USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, 1864-1890 > Part 30
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, 1864-1890 > Part 30
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Lynnfield > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, 1864-1890 > Part 30
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Nahant > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, 1864-1890 > Part 30
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Lynn > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, 1864-1890 > Part 30
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The rapidity with which the vacant territory of Lynn is being occupied, warns us that few years will elapse before most of the beauty and romance of her surroundings will be extinguished. There are competent artists among us who would be glad to apply their skill to the preservation of scenes which to us of this day are sources of so much enjoyment, and which by those of future generations would be viewed with ten-fold delight. But artists, as a rule, are not overburdened with this world's goods, and are seblom able to labor without the cheering hope of some pecuniary reward. And it may well be lamented that so few of those who would tam he reckoned among the wealthy and cultured have little taste for rich adornments of the character here alluded to, or any theught of employing a small amount of their substance for the gratification of those who in future years may occupy this goodly heritage.
On the three following leaves are re-produced - for they appear in our 1865 edition - illustrations which preserve at least a glimpse of what has been. They are from faithful sketches made for the writer, in 1864.
" Forest Place" has already been shorn of its most attractive features - groves and shady walks have disappeared, and high- ways and by-ways, with ambitious habitations, intruded. See page 33. And even the Point of Pines- recognizable by the house and flag-staff in the distance - has yielded to the march of improvement, and become an alluring resort. See page 244. " Lynnmere " retains many of her old-time charms ; and when shorn of her natural beauties her interesting history will survive.
The view represented by the other picture, and our last, has undergone but comparatively little change. The point from which it was taken being a sort of rocky fastness has withstood the invading march of the destroyer. But the vacant lands in front are already penetrated by streets ; house-lots are staked out and dwellings appearing. The rear lands, however, remain almost unchanged ; and old ocean still perfects the view -old ocean, ever changing, ever grand, in sunshine and in storm.
VIEW IN LYNN - Forest Place, Residence of the late J. C. STICKNEY, Esq.
[323
LYNNMERE.
BRICHER:RUSSELL:SC-BOSTON
[325
VIEW IN LYNN - From Residence of JAMES R. NEWHALL, Walnut Street.
[327
SUPPLEMENT.
- .
ANNALS.
IT was thought best to begin the supplemental pages in the form of Annals, that being the form in which the body of the work has been carried along, from the beginning. There are, however, the events of but seven years - 1883 to 1890-to be recorded. The Annals from 1629 to 1864 are in the earlier and larger volume. The present volume takes up the Annals, page 17, with the year 1865, and on page 96 closes with 1881. On pages 282 and 283 are noted the events of 1882. And this Supplement records the events from 1882 to 1890.
By the Indexes of this volume the contents of each page may be readily found. In that beginning on page 295, the contents of all the pages that precede it are noted. On page 310 appears an Index to the Pictorial Addenda. And at the close of this Supplement is an Index of what it contains. Of course the other volume has an Index of its own.
1883.
Electric works established in Lynn. They rapidly developed into a very large business, the factory buildings occupying a good part of Centre and Federal streets. Lynn capitalists invested largely. A visible impulse was soon felt in real estate movements, and all the westerly part of the city, even to the woody highlands, was presently booming, to use a current expression of the time. The company was chartered in Connec- ticut, but soon became practically a Lynn enterprise, the plant being brought hither. Professor Elihu Thompson, an experi- enced electrician, was prominent in the business, and by perse- vering studies concerning the nature and application of electricity was able to add much to the substantial character and success of the business. Something more will be said of these works, in the proper place, further on.
(329)
Sup. I.
.
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ANNALS OF LYNN-1884.
The Sweetser building, corner of Central avenue and Oxford street, was burned Jan. 26. Loss, $81.000.
The Lynn Hospital, incorporated in 1880, was opened for the reception of patients, March 12. Facts concerning this benefi- cent institution appear elsewhere in these pages.
Col. Gardiner Tufts publishes, in the Lynn Transcript, during this year, a series of articles on the " Old Choirs of Lynn," em- bodying many interesting facts concerning the history of music here, anecdotes of early musicians, and well-timed suggestions.
Fales Henry Newhall, D. D., a minister of the Methodist denomination, of more than ordinary ability and scholarship, died at the Asylum for the Insane at Worcester, April 6. He was born in Saugus, June 19, 1827, graduated at the Wesleyan Uni- versity, with the 1846 class, soon prepared for the ministry, and held prominent appointments, till overtaken by mental disorder from which he never entirely recovered.
The semi-centennial anniversary of the First Universalist Society was celebrated in the Nahant street church, April 29. A free banquet was served on the following evening.
The street railway to Peabody was opened for travel, May 15. Died in Lynn, May 17, Mrs. Lydia E. Pinkham, aged 64. She was known throughout the country and to some extent throughout the civilized worldl, as proprietor of a popular patent medicine. Her portrait adorned numerous publications in con- nection with advertisements of her specific She was a woman of intelligence and excellent character.
May 30. The Memorial Day address, delivered in the Coli- seum, was by George H. Patch, of Framingham.
The Soldiers' Monument, Swampscott, was dedicated June 16.
The Boscobel, probably the best appointed hotel ever estab- lished in Lynn up to this time, was opened in October. It was a part of the fine brick structure near the west end of the Com- mon, known as the Arcade. But it was not successful in the intended line, and in four or five years ceased to rank as a hotel. The name was from Shakspeare
1884.
John W. Skinner, for many years prominent in musical circles, died very suddenly, Jan. 4, aged 73. He rendered efficient service in church choirs, before the introduction of organs, by skill on the double-bass viol, trombone and other instruments.
A Grand Army fair closed, March 19. 29.550 tickets were sold.
Theophilus N. Breed died March 21, aged 78. He was for many years an active business man, chiefly in the line of hard ware and shoemakers' tools. He was perseveringly inclined to making "improvements," sometimes much to his pecuniary detriment. His name will long survive in the picturesque and
1
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ANNALS OF LYNN- 1885.
useful lakelet known as Breed's Pond, which he formed by build- ing a dam across the valley at Oak street.
The annual session of the New England Methodist Confer- ence began in the First Methodist church, April 2.
A Lasters' fair closed March 25. 30.272 tickets were sold.
Miss Maria Mondz died at the Home for Aged Women, April 4, aged 81: She was a native of London, Eng., but came to Lynn in 1836, and was the first teacher on the piano here, was an accomplished organist and at different times did duty in two or three of our churches. She also taught drawing and painting, and on the whole did much to advance those fine arts in Lynn. At the time she came there were but three pianos in the town.
John B. Tolman gives to the Young Men's Christian Associ- ation, in trust, an estate on Market street, valued at $30.000, the income to be expended for the suppression of the sale of in- toxicating liquors. The trust was accepted, April 26.
May 30, Memorial Day. The Address was by W. A. Simmons.
The new organization known as the Salvation Army, appeared in our streets, June 4, marching to the music of tamborines and other instruments. This new order of religious enthusiasts, zealous as they were, made but few converts in Lynn.
Lightning struck in Chatham street, June 5, killing a lad of 12 years, named John Tyler, and considerably injuring two of his companions.
The city was divided into voting precincts in June.
The street railway to Marblehead was opened June 25.
Government commenced dredging Lynn harbor this summer. Died, Oct, 23, at the great age of 99 years, Francis Johnson a native of Ireland, but for many years a resident of Lynn.
Home for Inebriates, New Ocean street, established, Oct. 27. The ladies open a grand fair for the benefit of Lynn Hospital, Dec. 2.
1885.
James M. Sargent died, Jan. 5. He was born in Haverhill, Jan. 20, 1810, and came to Lynn in 1829. Here he soon ac- quired a knowledge of shoemaking and for many years was a member of the craft. He held various offices of public trust and in all of them acquitted himself with marked fidelity. He was a member of the First Universalist Society, from its founda- tion, in 1833 ; was elected clerk at the time of the organization, and for more than fifty years, till the time of his death, continued in the office.
The Lynn National Bank was organized this year.
Several destructive fires occurred in the early part of this year. Jan. II, by a fire in Henry A. Pevear's building, Washington street, there was a loss amounting to $3.337. By the burning of
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ANNALS OF LYNN - 1885.
Lucien Newhall's wooden building, on Central avenue, Feb. 17, there was a loss of $56.600. By a fire in C. B. Tebbetts's brick building on Willow street, Feb. 17, the loss was $3.760.
March 20. Lynn Associated Charities organized.
Rev. Dr. Pullman, as minister of the First Universalist Church, occupied the pulpit for the first time, April 12.
Col. Carroll D. Wright delivered the Memorial Day Address.
Trinity (Methodist) Church, Tower Hill, dedicated June 4. Church of the Incarnation (Episcopal) formally organized, June 9. St. Joseph's (Roman Catholic) Church consecrated, June 21.
Church bells tolled, July 23, in observance of the death of President Grant, and a special meeting of the City Council was held, at which resolutions of respect were passed. On the 8th of August commemorative services were held in the Coliseum, business being generally suspended and insignia of mourning displayed in many places.
Ilon. John Batchelder died, Aug. 6, aged 80. He was born in Topsfield, but came to Lynn when about twenty-five years of age, and took the position of teacher of the fifth ward gram- mar school, which position he held till 1854. He was then elected to the State Senate, and by re-elections remained in that body for two other terms. He also held positions in our municipal government, and in every place performed the duties with promptness and fidelity. In 1857 he was again in harness as a teacher ; but in 1869 he bade a final adieu to the profession, being then appointed postmaster. The latter office he held till 1877. The incipient moulding of many a worthy character may justly be attributed to him.
Died in London, Eng., Aug 17, Minot Tirrell, aged 55. He was for many years a well-known resident of Lynn, though not a native To his enterprise and wealth, the westerly section of the town especially was greatly indebted for substantial im- provements. The first building of the electric works, the Bos- cobel, the Mildred Range, and a large number of other structures are examples of his liberal expenditure and enterprise. Indeed he gave an impetus to the business of our western section, that cannot fail to be long felt. He studied law and was admitted as a regular practitioner, but did not entirely or for any long time apply himself to the duties of a profession that was not probably congenial. He had generous and kindly traits, and considerable literary taste, but unfortunately inherited a temper that was at times almost uncontrollable, a circumstance that detracted from his social popularity. His remains were em- balmed and reached Lynn, Sept. 8.
The large brick building, owned by Lucius Beebe and Son, Western avenue, corner of Federal street, occupied as a glove-kid and morocco factory, was burned Sept. 3. Loss, $75.500.
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ANNALS OF LYNN- 1886.
Corner stone of the Church of the Incarnation laid, Sept. 25, Bishop Paddock delivering an appropriate address.
A heavy thunder storm, Oct. 3, flooded several business places in and near Munroe street, and delayed railroad trains.
Lynn Shoe and Leather Association organized, Oct. 9.
Horse car line through Washington street opened, Nov. 30.
1886.
Died in Lynnfield, Jan. 17, Rev. Jacob Hood, aged 94. He was a school teacher in early life, of a thoughtful, serious turn of mind and always much respected. He belonged to the old Hood family of Lynn and Nahant.
Benjamin A. Ward, a well-known citizen, was, on the night of Feb. I, attacked by three highwaymen, who severely assaulted him and robbed him of eighty dollars and a gold watch. He was on his way home from his office in Central square, and the attack was made on Chestnut street. One of the robbers, named Timmins, was soon arrested, and in due course of law sentenced to the state prison for fifteen years, where, in about two years, he died. The two others were convicted in New York of prior offences and sent to Sing-Sing prison, each for fifteen years.
An unusual overflow of the water courses took place in and about Lynn during February, caused by the falling of abundant rains on the frozen ground. Meadows were changed to lakes and in some localities basement stories were abandoned and boats called into use. The Sluice pond gate was opened, Feb. 13, to save the dam.
The Lynn Daily Item and the Daily Bee, newspapers that had before been published at one cent per copy, raised the price to two cents, March I.
Mechanics' Exchange formally opened, April I.
Grand Army building, Andrew street, dedicated, April 21.
St. Stephen's chimes rang for the first time, April 25, Easter day. This was the first set of bells Lynn ever had.
Hon. Josiah C. Bennett gives to the Lynn Hospital the entire amount of his year's salary as Senator - $652.
Rev. George A. Crawford delivered the Memorial Day address, in the Coliseum, May 31.
There was a rowing regatta in Lynn harbor, June 19.
Lynn contributed $2.060 for relief of the sufferers by the destructive earthquake at Charleston, S. C., Aug. 31. And St. Stephen's Church sent a separate donation of $77 towards repair- ing the shattered tower of the venerable St. Michael's.
On the 25th of September Capt. Martin V. B. Stone of Swamp- scott received an ovation in consideration of his triumph in the race for the America's prize cup between the yacht Mayflower under his command, and the English yacht Galatea, under
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ANNALS OF LYNN- 1887.
command of Lieut. Henn. A gold watch, bearing an engraved representation of the yacht, was presented.
Nov. 22, the day on which President Arthur was buried, marks of respect were shown in Lynn by the closing of public offices, raising flags at half-mast, and the performance of a dirge on St. Stephen's bells.
The religious Society of the New Jerusalem (Swedenborgian) was formed this year. The French Catholic Church was also organized.
1887.
On Thursday evening, Jan. 13, Washington Irving Bishop gave an exhibition of his power of " mind reading," in Music Hall, to an intelligent though rather small audience. A some- what pretentious circular had heralded his coming, giving ac- counts of his marvelous success before sovereigns and nobles in Europe. But it did not appear that his feats were more astonishing than those of some others of humbler pretention who had from time to time appeared here as illustrators of " mental science."
A successful fair was held by Post 5 of the Grand Army, commencing Feb. 15. The net proceeds amounted to $8.623.48.
On the 25th of February, President Cleveland sent to the U. S. Senate a message vetoing the bill passed by Congress appro- priating $100.000 for the erection of a public building in Lynn, chiefly for postoffice accommodation. The President's reasons were generally viewed with candor though considerable disap- pointment was felt.
On the 28th of Feb. the enthusiastic revivalist, " Sam Small," commenced a series of meetings in the First Methodist Church. They were well attended, and closed March 6. Honest seekers after good, and others from idle curiosity were there.
Henry A. Breed, a well-known citizen, died April 15, aged,86. He was a descendant from the early Lynn settler, Allen Breed, and a son of Thomas A. Breed, for many years onward from 1813, landlord of Lynn Hotel, which, under his management, attamed an enviable reputation. Henry A. commenced his active business life about 1819, did a great deal in the building line, and was zealous in forwarding improvements of almost every kind. Being of a sanguine and somewhat credulous turn, and withal attracted by projects of a speculative character, he had serious business ups and downs ; the finality being of the latter sort. But he always maintained the respect and good-will of his fellow citizens by his genial manners, readiness to aid the unfor- tunate, and other good qualities. His business prostrations were undoubtedly sometimes attributable to over-confidence in his own ability to "read " those with whom he dealt ; but more
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ANNALS OF LYNN- 1887.
often in the ability of those others, not half as honest as he, to " read " him. He was one of the founders of the Second Con- gregational (Unitarian) Society, and was a devoted member till his death. He was for many years a member of Mount Carmel Lodge of Freemasons, and likewise an accredited member of the fraternity of Odd Fellows.
The Memorial Day address was delivered by Rev. Henry E. Mott, of Newburyport, May 30.
Hon. James N. Buffum died June 12. He was for many years a marked character among us ; bright, busy, of positive opinions, readiness of expression, great perseverance and withal of kindly sympathies and benevolent instincts. He was born in North Berwick, Me., May 16, 1807, and was what is usually called a self-made man. And it would be doing violence to the general sentiment of the community to intimate that he was not well made. He married, April 20, 1831, a daughter of Dr. John Lummus, and by her had three daughters, two of whom survive him. He was twice Mayor- 1869 and 1872; and likewise served a term in the Legislature.
The Robert E. Lee Camp of Confederate Veterans, of Rich- mond, Va., visited Post 5 of the Grand Army, Lynn, June 18. A banquet was held in a capacious tent on the Common, and the most fraternal feeling was manifested among those who had met as antagonists on the battle field. It was an occasion of much more than ordinary interest. Col. Allen G. Shepherd acted as Chief Marshal. A delegation of Post 5, 160 in number, left Lynn, July I, on a return visit to the Confederate Veterans, and after an absence of eight days reached home, on the whole well pleased with their excursion.
On the 8th of July, the old mill on Saugus river, at the Boston street crossing, was burned. This was a famous mill, for gene- rations, and did faithful service as a grist, snuff, and spice mill. More especially did its product in the shape of Childs's chocolate become an admired article the world over.
On the 3d of Aug. the Mayors of several Massachusetts cities visited Lynn by invitation of Mayor Hart. The Mayors of Bos- ton, Brockton, Chelsea, Fitchburg, Gloucester, Haverhill, Law- rence, Lowell, Newburyport, Northampton, Somerville, Waltham and Worcester came. The conclusion of the day's entertainment was a drive to Nahant, and a banquet at the Bass Point House.
Died, Aug. 7, at his home in Summer street, Hon. Edward S. Davis, aged 79. He was a native of Lynn, and a descendant of Rev. Stephen Bachelor, the first minister. There was a marked difference between Mr. Buffum, just spoken of, and Mr. Davis, the one being bold, aggressive and sometimes even defi- ant ; while the other was quiet and unassuming, possessing indeed those amiable characteristics that are often mistaken for
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ANNALS OF LYNN - 1888.
timidity. But each had the respect of his fellow-citizens in a large degree, and each in his own sphere did much that was highly appreciated. Mr. Davis had a discriminating literary taste and accumulated a large library. He was considerably in public life ; was four years President of the Common Council, and two years Mayor. He likewise for a term represented the town in the Legislature. In religious sentiment he was long and firmly attached to the Episcopal Church, and probably did more than any other to plant the Church in the once rather uncongenial soil of Lynn. The resolutions of respect passed by the various bodies, literary, benevolent and religious, with which he was connected, fully attested to the high esteem in which he was held. Mr. Davis was happy in his domestic relations. On the 26th of March, 1835, he was united in marriage with Elvira, daughter of Capt. Nathaniel Newhall, and she survives him. They had no children.
The newly-established " Labor Day " was first celebrated here, September 5.
By a fire on Lamper's wharf, Sept. 11, nineteen horses perished.
A notable ceremony took place in St. Mary's (Roman Catho- lic) Church, Oct. 18, namely, the investment of Rev. Patrick Strain with the title and insignia of Monsignor. He had been a faithful and laborious minister of the Church here, for nearly forty years, having commenced in January, 1851. His labors had been wonderfully successful and well deserving the honor conferred. An approved writer, in giving an account of the ceremony, said : " At the present time, in the very townships where Mgr. Strain labored for years without a coadjutor ten hard worked priests administer to the wants of the faithful. And now this priest of 65 autumns and 37 years of relentless struggle. begins to reap the golden harvest of his arduous labors. He is made a Permanent Rector, by order of the late Council of Balti- more, with the approbation of his venerable Archbishop. Again we find him raised to the dignity of Missionary Apostolic of the Holy See, and to-day he has received officially the purple of a Roman prelate with the title of Very Reverend Monsignor, the first resident priest of New England thus honored."
The French Catholic Church - St. Jean Baptiste - on Frank- lin street, was consecrated Dec. 4. The edifice cost $26.500.
1888.
The Camera Club was formed early this year. They soon began to exhibit marked progress in the fascinating art of pho- tography, and their exhibitions were largely attended by highly gratified audiences.
The factory of Thomas Green and Company, Summer street, was burned May 15. Loss, $21.000.
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ANNALS OF LYNN- 1888.
Died, in East Walpole, Mass., May 22, Rev. Edwin Thompson, aged 78. He was a native of Lynn, and well-known, from early life, as an ardent advocate of temperance and an inflexible oppo- nent of slavery. He was intelligent, affable in manners, candid in discussion, and impressed every one with a conviction of his entire sincerity. His parents belonged to the Society of Friends, but he swerved from the faith of his fathers, and was one of the first and most efficient workers in the foundation of the First Universalist Church, and became a minister of the order. His zealous advocacy of reformatory principles led to association with many of the leading philanthropists of the time, and the expressions of deep regard from such men as Wendell Phillips and the poet Whittier, were sufficiently indicative of the high place he held in the respect of the community.
Gen. Devens was orator on Memorial Day. 572 soldiers' graves were decorated.
John T. Moulton and Isaac O. Guild, two well-known citizens, erected this year, in the old burying ground, a stone to mark the grave of "Moll Pitcher," the renowned fortune teller. She died in 1813, and her grave had remained unmarked and almost unknown for seventy-five years. They ascertained the burial spot by one who was present at her funeral.
The Lynn Belt Line Street Railway Company was organized August 22.
The new armory of the military companies I and D, on Franklin street, was informally opened, on the evening of Aug. 24. The grand dedication ball took place Oct. 26.
The Lynn Theatre, Summer street, was opened Sept. 6, with the play " Lights of London."
The Highland Circuit Street Railway was opened Sept 4. Electricity was applied as propelling power, Nov. 19.
George Hussey Chase died at his residence, Newhall street, Sept. 5, aged 62. His natural abilities were above the average, and receiving a good education his mind became rapidly stored with varied and available information. He became an accom- plished public speaker, and his stirring addresses were replete with good common sense and well-rounded periods. Indeed he was for many years known as "the orator of Lynn." By President Lincoln he was appointed postmaster, and held the office eight years. For years he was a participant in the man- agement of our municipal affairs ; was a member of the Legisla- ture ; and in 1880 was appointed deputy collector of customs, in which position he remained till his death. In social life he was attractive ; and in his latter years, having visited other lands, was able to give descriptions that were keenly relished by those who had an opportunity to listen to his graphic details and shrewd deductions.
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