History of Barnstable County, Massachusetts, 1620-1890, Part 95

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

USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > History of Barnstable County, Massachusetts, 1620-1890 > Part 95

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

In 1854, through the efforts of Chester Snow, the Exchange building, as it was called, was erected; the lower story was fitted up for stores, and the upper story as a hall, which at the time was the most commodious in the county. William H. Underwood and Andrew Snow, under the firm of Snow & Underwood, in 1855 opened a dry goods store in the building. They both retiring from the business in a few years, a new firm, Brett, Smith & Co., commenced business in the store. This firm was succeeded in 1864 by Charles E. Brett, a native of Brock- ton, who had been a clerk for the firm. Mr. Brett wasa dealer in dry goods and clothing. He remained in the store until 1874, when he removed into his new store built a few steps east of the Exchange building,

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where he carried on business until 1876, when fire destroyed the store and the famous Exchange building, together with the dwelling house of Mrs. Turpie, and outbuildings connected with the store. It should have been stated that upon retiring from the dry goods business, Mr. Underwood went into the grocery business in another room of the old Exchange building, and engaged in other branches of trade, hold- ing at the time the office of postmaster and town clerk and treasurer in his store. He was succeeded by his son, Joseph Underwood, and Henry Holmes in the grocery business in 1872. The store vacated by Mr. Brett in 1874 was soon occupied by C. F. Parker of Yarmouth in the dry goods business. He was in trade here when the store was burned. Mr. Parker for a short time opened a store in Mr. Buck's building, now occupied by Paddock Small, and removed to Osterville. Mr. Brett's present store was built in 1876. The west room is occu- pied by J. F. Tobey, who succeeded Mr. Brett in the grocery business.

Nathan Ellis opened a store in his old house on the north road in 1855, and subsequently opened opposite his house on the east side of the road a store, which was destroyed by fire about 1880. In 1881 he opened, near the railroad station, a store, which he sold to Thomas Harriman in 1884, who carried on the grocery business until 1885, when the store was burned. In 1881 Mr. Ellis built the store now owned and occupied by his son, Samuel A. Ellis.

Others who have stores here at present are: Rufus F. Crowell, Paddock Small, Samuel Moody, jr., J. G. Ryder, 2d, Sheldon K. Crow- ell and Patrick Kelly, jr.

T. D. Eldridge and S. W. Rogers, pharmacists, have each a drug · store.

In 1856, the manufacture of soap was commenced in a building standing upon the site of the house of F. D. Weekes, by Solomon Thacher. The business was not successful, and Mr. Thacher sold out to T. P. Parker,-who had been in his employ-an experienced soap maker. After some years in the business, he removed from the town. The shop was made a dwelling house, and some years since was destroyed by fire.

In 1865, Jonathan Buck moved into the new building which had just been completed for him, standing upon the site of the old school house, and commenced the manufacture of fishermen's boots and slip- pers. He continued in the business until 1868, when a company was formed, with a capital stock of ten thousand dollars, to carry on the same business, in addition to making women's shoes, and he became superintendent. In 1870, the capital was increased. In 1873 the com- pany closed up business, and Mr. Buck resumed the old business. He retired in 1883. Paddock Small now occupies the place.

The building erected for the company is now owned and occupied by Henry T. Crosby, the marble worker, who came here in 1873.

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TOWN OF HARWICH.

Harness making was first commenced here by Henry Nickerson. He was succeeded by Frank Smith. Alliston S. Doane now occupies Mr. Smith's stand, having commenced business in 1881.

The manufacture of barrels has been carried on here for years. Among the manufacturers are J. B. Tuttle, John Larkin and Edwin L. Eldridge. The barrels manufactured are used for packing cran- berries, and are uniform as to size.

The printing business was commenced here in 1862, in a building a few yards east of Mrs. C. D. Brooks' house, by John W. Emery, who, in the same year, started the Cape Cod Republican. The paper and job printing were discontinued in 1864. In 1868 Mr. Emery again opened his office, and started the Harwich Press and job printing; but removed to Farmington, Minn., in 1869. In 1872, Goss & Richards commenced job printing in the room now occupied as a lawyer's office, under the control of George B. Wilcox; afterward in old exchange building, and then in their new building, and at the same date, started the Harwich Independent, which was printed in Barnstable. In 1881 A. P. Goss suc- ceeded them, he having been connected with the office here since 1873. In 1886, Benjamin F. Bee, jr., commenced job printing in the south part of the village. In 18SS he built the building he occupies.

In 1866, Benjamin F. Bee, machinist, opened a shop on Bank street for mechanical purposes. Mr. Bee is an inventor of some note. The relieved tap, safety sectional boiler, regulating water guage, Bee's gimlet, button fastener, and cranberry picker are among the most important of his inventions. He is now perfecting a machine for marine propulsion.

The Cape Cod Five Cent Savings Bank went into operation in 1856, with Obed Brooks, jr., as treasurer. This institution was incor- porated March 16, 1855. Before the erection of the present bank building in 1875, the business was done in the office of the Bank of Cape Cod. The successor of Mr. Brooks, who retired in 1870, was M. S. Underwood, of Dennis. He was succeeded by A. C. Snow, 2d, in 1882, who is now the treasurer. The assistant treasurer is A. L. Weekes.

The Bank of Cape Cod was chartered May 21, 1855. It went into operation in February, 1856, with Christopher Hall, of Dennis, as president, and Obed Brooks as cashier, with a capital stock of $100,000. In January, 1865, it became the Cape Cod National Bank, of Harwich. The present capital stock is $300,000. George H. Snow, the present cashier, succeeded Mr. Brooks in October, 1865. The president is E. E. Crowell, of Dennis, who has been officially con- nected with the bank since its organization. The presidents, beside the above named, have been Prince S. Crowell, of Dennis; Joseph K. Baker, of Dennis, and Isaac H. Loveland, of Chatham. The banking

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house was erected in 1855. The master builder was James Moody. The assistant cashier is A. C. Snow, 2d.

The Broadbrooks Free Library, the gift of the late Major Henry C. Brooks, of Boston, but a native of the village, containing about four thousand volumes, was formally opened January 1, 1881. It is in the west chamber of the spacious building erected by him in 1879, known now as Brooks block. It is opened every Saturday, and any person of the town, over fourteen years of age, is entitled to its privileges, if complying with the rules. Connected with the library is an art room, in which are the Rogers' group of statuary. presented to the town in 1881 by Pliny Nickerson, Esq., of Boston, also a native of the town.

The largest structure in the town-the Exchange building in this village-was commenced in the summer of 1884 and completed in 1885. It stands upon the site of the Exchange building burned in 1876. The second story of the building contains the spacious and well fitted hall. It was erected for the proprietor, Chester Snow, Esq., by Richardson & Young, contractors, and cost about $43,000.

The post office in this village was established in 179S. Silvanus S. Stone was appointed first postmaster April first of that year. He was succeeded May 11, 1804, by Ebenezer Brooks. At this time the office was kept in Mr. Brooks' store, upon his premises, on the north side of the road, near his house, the site of which is seen in the grove where the temperance picnics are held. The mail matter was then brought on the mail carriers' shoulders in a bag once in a fortnight, and we opine the letters and papers were few in number at that date. Later on it was brought from Boston once a week on horseback by John Thacher, of Barnstable; and still later by Freeman Winslow, of Brewster, who took the mail in saddlebags from Sandwich, the termi- nus of the stage route, once a week from Boston.

Mr. Brooks was succeeded as postmaster by Obed Brooks, the son, December 29, 1822, who in turn was succeeded August 13, 1856, by Obed Brooks, jr. The latter resigned in 1858, when W. H. Under- wood was appointed. Mr. Underwood resigned in 1873, when Charles E. Brett was appointed. Mr. Brett resigned in 1885. He was suc- ceeded, in 1885, by John H. Drum. Samuel Moody, jr., succeeded Mr. Drum in 1889, and is the present postmaster. While the office was held by Obed Brooks, it was in the old store; and when Obed Brooks, jr., was postmaster it was held in the same building.

East Harwich is the post office designation of the eastern part of the town, and covers a large territory. The principal settlement is on the road from the meeting house toward Orleans. The church here of the Methodist denomination was erected in 1811, and is the oldest in the county. There are two cemeteries here, one adjoining the church yard, and the other in a northwesterly direction on high

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ground. The latter was laid out in 1858. It contains four acres, and is certainly the best laid out cemetery in town. At first it contained two acres, but in 1875, it was enlarged and incorporated. Prominent among the traders are Mulford Young, A. J. Chase, Hiram E. Nicker- son and Sears L. Moores. Mr. Young isa dealer in furniture, groceries and dry goods. He first commenced trade in 1851. Many years ago a public house was kept here by David Kendrick, where the late Isaac B. Kendrick resided. Here the probate courts were held while Hon. Nymphas Marston was the judge. Many from this locality go boat fishing out of Pleasant bay, to fishing grounds off Chatham, and are quite successful.

The post office was established here in 1830. The first postmaster was Rufus L. Thacher, appointed December 24, 1830 David Snow, jr., was appointed October 24, 1832. David Snow was in business "on the corner" at the time. He was succeeded by David Kendrick January 18, 1836, who was succeeded April 8, 1839, by Benjamin F. Eldridge. Mr. Eldridge was succeeded August 26, 1841, by James G. Smith, who in March, 1843, was succeeded by Benjamin F. Eldridge. He resigned, and was succeeded April 14. 1856, by Danforth S. Steel. Mr. Steel resigned in 1862, and was succeeded by George W. Nicker- son, after whom came Samuel Bassett. He was succeeded by J. H. Chase, who was succeeded by Hiram E. Nickerson. Sears L. Moores is the present postmaster, having been appointed in 1887. Until the appointment of Mr. Steel, the post office was at the corner near the meeting house. Since then it has been kept in the north neighbor- hood where it is now. The mail is taken directly to the office from Harwich once a day.

Salt making at the cove was carried on early. Samuel Eldridge, Esq., had works on the west side of the cove near his house. His works were the last seen in that part of the town.

The old wind mill, which ground the grists of the good people of the neighborhood, familarly known as "Uncle Elnathans' mill," graced the high lands of "Weguasset,"-the territory so called by the Indians north of Short cove, overlooking Pleasant bay.

. South Harwich is the post office designation of the southeastern part of the town .. The settlement is principally on the main road from Chatham to Harwich Centre. This neighborhood, though thinly settled, has been an active part of the town. The activity here was mainly due to the late Amasa Nickerson, who successfully carried on the fisheries at the Deep Hole for many years before his death. Among others who were engaged in the same business, were Cyrus Weekes and Caleb Small, under the style of Weekes & Small, and Caleb Small after the dissolution of the firm in 1868; Zephaniah, Stephen and Alden Nickerson; Tuttle & Godfrey, Nickerson & Small; Darius F.

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HISTORY OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.

Weekes & Co., and Levi Eldridge. The only firm engaged now in the fishing is Kendrick & Bearse, who have only two vessels engaged. This firm has two stores, one at the wharf and the other at South Har- wich station. The wharf here has suffered destruction by the ice several times, and has as many times been rebuilt in consequence. Most of the above named had fitting out stores. At the west of the Deep Hole, salt making was engaged in early. There are many now living who remember the salt works that stood near George W. Nickerson's house, owned by the late Nathan Nickerson. The prin- cipal stores on Main street forty years ago were Joseph P. Nickerson & Co. and Abner Nickerson. Boat building was carried on here many years ago by Zebina H. Godfrey.

The post office was established here in 1831, with Joseph P. Nick- erson, postmaster. He continued in the office till his death in 1859, when his daughter. Loretta Nickerson, succeeded him. She was fol- lowed by William M. Eldridge in 1864, and the office removed to its present location.

The Methodist Episcopal church is situated here. The only ceme- tery in this section is near by. Cyrus Eldridge, the portrait painter, one-half a century ago, was a native of this village. The traders of to-day are Sears Brothers, H. L. Crowell, W. M. Eldridge, Kendrick & Bearse, David Ellis and L. Clarke.

The oldest house in town, so far as is known, is yet standing in the village, and now owned by N. T. Gorham. The first occupant was John Long, and the second his youngest son, James Long, who was a leading man in town fifty years ago. The earliest residents were Jonathan Smalley, Joseph Severance, Joseph Ellis, Ammiel Weekes, Acus Tripp, John Long and John Paine. Will Tobey, the slave of Mr. Zachariah Smalley, also lived in this section near or on the spot where Mr. E. P. Nickerson's house stands. For the faithful service he rendered his master, the heirs of Mr. Smalley in 1779 pro- vided for his support during his natural life. An oak tree now stand- ing on the farm of James S. Paine yet bears the mark of his axe made more than 140 years ago, when the tree was young and standing by the road, while he was assisting the owner, Ebenezer Paine, in making fence.

The overall business was started here by Mrs. Hannah C. Stokes in 1865. In 1872 E. L. Stokes & Co. started the same business and soon commenced the manufacture of shirts. They run thirty ma- chines by steam, and keep fifty hands at work at the shop, besides employing 250 persons outside, in this and adjoining towns.

The watch business was started in this place by Warren Free- man in 1835. He continues repairing and dealing in watches, clocks, jewelry, etc.

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TOWN OF HARWICH.

Pilgrim Lodge, F. & A. M., received its charter March 14, 1860. The charter members were Frederick Hebard, Warren Freeman, Z. H. Godfrey, Charles Jenkins, Zenas D. Eldridge, Stephen Nicker- son, B. G. Philips, Timothy Baker and Caleb Nickerson. It held its meetings in Freeman's Hall until 1880, when a lodge room was fitted up in Brooks' block, in which the lodge has held its meetings since that time.

Harwich Port lies on the south side of the town. It owes much of its growth to the fisheries and the coasting trade. There are many yet living who remember when the houses were few in num- ber and far apart. Records show that for many years before 1753 the territory upon which the village stands was held by Ephraim Covel, who lived near Grass pond; but at which date, he being dead, it was in possession of his daughters, viz .: Thankful, wife of Edward Nickerson; Sarah, wife of Benjamin Nickerson; Mercy, wife of Samuel Burgess; and Mary, wife of Thomas Burgess. Three of the above --- Thankful, Mercy and Mary-were at that time living upon the tract, though not in what is now the village. The Burgess' possession was the western part of the tract which extended westerly from the Salt Water pond between the shore and lower end of Grass pond, while the Nickerson's was the eastern portion bordering Cold brook and Andrew's river on the east and' Grass pond on the west. Up to 1804 there were no public roads leading to or through "inland," as it was then known. The way from the Centre by the east end of Grass pond was crooked and through bars most of the distance. This way was made a town road in 1831, with some alterations in its loca- tion at the Port. The way through the village, now Main street, was laid out in 1827 as a county road by the county commissions. Most of the old ways at the Port years ago, and remembered by the aged of to-day, were made by Ephraim Covel for his convenience, and the Burgess who succeeded to his estate in the "inland."

Vessel building upon the shore commenced here before 1800. In 1792 the schooner Industry was built, in 1793 the schooner Delight, in 1800 the schooner Polly, and in 1804 the schooner Combine. After 1830 several were built on the shore. Among them the schooneis Eliza, Ostrich and Emulous. The Eliza was built near the marsh bank, and was commanded by Laban Snow, jr. The Ostrich and Emulous were built west of Allen's harbor, at the place called "No- horns, by Anthony Thacher. The Emulous was for awhile under the command of Captain Z. H. Small.

The water mill, where afterward stood the sash and blind fac- tory, was built for Thomas Burgess in 1763. The mill was erected by Captain Pepper, the famous millwright of Eastham. It appears the mill was in full operation in December of that year. It was sold

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HISTORY OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.

to Benjamin Lovell of Barnstable, who removed here and settled on the west side of the brook after the revolutionary war. Mr. Lovell did not long continue in charge of the mill. Benjamin Small. jr., his son-in-law, was in possession of the mill and other real estate on the west side of the river in 179S, when the same was conveyed to his father. Some time after 1820 a "carding machine" from North Harwich was put in for carding wool. The water privilege was some years since purchased by Ephraim Doane, who, with Elkanah Hopkins, com- menced the manufacture of doors, sashes and blinds. He was suc- ceeded by G. H. Tripp, who, about 1857, gave up the business.

The tanning business was started here by Elkanah Nickerson and Lorenzo D. Nickerson. Their tannery was south of the house of Captain T. A. Nickerson. It has long since disappeared.

Sail making was commenced in the village after the fishing busi- ness revived. Timothy Baker had a sail loft on the west side of the road near his house. In 1850 Kelley & Doane established the busi- ness in a loft overlooking the shore, where it is now carried on by S. B. Kelley, who succeeded Mr. Doane in 1858. Abner L. Small was long engaged in the business in a loft near his house. Gilbert Smith also was engaged in the business at the Port.

Boat building has been carried on in this village by Charles Jenk- ins for thirty years. Mr. Jenkins succeeded David Godfrey & Son in the business they established in 1847.

Henry Kelley opened a lumber yard here about 1850. In 1853 he formed a partnership with his brother, Watson B. Kelley, under the firm of H. Kelley & Co., and have since carried on the lumber, coal and hardware business, occupying the same stand as from the start.

Among the early traders here were: Jeremiah Walker, Valentine Doane, Laban Snow, jr., Benjamin W. Eldridge, Ephraim Doane, Elbridge G. Doane, Emulous Small and L. S. Burgess. Jeremiah Walker kept a variety store near his house. Valentine Doane at first opened a store near his house, which he occupied until its removal to the shore, near the present house of Theophilus Burgess. He was a dealer in flour, corn, groceries, etc. Laban Snow, jr., started a store on the corner where the house of Charles Jenkins stands, having for his partner, until 1848, B. W. Eldridge. Some time after Mr. Eldridge retired Lindsey Nickerson, jr., became Mr. Snow's partner. B. W. Eldridge, soon after leaving Mr. Snow, opened a store westward, on the north side of the road, where he carried on business until his death in 1862. In 1849 Ephraim Doane, who had been a clerk in Valentine Doane's store, opened a store on the corner where Shubael B. Kelley's store now stands. He gave up the business after some years, and Mr. Kelley succeeded him. The store was burned in 1887. It was rebuilt the same year, and is now occupied by Mr. Kelley.

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TOWN OF HARWICH.

Emulous Small engaged in business in the store under Union Hall after the closing of the "Union store," which had been opened in 1850, and in company with his father, under the firm of E. Small & Co., remained about three years in business, when his father retired. He then carried on the business until 1876, when he sold out his store to Joseph K. Robbins. Mr. Robbins continued the business until April, 1889, when he sold out to Samuel J. Miles.

Lovell S. Burgess started in the clothing business here in the vil- lage in 1864, Freeman E. Burgess being connected with the custom department. In 1877 Simeon K. Sears purchased the store, and now keeps a dry goods store. In 1879 Mr. Burgess became a partner with F. E. Burgess, who had started the clothing business, but after a year here went to Dennis Port and opened a dry goods store, leaving his partner, who continues at the old stand.

Among other prominent traders of to-day here, are C. F. Nicker- son, P. N. Small, George D. Smalley, W. R. Burgess and Elisha Mayo. Mr. Mayo opened his boot and shoe store in 1887.

The village blacksmiths are William H. Cole and Thomas Free- man. Mr. Cole succeeded Josiah B. Hallett in 1870. In connection with his blacksmith work he carries on carriage work.

Social Hall, located a little north of Main street, was erected in 1869. It is owned by a stock company, which holds 97} shares. The meetings of the town have been held in it the past twelve years.

Satucket House, built in 1886, is occupied as a reading room and library. It is managed by a board of trustees annually chosen. Watson B. Kelley is the president and S. K. Sears secretary.

The Sea View Circle, composed of ladies, contributed to its erec- tion. Their library of nearly six hundred volumes, called also Sea View Library, is in it, and is open on Saturdays. T. R. Eldridge is librarian and Miss Sabra F. Smith assistant librarian.

The hotel in the eastern part of the village, known as the Sea View House, is kept by Rinaldo Eldridge. Just south of this hotel, on the west side of the road, were the salt works of Captain The- ophilus Burgess, an energetic ship captain, who was lost on a voyage to Russia in 1832.

Marsh Bank wharf was built in 1841. It was the first built on the shore east of the Herring river. The second was Union wharf, east of Marsh Bank wharf, built in 1849. The third was Long wharf, east of Union wharf, and West of Salt Water pond. These wharves have all been destroyed by ice. The only wharf now upon the shore is at the foot of Sea street, and is owned by Henry Kelley & Co. and T. B. Baker. This wharf has been rebuilt several times in consequence of ice. It stands upon the site of the old " Marsh Bank wharf."

It was at the old Marsh Bank wharf, in 1847, that Valentine Doane

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HISTORY OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.

started the fishing business. He continued in business on this wharf, assisted by his sons, Valentine, jr., and Ambrose N. Doane, until 1867, when Valentine, jr., removed to Portsmouth, N. H., and started the same business, Ambrose N. continuing with his father. Mr. Doane removed his business from this wharf to Long wharf, and after its de- struction by ice carried his business on at " Job Chase's wharf," west of Herring river. At this place he continued from 1882 to 1884, when he quitted business.

At Marsh Bank wharf, Laban Snow, jr., carried on the fishing business until Union wharf was built, which was in 1849. At Union wharf, under the firm of Snow & Nickerson, he continued business. At this wharf B. G. Philips & Co. carried on the business, succeeding Snow & Nickerson. The successors of B. G. Philips & Co. were Lind- say Nickerson and Theophilus B. Baker, under the firm name of Nickerson & Baker. In 1869 Mr. Nickerson retired, and Mr. Baker continued in the business until 1889, when he disposed of his remain- ing vessels and gave up the fishing business. The last two firms had fitting out stores at the shore.

The firm that carried on business first at the Long wharf had also a store at the wharf. This firm was not long in business.

The first inspector of mackerel at the port was Caleb Snow. He first had a stage near the Marsh Bank for packing.

The post office was established here in 1851, Ephraim Doane being the first postmaster. Benjamin W. Eldridge succeeded him January 20, 1854. Mr. Eldridge was succeeded in 1861 by Shubael B. Kelley, who held the office until 1885, when W. R. Burgess was appointed. The present postmaster is Benjamin C. Kelley.

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History of Barnstable County, Massachusetts, 1620-1890, Part 95

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