USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Newburyport > History of Newburyport, Mass., 1764-1905, Volume I > Part 29
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The Petition of James Davenport to your Excellency and Hon's Humbly Sheweth that your Petitionr by the Favr of his Majesties Justices for the County of Suffolk in July last obtained a Public License to be an Innholder in the Town of Boston where he has for some months Past, at the Sign of the Globe, kept a Public Tavern to the Universal Satisfaction of all Travellers and others; but find- ing many Inconveniences there has removed to the Castle Tavern, formerly so called, now known by the name of the Bunch of Grapes, near Scarletts Wharfe which is a house which has been a Public licenced House between Forty and Fifty years last. Now your Petit" humbly prays your Excellcy and Honours to Grant him the same Liberty of a Public Innholder in the Tavern called the Bunch of Grapes as he had at the Sign of the Globe aforesd and as there can be no possi- ble Inconvenience Arising either to the Public or Private thereby, and as no Per- son whatsoever has any Objections thereto, but approve the same he humbly prays your Excellcy and Honrs would grant the Prayer of this his Petitn and as In Duty bound he will ever pray &c.
JAMES DAVENPORT.
(386)
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TAVERNS, STAGE COACHES, RAILROADS, ETC.
William Davenport had command of a company in the ex- pedition that sailed from Louisbourg, in June, 1759, for the reduction of Quebec. He was in the battle on the plains of Abraham on the thirteenth day of September, when General Wolfe was killed. After his return to Newbury, he converted his dwelling house into a tavern and hung out a quaint sign with the head and bust of General Wolfe carved thereon.
.
In 1764, a part of the town of Newbury was set off and incorporated by the name of Newburyport. Wolfe tavern was then near the business centre of the new town. Social and political gatherings were held in its parlors and the Newbury- port Marine society, as well as the members of St. Peter's lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, met there as often as once a month for many years. The mail-stage stopped at the tavern door long enough to allow the traveller to quench his thirst at the bar, or appease his hunger with a substantial meal, and farmers from New Hampshire, bringing eggs, butter and poultry to market, frequently found shelter for the night under its roof.
William Davenport died September 2, 1773. Under the management of his sons, Anthony and Moses Davenport, the tavern continued popular and prosperous for more than thirty years. In 1782, Marquis de Chastellux, who served under Count de Rochambeau in the Revolutionary war, visited Newburyport, and subsequently published an account of his journey through Massachusetts and New Hampshire. He dined at Wolfe tavern, or Davenport's inn, as it was frequently called, and remained there over night with his travelling companions, " Messieurs Lynch de Montesquieu, the Baron de Talyrand and M. de Vaudreuil."' At a later date, Governor Hancock
In the House of Representatives Dec. 3, 1754.
" Ordered That the Prayer of this Petition be so far granted as that the Jus- tices of the Court of General Sessions of the Peace for the County of Suffolk at their present adjournment or some other time be impowered (if they see fit) to Licence the Petitioner to be an Inholder in the Town of Boston in the house commonly known by the name of the Bunch of Grapes near Scarletts Wharfe, He Obtaining the Approbation of the Selectmen of said Town. The time of granting Licenses being elapsed notwithstanding.
In Council read and Concurred. Consented to. W. SHIRLEY. [Massachusetts Archives, vol. CXI., pp. 329 and 330.]
1 Travels in North America, vol. II., p. 240.
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HISTORY OF NEWBURYPORT
and other men prominent in public life were entertained at this famous hostelry.
In 1804, Thomas Perkins succeeded Moses Davenport as innkeeper, but he did not, probably, serve in that capacity after May 1, 1807. In April of that year Prince Stetson was licensed to keep a house of entertainment in Newburyport. He had charge of Wolfe tavern from 1807 until the building was destroyed by fire, in 1811. Mr. Stetson subsequently leased a dwelling house, on the corner of Temple and State streets, which he converted into a tavern. In 1814, he re- moved to Salem.
In December, 1813, Benjamin Hale, one of the owners and managers of the Portsmouth, Newburyport and Boston Stage company, purchased a large three-story brick house, built by John Peabody in 1807, on the corner of Harris and State streets, and fitted it up for the accommodation of travellers. It was called Merrimack Hotel, " lately the mansion house of General Peabody, at the sign of James Wolfe, Esq., on State street ; Stephen Hammond, landlord."' The portrait of General Wolfe on a swinging sign, painted by Moses Cole, an artist of some distinction at that time, was placed in front of the house, where it still hangs, having been recently repainted by a more celebrated artist, Robert Gordon Hardie of Brattleboro, Vt.
Several other taverns were established in Newburyport at a very early date as the following notices, gathered from news- papers and official records, clearly indicate :- -
INN AT NEWBURY-PORT.
William Lambert, from Yorkf hire in England, begs Leave to inform the Publick that he has lately taken the Inn at Newbury-Port formerly occupied by Mr. Choate, which is now completely repaired, and new fur- nifhed with convenient Furniture, and the greateft Variety of excellent LIQUORS. He has alfo provided commodious Stabling for Horfes, and every Accommodation for Travellers and others. He humbly intreats Cuftom, and will ftrive by his good Entertainment to merit the Publick Favour, at the Sign of the Wentworth Arms, near the Ferry, in New- buryport.2
1 Newburyport Herald, June 24, 1814.
2 Essex Gazette, January 15-22, 1771 (Essex Institute, Salem).
WOLFE TAVERN, 1764.
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HISTORY OF NEWBURYPORT
INN AT NEWBURY-PORT. Robert Calder, from London (Late Servant to His Excellency Governor Wentworth),
Has purchafed the Leafe of the noted Inn lately occupied by Mr. William Lambert; which is now further repaired and furnif hed with con- venient Accommodations for Travellers, and good Stabling for Horfes. The public Favour is humbly intreated ; and the beft Entertainment, with diligent Attendance, will be provided for Travellers and others who may be pleafed to favour him with their Cuftom,
The Public's moft obedient Servant ROBERT CALDER.I July 1, 1771.
In 1782, and annually thereafter until 1786, Maj. Ezra Lunt, who had been publisher of the Essex Journal and Mer- rimack Packet, proprietor of a stage coach leaving Newbury- port every Monday morning for Boston, and a soldier in the Continental army, was a licensed innholder and kept a public house on the northwesterly side of Federal street, near the corner of Water street.2 He afterwards removed to Ohio, where he died in 1803.
In 1788, Thomas Merrill, for several years innkeeper near Rev. Mr. Cary's meeting house,3 had a tavern on State street.
Thomas Merrill informs his Friends and the Public that he has re- moved into Newburyport again where he has opened a House of Public Entertainment in State street.4
June 25, 1799, the following notice was published in the Newburyport Herald :-
NEW PUBLIC HOUSE Sign of the American Eagle.
Samuel Richardson Informs his friends and the public in general that he has removed from Union Hall into that spacious and convenient building lately occupied by Capt. Ebenezer Stocker, East Corner of the Ferryway Wharf,-which he has opened for public Entertainment, and
1 Essex Gazette, July 16-23, 1771 (Essex Institute, Salem).
2 Newburyport (Selectmen's) Records.
3 See p. 79.
4 Essex Journal and New Hampshire Packet, June II, 1788.
On the ninth day of July following, Thomas Merrill announced that his house of public entertainment was " at the sign of the Bunch of Grapes in State street, a few doors above the Town House."
39I
TAVERNS, STAGE COACHES, RAILROADS, ETC.
will make every exertion to gratify and please those who may visit his House, -every favor will be gratefully acknowledged.
Good accommodations for a few Boarders: likewise Stabling for Horses.
Mr. Richardson probably remained in charge of this house until the spring of 1807, when he removed to Plum island and took a lease, for one year, of the hotel erected there by the Plum Island Turnpike and Bridge Corporation.
The Sun hotel was for several years under the managment of Jacob Coburn. It was established in 1807, but did not, probably, long survive the business depression in Newbury- port that followed the great fire of 1811. The opening of the hotel in the Tracy house was announced as follows :__ 1
NEWBURYPORT SUN HOTEL.
JACOB COBURN.
W ITH deference informs his friends and the public that he has opened a fpacious HOTEL in ftate-ftreet, Newburyport, the for- mer manfion of the late Hon. Nathaniel Tracy, Efq. and where Mr. James Prince laft refided.
Having at confiderable pains and ex- penfe put the above in a fituation fuited to ac- commodate Gentlemen, he affures them with confidence that they will find every convenience, and an unremitting attention to enfure the fa- vors of the Traveller. Good horfes and carriages to be had at all hours.
Three years later, the following advertisement appeared in the columns of the Newburyport Herald :-
SUN HOTEL REMOVED.
The subscriber informs the public that he has removed from his form- er stand in State street. The House he now occupies, situated near the entrance of the Newburyport Turnpike, is large and convenient and
1 Newburyport Herald, May 5, 1807.
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HISTORY OF NEWBURYPORT
the stable in good order. His assiduous attention shall be directed to the accommodation of his guests and he flatters himself that he shall merit a share of public patronage.I
After the death of Timothy Dexter, in 1806, his household furniture was sold at auction, and his dwelling house convert- ed into a tavern.
Samuel Richardson informs his friends and the public in general that he has removed from the Hotel on Plum Island to that elegant and spacious House owned by the late Timothy Dexter, High Street, where he has good accommodations for travellers and others who may favor him with their custom.2
Mr. Richardson announced, April 6, 1810, that he had re- moved from High street "and taken the house lately occupied by Mr. Jeremiah Todd in Market Square where he will enter- tain travellers as usual;" and a few weeks later the following notice appeared in the advertising columns of the Newbury- port Herald :
PUBLIC HOUSE.
The subscriber of Weare, N. H. acquaints the public that he has taken that noted house on High Street, Newburyport, known by the name of . the Dexter House (where the Lion and the Lamb lie down together in peace, and where the first characters in the land are known to make their stay) which he opened the 20th ult as a house of Entertainment for the weary traveller who may sojourn thither, and for the conviviality of the jovial citizens of the town who may wish to spend a social hour freed from the cares of busy life ; and he respectfully solicits their company, fully persuaded he shall be enabled to afford them satisfaction.
Country people are informed that he will entertain them as reasonably and with as good cheer, both for man and beast, as any regular Inn- keeper between M'Gregor's Bridge and Newburyport, having commodious and convenient stables with good attendance. He flatters himself they will call and see.
WILLIAM CALDWELL.3
In 1823, Prince Stetson returned to Newburyport, and again took charge of the Washington hotel, on the corner of State
1 Newburyport Herald, October 23, 1810.
2 Newburyport Herald, March 8, 1808.
3 Newburyport Herald, May 8, 1810.
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TAVERNS, STAGE COACHES, RAILROADS, ETC.
and Temple streets. When LaFayette visited the town in 1824, he was provided with spacious apartments in the Tracy house, now the Public Library building, and meals were served there by the landlord of Washington hotel. The next year, Daniel Gilman announced that he had taken charge of the house recently occupied by Mr. Prince Stetson on State street.
His Bar will be constantly supplied with the best liquors; his table will be furnished with every dainty which the market affords ; such do- mestics will be employed as will be ready and willing to serve and every- thing done that customers on leaving his house may say their money was well spent.I
In 1840, Joseph T. Haskins purchased a dwelling house on the corner of Titcomb and Merrimack streets, and fitted it up for the entertainment of travellers. The Washington house, as it was then called, remained under his management for six or eight years. In 1849, James and David E. Carey had charge of it, and in 1850 Thomas Brown had possession of the property and "furnished entertainment for man and beast." In .1854, Horace Hamblet purchased a controlling interest in the hotel and changed the name to Ocean House. He was succeeded by Benjamin F. Atkinson in 1866, and James P. L. Westcott in 1873. While under the management of Mr. Westcott the name of the hotel was changed to Han- cock House in 1882, and afterwards to Hotel Sedgwick. Af- ter the death of Mr. Westcott, February 15, 1900, the prop- erty was sold, and since that date has not been used for hotel purposes.
Franklin House, near Market square, at the head of Central wharf, was probably in existence, under another name more than a century ago. In 1849, it was kept by Jonathan Lovering, in 1856 by Hiram Bean, and in 1860 by Daniel Hamblet.
Hotel Waverly, on Merrimack street, at the head of Mer- cantile wharf, was formerly the residence of Capt. Thomas
1 Newburyport Herald, May 20, 1825.
394
HISTORY OF NEWBURYPORT
Thomas, a prominent soldier and privateersman in the Revo- lutionary war. In July, 1864, Daniel Hamblet purchased the property. He built a piazza in front of the house and a stable in the rear. In October of that year he announced that he was ready to furnish food and lodging to travellers at the American house, No. 18 Merrimack street. After the death of Mr. Hamblet the house was sold, and the name changed to Lincoln House. It is now known as Hotel Waverly.
At the beginning of the nineteenth century, Moses Brown erected a large three-story brick building on Brown square. It was for many years a private residence. At a later date, a portion of it was used for a boarding house. In 1884, Elisha P. Pride leased the property and converted it into a small hotel called Brown Square Hotel. It remained under his management until 1886, when it came into the possession of John F. Morrill, who occupied the house and entertained trav- ellers there until December, 1904. Soon after that date it was refurnished throughout, and leased to its present land- lord, John J. Grounder of Farmington, Me.
STAGE COACHES.
April 20, 1761, a stage drawn by two horses, and capable of carrying four persons besides the driver, set out from the tavern kept by John Stavers, in Portsmouth, for Newbury, Salem and Boston. This stage made weekly trips between Portsmouth and Boston for two years, passing through New- bury on the way. In 1763, a larger coach, carrying six per- sons inside and drawn by four or six horses, was advertised by Bartholomew Stavers, brother of John Stavers, to leave Portsmouth every Tuesday morning for Boston, and, return- ing, to leave Boston every Friday morning for Portsmouth.' Travellers by this conveyance dined at Wolfe tavern, then a new and popular resort, in Newbury. After the incorpora- tion of Newburyport, in 1764, this famous inn, near the geo- graphical centre of the new town, continued to supply hungry and thirsty travellers with good dinners and wine.
' History of Newbury (Currier), p. 273.
395
STAGE COACHES
In 1770, Benjamin Hart who had been employed as post- rider between Portsmouth and Boston, published the follow- ing notice in the Essex Gazette :-
He [Benjamin Hart] has left riding the single horse post between Boston and Portsmouth and now conveys passengers from Boston to any town be- tween it and Portsmouth and back again in the same Post Stage lately improved by John Noble. He sets out from Boston every Friday morn- ing and from Portsmouth on Tuesday morning following. The above con- veyance has been found very useful and now, more so, as there is another curricle improved by J. S. Hart who setts off from Portsmouth the same day this does from Boston, by which opportunity offers twice a week for travellers to either place.1
In 1774, Ezra Lunt, a descendant of Henry Lunt, one of the early settlers of Newbury, announced in The Essex Journal and Merrimack Packet, a newspaper printed in New- buryport, that a coach drawn by four horses, would leave Newburyport for Boston every Monday morning, and return- ing leave Boston for Newburyport every Thursday morning as follows :-
STAGE COACH,
That constantly plys between Newbury-Port and Boston, setts out with four horses every Monday morning at seven o'clock from Newbury- Port, and arrives at Boston the same day ;- Leaves Boston every Thurs- day morning and reaches Newbury Port the same day.
Such Ladies and Gentlemen, as want a passage from Newbury Port to Boston, are desired to apply at the house of the Subscriber, opposite to the Rev. Mr. Parson's meeting-house. And those from Boston to Newbury Port, at the house of Mrs. Bean, in King street.
It is hoped this very expensive undertaking will meet with encourage- ment from all Ladies and Gentlemen, as they may depend on the punc- tual performance,
Of the Public's most obedient humble Servant,
EZRA LUNT.2
January 19, 1775, The Essex Journal and Merrimack Pack- et announced that Ezra Lunt, one of the publishers of that
1 Annals of Salem (Felt), p. 479.
2 The Essex Journal and Merrimack Packet, or The Massachusetts and New Hampshire General Advertiser, April 27, May 4, 11, and 18, and June 1, 15 and 22, 1774 (Boston Athenæum).
396
HISTORY OF NEWBURYPORT
paper, " keeps a carriage constantly plying between Newbury- Port and Boston . . . said Lunt sets out from his own house in Newbury Port every Tuesday and puts up at Mrs. Beans in Boston, at which place he may be treated with for passage or orders to be executed which will be performed with care and fidelity." At the beginning of the Revolutionary war, Mr. Lunt sold his horses and coaches and enlisted in the Con- tinental army.
In 1787, Joseph Barnard, an old mail-carrier, advertised to take passengers, once a week, in a two-horse wagon from Portland, Me., to Portsmouth, N. H., leaving Portland Saturday morn- ing and arriving in Portsmouth Monday evening.1 In 1795, John Greenleaf, Joseph Barnard, Thomas Motly, Levi Rogers and William Stavers announced that they would run a line of stages from Portland, through Portsmouth and Newburyport to Boston, twice a week from the middle of April to the middle of October.2 Jacob Hale and Son advertised, April 21, 1795, to run a coach from Newburyport to Boston twice a week, " seats to be secured at the residence of Mr. Hale on Federal street, Newburyport, near Mr. Dana's meeting house."3 They also ran a coach three times a week from Newburyport to Haverhill. Joseph and Benjamin Hale announced April 22, 1800, that " the stage formerly run by Mr. Jacob Hale will leave Federal street opposite Mr. William Bartlet's once a week for Boston."4
January 5, 1801, Jacob Hale, Jr., Tristram Plummer, Joseph Hale and Benjamin Hale started a new line of stages between Newburyport and Boston ; one stage to leave Newburyport daily, Sundays excepted, at seven o'clock A. M., and arrive in Boston at four o'clock in the afternoon ; and one, drawn by the same number of horses, to leave Boston at the same hour in the morning and arrive in Newburyport at the same hour in the afternoon.5 During the summer following, " The Newbury-
1 Journal of Rev. Thomas Smith, edited by William Willis, p. 361.
2 Impartial Herald, Newburyport, January 13, 1795.
3 Impartial Herald, April 21, 1795 (Newburyport Public Library).
4 Newburyport Herald and Country Gazette, April 22, 1800 (Newburyport Pub- lic Library).
6 Newburyport Herald, December 20, 1800.
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STAGE COACHES
port Caravan," Samuel Richardson, proprietor, made weekly trips from Newburyport to Boston for the transportation of baggage and merchandise.I
In 1803, the first stage left Newburyport at half-past six A. M., and arrived in Boston at half-past one P. M. The mail stage from Portsmouth left Newburyport at half-past nine A. M., arriving in Boston at six P. M. The next stage left New- buryport at twelve o'clock, arriving in Boston at seven P. M. The fare was two dollars and fifty cents by the half-past six and twelve o'clock stages and three dollars and twenty-five cents by the mail stage leaving Newburyport at half-past nine.
May 27, 1803, stages left Haverhill at seven o'clock and arrived at Davenport's inn, in Newburyport at ten o'clock A. M., returning in season to reach Haverhill at seven o'clock P. M. " Fare, seventy-five cents."2
In 1805, stages from Camden, Wiscasset, Augusta and Portland, Maine, left Newburyport daily, Sundays excepted, for Salem and Boston, and twice a week a heavy wagon, drawn by four horses, was sent over the road loaded with baggage and merchandise.3
In 1814, Samuel Shaw, Jr., landlord of the Sun hotel, and others associated with him, started a new line of stages, leav- ing Newburyport at six o'clock in the morning, and arriving in Boston at one o'clock P. M.
In 1818, the proprietors of some of the most prominent stage lines were incorporated in New Hampshire by the name of the Eastern Stage Company.4
Josiah Paine, Stephen Howard, Seth Sweetser, Samuel Larkin, Thomas Haven, Henry Elkins and Ephraim Wildes were chosen directors, Nehemiah Cleaveland, president, Seth Sweetser, clerk, and Col. Jeremiah Colman, agent and treas- urer, at the first meeting of the company held at Hampton Falls, October 9, 1818. For many years the company was popular and prosperous. It had but few competitors. In
1 Newburyport Herald, June 19, 1801.
2 Newburyport Herald, May 27, 1803.
3 Newburyport Herald, May 3, 1805.
4 Newburyport Herald, April 10, 1818.
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HISTORY OF NEWBURYPORT
1823, William Potter, who had been in the employ of the company, started an opposition line of stages leaving New- buryport for Boston on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and returning on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.1
In 1825, W. Dow & Co. advertised a new line of stages to leave Washington hotel, on State street, Newburyport, at half- past nine o'clock Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, arriving in Boston at three o'clock in the afternoon.
The business of the Eastern Stage Company, however, con- tinued to thrive in spite of this opposition, and ultimately it became necessary to increase its capital stock and double the number of its coaches. In order to protect its property and provide for future contingencies the stockholders applied to the General Court of Massachusetts for a new charter, which was granted March 12, 1830. Jeremiah Colman, Benjamin Hale, Seth Sweetser, Ebenezer Moseley and Thomas Perkins of New- buryport, Nehemiah Cleaveland of Topsfield and others were named in the act of incorporation, and rates of fares between Newburyport and other places were established as follows :- 2
Hampton " in the stage which carries the great eastern mail, " $0.75
Ipswich,
ditto .88
Boston, ditto
2.50
Hampton or Exeter " in all other stages, "
.75
Dover,
ditto
1.50
Lowell,
ditto
1.50
Ipswich or Topsfield, ditto
.75
Boston,
ditto
2.00
In 1836, the Eastern Railroad was chartered, and in 1838 trains were running between Boston and Salem.
The Eastern Stage Company continued to take passengers at the usual rates, but opposition coaches took the road and fares were reduced. The company attempted by curtailing expenses to prolong its existence, but finding the effort fruit- less voted, in February, 1838, to sell its real estate and per- sonal property, and wind up its affairs as soon as possible.
1 Newburyport Herald, September 2, 1823.
2 Acts and Resolves, 1829-1830, ch. 116.
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EASTERN RAILROAD
EASTERN RAILROAD.
February 4, 1836, the inhabitants of Newburyport voted to approve the petition of George Peabody and others, and the petition of T. H. Perkins and others, presented to the General Court, for the right to build a railroad through the town, " across the Pond to Greenleaf's field,' thence to cross Union, Titcomb, Market and Summer streets, thence across Merri- mack street over the Newburyport Bridge."2
The town clerk was requested to furnish the representatives to the General Court from Newburyport with an attested copy of the vote and instruct them to oppose the erection of an- other bridge over the Merrimack river and provide, if possible, for the running of cars through the town at a rate of speed " not exceeding four miles per hour."
A change in the route asked for by the petitioners was vigorously urged by some of the inhabitants of Newburyport, and after long debate the bill incorporating the Eastern Rail- road Company was amended as follows :-
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