PREFACE.

1

THE preparation of the statistical portion of this volume was commenced with the purpose of gathering up for future reference some details concerning the present financial and social condition of the several communities comprised within the limits of Norfolk County, to be deposited in the archives of the Dedham Historical Society. The historical portion-suggested by the resolution passed by Congress, recommending the preparation of county histories-was not commenced until late in the year, and was prosecuted under many disadvantages. Still later it occurred to the compiler that much of the matter he had accumulated in the progress of his work would be of value for present use as well as for future reference, and he finally decided to prepare it for publication. He has endeavored to make it a reliable compendium of facts and figures, obtaining his information from the best available sources, and spending much time and labor in the work of verification. The volume is offered to the citizens of Norfolk County not only as a convenient manual for use in the practical matters of everyday life, but as a contribution to the historical data of the county, most of which has never before been brought together. In the progress of the work much valuable material has been accumulated, which it was impossible to use in the present book, but which may appear in a subsequent volume.

The compiler desires to express his obligations to the many friends who have rendered assistance in furnishing statistical and historical information. The valuable papers to be found in successive volumes of the "New England Genealogical Register" have been of essential service in the preparation of the biographical portion of the work.

DEDHAM, March 22d, 1877.