USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscot, and Nahant > Part 51
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Nahant > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscot, and Nahant > Part 51
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Lynnfield > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscot, and Nahant > Part 51
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscot, and Nahant > Part 51
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Lynn > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscot, and Nahant > Part 51
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64
476
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1864.
Dr. Cooke was a high Calvinist, and often cast a fond look backward, upon the " old paths," sighing that there had been such a general departure from them. He was an industrious and faithful minister, so far as pulpit preparations were con- cerned; but he visited little among the people of his charge. His power and delight lay rather in the use of the pen than in per- sonal intercourse. His ministry here was successful ; his pari- sioners were much attached to him, and regarded him as one of more than ordinary power. And had it not been for his unfortunate disposition to controversy, there is little doubt that his abilities would have commended him to the favorable regard and respect of the theological world in general. It may readily be admitted that he thought it a duty to always have his pungent pen ready dipped for the defence of the truth and the demolish- ing of error, as he deemed them; but the way in which things are attempted often has great influence on the result. The severity with which he speaks, in his "Centuries," of some of his predecessors in the pastorate of the First Church, and the little respect he seems to have entertained for their memories, lead to the conclusion that he did not consider that church one that had been conspicuously blessed in her ministry. With some of his estimates I cannot agree, and think that in other parts of this volume may be found such authenticated state- ments as will show that he labored under mistakes. And it is, further, a matter of regret that he should have taken occasion to give what is believed to be an undeservedly dark coloring to the morals, intelligence, and manners of the people of Lynn.
The pulpit oratory of Mr. Cooke was not pleasing to those unaccustomed to it; the delivery was rapid, in a high tone, and with very little intonation ; but his appearance was dignified. He was not an adept in music, and took no part in the choral portion of the service. In person he was commanding, being considerably above the ordinary stature, but symmetrical. His habits were sedentary, and in part, no doubt, the occasion of his last protracted and painful sickness. He suffered greatly for two years, but with the resignation that always character- izes the good man. Immediately before his death, in a still watchful anxiety for the souls of his charge, he dictated, and with a tremulous hand signed, the following - the ever-living testimony of a dying Christian.
LYNN, FEB. 8TH, 1864.
As I am about to close my ministry and my life, I have one thing to say to my people - That all the support that I find in a dying hour, are the doctrines of grace I have preached, which centre in Jesus Christ and him crucified, and are to my heart a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief; and that these I would commend to the acceptance of all, with my dying breath.
PARSONS COOKE.
477
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1864.
The publications of Mr. Cooke were numerous. The titles of his books, in brief, may be given as follows.
1. Modern Universalism Exposed.
2. A History of German Anabaptism.
3. The Divine Law of Beneficence.
4. Recollections of Dr. Griffin.
5. A Century of Puritanism and a Century of its Opposites.
The foregoing were all in book form, and besides them he published some twenty pamphlets - sermons, addresses, tracts, &c. And in speaking of his industry with the pen it should likewise be mentioned that for about twenty years he was one of the regular editors of the Puritan newspaper, which publi- cation was commenced at Lynn and afterward removed to Bos- ton. See under date 1840.
Mr. Cooke was the first minister who died while settled over the First Church, for a little more than. a century, Mr. Hench- man, who died in 1761, having been the last one before him who died in the pastorate. And it may be noted as a coincidence that Mr. Henchman was born in the first year of century 1700, as Mr. Cooke was in the first year of century 1800; and they attained very near the same age.
A great easterly storm commenced on the 29th of March, and continued till the 2d of April. The wind blew with great vio- lence, and the sea came in furiously. The beacon on Dread Ledge, an obelisk of granite, twenty-five feet in height and three feet square at the base, was broken off near the centre.
The fine summer residence of Benjamin T. Reed, at Red Rock, was destroyed by fire on the night of April 8.
The school-house on Howard street was destroyed by fire on the morning of June 8.
Saturday, June 25, was the warmest day in Lynn, of which there is any record. The thermometer reached a hundred and four degrees in the most shady places. At five o'clock in the afternoon it stood above a hundred. The next day, Sunday, was nearly as warm. The same remarkable degree of heat was experienced in other parts of New England.
The extensive soap manufacturing establishment of George E. Emery, on Chesnut street, near Gravesend village was de- stroyed by fire on the night of June 26.
A severe drought prevailed this summer, and destructive fires took place in the woods in the latter part of July.
A threatening fire occurred on Federal Square, near Water Hill, on the afternoon of July 22. It commenced in the bakery of Isaac H. Tarbox, consumed four frame buildings and injured several others.
The first steam fire engine owned by the city arrived in town on the 11th of August. It received the name "City of Lynn."
478
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1864.
Mackerel appeared on the coast, in great abundance, during the early part of the autumn.' The crew of the little fishing schooner Minnehaha, of Swampscot, on the 18th of September, off Boon Island, caught three hundred and fifty barrels. And the crew of the Flying Dart, of the same place, at another point, took a hundred and thirty barrels in some four hours.
At about five o'clock on the morning of Thursday, October 6, the City Hall, on South Common street, head of Blossom, was discovered to be on fire, and was soon destroyed. It was of wood, and not a very comely structure. A good representa- tion of it may be found on page 591, accompanied by a brief historical sketch. In the northeast corner of the building, on the first floor, was the Lock-up, a place for the temporary con- finement of offenders, and on the same floor were the City Clerk's office, the Mayor and Aldermen's room, and the offices . of the Police Justice and City Marshal. On the upper floor were the Police Court room, the office of the Clerk of the Police Court, and the Common Council room. In the Lock-up an unfortunate man, named Joseph Bond, aged about forty years, was confined, and being unable to extricate himself and no help seasonably arriving, though his shrieks were heard, he was burned to death. It appeared that he was a man of generally correct habits, but on the occasion of his arrest had from some cause become turbulent.
On Thursday evening, October 27, the Female Benevolent Society celebrated their fiftieth anniversary, by a gathering and an entertainment at Armory Hall. This society was formed in 1814, by benevolent ladies belonging to the different religious societies, and has ever continued to flourish, dispensing, in an unostentatious way, blessings to thousands.
On the 2d of November the two Lynn companies of the Eighth Regiment returned from three months' service, and were welcomed by a public parade and an entertainment; in the former of which the fire department joined, and in the latter of which the good old-Yankee dish of baked beans held a prom- inent position.
There was no Indian summer this year; a thing hardly ever known within the memory of man.
On the 10th of December the schooner Lion, from Rockland, Me., loaded with granite, was wrecked off Long Beach, and all on board-six in number-perished. A violent storm prevailed, and it was very cold. Though the cries of the hapless mariners were heard upon the Beach, they could not be rescued.
The Franklin Trotting Park Hotel, in Saugus, (Cliftondale,) was, with its contents, destroyed by fire, on the night of Dec. 19.
And here, with the year 1864, we close our Chapter of Annals, embracing the record of two hundred and thirty-five years.
AUTOGRAPHS.
SEVERAL of the following fac-similes appear in other connections in this volume ; but it was thought that the reader would be pleased to see them collectively on one page, with those that do not elsewhere appear. It is an old fancy that the character of an individual inay be determined by his hand- writing; and to those who entertain it, autographs are peculiarly interesting. The star distinguishes those who were born in Lynn.
The references to pages show where accounts of the individuals may be found; though in most instances they are spoken of in several places, which may be ascertained by referring to the index.
Samuel hiring
Toromich Shoppard
Samuel Whiting, S'r - settled over the First Church of Lynn, in 1636, continuing in the pastorate 43 years. Writ- ten in 1679, at the age of 82. p. 267.
Jeremiah Shepard-successor to Mr. Whiting, and first minister in the Old Tunnel Meeting-house, where he preached 37 years. Written in 1689, at the age of 41. p. 314.
YEUXHE Barril
George Burrill - head of the family once called the roy- al family of Lynn. Writ- ten in 1653. p. 115.
Elin Brud
* Ebenezer Breed -" Uncle Eben." - Written in 1796, at the age of 31. p. 519
Thomas Morehall
* Thomas Newhall-the first person of European parentage born in Lynn. Written in 1677, at the age of 47. p.482.
Margpitcher Moll Pitcher - the fortune-teller. Writ- ten in 1770, at the age of 32. p. 374.
Thomas Laughton
Thomas Laighton-an active and conspicuous settler. Written in 1668. p. 155.
George Gray
George Gray- the hermit of Lynn. Written in 1843, at the age of 73. p. 419.
.
Thomas Dexter - a prominent and enter- prising settler. Written in 1657. p. 119.
* Alonzo Lewis - Lynn bard and historian. Written in 1831, at the age of 37. p. 544.
Maria of Fuller Charles J. Lumny
* Maria Augusta Fuller - writer of prose and poetry. Written in 1829, at the age of 22. p. 505.
* Charles F. Lummus - first printer in Lynn. Writ- ten in 1832, at the age of 31. p. 511.
CHAPTER III.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Introductory Remarks, page 479- Biographical Sketch of Thomas Newhall, 482-John Burrill, 489 - Ebenezer Burrill, 492 - Jacob Newhall, 494 - William Gray, 496- Micajah Collins, 500 - Solomon Moulton, 502- Maria Augusta Fuller, 505 - Charles F. Lummus, 511 - Elijah Downing, 519-Ebenezer Breed, 519- Enoch Curtin, 528 -Josiah Newhall, 533- . Edward L. Coffin, 533- Enoch Mudge, 536- Asa T. Newhall, 537 - Ezra Mudge, 538 - Francis S. Newhall, 539 - Isaac Newhall, 540 - Isaiah Breed, 541 - George Hood, 542 - Alonzo Lewis, 544- Daniel C. Baker, 566- Beniamin F. Newhall, 567.
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
IT is too often the case that those individuals whom a com- munity delight to laud and magnify, are those who, through some fortuitous circumstance, unsupported by anything beyond a common share of talent or virtue, have become conspicuous. And if a cotemporary historian, perceiving the deficiency, and in the honest desire to deal justly, does not place them in the popular light, he is liable to be charged with prejudice or lack of discernment. But he must not be troubled at this ; remem- bering that his duty, in a great degree, pertains to the future, to the time when the meretricious mantle of an unsound popu- larity has fallen. His duty is to celebrate deeds of virtue and usefulness, however humble in their generation may be the instruments who performed them. But if the historian be not cotemporary, he must depend on recorded and traditionary accounts ; in which case, though safer from criticism, he may not be so successful in developing the truth or deducing the proper lesson, for he must be governed by what may be the mistakes, prejudices, or whims of others.
(479)
480
HISTORY OF LYNN.
The few Biographical Sketches which follow, relate only to natives of Lynn. In the pages of Annals numerous notices of prominent individuals from other places, who took up their abode here, may be found; but it was thought proper to make a distinction between them and those who were born on our soil. I have endeavored to present such characters as on the whole seemed best calculated to make useful and agreeable impressions ; but that many others who have passed away were deserving of honorable mention is most certainly true ; and nothing but the imperative requirements of limited space pre- vented a large extension of the list. And then there is the great body of those of whom no record remains. Beneath the sods of the Old Burying Ground repose an innumerable company · of those whose names will stand high in a better book than this, but who lived in retirement and departed in silence.
Men who are themselves destitute of principle usually find it hard to believe that others act from principle. And most people live on, almost exclusively with a view to the present, the pass- ing time ; thinking only of their position in the community by which they are surrounded, of their possessions, of the many eyes that are turned upon them in admiration or envy. But there are, happily for our race, some with more comprehensive minds ; some who realize their dignity as men; with concep- tions not circumscribed by time and place, but recognizing their duty to mankind in general, and their responsibility to their Maker. And it is refreshing to contemplate the lives of such though their companionship may have been with the most lowly.
When men seriously reflect on their ways, they seldom fail to come to the conclusion that they are capable of better things than they have ever accomplished; and conceited as it may seem, of most people it is true. These reflections make them restless and discontented; and they should see to it that their better energies be put forth. And how many of us pass our whole lives in an atmosphere of pure selfishness, never realizing that our obligations extend beyond ourselves and those immedi- ately dependent on us. It were better, perhaps, that the sordid and vicious should pass recluse lives ; but the virtuous and wise should bestir themselves among men, that others may be benefited by their good examples and superior wisdom. I am
481
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES - INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
persuaded that in former times the public position of a man was a much surer index of his real merits, than it is at present ; and think that in the following pages something will appear to sustain the view.
Who does not love to contemplate the character of a true man. And the nearer his position in life may have been to ours, the more direct the lesson taught by his history ; for we may be animated by similar hopes, struggling with similar difficulties, beset by similar temptations, quickened by similar affections. But there can be little benefit in contemplating the characters of others, however good or great, unless we strive to follow the exemplar.
It is thought that the reader will at once recognize the pro- priety of excluding from this Chapter of Biographies all who are not natives. There certainly should be some distinction pre- served. Mr. Lewis often, and at times with asperity, complained that Lynn was not true to her own children; that, for instance, those from other places were generally called to fill her positions of honor and emolument. And there was more truth and sa- gacity in many of his tart observations on the subject than some were willing to admit. She has not, in this particular, done the best for herself; for it cannot be expected, in the ordinary course of events, that those from abroad should feel the same interest in her honor and prosperity that her own sons would. The adopted child is not apt to take that lively interest in the welfare of a household which the native born does. Many of her children, driven away, as it were, have become eminent abroad, and employed for the benefit of others those talents which should have enriched her.
Our task is undertaken for more than one purpose. It is desirable to perpetuate the names of some of the worthy ones who have adorned our history ; and if we can present a little something that will profit or entertain, there will a pleasure in the labor. There will be a constant endeavor to pursue a course free from prejudice or unmerited adulation. Truth is a thing exterior to man; and whatever he may do cannot change its nature ; and we hope to keep the fact in view, though it is so difficult, in religion, in politics, in any thing, to avoid acting as if mere belief were truth itself.
02
31
482
HISTORY OF LYNN ..
THOMAS NEWHALL-1630-1687.
Perhaps the most notable circumstance regarding this indi- vidual is that he was the first white child born in Lynn. His father, who also bore the christian name of Thomas was one of . the earliest settlers, and lived on the east side of Federal street, a few rods south of the mill brook, owning all the lands, on that side, between the Turnpike and Marion street. The elder Thomas had another son, John, who was born in England. He likewise had two daughters, Susanna and Mary. The former married Richard Haven, and became maternal ancestor of one of the most respectable of American families. See page 186. Mary married Thomas Brown, and had several children.
Thomas Newhall, the subject of this sketch, was born in 1630, and was baptized by Rev. Mr. Bachiler, the first minister of Lynn, on the first Sunday after his arrival, being June 8, 1632. A rather comical scene occurred at the baptism. Christopher Hussey, who was a son-in-law of Mr. Bachiler, and who proba- bly induced the reverend gentleman to come here, had a child, named Stephen, to be baptized at the same time ; and Mr. Bach- iler, as Thomas was first presented for the holy rite, unceremoni- ously put him aside, declaring that he should baptize Stephen, who appears to have been named for his reverend grandfather, first. Mr. Lewis seems to have thought a sort of family pride induced this movement, which struck him as an indignity toward Thomas ; but it should, perhaps, be viewed in the light of a com- pliment. It may have been that Stephen was noisy and turbu- lent, insomuch that the old gentleman was ashamed of him and anxious to hurry him out of sight, while Thomas was quiet and well-behaved. But it is not important to pursue the inquiry.
At the age of twenty-two Mr. Newhall married Elizabeth Potter, who I think was a daughter of Nicholas Potter, a man concerned in the Iron Works, but who afterward resided at Salem and was called a bricklayer. It is, however, I believe, somewhere stated by Mr. Lewis, that she was a daughter of Robert Potter, who was here for a short time among the very first settlers ; but I am confident this is a mistake. For some facts concerning this Robert Potter, see page 126.
No striking events appear in the life of Mr Newhall. Indeed, seated here, in a little forest opening, amid a population that
483
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES - THOMAS NEWHALL.
could almost be numbered in an hour, with no stirring incidents to mark the years as they rolled by, there was little opportunity for one to make himself conspicuous, whatever his talents or ambition. But from the frequency with which his name appears .on the records, connected with trustworthy transactions, it must be inferred that he was a man of integrity, and one in whose judgment much reliance was placed. And he seems to have had a very fair education. On page 126, is a' fac-simile of his signature. And it is there stated that the two last letters were supplied. Since the engraving was made I have seen one or two other signatures of, his, which correspond in a remarkable degree ; and it is hardly possible to discover any difference between the supplied letters and those made by his own hand It seems appropriate and con- venient to have the fac-simile Thomas Nowkall Signature of Thomas Newhall. likewise introduced in this con- nection.
Mr. Newhall died in March, 1687, his wife having died a few weeks before. He was the father of ten children; and for many years, if, indeed, not to the present time, the Newhall family has certainly been deserving of commendation for its fecundity if for nothing else.
I now propose to give a genealogical view of the principal branches of the great Newhall family descending from this our common ancestor. It would, however, be impossible here to follow the blood in all its windings. A large volume would scarcely afford sufficient space for that. But enough will be given, it is thought, to enable any one of the family to trace his connection. Great pains have been taken to have the record correct ; but still the most patient investigation and diligent inquiry amid so many entanglements and positive contradictions may not meet with the reward of entire success. Numerous records and documents, besides those in the meagre archives of Lynn, have been examined. Indeed, if Lynn alone had been depended on, the information would have been most imperfect and unreliable. If all our public records were as defective as the few that survive, their loss is not much to be deplored, for they must, at some periods at least, have abounded with obscu- rities and ridiculous errors. Some years ago several of the
484
HISTORY OF LYNN.
old books were copied, at some cost. And an opportunity was thus afforded to multiply the errors; an opportunity which, I am sorry to say, did not pass unimproved.
Though the great progenitor of the Newhall family, was Thomas, father of the subject of this sketch, yet there was an Anthony Newhall here, in 1636, who, in the division of lands, in 1638, had a grant of thirty acres. He was, however, for a time a resident of Salem. He died 31 January, 1657 ; had a son John, who married Elizabeth Normanton, 31 December 1656, and probably other children, as in his will are found the names of Richard and Elizabeth Hood, grandchildren. But it does not appear that any of the present Newhall families of Lynn can trace their origin to him. I thought that John might have been his only male child, and that he, perhaps, had no male issue ; but Farmer seems to make him progenitor of Dr. Horace and Rev. Ebenezer Newhall, who graduated at Harvard in 1817 and 1818
In what follows, the numerals placed before the names indicate the generation to which the individuals belonged.
I. THOMAS. As just observed, this individual, the great progenitor of the Newhalls of Lynn, came over in 1630, and located on the east side of Federal street.
II. THOMAS. This is the personage whose name stands at the head of this sketch - a son of the preceding, and the first white person born in Lynn. He married, 29 December, 1652, Elizabeth Potter, and became the father of ten children, viz: Thomas, born 18 November, 1653; John, b. 14 Feb- ruary, 1656; Joseph, b. 22 September, 1658; Nathaniel, b. 17 March, 1660; Elizabeth, b. 21 March, 1662, and living but three years ; Elisha, b. 3 Novem- ber, 1665; Elizabeth again, b. 22 October, 1667; Mary, b. 18 February, 1669; Samuel, b. 19 January, 1672; Rebecca, b. 17 July, 1675.
III. JOSEPH. This, the third son of II. Thomas, was born 22 September, 1658. He married Susanna, a daughter of Thomas Farrar, in 1678, and settled in Lynnfield. He had eleven children, viz: Jemima, born 31 December, 1678; · Thomas, b. 6 January, 1681; Joseph, b. 6 February, 1684; Elisha, b. 20 No- vember, 1686; Ephraim, b. 20 February, 1689; Daniel, b. 5 February, 1691; Ebenezer, b. 3 June, 1693; Susanna, b. 19 December, 1695; Benjamin, b. 5 April, 1698; Samuel, b. 9 March, 1700; Sarah, b. 11 July, 1704. This is the Joseph, without doubt, who perished in a great snow storm.
IV. BENJAMIN, son of III. Joseph, born 5 April, 1698, married Elizabeth Fowle, 1 January, 1722, and had fourteen children, viz: Bridget, born 30 No- vember, 1722; Mary, b. 11 November, 1724 ; Benjamin, b. 6 September, 1726; Ruth, b. 13 January, 1729; James, b. 11 July, 1731; Isaiah, b. 24 March, 1734 ;-
485
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES - THOMAS NEWHALL.
(though this last name is plainly Josiah on the ancient town record, I am confident that Isaiah is right)-Joel, b. 22 December, 1735, who died at the age of nine; Aaron, b. 23 October, 1737, who died in infancy; Aaron again, b. 26 March, 1740; Susanna and Elizabeth, twins, b. 22 December, 1741; Martha, b. 23 February, 1743; Catharine, b. 27 April, 1744; Joel, again, b. 17 Febru- ary, 1746.
IV. SAMUEL, born 9 March, 1700, son of III. Joseph, was adopted by his uncle, Thomas Farrar, jr., who was a farmer, living on Nahant street, and who by will gave him all the lands lying between Broad, Nahant, Sagamore, and Beach streets. This Samuel married Keziah, daughter of Ebenezer Breed, who lived in Breed's End, so called, 8 December, 1724, and had ten children, viz: Anne, born 27 October, 1725, who married Matthew Estes; Elizabeth, b. 7 March, 1728, Sarah, b. 20 August, 1730, who, at the age of seventy married Abner Jones, of Amesbury; Lydia, b. 14 January, 1733, who married Nehe- miah Johnson; Farrar, b. 15 February 1735 ;- (who, singularly enough, has always been known as Pharaoh; and indeed he himself, in writing his name as I perceive by some old bills, adopted the Egyptian orthography) - Abijah, b. 15 February, 1737, who married Abigail Bassett; Abigail, b. 4 March, 1739, who married Samuel Purinton ; Daniel, b. 4 February, 1741; Rebecca, b. 28 October, 1743, who married Abner Chase of Salem; Ruth, b. 12 October, 1746, who married John Bassett.
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.