USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Beverly > First Parish Church, Unitarian, Beverly, Mass. a vol. of historical interest pub. in honor of the 275th anniversary of the founding of the church on Sept. 20, 1667 > Part 9
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Funeral service for Mr. Davis was held in the First Parish Church building, January 17, 1870. Members of the various organizations of the town, Essex Institute and friends filled the au- ditorium and the funeral sermon by Rev. John C. Kimball, which included a eulogy depicting the upright character and well employed life of Mr. Davis, was truly impressive. It was printed in the Beverly Citizen, issue of March 22, 1870.
His will provides generous bequests to the Ministerial and Sun- day school funds of the First Parish Church.
EXTRACT FROM THE WILL OF CHARLES DAVIS, DATED MAY 21, 1866
Fifth: "I give and bequeath to the religious society of the First Parish in Beverly the sum of five thousand dollars to be by them kept invested on interest for the use and benefit of the Sunday School belonging to said society, the income thereof to be annually paid into the hands of the Superin-
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tendent of said School and by him applied in celebrating the anniversaries of said School and for such other purposes as he may elect."
Sixth: "I give and bequeath to the religious society of the First Parish in Beverly the sum of one thousand dollars to be kept invested on interest and added to the Ministerial Fund of said society subject to the same conditions, and to be applied to the same uses and purposes that the said fund and income thereof now are."
C. T. THAYER FUND
As we consider the designation of the fund to which this review relates, it is proper to give suitable recognition of the life and services of this worthy pastor of a century ago, whose physical features may be seen in the north-east corner of the Church auditorium, and in whose name this fund was established.
Christopher T. Thayer was settled over the First Parish Church as a Unitarian, January 27, 1830.
The services of ordination were impressive and in accordance with the prevailing custom of that time, and his father, who was the minister of the church at Lancaster, delivered the ordination sermon
While the call of the Parish was not unanimous, and revealed "some dissension, the length of his pastorate indicates a harmonious and successful term of service.
Coming from Lancaster to Beverly, Mr. Thayer was a descendant of Andrew Elliot, our first town clerk, and a graduate of Harvard College in 1824.
He took a deep interest in the public affairs of the town during his pastorate and served as chairman of the Beverly School Board for many years.
Mr. Thayer was the author of a valuable contribution to the town's history,-a "Bi-Centennial address on the two hundredth an- niversary of the formation of the First Church."
He lectured on various subjects, was a good orator, a forceful public speaker and his sermons were animated and impressive.
He retired from this pastorate in 1858 after a service of twenty eight years, retaining the good will and respect of the parishioners and townspeople, passing his remaining years in Boston, where he died June 23, 1880.
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Mrs. Thayer, who shared with her husband the affection of the people of the Parish, survived her husband and in accordance with his expressed wish, she provided in her will a generous bequest.
EXTRACT FROM THE WILL OF AUGUSTA B. THAYER
"To the First Parish Fund, Beverly, to be called the 'C. T. Thayer Fund,' $5000."
HENRY WOODBERRY
Henry Woodberry was born in Boston in 1813 and spent most of his life in that city. He never married. Because of failing health, he lived the last months of his life in Beverly where he died in 1889. He bequeathed $100 to the Sunday School of the First Parish.
WILLIAM ENDICOTT
William Endicott was the son of Robert Endicott who came from Danvers to Beverly in 1771, and here William was born March 11, 1799.
In his youth his physical health was below the common standard and this continued beyond the years of his young manhood. In early life he entered the employ of Robert Rantoul, who carried on a com- bined business of drugs and dry goods in the building now standing on the north-east corner of Cabot and Washington streets.
Upon the retirement of Mr. Rantoul, Mr. Endicott assumed the business and continued occupation and ownership during the many years of his active business life.
As a boy fourteen years of age, he saw from the roof top of his father's house, number 15 Bartlett street, the naval engagement be- tween the United States frigate Chesapeake, Captain James Lawrence, and the British frigate Shannon, Captain Broke, June 1, 1813, in which the Chesapeake was captured and her Captain was killed. This memorable affair remained clearly in his memory throughout his life and to it he frequently adverted.
He attended the memorial service of Captain Lawrence at the Howard street church in Salem and was much impressed by the ora- tion of Judge Story of the Supreme Court.
At the age of twenty six he attended the dedication ceremonies of Bunker Hill monument and could repeat a large portion of the ad- dress of Daniel Webster.
A lifelong and devoted member of the First Parish Church, he contributed liberally in upholding and advancing its interests and was active as a layman and administrator.
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On March 4, 1856, he was chosen a trustee of the Ministerial fund on the occasion of the death of trustee Charles S. Giddings.
As Mr. Endicott was born prior to the death of President George Washington, his span of life covered that of twenty five presidents of the United States, the last being President Mckinley, inaugurated March, 1897.
In early life, William Endicott formed in his own mind, a clear concept of the correct standards of human conduct. Succeeding in the attainment of these and holding firmly to the resolutions of his youth, he gathered into his many years firm friendships as well as the deep respect and esteem of his fellow citizens.
Had his life been extended two months and three days he would have been one hundred years of age. He was the last survivor of the sixth generation from John Endicott.
In full possession of his mental faculties, he died in the house which he owned, which stands on the north-east corner of Broadway and Rantoul street, January 8, 1899. His will contains the following clause :
"I give and bequeath unto the Trustees of the Minis- terial Fund of the First Parish Church in Beverly, the sum of two thousands dollars, the income annually accruing therefrom to be applied at the discretion of the said trustees, to the payment of the salary of the Minister of the said First Parish in Beverly."
MISS HANNAH BRAY
Miss Hannah Bray was born in Beverly, May 25, 1833, the daughter of William and Hannah Smith Bray. She attended the public schools and passed the entire time of her life amid the scenes and associations of her native town, a well known and highly regarded resident.
After the death of her parents, she lived alone for many years in the house which came into her possession from the estate of her father. She owned other real property in the town and was considered prudent and thrifty in the management of her business affairs, as shown by the value of her estate at her death.
Miss Bray was long a member of the First Parish Church and her attachment was indicated by her gift of a piano and the liberal bequests which her will provided.
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A regular attendant at church services and a warm friend of the Sunday School, her interest in both was genuine and constant. At her death, her nearest relative was a second cousin.
After a sickness of several weeks, she died at her home, number 41 Cabot Street. Her will contains goodly bequests to the Church and Sunday School and was filed in Essex Probate, May 11, 1898.
Miss Bray died May 3, 1898.
EXTRACT FROM WILL
"I give and bequeath the sum of two thousand dollars to the First Parish of said Beverly, the income to be used for the benefit of the Sunday School connected with said Parish, and the children connected therewith. Without intending to restrict the use of said income, I suggest as one use which would meet my wishes, an annual May Festival. I give and bequeath to said First Parish the sum of one thousand dollars, to be added to its Ministerial Fund. I give and bequeath to said First Parish the sum of five thousand dollars, said sum and its accumulations to be applied toward the building of a Parish House."
ALBERT PERRY
Albert Perry was born in North Beverly in 1830. In 1849 he sailed around the Horn to California. Returning to Beverly in 1858, he engaged in the shoe business. at first in the firm of Foster and Young and later as the founder of Perry and Wood Co. In 1883 he became a Director of the Beverly National Bank and was its President from 1891 until his death in 1905. He was also a Trustee of the Beverly Savings Bank and for a time its Vice President.
He married Miss Adelaide Sheldon and had one son, Walter A. Perry. He was genial, just and loyal to the welfare of Beverly. On his death in 1905 he bequeathed $5000 to the Beverly Hospital, $1000 to the Sunday School of the First Parish, $1000 to the Second Con- gregational Church in North Beverly, and $500 to the Beverly Fuel Fund.
MISS FRANCES E. WELLS
Frances E. Wells was born in Lawrence, but spent much of her life in Beverly. For twenty-three years she was bookeeper for Whitcomb Carter Co. She was Trustee of the New England In- dustrial Home for the Deaf and Dumb. At her death in 1909 she
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bequeathed $100 to the Sunday School of the First Parish. She had many friends.
MISS LYDIA STONE
Miss Lydia Stone was born in Beverly, October 23, 1828, a daughter of James Stone. She came from an early settled and well known family. Her grand ancestor in Salem colony, Robert Stone, was a Quaker of the early days and owned a large acreage at the head of Bass river on its western side.
In early life she lived with her parents in the house standing at the junction of Stone and Davis streets and attended the public schools of her native town.
For many years Miss Stone was an active member of the First Parish Church, a regular attendant at church service and conforming to her concepts of life, was inclined to charitable concerns.
In 1848, at the age of twenty years, she became a member of the Beverly Female Charitable Society and served as its secretary from 1891 to 1900. In 1886, Miss Stone built the house numbered 31 Washington street in which she lived during the rest of her life, well regarded by her neighbors and friends.
At the time of her death, the local press speaks of her "as a lady of quiet and retiring nature and had many friends." Many of these now living refer to her in terms of high respect.
She died August 20, 1911, at the advanced age of 83 years. Her will, filed August 24, 1911, contains this bequest :---
"I give and bequeath to the Ministerial Fund of the Unitarian First Parish Society of Beverly, the sum of one thousand dollars, the income to be used toward the salary of the Pastor."
MRS. ELIZABETH K. FOSTER
Elizabeth K. Foster was born in Beverly in 1821 and lived there until her death in 1911. A sympathetic friend and kind neighbor, she was respected and beloved. She bequeathed $100 to the Sunday School of the First Parish.
MISS EMELINE S. ROBERTSON
Miss Emeline S. Robertson, the daughter of Archibald and Sarah Robertson, was born in Mobile, Alabama. Coming to Beverly in her youth, she was educated in private schools and at advanced in- stitutions of learning.
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For over thirty years she made her home in Cambridge where she was employed in the Cambridge Public Library, continuing in her position until physical infirmities compelled her retirement, when she returned to Beverly to reside with relatives.
She became a member of the Beverly Female Charitable Society, and her membership and interest in the First Parish Church continued during her life. Firm in her interest and strongly attached to the religious, benevolent and friendly associations which surrounded her calm life, her refinement and personal qualities drew to her many friends and merited respect.
A brief obituary press review describes her as "a woman of kind and affectionate nature ; her spirit calm and sweet. She was the oldest member of the First Parish Church and her heart warmed for its success. She had a keen interest in local institutions."
After a few hours of severe illness, she died of acute pneumonia at the house of her cousin, Mrs. Elizabeth Grose, 34 Dane Street, with whom she made her home, May 16, 1918.
In her will, dated August 15, 1917, are the following bequests :-
"Eleventh: I give and bequeath to the Trustees of the Ministerial Fund of the First Parish in Beverly, Mass., the sum of one hundred dollars; the principal to be securely in- vested, and the income to be used toward the minister's salary."
"Twelfth: I give to the First Parish Sunday School the sum of two hundred dollars; the principal to be securely invested and the income to be used to promote the work of the Sunday School."
BEQUESTS OF MRS. MARY A. BUTLER
The bequests to the First Parish in Beverly found in the will of Mrs. Mary A. Butler, were bestowed by reason of the long and harmonious pastorate of her husband, Rev. Ellery Channing Butler.
Mr. Butler was born in Otego, N. Y. in 1842. He was graduated from Meadville College, Pennsylvania, and was installed pastor of the First Parish Church in Beverly, March 7, 1872.
The annals of the Parish, if fully shown, would undoubtedly reveal no pastor of a higher standing in the esteem of its members than him to whom these lines refer.
Devoted and constant in his ministerial work, his agreeable com- panionship and scholarly bearing, prominent among his other com- mendable qualifications, he drew about him a large circle of firm and
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affectionate friends. His style of preaching was practical and the principal aim of his discourses was to produce serious impressions in the minds of his hearers.
When he decided to resign the pastorate, he received from the Church and the citizens of Beverly ample testimonials of their respect and appraisal of his service.
In the separation of Rev. Ellery C. Butler from the First Parish ministry, the church lost an able and lovable man.
He resigned in 1894 after a service of twenty two years and re- moved to his home on Russell Park, Quincy, Mass., where he died in 1912.
Mrs. Mary A. Butler, wife of Rev. Ellery C. Butler, is remem- bered as a lady of mild and refined manner and who during the long pastorate of her husband, was highly regarded by the many friends which she gathered in the years of her residence in Beverly.
She was a member of the Parish Aid Society and was interested in its activities. Becoming a member of the Beverly Female Charita- ble Society, Mrs. Butler continued her membership until she removed to Quincy, Mass., upon the resignation of her husband from the First Parish ministry.
Mrs. Butler survived her husband and died March 4, 1928, at her home on Russell Park, Quincy, Mass.
In her will, dated July 2, 1924, are the following generous be- quests which concern the First Parish in Beverly :-
EXTRACT FROM WILL OF MARY A. BUTLER
"IV. I give to the First Parish of Beverly, Massachu- setts, as a memorial to my son, Max Lovell Butler, the sum of five thousand (5000) dollars for the purchase and installa- tion, including expense of appropriate changes in the Meet- ing House of a chime or a peal of bells and the necessary ap- paratus for the operation of the same in the present or any other Meeting House of said Parish. If in the judgment of my executor or administrator, said sum shall not be sufficient for the purpose, I authorize him to increase it by such further sums as he deems necessary or desirable, leaving the amount to his discretion.
"I further give to said First Parish of Beverly the sum of three hundred (300) dollars, the income to be for the purchase of flowers, as a memorial to said Ellery Channing Butler, to be placed preferably under the tablet in their Meeting House which commemorates him, on the Sunday
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in May in each year nearest to the tenth of the month and on other Sundays if the income shall exceed the amount needed for the Sunday nearest the anniversary of his death.
"I give ten thousand (10,000) dollars, in trust, to those persons who shall from time to time be the trustees of the Ministerial Fund of the First Parish of Beverly, Massachu- setts, of which my late husband Ellery C. Butler was pastor for twenty two years. This gift is in remembrance of the affectionate relations, during his long pastorate, between him- self and his many friends of this Parish, and it is my wish that the above gift be known as the 'Ellery C. Butler Fund'. The income, and so much of the principal as the Trustees may deem advisable, shall be paid to or for the benefit of said First Parish Church, in such form and manner and at such times as said Trustees may consider of most benefit to said Parish. Said Trustees shall have power to invest and re- invest said fund, power to sell at public or private sale any of the assets of said fund, and if at any time there shall cease to be Trustees of said Ministerial Fund, said gift, or so much thereof as may then remain, shall become the property of said First Parish of Beverly, free from trusts. The legacies in this Article IV shall take precedence over the subsequent legacies in this will."
ANDREW W. ROGERS
Andrew W. Rogers was born in Chatham on Cape Cod, Novem- ber 5, 1851. His parents moved to Orleans where he attended the public schools. In early life he followed a maritime occupation for a short time and coming to Salem he engaged in the manufacture of shoes on a small business scale. Coming to Beverly with the late Sid- ney W. Winslow in 1886, they became interested in the development of the Naumkeag Buffing Machine Company.
At about this time he became interested with Mr. Winslow in the possibilities of gas and electric development for power and light- ing purposes, and together acquired a majority interest in the Beverly Gas Company.
It was in the utilities field that Mr. Rogers showed keen business ability, and in the broadened affairs of the Company, became its man- ager and treasurer, and president in 1917.
He was a director of the Beverly National Bank in 1892, be- came its president in 1905, and chairman of the committee that super- vised the erection of the Beverly National Bank building.
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He was president of the Beverly Board of Trade in the early days of its organization and served as chairman of the Liberty Loan committee during the World War. He was a member of several organizations, a contributor to worthy objects and a leader in the financial and business activities of the city.
He died November 23, 1928.
Clause Three of the will of Mr. Rogers, reads :-
"I give to the First Parish Unitarian Church of Beverly, Massachusetts, the sum of two thousand dollars, the income thereof to be used yearly to buy Christmas presents for the younger Sunday School children as the committee in charge may decide."
ROLAND W. BOYDEN
Roland W. Boyden was born in Beverly, October 18, 1863, the son of William C. and Amy L. Boyden. He received early education in the public schools of Beverly, prepared for college at Phillips Exeter Academy and was graduated from Harvard College in 1885.
After a short period of teaching in the Beverly High School, he entered Harvard Law School from which he received the degree of L.L.B. in 1888, and was admitted to the bar in that year.
After spending a short time in the law offices of H. P. Moulton of Salem and Heman W. Chaplin of Boston, he formed a partnership with Charles I. Giddings, which continued until the death of the latter in 1893. In 1894 he joined a law firm in Boston which, at the time of his death, was known by the firm name of Ropes, Gray, Boy- den and Perkins and which became the largest law firm in New England.
Broadened by charitable, business and legal employments which brought him into active contact with large affairs and men engaged in them, he became a leader in various institutions in and without his native city, being for many years President of the Beverly Savings Bank, a director of the Beverly National Bank and prominent in the executive affairs of the Beverly Hospital and the Beverly Historical Society.
For more than a decade he was chairman of the Beverly School Board and brought the full force of his influence in improving the standard of the city's schools.
Mr. Boyden was a leader in the Boston Bar Association, Presi- dent of the Boston Chamber of Commerce and his legal services and sound judgment were earnestly sought in the affairs of large business
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and banking institutions. It would indeed, be difficult to give a com- plete list of his public activities.
He was active in official and patriotic movements and during the war with Germany, he served with marked efficiency on several gov- ernmental assignments, national and international, of very important character, his work being highly appraised by the governments which he served, as indicated by a bestowal of various expressions of their deep appreciation. His official duties did not terminate until his death.
He was mild of manner, of excellent personal character, a good friend, a generous, just and kindly man whose entire life was filled with good deeds.
A lifelong member of the First Parish Church, he was a liberal contributor to its welfare and deeply devoted to its interests.
He died suddenly on October 18, 1931, at the age of sixty-eight.
In fulfillment of his expressed wish, the family of which he was a member, has contributed the sum of $2000 to the Parish funds to be designated the "Roland W. Boyden Fund."
THE MISSES ABBY W. AND BELLE HUNT
The Misses Abby W. and Belle Hunt were of a Boston family and while maintaining a home in Boston, owned and occupied for much of the time a home in Beverly on the estate known as Dawson Hall at Burgess Point, which was considered as one of the most attractive residences on the North Shore.
They established residence in Beverly in 1896, attended religious service at the First Parish Church and were liberal in its support.
The sisters travelled widely on the American, European and East- ern continents and were well informed in all subjects which attract and interest the traveller.
Well educated and refined, their association was highly pleasing and agreeable to all in their acquaintanceship.
Lovers of art and architecture, they collected excellent types and plans of such works as conformed to their tastes and many of these features they carried into the physical improvements of their Beverly homestead as illustrated by the beautiful Italian gardens which they maintained.
Lovers of nature, they were firm friends of the animals, the birds and the flowers and their association with these, brought to them a goodly part of the recreation and enjoyment which filled the pleasant hours at their Beverly home.
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Many lines could be written expressive of their benevolence and kindly consideration of the various institutions and worthy public objects which were beneficiaries in the final disposition of their estates. To all engaged in their employment and confidence, generous be- quests were made in recognition of faithful service and none were overlooked.
The will of each will stand as a record of goodly deeds, firmly implanted in the esteem of the many beneficiaries, in whom the mem- ory of these gracious ladies will abide.
Miss Abby W. Hunt was born in Weymouth, in the year 1850. Her will, allowed January 23, 1934, contained many munificent be- quests and included the following provision :-
"19 To the First Parish of Beverly, the religious or- ganization of the Unitarian Church in Beverly, Mass., $50,000."
She died December 14, 1933, in her eighty fourth year.
. Miss Belle Hunt was born in Boston, in the year 1860. Her will allowed in Essex Probate, February 11, 1936, contained a large num- ber of bountiful bequests and upon the occasion of her death, many bequests contained in the will of her sister Abby, were released and distributed.
She died January 17, 1936, in her seventy sixth year.
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INTERESTING AND ITEMS OF AN
Entire Collection of Parish Silver Sixteen Pieces
Numbers correspond with those in the list on pages 99 and 100
10 Tankard ( Revere) 1798
15
Open Silver Cup 1831
11 Plate ( Revere ) 1801
16 Baptismal Bowl 1772
14 Plate 1801
5 Covered Mug 1747
12 Plate ( Revere } 1801
13
4 Covered Mug 1746
Plate ( Revere ) 1801
Covered Mug 1754 7 6 Covered Mug 1754
8 Covered Mug 1778
1 Open Mug 1718
9 Closed Mug 1785
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Open Mug 1735
Open Mug 1729
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INTERESTING AND CURIOUS ITEMS OF ANTIQUITY
THE PARISH SILVER A MUCH PRIZED COLLECTION OWNED BY THE FIRST CHURCH OF BEVERLY
1. One silver mug, marked, "The Gift of Robt. Brisco 1718."
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