USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Danvers > Centennial celebration at Danvers, Mass., June 16, 1852 > Part 3
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Bufford's Lith
Johnjon Proctor
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declare them independent of the kingdom of Great Britain,- we, the inhabitants of Danvers, do solemnly pledge our lives and fortunes to support them in the measure,"-language smelling strongly of the Declaration made at Philadelphia, on the 4th of July next following ;- which Declaration was unan- imously approved by vote, and ordered to be entered, at length, in the records of the town. Yes, there it is, my friends, in bold relief, on the page,-for the instruction of future genera- tions. This little incident speaks volumes of the feelings that pervaded the minds of the community. This little town, with less than two thousand inhabitants, thus ratifying the doings of a nation, and taking upon itself the responsibility. The spirit of Holten, of Foster, of Hutchinson, of Shillaber, and their compatriots, is apparent in this thing. When such a feel- No compromise is
ing prevails, victory or death must follow. admissible. No tory spirit was found here. While these men lived, there was no doubt where Danvers would be found. Her sons have every reason to be proud of the patriotic spirit and determined purpose of their sires. The names of many brave men are conspicuous in her annals. Let their sons, to the latest generation, see to it, that a reputation so nobly earned shall never be tarnished.
REVOLUTIONARY HEROES.
On the page of history that shall mark the efforts of Danvers in the Revolutionary struggle for Independence, will be found the names of-
Gen. Israel Putnam,
Gen. Gideon Foster,
Gen. Moses Porter,
Col. Jeremiah Page,
Col. Israel Hutchinson,
Col. Enoch Putnam,
Major Caleb Lowe,
Major Sylvester Osborn,
Capt. Samuel Eppes,
Capt. Samuel Flint,
4 d
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Capt. Jeremiah Putnam,
Capt. Samuel Page,
Capt. Dennison Wallis,
Capt. Levi Preston,
Mr. William Shillaber,
Dr. Amos Putnam,
Dr. Samuel Holten,
Capt. Johnson Proctor, (my father,)
the last survivor of the revolutionary worthies, who died No- vember 11, 1851, aged 86. A class of men worthy of the cause they so ably defended. They were none of your milk- and-water heroes ; salt pork and bean porridge constituted the basis of their diet .*
AGE OF SOLDIERS.
It is interesting to notice the extraordinary length of lives attained by these patriots. Of those named, their average ages exceeded 80 years. What could have so extended their lives ten years beyond the period ordinarily allotted to man? This is an inquiry of much interest. It could not have been quiet, and freedom from exposure,-for none were more exposed. The incidents of the soldier's life, under circumstances most favorable, have little to charm or amuse ; but the Revolutionary Soldiers, half clad and half starved, as they often were, must have lived on something not fully appreciated, to hold out as they did. May it not in part be attributed to their energy and activity of movement in early years? to that buoyancy and cheerfulness of spirits that naturally flow from such movements? Who has not witnessed the animation with which the old soldier adverts to the perils of his youth, and
" Shoulders his crutch to show how fields are won"?
Who will presume to say that cheerful spirits do not essentially contribute to the prolongation of life ?
* There are many others, " good men and true," who did much service, with equal energy and patriotism, but who were content with being brave, without any proclamation made of it. Those who float readily on the top, have not always the most solidity.
·
-
LEVI PRESTON Aged 93.
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CENTENNARIANS.
But two instances, within the limits of the town, of persons living to the age of one hundred years, have come to my knowledge. These were both soldiers, who had seen much service in many wars.
The first was Thomas Nelson, a native of Scotland, who died in 1774, at the age of 113 years.
The second was Lemuel Winchester, a native of Brookline, Massachusetts, who died in 1844, at the age of 100 years 8 months and 5 days.
Of father Nelson, I have heard my grandmother say, (who herself lived to be almost one hundred,) that when he was more than one hundred, he often walked from his residence to Salem, six miles, as upright as any young man.
Both of these gentlemen possessed cheerful dispositions and active habits. Both of them were free from those excesses so common to the age in which they lived, though probably not tee-totallers,-a description of beings that were not common in revolutionary times.
How important then, to those who would possess health and long life, to imitate their example in the cultivation of habits of activity, temperance and cheerfulness. It was remarked by Lord Mansfield, one of the most sagacious of men, that he never knew an instance of a person living to extreme old age who did not rise early ; and he might have added, who did not live temperate. Temperance and activity are the corner stones of health and usefulness.
RELIGIOUS WORSHIP.
The first settlers of Salem were Puritans. They were men who aimed to be governed by the impulses of their own con- sciences, and to keep themselves void of offence .* Such were Endicott and his associates when they came to Salem. I do
In the language of Governor Bradford, when a young man, " To keep a good conscience, and walk in such a way as God hath prescribed in his Word, is a thing which I much prefer before you all, and above life itself."
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not presume to say they were without blemish,-the sun has spots,-but " their faults leaned to virtue's side." They had more of merit in them than many men's virtues. Thus moved by a faith that gives dignity to man,-purity to woman,-and loveliness to the child,-it would have been strange indeed if they had neglected to provide all needful accommodations for the worship of God. As early as 1666, the farmers of the village were incorporated into a society for religious worship. This was the Second Parish in Salem. Parish privileges and rights of citizens were then essentially connected. No man could exercise the rights of a citizen who did not belong to the Church. In the meetings of the Church, matters of business were moulded as much as they now are in caucus assembled.
The first thirty years of the Village Parish covers that period when the witch delusion and other controversies were agitated to such extent that little may be said of the religious influences then prevalent,-if regard be paid to the text, "By their fruits shall ye know them."
In 1697, Rev. Joseph Green became the pastor of this society, and so continued for a period of eighteen years. He died among his people, universally beloved and respected. He must have been,a very good man to have lived and died as he did, at such a time, surrounded with such influences.
He was succeeded by Rev. Peter Clark, who continued to minister until all those who settled him had left the stage ; a period of more than fifty years. His funeral discourse was preached June 16, 1768, by Rev. Thomas Barnard, of Salem. Such permanency in the ministry speaks well of pastor and people ;- and is in accordance with our best New England notions. I know that many have grown up of late who think they know more than their fathers did,-but I have heard it said old Doctor Clark once said to his son Caleb, "Caleb ! is there no nearer way to Heaven than round by Chebacco?"- meaning thereby to reprove the new light influences then prevalent. So in modern times, many are not content to pursue the good old way to Heaven, but want to go by steam; when they start thus, there is danger of bursting the boiler.
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Rev. Benjamin Wadsworth succeeded Mr. Clark, and minis- tered unto this people for more than fifty years. My first impressions of a model minister were taken from this gentleman when a boy at school. Subsequently, when an older boy, myself attempting "to teach the young idea how to shoot," I had the pleasure of a more intimate acquaintance, which con- firmed my first impressions. He was a gentleman, in the best sense of the term. He knew what to say, and when to say it. He too lived a long life harmoniously with his people, and died beloved and respected. What Christian minister can ask a better eulogy? Who that remembers the words of wisdom that fell from the lips of these venerable men, will fail to rejoice at their good fortune in being thus instructed? I know of nothing that savors more of Heaven, than lessons of instruc- tion from a virtuous, modest, wise old minister. Very few societies can render so good an account of their stewardship.
Since the decease of Dr. Wadsworth, the increase of popula- tion has been such as to demand a division, and two societies are now sustained on the old foundation. Of the living, I forbear to speak, well knowing that the sound of their own voices will be their highest encomium. They are favorably es- teemed wherever learning or piety is regarded.
The inhabitants of the southerly part of the town worshiped with the First Church in Salem, until 1710, when a new soci- ety was incorporated, under the name of the Middle Precinct Parish. This was the Third Parish in Salem. Their first effort was, to obtain from the town, a grant of "a quarter of an acre of land to set a meeting-house on." This was so located, that, in process of time, it expanded to more than an acre. Whether fortunately, or not, involves too many incidents to admit of discussion on this occasion.
In 1713, Rev. Benjamin Prescott was settled as pastor over this parish, and remained such for a period of forty years. His pastoral relations were closed in 1752, (the year of the sep- aration from Salem,) in consequence of contentions that had arisen about the collection and payment of his salary. There were, within the parish, Quakers and others, who thought they
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could not conscientiously pay for such preaching. The laws had no regard to scruples of conscience of such a character. After the dissolution of his pastoral relations, Mr. Prescott con- tinued to reside in the parish, a worthy citizen and magis- trate, dying in good old age, respected for his talents and · virtues, and was buried at the foot of the hill bearing his name.
A shrewd observer, with much experience in ministerial affairs, remarked, in relation to Mr. Prescott's ministry, “ When a minister and people cannot get along without quarrelling about his salary, it is better for both that the connection should be dissolved. God and Mammon cannot peaceably occupy the same tenement."
The Rev. Nathan Holt succeeded Mr. Prescott, and minis- tered with good fidelity for a period of thirty-four years. He was a peaceable, clever man,-deeply imbued with the patriotic spirit of the times. Of his services in the pulpit, I have heard but little. His labors among his people were highly prized, and productive of a happy influence. "He was an Israelite indeed, in whom there was no guile."
Rev. Samuel Mead followed Mr. Holt, and was pastor about ten years. The record of this period is lost ; it is not safe, therefore, to speak, where the best evidence is wanting. I remember him well. His peculiarities were many.
In 1805, the Rev. Samuel Walker was settled, and remained the pastor for a period of twenty-one years. His life was termi- nated by a painful casualty. He was faithful to his calling, discreet in his movements, and died with a kind remembrance in many a bosom. Since his death, a Unitarian, a Methodist, a Baptist, and a Universalist society have grown up in the par- ish, and flourished with various degrees of success, leaving the Old South Society still one of the largest and ablest in the county.
For a few years they were ministered unto by the Rev. George Cowles, who, while on his way south with his lady, in search of health, was suddenly lost on board the steamer Home, dying with these last words, "He that trusteth in Jesus is safe, even among the perils of the sea." He died deeply lamented,
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having previously resigned his pastoral care on account of ill health.
The Rev. H. G. Park followed for a short time.
The Rev. Thomas P. Field succeeded Mr. Park for a period of ten years, laboring successfully to a harmonious and happy people,-which labors were unfortunately interrupted by his being called to a position of more extended usefulness at Troy, N. Y., with the offer of a compensation better proportioned to the worth of his services. When it was too late, the people saw their error. The disappointment experienced in parting with one so highly esteemed, with no appreciable reason as- signed therefor, poorly prepared the way to treat with kindness and Christian sympathy his successor, the Rev. James D. Butler, who, after a conditional settlement of one year, was crowded off, without ceremony. May his eminent learning and Christian humility command a position in which they will be duly appre- ciated.
Several other religious societies have grown up in different parts of the town, and been sustained with varied success. A Baptist society was organized at the New Mills Village, under the pastoral care of Rev. Benj. Foster, sixty-eight years since. The present pastor, Rev. A. W. Chapin. There is also a Uni- versalist society in that neighborhood, which was organized thirty-seven years since, now under the pastoral care of the Rev. J. W. Putnam.
Within my memory, four valuable churches have been de- stroyed by fire, probably caused by incendiaries. One offender only has been brought to justice, and he under his own con- fession.
Within the last twelve years, there has been expended in the construction and finish of churches, more than $50,000.
The present annual payments within the town, for the sup- port of religious instruction, cannot be estimated at less than $10,000.
The predominant faith at the present time, (exclusive of those who have no faith at all,) is a modified version of the notions of the Puritan Fathers of New England ;- how far improved
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by the modification, must be left to the better judgment of those who have really experienced its purifying influences. That there may be such, I cannot doubt,-but something more than mere profession of religion is wanted, to satisfy my mind. I incline to the belief, that his faith cannot be wrong whose life is right. And where the life does not illustrate and adorn the profession, the profession will be found " a sounding brass and tinkling cymbal."
EDUCATION.
Popular education, in the broadest sense of the term, has en- grossed the attention of the people of Danvers as much as any other topic. From the time of their first meeting, March 4th, 1752, when Daniel Eppes, father and son, were moderator and clerk, each year's record shows more or less of interest in the education of the rising generation.
Previous to the separation, but little attention had been given to supporting schools for the children on the borders.
In 1783, when revolutionary troubles had subsided, the peo- ple began to look after the condition of the schools.
In 1793, an interesting report on the reorganization of the schools was made to the town, by Dr. Archelaus Putnam, which appears in full upon the records,-a fact worthy of notice, be- cause many a report, placed on file only, is not now to be found. Files that are handled by every body, soon become every . body's property.
In 1794, pursuant to a plan proposed by Gideon Foster, Samuel Page, and John Kettelle, the town was divided into districts.
In 1802, the districts were remodelled, at the suggestion of Sylvester Osborn. Thus we find Holten, Foster, Page, Osborn, and others, who were foremost in their efforts to secure our rights, going ahead in their endeavors to educate the children to understand those rights.
In 1809, the present system of school districts was estab- lished,-then nine, now fourteen ;- then containing 800 chil- dren, now more than 2000, of age suitable to attend school.
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It is not easy to understand how schools were supported as well as they were, with the limited appropriations then made. Masters must have taught for the love of teaching, and children studied for the sake of learning. The days of study, and not the days of vacation, must then have been their seasons of amusement.
In 1814, an order was adopted requiring a report of the condition of the schools, for the year next preceding, to be made at the annual meeting in each year. This is worthy of notice, it having become a State regulation since.
In 1820, an order was adopted requiring the names and ages of children between four and sixteen years, resident in town on the first day of May, to be returned by the prudential com- mittees, and recorded by the clerk. This also was in advance- of the action of the State to the same effect. Both of these: regulations have been found highly serviceable.
The money appropriated for the support of schools has since been apportioned to the several districts in proportion to the children thus returned, with donations to the districts containing a sparse population, to equalize the advantages of schooling as far as practicable.
High schools have recently been established with good success. The present year, a new plan of superintendence has been ordered and entered upon with high expectation of ben- efit. It remains with the person who fills the office whether these expectations shall be realized. The superintendent enters upon the duties this day. I cannot doubt the efficiency of individual superintendence when regulated by competent ability, with a single eye to the advancement of the schools.
The predominant feeling has long been, that it is the bounden duty of the town to carry out the free-school principle first proposed by Endicott, viz,-to provide for the complete education of all the children, at the public charge, in such manner as their condition in society demands.
In this way alone can it be explained that Danvers has edu- cated so small a proportion of her sons at colleges, according to her wealth and population. On looking over the list of natives
5 e
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of the town who have had the benefit of a collegiate education, for one hundred years last past, I find six clergymen, three law- yers, two physicians, five farmers, and two others,-in all, twenty ;- a number much less than will be found in many towns with one half the population .* 1 speak of the fact as presenting considerations worthy of reflection, and not because I deem such an education an essential qualification to good citi- zenship. Instance the success of Franklin, of Washington, of our own Bowditch, to the contrary. The truth is, the people of Danvers have been anxious to realize a more speedy income on their investments than is ordinarily found by trimming the mid- night lamp. As a general thing, they value objects in possession more than those in expectancy ; their faith is not strong enough to sustain the hope of distinction by means of literary efforts.
An elaborate attempt to abolish the district system of schools was made in 1850, but the people were not prepared to give up what they deemed a certainty for an uncertainty.
* COLLEGE GRADUATES .- Names of natives of Danvers, who have been educated at Collegiate Institutions :-
F. *Daniel Putnam,
Harv. 1717.
F. *James Putnam,
Harv. 1746.
T. *Daniel Eppes,
Harv. 1758.
F. *Tarrant Putnam,
Harv. 1763.
P.
* Archelaus Putnam,
Harv.
1763.
T.
*Israel Andrew,
Harv. 1789.
C. William P. Page,
Harv.
1809.
C. Israel Warburton Putnam,
Dart.
1809.
C. Daniel Poor,
Dart.
1811.
L.
John W. Proctor,
Harv.
1816.
C. Ebenezer Poor,
Dart.
1818.
L.
*William Oakes, John Marsh,
Harv.
1823.
F.
*Daniel P. King,
Harv.
1823.
C. Allen Putnam,
Harv. 1825.
F. Samuel P. C. King,
Amherst. 1831.
C. Ezekiel Marsh,
Yale. 1839.
* Augustus E. Daniels,
Harv. 1846.
*Thomas Stimpson, Amherst. 1850. 6 of the above became clergymen; 3, lawyers; 2, teachers; 5, farmers ; 2, physicians ; 2, occupation not yet determined.
Ten have deceased ; ten now living.
F. Farmer; C. Clergyman; P. Physician ; L. Lawyer ; T. Teacher. Several other citizens have engaged in professional employments, without the aid of collegiate instruction. Several are now preparing for such employ- ments.
Harv. 1820.
P.
L. Samuel Putnam,
Harv. 1787.
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SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS.
There is no town in the county where the appropriations for schools are more liberal, in proportion to the number to be educated and the ability to pay. Mr. Webster, in his late speech at Faneuil Hall, says it is the glory of Boston that she applies one quarter part of all the taxes assessed, for the support of public schools, viz., $50,000 out of $200,000,-there being a population of 140,000. Danvers applies $10,000 out of $25,- 000,-there being a population of 8000. Danvers has a valua- tion of $3,000,000,-Boston, $300,000,000. Here is a question for boys at school to answer, which of these places does best for the support of public schools, according to its ability ?
If the schools of Danvers are not advanced in proportion to their appropriation, the defect is not chargeable to the mass of the inhabitants,-their will is to have first rate free schools.
SCHOOL FUNDS. 1158625
The wisdom of the town in applying the surplus revenue, that came to their use in 1844, as a permanent fund for the benefit of schools, over and above a prescribed sum of not less than three dollars per scholar, to be raised by the town annually for this purpose, must not be overlooked. This fund now amounts to the sum of $10,000, and is invested in the hands of trustees chosen by the town. Considering the many jealousies brought to bear on this topic, the act whereby the investment was made will ever remain most creditable to the town. No man did more to bring this about than the late Elias Putnam, who in this, as in all his other public services, showed himself a vigilant friend of the best interests of the town. Danvers will long mourn his departure in the midst of his usefulness. He was a man of marked energy and decision of character. Selfish to some extent,-for who is not,-but public spirited, far beyond most of those around him. Those who knew him best, valued him highest. It was often my privilege, as on this subject, to cooperate in the objects he had in view. I knew him well.
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WALLIS FUND.
By the generosity of Capt. Dennison Wallis, who died in 1825, a local fund of $2500 was established for the benefit of School District No. 1, in which he then lived. He intended the fund should have been $5000, but the phraseology of the will so far fell short of the intentions of the donor, when tried in the crucible of the Supreme Court, as to reduce the amount one half.
With this fund, the Wallis School, for the education of chil- dren between the ages of six and twelve years, has been estab- lished, and sustained for twenty years. If the spirit of the donor could look down upon the cheerful countenances of the happy group of children, educated by his bounty, on one of their days of successful exhibition, it would discover abundant reason for rejoicing in the wisdom of the donation. Happy spirit that ! which can contemplate a life of toil and perplexity terminated so gloriously. When another century shall have passed away, who will be remembered with more admiration than he who laid the foundation of the Wallis School? Al- though his name may not live in the offspring of his own loins, it shall be immortal in the benefits conferred on thousands. This crowning act of his life will be cherished with gratitude, even when his heroic exposure at Lexington shall be forgotten.
SUPPORT OF PAUPERS.
As a municipal regulation, next in importance to the educa- tion of the young, is the support of the unfortunate poor. By the record of the first meeting, it appears that both these sub- jects were provided for. Still, no well-established system of relief to the poor was adopted, until about the year 1800, when the attention of friends E. Southwick and S. Shove, moved by the combined considerations of economy and humanity, were directed to this subject. To the credit of these gentlemen, be it said, notwithstanding they belonged to a class of Christians whose sense of religious duty will not suffer any of their num- ber to be a charge upon the public, that they did more to alle-
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viate the condition of the paupers, as well as to relieve the town from the expense of their support, than has been done by any others. Their shrewd observation discerned, what was not then generally known, that almshouse establishments, with conveniences for industrial employments connected therewith, adapted to the capacities of the inmates, were the true means of benefiting their condition ;- that by thus being employed, they would be saved from many a temptation incident to their humiliated position, and the burden of their support would be greatly diminished.
At this time a house, with about a dozen acres of land ap- purtenant, was appropriated to this use. But it was soon found that the locality of the establishment was too central, for the convenience of those around ; and that the growing wants of the village demanded its removal. Accordingly, it was transferred to the extensive farm of two hundred acres now occupied, then chiefly covered with wood. The selection of this site, although censured by many at the time, shows the superior discernment of those who chose it. It is airy, healthy, and easy of access, and readily made a secure abode, far removed from evil com- munications, and evil spirits also. Whoever would deal with paupers, must prepare to guard against the influence of such spirits with eagle eyes.
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