History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II, Part 131

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 131

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1808. The embargo was now having a very damag- ing effect on ship-building, and the discontent in town found expression in the following vote : " Vo.ed to petition the President of the United States, pray- ing him to suspend the operation of the law laying an embargo on vessels of the United States."

Col. Isaac Whittier died February 10th, at South

Amesbury, having been a prominent man in town affairs. He served as selectman eleven years, being chosen chairman of the board at his first term and at five subsequent elections.

1809. Dr. Nathan IIuse died April 23d, aged nine- ty-two years. He came from West Newbury about 1739, and settled at the Highlands, in the West Par- ish. ITis practice extended over a period of about seventy years.

Capt. Isaac Randall died at the Ferry, April 27th, aged eighty-two years. He served several years on the Board of Selectmen, and was an excellent pen- man, and the records of his keeping are in fine >hape.

1810. Ship-building had revived, and carpenters were busy in all of the yards. There were built on the river this year twenty-one ships, thirteen brigs, one schooner and seven other vessels of various di- mensions.

On the morning of August 26th Nathan Long's bakery at the Ferry was burnt.

The Nail Factory Company bought of Deacon David Tuxbury half an acre at the pond's mouth, to obtain control of the flowage of the pond.

1812. Rev. Stephen Hull asked a dismission from the First Church, and his request was granted by a council early in 1813.

June 13th. War was declared against Great Britain. It was very unpopular in this town, and but few soldiers entered the army from here. The military companies were drilled, however, to be in readine-s should a call be made.

The first factory was now built at the Mills, by Ezra Worthen, Paul Moody and others, and the manufacture of woolen goods begun on a small scale. It was an experiment, but very successful.

1813. The war created a brisk demand for home manufactures, and a second factory was built, by Jonathan Morrill, Esq., commonly known as "Ensign Morrill," and his sons Jacob and Jonathan. Both mills were located on Mill Street, where they still remain, though greatly changed from their original form.

* The goods manufactured were mostly designed at first to clothe the army, but changed according to the demand.

Widow Judith Bagley died August 1st, at the Pond Hills, aged ninety-seven years, four months and four days. She was the daughter of Joseph and Judith Sargent, and great-granddaughter of William ( Ist). Her youngest son (Philip) was jail-keeper at New- buryport and sheriff for many years.

1816. This year is specially noted for the strong effort made to annex the towns north of the Merri- mac River to New Hampshire. Amesbury ap- proved the plan, and chose a committee to consult with other towns in regard to the measure. The in- centive to this action was probably the moderate taxes in the adjoining State.

Rev. Benjamin Sawyer was installed pastor of the

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HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

First Church on the 19th of June. He was from Cape Elizabeth, but had been preaching here since 1814.

The manufacture of earthen-ware was commenced this year at the River Village, by James Chase, who continued the business till his death, in 1858, when his son Phineas succeeded him.

1817. President Monroe passed through the Ferry and Mills this year on his northern tour, stopping long enough to visit the factories then in operation.

No unusual display was had on this occasion, although the people were well pleased to entertain him.

1818. The Iron and Nail Company were now in full operation, doing an extensive business, and it was surmised that the personal property was not fully taxed. The town ordered an investigation, which showed all to be right.

Benjamin Lurvey, Esq., died at the Ferry January 24th, after a long and useful life. He had been hon- ored with nearly every office within the gift of his fellow-townsmen. lle was chosen representative to the General Court five times, and was elected a mem- ber of the Constitutional Convention, which shows that he was held in high esteem. He served twelve years on the Board of Selectmen and did much legal business, such as writing deeds and wills and settling estates. Being a sea captain, he was familiar with navigation, and received pupils for instruction in that branch

1819. The Pond School District was established this year, being a portion of the Pond Highway Dis- trict.

Rev. Moses Welch was ordained pastor of the Sec- oud Church in June of this year.

Marchant Cleaves died April 27th. He lived near the Catholic Church, and late in life kept a grocery- store there, but was by trade a tailor, having a shop on the town's land at the Ferry. Hle served as select- man several years, and was prominent in parish affairs.

1820. The mill now known as No. 3, standing hard by the Mills' Bridge, was built this year.

A post-office was first established at the Mills this year, and Jonathan Morrill appointed postmaster. It was kept near the residence of Mr. Steere.

1822. Warren Lodge of Accepted Masons was chartered this year, Benjamin Sawyer, Edward Dorr, Lowell Bagley, John Colby, Nathaniel Fifield, Wil- bam O. Mil's, Valentine Bagley, George W. Bagley, Daniel Long, James Horton, David Nayson, Benja- min R. Downes, William HI. Bagley and Samuel Walton being charter members.

"The Amesbury Flannel Manufacturing Com- pany " was incorporated this year with a capital of two hundred thousand dollars, and Joshua Aubin, Faq., was appointed agent and continued for many your -. Mr. " Anbin's factory " was on Mill Street.

The road under the bank from South Amesbury to

Pressey's bridge was built this year, being a continu- ation of the Pleasant Valley Road built in 1786. This completed a direct and very pleasant way be- tween the two villages, over which there is much travel.

October 28th Valentine Colby sold the right to flow his land around the pond to the "Amesbury Nail Company."

1823. The hotel at the Mills, now known as the American Ilouse, was built this year by John Gilman, who was landlord for some years. Since its erection it has been enlarged by a new front. The old wooden tavern-house occupied by Daniel Long was removed to make room for the new brick structure.

1824. A portion of the Mills Landing was sold to the Amesbury Flannel Company.

Dr. Jonathan French died April 17th. He was a good surgeon and successful practitioner. Previous to his absence in New York he resided in the house owned by the late James Follansbee.

1825. A poor-farm was purchased near Sanders' Hill, in the Birch Meadow District, this year.

Dr. Philip Towle commenced practice at the Ferry, taking the place of Dr. Rufus Hill, who had gone West

The large mill now known as No. 2 was built this year by the Salisbury Company. The old nail-fac- tory was sold to this company and converted into a weaving-room.

1826. Rev. Peter S. Eaton was ordained pastor of the Second Church September 20th.

1827. St. James' Episcopal Church was organized this year at the Mills.

The road at the Duck Hole was widened and straightened to Haverhill line.

The ferry at Patten's Creek was rented to Stephen Baily for five years at one dollar per year. It had be- come nearly useless.

A Congregational Society was organized at the Mills this year, being the third of that denomination" in town.

The Unitarians, having built a church on Main Street, installed the Rev. David Damon pastor.

The Provident Institution for Savings in Salisbury and Amesbury was incorporated this year. Jacob Brown, Esq., was chosen president and Robert Pat- ten, Esq., treasurer.

1829. The famous breakwater across Joppa Flats was commenced this year, and thousands of tons of stone were boated down the river by John Hunting- ton and David Goodwin, and thrown within the frame-work to solidify the structure.

The first steamer on the Merrimac made a trial trip this year.

1830. The population of the town, by the census taken this year, was two thousand four hundred and forty-five.

Christopher Sargent, Esq., died November 10th, being more than ninety years of age. He was the great-

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grandson of William (1st) and a very prominent and useful man in town affairs. He served on the Board of Selectmen thirteen years, was representative four- teen years, and town clerk nine years. He wrote many deeds and wills, and his influence in town is said to have been very great. His grandsou Moses now owns the homestead.

The appropriations were,-Schools, $1000; town charges, 82000; highways, $900.

1831. The middle road, from near the house of Geo. W. Bartlett to that of Daniel F. Morrill, was laid out this year, although strongly opposed by the town.

The organization of the Congregational Church at the Mills was effected this year, the late Eleazer A. Johnson being chosen clerk, which office he held for forty years. Jonathan A. Sargent and George Per- kins were chosen deacons.

Ephraim Weed died at the Pond Hills December 28th, aged eighty-one years. He served as town clerk twenty-seven years, and as selectman three years.

Jacob Bagley Currier, a Revolutionary soldier, died at the Ferry August 3d, aged eighty.

1832. The people were greatly alarmed this year by the prevalence of the Asiatic cholera in some of the large cities. The most stringent sanitary meas- ures were adopted to guard against this scourge.

Dr. Philip Toole died March 4th at Charleston, S. C., whither he had gone for his health.

This year is also somewhat noted for the attempts to make oil from the sun-flower. Works were erect- ed where the Hollow Mill formerly stood, and power obtained by a dam which flowed the low ground west of the road and produced "Patten's Pond." Farmers were induced to raise sun-flowers, hoping that this new branch of business might prove profitable. But the enterprise did not succeed, and the mill was changed to a tannery, and so occupied for many years.

1833. The articles of amendment to the Constitu- tion of Massachusetts, abolishing the compulsory support of any particular religious sect, came before the November meeting and were approved by one hundred and thirty-five yeas to two nays, thus show- ing a liberal spirit.

1834. For a few years past the idea of introducing the cultivation of silk has been entertained by a few persons in town. Chinese mulberry trees were set to feed the worms on, and the needed preparations made for successful work. Captain Thomas Bailey, at the Ferry, planted a large number of trees, which grew finely, and in time succeeded in raising more than one hundred thousand worms. His large storehouse on the wharf afforded an excellent opportunity for testing the practicability of the experiment, and all went well till the worms were within ten days of maturity, when some evil-disposed person or persons broke into the premises and destroyed nearly the whole of them. This was fatal to the silk culture in Amesbury.

Rev. Joseph Towne was installed first pastor of the new society at the Mills March 5th.

1835. This year a general widening and straighten- ing of the river road was ordered by the county commissioners.

The aged Revolutionary soldier, William Hunting- ton, died February 15th. He was in the army for some length of time and was present at the surrender of Burgoyne.

Rev. Benjamin Bell, for several years pastor of the First Church, died December 31st. In his early life he was an cloquent preacher, and drew full houses.

Rev. Benjamin Sawyer resigned the pastorate of the First Church, where he had labored since 1814 New societies had drawn away mauy members and made it very difficult to raise the required salary. He was the last pastor settled by this ancient church and society, which had withstood the changes of time for one hundred and sixty-nine years.

1836. Captain Thomas Bailey erected a mill for grinding and other purposes on the Great Swamp Brook, where it enters the river and where the Merri- .mac Hat Factory has since been built. Here he set in operation the first planing-machine used in town.

The Universalist Church at West Amesbury was built this year.

On the 30th of October Rev. J. H. Towne, who was installed pastor of the Congregational Church and Society at the Mills in 1834, was formally dis- missed.

St. James' Church was consecrated October 22d. The society previously worshipped in Washington Hall. The Rev. Henry M. Davis was uow stated supply for one year.

The l'owow River Bauk was incorporated this year with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars.

The removal of John Greenleaf Whittier from Haverhill, his native town, to Amesbury took place this year. He purchased a residence ou Friend Street at the Mills, which is still his home. although much of his time is spent at Oak Knoll, Danvers. His poems have a world-wide fame and his home- ballads possess charms which no other poet can claim.

1837. This year began a very bitter contest in re- gard to the disposal of this town's share of the sur- plus revenue which the United States had deposited with the States, and which was passed to the towns. Many were in favor of reserving the sunt as a school fund, and on the other hand a strong party advocated its division according to population. Many meetings were held with varying results, sometimes one party being iu the ascendency and then, perhaps, the next meeting reconsidering all that had been done. The controversy was continued through the year and into the succeeding one. The final disposal was a divi- sion among the people, in the shape of loans, each one giving a note for the amount ($2.00).

Rev. Peter S. Eaton was dismissed from the pas-

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HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

torate of the Second Church May 10th, and the Rev. Lucius W. Clark was installed on the Ist of Novem- ber following.

Rev. E. G. Brooks was this year ordained pastor of the Universalist Society at West Amesbury.

Rev. Charles C. Taylor was called to supply the pulpit of the Episcopal Society and retained till 18440.

Rev. James B. Hadley was ordained pastor of the Union Evangelical Society at the Ferry and Point September 20, 1838.

1839. Daniel Weed, Esq., died October 10th, hav- ing held the office of town elerk for the last twenty years. Ile was a good penman and the records were neatly and faithfully kept while in his possession.

Amos Weed, his brother, sneeceded him, holding the office till 1844.

Captain John Blasdell died at the Ferry .August 21st. Ile was in the army during a part of the Revo- lutionary War and drew a pension some years before his death.

Captain Valentine Bagley died at Bartlett's Corner Jannary 19th. In his early life he was a sea-faring, man, and once (:st away on the desert of Arabia, where his sufferings were beyond the power of de- seription. The last of his life was spent as landlord of the tavern-stand since owned by the late Daniel Huntington.

The River Distriet built a school-honse this year, the second story being occupied as a hall by the citizens.

Rev. J. S. Barry was settled by the Universalist Society at West Ame-bury this year.

Rev. Seth H. Keeler was dismissed from the C'on- gregational Society at the Mills October 7th.

1840. The poor-farm purchased in 1825 was any- thing but satisfactory, on account of its wet and heavy soil, which was unfit for old people to work on. Such being the case, the selectmen were in- structed to sell it, which order was carried into effect. The White Ilall Road was widened and straightened, greatly improving it.

James Il. Davis opened a school in the Academy, which was continued for several years with good success.

Rev. Samuel Il. Merrill was installed pastor of the t'ongregational Society at the Mills September 16th.

1841. The old road from the pound to the late Orlando Sargent's has for many years subjected the town to a good deal of expense on account of the accumulation of snow, and to avoid this difficulty, and at the same time secure a more level route, a road was built under the hill, which was a great im- provement.

Rev. Silas Blaisdell was engaged by the Episcopal Society and retained till 1844.

The Universalist Society at West Amesbury settled the R \. J. J. Locke the present year.

1842. On the 27th of July Nathan Nutter, Thomas

Osgood and Isaac Martin sailed out over the bar for a fare of fish and by some misfortune were upset and drowned.

On the 3Ist of August Rev. L. W. Clark, of the Congregational Church and Society at West Amesbury was dismissed, and December 29th the Rev. Henry B. Smith was ordained pastor.

1843. The custom of holding town-meetings in the meeting-houses was discontinued this year, and a town hall built at Pond Hills.

Little Salisbury (so called) was, on petition of Jon- athan Ring and others, annexed to Amesbury.

James Ilorton and others obtained a charter to build a railroad from the Eastern to the Mills, and Jonathan Elliott and others also obtained leave to build a road to New Hampshire line.

The house of Jonathan Morrill, Esq., was burnt March 5th, by means of the defeets in a clay chimney.

1844. Rev. S. H. Merrill was dismissed from the Congregational Society at the Mills, and Rev. John II. Mordough engaged as stated supply.

Rev. D. Gordon Estes was elected rector of St. Jamey Church, which office he held till 1850, when the Rev. W. Williams succeeded him till 1852.

At the annual meeting Joseph Merrill, Jr., was chosen town clerk, which office he retained till 1880.

1845. The Universalist Society at the Mills was in- corporated April 8th. There was many years ago a society of this order in the village which, through ne- gleet, had become extinet. The new society worship- ped for about two years in Washington Hall, but purchased the old Episcopal Church, which was re- moved to Friend Street, and enlarged and refitted for use. Rev. George G. Strickland was engaged as pastor.

1846. The peculiarity of this year was the mania for railways, The first proposition was for a road from the Mills to Plaistow, N. H., and the second was from the Mills to the Boston and Maine, by way. of South Amesbury. Both were approved by the town and both came to naught.

The new Episcopal Church was consecrated on the 5th of November.

1847. The subject of a new town was agitated this year, and a petition sent to the Legisla- ture for an act of incorporation. The territory in- eluded came as far west as the Kimball road and near John Huntington's, on the river. This move was very strongly opposed by the town, and finally defeated.

Rev. S. C. Hewit was installed pastor of the Uni- versalist Society at the Mills the present year.

1848. The Sandy Hill meeting-house was sold and removed this year, the society having become unable to support preaching. Thus in one hundred and thirty-three years from its erection at the parsonage, and eighty-eight years from its rebuilding at Sandy Hill, this venerable edifice disappears to be seen no more.

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AMESBURY.

The Congregational Church at West Amesbury ex- tended a call to Rev. Albert Paine, and he was or- dained September 7th.

The West Amesbury Wheel Company was incor- porated this year with a capital of forty thousand dollars. The works are situated on Cobler's Brook, near the grist-mill of the late Humphrey Nichols. This grist-mill and privilege, with a large tract of land in the vicinity, was formerly owned by the Har- vey family. The last of the family here was John H. Hoag, who owned a few acres and small house near the Universalist Church.

1849. The present town farm at the Liou's Mouth was purchased this year. This place was for many years the homestead of the Bartletts, Deacons Stephen aud Simeon living there in 1762 and subse- quent to that time.

The Free Baptist Church on Friend Street was completed this year and dedicated September 20th. It was erected on the lot which for many years was occupied by the Friends' Meeting-house.

Rev. E. Howe was engaged to supply the pulpit of the Universalist Church at West Amesbury, and the Rev. Josiah Gilman that of the Universalist Society at the Mills.

1850. The town schools have been gradually pro- gressing in work and expense until the sum of two thousand dollars has been reached for their support. The population also has increased from 2471 in 1840, to 3143 in 1850, which is a gain of 672 during the last decade.

Ship-building has not wholly died out, as we now find Osgood & McCay asking for the use of part of the town's landing at the Ferry for a ship-yard.

The necessity of some more efficient means of ex- tinguishing fires was most satisfactorily shown by the burning of William Chase's house at South Ames- bury, and at the November meeting the sum of two thousand dollars was voted for the purchase of four fire-engines to be located in the four villages.

Rev. Rufus King was ordained at the Congrega- tional Church at the Mills April 7th.

The Society of Friends built their meeting-house, now standing on the corner of Friend and Sandy Hollow Streets.

James H. Davis, who had for the last ten years taught a private school in the academy, removed to his new room on Friend Street the present year.

1851. The mill built by the late Thomas Bailey, very near the spot now occupied by the Merrimac Hat Factory, was, April 2d, swept away by the break- ing of the second dam, which precipitated a large body of water against the first dam, which soon gave way, washing the mill with an immense body of sand into the river. A violent rain was the occasion of this disaster.

On the 16th of April a furious northeast storm caused a sudden rise in the river, which swept away the ancient button tree, which was the southeast

bound of the landing next to the farm of the late Thomas Page. This tree was very ancient, being mentioned in 1703, and no doubt the local name of " Buttonwood " was derived from it. As age in- creased the top had crumbled away till the roots out- numbered the branches, and it floated gracefully down the current with its roots uppermost.

The South School-house at the Ferry, standing on the homestead lot of the late Benjamin Lurvey, Esq., was built this year.

Rev. H. P. Cutting was settled by the Universalist Society at West Amesbury this year.

1852. The most unfortunate event of the year was the strike of the operatives in the Salisbury Mills, of which Mr. Derby was agent. The cause of this ruin- ous proceeding was the abridgment of the ancient privilege of stepping out for a luncheon in the course of the forenoon, a privilege which had nearly died out; but the principle involved was what the opera- tives contended for. The town sustained the men. appropriating two thousand dollars to aid them, in addition to private subscriptions. But the company had their way, importing help, which materially changed the population of the village, but not for the better.

Rev. J. Davenport was settled by the Universalist Society at West Amesbury and Rev. J. E. Pomfret at the Mills.

Rev. Benjamin Austin was elected rector of St. James' Church and retained till 1854.

A carpenter's shop was this year built by Alfred Bailey near the site of the mill which was washed away, but finally disposed of to the Merrimac Hat Company for a dye-house. During the fall Mr. Bai- ley placed another building nearer the river for me- chanical purposes.

1853. The manufacture of cheap carriages was now commenced at the Mills by Jacob R. Huntington, Esq. A few carriages had previously been built by Charles B. Patten and others, but they were clumsy and ex- pensive. Mr. Huntington put a cheap article on the market, which sold readily, and enabled the multi- tude to ride. More will be given under the head of manufactures.

1854. A petition by John S. Morse and others was presented to the county commissioners asking for the location of a road from New Hampshire line to Merrimac River. This route avoided the sharp hill near the late Barzilla Colby's by ranging along on the north cant and entering the old road near George W. Sargent's house. It also cut a way from Johnson's Corner to the river near the bridge at South Ames- bury. The town opposed the measure, but the peti- tioners were successful.

Rev. Albert Paine was dismissed from the Congre- gational Society at West Amesbury April 11th, and Rev. Leander Thompson was installed September 20th.

1855. By leave from the Legislature, the town sold

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HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

a portion of the ancient landing at the Mills to the | Salisbury Manufacturing Company May 23d. A town-meeting was held to act upon six articles of amendment to the constitution of the State, and they were approved by a vote of twenty-five yeas to five nays.

Rev. Robert F. Chase was elected rector of St. James' Church and continued till 1858.

1856. This was the ever memorable " Know-Noth- ing" year, and the vote for Governor stood, Henry J. Gardner (Know-Nothing), four hundred and twenty- eight to one hundred and fifty-three for all others. The Presidential vote was five hundred and ninety- six, being the largest ever cast.

Rev. William P. Colby was engaged to supply the pulpit of the Universalist Church at West Ames- bury.

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History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II, Part 131

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