USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, Vol. II. 1864-1893 > Part 31
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, Vol. II. 1864-1893 > Part 31
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Lynnfield > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, Vol. II. 1864-1893 > Part 31
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Nahant > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, Vol. II. 1864-1893 > Part 31
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Lynn > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, Vol. II. 1864-1893 > Part 31
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35
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 pretension 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, attained 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
337
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 August 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
Sup. 2.
338
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. II, 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.
339
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.
340
ANNALS OF LYNN-1888.
St. Luke's (Methodist) Church was dedicated October 28.
Hon. William F. Johnson died at Nahant, Nov. 24. He was born on Nahant, then a part of Lynn, July 30, 1819, and was a son of the peninsular patriarch, Caleb Johnson, who was also born there and lived to about the age of ninety. The early education of Mr. Johnson was somewhat limited, so far as book instruction was concerned, but his quick appre- hension and taste for reading, his penetrating examination of current subjects, and patient inquiry into the wherefore of things, soon placed him among the most intelligent. For the wear and tear of mercantile life he soon seemed to discover that he was not well adapted, and hence, as soon as circum- stances permitted, accepted more quiet and congenial employ- ment. For many years he was Secretary of the Lynn Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and during his official period that institution lost nothing of its high reputation. But his daily duties at the desk did not prevent his cordial participation in the benevolent, reformatory and social movements of the day. The Hospital and the Home for Aged Women, especially, had his sympathy, his labors, and his contributions. In munici- pal affairs Mr. Johnson bore a conspicuous part for many years, always doing faithful service. He held the office of Mayor in 1858, fulfilling the duties with credit and ability. He was genial in manners, a faithful friend and the enemy of none; and one of the attractive few who are welcome every where. In religious affiliation he was for some time a member of the Baptist connection, but in middle life became a member of the Episcopal church, and remained steadfast in that communion to the end of his life. For a number of years he was a warden of St. Stephen's, and on the organization of the Church of the Incarnation, was elected to the same office in that body. He did much to promote the growth of his beloved church in Lynn. Mr. Johnson was thrice mar- ried, and left a widow and four children. His funeral took place on the afternoon of Nov. 27, from the Church of the Incarnation.
Lennox's brick factory, Market street, with other buildings, was burned, Dec. 22. Loss, $136,000.
J. W. Lewis & Co. of Philadelphia, publish their History of Essex County, 2129 pages, large quarto. The Lynn chapters occupy 127 pages. The first volume contains some thirty fine portraits of business and professional citizens, ac- companied by biographical sketches.
34I
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1889.
1889.
John W. Berry was appointed Judge of Lynn Police Court, Jan. 23, succeeding Rollin E. Harmon who had resigned to take the office of Judge of Probate for Essex County.
Philip Pitts, a police officer of Saugus, died in Lynn Hos- pital, Jan. 26. He was on duty in Cliftondale on the night of Jan. 23, when he was shot by a burglar, the wound proving fatal.
On the evening of Jan. 30, the planing mill near the south- erly end of Commercial street was burned, with one or two smaller buildings. Loss about $25,000.
Josiah F. Kimball died in Boston, Feb. 3, aged 68. He was a native of Ipswich, but came to Lynn in early life and learned the printing business in the Freeman office, which business he followed many years, as printer, publisher, and editor. Few men were better known or more highly respected. He was careful that any paper issued by him should be what is known as a "clean paper " - free from sensationalism, unkind personalities or erroneous statements of any kind. His literary taste was far above mediocrity, and he wrote many poems, largely of a humorous character, that were widely circulated and deservedly praised. He held various public offices ; served in the Legislature; and for several years held a position in the Boston Custom House. He was nurtured in the old New England orthodox faith, but in man- hood became a devoted member of the Episcopal Church. His funeral took place from St. Stephen's, which had long been his spiritual home. His first wife was a daughter of County Treasurer Wade ; and his second, who survived him, was a lady from Portsmouth, N.H. He had no issue.
The Light Infantry and Wooldredge Guards left Lynn for Washington, March 2, to take part in the ceremonies of the inauguration of President Harrison, and returned, March 7, much pleased by their trip and reception.
Died in Tyson, Vt., March 2, Lewis Josselyn, aged 83. Mr. Josselyn was a prominent figure in Lynn for a number of years. Editors are usually conspicuous members of the community ; especially such editors as Mr. Josselyn - so alert, so ubiquitous. He was editor, proprietor and publisher of the "Lynn Bay State," a large and handsome weekly sheet, of pronounced Dem- ocratic principles. He was a vigorous writer and occupied a prominent place in the editorial fraternity of New England. Few persons connected with the newspaper press had a more just conception of the duties and responsibilities of an editor ; and the spirit of fairness that characterised the trenchant ema-
342
ANNALS OF LYNN- 1889.
nations from his pen was worthy of imitation. He made an attempt, in connection with his son, to establish a daily " Bay State," but the golden day evidently had not arrived when every town, village and hamlet could rejoice in its daily service of news from every quarter of the globe, seasoned, in too many instances, with neighborhood gossip and social scandal - and so the attempt was given over. Mr. Josselyn was a native of Pem- broke, Plymouth county. During his career he held various offi- ces ; was at one time Clerk of the House of Representatives, and held positions in the Boston and Salem Custom Houses. He was what was known as a war democrat during the civil war, and fought vigorously with pen and tongue in the Union cause. The most daring partisan did not venture to call him a "copper head."
Hon. Edwin Walden died, March 12, aged 70. He was born here and educated in the public schools of Ward 6, of which Ward he was a native. For many years he was connected with the shoe business ; but in mature life was more especially known for his excellent management in public affairs. Though at times exhibiting strong party feeling, he always acted from settled principle and well-considered convictions. One so qualified, with such utilitarian views and forecast, could not fail of being closely identified with public affairs. In munici- pal matters, after serving in both branches of the Council, he found himself, in 1870, in the Mayor's chair, where he re- mained for two terms, doing the duties fearlessly and with the unfeigned applause of the most considerate and unpreju- diced. But perhaps he was best known by his persevering and judicious labors as one of the moving spirits in the at- tainment of our now generous supply of pure water. The series of plans which have so favorably resulted are in a large degree attributable to his foresight, sagacity and perseverance. And it seems most fitting that the last-formed and most beau- tiful lakelet - Walden pond - should bear his name. He served in several State offices, with increasing reputation for devotion to duty and for promptness and vigor of action ; was a Representative and a Senator, and a commissioner in two or three important State projects. As President of the Boston, Revere Beach and Lynn Railroad, his services were apparent in the unvarying success of the corporation, notwithstanding the grave doubts and surmises that attended its inauguration. Mrs. Walden and five children survived the husband and father.
General Joshua L. Chamberlain delivered the Memorial Day address, May 30.
Lynn contributed something rising $5,000 for the sufferers
343
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1889.
by the terrible disaster at Johnstown, Pa., that occurred May 31, by the breaking of the dam of the great reservoir 450 feet above the town and some 12 miles distant, at the upper end of the valley. The dam held a body of water covering 750 acres and of an average depth of 30 feet. From 4,000 to 5,000 lives appear to have been lost, and 2,500 houses destroyed. Estimates as to the loss of lives however, varied, some plac- ing the number higher than 5,000. The place was substan- tially destroyed.
Died in Lynn, June 28, Maria Mitchell, for many years professor of astronomy in Vassar College, aged 70. She was known throughout the scientific world for her attainments, especially in astronomy. She was a native of Nantucket, and inherited from her father a love for scientific pursuits and power of application.
A sudden tempest arose about noon, July 23d, with vivid lightning and heavy thunder. Damage was done in some parts of the city by the heavy rainfall, and the lightning struck in several places. One of the electric cars was stopped by the melting of a wire.
The annual parade of the Essex County Odd Fellows took place in Lynn, Sept. 24. The weather was fine, and about 1, 200 members marched in line. Many buildings were decorated.
A notable military parade took place in Lynn, Oct. 3d. The Fifth, Eighth and Ninth Regiments of Infantry, the First and Second Battalions of Artillery, the Second Battalion of Cavalry, Signal and Ambulance Corps, appeared and made an extended march through a number of our principal streets with several bands of music. The day was beautiful, and there was a large gathering of spectators. A barricade was thrown across Market street, near Liberty, and a feigned mob assembled to intercept the march of the troops. Four lines of skirmishers approached the barricade, and a gatling gun being brought to bear, the mob dispersed and the victors, clearing away the debris, marched on triumphantly. Evi- dently General Peach, the commander of the victorious forces, had a good conception of the manner in which a mob should be met.
The Walnut and Washington streets electric line of cars from the Myrtle street stable to Central square was opened October 3.
The U.S. General Convention of Universalists was held in Lynn, Oct. 22, and continued four days. More than a thou- sand delegates and friends attended.
344
ANNALS OF LYNN- 1889.
American flags were raised on several of the public school buildings during November - on the Burrill, Nov. 4; on the Ingalls, Nov. 9; on the Shepard, Nov. 12. On the 15th, Post 5 of the Grand Army presented a flag to the Classical High School. By such means it was thought the youth would be more thoroughly imbued with patriotic sentiments.
At the State election, Nov. 5, our citizens for the first time had an opportunity to vote under what has been called the Australian system, a system which seems substantially to have been evolved by the genius of the Australians, and which enables the voter to ballot with the utmost privacy. It had marked success and was highly praised for its convenience, its secrecy, and its avoidance of confusion and excitement at the polls. To Elihu B. Hayes, a Lynn Representative in the Legislature, much of the honor of introducing the system was attributed ; indeed he was called by his fellow legislators the father of the system in Massachusetts.
James R. Newhall was tendered a reception, at the City Hall, on Christmas, that being the day on which he completed his four score years. The Mayor presided.
A somewhat singular disease, under the French name la grippe, prevailed here, and indeed over nearly the whole world, during the latter part of the year. It seemed to oper- ate differently in different constitutions. In some cases there was a loss of appetite, and a tired, languid feeling. In other cases it suddenly seized with severe pains in the head or back, with slight nausea. Very few escaped its attack in some way and to some extent. In many instances it proved to be the pre- cursor of other diseases and not unfrequently terminated fatally.
The Great Fire. The greatest calamity that ever over- took Lynn in her whole history occurred on the 26th of No- vember, of this year, 1889; that is, so far as loss of property was involved, though she was singularly fortunate in escaping loss of life or serious personal injury. We allude to what will hereafter be known as the Great Fire.
It was about noon, of a sunny day, that the fire broke out in the large wooden building on Almont street known as Mower's block. There was a pretty high wind, and in an exceedingly short space of time several of the adjacent buildings were in flames. It soon became apparent that our own fire department, single handed, would be powerless to con- trol the conflagration ; and therefore telegraphic despatches, asking aid, were hastily forwarded to Boston, Chelsea, Salem, Gloucester, Newburyport, and a number of other places.
CENTRAL SQUARE, LYNN - Before the great Fire of Nov. 26, 1889. [Every building represented in the cut was destroyed.]
MOUNT VERNON STREET, LYNN - Before the great Fire of Nov. 26, 1889. ['The entire length of this fine street was burned.]
-
345
ANNALS OF LYNN-1889.
The despatches were responded to with the utmost alacrity, and the assistance thus promptly rendered added much to the ardor of our own firemen, as well as in itself being of great value. Within an hour or two several of the finest four or five-story brick business buildings were destroyed, together with many of inferior kind ; and still the flames raged. Four banks, namely, the First National, the Central National, the National Security, and the Lynn Institution for Savings, were soon out of doors ; so likewise were the three daily news- papers - the Bee, the Item, and the Press.
The area of ground burned over, including streets and squares, was thirty-one acres, and it was in the most central business part of the city. The total loss, according to the Chief Engineer's report, was $4,959,989.08, though the State Commissioner's report made the loss about $2,000 less. The insurance was stated at $4, 133,516.67.
During the fire very commendable order was maintained, for the authorities, as a safeguard, promptly called out the military companies I and D of Lynn, and to these was added company H of Salem. A squad of twenty-five of the Bos- ton police also appeared for duty.
The number of buildings destroyed was 334, some of them massive brick business structures, some wooden factories and some wooden dwellings. The various streets suffered in the loss of buildings as follows :
Almont street II
Munroe street 4
Amity street
16
Sagamore street 25
Beach street
48
Silsbee street .
6
Broad street
58
Spring street
18
Central square
17
Suffolk street .
18
Exchange street
24
Suffolk street place
8
Farrar street
Union street
45
Mt. Vernon street
4
Washington street 21
Our active and efficient Mayor, Hon. Asa T. Newhall, was unwearied in his endeavors to mitigate the sufferings of those most severely affected personally by the calamity ; and all others of his official coadjutors worked with a will for the common good. The result was that immediate wants were speedily supplied.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.