History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. I, Part 226

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 226

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).

The names of Lake, Hathaway, Wilson, Nelson, Tenney, Haley, one can recall in this connection. William E. Wheeler, on North Street, is one of the traders of to-day, as are S. T. Poor, Dennis Donaghue and M. N. Boardman. As a druggist, the name of Bateman has descended from father to son. Wm. B. Dorman had the corner drng-store in Little's Block (now occupied by L. H. Bateman ) for some years. He also manufactured colognes and other articles in variety. The telegraph-office is in the drng-store, with Mr. Bateman as operator.

On Jewett Street, at Stickney's corner, the father of Joseph P. Stickney had a grocery in a building opposite his dwelling-house; the latter is now the home of Daniel Dawkins. This store was for many years quite a village centre, for Warren and Jewett Street residents.

This town has never had a celebrity for special agricultural work.

Samuel Little, about 1854, bought the Silas Dole

853

GEORGETOWN.

estate, including the ancient Thurston place, and at once began extensive improvements. He built a barn of an octagonal form, at an expense of not less than ten thousand dollars, the most costly at the time in the county, and expended, it is thought, in varied work, not less than sixty thousand dollars. Since the decease of the owner, and the destruction of this im- mense barn by fire, in July, 1885, with a succession of peculiar events, much of the expense incurred has to the outward appearance become wasted, and the stimulus to the agricultural interests of the town lost. Byfield at present shows a spirit of advancement and sustains a Farmers' Club. C. W. Nelson, the Super- iutendent of the Georgetown Town Farm, is president. They meet frequently and are doing a good work. In harmony with this work, was the Village Improvement Society of Georgetown, which existed several years ago, accomplishing as its work an improved condi- tion of East Main Street, in the enclosed square, etc., and the building of several sidewalks in different parts of the town. Deacon Asa Nelson was perhaps in advance of any other farmer at one time, in prac- tically encouraging new and improved farming. Marked changes in methods of farming are, however, taking place. The time was when not less than five hundred tons of salt-hay was carted annually from Byfield and Rowley, for use in this town, while now, perhaps, one hundred tons would be the entire amount. Eight silos have been built, and ensilage is, with a few, a popular food for stock.

Rev. O. S. Butler, of this towu, has become quite noted for his public advocacy of the silo, as a neces- sary adjunct to snecessful farming.

In July, 1860, the Essex Agricultural Society took the initiative, it is believed, among the kindred socie- ties of the State, in suggesting "Fairs" for the sale and exchange of farm stock and other products, on the English system. A trial day was had in Georgetown, and what is now Lincoln Park, was alive with a practical exhibit of the working of the mowing-ma- chine, then a new invention. The result was very unsatisfactory in the use of the machine, as the grass was wet, and the whole affair was an experiment, not again repeated.

The two lakes, Rock and Pentucket, just on the borders of the "Corner" village, give a peculiar attractiveness to this town, that it seems might be made of advantage to the future growth of the town.

This feature in the natural surroundings of George- town is what bnt few places in the county can show, as most of the ponds and lakes are at an inconvenient distance from the village centres. Both lakes were par- tially stocked with black bass some ten years ago, but with indifferent snecess. Experienced anglers say that on the removal of the prohibition against fishing, which was enforced for several years, the "luck " of former times has never returned. Both of the bodies of water are very pure. Rock nestles at the foot of gravelly and grassy knolls, and Pentucket for nearly

one-fourth of a mile, has on Pond Street a pebbly beach, as its eastern limit. The maximum depth is doubtless in Rock, and perhaps forty or more feet, while Lake Raynor (although within the limits of Boxford, with South Georgetown so near at hand as to be practically claimed by it as their pond), has at one point at least seventy-two feet depth of water. This lake, three-fourths of a mile in length, has about eighty acres area, is largely fed by springs and nearly enclosed by upland ; has a pebbly bottom and water clear as crystal.

From Baldpate Hill near by, with its four hundred feet altitude, and said to exceed in height any land between it and the "Blue Hills" of Milton, al- most exactly south, a wide extent of country is visi- ble; reaching from the White Mountain district on the north to Bunker Hill Monument at the sonth, old ocean and Southeastern Maine on the east to Mounts Wachusett and Holyoke beyond at the west. The present year, Boston and New York capitalists have had in contemplation the erecting of a boarding house or private residence upon the summit, at some fnture day.

Little's Grove, a part of the Silas Dole farm, situ- ated just west of the B. & M. R. R., was, for Boston parties and for people from other places, a popular picnic resort from about 1850 to '60. The citizens of this town have had several Fourth of July gath- erings in this Grove; the last being in 1858, with music by Gilmore's band. A fine floral procession by the public schools, was arranged and partly carried out, but a torrent of rain marred the beauty of the affair. Abolition, Comeouter and Moral Reform ga- therings, as has been said, frequently met here on Sun- days and public holidays. In August, 1854, a Know Nothing Convention attracted many ; but the day of days was October 16, 1856, when the "Fremont Mass Convention" brought together the masses, who formed a procession of one mile or more in length. This Con- vention was attended by ten thousand persons. All northern and eastern Essex were well represented.

In the political divisions of the past, this parish was largely of the Federal faith, while Old Rowley had many Republicans. The Republicans, or Jefferson party, gradnally gained in numbers in New Rowley, absorbing the attendants at the Baptist meeting-honse. Anti-Masonry was not organized, although wordy en- counters were frequent with Dr. Mighill and others of the craft. After Jackson and Van Buren, Democracy got a small bnt tenacious foothold, with Major Paul Dole as an active partisan. Harrison and the Whig party, however, swept the town. The great September mass meeting in Boston, in 1840, was never forgotten by the participants. Those living speak of it now with pride.

The Birney party had a few disciples, departing from Garrison's teachings in part. These were mostly young and ardent men. H. N. and his brother A. B. Noyes early embraced this faith, as did Asa Nelson,

854

HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

Jr., J. P. Coker, Deacon Moses Merrill and others. In 1845, the Native American faith was accepted by several, and the Tocsin read. The "Free Soil" stir of 1848 aroused this town, and the third party began to show noticeable strength. Still it was a Whig town, with Colonel John Kimball especially prominent. The State " Know Nothing" movement, as elsewhere, however, left both of the old parties stranded.

The " Republican" party of 1856 embraced all but half a hundred sturdy Democrats, as J. P. Jones, Esq., the brothers J. K. and W. H. Harriman, Dr. H. N. Couch, Seth Hall and others; and a few voters still firm in the "Know Nothing" faith. That year, Hon. Moses Tenney, who had been in the Senate, was elected State Treasurer, and continued in office the constitutional term, until 1861. The Republicans were the powerful majority until 1864, when a slight increase of their opponents began to be seen in the McClellan vote.

The Irish strength now began to be felt as a new factor on the Democratic side, and continued until the Labor Reform, followed by the Greenback party, checked the rapid Democratic growth.

The Greenback ideas were at once embraced by Captain Moses Wright, who, as an abolitionist and a personal friend of Garrison and all the early reformers, remained steadfast to the faith. He died suddenly, September 18, 1887, at the age of eighty-one years. At the last anti-slavery convention ever held in this town, which was of three days' continuance, Cap- tain Wright presided. It was held in the town hall in the summer of 1860, and was addressed by J. Ford Douglas, C. C. Burleigh, Remond, of Salem, and others.

Oak Dell, a grove in South Georgetown, was origi- nally opened, for a Greenback convention, September 8, 1881, with addresses by J. N. Buffum, of Lynn, Wm. Weaver, of Nashua, N. H., and several others. July 4, 1882, at another convention of this party, the fall campaign was opened, in the same grove, with an address by E. Moody Boynton, which was immediately circulated as a key-note by the press of the country. This party for several years, had in this town a large following both in State and legislative action, but of late has become reduced in numbers.

At a few elections in recent years, some members of the leading parties have, on personal grounds, voted independently, and the result has been the partial success of the Democratic ticket; but, on general principles, the Republicans are still in the ascendant. The distinctive temperance vote is usually a very small minority. Besides the groves already alluded to as noted for public occasions, there was held in 1860 a celebration of the 4th of July, in a grove near the Paul Pillsbury place in Byfield, with Rev. J. C. Fletcher as orator, and also a series of re- igious meetings in the summer of 1868, in a grove on Nelson Street, near the residence of Henry E.

Perley. The various clergymen of the town con- ducted the services.

The town-house, begun in 1855, was completed the following year at a cost of twelve thousand dollars. The cupola, a somewhat unsightly addition, was taken down some years ago, which gave an improved ap- pearance to the building. The engine-house on Mid- dle Street, was built in 1875, at a cost including fur- nishings, of about five thousand dollars. In this building are rooms for the selectmen and the fire de- partment. Little's Block, at the corner of North and West Main Streets, was erected by a stock company in 1871, at a cost of about forty thousand dollars. This elegant structure for business purposes, has its fourth floor exclusively occupied by Protection Lodge, I. O. O. F. The building covers the site of the humble store and shoe-shop, built and occupied by the brothers Joseph and Benjamin Little, about seventy-five years ago. The Masonic block, a wooden structure, stood near the site where the business block built in 1886 stands, and was erected in 1867. Captain G. W. Boynton was a large owner of stock. This val- uable property was always rented, and was of three full stories, besides hall-room above. This block was par- tially burned in 1874, and completely destroyed by the fire of 1885.

The skating rink on Park Street, opposite the shoe factory of W. M. Brewster, was built in 1883, removed in 1886 to North Street, near the mills, and has been converted into a double tenement dwelling-house. It is understood to have been originally the property of members of the Georgetown Cornet Band. This musical organization, with E. A. Chaplin, leader, is the successor of several similarly organized bodies, but, unlike those preceding it, shows a determination to "stick," and reap the reward due to energy and perseverance. Their efficiency is recognized beyond this immediate locality. The talent of several of the members is such that special engagements are of con- stant occurrence.

The brick blocks of four and five stories, with the narrow space between them bridged, of which the one fronting on Main Street was destroyed in the fire in 1885, were built in 1875. Steam-power in the Main Street building was supplied to both. These blocks extended from Main, nearly to the corner of Park and Maple Street.

The l'entucket House, as it now is, was built and occupied by Col. J. B. Savory in 1825. For hotel and boarding purposes it was first erected, and has so con- tinued as "Savory's tavern," and under its present name, to this day. The original Brocklebank house, afterwards Pillsbury tavern, a one-and-a-half story structure, was removed to the rear, and converted, it is thought, into the "L." Here was located for many years the Manufacturers Bank, into the vaults of which the noted bank burglar, " Bristol Bill," once arranged to enter, but was deterred from his design. On the second floor of the "L" is the hall, which has been

855

GEORGETOWN.

known at various times as Savory's, Mechanics', and Grand Army hall, where, for many years, Panoramas, Indian shows, learned pigs, etc., were exhibited, ad infinitum. This hall was the head-quarters of the Good Templars and Sons of Temperance for a long time.

The town farm was bought of Thomas Gage, Esq., in March, 1822, and, including the outlands, cost three thousand dollars. Iu the division of the town, this farm was included within the limits of George- town. The " pound," an important institution in early times, was voted by the parish, March, 1740. Joseph Nelson gave the land to "set the pound on." The parish were to have it for the purpose as "long as said pound shall stand." Estrays were common, and early colonial action was intense against wan- dering swine, goats, asses and other domestic animals. The pound-keeper's office, now a sinecure, was, until recently, a position of trust, and the "Field driver" had the authority of an English beadle. Personal piques were sometimes taken advantage of by the field-driver, and the frequent result, here as well as elsewhere, has been neighborhood quarrels.

At the present time there are no public flag- staffs, or " Liberty poles," in town. The Everett Pea- body Post, G. A. R., have recently taken such action, that the national flag will float from their headquarters in future on public occasions. One in the square where the Soldier's Monument now stands was blown down in a violent gale, July 4, 1867. This was prob- ably set about 1845. There have also been one or two others placed in front of one of the early engine houses, which stood where the grocery of Dennis Donaghue now stands. The first flag-staff referred to, was in front of the Tenney building, now the residence of H. N. Harriman.

On the ground floor of this building were kept the first machines of the fire department of that town, viz., the Watchman and Pentneket.

The annual firemen's parade, forty-five or more years ago, was always quite animated and enthusias- tic. The engine-house on Main Street, just above Little's block, was removed to North Street, near the Mills, and changed into a tenement-house. Another engine-house on Main, very near Library Street, is now owned by J. E. Bailey. This, for about twenty years, was occupied by Empire or No. 2 Company. In 1875, Washington No. 3 house was removed to South Georgetown. For some years from 1863 or before, Warren Street was provided with an engine, which was then known as No. 3; and North Street also, where Erie Company No. 4 is still located; this com- pany now has horses ready at a moment's warning, and has reached, it is conceded, marked efficiency, The Pentucket Hook and Ladder Company was or- ganized in 1872. The Steamer No. 1 Company was organized in 1875. Two or three fall parades, with a visiting company, have been held, the last one in Oc- tober, 1884.

Since the incorporation of the town, the first fire which occurred was March 4, 1840, when the barn of S. P. Cheney was destroyed by lightning. The second was the house of Nath. Sawyer, in 1841 or '42, then just completed, upon the site of which the brick house now owned by L. G. Wilson was at once built. This was an incendiary fire, and was set by John Saw- yer, an insane person. On the night following the 4th of July, 1859 or '60, there was a partial destruction of the stable adjoining, and the rear portion of the store building, then occupied by Nathaniel Lambert's gro- cery. The Dunbar Hotel, which is now the residence of Dr. R. C. Huse, was in great danger, but escaped harm. The next fire of magnitude, was a stable on the same site, Fast morning, some eight or nine years later. The building and several horses were burned. October 26, 1874, a fire occurred in the stable of G. J. Tenney, soon became uncontrollable, and raged from seven in the morning until about noon, destroying property to the value of about one hundred thousand dollars. It was only by aid from other places that the fire was stayed. The residence and shoe-factory of G. J. Tenney, with the store building in danger in the former fire, were entirely consnmed. Stables and other store buildings, the old Boynton among them, met the common fate, and only held in check at the Masonic Block and Pentucket House on the one side, and, as before, the present Dr. Huse house on the other. The fourth and latest fire in that same locality, was on the night following December 25, 1885. Two members of the Steamer Company, Messrs. Chase and Illsley, met their sad fate at the outset, the brick wall of Adams Block falling, and crushing them instantly, and injuring several others, one of whom was E. A. Yeaton, who was after a time restored to health, while another, C. M. Clark, a member of Empire Com- pany, died after amputation and weeks of suffering. This calamity was followed by a conflagration much exceeding the former, twelve years before. The fine brick residence of G. J. Tenney went in a moment, after the burning of the Main Street business block, which had the Banks, National and Savings, Post Office, law office of W. A. Butler and boot and shoe factories of A. B. Noyes and G. J. Tenney. Steam power, supplying the Brewster block on the rear, was also destroyed. Again the Dr. Huse residence was the terminus eastward, and the Pentucket House westward. This fire exceeded in loss the former. In August, 1882, the buildings of Amos Ridley, on An- dover Street, were burned from lightning. Other fires have been mostly of barns and out-buildings.

The opening of Tenney's field, now Lincoln Park, for the erection of houses, was in 1868. At about that period, and a few years later, Nelson Avenue was ex- tended and other streets opened. Since 1880 nothing of special note in town enlargement has been attempted.

The Georgetown Savings Bank was incorporated in 1868, with J. P. Jones, president, and W. H. Harriman,

856

HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

treasurer. The office was at Harriman's drug store, on Central Street, which is now owned by G. L. Met- calf. It was removed about ten years later to the Ten- ney Block, on Main Street, (). B. Tenney, Esq., elected treasurer, who is still in office. Mr. Tenney is also Trial Justice, has been a member of the Massachusetts Sen- ate, a special commissioner for Essex County, and was for many years one of the selectmen of the town. The Georgetown National Bank has been in existence some fourteen or more years. It had originally a capital of one hundred thousand dollars, with H. P. Chaplin as president, and George H. Carlton, cashier. Lewis H. Giles is cashier at present. Both of these institu- tions found quarters iu Little's Block after they were burned out in the late fire, and are now in Union Block.

Of the fraternal societies the Free Masons are first, in point of seniority. The petition of thirty-four craftsmen was approved, and a Dispensation granted April 5, 1867, to constitute a lodge. This was signed by C. C. Dame, then Grand Master, whose name the lodge afterward assumed. The first officers were elected April 15, 1867, at a meeting in Empire Hall. December 26th of the same year the Masonic building and elegant lodge-rooms having been completed, the lodge was constituted, the officers installed and the hall dedicated. Among the members occupying the chair, have been Stephen Osgood, Sherman Nelson, H. N. Harriman, G. H. Tenney, Isaac Wilson, W. A. Harn- den, E. A. Chaplin, M. F. Carter, and others.

The headquarters of the earlier Masons, sixty years ago, was at the old Spofford homestead on Andover Street. Twice Charles C. Dame Lodge, because of being burned out, found in the hall of the Odd Fel- lows a place for meeting. During Christmas week, 1879, this fraternity had a very successful Fair.

Protection Lodge, I. O. of O. F., was instituted Oc- tober 7, 1868, by Levi F. Warren, Grand Master of Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, with Paul R. Picker- ing, N. G. Most of the earlier members had been previously connected with the order in Newburyport. Since the founding, the brothers elected to the position of N. G. have been W. H. Harriman, Jos. E. Bailey, D. E. Moulton, J. P. Stickney, J. G. Scates, H. L. Perkins, E. S. Daniels, G. H. Carleton, W. H. Ilsley, Fred. M. Edgell, M. D. Chase, l'erley Bunker, John Munroe, H. A. Bixby, W. G. Wadleigh, I. S. C. Perley, G. E. Dawkins (Groveland) S. R. White, Henry Hilliard, J. H. Scates, G. L. Metcalf, J. T. Jackson, A. B. Hull, B. A. Hilliard, W. S. Symonds, Clarence Stetson (Groveland), Charles H. Pingree. Present term, G. L. Mighill. They occupy an elegant hall in Little's Block, with the furnishings and all the surroundings in perfect completeness. This hall was dedicated November 15, 1871, by the Grand Master, A. B. Plympton. The number of charter members, nine- teen. Present number, one hundred and sixty-nine. This lodge had a successful Fair the last week in Feb- ruary, 1874. A Rebekah Degree Lodge existed at one time.

Good Will Assembly, 2229 K. of L., was organized in Grand Army Hall, September 13, 1882, by A. A. Carlton, of Lynn, now of the General Executive Board of the Order, with thirteen charter members. This order has had as meeting-places, the hall where they were organized; also Empire Hall, a hall in Masonic building, where they were burned out in 1885, and have met frequently in Town Hall. At present they have rooms in Union Block.

The latest secret order of the town is the A. O. of U. W., organized by Clarence E. Emhree, and insti- tuted December 20, 1886. Present officers are P. M. W., S. T. Peakes ; M. W., S. K. White. Other posi- tions are held by W. Urquhart, F. V. Noyes, A. B. Comins, E. S. Daniels, F. M. Vining, L. H. Giles, A. C. Hall, M. L. Hoyt, L. F. Carter, T. F. Hill, and M. N. Boardman.

One or two other organizations of a local character have existed here in the past, and perhaps do at present. At the ontset of the organization of Patrons of Husbandry, when there were but five Granges in existence-two in New York State, two in Illinois and one in Washington, D. C .- the writer labored to start a Grange in this town. He entered into corres- pondence with an officer of the National Grange (just organized) then living in Ansonia, N. Y., and hoped to awaken an interest here, but could not arouse suffi- cient to warrant the founding officers visiting us.

Among the officers of the town, one or two names have special prominence. One is that of Sherman Nel- son, who for nearly twenty years was a member of the Board of Selectmen. Another, which may have been already stated, is that of J. P. Jones, Esq., for years deeply interested in the schools and prominent on the school committee; and still another to be named in this connection is Gorham P. Tenney, who, as visit- ing committee, was greatly beloved by the young peo- ple of the town.

The first election of town officers was April 28, 1838. Robert Savory was elected moderator; George Foote, town clerk; John A. Lovering, Sewall Spof- ford and G. D. Tenney, selectmen and assessors; James Peabody, Moses Thurlow and Jeremiah Clark, overseers of the poor ; Robert Savory, Moody Cheney and Charles Boynton, constables ; Benjamin Winter, treasurer and collector; Joseph Little, John B. Sa- vory and Amos J. Tenney, fire wardens; Rev. Isaac Braman, Rev. John Burden and Moody Cheney, school committee. George Foote's term of office as town clerk was until 1841; J. P. Stickney, 1841-45; H. N. Noyes, 1845-47 ; Thomas A. Merrill, 1847-49; J. P. Jones, 1849-50; L. S. Crombie, 1850-51, and died in office; Otis Thompson, pro tem., 1851; L. H. Bateman, 1852-55; J. P. Stickney, 1855-59; C. G. Tyler, 1859-60, and died in office ; Chaplin G. Tyler, pro tem., 1860 ; C. E. Jewett, 1860-71; O. B. Tenney, 1871-73, and resigned the office; J. E. Bailey, 1873- 76; Fred. M. Edgell, 1876-77, and died in office; H. N. Harriman, pro tem., 1877-78; J. E. Bailey, 1878-

857

GEORGETOWN.

84; H. N. Harrimau, 1884, aud also present incum- bent.

The post-office in Georgetown, formerly called "New Rowley Post-office," was established in 1824, with Benjamin Little as postmaster, who continued to formally discharge the duties in the old corner gro- cery until his death, in 1851. The original case of boxes is now preserved in the gallery of Peabody Li- brary. J. P. Stickney, who for some time had per- formed the principal work, with the office in his store at Little & Noyes' shoe factory, was his successor. Samuel Wilson, who lived in the house now G. L. Metcalf's, was the next incumbent, with the office in what is now the store. This was during the Pierce administration. Captain Joseph Hervey was the official for a time, during Pierce's term, in the corner grocery. During Buchanan's term, J. P. Jones, Esq., was the official, with his brother Cyrus as clerk. The election of Lincoln placed Richard Tenney, Esq., in the office and in a building which was located in what is now the yard of the Memorial Church. The erec- tion of the church caused the removal of this build- ing to North Street, filling a spot now covered by the extreme northerly end of Little's Block. Here C. E. Jewett for a time had the office on the lower floor, and with Johnson as President, C. W. Tenney assum- ed the duties. Dr. R. C. Huse rented the upper floor on his settlement as physician in town. The next incumbent was Rev. O. S. Butler, holding the office for sixteen years and more, or during the Grant, Hayes, Garfield and Arthur terms. The location of the office under the care of this official was in several places, twice at least in different parts of Masonic Block, and after the 1874 fire temporarily in the Pen- tucket House. During several later years a conve- nient room in the Tenney Block on Main Street was provided, which continued as the office under the ad- ministration of the present official, S. A. Donoghue, until burned out in the late fire. The office was then hastily set up in the grocery of Dennis Donaghue, and from there removed to the room of the express- man, C. W. Tenney, and but recently has been estab- lished in the new (Union) block.

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.

History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. I, Part 226

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