History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II, Part 113

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 113

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The land gradually rises from this meadow to the eastward, until a height is reached from seventy to eighty-five feet above the sea. It is covered with a fertile soil, in which the granite boulder and other rock formations are found.

The ledge upon which the whole peninsula rests in some places appears above the soil. In one portion of the ledge an artesian well has been sunk two bun- dred and twenty feet. The first twenty feet passed through seamy rock, where there was a small supply of water, but below this the remaining distance was through hard, seamless, solid rock, discouraging the proprietor from further progress in the work.

The lowlands or swamp extends along two-thirds of the southern part of the town, commencing at the willow trees, and running westward to Lynn Harbor. It seems that this marsh was covered with a rank growth of bushes of alders, birch and maple before the swamp was filled with earth washed down from the hill. Over this swamp a forest of pine trees grew. The trees did not grow to a large size, as but few stumps are found that measure over two feet in diameter. It is very probable this forest covered all the land in the south slope of the hill. Bass Neck may have been covered with a growth of forest trees, as the soil in this locality is of a sufficient richness to support the trees that might grow upon it. But along the north shore of Nahant the scrub oak and colar trees may have been hardy enough to battle against the fierce gales from the north and east. The old people now living remember a part of the forest that grew in the swamp below Whitney's, where, when boys, they shot the wild pigeons that were there in large flocks in the fall of the year. The hast trees in this forest were cut down by the Breeds an l Mr Rice.

To approach Nahant from the east by sea, the eye mees a long range of ledge, with points extending to the see, rising in some places into high and no ky cliffs, over which the tops of the trees appear, their branches rising above the cottages that circle the shor.

Ajjosched from the south and west, a picture presenta itself of cottages shelterol in the many

groves of trees, green lawns and the many-colored houses, the red piazza roofs making a striking con- trast against the dark green of the trees. No large, ill-shaped, awkward building mars the picture.

The bill and shore of Bass Point are covered with «lusters of small cottages. Streets, at regular dis- tances, run from the shore to the Nahant Road, which passes through the entire length of the town.

CONCLUSION .- To-day Nahant offers many attrae- tions as a summer resort, but recently many new places have become popular, besides Nahant, as -um- mer watering-places. On nearly every headland can be found hotels and cottages for summer residents. But Nahant stretches out into the sea, and the wind from every quarter must pass over the water before reaching it, which coo's the air in summer and brings a warmer temperature in winter. There are ample accommodations by land and water to Boston and Lynn, with twelve miles of road that affords many pleasant drives. Many of the roads are shaded by tall elms, willow and maple trees, while others are open to the sunshine. The accommodations for bathing are unrivaled; on the north shore a cool surf-bath can be had, while on' the south the water is of a warmer temperature and more desirable for many.

The past industries of Nahant have nearly all died ont, causing nearly all of those that once pursued them to find homes elsewhere; but a few remain. The places of those that have gone have been filled by a new people, who know not of the old and pleasant associations of the past.

It is with just pride that we can give the record of the descendants of those that once made Nahant their home. Their names are prominent as pioneers in the early settlements of the West; they have helped to build it up and were identified with its business and government ; they have helped to found towns and cities in the Pacific States and Territories. Their names are prominent to-day as trustees of col- leges and institutions of learning, and as skilled nie- chanies and engineers in business circles.

In the towns and cities of this Commonwealth, wherever they have built their homes, they have proved themselves, by their worth and industry, to be peers in the business eireles, having wealth and influence in the place of their adoption. As manu- facturers in our neighboring city, we find them auto- crats in the business circle. As ministers of the Gospel, as editors of newspapers and teachers in the schools, they have hekl and still hold honorable places. In politics they have held places of trust as representatives to Congress, as senators and repre- sentatives in this Commonwealth and as chief magis- trates of cities. As sailors and soldiers they have not been found wanting.

From the States of Maine and New Hampshire, mechanics and builders have made Nahant their home, and have by their skill and industry built

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SALISBURY.

many of the beautiful residences that now adorn our town. They are filling places of honor and trust in the town.

In the public schools of to-day the boys and girls are our and their representatives; shoulder to shoulder there, they are preparing an education to meet the realities of life. Like those who have preceded them, few may remain here and many will find homes and occupations elsewhere. In the insti- tutions of learning, in colleges, in law and divinity schools, their names are already enlisted. In politics and mechanics, in agriculture, and as sailors in the merchant service, we shall find them hewing their way up into the hroad fields of education, wealth, honor and influence. But a few of those who were actors in the past still linger in their homes by the sea, but many have passed away with lives "full of honor and years."

The storms, the dashing spray, the sunrise out of the water, the midday rays of the sun, as it shines and sparkles over the sea from shore to shore, the constant murmuring of the sea along the beach, the always changing view of the far-spreading ocean, will ever linger in the memories of those who will make homes elsewhere.

VALUATION OF NAHANT FROM 1861.

Personal.

Real Estate.

Dwelling- House8.

1861

$20,179

$514,770

107

1862

22,009

479,750

106

1863

16,823

494,650

107

1864

13,478

507,025

106

1865

12,710

513,225

107

1866

329,057

647,600

107

1867

274,167

780,150

116

1868

985,078

816,045

122

1869

1,982,088

935,500

135

1870

4,160,103

985,000

138

1871

4,880,283

1,002,900

140

1872

5,507,152

1,104,050

142

1873

5,085,795

1,157,400

157

1874

4,994,044

1,256,200

160

1875

4,783,569

1,320,850

163

1876

4,754,980

1,325,825

177

1877

4,098,342

1,554,064

184

1878

3,838,264

1,670,942

187

1879

3,007,451

1,715,315

191

1880.

2,843,759

1,850,869

199

1881 ..

2,834,708

1,859,569

203

1882

2,895,273

1,938,019

208

1883

2,773,979

1,969,344

222

1884

2,641,967

1,991,219

235

1885

2,845,809

2,032,815

247

1886

2,779,727

2,034, 165

247

Representative to Congress. Hon. Henry Cabot Lodge.

State Senators.

Hon. George Hood, Hon. William F. Johnson.

Representatives.

Wm. F. Johnson. Edward J. JolinsoD.

John Q. Hammond. Henry Cabot Lodge.

Town Clerks.

Washington H. Johnson. Alfred D. Johnson.

Seleetmen.

Wm. F. Johnson.

Thos. P. Whitney.

Dexter Stetson.

C. Hervey Johnson,

Washington H. Johnson.

Joseph Johnson.

Jesse Rice.

Edmund B. Johnson.

Albert Wyer.

Wm. Luscomb.

J. Bishop Johnson.

J. T. Wilson.

Artemias Murdock.

Edwin W. Johnson.

Walter Johnson.

J. Colby Wilson.

Edward J Johnson.

Wm. R. Whitney.

Treasurers.

Welcome W. Johnson. Edinund B. Johnson.

School Committee.

Welcome W. Johnson.

Harrison Barnes.

Walter Johoson.

Samuel Hudson.

Edmund B. Johnson.

Jesse R. Johnson.

John Q. Hammond.

Joseph T. Wilson.

Francis Johnson. Joseph A. Crandall.

Alfred D. Johnson.

Wm. R. Whitney.

Thomas E. Colby.

Joseph W. Hammond.

Franklin E. Johnson.

Samuel Hudson, Jr.

John E. Whitney.

Postmasters.

Phineas Drew.

Welcome W. Johnson.

Edwin W. Johnson.

T. Dexter Johnson.

CHAPTER CXIX.

SALISBURY.

BY W. H. B. CURRIER.

OF the settlements of New England, Salisbury ranks among the earliest. In 1638, just eighteen years after the Pilgrims landed, ten years after the organization of Salem, and three years later than "Old Newbury," a "plantation" was begun on the north side of the Merrimac. In March, 1638, this strip of territory extended from the Merrimac River north a distance of nearly ten miles, including in its circuit what is now known as the town of Seabrook, a portion of Hampton, Exeter, Kensington, South Hampton and Kingston, in New Hampshire; the Haverhill line on its western border and its eastern shore bounded by the Atlantic Ocean.

The first settlement was near the ocean. Here the original grants of land were made, and in later years what became the "East Parish" was the germ of a flourishing town. It appears by documentary evi- dence that diversity of opinion existed among the settlers as to the name the town should take, as, Sep- tember 4, 1639, it was ordered to be called Colchester. At a session of the General Court, held October 7, 1640, the name was changed to Salisbury, and thus the town became incorporated. Several of its first settlers came from Salisbury, in the county of Wilt- shire, England, among the number being the first minister, Rev. William Worcester. The location of ! the town, with its eastern border washed by the

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IHISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

waves of the ocean ; the Merrimac dividing it on the west ; the winding Powow River running through the centre of its territory, and encircled by a chain of hills, made it an attractive place of settlement even among the many towns of the beautiful valley of the Merrimac.

C'offin, the historian of Newbury, says of the early settlers of the town: "They were men fitted by education to adorn any civil station ;" but more particular reference to them will be made as the data of events are noted.

Salisbury was, very early in its history, honored by the title of a shire-town, and so continued from 1643 to 1649. But it was the court-town of a county not now existing in Essex,-the county of Norfolk,-com- prising the New Hampshire plantations of Exeter, Hampton, Portsmouth and Dover, then (1643) united to Massachusetts, together with Salisbury and Ilaver- hill. In 1679 New Hampshire was separated from Massachusetts, and the town lost its court. The court-house was erected in the East Parish, and the place of its location and the " stocks," where culprits were punished, is known to this day by the citizens of the ancient locality. Where justice was dispensed and the guilty were stocked, one of the descendants of the trial justices tills a fertile farm and occasionally turns up a stray brick that formed the foundation of the wall of this old court-house.

With the loss of its title of shire-town, Salisbury did not lose its importance, for subsequently the dig- nity of the Legislature was not tarnished by a session within its limits.

For several years the boundary line between the States of Massachusetts and New Hampshire had occasioned much trouble and considerable contro- versy. In this perplexing condition of affairs, the border towns of Hampton and Salisbury were mixed up. At times it threatened to involve them in a border war, as between the two sections taxes were assessed mpon the inhabitants living on the disputed territory, which they declined to pay until their status was definitely fixed. The ancient records of the town contain accounts of petitions and records of meetings held to adjust matters between the tax- collectors and individuals asking to be relieved from paying taxes, on the ground that they were assessed on both sides of the disputed line, and claiming " that the burden was too grievous to be bourn."

In August, 1737. commissioners appointed by the Crown met at Hampton Falls for the purpose of set- thhg the controversy. The Massachusetts Assembly, Hier the session was called at Hampton, met at Sal- isbury, and were in sesion several days deliberating upon the bour dary question. The final decision re- sultel in a surrender of a portion of the territorial Tuits of the town and its return to New Hampshire. Wh ly known as South Hampton and Seabrook were given op, and peace reigned on the border. And set, after the lapse of one hundred and fifty

years, the boundary question between the two States is again a subjeet of controversy, and a joint commis- sion has been appointed to adjust differences,-New Hampshire making its claim for another slice of ter- ritory; but the issue is in doubt.

But to return to the early settlers and their action in forming the town, the original grantees of Merri- mac plantation were Mr. Simeon Bradstreet, Mr. Daniel Dennison, Christopher Batt, Samuel Wins- ley, Samuel Dudley and John Sanders.

March, 1639, the records report a meeting held by the grantors, whereby they agreed that each settler should have two pieces of meadow and a certain amount of planting land, according to the wealth of the grantees, -- " four acres to every one hundred pounds." This was in accordance with the doctrine that to him which hath shall be given ; the motive, probably, was to influence men possessed of some wealth to settle on the vacant lands.

General meetings were held during the year 1639 at intervals, when grants of land were recorded. Mr. Robert Pike was granted three lots of land near the land of Edmund French. The land granted to French is still owned by his descendants and ocen- pied by George H. and William H. French. At one of the meetings of freemen, Anthony Colby was fined one shilling for departing the meeting. The first animals to cause trouble in the new plantation were goats, and a penalty of twelve pence was fixed for allowing goats or kids to run at large without a keeper. A penalty was fixed for allowing swine to roam at large. They also obliged grantees of land to put up sufficient fences.

The land grant to Rev. Wm. Worcester shows that he was possessed of considerable property, as he was given a large number of acres of meadow and upland in different localities. Some of the grants made dur- ing the year were called "great planting plots," and were west of the Powow River. The first burying lot was laid ont on the Beach Road, and it is men- tioned that Richard Wells' house lot adjoins it. Mr. Wells was one of the wealthy settlers.

Thomas Maey, whose name has been immortalized by Whittier's poem, and who afterwards became one of the first settlers of Nantucket, was granted a house lot on the north side of the Beach Road next below the house lot now owned by Edward French.

Mr. Thomas Bradbury, from whom originated all the New England branch of the family, settled near by Macy. He was a man of good education and of superior worth, filling many important offices; and as a teacher did much to spread a love of education among the tillers of the soil.

Mr. John Hodges was granted upland and meadow, and a certain creek in the tide meadows is known to this day as "Hodges' Hole." The descendants of John lodge became well-known manufacturers in the Merrimac Valley.

Willis Barnes, another name well known in colo-

1443

SALISBURY.

nial history, is remembered by " Barnes " Island, a woody island in the tide meadow.

The grants of land made were confirmed by a com- mittee consisting of Christopher Batt, Samuel Wins- ley, Samuel Hall, Thomas Bradbury and Isaac Bus- well.

Quite a large tract of land was granted to William Hook adjoining the Merrimac River, reserving for the town the easternmost island by the side of the river for the fishermen.

October 10, 1639, a final meeting of the freemen was held, at which time some additional grants were made.

In the spring of 1640 certain surveys were made toward Hampton and also towards Lake " pemtuck. ett." At the first town-meeting held this spring it was ordered that in the first of every meeting there should be a moderator chosen, who shall have full chargeof the meeting, with power to impose fines at his discretion. It was also voted that every freeman should speak by turn, and should signify his desire to speak by rising up or taking off his hat-and his speech being ended he should put on his hat or sit down- and he must not be interrupted until he had finished.

On the 5th of May, 1640, an island in the Merri- mac River was granted to George Carr. This is now known as Carr's Island, and has always been kept in the Carr family until its recent purchase by Hon. Harvey N. Shepard.

On the 7th of September, 1640, a meeting of the freemen was held, at which time a large number of new grants were made.

At the meeting on the 5th of the Second Month, 1641, the price of labor was fixed by the town. La- borers during the summer months shall receive twenty pence per day, and carpenters to receive two pence per day more than laborers. The price of lumber was fixed by vote of the town, and the price of milk was fixed at three half-pence a quart for new milk, and one pence a quart for skimmed milk, ale meas- ure ; while gilt-edge butter brought six pence per pound.

Ou the 21st of the Second Month William Osgood was granted sixty acres of land on condition that he should build a grist-mill. The town this spring ap- pointed two highway surveyors-Richard North and John Rolph-with power to compel each man to per- form a certain amount of highway labor. Robert Pike, Luke Heard and John Harrison were the first fence-viewers. The making of pipe-staves now be- came an important business, and large quantities were conveyed to Newburyport for sale. John Bay- ley was granted the sole right to take fish from the Powow River, but the right was taken from him for not complying with the conditions which the town had imposed upon him. At a meeting held in No. vember of this year, John Harrison was freed from town taxes on condition that he shall keep an "ordi- narie " for two years in the town.

On the 14th day of the Eleventh Month, 1641, "ordered that Henrie Munday and Thomas Bradbnrie shall bargain with a workman or workingmen to hang the bell on the meeting-house." During this month there was "granted to Abraham Morrell and Henrie Sayward three score acres of upland, so near the falls as may be convenient, on the condition that they shall before October next set up a mill which may be sufficient to grind all the corn which the town shall need."

The sole right of taking fish from the Powow River was again granted to John Bayley on the following conditions :

" 1st. He shall not join with any person that is not an inhabitant in the town in the working of the same, whereby any fish should be dis- posed of from the town.

" 2d. That he shall not dispose of any fish otherwise than he shall be appointed by the town, nor himself to have more than his share of ale- wives ; provided that if they he refused by town within twenty-four hours after the taking of them, he is free to dispose of them to whom and where he please.

" 3d. That he shall, before the next season of fishing, make up the · wyers' to be full sea height, and provide sufficient materials so as the town may not suffer in the fish escaping, and he is to be paid within twenty days after the delivery of the said fish per rate of three shillings per one thousand in work, corn or cattle or merchantable commodities at equal prices."

On the 26th of the First Month of 1642, a house- lot of four acres was granted to Thomas Macy, and the record is made three times in succession of this grant.

On the 4th of the Fifth Month, 1642, John Hall, Thomas Bradbury and Thomas Macy were elected assessors. Richard North and Thomas Bradbury were elected highway surveyors. At this time a bounty of ten shillings was ordered to be paid for every wolf killed or taken. Also voted that the or- dinances shall be removed near the Powow River by the last of September next, come twelve months.

On the 26th of the Tenth Month, 1642, at a gen- eral meeting of the freemen, it was "ordered, there shall thirtie families remove to the west side of the ' Pawwaus ' River."

5th of Eleventh Month, 1642, at a meeting of the freemen, it was "ordered that these persons under- written shall be accounted townsmien and none other : Mr. William Worster, Mr. Samuel Dudley, Edmund French, Richard Wells, William Pattridg, Robert Pyk, Mr. William Hook, Ralph Blazdale."

5th of Eleventh Month, 1642. "Ordered that after this present no man shall be admitted a townsman but by the vote and suffrage of every one of the free- men, except such an one as shall be called for an elder." Also the same day it was " ordered and agreed that thirty families of this town shall remove their dwellings to the west side of the Powow River before the first of the Third Month in the year 1645; and those persons to be such persons as the seven men shall approve of; to which persons they shall dis- tribute all the lands and timber on the west side of that river, and that all those persons shall be excluded i the right and use of all commons but on that side

1444

HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

from that time aforesaid forever, and also that all such inhabitants as shall continue to the east of that river shall be excluded all right and use of commons with them forever, excepting the liberties for one family, provided that at such times as any of those persons residing on the west of the river aforesaid shall have occasion to plow or cart hay in other parts of the town they shall have liberty to feed their working cattle in the O.c Comon, on the neck. And also that those persons dwelling to the east of the river shall have the propriety of all the lands and timber there remaining. Also that all public charges shall be defrayed by the inhabitants of both places, or any dwelling in any part within the limits and bounds of the town."

Also it was ordered "that this order shall stand unrepealed forever, except it be by the consent of every freeman in town."

" Ordered that seven men shall have power to make rates and also to certify all the old records of the town and bring them into this new book, and what shall be done by them shall be and remain firm and forever."

On the 20th of the Twelfth Month, 1642, that cer- tain land granted to twenty-two persons on the east side of the Powow River should be decided by draw- ing lots, which was done at this time. The power formerly put into the hands of seven men for ordering the affairs of the town was taken from them with their consent, 26th of Twelfth Month.

14th of Second Month, 1643. Richard North choseu pound-keeper and fence-viewer, and also "Cryer of the Town of Salsbery for the year ensuing." Ordered that all grants of lands shall be recorded in the new book.

4th of Third Month. 1643. The following seven men were elected to take charge of town affairs: Mr. Batt, John Severance, Tho. Macy, Mr. John llall, Robert like, John Sanders and Thomas Bradbury. At a general meeting of the seven men, 18th of Fifth Month, 1643, it was ordered that Tho. Bradbury and John Severance shall be " Surveiars " of the high- ways. Also a rate was ordered of £15 for the digging of the Town Creek and for defraying other town charges. It was further ordered that all the towns- men that have meadow lots within the bounds of the town shall meet upon the 22d, 23d and 24th days of the Sixth Month next ensuing, by seven o'clock in the morning, at the meeting-house, upon the forfeiture of five shillings for every particular man's default --- the object of this was to set sufficient bounds between their meadow lots. The road which runs from the Powow River up into the country was ordered to be laid out.

sth of Tenth Month, 1643. Samuel Dudley was chosen deputy for the next Court of Election. The improved land on the west side of the Powow River was to be taxed at half the rates of land on the east side until they have a minister there. Rev. Mr. Wor-

cester was allowed £27 for six months' service last past.

19th of Twelfth Month, 1643, Samuel Dudley and Samuel Winsley were chosen deputies for the next General Court to be held at Boston.

25th of First Month, 1644, Richard Goodale " shall have for his hunting this present year ending six weeks before Michaelmas, one peck of Indian corn of each townsman,-£3 to be paid him in wheat as soon as merchantable, equally to be levied. Also he is to have for every fox he killeth, 28. 6d. and for every wolf £2 (pounds)."

18th of Second Month, 1644, Josiah Cobham was grand juryman ; several persons were fined £2 10g. each for felling trees against a town order.

6th of Eleventh Month, 1644, ordered that Mr. Samuel Hall shall pay five shillings for his abusive speeches against the freemen, saying "you are all lords," "all monarchs" "your will must be a law" and such like.

At a meeting of ye 5 men, 21st of Second Month, 1645, it was "ordered that no person shall im- prove or make use of any candle wood or pine trees for the making pitch or tar or rosen to sell or carry out of the town upon a penalty of twenty shilling for every load."

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History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II, Part 113

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