History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II, Part 103

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 103

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of a crew of thirty-seven, he only was saved. In 1873 he was struck by a passing train when serving as bridge. tender over Charles River, for the Boston and Maine Railroad, and survived his injuries but two weeks,- though twice saved from disaster, he finally died from injuries received while in the line of duty. Seven of the bodies were recovered and were brought home for internient. Four at one time were buried from the Congregationalist Church. Services were conducted by the pastor, Rev. James W. Cooper. They were very impressive and appropriate to the occasion, and were listened to by a large and sympathizing audience. The "Helen Eliza" was 33.63 tons, was owned by Capt. Millett and others, was insured in the Glouces- ter Mutual Insurance Office for $1050.

The schooner " Yankee Girl," Capt. Atwood, of this town, was lost in the same gale and probably near the same place, with all on board-eleven persons Capt. Clifton Atwood and son Horace, twelve years of age ; C'apt. Atwood left a widow and two children, Free- man and Henry Abbot, the former left a widow and one child) ; Alfred Giles, Thomas Williams, David H. Elwell, unmarried; James Cann, of Rockland, Me .; James Kellogg, of Maine, widow and one child; Isaac Forester, of East Boston, and one other man name un- known. The " Yankee Girl" was 26.12 tons, valued at $2500 ; one-half insured at the Rockport Oflice ; was owned by the master and others. Other disasters were, schooner " Franklin D. Schenck" had her masts. jib-boom, everything carried away. One of the crew, Fred. Brown, had his arm badly injured. The vessel was towed into Portland, Me. Schooner " Nep- tune" lost foresail, anchor and cable. Schooner " Charles Frederic" lost mainsail and jib. Schooner " Rockaway" lost foresail and anchors. Schooner . Rebecca N. Atwood" lost fifteen barrels of mackerel cable and both anchors. Schooner "Sparkling Bil- low " lost cable and anchors. Schooner " E. N. Williams" lost foresail and bulwarks. Schooner " Lizzie D. Saunders " was knocked down by a sea and lost thirty barrels of mackerel, and had sails split. Schooner "Sea Breeze " lost seine-boat. The forego- ing belonged to this town. We seldom, if ever, ex- perienced a gale of such violence. Eighteen of the twenty-two men lost with the two vessels were citizens of this town. It was a sad day.

November 24th the same year a heavy north- eust gale damaged the Rockport Granite Company's break water to a considerable extent.

FMI. RISOUR OF THREE YOUNG MEN FROM DROWNING, Mr. James Rowe, on the 22d of Oeto- ber, 1569, then more than sixty years of age, was out in the bay in his dory setting his nets. Directly his attention was called to a sinking dory on which were three young men in imminent danger. Ile, as it were in a moment, cleared his dory of the nets and rowe I with all his strength towards the sinking men and succeeded by almost superhuman strength in rescuing the three from a watery grave. They were

George L. and Jabez E., sons of Newall and Eliza- beth Giles, and George, son of Edwin and Patience Paul.

For this act of heroism and strength these young men and their parents hold him in high esteem.

The Massachusetts Humane Society recognized this humane and skillful service by presenting Mr. Rowe with a handsomely framed diploma.

TOWN LIBRARY .- The first winter the new Town Hall was ocenpied a committee procured a course of lectures of an high order and by men of talent. They were well patronized. Notwithstanding the high cost, the committee had in hand after all expenses were paid about two hundred dollars. This sum they generously proposed to donate toward the establish- ing of a town library, provided the town would ap- propriate a like amount to the same object. The proposition was accepted, and at the annual March meeting in 1871 the two hundred dollars was appro- priated, and the next year the town appropriated an additional two hundred dollars and the dog tax. The dog tax has been appropriated for the same object each year since, and in 1881, '82, '83 and '85 an additional sum of one hundred dollars each year; in 1877 one hundred and fifty dollars was appropriated. A donation of twenty-nine volumes has been re- ceived from S. Adams Choate. The children of our late and esteemed fellow-citizen, John G. Dennis, in accordance with a purpose of their father which he failed to accomplish, have donated to the town for the use of the library five hundred dollars. The library now contains about twenty-five hundred vol- umes, and it is well patronized. The Library Com- mittee are, Henri N. Woods, N. F. S. York and Francis Tarr ; Librarian, Miss Elsie Dann.

AGRICULTURE .- In the early years of the settle- ment of Sandy Bay the enterprise of the people was divided between agriculture and fishing, but the lat- ter predominated.

We are told that as late as nearly the close of the last century or the opening of the present there was not hay enough raised in Sandy Bay for the winter- ing of their stock, and that they were dependent upon Chebacco and Ipswich to a considerable extent for salt hay, which was transported here in boats. Dur- ing the present century there has been a great ad- vance of this industry. Many acres of swamp and rocky pasture have been converted into fruitful fields. From 1836 to 1840, while the breakwater and wharves were being built at Long Cove, many aeres of land were cleared of stone that was used in these works. The stone business, as it assumed propor- tions, called for hay for the feeding of cattle em- ployed by the quarries. This incited our farmers to greater efforts in their line of business, as they had a ready market for their product. Now, in these later years, the'great increase of population and in the fishing fleet of Gloucester call for an increased amount of veg- ctable food. Thus having a ready market near home,

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our farmers are stimulated to greater efforts to supply this demand. With their improved methods and liberal use of fertilizers, it would seem that our farm- ing interest has nearly doubled within the last ten or fifteen years.

Horticulture has greatly advanced during the last sixty years. The town is well supplied with fruit- trees, which almost every year yield a large supply.

While our fishing interest has decreased, our agri- cultural interest has greatly increased, and the stone business, whose infancy was in 1824, now assumes large proportions, employing about five hundred men.

RESCUED MARINERS .- Schooner "Cora Lee," of Pigeon Cove, George A. Saunders, master, while en- gaged in setting trawls on Jeffrey's Bank, about thirty miles east-northeast from Cape Ann, about eight o'clock on the morning of January 5, 1882, saw in the distance a boat showing a signal of distress. They immediately left their trawls and made for the boat with all possible speed. When they arrived along- side, a sad sight presented itself. The boat contained five men nearly exhausted for want of water and food and from exposure to the severe cold. Some of the number were badly frosted; two others lay dead in the boat ; one other, the second mate, had died, and him they buried in the ocean. The live men were at once taken on board the "Cora Lee," where every atten- tion possible was paid them. The schooner, with the boat in tow, immediately made for Pigeon Cove, that being the nearest port. The wind was light and to- wards night was nearly calm. Two of the crew manned the dory, and with their two sets of oars pulled for the harbor. The wind being light, these men could row the dory faster than the schooner could sail. They were anxious to obtain medical aid at the earliest possible moment. The "Cora Lee " arrived at Pigeon Cove at early evening. Drs. San- born and Tupper had been summoned by the earlier arrival of the dory; therefore they were on hand ready to attend to the relief of the sufferers. They were taken at once to the boarding-house of Mrs. Ann Pierce, where every attention was paid them. They received the best medical attendance and the most careful nursing. The dead were taken to the Pigeon Cove Engine-House and were watched over by mem- bers of the company. Suitable grave-clothes and neat coffins were provided. Members of the engine company and Mrs. Bishop provided flowers in good supply. Sabbath afternoon they were removed to the chapel. A large and sympathizing audience wit- nessed the very interesting and appropriate funeral service,-Singing by a Union choir ; other services by Rev. R. B. Howard, Congregationalist; Rev. Edwin Davis, Universalist ; and Rev. John Capen, Method- ist. The boarding-house where the disabled ones were being cared for was near by the chapel. Thus they, as it were, could almost participate in the funeral service.

These men proved to be the captain and crew of the schooner " Almon Bird," of Rockland, Me., from Windsor, N. S., loaded with plaster, bound to Alexan- dria, Va. She was boarded by a heavy sea on Sun- day night, January. 1st, a few miles west-southwest of Boon Island, which broke down her hatches and also caused her to leak. Monday morning, the captain and seven men took the boat. They were able to supply themselves with but a small quantity of water and provisions. Some of the men were but scantily clothed. The weather was very cold; there was a heavy breeze from the northwest accompanied with snow. Thus for four days these men were exposed to this severe weather. It seems almost a miracle that any of them were spared. The captain suffered the amputation of several toes. Ferdinand Hamilton, who was the most severely frosted, lied on 13th inst. His body was taken to Rockland, Me., for burial. Generous contributions were made for the sufferers. The Boston Globe Company sent a check of fifty dol- lars The crew of the "Cora Lee " did not stop to estimate the cost of their trawls or the loss of their fishing trip, but as soon as they espied the signal of distress, hastened with all possible speed to relieve the wants of the sufferers. They were cooking chicken broth for their dinner. What more opportune for the suffering men! The crew of the "Cora Lee " per- formed a noble act and they should ever be held in grateful remembrance.

The citizens of Pigeon Cove were lavish in their attentions to these suffering men. Ilad their pockets been filled with gold, it could not have bought more skillful medical aid or provided them with more care- ful nursing. Their names were C. A. Packard (cap- tain), William Harriman, Allen Small, A. R. Hender- son, Ferdinand Hamilton, died on shore; Hiram Small, Patrick Hagan and Charles Staples, died on board the boat.

MURDER OF GILMAN .- The second murder com- mitted in the parish or town was done under the fol- lowing circumstances. On the 11th day of April, 1877, two men, among others, came in on the nine o'clock forenoon train. The two specially noticed were Albert Joy and Charles H. Gilman ; it seems they were from Lowell. Their business was to sell some article to attach to sewing-machines. They had tarried at several places between Lowell and Rock- port ; they spent several days in Beverly. During the forenoon in Rockport they parted company ; Gil- man went down town and called at several houses for the purpose of selling his goods; Joy also went down town, but soon returned to the railroad station, went to the reservoir on the hill back of the station, from which it receives its supply of water. Hle inquired of the station agent if the town was supplied from that reservoir. At twelve o'clock, noon, they were seen to enter the station at the castern end and pass through and leave at the western end.

At about half-past twelve o'clock Mr. Joy was seen

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coming from the direction of the reservoir alone ; he crossed the track and took the way of Pool's pasture lane to Main Street, then to Broadway to the restau- rant of Aaroo Hodgkins, where he called for an oys- ter stew and a cup of tea, also for a brush and black- ing for his boots. He remained there until past one o'clock, then went to the railroad station and took a seat in the smoking-car. That train would leave about half-past one o'clock. A young man (Doyle) was on his way home from a gunning expedition in the pastures, and went to the reservoir for a drink, and beheld a dead man in the water.

Ile immediately gave an alarm. There were three fishermen about the station that forenoon; they also came on the nine o'clock train, and went to Pigeon Cove seeking a chance to go on a fishing cruise. They were not successful, and were intending to leave by the noon train, and were at the station when the body was discovered and the alarm given. As they entered the car where Joy was, they said a dead man had been found in the reservoir. Joy exclaims, " My God, it is my chum!" He then left the car, and was soon arrested and taken to the police station. When there he said he left Gilman at the reservoir and went for dinner, and was to bring Gilman some bread and cheese. This he neglected to do. A coroner's ury was summoned and heard the evidence in the vase as conducted by Trial Justice N. F. S. York and Assistant District Attorney Kimball. Their verdict charged Jov with the murder of Gilman. He was committed to Salem jail awaiting trial before the Su- preme Court. The three fishermen, being strangers, were also committed to Salem jail and held as wit- nesses. At the term of the Supreme Court held at Salem July 9, 1877, Judges Lord and Morton presid- ing, Joy was put upon trial, consuming some four day- of the court. The government was represented by Attorney-General C. R. Train and District Attor- ney E. J. Sherman. The defense was represented by Wm. D. Northend and Henri N. Woods, Esqs. Joy was convicted ; though the evidence was circumstan- tial, it was very conclusive ; every circumstance pointed to Joy as the guilty man.

Ile was sentenced to be hanged on Friday, October 19, 1877. October foith he was reprieved until December 13, 1877. December 5th his sentence was, by the Governor and Council, commuted to imprison- ment for life.

This was brought about by the earnest efforts of his mother, anded by some influential citizens. He is now (1557) in State Prison. He was then a young man, perhaps twenty to twenty-three years of age. tiilman was probably a few years oldder.

FINDING Of THE CABLE .- In anticipation of the arrival of the steamship " Faraday " with the shore-end ot the Beachett & Mackey cable, which was soon to be la sled near Little Cape Hedge, the citizens of Rockport held an informal meeting at the town-hall on the 11th day of May, fast, to take some action

in relation to giving a hearty welcome and suitable reception to this important enterprise. Nathaniel F. S. York, Esq., chairman of the selectmen, was chosen moderator ; Andrew F. Clark, secretary.

A committee, consisting of John W. Marshall, George F. Tarr, Francis Tarr, Calvin W. Pool, Dr. J. E. Sanborn, George Elwell, G. T. Margeson, Jason L. Curtis, John G. Dennis, Alden Choate and James S. Rogers, were chosen to co-operate with the select- men to devise a plan for a formal celebration of this important enterprise.

The committee met and organized, and formed a plan of reception, as the following results will show :

The steamer was sighted off Thacher's Island at 4.20 o'clock on the morning of the 22d day of May. This was twenty-four hours sooner than she was ex- pected. The news was immediately telegraphed from the island to the Rockport Station. The town was soon awake to the situation. The steamer pursued her course, and at about five o'clock A.M. came to anchor about three-quarters of a mile from the shore upon which the cable was to be landed. The report of a gun upon her deck was answered by the ring- ing of the church bells and firing of cannon in the town .. The sub-committee-viz., N. F. S. York, Nathaniel Richardson, Jr., and Calvin W. Pool-were soon on board, and tendered the compliments of the town to Captain L. Fanu and the other officers and electricians, extending to each of them a cordial in- vitation to the dinner to be served in the evening in commemoration of this interesting event. The com- mittee were informed that they had been obliged to ent and buoy the cable two hundred and fifty miles easterly from this shore. Therefore, as soon as the shore end was laid, they would be obliged to weigh anchor and make their course for the end that was buoyed, paying out the cable as they steamed towards the buoy. On this account they were obliged to decline the invitation, which they assured the committee it would give them great pleasure to accept would the circumstances allow of it. The officers appreciated the attention of the citizens, and regretted their inability to accept the hospitality. The committee were shown every attention by the officers, as were also other citizens who visited the ship during the brief time she lay at anchor. As they could not be at the dinner, the toast-master be- ing one of the visitors, offered the following : "The officers and electricians of the steamship 'Faraday.' We are proud to tender you with open hands and hearts our welcome. Without your skill and able efforts our gathering would have no cause to exist. We extend our heartfelt wishes that your individual and professional future may never be dimmed by a cloud of adversity."

Captain L. Fanu made a pleasant response.

The "Faraday " is 365 feet in length, 52 feet in width, 31 feet depth, and carries 200 officers and crew. This Bennett & Mackey cable is the largest

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ocean cable ever laid; it weighs about twenty tons to the mile. The landing was effected by means of three large rafts, made of inflated double-ended rub- ber bags covered with canvas, and another raft made of boats lashed together and covered. Six hun- dred fathoms of cable were coiled upon these rafts, and then pulled towards the shore, the men paying out as they went. The scene was very exciting on the rafts, and along the shore crowds were gathered to witness the work.

The landing was effected about ten o'clock, and the cable was laid through a deep trench to the cable- house, a few rods above high-water mark.

The event was duly honored by a long procession, which, escorted by the Gloucester and Rockport bands, marched to the landing-place, and by the firing of a salute of thirty-eight guns, and the playing of "Hail Co'umbia" and "Rule Britannia" by the bands, and cheers of the people, responded to from the " Faraday " by her heavy steam-whistle and cheers of the crew. Thus the cable was laid, and when it shall be completed another bond of union will be effected between the Old World and the New. After the cable was landed the rafts returned, and about eleven o'clock A.M. the huge vessel weighed anchor and steamed away, trailing the cable at her stern as she went, to make the connection two hun- dred and fifty miles away, which will complete the circuit from Dover Bay to Cape Ann. It was a grand sight, as we stood upon the "Faraday's " deck and beheld the great crowds of people and carriages upon the shore; it was a grand panorama. The captain expressed in glowing terms his great satisfaction, and all hands considered themselves highly honored by the hearty welcome.

The Abbot House, under the management of Col. John F. Sweet, the popular landlord, was gaily decor- ated. Many visitors were present from out of town, and with marching and music and firing of cannon, the day, which was pleasant and also lively, passed away.

At evening a dinner was served in Haskin's Hall, complimentary to the officers of the Cable Company, representatives of the press and visitors. Plates were laid for eighty guests; the tables presented a fine appearance. N. F. S. York, chairman of the se- lectmen, presided. The divine blessing was in- voked by Deacon C. W. Pool.

The waiters were fair young ladies dressed in white. After sufficient attention had been paid to the edibles, then came the intellectual feast. The chairman, in a few well-chosen words, gave our guests a hearty welcome to the festivities of the hour; then introduced as toast-master John W. Marshall, who, after a few preliminary words, proposed the following sentiment :

" The Old World and the New bound together by another cord of sympathy, bringing heart to heart in closer relation to daily life. May the electric pulse 883

wax stronger every day, and the coming future de- velop good to universal humanity." Responded to by Isaac Bell, Jr., of New York, vice-president of the Commercial Cable Company.

" Her Majesty, the Queen of Great Britain. Her virtues and her beautiful motherhood belong to the world. As a woman as well as a ruler, her wisdom and beneficence are the admiration of mankind." Responded to by George G. Ward, of New York, secretary of the Commercial Cable Company.

"Chester A. Arthur, President of the United States, called to an unexpected position. He has discharged his duties with marked ability, which commands the respect of other nations with our own." Responded to by Postmaster David W. Low, of Gloucester.

"Commercial Cable Company. Hon. James G. Bennett, herald of new tidings between the Old World and the New. John W. Mackey, who, from the Pacific slope, connects the East with the West. Their united efforts have caused this the day of our rejoicing." Responded to by H. De Castro of New York, a director of the Commercial Cable Com- pany. .

" He expressed his joy that Rockport would soon be in direct communication by cable, not only with the United States, but with the old continent. He hoped that a new era of wealth and happiness would dawn upon the land, and that not only would Rockport people have to congratulate themselves upon the realization of the new cable, but on the erection of a splendid breakwater, which would make Rockport one of the finest harbors in the world."

"Commonwealth of Massachusetts, foremost in public enterprise; she has ever stretched out her shores far into the Atlantic to greet her foreign neighbors and bind them to her with cables of quick- est interest." Responded to by Dr. J. E. Sanborn, in rhyme.

"The officers, electricians and reporters of the 'Faraday.' We are proud to tender you open hands and hearts of welcome. Without your skill and able effort our gathering would have no cause to exist. We extend our most heartfelt wishes that your indi- vidnal and professional future may never be dimmed by a cloud of adversity." Responded to by A. J. Kenneday, of the New York Herald.

"Cape Ann, with its Sandy Bay, has had taken from the Rocky Ribs of its Gloucester a Rockport, to be- come famous for its Atlantic cable and its Harbor of Refuge." Responded to by Francis Proctor, of the Cape Ann Advertiser, and W. Frank Parsons, of Gloucester, who gave many interesting facts of the history of telegraphy.

"Commerce and Law, the handmaid, of modern progress. The former is represented by the achieve- ment of to-day. The latter will be defended by our young friend, Mr. Putman, of New York." Mr. Putman responded in a few words, speaking of this

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the great event of the times, and of his pleasure in being present.

Frederick Ward, Esq .. of New York City, was called out and gave some very interesting facts in re- lation to cables of the past and the present and the promise for the future.

" Last, but not least, the Press. We acknowledge is power and court its favor." Response by Thomas Maguire Esq., of the Boston Herald.

He said he regretted the absence of the Harbor of Refuge at this particular time, as he would like to crawl into it. There was a particular reason why the people of Massachusetts should celebrate the landing of the cable, for all the great electricians who made n cable possible were Massachusetts men,-Franklin, the first electrician, was born in Boston ; Morse, in Charlestown ; and Cyrus W. Field, in Stockbridge.

After a few closing remarks by Chairman York, the meeting closed. Many adjourned to the Abbot House, where festivities were continued until a late hour; others took the special train for Gloucester and Boston. The day was very pleasant. The citi- zen- and guests will long remember the arrival of the "Faraday " and the successful placing of the cable on the shore of Pebble-stone Beach and Little Cape Hedge.

" ROCKFORT, May 26, 1884.

" The frat message over the Commercial Cable was received here at two o'clock P.M.

" From "bouner ' Faraday ' to the Selectmen of Rockport, Mass. :

". This . Faraday wishes to thank the Selectmen of Rockport, as well in its citizens, for the hearty re option she received at their hands, and can mly weeret that ber ardnous work called her away so soon, und she lists that this section e minecting Cape Ann with Dover Bay will proba- By be completed this afternoon."

" The Selection of Rockfort, with the citizens, cordially congratu- laty the Faraday on the happy completion of the first part of this great umbeltaking und confidently hope the same success will in time crown the entire work, Our regrets at the brevity of the stay here, disappear uttly In our jay at the success of the undertaking."

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History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II, Part 103

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