History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II, Part 96

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 96

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).

1368

IHISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

pastor from November, 188-4, to March 1, 1887, since which time they have had no settled pastor.

This society was incorporated April 6, 1839, by the name of the Second Universalist Society of Glouces- ter. February 8, 1845, its name was changed to the First Universalist Society of Rockport (by act of the General C'ourt). In the year 1868 the meeting-house was renovated and improved by putting in a new pul- pit, new pews and windows, thoroughly changing the interior. The house was enlarged by the addi- tion of pastor's study and organ-loft ; a new tower and spire was erected, changing to a considerable extent the exterior of the house. The cost of all the im- provements and repairs was more than nine thon- sand dollars. This caused a large debt, which hung heavily upon the society. But it has been gradually decreasing, until now it is of quite small proportions, and is easily handled. They have an interesting Sabbath-school, of which James W. Bradley is super- intendent, and has occupied that position some twenty years. They have a good library.

SECOND UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY .- In the year 1861, August, a Sunday-school of the Universalist denomination was organized in the engine-house hall of the Pigcon Cove Engine Company. There were twenty persons present; Austin W. Story was chosen superintendent, and has been re-elected to that position each year until the present time (1887). The number now connected with the school is seventy- five ; they have a library of six hundred volumes. After occupying the engine-hall for a tinie, they re- moved to a building that was Edmunds' bowling- alley, then to Edmunds' Hall, where they maintain- ed preaching to a considerable extent. March 31, 1×69, a religious society was organized in connection with the Sunday-school, by the name of the Pigeon Cove Universalist Association. February 28, 1878, an act of incorporation was obtained, and the name of the society was changed to the "Second Universalist Society of Rockport."

In the year 1873 they built a neat and commodious meeting-house, at a cost of $10,542.43. It was dedi- cated to the worship of God on the 12th day of June, 1873. Rev. Richard Eddy, D.D., of Gloucester, preached the sermon.

This society has had no pastor installed. The follow- ing are the names of those clergymen that have offici- ated from time to time: Rev. A. A. Folsom was the first to supply the pulpit ; next was Rev. C. C. Clark, from 1874 to 1875 ; Rev. Robert C. Lansing, from 1876 to 1×78 ; Rev. George 11. Vibbert, from June, 1878, to July, 1879 ; Rev. B. G. Russell, from July, 1879, to May 20, 1880; Rev. Edwin Davis, from July, 1880, to April 22, 15$1 ; Rev Miss L. Haynes, from Sep- tember 25, 1884, to March 22, 1885; Rev. Nathan R. Wright, July, August and September, 1885, since which date the pulpit has been supplied the most of the Sabbaths by transient clergymen.

RO. E. Il Chapin, D.D., of New York, who made

Pigeon Cove his summer home many years, sup- plied the pulpit of this church gratuitously one Sab- bath of each year, so long as his health allowed.

The funeral services of several of the most promi- inent citizens of the village have been held in this house. These services tend to increase the usefulness of a house of worship.

BAPTIST CHURCH .- The Baptist Church in Sandy Bay, Gloucester, was constituted in 1807, with some few members, some of whom belonged to Gloucester proper. The society began to form about 1805 or 1806. Rev. Elisha Scott Williams, of Beverly (Bap- tist), preached in the new Congregationalist meeting- house once before Mr. Jewett came to Sandy Bay.

The Baptist Society was incorporated in the year 1811, by the name of the First Baptist Society of Goucester ; no settled pastor until 1819 or 1820. The first person baptized by immersion in Sandy Bay was James Woodbury, March 10, 1805, by Rev. Elisha Scott Williams, of Beverly.

Captain Benjamin Hale, born in Sandy Bay in 1776, was the prime mover of the Baptist order in this village. He was converted on shipboard, about the year 1800, while on a voyage from Bristol, Eng- land, to Madeira. They encountered a heavy gale of wind; the brig was considerably damaged and was obliged to put back for repairs ; a part of her cargo was contraband; the captain conscientiously refused to complete the voyage with such a cargo; the owners put the mate in charge ; the brig was partially repair- ed, sailed and was never heard from. Captain Ilale took passage for Alexandria, Va .; on the voyage the captain of the vessel became disabled and Captain Hale brought her safely into port. He was awake to his religious principles, and in 1811 was licensed to preach the Gospel. He was married in New York, in 1804, to Judith White, of Sligo, Ireland, with whom he became acquainted at her home. He was baptized in New York. After a few years on shore he again took to the sea, and in 1817, while on the passage home, he, in a gale of wind, went aloft, the crew re- fusing to go; he received an internal injury, which terminated in consumption ; he died in 1818, aged forty-two years. Previous to the building of the meeting- house, even before theact of incorporation, they held meetings in private houses, often in the house of Eben'r Pool.

James A. Boswell was settled the first pastor of this church, in 1820, Ile preached in an unfinished hall; it was the second story of the house next cast of the now Eureka llall. lle taught school during the week in the same room, The Sabbath-school was organized in 1821. Their meeting-honse was built in 1822; it was occupied for preaching service without pews until 1828, when it was furnished with pews, and a number of them were sold on the 4th day of July, the same year. The cost of the house, with the land and pews, was two thousand two hundred and eighty-four dollars.

1369

ROCKPORT.

March 10, 1840, name changed to the First Bap- tist Church and Society of Rockport.

The following named have served as pastors :

Rev. James A. Boswell.

1820

1823

Rev. Reuben Curtis.

1827

1830

Rev. Bartlett Pease.

1831

1833

Rev. Otis Wing

1833

1836

Rev. Gibben Williams

1837

1838

Rev. Benj. Knight

1839

1840

Rev. Otis Wing

1840

1842

Bev. Levi B. Ilatbaway

May,

1843, died Ang. 1, 1843

Rev. B. N. Harris ..

1844

1846

Rev. Samuel C. Gilbert

1846

1848 1

Rev. Thomas Driver.

March, 1849

1849

Rev. George Lyle ..

1850

1852

Rev. Thomas Driver

1852

1854

Rev. A. E. Battelle

1855

1856

Rev. J. M. Driver.

1856

1859

Deacon Samuel Cheever

1860

1863

Rev. Benj. I. Lane.

1863

1867

Rev. Lewis Holmes.

1867

1869

Rev. Otis L. Leonard was ordained September 22, 1869. Order of exercises were as follows:

Invocation

By Rev. W. D. Bridge, of the M. E. Church.

Reading the Scriptures .. By Rev. J. C. Foster, uf Beverly.

Opening Prayer .. .By Rev. Mr. Gannett, of East Gloucester.

Sermon By Rev. Justin D. Fulton, of Boston.

Ordaining Prayer ... By Rev. S. H. Pratt, of Salem. Right Hund of Fellowship ...... By Rev. F. F. Emerson, of Gloucester.

Charge to the Pastor.

.By Rev. T. E. Vassar, of Lynn.

Charge to the Church ... By Rev. Harvey Fitz, of Middleton.

Closing Prayer .........

Benediction

By Rev. Wm. M. Lyle, a returned Missionary. .. By the Pastor.

The exercises were of a high order. He served until September, 1874; he then resigned and was dismissed.

Rev. A. J. Lyon ...

1875

1876

Rev. E. D. Bowers

1878

1881

Rev. George A. Cleaveland.

1882

1883

Rev. N. B. Wilson.

March, 1885,

Feb'y, 1886

During the years 1866-67, they enlarged their meeting-house lot by purchasing an additional piece of land. They raised the house several feet above the foundation, and moved it from fronting on High Street, to its present location, fronting on Mount Pleasant Street, and added to its length twenty feet. They completely renovated the interior and furnished it with a new pulpit and furniture, new pews; walls and ceiling at a later day were neatly frescoed, making a very neat and pleasant audience-room. A small vestry was constructed over the vestibule. A new tower and steeple was erected, and at a later day was furnished with a bell. The exterior of the house was put in good condition by carpenters and painters. The whole cost of these im- provements was more than six thousand dollars, which was all paid at the time except thirteen hun- dred dollars, which sum did not long remain unpaid. The society has been free from debt until the present time.

The ordinances of religion are supported now and for several years last past by free-will offerings.

The church edifice was re-dedicated April 10, 1867 ; sermon by Rev. Benjamin J. Lane, who was pastor about three years, closing July, 1867.

They have now no settled pastor, but religious services are regularly held, preaching by supply pastors.

The Sabbath-school is in good condition ; member- ship, one hundred; library, three hundred volumes.

Nathaniel Richardson, Jr., superintendent, now on his fifteenth year of service.

CATHOLIC CHURCH. - Up to the year 1830 our population was nearly all native born ; even at a later date there were but few foreigners who made their home with us. In 1850 there were quite a number of foreigners, most of them Catholics; therefore the necessity of a service of that order. The first Mass cele- brated in this town was in what is now Eureka Hall, in the year 1850; Rev. Father John McCabe, of Salem, officiated.

In 1856 the Catholic population had increased to such an extent that there was a necessity for their erecting a house of worship. Quite a number traveled to Gloucester Sabbath after Sabbath to attend the service of their order. Their chapel was built on Broadway, and opened for service in 1856. Rev. Thomas Shehan, of Salem, was earnest and active in erecting this house of worship, the cost of which, with the land, was about three thousand dollars.

Rev. Luigi Acquarone was the first ministering priest here ; his parish encircled the cape. He was a gentleman highly respected. With the rapid in- crease of the foreign population, which was largely Catholics. the labor required was more than Father Acqnarone could perform. Rev. Thomas Barry was appointed to the charge of the society here ; he con- tinued in service until his death, which occurred after a short illness in January, 1883. Rev. Daniel S. Healey immediately succeeded Mr. Barry, and is now the ministering priest in this town and at Lanes- ville.

Soon after he came in charge of the work here he set about enlarging and improving their house of wor- ship, making it more convenient and attractive, both the exterior and interior presenting a more favorable appearance. The whole cost of the improvement was thirty-six hundred dollars, which has been paid.

The Sabbath-school numbers one hundred mem- bers, and is an interesting and useful institution. All their Sabbath services and also services on other set days are well attended.

PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH .- The first effort to establish Episcopal Church service in this town was, as far as is known, in the year 1872. Services were held several months this year in the rooms of the Y. M. C. A., but were discontinned on the ap- proach of winter. The services were conducted by Rev. D. Reid, rector of St. John's Church, Glou- cester.

In the month of July, 1878, services were again

1 Died Sept. 1, 1849.

86}

1370

HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

commenced and continued until late in October, each Sunday, in Eureka Hall. The officiating clergyman was the Rev. William R. Hooper, rector of St. John's Church, Gloucester. On the afternoon of July 15th the Rt. Rev. Benjamin H. Paddock preached the sermon.

There were only occasional services of this order held in this town from October, 1878, to November, 185, except a lay service has been held during the summer months since 1878 at the cottage of Mr. Eben C. Millett, on Phillips Avenue, Pigeon Cove. In November, 1885, a service was held in Ilaskins Hall, conducted by Rev. John S. Beers. The next Sunday service was held in Rechabite Hall, presided over by Emil Charles Pfeiffer; these services have now become a fixed institution.

A regular organization was effected on the 7th day of May, 1886, by the name of St. Mary's Mission ; it comprised nineteen members, viz. :

ODS E. Smith. Reginald R. Colley.

Frank H. Perkins.

Frank Wilson.

T. T. Il. Harwood

Luther (. Tibbets,

harles Trespoli

Fanny U. C. Sanborn. James Moore. Jr.

Mrs. Rosas Ann Morse. Delia F Smith.

O. S. C O'Brien, M. D.

Mrs. Abbie Tibbets.

Mary L. Tibbets.

Charles F. Mills.

Eliza T. Lane. Fannie C. Tupper.

Cora A. Pickering.

John Moore.

Otis E. Smith was elected warden. A Sunday- school is connected with the mission. Reginald R. Colley is superintendent.

CHAPTER CXIII.

ROCKPORT-( Continued).

Re biti ary Wir-Drought-Great Snow Storm-Sickness-Fishing-Fire Department- War of 1512- Temperance and Moral Reform-Fires- M mfactures- Post ofice-Stone Quarrying-Rockport Bank- Rockport Maringa and Granito Savings Bank: - Centennial of Incorporation of Sandy Buy-Fourth of July C'eleb ition, 1804-Schools-Rockport Railroad.

REVOLUTIONARY WAR .- The villages of Sandy Bay and Pigeon Cove gradually increased in popula- tion and resources. There were a few Grand Bankers ; the in-shore fishing boats that were from eight to fif- teen tons had increased to considerable numbers ; there were a few rudely cultivated fields yielding a meagre harvest. Fishing was the leading interest. The peo- ple had, amid these seanty resources, gradually strug- gled up to a position of comparative importance

They had their meeting-house and minister, their school-house and teacher, their selectmen some of the years, and minor officials,-all this betokening progress and improvement.

men, the bone and sinew of the village, are turned from their peaceful pursuits to those of war. The minister, after serving the people twenty years as their pastor, except occasional intervals of absence when he was serving as chaplain in the French War, again yields to the circumstances of war, and enlists in the service of his country, as chaplain and sur- geon's mate, first at Dorchester, then in Rhode Island and at other places, and so continned, except with occasional visits to his people, for about three years. At the expiration of his term of service he returned to his little flock, who had long mourned the ab- sence of their spiritual guide and teacher. They were able, on account of the disastrous effects of the war, to pay him a salary of only ninety quintals of hake-fish yearly. He continued with them two years, and on account of the small amount of salary, and probably anticipating no increase on account of the continued poverty of the people, he was dismissed at his own request in 1779, and removed to Coos County, New Hampshire, where tradition says that he had a settlement of one thousand acres of land. His goods and furniture were packed in an ox-cart which he purchased of Captain Dodge of the Pigeon Hill farm. The journey to his new home consumed some seven or eight days.

In the month of April, 1775, some twenty boats were on the in-shore fishing-grounds, when they re- ceived news that the British were marching on Con- cord. They immediately weighed anchor and sailed for home, and before night almost every man was at Gloucester Harbor, armed and equipped with such guns and arms as came to hand, and were ready to march upon the enemy. Soon news was received that the battle had been fought, and the enemy were re- treating towards Boston. The most active men readily enlisted in the service of their conntry; the old men and boys incapable of entering the service remained at home and engaged in fishing or enltivating the soil. They were obliged to dispose of their fish for barter or for greatly depreciated paper money, which was, sometimes during the war, soll for 23. 6d. on the pound. In one instance, a soldier sent his wife his month's pay, and this she exchanged for one bushel of meal. About 1779 no grain could be purchased in this vicinity, and a young man was sent to Beverly to purchase a few bushels of barley.

Salt for several years of the war was very dear- therefore, sometimes fish were imperfectly cured. Mr. William Norwood conceived the idea of salting fish in hogsheads, and thus make a saving of salt. His plan was quite a success, and was soon adopted by all. This practice has continued to a very great ex- tent to the present day. Previous to this, the practice was to salt fish in bulk, or, as sometimes termed, dry- salted.

The rude blast of war is heard along the coast ; it onnes like a mildew upon the budding prospects of these villagers. Soon the channels of business This village was well represented at the battle of Bunker Hill; a company of sixty-six men, including begin to close; the larger vessels, the Grand Bank schooo rs, are docked. The active and hardy I officers, it is said, were enlisted by Daniel B. Tarr, its

ROCKPORT.

1371

orderly-sergeant. They met for drill at his house, which is now (1887) the home of George W. Legaller, whose wife is a granddaughter of Sergeant Tarr. He, patriot as he was, gave up the command to John Rowe.

This company left town Monday, June 12th, going through Wenham on their way to the camp. On the 16th they reached Mystic River, and on the afternoon of that day took up their line of march from that place. About dark they halted. In a short time, by the yet lingering twilight, they saw a large number of sol- diers approaching, who were soon found to be a de- tachment from the army at Cambridge. As soon as they came up, Captain Rowe's company joined them, and the whole body moved towards Breed's Hill. On their arrival they silently set to work with picks and spades to throw up intrenchments. When the re- doubt was finished, and while the enemy were land- ing, Captain Rowe, with a part of the company, was dispatched to carry off the tools. On their return, these men were ordered to the extreme left wing of the provincial troops, near Mystic River. It thus happened that the company was divided, and was not again united during the day. Ensign Cleaveland and Sergeant Haskins remained in the redoubt with one part, while Captain Rowe and Lieutenant Pool, with the other, were on the left of the line-some assisting in building the rail-fence as a protection from the bullets of the enemy, and others at the end of the line on the bank of the river, building up a small breast- work with stones and dirt. They were thus engaged till the English advanced, about three o'clock P. M. Major MeCleary gave them particular directions how to act ; they were to load and fire with one knee upon the ground, and, after the first volley, not to wait for orders, hut to load and fire as fast as possible, taking eare not to throw away any shot by firing at too long a distance. The enemy, as is well known, were re- pulsed twice, but, at the third attack the ammunition at the redoubt gave out.

A retreat was ordered, and the troops at the rail- fence joined in it. They retreated that night to Ploughed Hill. Three of Captain Rowe's company were killed in the battle and two were wounded. Francis Pool and Josiah Brooks were killed at the rail-fence, while in the act of firing. William Parsons was killed at the redoubt. Daniel Doyle was hurt by a ball, which passed through the palisade, struck him in the breast, broke a button off his clothing, but did not enter his body. William Foster was wounded in the retreat, in the wrist. Sergeant Haskins had two cartridges left when he retreated from the post, but he fired them upon the enemy when he got to the rail-fence.

Seventeen of this company were under twenty-one years of age, five only over thirty, none over forty. The youngest was William Lowe, a lad of fourteen; John Rowe, Jr., a son of the captain, was sixteen.

Roll of Captain Rowe's Company.

John Rowe, captain. Joseph Lane.

Mark Pool, lieutenant.

James Lurvey.

Ebenr. Cleaveland, ensign.

Francis Lane.

Daniel Barber Tarr, sergeantt.

Samuel Low.

William Haskins, sergeant.

Heury Morgan.

Ebenr. Joslyn, sergeant.

Henry Parsons.

William Foster, sergeant.

Hugh Parkhurst.

Jonathan Rowe, corporal.

Joseph Parsons.

Jeffrey Parsons.

John Rowe, Jr.

William Low, corporal.

Joshua Rowe.

Benj. Davis, drummer.

Peter Richardson.

Isaac Haskell, fifer.

William Rowe.

Jacob Allen.

Daniel Somnes.

Obadiah Atkins.

John Smith.

David Averill.

Ephraim Sheldren.

Eleazer Butman.

John Tarr.

Daniel Butler.

John Tarr, Jr.

Daniel Crage.

Jabez Tarr.

Henry Clark.

James Tarr.

David Doyle.

William Woodbury.

Dominicus Davis.

Ebenezer Witham.

Samuel Clark.

Spencer Thomas.

Joseph Dresser.

Jonathan Parsons.

Richard Dresser.

Peter Emmons.

Thomas Dresser.

Thomas Edes.

Culeb Elwell.

John Youlin.

James Phips.

John l'arrot.

Ebenezer Gott.

Joseph Low.

Joshua Gore.

Aaron Riggs.

Bennet Haskins.

Francis Pool.

William Jumper.

Josialı Brooks.

John Clark.

Wal. Parsons.

Soon after the battle of Bunker Hill an English brig was seen at anchor in the fog between Straitsmouth Island and Thachers. About fifteen men manned a boat in Long Cove, and were soon alongside of the brig. They had taken the precaution to keep most of the men below deck. They suddenly surprised the crew and boarded the brig and took her into Whirl- pool dock. She had a deck-load of cattle, ammuni- tion and provisions under deck. The cattle were driven to Gloucester harbor and sold at auction; the brig was taken to Squam River and was finally cut up. One of the crew, Thomas Knutsford, tarried at Pigeon Cove aud settled just to the westward of Pigeon Hill. He married a daughter of Wm. Andrews, who lived upon and owned the land that received his name, " Andrews Point." A number of his descendants are now living here. This was said to be the first prize taken in this war.

In the month of May, 1776, twelve men of Sandy Bay saw a vessel in the offing which they supposed was an English cartel or supply ship with supplies for the British army. About the same hour the priva- teer " Yankee Hero " hove in sight off Andrews Point These men took a boat owned by John Gott and Daniel B. Tarr to go with others off to the " Yankee Hero." They were very expeditious and were soon on board the privateer, and persuaded the captain to run down to the ship in the offing. When near her they fired a gun. To their great surprise the vessel proved to be the English frigate "Milford." She opened upon the privateer and soon compelled hier to haul down her colors. Four of their men were killed, others

Thomas Finson, corporal.

John Gott, corporal.

1372

HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

were wounded ; one, Ebenr. Rowe, lost an arm. While the colors were being hauled down Mark Pool, who was lieutenant of Capt. Rowe's company at the battle of Bunker Hill, fired the last gun from the privateer. Part of its charge was a short crow-bar. This bar stuck fast in the ship's forward bulwarks. The ship's crew named it the " Yankee belaying-pin." The pri- vateer with a prize crew was taken to Halifax, where Reuben Brooks and William Parkhurst and it may be that others of her crew died. Most of the Sandy Bay men were sent to Boston or New York and ex- changed. Major John Rowe was sent to New York. He died at Boylston Springs, N. Y., in 1801. Some few of the men were absent seven years.

In the year 1779 the small-pox was quite prevalent all over town, and Sandy Bay had its full share. Pest-houses were established at first, but at length people were permitted to remain at their homes if sick. Inoculation was practiced very generally (vaccination had not been discovered).

The parish voted that no person be allowed to inoculate in their honses without a permit from the committee. Any person violating this order was to receive thirty-three lashes. We have no record of a whipping-post in this village, but there was one in the First Parish, where offenders were punished. Tradi- tion says that of one hundred and ten persons inocu- lated in this village but two died.

Ship " Tempest " fitted out for the West Indies as a letter of marque, sailed from Gloucester some time during the war, was lost at sea with her entire crew, eight of whom belonged in Sandy Bay.

During the war this village lost by privateering, killed in battle and died in prison more than fifty men, the bone and muscle of the village. Some of the older men and children that remained at home were swept off' by the small-pox ; therefore, the population was greatly reduced. This people had passed through great and severe trials, but their patriotism never wavered, always ready to dare and do for their inde- pendence.

Wegladly turn from these scenes of darkness and gloom to those more congenial and inspiring, which were beginning to dawn upon the people. The noise of war and clangor of arms subside, and peace, so long driven from the abodes of men, returns, and in histrain follows industry, enterprise and thrift.

The soldier lays down his arms and assumes the plow. The sailor, so long the sport of fickle and ad- verse fortunes, hies home from bloody seas and engages in honorable commerce. The channels of trade gralually open and business agains flows on its wonted course. The fishing interests of the village assine grenter importance ; the population inercases. Inde- pendence, a free country, are inspiring words and quicken the energies of the people. At this time, 1783, there were about sixty-tive dwelling-houses and five hundred people, four Grand Bank fishing schooners, some twenty boats from eight to fifteen tous, two more

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 96

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