A HISTORY of REHOBOTH
MASSACHUSETTS

Its History for 275 years
1643 - 1918.

In which is incorporated the vital parts of the
original history of the town, published in
1836, and written by Leonard Bliss, Jr.

By REV. GEORGE H. TILTON, A. M.
Founder of the Rehoboth Antiquarium Society
Minister in Rehoboth, 1877-1902 [last date blurry].

Boston, Mass.
Published by the author.
1918.

Biographies - PERRY to WILMARTH

[Transcribed by Coralynn Brown]

ARTHUR REED PERRY, M.D. Son of Ira and Emily (Reed) Perry and brother of Dr. Edgar, was born in Rehoboth, June 16, 1866; prepared for college at Phillips Exeter Academy; graduated from Harvard College in the class of 1892, and received the degree of M.D. from Harvard Medical School in 1896. He married Margaret Elizabeth Cahill, daughter of William and Margaret Cahill, at Magnolia, Mass., Oct. 5, 1904. Dr. Perry has rendered a large service to humanity and won distinction in his profession by his special invetigations in tuberculosis. He prepared himself for his national work by ten years of dilligent practice in his profession in Boston and earlier in Somerville, where he was city physician, bacteriologist and member of the board of health. He concerned himself particularly in the causes of death among women and children employed in the cotton mills of New England. Through his initiative the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics started to investigate this important subject and appointed Dr. Perry to take charge of the service. Relinquishing a successful practice, he spent five years intensively studying the prevalency and causes of early death in the New England and Southern cotton manufacturing cities of Fall River, Manchester and Pawtucket; Atlanta, Augusta and Raleigh. Editorially the Boston Medical Journal commended this report as "epochal." It shows that to tuberculosis is due nearly one-half of all deaths among women in the cotton mills between the ages of fifteen and forty-five. The result of this study was published as Vol. XIV of the nineteen-volume Government report on the "Conditions of Women and Child Wage-Earners in the United States in 1912." Dr. Perry has now ready for publication a second and supplementary report relating to the debilitating influences commonly precedent to fatal tuberculosis. Advanced sheets startlingly show as prominent death-factors the habitually excessive use of alcoholic beverages among young men, and child-bearing and overwork among young women. CHARLES PERRY Anthony Perry, the Rehoboth ancestor, was born in England in 1615. He came to this country in 1640 and was one of the early settlers of Rehoboth. He was one of the contributors to the support of King Philip's war and a represetative to the General Court in Boston. He had six children, and died March 12, 1683, leaving by will recorded at Plymouth a large landed property and a considerable personal estate. From Anthony is descended Charles, the subject of this sketch. Anthony Perry (1). Samuel (2), born Dec. 10, 1648; married Mary Millard, Dec. 12, 1678. Seven children. Jasiel (3), born in Rehoboth, May 6, 1682; married Rebecca Wilmarth, Jan. 3, 1706. Eight children. Daniel (4), born in Rehoboth, May 9, 1710; married Mary Walker, March 9, 1737. They lived in North Rehoboth. Eight children. Ezra (5), born in Rehoboth, May 22, 1741; married Jemima Titus in 1762. Ten children. Ezra Jr. (6), born in Rehoboth, Jan. 14, 1767; married Betsey Bliss, Dec. 10, 1786. Eleven children. Daniel (7), born in Rehoboth, Dec. 17, 1802; married Lydia Ann Carpenter of Rehoboth in 1830. He lived at Perryville. Five children: Daniel, died in infancy, William Carpenter, Susan Carpenter, Charles, and Elizabeth. Charles (8), was born in Perryville, May 31, 1840. He was educated in the public schools and at the Village High School taught by T. W. Bicknell. At the age of nineteen Charles Perry entered the wood-turning factor of James Henry Perry & Co., learning the business and joining the firm in 1865. In 1871 he became sole owner of the business, and the next year took as his partner Edwin Perry of Pawtucket. They conducted a thriving business in wood-turning and carving until 1890, when Charles Perry retired. Mr. Perry inherits the best qualities of his Puritan ancestry - a man honored for his integrity, a friend of the needy, highly respected in the town where he has held positions of trust. In 1889 he served as representative in the Massachusetts Legislature, and has been a member of the Rehoboth school board for many years. He is a staunch Republican, firm in his convictions, and ever loyal to the course he believes to be right. In 1867, he became a member of the Annawan Baptist Church, gave generously for its support, and was for many years its treasurer. The choir had the benefit of his unusually fine voice, a consecrated gift which all enjoyed. On Nov. 26, 1868, he married Anna Powell Pierce, daughter of Noah and Elizabeth Martin Pierce of Rehoboth. They had five children as follows: (1) Edward Everett, born Jan. 17, 1870; married Mabel Foster Briggs of Attleborough, Sept. 26, 1900. Died Aug. 10, 1912. One son, Ralph Foster. (2) Clara Lousie, born July 18, 1874; married Edwin Foster Cary of Providence, R. I., Sept. 14, 1898. Two children: Eleanor Foster and Hope Shepherdson. (3) Marion Carpenter, born Sept. 1, 1882; married Jerome Earle Farnum of Providence, R. I., April 30, 1906. Two children: Perry Earle and Murial Pierce. (4) Edna Frances, born Nov. 8, 1884. (5) Edith Aurelia, born Nov. 8, 1884; died Feb. 19, 1885. DR. EDGAR PERRY Was the son of Ira and Emily (Reed) Perry and was born at the ancestral home in Rehoboth, Oct. 19, 1855. He attended the public schools and was graduated from Phillips-Exeter Academy, New Hampshire, in the class in 1877. From there he went to Brown University and graduated in the class of 1880 with a degree of A.B., and three years later was given the Master of Arts degree. He was an honor man with Phi Beta Kappa rank. Immediately after leaving college he went to Attleborough, Mass., where he took a position with the Attleborough Chronicle as reporter. Evidencing market ability as a newspaper writer, he soon became editor and proprietor and was connected with the paper for seven years. In 1888 he went West and joined the staff of the Cleveland Leader, but in 1891 returned East and joined the staff of the Boston Herald, with which he worked until about 1893, when he became the correspondent at Boston of the New York Herald. While on the Herald staff he was for several years editor and manager of the Somerville Citizen. He found time to study medicine and in 1898 graduated from the Harvard Medical School with a cum laude and at once set up practice at 1120 Boylston Street, Boston, where he soon established the Gordon Perry Hospital. He was a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society and of the Boston Medical Society. His love for Rehoboth was very strong and he always returned to his native town with delight. He was one of the main movers in the celebration of the two hundred and fifieth anniversary of the town, and an efficient member of the committee of arrangements. Dr. Perry married: (1) Emma White, March 15, 1887. She died Jan. 15, 1894. Children: Harold White, Esther Reed, Edgar Adams. (2) Emma Gordon, Sept. 7, 1898. Dr. Perry died April 7, 1903. His tomb-stone in the Briggs Corner Cemetery beats the following inscription: "Edgar Perry, Oct. 15, 1855 - April 7, 1903, Journalist, Physician Tireless in industry, alert of mind, Lofty of purpose." MARSDEN JASIEL PERRY Among the earliest towns planted in New England was Rehoboth, in the Plymouth Colony. In 1641 the land was bought from Massassoit by John Brown and Edward Winslow. The town was planted in 1643, and Anthony Perry was among the early settlers. On the 4th day of March, 1629, the Colony of Massachusetts Bay was given a charter, and twenty-six men were named as grantees. The fouteenth was Richard Perry, and the twenty-first was John Brown. The descendants of these two Englishmen were among the original planters of the town of Rehoboth, and they intermarried. From these lines there came many descendants. To one of them, Horatio Perry, a son was born in 1850, in a small house on Agricultural Avenue, standing upon the land which his great-grandfather had divided among his eight children, leaving a farm to each. The child was given a name brought to New England by the very earliest of these men, two centuries and more before his birth, Marsden Jasiel Perry. When this child was three years of age his father died, and soon after his mother was married to her second husband. The child went to live with his paternal grandmother, Lucy Perry. This grandmother, a teacher in the schools, gave the boy the advantage of her many years of training. The home contained a good library in which the boy was given a free range. At a very early age he developed an appetite for reading and conned many of the English classics, and in one case a Greek classic in English, "The Republic of Plato." This wonderful book the boy read before his thirteenth year, and Plato's ideal state is still fixed in his mind. In the young Marsden the sense of observation became strongly developed. Besides his natural gift of concentration, his isolated life led him to turn his mind inward in reflection. He thought more deeply than the average boy with many playmates, and his sagacity has been a prominent trait in his life. An old farmer near by once told Marsden of certain plans he had made for the following winter; in the autumn the old man died and his cherished plans were never carried out. From this incident he learned the lesson of promptness: if a thing was to be done it had better be done quickly. As he trudged back and forth from school he learned many things from his own observation - the songs of birds, the loveliness of the wild-flowers, the gracefulness of the elm-tree, the poetry of the wild. At the age of twelve he began to realize that he must soon go forth among men and do his part in the world's work. Near the close of the War of the Rebelliion he enlisted in a Massachusetts company and was sent to Boston. He was detailed to a position in the office of the Provost Marshal attached to the office of Governor Andrew. The 3d of July, 1863, was a day of importance in his life, as it was in the life of the Governor. The latter had promised to pass the Fourth with friends in Salem, but learning the night before that he was expected to make a speech the next morning at the dedication of the statue of Horace Mann, he passed most of the night in preparation. As he must have books of reference from the state library, who should be asked to bring them but the bright boy from Rehoboth? Thus his discovery of the state library marked a red-letter day in his life. In 1871, Mr. Perry went to Providence, R. I., himself his only friend, his head and hands his only capital; and there he has dwelt ever since. In 1881 he organized his first corporation, became its president and controlled it for eight years. In this same year he became a director in the Bank of America. This, then a small bank, had assets of $287,000. It is now the Union Trust Company, whose home is a magnificent twelve-story block on Westminster and Dorrance Streets in Providence, and its assets are more than twelve million dollars. As early as 1882, Mr. Perry saw the possibilities of electric lighting and acquired control of the Fall River Electric Lighting Company. In 1884 he, with two others, purchased the Narragansett Electric Light Company; and still later the Union Street Railroad in Providence. He is a leading Director in the Nicholson File Company, the largest file producing company in the world. Among the greatest of the works of Mr. Perry is his development of suburban electric railways over Rhode Island and entering Massachusetts. This work began with the Interstate Railway Company in 1895, then bankrupt and in the hands of receivers. It is now a most important and valuable factor in the communities it serves. About the first of January, 1893, Mr. Perry and those associated with him obtained control of the street railways in the city of Providence. During the next ten years, under his management, the mileage of these roads was enormously increased until he controlled practically all the roads in Rhode Island. Great as were these material achievements, Mr. Perry has accomplished another class of works of far greater significance. During all these years he was engaged in collecting a Shakesperian library. In searching his grandmother's library one day, young Perry came across a copy of Shakespeare's plays; and every spare moment for many weeks was spent in poring over its pages. From this experience came one of the greatest collections of Shakesperian literature now in exitence. He also collected the works of Albert Durer, and the etchings and original drawings of Rembrandt, as well as the writings of William Morris. Mr. Perry's love of beauty is seen in his collections of Chinese porcelain and rare furniture. His home, the John Brown house on Power Strett, Providence, is the best example of colonial architechture in the state of Rhode Island, and one of the finest in the country. Eleven years ago he acquired a handsome Newport estate on the Ocean Drive, called "Bleak House," beautiful indeed for situation, but naturally bleak and barren as the name implies. Mr. Perry's genius has transformed this barren waste and made it blossom as the rose. Today the gardens of "Bleak House" are deservedly famous and its flowers bloom resplendent in spite of harsh winter winds. Mr. Perry is a member of the Art Association of Newport, and chairman of its committee of buildings and grounds. Such is in part the work of Marsden J. Perry during the past forty years. Few have done so much in so many lines for the advancement and culture of humanity. ELIZABETH BESAYADE PIERCE Was descended from Capt. Michael Pierce of Indian War fame. She was the daughter of Noah and Elizabeth Martin Pierce and was born in Rehoboth, Aug. 15, 1839. The line of descent is as follows: Noah (7), Noah (6), Noah (5), Joseph (4), Azrikam (3), Ephraim (2), Michael (1). She began her education in the public schools of the town and in the Bicknell High School. She commenced teaching at the age of sixteen at Barrington, R.I., with an ungraded school of more than forty scholars. Being ambitious for further education, she studied in the academy at Attleborough and eagerly pursued such branches as would fit her for her chosen life-work. Her craving for knowledge and her love of study induced her to take the full Chautauqua course, graduating in the class of 1887. She afterwards took the course in Universal History, and "having honorably passed her examination" received her diploma. All the while, her work in the schoolroom went forward with renewed zeal, and many of her pupils felt the inspiration of her teaching and testified to its helpfulness in after years. She taught in several Rehoboth schools and in some of the adjoining towns. When in 1886 some of the schools in town were brought together in the Goff Memorial Building, Miss Pierce was principal. As the people were not ready for this advance, causing the plan to fail, she taught a private school for a year at the hall. Her last years in teaching were spent in the Blanding school. It was there that she inaugurated the first memorial exercises, which have since grown to include all the schools in town. She had rounded out nearly fifty years of work in the schoolroom when her health failed. She was from her youth a loyal member of the church and many in her Sunday-school class became efficient Christian workers. She loved the Word of God and delighted in its study. Her chief desire was to know and do the will of God, and she approved herself to all a devout and steadfast Christian. After a lingering illness which she bore with characteristic fortitude, she feel asleep on the 29th day of June, 1909. JOHN W. PIERCE Born in Rehoboth, Mass., Oct. 10, 1862, was the son of William L. and Sarah E. (Wright) Pierce. He was educated in the Rehoboth schools and took a special course in the higher studies, giving his chief attention to music until he became a director of music in the public schools and churches, and also taught singing schools. At eighteen he was employed by George Marvel in the grocery business. At twenty-two he succeeded his father on the Rehoboth school board. He taught the Hornbine School in the winter of 1887-8. In 1888 he bought a farm in Swansea and engaged in market gardening. He served for several years on the school committee of Swansea, and was superintendent of the Sunday-school at the Hornbine Baptist church for fifteen years; he was enjoyed as a soloist in church and Sunday-school. On March 3, 1885, he married Mary E. Kelton, daughter of John and Hannah M. (Baker) Kelton, who became his efficient accompanist. They have one daughter, Stella, born Sept. 11, 1888, who married Lester Briggs. Lineage: John W. (9) William L. (8) Jabez (7) Henry (6) Joshua (5) Dea. Miah (4) Ephraim (3) Ephraim (2) Capt. Michael (1). CAPT. MICHAEL PIERCE Was born in England about the year 1615, and came to America in 1645, settling in Hingham, but in 1647 removed to Scituate, which town was settled in 1628 by men from Kent. He was twice married, but little is known of his domestic life except that his second wife was Hannah James, and that he had ten children, as is shown by his will which is dated Jan. 15, 1675. Their names were Persis, Benjamin, John, Ephraim, Elizabeth, Deborah, Ann, Abiah, Ruth, and Abigial. Many of the Rehoboth Pierces were descended from Michael through his son Ephraim. Henry B. Pierce, for many years Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, was a lineal descendant. In 1673, Capt. Michael was ensign in a company raised to go against the Dutch. He had been 1st lieut. in Captin Miles Standish's Company. He was commissioned captain by the Plymouth Colony Court in 1669. He was in the Narragansett Swamp Fight, Dec. 19, 1675, and was killed in an ambuscade at Central Falls, R. I., March 26, 1676. MENZIAS R. RANDALL, M.D. Son of Daniel and Mary Randall, was born at Easton, Mass., June 10, 1794; received a medical degree at Harvard University and also at Brown, September, 1824, and commenced practice at Rehoboth the same year. He married (1) Eliza Edson of Easton, who died Jan. 8, 1833; (2) Almira Guild ("Gould" in "Vital Record"), also of Easton, March 7, 1834. Dr. Randall was a popular physician and politician; was state senator 1859-60. He died July 23, 1882, aged 88 years, leaving a son, Dr. George H. Randall, who succeeded him and practiced in Rehoboth until his death, May 6, 1915, aged 63 years. DR. CHARLES N. RAYMOND Was the son of Isaac N. Raymond who was born in Malden, Mass., June 26, 1831. His mother's name was H. Maritta Burlingame of Foster, R. I., born May 19, 1831. Dr. Raymond was born at Warren, R. I., April 20, 1854. He was married (1) to Josephine Harmon of Baltimore, July 27, 1876, having two children; (2) Mrs. L. D. Newell, Nov. 8, 1914. Both of his daughters taught in the Rehoboth schools. One of them, Georgia N., married Mr. F. P. Gardiner, of Warwick, R. I., and has three children; the other, Agnes, is a Red Cross nurse now located in France. Dr. Raymond practiced medicine in Rehoboth from 1894 to 1908 and was prominent in the affairs of the town and church. He was one of the first movers for an electric railway through the town; was president of the Rehoboth Farmers' Club for ten years; secretary of the Republican Town Committee for two years; of the Bristol County Republican Committee for ten years; introduced the first resolution for the introduction into the public schools of Massachusetts of the teaching of agriculture, and sent the same to the State Board of Education. His wife and daughter formed the society of Grace Greenaways among the children of Rehoboth, which flourished for many years. Dr. Raymond is now (1917) located at Edgewood, R. I. REV. AUGUSTUS BROWN REED Son of Deacon Elijah A. and Delight (Brown) Reed, was born Nov. 19, 1798, at Rehoboth, Mass.; died Sept. 30, 1838, at Ware, Mass.; married Nov. 17, 1824, Melinda Borden of Fall River (born Jan. 13, 1805, died Dec. 27, 1893), daughter of William and Sarah (Durfee) Borden. Augustus B. Reed was prepared for college by Rev. Otis Thompson of Rehoboth, and graduated from Brown University in 1821. He alter studied theology with Mr. Thompson, and on June 2, 1823, was installed as the first pastor of the First Congregational Church of Fall River, with a salary of $450. He was called to the church in Ware, Mass., and was there installed July 19, 1826. "He was chairman of the school committee, a Whig, an anti-Mason and a temperance advocate. He was five feet ten inches in height, of light complexion, blue eyes, slender frame, considered honorable, social and benevolent according to his means." Mr. Reed was never strong, and his health gradually declined until his death by consumption in the fortieth year of his age. Children: (1) Theodora Cyania, born July 23, 1825; died March 8, 1886; married Eliab Williams of Fall River. (2) Delight Brown, born June 3, 1828; died Oct. 29, 1849. (3) William Augustus, born April 8, 1830; died 1891; married Mary Lucetta Breckenridge. (4) John Richard, born March 25, 1832; died Nov. 11, 1907; married (1) Julia Priscilla Breckenridge - four children; married (2) Martha Huntington Dudman - two children. (5) Thomas, born Dec. 27, 1834; died Feb. 10, 1835. (6) Theophilus, born March 15, 1836; died Aug. 23, 1843. GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS REED Was the son of Dea. Elijah Augustus Reed of Dighton and Delight (Brown) Reed of Rehoboth. He was born Dec. 23, 1811, in Rehoboth, on the Reed homestead, half a mile from the Orleans Factory, where all his years were spent. He was educated in the district schools, and at the Academy in Ware, Mass.; a man of sound judgment and genuine religious culture. He was chosen deacon of the Congregational Church at Rehoboth Village March 27, 1863. He was fond of singing and led the church choir for many years. He also taught singing-school for many years, beginning at the age of nineteen, and in one winter taught eight different schools, thus increasing his annual income while delighting in his work. As a man, Deacon Reed was an example of industry, prudence, gentleness and hospitality. The guide of his life was Golden Rule. He married Electa Ann Miller of Rehoboth, daughter of Joshua and Lydia (Wheeler) Miller, March 16, 1836. She was born March 25, 1818; educated in the common schools and at Fall River High School. She was a woman of energy who gave herself freely to her home, and in times of special sickness to her neighbors also; for she was accounted a good nurse. She was fair to look upon and greatly beloved, but modest withal and capable. Children: (1) Charles Leonard, born Sept. 20, 1837; died May 8, 1908. (2) Annie Electa, born June 13, 1839; died July 27, 1867. (3) Mary Ann Borden, born Jan. 24, 1843. (4) Almira Miller, born Dec. 10, 1845; died June 6, 1904. (5) Almon Augustus, born Dec. 2, 1848. (6) Jane Amelia, born Feb. 22, 1851. (7) Delight Carpenter, born Feb. 14, 1856. Mrs. Reed died July 18, 1893, aged seventy-five years. Deacon Reed died April 22, 1889, in his seventy-eighth year. ROBERT THE HERMIT "A singular and eccentric being, who for many years lived in a rude cell on the east side of Seekonk River, near India Bridge, leading the solitary life of a recluse." His mother was of African descent and he was born in slavery about the year 1770. As he grew up he was sold first to one master and then another, but escaped and became a sailor. After suffering many hardships on land and sea, he lighted upon Seekonk and built him a little hut at Fox Point where he eked out a wretched existence until his death at the age of sixty or seventy years, and was buried in a pauper's grave. (For a further account of this poor waif see Bliss's History, pp. 249-259). NATHAN SMITH, M.D. Professor in the medical schools of Dartmouth, Yale and Bowdoin Colleges, was born at Rehoboth, Sept. 30, 1762. While he was still young his parents removed to Chester, Windor Co., Vt. Here young Smith acquired the elements of education in the common schools and helped hs father on the farm. He was a member of the Vermont militia, whose duty it was to keep the border Indians in check. He was also one of a group of young men who hunted beasts if prey and secured game for the table. In these excursions he suffered great hardship. At one time he was stranded far from home and contracted a sickness which confined him to his house for many months. He taught school for several winters, and had reached the age of twenty-four when he received an impulse which changed the course of his life. Seeing an operation by Dr. Josiah Goodhue, a noted surgeon, he determined to study medicine, and after a course of general reading with Rev. Mr. Whiting of Rockingham, a neighboring town, he spent three years with Dr. Goodhue at Putney, Vt., and the two men became close friends. Dr. Smith began his practice of medicine at Cornish, N.H., but later took a course of lectures at Harvard University, and continued his practice. At this period the medical profession in the country was at a low ebb, and Dr. Smith, feeling the need of elevating the standard, instituted the medical department at Dartmouth College in Hanover, N. H., and was appointed professor of medicine. The number of students increased from twenty at first to sixty, and still later to eighty or more. After a few years Dr. Smith went abroad and attended lectures and clinics in Edinburgh and London. He was in great demand for consultations, and rode hundreds of miles on horseback, often over rough roads. In 1813 he became professor in the newly established Medical Institute at Yale College. He delivered an annual course of lectures on "The Theory and Practice of Physic," besides one or more courses at Dartmouth and Bowdoin Colleges, and at the University of Vermont. By means of his influence he effected a great and salutary change in the medical profession over a large extent of the country. Dr. Smith possessed a strong, discriminating and inquisitive mind, a retentive memory, a remarkable power of reducing all the knowledge he acquired to some practical purpose. He had an undaunted moral courage, a delicate and tender sensibility, and a benevolent heart. He died July 26, 1829, at New Haven, Conn. His works entitled "Medical and Surgical Memoirs" were published in 1831. Three of his sons became physicians. EPHRAIM STARKWEATHER Was the son of John and Mary (Herrick) Starkweather of Stonington, Conn. He was born at Stonington, Sept. 1, 1733, and was a graduate of Yale College in the class of 1755. He studied law at Litchfield, Conn., and was admitted to the bar, but never engaged in the practice. From 1755 to 1770 he resided at Stonington, Providence, R. I., and Attleborough, Mass. In 1770 he removed to Pawtucket, then a part of the town of Rehoboth, Mass., where he continued to reside until his death. He became interested in the manufacutre of potash and pearlash, exporting his products, and also furs, to the British Isles and Holland. He was very successful in his business, and became a large land-owner in Pawtucket and its vicinity. He read extensively and taught the grammar school in Rehoboth for several terms. He became interested in public affairs, espousing ardently the cause of the colonies. In 1773 he was chairman of the Committee of Correspondence, which prepared the instructions of the town of Rehoboth to its representative in the General Court, Capt. Joseph Barney. He was delegate from the town to the Third Provincial Congress of Massachusetts, which convened at Watertown, May 31, 1775. Also representative of the town in the General Court in 1775 and 1778. Upon the adoption of the Constitution in 1780, he was elected to the State Senate from the County of Bristol, and was re-elected in 1781, 1782, and 1783. He acted frequently as moderator of the annual town meetings of Rehoboth, and was repeatedly commissioned by the governors of Massachusetts as a justice of the peace for Bristol county. He was one of Gov. John Hancock's Committee of Four chosen from the Legislature to act in advisory capacity during the Revolutionary War. Although serving in one branch or the other of the Legislature during the greater part of the Revolutionary War, he also served for brief periods, on occasions of alarm, as a soldier. Thus, on the Lexington alarm, April 19, 1775, he served as a private in Capt. John Lyon's Company which marched from Rehoboth; and on the alarm at Bristol, R.I., Dec. 8, 1776, he served as a private in Capt. James Hill's Company which marched from Rehoboth; and on the alarm at Tiverton, R. U. July 31, 1780, he served as a private in Capt. Nathaniel Ide's Company which marched from Rehoboth. Ephraim Starkweather was twice married. In September, 1758, at Attleborough, he married Sarah (Lawrence) Carpenter, the widow of Comfort Carpenter of Attleborough. She was the daughter of Jonathan and Sarah (Pitts) Lawrence of Rehoboth. She was born at Rehoboth July 14, 1732, and died at Norton, Mass., June 20, 1795. By her, Ephraim Starkweather had two children: (1) Oliver, born at Attleborough, in 1759, married Miriam Clay at Rehoboth, Dec. 30, 1784, and died at Pawtucket, Mass., May 13, 1834. (2) John, born at Attleborough in 1762, and died at Rehoboth, Oct. 25, 1782. He married at Walpole, Mass., Dec. 15, 1796, as his second wife, Rebecca Gay, daughter of Nathaniel and Rebecca (Kingsbury) Gay of Walpole. She was born at Walpole, Sept. 19, 1749, and died at Pawtucket, Mass., Sept. 18, 1836, having no children. Ephraim Starkweather died at Pawtucket, in the town of Rehoboth, June 10, 1809. OLIVER STARKWEATHER Was the son of Ephraim and Sarah (Lawrence) Starkweather of Rehoboth, Mass. He was born at Attleborough, Mass., in 1759, and accompanied his parents in 1770 when they removed to Pawtucket, then a part of the town of Rehoboth. During the Revolutionary War he served, for brief periods, as a soldier. He was actively engaged in mercantile pursuits at Pawtucket. He was also a manufacturer of cotton yarns and cloths and accumulated a fortune. He owned large tracts of land at Pawtucket, and, in 1799, he erected a fine colonial residence there on Walcott Street, which became th home of the family for sevearl generations. Oliver Starkweather was much interested in public affairs. In 1812 the town of Seekonk was set apart from Rehoboth and incorporated;d and, from that time until 1828, Pawtucket formed a part of Seekonk. In 1828, the town of Pawtucket was incorporated. Mr. Starkweather was representative of the town of Seekonk in the General Court from 1812 to 1818, inclusive. In 1821 he was elected to the State Senate from the County of Bristol, and he was re-elected in 1822 and 1823. In 1828 he was chosen a Presidential Elector. He often acted as moderator at the annual town meetings of Seekonk, and also of Pawtucket; and he was for many years a justice of the peace for Bristol county. Oliver Starkweather was married at Rehoboth, Dec. 30, 1784, to Miriam Clay, daughter of Capt. Jamese Clay (who was representative of the town of Rehoboth in the General Court from 1763 to 1769, inclusive) and Lydia (Walker) Clay. Miriam Clay was born at Rehoboth, Nov. 3, 1764, and died there Sept. 18, 1805. By her Oliver Starkweather had the following children: (1) John, born at Rehoboth, June 21, 1785, married Olive Carpenter at Rehoboth, March 14, 1809, and died at Upton, Mass., in 1858. (2) Sarah, born at Rehoboth, Aug. 20, 1788, married William Allen at Providence, R.I., July 22, 1810, and died at Seekonk Jan. 5, 1819. (3) James Clay, born at Rehoboth Feb. 7, 1794, and died there Sept. 12, 1795. (4) James Clay, born at Rehoboth in 1795, married Almira Chapin Underwood at Seekonk, Nov. 23, 1820, and died at Pawtucket July 26, 1856. (5) Samuel, born at Rehoboth, Dec. 27, 1798, married Julia Judd at Cleveland, Ohio, June 25, 1828, and died at Cleveland, July 5, 1876. (6) Rebecca Gay, born at Rehoboth in 1802, married Lyman Clafin at Seekonk, March 5, 1822, and died at Pawtucket April 5, 1864. Oliver Starkweather died May 13, 1834, at Pawtucket, Mass. GRENVILLE STEVENS Was born in Raynham, Mass., oct. 21, 1797. At the age of four years he was bound out with a Mr. Gilmore until he was twenty. After that he spent ten years in the swamps of North Carolina, shaving cedar shingles, the work in those days being done by hand. He was married to Olive Smith of Rehoboth, Oct. 2, 1828. In 1829 he came to North Rehoboth and bought the place owned by Elijah J. Sandford. With the exception of two years, 1646-47, spent in Fall River, he resided here until 1859. His place became known as Stevens' Corner. He kept a public house, store and post-office, a daily stage running through Providence to Taunton changing horses at his barn. At this period he was very prosperous and made many friends. His trade often amounted to $10,000 a year. He was an active supporter of the M. E. Church and gave the land on which the meeting-house stands. He was representative to the General Court for two terms, 1845-46. After 1859 he resided eight years in Whitefield, N. H., and was engaged in the lumber business. At the same time he probably kept a store and carried on a farm, as he is spoken of as a "merchant farmer." Here he married his second wife, Betsey Snow of Whitefield, in 1863, who died August, 1864, after giving birth to a son, Sherman. As the near relatives of his wife were about to move to California, he went with them and settled in Vallejo, Cal. He afterwards came east and spent six years in Rehoboth, then returned to Tustin, Orange Co., Cal., where he died in 1891 at the advanced age of ninety years. By his first wie Mr. Stevens had three sons: (1) Grenville Smith, born July 10, 1829; married Hannah Wheaton Smith of Warren, R. I., in 1856, no children. Was a physician in Providence, R. I.; died Sept. 16, 1909. (2) Othniel Gilmore, born Sept. 30, 1830; married Abagail M. Morse of Rehoboth, October, 1853; seven children. Lived on a farm in Rehoboth. Died Jan. 3, 1913. (3) Francis Wesley, born Jan. 1, 1833; married Sophia A. Crane of Taunton, Jan. 4, 1855; one son. Resided on the old homestead in Rehoboth until his death, Jan. 10, 1918. (4) Sherman, the youngest son, resides in California, whither he went when a child with his father. [transcriber's note: this comes out to four sons, not three.] LUCY BLISS (CARPENTER) SWEET Was born in Rehoboth Village, Aug. 1, 1824. Her father was Joseph Carpenter, son of James and grandson of Col. Thomas, a descendant of William, who came to this country from England in 1638. Since that time the family has been prominent in the annals of old Rehoboth. Her mother was Nancy Mason Bullock, daughter of Abel and Lois (Mason) Bullock, and descendant of Richard Bullock, one of the landed proprietors of Rehoboth. Joseph Carpenter served in the War of 1812. In middle life he moved to Attleborough, where he resided until his death in 1880 in his ninety-first year. Lucy Bliss Carpenter was one of fourteen children, ten of whom lived to maturity. A sister, Sarah Martin Carpenter, became missionary of the Young Woman's Christian Association of Boston. A nephew, George Moulton Carpenter, became judge of the United States District Court of the District of Rhode Island. Lucy received her education in the "old red school-house" near Rehboth Village, and also enjoyed special instruction from Miss Fidelia Thompson, from whom she imbibed a fondness for English literature. She was married to Everett Laprilete Sweet of Attleborough, March 6, 1851. He was a descendant of Henry Sweet who came to Attleborough in 1690. With the exception of five years spent in Worcester, they continued to reside in Attleborough, where Mr. Sweet died in 1868, leaving Mrs. Sweet with five children, the eldest fifteen and the youngest eight. In the way of means she had only a home, and the entire burden of the household rested upon her hands. The names of her children are as follows: (1) Leprilete, born in Attleborough, Jan. 13, 1853; married Sophia Foster Hovey of Providence, R. I., Jan. 4, 1882. No children. (2) Lydia Dunham, born in Worcester, April 26, 1854; died March 19, 1869. (3) Everett Henry, born in Worcester, Aug. 16, 1858; married Ida D. Grover of Mansfield, Dec. 30, 1880. Died in San Pedro, Cal., Aug. 3, 1893. Three children, one living. (4) Lucy Carpenter, born in Worcester, Dec. 29, 1855; a successful teacher; resides on the old Sweet homestead in Attleborough. (5) Newton James, born in Attleborough, June 21, 1860; married Alice Willison Hatch of North Attleborough, June 3, 1884. Four children. Mrs. Sweet was gifted as a writer both of prose and poetry, and in large part supported her family by her pen. She was a regular contributor to the Central Falls Visitor, and to the Attleborough Advocate, owned and edited by her sons Everett and Newton. Later she wrote for The Daily Sun. She was prominent in church and reform work; was the first secretary of the local Woman's Christian Temperance Union. When the Bristol W.C.T.U. was formed in 1885 she was chosen superintendent of scientific temperance instruction in the public schools, which position she held for eleven years. She also took great interest in missions. For twenty-five years she was president of the Ladies' Foreign Missionary Society connected with the Congregational Church, and afterwards an officer in the Old Colony branch. She was interested in all that concerned the moral and religious welfare of the community. Her spirit was broad and charitable. While she held positive convictions, she was willing that others should do the same. Her poems were written for many different occasions, including birthdays, weddings, deaths, and public anniversaries. She combined clear ideas with a flowing style, as many be seen in the following stanza: "But love now comes with winning grace And wedding bells are ringing; New ties fast supersede the old, Fresh cares and pleasures bringing. Ring softly, golden wedding bells, Your chimes oft change to dirges, So nearly sorrow's leaden foot On pleasure's pathway verges." Mrs. Sweet was an active member of the Congregational Church for nearly sixty years, and for more than forty years a teacher in the Sunday-school. She die Dec. 13, 1910. "More blest our lives have been, more rich and full For the sweet memory of thine." WILLIAM THATCHER Son of Rev. James Joshua and Rebecca (Collins) Thatcher, was born in Swansea, Mass., Aug. 9, 1839. He came to Rehoboth to live in March, 1853. He married Ella Louisa Horton, daughter of John W. and Mary Ann (Wheeler) Horton of Rehoboth, June 23, 1872. He was a prosperous farmer and a respected citizen. In company with his brother Tristam he carried on the Thatcher farm until his death, which occurred May 8, 1908. He is survived by a widow and one son, two children having died in early childhood. The son, Frank Dexter Thatcher, was born Aug. 7, 1880. He married Charlotte Catharine Carruthers of Rehoboth, June 27, 1906. They have two children: Anthony Carruthers, born Sept. 15, 1907, and Elizabeth May, born March 4, 1909. CHRISTOPHER CARPENTER VIALL Son of Samuel H. and Mary A. (Kent) Viall, was born in Rehoboth, Jan. 15, 1853. Among his teachers at the Annawan School were Hannah (Horton) Fisher and Frances (Carpenter) Bliss. He also attended the private school of J. K. Metcalf in 1861. Later he studied at The Phillips-Exeter Academy. He married, April 14, 1881, Clara G. Bowen of Rehoboth, daughter of Reuben and Sarah A. (George) Bowen. They have two children: (1) Annie George, born in Sterling, Conn., Oct. 12, 1885; married April 29, 1907, Miles Gilman, U.S.N., son of Elvin and Mary Ann Gilman of Sangerville, Me.; they also have two children: Miriam, born in Rehoboth, Feb. 23, 1908, and Wilson Viall, born in Rehoboth, Dec. 13, 1910. (2) Mary Adalaide, born in Rehoboth, Feb. 4, 1890; married June 27, 1914, Myron Stanely Walden of Attleborough, Mass., son of Stanley and Lilliam Walden. Mr. Viall was a charter member of Oak Hill Grange at Briggs Corner, and later Master of the Annawan Grange. He is also an honored Mason; was a charter member of Naomi Chapter O.E.S., of East Providence, R. I., and is a member of the Rising Sun Lodge, A. F. and A. M., also of East Providence. He bought the Hiram Drown farm on Pine Street in 1888; is a successful farmer and milk producer, having delivered milk in Pawtucket daily for thirty years. He was elected a member of the Rehoboth School Committee in 1882, and after an absence of several years in Connecticut, he was re-elected in 1888 and has held the office ever since. As a singer, Mr. Viall is gifted with a rich barytone voice and has been much in demand for quartet work. Mr. Viall's lineage is in part as follows: John Viall (1), the immigrant ancestor, a weaver, was born in England about 1619; was admitted to be an inhabitant of Boston, Mass., Jan. 11, 1639, and freeman June 2, 1641. He kept the "Old Ship Tavern" at the North End from 1662 to 1679, when he removed to Swansea, afterwards Barrington. Died Feb. 26, 1685-6. Benjamin (2), baptized April 14, 1672, lived at Wannamoiset, which came into Barrington in 1717, and into Rehoboth in 1747; died in Rehoboth, Sept. 6, 1750. Nathaniel (3), baptized in Rehoboth Nov. 11, 1705; died Feb. 19, 1800, in his 94th year; buried in the Viall or "Little Neck" cemetery at Wannamoiset. Benjamin (4), born in 1731; married Keziah Brown; died March 22, 1819, in his 89th year; buried in the Viall yard. John (Captain) (5), born in Rehoboth Nov. 26, 1759; married Esther Peck; Lieut. of Artilllery 1781; died April 7, 1833, buried in the Viall yard. Samuel (6), born in Rehoboth, Nov. 25, 1782; lived in Rehoboth, Seekonk and elsewhere; cabinet-maker; married Bebe Jones; died Feb. 23, 1867; buried in the Viall yard. Samuel H. (7), born April 8, 1811, in Pawtucket; lived for many years in Rehoboth; Civil War veteran; died Sept. 30, 1897; buried in the Lakeside Cemetery, East Providence. Christopher Carpenter (8) (see above sketch). BENJAMIN WEST, LL.D. A distinguished mathematician and scientist, was born at Rehoboth, near the Swansea line, in March, 1730. During his boyhood his parents removed to Bristol, R. I., where he was educated mostly through his own unaided exertions. He was intensely fond of mathematical studies, in which his proficiencey awakened general admiration. He established the first book-store in Providence, R. I., and carried on that business during the Revolutionary War, and at the same time manufactured clothing for the Continental soldiers. During these years he continued to pursue mathematical and astronomical studies. He published an almanac from 1763 to 1793, calculated for the meridian of Providence; a copy for 1772 is in the Rehoboth Antiquarian collection. He furnished the Royal Society of London with his observations on the transit of Venus in 1769; taught mathematics in the Episcopal Seminary at Philadelphia, 1784-86; was elected professor of Mathematics and Astronomy at Brown University in 1786, and held the position with equal credit to himself and advantage to the institution till 1799, receiving in 1792 the degree of LL.D. for his distinguished services in the cause of science. He was postmaster at Providence from 1802 till is death, Aug. 13, 1813, in his 83d year. His wife was Elizabeth Smith, daughter of Benjamin Smith of Bristol, R.I. He left one son and three daughers. CYRUS MARTIN WHEATON Son of Jonathan and Sarepta (Martin) Wheaton, was born in Rehoboth, Nov. 4, 1794. He traced his ancestry on both sides to the early settlement of the town. Robert Wheaton, the first of the name in this country, came from England to Salem in 1636. Moved to Rehoboth in 1643-46; married Alice Bowen. He was born in Wales in 1605, died 1695 or '96, aged ninety. He suffered the horrors of King Philip's War, as he was Philip's nearest neighbor. On his mother's side Cyrus was a lineal descendant of John Martin of Swansea, who came to this country in 1663 with Rev. John Miles, pastor of the first Baptist Church in Swansea. The best traits of both families were combined in the subject of our sketch, and there was in him a happy balance of faculties as rare as it is desirable. He was prominent in the affairs of his native town and for half a century was closely identified with its history. He was interested in military affairs and was promoted in early life to the rank of colonel in the old First Regiment of the Massachusetts Militia. He was for many years one of Rehoboth's selectmen, and for thirty years its town clerk, and also justice of the peace. In 1874, on his eightieth birthday, he was honored by being elected to the State Legislature. He was an active member of the Congregational Church and Society, and served on the building committee which erected the present house of worship, dedicated Sunday, Nov. 3, 1839, the marriage of his eldest daughter constituting a part of the services of that day. He was always in his place at church on the Sabbath. As the time of his departure drew near, he said, "Pray for me that the Lord's will may be done and that I may be reconciled to his will." Mr. Wheaton married, for his first wife, Nancy Carpenter, daughter of Peter and Nancy Carpenter of Rehoboth, Oct. 26, 1817. She died Oct. 15, 1855. They had six children: Nancy Carpenter, Sarepta Martin, Mary Carpenter, Cyrus Martin, Elizabeth Moulton and Amanda Minerva. He married for his second wife, May 13, 1856, Mrs. Rosella (Carpenter) Perry, sister of his former wife. Mr. Wheaton lived to share the affection of twenty grandchildren and thirty-six great-grandchildren. HORATIO G. WHEATON, M.D. A native of Rehoboth and brother of Josephus, was born in June, 1791. He was descended in a direct line from Robert Wheaton, the first of the name to come to America: Robert (1), Rev. Ephraim (2), James (3), James (4), Capt. Joseph (5), Horatio (6). Like his brother, he struggled hard for an education, graduating at Brown University in 1820. He studied medicine with Dr. J. W. Whitridge of Charleston, S. C. He had just entered on the practice of his profession in that city when he fell a victim to yellow fever and died Oct. 8, 1824. "He was a schlar of fine talents and a young man of high promise." JESSE WHEATON, M.D. Dr. Jesse Wheaton (5), James (4), James (3), Rev. Ephraim (2), Robert (1). Brother of Capt. Joseph Wheaton of Rehoboth, and James Wheaton of Pomfret, Conn. Born in Rehoboth, 1762-63, died in Dedham, Mass., Nov. 5, 1847. He lived in Dedham. Twice married: Betsey, who died Jan. 6, 1816, aged 52. Nancy Dixon of Boston, who died Nov. 24, 1842, aged 67. He was in the Revolutionary War, was captured by the British and imprisoned on the infamous ship "Jersey." MARK O. WHEATON Son of William and Rachel (Burr) Wheaton, was born in Rehoboth in 1834. He married Ann E. Carpenter of Rehoboth, March 13, 1864. He took part in the Civil War in 1861, enlisting in the 3d Rhode Island Cavalry, and serving as private until its close. He resided in Attleborough and was bookkeeper for Charles E. Hayward & Co., afterwards taking Mr. Hayward's place in the firm, known as Wheaton, Richards & Co. Mr. Wheaton served two successive terms, 1894-96, in the lower branch of the Legislature. He was a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and also a past commander of the G.A.R. He died June 22, 1896, in his sixty-third year. One daughter, Mrs. C.S. Smith of Attleborugh, survives him. REV. JOSEPHUS WHEATON, A.M. Son of Capt. Joseph and Sarah Sylvester (Sweet) Wheaton, was born in Rehoboth, March 16, 1787, one of fourteen children. His father kept a tavern in South Rehoboth, near the Seekonk line. His mother was a step-daughter of Rev. Robert Rogerson, - a most worthy woman. Young Wheaton early evinced a desire for a liberal education and worked his way through college, graduating at Brown University in 1812; served as tutor there for two years; studied Theology with Rev. Otis Thompson of Rehoboth; was ordained pastor of the Congregational church at Holliston Mass., Dec. 6, 1815, Mr. Thompson preaching the sermon. Mr. Wheaton's pastorate continued until his death, which occurred Feb. 4, 1825, in his 38th year, of tuberculosis. "He was distinguished as a scholar of superior abilities, diligent appicaton to his studies, amiable disposition and engaging manners." As a minister he was honored and beloved. His portrait still hangs in the chapel at Holliston. He married, (1) Mary Ide of Seekonk in January, 1816, and (2) Abigail F. Fales of Wrentham. Two children by his second wife survive him with their mother. DEXTER WHEELER Was born in the old Wheeler-Horton house on Summer Street in Rehoboth, May 5, 1777. He was the son of Jeremiah and Elizabeth (Thurber) Wheeler (Dexter (7), Jeremia (6), Jeremiah (5), James (4), James (3), Henry (2), John (1) ). He was a natural mechanic and, when a young man, made shovels and their handles in the shop across the way. To give the handles the right crook, he steamed them and placed the ends in holes bored in a sill and skilfully weighted the other end. These augur-holes may still be seen in the old shop. Here in 1805 he demonstrated the spinning cotton machinery for the "Swansea Factory" in the first years of the eighteenth century; and in 1809, for the cotton-mill at Rehoboth Village. He was one of the six partners who constituted the Union Manufacturing Co. About 1813 he removed to Fall River and was in company with his uncle, Nathaniel Wheeler, and David Anthony. Here he built the first two cottom factories known as the "Troy" and the "White" mills. Before he died he sold out his interest in Fall River and moved to Poplar Ride, Cayuga Co., N. Y., where he bought a farm, on which Henry J. Wheeler, son of his brother Cyrenius, now lives. In 1811 Mr. Wheeler received a patent signed by President Madison for a tide-mill water-wheel. One of these wheels was used at Kelly's Bridge, at Warren, R. I., to operate a grist-mill. He also received a patent for the beatings for a water-wheel in which he substituted rollers for balls. A nephew of Mr. Wheeler, Cyrenius Wheeler Jr., a former mayor of Auburn. N.Y., received a patent for the fist two-wheeled mowing machine, and sold the patent right to the McCormick Mowing Machine Co. THOMAS WILLETT Was one of the founders of Rehoboth, as well as one of the most distinguished men of Old Plymouth Colony. Born in England, he spent his early years, as did Mr. Brown, in Holland, where he learned the Dutch language, manners and customs, and became acquainted with the Pilgrims. He was about ninetten years old when he landed at Plymouth in 1629. He had charge of the English trading port at Kennebec, Me. Mr. Willett married Mary Brown, daughter of John Brown, July 6, 1636, by whom he had thirteen children. In 1647 he succeeded Myles Standish as captain of the Plymouth militia. In 1651 he was elected one of the Governor's assistants and held the office in 1665, when he was succeeded by his brother-in-law, James Brown, of Swansea. He was appointed as agent of the Colony in organizing the government at New York and reducing affairs to English customs, and as a result was chosen to be the first governor or mayor of the town, and was re-elected to the positon. The Dutch also had so much confidence in Mr. Willett that they chose him to arbitrate on the disputed boundary between New York and New Haven. In February, 1660, Mr. Willett became a freeholder in Rehoboth, residing at Wannamoiset, then a wardship of Rehoboth, but within the territory of Sowams or Sowamsett. Until recently the chimney of his house was standing on the main road, near Riverside, R. I., and not far from the home of his father-in-law, Hon. John Brown. Mr. Willett cultivated friendly relations with the Indians and bought the Rehoboth North Purcase (now Attleborough, North Attleborough, and Cumberland), the Taunton North Purchase (Norton and Mansfield) and other large tracts. For his services to Rehoboth, the town, in the 21st of February, 1660, voted "that Mr. Willett should have liberty to take five hundred or six hundred acres of land northward or eastward, beyond the bounds of our town, where he shall think it most convenient for himself." With John Miles and John Brown he was influential in the grant and settlement of the town of Swansea, and the foundation of the Baptist Church in that town, under the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Miles, the ancestor of Major General Nelson A. Miles, U.S.A. After a few years residence in New York, Mr. Willett returned to his home in Wannamoiset, where he closed a useful and honored life, Aug. 4, 1674, aged 63 years. A rough stone in the Little Neck Cemetery, at the head of Bullock's Cove, bears this inscription: "Here lyeth the body of the worthy Thomas Willett, Esq., Who died August ye 4th, in the 64th year of his age. Anno ____________. WHO WAS THE FIRST MAYOR OF NEW YORK AND TWICE DID SUSTAIN THE PLACE." His wife, Mary, died in 1669, and is buried by his side. The City Club of New York placed at his grave a memorial granite boulder on which is a bronze tablet inscribed as follows: "Thomas Willett 1610 - 1674 First Mayor of New York Served 1665 and 1667. Erected by the City Club of New York, 1913. WILLETT." DR. HARRISON WILLIS Was born in the Willis house on Pine Street in Rehoboth, July 4, 1836. He was the son of Amasa and Lydia (Woodward) Willis. She was the daughter of Isaac and Martha (Luther) Woodward and died in Rehoboth, Dec. 10, 1890, aged 94 years. Young Willis taught school in Swansea at the age of fifteen, and at twenty-one tried farming in Kansas, but owing to the warm climate and the rattlesnakes he soon returned East and enaged in cutting and selling wood. In 1862 he attended medical lectures in Pittsfield, Mass., and in 1865 graduated at the Cleveland (Ohio) Homeopathic Medical College. After practicing awhile in Clinton, N.Y., he located in Brooklyn. He was a hard student and very progressive in his profession, being one of the original staff of the Homeopathic Hospital of Brooklyn. He preformed successfully the operations of ovariotomy, apendectomy, caesarian section, and others. He became one of the foremost surgeons of hs time in connection with the Homeopathic School of Medicine, and saved many lives by his skill in obstetrical surgery. In 1894 he opened a private hospital of his own, which he continued until his death, Dec. 3, 1898. Dr. Willis was married twice: (1) Miss Ellen M. White of Pawtucket, R. I., who had three children and died in Septembe, 1871. (2) Miss Isabella M. Mirrielees of Brooklyn, N. Y>, in May, 1874, who bore him nine children. She died at Hollis, Long Island, in April, 1917. Of his twelve children, seven are still living (1917). Three of his sons are physicians, one of whom, Dr. Harrison Willis, is superintendent of the Willis Sanitarium in Brooklyn. PASCHAL ELERY WILMARTH Son of Paschal Elery and Abigial Maria (Day) Wilmarth, was born in Seekonk, Mass., Aug. 11, 1839. His mother dying when he was three years old, his great-uncle and aunt, Daniel Wilmarth and his wife, bought him up as if he were their own son, making him the heir to their estate. Their home was the old Wilmarth homestead on Broad Street in Rehoboth, which has belonged in part to the same family since the time of Thomas Wilmarth, a settler of the first generation. Young Wilmarth was educated in the public schools of Rehoboth, and grew up an enterprising farmer. He was one of the first to open a milk route to Providence, and erected the first windmill in town, used to pump water to his house from a bubbling spring a thousand feet distant in his field. When he later installed an engine to do the work he illustrated the progressive activity of his nature. He was road commissioner from 1875 to 1900, and was active in building and caring for the state road. As a good citizen, Mr. Wilmarth was ever interested in town affairs without caring to hold office. For many years he was an honored trustee of the Congregational Society, and also of the Rehoboth Antiquarian Society, which position he held from the beginning. He, with the assistance of George Henry Horton, for thirty successive years brought from Providence the big tent for the annual clambake. He served the Horse Detecting Society for several years as its secretary. When some of the public schools were for a time consolidated he purchased a barge that he might carry the children in safety and comfort. Mr. Wilmarth was a member of the Rising Sun Lodge of Masons in East Providence. He died Jan. 5, 1918. The Wilmarth line of descent is as follows: Thomas (1), whose name appears among those drawing lots for the meadows on the north side of the town in 1658. John (2), born 1646, who married Ruth Kendrick. Nathaniel (3), born Dec. 29, 1677, who married Mary Perry. Daniel (4), born Nov. 5, 1699, who married Bethiah Wilson Beverly. Daniel (5), born Oct. 21, 1750, who married Susannah Luther. John (6), born Nov. 22, 1773, who married Rachel Fuller. Paschal Elery (7), born in Seekonk, Jan. 30, 1805, who married (1) Abigail Day, daughter of David and Abigail (Armington) Day, by whom he had two sons, Paschal Elery and Augustus Day. Wife (2): Mary Webster, of Berkley, Mass. Their children were Daniel, John Nicholas, Mary and Abby. He was noted for his great strength and was a "terror to evil-doers." Paschal Elery (8), who married, May 2, 1862, Ellen Frances Dean, daughter of Benjamin and Polly (French) Dean; born Jan. 2, 1843. She is a descendant of Walter and Eleanor (Cogan) Dean, early settlers in Taunton; and of Mayflower descent; also of Richard E. and Frances (Dighton) Williams. Mr. and Mrs. Wilmarth celebrated their golden wedding May 2, 1912, more than four hundred guests being present, and an original poem was read by Hon. T.W. Bicknell. Their children were: (1) Abbie Maria, born April 11, 1865; married John Francis Marvel, Nov. 28, 1899. One daughter, Ruth Wilmarth, born July 24, 1902. (2) Wilson Elery, born Dec. 31, 1866; married Hattie Wheaton, daughter of Williams and Mary (Wheaton) Lake, Nov. 10, 1886. Three children: Nellie Frances, born Oct. 12, 1887, married Harry Webb Standish of Willimantic, Conn.; Jessie, born Dec. 7, 1890, married Charles Holt Starr of Willimantic, Conn.; Wilson Elery jr., born Jan. 25, 1907. (3) Augustus Day, born Feb. 26, 1870; died Jan. 5, 1889. (4) Grace May, born Nov. 23, 1871. Resides with her parents.