History of Barnstable County, Massachusetts, 1620-1890, Part 111

Author: Deyo, Simeon L., ed
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: New York : Blake
Number of Pages: 1292

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Though possessing a natural bias for learning, no leisure, books or schooling could be afforded him. Occasionally, in short intervals of rest, upon returning to the shore the father, who could not read, but could cipher, drawing sums upon the smooth sand of the beach with a stick, gave the son the only lessons in arithmetic he ever re- ceived from a teacher. Despite, however, the absence of opportunity, he, by force of native ability and desire for improvement, acquired, not great scholarship, it is true, but an amount of learning and a knowledge of natural history that assured him a creditable position. As a practical ichthyologist, he not only long enjoyed a national rep- utation in his own country, but his name, in connection with this branch, has for many years been known by scientific men in Europe. At the age of thirteen, graduating from the fish boat, his father shipped him as cook on a fishing vessel for the coast of Labrador. Continuing those voyages, three years later he was trusted to ship himself in a vessel bound to the Grand Banks. Desirous of a change of occupation, he went several voyages as seaman, and subsequently as master in the coasting and foreign fishing trade. A superior navi- gator, a kind master, a careful, honest agent, he filled these positions with efficiency and secured the confidence and esteem of his men and

*By James Gifford, Esq.

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HISTORY OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.

employers. Returning to fishing. he continued in this calling till the age of sixty, twice encountering shipwreck during this period. En- dowed with rare powers of observation, with a retentive memory and a temper favorable to study and investigation, he began in early man- hood to acquire knowledge of the characteristics of the sea fishes.

In 1843, when Dr. D. Humphries Storer was preparing his Fishes of Massachusetts, making inquiry for a fisherman who knew most about fishes on the coast, all concurred in referring him to Mr. Atwood. That this reference was fully justified, appears from the following extracts from the work cited: "During the last six or eight years no individual has rendered me such essential assistance as Captain N. E. Atwood, of Provincetown. # For much acceptable informa- tion respecting our marketable species I am indebted to him, the best practical ichthyologist in our state." In a subsequent report to the Boston Society of Natural History, he said: "Let his name, who has done so much to enable me to present this final report, be indel- ibly associated with the science to which he is an honor."

In 1852 Louis Agassiz, impressed with the value of Mr. Atwood's contributions to ichthyology, visited him in his home upon Long point, and there began an acquaintance that shortly ripened into an intimacy and life-long friendship. Their constant correspondence respecting fishes was continued through the professor's life. It was at his suggestion that Mr. Atwood was employed in the winter of 1868-9 to deliver a popular course of twelve lectures upon food fishes before the Lowell Institute of Boston.

In 1847 he was chosen a member of the Boston Society of Natural History. In 1856 he was appointed member of a committee to in- vestigate the feasibility of the artificial propagation of inland fishes, and the same year was elected a member of the Essex Institute of Salem. He was subsequently chosen a member of the Institute of Technology in Boston, and of the American Academy of Arts and Science.

In 1857, 1858, he was a representative to the legislature, and in 1869-1871 a member of the state senate, serving as chairman of the committee on fisheries. His opinions on matters pertaining to sea fisheries and requiring legislation were received as authority. He was therefore summoned before legislative committees in several states to give his views on pending measures. Candid and thor- oughly informed, his judgment was generally accorded decisive weight. He was twice sent to Washington by his fellow-townsmen once to urge upon the war department the necessity of fortifying Provincetown harbor, and later to present the interests of the fish- eries to the congressional committee on ways and means. For fifteen

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years prior to 1882 he was a faithful, diligent officer of the revenue in Provincetown. He was also one of the trustees of the Seamen's Savings Bank in Provincetown, and was three years member of the school committee. He was for many years associated with the United States fish commission, and rendered important services that were fully appreciated by that board. Of a serene, cheerful temper, unas- suming in manner, charitable to faults, public spirited and benevo- lent, his whole career was characterized by unselfishness, gentleness and integrity that was unswerving. The death of no man in Prov- incetown, in this generation at least, produced more general or sin- cere regret. His character and memory are a legacy to the people of this town.

His first marriage was with Maria Smith of Sag Harbor, L. I. He settled in Provincetown, where Mrs. Atwood died in 1849. Their family of three sons and two daughters were: John E., who died at the age of twelve years; Nathaniel, now a resident of Medford, Mass .; Lydia F. (Mrs. William A. Doyle of Truro); Mary M., who married John Kiley, jr., of Truro and died leaving three children; and Daniel WV. Captain Atwood married a second time Mrs. Blake of Boston, the mother of Prof. J. Henry Blake. By this marriage he had three child- ren who reached maturity: Myrick C., of Provincetown, now collector of customs at that port; Maria L., widow of Arthur K. Crowell, and Priscilla S., now Mrs. Fish of Brockton.

Nathaniel, the oldest survivor, was born in 1839, and married Olive J., daughter of Nathaniel Hopkins of Truro. He was captain of a whaler eleven years, and for ten years in merchant service. Since 1882 he has been superintendent for Lyon, Dupuy & Co. of Boston, exporters to Hayti. Prior to 1882 he lived in Provincetown. He has one daughter and one son, Edward H. Atwood, the only male repre- sentative of the name in this generation.

Solomon Bangs, only living child of Solomon and Betsey (Rich) Bangs, and grandson of Perez Bangs, was born in 1821. He followed the business of sailmaking until 1882, and since that time has been weir fishing. He married Rosilla, daughter of Samuel and Thankful (Bangs) Rich. They have one son, Perez.

John Bell, son of Henry F. Bell, was born in Liverpool, England, in 1838. He followed the sea from 1851 until 1884, the last sixteen years as captain of a whaling vessel. He has lived in Provincetown since 185S. He married Zilpha, daughter of John and Zeruiah (At- kins) Knowles. They have one daughter, Angie.

Stephen Bennett, born in 1824, is a son of Robert Bennett. He came to Provincetown in 1842, where he was a rigger for several years. Since 1871 he has been engaged in the ice business. He

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HISTORY OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.

handles about five thousand tons per year. He married Sarah M., daughter of Levi and Jerusha (Kilburn) Smith and granddaughter of Daniel Smith. They have two children -- Samuel A. and .Jerusha K. (Mrs. M. W. Bradshaw). One daughter, Melissa F., died.

John M. Carnes, born in Boston in 1816, is a son of David and Betsey (Rich) Carnes. He came to Provincetown in 1824 and followed the sea until 1849, when he went to California, returning in 1852. since which time he has been a farmer. He married Eunice C., daughter of Josiah and Sally (Smith) Doane, and granddaughter of Joshua Doane.

Josiah Chase, son of Josiah and Lucy (Wheldon) Chase, and grand- son of Josiah Chase, was born at Harwich in 1849. He has followed the sea since he was nine years old, as master since 1867, fishing and coasting. October 8, 1889, with a crew of seven men, he started for Cape Town, Africa, with the hope of finding new fishing grounds. Captain Chase is still at Cape Town. He has found mackerel there and his voyage will be fairly successful. He married Amelia, daughter of William Doyle. Their three children are: Bessie A., Anna G. and Josiah I.

Henry T. Chipman, son of Thomas and Permelia (Horton) Chip- man, was born in 1850. He began going to sea at the age of ten years, and has been ten years master of vessels in menhaden fishing.

Isaac Collins, born in 1823 in Truro, was a son of Michael and Tamesin (Snow) Collins and grandson of Benjamin Collins. He mar- ried Mrs. Matilda H.' Nickerson, daughter of Levi,' and Mehitabel (Lombard) Stephens, granddaughter of Levi,3 (Richard," Richard Stephens'). They have one son, Isaac S. Mr. Collins, as shipwright and spar maker, began business in Truro in 1857. In 1864 he removed to Provincetown, establishing himself at Central wharf. Upon his death in 1889, Ezra D. Ewen succeeded to the business.

David Conwell, son of David and Eleanor (Perry) Conwell, and grandson of Robert Conwell, was born in 1818. He was a house car- penter by trade, but has been in mercantile and wholesale fish busi- ness since 1848. He represented this district in the legislature in 18SS and 1889. He married Elmina, daughter of Amasa Taylor. She died, leaving four children: Eleanor B., Walter L., Robert E. and Amasa F.

Robert E. Conwell, son of David and Elmina Conwell, was born in 1853, and has been in business with his father since 1874. He married Ruth S., daughter of William Hedge.

Alfred Cook, born in 1816, is a son of Samuel and Tamesin (Brown) Cook, grandson of Samuel, great-grandson of Solomon, and great- great-grandson of Solomon Cook. He followed the sea from 1824

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until 1869, as master after 1838. For twenty-five years he was in whaling business. Since 1869 he has been engaged in the whaling and fishing business. He married Rebecca M. Bowley. She died and his second marriage was with Caroline Howard. His present wife was Mrs. Emily E. Chapel, daughter of William Law.

Charles A. Cook, born in 1822, is one of the children of Jonathan and Sabra (Brown) Cook, and grandson of Jonathan Cook. His first marriage was with Sarah Dunham, who died leaving one son, Jonathan Y. His second wife was Olive Atkins. They have five children: Charles A., jr., George P., Sarah (Mrs. H. P. Higgins), Angie (Mrs. J. W. Fuller) and Louise (Mrs. W. Williams). Mr. Cook began business in 1855, purchasing the wharf built by Jonathan H. Young, which he still owns. In early life Captain Cook commanded several packets that ran between Boston and Provincetown. He was also largely in- terested in fishing vessels. In 1855 he established a grocery and out- fitting store at 240 Commercial street, which he still continues with the assistance of his son, Jonathan, acting also as the agent of the schooners General Scott, Vandalia and John Simmons.

Emerson D. Cook, son of Lemuel and Mary J. (Weeks) Cook, grand- son of David and great-grandson of Jonathan Cook, was born in 1850. He followed the sea from 1863 until 1884. He is now a blockmaker. He married Kathleen O. Lynch. The have one son living, Benjamin L., and one son that died.

Henry Cook, born in 1813, is one of twelve children of Samuel and Tamesin (Brown) Cook. He followed the sea from 1823 until 1850, as master sixteen years. Since 1850 he has been a merchant. He has been a director of the Provincetown National Bank since its establishment. He married Abigail, daughter of Elijah Dyer. They have one daughter, Adelaide O., the wife of A. Lewis Putnam.

James D. Cook was born in 1845 in North Scituate, Mass. His father and grandfather were both natives of North Scituate, Mass. He is engaged in prepairing and packing cod fish. He married Mary S., daughter of Joseph Thomas. Their children are: Chester A., Ebed E., Henry P., May W., Walter T. and James W. They lost three: Nellie M., John B. and Charles.

John J. Cook, youngest son of John and Martha (Bush) Cook, and grandson of John Cook, was born in 1817. He followed the sea from 1826 until 1883, as master of whaling vessels after 1845. He is now engaged in the fish business with his son. He married Elizabeth S., daughter of William and Eliza S. (Kent) Taylor. Their children are: Emmie (Mrs. C. H. Holbrook), Lizzie K., Richard W. and Fred. They lost two: Martha E. and John J.

Frederick T. Daggett, son of Lathrop and grandson of Ichabod

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Daggett, was born in 1828 in Nova Scotia. He followed the sea for thirty five years, twenty-five of which he was in command of vessels. Since 1885 he has been engaged in the fish business. He married Helen, daughter of John and Sally (Lancy) Snow. Their children are: Fred W., Allton L., Sarah S. and Cora N. One son. John L., died.

James Daggett, born in 1832, in Liverpool, Nova Scotia, is a son of Lathrop, and grandson of Ichabod Daggett, who was a native of Scituate, Mass., and removed to Nova Scotia. Mr. Daggett came to Provincetown in early life, where for forty years he has been engaged in fishing. He married Mary S., daughter of Atwood Snow. Their children are: Joseph A. and Frank E.

James Engles, born in 1827, was a son of James Engles. He was a tinsmith by trade, and kept a hardware store here until his death in 1887. Since that time his son, Herbert, has continued the business. His wife, Susan, died leaving four children: Francenia, Adella, Carrie and Herbert.

Silas D. Fish, born in Franklin, Conn., in 1823. is a son of Cook and Mary (Cook) Fish. He began at the age of twenty-two as brake- man on the railroad, and six years later he began to run a locomotive, and continued until 1886, since which time he has been in the Old Colony railroad shop. He has lived in Provincetown since 1873. He married Mary J., daughter of Job Courier. They have three daughters: Emma F., Viola D. and Estella F. They lost two daughters.

James Gifford, born here in June, 1821, is the youngest of the four children-who reached maturity-of Benjamin Gifford, a Quaker, who, about 1807, came to Provincetown from Rochester. Mass. James Gif- ford was whaling one voyage while a lad, but has during his whole life been closely identified with the business and public interests of this town. He has been two terms county commissioner and five years in the state legislature, and twenty-four years deputy collector of customs at Provincetown. He rebuilt "The Gifford House" in 1869.

Moses N. Gifford, son of James Gifford, was born June 11, 1848. He was married December 12, 1870, to Harriet P. Lovering of George- town, Mass. Their daughter is Fannie C. He is treasurer of Sea- man's Relief Society and Provincetown Building Association.

Joseph S. Hatch, son of Joseph and Polly (Small) Hatch, was born in Truro in 1841. He is a sea captain in the fishing and coasting business. He married Josephine S., daughter of William and Sarah (Myrick) Holden, and granddaughter of William Holden. They have two daughters: Sarah M. and Annie W. Mrs. Hatch has kept a dry goods store since 1877.

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John D. Hilliard, born in 1836, is a son of Jairus and Emily (Cook) Hilliard, and grandson of Thomas Hilliard. He married Rebecca H. daughter of Jonathan Hill. She died leaving three children: Nellie B .. Alice S. and John D., jr. His second marriage was with Lizzie H., daughter of Phineas Paine. They have one daughter, Helen J. John W. Hilliard succeeded in 1880 to the wholesale fish business, begun in 1836 by Stephen Hilliard, who in that year opened a store for the sale of general merchandise. In 1846 Hilliard's wharf was erected. Stephen Hilliard afterward sold to Hilliard, Johnson & Co., who were succeeded by T. & J. H. Hilliard & Co. In 1859 Thomas Hilliard retired. The firm of Freeman & Hilliard succeeded and continued until 1880, when Nathan D. Freeman retired and John D. Hilliard continued the business.

Hiram C. Holmes, born in 1861, is a son of Hiram and Nancy (Avery) Holmes. Hiram Holmes came to Provincetown at the age of nineteen and followed the sea in fishing and whaling. He was twenty-five years captain of a whaleman. He kept a hardware store from 1865 until his death in 1SSS. Hiram C. continued the business until January, 1890, when he sold out to William C. Bangs and en- tered the firm of Wilcox, Crittenden & Co., manufacturers of marine and awning hardware at Middletown, Conn. Mr. Holmes is traveling for the firm. He was married January 16, 1890, to Mary E. Dyer of Provincetown. His two sisters, Susie P. and Hattie F. L., reside with their mother at Provincetown.

James P. Holmes, son of James M. and Salome C. (Soper) Holmes, and grandson of Nathaniel Holmes, was born in 1852. He was for about eight years on the steamer George Shattuck, then four years in Boston, and since 1880 he has kept a fruit and confectionery store at Provincetown. He married Sadie C., daughter of Thomas Lewis. They have one daughter living, Flora M .- and one died in infancy.

Nathaniel Hopkins, son of Isaac and Hannah (Rich) Hopkins, and grandson of Isaac Hopkins, was born in Truro in 1815. He followed the sea from 1823 until 1847, eleven years of the time as master. Since 1847 he has been a ship carpenter. He owns a controlling in- terest in the Union Marine Railway Company. He married Aphiah Snow, who died leaving four children, three of whom are now living: Olive J., Aphiah L. and Addie. His second marriage was with Mrs. Delia P. Paine, daughter of Benjamin Hinckley. She died and he afterward married Mrs. Margaretta E. Smith.

Philip R. Howes, born in Barnstable in 1852, is a son of Philip and Temperance B. (Ames) Howes, and grandson of Richard Howes. He has lived in Provincetown since 1873. He was express messenger on the railroad until 1888, and since that time he has been express agent

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HISTORY OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.

here. He lias also kept a variety store since 1882. He married Emma F. Fish.

Hezekiah P. Hughes, born in 1839 at North Truro, is a son of John and Hannah (Paine) Hughes, and grandson of John Hughes. He was in the war of the rebellion from August, 1862, until June, 1865, in the Third Massachusetts Cavalry. He was promoted to second lieutenant in September, 1864. He was keeper of Highland light for 33 years. He was nine years bookkeeper for the Central Wharf Company, and since 1883 he has been a dry goods merchant in the Masonic Build- ing. He married Orianna F., daughter of Edward Armstrong. Their only daughter is Anna M.

Sylvanus N. Hughes, born in 1820 in Truro, is the eldest son of James and Jane (Avery) Hughes, and grandson of John Hughes. He followed the sea from 1830 until 1SS6, after 1842 as master. He has lived in Provincetown since 1866. He married Mary S. Collins, who died, leaving one son, Cullen A. His second marriage was with Mrs .. Hannah Sparrow.

Joseph P. Johnson, born in 1813 at Essex, Conn., was a son of John WV. and Jerusha (Cary) Johnson. He came to Provincetown at the age of thirteen, and learned the trade of a sailmaker, at which he wrought for some time. He has been engaged in several other branches of business here. He served as moderator of town meetings twenty- eight years, selectman several years, seven years as representative.in the legislature, and two terms state senator. He was agent for the Massachusetts Humane Society for about twenty-five years, several years agent for the Boston Board of Underwriters, and is now a di- rector in the Provincetown National Bank. His first wife, Polly Cook,. died leaving no children. His second wife, Susan Fitch, died leaving two children: Mary C. and Susan E. His third wife, Mary Whorf, left three children: Josephine P., George F. and William W.

Samuel Knowles, a carpenter, born in Truro in 1831, is a son of John and Zeruiah (Atkins) Knowles, grandson of Samuel, great-grand- son of John and great-great-grandson of Willard Knowles, born in 1712. He was in the war from July, 1862, until May, 1863, in Com- pany A, Thirty-third Massachusetts Volunteers. He purchased in 1865 of James Chandler the mail and stage route between Orleans and Provincetown. In 1873 he established a livery stable and grain store .. Until 18SS he also acted as agent of the Cape Cod and New York and Boston Express Companies. He married Hannah E., daughter of Ed- ward Larkin. Their children are: Emma B. and Carrie E., and one daughter, Virginia (Mrs. Joshua Atkins), who died leaving three. children.

Daniel F. Lewis, born in 1834, is the youngest son of George and

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Mary (Snow) Lewis, grandson of Eleazer Lewis and great-grandson of George Lewis. He is a ship carpenter by trade, but for the last six years he has been engaged in driving artesian wells. He married Mehitabel F. Avery for his first wife. His second wife was Mrs. Mercy M. Hopkins, and his present wife was Mrs. Mary N. Hallett, daughter of Reuben Brown.

Isaac B. Lewis, born in 1831. is one of eleven children of Nathaniel, grandson of Eleazer, and great-grandson of George, who was a descendant of George Lewis. Isaac B. married Olive A. Baker, who died leaving one son, Isaac W., who married Laura M. Freeman and has four children: Olsen E., Olive A., Nathaniel E. and an infant. Mr. Lewis married for his second wife Elizabeth A. Boothby. He has an adopted son, Ira A. Lewis. Mr. Lewis is engaged in weir fishing.

Thomas Lewis, son of Nathaniel and Azubah (Snow) Lewis, was born in 1834. He began going to sea in 1844, attained to master in 1854, and continued coasting and fishing until 18SS. He married Flora A., daughter of John Coan. Their children are: John A., Thomas J. and Sadie C.

Adam Macool, born in Ireland in 1823. is a son of Robert and grandson of Adam H. Macool, both natives of Scotland. He came to this country in 1827, and in 1851 he came from Providence, R. I., to Provincetown, where he has since been a gauger and cooper. He is now agent for three whaling vessels. He began the manufacture of oil casks in 1858 near Atwood's wharf, where he has since carried on a flourishing business. He married Sarah Ross. They have had four children, all of whom died in infancy.

Joseph Manta, born in Portugal in 1843, is a son of Francis S. and grandson of Joseph S. Manta. He left home in 1854 and followed the sea from that time until 1876, when he started a grocery store nearly west of the present wharf which he purchased six years later. He has since become extensively engaged in the wholesale fish business, acting as agent for several large schooners engaged in the fresh fish business. He married Phelomina Perry. They have had five chil- dren: Joseph, John and Philip, living; and Francis and Phelomina, deceased.

Duncan A. Matheson, born in Richmond county, Cape Breton, N. S., February S, 1848, is a son of Donald and Flora Matheson. Donald Matheson was the son of Murdock and Anne Matheson, of Loch Alsh, Rosshire, Scotland. Flora Matheson was the daughter of John and Katherine Matheson, also of Loch Alsh, Rosshire, Scotland. Duncan A. came to Provincetown in September, 1872, and opened a shoe store. In 1881 he added a clothing department, and in October, 1884,

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opened a branch store at Wellfleet. In August, 1884, he married Irene P., daughter of William and Rebecca Bush, of Provincetown. They have one daughter, Rebecca Florence Matheson.

William Matheson, born in 1828, in Nova Scotia, is a son of Alex- ander Matheson. He came to Provincetown in 1848, and followed the sea from that time until 1879, fishing and coasting. He was master from 1853. He purchased in 1882 "Steamboat Wharf" where he conducts the wholesale fishing business, owning largely in fishing vessels, and affording employment to many men. His daughters, Mary S. and Jesse T. Matheson, occupy the building at the head of the wharf as a millinery store. He married Mary, daughter of John Matheson. Their children are: Lottie B. (Mrs. Angus McKay), Georgia D. (Mrs. Orrin Paine), Mary S., Jessie T., John A. and Lizzie W. They lost one infant son.

Edwin C. Mayo, born in 1835, was a son of Stephen and Jerusha (Sawtell) Mayo, grandson of Joshua and great-grandson of Thomas Mayo. He began going to sea in 1848, and from 1856 until 1887 he was master of vessels. From 1887 until his death in November, 1889, he was engaged in the wholesale fish business. He married Alexandrina Kemp, by whom he had three daughters: Ella M., Carrie E. and Almira C.

Roderick McIntosh, born in 1845, at Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, is the seventh son of Roderick McIntosh. He has lived in Province- town since 1862, and since 1866 he has been master of vessels. He married Sarah, daughter of John Matheson. She died in 1885, leav- ing two sons: John A. and Daniel M.

Angus McKay, born in 1843, at Cape Breton, is a son of Alexander Mckay. He came to Provincetown in 1875. He has followed the sea in the fishing business since sixteen years of age, and has been mas- ter since twenty-one years old. He married Lottie B. Matheson. They have three children: William A., Cora S. and Osborn E.

Norman Mckenzie, son of Donald Mckenzie, was born at Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, in 1845, and came to Provincetown in 1867. Since 1871 he has been master of coasting and fishing vessels. He married Sarah, daughter of Hector McKinon. Their children are: Sadie M., Lorance N. and Maggie A. (deceased.)

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History of Barnstable County, Massachusetts, 1620-1890, Part 111

Author: Deyo, Simeon L., ed Publication date: 1890 Publisher: New York : Blake Number of Pages: 1292

Author: Deyo, Simeon L., ed
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: New York : Blake
Number of Pages: 1292