History of New Bedford and its vicinity, 1620-1892, Part 25

Author: Ellis, Leonard Bolles
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y., Mason
Number of Pages: 1170

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258

HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD.

a severe test, its members strictly adhered to this provision. In response to an invitation of Aaron Mitchell, the infantry company visited his residence, and after performing a series of military evolutions in front of the house for the edification of their host and his friends, they partook of a sumptuous banquet that was spread in the dining hall. Mr. Mitchell had provided a number of well-filled decanters, but they were cheerfully removed when the above fact was made known to him. A refreshing supply of lemonade of a strictly temperance character was furnished the company by Samuel Tuck at his store." Captain Thomp- son speaks of this visit to Nantucket as one of the most enjoyable in his military career, and though sixty years have passed since the event, its memories are pleasant and gratifying. The infantry company left the island early in the morning and arrived in New Bedford at 9 o'clock in the evening.

The Fourth of July celebration in 1833 was an event in the history of the town. The day was ushered in with ringing of bells and salutes by the Washington Artillery, Captain Taber. At 10 o'clock there was a grand procession escorted by the Light Infantry Company, Capt. Phine- has Burgess, and the artillery company. The procession consisted of the town officers, Mechanics' Association, officers and soldiers of the Revolution, the Franklin Blues (a boys' military company of Fairha- ven), societies, and citizens, under the marshalship of Col. James D. Thompson. An oration was delivered by Rev. W. Mudge, an original poem was read by Thomas P. Rodman, and the Declaration of Independ- ence was read by Jeremiah R. Harris. At 2 o'clock there was a grand parade of Sunday-school children, and an address was delivered be- fore them in the North Church by Thomas D. Eliot. The town was gaily decorated with flags, as were also the vessels in the harbor. The Mercury of July 12, 1833, in its description of the festivities of the Fourth, says of the Franklin Blues of Fairhaven : "We should not omit to mention that some of the youth and chivalry of Fairhaven, in the shape of a very neat and orderly military company of boys, paraded in our streets, and were noticed, as we can assure them, with much com- mendation by the elder, and much envy by the younger part of our citi- zens." The Franklin Blues numbered about thirty members. They wore blue jackets, white trousers, belts, and white caps, with black cord

259

JUVENILE SOLDIERS.

running from back to front and from side to side. The lads were armed with spears with a six-inch gilded blade. The following was the list of its officers : Captain, Ezekel R. Sawin ; lieutenant, George Shaw ; en- sign and clerk, Tucker Damon ; drummer, Asa F. Taber ; fifer, James Wilson. Among the privates were Andrew Swift, Ansel Tripp, Moses H. Delano and George Stevens.

The appearance of this company of " Corsican " soldiers in our streets fired the jealousy of the Bedford boys, and originated the Jackson Blues, the most celebrated of all boys' military companies in the history of our town. I am indebted to Elisha C. Leonard, who was orderly ser- geant, for the facts regarding this organization. But few days elapsed after the above event before generous contributions of money were secured, a uniform decided upon, and the spears were being made by Mr. Coleman, the carver, at his shop on First street. Cyrus W. Chap- man, then on North Water street, was engaged to furnish the jackets, caps, and belts. The company was organized at once, with captain, -, lieutenant, Elisha C. Leonard, ensign, Tillinghast Bailey, jr. The sail- loft in the old meeting-house on Elm street, east of North Second, was secured, and under the instruction of Gen. James D. Thompson, the reg- ular military drill commenced. The young men soon acquired a knowl- edge of tactics and became exact and expert. Their movements were marked with the time and precision of veterans. Before the uniforms were completed, Master Cyrus Washburn, a son of Col. Lysander Wash- burn, came to the town to reside. He was received with great enthu- siasm by the boys who were very desirous that he should command the Blues. A change was accordingly made, the captain first chosen (whose name seems to have escaped every one now living who belonged to the company) was made lieutenant, and E. C. Leonard went in as or- derly sergeant. Mr. Bailey, who is described as being a handsome red- cheeked boy, carried the colors. A very elegant white silk standard was subscribed for by the merchants and painted by Joseph R. Rumrill, who lived in the Daniel Waterman house on Middle street.

It was a great day when the Jackson Blues made their first parade. They met under the old oak tree in front of James Arnold's mansion on County street, promptly at I o'clock on Saturday. Their uniforms consisted of a blue jacket, with gold lace around the collar, and gilt bell

260

HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD.

buttons ; white trousers; a real morocco belt, with a spread eagle upon the breast-plate ; a green velvet cap that stood up some four inches and turned over, coming to a point over the left ear and termi- nating with a handsome gold tassel. A spear with black shaft and gilt head was carried by each of the lads; and their beautiful banner of snow white silk, edged with gold cord and tassels, gracefully floated from the banner pole that was crowned with a golden battle-ax.

They showed a becoming pride as they marched down Union street to the inspiring music of Dunham's fife and Chadwick's big drum. As most of the merchants and traders had contributed for their equipments, they were personally interested in the display, and a general satisfaction was expressed at their martial appearance. The Blues were frequently entertained during their parades, and many invitations were received by the company to visit various residences, where they rested from their marches and partook of the delicacies provided. The muster that fall was held upon the old windmill lot in Fairhaven. The line was formed on County street, in front of Mr. Arnold's residence, headed by the Norton Artillery. Immediately in the rear came the Jackson Blues, by courtesy of the regiment. After the regular inspection of the regiment on the muster field, the Jackson Blues were ordered out in front of the line and were put through various infantry evolutions. This was fol- lowed by a similar exhibition by the Franklin Blues of Fairhaven. The military season thus closed in a blaze of glory. In the spring of 1834 most of the members of the Jackson Blues met for the election of offi- cers and to make preparations for the coming season. But alas for their enthusiasm and anticipated fun ! A most serious difficulty presented itself. Not that their military ardor had been lessened, or their organi- zation weakened by internal dissensions; indeed the circumstances were favorable for a successful season. It was the unexpected that happened. The boys couldn't button their jackets, or clasp their belts, and their trousers were altogether too short. And so it came to pass that the Jackson Blues died from natural development. This famous organiza- tion only lives in the memories of the old gray- headed members, who hobble along our streets, and, when they pass the old general with his still martial step, remember when he put them through the military ex- ercises in the old sail-loft. No roster of the Jackson Blues can be found,

Muchmulti

٢٠

NOTABLE EVENTS-THE SECOND GREAT FIRE. 261

but Orderly Sergeant Leonard furnishes a list of names of some who belonged to the organization :

Captain, Cyrus Washburn : lieutenant, -- -; ensign, Tillinghast Bailey, jr .; or- derly sergeant, Elisha C. Leonard; privates, Charles P. Seabury. James H. Richmond, Frank Dillingham, James Haffords, Charles Heath, James D. Parker, Thomas Allen, Charles Tarr, Peregrine White, William Luce, Davenport, Benjamin Hill, Charles H. Sylvester, Seth McFarlie, Lorenzo Dillingham, Roderick Harrison, Elisha D. Howland, Jacob S. Parker, Thomas Peaks, James Bates, William H. Doane, John Wood, Seth Sampson, John Nash.

Mr. Leonard says it is possible there are errors in this list, for it is now sixty years since the last parade. James R. Denham has in his pos- session one of the original spears carried by the Jackson Blues, and also exhibits the sword of Capt. John Harrison when he commanded the Washington Artillery.

Ensign Charles Eldredge gives the following list of boys who com- posed a juvenile military company in Fairhaven about 1820:

Captain, Edward Marchant; lieutenant, Isaiah F. Terry; ensign, Charles Eldredge ; drummer, Samuel H. Eldredge ; fifer, Joseph Stetson; privates, John Terry, Alexander Swift, John Church, Elery T. Taber, Daniel Taber, Nathaniel Stott, William Stetson, Joseph B. Merrihew, Joseph Taber, Josiah Taber, Henry Dabney, Ansel Gibbs, Bar- nard Damon, Nathan Delano, Gideon Alden.

January 6, 1826, the New Bedford Mercury was enlarged to a six- column sheet. It was published by B. Lindsey & Co., the firm consist- ing of B. Lindsey, B. T. Congdon, and B. Lindsey, jr.

June 12, 1827, the first number of the New Bedford Courier appeared, published by Benjamin T. Congdon. A circus was advertised Novem- ber 14, 1828, to appear every evening except Sundays, on County street, opposite the academy, with the best equestrian company in America. The circus house, or amphitheater, as it was sometimes called, was located on the northwest corner of County and Elm streets, just north of the County street M. E. Church.

The Lyceum Society was organized December 8, 1828. The officers elected were: Stephen Merrihew, president; Abner Bourne, Benjamin Rodman, vice-presidents; curators, Charles W. Morgan, Thomas A. Greene, Joseph Congdon ; committee of arrangements, Orville Dewey, J. H. W. Page; corresponding secretary, Francis Rotch; recording sec- retary, William T. Hawes; treasurer, W. C. Taber.

262

HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD.

The Mansion House, formerly the residence of William Rotch, cor- ner of Union and North Second streets, was opened as a hotel by J. Webster, December 19, 1828.

On July 25, 1830, occurred what may properly be termed the second great fire. I present the account as vividly portrayed in the New Bed- ford Mercury :

" On Sunday morning last the inhabitants of this town were alarmed by the cry of fire, which proved to be the dwelling-house of William H. Allen (now southeast corner of School and Seventh streets) and ow- ing to the combustible material, after a long spell of dry weather, and the citizens being collected in the several churches at distant points, before effective aid could be obtained the whole building was enveloped in flames. The dwelling-house of Gideon Allen adjoining was almost immediately on fire and entirely consumed. As the wind was strong from the west and the position elevated, cinders were wafted from the burning mass in great quantities, threatening destruction to all within their range. The large carpenter's shop of Dudley Davenport, as also a boat-builder's shop belonging to Jethro Coffin, both considerably re- moved from where the fire originated, the latter three-quarters of a mile at least, were set on fire by these floating flakes of fire and consumed to the earth with the rapidity of magic.

" For a time the aspect of affairs was truly appalling. Several build- ings narrowly escaped, which in their destruction would necessarily have involved a widely-spread conflagration. But through the untiring and judicious efforts of the fire department and the citizens generally, the further progress of the devouring element was happily arrested. The loss of property is very considerable, and it has fallen upon citizens eminently distinguished for worth and enterprise. Besides the above enumerated, a barn belonging to Tilson B. Denham, and a quantity of oil owned by Abraham Barker, esq., in the cellar of Mr. Davenport's shop, were consumed, the latter insured. Mr. Davenport's loss is esti- mated at not less than $10,000, being perhaps one-half of the whole amount sustained.

"The efficacy of the newly organized Protecting Society was very strikingly shown on this occasion. Much property was rescued from destruction, and much preserved from injury through the well-directed

263

ANOTHER FIRE - NECROLOGY.

exertions of this association. It was an occasion which loudly called for the best efforts of every one; and to the backward in exertion, if such there were, the conduct of the softer sex (ladies were actually seen passing water and furnishing refreshments to the exhausted firemen) must have proved an effectual monition.

" There is no doubt that this fire was occasioned by a lad's inadver- tently dropping coals from a shovel. This should be a caution to every one to provide themselves with a covered shovel made for the purpose of carrying fire, which may be had at a small expense, and is perfectly secure.

" We have heard the interminable ringing of bells in cases of fire justly complained of. After the alarm is effectually given, surely no possible advantage can result from keeping up a ringing for hours, and it may be seriously injurious to the sick as well as annoying to the near dwellers."

This criticism recalls a story of a gentleman visiting this town, who, hearing the fierce ringing of the bells, rushed into the street, and see- ing the people running in one direction (for it was the prevailing cus- tom to depend on the clanging bells, rather than on the boisterous cry of fire), was led to inquire of a passer-by what was the matter. "A fire," was the response. "A fire ? A fire ? My dear sir, do they have private fires in this town?" The fact that he heard no voices crying fire led the stranger to ask this question.

In 1833 Perry Russell's prussian-blue works, then located on the northwest corner of William and Sixth, street took fire in the night and burned to the ground. The house recently torn down by the Y. M. C. A. was in great danger and would have been consumed but for the vigor- ous efforts of the firemen. One of these, Capt. Humphrey W. Seabury, helped drag an engine into the yard, and finding the well had given out, took the contents of one of the vats to supply the engine. The owner of the house had the satisfaction next morning of seeing his house saved from the flames, and of finding it painted a new color, a beautiful blue.

Among the deaths occurring in the town at this period were: 1826, March 18, Abraham Smith, for twenty years postmaster of the town, aged seventy-seven ; 1826, September 29, Capt. John Howland, aged eighty-five; 1826, October 5, William B. Rotch, son of Benjamin Rotch

264

HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD.

of England, aged twenty-three; 1826, December 21, Deborah, widow of Capt. Philip Howland, aged seventy-two; 1827, January 30, Eliza- beth, wife of William Rotch, a worthy member of the Society of Friends; 1827, July 18, William West, aged seventy-four; 1827, July 28, Syl- vester Greene, aged ninety; 1828, May 16, William Rotch, aged ninety- four; 1829, March 3, Capt. William Meader, aged seventy- eight ; 1829, June 16, Joseph Bourne, for many years chairman of the Board of Selectmen, aged forty-one; 1829, August 22, Gilbert Russell, aged sixty-nine.

As late as 1824, cows were allowed to run at large, except at night.

The community was again alarmed with regard to the small pox in 1824. A committee consisting of the selectmen, William Whitridge, Gideon Randall, Paul Spooner, and Alexander Reed was authorized to raise money for the purpose of preventing the spread of the disease.

At a town meeting held December 20, 1824, the selectmen were au- thorized to employ " four good and sufficient persons to keep a night watch for four months from the present time, and two men during the remainder of the season."

A town clock was purchased in May, 1825.

At a special meeting, May 23, 1826, the town voted to petition the legislature that a "public gaol " for the county of Bristol be erected within the limits of New Bedford.

The high school was discontinued in 1829, under an act of the legis- lature.

The number of watchmen was increased in 1829. This, without doubt, was deemed necessary on account of the Ark riot.

Among the business men of New Bedford in 1830 were the following:

William C. Maxfield, tailor ; John Bailey, britannia ware; Mr. Negus, lessons in penmanship ; Brightman & Barstow, spars, planks, ship tim- bers, etc .; Wing Russell, fresh northern honey in pots, worm lozenges and medicine ; E. W. Greene & Co., dye stuffs, logwood, vitrol, etc .; Oli- ver Swain, boots and shoes ; Macomber & Sullings, dry goods; S. & C. S. Tobey, dry goods; Philip Anthony, dry goods; William Swain, portrait painter; Jacob Parker, chains, anchors, gunpowder; William Eddy, groceries and general goods; Francis Taber, jr. & Co., hardware, stoves; Ivory H. Bartlett, southern corn, salt; Coggeshall, Richmond &

265

ACCEPTATION OF HIGHWAYS.

Vose, dry goods and notions; F. S. Alden, flannels, woolens, and yarns; Oliver Crocker, general merchandise; John P. West, lime and bricks ; Frederick Bryant, hardware and looking glasses; Elisha Thornton, fresh figs from Turkey ; Watson Ellis, cabinetmaker ; Paul Ewer, boots and shoes ; Isaac Howland, jr. & Co., patent cordage, hawsers and rigging ; Benjamin Hill, groceries, West India goods; Dyre & Richmond, copper- smiths; Edward Stetson, quadrants, compasses; A. Gerrish, jr., agent Delaware and Hudson Coal Company.

At the annual town meeting in 1830, the boundaries of streets and roads were fixed, and monuments placed in proper positions. Each monument was a block of granite, with the top squared. The upper end was placed nearly even with the surface of the ground, and a cross- cut, or a drill hole, marked the precise line of intersection.

The following table gives the dates, previous to 1830, when many of the streets were accepted as public highways :

Union Street. April 26, 1769.

Spring street, first part. March 22, 1800.

second May 8, 1824.

School street, first part .. . March 22, 1800.

second May 14, 1807.

third .May 10, 1809.

Walnut street March 14, 1796.

Bush street . May 14, 1807.

Water street, first part March 8, 1769.

second

March 13, 1788.

First street .. March 10, 1796.

Second street, first part. .. March 22, 1800.

Third street, first part.

March 14, 1796.

second May 8, 1797.

third = May 14, 1807.

fourth

March 20, 1804.

Fourth street, first part March 22, 1800.

second

third .April 13, 1829.

Fifth street, first part. March 22, 1800.

second

April 6, 1829.

Sixth street, first part

.March 22, 1800.

second . May 9, 1806.

third . May 2, 1818.

fourth March 29, 1821.

Seventh street. May 14, 1807.

Russell street ..

March 21, 1821.

[At an earlier period this was called Halifax street. ]

March 29, 1821.

South street. March 20, 1808.

North Second st., first part. . May 13, 1784.

second

May 3, 1794.

third

May 4, 1795.

fourth

March 22, 1796.

Purchase St., first part

. May 4, 1795.

second

.Aug. 24, 1802.

Ray street. .

May 14, 1798.

William street .

May 4, 1795.

Elm street, first part.

April 6, 1800.

second

April 5, 1819.

third

May 13, 1808. second LL April 22, 1823.

fourth

March 28, 1831.

Middle street, first part.

May 13, 1788.

second

Jan. 30, 1796.

third

. May -, 1798.

fourth

,April 5, 1813.

Middle street, first part

.May 13, 1788.

second .Jan. 30. 1796.

third

May -, 1798.

fourth

April 5, 1813.

High street

May 8, 1800.

Charles street.

May 15, 1807.

Mill street

March 30, 1806.

Pleasant street.

March 30, 1806.

North street ..

. Sept. 8, 1787.

Hillman street.

April 26. 1808.

Maxfield st., first part.

March 22, 1796.

second

April 26, 1808.

Willis street, first part

. Aug. 24, 1802.

second

.May 14, 1812.

Wing street ...

May 14, 1807.

266

HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD.

CHAPTER XVI.

1830 to 1840.

Events of Interest - The Cholera - Financial Distress -- Disastrous Fire -- Mili- tary Matters - Disorganization of the Militia -- Divers Events -- The First Directory -- The Pacific Insurance Company -- Notable Deaths.

VIGOROUS action was taken by the town in 1830 to restrict the sale of liquor At the town meeting in April resolutions were passed recommending the selectmen to limit the number of retail dealers to five, and " that they be qualified by their character for integrity, discretion, and firmness, faithfully to fulfill the important obligations which the law enjoins."

The school appropriation for 1830 was $4,225, and was distributed through the six districts into which the town was divided, with a special sum of $300 for a school for colored children.

A stage route between New Bedford and Padanaram village was established June 1, 1830.

The New England Caravan gave an exhibition in New Bedford Oc- tober 28, 29, 1830. Ninepence was charged for admission. The Siamese twins were first exhibited in New Bedford at the Mansion House, October 24, 1831. They remained in town for a week on ac- count of the detention of the boat for Nantucket.

The Mechanics' Insurance Company was chartered June 9, 1831, with a capital of $100,000, for marine risks only. A subscription was opened October 28, 1831, to procure funds for erecting an observatory on Prospect Hill, to be attached to the Mariners' Church, then building. This observatory was built on the tower of the church and was seventy feet in height from the level of the street.

In 1831 the streets were lighted with "lanthorns," and $1,250 were appropriated for their provision and maintenance. In 1832 special at- tention was given to the improvement of the streets and highways. The first flagged sidewalks were laid this year, and several reservoirs were built.

267

FINANCIAL EMBARRASSMENT.

Penny-post delivery for letters was first inaugurated in New Bedford, February 2, 1832, when Richard Williams was postmaster. Two cents were charged for local mail.

In 1832 the Asiatic cholera, that had devastated many cities in the old world, made its appearance on this continent. It created great con- sternation throughout the land, and every precaution was taken to pre- vent the spread of the pestilence. At a special town meeting held June 23, 1832, action was taken by the appointment of a vigilance committee. It was given extraordinary powers ; and the town treasurer was author- ized to borrow such moneys as were necessary to carry into effect such sanitary measures as the committee should adopt. Samuel Rodman, jr., was the chairman of this committee, which was composed of thirty of the most prominent citizens. The dreaded scourge did not gain a foot- hold in New Bedford, but was very fatal in the West and South.

The Courier of August 17, 1832, says the Christian church (the North Christian) was raised in three days by twenty men under the direction of the Messrs. Davenport. It was probably the largest place of public worship in the county-90 feet in length, 701/2 feet in breadth, and 145 feet to the top of the spire. No ardent spirits were used during its erection.

June 4, 1833, the town passed a vote, inviting President Jackson, who was making a tour through several Northern cities, to visit New Bedford. The committee of citizens, Rowland R. Crocker, Robert S. Smith, Lemuel Williams, John H. Clifford, Charles W. Morgan, Joseph Grinnell, and William T. Russell, received the following reply to the invitation :

" New York, June 13, 1833.

"Gentlemen : I have received your communication inviting me in behalf of the citizens of New Bedford to take that place in my tour to the North. It would give me pleasure to exchange friendly greetings in that quarter, but finding that it is some distance from the route which I propose to travel, I must beg leave to decline the invitation and rely upon your kindness in making acceptable to my friends at New Bedford this assurance of my respect and gratitude to them. Your obedient servant.

" ANDREW JACKSON."

The years 1833-34 were seasons of great distress and financial em- barrassment in New Bedford, as elsewhere. A public meeting was held January 16, 1834, to take into consideration the deranged state of the

268

HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD.

money market. James Arnold presided, with John Perkins and Joseph Ricketson, secretaries. The meeting was largely attended, and many citizens were unable to gain entrance to the hall. A committee con- sisting of James Howland 2d, Alfred Gibbs, Charles W. Morgan, James B. Congdon, John H. Clifford, and William W. Swain, was appointed to prepare resolutions, which were adopted by the meeting. Their case was presented to the House of Representatives in Washington, Febru- ary 5. Hon. John Reed, who presented it, said that New Bedford had been highly distinguished for its enterprise, and that its prosperity had been almost unexampled in the country. But three cities in the country had more vessels than New Bedford, and in none had they been more successfully or usefully employed. He stated " that while in the full tide of success, suddenly and unexpectedly they have been plunged into almost overwhelmed distress; that trade and confidence are in a great measure destroyed and business stopped ; that they can- not fulfill their engagements, because they cannot sell their property for cash, or obtain any loan of money ; many worthy and hitherto prosper- ous men have been ruined, and the future presents prospects awfully alarming and distressing. They believe the present calamity and dis- tress are mainly owing to removing the deposits and the measures re- sulting from the removal. They earnestly intreat Congress to restore the deposits, because they see no other mode of obtaining relief; but, at all events, to unite in affording speedy and effectual relief in such manner as their wisdom may direct."

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History of New Bedford and its vicinity, 1620-1892, Part 25

Author: Ellis, Leonard Bolles Publication date: 1892 Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y., Mason Number of Pages: 1170

Author: Ellis, Leonard Bolles
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y., Mason
Number of Pages: 1170