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 61
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Another soldier from this town, who was closely connected with the army under Washington's immediate command, was James Walker. He was an ensign in a company raised here, and commanded a detach- ment, having charge of the boats of one division of the army in eross-
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HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
ing the Delaware, on the night previous to the battle of Trenton, Dec. 25, 1776. He died, Feb. 8, 1846, at the age of ninety-eight.
The traditional story of his services at that time comes down well authenticated, and is of interest. Washington was disposed to give Cornwallis battle, and a majority of his staff agreed with him, but Gen. Mereer hesitated. Washington ealled Walker to him and asked him to reconnoitre the enemy and ascertain his strength, his term of enlistment having just before expired, and he was not then a soldier. He consented, and engaged himself to a Dutch farmer to build wall for a day. While at work he noted the movements of the British forces, and for every company or battalion which were on parade he broke off a small stick and put in his pocket. At night he placed the sticks in the hand of Gen. Mereer, with the proper explanation, which revealed the strength of the opposing army. Washington saw that he was not safe for a moment, and, ordering the camp-fires to be bril- liantly lighted, commenced the movement of his army across the Delaware. The result of this was escape from certain disaster by risking an engagement with Cornwallis, and a victory at Trenton, which revived the drooping spirit of the country, and was in large measure the culminating event and turning-point of the struggle. The success of James Walker, as a spy, undoubtedly saved Washing- ton's army from disaster.
Capt. William Baker, another native of this town, while at work in a distillery in Boston, in 1775, was the first man who knew of the intended British expedition to Concord, and gave the information to the country through Adjt. Devins. He was subsequently in the Con- tinental army, and breveted captain. Nehemiah Emerson was also one of the first to march, April 19, 1775, entering as a private, and rising to the rank of captain. He served through the whole war, only visiting his home once during the whole time.
So prominent was Haverhill in the Revolution, by the manifestation of the patriotie spirit of its citizens, and by the bravery and fidelity of its soldiers, that it took high rank with Washington, and became prominent, in his estimation, as a leading town in the Commonwealth.
The year 1800 opened with clouds, and the whole nation was clothed in weeds, by reason of the death of the immortal and beloved Wash- ington, which took place Dee. 14, 1799. Everywhere the demonstra- tions of sorrow were abundantly and sincerely expressed, in which this town took a prominent part. Gen. Brickett early moved, with others. in calling a public meeting to take measures for a proper observance of the event, and a committee of twelve was appointed " to determine in what manner it should be done." An eloquent eulogy was pronounced by the Rev. Abiel Abbot, and Washington's farewell address publicly read, both of which were printed and dis- tributed among the people.
The march of improvement in the town was still onward, and in 1801 the Haverhill Aqueduct Company was formed, the leading spirits in the enterprise being Benjamin Willis, Jr., Nathan Ayer, Samuel Walker, .Jonathan Souther, and Jesse Harding, which was granted authority by the Legislature to take the waters of Round Pond, although opposition was made to it when the project was first started, in 1798. The water was first conducted in log pipes, which, after about forty years, were exchanged for iron pipes, and, in all, $100,- 000 invested in the enterprise. It was then estimated that this pond was capable of supplying a population of twenty thousand, but the ex- perienee of after days proved its unsoundness. Sinee that time the log pipes have all been exchanged for iron ones, which have been ex- tended to nearly all parts of the city, the waters of Great Pond and Plug Pond being added to the supply. Probably fifteen miles of pipe have been laid, starting with two eight-inch mains extending from Round or Pentucket Lake, and a twelve-inch main from Plug, or Lake Saltonstall. There are about 2,000 takers and 600,000 gallons of water used daily.
In 1801 " Fish Wardens " were first chosen, and, for the first time, a list of voters and a list of names for jurymen were made out. In 1803 Ward Eaton obtained liberty to erect hay-scales, and an annual financial statement of the town first appeared at this time. In 1804 the Fourth of July was first publicly celebrated. There had been previous celebrations of a private nature by patriotie gentlemen ; the first, of which there appears to be any record, being in the shape of " a dinner at Lieut. Bradley's Tavern, followed by a number of toasts."
In 1808 the town memorialized Congress, in connection with many other towns, for the repeal of the Embargo Act. About this time the Russian brick stoves were introduced here in place of the old pro- vincial fire-place, but they were soon supplanted by the Yankee in- vention of cast-iron ones, though they were too costly and too much
of a luxury to be possessed by any but the wealthy, their value being about $75. About this time musie began to be an aceomplishment, in which those possessed of the gift began to take an interest, and in 1812 the first musical society was formed, with J. H. Hovey secre- tary, and was called " The Haverhill Musical Society." Improvement in " Sacred Music" was the object of the organization. The first singing school was kept by Samuel W. Ayer in the First Parish school- house.
In 1812 the notes of war again bceame the unwelcome sounds breaking upon the cars of the people. A recruiting-office was opened at Greenleaf's tavern, where "men of Patriotism, Courage and En- terprise " were called to enlist. Notwithstanding there were many eitizens who condemned the second war with England, as uncalled for and ill advised, that view of the situation did not prevent them from uniting in prompt and vigorous efforts to sustain and strengthen the government in measures of resistance and defence.
When the call was made for soldiers the response was prompt, and at a town-meeting held with twenty-four hours' notiee, the substanee of the emphatie vote was, "no man's poverty shall bar his patriotism "; the meaning of which was, that not only "lives," but "fortunes and sacred honor," were pledged for the maintenance of that nationality which the blood and treasure, freely poured out in the Revolution, had so dearly purchased. Haverhill stood in the front rank of patriotism and devotion to country.
July 25, 1814, Col. John Johnson, of East Haverhill, received orders to draft for his regiment, consisting of the companies of Haverhill and Methuen, fifteen additional men, and to immediately march to Newburyport, armed and equipped with three days' pro- visions. Sept. 9th he received orders for the company of light in- fantry of Haverhill to march to Boston. This order was received on Saturday evening, the company was ordered out on the "Church Green" on Sunday afternoon, and early Monday morning were on their way to Boston.
The news of peace, not long after this, was most agreeable to the people of this town, and it is recorded that "the grateful tid- ings were welcomed with loud and repeated buzzas ; by the peal of bells and the thunder of artillery and musketry, all the inhabitants giving themselves to pleasure." A procession was formed, prayers said, anthems sung, mingled with the feu de joie of infantry, and brilliant illuminations in all parts of the town were added in the evening, closing with brilliant fire-works from the bridge, constitut- ing the sum and life of the festivities.
Once more the advent of peace came, with its inspiring power, showing that-
" Peace hath her victories
No less renowned than war."
The basis had already been laid for commeree and for mechau- ical industries, but the possession of the seas by the enemy for several years had erippled every interest. When peace was restored there came an instantaneous revival of eommereial and manufactur- ing interests, which swept onward and upward with a rapidity hitherto unknown to the people, and the resources of the country became surprisingly developed.
Dwellings and stores were erected, and among them the Baunis- ter Block, a large brick pile near the river ; school-houses were also erected in the outlying parishes ; ship-building revived again and continued brisk for some time; new streets were laid out and a new stage company soon organized, and every interest moved with vigor for a succession of years.
In 1820 Bailey Bartlett, Moses Wingate, and Charles White were chosen to the Constitutional Convention. In 1821 the Fourth of July was celebrated in an imposing manner, James Duncan, Esq., reading the Declaration of Independence, and James H. Duncan, Esq., delivering the oration, followed by a dinner and patriotic toasts at Kendall's Hotel.
The new enterprises of Alfred Kittredge, then an active man, made their appearance at a little later date, of which mention is elsewhere made, and the navigation of the river by a steamboat was attempted in 1828, for the first time. In 1831 Mr. B. L. Miriek, a dry-goods clerk with John Dow, issued a prospectus for a history of Haverhill, which was published that year. Of him Chase says : "Miriek was a man of considerable literary talent, and wrote some excellent poetry. In 1832 he was for a few months editor of the 'Middlesex Telegraph' at Lowell, after which he engaged in the dry-goods business in Boston, and subsequently in Bangor, Me." By order of the General Court, the seleetmen were ordered to make a survey of the town in 1830,
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HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
from which Mr. James Gale published a lithographie map in 1832. In 1835 the town voted to build a work-house at the town farm. The census of 1837 indicated a population of 4,726, an increase of 814 since 1830.
In 1833, while President Jackson was making his tour through New England, it was expected he would visit this town, and vigorous efforts were made to secure that result. Ira Noyes, and Edwin Harriman, were the committee to extend the invitation, and the selectmen, with a large number of other citizens, were intrusted to make the neces- sary preparation for his reception. Triumphal arches were erected, buildings decorated, and flags given to the breeze, but the sudden ill- ness of the President caused him to change his route, greatly to the sorrow and disappointment of the people.
The subject of railway communication with Boston, was at this date becoming a matter of interest and discussion. The extension of the road from Andover to Haverhill was proposed, and the first meeting to promote that enterprise was held at the Eagle House, Jan. 4, 1834, at which the Hon. James H. Duncan presided, and Alfred Kittredge, Esq., was secretary. The utmost favor was extended to the enter- prise, and practical measures adopted, which resulted in the building of the road, and its formal opening to Bradford, on the 26th of Octo- ber, 1837, which was celebrated by a free ride to the stockholders, and a collation at Academy Hall, attended by sentiments and speeches.
About this time, the disturbing subject of slavery began to come before the people, and the question was agitated with much earnest- ness. This was the opening of the long conflict which finally culini- nated in the civil war of 1861, and some mention of the incidents of this great struggle will be found in another chapter.
In 1847, there were forty-two shoe manufacturers, and fourteen tanners and leather dealers. The extension of the streets called for their designation by names, which was then systematically done for the first time, the names, hitherto, having been, in most instances, informally applied. The disposal of the surplus revenue became a matter of much importance, in 1837, but it was satisfactorily applied for the payment of portions of the town debt, the aid of schools, &e., by recommendation of a committee, of which the Hon. James H. Dun- can was chairman. In 1838, Moses E. Emerson, a citizen of the town, established the first express between here and Boston, by rail. In 1839, the Fourth of July was again celebrated with patriotie fervor. The panie and revulsion in 1837, caused depression and suffering here, as in other communities, but it was gradually overcome, and another prosperous stride ensued.
The demonstrations in the celebration of the Fourth of July had be- come so boisterous, and so literally fulfilling the prophetic words of Adams, that the day would be celebrated with " bonfires and illumina- tions," that the people began to be so much alarmed for public safety, that the town voted, in 1839, to prohibit the use of combustibles, and even crackers and squibs ; but the order was hard to enforce. Im- mense bonfires were lighted in the streets, tar-barrels were burnt, cotton balls soaked in spirits of turpentine, were hurled, flaming, through the streets, and every variety of fire-arms used, accompanied by the wildest demonstrations of rejoicing, in the name of Liberty ; and this had become the rule for successive years, but at length it became tamed to a condition of approximation to safety.
During the same year the Miller delusion had its sweep here, pro- ducing the most intense religious excitement, and protracted revival meetings had their run through several months. It was not unusual for converts to become entranced, and the meetings were sometimes continued to the gray dawn of the morning. As 1843 approached, there were some found who were expecting to be caught up "to be forever with the Lord," and actually were preparing for the flight. The religious fear and fervor was extreme, and is not likely to be again soon repeated, for the day came and passed by, leaving all things as they were.
CHAPTER XIII.
SCHOOLS - THEIR INCREASE - GROWTH OF THE TOWN-PUBLIC SPIRIT - PATRIOTISM-WAR OF THE REBELLION-PROMPT ANSWER TO THE CALL FOR SOLDIERS - LOCAL INCIDENTS OF THE WAR - SOLDIERS' MONUMENT - CITY CHARTER - CITY GOVERNMENT - PUBLIC LIBRA- RY -NEWSPAPER HISTORY.
The advent of 1840 appeared to mark the opening of a new period ; the large increase of population had so multiplied the number of
pupils in the schools that new houses were called for, as well as the enlargement of the old ones, to meet the growing wants, and the town found it necessary to largely increase its appropriations to supply the demand.
The late Isaae Ames, Esq., and Mr. John B. Garrick were the prominent teachers at that time, but the resignation of the latter gave place to Dr. John Crowell, who became principal of the School Street school, with five female assistants, for a succession of years, at length resigning to resume the practice of his profession.
In 1841 the First District High School was established. in accord- ance with the vote of the town ; and the same year the town estab- lished a fire department, as provided for by law, and at the fires in that year firemen were, for the first time in this town, paid for their services.
The Fourth of July was this year celebrated for the first time on temperance principles, under the auspices of the " Haverhill Washing- tonian Society," the Washingtonian movement, of Baltimore origin, having obtained a strong hold here, and accomplished wonders.
It was in this year that the distinguishing event of petitioning for a peaceable dissolution of the Union, by forty-four citizens of this town, took place, notice of which will be found elsewhere. The act was a stirring one, and made the town famous. " from Maine to Georgia."
In 1842 another Fourth of July was celebrated by the " Washington Street Washington Total Abstinence Society," Charles T. Woodman, Esq., delivering the oration.
In 1843 the National Anniversary was celebrated by a ladies' levee " for the benefit of the poor." In 1844 another worthy enterprise was entered into by the ladies, that of enclosing the common with a suitable fence, which was an entire success. Temperance still con- tinued to be a vital reform, and the Independent Order of Rechabites made their appearance in 1845. The old Washingtonian Society faded out, and the "Pentucket Total Abstinence Society " took its place, but lacked vitality, and soon drew its expiring breath.
In 1846 the new " Linwood Cemetery" was publicly dedicated, and immediately after that, the improvement and restoration to order of the old burial-ground commanded attention. In this work the ladies became enthusiastically enlisted, foremost among whom were Mrs. Jeremiah Stickney and Mrs. Rufus Longley. In two years, over a thousand dollars were gathered and expended, enclosing the cemetery with an iron fence, and otherwise adorning it. Subsequently it was given the name of Pentucket Cemetery, and the two, Linwood and Pentucket, being joined, were made practically one.
In 1847 the " Fraternity of Shenstones " were organized, with Isaac Ames the president, and Thomas M. Hayes secretary. This society had an active existence for many years, and accomplished much in beautifying the town, the generation of to-day being sharers in the benefits resulting from their work.
From the settlement of the town the inhabitants had been accus- tomed to hold town-meetings in the parish meeting-house without charge, but time's changes found things differently ordered, which led to the proposition to erect a town hall, which was at length agreed upon, and the building erected on Main Street, on the Harrod lot, at a cost of $16,384.44, exclusive of elock and bell, both of which were secured by private contributions and a public festival.
In 1848 the building of the Newburyport and Bradford Railroad began to be agitated, and Alfred Kittredge, J. II. Duncan, Warner R. Whittier, Rufus Longley, and Caleb Hersey were chosen a com- mittee to promote the enterprise. The same year the superintend- ence and laying out of the common was given to the hands of a com- mittee, consisting of William Taggart, James H. Duncan, William Merrill, William D. S. Chase, and Thomas N. Chase.
In 1849 additional school accommodations were called for, which were promptly supplied. Not far from this time large appropriations were made for the improvement and maintenance of the fire depart- ment, which resulted in bringing into existence a force which contrib- uted immensely to public safety, and was a eredit to the town. In 1853 the town voted $300 for aiding in the celebration of the Fourth of July, which was liberally increased by private subscriptions, and a patriotie demonstration was the result. In 1853 the town was lighted for the first time with gas.
In 1854, following the usage of the olden time, the town-meeting became the arena in which to present a national question of great im- portance, and which was then agitating the whole country. The repeal of the Missouri Compromise was up, and a provision to that end had been introduced into the bill creating the Nebraska Territory. Hon. James H. Duncan had prepared a preamble and resolutions setting forth the faets in the ease, and the solemn compact entered
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HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
into by earlier men. The measure of repeal was deprecated as a breach of public faith, and denounced as a great wrong, and the rep- resentative in Congress, Hon. N. P. Banks, requested to use his efforts to " defeat the passage of this odions and unjust provision." The resolutions were supported by Mr. Duncan in an able speech, after which they were adopted, thereby setting the town right upon a question which became the fruitful source of evil in after years.
In 1855 the question of organizing a town high school again came before the people, resulting in establishing the institution in the academy, which was purchased for that purpose. The rapid increase of the town in population caused the new school-houses which had been erected to soon become thronged with pupils, thongh supposed to possess great prospective capacity. The town again celebrated the Fourth of July this year, by a military parade and procession, in which the fire companies, the Masonic societies, and other organiza- tions joined. An oration by Hon. Charles W. Upham, of Salem, a dinner, and a brilliant demonstration of fireworks in the evening, were embraced in the programme.
In 1858 there came another extension and improvement of streets, and it was in this year that Merrimac Street was paved, which was the first street paved in town. In 1860 a portion of Water Street was also improved in the same way.
The limited capacity of the town hall had become a serions annoy- ance, and in 1859 a new structure was carnestly demanded. Messrs. James H. Duncan, Robert G. Walker, A. A. Sargent, Moses D. George, Orenzo T. Emerson, James F. Gile, and Elbridge W. Chase were made a committee to procure plans and estimates for recom- mendation to the town, and on the 7th of January, 1861, their report was adopted, and the building ordered to be erected at once. A short time prior to the grand opening of the War of the Rebellion, a por- tion of the walls of the old structure had been demolished. Had it been otherwise, it is quite probable the new structure would not have appeared so soon. The edifice is possessed of much architectural beauty, and well supplies the wants which have had their outcome from the establishment of a city government.
The transformation of what was known as the "Fish House Lot " into a rural park and place of public resort, with a convenient stone structure upon it, was commenced in 1859, and finished in 1860. It is now in the possession of Kenoza Lake Club, the lake having been christened by that name.
The first and last general strike occurring here among shoemakers, took place carly in 1860, at the time the mechanics of Lynn were committed to the same policy. About 600 were engaged in the com- bination, but it did not possess the elements of success, and the organ- ization soon broke up. Since that time mechanics and manufacturers have usually understood each other pretty well, and have been able to reach satisfactory arrangements in their industrial and business connections.
The first steam mill was built here by David P. Harmon and Sewell E. Jewett, and was located near the line of the Boston and Maine Railroad. Mr. Jewett, still living, has been connected with the use and management of steam power for forty years, and is an inventor of many novelties in machinery.
The year 1860 was one big with issues ; the whole nation was being rocked in the cradle of conflict, and "coming events cast their shad- ows before." True to the example and spirit of the fathers, Haverhill was not a whit behind the men of Revolutionary history, either in words or deeds, and before the year closed it became fearfully evident that serious work must be engaged in. Public meetings for discus- sion were of frequent occurrence, in which the great question between Freedom and Slavery, which was the one upon which the threatening battles were to be fought, was freely and earnestly debated, and the fire of patriotism began to burn with a brilliant flame. Martial thoughts began to be the ruling ones, and swords were ready to leap from their scabbards when the call for conflict should come.
The public ear was open to catch the rumbling, and the crashing from without ; and also for the call of John A. Andrew, the great War Governor, when it should be made, summoning the gallant sons of the Old Bay State for the defence of Liberty and the maintenance of the Union, made sacred to their hearts by the consecrating blood of the fathers. The time of waiting was short, for on the 16th of January, 1861, the fourth general order was issued, which called for an answer.
In response thereto, Capt. C. P. Messer called a meeting of the " Hale Guards " on the 24th, which was responded to by every mem- ber but two. Every member present voted to hold himself in readi- ness, subject to call, and the two absent ones were in harmony with
that action. A committee consisting of Thomas T. Salter, James M. Palmer, and I. N. Smith presented resolutions covering all questions of necessity, and an appeal was turned back to the people for aid in preparing for the foreshadowed emergency, which appeal was re- sponded to in the most hearty manner. The ranks were not full, but they soon became so, nine applying for membership at the first meet- ing.
On the 19th of April, just eighty-six years after the Battle of Lexington, the constantly expected call came, which found these men ready to respond to the momentary notiec. Suddenly, on the after- noon of that memorable Saturday, the implements of toil were dropped ; cool-headed, warm-hearted, patriotic men were seen hurry- ing to and fro in the streets, in preparation for the march. The bells were rung, agreeably to prior arrangement, and the whole town noti- fied of the event ; children were relieved from school, by direction of their parents, to witness the historic seene of the departure of the first soldiers to battle, to be absent for the term of their first enlistment, or perhaps forever. With streaming tears the hasty " God bless you " dropped from the lips of thousands, and before evening the brave men were en route for Washington.
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