American AcornsPDF page 16, printed page 8
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8 OAK—OAKS—OAKES the pelt of this furious beast, with which he bought a sheep or two, which he let out to double. These sheep were all the prop- erty he began the world with when he became of age. He often said that while swimming to land he suffered more from hunger than anything else. When tired he would turn on his back and rest. The above account I have often heard my mother and my uncles relate." In 1830-40 there were members of the tribe who believed in an "English fortune" awaiting the heirs—a mania that has at- tacked most families at one time or another ; but unfortunately— for genealogical rather than financial reasons—they have left no record of the facts or theories on which their hopes rested. The first record of Nathaniel', and the only one found by Savage, is that of his first marriage in 1686. Later the records are sufficient though not of great importance or interest. In the early years his conduct was in certain respects not exemplary, but after his second marriage he seems to have become a respectable, though not a prominent citizen. In documents of the time he is termed "yeoman," "planter" and sometimes "gentleman." He was in comfortable circumstances, having acquired some land through his first wife, whose father was a man of property. He is men- tioned in town and county records ; in the Worcester Magazine, 1826; and in Hudson's History of Marlboro. In 1688 he paid 4s 6d taxes under the Andros government. In 1692 he served in a garrison; and in 1707 as one of the Goodnow garrison, he took part in a fight with the Indians. In 1702 he signed the call to Rev. John Emerson ; and there are a few records of his land trans- actions. His home farm, near Stirrup Brook, has since been locally famous as the "Peter Whitney Place." The old house was burned and the present one built in 1780. In 1900 it has been occupied about forty years by Samuel McClure, being about sixty rods north of the Old Northboro church. In 1717 that part of*Marlboro containing the Oak farm was set off asfWestboro; * Marlboro, Worcester County, Mass., 36 miles west from Boston, on the B. & A. Rail- road, was incorporated, six miles square, in May, 1660. Westboro and Northboro were subsequently set off from the oriarinal town. The Indian name of the town was Akommak- mesit, and in its early days the town was subject to attacks by the savatres and a fort was built for the protection of the settlers in times of danerer. Marlboro has now grown to be a smart mannfacturinsr town of 16,000 inhabitants. Tbousrh hilly the land is fine, the scenery beautiful and the points of historic interest numerons. t Westboro, adjoininar, has also become a factory town of over 5,000 people with font trolley lines and B. & A. Railroad to Boston. The valley is level, surrounded by hills, and it is claimed to be " the most beautiful villaGre in the state." The State Insane Asylum is located here and other public institutions and many beautiful residences.