USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Newbury > The first century of Dummer Academy. A historical discourse, delivered at Newbury, Byfield Parish, August 12, 1863. With an appendix > Part 10
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In August, 1837, the Trustees appointed a Committee, consisting of Rev. Leonard Withington, Hon. Jeremiah Nelson, Hon. Ebenezer Moseley, and Captain Daniel Noyes "to make an investigation concerning the right of the Trustees of Dummer Academy to charge tuition to scholars attend- ing the Academy from Byfield, and to report what course, in their opin- ion, had best be taken by the Trustees in relation to this matter." This Committee reported on the 15th of September following that they found nothing in the Will of the founder to sanction the claim of Byfield to special privileges in the matter of tuition-and nothing in the records to show how the practice of sending free began. But the usage, whether derived from grant, or resting on precedent, "can hold good only for privileges provided by the original donor." Inasmuch as the Legislature bas since enlarged the powers and the means of the Institution, they be- lieve that the present imposition of half-tuition for Byfield, "will stand both in law and equity." But still, as much had been said of the origi- nal grammar school, they would consent, provided the arrangement is ac- cepted by Byfield, that the boys of the Parish shall go free in the clas- sical department, and shall pay full price for English studies. As the
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APPENDIX.
YOUNG LADIES' SCHOOL. BYFIELD TOPOGRAPHY.
proffered compromise was rejected by Byfield, another Committee was ap- pointed on the 27th of November, same year, to confer with a Committee of the Parish, should it see fit to raise one. At a meeting of the Trus- tees, held on the 25th of December following, this Committee, consisting of Messrs. Moseley, Nelson and Fox, reported that they had met a Com- mittee from the Parish -had discussed the subject fully and frcely-but had not been able to effect any adjustment of the question at issue. The Trustees accordingly withdrew their late offer. A few months afterward the whole thing was put into the hands of the Prudential Committee, to arrange as they should consider for the interest of the Academy. The result was that the Byfield scholars were admitted to both departments, on paying one quarter of the tuition. With this adjustment, which gave to Byfield boys all the advantages of the Academy, at an annual cost of less than four dollars, the parents were satisfied and their sons came back.
YOUNG LADIES' SCHOOL.
This was a lively episode in Byfield story, usually so quiet. Dea. Ben. Colman ( second of the name ) had bought the seceders' useless meet- ing-house, and removing it into his own neighborhood, had fitted it to be used as a school and dwelling. Here, between 1807 and 1812, presided Rebecca Hardy, Rebecca Hasseltine, Mary Atwood, Eliza Tuck, and Mary H. Adams. Miss Hasseltine soon after married Rev. Joseph Emerson ; Miss Atwood became Mrs. Aaron Hardy of Boston, while her sister and pupil, dying not long afterward as the missionary Harriet Newell, left a name that became widely known and is still remembered. In 1818, the Rev. Joseph Emerson purchased the building, refitted it, and opened there a 'Female Seminary.'
His wife not only directed the house-keeping, but
aided in the school. Their success was immediate and great. Among their earliest pupils were Miss Zilpah Grant and Miss Mary Lyon - names unsurpassed in the annals of female education, and which thousands of New England women now hold in grateful and affectionate remembrance. After three or four years, Mr. Emerson transferred his establishment to Saugus, and finally to Wethersfield, Conn., where he died. Subsequent at- tempts to sustain a school of similar character in the same edifice, had a varying and partial success.
TOPOGRAPHY OF BYFIELD.
In regard to soil and productiveness, as well as in the general aspect of the surface, there is a remarkable difference between the two sides. The Rowley and Georgetown half is, for the most part, level and compara- tively sandy. On the Newbury side the land is uneven, in some places rocky, but generally rising into smooth swells of moderate height, with a rich though heavy soil. The level portions consist of salt marsh. The ground about the falls of Parker River, has always been noted for its fer- tility. This was the great cattle pasture of Richard Dummer and Henry Sewall, whose rich domain was afterwards divided into smaller farms, and occupied by Dummers, Longfellows, Moodys and Adamses. The farm
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APPENDIX.
THE PARSONS, JOHNSONS, CALDWELL AND ACADEMY FARMS.
which Mr. Eben. Parsons and his son Gorham cultivated and adorned at so lavish an expense, had been till then, in the Dummer name. Imme- diately below this is the Johnson Farm-so called, formerly, and long re- garded as one of the best in the County. This farm, if wife and chil- dren had been willing, Theophilus Parsons would have bought - some sixty years ago-and Byfield, certainly, had reason to regret that there was any opposition to the plan. Mr. Enoch Moody, who owned it for awhile, sold it to the town of Newbury, which bought and kept it, for several years, as the home of its paupers. The process was not an im- proving one so far as the place was concerned. The farm is again in private hands, but its old renown has not yet returned. Next to this, lies the Perley ( now Caldwell ) farm - large and valuable. The farm which Gov. Dummer left to support his school, lies in the north-eastern corner of the parish. Of its 330 acres, about 100 are salt-marsh, and about 30 arable upland -the remainder being devoted to pasturage, and unsuited to any other use. The soil is so far argillaceous as to be some- what hard to work-but yields good crops under skillful tillage, and is specially adapted to the raising of grass. The large proportion of salt meadow, and its nearness to the upland, constitute a feature of great and permanent value. It is a farm which, under private ownership, or a long lease, might be carried to a high point of productiveness. Common sense and all experience tell us what must happen to every farm, which is sub- jected, for any length of time, to the depleting process of short leases and constantly shifting tenants.
I have stated in the discourse, that this farm was carried on for nearly thirty years by Mr. Joseph Moody. I am quite unable to say what sort of farmer he was. The only complaint I have seen or heard of is that he wasted the wood. This product was abundant on the farm, a hundred years ago, as I have heard old men say. But firc-places in those days were prodigal consumers - and wood, though not dcar as now, was a cash article, very convenient when a little money was needed.
His immediate successor was Richard Dummer Jun., a son, I suppose, of Richard, the Trustee. Dummer was on the Farm seven or eight years, but becoming slack in his payments, was finally refused a renewal of the lease. He was succeeded ( 1799 ) by Samuel Northend -a Byfield man, whose father, of the same name, was long a pillar of the Church and the Parish. During the whole of Mr. Smith's term, Mr. Northend lived in the Mansion House and boarded the Preceptor. In 1809 the lease was taken by his son John, who, after seven years' occupancy, was induced to go back into the country and take charge of a large shcep-farm. Then for two years a Mr. Hildreth, and for three years Mr. Enoch Tenney, ( father of Hon. John Scarle Tenney), were the farm-tenants. Mr. John Northend again took the place in 1821 and remained in occupancy until 1851, making in all a period of thirty-seven years. Under his efficient and skillful management the farm improved rapidly and greatly, enabling him, some years, to sell forty tons of English hay. During this period, the Farm-house was enlarged and improved, and many of the Academy
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APPENDIX.
THE ACADEMY LANDSCAPE.
scholars found good board there. Of his ten children, most of whom were born on the Academy Farm, three sons died in quick succession, when just on the verge of manhood. Among the survivors, are Mr. Charles Northend, mentioned elsewhere in this book, and Hon. William Dummer Northend of Salem, well known as a lawyer, railroad man, &c. Their father is still living in Byfield.
SURROUNDINGS OF THE ACADEMY.
The scenery can hardly be called striking or beautiful. Yet it is not without its charms. In the main, its geological features are of the stern, primitive type. The rocky ledges, cropping out here and there, were al- ways favorite resorts of the boys, and have probably been among the ob- jects best remembered in after years. In how many minds have the very names of Great Rock and of Dublin, been bound up with memories of those elastic days when it was a joy to climb their rugged sides. The eminence called Ox-pasture Hill, some two miles off, in Rowley, command- ing an extensive inland and sea view, was often visited by the Academy boys. The tidal river, Parker, and the smaller creek, called Mill River, furnish every needed facility for bathing and swimming, and have never been neglected by members of the school. Although the skating privileges of the neighborhood are not particularly abundant, I believe the boys nev- er fail to find ice, when that article is in season. An unfailing supply of berries in summer, -of nuts and apples in autumn-to be had for the picking, or, at least, for the asking-may fairly be reckoned among the rural attractions, which give zest to boy life. On the whole, there is, I believe, no lack of interest, or of variety, in the out-door recreations which are always within reach. The life and stir of a populous community are, indeed, wanting-but this loss is in part made up by the sense of liberty which comes from a freer and wider range. And who will deny that the aspects and influences of nature are generally safer and better for the young, than such companionship as towns and villages too often furnish ?
In the landscape visible from Dummer Academy, the marshes occupy a large space, and form a very interesting feature. They begin within a few rods of the Mansion House, and reach down almost to the sea shore,- the view widening as it extends. The scene presented by these alluvial grounds, though level as a floor, is far from being tame, or monotonous. The different grasses growing in streaks and in patches, each with its own shade of green, and changing ever as the season advances -the ebb- ing and rising waters, which come in daily like a fresh life from the ocean, filling to its brim every winding channel, and often converting the entire expanse into an inland lake-the groups of hay-makers scattered over the marsh, and, for a time, making its solitudes almost populous- and hundreds of hay-ricks ( an image of plenty and comfort ) which dot the whole surface in autumn and early winter -all contribute to the varie- ty and beauty of the spectacle. To one, at least, who has seen it for years, in all its changing aspects, the apostrophe of Lowell does not seem extravagant.
XXXV.
APPENDIX.
NAT PLUMER. ENOCH BOYNTON.
"Dear marshes! vain to him the gift of sight Who cannot in their various incomes share,
From every season drawn of shade and light, Who sees in them but levels brown and bare ; Each change of storm or sunshine scatters free
On them its largesse of variety,
For nature with cheap means still works her wonders rare." * *
"Grow dim, dear marshes, in the evening's gray !
Before my inner sight ye fade away, And will forever, though these fleshly eyes grow blind."
OLD PLUMMER.
No one who attended the school in my time, and the years which im- mediately preceded it, has forgotten "Old Plummer." He lived, when I first knew him, in a poor tenement near the 'Parker,' and latterly in a small shanty by the turnpike, where he fenced in and cultivated a piece of the roadside. I doubt if he had ever pursued industriously any regular calling. His means of living, even with his wife's assistance, must have been scanty and precarious, always. Rheumatic and lame, he could only hobble round, but the rheumatism never reached his tongue. His fluency was great -his invention, fertile and inexhaustible. No story could be told in his hearing, which he would not instantly over-match with another and a bigger one. To the boys, his ever new and always astounding narratives of prodigies witnessed and of feats performed, - given with an air of sincerity that would have become the most veracious his- torian, - were an unfailing source of amused wonder. Many a fiction of this Byfield Munchausen is, I venture to say, still remembered : - fictions that cast far into the shade the most monstrous lies of the great Baron himself.
Mrs. Plummer's genius was of a different kind. . She it was who brought us the delicious smelts that told us of opening Spring. From her we had the first berries of Summer, and the last wild fruits of Au- tumn. Unlike her husband, who was almost tied to his door-post, she seemed to be ubiquitous-a sort of perpetual motion, in that ancient plaid cloak which she wore at all seasons and in all weathers-and which was generally supposed to cover a multitude of sins. The alumnus of Dum- mer, revisiting his former haunts, will look in vain for the Pauperis tuguri culmen which sheltered old Plummer's head, and the garden-patch whose aliquot arista so poorly rewarded his wayside toil. Not a vestige remains.
ENOCH BOYNTON.
"Old Boynton," everybody called him, and old he certainly was - but how old, he would never say, and no one seemed to know. Looking at him, you might almost suppose he had been carried, in some earlier era of the world, through an anti-septic process of desiccation, which had made him proof against decay. Who does not remember that little tav- ern-or rather that poor apology for a tavern -which he kept on the
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APPENDIX.
BOYNTON.
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
Turnpike, just under the hill ? He probably had now and then a cus- tomer-but I doubt if many called there the second time. A singular person was this Enoch. To his two boys, born, one, when he was taking down a part of his house-the other, when engaged in putting on a piece- he gave the middle names Adding and Tearing. The latter, when nearly grown up, had a severe illness, and fell at length into that state of torpor which sometimes precedes dissolution. Given up by the Doctor, and by all, he lay unconscious, while the afflicted group around awaited in silence the closing scene. Suddenly the father, who had been sitting there in seeming unconcern, rushed up to the bed-gave his son a shake - and cried out, "Tearing! Don't give up the ship!" The result was that Tearing came out of his swoon, and from that moment began to mend. Boynton was a philosopher, always ready for discussion, and fond of talking on great themes. For persons of a mathematical turn he gen- erally had some arithmetical query, and to those who were more imagina- tive, he would read specimens of his own poetry. To clergymen from other parishes, and to strangers who happened to preach in Byfield, Boyn- ton was a puzzle. Joining the minister as he walked away from church, he would talk on doctrinal theology, and after assenting to the clergyman's opinions in what seemed a very hopeful way, would add, perhaps, at the close, that there were one or two points on which he differed from the gentleman - such, for instance, as not believing in the resurrection. He had been one of Moody's pupils, and seemed to have an unalterable affec- tion for the school. I think he regarded himself as a sort of resident graduate, with a vested interest in the Academy and a semi-official over- sight. He kept the run of all our public days, and never missed, I be- lieve, an examination or exhibition. For many years it was a rule of the Board, that each quarter should close with an examination, and a committee to attend it was annually chosen. Of course we always made ready for the expected scrutiny, and assembled in the school-room at the appointed hour. It happened more than once, I am sorry to say, that not a single Trustee appeared. But it never happened that Enoch Boyn- ton was not there. On such occasions, after waiting a proper time, the scholars were dismissed, not apparently very sorry for the failure. In this I was wrong. Shade of Boynton ! still, perhaps, sadly hovering around that silent school-room, hear my late confession! Had I then appreciated, as I now appreciate, thy unequaled fidelity in the cause of learning, I should have gone straight through the examination, and called on thee, at its close, to address the school.
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
At the regular, annual meeting of the Trustees of Dummer Academy, held July 8, 1862, it was resolved that the hundredth anniversary of the school, then near at hand, should be celebrated "by appropriate observances of prayer, praise, public discourse, and all due social festivities." It was also resolved that the Society of the Sons of Dummer, and all the alumni of the Academy should be invited to unite in the celebration -and that
APPENDIX.
XXXVII.
CENTENNIAL
CELEBRATION.
a similar invitation should be extended to the Parish of Byfield, and to the neighboring towns. Nehemiah Cleaveland of New York was chosen
'Orator of the Day.' The Rev. John Pike, Asahel Huntington Esq., and Edw. S. Moseley Esq. were appointed a Committee of Arrangements, to act in unison with a similar committee from the 'Society of the Sons of Dummer.'
On the 5th of May, 1863, at a meeting of the "Society of the Sons," duly called, and held in Newburyport, a resolution was passed in approval of the proposed celebration, and the Hon. Otis P. Lord of Salem, William G. Lewis and William C. Codman, Esquires, of Boston, were chosen to co-operate with the Committee of Arrangements, already appointed by the Trustees. Subsequently, - to supply the places of Judge Lord and Mr. Codman, who were unable to serve, -Dr. George B. Emerson and Mr. Charles G. Wood of Boston, were appointed. This Committee, with Dr. Emerson for chairman, went promptly and resolutely to work. A circu- lar, announcing that the celebration would take place at the Academy on the twelfth of August, and inviting attendance, was sent to every alumnus of the school, whose name and residence could be ascertained. Another circular, requesting pecuniary contributions toward the expenses of the oc- casion, was forwarded to those whose circumstances were known, or were supposed, to justify such an appeal. Still later a third missive was sent to many gentlemen, with a modest hint to come not unprepared, in case a draft should be made on their intellectual stores. The pecuniary call was so readily and so liberally met, as to put the Committee quite at their ease on that head. This part of the labor, involving a great amount of writing and correspondence, was performed by Mr. Huntington, as Secre- tary of the Joint Committee.
The office of Chief Marshal was judiciously and fortunately assigned to Major Ben. Perley Poore, who had been a pupil of the school, as his father, and grandfather, had been before him.
The twelfth of August, 1863, was a faultless summer day, and the grounds of the Academy were early thronged with visitors. The immense tent of the Essex Agricultural Society -kindly loaned for the occa- sion -covered a large part of the open space in front of the Mansion House grounds. Above and around it waved flags and streamers. With- in, every arrangement that judgment and taste could devise, had been made both for convenience and effect. A broad and elevated platform occupied the eastern end. The large space in front was filled with com- fortable settees. Conspicuous at the western end was the portrait of Gov- ernor Dummer, surrounded by architectural relics from that old Province House, which, almost a century and a half ago, he had so often entered in state, as the chief magistrate of the Colony. Above the picture were those well-known words from Wren's Epitaph in St. Paul's: Si monumentum quæris, circumspice.
Under the guidance of Marshal Poore, and to the sound of martial music, a procession of Trustees, Alumni and invited guests moved away from the Academy, and having made a short detour, entered the pavilion,
XXXVIII.
APPENDIX.
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
already well filled with ladies and gentlemen. Dr. George B. Emerson, in behalf of the Committee of Arrangements, bade the audience welcome, "in a speech of considerable length, but full of deep, earnest feeling and sound sense." In conclusion, he announced the Hon. Judge Lord of Sa- lem, as President of the Day. The blessing of heaven was then briefly and pertinently invoked by Rev. Dr. Chickering of Portland. Mr. Pike, President of the Trustees, read the following ode, written for the occasion, by Henry T. Tuckerman Esq., a pupil of Dummer in 1826, and, for many years past, an author of high reputation. This ode was well sung to the air of Missionary Hymn, by a quartette choir from Newburyport, under the direction of Mr. George Stevens.
From youth's dear haunts resounding, What hallowed voices call; Her shrine once more surrounding With love that welcomes all! By life's stern tasks undaunted, With memory's light imbued, Here where truth's seeds were planted, Her blossoms are renewed.
Ere savage foes were banished, Began Art's peaceful rule; Ere ancient woods had vanished, Here rose the church and school; And to their bounteous mother The children now repair, Each fond and faithful brother, With festal song and prayer.
Though battle-clouds may lower Around our harvest day, And treason's subtle power The patriot's hope delay ; Though error's blighting traces, And sorrow's pensive shade, May calm exultant faces, And pleasure's dream upbraid ;
Divine the hand whose guiding Has brought us safely back; Benign the strife whose chiding Has taught us duty's track; And blest the faith and learning New England, true and brave, As altar-lamps keeps burning, Our Freedom's ark to save!
An appropriate prayer was then offered by Rev. John P. Cleaveland, D. D., of Lowell, a native of Byfield, and an alumnus. Then was sung the following hymn, written by Rev. Robert Possac Rogers of Gloucester, a pupil of 1840, and read by Rev. George D. Wildes of Salem, an alum- nus of 1831.
We turn from these tumultuous years Back to those tranquil days, When life had fewer cares and fears To cloud its open ways.
Gladly we think of that old time Spent here when we were boys, In dreams of how we were to climb The hill to manhood's joys.
O happy dreams! If not in vain, Then heartfelt thanks be given ;
Or unfulfilled - then here again We'll look for help from Heaven.
Blessings in keeping with the place, Ancient and honored Seat! Descend and brighten every face, And cheer our waiting feet!
We wait to be inspired once more With love of all things true: Father! what we have lost restore, And what we hold, renew.
Of the Address which followed, and occupied two mortal hours, noth- ing needs be said here. That over, the following ode, written by the 'Orator,' and read by his brother, Rev. Dr. E. L. Cleaveland of New Haven, Conn., was sung by the quartette.
-
APPENDIX.
XXXIX.
CENTENNIAL
CELEBRATION.
Yes, here's the place we loved so well, Still green on memory's page; The same clear rocks, trees, river, dell, Not changed as we by age.
Here once we studied, here we played, Here wandered wild and free, Till every copse, glen, rill and glade, Knew well our shout of glee.
How often on this very ground We waged the athletic strife, Sprang with the springing ball's rebound, And ran as if for life.
Here are the pines in whose dark pool We first essayed the wave,
While there the stream, broad, deep and cool,
A bolder pleasure gave.
Ah! careless, joyous, vernal days, Sweet spring-time of our years, Rose-tinted scenes - bright morning rays, Undimmed by toil and tears;
Where are the hopes ye raised so high? Where is your splendor gone? Say, was it only Fancy's eye Which saw that pearly dawn?
Forgive the thought. 'Twas heaven's own ray Which tinged those purpling skies, And all along the weary way, That beam has cheered our eyes.
Yes, the fair vision lingers still, Nor shall it all depart,
'Till memory's voice shall cease to thrill, 'Till cold each throbbing heart.
After music from the Band, the entire audience joined with the choir in singing to the tune of St. Martin's, that ancient psalm, so redolent of religious and academic memories,
Let children hear the mighty deeds, &c.
As the words were deaconed off by Rev. Daniel P. Noyes, a thousand voices bore them upward to the skies.
During the half-hour's intermission which then ensued, a large number of alumni, in compliance with a request from the Committee of Arrange- ments, went into the Academy, and entered their names in a book which had been prepared for the purpose. Against each name on this record, are given the writer's present and former place of residence, and the name of his instructor, when he was a member of the Academy.
When the company re-entered the tent, dinner was ready. This re- past, furnished by the great caterer Smith, is described as 'sumptuous' in more than one newspaper account of the celebration. As there was no regular reporter present to catch and preserve the many good things which were said on this occasion, I find it impossible to give any satisfactory account either of Dr. Emerson's introductory remarks, or of the after-dinner speeches. The meagre and imperfect reports which appeared at the time, really do no justice to the men, or to their utterances. The following account will be little more than a simple enumeration.
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