USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Municipal history of Essex County in Massachusetts, Volume I > Part 28
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Deacon William Roundy, father of the present William and George -of whom further mention is made elsewhere in this history-was sent to the legislature in 1872 and was one of the committee sent to view and accept for the State the Hoosac Tunnel. Deacon Roundy was also the town's treasurer for fourteen years, and was a truly-beloved citizen, a public benefactor.
Rutherford E. Smith is one of the town's most prominent present- day citizens. Mr. Smith is a Boston lawyer; he is in the city winters, but he returns to the fine old home on Lowell street, with his family, each summer. The celebrated Pocohontas spring is on the Smith es- tate. Mr. Smith is town counsel, and is usually elected moderator of town meetings. He was chairman of the general committee at the time of the Centennial.
"Wardhurst" is known far and wide as the home of the O'Donnells. This beautiful estate has many times been placed at the disposal of the townspeople. Functions held there have augmented funds being col- lected for worthy causes. It was there the "Welcome Home" celebra- tion was held for the "boys," veterans of the World War. As most
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people know, John T. O'Donnell is the famous "Hap Ward," and his cor- dial wife is Lucy Daly, one of the celebrated Daly sisters.
Elvira Leveroni is well known in Lynnfield, and she has identified herself with many town activities most generously. Since her sister, Mrs. DeMasellis, still resides here, Madame Leveroni comes, when she is able to do so, to the home at Lynnfield Center. Recently at the Pear- son home she gave to a group of friends and neighbors a rare treat, singing to the accompaniment of her own records.
Mrs. Annie Laurie Heiser was a Lynnfield girl, Miss Brown. Now the wife of John Heiser, the composer, she is prominent in musical circles in Somerville and Boston. Mrs. Heiser, too, has been heard in Lynnfield, in benefits, on many occasions. Henry K. Oliver, composer of the old hymn tune, "Federal Street," lived in Lynnfield on Chestnut street, at one time. George T. Angell and his family lived for many years in the Bryant house at the Center. The handbag and the unusual cane he used for years during his residence here have been placed by Lynnfield friends in the Harrison Gray Otis House museum, Boston.
A tablet placed at the entrance of the old burying ground informs the comer that the grave of Daniel Townsend is within the yard, also that of Martin Herrick, the teacher-physician living in Lynn End, at that time. The name of this Martin Herrick is famous, because he rode from this direction, as Revere from the other, to warn the people of the movement of the British.
Lynnfield has sent many teachers of excellent calibre forth into the world. At one time, nine women of the profession travelled together on certain trains. At present, Lynnfield has one teacher in the English high school in Boston, Miss Hastings; four teachers of manual training in Boston schools-Mr. Parker, Miss Coney, Miss Lyons, Harlan Pea- body ; one teacher in Olivet College, Michigan, Miss Nelson ; a teacher of Spanish and French in Wareham, Massachusetts, Miss Marian Russell; a teacher in the Walden Commercial School, Miss Katherine Ross; a teacher of Spanish in a high school of Washington, D. C., Miss Mildred Hutchinson, who recently spent two years teaching in Madrid, Spain; Mrs. Florence Howe, teacher in Tracy School, Lynn; Edna Ramsdell, Lynn; Jessie Lynch, Peabody. Mr. Henry W. Pelton, whose residence at the south part of the town is one of the groups of fine estates on the main street, is part owner and principal of Burdett Business College, Lynn.
Mrs. George E. Lambert is a well known writer of verse, under the pen name Hannah Wheeler Pingree. Mrs. Muriel Russell has written some charming verse, published from time to time in the "Daily Even- ing Item," Lynn. Miss Mabel Emery has been connected with several New York publications ; she is the author of the Underwood and Under- wood travel series. Miss Gertrude Emery was for many years librarian in Lynn, serving in the juvenile department of the Lynn Public Library.
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Edwin L. Thurston, formerly a Lynnfield boy, is prominent in musical circles in Boston, teacher and composer. Mr. Thurston belongs to the Henfield family, whose homestead, still standing, is said to be the oldest house in town. Mrs. Annie P. Hutchinson is the retiring regent of the Faneuil Hall Chapter of the D. A. R. Annie Stevens Perkins was con- nected regularly with "Normal Instructor," a New York educational pub- lication, for many years. Benjamin Downing, at one time a musician in Lynnfield, made his later home in Cincinnati, Ohio, and became an or- ganist in that city
Henry P. Emerson, a former Lynnfield boy, came from Buffalo, New York, to participate in the Lynnfield Centennial, difficult as it was to leave in June, with people wondering where one could possibly find their superintendent of schools. That his presence and his message were appreciated was evident. Nathan Mortimer Hawkes of Lynn, well known as statesman and historian, another native of Lynnfield, came with his truly-prized greetings to the centennial observance. Cyrus Wakefield, for whom the town of Wakefield was named, married Cap- tain Bancroft's daughter, and took her from her Lynnfield home to the Wakefield residence. This edifice was used as a headquarters for Red Cross and other war activities, recently. Rev. Jacob Hood, for years con- nected with musical work and festivities in Salem and Marblehead, mar- ried Sophia Needham, who was born at the old Needham place on Lynn- field Hill. The couple came to Lynnfield to complete a beautiful life in a beautiful way. Their portraits have hung in the chapel of the Con- gregational church for years.
Bishop Birney, formerly Dean of Theology at Boston University, now Bishop of Shanghai, China, has had his summer home on Chestnut street for several years and has occupied the pulpit of the Lynnfield Cen- ter Church on a number of occasions, always welcomed with love and pride by those whom he said he was glad to call "neighbors." The "Bos- ton Traveler" announced the natal day of the Bishop, Sunday, Septem- ber 11. Miss Martha Sheldon, who has a home with her sister, nearly opposite the town hall, was a teacher in the Morton Lane School for Girls, Maulmain, Burmah, for many years. Dr. John Perkins of Middle street, Boston, now Hanover, numbered among his patients members of "the first families" of the city, in the period just preceding the War of the Revolution. He died at the old homestead on Chestnut street. His manuscript books are preserved. Starr Parsons, former city solicitor of Lynn, was an honor student at Harvard as a Lynnfield young man. Rev. Francis D. George, pastor at the Center Congregational Church, was sta- tioned near Calcutta, India, for several years. Special opportunity to make the acquaintance of members of diplomatic circles enabled him to enlarge upon the usual experiences of a missionary resident. The late Charles K. Bradford, a long-time dweller at Lynnfield, near the "Turn- pike," was an inventor of note. Shoe machinery parts and a very im-
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portant sewing-machine device are among his better known achieve- ments. This Mr. Bradford was in direct line from Governor Bradford. Mr. William Walden, formerly of Lynn, has brought the standard of musical activity in Lynnfield Center forward. Under his leadership the chorus at the centennial celebration did excellent work. Afield, Mr. Walden is known as the inventor of a patented material used in auto- mobile upholstering. He is the composer of an alto and tenor duet, sacred selection, published by the Oliver Ditson Company, and other music.
Gas has just been introduced into the town from Lynn, and house- keepers are rejoicing. It was interesting to watch the trench-digger, that would have been overseas if the war had not most mercifully ended. At the rate of three feet a minute, it walked through the town, and pipes were laid in a very short space of time. The cheery veterans of the World War who operated the machinery won hearts as they co-operated, one with one leg missing, the other minus an arm.
Electricity has been used in both street and house lighting for a number of years, and most houses have running water, some families depending upon mills, others having installed engines. The majority of families own or have frequent use of automobiles. It is not at all uncommon to see airplanes flying above the town, as it lies beneath two air routes, one toward the shore, one inland, the route between Boston and Lowell. Each portion of the town has railroad accommodation, supplemented by auto-bus routes. The bus line between Lynnfield Cen- ter and Wakefield is privately controlled. At Lynnfield, the citizens got together and outlined effective plans for a community bus, which con- nects that end of the town with Lynn and with Wakefield, including the Montrose section, also Saugus.
School transportation is provided for. Excellent conditions prevail in matters educational, the teaching force being of the best, with spee- ial teachers from outside in several branches. Medical supervision was introduced in 1908. Dr. Franklin W. Freeman, who came to make his home in Lynnfield Center after retiring from a large practice in West Newton, is school physician.
Telephone service is fairly adequate. There is promise of improve- ment, made a necessity because of an increasing list of subscribers. Since February 9, 1895, Lynnfield Center has had telephone communica- tion with the outside world, using the North Reading central, at first but now listed under an exchange of its own. Lynnfield subscribers at the south part of the town are listed under Lynn.
A considerable length of the Atlantic Highway lies within the limits of the town. We are quite accustomed to the traffic policeman. We shall use the new name, but in our hearts we shall remember it is the storied old Newburyport Turnpike, after all. The town has efficient fire protection, a well organized chemical company in each precinct, in charge of up-to-date apparatus.
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The town has an excellent public library, which was opened July 22, 1892. Miss Elizabeth W. Green has been librarian from the opening. Her assistant is Mrs. Gertrude A. Chipman, who has charge of the branch library at Lynnfield. Through the legacy of Mrs. Adelia Perkins Clough and the State Commission, a card catalogue has been established. The sets of pictures loaned from the Woman's Educational Association, the magazines at the reading room, and reference books, are used and appreciated by many, especially the young students.
The Lynnfield Center League has made for advancement and through special committees has been able to secure gains in railroad, telephone, and other service from outside. It is an organization com- posed of both men and women; its gatherings are held at the town hall. It was organized in 1908, largely through the efforts of Rev. Halah H. Loud, resident pastor at the time, George C. Frolich and Rutherford E. Smith. Civic, social and literary departments give scope for varied ac- tivity and interest. Entertainments of the highest order have been given, directed by Mrs. Nelson B. Todd, a graduate of Emerson Col- lege, and before her marriage a teacher of dramatics in Pennsylvania. Mrs. George Roundy and others have given time and talent in social functions. Mrs. Fred W. Northrup has shown cheerful ability as or- ganizer of working forces in special lines. The meetings of the literary department have been of a high order. Albert S. Moulton has given of his rare talent in Shakespearian interpretations, and others who have helped to make these gatherings profitable and enjoyable are Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Todd, Mr. and Mrs. George Lambert, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Clark, Mr. and Mrs. D. F. Parker, Mrs. Seth Russell, Mrs. Annie P. Hutchinson, Miss Bertha Butman. The present officers of the League are D. F. Parker, president; Rev. Francis D. George and Mrs. Charles E. Davis, vice-presidents; John Ward, treasurer; William F. Russell, secretary.
The Men's Club at the Center is a flourishing organization, which includes in its membership practically every man in the village. The business of the club is handled by a general committee, of which Charles O. Blood is chairman. This club has recently purchased an athletic field for the use of the young people of the town.
The old camp ground near Suntaug Lake had its stories in the War of 1861 to 1865. And it has had its stories during the World War. The Wellman history records the names of the soldiers who enlisted at the earlier date, many of the younger boys thrilled by the presence of the military headquarters in their midst. The names of the streets are given. "In camp at Lynnfield," so recently repeated, again brought the town into the limelight in the World War. A chapter could be writ- ten here if there were space. Moving-picture records preserved some of the camp events.
A large section of the Bay State Rifle Range, known during the
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war, as Camp Plunkett, lies within the town boundaries. Visitors re- mark, "it's like a continual Fourth of July celebration." It was not that during war days. Lynnfield Center knew by the meets when some- thing of special importance was forward. There was little to be said, but much to be held in mind and heart. Activities at the Range were frequently shown in the theatres, in Pathe News reels.
A chapter about Inn Days should some day be written. Every- where is the inn at Suntaug known. Other such hostelries in the town, notably the old Sun Tavern, have been so intimately connected with history in the large that collected facts and tales would be welcomed, not only in Lynnfield, but also in the world outside. Lynnfield has an increasing summer population. This is true of each end of the town. At Pillings Pond, about one hundred camps are located. There is a canoe livery at "Shoreside," the attractive refreshment center, but many residents own their own craft, of different types.
The Civil War record of Lynnfield is told in the Wellman history. In the northern section of the town, nearly every family sent its young men to the front. Only two veterans of the Civil War remain with us in Lynnfield-Edward Q. Moulton and Thomas Edward Brown. Lynn- field veterans have been affiliated with H. M. Warren Post 12, Wakefield.
On the first page of the annual town report for 1919 is printed the list of those from Lynnfield who served in the Army and Navy of the United States during the World War, sixty-four in number. Under the caption "In Memoriam" are placed these names: Lieutenant Willard J. Freeman, Benjamin L. Mitchell, John F. Lammers. Impressive ser- vices, attended by a great number of loving townspeople, have been held over the bodies, brought from overseas. On Memorial Day, 1921, exer- cises were held on the green at the unveiling of a memorial tablet placed in a great boulder. Dr. Freeman and John Ward were the com- mittee in charge of the work. Rev. Francis D. George's address was considered by all most eloquent. A duplicate tablet will be placed in the new public library building at the south precinct, Lynnfield.
Lynnfield Post 131 of the American Legion was formed in the fall of 1919. Carl Hazen Russell has been its commander since its forma- tion.
During the war a little paper called "Lynnfield Center Town Topics" was gotten out, chiefly through the efforts of Dexter F. Parker. It was intended for "the boys," and addresses were published in order to encourage letter-writing. Four items gleaned will show the scope of this sheet and they are good history, also, date October 11, 1918: " "Tody' Pearson has completed the course at Princeton and was at home for ten days, returning to Princeton Monday. 'Puss' Cox has been assigned to duty on Auto Aeroplane guns. Henry Richards is to re- ceive a commission as Ensign, Oct. 12; he has already made one cruise to France. Lieutenant Harry B. Freeman, of the Aviation Corps, is
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reported missing, his plane having been seen to fall behind the German lines."
The Lynnfield Center Red Cross was a live wire during the war period. D. F. Parker was chairman; Mrs. George E. Lambert, secre- tary. Treasurer Nelson B. Todd bore an active and efficient part. Miss Elizabeth W. Green and Miss Sarah Herrick were in charge of the gar- ment making. Miss Margaret McCarthy, in charge of food conserva- tion and the women's Liberty Loan drive, gave invaluable aid. A com- mittee of young women co-operated efficiently,-Miss Katherine Ross, Mrs. Gladys Russell, Mrs. Lou Russell, Miss Gladys Richards, Miss Bertha Barnjum, Miss Alice Bartlett, Miss Jane Bartlett, Miss Anna Blanchard. Mrs. John M. Harnden and Mrs. Richard Campbell were in charge of the surgical dressings department. Sale of war savings stamps was encouraged, the teachers aiding materially.
Lynnfield, the south precinct of the town, was remarkably well or- ganized for war work. Henry W. Pelton was chairman of the Red Cross and Liberty Loan drives. A committee of about twenty men assisted, and large amounts were raised. Over the top in each Red Cross and each Liberty Loan drive, this precinct made a remarkable rec- ord in two of the Liberty Loan drives, when it oversubscribed the full town allotment. Another record accomplishment was that of the Sun- day morning when, in two hours, more than $350 was subscribed for sufferers in the Halifax disaster. At the time of the Lynn War Chest drive, an average of $10 per capita was raised, in this precinct, number- ing about 500 persons. One gift, which was truly an offering, will al- ways be remembered, and it was typical of the spirit of generosity which prevails. The women were organized for work under the very efficient leadership of Mrs. Lucy Pillsbury. Miss May Elder, Mrs. Elizabeth Gerry, Mrs. Mary Mansfield were in charge of the surgical dressings de- partment.
CHAPTER XX.
TOWN OF HAMILTON.
A little over twenty miles north of Boston is found the town of Hamilton, near enough the ocean for a body to hear the surf roar, yet nowhere does its territory touch the water. The old Eastern stage road winds through the center of the town; this, a part of the Old Bay Road was constructed in 1641. Ipswich is on the north, Essex on the east, Manchester and Wenham on the south, and Topsfield on the west. The great hills include Sagamore and Vineyard. The natural scenery here- abouts is indeed charming to the lover of nature. The area of the town is 9,440 acres. About three hundred acres are under water usually. Hamilton was originally in Ipswich, and was known as the Hamlet.
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX TILDEN FOUNDATIONS
ABOVE-BATES MEMORIAL LIBRARY, HAMILTON; BELOW, HOUSE WHERE LAFAYETTE STOPPED, HAMILTON
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The exact date of the settlement in this town is not now known. It is certain that land was granted to Matthew Whipple in 1638, and through this tract coursed the old Eastern stage line. His house was sold in July, 1647, to John Annable, tailor.
Hamilton was named for Alexander Hamilton and the date was 1793. However, the separation was not completed until later. The United States census in 1900 gave this town a population of 1,614; in 1910 it was given as 1,749, and in 1920 (last enumeration), it was only 1,631. It may be said, in passing, that its population in 1810 was 780.
After the original incorporation of Hamilton, the first officers in- included these: Deacon Nathaniel Whipple, moderator; Lemuel Brown, clerk; Nathaniel Whipple, treasurer; Jonathan Lamson, Captain Daniel Brown and Joseph Poland, Jr., selectmen.
From the first, the principal business of Hamilton has been farming. There has been some manufacturing, but quite limited. About 1834 a large woolen mill was established on the Hamilton side of the Ipswich river, by the Mannings, hence the name "Manning's Mills." During the Civil War and in the year 1864 this factory turned out 5,500 pairs of woolen blankets and army ribbed-socks, etc., to the value of $135,000. January 12, 1884, these mills were totally destroyed by fire and never rebuilt. In its palmy days, the factory produced large amounts of blankets, and quite a factory village grew up about the mills. Farther down the river were a number of saw mills, including the old Dodge mill.
When the Essex Branch railroad was extended through in 1872, the Drivers' Union Ice Company opened up a large industry in ice shipping. The town's first railroad advantages date from the building of the East- ern Railroad in 1839, and this put many inns and stage stations out of commission.
Before the introduction of improved shoe-making machinery, Hamil- ton was dotted here and there with little shoe-shops, where boots and shoes were made by hand. In 1837 it was estimated that the value of home-made boots and shoes here was $14,700. At a very early day the fishing business was one of some importance, especially in the eastern portion, but the building of fishing boats was a much greater industry ; these boats ran from ten to twenty tons capacity each. Captain John Woodbury built many such boats, and had to haul the same to the Che- bacco river, by teams of cattle.
The first postoffice was established in 1803 and continued many years. The business interests of today are simply stores and shops, such as are usually demanded in towns and villages of the size of Hamil- ton. It will be understood that the town now has three trading points- South Hamilton, at the railroad station, and Hamilton proper, and Asbury Grove, reached by a street-car line.
Hamilton town has three postoffices-one at Hamilton, one at the
Essex-16
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depot at South Hamilton, and one at Asbury Grove. Of the one at Hamilton it may be said that it has had for its postmasters: Captain George Appleton, about 1860; David Hoyt, 1873; Frank C. Norton, Annie E. Medbury, Nellie Kimball, Bessie R. Brown, Hattie Warner, Andrew Haraden, Clara Kimball, Carrie L. Rankins, William J. Daley; the last was commissioned May 8, 1913. Office business in 1920 was about $832. The office is in the William J. Daley building, and was previously in the town hall.
At South Hamilton the postoffice is at the station, and was originally called Wenham Depot, Massachusetts, but it was changed about 1905 to South Hamilton. The postmasters have included John Merrill; Charles A. Hills, appointed in 1887; Lester E. Libby, appointed 1894; Douglas H. Knowlton, appointed (commissioned) July 1, 1914. The office has always been located in the building it now occupies. The amount of business transacted during the last year was $3,722.79.
The present (1921) officers of the town include the following: Select- men: George H. Gibney, chairman, Arthur C. Cummings, Jonathan Lamson; school committee: Harold S. Martin, chairman; Adelaide D. Walsh, Florence M. Lunn; treasurer, John L. Woodbury; town clerk, Clarence S. Knowlton; superintendent of streets, Charles E. Whipple; assessors: George H. Gibney, chairman; George M. Adams, Jesse S. Mann ; fire engineers, George F. Pendexter, chief ; Erle G. Brewer, Lester M. Whipple, Rodney Adams, Frank Dane. The chief of police is Alfred T. Poole.
The town hall was erected in 1900 at a cost of $20,000; the South School was built in 1898, cost $20,000; the East School was erected in 1918, costing $20,500. Bonds are still out on the South School to the amount of $980, and on the East School for $15,000. The volunteer fire company has a membership of nearly fifty men.
According to a vote of the town in 1712, a meeting-house was built, thirty-eight by fifty feet, with twenty foot studding. The windows were small diamond-shaped glass; the rafters were unplastered, and this caused a great number of sparrows to nest and twitter in the unfinished inside of the roof. This house was razed in 1762 to give place to a larger one, forty-four by sixty feet. It was erected by the parish, the pews excepted, which in this case were allowed to be built by the owners them- selves. The latter, however, were heavily fined in case they later seated themselves or any member of their family in any other seats within the house, this act being styled "ungodly."
In 1764 provision was made that "any young men singers sett in the men's sixth seat below, during the parish pleasure." There was no provision for heating this church until about 1824, when box-stoves were introduced. Lighting was always done by candles brought by the membership. Hence the notices of evening gatherings came to be uni- versal, "at early candle light." The pulpit was high, and overhung by a,
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sounding-board; in front was the deacon's seat occupied by Deacons Nathaniel Whipple and John Patch. Deacon Patch sat at the door, and Deacon Whipple at the farther end, wearing a full-bottomed wig. Dea- con Patch lined the hymns, while Deacon Whipple set the hymns or psalm.
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