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 36

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 36

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During the war of 1812-15, as many as nineteen soldiers from Chebacco were engaged in service.

In 1818, the number of voters in the parish execeded 200; and as the inconvenience of attending town-meetings at Ipswich was consid- erable, a petition, signed by 206 persons, was presented to the Gen- eral Court for an Act of Incorporation as a separate town, under the name of Essex. This, though opposed by the town of Ipswich, was

granted, and the Act of Incorporation signed by the governor, Feb. 5, 1819.

The first town-meeting was held on the 1st of March following, when Joseph Story was chosen town clerk; George Choate, Esq., Capt. Jonathan Story, 4th, Elias and William Andrews, and William Cogswell, Jr., were chosen selectmen, assessors, and overseers of the poor; the selectmen and the Rev. Robert Crowell were chosen as the school committee, and Nathan Choate was chosen town treas- urer.

The sum of $400 was subsequently appropriated for the support of schools, and that of $460 for highways and bridges. George Choate was chosen this year the first representative of the new town of Essex in General Court.

In 1825, a town farm, costing $4,600 was bought for the accomo- dation of the poor, and the town voted ( April 5) this year " that the selectmen allow no bills for liquor on the highwway." It also directed the constables to exert themselves to prevent, by prosecution or otherwise, the desecration of the Sabbath.

The anniversary of the Declaration of Independence was observed July 4, 1826, the oration being delivered by Rufus Choate, Esq , in the meeting-house. The Essex Light Infantry, under Capt. Joshua Low, paraded on the occasion. During this year twenty-three vessels were launched, the register being 2,963 tous. The town had, in 1828, as many as forty vessels on the stocks.

The year 1829 was noted for the formation of " The Essex Temper- ance Society, on the principle of total abstinence," and a general reformation in respect to the use of intoxicants. Capt. Winthrop Low was the first president of the society, and the first to sign the pledge were Samuel and Francis Burnham, David and John Choate, the Rev. Mr. Crowell, Jonathan Eveleth, Capt. Winthrop Low, and John Perkins.

The population in 1830 was 1,333, of whom three were over ninety years of age. The number of dwelling-houses was 157, and the town valuation $322,298.

A Universalist society, consisting of forty-six members, was organ- ized this year, and preachers of that denomination were employed.

In 1836, the town voted $800 for the support of schools. They were then in a flourishing condition, Mr. David Choate being one of the most popular teachers.

On the 14th of December of this year the Universalist church, which, with the land, cost $4,500, was dedicated, the Rev. Thomas Whittemore preaching the sermon. The pastors of this society have been the Revs. A. C. L. Arnold, John Prince, - 1840-44, and 1852-56, - H. H. Baker, Willard Spalding, C. H. Dutton, Emmons Partridge, S. Goff, J. II. Fuller, F. F. Lovell, C. S. Clark, and Elmer F. Pember, who was pastor here from June, 1874, to Decem- ber, 1877, and is now at Little Falls, N. Y. The church received, in 1844, a legacy valued at $3,000, from Mrs. Betsey Story .

In 1840, the population of the town was 1,432, and the valuation $439,906. The number of polls was 465. There were eight colored people in town.

In 1842, the Congregational church was remodelled and much improved, the pastor (November 3d) preaching the dedicatory sermon.

In 1843, the Rev. John Prince established here a paper called the "Essex Cabinet," but which was not of long continuance.

A destructive hail-storm passed over the town July 22, 1845, breaking about 3,000 panes of glass. Some of the hail-stones are said to have measured as much as seven inches in circumference.

The population had increased in 1850 to 1,585, of whom thirteen were colored.

In the year following, the "Essex Lyceum" was established, of which Aaron L. Burnham was elected president. Four years later it became " The Chebaceo Library Association," of which John Prince was the first president.

"The Spring Street Cemetery," consisting of about two acres, was

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HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

consecrated Oct. 27, 1852, the address being given by the Rev. Dr. Crowell.

On the 10th of November, 1855, the town was ealled to deplore the death of the Rev. Robert Crowell, D. D., who had been its faith- ful and beloved minister for the long period of forty-one years. He was the son of Samuel and Lydia (Woodbury) Crowell, and was born in Salem Dee. 9, 1787 ; graduated at Dartmouth College in 1811, and studied theology with the Rev. Dr. Samuel Woreester. The degree of D. D. was eonferred on him by his Alma Mater in 1850. He was a conscientious, faithful and energetic pastor, and zealous in every good word and work. His funeral sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. Daniel Fitz, of Ipswich. He published in 1853 " The History of Essex (then Chebacco, a part of Ipswich ) from 1634 to 1700," which has been enlarged and continued by his son, Prof. E. P. Crowell, of Amherst College.

On the 9th of July, 1856, the Rev. James M. Bacon was installed pastor of the Congregational church, in which office he continued until his dismission, June 30, 1870. He was installed pastor at Ashby November 2d of the same year, where he died, much regretted, March 5, 1873. He was born in Newton, Jan. 3, 1818, and com- pleted his theological studies under the Rev. Jacob Ide, D. D., of Medway.

The summer of 1856 was noted for terrifie thunder-storms, during which the lightning struck in more than twenty places within the limits of the town. By it, Mrs. Almira, wife of D. W. Bartlett, Esq. (June 30), and Mr. William Burnham (July 4), were killed.

The population, in 1860, was 1,701, of whom twenty-four were colored. The town valuation was $955,106. The fourth ropewalk was this year built for the manufacture of fishing-lines. This business was started here by Capt. Nathaniel and Mr. Jonathan Burnham, prior to 1820, and is still continued.

During the war of the Rebellion Essex furnished its full quota of men for service, and none were more faithful in the discharge of duty, whether on land or sea. In almost every battle she was bravely rep- resented.

A welcome to the soldiers was given by the town, July 4, 1865, when it was said by the orator, " We do not for a moment forget our glorious, but unreturning, TWENTY-FOUR. Peace, peace to their hal- lowed memories ! On the future monument, of which I love to dream, shall all their names be carved. Essex has put 143 of her own citi- zens into the country's service, besides 39 strangers and 13 substi- tutes ; making the number of 195 in all."

The town voted April 1, 1867, to purchase the manuscript history of the town, begun by the late Rev. Robert Crowell, D. D., and com- pleted by his son, Prof. E. P. Crowell, of Amherst College. It was published in 1868, under the title of " History of the Town of Essex, from 1634 to 1868, by the late Rev. Robert Crowell, D. D., Pastor of the Congregational Church, with Sketches of the Soldiers in the War of the Rebellion, by Hon. David Choate." It is a well-written work of 488 pages, and to it the writer is indebted largely for the materials embodied in this sketch of the town.

The population in 1870 was 1,614 ; the number of dwelling-houses, 316.

The Rev. Allen D. Morehouse was installed over the Congregational church June 30, 1870, and dismissed Sept. 14, 1874. He was suc- eeeded by the Rev. E. G. Smith, installed July 15, 1875, and dis- missed Feb. 8, 1877. The Rev. J. Lambdin Harris, born in Belmont County, Ohio, began to preach here as acting pastor in May, 1877. The " Songs for the Sanctuary " now takes the place of "Watts and Seleet Hymns" in this church.

The Essex Railroad, five miles in length, and connecting the town with the Eastern Railroad at Wenham, was opened for travel July, 1872, and not only affords accommodation to the people, but also stimulates the industries of the place.

This place has been well represented in our colleges, and has pro-

duced many men of eminence. The following is a list of graduates : - The Rev. John Evcleth (Harvard College, 1689), son of Joseph and Mary Eveleth, and born in Gloucester, Dec. 18, 1669. He supplied the pulpit in Manchester, from the time he began to preach, until 1695 ; after which he was settled in Stow, and again at Arundel, now Ken- nebunk, Me. "He was not only their minister and schoolmaster, but a good blacksmith and farmer, and the best fisherman in town." He died Aug. 1, 1734.

John Perkins, M. D. (Harvard College, 1695). He was the son of Abraham Perkins, practised medieine in Ipswich, then in Boston, and died in 1740.

The Rev. Franeis Goodhue (Harvard College, 1699), son of Dea. William and Hannah Goodhue He was born in Chebaeco, Oct. 4, 1678. After a brief pastorate at Jamaica, L. I., he died at Rehoboth, in 1707, and was buried at Seekonk, Mass.

The Rev. Jeremiah Wise (Harvard College, 1700), eldest son of the Rev. John Wise, was born in Chebacco, 1680, and settled Nov. 26, 1707, . over the church in South Berwiek, where he continued as pastor until his death, which took place Jan. 21, 1756. Some of his sermons were published. He was an esteemed and faithful minister.

The Rev. Benjamin Choate (Harvard College, 1703), son of John Choate, an early settler, was born in Chebacco, 1680, fitted for college at the Ipswich Grammar School, and, after graduation, was for some time chaplain of the garrison at Deerfield. He subsequently removed to Kingston, N. H., where he was engaged in preaching and teaching until his death, Nov. 26, 1753.

Henry Wise, merchant (Harvard College, 1717), son of the Rev. John Wise. He was for eight years preceptor of the Ipswich Gram- mar School, and died about 1732.

Francis Cogswell ( Harvard College, 1718), son of Jonathan Cogs- well, became a merchant, and represented in 1750-52 the town of Ipswich in the General Court. He died March 9, 1756, at the age of fifty-eight years.

Joseph Wise, M. D. (Harvard College, 1728), son of the Rev. John Wise.

Joseph Perkins (Harvard College, 1794), son of Joseph Perkins, was born in Chebacco, July 8, 1772, and entered college at the age of eighteen ycars. In 1801, he was appointed eounty attorney. He practised law in Salem, where he died, mueh lamented, Feb. 28, 1803.

George Choate, M. D. (Harvard College, 1818), son of George Choate, Esq., and born Nov. 7, 1796. He praetised medicine in Salem, and represented the city in the General Court. His four sons were graduates of Harvard College.

Rufus Choate, LL.D., Dartmouth College, 1819. This eminent lawyer and statesman, son of David and Miriam (Foster) Choate, was born on Hog Island, Oct. 1, 1799, and began the study of Latin with Dr. Thomas Sewell in 1809. He continued his studies with the Rev. Thomas Holt, Mr. William Cogswell, and the Rev. Robert Crowell, D. D. ; and spent seven months, previous to entering college, at Hampton Academy, then in charge of James Adams, Esq.

In college he was distinguished as an industrious scholar, and for his love of the Greek and Roman elassics. On leaving eollege he studied law at Cambridge, and also one year in the office of Willian Wirt. He commenced the practice of law at Danvers in 1824, and the next year was elected to represent that town in the General Court. He was a State senator in 1827, and representative in Congress, 1832-34. In the latter year he removed to Bostou, where he soon, by his commanding eloquence, gained distinction as an advocate. In 1841 he succeeded Daniel Webster as United States senator, and, on the death of Mr. Webster, 1852, became the acknowledged leader of the bar of this State. In 1853 he was the State attorney-general and also a member of the constitutional convention. Impaired health eaused him to eease from professional labor, in 1858, and to sail for Europe. But, failing rapidly in strength, he died at Halifax, N. S., July 13, 1859. In person, Mr. Choate was tall and commanding ; his

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voice was rich and musical, and his imagination brilliant. His power over a jury was remarkable, and some of his forensic efforts are reck- oned as the most brilliant specimens of American eloquence. His works, with a memoir by Samuel G. Brown, D. D., were published in two volumes in 1862. His son, Rufus, died at Dorchester, Jan. 15, 1866, at the age of 32 years.

John Dennison Russ, M. D. (Yale College, 1823), son of Dr. Parker and Elizabeth (Cogswell) Russ, was born in Chebacco, Sept. 1, 1801. Ile prepared for college at Phillips Academy, Exeter, N. H., and after leaving college, visited Europe, and began the practice of medicine in New York city in 1826. A true and active philanthropist, he assisted Greece in its struggles for liberty ; used his efforts to stay the ravages of the cholera in New York ; took a deep interest in the education of the blind, and labored for the amelioration of prison dis- cipline. He also strongly advocated the emancipation of the slaves. In 1848 he became a member of the Board of Education in the city of New York, and was instrumental in greatly improving the system of instruction in the public schools. In 1853 he was appointed superin- tendent of the Juvenile Asylum in that city.

Jonathan C. Perkins, LL.D. (Amherst College, 1832), was born Nov. 21, 1809. He studied law at the Cambridge Law School, and also with Rufus Choate, and commenced the practice of law in Salem, where he soon obtained distinction in his profession. He served in both houses of the Legislature, and was appointed one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas. In 1853 he was a member of the of the State constitutional convention. His legal writings are exten- sive, accurate, and valuable. He received the degree of LL.D. from his alma mater in 1867. He died in December, 1877.

The Rev. Thomas Sewall, D. D. (Middletown University, 1837), son of Thomas Sewall, was born in Chebacco, April 28, 1818, and, after his graduation, became a Methodist minister, passing most of his pro- fessional life in Maryland and Virginia. He was, in 1868, the esteemed pastor of a church in Brooklyn, N. Y.

George F. Choate (Bowdoin College, 1843), studied law and became a judge of the Probate Court in Salem.

Prof. Edward P. Crowell, Amherst College, 1853.

The Rev. Edward Norton, Dartmouth College, 1861.

The Rev. David O. Mears ( Amherst College, 1865), now pastor of the Piedmont Church in Worcester.

Coeleb Burnham, M. D., Dartmouth College, 1865.

The Rev. Michael Burnham ( Amherst College, 1867), now pastor of the Central Church, Fall River.

The Rev. Washington Choate, Amherst College, 1870.

Prof. Leverett Mears, Ph.D., Amherst College, 1874.

George F. Mears, Amherst College, 1875.

Gilbert O. Burnham, Brown University, 1875.

Other Professional Men .- Hon. John Choate, 1761, judge of Court of Common Pleas; Parker Cleaveland, M. D., 1770; Nehe- miah Cleaveland, M. D., 1783; the Rev. John Cleaveland, Jr., 1785; Parker Russ, M. D., 1788; Asa Story, M. D., 1817, Dart- mouth Medical School; Eliphalet K. Webster, M. D., 1837, Dartmouth Medical School ; the Rev. Edwin Burnham, the Rev. George W. Burnham, the Rev. Hezekiah Burnham ; Jacob Story, Esq., 1846, Cambridge Law School; Obed B. Low, Esq., 1847; David Choate, Jr., M. D., 1854, Mass. Med. College ; J. Howard Burnham, 1861, teacher ; Edward Smith Eveleth, M. D., 1866, Columbia College (Medical Dep't) ; Philemon Eveleth, M. D.

David Choate, Esq,, son of David Choate, and brother of the Hon. Rufus Choate, was born on Hog Island, Nov. 29, 1796, and died Dec. 16, 1872. He was a man of sterling good sense, and to his unwearied exertions the town is largely indebted for its intel- lectual advancement. He was long engaged as a teacher, and through his influence several young men were led to seek a liberal educa- tion. He held many offices of trust, and was superintendent of the Sabbath school of the Congregational church for the long period of thirty-five years. It was often spoken of as one of the best institu- tions of the kind in the State. He wrote, in 1860, " An Agricultural and Geological Survey of Essex County," which is a work of great value.

Representatives since 1780.

1781-83, John Choate, Esq.

1785-86-88, John Choate, Esq.

1792-93, Col. Jonathan Cogswell.

1800-13, Col. Jonathan Cogswell, Sr.

1814-17, George Choate, Esq.

1819, George Choate, Esq.

1824, Jacob Story.

1827-30, Jonathan Story, 3d, Esq.

1833-34, Jonathan Story, 3d, Esq.

1835-36, Charles Dexter.

1837, Oliver Low.

1838, George W. Burnham.

1839, Hon. David Choate.

1840, Samuel Hardy.

1841, Grover Dodge.

1842, John Burnham.

1843, the Rev. John Prince.

1844, Moses Burnham, Jr.

1845, Ezra Perkins, Jr., Esq.

1851, Gilman P. Allen.

1852, William Burnham, 2d.

1853, the Rev. John Prince.

1855, the Rev. John Prince.

1856, Samuel Story.

1857, O. 1I. P. Sargent, Esq.

1858, Charles Howes.

1859, the Rev. John Prince.

1861, Ebenezer Stanwood.

1863, Nehemiah Burnham.

1865, Timothy Andrews, Jr.

1867, Leonard Mc Kenzie.

1868-70, Leonard Mc Kenzie.

1870, William H. Mears.

1872, John C. Choate.

1874, Aaron Low.

1876, Daniel W. Bartlett.

List of Town Clerks .- Joseph Story, 1819-24 ; Jonathan Story, 3d, Esq., 1824-29; Col. William Andrews, Jr., 1830-36; Hon. David Choate, 1836-39 ; Jonathan Story, Esq., 1840-42; Aaron L. Burnham, Esq., 1843-55 ; O. H. P. Sargent, Esq., 1856-61; John C. Choate, 1861-78.

GEORGETOWN.

CHAPTER I.

ITS TOPOGRAPHY - EARLY HISTORY - ITS ORGANIZATION AS A

PARISII - EARLY CHARACTERISTICS.

The location of this town is nearly in the geographical centre of the township granted to Rev. Ezekiel Rogers, in 1639, under the name of Rowley, and which was, about that time, taken possession of by himself, and the sixty families of pioneers in this wilderness settle- inent, where, for five years or more, they had all things in common ; fixing their homes in what is now known as Old Rowley, holding title to all the outlying territory, at present constituting Georgetown, By- field, Boxford, Bradford, and Groveland, which was for some years uninhabited, and unimproved except for pasturage, for the grass the meadows supplied for winter forage, and for the timber in the exten- sive forests.

At a very early moment after the new settlement had got into fair working order, there began the process of laying out lots of land to such ambitious men, as, by their keenness of vision, had spotted the desirable locations in the surrounding country.

The records do not, certainly, indicate the date of the first move- ments of this kind, the earliest recorded being the sale of land in 1661, and the laying out of a meadow, in 1662, " south of the dwell- ing house of Col. John Kimball," which indicates that settlements had taken place some time before that date.

In 1731, the Second Parish was set off, up to which time the paro- chial concerns of the old First Society had been managed by the town. Since that time, the parish has acted independently of the town, tak- ing the name and style of the First Parish of Rowley. As a matter of course, the Second Parish adopted the same plan, which placed the maintenance and direction of the religious institutions of the separate precincts under the management and control of those respectively interested.

The topography of the town, as it now appears, it is proper to here present ; what it was, may be caught from the historical references to the olden time. It is located six miles north of Rowley, and six miles south of Haverhill, its village being built on a level plain, where now centres the Newburyport Railroad, and the Newburyport, George- town, and Haverhill railroads. It is bounded, north by West New- bury and Groveland, east. by Rowley, and south and west by Box- ford and Groveland. Its soil is excellent for agricultural purposes, and well adapted to fruit-growing. It has three prominent elevations, Rowley Hill, latterly ealled Spofford's Hill, made historic by the story of the animated meal-chest ; Long Hill, 233 feet high, and Bald Pate Hill, 392 feet high, which is said to be the highest land in Essex County. It is watered by Parker River, and has several other creeks, affording some water-power. It also contains Pentucket, Rock, and Bald Pate ponds ( which last is partly in Boxford), the first named being the largest body of water in the town. The diversified face of the soil gives to the locality a pleasant landscape view. In some por- tions of it the scenery is delightful. From these heights, an exten- sive and delightful view of the surrounding country may be obtained for a great distance, embracing the near view of the plains and val- leys below, and distant glimpses of many of the principal mountains and hills in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. The spires of the churches in Ipswich, Hamilton, Salem, Reading, Andover, Hav- erhill, West Newbury, Newbury, Groveland, Bradford, and Newbury- port, in Massachusetts, and Atkinson, and Plaistow, in New Hamp- shire, with several others, are embraced in the view. In a clear day, the Isles of Shoals, the rugged, northern shore of Cape Ann, with vessels upon the ocean, are embraced in the panoramic scene, to be enjoyed by whoever ascends this eminence. When the laud was a wilderness, these hills were ranged by the wolf, bear, deer, moose, and other animals, occupying that region as their undisturbed home. These animals were all met with by the early settlers, supplying an abundance of game, which the sportsmen of to-day are accustomed to seek in far-distant wilds. The wolf was the most troublesome . eus-

tomer of all, and it was many years before it was entirely extermi- nated. Forty shillings was a common bounty for the head of a wolf, paid by the constable of the town. They were often caught with four mackerel hooks, fastened together, baited with brown bread dipped in tallow. Minerals have been discovered, which have led to the exhi- bition of some enterprise in attempting to develop them, but without substantial results. Many years ago, an iron mine was opened, and, within a few years, a gold mine was discovered near Tenney's Mills, and a shaft sunk thirty feet; but the yield was not sufficient to war- rant its further exploration, and it has been abandoned. A portion of Byfield Parish belongs to this town, and the remainder is divided between Rowley and Newbury, its corporate capacity being only as a parish for religious purposes.

Until 1838, this portion of Rowley was known as New Rowley, or the Second Parish, at which date it was incorporated in the name of Georgetown, embracing its present territory. In all its political asso- ciations and.relations to the State, as a township, it was, up to that date, a part and parcel of Rowley, and the history of that town, so far as it relates to men, institutions, incidents, or events of a municipal, political, heroic, or national character, may be properly shared by the people of this enterprising and thrifty town.

Gage, who wrote the history of Rowley about the year 1840, shows the situation of this town as it was at that time, and very fully dc- scribes its leading features, during the time it was a precinct of Rowley in the following :

" At what time that part of Rowley, which has lately been called New Rowley or the Second Parish, began to be settled, is not known with certainty ; but the records show, that a lot of meadow and up- land lying south of the dwelling-house of Col. John Kimball, was laid out to Elder Rainer, before 1652; the meadow is still known by the name of the Elder Rainer meadow. In 1652, several lots of land were laid out to Thomas Mighill, one of which is described as bounding upon the said Rainer's land. A piece of meadow-land, adjoining land now the burial-ground in Georgetown, was bounded westerly by the Pen Brook, so called, which crosses the road next easterly of the Con- gregational meeting-house. This last-mentioned piece is now owned by descendants of the said Mighill. Also another piece upon Rocky Hills (now so called). Upon these hills, the young eattle were first penned, from which the brook took its name.

" In 1666, or 1667, the tract of land called the three thousand acres, was laid out as village land. The line, which to this time has divided the village lands, as they were ealled, from lands belonging to the town proper, was drawn very ncar where the road leading from Hav- erhill to Salem, through Georgetown, now passcs.

" 1687-8, Feb. 23, the town caused a small farm to be laid out in the three thousand acres (had in exchange for land at the neck) and the rent of said farm, it was agreed, shall be for the use of the ministry ; John Pickard, John Pearson, and Ezekiel Northeud, were chosen to lay out said farm; and they, with the sclectmen, were instructed to agree with some person to go upon the farm. The committee were instructed to lay out not above three score acres of upland, and thirty acres of meadow, or half the meadow belonging to three thousand aeres.

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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 36

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