History of Barnstable County, Massachusetts
edited by Simeon L. Deyo.
1890. New York: H. W. Blake & Co
Simeon Deyo (1829-1905) was a Naples, New York newspaper editor and businessman — no idea why he was editing books about Cape Cod and Maine. His name is sometimes spelled "De'yo."
Introductory chapters 1-8 are available as PDF files from the Barnstable County Genweb site, and most of it is available at HeritageQuest.com (for a fee, or through a subscribing library.) Some pictures were scanned from the book at Boston University, and more recently from my own copy. There are very many typos in the original — I fixed some, missed some, left those I wasn't sure about, and introduced a few. Deyo relied on his informants for the genealogy — it has many errors. Each of the town chapters has a long section describing its history, industries and villages, then a section with short biographies of men who cared to be described in the book (which certainly was not all the prominent ones.) I'm splitting some chapters into 2 sections, with the biographies separate, due to file size.
table of contents and list of illustrations (below)
map of Indian tribes (from Chapter 2)
map of English settlements and dates (from Chapter 5)
Industrial Resources - chapter 9
Bench and Bar - 10
Medical Profession -11
Literature and Literary Figures- 12
[Aug 2006 - I split the former combined file of Professionals.]
Provincetown
Truro
Wellfleet, index for Wellfleet
Eastham
Orleans
Chatham
Brewster
Harwich, Harwich biographies
Dennis
Yarmouth
Mashpee
Barnstable, Barnstable biographies
Sandwich, Sandwich biographies
Bourne, Bourne biographies
Falmouth, Falmouth biographies
* Bourne, Sandwich, Barnstable and Falmouth lack pictures, so far. (Aug 2006) *
**Files are proofread, but mistakes remain. Please report suspected non-punctuation errors to webmaster[at]capecodhistory.us, and I'll check the original.**
There is a published Index to History of Barnstable County, compiled by Charles A. Holbrook, Jr. Yarmouth, Mass. : [s.n.], 1984. 174 pages. The American Antiquarian Society in Worcester has a copy.
Another Deyo book is The Illustrated History of Kennebec County, Maine, Kingsbury, Henry D. and Deyo, Simeon L. New York: H. W. Blake and Company, 1892.
———-OF———-
Edited by SIMEON L. DE'YO.
Special Contributors:
Hon. Charles F. Swift,
Capt. Thomas Prince Howes,
Rev. N. H. Chamberlain,
E. S. Whittemore, Esq.,
Josiah Paine,
Prof. S. A. Holton,
Charles DillinghamProf. John H. Dillingham,
James Gifford,
George N. Munsell, M. D.,
Judge James H. Hopkins,
Joshua H. Paine,
Rev. Thomas Bell,
F. A. Rogers, M.D.——————————
ILLUSTRATED
New York:
H. W. BLAKE CO., 1890.
INTRODUCTION.
In presenting to the people of Barnstable county this history, it is hoped that it will meet with the favorable reception which the earnest and conscientious labors of its compilers merit. It will be seen by an examination of the work that nine important chapters, besides many other valuable articles in it, were prepared by well-known citizens of the county, and it is believed that their names will be considered a guaranty that every reasonable effort has been made to secure accuracy in the many detaiIs which constitute a history.
Names of the special contributors appear in the work, but opportunity is taken here to return thanks for the generous response with which requests for information have also been met by the clerks of the different towns, officers of societies, editors, clergymen and others who were in possession of special information that was desired.
Particular acknowledgement is due for the valuable assistance of George E. Clarke, of Falmouth; Charles Dillingham, of Sandwich ; Calvin Burgess, of Bourne; Ferdinand G. Kelley, of Barnstable ; Joshua C. Howes and Watson F. Baker, of Dennis ; Levi Atwood, of Chatham ; Captain Alfred Kenrick and David L. Young, of Orleans ; Simeon Atwood, of Wellfleet; and to Mr. Clark, of Eastham, who carefully criticised and corrected the respective town manuscripts submitted to them.
The biographical sketches, for the most part, have been arranged alphabetically at the end of the several chapters. The large number of these sketches has necessitated as brief treatment as the circumstances would warrant. No pains have been spared to make this department accurate, and it is believed that it constitutes an interesting portion of the work, which will increase in value with the lapse of years.
INTRODUCTION. iv.
A new feature and one of interest, is a map showing the location of the various Indian tribes and their villages, which were spread over the Cape prior to its settlement by the whites. Another map, in its proper place, will enable the reader at a glance to learn the dates of settlement and incorporation of the respective towns, and as a ready reference will be of great value. These maps were specially drawn for this work by the editor.
While some unimportant errors may, perhaps, be found amid the multitude of details entering into the composition of a work of this character, it is believed that this result of the historians' labor will be found as free from mistakes as a work of this kind can well be made, and in behalf of these historians is asked the generous indulgence of those who may be disposed to criticise.
New York, June, 1890.
CONTENTS. v.
CHAPTER I.
TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY.Location and Boundaries. — Geological Formation. — Contour of the Coast. — Surface and Soil. — The Flora of the Cape. — Effect of the Landscape on the Character of the Cape Men
page
1
CHAPTER II.
INDIAN HISTORY.
Origin.-Manners. — Customs. — Religion. — Cape Indians. — Their Villages. — Their Tribes. — Map. — Kindness. — Subjugation. — Decrease. — Extinction. — Legends.
12
CHAPTER III.
DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION.Early Discovery of the Cape. — Explorations by Gosnold and Dermer. — The Pilgrims. — The Mayflower in Cape Cod Harbor. — Explorations by the Pilgrims. — Compact Signed. — Plymouth. — The Lost Boy. — Post at Manomet. — Great Storm. — Declaration of Rights. — First Settlement of the Cape by the Whites. — Sandwich, Barnstable, Yarmouth and Nauset. — Erection of County.
20
CHAPTER IV.
CHARTERS, GRANTS AND INDIAN DEEDS.Spanish Claims. — Cabot's Discoveries. — Plymouth Company. — Council of Plymouth. — The Pilgrims. — Patent of 1629-30. — Settlement of the Cape Towns and Purchases from the Indians. — Charter of 1691.
32
CHAPTER V.
CIVIL HISTORY AND INSTITUTIONS.Basis of Civil Government. — Erection of the County. — Political History. — Councillors. — Senators. — Representatives. — Sheriffs. — Registers. — County Institutions. — Federal Institutions. — Custom House . — Lighthouses. — Life Saving Service.
38
CHAPTER VI.
MILITARY HISTORY.New England Confederation. — First Indian Troubles. — King Philip's War. — French and Indian Wars. — The Revolution. — Shay's Rebellion. — War of 1812.
62
CONTENTS
vi
CHAPTER VII.
MILITARYHISTORY (concluded)
The Civil War. — The Election of Lincoln and the Fall of Sumter. — The first Call for Three-Months' Men. — Response from the Cape Towns. — War Meetings. — Subsequent Calls. — Bounties. — Enlistments. — Return of the Volunteers. — G. A. R. Posts. — Monuments.
83
CHAPTER VIII.
TRAVEL AND TRANSPORTATION.Packet Lines. — Mail Route and Stage Coaches. — Railroads. — Express Lines. — Telegraph and Cable Lines. — The Telephone Service.
110
CHAPTER IX.
INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES.The Fisheries. — Coasting. — Shipbuilding. — Manufacturing. — Saltmaking. — Agriculture. — Cranberry Culture — Summer Resorts. — Yachting.
130
CHAPTER X.
THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS.General View of the Rise and Course of their Principles in Bamstable County. — The Society in Sandwich. — Newell Hoxie. — The Society in Yarmouth. — David K. Akin. — The Society in Falmouth. — The Dillingham Family.
157
CHAPTER XI.
BENCH AND BAR.The Judiciary of the County. — First Courts. — Formation of the Province of Massachusetts Bay. — Revision of the Judiciary. — Courts of the Revolutionary Period. — Early Magistrates. — Judges of the Court of Common Pleas. — Court of County Commissioners. — Probate Courts. — Trial Justices. — The Bar of Barnstable County. — Lawyers, Past and Present. — Law Library Association. — District Courts.
198
CHAPTER XII.
MEDICAL PROFESSION.Introduction. — Barnstable District Medical Society. — Sketches of Physicians, Past and Present. — Medical Examiners.
221
CHAPTER XIII.
LITERATURE AND LITERARY PEOPLE.Early Writers. — Freeman's History of Cape Cod. — Other Local Works. — Poetry. — Fiction. — Occasional Writers. — The Newspapers of Barnstable County.
249
CHAPTER XIV.
SANDWICH.Location and Description. — Settlement and Early Growth. — List of Inhabitants in 1730. — Continued Advancement. — Firing the Woods. — The Town's Poor. — The Revolutionary Period. — The Present Century. — Villages. — Civil History. — Sketches.........264
264
CONTENTS.vii
CHAPTER XV.
BOURNE.
Trading Post on Monument River. — Indian Hamlets. — Natural Features. — Land Purchases. — Settlement and Early Events. — Formation of the Second Precinct. — Salt Works. — Shipbuilding. — Early Mills. — Ship Canal. — Erection of the Town of Bourne. — Town Affairs. — Churches. — Schools — The Villages and their Institutions. — Biographical Sketches.
323
CHAPTER XVI.
BARNSTABLE.Natural Features. — Early Industries. — Settlement. — Indian Lands and Names. — Names of Settlers. — Incorporation. — Purchase from Indians. — County Road. — Early Mills. — Common Lands. — The Revolution. — War of 1812. — Population. — Schools. — Civil History. — Churches. — Cemeteries and Villages. — Societies. — Biographical Sketches.
366
CHAPTER XVII.
YARMOUTH.Location and Characteristics. — Settlement. — The Grantees and Early Settlers — Early Events and Customs. — The Revolutionary Period. — Division of the Town. — War of 1812. — Subsequent Events. — Taverns and Hotels. — Churches. — Schools. — Civil Lists. — The Villages, their Industries and Institutions. — Biographical Sketches.
453
CHAPTER XVIII.
DENNIS.Natural Features. — First Settlers of Nobscusset. — Incorporation. — Development. — Industries. — Churches. — Cemeteries. — Schools. — Civil History. — The Villages, their Industries and Institutions. — Biographical Sketches.
507
CHAPTER XIX.
CHATHAM.Natural Features. — Settlement. — Incorporation. — Early Town Action. — Town Poor. — Town House. — Industries. — Ordinaries. — Lighthouses and Life Saving Stations. — Mail and Express Business. — Burying Grounds. — Present Condition. — Churches. — Schools. — Civil History. — The Villages and their Institutions. — Biographical Sketches.
578
CHAPTER XX.
FALMOUTH.Description. — Indians. — Settlement. — Incorporation. — Growth and Progress. — The Revolution. — Early Industries. — War of 1812. — Civil War. — Subsequent Events and Present Condition. — Civil Lists. — Churches. — Schools. — Cemeteries. — Villages. — Biographical Sketches.
632
CHAPTER XXI.
MASHPEE.Location and Description. — Natural Features. — Early Events. — Incorporation as a District. — Civil History. — Town of Mashpee. — Church and Parish — Schools. — Mashpee Manufacturing Company. — Military Service. — Some Prominent Representatives. — Industries. — Biographical Sketches
707
CONTENTS.viii
CHAPTER XXII.
EASTHAM.Territory of the Nausets. — Purchase of the Lands. — Settlement and Incorporation of Nauset. — The Present Town of Eastham. — Natural Features. — Early Settlers. — Growth and Progress. — Industries. — Civil History. — Churches. — Burying Places. — Schools. — Villages. — Biographical Sketches.
720
CHAPTER XXIII.
ORLEANS.Orleans before its Division from Eastham. — Incorporation. — Natural Features. — Wreck of the Sparrowhawk. — Roads. — Early Settlers. — Various Events. — Industries. — Churches. — Cemeteries. — Schools. — Civil History. — Villages. — Biographical Sketches.
747
CHAPTER XXIV.
WELLFLEET.Formation and Description. — Pioneers. — Early Town Action. — The Revolution. — War of 1812. — The Fisheries. — Population. — King's Highway. — The Eastham Line. — Town House. — Shipbuilding. — Town Records.vLife Saving Station and Lighthouse. — Early Business Interests. — Wind Mills. — Civil History. — Schools.v Churches. — Cemeteries. — Wellfleet Village. — South Wellfleet. — Biographical Sketches.
787
CHAPTER XXV.
HARWICH.Incorporation. — Description. — Natural Features. — Division of the Land. — The Settlers. — The Fisheries. — The Salt Industry. — Cranberry Culture. — Religious Societies. — Official History. — Schools. — The Villages and their Various Institutions. — Biographical Sketches.
825
CHAPTER XXVI.
BREWSTER.Incorporation. — Natural Features. — Purchase and Division of the Land. — The First Settlers and their Families. — Industries. — Population. — The Militia. — Religious Societies. — Villages. — Civil Lists. — Meteorological Condition. — Biographical Sketches.
891
CHAPTER XXVII.TRURO.
Exploration by the Pilgrims. — Proprietors of the Pamet Lands. — Incorporation of Truro. — Boundaries. — Natural Features. — King's Highway. — Pounds. — Industries. — The Wreck of the Somerset. — The Revolution. — Gale of 1841. — Various Town Affairs. — Civil History. — Churches. — Burying Grounds. — Schools. — Villages. — Biographical Sketches.
922
CHAPTER XXVIII.
PROVINCETOWN.Early Explorations. — The Pilgrims. — Location and Characteristics. — First Settle-merit. — Incorporation. — Civil History. — Resources of the Town. — Banks. — Insurance Companies. — Public Library. — Societies. — Churches. — Schools. — Biographical Sketches.
951-1010
ILLUSTRATIONS.
[original location] PAGE
Akin, David K. Quakers
Portrait of, facing 183 Akin, David K. Quakers Late residence of, facing 181 Ames, Simeon L. Barnstable Portrait of, facing 419 Ancient Grave Stones Barnstable Barnstable Cemetery 393 Attaquin, Solomon Mashpee
Portrait of, facing 715 Atwood, Levi Chatham
" " 607
Atwood, Nathaniel E Provincetown
" " 995
Atwood, Simeon
Wellfleet
" " 813 Baker, Ezra H. Dennis
" " 538 Baker, Howes Dennis
" " 536 Baker, Joseph K. Dennis
" " 540 Baker, Nehemiah P. Falmouth
" " 678 Bass River Lower Bridge Dennis
Precedes 558 Baxter, Edwin Dennis
Portrait of, facing 542 Bearse, Charles C. Barnstable " " 421 Bourne, Benjamin F. Bourne " " 345 Boyden, William E. Sandwich
" " 303 Brooks, Obed Harwich
" " 863 Burgess, Nathaniel Barnstable " " 348 Burgess, Seth S. Bourne Portrait of, follows 350 Burgess, Seth S. Bourne Residence of, precedes 351 Bursley, Daniel P. Barnstable Portrait of, follows 422 Bursley, Daniel P. Barnstable Residence of, precedes 423 Cahoon, Barzillai C. Barnstable Residence of, facing 381 Cahoon, Cyrus Harwich
Portrait of, facing 866 Chapman, David S. Dennis
Portrait of, follows 544 Chapman, Mrs. Sallie E. Dennis
Residence of, precedes 646 Chase, Albert Barnstable Portrait of, facing 424 Chase, Job Harwich
" " 863 Court House Barnstable
400
Crosby, Albert Brewster
Residence of, facing 915 Crosby, Isaac Brewster Portrait of, facing 916 Crosby, Nathan Brewster " " 914 Crowell, Edward E. Harwich " " 546 Crowell, Eleazer K. Harwich " " 548 Crowell, Joshua Harwich " " 549 Crowell, Luther Harwich " " 551 Crowell, Peter H. Harwich Portrait of, follows 552 Crowell, Peter H. Harwich Residence of, precedes 553 Crowell, Prince S. Harwich Portrait of, facing 554 Crowell, Seth Harwich Portrait of 550 Crowell, Rev. Simeon Yarmouth
Portrait of, facing 492 Crowell, William Harwich " " 556 CONTENTS. x
ILLUSTRATIONS. town or chapter
[original location] PAGE Dexter House Falmouth
Woods Holl, facing 671 Dillingham, John H. Quakers 195 Doane, Abiathar Harwich
" " 874 Doane, George W., M.D. doctors
" " 225 Doane, John lawyers
" " 210 Doane, Nathaniel Harwich " " 870 Doane, Oliver Orleans Portrait of, follows 770 Doane, Valentine, jr. Harwich Residence of, facing 873 Doane Homestead Orleans precedes 771 Drew, George P. Sandwich
Residence of, facing 277 Edson, Nathan Barnstable
Portrait of, follows 428 Edson, Nathan Barnstable
Residence of, precedes 429 Eldridge, Levi Chatham
Portrait of, facing 613 Freeman, Richard R. Wellfleet
" " 817 Friends Meeting House Quakers 175 Friends Meeting House West Falmouth 191 Friends Meeting House Yarmouth 181 Fish, Joseph C. Falmouth
Portrait of, facing 687 Fisk, David
" " 45 Fisk, Uriah B Dennis
Residence of, facing 558 Ginn, David R., M.D. Harwich " " 858 Ginn's Bazaar Dennis Port facing 858 Goss, Franklin B. Barnstable
Portrait of, facing 431 Gould, Samuel H., M.D. doctors
" " 230 Hamblin, Caleb O. Falmouth
Portrait of, follows 690 Hamblin, Caleb O. Falmouth Residence of, precedes 691 Hamblin, John C. Falmouth Portrait of, facing 692 Harding, Hiram Chatham
" " 618 Harding, Joseph C. Chatham " " 617 Harriman, Judge Hiram P. lawyers
" " 212 Headstones, Ancient Barnstable 393 Holway, David N. Bourne
Portrait of, facing 311 Howard, Ezra C. Bourne
" " 356 Howes, Jerusha S. Dennis
Residence of, precedes 563 Howes, Joshua C. Dennis Portrait of, facing 561 Howes, Levi Dennis " " 566 Howes, Moses Dennis Portrait of, follows 562 Howes, Thomas Prince writers
Portrait of, facing 255 Howes, William F. Dennis " " 564 Hoxie, Joseph Sandwich
" " 315 Hoxie, Newell Quakers
" " 178 Hoxie, Susan F. Quakers Residence of, facing 175 Hulbert, Chauncy M., M.D. doctors
Portrait of, facing 232 Incorporation Map
39 Indian Map
15 Iyanough House Barnstable
411 CONTENTS. xi
ILLUSTRATIONS.
town or chapter [original location] PAGE Jones, Silas Falmouth
Portrait of, facing 695 Keith, Isaac N.
" " 43 Keith, Isaac N. Bourne
Residence of, facing 341 Kelley, Ferdinand G. Barnstable Portrait of, facing 438 Kelley, Stillman Dennis
" " 568 Kelley, Watson B. Harwich
" " 879 Kemp, Samuel W. Wellfleet
" " 818 Kenrick, Alfred Orleans
" " 774 Kingman, Seth K. Orleans " " 777 Leonard, Jonathan, M.D. doctors
" " 235 Lighthouse, Ruins of Chatham 594 Lombard, David Truro
Portrait of, facing 948 Loring, Hiram Dennis
" " 570 Lothrop, Freeman H. lawyers
" " 215 Lovell, Cyrenus A. Barnstable Residence of, facing 440 Lovell, George Barnstable Portrait of, facing 441 Lower Bass River Bridge Dennis
Precedes 553 Makepeace, Abel D. Barnstable
Portrait of, facing 442 Marston, Russell Barnstable
" " 444 Matthews, David Barnstable
" " 496 Mingo, Walter R. Mashpee
Residence of, facing 719 Munsell, George N., M.D. doctors
Portrait of, facing 236 Nickerson, Frederick Brewster
" " 919 Nickerson, Samuel M. Chatham
" " 625 Nobscussett House Dennis facing 155 Nye, David D. Bourne
Portrait of, facing 358 Nye, William A. Bourne
Residence of, facing 339 Packard, William E. Bourne
Portrait of, facing 360 Penniman, Edward Eastham
" " 742 Phinney, Abishia Falmouth
" " 700 Rogers, F. A., M.D. doctors
" " 242 Salt Works, Ruins of South Yarmouth 143 "Sandy Side" Yarmouth Port facing 479 Scudder, Judge Henry A. lawyers
Portrait of, facing 217 Sears, Barnabas (deceased) Yarmouth " " 499 Sears, Barnabas Yarmouth Residence of, facing 484 Sears, John K. Yarmouth
Portrait of, facing 500 Sears, Joshua Dennis
Portrait of, follows 572 Sears, Mrs. Minerra Dennis Residence of, precedes 573 Sears, Nathan Dennis Portrait of, facing 574 Sears, Stephen Yarmouth
" " 502 Sears Homestead South Yarmouth facing 484 Settlement Map of Barnstable County 39 Shiverick, Asa Falmouth
Portrait of, facing 702 Simpkins, Nathaniel Stone Yarmouth
" " 504 Simpkins Homestead Yarmouth Port facing 480
CONTENTS. xii
ILLUSTRATIONS.
town or chapter [original location] PAGE Small, Zebina H. Brewster
Portrait of, facing 886 Smith, Rufus Falmouth
" " 627 Snow, Calvin Orleans
" " 782 Soule, Thomas H., jr. Barnstable
Hotel Hyannis, 411 Sparrow, Benjamin C, Supt. Life Saving Service
Portrait of, facing 59 Swett, James Wellfleet
Portrait of, facing 823 "Tawasentha" Brewster facing 915 Taylor, Elisha Yarmouth
Portrait of, facing 506 Taylor, Joseph Orleans
" " 785
Tobey, F. B. Dennis
Nobscusset Hotel, facing 155 Tobey Homestead Dennis facing 511 Young, Jonathan Orleans
Portrait of, facing 786
