed his father in not following him in a

[Photo - "Clark Stones, Chelmsford"]

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profession; but he was a man of affairs, and became notable in that direction. He kept a tavern in what is now known as Middlesex Village, Lowell. It was near the ferry, and a resort for all fashionable people. He was foremost in civil and military affairs, and withal "a good Christian." Around him gathered the leaders of all branches of society. The coaches of Lowell's most wealthy and distinguished citizens of to-day are inferior to those with the armorial bearings of the Colonial times, which rolled up to that hospitable door where the stately Colonel received his relatives and guests, among them the Hancocks of mercantile and clerical life, and scores of like noted families. Of no less importance were the Colonel's associates in military affairs who also congregated at this house. The most timid rustic could not pass the tavern without turning to catch a glimpse of the spangle and glitter within; while the more brave presented themselves at the bar, drank from the common decanter, backed up to the flaming hearth, and witnessed such display's of Colonial grandeur as could be observed from their standpoint. The brilliancy of a dinner-party of those days has no parallel for the eyes of this generation.
      With the class of guests who sat at the Colonel's board, he might have been excused if he had kept silent on the great questions that exercised the minds of the Colonists during the latter part of his life; but he was bold in his declaration for the

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rights of the Colonies, yet did not live to see the clash of arms. Wrapped in his scarlet cloak, he was laid to rest with military honors in the spring of 1770; and it was truthfully recorded, "He was honored in his day, and was the glory of his times."

[Photo - "Clark Tavern, Lowell"]

As ancient is this hostelry As any in the land may be. Built in the old Colonial day, When men lived in a grander way With ampler hospitality.

LONGFELLOW.

The Parker homestead is another estate within the limits of Lowell which belonged to Old Chelmsford. While it is apparent that no other family has been in possession of the estate since

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the Indians quit their claim to Wamesit, it is impossible to decide when the first Parker set up-his home on the present attractive site. A petition of 1653 for a grant of a tract six miles square, "which bordereth upon Merrimack near Pautucket," bears the names of twenty-nine men, four of whom are Parkers. The first recorded birth, in 1653, was that of Joseph Parker. A well-founded tradition says that the wife of Abraham Parker was the first woman who "baked and brewed in Chelmsford." The first town clerk of the settlement was Jacob Parker, who, we believe, at this time was intending to become a permanent settler, but later removed, with Sarah his wife, to Malden. Some of their children, however, remained, and perhaps took up the work at this homestead relinquished by the parents. Benjamin Parker, born in 1663, is the first family proprietor known to have been located here on Chelmsford Neck. He married Sarah Howard, granddaughter of Major Simon Willard, one of the founders of Concord. They were succeeded by a son Benjamin, born in 1699, whose son Benjamin, born in 1723, continued the family possession. The next in order of descent is Jeduthan, born in 1763, succeeded by Benjamin, born in 1803, whose son Henry E. is the present owner. He has two sons, who represent the eighth generation on the homestead.
      This family, prominent and thrifty for more than

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two hundred and forty years, has not failed of a representative in each generation whose filial relations prompted him to a full appreciation of the work of those who have preceded him. There is now treasured in this home in the city of Lowell an accumulation of papers, among which are reminders of several changes in government from

[Photo - "Parker Homestead, Lowell"]

the days of the Indians to that of the present. Through the courtesy of Mr. Henry E. Parker, I am able to invite my readers to share in the consideration of some of them.
      The most attractive are two deeds written on skins of animals, so badly dressed as to be a poor apology for vellum. A hole in one was doubtless made by the bullet which killed the animal. The deeds are attached to rollers of primitive make.

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They bear date of December 14, 1686, and convey five hundred acres of land to forty-six white proprietors of Chelmsford. The land was a part of the Indian reservation granted for the benefit of the tribe through the interposition of John Eliot. There were five hundred acres on the north side of the river, and a much larger quantity on the south side. The chief of these Indians was Passaconnaway, who died in 1662, and was succeeded by his son Wannalancet, who, in following the injunction of his father, was peaceable and friendly with the white people. At the opening of King Philip's war he withdrew to the northward rather than join in the general attempt to exterminate the English settlers.
      As the natives abandoned the Wamesit grant, the lands were gradually occupied by individuals from Chelmsford and elsewhere; and in 1686 they sold the unoccupied tract of five hundred acres to Jonathan Tyng and Thomas Henchman, who conveyed it to the early proprietors. Among them was Benjamin Parker, then twenty-three years of age. This conveyance was in the "second year of the reign of our sovereign lord, King James the Second." It was before the union of the Plymouth and Bay Colonies, when the first charter was in force, and Simon Bradstreet was Colonial governor.
      The Wamesit purchase took place in the very month of the arrival of Sir Edmund Andros, who

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soon began to question the titles to all the lands held by the settlers, and especially declared that deeds from the Indians were no better than "scratches of a bear's paw." But the insurrection begun in Boston resulted in the expulsion of the tyrant, and the people had no trouble from that source as to the possession of their lands.

[Photo - "Commission To Benjamin Parker, Chelmsford"]

      The next of these papers to hold our attention is a commission granted by Governor Shirley in 1654 to the third Benjamin Parker as lieutenant in the first foot company of Chelmsford, of which Ebenezer Parker is captain. It is in the twenty-eighth year of the reign of his Majesty, King George the Second.
      This paper, bearing the autograph of "W. Shir-

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ley," reminds us that Lieutenant Benjamin Parker was active during that expedition under Sir William Pepperell which resulted in despoiling the thrifty Acadians of their homes and property, and scattered seven thousand of the exiles throughout the Provinces. Twenty-three of the Chelmsford men were engaged in that service. A good number of the victims of that questionable measure of war were soon found at the doors of the Chelmsford farmers, to be provided with the necessaries of life.
      Benjamin Parker continued to exercise the authority of his position through the remainder of the term of William Shirley, and also through the administration of Governors Phips, Pownal, and Bernard, and died soon after Thomas Hutchinson became governor. His death in May, 1771, called together a notable company, who were treated with all the courtesies of the age.
      The next paper to enlist our attention is the bill for the funeral supplies. Among the items purchased of Samson Stoddard are: "seventeen pairs of men's black gloves; twenty-two pairs of women's gloves; 3 black Handkerchiefs; 3 Veils; 1 piece of Black Ribband; 1 Black Fan; 3 yds. of Hat-band crape." Another paper shows that nine pairs of the men's and two pairs of the women's gloves were purple; one pair was white, and others were black. Other items were, "Rum & Shougar."

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The religious service at this funeral, according to Rev. Mr. Bridge's journal, was confined to a prayer by him. He noted that at the funeral of Mrs. Parker, a few years before, the prayer was offered in the parson's absence by the squire," the functionary next in order of dignity and importance in the town. We can see in fancy the large company of comrades and neighbors gathered on this day in the last of the spring month to do honor to the memory of Lieutenant Benjamin Parker. "The names of those who are to receive the gloves" is a paper which aids our imagination; and we see the long procession form in the yard, some with black, some with purple, gloves, and the clergyman with white ones. They present an imposing appearance as they take up the body of their neighbor, and bear it all the long way to Chelmsford Centre. There were doubtless those who compared the outlay at this funeral with that of other similar occasions; for the funeral customs had reached an extreme from which there soon came a decided reaction.
      The mourning customs of this time in the Bay Colony were such as the early settlers had brought from Europe to New England. Black was the color worn in the mother country by the people in general, but kings and cardinals appeared in purple.
      Rings were also an additional badge of mourning. The extremes to which this custom was

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often carried gave rise to legislation in 1721, and again in 1741, but with little effect. In 1743, at the death of Rev. Mr. Cooper, the amount of eight hundred and ninety-five pounds was collected in his congregation to meet the expense of the funeral, and to put his family, consisting of ten persons, and Dr. Colman into mourning. Among the items are twenty-nine rings for the ministers, and twelve dozen pairs of gloves.
      Isaac Royal of Medford in 1743 advertised, --

      "A handsome mourning coach and a pair of good horses to let to any funeral, at ten shillings old tenor, each funeral."

      It was the custom to hang the escutcheon of the deceased head of a family from a window, or over the entrance to the house from which a funeral took place. The last instance in Boston was that of the funeral of Thomas Hancock in 1764, when the family arms appeared over the entrance to the famous house on Beacon Hill. Scarfs were frequently added to the gifts on these occasions.
      The great and most decided change in funeral customs came during the contention with the mother country. The non-importation act had its effect, for imported garments had been more commonly used. In order to render the act more effective, the Grand American Continental Congress assembled at Philadelphia in the autumn of

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1774 passed resolutions. The eighth article was as follows: --

      "We, will, in our several stations s encourage frugality, economy and industry . . . and on the death of any relation, or friend, none of us, or any of our families will go into any further mourning dress, than a black crape or ribbon on the arm or hat, for gentlemen, and a black ribbon and necklace for ladies, and we will discountenance the giving of gloves and scarfs at funerals."

      The act generally adopted by a vote of the towns, coming soon after the funeral of Lieutenant Parker, leads to the conclusion that it was among the last occasions of the kind when this custom was practised to an extreme.
      Another suggestive paper of the collection recalls the time of peculiar trial in the Provinces, and reads: --

      "Permit Benja" Parker to pass the Guards from Head Quarters, May 23, 1775. J. WARD, Secretary.

      The Chelmsford men were among those who had left all in response to the Lexington alarm, and were a part of the army holding the soldiers of the king pent up in Boston. Benjamin Parker, either as soldier, or as one who had come to bring supplies, was given this pass, which served its purpose, and was added to the collection of earlier papers.
      An old wallet comes next to view, and its contents remind us that among the many questions

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involved in our Revolution was that of the currency. There was none more difficult to meet. Each colony had its paper money, current within its own borders, but passing, if at all, at a depreciated rate in the sister colonies. This gave rise to peculiar difficulties soon after the beginning of open hostility.
      The men who had come from beyond the limits of the Bay Colony had with them paper currency,

[Photo - "Parker Garret Treasures, Lowell"]

which was not accepted in exchange for the necessaries of life. This seemed hard in the extreme. They had left their peaceful abodes to succor their neighbors in distress, and when trying to pay their own expenses, found their money questionable. Our Provincial Congress made an early effort to remedy the difficulty by having the currency of Rhode Island and Connecticut pass in Massachusetts. They soon empowered the treasurer to borrow one hundred thousand pounds lawful money,

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secured by notes of the Province at six per cent, and made payable June 1, 1777. They also desired the other colonies to give currency to their securities. In June the Continental Congress ordered an emission of notes to the amount of two millions of dollars. Similar acts repeatedly followed as the war advanced. But a lurking sentiment of Toryism with some pretended patriots, as well as ordinary caution on the part of friends of the Provincial cause, usually commendable, had a depressing effect upon public confidence in paper currency. This prompted the Legislature to pass an act branding individuals as enemies to the country who declined to receive it for any pecuniary obligation. They all knew that a failure of the Provincial cause meant ruin to them, and that success might bring redemption of the doubtful currency. In the extremity they took the objectionable paper, and realized but little, if anything, upon it. That which remained in their hands was at length relegated to the old red chest, as in the Parker family, where the eighth generation brought it forth from the garret hiding-place, and patiently listened to the story of its intended purpose by the hearth-stone of early days.

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