USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > The Essex memorial, for 1836: embracing a register of the county > Part 4
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During the Indian wars, this town was the scene of several bloody conflicts; houses were for- tified in every neighborhood, and the men carried their muskets with them when they attended meet- ing, or when they went to labor in the fields.
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The witchcraft delusion of 1692, was the occa- sion of much suffering here; the wife of Thomas Carrier was among those executed. Carrier died at Colchester, Conn. May 16, 1735, at the age of 109 years ; and what was remarkable, his head had neither become bald nor gray.
About one hundred soldiers from this town were in the field during the whole of the war of the Revolution, paid and clothed by the town.
Andover is much the largest township in the whole County, containing 35,738 acres. It is eight miles south of Haverhill ; twentytwo north of Boston ; sixteen northwest of Salem, and twenty southwest of Newburyport. Bounded northwest by the Merrimack which separates it from Dracut and Methuen ; northeast by Bradford and Boxford ; southeast by Middleton ; south by Reading and Wilmington, and southwest by Tewksbury. Most of the soil is excellent ; and the farming establish- ments have an appearance of affluence seldom witnessed. The town is well watered. Merri- mack river runs along the northwest side ; Coch- ichewick Brook issues from Great Pond in the northeast, and empties into the Merrimack. The Shawshin river rises in Lexington, and passing through Billerica, Wilmington, Tewksbury, and Andover, empties into the Merrimack. Great Pond, in the northeast part of the town, covers about 450 acres, and is a fine place for fish ; its banks also affording much feathered game. Hag- gett's Pond, in the west parish, covers about 220 acres, and is a place of frequent resort, in the sum- mer season, for parties of pleasure. This pond, it is thought, might easily be made of great advan- tage for manufacturing purposes, by connecting it with the Shawshin. There are several other ponds
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of less extent, which are rendered valuable by affording good water privileges.
The air of this town is uncommonly salubrious, and the scenery presented from the elevations in every section, is at once grand and beautiful. The view presented from the eminence on which the Theological Institution is located, is so prettily described in an article in a late number of the Religious Magazine, that we cannot forbear pre- senting an extract. " Our object does not permit us even to linger in the grove or around the bower, where Mills and Judson, and their associates walked and conversed, and prayed, when consid- ering the wants and woes of the neglected hea- then. We have time only to say, that the sur- rounding amphitheatre of hills which lie in pleasing elevation along the horizon, the rich and fertile spots upon their sides, covered with exuberant vegetation, and smiling upon the distant beholder, the intervening valleys, through one of which meanders the placid Shawshin, on its way to its labor-saving task in turning the ponderous wheels, and giving motion to the complicated and nimble machinery of the adjacent factories, the happy in- termingling on every side of field and woodland, and the gorgeous golden sunsets at the soft and balmy hour of evening, render it one of the most enchanting places for a summer residence, in all New England."
POPULATION.
The population in 1800, was 2941 ; in 1810, 3164 ; in 1820, 3889 ; in 1830, 4540.
Ratable Polls, 1177.
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TOWN OFFICERS.
Town Clerk-William Stevens.
Town Treasurer-Samuel Johnson.
Selectmen and Assessors -- John Peters, John Flint, Nathan Shattuck.
PHYSICIANS, LAWYERS, JUSTICES, &C.
Lawyers-Hobart Clark, Samuel Merrill, N. W. Hazen, William Stevens.
Physicians-Joseph Kittredge, Jonas Underwood, Samuel Johnson, Jr. Daniel Wardwell, Francis Clark, Nathaniel Swift.
Justices of the Peace - the five first being of the Quorum-Mark Newman, Hobart Clark, Samuel Farrar, Samuel Merrill, Nathaniel Swift. John L. Abbot, John Adams, Gayton P. Osgood, William Johnson, Jr. Amos Blanchard, Nathan W. Hazen.
Notary Public-Nathaniel Swift.
Coroners-John Adams, Nathaniel Swift.
Deputy Sheriff-Moody Bridges.
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
First Church-Unitarian ; located in the North Parish ; founded Oct. 24, 1645. The first pastor was John Woodbridge. He was born at Stanton, Eng. 1613 ; settled here the day on which the church was constituted ; resigned 1647, and went to England, where he preached till ejected under Charles Il. ; re- turned and lived at Newbury, where he died March 17, 1695. The second pastor was Francis Dane, settled 1648. The third, (a collague) Thomas Bar- nard, settled 1682. The fourth, John Barnard, set- tled April 8, 1719. The fifth, William Symmes, settled Nov. 1, 1758. The sixth, and present pastor, Bailey Loring, was born at Duxbury, Dec. 10, 1786 ; graduated at Brown University, 1807 ; studied with Dr Allen, of Duxbury, and at Cambridge ; settled here, Sept. 19, 1810.
Second Church-Orthodox Congregational ; loca- ted in the South Parish, organized Oct. 17, 1711 ; at present without a pastor.
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Orthodox Congregational, at North Parish, Jess Page, pastor.
West Parish .- Orthodox Congregational, gathered Dec. 5, 1826 ; pastor, Samuel C. Jackson. Mr Jackson was born at Dorset, Vt., March 13, 1802 ; graduated at Middlebury, 1821 ; studied at the The- ological Seminary in Andover ; settled here, June 6, 1827.
Baptist .- Located at South Parish; organized 1832; at present without a settled pastor.
Methodist .- Located at the South Parish ; Shipley W. Willson, pastor.
Episcopalians .- A society of this sect has recently been organized in the South Parish.
SEMINARIES.
Theological Institution .- This institution was foun- ded in 1807 ; and its funds at present are about $500,000. 'The buildings are located in the South Parish, and are three in number, exclusive of the steward's house ; they are very large, built of brick, with slated roofs and green Venetian blinds. The library belonging to the Seminary, contains between twelve and thirteen thousand volumes ; and besides this there are two other libraries, one belonging to the Porter Rhetorical Society, containing from two to three thousand volumes; the other belonging to the Society of Inquiry respecting Missions, containing from one to two thousand volumes. There is an Atheneum and News Room supported by the students, at which the principal newspapers, reviews, maga- zines, &c. are received. Appended to the institution is a commodious Mechanics' shop, where the students have an opportunity of exercising themselves in car- pentering or cabinet work. There is a musical society in the Seminary, the president of which is paid by the trustees as teacher of sacred music. The term of study is three years. The first year is occupied principally in the study of the Bible in its original tongues ; the second year is occupied in the
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study of systematic theology ; the third year is chiefly devoted to the study of ecclesiastical history, and the composition of sermons. The vacations are, five weeks from the last Wednesday of April, and five weeks from the second Wednesday of September. Professors - Leonard Woods, Moses Stuart, Ralph Emerson, Nehemiah Adams.
Phillips's Academy .- This institution was incorpo- rated Oct. 4, 1780, and is one of the first institutions of the kind in the country. Its funds are about $50,000. Preceptor -Osgood Johnson. Teacher of Penmanship - William Jones. Principal of the English Department - Rev. R. S. Hall.
There are also one or two other schools of a high class in this town, for the reception of both male and female pupils ; the average number of scholars attending private schools and academies, being 500.
District Schools .- Andover is divided into seven- teen school districts. The number of scholars, from four to sixteen years of age is, males, 405 ; females, 607. Amount raised by tax for support of schools, $1700.
BANKS AND INSURANCE COMPANY.
Andover Bank .- Incorporated 1826 ; capital 200,- 000 dollars. President, Samuel Farrar. Cashier, Amos Blanchard. Directors, Samuel Farrar, Joseph Kittredge, Nathaniel Stevens, Hobart Clark, Benja- min H. Punchard, John Flint, Amos Abbott, John Smith, Abram Gould.
Savings Bank .- This institution went into opera- tion in May last. Amount of deposits, $8000. Pres- ident, Amos Abbott. Treasurer, John Flint.
Merrimack Mutual Fire Insurance Company .- Incorporated 1828. Amount insured, between one and two millions. President, Hobart Clark. Secre- tary, Samuel Merrill.
PUBLIC HOUSES.
There are five public houses in Andover, viz :
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Mansion House, near the Theological Seminary, kept by Morrison ; two in the village, one by Locke, the other by Ward ; and two in the North Parish, one by Stevens, the other by Foster.
ALMS HOUSE.
Superintendent-Ralph H. Chandler. Number of subjects, between thirty and forty. About sixty per- sons living in town, receive some aid from the house.
MANUFACTURES.
North Parish .- There are three Factories in this Parish, belonging to Messrs Stevens, Sutton, of Dan- vers, and Kittredge. They are for the manufacture of flannels.
Nathaniel Stevens's Factory .- This contains 26 looms, 1400 spindles, and employs about 50 opera- tives. 'The buildings are one wooden and one brick, each four stories high.
Sutton's, contains 1000 spindles, 27 looms, and 40 operatives. Building three and a half stories, of wood.
Kittredge's, contains 1000 spindles, 18 looms, and 25 operatives. Building four stories, of stone. We understand Dr Kittredge contemplates erecting a spa- cious brick factory in a few months.
South Parish .- Marland & Co.'s contains 52 looms, and employs from 110 to 120 operatives. There are about 10,000 yards of excellent flannels manufactured every week by this company. There are two build- ings of brick, each three stories high. It is the inten- tion of the Company to extend their operations very considerably in a short time.
Howarth & Co.'s, for flannels, contains 26 looms. 1300 spindles, and employs about 45 operatives. Buildings of stone, four stories high.
Abbott's, for cassimeres, contains 18 looms, 300 spindles, and employs 30 operatives. This factory makes about 700 yards per week. Building of wood, three stories high.
Ballard Vale, for superfine flannels, contains $0 looms, 2000 spindles, and employs 40 operatives. It
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is a new brick building, three stories high. The fac- tories in the South Parish are all situated on the Shawshin river.
In 1824, a shop 72 by 37 feet, was built by John Smith, & Co., for the manufacture of machinery for cotton mills. It employs about 30 men.
MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS.
Rail Road .- A Rail Road is now in progress, to extend from Haverhill to the Lowell Rail Road, in Wilmington, a distance of 17 miles ; to be called the Andover and Wilmington Rail Road ; capital 300,- 000 dollars. President-Hobart Clark. It is sup- posed this road will be completed by June, 1836.
Town Expenditures .- The expenditures for 1834 -5, were 7810 dollars, 44 cents.
Stores .- The whole number of grocery and dry goods stores is 15; shoe, 3 ; bookstores, 3 ; mer- chant tailors, 5.
Military .- There is one uniform company of in- fantry in town. Captain-Daniel P. Abbot. Lieu- tenant-Horatio Gleason. Ensign-D. A. Manning.
BEVERLY.
BEVERLY was first settled, as a part of Salem, about the year 1630, by the removal of John and William Woodbury, together with some others of Boger Conant's companions, from the south to the north side of Bass River. Conant himself, togeth- er with John Balch and others, came over soon af- ter.
As early as 1649 the settlers were sufficiently numerous to desire of the church of Salem " some course to be taken for the means of grace amongst themselves, because of the tediousness and difficul- ties over the water, and other inconveniences."
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BEVERLY.
In 1656 a meeting-house was built, and a branch of the church of Salem established.
On the 14th of October, 1668, the town was in- corporated by the name of Beverly ; the act of in- corporation running thus : " The Court on peru- sal of this return [on notice to Salem] judge it meet to grant that Bass River be henceforth a township of themselves, referring it to Salem, to accom- modate them with lands and bounds suitable for them,and that it be called Beverly." The first Town Meeting was held on the 23d of November, 1668.
Conant appears to have been dissatisfied with the name given by the Court; and on the 28th of May, 1671, he petitioned for its change to " Bud- leigh," the name of the town in England from whence he came. An extract from the petition follows: "Now my umble suite and request is unto this honorable Court onlie that the name of our town or plantation, may be altered or changed from Beverly and be called Budleigh. I have two reasons that have moved me unto this request ; the first is the great dislike and discontent of many of our people for this name of Beverly, because (wee being but a sınall place) it hath caused on us a con- stant nick name of beggarly, being in the mouths of many, and no order was given, or consent by the peo- ple, to their agent, for any name until they were shure of being a towne granted in the first place. Secondly, I being the first that had house in Salem, (and neither had any hand in nameing either that or any other towne) and myself with those that were then with me, being all from the western part of England, desire this western name of Budleigh, a market towne in Devonshire, and neere unto the sea as wee are heere in this place, and where myself
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was borne. Now in regard of our firstnesse and antiquity in this soe famous a collony, we should umblie request this small prevaledg with your fa- vour and consent to give this name abovesaid un- to our towne. I never yet made sute or request unto the Generall Court for the least matter, tho' I think I might as well have done, as many others have, who have obtained much without hazard of life, or preferring the public good before their own interest, which I praise God I have done. If this my sute may find acceptation with your worships I shall rest umbly thankfull and my praiers shall not cease unto the throne of grace, for Gods gui- dance and his blessing to be on all your waightie proceedings and that justice and righteousness may be everie where administered and sound doc- trine, truth and holiness everie where taught and practised throughout this wilderness to all posterity, which God grant. Amen." To the petition was annexed the " umble desire" of Peter Woodbury and thirty three others, that the name of the town might be changed " as abovesaid." The petition however was not granted.
Among the specified duties of the sexton of the church, as they appear on the town book, in 1665, we find that he was required to "ring the bell at nine o'clock every night a sufficient space of time, as is usual in other places" and " keep and turn the glass." This was an hour glass, kept near the pulpit, in view of the minister, to guide him in his services ; the delivery of the sermon was expected to occupy one hour, and if it exceeded or fell short of that time, it was sufficient ground for a formal complaint. In those days, however, there were many instances in which both preacher and hear- ers were well contented to take a second an deven a
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third glass together. The use of the hour glass was continued in this church for more than a cen- tury.
John Hale, the first settled minister, took an ac- tive part in the earlier prosecutions for witchcraft in 1692 ; but he was brought to a sense of his error, on his wife's being accused. In 1697, he wrote a book upon the subject, which embraced the most rational views.
We find the name of Beverly conspicuous in all patriotic proceeding of our earlier or later history. During the Indian wars she acted well her part. The lamented Captain Lathrop, and a number of his company, were from this place. On the 13th of June, 1776, twentyone days before the declara- tion of Independence, the town voted to instruct their Representative, Capt. Josiah Batchelder, Jr. " that agreeable to the resolves of the House of Representatives of this Colony, that should the Continental Congress for the safety of the Colo- nies declare them independent of Great Britain, the inhabitants of this town do solemnly engage their lives and fortunes to support them in the measure."
Beverly is bounded north by Wenham, east by Manchester, west by Danvers, and south by Salem harbor. It is 17 miles northeast of Boston, and 14 southwest of Gloucester. Its greatest length is 6 2-3 and its greatest width 3 1-2 miles. It is divided into two territorial parishes ; the westerly, called the Precinct of Salem and Beverly, and the easterly, called the First Parish - this last contains two thirds of the territory, and five sixths of the population. About one third of the beautiful sheet of water called Wenham Pond lies within the lim- its of this town. There are several high hills in
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the town ; that called Brown's Folly, within half a mile of the Danvers line, is the highest. From the summit of this hill a large portion of the Bay between Cape Ann and Boston, the towns of Sa- lem, Danvers and Marblehead, and a large tract of the surrounding country may be seen.
POPULATION.
In 1810, the population was 4,608; in 1820, 4,283; in 1830, by the United States census, 4,020; but the inhabitants being dissatisfied with this last result, the selectmen caused a census to be taken very soon after- ward, and found the number to be 4,231. Colored, 18. Ratable polls, 1,048.
TOWN OFFICERS.
Town Clerk-Thomas Stephens. Town Treasurer-Samuel P. Lovett.
Selectmen-Charles Stephens, Ezra Ellingwood, Is- sacher O. Foster, Edward Stone, Charles Perrey.
LAWYERS, PHYSICIANS, JUSTICES, ETC.
Lawyers-Thomas Stephens.
Physicians-Ingalls Kittredge, Ingalls Kittredge, Jr., W. C. Boyden, Augustus Torrey, Dr. Cogswell. Justice of the Quorum-Robert Rantoul.
Justices of the Peace-Thomas Davis, Jonathan Smith, Amos Sheldon, Albert Thorndike. Notary Public-Albert Thorndike.
Postmaster-Stephens Baker.
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
First Church .- The first church was organized on the 20th of September, 1667, and was composed of fortynine persons, dismissed from the first church in Salem: it was upon the congregational plan, and its first covenant and confession of faith comprised the
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doctrines of Calvinism as they were at that time gen- erally received in the Congregational churches. John Hale was the first pastor, and was ordained at the for- mation of the church ; he died May 15, 1700, in the 64th year of his age, and was succeeded by Thomas Blowers, who was ordained October 29, 1701, and died June 17, 1729, in the 52d year of his age. Mr Blow- ers was succeeded by Joseph Champney, who was or- dained on the second Wednesday of December, 1729, and died March 1, 1773, in the 69th year of his age. Joseph Willard was ordained colleague with Mr Champney in November, 1772, and dismissed by mu- tual consent in December, 1781, he having been elected President of Harvard University. He died in 1804, in the 66th year of his age. Joseph McKeen was or- dained in May, 1785, and dismissed by mutual consent August 23, 1802, he having been elected President of Bowdoin College ; he died in 1807, in the 50th year of his age. Abiel Abbot was installed December 14, 1803, and died June 7, 1828, aged 58. Christopher 'T. Thayer is the present minister. He was born at Lan- caster, June 5, 1805; graduated at Harvard, 1824; studied at the Divinity School of Cambridge; settled here January 27, 1830. The church has gradually re- ceded from the Calvinistic faith, and is now denom- inated Unitarian. This change of doctrinal views has been silently progressing for many years, and under several of the ministers.
Second Congregational .- The Second Congregation- al Church in Beverly was organized, and the first min- ister, John Chipman, ordained, on the 28th of Decem- ber, 1715. The parish, called the " Precinct of Salem and Beverly," (it then comprising a part of Salem) was incorporated October 12, 1713.
First Baptist .- The third church here was of the Baptist denomination, and was organized March 20, 1801. The present meetinghouse was built in 1801, and the Society was incorporated by the name of the "First Calvinistic Baptist Society in Beverly," June 16, 1821. Rev. Mr Jennings is the present min- ister.
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Third Congregational (Orthodox) .- The fourth church formed here is called the " Third Congrega- tional Church," and was organized in 1802. The so- ciety was incorporated March 7, 1803; and the first meetinghouse erected the same year. The present minister is Joseph Abbot.
Second Baptist .- The fifth church was formed in 1828, and was of the Christian denomination. The society built a meetinghouse of brick at Beverly Farms, which was dedicated in January, 1830. Their first minister, Benjamin Knight, having been ordained on the 23d of September, 1829. This minister has been dismissed, and the church have changed from the Christian denomination to the Calvinistic Baptist, and at the present time Rev. Mr Gibbert is pastor.
SCHOOLS.
Beverly Academy .- This institution was incorporated January 30, 1835. The building is located on Wash- ington Street. Here are taught all the branches usual at such institutions. It comprises about thirty scholars, of both sexes. Preceptor, Edward Bradstreet ; Assist- ant, Ann Abbott.
There are ten district schools, in which are instructed 428 males, and 362 females In eight of the districts a tale instructer is employed in the winter season, and a female in the summer. The two largest districts employ a male teacher most of the year, and have fe- male teachers a part of the year for the younger chil- dren. Stephen Dodge and Daniel P. Gallop are instructers in these two districts. In the academy and private schools there are, on an average, 443 scholars. These schools are maintained at an expense of 2000 dollars. There are, in the course of a year, twenty private schools kept by females, for the instruc- tion of very young children.
LIBRARIES.
The Social Library, which from its foundation has been in a room in the Town Hall, contains about 500 volumes, and is owned in 109 shares.
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The Second Social Library was formed in 1806, and is restricted by the exclusion of novels, romances and plays.
There are Church Libraries, Juvenile Libraries, and Sabbath School Libraries, connected with the several religious societies.
There is a Circulating Library and Bookstore in the same building with the post-office.
BANK.
The Beverly Bank was incorporated with a capital of $160,000, divided into 1600 shares of $100 each, June 23, 1802; but February 10, 1815, its capital was reduced to $100,000, the number of shares remaining the same. The par value of each share is now $62,50.
President, William Leach ; Cashier, Albert Thorn- dike; Directors, Pyam Lovett, Josiah Lovett, Henry Larcom, Charles Stephens, Samuel Endicott, Ezra Ellingwood.
PUBLIC HOUSES.
There is but one public house in Beverly, and that is kept by Thon as Farris. It is situated near the Baptist meetinghouse, and has no license for the sale of spir- itucus liquors; neither is there any person in the town who has such a license.
MILITARY.
One company of Light Infantry, organized in 1814 ; enrolled members, 65. Captain, Charles Stephens ; Lieutenant, Daniel Foster; Ensign, Josiah Wood- bury.
Two companies of Infantry of the line.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
There are three engines, viz. Etna, Cataract and Alert, with hose, ladders, fire-hooks and buckets; also, four large water cisterns; the largest of which is built of brick, and will contain 13,000 gallons.
LOCAL SOCIETIES.
Beverly Charitable Society .- This society was in-
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corporated March 1, 1807, for the purpose of raising a fund to relieve and assist any inhabitant of Beverly who by reason of sickness or other misfortune may stand in need of special assistance. Its funds amount to about $3000, about half of which was given by the late Hon. Joshua Fisher, who was the founder of the society.
Beverly Female Charitable Society .- This society has funds in the hands of trustees, and its members en- gage actively in relieving the wants of the aged, the sick and the poor.
The Union Fire Society, established in 1804, con- sists of forty members, and has a fund of about $800. One object of the society is the relief of such of the members as may suffer loss by fire ; another object is to afford special personal assistance to members whose property may be endangered by fire ; for which pur- pose each member is bound to furnish himself with buckets, a bag and other suitable articles ; and the so- ciety is provided with sails, ladders, and other useful implements to be used in case of fire.
Masonic Lodge .- A Masonic Lodge was established here in 1824, which still continues in existence.
ALMS-HOUSE.
Keeper, Francis Lamson. The average number of subjects is about 30. House built, 1803.
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