USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Old-time Fairhaven; erstwhile Eastern New Bedford, Volume I > Part 4
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OLD - TIME FAIRHAVEN
on Sunday to consider the propriety of taking down the spire but the storm has prevented the necessity for any further discussion on this topic, and has done the work probably at much less expense than if it had been undertaken by carpenters.
Annexation of "Darkhaven," "Seventh Ward." - Although New Bedford and Fairhaven had their differences, resulting in the incor- poration of the latter place as a separate township in 1812, there arose in time those on both sides of the river, who desired to have the two places united. Several times this was attempted. A petition to the General Court was put into circulation in 1871. Under the date of Saturday, September 30, 1871, the Standard printed : - "ANNEXA- TION. A petition to the General Court is in circulation, and we under- stand quite largely signed, for the annexation of Fairhaven to New Bedford." A communication was sent to the same journal worded as follows: - "To the Editor of the Standard: It is to be hoped that when the 'village over the sea,' is annexed to New Bedford its shad- owy streets will be rendered more passable by night with the aid of an occasional light here and there. Now, in these autumnal evenings, an Egyptian darkness seems to have settled over the place, and there must be many a downfall if the truth were known. We know of one temporary sojourner there, who, returning home a few evenings since from a friendly visit in the vicinity, actually lost her way, and prob- ably would be wandering still, had it not been for the welcome gleam of a pedestrian's pipe in the foreground, which enabled her to re- tain the sidewalk and to identify the landmarks around her. Until the desired annexation shall have been effected, would it not be advisable hereafter for every passing traveller in Darkhaven to aid poor, be- nighted humanity as far as possible with the light of a friendly lan- tern, a pipe, or cigar, since each could be made serviceable. (Signed) T. October 6, 1871."
The possibility of annexation was kept in mind, and the proper precautions taken. The following is copied from "Extracts from the By-Laws of the Millicent Library Corporation of Fairhaven, Massa- chusetts. - Organized October 22, 1892." and printed the follow- ing year. "At least twelve members of the Board of Trustees shall be inhabitants of the town of Fairhaven. In case the town of Fair- haven is at any future time incorporated with the city of New Bed- ford, then at least twelve members of the Board shall be inhabitants of the territory now embraced in the limits of the town of Fair- haven."
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"EASTERLY NEW BEDFORD" INCORPORATED
Three years later, that is, in 1874, another attempt was made to entice Fairhaven to become the Seventh ward of the city across the stream, as set forth in The Standard as follows :
"THE ANNEXATION OF FAIRHAVEN. Petitions for the annexation of Fairhaven to New Bedford have been presented to the General Court from that town and from this city, and remon- strances against it have also gone there from both town and city. The people of both places, as far as we are able to learn, are about equally divided in sentiment in regard to it. None appear enthu- siastic as yet. The question is discussed in a quiet way among the citizens of Fairhaven, but in this city it has hardly assumed tangible shape for discussion.
The petition that went from Fairhaven for annexation was headed by Lewis S. Judd, and comprised thirty-five names, among which were those of many of the leading men. There have been presented two remonstrances from that town, one headed by Isaac Terry containing fifty-three names, and one headed by Job A. T. Eddy containing seventeen names. Those favoring and those oppos- ing are men apparently equally interested in the welfare of the town, and neither element seems disposed to be over-zealous in th matter. The citizens of New Bedford have interested themselves on the subject enough to send to the General Court a petition in favor and a remonstrance against; the former being headed by Thomas Nye, Jr., Esq., and the latter by Hon. Joseph Grinnell. The town officials are almost a unit in opposition to the scheme. Several of the signers of the petition in Fairhaven show considerable indifference in the matter, and say that had the remonstrance been offered them first they would have signed that, and many of the remonstrants manifest as little concern with regard to the result. The annual election of town officers occurs on Monday (March 2, 1874) next, and this will bring the people together for an interchange of ideas, and it is probable that from that time the subject will be fairly before the peo- ple, and they will array themselves in two distinct parties, annexation- ists and anti-annexationists.
There are many things to be considered by the voters on both sides of the river. The business of the two places is identical and ever has been. Both places arose and fell together in the whaling business, and both are now struggling together for the establishment of manufacturers. In the height of the business, Fairhaven stood second as a whaling port.
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OLD - TIME FAIRHAVEN
The beginning of the two villages was coeval in 1764; and when the township of Dartmouth was divided in 1787, New Bedford and Fairhaven formed one township, bearing the name of New Bedford, and so they remained until 1812, when the political differences of the two places demanded a division, Fairhaven being strongly Re- publican and New Bedford entertaining Federalist ideas. The two places have for years enjoyed the utmost harmony, and have work- ed together on all points of interest to both with much good feeling. Politically the original cause of division no longer exists.
Fairhaven was originally thirteen miles in length but, a division taking place, about six and a half miles of its former domain is now the town of Acushnet. Leaving off Sconticut Neck, which is a penin- sular about three-quarters of a mile in width, extending south into Buzzards Bay three and one-half miles, the town is nearly square, extending three miles east from Acushnet river and three miles north and south.
With Fairhaven joined to it, New Bedford would occupy the extreme southeast corner of Bristol County. Annexation would result in advantages and disadvantages to both places, but it is claimed that the advantages accruing to both would outnumber the disadvantages. New Bedford would add to her 6,000 acres, which is about the size of ward one, and a population of 2,626. Fairhaven would bring with her personal property to the amount of $350,000 and nearly $1,000,000 in real estate.
Property in Fairhaven was last year (1873) taxed $15.50 per $1,000, but for a number of years previous it had ranged between $12 and $13. By annexation Fairhaven would be benefited by our excel- lent school system which it is impossible for a town of her size to support. There are many other ways in which they would be benefited, not the least among which is the access to the Public Library. There is no doubt that the affairs of the town, managed conjointly with ours, could be administered with more economy. It is claimed now that the cost of assessing the tax is two per cent on the whole amount collected. The town debt of Fairhaven is less than three per cent of the valuation while the debt of New Bed- ford is nearly five per cent, but the advantages to be secured by the former by consolidation are probably sufficient to balance this discrepancy. A hearing will be had at the State House in Boston on the 18th of next month, when the petitioners and remonstrants are expected to be present and give expression to their views."
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"EASTERLY NEW BEDFORD" INCORPORATED
On Tuesday, March, 10, 1874 the legislative committee on towns gave a hearing on the petition for the annexation of Fair- haven to New Bedford. The "Traveler" said, "Mr. Weston How- land was heard as one of the leading petitioners, and presented a draft of a bill submitting the matter to the voters of the two places. He gave statistics showing that it would be an advantage to unite the two places, as they were in location almost one municipality now, and should be under one general administration. Fairhaven was part of New Bedford up to 1812. He alluded to past differences between the two places, and believed that annexation would remove these old quarrels. His judgment was that a majority of both places would favor the annexation." The New Bedford speakers opposed annexation.
"HEARING. The Legislative Committee on Towns gave a hearing at the State House, Boston, Friday, April 3, 1874, at 10 o'clock A. M. on the petition for the annexation of Fairhaven to New Bedford." The pros and cons were presented. Captain Hum- phrey W. Seabury, one of the remonstrants from New Bedford, said : "The citizens of Fairhaven average better citizens than ours, but we cannot afford to take them because the whole town is essentially 'Poverty Point.' Jonathan Bourne Jr., said, "There is nothing in Fairhaven desirable to the people of New Bedford." etc. The hearing was continued. It was attended by few of the petitioners and none of the remonstrants. In brief it was said that Fairhaven had no water, no sewers, poor streets, schools and library.
So certain were some, that they advertised as follows: "FOR SALE IN FAIRHAVEN. Thirteen house lots pleasantly situated on Bridge. Adams and Prospect streets, containing 18 to 23 rods each. Now is your time to buy in the Seventh Ward cheap." April 25, 1874.
Clocks Set Back Sixteen Minutes. - The following. we copy from The Fairhaven Star, of Saturday, November 24, 1883: "The Change of Standard Time. In accordance with the vote of the general time convention of railroads, at Chicago, Sunday, the 18th inst. was selected for the date of changing the running time of the Trunk Line and Western Railroads to the new standard."
"Some years ago the Railroads in the United States had nearly one hundred different standards of time, regulated by local times. Then it was suggested that there should be a single standard for the whole country ; but this was not found practicable. In Maine,
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OLD - TIME FAIRHAVEN
for instance, by the single standard it would be four o'clock when by the local time it ought to be six o'clock."
In 1875, Professor Abby suggested that the time be fixed for every fifteen degrees of longitude, beginning at the 75th meridian and ending at the 120th meridian. This gives four standards of time, dividing the country into four belts of about 1,000 miles in this latitude. By this system, the time of Maine, New York and Savannah would be the same, and in each of the other meridians or belts there would be a similar uniformity. It is this plan which has been adopted by the railroads and some of the cities, and which went into effect on Sunday. The Fairtaven town clock now registers the new time."
Cornerstone Laid. - The land on Center street, from William to Walnut street, had been purchased for the erection of the new Town Hall. The foundation was laid, and everything was in read- iness for the placement of the cornerstone which is now plainly discernible on the southwest corner of the structure. The pas- sersby may read "May 30, 1892." Let us see what THE FAIR- HAVEN STAR had to reveal about the laying of the cornerstone of this edifice, either in substance or in quoted form.
James L. Gillingham, Esq., cited the respective locations of the town meetings. After 1864, Phoenix Hall was the regular place for all town meetings. "During the first three years of the town's exist- ence, the records were kept in the office of Levi Jenney, town clerk, on the wharf, and during the terrific gale of 1815, the office and records were swept into the river and were lost. The records of the next two years were kept by the same clerk in his office on the north- east corner of Middle and Washington streets. For two years fol- lowing, Jabez Taber kept them at his home in Acushnet. Then for fifteen years they were in the care of Bartholomew Taber at Ox- ford. For eight years following Nathaniel Church kept them in the building now occupied by Robert H. Taber's tin shop on Main street. From 1842 to 1855 Eben Akin, Jr., kept them at his office in the second story of the building on the southwest corner of Main and Bridge streets. In 1855 they were placed in the care of Tucker Damon Jr., and the present office of the town clerk was secured. This office has been retained for the past thirty-seven years, but the rec- ords during a part of that time were, and at the present time are, in part kept in another wooden building in the town. The fact is not the evidence of want of care on the part of the succeeding town clerks, Eben Akin, Jr., and Francis DeP. Tappan, but was necessitated
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"EASTERLY NEW BEDFORD" INCORPORATED
by the inadequate facilities possessed by the town for the proper transaction of its official business."
"During all these eighty years of municipal existence, the citi- zens have never had a reasonably secure or safe place of deposit for all the constantly accumulating, and, in many instances, invaluable documents, papers, and records."
"In the stately building that shall rise from these foundations will be found all that the citizen has in the past been deprived of, and yet hoped some day to possess, of convenience, security and perman- ence."
"Memory yet recalls that fifty years ago our present senior select- man, Eben Akin, Jr., who is with us today, began his public service for our citizens ; and filled with years and honors, he yet renders the same faithful service which half a century ago he began."
"Through the accomplishment of a dream of his youth and the desire of his manhood; through the noble ambition to serve her native town for all time; through the pure and holy purpose begot in their affection in the hour of their bereavement, from Henry H. Rogers and Abbie P. Rogers and from their children, our citizens will receive the benefactions of school, of hall and of library."
"The stone was hoisted into place and was laid by Master Harry with a silver trowel." "Within the stone was deposited a copper box containing copies of the souvenir edition of The Fairhaven Star, printed last Saturday, of The Hustler, printed in town, of which Master Ralph S. Bryden (also Russell Hathaway, Jr.) is the editor and proprietor, copies of the New Bedford Mercury, Journal and Standard, the New York Sun, the Boston Herald, the Boston Globe, the Memorial Program and Fairhaven town reports presented by Charles Eldredge ; half dollar minted in 1812 (date of incorporation of Fairhaven) presented by William E. James, Commander John A. Hawes Camp, No. 35 Sons of Veterans, inscribed as coming from the Post; Spanish dollar of 1776 presented by L. M. Snow (the original dollar of our daddies) ; Silver coins of 1892 presented by W. P. Winsor ; Confederate money given by Miss Addie Jenney, and West India coins by Edmund Anthony. At the close the bene- diction was pronounced by Rev. D. C. Stevens.
CHAPTER III
Shipbuilding
Shipbuilding at Acushnet. - The territory of Acushnet, ever adjacent to the present area of Fairhaven, and an incorporated part of the latter for nearly a half century, is set forth by the Daily Evening Standard, under the date of May 22, 1856, as an important shipbuilding center, as the following discloses.
"SHIPBUILDING AT ACUSHNET. It may not be known to all our readers that the business of shipbuilding was at one time prosecuted quite actively at the Head of Acushnet river. On an examination of the records, we find that it was commenced in 1780, by Charles Stetson, the father of Capt. Silas and Peleg Stetson. The first vessels constructed were schooners and other small craft, the most of which were purchased by persons residing in Harwich, Cape Cod, for the codfishery. Between thirty and forty of this, description of vessels were built, but no ships were constructed until 1798."
The ships built there, enumerated in the order of construction, were as follows: 1. The "Hunter," employed in the whale fishery, commanded by Capt. Peter Butler. 2. Brig "Thomas," employed in the merchant service. 3. The "Walker," a whaler, commanded by Capt. Stephen West, of Nantucket. During the war of 1812 she was captured by the English at a Pacific port, with a full cargo of sperm oil on board. These three just enumerated were built for Seth Russell & Sons. 4. Brig "Hepsabeth," named for the wife of Weston Howland ; built for Mr. Howland and Humphrey Hathaway, for the merchant service. 5. The "Charles," a merchantman, named for Mr. Stetson, commanded by Philip Crandon. 6. The "Swift," a merchantman, built for Humphrey Hathaway and Jireh Swift, com- manded by Capt. Bailey, of Dartmouth. 7. The "Independence," built for the merchant service for Humphrey Hathaway & Co. 8. The "Augustus," built for Humphrey Hathaway & Co., for the mer- chant service. 9. The "Ladoga," launched in 1812, owned by Mr. Stetson, the builder. 10. The "Horatio," being the last constructed at Mr. Stetson's yard.
Shipbuilding was thereafter transferred to the vicinity of Bel- ville and the constructions were: The brig "Hope," the ship "Amy-
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SHIPBUILDING
thon," the "Grand Turk," the "Sarah Lee," the "Martha," of Fair- haven, the "Henry Clay," the brig "Sun," built for Isaac Vincent, this being the last one constructed at this yard.
The Standard continues : "The above account is probably nearly, if not entirely, correct. It was obtained from those who were sup- posed to be well acquainted with the facts, and no doubt were so."
Shipbuilding at Oxford .- Through the courtesy of the Daily Evening Standard, we present the following succinct account of shipbuilding at Oxford Village, taken from the issue of June 7, 1856: "SHIPBUILDING AT THE POINT IN FAIRHAVEN." Shipbuilding was commenced at the Point about 1781, by Capt. Amos Kelley." The vessels constructed at Oxford were : 1. The ship "Columbia," being the first vessel ever built in Fairhaven, command- ed by Capt. Preserved Fish. 2. The ship "Herald," a whaler. 3. The ship "President." 4. The ship "George," built for Robert and Joseph Bennett. 5. The ship "Libertina," built for Henry Huttles- tone & Co. 6. The brig "Polly." 7. The schooner "Tabitha," for Peleg Huttlestone, named for his wife. "About the time this vessel was completed, which was in 1802, Capt. Kelley died, and one or two vessels, the names of which we have not been able to ascertain, were built by a former apprentice of his, Mr. William Severance, who sub- sequently built several vessels in the vicinity of Belville, after the business was given up by Mr. Charles Stetson, of Acushnet."
"In 1804 the business was continued by Ebenezer Pierce who came from Middleboro, He built the ship "Ganges" and also the brig "Dolly Taber" and some others. Mr. Pierce followed the business until 1812. The brig "Dolly Taber" was the last square-rigged vessel that was built at the Point. She was commanded by Capt. George Bailey, and was employed in the merchant service."
"Several small vessels, after this, were built by the following persons : Seth Allen, Mr. Athorn, and Joshua Delano who built the "Fish Hawk," a fishing schooner for John Howland of the Point."
The Standard continued : "We are indebted to Miss Rebecca Spooner for a large share of the above information. Miss Spooner has attained to the advanced age of 94, but her mental faculties appear to be as sound as ever, and she converses about the events of those bygone days with remarkable fluency and correctness."
Miss Rebecca Spooner, familiarly known as "Aunt Becky," was born on Sconticut Neck in 1762, lived at Oxford Village, and died in her 97th year.
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OLD - TIME FAIRHAVEN
Shipbuilding by Abner Pease. - Again we quote the Standard which published, under the date of June 14, 1856, the following : "SHIPBUILDING. The business was commenced at the yard of Mr. Abner Pease, near the Mill Dam, in Fairhaven, about the year 1804." This yard was southwest of his homestead which stood and still stands on the southwest corner of Main and Pease streets.
In the order of construction, the vessels were: 1. The "Pinnas- seh," for John Delano. 2. The brig "Pindus," for John Delano, in 1807. 3. The ship "Village," built in 1808, and bought by Cornelius Grinnell, of New York, as a merchantman. 4. The ship "Arab," a merchantman, built in 1810 for Warren Delano. She was captured in the War of 1812. 5. The brig "Leader," commanded by Capt. Jones. She was the last square-rigged vessel built by Mr. Pease.
Subsequently Mr. Pease built, on his own account, the "Milo," the "Bedford," the "Amp," and the "Ardempt." The name "Ar- dempt" was formed by taking the first initial of the following per- sons : Abner Pease, the builder; Elizabeth, his first wife; Robert Delano, her brother; Mercy Taber, the maiden name of his second wife. "The 'Ardempt,' in the gale of 1815 broke from her fasten- ings and was driven through Main street nearly as far up as the house where Mr. Whitwell lived."
Under the date of June 21,' 1831, we find: "FOR SALE, FREIGHT OR CHARTER. The good sloop A. M. P., burthen 40 tons, is in good condition to receive freight of any kind. She will be chartered or sold, if application be made immediately to Abner Pease."
Mr. Pease died in 1852. The funeral services were at the Friends' Meeting House, Fairhaven Village.
Shipbuilding by Joshua Delano. - In the spring of 1809, ship- building was commenced by Joshua Delano in the yard later occu- pied by Mr. Reuben Fish. The vessels built here were: 1. The "Maria Penn," merchantman, for John Delano. 2. The ship "Emul- us," merchantman, for the same party, in 1811. 3. The "James M," merchantman, in the same year and for the same party. 4. The schooner "Residence," coaster, for the same party. 5. The ship "Leonidas," in 1812, for the same party, merchantman. 6. The brig "William and Nancy," for John Delano, merchantman. 7. The sloop "Packet," a coaster, for Lemuel Tripp. 8. The "Gov. Ger- rish," for the same party, in 1813. 9. Then, for John Delano, a racer was built to "run the gauntlet" in freighting between Fairhaven and Europe. She was taken on her first voyage.
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SHIPBUILDING
Shipbuilding by Joshua Delano and Jethro Delano. - At this shipyard of Delano & Delano who entered into partnership in the winter of 1816, were built: 1. The ship "Nancy" for Timothy Cof- fin, of Nantucket. 2. The ship "Triton," a whaler, for Gideon How- land, in 1817. 3. The ship "Persia," for Cornelius Grinnell & Co., a merchantman. 4. The ship "Roscoe," a whaler, in 1820.
Shipbuilding by Joshua Delano, Elias Terry and Reuben Fish .-
After a cessation of half a decade, activity in shipbuilding was renewed. From 1826 until 1829 when Capt. Terry died, at least four vessels were built by this firm: 1. The sloop "James and Lucy," for Capt. Charles Delano, employed as a coaster between Fairhaven and Albany. 2. The brig "Atlantic," commanded by Capt. Ebenezer Delano. 3. The schooner "Clinton," for Elias Terry & Co., com- manded by Job Stevens. 4. The ship "Averick," a whaler, (named for his son, Averick, who died abroad) for John A. Parker, com- manded by Capt. Lawrence, of the Vineyard.
Shipbuilding by Joshua Delano and Reuben Fish. - In their yard were constructed at least a half dozen vessels: 1. The ship "Parker," a whaler, launched in 1831. 2. The ship "Oscar," a whaler, for Ezekiel Sawin, launched in 1833, commanded by Capt. Downes. 3. The first ferry steamboat, launched in 1833, in charge of Capt. Hitch. 4. The ship "William Wirt," a whaler, for Warren Delano, commanded by Capt. Isaac Dagget, of the Vineyard. 5. The "Eliza Adams," launched in 1835, commanded by Capt. John O. Morse, of Edgartown. 6. The schooner "Texas," built for George Tyson and Samuel Little.
Shipbuilding by Fish and Huttlestone. - Numerous vessels were built in this yard as follows: 1. The ship "Obed Mitchell," for James Mitchell, of Nantucket, commanded by Capt. Isaiah Ray, She was launched in July 1837. 2. The "MARY ANN," a whaler, sold to Lemuel Tripp, commanded by Capt. Joseph Chace. 3. The ship "Gen. Scott," for Lemuel C. Tripp, a whaler, commanded by Capt. Fosdick, of Nantucket. 4. The bark "United States," a whaler, for Andrew Hicks, of Westport, commanded by his brother, Capt. John Hicks. 5. The "Oregon," a whaler, built in 1841, for Lemuel C. Tripp, commanded by Capt. Obed Sherman. 6. The ship "Ade- line Gibbs," a whaler, for Gibbs & Jenney, built in 1841. 7. The ship "E. L. B. Jenney," a whaler, named for Mr. Jenney's wife, built in 1842, commanded by Capt. John Church. 8. The ship "James Allen," built in 1844, commanded by Capt. Sherman. 9.
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OLD - TIME FAIRHAVEN
The ship "Abraham Barker," built in 1845. 10. The schooner "Louisa," a coaster. 11. The ship "Audubon," for William R. Rod- man, commanded by Capt. Alexander Winsor. 12. The bark "Gal- lego," built for Warren Delano, Jr., employed in the merchant ser- vice, commanded by Capt. Johnson. 13. The ship "Channing," for Warren Delano, Jr., built in 1847 as was the "Gallego." 14. The ship "Phillipe De La Noye, commanded by Capt. Morse. 15. The brig "Gov. Carver," built in 1848.
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