History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II, Part 102

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1672

USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II > Part 102

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).

2D REGT. (HEAVY ART.) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS). Company H.

Jobo J. Fay (18), must. in Dec. 22, 1863, must. out Sept. 3, 1865, exp. of service.

Juhu Kaights (20), must. in Dec. 22, 1863, must. out Sept. 3, 1865, exp. of service.

Company K.

Mustered in December 22, 1863, and mustercd out September 3, 1865, unless otherwise stated.

Benj. F. Blatchford, 1st lient. (28).1

Marcus A. Hanna, Ist sergt. (21).2 James Breea, Jr., sergt. (20).

John J. McKenney, sergt. (21). Seward Harwood, corp. (31). Jas Brown, Jr. (38). Solomon Koights, Jr. (18).

1 Mnstered in Oct. 7, 1863, as 2d lieut. ; pro. to Ist lieut. June 21, 1865. 2 Pro. to 2d lieut. April 21, 1865.

Daniel Mengold (38).

Rufus Pool (18).

Freeman Mitchell (18). Albert Norwood (20).

Alfred Norwood (21). Eben P. Pool (19).

William E. Saunders (28) Charles (. Sewall (19). John Sweeney (21). Leouard Walen, Jr. (19).3

56TH REGT. (INFANTRY) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS). Company B.

John N. Barton, corp. (39), mnst. in Dec. 26, 1863 ; disch, May 29, 1865, for disability.

John Collins (35), must. in Feb. 7, 1865 ; disch. June 20, 1865, by order of War Dept.

VETERANS RE-ENLISTED.

32D REGT. MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS). Company D. Mustered in Jan. 5, 1865, unless otherwise stated.

Winthrop Pickering, must. out June 29, 1865, exp. of service.

Eben Pickering, mns., mnat. ont June 29, 1865, exp. of service.

Jos. H. Wingood, corp., wounded in battle of Wilderness May 12, 1864 ; must. ont April 27, 1865.

Sylvanus B. Babson, sergt., killed May 18, 1864, at battle of Laurel Hill, Va.

Walter Johnson, must. io Feb. 27, 1864; killed May 30, 1804, at battle of Shady Grove, Va.

Jos. H. Sewall, sergt., must. io Mar. 10, 1864 ; must. out June 20, 1865, exp. of service.

Horace M. Eaton, Co. H, must. out June 29, 1865, exp. of service.

30TH REGT. INFANTRY (3 YEARS). Company K. Mustered in Jan. 2, 1864, unless otherwise stated.

Jos, Hodgkins, mus., must. out Jan. 20, 1865, exp. of service.

Wm. P. Clark (3d), disch. June 3, 1864.

Philip Devoe, must. out Jan. 20, 1865, exp. of service.

Jas. Kenney, must, out Jan. 20, 1865, exp. of service.

Eugene Privr, Ist sergt., must. in Feb. 13, 1864, pro. to 2d lieut. Jan. 25, 1865; must. out July 5, 1866, exp. of service.

Archibald McPhee, must. out Feb. 7, 1865, exp. of service.

Frauk Wheeler, died of wounds Sept. 29, 1864, at Winchester, Va.

Addison Wheeler, sergt., must. in Feb. 13, 1864 ; must. out July 5, 1866, exp. of service.

George Frost, sergt., must. out Jan. 20, 1865, exp. of service.

17TH REGT. (INFANTRY) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS).

Company G.

George Elwell, sergt. (31), must. in Jan. 2, 1864 ; must. out July 11, 1865, exp. of service.

Wm. H. Davis, sergt. (26), must. in Dec. 27, 1863 ; must. out July 11, 1865, exp. of service.

John Reeves (22), must. in Dec. 31, 1863 ; must. out June 10, 1865, exp. of service.

Hugh Strain (22), must. in Jan. 2, 1864 ; must. out July 22, 1865, exp. of service.

Chas. H. Gove (21), must. in Dec. 29, 1863; died Sept. 29, 1864, at New- bera, N. C.

22D REGT. (INFANTRY) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS).

Josiah Walker (21), Co. M, must. in Dec. 23, 1863 ; disch. July 12, 1865, by order of War Dept.

1ST REGT. (HEAVY ART.) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS).

Samuel F. Lefflen (25), Co. I, must. ia Dec. 7, 1863 ; killed June 16, 1864, at Petersburg, Va.

Augustus McClain (30), Co. M, must. in March 24, 1864 ; trans. April 1, 1864, to navy.

George S. Phillips, corp. (34), Co. M, mnst. in March 10, 1864; trans. Apr. 24, 1864, to navy.

3 Died May 16, 1865, at Fortress Monroe.

1394

HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

59TH REGT. (INFANTRY) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS). Company G.

Nathl. Richardson, Jr. (23), must. In Mar. 4, 1861 ; disch. Jan. 14, 1865, for disability.

Jowiph H. Hilliard (19), most in March 4, 18: 4 : trans. June 10, 1865, to 67th Infantry.

Chas. Dellmond (21), must. in Frb. 9, 1864.

-making fifty-eight, including the three that enlisted in Company G, Third Regiment Heavy Artillery- one-half of the number called for.

To make up the deficiency, a credit was given us of those who had paid commutation or furnished substi- tutes, viz., thirty-four; also the seven who enlisted without examination. A claim of thirteen men in the navy, after much persistence, was allowed. We had now satisfied the call within three for which the draft in May, 1864, was made.

A contribution was made by men liable to draft, and the commutation money-nine hundred dollars was paid, which completed the call for one hundred and fourteen men.

Hardly had we got over this, hoping to enjoy a slight respite from the anxiety consequent upon such demands, when, in July, 1864, another call for three hundred thousand men was made, -the darkest period in the history of recruiting during the war. Our quota under this call was seventy-one. How to obtain them was a serious question, financially and mentally. The edict had gone forth that they must be furnished be- fore the 5th of the following September.

Recruits could be obtained, but at prices that were appalling to slim purses and towns of limited means.

But an effort must be made. We entered the field with competitors from other towns (and they were many), every one anxious and earnest to relieve the fears of his constituents.

To enable the recruiting committee to prosecute their work, a fund of tive thousand nine hundred and ten dollars was raised, by the payment of twenty dol- lars each by those liable to draft (some contributed who were not liable). This sum was in addition to what the town, as a municipality, would pay.

The sum raised was insufficient. A tax was as- served on those who were willing to pay, and the sum of three thousand eight hundred and forty dollars was realized. With these sums the following men were enlisted :

5TH REGT. (CAVALRY) MASS, VOLS. (3 YEARS).

Grunge Davin St. (. L, must. In Aug. 1, 1861 ; mas. out June 28, 1865, cap. of servi v.

J. hta Wilson (20, Co. B, minst, in Aug 27, 1861.

INI REGT. (HEAVY ART. ) MASS. VOLS. (1 YEAR). Mihail 0100 rd 19 , 0- B, must, in Aug. 13, 1981 ; must, ont May 29,

ALULBAN RISLEVE CORPS (3 YEARS).

1, mort. in Anr. 18, 18G1 ; minst. out Nov. 16, 1865, I ler uf War Pept.

to order of War Dopt.

2D REGT. (HEAVY ART.) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS). Barth Crowley (21), Co. D, must. in Aug. 23, 1864 ; must. out June 26, 1865, exp. of service.

21 REGT. (CAVALRY) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS). William King (19), Co. I, must. in Aug. 31, 1864 ; must. out May 8, 1865, exp. of service.

UNATTACHED HEAVY ARTILLERY (1 YEAR:). 29th Company.

Wm. M. Twombly (19), corp., must. in Ang. 30, 1864 ; must. ont June 16. 1865. exp. of service.

Levi Applehy (31), must, in Aug. 31, 1864 ; must. ont June 16, 1865, exp. of service.

ATH REGT. (HEAVY ART.) MASS. VOLS. (1 YEAR). Company G. Mustered out June 17, 1865, unless otherwise stated.

Matthew McGraith (21), minst. in Aug. 19, 1864.

William McGraith (24), mist. in Ang. 19, 1864. Jeremiah Murphy (25), must. m1 Aug. 23, 1864. .John Cosgrove (21), must. in Ang. 19, 1864. Leon Desbon (27), must. in Aug. 23, 1861. John W. Kirby (19), must. in Ang. 22, 1861.

Company I.

Nelson A. Mowton (20), sorgt., must, in Ang. 20, 1861; disch. Jan. 5, 1865, app. to C. S. C. T.

William H. Roberts (22), must. in Aug. 20, 1864.

John Ward (21), must. in Aug. 20, 1864.

Company MI.

Joseph A. Griffin (18), must. in Aug. 18, 1864.

Richard W. Ilill (23), must. in Aug. 23, 1864.

Charles Knowlton, Jr. (37), must. in Ang. 23, ISM.

Melville Il. Knowlton (21), must in Ang. 23, 1864.

Three yeurs by substitute.

John f. Dennis. Allen G. Lane.

Edwin Leighton.

21 BATT. LIGHT ART., MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS). Mustered out June 11, 1865.

Jolin Dalton (21), minst. in Ang. 27, 1x64. Michael Moran (21), must. in Ang. 30, 1864. John J. McMahan (24), must. in Ang. 29, 1864.

3D REGT. (HEAVY ART.) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS). Company M.

Must. in Aug. 26, 1801 ; mustered out June 17, 1865.

Charles Curtin (24). Frank Eaton (21).

GIST REGT. (INFANTRY) MASS. VOLS. (1 YEAR). Company B. Mustered out June 1, Istis, unless otherwise stated.

Barth McDonald (11), must. in Ang. 27, 1861. John McClellen (IN), must. in Ang. 29, 1864.

George 1. Moller (17), must. in Ang. 20, 1864. Timothy O'Brien (26), must. in Ang. 29, 1864.

Stephen Rowe (30), minst. in Ang. 30, 1864. Thomas Tuesent (22), must. in Ang. 30, 1864.

John O'Connell (30), must. in Sept. 2, Isti4.

Dennis Buckley (19), must. in Sept. 1, 186] ; disch. March la, Irfis, fur disability.

Peter Donahor (22), must. in Sept. 2, 186-4.

Our means at this time having become exhausted, forty-one men having been enlisted, the committee were about thirteen thousand dollars in debt; with the expectation that the State would furnish twenty- tivo per cent. of the call, and that, with the allowance to be made us for naval recruits, the demand would

1395

ROCKPORT.

be satisfied, the committee awaited further develop- ments.

The final summing up of the affair in September resulted in our having a surplus of twenty-one men ; the State up to this time had furnished but two, and one representative recruit. The reason of this sur- plus was the division of the naval recruits and the claim we made for men enlisted iu the navy.

During the summer of this year (1864) one hundred days' men were called for. We furnished eight, viz., Ivory Lane, Beaman Smith, George Rowe, John F. Brooks, Benjamin G. Brooks, Albert W. Hale, D. W. Tuttle and John Beals; they all enlisted in Company G, Eighth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, and were mustered into service .July 18, 1864, and were discharged at expiration of service, November 10th the same year.

In December of this year (1864), an opportunity offering to get some of the men in our quota who were enlisting in the Twenty-fifth Unattached Com- pany of Infantry for one year, for the town bounty (one hundred and twenty-five dollars), we embraced the opportunity and succeeded in obtaining twenty- three, viz. :

Audrew Anderson.

Charles Besansjer.

Charles Day.

Joseph Elwell.

George H. Friend. Henry Lufkin.

Thomas Owen. James H. Wilkins.

Charles Tibbets.

Alonzo P. Carlton.

Howard Elwell.

John G. McLoud.

Edward S. Ross. Wmu. S. Suow.

David Osier.

John McKennin.

Joseph W. Perkins, Benj. F. Perkins. Eben Day.

Hiram Averill, Jr. Thomas R. Wallace.

-or seven and two-thirds three years' men. They were mustered into service December, 1864, and Jan- uary, 1865, and were all discharged at expiration of service, June 29, 1865.

As the government had decided to give towns credit on the basis of a three years' man for three one year's men, we were still deficient, as decided by the provost-marshal, of twelve men, or thirty-six one year's men. To meet this deficiency, a fund of two thousand dollars was raised by the men liable to draft, and with this money we continued to put men into the service till the latter part of March, 1865, and exceeded our quota.

But having money to work with, we conchided that it was best to keep on the credit side and be prepared for any future emergency, for disaster might again overtake our army, and another call be made for troops. Many towns were doing the same thing. The following is the final result :

VETERAN RESERVE CORPS, MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS). Charles M. Wilkinson (43), must. in Dec. 5, 1864 ; must. out Nov. 30, 1864, hy order of War Dept.

4TH REGT. (CAVALRY) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS). Fred. L. Orcut (20), Co. C, must. in March 1, 1865; died March 13, 1865, on str. "Blackstone."

1ST BATT'N HEAVY ART., MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS).

Company B.

Christopber C. Williams (21), must. in Dec. 2, 1864; must. out June 29, 1865, exp. of service.

Louis II. Williams (18), must. in Dec. 2, 1864 ; must. out June 29, 1865, exp. of service.

Samuel Jobuson (33), must. in Nov. 29, 1864; must. eut Oct. 20, 1865, exp. of service.

6TH BATT. LIGHT ART., MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS).

Mustered in Dec. 3, 1864 ; mustered out Aug. 7, 1865.

Brewer F. Randall (22). James Dorgan (19).

56TH REGT. (INFANTRY) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS). Company B.

John Collins (35), must. in Feb. 7, 1865; must. out June 20, 1865, by erder of War Dept.

Daniel Meagher (35), must. ju March 15, 1865 ; must. out July 24, 1865, by order of War Dept.

31ST REGT. (INFANTRY) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS). Company B.

John O'Donnell (30), must. in Feb. 9, 1865; must. out Feb. 9, 1865, re- jected recruit.

Charles llartmau (41), must. in Feb. 24, 1866 ; must. out Sept. 9, 1865, exp. of service.

19TH REGT. (INFANTRY) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS).

Christian Zeh (38), Co. E, must, in Feb. 18, 1865 ; must. out June 3, '65 exp. of service.

2D REGT. (CAVALRY) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS). Mustered out July 20, 1865.

Timothy Conner (21), Co. F, must. iu Feb. 1x, 1865.

Bernard McQuade (27), Co. MI, must. in Feb. 9, 1865. Chas. A. Cummings (23), Co. G, must. in Feb. 16, 1865. Patrick McCann (29), Co. D, must. in Feb. 13, 1865.

Thes. Hickey (18), Co. C, must. in Feb. 1, 1865.

61ST REGT. (INFANTRY) MASS. VOLS. (1 YEAR).

Timothy Allman (28), Co. H, must. in March 1, 1865 ; must. out June 15, 1865, exp. of service.

Theodore C. Weld (18), Co. H, must. in Mar. 8, 1865 ; died May 22, '65, at Alexandria, Va.

14TH BATTERY (LIGHT ART.) MASS. VOLS.

Wm. Campbell (24), must. in Mar. 1, 1865 ; must. out June 15, 1865, exp. of service.

Jas. Dunney (21), must. in Mar. 6, 1865 ; must. out June 15, 1865, exp. of service.

13TH BATTERY (LIGHT ART.) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS).

Robt. Topping (21), must. in Mar. 17, 1865 ; must. out July 28, 1865, exp. of service.

62D REGT. (INFANTRY) MASS. VOLS. (1 YEAR).

Heury B. Sprague, Ist sergt. (33), Co. B, must. in Mar. 16, 1865 ; must. out May 5, 1865, exp. of service.

Jas. Lewery (30), Co. A, must. in Mar. 14, 1865; must. out May 5, 1865, exp. of service.

24TH REGT. (INFANTRY) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS). Michael J. Burke (18), Co. E, must. in Feb. 23, 1865; must. out Jan. 20, 1866, exp. of service.

55THI REGT. (INFANTRY) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS). Andrew Wilhams (23), must. in Mar. 11, 1865 ; must, out May 15, 1865, exp. of service.

U. S. VETERAN (HANCOCK CORPS). Patrick Kenney (30), must, in March 14, 1865 ; must, ont Mar. 11, 1866.

Eben N. Burnham.

John E. Coggius.

1096

HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

30TH REGT. (INFANTRY) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS). Willis G. Merril Is), Co. G, must. in March 10, 1865 ; must. out Mar. 10, 1866, exp of service.

Sainuel P Dow (19, Co. G, must, in Mar. 10, 1856 ; must. out Mar. 10, Istr, exp. of service.

Names of those who enlisted in the navy are as follows, viz .:

Michael Allen. Gunboat "Guard "

Patrick Allen.

" Brooklyn "

Moses HI. ('leaves.

Master's Mate

George I leaves.

" Delaware "

John Griffin ..

Alfred Godny.

Levl Ifill .Died at New Orleans April 11, 1864

Lawrence Griffin. .Died April 16, 1863

Aaron Hodgkins, Jr. Killed at Fort Fisher, "Colorado "

George Hodgkins .. .

"Jas. S. Chambery "

Beoj. F Jacoby Master's Mate, "Housatouic "

Henry JI. Lowu. Paymaster's ('lerk

George Mclane. ." Tahouia "

John O. Brine ..

Died at Key West Nov. 26, 1862

Arthur T. Parsons. Ensign, "Cherokee "

Thos. Parsons. .Gunboat " Guard "

Jolın Porter ..

.. Died at Philadelphia Dec., 1861

c'ha -. E. Poole. ." Scioto "

Win. Pool (4th)

OD the " Cumberland " when she sank

('has. l'ettingil]

Francis W. Stewart.

John scanlan. ." Pursuit "

Alvin Smith ... Frigate " Roanoke, " and Gunboat "Southfield "

W'm. N. Tarr. Died at Memphis May 5, 1863

Kobt. Tarr, Pro. to Lieut. Commanding " Isaac Smith " and dunboat " Queen."

Michael Tinney " Portsmouth"

Michael Welch . " Peusacola "

Thou. H. Welch. " Cumberland "

JALs. Pool ...... .. " Brooklyn "

Jas. H. Stillman .. Barque "Roebuck "

Wor, Wingoud, Jr., Ensign "Ossipee," was at the capture of M. bile.

Thus. 1. Knowlton.

Solomon Knights.

Henry C. Robinson, Eusign.

Thon. Wentworth.

Addison Pool ...... Vast. Paymaster's Mate, Monitor " Mahopac"

Wm. Caldwell, Jr., Etign Steamer " May Sanford " and " Ma-

Jumex Parsons.

Ama F. Sanborn.

Calvin W. Pool ...... Paymaster's Steward, Monitor " Mahopac "

The total number of men furnished by the town for the army was three hundred and fifty-eight, for the navy forty-one. Paid commutation, thirty- four.

The adjutant-general, in his report for 1865, gives Rockport sixty-three more men than its quota.

The - to the town for furnishing oren under the several

829,091.80

Ednet Pie um mint : uabmised by the Stato 15,000.00

14,094.80

13,1×5.00

I'll by draft. I men in Iem, 10,610.00

Fandt by individual tor substitutes.

1,535.00

$:19,424.80

On the 11th day of August, 1863, a portion of Com- pany B, Fiftieth Regiment (thirty-six men), arrived from l' rt Hudson, their term of service ( nine months) having expired ; they were cordially received by the citizens

The next day, the 12th inst. after a short march, they formed line in front of the Congregationalist Church, at nine o'clock A.M., where a more formalre- ception was tendered them. Prayer was offered by Rev. Wakefield Gale. Capt. Josiah Haskell chairman, on this occasion, welcomed them by an appropriate address. Benjamin H. Smith, Jr., a former resident, spoke words of welcome and cheer. He was followed with a speech by the Hon. Franklin Pierce, ex-Presi- dent of the United States, who was rusticating a few weeks at Pigeon Cove. Rev. Stillman Barden, pastor of the Universalist Church, gave them a hearty greeting.

At eleven o'clock A.M. the soldiers and Pigeon Cove Engine Company, with invited guests, marched to Votery Engine Hall and partook of an excellent collation provided by the ladies.

Seven men that went out with this company from Rockport died abroad during their term of service.

How every loyal heart rejoiced when on that April day (1865) the news of the surrender of Lee to the Union forces, on wings of lightning, was heralded throughout the length and breadth of our land, the Union saved and we destined to become a more united people, as the procuring cause of disunion and war is now dead and buried past resurrection.

But how soon was our joy turned to mourning as the sad news fell upon our ears : "President Lincoln is assassinated." Shot by Wilkes Booth on the even - ing of April 14, 1865, at ten o'clock, he died at twenty-two minutes past seven the next morning. A telegram announcing his death was received here at nine o'clock A.M.

On Wednesday, the 19th inst., by proclamation of John A. Andrew, Governor, all the towns and cities within the Commonwealth were requested to hold a funeral service at twelve o'clock noon-a memorial of respect for this great and good man so suddenly taken from his high post of usefulness.

At the hour appointed the audience gathered in such numbers as to fill the Congregationalist Church to its utmost capacity, which was fittingly draped in mourning on this solemn occasion. An appropriate prayer was offered by Rev. Wakefield Gale; selec- tions of Scripture were read by Rev. A. B. Wheeler, of the Methodist Church ; an interesting and appro- priate address was delivered by Rev. L. H. Angier, of the Second Congregational Church (pastors of other churches were out of town) ; hymns suitable to the occasion were sung by the choir. All of the services were solemn and impressive. Surely the 19th day of April was a day of sadness to all loyal hearts ; but even in loyal States all did not mourn. This is the exception, not the rule ; perhaps it is better to pity than blame.

During the day flags were displayed at half-mast, and the several church bells were tolled; business was very generally suspended.

" Peuobscot "

Chas. Haskell (3d

Master's Mate

1397

ROCKPORT.

CHAPTER CXV.

ROCKPORT-( Continued).

Donation-Town Hall-Defective Highway-A Great Gale-Rescue of Three Young Men from Drowning-Town Library-Rescued Mari- ners-Murder of Gilman-Landing of the Bennett and Mackey Com- merciul Cable-Donation of a Clock-Deceased Physicians-The Sea- Serpent-A Bomb-Shell in Church-Deceased Clergymen-The Rock- port Review-Coal and Ice-Telegraph Communication-Mutual Mu- rine Insurance-Lyceum-California Gold Fever -- Young Men's Chris- tian Association-Almshouse-Roads-Town Officers.

DONATION .- A donation was made to the town of Rockport by David Kimball, Esq., of Boston, formerly of this town.

" BOSTON, March 1, 1867.

" TO THE SELECTMEN OF ROCK PORT :

" Being desirous of presenting to my native town a testimony of re- membrance, I respectfully tender to the inhabitants of the town of Rockport, in their corporate capacity-in trust-sixty shares of the cap- ital stock of the Sandy Bay Pier Company, as a permanent tund ; the income thereof to be expended annually, forever, for the following pur- poses, and in the manner following, to wit :

" The income from fifty shares shall be distributed by the selectmen for the time being, at their discretion, to such of the American-born in- habitants as are sick or infirm, who are unable to procure the comforts needful to their sitnation.

" No part of this fund, or its income, shall ever be used for the relief of those who are supported or assisted by the town.

" The income from the remaining ten shares shall be paid annually to those having the charge of and oversight of the public schools, to be by them expended for the purchase of books, to be given as prizes to the most deserving scholars. It is my wish that the prizes may be distrib- nted in all classes-to the lowest as well as the highest-and not con- fined to the most talented and advanced scholars, but also given to such as distinguish themselves by their good behavior and who manifest a desire to improve, though less gifted by nature.

" Very Respectfully

" Yours, etc.,

The town took action as follows : " DAVID KIMBALL."

" At a meeting of the inhabitants of Rockport, qualified to vote in town affairs, held March 4, 1867.

" Article 30 of the warrant being under consideration, which article was as follows : to wit., -

" ' To hear and act upon a communication from David Kimball, of Boston,' the following action was bad :

" The communication from David Kimball, Esq., of Boston, present- ing to the inhabitants of the town of Rockport-in trust-sixty shares of the capital stock of the Sandy Bay Pier Company as a permanent fund. was read to the meeting by the chairman of the board of selectmen ; and on motion it was voted unanimously the acceptance of the same by the town ; and that the thanks and gratitude of this large meeting be presented to the donor. A true copy of record.

" Attest CALVIN W. POOL, " Town Clerk.

" JOHN W. MARSHALL, " Rockport, Mass."

TOWN HALL .- The need of a town hall for the transaction of town business and the accommodation of its officers, and for lectures, had been agitated fromn time to time, but the enterprise did not receive the favor of the voters until the year 1869. At the an- nual March meeting the town voted to purchase a lot and erect a town hall thereon, and appropriated thirty thousand dollars to carry this vote into effect.

A committee was chosen at this meeting with full power.

This committee consisted of the selectmen, wlio

were Francis Tarr, Jr., Austin W. Story and Wil- liam Caldwell; the town treasurer, Dr. Joseph Man- ning ; and three other citizens, viz. : James W. Brad- ley, Henry Dennis, Jr., and Samuel York.

A lot was purchased on Broadway, and the build- ing was erected the same year. D. Somes Watson, of Gloucester, was the contractor and builder. The whole cost of the structure, including the furniture, as appears by the auditor's report, was $36,221.56.

The hall was dedicated in December of that year by a concert by Gilmore's Band and solos by Arbuckle, which gave good satisfaction.

A course of lectures were given that winter with good success.

DEFECTIVE HIGHWAYS .- In addition to the ex- pense of building the town hall this year (1869), the town was called upon to pay a large bill, $9376.84, to Mr. J. E. Hartwell and Miss Ada Babson for damages alleged to have been sustained by them by a defect of the highway over which they were travel- ing. This case was entered some two years before, but came to final judgment this year. As these parties were riding it appears that from some cause the horse became unmanageable. Mr. Hartwell got out of the carriage and attempted to restrain the horse, but, notwithstanding all his efforts, the horse and carriage went down a steep embankment, there hap- pened to be a vacancy in the wall protecting the travel on the road just wide enough to allow the car- riage to go through. Miss Babson claimed to be severely injured, also Mr. Hartwell to some extent ; hence the award. The town has been called upon in two other cases for personal damages on account of defect in the highway, one of which was the case of Ambrose Hodgkins-final judgment, 1875, sixteen hundred and ninety-three dollars, which includes cost of defense. The other was the case of Jacob B. Goldsmith, six hundred and twenty-four dollars, which includes the cost of the defense-final judg- ment in this case was in 1886.

A GREAT GALE .- On the afternoon of the 8th of September, 1869, this section of the country was visited with a terrific gale of wind from the south- east. Fruit and ornamental trees in this town suf- fered great damage. Some were uprooted, others were stripped of their foliage and in some cases, of their limbs. Fruit lay scattered in every direction. Great damage was done to shipping on the coast and many lives were lost. Schooner " Helen Eliza," of this town, went ashore on Peak's Island in Portland harbor and was totally lost, and the entire crew of twelve men, except one. Edward J. Millett, master, left a widow and two children, Emerson Colby left a widow and five children, Frederick T. Lane left a widow, David B. Harris and George Wood each lett a widow, Albert Tarr, Joel Fairbanks, Benj. Lurvey, Charles H. Clark, James Bray, George W. Clark, un- married. Charles Jordan was the only survivor. Years before, Jordan was shipwrecked on Cape Cod ;

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History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II, Part 102

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed Publication date: 1888 Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & Co. Number of Pages: 1672

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1672