USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Everett > Everett souvenir. 1870-1893 > Part 5
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Rev. Eddy T. Pitts was called to the pastorate July 30, 1889, and, having accepted the call, commenced his labors on Sunday, Sept. 1, 1889, and still continues in this position. The mem- bership of the church in December, 1892, was 310, as compared with 145 in 1879. The number in the Sunday School was 500, as compared with 230 in 1879. The number of volumes in the Sunday School library was 450. The receipts of the Society during the year in 1891-1892 were $3513.66; the expenditures $3513.57; the benevolent offerings $9c7.46.
From IS52 to 1891 there had existed, in connection with the Congregational Church, a religious society which owned the church property and attended to its secular concerns. This body adjourned without day, April 21, 1891, after conveying the property held by it to the First Congregational Church of Everett, that corporation having been organized on March 4, 1891, under chapter 404 of the acts of ISS7, from the Everett Congregational Church.
During the past year the church has remodelled and enlarged its house of worship, increas- ing its seating capacity to about 600. The expense thus incurred was about $15,000, - $11,500 for the building and $3,500 for refurnishing. The contractors were Mead, Mason & Co .. and the interior was frescoed in a very tasteful manner by Everett B. Wilson, a graduate of the Everett Center Grammar School. The church was rededicated on Sunday, Dec. 25. IS92, just forty years and seventeen days from the first dedication. The sermon on this occasion was preached by Rev. Elijah Horr, D.D.
XI.
THE PROGRESS OF LOCAL IMPROVE- MENT.
The account of the Congregational Church has carried us far beyond the period under notice at the time of its institution. Returning now to the period prior to the abolition of the dis- trict system, a few facts require men- tion. Sometime after the establish- ment of the fire department in Malden, an engine was procured and an engine house built in South Malden in 1847. The first fire engine was a common hand engine named " General Taylor," in honor of the hero of the Mexican war, then freshly wearing the laurels of victory. This continued in use as the only engine in South Malden and Ev- erett until 1878. The engine house erected in 1847 was partially destroyed by fire in 1860, when it was sold and removed to the lot next southwest of Whittier's store, where it still stands remodelled into a dwelling-house. The next engine house, now the police sta- tion, was erected in 1860, and the en- gine house lot was at the same time enlarged.
--
Engine House, in 1860.
Woodlawn Cemetery, occupying about one hundred acres in the east part of Everett, besides seventy-six acres more, known as the "Corbett farm," purchased by the corporation in 1868, was organized August 31, 1850. The grounds were consecrated July 2, 1851; the corporation con- firmed and established April, 1855. The first interment was made on the evening of July 1, next preceding the consecration. The order of exercises at the consecration consisted of music, reading of the Scriptures by Rev. I. P. Langworthy, prayer by Rev. Wm. I.
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EVERETT SOUVENIR.
JENS
ROSS -
Elm Street,
Looking toward Ferry Street, from near the Corbett Farm. These elms were set out by Andrew I). Nichols and others, about seventy years ago.
Buddington, original hymn by Rev. J. HI. Clinch, of Boston, address by Rev. Geo. E. Ellis, of Charlestown, hymn by Henry W. Fuller, Esq., prayer and benediction by Levi Fuller.
Mr. Henry W. Fuller was connected with the cemetery from its origin to his death, August 14, 1889; and to make it what it is may be said to have been his life work. The cemetery will remain his most enduring monument.
Woodlawn is one of the most taste- fully adorned cemeteries in the suburbs of Boston, and does lasting honor to the elegant taste of Mr. Fuller. It em- braces an area of about one hundred acres between Elm and Fuller streets. The corporation has made repeated attempts to procure from the town leave to bury in the Corbett farm, but heretofore without success.
The number of interments in Wood- lawn cemetery to June 1, 1856, was 948, to January 1, 1879, 11,459, to April 25. 1890, 19, 187, and to Dec. 31. 1892, 21.515.
A new road to Chelsea, now known as Second Street, was laid out by the County Commissioners in 1852, and was built in 1854 at a cost of $5279.89.
A postoffice was established in South Malden, and Solomon Corey was ap- pointed the first postmaster, Jan. 17. 1852. The first postoffice was es- tablished, and was for several years kept, in the store of Uriah Oakes, at the corner of Chelsea Street and Broad- way. now occupied as a fruit store. In 1857 James II. Dix succeeded Mr.
Corey, and removed the postoffice to the store now occupied by Whittier Brothers. Mr. Dix continued to be postmaster during 1857 and a part of IS58, and was in 1858 succeeded by George W. Chase, who served until June 10, 1859, when David N. Badger was appointed, and continued in the office until about Jan. 1, 1865, when he was succeeded by Joseph Gerrish, who was postmaster from 1865 to 1869. David N. Badger was then reappointed, and served until Nov. 7, 1871, when George E. Kimball was appointed as the first postmaster of Everett proper, in which position he remained until July 25, 1872.
Before the erection of the Masonic Building Mr. Badger had kept the postoffice in his building on Broadway (the old engine house reconstructed), next southwest of Whittier's store.
this period was greatly extended and improved. Everett was made a money order office in 1879 ; shortly afterwards, in the same year, an additional daily mail was established, making three daily ; a telephone was connected with the office in ISSo; a Sunday mail was established early in 1881 ; a telegraph office was opened Nov. 6, 1882: in ISS4 it became an international money order office. On the 6th of April, 1886, Columbus Corey, son of the first postmaster, succeeded Dr. Everett. The office up to this time had been kept in Dr. Everett's drug store ; but on the appointment of Mr. Corey, a new office, with suitable appointments, was fitted up also in the Masonic Build- ing, separate from any other place of business, a change which had become imperative, owing to the growth of the business.
- KILBURN & CROSS
.
"Oakes Corner."
In former years the store on the corner, which remains practically the same at present, was known as the Union Store, Division No. 2, kept by Uriah Oakes; and the first postoffice in South Malden was in this store.
The postoffice was removed to the Masonic Building in the fall of 1871. Shortly after Mr. Kimball's appoint- ment several improvements were intro- duced. Two daily mails were estab- lished, instead of one as had formerly been the case, and letter boxes were provided. Mr. Kimball having re- moved to Chelsea, Dr. James B. Ever- ett was appointed postmaster July 25, 1872, having been the acting postmaster for several months prior to that date.
He continued in service until April 6, 1886. In 1876 Mr. Kimball again returned to Everett, and as assistant postmaster was connected with the of- fice during the remainder of Dr. Ever- ett's term. The postal service during
In the forty-one years which have elapsed since the establishment of the postoffice the business has shown a wonderful increase. This is indi- cated by the increase in the compensa- tion of the postmaster from $53.90 in 1853 to 141.66 in 1863; $430 in I873; and $1200 in ISS2, when it became a presidential office. The business of the postoffice for the year ending March 31, IS90, amounted to $5602.82, and the compensation of the postmaster to $1700. On the first day of June, 1890, Mr. Corey was succeeded by Mr. Charles Manser, who had been desig- nated as the choice of the majority of the Republicans by a caucus held in Everett Hall, April 21, 1890. On July
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1, 18go, another daily mail was estab- lished, making four every week-day. A free postal delivery was established which went into operation Nov. 1, 1890, the houses having been numbered pursuant to a by-law of the town adopted Dec. 2, 1889. Through the kindness of post-masters Corey and Manser the following interesting facts relating to the growth of the busi- ness during their terms of service have been furnished : -
the administration of Mr. Manser, whose previous connection with the Boston postoffice had given him a val- uable training for the position, our postal facilities have been greatly im- proved. On July 1, 1890, an extra allowance was granted by the depart- ment for rent and light, and the office was enlarged and improved. On the same date two extra Boston mails were established ; on September i following, two Eastern mails; Jan. 1, 1891, a
vice was first established, Nov. 1, 1890, four carriers were employed. This was increased to five Dec. 1, 1890, and to six on July 1, 1891, at which last date the office was raised to the second class. Three substitute carriers are also employed. On July 1, 1891, two stamp agents were allowed, and on Sept. 1, 1892, the number was in- creased to four. The number of pieces registered in the three quarters ending Dec. 31 was 1231, or at the rate of
.475
KILBURN & CROSS - BOSTON -
Chelsea Street, looking South-east from Everett Square.
Post Office.
Fitzgerald Building.
Entrance to Masonic Hall.
Winchester's Store.
Y. M. C. A. Building.
Years ending March 31.
Money Orders issued. Domestic. Foreign.
Postal Notes
Total Receipts.
issued.
1887 . .
492
129
482
$3,450 00
1888 .
619
191
497
4,500 86
1889 .
778
3.54
582
5,034 15
1890 .
951
321
517
5,602 82
I891 .
1060
419
718
11,405 69
1892 .
1406
501
900
13,013 98
1892 *
. 1423
537
744
11,582 50
* 3 qrs, ending Dec. 31.
The number of letters and parcels registered was 1362 in the year ending March 31, 1892, as compared with 1254 for the preceding year. Under
New York city mail ; May 1, 1891, the free delivery system which up to that time had covered only about three quarters of the town, was extended over its whole territory ; July 1, 1891, an additional Boston mail ; April 1, IS92, two New York city and Western mails; May 1, 1892, another Boston mail.
The office now despatches six mails and receives seven on every week-day. On Sundays it despatches one mail and receives one. When the carrier ser-
"Oakes Corner."
1641 per annum. The time is ap- proaching if it has not already arrived, when Everett should make an effort to have the government provide a post- office building of its own and measures should be taken at an early day to bring about this much desired result.
A large part of South Malden or Mystic Side was originally laid out in small lots of five and ten acres each. The greatest admirer of the system of peasant proprietors could ask for noth- ing better; but in the course of two
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EVERETT SOUVENIR.
centuries these holdings, too small to afford the owners a livelihood, had one by one been absorbed by large landed proprietors, until nearly the whole area of South Malden was divided among a small number of large farms, several of them exceeding ico acres each.
About the year 18.45 these large tracts began to be cut up and subdivided and laid out into house lots; and during the twelve years from 1845 to 1857, no less than twenty-five large and impor- tant tracts of land were thus surveyed and placed upon the market in lots de- sirable for building purposes. Among
tracts to settlement had no small influ- ence in promoting the subsequent in- crease in population and wealth.
The period just then beginning was marked by a great improvement in travelling facilities. The Eastern Rail- road and the Saugus Branch were both opened through South Malden in 1854, and communication by street railway with Boston was opened in 1858. One line of cars ran via Main Street to Mal- den. operated by the Malden & Melrose Railroad Co., afterwards leased to the Middlesex Railroad Co., incorporated June 6, 1856; and another line passed
During the preceding half century the tolls on Malden Bridge had been materially reduced, but the tolls lev- ied upon travellers upon that and the Warren and Charles River bridges still constituted a serious incumbrance upon public travel. The two latter bridges were made free April 30, 1858. One of the most important events as regards the growth of South Malden was the abolition of tolls on Malden Bridge, which was laid out as a public highway, free from tolls, April 1, 1859. The significance of this event was not mis- understood by the inhabitants of South
IBF
Everett Square, in 1875.
Showing Horse Car Route through School Street. (From a photograph in the collection of the late George F. Wallis.)
these we may mention the Daniel Waters estate in 1845, a tract belonging to the Winnisimmet Company and others in 1846, the former farm of Jonathan Oakes on Belmont Hill, and the farm of Timothy Clapp in 1850, the Bel- mont lands, and the estate of Jona- than Oakes' heirs on School Street, in IS52, the Lynde farm in 1854. Mount Washington, and the Samuel Pierce farm, on both sides of Bradford Street, in 1856. The opening of these large
through School Street and Broadway and Summer Street to Woodlawn and Cliftondale, operated by the Cliftondale Railroad Co., incorporated April 1. 1859. In the course of a few years later they made half-hourly trips during the day, and hourly trips until late in the evening, and the fare to Malden was ten cents. The last-named route was abandoned many years ago, the former adopting a new route through Chelsea and School Streets.
Malden, and the day was observed with great rejoicings. The town bells were rung, and a detachment of the Charles- town Artillery fired a national salute at morning, noon, and evening. A pro cession, headed by Captain Stephen Stimpson as chief marshal, followed by a cavalcade of prominent citizens on horseback, among them Hon. Alonzo H. Evans, R. M. Barnard, and Deacon Calvin Hosmer, escorting the selectmen I of the town in a barouche drawn by
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The Old Toll House. (Still standing in rear of Freeman's Inn.)
four white horses, with the Malden Brass Band, the General Taylor Engine" Company, and the children of the pub- lic schools in several vehicles, and others, proceeded across the bridge with flags flying, as far as Charlestown Square, and back again to South Malden, where they partook of a bountiful collation, and listened to patriotic addresses in the afternoon. Malden and later Ever- ett had to bear a large proportion of the expense of keeping this bridge in repair until 1874 when the whole expense was imposed upon the city of Boston.
A great impetus was given to the growth of the population, which rose from 1169 in 1850, to 1547 in 1860, and 1986 in 1867. The assessors' val- uation, not including the states of non- residents, increased from $779,125 in 1854, to $910,675 in 1860, and to $1, 104,493 in 1867. The number of miles of accepted streets in 1859 was II, increased in 1869 to 14.
SOUTHI MALDEN IN THIE WAR OF THE REBELLION.
At the outbreak of the war, thirty- seven of the citizens of South Malden responded to their country's call; but Everett not being a separate munici- pality, and there being no Grand Army Post here until 1883, the record of their names and deeds was never brought together, and is even now imperfect, though the most important facts, so far as known, are given below.
In the spring of 1883 a few of the veterans conceived the idea of organiz- ing a post. On canvassing the town, it was found that fifty or sixty old soldiers were at that time residents of Everett. The post was formally instituted on Thursday evening, June 14, 1883, in Everett Hall, with a membership of
twenty-four, by Deputy Commander Geo. S. Evans and staff.
The name of James A. Perkins Post was adopted in honor of Lieut. James Amory Perkins of the 24th Massachu- setts Volunteers, a gallant and efficient officer, who was killed in an assault upon Fort Wagner on Morris' Island, Aug. 16, 1863, at the early age of twenty-seven years.
The Post prospered and increased from the outset, meeting first in Odd Fellows' Hall, until the spring of 1884, when it leased what was lately known as Grand Army Hall on Chelsea Street, adjoining the Masonic Building.
About this time a relief fund was established for the relief of old soldiers and sailors and their families, whether members of the organization or not ; and it now amounts to a considerable sum. In the spring of ISS9, the Post leased its present quarters on the third floor of Plaisted's Block. The mem- bership in Dec. 1892, was 87. It annu- ally observes Memorial Day with appropriate ceremonies ; and from an eloquent address, by the Adjutant of the Post, Comrade Andrew J. Bennett,
"The Volunteer." Fellow Citizen, Elisha A. Loring.
delivered on Sunday afternoon, May 29, 1887, a few extracts are given, with some additions giving such par- ticulars as can be obtained in reference to the men of South Malden, who of- fered themselves on the altar of their country during the Civil War :
ROLL OF HONOR OF SOUTH MAL- DEN, 1861-1865. - These are the names of patriots who have passed over to the majority :
Robert Atkins, 3d Iowa, who left a peaceful home, never in the flesh to return.
James M. Baldwin, Ist Mass. Cavalry.
Harry H. Currier, 44th Mass.
Ilugh L. Currier, 44th Mass. Well I knew these in the okl days, in the de- cade before the struggle; in the sun- shine of youth, before we dreamed that any occasion would present itself in their lives to make them heroes.
Captain Edward E. Clapp,
Son of Sanuel H. and Susan Clapp, was born at South Malden, January 14, 1837, was educated in the common schools of the place, and com- menced business as a clerk in a large paper store in Boston, where he remained about three years. He then went to Pittsburg, Pa., where he was at the time of his enlistment. He raised a company in the 155th Pennsylvania Infantry, of which he was at first lieutenant. He was promoted, Sep- tember 24, 1863, to the rank of captain. He was in the battles of Gettysburg, Fredericksburg, where he was wounded, and the Wilderness. He was killed on Sunday, May 8, 1864, at Spot- sylvania Court House while leading his company. Though trained as a civilian, he is said to have made rapid progress in his acquaintance with military matters. He was, while at Pittsburg, connected with the Third Presbyterian Church, of which he was an active member.
Edward E. Clapp, Penn. Infty, who fell at Spottsylvania in 1864; one whose life, yielded up at the demand of country, had given the promise of large usefulness. "He had that fine fibre of manhood which is better than genius." Rest, beloved son and affec- tionate brother ; soldier of the Repub- lic, faithful unto death, rest !
" Green be the turf above you, friend of our better days, None knew you but to love you, none named you but to praise."
Charles Dean, Senior, died at Sol- diers' Home, Chelsea, May 27, 1887, morocco dresser.
Hervey Dix, 3d Iowa, who fell Aug. 19, 1861, in a victorious engagement at Kirksville, Mo., whose last words were, " The 3d Iowa never surrenders." The lyric muse has chanted his dirge in a requiem dedicated to his regiment. His familiar form, I doubt not, is present to the mind's eye of those who knew him.
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Stephen Emerson, theological student, graduate of Harvard College, Ist Mass. Infantry, killed at Chancellorsville, May 5, 1863. Had this youth return- ed, he might perhaps have been our Laureate. At the call to arms he doffed his college gown, girt on his armor, went to the front, and died like a hero. ". Greater love hath no man than this. that a man lay down his life for his friends."
Joseph P. Emmons, brickmaker, about twenty-two years old; a former Malden school boy; died at Ander- sonville ; Company I., D.C. Cavalry, and afterwards Company G, Ist Maine Cavalry.
William H. Faber, ropemaker ; 19th Mass. ; an old Malden school boy.
Some of you will remember when the flag was at half-mast in this village in 1864, his death having been reported. He recovered, returned, and died at home.
Ephraim Hall, 19th Mass. ; one of the cleverest men of one of the clever- est regiments sent out by the old Bay State.
Jesse Lincoln, 35th Mass. ; a smooth- faced boy. His comrade relates that. one morning when his company was moving out to the front, and Jesse, weak and debilitated, had been ordered by the surgeon to remain in camp, he persisted in following. "Bob looks so lonesome going off without me," said the boy.
Edwin Lord, Ist Mass. Cavalry ; a brave man.
Joseph Spooner, Ist. Mass. ; type of stalwart New England stock, grand soldier of the glorious Ist Mass., whom Ilooker led and Cudworth loved, who was in all the campaigns from the bap- tismal battle of Blackburn's Ford, in July, 1861. till one day in 1864, when the survivors stood before our war governor, who characterized them as ". war-worn and scar-worn veterans."
John Spooner, 45th Mass. ; younger brother of the preceding. Somewhere along the broken line where the waters of the Gulf beat against the coast of the Lone Star State, he found a grave.
Augustus S. Stimpson, Ist Mass. Cavalry. He was a fireman, as was his comrade, Lord. The circumstances of this man's life, before he became a soldier, from week to week and month to month, made him familiar with dan- ger.
Wm. Whittemore, 44th Mass. We could not think of him as dead. It seemed as though at any time we might see him approaching us with the smile of greeting in his eyes.
The following is the list of names of living comrades who enlisted from South Malden : -
Captain Samuel Richardson Knox,
Son of Robert and Ann (Richardson) Knox, was born in Charlestown, Mass., August 28, 1811. His earliest American ancestor was Adam Knox, who was born in the North of Ireland in 1719; he came to this country at an early age and settled in Boston in 1737. His son Thomas, grandfather of Samuel, was born in Boston in 1742, was a pilot, living in Boston at the beginning of the American Revolution, and it was a tradition of the family, undoubtedly true, that at the battle of Bunker Hill he was requested by the Comman- der of the British Naval forces to take a man-of- war up the Mystic River, in the rear of Charles- town, to cut off the retreat of our soldiers, but true patriot as he was, he absolutely declined to make the attempt. Robert, son of Thomas, and father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Boston, November 1, 1770, also a sailor, entered the Naval service in 1812 as sailing master, and during the war with Great Britain was in com- mand of Gun Boat No. SI, performing coast guard duty ; he was afterwards attached to the Charlestown Navy Yard until compelled by advancing age to retire. He, with his family, resided in South Malden at different periods in his life. His son Samuel early developed the inherent love of the sea, which was already seen in two of his elder brothers, Joseph B., who was engaged in trading voyages to the North-west Coast and Sandwich Islands, and Robert Jr., who was in the general merchant service, visiting many foreign ports, and at an early age he made one or more voyages in vessels commanded by the latter.
He entered the United States Navy as mid- shipman in 1828, his first service being on board the famous Frigate "Constitution," and after- wards on board the Guerriere and Dolphin, on the Pacific Station, returning home in 1833, and in November of that year he sailed in the ship Europa, from Boston, for the North-west coast. Returning home in 1836 he was promoted to past-midshipman in 1837, and placed in com- mand of the schooner " Hadassah "; was employed with Lieut. Charles Wilkes in the surveys of Savannah and May Rivers, the Georges Banks and Shoals. He was with the Wilkes' Exploring Expedition in 1838'-42 and sailed from Norfolk, in August, 1838, in command of the little Shooner Flying Fish, formerly a New York pilot boat, and in that vessel reached the most extreme southern point attained by any vessel of the squadron, Knox's Highland, in latitude 70° 14' south, having been named in his honor. Ile was in conmand of the Flying Fish two years and five months, until she was sold at Singapore, when he joined the Ship Vincennes for the remainder of the cruise. He was promoted a lieutenant Septem-
ber 1, 1841, and was on board the Ship Plymouth and Frigate Cumberlain in the Mediterranean in 1843-'4-'5. In the Mexican War he commanded a landing party of marines and sailors, at the capture of the Castle of San Juan d' Ulloa, Vera Cruz, and led a shore party at the assault on Tuspan. Subsequently he had the command of the Schooners Flirt and Wasp. In 1849-52 he was in command of the U. S. S. S. Massachusetts, employed on special service with a board com- posed of military and naval officers making a reconnoissance of the coasts of California and Oregon for naval and military purposes. Later he was Light House inspector on the Atlantic coast, but retired from the navy in September, 1855, and returning to it again on the commence. ment of the Civil War was engaged in the blockad- ing service off Galveston and the mouth of the Mississippi river, and chasing two armed steamers up that river, had a skirmish with the Confederate batteries. He was in command of the naval Rendevouz, at Boston, in 1863-'5, and was made a captain on the retired list, April 4, 1867.
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