USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Everett > Everett souvenir. 1870-1893 > Part 12
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Susan Ball Morgan,
wife of Benjamin F. Morgan and daughter of Ezra Ball and Susan (Wilder) Ball, was born at Boylston, Mass., and received her early edu- cation in the schools of her native town. She learned the trade of a compositor, in which occupation she became acquainted with Mr. Morgan whom she subsequently married. Mr. Morgan was for many years disabled from active effort, during which period, Mrs. Morgan did almost the entire work of editing and pub- lishing the Free Press, besides attending to her household duties, affording an example of quiet heroism, which deserves mention. She is a member of the Woman's Relief Corps and of the Golden Cross Commandery, and has alway been ready to help every good cause.
buildings at present, but some progress has been made in removing the most offensive structures on this land, and in the near future it is hoped that the city of Everett may possess a Public Library Building, which may be justly a subject of local pride.
XIX. JOURNALISM.
Among the most importent educators is the press. The local newspaper, well conducted, fills an important sphere
of usefulness. There was no local newspaper in Everett at the time of its incorporation, but soon afterwards, about July 15, 1871, the publisher of the Malden Messenger established an Everett edition of that paper, calling it the " Everett Pioneer," which he continued to publish until about 1875.
The first strictly local paper was The Everett Free Press, the first number of which appeared May 24, 1873, then a small sheet of four pages, each II by 14 inches, with four columes of reading matter, founded by Benj. F. Morgan. A cut of the first page of its first issue will be found elsewhere. On the 10th of April, 1875, it was enlarged to seven columns, and on July 17, 1886, it was further enlarged to cover eight pages. The columns of the Free Press have been valuable not only for local news but also as a permanent record of facts relating to our local history. The Free Press continued to be the only newspaper published in town until October 31, 1885. In 1892, Mr. James W. Leslie purchased a half interest in the Free Press. The present editor is H. G. Hinckley.
On October 31, 1885, the first num- ber of our second local paper, The Everett Herald appeared, published by Benjamin Johnson, proprietor of the Malden City Press and the New Eng- land Grocer. It was edited for three months by Mr. C. G. Newcomb. In January, 1886, Mr. George W. Davies succeeded to the editorial chair, and has since held that position. The Herald is republican in politics and independent in expression, and it is devoted to local interests. Its manage- ment is enterprising, it is neatly printed, and has shown commendable enterprise in gathering news, which has been rewarded by a steady growth in its circulation. In April, 1890, Mr. Geo. W. Davies purchased of Mr. Johnson all his interest in the Herald and became publisher as well as editor.
In addition to the above, the Rev. T. C. Watkins, for a short time during his pastorate, published a small local paper devoted to the interests of the Metho- dist society, called the " Sunbeam," and the Rev. F. T. Pomeroy conducted a similar enterprise called the "Friendly Hand."
The Young Men's Christian Associa- tion also issued a small sheet for several years, called the "Y. M. C. A. Star," established in April, 1886. The first four issues were published at irregular intervals, but from September, 1886 it was issued regularly, once a month until 1890, when it ceased to appear.
The third local newspaper of those now existing is The Everett News, published by H. C. Gray & Son, of Malden, and edited by Geo. W. Cook,
Dadger's Belhling, Broodwar.
J. F. WAKEFIELD. H. D.
.
BENJ FRAKALIN MORGAN
GEO. WADSWORTH. CIVIL ENGINEER & SURVEYOR, OFFICE, BADOKE'S BUILDING, Brond way.
What?" the purecngom duciel with
singularly numeroug in the British Islands: He scratchul lus head and rulled his eyes, In America, Ibey provsul frum tbe great lakes of the North, through the valley of the Me- And pinched atul pulled hla car. euuppi, and the reata of the ecuu-civilization of Mexico, Ceolra] America, and Peru, even to the waters of the ha Plata, ou the South We find them also on the shores of the Pa ofic Ocean, near the mouth of the Columbia River, and the Colorado of California.
CAN A BODY RAT WITH 'EN - An old erly lady who was handling a part of arttinha plates in . dental office, bod admiring the fluency with which the dentist derenbod them, naked bim-
"Can a body cat with these things ?"* " My dear madam, mastication can be per- formed with a facility scarcely excelled by na- ture bergelf," responded the dentist. " Yes, I koow, but can a body ent with them ?**
Gut ite tho houw unpietreived, amil de- pauled the disinfectant in the cellar ; tbcn d' few trell yow thai - confound the blot! This ink is worse 'o thunder ! "! He read, to see how for he'd got, Then slapped again to ponder, amed houlı to the odins There was a good doul of it shoot ogr slotles ; mi mogh en, that ovo of two men who omul as borrowed money, avoided wa altogether. . Fell ewo- I'd like to are few Sunday night, Et yew ber to objekabun !* Ho blusbed, and then he looked around lo every direction. Iuns in the pigen if the alomnach That ware lisagrocably suggestiv, Gut a Bule .lartued. apil concludel to ileslorico the dianfoctant, which we did mtb a glass of bandy. Fell " If jaw luv mr as I luv jew " __ His heart beat quicker, faster. Thon all about a glance he threw - Be when's bain own master. a little letter ourself, but begun to feel alarmed about the effect of that downfocting compound apon the family. Ilurnier home -- found huame about pup, and nobody in. Ternble sell about the house -- neighbors all terri- "Go got the kenwet" a abril voice cried: Es started - treinbled -shitered- Hla motber, in no silvery tunes. Commande to him delivered. fied. Anked one of them where my fainily wie, and he saul they had gone down to the "" Never give up!"" said Jenathao : ** I'll go myself and speak |" With this resolve hn quick jumped op And went the opus to sack. Everalt, May, 1811 bone-boiling district to get out of the smell ! Opened the door, but had to elone It again, The emell was so bad, Want around to tie bark yard nud mow the rats leaving in great precipitation. A neighbor mggested that a candle be lowered dowa the chimney to test tho foul.vess of the wir before the house was ladies walk on tip-too so much at prosent ur, opened. Saloons in the neighborhood doing because they the their hair up to tight on the top of their boads they cannot put their buel
An old lady in the country. full of terulet sympathies, was always in the habil of condol. ing anth those who were bereaved by the death of fricoda. On one occasion, she told " moarDer that bar care was not so affecting as her own, for she bad within a year loet a dear husband-two children, and fire akers
en lock Anival of a policeman, who at http us for Lecjung a naugnen un the jum- madde, oud wo arc paroled quul tu lerse aqu be opened Burnt sommo pitch on the fmal door-step. stul were then quabled in pe4 10 ta thaw up the windows. Whew ! Neighbors raul they preferred the smell pos Thw dinofuelaut is nearly alllehed puw. and the family are buck agulo in thour pauml good hoalth,
6.1
EVERETT SOUVENIR.
Joseph Swan,
Son of Joseph and Rebecca (Bucknam) Swan, was born in Charlestown, at the foot of Bunker Hill, March 17, 1821. His parents came to South Malden while he was yet a child, and he went to school in the house since owned by the Maguire heirs, at the junction of Brad- ford and Bucknam Streets and a lane formerly called "Hog Lane." This school was taught by Miss Emeline Fletcher, daughter of Zadoc Fletcher. One of his schoolmates was Freder- ick Baldwin. Mr. Swan has been a farmer all his life. He is a member of Palestine Lodge. He was connected with the South Malden and Everett Fire department for more than fifty years, and he was all there was of the depart- ment for six years of that time. Mr. Swan's mother is a descendant of William Bucknam, who was one of the earliest settlers on Mystic- Side, now Everett, if not the very earliest. Among his ancestors on his mother's side have been several who have held prominent offices * in the town and state, Joses Bucknam, one of them, having been Selectman and also repre- sentative to the General Court for a large number of terms. Mr. Swan married, October 3, 1863, Rosanna Stewart, and until about fif- teen years ago lived in the original Bucknam house, some portions of which were built as early as 1660 or perhaps earlier.
The first issue appeared September 10, 1892. It is the only local paper which is sold for three cents. It is a well edited newspaper and has been very success- ful as a collector of news.
The fourth and youngest newspaper in Everett is The Everett Citizen, the first issue of which appeared October 15, 1892. It was founded by Edgar L. Turner. It has been edited from the first by Harold I. Smith, who soon after
its establishment became also its proprietor. It is in- dependent in local affairs and is an outspoken and aggressive advocate of local improvement and progress. All our local newspapers are nominally issued on Saturday, but all, except the Citizen, actu- ally appear on Friday. No one has yet been found bold enough to establish a daily.
XX.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
For four years before the incorporation of Ev- erett and for the first two years afterwards there was no fire company in this section, Joseph Swan be- ing the only representa- tive of the Malden fire department here during the last years of our con- nection with the parent town. In 1872 a hose company of 29 men, who were also to work the engine when necessary, was organized, which varied little in point of numbers from this time until 1878.
The members of this first Everett fire company were as follows : -
Columbus Corey. James E. Manser.
Alexander Green. Charles T. Bean.
Robert McClaren. Thomas Faber, Jr.
John N. Folsom. T. C. Edmester, Jr. H. O. Kimball. Samuel M. Emerton. George W. Faber. Lewis P. True.
George W. Paine.
William C. Kimball.
Thomas Dorsey.
William H. Faber.
Daniel B. Fessenden.
Charles H. Dean. Elijah B. Edmester. George W. Peirce. J. G. Cowan. W. H. Peirce. T. S. Spear. Charles Manser. Edward M. Faber. Fred W. Emerton.
Seth S. Colby. J. E. Nichols. George Goff.
In 1875 a hook and ladder truck was added to the equipments of the fire department. A house was built for it and a hook and ladder company of fifteen men formed. With these excep-
Caleb Richardson,
Was born in Stoneham, in August, 1830. His parents died when he was a mere child, and he was brought up by other relatives. He had but small opportunities for attending school, but made the most of those he had. He was essentially a self-made man. After spending his earlier years on a farm he went to Califor- nia in 1849, where he suffered from hardships and disease which lingered in his system as long as he lived. In 185t he returned, work- ing his passage to Panama and walking across the isthmas, arriving in Boston much reduced in health and not much enriched in purse. About 1855, he married Miss Mary B. Pearson, a native of Wilmington. For some years he made shoes, working with his own hands and being assisted by his wife. Later he went into the butchering business on a small scale, doing personally everything connected with it. The crisis of 1857 involved him in difficulties, but by 1861 he was again on his feet and it is said never afterwards gave his note. He lived successively in Charlestown, Somerville, and Chelsea, until 1869, when he settled in Everett, having amassed a substantial fortune. He carried on the butchering business, in Everett, on Sum- mer Street, corner of Oliver, from 1870 to 1877. In 1878 he went into business in Clinton Market in which he continued the remainder of his life. He and his wife perished in the wreck of the City of Columbus, on Friday, Jan- uary 18, 1884, an event which sent a gloom over the entire community. Mr. Richardson was a man of large understanding and sound judgment. Cautious in making engagements, he was punctual and exact in fulfilling them and expected the same in others. Though eminently qualified for public office he was seldom a can- didate. But as a citizen he made his influence felt in favor of sound principles of administra- tion. In 1875-76 he served as one of the Board of Road Commissioners, being a most valuable member. Though often solicited to be a candidate afterwards, he uniformly refused to run for any office. He did, however, consent to serve as one of a committee on the purchase of a steam fire engine, in which he encountered and overcame strong opposition. To him more than to any other man is due the accomplishment of this important result at that time, and also the subsequent reorganization of the Fire Department on modern principles. He left three children, Charles W. Richardson, a member of the Board of Fire Engineers and of the Water Board; Mabel A. Frederick, of Stoneham, and William P. Richardson.
65
EVERETT SOUVENIR.
The Maguire House,
At the junction of Bradford and Bucknam Streets; more than one hundred years old, formerly owned by Zadoc Fletcher. In this house his daughter,
Emeline Fletcher, taught school.
tions the condition of the department remained for the first eight years of our existence as a town, nearly in the same condition as in 1847. The burn-
Austin W. White,
The son of Welcome and Phebe (Ames) White, was born in North Bridgewater, (now Brockton) January 26, 1857. He was educated in the public schools of his native town, graduating from the High School in 1873. In early life he was identified with the shoe trade, learning it from his father, who was one of the first boot and shoe manufacturers of North Bridge-
water. In 1878 he and his father became interested in the roofing business. They came to Everett in 1880, and established a factory on Carter Street in 1884, for the manufacture of all supplies connected with the business.
Since the death of his father, in 1890, he has carried on the business under the old firm name of W. White & Co. The products of the factory on Carter Street have been introduced into more than 200 towns and cities of the U. S., from Canada to Texas, from Portland to Denver, in amounts varying from 5,000 square feet to an acre. Mr. White is a member of Palestine Lodge, F. and A. M .; of Everett Lodge, I. O. O. F .; and of Assawomsett Tribe, I. O. R. M. He has been connected with the Everett Fire Department for seven years and is now clerk of Steamer Company No. I. In 1889 he married Annie E., daughter of Benjamin F. and Esther J. (Littlefield) Folsom, of Springvale, Me. They reside at 37 Main Street.
ing of Capt. Charles T. Oakes's house, on the morning of January 29, 1878, emphasizing the defective nature of the existing apparatus, gave a marked stimulus to the adoption of improved appliances.
In the following spring a committee consisting of Caleb Richardson, Capt. Charles T. Oakes, Clark Thompson, George F. Foster, and John E. Oliver were appointed to consider the subject, a majority of whom, at a town meeting held May 9, 1878, reported in favor of purchasing a steam fire engine, with careful estimates of the cost. After an animated contest in town meeting, an appropriation of $3,400 was made for the purchase of a steam fire engine and equipments, with which the steamer "Joseph Swan " was purchased. The fire department was shortly after re- organized and reduced in numbers but increased in efficiency. The new engine company consisted of thirteen men and the hook and ladder company of eight men. The Gen. Taylor was sold, after 31 years service, for $275. For these improvements, Everett is largely in- debted to Caleb Richardson and Capt. Charles T. Oakes.
Another important improvement was the establishment, in 1885, of an electric fire alarm, for which an appropriation was made, March 19, 1885. The num- ber of boxes which at first was twelve is now twenty-six. On the completion of the Broadway School House in 1889, the question arose as to the disposition of the old Centre School House. One plan was to remodel it for a public library, reading room and town offices ; another was to transform it into an engine house. The latter plan prevailed. At a town meeting, held November 12, 1889, a committee, consisting of C. S. Hapgood, N. H. Dill, James E. Larkin, Solomon Shute and Charles W. Richard- son were appointed to consider the sub-
ject ; four of whom, by their chairman, N. H. Dill, reported November 21, 1889, adversely. Mr. Richardson made a minority report, which was substituted for that of the majority, recommending that the town remodel the old School House for the use of the Fire Depart- ment, and authorize the treasurer to bor- row $4,500 for this purpose. A building committee, consisting of W. A. Card, D. B. Fessenden, C. W. Richardson, John H. Moore, and E. A. Loring were appointed to carry out this vote. The remodeling was completed in the follow- ing year, the building being enlarged and fitted with the latest appliances for efficient action, at a cost of $6,902.71. In this building the Fire Department enjoys accommodations far superior to any previously provided for it.
The opening of the remodeled build- ing as an engine house was cele- brated by a collation, on November 1, 1890, at which Columbus Corey gave a history of the Fire Department, and congratulatory addresses were made by
Boardman L. Dennett,
The son of Richard and Nancy (Cate) Dennett, was born in Portsmouth, N. H., January 27, 1844. He was educated at Portsmouth, N. H. and Lexington, Mass. At the age of 17 he enlisted, May 2, 1861, in the Eleventh Massa- chusetts Volunteer, Company F., and partici- pated in the following battles : Bull Run, York- town, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Savage Station, Malvern Hill, (twice,) Glendale, Bristol Station, Second Bull Run, Chantilly, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Wapping Heights, Kelly's Ford, Locust Grove, Mine Run, Wilderness, Spotsyl- vania, Crossing of the North Anna and Cold Harbor. He re-enlisted in the Frontier Cavalry, Company D., and served nine months. After leaving the army he was engaged in the grocery business at Charlestown until 1873, when he came to Everett and opened a grocery store under the firm name of Folsom & Dennett. In 1874 he joined the fire department. In 1878 he was appointed engineer and driver of Joseph Swan, S. F. E., which position he still continues to hold. Mr. Dennett is a member of the I. O. O. F .; of James A. Perkins Post 156, G. A. R .; of the I. O. R. M. and A. O. U. W. In 1867 he married Clara J., daughter of J. A. and Sarah C. (Grover) Folsom, of Boston. He resides at 13 Second Street.
66
EVERETT SOUVENIR.
prominent citizens. In 1891, the neces- sity of greater protection against fire became evident. the little steamer, " Joseph Swan," not being large enough to meet the increased dangers from conflagration, resulting from the large number of wooden buildings, then in- creased to 2,520. At a town meeting, held May 13, 1891, an appropriation of $4,000 was made for the purchase of a larger engine, and the fire engineers, Columbus Corey, Warren A. Card, and Charles W. Richardson, with Thomas Leavitt and E. A. Loring were appointed a committee to purchase the same. A second-class engine, built by the Man- chester Locomotive Works, one of the most thoroughly equipped engines ever sent from their works, was purchased for $3,750. (See frontispiece.)
In 1892 an additional hook and lad- der truck and equipments were pur- chased for $1,441.49. The present equipment of the fire department is as follows : ----
One steam fire engine, capacity, 700 gallons per minute; one steam fire engine, capacity, 300 gallons per min- ute ; a hook and ladder truck; a hose wagon and jumper; five horses; about 3,200 feet of hose, 1,000 feet 2-inch and 2,200 feet 2 1/2-inch.
The personnel of the fire depart- ment when Everett ceased to be a town, January 4th, 1893, was as follows : -
Columbus Corey, Warren A. Card, Charles W. Richardson, Engineers.
Steam Fire Engine Co .: Gustavus A. Judd, Foreman; A. W. White, Clerk; B. L. Dennett, Engineer and Driver of New Steamer; W. Stevens, Fireman of New Steamer; H. C. Lord, W. S. Vea- zie, J. S. Tuck, J. T. Swan, C. F. Kittredge, W. E. Barnard, E. B. Wil- son, S. L. Soulis, R. E. Swan, Call
Residence of Charles [F. Washburn, Broadway.
Men; W. M. Craig, Driver of Hose Wagon.
Hook and Ladder Co .: Stewart Mc- Ray, Foreman; F. B. Wood, Clerk ; F. A. Sutherland, Driver; T. P. Tol- man, A. F. Watts, J. A. Loring, B. C. Kinnear, E. H. Gill, J. N. Folsom, Call Men.
The names of the successive Engin- eers of the Fire Department since Everett was incorporated have been as follows : -
Joseph Swan, 1870 to 1890, both inclusive, 21 years. He had served in the Malden Fire Department many years. John Stimson, 1870; G. C. McNeil, 1871-72; Thomas S. Corey, 1872-78 ; Samuel H. Grover, 1872-82 ;
Residence of the late George R. Hoffman, Oakes Street.
Charles T. Bean, 1878-80, 1884 and 1885 ; Samuel M. Emerton, 1880-81 ; Columbus Corey, 1881-93 ; James E. Manser, 1882-83; Warren A. Card, 1886-93 ; Charles W. Richardson, 1891- 93-
On January 18, 1889, Joseph Swan completed fifty years of service, and his fellow-citizens, to the number of about 100, with many from neighboring towns, recognizing his long and valua- ble service, celebrated the event by a complimentary banquet in Everett Hall, which was an occasion of great inter- est. Early in 1891, Mr. Swan ten- dered his resignation, thus severing his connection with the Fire Department after a continuous service of fifty-two years in Charlestown, Malden and Everett.
Everett has happily escaped any serious conflagrations. The only fires which involved losses of any consider- able amount were the following: -
Residence of Capt. Charles T. Oakes, on Broadway (since rebuilt and occupied by W. R. Evans), January 29, 1878 ; fac- tory of S. H. Kimball, off Winter St., January 29, 1879; factory of the Union Stone Co., Second St., August 27, 1881, involving a loss of $86,000; one building of the Chemical Works, June 24, 1882, loss $25,000; C. F. Snelling's house, January 7, 1884 ; R. H. Jenkins' house, May 1, 1885, loss $5,500 ; F. W. Dana's house, June 29, 1885 ; Henderson Brothers' Mill, March 2, 1891, loss $5,500; the West End Car House, on Ferry Street, Decem- ber 21, 1892, loss $72,352.12 and four lives. The fire losses by the dif- ferent manufactories for the ten years ending June 30, 1885 were $146,750.
.
67
EVERETT SOUVENIR.
Northeasterly View of Everett Square, looking up Broadway.
68
Lewis P. True,
The son of Moses and Martha (Pierce) True, was born in New Gloucester, Me., May 1, 1824. He received his education in the common schools of that town. He worked at home until he was 21 years of age, when he came to South Malden, where he was employed for two years on the farm of Mr. Perkins and of Mr. . Pierce. He then engaged in the milk business, which he carried on for ten years, and then in the provision business on Salem Street, Boston, for one year. He conducted the Merchants Restaurant Hotel, in Boston for some twelve to fifteen years, and retired from active business in 1870, since which time he has looked after his property interests. He served the town as selectman during the years 1872-74 and 1886-7 and as Road Commissioner, 1875-7 and 1890-93. He has also held positions on various commit- tees. He was a candidate for the Board of County Commissioners in 1887. He married Adaline, daughter of William and Sarah (Floyd) Pierce, of South Malden, September 6, 1849. They reside at 23 Belmont Street.
The total fire losses during the past six year have been as follows : -
Losses.
Insurance
Paid.
Number of Alarms.
1887
$3,100
$2,900
II
1888
5,603
4,453
14
1889
9,428
8,488
20
1890
5,473
1,386
21
1891
10,57 I
5,246
25
1892
88,049
73,157
29
The first Board of Fire Engineers under the new city government are Charles W. Richardson, Warren A. Card and Joseph T. Swan.
XXI.
WATER SUPPLY AND DRAINAGE.
Although the introduction of water by the town of Malden was one of the prominent grievances urged as a ground of separation, Everett had not been incorporated more than a year before the necessity of a water supply became apparent, and on the 29th of March, 1871, a committee of five were chosen, consisting of Otis Merriam, Anthony Waterman. Lewis P. True, W. H. Lounsbury, and George S. Marshall, to
EVERETT SOUVENIR.
see what arrangements could be made for a supply of pure water from the city of Charlestown, and also to meet a committee of the legislature for the purpose of securing the necessary legal authority.
On June 29, 1871, the act of the legislature of April 19, 1871, authoriz- ing the introduction of water, was accepted, and a committee of five, con- sisting of Alonzo H. Evans, W. H. Lounsbury, Otis Merriam, Anthony Waterman, and Lewis P. True, were appointed to procure estimates from different sources, and to report on the best plan. On the 5th of September this committee reported, their report was accepted, and the town voted by a large majority to introduce water, and to authorize the Treasurer to issue bonds of the town, to an amount not exceeding $50,000, for a term of twenty years, with interest at the rate of six per cent per annum, to defray the expense of the introduction of water. It was estimated that this sum would be sufficient to lay 914 miles of pipe. Otis Merriam, H. W. Van Voorhis, Alonzo H. Evans, W. H. Lounsbury, and Charles Woodberry were chosen Water Commissioners, with full power for making all contracts and laying all pipes. The commissioners entered into a contract with the city of Charlestown, October 5, 1871, by virtue of which the city of Charlestown was to furnish water, the town of Everett to lay and maintain the necessary pipes and struc- tures for the distribution of water, the city of Charlestown receiving 85 per cent. of the water rates, Everett receiv- ing only 15 per cent.
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