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of 20 over 70 years of age. In the 150 deaths for the year the average age of persons native born was about 11 years longer than that of those of foreign birth.
In 1870 there were 24 deaths over 70 years of age including 1 over 100.
In 1878 there were 15 deaths between 70 and 80; 13 between 80 and 90; and 4 over 90, including 1 at 99 years age. Allowing for a possible error in the ages recorded for five of those of foreign birth the total number for the year over 70 is 27.
These statistics would seem to show that residence in Waltham is conducive to longevity, while to be born there, especially of one of the original families, is to secure a better than an average chance for a long life.
In the war of 1812 Waltham was equally as ready as in the Revolution, and as prompt to meet every requisition for men and money for the national defence, and, ‘in addition to the compensation paid by the government, the town generously rewarded its own soldiers.’1
So loyal were the people to the government that fifty-five2 members of Mr. Ripley's church (The Frst Church) seceded and organized themselves into the ‘Second Religious Society’ in Waltham, in consequence of an anti-war sermon preached by the pastor on a Fast day appointed by President Madison.
He belonged to the Federal school and did not hesitate to freely express his sentiments, not perceiving that hostility to the government was encouragement to the enemy.
Among the loyal men to whom his discourse was offensive were many of his best and firmest friends.
Two3 of them left the church before the sermon was finished, and this gave rise to the story that the minister in Waltham had performed a miracle—casting out two devils.
The seceders engaged Rev. Elisha Williams to preach for them, first in the district schoolhouse below the old grave-yard, and afterwards in the hall of the
1 Historical Address, July 4, 1876, by Josiah Rutter.
2 As appears from two certificates among the town records, one bearing date October 12, 1813, containing 49 names, and another dated two days later containing 6 names, both signed by John Bright, Uriah Hagar, and Thomas Miller, committee, and addressed to the town clerk as the law required.
Thomas Lewis, Landscape Photographs, 1879.
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