History of Rutland, Massachusetts, USA

On Friday last, the grist mill and turning shop of Capt. Daniel Dammon, Jr., in the south part of Rutland, took fire about noon, and were wholly consumed, with a considerable amount of lumber, stock and machinery. The whole loss is estimated at $1100. The buildings were ensured to the amount of $500 with the Worcester Mutual Fire Insurances Company. The fire is supposed to have originated from a spark accidentally falling among the shavings in the shop.

Rutland, Massachusetts
Worcester county. Rutland was formerly twelve miles square, and was sold by the Indians, in 1686, for £23 lawful money. It was first settled about the year 1720, and incorporated in 1722. It lies 51 miles W. by N. from Boston and 12 N.W. from Worcester. A branch of Ware river waters the town, and gives it mill privileges. The manufactures consist of woolen goods, leather, boots, shoes, chairs, cabinet and wooden wares; annual value about $50,000. Rutland is a very pleasant town, of good soil and well cultivated. Its exports of beef, butter and cheese are considerable. It contains some fine fish ponds. Population, 1837, 1,265.

Rutland, though a small town, has been the fruitful mother of many towns, for her bounds once included Barre, Hubbardston, Oakham, part of Princeton, and part of Paxton.

Rutland was considerably annoyed by the French and Indians, about the time it was incorporated.

The land is elevated, and its streams run both cast and west. Rutland is well adapted to grazing, and produces fine beef, butter, and cheese.

The only manufactures are boots, shoes, and some woollen goods.

Distance from Worcester, 12 miles; from Boston, 51.

This town was purchased of the Indians, in 1686, for £23 of the currency of that time, and a deed executed to Henry Willard, Joseph Rowlandson, Joseph Foster, Benjamin Willard, and Cyprian Stevens, by Wanapapan and Walipunit, of Natick, and others, Indian proprietors. The general name of this tract was Naquag.

This deed was recorded, but nothing further was done with the purchase for 26 years. In 1713, upon petition of the proprietors, it was confirmed to them by the general court, coaditionally, that within 7 years’ time 60 families should be settled upon it. The conditions of the grant being fulfilled, the town was incorporated by the legislature, at their May session, in 1722. The Rev. Joseph Willard was chosen unanimously by the inhabitants to be their minister, but, as events took place, was never settled with them. The church was gathered in November, 1727, and at the same time Rev. Thomas Frink was ordained their first pastor. He was dismissed in 1740, and was succeeded by...

Rutland, a post-township in Worcester co., Massachusetts, 50 miles W. by N. from Boston. Population, 1223.