USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Lowell > Hand book of business in Lowell : with a history of the city > Part 8
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"None but himself could be his parallel."
His abilities fitted him for the highest theatre of human action. He could have governed the vastest empire with unsurpassed splendor, had Providence called him to a throne. If not a " mute, inglorious Milton," then certainly a " Cromwell, guiltless of his country's blood," lies buried in the tomb of Jackson. To un- limited grasp of mind, he united the capacity to master the most complicated details, together with spotless integrity, unconquera- ble self reliance, " honor enlightened by religion and guarded by conscience," independence in all his own opinions, and a catholic liberality towards the views of his opponents. The man never lived that more richly deserved to be sculptured in marble, or de- picted upon canvas, delineated by an orator, or eulogized by a poet.
HAND-BOOK OF ITS BUSINESS. 109
H. A. HILDRETH
MANUFACTURER AND WHOLESALE DEALER IN
MERRILL
WIRE CLOTHS & NETTING, BIRD CAGES.
Foundry Riddles, Rocking Coal Sifters, Sand and Coal Screens, Corn Parchers, Rat and Mouse Traps, Steak Broilers, Meal Sieves, Bird Nests, Squirrel Cages, Pie Forks, Wire Skimmers, Egg Beaters, Canary, Hemp, Rape and Maw Seed, Cuttle Fish Bone.
Copper Foil Ornamental Helindow Shades, PAINTED TO ANY DESIGN.
EVERY DESCRIPTION OF WIRE WORK MADE TO ORDER.
Also, constantly on hand a full assortment of IRON WIRE, for Machinery and other purposes, of the best quality and at prices that will defy competition.
NESMITH'S BUILDING OHN ST.
10
110
HISTORY OF LOWELL:
Hon. Luther Lawrence.
THE successor of Dr. Bartlett, in the mayorship, was Hon. Luther Lawrence, a brother to Abbott, Amos, William and Samuel Lawrence. He was born in Groton, the home of the Lawrence family, in 1778; and his father, Samuel, as is well known, participated bravely in the war of the Revolution. Hc was educated in the public schools of Groton ; and graduated at Harvard in 1801. He studied law with Hon. Timothy Bigelow, whose sister he afterwards married. He commenced practice in Groton, and soon gathered around him a host of valuable clients. He repeatedly represented his native town in the Legislature, and was Speaker of the House of Representatives in 1821 and 1822. At the earnest solicitation of his brothers, who had largely invested in the mills here, he removed to Lowell in 1831.
He filled the mayorship to the general satisfaction of his con- stituents, and was reelected to that office in the following year. But he hardly lived to begin his second term. On the seven- teenth day of April, 1839, while making observations in one of the Middlesex Mills, he made a mis-step, and fell a distance of seventeen feet into the wheel-pit,-his head striking upon the wheel at the bottom. His skull was so badly fractured, that he died within thirty minutes.
This shocking catastrophe filled the whole community with mourning ; and preparations were made for a grand public funeral ; but this, the family of Mr. Lawrence modestly declined. Appro- priate resolutions were passed in the City Council, bearing testi- mony to his high-minded and honorable character,-his judicious administration of the city government,-his lively interest in the various public institutions with which he had been connected,- his unselfishness and liberality,-his efforts to promote the moral 'and religious interests of the place,-his amenity of behavior, and kindliness of feeling for all around him.
HAND - BOOK OF ITS BUSINESS. 111
PAGE & BECK,
1
DEALERS IN ALL EINDS OF
-AND-
OFFICE STOVES,
Portable and Brick Hot Air Furnaces, and Cooking Ranges, SHEET IRON AND JAPANNED WARE. Also on hand a good assortment of
BRITANNIA AND GLASS WARE, KNIVES AND FORKS, SPOONS, TEA TRAYS, &G.
ALL KINDS OF TIN, COPPER, AND SHEET IRON WARE, MADE AND REPAIRED AT SHORT NOTICE ; AND PARTICULAR ATTENTION PAID TO ALL KINDS OF
CUTTER WORK AND ROOFING.
PUMPS FOR SALE AND SET TO ORDER. Nos. 265 and 267 Merrimack Street, LOWELL.
J. Y. PAGE. S. BECK.
-
112
HISTORY OF LOWELL:
Hon. Abbott Lawrence.
ALTHOUGH the Lawrences have been identified with the inter- ests of Lowell ever since 1821, only two of the brothers-Luther and Samuel-ever personally resided here. Yet Lowell has a strong local interest in them all. Since the tragic death of Luther, two of his brothers-Abbott and Amos-have followed him to the eternal world. Samuel is still living; and the admirable Diary of Amos, recently published, renders any notice of him here wholly superfluous. Amos will go down to posterity as the self-constituted Grand-Almoner of America. His vast acquisi- tions were only so much money put into his hands for purposes of benificence and charity. But it is to Abbott chiefly that this family owes its historical position.
Abbott Lawrence was born in 1792, and educated in the pub- lic schools of his native town of Groton. He was always studious of standard books, and assiduous in business,-never dissipating his time in fashionable circles for the retail of gossip, and always prepared to take advantage of those chances which fortune now and then opens to every aspiring young man. He was first en- gaged with his brothers, in Boston, in the importing business ; and in 1821-'22 engaged with others in the establishment of manufactures at Lowell. He rendered signal service in building up the cotton manufacture in America on an enduring basis, and gave his name to the rising city next below Lowell on the line of the Merrimac.
He was not by profession a statesman. But he was a promi- nent candidate for the Whig nomination for Vice President in 1848, and narrowly escaped the position which, on the death of Taylor, made Mr. Fillmore President of the United States. He was offered, and declined, the Secretaryship of the Navy ; but accepted the post of Minister to England, and honored both him- self and his country by the manner in which he discharged the duties of that highest diplomatic office that can be held by an
113
HAND-BOOK OF ITS BUSINESS.
DAGUERREOTYPE AND AMBROTYPE
No. 88 MERRIMACK STREET, UP ONE FLIGHT OF STAIRS,
These rooms are pleasantly located, easy of access, handsome- ly furnished, and well ventilated. The Sky-Light is one of the largest, and without doubt, the best in the city. The proprietor, one of the oldest and most successful operators in the city, at- tends pernonally to the making of each picture, and
Nothing but First Class Work
is ever allowed to be taken from the room. Citizens and stran- gers visiting the city are invited to call and examine.
M. BAILEY,
88 MERRIMACK STREET.
E. D. SARGENT, FRESH FISH AND FRUIT STORE, FIRST DOOR NORTH OF CANAL BLOCK, CENTRAL STREET,
Where may be found on hand the different kinds of Fresh and Salt Fish, MACKEREL, HALIBUT, COD, HADDOCK, &c. Also FRUIT and BERRIES, in their season, cheap for cash.
Lowell, July, 1856.
CITY BILL POSTER & DISTRIBUTOR.
J. A. METCALF
Begs leave to inform the citizens of Lowell, and the public generally, that , since he has become THE Bill Poster and Distributor, it has become one of the INSTITUTIONS. He wishes to say to all concerned that he may be found at
No. 27 CENTRAL STREET, UP STAIRS,
where he will be happy to serve his friends and the public generally in a prompt and efficient manner. Lowell, July, 1856.
10J
114
HISTORY OF LOWELL:
American. In politics, he was an inflexible Henry Clay Whig. It was to his influence-partly secret, partly open-that Daniel Webster attributed the failure of his own repeated plans for pro- curing the Whig nomination for the Presidency. Mr. Lawrence was the chief mover in the famous Faneuil Hall Convention which, in 1842, nominated Mr. Clay for President,-notwithstanding Caleb Cushing had declared Mr. Webster to be " first, last and forever the choice of Massachusetts" for that office. It was this event which extorted from the sage of Marshfield the well-known question-" Where shall I go ?" Mr. Lawrence exerted a con- trolling influence over the councils of the late Whig party, when that party held undisputed sway, and directed the whole thunder of the State ; but his advice was frequently asked, and always freely given, to both parties, on the questions of the currency and the tariff.
Nor was Mr. Lawrence a soldier,-though in the hour of dan- ger he shouldered the musket, and offered for his country all he then had to give-his life ! He was merely a merchant, a man- ufacturer, a buyer of other men's wares, a barterer of the fruits of his own industry ; and his grand and brilliantly successful life proves,-if proof were wanting,-that a calling which is supposed to awaken the smallest and meanest feelings of human nature, and in which avarice and fraud are often pronounced necessary to success, may be so pursued as to develop and ripen the loftiest instincts and the noblest impulses of which humanity can boast.
He was one of the pillars of the old Bay State ;- less promi- nent, and less ornamental, perhaps, than some others,-but yielding to none in massive solidity and practical usefulness. His splendid hospitality attracted to Boston the elite of this country and of foreign lands. Yet, moving now at the head of the most refined circles of society, he never betrayed snobishness towards even the humblest of his race. The beardless beaux, the simper- ing belles, the animated clothes-horses, who move at the head of the social system of the soi disant fashionable world at large, found little encouragement to become his guests.
Descended from the best Puritan stock, he possessed all the grand qualities of the Cromwellian age, softened somewhat by time,
8
115
HAND-BOOK OF IT'S BUSINESS.
SEVEN GOOD REASONS !
USE DR. CLOUGH'S 1
I'LL HATCH
MANNER
MERCIE
PILL'S
0
THES
FROM
DECLOUGHS COLUMBIA PILLS
ID
Columbian Pills If you are Sick or Complaining.
1st, Because their faithful use cures diseases of the Head, Stomach, Liver, Lungs, Nerves, Bowels, Blood, Skin, and Mind, for less cost of money and loss of time than any other medicine ever discovered.
2d, Because there is no mineral substance in their composition, to seize hold of the solids of the body, and remain as a corroding and eating poison. They are unlike any other Pills.
3d, Because they are thoroughly tested, and are known to be what they are represented. "Just what the sick and complaining need." And their use always does good, leaving the Stomach and Bowels healthy and regular.
4th, Because they are all powerful used in large doses, in cases of alarming and sudden sickness,-while in small doses, they are safe to use every day in the year,-and a wonderful remedy for Dyspepsia and Costiveness.
5th, Because they are good in almost every disease for Men, Women, and Children-suitable for all climates, and all seasons of the year, cleansing and purifying the system, neutralizing and carrying off all poisonous and worn out matter, and giving life, health, and beauty to the " human form divine."
6th, Because, as a Family Medicine, they are deservedly popular,-never interfering with the prescription or treatment of your family physician, but just what he would give nine out of ten cases ; and for persons traveling they are indispensable, especially in new countries and subject to bilious diseases.
7th, Because, for females, in cases of obstruction, suppression, irregular or painful menstruation, or in case of debility and ill health, or in case of pregnancy and its thousand pains, " A friend in need is a friend indeed."
DR. CLOUGH'S COLUMBIAN PILLS
are prepared by Wm. Renne, Pittsfield, Mass. Retail price, 25 cents per box, and are not commissioned, but sold for cash. Seut to any part of the country by mail or express, with directions for use in English, French, Ger- man and Spanish languages. Sold by Druggists and Merchants generally.
JOSEPH R. HAYES, NO. 12 CENTRAL STREET, . . . LOWELL, Wholesale and Retail Agent.
116
HISTORY OF LOWELL:
and liberalized by culture. He died in August, 1855 ; and as a private individual, as a merchant, as a public man, he has left behind him a reputation, which has rarely been equalled, and scarce ever surpassed.
The Museum.
THE population of Lowell, until 1840, sustained a very fluc- tuating character. Few came here to live; most of those who came, intended only to wait until they could lay by a small sur- plus from their earnings, and then return to rural pursuits. But a favorable change in this respect now announced itself in the erection of numerous private residences, some of them distinguished for architectural beauty, and many of them of most ample dimen- sions.
Two noble public commons, those lungs of the city, were laid out. The South Common covers nearly twenty acres of land ; and the North Common is about half that extent. It is to be regretted that our city fathers who accomplished so much, did not accomplish one thing more ;- that they did not secure wider public streets, margined with broad spreading shade-trees, like the elm-lined avenues of New Haven. The High School was es- tablished during the same year, making the educational system of the city complete.
But the chief event of 1840 was the establishment of the Mu- seum. Owing to what Mr. Case, in his newspaper sketch of Lowell, calls " a firm conviction" in the community, " that mod- ern theatres, with their miserable accompaniments, are of a de- grading and immoral tendency," all the attempts heretofore made for the establishment of a theatre or museum, had failed. The Museum was first started in the fourth story of Wyman's Exchange, by Mr. Moses Kimball, now of the Boston Museum. The first collection of curiosities was procured from Greenwood's old New England Museum in Boston. But the business did not pay.
HAND - BOOK OF ITS BUSINESS. 117
DR. HARMON, EDITOR OF THE MEDICAL EXPOSITOR ;
OFFICE:
29 KIRK STREET, - - Lowell, Mass.
THE MEDICAL EXPOSITOR
Is Published Monthly, at Fifty Cents per Year.
It will be found a valuable publication to avoid medical imposition.
SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE SOLICITED AT THE EDITOR'S OFFICE.
DR. H. would not have it misunderstood that he devotes particular atten- tion to the examination and treatment of all complaints to which females are liable. Those who would avoid the too often fatal consequences of neg- lect or delay in availing themselves of proper medical advice, are respect- fully invited to a seasonable consultation with him. He trusts he will be excused for suggesting here that every female, whatever her station in soci- ety, or her scruples in regard to the proper reservations of her sex, should nevertheless reflect that no bodily ailment is in itself so delicate as to form any reasonable or justifiable excuse for neglecting to disclose the nature of her sufferings to a competent physician. The claims of health naturally have precedence to all other temporal considerations, and every suffering female who will but do herself justice, may readily be convinced that her paramount claims can, not only be appreciated, but successfully answered by that physi- cian who receives and DESERVES her confidence; and at the same time, his services may be rendered in such a manner as will neither offend her moral feelings nor violate the laws of that native modesty for which her sex is val- ued and loved. Taking this view of the subject, he trusts that no intelligent lady will allow herself long to suffer from any ill which, if neglected, may not only shorten the pleasures of her own useful life, but may cause her to entail suffering and debility on those whom she may love even better than herself.
It is but just to remark that DR. HARMON is the only practitioner in this city professing to give special attention to the treatment of female complaints, who is considered competent for this important and very often difficult branch of medical practice.
His Office is at No. 29 Kirk Street, where he has excellent accommodations for all who would consult him, without interruption.
N. B. Rooms and nursing provided for those patients who may wish for such accommodations.
-
118
HISTORY OF LOWELL:
In 1845, Mr. N. F. Gates purchased the Museum of Mr. Kim- ball ; and the removal by him, in 1846, of the Museum into the building formerly owned by the First Freewill Baptist Church, provoked " strong indignation in Zion." The church was at once fitted up for dramatic entertainments ; but so great was the opposition to it, that in 1847 the City Council refused to license any more exhibitions of this kind.
A petition, signed by twenty-two hundred legal voters, was hereupon presented to the City Council, praying for a renewal of the license. A prolix debate on the moral tendency of the drama now ensued in the City Council,-not unlike the debate of the four Indian chiefs in the case of the brass image which the Apos- tle Eliot took from the idolatrous squaw. Hon. Thomas Hop- kinson appeared in behalf of the petitioners ; while Rev. Messrs. Thurston and True argued against the drama " on Bible grounds." The debate ended by the granting of the license as desired. The Museum was incorporated in 1850, with a capital of sixty thou- sand dollars ; but it was shortly afterwards destroyed by fire. Between 1845 and 1851, it flourished ; but after 1851, it passed through various hands, and rapidly declined. In 1853, it was again burned. It was, however, subsequently reopened, and carried on till the thirtieth day of January, 1855, when not a vestige escaped the third attack of the devouring flames. During the period of its prosperity, it found employ for some thirty per- sons, and its salaries averaged over three hundred dollars per week. Some of the best plays of the ablest dramatists were suc- cessfully introduced. The stock-companies were superior to those of most country theatres ;- and such " bright particular stars," in the Thespian firmament, as Miss Charlotte Cushman, Mrs. G. Bar- rett, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Wallack, Mr. J. B. Booth, Mr. C. D. Pitt, Mr. G. Vanderhoff, and Mrs. A. C. Mowatt, appeared upon its boards, and played, week after week, to crowded houses of ap- plauding patrons.
119
HAND - BOOK OF ITS BUSINESS.
DR. M. E. THOMPSON, DRUGGIST & APOTHECARY,
KEEPS CONSTANTLY ON HAND A LARGE ASSORTMENT OF ROOTS, HERBS, BARES, Pressed Herbs, Pure Medicinal Extracts, Concentrated Medicines, Thomsonian and Eclectic Preparations, Pure Elderberry Juice and Wine ;
all of the very best quality, at wholesale or retail, Agent for all the popular Patent Medicines of the day. Proprietor of
The Liver and Humor Pills; Dr. Thompson's Eye Salve, Dr. Thompson's Canker Powder and Croup Syrup. 268 Merrrimack Street, OPPOSITE TILDEN STREET,
LOWELL, MASS.
EDWARD JENKINSON'S SHAVING AND HAIR DRESSING SALOON
AMERICAN HOUSE BLOCK, CENTRAL STREET, LOWELL.
All persons requiring the service of a Barber will find it to their advantage to call at his establishment. Especial attention given to Cutting Ladies' and Children's Hair. Always kept here, an assortment of Hair Dyes, Perfume- ries, &c. Also, Jenkinson's Celebrated Hair Tonic, to remove dandruff and promote the growth of the Hair.
182 MERRIMACK STREET, Adjoining Merrimack House.
VERMONT AND BOSTON TELEGRAPH OFFICE, For all parts of the United States and Canadas: ALSO, THROUGH TICKETS FOR ALL PARTS OF THE EAST AND WESTERN COUNTRIES, BY THE MOST RELIABLE ROUTES. Hacks furnished at all times of the Day or Evening. C. K. LEWIS, Agent.
Lowell, July, 1856.
120
HISTORY OF LOWELL:
The Mayors of Lowell.
ON the death of Hon. Luther Lawrence in 1839, Dr. Elisha Huntington was elected to the Mayorship, and reelected in 1840 and 1841. To save the necessity of referring to this subject again, we will here relate the remaining history of our municipal administrations. Hon. Nathaniel Wright was elected Mayor in 1842, and reelected in 1843. Dr. Huntington again filled the office during 1844 and 1845. Hon. Jefferson Bancroft was elected Mayor in 1846, and reelected in 1847 and 1848. In 1849 and 1850, Hon. J. B. French was Mayor, and was succeeded in that office in 1851 by Hon. J. H. B. Ayer. Dr. Huntington again filled the office in 1852 ; Hon. Sewall G. Mack in 1853 and 1854 ; Dr. Ambrose Lawrence in 1855 ; and Dr. Huntington again in 1856, the current year.
All these gentlemen are still living in the community over which they have in turn presided ;- and long may it be, ere the life of another deceased mayor will have occasion to be written ! Our mayors have been solid but not brilliant men,-honestly, judiciously and quietly discharging their magisterial functions, but making little display, and employing no trumpeters to pro- claim abroad their fame. No charge of corruption, peculation, or official misconduct, has ever been seriously alleged against any of them. Once or twice, disturbances have occurred, and the riot act has been read ; but, otherwise, no striking events have trans- pired in connection with our municipal administrations. The philosophic Frenchman, who said, " Happy are the people whose annals are barren," might here find a congenial paradise.
Until 1841, there had been no substantial bridge over Concord River, connecting Church and Andover streets. The first struc- ture was a floating-bridge for foot-passers. The next was a bridge set upon spiles. But, in the year above named, the double-arch stone bridge, (still standing,) was constructed. One of the
121
HAND - BOOK OF ITS BUSINESS.
DE BYROM'S
ABLE COUGH SIRUP
AND CATHARTIC PILLS
BYROM'S COUGH SIRUP! FOR THE CURE OF
Coughs, Colds, Hoarseness, Asthma, Tickling in the Throat, all Bronchial Affections, and the Relief of Consumptive Patients, and to guard those per- sons predisposed to Pulmonary Affections from future and more fre- quent attacks.
Never neglect a common cold ; for you are well aware (or at least you should be, ) that frequent and unheeded colds are only the forerunners of that fell destroyer of mankind-
CONSUMPTION.
The public may rest assured that there is at least one medicine afforded to them that is no humbug, and no catch-penny, but contains all the soothing and healing properties that a remedy intended for the relief of mankind should, and really does, pos- sess. It is put in large size bottles, and sold at the
Low Price of Fifty Cents.
BYROM'S CATHARTIC PILLS
ARE PURELY VEGETABLE.
They operate without nausea, or sickness of the stomach, or griping,-they promote the healthy secretions of the stomach, liver and intestines ; removing bilious and morbid accumulations of matter from the bowels, and are the best known remedy for the cure of Dyspepsia, Indigestion, Disease of the Bowels, Pain in the Stomach, Side, Shoulders, &c., Determination of Blood to the Head, Costiveness, Headache, &c., &c.
The necessity of such a medicine as these Pills has long been felt in our community. Leave off your nostrums and try the virtue of these Pills.
For sale by the Apothecaries generally. Principal Depot, No. 61 Market Street, Lowell, Mass.
GEORGE MOLLOY, AGENT.
122
HISTORY OF LOWELL:
arches of this bridge was deformed ; and a caving-in of the whole structure was daily apprehended, until, at length, " hope defer- red" made the hearts of the expectants sick.
Death of Harrison.
ON the seventh day of April, 1841,- all the bells in the city were draped in mourning, and tolled an hour, from twelve o'clock till one, in observance of the death of President Harrison. On Friday, the 14th of May,-that day having been designated by the new President as a National Fast-day,-all business. was sus- pended, and the obsequies of the diseased President appropriately solemnized. Many buildings, both public and private, were draped in sable. A long procession moved through the princi- pal streets, composed of citizens, without distinction of party, in funeral garb. In the absence, through illness, of Hon. Caleb Cushing, who had been expected to pronounce the eulogy,-Rev. Dr. Blanchard delivered an extemporaneous oration on the mournful topic of the day ; and the thanks of the City Council were presented to him, by a resolution, in which the eulogy is mentioned as a most able, interesting and eloquent performance. A solemn torch-light procession in the evening, closed the cere- monies of this last National Fast-Day.
Independence-Day was appropriately observed, this year, under the auspices of the City Government ; and Hon. John C. Park delivered the oration.
The Cemetery.
THE Lowell Cemetery was established in 1841. For this " gar- den of graves,"-covering about forty-five acres,-we are indebt-
HAND - BOOK OF ITS BUSINESS. 123
DENTAL ESTABLISHMENT.
S.L. WARD , DENTIST.
BANK.
F. HEDCE. DEL ET SC
S. L. & W. G. WARD,
SURGEON DENTISTS, 5 & 6 SAVINGS BANK. BUILDING, (OVER LOWELL AND RAILROAD BANKS,) LOWELL, MASS.
124
HISTORY OF LOWELL:
ed to the public spirit of Oliver M. Whipple, Esquire, and a few other citizens of this place. It is situated on the east bank of Concord River, one mile from the centre of the city. The topo- graphical survey was made under the direction of Mr. George P. Worcester. The grounds are laid out after the French style, combining therewith somewhat of the English mode of landscape gardening. Long serpentine avenues, shaded by forest trees, in- tersect this sacred enclosure. In the Central part of the Cemetery, in a group of young pines, stands a neat little Gothic chapel. This is in imitation of Pere la Chaise and other celebrated burial places in Europe. The waving plumes of these young pines, are in excellent keeping with the sacred purposes of the place. No- thing certainly could be more appropriate, than these
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