History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II, Part 132

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 132

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Rev. A. C. Childs was installed pastor of the Con- gregational Church and Society at the Mills.

The Amesbury and Salisbury Agricultural and Ilorticultural Society was organized this year.

1857. A change occurred in the manufacturing interest of the village, by the organization of a new company under the title of " Salisbury Mills." This company purchased the whole property of the former company for the sum of two hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars. A long period of prosperity fol- lowed the new arrangement.

For the convenience of the people at South Ames- burg a post-office was this year established, and Eben- czer Fullington was appointed postmaster.

From the earliest date the fish, which were annu- ally caught in the Merrimac, had supplied a large amount of excellent food, but the erection of the mas- sive dam at Lawrence, without a proper sluice-way, prevented the ascent of the fish to their usual spawn- ing-ground, and thus eventually ruined the river-fish- ing. The impurity of the water may have had some- thing to do with the failure of this business-probably had.

Hezekiah Challis, a well-known resident of the Ferry, died January 20th. Ile was a skillful mechanic and at the beginning of the manufacturing business at the Mills was employed in building looms and machi- nery. Ile was a descendant of Philip Watson Challis one of the original settlers in Amesbury. At his death but two bearing that name survived.

1858. Robert Patten, Esq., died at the Mills, Feb- ruary 27th, aged eighty-one years. For a long period he was a prominent man in town affairs, holding the office of selectman eight years, and that of Represen . tative to the tieneral Court three years. He also served on the Board of County Commissioners one term. His homestead, which he bought in 1808, was the original homestead of John Hoyt, Sr., who came across the Powow with the first grantees.

The well known physician, Israel Batch, died at the Ferry This year aged sixty-nine years. He studied medicine with Dr. Jonathan French, a very popular

physician in town, and commenced practice about 1820, and was a skillful surgeon.

Rev. Calvin Damon was this year settled by the Universalist Society at West Amesbury.

Rev. D. G. Estes was again elected rector of St. James' Church and retained till 1872.

1859. The Congregational Church at West Ames- bury was this year sold and removed, and a larger and more costly house erected on the spot. It was dedicated January 12, 1860.

1860. A high school was established this year, to be kept five months at the east end of the town and the same length of time at the west end. The school was opened at the academy.

Rev. T. D. P. Stone was installed pastor of the Con - gregational Church and Society at the Mills October 1.

The appropriations this year were : schools, $2500; poor, $4000; highways, $1000.

The population, according to the census taken this year, was three thousand eight hundred and seventy- seven, a gain of seven hundred and thirty-four in ten years.

1861. This year will ever be remembered as the beginning of the "Great Rebellion," which cost the country untold treasures and probably not far from half a million lives. When the first gun was fired at Fort Sumter, the North was fully aroused to the dan- ger which threatened the Union. A call was made by the President for seventy-five thousand volunteers, which were quickly gathered and mustered into ser- vice. A town-meeting was held April 27th, to take measures to raise a company, and to encourage enlist- ments a bounty of ten dollars per month to single men and twenty dollars per month to married men was offered.

Great enthusiasm prevailed and the proceedings were very harmonious. A company was soon formed and Joseph W. Sargent chosen captain. This com- pany was mustered into service July 5th, and did service during the war in the Fourteenth Regiment, which was subsequently changed to heavy artillery.

Volunteers were readily obtained during the first two years of the war, by bounties ranging from sixty to three hundred dollars. Large sums were appro- priated by the town for the recruiting service and efficient measures taken to meet the calls as soon as made.

Dr. Benjamin Atkinson died October 22d, at West Amesbury, where he commenced practice in 1830, and was a very popular and successful physician, having an extensive practice in the vicinity.

1862. Several calls were made this year, the first being for three years' men. To fill the town's quota, three hundred dollars was offered, which proved effectual. Soon a second call camefor nine months'men, and one hundred and fifty dollars bounty was offered. This proved sufficient to obtain the men. Most of these men went into the Forty-eighth Regiment, com- manded by Col. Eben F. Stone, of Newburyport,

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and served near New Orleans. On the 18th of Sep - tember the town voted to extend the bounty to as many more, in addition to the forty-two men now in camp, as may enlist towards the next call.

The county commissioners having issued an order for the rebuilding of Powow River bridge, the selert- men were ordered to act with those of Salisbury in carrying on the work. It was an expensive, but thorough work, requiring a large amount of stone. The old draw was entirely discontinued.

Rev. T. D. P. Stone was dismissed from the Con- gregationalist Society at the Mills, July 30th, and Rev. George E. Freeman engaged Nov. 2d.

The great demand for woolen goods induced the Salisbury Mills to enlarge their works by removing the old nail factory aud erecting a large mill on the spot, now known as No. 8. This mill was dedicated by a soldiers' levee, which proved the largest gathering ever held in town.

Jonathan Morrill died June 29th, aged seventy-two. He was born in Salisbury and was a descendant of Abraham Morrill, who built the first corn-mill on the A charter was obtained by a company to build a horse railroad from Newburyport to Amesbury, with a capital of $120,000. The road was built and has been of great convenience to those living on the line. Powow. In the War of 1812 he served as master-at- arms on board the privateer "Decatur," which his father, " Ensign Morrill " (as he was generally called ), built. He was also interested in the factory on Mill The " Horton Hat Company " was organized the present year by Alfred Bailey and others, and the Street, which his father built in 1813. He repre- sented the town two years in the Legislature, and | manufacture of hats commenced near the present served as selectman several times. brick building of the Merrimac Company.

1863. The town having incurred a large debt, which could not well be paid at present, it was de- cided to issue bonds to the amount of $20,000. These were to draw five per cent. interest, and were redeem- able in five years and payable in twenty.

As the war progressed it grew more difficult to ob- tain men for the army, and resort was had to a draft. people dreaded and had taken every possible measure to avoid. Eighty-eight men were drafted, from which fifty-nine were to be selected. Some immediately en- listed, while others who were accepted paid the com- mutation fee of $300. The selectmen were instructed to procure the men called for at the expense of the town.

The "Amesbury Hat Company " was organized this year, and after purchasing a portion of the town's landing near Powow River, proceeded to erect a build- ing for that purpose. The business was highly pros- perous, in common with all other branches. Subse- quently this company was consolidated with and became a part of the Merrimac Hat Company.

Another mill was built this year, although for a different purpose. The "Hollow Mill," so-called, because located in Patten's Hollow, where the oil-mill and tannery once stood, was intended for the manu- facture of woolen goods. It commenced operations by running eight sets of machinery driven by an engine of two hundred horse-power. It was a stock company, owned mostly in Amesbury and Salisbury.

The Wharf Company at South Amesbury was in- corporated this year, with the right to extend a wharf into the river one hundred and fifteen feet and also to collect wharfage.

The Mills School District appropriated $3500 to pur- chase a lot and build a school-house. The old High School building, on School Street, was then built.

The death of Lowell Bagley, Esq., cecurred Feb. 26th at the Ferry. His principal business was hold- ing Justices' Courts, writing wills and deeds, surveying land and settling estates. He held the office of select- man five years and was twice elected representative to the General Court.

1864. This year $10,000 was appropriated to con- tinue the recruiting service, and strenuous efforts were put forth to fill the renewed calls. Large bounties were offered, and it is believed that every call received a full quota from Amesbury.

Abner L. Bailey was authorized by the Legislature to extend and improve his wharf at the Ferry and collect wharfage.

A national bank was this year established at West Amesbury, with a capital of $50,000, which has since been increased to $200,000.

An effort was made to unite the towns of Amesbury and Salisbury, but when submitted to the people, failed to receive their approval.

1865. The Civil War closed in the early part of the This was really an alarming measure, one which the year, and the soldiers who had fought so nobly for their country, returned to their homes. But not all came-many sleep on the Southern battle-fields, and the general rejoicing through the country is to some a sad reminder of husbands, fathers and sons who will return no more. Amesbury furnished about four hundred men, Of these, twenty died of sickness, seven were killed, thirteen wounded and six were confined in Andersonville Prison, two of whom died before reaching home.

A Catholic Church was built this year at the Mills, on the site of the present large structure, and dedi- cated Aug. 26, 1866.

Rev. Edward A. Rand was ordained pastor of the Congregational Society at the Mill-, March 2d.

1866. Amesbury has four villages, and there was no central point for a high school, convenient for all, nor was it convenient to establish two such schools-one at each end of the town; consequently the four grammar schools were raised to the grade of high school requirements. This was expensive, but a very convenient arrangement.

This year the South Amesbury Wharf Company

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HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

erected a large building in connection with citizens, who subscribed about eight hundred dollars in order to sceure the upper story for a ball. Citizens' Hall has been a very valuable acquisition to the village.

1867. Greenwood Street, containing some fine resi- dences, was accepted as a public highway. This is one of the pleasantest streets in town.

Rey. Leander Thompson was dismissed from the Congregationalist Society at West Amesbury, May 2d, and Rev. E. A. Rand from the Congregationalist So- ciety at the Mills, May 3d. Rev. W. F. Bacon was ordained, September 26th, as Mr. Rand's successor.

A Baptist Church was organized at West Ames- bury, April 5th. Rev. John Brady was assigned to the pastorate of the Catholic Church the present May.

1868. This year the bridges across the Merrimac River were made free by act of the Legislature, thus throwing the entire expense of repairs on the towns in the immediate vicinity. Amesbury objected to this heavy tax, and refused to raise money to meet the ex- penses. Counsel was employed, but without avail, and the responsibility to a proportionate extent was fastened upon the town.

Aubin Street, containing a large population, was accepted as a public highway this year.

The West Amesbury Branch Railroad was incor- porated May 8th, with a capital of one hundred and fourteen thousand dollars.

Rev. Henry W. Kling was installed pastor of the Baptist Society at West Amesbury in July.

The school accommodations at South Amesbury failing to meet the wants of the pupils, a new house was built, containing two fine rooms, and costing five thousand dollars.

Ilon. William Nichols died at West Amesbury, November 30th. An appropriate sketch of him will be found in Merrimac.

Rev. Lewis Gregory was ordained pastor of the Congregationalist Church and Society at West Ames- bury, October 15th.

1869. In consequence of a law abolisbing the school district system, measures were taken by the town to appraise all school property, previous to tak- ing control. This law wound up the system which had prevailed for nearly a century.

Communication by rail from the Mills to West Amesbury was greatly to be desired, and a charter for that purpose was obtained. But without town aid, funds could not be raised equal to the work. A full town-meeting was held to obtain an expression of the people, which proved to be adverse to the un- dertaking and the enterprise was abandoned.

The proprietors of the academy procured an act of incorporation under the title of "Amesbury and Sal- isbury Academy Incorporation," with power to hold real estate to the amount of ten thousand dollars.

The West Amesbury High School building was en- Jurged and greatly improved the present year, at a cost of eight thousand dollars.

On the 15th of July the corner-stone of the Baptist Church at West Amesbury was laid by the society founded in 1867.

Rev. William F. Potter was this year settled by the Universalist Society at West Amesbury.

The carriage-factory of J. R. Huntington, in Lin- coln Court, was burnt, April 23d, and he commenced building near the depot the following May.

The present post-office building was erected this year, and also the block of stores on the opposite side of the street, by the Salisbury Mills Company.

1870. The population of the town now numbers five thousand five hundred and eighty-one, an increase of one thousand and seventy-four during the last ten years.

The appropriations have largely increased, owing in part to the change in the school system. For schools, $6600; for highways, $2500; for poor and town charges, 87000.

A school-house was this year built at the Ferry, costing seven thousand dollars.

On the 4th of February a most destructive fire oc- curred at West Amesbury. The wheel-factory of Foster & Howe, with the adjoining buildings and contents, were entirely consumed ; the total loss being not far from twenty-eight thousand dollars.

On the evening of the 5th of November the ancient academy was burnt. It was the work of an incendi- ary, no doubt, and it is a little singular that it was hurnt "pope night."

1871. The newly-located roads around "Sargent's square " at West Amesbury were accepted by the town, and also Pleasant Street at the Mills.

A fire district was organized at West Amesbury the present year.

The stable of C. W. Little was burnt June 2d, but most of the contents were saved.

Rev. T. S. Boyd was installed pastor of the Congre- gationalist Society at the Mills December 27th.

Rev. N. R. Wright was settled by the Universalist Society at West Amesbury.

Captain Thomas Baily died at the Ferry, May 30th, aged eighty-two years. In early life he was a school- teacher, employed in several districts in town as early as 1812. At a later date he was largely engaged in ship-building. He was frequently on the Board of Selectmen, and served as Representative in 1828.

1872. The Salisbury Mills completed a dam across Powow River at White Hall, flowing a large tract of land, and inclosing a large body of water now known as " Lake Gardner." It was an expensive work, in- volving an outlay of some sixty thousand dollars.

The necessity of a larger hall in the village has been apparent for some length of time, and this year Messrs. Kelley and Woods completed the Merrimac Opera Hall on Friend Street.

Under a recent act of the Legislature road com- missioners were chosen, but their services proving

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unsatisfactory, the old system was restored after one year's experience.

Rev. E. M. Bartlett was installed pastor of the Baptist Church and Society at West Amesbury in October of this year.

Rev. Samuel S. Speer was elected rector of St. James' Church, and officiated till 1877.

On the 15th of August, about ten o'clock P.M., the hat factory near Powow River bridge was found to be on fire, and so rapid was the progress of the flames that the engines in town were unable to do but little service, except to protect the neighboring buildings. The factory was a large four-story wooden building, erected in 1863, and employed eighty persons.

On the night of the 24th of August, the barn at the " Major Gordon " place at the Ferry was burnt.

1873. On the evening of November 3d the Town Hall was found to be on fire, and owing to the scarcity of water, the engines which, were promptly on hand, were unable to render much assistance. It was the work of an incendiary without doubt, and done at this time to bother the town-meeting on the morrow.

The people assembled to hold the annual election, simply opening the meeting, and then adjourning to the house of Joseph Merrill, who was then clerk, and the election was gone through with in due form. Failing to elect the full number of Representatives a second meeting was held at Mr. Merrill's Nov. 24th.

Rev. Dr. Corkin was engaged as pastor of the Uni- versalist Society at We-t Amesbury.

The foundation of the new Catholic Church was laid with appropriate cermonies this year.

The horse railroad from Newburyport to Amesbury was completed this year, and was very liberally pa- tronized.

The Amesbury and Salisbury Christian Society formed a church under the charge of Rev. George T. Ridlon.

The constant increase of population had so in- creased the number of scholars, that it became nec- essary to provide additional room. To meet this want, a house was built on Friend Street, at a cost of five thousand dollars.

The town decided to aid in building the " Ames- bury Railroad" to the amount of fifty thousand dollars, but the undertaking failed of success.

1874. The death of Dr. Thomas Sparhawk oc- curred at Newburyport, May 17th. He was a promi- nent and much beloved physician at Amesbury for many years, removing to the city a short time before his death. He freely gave to all in want, and was ever ready to aid suffering humanity, being truly the " poor man's doctor."

A monument was erected over his grave by his friends and very properly inscribed "To the memory of our beloved physician."

This year a soldiers' monument was erected in the East Cemetery and dedicated by appropriate services.

1876. Amesbury, which for more than one hun- dred and thirty years had seen but slight change in its territory, was this year, by act of the Legislature, cut in two, and the town of Merrimac established in the West Parish. Thus, one-half the territory and two-fifths of the population were lost. The measure was strongly opposed by many, but without success. Financially the old town lost nothing by the change, while the new town gained some advantages with very little expense.

During the summer the Salisbury Mills suspended operations, which deprived hundreds of persons of employment, causing a very general depression in business.

June 1st. The Ring House at the Pond caught fire from a defect in the chimney, and was entirely con- sumed, with its contents.

1877. It was now very hard times, and help conld be obtained at less than living prices. In fact, many were unable to find work at any price. The only ex- ception was the carriage business, which continued good through the whole period of depression.

1878. During the latter part of last year the Merri- mac Hat Company commenced the foundation of the present factory near Bailey's Pond.

The old mill at Salisbury Point had become unfit for use, and the abundant supply of pure water here made this a desirable location.

The building was completed early in the season, and dedicated March 21st, by a fair for the benefit of the Old Ladies' Home. It proved a decided success, the net proceeds amounting to one thousand dollars.

In May the Salisbury Mills were sold to John Gardner and others for one hundred and sixty thou- sand dollars. This was a most pitiable price, and citizens should have combined for the purchase. The change brought no relief; the mills were allowed to stand idle.

1879. Dr. Henry S. Dearborn, of the Mills, died August 25th. He was a physician of long standing, and had an extensive practice.

1880. Jonathan Nayson, Esq., died at the Mills April 23d. He was a druggist in town for many years, but had at different periods been engaged in other callings. The Amesbury Chronicle, devoted to the election of Andrew Jackson to the Presidency, was published by him and John Caldwell. In 1836 he was elected to the Legislature, and again in 1852, and also to the Constitutional Convention. Under Pierce's administration he was appointed weigher and ganger. Under Van Buren's administration he was appointed postmaster. IIe also held the office of selectman for several years.

On the 16th of March the Essex Mils were sold to the Hamilton Company for three hundred thousand dollars. The sale of these mills to this wealthy or- ganization was hailed as the harbinger of better times; nor were people disappointed in their expec- tations, as will shortly be seen.

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HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

1881. The Congregational Church at the Mills celebrated its fiftieth anniversary on the 6th of De- cember. It was interesting to note the changes which had occurred since 1831, when the first organization was effected. The village had largely increased sinee the erection of the factories, and it was felt that the village people ought not to be under the necessity of attending the Sandy Hill meeting. But notwith- standing the large increase of population, there were but eleven found to join in calling a council to organ- ize the new church. In May, 1832, the late Eleazer A. Johnson was chosen clerk, which office he re- tained for forty years. He was present on this occa- sion, although very aged, and enjoyed every word spoken. Rev. Joseph II. Towne, D.D., the first pas- tor, was also present, and took part in the services, calling to mind many recollections of the last half- century. An historical address was delivered by the pastor, Rev. Pliny S. Boyd, full of interesting infor- mation, which was listened to by a very large audi- ence.

The Hamilton Company, having purchased the en- tire property of the Essex Mills, were now making extensive changes aud repairs on the corporation, with a view of putting their mills in full operation. New and improved machinery was procured to re- place the old and worn, and several mills were changed from woolen to cotton. Business now wore a more cheerful aspect, nearly all of the operatives being busy at work.

1882. The large increase of scholars in towu made it necessary to provide more school-rooms, and the committee and selectmen, by a nearly unanimous vote, were authorized to build on the Academy lot. A large two-story house was built with special reference to accommodating the High and Grammar Schools, which were opened here after its completion.

On the morning of the 10th of December the old Catholic Church, which had been removed to the rear of the new one, was burned, including a large and valuable library.

1883. During a severe shower on the 5th of July, the Hollow Mill was struck by lightning, and with its contents consumed. This was an unfortunate event, throwing out of employ a large number of operatives whose monthly pay was abont $5000.

The want of better means for extinguishing fires in the village had for a long period caused some fear in case the most thickly-settled part should be attacked by the devouring element, and a contract was made with the new Water Company for a supply of water. The large reservoir of the company is situated on Powow Hill, some two hundred feet above Market Square and the water may readily be carried to all party of the village.

The Amesbury National Bank, with a capital of $100,000), was organized, and commenced business the present venr, with Alexander M. Huntington presi- dent, and F. F. Morrill cashier.

1835. The matter of sewerage came before the town April 17th, when a plan for the village was laid before the meeting and was adopted. This system will require some thirty thousand dollars to complete the sewerage of the village. The meeting appro- priated six thousand five hundred dollars to commence the work. On the 10th of September Rev. H. M. Scher- merhorn was ordained pastor of the Congregational Church at the Mills.

1886. The 28th, 29th and 30th of January will long be remembered for the ice which covered every tree and twig, loading them so heavily that day and night the woods resounded with crashing limbs. The oldest inhabitants had no recollection of its equal, although in 1831 there was a heavy covering which did much damage. This year a little twig became an inch in diameter and it is hardly possible to estimate the load the trees were carrying.

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History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II, Part 132

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