History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II, Part 130

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 130

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The people issued a call for representatives to as- semble under the name of " Provincial Congress," a body to whom the patriots gave the supreme control of state affairs. This Congress immediately voted £20,000 to arm and train minute-men through the colony.

All hopes of reconciliation were gone, and the

1 Rev. Samuel Webster.

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province rates were refused the royal treasurer, the town voting to indemnify the selectmen for not re- turning the money to Harrison Gray, Esq., as had been previously done. Evidently there was no thought of returning to the government which had thus sud- denly been overthrown.

1775. At a town-meeting held Jan. 24th, Isaac Mer- rill, Esq., was a second time elected to the Provincial Congress. At this meeting it was formally decided to acknowledge the acts of the Continental Congress, which, with the acts of last year, amount to an entire repudiation of all royal authority. The matter of raising minute-men was discussed, but referred to the annual meeting.

A colonial government was already organized and assuming control of public affairs, and to this the town pledged itself, and, in fact, no further support was accorded to British rule from this 13th day of March, 1775. At an adjournment on the 20th, it was decided to raise fifty able-bodied men as minute-men, to serve one year. April 17th, provision was made by the town for the payment of the minute men, and the selectmen were instructed to pay the province rates of 1773 and 1774 to the provincial treasurer, Henry Gardner, Esq. A bounty of two dollars was voted to each minute-man, and all needed preparations were made for determined work.

This meeting was held just two days before the fight at Lexington. The selectmen were authorized to hire one hundred pounds to carry out the measures thus early begun. June 6th, the town decided to join with Newburyport in sinking a pier at the mouth of the river.

Immediately after the fight at Lexington, active measures were taken to defend the rights of the peo- ple, by arming and drilling the minute-men. The town ordered a company to be raised, and in a few days the ranks were full, and Captain Currier marched away to the scene of conflict. But a more permanent organization was soon effected, and two companies marched to headquarters in season to take part in the battle of Bunker Hill.

Captain Currier's company was in that battle, and it is very probable that Captain Wm. H. Ballard and company was also present, as it is certain that he was at headquarters the 25th of June.

Of those engaged in the battle of Bunker Hill it is believed that but few were killed ; at least no record is found giving but a single soldier in Captain Currier's company.

1776. On the 1st of July a town-meeting was held to consider the propriety of instructing the represen - tatives to press forward the Declaration of Independ- ence. The meeting declared " that they will abide by and Defend the Members of the Continental Congress with their Lives and fortunes, if they think expe- dient to declare the Colonies Independent of Great Briton." Most faithfully did they keep this solemn pledge during the long struggle which followed. 95%

When this important measure was brought forward in Congress, Dr. Josiah Bartlett (the ferry-boy of 1729) was a member from New Hampshire, and his name stands next that of John Hancock on the document.

He was a fearless advocate of the measure, having previously been a known enemy to the tyranny of the mother country. So cordially was he hated by the Tories that they burnt his house at Kingston before the Revolution had fairly commenced.

From this time forth the town was obliged to take the most active measures to meet the calls for soldiers which were constantly made. The minute-men were discontinued, and the permanent organization of the militia effected, preparatory to enlistments for longer periods. The first call (in addition to the companies already in the service) was for thirty-seven men. To meet this call a bounty of twenty dollars was offered, which proving insufficient, it was raised to forty, re- quiring the sum of $1480.

Scarcely had this excitement died away, when there came another call for every twenty-fifth man on the roll, being nine men. To obtain the men a bounty of twelve pounds was paid. On the 1st of August another call for six men was received and the town agreed to give those who should enlist ten dollars per month. Again, in September a call came for twelve men, and a bounty of six pounds was offered. Soon after this another call was made for one-fourth ofthe able-bodied men, and a hounty of twenty dollars was offered ; but proving insufficient, was raised to thirty dollars. The repeated calls had so reduced the roll that but twelve were obtained at this time. Thus sixty-four men had been called during the year, in addition to those who held over from 1775, which may have been as many more, At the close of the year the prospect was not very brilliant, although the patriots had by no means lost courage.

1777. The frequent calls for men last year severely tried the resources of the town, but this year opens with new difficulties which must be met. The war had called to the army so many of the able-bodied men that the cultivation of the farms was but to a limited extent, and provisions were growing scarce and high. Many of the soldiers' families were sup- plied in part by the town, although the women freely went into the fields to work. In addition to this orders were frequently received for guns, gun-locks, shovels and many other articles, the cost of which must be assumed by the town for the present.

In April a call for fourteen men was made and a bounty of three pounds was offered, which secured the required number. This order was filled the last of April, and in seven days another call was received for " one-seventh part of all the male inhabitants from sixteen years old and upwards," to serve as soldiers.

Unless this demand was complied with, a draft would follow. The citizens assembled May 12th and under the excitement voted a bounty of one hundred

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dollars, but upon adjournment this was changed to fifty dollars. This was subsequently changed to thirty pounds for serving seven months, which se- cured the twenty-two men.

On the 16th of August a call came for one-sixth of the able-bodied men (thirty), and a bounty of four pounds and ten shillings per month enabled the town to procure the required number.

On the 26th of August a meeting was held to take measures to raise seven men. A bounty of forty- three pounds proved effectual in securing the number called for. The calls this year amounted to nearly one hundred men. It was a gloomy period, perhaps more so than at any other time during the war.

1778. This year lengthy instructions were given to Capt. Caleb Pillsbury, representative to the General Court, in regard to the " Articles of Confederation and perpetual union betwixt the United States of America." The presentation of these instructions was the last important act of his life, as he died before the close of the year. From this time and up to the close of the war no complete list of soldiers is found, a change which is hard to account for.

March 30th it was " voted to make up their wages to seven pounds per month with what they have from the Continent and State."

April 9th, the town "voted to make up the wages of the soldiers that went to guard the prisoners taken by General Gates, to six pounds per month besides the twenty shillings the Court gave for sauce money or wages."

May 4th, a meeting was held to raise recruits for the army, when it was "voted that each man that shall enlist into the Continental army for nine months shall be entitled to the thirty pounds which the Court allows the town, and also thirty pounds more to each man as an additional bounty from the town " A bounty of thirty pounds was also offered to the eight months' men which were to serve on the Hudson River.

June 25th, measures were taken to raise ten men "at the town's cost, and also some soldiers to replace the guards under General Heath."

July 30th. A committee was chosen to procure the men just called for. This was probably a new requi- sition for men.

September 1Ith. A town-meeting was held to take measures to procure the men called, but the measures then adopted failed of success and a second meeting was held on the 23d, in regard "to the men that should enlist or be drafted equal to one-third part of the training list." The meeting ordered the select- men and Committee of Safety to draft if the men could not be enlisted. It had now become very difficult to raise mich ou any terms.

1779. Continental money having greatly depreciated in valne, it became necessary to offer large bounties, one hundred dollars extra being given to three years' men.

June 17th. The town met to devise some means to procure the men called for, to be paid "in money or produce as they can agree."

October 13th. More men having been called for, measures were taken by the meeting to fill the call. The soldiers' record is very deficient this year, but there is little doubt that frequent calls were made by government, and large bounties paid.

1780. The new form of government was submitted to the people May 29th, when the third article in re- gard to religious freedom was rejected by a vote of thir- teen yeas to fourteen nays; the remaining artieles were adopted by twenty one yeas to nineteen nays.

June 12th. The town held a meeting to devise some means of raising the men called for. The committee and selectmen were authorized to hire the required number.

July 24th. A meeting was called to raise money for current expenses and the sum of £48,400 was voted. Owing to the depreciation of the currency this large sum amounted to but little.

December 28th. A meeting was held to provide for raising twenty-one men to serve three years. This was a year of discouragement to the colonies. Pro- visions were scarce and paper money nearly worthless, and to crown the misfortunes which seemed to over- shadow all, the colonial forces had suffered very gen- eral defeat. The South was almost overrun by the British forces, and Arnold came near delivering West Point to the enemy. Government was powerless to fend the army and their rations were drawn from the towns. Amesbury this year furnished 30,282 lbs. of beef, equal to thirty-three oxen of 917 lbs. each. But all did their best to sustain the cause. The wives and mothers contributed of their means to make the sol- diers comfortable by sending clothes and stockings to the suffering army. They loaned the town money for war purposes, viz .- Rebecca Kelly, £75; Widow Flannah Kelly, £128; Tabitha Barnard, £280; and others smaller sums. The winter of this year is said to have been unusually severe, no perceptible thaw being seen for forty days. The dark day also, which occurred May 19th, was to many an omen of evil. These, in connection with the earthquake November 18th, were casting a gloom over the land.

1781. Repeated calls were made for soldiers which the town was but poorly able to supply. Nearly every able- bodied male from sixteen up was or had been in the service, and it became necessary to go " eastward " to obtain men to answer the calls. llard money was very scarce and soldiers would no longer take worth- less paper.

Under these difficulties there was but one thing to Jo, and that was to order one-half of the taxes to be paid in hard money. For the eneourgement of those having money to loan, it was agreed to pay all notes in hard currency.

A meeting was held January 11th, when the select-

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men were instructed "to hire the twenty-one men called for on the best terms they can."

Two thousand dollars in hard money was voted, but it is doubtful if so much could be collected. June 28th, a meeting was called to take measures to pro- cure three men for five months, and the selectmen were instructed to hire the men at the town's cost.

The town also voted a rate of £924 in hard money for town expenses. This latter sum was assessed July 18th, and on the 2d of August the town instructed the constables to collect one-halfof it in hard money. A large amount of beef had been called for and farmers would not part with their cattle for paper that was nearly worthless and extensively counterfeited.

On the 21st of August measures were taken to pro- cure three men. It was agreed to continue the bounty already paid, viz .- ten hard dollars bounty and twenty bushels of corn per month for each man. No labor- er at home could earn so much; but the cause was in a critical condition and must be sustained. Two months later, on the surrender of Cornwallis there was very general rejoicing among the patriots.

1782. The war record of this year is very scant, but several calls were received for men, which were no doubt procured according to order. The State was now pressing the payment of the State tax, and the selectmen were instructed to collect "as much money as they can," and pay the same into the treasury.

The people were now anticipating the close of the war, and considering what kind of a treaty should be made. Early in the year Amesbury instructed her representative to use his influence in the General Court for an application to Congress that in any negotiations with Great Britain for peace, the right to fish be an indispensable article in the treaty. This was an important branch of business to the eastern part of Massachusetts.

1784. No road had yet been opened on the river banks through Pleasant Valley, but this year a peti- tiou was laid before the town by several prominent citizens asking leave to locate a highway from the Ferry to the landing near Stephen Patten's. The town consented, provided it could be done at private cost. But people were not willing to give the land, and the measure failed for the present. Although much needed, it was too expensive for private enter- prise.

The Rev. Thomas ITibbert, of the East Parish, was dismissed in consequence of his intemperate habits ; but a portion of the church still adhered to him, finally organizing a new society, which they denomi- nated a "Presbyterian Society." Mr. Hibbert now professed to be a Presbyterian minister and not liable to be taxed for the support of other preaching. He had been compelled to pay his rates, however, and last year commenced a suit to recover back the amount paid. There ensued a bitter controversy for several years.

Oct. 13th. The Rev. Benjamin Bell was ordained pastor of the First Church hy an ecclesiastical coun- eil.

1785. At this time young minister Bell was very popular, and the parish decided to build a parsonage for his better accommodation. A Jot was bought at Bartlett's Corner, where the parish house was built, which became the home of all succeeding ministers.

1786. The trouble with Mr. Hibbert, mentioned in 1784, was continued to this year. He and his friends petitioned the General Court for an act of incorpora- tion as a Presbyterian Society, which met with de- termined opposition from the town. Some of the principal men in the parish, and several Salisbury men, adhered to him and built him a large house, where he preached for some time. Among his spe- cial friends was Deacon David Tuxbury, of " Little Salisbury," at Tuxbury's Mills. He was very per- sistent in establishing a Presbyterian Society, and though failing in his pet scheme every time, he final- ly made another and last effort in 1797. As on pre- vious occasions, he was then unsuccessful.

In 1784 an effort was made to open a river road from the Ferry, along the bank of the river through Pleasant Valley, but without success. This year application was made to the Court of Sessions, which, after a protracted struggle, ordered the road to be opened. The town opposed this road for various rea- sons. It was a bad route to build, requiring several expensive bridges not needed, as the river lots had a road on the north end and the river on the south, and the town was badly in debt. A committee of the most influential men was chosen to oppose it, but without avail. At present this affords one of the finest drives in the valley of the Merrimac.

The West Parish refused to pay Rev. Paine Win- gate his salary in 1784 and he commenced a suit, which was in court till this year, when he recovered judgment and au execution. Ile was now aged, hav- ing preached in the parish forty-eight years.

To aid in quelling the famous "Shay's Rebellion," the town was called upon to furnish sixteen men.

1787. It was the opinion of Amesbury that Boston was not a proper place for the great General Court, and in accordance with this opinion Peleg Challis, then representative, was instructed to use his influence to have it removed " from the town of Boston." The reasons for this change of the seat of government is not stated. We may surmise, however, that Shay's Rebellion had something to do with this new move.

The new meeting-house just completed in the Second Parish was dedicated in course of the year. It was a plain building, after the style of those times, with box pews, similar to those in the Rocky IIill Church, built some two years earlier.

1788. December ISth. The election of the first President of the United States was held to-day. There was apparently but very little enthusiasm, as only twenty-two votes were cast. There was no opposition

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HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

to the illustrious candidate, which may account for the small vote.

1789. This year is especially noted for the visit of President Washington. He arrived at Newburyport on Friday, October 30th, where he received a most hearty welcome, all professions, trades and occupa- tion uniting to do him honor. Saturday morning he was escorted on his way to Portsmouth, passing up High Street to the ancient ferry, opposite Amesbury, where a barge appropriately decorated and oarsmen dressed in white awaited to convey him acro-s the river. Hle landed at the foot of the Court, between the late Jonathan Morrill's and Nathan Nutter's, passing to the north side of Merrimac Street, where ample preparations had been made to receive the il- lu-trious guest. The militia, school children dressed in white, and citizens were here to pay their respects to the great leader, who, by his wisdom and prudence, had elevated the colonies to an exalted position among the nations. And many a war-worn veteran was here to greet for the last time their much beloved general. From Amesbury he passed through the Point and over to Rocky ITill, where the militia were drawn up in line to receive him. He passed through their open ranks with his hat in his hand, bowing to the people. This was truly an exciting and joyful day.

June 3d. The Rev. Francis Welch was ordained pastor of the Second Church.

1791. A petition of Nathaniel Carter and eight others was presented to the Legislature for a charter to buildl a bridge across the river at Deer Island. This measure was opposed by the town and also by New- bury. The petitioners were successful in obtaining a charter, and the bridge was built and opened to the public in 1792.

A grist-mill was this year built by Ebenezer True, on a small stream where the Merrimac Hat-Factory is now located.

1793. Rev. Francis Welch, of the Second Church, died December 15th, aged twenty-eight years, having spent about four years in the ministry in town.

1794. The small-pox prevailed in town this and last year, making it necessary to establish a pest- house. Accordingly, the house of Elijah Jones, situ- ated on the Kimball road, was taken, to which pa- tients were carried and properly cared for.

The old Artillery Company was organized this year by order of the commander-in-chief. The first officers were William Lurvey, captain ; Ephraim Morrill, Erst heutenant ; James Lowell, second lieutenant.

Rev. Ebenezer Cleveland commenced his labors in the East Parish this year.

1795. Tln Revised Constitution of Massachusetts was submitted to the town, and resulted in four yeas and forty -sevch nays.

The Rev. David Smith was ordained pastor of the Second Church this year.

1796. The eastern fisheries were very important to

Massachusetts people, but the treaty with Great Brit- ain was cansing some trouble at this time to our fishing vessels. May 2d, the town met to consider the matter, and a memorial to Congress was approved and signed by one hundred and thirty voters present. The demand for fishing vessels kept the carpenters, blacksmiths and caulkers busy at the many yards, and it was important that fishermen be well protected by government.

The matter of building a school-house at the Ferry occasioned some trouble there, the people not being able to agree what was most advisable to be done. The house was finally built by private subscription, and subsequently sold to the district. Mr. Burrows was the first teacher in the new house, receiving eighteen dollars per month for his services. The record says : " Mr. Burrows began his school January 16, 1797, on Monday. The First School that was Teached in this house." The house was built of brick and located on the town's land, near the late Stafford Sylvester's.

1798. Capt. Timothy Barnard died March 17, 1798. His homestead was the place owned and ocenpied for many years by the late Enoch Winkley, on Main Street. Clark's block and other buiklings now occu- py the spot. He was a mau of business, and served in various town offices, and built vessels at the foot of Mill Street, where in 1771 he had leave to build a wharf to lay his lumber on. He also owned one- fourth of the lower grist-mill in Amesbury, which he purchased of Col. Jonathan Bagley in 1768. He was selectman in 1772 and 1780, and a good penman.

1799. Rev. Ebenezer Cleveland's ministry closed during the year, and the Rev. Stephen Hull was en- gaged to supply the pulpit of the First Church, but was not ordained till 1802.

1800. About this time the carriage business was started in West Amesbury by Michael Emery, Wil- liam Little and Stephen Bailey. This has been the principal business of that section to the present time, and a source of much prosperity.

In the Massachusetts Gazette the following is found : " An extensive iron factory was established at the Mills in 1800, where one thousand tons of iron have been wrought in a year." This ancient iron-works stood on or near the spot now occupied by No. 8 Mill. A heavy trip-hammer was used in shaping the iron and forging the large anchors which were made.

Rev. David Smith was dismissed from the Second Church, May 22d.

1801. A school-house was built at the Mills this year, costing two hundred and fifty dollars. This was probably the brick house on Friend Street.

The East Parish held a meeting to commence some repairs on the meeting-house, and four hundred dol- lars was appropriated to be used in conjunction with a like sum from the pew-holders. A porch and spire were added to the east end of the house, which greatly improved it internally and externally.

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1802. A new school-house was built at West Ames- bury, at an expense of two hundred dollars.

A powder-house was built on Round Hill, near the Pond Hills School-house, similar to the one now standing on Brown's Hill.

The towns were always required to keep a stock of ammunition on hand; but ur til now no safe place was ever provided for that purpose.

1803. At this date the Ferry paid a larger tax and had more schooling than any other district in town. Ship-building, fishing and the West India trade were fa-t building up this section.

The Friends built a meeting-house this year, which was located on the lot where the Free Baptist Church now stands.

1804. The Second Church, having been without a settled pastor since the dismission of the Rev. David Smith, now extended a call to the Rev. Sammel Meade, which was accepted.

A school-house was built at Pleasant Valley, cost- ing three hundred and seven dollars.

1805. Last year an effort was made to establish an academy at Bartlett's Corner, for the benefit of Amesbury and Salisbury.

A stock company was organized, with a capital of two thousand dollars, divided into shares of ten dollars each. A lot was obtained where the High School building now stands. It was at first proposed to locate where Mr. Hibbert's meeting. honse stood, near Mr. Child's residence, and that property was pur- chased for the purpose. Better counsels, however, prevailed and the present beautiful location was obtained. The building was completed this year and Mr. Abner Emerson was appointed the first principal.

On the 24th of December a fire destroyed the nail factory, one grist mill, two blacksmith shops and three hundred cords of wood at the mill. It was described as the greatest conflagration then known.

1806. The death of Capt. John Currier occurred December 22d, at the age of eighty years. His first experience as a soldier was in the old French and Indian War in 1756. He was then commissioned as lieutenant in Capt. George Worthen's company, and did service at Lake George. When companies of minute-men were organized, just previous to open hostilities, he was chosen captain of the Pond Hills company and retained command till the latter part of 1775. He was greatly interested in the struggle for independence, and as selectman and in many other ways performed valuable services throughout the war.

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History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II, Part 130

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