USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > South Boston > Illustrated history of South Boston > Part 2
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OLD ST. PETER AND ST. PAUL'S. BEFORE BEING DESTROYED BY FIRE.
HAWES PLACE CHURCH, ERECTED 1853.
SOUTH BOSTON M. E. CHURCH IN 1840. D STREET BETWEEN FOURTH AND BROADWAY.
OLD SOUTH BAPTIST CHURCH, FOUNDED 1830. BROADWAY AND C STREET.
OLD PHILLIPS CHURCH, BROADWAY AND A STREET.
A GROUP OF EARLY CHURCHES.
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
restore confidence in the justice of the American side than anything else. After it things did take a turn, and the dawn of independence was breaking.
There is always a little fun lurking around a serious moment, and the Ameri- cans, though tired, and oppressed some- what by their responsibilities, did not for- get that an occasional joke would help to keep up their spirits. Upon the night of the proposed attack by the British, the sentinels became weary with constant watchings, and desiring to shelter them- selves from the raging storm, beating heavily upon them, sought cover under a
The excitement was over in a moment. When the secret was explained, every one went back to sleeping quarters, feeling at the same time, that the joke was too good to be forgotten for many a day.
.
When the tea was thrown over board, some of it came ashore at South Boston. There was a good-natured man doing the chores for an aged woman named Mrs. Foster; she was a strong-minded Ameri- can. He could not resist the temptation of collecting this tea and storing it in this woman's farm. Many a time he at- tempted to make a cup of tea out of it, but Mrs. Foster would read the riot act
FORT INDEPENDENCE IN 1850. THEN A TOWER OF STRENGTH AND GARRISONED BY 400 MEN.
neighboring pile of wood. Poor fellows, they were so tired, that sleep came to them in a instant. Some good-natured soldier nearby took in the situation in a glance, and getting together as quietly as possible a barrel, filled it with stones, and sent it rolling down the hill, in the direction of the sleepers. With a bound and a leap the barrel rolled along, and then, ultimately, dashed itself against the pile of boards. In every direction the boards flew. The sentinels were awakened by the noise, and not stopping to examine the cause, at once fired their guns, and aroused the whole camp. Every eye was opened, but where was the enemy ?
to him, and uphold the glories of being a Whig, with now and then a deep thrust at the Tories. The tea was never used, for her eloquence did avail, and the hired man, though he liked a cup of tea, yet could not overcome the feeling that the beverage might turn him into a Tory.
Dorchester Heights is to-day marked by a monument, which will forever im- press this great achievement of driving the enemy from Boston upon the mind of future generations. The monument, by itself, is a noble tribute to these sturdy and valiant Americans, but near- by is a structure standing for higher edu- cation, one of the great blessings of the
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
American liberty, which this victory helped to make way for. This spot will be sacred with a priceless heritage that every true American will be proud of and ever grateful for.
EVENTS FROM 1776 ONWARDS.
No growth to any gratifying extent took place from 1776 to 1806 in this locality. The school and the church were still on the other side of the cause- way. As early as 1761 a grant of twenty dollars was allowed Dorchester Neck by the town of Dorchester for the support of a school. The amount was afterwards
No large sailing boat could go between South Boston and Boston. In 1796, a company was incorporated for the pur- pose of constructing a canal to Roxbury. This was a movement, which would eventually result in other enterprises. Besides being a business matter, it paved the way for closer and more convenient approaches between the various towns, already growing in population, and add- ing materially to their wealth. Boston and Dorchester were separated by water and there was no communication be- tween them, except by boats or through Roxbury.
When the more progressive towns-
DORCHESTER HEIGHTS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. . LOOKING FROM BOSTON COMMON.
increased to thirty dollars, and even this, was an insufficient sum for so worthy an object. The causeway was a source of vexation to the dwellers at the Neck, for at high tide, it was rendered impassable. When this happened on Sundays, it inter- fered with the good intentions of those who desired to " attend meeting."
Smallpox made its appearance and greatly alarmed the people. Inoculation was introduced with much opposition. In 1792, a hospital for those who were inoculated was located at the peninsula, and was placed under the charge of Dr. Phinehas Allen. The house of Mr. Jonathan Bird was used as a hospital for this purpose.
people began to agitate the matter of annexation of the Neck to Boston, it was not received with favor by many of the people of Dorchester. There was a Puritanical slowness apparent. Old men ran their fingers through their silvery locks, and pulled at their long beards with a doubtful look written over their faces. Meeting after meeting took place, and warm disputes followed, with nothing definite in view. It was believed that the annexation would end in the build- ing of a bridge. Mr. William Tudor, a man of prominence and influence urged the annexation. Dorchester people made themselves believe that they had a pecu- liar right upon Mattapanock. Money
18
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
sometimes changes people's opinions. Twenty thousand dollars were offered Dorchester people not to oppose the bill before the legislature. They refused it and, sad for them, the legislature passed the bill March 6, 1804, and they lost their case, as well as the above pecuniary con- sideration. Land at the Neck was worth forty dollars an acre in 1803, it sold in 1805 from $400 to $500 an acre. People now, who owned property, began to see good times before them. Mr. Abraham Gould was the largest property owner, and was taxed $170.23 yearly upon $27,000, and Jonathan Bird paid $97.85 upon $15,400. Many needed improve-
and boisterous time rang through its halls. The Twelfth Ward Hotel, not far away, at the corner of Fourth and Turnpike (Dorchester ave.) streets was another place of refreshment and ease. These buildings, with Mr. Gould's house near the corner of Fourth and E streets, were the only brick buildings then on the peninsula.
With all the energy, and attractive- ness, which these men put into their business, there was not patronage enough to guarantee success and the hotel busi- ness sank into insignificance five years afterwards.
Row boats were used to carry passen-
SHIPBUILDING AT LEEK HILL, FOOT OF DORCHESTER STREET.
ments came with this boom in real estate, and a bridge was authorized by the same act, annexing the Neck lands to Boston.
When South Boston yielded up its independence, it contained about six hun- dred acres of upland, and nineteen per- sons paid poll tax.
Everyone now had an eye for business. Mr. William Tudor was keeping up his portion of the interest and erected a large block of brick buildings at the corner of Broadway and A street. Mr. Murphy swung out a large golden ball outside of a public house, known then as the South Boston Hotel. It was a famil- iar sign in those days, and many a good
gers from Windmill Point to the foot of B street, and from Rainsford's lane to the foot of Fourth street. There was some talk of changing this crude means of communication and a bridge from Wind- mill Point to the Neck was spoken of. This led to a controversy about the loca- tion of a bridge, which for the space of twenty-five years was more or less dis- cussed. Editors of newspapers waxed warm in defence of their respective sides. Governor Strong, in signing the bill incorporating the proprietors of the Boston South bridge, gave impetus to a movement which resulted finally in the erection of a bridge, which was com-
19
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
pleted July, 1805. It cost $56,000. Although there was a great demonstra- tion, when it was open, it was not what all the people in South Boston wanted. Many pressed their plea for a bridge from Wheeler's Point and great was the enthusiasm over it.
Faneuil Hall was filled February 4, 1805, where a town meeting was held. So deep was the interest, that a larger place for the hundreds interested, was chosen, and the Universalist church was hired. Here at this gathering, the bridge controversy was spirited and lengthy. Those who were in favor of a bridge from Wheeler's Point to South Boston
of Representatives. Thus the subject, which was at one time upon the eve of settlement at another went back into its resting place, until the best citizens were discouraged. In 1823, the subject came up again and a free bridge from Wheeler's Point to South Boston was agitated. It hung fire for a long time. Politics now entered into the subject. " Is he in favor of the bridge? " was one of the crucial questions asked of the political aspirant. Children talked about it, women buzzed it into the ears of their neighbors, clergymen found room for it in their sermons and the corridors of the State House were noisy with the
CUTTING DOWN LEEK HILL.
gained their point, but they had more difficulties ahead of them. It was when they came in contact with the General Court, where their opponents were in authority. It was agreed that the matter for a time should be dropped, enthusiasm cooled down and it was not till January, 1807, when the slumbering fire of con- troversy was again poked up. Many strange repulsive sides of the force of argument showed themselves. The Old South church rang with the cries of men, who demanded to be heard. Cat yells, shrieks, and applause drowned the voice of the speakers. When the Senate agreed to a proposition for a new bridge, it was afterwards blocked in the House
disputes. When a bill authorizing the building of the North Free bridge was passed, it was a seasonable relief, and both sides were glad some sort of a decision was reached. The South bridge became city property in a deed bearing the date April 19, 1832, and was after- wards known as the Dover Street bridge. The North Free bridge was, in 1856, known as the Federal Street bridge. When the railroads made their appear- ance, the Old Colony bridge as well as the Evan's railroad bridge and Boston and N. Y. Central R.R. bridge changed the old appearance of South Boston, and marked a new era of growth along com- mercial lines.
20
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
THE WAR OF 1812.
When the rumor of war was again heard in the land, South Boston put on its defensive armor. Dorchester Heights was made more formidable, a new powder house was erected, and cannons were placed at the extreme eastern point. This war with England aroused the dwellers in the peninsula. Patriotism, that for a short term of years was luke- warm, now rose to the exciting point. Wooden barracks were put up in a large field lying north of Broadway, between
soldiers amused themselves in their pranks and games, but, after several months' service, nothing developed to warrant the defensive attitude, which the district prepared for, and the troops broke ranks. It was not till 1860, that another demonstration in the time of the civil war was made.
EARLY EXECUTIONS.
Pirates at the beginning of the nine- teenth century were reckoned, as a class, deserving of hanging. In 1813, Samuel
TERHEL
DORCHESTER HEIGHTS IN 1840, SHOWING TEMPORARY ARCH ERECTED FOR "HARRISON DAY."
D and Dorchester streets. Twice a day, the militia were drilled in the wide open fields where there were few, if any houses.
Captain McNeil had a recruiting office at A street and Broadway. He was a jolly, enthusiastic patriot. Here many a young man enlisted, and was quartered till sent to other parts of the country. Guards patrolled the beach and shadowed every suspicious looking character. No one was allowed to leave the peninsula by night. A sentinel on the heights kept strict watch upon the sailing craft in the . side of the cart, their coffins could be seen. harbor, and many false alarms were given of the approach of the enemy. The
Tully, and John Dalton were convicted and sentenced to be hanged at the foot off Nooks Hill, corner of C and Third streets. First came the deputy marshal on horseback, bearing a silver oar, in this procession from Charlestown state prison, then a carriage containing the officers of the state prison, and the marshal and sheriff of Suffolk county. The crimi- nals followed in a cart, covered in black. They had their hands tied behind their backs, and wore white caps. From each The chaplain, the Rev. Mr. Collier was in attendance and at the end of the
9 E
1
the owners Lots. Drawn by Mather A Plan of South Boston, showing
Hawes
Henry Newman
Champnoys Land
Dr. Scolleys Land
Jonathan Birds Land
Hawes Land
so called
Formerly John Tilstens Land
John Hawes Land
(Aaron Perea) Wid Masons Land
Elisha Claps L.
Land Moses Everellf Aaron Spears Heirs Esq's Land!
Beny Claps I
Elisha Clap's L
M.F Tudors Land
Saml Blake
Hears
James Blake Heirs.
Henry Newmans Land
Henry Newman's Land.
Col. Claps Land
Town of Dorchester's Land
John Champney's Land
Jeremiah Gore's Land
James Blake's Heir's Land
PLAN OF THE NECK AT THE TIME OF ANNEXATION OF DORCHESTER TO BOSTON.
Land
Higginson Stephen
Land
James Blakes
Herr's
Marsh
Marsh
Marsh
Boston
Ezekiel Bird
Lond
Gould's Land
Ezekiel Bird
Mason
and
Esas Everett
Hears
Elisha Claps Marsh
Thomas Birds
Mid. Mary Claps Dower
Heirs
Gould's Land
Gardner Green Esq and Co's Land
OLD HARBOR
Leml Claps
Cap Land
Henry Gardner and James Everetls L.
BOSTON HARBOR.
Line between South
Mases Everett. Es
Land
Judge Tudor and Co's
Withington
5,000
Scale of feel.
Moses Everett
Abm.
10,000
Hartshorn
Hiswoll
Birds Hear's
Hawer
Fosters Land
Thomas
and Dorchester
July 10th 1805
Capt Lem! Clap
Dea. James Humphreys
Capt . Grey's Hell's John Champrey
Amasa Claps
Elisha Claps Land
DORCHESTER
BAY
G
E 1
22
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
procession, came the deputy marshals. It was a never to be forgotten sight. People swarmed around the spot and the small boy with his little sister nudged and elbowed through the crowd to get a glimpse of the unique sight. Mothers with babes in arms, and fathers stood there in this awful hour of execution. Tully, the pirate, often spoke to the crowd on the way, and upon arriving at the spot which he should mark with his life, he read a communication, in which a confession was made. The criminals kneeled, and the chaplain prayed. At a quarter past two o'clock the drop fell, and Tully was no more on earth. He died without a struggle. His comrade was not executed for a respite from the President was read, and his sentence was changed to imprisonment for life. From his neck, the halter was removed, and a hat given him, which he wore instead of the white cap; and he was taken back to prison with the body of Tully. It is said that over ten thousand persons witnessed this sight. The day was bitter cold, and blustering, and many children were frost- bitten by the exposure to the weather.
ROADS.
The old roads in South Boston afford much interest, and the names given them would not be recognized in modern times. The main peninsula was called " The Great Neck" with its mouth near the present junction of Ninth and Dorchester streets. To the locality lying south and that known as Washington Village, the name of Little Neck was given. Everyone in those days knew the way to the Castle, for this was the main road. Over this, were carried provision's to the fort, called Fort Independence as early as 1797. Before this, it went by the name of Castle William, which was built in 1634. One of the interesting details in the records of Dorchester, is this : " For carrying Captayne Davenport's Corne to the further end of the Neck is 6d."'
This main road of traffic was along the line of the present Dorchester street to Emerson street. Afterwards it passed in-
SOUTH BOSTON IN 1859. ( From Cole's Drawing.)
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
23
to Fourth street, and then on to the shore. From this road, by-paths were made in a variety of directions, one going towards a meadow, another going in the direction of a dwelling house. People talked of "Going to the Nook," meaning Nook's lane, which was a small path leaving the main road, somewhere near the corner of Seventh and Dorchester streets, and then took the northern direction towards the well-known hill, where the present Law- rence school stands. One could also take this road and not be far from Mr. Foster's house, which was in the vicinity of the present Grand Army hall on E street. There was the way "to the marshes " to " Powwow Point " and to
playing a conspicuous part in its early defences.
The Twin Hills on Dorchester Heights, known as the East and West Hills, no longer can claim this distinction. Change upon change has been made, so that it would appear as if the present site of Dorchester Heights were one large eminence. This is no true representa- tion of its early existence. The two hills of Dorchester Heights were seen for miles around, and were admirably adapted for the purpose which they served so well in revolutionary times.
Foster's Hill or Nook's Hill as it was better known, is no longer to be seen. Some people called it " Fox Hill." Its
OLD FULTON IRON FOUNDRY, FORMERLY ON DORCHESTER AVENUE.
the " beach " ; but the best known roads, those which served the community for over one hundred years, were held to be the way to the Castle, to the Nook, and the way to Powwow Point. Every one guided their direction by these three points, and if any chanced to be lost, it was by seeking one of these well-known paths, that they were able to determine, where they were. The other paths were somewhat confusing, and were made, oftentimes, by the people whose house and barn were located nearby.
South Boston in the early period of its history could boast of many hills. While not exact the locality of seven hills, which once rendered an ancient city famous, it was a spot, where this number of hills could be counted, and not a few of them
location is now determined by the Law- rence school.
Independence square was known as Bush Tree Hill. It has very little of its former prominence and its present posi- tion conveys nothing of the formidable aspect which it once enjoyed. Leek Hill at the north end of Dorchester street and Battery Hill at the Point have all passed away.
The elm, buttonwood, and poplar trees, together with the orchards here and there dotted over the farms, have yielded to the ravages of change. These once graced the sides of the hills, and over the landscape, broke the monotony of the bare look of undulating fields and plains. The ponds helped to keep the rural scenery true to nature's eye for beauty,
-
24
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
and those that once charmed the lover of sport have gone out as the deeper march of civilization was heard. The old pond at the corner of Fourth and G streets, in the crisp air of winter, rung out oftentimes with the merry laughter of skaters, as the ones at K and Fifth, K and Third and D and Seventh streets made the boys and girls frantic with joy, as their hockey sticks once more had the freedom of these places to enjoy the best of winter sports.
Swamps and creeks here and there marked many spots now filled in, and topped with large dwelling houses.
As was mentioned above, South Boston was used by the early settlers, as a terri- tory for the pasturage of cattle. Assign-
THE OLD HAWES SCHOOL IN 1835.
ments of land were made for this purpose. In 1633, for good reasons, i. e., keep- ing the cows and goats in certain local- ities, it was voted that a charge of two shillings be levied upon every animal. This in part paid for the incidental ex- penses of keeping certain fences in repair. One hundred and four persons possessed the privilege of pasturing their cattle upon the Neck, and about five hundred acres were then reckoned as the area of the territory. It is not definitely known how these grants of land were made. Certainly, the way that not a few of them are recorded, would lead to interminable difficulties in law. Of one party, this is the record " John Hoskeines, senior, to have 4 acres of medow in the Necke where the dogg was killed." Where this
poor creature departed this life was well- known in his day, but to keep up such a trivial remembrance must have taxed the memories of those who came afterwards into possession of certain grants of land. Accuracy in location doubtless made its way after a time, but did not come about till many disputes rankled in the breasts of the owners.
Restrictions after a time were made, and the rights of individual owners were protected by allowing so many cows to each owner, together with a limit placed upon yearlings, oxen, colts, calves, and kids.
All this information is interesting to the student who is in search of details for knowing the exact manner in which the lands of the " Neck " were assigned, but to the general reader there is little or nothing attractive about them. They, however, were very interesting in their day, and made no end of controversy.
The attention given to the fortifica- tions of the Neck, beginning May 13, 1776, indicate a continued interest in this matter. Many improvements were made in the placing of cannons and in the re- arrangement of the barracks, and the constant dread of a foreign foe was evidenced in the care and preparation always maintained at these formidable points.
EARLY EDUCATION FACILITIES.
The support of education in South Boston came through a series of 'struggles. The town of Dorchester at first appeared to neglect the rights of those who lived at the Neck. The paltry sum of £4 was allowed on May 18, 1761, for this object, but this went only a little way towards meeting the expenses. The above sum was afterwards increased to £6, but this was not a gratifying support.
While a larger amount was asked for, the dwellers at the Neck were obliged to possess their souls in patience, and gave liberally out of their personal resources for the support of the little school, where their sons and daughters could receive the rudiments of education.
Time would make desirable changes
25
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
in this particular. When the Neck was annexed to Boston, the prospect of getting better facilities in the way of education increased, and the school committee of Boston were petitioned, in 1807, by Messrs. Joseph Woodward, Abraham Gould, and John Deluce.
This petition reminded the selectmen of Boston, as well as the school com- mittee that the dwellers at the Neck paid now nearly a thousand dollars in taxes to Boston, and had been paying it for three years; and they considered it just and fair that their community should be recognized, and asked for a sum of money for the support of a woman's school and the rent of a room for that purpose for six months. They also asked for the building of a school house, and the sup- port of a school master for one year.
No attention was paid to this petition. It was shelved by the selectmen and South Boston received the cold shoulder. The people in the district could not be so easily side tracked. The townspeople raised among themselves three hundred dollars, and the citizens of South Boston increased this amount by a generous donation of their own. A school house was erected on the south side of G street, the playground in front making the corner of G and Dorchester streets. This build- ing accommodated ninety scholars, and one woman taught them. A master was afterwards appointed.
At last the school committee saw their mistake, and in 1811, appropriated three hundred dollars, and took the school under their guidance.
This was the beginning of greater things for education. Three years later on the three hundred dollars were increased to four hundred dollars, includ- ing five cords of wood.
The boys of 1812, who attended this school as well as the girls, had visible reminders around them of the warlike appearance of the locality. They were as sensitive of the condition of the country, as the well-tried soldier. Every one knew the history of their country for the past twenty years. Father and mother would review it constantly in their own home, and zeal and enthu-
siasm and patriotism were expressed by these young Americans. The first master was Mr. Zephaniah Wood, who was only twenty years of age. Besides being a teacher, he knew something about theol- ogy, and preached, without price, in the Hawes Place Congregational society. He died suddenly in 1822. His successor was the Rev. Lemuel Capen. In the mean- time, the appropriation for education was increased to $600, and South Boston was placed on an equal footing with other localities. In 1823, a new building was erected, which was called Hawes school house. It is situated on Broadway, between F and Dorchester streets. When this building was opened, a demonstra- tion of an unusual kind was made. The
OLD FOURTH UNIVERSALIST CHURCH. FORMERLY AT COR. OF BROADWAY AND B STREET
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