USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1860-1887 > Part 23
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Amount carried forward, $205 50
4
14
Amount brought forward, $205 50
Master of House of Correction for support of Stephen Frye, 12 22
city of Haverhill for aid furnished George H. Baird, 10 30
" Thomas A. Bancroft for arresting and se- curing tramps, 10 75
.. for aid furnished William Alexander, 12 22
Charles F. Harris for arresting tramps, 2 50
$253 49
RECEIPTS AT ALMS HOUSE.
Received for cows,
$100 00
66 calves, 10 83
milk and butter.
33 42
eggs, 2 40
cranberries,
3 00
plough, 8 00
wood and lumber, 9 60
board. 6 00
-
$173 25
SUMMARY EXPENSES.
Total expense at almshouse,
$1122 97
receipts 66
173 25
Net expense at almshouse, $949 72
Expense outside, 253 49
Net expense of poor inside and outside almshouse, $1203 21
EDWARD A. CARTER, ) Overseers OTIS C. BUCK, of the THOMAS F. GOWING, S Poor.
15
Report of the Fish Committee
The Committee on Fisheries respectfully submit the following report :
Your committee, immediately after their appointment, took steps to obtain a lease of Silver Lake, for the production of black bass. Owing to delays occasioned by the existence of a former lease, this was not secured until the 10th of September last. It binds the town to put into Silver Lake not less than one hundred fish of an average weight of a pound and a half, within a year ; but the Chairman of the Fish Commission has since informed us that thirty good black bass would be considered satisfactory, and a fulfillment of the town's obligation.
Last September we learned of no way in which the fish could be procured, of the required sort, for less than a dollar each, and for this the appropriation was insufficient. The season closed in October and nothing was done.
This Spring we have received from Robert R. Holmes, of East Wareham, an offer to deliver in Boston thirty black bass, of from 1 1-2 to 3 1-2 pounds weight, for $38, which seems to us a reasonable price ; and we propose, if the town will enable us to accept it, to have the fish put into the pond at the earliest possible date.
The practicability of restoring to Ipswich River and its branches the abundant supply of alewives which our older inhabitants remen- ber, has also engaged our attention. We conceive this, indeed, to be the most important object that falls within the scope of this commit- tee. By a study of the maps, by correspondence with town authori- ties, and by personal visitation, we have satisfied ourselves that there now remains but one dam unsupplied with a fish-way, between Wilmington and the sea. This is at the paper mill in Middleton This fact has been reported to the State Commissioners, who encourage us to go on, and to put into our brooks this Spring all the alewives that we can get. We hope to obtain them in large numbers, and then, in four years, to see large results.
'The expenses of the committee have been $5, the cost of the lease. We ask an appropriation, this year, of $50, in addition to the unex- pended balance of $20, to meet the cost of procuring black bass tor the pond, and alewives and other fish for the brooks.
Your committee also recommended the creation of a permanent Board of Fish Wardens, to look after all the fishing interests of the town ; that this board consist of three persons, first chosen, respect- ively, for one, and two, and three years ; and that hereafter such yearly elections be made as shall keep the number full.
JOHN F. WILD, H. ALLEN SHELDON, Comuntree. DANIEL P. NOYES,
Wilmington, Feb 13, 1880.
16
Public Library.
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT.
Public Documents from Washington, D. C.,
6 vols
From Mrs. S. E. Spaulding,
I
Mrs. Frank Boynton, I
66
Mr. John T. Wild, I
Total number of donations, 9 vols.
Number of books taken out during the year,
1538
persons taking out books, 284
Cash received for 5 catalogues,
$1 25
fines,
2 28
$3 53
Cash paid for express on books,
35
paper to cover books,
40
Balance, 2 78
$3 53
ARTHUR O. BUCK, Librarian.
17
A Condensed Abstract from the Town's Books for the Fiscal year ending Feb. 1, 1880 ; C. L. CARTER, Treasurer. CASH. PER CONTRA. CR.
DR.
To balance on hand on former settlement,
$1.829 99 By cash paid Town orders,
$4,078 89
Cash received of C. F. Harris,
2 50
Bounty to two soldier $125 each,
250 00
..
County treasurer, dog licenses,
109 37
Sundry bills for high school,
556 96
..
S. B. Nichols, acct. tax, 1878, col.,
450 00
..
North,
281 65
1873,
410 00
274 14
.6
Darius Buck, tax, 1877, col.,
254 CO
East,
281 55
IS78. "
1, 142 00
.6
West,
254 20
1879, ..
5.580 70
Center,
2 57 59
Love'oy, ped'er,
3 00
for books,
57 17
State treasurer corporation tax,
13 07
interest on town notes,
519 33
.6
..
National bank tax,
97 06
Town. notes,
1750 00
State aid.
92 00
State tax,
150 00
15 DO
: County tax,
216 71
216 93
50 00
Warren Eames, on book acct.
52 93
on sales purchased for acct. town at tax sales.
1 56
E. M. Nichols, use of town house,
11 00
.6
D. Buck expenses for selling land for taxes,
66 14
=
lots in cemetery,
9 00
Balance carried forward,
1,242 66
$10,288 55
$10,288 55
To balance brought forward,
1,242 66!
The undersigned a committee chosen on the part of the town to examire and settle with the Treasurer, hereby certify that the foregoing account is correctly cast and properly vouched for, and they find remaining in the treasury twelve hundred and forty-two dollars and 66 cents.
WILMINGTON, FEB. 7, 1830,
THOMAS P. EAMES, L. C. EAMES, HENRY SHELDON.
Committee.
66
South,
5
6.
relief of soldiers.
school fund income,
school committee,
18
Liabilities of the Town.
Note to Benjamin Buck, May 1, 1876,
$2000 00
H. L. Carter, ..
1500 00
L. C. Eames,
750 00
Otis C. Buck, ..
500 00
A. M. Eames, trustee,“
119 47
Darius Buck, Oct. 1, 1876,
1100 00
--- $5969 47
Interest accrued on above,
$241 10
Due High School,
$128 29
North
89 96
South
62 49
East
38 63
West
82 34
Centre
71 98
$473 69
Outstanding Town Orders,
83 43
Burnap Library Fund,
200 00
$6967 69
ASSETS.
Cash in Treasury,
$1242 66
Due from estate of S. B. Nichols,
117 45
on tax lists of 1876-77-78,
583 20
1879,
1595 75
on State aid,
144 00
State aid to indigent soldiers,
112 44
Aid to indigent soldiers,
30 00
-$3825 50
Net Indebtedness of the Town,
$3142 19
Statistics from Town Clerk's Records BIRTHS REGISTERED IN WILMINGTON IN 1879.
No.
NAME OF CHILD.
NAMES OF PARENTS.
DATE OF BIRTH.
1
May Lillian Boynton,
Daniel W. and Laura J. Boynton,
January 26, 1879.
2
Georgianna Doucett,
Joseph and Annie Doucett, Warren J. and Esther E. Killom,
February 17, 1879.
3
Emma Elizabeth Killom,
March 9, 1879.
4
Henry Columbe,
Alexander and Delia Columbe, Henry A. and Inez J. Taylor,
March 27, 1879.
5
Fred Alonzo Taylor,
Frederick A. and Abbie A. Cady, Martin F. and Ella I .. Holt,
June 27, 1879.
8
George Melvin Taylor,
Charles A. and Susan M. Tavlor, Samuel F. and Mary E. Cole,
July 27, 1879.
9 10
Fred Sears Frost,
William A. and Phebe E. Frost,
July 30, 1879.
=
Thomas L. Doucett,
12
Frank L Carter.
Jerry and Dorrett Doucett, Henry L. and Charlotte A. Carter, James and Mary Kernon, Willie E. and Hattie A. Taylor,
August 29. 1879.
-
Addie Kernon.
September 3, 1879.
13 14 15
-
Willie Percy Taylor,
October 6, 1879.
Wallace Richardson,
October 7, 1879.
Ernest Royden Carter,
December 2, 1879.
1
December 5, 1879.
Nellie Maud Woodman;
December 26, 1879.
19
20
Winthrop Brewster Eames, Benjamin Buck Blaisdell,
December 30, 1879.
6 7
Carl Augustus Cady,
May 17, 1879.
Marrion Holt,
July 14, 1879.
Cora Pratt Cole,
August 25, 1879.
September 22, 1879
16 17 18
Arthur Raymond Carter.
Edward C. and Annette J. Richardson, William W. and Henrietta V. Carter, William W. and Sarah L. Carter, Charles II. and Lizzie B, Woodman, Warren and Elizabeth A. Eames, Walter J. and Hattie L. Blaisdell,
February 4, 1879.
19
Deaths Registered in Wilmington, 1879,
No.
Date of death
Name of deceased. -
Age. Y. M. D. Condition.
Place of birth.
Names of parents.
Disease, or cause of death.
I
Feb. 5
Mary Calahan,
66
Married.
2
13
Jacob Jaquith,
SI 9
Married.
Ireland. Wilmington. Wilmington. Ireland.
Owen & Arabella Carline Pneumonia Jacob & Rachel Jaquith |Consumption Daniel & Abigail Gowing Pneumonia
3
15
Phebe G. Swain,
82 11
Married.
4
Mch. I
Timothy Ford,
25.
Married.
James & Mary Ford
Mortification
5
..
27
Betsey Carter,
85
Widow. Child.
Jacob & Elizabeth Newell Paralysis Chas. (). & A. E. Pearson Diphtheria
8
Apr
Benjamin F. Philbrick,
36
Single.
9
12
Louisa Butters,
71 11 3
Single.
10
.6
21
Annie Doyle,
10 11
Child-
11
May 14
Samuel B. Nichols,
67
5 12
Married.
12
25
Charles A Nichols .*
39
Married.
13
June I
John Baird,
77
16
Married.
14
July
16
Joanah Ilartey,
79
Widow. Married
Dysentery Cephas & Deborah Clark Dropsy
1 5
Sept.
5
Amasa E. Clark,
68
Newchester, N. H. Lewis & Mary Norris
Old Age
17
Oct. I
George E. Martin,
16
I
Nov. 28
Ann Kellett,
22
Married.
19
Dec.
7
Albert W. Clough,
26
I
Single.
Boston, Mass. Wilmington.
Timothy & Sarah Martin Consumption Thos. & Margaret Brady Consumption Jos. E. & Rachel Clough Consumption Walter J.& H. L. Blaisdell Convulsions
20
..
31
Benjamin B. Blaisdell.
- Child.
. Died in Village Co. Hospital, in the city of Milwaukee.
Place of interment, Potters Field.
7
.6
27
Jonathan Buck,
83 3
Widower.
Wilmington. Jaffrey, N. H. Wilmington.
Nathan & Betsey Buck
Ty'd Pneumonia
Minnie C. Pearson,
2
4
Dropsy Wolfboro, N. H. Franklin & Mary Philbrick Consumption Wilmington. Loami & Sarah Butters James & Catherine Doyle Pneumonia Wilmington. Charles & Sally Nichols Consumption Chas. A. & S. D. Nichols Consumption Lowell, Mass. Ireland. Wilmington. Ireland. George & Margaret Baird Disease of Kidneys Unknown.
Rutland, Vt.
16
7
Mary Carter,
SI
9 21
Widow. Child.
Wilmington. Ireland.
10
6
20
Marriages Registered in Wilmington in 1879.
No.
Date of Mar'ge
Names Groom and Bride.
Age.
Residence
Occupation of Groom.
Place of Birth.
Names of Parents.
I 1877 Jan. 16
J. Warren Kellom,
24
Wilmington,
Railroad Sec Man, Musician,
Wilmington,
I. Lizzie Buck,
25
2 Mar.26
Fred Gowing,
23
Lizzie F. Richardson,
23
Billerica, Mass., Wilmington,
Farmer,
East Boston, Wilmington.
3 July 17
Herbert C. Pearson,
21
Fannie L. Nichols,
19
Andover, Mass., Wilmington,
Laborer,
Andover, Mass, Ireland,
4 Sep. 16
John Cashman, Mary Murrey, 24 29
Pittsfield, Mc,
5 Sep. 30
Wm. H. Carter, 2nd,
35
=
Trader,
Burlington, Mass,
Lizzie J. Harnden,
21
6 Oct. 30
Wesley Nason, Sarah A. Nichols,
44
7 Dec. 16
Charles N. Vilas,
27
New York City, Wilmington,
Fifth Ave Hotel Clrk
Camden, Me,
Eliz beth L. Harrington,
24
=
Oliver J and Betsey Kellom, Otis C and Esther Buck. Chas M and Maria Gowing, Warren andE Richardson,
Abiel P & Sarah A Pearson, Isaac II & Mary A Nichols, Patrick & Margaret Cashman, John and Kate I, Murrey, William and Susan A Carter, Everell and Julia Harnden,
Tewksbury, Mass, Kennebunk Port, Me, Joseph and Jane Nason
Farmer,
Londonderry. N. H., Alstead, N ÍI,
John and Hannah March, Cyrus K & Clara E Vilas, John C and S A Harrington,
21
Report of School Committee, OF WILMINGTON FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR ENDING FEB. 1880.
In reviewing the incidents and progress which have characterized our public schools for the past year, it is with peculiar satisfaction that we observe so little occasion for complaint, and that in no case has there anything occurred in the government of the schools to dis- turb the usual tranquility of the public mind. It is this fact that gives prominence to the judicious management of each of the schools, and which permits the teacher to pursue undisturbed the course of instruction and government which is imperatively essential to pro- mote the best good of all concerned, and the greatest benefit of the individual scholar. It is this harmony and approval of the teacher, in the ertire administration of the affairs of the school by parents, which greatly contributes to the comfort and efficiency of the teacher- and equally promotes the personal interest and general contentment of the scholar in the studies and school exercises in which they en- gige, and thus insures true progress in the right direction.
TABLE OF STATISTICS TO WHICH WE INVITE ATTENTION.
Name of School
Name of Teacher.
Whole No. of
Average
attendance
Term.
Length
School.
Salary per month.
East
Miss Lottie E. Converse,
19
14 3-4
First
3 months
$32
66
16
14 1-2
Second
3
66
6.
12
10 3-4
Third
West
Carrie F. Buck,
16
13 5-6
First
3
66
66
12
9 1-2
Third
2
66
Centre
Cornelia Bancroft,
32
28 2-3
First
3
66
26
21 2-3
Second
3
66
66
22
18 1-2
Third
12
32
North
Lizzie J. Harnden,
39
32 3-4
First
3
66
28
Carrie F. Buck,
38
31 1-4
Second
3
66
29
22
Third
2
66
66
South
Brazillia Taylor,
32
24
First
3
32
40
27
Second
3
66
31
25
Third
2
66
High
Mr. Frank Carter,
22
18 1-2
First
34-[
48
21
20 1-3
Second
3
21
Third
2 3-4 "
1
1 3-4 "
16
28
H. Ida Perry,
16
12
Second
3
٠،
Scholars
of
23
From the foregoing table we find that the whole number of scholars in all the schools to be 168, twelve more than last year. while- the number of children of school age in the town, as reported by the Assessors on the first of May, to be 175, which shows a slight gain over the attendance of last year, and also a small improvement in the average attendance. Notwithstanding an alarming epidemic made its appearance in several families whose children had been exposed to the malady, they with a wise precaution decided to have their children remain at home for several days rather than expose the entire school.
TEACHERS.
In the appointment of teachers the committee found that some changes were unavoidable, and after much deliberation decided to introduce three new teachers, two of whom being natives and resi- dents of Wilmington, but without previous experience in teaching, yet well acquainted with our educational condition and needs. They both had completed the full course of study in our high school, and Miss Buck also pursued the full course at the Salen Normal School with much credit to her scholarship. In taking her first school she was permitted to succeed Miss Hainden, in the west, who had from continuous labor gained the confidence and esteem of all as being a pleasant and successful teacher. At the commencement of the year she was transferred to the north school, and labored with the like happy results, when at the end of the first term, Miss Harnden re- signed her school with an honorable and well-merited record as being a devoted and energetic teacher. In respect to the new teachers, Miss Buck and Miss Perry, we are confident that they found their respective schools in good order and condition from previous tra' - ing, which makes the opening of a school for a new teacher much more favorable for success, and the relations between teacher and scholars more agreeable and pleasant. In reference to the foregoing appointment, the committee in reviewing the history of several of the natives of our towns who have been distinguished as eminently suc- cessful teachers, discovered a precedent for their guidance, knowing full well that there must be a beginning. As the result we see no cause of regret for the appointments, but on the other hand, much to encourage in the future from the success already attained. Miss Taylor, of Woburn, brought to her charge in the south school much experience in teaching, united with energy and perseverance, which soon made her influence apparent to all, and effected a marked
24
change throughout her school, which was much needed, and therefore appreciated by all the true friends of education and progress. The other three teachers were continued from their well-earned reputation as teachers who had received the approval of the community by the success attained through the previous year in their respective schools. And now we consider, as a whole, that the progress made in each of the schools, in the various studies, has been decidedly good, and the influence salutary and encouraging for future attainments.
And here we would most respectfully suggest to parents and others, that the tendency, in many cases, is for the scholar to retire from the school much too soon for his personal advantage and proper ap preciation of the benefits of an education, such as the times most significantly require, and such as our schools are competent to con- fer, without additional expense to the public-save only the mere at- tendance upon the school, where the appliances are gratuitously fur- nished, for the public good. Therefore it is not wise economy for any one to say to himself and to the public, at the age of fourteen or fifteen years, " I have finished my education." On the other hand let such an one connect himself with the school best suited to his condi- tion, for even two additional years, with an honest application to close study and a faithful observance of school regulations, and who can fail to see and realize, that such a course would have a direct influ- ence in moulding the future character of such an one, in all his re- lations and usefulness as an individual and citizen through life.
THE HIGH SCHOOL.
This school, under the instruction and guidance of Mr. Carter, has experienced a good degree of prosperity during the year, such as hard work and close application are likely to ensure, whenever the mental abilities are exercised and put to the test, as to what can be done, and what is done. The principal and great point aimed at, is thoroughness in all the primary and fundamental studies pursued. It is for this that we respect and honor the teacher-for it is all for the present benefit of the scholar, and it will increasingly appear so, as times goes on, notwithstanding, the present difference in the receptive faculties of the pupils. 'Therefore we would say to scholars, to the teacher and friends be not discouraged-but patient- ly persevere, and success is yours. We have invariably been pleased whenever we have visited this school, and observed the general cheer- fulness and interested manner the school presented. But more es-
25
pecially we would refer to the closing exercises of the summer term, as a good day for Wilmington, when a large number of relatives and interested friends assembled at the school room to witness the ex- amination and interesting exercises of the graduating class, who had completed the prescribed three years' course of study. The entire exercises received marked attention and confered honor on the class and teacher. Their names are as follows : Lottie S. Buck, Georgie A. Wyman, Frank H. Eames, Arthur B. Eames, Herbert N. Buck, Edward A. Hamlin.
In concluding this report, we desire to call the attention of the town to the fact that several schoolhouses belonging to the town are in need of some repairs, such as grading around the underpining, at the South, a coat of paint with other small repairs, for which we would recommend a special appropriation of money by the town at its next annual meeting.
Respectfully submitted, LEMUEL C. EAMES, JAMES A. SHEPARD School Committee. OTHNIEL EAMES,
Wilmington, Feb. 14, 1880. 7
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
MIDDLESEX, SS.
To Thomas A. Bancroft ,Constable of the Town of Wilmington.
GREETING:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby directed to notify and warn the male inhabitants of the Town of Wilmington, qualified by law to vote in town affairs, to meet and assemble at the Town House, on Monday, the first day of March next. at ten of the clock in the forenoon, the polls to be opened at eleven o'clock A. M., to act on the follow- ing article, viz .:
ART. 1. To choose a Moderator to preside at said meeting.
ART. 2. To choose all necessary Town Officers for the year ensuing.
ART. 3 To hear the report of Committees and act thereon.
ART. 4. To see how much money the Town will raise to defray annual expenses and pay Town Debts.
ART. 5. To see how much money the Town will raise and appropriate for the support of common schools for the year ensuing.
ART. G. To see how much money the Town will raise and appropriate for the support of the sdlect school for the year ensuing.
ART. 7. To see how much money the Town will raise and appropriate for the support of the Foor for the year ensuing.
ART. 8. To see how much money the Town will raise and appropriate for the repairs of Highways and determine how the same shall be expended.
ART. 9. To see how much money the Town will raise and appropriate for the maintenance of the Public Library for the year ensuing.
ART 10. To see what method the Town will adopt for the collection of Taxes.
ART. 11. To see if the town will authorize their Treasurer to borrow money in anticipation of taxes un- der the direction of the Selectmen.
ART. 12. To see if the Town will vote to pay to Thomas A. Bancroft a bounty, the amount be was en- titled to under the vote of the Town passed May 6, 1861. by reason of becoming a volunteer in the United States service. less the amount he has received as State Aid or do anything in reference to the same.
ART. 13. To see what sum of money. if any, the Town will raise and appropriate for the purpose of cele- brating its one hundreth and fiftieth anniversary.
ART. 14. To see what action the Town will take in regard to repairing and widening the Road leading from the Hay Scales to the Henry Harnden farm.
ART. 15. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of fifty dollars for the purpose of stocking its Ponds and Brooks with Fish.
ARI. 16 To see if the Town will erect Lamp Posts and provide from 15 to 20 Gasoline street Lamps for different sections of the Town. to be distributed judi- ciously under the direction of the Selectmen and appro- priate money to pay for and maintain the same.
ART. 17. To see if the Town will vote to straighten the old County Road from westerly end of land of Stephen Buck to land of Henry Paul. and appropriate money for that purpose, or to appoint a Committee with power to act.
ART. 18. To see if the Town will order the Road
28
Surveyors to plough out the side walks after snow storms and appropriate money for the same.
ART 19. To see if the Town will adopt any measure for furnishing Fuel for the Town House and the several Schools for the year ensuing.
ART. 20. To see if the Town will instruct the Col- lector of Taxes to procede at once, under Chapter 266 of the laws of 1878, to take action for releasing the Town from all liability contained in any deed given for lands sold for non-payment of Taxes, which for reason of error, omission or informality, he believes to be in- valid or what they will do about it.
HEREOF fail not and make due return of this warrant, with your doings thereon, to the Town Clerk at the time and place of meeting as aforesaid.
Given under our hands this sixteenth day of Febru- ary, A. D. eighteen hundred and eighty.
EDWARD A. CARTER, SELECTMEN OTIS C. BUCK, OF
THOMAS F. GOWING, WILMINGTON.
1730-1880.
WILMINGTON.
HISTORICAL ADDRESSES:
DELIVERED IN THE MEETING-HOUSE OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST IN WILMINGTON, MASS., SEPT. 25. 1SSO, UPON THE ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INCORPORATION OF THE TOWN,
. BY
REV. DANIEL P. NOYES, PASTOR.
PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE TOWN.
BOSTON: PRESS OF COCHRANE & SAMPSON, No. 30 BROMFIELD STREET. 1881.
ADDRESS.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN : -
The Town of Wilmington extends to you all - natives, resi- dents, and visitors - a hearty welcome on this day, the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of its organization. The Com- mittee who have in charge these commemorative services have called upon me to say something which may have a tendency to freshen the memories of former times and help the younger generation to an acquaintance with their fathers.
I am not expected to cover, in the present review, the whole of the town's one hundred and fifty years ; and I have found it necessary to stop with the close of the Revolutionary War - the end of the town's first fifty-three years. But we are favored to-day with the presence of invited guests whom the rest of us wish to hear; so that I leave to some other occasion the completion of even this restricted plan, and confine myself for the present to some
REMINISCENCES OF THE BEGINNINGS OF THE TOWN.
In all studies into the history of the Colony of Massachusetts Bay, or of the State that has grown from it, one fact ought ever to be kept in mind : that this colony originated in a purpose to found a State, a completely organized community ; in which true religion could hold its ground against the three enemies, pre- lacy, fanaticism, and impiety. * English Puritans had begun to fear that the fate of Bohemia and the Palatinate might be await- ing their own country, - the Papacy coming back into power, with the cruelties which were then her characteristic, and per- haps, with wide devastation and slaughter. They resolved that, in the worst event, there should be a place of refuge, a new
* See Diary of John Winthrop.
4
England, which Jesuit and prelate could not reach, and where Christ's perseented church could be seenre.
Accordingly, it was at the instance of Puritan leaders, and especially under the connsels of the Rev. Mr. White, of Dor- chester, that enterprises of trade and exploration were kept up along these shores ; and about the year 1624, merchants of the south-west of England were carrying on fishing at Cape Am. They had a station, as is well known, on the west side of Gloucester harbor ; and in that year some fifty vessels were there employed. The business, however, did not thrive, and seemed on the point of failure, when a few of the best among the settlers were encouraged by these Puritan leaders in Eng- land to remove to " Nahinkeike," with the promise of rein- forcements. So, in June, 1628, a small company arrived under John Endicott, who bore a commission entitling him to take charge of the whole settlement. At first, the people already on the ground, having Conant at their head, were inclined to ques- tion the claims of the new Governor, but the dispute was ami- cably settled ; and, in a spirit of thankfulness for this happy result, Nahumkeike was baptized with the Christian name of Salem (Peace). But even with these fresh arrivals, the settle- ment numbered scarcely more, we are told, than fifty or sixty souls. It was reinforced, however, in the summer of 1629 by an emigration of four hundred and six souls, of which the ministers Skelton and Higginson were members; and before winter an exploring party had begun preparations for another settlement at Mishawum, or Charlestown.
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