History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II, Part 36

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 36

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

As before, houses were erected and sold to work- ingmen at reasonable prices, and in a short time there was a village of comfortable homes and where once there were vacant fields and pasture lands.

There were other manufacturers who were contem- poraries of Mr. Bassett during all these years ; of some of them we have already written, and space will permit mention of but two of the principal firnis. These were Messrs. William T. Haskell & Co. and Joseph Harris & Sons. The founders of both these firms began business as poor men. It is said of Mr. Haskell that he obtained the money with which he established his business by a fortunate rise in the price of wood. Ile was a clerk in his father's grocery- store, and one day a coaster with a load of wood arrived in the harbor, and the owner, after vainly endeavoring to sell his load, turned it over to young Haskell, telling him that all the money he conld obtain for it over a certain amount should be his own. Shortly after there was a scarcity of wood in the market, and the wood was sold for a good price. With the capital thus obtained, the young man at once began the manufacture of shoes. Ilis first place of business was in a building on the corner of Front and State Street -. He subsequently removed to a building on Washington Street, near the "Lee Mansion," and finally to a small building on Pleasant Street, which was enlarged from time to time as his business in- creased. Here he conducted operations during the remainder of the period of his residence in Marble- head. In 1861 he removed his business to Lynn. Mr. Haskell was eminently successful as a business man. By his energy and perseverance he built up an indus- try which gave employment to hundreds of his fellow- citizens and brought to him a rich reward.

Mr. Joseph Harris, the founder of the firm of Joseph liarris & Sons, began business in the year 1841. His workshop was an upper chamber of his dwelling-

house in Harris's Court, where for years he conducted his business. The sons of Mr. Harris, of whom he had a large family, entered heartily and with the utmost sympathy into all the plans he projected. With untiring industry they toiled, making all the shoes manufactured by their father until, by rigid economy and self-denial, they laid the foundation of a successful business. As the business increased a large number of workmen were employed and a fac- tory was erected on Pleasant Street. This building was enlarged from time to time until it became one of the largest shoe manufactories in the town.

The shoes manufactured in Marblehead during the period of which we write were made almost entirely outside the factories. With the introduction of the sewing-machine the division of labor and the factory system began. This has had the effect to abolish nearly all outside labor. It was very gradual in its growth, beginning with having a certain proportion of the upper stitched or bound in the factory. Then, in 1859, came the MeKey Sewing-Machine, intro- duced by Mr. Bassett for sewing uppers to the soles. Campo work began at about the same time.

CHAPTER LXXXIX.

MARBLEHEAD-(Continued).

Breaking out of the Civil War- Marblehead Compauus first to Respond to the Y'all for Troops-Provisions for the Families of Volunteers- Action of the Ladies-Marblehead Soldiers ut the Seat of War-Departure of the Mugford Guards-Return of the Three-MouthR' Men-First Marblehead Men Killed in Battle-Death of William B. Hubbard on board the " Cum- berland"-Activity in Recruiting-Bounties paid the Soldiers-The Nine- Months' Men-The Drafts-Fort Sewall Reconstructed-Forts Miller and Glorer Erected-One Hundred Days' Men-Work of the Ladies- Capt. Michael B. Gregory-Capt. Josiah P. Cressey-Marblehead Men in the Navy-Capt. Samuel B. Gregory-Demonstrations on the Surrender of Gen. Lee -- Death of President Lincoln-The Tenth Buttery-Reception to Gen. Kilpatrick.

IT is not the province of this work to treat of the causes which led to the great Civil War which for four years threatened the life of the republic. The opening of the year 1861 found the people of the United States excited, as they had never been before, over the question of slavery and State sovereignty. Abraham Lincoln, the candidate of the Republican party, which advocated the abolition of slavery, had been elected President of the United States, and seven States had passed ordinances of secession. Nearly all the United States forts and arsenals within the boundaries of these States had been seized and fortified, and a large proportion of the arms, ammunition and military stores belonging to the general gov- ernment were in their possession. On the 12th of April, General Beauregard, commanding the Con- federate forces at Charleston, South Carolina, opened fire on Fort Sumter, a United States garri-

1112

HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

E commanded by Major Robert Anderson, in the barbor ot that city Major Anderson and the small fre maler his command fought nobly in defense of heir tlaz, but at length, after sustaining a bombard ment which continued two days without cessation. wolle their fort was on fire, and the magazines were " sinning to explode about them, they were obliged va surrender and evacuate.

The mess of the fall of Fort Sumter aroused the autre North to action. The war which had so long wen threatened could no longer be averted, and in every town and hamlet from the Atlantic to the l'a- " fie the people roce as one man to defend the integ- rity e1 the linton.

On the 15th of April President Lincoln issued his first proclamation calling for seventy-five thousand militia for a three months' service. Late in the after- noen ot that day Lieutenant Colonel E. W. Hinks, of the lighth Reg meht, came to Marblehead and per 4 naily notified the commanding officers of the three molina companies to be in readiness with their com- mand- to take the early morning train- for Boston, These companies were the Marblehead Sutton Light Intahtry. Company C. Eighth Regiment, commanded in Captain Knott V. Martin ; the Lafayette Guards, Confipany B. Lighth Regiment, commanded by Cap- theo Richard Phillips : and the Glover Light Guards, Company II, Eighth Regiment, commanded by tap- tun I raneis Boardman. Captain Martin was found lo hy- slaughter-house, with the carcass of a hog, just kill Fand in readiness for the " scald." Taking his coat from the peg, he seemed for a moment to hesi- tite abont leaving his business unfinished, and then, unpatiently exclaiming, " Damn the hog!" put the garment on with his arms yet stained with blood and hi- shirt-streve- but half rolled down, left the prem- st be ral y his company.

The morning of the loth of April broke cold and Boris. Notwohstanding the rain and sleet which re plered the weather coll and uncomfortablein the ex- tr & the treetsof Marblehead were filled with a .Trongod dsenel people Wives and mothers and fath- ra All children were represented there in the dense rwd, all any ons to speak a word of farewell to the re in thor departure. The first companies to Want towy wer thise commanded by Captains Mar- W/soll R roman, which marched to the depot and Let the Big qued seven o'clock train for Boston. qtêm Phương company took the train which left Mir co il about an hour and a half later.

(Plo sanal at the Marblehead companies in 1 .A lotet CeteraY William S houler wrote as

had been properly attended to Messengers had also been stationed at the different depots with orders for the companies, on their arrival, to proceed at once to Faneuil Hall, as a northeasterly storm of sleet and rwn had set in during the night and had not ahated in the morning. On my return from Cambridge I stopped at the Eastern Railroad Depot. A large rowy of men and women, notwithstanding the storm, had gath- etod there, expecting the arrival of troups Shortly after eight o'clock the train arrived with the Marblehead companies. They were received with deafening shoots from the excited throng. The companies inme- diately formed in line and marched by the flank directly to Faneuil Hall, the fifew and drums playing ' Yankee Doodle,' the people follow- ing and shouting hke nulmen, and the rain and sleet falling piteously, ns if to abate the ardor of the popular welcome. And thus it was the Marblehead men entered Fanenil Hall on the morning of the 16th of April. "

On the morning after the departure of the compa- nies, thirty more men left Marblehead to join them. The greatest enthusiasm prevailed throughout the town, and men everywhere were ready and anxions to enlist. Of the patriotic spirit of the people, no better evidence can be given than that contained in the re- ply of Governor Andrew to a gentleman who asked him if any more men would be needed. " For heaven's sake," replied the governor, "don't send any more men from Marblehead, for it is imposing on your good- ness to take so many as have already come !"

The citizens were not less prompt to act than those who had rallied for the defense of the nation. On the 20th of April a town-meeting was held to pro- vide for the families of the soldiers, and the old town- honse was crowded to repletion. Mr. Adoniram C. Orne was chosen moderator. The venerable town clerk, Capt. Glover Broughton, a veteran of the War of 1812, was there beside the moderator, his hands tremulous with emotion, awaiting the action of his fellow-citizens. "It was voted that the town treasurer be authorized to hire the sum of five thous- and dollars, to be distributed for the relief of the families of those who have gone, or are going, to fight the battles of their country." The town was divided into districts, and a committee of ten persons was chosen. to act as distributors of the fund. The patriotism of the ladies of Marblehead at this time, and throughout the entire period of the war, cannot be overestimated. With loving hearts and willing hands, they contributed their time, their labor and their money for the benefit of those who had gone forth to battle. The work of some was of a public nature, and the deeds of these are recorded ; but the only record of hundreds who worked quietly in their own homes was written on the grateful hearts of the soldiers for whom they labored.

On the 22d of April a meeting of the ladies was held at the town-house, and a Soldiers' Aid Society was organized. The object was to perform such work as was necessary for the comfort of the sokliers, and to furnish articles of clothing, medicines and delica- cies for use in the hospitals. Mrs. Maria L. Williams was elected president. That lady subsequently re- signed, and Mrs. Margaret Newhall became president, and Mrs. Mary M. Oliver, secretary.

On the following day cighteeen ladies met at the

1 --

1113

MARBLEHEAD.

Sewall Grammar School-House, on Spring Street, and organized a committee to solicit money for the bene- fit of the soldiers. In less than one week from the time of their organization the ladies of this committee had collected the sum of $508.17.

The teachers of the public schools generously con- tributed six per cent. of their salaries for the year in aid of the object ; and there was a disposition mani- fested by the people generally to give something, however small the amonnt.

Stirring reports were now received from the com- panies at the seat of war. The blockading of the railroad to Baltimore by the Secessionists; seizure of the steamer " Maryland ;" and the saving of the old frigate " Constitution," in which their fathers fought so valiantly, caused the hearts of the people to swell with pride, as they related the story one to another.

The sufferings of their soldier boys, who were obliged to eat pilot bread baked in the year 1848, brought tears to the eyes of many an anxious mother. But the tears were momentary only, and the suf- ferings of the boys were forgotten in the joy that Marblehead soldiers had been permitted to lead the advance on the memorable march to Annapolis Junc- tion, and to relay the track which had been torn up to prevent the passage of the troops. The arrival of the troops in Washington ; the new uniforms fur- nished in place of those worn out in eight days ; and the quartering of soldiers in the United States Capitol building, was all related in the letters that came home.

During the latter part of April active measures were taken to recruit another company to join those already in the field. In a few days the "Mugford Guards," a full company of fifty-seven men was or- ganized, and Captain Benjamin Day was commis- sioned as commander. Every effort was made to get the new company in readiness for departure as soon as possible. The men were without uniforms and the school-teachers at once voted to furnish the materials for making them at their own expense. Mr. John Marr, the local tailor, offered his services as eutter and they were gratefully accepted. On Sun- day, May 5th, the ladies of the Soldiers' Aid Society, with a large number of others, assembled at Academy Hall and industriously worked throughout the entire day and evening to make up the uniforms.

On the following day the town voted to appropriate the sum of four hundred dollars to furnish the com- pany with comfortable and necessary clothing.

On the 7th of June another meeting was held, and the town voted to borrow a sum not exceeding ten thousand dollars, to be applied by the selectmen, in aid of the families of volunteers.

On the morning of Monday, June 24th, the new com- pany took its departure for the "seat of war." The soldiers were escorted to the entrance of the town by the Mugford Fire Association and a large concourse of citizens. Almost the entire community assembled in

the streets to say " farewell," and to bid them "God speed." On arriving at the locality known as Work- house Rocks the procession halted, and the soldiers were addressed by William B. Brown, Esq., in behalf of the citizens. Captain Day, in reply, expressed the most patriotic sentiments in behalf of the company.

The soldiers embarked for Boston in wagons which were in waiting, and departed amid the deafening cheers of the citizens. This company was known in the army as Company G, First Regiment Heavy Ar- tillery.

On Thursday, August 1st, the three Marblehead company arrived home. Arrangements had been made to give them an enthusiastic welcome. At three o'clock in the afternoon a procession was formed, con- sisting of the Marblehead Band, the " Home Guards," the boards of town officers, the entire Fire Department, and the pupils of the public schools. An interesting foature of the procession was thirteen young ladies, representing the original States, wearing white dresses, and red, white and blue veils. The arrival of the train bringing the soldiers was annonneed by the ringing of bells, the firing of guns and the joyful acclamations of the people. They were received at the depot at about six o'clock P. M., and escorted to the Town-House, where an address of welcome was deliv- ered by Jonathan H. Orne, Esq., a member of the Board of Selectmen. On the afternoon of the follow- ing day the veterans were given a grand reception. The procession was again formed, and they were escorted about town to Fort Sewall, where a dinner was served.

Shortly after the return of the companies Captain Knott V. Martin resigned as commander of the Sut- ton Light Infantry, and recruited a company for the Twenty-third Regiment. More than half the num- ber of this company were enlisted in Marblehead. They left for the seat of war during the month of No- vember.

On the 21st of December the town voted to appro- priate the sum of three thousand dollars in aid of the families of volunteers.

The news of the splendid triumph of General Burnside in his expedition against North Carolina, resulting in the capture of Roanoke Island on the 8th of Jannary, 1862, sent a thrill of exultation through every loyal heart in the country. But the joy of the people of Marblehead was turned to grief by the news that three of their bravest citizens had fallen in the battle. These were Lieut. John Good- win, Jr., Sergt. Gamaliel H. Morse and Private John Show, of Company B, Twenty-third Regiment. Messrs. Goodwin and Morse were killed instantly; but Mr. Show was mortally wounded, and died after several days of severe suffering.

Just one month from the date of the battle of Ro- anoke Island the famons battle occurred between the United States frigates "Cumberland" and "Congress" and the Confederate ram " Merrimac," in Hampton

1114

HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

Roads, Va. After an engagement of fifteen minutes the " Merrimac " ran into the "Cumberland," crush- Wig in ber side. The frigate immediately began to wink Over one hundred seamen on board the ill- fate I vessel went down in her. One of the bravest of the heroes who lost their lives in this engagement was Wilbam B Hubbard, of Marblehead. He was Opta not one of the guns on board the " Cumber- land." When the ship was sinking. and death stared them in the face, the first thought of many way naturally that of self-preservation. Not so with Hubbard. Ili- powder-boy had become frightened and could not be found.

" I am determined to have one more shot at them," rried the gallant Hubbard, and immediately went be- low to procure ammunition. On his return, as he ap- proached his gun to reload it, a shot from the enemy laid him on the deck. He went down with the ship, nobly dying at his post.

Among the crew of the " Cumborland " were David Bruce and John Hazel, of Marblehead. Nathaniel Roundey and John Flemming were on board the "Congress " throughout the action.

Late in the month of April the people received the precious bodies of their earliest dead, the first slam in battle. Then, for the first time, they realized the magnitude of the sacrifice to be made. Only the life blood of their best and bravest could pre- serve the institutions for which their fathers fought. The funeral services over the bodies of Messrs. Goodwin and Morse took place on Thursday, April 28th, at the I'nitarian Church.1 The services consisted of singing by the choir, prayer by Rev. George W. Patch, and an address by the Rev. Samuel R Voltbrop, pastor of the church. The remains were arcon pumned to their last resting-place in the Green Street Burying-ground by the three companies of the 1. ghth Reg ment belonging to Marblehead and a large coucourse of people.

It is seldom that heroes are so honored as were there dead soldiers. His Excellency John A. An- drew, the war Governor of Massachusetts, was there in the procession, accompanied by Adjutant-General - beuler and the members of his staff. Major-Gen- ral sutton and the field and staff officers of the Latch Regiment were also in attendance.

On the 21 of July President Lincoln issued a call Er Wifee bun o el thousand thore volunteers to serve for three years or during the war. In accordance w h tr calla he net carnest efforts were made to re uit ten Marblehead. On the 19th of July the Mwh vete bodech bounty of one hundred dollars beh y thu wh w ul volunteer on the quota of che biwn , and C votiins Richard Phillips, Samuel C. Gr . They. Bor duom, Messrs. Samuel Roads Ant, Tom ser Chesen a committee to assist recu ing On the alot of July the

town treasurer was authorized to hire the sum of fourteen thousand four hundred dollars, to be used as bounties for volunteers in the sum of one hundred dollars each. A committee was chosen to wait upon the Governor and request him to appoint an addi- tional recruiting agent. On the Ist of August Gov- ernor Andrew issued the following permission to recruit :

" In consequence of the request of the town of Marblehead, made by a legal town meeting held yesterday,-a copy of the record of which is banded me, attested by the town-clerk,-I appoint at the nomination of the other gentlemen who came to represent the town, Samuel Roads, Esq., additional recruiting agent for Marblehead. He will co-operate with the town's committee and use his influence to forward the enlist- menta, and I ask the good people of Marblehead to support and help him with all their hearts and hands."

Mr. Roads at once established his headquarters at an office on Washington Street, and the enlistment progressed rapidly. In a short time sixty-nine men had enrolled themselves tor a service of three years, or during the war. Of these, thirty-two were assigned to the Tenth Battery, then recruiting at Lynnfield ; ten to the Thirty-second Regiment; eight to the Seventeenth Regiment; seven to the Twenty-third Regiment ; and the others were distributed among the First Massachusetts Cavalry, and the Twentieth, Twenty-fourth, Fortieth and Forty-first Regiments.

On Tuesday, August 26th, the town voted to pay a bounty of one hundred dollars "for each volunteer enlisting in the service of the United States for a pe- riod of nine months, until the quota of the town shall be full." It was also voted to request all shoe manu- facturers, all store-keepers and all others to close their places of business each day during the remain- der of the week from two to six o'clock P. M .; and that all citizens be entreated to abstain from custom- ary labor during these hours, and assist the author- ized agent in procuring recruits." It was ordered that the bells be rung each day from two o'clock to three o'clock P. M.

The Marblehead Band was invited to be present at the town-hall, and give their services during the hour in which the bells were to be rung.

On the 27th of September another meeting was held, at which it was voted to pay one hundred dol- lars as a bounty to every volunteer enlisting over and above the quota of the town for a service of nine months. This action was intended for the benefit of the two Marblehead companies-the Sutton Light In- fantry and the Lafayette Guards. The company known as the GHlover Light Guards was disbanded shortly after its return from the three months' cam- paign, in consequence of the enlistment of a large proportion of its members in the various three years' regiments.

Or the 25th of November the Sutton Light In- fantry, under command of Captain Samuel C. Graves, and the Lafayette Guards, under command of Captain Richard Phillips, left the State with the other com- panies of the Eighth Regiment for Newbern, N. C.

1115

MARBLEHEAD.

The town had made generous provision for the families of soldiers from time to time since the begin- ning of the war. As the proportion of men who were absent in the army and navy increased, additional appropriations were found necessary, and in March, 1863, the treasurer was authorized to hire twenty-five thousand dollars for this purpose. In the spring of 1863 Congress authorized a draft to obtain reinforce- ments for the army.

The draft took place at Salem on the afternoon of July 10, in the presence of a large and deeply inter- ested audience. The names of one hundred and eighty citizens of Marblehead were drawn from the box. Of these, a large proportion were exempted by the examining surgeons on account of physical disa- hility, or other causes. Many procured substitutes, and others paid the commutation fee of three hun- dred dollars. A very few-not more than twenty, it is said-of the number originally drafted were mus- tered into the United States service.

When the war broke out old Fort Sewall was in ruins. The exposed condition of the harbor and the fact that Confederate gunboats were cruising about the coast, caused the citizens to turn their at- tention to the fortification of the town. At a town- meeting, held on the 15th of August, it was voted to appropriate the sum of four thousand dollars, to be paid to laborers employed upon the repairs of Fort Sewall. In a short time the fort was thoroughly re- paired and considerably enlarged. The government also erected two other fortifications, one at the head of the harbor, overlooking the River-head Beach and the Neck, known as " Fort Glover," and another on Naugus Head, overlooking Salem Harbor, known as " Fort Miller." All three forts were garrisoned hy companies from other parts of the State until the end of the war.

On the Fourth of July, 1864, Congress passed au aet authorizing the enlistment of recruits for the Union army in the insurgent States. On 23d of July the town of Marblehead voted to deposit five thou- sand dollars with the treasurer of the Commonwealth for the purpose of obtaining a portion of these re- cruits to serve on the quota of the town; it was also voted to pay a bounty of $125 to every recruit enlisting in its quota.

On the 24th of July the Eighth Regiment, which had returned from the nine months' campaign sev- eral months before, again left the State for a service of one hundred days. The regiment at this time was under the command of Colonel Benj. F. Peach, Jr., a Marblehead boy who had risen from the ranks. The Sutton Light Infantry took its departure with the regiment. The Lafayette Guards subsequently left town as an unattached company, and was assigned to the Fourth Regiment of Artillery, being known as Company A.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II, Part 36

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