USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Quincy > Some account of the early history and present state of the town of Quincy, in the commonwealth of Massachusetts > Part 6
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STATISTICKS.
Within the last few years, the population of this place has rapidly increased, and few towns are, at present, in a more prosperous and growing condition.
In the year 1800, according to the census then taken, the follow- ing was the return made of the inhabitants .*
Males,
539
Females,
520
Colored,
Total, 1081
Whole number of' dwelling houses,
134
In the year 1820, the return was as follows:
Males,
812
Females,
798
Colored,
13
Total, 1623
Whole number of families,
251
The whole number of dwelling-houses in
1827, amounts to - 240
Militia. A sufficient number of men performing military service, is furnished from Quincy to form two large militia companies, and an independent company of infantry. For many years, several individ- uals in the town joined with others of one or two of the neighboring towns, and formed a company of cavalry, but at length, there were not found enough sufficiently interested in its support, and it was dis- handed.
During the revolutionry struggle, a company was formed in this place, which was commanded by Captain Vinton, father of the phy- sician, which was marched to Cambridge for the defence of the place. l'his company afterwards went to New-York, but many of its men- bers died through fatigue. The life of a soldier was new to them. and its hardships were too great.
Fire Department. Two bands of men are released from the num- ber performing military duty, for the management of two Fire En- gines, which have been thought necessary for the safety of the town
*Mr. Hancock observes. in the notes to his Century Sermon, that many ancient families had then become extinct. At present, the names of Payne, Parmenter, Palmer, Neale, Crosby and Thompson, formerly very numerous, are not to be found among us.
He mentions also, several instances of longevity, viz. Mr. Francis Newcomb, who died May 27, 1692, upwards of an hundred. Mr. Lawrence Copeland, who died Dec. 30, 1699, at least an hundred years old. Betty Suchunmug, an Indian, was reckoned an hundred years old at her death.
He records two remarkable instances of sudden death in the house of God, in the time of divine service, viz. Mrs. Lydia Saunders, who sunk down in her seat and died instantly, March 9, 1711, at 12 A. M. in a good old age. And Mr Joseph Parmenter, who dropt down dead in the pulpit. Feb. 20. 1737. in the 820 year of his age -Sop H. C. S. p. 26. note
against fire. One of these is called the " Columbia," the other thi " Adams Engine."
A Society is also formed among the inhabitants, called the " Quin- ey Fire Society," for the mutual preservation of each other's prop- erty in case of fire.
Trade, &c. There are seven shops in the town for the retail of English, West India, and American goods. There is one Tavern* and one Hotel. About one hundred men are employed in manufac- turing boots and shoes, and on an average, perhaps, nearly the same number in splitting and hammering stone. There are two establish- ments for currying leather, one Tannery, one Dye-house, one chaise- lace manufactory, one establishment for weaving stockings, three chaise manufactories, three establishments for the employment of wheelwrights; between twenty and thirty men are employed as car- penters, three establishments for working slate, one cabinet manu- factory, four blacksmith's shops, two taylor's shops, one jeweller.
On the farm of the Hon. Josiah Quincy are large and valuable salt works, from which a vast quantity of salt is annually made.
A fine market-house is kept open through the year, by which, in addition to other means, for the same purpose, the inhabitants are conveniently furnished with almost every kind of provision.
A Post-office has been established in this place for many years, and a fine stage coach runs daily to the city. Besides this, other stages are passing through the town at almost every hour, so that in this way we have every convenience for communication with the city.
Ship-building, Fishery, &c. tShip-building has been of late years of considerable importance in this town. At different periods, it has
*The first tavern in this town was the middle part of the house occupied by Mr. Benjamin Faxon, and was kept by a Captain Mills, who was also a representative to the General Court. The next stood on Pen's Hill, and was kept by Mr. Penniman. The third was kept near the house of Mr. Peter Boylston Adams, first by a Mr. Crosby and afterwards by Mr. Bass. The fourth stood where now stands the house of Captain James Brackett, and was kept by his grandfather. The next was kept near Mr. William Packard's house, and was kept by Mr. Cleverly, afterwards by Mr. Marsh. The next was kept in Mr. Packard's house by Mr. John Newcomb. He being proprietor, several had the care of this tavern, among whom are the names of Arnold, Hayden, &c .. The next was the present tavern, opposite the Congregational Church, kept first by Colonel Thayer, next by Capt. Young, next Deacon Savil, and now kept by Mr. Daniel French. In this house Gov. Shirley once lived.
¡In September 1789, the famous ship Massachusetts was launched from that part of Quincy called Germantown. She attracted great attention at the time, and drew to her launching people from all parts of the State. She was built for the Canton trade. Major Samuel Shaw, of Boston, agreed with an East India company to have her built. Eli Hayden, of Braintree, contracted with Major Shaw to build her. Daniel Briggs was the master builder. Her dimensions were as follows :
Length of keel, 116 ft. 00 Lower deck, 5 ft. 10
Length of beam, 36 " 10 Gun deck to upper, 6 " Lower hold, 13 4 6 6 Foremast in length, 81 " diameter, 27 in. &c. | Gunwale, &c. 6
It is commonly reported that this ship was lost in her first voyage. This, however, is not true. The report probably arose from a prediction, of Moll Pitcher of Lyn, a fortune-teller, that she would be lost and every man in her. This prediction had a wonderful effect upon the seamen, so that, in fact, three different crews were shipped before she left Boston. She reached Canton in safety and was there sold. In Bata- via and Canton she was pronounced the handsomest vessel in the two ports. Foi a more particular account of this vessel, the reader is referred to Delano's Voyages, where are described, in a very interesting manner. the superstitions fears of the crew during the vovage.
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been prosecuted with more or less spirit, and some of the finest trad- ing ships* have been launched from our yards. Two yards only are in use for this purpose at present.
Curing of fish has been somewhat attended to at Quincy Point .- The situation of the place affords many conveniences, and before the last war it was carried on more extensively than it has been since. This event caused an interruption in the business which has not as yet been restored.
Mills. Till within three or four years past, two millst have been in operation for grinding corn and other kinds of grain. One of these, called Veazie'st mill, was in use during half the year only. It was at length found, that the land which it was necessary to cover in order to form the pond, was more valuable than the mill, and it was no longer continued. The tide-mill is still in operation, and is the only one at present in the town.
Beside the tide-mill, and in connexion with it, is a saw-mill, which has been found of some use in sawing. But it cannot be supposed that, in a place where boards and plank can be obtained at so rea- sonable a rate by shipping, a mill of this kind should be found so val- uable as in places farther removed in the interior.
Stone Quarries. The Stone quarries are valuable sources of wealth to the town. The stone which they yield is of the finest species of granite, and has, of late, been preferred by many to the white Chelms- ford granite. It is found of different qualities and different colors. Some of it is white, and resembles much the Chelmsford, though it is not found of so fine a grain. In other places it bears a greyish aspect. But that which is generally considered the best at present, is of a fine blue color. This is found to retain its original appear- ance without the least change; while the other colours lose their beau- ty in a few years.
Before the year 1800, these quarries were not worked or thought of much value. It is said, that the person who thought of turning them to an account, was fearful of the success of his project, and was rather secret in trying his wedges. He found the stone to split
* A large vessel was also built many years ago, by the lower wharf, on the place of Daniel Greenleaf, Esq. It was built for the Province, from the timber which grew near the place, and under the superintendance of the two Quincy's, Col. Josiah and Col. John.
¡The first mill in this town was on the land of Lemuel Brackett, Esq. and nearly opposite a small island by the Canal-bank, called the Pin-cushion. There are to be seen, to this day, the remains of a wharf near the spot, and the timbers which formed part of the mill.
It was kept, says MI. Joseph Bass, by a man of the name of Twelves. By tradition so called, because he commanded a company of twelve men. In days less particular on this point than the present, it was not uncommon to nick-name a person ; and for this, to be ever afterwards the only appellation by which the person should be known What was the proper sirname of this Twelves it is impossible to determine.
- In connexion with this mill may be mentioned, a wind-mill, built by Royall Tyler, about the year 1786. This mill stood on the plain by the shop of M. R. & E. Marsh. It was not well constructed, and did not answer the purpose for which it was in . iended.
The plan was not generally approved of before it was built, and not a little fun was made at the expense of the builder. Among others, Mr. Wibird, then minister of the Congregational Church, was asked by Mr. Tyler how he liked his mill. " Why, sir," said he, " when I was a boy I made one myself, but it would not go."
*Owned by Deacon Elijah Veazie
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w a regular mumier, and since that period the quarries have been worked without interruption.
Nothing but marble can exceed the beauty of this granite, when well worked. It presents a fine surface, pleasingly variegated, unit- ing in its appearance ricimess and massive strength.
This granite has been wrought into almost every form. Perhaps it appears to the greatest advantage when worked into pillars. Fet whatever form it is made to assume, whether taken rough from its bed, or nicely hammered into regular blocks, and made the outer wall of a dwelling,* or formed into noble pillars, or made to stand, (as it has been,) for monumentst to the memory of the dead, it is in every way attractive. Some of the quarries seem to be inexhaustible, and promise to endure as long as man endures through all coming time.
Quarries of slate have also been found near Neponset, which have proved useful in furnishing a substance for grave-stones.
Canals and Rail-way. It has always been a desirable object to form an easier mode of conveying the stone from the quarries to the wharves, than by carting them, which has been found not only ex- tremely burdensome and tedious, but also attended with an expense all would be glad to diminish. No way had as yet been devised for taking the stone to the wharves but by teams; and as it could not casily be got to the water, a plan was formed for bringing the water nearer the stone.
Accordingly, in the spring and summer of 1824, a canal was be- gun by Mr. Joshua Torrey, an enterprising man, which, it was in- tended, should run from the head of the creek, east of the Alms-house, nearly to the meeting-house, by which a very great part of the car- riage by land would be saved. It was entered upon and pursued, for a time, with spirit, but it seemed likely to prove too expensive, al least for one individual, and the whole design was entirely aban- doned.
An impulse, however, had been given to public spirit, which seem- ed likely, in the end, to be productive of good effects. In the spring of 1825, another plan was set on foot to follow the stream called Town River, from the tide mill, as far up as the Stone Bridge, on the Hingham and Quincy Turnpike, and so to scoop out the channel and raise canal banks, as to render it navigable for sloops of considerable burden to wharves which should there be built. Shares were ac- cordingly sold, and a company was incorporated by the name of the " Quincy Canal Corporation," and the plan was begun with the most. sanguine hopes of its ultimate success.
The Corporation, however, were unfortunate in many of their con- tracts, and the thing did not advance so rapidly or so successfully as was expected. With various fortune, at one moment prosperous, then adverse, now with high hopes, and then again on the eve of leaving it forever; they at length completed their undertaking in the antumn of 1826.
*Though it may appear strange, it is no less true, chat till within the last year, there was not a regular stone house in the town. There were stone garrisons which were. afterwards converted into dwelling houses or other buildings, and of this character was the old stone meeting-house, but no one had, till lately. built a house of this ma- terial.
I'The stone for the Bunker hill Monument is for preparing, to be taken from this
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NEWBEAn. LIBRARY CHICAGO
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The cost of this canal was upwards of $10,000. Sloops can now approach within a mile of the ledges and take the stone to market; while in return, opportunity is offered the sloop owners to take in another cargo of lumber or other salcable articles, because they can thus be landed nearly in the centre of business. At the head of this canal is a fine wharf, the longest and best in town, aud no place ap- pears more favorable for a lumber wharf, stores for grain, &c.
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Soon after this canal was commenced, a bolder design was form- ed of building a Rail-way, on which the stone might be transported in great quantities, from the quarries directly to the wharf. This was a much bolder design, because it was one, which had, as yet, never been tried in this country on so large a scale as was now con- templated. The plan was suggested from the wish to obtain, in the casiest mode possible, a sufficient quantity of stone for the erection of the Bunker Hill Monument. Under this plea a more general in- terest was undoubtedly awakened, in favor of the proposed project, though all were anxious, independent of any such patriotic feeling, to do all that could consistently be done, to cherish the spirit of in- ternal improvements; and especially for a rail-way, which was an object of universal curiosity.
Several routes were surveyed for the purpose, and the one which led from the quarries, on the borders of Milton, was at last selected by the company, as the most conducive to their interest and to the plan they had in view. It was the wish of the Town of Quincy, as a body, as well as of individual owners of quarries, that the rail-way should run directly through the town. This route seemed attended with less expense, and was also favorable to the interests of those who held valuable quarries on the south side of the hill, from whence stone had been hitherto taken. They had fears lest a sad alternative should be lett them, cither to see the rail-way company taking to themselves all the business, or else to be obliged like them to build a rail-way of their own; neither of which seemed altogether agreea- ble.
The Rail-way Company obtained permission from the Legislature to build their road, and it was immediately entered upon, and entire- ly completed in the autumn of 1826. The entire cost of the work was estimated at $100,000. It rans a course of about three miles, from the quarries to the wharves. For a short distance, it is formed of two branches, owned by different companies, one belonging to the Bunker Hill Monument Association, exclusively, the other, to a so- ciety of gentlemen of wealth, in Boston.
It has hitherto fully answered the expectations, at first entertained of its success. How far, or whether it will, in any degree, prove an injury to those before engaged in the stone business, time alone can determine. .
Should it, however, continne to fulfil the design proposed, and its owners be enabled to afford their stone, at market, at a much cheap- er rate than can be afforded, by the owners of ledges, who have hitherto been engaged in this business, and who cannot unite with the rail-way already built; perhaps it would not be taking too great a prophetic view, to suppose that another would, in a few years, be constructed, running through the valley, which seems to have been designed by nature for the purpose, on the south side of the hill,
50
where these ledges lie; and either uniting with the canal, at its head, or pursuing its way onward to the open ocean.
Surface, Soil, &c. The Town of Quincy is, for the most part, much diversified with hills and vallies. Some of the hills are very high, and are distinguished by different names. Mount Wollaston rises to a considerable elevation above the level of the sea. Pen's hill is an abbreviated name, given to a high hill between Quincy and Braintree, from the family of Penniman, once large owners of land thereabouts. Mount Ararat is a large and lofty hill, and is among the parcels of land, lately presented to the town, by the Hon. John Adams. President's hill is a beautiful eminence, so called from its being, a great part of it, the property of the second President of the United States. The title seems to be well appropriated, since it has now become the property of another President. 'The top of this hill commands one of the most beautiful prospects in the country, which, on a clear Sunimer's evening, is picturesque in the highest degree.
The soil is generally, rich and fertile. Some of it is rocky and barren, but for the most part, it is made annually to yield an abund- ant harvest.
Relics, Curiosities, &c. In the north-west part of the town, bor- dering on Milton, are still to be seen the remains of a furnace, which was built there, in all probability, nearly two hundred years ago .- The dam, which was raised to form a pond for water-works, is still standing, and the cinders, which came from the furnace, lay scatter- ed about to show that men once worked there, and have passed away. A short time since a cavern was discovered, of which the di- mensions were as follows: depth, about 8 feet, width, 6 feet, with an entrance-way of 3 feet wide. The walls of this cavern are well built of stone, and seem to indicate that very great fires were once made in it; probably it was used for the furnace. A small plate of iron was also found, no doubt left there by the workmen when they left the place
Little is known respecting those who worked in this furnace, or the time when it was erected. The great-grand-father of Mr. Wilson Marsh lived on and owned the land nearly opposite the railway hotel, and in his farm was included the furnace meadow. He settled there in 1650, and the furnace was then standing. Through this family,* tradition informs us, that men were sent over here by a company in England. It has been thought that the workmen were Swedes; but of this there is not so much certainty. Whoever they were, they proved a dissipated set; the proprietors lost by them, and broke up the establishment. The ore which they worked was taken from the meadow, j south-west of Mr. Edmund Billings'. This was about a mile from their furnace.
The situation which they chose was well calculated for the object they had in view. By erecting a very small dam, the stream, which passes through the meadow, is made to overflow an immense portion
* For this I am indebted to Mr. Wilson Marsh.
¡Near this place, till within some few years past, stood a little bridge, which always went by the name of the " Furnace-mine bridge." The distance of this mine, from the furnace, will cease to be wonderful, when we find that in the Jerseys they have carted their ore ten miles, after landing it from the vessel, which had carried it by wa- ter as many more.
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of land, of little value; by which a water power is obtained, suffi- cient for carrying on extensive works.
In the year 1819, the bones of two Indians were discovered by some workmen, on the land of the Messrs. Billings', near Squantum. From the appearance of these bones, it was supposed that the bodies were a male and female. Those of the male seemed to indicate a man of great size. Under their heads were found a large piece of pure copper, two hatchets, and other relics which proved they had been connected with civilized men, perhaps with Morton .*
In 1775, near the farm-house of Mr. George W. Beale, stood what was considered an old fort. Three sides were under the ground, and well stoned. The door was made of double plank. It may have been used as a place of safety from the Indians.
Masonic Lodge. A Lodge of free and accepted masons was installed in this town, in the year 1804, by the name of " Rural Lodge." The society, at present, consists of about forty members.
DISTINGUISHED INDIVIDUALS.
It becomes us with great propriety, to make mention of those dis- tinguished persons, who have either gone forth from this place, or in the course of their lives, been intimately connected with it. Beside those who have become peculiarly distinguished will be mentioned, all who have taken degrees in Universities or Colleges.
Mr. Hancockt observes, that "since the foundation of Harvard Col- lege, scarce any town in the province hath reaped greater advantage from it than this; there having been graduated in it, if I mistake not, 49 of the children of this people, and 42 of them out of this parish; many of whom have done worthily and been famous, both in Church and State."
It is to be remembered, that at the time this was spoken, one hun- dred years only had elapsed since the University was founded. When this is considered, it may indeed appear surprising, that in a country town, by no means numerous in its population, so many should have had the advantage of a liberal education.
Following the alphabetical order, our enumeration commences with one who fled from persecution.
Henry Adams, the progenitor of the Adams family in this country. " Het took his flight from the Dragon persecution in Devonshire, England, and alighted with eight sons, near Mount Wollaston. One of the sons returned to England, and after taking time to explore the country, four removed to Medfield and the neighboring towns, two to Chelmsford, one only, Joseph, remained here, and was an origin- al proprietor in the township of Braintree." Joseph Adams had a son Joseph Adams, who was the father of John Adams, who was the father of John Adams the President.
They were distinguished, as we learn from the epitaph of Henry Adams, " for their piety, humility, simplicity, prudence, patience, temperance, frugality, industry and perseverance."
*On the land of the late Anthony W. Baxter, is the spot of ground which was used by the Indians for their burial-place. It lies near a thick swamp. |See C. S. p. 33.
#From an epitaph on the monument. raised by President Adams. senior. over his grave.
John Adams, son of John Adams, senior, a respectable and valued citizen of this place, born 19th Oct. (old style,) 1735. His life was one of the most eventful recorded in the amuals of history, and his name will ever be remembered among the benefactors of his country, and among the glorious asserters of the rights of man.
When quite young, he was not distinguished for an ardent love of learning, to which he afterwards so severely applied himself. Study was rather an irksome task to him, and to those acquainted with his youthful spirit, books seemed but the fetters, of a mind, in coming years destined to work wonders in the cause of freedom.
It has been most justly observed that man is, in a great measure, the creature of accidental circumstance, and never, perhaps, was this remark more clearly illustrated, than in the history of the early life of John Adams.
To those who knew any thing of the last days of this great man, it is wholly unnecessary to mention how great were his conversational powers, and that to all who were so fortunate as to listen to him, the fund of anecdote, from which he drew for their instruction, no less than entertainment, was inexhaustible. It was his delight to spear of interesting incidents which had been connected with himself, not through vanity or ostentation, for these were not a part of his nature, but to bring conviction to the mind, that of much that was considered abstract truth, there were found sensible illustrations in common life. The following anecdote, related by him, even to the last days of his life, with all that good humor which was so characteristic of him, it is presumed, has not yet passed away from the minds of many, who have heard it from his own lips; a few only of his strong expressions are remembered.
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