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 39
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In 1732, soon after the organization of the parish, a burial- ground was laid out, which has since been enlarged; first, in 1755, and again in 1805. It has from time to time been improved, and the usual.attention paid to the improvement and embellishment of the grounds which refinement and cultivated sentiment suggest, as appropriate to the resting-places of those whose memory is fondly cherished
On the 27th of Angust, 1867, a distressing casualty occurred, engulfing several families in deepest affliction, and carrying sorrow to the hearts of a widely-extended circle of friends, while it caused a general gloom to settle over the whole community. A party of cousins were out sailing : Engene and Albert Beecher, sons of Dr. Edward Beecher; Lockwood and Nellie Coffin, children of Rev. William Coffin ; and Esther and Hattie Beecher, daughters of Rev. Charles Beecher. At an unfortunate moment, the boat capsized, and three of the number - Albert Beecher, and Esther and Hattie Beecher - were drowned, the others narrowly eseaping the same fate. The parties were here spending their summer-vacation from school.
George W. Boynton, a prominent and well-known citizen, died March 23, 1877, after a long and distressing illness, aged 56 years and 4 months. He was appointed constable in 1846, deputy-sheriff in 1858, collector of internal revenue, 5th district, in 1862; deputy provost-marshal in 1863; overscer of house of correction, Law- rence, in 1863; appointed deputy-constable by Col. King in 1865 ; again appointed in 1866 and 1869 ; chief constable by Gov. Talbot in 1874, for the Commonwealth. His last appointment was that of deputy-sheriff by officer Herrick, Sept. 23, 1875. He was an efficient officer.
CHAPTER V.
PATRIOTISM OF THIE PEOPLE -WAR OF THE REBELLION - FRATERNAL INSTITUTIONS - THE MYSTIC ORDER - TIIE "OLD) NANCY " - PECU- LIAR CHARACTERS - LOCAL INCIDENTS.
The history of this people began at a time when they were only the fragment of a wide-spread township, sparsely populated, whose centre was at the point where the pioneers first located, and built their vil- lage. The public sentiment of this section was blended with that of the whole township, making one voice.
At the later period, when patriotism was put to its severest test, the duty of a town was accepted by a precinct, when its citizens volun- teered as " minute-men," in harmony with the suggestions of the Pro- vincial Congress, and through all the Revolutionary struggle not a duty was neglected, nor a responsibility shunned. Public sentiment was kept at " concert pitch" at home, while the " spirit of '76" was taken to the front.
At length, assuming the position of a separate township, the duties of citizenship under the new relation, began with their proper esti- mate and faithful performance. At the first town-meeting, April 28, 1838, Robert Savory was the moderator. The first town officer elected was George Foot, town clerk, who was sworn into office by Jeremiah Russell. The first board of selectmen and assessors were John A. Lovering, Sewell Spofford, and Gorham P. Tenney. James Peabody, Moses M. Thurlow, and Jeremiah Clark, were the overscers of the poor ; Benjamin Winter, treasurer and collector; and Robert Savory, Moody Cheney, and Charles Boynton, were constables.
The appropriations for the expenses the first year were : for schools, $600; for repair of highways, $600; for other purposes, $650. The first representative to the general court was Jeremiah Russell, elected in 1840.
The public sentiment of this town was in harmony with the advance movement of the people, which aimed at a practical application of the principles that had been embodied in the organic law of the country. At an hour when the question of Union and equality of rights was up for decision, it was not difficult to judge of their course. While the South had been threatening, they had been deliberating, and when the signal-gun was fired, they were instantaneously standing shoulder to shoulder, and ready for action. By frequent intercourse with the citizens of neighboring communities, they imparted a general inspira- tion which was a constant help to the loyal cause, and strength to its local support.
In 1861, the selectmen, who were the war magistrates all through the war, were O. B. Tenney, Sherman Nelson, George W. Sanborn. The town clerk during the entire period, was Charles E. Jewett. The town treasurer, in 1861 and 1862, was Lewis II. Bateman; in 1863, William H. Harriman ; in 1864 and 1865, George H. Carleton.
After the outbreak, in 1861, the first legal meeting of the town, to deliberate upon war, was held April 30th, when it was voted to ap- propriate five thousand dollars " for the benefit of such of the citizens as may volunteer in the service of their country during the ensuing years, and their families." A committee of one from cach school dis- triet was appointed " to ascertain what supplies may be needed " by the volunteers, or their families, and all bills approved by the com- mittee, were ordered to be paid by the selectmen. The committee were also authorized to aid in the formation, equipment, and drill, of a military company in the town. The committee reported the expen- diture, from May to October, of eleven hundred dollars, for uniforms, equipments, and in aid to families of volunteers.
At a town meeting, July 17, 1862, it was voted to pay to residents of the town, a bounty of one hundred dollars, on enlistment for three years in the military service ; and the treasurer was authorized to borrow money to pay the same. On the 9th of August, the bounty was increased to one hundred and fifty dollars, and those who had al- ready enlisted, were to receive an additional fifty dollars. The vote restricting the enlistments to citizens of the town, was reconsidered, and the selectmen were authorized to receive recruits from other places. A reward of ten dollars was offered, for the arrest of any person liable to be drafted, " who shall absent himself from the State, before such draft shall be made." On the 16th of August, a bounty of two hundred and fifty dollars was voted for nine months' voluu- teers, and that the selectmen be limited in recruiting to eight days from date, to residents of the town, exclusively ; after that, to be open to any one who may be legally counted to the quota of George- town, and the treasurer authorized to borrow money to pay the boun-
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HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
ties. John G. Barnes, Solomon Nelson, and John P. Bradstreet, were appointed " to confer with other towns in regard to forming a company." On the 4th of November the town appropriated five hun- dred dollars for the benefit of disabled and discharged volunteers, and their families, residing in town. In 1863, recruiting was still con- timed, in answer to calls by the President for men, and bounties paid to volunteers.
On the 26th of April, 1864, the town again voted to pay a hounty of one hundred and twenty-five dollars to each volunteer who had been mustered into the military service, to the eredit of the town, since the 1st instant, and on the 28th of June. it voted to pay the same bounty till Jan. 1, 1865. On the 14th of November, the town ratified the action of the selectmen, in paying a bounty of one hun- dred and twenty-five dollars each, to ten men who had enlisted for one year, and the treasurer authorized to borrow money therefor. In 1865. on the 3d of June, it was voted to " reimburse the money paid by voluntary subscription towards filling the quota of the town," the same to be paid, Oct. 1st, following.
During the war, Georgetown furnished one hundred and ninety-four men for the service, making a surplus of twenty-six above all demands for filling quotas. Of these, six were commissioned officers. The whole amount of money raised and expended by the town for war purposes, exclusive of State aid, was $24,217.99.
The amount of money raised and expended by the town, during the four years of the war, for State aid to soldiers' families, which was afterwards repaid by the Commonwealth, was $20,824.39.
The part taken by the ladies of the town in measures of relief for the siek and wounded soldiers, is worthy of most honorable mention. The ladies' sewing-circle, connected with the Orthodox Congrega- tional Church, were untiring in their efforts; and others, not thus associated, joined in most hearty co-operation in general measures for the relief of the sufferers. The treasurer of that society, Mrs. Wil- liam S. Horner, supplies the record that " early in the autumn of 1861, the ladies commenced knitting socks and mittens, making shirts, &e. The first contribution was sent to the Sanitary Commission, and about the same time, we forwarded two boxes to the Nineteenth Regi- ment of Massachusetts Volunteers ; and as many as twenty smaller packages were sent by individuals, on their own account, to Dr. Howe, or the regiments in the field. During the first months of winter, we sent to the Sanitary Commission, four boxes of garments and bed- ding, valued at $450; we also sent another box to the Nineteenth Regiment. During 1863, we sent barrels of clothing, boxes of books, and supplies for the Sanitary and Christian commissions, amounting in value to about $350. During the year 1864, we sent about twenty barrels, boxes, and packages, which were equally distributed, to Surg. Gen. Dale, and to Mrs. Mary B. Dully, for the hospital at Hampden, Va., value in all, about $480 ; also fifty dollars in cash to the Chris- tian Commission. We also sent, in 1865, about ten barrels to those various points, valued at $350. The total, as near as ean be ascer- tained, is about twenty-five hundred dollars. Contributions were made by other societies, to the amount of about two hundred dol- lars."
At the close of the war, after the remembrances of the great strng- gle had become crystallized into a sentiment of grateful memory of those whose lives were given for their country, and the institutions of freedom, the citizens caused to be erected a granite shaft, about twen- ty-five feet in height, on a space near the town house, npon which. in connection with various chiselled devices, emblematic of war, are the following inscriptions : -
" THEY DIED THAT THE COUNTRY MIGHT LIVE. OUR PATRIOTIC DEAD - HONORED - REMEMBERED.
" Erected by the citizens of Georgetown as a token of gratitude to those brave men who died in the service of their country, during the war of the rebellion, 1861-5."
The tablets contain the names of fifty heroes whose lives were sur- rendered. The structure was crected at a cost of $3,553.77, aud is enclosed within an iron fence.
Everett Peabody Post, No. 108, G. A. R., was also organized, and is patriotically sustained. H. N. Harriman is the present Post com- mander.
Since the close of the war, the business of the town has been re- markably prosperous, wealth has been aceumulated, and there has been considerable growth in population. In 1840, the population was 1,553 ; in 1875, 2,214; the number of dwelling-houses was 424; and of families, 547. The capital invested in business is $192,700; the
annual value of manufactures, $537,700, and of agricultural products, $51,385. The present valuation of the town is $1,149,360 ; the num- ber of polls, 676, and the rate of taxation, 15 mills.
The post-office in New Rowley was established in 1824, with Ben- jamin Little, postmaster ; it was changed to Georgetown in 1838. A bank was established in 1836, with a capital of $100,000, but it ceased with the expiration of its charter in October, 1851. In 1840, there was one hotel, which is still in existence, and serves the public. There were then seven stores, since which time the number has been much increased, doing business on a more extensive scale, and possessed of all the modern appointments. At present the superior advantages of large and varied stocks of goods attract an extensive trade from the surrounding localities, In 1869, a savings bank was chartered, of which O. B. Tenney is treasurer, and in 1875, the Georgetown Na- tional Bank was established, of which Henry P. Chaplin is president, and George H. Carleton, eashier.
The fraternal institutions have always been well sustained in this town, and have experienced a thrifty growth. C. C. Dame Lodge, of Frec and Accepted Masons, is one of the best known in the county. Protection Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, is also a flourish- ing organization. The various temperance organizations, as the Good Templars, Sons of Temperance, and the Reform Club, with some others, have for many years been active and effective organizations. There are other benevolent sustitutions of acknowledged activity and useful- ness.
Another mystic institution, known to outsiders as the " Doedunks," but whose real name has never been divulged, had its origin here, and was founded in 1852 by six young men, all of whom are now living. The veil which shronds its mysteries is an impenetrable one, even to the eye of the historian, and very little is known of the surroundings of the inner court which only the " faithful " are permitted to enter. Its claim to have embraced in its membership a large majority of the best citizens of the town, is undoubtedly a just one ; certainly it has been the centre of the men of "infinite jest." The organization here is the head of the Order in the world, and lodges have been established in various localities in New England, and some of the Western States of the Union. It elaims to have a membership scattered in the four quarters of the earth.
The early physicians of the town were Amos Spofford, Moses D. Spofford, David Mighill, Moses P. Clark, Richard Herbert, George Moody, Hiram M. Couch, William Cogswell, now of Bradford, and Isaac G. Braman. The present physicians are R. B. Root, and R. C. Huse.
The "Georgetown Advocate," established several years since, by William B. Hammond, and H. N. Harriman is an interesting local paper, well conducted and well sustained.
No movement in Georgetown was ever of a more important and stirring character than that of the early agitation of the question of anti-slavery. In it were enlisted many men and women, whose hearts were fully committed to the agitation.
Among the leaders in this reform were Theodore G. Eliot, Moses Wright, James H. Swett, Asa W. Swett, Mrs. Almira Swett, and others. The speakers frequently heard here were William Lloyd Gar- rison, Parker Pillsbury, Frederick Douglas, Wendell Phillips, and the long line of early advocates of that cause. They carried the discus- sion to the doors of the churches, which were then committed to silence. Rev. Mr. Braman was unfriendly to the agitation, which added warmth and interest to the debate. These speakers were bold and incisive in their utterances, which made the conflict between them and the con- servatives, as they were called, a warm one. Mrs. Almira Swett was one of the boldest of the female supporters of the cause, and when she attended church, was accustomed to take her knitting-work with her, which led her to be arrested for contempt of the worship. For this, and for the defence of her brother, who was before the church for waywardness upon this subject, she was arrested and tried, being charged in the forms of law, with "assault and battery "; she was con- victed and sentenced to Ipswich. When arrested, she told the officers she " could not leave home at that time ; that her family needed her attention." She offered no resistance, simply declining to comply with the request of the officer. Assistance was procured, and Mrs. Swett lifted into the sleigh, and carried into the court-room in the same way. After trial, and conviction, she was borne back to the sleigh and carried to Ipswich, but the keeper of the house of correc- tion declined to receive her, declaring that " those who had brought her there deserved, more than she, to be retained."
The meetings of the come-outers were held on the steps of churches, in groves, and in barus. Thomas P. Beach was once rotten-
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HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
egged while speaking from the steps of a church. To avoid this indig- nity in barns, the women were seated, and the speaker stationed before them, when the doors were opened to accommodate the listening crowd without. On one occasion, Sewell E. Jewett, then a citizen of George- town, organized an all-day Sunday meeting in " Major Dole's thieket," now "Little's Grove," which thinned the attendance at the churches. Refreshments were advertised, and a barrel of crackers, a cheese, cod- fish, &e., with cool, spring water, were supplied. The meeting con- tinned from 8 o'clock, A. M., till night. This record comes from well authenticated traditional sources.
The history of the "Old Nancy " is one of much local interest. This is the name of a cannon, originally brought from Gloucester to Rowley, in a vessel, by Maj. Boynton, with the intention of selling it to the Rowley people. Some difficulty occurred in closing the trade, and he was about to return it. One night a party of " wide-awakes " boarded the vessel and threw the ordnance overboard. It remained in Rowley River several years, after which it was finally raised ; but being the property of no one in particular, it was very hard to keep possession of. It was alternately possessed by different parties, and made to " speak " on anniversary occasions. - A company of George- town men, formerly citizens of Rowley, conceived the idea of hold- ing possession of it for a while, and on a given night captured it and brought it to Georgetown, where it was kept carefully guarded, and was used on special occasions. Its hiding-places were in sheds, under rubbish, in barns, under hay, and sometimes in cellars. The desire of Rowley men to again possess it was intense, but in all attempts they failed.
Two years ago, some unknown person or persons entered into an agreement with the Rowley mien to deliver the "Old Nancy " to them for a certain sum of money. The preliminaries were all agreed upon, and the place appointed for the return of the gun on a certain night. A gun of the same style was purchased in Topsfield, by the delivery of which, the contract was supposed to be fulfilled ; and there was " great joy " in Rowley. Preparations were soon made by the Rowley men to visit their Georgetown brethren, to indulge in a little exulta- tion over the re-possession of the gun. The Georgetown men were made acquainted with the arrangements, and were ready for their reception. The genuine "Old Nancy " was brought out, double- shotted, and prepared to welcome them with a salute. The gun was well manned, and a band of music gave life to the occasion. The two forces met in friendly greeting, the bells were rung, and there was a brisk cannonading for a little while. A dinner had been ordered at the hotel, by the Rowley men, to which they contemplated inviting their unfortunate Georgetown brethren ; and although it soon became evident to them that there was " some mistake about the gun trade " it did not interfere with the convivialities around the festive board. The historical fact is, the " Old Nancy " is still in Georgetown, and the Rowley gun of to-day is another.
In Gage's history is recorded the destruction of an old school-house in the town, in 1720, by a party of "rogueish boys " who had become impatient for the building of a new one. In 1840, another event of a kindred nature occurred in the centre of Georgetown. At that time an old school-house stood on the site- now occupied by the soldiers' monument. The district where it was located claimed the exclusive ownership of it, which was disputed by the outlying districts. The centre district sold the building, and it was made ready to be moved away on a given Saturday. A large team of oxen was hitehed to it, and the movers were prepared to start. The men from the outside districts gathered in such numbers as to prevent its removal, and the attempt was abandoned. When night came the defeated party began to consider upou other ways of disposing of it. It was proposed to
blow it up with gunpowder, but moderate counsels prevailed, and it was not done. On the following Sunday night, April 21st, a large force gathered, and, during a heavy thunder shower, completely demolished the structure, which took the object of strife out of exist- ence. Several persons were arrested and tried for the offence, but but were not convicted. The escape from an unpleasant collision was very narrow on that occasion.
The history of Georgetown would be quite incomplete without men- tion of the "characters " who have from time to time made their appearance there, becoming, in their way, celebrities. A local writer has preserved and published the following list : "Dean Tyler, Moody Clark, Fiddler Noyes, Tailor Thurlow, Tantrum Dick, Charley Gor- don, Boss Chandler, John Simonds Barr, Jaek Lovejoy, Uncle Vick- ery, Peter Cloughlin, John Emery, Old Stevens, Lang Tyler, Paul Cheney, Bashylore, Uncle Enos, Farmer Edmands, Major Danks, Tinker Davis, and Old Dan Brocklebank."
Every one of these was an eccentricitie, and for years some one of them was liable to supply the elements of amusement to those whose mental structures were shaped in the more common moulds of nature. Peter Cloughlin was particularly noted for his love of New England rum and cross dogs. His wife was traditionally reputed to be a witch, and to have died of spontaneous combustion. Charley Gordon was notorious as an astrologer and soothsayer, having excessive fond- ness for cider. Fiddler Noyes was a musical celebrity of some note, and bore a striking resemblance to Paganini ; he was tall, slim, and angular. His favorite instrument was the violin ; and the bewitching and skilful manner in which he rendered the popular airs of the day always excited the wonder and admiration of his hearers. John Emery was a marked character, possessing poetic and oratorical powers, and on the 4th of July doted on the American flag, and revelled in tar-barrels and fire-balls. He gave risc to what were called " Emery meetings," at which he was the chief actor and speaker. These were presided over by men of dignity and stand- ing, and attended by the best citizens, as a source of agrecable pastime.
John Simonds Barr was much addicted to his cups. On one occa- sion he called on Parson Braman, while in a state of exhilaration, and addressed him as follows : " Good morning, Parson Braman, the priest of the parish. My name is John Simonds Barr. I attend your meet- ing Parson Braman ; now can't you give me a glass of cider ?" The parson rather objected at first, but after much solicitation the cider was produced. Barr drained the mug of the last drop, then feeling a little more independent and impudent, slightly changed his tone, and remarked : "Parson Braman, priest of the parish, I attend your meeting when I go to meeting ; but the fact is, it's seldom that I go, - d -d seldom."
Dan Broeklebank was a strange combination, in looks, manners, and expression, being tall and slim, with a remarkably small head, short gray hair, and hooked nose. He was a preacher, a sort of inde- pendent come-outer, who delighted in opposing everything. He often dressed in an entire suit of calico, from hat to boots. He composed his own hymns, and at one of his meetings, after reading one of his newly-made songs, remarked : "Brethren and sisters, I don't know as you will be able to sing this hymn, for it's most a devil of a metre." Such were the characteristics of these men, with which the resources of tradition are full. The number of odd characters centered in this community seems to have been unusually large, as compared with the population.
This sketch, necessarily brief, embraces the salient points in the history of this very interesting and enterprising town, but is by no means exhaustive.
17
GLOUCESTER.
CHAPTER I.
TOPOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTION - SURFACE OF THE TOWN - FOREST - THE MAGNOLIA - PONDS - ISLANDS - NORMAN'S WOE.
The town of Gloucester originally covered the whole of the promi- nent headland on the northerly side of Massachusetts Bay, known as Cape Ann. This headland is the most easterly part of the county of Essex. From the towns of Manchester and Essex. on its western side. it extends into the sea about nine miles. It does not vary much in width. the narrowest part between Ipswich Bay and Massachusetts Bay being a little less than four miles. It is divided into two nearly equal parts by Annisquam River, an arm of the sea extending from Ipswich Bay towards Gloucester harbor, from which it is separated by a short and narrow neck of land. This harbor is formed by the projection from the south-easterly end of the Cape of a strip of land called Eastern Point. extending in a south-westerly direction about three miles. and affording within its friendly embrace safe anchorage and shelter for a large fleet. With its own hundreds of schooners, and the strangers here finding a refuge from easterly gales. it some- times presents the appearance of a forest of masts ; and when these vessels. under sail. are all working out of the harbor together, the scene is one of surpassing interest and beauty.
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