USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, 1864-1890 > Part 3
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, 1864-1890 > Part 3
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Lynnfield > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, 1864-1890 > Part 3
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Nahant > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, 1864-1890 > Part 3
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Lynn > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, 1864-1890 > Part 3
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The tower and other parts of the building were decorated with flags, and the Lynn band was in attendance to dispense their enlivening music at suitable intervals. A good deal of care was taken to have as large a number of the elderly men present as possible, and as many as seventy, whose births dated back to the last century, were gathered, Epes Mansfield, born in 1783, being the oldest.
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ANNALS OF LYNN- 1867.
A little before noon, the exercises commenced in the vestibule, with a prayer offered by Rev. J. W. F. Barnes, of the First Methodist Church. Mayor Roland G. Usher then delivered an Address, which was followed by a Poem by Cyrus M. Tracy. The Tablet, facing the main entrance, was then unveiled. Next came a brief address, retrospective and prospective, by James R. Newhall, which closed the forenoon exercises.
A liberal collation was served in the basement, which was partaken of by a multitude of citizens and many visitors from other places. Subsequently a number of prominent citizens addressed the crowds in the Council Chamber and other conve- nient parts of the building. Among these speakers were John B. Alley, James N. Buffum, George H. Chase, Charles E. Kim- ball, Peter M. Neal, and Thomas B. Newhall. There were like- wise several speakers from abroad.
The entertainment was continued till late in the evening, the large company of ladies and gentlemen, young and old, promenading whithersoever they would, about the beautiful apart- ments, and enjoying themselves in decorous ways of their own choice. At the instance of the Mayor, about ten o'clock, the whole company were called to join in singing "America." And after that the majestic strains of the Doxology, in Old Hundred, floated upward. This closed the interesting exercises. As this is not the place that requires any thing beyond a mere state- ment of facts, it would perhaps be unwise to volunteer censure even if there were points that might justify it, or to offer laudatory remarks where they are not needed. The addresses and the poem were published in the newspapers of the day, and afterward in a neat little volume ; and they can all " testify of themselves." It need only be remarked here that the proceedings throughout were received with liberal applause.
The cost of the building, in round numbers, may be stated at $312.000. Some claimed that it was an unnecessarily elegant and costly structure, and of course, after the usual custom, in- dulged in a little harmless grumbling. But it was soon apparent that its superior conveniences would save expense in many ways ; and that it was giving an improving tone to the architecture of the city, a thing that had been long and sorely needed. Before a year had passed, there were few who did not take a real pride in pointing to it as the great lion of the city, or who entertained any lingering regrets that it had been reared. It certainly marks a period when a wonderful advancement in the architectural aspect of Lynn commenced.
The first number of the Lynn Transcript, a weekly newspaper, established by Rufus Kimball, Thomas P. Nichols and Abel G. Courtis, appeared on Saturday, Dec. 21, from the office on the southwest side of Market street, near South Common.
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ANNALS OF LYNN- 1868.
There were born in Lynn, during the year, 664 children - 334 male and 330 female - 385 of native parentage, and 279 of foreign. December was the most prolific month, and April the least - 77 being born in the former and 35 in the latter.
1868.
On the evening of January 13, a meeting of naturalized citizens was held in a hall on Washington street, preparatory to forming an organization to promote their interests, as a class, and for mutual benefit. It seems doubtful whether such organizations, or the former ones aiming to place the administration of affairs solely in the hands of natives, are really productive of permanent good ; that is, so far as public policy is concerned. The endca- vor to effect a general union of interests and to avail of the best talent, of whatever derivation, would appear to give the highest promise. Nevertheless, there are many cases in which, other things being equal, it is eminently proper to give preference to natives. There has long been complaint that the people of Lynn are too much disposed to place new comers in positions of trust and authority. Admitting that it is so, it must be said that occasionally at least the good fortune of the party is aided by ignorance of his past life.
Nahant this year numbered 95 polls, and had a valuation of $1.054.37.
On the night of March 3, the thermometer stood at 12 degrees below zero. On the 7th, the harbor was so frozen that loaded teams could pass over to the beach. A day or two after, however, the ice broke up. The ice harvest of 1867-'8 was superior to any other known for many years, both in quality and quantity.
The interesting ceremony of strewing flowers on the graves of the fallen heros of the civil wir, took place on Saturday after- noon, May 30, under the auspices of the local Post of the Grand Army of the Republic. AA procession visited the different burial places, and at Pine Grove Cemetery, where a large concourse were assembled, appropriate services took place, with music and speaking. Comrade T. C. Vassar, minister of the First Baptist Church, delivered an appropriate address. The ceremonies were in accordance with a general order issued at Washington, by General Logan, Commander-in-chief of the association ; which order is here introduced, as explaining the character and purpose of the observance :
I. The 30th day of May, 1868, wdesignathilfer the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of Comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies i w lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but Posts and Comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testi- monia's of respect as circumstances may permit.
We are organized, Comrades, as our Regulations tell us, for the purpose, among
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ANNALS OF LYNN- 1868.
other things, 'of preserving and strengthening those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers, sailors and marines who united to suppress the late rebellion.' What can aid more to assure this result than cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead, who made their breasts a barricade between our country and its foes? Their soldier lives were the reveille of freedom to a race in chains, and their deaths the tattoo of rebellious tyranny in arms. We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security, is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such hallowed grounds. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourn- ers. Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided Republic.
If other eyes grow dull, and other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain to us.
Let us, then, at the time appointed, gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them, with the choicest flowers of spring time ; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonor ; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us as a sacred charge upon a nation's gratitude, the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan.
II. It is the purpose of the Commander-in-chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope that it will be kept up from year to year, while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed Comrades. He earnestly desires the public press to call attention to this Order, and lend its friendly aid in bringing it to the notice of Comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.
Such was the origin of "Memorial Day"-or "Decoration Day," as it is as often called - May 30. And the custom, so appropriate and so interesting, thus suggested, became at once established.
The brick house of worship, of the Central Congregational Society, on Silsbee street, was dedicated on Thursday evening, June II. There was a large attendance notwithstanding the prevalence of a severe easterly storm.
Jonathan Buffum died at his residence in Union street, June 22, aged 74 years. He was a native of Salem, but came to Lynn in early life. For many years he was active in town affairs, and held responsible offices ; was a painter by trade, though for some years engaged in shoe manufacturing. In early life he belonged to the Society of Friends, but seceded from the faith ; indeed he was one of those engaged in the disturbance at their house of worship, in 1822, an account of which appears in these Annals, under the proper date. During the prevalence of anti-masonry, he was one of the most zealous and conspicuous in the party, and owned the Lynn Record, which was the party organ. He was a man of marked character, firm in conviction, determined in purpose, and of unswerving integrity. He was an early and consistent advocate of the anti-slavery cause, of temperance, and of moral reforms in general. He also gave full credence to the doctrines of the spiritualists. He married Hannah, daughter of James Breed, and had five children.
A successful ascension was made from the Common, on the afternoon of July 4, by John H. Hall, of Lynn, in the balloon
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ANNALS OF LYNN- 1868.
"City of Lynn," which was manufactured by Parker Wells of this city.
Out-door religious services were held at High Rock and other public places, during the warm season, by clergymen of different denominations.
On Tuesday, Aug. 11, the Trenton Hose Company, of Trenton, N. J., accompanied by a Newark band of music, was received in Lynn, by the Empire Fire Association, the whole fire department indeel participating in the proceedings in honor of the visitors. An extensive procession traversed the streets, and other festivi- ties followed, rendering the whole a very enjoyable occasion. The visitors remained several days, and were entertained in the most hospitable manner, being conductedl over some of the largest manufactories, and to places of interest in the vicinity. For some years the fire companies of different places had been in the habit of interchanging such visits, to the promotion of much brotherly feeling, thus superseding, almost entirely, the old mili- tary campaigning.
.A farmer in Lynnfield killed thirteen rattlesnakes during the summer of this year.
James Purinton died, August 31, aged 92 years. He was a member of the society of Friends, and had worked on his bench, as a shoemaker, for seventy-two years.
Mary Phillips died, Sept 12, agel 98 years, being the oldest person then in Lynn, with the exception of Mary J. Hood, a colored woman, aged 103. Mrs. Phillips was a member of the society of Friends, and retained her faculties in a remarkable degree, her clear memory embracing a history of the eastern section of the town for mure than two generations. She was the widow, for many years, of Jonathan Phillips.
On the afternoon of Wednesday, Sept 30, the granite monu- ment erected in Pine Grove Cemetery to the memory of Rev. Parsons Cuoke, late minister of the First Congregational Church, was dedicated, with appropriate services.
Edward O'Baldwin, known as the Irish Giant, and Joseph Wormuld, an Englishmain, noted prize-fighters, were arrested by the police, just as they had commenced a battle, in Lynnfield, on the morning of Oct. 29. A crowd of those who delight in such demoralising contests haøl assembled, from Boston and neighbor- ing places, but they very suddenly dispersedl, in dismay, when the police appeared, zealous to act their part. O'Baldwin and Wormuld were arraigned before the police court, and bound over to the superior court. The former was finally sentenced to the house of correction for two years ; but the latter escaped, forfeiting his bail.
Died, in his lonely residence, at Dungeon Rock, November 10 Hiram Marble, aged 65. He was widely known for his perse-
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ANNALS OF LYNN- 1868.
vering labors in the rock just named, where he worked some seven- teen years, and died without a realization of his ardent hopes and unwavering expectation of exhuming jewels and gold, ac- cording to the promises of his unseen allurers. He remained a spiritualist to the last, and the mediums of the vicinity were invited to be present at the funeral services which were held at the rock on the forenoon of Wednesday, November II. He was a native of Charlton, in Worcester county, and thither his re- mains were conveyed for burial. An account of the fruitless task he undertook may be found in these Annals, under date 1658.
Quite a rage for velocipede riding prevailed here and indeed all over New England about this time. Several schools for in- struction were opened, and convenient structures erected for their accommodation. Many young men became quite expert riders, as well as a few ladies. But the difficulties of managing the novel contrivances and balancing the body on them, was a great draw-back to their use. They had two narrow wheels, and those set fore and aft, with the little padded seat between, the crank producing the forward motion being turned by the feet, while the steering was done by the hands; by which means both hands and feet had constant occupation. It was literally working one's passage. And there was very little to mark the machine as an improvement upon the condemned affair of gene- rations before. There was a velocipede race in Boston, July 5, 1869, at which George W. Buzzel, of Lynn, took the second prize, of $20. He rode a mile in two seconds short of five minutes. Horses were liable to be friglitened by them, and they soon went out of fashion. After a few years, however, a kindred contri- vance, the bicycle, came into use, among young men especially. This had one large wheel, and a diminutive one to steer by, and required somewhat less skill and labor in the management.
On the night of Christmas day, the most disastrous fire that had 'ever occurred in Lynn, took place. It commenced in Ly- ceum building, on Market street, corner of Summer, entirely destroying that, and then leaping across Summer street, it de- stroyed the fine large new brick blocks belonging to Lyman B. Frazier and Samuel M. Bubier, and damaged other less valuable structures. The Central National Bank was in Lyceum building, but the vault withstood the flames. The Post-office was in Fra- zier's block, but every thing of value there, was saved. Some of the occupants of the buildings lost heavily, notwithstanding large insurances. Lyceum building was erected in 1841, at a cost of about $10.000. Frazier's block cost some $60.000, and Bubier's about $65.000. The whole loss by the fire was reckoned at not less than $300.000. The destruction of these fine structures was much lamented by the people generally ; but
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ANNALS OF LYNN- 1869.
they were soon replaced by others still more valuable. Odd Fellows' Hall, three years after, occupied the site on which Lyceum Hall or Lyceum Building, as it was indiscriminately called, stood. This last named was a wooden structure and not very comely in its proportions. It was, however, for years, much in use for lectures, shows, and meetings of all kinds, being cen- trally situated and almost the only eligible place in town for such purposes. The light of this conflagration was distinctly seen in Gloucester and Lawrence
...
LYCEUM BUILDING, LYNN, Erected in 1841 -destroyed by fire, in 1868.
1869.
Mary J. Hood, a colored woman, died at her residence, near Floating bridge, January 8, at the great age of 104 years and 7 months, as appearedl by well authenticated records.
On Monday night, Jan. 25, another destructive fire took place in Lynn, destroying property to the amount of some $170.000. It commenced in the large brick shoe manufactory of Edwin H. Johnson, in Munroe street, destroying that and the manufactory of Harrison Newhall, and other adjacent buildings, and greatly damaging several in the neighborhood.
The shoe manufactory of Rufus A. Johnson, near the East
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ANNALS OF LYNN- 1869.
Saugus rail-road depot was burned on the morning of Feb. 20, with a considerable amount of stock.
Died, in Newton, Mass., Feb. 25, Dr. Edward A. Kittredge, a native of Salem, aged 58. He was for many years a practising physician in Lynn ; was of a genial and kind disposition, but rather eccentric manners. He was a frequent contributor to the newspapers, and his articles were always readable from their conspicuous humor and under-current of good sense. His edu- cation was good, and though trained in the old allopathic system, he finally adopted the hydropathic, or water-cure, system, having visited some of the water-cure establishments in Europe to study the theory. His remains were brought to Lynn and interred in the Eastern Burying Ground, after appropriate services at the First Universalist church.
From the 13th to the 17th of March, it was very cold. Only three days before St. Patrick's the thermometer reached 10 de- grees below zero.
There was a magnificent display of beautifully tinted aurora borealis on the evening of April 15, during which a meteor of great brilliancy shot across the eastern sky.
The number of children in Lynn, between the ages of five and fifteen years, on the first of May, was 5.674.
The North Congregational Church was formed in the spring of this year, chiefly by members withdrawing from the First Church. The organization was recognized by a council held May 6.
May 10 was the day on which the last spike was driven, in completion of the first continuous rail-road line connecting the . Atlantic and Pacific. It was an eventful occasion, far away there in the Rocky Mountain shadows, and drew together many prom- inent persons from different parts of the country. The spike was of solid gold, and what renders the occurrence of interest to people here is the fact that it was driven by David Hewes, a native of Lynnfield, and a contractor on the road. It was, how- ever, soon withdrawn and deposited in a museum in San Fran- cisco, under the apprehension that if allowed to remain some straying traveller, curious or covetous, might appropriate it.
Memorial Day was celebrated on Saturday, May 29. The principal address was delivered by Dr. Bowman B. Breed ; but Mayor Buffum made some appropriate remarks.
The famous Peace Jubilee commenced in Boston, June 15. It was the greatest musical entertainment that had ever been held in this country, the chorus singers alone numbering 10.528. It was attended by lovers of music from all parts of the Union, and from foreign countries. The average number of persons carried daily through and from Lynn, by the Eastern Rail-road, during the week, was about 11.300, and the receipts from the
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ANNALS OF LYNN - 1869.
sale of tickets to the various concerts, amounted to $300.000. Lynn furnished her quota of performers in the association known as the Chorus Class, which, under the name of Choral Union, was continued, much to the benefit of musical education among us. And the whole affair gave a sensible impetus to musical interests in all parts of the country.
Benjamin H. Jacobs, for more than thirty years undertaker for the Old Burying Ground, near the western end of the Com- mon, died June 16, aged 76. He was a native of Littleton, Mass., was faithful in his office, and took great pains to keep the vene- rable resting place in order and give it a pleasant aspect. And there his own remains were deposited. His son Edwin S., who long acted as his assistant, died on the 27th of the same month, aged 45.
The picturesque cruciform Episcopal church at Nahant, built in 1868, was consecrated June 27.
The public drain through Shepard street was constructed this year, in compliance with the strongly expressed desire of many residents of the vicinity. But it dried up so many wells in the neighborhood that some began to question its utility. The little pond on the Common, likewise, met the fate of the wells. But notwithstanding the temporary inconvenience, there is no doubt of the value of such works. Lynn had for many years felt the necessity of a system of drainage, which was at about this time energetically commenced. Other localities soon went through experience similar to that of Shepard street.
A caricature celebration of independence took place this year under the auspices of the " Antiques and Horribles," with dis- cordant music by the " Old Canaan Band." Some parts of the procession were rather picturesque and some of the Hits good.
Jeremiah C. Stickney died, August 3, aged 64. He was a native of Rowley, Mass., graduated at Harvard, with the 1824 class, immediately applied himself to the study of law, with Judge Cummins, of Salem, and in 1827 was admitted to the bar. He soon settled in Lynn, and was presently in active and successful practice, in which he continued far farty years. He was post- master from 1829 to 1839, and again from 1853 to 1858 ; but having little ambition for office he was less in public life than was desirable for one of his ability. He declined the office of United States District Attorney for Massachusetts, when offered him, during the administration of Gen. Jackson. He however served in the lower house of the Massachusetts Legis- lature in 1839 and '40. When the city form of government was adopted, in 1850, his legal advice and assistance proved of great value ; and when in 1853 the office of City Solicitor was estab- lished, he was promptly elected to fill the position. It was the
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ANNALS OF .LYNN - 1869.
privilege of the writer to be for some time associated with him in professional partnership, and he would not pass silently by this opportunity to remark that he can hardly speak in too high terms of his constant affability and gentlemanly traits, or of his reputation for legal attainments. He was endowed in a. large degree with that invaluable power which few really possess, though many claim - the power to discern the real sentiments and motives that so often underlie the professed - a power which is sure to raise the lawyer above the common ranks. He was not a man to blindly follow the dictation or direction of any client when he saw that envy, hatred, or malice gave coloring to his story. In his investigations he was thorough, to the court always respectful, and to his professional brethren courteous.
At the time Mr. Stickney commenced practice, the two other lawyers here were men of mark if not eminence- Robert W. Trevett and Isaac Gates. They were both graduates of Harvard and well read in the law. A brief notice of Mr. Trevett appears on pages 409 and'10 and of Mr. Gates on pages 435 and '6 of the 1865 vol. By reference to those notices the reader will gain some knowledge of the antagonists with whom Mr. Stickney had to cope in his early professional days. But they and he knew well what was becoming to the character of gentlemen. It was, according to Mr. Rogers, a great consolation to Mr. Trevett, when " in poverty and distress," to be able to say, "No matter what I am now ; I take a great deal of satisfaction in reflecting that I was once the principal lawyer in Lynn ;" - thus giving a sort of reverse turn to the Shakespearean " All 's well that ends well."
For many years Mr. Stickney owned and resided on the beau- tiful estate known as Forest Place, which under his hand was in a great measure transformed from a mere rough pine-clad hill into one of the most tasteful and picturesque places within a. score of miles.
On Christmas day, 1829, Mr. Stickney was united in marriage to Miss Mary Frazier, daughter of John Frazier, of Philadelphia. Three children were born to them ; namely, Charles Henry, born Sept. 29, 1830, John Buffinton, born May 25, 1832, and Martha Anne, born September 5, 1834. The two sons entered the legal profession. John B. removed to Florida, where he for some time filled the office of United States Marshal. Martha Anne, in 1868 became the wife of Capt. Stephen H. Andrews, of Lawrence, Kansas, and removed thither.
A very severe gale took place on the afternoon of Wednesday, Sept. 8. Nothing like it had been felt since the historically famous gale of September 23, 1815, and many old people thought it exceeded that in violence, as it certainly did in the damage
3
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ANNALS OF LYNN - 1869.
done. The morning was still and sultry. About ten, a breeze sprang up from the southwest, whence it continued to blow with some vigor, and with dashes of rain, till about three in the after- noon, when it suddenly veered to the southeast and continued to blow with increasing violence, till about half past six when it had attained the character of a perfect hurricane, with torrents of rain. Chimnies fell in all quarters, and several buildings were levelled. But the most visible destruction was among the trees. Multi- tudes were uprooted - some of the largest along the streets ; and few escaped dismemberment. Until the authorities had time, on the next day, to remove the fallen ones, some of the sidewalks, particularly that of North Common street, were dangerously ob- structed. Several houses were much damaged by the falling of the trees against them. During the height of the tempest, the tall spire of the First Baptist Church yielded to the blast and fell crashing through the roof, demolishing also the westerly side of the edifice. A new two-story house in Essex street was raised from the underpinning and completely prostrated. The extensive green-house and conservatory of the Marquis de Lousada, near King's Beach, was almost totally destroyed. No less than four hundred and thirty shade trees, in different parts of Lynn, were prostrated, and very few of those that withstood the gale escaped unharmed. In the woods, the fallen trunks were beyond num- bering. And the fruit trees were almost stripped of their unripe fruit. Great havoc was made among the yachts and other small shipping at Swampscott, but there was remarkable freedom from loss of life or personal injury.
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