Annals and Reminiscences of Jamaica Plain

By Harriet Manning Whitcomb

Cambridge

1897

This sketch was prepared by request to be read before the Jamaica PlainLadies' Tuesday Club. Subsequently a desire was expressed to have it putin a more permanent form and offered for sale at a Fair for the JamaicaPlain Indian Association. Although personally reluctant to appear beforethe public in this way, I have allowed my desire to aid a good cause andgive pleasure to my friends who have kindly received my paper toinfluence me in its publication. 

I am indebted to "The Memorial History of Boston" to Drake's "Town ofRoxbury, " to Dr. Thomas Gray's "Half-Century Sermon, " and to the memoryof a few of the older residents for some dates and incidents given. 

If any of these should prove to be inaccurate, I must rely upon thecharity and courtesy of my readers for only indulgent criticism. H. M. W. 

ANNALS AND REMINISCENCES OF JAMAICA PLAINTo collect and review thecircumstances and events which have made our homes and those of ourancestors for many generations is more than a pleasant service. We findan interest and fascination in every step of the way, leading us, as itdoes, into one of the most delightful portions of our country, andintroducing us to not a few of the most refined and cultivated, as wellas distinguished people of New England. 

There is ever a charm about old-fashioned people and places, as about oldbooks and pictures, antique furniture and china; they affect us by thevery contrast they afford with ourselves and our surroundings, eventhough it is with a touch of pathos and sadness. 

Long years ago a much-traveled man, who knew the country well, said, "Jamaica Plain is the Eden of America. " He was not a Bostonian, and ourvillage was still a part of Roxbury, so that the suggestion of conceitand boasting over this small portion of "the Hub" could not be imputed tohim. 

It has often seemed to us that the loving, favoring smile of heavenrested peculiarly upon our plain, environed as it is by gently risinghills, which, with their robes of verdure and noble trees, shelter itfrom harsh winds, and hold it in the warmth and freedom of a purehealth-giving atmosphere. Our charming lake, covering more thansixty-five acres, nestles like a gem in its western borders, mirroringforms and colors, all of beauty, and holds upon its banks some of themost delightful of our homes. 

In early days it gave of its clear, soft waters for the needs of theneighboring city; while through the eastern portion of our village thequiet Stony River made glad the farms and yielded power for mill andfactory. 

We find that the name originally given to out village was Pond Plain, butas early as 1667, it is referred to in an official paper as the "JamaicaEnd of the Town of Roxbury. "

There are differing opinions as to the origin of the present name; somehave so far reflected upon our colonial ancestors as to intimate that adecided fondness for Jamaica rum suggested it, and it is doubtless truethat the punch bowl had other uses than to be simply ornamental on thesideboards of our grandsires. Others, however, believe that it was givento commemorate Cromwell's acquisition of the island of Jamaica, in 1670, which secured to Boston numerous very valuable products. There seems, tous, to be a peculiar appropriateness to the name, as it signified inIndian "Isle of Springs, " because if the brooks and springs which aboundhere, making the land verdant and fertile. If we cannot to-day boast ofgrand and stately castles, reared in the olden time, as in the mothercountry, with guarding moats and bastions, loopholes for crossbows andguns, -- silent testimonials of opulence and power, -- we yet can bringto view pictures of many a dwelling, gray and brown with weather stainsand lichens and folds of ivy, which have held within their walls of oakand cedar people and events whose records thrill our hearts withpatriotic pride or affectionate reverence. 

In early times our village was chiefly an agricultural community, and thecultivation of fruits and vegetables for the city supply was thespecialty; but here and there were elegant countryseats occupied bygovernment officials, professional and literary men, and city merchants. Some of these homes and people we hope to see, by favoring records andmemory's aid, this afternoon. 

Until within a short time, near the Boylston Station, stood a veryancient building, with a pitched roof in the rear sloping nearly to theground, known as the "Curtis Homestead. " It is claimed that this was oneof the oldest houses in our country, and that, in 1639, William Curtismade a clearing in the forest for it, using timbers in its constructionfrom his felled trees. The record is that William Curtis marries SarahEliot, sister of Rev. John Eliot, in Nazing, England, in 1618, and that, in 1632, they came with their four children to Boston, and it is believedthat most of those who bear the name of Curtis in our country are directdescendants of this William and Sarah. For about two hundred and fiftyyears this house was the home of the Curtises, the last occupants beingthe widow and children of Isaac, seventh in descent from William. 

During the siege of Boston, troops were quartered here and added theirrecord of strife and suffering to that of domestic peace and happiness, in which the "Apostle Eliot" and his estimable wife often shared; andpossibly Winthrop, Pynchon, and the Dudleys, and others whose names standas pioneers of religious liberty in New England. 

Emerson aptly said, "There has never been a clearing made in a forest, that did not let in the light on heroes and heroines. "

A few years since, the march of improvement, so called, obliterated thisgenuine relic of colonial days, with the fine old elm, which for morethat a century had shaded it and wafted kindly breezes over it. 

Although we have no knowledge that the Apostle Eliot ever lived in the"Jamaica End of Roxbury, " he is closely identified with our early historyand development, and deserves more than a passing notice. In 1689 he gavesome seventy-five acres of land, including the tract lying from Orchardto Thomas, and from Centre to Pond streets, "the income from which was tobe used for the support of a school and a schoolmaster. " The street, hall, and schoolhouse, which bear his name, commemorate his generousgift. This noble man stands out in those early days as a beacon ofgodliness, for education, and for trust in philanthropy. Perhaps, in nosphere of his remarkable life does he more command our admiration andreverence that as the friend of the Indian and the Negro. His untiringzeal and self-denying labors on their behalf entitle him to be called"the Apostle. "

In a letter to a friend in 1659, he writes: "Pity for the poor Indian, and desire to make the name of Christ chief in these dark ends of theearth, and not the rewards of men, were the very first and chief moversin my heart. " Nor can we question that these were the all controllingmotives, when we consider that after acquiring their language, by the aidof a young Pequot, he translated the entire Bible into their tongue, besides a Psalter, primers, grammars, a and other useful books; and allthis in addition to faithfully fulfilling the duties of minister of theFirst Church in Roxbury for fifty-eight years, a record of devotion, diligence, and scholarship almost unequaled. 

One has beautifully summed up his life in these words: "His missionaryzeal was not less that Saint Paul's, his charity was as sweet as that ofSaint Francis d'Assisi, and his whole life a testimony that the call tosaintliness has not ceased and the possibility of it has not died out. "Eliot lived to see the fruits of his devoted work in the changedcharacter and life of many Indians. More than two centuries have elapsedsince this leader on the Indian cause went to his reward, but his mantlerests to-day on some here who deeply feel the need and love that work inbehalf of the poor Indian. 

In 1663 our Centre Street was laid out and called the Dedham road orhighway, being a direct route from Boston, by way of "the Neck" andRoxbury Street, to Dedham. At that time and for more than one hundred andfifty years after traveling was by horseback, by private carriage, and bythe stagecoach. Those who were unable to own horses or pay stage fareswalked to and from Boston, often heavily laden. 

The accommodation stages would stop for passengers along the route, blowing a horn as they approached the dwelling, wherever a signal hadbeen placed for them. The express stages, used chiefly by business men, running from Providence and the New York boat, took no heavy baggage, required double pay, and made stops only as they needed relays of horses. Four such changes were made from Providence to Boston, and the journeywas completed in about four hours. In 1826 the first Jamaica Plainhourlies began to run; the fare was twenty-five cents. They startedfrom Mr. Joshua Seaver's store, and would call for passengers in any partof the village as requested in the order-box. 

Mr. Seaver's store, established in 1796, stood on slightly elevatedground farther back from the street than the one now occupied by hisgrandsons, and connected with his dwelling. 

Here, also, was the village post-office for many years, and the favoritemeeting-place of the townspeople to discuss local interests, indulge inpleasantries, as well as exchange their coins for fine groceries, smallwares, and farming utensils. Our grandparents of that day folded theirquarto sheets, sealed, stamped, and addressed them, and paid twelve andone-half cents for the privilege of sending then on their mission. Theadvent of the two-cent postage stand and the one-cent card was not thendreamed of. 

Entering Centre Street at the Railroad bridge, frequently confounded withthe historic Hog's Bridge, which formerly spanned Stony Brook near HeathStreet, we see on the right all that remains of the once extensive andvery beautiful estate of the Lowells, a family among the most honored inour State for character, learning, and culture. The original house, builtof stone in the latter part of the last century, was modeled from an oldcastle in Europe, and became the property of Judge John Lowell in 1785, who resided here until his death in 1802. He was President of theMassachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture, and his extensivegrounds were largely devoted to the cultivation of a variety of thefinest fruits and plants. His son, Hon. John Lowell, inherited thisestate and the talent and fondness for horticulture and agriculture, andadded several fine glass houses, which he filled with rare and beautifulplants, many of them imported from Europe and other foreign lands. Heerected the present commodious mansion. The aged lady who occupied thehouse until recently was a sister of Dr. Charles Lowell, once minister ofthe West Church, Boston, and father of Hon. James Russell Lowell. TheLowell Institute for free lectures on scientific, literary, and religioustheses was founded by John Lowell, Jr. 

In 1834, the Boston and Providence Railroad cut through this estate, andfrom time to time other innovations have despoiled it of its grandeur andbeauty. 

We pass several ancient houses, with associations doubtless dear to thedescendants of their first owners, but unknown to use, and come to Hyde'sSquare, and the intersection of Centre, Perkins, and Day streets. Thetriangle in the center, bordered with shade trees, had a valuablelandmark on it, not a dwelling, but an old pump, which, if it could voiceits memories, would tell is interesting tales of weary, dusty travelers, in vehicles, on horseback, and on foot, of state-coach horses, and thoseheavy-laden teams from far away, to which it had given its cooling, refreshing waters, through nearly every day and hour of bygone years. 

And now, after a few rods, we come to the well-preserved old farmhouse, the Joseph Curtis homestead, built in 1722 by Samuel Curtis, grandson ofthe first William, for his son Joseph. A descendant with the same name, and fifth in line from William, now resides here, while the broad acresadjoining, bordering the street with graceful elms, smile with the fruitsof careful husbandry, and afford ample space for the beautiful homes offour generations of the same family. During the war of the Revolutiontroops, from Rhode Island, under General Greene, used this house forbarracks, the family willingly giving up its space and comforts for theiraccommodation. 

On the corner of Centre and Boylston streets one is attracted by a quaintand picturesque dwelling, in style and setting one is the mostinteresting of the older houses in our town, which tells the story of itsage on one of its chimneys, 1738 being the date. It was erected byCaptain Benjamin Hallowell, who married a Miss Boylston, of Boston, whosefamily was prominent in its early history. He was a hot-headed, activeloyalist, and commissioner of His Majesty's customs, as well as mandamuscouncilor, which facts made him obnoxious to the public, and in 1775, during the siege of Boston, he found it wise hastily to vacate his houseand seek refuge in the city. The house was then appropriated by thepatriotic troops doe a hospital, and some of the soldiers who died wereburied in the lot in the rear of the house. Later the property wasconfiscated by the State, and, in 1791, bought by Dr. Leprilete, whoresided here until his death. He also was buried in the garden, and amemorial tablet marked the grave until the remains were removed to acemetery. Upon the death of Captain Hallowell in England, his widowreclaimed the estate. His son, Nicholas Ward, then took his mother's nameof Boylston and inherited the property. Mr. Boylston was a gentleman oftrue culture, education, and philanthropy, making valuable donations toHarvard College, and to several schools. He is justly honored by havinghis name perpetuated not only by our street and district, but by a bank, market, school and street in the city proper. Dr. Benjamin F. Wingpurchased this property in 1845, and it has remained in his family to thepresent time. 

In 1797, just one hundred years ago, was erected the stately brickmansion which, with the ample grounds extending to the pond, was called"Lakeville. " Mr. Du Ballet first resided here; later it was the home ofHoratio Greenough, the sculptor, and it is said that he carved hiscelebrated group, "The Chanting Cherubs, " while living here. In 1840Lakeville Place was opened, dividing this estate, and later madebeautiful by the several residences upon it. Since 1842, the LakevilleMansion has been the home of Mr. Thomas Seaverns and Family. Theinception of the Episcopal Church in our village was largely due to Mr. Charles Beaumont, father of Mr. Frank Beaumont, who resided in theLakeville mansion in 1833. The first services were held here, and laterin the Village Hall on Thomas Street, Rev. Mr. Howe of St. James Church, Roxbury, officiating. In 1840 a lot of land was purchased of Mr. CharlesBeaumont on the site of the present St. John Street, and a chapel builtwhich was consecrated on 1841 by Bishop Griswold. The rectory wascompleted in 1849, and "was paid for, in large part, with money raised bythe exertion of the Ladies' League. " Many of us remember the attractiveavenue, bordered with greensward and graceful elms, which led to thelittle brown church and rectory, the retirement of its situation seemingto be suited to its purpose of worship and quietness. The membership wasvery small at first, but in a few years it became the church home of someof the most influential people on our town. Rev. E. F. Slafter was thefirst regularly settled rector, assuming his duties September 1846. Thebeautiful stone edifice erected upon land bequeathed by General WilliamH. Sumner, son of Governor Increase Sumner, was ready for the enlargedchurch congregation in 1882. 

General Sumner's old residence on the hill near the present church isbeautiful in situation, and still very attractive. 

Near the north corner of Pond Lane was built in 1732, a plain, comfortable house by Benjamin May, great grandson of Captain John May, one of the earliest settlers of our village. Captain John Parker marriedthe daughter of Benjamin May, and afterwards resided here for many yearswhich accounts for its still holding the name of the "Old Parker house. "Here were the high-decorated wooden mantels over large chimney-places, the paneled wainscoting and ornamental cornices, which adorned many ofthe better houses of that period. The grounds were ample, extending tothe pond and covered with a variety of fine fruit and shade trees. Nowcrowded by modern buildings into the background, deprived of its gardengray with weather stains, this old house shows few signs of itsbirthright. About the middle of this century the small cottage stillstanding on the lot adjoining the Parker house was the quiet home of twomuch esteemed old ladies, Mrs. Shepard and her daughter Abby. MissAbigail P. Shepard died October 4, 1878 at 82 years of age. The motherwas then totally blind, but possessed the sweet contentment which noteven so great a deprivation and trial could affect. Miss Abby devoted thelittle front room to a store for small wares, school children's utensils, and candies and it was the delight of the girls and boys to leave theircoppers there in exchange for her good things. 

Some of you may recall an episode connected with this home which mighthave had a tragic ending. Because of the unprotected condition, and thedrawer in which the small receipts from the store were kept and unworthyyoung man, belonging to our village, planned a midnight entrance. MissAbby heard the window raised, and, in her night robe and cap, faced theintruder, just as he entered the room. She dragged the surprised andstruggling man into the front room, and held him fast, meanwhile callingloudly for help. The aged mother secured a window stick and dealtunerring blows upon the youth. After a desperate struggle, he escapedcarrying a window frame and many bruises with him, but no money. Theneighbors were aroused by Miss Shepard's cried and came to her relief. 

We may safely say that not since the days of the Revolution had themidnight silence and peace of the village been disturbed by so excitingan experience. The friends of Miss Shepard presented her with a large, illustrated Bible in appreciation of her courage and bravery. 

On the west corner of Pond and Centre streets stands a large mansionhouse of colonial style, with an air of quiet dignity, in the midst ofattractive grounds. In the early days it was called "Linden Hall, "doubtless because of the magnificent linden-trees which lined the walk tothe entrance and shaded the grounds. John Gould erected it in 1755 forhis son-in-law Rev. John Troutbeck, assistant rector of King's Chapel, where he officiated for twenty years. 

He was an ardent loyalist and returned to England in 1776. As an exampleof the change in public sentiment with the lapse of time, we learn thatthis noted clergyman was a distiller as well, of whom a witty rhymsterwrote:--

"His Sunday aim is to reclaimThose that in vice are sunk. When Monday's come he selleth rum, And gets them plaguey drunk. "

This fine estate, extending then in the rear to the pond, was later ownedby Mr. Charles W. Greene a descendant of General Nathaniel Greene, ofrevolutionary war fame. He enlarged the house and large wings, andestablished a successful boarding and day school for lads fitting many ofthem for college. Possibly some here may recall that in the schoolbuilding and the grounds the first Papanti taught some of the parents ofthe rising generation to dance. 

Among the men, since famous, who graduated from this school, are JohnLathrop Motley, the historian, and George William Curtis, the elegantwriter and able editor. The scenes and characters in Mr. Curtis's novel"Trumps" were drawn from our village. Dr. Randall, of Roxbury, butrecently deceased, who bequeathed $70, 000 to Harvard University, wasearly a student at the school, and also the two brothers of Margaretfuller, one of whom was afterwards a clergyman and a chaplain in theUnion Army. Mrs. Greene is referred to in an interesting article recentlywritten by a graduate of the school, as one "for whom no need of praisecould scarcely be excessive, as she was in sober truth a mother to everylad committed to her care. "

This property was next purchased by the brothers John and GeorgeWilliams, who resided there for several years. 

On the opposite side of Centre Street, near Green Street, can to-day beseen a two-story cottage, with pointed roofs and dormer windows which inour day has been known as the Calvin Young house. This building with itsfresh paint and modern style can yet trace its history through a centuryand a half of years. It was originally owned by Eleazer May who sold itin 1740 to Benjamin Faneuil, nephew of Peter Faneuil, and in 1760 itbecame the property of his brother-in-law Benjamin Pemberton. 

We may readily believe that Peter Faneuil -- the Huguenot who in 1740erected and gave to the town of Boston the noted hall which bears hisname -- often shared in the comforts and joys of this home of his niece, Mrs. Susanna Pemberton. About the year 1802, this estate was purchased byDr. John C. Warren, son of Dr. John Warren, and nephew of General JosephWarren, hero of Bunker Hill, for a summer residence. He was one of themost distinguished surgeons of our country, and for many years professorof anatomy and surgery at the Harvard Medical School. His name washonored in the recent ether celebration, he having performed the firstsurgical operation under ether in 1846, and to his sanction it owed itsintroduction throughout America and Europe. 

The dwelling was at that time constructed after the West Indian style, with one and a half front and two in the rear. An immense chimneybuttressed the north side; a hall extended that the center of the house, with doors opening on to piazzas at both ends; the windows in the frontrooms extended to the floor, all conducing to make it an ideal summerhome. The elm, linden, and horse-chestnut trees near the house wereremarkable for size and symmetry. 

Dr. Warren beautified the grounds with rare plants and shrubs importedfrom Europe; the extended over many acres, including the present Hill, Parley Vale, Burrage, and Harris estates, and to the line of theProvidence Railroad. Captain Charles Hill purchased a portion of thisestate about the year 1830, and Mr. Calvin Young the residence in 1837, with the radical alterations in the house, which are apparent to-day, were made. 

About the year 1828, the Warren estate became the property of Samuel G. Goodrich, author of many histories, books of travel, school and storybooks, the kindly, well-loved Peter Parley of our childhood. What adelight it would be to welcome one more the monthly visit of "MerryMuseum and Parley's Magazine, " to read the charming letters to "BillyBump, " and the adventures of Gilbert Go Ahead, and puzzle out thecharades and enigmas which tested out youthful wits! It was Mr. Goodrichwho cut the fine avenue through the ledges and woodland, and erected theample mansion in the grove, which later, because of financialembarrassment, he transferred to Colonel Fessenden, and ultimately becamethe property of Mr. Abram French. Then it was that Mr. Goodrich enlargedand improved the building which had been his gardener's cottage, amongthe quaint and unique house now owned by Mr. George Harris. Here heresided for several years, accomplishing a large amount of literary work, which repaired his fortune, so that on his return form Paris, where hewas United States Ambassador, under President Fillmore, he purchased acountry-seat in Jube's Lane, now Forest Hills Street. Mr. Goodrich was inParis at the time of the abdication of Louis Philippe, was an intimatefriend of M. Lamartine, and was of great service through his wisediplomacy. Many of his works were afterwards translated into French by M. De Boisson. While a resident here he was interested in local affairs, andwas genial in his relations with every one. It is related that on anoccasion of a Fourth of July celebration, he gave an after dinner toast, "To the ladies of Jamaica Plain, not so very plain either!" Here we aretempted to linger for a little longer. We may not be permitted to enterwithin the precincts of many of the old homes on our town, to view theveritable memorials and relics of early days, but such has been theprivilege of some of us in connection with the Harris home. Through manygenerations of education and culture, treasures in books and music andpictures, in furniture, plate, and china, have been collected andpreserved, until the home has become verily a museum of rare andbeautiful works, whose possessor is eminently suited to these delightfulsurroundings. 

Nor can we fail to offer and appreciative and loving tribute to the twosisters who have long been among our most learned and accomplished women, and have exemplified through their long lives the quiet beauty andloveliness of true charity. The beautiful hill with the adjacent vale onoccupied by the estates of Mrs. Hook, Mrs. Pratt, and Mr. And Mrs. Charles F. Sprague, was in the early days the Harris homestead. Here Dr. Luther M. Harris, the father, was born. Some of us remember his as thevalued family physician, who, when burdened with the infirmities of age, gave up his practice to Dr. George Faulkner. 

One of the most interesting and attractive of the ancestral homes stillstanding, in this vicinity, is the Greenough mansion, finely situated onthe curve of Centre and South streets. It has an air of dignity andspaciousness which many a more portentous modern countryseat fail tomatch. Although it has been home to five generations of the Greenoughfamily, -- since about the year 1780, -- its history antedates theirownership by many years. This estate was originally of royal dimensions, covering about one hundred acres, and belonged to John Polley. In 1752, it was purchased by Commodore Joshua Loring, one of the Tory gentry, whoa few years later built the present house (1758), the frame having beenbrought from England. Commodore Loring was a native of Roxbury and didgallant service in the British navy, in the campaigns against Canada. Hewas severely wounded at the siege of Quebec while in command on LakeOntario, and was retired on half pay when he came to live here. Althoughprobably at heart in sympathy with those who resisted the injustice ofthe English government, for personal reasons he adhered to the royalcause, and, on the morning of the battle of Lexington, he left his homeand everything belonging to it, and mounting his horse, "with pistol inhand, rode at full speed to Boston. " He never returned, but sailing toEngland soon after settled in Highgate. During the siege of Boston thishouse was the headquarters of General Greene, and has the honor of havingbeen visited by General George Washington. Colonel David Henley, who hadcharge of Burgoyne's captive army while at Cambridge, also occupied thishouse at one time. For a while, it was converted into a hospital fore theRoxbury Camp, and some fifty of the soldiers who died here were buried onthe grounds, near where the Hillside schoolhouse now stands. The remainshave since been removed to the old burial ground on Walter Street. Thisproperty also was confiscated, by order of the General Court of April 30, 1779, and was then purchased by Colonel Isaac Sears, a successful Bostonmerchant, who had been one of the most active and zealous of the Sons ofLiberty, and a member of the Provincial Congress. Soon after ( in 1784)it became to property of the first David Stoddard Greenough, son ofThomas Greenough, who had been a member of the Committee ofCorrespondence in the Revolution. 

It was in 1769 that the first church in our village was built, upon landgiven by Eliot, -- on the site of the present stone edifice, -- and namesthe Third Parish, from its relation to the First Parish on Dudley Streetand the Second or Upper Parish on Walter Street. And it was to Mrs. Susanna, wife of Benjamin Pemberton, that it owed its origin. Thedistance from the other churches, and consequent inconvenience of regularattendance, led her to desire a nearer church home. She proposed to herhusband, who possessed large means and had no children or near relations, that they should erect a house of worship, principally at their ownexpense. He heartily engaged on the project, "and in the course of a yearthe house was completed, with thirty-four square pews, and three longseats for the poor on each side the broad aisle nest the pulpit on theground floor. There were five narrow long pews [for the colored people, several of them slaves] in the front gallery against the wall, and longseats for the singers below. "

The Rev. William Gordon, a Scotchman by birth, entered upon his duties asfirst pastor, July 6, 1772. A few months later Mr. Pemberton conveyed tothe parish the house which had been removed from Commodore Loring'sestate to the site now occupied by Mrs. Dr. Weld's house, next to thechurch for a parsonage. It was occupied by Mr. Gordon during theremainder of his pastorate, and by Dr. Thomas Gray, the second pastor, for sixty years. In 1851 the old house was moved to South Street, andlater to Keyes Street, where it still stands. On account of adisagreement with Dr. Gordon, Mr. Pemberton altered his will, in which hehad first bequeathed all of his property to this parish "for the supportof his future pastors, " and left it "in trust for the benefit of the poorof the town of Boston;" and the income of the fund is still used for thisspecific purpose. Pemberton Square, once lined with many of the fineresidences in Boston, and now the site of our new court-house, honors hisname. 

The first bell on the old church was presented by Governor John Hancock, in 1783, then a resident here, and bore the inscription, "Thomas Lester, of London, made me, 1742. " We can readily appreciate the happiness of thepeople when first called to their house of worship by the voice of thisbell, and can weave threads of joy and of sadness around its echoes, In1852 this old church was dismantled of its spire and removed to the siteof the present Eliot Hall. It was subsequently destroyed by fire. Whilethe stone edifice was being erected the congregation occupied the BaptistChurch one half of the Sabbath. 

We find Dr. William Gordon a very interesting character of the strictPuritan type. In a word-picture drawn by a friend, we see himcommissioned by Congress to secure Governor Hutchinson's Letter-books, "as he ambled on his gentle bay horse, in his short breeches and buckledshoes, his reverend wig and three-cornered hat, worthy the spirit of anative-born patriot. " It may not be amiss to add that will all Dr. Gordon's admirable characteristics, his faithful work as a minister, hisactive interest in the cause of American liberty, his unwaveringadherence to his convictions as an opponent to the slave trade, and achampion of the Negro, he frequently lacked prudence and good judgment inspeech and action. It was because of his severe and public criticism ofJohn Hancock that the governor gave up his summer residence here; it wasbecause of his attack upon the proposed Constitution of Massachusetts, in1778, that he was summarily dismissed from his office if chaplain in bothhouses of the Legislature. There is a tradition that the Doctor wassomewhat strict and severe in his requirements of the young catechists, and on occasions he resorted to the birch to enforce his teachings. "After punishing several of them one winter day, his feet slipped as hestepped from the icy threshold of the school, and he fell at full length, his hat and wig rolling off his head. There-upon the boys shouted in highglee, and gave three cheers. " The rod gave place to persuasion after thatexperience. 

The little cemetery in the rear of the church was consecrated in 1785. Aquiet walk through this "garden of the dead" is full of interest, awakening memories as association of the past. There are twenty-fourtombs and many graves upon whose ancient, moss-covered headstones wetrace familiar names and some unusual epitaphs. The tombs of Dr. ThomasGray and the Greenough family, side by side, are particularly noticeable, as, unlike the others, they have a large bull's-eye of ground glassinserted in the doors, evidently to admit light into "the chamber ofdeath. " Very few interments gave been made there since the consecrationof Forest Hills Cemetery in 1848. Upon the small triangular lot at thejunction of Centre and South streets the first schoolhouse in our villagewas erected in 1676. The land was the gift of John Ruggles, and JohnEliot and Hugh Thomas were the principal benefactors of the school. Inthe early days this spot was the municipal center of our town; and here, in 1871, was dedicated our beautiful Soldiers' Monument, in affectionate, grateful remembrance of our heroic dead, who gave their lives in theservice of their country during the Rebellion (1861-65). Eliot Street wasopened to Pond Street in 1800, and at the corner still stands an oldmilestone, inscribed: "Five miles to Boston Town House, 1735. P. Dudley. "

The Eliot School was incorporated in 1804, and later, January 17, 1832, the brick building was dedicated which now stands on Eliot Street in thecenter of ample grounds. 

Within a few months we have witnesses with feelings of regretful interestthe decay and removal of the old house known to us as the NathanielCurtis homestead. This estate once belonged to Dr. Lemuel Hayward, aphysician of high repute, and one of the first to practice inoculationfor small-pox in this vicinity. He practiced medicine here for severalyears. About the year 1780, John Hancock, after he resigned thepresidency of Congress, purchased this place of Dr. Hayward for hissummer residence. He paid for it seven or eight shares in Long Wharfproperty, amounting them in all to about $400, but at the time of Dr. Hayward's decease, in 1821, valued at $100, 000, -- a striking evidence ofgrowth and financial prosperity in less then fifty years. We learn thatthe house was, like many of that period, one story and a half in height, covering much space on the ground, and shaded by fine linden-trees. Welove to tarry here and do grateful honor to this first governor of ournew State, who, during our country's struggles for freedom, was one ofthe most fearless opposers of British tyranny, one of the most activepatriots, and the first signer of the declaration of Independence. He wasof fine, dignified presence, six feet in height, with a very handsomeface and gracious manners. In public speaking he was eloquent, gracefuland accomplished, and plainly formed by nature to act a brilliant part inthe affairs of his time. According to the customs of that period with menof fortune, his apparel was very elaborate and costly, of velvet andsatin, embroidered with gold and silver lace. "His equipage was splendid, and public occasions he rode with six beautiful bay horses and attendedby servants in livery. " Mach of his large fortune was spent forbenevolent and useful purposes, Harvard College coming in for a share. Inthe year 1800, Thomas Hancock, nephew of the Governor, built the housewhich has recently been destroyed, and resided here until 1819, when theestate was purchased by Mr. Nathaniel Curtis, fifth in descent from thefirst William Curtis. He was a merchant of Boston, highly esteemed, andfilled various positions of trust on our town. He resided here during theremainder if his life, a period of thirty-eight years, and died in 1857. He married for his second wife the widow Leeds, who at the time wasliving in the old Stephen Brewer house, still standing at the end ofThomas Street, and which was afterwards for several years the home of Mr. William D. Ticknor, of the publishing house of Ticknor & Fields. Mrs. Curtis lived in the old house for many years after he husband's death, until we missed the gentle, sweet face, and the kindly, cordial greetings-- and the home was desolate. 

More that two hundred and fifty years have passed since the first JohnMay, master of a vessel, came from Mayfield, in Sussex, England, andbecame a resident of Jamaica Plain, and the ancestor of the many who bearthe name of May in this country. In 1650 the old house on May's Lane wasbuilt by Mr. Bridge, and since 1771 it has been owned and occupied by thedirect descendents of John May. It has always been a typical New Englandfruit farm, noted for the fine quality of its cherries, peaches, pears, apples, and berries of various kinds. In the early days it covered manyacres, including the beautiful hill now occupied by the fine estates ofthe Bowditch family and others, and the lowlands, extending north andeast to Pond and Eliot streets. During the siege of Boston, the house wasgiven up to soldiers for barracks. Captain Lemuel May was one of theminute-men who responded to the reveille at the break of day on the 19thof April, 1775, and fought valiantly for his country at Lexington andconcord. This house, of the seventeenth-century pattern, has maintainedits original features until very recently, carefully preserved from anysign of neglect or decay. Possibly a hasty view of the interior of teeold homestead will interest us. Entering by the front porch, we find thesmall, square entry open through narrow doorways into low studded, irregular shaped rooms, with overhead and corner beams and wainscotedsides, triangular cupboards and dressers and convenient little shelves. There are high wooden mantels adorned with specimens of antique china andbrasses over the large bricked fireplaces. In one room an iron crane withkettles suspended on chains, swings over the fire-dogs piled with logs, and on both sides hang quaint domestic utensils. The narrow stairway, from he little entry, had a halfway landing to economize space, and leadsto cozy apartments above, all interesting for their antique furniture andfamily relics. 

[interior fireplace of May house]

And now a glance at the old square barn east of the house and morepretentious in size than the dwelling, with wide doors opening at bothends, and lofts stacked with fragrant hay. This is the comfortable homeof faithful horses and gentle kine, who looked from their stalls andstanchions on the youths and maidens who often made the walls resoundwith their merriment and they were borne quickly past in the old swinghanging from the creaking rafters. 

The well-curb, with its long sweep and old oaken bucket, brings memories, to some of us, of refreshing droughts of pure water, and of deliciouscream and butter rolls, which the moss-covered stone shelves far down thewell held securely from possible taint. Back of the house ran thebabbling brook and emptied into "the ditch, " which was often broad anddeep enough to merit a more comely name, and was the favorite resort ofthe young in winter for skating and sledding. But this ancestral home, with all its charms, had passed from view, like man others, leaving butcherished memories. 

Captain Charles Brewer, whose fine estate on Pond Street was originally apart of the May form, was a lineal descendant of Captain John May, on hismother's side. He was born in Boston in 1804, and received his educationthere, but early developed baa fondness for the sea, and for severalyears was a successful ship-master in the Pacific and East India trade. In 1836 he established a shipping business in Honolulu, and in 1846returned with his family to this country, and became a resident ofJamaica Plain. Soon after he erected the commodious mansion in the midstof highly cultivated grounds, which was his home during the remainder ofhis life. 

Mr. Edward Bridge was one of the earliest settlers of the town, and it isbelieved that he built the house, which has recently been taken down bythe Park Commission, near the corner of Centre and May Streets. The date1710 was found cut into one of the old timbers, which is still preserved. 

Mr. Abijah Seaverns, grandfather of our townsman, resided here with hisfamily for many years. The original Seaverns homestead, owned by Mr. JoelSeaverns, the ancestor of the family, was upon a farm of some fifty-fiveacres, now included in Forest Hills cemetery. In this old house, duringthe later years of Mrs. Abijah Seaverns' life, a small band of theBaptist faith met frequently for religious meetings, and in 1840 tooksteps to form a church. Soon after they began to worship in the VillageHall, and in 1842 the public services of their recognition were held inthe Unitarian Church, in which Rev. Mr. Gray then ministered. On October4, 1843, the new house of worship was dedicated, and on the same day Dr. John O. Choules, an Englishman, was installed as pastor. The littlechurch stood on elevated ground on the east side of Centre Street nearStar Lane. On September 26, 1856, the church was destroyed by fire, withits furniture, library, and records. For two years the congregation usedthe Unitarian house of worship one half of the Sabbath, and the Mather(now Central) Church for evening meetings, accepting the very kinginvitations which came from both societies while the fire was stillburning. In August 1859, the present house of worship on the corner ofCentre and Myrtle streets was dedicated. 

Following May Street to Pond Street, we come to the beautiful estate nowowned by Mr. Edward Rice, and formerly by Mr. John J. Low, and here readyfancy rears again the vanished walls of a stately mansion, three storiesin height, first occupied by another of the Tory gentry, Sir FrancisBarnard, the royal governor of Massachusetts from 1760 to 1769, -- theperiod of our greatest historic interest. The beautiful sloping lawn, shaded with lofty English elms, gave a charming setting to the house, while broad acres highly cultivated, filled with choice fruit trees, plants, and shrubs, including orange, lemon, fig, cork, and cinnamontrees, and other rare exotics, added grandeur and beauty to thelandscape. One can easily call back the old-time scenes within thismansion, of stately official pomp, of social gayety, of dinners andballs, where the brocade and stain and lace, in towering head-gear, andample panniers; and where the cavaliers rivaled the ladies in theirpowered wigs, gorgeous velvet coats and stain waistcoats, ruffledshirt-fronts, small breeches and silken hose. We catch a glimpse of themas they troop through the broad hall (fifty-four feet long and twentyfeet wide), and the wainscoted tapestried rooms, on the stately minuet orthe livelier contra-dances, and possibly recognize the forms and faces ofAdams, Hancock, Otis, Warren, and Quincy. Governor Barnard was anEnglishman, a graduate of Oxford, a man of erudition and large wealth. Hehad remarkable conversational powers, and so tenacious a memory that heboasted he could repeat all of Shakespeare's plays. He was a zealousadvocate of the claims of the Crown, and through professing to sympathizewith the men associated with him in their resistance to unjust taxation, and other coercive measures to the royal government, he secretly workedagainst them, and used his influence to have the British regiments sentto Boston, and thus initiated the war. After holding his high office fornearly ten years, he was recalled to England, in response to a petitionfrom the House of Representatives that "he might be forever removed fromthe Government of the Province. " As he departed from Boston the bellswere rung, cannon fired from the wharves, and the Liberty Tree hung gailywith flags; so great was to joy of the people to be rid of him. LadyBernard did not leave Jamaica Plain until a year later -- in 1770. SirWilliam Pepperell was the next resident of this house for about threeyears. He was a graduate of Harvard, and, in 1776, became a member of theCouncil, and was avowedly in sympathy with the royal cause. During thesiege this house was also occupied by the patriotic troops, and laterused as a hospital. The soldiers who died here were buried on the hill inthe rear of the house. This property was confiscated in 1779 by theState, and purchased by Mr. Martin Brimmer, a Boston merchant, who diedhere in 1804. Captain John Prince next owned it, and took down the oldhouse, a part of which had stood one hundred and forty years, and erecteda very attractive mansion which has recently given place to the one nowoccupied by Mr. Rice. Mr. Prince opened the street, which bears his namethrough his estate to Perkins Street, and it has since been the seat ofseveral beautiful residences. 

The summer home of Francis Parkman, LL. D. , on Prince Street, deservesmore than passing notice, no only because of his great prominence as anhistorian and writer an scientific horticulture, but for the remarkablebeauty of the grounds lying along the chores of the lake and covered withluxuriant and rare shrubs, trees, and plants, many of them models ofsymmetry and loveliness. One cannot but regret that this homestead hadnot been preserved in its completeness, as a memorial of thisdistinguished man. 

The old Jonas Chickering estate adjoining Mr. Parkman's, with its lovelywater-front, its unique Gothic buildings, its vine-covered lodge, and itsdeer-park, was, in our early days, one of the most charming of ourcountry seats. 

Pinebank, the home of the Perkins family for nearly a century, with itsbroad, winding avenue, beneath noble pine and larches, its statelymansion its many rich landscape features, claims admiration for itsgrandeur and nobility. 

Returning to South Street, we find that in early days different branchesof the Weld family owned and lived upon estates in this portion of ourvillage. The largest and most important of these was the estate which wasgiven to Captain Joseph Weld by the province, about the year 1660, inconsideration of services rendered. It was bequeathed by him to his son, John, and was the home of seven generations of that family, until aboutthe beginning of this century (1806), when it became the property of Mr. Benjamin Bussey. During the Revolutionary War, Weld's Hill was selectedby Washington as a rallying point for the patriot army to fall back uponin case of disaster, as it protected the road to Dedham, the depot ofarmy supplies. Mr. Bussey, after a few years, erected the fine mansion, still standing, and resided here until his death, in 1842. The late Mr. Thomas Motley, brother of the historian, was the husband of one of Mr. Bussey's granddaughters, and occupied the house with his family until hisdecease. This magnificent estate of three hundred acres was bequeathed toHarvard University for the establishment of a seminary "for instructionin practical agriculture, useful and ornamental gardening, botany, andsuch other branches of natural science as may tend to promote a knowledgeof practical agriculture and the various arts subservient thereto andconnected therewith. " The Bussey Institute was built in 1871, and thebeautiful Arboretum, embracing one hundred and sixty acres, has been inthe process of development since that time. During Mr. Bussey's; life, and for years after, the public enjoyed the freedom of these charminggrounds. There were lovely wood paths, carefully kept, in all directions. Here was a rustic bridge spanning the jocund brook; there awillow-bordered pond, the home of gold and silver fish. This path woundback and forth to then summit of Hemlock Mountain, where was an arborwith seats for resting surrounded by majestic trees, and where lovelyvistas of the distant hills and nearer valley could be enjoyed, On thegray rocks yonder were nature's moss-clad seats, where one listened tothe endless whispering of the leaves, the prattle of the happy brookbelow, and the ever-changing songs of birds. 

"Up springs, at every step, to claim a tear, Some little friendship formed in childhood here;And not the lightest leaf but trembling teems, With golden visions and romantic dreams. "

Mr. Bussey's life is a remarkable illustration of the success, whichresults from natural ability and persevering industry. With very smallpecuniary means in early life, he made the most of every condition andadvantage, and ultimately acquired large wealth and influence. Possiblysome here may remember the family coach, with its yellow body andtrimmings, drawn by four fine horses, in which Mr. Bussey and his familyrode to church each Sabbath. There is a pleasing tradition that the oldgentleman had the unusual but very gracious habit of bowing to peoplenear him on all sides in the church before taking his seat in the squarepew. On the occasion of President Andrew Jackson's visit to Boston, accompanied by Vice-President Van Buren, in June 1833, Mr. Bussey joinedthe grand procession in his yellow coach, drawn by six horses, richlycaparisoned, and attended by liveried servants. 

On the opposite side of South Street one sees the very attractive houseknown to us as the Peters homestead, which, in 1799, was built by CaptainWilliam Gordon Weld. About three years after making this home, CaptainWeld was lost at sea, leaving his widow, who was a sister of JudgeWilliam Minot, with a large family of sons and daughters, who have beenvery prominent in the interests and development of our town. Mrs. Weld isremembered with great respect and admiration for her character and lifework. She lived to a great age, happy in the prosperity and the lovingdevotion of her children. We recall the beautiful the touching scene whenher form was carried on the bier by her noble sons, followed by the othermourners, all walking from her house to the family tomb in the littlechurch cemetery, and lovingly laid at rest, without the touch of astranger hand. 

Soon after Captain William Weld's death, the estate was purchased by aMr. Wilson, who resided here for a few years, Mr. Horatio Greenough, thesculptor, also lived here when young, and it is believed that he took hisfirst lessons in art of Binon, the French sculptor, in this house, In1829 Mr. Edward Peters purchased it for a summer residence, and it isstill occupied by his descendants, This house in the finest specimen ofthe West Indian style in the vicinity. Stony Brook runs through the dellback of the garden, with a line of fine old oaks and butternut-trees onits banks. Years since, when trenching the land, the smooth bed of thebroad Stony River was reached, into which some of the large trees hadfallen and lain imbedded in the mud, well preserved. A perfect beaver damwas also discovered there, and marks of beavers' teeth on some of thetrees. Various Indian relics have been unearthed in different parts ofthe place. 

About the year 1827, Mr. Stephen M. Weld, son of Captain William G. Weld, established a boarding-school for young men on the site of the presentresidence of his family, the corner of South and Centre streets, whichwas very successful during thirty years, pupils coming from many of theStates and from Mexico, Cuba, and Yucatan. Weld Hall, connected withHarvard College, was erected by William F. Weld, in memory of his brotherStephen Minot Weld. Dr. Christopher Weld, another son of Captain Weld, was the first homoeopathic physician here, and was much esteemed andbeloved during his long practice. 

Upon the site of the present Seaverns mansion, on Morton Street, nearWashington Street, stood the old house of the gifted and scholarlyMargaret Fuller between the years 1839 and 1842. Her father had died ashort time before, and her mother, sister (the late Mrs. WalterChanning), and two brothers made with her the household. In this quiet, rural home, Margaret found time and inspiration for many of her charmingoutdoors sketches. She often wandered through the lovely walks in BusseyWoods, soft with fallen needles from pine and hemlock, and bright withabundant wild flowers, and drew glowing pictures from nature's wealth, which her pen has preserved for us. It was while living here sheinaugurated the literary conversations, which produced such a markedeffect upon the young and old of the women of the time. They were weeklymeetings for free conversation on literary and aesthetic topics at whichshe was the principal talker. They began in the autumn of 1839 at thehome of Miss Elizabeth P. Peabody, on West Street, Boston, and continuedthrough five successive winters. It was also while here that she edited"The Dial, " a quarterly journal, in which she was aided by Ralph WaldoEmerson, Theodore Parker, George Ripley, and others. In this old houseRalph Waldo Emerson boarded for a time with a Mrs. Tilden, who afterwardhad a young ladies' boarding school at the Cold Spring House onWashington Street, opposite Green Street. In Franklin Park, onSchoolmaster's Hill, may now be seen a bronze tablet, inserted in aboulder, which records the fact that Mr. Emerson lived in a farmhouse inthat spot for two years, from 1823 to 1825. The home of Rev, JamesFreeman Clarke, D. D. , on Hillside Avenue, has a lasting interest, because of the noble, beautiful souls who thought and worked there, andgave by spoken and written words strength and counsel and comfort tomany. 

Returning to Centre Street, we pass south from Eliot Street, and lookwith interest upon the old Williams house, a commodious, square buildingwith central porch and balustrade along the roofline, built in 1805 byStephen Gorham, a Boston merchant. It was for many years the attractivehome of Mr. Moses Williams and family and is still in their possession. 

The old Hallet, Seaverns, Balch, and Louder homes, all suggestinteresting and valuable memories, which we would gladly record did ourlimits permit. But we are tempted to spare a few moments doe a strollthrough Louder's Lane. Many times have we proved the truth of Young'swords: "How blessing brighten as they take their flight!" and they ringin our hearts to-day as we wander into this picturesque old way; and welove even more dearly than of yore the quiet, the grassy sides, the wildgrowths of roses and blackberry-bushes, the tangle of ivy and woodbine, and the lovely vistas through leafy framings of sunny hillsides andwoods, of pastures dotted with grazing cattle, and of peaceful farmhomes. It is a country idyll, sweet and restful! We may slacken ourhorses reins while he crops the wayside grass, or we may sit on a fallenstone from the old wall, while we muse of early days when there was noturnstile to block our path, but we should wander on around the loops ofSargent's woods, and gather at will the blue and white violets, theanemones and columbines and cowslips, without a fear of brass-buttonedmonitor or coasting wheelman. 

We see again the dignified form of Manlius Sargent in his stately horse, as he rode through his wood-roads, and many another familiar face ofthose who sought these rural paths, and cared not yet for "rapidtransit, " with its spectral accompaniments. And our hope is akin to aprayer, that what is left of Louder's Lane may be spared to us yet manyyears. 

The old Winchester house, on the hillside of Centre Street, was built inthe year 1800 by Captain Artemas Winchester, grandfather of the thirdArtemas, now residing here, for his young bride, Miss Anna Fuller, and itwas their home through their long lives. 

In early days, whenever a new dwelling was begun, the neighborhoodvolunteered their services, prepared and stoned the cellar and well, often giving days of labor to help on the work. Then at the time ofraising the house, as in the case of the Winchester dwelling, -- anunusually fine one for the times, -- the relatives and friends came fromnear and far to show their kindly interest and enjoy the tempting andbounteous collation. 

This farm originally belonged to Mr. John Morey, who in 1771 presentedthe clock, which for many years ornamented the front gallery of the FirstChurch, and is today faithfully meeting its duties in the Parish House. 

Greenbank, a quiet old home overlooking the Arboretum, holds among itstreasures a record of a few years, when Rev. William Ware lived there, after resigning his ministry in New York and wrote those remarkableworks, "Zenobia" and "Probus. " Mr. Ware was a man of great learning ofclassical culture, and elegant accomplishments. His mind was a gallery ofpictures which he portrayed in his writings for the profit and delight ofothers. Dr. Bellows, in his memorial sermon of Dr. Ware, writes of thesebooks: "The evinced talents, resources, and tastes, which could not betraced to any known writer, while they seemed wholly beyond the reach ofany unknown one. "

On the corner of Allandale Street and Centre Street, Peacock Tavern stooda century ago. It was kept by Captain Lemuel Child, distinguished forhaving led the Minute Company of the Third Parish in the battle ofLexington. This tavern was a somewhat noted resort at that time, being onthe direct highway from Boston to Dedham and Providence, a stopping-placefor travelers and stages and factory teams. We learn that when theBritish officers were in Boston they frequently made up sleighing andskating parties, and after exercising on the pond, came to "The Peacock"for their late suppers. Doubtless Generals Gage and Burgoyne indulged inbumpers there, to help their drooping spirits. The records state thatduring the siege of Boston, Generals Washington and Knox and otherdistinguished officers were frequent visitors, the former stopping on hisway to New York after the evacuation of Boston. In May 1794, SamuelAdams, the grand old patriot, purchased "The Peacock" tavern and fortyacres of land, and resided here during his term as governor, and duringthe remainder of his life made it his summer residence. We are proud toadd this name to our list of honorable and distinguished men. It standsinseparably with Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, and Hancock, and theyform together the brightest constellation which illumes the Revolutionaryannals of our country!

Some of the most apparent and pleasant indications of growth and progressin out town have been the establishment, from time to time, of thechurches, which represent the faith and worship of our people, theerection of the commodious school buildings, and the various charitableinstitutions. Strongly as we cling to much that makes the past dear tous, we rejoice in all that is making this the golden age of our country. 

Within the limits given, it is impossible to review all of the homes andcharacters which have left their impress on our village and made itworthy to be a part of the admitted "Athens of America. " A long line ofnames comes at memory's call in the various walks of life, -- clergymen, authors, teachers, physicians, lawyers, and merchants, men and women whomwe delight to honor. 

"They hurry from out the forgotten past, Through the gathered mist of years, From the halls of memory, dim and vast, Where they have buried lain in the shadows castBy recent joys or fears. "

More than three hundred years ago the poet Drummond wrote: "It is a greatspur to virtue to look back on the worth of our line. In this is thememory of the dead preserved with the living, being more firm andhonorable that an epitaph, and the living know that band that tieth themto others. "

Footnotes

 The Jamaica Plain Aqueduct Company was incorporated in 1795, and wasthe first systematic water system that the city of Boston had. Itextended from the Pond to Fort Hill, and had about forty-five miles ofpipes, made of white pine logs, nearly a foot and one half in diameter, with a bore of five and three quarters inches. The average daily supplywas about 400, 000 gallons. In excavating for the Subway, severalspecimens of the old wooden pipes have been unearthed in a good state ofpreservation. --From a recent number of the Boston Transcript. Thefirst dwelling, built in 1633, was a simple log house, and was burnedthree or four years later. 

An historical sketch of the First Church in Roxbury, by Dr. De Normandie. 

One of the old omnibuses was very long, and named Osceola, for an Indianchief, a representation of whom was painted on the side. 

At the time to which we refer, postage was regulated by distance. Thus, 6 1/4, 12 1/2, 16 3/4, and even 25 cents, were sometimesnecessary. 

For the origin of this peculiar name, see the incident which gave riseto it described in Drake's Town of Roxbury. 

Dr. Thomas Gray's Half-Century Sermon. 

Dr. Thomas Gray was born in Boston, March 16 1772, and graduated atHarvard College in 1790. He married a daughter of Rev. Samuel Stillman, D. , pastor of the First Baptist Church in Boston, by whom he was preparedfor the ministry, and entered the pastorate at Jamaica Plain, April 22, 1792. His mother, Mrs. Abigail May, widow of Moses Brewer, was thenliving in the old homestead, and died April 24, 1849, aged 80 years. Perkins Street, known in early days as Connecticut Lane, was named forWilliam Perkins, who came to Roxbury in 1632. Within our recollection, avery small, old house, on the opposite side of the street, almost hiddenfrom view by shrubbery and trees, was the humble home of old SimeonGiles, a Negro, who made a precarious living by wood-chopping and likeservice for the neighbors. He was the son of old Peter, who was a slaveof Governor Adams, valued and kindly treated, and who lived to number onehundred years. Long, long ago their tired bodies were laid at rest in thelittle graveyard on the hill. 

Whitcomb: Annals and Reminiscences of Jamaica Plain