Royalston, Massachusetts, USA
1848 - Royalston

This town was granted by the general court, in 1752, to the Hon. Messrs. Hubbard, Erving, Royal, Otis, and others. The grant was known by the name of Royalshire, until its incorporation in 1765, when it was called Royalston, in compliment to the late Col. Isaac Royal. one of the original proprietors. Before the last French war, some who intended to settle at the place began to work upon their lands. but the breaking out of the war put a stop thereto. Towards the close of that war, some people began to work there again, and in 1762 several families moved into the place, the first of which came in June. its progress in improvement was very rapid, for in less than three years from that time it was incorporated with distinct town privileges. In 1766 a Congregational church was organized in the town, and in 1768 Rev. Joseph Lee was ordained their pastor. Mr. Lee continued an able and faithful pastor more than 50 years. His successor, Rev. Ebenezer Perkins, was ordained in 1819. Among the first settlers there were about 10 Baptist families. Their first teacher was Rev. Elisha Rice, who continued but a short time. He was succeeded by Rev. Whitman Jacobs, installed in 1770.

The land in this town consists generally of hills and valleys, and the soil is excellent, being suitable for tillage or grazing. It is watered by Miller’s river and its tributary waters, upon which is much good meadow. Several small streams, one of which has upon it a perpendicular fall of 20 feet, and descends 100 feet in 40 rods, unite and form Tully river, which pours into Miller’s river a great quantity of water. These various streams afford a number of good mill sites. Population, 1,629. Distance, 34 miles from Worcester, and 70 from Boston. In 1837 there were two woollen mills, 6 sets of machinery; 72,000 yards of cloth were manufactured; value, $72,000; males employed, 34; females, 34; there were 129,000 palm leaf hats manufactured ; value, $16,225; three manufactories of chairs and cabinet ware; value of articles manufactured, $15,041; hands employed, 17; there were 11 saw mills; value of lumber, $18,165; hands employed, 22.

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

Visit Royalston, Massachusetts, USA
Discover the people who lived there, the places they visited and the stories they shared.