History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II, Part 127

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 127

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A committee was chosen " to go to Mr. Showell or Mr. Woodbridge's son to see if they can attaine either of them to be helpful two us in ye worke of ye minis- try." The committee failed to obtain either, and in April it was decided "to treat with Capttin Pyke to see if they can obtain him to be helpful to us in the work of the ministry." What grounds the new town had for offering to engage Captain Pike to preach for them we can hardly imagine, for, although quite a scholar, he was no minister, and by the laws of those times would not be allowed to preach.

1666. The first act of the year was to fix the min- ister's salary at forty pounds per year, which was quite liberal for those times. Having built their church and established the minister's salary, it was determined to apply to the General Court for an act of incorporation and a minister.

May 14th a meeting was held and the following vote was passed, viz. : "At the same meeten it was agreed to send to the General Court for the obtayning of Mr. Benjamin Woodbriedg to be helpfull to us in the work of the ministry, and also to see if we can obtain to be a township of ourselves." The effort was successful, a township being obtained and the services of the Rev. Benjamin Woodbridge secured. The petition was presented at the May session of the General Court, when the following order was passed :

" In answer to the pet con of the inhabitants of Now Salisbury, this Court doetli grant them the liberty of a towneship, according to the agreement with the ould touno & that upon their providing a minister approved off according as the law provides, they then to be taken of from contributing to the minister of yo old tonne."

Mr. Woodbridge was a nephew of the Rev. Thomas Parker and the Rev. James Noyes, first ministers of Newbury. Ile graduated in the first class which completed their studies at Harvard College, standing at the head of the class. Ile had been a member of Magdalen College at Oxford, in England, but chose

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HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

to finish his studies here. He came to America with his brother, Rev. John Woodbridge, in 1634. Dr. Calamy says of him : " He was a universally accon- plished person ; one of a clear and strong reason and of an exact and profound judgment." His stay in Amesbury was short, not exceeding three years.

June 15th the town organized, by the choice of Thomas Barnard, Phillip Challis, John Meed, Robert Jones and John Iloyt, Sr., prudential men.

1667. At the annual meeting. the division of land set apart for the children in 1659 was ordered "to every child according to his father's estate, given in to the makin of Mr. Woodbridge's first reat in the new town."

A vote was passed "that the town shall make a bregh over the swamp at Gorg. Martin's house." The remains of this ancient causeway may yet be seen near the Martin Road.

Edward Goodwin, Richard Hubbard, William Hacket, John Nash and Thomas Nichols were grant- ed common rights this year.

A meeting was held July 9th, at which some forty of the inhabitants were seated in the meeting-house. Further provision was ordered for the minister, by the grant of two hundred acres of land which " Liften, Challes, John Hoyt, Sen., and George martyn were chosen to lay out."

When the town was incorporated no name was given, but in the early part of this year the name was fixed as follows: "At the seam metten the Towen have named this Towen Amesbery." This name was confirmed by the General Court in 1668, but the name was slightly changed, to " Emesbury."

1668. On the 18th of February a meeting was held, and a hundred lots of land disposed of to the settlers. The first division was on "Whicher's" Hill, the second in the vicinity of the pond, the third between the pond and Birchy Meadow and the fourth was to begin on the west side of the Pond Brook. These sections embraced most of the undi- vided lands in town.

The County Court at Hampton appointed Edward Goodwin to keep the ferry over the Merrimac River near his house this year. A private way was laid out from the "country highway" to the saw-mill, the owners paying for the land taken.

1669. James Frees, William Sargent, Jr., Josue Goldsmith, Thomas Stevens, Jossef Lankester, John Gimsen and Jos. Wathen were granted common rights.

Early this year Amesbury was without a minister, and "Jan. 18th It was granted unto that minister that do come and live and inhabit with us ilifty akers of land lying in that part of the common be- tween fox island and Georg. Martyn's house." This land, with fifty acres given to the ministry by Philip Watson Challis,' has always been known as the

" parsonage." In addition to this, it was decided to purchase a house for the use of the ministry.

Mr. Woodbridge boarded with "Goodman Sar- gent," but it was thought advisable to give the com- ing minister better accommodations. In February it was decided to send to " Mr. Hobberd, of Kettre, to see if we can obtayn him, to be helpful to us in the work of the ministry." Mr. Hobberd was not iu- clined to accept the call which the town, through their committee, had given him, and several weeks later a new committee was chosen, but met with poor success. Some two months later (May 7th) Robert Jones was chosen to find a minister and invite him to come and make a visit. Mr. Hobberd was finally induced to accept the pressing call which was ex - tended to him, and received the land set apart for the ministry.

The old road north of the hill (Goodale's), which bounds Pleasant Valley on the northward, was or- dered this year.

1670. The ancient road over Ferry Hill was lo- cated this year, traces of which are yet visible. There were, at a very early period, two houses on the bill- one owned by Abraham Morrill, the other by some person unknown. This highway connected with Goodwin's Ferry, and was, for nearly half a century, the only publie road leading northward.

1672. In the early part of last year the town voted to give Mr. Hubbard "his fire-wood in addition to his £40 per year ; " and this year an addition to his salary of £5 was made, and grass to make four loads of hay. He was evidently popular, and giving excellent satisfaction, or he was pressing the people for a large increase of salary. However this may have been, there came a very sudden change, and the town voted "not to ad any more to Mr. Hoberd's maintainance, neither in land nor anything else." No doubt the faithful preacher considered this equiva- lent to a dismission, and so it proved, for in less than two months an invitation was extended to the Rev. Thomas Wells, a young man of good talent. He had preached at Newbury and the Shoals some, and may have occupied Mr. Hubbard's pulpit on some occa- sion, when his eloquence had captivated the hearts of the people. He was readily obtained, and his salary fixed at forty pounds per year and the use of the land set apart for the ministry. It was also voted to build him a house "fower and forty foot long or there about4, and twenty foote wide and thirteen foot and a half stood." The Vane lot (now Bartlett's Corner) was obtained of Abner Jones, and here Mr. Wells lived during his long pastorate of more than sixty ycars. The lilacs and well near the uew High School building still mark the spot where the "village preacher's modest mansion rose." The offer to build was not carried out, and an offer to move the house bought of Jolin Hoyt (for Mr. Hubbard) to the Vane lot was also declined, and Mr. Wells built to suit himself.

1 First instance of middle name on record ; but the to generally omit- ted by bím

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AMESBURY.

1674. The town having some difficulty with Phil- lip W. Challis in regard to an exchange of land, com- menced suit against him, but was beaten, and, as he says, " upon tryal of ease nothing did appear." But notwithstanding the suit, Mr. Challis freely deeded fifty acres of land for the use of the ministry for cer- tain considerations, but " more especially of or great desire & affecon towards a Godly ministry "to be settled & upheld in ye sª town of Amesbury." This deed was signed March 25, 1673, and acknowledged March 12, 1674, before Robert Pike.

A singular meeting was held near the close of the year, which was far from satisfactory to a large num- ber of the voters. A new town clerk was chosen, and a large committee appointed to correct the errors in the " Town book off' records " before the next annual meeting.

What occasioned this sudden move against Richard Currier, the present clerk, who had held the office since Macy's flight in 1659, is not known. Perhaps the new minister may have suggested the measure. It does not appear that the books were corrected, but Thomas Currier (son of Richard) was confirmed at a subsequent meeting, as clerk, and held the office till 1712.

1675. William Sargent, one of the original settlers, died this year, aged seventy-three years. He came to Virginia with William Barnes, John Hoyt and others, settling at Newbury, Hampton, Salisbury and finally at Amesbury. In deeds he is styled "mariner." He was twice married-first to Judith Perkins, by whom he had Lydia, Sarah and Mary; second to Elizabeth Perkins,1 by whom he had Thomas, born June 11, 1643; William, born January 2, 1646; lived among the English and with William Osgood Elizabeth, born November 22, 1648; Sarah, born February 29, 1652.

The business of the town at this time was farming, fish- ing, making staves and building vessels. These oceu- pations required other tradesmen, such as blacksmiths, weavers, carpenters, tailors, etc. River and harbor fishing came next to farming in importance, furnish- ing an important article of food. The raising of cattle and sheep was by no means neglected, if we may be allowed to judge from the old inventories. The small grains were also raised in abundance, and orchards are mentioned within ten years of the set- tlement of Salisbury. No potatoes are found on an- cient inventories till about 1730.

1676. In the early years of the settlement little, if any, trouble was occasioned by the Indians, but, hav- ing grown more numerous, they grew troublesome, obliging the inhabitants to keep constant watch day and night. For the convenience of the watchmen the town was divided into wards, each having a watch-house for quarters. Each ward was required to furnish wood for the watch-house, under a fine of five shillings for neglect. The garrison-houses were

to be kept in order, and everything betokened an alarming state of affairs. No one ventured into his field without a gun, and even friendly Indians could hardly be trusted. The forts or garrison-houses were built in different sections of the town, that should an alarm occur all might readily seek safety therein. There was a garrison near the Estes estate, one at Pond Hills, one at "Jamaco," one near Birchy Meadow, and probably one at the Highlands.

The constables and watches were obliged to keep nights from May to October, and all persons (males) over sixteen were required to take turns or hire a substitute. No persons were allowed out after ten o'clock at night, and lights were to be put out at that hour, and all noises cease in the streets. These precau- tions were none too severe, as we shall find next year.

1677. The much-feared Indian raid occurred this ycar, and several persons were murdered, notwith- standing the great precautions taken to prevent a sur- prise. Secretary Rawson, in a letter to Governor Anderson, of New York, says,- "As for damage done us by the eastern Indians, mentioned in our letter dated July 28th, was in taking our fishing catches about Cape Sable, and a notorious murder committed upon some men, women and children at Amesbury about the middle of July, but not known to us or ye Commissioners at Pemaquid until after the peace was concluded between some of the eastern Indians & Capt. Broekles." From the above it would be in- ferred that the murders here were committed by east- ern Indians, but it is a matter of history that there were Indians nearer home quite as treacherous as those farther east. There was one Symon, who had

awhile, that was a treacherous fellow. He was with- out doubt the leader of the murderous assault made July 7th of this year, when "men, women and chil- dren were killed.

Robert Quinby is supposed to have been killed, and his wife was knocked down and left for dead, but re- covered, and stated that Symon was with the party and attempted her life. The names of those killed are not given by the records.

1678. The town had some controversy with Rev. Mr. Wells about land granted him and an exchange which he wished to make. A large committee was chosen to settle the matter, and enter their decision on the town book, but no report is found.

Samuel Colby, living at Bartlett's Corner, was chosen "to keep a public-house of entertainment," which is the first tavern mentioned on the records. These were popular resorts much favored by the people.

1679. This year a monthly lecture was ordered, "the last Wedensday of every month from March to Mickaelmus."2 The minister's rate was made twice per year-spring and fall.

1 The late Joua. B. Sargent authority.

2 Feast of Michael, September 29th.

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HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

1680. Mr. Wells' salary was increased to fitty pounds per year during the remaining time which he may be engaged in the work of the ministry. His eight years' service was no doubt satisfactory.

1682. George Martyn, Robert Jones and John Prowse were appointed to lay out the "Peeke" land, which embraced a large tract near Kingstown, called " the farmes" ou the map of 1715. It probably included all of Newton, N. H., and possibly part of South Hampton. These farms were laid out in reg- ular order, having suitable roads located between them, erossing each other at right angles.

The saw-mill which was built in 1656 was yet in running order according to the following deposi- tion :

"The deposition of Richard Currier, aged abont sixty-six yeares, textyfieth that I kep a Sawe Mill at Amesbury, neare unto the Sawe Mill that do belong unto Salisbury upon the seam river and I have sawin this Spring about five or six thousand foot of bord a weeke for three months together, and do swere that ye Sawe Mill that do belong unto Salishy is no waies inferior to the mill at Amesbury and have ben RA well improved, and further saith that the Saw mills did sett about four month but had not a full head of water.

"Sept. 25th, 16x2.

RICHARD CURRIER."

1683. The acre bought in 1663 for a burying- ground was enlarged this year by the purchase of additional land of Thomas Colby.

1685. By order of the town, the main road from Amesbury to Haverhill was run out and defined by the selectmen of the two towns. It was recorded four rods wide from the meeting-house in Amesbury to the bridge at the east meadows in Haverhill.

1686. Up to the present time the minister's salary was paid almost wholly in produce from the farms, but now Mr. Wells is to receive "fifty shillings in money." But he was notified " that there should be no more added tow Mr. Wells is mayntainance." The sober second thought repealed this vote at a later meeting. Mr. Wells was this year chosen registrar, and the births, marriages and deaths, of which no previous record is found, commenced at this time. The record of these items for the first twenty years of the town's corporate existence is missing, and we know of no tradition which accounts for the loss.

George Martin died this year, it is believed, as his name disappears from the "lot-layer's " committee, where he served from the settlement of the town. lle was one of the original number who crossed the Powow River to establish a plantation here and a signer of the articles of agreement. He was probably born in England and came over whon young. He was a blacksmith by occupation, but became a large land-holder before his death.

His children were Hannah, born February 1, 1644 ; Richard, born June 29, 1647; George, born October 21, 1648; Abigail, born October 10, 1649; John, born January 26, 1651; Hester, born April 7, 1653; Jane born November 2, 1650; William, born December 11, 1602 (died a few days old) ; Samuel, born Septem- ber 29, 1667 ; William, born ---.

1687. The Indians were again on the war-path, greatly alarming the people, but no damage was done. Captain Pike's troop of horse was thought to be in- sufficient to protect the scattered inhabitants of the two towns, and assistance was asked of the General Court, but none was given.

Wolves were still troublesome and a bounty of twenty shillings was offered for every one killed.

Walter Taylor died February 11th. He was a ship-carpenter and built vessels near the ferry. After his death Francis Davis took the land granted him, and was probably the first of that name in the East Parish.

Thomas Jewell first appears in town this year, set- tling in the northern part of the town (now South Hampton). He came from Hingham, where he lived a short time after arriving in this country. Tradition says that he was hostler to Lord Guilford and finally eloped with his daughter to this country.

Richard Currier died February 22d. He was one of the original number of those who colonized the town, and took a very prominent part in public affairs, seldom being out of office. He was the second clerk, and was "Clark of the writs," huilt the first mill with Macy, was on the committee to build the first meeting-house, was sole agent to get the town incorporated, selectman twelve years, was commis- sioner to end small eases and, in faet, served in about every office within the gift of the people. He was born in England about 1616, and may have come over with "Mr. ffran Dowe," to whom he was servant when he first came to Salisbury. His children were Hannah, born October 5, 1643; Thomas, born Oe- tober 1, 1646; and probably Richard.

1688. Sergeant John Hoyt died February 28th. Among those entrusted with office he was very prom- inent. He was of the original number which signed the agreement in 1654, and was early in town. He served as selcetman eight years, was a military officer in Norfolk County, constable, and was frequently ap- pointed on committees.

Ilis children were Frances, horn -; John, born 1638 ; Thomas, born January 1, 1640; Georgie, born January 1, 1641; Elizabeth, born February 23, 1643; Sarah, born January 16, 1645; Mary, born February 24, 1646; Joseph, born May 13, 1648; Joseph, born November 27, 1649; Marah, born No- vember 27, 1653; Naomi, born January 23, 1655; Dorothie, born April 13, 1656.

Jarred ' Iladdon died some time during the year, but his death is not recorded. The inventory bears date June 1, 1689.

lle was one of the first eighteen and a signer of the articles of agreement in 1654 and took the freeman's oath May 14, 1634. He was a large land-holder and probably lived at the Ferry. He held office less than some others, but was commissioner to end small

Nume sometimes spelt Gherard.

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AMESBURY.

cases in 1673, and selectman in 1676, '79 and '80. His children, so far as known, were-Sarah, born Jan. 15, 1640 ; Mary, born -; and Elizabeth.

1689. Lieutenant John Weed died March 15th, after a long and useful life, He was one of the first propri- etors and signed the articles of agreement in 1654. He served as selectman nine years, was commission- er, constable and lot-layer, was frequently entrusted with important business by the town, and was seated at the table in the meeting-house. He was, so far as we have been able to ascertain, the wealthiest of the eighteen, his inventory amounting to £737 78. 8d., His children were Samuel, born February 15, 1652 ; Mary, born September 5, 1653 ; John, born Novem- ber 1, 1655; Anna, born July 26, 1657 ; Deborah, born June 15, 1659; George, born May 25, 1661; Ephraim, born February 24, 1667; Nathaniel, fifth son, born -; Joseph, born -

It is probable that Wm. Huntington died this year. He was early in town, living on a small place at the Ferry, which was given to his wife by her father, John Bayley, Sr. His name appears with those who organ- ized the town in 1655, but is not on the articles of agreement. He held very little office in town, but received land in most of the divisions and was prob- ably a large farmer. His homestead was at Pleasant Valley, and a portion of it is yet in the hands of his descendants. His children were John, born the last week in August, 1643; James, born died in infancy ; Mary, born July 8, 1648.

The town's management of religious matters was very singular, especially in regard to the minister. Mr. Wells was settled according to the customs of the times, which was for life, and yet the town annually voted that they were clear of him and he of them. At the annual meeting, after choosing a moderator, it was " voted yt we desire to have a minister among us," just as though Mr. Wells must leave unless engaged anew. The next vote was to send to him to know whether he had a mind to stay and "continue in ye work of ye ministry among us." The next was " yt ye towne was clear from Mr. Wells and Mr. Wells from ye towne." Having established the two points of in- dependence, they went to work and voted "to pay the minister £50 per year " and " att ye same metting ye towne made choyce of Mr. Wells" to be their min- ister. They then voted "that Mr. Wells shall have his firewood brought home to him for this yeare en- suing."

Thus in their own peculiar way they satisfied them- selves and gave Mr. Wells a liberal supply.

In 1686 the King sent a commission to take possession of the government of Massachusetts Bay, which meas- ure met with strong opposition, but without effect. On the accession of William and Mary, in February of this year, the people restored the former government. Amesbury sent their "tristy frinds Capt. Foot and Samuel Colby as Representatives " to aid in reinstat- ing the former officers and restoring charter rights.

James II. had usurped the government and the peo- ple embraced the first opportunity to overthrow his hated officials. Gov. Andros was summarily deposed.

1690. Indian wars were almost continually harass- ing the colony, making it necessary to keep compan- ies of soldiers to guard against surprise. These troops were raised in the towns, the only exception being in "frontier towns " which were excused from contribut- ing to the common safety on account of their exposed situation.

Amesbury petitioned the General Court to be con- sidered a frontier town and very likely her request was granted, Merrimac then called " Jamaco," suffered severely by these raids, and this year tradition says Capt. Samuel Foot was captured and tortured to death by the Indians.1 He died July 7th, but the cause of death is not stated on the record. HIe prob- ably lived on the plain not far from the cemetery2 and kept the garrison there. At the same time three men were killed and three houses burned.

Edward Cottle, one of the first little colony here, lived at "Jamaco," and a tradition has been handed down that his house was burnt twice, once by acci- dent, and once by Indians. He was discouraged and removed to Duke's County. John Hoyt, Jr., suffered by having his house plundered by Indians.

1692. The most noted and saddest event of the year was the accusation, trial and conviction of Su- sannah Martin as a witch. She was the widow of George Martin, a prominent man of the first company. She was a good, but outspoken woman, and died a martyr to the superstitions of the times. This singu- lar delusion prevailed to an alarming extent at this time, filling the jails with suspected persons of both sexes. The dark stain of Salem witchcraft can never be blotted from history.

1693. This year " tything men " were first chosen, their duties being very much like those of State con- stables of modern times. As an inducement to faith- fulness, they were to receive the benefit of informers which probably meant part of the fines. They were to carefully inspect all licensed houses and to inform of all disorders and misdemeanors which they may discover.

1694. Mr. Wells was chosen school-master, with a salary of twenty pounds. The Indians were still trou - bling the settlers by the raids. September 4th, Joseph Pike, of Newbury, deputy-sheriff of Essex, while traveling with one Long between Amesbury and Haverhill, fell into an ambuscade of the enemy on the ridge near Gilman Merrill's, and was murdered. It may have been at this time that one Rowell, a mail- carrier between Newbury and Portsmouth, was killed in Patten's Hollow.

1696. Again we find the Indians committing dep- redations on the towns, and John HIoyt and one Peters

1 See Dr. Parrish's " History of New England."

2 Upper County.

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HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

were killed in Andover while on the road to Haver- hill. It was at this time that the murderous descent was made on Haverhill, where nine persons were killed or carried into captivity, and among the num- ber the plucky IIannah Dustin.

1697. The little church built thirty-two years ago was hardly large enough to hold the people, and Mr. Wells asked leave to build a pew on the outside, be- tween the south door and the southwest corner.

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History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II, Part 127

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