Sunday, December 30, 2012

GENEALOGY SERIES STARTING IN JANUARY!


                                                NEW!   Genealogy Series
 presented by The Littleton Historical Society and The Reuben Hoar Library     

First of 4 Presentations*

Thursday January 24, 2013      Genealogy 101 by Peter Barbella
(Snow date January 31)

Genealogy 101 is an interactive presentation designed for beginners looking to uncover
their family roots and histories.  It is presented in four major sections:
Setting Your Goals includes an introduction to genealogy
Growing Your Database will show you how to utilize genealogy societies
Presenting Your Information will focus on the ways that you can arrange your data
Technology Tools covers the value of scanners, digital cameras and Smart Pens in your research
All programs will be held from 7-9PM  in the Couper Room of the Reuben Hoar Library.   Please register for all events at:
www.littletonlibrary.org or by calling the library at 978-540-2600

*Check out our website for details on all four presentations.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Our Town Dec 14th and 15th at 7:30PM


The Littleton High School Drama department is presenting the classic "everytown" play, OUR TOWN on Friday December 14th and Saturday December 15th at 7:30PM.  The Thornton Wilder play is based in "Grover's Corners, New Hampshire" ) loosely based on Peterborough, NH)   in the early 1900's, but it is used as a metaphor for what small town life in New England embodied during that time.

In anticipation of Littleton's 300th anniversary, the Littleton High School Drama department felt that this was the perfect piece to teach the students about some of the experiences their ancestors may have had during this time.

The play will be performed at the Littleton Middle School Cafetorium, 55 Russell Street. 

Tickets are $9, and are available at the door and online at www.mktix.com. 

Monday, December 3, 2012

Bazaar December 1 2012


We sold lots of blocks and calendars on Saturday.  But we have a few more! The 2013 block is the fountain at the Depot.
 


 
 The calendar is full of nature shots around Littleton.   Call or email the Society if you would like to order.   978-486-8202 Littleton.HistSociety@Verizon.net

Sunday, November 18, 2012

November Pasts

"1887  Thanksgiving Ball in the town hall, Littleton, Thursday evening, Nov 24.  Floor director:  H.E. Hendley; aids:  C. A. Priest,  J.H.Hartwell, F.B. Priest, L.E. Fletcher, F. A. Hosmer, J.H.D. Whitcomb, J.W.Ireland, G.D. Jacobs, F. N. Hartwell, A.F. Kimball, FA. Tuttle, Frank Haynes, Clayton Hartwell.  Music:  Carter's band of Boston.  Concert from 7:45 till 8:30.   Dancing from 8:30 till 1."

"Gone:  The barrels of clothing consisting of fifty-nine articles, books and papers, to the Crow Indians the latter part of last week, was sent by the ladies' sewing circle of the Unitarian church.  The clothing sent is well adapted to the young bloods of the Indian tribe."


"1888-  The Kickapoo Indians have been here and pitched their tent, or tried to, in the town hall, but did go across the street to Sawyer Hoar's house to camp at night.  There was some misunderstanding about letting them the hall, but after the pledge was given in a business like way, it didn't seem right to withhold it when they came with their chattels and medicines.  They were in Concord two weeks, and sold a thousand dollars' worth of their medicines.  They are at Westford for a stay of two days."

"1889-concerning books purchased by the Library-  "At various times books of a religious character, as well as others desired by readers, have been rejected because of opinions set forth, such as the majority of the trustees are not willing to have promulgated from the library.  The action of the trustees at their last meeting is especially noteworthy and unwarrantable.  Among the books asked for and procured by the librarian for the consideration of the trustees were the following:  "The Bible for Learners" by Dr. H. Oort and Dr. I. Hooykaas, "What is the Bible" by Rev J.T. Sunderland, and "Rachel Armstrong" by Celia P. Woodley.  These are all books written by well known and highly respected authors, and published with no denominational imprint, the first by Roberts Bros., and the last by Ticknor and Company.  There can be no claim that the books were refused because of the nature of the subjects treated, for books of the same kind, but mostly written from a different point of view have been purchased without hesitation.  Neither was the objection on the score of expense, for at the same meeting at which these books which had been asked for were rejected, books costing several times as much and which no one had called for were purchased.   They were refused on purely sectarian grounds, because the views presented were not considered by the majority of the trustees suitable to be furnished by the library to the people of the town.
And it is the principle here illustrated to which the attention of the citizens of Littleton is directed, and not the citizens of Littleton only, but the public generally, for it is a point of general interest.
Are the trustees of a free public library to be censors of the doctrinal character of the books admitted into the library, and if so, are they to exercise this power according to the theological preferences of the majority?
At the last annual convention of the American library association, held in St Louis, the president of the association said:  Soundness or unsoundness of doctrine, whether in theology or philosophy, in the social or natural sciences, is not to be considered by the buyer, even if he thinks himself competent to decide....For the book which will mislead the reader there is an antidote in the book written on the other side"  
It is evident that this is the only fair principle upon which to act.  Those who are afraid of the effect to be produced upon views which they hold, by the reading of different opinions, must depend for the maintenance of their position, less upon intelligence that upon ignorance and prejudice.
A public library should supply so far as its means permit, a fair proportion of books representing the different views held by its readers.
In the case of the Reuben Hoar library it is plain that this was the plan of the generous founder of the library.  It was provided in the terms of his gift that there should be an equal representation on the board of trustees from the three religious denominations having churches in town by which it is implied that the views of each denomination will be equally represented in the books purchased for the library.
There can be no doubt of the unfairness of a method of administration which not only largely confines the purchase of books on disputed subjects to those representing the views of the majority of the trustees but even refuses to receive as a gift certain books setting forth views sincerely held and properly stated which are acceptable to intelligent and responsible citizens of the community.
I should not fail to state that not all the trustees are responsible for the course pursued in this respect but the more liberal members have been overruled by the majority.
I protest, therefore, not only as one of the trustees, but as a citizen and in behalf of other citizens whose rights in regard to the public library are infringed upon.  My object in making this protest in our local paper is to arouse in the community a sentiment which shall in future prevent the trustees from being guided by sectarian and theological views in the selection of any books for the public library.
Comparatively few public libraries at the present time are controlled by such narrow and unworthy considerations, and it is not creditable to the town of Littleton that they should in the least degree enter into the management of the Reuben Hoar library, which, in all other respects is a constant source of pride and pleasure to the people of the town.
With reference to the three books above mentioned as rejected after having been called for by respectable citizens using the library, they are all books which I can heartily recommend as written in a right spirit and calculated to benefit those who may read them.  I would suggest to any who may like to know on what ground books have been refused as suitable for the library, to examine these for themselves, and I shall be most happy to lend them from my own library to any persons in town who will apply to me for them.    w.i. nichols"


"1903  Middlesex Hunt- The fifteen members of the Middlesex Hunt from Lincoln, with the same number of hounds, arrived promptly at Littleton Common the scheduled time, 10:30 Tuesday a.m.  Congregating at the junction of roads the whipperin had a chance to show his perfect control of the dogs.  After a short rest the party started down the Great Road, followed by a few enthousiastic sportsmen.   It was a pre arranged drag fox hunt and the scent was given the dogs at the foot of W. H. Proctor's hill on the left side.  The entire party, which included one lady, followed in full chase, the deck tailed hunters taking fences, stonewalls and ditches as easily as if they were a spadeful of gravel.  Skirting round the limit of Proctor's land they passed on into the fields of W.G. Brown, the hounds in good lead, the horsemen with their scarlet coats making a brilliant showing as they dashed in and out of sight over hill and dale.  The hounds led the chase by a long way when they finally appeared in the rear of Clifton Flagg's buildings, then led the party out of sight towards Nagog pond and the country that lies beyond.  Come again!"

"About town-  From an intellectual point of view, Littleton people are highly favored.  They should and  do stand for the highest and best.  Within its precinct are eight organizations for mental growth, progress and excellence.  They consist of the lyceum, historical society, grange, the women's christian temperance union, the kings daughters, woman's, mother's and sunshine clubs.  These organizations are entirely outside of the church, but abreast with it, while each church within its limits has from two to half a dozen societies for spiritual growth and uplifting.  We fancy our sister towns will think we are a great town instead of a little town."

"1926-  The 45th annual Thanksgiving Ball of the Back-log club will be held on Thursday evening of next week in the town hall beginning at eight.  Brigham and Poole's orchestra of Boston will furnish music.  The committee in charge follows:  Mr. and Mrs. John Sibley, Mr. and Mrs. George Hartwell, Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Prouty."


Monday, October 22, 2012

Long Store Project Presentation Oct 25th


Sherrill Rosoff and Holly Bradman from the Restored Homestead Co. will be making a final presentation regarding their assessment of the Long Store building.  They will share with us the historic significance of the Long Store along with their surprising discoveries.  In the second part of their presentation they will have proposals and suggestions for the reconstruction of the Long Store.  They will be assisted by David Whitcomb from the Historical Society.  Dave took over 200 photographs documenting each phase of the disassembly of the Long Store including the previously unknown "beehive oven".

Anyone and everyone who were involved in the Long Store project and meetings should attend.  It should be very interesting! The Long Store presentation will be held on Thursday, October 25th at 7:00 pm in the meeting room at The Littleton Police Station on Great Road (across from the Long Store site).

Saturday, October 20, 2012

WE NEED YOUR PHOTOS!


Littleton Historical Society Seeks Photos for 300th Anniversary Book, and Archives

Be a contributor to Littleton’s “photo album” of pictures showing how the town has grown and changed. The Historical Society invites residents to share their pictures of the town’s people, places, and events – photos which indicate the history of our community and its spirit. Photographs are needed for the Historical Society’s Book to be published in 2014 for the town’s 300th Anniversary, and to add to the coverage, quality and quantity of photographs in its collection.

Once you have selected photographs to share, please make a list of each photo on a piece of paper and identify, if possible, the location, names of people, date when taken, and who took each picture. You can bring the photos and your list to the Historical Society any Wednesday afternoon from 1 to 4 PM (except the day before Thanksgiving, or on the first and third Saturdays of the month from 10 AM to Noon. Photographs will be scanned and returned to you. Owners will be asked to sign a release form for the Society to use digital copies for possible inclusion in the 300th Anniversary Book, and keep them in its collection. The original photos will be available in about a week for owners to pick them up at the Society.

Help preserve the history of Littleton by looking through family pictures and selecting those that show various aspects of life in Littleton. Subject matter could include, but is not limited to: typical daily life; unusual scenes, perhaps related to special events/weather, other; WWI, WWII, Korean and Vietnam Wars, Iraq and Afghanistan Conflicts; agriculture (past and present); town organizations; businesses; recreational activities/events; individuals who have made an important contribution to the town. The list goes on and on – limited only by your own imagination. For questions or more information, please call the Society at 978-486-8202 or e-mail Littleton.HistSociety@verizon.net. You may also contact Ann Himmelberger at 978-742-5960, or ahhimmelberger@verizon.net.

Thank you for providing the photos worth thousands of words to show the history and spirit of Littleton. 

Seeking Volunteers for 300th Book


Littleton Historical Society’s 300 Book Has New Volunteer Opportunities

Would you like to get involved with publishing the Book of Littleton’s history for the 300th Anniversary? The Book Committee invites interested volunteers to join the project in any of the following capacities:

  • Assistant to work with current editor – position requires someone with extensive experience in editing, and who has vision and enthusiasm, problem-solving abilities, and good interpersonal skills. Experience in preparing history-related publications is a plus.

  • Writers and researchers to prepare articles about Littleton’s history, especially in the years between 1960 and 2012.

The 300 Book Group was organized in May 2010. Its members are enthusiastic and work collaboratively to prepare accurate historical information about the town’s past.  The work is challenging and rewarding. Members support each other and are a great group to work with.
If you are interested, please call Ann Himmelberger, Chair of the Book Committee, at ahhimmelberger@verizon.net or 978-742-5960 for more information about these opportunities.
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Sunday, July 22, 2012

PEACH SOCIAL

Our annual Peach Social will be held on August 15th  from 6:30-9:00PM.  Come and enjoy a tasty dessert on the lawn of the Museum.  Held rain or shine.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Rationing

May 1941
"The report from the gasoline rationing registration of last week shows 530 ration cards issued.  On Thursday the registration did not close at 6 o'clock as planned, for the registrars were kept busy until 9:30.  On Friday the schools were closed so that the teachers might have an opportunity to catch up with their school work."

May 1942
" Sugar rationing has been taking place the past week on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  The schools were dismissed at noon each day as all the teachers served as the registrars.  It may be of interest to townspeople to know when the first four stamps in the book can be used.  Stamp one from May 5 through May 16;  stamp two from May 17 through May 30; stamp three May 30 through June 27.  these stamps must be used within the specified time.  They can not be carried over from one period to the next"

Village Improvement

May 1906 Littleton Guidon
"W.H. Tarbell, landscape gardener of Lowell, was in town for business on Friday lasat, and among other things set nearly one hundred stakes, dotting places for trees, vines and shrubs to be placed on the roadway park south of the town hall.  Saturday afternoon an energetic brigade spade or pick axe in hand, were there to help place the trees and other contributions that have been donated by some of the generous ones of the town.   The varietes of trees planted were red, white and swamp oaks, paper maples, white or native and Norway pines, white birches and willows. "

Littleton Judge

Littleton Guidon May 1907

"The citizens of Littleton are feeling much pride and satisfaction in the recent appointment of one of her sons to the judgeship of the superior court bench.

George A Sanderson, who has that honor, was born in the old Sanderson homestead in the town, July 1, 1863.  He is the only son of Hon. George W. and Charlotte E. Tuttle Sanderson, being of the fifth generation of the name born in that house.  The Sandersons settled there in 1750, and his mother's ancestors came to Littleton contemporaneously.

Trolleys in Littleton?

In May 1903 the following article appeared in the Littleton Guidon
"Four surveyors have been hard at work this week on plans for the electric road.  Beginning at the square in front of Baptist church, their measurements have been up Goldsmith St as far as the Daniel Fletcher place, where they strike the valley and avoid a steep hill or tow.  We shall never be sure how they will go until the rails are laid and clinched down hard."  Was the electric road ever completed?   stay tuned.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Another April 19th


First to offer its services- first to reach its State's capital- first to reach the nation's capital -first to inflict suffering on traitors- first to attest its sincerity with its blood was the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment of Militia* 
Like other Massachusetts communities in 1861,  when Abraham Lincoln called, Littleton sent 4 men in the Sixth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers to protect Washington DC.
6th Regiment Infantry, M.V.M.   (3 months)   Company E
                                            Residence       
Tuttle, Daniel   Capt            Acton                   
Battles, Edward D.      23    Littleton        
Durant, James L         26    Littleton              
Reed, Charles W        21    Littleton           
Reed, George A          18    Littleton                                      
  ....from  Mass Soldiers, Sailors and Marines in the Civil War
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Adjutant General's Office Boston April 15 1861 
Colonel Jones 
Sir I am directed by His Excellency the Commander in Chief to order you to muster your regiment on Boston Common forthwith in compliance with a requisition made by the President of the United States.   The troops are to go to Washington By order of His Excellency the Commander in Chief 
WM SCHOULER Adjutant General”
The members of the regiment when its numbers were fully made up were scattered over four counties Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk, and Worcester and in more than thirty towns and yet with but a few hours notice the bulk of them mustered early on the morning of the 16th and the rest within a few hours after- making in all about seven hundred men and officers ready at this first call to don the armor of actual war.
The Groton Acton and Lawrence companies received most enthusiastic farewells, the several communities being roused to the intensest pitch of excitement and bidding good bye to their friends, the men hastened to the rendezvous in Lowell, where, with the four Lowell companies they made up the Sixth.*
Company E Sixth Massachusetts Regiment Minute Men of 61 M.V.M. (Massachusetts Volunteer Militia)
Davis Guards 
COMPANY E SIXTH REGIMENT Organized in 1857 At six o clock on the evening of April 15 1861 orders were received by the Guards to join their Regiment to go to Washington.   About daylight the next morning they started for Lowell in open wagons and in a heavy rain reaching Lowell at 7.30 am 
Daniel Tuttle Capt Acton 
William H Chapman 1st Lieut              
George W Rand 2d Lieut
Silas P Blodgett 3d Lieut                                                    
John E Ames 1st Sergt
Luke Smith 1st Sergt                                                                   
Henry W Wilder Sergt Stowe
George W Knights Sergt
Battles Edward D Littleton             
Blood George F Acton                       
Bray Henry L                                     
Brooks Charles A
Brown John A Stowe 
Durant James L Littleton 
Farrar Abel Jr Acton 
Fletcher Aaron J 
Gilson Henry 
Goss Nathan 
Gray William H 
Handley Charles H Acton 
Handley William S 
Hosmer Gilman S 
Jones George 
Lazell Henry W 
Littlefleld Waldo Boxboro 
Morse Charles Marlboro 
Moulton Charles Acton 
Moulton James 
Putnam John 
Reed Charles W Littleton 
Reed George A   Littleton
Reed William Acton
Reed William B 
Robbins Varnum F 
Robbins Luke 
Sawyer Andrew J 
Smith Ephraim A 
Tarbell Edwin 
Wayne John 
Wheeler Hiram Concord 
Whitney John Quincy 
Whitney William F B
Whitney John HP
Wilson Samuel 
George Reiser Musician Baltimore
George F Campbell Musician
Granville W Wilder Sergt
Charles Jones Corp Acton
John F Blood Corp
 Aaron S Fletcher 4th Lieut
Luke J Robbins Corp
Levi H Robbins Corp
Wood Eben
The Sixth Massachusetts gathered with other regiments in Boston on April 16th. The Lowell Daily Courier published one soldier's letter home: "We have been quartered since our arrival in this city at Faneuil Hall and the old cradle of liberty rocked to its foundation from the shouting patriotism of the gallant sixth. During all the heavy rain the streets, windows, and house tops have been filled with enthusiastic spectators, who loudly cheered our regiment . . . The city is completely filled with enthusiasm; gray-haired old men, young boys, old women and young, are alike wild with patriotism."
The Sixth Massachusetts Volunteers boarded trains the next day. One soldier reported, "Cheers upon cheers rent the air as we left Boston . . . at every station we passed anxious multitudes were waiting to cheer us on our way." In Springfield, Hartford, New York, Trenton, and Philadelphia, bells, fireworks, bonfires, bands, booming cannon, and thousands of supporters greeted the Massachusetts men as their train passed through. *
The Baltimore Riot
The Sixth Regiment reached Baltimore on the 19th of April 1861.    A peculiar Baltimore ordinance called for all passing trains to stop at the President Street Station, have the railroad cars slowly pulled along the tracks by horses, then hooked back up to steam locomotives at the Camden Station ten blocks west to continue their journey. It was while the nervous troops, packed into their railroad cars, were being pulled those ten blocks by horses along Pratt Street that the crowd attacked. 
Six of the railroad cars made it through before the crowd blocked off the track and the horses could go no farther. The remaining men, around 250, had to get out and march to Camden Station. The howling mob descended upon them, and the riot quickly turned into a bloody battle.  Four soldiers and twelve civilians were killed.  
Four " Minute Men " will follow the flag no longer for stretched on the pavement of the Monumental City lie the bodies of Ladd, Needham, Taylor and Whitney, the first offerings in that terrible holocaust of war which for long years, was to consume the best the nation had to give. Night beholds them camped within the Nation's Senate Chamber and as Abraham Lincoln grasps each Massachusetts man by the hand, he proclaims his gratitude that all the people have not become unnerved by the spirit of trade and that there were yet men who were willing to offer themselves for the defense of their country, and the " Minute Men " slept with the comforting assurance that their arrival had rendered safe the seat of the National Government.
When the news of this day's doings reached the ears of Governor Andrew, he telegraphed the Mayor of Baltimore thus:—"I pray you have the bodies of our Massachusetts soldiers, dead in battle, to be immediately laid out, preserved in ice and tenderly sent forward by express to me.   All expenses will be paid by this Commonwealth." Could any words more fittingly indicate the true nature of this great hearted man? “ *
The Sixth Regiment was the first to arrive in Washington completely uniformed and equipped for service.  It was at first quartered in the Senate Chamber in the Capitol.   Mustered into the service April 22, it was soon transferred to the Relay House near Baltimore.  In the occupation of Baltimore and in doing guard duty at or near the Relay House, the regiment was occupied until July 29, when it entrained for Massachusetts.  Reaching Boston on the 1st of August, on the following day it was mustered out of service   ....Source:  Massachusetts Soldiers, Sailors and Marines in the Civil War
The regiment was dismissed by the following order from the executive:
“The Sixth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, Col. Jones, has returned home. It was the first which went forward to the defense of the national capital.  It passed through Baltimore, despite the cowardly assault made upon it, and was the first to reach Washington.
It’s gallant conduct has reflected new lustre upon the Commonwealth,and has given new historic interest to the 19th of April.  It has returned, after more than three months of active and responsible service.  It will be received by our people with warm hearts and generous hands.
The regiment is now dismissed till further orders.
Company E, the Davis Guard, was welcomed to Acton.  The town voted the funds for a fine celebration and a military, civic, and popular procession was got up; and four military companies- three of which were organized for the occasion- added to the interest of the day- one of the most joyous in the annals of Acton.*
Thirty-seventh Congress of the United States, at the First Session, in the House of Representatives, July 22, 1861.
Resolved, That the thanks of this House are due, and are hereby tendered, to the Sixth Regiment of the Massachusetts Volunteers, for the alacrity with which they responded to the call of the President, and the patriotism and bravery which they displayed on the 19th of April last, in fighting their way through the city of Baltimore, on their march to the defense of the Federal Capital.                  Galusha  A. Grow, Speaker of the House of Representatives
Attest,
Em. Etheridge, Clerk*

Sixth Regiment men credited to Littleton

Edward Delos Battles
Edward Delos Battles was born in Boxboro 5 April 1838 to Josiah and Mehitable (Shumway) Battles.  Josiah Battles was born in Oxford, Massachusetts.   He married Mehitable Shumway 30 November 1829 in Oxford and sometime between 1830 and 1838 they moved to Boxboro.   He is listed in the Boxboro1840 census with one male child under 5 years old.  In the 1850 Boxboro census,  Josiah and Mehitable are listed with William H  9 years old but not Edward.  However, there is a 12 year old child named Edward Battles living with Martin Woods in Littleton, Ma.   
On 23 December 1872 at Acton,  Edward married Adelia Bennett, daughter of John and Sarah (Jones) Bennett.    His birth is listed as Littleton, his residence is Acton and he is a farmer.  Sarah was born in Burlington, Vermont.  By 1880 they are living in Waterbury, Vermont and have at least 2 children William E and Frank.  Edward died 1896.  The following information was found on Ancestry.com which indicates his continued service to the Union after being mustered out of the 6th Regiment.  
Edward Battles was deaf, made so by being hit on the head by a round, unexploded cannon ball which made a dent in his skull. An egg could be placed on the top of his head and it would stay there. As proven by his son Chester Battles. + Enlisted into the service at the age of 24 in Boston, MA. He was a private in Company E. 33rd reg. etc. and served 3 years. He was promoted to corporal May 13, 1865. He was honorably discharged on June 11, 1865 near Washington, D.C. He was discharged honorably as physically unfit for further duty. + Received Massachusetts's Minute Men's Medal after he died. This award was given to men who answered President Abraham Lincoln's first call for Volunteers. + Edward Battles was wounded as follows: + Wounded at the Battle of Bull Run + Gettysburg, July 3, 1863 - head wound + Gettysburg, September 11, 1863 - gunshot wound to the right side of his head, caused by shell + November 1, 1863 - treated for abscess + June 24 to July 7, 1864 - gun shot wound to his right thigh. Sent to Marietta, furloughed September 20 to October 20, 1864. Returned to duty November 15, 1864. + He was in the hospital for 10 months at one time”  Source: Tracey Family tree Ancestry.com
George A Reed

“Hon George A Reed was born at Concord Mass September 10  1842  Enlisted in Company E Sixth MVM went with the Regiment through Baltimore April 19 1861 as private.   September 5 1861 enlisted in the Twenty Sixth Massachusetts Regiment served under command of General BF Butler in Louisiana as Corporal and Sergeant.   January 14 1864 re-enlisted in the Twenty Sixth Massachusetts Regiment was mustered out September 25 1865. Was with General Grant at City Point Va with General PH Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley November 1 was appointed Special Mail Messenger for Generals Sheridan and Hancock was commissioned as Second Lieutenant .  After returning to Massachusetts made his home in Framingham was elected three years on the Board of Selectmen and in 1889 served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives was elected a member of the State Senate in 1895 and re-elected in 1896.   has been in the employ of the Boston and Albany Railroad thirty four years and as train conductor 29 years is a Past Commander of Post 142 GAR Past President of the old Sixth and Twenty Sixth Massachusetts Regimental Associations member of the various Masonic bodies Aleppo Temple N of M Shrine Boston”*


South Framingham, Aug 11- Yielding to the desires of his many friends,Hon George A. Reed of Saxonville announces that he is a candidate for renomination for the state senate.  Representing the 4th Middlesex district for two years past, he comes a candidate in the new 1st district, whose principal cities and towns are Newton, Marlboro, Framingham, and Natick.  Senator Reed’s name has been mentioned in connection with the nomination to congress in the 4th district, to succeed Mr. Apsley, but he announces that he is in no sense a candidate for that position.
Article in Lowell Sun 15 October 1922
Hon and Mrs. George A Reed will receive their friends at their home, 110 Danforth St. Saxonville, from 3 to 5 tomorrow on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of their wedding.  The affair will be entirely informal, owing to the condition of Mrs. Reed’s health.  Mr. Reed for about 45 years was trainman and conductor of the Saxonville branch train, retiring in 1919, when he reached the age of 70.  He has been selectmen and represented Framingham in the lower house of the General Court in 1889 and in 1895 and 1896 represented the old Fourth Middlesex District in the Senate.  He is a Civil War veteran, and commander for several years of Gen. Burnside Post G.A.R.
He died in Saxonville 11 May 1923
Charles W. Reed 
Obituary  Lowell Sun  13 May 1910
Chas. Reed of Westford
Killed Last Night
Charles Reed, aged 65, a well known Westford farmer, was the victim of a fatal accident while driving home about 9 o’clock last evening.  He was thrown from his wagon into an excavation, his horse falling in on top of him.  He lived but a few minutes after the accident and was dead when taken out of the excavation.  For the past week workmen have been settling a catch basin in the street directly in front of John C. Abbott’s residence.  While passing this point last evening the horse which Mr. Reed was driving shied suddenly to one side, throwing the driver from his seat into the excavation.  In its effort to get away the animal attempted to jump the hole and fell in on the unfortunate man, crushing him severely and causing internal injuries which resulted in his death a few moments later.   The horse struggled and finally released itself from the wagon and reached the surface again.  The commotion attracted the attention of several people and they removed the body of Mr. Reed to a nearby house and a physician was called.  Undertaker D. L. Greig took charge of the body.  It was said that several lanterns were placed about the excavation so that to drive into the hole unknowingly would be quite impossible.  Deceased was a veteran of the Civil War and had no living relatives, so far as is known.
Funeral -Lowell Sun 17 May 1910
Reed- The funeral services of Charles W. Reed, who was thrown from his carriage last week and instantly killed, were held from his home in Westford at 2 o’clock Sunday.  There was a large attendance of relatives, neighbors, and friends.
Rev David W. Wallace of the Union Congregational church was the officiating clergyman.  The bearers were George A. Reed, William E. Reed, Murray Lynds, Harry Weston, George Voter, and Sumner Lyncoln.  Undertaker David L. Greig was in charge.  Burial was at Littleton.
Deceased was a member of the old Sixth Massachusetts regiment, Company E, and afterward reenlisted and served during the remainder of the war in the 35th Massachusetts regiment.  He is survived by a widow, one brother Hon. George A. Reed, of Framingham, Mass and four sisters, Mrs. L.A. Rhoads of Ayer, Mrs. N. R. Gerald of Cochituate, Mrs. W.H. Swallow of Campden, NJ and Miss Mary Reed of Cochituate.
Among the floral offerings were: spray, feverfew and pinks, from wife; spray lillies and sweet peas, from Mrs. Lucy Rhoads; crescent of roses and pinks, Mr. and Mrs. George Reed; bouquet of white roses, Mrs. Gerald and Miss Mary Reed; spray narcissus, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Lynds; spray pinks and roses, Dr. and Mrs. W. Reed; spray of palms and pinks, Dr. and Mrs. H. Weston; spray pinks, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Davis and son; spray of pinks, Mr. and Mrs. Kahlo and Mr. and Mrs. Krouse; wreath, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Jeune; bouquet of pinks, Mrs. Weston and Mrs. Mothrup; spray of pinks Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Wright; wreath, Mr. and Mrs. Stephenson.
James Lewis Durant
James Lewis Durant was born in Littleton  26 May 1835 to Reuben and Hannah Durant.   James deserted 20 April 1862 at Carlisle Bks PA.  He died in Shirley 4 April 1902.
Obituary  
Shirley
The body of the unknown man found dead in R.F. Colburn’s field Monday night, still remains uncalled for at the undertaking rooms of J.F. Brown.  It was thought the deceased was Frank Durant, who lives in Pepperell near Fitch’s bridge, and the Groton and Pepperell town line.  The selectmen of Pepperell sent Police Officer Gogging and another man to identify the remains, but when about two miles from Pepperell they met on the road the said Frank Durant alive and well who said he was not the man and the officers returned home.  Later it was thought the remains were those of a man who worked for Granville Fairbanks in Lunenburg last fall.  Wednesday night, Mr. Fairbanks, accompanied by one of his men, William Robbins, viewed the body and were quite sure he was a man who worked for Mr. Fairbanks  leaving his employ about Christmas time, 1901, and who gave his name as J.L. Durant, and was called James or “Jim” by fellow workmen.  It is not known where his home is, if he had any.  Several Durants are living in Leominster and he may be some relation to them.   A James L. Durant once lived in Littleton, was a soldier in the Civil War and was a son of Reuben Durant of that place who resided there 40 or more years.  Parties telephoned Wednesday, from South Framingham saying that a man was missing from that place but it was not learned who he was.  A strange coincidence is that the remains tally with both Frank Durant of Pepperell and James L. Durant of Littleton.  Each was short in stature, bald head, heavy brown moustache, weight about 140 pounds, and each wore overalls turned up and each had a brother William, called “Bill”.  Each worked chopping wood and other farm labor and they are not known to be related to each other.  Both served in the Civil War and lived in Groton and adjoining  towns at different periods..... Fitchburg Daily Sentinel 11 April 1902
 
  • ........from the History and complete roster of the Massachusetts regiments, minute men of ... By George Warren Nason