Westborough, Massachusetts
Worcester county. This town lies on the route of the Boston and Worcester rail road, 32 miles W. from Boston, 10 E. from Worcester, and 3 1/2 N.W. from Hopkinton Springs. It was taken from Marlborough in 1717. Population, 1830, 1,438; in 1837, 1,612.
As several persons were engaged in a field spreading flax, in 1704, the Indians rushed upon them from the woods, and seized 4 boys, and killed one, named Nahor Rice, about 5 years of age, who was the first white person buried in the town. The men made their escape to the house. One of the boys was redeemed, the others remained and mixed their posterity with the French and Indians. Timothy Rice, the youngest, 7 years of age, when taken, became a chief of the Cognawaga Indians. He visited Westborough in 1740, and remembered the house where he had lived, and the field where he was captured, and some aged people. He had lost the English language, and was accompanied by an interpreter. He was sent for and visited Gov. Belcher, at Boston, but chose to return to his Indian habits.
The waters of this town consist of some of the sources of Concord and Blackstone rivers, which furnish a good water power. There are several handsome ponds in the town, well stocked with fish.
The manufactures consist of boots, shoes, leather, axes, chairs, cabinet and tin wares, ploughs, straw bonnets, sleighs, and harnesses; total value, the year ending April 1, 1837, $169,476, of which amount $148,774 was for boots and shoes.
This is a very pleasant town: the surface is diversified by hills and valleys: the soil is good, and appears to be cultivated by men who understand their business.
This is the native place of Eli Whitney. Soon after he graduated at Yale College, he went to Georgia, where he resided many years. He died, and was buried in the city of New Haven. The following is inscribed on his monument.
Eli Whitney,
the inventor of the
Cotton Gin.
Of useful Science and Arts,
the efficient patron
and improver.
Born December 8th, 1765. Died
Jan. 8th, 1825.
In the social relations of life,
a model of excellence.
While private
affection weeps at his tomb, his
country honors his
memory.
See New Haven, Ct.
