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 78
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Judge White seems to have had little enjoyment of this property, yet, being in possession, constantly increasing taxes became a burden. There was no income from the property ; sanitary considerations pre- vented its use for a cemetery ; no one would purchase any part of it in the condition in which the title then stood. It became evident that the lands eould only be utilized by the joint action of both Judge White and the Essex Company. There were upon the land but three graves (now undisturbed, surrounded by dwellings), oeeupying to- gether a space not larger than a burial-lot. This left nearly six aeres of unoccupied land in the heart of the city. Joint action of the two parties might give to this land a value of many thousands, to be divided between them. Happily, at the suggestion of Judge White, cordially acceded to by the Essex Company, both joined in devoting this property to a purpose which would benefit, not a elass or a single generation, but all who might dwell here in time to come. The in- denture conveying the lands to trustees, with power to sell and invest proceeds in a fund, for a purpose clearly stated, is a model of precise wording and elearness of detail ; so far as it relates to the character of the lectures and use of the fund for that purpose, the language is that of Judge White.
The original proposition of Mr. White. as explained in his letter of June 19, 1852, to Mr. Storrow, treasurer of the Essex Company, which first opened the subject. proposed simply the establishment of an annual course of lectures, the special subjects being those first spee- ified in the indenture or deed of trust. Being eontident that the value of the lauds, and the sum eventually derived from them would far exceed the expectations of Mr. White, Mr. Storrow suggested that, while the original objeet which he had in mind should first be fully provided for, precisely as Mr. White intended, it might be well to allow the trustees to select other methods for promoting morality and education. especially to authorize liberal appropriations from the in- come in aid of a free publie library, and provide for the gift of a build- ing-site for such an institution. Judge White readily assented, and the indenture, dated Aug. 23. 1852, is intended to carry into effect the original and enlarged purposes of the trust. This indenture is sigued by Daniel A. White of the first part. the Essex Company of the second part, and Charles S. Storrow. Nathaniel G. White, and Henry K. Oliver, as trustees accepting the trust. Messrs. Storrow and Oliver removed from Lawrence in after years. and George D. Cabot and James H. Eaton succeeded them as trustees. Coming in full possession, the trustees were authorized to sell lands from time to time and allow proceeds to accumulate. The income from invest- meuts was to be applied to specified purposes ; briefly stated, these :
First. To establish an annual course of not less than six lectures on specified subjects ; viz. : "On the importance of good character to success in life ; " " On the unsurpassable value of the riches of charae- ter to the young of both sexes ; " " On the virtues, habits and princi-
HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
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ples most essential to good character;" " On the best means of intel- lectual and moral improvement." The lectures to be free to all industrial classes, especially to the young.
Second. An amount not exceeding one-half of net income may be expended for the purchase of books for the establishment and increase of a public library, to be open and free of access to inhabitants of the town of Lawrence.
Third. The trustecs are given general power to expend accumu- lated surplus, according to their judgment and discretion, for the advancement and instruction of inhabitants of the town of Lawrence, keeping in mind the great object of educating and training the young in habits of industry, morality, and piety.
The lands have been sold, excepting a lot on the corner of Haver- hill and Hampshire strects, reserved for a library and lecture hall (should the public ever deem it wise to erect such a building), and the small enclosure for the three ancient graves before mentioned.
The decd of trust directs that the trustces shall make, annually, a report to the president of the Essex Company, with a full account of all their receipts and expenditures, the state of the trust fund, and all their doings in the premises ; and, in case of a vacancy in the board, the approval of that officer is also required in the appointment of a new trustce.
The amount of the trust fund on the 1st of July, 1878, was $64,- 069.83, all safely invested. One thousand dollars from the income has been annually paid for the last six years for the purchase of books for the free public library.
Trustces have secured greatest variety of talent, and infused an amount of life and sparkle into the lectures that has, of late years, brought crowded audiences and unbounded interest. Tickets are dis- tributed to employces in mills and workshops, and a limited number to the general public by lot.
It was a fortunate thought that accomplished so noble a purpose by actual decd, and arranged details of management in the lifetime of donors, leaving nothing to chances of litigation.
The Press. - The local press is represented by four established weeklics and two dailies. J. F. C. Hayes * was the pionecr editor and first established job printer. His paper, the "Lawrence Weekly Courier " (first issued as the " Merrimack Courier"), was valuable in the matter of statistics, though somewhat partisan in character. The editor was a champion rider of hobby-horses, riding such horses to their death. The paper lived for many years as a weekly, and, for a time, as a tri-weekly.
The "Lawrence Sentinel" has a history going back to the early years of the township, the publishers having a steady circulation, issuing a neatly printed and carefully edited paper, advocating demo- cratic measures. B. Frank Watson, Hon. John K. Tarbox, and Abiel Morrison have been connected therewith as either editors, publishers, or both. Patrick Murphy has had long connection with this paper as printer and manager. . The original issue was known as the "Van- guard."
The " Lawrence American and Andover Advertiser " originated in the days of the Native American movement, and was known as the " True American," published originally by George W. Sargent and A. S. Bunker, afterwards by Sargent and George S. Merrill ; the latter eventually obtained, and has since held full, control. The paper has a large circulation, though devoted almost exclusively to local affairs. The record of local events is full and minute. In politics it advo- cates Republican principles.
The " Essex Eagle " was first published in 1867, by Merrill & Wads- worth, afterwards by Horace A. Wadsworth, again by D. H. Patter- son & Co., and later, by Hammon Reed. The paper advocates Repub- lican principles in politics, and aims to be a family newspaper.
The "Lawrence Journal" was first started by Robert Bower, as the organ of workingmen. Mr. Patrick Sweeney, an enterprising citizen, purchased it in 1877. It advocates Democratic doctrines, with a ten- dency to independent action.
The "Daily American" (an evening paper), and the "Lawrence Daily Eagle " (morning), are the surviving dailies, published in con- nection with weeklies, before noticed. Lack of space prevents notice of a score of enterprises of publishers who failed to attain permanent success.
The post-office may be appropriately mentioned in connection with schools, churches, lectures, and newspapers. A writer has called the post-office the "metre of civilization." Only five incumbents have held the office since first established : - George A. Waldo, for three
years ; William Pierce, of Andover, for six months ; Nathaniel Wilson four years, under Taylor and Fillmore ; B. Frank Watson, eight years, under Pierce and Buchanan ; and George S. Merrill, appointed by Lincoln in 1861, has since retained the office through all changes, and has faithfully served the public. The office was first opened on the Old Turnpike, near Common Street, thence removed to Lawrence Hall, afterwards to Bay State Bank Building, Lawrence Street ; next, to Appleton Street, adjoining city hall; and, in 1869, to the present quarters.
CHAPTER XI.
THE FRATERNAL RECORD.
SECRET, BENEVOLENT, SOCIAL, AND PROTECTIVE ORDERS AND ORGAN- IZATIONS.
The Masonic order has the following organizations in the city, viz. : Grecian Lodge, chartered Dec. 10, 1825, and instituted at Methuen. It languished in that quiet town in anti-Masonic days, but was revived in Lawrence, February, 1848, and has been continuously prosperous. Tuscan Lodge was chartered, Dec. 10, 1863 ; Phoenician Lodge, Nov. 5, 1870. Mount Sinai Royal Arch Chapter R. A. M., was chartered Oct. 1, 1861; Lawrence Council R. and S. M., Dcc. 9, 1868. Beth- any Commandery, Knights' Templars, was chartered Dcc. 29, 1864. The Lawrence Masonie Association was formed November, 1871; the Lawrence Masonic Mutual Relief Association, July 20, 1874. The Masonie bodies have elegantly furnished quarters for meetings, social occasions, and banquets.
Odd-fellowship is represented in the city by the following lodges : United Brothers Lodge, established, 1847. Monadnock Lodge, No. 150, organized, 1867. Kcarsarge Encampment No. 36, instituted Sept. 11, 1868. Lawrence Encampment, No. 31, instituted in 1852, and re-instituted October, 1874. Lawrence Odd Fellows' Hall Associa- tion, - a building society, - in 1874 and 1875, erected the Odd Fellows building, sometimes known as the Free Library Building, a fine structure, surmounted by an illuminated clock. The basement is for business houses. Above is the public library ; in the third and fourth storics, elegant lodge and banquet rooms for Divisions of the order.
Quindaro Lodge, Knights of Pythias, was established April 4, 1870. Citizens of long residence, have a local historical society and social organization, - the Old Residents' Association, - holding monthly mectings in the winter season.
There is remarkable loss of memory on the part of members of a lodge of the Sons of Malta, existing here some twenty years ago. Each " son " remembers the experience of his brother members, but is silent as to his own. If you care to raise a smile upon the placid visage of staid citizens, inquire regarding this short-lived order.
Temperance societies, both secret and open, have thrived from the very first years. Space only forbids enumeration.
The Knights of Honor have two lodges - Merrimack Lodge and Adelphic Lodge. A lodge of Knights of the Golden Cross and a Coun- cil of the Royal Arcanumn are similar to the Knights of Honor in the insurance and relief afforded members. This protective feature is a common and vital principle in all these lodges.
The Relief Society, connected with the fire department, is elsewhere mentioned.
The Home Club is a social organization, in active operation for several years. Members are from all political parties, sects, and orders. The elegantly fitted rooms have become popular as a resort for members : their purpose seems to be the cultivation of sociability and good cheer under circumstances pleasant and unobjectionable.
The German population have a lodge of the Order of Harugari, known as Schiller Lodge, and two lodges of the Order of Red Men, known as Merrimac Lodge and Caughuawaga Lodge, all with Masonic features and benefits. They have also an organization of the Turn- verein of the North American Turnerbund, mainly for gymnastic prac- tice, with benefits to members, without the ritual and scerecy of Masonic bodics. A singing-band-the Lyra-is sustained by musi- cians of that nationality. They have also a school, sustained by volunteers, where children born in this country are taught the Ger- man language in hours when not otherwise employed.
" Mr. Hayes's small History of Lawrenee, issued in 1868, contained mueh valuable information, which all that follow him must use and should acknowledge.
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HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
CHAPTER XII.
THE MERCANTILE INTEREST.
BANKS -INSURANCE -RAILROADS -HOTELS - DELUSIVE VENTURES - GENERAL TRADE.
Banks. - The Bay State Bank (now Bay State National) was incor- porated Feb. 10, 1847. It opened for business in the new bank build- ing, Oct. 26th of that year. The capital, at first $200,000, was in- creased to $500,000; when rival institutions multiplied, capital was reduced to $375,000, and shares from $100 to $75 each. Charles S. Storrow was president and Nathaniel White, cashier, - the former for twenty years, the latter for eighteen years. George L. Davis suc- ceeded Mr. Storrow, in 1867. Charles A. Colby, connected with the bank for years as teller, succeeded Mr. White as cashier. Mr. Colby resigned after three years' service, removing to New York city. Samuel White succeeded him, and still remains. The first president and cashier were patterns of neatness, order, and method. Mr. White was wary and conservative, deemed by some over-exacting and careful ; yet his nicety, precision, and care laid firmly the foundations of both the Bay State and Essex Savings banks, to both of which his services were eminently useful. In 1857, a year of wide-spread financial disaster, a volatile population made a run upon this bank for specie. Every call was promptly met.
The Essex Savings Bank was incorporated March 12th, and organ- ized Sept. 20, 1847. Books were opened for deposit in October, 1847, at the office of Caleb M. Marvel, No. 1 Turnpike. The busi- ness was done for years at the Bay State banking rooms, the presi- dent and cashier of the latter bank being the active managers and responsible officers of the savings bank. For years deposits were received only on Wednesday. Seven thousand dollars was placed on deposit the first six months. Growth was slow, investments safe and sure. James H. Eaton took the position of assistant-treasurer in May, 1865. He succeeded to the treasurership on the decease of Mr. White, in September, 1866. George D. Cabot succeeded Mr. Stor- row as president, and Joseph Shattuck succeeded him. In 1876, the fine new bank building of this institution was occupied. The late severe test of savings banks showed the exceptional soundness of this institution for deposits.
The Pemberton Bank (now the National Pemberton) commenced business in 1854. Levi Sprague has been president from the first ; James M. Coburn is cashier ; Samuel C. Woodward and William H. Jagnith also acted, for a time, as cashiers, the latter having a long service. Capital, $150,000. . Management has been shrewd but lib- eral, and dividends satisfactory.
The Lawrence National Bank ; capital, $300,000 ; commenced busi- ness in 1872. P. G. Pillsbury is cashier ; Artemas W. Stearns sue- ceeds Alfred J. French as president. The bank has rooms in Brechin Block.
The Lawrence Savings Bank was organized in 1868; Milton Bon- ney is president ; William R. Spalding, treasurer.
The Broadway Savings Bank opened for business in 1872; John Fallon is president ; Gilbert E. Hood, treasurer ; James Payne and John L. Brewster have each, for a time, acted as treasurer.
Railroads. - At the founding of the city (1845), no railway line entered any portion of city territory. The Boston and Maine Railroad was opened for travel castward in 1843; there being no Lawrence then in existence, the route ran cast of Shawsheen River, through North Andover, by a steeper grade than now. After the commence- ment of important works bere, for a time passengers and freight came no nearer than North Andover; soon a switch-back line ran from that point to South Lawrence.
Not until Feb. 28, 1848, was the Boston and Maine Railroad opened, directly via Lawrence, with permanent bridges over Merrimac River and canal, trains running to the old wooden passenger-station, just north of Water Street crossing. This line also built the road from Lawrence to Methuen, known as the Methuen Branch, now operated as a part of northern lines. For the first years after opening, the Boston and Maine road ran upon the Boston and Lowell line to Wil- mington ; a short branch was built from that point to Andover, known as the Wilmington and Andover Railroad. It was afterwards extended to Haverhill, next to Exeter, finally connecting through to Portland. The independent line frem Boston was completed July 1, 1845, run- ning through Malden, Reading, &c., with the Boston terminus in
Haymarket Square, -" the commercial heart of Boston," as was claimed.
The Wilmington and Andover line was abandoned with the opening of this direct route, and a few years since the new Eastern extension gave an independent line from Boston to Portland. The north pas- senger-station of wood served a good purpose from 1850 to 1878, when the elegant new brick structure fronting Depot Square was erected. Though not extravagantly costly, it is a most creditable building, novel in the style of architecture and arrangement. The brick passenger-station at South Lawrence was built in 1871, replac- ing the rambling wooden structure which stood north of the new building. The road has a line to Lowell via Wihnington Junction, and branch feeders on the castern route. For several years the rail- way statistics showed heavier passenger travel on this line than on any other Massachusetts railroad. Before building extensions and feeders, it was a railroad without a bonded or floating debt. *
The Lowell and Lawrence Railroad was opened for travel July 2, 1848. There was a jubilant inauguration ; thousands took a free ride to the older city of spindles, and there was a crowd of visitors to the new city.
The Essex Railroad, from Lawrence to Salem, first ran passenger trains to Lawrence Sept. 4, 1848. Business over this line was some- what limited for years, and the company was not financially success- ful. For several years the line has been run with constantly increas- ing business, by the Eastern Railroad. For a time, some years since, considerable travel went by this route to Boston, there being sharp competition with the Boston and Maine road. Fares were reduced to less than one cent per mile temporarily, and travel was consequently heavy.
In 1872, the Boston and Lawrence Railroad Company was organized, by the choice of the Hon. John K. Tarbox as president, and a board of four new directors ( Milton Bouncy, Alfred A. Lamprey, John K. Tarbox, and Charles R. Mason), with the directors of the Boston, Lowell, and Nashua road. This organization never built a road, but, under a general railroad law, allowing the building of branch roads of certain length, short connecting tracks were laid, by the Lowell and Lawrence Railroad Company, uniting their line with the Salem and Lowell line, and the last with the Boston and Lowell. The purpose of the new company was thus accomplished, and their rights trans- ferred to the Lowell and Lawrence road. Thus by laying less than five miles of new track, a portion of that upon the graded em- bankment abandoned by the Wilmington and Andover road, thirty years before, an independent line was established, operated by the Boston, Lowell, and Nashua road, and opened for travel Dec. 1, 1874. All the roads have used the Boston and Maine north station for entrance and transfer, but permanent iron bridges have been constructed, by the Lowell and Lawrence Railroad Company, over Merrimae River and canals, and lands secured on Essex and Methuen streets, for a cen- tral passenger station in the heart of the city.
In October, 1849, through connection north was formed by comple- tion of the Manchester and Lawrence Railroad. t This road is run under lease to the Concord road, and proves a most valuable trunk line.
The Merrimack Valley Horse Railroad Company was incorporated in 1863 ; the charter was renewed in 1866. In the fall of 1867, the track was laid from the foot of canal at Paper Mills to Methuen Post- office. Stockholders celebrated the opening by a most spirited meet- ing and supper at Exchange Hotel, Methuen. North Andover exten- sion was laid in 1868; the South Lawrence extension, in 1876. Paying expenses of operating and extending the line, stockholders have been content to see the value of their stock constantly enhanced, their line completed, extended, and paid for without assessments, and to wait for the first dividend until ten years after commencement. William A. Russell has been president, and James H. Eaton, treas- urer of the company from the first, and there has been but one change in the board of directors. George P. Trickey was, for a long time, superintendent of the line. Stevens Dockham was the builder of the main line.
* The strike of the entire force of locomotive engineers on this road, in the spring of 1876, and the failure of the attempt of strikers to force the management into com- pliance with their demands, is well remembered. It was a determined effort, under the direction of the Brotherhood of Engineers, and was met by resistance as deter- mined. No concession was made by the road, though re-organization of the important corps was effected only by great labor, amid much excitement. The affair interested railway managers and employees throughout the entire country.
t In two days from the time of opening subscription books of the Manchester and Lawrence Railroad, enough to build had been subscribed. In one month MORE THAN TWO MILLIONS EIGHT HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS had been obtained, and there was contention for assignment of shares. - Lawrence Courier.
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HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Hotels .- The Franklin House, fronting Depot Square, was erected by the Essex Company, and opened as a hotel by Major T. J. Coburn, of Boston, Nov. 1, 1847. The property was afterwards sold to Col. Gardner Towle and associates. . There have been frequent changes in management. Capt. J. L. Huntress, Charles B. Melvin, Capt. Jef- ford M. Decker, and Col Larrabee,* were courteous and faithful suc- cessors of Major Coburn. Thomas W. Huse,* of Lowell, finally purchased the property, of Towle and others, and took personal charge. He was a wide-awake and obliging landlord. He renovated and rebuilt the house in 1870.
The Merrimac House was an imposing briek hotel, erected at the corner of Turnpike and Tremont streets, by Page & Fish, and opened by Oliver King to the traveling public. The house was totally con- sumed by fire in 1849, and was not rebuilt.
The United States Hotel never sheltered a guest or opened its doors for patronage. One Philip Ulmer engineered the enterprise, which was a joint-stock affair. It stood upon Essex Street, just west of Jackson. The heavy iron front was showy, the dome conspicuons, the supports and partitions flimsy and insufficient. The great fire of August, 1859, had made but little headway in this building when the front fell outward, as has been told in another chapter, with loss of life and ruin to the builders.
Insurance, &c .- Local insurance companies never thrived in Law- rence. Effort has not been largely applied in such enterprises, or conspicuous for success when so directed.
Lawrence Mutual Fire Insurance Company, organized in 1848 ; Dan Weed president, and Charles Stark Newell secretary. W. D. Joplin finally wound up the concern by re-insuring the risks in larger companies, and there was no loss.
Fayette Mutual Fire Insurance Company was incorporated in 1855. The company did a limited business for several years, but the mutu- ally interested did not become a mutual-admiration society. The final division was of liabilities.
Pemberton Mutual Insurance Company was organized in 1873. The name was unwisely chosen, associated as it was with a structure that fell and was burned. Permanent success was not achieved, and the company ceased to exist.
Loan and Fund Associations were at one time supposed to be progressive, elastic, and prolific savings-banks. Both the City Loan Fund and Lawrence Loan Fund Association went out of existence after a struggle for success. There seems to have been nothing mis- chievous in management, excepting the general idea of members, at starting, that cach was to be favored and benefited, while the asso- ciated whole waxed fat upon the profit of doing business with cach other.
There came, a few years since, a wonderful mechanical invention, the " Abel Weft Loom." The only motive power was a remarkably small boy at the crank. He produced immense quantities of cloth before the eyes of the people. It seemed possible to girdle the earth in forty minutes with a band of flannel. Smallest investors were magnanimously allowed to share profits. A local company was organized, and there the matter rests. Manufacturing goes on in the good old way. The small boy has not supplanted the waterfall or the mammoth engine for the driving of cloth making machinery, nor the ingenions knitting-machine taken the place of the loom.
The oil fever had its run here, and, though fatal in no case, some were depleted thereby. One or more local companies were formed to tap the oily currents waiting to fill with fortunes the coffers of the enterprising. The net result, in most cases, was the worthless soil, worn-out derricks, several holes in the ground smelling of petroleum, and a floating debt. Not more satisfactory, as a whole, has been the experience of investors in coal-mining in the Old Dominion, and gold- mining in the mineral regions of the West. Plodders in legitimate business have succeeded best. Lack of space alone prevents the addition of pages rendering due tribute to the reliable merchants who have labored for a lifetime in the community, as honorable as they have been enterprising. Among such, who have had long-continued or unusual prominence, may be named : The Shattuck Brothers, Artemas W. Stearns, D. S. Swan (deceased), James A. Treat, Henry Barton, Byron Truell, Simpson & Oswald, Alfred A. Lamprey, James R. Simpson, Hezekiah Plummer, Luther Ladd, Rufus Reed, Charles A. Brown, Joseph Norris (deceased), Edmund R. Hayden, Ebenezer L. Chapman, J. Merrill Currier, Milton Bonney, William P. Clark, Peter Holihan, Stanley Brothers, Patrick Sweeney, James D. Her- rick, Henry M. Whitney, George W. Hills, John C. Dow, Capt. Wm. R. Spalding, Jordan Brothers, John F. Cogswell, James G. Abbott,
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