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 28

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 28

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It was the policy with every town to purchase the land of the Indians, and take a deed therefor. That was done by Rowley, but the instrument was lost, and does not appear in any existing record. An Indian deed exists of the town of Bradford, bearing date Jan- uary 30, 1700, and recorded April 13, 1702. This deed is very long and explicit, and is to be found entire in Gage's history of Rowley, duly signed by three Indians, Samuel English, Joseph English, and John Vmpee, and attested to by Nathaniel Saltonstall, Justice of the Peace of Haverhill, and Dudley Bradstreet, Justice of the Peace of Andover.

The action of the town, in reference to this purchase of the Indians, is as follows : " Att a Legall meeting of ye proprietors of Bradford, in ye 23 of November, 1700, Ensign John Tenney was first chosen Moderator : he appointed 3 men to treat wth ye Englishmen and Indians if they come, concerning ye title of our land. Ye 3 men were to voat singly, namely Insign Baly, Corporall Richard Kimball, and John Bointon, and they all passed on ye affirmatives. Afterwards, at ye same meeting added to ye former Three, Insign Tenuy and Phillip Atwood, ye Proprietors gave them full power to aet in behalf of ye town, according to their best Judgmt, or any thereof of them. Ou the same day, ye 23ª of Novembr, 1700, there was a discourse how ye charges should be defrayed yt might arise as to purchasing of ve heathen, if need were, and also ye charges as to ye committee for their expenses of his, was put to yoat, if ye charges should not be laid on every man's land according to his proportion of land as Wilderness land, and it passed on ye affirmative, yt so ye Charges should arise.

" The Town Clerk being absent, ye Proprietors then chose me to write wt they did aet.

"Examd pr Step. Sewall, Record".

" Essex, ss.

Registry of Deeds, Sept. 10, A. D. 1840. "The foregoing is a true copy of record, Book 15, Leaf 136. &e.

" Att. R. H. French, Register, by D. Pulsifer 3ª." Immediately following the harassing times with the frontier settlers. by the invasion from small bands of Indians, eame the more formid- able hostilities, by the combined forces of French and Indians, to resist which every town was required to bear its share of the burden and peril, the effect of which was to continue the distress and anxiety which all shared. This state of things was succeeded by the French War, in which every town had a common interest. In 1755. a company was raised in Bradford. under command of Capt. William Kimball, which marched to Stillwater, N. Y., all of whom, after

HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

performing all the service required of them, returned to their homes in safety.

Next following those days of conflict came the stirring ones of the Revolution, in which the patriotic people of this town bore prompt and honorable part. Early in the struggle, the people of this thinly populated town, numbering less than a thousand, and scattered over eight miles of territory, began to hold meetings for deliberation and conference. The first one on record was held in the West meeting- house, January 7, 1773, to see what instructions they could give to their representative in General Court, and to consider the correspond- ence from the committee of the town of Boston. Capt. Daniel Thurston was then the town representative, and he was instructed in the name of His Majesty to " use his influence to obtain redress of all grievances, and in particular to enquire whether the support of the Judges of the Superior Court had been adequate to their services, offices, and station ; if not, to use your influence in obtaining suitable grants and establishments, as may be thought sufficient to remove all pretence that government is not supported among ourselves, - which was voted unanimously."

Their next vote was to constitute Dudley Carleton, William Green- ough, Benjamin Gage, Jr., Thomas Webster, and Amos Mulliken a committee of correspondence with the Boston committee. There was no uncertain sound in what they said, and no hesitancy of action. Although still holding the attitude of loyal subjects, while asking for just government, there was no Tory spirit exhibited. They were jealous of their liberties, and were not backward in measures to maintain them. Events moved rapidly, and resort to arms was soon anticipated. To meet that emergency, on the 17th of May, 1773, they voted to build a powder-house, and provide "six barrels of powder, with bullets and flints proportionable." In 1774 more ammunition was provided, though none had yet been used, and the enlistment of minute-men commenced.

While these men were being drilled, the town provided them with equipments ; and "bayonets which thought" were the ones in use about that time. Frequent town meetings were held, alternately at the East and West parishes, to hear reports of committees, vote supplies, and indulge in encouraging debate. The cry of distress from the poor of Boston, while under British siege, was heard by this people, and responded to by aid.

At length the crisis came, with the notes of battle sounding from Lexington and Concord, and they began to realize that the powder, which they had been " seasoning" for two years, would soon be called for. On the 23d of May, 1775, the first town meeting, after hostil- ities had commenced, was held, and the appeal to the town for aid considered. Supplies to the army were voted, and deserters from the Provincial army instructed to be reported to the county committee, unless they returned to duty.

Soon following Lexington was the battle of Bunker Hill, in which Capt. Nathaniel Gage, with a company of forty men from this town, took prominent part, and, though in a much exposed position, prov- identially escaped without the loss of a single life. This company was regarded as one of the best disciplined and most effective of any engaged in that memorable contest, having been disciplined and in- structed in military tactics by an English deserter. The heart of their commander was also in the work, and he is said to have already given one-half of his property to aid the cause.

The impending events had completely fired the hearts of the inhabi- tants, and all their pulsations were in harmony with the cause of the patriots. The town-meetings were frequent and the minds of all were in singular harmony. Votes were frequent and free, for raising money for the support of the cause, for the supply of ammunition, and to encourage the enlistment of men. On the 4th of January, 1775, Capt. Daniel Thurston was chosen to represent the town in the Provincial Congress, at Cambridge, which was to be held on the first of February. At that meeting it was voted that the constable pay |

the province money to Henry Gardner, of Stow, instead of to His Majesty's treasurer at Boston, which was a practical separation from the parent government. Trade in articles subject to taxation was interdicted, and Benjamin Gage, Jr., Thomas Webster, Peter Russell, John Burbank, Dudley Carleton, Capt. Eliphalet Hardy, and Dea. Thomas Kimball were chosen a committee of inspection in relation to trade.

Particular attention was given to raising minute-men, and to en- couraging them in the service. They were required to train one-half day in each week, and were voted one shilling each for a drill of three hours. . They were to be provided with bayonets and cartouch boxes, at town cost, and each man paid one dollar for his billeting when called to march ; and seven dollars a month when in actual ser- vice. At a later time the minute-men were instructed to drill two half days in each week, and belts and scabbards were added to their equipments.

On the 15th of March it was voted to pay Capt. Benjamin Gage for a fire-raft to take to Newburyport, which indicated their intention to operate on the water as well as the land. In addition to their votes providing men, ammunition, and money to aid the cause, there soon came declarations of principle which show that their thought and determination of spirit were in complete harmony with the men who were leading the Colonies up from the position of dependencies upon the Crown, to that of independence and nationality.

On the 20th of June, 1776, a town-mecting was held to consider the recent action of the House of Representatives, passed on the 10th, declaring these united Colonies independent States. A committee was appointed, consisting of Thomas Webster, John Burbank, Capt. Nathaniel Gage, Benj. Muzzy and John Savory, who made an able report, addressed to Dudley Carleton, Esq., representative of the town of Bradford in the General Assembly, reviewing the despotic plan of the king, ministry, and Parliament of Great Britain, to en- slave the American Colonies, and concluding with the following : ' Therefore, utterly despairing of a happy reconciliation ever taking place between Great Britain and the Colonies, you are herby desired as our Representative, to use your utmost endeavors that our dele- gates in General Congress be instructed to shake off the tyranical yoke of Great Britain and declare these United Colonies independent of that venal, corrupt and avaricious Court, forever, provided no pro- posals for a happy reconciliation be offered which the Hon. Congress think proper to accept ; and we hereby engage that we will, at the risk of our lives and fortunes, endeavor to support them therein."

At another meeting in October, 1776, the subject of a Constitution to govern the Province, which had already thrown off the British Gov- ernment, was up for consideration. Jealous of their rights as a people who had just declared themselves free and independent, they objected to the adoption of an organic law they were not permitted to first consider and pass upon, and requested the " Council and House of Representatives, each acting in their respective capacities, to draft a form of government for this State, and present attested copies thereof to the several towns for their inspection and approbation before it is ratified and confirmed."

Not long after this the cause began to look gloomy and discourag- ing, but these patriots never lost their hearts. The few who had not heartily endorsed the cause of the resisting Colonies began to show signs of active opposition, and much was feared from the internal enemies of the colonial cause. A meeting was held on the 19th of May, 1777, and another on the 5th of June following, to adopt meas- ures of protection against the " machinations of internal foes." An adjourned meeting was held on the 26th of June, at which decisive action was taken, by choosing Abraham Day, Jr., as a committee to procure evidence against all such as were acting and combining against the cause of independence. From this time the public senti- ment became intense against those animated by a Tory spirit, and most of them left the country for homes in the British dominions.

HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

Whatever may have been the feelings of discouragement or dis- pondency possessing the hearts of individuals in this town, during the long and severe struggle for American independence, it is certain that such feelings never found expression in any vote of the town at the numerous meetings held for deliberation and action. More than fifty of these meetings were held, nearly all of which were marked by important and harmonious deliberation. Sept. 23d, the town voted to expend £41 15s. 2d. for gun-locks, lead, flints, &c. ; also to pay £14 for each soldier drafted from the militia. Oct. 11, 1779, voted £1,995 to hire ten men to join Gen. Washington's army in New York ; June 12. 1780, voted to raise £12,527 to defray town charges in hiring twenty men for the Continental Army for six months ; also nineteen men to serve in the militia for three months. Following this, Oct. 12, 1780, they voted to raise £43,844 12s. 6d. to defray town charges. Immediately following this was a call from the State for 10,750 pounds of beef for the army. In December following, Bradford was again called to furnish 20,642 pounds of beef for the use of the army. This call was responded to on Jan. 3, 1781, by a vote rais- ing the sum of £61,926 with which to purchase the beef.

In less than six months, as shown by the recorded votes, the town voted to raise over £100,000 to defray the expenses of the war. De- preciation in the currency was then a calamity, as it has since proved to be under a state of war. For some reason not mentioned, the record shows that instead of supplying the beef the town voted to pay the money, which they did at the rate of $4.50 per pound, so low had the currency fallen in valne at that time.

The close of the Revolutionary struggle found Bradford firm and trne to the colonial canse, in her words, votes, and decds. The feel- ing of contempt for those who left the country during the war, or who conspired against it, or in any way gave "aid and comfort" to the enemy, was intense, and by vote of the town the representative was instructed to use his best efforts to prevent all such from returning to again find homes in this Commonwealth. From worthy sires has descended a line in whose hearts the spirit of freedom has dwelt, and in whom a will to maintain the right has ever been supreme.

The next occasion for a manifestation of patriotic devotion to coun- try, was in the war of 1812, upon which there was more of a pro- nounced division of opinion in the country, as to the necessity of the war, than existed before that date or has existed since. Iu that hour, when the temper and tone of the people were tested, there is nothing in the history of this town reflecting upon its integrity and patriotism, and if at times party strife may have been instrumental in producing an apparent division of feeling, purpose, and desire, it all ended in honorable position and action, and unflinching support of the govern- ment.

In the later and more important conflict of arms, when the North and the South became arrayed against each other in deadly conflict, the aim of those appearing in open revolt against the fairly expressed will of the majority, being clearly directed to destroy the government and the Union, there was not a single moment of halting or hesitation on the part of the people of this ancient town ; but in every word and act a disposition was shown to " keep step to the music of the Uuion," and to vote men and money as both were called for. Referring to this, the orator on the centennial occasion, Harrison E. Chadwick, Esq., remarked : "There were some, indeed, who stood aloof, and some who openly opposed the measures taken to preserve the Union. But their opposition was weak amid the great outburst of popular feeling for the cause of the right and the freedom of the oppressed. This feeling was put into active operation by the enlistment of volunteers, and the furnishing of supplies immediately, on the first armed opposi- tion to the government."

The first official act of the town, in preparation for the events of the war of the Rebellion, was to provide for the families of soldiers who might volunteer, or be called into the service. At a meeting of the town, April 26, 1861, the sum of one thousand dollars was voted to

be used for the benefit of soldiers thus enlisting and serving. In the distribution of this money, E. F. Brigdon and George Johnson were chosen to act with the selectmen. It was also voted that no soldier receiving aid from the town shall, for that cause, be subject to any disability as a citizen.

The selectmen were fully authorized to borrow money necessary to furnish State aid to the families of volunteers, in conformity with the laws of the Commonwealth. On the 21st of July, 1862, the selectmen were directed to "raise money to pay each person now resident of Bradford, who shall enlist and be accepted within three weeks, the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars in addition to all other bounty and pay," payable when the volunteer is accepted and mustered in. They were also authorized to borrow money to aid the widows and children, living in the town, of volunteers who have died in the service of their country. August 19th, a bounty of two hundred dollars was authorized to each volunteer who shall enlist for nine months' service, and be mustered in, and credited to the quota of the town. December 16th, authority was given to fill the quota of the town by enlisting volunteers either for three years or nine months " not paying over two hundred dollars to each man."

In 1863 there was a succession of votes as the wants of the town called for, authorizing the raising of money, and the issue of town- bonds for the payment of aid to the families of deceased soldiers. In addition, the bounties for twenty men were raised by private sub- scription.

In 1864, all necessary sums were voted for war purposes and the payment of a bonnty of one hundred and twenty-five dollars to en- listed men. The filling of the quotas, as they were called, was a mat- ter of popular interest, and on the 20th of Angust a nnanimons vote of thanks was passed to the selectmen "for their energy and success in filling the quota of the town." The matter of returning the bodies of soldiers, falling or dying in the service, paying transit charges and funeral expenses, was left to the discretion of the selectmen.

The history of Massachusetts in the civil war shows that this town had a surplus of men in the service "over and above all demands, of thirty-one at the end of the war," which indicates that 167 men were furnished. Four of the number were commissioned officers, and the graves of thirty-one fallen sous are annually decorated. The town appropriated and expended $22,149.42 on account of the war. In addition to this amount, $8,756.63 were raised by private subscrip- tion, making in all $30,906.05. Besides these amounts, $11,915.03 were paid out for State aid, to the families of volunteers, which was afterwards refunded by the Commonwealth. The war debt of the town was sometime ago extinguished.

In measures of relief, the ladies of the town were faithful and en- thusiastic workers. Their large sewing-circle was in practical har- mony with the Haverhill organization, and the two constituted the " Soldiers' Relief Society of Haverhill aud Bradford." In supplying comfortable articles for the sick and wounded, their labors were unceasing so long as any demand for them existed.

The war selectmen were, in 1861, Richard Hazeltine, Samuel W. Hopkinson. Leverett Kimball; in 1862, Edmund Kimball, John Perley, Samuel W. Hopkinson ; in 1863, Samuel Hopkinson, Walter Goodell, Nathaniel Carleton ; in 1864 and 1865, Charles B. Emerson, John Perley, A. Judson Day. The town clerk, during the whole time, was Nathaniel Hatch. The town treasurer in 1861, and till August 19, 1862, was William Tenney, and from that time during the remainder of the war period. and still longer, Harvy M. Towle. Among the men who, by discreet counsel, encouraging words. and liberality of purse were constant in aid of the loyal cause, were Hon. George Cogswell, the Internal Revenue Collector for the Essex dis- trict, and Hon. Henry Carter, who was represented in the field by four sons. Such is the record made by this town in sustaining the government of the country through the most gigantic sanguinary conflict which is spread upon the history of modern times.

HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

Upon the recurrence of the one hundredth anniversary of the " Declaration of Independence by the United States of America," liberal arrangements were made for its celebration by the town of Bradford in a manner becoming so important a national event. The demonstration was on a liberal and impressive scale, the principal exercises taking place in the newly laid-out park on the grounds of the Bradford Academy, the Hon. George Cogswell being the president of the day, and Harrison E. Chadwick, Esq., the orator of the ccasioo.

Within a few years increased interest has been shown in agricult- ure, and much improvement has been shown in modes of farming, resulting in an increase in the amount and value of products. Con- siderable attention has also been given to the improvement of stock. Many valuable cattle and blooded horses are owned there. In 1875

a Farmers' Club was organized, which has sustained public meetings for discussion and for lectures during the winter months, and an- nually brings the whole people together for a show of products and an autumn festival. The first president was Warren Ordway ; Secretary, William Hilton ; Treasurer, George W. Ladd. The pres- ent presiding officer is Albert Kimball, with the same secretary and treasurer.

The Washington hotel has been kept by its present landlord, D. C. Knowles, forty years, thirty-three years of which it has been con- ducted on strictly temperance principles. Within these pages are presented the leading features in the local history of Bradford, which have necessarily been much condenscd. The historie material, re- corded and traditional, is still abundant.

DANVERS.

CHAPTER I.

FIRST SETTLEMENT OF THE TOWN -ITS EARLY DAYS - TOWN AND EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS, ETC.

For a considerable period prior to the year 1752, there had been a growing feeling of discontent between the yeomanry and husbandmen of Salem Village and the wealthy merchants and traders of the First or Harbor Parish. The farmers of the Middle Parish, and what was known as the Village, objected to travelling the great distance between their abodes and the First Parish in Salem, which was required when- ever it became necessary to hold a town-meeting, or other public dis- cussion of public affairs. The dwellers in the First Parish were, for the most part, engaged in commerce, and undoubtedly enjoyed a greater share of this world's goods than fell to their brethren of the other or inland parishes, the most of whom were thrifty farmers and tillers of the soil. Their tastes were naturally not kindred, and there appears to have been a spirit of rivalry between the two, which engen- dered many disputes ; for the one profession, with its vast sources of income and spirit of venturesome speculation, proved a quicker means of wealth than the other, with its hard and manly toil. But without detriment to the patriotism of the merchants of Salem, it may be said that from the latter class was recruited that sturdy democracy, from whence, subsequently, sprang the Republic.

These differences culminated, in 1752, in a division of the parishes. January 28th of that year, an Act establishing the district of Danvers was passed by the General Assembly, which was substantially as fol- lows : -

" Anno Regni, Regis Georgius Secundi.

" Whereas the town of Salem is very large, and the inhabitants of the middle parishes so called live at a great distance from the First parish in Salem, where the publick affairs are transacted, and also from the grammar school in the First parish, and whereas the inhabitants of the First parish, are merchants, traders and mechanics, and those of the middle parishes chicfly husbandmen, from whence many dis- putes have arisen.

" Be it enacted. That that portion of the town of Salem, which now constitutes the Village and Middle parishes, be erected into a sepa- rate and distinct district by the name of Danvers."

It was further stipulated, that the said inhabitants of this district, thus set off, "shall do the dutys, that are required and enjoyned on other towns, and enjoy all the privileges, which they enjoy, except that of separately chusing and sending one or more Representatives at the General Assembly."

This Act was read several times and passed, to be enacted January 25, 1752, receiving the signature of T. Hubbard, Speaker. January 28, 1752, it was signed by J. Willard, Secretary of the Council, and on the same day received the signature and consent of Lieutenant- Governor Phips.

Under this Act, Daniel Eppes, a justice of the peace, and the village schoolmaster, was authorized to warn and summon certain of the free- holders to meet together for the purpose of fixing the time for calling the first town-meeting. Jonathan Kettle, Malachi Felton, Jasper Needham, Samuel King, David Putnam, Nathan Proctor, Joseph Os- borne, Daniel Gardner, Jonathan Buxton, John Proctor, Thomas Flint, Cornelius Tarbell, James Putnam, Samuel Flint, and James Prince, being thus warned, held a meeting, and on the 18th of Febru-

ary, 1752, caused the first town warrant to be issued, under the band and seal of Daniel Eppes. By this warrant, Nathan Proctor was notified, in His Majesty's name, to warn and give notice to ye free- holders and other inhabitants lawfully qualified to vote, that they meet and assemble at the First Parish meeting-house for the purpose of holding a town-meeting on the fourth day of March, 1752. The meeting, thus called, was hell on the day appointed. Daniel Eppes, Esq., was chosen moderator ; Daniel Eppes, Jr., Esq., town clerk ; and James Prince, town treasurer. Seven selectmen were chosen : four from the First Parish, and three from the Second Parish. They were Daniel Eppes, Jr., Esq., Capt. Samuel Flint, Dea. Cornelius Tarbell, Mr. Stephen Putnam, Mr. Samuel King, Mr. Daniel Gard- ner, and Mr. Joseph Putnam. This body also constituted the board of assessors and overseers of the poor. There were also four consta- bles chosen : David Goodale and Samuel White from the First Parish, and Roger Derby and Jonathan Twiss from the Second Parish. Be- sides these officers, there were elected five tithing-men, surveyors of highways, two elerks of ye " markett," four men to see to the preser- vation of alewives in the town brooks and streamlets, and a man to take care that "the laws relating to ye preservation of the deer be observed."

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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 28

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