Barre, Massachusetts, USA
1848 - Barre

This town was the north west part of Rutland original grant. It was made a district in 1749, and called Rutland District, until it was incorporated a town in 1774; when the name of Barre was given to it, as a token of respect to Col. Barre, a worthy friend of America, at that time a member of the British house of commons. The Congregational church was gathered here in 1753, and Rev. Thomas Frink was installed their pastor. He was dismissed in 1766, and was succeeded the next year by Rev. Josiah Dana. Mr. Dana died in 1801, and was succeeded by Rev. James Thompson in 1804. A Trinitarian society was formed here in 1827. Their first pastor, Rev. John Storrs, was ordained in 1829. He was succeeded by Rev. Moses G. Grosvenor in 1832. The succeeding ministers were Rev. John F. Stone, installed in 1834, and Rev. Samuel A. Fay, in 1837.

The above is a southern view in the central part of Barre, as seen from the Barre Hotel. The Unitarian church appears in the central part of the engraving; a part of the town-house, recently erected, is seen on the right. Barre is a large, flourishing, and wellbuilt village. A newspaper is published in the place.

The land in this town is very hilly and uneven, but the soil is excellent, and it may be called one of the best townships of land in the county. It is watered by Ware river and branches. The product of this town in beef, pork, butter, and cheese, for the Boston market, is considerable. There are 6 churches, 2 Congregational, 2 Methodist, 1 Baptist, and 1 Universalist. Distance, 21 miles N. by W. of Worcester, and 60 miles westward of Boston. Population, 2,713. In 1837, there was 1 cotton mill, 2,550 spindles; cotton goods manufactured, 720,000 yards; valued at $57,600; males employed, 55; females, 20; two woollen mills; 35,000 yards of cloth were manufactured, valued at $104,000; males employed, 40; females, 26; one powder-mill; 100,000 lbs. of powder were manufactured.. There were 607,000 palm-leaf hats manufactured; value, $167,200; there were 5 carriage, 1 copper pump, 3 scythe 1 tin, and 1 axe manufactories.

Historical Collections Relating to the History... John Warner Barber, Worcester, Warren Lazell, 1848

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