History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II, Part 168

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 168

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It was at this time that Washington fearlessly and strenuously exerted his influence in favor of the Con- stitution which, as president of the Convention, he had submitted to the States. It was unquestionably the weight of his influence which carried the Consti- tution through the State of Virginia, against the persistent jopposition of Richard Henry Lee and Grayson, Harrison and Patrick Henry and the in- difference of George Mason. But not in Virginia alone was the hand of Washington felt. In Penn- sylvania, where the opposition was a factious and violent minority, the arguments which Lee had dis- seminated were counteracted by James Wilson, whom Washington approved as being "as able, candid and honest a member as was in the convention," and

In Massachusetts the struggle was long and bitter in the convention containing such names as King, Gorham, Strong, Bowdoin and Hancock, Heath and

Lincoln of the army, John Brooks and Christopher Gore, Theophilus Parsons, Theodore Sedgwick, John Davis, Fisher Ames and Samuel Adams. Elbridge Gerry, who, although a member of the convention at Philadelphia, had been defeated for the convention in Boston, had, under the influence of Richard Ilenry Lee, written a letter to the two Houses of Massachu - setts, intimating that the Constitution needed amend- ments and should not be adopted until they were made. At this point he was met by Washington. " If another federal convention is attempted," wrote he, "its members will be more discordant, will agree on no general plan. The Constitution is the best that can be obtained at this time; it is free from many of the imperfections with which it is charged. The Con- stitution or disunion is before us to choose from. If the Constitution is our election, a constitutional door is open for amendments, and may be adopted in a peaceable manner, without tumult or disorder." Guided by this suggestion, Parsons, Bowdoin, Han- cock and Adams determined to combine with its rati- fication a recommendation of amendments, and with Parsons' "conciliatory re-olution," as it has been called, the Constitution was adopted. This reso- lution, which embodied the famous States' rights doc- trines of the Constitution, was one of the early amend- ments, and was as follows :

" That it is explicitly declared that all powers not expressly delegated to Congress are reserved to the several States to be by them exercised."

That much is due to Mr. Symmes for the adoption of this resolution, which has played so important a part in the history of the republic, there can be no doubt. He was young, ardent and eloquent. His mind was entirely occupied with public affairs, and he contemplated the political events of the times with the deepest interest. His letter to his colleague, Peter Osgood, and his speech in the convention em- bodied the views of a very considerable portion of the people of the Commonwealth. He spoke the opinions of a large body of the delegates composing the con- vention, and when he made up his mind to vote for the adoption he had a most brilliant and able body of associates in the change. It is much less difficult to see why a larger number of delegates did not come to the conclusion to be converted to the support of the Constitution, than it is to see why he did. And yet, with the fate not unusual to converts, he fell under the bitter condemnation of his constituents, and alone of all those who followed Bowdoin, and Hancock, and Christopher Gore, and Fisher Ames, and Samuel Adams, and Theophihuis Parsons in accepting the wise and patriotic advice of Washington, he was com- pelled to submit to ostracism and exile, was obliged to seek his fortune elsewhere than in his native town, honesty of his convictions there is no doubt. Ile ex- pected the approval and support of the distinguished men with whom he was associated, and in obeying the dictates of his conscience anticipated the fair and

whose speech in reply to Lee he published for wide and died in middle life a disappointed man. Of the circulation in Virginia.

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candid consideration of his townsmen. But his ser- vices were not appreciated, his feelings were wounded, his ambition was broken. He was freely charged with bad motives, and with an overweening desire to be found with the majority. His fate was a hard one, and stands, not as a warning, but as an intimidation to those who, with honest convictions, rise above their party, and support conscientiously the cause they have adopted. If any native of North Andover should have a memorial tablet, it is William Symmics, who defied popular indignation in obedience to the dietates of his conscience, and gave his support to the great charter of our freedom, the most romarka- ble governmental document ever designed by man.

On October 17, 1785, it was voted, --

"That Joshua Holt, Esq., be and he is hereby instructed in case nuy motion shall be made in the General Court for introducing a paper medium, vigorously and perseveringly to oppose the same as being a measure calculated, in our opinion, to promote idleness, dissipation and dishonesty, and by destroying the morals of the people, to bring on the ruin of the Commonwealth."

In 1756 a committee, of which Peter Osgood, Moody Bridges, John Ingalls and Samuel Johnson were conspicuous members, was appointed to consult and agree upon some measures which may promote the general welfare. The committee made the fol- lowing report, which was unanimously accepted :

" It is the duty of the free and virtuous people of the Commonwealth nt all tunes to keep a watchful eye against all encroachments upon their dear-bought rights and privileges ; that they carefully guard against all grievous acts of the Legislature on the one hand ; and against all contentions and unconstitutional opposition to Government ou the other.

" We enterm it our duty at the present day to bear our explicit testi- many against all riotous and illegal proceedings ; and against all hostile attempts and menaces agunst law, justice and good government, and to declare our readiness to exert ourselves in support of fovernment, und the excellent Constitution of this Commonwealth. But at the same time we suppose there are many things complained of which ought to be remedied; and it is our desire that every grievance may be in a Austitutionil way redressed. We would take particular notice of these flowing, VIZ. :

"1. We conceive that the method commonly practiced in our Courts of Common Pleas for receiving debts is attemled with great and need-

" 2. The delinquencies of many towns in the payments of their public taxes, more especially in the western part of the State, as appears by the Trenamer sin munts, wo conceive is one great cause of the disturbances which have atis en in these parts. .

We gge heil the method of paying the Representatives ont of the In . Trois lys en ung burden ou many parts of the State " I might to alevated by euch town paying their own Representa- KINos fi their Bervi cent of then own Treasuries.

* | A polesel camy ever becomo a virtuous people, so are ti y p Trary o . ity in these infant states. We are of opinion, th ( Host Depoter offers and their respective salaries ought ( tt them ., their pay and services duly compared and ppene es offi cal abolished, and the sin- 1 11) . em an adequate to their pay be lowered, and - Tygge government and burden on the people -

Theviolin og etl thet the removal of the General (mt fren Besten world lessee the expense of the

On Jóga is 7. 175c. tho to yn freopted the report of a pocotter in mind theinsider what measures are portale adopted ter prom in industry and

economy and those other virtues which are repre- sented by the Legislature in their address to the peo- ple as necessary to form the basis of national happi- ness, as follows :

"That in their opinion, a deviation from the principles and practice of industry and economy has been the great cause of the scarcity of specie, the delinquency in the payment of taxes, and in the discharge of private debts, which delinquency naturally tends to mar the reputation and destroy the energy of government, and to produce impatience in creditors as well as uneasiness and complaint in debtors ; and that hence arises the concern and disquietude of many in the community. Your committee therefore consider this deviation as a fruitful parent of the evils we now suffer, and threatening us with speedy and complete ruin unless prevented by a thorough reform. We, therefore, consider it of the highest importance to recur to those principles from which we have de- clined, and to exert ourselves for the encouragement of the manufac- turers of our own country in every proper way which will consist with the business which ought to engage our first attention, viz. : The culti- vation of the land, and for this purpose the following resolve is pro- posed to be adopted by the town :

"WHEREAS, the Legislature have warned this people of being in the precise channel jo which the liberties of Statrs have been generally swallowed up, and the warning, solemn as it is, appears to be founded in the highest reason ; and as it is a part of sound wisdom to convert mis- fortunes and calamities into the means of advantage, in cheerful imita- tation of the patriotic example set us by the first magistrate of the Com- monwealth, his council and the Legislature of the State : We hereby resolve to refrain from, and as far as in our power to prevent, the exces- sive use and consumption of articles of foreign manufacinre, especially articlesof luxury and extravagance, and that we will exert our best eu- denvors for the promotion of industry and our own manufactures

" And in particular that we will exert ourselves to increase our wool and flax as far as it is practicable. That we will, as far as may be, avoid killing our sheep or selling them for slaughter after shearing time, till the wool be serviceable for clothing ; and that we will exert ourselves to promote and encourage the manufactures of wool and flax and otber raw materials into such articles as shall be useful in the community.

" And the inhabitants of the town of every description, but heads of families in particular, are hereby solicited, ns they would falsity the predictions and disappoint the hopes of those who nre inimicui to our Independence and happiness ; as they would gratify the anxious wishes of our best friends and the friends of freedom in general ; as they regard the political well-being of themselves and posterity ; as they bold precions the memory of the heroes and patriots, and of our kindred who have sacrifired their lives that we may enjoy the fruits of virtnous freedom-to unite in this resolution, and to exert their utmost influence in every proper way to promote the important design of it.

" And upon this occasion we apply ourselves to the good sense and virtuous dispositions of the female sex, to the younger as well as the elder, that they would by their engaging examples as well as in other proper ways, devote that power of influence, with which nature hath endowed them, to the purpose of encouraging every species of economy in living, and particularly that neat simplicity and nentness in dress, which are among the best tokens of a good mind and which sel- dom fail to command the esteetu and love of the virtnous and wise ; giving preference to that clothing which is produced from our own flocks and from our own fields.

" Your committee, upon considering the principal obstacles that lie in the way of tho desired reform, are clearly of opinion that an undue use of spirituous liquors has a powerful influence to enervate the body, to enfeeble the mind, and to promote dissipation, idleness and extrava- gance, which are the never-failing causes of poverty und ruin. They therefore consider it of the highest importance to refinin from ourselves, and to discountenance in others, the undue use of spiritnous liquors of all kinds.

" Your committee further reccommend to the town to take it under consideration whether some other measures than those which have heretofore been practised may not be adopted for the support and em- ployment of the poor, which may be productive of advantage to them, und diminish the charge to which the town is subjected for that pur- THING. "

This report -- taken with a statement made not a long time previous by the town, that the practice in the Court of Common Pleas was a needlessly expensive

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method of collecting debts; that the delinquencies of the towns in paying their taxes were dangerous; that the towns should pay their own representatives; that the salaries of public officers should be thorough- ly looked into; that the accounts of the United States with the Commonwealth should be adjusted; and that the General Court ought to be moved from the town of Boston-indieates the tone and temper of the town in that early day, and shows what a severe sense of propriety and eivil independence and economy the delegates of the town and the representatives were obliged to deal with. The question of the adoption of the Federal Constitution was not only fatal to Mr. Symmes, but it served to divide the town into two political parties-Federalists and Republicans-a division which has generally continued to this time. The North Parish, from which Kittredge, Osgood and Symmes went to the convention, became strongly de- voted to the Republican party, led by Mr. Jefferson, and it has adhered to his doctrines through the various changes of name which in the last century have attended the political organization which claimed to be the especial eustodian of his policy. while in the South Parish the Federalists prevailed in the beginning, to be succeeded by Whigs and Repub- lieans as their legitimate heirs. As it was in the North Parish, so is it in North Andover to-day.

From 1771 to 1792 the North Parish furnished a representative to the General Court-fifteen years- during which Capt. Peter Osgood, who opposed the adoption of the Constitution to the end and truly represented his section of the town, served during six sessions.

The most distinguished eitizen of North Andover in this Revolutionary and Constitutional period was Samuel Osgood, son of Peter, who was in the fifth generation from John Osgood, one of the founders of the church in 1645, and the first representative of the town in the General Court in 1657. He was a brother of Isaae Osgood, who was for many years clerk of the courts of Essex County, and a resident of Salem until he returned to North Andover, in 1804, and led a life of great dignity and repose until his death, in 1846. Samuel Osgood was born in 1748 and died in 1813. He was graduated at Harvard in 1770. His mind turned naturally to theological studies, and he commenced preparation for the ministry immediately on leaving college. He was a quiet, sedate, devout young man. He was modest and unassuming in his deportment, avoided all violent disputations, was confident of his own judgment, careful in his investigations, firm in his convictions. Soon after entering upon his the- ological studies he impaired his health and injured his eyes by close application, and went into mercan- tile business with his brother Peter. He took a deep interest in the great questions which occupied the publie mind during the events which preceded and led to the Revolution, and was considered a leader in the town during all that stormy period. The finan-

eial disturbances of the war destroyed the business in which he and his brother were engaged as partners, and threw all the obligation of liquidating the debts of the concern on him. This duty he discharged com- pletely and honorably. For some time before the breaking out of the war he was chosen a member of the Provincial Congress, where he exerted great in- fluence as a wise, far-seeing and judicious legislator. In preparation of the great event, he had organized a company of minute-men, probably a body of his patriotic friends, with whom he marched to Lexing- ton on hearing of the confliet, and thenee to Cam- bridge to join the Continental army stationed there. He was appointed an aid by fieneral Ward and remained in that official station until 1776, "when," as he says, "he quitted the army, not having mueh taste for military affairs."

On his return to eivil life he commeneed anew his career as a legislator and passed from the Provincial to the Continental Congress, and was appointed one of the Board of War. His services in that capacity seeured the confidence and esteem of Washington, who relied on his judgment and patriotism in all his appeals to Congress for support in the great crises of the conflict. He took part in the Convention for framing the State Constitution of Massachusetts in 1779; and on the organization of the confederacy, he was selected as first commissioner of the treasury. and signed, on behalf of the government, the papers trans- ferring a portion of the Northwest Territory to the Ohio Company, who, led by Manasseh Cutler, laid the foundation of western civilization at Marietta and secured the adoption of the Ordinance of 1787. Upon the organization of the Federal Government and the entry of Washington upon his administration, Mr. O-good was selected as the Postmaster-General. Of this event he says in his unpublished autobiography : "It was not expected that he should have had any office offered him, he having been opposed for a time to an unqualified adoption of the new Constitution. Parties being highly exasperated, those who had ex- erted themselves in procuring the adoption of the new Constitution were to be rewarded with all the offices. But General Washington had been well ac- quainted with h'm from the commencement of the war, and offered him the Postmaster-General's depart- ment, which he accepted and held for about two years, with a salary of $1500 a year. He had been encouraged to believe that this would be increased, but seeing no prospect of it, he resigned and continued in private life till the year IS00."

In all the duties of public and private life he eon- ducted himself with a striet regard to honesty and fidelity. His own town, his own State believed in him implicitly. On his appointment as commissioner of the treasury, he expressed an unwillingness to call on his friends for the heavy bonds of $100,000 required by the Federal Government, and " the government of Massachusetts became voluntarily responsible in his

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behalf," When Congress left the city of New York, he resigned his office on account of the inadequacy of his salary and declined to follow the government to Philadelphia. He was soon after appointed surveyor of the port of New York, which office he held until his death.

In early life he had married Martba Brandon, a niece of Mrs. Phobe Foxcroft Phillips, a woman of rare accomplishments, of a brilliant intellect, an ami- able disposition and great personal beauty. Devoted to her friends, she left her own home to minister to the sufferings of her uncle in Cambridge during a long and severe illness, and died there after three years of married life, childless. Mr. Osgood's tribute to her memory in his autobiography is tender and touch- ing.

During his official life in New York he secured for Washington a residence in Franklin Place, adjoining the dwelling of Mrs. Martha Franklin, who was the owner of the block. Mrs. Franklin won his heart and became his devoted wife to the end of his life. By her he had a son, Walter Franklin Osgood, and daughters-Julia, who married her cousin, Samuel Osgood, of North Andover; Martha, who married Mr. Genet, the French minister; and Susan, who married Mr. Field, of New York.

He now became identified with life in New York. He was surrounded by a charming circle of friends and by an affectionate and devoted family. He took an active part in politics and was placed on the ticket by which Aaron Burr overthrew the power of Hamilton in the Legislature of New York and elec- ted as delegates to the Assembly (George Clinton, Gen- eral Iloratio Gates, Samuel Osgood, Brockholst Liv- ingston, John Swartwout and seven others, all influ- ential citizens, supporters of Jefferson and Burr, among whom ()-good was most conspicuous and influ- ential. le devoted himself to literature, was an original member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and found great delight in investigating those questions of theology and metaphysics to which he had turned his attention in early life as a student of divinity. His treatment of Locke's chapter on the will attracted the attention of the best students of the time. North Andover has always been proud of his memory.

The records of the town, copies of which are depos- ited with the town clerk of North Andover, Mr. Jona. F. O good, contain but little from 1800 to the divis- ion of Andover, in 1855, besides the ordinary routine of town business, relating to schools, roads and bridges and the fisheries of the streams.

In 1802 Thomas Kittredge was chosen Representa- tive tor the General Court over John Phillips, and he continued to represent the town every year, except 1505% notil 1509. In isi1 he was also clected in con- nection with Joshi a Chandler and John Cornish.

July 0 1512, the town voted to make up to the sol- diers detached from the militia of the town pur-

suant to a law passed the 10th day of April last, such compensation, which, together with that allowed by government, shall amount to twelve dollars per month for each soldier while in actual service.

In 1813, Timothy Osgood, Dr. George Osgood and Benjamin Jenkins were elected Representatives over Thomas Kittredge, John Kneeland and Stephen Barker.

The same year notice was issued to all male inhabit- ants twenty-one years of age and upward, possessed of freehold estate with an annual income of $10, or any estate to the value of $200, that they had the right to vote.

September 19, 1814, during the War of 1812, the town voted: "That the town treasurer be authorized to hire a sum of money, not to exceed six hundred dol- lars, for the purpose of purchasing arms and equip- ments for the militia of the town that are unable to equip themselves."

Also voted : " To make up to the soldiers of Captain Henry Poor's Company, who have been called into actual service, such compensation which, together with that allowed by government, shall amount to twelve dollars per month for each soldier while in actual service."

In 1815 Thomas Kittredge was elected member of the Legislature, and in 1816 he ran for Congress. In 1817 he, in connection with John Kneeland and Stephen Barker, represented the town in the General Court.

And here the useful and honorable career of Dr. Kittredge as a citizen and a public servant ended. He died suddenly, October, 1818, in the midst of his activity,-the last acts of his life being devoted to the welfare of his neighbors and friends. A touching tale is told by a conspicuous citizen of the town, who was a child when the occurence took place, and whose father was the object of Dr. Kittredge's kindness, of his solicitude for the jaded horse of this townsman, whom he met returning from an excursion, and whom he urged to place the animal in his own stable for rest while one of his own horses was used to complete the journey. When, on the following morning, his horse was returned, the kind-hearted and generous physician had gone to his long home.

Dr. Thomas Kittredge was the third son of Dr. John Kittredge, who was born in Tewksbury and settled in North Andover, near the mouth of the Cochichewiek Brook about 1741. He was born in 1745, pursued his academical studies at Dummer Academy, and studied medicine with Dr. Sawyer, of Newburyport. He com- menced practice in North Andover in 1776. He was not only a skillful physician and surgeon, of whom Dr. John Warren, surgeon general of the Revolu- tionary army, said " He had more natural skill than any man in the country," but he was a most patriotic citizen also and a most valuable public servant. lle was appointed surgeon of the army while it was at Cambridge; was present at the battle of Bunker Hill,

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and served in his professional capacity during the war. He was a dignified and commanding gentleman, a man of honor and honesty, and possessed great courage and sound judgment. He had a true com- prehension of the object of the war, entire faith in its result and a large understanding of the character and destiny of the republic. Jealons of the rights of the States and citizens under the central government, he adopted the views and principles of Jefferson, and during a long public service as legislator and delegate he represented his ancient town as a Republican of the strictest sort. In the halls of legislation and as a member of the leading societies of his profession he had great influence. His capacity for business enabled him to accumulate a handsome fortune, and the stately mansion he erected a hundred years ago still stands a monument of his substantial taste and his understand- ing of an appropriate home for a prosperous citizen. His household was organized in accordance with the social customs of his times and was ample in its outfit, liberal in its hospitality and dignified in its conduct.

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History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II, Part 168

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