page 728,729 The EARLE families generaly resided in the Northeast part of town, where they erecte substantial homes, some of which are still an ornament to that neighborhood. They were so numerous that in 1812, whn Rev. Dr. NELSON visited the Northeast school on examination day, he found that of the 40 pupils present 21 were grandchildren of "Uncle Robert" and "Aunt Sarah" EARLE. Ralph EARLE, the ancestor of the Leicester EARLES, came to town in 1717 from Freetown, MA. He became alarge land owner and the head of a family, members of which, in their different generations, have had more than a local reputation. Ralph EARLE has the distinction of being the first historical painter of America. A landscape view of Worcester, taken from DENNY Hill is now in the possession of Deacon C.C. DENNY. His brother, James EARLE was also a painter of considerable eminence. He was married in London, but died in Charleston, SC on a visit to America. Thomas EARLE, grandson of Ralph, was a mechanic of remarkable skll. His home was on Bald Hill, in Cherry Valley. A musket of superior quality and beautiful finish, which he made for Col. William HENSHAW, is preserved in good condition. General WASHINGTON admired it so much that he ordered one for himself. Mr. EARLE mad the gun with great care, and when it was completed he loaded and primed it, when finished he placed it unde water to the muzzle overnight. In the morning it discharged at first pull of trigger. He later shouldered it and carried it on foot to Gen. WASHINGTON in New York. Thomas EARLE, the son of Pliny, born in Leicester ad educated at the Academy, was in 1840, candidate of the Liberty Party for vice president, with James G. BIRNEY. He was an able editor and an influential writer in opposition to slavery. His home was in Philadelphia, PA.