USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Lowell > Hand book of business in Lowell : with a history of the city > Part 7
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How much the actual cost of this first American railroad ex- ceeded all previous calculations, one fact will sufficiently indicate. In 1831, a Committee of the Stockholders estimated the whole cost at four hundred and fifty thousand dollars ; but out of the exhuberant liberality of their generous hearts, they advised that six hundred thousand dollars be raised for that work ; so that Mr. Jackson might have means " enough and to spare." But when, in 1835, the road had been completed, the actual cost was
HAND- BOOK OF ITS BUSINESS. 91
MOSES KELLEY,
DEALER IN
BEEF, PORK,
LARD, HAM,
TRIPE,
POULTRY, VEGETABLES, &0.
12
Merrimack Street,
LOWELL.
GOODS DELIVERED TO ANY PART OF THE CITY FREE OF EXPENSE.
92
HISTORY OF LOWELL:
found to have been eighteen hundred thousand dollars ! or three times the cost of the Middlesex Canal, and three times the cost estimated in 1831 ! The old proverb, " figures won't lie," was thereupon pronounced a consummate falsehood by the stockhold- ers who had now been so heavily assessed.
Events between 1830 and 1836.
IN 1830, our population had increased to six thousand four hundred and seventy-seven souls ; the principal streets of the present city had been laid out ; and the once rural hamlet had begun to wear a decidedly urban aspect. The Middlesex, Suf- folk, Tremont, and Lawrence companies were incorporated, and the Suffolk and Western canals cut, during the year above named. The Town Hall was also built the same year.
St. Patrick's church was built in 1831 ; and the first Unitarian church in 1832, at a cost of thirty-two thousand dollars. Fur- ther business facilities were afforded in 1831, by the establishment of the Railroad Bank, with a capital of six hundred thousand dollars. The business operations of the place were extended in 1832 by the establishment of the Lowell Bleachery.
It was in the same year that Mr. W. B. Park, of Boston, purchased the flannel mills in Belvidere, of Mr. John Nesmith, who, as we have previously seen, had purchased these premises of Mr. Harrison How. Mr. Park divided most of the lands adjoin- ing into convenient lots, and sold them at an enhanced price to a number of individual purchasers. Without observing too rigid an adherence to the order of chronology, we will here give the remaining history of these mills. In 1834, Messrs. Eliphalet Barber, Walter Farnsworth, and George Hill, of Boston, pur- chased these mills of Mr. Park, and carried on the business until 1851, as the Belvidere Flannel Manufacturing Com- pany. They also extended their business by the purchase of the stone mill, which had before been owned by the Whitney Mills
93
HAND - BOOK OF ITS BUSINESS.
DAILY EVENING ADVERTISER,
(Established 1835.)
CHARLES HUNT, PUBLISHER,
Office, No. 48 Central Street, Lowell, Mass.
This is the only PENNY PAPER published in Lowell, or in Middlesex County. Its circulation is confined to no clique or party. The low price at which it is sold, introduces it among all classes of readers. Taking this fact into consideration, it will be seen that it furnishes to the business community an advertising medium far superior to that of any other newspaper published in Lowell, while as a chronicle of the news of the day, it is fully up to the wants of an intelligent reading community,
Terms per year, $3 00.
Single Copies,
One Cent.
LOWELL PATRIOT AND REPUBLICAN.
This is a large sized Weekly Newspaper, published at the same office, in connection with the Advertiser, and is extensively circulated throughout the county. Published every Friday.
Terms, per year," . · $1 50.
Connected with the Advertiser and Patriot Office is one of the oldest and best
JOB PRINTING ESTABLISHMENTS
in the State. The facilities for the rapid and cheap execution of all kinds of
Book, Plain and Ornamental Printing,
are not surpassed by any other office.
LOWELL, July 8, 1856.
94
HISTORY OF LOWELL:
Company. Messrs. Charles Stott and Walter Farnsworth now bought out the company's interest, and carried on these mills on their own account : but their business was soon impeded by fire. The stone mill was burned in 1851, and the other mill in the year following. In 1853, under an old charter granted to W. B. Park in 1834, the Belvidere Woollen Manufacturing Company was organized,-Messrs. Stott and Farnsworth conveying one- third of their interest to the new company. A large brick mill, -still in successful operation,-was built in the same year. The capital of this company is fifty thousand dollars.
Education was much promoted in 1833, by the institution of the North and South Grammar Schools. In the same year, the Police Court was established-being the first local court perma- nently established here, since Major General Daniel Gookin played the part of judge, assisted by the Apostle Eliot and the Christian Indian Chiefs. The Justice of the new court was Hon. Joseph Locke
The bounds of the city were considerably extended in 1834, by the annexation of Belvidere ; and the same year gave birth to that untiring champion of Democracy, the Lowell Advertiser.
The Boott Company was incorporated in 1835, with a capital of twelve hundred thousand dollars ; and the Boott Canal, which supplied their mills with water-power, was opened in the same year. The facilities for communication with the interior country, were promoted by the incorporation of the Nashua and Lowell Railroad Company during the year just mentioned, with a capi- tal stock of six hundred thousand dollars. The Alms House was now established for the benefit of the poor. The substantial Hall of the Middlesex Mechanics' Association was also erected in 1835, chiefly by contributions from the various companies of the town.
95
HAND -BOOK OF ITS BUSINESS.
A. W. LEONARD,
DEALER IN
CONFECTIONERY AND CAKE
No. 130 Merrimack Street, LOWELL, MASS.
MEALS FURNISHED AT ALL HOURS OF THE DAY.
Particular attention given to the manufacture of
Ice Creams, Jellies, Wedding and Other Cakes. Parties Supplied with Oysters, Scalloped, Stewed or Raw-on the most liberal terms. ORDERS PROMPTLY EZECUTED.
JAMES H. RAND, ARCHITECT AND SUPERINTENDENT, Office over Prescott Bank, Central Street, Lowell, Mass.
DESIGNS
MADE FOR
PUBLIC OR PRIVATE BUILDINGS, AND
MODELS FURNISHED FOR THE SAME, IF REQUIRED.
96
HISTORY OF LOWELL:
Gen. Jackson's Visit.
THE first Presidential visit to Lowell was made by General Jackson in June, 1833, when Vice President Van Buren and Hon. Levi Woodbury, with other members of the Cabinet ac- companied him. On the day that the President came, all the lady-operatives turned out to meet him. They walked in pro- cession, like troops of liveried angels clothed in white, with can- nons booming, drums beating, banners flying, handkerchiefs waving, and nine times nine hearty cheers of welcome. The old hero was not more moved by the bullets that whistled around him in the battle of New Orleans, than by the exhilarating spectacle here presented. He seemed to enter Lowell, as Scipio, after the defeat of Hannibal, entered Rome, or as Napoleon, after the treaty of Campo Formio, entered Paris. Beholding so many forms of beauty, he turned to a friend privately, and whispered with more emphasis than elegance,-" These are very pretty women, by the Eternal !" The usual ceremonies of civility were observed towards the President,-who seemed highly gratified with " what he saw, and what he was."
Lowell as a City.
THE community now began to be agitated by discussions on the subject of procuring a city charter ; and a strong party in favor of a city government was soon formed. The Committee of the townsmen, appointed to consider the expediency of petition- ing for the establishment of a city government, in their report, complain of the town system on account of " the want of execu- tive power, and the loose and irresponsible manner in which money for municipal purposes is granted and expended." In
HAND-BOOK OF ITS BUSINESS. 97
OTIS L. ALLEN,
DEALER IN Ladies' Boots, Shoes, and Rubbers, COMBS, HAIR WORK, BRUSHES, FANS, Parasols, Umbrellas, Fancy Toys, &c. ALSO, MANUFACTURER OF Trunks, Valises, and Carpet Bags.
TRUNKS, UMBRELLAS, AND PARASOLS REPAIRED AND NEW COVERED,
114 Merrimack Street, Opposite Kirk Street, LOWELL.
W# DEARDEN. S
NERBILL 'S ..
Importer and Dealer,
WHOLESALE & RETAIL, -IN- CHINA, CROCKERY, .b. ₩80.
Merrimack Street, Lowell.
98
HISTORY OF LOWELL:
view of " the number of our inhabitants,-their dissimilar habits, manners and pursuits,-the rapid and progressive increase of our population,-the variety of interest, and the constant changes which are taking place,"-the committee think that " it is expe- dient to establish a city government, and that the town petition the Legislature" for that purpose. The charter was granted, and the first city government inaugurated in 1836.
At this time, Lowell contained seventeen thousand six hundred and thirty-three inhabitants ; and the opinion was then expressed, that, in ten years, it would contain thirty-two thousand, and in twenty years, two hundred and fifty-six thousand souls ! Whether the author of this prediction was bled after writing this visionary prediction, is unknown ; but his condition of health may safely be presumed to have been critical.
The First Mayor.
THE canvas preceding the election of the first mayor, was dis- tinguished by extraordinary excitement. An eye-witness,-Dr. Huntington, in his recently published address before the Middle- sex North District Medical Society, on the life, character and writings of Dr. Bartlett,-well observes that " political parties were nearly equally balanced, and political feeling was at fever heat. Each party was desirous of the honor of inaugurating the young municipality." Each party nominated its most available candidate. The Whigs concentrated their strength on Dr. Elisha Bartlett ; and, with his name inscribed upon their banner, they felt strong and well-grounded assurances of victory. The unter- rified Democracy, nothing alarmed by the action of their Whig friends, nominated Eliphalet Case, Esquire, determined to elect him, whether he received the requisite number of votes or not. Mr. Case had been the first pastor of the first Universalist Church, but had ceased to beat " the drum ecclesiastic," and had addicted
99
HAND - BOOK OF ITS BUSINESS.
LOWELL
Steam and Gas Pipe
COMPANY, NO. 8 CENTRAL STREET, LOWELL, MASS., WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALERS IN
WROUGHT MON PIPES,
Of all sizes, for Steam, Gas, and Water.
BRASS & IRON FITTINGS, STEAM VALVES OF ALL SIZES, STEAM WHISTLES, AND GUAGES, FORCE PUMPS, &c.,
Heaters and Steam Condensers,
And all Fixtures connected with
STEAM, GAS, AND WATER.
We would respectfully invite the public to call and examine our large and splendid assortment of
Chandeliers, Brackets, Pendants, and Drop Lights, Glass and Paper Shades, of the most desirable patterns.
All of the above articles we offer at as low rates as they can be furnished by any House in the country. We also hold ourselves in readiness at all times, to contract for Heating with Steam or Lighting with Gas, Houses, Factories, Stores, Churches, Public Buildings, Hospitals, &c. We also put up an ap- paratus for Heating Private Dwellings with Steam, on a perfectly safe and economical plan, requiring less fuel and care than the common furnace, and not liable to get out of order.
All work done by the above Company is warranted to give entire satisfaction.
HORACE R. BARKER, Agent.
100
HISTORY OF LOWELL:
himself, con amore, to the desperate game of politics. He was the most adroit political manager that had appeared in these regions since the days of that other ex-priest, the Indian sachem, Passaconaway.
The Whigs triumphed. Dr. Bartlett received nine hundred and fifty-eight votes ; Mr. Case, eight hundred and sixty-eight ; . Mr. O. M. Whipple, seventeen ; John Dummer, two. Dr. Bart- lett was inaugurated as first Mayor, and, at the period of his term of office, was reelected to the same distinguished post. He was highly popular as Mayor ; but on the expiration of his second term, he positively " declined all further service in this line." Although,-adopting the ancient maxim, to write no man's eulogy - while living,-we cannot say much of the other gentlemen who have filled the mayorship of this city ; yet, now that Dr. Bartlett is dead, a brief notice of his life will not be out of place.
Dr. Bartlett was born in Smithfield, in Rhode Island, in 1804. His parents were Quakers, and early indoctrinated him in the peculiar tenets of their sect. But in after life, the doctor " fell away" from Quakerism, and joined one of " the churches of the world." He received an academical education, partly in his native town, partly in Uxbridge in this State, and partly in New York at a Friends' Institution, under the charge of the celebrated preceptor, Jacob Willett. He thus acquired a good liberal edu- cation, without having, as the phrase is, " rubbed his back against the walls of a college." He studied medicine under Dr. Willard of Uxbridge, and other distinguished gentlemen among the disci- ples of Esculapius. He also attended medical lectures in Boston and Providence, and received the degree of Doctor of Medicine from Brown University in 1826. His preparation for profes- sional life was finished in Paris, where he spent one year. He commenced practice here in 1827, and soon rose to the front rank of his profession.
Besides filling the mayorship during two years, he represented Lowell in the State Legislature in 1840. He held medical pro- · fessorships in Pittsfield, Dartmouth, Baltimore, Transylvania, Louisville and Woodstock. He also held a professorship for three years in the college of physicians and surgeons in the city
HAND-BOOK OF ITS BUSINESS. 101
SPORTSMEN'S WAREHOUSE, No. 20 Central Street, Nearly Opposite the Post Ofice.
-4
JOSEPH HARDING,
MANUFACTURER AND DEALER IN RIFLES, DOUBLE & SINGLE FOWLING GUNS, PISTOLS OF ALL KINDS, SPORTING APPARATUS, -AND-
FISHING LACKLE,
POWDER AND SHOT, PERCUSSION CAPS, CUTLERY, Or any of the minor articles kept on sale in stores of this kind, can be accommodated to them on terms as reasonable as at any other place in New England.
RIFLES, FOWLING PIECES AND PISTOLS Manufactured and Repaired as heretofore.
EVERY DESCRIPTION OF JOBBING EXECUTED WITH NEATNESS AND DESPATCH. The public are respectfully invited to examine his stock, and are assured that all orders shall be satisfactorily returned.
102
HISTORY OF LOWELL:
of New York. He was the author of a variety of professional and miscellaneous works, and was one of the few who love to turn aside from the thorny road of professional practice, to tread the flowery paths of literature. His principal work is on the " Philosophy of Medical Science." He died in 1855. A man of fine culture,- of incorruptible integrity,-with a clear head and a warm heart, -filling with distinguished credit some of the highest places of his profession,-and never playing the part of a demagogue ;- Lowell may cherish with peculiar pride the name and memory of her first Mayor.
-
Events between 1836 and 1840.
IN 1836, Mr. P. O. Richmond, who had for two years pre- viously been engaged in manufacturing batting, near what are known as " Stott's Mills," established himself at Massic Falls, where he experienced distinguished success in that business. When he began manufacturing operations in Lowell in 1834, he was destitute of means to carry on his business, and borrowed five hundred dollars from a friend, with which he bought and started a few old carding machines. When he died in 1854, he left to his heirs over one hundred and twenty-five thousand dol- lars, above all his liabilities. When, on one occasion, an engine company visited this city, some of our citizens made an effort to receive them in due style, and the expenses were defrayed by voluntary contributions. On being asked to contribute, Mr. Richmond replied that he would contribute one dollar, provided the applicant would " take pay in bats ;" which he did. This incident illustrates the policy by which Mr. Richmond amassed so much wealth.
In 1837, the Market House was built, and regular terms of the higher courts established for Lowell.
A commodious county jail, on the modern plan of separate cells, was erected in Lowell in 1838 : and in the same year, the
103
HAND -BOOK OF ITS BUSINESS.
IMPORTING HOUSE IN LOWELL.
PRIUS, ARANDES & COMPANY, Nos. 1 and 3 Appleton Block,
Central Street,
Invite the attention of Merchants and Citizens of Lowell and vi- cinity to their large stock of
WINES, Liquors, Teas, Coffees, Cigars, ALL OF THEIR OWN DIRECT IMPORTATION.
OUR BUSINESS IS WHOLESALE ONLY,
And being connected with extensive Mercantile Houses in various parts of the world, we possess every facility in our line of busi- ness. We offer to Merchants and Traders
THE BEST GOODS -AT-
THE LOWEST PRICES.
BUSINESS HOURS FROM 9 A. M. TO 5 P. M.
PRIUS, ARANDES & CO.
104
HISTORY OF LOWELL:
Nashua and Lowell Railroad was opened for travel and the trans- portation of freight.
In 1839, the Massachusetts Cotton Mills were incorporated, with a capital of twelve hundred thousand dollars, since increased by the addition of the Prescott Mills to eighteen hundred thou- sand dollars. The Whitney Mills were also incorporated during this year. They manufactured blankets for some years in a stone mill in Belvidere, and finally sold their works to the Belvidere Flannel Manufacturing Company. In the same year, Messrs. Talbot & Co. commenced the business of manufacturing dye- stuffs and chemicals, in Lowell and Billerica. This business was small in its beginning, but it has gradually swelled to the amount of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars a year.
In the same year, (1839,) the manufacturing companies pur- chased the large and elegant mansion house of Mr. Boott, and devoted it to the use of the sick in their employ. The situation of the Lowell Hospital, near Pawtucket Falls, is beautiful, retired and commanding. The buildings are surrounded by trees, shrub- bery and climbing vines. As that good man, Thomas H. Perkins, -the early patron and life-long friend of the great Webster,- gave his private residence as an asylum for the blind,-how well would Mr. Boott, were he now among the living, approve of this appropriation of his house as a hospital for the sick opera- tives of these mills ! This Hospital, ever since its establishment, has been under the medical superintendance of one of the ablest physicians and surgeons in the country-Dr. Gilman Kimball. The best accommodations, the most attentive nurses, and the highest medical skill, are here provided for the sick and homeless operative,-at an expense but little exceeding the cost of board, to those who have means,-and gratuitously to those who have not.
HAND-BOOK OF ITS BUSINESS. 105
I. D. WOOD,
DEALER IN Imported and Domestic Cigars, and Tobaccos, OF THE VARIOUS BRANDS. Cigar Cases, Holders, Pipes, Snuff, Snuff Boxes of all kinds, No. 31 Central Street, Lowell, Mass.
A. P. LESURE, CITY UNDERTAKER,
COFFIN WARE - ROOMS, No. 13 Middle Street, OPPOSITE THE POST OFFICE, Residence 159 Central Street, LOWELL.
Coffins and Grave Clothes, of every description, on hand, and furnished at short notice.
JOSEPH JENKINSON, SHAVING AND HAIR DRESSING SALOON, No. 70 Central Street, (WILLIAMS' BLOCK,) Lowell.
Persons wishing his services will be well rewarded by giving him a call, as the best of workmen only are kept at his shop.
Particular attention paid to Cutting and Dressing Ladies' and Children's Hair,
N. B .- A constant' supply of Hair Oils, Razors, Strops, Shaving Soaps, Perfumery, &c.
I Remember JENKINSON's HAIR TONIC,- a universally approved arti- cle to beautify and preserve the Hair. Price 20 and 37 1-2 cents.
SAMUEL STONE, DEALER IN LADIES', GENT'S, MISSES', AND CHILDREN'S
BOOTS, SHOES, AND RUBBERS. ALSO,. Manufacturer of Trunks, Valises, and Carpet Bags, No. 92 Central Street, Lowell.
106
HISTORY OF LOWELL:
Death of Mr. Jackson.
WHEN Mr. Patrick T. Jackson had completed the Boston and Lowell Railroad in 1835, he felt that his longest day's task was now done, and again became disposed to retire from the active circles of business. But a dark cloud settled down over this venerable man. While building up works for future generations, his property, which he had so hardly earned, passed from his hands. "Speculation" had made him, for the third time in his life, a poor man. But his noble mind was not to be distracted even now. With a dignified composure which would have done honor to Socrates, he met his reverses like a philosopher. He at once retrenched his expenses, which had previously been enor- mous and princely ; resumed his harness with a cheerful spirit, and again went forth to the stern conflict of life. Under circum- stances like these, ordinary life becomes a poem, and daily labor a triumph of heroism.
Mr. Boott, as we have already seen, died in 1837 ; and in his death Lowell lost one of her best and most meritorious men. As soon as it was remembered that Mr. Boott was no longer at the head of the Locks and Canals Company, their stock seriously de- preciated in value. The death of Mr. Boott had created a vacan- cy which only one man living could fill ; and that man was Mr. Jackson. He accepted the agentship with the princely salary of ten thousand dollars a year. His whole life had been one long school-term, eminently fitting him for this responsible post. How well he filled it, will be known by the fact, that the stock of the company, when the reorganization in 1845 occurred, commanded sixteen hundred dollars a share, and that the same stock, after the death of Mr. Boott, commanded less than seven hundred dollars a share.
Before he closed his connection with the Locks and Canals Company, Mr. Jackson accepted the post of agent and treasurer of the Great Falls Manufacturing Company at Somersworth-a
107
HAND -BOOK OF ITS BUSINESS.
WARREN'S IMPROVED FIRE AND WATER PROOF
FELT AND
COMPOSITION ROOFS.
Materials Manufactured by the New England Roofing Company, Boston.
Your attention is respectfully called to this valuable improvement in the method of roofing. It has been fully tested under every variety of circum- stances ; and is safely recommended, as combining advantages which can be claimed for no other roof.
During the past two years these roofs have established for themselves, in New England and the Canadas, a reputation second to none. They have been much longer in use in the Middle and Western States, and testimonials from various parts of the Union admit their superiority over all others.
They have been used upon dwelling houses of the first class, warehouses, railroad depots, freight and car houses, manufactories and bridges, and have been pronounced by architects, builders, and others, who have a knowledge of their merits, to be of great durability, and to be possessed of fire and water resisting properties, to an extent beyond that of any roof now in use.
These roofs require an inclination of only one inch to the foot. They can be used for a promenade, and for drying purposes, and are made available in case of fire to adjoining buildings.
The materials of which these roofs are composed are not affected by changes of temperature.
They will not expand and contract with heat and cold, like roofs of tin and iron.
The cost is much less than that of any fire proof roof now in use.
These roofs are not affected by the jar of machinery.
In case of injury, no roof is so easily or quickly repaired.
Orders for roofing will receive prompt attention, by addressing
ABNER KITTREDGE, No. 22 Middle Street, Lowell.
NUDD'S CEMENT,
For Mending Leaks in Boats, Roofs of Buildings, &c. PAINTS, OIL AND WINDOW GLASS AT RETAIL. DOOR PLATES PAINTED. HOUSE, SIGN, AND FANCY PAINTING AND GLAZING, TAR, ROSIN, AND PITCH FOR SALE.
PAPER HANGINGS, &C. ABNER KITTREDGE,
No. 22 MIDDLE STREET, LOWELL.
108
HISTORY OF LOWELL:
corporation which had encountered so many reverses, that a man of Mr. Jackson's stamp was absolutely necessary to their final success. He put their affairs in such admirable condition, that his share of their profits amounted to about twelve thousand dol- lars a year. This was in addition to the salary of ten thousand dollars a year, paid him by the Locks and Canals Company. During a portion of the time he received other salaries besides. His aggregate income was truly enormous ;- he was soon restored to competence ;- but when we consider the extraordinary charac- ter of the man, and the prestige of success which attended him in all his undertakings, we shall find that he was actually the cheap- est man that could be hired. No such salaries are now paid ; no such men are to be found ; and, indeed, none are in demand.
This remarkable man died at Beverly in September, 1847. It was not known in Boston even that he had been sick, until the news of his death fell, like the tones of a " fire-bell in the night," upon the unwilling ears of a community, every member of which regarded his death as a personal bereavement. Had Mont Blanc suddenly sunk to the level of the sea, the vacuum created among the Alps, could scarcely have been greater than that caused among manufacturers by the death of Jackson. He had towered above them " like a Colossus ;" and
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