Mr. Whiting was largely interested in the politics of the town, being the most influential leader here in the Republican ranks.   He also wielded a marked influence in the general affairs of the town.   He was honest, courageous and uncompromising in his dealings with men.

   Tradition points to the Bourne family as originating in Wales, but history records the Marshfield branch as coming from Kent Co., England.
   Thomas Bourne and his wife, Elizabeth, with several children, came to Plymouth sometime near 1630.   He was a resident of Plymouth long enough to be well known there, and was so desirable a citizen that in 1637 the Court of Plymouth Colony granted him and others called "special persons," "that would promise to live at Plymouth on some good farms, and so tie the lands of Plymouth as farms for the same; and these they might keep their cattle, tilling by some servants," and retain their dwellings in Plymouth.
   Dec. 4, 1637, a grant of 100 acres was given to Thomas Bourne, and it was the second grant recorded of land in Marshfield.   The same day l00 acres was granted to Josiah Winslow.   The town was incorporated in 1640, and the same year Thomas Bourne was one of two that were chosen deputies to represent the town in the October General Court, and he was elected three times afterward.
   Under date of Aug., 1645, the following entry is found:   "On a motion being made for one to teach school, we whose names are undersigned, are willing to pay yearly be-