USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > The Essex memorial, for 1836: embracing a register of the county > Part 12
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I. John Glover, Esq., Brigadier General of the Continental Army, had command of a regiment from the commencement of the revolutionary strug- gle. With his brave officers and men, under the immortal Washington, he had the honor of forming the advance part of the army, which in such a bold and intrepid manner crossed the Delaware on the memorable 25th of December, 1776, at a most inhospitable and critical juncture, and added so greatly to the fame of the American forces, by cap- turing at Trenton 1000 Hessians. This auspicious event inspired the continental troops with confi- dence of the final happy result, and was followed with successes in other quarters, till Providence sanctioned the justice of the American cause with the independence of the United States. General Glover had also the honor of conducting the army of Burgoyne, after its surrender, through New England ; and on various occasions during the war he received the warm approbation and applause of his renowned Commander in Chief. The follow- ing is from a letter of Washington to him, dated Morris, 26th April, 1777, soon after his appoint- ment to the command of a brigade :- " Diffidence in an officer is a good mark, because he will always endeavour to bring himself to what he conceives to be the full line of his duty ; but I think I may tell you, without flattery, that I know of no man better qualified than you to conduct a brigade. You have activity and industry, and as you very well know the duty of a colonel, you know how to exact that duty from others."
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II. Early in 1776, while the Marblehead regi- ment lay at Beverly, many of its officers and soldiers had a temporary employment in some of the gov- ernment's vessels in the Bay, under the command of Commodore Manly. In 1779, Mr Robert Wormsted sailed from Marblehead in the letter of marque Freemason, bound to Martinico, which carried six guns and fifteen men, as first mate to Capt. Benjamin Boden. On their passage they were captured by a privateer sloop, mounting four- teen or sixteen guns, from New York. The cap- tain, second mate and a boy remained in the Free- mason, while Mr W. with the rest of the crew were carried on board the privateer, handcuffed, thrust into the hold, and at night the hatchway was closed. Here he found means to perform an ex- ploit, which was long the subject of conversation and applause. His handcuffs were so large that he was able with some exertion to get rid of them, . and set the rest at liberty. He proposed rising upon the privateer the next day, when the captain should be taking the sun. The attempt was at first thought too desperate, considering the great inequality with respect to numbers. At length, however, he prevailed with his companions, and they solemnly bound themselves to do their utmost. At 12, the next day, their courage was tested, and in a few moments the captain and many others were prostrate upon the deck. Their pistols were seized and pointed to the enemy in the cabin, who speedily surrendered. Mr W. then bore down upon the schooner, and ordered her to strike her colors. Capt. Boden cried for joy, and his captors were as much chagrined as astonished at such an unlooked for reverse. Mr W. as commander, had
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the English flag lowered and the American hoisted. Having ordered the British officers and sailors to be handcuffed and thrust into the hold, he ap- pointed Capt. B. prizemaster, and directed him to steer for Guadaloupe. There, in due time, they arrived in triumph, and were received with unusual testimonials of exultation. The prizemaster of the privateer with the crew were sent to pris- on; and notwithstanding the cruel treatment Mr W. and his people had experienced at their hands, he bought them a quintal of fish, and a jar of oil, and furnished them with money to procure what they wanted; thus exemplifying the proverb that " brave men are always humane." He sold the brig and privateer at auction, one of which he purchased for his employers. His part of the prize money was 800 johannes. Having loaded his vessel, he embarked for home, and on the second day was again captured, and lost his all.
III. Capt. James Mugford, of this town, whose name appears on a column in Faneuil Hall, ren- dered essential service to the army, by heroically capturing, at a critical juncture, Jan. 1776, a British ship just arrived in the vicinity of Boston, richly laden with arms, ammunition, and other war- like stores. The prize ship contained 1500 barrels of powder, 1000 carbines, a number of travelling carriages for cannon, and a complete assortment of artillery instruments and pioneer tools. It was, indeed, a providential occurrence; and while it afforded the means, at that time so greatly needed, of maintaining the contest, it enrolled the name of Mugford among the benefactors of his country. On the same day of the capture, as he was defend- ing his little vessel from the attack of some boats,
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sent from the English men of war that were riding in Nantasket roads, he was killed.
IV. In November, 1782, the ship St Helena, commanded by John Stillwell, sailed with a fleet from Havana for Philadelphia. She mounted 20 guns between decks-10 of which, however, were of wood-and had under convoy fifteen American vessels, that had previously been subjected to an embargo. On the day they were permitted to leave port, the St Helena, in attempting to get under way, met with a disaster, opposite the Moro castle, which detained her till sunset. The fleet were beating backward and forward during the night, which was dark, waiting for the convoy. The St Helena passed and repassed a number of the vessels. In the mean time, several guns were heard, supposed to be from one of the fleet. At length, about midnight she was saluted with a broadside. It was something wholly unexpected ; the men were fatigued, no one seemed to know his station, and great confusion ensued. Some of the guns, however, were soon got into operation, and the firing continued till daylight, when the assailant was found to be His Britannic Majesty's brig Lively, commanded by M. Stanhope, Esq. The St Helena was also within reach of the guns of the Jupiter, a ship of the line. Of course, her colors were lowered, and the men taken on board the Lively. Six days afterwards, it was discovered that the crew of the St Helena were preparing to rise. All the men were consequently confined below, and were suffered to come up only through a narrow grating, one at a time, the hatchway being constantly barred, and guarded by a sentinel. After six days close confinement, five of the Amer-
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icans, viz. Anthony Carner, John Prince,* Seth Farrow, Lewis Russell* and Nathan Walker, con- certed a plan for taking the brig. Accordingly, about noon, Walker having disarmed the sentinel and removed the bar that fastened the hatchway, the other four rushed upon deck, and after a scene of confusion and desperate fighting, took the vessel. The number of Americans on board the Lively was 46. They bore away for Havana, where they safely arrived, and sold their prize for $22,000.
V. John Cowell, of this town, sailing master and acting lieutenant on board the U. S. frigate Essex, who finished his days at Valparaiso, shortly after the memorable engagement at that place in 1814, distinguished himself for ability, attention and faithfulness in his department. In the official despatch to the Secretary of the Navy, detailing particulars of the engagement, Commodore Porter writes-" The conduct of that brave and heroic officer, acting lieutenant John Glover Cowell, who lost his leg in the latter part of the action, excited the admiration of every man in the ship; and after he was wounded, he would not consent to be taken below, until loss of blood rendered him in- sensible."
Nowhere was the peace of 1815 more heartily welcomed, nowhere did the cheering intelligence cause more thrilling joy than at Marblehead. Since that period, the town has been gradually but slowly recovering its former prosperity ; though it is apprehended it may not speedily reach that of 1774, or at the commencement of the long embargo.
* Of Marblehead; the former, John Prince, Esq., is still living, and has been for many years a member of the State Legislature.
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In 1806, more than one hundred vessels were employed here in the Newfoundland Codfishery, and 88,000 quintals were exported hence to the single port of Bilboa. Solid gold was imported in return, which circulated by tale as freely here as silver or copper coin.
From the first settlement of this place, the fish- eries have been the principal employment and de- pendence of its inhabitants. The supply of fish for the Spanish and Brazil market having been transferred to the British, the exportation of it to Spain for the last fifteen years has ceased. There is still, however, no town so largely interested in the Grand Bank fishery as this. Upwards of sixty vessels, of from 60 to 120 tons, are now exclusively engaged in this important business, employing about 400 men. Two voyages are usually made in the fishing season. When this is the case, the vessels leave about the beginning or middle of April, and return in the latter part of November. When three voyages are made, they leave carly in March, and return early in December. About 12 make what is called the Spring fare. The past season, (1834) 70,000 quintals were carried from this place to market : the principal part of which was shipped to New York, Albany aud Boston. A few thousand quintals go directly out of the coun- try ; chiefly to St Domingo and Cuba.
The fisheries are certainly a very important branch of national industry, and well deserve the fostering care of the government, on account of their furnishing so many hardy, iron-framed, in- dependent seamen, who in seasons of difficulty with foreign powers are to protect the honor and interests of the country and its institutions. The fishermen live on board their vessels, on equal
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terms. Every man is individually interested in the voyage, and consequently feels his importance, There is nothing among them of that spirit which is so often manifested on board of merchant ships, by men "dressed in a little brief authority ;" no arbitrary exercise of power, no flogging, no stint of food, and therefore no refusals of duty, and no mutinies.
If there were space, we would insert biographi- cal sketches of many eminent men, whose talents, virtues and services have reflected honor on this town. We can only subjoin some inscriptions and brief notices of a few of the number.
I. " Memoria sacrum rev. dom. Johannis Bar- nard, primæ Christi ecclesia apud Marblehead pas- toris fidelis. Theologus erat vere eruditus, con- cionator admodum sapiens utilisque. Suis non solum quin et posteris monita reliquit. Exemplum pietatis ac christianæ virtutis insigne, amicitiæ et pacis cultor, ecclesia et oppidi decus, multos post labores Christi et animarum causa peractos, hac vita Januarii 24, 1770, et ministerii 54, ætatisque 89, placide decessit."
Sacred to the memory of the Rev. Mr John Barnard, faithful pastor of the first church in Mar- blehead. He was a most learned theologian, a very able and useful preacher. He has left lessons of instruction, not only to his contemporaries, but also to posterity. As a bright example of piety and christian virtue, one who cultivated friendship and peace, an ornament of the church and town, having performed much labor in the cause of Christ and of souls, he calmly departed this life Jan. 24, 1770, in the 54th year of his ministry, and 89th of his age.
II. " M. S. viri admodum reverendi paritur
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atque honorandi Edwardi Holyoke, qui præstanti decoratus ingenio, doctrina in structissimus, arte moderandi apprime felix, preclarus eloquantia, mira in rebus suo tempore exequendis accuratione præ ditus, moribus ornatus sanctissimis, integritate præsertim ab omniparte intacta, Collegii Harvar- dini præsidis, ajacto fundamento undecimi, munus amplius triginta annis cum summa laude sustinuit ac dignitate. In vita insuper privata edidit imitan- dum omnibus exemplum conjugis amantissimi, er- ga liberos pietatis, urbanitatis in hospites ingenuæ comisque, summi erga amicos studii et constantis, pauperibus elargiendi sæpissime, religionis erga Deum mediante Christo insignis. Vita demum optime peracta, animum Jesu commendavit ex- piravitque calendis Juniis, anno Christi 1769, ætatisque suæ 80."
Sacred to the memory of the most reverend and equally honorable Edward Holyoke, who, possess- ing naturally a superior mind, which was richly stored with learning, eminently happy in the art of governing, famed for eloquence, endowed with wonderful accuracy in doing things at the right time, adorned with the highest sanctity of manners, maintaining an integrity in all respects inviolable, for more than thirty years sustained the office of President of Harvard College, the eleventh from the laying of its foundation, with consummate ap- plause and dignity. Moreover, in private life, he exhibited an example, worthy to be universally imitated, of the greatest affection as a husband, faithfulness to his children, open and affable urban- ity to his guests, untiring liberality to the poor, and eminent piety to God, through the mediation of Christ. At length, after a most well spent life, he
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commended his spirit to Jesus, on the 1st of June, in the year of Christ 1769, and 80th of his age.
In the Collections of the Massachusetts Histori- cal Society, is a letter from Dr Chauncy to Dr Styles, dated May 6, 1768, containing an account of eminent men in New England, in which the writer says - " Mr John Barnard, of Marblehead, has been a long and near friend and acquaintance of mine. He is now in his 85th year, and I hear is seized this winter with blindness. I esteem him to have been one of our greatest men. Had he turned his studies that way, he would perhaps have been as great a mathematician as any in this coun- try, I had almost said in England itself. He is equalled by few in regard either to readiness of invention, liveliness of imagination, or strength and clearness in reasoning. President Holyoke I have for a long course of years been intimately ac- quainted with. He is in many respects, a very valuable man, and in some respects admirably well qualified for a presidency over the College."*
III. "Under this stone lies the body of the Rev. Peter Bours, once minister of this church, which office for the space of nine years he dis- charged with faithfulness, teaching the doctrines of the gospel with plainness and fervency. Illus- trating the truth and reality of what he taught by his own life, the goodness of which, joined with great candor and unbounded benevolence, obtained for him, not only the most sincere love of his own people, but also the esteem of virtuous men of every persuasion. He died 24th Feb. 1762, aged 36 years. To his memory his people have erected
Volume x. page 159.
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this monument, in testimony of his great worth, and their sincere regard.
Persuasion draws, example leads the mind,
Their double force impels, when meetly joined."
IV. Hon. Azor Orne, of this town, who died in Boston, June, 1796, aged 65, was from the com- mencement of the revolutionary struggle, one of the most active and popular advocates in New England of our freedom and independence. He devoted his time, talents, and no small amount of his property to the cause of his country. As a member of the provincial Congress, of the State Legislature, of the Convention which formed the Constitution of Massachusetts, and of the legisla- tive Council many years, he was eminently useful. " He was a man of great integrity and uprightness. The interest and welfare of society lay near his heart. To the town he performed many and long continued services, earnestly seeking its peace and prosperity. To his country he possessed the strong- est attachment, and for its freedom, independence and welfare he made large sacrifices. And on ac- count of these, his eminent personal virtues and public services, he will not soon be forgotten. His fame has been widely extended, and generations yet to come will revere his memory."*
V. Hon. Elbridge Gerry, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, was born in Marblehead July 17, 1744, and from his first elec- tion as representative of his native town, in the legislature, he continued in public life, almost without intermission, filling the most important offices, such as that of a member of Congress,
* Sermon after his decease, by Mr Hubbard.
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Ambassador to France, Governor of the Common- wealth, and Vice President of the United States, till his decease. His spirit was nourished by close communion with the Adamses, Hancock, Warren, &c. On the night preceding the battle of Lexing- ton, he narrowly escaped capture as one of the " rebel " committee of the provincial Congress. In 1813, as he was proceeding to the Senate Chamber at Washington, " a sudden extravasation of blood took place upon the lungs, and terminated his life within twenty minutes, almost without a struggle, and apparently without pain."
VI. The late Hon. Samuel Sewall, of this town, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Massachu- setts, died suddenly at Wiscasset, while on his tour of official duty, in 1814, in the 57th year of his age. Judge Parker, in a highly respectful tribute to his memory, at the opening of the first session of the court after his decease, says - " No man ever understood better the general interests of his country, and particular interests of his constituents. The citizens of Marblehead used to acknowledge the great benefits derived from his attention to their peculiar business, and the improvements introduced into it by his exertions. His commercial informa- tion was much valued and much used in Congress. Having been for two years colleague with him, I am able to declare that no man in the House of Rep- resentatives was more relied upon for useful know- ledge, nor more esteemed for power in debate, than he was. In the year 1800, while a member of Congress, he was appointed to a seat on the bench. Some of you have witnessed his labors for fourteen years past, and it is unnecessary to state his ac- knowledged qualifications for the seat he occupied. In some points of importance, his venerable col-
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leagues, Dana, Strong and Bradbury, seemed to feel and admit all his pre-eminence. On his suc- cession to the first place in this court, he felt with all his native diffidence the public expectations from the man who took the place of Parsons, and without believing he could possibly approach so near his eminence as those who knew him best expected, he bent the whole strength of his facul- ties to the accomplishment of his great object, that of filling with respectability and usefulness so con- spicuous and important an office. Enough was exhibited, in the short time of his exercise of the chief judicial office, to prove his ability to sustain it, and to warrant the assertion that the public loss is now indeed irreparable."*
POPULATION.
In 1765, the population was 4,974; in 1572, 6,015 ; in 1783, 4,449 ; in 1790, 5,661 ; in 1800, 5,204; in 1810, 5,900 ; in 1820, 5,630 ; in 1830, 5,150.
Ratable Polls, 1225.
TOWN OFFICERS.
Town Clerk-Richard Homan.
Town Treasurer-John Hooper.
Setcctmen-Joseph W. Green, Samuel S. Trefry, William B. Adams, James Gregory, John Sparhawk, Jr.
LAWYERS, PHYSICIANS, JUSTICES, ETC. Lawyer .- William Fahens.
Physicians .- Calvin Briggs, Chandler Flagg, Jo- seph Farnham.
" For several of the foregoing incidents and particulars concerning individuals, we are indebted to a biographical publication by Mr Alden.
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Justices of the Peace .- William Reed, for the Commonwealth. Nathan Bowen, John Prince, of the Quorum. Joshua Prentice, Nathan B. Martin, Asa Hooper, George Barker, John G. Hooper, Rob- ert Hooper, John Sparhawk, James Gregory, J. Hooper.
Notaries Public .- Nathan Bowen, William B. Adams.
Deputy Sheriff .- Samuel Bowden, 3d.
Coroner .- Nathan Bowen.
Postmaster .- Frederick Robinson.
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
First Church .- After public worship had been maintained, and a religious teacher, in distinction from a pastor, had been supported here for 50 years, (" the brethren finding it inconvenient to go to Salem, to have the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's supper administered,"*) on the 13th of Aug. 1684, the first church in Marblehead was gathered, and Rev. Samuel Cheever, who had been teacher here for 15 and a half years, was ordained as first pastor ; " the whole work countenanced with the presence of the Deputy Governor, with five of the assistants, and twenty elders, with other ministers, and young scholars, and many others."
After a ministry of 55 years Mr Cheever died, May 29, 1724, aged 85.t Rev. John Barnard, the second pastor was ordained as colleague, July 18, 1716. His ministry likewise continued to its 55th year, and was terminated with his life, Jan. 24, 1770, aged 89. Thus the two first ministers were in office 102 years. The third pastor, Rev. William Whitwell, was ordained as colleague, Aug. 25, 1762, and died
* The " brethren," above referred to, were connected as communicants with the first church of Salem.
t Mr Cheever is characterized by his colleague as " of great classic learning, a good preacher, a judicious divine, and a prudent man."-Hist. Soc. Coll. Vol. x. p. 168.
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in office, Nov. 8, 1781, in the 48th year of his age, and 20th of his ministry. Rev. Ebenezer Hubbard received ordination as fourth pastor, Jan. 1, 1783, and died Oct. 15, 1800. The present senior pastor, Rev. Samuel Dana, was born at Ipswich, May 7, 1778; graduated at Harvard, 1796 ; was ordained Oct. 7, 1801, and his colleague, Rev. Samuel W. Cozzens, was born at Mayfield, N. Y. Oct. 25, 1801 ; gradu- ated at Middlebury, 1828, and at Andover Theological Seminary, 1831 ; was settled here Aug. 8, 1832. Present number of communicants 341.
The Second Congregational church (Unitarian) was organized, and its first pastor, Rev. Edward Holyoke, afterwards President of Harvard College, ordained in 1716. After his removal, Rev. Simon Bradstreet, was ordained as his successor, Jan. 4, 1738, and died in 1772. Rev. Isaac Story, who was settled as col- league in 1771, was removed in 1802. Rev. Heze- kiah May, succeeded in 1803, and took a dismission in 1803. The present pastor, Rev. John Bartlett, was born at Concord, May 23, 1784; graduated at Harvard, 1805 ; studied at Cambridge and with Dr Channing of Boston ; settled here May 22, 1811. Communicants, 184.
One of the first Episcopal churches in the colony was planted here in 1715, and has continued to this day. The first minister is supposed to have been Rev. Mr Monsam ; his successors Rev. Messrs Pigot, Malcom, Bours, Weeks, Oliver, Harris, Bowers, Henshaw, Smith, Andrews, Jones, Leonard, Mott, Eastman. The present incumbent is Rev. William H. Lewis. Communicants 74.
A Methodist society was formed and meetinghouse erected in 1800. Present preacher, Rev. Mr Picker- ing. Communicants 150.
A Baptist society also was established in 1803. Present pastor, Rev. N. Hervey. Communicants 145.
The five handsome houses of worship, which are such an honor and ornament to the town, have been erected, (excepting the Episcopal, which has been thoroughly repaired and new modeled,) within these ten years.
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BANKS.
Marblehead Bank .- Incorporated 1803. Capital $120,000. Discount every day. President, John Hooper. Cashier, Samuel S. Trefry.
Grand Bank .- Incorporated, 1831. Capital, $100,- 000. Discount every day, President, Joseph W. Green. Cashier, John Sparhawk, Jr.
INSURANCE COMPANIES.
Marblehead Marine Insurance Company .- Incor- porated, 1803. Capital $100,000. President, Rich- ard Girdler. Secretary, Samuel S. Trefry.
Lafayette Insurance Company .- Incorporated 1835. Capital $100,000. President, John Candler, Jr. Secretary, John Sparhawk, Jr.
SCHOOLS.
Academy .- The foundation of this Institution was laid, and instruction commenced, in 1788. The pre- sent building was erected the following year. Act of incorporation, containing the grant of a township in Maine, is dated Nov. 17, 1792. This is one of the oldest literary establishments of the kind in the Com- monwealth, and for nearly half a century has been a benefit and credit to the town. Here many of her sons have been fitted for College, and many both of her sons and daughters qualified for usefulness and respectability on the stage of life. It should be re- corded, to the honor of Marblehead, that this insti- tution, which has always sustained a reputable char- acter, has been uninterruptedly supported, without the aid of pupils from abroad, from its first estab- lishment to this time.
Its Preceptors have been Messrs Freeman, Harris, Cole, Greele, S. Dana, J. Dana, Merrill, Hunting- ton, Fitz, Bicknell, Bradford, Stevenson, Gilbert, Wallace, Carleton, Lord, Hathaway, F. Putnam.
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