USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Charlestown > Historical sketch of Charlestown, in the county of Middlesex, and commonwealth of Massachusetts : read to an assembly of citizens at the opening of Washington Hall, Nov. 16, 1813 > Part 2
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Rev. Zechariah Symmes, settled 1652, died 1671. Aged 71. Thomas Shepard, 1659, 1677. 43.
Thomas Shepard, jun. 1680, 1685. 27. Charles Morton, 1686, 1706. 80. Simon Bradstreet, 1698, 1741. . 72.
Joseph Stevens, 1713, 1721.
40.
Hull Abbot, 1724, 1774-
72.
Thomas Prentice, 1739, :782.
80.
Joshua Paine, 1787, 1788.
34.
Jedidiah Morse, D. D. 1789.
The present deacons of the church are James Frothingham, Thomas Miller, and Amos Tufts.
Baptist ministers-Rev. Thomas Waterman, settled 1802, and dismissed 1803. He was pastor of the church, and an instructer of youth at Woburn, and died there, March 23, 1814, aged 39. Rev. William Collier, settled 1804.
The deacons are David Goodwin, William Arnold, and James Fosdick.
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HISTORICAL SKETCH
In 1743 a fire society was formed, which is still con- tinued; with the addition of three others, in 1795, 1800 and 1810 .* A lodge of Freemasonst was constituted, in 1783, and from its funds was erected, in 1794, a hand- some monumentt on Breed's hill, in memory of a dis- tinguished member,§ and to perpetuate American bravery. Associations like these, for mutual assistance in periods of danger and adversity, have a beneficial influence, and they merit the attention of the benevolent and humane.
In 1786 the opening of Charles River Bridge,|| erect- ed where the ferry was kept, was celebrated, with the
Universal ministers-Rev. Abner Kneeland, settled in 1811. His connexion is dissolved, and Rev. Edward Turner from Salem, is to succeed him.
The deacons are Moses Hall and Samuel Thompson.
There are two other Baptist societies, which worship in private buildings. They consider clerical titles and dress improper, deny the necessity of ordination in the usual way, administer the communion every sabbath, and receive no contri- butions but from church members. The teachers are Mr. Walter Balfour and Oliver Holden, Esq. See Benedict's History of the Baptists, vol. II, p. 407-8. The first Baptist church in Boston, was gathered in Charlestown in 1665.
* These are designated by the names of the Ancient, Phoenix, Washington, and Jefferson societies.
t The Master is Mr. Thomas Hooper.
# A Tuscan Pillar, 18 feet high, on a brick foundation 10 feet from the ground, eight feet square and enclosed by posts. On the top is a gilt urn, with the letters J. W. aged 35, entwined in masonic emblems. On the south side of the pedes- tal is the following inscription.
ERECTED, A. D. MDCCXCIV, By King Solomon's Lodge of FREE-MASONS, Constituted in Charlestown, 1783, In memory of MAJOR-GENERAL JOSEPH WARREN, and his ASSOCIATES, who were slain on this memorable spot, June 17, 1775. " None but they who set a just value upon the blessings of LIBERTY are wor- thy to enjoy her. In vain we toiled; in vain we fought ; we bled in vain; if you, our offspring, want valor to repel the assaults of her invaders."
Charlestown settled 1628. Burnt 1775. Rebuilt 1776.
The enclosed land was given by the Hon. James Russell.
§ Warren was Grand Master of Free-Masons for "North America, at the time of his death.
W This Bridge, which was thirteen months in building, and considered as the greatest enterprize which had been undertaken in the country, is 1503 feet long, it has 75 piers, each composed of seven posts of oak timber, driven into the bed of the river, and united by cap pieces and girts. The piers are connected with string pieces, which are covered with four inch plank. The bridge is 43 feet wide, with a railed way on each side for foot passengers. It has a draw 30 feet wide, and is accommodated with 40 lamps. The depth of water in the channel on high tides is about 40 feet. The property is vested in 150 shares, each of which was assessed 100 pounds, and it reverts to the State in 70 years from 1786. The Bridges which have been since built in the vicinity, are on the same model. The President is the Hop. George Cabot, of Boston.
1
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OF CHARLESTOWN.
greatest splendour and festivity, on the same spot, and at the same time, which eleven years before, was a scene of slaughter and devastation.
A reading society and news-rooms, were opened in 1812, upon a liberal establishment; but by the peculiar state of the times, another was afterward formed, which divided the original subscribers, and caused a different arrangement. That year also gave existence, in this town, to a branch of the " Washington Benevolent Society,"* the objects of which are to support the constitution, preserve the union of the States, recipro- cate advice in times of adversity, and relieve the indi- gent. Its first publick appearance was on the last anni- versary of the birth of our POLITICAL FATHER.
Though I omit to detail our various publick celebra- tions,t (which are common to other places) and the dif- ferent motives of those who have encouraged them, I cannot forbear to mention that this town, in but seven- teen dayst from the mournful event, was the first in Mas- sachusetts, and I believe in the United States, that insti- tuted publick funeral honours on the death of WASHING- TON. There are many who hear me, that can never for- get the united sympathies of six hundred and twenty persons, moving§ by a solemn knell, and agonizing peals of cannon to the house of prayer; or the copious tears of a crowded auditory at the recital of his unexampled services for his beloved country. The gazing school- boys, who accompanied us on that occasion, will renew
* The President is Joseph Hurd, Esq. and the number of our inhabitants who are members is 230.
t The 22d Feb. 4th March, 17th June and 4th July, have often been celebrat- ed by the different political sects ; and the 24th June by the Free-Masons.
# Dec. 31, 1799.
§ The procession consisted of the male inhabitants, from seven years of age and upwards; the Magistrates, Town, Church and Parish officers, instructers of the schools, the lodge of Free-Masons, and the Military, consisting of three com- panies in uniform. The stores and shops were shut; the flags on the vessels and on shore were displayed half staff high, and minute guns were fired from Breed's kill. The meeting house was shrowded in black, and an appropriate discourse from Deuteronomy xxxiv. 5, 7, 8. was delivered by Rev. Dr. MORSE, which, with all the proceedings, were published by the town for the use of the inhabit- ants.
The 22d of February, 1800, being set apart by the Congress of the United States, was suitably noticed by the town. A procession was formed similar to the above, and an Oration delivered by the author of this history, which was publish- ed at the request of the selectmen and parish committee.
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HISTORICAL SKETCH
their tender emotions, when they tell the melancholy story to their listening children, and the records of the town will transmit to future ages, a most honourable testi- mony of our esteem and veneration.
By this cursory retrospect of thirty seven years, from the rebuilding of the town, we may discover the benefi- cial effects of industry and perseverance. Our com- merce, ship building, and other mechanick arts have ge- nerally been successful; our manufactures, which in some branches are extensive, particularly of morocco leather, cordage, bricks, candles, soap of various kinds, the distillery of molasses, and the brewing of malt liquors; with the extensive butcheries, tan yards, and packing large quantities of provisions for foreign mar- kets, afford, in prosperous times, a productive income to the different proprietors, and a handsome support to various classes of our fellow citizens.
Our pleasant, healthful and commodious situation, is frequently a subject of conversation, with occasional vis- itants. The events of the revolutionary war; the Navy Yard* located in 1800, and now in active operation, by the building of a seventy-four gun ship, and the fitting of other vessels of war; the Middlesex Canal,t opened in 1803, and creating a deposit for wood, lumber and other articles; the Marine Hospital, erected in
* The territory comprising the national accommodations, being between 40 and 50 acres, was ceded to the U. States in 1800, by the General Court, who re- tain no other jurisdiction than to prevent a refuge against breaches of our statutes committed without its limits. The persons residing there are subject to no taxes, nor the performance of municipal duties; and it is considered as settled by the Judiciary, that they are not entitled to the ordinary rights and privileges of our citizens. The land appropriated, was valued by a Jury at 37,280 dollars. A part of it is used for the Marine Hospital, and a part by the Military department, which is accommodated with stores, a magazine and barracks. The Navy de- partment is furnished with an elegant dwelling house, extensive brick buildings for stores, lofts, &c. a spacious wharf, batteries, and other conveniences, which are nearly completed. The principal officer is Commodore William Bainbridge.
Brig. Gen. Thomas H. Cushing of the U. S. army, quarters here. There is also, a house used as a military hospital, of which Benjamin Waterhouse, M. D. is surgeon, and about 300 soldiers, most of whom are prisoners on parole.
t This Canal, which affords a water communication from Boston to Merrimack river, terminates on the peninsula at Charlestown. For a particular description of this immense undertaking, see Morse's Universal Geography, fourth edition. Vol. I. p. 348. The President is Aaron Dexter, Esq.
# The Marine Hospital of the United States is 100 feet by 40, two stories high, and a basement ; it is accommodated with kitchens, a spacious hall, and nineteen rooms, with a garden. The average number of patients is stated at 30. It is controlled by the Collector of the Customs, and conducted by an overscer or steward, under the direction of the surgeon, who is David Townsend, M. D.
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OF CHARLESTOWN.
1803, for the accommodation of sick and disabled sea- men; and the State Prison* built in 1805, for the pun- ishment, employment and reformation of convicts, have given us publicity; and we cherish a belief, that these important circumstances and establishments, will be so estimated and conducted, as to answer the publick expec- tations, and promote the happiness of the town.
On political occurrences I shall remark generally, that during our connexion with Great Britain, we enjoyed the customary privileges; a due proportion of the in- habitants were appointed to important offices; there was a regular compliance with the requirements of govern- ment, and a cheerful support of the publick burthens. But we participated fully in the effects of the stamp act in 1765, the revenue bill in 1768, the port bill in 1774, and of other tokens of ministerial impolicy. In proof of our patriotism it may be observed, that at the commence- ment of serious oppositiont to parliamentary measures, WE UNITED, as I hope we ever shall, to resist oppres- sion, and that but a single inhabitant,; sought protection from the parent country, whilst many§ engaged, in various
* This Prison is said to be as secure as any in the world. It is 200 feet long, 44 wide and 38 high, containing 90 cells for convicts, with kitchens, convenient rooms for officers, and guards, a chapel, hospital, store, work shops, and bathing place. The yard, in which is a garden, is encompassed with a stone wall, 375 by 260, and 15 feet high, on which the guards are stationed. The number of con- victs admitted from Dec. 1805, to the time of this address, is 640, of whom 296 have been discharged, 80 pardoned, 9 escaped, 22 died, I shot, and 232 remain. The visitors are the Supreme Executive of the Commonwealth, and the Supreme Judicial Court. The directors are James Prince, James T. Austin, and Caleb Bingham, Esq'rs .; the warden is Capt. Gamaliel Bradford; and the physician is Josiah Bartlett, M. D.
t E. N. a respectable citizen of this town, late., leceased at the age of 78, has repeatedly mentioned to the writer, that he was among the Indians, who de- stroyed the tea at Boston in 1774.
# Thomas Danforth, Esq. who was the only attorney at law in the town.
§ At the commencement of hostilities, a company of our inhabitants was raised and served eight months. It was in the battle on Breed's hill. The officers were *Capt. Josiah Harris, *Lieut. Bartholomew Trow, Ensign Thomas Miller, Ser- geants, James Berry, Timothy Thompson, *Samuel Moore and Francis Greene.
The citizens of this town, who held appointments in the army, and served for different periods, were,-In the line, Captains *Benjamin Frothingham, *Elipha- let Newell, and #William Harris. In the medical department, Doctors *Isaac Rand, who attended small pox patients, *Isaac Foster, an hospital surgeon, and afterward a deputy director general, Thomas Welsh, a regimental surgeon, and Josiah Bartlett, a hospital mate, and afterward surgeon. In the commissary's department, *Ezekiel Cheever, Richard Frothingham, and Thomas Frothingham, jun .-- Those marked * are dead.
Benjamin Frothingham, Isaac Foster, Josiah Bartlett, Ezekiel Cheever, Rich- ard Frothingham and Thomas Frothingham, jun. continued during the war.
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HISTORICAL SKETCH
stations in the revolutionary army, and some continued until the termination of the contest.
During the confederation of the United States, and the first administration of the federal government, we were tolerably united in principles and conduct ; but a question on the adoption of the British treaty in 1795, revived our prejudices ; and the commotions of Europe, aided perhaps by that spirit of rivalship which is insepa- rable from the human character, excited in our citizens, those unhappy divisions, which paralize the energies of our country, and threaten us with the most serious cal- amities. May we all cultivate union, candour, modera- tion, and forbearance; and let us remember, that by a noble support of a free constitution, ancient Rome was elevated to happiness and glory ; but by innovations and animosities, she fell from her exalted rank to infamy and slavery.
If we except the years 1809 and 1812 (when a union ticket prevailed) the affairs of the town have for a long period been exclusively administered* by those, who es- pouse the present measures of our national government; but it is pleasing to reflect, that political dissensions have not destroyed our social intercourse, our mutual charities, or the personal confidence of our citizens in each other.
From the adoption of the constitution in 1780, we chose but one representative annually to the General Court, until 1803, when we elected two; in 1804 three; in 1805 four ; and in 1806 five, which number has been continued to the last election, when by an equality of suffrages, for the different candidates, and an unintention- al errour in declaring the choice, the seats of four were vacated, and we are again reduced to a single member,t
* The present Selectmen (1813) are David Goodwin, Esq. Messrs. Timothy Thompson and Richard Frothingham, Col. Isaac Smith, Mr. Peter Tufts, Capt. Joseph Miller and Mr. John Tapley. Town Clerk, John Kettell, Esq. Treas- urer, Mr. David Devens.
Elected 1814. Selectmen, David Goodwin, John Soley, and Jeremiah Evarts, Esq'rs. Deac. Amos Tufts, Messrs. Samuel Payson, Peter Tufts, and Joseph Tufts. Clerk, Mr. David Dodge. Treasurer, Mr. D. Devens.
t Capt. Joseph Miller. His predecessors in office from the operation of the constitution were *Timothy Tufts, Esq. * Hon. Nathaniel Gorham ; Thomas Har- ris, and *Richard Devens, Esq'rs. Hon. Josiah Bartlett, *Aaron Putnam, Esq. Hon. Matthew Bridge, David Goodwin, Esq. Messrs. Richard Frothingham, and Seth Wyman, Col. Nathaniel Hawkins, Messrs. Elijah Mead, Daniel Tufts, Timothy
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OF CHARLESTOWN.
on whom the responsibility devolves, at this most impor- tant crisis.
We have usually furnished a senator for the district of Middlesex, and repeatedly a member of the supreme executive .* One of our respected inhabitants, who served in various offices, was, for many years, the com- missary generalt of this commonwealth. We were also honoured with a president of congress under the confederation ; who was afterward a member of that au- gust assembly that formed the constitution of the United States, and of the convention of this State that ratified it.±
This town enjoyed the residence, and here are deposit- ed the ashes of the most distinguished benefactor§ of
Thompson, and David Devens; Peter Tufts, jun. John Kettell, and William Aus- tin, Esqrs. Elected for 1814-Joseph Hurd and John Soley, Esqrs. and Mr. Jos- eph Tufts, who do not espouse the measures of the national government.
* The inhabitants, who have served as senators, under the present constitu- tion, are *Hon. Nathaniel Gorham, Josiah Bartlett, Matthew Bridge, and Samuel Dana. As members of the council, *Hon. Nathaniel Gorham, Josiah Bartlett, and Artemas Ward.
t Richard Devens, Esq. who died in 1807, aged 86. "From a native strength of mind, quick discernment, and commendable industry, he was qualified for dis- tinguished usefulness. He sustained at different periods the most important town offices ; was a magistrate and legislator ; and bequeathed a large sum for charita- ble purposes." For a particular delineation of his character, see Panoplist, vol. III. p. 239.
# Hon. Nathaniel Gorham, who died in 1796, aged 58. Having served in vari- ous town offices, he was chosen representative in 1771, and from that period was seldom disengaged from publick employments. He was Speaker of the House; a Judge of the county Court, and, at the time of his death, supervisor of the na- tional revenue for the district of Massachusetts. In testimony of his merits and important services, and in compliance with a vote of the town, an eulogy on his character was delivered, June 11, 1796, by Thomas Welsh, M. D. and is published.
§ John Harvard died in 1638. All that can be ascertained of this gentleman is, that he had been a minister in England, and died soon after his arrival in this country; that he preached a short time in this town, and bequeathed about eight hundred pounds to the College. The writer has repeatedly searched for his grave, but could discover nothing to designate it.
The following inhabitants of Charlestown (including exiles by the war in 1775) received degrees at Harvard College, and their names are copied from the Cata- logue. For information on this subject before the memory of the writer, he is indebted to the politeness of the Hon. William Winthrop, of Cambridge, who is a descendant of the fifth generation from Governour Winthrop.
Those, who are not marked as dead, and have no place of residence annexed, are now inhabitants of the town.
1647 *Comfort Star, Mr. Socius. 53 *Samuel Nowell, Mr. Thesau.
*Joshua Long, Mr.
56 *Thomas Greaves, Mr. Soc.
57 *Zechariah Symmes, Mr. Soc. *Zechariah Brigden, Mr. Soc. 3
1658 *Benjamin Bunker, Mr. 63 *Nathaniel Cutler.
64 *Alexander Nowell, Mr. Soc.
69 *Daniel Russell, Mr. Soc. 71 *Isaac Foster, Mr. Soc.
*Samuel Phipps, Mr.
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HISTORICAL. SKETCHY
Harvard University ; and there are many of our departed citizens, who were highly esteemed as clergy, judges, legislators, magistrates, and publick benefactors .*
86 *Nicholas Morton.
90 *Nicholas Lynde.
91 *Joseph Lord, Mr.
1703 *THOMAS GREAVES, Mr. Mass. Prov. Cur. Sup. Jurid.
20 * Joseph Stimson, Mr.
22 *Seth Sweetser, Mr.
23 *Joseph Lynde, Mr.
24 *Henry Phillips, Mr.
25 *Edward Dowse.
26 *Thomas Greaves, Mr.
27 *Benjamin Kent, Mr.
28 *Simon Bradstreet, Mr.
31 *CHAMBERS RUSSELL, Mr. Mass. Prov. Cur. Sup. Jurid. *Joseph Kent, Mr.
32 * Thomas Skinner, Mr.
35 *Daniel Russell, Mr.
*John Bunker, Mr.
39 *Jonathan Kent, Mr.
40 *Benjamin Stevens, Mr. S. T. D. *Samuel Henley, Mr.
50 *Thomas Cheever, Mr.
52 *William Foster, Mr.
53 *David Jenner.
57 *Charles Russell, M. D. Aberd.
58 *David Wyer, Mr. *Isaac Foster, Mr.
59 *John Gorham, Mr.
61 * Thomas Carey, Mr. Isaac Rand, Mr. M. D. M. M. S. Vice Præses et Præses. S. M.
Lond. Soc. Corresp. A. A. ct S. H. S. Boston.
63 *Richard Carey, Mr.
64 * Thomas Abbot, Mr.
*Thomas Brigden, Mr.
66 *Joseph Dowsc.
1766 *John Stevens, Mr. 71 John A. Mason, Mr. Boston. John Frothingham, Mr. Portland.
72 Thomas Welsh, M. D. M. M. S. et A. A. Soc. Doston.
76 *Ezekiel Henley, Mr. Isaac Hurd, Mr. M. M. S. Soc. Concord. William Stearns, Mr. Salem.
77 *Jacob Conant.
78 Josiah Bartlett, M. B. 1791. M. D. 1809. M. M. S. A. A. et S. H. S.
81 *Timothy Swan.
82 *Richard Codman, Mr.
87 Thaddeus M. Harris, Mr. Bib. S. T D. S. H. et A. A. S. Dorchester.
88 James Gardner, Mr. M. D. M. M. S. Soc. Lynn.
90 Abijah Tufts, Mr. Virginia.
92 John Gorham, Mr.
96 Benjamin Gorham, Mr. Boston.
97 Joseph Hurd, Mr. *Benjamin Wood.
98 William Austin, Mr. Henry Gardner, Mr. M. D. M. M. S. Soc. Malden.
1800 *Aaron H. Putnam, Mr.
3 Abner Gardner, Mr. Roxbury.
4 Oliver Brown, Mr.
5 Isaac Warren, Mr. Concord.
6 Isaac Hurd, Mr. Lynn.
7 Joseph Tufts, Mr.
10 Joseph Eaton. William J. Walker, Mr. M. D.
II Charles Hurd. James Russell.
13 Gorham Bartlett. Henry Thompson.
The following additional graduates at Harvard College reside in town at this time.
1782 Samuel Payson, Mr.
86 Elias H. Derby, Mr. 1803.
95 Samuel J. Prescott, Mr.
1801 Elias Phinney, Mr.
2 Henry Adams, Mr.
At Yale College, New-Haven.
1783 Jedidiah Morse, Mr. et Nass. 1810 Samuel F. B. Morse.
Tutor, S. T. D). Edin. A. A. et S. H. Mass. Soc.
11 Sydney E. Morse.
12 Richard C. Morsc. Theodore Dexter.
1802 Jeremiah Evarts, Mr. C. A. Soc. At Providence College. 1797 William Collier, Mr. 1802 Benj. Gleason, Mr. At Dartmouth College, Hanover.
1808 Leonard M. Parker. 1811 Abraham Andrews and William Gordon.
Abraham R. Thompson entered in 1795, and continued till 1797.
Inhabitants who are undergraduates at Harvard College. John M. Fiske, Jo- siah Bartlett, Jun. Samuel Bridge, John L. Payson, Samuel Soley.
1665 *Caleb Cheeshahteaumuck, the only Incian who ever received a degree at Harvard College, died at Charlestown in 1666, aged 20.
· The present magistrates are, justices through the state, Hon. Samuel Dana, (who has been president of the senate, and is chief justice of the Circuit Court of
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OF CHARLESTOWN.
Our military arrangements have generally been re- spectable. As early as 1630, a lot of land was designa- ted as a training field, and has been continued by that name, and for that use, to this time. Our present mili- tary force are three companies of militia, all of which are well officered and provided ; an artillery company formed in 1786, and two companies of light infantry in 1804. These are so completely equipped and disciplined, as to sustain an equal rank with any in the commonwealth. We have now a brigadier general, three field officers,
Common Pleas) and Josiah Bartlett, Esqrs. Justices of the quorum, John Soley and John Kettell, Esqrs. Justices of the peace, Benjamin Hurd, Joseph Hurd, Oliver Holden, David Goodwin, Thomas Harris, *Abner Rogers, Matthew Bridge, Henry Adams, H. W. Gordon, Peter Tufts, Jun. William Austin, Elias Phinney, and Elias H. Derby, Esquires. Mr. Rogers died Feb. 23, 1814, aged 35.
There are many ancient epitaphs on the burying hill, most of which are not legible. The following have been copied with difficulty, and may serve as a spe- cimen of the taste of our forefathers.
" Here lieth the body of Mr. John Greene, born at London, in Old England, who married Perseverance the daughter of - - Johnson in Amsterdam, by whom he had six children; with whom and three children he came to Charles- town, in New-England, in 1632, was ruling elder of the church, and deceased April 22, 1658, aged 65, leaving behind two sons and one daughter, viz. John, Jacob, and Mary, who erected this monument to the memory of him and his wife, their father and mother."
" Here lies interred the body of Richard Russell, Esq. who served his country as treasurer, more than a treble prentiship, and as a magistrate sixteen years ; who departed this life the 14th of May, 1676, being the 65th year of his age. A saint, a husband, and a faithful brother,
A friend, scarce equalled by any other,
A saint, that walked high in either way, In godliness and honesty all say.
A husband rare to both his darling wives,
To her deceas'd, to her who him survives.
A father politick, and husband kind,
Unto our state in treasureship we find.
Of fathers good, as best to own to those, On him a fathership law did impose,
A Moses brother kind, good Aaron lov'd,
On whom love showers, full of strength improve,
A friend to needy poor, whom he refresh'd,
The poor may well lament their friend suppress'd,
In time of war he was removed in peace, From sin and woes to glory, by his decease."
I copied the above from the original stone in 1787, ahd it was replaced by the descendants at that time on a tablet of soft free stone, which is not proper for such uses, as the inscription is now almost effaced.
" Here lies the body of John Phillips, Esq. who departed this life March 20, 1725, ætatis suæ 94, who served in divers posts; was some time judge of the ad- miralty, and treasurer of the province; as colonel and chief officer of the regiment ab anno 1689 ad annum 1715; as one of the justices of the Inferior Court of Com- mon Pleas, and one of his majesty's council, ab anno 1689 ad annum 1716, suc- cessively."
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