USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, 1864-1890 > Part 12
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, 1864-1890 > Part 12
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Lynnfield > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, 1864-1890 > Part 12
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Nahant > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, 1864-1890 > Part 12
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Lynn > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, 1864-1890 > Part 12
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" 1821. M' Benja Newhall, To A. Blanchard, Dr
To the Instruction of your son, 6 weeks, 1 20
To the Instruction of your Daughter, · 30
1 50
Sept Recd payment, AMOS BLANCHARD."
The barbarous old laws allowing indiscriminate imprisonment for debt were then in force, and it is not remarkable that a man circumstanced as Master Blanchard was should once in a while find it necessary to procure a substitute to take his place in the school, for thirty or sixty days. But he bore his misfortunes with complacency and never yielded to the misanthropic mood. In music he always found a solace, and upon its wings his spirits could rise in the darkest hour. He was one of the most accom- plished musicians ever resident hereabout, and composed several pieces which took rank among the approved compositions of the
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Blanchard.
day. He led the singing at the Old Tunnel, from 1811 to 1824, and played the bass-viol with an unction that was inspiring. With the doctrines taught in that venerable sanctuary he was in full accord and did all in his power to advance both the tem- poral and spiritual interests of the society. In some of her darkest hours his hopeful voice was raised.
For a few years before the date of the above receipt, 1821, the writer attended his day school, and with a recollection of the routine of study comes a feeling remembrance of the discipline. The rod was not spared, in those days, though Master Blanchard was not given to its severe use. But yet, when in the morning he announced that any boy who misbehaved during the day would be " made an example of," we all felt that there would be squalls before night, and our forebodings seldom failed of being realised. Reading, spelling, defining, writing, ciphering and a little grammar were taught ; and there were other important things impressed upon us which seem to be too much neglected in the schools of the present day ; namely, good manners, and correct deportment, as well out of school as in, as well in the street as in the parlor ; and especially was respect for superi- ors in age inculcated.
Master Blanchard at one time lived in the old Merry house, which stood on the north side of Boston street, nearly opposite the foot of Mall. And in fancy the writer can at this moment see him, of a balmy summer morning, wending his way towards the scene of his scholastic labors, his whole air expressive of the combined dignity of classic and musical erudition, his long, light calico gown swaying in the breeze as proudly as if it were a Roman toga investing some grave senator.
As before remarked, Master Blanchard was the father of twelve children, ten of whom came with him when he removed hither from Exeter, N. H., in 1811. The other two were born here. His daughter Levina became the wife of John Lovejoy, for many years a successful morocco manufacturer and resident of Market street, whose descendants remain.
Such men as Master Blanchard leave an enduring impress upon a community. The influence of the good principles he enforced - for besides the routine of study, he usually devoted an hour or two every week to lecturing us on morals, manners, or
116 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Bowler. Boyce. Breed.
some didactic subject, closing with a fervent prayer - has not ceased to this day, either in this community or in many other fields to which his restless flocks became scattered. Yet, his was not what would be called a pronounced character, but one of those we are apt to speak of as " non-committal." In discussion he did not like to offend, and hence did not, on many occasions, press his views with a vigor commensurate with their value. In manners he was genial, in habits social, in morals strict. He was intelligent, and ready and interesting in conver- sation but not much given to humorous diversions. He died on the 25th of May, 1842, at the age of 78 years.
BOWLER, THOMAS. Mr. Bowler was born in Lynn, on the 3d of January, 1786, and died July 22, 1867. He led an unostenta- tious life, and no one stood higher as a consistent Christian than he. Adhering to the carlier Methodist views and usages, he often saw cause to lament over the worldly tendencies of many of the faith, especially the young, particularly in matters of dress, amusements and display. In 1831, when the anti-masonic party, of which he early became an adherent, gained the ascendancy in Lynn, he was elected Town Clerk, and held the office sixteen years. His records were kept in a careful and neat manner, and those of us who remember him in his official capacity can bear testimony to his accuracy, uniform courtesy, patience, and dispo- sition to oblige. His manners were gentle, his voice low, and his aspect subdued ; but his spirit was far from cringing. He was married in 1807, and became the father of eleven children, none of whom, with one or two exceptions, lived beyond middle life.
BOYCE, WILLIAM S. - president of the First National Bank - died August 27, 1873, aged 63. See Annals, 1873.
BREED, ALLEN -ancestor of our fifth and ninth Mayors. " Breed's End" took its name from him. The surname was in old times spelled Bread. See Annals, 1630 and other early dates. A fac-simile of his signature is appended.
Allon Broad
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Breed.
BREED, ANDREWS - was the fifth Mayor of Lynn. He died in Lancaster, Mass., April 21, 1881, at the age of 86 years ; and as a notice of him, with a portrait, may be found in our Centen- nial Memorial, little need be said here. But of one or two of his ancestors, not elsewhere under notice, a word may properly be said.
His father, who bore the same christian name was keeper of Lynn Hotel, at the west end of the Common, for a number of years onward from 1813 ; and under his supervision the house attained an enviable reputation, especially for the excellence of its table and the promptness with which the largest demands of guests could be met. He was a very stirring man, and recog- nised by every one in the streets, as he sallied forth on his brawny roadster, in his yellow top boots and coat of sporting cut. In addition to his large business at the Hotel he did a good deal of farming, and many of us can well remember the jolly husking parties which in autumn assembled at his bidding to divest the yellow ears of their rustling robes, and at evening receive their reward at the banquet of baked beans and Indian pudding, with relays of apples and cider. He was not a man who could pass noiselessly through the world, or who could yield much to what he deemed the unreasonable demands of those about him ; in short, he was of what is called an arbitrary dispo- sition, rather boisterous in language, and strict in his require- ments of those in service under him. No lazy man's excuses weighed with him. Among his enterprises was the laying out of Centre street. He was a descendant of Allen Breed, the early settler who was father of the Breed family of Lynn.
Then there was the long celebrated " Madam Breed," grand- mother of Mayor Andrews. She kept a school for very young pupils, on Water Hill, at the moderate charge for each of nine- pence a week - a ninepence being the Spanish real, of the value of twelve and a half cents. There was at that time very little silver of American coinage in circulation. Spanish pistareens, reals and half-reals constituted almost the whole change we had. Madam Breed was of such queenly dignity that it was said she would not allow even her own children to be seated in her pres- ence without permission. Where she would have ranked had the "Woman's Rights" question been agitated in her day it is
118
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Breed.
not easy to determine. But she was a good woman, though her education was hardly sufficient to answer the demands for a modern high school position ; yet her practical view of the duties of life and conception of the dignity of the female character emi- nently fitted her for the guidance of susceptible girlhood. Over her little subjects in the school room she had good control, and inspired in them a wholesome fear of the tingling little rod that lay menacingly on her table. But it seems as if her usefulness would have been greater in a higher sphere and among more mature minds. She loved children : and the writer has special cause for grateful remembrance of her ; for upon a certain Sun- day morning, while posted on his accustomed seat in the Old Tunnel Meeting-house, he was startled by a sudden punch in the back, and on turning about beheld, thrust through the little creaking balustrade that adorned the pew, the hand of the venera- ble dame, displaying to his astonished gaze sundry yellow and red sugar-plums. His wonder at the condescension was so stu- pefying that he did not venture to seize the prize till a gracious nod assured that it was intended for him. And it is well remem- bered that more satisfaction was felt at the honor of the bestowal and on being referred to by his juvenile companions as "the fellow" to whom Madam gave the sugar-plums, than in the legitimate use of the gift.
As elsewhere remarked, the Breed family is one of the largest and most respectable among us, as it is one of the most ancient. Mayor Andrews Breed was a man of medium size, erect, well- proportioned, and active in his movements even after he had reached the age of eighty years. A fac-simile of his autograph is here given.
Andrews Brady
BREED, Dr. BOWMAN B. Doctor Breed died on the 16th of December, 1873, of Bright's disease of the kidneys. He was born in Lynn, February 29, 1832, and was a son of Hon. Isaiah Breed. After pursuing his elementary studies in Phillips Academy, Andover, he entered Amherst college, in 1853, and continued to maintain a creditable rank in scholarship till he graduated. He
119
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Breed.
then chose the profession of medicine, and after a course of study here, visited Europe for study and travel. On his return he commenced practice in Lynn, continuing till the war of the Rebellion broke out, at which time he joined the Eighth Massa- chusetts Regiment, as surgeon. Subsequently he was put in charge of government hospitals and sanitary establishments in several places, and throughout his term of service acquitted him- self with fidelity and success. After the close of the war he was appointed Surgeon of the Military Asylum at Augusta, Me., and there continued till the destruction of the place by fire. After that he resumed practice in Lynn ; but though skillful and de- voted his health was such that he could not apply himself with the constancy necessary for the building up of an extensive business. He finally relinquished his profession, and for a year and a half was co-editor and proprietor of the Reporter newspaper. He was a member of the City Council for several years, and a Representative in the General Court. As a member of the School Committee, likewise, he was attentive and efficient. In short, he took commendable interest and discreet action in all that seemed most conducive to the highest good of his native place. Being a member of several organizations, benevolent, professional, and military, his funeral was attended by large numbers who had become attached by brotherly and social ties. By the City Council his decease was noticed in a manner that showed his loss to be regarded as a public calamity.
Dr. Breed married Hannah Pope, October 20, 1859, and by her had six children.
BREED, EBENEZER. A biographical sketch of this individual, popularly known as " Uncle Eben," whose marvelous good fortune at one period and distressingly adverse circumstances at another, have furnished many an impressive lesson, is given in the 1865 edition of the History of Lynn. He died in the almshouse, in 1839. The following is a fac-simile of his signature, at the age of 31.
Elin Brud
120
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Breed. Bridges.
BREED, HIRAM N. - the ninth Mayor of Lynn - is another creditable representative of the extensive family who trace their pedigree to the carly settler, Allen Breed. A notice of him, with a portrait, may be found in the Centennial Memorial. He was born on the 2d of September, 1809, and is still, 1881, in active life. A fac-simile of his signature follows.
Hiram a. Meest
BREED, ISAIAH - was for many years an active business man, in the shoe-manufacturing line, and likewise took much interest in public affairs. He was one of the principal founders of the Central Congregational Society, and one of its chief supporters for a number of years. A brief biographical sketch of him may be found in the 1865 edition of the History of Lynn, page 541. He was born in 1786 and died in 1859.
BRIDGES, ROBERT. Mr. Bridges - or Captain Bridges, as he was usually called - because of his having been, as one may say, the father of the first iron works in America, if for no other reason, should be held in remembrance. It was in 1642 that he took specimens of the bog ore found in Lynn, to London, and suc- ceeded in forming a company which soon after commenced operations here, erecting a bloomary and forge, the site of which is still shown by the " cinder banks," or heaps of scoria on the margin of Saugus river, in the vicinity of Pranker's mill. And although to its projectors the enterprise did not prove pecuniarily successful, it cannot be doubted that the result was of great and lasting benefit to the country at large, for it drew hither some of the most skillful workers in iron that England had produced, several of whom, even before the attempt had been abandoned, removed to other settlements and established works which under better management were highly successful, and added immensely to the general prosperity of the country. And it is a noteworthy fact that descendants of some of the operatives at these Lynn works, are at this day found among the leaders of the great iron trade of America. The iron turned out from the Lynn works was considered of very good quality, and it had a ready sale ;
121
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Bridges.
but the company was almost ceaselessly engaged in law-suits ; which was enough to ruin any incipient enterprise.
The residence of Captain Bridges was in the vicinity of the works ; and Edward Johnson, in his " Wonder Working Provi- dence," says " He was endued with able parts, and forward to improve them to the glory of God and his people." And there is abundant evidence, from other sources, that his principles were of rigid puritanical stamp. He was an acting magistrate, and in that capacity did not always allow the kindlier sympathies to prevail when those brought before him dared to enunciate sentiments adverse to the prevailing faith or to question the authority of those appointed to guard against innovations. It was he who, in 1651, granted the warrants for the arrest of Clarke, Crandall and Holmes, the Baptist missionaries from Rhode Island, concerning whose advent here, an account may be found in our Annals, under the date just named. And in the Essex County files may be found the following record of his official action in the case of Thomas Wheeler, who appears to have been a man of character and some estate, and of whom a brief notice may be found in its alphabetical order in these pages : "4th mo. 1654. Thomas Wheeler, bound over to the Court by the wor- shipful Captain Bridges for sinful and offensive speeches made by him in comparing the Rev. Mr. Cobbet to Corah. It being proved by three witnesses, sentence of Court is, that he shall make public acknowledgment upon the Lord's day, sometime within a month after the date hereof, according to this form following, and pay the three witnesses £12 2s. 6d. and fees of Court : [I, Thomas Wheeler, having spoken at a town meeting in February last, evil, sinful, and offensive speeches against the Reverend Teacher, Mr. Cobbet, in comparing him unto Corah, for which I am very sorry, do acknowledge this my evil, to the glory and praise of God and to my own shame ; and hope, for time to come, shall be more careful.] The constable of Lynn is to see it performed." Mr. Cobbet, it need not be added, was the colleague of Rev. Mr. Whiting in the ministry of the First Church ; and the offensive words were probably spoken by Mr. Wheeler, in a heated town meeting debate, the ministers at that time being paid by the town, and the pastorate being regarded, in several particulars, as a town office.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Bridges.
It was in 1649 that the energetic protest against the wearing of long hair, " after the manner of ruffians and barbarous Indians," was promulgated, signed by the Governor and Assistants, of whom Captain Bridges was one. But the antipathy to the wear- ing of long hair, existing in those days, had a deeper significance than at first appears - a political tinge, indeed. In Cromwellian times, say for twenty years onward from 1640, the English roy- alists, cavaliers and high churchmen, delighted in " bravery of dress," and in long curling locks, while the puritans and par- liamentarians were distinguished by their round hats and by their hair " cut round according to a cup." This perhaps suffi- ciently hints at a reason for the singular protest. But the antipathy began to manifest itself even before the time named. By the Salem records, " 21th of the 6th month, 1637," it appears that John Gatshell of Marblehead was fined ten shillings, to be paid in two months, for building on the town's land without leave ; but the proviso was added, that " in case he shall cut off his long hair of his head into a civil frame, in the mean time," five shillings of the fine should be abated. It is said, however, that he refused to be shorn of his darling locks.
That Captain Bridges was a man of high character and very considerable attainment cannot be doubted. As a military officer he was in good repute ; as a diplomatist he was entrusted with important negotiations ; as a legislator he was for many years active in the public service, for ten years filling the responsible office of Assistant. In 1644 and '45 he was a Representative, and in 1646, Speaker of the House.
His curious deposition in the case of Taylor against King, so well exhibits the simplicity and some of the peculiar customs of the times, that it seems well to introduce it here, with the prefa- tory remark that the action was one brought to recover damages for the goring to death of the plaintiff's mare by the defendant's bull ; and Captain Bridges was a witness as to the vicious char- acter of the bull. He says : " . . . . myself being on horse- back with my wyfe behinde me, ye sd Bull stood in the high way as I was riding a Longe. When I came up to the Bull, not knowing whos beast it was, neither thinking of any opposition, I struck at the bull, with my stick, to put him out of the way ; ymediately ye bull made att my mare, and placed his horne vpon
123
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Bridges.
her shoulder, and had well nigh overthrone both the mare and her riders ; and although I endeavored to shunne ye bull, yet he still so prest vpon mee yt I cannot but conceave had not the neareman bin att hand to beat him off that some hurt had bin done, either to orselves or my mare, or both ; but gods good hand better provided."
Captain Bridges was a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery, having joined in 1641. And in the codicil to the will of Robert Keayne, the eminent Boston merchant and first com- mander of that now historic corps, dated Dec. 28, 1653, this item appears : " I have forgott one Loveing Couple more that came not to my mind till I was shutting vp; that is, Capt Bridges and wife, to whom I give forty shillings."
The foregoing is sufficient for a glimpse at various points in the character and career of one of the devoted men who so faith- fully labored in laying the foundations of the social fabric which has become our inheritance - men honest, religious, persevering, hopeful, and brave. Yet it must be admitted that Capt. Bridges was not of a specially genial disposition ; nor could he have been very popular in some of his relations. He had hard points of character ; was arbitrary, exacting, unyielding, in the smaller concerns of daily intercourse, and perhaps not sufficiently regard- ful of the minor rights of those about him ; for we all love to have our rights respected even when they are of little value. In those days of difficulty and doubt minds were trained to meet the trials of life with a fortitude that amounted to heroism. In- deed, it was a favorite idea, that the afflictions men were called to endure were disciplinary ; that souls were purified by such means. This, however, was probably quite as much theoretical as otherwise, for the best of us would prefer to secure by obser- vation rather than experience, the good that might be derived from pain and suffering.
In our Annals of early dates may be found many facts concern- ing Captain Bridges not here alluded to. The Petition of Dame Armitage, presented in 1643, for license to keep the tavern, established by her husband in the westerly part of Lynn, as before remarked, was, no doubt, written by him. He was a remarkably good penman ; and his name is conspicuous among the signers, as may be seen by reference to page 106.
124 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Brimblecom. Brown. Bubier.
BRIMBLECOM, Col. SAMUEL - an early and enterprising shoe- manufacturer, public spirited, intelligent, and of genial manners. He was an admirer of the works of some of the old English writers and of the poets of later date, especially delighting in the writings of Pope, from which he was accustomed often to quote. He lived on Western avenue near Franklin street, and died April 24, 1850, aged 81. See Annals, 1850. Brimblecom street, which after his decease was cut through a field belonging to the home- stead estate, took its name from him.
BROWN, GOOLD - a famous grammarian and author - lived on South Common street, and died March 31, 1857, aged 65. See Annals, 1857.
BUBIER, SAMUEL M. - was the fifteenth Mayor of Lynn. He was twice elected to the office, his inaugurations taking place on the first of January, 1877 and the seventh of January, 1878. He is a native of Lynn, and was born in the Col. Mans- field house on Strawberry avenue, on the 23d of June, 1816. His whole business life has been connected with the shoe trade ; and he was a manufacturer for forty years, a considerable part of the time on quite a large scale. Few persons of his generation have done more to advance our staple industry than he, as he has ever held himself in readiness to introduce new and improved machinery, and to adopt any plan calculated to advance the interests of the trade. Some of the finest business buildings in the city were erected by him, and he has long been regarded as an enterprising, faithful, and meritorious citizen. On the 30th of October, 1844, he married Miss Mary W. Todd, of Tops- field, Mass., and became the father of three sons and one daughter. Mr. Bubier, during the last few years, has gradually withdrawn from active business. A fac-simile of his signature is here given.
Samuel M. Bebein
BUFFUM, JAMES N. Mr. Buffum was our twelfth Mayor, and twice elected to the office. His first inauguration took place on the 4th of January, 1869, and his second on the ist of January,
125
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Buffum. Burrill.
1872. He was born in North Berwick, Me., May 16, 1807, and his wife was a daughter of Dr. John Lummus of Lynn. A bio- graphical sketch, with a portrait, may be found in the Centennial Memorial, and a fac-simile of his autograph is hereto appended.
Sences N. Bufun
BUFFUM, JONATHAN. Mr. Buffum was for many years promi- nent in public life and active in business. He was intelligent, and in his opinions firm to the vergeofobstinacy. He had keen sympathies for the oppressed, and in the anti-slavery cause was a zealous worker. He lived on Union street, opposite the head of Washington, and died June 22, 1868, aged 74. See Annals, 1868.
BURRILL, Hon. EBENEZER - a Crown Counsellor, and other- wise conspicuous, in provincial times. He lived in Swampscott ; was born in 1679 and died in 1761. A biographical notice, with some account of the Burrill. family, may be found in the 1865 edition of the History of Lynn, page 492, et seq.
BURRILL, GEORGE-one of the first settlers, and head of the family once called the royal family of Lynn. He lived on the western slope of Tower Hill. See Annals, 1630. A fac-simile of his autograph follows.
Ball
BURRILL, Hon. JOHN-a Representative for some twenty years, and Speaker of the House ten years. He was highly respected by his associates, and extolled for his ability as a presiding officer. He lived at Tower Hill; was born in 1658 and died in 1721. A biographical sketch appears in the 1865
126 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Burton. Carnes. Chadwell.
edition of the History of Lynn. He was a good penman, as the fac-simile of his signature here given shows.
Johre Barril
BURTON, BONIFACE. This somewhat noted individual died on the 13th of June, 1669, at the age of 113 or 115 years as has been repeatedly asserted. But it is claimed by others that he died at about the age of 90. His autograph appears among those attached to the Armitage Petition, page 106. There was a propensity in early times to overstate the ages of elderly people ; yet we find no conclusive evidence that Mr. Burton's years were not as many as the largest number claimed. See Annals, 1630.
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