USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > A History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, vol 2 > Part 10
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60
William Tobey, 1794; Abraham Smith, 1806; Richard Williams, 1826; Simeon Bailey, 1840; Dr. Edward W. Greene, 1845; Edward W. Greene, Simeon Bailey (second time); Thomas Coggeshall, held postal offices here for fifty-three years, either deputy or postmaster; Edmund Anthony, appointed under Grant's administration; also Thomas Coggeshall again; then came A. H. W. Carpenter, eighth postmaster; John Fraser, ninth; Col. Cyrus Chapman, tenth postmaster, 1861; Edmund Anthony, 1876; the twelfth postmaster was Albert H. W. Carpenter, under Cleveland; Charles H. Gifford suc- ceeded Carpenter, and then came Charles S. Ashley, under Cleveland's second term as President; the fifteenth postmaster was David L. Parker, from 1897 to 1902; he was succeeded by John Duff, he by Frank C. Barrows, he by George Louis Oliver, eighteenth postmaster of New Bedford. The present postmaster is Harold Winslow.
New Bedford had its free delivery system installed in 1863, but boxes were not placed on the streets until 1867. The Money Order system was established at New Bedford in 1864, the first order being made out in favor of Samuel Rodman for the amount of $4.25.
The postoffice business in 1922 is thus epitomized: Total of business (estimated), 1922, $320,000; number of sub-stations, 26; number of classi- fied stations, 1; regular carriers, 62; substitute carriers, 22; regular clerks, 44: substitute clerks, 17.
The Custom House .- The United States Custom House at New Bed- ford is a stone structure with a portico pillared by stone, which was in conformity with the colonial style of architecture of the old town. It was erected in 1830 and has a spiral staircase of stone, making it one of the curiosities in way of architecture in this country. Only one other such staircase is found in this country, and that is at Newburyport, built about the same date.
The New Bedford Custom House was one of the first established in the United States, having been created in 1789. Colonel Edward Pope was the first collector; it was for him that Pope's Island was named. He
575
HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD
resided on Main street, at the corner of North Sixth. Daniel Ricketson recalls "this old fashioned mansion, stable, carriage-house, front yard and large garden in the rear, as one of the most attractive spots in the then village of New Bedford." Colonel Pope died at his home, June 10, 1818, aged seventy-eight years. He was collector of this port from 1789 and 1801, and was succeeded by Isaiah Weston from 1801 to 1814, and John Hawes from 1814 to 1823. Russell Freeman then served until 1829; he was an uncle to Colonel Fessenden, a collector of later years. In 1829 Lemuel Williams commenced an eight-year term as collector. Politics ran very high, and this office (as now) was a political "plum," and Freeman and Williams came to blows on the street. It was during Williams' term of office that the Custom House was built, the date being 1836, and it still stands a monument of good workmanship. Williams was followed by Robert S. Smith, whose accounts became tangled and after two years he was' succeeded by William H. Allen, who served from 1841 to 1843; Allen was an ardent Whig, and received his appointment under President William Henry Harrison. In 1843, in the month of September, Rodney French walked into the Custom House with his commission signed by President Tyler. He was a Democrat and a Free-Soiler, and strongly an anti-slave expounder, later known as a "Black Republican." President Tyler evidently did not know this or he never would have appointed him. Three months later he found it out, and through his influence the Senate would not con- firm the appointment. The office then went begging for a keeper for a time, but finally Lieutenant Josiah Sturgis appeared on the scene. He was commander in the U. S. revenue marine service, and he took the position for five years. The next collector was Joseph T. Adams, who resided in Washington. He received his appointment through Lieutenant Sturgis. When President Polk was elected he favored the annexation of Texas, and Adams became an ardent expounder of the cause of annexation, and on that question wrote many articles in local newspapers. He remained until 1849, and was succeeded by William T. Russell, who served four years.
So much for the personnel of the early Custom House collectors at New Bedford. A recent history of New Bedford gives the following as a complete list of all collectors at this port of entry: 1789-1801, Col. Edward Pope; 1801-1814, Isaiah Weston; 1814-1823, John Hawes; 1823-1829, Rus- sell Freeman; 1829-1841, Lemuel Williams; 1841-1843, Robert S. Smith and William H. Allen; 1843-3 months, Rodney French; 1843-1849, Joseph T. Adams; 1849-1853, William T. Russell; 1853-1861, Col. C. B. H. Fesen- den; 1861-1870, Lawrence Grinnell; 1870-1886, John A. P. Allen; 1886-1891, Weston Howland; 1891-1895, James Taylor; 1895-1900, Zephaniah W. Pease ; 1900-1905, George F. Bartlett; 1905-1913, Rufus A. Soule. The last- named died in office. President Taft's last important official act was to consolidate the custom houses into districts. Thus New Bedford Custom House was lost as to individuality, by becoming a part of the Massachusetts District of Customs. In the days when protection was granted to seamen, as many as three thousand protection papers were granted in one year at this port. In recent years the receipts of this custom-house have been larger than ever before. The present deputy collector is Edward P. Haskell, who has charge of this port. The customs receipts in 1922 were $49,107.88. Number of immigrants landed, 62.
576
BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS
CHAPTER XIII.
THE CITY GOVERNMENT
Other chapters have given the history of the incorporation of New Bedford, and it may be added that it has ever been a progressive place, full of business spirit and goodnatured rivalry. The city officers are elected annually, first Tuesday in December for the succeeding year. The officers- elect organize on the first Monday in January. Regular meetings in the city council chambers, Municipal building, second and fourth Thursdays of cach month. Special meetings are called by the mayor. The present (1923) city officers are as follows: Mayor Walter H. B. Remington; Aldermen-Napoleon Ricard, Fielding H. Walsh, Oscar D. Kelleher, George A. Blake, George S. Taber, John Catterall; City Clerk, Rodolphus A. Swan.
The city has seven parks for public use; total area, 221.47 acres. These public parks are as follows: Brooklawn, 88.51 acres; Buttonwood, 94.46 acres; Hazelwood, 23.05 acres; Bridge, 1.08 acres; Grove, .93 acres; Ashley Park, 4.32 acres; Triangle, .16 acres; Water Front, 1.76 acres. Appraised valuation, $822,425. The Park Commissioners have their room in No. 205 Municipal building; Board consists of five members appointed yearly, in April, by the mayor and confirmed by the council. The term is five years, beginning the first Monday in May in the year of appointment. As to the excellent sewer system of New Bedford, it may be said that in 1917 the records showed the complete cost of the sewer system had been $1,233,- 943.93. The city owns the shore and all riparian rights south of Brock avenue, from Shore street to Crapo street, and from the Killburn Mills south to the government reservation. During recent years the municipal bath house was erected by the city at an expense of $80,000.
The water system dates back in its history to March 8, 1860, when Frederick S. Allen introduced into the common council an order for the appointment of a committee to "consider the practicability of introducing a permanent supply of fresh water into the city, and to report some plan with the probable cost of doing so." Nothing further was accomplished until April 18, 1863, when an act for supplying the city of New Bedford with pure water was passed by the Massachusetts General Court. The first board of water commissioners was organized December 13, 1865. William W. Crapo was chairman; other members were Warren Ladd, David R. Kempton and James B. Congdon. When the first appropriation was made for $100,000, the great work was fairly commenced. During the
closing weeks of 1869, water first flowed from the dam across the valley of the Acushnet, seven miles north of the city, through the main pipes to the city. Thus the shops and stores and homes of the enterprising city were given a bountiful supply of pure water, full of health-giving qualities. Since then, many extensions have been made and new additional sources of obtaining the water needed have been made a part of the water-works plant of today. About six years ago more water was derived from the dam, lake and reservoir system. When fully completed as designed, the muni- cipally owned water plant will encircle the city with a modern pumping station at Quittacus Lake where the purest of soft water is found. This water-shed is the most extensive of any in Massachusetts. The water-rate
(Opened to the Public, July 1. 1840; Abandoned In 1886, and Demolished Soon After)
OLD PEARL STREET DEPOT
-
--
-
F
DEPOT.
577
HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD
is low, ten cents per thousand gallons for industrial purposes, and fifteen cents for metered domestic use. The water board consists of five members, with mayor and president of the common council, ex officio.
The Fire Department dates back in its history to 1772-four years before the Revolution-when a fire engine was built in London, England, which was bought by Joseph Rotch, one of the original settlers of New Bedford, and this was the first ever brought to the village. It was named "Independence No. 1," and was housed on the north side of William street. The New Bedford Safe Deposit and Trust Company have their building on the exact spot at this time. A fire department was regularly organized in 1834 under legislative act, and July 4, 1835, the firemen first appeared in uniform and paraded the village highways. In September, 1859, the place was visited by a destructive fire, and then the first steam fire engine was ordered, "Onward No. 1," built at Manchester, New Hampshire. "Progress" was ordered in 1860; "Excelsior" in 1864; "Cornelius Howland" in 1867; new fire engines were purchased in 1880 and a complete uniformed fire company force was put in operation. The Frederick Macy Steam Fire Engine Company, No. 6, was put in commission November 1, 1882. The Firemen's Mutual Aid Society was organized in 1875, its object being to assist its members who might receive injuries while in service. Other similar societies have existed up to the present time in New Bedford. The oldest part of the Fire Department, the Protecting Society, was founded in 1830, by the old Vigilance Committee, and was active to 1872-3, when it was rendered more useful by being furnished with tarpaulins and rubber blankets. The society was reorganized in 1875, and the number of members limited to fifty.
CHAPTER XIV.
NEWSPAPERS
The Medley, a weekly newspaper, was established at New Bedford in 1792 ; it was also known as New Bedford Marine Journal. It was edited and printed by John Spooner at his office, "near Rotch's Wharf." But a very few New England towns had a newspaper as early as New Bedford. This paper was published seven years by John Spooner, who sold to Abra- ham Shearman, Jr., who in 1798 had founded the Columbia Courier, the first number appearing December 1. Next to appear was the New Bedford Mercury, owned and edited by Benjamin Lindsey. This being the third paper in point of age in the Commonwealth, a rather extended notice is here given of it.
It was established by Benjamin Lindsey; the first issues were small sheets of sixteen columns, printed "on good paper and in fair type," the subscription price two dollars, exclusive of postage, and payable half- vearly in advance. In his announcement to the public the editor says: "It is our wish and intention to publish a useful and, as far as possible, an entertaining journal embracing all those objects which properly fall within the scope, etc. . .. In politics we shall adopt the truly republican prin- ciples of Washington's Farewell Address, convinced that all Americans are
Bristol -- 37
578
BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS
alike interested in their support. Thus doing, we shall nothing extenuate, nor set down aught in malice."
The first issue contained "very late news" for those ante-clippership, ante-steam-power and ante-telegraph times-a proclamation by Thomas Jefferson and various local advertisements by Abraham Russell, Peter Barney & Son, and Russell, Thornton & Company. In the second number is an advertisement of a new line of stages between New Bedford and Boston, announcing that the stage will start from "Crocker's tavern in New Bedford at sunrise on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and arrive at Boston at three o'clock p. m."
Mr. Lindsey, the founder of this paper, was a practical printer, having learned his trade in Boston. He was a native of Marblehead, Massa- chusetts, and died in New Bedford, November 10, 1831, in his fifty-fourth year. He conducted his paper alone until 1826, when his son, Benjamin Lindsey, Jr., was associated with him. In 1831 they started the Daily Mercury, first in New Bedford. Soon thereafter the son conducted it alone until 1861, when having been appointed as U. S. Consul to Brazil, he sold his paper plant to C. B. H. Fessenden and William G. Baker. Fessenden & Baker took charge of the Mercury on the eve of the Civil War, the exact date being July 15, 1861. It was this paper that at an early time advocated freeing the slaves, saying "We must fight them or free them." In the darkest days of the rebellion its leading articles were cheery and hopeful. never doubting that finally the North would win in the terrible strife. It was also persistent in its effort to supplement the loss to the city from inevitable decline of the whale fishery, by the establishment of manufac- turing industries.
May 1, 1876 the Mercury passed to the ownership of Stephen W. Booth, Warren E. Chase and William L. Sayer, who until July 1, 1894, under the style of The Mercury Publishing Company, conducted it. Both of the last named had been associated with the paper as employes many years. Mr. Sayer continued as editor until 1894. At that date the paper passed to the ownership of George S. Fox, William L. Sayer and Benjamin H. Anthony. It was then that Zephaniah W. Pease, an old employee, became editor and Arthur G. Luce, business manager. They still retain their positions: The property, however, was incorporated as the Mercury Publishing Company. During the one hundred and seventeen years of existence of the Mercury, not less than thirty-one newspapers have been established in New Bedford, but all have "gone to the wall" save three. The Evening Standard celebrated its fiftieth birthday a few years ago. Seven papers besides the Mercury were started during the last half century, but all fell by the wayside and now sleep the dreamless sleep that knows no waking. One of these papers changed its name not less than six times, while its ownership changed fully as frequently. The "History of New Bedford," published a few years since, has this on the recent publications of that city :
The Evening Standard and the Republican Standard, a weekly, were founded by Edmund Anthony in February, 1850. Mr. Anthony was then a veteran journalist, having established several newspapers in Taunton, Massachusetts, including the Daily Gazette and for several years publishing The Bristol County Democrat. The Standard is one of the successful papers of the city, and the Standard plant is a thoroughly
579
HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD
modern one, both in mechanical equipment and its facilities of gathering in news. Upon the death of Edmund Anthony, the founder, his sons, Edmund and Benjamin, succeeded him and January 1, 1891, incorporated under the name of E. Anthony & Sons. The Standard now appears every evening and Sundays. It is the oldest evening paper in the city and the only one having any claim to age. The New Bedford Times was established in 1902, and continues as an evening and Sunday paper.
CHAPTER XV.
NEW BEDFORD CHURCHES
New Bedford has always been known as a place where various relig- ious denominations had churches, and where the spirit of religion pre- dominates to a goodly degree.
Congregational .- The First Congregational Society was established in 1708, when Samuel Hunt came to the town of Dartmouth, regularly appointed June 8, 1708, by an order of the General Court, to establish a Congregational church. He was a graduate of Harvard College, and through him came the foundation of Congregationalism in this' part of Massachusetts. In 1709 a meeting house was provided; it stood on the old burying ground at the head of Acushnet river. This grave-yard was in use as early as 1711, the date of the earliest marked tombstone. From this church sprang the First Congregational Society in New Bedford (Unitarian), Union street, corner of Eighth, of which Rev. William G. Geoghegan is pastor. Many ministers of note have served as pastor here. Another Congregational church is located on Acushnet avenue, Lund's cor- ner; Rev. H. E. Oxnard, pastor.
The North Congregational Church was formed by a council in October, 1807, but soon a division was had on account of lack of harmony in church policy. The result was the formation of a Trinitarian and also a Unitarain church. Thirteen of the original nineteen members withdrew, and the minority remained, and in 1812 adopted a covenant and called Rev. David Batchelder. The first church, corner of Purchase and Elm street,s was dedicated June, 1813, a Sunday school was formed in 1819, and in 1826 the church building was enlarged. In 1827 the North Church was incorporated. The present fine edifice of this society adorns the corner of Purchase and Elm streets, and has for many years.
The Trinitarian church was organized November 15, 1831. Fifty-nine members signed the original membership roll; all but one of these were formerly of the old North church. A pastor was secured in 1832 in the person of Rev. James Austin Roberts. The society was incorporated on January 2, 1832. A new building was provided and dedicated May 17, 1832. Fire destroyed a church edifice, but they have for years had a handsome stone building on Purchase street. Rev. Matthew C. Julian, who died in 1914, had been the faithful pastor over forty years. He was succeeded by Rev. Fletcher Douglas Parker. The present pastor is Rev. Frederic H. von der Sump.
Organized Methodism in New Bedford dates from 1817, when the first class was formed, its sixteen members being led by Rev. Benjamin R.
580
BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS
Holt, of Sandwich. A regular pastor was secured in July, 1820, Rev. Jesse Filmore. This was the origin of County Street Methodist Episcopal Church. A Sunday school was formed in 1824. A church building was dedicated May, 1859, at Elm and County streets.
Fourth Street Church was formed by the withdrawal of members from the original church of this denomination in New Bedford. They dedicated their neat chapel in 1832, Rev. Asa Kent serving as pastor for the seceders. A separation was effected in 1843, and the Fourth street church became a separate organization. This church is now styled the Second Methodist Episcopal Church of New Bedford.
- Pleasant Street Church is the second church society to spring from County Street Methodist Episcopal Church, known as Elm street. In 1843 a start was made to build what was known as the Tree Meeting House, from the fact of a large sycamore tree stood directly in front and over- shadowed the modest little chapel. This building was dedicated about 1843, and was supplied by the presiding elder. Separation was agreed upon in 1844, and the following May a society was formed known as the Pleasant Street Methodist Episcopal Church.
Allen Street Church was formed in 1851, by members going with it from the Fourth Street Church, Rev. Moses Chase heading the movement, as he believed there was need of a church in the other end of the growing city. The first church was dedicated January 22, 1852, at the corner of County and Allen streets.
Other churches of this denomination include the Howard, Wesley, Methodist Episcopal Mission, First Portuguese Methodist Episcopal, Bethel African, Methodist Episcopal, Zion African Methodist Episcopal church, and two Primitive Methodist churches complete the long list of churches of the Methodist faith.
Baptist Churches .- The First Baptist church had its beginning June 22, 1813, when persons met at the home of Philip Cannon, Jr., in New Bedford to organize; articles of faith were formed and signed by eighteen persons under the head of the First Baptist Church of New Bedford. The society was incorporated in 1828 and a church was dedicated in 1829, at the present site, William and Sixth streets.
North Baptist Church was started by thirty members of the First Baptist Church, who had been officially dismissed for the purpose, and voted to constitute themselves the North Baptist Church of New Bedford. This church is located at the corner of Merrimac and County streets. Other churches of the Baptist faith are: Elm Baptist, French Baptist, Immanuel Baptist, Gortuguese Baptist Mission, South Baptist, and Union Baptist.
Miscellaneous .- The first record extant of the denomination of Friends is found in an agreement and list of subscribers to the erection of a meet- ing-house at Apponagnsett, in 1698. For nearly a hundred years the Dart- mouth Monthly Meeting was supreme in the section, New Bedford Meeting being founded in December, 1792. Their meeting-house is on Spring street.
Grace Protestant Episcopal Church was founded in 1833, and two years later a church edifice was erected by Grace Church. The corner-stone of the present building was laid September 11, 1880, by that eminent divine, Rev. Phillips Brooks. In its tower rang out the first chime of bells ever heard in New Bedford.
581
HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD
St. James Protestant Church was formed by members of Grace church in 1878. The first services were held in a shed on Purchase street, near the Wamsutta mills. Cotton cloth including calico covered the rough, un- sightly spots of the rude shed. A parlor organ was borrowed for the occasion. Easter Day, April 21, 1878, the church was legally organized as St. James Protestant Episcopal Church. This church has its edifice at the corner of County and Linden streets.
St. Martin's Episcopal Church is the outgrowth of a Sunday school which developed into Olivet Mission, and was at first to accommodate the English people at the South End. A stone church was started in 1891 and completed the following year on County and River streets. St. Andrew's Protestant Episcopal Church is situated on Bellville road, near Acushnet street.
The First Presbyterian Church held its first services at New Bedford in October, 1886, and the legal organization was had in April, 1887. Rev. William Howell Buchanan was installed pastor, May 10, 1887.
North Christian Church, corner of Purchase and Middle streets, re- cently demolished, was built in 1833. The original founders were from the Baptist church at Dartmouth, and were constituted a Christian church January 25, 1807. Elder Benjamin Taylor was the first minister. He com- menced his work there in 1812.
Middle Street Christian Church was formed by seceding members from North Christian Church in 1828, nine members withdrawing. In 1834 they moved to the new church in Middle street, vacated by the North Christian congregation when they moved to their new church, corner Purchase and Middle street. The building is now occupied by the African Methodist Episcopal church. South Street Christian Church is an outgrowth of a meeting held in September, 1852. Spruce Street Christian Church was the result of meetings held in April, 1859, when a Mission Sunday school was started with fifteen scholars. In 1867 a chapel was built and presented to the society, which was incorporated as the Spruce Street Mission Society. In 1868 a pastor was settled there and it became an organized body.
In the spring of 1840, William Miller, of New York, delivered several lectures in New Bedford on the "Second Coming of Christ," fixing the date of his coming between March, 1843, and March, 1844. These lectures were held in the North Christian Church, and found supporters among other churches, about twenty withdrawing from their former connections and formed a congregation which was known as the Advent Christian Church; in 1879 a church building was erected on Foster street. The Second Advent Church is located on Sycamore street, corner of Emerson street. The Seventh Day Adventist Church is at the corner of Willow and Bullock streets.
The First Church of Christ (Scientist) a branch of the Mother church, the first Church of Christ (Scientist) Boston, Massachusetts, was the out- growth of the labors of James E. Brierly C. S. D. (teacher). Its work was begun in January, 1887, and has grown into a permanent organization. A church building and reading room are maintained at this time.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.