History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts - citizen hylbom blog

400 HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY.
state of things had not the elements of permanence,
and, taking advantage of an opportunity when tlie
Republicans were in power in the General Court,
the 01(1 Parish obtained a charter for a distinct
town, and South Reading was born. The new
town began witii liJo dwelling-houses, a popula-
tion of 800, and a valuation of $100,000. Witli
an ardent spirit of patriotism it contributed liber-
ally in men and property to sustain tlie ensuing
war with Great Britain, and greatly rejoiced at its
triumphant conclusion.
The town entered at once upon a career of pros-
perous development, tiiough not rapid growth, un-
til in ISi-i it had nearly doubled the number of
its inhabitants and the value of its property. Dr.
John Hart, a skilful physician and wealthy citizen,
was a leading man of the town during all the lastnamed
period.
At tliis time occurred a notable episode. On
the 39th of May, 1844, the people of the three
villages included within the limits of ancient Read-
ing, forgetting all rivalries and animosities, united
in a glad and grand celebration of tlie bi-centennial
anniversary of the incorporation of the old town.
The exercises were held in the village of tlie West
Parish, and included a brilliant military and civic
display, w^ith an excellent and powerful address by
Rev. Dr. James Flint, a gifted son of the North
Parish ; an appropriate poem by Hon. Lilley Eaton,
of the South Parisii, replete with sparkling iiumor,
felicitous allusion, and historical reminiscence; and
concluding witii a bountiful banquet in a spacious
pavilion erected for the purpose. It was a day
long to be remembered for its cloudless beauty,
the glowing and universal enthusiasm of the peo-
ple, and tiie complete success of tlie celebration.
In this same year took place an important event
in its results on the future material prosperity of
the town, — tlie chartering and construction of the
Boston and .Vlaine Railroad extension fromAVilmington
to Boston, and tiirougli the pleasant domain
of Soutii Reading. Tlie railroad brought a large
addition of business, wealtii, and good citizens to
the town, wliich at this point took a new departure
in growtli, enterprise, and business development.
The boot and siioc industry, for which the town
had long been noted, received a new impetus and
expansion, the old and reputable establishment of
Tiiomas Emerson and Sons taking tlie lead in tlie
business, a position it still easily maintains. Its
senior member, Hon. Thomas Emersmi, closni his
long and honorable life in 187-"3.
The Boston and Maine Foundry, built in 1854,
soon achieved a high reputation for the excellence
of its stoves and ranges, and has given to the town
a large body of substantial and intelligent citizens.
The Rattan AVorks, established in 1856 by the late
Cyrus Wakefield, in a few years became, and still
continue, the leading industry of the town.
In 1861 the cloud of rebellion burst in war and
blood upon a happy land, and Soutli Reading was
not cold or backward in proving her patriotism in
the trying crisis, but pressed to the front of the loyal
North, as her regiments and battalions rallied to the
defence of country and our insulted flag.
The Richardson Light Guard, the town's own
gallant corps, under Captain John W. Locke, with
full ranks and high enthusiasm, amid " tumult of
acclaim," left town for the scat of war, April 19,
1861, and were enlisted into the United States ser-
vice for three months as Company B, 5th Regiment
Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, and performed
valuable service in guarding and protecting the
national capital. This corps fought bravely in the
first battle of Hull Run, in which some of their
number were wounded and three taken prisoners.
As the larger scope of the terrible conflict
became rapidly foreshadowed, another company,
recruited in South Reading, under Captain John
Wiley, 2d, was enlisted for three years as Company
E, 16th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, and
left forthe'^seat of war, August 17, 1861. This
company served in the army of the Potomac, and
sustained a high character for courage and heroic
endurance, and is entitled to lasting gratitude and
iionor. As, during the progress of the struggle,
call after call issued from the President for more
men, the town nobly and promptly responded, and
well sustained her ]iart in \\w time of the nation's
exigency, and it points with glowing pride to the
record of five hundred and live men sent into tlie
military and naval service of the Republic, of whom
more than sixty have given up their lives in the
sacred cause. The Horace M. Warren Post
No. \-l, Grand Army of the Republic, and the
Memorial Hall, in the beantifnl town-house, commemorate
(be heroic saeriliecs of the living and
the dead.
The years sneeeediiig tlu' el,,se of the AVar of the
Rebellion was a period of uiicxamiilnl prnspcrity,
and the growth of the town was \ir\ rapid. All
its industries grew and flourislu'd, pe'ople flocked
to the town, real estate greatly advanced in price,
graceful dwellings and business structures rose on