History of the town of Hingham, Plymouth County, Massachusetts

Preface

'***9^^9 ** ' "

My design in the compilation of the following pages, has been to collect such facts relating to the settlement, subsequent history, and present state of the town of Hingham, as appeared to be worthy of preservation. The consideration that many of these facts were preserved only by tradition, or recorded in the decaying leaves of public and private records, rendered it desirable that an opportunity should be embraced to preserve them in a more durable form. Nearly two centuries have elapsed since this town was settled, and no full sketch of its history has ever been published. I have been desirous of noticing such individuals as have been distinguished in public or private life, and especially those of whom only traditionary information is preserved — and that fast fading from the memory of our aged fathers. It has been my endeavour to be scrupulously correct ; but it will not be remarkable, if some errours in deciphering ancient manuscripts and in copying our town records (some portions of which have become almost illegible,) should have escaped me.

There may be much of this history, which, to some readers, will appear uninteresting, and perhaps some portions of it may be thought too trifling and unimportant to be given to the public. The consideration that we search with avidity for almost any facts ■which are rendered interesting solely on account of their antiquity, and that " the trifles of the present age become matters of weight with future generations," is a sufiicient reason for the mtroduction of facts of this description.

IV PREFACE.

Wliile engaged in collecting the materials, I have been indebted" to many gentlemen in this and other towns, for the readiness with which they have attended to my inquiries for information, and for the kindness with which they have loaned to me valuable manuscripts which have been of essential service to me in endeavouring to illustrate the early history of the town. I feel under particular obligations to Hon. James Savage, for the politeness with which he has furnished information from the public records in Boston, and for the loan of the manuscripts of the late James Otis Lincoln- ; and to JoTHAM Lincoln, Esq, Town Clerk of Hingham, for his imwearied patience in furnishing whatever I have desired from the town records. Other gentlemen, to whom I am indebted for much genealogical and traditionary information, will, I hope, find a sufficient acknowledgement of their kindness in the notes.

Influenced by no other motive but that of wishing to preserve for the gratification of the inhabitants of Hingham, whatever is worthy of preservation in the history of the town, or in the character of individuals, I trust that any imperfections w ill be regarded with candour ; and shall think myself richly compensated for the time which I have devoted to the subject, if my readers can find any thing in the result of my labours, productive of instruction or amusement;

S. LINCOLN, JR HINGHAM, Decemhtr 1st, 1827.

HISTORY OF HINGHAM.

HiNGHAM, a Post Town, in the County of Plymouth., Massachusetts, has the Bay, North, — Cohasset, East, — Scituate and Abington, South, and Weymouth, West. The greatest extent of the town from North to South, is seven miles and three quarters, and from East to West, about five miles — containing 13,775 square acres. The original limits of Hingham embraced the present tow^n of Cohasset, which was set off and incorporated April 26, 1770. Until March 26, 1793, Hingham formed a part of Suffolk County ; at that time, it was annexed to the new County of Norfolk. By an act of the Legislature, passed June 20, 1793, repealing the former act, so far as it related to Hingham and Hull, Hingham again became a part of the County of Suffolk ; and by an act passed June 18th, 1803, Hingham was annexed to the County of Plymouth, of which it now forms a part. The distance from Hingham to Plymouth is 26 miles, and from Hingham to Boston, about 14 miles by land, and between 12 and 13 by water.

Surface, Soil, Productions, &c. A considerable portion of this town is of an uneven surface. The northem section of the settlement, is principally in a valley, between continued elevations of land, generally of easy ascent, but sometimes abrupt and rocky. Leaving the northerly section, and following the main road to Plymouth, we ascend to a higher and level tract of land, called the " Lower Plain." Leaving the " Lower Plain," we soon ascend again to high and level land, called " Glad Tidings Plain ;" still higher and farther south, is " Liberty Plain." In the north part of the town, near the sea shore, there are several beautiful eminences, which afford excellent views of the metropolis of the State and its environs, of Boston Harbour, and of the adjacent country. The highest elevation of land is at Prospect Hill, in the southerly part of the town ; and the next highest is at Turkey Hill, in the easterly part. Baker's,* Otis's,! Squirrel and Pleasant Hills, in the north part of the town, command extensive and delightful prospects. The land at Hockley Fields, and in the western part of the town, has a beautifully undulating surface.

The soil, is in many parts of the town, rich and productive. North of the main road from Hingham Bridge at the Back River, to Cohasset, (except at the eastern part,) the soil is uncommonly fertile, and produces abundant crops of grass, grain and vegetables, with the application of comparatively little labour. There is also, excellent land in the north-easterly part of the town, and upon the Plains ; in the south-westerly and westerly parts the soil is lighter, and best calculated for grazing. In the southerly and easterly sections, there are extensive tracts of valuable woodland abounding with the pine, the oak, the

* Baker's Hill derives its name from Nicholas and Nathaniel Baker who settled at its foot.

t Otis's Hill takes its name from John Otis, one of the first settlers of the town. Its original name was Weary-all Hill, on account of the abruptness of its ascent on the south side.

HISTORY OF HINGIIAM. «

maple and the walnut. There are many enterprizing and good farmers, whose skill and industry are richly rewarded. Considerable attention is paid to the cultivation of fruit trees, but the productions of the soil are not sufficient to supply the wants of the inhabitants.

Mechanical and mercantile pursuits have of late, attracted more attention than agriculture. In 1820, the number of persons engaged in agriculture, was 279, and in commerce and manufactures 540.

Streams and Pond. The only considerable collection of fresh water is Accord Pond, in the south part of the town. It is situated partly in Hingham, Abington, and Scituate. The principal stream of water which flows through the town, originates from this pond — it is called Wear River * A small brook which flows from the west part of the town, and empties into the Mill Pond at the Harbour, it is said, attracted the attention of the first inhabitants and induced them to settle in the valley through which it flows. Weymouth Back River, a navigable stream, separates Hingham from Weymouth. A bridge was thrown across this stream, in 1812, by the Hingham and Quincy Bridge and Turnpike Corporation.

Islands. Within the limits of Hingham, there are five small islands, viz, : Bumkin, Chandler's (sometimes called Langiey's,) Ragged, Sailor's (sometimes called Sarah's,) and Button island. Bumkin island, the largest and most valuable, is situated without the harbour, the others are within the harbour.

Manufactures, Trade and Commerce. There are in Hingham, two manufactories of woollens — three grist mills — one furnace for the casting of hollow and other

* Wear River takes its name from the fact that a wear was erected in this river to take alewives. The town authorized Thomas Loring, Clement Bates, Nicholas Jacob, and Joseph Andrews to erect a wear for that purpose, in 1637.

iron ware, — one brass foundry — several tanneries — one rope-walk — salt works — one saw-mill — a printing office — book store — and an extensive manufactory of umbrellas, See* In addition to these, there is the usual variety of mechanics to be found in most towns of a similar size, viz. : iron smiths, silver smiths, wheelwrights, ploughmakers, pump and block makers, sail makers, coopers, book-binders, cabinet and chair makers, saddle, harness and trunk makers, hat manufacturers, a clock maker, bakers, &c.

There is also, a large number of traders in English, American and West India o;oods.

There is but one Hotel, which is near the centre of the North Tillage. At the Harbour is a Ship Yard, in which one or more vessels are annually built. t

The shipping of the place is mostly employed in the cod and mackerel fishery ,J and in the lumber trade and other coastwise navigation. There are four convenient Packets, which ply regularly between Hingham and Boston, for the transportation of passengers and goods.

* In the " Hingham Umbrella Manufactory," there are made annually, about 25,000 umbrellas and parasols. The number of persons employed is from 35 to 40. Mr. Benjamin S. Williams, superintendant.

t William Pitts had liberty from the selectmen to build ships and other vessels at Konohasset (Cohasset) in 1675 ; and J. Blane in 1693 had permission " to build a vessel or two near the mill." — Toivn Records.

t Since the year 1815, there has been the number of one hundred and fifty-nine thousand, seven hundred and thirty-five barrels of mackerel packed in this town. The year 1817 is not included in the estimate ; the number of barrels packed in that year not being known. These mackerel were all assorted into Nos. 1, 2, and 3 — and the same Nos. are usually carried to the same markets each year. Nos. 1 are principally taken to PJiiladelphia — 2 to the Southern States, and 3 to the West India Islands.

There are about forty sail of vessels owned in this place, chiefly employed in this business ; and their trips are from one to six weeks, c«f the' weather and their fortunes may be. The vessels average

PoPULATiOxV. In 1765, Hingham (including Cohasset) contained a population of 2467 souls. In 1800, the population of Hingham alone was 2112, viz. : Males 951 ; Females 1121 ; Coloured people 40. In 1810 the whole population was 2382. The following is a view of the census of 1820 :

Males under 10 yrs. 378 Females 367

16 '' 26 '' 256 258

26 '' 45 " 293 339

45 and upwards 225 . 333

1370 1492

1370 2862

Foreigners not naturalized, 10

Engaged in agriculture, 279

" " commerce, 153

" '' manufactures, 387

Coloured people of both sexes, 45

First Parish, 1511 R.Polls 403

Third Society, 602 '' " 129

Gain in 10 years, 480.

from six to ten hands each. The following table will show the number of sail, and the amount of barrels packed each year.

No. sail, No. bbls. No. sail. No. bbls.

1821, 27 10875 {

The quantity of salt used in striking and packing the above mentioned number of barrels of mackerel, was 199;G67 bushels.— Hingham Gazette, Feb. 9, 1827.

1*

The present number of qualified voters is about 550 , and of families, 600. The town is undoubtedly as flourishing as it has been at any former period, and if the increase of population since 1820, has been in the same ratio, as for the 10 years previous, the present population of the town would amount to 3200 souls.

The actual number of polls assessed, was, in 1815, 514 ; in 1820, 547, and in 1826, 628.

Militia. There are in Hingham, three standing companies of militia, commanded by Capt. Charles Shute, Capt. Joshua Humphrey, and Capt. Alfred C. Hersey. There is also an excellent corps of Riflemen, called the Hingham Rifle Company. This company received its charter in 1812. The commanders of the company have been the following gentlemen, viz. :

Capt. Duncan M. B. Thaxter,* (resigned.) Capt. Jairus Sprague, (resigned.) Capt. Laban Hersey, Jr. (promoted.) Capt. Charles Lane, (promoted.) The present officers are I^ieutenant, James Stephenson, Jr. Ensign, Benjamin Thomas, Jr. ; the oflice of Captain being vacant on account of the promotion of Capt. Lane to the office of Major.

Fire Engines, &c. There are in this town four Engines for its security against fires. Fifteen men are attached to each engine. The companies are supplied with fire hooks, ladders, &c. &c.

A considerable number of the citizens have formed a .Society for mutual relief in case of fires.

Insurance Co3ipany. The Hingham Mutual Fire Insurance Company was incorporated March 4, 1826,

* Capt. Thaxter, was a liberal, inteiligenf, enterprising, and valuable citizen. He died Feb. 4, 1822, and was interred with ma- -sonic and military honours.

HISTORY OF HINGHAM. H

for the purpose of Mutual Insurance against losses by fire. It is now in successful operation.

The present officers of the company are the following, viz. :

Jotham Lincoln, President, David Whiton, Treasurer, David Harding, Secretary, Directors, Elijah D. >Yild, Thomas Loud, John Beal, Benjamin Thomas, Moses Sprague, Jr. and Ezekiel Fearing.

Society of Mutual Aid, &c. The Society of Mutual Jlid was formed by a large number of gentlemen, for the purpose of assisting each other in the recovery of any property that may be stolen from a member of the society = — and for the detection of thieves. The society has a fund, for the promotion of the objects of its institution. The officers are a clerk, and a standing committee. The present clerk is Mr, David Andrews.

Agricultural Society. The Hingham Agricultural Society was formed in March, 1814. The society has a small library of books relating to agricultural subjects. The present officers are as follows, viz. : Solomon Jones, President, James Stephenson, Vice President, John Beal, Secretary, Benjamin Andrews, Treasurer.

Lodge. Old Colony Lodge of Free Masons, was chartered A. L. 5792, Dec. 9. Its original location was at Hanover. It was removed to Hingham A. L. 5807. This Lodge is in a flourishing state. The members have a small library of valuable books. The officers chosen in December last, were as follows, viz. : Fearing Loring, Master, Charles Fearing, Senior Warden,

Charles Gill, Junior Warden, Elijah Lincoln, Treasurer, David Harding, Secretary, Asa Fuller, Marshal, Benjamin Studley, Senior Deacon, John Lane, Junior Deacon, Hezekiah Lincoln, Senior Steward, Henry Hapgood, Junior Steward.

Newspaper. The only newspaper ever published in Hingham, is the Hingham Gazette. It was established in January of the present year. The publishers are Jedidiah Farmer and Simon Brown.

Debating Society. This institution was formed in 1823, by those young men of Hingham, who were attached to the political principles of the distinguished patriot and statesman, Thomas Jefferson, for the purpose of acquiring " general and political information." The society holds monthly meetings for the discussion of questions proposed by the government of the society. The members celebrate the anniversary of its institution on the Fourth of March, by a public address. Addresses to the members of the society are delivered every quarter. The government of the society consists of a President, Tice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and a Standing Committee. The Presidents of the Society have been, Messrs. David Harding, Jacob H. Loud, and Albert Fearing, The present officers are, as follows, viz. :

President, John Kingman,

Yice President, Caleb GUI, Jr.

Treasurer, John Leavitt, Jr.

Secretary, Solomon Lincoln, Jr.

Standing Committee, Elijah Lincoln, Ebed Ripley, and Enoch Whiting. The number of members is about 80. Libraries. There are in Hingham four Social Libra-

HISTORY OF HIxVGHAM. 13

ries owned by proprietors, one masonic, a circulating library, and a small one belonging to the agricultural society. They contain an aggregate of about 1800 volumes.

The First Social Library was formed in 1771, and contains between three and four hundred volumes of valuable books, chiefly Histories, Biographies, Travels, &c.

The Second Social Library was formed in 1773, as the preamble to the constitution of the proprietors, expresses, ^' for the promotion of Knowledge, Religion and Virtue, the three grand ornaments of human nature."

The Social Library of the Third Parish, recently formed, contains about 350 volumes of valuable books of History, Biography, Morality, and Fiction.

The Circulating Library owned by Mr. Caleb Gill, Jr. contains upwards of 500 volumes, principally new and interesting publications. These in addition to several valuable private libraries, afford great facilities for the acquisition of learning, to those who have any inclination for literary improvement. The favourable influence which such institutions exert over the best interests of the community can scarcely be estimated. A love of letters is frequently excited by these means of improvement, of which every individual can avail himself. The tone of manners is improved — talents cherished — and information extended in every class of the community.

Poor. Ample provision is made by the town for the relief of the poor, A spacious Alms House was erected in 1817, at an expense of upwards of four thousand dollars. The greatest part of the expense of building this house was defrayed from the proceeds of the sale of lands belonging to the town. The number of poor persons supported in the Alms House, is about 40. In addition to ihese, others out of the house, are relieved, who are not entirely dependant on the town for support. Beside the income arising from the labour of those in the Alms House, the average sum of money expended for the support of the poor is about §1200.

Town Expenses. The amount of money raised by tax, to defray the annual expenses, has been for several years previous to the present year, $4,000. For 1827, the amount raised was increased to §4,500. The town has also an income of considerable amount from other sources, such as the labour of the poor and from real estate. The Poor and School Fund, also, affords a considerable income, which is appropriated to the maintenance of Schools, and the support of the Poor. This fund was derived from the sale of lands which were granted to the town in 1780. The amount of money in this fund, was, on the first of January last, §3926,19 ; and the amount of notes bearing interest at four per cent, and payable in a limited time, was §3005,53, making an available fund of nearly seven thousand dollars.

The amount of money paid to teachers of schools annually, is nearly §1800 — for the support of the poor, §1200.

In addition to the money raised, another tax is annually assessed, by a vote of the town, for the repair of Highways, Bridges, Sec. to be paid in labour. This tax in 1825, exceeded §1700 ; in 1826, it was §1232,84, and for the present year it is §1301,78.

Education. The inhabitants of Hingham, were, at a very early date, attentive to the interests of education. The value of Free Schools, '■'■ those invaluable political and moral institutions, — our own blessing, and the glory of our fathers," appears to have been fully understood and properly appreciated by them. That they have been liberally supported in Hingham for a groat length of time, is highly honourable to the character of the town ; and without the fear of subjecting himself to the charge of undue partiality to the place of his nativity, the author is free to express the opinion that the effects of good education may be discovered in the general intelligence of the citizens, and that they have been particularly conspicuous in the character of those, who, aided by the advantages of an education obtained in ourcommon schools, have risen to elevated stations in society, and conferred honour upon the place of their nativity. The number of persons, natives of the town, who have received the advantages of a collegiate education, is large ; and unquestionably, in many instances, the first impulse towards the attainment of it, was received in our free schools. Schools for private instruction have, also, for many years, been numerous and liberally patronized. For the prosecution of the studies preparatory to a collegiate education, the munificent endowment of an academy, by Mrs. Derby, affords every facility, at a trifling expense.

Some account of the establishment of Derby Academy, may not be uninteresting to the citizens. Mrs. Sarah Derby,* by a Deed of Lease and Release, executed Oct. 21, 1784, conveyed to the persons therein named, as Trustees, the piece of land on which the Academy now stands, — with the buildings then standing thereon,— the rents and profits of which were to be appropriated, by the trustees, for the maintenance of a school in the North Parish, in Hingham, for the instruction of the youth, in such arts, languages and sciences as are therein particularly mentioned, &.C.

The Trustees obtained an act of incorporation, Nov.

* Mrs. Derby's maiden name was Langley. She married Dr. Ezekicl Hcrsey, and after his decease, Mr. Derby of Salem. She survived her husband, and died June 17, 1790, aged 76.

11, 1784, establishing a school, called in honour of its founder, Derby School. The first board of Trustees was composed of the following gentlemen, viz. : Rev. Ebenezer Gay, D. D. of Hingham,

" Daniel Shute, D. D. of Hingham, Col. John Thaxter, of Hingham, Hon. Benjamin Lincoln, of Hingham,

^' Cotton Tufts, of Weymouth,

" Richard Cranch, of Braintree,

*' William Cushing, of Scituate,

" Nathan Cushing, of Scituate,

John Thaxter, Esq. of Haverhill, and Benjamin Lincoln, Esq. of Boston.

By an act of the Legislature, passed June 19, 1797, the Derby School was erected into an Academy by the name of Derby Academy.

By the Deed of Lease and Release, the school was required to be maintained and supported, for the instruction of all such males as should be admitted therein, " in the Latin, Greek, English, and French languages, and in the sciences of Mathematics and Geography^ And all such females as should be admitted therein, " in ivriting, and in the English and French languages, arithmetic, and the art of needlework in general.'^'' Immediately after Mrs. Derby's decease, the Trustees were required " to elect and appoint a Preceptor for the said school, skilled in the art of writing, in the sciences aforesaid, and in the Latin, Greek, and English languages, and the sciences of mathematics, and geography ;" and also " a sensible and discreet woman skilled in the art of needle-work, whose business it shall be to instruct therein, the females that shall be admitted."

The pupils to be admitted were, " such males of the North Parish, from twelve years old and upwards, whose parents, guardians, or patrons may desire the same. And at any age under twelve years, when any male is intended for an admission to Harvard College, at the discretion of the Trustees."

The Trustees were authorized to send, each, two scholars to the school, one of each se.t, of the ages and descriptions before mentioned.

Male pupils from the South Parish, intended for Harvard College are to be admitted under twelve years of ase, and such others of the same Parish '• as desire to be instructed in the art of surveying, navigation, and their attendant branches of the mathematics, at the request of parents, guardians or patrons." Each pupil is required to furnish a proportional share of fire-W'Ood, under the direction of the Trustees. " And no person except such as is above mentioned and described, shall on any pretence be even admitted to the said school, unless the number of female scholars in the said school be less than thirty, or the number of males be less than forty, in either of which cases the said Trustees, their survivors or successors may admit such a number as shall increase the number of female scholars to thirty, and the number of male to forty, preference forever to he given to such poor orphans whose guardians or patrons shall request their admittance ^

In case it became necessary to rebuild the house, it was required to be situated central to the North Parish, as near as may be.

An annual lecture by " some able minister of the gospel" is to be delivered in the North Parish, for which he is to receive the sum of six pounds. In case of the decease of a Trustee, the survivors are authorized to fill the vacancy, and not more than four of the Trustees can be residents of Hingham.

By her Will, Mrs. Derby bequeathed to the Trustees?, ^2500 in Massachusetts State notes, the interest thereof to be by them appropriated for the use of the Preceptor ; and .£700 in silver, the interest of which, to be by them appropriated for the use of the Preceptress for the time being. She also directed that her clock and portrait should be placed in the school ; and after making other legacies, created the Trustees residuary legatees of all her estate real and personal. She also expressed her desire that Abner Lincoln should be appointed Preceptor of the school as soon as opened.

In the Codicil to her Will, there was a provision inserted, that if the Trustees should neglect at any time, for the space of two years together, to apply the rents, and income of the funds to the purposes for which they were intended, they were to become the property of the President and Fellows of Harvard College, in trust, the interest thereof to be appropriated for the support of the Professor of Anatomy and Physic. She also expressed in thit Codicil, her wish for the Trustees to relinquish the privilecre of sendinor two scholars each.

I have thus enumerated the most important provisions of the Deed, Will and Codicil, that they may be fully understood by the people of Hingham, and that the liberality of the benevolent founder of the Academy may be properly appreciated.

The munificent grants and bequests of Mrs. Derby, constituted a very respectable fund, which was increased by the Legislature, by an act passed June 18, 1803, granting to the Trustees a half township of land in Maine, to be disposed of by them for the interest and benefit of the institution.

The available funds of the Academy exclusive of the building for the schools, amount at the present time, to

HISTORY OF IIINGIIAM.

^24,500. The present large and commodious edifice for the use of the schools, kc. was erected in 1818.

The following named gentlemen have been the Preceptors of the School and Academy since its establishment. Abner Lincoln, Esq. was the first ; he was appointed by the request of Mrs. Derby herself, as well as on account of his peculiarly excellent qualifications as a teacher and estimable character as a man. He filled the ofiice from 1791 to July 1805, when he resigned the situation. His successor was Rev. Andrews Norton, now Professor of Sacred Literature, in the University at Cambridge. He continued in the office but a short time. He was succeeded by Mr. James Day, who remained one year, when Mr. Samuel Merrill was appointed. In 1808, Rev. Daniel Kimball accepted the appointment of Preceptor and continued in the office until 1826, when Mr. Increase S. Smith, the present Preceptor was appointed.

The Preceptress is Miss Susan Waterman, and the Assistant Preceptress, Miss Elizabeth C. Norton.

The present number of scholars is 78 ; 33 males and 45 females.

The present Board of Trustees is composed of the following gentlemen, viz. :

Rev. John Allyn, D. D. of Duxbury, '^ Peter Whitney, of Quincy, " N. B. Whitney, of Hingham, " Jacob Flint, of Cohasset, Dr. Levi Lincoln, of Hingham, Hon. James Savage, of Boston,

Martin Lincoln, Esq. of Hingham, Dr. Cushing Otis, of Scituate, ^^ Robert Thaxter, of Dorchester, Rev. Charles Brooks, of Hingham,

Ezra W. Sampson, Esq. of Braintree.

-0 HISTORY OF HINGHA3I.

My information respecting the public schools,* is principally derived from the Chairman of the School Committee of 1826. The statement for this year, corresponds very nearly, with the existing facts, the arrangement of the schools, not having been materially altered for the present year. In 1826, the whole number of public schools was thirteen, five male and eight female. Three of the male schools are kept, each, during the whole year, and two of them for six months each ; the female schools for six months each.

The number of youth in Hingham, between the ages of 4 and 16, is 879.

In 1827, October, the number of scholars on the lists of the eight female schools, was 334, and on the three summer male schools, 204.

In 1826, the amount of money paid for salaries to school teachers, was ^1740.

The number of scholars attending private schools, was in 1826, 150, and the amount paid for private tuition, was $898.

* The earliest date, at which a public school was established in Hingham, cannot be ascertained. The earliest notice of tlie erection of a school house is found in the Selectmens' First Book of Records, which appears to have been in the year 1668. In 1670, Mr. Henry Smith contracted with the selectmen, " to teach and instruct, until the year be expired, in Latin, Greek and English, writing and arithmetic, such youths of the inhabitants of Hingham," as should be sent to their school. His salary was fixed at £24, to be paid quarterly, in wheat, rye, barley, peas and Indian corn, at current prices. In 1673, James Bates, Senior, was paid " for keeping school." In 1674, Joseph Andrews and James Bates received compensation as school masters. In 1677, James Bates made a written agreement with the selectmen to teach " Latin, English, writing and arithmetic," for one year for £20 sterling. In 1679, Matthew Hawke was paid by the town, for teaching a school. In 168.5, Mr. Thomas Palmer contracted with the selectmen, to teach Latin, Greek, English, writing and arithmetic for £20 ; £10 in money, and £10 in corn. In 1(»S7, Mr. Samuel Sliepard was