Standard history of Essex county, Massachusetts, embracing a history of the county from its first settlement to the present time, with a history and description of its towns and cities. The Most historic county of America., Part 144

Author: Tracy, Cyrus M. (Cyrus Mason), 1824-1891, et al. Edited by H. Wheatland
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Boston, C. F. Jewett
Number of Pages: 450

USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Standard history of Essex county, Massachusetts, embracing a history of the county from its first settlement to the present time, with a history and description of its towns and cities. The Most historic county of America. > Part 144

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

" With regard to an emission of paper money (so called), we must say that we view it as a 'vain and dangerous expedient, promising rather an increase of confusion, fraud and injustice through the land, than any solid advantage to the public. We therefore wish you to discountenance the measure. As some provision ought to be made for the relief of the numerous debtors throughout the State, many of whom are persons of property, but through the present scarcity of money unable to settle with creditors - we suppose an act to make certain articles of real aud personal estate a tender or for the sus- pension of executions for debt for a limited time may be necessary and more eligible than any emission of paper money. To further aid an act to prevent excessive usury would be seasonable."

The seventh article enjoined " Frugality and Economy in every department of government, and such laws be adopted as would tend to diffuse these virtues, together with . Temperance and Industry throughout the State, as we look upon the practice of these, and the cultivation of the most useful manufactures among ourselves to be the surest and safest method of extricating us from our present dis- agreeable and embarrassed situation." The report is addressed to Samuel March, representative, and signed by Maj. J. Page, John March, Samuel Nye, B. Evans, Esq., Capt. Zebedee Morrill, David Morrill, and Capt. Ezekiel Worthen.

On a preceding page we have given a short biographical sketch of the grantees of the town. It may be of interest to follow with a like sketch of several of the early settlers, who were known as men of remarkable character and ability.

The first of our early writers who makes mention of the Rev. William Worcester, is Capt. Edward Johnson, of Woburn, in his book entitled, "Wonder-working Providence of Zion's Saviour in

New England," published in 1651. " For perfecting this wilderness work ; not far from the Towne of Hampton, was erected another towne called Salisbury, being brought forth as twins, sometime con- tending for the eldership, . . . the situation of the town is very pleasant, rivers navigable far up, the branches thereof abound in fair and goodly meadows, with good store of stately timber upon the upland in many places, . . . the people Joined in church relation- ship have desired and obtained the reverend and gracious godly Mr. William"Worcester to be their pastor."

Of the Rev. William Worcester, Cotton Mather, in his " Mag- nalia," thus writes, calling him one of " the reverend, learned and holy divines arriving from Europe to America, by whose evangelical ministry the churches of New England have been illuminated."

In the settling of the new town, and in reply to a petition of the people to the Legislature to allow them a minister, are these words : "It is not expedient for Mr. Worcester to travel once a month to preach at New Towne, but the people there shall attend his preaching at Old Towne and also that they shall help pay his salary until they are legally dismissed. They of the new towne should not content themselves with ordinary help whilst the Lord is pleased to continue so bright a star in their candlestick." In 1662, Oct. 28, the Rev. William Worcester died. He had been their pastor for twenty-four years, and through all the trying scenes of his ministry appears to have maintained an unblemished reputation as a wise, discreet, and pious minister of the Gospel, and to have retained the affection of all the inhabitants, and nothing but the great distance they were obliged to travel, over the rough country roads, prevented the inhabitants of the new town from attending public worship, and their harmonious agreement, not only with the minister, but with each other.

The successor of Mr. Worcester was the Rev. Mr. Wheelwright. He was settled in 1662, and had not probably been in the country long. Coffin speaks of him as a man possessed of great powers of mind.

The Rev. James Alling, settled in 1687, died, 1696. The Rev. Caleb Cushing in 1698. He was the ancestor of Hon. Caleb Cushing. The Rev. Edward Noyes, 1751; died, 1809.

Maj. Robert Pike, one of the first settlers, was the ancestor of Capt. Zebulon Montgomery Pike. He was born in Longford, 1616, came to Newbury with his father, John Pike, who died in Salisbury, in 1654. He was admitted freeman in 1637, was a representative from Salisbury in 1648, and for seven other years; a lieutenant in 1647; captain, 1663; a major in 1668 ; assistant from 1682 to 1686; one of the Council of Safety in 1689, and one of the first Council under the Charter of William and Mary in 1692. He died Dec. 12, 1796, aged 92. He was a man of great decision of character, but some- what arbitrary and pugnacious, and was consequently much involved in difficulties, both civil and ecclesiastical. The following is an instance. Prior to the incorporation of Amesbury as a separate town in 1668, it was called "Salisbury new towne." Among the carly in- habitants of the new town was Joseph Peasley, who was a member of the church in Salisbury, and what was then styled a "gifted brother," who commenced preaching on his own account to all those who chose to hear him. The inhabitants of the "old town" were of course un- willing that any of the inhabitants should leave the old church, and listen to exhortations of " brother Peasley," and consequently com- plained of the irregularity to the General Court, who ordered Peasley to desist. The following is an extract from the Court records :

Angust, 1653. - The Court being informed that at the publishing of the last Court's orders at Salisbury, Lient. Robert Pike demm. ded if that law, which was made to re- strain unfit persons from preaching etc., was in force after the next General Conrt, and on being answered, said that such persons as did act in making that law did break their oath, or acted contrary expressing the freemen's oath, for said he, "it is against the liberty of the country both civil and ecclesiastical." Lient. Pike was accordingly sent for, and on a full hearing of the case (Sept. 7, 1653) do judge that he has been guilty of defaming the General Court, and order that he shall be defranchised. be dis- abled from bearing any public office, be bound to his good behaviour, and be fined " 20 marks."

This sentence rather increased than diminished the difficulties. Petitions from Salis- bury and all the neighboring towns, numerously signed, were sent to the General Court praying that the sentence against Mr. Pike might be reconsidered, but without avail. In August, 1656, a Committee was appointed by the General Court to settle the " sad contention and division of the churches in Salisbury, and Amesbury, and Haver- hill," and appointed Sammel Hall, of Salisbury, and John Clements, of Haverhill, lo entertain the messengers seut by the Court, and order $12 19s. to be levied on each of the towns . and to be collected by the Constable. "In 1666, in answer to the pelilion of Mr. Pike humbly desiring the courts favor, his fine being paid, to remit and release him from the other part of The Courts former sentence against him, Mr. Worcester. the pastor of the church at Salisbury, appearing on the behalf of the petitioners, and acknowledging himself much bound to the Court if they would be pleased to grant the said Pike's request. The Conrt grants his request."

Thomas Bradbury was very long identified with the early history, and his influence was of the highest importance in moulding public sentiment.

408

HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

Few names appear so frequently on the records of the town, and un- limited confidenee was renosed in his good judgment.

Thomas Maey and Tristram Coffin were hoth remarkable men. Maey was recognized as a prominent eitizen and good man. He and Coffin were the original settlers of the island of Nantueket.

Coffin, the historian of Newbury, says : "The early land grants in this town were held by men who were fitted by education to adorn any civil station."

Maj. Nathaniel Currier, of Salisbury, held a commission under King George III. On the breaking out of the War of the Revolution he enlisted in the service, and previous to this was active in word and deed, in advaneing the interests of the Colonies.

The West Parish Church in Salisbury was organized November, 1718, consisting of eleven male members, with the Rev. Joseph Par- sons their pastor. He died March 13, 1739, in the sixty-ninth year of his age, and twenty-first of his ministry. During his ministry, about 300 persons joined the church. He was succeeded by the Rev. Samuel Webster, D. D., Ang. 12, 1742. The Rev. Dr. Webster died July 18, 1796, in the seventy-eighth year of his age, and the fifty-fifth of his ministry. During his ministry, upwards of 300 persons joined the church, of which number there were seventy- nine joined in the year 1756, and fifty-three on the 4th of January. He was sueeeeded by the Rev. Andrew Beatie, who died March 16, 1801, in the thirty-fourth year of his age and fourth of his minis- try. During his ministry six persons joined the church. His sue- eessor was the Rev. William Baleh, Nov. 17, 1802. His eonneetion with the church and parish was dissolved in February 1816, in the four- teenth year of his ministry. During his ministry six persons joined the church. The next pastor was the Rev. Benjamin Sawyer, whose labors extended over a period of forty years. He died March, 1871.

In 1799 the sum of $469.14 was voted for the support of publie teachers, and other charges by this parish, and 307 persons were as- sessed on their polls and estates, to raise that amount of money. The largest paid by any one person was $12.43, and the smallest nine cents.

The West Parish Church is the parent of the following church or- ganizations : - the Baptist, organized in 1779; Methodist, 1805; Christian, 1820; Universalist, 1831; Congregational Evangelieal Union, 1835.

Business Interests of the Town. - Powow River, a tributary of the Merrimac, affords one of the best manufacturing privileges to be found in the country. Its advantages were seen by the carly settlers, and there were located on its banks previous to 1793, five saw-mills, and seven grist-mills, and in succeeding years, two linseed-oil mills, a full- ing-mill, carding-mill, snuff-mill. iron and nail factory. In 1812 the manufacture of cloth was commeneed. and the first contraet for clothing our soldiers in the war, which began the same year, was filled by this mill. From that time up to 1875, manufacturing steadily inereased. Previous to 1854 there were three corporations; the Powow Cotton Co., the Salisbury Mills, and the Amesbury Mills. The Amesbury Mills and Cotton Co., sold their property to the Salisbury Mills, hy which the latter company gained the entire control of the stream, from its souree in New Hampshire to tide water, a distance of sixteen miles. There are five dams, having an aggregate fall of seventy-five feet. The water is used over five different times as a motive power. When fully operated the woollen fabrics manufactured daily would extend seven miles - a business amounting to over three million dollars. There are ten mills, with seventy-five sets of woolen machinery, and two thousand cotton spindles. For two years the mills have not been in operation. In July they were sold, and a new' company organized, under the title of the " Essex Mills," with John Gardner as treasurer.

The hat business was first established in 1780, when "liberty was given Jacob Brown to set up a hatter's shop on the highway near David Currier's barn." This industry was continued there for many years. In 1853 A. L. Bailey started the hat business at Salisbury Point, when a company was organized with a capital of fifty thousand dollars, which has proved the most profitable branch of industry ever established in the town. The same company have recently built a large and spacious brick mill at Amesbury Ferry.

Carriage making was commenced in 1853. by J. R. Huntington, and is now the chief business and support of the town. There are sixteen firms. employing three hundred men, who manufacture from six thousand to seven thousand carriages annually. The introduction of this branch of industry has largely increased the wealth and popu- lation of the place, and has been the direct means of much general improvement.

The Powow River Bank was organized April 8, 1836. The cor-

porators were Seth Clark, Robert Patten, J. B. Webster, and their associates, with a capital stoek of $100,000. The direetors, at the organization, were Seth Clark, Sr., Robert Cross, Esq., D. L. Dear- born, Patten Sargent. Wm. M. Colby, Thomas J. Clark, Robert Pat- ten and Samuel Walton. Seth Clark was chosen president, Nathl. White cashier. The banking-house was established over the count- ing room of the Salisbury Mills. The notes of discount the first year amounted to $96,675.74. Oct. 21, 1847, J. B. Webster, cashier ; April 17, 1858, Geo. F. Bagley, cashier ; J. B. Webster, president ; Sept. 1877, Albert B. Brown, eashier; Geo. F. Bagley, president ; May 1, 1865. changed to the national banking system; up to which time, a period of twenty-nine years. it had paid in dividends $221,- 500, with a surplus on hand of $9,940.65.

During the thirteen years it has existed as a national bank, it has -

Paid in dividends, . $149,000 00

Has a surplus of, 50,000 00

Undivided profits,

11,191 84

$210,191 84

The only dividends passed were in April, 1838, October, 1846, and April, 1847.

For seven and one-half years in succession it paid $6,000, as quar- terly dividends. Few financial institutions ean show such sueeessful management for so long a period of years.

The Provident Institution for Savings was incorporated Feh. 20, 1828, by Jacob Brown, Joseph Flanders, Thomas Boardman, James Horton, Joseph Wadleigh, Daniel Blaisdell, and Nathan Crosby, of Salisbury, and Ephraim Morrill, Robert Patten, Thomas Bailey, Joshua Aubin, Enoch Winkley, Robert Cross, John Wadleigh, Joseph Mann, and James Homer, of Amesbury. The first meeting was held at the hotel of Daniel Long, in Amesbury, March 26, 1828, and the following board of officers ehosen : -

Jacob Brown, president; Edward Dorr, Robert Patten, and Stephen Sargent, viee-presidents ; Joseph Flanders, Patten Sargent, Thomas Bailey, Joshua Aubin, John Blaisdell, Jr., Azor O. Webster, Daniel Weed, John S. Williams, Isaac Tukesbury, John Wadleigh, Dudley Evans, and John S. Morse, trustees ; Joseph Wadleigh, see- retary ; and Robert Patten, treasurer. The first deposit was made April 10, 1828, at the counting-room of the Amesbury Flannel Man- ufacturing Company, and the business was continned at this place until the Powow River Bank was established, in 1836, when its office was removed to their rooms over the Salisbury Mills counting- room. In 1855, the institution, in conjunction with the Powow River Bank, erected a banking-house on Market Square, which it now occupies.

In 1830 its deposits amounted to $9,000; in 1840, $46,000; in 1850, $100,000; in 1860, $340.000; in 1870, $950,000; in 1878, $1.340,000. Its dividends during fifty years have amounted to 291} per cent. Robert Patten, Esq., served as treasurer until 1857, a period of twenty-nine years. The Hon. Thomas J. Clark, his sue- cessor, served eighteen years, when he retired. Jona. B. Webster aeted as secretary twenty-two years, retiring with Mr. Patten.

The present board of officers are : Stephen Woodman, president ; Seth Clark, D. L. Dearborn, and Geo. W. Morrill, viee-presidents ; Joseph N. Clark, Daniel Morrill, William J. Boardman, George F .. Bagley, Benj. E. Fifield, Charles M. Brown, M. D. F. Steere, Chas. L. Allen, Azor O. Webster, Everett Fowler, Daniel Webster, and Alfred C. Webster, trustees ; D. L. Dearborn, secretary ; Alfred C. Webster, treasurer.

The institution had its birth through the efforts of Jacob Brown, Thomas Dennett, and J. B. Webster, employed in the Salisbury Mills, who were in the habit of taking the surplus earnings of such of the mill hands as they eould solicit to entrust their funds with them, agreeing to pay stated rates of interest. The first amount ($7.50) deposited and now remaining, was placed to the credit of a young woman employed in the mill, by Mr. Dennett. The original deposits, were in sums varying from five to ten dollars. until $201 was secured. She has drawn from this investment $229, and has now on deposit $1,158. In its history of fifty years there has never been a time when it refused to pay its depositors, and the securities to-day are regarded as among the best.

Ship Building on the Powow. - As near as can be aseertained, the first ship-builder on the Powow River, was a Mr. Adams. This was as early as 1702. His yard was located near where Biddle's ear- riage factory now is. In 1726, Joseph Wadleigh, Jr., Aaron Wad-

409

HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

leigh, John Wadleigh, Jr., and Abraham Wadleigh, petitioned "for liberty to use ye town's landing place, near ye widow Ring's house, on the spot where Mr. Adams formerly built vessels, for the pur- pose of building a small vessel." The Wadleighs built quite a num- ber of large ships on the river. In 1727, Jarvis Ring was given liberty to set up a vessel at the landing-place. In 1731, Philip Rowell and Abraham Morrill petitioned "for liberty to build a sloop at ye landing place at the mills." In later years Maj. Currier built vessels on the river, on the Amesbury side. The last vessel built on the river was by Mr. Samuel Follensbce, about the year 1835.

Ship-building on the Merrimac, in Salisbury. - For nearly one hun- dred and forty years ship-building was quite an extensive and produc- tive industry of the town, giving employment to many mechanics, whose skill and improvement in the art collectively, have won for the ships of the Merrimae River a world-wide reputation. It is impossible to give, accurately, the number built, or by whom, as there has been a general negligence of the descendants and others in regard to records of a great many vessels known to have been built in Salisbury in early times. Many built in the colonial period were contracted for and sold to the English merchants and foreign parties. Of such vessels there could not probably now be found any reliable record. Com- mencing at the junction of the Merrimac and Powow rivers, on a point of land called " Webster's Point," on premises now owned by J. F. Currier, was the " Webster yard." Here was built, in 1799, the ship " Warren," eighteen guns, by contract, for the United States, under the superintendence of Capt. Johnson, of Newburyport.

Mr. William Hackett was one of the most enterprising and scientific shipwrights of early times ; his services were required in many places on account of his superior knowledge in the art. He built at this yard the frigate " Alliance," owned by the Federal goverment. The Alliance " was in the memorable battle of Paul Jones, but rendered no service, on account of the jealousy between the commanders. " She carried thirty-two guns and was the favorite of the whole navy on account of her great beauty and speed. This ship had a history. She was not only named for the alliance between this country and France, but was placed in command of a Frenchman, Capt. Landois, and her first service was to convey Lafayette to his home." Hackett after- wards drafted and superintended the building of the frigate "Essex," at Salem, Mass. He was the master-builder and superintendent of the twenty-gun ship " Merrimac," of 355 tons, which was completed in seventy-five days. The " Merrimac " was the first and best vessel of her size furnished on loan to the' government. Hackett built other vessels here for many years, and afterwards bought a place below, and built a dwelling on the site of Mr. Folsom's new resi- denee, and established a yard in front, and continued his business, contracting for many ships. He was also the founder of a family that has produced many eminent men. The late Prof. Horatio Hackett, known as the best Greek scholar in America, was a descendant, and native of the town.

At " Fowler's yard " (opposite the residence of Everett Fowler), vessels were built by Mr. Robert Fowler, also by the Curriers, Mor- rills, Burnhams, Colbys, and others, for many years.

Keniston's yard was next below. Jonathan Keniston, George Morrill, Ezekiel Fowler, partners, built vessels here soon after the War of 1812. . The firm name was afterwards changed to Keniston & Colby, who continued building mostly large vessels, freighting ships, brigs, &e. Afterwards, George and Francis Keniston, sons of Jona-

than Kenistou, continued the business. This yard is the only one remaining to-day. In front of the residence of James Williams was the ship-yard of John Hackett. John and Richard Hackett built many vessels. Their successors were J. Fowler, David Currier, and others.

Nearly ninety years ago, Simeon Lowell, of Amesbury, bought an estate of one Edmunds, ship-builder in Salisbury, and soon after, with his sons, commenced boat-building. They built many boats for ships and other vessels ; also small schooners for fishing, privateering, &c. The business, though changed somewhat in kind of boats built, is still carried on by their descendants. The many fishing schooners, yachts, &c., built by them have a notable reputation for their superior sailing and other good qualities. The dory business, as prosecuted at the Point, gives employment to many men, and the number sold averages two thousand yearly. In front of Jonathan Keniston's residence was the ship-yard of the Stevens Brothers, who did quite an extensive business for many years. A short distance below, was an old yard occupied by Fowler & Swett, and others. Where William C. Merrill now carries on the boat business, was Capt. Stockman's building place, where he and others built vessels.

Orlando B. Merrill, a noted ship-builder of Newburyport, com- menced business at the old Brown landing-place, near the Essex Merrimac Bridge, with his father, where G. A. Monson now has a residence. He married a Newburyport lady, and removed to that town, locating a yard there, and building a number of vessels for the government. He was the first builder to use the water-line model in draughting now in use, his own invention. By the water-line method, the draughtsman gives all the monlds for the many different shapes and pieces of timber, thus enabling the builder to get his frame and other timber in the forest all fit for use. We must claim Mr. Merrill as a Salisbury builder ; but, if not allowed the honor, will honor him as one of the most ingenious mechanics among Merrimae shipwrights. It is within the bounds of prudence to say that upwards of 600 vessels have been built and launched from Salisbury Point and Amesbury Ferry, varying from 50 to 800 tons. In the history of ship-building on the Merrimae, the record of 540 ships built at Salisbury and Ames- bury is given.

In 1762, on petition of twelve householders, an open highway was laid out from " the Hudson land," near the wharf down to land of the heirs of Joseph Stockman, where are twelve houses and several ship- yards.

It was the shipping interest that built up Webster's Point. At one period in its history, as many as twenty-five vessels could be counted on the stocks. It was also the centre of much commerce, foreign and local. The Websters and Clarks, Lowells, Hacketts, and Stevenses very early engaged in the West India trade ; and the Colby's and Kenistons, in the coasting trade. "Sharper's Island," now a summer resort for steamboat parties, was so named from the fact that it was the place where several vessels, owned by successful shipping mer- chants, were fitted out.

Powow Hill is a beautiful elevation of land, three hundred feet above the level of the sea. From its summit, the view is one of rare beauty, and of wide extent. Tradition says that the Indians built their wigwams and held their powwows on the hill, and this was the origin of the name "Powow." The population of the town is 4,000 ; valuation, $1,791,373 ; number of voters, 1,000; tillage land, 12,000 acres. The town supports eighteen public and three high schools.

SWAMPSCOTT.

The incorporation of the city of Lynn, in 1850, was vigorously opposed by many of her people, and especially by those of her first school district, formed of the village of Swampscott. They were largely engaged in fishing, from King's and Blaney's beaches ; they were not closely identified with the business interests of the rest of Lynn, and they were more determinedly democratic than any other portion. Add to this a spirit of brotherhood among themselves that used to bring them, on all urgent occasions, up to the town hall in a body, marching with fife and drum ; and it no longer appears singular that, as soon as the incorporation took place, they resolutely moved for a separation as a new town. This object they accomplished in just about one year, obtaining their incorporation May 21, 1852.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Standard history of Essex county, Massachusetts, embracing a history of the county from its first settlement to the present time, with a history and description of its towns and cities. The Most historic county of America., Part 144

Author: Tracy, Cyrus M. (Cyrus Mason), 1824-1891, et al. Edited by H. Wheatland Publication date: 1878 Publisher: Boston, C. F. Jewett Number of Pages: 450

Author: Tracy, Cyrus M. (Cyrus Mason), 1824-1891, et al. Edited by H. Wheatland
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Boston, C. F. Jewett
Number of Pages: 450