The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-06-18
WORCESTER IN 1900.
: Prominent Families
and State Of Society
at That Time.
NAMES KNOWN in HISTORY.
Life in the Inner Circle
of the Rural Community
in Early Days.
NAMES KNOWN in HISTORY.
By Franklin P. Rice.)

worcester numbered less than $500.
The inhabitants, mostly yeomanry oc-
cupying homesteads, were widely scat
tered throughout its territory of So
square miles or $4,000 acres, a small
number, comparatively, living in the
village, which was practically confined
to the present Main street between
Lincoln square and a point somewhere
north of the common. The center of
business was in the neighborhood of
the court house. which occupied the
same location it now does, and the ap-
proaches to this settlement were Lin
coin and Main streets, not then nam
ed, the former being the Boston road;
the latter through it's branches bring
ing all the traffic from the north, west
and south.
In 1896, the Rev Timothy Dwight had
written Of the place: Few towns in
New England exhibit so uniform an
appearance of neatness and taste, or
contain so great proportion of good
buildings, and so small a. proportion of
those which are Indifferent, as Wor-
'cester," and James Mellish, Scotch
man, who Travelled in the United States
in 1867 gives similar description.
The beauty of the long street with its
many fine trees and tasteful residences
has been often enlarged upon by those
who were familiar with it's appearance
at that time.
Worcester, as the county seat receiV-
ed in the regular course, a large share
of business and traffic, yet two or three
other places in the county within a
radius of twenty miles exceeded her in
population a hundred years ago. But
worcester enjoyed an unique and mer-
tied distinction as a publishing centre,
and not infrequently persons of note
and others were attracted, to see Mr..
Thomas, the enterprising publisher and
printer, and examine his works.. A
scholarly and even classical atinos-
phere pervaded the place, and authors
and literary people were often met here
on business connected with the publ
cation Of their books; and a small but
intelligent and refined circle in the viii
lage dispensed a genial hospitality to
these visitors.
The prominent families of revolution
airy time had left few representatives,
new corners having taken their places
in station and influence; but the loss
by the change, after a brief period, had
been fully made good by the infusion
of strength and sentiment more in ac-
cordance with the progress and spirit
OF the times. The names of Allen,
Lincoln, Salisbury, Waldo, Blake
Wheeler, Bancroft, Paine, Green and
Dix are especially identified with the
social life of that as well as a later pc
Rod, and there We're others that en-
tered more or less into it, but the above
are the best known.
The Aliens, Joseph and Samuel, came
from Boston at the beginning OF the
revolution, and faithfully served the
country in official relations for many
years. AS nephews of the patriot Sam
uel Adams, they are invested with a
peculiar interest. The next generation
or this family in the brothers, George
and Charles Allen, gained distinction
in scholarship, law and politics.
The Lincoln family through more re-
cent years has furnished examples of
which the first of the name in Worces-
ter was type. The elder Lincoln was
successfully a member of congress, at
torney general of the United States
lieutenant governor and acting COVER
nor of Massachusetts Two sons were
governors of states and members of
congress, and another was distinguish
ed as scholar and antiquary. In point
of real practical and public usefulness
this family is to be ranked first in the
above list.
Three generations of the Salisburys
cover period of active life in Wor-
cester of more than $50 years, and
the living representative is not an old
man. If he lives to the. age his father
reached, the record of the family will
be, probably, without parallel. The Sal
isbury mansion at Lincoln square, cree
ted in ITO, has through the interview
ing time, remained a noticeable ard at
tractive feature of that end Of the
street.
The Waldo family, through wealth
and other considerations was of
stronger influence, probably, Tor a pc
Rod of half century, than any Of
the others. Daniel Waldo the young
er, was the acknowledged magnate of
the town during his adult life. He and
his sisters lived single lives, and the
family became extinct.
The Rev. Dr. Aaron Bancroft, marry
ing a daughter of the last John Chan
der, gave to this country in the per-
son of his son George, one of its most
distinguished scholars and public mn.
DR.. Bancroft himself was a clergy
man and writer of ability and of mere
than local influence. Two prominent
representatives of the Paine family
were active in Worcester at the begin
ming Of the century-William, the ply
stefan, and Nathaniel, who became
Judge Of probate Both were sons Of
Hon. Timothy Paine who was one Of
the mandamus councillors in revolu-
tionary times, and was compelled by
mob to resign. He afterwards gracious
" fell in with the new order. and re-
tained the respect of his tOwnsmen I'M
III his death Well known descendants
OF this family are still living here.
Five generations of the Greens have
resided in Worcester, the first DIR. John
coming here in 1850 and settling on the
estate known as Green hill, still IN the
possession of his descendants. TC the
third DR. John Green. Worcester is in
debted for the foundation of its public
library. Andrew H. Green, the father
of Greater New York. and Samuel :.
Green, city librarian, both OF the
fourth generation in this place, have
wide regulations for public usefulness.
Edward Bangs, who lived on the east
side of Main street, near Lincoln
square. was a man of versatile parts
He was for several years district at
torney. and afterwards one of the JUS
tees of the court of common pleas. He
is described by one who knew him as
a fine bellies lettres scholar, who Kept
we'll I'D with the literature of the day,
given to festive and social occasions
and contributing to their enjoyment ~
his humor and good fellowship. His
son. Edward Dillingham; Bangs. some
time secretary of the commonwealth,
died in Worcester in 1888. He was the
last of the name.
Francis Blake was widely known as
an orator and advocate. He married
daughter of John Chandler, ana aleu
in 1917, leaving a numerous 1amlly; one
son. George Smith Blake, received inc
rank Of commodore in the navy: An
other son was that singular hlah' -. ";
n P1al1e Win. died recently, the Friend
OF Emerson and Thoreau, dud eui'oI
H.