During the latter part of his life, he made it a rule to spend his
whole income every year ; and there was scarcely any public en-
terprise within that period, or any work of utility, or any charita-
ble institution, or any effort to promote education in the city of
Boston, to which he was not a large contributor. Nor were his
benefactions confined to the city of his home ; but throughout
New England his name will be permanently connected with the
charitable, educational and religious institutions which received
aid from his ready and large-hearted munificence.
But that which characterized his old age more than anything
else, was a constantly growing interest in the welfare of the poor.
1854.] Notice of Sarmiel Appleion. 15
He regularly placed large sums in the hands of physicians and
others Avho were in the way of seeing those in destitution, and
on whose good sense and good feeling he relied, to be distributed
as their judgment should dictate. He could not bear to think
that any one, whom he could relieve, should suffer from want.
It was Cecil, we think, who said that he always thought of the
world as divided into two heaps, one of happiness and the other
of misery, and that it was his purpose to take something from the
latter and to add something every day to the former. No one
ever acted more habitually on this idea than Mr. Appleton. With
the habits and decision brought out of a struggling and energetic
manhood, there were many things he could resist ; but a poor
child, or a poor man, he could not resist. He could not resist
any tale of want, and though uttered in a whisper, he heard it
above all the noise of the world.
Those were the only unsatisfactory days to him, in which he
had not done something to promote some one's welfare, or to re-
lieve some one's distress. And all this was done so modestly, so
kindly, so much as if he were receiving a favor, that the man-
ner doubled its value. He gave money to the poor in such a
way that they gave him back their hearts. He bore all his fac-
ulties so meekly, his manners were characterized b}^ such an
inbred courtesy, and his good deeds were so simple and unalloyed,
that they awakened in all around him kind and friendly feelings.
It is said of Raphael that the influence of his genial and kindly
character was such, that "the painters who worked around him
lived in perfect harmony, as if all bad feelings were extinguished
in his presence, and every base, unworthy thought had passed
from their minds." So Mr. A.'s character seemed to create
around him a sphere of just thoughts and kind affections.
His religious views and feelings partook of the simplicity of his
general character. Though he had decided opinions, he never
took any strong interest in questions of controversial theology.
His experience of life had taught him that good men were con-
fined to no theological party, and it was his conviction that the
fundamental principles of religion, ni spite of minor differences,
were received by all sects. His nature was not speculative but
practical, and religion with him took a practical form. He
thought little of words and much of the substance. Better words
to describe him, as he appeared in his habitual course, could
hardly be chosen, than those in which the prophet gives the com-
prehensive test of a right life : — " What doth the Lord require of
thee, but to do justly, to love mercy, and walk humbly bctore
^od."' He had the trusting heart of the child; and the practical
form which his faith in a spiritual life assumed, was toucliingly
illustrated in an incident that occurred during the year preceding
his own death. A favorite nephew, to whom he had bequeathed
16 Notice of Samuel Appleton. [Jan.
in his will a large proportional amount of his estate,, died' before
him, and by the terms of the will, a half-sister, between whom
and Mr. A. there was no blood relationship, became entitled to
these bequests. The executor called Mr. Appleton's atteiUion to
the fact, thinking that he might wish to make some change in
the disposition of his property. After taking the subject into full
consideration, his reply was, " If, in the other world, there is any
knowledge of what is done in this, I should not like to have ray
nephew, whom I so loved and trusted, find that my first act, on
learning his death, is the revocation or curtailment of a bequest
made in his favor, and which, if he had survived me, would have
eventually benefited her who was nearest and dearest to him.
The will must stand as it is."
He died without issue, at his residence in Boston, July 12,
1853, having just entered on the eighty-eighth year of his age.
His death was as tranquil as his life. He had always dreaded a
lingering dissolution, and his desire that the last hour might come
suddenly was granted. On the last morning of his life, he en-
joyed his usual health. During the day he had sufTered some
pain and uneasiness, but the remedies applied had relieved him,
and he said, " I will now try to sleep." He composed him-
self for this purpose, and sunk into slumber. In a few mo-
ments, however, Mrs. Appleton was alarmed by his louder breath-
ing ; she ran to his bed-side, and summoned an attendant. He
was lying in the same attitude of repose. He was sleeping, but
*' the sleep that had fallen upon him so gently was the sleep of
death ! "
His mind retained its vigor and clearness to the very last, and
up to the closing hours of life, he had been employed on thoughts
and plans of beneficence. The sinking sun went down through
a twilight over which collected all the beauty of the day.
" Sure ihe last end
Of the good man is peace. How calm his exit !
Night dews fall not more calmly on the ground,
Nor weary, worn-out winds expire so soil."
Mr. Appleton was one of those men who not only give a char-
acter to the community in which they live, but who create its
character. His enterprise, his great soundness of judgment, his
stainless integrity, and his liberality, made him one of those
standards of character by which men around measure themselves
and others. Such men raise the general average of character
throughout the community. Illiberal customs, and underhanded
methods of business, are shamed awayf/om their presence. The
young honor and imitate, and those who are older, take a heart-
ier interest in whatever relates to the general good. We are
accustomed to speak of the benevolent acts of such a man, but
1854.] Notice of Samuel Appldon. 17
infinitely greater than the immediate good done to the recip'ents
of the charity, is the general feeling of liberality which such acts
awaken and keep alive in the community. Three men, near
neighbors, intimate friends, associated much together in common
pursuits, died nearly together : Mr. Amos Lawrence, Mr. Robert
G. Shaw, and Mr. Appleton. Without detracting from the merits
of others, it caimot be doubted that these men stood second to
none in their liberality towards all objects that had a bearing on
the general welfare, and that any reputation which Boston may
have, was owing, in at least a full proportion, to their character.
But whatever of good they may have done to individuals or insti-
tutions, the greatest good came from the modest, unpretending
uprightness and liberality of their lives, which showed that men
might accumulate money and yet value it for its true uses; which
gav'e the visible proof that successful labors did not require the
drying up of the heart, and which established a standard of v.'ise
and large beneficence. A few accomplished and successful men
of business, if they are at the same time selfish and sordid, will
lower the whole moral feeling of the business comnuuiity in
which they live. And, on the contrary, if right minded, gener-
ous, just, living for others as well as themselves, they elevate
the whole moral character of business life.
There are many who are liberal after their death, who give
wisely, perhaps, that which they can no longer retain. Mr. Ap-
pleton will be remembered as one who, all his days, made use of
prosperity to promote the welfare of others, whose heart grew
liberal, and whose hand was opened wider as his means in-
creased ; and whose unostentatious course was, from the begin-
ning, like that of a stream through the valley, giving fertility to
the whole region through which it flows, and like that too,
hiding itself under the very verdure which it has nourished. He
has passed from this world, followed by kind, affectionate and
grateful memories ; and at that day, whose inquisition all may
fear, and when the best may shrink from answering for them-
selves, we may believe that he shall be one of that number —
most blessed — who shall have many to bear witness for them —
one of those of whom the poor shall say, '-he relieved our neces-
sities ;â– ' and the naked, " he clothed us ;" and the sick and in
prison, " he visited us ;" and the orphan, the friendless and the
forsaken, " when we thought ourselves forgotten by man, by him
we were remembered."
Longevity of Quakers. — 'The late census returns in England
reveal the singular fact, that the average age attained by this
peaceful sect is fifty-one years two months and twenty-one days,
while half of the population of this country die before reaching
the age of twenty-one, and the average duration of life, the world
over, is but thirty-three years. — [Newspaper, 9 Sept., 1853.
3
18 New England Chronology. [Jan.
NEW ENGLAND CHRONOLOGY;
Derived from a volume of Interleaved Almanacks, which belonged to Judge Sewall,
and interspersed throughout tvith his manuscript memoranda; now in possession
o/" Frederic Kidder, Esq.
[Prepared for ihi Press by the Editor of the Kegister.]
[Continned from Vol. VII, page 346.]
Apl. 3. Joseph Eliot & I grafted some walnut trees 14. 1685. Ship
arriues from Newcastle & brings Newes of y^ Death of Charles
ye 2d & Proclamation of James y^ 2d. King: The Master
. brought a couple of printed Proclamations relating to y"^ affair.
Newes came to us as were busy opening y^ nomination just be-
fore dinner. Vete
In y« mcrn. before I went, y^ Gov"" told me y* a shpm''. had been
with him from Nevis, who told him y' ye GoV Stapleton should
say we should haue a new governour before he got to Boston.
Carried my wife to George Bairsto's yest"' . Apl. 13th,
Apl. 16. Thorsday, a vessel arriues from London ; bringing orders to
y« several Colonies to proclaim y^ King. Mr. Blaihwayt writes
to Simon Bradstreet, Esq. Superscribed — For his Maj" Ser-
vice — advising y' would be for best for us early to do it ; &
our charter being vacated in law, was y^ reason we not writ to.
was a letter writt to Sim. Bradstreet, Mr. Stoughton, Dudley,
Bulkly, Shrimpton, Wharton, to y^ same purpose, &i. copies of
Proclamations fill'd up to Plimouih or at least of ye letter writt
to y- [them.]
Apl. 20. Mond. K. is proclaimed 8 Compe & Troop 3 volleys canon,
child kills itself with a knife.
Apl. 23. Thorsd. Mother Sewall comes by water in Stephen Green-
leaf to see us.
Apl. 28. Tuesd. Begin to wean little Hull.
29. Wed. The vessel of whcli Ma'. Solley dy'd Master in Lon-
don, arriues & brings Gazetts to ye 2*^ of March. King buried
Feb. 24. even.
May 1. Frid. Mother Sewall goes to Salem, My wife and I accompa-
ny her to Capt. Marshal's & there take lave. An Apsom [Aps-
bam.'] man of ab' 5. w. pass, arriues y' day. Mr. Smith from
Barbados &, others. Father Town buried at Cambridge this day.
May 3. Sab. A letter from ye North Ch. read, wherein Messengers
desired in order to Ordaining Mr. Cotton Mather, [worn] Boston.
1685. " By Nath. Mather, Philom."— Boston in New Eng. Printed
by & for Samuel Green. 1685. [No iteids in this ]
1686. By S. D. — Cambridge : Printed by Samuel Green, Sen. Printer
to Harvard Colledge in N. Eng. A D. 16S6. " For ye wor»
Samuel Sewall Esq'-"-"Delivered me pye Gov"" Jan"" 21. 1GS5-6.
Sent it seerns by ye author."
Mar. 5. Supply Clap.— 9. 3. Sepult.
11. James Morgan.
April 2. 6. Obit Mr. T. Thacher.
2C. 3. S. Cotton Mr.
81
1854 ] New England Chronology. 19
\Printed. items from the foot of the Calendar pa^es foUow.'\
May — From the planting of the Three Viiited Colonyes in New
England till the year 1679. Haue dyed Seventeen sustavnin^
office in our Commonwealths, wherof Seven were Goevnors ;
Two deputy Governours : 8 assistants. Printed Chron. at foot
of May.
June 18. Hull moritar. 19. Sepultus est. MS. in Calendar p.
Since the gathering of Congregations in N. E. until the vear
1679 : xxvii. Pastors & Teachers haue departed this life. Since
the founding of a Coiledge in N. E. till the year 1678. inclusive,
three Presidents and two being Fellows thereof haue deceased.
July. — Some remarkable occurrences in N. E. since 1678.
Aug. 7. 1679. A great Fire in Boston.
Dec. 10. 1679. Mr. Samuel Whiting Past. Ch. at Lyn dyed.
Sept. 16. 16S0. Mr. Josiah Flint Past Ch. Dorch. dyed.
Dec. 18. 1680. Josiah Winslow Esq. Gov. Plim Col. dyed.
Aug. 5. — W. Harrison Sepultus. MS. in Calendar p.
July 25. 1681. Mr. Vrian Oakes Pr. Har. Col. & Post. Ch. at Camb.
dyed.
Sept. 8. 1681. Mr. John Foster, Printer & accurate Astronomer dyed.
Sept. 28. 16SI. Edward Ting Esq. aged 81 years dyed.
Sept. 24. Clap e.xit.— Ms.
Apl. 4. 1682. Mr. Joseph Taylor min at S. Hampton d.
Aug 22. 1682. Mr. Isaac Foster (formerly Fei. H. C.) min. Hartf*. d.
Sept, 19. 1682. Maj. G. Dan. Denison, Esq. dved.
Mar. 13. 1683 Major [Tkomas] Gierke Esq. dyed.
Oct. 19. Ruth Quincv. MS
Apl. 16. 1683. Wm."Leit, Esq. Gov. Con*. Col dyed.
July 19. 1683. Mr. Wm. Andrew — Sch' mast at Ipswich, dyed.
29. " The 1st Ind. ordevn'd minest. was Daniel of Natick.
Sept. 31). " Capt. John Hull Esq. dyed.
Nov. 5. 6. Mr. Morton.
18. 5. Jn">. Neponet [Indian.'] 26. first snow. Ms.
Feb. 15. 1681. Major Thomas Savage, Esq. dved.
Oct. 8. 1683. Capt, Dan'. Fisher. Esq. dyed.
23. " The worshipful Joseph Dudley Esq. and John Richards
Esq. Agents for the Mass. Coll. arrive safe at Boston, having
been absent 1. year & .5' months.
Dec. 19. Sand. The King Fisher. 20. 2. Sir Edm. Gover^.
Jan. 4. Capt. Hutchinson & I went on board y^ Kingfisher as slie lay
without the wharfs. Mi in Cal. ps.
Apl. 20. 1685. King J imes II. Proclaimed in Boston.
June 8. " Mr. Thomas Shepard Past. Chas". Ch. dyed.
July 2. 1684. Mr. John Rogers Presed. of Har. Col. depf^. this life as
the sun was clearing itself of an eclipse.
Feb. July 15. 1685. A great lightning, wherewith were killed a
man, woman and two Horses.
Aug, 8. 168.5. Mr. John Sherman Pastour of the Ch, at Watertown «fc
skilfull Mathematician dyed,
Aug. 17. 16S5 Mr. W-". Adarns Past. Ch. at Dedham dyed.
Since the Impression for February, w'ce hear of the deplora-
ble decease of the Rd. &, Aged Mr.' Thomas Cobbet Minister at
Ipswich & of the Rd. Mr. Nathaniel Chauncy, Minister at Hat-
field. Printed at the foot of the last page.
r t'-^A
20 NciD England Chronology. [Jan.
" As to ye Edeps, See Sir Mather's Almanack." [ Written
in side marg. agl. the acct. of the Eclipse.]
" The above ace" of ye Eclipse (abating y^ parcntesis^ was
truer by much than Mr. Mather's. It ended about 8 o'clock
clouds [word goiie.y Ms. foot same page.
1686. By Nathanael Mather.. — New England, Boston, Printed &
Sold by Samuel Green, 16SG.
Fov. 5. 6. Mr. Morton.— 19. 6. Small Pocks.
Dec. 12. 1. Clutterbuck arrives. — 14.3. Legg arrives. — 19. King-fisher,
Navis is between 6 & 7. hund. Tuns."
Jan. 13. 5. Funeral. — 30. 1. Steph. Sewall natus.
Feb. 1. 3. Miss Lu.<!comb. dyes. 6. 1. Stephen Sewall baptizatus —
24. Mr. Corlett.
1636. Kalcndarium Pennsilvaniense, OR, America's Messinger. Be-
ing an Almanack [&c.]— By Samvel Atkins. Printed «Si sold
by William Bradford at Philadelphia in Pfnsihania, 1685.
1€S7. By John Tally.— Boston, Printed by S. Green for Benjamin
Harris ii so]d at his Shop bv the Town Pump near the Ex-
change. 1667. "Rect. Dec.'6. 16S6." MS.jootoftit.
April 6. 4. Higginson 20 Noves.
21 5 Mr. George Shove dies' 22<i buried.
May 2. 2. Hog Island.
May 9. Capt. Hamilton moritur. —
17. 3. Sepultus est.
28. Legg sails.
31.3. R. Walker sepultus est.
June 28. 3. Phipps K'.
4. Sat. The Lightning awfully shatterd ye side of a tree at
[word gone] Hog Island.
July 12. Harris sails.
27. 4. Stephen buried.
Augt 9. 3. Cnpt. Gerrish dies. ll'h. buried.
16. Elder Wiswall dies. 19'^. buried.
24 Capt. Nicholson.
Sept. 30. Mis. Rawlin^s buried.
Isov. 1. Mis. Si.ffin — 12. 7. Sepulta est.
17. 5. Sir W". Phips Commission,
22. Justice Lynde m.oritur. — 26. 7. Sepultus,
Dec. 2. Jn°. Hay ward scr.— il/S in Cal. ps.
Joshua Raymond of Block Island. MS. tnp of last p.
May 14. 1686. Arrived t>om England, His Majesties Commission to
divei-s worthy Gentlemen, to be a President & Council for the
management of his Majesties Government here, & accordingly
on the 25"' of May, 66, the President &, Council being assemb-
led in Boston, the exemplification of the Judgement against the
Charter of the Late Governour, &. Company of the Massachu-
setts Bay in N. E. together with his Majesties Commission of
Government were publickly read, &, received by persons of all
conditions with general Acceptance.
Advertisement-
There is Appointed by Authority a Market to be kept in Bos-
ton, and a Committee is ordered to meet and rtate the place, &
daj's, &, other cirumstances relating to the good settling there-
1854.] New England Chronology. ' 21
of: of which a more particular Account may be speedily ex-
pected. Last p. of Tally'' s At'', for 1687.
1687. [iN'b author indicated.^ — Cambridge. Printed by S. G., Colledg
Printer. 1687.
On Decf. 19. 1GS6. Arrived at Nantaskit his Excellency Sf
Edmond Andross, His Majesties General! Governour, of his
Territory and Dominion of New England in America. He land-
ed at Boston on the Monday following, and was received w^^
general! Acclamation of Joy Printed on back of title.
1688. By John TuUy. " Bought o'f Benj. Harris Jan. 4. "1687-8" MS.
on till. Imprimatur Edm. Randolph. Seer. — Boston, Printed
by Samuel Green. 16S8.
Since the arrival of his Excellency Sir Edmond Androsse Kt.
Gov'' of His Majesties Territories in New Eng Dec 20. 16S6,
2 years. Printed Chron Table at end.
" No Cambridge Almanack this year." MS at end.
1GS9. By John Tully, {Licence 8f Lnprint same as last; vo items.1
1G90. By John Tully. [No imprimatur.] Boston : Printed & sold by
Samuel Green, near the South Church. 1690.
Mar. 18. Salmon Falls. [Destroyed by the French &, Indians]
May 11. Small Pox in y^ family. 12. Gilbert from London. 16.
Watch S. Comp\
June 18. Sm' Pocks exit. July 6. Capt. Noah Wiswall. — [Killed in
fight with Indians, in Lee N. H.j Aug. 4. Watch S. Coiii. Nov.
27. Ragland moritur.
Dec. 19. 6. Air. Jn^. Clark burled. — 25. 5. Mr. Jn°. Coney buried.
1690. Harvard's Ephemeris, [&c.] — By^ H. Newman. Cambridge.
Printed by Sarnul Green. 1690.
A Prognostication for the year 1688. Calculated for the MerLdian of
BOSTOiNf ; & may without any sensible Error serve for any other place
in New England.
Thus Reader, by our Astrologick Art,
Future Events we unto thee impart;
Yet 'tis with this Reservation tho'
If ihey come not to Pass, we'd have them do.
For all Predictions do lo this belong.
That Either they are right, or they are wrong.
I
Janueary's Observations.
The weather is very cold ; but where Jealousie is hot, that house is
Hell, and the woman the Master Devil thereof.
February's Observations.
You Lads Ac Lasses would repine,
Should we forget St. Valentine.
U'hen young men do present their Loves
â– U'lth Scarfs, with Ribuns k. with Gloves,
And to shew manners nut for»t;t all
Give them a lick under the Snot-gall ;
Then one a Cursie dops anon,
And smiling says, I th'ink thee, John
On the 28th day of this month is like to be a very comfortable smell of
Pancakes & Friters. The nights are still cold 6i, long, which may cause
22 New England Chronology. [Jan.
great conjunction betwixt the male & Female Planets of our sublunary-
Orb, the effects whereof may be seen about nine months afier, and por-
tend great charges of Midwife, Nurse, (So Naming the Bantling.
May.
This is Love's month, else Poets lie. what then ?
Why then, youn? maids are apt to kiss young men :
But for 01(1 Maids unmarried 'lis a sign,
They either do -want beauty, or else Coyn.
If any are bound for England, &- would know whither to go for sever-
al sorts of belly-titTiber, I shall di-'ect them to Devonshire for White-pots,
To Essex for Veal, to Norfolk for Dumplins, to Tewxbury for Mustard,
to Banbury for Cakes, to Kingsnorton for Cheese & to Darby for Ale.
July.
Now wanton Lads & Lasses do make Hay,
Which unto lewd temptation makes great way,
With tumbling on the cocks, winch acted duly,
Doth cause much mischief in this month of July.
August.
Now doth the Dog-star rule, therefore you must
\ For your heahh's sake astrain from fleshly lust.
Better it is your bu>mess hard to ply.
For to get in your Barley, Wheat k. Rye..
Now the Indian Sanupps with their Squaues shall dance the Canaries,
having for their music the Roaring of Lions, the Howling of Wolves,
Lowing of Oxen, Bleating of Calves, Croaking of Toads, Hissing of Ser-
pents, Barking of Doggs, Screeching of Owls, Wawling of Cats, Buzzing
of Musquittoes, &, Screaming of Peacocks, which (together with their own
ravishing and melodious Voices) will make a most harmonious sound.
Part of the strange stuff at the end of TuUy,for 1688.
Longevity. — Of the crew of ship Union, Captain Grafton Gardner,
which sailed on a whaling cruise from Nantucket on the 16th of August,
in the year 1793, sixty years ago, the following persons are known to be
living;— Stephen West,' now of this city ; John G. Fitch, of East Vassal-
boro', Me ; Barzillai Coffin and Hezekiah Pinkham, of Nantucket; and
William Sherman of Baltimore. The four veterans last named recently
met at Nantucket, and doubtless fought their battles over again, raising
their canes to show how whales were won. Each of the gentlemen
named were before the mast, and each of them subsequently rose to be a
successful commander, passing a long life in virtue and industry, and at-
taining, with a green old age, the good wishes and respect of the com-
munity.
it rnay be noticed as exhibiting the " difference 'twixt now and then,"
that the Union was absent on her cruise for ten months, during which
time she did not once anchor, nor see land until she sighted Cape Augus-
tine upon her return with a full cargo of 1280 barrels of oW.—lScw Bed-
ford Mercury, Sept. 1853.
1854.] Abstract of Will of Daniel Denison. 23
ABSTRACT OF THE WILL OF DANIEL DENISOX.
[Contributed hy Acgustcs D. Rogers, Esq., of Salem, Mass ]
I Daiiiel Denison, of Ipswich in New England, being in good health
and memory, doe thus ordaine my last will :
To my dau. Mrs Elizabeth Rogers, besides the portion of i£^l20. and
other kindness she hath already received,! give my Farme of 500 acres,
lying upon Conetticot River aboue Northampton & Hatfield. Also 500
acres, granted me by the Gen'. Court in Oct. 1665, & ^20 to be pay'' her
in lieu of so much given her by her Grandt'ather Dudley. I give =£5 to
my Grandchild Daniel Rogers, to be pay^ him at the age of 21 yeare.s,
or sooner, if my executor see cause. To my wife, Patience, I bequeath
the rest of my estate in houses, lands, cattle, money, &c. for her support,
&. fo"" the education & maintenance of my Grandchild Joh?i Deyiison, &
for the releife of my Grandchildren, Daniel &. Martha Denison, if they
be in neede, for whose education and maintenance I have oiherwise
provided by a covenant made w"^ Mr 2Iarlyne that married their mother.
After the decease of my wife, I will that my Grandchild John Denison^
have my farme at Chebacco, where he was borne, with all the imple-
ments of husbandry ; also four &â– an half acres of marsh at Plum Island,
lying against Grape Island, layd out at the right of the farme house. I
•will that my Grandchild Daniel Denison have my farme at Merrimack, of
600 acres, lying nefere Haueril bounds, which lands were promised to
their Deare. Father upon his marriage. If either of my s'' Grandchildren,
dye before they come to age, the survivor shall haue two parts of what is
bequeathed the other; & their sister Martha Denison, the other third