History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. I, Part 219

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 219

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In 1749 the town voted that each parish have a sum granted for the support of schools, in accordance with the county taxes paid by each, and this appor- tionment continued down to modern times, only with the difference of a division among the school districts, instead of parishes.

October 30, 1770, a committee was chosen to find suitable persons to keep school, and as was done sev- enteen years before, the parish voted that the time for the school be equally divided between the parish, upper and easterly end. Mr. Moses Johnson, of Rowley, was offered the school at the easterly end for three months, at seven dollars per month. William Chandler was engaged to keep the parish school.

Master Chandler was a cousin of Rev. James

Chandler, somewhat bookish, and may have kept a fairly good school. Not long after this he removed to Salem, Mass., where he died. At that time the se- lectmen were requested to set up this Second, or Par- ish School, "ye Monday after Thanksgiving." In the calendar of the New England farm-house, what possibilities have hung on the issues of that day ? the beginning of the winter term of the district school. A few weeks of study under the guidance of a skilful teacher has changed the after-life of many a country boy, and made him a man, valuable to himself and the world around him.

November 9, 1773, Mr. Greenleaf Dole was em- ployed as master, for two pounds thirteen shillings per month. Graduated at Harvard 1771, and George- town born. Master Dole achieved such greatness as an instructor that his fame has come down to us. His discipline was severe, and it has been said that one swing of his muscular arm, has sent a whole class ignominiously to the floor. We imagine from all ac- counts that his severity was sometimes scarcely tem- pered with mercy. He has, however, left behind him a record in the memories of his pupils, such as no other teacher of that age did, and a picture, that needs no fancy to make complete.

March 26, 1776, an attempt was made, to allow the Grammar School to be kept at the South School- House, their proportion of time. This, the first school-building iu South Georgetown, was on the corner of Brook and Central Streets, where the brick house of Lowell G. Wilson now stands. The request does not seem to have been acted upon, the war then bursting upon the country with all its uncertainty, drove all other thoughts from their minds. In 1777 the teacher divided his services for the year, with the school at the North, that on Searl Street, the South School and the easterly end of the parish, but not further down than Mr. Phinehas Dodge's house, and that each family signify, what school-house they choose.

The Parish School-House needed repairs, and a year later it was attempted to repair, or sell. Also voted that the school at the easterly part of the parish be kept at Mr. Sanders, or at Mr. Jeremiah Searl's. Three days afterward, agreed to build a school-house on Spofford's Hill, near Benj. Thurston's house. If we are not mistaken, this stood at the right of the road, not far from Nathaniel Marble's. The southeasterly part of the parish seems to have been complaining at this time, of unfair treatment in the school appropria- tion, and December 17, 1778, it was voted that all below Muddy Brook (now Dodgeville), and also Abraham Foster, Samuel Kezer, Jedediah Kilborn, Nathaniel Kezer and Samnel Johnson, draw their part of the town's money for schools, and for no other use.

In November, 1779, " Master Dole" was engaged; and all below Muddy Brook were, probably by the vote allowed to hire whom they pleased. February

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3, 1785, the important vote was passed, to build a school-house "Somewhere near the Centure," but February 8th, the vote was re-considered, and that is the last reference to the noted Centre School-House, in the records of the parish. The last record relating to schools was December 4, 1792, when John Brockle- bank had twelve shillings allowed, for the use of his house for a school in 1791. This school-room was at the east end of the house, and until the building of the red " centre school-house, served a good purpose." This same old house opened its doors for a popular singing school, and was a sort of a parish centre. On that December day, the record says, "from nine of the clock in the morning, to nine in the evening, under the direction of the school committee, the as- sessors are directed to order the several districts or part districts in the parish, their proportion in money or wood."

Before 1795 this red school-house was, by order of the town, built on what was then Andover Street, where the soldiers' monument now stands. It soon became the educational centre of the parish, and teachers like Dr. Jeremiah Spofford, of Groveland, Colonel Edward Todd, of Rowley (a good mathema- tician) and others, for many years afterwards, would talk with animation about their pupils in this famous old honse. In later days, neglected and dilapidated, strolling Indians made it their abode, and with un- latched door it was the temporary home of any passer- by. Finally, becoming an eyesore to some enterpris- ing unknowns of the town, on the night of April 20, 1840, it was mysteriously demolished.

Text-books for schools were almost unknown prior to 1800. Bailey's and Johnson's dictionaries, one or two geographies, an arithmetic or two, with an acci- dence, covered about the list of popular aids to knowl- edge, at least in the country towns, and these books were of English make. Lindley Murray's grammar, and Walsh's arithmetic did a good work, and the models of eloquence in the English Reader were as a new inspiration to the young, early in the present century.

In 1789 towns were authorized by law to locate school districts. In 1840, by subdivisions of the orig- inal districts, Georgetown had seven, and the same number, when by the law district lines were abolished. Could a truthful history of the action of some of these school-district meetings, from 1830 to 1850, be made a part of the annals of the town, it would give a better picture of the times than could be drawn from any other source. The prudential committee-man during his term of office, was the most important man in the district. He employed the teachers, cared for the house and the property of the district. Without compensation he served wholly with an eye to the pub- lic good.

For some years the town of Rowley appointed a committee to secure teachers, as under the parish law, but from 1830, or earlier, this was left to the district.

The supervisors, in the person of Father Braman and perhaps Dr. David Mighill, served without pay, because of their interest in the future of the town. Rev. Mr. Pond was paid a small amount in 1843 for school-committee service, and since with but one or two exceptions, the general supervision of the schools has been a part of the expense of the town. The build- ing of school-houses, under the old law, giving dis- tricts control, sometimes rent local communities, as with an earthquake. This was the effect in South Georgetown in 1843 or 1844. Frequent meetings were called, and sharp personalities were used. One prom- inent citizen denounced all who favored the new house as "foreigners," because it happened that those who had just moved into the district were especially prominent in advocating a new house. The present house in District 2 (which it would be well to call the Chaplin District), was built, however, in the summer of 1844, and modelled after the school-house on Tops- field common. Mr. Montgomery, of Londonderry, N. H., was the first teacher. The house in District 5 (which should be called Plumer), was built in 1851, and, if we are correct, was not until after considerable of a contest. The school-house in the central district was situated nearly opposite the Clark house, on Main Street, and began to be inconvenient and at a dis- tance from the centre of population. After much de- lay and many district meetings, some declared illegal, a vote was secured in 1854 for a brick building. Tris- tram Brown was a committee. When half built the contractor failed, and the work placed in new hands for completion. The present house, in District 6, (which might properly be called Tenney) was enlarged and improved in 1861, making it almost a new building, and the same work was done, to some extent, in Dis- trict 1 in 1865. The old house in this district was near the house of Moses Merrill. For this district the name of Chandler is appropriate.

The town High-school, after much opposition and persistent obstruction, was established at the close of the year 1856, in the Town-house (then recently erected), with Wm. Reed as teacher. He is still living, and if we mistake not is the father of Senator Reed, of Taunton, who was a lad at the time, and attended this first term, One or more of the scholars were twenty-two years of age. Dr. D. M. Crafts succeeded Mr. Reed the following year. In 1858 Edwin Parker, of Charlestown, a graduate of Bowdoin, was engaged, and held the position until 1860, when A. J. Dutton was employed, who taught the school until 1862, when the services of S. C. Cotton, of Sandown, N. H., were secured as a teacher. Mr. Cotton taught until 1866, when Edward S. Fickett was engaged, and, as princi- pal, still holds the position. In the year 1868, assistants were employed, Mrs. M. R. Holmes, M. E. Choate and Sarah R. Barnes, serving in that position and the last named part of the following year. Miss Choate was also assistant for 1870 and 1871.

In 1872 there was a change of assistants each term. In

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HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

1873 Miss Lizzie N. Bateman, of this town, was engaged and continued as assistant until 1886, when ill health compelled her retirement, and Miss Alfreda Noyes was appointed.

Some years ago an association of graduates and past and present pupils of the High-school was or- ganized, the annual reunion occurring on the evening of graduation day.

Perhaps the teaching of Miss Sarah E. Horner, in her long term of service, has been more productive of good than that of any other teacher in town. Her in- fluence has been felt in every district and about every school-room has been witness to her industry and tact.

One of the teachers of the private schools, J. C. Phillips, of Lawrence, who about 1847 kept a good school in Tenney's Hall, a room on the second floor of what is now the residence of H. N. Harriman, Central Street, was very successful in impressing some love for study on the dullest of his pupils. The hall on the third floor was for years the exhibition room for panoramas and the like. Mr. Thompson, after- wards a physician, also taught a school of a high grade about 1850. Besides, there were two teachers of select schools in the vestry, on the second floor of what is now W. B. Hammond's house, on Elm Street. Miss M. A. Nelson, of Worcester, a direct descendant from the Rowley family of this name, taught there several years, perhaps from 1840 to 1846.

The advantages of a town Library were advocated by Dr. Jeremiah Spofford, then a teacher in the town, in 1806, and a small collection of theological and other books was made, known as the New Rowley Social Library. There were thirty or more shareholders. In 1860 an Agricultural Library was purchased by seventy-five of the citizens of the town, and including with it what remained of the former collection, there had accumulated volumes to the number of about eleven hundred, owned by one hundred and seventeen shareholders, at the time George Peabody, of London, in 1868, made his gift of the Library and building, now known by his name, to the town of Georgetown. The former Library was then by vote given to the town, to be, added to the Peabody gift, and the two combined at the opening of the Peabody Library, were about three thousand five hundred volumes. At present there are about sixty-four hundred volumes, excluding duplicates.

The Trustees, by condition of the gift, are the pastors of the churches ex-officio, and six others, elected at the annual town meeting in March. This Town or Peabody Library was first opened July 3. 1869, and fitty-five books delivered, with O. B. Tenney, Librarian, who was in office until his resignation, in December of that year. Richard Tenney was Libra- rian until 1880, when the writer was elected, holding the position until the spring of 1887, when Mrs. S. A. Holt assumed the duties. During the incumbency of the writer, J. Henry Scates was assistant. For the

eighteen years since the opening, the combined de- livery aggregates two hundred and fifty thousand volumes. The corner-stone of the Library building was laid September 9, 1866, by Chas. Northend, of Connectiont. The hall was added in 1872, and an extension to the hall some years afterward.

The First Congregational Church have a small Library, which was a bequest from Rev. Mr. Chandler. Some of the ancient works are in Latin, and the collection is unquestionably of great value.

About 1830 there was awakened an ardent longing for knowledge and solid reading in many country villages in New England, and to meet this demand in part the Lyceum was founded. Lecture courses were frequent and well patronized. A periodical, called The Lyceum, was published in Boston or Salem, illus- trative of the Natural Sciences, as shown in practical every-day life, and many of the lectures given were in that field of thought. A familiar talk on the Electric Telegraph, by Professor Morse (then but comparatively little known), in 1843 or 1844, given in Savory's (of late known as Grand Army Hall), was well attended. This oral instruction, so popular at that day, in the elements of Astronomy and Geology (by Dr. Boynton), Chemistry and the like by others, was supplemented by the School District Libraries, which were edited by Alexander Everett, a cousin of Edward Everett. The State of Massachusetts, because of its importance, as urged by Horace Mann, aided in the work by bring- ing the cost of these standard volumes, which made the bulk of the Libraries, to an extremely low figure. One of the school district officers, annually elected, was the Librarian, and the library was often changed from one house to another.

Most of the districts in Georgetown had these libra- ries. It was "knowledge under difficulties," but knowledge highly prized. The school district at that time was a little democracy in itself. It was a period of intellectual awakening, and the mental faculties were aroused to grasp at every new feature in mental or physical phenomena. Mesmerism excited more than a nine days' wonder, and Phrenology, as pre- sented by Prof. Fowler, was an accepted truth to many, and his charts Gospel verities.

In 1841, O. S. Fowler was at the house of Benjamin Adams, in South Georgetown, receiving the enrious and believers. A general examination of heads, by those who were his disciples and who studied his numerous works, was made, and character and the true path of life mapped out.

These are some of the mental features of the period. They seem contracted to us, who, with the daily pa- per, have the world at our doors. Mr. John Knapp, now almost a nonogenarian, began the delivery of Boston daily papers in this town about thirty years ago. In his rounds from house to house, the sales from his basket at first were perhaps hardly a score of copies. To-day the sales must average four hun- dred copies daily.

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Before 1850, a Boston daily paper was a rare sight to many. A copy of the Boston Atlas or Times was occasionally seen. After the erection of Library Hall, the town was annually favored for several years with a course of lectures and concerts of a high standard of merit. Among the lecturers were Chapin and Phillips, whose " Lost Arts" was delivered in the afternoon, also Charles Kingsley, whose only public appearance, with one exception, while in this coun- try, was in this hall. In a letter, included in the volume containing his "Life and Works," is a refer- ence to Georgetown, its inn (Pentucket house), and a pleasant anecdote of George E. Poor, the son of the landlord. Chas. Bradlaugh, Wm. Parsons and others of note, also lectured in this hall, and concerts by the leading musical talent of Boston were frequently en- joyed.

These varied courses were at an annual cost of five hundred dollars. While the town has no gifts as formerly for entertainments of this class, there is in- eluded in the gift of Mr. Peabody and his sister, Mrs. Daniels, a fund for the purchase of books, another for expenses of library, and a building fuud of about ten thousand dollars, which by the provisions of the gift, can be used at the discretion of the town, in the erec- tion of a new library building, in any location and at any time, after 1889. Georgetown also has in the inter- est of education, a prospective free school, of a stand- ard above the average high school in country towns, the funds for which, from about thirty-one thousand dollars, at the first report of the trustees in 1865, has now reached nearly ninety thousand dollars. The original sum was the bequest of John Perley and the school when established will be kuown as the " Perley Free School. Of the original trustees, but one, Geo. W. Chaplin, is now living. The location of this school is not as yet decided upon. To conclude this chapter we record one thing that is noticeable, in the history of the schools of thirty years ago, and that was the frequent change of teachers. Formerly, many were young men from New Hampshire, seeking the means to get a collegiate course. Now permanency in the position, is the rule in this town, rather than the exception. Then the amount of schooling varied, ranging from twenty to thirty weeks in the different districts, now a gradation of classes, and a school year, gives a beautiful system, but whether all the mechan- ism of to-day, is of especial advantage to the young, is to some minds questionable.

CHAPTER LV. GEORGETOWN-(Continued).

PARISH AND RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS CONTINUED TO ABOUT 1830.

Ix March, 1769, it was decided that the new meet- ing-house should be set on the southerly side of the

road, and on Mr. Nelson's land; that the front should be to the south, leaving sufficient room ou the north for a roadway ; a porch eleven feet square was voted for the east end, with one door and window ; and this, says the record, "to be all finished in good work- manship, with good stairs up the Galliery, and well painted, all to be Done in workmanship, answering with the new house." This and more is recorded by Jeremiah Searl, with some pride in his new office, and enthusiam over the prospects of a new meeting- house.

In June, at a meeting of the parish, a committee was chosen to make ready for the raising and provide for the workmen. The stores were to he kept in the school-house, and John Tenney, William Chandler and Jeremiah Hazen were to look after them. A committee was necessary to watch some of the stores and see that they were handled properly. The wise fathers of the parish knew from experience, the dan- ger of careless handling, of that part of the stores which doubtless flowed freely. To conclude the meeting with a climax, all votes for repairing the old house were reconsidered. There was some positive opposition, and teu names were recorded, principally from members living at the north part of the parish as dissenting.

Rev. Mr. Braman in his "Centennial Discourse," December 6, 1832, refers to three of those who are named on the record, as declaring that they would never cross the threshold of the new house. Tradi- tion says that they never did, and that before the house was finished, the following year, death had come to each of them. Whether an "ower true tale" we know not; such tales of divine judgment seem frequent at that period. This prospective change from the red barn-like building was so exhilarating that we find the record of the raising given in this precise manner : "Upon the fifth day of July, Anno Domini, One Thousand Seven-hundred Sixty & niue, the Parish Raised their New Meeting-House Fraime & Compleatly raised it in one Day." The expense for refreshment was upwards of twenty pounds, but what the families provided was only told around many a fireside afterwards. The rigging for raising the building was brought from Newburyport by Abraham Foster, and spars were provided by Capt. Moses Dole. Eightpence was allowed John Tenney for two lost mngs.

In October the room was divided, and a committee appointed to "Dignify it, and to sell not below the Dignity, which dignity shall amount to twenty-five pounds old tenor." Family pride and distinction had its votaries here at that time, but hetter than a flaunting vulgar pride in dollars merely, it had, at least, a certain foundation. Square pews in the gal- lery and on the floor, twenty-five pews at the right, and twenty-three at the left of the pulpit. On the east end six, and on the west end seven pews. In the old house there were but two or three pews, and these

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HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

few, besides plain seats on the men's side and the women's side of the house. The pews in the new house were to be family, and were sold January, 1770, from a plan shown at Mr. Solomon Nelson's house. Two diagrams of these family pews, neatly drawn, are in the ancient book of parish records. They are valuable, as giving us an accurate knowledge of the residents of the parish, in 1770. An eight-square tower and spire was voted, and later a " Wether Cock on ye tops of ye Spindle of ye Spire."

This, the crowning glory, was at one hundred and two feet from the ground, and had an attraction all its own, to successive generations. As it became tarnished, battling with the warring elements, twice, at least, it was regilded. This emblem of courage cost Deacon Thurston four pounds sixteen shillings. Mr. Whitefield made a final visit to this parish, but a short time before his death, and while here preached what the people were pleased to call the dedica- tion sermon. Had it been considered such at the time, with the fame of the speaker, some record, either by the church or parish, would have been made of it, but as there is none, it appears as if it was a lit- tle questionable, even then, to recognize Whitefield as exactly regular. The text selected was 1 Kings 8: 11. "The glory of the Lord hath filled the house of the Lord." The meeting-house was unfinished, with unplastered walls, unbuilt galleries and without pews or pulpit. The hearers, however, were many, seated on the timbers, blocks and rough boards scat- tered through the edifice. It is said the service was in the morning, and probably, either on September 12th or 13th, as he was in Rowley both of those days. A journey of miles seems to have been at any time, but a holiday jaunt for him.

During one of Whitefield's visits to Newburyport, he attended a meeting in west parish, accompanied by a daughter of Deacon Noyes, and dined with "Aunt Jenny Hazen," who lived on East Street, nearly opposite John Hazen's. The cellar of her house is still visible. Her fame as a theologian was widespread. Mr. Whitefield had heard of her, and at this time he came to hear from her. After a pleasant interview with her and the neighbors, he departed, leaving in the memories of those who were present this incident of diuing with Whitefield as the most noted event of their lives. During the fatal epi- demic among children in 1736, Aunt Jenny lost by death thirteen nephews and nieces in the Hazen neighborhood. About 1770 she removed to New Hampshire, where she died.

Returning to parish actiou in 1770, a right to erect horse-stables was granted. None were built at that time, and when built were for those coming to meet- ing on horse-back, but not large enough for vehicles. There were no pleasure-carriages in town in 1771, or even ten years later. Originally, there were two stone horse-blocks, one near the wall on the north of the meeting-house, which was removed at the widen-

ing of the road; the other, similar to it, near the east door, for lady riders coming on side-saddles or pillions.

In 1780 the singing question came up, and Jona- than Chaplin was chosen to assist Colonel Daniel Spafford in "Raising the Tune," and, in addition, Lieutenant Moody Spafford, Phinehas Dodge, John Tenney and John Palmer were appointed to invite persons to fill up the singer's seats whom they think best qualified.

The wise system of payment in goods as legal tender not having become obsolete, Mr. Chandler at that time was to have three bushels of Indian corn for taking care of the meeting-house that year. Although the minister was highly respected, a young man as assistant for Mr. Chandler, who was now quite in- firm, began to be suggested. Mr. William Bradford was offered as salary ninety pounds yearly, the money to be as good as any year from 1770 to 1775. Continen- tal currency was circulating ; it had been issued for a noble purpose, but the government not being strong enough to compel obedience to its fiat, distrust was engendered, and depreciation followed. Mr. Brad- ford was called elsewhere. The next year the parish agreed to carry on Mr. Chandler's "Husbandry in good Husbandry manner." During the increasing infirmity of the pastor there was some dissatisfaction, and frequent attempts made to have an assistant, but nothing was done. The singing became more popu- lar, and in 1785 women singers were invited to sit in the gallery, and the singing to be performed once on the Lord's day, without the deacons reading the line for one year. It seemed to the deacons as if the world was out of joint. Could they have seen, as was seen about sixty years later, the pupils of Allison Palmer, under the grand leadership of Lowell Mason, in those same galleries, they would have said that the iuvitatiou to the womeu singers had been perma- nently accepted. A history of the musical conven- tions which have been held in this grand old house, and the musical talent, both vocal and instrumental, that seems to be a special gift to the citizens of this town, and never more so than at present, or more care- fully cultivated, would, if written in detail, make ma- terial for a volume.

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History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. I, Part 219

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