USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Lynn > Centennial memorial of Lynn, Essex County, Massachusetts > Part 4
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tomed to bring down as many birds with one stone as they could, and here was a cheap, durable and easily- repaired fencing that could be erected by comparatively unskilled hands from material that needed removal from the land.
For many years large quantities of flax were raised in Lynn, and used in the domestic manufacture of a very durable though not particularly smooth or handsome kind of cloth. The fields looked extremely picturesque when covered with the long supple stalks, crowned with blue blossoms. The flax was rotted in the pond on the north- castern border of the town, still known as the Flax pond ; and in almost every family were to be found the break, the hatchel, and the little spinning wheels. Many of the latter are still preserved as curious relics of the old times ; wheels which once soberly revolved at the touch of the gentle dame, or gaily whirred at the laughing maiden's tap. And where are they now -the laughing maiden and the gentle dame ?
It is not necessary to remark that though for some years premonitory symptoms of REVOLUTION had become more and more marked, actual hostilities were precipi- tated by the unwise imposition of taxes by the home government-by stamp duties, duties on tea and other articles of daily use -by the Boston Port Bill and by the Boston Massacre. By the tax on tea, especially, the people of Lynn were much excited. They held town meetings and passed resolutions strongly condemnatory
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of the act, and enjoining abstinence from the use of the article. They voted that no person should hold any office of profit who would not discountenance its use ; and that no taverner or retailer should be recommended for a license who would not do the same. They also resolved, " That we highly disapprove of the landing and selling of such teas in America, and will not suffer any teas, subjected to a particular duty, to be landed or sold in this town ; and that we stand ready to assist our brethren of Boston or elsewhere, whenever our aid shall be required, in re- pelling all attempts to land or sell any teas poisoned with a duty." Other significant resolutions were passed ; one, unanimously, that " We will use our endeavors to promote our own manufactures amongst us." Mr. Lewis mentions that during the tea fever, a report having been put in circulation through the town that Mr. Bowler, who had a bake-house and a little shop on Water Hill, had a quantity of tea in store, a company of women went to his house, demanded the tea, and destroyed it. But he quietly adds that it was asserted that the women put on extra pockets on the memorable night, which they filled with the fragrant leaf for their own private consumption. It is well attested that at least two Lynn men were actors in the great tea-steeping feat in Boston harbor, on the night of December 16, 1773 - Abner Cheever was one ; and from his shoe, on his return, was taken a quantity of the tea which is still preserved. The same Mr. Chee- ver, now known historically as Col. Abner Cheever, was in the battle of Bunker Hill, and there received a bullet
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in his neck, which was never extracted, though he lived many years.
And coming down to the gloomy days of the war, we find Lynn in no sense lagging behind in the patriot's march. She can boast of having furnished two Colonels, three Captains, five Lieutenants, a number of non-com- missioned officers and not less than a hundred and fifty privates for the Continental army. Four of her sons were killed in the battle of Lexington, a fact showing that she was awake and stirring at the very dawn of the great conflict. Among the four who lost their lives on this memorable occasion was Abednego Ramsdell, who, as he was hastening along, was hailed by a woman in the neigh- borhood who warned him not to go, as she had a presenti- ment that he would never return. He kept on, remarking that he might be killed, but he hoped not till he had had a shot at a redcoat, to make the account square.
At the battle of Bunker Hill the Lynn regiment was commanded by Col. John Mansfield. On the second of August, 1776, the town furnished a company for the ex- pedition to Canada, and allowed ten pounds each to such as enlisted. In the winter of 1777 two young men from Lyun died on board the loathsome Jersey prison ship in New York harbor. In 1780 the town granted so much money as would purchase twenty-seven hundred dollars, to pay the soldiers. And within two years they granted several thousand pounds, old tenor, for the same purpose. And she lost, during the war, fifty-six of her promising
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sons. These are but a few of the incidents, of the same character, that may be found recorded; but they are sufficient to indicate her hearty co-operation in all patri- otic measures.
It would be gratifying, did space allow, to give sketches of some of the local patriots of those days, recalling not only valiant achievements on the field, but noble acts in the more retired lines of duty. There was Landlord Newhall, who kept the tavern on the Boston road, just west of Saugus river, taking charge of that noted estab- lishment in 1774. Before his time, a pictured lion and unicorn decorated the sign-board that swung from the ponderous oaken arm in front of the house ; but he soon replaced those emblems by the more hopeful representa- tion of a rising sun. He was an abundant provider, social in his habits, and unwearied in his efforts to render his house an attractive traveller's home. The poor of the neighborhood and the indigent wayfarer he freely re- lieved ; and to the sick and wounded soldier his door was ever open. In connection with the tavern he carried on a farm ; and his business, on the whole, was quite ex- tensive. It was not uncommon for an entire company of hungry soldiers, and not unknown for even a regiment, to make their appearance and halt for a meal. And they were always welcome. To provide for such emergencies, he kept on hand fatted oxen which might be promptly slaughtered, the beef being at once disposed of in great boilers prepared expressly for the cooking ; his large kitchen garden, represented to have occupied some six
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acres, furnishing the vegetable accompaniments. The whole establishment was kept under his immediate su- pervision ; and for some years he is said hardly ever to have retired to a bed for rest, but to have slept in an easy chair. His patriotism was certainly healthy, though perhaps displayed in an cecentric way.
Lynn suffered many privations during the war, but rose with an unsullied name at its triumphant close, hail- ing with joy unspeakable the sun of liberty as its vivify- ing beams shot through the land, and feeling a hearty consciousness that she had done her part in the attain- ment of the glorious result.
With the close of the Revolution the people entered upon a new and more energetic life. Yankee character began to develop with greater freedom, individual enter- prise to receive a new impulse, commercial pursuit and mechanical ingenuity to arouse to greater activity. Yet, as war is always demoralizing in its effects, it cannot be denied that for many years the pious and sober-minded had cause to lament over the condition of things. And then the agitations incident to the formation of our po- litical institutions were allowed to divert the mind in a large degree from every interest of a less obtrusive char- acter - from schools, from many of the ordinary appli- ances for intellectual advancement. Not that this was universally the case ; to suppose that would be to ignore a vital point in New England character. It was not long, however, before the elasticity of the true American
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spirit began to assert itself, the higher purposes of life to be more fully recognized, and those ameliorating measures to be put in operation which have resulted in so many blessings to the succeeding generations. And how noble a thing it would be for the human race, if all wars could result as beneficially as the American Revo- lution.
CHAPTER IV.
The Shoe Business, since the Revolution, its Progress and Pres- ent Condition, with Notice of the Introduction of the Morocco Manufacture by Ebenezer Breed - Patriotic Action of Lynn in Time of Shays's Rebellion, in the Building of the United States fort in Boston Harbor, in 1812, and in the South Carolina Nulli- fication, in 1832- Lynn, During the War of the Rebellion - Death of President Lincoln - Decoration Day - Soldiers' Mon- ument - First Celebration of Independence, in Lynn - Centen- nial Observance, 1876-Social and Pecuniary Condition of the People.
Soon after the close of the Revolution the SHOE MANU- FACTURE was fully established and reckoned the leading employment of the place. And some of the shrewd business men, seeming to have a prophetic vision of the position it was to occupy in future years, set about placing things on as firm a foundation as possible. Among the most efficient laborers in that behalf was Ebenezer Breed, a native of the town. He made himself acquainted with all that was to be learned in Lynn, and while yet a young man went to Philadelphia, where he engaged in a profit- able business connected with the trade here. In 1792 he visited Europe, and not only sent over quantities of the better and most fashionable kinds of shoe stock, but also some skilled workmen to instruct the operatives at
[59]
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home in the more elegant mysteries of the art. IIe seemed determined to prove that as fine and substantial shess could be made in Lynn as in Europe ; and he suc- cecded. But the business in a measure languished, for shoes could be imported from England and France and sold cheaper than the manufacturers here could afford them. Finding such to be the condition of things, Mr. Breed, in conjunction with some others in the trade at Philadelphia, set about endeavoring to induce Congress, which then held its sessions in that city, to impose a duty on imported shoes sufficient to protect the home manufacture. They resorted to a little shrewd manage- ment to effect their purpose. Among other schemes a dinner party was given ; for they well knew that an appeal to the stomach is in many cases more irresistible than an appeal to the head. Sundry members of Con- gress were invited to the banquet, as well as divers charming ladies ; among the latter the celebrated Dolly Payne, afterward Mrs. President Madison. Mr. Madi- son himself, who was an influential member of Congress, was also there. One or two of the ladies appear to have been aware of the ulterior purpose of the party, and were not averse to assisting in a good cause. It need only be added that a very satisfactory act was passed, and Lynn rose on the event.
To Mr. Breed also belongs the honor of having intro- duced the manufacture of morocco leather into the coun try. And for his success the National Committee of Commerce and Manufactures gave him a vote of thanks.
A LYNN SHOEMAKER'S SHOP, Common Style, from 1750 to 1850.
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Allertine, Forbes C'o.
Collins Photo.
CENTRAL BLOCK, MARKET STREET, 1876.
Shoe Manufactories.
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But like many others who have pursued the public good rather than their individual interest, Mr. Breed was called to endure the frowns of fortune, not unlikely through his own indiscretion. Many of his last years were passed in want and misery, and he died in Lynn almshouse in 1839, at the age of seventy-four years.
The manufacture of morocco and other kinds of shoe leather was well established in Lynn by the beginning of the present century, and has kept pace with the shoe manufacture, though not requiring near the number of hands nor the amount of capital in its prosecution. Great quantities of cloth stuffs have been used from the beginning of the trade, some of very rich and costly kinds. The manufacture in Lynn has heretofore been confined almost exclusively to ladies' wear ; lately, how- ever, more attention has been given to men's work.
The introduction of machinery has within a few years very much changed the mode of operation. Instead of the ten by twelve one-story shops, before alluded to, which were seen in every neighborhood, and in which the workmen in crews, as they were called, of half a dozen, pursued their labors, lightening the long hours of toil by animated discussions on every great interest of state and every little matter of local gossip, we now behold towering, in the most central quarters, huge four or five story manufactories in which the ceaseless rum- bling of machinery is heard, and in which hundreds of operatives, male and female, are assembled with busy hands and silent tongues. In the old time, the workman
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took from his employer, or boss, as he was called, suffi- cient stock to work upon for a week, completing each shoe from the lasting to the final polishing with his own hands, and on Saturday night returned the product of his week's handiwork, receiving his pay, possibly in a little money, but chiefly in family supplies. But in these improved times he goes daily to the great factory, with his dinner basket, perhaps, applies himself to a special part of the shoes, never with his own hands completing one entire ; and at the close of the week receives his pay in money. The airy freedom of the old days has ceased, and the operative cannot now feel that he is master of his own time, at liberty to go on a sailing or a woodland frolic whenever he chooses, or get up a high-toned discussion with a fellow workman whenever his ideas on any sub- ject, religion, politics, science, or what not, become so rarefied as to need ventilation. And what has he in re- turn? The discipline of the present sort of compulsory industry is no doubt beneficial to the semi-vagrant class, and those indolently inclined. But others naturally chafe a little under the feeling that they are not quite suffi- ciently respecting their own dignity.
The revolution in the mode of manufacture, brought about by the introduction of machinery, has no more marked feature than the division of time into seasons of intense activity, followed by seasons of almost perfect quietness. Orders can be so rapidly filled, that when few or none are waiting the manufacturer does not work along, accumulating a stock in expectancy. With the
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prudent and considerate operative these times of rest from regular employment are turned to good account ; but to the improvident and irregular they are anything but beneficial.
The shoe business, like all other industrial occupations, is subject to seasons of great prosperity, followed by sea- sons of great depression. But on the whole it is enrich- ing, as the very aspect of Lynn sufficiently shows. The manufacturers here are enterprising, and some have abundant means. All the improvements in machinery and promising plans of operation are quickly adopted ; and while such energetic action continues there seems no reason to fear a recession of the business.
It is not worth while to attempt minute details respect- ing the trade ; but its growth and present condition may be sufficiently seen by a few simple statements. In 1810 there were manufactured here just about 1,000,000 pairs, and they amounted in value to some $800,000. The carnings of the female binders reached $50,000. Twenty years later, that is, in 1830, the number of pairs made was, in round numbers, 1,670,000, Lynnfield having been set off in 1814 and Saugus in 1815. Twenty-five years later, that is, in 1855, we find the number of pairs to have been 9,275,593, Swampscott having been set off in 1852 and Nahant in 1853. From 1865 to the present time there have been made upon an average not less than 10,000,000 of pairs a year, making 110,000,000 for the eleven years. And so many of these are of costly kinds that it is fair to place the average value at $1.20
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a pair. The shoes are disposed of for the New England trade, and largely at the South and West. Not many, as yet, go to foreign countries ; but it is a favorite idea with some that the great World's Exhibition at Phila- delphia, during this Centennial Year, will be the means of opening a way for Lyun products to reach many foreign markets ; indeed, the good effects are already beginning to be manifest. These few facts are sufficient to give an idea of the great Shoe Trade of Lynn.
We have seen something of the readiness with which Lynn did her duty in the old Indian and French wars, and in the Revolution. To the State and National Gov- ernments she has ever been loyal, never omitting to raise her voice and her arm when needed. In 1798, when our troubles with France seemed fast ripening into open hostilities, the citizens, at a legal town meeting, adopted the following spirited address to the President and Congress :
To John Adams, President, the Senate and House of Representa- tives of the United States of America :
At a period which so seriously arrests the attention of every American, and true friend of his country, as the present, the in- habitants of Lynn, in the State of Massachusetts, feeling it to be their duty, and impressed with the just, wise and prudent admin- istration of the Executive and the rulers in general of the Ameri- can republic, ardently embrace an opportunity to announce their determined resolution to support their constitution and govern- ment, with all they hold most sacred and dear. Convinced as we are, that the President has, by fair, unequivocal, and full instruc- tions, which he has given to our envoys, to adjust and amicably
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accommodate all existing difficulties between the United States and the French republic, done all consistent with the honor, dignity, and freedom of his country, to preserve peace and good understanding with that nation. Notwithstanding our envoys are commissioned with full power to settle all animosities with the French agents, upon the broadest basis of equity, they are treated with neglect -refused an audience, lest their reasonings should show to the world the integrity of our government and disclose their iniquity.
Legislators, Guardians ! The most nefarious designs have been plotted to subvert our government, subjugate the country, and lay us under contribution ; but thanks be to the Sovereign of the uni- verse, that we do not experience the fate of Venice, nor groan under the oppression of subdued nations. We are a free people, have a sense of the blessings which we enjoy under that liberty and independence which we have wrested from the hand of one king, and will not supinely submit to any nation.
We wish not again to beliold our fields crimsoned with human blood, and fervently pray God to avert the calamities of war. Nevertheless, should our magistrates, in whom we place entire confidence, find it expedient to take energetic measures to defend our liberties, we will readily co-operate with them in every such measure ; nor do we hesitate, at this interesting crisis, to echo the declaration of our illustrious chief, that " we are not humiliated under a colonial sense of fear ; we are not a divided people." Our arms are strong in defence of our rights, and we are determined to repel our foe.
To this address, President Adams promptly replied as follows :
To the Inhabitants of Lynn, in the State of Massachusetts :
Gentlemen : Your address to the President, Senate and House of Representatives, adopted at a legal town meeting, has been presented to me by your Representative in Congress, Mr. Sewall.
When the inhabitants of one of our towns, assembled in legal form, solemnly declare themselves impressed with the wise, just and prudent administration of their rulers in general ; and that they will support their constitution and government with all they
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hold most sacred and dear, no man who knows them will question their sincerity.
The conviction you avow that the President has done all, con- sistent with the honor, dignity, and freedom of his country, to preserve peace and good understanding with the French, is a grat- ification to me which I receive with esteem.
As the treatment of your envoys is without a possibility of jus- tification, excuse, or apology, I leave it to your just resentment. Your acknowledgement of the blessings you enjoy, under your liberty and independence, and determination never supinely to surrender them, prove you to deserve them.
JOHN ADAMS.
In the famous Shays's Rebellion, which commenced in the central counties of Massachusetts, in 1786, Lynn soon had a body of volunteers on the march, and in January of the next year voted that one pound be advanced to each soldier, in addition to the " wages given by the court." It was likewise voted that the town pay cach man " his wages in specie, that goes for the town, when they know what wages the court allows to each man and will take the wages of the court themselves." And a further vote was passed requiring the selectmen to call on the collectors for funds to furnish the soldiers with camp utensils and provisions. And if they could not get sufficient from the collectors, they were authorized to hire money, giving their notes in behalf of the town.
At the building of the United States Fort in Boston harbor, during the war of 1812, some eighty-five of the patriotic citizens of Lynn volunteered to labor on the works for a day. Early in the morning they left town
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with drum and fife, rode to Winnisimmet ferry, and were thence taken by boats to the fortification, where they la- bored industriously all day. They reached home about nine o'clock in the evening, pretty well exhausted, but gratified by the thanks of the authorities.
The night of the first of June, 1813, was one of great sadness in the town, for on that day, from the hills and housetops, great numbers had witnessed the battle be- tween the Chesapeake and Shannon, and with unfeigned sorrow seen the stars and stripes strike to the red flag of Britain.
In 1832, when the South Carolina Nullification fer- ment so disturbed the country, and seemed fast ripening into a gigantic rebellion, the people of Lynn were for- ward in expressing the most loyal sentiments, though their interests were thereby imperilled; for the people of that state were owing our manufacturers large sums, and some of our most enterprising young men were in business there. When the stern and untemporising proc- lamation of President Jackson arrived in town, the ut- most satisfaction was manifested by every one. It was applauded by all parties. On the evening of Christmas day a meeting of the citizens was held in the Town Hall, composed of Democrats, National Republicans, Anti- masons, and all shades of Independents, at which as patriotic speeches were uttered as ever rang in that finnous forum ; the result being the unanimous adop- tion of the following preamble and resolutions, which,
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it will be observed, have no taint of States' Rights doc- trine :
At a time of unprecedented prosperity in agriculture, commerce and manufactures, in our happy Union, and this Union purchased with a great treasure, and cemented with the blood and tears of our progenitors, and hallowed by our own devout prayers, aspira- tions, and labors, we, the citizens of Lynn, learn with sorrow that our sister State, South Carolina, once so patriotic, has assumed false principles, and, pretending peace, made warlike preparations to dissolve the Union so dear to the people in most portions of the nation. We cannot consent to the proposition, in fact we do not believe, that any State of the twenty-four States now solemnly united, can withdraw her allegiance to the United States, when- ever she may please, or dictate to the Congress of the United States the laws which should be enacted or repealed, any further than the weight of the representatives of such State may prevail in the acts and deliberations of that body.
But since the acts of the State of South Carolina have under- taken to decide the constitutionality of the laws of Congress, and upon the same principle all other laws of the United States, when such decision is wholly confided to, and intrusted in, the Supreme Judicial Court of the Union, by the United States constitution, to which every citizen of the twenty-four United States owes abso- lute and unqualified allegiance, and since sach principles of Nulli- fication and misrule prevail by a majority of the citizens of one State, and are openly approbated, and not reprobated, by some other States, we are alarmed for the safety of the Union, and our own, and in common, for the liberties of the people.
It is with satisfaction that we have read the Proclamation of the President of the United States denouncing the treasonable designs and acts of the Convention and Legislature of the State of South Carolina. The Proclamation is replete with true sentiments upon the construction of the Federal Constitution, of the power and duty of the President, and of the Supreme Judicial Court of the Union ; which sentiments we, in common with our brethren of this State, have been educated, from the cradle to the present time, to cherish and love; and we will never abandon them. Therefore :
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