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44-421: He was the son of Ebenezer and Deborah Haynes Learned, and was born at Oxford, Massachusetts , and lived his entire life in the area. On October 5, 1749, he married Jerusha Baker (1732–1799) and they had nine children. When his grandfather died in 1750, he inherited 200 acres (0.8 km) known as Prospect Hill , and built his home there. Learned was an active member of the local militia , and raised and drilled

88-563: A battalion of 500 specially selected men, to clean out the traps, abatis, caltrops, and garbage left by the British. He and the men were selected because they had all had survived smallpox or had been inoculated. Learned resigned in May 1776 due to ill health, but returned to duty on April 2, 1777. He was named a brigadier general and assigned to the Northern Department. In the first phase of

132-504: A company at Oxford during the French and Indian War . In the summer of 1756 he led his company to Fort Edward at Lake George . There is little record of his service, except that he served sporadically from then until 1763. He fell ill with smallpox in 1757 and was hospitalized for a month. After that war, he remained at home for several years, farming and operating a tavern at Oxford. He was prominent in both church and community, and served as

176-586: A group of around 30 English families had founded a new church there with a new minister. The first town clerk of Oxford was John Town, who also served as selectman and as a church deacon. Oxford was the birthplace of Clara Barton , the first president and founder of the American Red Cross . According to the United States Census Bureau , the town has a total area of 27.5 square miles (71 km ), of which 26.6 square miles (69 km )

220-647: A neighboring county. In Massachusetts, Sheriffs have more limited roles than most states and are responsible for corrections, court service and bailiffs and jail release programs. County Sheriffs in Massachusetts are elected to six-year terms. The Worcester County Sheriff is Lewis Evangelidis (R), and the Worcester County District Attorney is Joseph Early Jr. (D) (see the info-box for elected officials at county level). The Worcester County Conservation District has countywide boundaries. The county has

264-552: A regional planning commission. Massachusetts law allows regional compacts, traditional counties and other governmental entities. Traditional County governments in the state include Norfolk, Bristol, Dukes, Nantucket, and Plymouth Counties. Barnstable County , which is Cape Cod, functions as a modern regional county government. Suffolk County, which is mainly Boston, is under the Boston City Council. The Massachusetts General Laws describe this relationship of county government and

308-453: A town selectman for 25 of the years between 1758 and 1794. He remained active in the militia, and led his own and a neighboring company of minutemen to Boston , where he received the news of the Battle of Lexington on April 19, 1775. On April 24, the Massachusetts committee of safety named him a colonel and authorized him to organize a regiment that was known as Learned's Regiment. His regiment

352-580: Is a county in the U.S. state of Massachusetts . At the 2020 census , the population was 862,111, making it the second-most populous county in Massachusetts. It is also the largest county in Massachusetts by geographic area. The largest city and traditional shire town is Worcester . Worcester County is part of the Worcester, MA–CT metropolitan statistical area and the Boston-Worcester-Providence combined statistical area . Worcester County

396-505: Is land and 0.9 square miles (2.3 km ), or 3.20%, is water. The town sits in a valley, and much of its area lies in the flood plain of the French River , which runs through the town. A substantial parcel north and west of Oxford Center is held, for flood control purposes, by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers . The land, known as Greenbriar, also serves as a nature preserve. It also serves to cut off east–west travel on former roads through

440-647: Is the Clara Barton School, which offers 3rd–5th grade education. The Oxford Middle School offers 6th–8th grade courses, and Oxford High School offers grades 9th –12th with preschool in the basement. Oxford High School has a number of sports activities throughout the fall, winter and spring seasons. Some of these sports include, field hockey, cross country, football, soccer, indoor track, basketball, outdoor track, baseball, softball, golf, and ultimate frisbee. Worcester County, Massachusetts Worcester County ( / ˈ w ʊ s t ər / WUU -stər )

484-539: The Battle of Saratoga , the Battle of Freeman's Farm , his brigade was not very effective. Working forward in the center of the line, they mainly got lost in the woods, and exchanged light fire near the end of the battle. At the Battle of Bemis Heights his brigade was in the center of the left division, fighting alongside Daniel Morgan and Enoch Poor . They were commanded by General Benjamin Lincoln . Learned's own brigade (the 2nd , 8th , and 9th Massachusetts line),

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528-502: The French and Indian Wars , and was officially incorporated in 1713. In 1687, Robert Thompson arranged for a group of 52 French Huguenots he had connected with in London to colonize the land recently purchased from Black James. During this early period the Huguenot settlement grew to about 70 individuals, while Native settlements remained in the area numbering around 40 families. In 1694,

572-597: The Greater Springfield area from the Greater Boston area. It stretches from the northern to the southern border of the state. The geographic center of Massachusetts is in Rutland . Worcester County is one of two Massachusetts counties that borders three different neighboring states; ( New Hampshire , Connecticut and Rhode Island ); the other being Berkshire County . They are also the only two counties to touch both

616-525: The Webster town line. The town used to include much of what is now Webster, on its southern border, but Oxford and neighboring Dudley both gave portions of their land to allow the creation of that town. Other towns bordering Oxford are Charlton to the west, Leicester and Auburn to the north, Millbury and Sutton to the east, and Douglas to the southeast. As of the 2000 census there were 13,352 people, 5,058 households, and 3,596 families residing in

660-578: The "Johnson Massacre," is commemorated near the south end of town on Main Street. The remains of the Huguenot Fort still exist near Huguenot Road. From 1699 to 1704 the Huguenot settlers attempted to return to the settlement but it was abandoned again during Queen Anne's War. The English investors who received the deed from Black James in 1682 continued to try to recruit settlers to the Oxford area, and by 1720,

704-409: The 283,927 households, 33.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.50% were married couples living together, 11.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.20% were non-families. 26.20% of households were one person and 10.40% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.11. The age distribution was 25.60% under

748-399: The 303,080 households, 33.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.0% were married couples living together, 12.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 33.2% were non-families, and 26.2% of households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.09. The median age was 39.2 years. The median household income

792-684: The Chairman of the Massachusetts Convention of 1779 that adopted a new constitution for the state. He served as a Judge of Common Pleas for Worcester County, Massachusetts . In 1783 he was elected to the Massachusetts General Court (the state's House of Representatives). He died at home in Oxford in 1801. Oxford, Massachusetts Oxford is a town in Worcester County , Massachusetts , United States . The population

836-546: The Huguenot colonists built the Huguenot Fort out of concern for conflict with local Native Americans after the outbreak of hostilities between the Massachusetts colony and the Wabanaki Confederacy in King William's War . The original settlement was abandoned after four residents (John Johnson and his three children, Peter, Andrew and Mary) were killed in a violent confrontation with local Native Americans. This event,

880-421: The age of 18 living with them, 56.0% were married couples living together, 11.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.9% were non-families. Of all households, 23.6% were made up of individuals, and 8.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.12. In the town, the population was spread out, with 26.1% under

924-460: The age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 32.4% from 25 to 44, 22.8% from 45 to 64, and 11.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.6 males. The median income for a household in the town was $ 52,233, and the median income for a family was $ 58,973. Males had a median income of $ 41,727 versus $ 30,828 for females. The per capita income for

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968-417: The age of 18, 8.40% from 18 to 24, 31.10% from 25 to 44, 21.80% from 45 to 64, and 13.00% 65 or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.10 males. The median household income was $ 47,874 and the median family income was $ 58,394. Males had a median income of $ 42,261 versus $ 30,516 for females. The per capita income for

1012-518: The census designated locations and villages were included as cities or towns. Data is from the 2007-2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Worcester County is one of the 8 (of the total of 14) Massachusetts counties that have had no county government or county commissioners since July 1, 1998, when county functions were assumed by state agencies at local option following a change in state law. The county has an elected county sheriff, county prosecutor, and court officials, administered under

1056-641: The constable of Chaubunagungamaug, known as Black James , acting on behalf of the Nipmuc Praying Indians (though not their non-Christianized counterparts), signed a deed selling large tracts of land in the Chaubunagungamaug and Manchaug to investors including Joseph Dudley in Roxbury and Robert Thompson in London. This sale included the present day town of Oxford. Oxford was first colonized intermittently by Europeans in 1687, with several breaks during

1100-493: The county was $ 22,983. About 6.80% of families and 9.20% of the population were below the poverty line , including 11.30% of those under age 18 and 9.50% of those age 65 or over. At the 2010 census , there were 798,552 people, 303,080 households, and 202,602 families in the county. The population density was 528.6 inhabitants per square mile (204.1/km ). There were 326,788 housing units at an average density of 216.3 per square mile (83.5/km ). The racial makeup of

1144-431: The county was 85.6% white, 4.2% black or African American, 4.0% Asian, 0.2% American Indian, 3.6% from other races, and 2.3% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 9.4% of the population. In terms of ancestry, 22.2% were Irish , 15.1% were French as well as 6.7% French Canadians , 14.4% were Italian , 11.7% were English , 7.0% were Polish , 6.9% were German , and 3.2% were American . Of

1188-714: The enemy lines. Burgoyne's forces had to retreat to their starting fortifications around Freeman's Farm. When their charge carried the first bunker, Burgoyne's forces withdrew to the positions they had held before the Freeman's Farm battle. After Saratoga, his was the first unit to guard and escort the surrendered Convention Army on its trek to the south. In 1777–78, he commanded a brigade of Massachusetts troops in Major General deKalb's division at Valley Forge . On March 24, 1778, his continuing health problems led to his final resignation. Ebenezer returned home to Oxford. He served as

1232-468: The northern and southern state lines. As of the 2020 census , 862,111 people resided in Worcester County. At the 2000 census , there were 750,963 people, 283,927 households, and 192,502 families in the county. The population density was 496 inhabitants per square mile (192/km ). There were 298,159 housing units at an average density of 197 per square mile (76/km ). The racial makeup of the county

1276-558: The options for abolishing county governments and/or chartering regional governmental compacts in subchapter 34 B. Four other new county compacts have been created by the state legislature in Hampshire, Franklin, Barnstable Counties, and a regional planning council level for Berkshire County. Thus 9 of 14 Counties have some form of county regional governments. Worcester County could exercise that option if it chooses, such as for public safety and/or preparedness due to its rather large geography, by

1320-516: The site. Route 20 runs east–west through North Oxford, running north–south Route 12 , locally called Main Street; less than a mile from Route 56 , connecting North Oxford with points north; and Interstate 395 , linking Oxford to Worcester and eastern Connecticut with three local exits: Depot Road in North Oxford; Sutton Avenue, the main east–west street in Oxford Center; and Cudworth Road, near

1364-562: The state department of public safety. The state correctional system in the county is known as the Worcester County Jail or "House of Corrections" at West Boylston , and the Worcester County District courts (state administered) are housed at Worcester, Fitchburg, and other district courts within county boundaries. The Worcester County district attorney is a county-wide position even though the district includes one town from

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1408-879: The time of English colonization in the early and mid-1600s, the area was inhabited by the Pegan subgroup of the Nipmuc people , whom the English attempted to convert to Christianity. To this end, out of unceded Nipmuc lands, the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in New England created the praying town of Manchaug in the early 1670s, which included present day Oxford in its bounds. In 1674 around 60 native people lived in Manchaug, however residents fled

1452-435: The town during King Phillip's War when praying towns were targeted by both colonial and Wampanoag war parties: for example, despite their neutrality in the conflict, in 1676 the neighboring Nipmuc praying town of Chaubunagungamaug was attacked by the colonial militia and 52 people were killed or captured. After King Philip's War , neighboring Chaubunagungamaug was the only inhabited Nipmuc praying town, and in 1681-1682

1496-420: The town was $ 21,828. Of the population, 7.8% and 5.5% of families were below the poverty line . Of those, 12.5% under the age of 18 and 7.6% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line. The population was 13,709 at the 2010 census . For geographic and demographic information on the census-designated place Oxford, please see the article Oxford (CDP) , Massachusetts . The Oxford public library

1540-523: The town. The population density was 501.5 inhabitants per square mile (193.6/km ). There were 5,228 housing units at an average density of 196.4 per square mile (75.8/km ). The racial makeup of the town was 96.62% White , 0.87% Black or African American , 0.25% Native American , 0.84% Asian , 0.02% Pacific Islander , 0.32% from other races , and 1.07% from two or more races. Of the population, 1.97% were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 5,058 households, out of which 34.6% had children under

1584-414: Was $ 64,152 and the median family income was $ 79,121. Males had a median income of $ 56,880 versus $ 42,223 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 30,557. About 6.9% of families and 9.5% of the population were below the poverty line , including 12.1% of those under age 18 and 9.0% of those age 65 or over. The ranking of unincorporated communities that are included on the list are reflective of

1628-791: Was 13,347 as of the 2020 United States Census . Present day Oxford and the areas surrounding it were inhabited for thousands of years before European colonization . Although archaeological sites exist in Central Massachusetts dating back to the Paleoindian period (12,000-9000 years before present) there are much more abundant archaeological remains starting in the period from 6500 to 3000 years before present, including an arrowhead identified in Oxford Massachusetts. An arrowhead collected at an archaeological site in Oxford has been radiocarbon dated to 2990 ± 155 years before present. At

1672-482: Was 89.61% White , 2.73% Black or African American , 0.25% Native American , 2.62% Asian , 0.04% Pacific Islander , 2.93% from other races, and 1.82% from two or more races. 6.77%. were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 15.9% were of Irish , 12.3% Italian , 11.7% French , 8.0% French Canadian , 8.0% English , 5.6% Polish and 5.0% American ancestry according to Census 2000 . 85.1% spoke English , 6.1% Spanish and 1.9% French as their first language. Of

1716-561: Was adopted into the Continental Army in June. In 1776 those who re-enlisted were augmented by men from Danielson's Regiment to form the 3rd Continental Regiment . By the end of the Siege of Boston , General Washington had given Learned command of the important Dorchester Heights position. When the British evacuated Boston on March 17, 1776, Colonel Learned was the first to enter the city. He led

1760-499: Was established in 1869. In fiscal year 2008, the town of Oxford spent 1.5% ($ 468,609) of its budget on its public library—approximately $ 34 per person, per year ($ 41.64 adjusted for inflation to 2021). Oxford has a public school system with two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. The first elementary school is the Alfred M. Chaffee School, which offers kindergarten- 2nd grade education. The second elementary school

1804-563: Was expanded by James Livingston's 1st Canadian Regiment and 2 regiments of New Hampshire Militia the 2nd and 4th . The attack on the American far left was turned by Daniel Morgan 's men, but the enemy's center was held by Hessian troops . Benedict Arnold came onto the field and encouraged the men. Arnold and Learned led a joint charge on the Hessian positions, and, even though Arnold fell wounded, Learned and his men carried through and broke

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1848-400: Was formed from the eastern portion of colonial Hampshire County , the western portion of the original Middlesex County and the extreme western portion of the original Suffolk County . When the government of Worcester County was established on April 2, 1731, Worcester was chosen as its shire town (later known as a county seat). From that date until the dissolution of the county government, it

1892-647: Was split in two, with the Worcester Northern registry placed in Fitchburg. According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the county has a total area of 1,579 square miles (4,090 km ), of which 1,511 square miles (3,910 km ) is land and 68 square miles (180 km ) (4.3%) is water. It is the largest county in Massachusetts by area. The county is larger geographically than the entire state of Rhode Island even including Rhode Island's water ocean limit boundaries. The county constitutes Central Massachusetts, separating

1936-534: Was the only county seat. Because of the size of the county, there were fifteen attempts over 140 years to split the county into two counties, but without success. Initially, Lancaster was proposed as the seat of the northern county; later, Petersham was proposed once and Fitchburg was proposed repeatedly, most recently in 1903. Perhaps as a concession, in August 1884 the Worcester County Registry of Deeds

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