History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. I, Part 97

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 97

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).

"Sacred to the memory of Joseph & Burrill Hart, Obt. Nov. 15th & Dec. 8th, 1786, Aet. 18 & Il yeare, Soos of Joseph and Eunice Hart.

"These lovely youthe resigned their breath, Prepared to live & ripe for death ; You blooming youths who view this stone, Learn early death may be your own. The Lord, who hath all sov'reign power, Cut short the lovely opening flower. The sister's joy, the parent's hope, Submit to death's relentless stroke." * * *

* * * *

"Sacred to the memory of Joseph Burrill Hart, son of Mr. Joseph & Mrs. Eunice Hart, who died Nov. 19, 1795, Aged 7 years.

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HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

" llis opening mind a thousand charms reveal'd, Proof of those thousands which were still conceal'd, The loveliest flow'r in nature's garden plac'd, Permitted just to bloom and pluck'd in haste, Angels beheld him ripe for joys to come, And call'd by God's command their brother home."

Joseph Hart, the afflicted father of these promising youths, was a farmer, and lived in the ancient house that stood on Boston Street at the corner of North Federal. He owned all the land on the west side of the street up to Walnut, and raised corn, potatoes and the usual products for family consumption, together with large quantities of flax, which was wrought into a durable though not elegant kind of cloth. Mrs. Eunice Hart, mother of the deccased youths, was a granddaughter of Hon. Ebenezer Burrill, who occu- pied the extensive farm at Swampscott, a portion of which was lately owned by the Hon. E. R. Mudge, deceased. The ancient farm-house in which Mr. Bur- rill lived is still standing near the elegant stone villa of Mr. Mudge.

" To the memory of Deacon Ezra Hitchings, who was born April 15, 1765, and died Nov. 26, 1829. This stone is erected by the members of the Second Congregational Church in Lynn, of which, from its forma- tica, he was an able and efficient officer, as a testimonial of the profound respect and love for his integrity and benevolence, his piety as a Chris- tian and his worth as a man.

" The memory of the just is blessed."

The Second Congregational Church of Lynn was the first Unitarian, and to the present day remains the only society of that denomination here. Major Hitchings, to use the military title by which he was popularly known, was a native of that part of Lynn which is now Saugus. His wife, who was a woman of much force of character, was a sister of Colonel James Robinson, a soldier of the Revolution, and first postmaster of Lynn. They had no children of their own, but adopted one or two, whom they reared with the watchful care of true parents. Mr. Hitchings kept a West India goods store on Boston Street, corner of North Federal, and did a fair village busi- ness, though it yielded nothing beyond a comfortable maintenance.

" Sacred to the memory of Benjamio Massey, who was bora Nov. 19, 1786, and died Dec. 10, 1831.

" Reader, a moment pause before this stone ; It tells a husband, father, Christian gone ; These sacred names he hore ; but oh, how well Must faithful memory, not the marble, tell ; Enough, if io thie herd whitestone you see flis strong, firm will-his spotless purity."

The loss of Mr. Massey to the community was se- riously felt. He was an active, useful citizen, his services being in constant demand wherever strict personal integrity and prudence were required. He took an important part in the management of public affairs, and filled several of the higher offices of public trust. At the organization, in 1828, of the Lynn Mu- tual Fire Insurance Company, that still remarkably successful institution, he was chosen secretary, and held the office till his death. He was an industrious

blacksmith, his shop and dwelling being on Western Avenue, a few rods west of Federal Street.

" Alonzo Lewis, died January 21, 1861, aged sixty-six years and five roonthe.

" Frances, his wife, died May 27, 1839.

" All angels now, and little less while here."

This is the resting-place of Mr. Lewis, the poet and historian. In the neat little burial inclosure are two or three chaste marble stones, unpretentious but strikingly appropriate. As Mr. Lewis is spoken of somewhat at large in another place, nothing further need be said here. The other inscriptions in the in- closure, however, should be given,-

" Francee Maria. Aurelina. Lyanworth. Ina.

William Lewis, Born 1596. Died 1671. Amey, his wife.

Alonze Lewis, Jr. Died March 7, 1852.

Isaac Lewis, Jr., Born 1683. Died 1763. Hannah, His wife.

Irene Lewis, Died March 26, 1853.

Mary Lewis, Died Jan. 28, 1878.

Nathan Lewis, Born 1721. Died 1804. Mary, his wife.

Zachariah Lewis, Bern 1765. Died 1810. Mary, his wife."

(Five Generations.)

" Here lyes buried ye body of Ensign Joseph Newhall, aged 47 years. Departed this life January ye 29, 1705."

This Mr. Newhall was a man of some note and much respected. In 1696 the town granted him lib- erty to "Sett up a pewe in ye east end of ye meeting- house Between ye east dowre & the stares." He was, at the time of his death, a member of the General Court, and perished in a great snow-storm while on his way from Boston. It was a violent storm, continu- ing two days-the 29th and 30th of January. He was a son of Thomas Newhall, the first white person born in Lynn, and the father of eleven children, all of whom survived him. Many descendants of his are yet remaining in Lynn.

" Here lies buried the body of M' Zackens Norwood, who departed this life Feh. the 8th, 1756, aged 40 years."

" Here lyes buried the hody of Doct Jonathan Norwood, who de- parted this life March 16th, 1782, in ye 31st year of his age."

These two stones are in memory of father and son. Zacheus, the father, was keeper of the old Anchor Tavern, which, as " Norwood's Tavern," augmented in fame to the close of provincial days. He is spoken of elsewhere in these pages. Dr. Jonathan, the son, was a well-educated physician, and lived on the north side of the Common, between Mall and Park Streets. He graduated at Harvard in 1771. His death, March 16, 1782, was occasioned by in- juries received by a fall from his horse.

" In memory of Mr. Isaac Orgin, who died May 29th, 1831, Æt. 70. " Afflictions sore long time I hore, Physicians strove in vain,

Till God did pleuse to give me cass, And take away my pain."

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Mr. Orgin was one of the youthful patriots who took the field in the Revolution, and is said to have been some time a drummer.

" Here lies buried the body of Mr. William Perkins, a gentleman of liberal education. He was bred at Ilarvard College, aud commenced Master of Arts in ye yeur 1761. He was justly admired for his uocom- mon abilities, natural and acquired ; his literature, exemplary piety, modesty, meekness, aud many other humane and Christian virtues which rendered him lovely io every relation of life. He died of a fever Octr yo 9, 1765, and in the 28th year of his age."

" Mary Pitcher. 1738-1813."

This simple inscription on a neat headstone per- petuates the name of one who attained a world-wide reputation as " Moll Pitcher, the fortune-teller of Lynn." A somewhat extended notice of her may be found elsewhere iu these pages.

" The First Church of Christ in Lynn erected this mooument to the memory of their faithful aod much esteemed brother, Deacon Nathaniel Sargent. He died September 23, 1798, aged 38 years.

"I am the resurrection and the life saith the Redeemer."

"The Tomb of Rev. Jeremiah Shepard. The memory of the just is blessed. Mrs. Mary Shepard died March 28, 1710, Aet. 53. A prudent wife is from the Lord. Prov. xxxi. 10 & 28: the Mother of 9 children : 5 died, Jeremiah, 1700, Aet. 23: Mehetabel, 1688: Margaret, 1683 : Thomas, 1709, Aet. 29: Francis, 1692.

" Rev. Jeremiah Shepard died June 2, 1720, Aet. 72.

" Elijah's mantle drops, the prophet dies, His earthly mansion quits, and mounts the skies.

- So Shepard's gone. His precious dust, death's prey, indeed is here, But 's nobler breath 'mong seraphs does appear ; He joins tho adoring crowds about the throne, He's conquered all, and now he wears the crown."

A notice of this venerable minister appears in an- other connection.

" How uocertaio are human enjoyments !

"From gratitude, respect and endearing recollection, this stone is erected in remembrance of Mrs. Jane & Sally Tufts, consort & daughter of Mr. David Tufts, who died Nov. 15th & 16th, 1795, aged 28 years, the infant 1 day.

"Sacred to the memory of Mrs. Elizabeth Tufte, & daur, wife and dant of Mr. David Tufts, who obt. Ang. 20th & 22d, 1801. She aged 32 years, the child Aet 5 hours.

" Why do we monra departed friends Or shake at death's alarms ? 'Tis but the voice that Jesus sends To call them to his arms."

"In memory of Mr. David Tufts, a soldier of the Revolution, who died July 6, 1823, Aet. 60.

" When coldness wraps this suffering clay, Ah, whither strays the immortal mind ? It cannot die, it cannot stay, Bot leaves its darkened dust bebind."

This Mr. David Tufts, whose singularly severe and affecting visitations are here commemorated, lived in a comfortable two-story frame dwelling which stood on what is now Western Avenue, at the northeast corner of Federal Street, the site being now occupied by huge brick business buildings, and his land ex- tended nearly to Centre Street. His barn was opposite the west wing of Lynn Hotel. As stated upon the stone, he was a soldier of the Revolution, and must have been in service while a mere boy. He drew a pension during the latter part of his life, for though

in the way of gaining a comfortable livelihood by farming and expressing, in a small way, he was yet . obliged to exercise industry aud economy. He kept his sword hanging above the head of his bed as a me- mento of his early heroism. His last wife was Eunice, a daughter of Joseph Hart, of Boston Street, and she survived him more than forty years. He left three sons, one of whom was Deacon Richard Tufts, so long conspicuous for his rigid principles as a temperance reformer, aud so highly respected for his unswerving moral integrity. He was a deacon of the First Con- gregational Church for many years, and died an octo- genarian. Col. Gardiner Tufts, whose efficient ser- vices in the interest of the Massachusetts soldiers, during the Civil War and subsequently, were highly appreciated, and who is yet doing efficient service under State appointment, was a son of the deacon.

"John E. Weston, Minister of the Gospel, died July 24, 1831, Aet. 35. "He wes ordained Oct. 1827, Pastor of the 2ª Baptist Church in Cam- bridge, aod at the time of his death was pastor elect of the Baptist Church, Nashua, N. H. It was while ou a journey to Nashua to preach on the ensuing Sabbath that he was drowued in Sandy Pond in Wil- mington. This sudden and afflictive event occurred in cousequence of a deep bank near the edge of the pond, from which, unperceived by him, he was precipitated with his carriage and eank in death.

" Thus died a most excellent husband and Father, a devoted and humble Christian, an able aod energetic minister, beloved by all, and bearing the noble features of that Saviour whom he delighted to honor."

In this venerable resting-place of the dead repose the remains of three early ministers of the First Church-Whiting, Shepard and Henchman-as well as the countless host of other worthies-fathers and mothers of past generations-some of whom have elsewhere come under notice.

" Life'e labor done, securely laid lo this their last retreat. Unheeded o'er their silent dust The storms of life shall beat.

" The storm which wrecke the wiatry sky No more disturbs their deep repose Thau summer evening's gentlest sigh, Which shuts the rose."

The other burial-places of Lynn are as follows, ar- ranged according to the dates of consecration :

THE FRIENDS' BURIAL-PLACE. - This seems to have been set apart for its sacred purposes early in the last century, probably in or about the year 1723, as is found that Richard Estes conveyed to the Friends Society an eligible lot of land at the corner of the present Broad and Silsbee Streets, "in consideration of the love and good will " he bore "to ye people of God called Quakers, in Lyn," by a deed dated the "seventeenth day of the tenth month, called Decem- ber, in ye ninth year of the reign of King George, in the year of our Lord, according to the English ac- count, one thousand seven hundred and twenty-two." The land was given " unto ye people aforementioned to bury their dead in, and to erect a meeting-house

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HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

for to worship God in: I say those in true fellowship of the gospell unity with the monthly meeting, and those are to see to ye Christian burying as we have been in ye practice of." In 1826 the remains of a hundred and nine persons were removed from the old Friends' Burying-ground in Boston, and deposited in this at Lynn, the reason being that the society at Boston had become virtually extinct and their ground disused. Considerable feeling, however, was mani- fested by some, and Joseph Hussey refused to permit the removal of the remains of his two sisters to Lynn, preferring to have them deposited in King's Chapel ground. This burial-place is conveniently and pleas- antly situated, near the house of worship, and has a number of neat memorial stones, without costly or gairish display. And in it rest a goodly number of Lynn's most prudent and worthy sons and daughters. Adjoining this ground is another, opened in 1825, as a free burial-place; the reason for the proceeding being that the society refused to permit the interment of a child in their ground without a compliance with their regulations.

THE EASTERN BURIAL-PLACE, on Union Street, was opened in 1812, is neatly kept, and contains the dust of many worthy ones.

PINE GROVE CEMETERY was consecrated on the afternoon of Wednesday, July 24, 1850. The weather was warm, but the sky was clear, and a great con- course attended. The exercises, conducted amid such picturesque and inspiring surroundings, were extremely impressive. The address was delivered by Rev. Charles C. Shackford, minister of the Unitarian Society. Several other clergymen took part in the exercises. An original ode, by G. W. Putnam, and original hymns, by Mr. Joseph W. Nye, Miss Anna H. Phillips and Miss Annie Johnson, were sung. This beautiful burial-place is surpassed by very few in the country for its picturesque natural features, its stately trees, fine shrubbery and flower-studded in- closures, as well as for its graceful and noble monu- ments. The first burial took place on Sunday, Octo- ber 13, 1850; and the total number of interments up to January 1, 1886, was nine thousand six hundred, four hundred and sixty-five having taking place during 1885. As to the pecuniary receipts and dis- bursements, it may in brief be stated that for the year 1885 the City Council appropriated $8000; to that was added, from sale of lots, $5176.50; from in- terments, 81480.50 ; from care of lots, $2673.59; and from various other sources sufficient to make a total of $19,509.86. The expenditures for labor, grading and the numerous other needful purposes were $19,310.99.

ST. MARY'S (ROMAN CATHOLIC) CEMETERY, which comprises eight acres, is situated on Lynnfield Street, near the suburban village of Wyoma. It was conse- crated on Thursday, November 4, 1858, by Bishop Fitz- patrick, assisted by six other clergymen. A violent storm prevailed on the day of consecration, and the

services, so far as they properly could be, were held in the church, where the rite of confirmation was ad- ministered to some two hundred persons.

ST. JOSEPH'S (ROMAN CATHOLIC) CEMETERY, on Boston Street, in the northeastern outskirts, was con- secrated by Archbishop Williams, in the afternoon of Thursday, October 16, 1879. A number of clergy- men from neighboring places were present. Eighteen burials had taken place there before the day of con- secration. In the forenoon of the day of the cere- mony the rite of confirmation was administered in the parish church, by the archbishop, to about a hundred and twenty-five children.

ALMSHOUSE GROUND .- A small lot was set apart on the Almshouse grounds for the burial of deceased inmates. But no burials are now made there.

At the present time the burials are chiefly made in the three cemeteries, the whole number in 1886 having been as follows: In Pine Grove Cemetery, 375; in St. Mary's, 207; in St. Joseph's, 46; in the Eastern ground, 58; in the Old, or Western ground, 3; in the Friends', 5-making a total of 694. But the number of deaths during the year was 836, the remains of 142 being taken out of town for interment. In 1885 the number of deaths was 828, of which 148 were by consumption, 21 by diphtheria, 14 by typhoid fever, 70 by pneumonia, 34 by cholera infantum, 9 by scarlet fever. Of children under five years, 278.

It may be added that the old burying-ground at Lynnfield was opened about the year 1720, and that at Saugus about 1732, both of those towns being then a part of Lynn.

The interesting ceremony of strewing with flowers the graves of soldiers who fell in the Civil War has been devoutly observed in Lynn. Once a year-on the 30th of May, which has been established as a legal holiday and called Memorial Day-under the auspices of the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic, the surviving comrades proceed in proces- sion, with appropriate music, to the various burial- places, and there, upon the graves of the departed companions-in-arms, reverentially deposit their floral offerings. The custom began here in 1868, in accord- ance with the manifesto of General Logan, comman- der-in-chief of the association, issued at Washington. The occasion calls out crowds of people, old and young. A patriotic address by a comrade, delivered in some convenient place, follows the ceremony.

Did our limits allow, it would not be impertinent to say a few words touching what may be called mod- ern extravagances at funerals. The expenditures for casket, floral decorations and carriages have become really burdensome to persons of limited means. Many seem to think it mean not to follow the fashion in these matters, and mean also to question any charge of those who furnish essentials or decorations. Can ostentatious display relieve a truly grieving heart ? Can gairish pomp and glitter at the grave give joy to the departed? It would, indeed, be heath-

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enish to avoid a proper manifestation of respect and affection for deceased friends; but is it not sometimes the case that respect and affection are marked by over-wrought display ? In early New England times the dead were committed to their last resting-places with very little ceremony beyond the procession of mourning friends; the coffin was rude ; and seldom was a prayer offered, an omission which it seems hard to account for, excepting ou the ground of anxiety to avoid anything that approached the Romich custom of praying for the dead. Lechford, writing in 1641, says, " At burials nothing is read, nor any funeral ser- mon made, but all the neighborhood, or a good com- pany of them, come together by tolling of the bell, and carry the dead solemnly to his grave and there stand by him while he is buried. The ministers are most commonly present." As to prayers at funerals, Drake, in his "History of Boston," in speaking of the funeral of the wife of Judge Byfield, who was a daughter of Governor Leverett, and died December 21, 1730, remarks: " At her funeral a prayer was made, which was the first introduction of the practice in the town." And a Boston paper, speaking of the same funeral, says : "Before carrying out the corpse, a funeral prayer was made by one of the pastors of the old church, which, though a custom in country towns, is a singular instance in this place." So much for the religious exercises at burials. And now a word touching some peculiar extravagances at times indulged in.

Before the beginning of the last century some strange customs began to appear, and expenditures were made for purposes much more reprehensible than any extravagance of the present day. Indeed, funerals were sometimes made seasons of absolute jollification. Spiritnous liquors were provided in abundance, and scarfs, gloves and rings presented. The General Court, in 1724, prohibited the giving of scarfs on such occasions, " because a burdensome cus- tom." At the funeral of Rev. Mr. Cobbet, who preached in Lynn nineteen years (1637-56), were expended one barrel of wine, £6 8s .; two barrels of cider, 11s. ; 82 pounds of sugar, £2 1s .; half a cord of wood, 43 .; four dozen pairs of gloves, "for men and women," £5 4s .; with "some spice and ginger for the cider." It was not Lynn, however, that had the honor of providing thus liberally for the obsequies of Mr. Cobbet, for he had left here a number of years before, and settled in Ipswich. But in 1711 Lynn paid for half a barrel of cider for the Widow Dispaw's funeral. It was generous of the town to see that even a poor widow's remains should not be laid away without some inducement for neighbors to at- tend the last rites, if no feeling of bereavement ex- isted. And there is a temptation to add the account of expenditures at the funeral of Rev. Mr. Brown, of Reading, in 1733, partly for the purpose of showing the cost of some things required in those days on such mournful occasions :

£ s. d.

" To Thomas Eatou, for provisions . 2 1 0

Nathaniel Eaton for fetching up the wine. 0 15 0

Lt. Nathaniel Parker for 5 qts. Rhom, [rum] . 0 80 Samnel Pool for digging Mr. Brown's grave 80 Landlord Wesson, for Rhom, [rom] . 10 6

Wm. Cowdry, for making the coffin . 0 15 0

Andrew Tyler, of Boston, 6 gold rings for funeral . 10 18 0 Benj. Fitch, of Boston, Gloves, etc . 17 00

Mrs. Martha Brown, for wine furnished 5 00

Eben Storer, of Boston, sundries . 8 00

Total . 45 15 6."

The old burying-grounds embody a history of the early settlements. The "cemeteries" of modern time exhibit the taste and wealth of later days. But it would be unkind to assume that either is not the bourn of true human sympathy and affection. The remains of high or low, rich or poor, wherever and whenever committed to the keeping of mother earth, occasion pangs of sorrow in some surviving breast ; there are none so poor or miserable as to be void of this. To the indigent mourner there is substantial consolation in the thought that at the grave all earth- ly distinctions end ; but far greater consolation in the conviction that for a virtuous life passed here a great reward awaits upon the other side of the dark vale. To the true duty-doer, as he draws near the bourn that cannot be repassed, the words of the great poet of our own Essex come as a refreshing breath from that other land,-

"O stream of life, whose swifter flow Is of the end forewarning. Methinks thy sundown afterglow Seems less of night than morning."

There is surely no place better fitted for sombre reflection than that where lie the gathered dead of generations. But why sombre ?

" All that tread The globe are hut a handful to the tribee That slumber in its bosom."

And among them, in peaceful rest, are the good and great, the beautiful and buoyant. What is there doleful in such company ? Meditations of the most cheerful kind may well be entertained. And sooth- ing would it be to many a tired spirit could it occa- sionally respond to the poet's sentiment and say :

" At mnsing honr of twilight gray, When silence reigns around, I love to walk the churchyard way -- To me 'tie holy ground. To me congenial ie the place, Where yew and cypress grow-

I love the moss-grown stone to trace, That tells who lies helow."

Yes, indeed, to a mind so touched, many a rough passage of life would be made smooth, for step by step more fully would be perceived the utter hollow- ness of all mere earthly promises, and the emptiness of earth's bubbles, wealth, honor and fame. The pur- suit of wealth especially, which is with us so marked a feature, would soon appear like senseless phantom-

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HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

chasing. Pausing at the merely rich man's grave, the racy lines of Swift might well obtrude:

"The sexton shall green sods on thee bestow ; Alas, the sexton is thy banker now ! A dismal banker must that banker be, Who gives no bills but of mortality." And again :

" Ile that could once have half a kingdom bought, In half a minute is not worth a groat. His coffers from the coffin could not save, Nor all his interest keep him from the grave."

CHAPTER XIX. LYNN-( Continued).

OLD FAMILIES-PERSONAL NOTICES-POETS AND PROSE WRITERS.

Lists of Settlers-Notices of Remarkable Individuals, Eccentric and Otherwise -Lynn Writers in Poctical, Historical and other Departments.

"These flowery fields they loved to tread, These rocky heights to scale, The dells and tangled breaks to thread, And snuff the fragrant gale."

REALIZING that the study of kinship, the tracing out of lines of relationship, is peculiarly fascinating and quite as profitable, perhaps, as many of the studies to which attention is usually directed, there have been introduced here and there in the different divisions of this sketch notices, more or less extended, of repre- sentative individuals who have appeared in the differ- ent periods of our history ; enough to render all the assistance that could in that way be afforded to those who would trace out their genealogical lines. Such studies frequently prove of unexpected value, by un- earthing facts greatly beneficial to one or another. Very few of the old New England families can be brought to mind of which may not now be found representa- tives whose virtues or achievements adorn the parent name. "The records of families," remarks a writer quoted by President Wilder, "constitute the frame-work of history, and arc auxiliaries to science, religion and especially to civilization. The ties of kindred are the golden links in the chain which ties families, states and nations together in one great bond of humanity. Everything, therefore, which per- tains to the history of our families should be carefully recorded and preserved for the benefit of those who are to follow us. He who collects and preserves bis own family history is not only a benefactor in his way, but will deserve and receive the grateful thanks of all future generations. He confers a priceless boon upon those whose names and achievements are thus rescued from oblivion, and preserves the experience and wisdom of ages for the emulation and admiration of posterity." Yet there are multitudes of unreflect- ing people who never think of these things, and other |

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History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. I, Part 97

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