SAMUEL WARD
Was born in Guilford, Vermont, June 9th, 1793. He was educated by his uncle, Capt. Ward, of Lancaster; came to this place when a young man, and married into one of the oldest and most respectable families of Worcester.
He was admitted to this society in 1819, and remained an active member for eleven years. In the military department of the government he was deeply interested. At this time every able-bodied citizen, between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years, was obliged to perform military duty at least five days in each year. Worcester, then with a population of little more than three thousand, had full and well disciplined companies of artillery, cavalry, riflemen, and two very large companies of infantry. Mr. Ward took great pleasure in military affairs, and was ambitious to excel and become a good disciplinarian; and he succeeded remarkably well. He was promoted from one position to another, till he was finally elected Colonel of the Sixth Regiment.
The next morning after he was promoted from Major to the office of Colonel, he was walking down Main street, in his most dignified manner, very straight—a little more than perpendicular, when Israel Whitney, who wanted to see him on business, called out, "Major Ward!" Ward walked on. Whitney called a second time, louder, "Major Ward!" No attention was paid to the call. He called a third time, "Colonel Ward!" Ward turns immediately and walks towards Whitney, and says, "Good morning, Mr. Whitney. I am glad to see you. I did not hear you the first two times you called!"
Colonel Ward was a gentleman in his manners, intelligent, kind and courteous; prompt, energetic and faithful in the discharge of his duties, and agreeable and entertaining in conversation. He died in Boston, March 1st, 1842.
SAMUEL HATHAWAY
Came to Worcester in the early part of this century, from the town of Taunton, in this State. He became the owner of the Central Hotel, on Main street, standing where the Bay State House now stands. At that time there was a large farm connected with the hotel, and Mr. Hathaway carried on the farm and kept the hotel. He was admitted to this society in 1819, and remained an active member as long as he lived.
The society frequently held its meetings at his hotel, where the members were always sure of having good fare.
About 1823 Samuel Hathaway sold out his estate on Main street, purchased a farm at Washington Square, and built a hotel. His farm included all the land occupied by the Boston & Albany Railroad, and on both sides of Grafton street. He became a wealthy man, and built for himself a house on Front street, retired from business, and died in Worcester, March 16th, 1831, much respected by his fellow citizens. Mr. Hathaway was a man of good common sense, fond of wit and anecdote, very pleasant and agreeable in conversation, and was willing to give and take a joke in a pleasant and agreeable manner.