USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > History of Boston, the metropolis of Massachusetts, from its origin to the present period; with some account of the environs > Part 40
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45
A fire which destroyed six houses and stores with out hous- es in Union street (July 14, 1821) made way for the improve- ment, which has been made by the erection of the block of brick stores and dwellings on the north side of that street, and led to the completion of the range of brick buildings on the
* The gentlemen chosen at the annual meeting, Ap. 11, 1825, were Messrs. Daniel Baxter and Joseph H. Dorr, (of the former board) N. P. Russell, (of the first board) Redford Web- ster and Thomas B. Wales, who declined ; and Messrs. George Blake, Thomas Welsh jr. Hen- ry J. Oliver, who accepted the office. At the second choice Messrs. John D. Dyer, Daniel Carney, Josiah Marshall, John Bellows, John Bryant were elected.
t In the summer of 1824, a memorandum was taken of 194 new buildings then in a state of farwardness.
-
-
P. 375.
S. Willard del.
A. Bowen Jc.
UNITED STATES BRANCH BANK.
375
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
south side. Winthrop place in Summer street, Hayward place, St. Paul's Row and Phillips' Row on Common street, Bowdoin row in Court street, Crescent court on Green street, the elegant block of stone stores on Water street, and of stone houses in Washington street, are each examples of enterprize, which have added to the comfort and convenience of the in- habitants.
State street has shared in the general improvements. A number of the old buildings have been demolished and ele- gant stone ones erected in their stead. The United States Branch Bank demands a particular description. It is situated at the head of Wilson's lane and constitutes a chief ornament of our Exchange .* The building is about 44 ft. in front and 96 ft. deep. The portico is an imitation from the primitive form of the Grecian Temple, with little variation, excepting what was necessary in order to adapt it to the location, and to the refractory material (Chelmsford granite) of which it was to be built. The columns are of the Grecian Dorick, 4 ft. in diameter and 24 ft. high, the shaft being a single piece.
Ground Plan of the United States Bank.
-
In the front part of the building, on the first floor, there is an entry, and two rooms for the President and Cashier ; and in the second story over them, a large room for the use of the Directors. The centre of the building is occupied for the Banking room, which is a rotunda, 36 feet in diameter, and 44
* The first outline of a plan for this building was made for the situation which is occupied by the Old State house, and was intended to be an imitation of the purest example of the Gre- cian Dorick order with two porticos ; but the scite. which was finally obtained, required a dif- ferent arrangement. One of the porticos was dispensed with, and Antae at the angles intro- duced, according to the primitive form of the Grecian Temple The shafts of the columns are frustums of cones, the sides being right lines, whichi, being the most severe and simple form, seemed the best adapted to the occasion. The corner stone of this edifice was laid on Monday, July 5, 1824. Mr. Solomon Willard was the designer and architect ; Mr. Gridley Bryant the master mason, and Mr. James McAllaster, master carpenter.
The capital stock of this bank, employed in Boston, is 1,500,000 dls. There are 15 otlier Banks which employ a capital of 11,050,000 dis : and 21 Insurance Companies whose capital is 6,300,000 dollars.
1 - -- -. -
.
376
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
ft. high to the top of the curb stone. The rear of the building contains the vaults, which open into the Banking room, and a number of other apartments which are to serve for the vari- ous purposes of the institution.
The destructive fire, which occurred on the 7th of April last,* laid in ruins almost the whole of the square between Doane-st. Broad, Battery march and Kilby streets. The buildings on the square between Adams-st. Milk, Battery M. street and Liberty square had just been demolished for the purpose of erecting on the spot a large block of stores. Both these squares are now covered with new and convenient buildings, nearly finished. One of the stores on Central street was occupied in August.
The House of Industry and House of Correction at South Boston, which are two similar buildings, of rough dimension stone, 220 ft. long, 43 ft. wide, and 29 ft. high, have been mostly erected by the city government. The establishment of the H. of C. was authorized by a vote of the town on the 7th of May, 1821. It was designed . for the restraint and em- ployment of the idle and vicious poor, for habitual drunkards, beggars and those condemned for petty offences, in the in- ferior courts of justice. The House of Industry is destined for the comfort, support, and relief, and as far as they are competent, for the employment of the virtuous poor, and of those alone who are reduced to seek this refuge, from mis- fortune or age or infancy.'
The County Gaol in Leverett street and the House of Correction connected with it, and the Municipal Court house, all which are handsome stone buildings, were commenced several years since, but were not finished and occupied till the year 1822. In 1823, the old gaol was taken down, and its materials were partly used in constructing the Gun house and Ward Room on Thacher street.t
The history of Boston furnishes us with many instances of enterprize, which have excited admiration. The construc-
* It commenced in Doane street. Five buildings were destroyed on State-st. 6 in Doanep 6 in Kilby, 19 in Central street (every building) 4 on Broad-st. and 13 on Liberty square. Most of them were fire proof brick stores, filled withi valuable goods, foreign products and American manufactures.
The great fire, at noon-day, July, 7, 1824, destroyed fifteen brick dwelling houses, besides out houses, on Chesnut, Charles and Beacon streets.
t The Old Court House on the south side of Court-street, is a handsome building of brick, three stories high, and has on the roof an octagon cupola. On the lower floor are the offices of the United States District Marshall, and several private offices. In the second story, the floor of which is supported by pillars of the Tuscan order, are hield the Circuit and District Courts of the U. S. for the Massachusetts District, and the office of the District Clerk. In the third story are convenient rooms for jurors, &c. This building, before the erection of the New Court House, described at page 331, was used by all the courts of law held in the county.
P 376
4. Bowen del et Sc.
Entered according to Act of Congress by A Bowar.
HOUSE OF INDUSTRY AND HOUSE OF CORRECTION.
G
377
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
tion of the sea-wall or out-wharves, in 1673, was a stupendous undertaking, for that period ; it proved however to be an ob- ject of less utility, than was at first supposed. The building of Long wharf was a great and useful work. These and the partial filling up of the town dock were the principal efforts, made previous to the revolution, for the improvement of the natural advantages which the town possessed. Con- cerning the immense and costly works which have been ac- complished since that era, we have spoken at large. But the project, which exceeds them all in boldness of design, in promise of publick benefit, and in energy of execution, is that which is now approaching to its accomplishment in the vicin- ity of Faneuil Hall Market.
Such an undertaking, involving such an amount of property, and affecting so many private rights, was too great to be pro- secuted without the express sanction of the people. This was obtained by a very full vote, in city meeting, Jan. 16, 1824, when the following questions were proposed and decided in the affirmative. 1. Is it expedient that Faneuil Hall market should be extended towards the harbour, between Ann-street and the street leading to Bray's wharf, in such direction a's the City Council, upon a view of all the circumstances of that vicinity, shall deem most for the publick interest ; and that they be requested to cause the same to be effected ac- cordingly ?- 2. Is it expedient for the City Council to apply to the legislature for such an extension of the powers of the surveyors of highways as the circumstances of the contem- plated project, above mentioned, may make necessary, under such limitations and restrictions as the constitution requires, and as respect for private rights may dictate ?'
The legislature granted the proposed power, but there has been little occasion to exercise it : most, if not all the estates required, have been obtained with the consent of the parties interested. The old buildings were taken down in August ; the lots on the north side of the dock were sold at auction, Sept. 29th, 1824. The highest price obtained was $20,83 per square foot : the lowest $7. There were 36 lots, cover- ing 30,0374 feet, and the amount of sales was $303,495 44 cts. The lots on the south side of the intended market-house were sold, March 31, 1825. The highest price $21 per sq. foot, lowest $10. There were 22 lots covering 33,865 ft. and the amount of sales was $403,848 13 cts. The stores on the north side are already finished, as to the exterior, and the one which stands on the corner of the Roebuck passage, where
The Police Court holds its sessions here daily for the trial of criminal cases, and twice a week, at least, for that of ' civil suits and actions.'
49
378
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
the triangular warehouse formerly stood, was occupied by a tenant. Sept. 12, 1825. The stores on the south side, and the Market-house also, are rapidly progressing .*
The New Market-house stands between these two ranges of stores, at the distance of 102 ft. from those on the south side, and 65 ft. from the north. The centre part of the build- ing is 74 ft. 6 in. by 55 ft. having a ball in the second story. The wings are 231 ft. long by 50 wide, and two stories high. There is a cellar under the whole. The wings have each a portico of 4 columns, 3 ft. 7 in. diameter and 23 ft. high ; the shafts are of granite in a single piece. The first story has arched windows, and those in the second story are square. The construction of the whole is of hammered granite of a uniform colour.
The corner stone of this building was laid with much cere- mony. The plate deposited beneath it bears the names of the Mayor, Aldermen and Common Council, Building Com- mittee and Principal Architect, and Engraver, besides the following inscription :
Faneuil Mall Market,
Established by the City of Boston. This stone was laid April 27. Anno Domini MDCCCXXV. In the forty-ninth year of Amer- ican Independence and in the third of the Incorporation of the city. John Quincy Adams, President of the United States. Marcus Morton, Lt. Gov. and Commander in chief of the Com- monwealth of Massachusetts.
Memoranda. The population of the city estimated at 50,000: that of the United States 11,000,000.t
* The height and form of the stores were regulated by the conditions of sale. The pur- chaser was required to erect, within a limited time, a brick store with hammered stone front, (granite piers) in strict conformity with a plan drawn by Mr. Alex. Parris. This plan re- quired that the stores should be four stories high, with a slated roof, and a cellar water- tight. The height of the first and second story is 8 ft. 6 inches : the 3d story is 8 ft. 9 in. and the 4th is 6 ft. 6 inches, in the clear. The windows in the 2d story are arched : the others are square. The blocks measure about 530 ft. in length, from Merchants-row to the street at the east end of the Market-house.
t The population of Boston, according to the census of 1820, stood thus :
Persons.
Under
10 years.
10 to 16.
White
males
from 16 to 18.
18 to 26.
26 to 45.
Over 45.
Total.
Whites
10590
5349
877
7832
12991
4037
41,676
Blacks
of both sexes, under 26 yrs.
689
727
285
1,701
Add for the Islands, 675; Persons not taxed, 61 ; Omitted, 31
Total, Males. 21,687-Females, 22,365 +
By the Census of 1810, the population was
33.250
24.937
"
" 1800
1790
18,038
767
92
44.144
ยท
P.378
intered according to Act of Congress by A. Bowen.
\ Bowen
et Sc.
EAST VIEW OF FANEUIL HALL MARKET.
379
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
CHAPTER LXIV.
" The Hero hath come in the eve of his day, To the land where he planted the tree of his glory."
WE have omitted to notice the display of pomp and cere- mony, in which the people of Boston exhibited their devotion to President WASHINGTON, when he visited the town in 1789, (Oct. 24,) and the similar display which took place on the visit of President Monroe, July 2, 1817. Both these events called forth a burst of patriotic feeling, of which it is pleasant to cherish the recollection. But the splendour of that display has been surpassed, and the height of that feeling has been, if possible, more than equalled by the reception of General La Fayette, and the ceremony of laying the corner-stone of the monument on Bunker Hill.
LAFAYETTE arrived at New York on the 16th of August, 1824, where he was welcomed in a manner becoming his own character and that of the people whom he had come to visit : and the people of Boston gladly heard of his determination to proceed immediately hither, in season to attend the exercises of commencement, at Cambridge. On the evening of Mon- day, August 24th, he reached the residence of Gov. Eustis, in Roxbury, and the next morning entered the city.
At an early hour, a cavalcade of 800 citizens waited to es- cort him to the town line, where the Mayor and Aldermen and Common Council, with a committee of arrangements, were in readiness to receive him. A military escort consisting of a corps of Light Dragoons and a battalion of Light Infantry were also stationed there. On the arrival of General Lafay- ette at the line, the Mayor of City, in the name of the City Government and of the citizens of Boston, bade him welcome, in an appropriate address, to which the General replied, as follows :
To the Mayor and People of Boston :
" The emotions of love and gratitude, which I have been accustomed to feel on my entering this city, have ever mingled with a sense of religious
380
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
.
reverence for the Cradle of American, and, let us hope it will be hereafter said, of universal liberty.
' What must be, sir, my feelings at the blessed moment when after so long an absence, I feel myself again surrounded by the good citizens of Bos- ton, where I am so affectionately, so honourably welcomed, not only by old friends, but by several successive generations ; where I can witness the prosperity, the immense improvements, that have been the just reward of a noble struggle, virtuous morals, and truly republican institutions.
' I beg of you, Mr. Mayor, gentlemen of the City Council, and all of you, beloved citizens of Boston, to accept the respectful and warm thanks of a heart which has for nearly half a century been particularly devoted to your Illustrious City.'
The Mayor then entered the barouche of the General, which was drawn by four white horses, and the procession began to move towards the town about 11 o'clock. It passed through Washington, Milk, Broad, State, Court and Common streets to Boylston-street, and entered the Common near the south end of the Mall. From this point towards Park-street, the children of the public schools of both sexes were extend- ed in two lines, neatly clad and under the direction of their instructers. Between these lines the procession of carriages passed to Park-street mall, where the military part of the es- cort was drawn up and the General passed them in review, as he went towards the State House. Here he was received and again welomed, in the name of the State, by His Ex- cellency Gov. Eustis. He was thence conducted to the residence provided for him, at the corner of Beacon and Park streets.
' The appearance of the entire of this truly grand proces- sion was august and imposing. As it passed, Lafayette ! La- fayette ! sprang from the voice of multitudes that rolled on, and on, like wave after wave of the ocean. Lafayette beat in every heart ; Lafayette glowed on every cheek ; Lafayette glistened in every swimming eye ; every tongue vibrated LAFAYETTE. The whole city and country appeard to have arrayed themselves in all their glory, and beauty, and strength, at once to witness and adorn the majesty of the spectacle.'
During the General's stay the popular excitement was con- stant and increasing ; every thing gave way to the desire of seeing Lafayette, and every means was taken to demonstrate the joy which his arrival had produced, and to manifest the respect which every individual cherished towards him. He left Boston, with the intention, if possible, to prolong his stay in America, until the seventeenth day of the succeeding June, in order to be present at the laying of the corner stone of the Bunker Hill monument ; and he was here on that day ; 'it is not necessary to say, indeed it cannot be said, how much his presence added to the interest and pleasure of the occasion.'
The day was temperate and fair, and all the arrangements made to honour it were executed with punctuality and good
381
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
order. A procession was formed, about half past 10 A. M. near the State house under the direction of Brig. Gen. Theo- dore Lyman Jr. The military escort was composed of 16 companies, and a corps of cavalry, all volunteers and in full uniform. Next to them followed the Survivors of the Battle, about 40 in number, and after them about 200 other Revolu- tionary officers and soldiers each wearing an appropriate badge : then the subscribers to the' Monument, in columns six deep, all wearing the badge of the B. H. M. Association. The Masonick fraternity succeeded. This section of the pro- cession was very splendid, and numbered at least 2000 mem- bers, all with their jewels and regalia. The President and officers of the Association, the chaplains and committees fol- lowed. General Lafayette in a coach and four came next, accompanied by Gen. Lallemand, and followed by a carriage in which were the General's son and suite. The Governour and State officers, distinguished persons from the different states, officers of the army, navy and militia, in uniform, and a large body of private citizens closed the procession.
In this order the whole moved through Park, Common, School, Washington, Union, Hanover and Prince streets to Charles River Bridge, and thence through the Main, Green, and High streets, in Charlestown, to the Monumental square. The front of the procession had nearly reached the bridge when the rear of it left the Common. Arrived at the spot intended for the monument, (which is a little to the east of the site of the monument to Warren,) the procession formed in squares around it ; and the stone, being squared, levelled and plumbed by the Grand Master, the General, and the Hon. Daniel Webster, (president of the association,) was declared in due form to be true and proper, and the ceremonies closed with the customary religious services. Cheers from the mul- titude of witnesses, and salutes from Bunker's and Copp's hills announced the moment of the fact to the thousands who could not be gratified with the sight of it.
' The procession then moved to an amphitheatrical area, where preparations had been made, on a most ample scale, for the accommodation of the auditors of the Address of the President of the Association. They included a large portion of the north-eastern declivity of the battle hill. On each side of the bower, seats with awnings had been prepared, and were filled by over one thousand ladies, from all parts of the Union. In the centre of the base, a rural arch and bower, surmounted by the American Eagle, was formed for the gov- ernment of the Association and some of the guests, in front of which, after the venerable Mr. Thaxter had addressed the Throne of Grace, the Orator, sub colo, pronounced an Address, which none but its author is capable of doing justice to in a
382
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
summary, and which will be read with a pleasure equalled ( only by that which electrified the vast assemblage who listen- ed to it for nearly one hour and a quarter. It is enough for us to say, that it was in every particular worthy of the celeb- rity of the orator, and that his address to the silver-headed worthies of the Revolution, and to the distinguished Guest of the Nation, filled every heart with transport.'
After the close of the Address the company repaired to Bunker's Hill, where a sumptuous entertainment was provided, at which more than four thousand persons partook. The guests separated at a seasonable hour, and the festivities of the occasion terminated with a private party at the residence of a distinguished citizen.
CHAPTER LXV.
Sicut patribus sit Deus nobis .- City Seal. And as thou wast our fathers' God, be ours.
SEVERAL religious societies have been organized in Boston, since the acceptance of the city charter. After the Essex street church, first so called, removed to Boylston hall, (p. 346) a minority of that body continued to maintain wor- ship in the Essex st. house. On the 22d of March, 1822, they requested 'a regular dismission from the majority' for the purpose of being formed into a regular church. This they received on the 5th of April, and on the 10th of June follow- ing, ten of their number, with two members of another church, were embodied according to the custom of Congregational churches. Having received an accession of members from the Old South and Park st. churches and one from Braintree, this body adopted the name by which it is now known, of Union Church, on the 26th of August, 1822, and on the 26th of March, 1823, the Rev. Samuel Green was installed as their pastor.
The Corner stone of the Third Universalist meeting house was laid October, 7, 1822. A silver plate was as usual de- posited beneath it, on which the following was the principal inscription :
" He that built and sustains all things is Jehovah-This House devoted to the worship of Almighty God, and to the promulgation of his great salvation through Jesus Christ, the chief corner stone, was commenced and this stone laid, October 7th, in the year of our Lord, 1822, of the independence of the United States the 46th, and of the Institution of the City of Boston the First."
383
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
The house was dedicated in the forenoon of the 7th of May, 1823, and in the afternoon, the Rev. Paul Dean, having recently dissolved his connection with the First Universalist church, was installed as pastor of the new society. This edifice is situated at the corner of Bulfinch street and Bul- finch place. Its dimensions are 74 by 70 feet, and 35 high above the base. It is a brick building and has two towers, one for the accommodation of the bell and the other for symmetry.
In February, 1823, the Rev. Prince Hawes commenced preaching to a small congregation at South Boston. In the spring of that year, one of the members at his own expense erected a hall for their accommodation. On the 10th of December a church was organized by the name of the Evan- gelical Congregational Church, consisting of 13 members. Mr. Hawes was installed pastor of this church April 28, 1824. The hall in which this society assembled became so crowded that it was desirable they should be provided with a more convenient place for publick worship. Benevolent individu. als subscribed for the purpose, and they have built a house of brick, 70 ft. by 50, every way commodious, but without galleries, except at one of the ends. The house was dedicat- ed on the 9th of March, 1825.
The church that worships in the house in Chambers st. was the sixteenth Congregational church formed in Boston, and is the thirteenth in order of those now existing, but the proprie- tors are incorporated under the title of . The Twelfth Congre- gational Society in the City of Boston' 'The following statement of the leading facts connected with its early history is gathered from a memoir appended to Rev. Dr. Lowell's sermon at the ordination of the first pastor. In the year 1823, several gentlemen conferred together on the apparent want of a new house of worship for the accommodation of the increasing population of the western section of the city. It was ascertained that the Rev. Dr. Lowell's, the only Con- gregational society in that part of the city, comprised at that time about 350 families, and that many in the neighbourhood could not obtain suitable accommodations within a convenient distance. In view of these circumstances, a plan was origi- nated for the erection of a new church, and in the course of a few weeks, 230 shares were subscribed by ninety persons. In January, 1824, an act of incorporation was obtained. The corner stone of the new house was laid on the 10th of May. The dedication took place October 13th : Rev. Jno. G. Palfrey preached on the occasion, from Matt. xvi. 3. On the 19th of December, Mr. Samuel Barrett, from the Theological school at Cambridge, was invited by the society to become their pastor. January 28, 1825, a church was constituted
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.