Transcriber’s Note Italic text displayed as: _italic_ [Illustration: _Wm T. Davis._ (signature)] Plymouth Memories of an Octogenarian BY WILLIAM T. DAVIS Author of “History of Plymouth,” “Ancient Landmarks of Plymouth,” History of “The Massachusetts Judiciary,” History of “The Massachusetts Bar,” etc. Former President of the Pilgrim Society Honorary Member of the Connecticut Historical Society Honorary Member of the Old Colony Historical Society “A tree that’s severed from its root Can bear no longer flowers or fruit; A nation that forgets its past Is without root and cannot last.” PRINTED BY THE MEMORIAL PRESS, PLYMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS. Copyrighted, 1906. BY BITTINGER BROTHERS, PLYMOUTH, MASS. PREFACE By the death of every person something within the range of his study and knowledge is lost beyond recovery. In publishing this book of memories it is my desire to rescue from oblivion persons and events coming under my observation during a long life, and to make a record of habits, customs and fashions which have prevailed at different periods within my knowledge. The book is not intended to be either in any sense an autobiography, or a mere collection of interesting reminiscences, but a legacy which I wish to leave for the benefit of those coming after me. I cannot permit its publication without a grateful acknowledgment of the service rendered during its preparation by friends too numerous to be mentioned by name in contributing material essential to its approximate completeness and accuracy. WM. T. DAVIS. DEDICATION _I dedicate this book to my children with the hope that they will remember with love and pride their native town, and be always ready to render it useful service._ _WM. T. DAVIS._ Contents