History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. I, Part 108

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton), ed. n 85042884-1
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Philadelphia : J. W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1538

USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. I > Part 108

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tor, and was once, during the absence of Mr. Garri- son, in editorial charge of that paper, as he was also of the Boston Traveler, then the American Traveler. He was a member of the Massachusetts Historical Society, and a corresponding member of many other historical bodies.

In 1851 he was requested by Ticknor & Co. to write a history of Boston, but does not seem to have com- plied with the request, as the only thing of the kind of his that I have discovered is a sort of chronological arrangement of the principal events in the history of Boston, called "Annals of Boston." He evidently contemplated another historical work, as a letter of Mr. Whittier's to him in 1833, says: " I hope thee will decide to go on with thy 'Witchcraft.' I cer- tainly think it would be very popular."

That he was more happy in his prose than in his poetry no one can gainsay, and had he written more of the former, and that of a less local nature, his fame would certainly have been less circumscribed. Many of the descriptive parts of the "History of Lynn " are very beautiful, and I know of people that every now and again take up the history and read and reread for the mere pleasure of reading. In the mat- ter of improvement of his native town he took great interest, and many works of a local nature were con- ceived and carried through, almost entirely by his unaided efforts. The construction of the break- water and road along Lynn Beach are due to his efforts, as was also the erection of the light-house on Egg Rock.

In the anti-slavery movement Mr. Lewis took a most active part, being second vice president of the first Anti-Slavery Society, of which William Lloyd Garrison was secretary, and furthering the cause by his writings for the periodicals of the time.

He was naturally of a religious nature and lived a consistent Christian life, often denying himself that he might minister to the necessities of others; and exercising that grandest gift of charity that was lack- ing in the treatment of him by others. He was for many years the only churchman in Lynn, and walked to St. Peter's, Salem, every Sunday for service. At one time he applied to Bishop Griswold to be ad- mitted as a candidate for Holy Orders, but does not seem to have carried out his first intention. He continued a churchman for the greater part of his life, being prominent in the establishment of St. Ste- phen's Parish, Lynn, and was one of the first five in- corporators. Before the establishment of St. Stephen's he held services at Glenmere, himself acting as lay reader.

Mr. Lewis was twice married, his first wife being Frances Maria Swan, of Methuen, by whom he had six children, of whom two, Llewellyn and Arthur, are now living. For his second wife he married An- nie Ilsley Hanson, of Portland, Maine, by whom he had two children, Ina and Ion, the former dying some months before her father. For the latter part

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of his life Mr. Lewis lived in the picturesque cottage in Beach Street, close to the water's edge, a place where he loved to sit and study, and where, on the 21st day of January, 1861, he passed away, at the very beginning of that great struggle which resulted in the accomplishment of an object for which he had striveu the greater part of his life.

I have here attempted no extended biography, and would say to those who desire more minute par- ticulars and personal reminiscences to consult " The History of Lynn," as continued by Mr. Newhall and published in 1864; and also, Mr. Johnson's charming "Sketches of Lynn," published a year or two ago.

JAMES ROBINSON NEWHALL.

The brief personal sketch of the individual whose name is placed above, which appeared in the "Cen- tennial Memorial " of Lynn, published by order of the City Council, in 1876, is introduced in these words: " It is a delicate task for one to write of him- self, unless he has that in his history the worthiness of which is patent and not to be questioned, it re- quiring no poet to assure us that we seldom 'see our- selves as others see us.'" That "delicate task," how- ever, fell to his lot, and to a similar behest, in the present case, he submits.

The name appeared in the "Centennial" at the dictation of the Committee of the Council having the matter in charge, who expressed a desire that sketches of the "two historians," as they were pleased to call them, should be inserted. The fitness of thus honor- ing the memory of Mr. Lewis could not be questioned, whatever might be said of the one whose name had been so long associated with his in delineating the progress of Lynn, the native and ancestral home of both. The sketch referred to will form the basis of the one now in hand. The supercilious autobiogra- pher may magnify his virtues and the over-modest his errors; but the charm lies in the mean, from which, in the present case, there is little inducemeut to stray.

The subject of this notice was born in Lynn on Christmas day, 1809, in the old Hart house, that stood on Boston Street, at the southwest corner of Federal, the same which, on the Centennial Fourth of July, 1876, disappeared in a patriotic blaze, amid the shouts and cheers of Young America. All his genealogical lines run back to early Lynn settlers. His father was Ben- jamin Newhall, who was born in 1774 and died in 1857; Benjamin's father was James, born in 1731, died in 1801; James' father was Benjamin, born in 1698, died in 1763; Benjamin's father was Joseph, born in 1658, died in 1706; Joseph's father was Thomas, born in 1630, died in 1687-the first white child born in Lynn. His mother was Sarah, a daughter of Joseph Hart, who descended from San- uel, one of the first engaged at the ancient iron works established near Saugus River in 1643, said to

be the first in America. Both his grandmothers were granddaughters of Hon. Ebenezer Burrill, so con- spicuous in colonial times as a Representative and Crown Counselor, and who was a brother of John Burriil, the eminent speaker whom Governor Hutch- inson compares with Sir Arthur Onslow, who was considered the most able presiding officer the British House of Commons ever had.

At the age of eleven the writer left the paternal roof, with his worldly possessions in a bundle-hand- kerchief, to make his way in the wide world, his mother having died a year or two before and his father having a large family to provide for ..

But little worthy of mention occurred until the summer of 1824, when, having worked daily and at- tended various public schools, he entered the Salem Gazette office to learn the art and mystery of printing. And it is pleasing to remark that at the present time, 1887, may daily be seen in that venerable establish- ment the Hon. Caleb Foote, who at that time, 1824, was busy at the compositor's case. Mr. Foote, however, soon after dropped the composing stick for the edito- rial pen, an implement which he has wielded to this day with rare ability and acceptance. Would that all editors could realize, as he has, the dignity and responsibility of their public relations. His consid- erate suggestions and helpful directions to the typo- graphical neophyte have, during these three-score years and three, been gratefully remembered.

After serving in the Gazette office for a few years, he felt desirous of gaining a better knowledge of book- printing than could be done in Salem at that time, and in furtherance of the desire procured a situation in Boston. Things so prospered that before attaining his majority he was installed foreman of one of the principal book offices there, his duties in a general way being to direct the work and read proofs. Of this period many pleasant recollections are retained. In the office were printed a large number of classical and scientific works, and some of the most eminent men of the time frequently dropped in. Anecdotes almost without number of such men as Dr. Channing, Dr. Bowditch, Francis J. Grund, the Cambridge pro- fessors, N. P. Willis, Samuel G. Goodrich, and shoals of the less conspicuous, but not less ambitious literary aspirants, could be related.

While still under age, in the roving spirit of young printers, he drifted to New York, and soon after his arrival found employment in the Conference office, the largest then in the city; and with perhaps a little excusable, if not commendable pride, may refer to his reputation there as being the fastest type-setter in the establishment. This was in 1829. And he has to the present day so indulged his early love for the printer's case as for many years to keep a font or two of type, wherewith to amuse or occupy a vacant hour. Nearly two thousand stereotype pages can be to-day shown as the fruit of these semi-recreative odds and ends of time, much of the matter having

James k Newhall.

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been set up without having been previously written. As to the quality of the literary products, he cannot, of course, speak. It may, however, be admitted in regard to some, at least, that if worth is to be meas- ured by pecuniary return, it was not very great. Yet, on the whole, there has been much reason to be sat- isfied, looking at a "fair average." Exposure to the undeserved adulation of sympathetic friends and the equally undeserved severity of vindictive critics is supposed to be the fate of all writers, great and small. It is well remembered that once, on the eve of the publication of a notable work, the writer overheard a debate between two of the learned editors, of this tenor: " Why, you have given nothing from - said one, naming a writer by no means obscure. "Well, I know that," was the reply, " but he never wrote anything worth a place in our book." "That is true," was the rejoinder ; " but the omission would greatly offend him and his friends, and might lead to damaging reviews. We must have something." And something was had, prefaced by a laudatory note. It will, of course, be granted that the most ignorant critic knows more than the most learned author.

At the age of twenty-two the writer returned to his native place, and soon became engaged in the office of the Mirror, the first printing establishment in Lynn, commenced about five years before by Charles F. Lummus, and at that time still owned and con- ducted by him. It was very poorly supplied with inaterial. There was but little work and that not well done, and it was not long before the proprietor had succeeded in sinking the little means with which he began. The writer purchased the office and com- menced the publication of another paper, but was soon satisfied that much labor would yield but a scanty return, and was induced to let the new paper speedily follow the fate of the old.

After busying himself for a few years in various ways, chiefly in connection with printing and the book business, and once or twice a year taking a lec- turing tour, he again found himself in New York, engaged in the editorial department of a daily jour- nal and in writing for one or two weeklies. Of this interval many agreeable recollections are retained, among them pleasant ones of the genial young gen- tleman, Walter Whitman, now the world-renowned Walt Whitman, the poet, who was engaged on the same daily ; and tbe friendly suggestions of the ven- erable Major M. M. Noah, so long and so fitly called the Nestor of the American press, will not be for- gotten.

In 1854, meeting a friend who had for some time been in practice as a member of the Essex bar, he was kindly invited to take a student's seat in his office. The invitation was accepted, and the study of law commenced.

Completing a regular legal course, in May, 1847, he was admitted to the bar in Boston, and forthwith commenced a practice in Lynn, which soon became

quite satisfactory. He was presently commissioned as justice of the peace and notary public, which offices he still holds. On the 24th of August, 1866, he was commissioned as Judge of the Lynn Police Court, with which he had been connected as special justice from the time of its establishment, in 1849. He was likewise appointed a trial justice of juvenile offenders when that jurisdiction was established. The judgeship he resigned August 24, 1879.

At the time he commenced practice there were but three acting lawyers here,-namely, Jeremiah C. Stickney, Thomas B. Newhall and Benjamin F. Mudge. Mr. Stickney was one of the leading lawyers in the county for many years. He died August 3, 1869, aged sixty-four years. Mr. T. B. Newhall commenced practice here in 1837, and now, 1887, after fifty years, may still be found in his well-worn office chair. Of him a personal sketch appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. Mudge opened his office in 1842, removed to Manhattan, Kansas, and died there November 21, 1879, aged sixty-two years. He was our second May- or, inaugurated in 1852. The number of Lynn law- yers has increased during these forty years (1847-87) from three to about forty, while the population has hardly quadrupled. Is this to be taken as evidence that business has increased in a corresponding degree or as evidence that there has been a remarkably in- creasing love for litigation ?

To return from this divergence. The subject of this sketch has not been much in public office, excepting as connected with the judicial department, though he has served as chairman of the School Board and pres- ident of the Common Council.

In the autumn of 1883, at the age of seventy-three years, he took a tour of several months abroad, visit- ing a number of famous cities and renowned places in Europe, and extending his trip to interesting Lev- antine points, to Algiers and Malta, on the Mediter- ranean ; to Alexandria, Cairo and the Pyramids in Egypt. Though the tour was undertaken alone-for if alone one can, without let or hindrance, go how, when and where he pleases-he everywhere received such gratifying civilities as could only lead to regrets that he had not earlier in life thus experimentally learned that, after all, men everywhere will, on the whole, rather contribute to make others happy than miserable. Such experience increases faith in human nature, and ought to diminish self-conceit.

Being interested in historical researches, he pub- lished, in 1836, the "Essex Memorial;" in 1862, "Lin, or Jewels of the Third Plantation ;" in 1865, "The History of Lynn." comprising the admirable work of Alonzo Lewis, with a continuation embrac- ing some twenty-one years; in 1883, an additional volume of the "History of Lynn," with notices of events down to the year of publication and other matter on various topics; in 1876, by desire of the City Council, he prepared the "Centennial Memorial of Lynn," embracing an historical sketch and notices

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HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

of the mayors, with their portraits; and in 1879, also by desire of the City Council, he prepared the work entitled " Proceedings in Lynn, June 17, 1879, being the Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the Settlement." To these may not improperly be added the sketches of Lynn, Lynnfield and Swampscott, which appear in this "History of Essex County."

If there is any achievement in a literary way with which the writer fancies that he has reason to be sat- isfied, it comes through his endeavor to contribute something calculated to allure to habits of industry, frugality, temperance and those concomitant virtues, the sure foundation of prosperity, and the sure way towards honorable position. A great many brief biographies and personal sketches of individuals in the various walks of life have appeared scattered about his pages-whether poorly or skillfully drawn is not the question here-sketches of individuals who have acted well their part in promoting the prosper- ity and extending the good fame of their home, as well as advancing their individual interests. And these personal sketches have a two-fold purpose : first, to perpetuate the names of deserving ones, and, second, to furnish, by their example, encouragement for others to follow on in a like good way. Yet we should all realize that the attainment of mere worldly fame, position or wealth is not the chief purpose of life, and that at the end we shall find there was no great gain in worshipping false gods all our lives.

One other thing has been attempted by the writer, and that is, to illustrate to some extent the romantic and legendary side of Lynn's history. There is a rich store in that direction, and oftentimes it is difficult to distinguish between truth and fiction or know exactly where to draw the line. But the aim has always been to clearly indicate the character of the matter in hand and lead no one astray.

In October, 1837, the writer was united in marriage with Miss Dorcas B. Brown, only daughter of Captain William Brown, of Salem, and by her had one son, who died at the age of ten, his mother having died soon after his birth. In 1853 he was again mar- ried, the second wife being Mrs. Elizabeth Campbell, daughter of Hon. Josiah Newhall, of Lynn, and that relation still, 1887, remains unsevered.

The writer trusts that nothing in the foregoing will tend to place him in the category indicated by our former townsman, Henry Clapp, when he said of Hor- ace Greeley : " He is a self-made man and worships his maker," for in his life, as has been seen, few stir- ring incidents have occurred, no extraordinary ad- ventures, no remarkable achievements. Whether any- thing of value has been accomplished is a question for others to decide. Nevertheless, it may be re- marked in a general way that very few who are so long in the world lead such barren lives that nothing of usefulness or interest is found. And not unfre- quently is it the case that the lessons to be drawn from the lives of those in the less prominent walks

are the most widely useful, for the great multitude are companions in those walks, and can the more readily appreciate the obstacles and perceive the snares that beset the way. Every one feels that he has a hand in shaping his own destiny, though it does seem as if

"Some were horn to wealth or fame, While others are mere Fortune's game."

But it is dutiful in all of us to follow the injune- tion of our rhyming old townsman, of eccentric mem- ory :

" While traveling to the unknown land, Let each leod each a helping hand,"

ever bearing in mind that

" What might have been can not be known ; What was we answer for alone. "

[NOTE .- It was editorially suggested that this sketch and the accompa- nying portrait would more appropriately appear among the lawyers of the County. The privilege of being placed in that august company is fully appreciated, though the superior lustre there might be obscuring. But inasmuch as the writer has had a considerable share in illustrating Lyon's history and always earnestly desired her Godspeed, it seemed to him that the more suitable place was in the company of those whose enterprise, industry and dignity of character have so advanced the prosperity of their home and his.]

HON. GEORGE HOOD,

The first mayor of the city of Lynn, was a native of the town of Lynn, and was born on the 10th of November, 1806.

The Hood family is among the earliest mentioned in the annals of Lynn, being descended from Richard Hood, who emigrated from Essex County, in Eng- land, about 1640, and settled at Lynn. Dying in 1695, he left three sons .- Richard, John and Nathaniel. Richard, the eldest of these, falling heir to the "Nahant road" property-some thirty acres-now bounded in part by Nahant Street, afterwards ex- changed it with Jabez Breed for certain land on the peninsula of Nahant, and went thither to live, and there his descendants have ever since resided. This Richard had a son Abner, who had a son Abner, who married Mary Richardson, and they were the parents of the subject of this sketch. While he was an infant the family removed to Nahant, and there, in the little village school, he received all his youth- ful intellectual training. He learned the trade of shoemaking, and at the age of twenty-two, iu com- pany with John C. Abbott, he went to the then far West to seek his fortune. They directed their course to St. Louis, Mo., at that time, in 1829, a small place. In a few days they were established in business, and within a month Mr. Hood, with a part of their stock, went down to Natchez, Miss., and commenced a branch establishment, which he continued to manage until 1835, the principal business, remaining, meanwhile, at St. Louis. In the last-named year he returned to Lynn and established a commission shoe and leather business in Boston, retaining, however, an interest in the western business till 1841. In his Boston busi- ness he continued till the time of his decease.

George Moodle .

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Not long after his return to the East Mr. Hood hecame active in the political field. He was a very prominent member of the old Democratic party, fought manfully for its interests, and his valuable services were acknowledged by his nomination and frequently by his election to various high positions. In addition to town offices, he was several times chosen a Representative to the General Court, and in that of 1843 was a Senator. In the gubernatorial campaign of 1846 he was the Democratic candidate for the office of Lieutenant-Governor, but that party did not prevail, uor, in fact, hope to, the Whig party at that time and for many years dominating the State.

In 1852 Mr. Hood was nominated by his party for a seat in the National House of Representatives, but was not elected, the Whig candidate, as was then usual in this Congressional district, being chosen. In the next year, 1853, Mr. Hood was a member of the con- vention for revising the Constitution of Massachu- setts.

Continuing, meanwhile, his mercantile business, which he prosecuted with vigor and success, he took a very active part in the establishment of the Shoe and Leather Fire Insurance Company, of Boston, in 1853, and was chosen its first president, which office he continued to hold till his resignation, in September, 1858.

Mr. Hood's activity was not confined to business and political affairs, but the great social questions of the day found in him an earnest inquirer and practical worker. He manifested a generous sympa- thy for the laboring classes, and was one of the fore- most to break up the old custom of indefinitely pro- tracted labor, and established the so-called ten-hour system, his favorite motto being, -" The greatest good of the greatest number."

In the general improvement and culture of the people he took a lively and practical interest.

In religions matters he was, during his mature years, a prominent and efficient member of the Uni- tarian denomination, and a constant attendant npon its public worship.

The crowning public work of Mr. Hood was that of his two years' mayoralty. He had been opposed to the adoption of the city form of government, and in the spring of 1849 had successfully led the oppo- sition to the acceptance of the charter granted by the Legislature of that year. His ground of objection was that a city government was less democratic-using that word in its broadest sense-than that of a town.

But the agitation was continued, and in April, 1850, another charter was granted, which, on April 19th, was accepted by the people. Despite his oppo- sition to the system he was chosen mayor, though by a small majority of abont twenty, over his opponent, Thomas Bowler, the veteran town clerk of the pre- ceding twenty years. Mr. Hood was re-elected in March, 1851, by a large majority, which fact was an

undeniable tribute to his fidelity and ability. He was a man of much more than ordinary intelligence, and of indomitable industry. Both in his public and his personal affairs lie was a logical thinker and a prompt and practical worker. He died on the 29th of June, 1859, and his body is interred in his family lot in Pine Grove Cemetery. Mr. Hood married, September 11, 1833, Hermione, a daugliter of Major Aaron Breed, a prominent citizen of Lynn, who for a number of years was a member of the General Court.

Mrs. Hood died January 20, 1887. They had the following children,-Harriet M., George A., Adelaide M., Edwin E., Julius S., Henrietta A., Henry, Caro- line P., Aubrey, Ada H., Edward K. and Mary.

RICHARD SULLIVAN FAY.

Mr. Fay was born in Cambridge June 15, 1806, the son of Hou. Samuel Prescott Phillips Fay, judge of probate in Middlesex County. He was educated in the schools of that town, and entered college in 1821, being graduated in 1825 with good distinction as a scholar. Among his class-mates were Charles Francis Adams, Rev. Frederick H. Hedge, Rev. S. K. Lothrop, John L. Sibley, Sears C. Walker, and many others who distinguished themselves by useful and honorable service. At the close of his college career he entered upon the study of law, at the law-school in Northampton, when that institution held a high place under the direction of some of the most bril- liant lawyers of the commonwealth. He established himself in business in Boston in connection with Jonathan Chapman, who became a leader at the Suf- folk har, and mayor of the city of Boston.

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History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. I, Part 108

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton), ed. n 85042884-1 Publication date: 1888 Publisher: Philadelphia : J. W. Lewis & Co. Number of Pages: 1538

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton), ed. n 85042884-1
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Philadelphia : J. W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1538