32. Frederick Joseph Daniel FELDER Sr.
1Mary E. Sandel & Elias W. Sandel, BA, ME, The Felder Family in South Carolina, Mississippi, Texas & Louisiana (No publication information is given. Completed June 24, 2000.), Page 2, 18 Jun 2001, Richard S. Wilson, 5458 Acorn Drive, PO Box 547, Wrightwood, CA 92397-0547 USA, 5458 Acorn Drive
PO Box 547
Wrightwood, CA, 92397-0547, USA. "The children born, by his first marriage to Elizabeth Shaumloffel on December 15,1747, were:
1. Henry born September 8, 1748. He married Catherine Horger, who died after the birth of her son Peter, born in 1761.
2. Jacob born July 22, 1750 is also listed in the Mississippi Daughters of theAmerican Revolution book, published by the Mississippi DAR chapters.
3. John born December 12, 1751, died during the American Revolution.
4. Frederick born September 1,1753.
5. Samuel born June 5, 1755 married (1) Mary Myer (2) Ann Harger
6. Abraham born March 28, 1757 (p. 170 - History of Orangeburg County, by A. S. Salley).
7. Peter born April 2, 1759, married Catherine Snell, in 1763. He migrated to the Pike County, Mississippi area (formerly Amite and Marion counties in Mississippi).
8. Mary Elizabeth born February 6,1761."2A. S. Salley, History of Orangeburg County, SC, Page 141, 27 Jul 2003.
3Mary E. Sandel & Elias W. Sandel, BA, ME, Felder Family, The, Page 2, 18 Jun 2001. "The children born, by his first marriage to Elizabeth Shaumloffel on December 15,1747, were:
1. Henry born September 8, 1748. He married Catherine Horger, who died after the birth of her son Peter, born in 1761.
2. Jacob born July 22, 1750 is also listed in the Mississippi Daughters of theAmerican Revolution book, published by the Mississippi DAR chapters.
3. John born December 12, 1751, died during the American Revolution.
4. Frederick born September 1,1753.
5. Samuel born June 5, 1755 married (1) Mary Myer (2) Ann Harger
6. Abraham born March 28, 1757 (p. 170 - History of Orangeburg County, by A. S. Salley).
7. Peter born April 2, 1759, married Catherine Snell, in 1763. He migrated to the Pike County, Mississippi area (formerly Amite and Marion counties in Mississippi).
8. Mary Elizabeth born February 6,1761."4Dan Lanter, E-mail from Dan Lanter, Abilene, TX - DanielL379@aol.com 8 December 1995. (Dan Lanter, Abilene, TX - DanielL379@aol.com 8 December 1995.), December 8, 1995, 16 Jan 2003.
33. Catherina HORGER
1Dan Lanter, E-mail from Dan Lanter, Abilene, TX - DanielL379@aol.com 8 December 1995. (Dan Lanter, Abilene, TX - DanielL379@aol.com 8 December 1995.), December 8, 1995, 16 Jan 2003.
40. Ransom CASON
1Information from the Ancestral File version 4.16, dated 21 Aug 1992..
2Information from Helen Crail, received from Elaine, 220 N.W. 13th Street, Newberry, FL 32669..
41. Phoebe MUNDEN
1Information from the Ancestral File version 4.16, dated 21 Aug 1992..
46. John DELOACH
1Information from the Ancestral File version 4.16, dated 21 Aug 1992..
47. Elizabeth HART
1Information from the Ancestral File version 4.16, dated 21 Aug 1992..
52. Samuel BARR
1Ohio Cemetary Records, Santa Fe Springs, CA; Book 977.1 OHI. (Book number 977.1 OHI), Santa Fe Springs City Library, 11700 Telegraph Rd., Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 USA, 11700 Telegraph Rd., Santa Fe Springs, CA, 90670, USA.
53. Rachel
1Ohio Cemetary Records, Santa Fe Springs, CA; Book 977.1 OHI. (Book number 977.1 OHI), Santa Fe Springs City Library, 11700 Telegraph Rd., Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 USA, 11700 Telegraph Rd., Santa Fe Springs, CA, 90670, USA.
1Nahum Mitchell, History of the Early Settlement of Bridgewater, in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, Including an Extensive Family Register. (Printed for the Author, Boston, 1840.), Page 268, 20 Jan 2002, Family History Library, 35 North West Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84150 USA, 35 North West Temple, Salt Lake City, UT, 84150, USA. "31. Josiah (s. of Josiah 26.) m. Anna, D. of Jonas Reynolds, 1790, and had Jonas 1790, Nahum 1792, Mehitabel 1795. Jonas gra. B.U. 1813, m. Rhoda, D. of Simeon Keith, 1815 and settled in the ministry at Braintree.--Nahum m. Vesta D. of Caleb Copeland, 1820.--Mehitabel m. Charles Keith 1817."
2NEHGS at the Robert Henry Eddy Memorial Rooms, Vital Records of Bridgewater Massachusetts to the Year 1850, Volume I - Births (Boston, Mass., 1916), Page 255, 18 Apr 2002, Bridgewater Public Library, 15 South Street, Bridgewater, MA 02324 USA, 15 South Street, Bridgewater, MA, 02324, USA, Rh 929.3 Vi Bridgewater V.1. "Perkins, John, ch. Josiah and Anna, Oct. 15, 1790."
3Dora Perkins RIDGELY, Application for membership to the Daughters of the American Revolution (Created by Dora Perkins Ridgely in 1914.), Richard S. Wilson, 5458 Acorn Drive, PO Box 547, Wrightwood, CA 92397-0547 USA, 5458 Acorn Drive
PO Box 547
Wrightwood, CA, 92397-0547, USA.4James L. Keelon, Prominent People from Braintree's Past (Compiled by James L. Keelon, Social Studies Teacher, Braintree High School, Braintree, Massachusetts, June 1976), Page 19-16, Article by Malcom C. Walker, Braintree Historical Society, 21 Jun 2003, Thayer Public Library, Braintree, MA 02184 USA, Braintree, MA, 02184, USA, 974.47 V.19-10 C.1 GIFT REF. This is a loose leaf notebook that has been compiled. "Perkins School-Four Score No More
By Malcolm C. Walker
Braintree Historical Society
Wednesday, November 27, would have been the EIGHTIETH anniversary of the dedication of the Jonas Perkins School. As we all know, the wooden frame building was demolished this past summer, having outlived its usefulness, no longer meeting the minimum of, safety and health requirements and a victim of population changes. It is interesting to note that in 1948 the Long Range Plan of School Plant Development recommended the abandonment as soon as possible of both the Monatiquot (the original, not the present building) and the Perkins buildings and now twenty-five years later it has come to pass. That report also recommended that the Lincoln, Hollis, Penniman and Torrey grammar buildings, in whole or in part, should be scheduled for replacement within a reasonably future period of time and the pronouncements of 'the past few weeks are bearing this out except for the Hollis complex, which has been extensively renovated and integrated with the Central Junior High School complex.
For the historical record, the following resume of the life of Reverend Jonas Perkins and the Perkins School should be of interest. Complete details of various aspects, dates and names are in the files of the Historical Society.
The school was named in honor of Reverend Jonas Perkins, who was the preacher at the Union Church and Society of Weymouth and Braintree, now the Union Congregational Church, for forty-six years, and the pastor for forty-five years. The church at that time was located on Quincy Avenue adjacent to the railroad tracks. The mural in the auditorium of the Central Library depicts Quincy Avenue at that time. His home was on the very land on which the school was built.
He was born in North Bridgewater on October 15, 1790, the son of Josiah (a blacksmith), and Anna (Reynolds) Perkins and was an early and ready scholar and an ingenious worker with mechanical tools. When only fourteen years old, he invented a power loom and later a device to help horses start a horse car, a marble cutting saw and an improvement for the sewing machine. He graduated from Brown University in 1813, standing with three others at the head of the class, two of whom also became ministers. Two days before his ordination in Braintree on June 14, 1813, he married Miss Rhoda Kieth, a descendant of the Reverend James Kieth, the first minister of Bridgewater.
Reverend Perkins was a liberal man in the true sense of the word; while strictly orthodox in his preaching. He was ready to perform kind acts to those who differed from him when those acts did not compromise his religion. He was among the first of the ministers to be an abolitionist as it respected slavery in our country, and used to introduce anti-slavery sentiments in his sermons. He also was outspoken in temperance reform. In addition to his religious responsibilities, he was also a constant friend and patron of education and was for many years a member of the School Committee. The Historical Society has in its files an original letter addressed to Dr. Noah Torrey, M.D. (then Town Clerk) dated March 20, 1858 in which he declined a reappointment to the Committee.
He was the father of seven children, to all of whom he gave a good education; Mary Anne, Martha Bond, Josiah, Jonas Reynolds. Nahum Simeon. Rhode Kieth and Sidney Kieth Bond, to whom we are indebted for the written record of much of the above.
Reverend Jonas Perkins was called to his heavenly rest on June 26, 1874 at the age of 83 years, 8 months and 11 days. Tuesday, November 27, 1894 was a gala day in East Braintree. Ceremonies were scheduled for the full day, with programs for the children in the morning and for adults in the afternoon. Miss Victoria P. Wild, the first principal, received a new flag for the new building. As was customary in those days, almost as many dignitaries were on the speaker's platform as were sitting in the hall. The program was complete with musical selections, recitations and long and short speeches by various committee and participation in the events leading to that memorable day. Perhaps the outstanding event at the ceremony was the attendance of Massachusetts Governor Greenhalge, who was the guest of Colonel A.C. Drinkwater. The featured orator of the day was the famed Braintree Town Clerk and historiographer, Samuel A. Bates. Thomas A. Watson, the chairman of the building committee, noted that the architectural features of the building were as near perfect (at that time) as possible and that it would be featured in the next report of the State Inspectors and serve as a model for other towns to follow.
He also stated that the new building would replace the East, Iron Works and Middle Street schools and together with the remodeling of the Pond and Union schools, every occupied school house in the town was now heated and ventilated in full accordance with the laws of the State, a fact in which every citizen of Braintree should take great pride as it can be said of but few if any other towns in the State. The new building was completed at a cost of only $29,000!
The Honorable Edward Avery presided during the afternoon exercises and he reminisced on the building of the Iron Works School some thirty years earlier. One of his stories could have been news today. He described the building of a tower on that school surmounted by a weather vane in the shape of a pen. Quite appropriate. But, the tower was a piece of extravagance which was never forgotten by some of the people and, then as now, the next year all who were engaged in its installation were turned out of office. As he said, in those days we all know that when a town was originally settled by our Puritan ancestors, the first public buildings erected were a meeting house and a school house, both unattractive outside and uncomfortable inside.
This Historical Society requests all citizens who have and would like to donate any records, programs or class photographs pertaining to the original Penniman, Lincoln and Torrey buildings to contact the Society at the Thayer House, 786 Washington Street. Background information on dedications such as programs, dates, fires, special graduates, building photographs, histories, plans or newspaper articles are especially needed." Article by Malcom C. Walker, Braintree Historical Society.5James L. Keelon, Braintree Churches (Compiled by James L. Keelon, Social Studies Teacher, Braintree High School, Braintree, Massachusetts), Page 21-8, 29 Jun 2003, Thayer Public Library, Braintree, MA 02184 USA, Braintree, MA, 02184, USA, 974.47 V.21-22 C.1 GIFT REF. This is a loose leaf notebook that has been compiled. "KNOW YOUR
TOWN
COLUMN SPONSORED BY THE BRAINTREE HISTORICAL SOC.
History of Union Congregational Church
By MRS. SOPHIE BLUNT
The congregation of the second oldest Braintree church traces its history back to 1810. Starting a new church in those days was not a simple procedure, for the state government had control over churches, and it took an act of the Legislature to authorize a new church. On February [?] 1811, on the petition of 79 residents of Braintree and Weymouth, the formation of the [?]ion Religious Society" was made legal. A curious qualification of this act was that the residents of Braintree still had to support the existing church in Braintree "so long as the Rev. [?] Weld shall continue as minister of the Parish in Braintree. On March 5, 1811, Minot [?] was elected the new church's moderator.
Apparently the group did not wait for the State Legislature make their church legal, for the records show that they purchased the Hollis Street Church in Boston, and moved it by carriage from Boston in 1810, placing it on a lot which they purchased on the south bank of Weymouth Fore River. This church was designed by the architect of the State House, Charles Bulfinch, and originally had two towers, but in Braintree never had more than one. At first it was placed rather low down on the bank and back to the river, facing Quincy Avenue, with an inferior basement under it. It was later much improved, raised to enable the people to have a large vestry, lecture hall and kitchen below, and earth was brought in and graded up to the front door, giving the impression, that the Church stood on a little hill. About 1852 a clock was placed in the tower that rang out the time for the village.
Travelers up and down the river, and on the road from the South to and from Boston, came to look to the Church as a precious landmark. It was a sad day for Braintree when it burned in 1897. Present day residents of Braintree will see its picture in the new Town Mural to be placed in the Thayer Library auditorium.
Curiously enough, the house that was first used as a parsonage, the home of Bowditch (now Lucid Funeral Home), standing opposite the Church, had been moved from Boston also. It had originally stood on Beacon Street.
The first minister was the Reverend Daniel Clark, who officiated for two years. Then began the remarkable ministry of the Reverend Jonas Perkins, who was the active pastor for 46 years, and was pastor emeritis for 15 years longer. He was a
See KNOW YOUR-Page 2
KNOW
YOUR
TOWN
A COLUMN SPONSORED BY THE
BRAINTREE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
(Continued from page 1) graduate of Brown University, class of 1813, and this church his only pastorate. He was universally admired, and served his church and people with devotion. He also served on the Town School Committee, and lived on the land where the Jonas Perkins School now stands.
The Rev. Henry S. Snyder became pastor in 1897. The church suffered the disaster of having their beautiful old building burn in that year, but the congregation did not miss one Sunday's service. They met in Pythian Hall until the new Church was dedicated in 1898. This is the present church which stands on Commercial Street. The old Church had a bell that had been cast by Paul Revere and the metal was gathered from the ruins, and melted into an alloy of the now bell which rings out its summons today.
The Church prides itself on a second long Pastorate-that of J. Caleb Justice, who began his duties on December 1, 1919, and continued until 1952, when the present minister, Oliver L. Tanquary assumed his duties."6History of Brockton; Pg 52; FHL Book..
7Unknown, Rev. Jonas PERKINS, a family story. (Unpublished. Date unknown.), Page 1, 21 Jan 2002, Richard S. Wilson, 5458 Acorn Drive, PO Box 547, Wrightwood, CA 92397-0547 USA, 5458 Acorn Drive
PO Box 547
Wrightwood, CA, 92397-0547, USA. "Rev. Jonas PERKINS
An Orthodox clergyman, born in North Bridgewater, Mass., October 15th 1790. Son of Josiah and Anna (REYNOLDS) PERKINS; he a blacksmith, son of Josiah and Abigail (EDSON) PERKINS, born October 9th 1762; he a blacksmith and son of Mark and Dorothy (WHIPPLE) PERKINS, of Bridgewater, born January 4th 1727, he a blacksmith, and son of Luke and Martha (CONANT) PERKINS, born Sept. 17th 1695, of Plympton Ipswich, Wenham Beverly, Marblehead, and Hampton N.H., he a blacksmith, probably youngest child of Abraham and Mary PERKINS, of Hampton, N.H. born 1664.
Rev. Jonas then married Rodah, daughter of Simeon and Molly (CARY) KEITH of Bridgewater, June 12th 1815, she was born February 16th 1790, died at the old homestead, in Braintree, March 22nd 1878 Her father was the son of Nathan and Hannah (SNELL) KEITH, born January 19th 1749. He the son of Timothy and Hannah (FOBES) KEITH, born December 16th 1714 He the son of Rev. James and Susannah (EDSON) KEITH Mr. KEITH being the Minister of Bridgewater.
Rodah KEITH's mother was the daughter of Col. Simeon and Mary (HOWARD) CARY, born July 7th 1755. He was the son of Dea. Recompense and Mary (CROSSMAN) CARY born December 6th 1719 He the son of Jonathan and Sarah (ALLEN) CARY He the son of John and Elizabeth (GODFREY) CARY, born September 24th 1656; all three being of Bridgewater.
Children of Rev. Jonas and Rodah (KEITH) PERKINS:
1 Mary Anne Apr 2nd 1816 Died Oct 26th 1853
2 Martha Bond Dec 20th 1817
3 Josiah Dec 31st 1819
4 Jonas Reynolds Feb 18th 1822
5 Nathan Simeon Cary Jun 19th 1824
6 Rhoda Keith Nov 3rd 1826
7 Sidney Keith Bond Apr 14th 1830
Nahum Simeon Cary PERKINS (#5 above) married Mrs. Mary Moon of Providence R. I., November 25th 1845, to them were born:
1 Jonas Reynolds at Providence, R.I. Aug 24th 1846
2 Mary Anne at Truxton, N.Y. Jun 10th 1848
3 N. Sidney at Onondaga Valley N.Y. Jun 6th 1850
Jonas Reynolds (#1 above) son of Nathan Simeon Cary and Mary Moon PERKINS, was married first to Lorena Marilla WALKER; daughter of George R. and Lucyra (SCOTT) WALKER, born March 3rd 1853; on July 2nd 1872, at Norwalk, Ohio. She died at Norwalk, Ohio January 17th 1877. They had one daughter, Dora Sherman PERKINS, born May 20th 1873. He was married second to Elizabeth Clark, born at Ramsey, Isle of Man, England, March 3rd 1845, Married at Huron, Erie County, Ohio, February 25th 1880. Of this union was born Mary Elizabeth PERKINS at Norwalk, Ohio, August 28th 1881.
Rev. Jonas PERKINS was a young man of remarkable ingenuity and mechanical talent. Old Capt Thomas Thompson, the next neighbor of his father, who made spinning wheels, large and small, for cotton and flax, for all the country around about Bridgewater, used often to tell, that when "Jonas was just out of petticoats, all the little brooks near his father's house run all sorts of mills, and all sorts of gear were attached to innumerable wind mills, which buzzed so loud that no one could sleep on a windy night." His father thought his son wasted too much time, but when he believed that this "perpetual motion was sure to succeed" he gave up to the boy to operate as much as he pleased.
In 1804 he invented a power loom In 1806 he wove his mother towels by only turning a crank His inventions were the wonder of everyone in the vicinity of his home. In 1807, when about to leave home, he packed his machinery in a barrel, making his mother promise not to show it to anyone. Not long after, two very polite gentlemen rode up in a nice chaise, and over persuaded her to show them the proofs of her son's genius She finally consented and they spent nearly two hours in looking it over. Years after, when she told the circumstances to her son, she said that at the time "she thought it took them a good while."
When in college, which he entered as a sophomore in 1810, he had called on Mr. SLATER, the great manufacturer at Pawtacket, and talked with him about the importance of such a loom. After some conversation, during which Mr. SLATER asked him where he lived and the names of his parents, Mr. PERKINS began to declare that he had accomplished the feat, and invented a power loom; whereupon Mr. SLATER drew himself up to his full height and said, "Do you think you, a little Yankee, can do what all England has been trying to do for centuries?" Upon this the young man felt insulted and left. Whether Mr. SLATER or some other man sent emissaries to discover the secret of the invention is not known, but Mr. PERKINS always said that the first power loom he saw in operation "had some clumsy and homely attachments, he had on his only because he had not the materials or means to employ any others; which he esteemed as proof that the looms he saw were patterned directly from his. He never applied for any patent, because the country was in such a confused condition, and he had determined to fit himself for a preacher of the gospel.
Jonas R. Perkins at the age of 17 years, enlisted as a Private in Company D 101st O.V.I. in the civil war, being detailed Regimental Bugler and served with distinction in the several battles and minor engagements of the Atlantic campaign, especially those of Kingston, Cassville, Adarsville, and Resaea. Received an honorable discharge and muster out at the close of the war; August 28th 1865.". "Rev. Jonas PERKINS
An Orthodox clergyman, born in North Bridgewater, Mass., October 15th 1790." This record shows their marriage date as 12 Jun 1815.8Early Families of Weymouth, MA; Pg. 458; FHL Book 974.47 D2c. He is buried in Village Cemetery at the landing., 21 Jan 2002.
9History of North Bridgewater; FHL book #974.48/B1 H2kb., 21 Jan 2002.
10Weymouth Records Before 1850; FHL book #974.47/W1 V2n., 21 Jan 2002.
11NEHGS at the Robert Henry Eddy Memorial Rooms, Massachusetts, Plymouth, Bridgewater, Vital Records Book - I - Births, Page 255, 18 Apr 2002. "Perkins, John, ch. Josiah and Anna, Oct. 15, 1790."
12Dora Perkins RIDGELY, Application for membership in the DAR, 18 Apr 2002.
13James L. Keelon, Massachusetts, Norfolk, Braintree, Prominent People, Page 19-16, Article by Malcom C. Walker, Braintree Historical Society, 21 Jun 2003. "Perkins School-Four Score No More
By Malcolm C. Walker
Braintree Historical Society
Wednesday, November 27, would have been the EIGHTIETH anniversary of the dedication of the Jonas Perkins School. As we all know, the wooden frame building was demolished this past summer, having outlived its usefulness, no longer meeting the minimum of, safety and health requirements and a victim of population changes. It is interesting to note that in 1948 the Long Range Plan of School Plant Development recommended the abandonment as soon as possible of both the Monatiquot (the original, not the present building) and the Perkins buildings and now twenty-five years later it has come to pass. That report also recommended that the Lincoln, Hollis, Penniman and Torrey grammar buildings, in whole or in part, should be scheduled for replacement within a reasonably future period of time and the pronouncements of 'the past few weeks are bearing this out except for the Hollis complex, which has been extensively renovated and integrated with the Central Junior High School complex.
For the historical record, the following resume of the life of Reverend Jonas Perkins and the Perkins School should be of interest. Complete details of various aspects, dates and names are in the files of the Historical Society.
The school was named in honor of Reverend Jonas Perkins, who was the preacher at the Union Church and Society of Weymouth and Braintree, now the Union Congregational Church, for forty-six years, and the pastor for forty-five years. The church at that time was located on Quincy Avenue adjacent to the railroad tracks. The mural in the auditorium of the Central Library depicts Quincy Avenue at that time. His home was on the very land on which the school was built.
He was born in North Bridgewater on October 15, 1790, the son of Josiah (a blacksmith), and Anna (Reynolds) Perkins and was an early and ready scholar and an ingenious worker with mechanical tools. When only fourteen years old, he invented a power loom and later a device to help horses start a horse car, a marble cutting saw and an improvement for the sewing machine. He graduated from Brown University in 1813, standing with three others at the head of the class, two of whom also became ministers. Two days before his ordination in Braintree on June 14, 1813, he married Miss Rhoda Kieth, a descendant of the Reverend James Kieth, the first minister of Bridgewater.
Reverend Perkins was a liberal man in the true sense of the word; while strictly orthodox in his preaching. He was ready to perform kind acts to those who differed from him when those acts did not compromise his religion. He was among the first of the ministers to be an abolitionist as it respected slavery in our country, and used to introduce anti-slavery sentiments in his sermons. He also was outspoken in temperance reform. In addition to his religious responsibilities, he was also a constant friend and patron of education and was for many years a member of the School Committee. The Historical Society has in its files an original letter addressed to Dr. Noah Torrey, M.D. (then Town Clerk) dated March 20, 1858 in which he declined a reappointment to the Committee.
He was the father of seven children, to all of whom he gave a good education; Mary Anne, Martha Bond, Josiah, Jonas Reynolds. Nahum Simeon. Rhode Kieth and Sidney Kieth Bond, to whom we are indebted for the written record of much of the above.
Reverend Jonas Perkins was called to his heavenly rest on June 26, 1874 at the age of 83 years, 8 months and 11 days. Tuesday, November 27, 1894 was a gala day in East Braintree. Ceremonies were scheduled for the full day, with programs for the children in the morning and for adults in the afternoon. Miss Victoria P. Wild, the first principal, received a new flag for the new building. As was customary in those days, almost as many dignitaries were on the speaker's platform as were sitting in the hall. The program was complete with musical selections, recitations and long and short speeches by various committee and participation in the events leading to that memorable day. Perhaps the outstanding event at the ceremony was the attendance of Massachusetts Governor Greenhalge, who was the guest of Colonel A.C. Drinkwater. The featured orator of the day was the famed Braintree Town Clerk and historiographer, Samuel A. Bates. Thomas A. Watson, the chairman of the building committee, noted that the architectural features of the building were as near perfect (at that time) as possible and that it would be featured in the next report of the State Inspectors and serve as a model for other towns to follow.
He also stated that the new building would replace the East, Iron Works and Middle Street schools and together with the remodeling of the Pond and Union schools, every occupied school house in the town was now heated and ventilated in full accordance with the laws of the State, a fact in which every citizen of Braintree should take great pride as it can be said of but few if any other towns in the State. The new building was completed at a cost of only $29,000!
The Honorable Edward Avery presided during the afternoon exercises and he reminisced on the building of the Iron Works School some thirty years earlier. One of his stories could have been news today. He described the building of a tower on that school surmounted by a weather vane in the shape of a pen. Quite appropriate. But, the tower was a piece of extravagance which was never forgotten by some of the people and, then as now, the next year all who were engaged in its installation were turned out of office. As he said, in those days we all know that when a town was originally settled by our Puritan ancestors, the first public buildings erected were a meeting house and a school house, both unattractive outside and uncomfortable inside.
This Historical Society requests all citizens who have and would like to donate any records, programs or class photographs pertaining to the original Penniman, Lincoln and Torrey buildings to contact the Society at the Thayer House, 786 Washington Street. Background information on dedications such as programs, dates, fires, special graduates, building photographs, histories, plans or newspaper articles are especially needed." Article by Malcom C. Walker, Braintree Historical Society.14Early Families of Weymouth, MA; Pg. 458; FHL Book 974.47 D2c. He is buried in Village Cemetery at the landing..
15Town Clerk, Annual Report of the Receipts and Expenditurers of the Town of Braintree, From Feb. 1, 1874 to Feb. 1, 1875, Together with the report of the Board of School Committee. (Braintree, MA, Press of F. L. Penney & Co., 19 High Street, 1875.), Page 49, 22 Jan 2002, Thayer Public Library, Braintree, MA 02184 USA, Braintree, MA, 02184, USA, 974.47. "Date Name Yrs. Mos. Days. Disease.
June 26, Jonas Perkins, 83 8 11 Pnemonia."16Dora Perkins RIDGELY, Application for membership in the DAR, 22 Jan 2002.
17James L. Keelon, Massachusetts, Norfolk, Braintree, Prominent People, Page 19-16, Article by Malcom C. Walker, Braintree Historical Society, 21 Jun 2003. "Perkins School-Four Score No More
By Malcolm C. Walker
Braintree Historical Society
Wednesday, November 27, would have been the EIGHTIETH anniversary of the dedication of the Jonas Perkins School. As we all know, the wooden frame building was demolished this past summer, having outlived its usefulness, no longer meeting the minimum of, safety and health requirements and a victim of population changes. It is interesting to note that in 1948 the Long Range Plan of School Plant Development recommended the abandonment as soon as possible of both the Monatiquot (the original, not the present building) and the Perkins buildings and now twenty-five years later it has come to pass. That report also recommended that the Lincoln, Hollis, Penniman and Torrey grammar buildings, in whole or in part, should be scheduled for replacement within a reasonably future period of time and the pronouncements of 'the past few weeks are bearing this out except for the Hollis complex, which has been extensively renovated and integrated with the Central Junior High School complex.
For the historical record, the following resume of the life of Reverend Jonas Perkins and the Perkins School should be of interest. Complete details of various aspects, dates and names are in the files of the Historical Society.
The school was named in honor of Reverend Jonas Perkins, who was the preacher at the Union Church and Society of Weymouth and Braintree, now the Union Congregational Church, for forty-six years, and the pastor for forty-five years. The church at that time was located on Quincy Avenue adjacent to the railroad tracks. The mural in the auditorium of the Central Library depicts Quincy Avenue at that time. His home was on the very land on which the school was built.
He was born in North Bridgewater on October 15, 1790, the son of Josiah (a blacksmith), and Anna (Reynolds) Perkins and was an early and ready scholar and an ingenious worker with mechanical tools. When only fourteen years old, he invented a power loom and later a device to help horses start a horse car, a marble cutting saw and an improvement for the sewing machine. He graduated from Brown University in 1813, standing with three others at the head of the class, two of whom also became ministers. Two days before his ordination in Braintree on June 14, 1813, he married Miss Rhoda Kieth, a descendant of the Reverend James Kieth, the first minister of Bridgewater.
Reverend Perkins was a liberal man in the true sense of the word; while strictly orthodox in his preaching. He was ready to perform kind acts to those who differed from him when those acts did not compromise his religion. He was among the first of the ministers to be an abolitionist as it respected slavery in our country, and used to introduce anti-slavery sentiments in his sermons. He also was outspoken in temperance reform. In addition to his religious responsibilities, he was also a constant friend and patron of education and was for many years a member of the School Committee. The Historical Society has in its files an original letter addressed to Dr. Noah Torrey, M.D. (then Town Clerk) dated March 20, 1858 in which he declined a reappointment to the Committee.
He was the father of seven children, to all of whom he gave a good education; Mary Anne, Martha Bond, Josiah, Jonas Reynolds. Nahum Simeon. Rhode Kieth and Sidney Kieth Bond, to whom we are indebted for the written record of much of the above.
Reverend Jonas Perkins was called to his heavenly rest on June 26, 1874 at the age of 83 years, 8 months and 11 days. Tuesday, November 27, 1894 was a gala day in East Braintree. Ceremonies were scheduled for the full day, with programs for the children in the morning and for adults in the afternoon. Miss Victoria P. Wild, the first principal, received a new flag for the new building. As was customary in those days, almost as many dignitaries were on the speaker's platform as were sitting in the hall. The program was complete with musical selections, recitations and long and short speeches by various committee and participation in the events leading to that memorable day. Perhaps the outstanding event at the ceremony was the attendance of Massachusetts Governor Greenhalge, who was the guest of Colonel A.C. Drinkwater. The featured orator of the day was the famed Braintree Town Clerk and historiographer, Samuel A. Bates. Thomas A. Watson, the chairman of the building committee, noted that the architectural features of the building were as near perfect (at that time) as possible and that it would be featured in the next report of the State Inspectors and serve as a model for other towns to follow.
He also stated that the new building would replace the East, Iron Works and Middle Street schools and together with the remodeling of the Pond and Union schools, every occupied school house in the town was now heated and ventilated in full accordance with the laws of the State, a fact in which every citizen of Braintree should take great pride as it can be said of but few if any other towns in the State. The new building was completed at a cost of only $29,000!
The Honorable Edward Avery presided during the afternoon exercises and he reminisced on the building of the Iron Works School some thirty years earlier. One of his stories could have been news today. He described the building of a tower on that school surmounted by a weather vane in the shape of a pen. Quite appropriate. But, the tower was a piece of extravagance which was never forgotten by some of the people and, then as now, the next year all who were engaged in its installation were turned out of office. As he said, in those days we all know that when a town was originally settled by our Puritan ancestors, the first public buildings erected were a meeting house and a school house, both unattractive outside and uncomfortable inside.
This Historical Society requests all citizens who have and would like to donate any records, programs or class photographs pertaining to the original Penniman, Lincoln and Torrey buildings to contact the Society at the Thayer House, 786 Washington Street. Background information on dedications such as programs, dates, fires, special graduates, building photographs, histories, plans or newspaper articles are especially needed." Article by Malcom C. Walker, Braintree Historical Society.18Early Families of Weymouth, MA; Pg. 458; FHL Book 974.47 D2c. He is buried in Village Cemetery at the landing..
19NEHGS at the Robert Henry Eddy Memorial Rooms, Vital Records of Bridgewater Massachusetts to the Year 1850, Volume II - Marriages and Deaths (Boston, Mass. 1916), Page 290, 9 Jan 2002, Family History Library, 35 North West Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84150 USA, 35 North West Temple, Salt Lake City, UT, 84150, USA, US/Can 994.482/B2 V2v v.2. "Perkins, Jonas, Rev. [int. omits Rev.] and Rhoda Keith, Apr. 19, 1815."
20Nahum Mitchell, Massachusetts, Plymouth, Bridgewater, History of the Early Settlement of Bridgewater, Page 268, 20 Jan 2002. "31. Josiah (s. of Josiah 26.) m. Anna, D. of Jonas Reynolds, 1790, and had Jonas 1790, Nahum 1792, Mehitabel 1795. Jonas gra. B.U. 1813, m. Rhoda, D. of Simeon Keith, 1815 and settled in the ministry at Braintree.--Nahum m. Vesta D. of Caleb Copeland, 1820.--Mehitabel m. Charles Keith 1817."
21Unknown, Rev. Jonas PERKINS, a family story, Page 1, 21 Jan 2002. "Rev. Jonas then married Rodah, daughter of Simeon and Molly (CARY) KEITH of Bridgewater, June 12th 1815, she was born February 16th 1790, died at the old homestead, in Braintree, March 22nd 1878."
22Dora Perkins RIDGELY, Application for membership in the DAR, 21 Jan 2002. "Date given as June 12, 1815."
23James L. Keelon, Massachusetts, Norfolk, Braintree, Prominent People, Page 19-16, Article by Malcom C. Walker, Braintree Historical Society, 21 Jun 2003. "Perkins School-Four Score No More
By Malcolm C. Walker
Braintree Historical Society
Wednesday, November 27, would have been the EIGHTIETH anniversary of the dedication of the Jonas Perkins School. As we all know, the wooden frame building was demolished this past summer, having outlived its usefulness, no longer meeting the minimum of, safety and health requirements and a victim of population changes. It is interesting to note that in 1948 the Long Range Plan of School Plant Development recommended the abandonment as soon as possible of both the Monatiquot (the original, not the present building) and the Perkins buildings and now twenty-five years later it has come to pass. That report also recommended that the Lincoln, Hollis, Penniman and Torrey grammar buildings, in whole or in part, should be scheduled for replacement within a reasonably future period of time and the pronouncements of 'the past few weeks are bearing this out except for the Hollis complex, which has been extensively renovated and integrated with the Central Junior High School complex.
For the historical record, the following resume of the life of Reverend Jonas Perkins and the Perkins School should be of interest. Complete details of various aspects, dates and names are in the files of the Historical Society.
The school was named in honor of Reverend Jonas Perkins, who was the preacher at the Union Church and Society of Weymouth and Braintree, now the Union Congregational Church, for forty-six years, and the pastor for forty-five years. The church at that time was located on Quincy Avenue adjacent to the railroad tracks. The mural in the auditorium of the Central Library depicts Quincy Avenue at that time. His home was on the very land on which the school was built.
He was born in North Bridgewater on October 15, 1790, the son of Josiah (a blacksmith), and Anna (Reynolds) Perkins and was an early and ready scholar and an ingenious worker with mechanical tools. When only fourteen years old, he invented a power loom and later a device to help horses start a horse car, a marble cutting saw and an improvement for the sewing machine. He graduated from Brown University in 1813, standing with three others at the head of the class, two of whom also became ministers. Two days before his ordination in Braintree on June 14, 1813, he married Miss Rhoda Kieth, a descendant of the Reverend James Kieth, the first minister of Bridgewater.
Reverend Perkins was a liberal man in the true sense of the word; while strictly orthodox in his preaching. He was ready to perform kind acts to those who differed from him when those acts did not compromise his religion. He was among the first of the ministers to be an abolitionist as it respected slavery in our country, and used to introduce anti-slavery sentiments in his sermons. He also was outspoken in temperance reform. In addition to his religious responsibilities, he was also a constant friend and patron of education and was for many years a member of the School Committee. The Historical Society has in its files an original letter addressed to Dr. Noah Torrey, M.D. (then Town Clerk) dated March 20, 1858 in which he declined a reappointment to the Committee.
He was the father of seven children, to all of whom he gave a good education; Mary Anne, Martha Bond, Josiah, Jonas Reynolds. Nahum Simeon. Rhode Kieth and Sidney Kieth Bond, to whom we are indebted for the written record of much of the above.
Reverend Jonas Perkins was called to his heavenly rest on June 26, 1874 at the age of 83 years, 8 months and 11 days. Tuesday, November 27, 1894 was a gala day in East Braintree. Ceremonies were scheduled for the full day, with programs for the children in the morning and for adults in the afternoon. Miss Victoria P. Wild, the first principal, received a new flag for the new building. As was customary in those days, almost as many dignitaries were on the speaker's platform as were sitting in the hall. The program was complete with musical selections, recitations and long and short speeches by various committee and participation in the events leading to that memorable day. Perhaps the outstanding event at the ceremony was the attendance of Massachusetts Governor Greenhalge, who was the guest of Colonel A.C. Drinkwater. The featured orator of the day was the famed Braintree Town Clerk and historiographer, Samuel A. Bates. Thomas A. Watson, the chairman of the building committee, noted that the architectural features of the building were as near perfect (at that time) as possible and that it would be featured in the next report of the State Inspectors and serve as a model for other towns to follow.
He also stated that the new building would replace the East, Iron Works and Middle Street schools and together with the remodeling of the Pond and Union schools, every occupied school house in the town was now heated and ventilated in full accordance with the laws of the State, a fact in which every citizen of Braintree should take great pride as it can be said of but few if any other towns in the State. The new building was completed at a cost of only $29,000!
The Honorable Edward Avery presided during the afternoon exercises and he reminisced on the building of the Iron Works School some thirty years earlier. One of his stories could have been news today. He described the building of a tower on that school surmounted by a weather vane in the shape of a pen. Quite appropriate. But, the tower was a piece of extravagance which was never forgotten by some of the people and, then as now, the next year all who were engaged in its installation were turned out of office. As he said, in those days we all know that when a town was originally settled by our Puritan ancestors, the first public buildings erected were a meeting house and a school house, both unattractive outside and uncomfortable inside.
This Historical Society requests all citizens who have and would like to donate any records, programs or class photographs pertaining to the original Penniman, Lincoln and Torrey buildings to contact the Society at the Thayer House, 786 Washington Street. Background information on dedications such as programs, dates, fires, special graduates, building photographs, histories, plans or newspaper articles are especially needed." Article by Malcom C. Walker, Braintree Historical Society.24Nahum Mitchell, Massachusetts, Plymouth, Bridgewater, History of the Early Settlement of Bridgewater, Page 268, 20 Jan 2002. "31. Josiah (s. of Josiah 26.) m. Anna, D. of Jonas Reynolds, 1790, and had Jonas 1790, Nahum 1792, Mehitabel 1795. Jonas gra. B.U. 1813, m. Rhoda, D. of Simeon Keith, 1815 and settled in the ministry at Braintree.--Nahum m. Vesta D. of Caleb Copeland, 1820.--Mehitabel m. Charles Keith 1817."
25Unknown, Rev. Jonas PERKINS, a family story, Page 1, 21 Jan 2002. "Rev. Jonas PERKINS - An Orthodox clergyman, born in North Bridgewater, Mass., October 15th 1790. Son of Josiah and Anna (REYNOLDS) PERKINS; he a blacksmith."
26James L. Keelon, Massachusetts, Norfolk, Braintree, Prominent People, Page 19-16, Article by Malcom C. Walker, Braintree Historical Society, 21 Jun 2003. "Perkins School-Four Score No More
By Malcolm C. Walker
Braintree Historical Society
Wednesday, November 27, would have been the EIGHTIETH anniversary of the dedication of the Jonas Perkins School. As we all know, the wooden frame building was demolished this past summer, having outlived its usefulness, no longer meeting the minimum of, safety and health requirements and a victim of population changes. It is interesting to note that in 1948 the Long Range Plan of School Plant Development recommended the abandonment as soon as possible of both the Monatiquot (the original, not the present building) and the Perkins buildings and now twenty-five years later it has come to pass. That report also recommended that the Lincoln, Hollis, Penniman and Torrey grammar buildings, in whole or in part, should be scheduled for replacement within a reasonably future period of time and the pronouncements of 'the past few weeks are bearing this out except for the Hollis complex, which has been extensively renovated and integrated with the Central Junior High School complex.
For the historical record, the following resume of the life of Reverend Jonas Perkins and the Perkins School should be of interest. Complete details of various aspects, dates and names are in the files of the Historical Society.
The school was named in honor of Reverend Jonas Perkins, who was the preacher at the Union Church and Society of Weymouth and Braintree, now the Union Congregational Church, for forty-six years, and the pastor for forty-five years. The church at that time was located on Quincy Avenue adjacent to the railroad tracks. The mural in the auditorium of the Central Library depicts Quincy Avenue at that time. His home was on the very land on which the school was built.
He was born in North Bridgewater on October 15, 1790, the son of Josiah (a blacksmith), and Anna (Reynolds) Perkins and was an early and ready scholar and an ingenious worker with mechanical tools. When only fourteen years old, he invented a power loom and later a device to help horses start a horse car, a marble cutting saw and an improvement for the sewing machine. He graduated from Brown University in 1813, standing with three others at the head of the class, two of whom also became ministers. Two days before his ordination in Braintree on June 14, 1813, he married Miss Rhoda Kieth, a descendant of the Reverend James Kieth, the first minister of Bridgewater.
Reverend Perkins was a liberal man in the true sense of the word; while strictly orthodox in his preaching. He was ready to perform kind acts to those who differed from him when those acts did not compromise his religion. He was among the first of the ministers to be an abolitionist as it respected slavery in our country, and used to introduce anti-slavery sentiments in his sermons. He also was outspoken in temperance reform. In addition to his religious responsibilities, he was also a constant friend and patron of education and was for many years a member of the School Committee. The Historical Society has in its files an original letter addressed to Dr. Noah Torrey, M.D. (then Town Clerk) dated March 20, 1858 in which he declined a reappointment to the Committee.
He was the father of seven children, to all of whom he gave a good education; Mary Anne, Martha Bond, Josiah, Jonas Reynolds. Nahum Simeon. Rhode Kieth and Sidney Kieth Bond, to whom we are indebted for the written record of much of the above.
Reverend Jonas Perkins was called to his heavenly rest on June 26, 1874 at the age of 83 years, 8 months and 11 days. Tuesday, November 27, 1894 was a gala day in East Braintree. Ceremonies were scheduled for the full day, with programs for the children in the morning and for adults in the afternoon. Miss Victoria P. Wild, the first principal, received a new flag for the new building. As was customary in those days, almost as many dignitaries were on the speaker's platform as were sitting in the hall. The program was complete with musical selections, recitations and long and short speeches by various committee and participation in the events leading to that memorable day. Perhaps the outstanding event at the ceremony was the attendance of Massachusetts Governor Greenhalge, who was the guest of Colonel A.C. Drinkwater. The featured orator of the day was the famed Braintree Town Clerk and historiographer, Samuel A. Bates. Thomas A. Watson, the chairman of the building committee, noted that the architectural features of the building were as near perfect (at that time) as possible and that it would be featured in the next report of the State Inspectors and serve as a model for other towns to follow.
He also stated that the new building would replace the East, Iron Works and Middle Street schools and together with the remodeling of the Pond and Union schools, every occupied school house in the town was now heated and ventilated in full accordance with the laws of the State, a fact in which every citizen of Braintree should take great pride as it can be said of but few if any other towns in the State. The new building was completed at a cost of only $29,000!
The Honorable Edward Avery presided during the afternoon exercises and he reminisced on the building of the Iron Works School some thirty years earlier. One of his stories could have been news today. He described the building of a tower on that school surmounted by a weather vane in the shape of a pen. Quite appropriate. But, the tower was a piece of extravagance which was never forgotten by some of the people and, then as now, the next year all who were engaged in its installation were turned out of office. As he said, in those days we all know that when a town was originally settled by our Puritan ancestors, the first public buildings erected were a meeting house and a school house, both unattractive outside and uncomfortable inside.
This Historical Society requests all citizens who have and would like to donate any records, programs or class photographs pertaining to the original Penniman, Lincoln and Torrey buildings to contact the Society at the Thayer House, 786 Washington Street. Background information on dedications such as programs, dates, fires, special graduates, building photographs, histories, plans or newspaper articles are especially needed." Article by Malcom C. Walker, Braintree Historical Society.27Edited by H. Hobart Holly, Braintree Massachusetts Its History (1985, Braintree Historical Society, Braintree, MA), Page 104, 19 Jul 2003, Thayer Public Library, Braintree, MA 02184 USA, Braintree, MA, 02184, USA, 974.47 S.9.
28James L. Keelon, Massachusetts, Norfolk, Braintree, Braintree Churches, Page 21-8, 29 Jun 2003. "KNOW YOUR
TOWN
COLUMN SPONSORED BY THE BRAINTREE HISTORICAL SOC.
History of Union Congregational Church
By MRS. SOPHIE BLUNT
The congregation of the second oldest Braintree church traces its history back to 1810. Starting a new church in those days was not a simple procedure, for the state government had control over churches, and it took an act of the Legislature to authorize a new church. On February [?] 1811, on the petition of 79 residents of Braintree and Weymouth, the formation of the [?]ion Religious Society" was made legal. A curious qualification of this act was that the residents of Braintree still had to support the existing church in Braintree "so long as the Rev. [?] Weld shall continue as minister of the Parish in Braintree. On March 5, 1811, Minot [?] was elected the new church's moderator.
Apparently the group did not wait for the State Legislature make their church legal, for the records show that they purchased the Hollis Street Church in Boston, and moved it by carriage from Boston in 1810, placing it on a lot which they purchased on the south bank of Weymouth Fore River. This church was designed by the architect of the State House, Charles Bulfinch, and originally had two towers, but in Braintree never had more than one. At first it was placed rather low down on the bank and back to the river, facing Quincy Avenue, with an inferior basement under it. It was later much improved, raised to enable the people to have a large vestry, lecture hall and kitchen below, and earth was brought in and graded up to the front door, giving the impression, that the Church stood on a little hill. About 1852 a clock was placed in the tower that rang out the time for the village.
Travelers up and down the river, and on the road from the South to and from Boston, came to look to the Church as a precious landmark. It was a sad day for Braintree when it burned in 1897. Present day residents of Braintree will see its picture in the new Town Mural to be placed in the Thayer Library auditorium.
Curiously enough, the house that was first used as a parsonage, the home of Bowditch (now Lucid Funeral Home), standing opposite the Church, had been moved from Boston also. It had originally stood on Beacon Street.
The first minister was the Reverend Daniel Clark, who officiated for two years. Then began the remarkable ministry of the Reverend Jonas Perkins, who was the active pastor for 46 years, and was pastor emeritis for 15 years longer. He was a
See KNOW YOUR-Page 2
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(Continued from page 1) graduate of Brown University, class of 1813, and this church his only pastorate. He was universally admired, and served his church and people with devotion. He also served on the Town School Committee, and lived on the land where the Jonas Perkins School now stands.
The Rev. Henry S. Snyder became pastor in 1897. The church suffered the disaster of having their beautiful old building burn in that year, but the congregation did not miss one Sunday's service. They met in Pythian Hall until the new Church was dedicated in 1898. This is the present church which stands on Commercial Street. The old Church had a bell that had been cast by Paul Revere and the metal was gathered from the ruins, and melted into an alloy of the now bell which rings out its summons today.
The Church prides itself on a second long Pastorate-that of J. Caleb Justice, who began his duties on December 1, 1919, and continued until 1952, when the present minister, Oliver L. Tanquary assumed his duties."29James L. Keelon, Massachusetts, Norfolk, Braintree, Prominent People, Page 19-17, Article by Maurice F. Reardon, Patroit Ledger Staff Reporter, 21 Jun 2003. "IN ITS HEYDAY - An early photograph of the Jonas Perkins School shows how the building, termed. “this grand edifice which has been raised up for the development of future citizens,” looked in younger years.
(Braintree Historical Society)
Requiem For An Old School
MAURICE F. REARDON
Patriot Ledger staff Reporter
BRAINTREE - The Jonas E. Perkins School stands as it has stood for the past 80 years, on a knoll at the junction of Commercial and Liberty Streets in East Braintree, mute tribute to the foresight of Braintree educators and the thousands of residents who passed through its massive portals.
Abandoned
But it is now empty and abandoned and doomed for demolition sometime this summer, awaiting only an appropriation by the March town meeting before it crumples beneath the onslaught of a wrecking crew.
There is something especially poignant about a deserted building which arouses a variety at emotions in all but the most unfeeling heart.
The silent corridors and empty classrooms echo to the footfall of the caretaker, and relics of the past when the building resounded to the clatter of hundreds of feet of the young pupils and the muted sound of their childish voices are everywhere.
A half-open cabinet drawer spills out an assortment of gaily colored award ribbons and honor flags, remaining from some long forgotten school contest; dusty elementary reading primers fill a dark, musty closet; a stocking cap left behind by a pupil anxious to “join the gang” for after school fun hangs forlornly on a hook in the old-fashioned cloak room, and a shaft of late afternoon sun pierces the gloom of the now silent, dusty, gymnasium on the upper floor.
From the time hallowed classrooms generations of Braintree pupils went on to higher education or to vocations in business and industry - many of the young graduates were destined to fight, and die, on battlefields around the globe in World Wars I and II, the Korean War and more recently in Vietnam.
Time and the elements have taken their toll of the old schoolhouse; the wind whistles through rotted window casements and cardboard replaces panes on the around level windows shattered by vandals.
Fire-Gutted
A recent fire gutted a portion of one of the stairwells and the paint and woodwork on the interior of the building is blistered and discolored by frost and snow which has seeped into it.
Named for Jonas E. Perkins who served as superintendent of the Braintree Public Schools for 15 years prior to his death on June 26, 1874. The school, when completed in 1894, cost the town $24,000 which an additional $850 being paid the architect.
The school was declared excess to the needs of the school department in 1972 and turned over to the board of selectmen for disposition.
In view of the high cost of renovating the school for use of town departments or civic groups the selectmen have placed an article in the town warrant for demolition funds upon the request of a study committee appointed to appraise he feasibility of repairing the structure.
And so, it appears that the venerable school building, which as hailed by the chairman of the board of selectmen upon its dedication in November, 1894, as “this grand edifice which has been raised up for the development of future citizens, for the education of loyal and God-fearing men and women under our national emblem, the Stars and Stripes”, has reached the end of its service to the town of Braintree.
But for thousands of graduates for the Jonas E. Perkins School it will live on both in the memories of their childhood and in the life-long friendships and associations which nourished in its classrooms and its playground." Article by Maurice F. Reardon, Patroit Ledger Staff Reporter.30James L. Keelon, Massachusetts, Norfolk, Braintree, Braintree Churches, Page 21-8, 29 Jun 2003. "KNOW YOUR
TOWN
COLUMN SPONSORED BY THE BRAINTREE HISTORICAL SOC.
History of Union Congregational Church
By MRS. SOPHIE BLUNT
The congregation of the second oldest Braintree church traces its history back to 1810. Starting a new church in those days was not a simple procedure, for the state government had control over churches, and it took an act of the Legislature to authorize a new church. On February [?] 1811, on the petition of 79 residents of Braintree and Weymouth, the formation of the [?]ion Religious Society" was made legal. A curious qualification of this act was that the residents of Braintree still had to support the existing church in Braintree "so long as the Rev. [?] Weld shall continue as minister of the Parish in Braintree. On March 5, 1811, Minot [?] was elected the new church's moderator.
Apparently the group did not wait for the State Legislature make their church legal, for the records show that they purchased the Hollis Street Church in Boston, and moved it by carriage from Boston in 1810, placing it on a lot which they purchased on the south bank of Weymouth Fore River. This church was designed by the architect of the State House, Charles Bulfinch, and originally had two towers, but in Braintree never had more than one. At first it was placed rather low down on the bank and back to the river, facing Quincy Avenue, with an inferior basement under it. It was later much improved, raised to enable the people to have a large vestry, lecture hall and kitchen below, and earth was brought in and graded up to the front door, giving the impression, that the Church stood on a little hill. About 1852 a clock was placed in the tower that rang out the time for the village.
Travelers up and down the river, and on the road from the South to and from Boston, came to look to the Church as a precious landmark. It was a sad day for Braintree when it burned in 1897. Present day residents of Braintree will see its picture in the new Town Mural to be placed in the Thayer Library auditorium.
Curiously enough, the house that was first used as a parsonage, the home of Bowditch (now Lucid Funeral Home), standing opposite the Church, had been moved from Boston also. It had originally stood on Beacon Street.
The first minister was the Reverend Daniel Clark, who officiated for two years. Then began the remarkable ministry of the Reverend Jonas Perkins, who was the active pastor for 46 years, and was pastor emeritis for 15 years longer. He was a
See KNOW YOUR-Page 2
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(Continued from page 1) graduate of Brown University, class of 1813, and this church his only pastorate. He was universally admired, and served his church and people with devotion. He also served on the Town School Committee, and lived on the land where the Jonas Perkins School now stands.
The Rev. Henry S. Snyder became pastor in 1897. The church suffered the disaster of having their beautiful old building burn in that year, but the congregation did not miss one Sunday's service. They met in Pythian Hall until the new Church was dedicated in 1898. This is the present church which stands on Commercial Street. The old Church had a bell that had been cast by Paul Revere and the metal was gathered from the ruins, and melted into an alloy of the now bell which rings out its summons today.
The Church prides itself on a second long Pastorate-that of J. Caleb Justice, who began his duties on December 1, 1919, and continued until 1952, when the present minister, Oliver L. Tanquary assumed his duties."31James L. Keelon, Education in Braintree (Compiled by James L. Keelon, Social Studies Teacher, Braintree High School, Braintree, Massachusetts, June 1976), Page 23-10, 29 Jun 2003, Thayer Public Library, Braintree, MA 02184 USA, Braintree, MA, 02184, USA. This is a loose leaf notebook that has been compiled. "COLUMN SPONSORED BY THE BRIAINTREE HISTORICAL SOC.
BRAINTREE SCHOOLS
1800 to Today-Part 1
By GILBERT L. BEAN
American School system, its democratic philosophy of schools and equal opportunity for all, did not just happen. It had its share of growing pains, false starts, trials and errors, as it newly emerged to its modern [?]lent form. In a former ar[?] we saw how poorly served in neighborhoods were be[?] 1800, while being required [?]ar their full share of taxes. We saw how inadequate was the quality of teaching. Each school group had to solve its own problems as best it could, although required by law and [?]at of fine to do so.
There was during the first part of the nineteenth century development which proved ill advised and which was finally to be eliminated. And act stabilizing School Districts was passed in 1789 but no duties were imposed on the Districts. In [???]5 Braintree was divided into smaller School Districts later, [?]re. In 1799 the Districts were empowered to meet and vote funds to be raised from their District for schools and equipment. In 1817 the School Districts became corporations capable of suing and being sued, holding title to real estate and school property. In 1827 these districts were authorized to elect prudential committee to hire teachers. The result of this end was unjust in that rich districts obviously obtained better and more commodious schools and a higher grade of teacher than their poorer neighbors.
These laws caused a great deal of conflict and trouble between Districts until the provision for separate financing of school buildings and teaching staffs by District was repealed in 1869. Braintree voluntarily gave up District activity several years before the law was changed. Our town never fully embraced the prudential system as it was our policy in most cases to have the town erect the school buildings.
Braintree had also been ahead of the times when in 1790 it removed school administration from the selectmen's appointees and placed it in the control of a committee of elected citizens. Five were selected from each precinct to divide school funds. Those from the middle precinct were Major Stephen Penniman, Lieutenant Ambrose Salisbury, Ebenezer Thayer, Jr., Lieutenant Nathaniel Thayer and Captain Silas Wild. Organized administration of school affairs in Braintree had begun.
It wasn't until 1826 that a statute was enacted obliging the towns of the Commonwealth to yearly choose a school committee. For fifteen years before the passage of the law Reverend Jonas Perkins and Rev. Dr. Stoors were chosen to supervise the public schools. They were the best the town had, wise men and true. But the whole direction of thought in struggling with the school problem of this era was to satisfy the demand of various neighborhoods for school facilities. In 1857 the term of office for committeemen was wisely expended to three years.
But this gradual evolution in Public Schools was not adequate to satisfy those who wanted better schooling for their children and were willing to pay for it rather than accept the poor standards that existed. There was a place for private schools for the children of the "Genteel". Many such schools were run in private homes by "young ladies of quality" or by Masters hired for the purpose. So we find the following advertisement in the
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Boston Daily Advertiser and Patriot -July 11, 1832:
"A New Literary Institution, in which all the useful branches are taught, has been established in the First Parish in Braintree, near the Rev. Mr. Storrs' Meeting House, and the Rev. James D. Farnsworth, of Oxford, N. H. has been elected principal, and has entered on its duties. As the local, moral and literary advantages of the institution render it highly favorable to intellectual, moral, and practical improvement, the subscriber has concluded to open his large and convenient house (situate near the Meeting House and Seminary,) for the accommodation of students, who may wish to resort to this place for instruction. The Board will be $1.50 to $2.00 per week as they may desire accommodations.
Stephen Thayer
425 Washington St."
In 1842 John Ruggles Hollis left to the South Congregational Society a sum of money, the income from which was to support a high school for children of that parish. The white pillared building erected for this school was known as the Hollis Institute, and still stands next to the Church on Washington Street. It is now a residence. It continued in use until the Public High School was opened in 1858.
Another Private School was the Monatiguot Seminary for Girls located on Commercial Street at Faxon Street, East Braintree, which was operated by Rachel Faxon from 1850 to 1870. Many of the fine young ladies of Braintree attended this school. But the outstanding Private School was to come later in is to be the subject of a later article.
In 1937 the deficiencies of this meterogenius pattern of education was recognized by the Legislature and a state board of Education was established. This was the turning point from which a gradual advancement in the quality of education in the Commonwealth can be traced. School Committees were required to submit an annual detailed accounting to the town, and submit a copy to the Board of Education. A complete revolution in the system of instruction was in progress. The District concept was to be replaced by concepts of standardization and integration. The public school system was at last on the right track."32James L. Keelon, Massachusetts, Norfolk, Braintree, Prominent People, Page 19-16, Article by Malcom C. Walker, Braintree Historical Society, 21 Jun 2003. "Perkins School-Four Score No More
By Malcolm C. Walker
Braintree Historical Society
Wednesday, November 27, would have been the EIGHTIETH anniversary of the dedication of the Jonas Perkins School. As we all know, the wooden frame building was demolished this past summer, having outlived its usefulness, no longer meeting the minimum of, safety and health requirements and a victim of population changes. It is interesting to note that in 1948 the Long Range Plan of School Plant Development recommended the abandonment as soon as possible of both the Monatiquot (the original, not the present building) and the Perkins buildings and now twenty-five years later it has come to pass. That report also recommended that the Lincoln, Hollis, Penniman and Torrey grammar buildings, in whole or in part, should be scheduled for replacement within a reasonably future period of time and the pronouncements of 'the past few weeks are bearing this out except for the Hollis complex, which has been extensively renovated and integrated with the Central Junior High School complex.
For the historical record, the following resume of the life of Reverend Jonas Perkins and the Perkins School should be of interest. Complete details of various aspects, dates and names are in the files of the Historical Society.
The school was named in honor of Reverend Jonas Perkins, who was the preacher at the Union Church and Society of Weymouth and Braintree, now the Union Congregational Church, for forty-six years, and the pastor for forty-five years. The church at that time was located on Quincy Avenue adjacent to the railroad tracks. The mural in the auditorium of the Central Library depicts Quincy Avenue at that time. His home was on the very land on which the school was built.
He was born in North Bridgewater on October 15, 1790, the son of Josiah (a blacksmith), and Anna (Reynolds) Perkins and was an early and ready scholar and an ingenious worker with mechanical tools. When only fourteen years old, he invented a power loom and later a device to help horses start a horse car, a marble cutting saw and an improvement for the sewing machine. He graduated from Brown University in 1813, standing with three others at the head of the class, two of whom also became ministers. Two days before his ordination in Braintree on June 14, 1813, he married Miss Rhoda Kieth, a descendant of the Reverend James Kieth, the first minister of Bridgewater.
Reverend Perkins was a liberal man in the true sense of the word; while strictly orthodox in his preaching. He was ready to perform kind acts to those who differed from him when those acts did not compromise his religion. He was among the first of the ministers to be an abolitionist as it respected slavery in our country, and used to introduce anti-slavery sentiments in his sermons. He also was outspoken in temperance reform. In addition to his religious responsibilities, he was also a constant friend and patron of education and was for many years a member of the School Committee. The Historical Society has in its files an original letter addressed to Dr. Noah Torrey, M.D. (then Town Clerk) dated March 20, 1858 in which he declined a reappointment to the Committee.
He was the father of seven children, to all of whom he gave a good education; Mary Anne, Martha Bond, Josiah, Jonas Reynolds. Nahum Simeon. Rhode Kieth and Sidney Kieth Bond, to whom we are indebted for the written record of much of the above.
Reverend Jonas Perkins was called to his heavenly rest on June 26, 1874 at the age of 83 years, 8 months and 11 days. Tuesday, November 27, 1894 was a gala day in East Braintree. Ceremonies were scheduled for the full day, with programs for the children in the morning and for adults in the afternoon. Miss Victoria P. Wild, the first principal, received a new flag for the new building. As was customary in those days, almost as many dignitaries were on the speaker's platform as were sitting in the hall. The program was complete with musical selections, recitations and long and short speeches by various committee and participation in the events leading to that memorable day. Perhaps the outstanding event at the ceremony was the attendance of Massachusetts Governor Greenhalge, who was the guest of Colonel A.C. Drinkwater. The featured orator of the day was the famed Braintree Town Clerk and historiographer, Samuel A. Bates. Thomas A. Watson, the chairman of the building committee, noted that the architectural features of the building were as near perfect (at that time) as possible and that it would be featured in the next report of the State Inspectors and serve as a model for other towns to follow.
He also stated that the new building would replace the East, Iron Works and Middle Street schools and together with the remodeling of the Pond and Union schools, every occupied school house in the town was now heated and ventilated in full accordance with the laws of the State, a fact in which every citizen of Braintree should take great pride as it can be said of but few if any other towns in the State. The new building was completed at a cost of only $29,000!
The Honorable Edward Avery presided during the afternoon exercises and he reminisced on the building of the Iron Works School some thirty years earlier. One of his stories could have been news today. He described the building of a tower on that school surmounted by a weather vane in the shape of a pen. Quite appropriate. But, the tower was a piece of extravagance which was never forgotten by some of the people and, then as now, the next year all who were engaged in its installation were turned out of office. As he said, in those days we all know that when a town was originally settled by our Puritan ancestors, the first public buildings erected were a meeting house and a school house, both unattractive outside and uncomfortable inside.
This Historical Society requests all citizens who have and would like to donate any records, programs or class photographs pertaining to the original Penniman, Lincoln and Torrey buildings to contact the Society at the Thayer House, 786 Washington Street. Background information on dedications such as programs, dates, fires, special graduates, building photographs, histories, plans or newspaper articles are especially needed." Article by Malcom C. Walker, Braintree Historical Society.33James L. Keelon, Massachusetts, Norfolk, Braintree, Prominent People, Page 19-17, Article by Maurice F. Reardon, Patroit Ledger Staff Reporter, 21 Jun 2003. "IN ITS HEYDAY - An early photograph of the Jonas Perkins School shows how the building, termed. “this grand edifice which has been raised up for the development of future citizens,” looked in younger years.
(Braintree Historical Society)
Requiem For An Old School
MAURICE F. REARDON
Patriot Ledger staff Reporter
BRAINTREE - The Jonas E. Perkins School stands as it has stood for the past 80 years, on a knoll at the junction of Commercial and Liberty Streets in East Braintree, mute tribute to the foresight of Braintree educators and the thousands of residents who passed through its massive portals.
Abandoned
But it is now empty and abandoned and doomed for demolition sometime this summer, awaiting only an appropriation by the March town meeting before it crumples beneath the onslaught of a wrecking crew.
There is something especially poignant about a deserted building which arouses a variety at emotions in all but the most unfeeling heart.
The silent corridors and empty classrooms echo to the footfall of the caretaker, and relics of the past when the building resounded to the clatter of hundreds of feet of the young pupils and the muted sound of their childish voices are everywhere.
A half-open cabinet drawer spills out an assortment of gaily colored award ribbons and honor flags, remaining from some long forgotten school contest; dusty elementary reading primers fill a dark, musty closet; a stocking cap left behind by a pupil anxious to “join the gang” for after school fun hangs forlornly on a hook in the old-fashioned cloak room, and a shaft of late afternoon sun pierces the gloom of the now silent, dusty, gymnasium on the upper floor.
From the time hallowed classrooms generations of Braintree pupils went on to higher education or to vocations in business and industry - many of the young graduates were destined to fight, and die, on battlefields around the globe in World Wars I and II, the Korean War and more recently in Vietnam.
Time and the elements have taken their toll of the old schoolhouse; the wind whistles through rotted window casements and cardboard replaces panes on the around level windows shattered by vandals.
Fire-Gutted
A recent fire gutted a portion of one of the stairwells and the paint and woodwork on the interior of the building is blistered and discolored by frost and snow which has seeped into it.
Named for Jonas E. Perkins who served as superintendent of the Braintree Public Schools for 15 years prior to his death on June 26, 1874. The school, when completed in 1894, cost the town $24,000 which an additional $850 being paid the architect.
The school was declared excess to the needs of the school department in 1972 and turned over to the board of selectmen for disposition.
In view of the high cost of renovating the school for use of town departments or civic groups the selectmen have placed an article in the town warrant for demolition funds upon the request of a study committee appointed to appraise he feasibility of repairing the structure.
And so, it appears that the venerable school building, which as hailed by the chairman of the board of selectmen upon its dedication in November, 1894, as “this grand edifice which has been raised up for the development of future citizens, for the education of loyal and God-fearing men and women under our national emblem, the Stars and Stripes”, has reached the end of its service to the town of Braintree.
But for thousands of graduates for the Jonas E. Perkins School it will live on both in the memories of their childhood and in the life-long friendships and associations which nourished in its classrooms and its playground." Article by Maurice F. Reardon, Patroit Ledger Staff Reporter.34James L. Keelon, Massachusetts, Norfolk, Braintree, Prominent People, Page 19-19, 21 Jun 2003. "(Written by the late judge Albert E. Avery, in July, 1939, and recalls many interesting facts about Braintree history.)
"I feel that the younger generation might wish to have an intimate acquaintance with some of the sturdy men of the good old town of Braintree. I have lived in the house which I now occupy on the corner of Allen and Commercial Street with the exception of some eight years when I was first married. At that time, I lived in the 'Cottage Farm,' a charming residence on the cast side of Union Street, now occupied by my daughter. Mrs. Morrill R. Allen.
Caleb Stetson
"The East part of the town was very fortunate in having among its prominent citizens, Caleb Stetson. He was a man who would now be called a rugged individualist because of his strong personally. This personality led him to come back to Braintree to live after he had been living in Boston, where he had acquired a considerable fortune in the leather business. One of his associates in this business was another citizen of Braintree, James Thorndike. Mr. Thorndike lived in the house formerly occupied by B. F. French on the corner of Elm and Cedar Street. This Thorndike property extended along the east side of Cedar Street to Washington Street.
“Mr. Stetson, as a young man, showed his characteristic independence by moving from Braintree to Boston because of the agitation against tile 'Masonic Fraternity.' When Mr. Stetson had accumulated what he thought was a sufficient amount of money to enable him to live comfortably for the rest of his life, he purchased a very substantial residence on Commercial Street, East Braintree. This residence was formerly the residence of Mr. Vinton, who was supposed to be the head of tile 'Iron-works' in East Braintree. Caleb Stetson was my grandfather and therefore well known to me during my childhood and early manhood. Like many men of his time, he devoted a great deal of thought and energy to an endeavor to benefit the friends and neighbors living in his community. He maintained at his own expense a Public School house, which subsequently became the public school of the East District. This was the school in which Victoria Wild, one of the best teachers the town ever had, taught the pupils of this district.
"Mr. Stetson again showed his individuality, when at his own expense he repaired the highway (Commercial Street) from his residence to the corner of Union Street. At the beginning of the Civil War, he gave a substantial sum of money to help equip the "Braintree Light Infantry." In the early seventies he gave up his residence in Braintree and became a citizen of the state of Georgia. He did this because the then assessors of the town of Braintree persisted in taxing him as he thought exorbitantly on his personal property. He objected to being 'doomed.' as it is called when assessors imposed exorbitant taxes.
"Let me, incidentally remark in this connection that the assessors of Braintree caused 'The Boston Flax Mills,' a most prosperous corporation and of great benefit to the east part of the town, to give up their business here and move to Ludlow. Caleb Stetson was born in Braintree in 1801. Shortly after he obtained his majority, he married Susannah Hunt, at that time, said to be one of the handsomest woman in Weymouth. The children of this marriage of Caleb and Susannah all became interesting personalities. There were three sons Dr. Albert E. Stetson, a graduate of Yale; Amos W. Stetson, who became a banker of prominence in Boston as resident of the State Bank, and George R. Stetson, who became a merchant. This last son, George, retired after the great fire in Boston in 1872 and passed the last twenty years of his life in Washington D. C. Here he devoted himself to literary work the study of anthropology and the study of the Negro in the United States. The young women of the family were Susan Caroline, Helen Louise, and Anna Marie. They were carefully educated and became useful members of society.
“When Caleb Stetson moved to Georgia he purchased a plantation of 700 acres, which had formerly belonged to General Twig, a general in the Confederate Army. This plantation was on the banks, of the Savannah River about 10 miles out from the city of Augusta, Georgia. I spent many a pleasant vacation with members of my family in the old plantation house. The old garden and the negro cabins behind the house reminded one of the romantic days of the old 'South.' The family life of Caleb Stetson, living as they did in the imposing mansion on commercial Street in East Braintree with their Children, was a most worthy example of domestic life, and has never since been emulated in the old town of Braintree. And as I see the trend of modern time, never will be.
“When Caleb Stetson lived in Boston, he lived on Essex Street not far from the home of Wendell Phillips. My great grandfather, Amos Stetson, was the owner and keeper of a 'General Store' located near the Weymouth line. This was the first brick building erected in Braintree. It was the meeting place of the farmers of Braintree from
1800-1826. There they purchased the necessities of life. Owing to the fact that money was so scarce in those days, they were obliged to give them promissory notes in payment. Even as small sums as $10.00 were thus given in notes at hand. Goods that came to the old brick store were brought from Boston by sailing packets that plied between Weymouth Landing and Boston. The Monatiquot River and the Fore River and the packets sailing there on were the only means of transportation. The old Stetson homestead stood a few hundred feet south of the old brick store. Here, Major Stetson, as he was familiarly called, lived the greater part of his life. He had three sons, all becoming prosperous, and one daughter. Dr. Stetson became a noted physician in Quincy. Warren Stetson carried the coal wharves, which were later taken over by J.J. Sheppard.
"Major Stetson became, during his early manhood, the owner of much of the land on the westerly side of Liberty Street. This land was inherited by Caleb Stetson. He stood great pride in clearing this land of boulders. He built walls on the borders of Liberty Street. The land on the east side of Liberty Street was purchased by Caleb Stetson from Mr. Holbrook. This land was a tract of ten acres located south of what is now called Stetson Street. This land has become the residential section of East Braintree. This land to the north of Stetson Street, bordering on Liberty, became the property of the Rev. Jonas Perkins. He was the pastor of the Weymouth and Braintree Congregational church for many years. When the town of Braintree widened Union Street at the corner of Liberty, they took off a corner of Jonas Perkins' barn. As a boy I remember perfectly that that was an outrageous thing to do, in the interest of economy." Written by the late judge Albert E. Avery, in July, 1939.35Edited by H. Hobart Holly, Massachusetts, Plymouth, Braintree, Its History, Page 139, 19 Jul 2003. "The most noted in Braintree of which we have record was a small college preparatory school for boys conducted by the Rev. Jonas Perkins who was the pastor of the Union Congregational Church 1815-1860. It was held in his parsonage on the site in East Braintree later occupied by the public school named in his honor. His reputation as a teacher was such that he was twice offered college professorships in English but declined because he preferred to remain with his flock."
57. Rhoda KEITH
1Nahum Mitchell, History of the Early Settlement of Bridgewater, in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, Including an Extensive Family Register. (Printed for the Author, Boston, 1840.), Page 268, 20 Jan 2002, Family History Library, 35 North West Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84150 USA, 35 North West Temple, Salt Lake City, UT, 84150, USA. "31. Josiah (s. of Josiah 26.) m. Anna, D. of Jonas Reynolds, 1790, and had Jonas 1790, Nahum 1792, Mehitabel 1795. Jonas gra. B.U. 1813, m. Rhoda, D. of Simeon Keith, 1815 and settled in the ministry at Braintree.--Nahum m. Vesta D. of Caleb Copeland, 1820.--Mehitabel m. Charles Keith 1817."
2NEHGS at the Robert Henry Eddy Memorial Rooms, Vital Records of Bridgewater Massachusetts to the Year 1850, Volume I - Births (Boston, Mass., 1916), Page 190, 20 Feb 2002, Bridgewater Public Library, 15 South Street, Bridgewater, MA 02324 USA, 15 South Street, Bridgewater, MA, 02324, USA, Rh 929.3 Vi Bridgewater V.1. "Keith, Rhoda, ch. Simeon and Molley, Feb. 16, 1790."
3Dora Perkins RIDGELY, Application for membership to the Daughters of the American Revolution (Created by Dora Perkins Ridgely in 1914.), Richard S. Wilson, 5458 Acorn Drive, PO Box 547, Wrightwood, CA 92397-0547 USA, 5458 Acorn Drive
PO Box 547
Wrightwood, CA, 92397-0547, USA.4James L. Keelon, Prominent People from Braintree's Past (Compiled by James L. Keelon, Social Studies Teacher, Braintree High School, Braintree, Massachusetts, June 1976), Page 19-16, Article by Malcom C. Walker, Braintree Historical Society, 21 Jun 2003, Thayer Public Library, Braintree, MA 02184 USA, Braintree, MA, 02184, USA, 974.47 V.19-10 C.1 GIFT REF. This is a loose leaf notebook that has been compiled. "Perkins School-Four Score No More
By Malcolm C. Walker
Braintree Historical Society
Wednesday, November 27, would have been the EIGHTIETH anniversary of the dedication of the Jonas Perkins School. As we all know, the wooden frame building was demolished this past summer, having outlived its usefulness, no longer meeting the minimum of, safety and health requirements and a victim of population changes. It is interesting to note that in 1948 the Long Range Plan of School Plant Development recommended the abandonment as soon as possible of both the Monatiquot (the original, not the present building) and the Perkins buildings and now twenty-five years later it has come to pass. That report also recommended that the Lincoln, Hollis, Penniman and Torrey grammar buildings, in whole or in part, should be scheduled for replacement within a reasonably future period of time and the pronouncements of 'the past few weeks are bearing this out except for the Hollis complex, which has been extensively renovated and integrated with the Central Junior High School complex.
For the historical record, the following resume of the life of Reverend Jonas Perkins and the Perkins School should be of interest. Complete details of various aspects, dates and names are in the files of the Historical Society.
The school was named in honor of Reverend Jonas Perkins, who was the preacher at the Union Church and Society of Weymouth and Braintree, now the Union Congregational Church, for forty-six years, and the pastor for forty-five years. The church at that time was located on Quincy Avenue adjacent to the railroad tracks. The mural in the auditorium of the Central Library depicts Quincy Avenue at that time. His home was on the very land on which the school was built.
He was born in North Bridgewater on October 15, 1790, the son of Josiah (a blacksmith), and Anna (Reynolds) Perkins and was an early and ready scholar and an ingenious worker with mechanical tools. When only fourteen years old, he invented a power loom and later a device to help horses start a horse car, a marble cutting saw and an improvement for the sewing machine. He graduated from Brown University in 1813, standing with three others at the head of the class, two of whom also became ministers. Two days before his ordination in Braintree on June 14, 1813, he married Miss Rhoda Kieth, a descendant of the Reverend James Kieth, the first minister of Bridgewater.
Reverend Perkins was a liberal man in the true sense of the word; while strictly orthodox in his preaching. He was ready to perform kind acts to those who differed from him when those acts did not compromise his religion. He was among the first of the ministers to be an abolitionist as it respected slavery in our country, and used to introduce anti-slavery sentiments in his sermons. He also was outspoken in temperance reform. In addition to his religious responsibilities, he was also a constant friend and patron of education and was for many years a member of the School Committee. The Historical Society has in its files an original letter addressed to Dr. Noah Torrey, M.D. (then Town Clerk) dated March 20, 1858 in which he declined a reappointment to the Committee.
He was the father of seven children, to all of whom he gave a good education; Mary Anne, Martha Bond, Josiah, Jonas Reynolds. Nahum Simeon. Rhode Kieth and Sidney Kieth Bond, to whom we are indebted for the written record of much of the above.
Reverend Jonas Perkins was called to his heavenly rest on June 26, 1874 at the age of 83 years, 8 months and 11 days. Tuesday, November 27, 1894 was a gala day in East Braintree. Ceremonies were scheduled for the full day, with programs for the children in the morning and for adults in the afternoon. Miss Victoria P. Wild, the first principal, received a new flag for the new building. As was customary in those days, almost as many dignitaries were on the speaker's platform as were sitting in the hall. The program was complete with musical selections, recitations and long and short speeches by various committee and participation in the events leading to that memorable day. Perhaps the outstanding event at the ceremony was the attendance of Massachusetts Governor Greenhalge, who was the guest of Colonel A.C. Drinkwater. The featured orator of the day was the famed Braintree Town Clerk and historiographer, Samuel A. Bates. Thomas A. Watson, the chairman of the building committee, noted that the architectural features of the building were as near perfect (at that time) as possible and that it would be featured in the next report of the State Inspectors and serve as a model for other towns to follow.
He also stated that the new building would replace the East, Iron Works and Middle Street schools and together with the remodeling of the Pond and Union schools, every occupied school house in the town was now heated and ventilated in full accordance with the laws of the State, a fact in which every citizen of Braintree should take great pride as it can be said of but few if any other towns in the State. The new building was completed at a cost of only $29,000!
The Honorable Edward Avery presided during the afternoon exercises and he reminisced on the building of the Iron Works School some thirty years earlier. One of his stories could have been news today. He described the building of a tower on that school surmounted by a weather vane in the shape of a pen. Quite appropriate. But, the tower was a piece of extravagance which was never forgotten by some of the people and, then as now, the next year all who were engaged in its installation were turned out of office. As he said, in those days we all know that when a town was originally settled by our Puritan ancestors, the first public buildings erected were a meeting house and a school house, both unattractive outside and uncomfortable inside.
This Historical Society requests all citizens who have and would like to donate any records, programs or class photographs pertaining to the original Penniman, Lincoln and Torrey buildings to contact the Society at the Thayer House, 786 Washington Street. Background information on dedications such as programs, dates, fires, special graduates, building photographs, histories, plans or newspaper articles are especially needed." Article by Malcom C. Walker, Braintree Historical Society.5History of Brockton; Pg 52; FHL Book..
6Early Families of Weymouth, MA; Pg. 458; FHL Book 974.47 D2c..
7Unknown, Rev. Jonas PERKINS, a family story. (Unpublished. Date unknown.), Page 1, Richard S. Wilson, 5458 Acorn Drive, PO Box 547, Wrightwood, CA 92397-0547 USA, 5458 Acorn Drive
PO Box 547
Wrightwood, CA, 92397-0547, USA. "Rev. Jonas PERKINS
An Orthodox clergyman, born in North Bridgewater, Mass., October 15th 1790. Son of Josiah and Anna (REYNOLDS) PERKINS; he a blacksmith, son of Josiah and Abigail (EDSON) PERKINS, born October 9th 1762; he a blacksmith and son of Mark and Dorothy (WHIPPLE) PERKINS, of Bridgewater, born January 4th 1727, he a blacksmith, and son of Luke and Martha (CONANT) PERKINS, born Sept. 17th 1695, of Plympton Ipswich, Wenham Beverly, Marblehead, and Hampton N.H., he a blacksmith, probably youngest child of Abraham and Mary PERKINS, of Hampton, N.H. born 1664.
Rev. Jonas then married Rodah, daughter of Simeon and Molly (CARY) KEITH of Bridgewater, June 12th 1815, she was born February 16th 1790, died at the old homestead, in Braintree, March 22nd 1878 Her father was the son of Nathan and Hannah (SNELL) KEITH, born January 19th 1749. He the son of Timothy and Hannah (FOBES) KEITH, born December 16th 1714 He the son of Rev. James and Susannah (EDSON) KEITH Mr. KEITH being the Minister of Bridgewater.
Rodah KEITH's mother was the daughter of Col. Simeon and Mary (HOWARD) CARY, born July 7th 1755. He was the son of Dea. Recompense and Mary (CROSSMAN) CARY born December 6th 1719 He the son of Jonathan and Sarah (ALLEN) CARY He the son of John and Elizabeth (GODFREY) CARY, born September 24th 1656; all three being of Bridgewater.
Children of Rev. Jonas and Rodah (KEITH) PERKINS:
1 Mary Anne Apr 2nd 1816 Died Oct 26th 1853
2 Martha Bond Dec 20th 1817
3 Josiah Dec 31st 1819
4 Jonas Reynolds Feb 18th 1822
5 Nathan Simeon Cary Jun 19th 1824
6 Rhoda Keith Nov 3rd 1826
7 Sidney Keith Bond Apr 14th 1830
Nahum Simeon Cary PERKINS (#5 above) married Mrs. Mary Moon of Providence R. I., November 25th 1845, to them were born:
1 Jonas Reynolds at Providence, R.I. Aug 24th 1846
2 Mary Anne at Truxton, N.Y. Jun 10th 1848
3 N. Sidney at Onondaga Valley N.Y. Jun 6th 1850
Jonas Reynolds (#1 above) son of Nathan Simeon Cary and Mary Moon PERKINS, was married first to Lorena Marilla WALKER; daughter of George R. and Lucyra (SCOTT) WALKER, born March 3rd 1853; on July 2nd 1872, at Norwalk, Ohio. She died at Norwalk, Ohio January 17th 1877. They had one daughter, Dora Sherman PERKINS, born May 20th 1873. He was married second to Elizabeth Clark, born at Ramsey, Isle of Man, England, March 3rd 1845, Married at Huron, Erie County, Ohio, February 25th 1880. Of this union was born Mary Elizabeth PERKINS at Norwalk, Ohio, August 28th 1881.
Rev. Jonas PERKINS was a young man of remarkable ingenuity and mechanical talent. Old Capt Thomas Thompson, the next neighbor of his father, who made spinning wheels, large and small, for cotton and flax, for all the country around about Bridgewater, used often to tell, that when "Jonas was just out of petticoats, all the little brooks near his father's house run all sorts of mills, and all sorts of gear were attached to innumerable wind mills, which buzzed so loud that no one could sleep on a windy night." His father thought his son wasted too much time, but when he believed that this "perpetual motion was sure to succeed" he gave up to the boy to operate as much as he pleased.
In 1804 he invented a power loom In 1806 he wove his mother towels by only turning a crank His inventions were the wonder of everyone in the vicinity of his home. In 1807, when about to leave home, he packed his machinery in a barrel, making his mother promise not to show it to anyone. Not long after, two very polite gentlemen rode up in a nice chaise, and over persuaded her to show them the proofs of her son's genius She finally consented and they spent nearly two hours in looking it over. Years after, when she told the circumstances to her son, she said that at the time "she thought it took them a good while."
When in college, which he entered as a sophomore in 1810, he had called on Mr. SLATER, the great manufacturer at Pawtacket, and talked with him about the importance of such a loom. After some conversation, during which Mr. SLATER asked him where he lived and the names of his parents, Mr. PERKINS began to declare that he had accomplished the feat, and invented a power loom; whereupon Mr. SLATER drew himself up to his full height and said, "Do you think you, a little Yankee, can do what all England has been trying to do for centuries?" Upon this the young man felt insulted and left. Whether Mr. SLATER or some other man sent emissaries to discover the secret of the invention is not known, but Mr. PERKINS always said that the first power loom he saw in operation "had some clumsy and homely attachments, he had on his only because he had not the materials or means to employ any others; which he esteemed as proof that the looms he saw were patterned directly from his. He never applied for any patent, because the country was in such a confused condition, and he had determined to fit himself for a preacher of the gospel.
Jonas R. Perkins at the age of 17 years, enlisted as a Private in Company D 101st O.V.I. in the civil war, being detailed Regimental Bugler and served with distinction in the several battles and minor engagements of the Atlantic campaign, especially those of Kingston, Cassville, Adarsville, and Resaea. Received an honorable discharge and muster out at the close of the war; August 28th 1865.". "Rev. Jonas then married Rodah, daughter of Simeon and Molly (CARY) KEITH of Bridgewater, June 12th 1815, she was born February 16th 1790, died at the old homestead, in Braintree, March 22nd 1878."8History of North Bridgewater; FHL book #974.48/B1 H2kb..
9NEHGS at the Robert Henry Eddy Memorial Rooms, Massachusetts, Plymouth, Bridgewater, Vital Records Book - I - Births, Page 190, 20 Feb 2002. "Keith, Rhoda, ch. Simeon and Molley, Feb. 16, 1790."
10Dora Perkins RIDGELY, Application for membership in the DAR, 20 Feb 2002.
11Unknown, Rev. Jonas PERKINS, a family story, Page 1, 21 Jan 2002. "Rev. Jonas then married Rodah, daughter of Simeon and Molly (CARY) KEITH of Bridgewater, June 12th 1815, she was born February 16th 1790, died at the old homestead, in Braintree, March 22nd 1878."
12Town Clerk, Annual Report of the Receipts and Expenditurers of the Town of Braintree, From Feb. 1, 1878 to Feb. 1, 1879, Together with the report of the Board of School Committee. (Braintree, MA, Franklin Press: Rand, Avery, & Co., 117 Franklin Street, 1879.), p. 48, 19 Feb 2002, Thayer Public Library, Braintree, MA 02184 USA, Braintree, MA, 02184, USA, 974.47 1878-1879. "1877. Yrs. M. D.
March 22. Rhoda K. Perkins, 88 1 6 Heart Disease." The year shows 1877, but the report is for 1878.13Dora Perkins RIDGELY, Application for membership in the DAR, 19 Feb 2002.