USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, 1864-1890 > Part 22
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, 1864-1890 > Part 22
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Lynnfield > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, 1864-1890 > Part 22
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Nahant > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, 1864-1890 > Part 22
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Lynn > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, 1864-1890 > Part 22
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SIAMESE TWINS. It was in 1831 that the famous Siamese twins, Chang and Eng, so mysteriously united in person, were first exhibited in this vicinity. During the warm season of that year they were for a short time rusticating in Lynnfield, and while out on a gunning excursion, one day, became so irritated
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by being followed and stared at, by men and boys, that they committed a breach of the peace, were taken before a magis- trate's court, and put under bonds. It came near becoming a serious question how one could be punished by imprisonment, should it come to that, if the other were innocent. The difficulty vanished, however, when it appeared that both were guilty. They died in North Carolina, in the winter of 1873, within two hours of each other, aged 63 years.
FUNERAL EXPENSES. Much has been said, of late, and with justice, concerning the extravagance so commonly indulged in, on the burial of the dead. The expenditures for casket, floral decorations, carriages, and so forth, have become really burden- some to persons of limited income. Many seem to think it mean not to follow the fashion in these matters, and mean also to dis- pute any charge of those who furnish the appliances, however exorbitant such charge may be. But does not a sentiment very different from love for the departed or grief for one's own loss, rule here ? Certainly it is not in ostentatious display that the grieved heart most naturally seeks relief. Of course we all realize that no good can come to the departed by glitter and parade, however costly they may be. Nor can they heal affec- tion's deeper wounds. It would be truly lamentable if the time should ever come when heart-relieving ceremonials were dispensed with at the burial of the dead ; but garish pomp is but fast fading drapery about a grave.
In early New England times the dead were committed to their last resting places with very little ceremony beyond the proces- sion of mourning friends ; the coffin was rude; and seldom was a prayer offered, an omission, however, that probably arose from anxiety to avoid any thing that approached the popish custom of praying for the dead. But before the beginning of the last century, new and strange customs began to appear, and expendi- tures were made for purposes more reprehensible than any extravagance of this day. Indeed funerals were sometimes made seasons of jollification. Especially when the deceased was a minister or other prominent personage, spirituous liquors were provided, and gloves and rings presented. And these customs prevailed to some extent even down to times within the memory
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of persons now living. Here is a copy of the charges incurred at the burial of Rev. Mr. Brown, of Reading, in 1733 :
£ s. d.
To Thomas Eaton, for provisions, 210
Nathaniel Eaton, for fetching up the wine, 0 15 0 Lt. Nathaniel Parker, for 5 qts. Rhom [rum], 0
8 o Samuel Poole, for digging Mr. Brown's grave, 8 0 Landlord Wesson, for Rhom [rum], 0 10 6
W'm. Cowdry, for making the coffin, 0 15
Andrew Tyler, of Boston, 6 gold rings for funeral, 10 18 0
Benj. Fitch, of Boston, Gloves, etc., 17 o o Mrs. Martha Brown, for wine furnished, 5 O o Eben Storer, of Boston, sundries, . S o 0
Total, 45 15 6
Until a comparatively recent period the burial places in the rural districts of New England were generally neglected spots, overgrown with rank weeds and all manner of unseemly vegetation. And we cannot fail to rejoice that these unsightly enclosures are fast giving place to beautiful cemeteries, whose graceful adornments are a perpetual delight to the meditative mourner. The simple monument that records the name and virtues of a dear departed one, however inexpensive or rude it may be, will long out-last the memory of any pomp or ceremonial that may have attended the committal of the body to the earth.
SPECIE TRANSPORTATION. John Adams, afterwards President of the United States, but then a young lawyer, travelling his circuit, accompanied by his wife, mentions, under date Nov. 3, 1766, having "oated " at Martin's - the celebrated old Anchor Tavern, in what is now East Saugus - on his way to attend the court at Salem. And returning, a few days after, he again "oated " at Martin's, " where we saw," he adds, " five boxes of dollars, containing, as we were told, about eighteen thousand of them, going in a horse-cart from Salem Custom House to Boston, in order to be shipped for England. A guard of armed men, with swords, hangers, pistols and muskets attended."
VALUE OF A SHIRT. IN 1729. There was a complaint made by Benjamin Newhall, of Lynn, before Theophilus Burrill, a Justice of the Peace, in behalf of His Majesty, the King, "That whereas some evil minded person, contrary to the peace of our
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Sovereign Lord the King and the laws of his Majesty's Province of Massachusetts, did on or upon the 28th day of this Instant month of December, 1729, (being the Lord's day) steale, purloine, or Take and karry a way a new Shirtt of your Complainant's ffit for a Small Bodyed man, Either out of the new Dwelling hous where sd complainantt Lives, or verry neare there to, which Shirt was made of cotton and Linning cloath, a middling sort of cloath, valued at about Twelve Shillings, and Doth Wehemently Suspect," &c. A search warrant was issued, but it does not appear whether the property was recovered. The " new Dwelling hous," it is presumed, was the two-story wooden house, known as the Hallowell house, still standing on North Common street, two or three rods east of the old Episcopal church.
FIRST DIRECTORY OF LYNN. Early in 1832 the writer pur- chased of Charles F. Lummus, the first Lynn printer, the little office which he had been running for about six years, and running to such disadvantage that he had run out the small means with which he commenced. It was the first printing office in Lynn, and very poorly supplied with material. By the sale, Mr. Lum- mus found himself out of employment ; and though not inclined to excessive industry, his circumstances required that he should not remain in idleness. He was about thirty years of age, a bachelor, and a boarder at Lynn Hotel, at that time perhaps the most genteel boarding place in the town. His habits were good, and his expenses small.
In casting about, under these circumstances, for something to turn his hand to, he conceived the project of compiling a Direc- tory, the population then numbering about 6.200. A short season of pleasant work would by such means be afforded, as in collect- ing the information and procuring subscribers, he could travel about in pleasant weather, gossip with all sorts of people, and suspend labor when he felt inclined. He knew every body, every body knew him, and there were few who would not cordially greet him, and render such assistance as was in their power. So the work went on. When the information was gathered and the subscribers obtained the printing was to be done. There was no office in Lynn with sufficient type of a suitable kind, and he made an arrangement with an establishment in Boston. He did
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the type-setting himself, and as might have been expected the work did not proceed with remarkable vigor. However, it was a new thing, and the subscribers, not knowing exactly what they had a right to expect, did not manifest much impatience.
In the latter part of May the Directory made its appearance. It was in the shape of a duodecimo of seventy-two pages, was in paper covers, contained the variety of information usually found in works of the kind, was as accurate as it could well be made, and on the whole was quite creditable. But in a pecuniary way it was not much of a success, for Mr. Lummus afterwards told the writer that he realized only enough to make scanty day wages.
Such is a history of the first Directory of Lynn, copies of which may yet occasionally be found in some of the older homes. As the first printer of Lynn, and the compiler of her first Direc- tory, the name of Mr. Lummus will survive long after many who were more successful in " heaping up riches " are forgotten.
ELECTION DAY. To some of our elder people the mention of this now unnoticed anniversary will call up recollections of a peculiar character. The ancient Colony Charter ordained " That yearely, once in the yeare forever hereafter, namely, the last Wednesday in Easter tearme yeareley, the Governor, Deputy Governo', and Assistants of the said Company, and all other officers of the said Company shalbe, in the Generall Court or Assembly to be held for that day or tyme, newly chosen for the yeare ensueing by such greater part of the said Company for the tyme being then and there present."
Thus it was that the last Wednesday of May became the famous Election Day. During many of its latter years the period was more commonly called "'lection time," for the last four days of the week were embraced in the popular observance. And it was not till 1831, that the day so long noted above almost any other, was compelled, through a constitutional amendment, to fall back into the ranks of unnoted days. The worthy old legislators evidently considered this annually recurring election of their chief officers, a matter of very grave importance, fearing, no doubt, that their liberties might be endangered by such abuses as they had seen arise from longer official terms, and from modes of appointment in which the great body of the people
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were not allowed to participate. Their anxious watchfulness may be seen all along. At a General Court held in 1639, the matter was treated in this manner : " It is solemly & vnanimosly decreed & established, that henceforth vpon the day or dayes appointed by our patent to hold or yearely Court for the election of our Governor, Deputy Governor, Assistants & other generall officers, being the last Wednesday of every Easter tearme, that the ffreemen of this jurisdiction shall either in person or by proxie, wthout any sumons, attend & consumate the elections. . . As for the place of publike assembling, it shalbee wher the pceeding Court of Elections was held, vnlesse then & there some other place shalbee assigned. This acte of ors wee conceive so ncarely to concerne the good of this country that we carnestly intrcate it may never be repealed by any future Courte."
This last sentence we put in italic for the purpose of empha- sizing the admonition evidently intended. And it is agreeable to be able to remark that essentially the principle so urged by our sagacious forefathers became so interwoven with the very texture of our political economy that it has never yet ceased to work for good.
Why the popular observance of Election Day should have taken the turn it finally did, is a mystery. Our younger people can have little conception of the style of entertainment and diversion by which it was characterized. It was not like Fast, Decoration, Independence, or Thanksgiving day. Exactly how it was observed a hundred and fifty years ago, we cannot tell ; but how it was during the first quarter of the present century many now living can attest, and surely will agree that in view of its moral influence, it was not abolished any too soon.
It was pleasant to see the young men and maidens arrayed in their new "election suits," promenading with smiling faces, and joining in woodland pic-nics, or in merry household gather- ings. And the decorations from the abundant floral provision of the season, were always to be admired. The " election cake," too, so spicy and so glossy, which was provided in every house, with the slightly stimulating but not inebriating diet-drink made glad the young hearts. But the egg-nog, the flip, the muddy ale, and other fight-inspiring drinks that freely flowed in the
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public dance houses, were the occasion of such irregularities, as happily have no match in these days. There were dance houses in various neighborhoods, notably one known as " Old Willis's," at North Bend, where dissipated men and lewd women assembled to spend the day and night in disgraceful revelry. It is hard to tell how such disreputable proceedings originated, for there was certainly nothing inherent in the original purpose to produce them.
For many of its latter years, the day was popularly known as " Nigger Election," which questionable appellation was given, as some have supposed, to distinguish it from Artillery Election, which occurred on the first Monday in June, and which still holds its place in the calendar. But the true reason for its having been so called no doubt was that so long as slavery existed in Massachusetts, our colored brethren - who were allowed by their masters an annual vacation of four days, beginning with the day on which the General Court made their elections - were accustomed then, in imitation of their masters, to assemble on Boston Common or in some other convenient place, and proceed to elect rulers from their own ranks ; or rather imitation rulers, rulers without authority and without subjects. They engaged in their sportive political ceremonies with a keen relish, the more so, perhaps from having no real interest to be anxious about, and wound up with scenes of unlimited jollity. And the whole of their vacation was marked by excesses such as might be expected from a class so ignorant and so excitable when freed from restraint ; for the masters did not interfere till the utmost verge of decency had been reached, good-naturedly submitting to the hard hits levelled against themselves, and possibly profit- ing a little by some shrewd allusion. Perhaps these excesses of the negroes gave rise to the vile manner in which the season was observed by the lower class of some of our own complexion ; and perhaps, also, "election time" extended to four days, in accordance with the limit of the vacation allowed the slaves. Pompey, a slave belonging to Daniel Mansfield, of Lynn, who is referred to on page 198 of this volume, and who is stated to have been a prince in his native land, appears to have had regal honors bestowed upon him, though destitute both of subjects and au- thority.
As has before appeared, the Court of Elections was abolished
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in 1831 ; and then, of course, "election time" ceased to be observed. We have seen what indulgences characterized its latter days. And it may not be impertinent to ask if there are not other seasons which are now observed in a manner quite as inconsistent with the original purpose, if not in a manner quite as reprehensible. How about our annual Fast ? Do we regard it as a day of " fasting, humiliation and prayer," or as a day for out-door sports and in-door games? Some good Christian peo- ple, notably among them the late Rev. Dr. Cooke, have thought, in view of the turn things have taken, that it would be wise to discontinue altogether the appointment of such a day. But would it not be better to reform than abolish? It is rather surprising that one of Dr. Cooke's spirit should counsel a course that looks so much like a surrender. Then there is Independence day, the day on which, in times past, in the public celebration, the best orator and the best poet were called to spread their wings in oration and ode, and patriotism and lofty sentiment freely gushed in toast and banquet speech, with interludes of trumpet notes and song. But now "Young America" rather has the ascendancy hereabout ; and the "antique and horrible" displays, the tub races and the bicycles take the leading part - all well enough, perhaps, in their way, but seemingly not quite up to the requirements of the dignity of so grand an occasion.
One word more about Artillery Election. It need not be remarked that the name is derived from the fact that on that day - the first Monday of June - the officers of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery are elected. The company was organ- ized as early as 1638, and quite a list of Lynn men have been members. It continues in vigorous existence, but is, at this day, not so much needed as a regulator in tactics, as it was in former years ; in short it is now rather an organization of respectable military citizens who meet in a semi-social way, than one ad- hering to the strict rules and requirements of martial life.
They have occasionally on parade days visited Lynn. Any one in passing along Tremont street, in Boston, may observe near the outer wall of the King's Chapel burying ground an ancient gravestone bearing the name Hezekiah Usher. This individual was one of the original members of the organization. A son of his, of the same name, was an officer in the company, and
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died in Lynn, though he was not a resident, in July 1697 ; and they marched hither to escort his remains to their last resting place beside those of his father. Our eleventh Mayor, Col. Roland G. Usher, is of the same ancestral line ; and he became a member of the company in 1851.
SHAYS'S REBELLION. The following items appear in an account presented by the town of Lynn for reimbursement by the state for supplies furnished on the occasion of this memorable disturb- ance, which took place in 1786: "One thousand weight of Beef, at 2d. 1 farthing & 1-2 a pound ; four hundred and thirty four pound of Bread, at 19s. pr Hundred ; twenty two gallons of Rum, at 2s. 8d. pur gal. ; a Barril to carry the Rum in, 4s. ; one Bushel of salt, 2s. and a Bag 2s. ; four Camp kittle at 5s. a peace, lost ; the selectmen eleven days at 4s. pur Day for necessary time spent to collect sd things," &c.
WOODWARD'S AWLS. The elder members of the shoe-making craft hereabout will remember the famous Woodward awls. Before shoes were made by machinery, they had a great sale in Lynn, as nothing could supply their place. They were manufactured in that part of Reading now known as Wakefield, by Thomas Woodward, who was a native of Lynn, or Lynnfield, as it now is, and was born in 1773. He was a very ingenious and dexter- ous mechanic, and has been credited with numbering among his other inventions that of the Emerson razor strap. Mr. Eaton, in his history of Reading, says of him : "He was an honest, industrious, and kind-hearted man, but possessed some peculiar- ities of character ; he had an inquiring and rather credulous mind ; any new idea, either in physic, physics or ethics, he was ever ready to adopt, and if he thought it valuable, he was dis- posed to pursue it with great sincerity and pertinacity of purpose ; hence we find him ever trying some new experiment in manufac- turing, using some newly invented pilis or cordial, making a " Tincture," that becomes and still continues a popular medicine, becoming an anti-mason and abolitionist of the most approved patterns, and an honest and sincere believer in Millerism. He was, however, a very useful citizen. He lived to be aged, and his body outlived his mind." He died in 1860, aged 87 years.
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RELIGIOUS DISCUSSIONS. In our Annals, under date 1702, an account is given of a characteristic discussion on religious topics, held in Lynn by Rev. George Keith, a Church of England mis- sionary, and John Richardson a prominent Quaker preacher. There was at that period a wide-spread interest in such contro- versies, on both sides of the water, and the contestants often manifested most intemperate zeal. Soon after Mr. Keith's return to England the following appeared as an advertisement in the London Postman : " Whereas, the world has been told in public' papers and otherwise, of numerous conversions of Quakers to the Church of England, by means of Mr. Keith and others, and whereas the Quakers give out in their late books and otherwise, that since Mr. Keith came out of America, there are not ten persons owned by them that have left their Society, Mr. Keith and others will very much oblige the world in publishing a true list of their proselytes."
PRESCOTT'S WALK. William H. Prescott, the eminent histo- rian, was for some years a summer resident of Lynn, his estate being on Ocean street. There he composed a considerable portion of "Philip the Second," and did other writing. His physical infirmities were such that much air and exercise were absolutely necessary. The old cherry tree, alluded to in the following extract from the biography of the historian, by George Ticknor, stood in front of the mansion.
" One thing at his Lynn home, was, and still is, [1862] very touching. There was hardly a tree on the place except some young plantations, which were partly his own, but which he did not live to see grow up. But shade was important to him there as it was everywhere ; and none was to be found on his grounds except under the broad branches of an old cherry tree, which had come down from the days of Quaker shoemakers, who were so long the monarchs of the land there, and in all the neighborhood. Round the narrow circle of shade which this tree afforded him, he walked with his accustomed fidelity a certain length of time every day whenever the sun prevented him from going more freely abroad. There he soon wore a path in the green sward, and so deep did it at last become that now-four years since any foot has pressed it - the marks still remain as a sad memo-
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rial of his infirmity. I have not unfrequently watched him as he paced his wearisome rounds there, carrying a light umbrella, which, when he reached the sunny side of his circle, he raised for an instant to protect his eyes, and then shut it again, that the suffering organ might have the full benefit, not only of the exercise, but of the fresh air ; so exact and minute was he as to whatever could in the slightest degree affect its condition."
This same old cherry tree is referred to in the following im- pressive but slightly stilted sonnet, written after Mr. Prescott's death, by an esteemed poetess of New York :
No more, alas ! the soft returning spring Shall greet thee, walking near thy favorite tree, Marking with patient step the magic ring Where pageants grand and monarchs move with thee, Thou new Columbus ! bringing from old Spain Her ancient wealth to this awaiting shore ; Returning stamped with impress of thy brain, Far richer treasures than her galleons bore. Two worlds shall weep for thee - the Old, the New - Now that the marble and the canvas wait In vain to cheer the homes and hearts so truc, Thy immortality made des late, While angels on imperishable scroll
Record the wondrous beauty of thy sou !.
THE SEA-SERPENT. In our Annals, under date 1819, is given a pretty full account of this wonderful marine monster who is yet regarded by many as a mere creature of the imagination. And under date 1875 may be found a few additional particulars. Till within a comparatively recent period leading scientists ap- peared to disdain even the discussion of the question of his existence. But new interest has, of late, from some cause, been awakened, and opinions more or less valuable are freely expressed by those who claim to be most learned in nature's mysteries. The speculations of scientists, however, are not always more satisfactory than the observation and experience of some who make no high claims ; for there are, even among the learned, wise and unwise, credulous and incredulous ones. In the pres- ent state of the question, it may be interesting to give a few items of testimony which are not to be found elsewhere in our history.
Nathan D. Chase, an aged and respectable citizen residing in
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the eastern section of the city, in a newspaper article published in June, 1881, referring to the appearance in 1819, says :
I had the pleasure of seeing his snakeship off Long Beach and Red Rock. He passed along within one hundred feet from where I stood, giving me a very good sight of him. At that time he carried his head out of water about two feet, and his speed was like that of an ordinary ocean steamer. What I saw of his length was from fifty to sixty feet. It was very difficult to count the bunches, or bony fins upon his back, as by his undulating motion they did not all appear at once. This accounts, in part, for the varied descriptions given of him by different parties. His appearance at the surface of the water was occasional and but for a short time. This is the best description I can give of him from my own observation, and I saw the monster as truly, though not quite so clearly, as I ever saw any thing.
There are honest neighbors of Mr. Chase, who, though they entertain not the slightest doubt of his veracity, yet believe that his eyes did not serve him with entire faithfulness; or rather that imagination was unwittingly allowed to add a little of its illuminating power. The writer has conversed with several who were on the Beach at the time of the alleged appearance and found them to disagree considerably as to details, and in posi- tiveness. One worthy man said, "Why, yes, I saw what they called the sea-serpent, but could not make out what some others present declared they saw." Yet none seemed to doubt that something wonderful was moving about there.
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