Pratt Introduction, Index and Preface
A Comprehensive History, Ecclesiastical and Civil, of Eastham, Wellfleet and Orleans, County of Barnstable, Mass. from 1644 to 1844.Rev. Enoch Pratt. 1844. Yarmouth Massachusetts: W. S. Fisher and Co.
The book is 180 pages plus several pages of title, contents and preface. Eastham begins on page 1, Wellfleet on p 110, and Orleans on p 150. There is an additional note about a legal battle over ownership of formerly common lands on p 175. The last section, beginning on page 177, is A brief account of the customs and manner of living in the days of our forefathers.__________
pages: top, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, end
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HISTORY OF ORLEANS.
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DESCRIPTION.Orleans was formerly the south part of Eastham, but it was separated from that town, and incorporated by its present name, March 3d, 1797.
It is bounded on the East by the ocean, on the South by Pleasant bay and Chatham, on the West by Brewster and Harwich, and on the North-west by Barnstable bay. The county, which sketches east from Buzzard's bay to this place, here turns to the north, and extends in that course to Truro.
The length of the township is five miles, and the breadth from three to five miles. The surface of the land is some-what hilly. The county road runs through the north-west corner of the town.
Orleans is of very irregular form, the lines which separate it from the adjoining townships being crooked, and its shores being indented by coves and creeks.
Town cove has been described in the history of Eastham. The neck of land on the east side of this cove is called Tonset. The soil here is good.
A river or creek runs into Pleasant bay. The head of it, where it is narrow, is called Zeb's cove. Vessels drawing seven feet of water can come a half a mile below this cove, the northern part of which is two miles and a half from the mouth of the river, where it is half a mile wide.
The land east of this river is named Barley neck. The land here is better than that of Tonset.On the east side of Barley neck are coves, which communicate with Pleasant bay, and which separate the neck from Nauset beach.
The land which is situated between Barley and Tonset necks, and which terminates in Wood's neck, is called Pochet. Here there is also some good land.
North-east of Pochet, near the ocean, is a small neck of land, containing about fifty acres, called Weeset. It is separated from Tonset by a cove.
These several necks constitute a peninsula, the whole of which is denominated Pochet. The isthmus is not more than half a mile wide, and is situated between Town cove and Zeb's cove on the south.
A narrow beach forms the barrier of the waters which wash the eastern shores of Orleans. At Nauset harbor it joins the main land. On this beach, about half way between the entrances of Nauset and Chatham harbors, the trustees of the Humane Society, some years ago, built a hut to shelter the shipwrecked mariner.
Near this place, many years ago, was the mouth of Portmumqutt harbor, which filled up gradually.
This beach, on the inside, the most of the way, is skirted with salt marsh.
There are several islands in Pleasant bay, within the limits of Orleans
The largest is Pochet island, which is east of Barley neck, and contains the best land in the township. On its northeast side is a small body of salt marsh.
South-west of Pochet island is Sampson's island, containing about, thirty acres of good land. For many years after the first settlement of the town this island was used entirely for pasturing sheep. East of it and near it is a large body of salt marsh.
On the south, and connected with it at low water, is Hog island, containing about ten acres.
Southerly of Hog island is Sepson's island, which covers an extent of twenty acres.
These islands add much beauty to this sheet of water, and
give it a just title to the name which it has received, that of Pleasant bay.
Nearly opposite to this town, in the ocean, it is said, is the point where the tides from Narragansett and Massachusetts bays meet, and whence they separate,—the flow of the sea above this point being towards the north, and below it towards the south.
Leaving the peninsula of Pochet, and travelling round Orleans river or creek, on the west side of it is Naumkoyick neck, which is formed by Higgins' river on the north of it, and Naumkoyick creek on the south.
The south part of the township is called Potanumaquiet. This territory was inhabited by the Nauset tribe of Indians a long time after the settlement of the town. Their burying-place is still to be seen, and it is not more than seventy years since their meeting-house was standing.
The land here is light and sandy. It is mostly cleared, only a small part being now covered with brush-wood.
In the north-west part of the town, or the part bordering on Barnstable bay, is Namskaket creek, which is three quarters of a mile long, and which, as far as it goes, is the dividing line between Orleans and Brewster. It is very narrow, and its mouth is not quite so deep as Rock harbor. The territory near it, as well as the creek itself, is called Skaket. The land is light and sandy.
Little Skaket creek is some distance north of the Namskaket, and still smaller
Rock Harbor creek, lying north of Little Skaket, is nearly dry at low water, and at high tide is not more than seven feet deep. On all these creeks there are bodies of salt marsh. There are no brooks in the town; but there are sixteen fresh water ponds, which serve for the watering of cattle and other purposes.
From the description now given, it is apparent that there is a portion of good land in the township; but the greatest part of the soil is light and sandy, and some absolutely barren. Pochet island, years ago, would produce twenty bushels of Indian corn to an acre, without manuring; Barley and
Tonset necks, fifteen without and thirty with manure. The horse-foot, or king-crab, was formerly much used for manuring land when planted with Indian corn and potatoes. It was chopped into small pieces, of which not more than one or two were put in a hill: but while it aided the crop it tended to exhaust the land. For many years attention has been paid to the collection of sea-weed from the shores; but more at the present time than formerly. It is spread on the land, and ploughed into the furrow, and sometimes put into the potato hills. The corn raised here is solid and heavy, and formerly many hundred bushels were annually sent to Boston market. Rye and other vegetables are produced, sufficient for the consumption of the inhabitants. Some cattle are fattened for the home market, and several are sold in the towns below. Sufficient butter is manufactured for the use of the inhabitants. Forty years ago not more than ten tons of English hay was cut; at the present time the quantity is estimated at two hundred tons. Peat and other swamp lands have been cleared and sown with English grass. The salt marshes are of two kinds, sedge and short grass, and nearly eight hundred tons of salt hay are cut. There are a number of small orchards.
Very little wood is left in the township. The inhabitants use peat for fuel. This article is a good substitute for wood, and there are many swamps and meadows from which it can be obtained in sufficient quantities. The people were ignorant that they possessed this important article, until (many years ago) their minister, Mr. Osborn, who had learned the use of it in Ireland, first pointed it out, and taught them the art of drying and preparing it.
But the shores and coves of Orleans are more fertile than the land. The riches hid in the sands are not easily estimated. Though oysters are not to be found on the shores of Orleans, yet quahaugs and clams abound in greater profusion there than in any other part of the county.
The quahaug is a round and thick shell-fish. It does not bury itself deep in the sand, is generally found lying on it in deep water, and is taken with iron rakes made for the
purpose. Sometimes a few are picked up above low water mark. It is but little inferior to the oyster. It is cooked in various ways; roasted, boiled, fried, or made into soups or pies. About half an inch of the inside of the shell is of a purple color. This the Indians broke off and converted into beads, which they called black money: it was of double the value of wampum, or white money made of the periwinkle.
The sea clam is found on the flats at low water. Before the Indians learned of the English the use of the hoe, they hilled their corn with these shells, for which use they were adapted by their size.
The small clam is found in much greater abundance, and the business is a source of much greater profit. They bury themselves in the sand, from four to eighteen inches deep. The Indians were very fond of them, and being unacquainted with salt, they made use of them and their liquor to season their nasaump and boiled corn. They are considerably used by the inhabitants for food, and would be more valued if they were less common; but as long as a peck of clams, which is sufficient to afford a small family a dinner, can be procured with a little more labor than a peck of sand, they will not be very highly prized. Previous to 1802 five hundred barrels were annually dug here for bait. In that year one thousand barrels were collected, and for years afterwards. Between one and two hundred of the inhabitants were employed in this business, and received from their employers three dollars a barrel for digging, opening, salting and filling the casks. From twelve to eighteen bushels in the shell must be dug to fill a barrel, when opened. A man can earn at the business seventy-five cents a day.
A barrel of clams was worth six dollars.
A thousand bushels of clams are equal in value to six or eight thousand bushels of corn, and are procured with much less labor and expense. When, therefore, the fishes with which the coves of Orleans abound are taken into consideration, they may be truly regarded as more beneficial to the inhabitants than if the space which they occupy were covered with the richest soil.
The riches which they yield are inexhaustible ; for after a portion of the shore has been dug over and nearly all the clams taken out, at the end of two years, it is said, they are as plenty as ever. It is even said, by many persons, that it is as necessary to stir the clam ground frequently as it is to hoe a field of corn; because, if this is not done, the clams will be crowded so closely as to prevent them from attaining any size.
The land in Orleans is cultivated mostly by old men and small boys, as the male population between the ages of twelve and forty-five are engaged in the cod fishery and other descriptions of seafaring business. The fishing vessels in which they make their voyages are but few of them owned in the town, but are taken on shares from Duxbury, Plymouth, Boston and other places. The only vessels owned in Orleans in 1800 were three coasters, which brought fire-wood and lumber from the state of Maine, and one packet, plying between Rock harbor and Boston, At the present time there are two packets, some larger vessels engaged in commerce, and a few other small vessels.
When the census was taken in 1800 the number of inhabitants was 1095. There were one hundred and seventy-four families, who occupied one hundred and forty-two dwelling-houses. The houses were generally neat, convenient buildings ; five of them only were two stories in height. There was no village in the town, but the population was scattered. There were then three school-houses and the meeting-house; which stood on the isthmus of Pochet, and two wind-mills.
In 1830 there were two hundred dwelling-houses and about three hundred families. The valuation of the real and personal properly was $150,624.
An academy was built in 1827. This building is of convenient size and two stones in height. It contains a schoolroom in the lower story and a hall above. The building is owned by proprietors, who employ teachers qualified to instruct, in the higher branches of learning, those who have passed through the town schools. This institution has been of great importance to those engaged in seafaring pursuits,
in furnishing them with the instruction necessary to the prosecution of their business, as well as to others of both sexes who remain at home. Many have here been qualified teachers, and have taken charge of the town schools.
By an act of the General Court of Massachusetts, passed the third day of March, 1797, this part of Eastham was separated from that town and incorporated as an independent township, with all the privileges and immunities of the other towns in the commonwealth. Signed by the speaker of the House, Edward H. Robbins ; the president of the Senate Samuel Phillips, and by the governor, Samuel Adams.
Isaac Sparrow, Esq., was authorized and empowered by the act to issue his warrant to some principal inhabitant of the town of Orleans, requesting him to notify and warn the inhabitants to meet at some suitable time and place in the town, to choose such officers as other towns were by law required to choose in the months of March and April annually.
The above act secured to the town of Orleans forever all the ministerial lands then occupied and improved by it Rev. Mr. Bascom, situated in the town of Eastham. It was also enacted that the shell-fishery should remain and be enjoyed by the inhabitants of Eastham and Orleans, in the same manner as before, and should be regulated by the selectmen each town.
Isaac Sparrow, Esq., issued his warrant to Hezekiah Higgins to notify and warn the freeholders and others qualified to vote in town affairs to meet at the public meeting-house in said town, on the 16th day of March.
The town being assembled, agreeable to the above notice, made choice of Hezekiah Higgins as moderator. Benjamin Taylor was chosen town-clerk and treasurer; Hezekiah Higgins, Heman Linnel and Judah Rogers were chosen selectmen, and all other necessary town officers were chosen.
It was also agreed to send a petition to the General Court praying them to pass an act to prevent all persons from other towns from catching eels in Orleans, and Simeon Kingman, Hezekiah Higgins and Jonathan Hopkins were chosen as committee to attend to it.
The votes of the town were polled for governor, &c. Increase Sumner, for governor, had 59 ; Edward H. Robbins, for lieutenant, governor, 59 ; David Thacher, for senator, 58. Simeon Kingman was chosen to represent the town in the General Court.
The town chose a committee of five persons to prosecute the inhabitants of other towns for taking shell-fish in the town of Orleans.
Money was raised for the support of the gospel and for a town school or schools, and a committee was appointed to regulate the latter. An addition was also made to Rev. Mr. Bascom's salary. $333 33 was raised to support the schools, and $366 for the support of the poor. The town agreed that three school-houses should be built in the three districts, under the direction of the selectmen. Fish wardens were chosen. A committee was appointed to agree with Eastham, and also with the two parishes in Harwich, with respect to the taxing of real estate, lying in those towns, belonging to the inhabitants of Orleans.
A committee was appointed by a resolve of the General Court to repair to Orleans and Chatham to ascertain, settle and establish the boundary line between said towns. 'Having met and fully heard the parties, together with their pleas and allegations, and having all the witnesses and records produced by both parties, and maturely considered the same,' the committee agreed upon, settled and established the following as the boundary line between said towns:—'Beginning at the south-easterly corner of the town of Harwich, in Pleasant bay, from thence running easterly to the northward of Strong island to a stake set in the ground on Pocha beach, which stake bears south, seventy-five degrees east, from a black rock situated in the edge of the water of said bay, and from said stake a due east course into the sea; providing that nothing, in establishing the present line, shall be considered as to affect private properly.'
This committee were Isaac Thomson of Middleboro', John Dillingham of Brewster and Ebenezer Crocker of Barnstable. Their report was accepted by the General Court in February, 1797.
1798. Increase Sumner, for governor, had 73 votes; Edward H. Robbins, for lieut. do., 58; Solomon Freeman, for senator, 116; Micajah Coffin of Nantucket, for representative to congress, 70. Simeon Kingman was chosen to represent the town in the General Court. The usual sum was raised to carry on the schools in the different parts of the town, and the minister and selectmen were constituted a committee to examine the teachers and regulate the schools.
1799. Micajah Coffin received 78 votes for representative to congress.
Four families were set off from Eastham to this town,
1800. The death of General George Washington was noticed by the inhabitants, and at their request an oration was delivered by the Rev. Jonathan Bascom, which was printed at the expense of the town.
The major part of the votes for governor, lieut. governor and senator had been given for some previous years to Increase Sumner, Edward H. Robbins and Solomon Freeman. This year Elbridge Gerry received, for governor, 90 votes; Moses Gill, for Lieut. do., 55; Solomon Freeman, for senator, 92; Isaiah L. Green, for representative to congress, 52.
The meeting-house was repaired and painted. The old porch on the front was taken down, and a new one, two stories high, was built, in which the gallery stairs were placed, the end doors were closed and four new pews built, which were sold to pay the expense of the repairs, $482.
1802. According to Mr. Bascom's request, the town voted not to make good his salary, on account of the depreciation of money.
A pall was purchased to be used at funerals.
More attention than usual was given to the broken lands and the roads.
The bounds between this town and Brewster were renewed.
1803. The General Court having granted to the county of Barnstable a township of land in the district of Maine, to endow a public academy, to be located in the most conven-
ient part, Timothy Bascom, Esq., was chosen to meet the committee of said Court, on Tuesday the twenty-sixth day of July, to determine in what town it should be established. This institution was located in Sandwich.
1804. It was agreed that certain individuals might join with the people of Eastham to dig a canal from Town cove to the bay; that they might petition for an act of incorporation, and for a lottery, provided they would secure the town from all liability. The project failed.
James Sullivan, for governor, received 80 votes; William Heath, for lieutenant governor, 70; John Dillingham, for senator, 71.
New regulations were adopted for pasturing the flats and sedge grounds.
Isaiah L. Green, for representative to congress, received 72 votes; Lemuel Williams, for the same office, 10.
Money was appropriated for a singing-school.
1806. The school-houses, which belonged to the districts, were purchased for the town by a committee, viz. Mr. Hezekiah Higgins, Dea. Sparrow and Dea. Rogers, for the sum of six hundred and ninety dollars.
In 1807, the Rev. Jonathan Bascom died, aged sixty-seven, having labored here in word and doctrine; thirty-five years. He was a man of good talents and acquirements; domestic in his habits; pious and devoted to his calling; facetious and kind in his disposition; and his death was much lamented by his people. He administered baptism to nine hundred and ninety-six persons,* admitted two hundred and forty-five to the church, .and solemnized three hundred and seventeen marriages.
A small house was built for the town's military stores.
Mr. Benoni Baker was appointed by the town, to prevent dogs from coming into the meeting-house on the Sabbath, and was paid for this service.
Hon. Isaiah L. Green, for representative to congress, received 28 votes.
*What was called the half-way covenant was in use at this time. Persons not belonging to the church, on owning this Covenant, brought their children to be baptized.
The town and church took measures to procure a candidate for settlement in the ministry, and Mr. Jesse Fisher was heard. A call was given to him to settle with them, and $500 was voted as his salary; also, that he should have the liberty to be absent, three Sabbaths each year; and that if he should be sick for some time the town would supply the pulpit, and his salary stop, for that time. Mr. Fisher declined settling on these conditions.
1808. Mr. Daniel Johnson was then invited to preach to them as a candidate. A unanimous call was extended to him to settle, and the sum of $585 was offered to him during his natural life, or $600 per annum, with the use of a pew in the meeting-house; his salary to be annually estimated—one quarter on corn, rye and flour, one quarter on dry cod-fish, one eighth on pork and beef, one eighth on wood, and one quarter on the remaining articles of consumption, in equal proportions.
The deacons of the church were appointed as a committee to inform Mr. Johnson of their proceedings, and to report to the town the result. This call and the conditions being satisfactory, he gave his answer in the affirmative, and was ordained March 11th, 1808.
Mr. Willis of Kingston made the introductory prayer; sermon, by Rev. John Reed, D. D., of Bridgewater; ordaining prayer, by Rev. Hezekiah Sanger, D. D., of do.; charge, by Rev. William Shaw, D. D., of Marshfield; fellowship of the churches, by Rev. Philander Shaw of Eastham; and concluding prayer, by Rev. Mr. Kendall of Plymouth.
At this time Mr. Johnson's salary was estimated as follows:—Corn and rye, $1,00 per bushel; flour, $7,00 per barrel; dry cod-fish, $3,75 per quintal; beef, $5,75 per hundred, pork, $9,00 do. do.; butter, twenty-five cents per pound; cheese, thirteen cents do. do.; molasses, forty-four cents per gallon; oak wood, $8,50 per cord.
Mr. Johnson is a native of West Bridgewater, and graduated at Brown university, 1804. He continued to be the pastor of the church twenty years, when he was dismissed at
his own request, believing, in consequence of many unpleasant circumstances which existed at that time, that he might be more useful in some other part of the Lord's vineyard. He was to this town and church a very devoted and faithful minister of Jesus Christ.
When he was settled here he was a Unitarian and an Arminian, but be was soon convinced of these errors and hopefully converted.
During his ministry here there were revivals of religion, and one hundred and fifty members were added to the church. He baptized five hundred and twenty-five persons and solemnized two hundred and forty-four marriages.
Since his dismission from this people he has been preaching in western New York, with good acceptance and success.
Capt. Gideon Gardner, for representative to congress, received 99 votes.
1809. Hon. Levi Lincoln, for governor, received 116 votes; Hon. Joseph B. Varnum, for lieutenant governor, 114; Hon. Joseph Dimmick, for senator, 104.
For the first time the town raised and assessed the tax to defray the expenses of the ministry separately from the money raised to pay the town charges.
1810. Hon. Elbridge Gerry, for governor, received 125 votes; William Gray, for lieutenant governor, 123; Joseph Dimmick. for senator, 111; Hon. Isaiah L. Green, for representative to congress, 30.
Power was given to the selectmen to establish the line and bounds between this town, Chatham and Eastham.
About this time two new school-houses were built.
Money was raised to support the poor, and for all other town expenses.
Four new pews were made in the meeting-house, and the proceeds of their sale applied for the support of the gospel. A bass-viol was also purchased,: this was the first instrument ever used to assist the singers in this place.
A remonstrance was sent to the General Court against a petition which the town of Brewster had presented to that
body, praying that horses might run at large on the west shore.
1812. An attempt was made to enlarge the meeting-house, by carrying out the back end twelve feet, but as there were many opposed to it the project was relinquished.
The votes for governor and other state officers were the same as in former years. John Dillingham, Esq.; for senator, received 117 votes; John Reed, for do., 22, and for representative to congress, 35.
This year was memorable on account of the declaration of war with Great Britain. This being a fishing and commercial town, the inhabitants suffered much, being cut off from these employments, by which the greater portion of them obtained their support. But, notwithstanding this, they readily and earnestly engaged in the defence of the country, and did what they could, both on the sea and on the land, to obtain those rights for which the war was waged. The militia was trained, equipped and held in readiness to obey the call of the government in defence of their own or other towns.
This was truly a republican town, and a great majority of the votes was invariably given for men of the same political sentiments, both for United States and state rulers.
1813. A road and landing-place was laid out at Rock harbor. The land being claimed by individuals as their property, much pains was taken to search the ancient records, from which it was found that this land was never set off to the claimants or their ancestors, but was the legal property of the town.
The town agreed to pay the expenses of training the militia.
1814. The British ships of war were in Provincetown harbor, or cruising in the bay, and they threatened to land and destroy the salt-works, vessels and other property in the town. A committee of safety was appointed, and sentinels were placed on the west shore, to give the alarm if the enemy should attempt to carry their threats into execution.
John Reed, Esq., for representative to congress, received 30 votes; Thomas Hazard, for do., 25.
It was voted to provide for the militia, whenever called out of town, till they arrived at head-quarters.
The exempts in the town proposed to form themselves into an artillery company, provided the government would furnish them with proper munitions of war. Simeon Kingman, Esq., was sent to Boston to communicate this proposal and obtain stores and pieces for said company,—the town having agreed to pay him twenty dollars for his time and expenses,—but as he was unsuccessful and returned without the articles, the company was not organized.
The enemy made attempts to land, but were driven back by the militia, who suffered no loss of life, although one or more of the assailants were killed.
Money was demanded of the town, that protection and security might be guaranteed to the property and inhabitants, but the offer was promptly rejected.
1815. A treaty of peace was concluded between our government and Great Britain, and the war ceased, to the great joy and prosperity of the town.
A petition was sent to the General Court for permission to sell the remaining portion of Indian lands in this town and Brewster.
1816. The same epidemic prevailed here as in Eastham, and many died. Doct. Seabury being sick of the same fever, Doct. Phinney of Barnstable was employed; and the town voted to pay him thirty-three dollars for his services in those families that were not able to pay.
The ministerial upland was sold at public auction, and the interest of the purchase money applied for the support of the gospel.
John Reed, Esq., for representative to congress, received 16 votes; Walter Folger, Jr., for do., 30.
1817. John Reed, for representative to congress, received 30 votes; Walter Folger, for do., 22; Henry Dearborn, for governor, 45; John Brooks, for do, 13, Solomon Freeman, for senator, 50.
1818. A large and respectable committee was appointed by the town, to make a representation to congress respecting
the salt-works owned by the inhabitants, and praying that the duty might be continued on salt.
Another committee was chosen, to join the committees appointed by the towns of Brewster and Harwich, to petition the General Court for liberty to sell all the remaining land, which lay partly in each town, and had belonged to the Potanumaquiet Indians, for their benefit. This petition was granted by the Court, and the land was sold for three hundred dollars, which sum was equally divided.
A channel was dug through the back side beach, below Strong island, by the inhabitants of ibis town and Chatham, for the benefit of the salt meadows on the inside, but it soon filled with sand and their labor was lost.
1819. The town was divided into six school districts, and two new school-houses were built.
REFORMED METHODIST CHURCH.
Several ministers of this denomination, particularly Rev. Mr. Brit, had visited and preached in this town before 1820, when a church was organized and a meeting-house erected.
For some years they had the labors of different ministers, until 1830, when the society began to dwindle, and the house was closed. The number belonging to the church and society has not been ascertained.
EPISCOPAL METHODIST CHURCH.
From the remains of the above a new church was organized in 1836, under the care and direction of the bishop and conference. The old house was taken down and another built, near the academy, in 1837. It is a very neat and commodious building for public worship, forty-four by thirty-six feet. The society have had the labors of Rev. T. G. Brown two years, Rev. P. Crandall one. Rev. J. Litch one, Rev. H. Perry one, Rev. J. Bicknell one, Rev. T. G. Blake one, and Mr. E. B. Hinckley, who is now with them.
They have had revivals of religion at different times, and hopeful converts have been added to the church, the number of which is not known to the writer. The church and society comprise about one fifth of the inhabitants of the town.
1820. Strong measures were taken to suppress the sale and use of spirituous liquors. No person was approbated by the selectmen to retail the poison.
BAPTIST CHURCH.
'The Baptist church in Orleans was constituted in June, 1826. Rev. John Peak and Rev. Otis Wing performed the services of the occasion. The original members were dismissed from the Baptist church in Brewster.
'Although the church was small at first, (only eight in number,) they were encouraged to hope in God, feeling confident that .he would sustain them in their work, and maintain the cause in which they had engaged.
'Rev. Mr. Wing preached to them one third of the time from their organization until October, 1837. After this they were supplied by different ministers for a period of seventeen months. In the autumn of 1828 a convenient house of worship was completed and dedicated to Almighty God. Rev. Jesse Pease preached the sermon of dedication.
'In February, 1829, they had so increased that they thought the time had arrived for them to make an effort to maintain a pastor. They succeeded. Rev. Winthrop Morse as the man of their choice. When Mr. Morse commenced the labors of a pastor with the church their prospects were flattering; the way seemed to be prepared for them to go on to certain victory over all opposition. But, instead of prosperity, trials came. It was soon manifested that different views were entertained, and the result was, the removal of a worthy, affectionate and faithful pastor, and the exclusion of several from the church.
'Mr. Morse asked and received his dismission in April, 1831. At that time the church was greatly discouraged; being destitute of a pastor, and their pecuniary resources not sufficient to maintain one, they mournfully said, "By whom shall Jacob arise, for he is small." They had preaching however, the most of the time after Mr. Morse left them, till November, 1832. Then, having received encouragement to hope for assistance to support a minister, they secured the
services of Rev. Enoch E. Chase. During the ministrations of Mr. Chase the church enjoyed a good degree of harmony, and were nourished and comforted by the pure word of God, which was brought before them in a plain and affectionate manner, and their hearts were made glad in witnessing the conversion of sinners. He retained the relation of pastor till April, 1836, and then asked and received his dismission. In November following Rev. Silas Riply became pastor of the church, and continued his services till September, 1837. The ministrations of Mr. Riply were owned and blessed of God. The church was edified and instructed; several were brought to the knowledge of the truth, were baptized, and gave themselves to the church.
'After Mr. Riply asked and received his dismission the church employed Rev. Jesse Pease till April, 1838. When. Mr. Pease left Rev. Davis Lothrop accepted the call to become pastor, and has continued his labors to this time (July, 1843.) Within the last five years God has been very gracious to his people. Peace and good will, for the most of the time, have prevailed among them—the manifestation of the Holy Spirit has been repeatedly realized, and sinners, of every class, have been convened to God. One hundred and forty-nine have been connected with the church since its organization. The number in the church at the present, time is one hundred and eight.'
1829. It was resolved by the Congregational church and society to build a new house of public worship. They say— 'This being an important epoch in the history of this church and society, it should be recorded to the praise of God that he has inclined the hearts of this people to build an house for God, and with great unanimity in their councils and proceedings, have accomplished this important undertaking.' The old house, which had stood one hundred and eleven years, was taken down, and the new one was raised on the sixteenth of July, 1829, and was finished on the eighteenth of November and dedicated to the sacred Trinity. It is a large and commodious house, with a tower and bell.
At this time the Rev. John Turner was their preacher, and he was particularly instrumental in engaging the people in this work. Some difficulties arose between Mr. Turner and the church, and his labors with them were discontinued.
After this the Rev. Mr. Scovel supplied the pulpit for some time. During this period a committee of the church, to which Mr. Scovel was joined, was appointed to draw up articles of faith and a new covenant, with rules of government. The following articles were reported, unanimously accepted, adopted, and ordered to be printed.
1. We believe that there is one god, the Father Son and Holy Ghoat.
2. That the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament were given by Divine Inspiration, and contain the only perfect rule of faith and practice.
3. That God maintains a righteous government over all his creatures.
4. That man has fallen from the state for which he was originally created, and is by nature entirely destitute of holiness.
5. That an atonement is made for all by the Lord Jesus Christ, so that repentance and faith are now the conditions of salvation.
6. We believe in the necessity of our being renewed by the agency of the Holy Spirit; in the increase of holiness, and perseverance unto salvation, of all who truly believe in the doctrine of a general resurrection ; in the everlasting blessedness of the righteous, and the endless punishment of the finally impenitent.
A disagreement arose between the church and society respecting the labors of Mr. Scovel, which induced him to leave them.
Committees were then chosen by the church and society to obtain a minister.
The following rules were adopted by the church, who agreed to be governed by them:
1. We will not attend places of amusement, such as bring dishonor on the cause of Christ.
2. We will regard the Sabbath as a day sacred to the worship of God.
3. We will pay for the support of the gospel at home and abroad, as God shall give us ability ; and, as heads of families, we will attend family worship morning and evening.
4. We will punctually attend the monthly concert of prayer, preparatory lectures and church meetings, and as far us possible encourage our minister promoting vital godliness among us, by God's assistance.
The church formed themselves into an association for the due observance of the Christian Sabbath.
1831. The poorhouse was built, which is a large and convenient building. There are now twenty-two paupers, who are supported at an average expense of about sixty cents each per week.
UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY.
1833. 'The Universalist society was organized, having had preaching of their peculiar sentiments at a much earlier period.
'Individuals who seceded from the Congregational society were the first members of it. In the winter of 1834 they were incorporated by the name of the Universalist Society of Orleans. In the year 1833 they built their meeting-house, which is thirty feet by forty, containing fifty pews on the floor, with galleries on three sides. It cost $1750, and is a neat and commodious house.
'The first regular settled preacher was Rev. Ezekiel Vose, who was ordained in 1834, and held his connection with them until 1840, when he was succeeded by Rev. James G. Burt, who left them in the spring of 1843, and their present pastor, Rev. Stillman Barden, was settled.'
The town undertook to improve Rock Harbor river. A special meeting was called to consider the subject, and it was thought that it might be made deep enough for vessels to come in and go out at high water. An act of incorporation was obtained by a company formed for that purpose, and a dam was built across the creek, to prevent the escape of the water. By letting it out at low water it was believed that the channel would be sufficiently deepened, but the experiment did not prove successful. The whole expense was about $2000.
The town was divided into nine school districts.
The portion of the surplus revenue received by the town was $3000. For two years it was loaned to individuals on good security. At the end of that time the disposition of it became a matter of dispute and contention, and it was voted that a portion of it should be appropriated in payment of town expenses, and the remainder to build a town house.
In 1835 Mr. Stillman Pratt was heard as a candidate for settlement, and received a unanimous call to become pastor over the Congregational church and society.
In a letter to Mr. Pratt the committee say—
'At a regular meeting of the Congregational church we have voted, unanimously, to give you a call to settle over us in the gospel ministry as our pastor.
WILLIAM MYRICK,
JOSHUA DOANE,
DANIEL CUMMINGS,
Committee.'Orleans, 31st March, 1835.'
With this call the parish concurred as follows:
'Mr. Stillman Pratt,
' Dear Sir:—The Congregational society in Orleans being, on sufficient grounds, satisfied of your ministerial qualifications, and having good hopes from our past experience of your labors, that your ministerial labors will be profitable to our spiritual interests, do earnestly call and desire you to undertake the pastoral office in said society.
' And, that you may be free from worldly cares and avocations, we hereby promise and oblige ourselves to pay you the sum of five hundred dollars annually, during the time of your being and continuing the regular pastor of said society.
'And in case either party become dissatisfied, by giving three months' notice this connection shall be dissolved.
' In witness whereof we subscribe our names.
JOSHUA DOANE,
THOMAS HIGGINS,
DANIEL CUMMINGS,
Committee of the Congregational Society.'Orleans, 31st March, 1835.'
The answer of Mr. Pratt was as follows:
' To the Congregational Church and Society in Orleans:
'Dear Brethren and Friends:—I have received your joint call inviting me to the pastoral office among you, and while I trust I am not insensible to the responsibilities of the station, and my own inability properly to discharge its duties, yet having prayerfully considered the subject, and presuming still on your candor and forbearance,
desiring moreover to rely implicitly on divine illumination and strength, I will endeavor to serve you according to the best of my power— earnestly requesting an interest in your prayers, that wisdom and strength may be vouch safed from above, sufficient for every effort to advance your spiritual interests and eternal good—wishing you the blessings of heaven in this life, as well as the favor of God hereafter.
' In the bonds of the gospel,STILLMAN PRATT.
Orleans, April 15th, 1835.'
An ecclesiastical council was convened April 22, 1836, when Mr. Pratt was ordained. Rev. Mr. Orcutt made the introductory prayer; Rev. E. Pratt preached the sermon; Rev. Mr. Boyter made the ordaining prayer; Rev. Mr. Shaw gave the charge, and Rev. Mr. Williams made the concluding prayer.
A parsonage house was built, and the Hersey fund ($540,) was expended in part payment of it. For about eight years previous to the settlement of Mr. Pratt the church and society had been without a regularly ordained minister over them, during which time the church had been diminishing in numbers and strength. Mr. Pratt continued with them about four years, and during that time the church and society experienced several refreshing showers of God's grace, which resulted in the hopeful conversion of one hundred and fifteen souls.
The whole number at the time of his dismission, which was in 1839, was one hundred and seventy-five. The congregation then numbered one hundred and seventy-one families and seven hundred souls—about one third of the entire population of the town.
The reason of his separation from them was, that the parish did not conform to their agreement with him, in the payment of his salary. He was dismissed by a mutual council called for the purpose, April 23, 1839, and is now settled in Adams. The council, having the fullest confidence in the Christian and ministerial character of Mr. Pratt, cordially and affectionately recommended him to the churches of Christ, wherever he might be called in the providence of God to preach the gospel, as a minister in regular standing.
The Rev. Hazael Lucas supplied the pulpit two years, when the Rev. Jacob White, their present minister, commenced his labors with them. At that time the number of members of the church was one hundred and fifty. The number at present is one hundred and ninety-one. The congregation on the Sabbath is large, and there are but few who do not regularly attend public worship. The Sabbath school and bible classes contain about one hundred and fifty.
The cause of temperance is very prosperous in this town.__________
EDUCATION.
Money raised and appropriated for the town schools.1797—$333 33.
1798—$75.
1799—$200.
1800—$200.
1801 to 1815—$246.
1816 to 1826—$300.
1826 to 1836—$360.
1836 to 1844—$900.Number of public schools, 9.
Whole number of pupils, 1069.
Number between four and sixteen years, 608.
Valuation, $175,335.
CENSUS.
1797
.....
1244 1800
.....
1248 1810
.....
1248 1820
.....
1348 1830
.....
1799 1840
.....
1953
173
SELECTMEN.
1797—
Hezekiah Higgins, four years. Heman Linnel, one year. Dea. Judah Rogers, sixteen years. 1798—
Jona. Hopkins, one year. Thomas Arey, one do. 1799—
Dea. Richard Sparrow, thirteen years. 1801—
Barnabas Twining, three do. 1804—
Nathaniel Knowles, seven do. 1811—
Gideon Snow, two do. 1812—
John Myrick, eleven do. 1813—
Stephen Snow, one year. 1814—
Daniel Cummings, fourteen years. Jabez Sparrow, three do. 1817—
Thomas Higgins, six do. 1818—
John Kenrick, Esq., thirteen do. 1820—
Asa Rogers, four do. 1824—
Jona. Freeman, one year. 1827—
Joseph L. Rogers, five years. 1828—
Elisha Cole, seven do. 1829—
Zoeth Taylor, one year. William Smith, one do. 1832—
Sparrow Horton, two years. 1833—
Matthew Kingman, two do. 1834—
Joshua Doane, five do. 1835—
Edward Barber, three do. Asa Hopkins, seven do. 1842—
Joseph G. Sloan, two do. 1844—
Josiah Freeman, one do.
TOWN CLERKS AND TREASURERS.Benjamin Taylor, from 1797 to 1800.
Timothy Bascom, from 1800 to 1814.
Gideon Snow, from 1814 to 1834.
Barnabas Snow, from 1834 to 1840.
William Myrick, from 1840 to 1844.
REPRESENTATIVES TO THE GENERAL COURT.1798 and '99—Simeon Kingman.
1800 to 1807—Dea. Richard Sparrow.
1808 and 1809—Jona. Bascom.
1810—Richard Sparrow.
1811—Simeon Kingman.
1812 to '16—Jona. Bascom.
1817 to '24—Daniel Cummings.
1825 to '27—John Doane, Esq.
1828—Daniel Cummings.
1829—Daniel Cummings ; John Doane, Esq.
1830—Daniel Cummings ; John Kenrick, Esq.
1831—John Kenrick, Esq.; Sparrow Horton.
1833— Elisha Cole; Thatcher Snow.
1834—Elisha Cole; Elisha Hopkins.
1835—Ebenezer Rogers; Elisha Cole.
1836—Ebenezer Rogers; Thomas Mayo.
1837—Edward Barber; Richard Sparrow.
1838—Edward Barber; Luther Snow.
1839—Luther Snow; Nathaniel Freeman.
1840 and '41—Joshua Doane.
1842 and '43—Seth Higgins.
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