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 52

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 52

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John Safford, born Oct. 15, 1750, and representative to the Gen- eral Court in 1809, 1810, and 1815, died here Oct. 15, 1820, much lamented. He married Martha Whipple, who survived him.

Col. Robert Dodge, another highly esteemed citizen, who served in the Revolution, and represented the town in the General Court several years, died here June 15, 1823, at the advanced age of 80 years.

The successor of Dr. Cutler, and third pastor of the church, was the Rev. Joseph Barlow Felt, eminent as an antiquary and local his- torian. He was son of JJohn and Elizabeth (Curtis) Felt, and was born in Salem, Dee. 22, 1789. Graduating at Dartmouth College in 1813, he studied theology with the Rev. Samuel Worcester, and was licensed to preach March 2, 1815, by the Essex Association. After preaching several years in Sharon, he was installed pastor of the Hamilton church June 16, 1824, and continued in the faithful dis- charge of the duties of his saered office here until Dec. 4, 1833, when, owing to declining health, he was obliged to ask a dismission from his ministerial labors. During his pastorate in Hamilton he pub- lished his invaluable " Annals of Salem" and his " History of Ips- wich, Essex and Hamilton," to which work we have been greatly indebted for material in making up our sketches of these towns.

Mr. Felt spent the later part of his life in historical pursuits, making many valuable contributions to the civil and ecclesiastical lit- erature of the country. The degree of LL.D. was conferred on him by Dartmouth College in 1857. He was noted for the modesty of his demeanor and kindliness of his spirit, as well as for his inde- fatigable industry and accuracy in research. He died in Salem Sept. 8, 1869, much lamented by all who knew him.

The three pastorates had extended over a period of 119 years, a remarkable contrast with the ministerial changes of the present day. In 1827 a Universalist society was formed in the place, but was not of long continuance.

Dr. Enoch Faulkner, who had practised medicine here since 1800, and was a Democrat in politics, died here March 16, 1830; and on the 15th of February of the following year, the Rev. Francis Quarles, at the age of 81. He was a graduate of Brown University in 1777.

In 1832 the town had seven Revolutionary pensioners ; and on the 28th of May of the same year, Capt. John Whipple, who was pres- ent as a cavalry officer at the surrender of Gen. John Burgoyne, died at the age of 89 years.

In 1833 the town raised $400 for the support of publie schools, and the number of scholars was 205. Isaac Brown of this place was graduated this year at Amherst College.

The fourth regular pastor of the church was the Rev. George W. Kelley, who was ordained over the church and society July 3, 1834. He was born in Greenbrier County, Va., Aug. 5, 1808, graduated at the Ohio University in 1830, and at Andover Theological Semi- mary in 1833. He was dismissed from the pastorate June 12, 1850, and resides in Haverhill.

James R. Newhall, Esq., says in his " Essex Memorial," published in 1836, that Hamilton has "two public houses, one near the meeting- house, kept by Israel D. Brown (who was also postmaster), the other near the Ipswich line, kept by Jacob Brown." The great eastern post-road passed through the town, over which several stages ran daily from Boston to Newburyport, and hence the necessity for the two hotels. It also appears from his book, that the town had then

one company of the line; one grist and one saw-mill; also two veneering mills, 118 dwelling-houses, 51 shops, and a valuation of $211,888.99. The number of public schools was the same as at present, that is, four; and the amount raised for their support was $400, being about twenty-three cents for each pupil. Nathaniel A. Lovering was the town clerk, John Tuttle the town treasurer. Israel D. Brown, Samuel Dodge, and John Whittredge were the selectmen. Oliver S. Cressy was the physician, and also a justice of the peace

The church, built in 1762, was remodelled and rededicated in 1843, and furnished with a new bell.

In 1845 Hamilton had one woollen mill with five sets of machinery. The amount of hay ent the year preceding was 1,493 tons. The number of bushels of fruit raised, principally apples, was 21,266 bushels.

The Hon. Daniel E. Safford graduated at Williams College in 1848. He is the son of Ephraim and Sally (Roberts) Safford, and was born iu Hamilton, Feb. 5, 1826. He married Mary E. Smith, of Ipswich ; and, while residing in Hamilton, praetises law in Salem. He was a member of the State Senate in 1871-72.

The fifth pastor of the church was the Rev. John H. Mordough, installed June 12, 1850, and continued in the pastorate until April 1, 1861. Ile was successful in his ministry.

The town furnished, patriotically, its quota of men for the War of the Rebellion, and took a lively interest in the progress of the Union army. The Hon. Allen W. Dodge and others spoke earnestly in favor of prosecuting the war with vigor ; and supplies for the soldiers in the army were furnished freely by the citizens. Several publie meetings were held during the course of the contest ; and the ladies lent efficient aid in the way of encouragement, as well as in provid- ing stores and clothing for " the boys in blue."

The Rev. Frank H. Johnson was settled as pastor bere Oct. 15, 1861, and remained until Sept. 29, 1864. He now resides in Andover.

In 1864 the hosiery establishment in town made 55,000 pairs of army and ribbed socks, valued at $24,000; and the woollen mill, with six sets of machinery, employing sixty persons, made goods to the value of $135,000. At the saw-mill 20,000 feet of lumber was prepared. Shoes were made to the value of $1,050.

The Rev. G. Franklin French, a faithful minister, now of Tewks- bury, was installed here Sept. 29, 1864, and continued as pastor until 1871.

The Rev. Calvin Grant Hill ( Amherst College, 1867) succeeded Mr. French, and was ordained Sept. 5, 1872 ; and, after an efficient ministry, was dismissed in 1876. He now preaches at East Walpole. He was followed by the Rev. Benson M. Frink, who began his labors here as acting pastor in October, 1876. The whole number of church members in 1877 was 109; of whom 40 were males, and 69 females.

On May 17, 1878, the town lost a valuable and highly estcemed eitizen in the death of the Hon. Allen W. Dodge, who had long resided here. Ile was born in Newburyport in 1804 (Harvard Uni- versity, 1826), studied law, and praetised in New York City. He was treasurer of the county of Essex for twenty-five years, a mem- ber of the State Senate, and trustee of the State Agricultural College. He became a member of the church here Nov. 8, 1840; and ever manifested a lively interest in the educational, civil, and religious interests of the town.

Miss Mary Abigail Dodge (Gail Hamilton), a distinguished au- thor, is a native of this town, and still resides here. She is the daughter of James B. and Hannah (Stanwood) Dodge, and was born about 1838. Her father, son of Jonathan Dodge, was born Fcb. 7, 1788, and died Mareh 4, 1864. Her mother was born Aug. 6, 1793, and died May 9, 1868. She published " Country Living and Coun- try Thinking" in 1862; " Gala Days," 1863; "A New Atmosphere," 1864; " Battle of the Books," 1870; and is the author of many other works -as " Summer Rest," "Stumbling Blocks," "Wool Gather- ing," and "Woman's Wrongs " - distinguished alike for piquaney of style, as well as for originality of conception. She became a meniber of the Congregational church in Hamilton, Sept. 1, 1850, and of late has beeome noted for her letters on political affairs. She occupies, with her sister, a plain house in the central village. A plain marble slab has been placed over the remains of her parents in the old cemetery, bearing this inscription : "Our Father, James B. Dodge. Born Feb. 7. 1778. Died March 4. 1864. Our Mother, Hannah Stanwood, wife of James B. Dodge, born Aug. 6, 1793. Died May 9. 1868. Father and Mother."

HAVERHILL.

CHAPTER I.

ITS LOCATION AND BOUNDARY-ITS HILLS AND LAKES -BIRTH-PLACE OF THE POET WHITTIER-FARMIS AND SCENERY.

The town of Haverhill is one of the most attractive and thrifty in the Commonwealth, situated on the northerly bank of the Merrimac, and from its natural advantages of situation, and improvements by art, is justly regarded as the gem of the Merrimac valley. In location, Haverhill is about fifteen miles from Newburyport and the sea, twenty- nine from Boston, eighteen from Lowell, nine from Lawrence, and thirty from Portsmouth, N. H. It is situated on the line of the Boston and Maine Railroad, by which it holds immediate and direct connec- tion with the vast network of railroads, giving it communication with all seetions of the country. Its northern boundary line is Salem, Atkinson, and Plaistow, N. II., onee largely composing its territory. On its eastern line is Amesbury. now Merrimae, and on its western, Methuen, also once a portion of the town, and on its southerly border is the beautiful Merrimac. By purchase of the Indians, the township was fourteen miles in length, six miles from Little River eastward, and eight miles from the same point westward, with a breadth of six miles northerly from the Merrimae. The survey by the General Court in 1667, by reason of the curve of the river, gave it nearly the form of a triangle. Its form and area remained the same, with the exception of the separation of Methuen from it in 1725, till the running of the State line in 1741, which took away Salem, Atkinson, and Plaistow, N. II., making its northerly boundary the dividing line between New Hamp- shire and Massachusetts.

The township has a present length of nine miles, and is three miles wide northerly from the river. It contains 15,200 acres, 1,107 of which are covered with water, with only thirteen acres that are otherwise unimprovable. The soil is generally rich, easily cultivated, and gen- erally productive. From its first settlement the cultivation of the soil has been a leading pursuit, in the early days constituting the principal vocation with its inhabitants, and is now the chosen calling of those who find their rural homes within its borders. Many of its farms are under a high state of cultivation, and the products of its soil will bear favorable comparison with other communities. Within the past thirty years increased attention has been given to the cultivation of fruit, with gratifying results.

Within the borders of the town are four large bodies of water, which add much to its landscape beauty. Creek Pond, now known as Crystal Lake. is situated in the West Parish, three miles north-west of the city proper, and has an area of about 250 acres, with water of remark- able clearness and purity, and is surrounded by much fine scenery and many productive farms, while it is a favorite resort for fishing. Its outlet supplies considerable power, which is made available for manufacturing purposes.

Round Pond, formerly known as Belknap's Pond, but now given the name of Pentucket Lake, is a mile away from the river in a northerly direction, and contains about thirty-eight acres. It is supplied entirely by springs, and its water is remarkably cold and pure. It is 150 feet above the Merrimae, and for many years, alone furnished the city with water, through the facilities supplied by the Haverhill Aqueduet Company.

Plug Pond, formerly called " Ayer's Pond," and now known as Lake Saltonstall, located north-easterly from the river, half a mile distant, contains about forty-one aeres. It was formerly connected with Round Pond by an outlet therefrom, but that has for several years been closed. Portions of its bottom are muddy, but it has been discovered that its supply is by means of springs from the bottom, bubbling up through the sand. Formerly the outlet from this pond was known as " Mill Brook," but it is now elosed up entirely, retaining the water in the pond, which is now attached to the city aqueduct.

Great Pond, now known as Kenoza Lake, the largest and most beau- tiful of the three lakes, is located a mile and a half from the Merrimac, in a north-easterly direction, about one-third of a mile from the two

other lakes; and the three, nestling in the midst of the surrounding hills, present a landscape view of great beauty. This is the largest body of water in town, having an area of about 200 acres, and in some parts its waters are fifty feet in depth. It abounds in pickerel and pereh, and its borders on the southerly side are still covered by a growth of wood. On the north-eastern extremity are several aeres which, since 1807, have been free for occupancy, by individual pur- chase, to every citizen of Haverhill for purposes of pleasure. Since 1859 they have been under the control of the Kenoza Lake Club, an incorporated body, and thus held, subject to the right of every citizen to occupy the grounds at pleasure. A stone building has been erected on the premises by the club, which is subject to its control. On the south-westerly shore is Lakeside Farm, and on the heights, Winnekeni Hall, owned by Dr. James R. Nichols, overlooking the lakes and the surrounding landscape.

The streams running through the town are Little River, taking its rise in Plaistow, N. H., upon which " Hale's woollen mills," now known as Stevens's mills, are located ; East Meadow River, rising in Newton, N. H., and running through the easterly portion of the town, supplying power to several small manufactories ; Creek Brook, the outlet of Creek Pond, also supplying power for running considerable machinery ; and "Fishing River," the outlet of Kenoza Lake, which empties into Little River.

There is considerable high land in the town, but no chain of hills. Golden Hill, formerly known as " Golding's Hill," is an eminence of 325 feet in height, a mile east of Main Street, with its base twenty rods from the Merrimac, supplying a delightful prospect of this beautiful stream, the surrounding country, and of the river valley for many miles. The growth of the city has of late somewhat encroached upon this hill, and at its base handsome residences and unpretending cot- tages have taken position to rest under its shadow.

Silver Ilill, or "Silver's Hill," as it was formerly called, is another eminence about three-fourths of a mile west of Main Street, and is about 300 feet high, with its base a short distance from the river. The lower portion or base of this elevation, known as Mount Washington, stretches ont for quite a distance, forming an inviting plateau for res- idences, which has become well covered with dwellings within a few years, and the course is still onward for the possession of the extreme heights for the same purpose. The view from this elevation is also very fine, embracing the charming Merrimac and its valley for many miles. Lawrence, Methuen, and Andover appear in the distance, together with many remote mountains. The outlying parishes, the town of Bradford, and nearly the whole of the compact portion of Haverhill, are also embraced in the view.

Great Hill is the highest point in town, being 339 feet above the level of the ocean, and is the second highest land in Essex County. It is located one mile north of Lake Kenoza, and is the highest of several elevations sometimes spoken of collectively as "Great Hills." The view from the summit is very fine ; more than forty towns in Massa- chusetts and New Hampshire being visible in a clear day. With the aid of a glass, the Atlantic. from Boar's Head to Cape Anu, the villages there, and the buildings in Newburyport are clearly visible, though the view of the latter is somewhat obstructed by Pipe-stave Hill in Newbury. Picturesque views of Groveland, Bradford, Haverhill, North Andover, Andover, Methuen, and the city of Lawrence are also obtained. Powow Hill in Salisbury, and Atkinson in New Hamp- shire, with its highlands and its historie academy, are also finely pre- sented. Of the mountains visible from this point, are Wachusett in the south-west, Monadnock in the west, with the Peterborough range in near connection ; Deerfield mountains in the north, and Old Agamen- tiens in the east. These, combined with the nearer rural beauties, embracing the mirroring waters of lakes Kenoza and Pentucket, form a landscape which, for extent and magnificence, is not easily surpassed.

Turkey Hill, and Job's Hill, are lesser eminences in the East Parish, which command many pleasant views. Brandy Brow Hill, given its name from the breaking of a bottle of that fluid on its summit, is of moderate elevation, but well known from its location at the corner of

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HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

four towns, - Haverhill, Plaistow, Amesbury and Newton, - and that upon the summit rests a large bowlder. Its immediate locality has long supplied excellent pine timber in abundance. These heights are all beautiful for situation, commanding varying views of a locality abounding in scenery which has charmed the eye of thousands and inspired the Muse to sweetest utterance. Not far from here is the birth-place of the poet Whittier, whose songs of freedom, of labor, and of legendary lore have so charmed the world, and given their author a world-wide fame. From the surrounding scenery he drew his first inspiration, quickening the brain of the "Barefoot Boy," to the gushing rhythm, -

" Let the million-dollared ride ! Barefoot, trudging at his side, Thon hast more than he can buy In the reach of car and eye, - Outward sunshine, inward joy : Blessings on thee, barefoot boy."

CHAPTER II.

SETLEMENT OF HAVERITILL - INDIAN TITLE.

The first recorded indication of settling in Pentucket, the Indian name of what is now Haverhill, came from Giles Firman, of Ipswich, who addressed a letter to Gov. Winthrop, bearing date Dee. 26, 1639, indicating a desire to select a plantation, suggesting the name of Pentneket, and asking counsel as to his course. His purpose, however, was soon abandoned, and he finally returned to England, where he became celebrated as a non-conformist minister.

On the 13th of May, 1640, " Mr. Ward and Newberry men "* pre- sented a petition asking to commence a new plantation on the Merri- mac, which was granted on condition that they would locate and build within six months. Some have doubted whether it was John Ward or Nathaniel Ward, his father, who appeared in this petition, but that is of little consequence inasmuch as it is known that John Ward was the actor in this important work. His associates were William White, Samuel Gile, James Davis, Henry Palmer, John Robinson, Christopher Hussey, John Williams, Richard Littlehale, Abraham Tyler, Daniel Ladd, Joseph Merrie, Job Clement.

Before October, 1640, the first blows were struck, but it is not certain that Mr. John Ward, the chieftain of this band, was among the first to commence operations. It is thought by some that his engagements were at Agamenticus, in Maine, during that year. The historical record is conclusive, however, that in 1641 he became a fix- ture and a worker on the Pentucket plantation. He was the master- spirit among these adventurers ; and his policy, judgment, and toil contributed to the prosperity and final success of the plantation. Of him Cotton Mather said : "He was learned, ingenious, and religious. He was a person of quick apprehension, a clear understanding, a strong memory, a facetious conversation, an exact grammarian, an expert physician, and, which was top of all, a thorough divine ; but, which rarely happens, these endowments of his mind were accom- panied with a most healthy, hardy and agile constitution of body, which enabled him to make nothing of walking on foot a journey of thirty miles together."

Ile was a grandson of the Rev. JJohn Ward, and son of the Rev. Nathaniel Ward, both worthy and distinguished ministers of Haverhill, England. He was born in Haverhill, Essex County, England, Nov. 5, 1606 ; educated at the University of Cambridge, England, where he received the degree of A.B. in 1626, and that of A.M. in 1630, and came to this country in 1639. Fixing his home here in 1640, the pioneer settlers honored him by giving this town the name of " Haverhill," that being the name of his birthplace in England. With this people he lived through a long life as their leader, minister, and teacher ; dying Dec. 23, 1693, aged eighty-seven years.

At the time these pioneers planted themselves here, the adjacent country was a dense forest, with the exception of the lowlands. These had been cleared by the Indians long years before, or had never been covered with a growth of wood, and were of much value for the heavy crops of grass they produced, of such height, when in maturity, as to hide from view either man or beast.

These meadows were a part of " the happy hunting-grounds " of the Indians, and were of much value for the grass they were able to utilize

for some purposes, but they were accustomed to burn the residue in the autumn, which made the tender grass of the lowlands inviting to the deer in the spring, and, herding there, they were easily captured. These lowlands were, as well, highly valued by the settlers on account of their luxuriant erops of grass, so useful in feeding the herds they expected to rear.

The records do not show that any considerable number of Indians had their home here at that time, and it is supposed that they had previously been swept away by disease. A remnant of the Pentucket tribe then had their home on the banks of Little River, and were under the care and direction of Passaconaway, chief of the Pennacooks, whose home was at Concord, N.H. These sons of the forest had their village and burying-ground on what is now Merrimac Street and Washington Square. Their burying-ground occupied the spot upon which the residence of Thomas R. Appleton stood, and other buildings in that locality ; and is now the site of Grand Army Hall.

During the year 1641, the settlers along the frontier, and in all localities where the Indians were numerous, became alarmed by infor- mation that the wily warriors were about to combine for an attack upon the English throughout the country for the purpose of their destruction. This intelligence was followed by orders from the Colonial Government to disarm the Indians ; and forty men were sent with instructions to disarm Passaconaway, " who lived by Merri- mack." The terror struck so deep that the movement was hastily made, the company starting on Sunday. A heavy rain prevented the force from reaching the wigwam of the chief, but gaining that of his son, took him, with Passaconaway's squaw and her papoose, prison- ers. The son was tied and led by a line, but he escaped, which led to their firing upon him, though without effect. These indiscreet and exasperating acts, so akin to the ill-treatment of the sons of the forest, which has often been recorded to the disadvantage of the white man, were not approbated by the Governor and Council, and Cutsho- mokin, the sachem of Braintree, was sent to Passaconaway, with words of explanation and apology. The trouble appeared to be settled ; Passaconaway delivered up his arms after the return of his family to him, and no massacre was attempted at that time, but it will never be known how much of the spirit of revenge that unjust and hasty act stirred up in the Indian heart, which ultimately found an outburst in the bloody scenes of the drama which was enacted a few years after.

Passaconaway was held to be friendly to the English, and no act of his hostility to them is on record. Soon after this event he was permanently located at Pennacook, taking under his jurisdiction the Agawams, Naamkeeks, Pascatoquas, Accomentas, and some others. His spirit appears to have descended to his son, Wonolanset, his suc- cessor as sachem of the Pennacooks, who has the reputation of having never invaded the English.

Although the plantation had been occupied sometime, and quite a number of houses built, it was not till over two years from its first occupancy that a formal purchase was made of the land, and a title received from the Indians, the original owners. This was accom- plished in 1642, and the following is a copy of the instrument as recorded on the town books, with the original document placed on file :

" Know all men by these presents, that wee Passaquo and Sagga- Hew wth ye consent of Passaconnaway ; have sold into ye inhabitants of Pentuckett all ye lands wee have in Pentuckett; that is eyght myles in length from ye little Rivver in Pentuckett westward; Six myles in length from ye aforesaid Rivver northward ; And six myles in length from ye aforesaid Rivver Eastward, whh ye Ileand and ye rivver that ye Ileand stand in as far in length as ye land lyes by as formerly expressed ; that is, fourteene myles in length ; And wee ye said Passaquo and Sagga Hew whh ye consent of Passaconnaway, have sold unto ye said inhabitants all ye right that wee or any of us have in ye said ground and Ileand and Rivver; And wee warrant it against all or any other Indians whatsoever unto ye said Inhabitants of Pen- tuckett, and to their heires and assignes forever Dated ye fifteenth day of november Ann Dom 1642.

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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 52

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