USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > New Bedford > History of New Bedford and its vicinity, 1620-1892 > Part 37
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1848 .- Mayor, Abraham H. Howland. Aldermen, Thomas Nye, jr., Thomas B. White, Ivory H. Bartlett, William H. Taylor, Jonathan Bourne, jr., Edward W. Howland.
1849 .- Mayor, Abraham H. Howland. Aldermen, Joseph Clark, William F. Dow, Jonathan R. Ward, Ivory H. Bartlett, Jonathan Bourne, jr., Edward W. Howland.
1850 .- Mayor, Abraham H. Howland. Aldermen, Joseph Clark, William F. Dow, Jonathan R. Ward, Ivory H. Bartlett, Jonathan Bourne, jr., Edward W. Howland.
1851 .- Mayor, Abraham H. Howland. Aldermen, Joseph Clark, Isaac M. West, Jonathan R. Ward, Mark B. Palmer, Jonathan Bourne, jr., Henry H. Crapo.
1852 .- Mayor, William J. Rotch. Aldermen, Thomas Nye, jr., Isaac M. West, Wilmot Luce, Mark B. Palmer, Jonathan Bourne, jr., Henry H. Crapo.
1853 .- Mayor, Rodney French. Aldermen, James Beetle, Aaron C. Cushman, Isaac C. Taber, John A. P. Allen. Jireh L. Ferguson, Marshall G. Sears.
1854 .- Mayor, Rodney French. Aldermen, James Beetle, Aaron C. Cushman, Thomas N. Allen, Joseph Brownell, Isaac C. Taber, Mar- shall G. Sears.
387
CITY OFFICERS.
1855 .-- Mayor, George Howland, jr. Aldermen, Edward Milliken, James Wheaton, Asa R. Nye, Jacob L, Porter, Oliver Swain, Cranston Willcox.
1856 .- Mayor, George Howland, jr. Aldermen, Charles Almy, James H. Mendall, Thomas Willcox, Jacob L. Porter, Simpson Hart, Alanson Williston.
1857 .-- Mayor, George H. Dunbar. Aldermen, Sherman White, Hiram Van Campen, Thomas Willcox, John A. P. Allen, Elisha Thorn- ton, jr., Henry T. Wood.
1858,-Mayor, George H. Dunbar. Aldermen, Sherman White, Calvin Staples, Thomas N. Allen, Joseph Brownell, John Hicks, Henry T. Wood.
1859 .- Mayor, Willard Nye. Aldermen, Sherman White, Calvin Staples, Cyrus W. Chapman, John Hastings, John Hunt, Henry T. Wood.
1860 .- Mayor, Isaac C. Taber. Aldermen, Joseph W. Cornell, James L. Humphrey, Nathan Lewis, John Hastings, John Hunt, Will- iam H. Reynard.
1861 .- Mayor, Isaac C. Taber. Aldermen, Warren Ladd, James L. Humphrey, Nathan Lewis, John P. Barker, Matthew Howland, Will- iam H. Reynard.
1862 .- Mayor, Isaac C. Taber. Aldermen, Warren Ladd, Bethuel Penniman, jr., Nathan Lewis, John P. Barker, Matthew Howland, Will- iam H. Reynard.
1863 .- Mayor, George Howland, jr. Aldermen, Warren Ladd, George G. Gifford, Ambrose Vincent, John P. Barker, Matthew How- land, John H. Perry.
1864 .- Mayor, George Howland, jr. Aldermen, Warren Ladd, George G. Gifford, Ambrose Vincent, John P. Barker, Matthew How- land, John H. Perry.
1865 .- Mayor, George Howland, jr. Aldermen, Warren Ladd, Goorge G. Gifford, Joseph Knowles, Geo. F. Kingman, Matthew How- land, John H. Perry.
1866 .- Mayor, John H. Perry. Aldermen, Caleb Hammond, Geo. G. Gifford, Joseph Knowles, George F. Kingman, John B. Baylies, Weston Howland.
388
HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD.
1867 .- Mayor, John H. Perry. Aldermen, Caleb Hammond, Joseph Buckminster, George G. Gifford, George F. Kingman, John B. Baylies, Samuel Leonard, jr.
1868 .- Mayor, Andrew G. Pierce. Aldermen, Joseph H. Cornell, Ellis Perry, Elijah H. Chisholm, George H. Dunbar, John B. Baylies, Samuel Leonard, jr.
1869 .- Mayor, Andrew G. Pierce. Aldermen, Joseph H. Cornell, Ellis Perry, Charles H. Taber, Elijah H. Chisholm, William H. Sherman, Isaac C. Sherman.
1870 .- Mayor, George B. Richmond. Aldermen, Joshua W. Frost, Joseph Buckminster, George G. Gifford, Caleb L. Ellis, Humphrey W. Seabury, Isaac C. Sherman.
1871 .- Mayor, George B. Richmond. Aldermen, Joshua W. Frost, Joseph Buckminster, George G. Gifford, Caleb L. Ellis, George Wilson, Samuel C. Hart.
1872 .- Mayor, George B. Richmond. Aldermen, William Bosworth, Joseph Buckminster, Joseph Knowles, Caleb L. Ellis, Augustus H. Greene, Samuel C. Hart.
1873 .- Mayor, George H. Dunbar. Aldermen, Joseph H. Cornell, Edward R. Milliken, Henry H. Fisher, Andrew G. Pierce, Frederick S. Allen, Thomas B. Tripp.
1874 .-- Mayor, George B. Richmond. Aldermen, William J. Kil- burn, Joseph Buckminster, Joseph Knowles, Joseph R. Read, Augustus A. Greene, Soloman Chadwick.
1875 .- Mayor, Abraham H. Howland, jr. Aldermen, William J. Norton, William T. Soule, J. Augustus Brownell, James D. Thompson, John B. Baylies, George R. Stetson.
1876 .- Mayor, Abraham H. Howland, jr. Aldermen, Jonathan C. Hawes, William T. Soule, William G. Taber, J. Augustus Brownell, John B. Baylies, George R. Stetson.
1877 .- Mayor, Alanson Borden. Aldermen, James F. Stanton, Sa- vory C. Hathaway, James C. Stafford, John Hastings, George How- land, jr., Henry T. Wood.
1878 .-- Mayor, George B. Richmond. Aldermen, James E. Stanton, Savory C. Hathaway, Isaac W. Benjamin, John Hastings, Augustus H. Greene, Shearjashub T. Viall.
389
CITY OFFICERS.
1879 .- Mayor, William T. Soule. Aldermen, Otis A. Sisson, Eben C. Milliken, Isaac W. Benjamin, Andrew R. Palmer, William H. Sher- man, Shearjashub T. Viall.
1880 .- Mayor, William T. Soule. Aldermen, John Wing, John Mccullough, Caleb Hammond, Thomas W. Cook, William H. Sherman, John P. Taylor.
1881 .- Mayor, George Wilson. Aldermen, James E. Stanton, Isaac N. Marshall, James C Stafford, Thomas H. Knowles, Samuel C. Hart, William H. Besse.
1882 .- Mayor, George Wilson. Aldermen, John Wing, John Mc- Cullough, James C. Stafford, Atwood Holmes, Dana B. Humphrey, Thomas Donaghy.
1883 .- Mayor, George Wilson. Aldermen, Andrew B. Hathaway, John McCullough, James C. Stafford, Stephen W. Hayes, Robert W. Taber, Thomas Donaghy.
1884 .- Mayor, George Wilson. Aldermen, Andrew B. Hathaway, Benjamin F. Hathaway, jr., James C. Stafford, Stephen W. Hayes, Rob- ert W. Taber, John P. Taylor.
1885-Mayor, Morgan Rotch. Aldermen, Benjamin Dawson, Chas. W. Coggeshall, Benjamin F. Brownell, Edward T. Pierce, Wendell H. Cobb, Edwin Dews.
1886 .- Mayor, Morgan Rotch. Aldermen, Benjamin Dawson, Chas. W. Coggeshall, Benjamin F. Brownell, Edward T. Pierce, Wendell H. Cobb, Edwin Dews.
1887 .- Mayor, Morgan Rotch. Aldermen, Simeon Hawes, Charles W. Coggeshall, Charles S. Ashley, Edward T. Pierce, Wendell H. Cobb, Monroe Holcomb.
1888 .- Mayor, Morgan Rotch. Aldermen, James E. Stanton, Charles W. Coggeshall, Charles S. Ashley, Stephen A. Brownell, Wen- dell H. Cobb, Monroe Holcomb.
1889 .- Mayor, Walter Clifford. Aldermen, Luther G. Hewins, jr., Charles F. Shaw, Benjamin F. Brownell, Edward T. Pierce, James De- lano, John Welch.
1890 .- Mayor, Walter Clifford. Aldermen, Luther G. Hewins, jr., Charles F. Shaw, Benjamin F. Brownell, Stephen A. Brownell, James Delano, Ezekiel C. Gardiner.
FOLLOWING IS A TABLE SHOWING THE COST OF SEVERAL OF THE PRINCIPAL DEPARTMENTS OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT, THE CITY DEBT, ETC., COMPILED FROM THE RECORDS, BY GEO. W. PARKER. It is inserted chiefly for its value for reference.
Year.
Gross Receipts.
Gross Expenditures.
Schools.
Poor.
Streets.
Paid on Public Debt.
Police Dept.
Fire Dept.
Sewers.
March 31, 1848
$ 78,872.81
$ 71,283.55
$ 20,571.17
$ 9,322.35
$ 10,176.14
$4.934-37
$ 2,768.37
$ 7,927.50
-
1849
89,578. 70
89,339 53
24,058.62
13,907.63
14,398.71
4,657.04
3,810.00
8,540,82
1850
100,625.35
100,027.58
22,754.80
11,688.17
10,471.30
4,883.68
3,806.28
10,275.46
..
1851
95,008 27
93,202.09
24,992.15
9,508.58
13,275.62
4,405.26
4,179.47
7,924-43
1852
112,335. 18
98,532.63
30,774 19
11.634.43
16,963.75
4,242. 11
5,838.40
7,225.60
..
1853
163,392.81
170,541.18
37,297.35
13,261.98
25,387.08
3,820.44
6,207.29
9,731.94
$ 17,338.08
1854
255,219.66
253,804.03
35,698.71
14,863.50
$9,563.08
12,128.92
10,712.28
24,863.96
2.918.22
1856
381,894.65
381,5:0.13
49,939.34
15,899.40
41,237.58
14.605.13
9,949.77
18, 213.44
11, 761.65
..
1857
421,631.96
417,969.37
49,530.86
14,291.71
43,020.91
22, 253.92
10,71)1.52
14.075.22
11,684.81
1858
400,673.22
402,698 23
47,924.26
19,540.76
59,203.39
19,906.56
14,301.43
16,489.91
14,455.24
1859
404,939.93
493,358.48
40,337.42
19,070.03
31,697.59
31,102.82
14,518 91
13,349.15
47.85
..
1860
373,914-74
374,271.18
45,339.60
20,431 74
37.944.41
12,901.15
6,702.58
13,904.49
1861
316,000 89
320,003.34
43,590.09
24, 161.98
38,805.06
30,610,00
14,501.57
19,291.18
1,888.40
1862
339,256.49
323,413.77
40,054.33
27,498.92
22,402,06
29,976.50
14,413.45
12,255.87
1863
485,054.66
496,087.53
32,154-59
21,632.98
27,717.40
33,013.00
11,191.54
12,109.79
1864
401,694.22
405,804 79
39,617.01
22,382.37
15,098.77
41,421.50
11,751.97
II.542 10
1865
539,803.65
541,823.03
40,193.40
24,458.66
20, 128.8,
40,562,00
11,840.85
1866
430,841 55
408,456.06
51,379 95
30,991.45
21,853.91
38,990.50
13,833.65
19,531.15
1867
468,454.64
451,266 38
51,421.81
28,900.50
32,281.44
42,049.00
16,753-55
19,053.84
4,751 38
1868
385,926.54
389.734.34
56,598.94
30,074-47
29,879.14
43,341.50
16.776.39
20,485.17
1,399.96
778,889.28
791,396.45
62,392.47
30,601.16
47, 191 92
07,050.50
19,440,76
16.801.50
24,372.49
848, 235.00
803,266. 50
62,862.05
33,259.91
88,569.63
63,639.00
18,495.12
19,927.01
10,552.00
704,252.06
731,902 57
69,940.18
38,924.48
46,192.56
81,884.81
19,291.50
26,264.42
11,239. 83
..
1876
924,637.77
921,881.89
78,528.76
49,977. 19
84,630 42
92, 137.64
36,841.30
25,119 35
5,012.05
44
1878
753,005.15
756,826 50
84,119.31
51,796.54
55,105.78
106,217. 17
33,383, II
27,256.55
5,758.09
1880
707,737.55
706,229 94
71,430.37
43,493-22
62,806,92
111,136.00
38,104.51
25,239.00
4,094-75
1881
730,636.70
733.015.82
61.504.70
34,893.81
72,690.22
94,326.00
33.764.37
31,427.88
6,306.49
1882
940,931.73
914,150.69
76,866.07
42,567.08
71,813.85
84.803.00
39. 357.44
24,386.21
03,314.82
..
1883
926,823.36
949.690.46
77,565.61
47,504.83
86,049-34
39,576.85
20,468.86
28,427 54
..
1884
919,029.53
927,021.54
86,888.90
46,183.43
85,701.69
42,903.08
30,383.79
38,548 07
..
1885
1, 111,959.46
1, 077, 194 10
94,301.93
47,123.65
84,360.63
108,296.00
44,259.97
37,410.54
27,804.55
1886
991, 153.06
1,010,809.44
91,375.84
50.741.29
89,636.65
105,426.00
48,226.72
30,054.99
26,856 49
1887
1,007,063 02
1, 112,916.38
98,575.50
44,650.35
90,256.23
105,478.50
49,025.23
30,400.00
52,091.58
..
1888
1, 264,778 71
1,251,284.92
100,033.95
42,616.96
91,493.75
110,379.17
49,436 05
30,848.88
59.433.89
.4
1889
1,240,258 53
1,217,977.88
106,292.89
40,543.55
193,895.66
[16,112.1I
61,700.45
38,870.18
U .759-47
1890
1,324,668.28
1,338, 867.91
113,410.19
41,641.44
97,521.73
1'1.750.86
37.313.53
€ 4+451.07
1891
1,582, 106.21
1,593,072.82
121,410.94
39,520.80
145,845.75
137.5-0.59
TL++ 12.54
5 1, 2 47 15
17.188.06
1
24.909-57
3.045.56
1874
620,652 60
630,293. 50
75,341.15
44,696.84
43,008.08
72,995.00
18,897.00
19,710.47
24,058.50
1874
760,246.70
794,822.88
798,521.28
77,715.09
41,321.52
68,029 69
85,026,00
19, 302.75
21,082.72
5,386.86
1877
959,025.42
967,245 87
81,376.53
51,442.69
62,408.27
99,562.11
33.718.32
22,357.40
199.54
1869
561,818.69
582,440.49
62,289.56
31,170.14
40,782.46
51,570.00
17,320.86
18,678.19
1870
1871
1872
1873
891,654.30
790, 115 39
784,537 87
71,442-75
39,415.04
41,505.26
70,326.33
18,022.75
17,402.15
32,146.17
1855
244,856.97
257,103 06
40,347.29
18,216.62
26,698.87
6,782.70
7.788.64
9,239.67
15,982.92
HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD.
39º
Gross Indebtedness 1891, $1.526.000. Value of Public Property 1891, $2,343,800.
68,819.90
33.040.69
47,206.18
99,070,50
30,328. 16
109 049.00
105,026.00
1875
391
DIVISION OF DARTMOUTH.
1891 .- Mayor, Charles S. Ashley. Aldermen, John Wing, Henry C. Hathaway, Wendell H. Cobb, Stephen A. Brownell, James Delano, Ezekiel C. Gardiner.
1892 .- Mayor, Charles S. Ashley. Aldermen, Allen Russell, jr., Henry C. Hathaway, Charles H. Brownell, Stephen A. Brownell, Will- jam H. Sherman, William H. Rankin.
CHAPTER XXI.
TOWNS ADJOINING NEW BEDFORD.
Original Territory of Dartmouth - The Act of Separation - Fairhaven -- West- port -- Dartmouth -- Acushnet.
T' "HE history of the towns which were originally a part of the town- ship of Dartmouth is necessarily interwoven with that of the city of New Bedford. The foregoing pages of this work have dealt, there- fore, with the history in which all these towns have shared. It remains to briefly chronicle the important events which have occurred during the years subsequent to the separation of these towns from the old township.
In 1787 Dartmouth, which then included the present territory of Acushnet, Dartmouth, Westport, Fairhaven, and New Bedford, was divided into three town organizations, namely, Dartmouth, Westport, and New Bedford. The domain now included in the town of Fairhaven was a part of New Bedford. It is not necessary to rehearse the causes that led to their separation from each other, as these causes have been dwelt upon in former pages, and the reader is already familiar with the political and local events indicating the existence of a strife that began in the period of the Revolution, and which continued to the commence- ment of the second war with England. It was the violent political agi- tation incident to the latter contest that precipitated the separation into distinct townships. The act of separation was passed by the General Court, February 22, 1812, a few months prior to the declaration of war.
392
HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD.
The early records of the town of Fairhaven were destroyed in the great gale of 1815 ; and not until the year 1816 can there be found any list of town officers. The board of selectmen for that year consisted of Bartholomew Aiken, James Taber, and Joseph Wheeden. A complete list of the selectmen who have served the town down to the present time will be found in the appendix. Like New Bedford, Fairhaven was devoted to the prosecution of the whale fishery, and the town grew and prospered during the palmy days of the enterprise. Its wharves were centers of activity in fitting out the fleet of whaling vessels, and the people found profitable employment in the ship-yards, shops, and ware- houses. Scores of its citizens became officers and seamen, and their ships brought home profitable returns. The little village grew apace ; and the comfortable homes now scattered throughout the town are the visible results of the labors of the people upon the ocean. The im- portance of the whaling industry is seen in the fact that in 1837 there were thirty-seven vessels belonging to Fairhaven, employing a capital of $950,000, and nearly one thousand men. In 1858 the fleet num- bered forty-eight vessels, and their voyages were very profitable. The succession of returning vessels and the refitting of them for new voyages made the village teem with enterprise and thrift. Statistics show that from 1832 to 1861 there were from eight to sixteen vessels which re- turned to Fairhaven each year from whaling voyages. The success of this industry was contemporary with that of New Bedford, and 'so was its decline and final abandonment.
While Fairhaven has not introduced manufacturing industries to a very large extent, yet many of its later enterprises have prospered, and the town has grown in population. It is to-day one of the most beauti- ful and picturesque in New England. There is little to record in its history during the years that followed its incorporation. Its develop- ment has been similar to that of many of the seaport towns of this section of the country-a gradual and steady growth in which has been developed all that makes them delightful abodes of comfort and refine- ment. It is only necessary to note some of the more interesting and iniportant events that belong to Fairhaven's later history.
In the great gale of 1815 the village suffered much. The tide rose to a great height, inundating the lower part of the town. Several store-
393
FAIRHAVEN.
houses on the wharves were carried away, and many houses were injured.
The town meetings were held at the Head-of-the-River during the early years of the village ; but about 1832 they began to be held in the Academy building which is still standing. Its distance from the north- ern part of the town, however, made it inconvenient for many voters ; and so a new town-house was erected in 1843, on land near the Wood- side Cemetery. This town-house was destroyed by fire in 1848.
The decade following the year 1832 was marked by an increase in the number of streets opened and of buildings erected-a legitimate re- sult of the prosperity that attended the whaling industry. Many high- ways were improved, sidewalks laid and curbed, and other public improvements carried out. In 1850 the Riverside Cemetery, one of the most beautiful for location and natural scenery in this vicinity, was pre- sented to the town by Warren Delano, an honored descendant of one of the old families of the town.
In 1854 the Fairhaven Branch Railroad was opened, connecting with the Cape Cod Railroad, thus giving a direct route to Boston. Previous to this date passengers were carried by coach to the New Bedford and Taunton Railroad. A steam ferry plied for many years between Fair- haven and New Bedford, and continued until the street railway was put in operation in 1872.
The civil war brought to Fairhaven its legacy of depression, disaster, and mourning. The decrease of the whale fishery at that time added to the general discouragement, and the condition of affairs was almost hopeless. The calls for defenders of the American Union found a re- sponse in the hearts of the people, and an honorable list of names is recorded in the annals of the civil war belonging to the town. In the Riverside Cemetery stands a monument in granite, erected to the mem- ory of the loyal dead of Fairhaven.
In spite of all discouragements the town has not only held its own, but it has continued to grow in proportions and in beauty. The in- creased facilities for travel have brought employment near at hand ; and its sightly places have been secured by many well- to-do citizens and former dwellers. The Fairhaven Improvement Society, organized in 1885, has done effective work in beautifying the village and in saving
50
394
HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD.
many of its attractive natural features, and has made them seductive spots to the many visitors who frequent the locality in summer. The good offices of the society continue in a vigorous life which is sure to produce further beneficent results.
The town has received many aids from its sons who gratefully remem- ber their place of birth, and who hold in precious regard the memories that cluster about the town. Among those is one whose benefactions are deserving of the broadest recognition, and whose generous gifts to his native town will ever remain fruitful sources of instruction and help to the present and to coming generations.
Henry Huddleston Rogers was born in Fairhaven, January 29, 1840. His early education was obtained in the public schools of the town, and he was graduated from the High School April 11, 1856. In 1861 he removed to the oil regions of Pennsylvania, where for several years he was occupied with pursuits incident to the development of that remark- able industry. It is an interesting fact that his subsequent good fortune came from the very enterprise that had, to a large degree, served to destroy the great industry of his native town. He removed to New York city in 1868 and was further engaged in the petroleum business with the late Charles Pratt, under the name of Charles Pratt & Co. A few years later the affairs of the firm were associated with those of the Standard Oil Company, of Ohio. In 1882 the combined business of the two concerns, with that of others of a kindred character, was united by an agreement which placed the properties of the whole under con- trol of a board of trustees. This was known as the Standard Oil Trust, and Mr. Rogers was one of the board of trustees. He now occupies numerous positions of honor and trust connected with financial insti- tutions, banks, and railroads. His permanent home is in New York city, but he has a summer residence on Fort street, in Fairhaven village.
Mr. Rogers has always maintained a deep and abiding interest in his native town, and has made and continues to make practical demonstra- tions of his sincere regard for the place. In 1885 he presented to the town the Rogers School building, which is thoroughly equipped with all modern appliances for educational purposes. His children are erect- ing the Millicent Library building, as a memorial of their deceased sister, Millicent Gifford Rogers. The structure is now approaching comple-
Henry Hattleston
395
FAIRHAVEN.
tion and when finished will be a beautiful as well a most useful addition to Fairhaven. A town hall is also in progress of erection, which is to be the gift of Mrs. Rogers. These benefactions demonstrate the regard felt by Mr. Rogers for the town, as well as his practical sagacity in do- ing that which is certain to bring the greatest possible good in the future.
While occupying a position in the foremost rank of financial men of the country, Mr. Rogers retains and exhibits his inborn democratic nature in all his intercourse with his friends and neighbors in Fairhaven. He is genial and approachable at all proper times and commands the utmost good will and respect of all intelligent citizens of the town.
The ecclesiastical history of Fairhaven dates back to the earliest years of the Dartmouth township, and many interesting events relative to the church detailed in former pages are connected with families whose de- scendants are prominently associated with present church organizations. The First Congregational Church was organized about 1794, and its first meeting-house was erected on the site now occupied by the Phoenix building, on the northeast corner of Main and Centre streets. The belfry and some other portions of the present building were part of the origi- nal edifice. In 1844-45 the society erected the brick edifice which is now occupied by them. Rev. Harvey B. Greene is the present pastor.
The Washington Street Christian (Unitarian) Church was organized in 1832, and the present edifice was dedicated in the same year. The society was in existence several years prior to this date and worshiped in the Academy Hall. Rev. Don C. Stevens is the pastor.
The Methodist Episcopal Church began its existence when its first meeting-house was erected and dedicated in 1830. A permanent or- ganization was effected in 1832. In 1849 the society purchased the edifice left vacant by the Centre Congregational society. (The latter organization consisted of a number of persons who in 1841 withdrew from the First Congregational Church, and erected this building.) The original building owned by the Methodists still stands. It has for many years been owned by the town and is used for the High School. Rev. N. C. Alger is now the pastor.
The Second Advent Society was the outgrowth of a series of meet- ings held in 1842, by adherents of that faith. The meetings were held in private houses and in Fountain Hall. About 1866 the society was
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permanently organized, and the present house of worship, formerly Sawin's Hall, was purchased.
The Friends' meeting-house, built in 1849, is situated on Bridge street. The Society of Friends never had a strong foothold in the town, and but few families have been connected with this meeting Occa- sional services are held in the hall.
The financial interests of Fairhaven are well cared for by the Fair- haven National Bank, incorporated in 1831, and reorganized in 1864. Its capital is $120,000 and its present officers are Chas. H. Morton, pres- ident; Reuben Nye, cashier. The Fairhaven Institution for Savings was incorporated in 1832. George H. Taber is now president and Chas. H. Morton treasurer,
The American Tack Company, which has been a flourishing organi- zation since its incorporation in 1867, has been merged with other kin- dred industries, located in other cities, into the Atlas Tack Corporation. It continues to do a thriving business, and is now the most important manufacturing industry in the town.
The Fairhaven Star, a weekly newspaper published by C. D. Wal- drom, was established in 1879, and is a sprightly sheet and ably con- ducted.
The fire department is well organized and has one steam fire engine and other modern apparatus.
The marine railway is an important factor in the maritime affairs of the town. Its convenient facilities are in constant use in the season by the scores of vessels and yachts that visit the harbor.
Boat building is carried on to a limited degree.
The public schools of Fairhaven are sufficient in number, and are well conducted. The addition of the Rogers School gives the town advant- ages for the instruction of youth that are unsurpassed by those of many New England towns.
WESTPORT.
The territory of this town, once a part of the township of Dartmouth, was separated into a distinct township in 1787. Its previous history is substantially told in the early chapters of this book, as it was a part of
George the Jaben
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WESTPORT.
old Dartmouth. The first town meeting of Westport was held August 20, 1787, when William Almy, Richard Kirby, and Edward Borden were chosen selectmen, and Abner Brownell, town clerk. Other offi- cers were chosen, and the machinery of local government was put in operation, which has continued without change for more than a century. The Indian name of this town was Acoaxet. Its early people were of the true New England type who made Dartmouth famous in the early days for its sturdy character and rigid adherence to the principles of true liberty and of religious freedom.
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