USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Haverhill > The history of Haverhill, Massachusetts, from its first settlement, in 1640, to the year 1860 > Part 1
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UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AT AMHERST
UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Special Collections & Rare Books
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VIEW OF HAVERHILL. MASS. IN 1820
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THE
HISTORY OF HAVERHILL,
MASSACHUSETTS,
FROM ITS FIRST SETTLEMENT, IN 1640,
TO THE YEAR 1860,
BY GEORGE WINGATE CHASE,
Member of the New England Historic Genealogical Society; Cor. Mem. of the Wisconsin Historical Society ; Author of a Digest of Masonic Law, &c.
Home of my fathers ! * * * * O never may a son of thine, - Where'er his wandering steps incline, - Forget the sky that bent above His boyhood, like a dream of love. - WHITTIER.
HAVERHILL : PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR. 1861
ENTERED according to Act of Congress, in the year 1861, by GEORGE WINGATE CHASE, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts.
STONE & HUSE, BOOK PRINTERS, 21 Central St., Lowell, Mass.
PREFACE.
THE earnest and frequent demand for a new History of Haverhill, induced the compiler of the following pages to enter upon the task of its preparation, and in February, (12th) 1859, public notice to that effect was given through the columns of the local press. The original design was to include the history of the town from its first settlement, in 1640, to January, 1860, in one octavo volume, of about five hundred pages ; but twelve months of almost constant application to the work, revealed such a mass of valuable and interesting material, that a proposition was made to the town, at its annual March meeting, in 1860 -
" To see if the town will make an appropriation toward the publication of a History of the town, and if so, how much, as requested by Geo. W. Chase."
The proposition met with a most hearty approval, as may be seen from the following extract from the town records : -
" It was unanimously voted, That the sum of five hundred dollars be appropriated and paid to Geo. W. Chase toward a publication of a History of this town, said money to be paid at times and in sums at the discretion of the selectmen ; - provided, that not more than one hundred dollars shall be paid until five hundred pages of the proposed History is printed; and provided also, that the price of the book, in good substantial binding, shall not exceed two dollars per copy."
Encouraged by this generous aid, given, as it was, with entire unanimity, the work was pushed forward with all possible despatch; and, early in the following December, the first pages went to press. Various causes have
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rendered the work of printing much more protracted than was expected, or could have been foreseen, but it is believed that the value of the book has been increased rather than diminished, through the corrections and numerous additions permitted by the delay.
In the preparation of this History of his native town, the compiler has endeavored to collect his material from the most reliable sources, and, in nearly every case where practicable, has recorded the facts in the exact language in which they were found, or were received. It has been his endeavor that each and every "quotation" introduced may be safely relied upon as literally correct, believing that thereby not only will the reader's interest in no wise be diminished, but the historical value of the work will be greatly increased.
In many instances, particularly during the earlier years of our history, minor incidents and matters are mentioned. This has been done cither to illustrate the manners, customs, &c., of the carly inhabitants, or for the purpose of introducing the names of persons in town, rather than for any interest or value in the incidents themselves. The frequent introduction of lists of names, has, in many instances, been intended as an aid to those particularly interested in genealogy, rather than as items of interest to the general reader.
In a work like the present, where so much dependence is of necessity placed upon traditions, - often vague and indistinct, or confused and conflicting, - and abounding in names, dates, and figures, it is hardly possible to avoid errors. It is hoped and believed, however, that the following pages will compare favorably in this respect with other similar works ; - more or less than this could not well be expected.
As it was impossible to include within the limits of a single volume all that might be classed as local history, or of local interest; and as the general history of the town, for the last half a century, is already comparatively well preserved by the local newspapers, as well as by living memories ; less space has been devoted to the latter period than might, perhaps, be considered as its just proportion. A desire to preserve the traditions and incidents fast receding from our sight in the dim twilight
of the past, must plead our excuse, if excuse be necessary, for this seeming partiality for matters relating to "ye olden time."
In the preparation of this work, a large amount of valuable and interesting material has been gathered, which could not well be used. This will be carefully preserved, and every opportunity to add to the stock will be as carefully improved. Its ultimate disposal cannot now be indicated with any degree of certainty.
To name the many who have directly or indirectly aided the compiler in his labors, would greatly exceed the space allowed for the present purpose. To one and all of them, we would return our hearty acknowledgments. We cannot, however, forbear to mention, specially, - Hon. James H. Duncan, for his active exertions in securing the above mentioned appropriation by the town in our favor, and for his many other acts of kindness and liberality ; George Johnson, Esq., of Bradford, for his generous donation of fifty dollars for the same purpose ; Benjamin Bradley, Esq., of Boston, for his proposal to bind one hundred copies of the book, gratuitously ; A. W. Thayer, Esq., of Northampton, John Bartlett, Esq., of Roxbury, and Rev. G. W. Kelley, of this town, for special favors; and Mr. Alfred Poor, of this town, (who has for several years devoted his whole time and attention to genealogy) for much valuable assistance.
With the hope that the book, - to the preparation of which so many pleasant hours have been devoted, - will be kindly received, this History of Haverhill is now submitted to the public.
MOUNT WASHINGTON, HAVERHILL, $ G. W. C. September 1, 1861.
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
VIEW OF HAVERHILL IN 1820
Frontispiece.
MAP OF HAVERHILL.
16
FAC-SIMILE OF INDIAN DEED.
46
RESIDENCE OF CHARLES CORLISS
60
FIRST MEETING-HOUSE.
67
FIRST PLAN OF THE TOWN
104
MAP OF HAVERHILL AND ADJACENT TOWNS
105
SECOND MEETING-HOUSE
177
PLAN OF MASSACHUSETTS CLAIM VS. N. H.
287
" " NEW HAMPSHIRE CLAIM VS. MASS.
292
" " HAVERHILL AND LONDONDERRY
290
FLOATING ISLANDS.
462
PORTRAIT OF REV. HENRY PLUMMER
606
" HON. BAILEY BARTLETT
.618
66 66 66 ISRAEL BARTLETT 620
66 SAMUEL BLODGETT 621
66 66 JAMES H. DUNCAN. 628
.
' CAPT. NEHEMIAHI EMERSON
630
66
" DR. RUFUS LONGLEY
636
66
" DAVID MARSH, ESQ.,
638
" HON. LEONARD WHITE.
650
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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I. Page.
EARLY VOYAGES-DISCOVERY OF MASSACHUSETTS
17
CHAPTER II.
HISTORY OF PURITANISM -THE PILGRIMS.
23
CHAPTER III.
SETTLEMENTS IN MASSACHUSETTS, FROM 1620 TO 1640.
27
CHAPTER IV.
ABORIGINAL INHABITANTS
30
CHAPTER V.
· SETTLEMENT OF HAVERHILL, 1640 ..
35
CHAPTER VI.
FROM 1643 TO 1649.
55
CHAPTER VII.
FROM 1650 TO 1659.
70
CHAPTER VIII.
FROM 1660 TO 1669
91
CHAPTER IX.
FROM 1670 TO 1675
113
CHAPTER X.
INDIAN TROUBLES-1675 TO 1678.
123
CHAPTER XI.
FROM 1675 TO 1688.
130
CHAPTER XII.
INDIAN TROUBLES-1688 TO 1695.
148
CHAPTER XIII.
FROM 1695 TO 1700
.179
CHAPTER XIV.
INDIAN TROUBLES-1700 TO 1710
204
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CHAPTER XV.
234
FROM 1710 TO 1722 CHAPTER XVI.
INDIAN TROUBLES-1713 TO 1725. 260
CHAPTER XVII.
FROM 1720 TO 1728
265
CHAPTER XVIII.
THE BOUNDARY DIFFICULTIES OF 1720 TO 1759 286
CHAPTER XIX.
FROM 1729 TO 1741.
302
CHAPTER XX.
FROM 1742 TO 1765
320
CHAPTER XXI.
.340
THE FRENCH WAR-1756 TO 1763.
CHAPTER XXII.
THE REVOLUTION - 1765 TO 1783.
.362
CHAPTER XXIII.
FROM 1765 TO 1790
.426
CHAPTER XXIV.
FROM 1790 TO 1800
CHAPTER XXV.
FROM 1800 TO 1815
471
CHAPTER XXVI.
FROM 1815 TO 1840
CHAPTER XXVII.
FROM 1840 TO 1860
513
CHAPTER XXVIII.
MANUFACTURE OF SHOES AND HATS - IMPROVEMENTS. .532
CHAPTER XXIX.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
547
CHAPTER XXX.
BIOGRAPHY AND GENEALOGY.
615
CHAPTER XXXI.
MISCELLANEOUS
.652
.450
.490
INTRODUCTION.
THE town of Haverhill, Essex County, Massachusetts, is situated on the northerly side of the Merrimack, -the fourth in size, but perhaps the most beautiful river in New England, -about eighteen miles from its mouth. The principal village is twenty-nine miles from Boston, twenty-two from Salem, fourteen from Newburyport, eighteen from Lowell, nine from Lawrence, and thirty from Portsmouth, N. H. The town is bounded on the north by Salem, Atkinson, and Plaistow, N. H .; on the east by Ames- bury ; on the south by the Merrimack river ; and on the west by Methuen. The northern line of the town is also the boundary line between the States of Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The township, as originally pur- chased of the Indians, was fourteen miles in length, - six miles from the Little River eastward, and eight miles from the same river westward, - and six miles in breadth. As first laid out by the General Court, in 1667, it was nearly in the form of a triangle, extending upon the Merrimack about fifteen miles from Holt's Rocks westward, the northerly line running about the same distance due north-west from the above point, and the westerly line running due north and south. As thus laid out, the town included a large portion of the territory now forming the townships of Salem, Atkinson, Hampstead, and Plaistow, N. H., and Methuen, Mass. Since the running of the State line, in 1741, the bounds of the town have been the same as at present.
The township is now about nine miles in length, and three miles in breadth, and contains fifteen thousand two hundred acres, divided nearly as follows: acres of land annually tilled, excluding orchards tilled, one thousand and eighty-six ; acres of orcharding of all kinds of fruits, three hundred and fifty-one; acres of upland mowing, excluding orcharding mowed, three thousand two hundred and twenty-six; acres of orcharding mowed, two hundred and eighty-nine ; acres of fresh meadow, five hundred and thirteen ; acres of pasture-land, excluding orcharding pastured, six thousand one hundred and forty-seven; acres of meadow, exclusive of pasture land inclosed, two thousand three hundred and forty-nine ; acres
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of unimproved land, forty-three ; acres of land unimprovable, thirteen; acres of land used for roads, five hundred and twenty-eight; acres of land covered with water, one thousand one hundred and seven.
The soil is, generally, a rich friable loam, easily cultivated, and highly productive. But few towns can show so small a number of acres of unim- provable land, or of land of decidedly inferior quality. Many of the farms are under a high state of cultivation, and will compare favorably with those of any other town in the Commonwealth. In an agricultural point of view, but few, if any, towns in the State, surpass this, either in regard to its capacity, or the developement of its resources.
Besides the Merrimack, which is included in the town, and which forms the entire southern bound of the town, there are three smaller streams, viz: Little River, East Meadow River, and Creek Brook. Little River, so called to distinguish it from the " Great River," has its principal source in Plaistow, N. H., enters Haverhill a little east of the Atkinson line, and flows nearly south, to the Merrimack, emptying into the latter at the principal village, and one-fourth of a mile west of the Haverhill bridge. This stream has several tributaries, the principal one of which is known as Fishing River, taking its rise from the north-western extremity of Kenoza Lake, and flowing at first northerly into Plaistow, then gradually bending to the south-west, and entering the Little River about one and a half miles from its mouth. There are several mills upon Little river, the largest of which is the flannel mill, long known as " Hale's Factory," and located on Winter street, about one-fourth of a mile from the mouth of the river. Upon the opposite side of the stream at this place, there was, for nearly two hundred years, a saw-mill, and the stream was most commonly known as " Sawmill River." The last mill of the kind was taken down about twenty years since. About midway between this point and the Merrimack, and near the small island, there was for many years a grist- mill, which also ceased operations about twenty years since. There is also a grist-mill on the stream, near the State line, which has been known these many years as " Clark's mill." A mill has been constantly located at this place for at least one hundred and fifty years.
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Fishing River, -so named on account of the large quantities of ale- wives taken from it in former times, - is now used principally to conduct the surplus water of Kenoza Lake to the flannel factory, in the dry season. This privilege was granted to Mr. Ezekiel Hale, jr., in 1835, who there- upon erected a flume at the outlet of the Lake, and deepened the bed of the stream, so that about six feet of water can now be easily drawn, as occasion may require. There was formerly, and for many years, a corn
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mill upon this stream, situated about half a mile from its mouth. The first mill of the kind at that place, was crected by William Starlin, who subsequently sold it to Thomas Duston, from whom it descended to his son, Timothy Duston.
Eust Meadow River takes its rise in Newton, N. H., enters Haverhill about three-fourths of a mile east of Brandy Brow Hill, and flows nearly due south, to the Merrimack, emptying into the latter at "Cottle's Creek," - one mile below the Chain Ferry. There has long been a saw-mill and a grist-mill upon this stream, near the Amesbury linc, known as "Peas- lee's Mills." The first mill at this place was erected by Joseph Peasly, in 1693, since which time the privilege has been almost, or quite, constantly in the possession of his descendants. There was formerly a saw-mill, grist- mill, and fulling-mill, about half a mile from the mouth of the stream. These were built by Anthony Chase (great-grandfather of the writer), - the first in 1757, and the others a few years later, -and continued in operation for many years. There is also a grist-mill about one-fourth of a mile from the Merrimack, -known as "Johnson's mill,"-which was first built by Thomas Johnson, about 1790, or later. There was formerly a fulling-mill about one mile above the mills of Anthony Chase, which was erected by his son, John Chase, who carried on the business for many years.
Creek Brook, which runs from Creek Pond nearly due south to the Merrimack, carries two mills. The first, which is located at the outlet of the pond, was long operated as a grist-mill, but has recently been trans- formed into a hat factory. The other, -known these many years as " Bradley's Mill,"-is a grist mill, and is located about fifty rods from the Merrimack.
There are four ponds in the town, three of them situated within a mile of the principal village, and within half a mile of each other.
Plug Pond, -formerly called " Ayer's Pond," from the fact that several persons of that name settled near its western end, and owned a large part of the adjoining land, -is the smallest of the four, and is situated about half a mile from the Merrimack, in a north-easterly direction from the village. It covers an area of about seventy acres. At its northern, south- ern, and western extremities, particularly the latter, the bottom is mostly covered with mud, which will perhaps account for its moderate stock of fish, as well as for the greenish and unpleasant appearance of its water during the latter part of the summer. At its southern point a dam, or " plug," has long existed, through which its surplus water is drawn to supply the mills on the brook connecting it with the Merrimack. Upon
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this stream, known as " Mill Brook," there is at the present time a plaster- mill, a grist-mill, a bark-mill, and a hat factory, with a variety of other machinery attached. Near its mouth is also located a steam saw-mill. The first corn-mill in the town was erected upon this stream, as was also the first tannery, and fulling-mill. In its passage from the pond to the river, the water of this brook can be used for mill purposes at least five times, though we believe that four times is the most ever yet required of it.
Round Pond is situated about one mile north of the Haverhill Bridge, and about half a mile north-westerly from Plug Pond. It covers an area of about eighty acres, and was formerly called "Belknap's Pond," and also "Little's Pond," from persons of that name who lived near it. With the exception of one small cove at its north-western extremity, the shores of this beautiful sheet of water are entirely free from mud, and show its bottom to be a clean gravel. There is not a single living stream, large or small, seeking outlet into the pond, but it is, with the exception of what water may be turned into it from the gently sloping hills surrounding it, entirely supplied by subterranean springs. From this pond, by means of an acqueduct, the central village is mostly supplied with pure, cold, soft water, for domestic purposes. The water in the pond is about one hundred and fifty feet above that of the Merrimack, and is well stocked with pickerel and perch. The natural outlet to the pond was to the south-west into the Little River, through which salmon, and other fish, passed up into the pond, in the appropriate season, to deposit their spawn. The direction of this outlet was long ago artificially changed, -toward the Plug Pond, - so as to secure the surplus water for the mills upon Mill Brook. Within a few years, the Acqueduct Company have purchased the original mill privilege upon the latter stream, and the above outlet has been discontinued.
Great Pond, or, as it has recently been re-named, " Kenoza Lake," is situated about one and a half miles from Haverhill Bridge, in a north- easterly direction, and about one-third of a mile east of Round Pond. It covers an arca of about three hundred acres, and is the largest sheet of water in the town. The water, which in some places is fifty feet in depth, is about one hundred and fifty feet above the bed of the Merrimack, and abounds with the finest pickerel, - hence the new name, " Kenoza," sig- nifying "pickerel." The only outlet from this miniature lake, is the Fishing River, already mentioned, through which large numbers of salmon and alewives formerly passed into the pond. White perch, of the finest flavor, once inhabited the waters of this pond, but have now nearly disap-
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peared. The woods bordering the pond were long the retreat of various kinds of game, and the favorite hunting ground of sportsmen. The beau- tiful point of land near the north-eastern extremity of this pond, has long been a popular place of resort for parties of pleasure. Since 1807, the inhabitants of the town have, by purchase, enjoyed the unrestricted right to occupy the grounds for that purpose.
Creek Pond is situated in the West Parish, about three miles north- west from the principal village, and covers an area of about two hundred and fifty acres. The shores, which are quite irregular, exhibit some really beautiful scenery, and there are many fine farms in the neighborhood. The waters of the pond are remarkably clear and transparent, and the bottom is for the most part even and sandy. The pond has long been a favorite resort for those who delight to style themselves disciples of Izaak Walton. The outlet to the pond was formerly one of the most productive of our alewive fisheries, and was one of the last that ceased to be profitable.
There are several prominent hills in the town, but none which can be dignified with the title of mountains. Among them may be named Golden Hill, Silver Hill, Turkey Hill, Brandy Brow Hill, and the Great Hill. The hills are all of gentle ascent, and capable of profitable and easy culti- vation to their summits.
There are no chains of hills in the town, the eminences being, in nearly every case, detached, affording from their summits the view of an unob- structed and complete circle of charming landscape. There are no craggy peaks, or barren ledges, but the view from valley and hill-top can hardly be surpassed for its quiet, unpretending loveliness.
Golden Hill, which rises upward of three hundred and twenty-five feet above the river, is situated about one mile east of Haverhill bridge, and its base is about twenty rods from the Merrimack. The prospect from its brow is extensive and picturesque. The beautiful island, -long known as Clement's Island, -with its fringe of delicately variegated foliage, and its smooth, green carpet ; the quiet, rural villages of Grove- land, and Bradford, with their snow-white cottages, and well cultivated meadows; and the more extensive village of Haverhill, with its long line of substantial manufactories ; are in full view, and, with their rural environments, combine to form a picture of extraordinary beauty. This hill was originally called "Golding's Hill," from a person of that name who owned, or lived near it.
Silver Hill, or " Silver's Hill," - so called from a former owner-is situated about three-fourths of a mile west of Haverhill bridge, and is
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also plainly seen from the central village. It rises gradually from the Merrimack, which flows past its southern base, to the height of about three hundred feet. The view from its summit is exceedingly beautiful. Before us, and almost at our very feet, lies the pleasant village of Haverhill, with its twelve hundred dwelling houses, its one hundred shoe manufactories, and its eleven churches. Its natural situation is uncommonly fine. Built upon a gentle acclivity, the houses rise one above another in such regular order that nearly every one can be counted. The Merrimack, dotted here and there with a variety of craft, from the light and trembling skiff to the heavy gondola, -and the still more imposing and majestic moving ocean craft with their broad white sails, and tall masts overshadowing the water, - and spanned with its bridges, flows calmly at its base, not in one straight, monotonous course, but with a gentle meandering, of which the eye can never tire. Accross the river are seen the smoothly rounded hills, the green and fertile fields, and the pleasant villages of Bradford and Groveland. To the south rises the hills of Andover, with their wooded slopes dotted here and there with neat white farm-houses. A little to the west, the tall spires, just peeping above the hills, point out the where- abouts of the city which sprang into existence almost like Jonah's gourd, - the city of Lawrence. A little further still to the west, and the same sigus indicate the spot long ago settled by the hardy sons of Haverhill, - the village of Methuen. In the dim distance beyond, enveloped in its misty blue, can be traced the outline of Mount Wachusett. Still further toward the west, -as if it were not well the eye should roam too far, -- the "Scotland " and " West Meadow " hills shut out the more distant view beyond ; - but not until we have caught sight of the tall peaks of the Grand Monadnock. Sweeping toward the north, we have a view of the thrifty farms of the West Parish, with the granite hills of New Hampshire in the background. To the north, the eye rests upon a fine succession of green fields and wooded slopes, marking a section of the town which suffered the most severely from the atrocities of the murderous savages. There the brave and resolute Hannah Bradley was twice taken captive ; there the lion-hearted Hannah Duston was captured, but not conquered, -and there stands her monument ; there the heroic Thomas Duston defied the murderous tomahawk to harm the humblest of his little flock. There, too, upon that gentle slope, the brave Captain Ayer, and his little band, boldly attacked the retreating foe, upon the memorable 29th of August, 1708. From this summit might have been heard the war whoop, and have been seen the gleaming tomahawk, in nearly every attack made upon the inhabitants of Haverhill by the savages. The
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