Insert: Death of author, Alonzo Lewis.
p.564-565
In his picturesque little cot by the sea, Alonzo Lewis, author of the History of Lynn,
Mass., he breathed his last on Monday, January 21, 1861 - the little house, reared partly
by his own hands, which had been his home for many years - where he loved to study and to
muse; to watch the serene light that proclaimed the peace of nature, or the weird mist
that heralded the roaring storms; where the spent waves, whispering beneath his window,
calmed his spirit for nightly repose, and the solemn pulsations of the mighty deep swelled
in majestic harmony with the lone throbs of his poetic soul; where the wail of his ocean
dirge may still be heard - and where he penned these entreating though unheeded lines:
O, bury me not in the dark old woods,
Where the sunbeams never shine;
Where mingles the mist of the mountain floods
With the dew of the dismal pine !
But bury me deep by the bright blue sea,
I have loved in life so well;
Where the winds may come to my spirit free,
And the sound of the ocean shell.
O, bury me not in the churchyard old,
In the slime of the doleful tomb !
Where my bones may be thrust, ere their life is cold,
To the damp of a drearier gloom!
But bury me deep by the bright blue sea,
Where the friends whom I loved have been;
Where the sun may shine on the grass turf free,
And the rains keep it ever green !
But
Mr. Lewis was buried from the Cental Congregational Meeting-house on Silsbe Street, on
Wednesday, January 23d, 1861. The day was cloudy, damp and chill, and there was a singu-
larly small attendance.
p.566
The house was cold, the services were brief and attended by no special solemnity. Some
passages of Scripture were read, the choir sang a few appropriate strains and an
extemporaneous prayer was offered. But no eulogy or discourse of any kind was uttered.
The remains were exposed to view, for a short time, on the porch, and thence conveyed
to their last resting place in the Old Burying Ground near the west end of the Common,
where his father and mother were buried.
And so passed from earth, Alonzo Lewis the historian and bard of Lynn. A man who labored
much for the good of others, and especially rejoiced in the prosperity of his native town
who in life was often called to drink the bitter cup, but who, God grant, may have an
overflowing cup of joy in the world to which he has gone.
End.
Transcribed by Janice Farnsworth
HISTORY OF LYNN, Massachusetts
by Alonzo Lewis and James R. Newhall.
Boston: John L. Shorey, Publisher, 13 Washington Street, 1865
Edited by Janice Farnsworth
CHAPTER I.
General Remarks, page 9
Early Voyages and Discoveries, 25
Nahants, Grant of, to Capt. Gorges, 30
The Indians, 32
Indian Deed of Lynn, 49
Topography and Phenomena, 56
Shoes and Shoemaking, 86
Ancient Ferry; Roads; Iron Works, 93
Peculiar Customs and Doings in Religious Matters, 100.
GENERAL REMARKS.
WHEN the collection of the facts composing this work was commenced, very little was known of the early history of Lynn. It had not even been ascertained in what year the town was settled. The records for the first sixty-two years were wholly wanting and the names of the early settlers were unknown. It has been said that the Town Records were burnt, about the year 1690; but that they were in existence long after that period is evident from an order respecting them, on the seventh of March, 1715, when the inhabitants voted that - "Whereas, some of the old Town Records are much shattered, therefore, so much shall be transcribed out of one or more of them, into another book as the selectmen shall think best, and the selectmen having perused two of the old Town Books, and find that the second book is most shattered, and that the oldest book may be kept fare to read several years, think it best and order, that so much shall be transcribed." A few pages were thus copied, and the books were afterward destroyed or lost..
In 1686, Oliver Purchis was elected Town Clerk. And probably he kept the records in 'a careless manner, as subsequently this passage appears: "At a Town Meeting held in Lyn, May 16th, 1704, the town being informed that there was
(9)
10 HISTORY OF LYNN.
considerable concerns of the town lay in loose papers that was acted when Capt. Purchis was Town Clark,(clerk) therefore Voated that the present selectmen, with Capt. Theo. Burrill, should be a committee to sort all them papers and such of them as they thought fit the Towne Clark to record in ye Towne Booke.1
The papers were accordingly sorted and some recorded. But though among the rejected ones there were doubtless many containing matters that would be highly interesting to the people of this day, yet it is hardly probable that anything of real value escaped.
The sly censure on Mr. Purchis involved in the vote, should, however, be a warning to all delinquent clerks. And had some who preceded him been a little more sharply looked after it is not likely that we should be so destitute of what we now mourn for as lost. Of late years our records have been kept in a very perfect manner, and it is earnestly to be hoped that the example they furnish may at no time in the future be disregarded.
It is well to bear in mind, however, that divers matters which are now considered entirely within the jurisdiction of the towns themselves, were anciently taken cognizance of by the General and Quarterly Courts. Town records were hence deemed of comparatively small importance, and often kept with little care; far too little, when it is considered what mischief might arise, for instance, from uncertainty respecting land allot- ments. But the living witnesses were then at hand, and the necessities of the great future could not be anticipated. Yet it is not believed that Lynn has greatly suffered from the loss of her early records. Richard Sadler was our first Clerk of the Writs, 'acting also, it is presumed, in the capacity of Town Clerk. And he was probably a man of education, and, he after- ward became a minister in England. No vestige of his jottings are now known to exist. But should every scrap of his old book if, indeed, his records ever assumed a shape worthy of so dignified a name, come to light, it is hardly probable that it would compensate for a perusal excepting in the way of curiosity; for it appears almost certain that a knowledge of all the doings of real importance has come down to us through other channels.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Where Mr. Lewis, a few lines hence, speaks of having discovered a copy of three pages of the town records of 1638, he no doubt refers to those containing the land allotments. He found the copy among the records at Salem. Now this fact shows that the old authorities realized the importance of perpetuating evidence concerning the division, and hence had the pages recorded where the record would be most secure; if, indeed, the law did not then require that all transactions concerning real estate should appear in the county archives. And does not this support the actions just taken concerning the value of the lost records? The great utility of a proper record of births, marriages and deaths, was in former times seldom kept in view.
Our town books all along bear melancholy evidence of this. And even now, it is hard to make some people realize how important a record concerning even the most humble individual may become somewhere in the future. Very few come into the world, concerning whom it is not of consequence to preserve some exact knowledge, however lowly may be the estimation in which their own modesty induces them to hold themselves.
In my researches I found several volumes of old records of births, marriages and deaths, commencing in 1675, in a very ruinous condition, and caused them to be bound and furnished with an index. The earliest record of the proceedings of the town, now in existence, commences in the year 1691; and the earliest parish record, in 1721
I have examined every attainable source of information, to supply the deficiencies of the lost records. I have discovered numerous ancient manuscripts; and among them a copy of three pages of the old Town Records for 1638, and several in subse- quent years, which providentially happened to be the pages most wanted. I have also found a journal, kept daily for forty- four years by Mr. Zaccheus Collins; and another, for twenty years, by Mr. Richard Pratt; in which they appear to have noticed everything remarkable during those long periods, and from which I have extracted many interesting particulars. I have transcribed from the records of state and county, as well as from those of town and parish; and from numerous files of unpublished papers. Indeed I have spared neither labor nor expense to make this history complete. Not only have numerous
12 HISTORY OF LYNN
volumes concerning early discoveries and settlements in America been consulted, but the manuscript records of towns and parishes in Great Britain and other European nations have been explored.
It would have been quite as easy, in most instances, to have conveyed the ideas in my own words; but as I was delighted with the quaintness and simplicity of the original language, I thought that perhaps others might be equally pleased. Moreover, I like to hear people tell their own stories. Some historians have strangely distorted facts by changing the language so as to fit their own fancies or conform to their own prejudices.
The records and files of our state government furnish much information respecting our early history; but as they existed when I began my researches, a vast amount of patience was requisite to obtain it. Those papers were then tied up in hun- dreds of small bundles and many of them bore the impress of the mob by whom they were trampled,in 1765. At my sug- gestion they have been arranged in volumes and furnished with an index; so that future historians will be spared much labor to which I was subjected. The papers in other public offices, and particularly those of the Essex Court, at Salem, merit a similar attention. It would be more exact, perbaps, to speak of the papers as the records of the Colonial Courts, as there were three distinct jurisdictions within the present county of Essex, to wit, the Salem, the Ipswich, and the Norfolk County Court jurisdictions, each with different magistrates and clerks.
People yet have too little veneration for their ancestors, and too little love for their country, or it would have been done long ago. The Massachusetts Historical Society, at Boston, merit unbounded gratitude, for the care with which they have preserved rare historical books and valuable manuscripts. And the local historian of Essex County has cause for gratitude to the Essex Institute, at Salem, for their exertions in rescueing many things of interest and importance that were fast sweeping down the tide to oblivion.
I have given the names of more than three hundred of the early settlers, with short sketches of the lives of many. And to these, in the present edition, a large number have been added. I have also collected the names of many Indians and
GENERAL REMARKS. 13
their sagamores, the fragments of whose history have become so interesting. This is the first attempt, in any town, to collect the names all the early settlers, with those of the Indians who were contemporary with them. I trust that any person who is an inhabitant of Lynn, or interested in the details of antiquity, will think that I have been too particular. A proper attention to dates and minuteness of circumstance, constitutes the charm of history. And the actions and manners of men can never cease to be interesting.
These initiatory remarks of Mr. Lewis have been considered by some as giving altogether too deep a coloring to the ignor- ance that prevailed regarding our fathers, before he undertook his work, and as unduly magnifying his own labors. But it is eminently true that the public in general were very deficient in anything like exact knowledge of our history. And it is astonishing how much of that ignorance still exists. Multitudes who profess great interest in the study of the past, rest satis- fied with knowledge in a most crude and loose form, and find themselves quite incompetent to impart anything like accurate information to the inquirer. The local historian is perhaps most constantly baffled in pursuing family connections; for it is not uncommon to find respectable people who do not know the names of their grandfathers. This will scarcely be believed; but any one may relieve himself of doubt by experimenting among his neighbors. Those who have had experience like that of Mr. Lewis can well comprehend the moving cause of his expressions. And any of us would be better employed in studying than in criticising his pages. There are, even in this introductory chapter, exquisitely beautiful passages enough to impart grace to an entire volume.
There is something so natural in inquiring into the history of those who have lived before us, and particularly of those with whom we have any connection, either by the ties of rela- tion or place, that it is surprising any should be found by whom the subject is regarded with indifference. In a govern- ment like ours, where every man is required to take part in the management of public affairs, an acquaintance with the past is indispensable to an intelligent discharge of his duties. The knowledge of history was considered so important by the Monarch
14 HISTORY OF LYNN
Bard of Israel, that he commenced a song of praise for its enjoyment. And the relation in which we are placed cannot render it less important and interesting to us. To trace the settlement and progress of our native town is to read the hist- ory of the place of our early hours, and which has been the scene of our maturer joys to follow the steps of our fathers through the course of centuries, and mark the gradation of improvement, to learn who and what they were from whom we are descended and still further, to be informed of the people who were here before them, and who are now vanished like a dream of childhood and all these in their connection with the history, of the world and of man - must certainly be objects of peculiar interest to every inquisitive mind. And, though, in the pursuit of these objects, we meet with much that calls forth the tear of sympathy and the expression of regret, we yet derive a high degree of pleasure from being enabled to sit with our fathers in the shade of the oaks and pines of "olden time, "and bear them relate the stories of days which have gone by." One of the most useful faculties of the mind is the mem- ory; and history enables us to treasure up the memories of those who have lived before us. What would not any curious mind give to have a complete knowledge of the Indian race? And what a painful want should we suffer, were the history of our fathers a blank, and we could know no more of them than of the aborigines?
Our existence might indeed be regarded as incomplete, if we could not command the record of past time, as well as enjoy the present, and hope for the happiness of the future. Reality must ever possess a stronger power over the minds of reasonable and reflecting men, than imagination; and though fiction frequently asserts, and sometimes acquires the ascendancy, it is generally when she appears dressed in the habiliments of probability and historical truth. Among the pleasures of the mind, there are few which afford more unalloyed gratification than that which arises from the remembrance of the loved and familiar objects of home, comb- ined with the memory of the innocent, delights of our child- hood. This is one of the few pleasures of which the heart cannot be deprived, which the darkest shades of misfortune serve to bring out into fuller relief and which the uninter-
GENERAL REMARKS. 15
rupted passage of the current of time tends only to polish and to brighten. When wearied with the tumult of the world, and sick of the anxieties and sorrows of life, the thoughts may return with delight to the pleasures of childhood, and banquet unsated on the recollections of youth. Who does not remem- ber the companions of his early years and the mother who watched over his dangers - and the father who counseled him and the teacher who instructed him and the sister whose sweet voice reproved his wildness? Who does not re- member the tree under which be played-and the house in which he lived and even the moonbeam that slept upon his bed? Who has not returned, in sunlight and in sleep, to the scenes of his earliest and purest joys; and to the green and humble mounds where his sorrows have gone forth over the loved and the lost who were dear to his soul? And who does not love to indulge these remembrances, though they bring swelling tides to his heart and tears to his eyes? And whose ideas are so limited that he does not extend his thoughts to the days and the dwellings of his ancestors; until be seems to become a portion of the mountain and the stream, and to pro- long his existence through the centuries which are past? 0h, the love of home, it was implanted in the breast of man as a germ of hope, that should grow up into a fragrant flower, to win his heart from the ambitions and the vanities of his life, and woo him back to the innocent delights of his morning hours. Sweet Spirit of Home, thou guardian angel of the good; thou earliest, kindest, latest, friend of man, I vow numer- ous are thy votaries, how many are the hearts that bow before thy sway. What tears of sorrow hast thou dried; what tears of recollection, of anticipation, of enjoyment, hast thou caused to flow? To all bosoms thou art grateful; to all climes congen- ial. No heart that is innocent but has a temple for thee; no mind, however depraved, but acknowledges the power which presides over thy shrine.
The advancement of the American records has been unparalled in the annals of the world. Two hundred years have scarcely circled their luminous flight over this now cultivated region, since the most populous towns of New England were a wilderness. No sound was heard in the morning but the voice
16 HISTORY OF LYNN
of the Indian, and the notes of the wild birds, as they woke their early hymn to their Creator; and at evening, no praise went up to heaven, but the desolate howl of the wolf, and the sweet but mournful song of the whip-poor-will. The wild power of the savage sometimes broke into the silence of nature, like the wailing for the dead; but the prayer of the Christian was never heard to ascend from the melancholy waste. The mountains that lifted their sunny tops above the clouds, and the rivers, which for thousands of miles rolled their murmuring waters through the deserts, were unbeheld by an eye which could perceive the true majesty of God, or a heart that could frame language to his praise. At length the emigrants from England arrived, and the western shore of the Atlantic began to hear the more cheerful voices of civilization and refinement.
Pleasant villages were seen in the midst of the wide wilderness; and houses for the worship of God, and schools for the instruc- tion of children arose, where the wild beast had his lair. The men of those days were compelled to endure privations, and to overcome difficulties, which exist to us only on the page of hist- ory. In passing through the forest, if they turned from the bear, it was to meet the wolf; and if they fled from the wolf, it was to encounter the deadly spring of the insidious catamount.
At some periods, the planter could not travel from one settle- ment to another, without the dread of being shot by the silent arrow of the unseen Indian; nor could his children pursue their sports in the shady woods, or gather berries in the green pas- tures, without danger of treading on the coiled rattlesnake or being carried away by the remorseless enemy. The little hamlets, and the lonely, dwellings, which rose, at long intervals, over the plains and among the forests, were frequently alarmed by the howl of the wolf and the yell of the savage; and often were their thresholds drenched in the blood of the beautiful and the innocent. The dangers of those days have passed away, with the men who sustained them, and we enjoy the fruit of their industry and peril. They have toiled, and fought, and bled for our repose. Scarcely a spot of New England can be found, which has not been fertilized by the sweat or the blood of our ancestors. How grateful should we be to that good Being who has bestowed on us the reward of their enterprise.
GENERAL REMARKS. 17
Historians and poets have written much in commendation of the fathers of New England; but what shall be said in praise of those brave, noble, and virtuous women, the mothers of New England, who left their homes, and friends, and every thing that was naturally dear to them, in a country where every lux- ury was at command, to brave the perils of a voyage of three thousand miles over a stormy ocean, and the privations of an approaching winter, in a country inhabited by savages and wild beasts ? If we are under obligation to our fathers, for their exertions, we are also indebted to our mothers for their virtues.
The day on which the Mayflower landed her passengers on the Rock of Plymouth, was a fatal one for the aborigines of America. From that day, the towns of New England began to spring up among their wigwams, and along their hunting grounds; and though sickness, and want, and the tomahawk, made frequent and fearful incursions on the little bands of the planters, yet their numbers continued to increase, till they have become a great and powerful community. It is indeed a pleasing and interesting employment, to trace the progress of the primitive colonies, for each town was in itself a little colony, a miniature republic, and the history of one is almost the history of all to behold them contending with the storms and inclemencies of an unfriendly climate, and with the repeated depredations of a hostile and uncivilized people, till we find them emerging into a state of political prosperity, unsurpassed by any nation upon earth. But it is painful to reflect, that in the accomplishment of this great purpose, the nations of the wilderness, who constituted a separate race, have been nearly destroyed. At more than one period, the white people seem to have been in danger of extermination by the warlike and exasperated Indians; but in a few years, the independent Sassacus, and the noble Miatonomi and the princely Pometacom, saw their once populous and powerful nations gradually wasting away and disappearing. In vain did they sharpen their tomahawks, and point their arrows anew for the breasts of the white men. In vain did the valiant Wampanoag despatch his trusty warriors two hundred miles across the forest, to invite the Taratines to lend their aid in exterminating the English. The days of their prosperity had passed away. The time had come
18 HISTORY OF LYNN
when a great people were to be driven from the place of their nativity - when the long line of sachems, who had ruled over the wilderness for unknown ages, was to be broken, and their fires extinguished. Darkness, like that which precedes the light of morning, fell over them; and the sunrise of refinement has dawned upon another people. The pestilence had destroyed thousands of the bravest of their warriors, and left the remaind- er feeble and disheartened. Feuds and dissensions prevailed among the tribes; and though they made frequent depredations upon the defenseless settlements, and burnt many dwellings, and destroyed many lives, yet the immigrants soon became the ascendants in number and in power; and the feeble remnant of the red men, wearied and exhausted by unsuccessful conflicts, relinquished the long possession of their native soil, and retired into the pathless forests of the west.
Much has been written to free the white people from the charge of aggression, and much to extenuate the implacability of the Indians. We should be cautious in censuring the con- duct of men through whose energies we have received many of our dearest privileges. And they who condemn the first settlers of New England as destitute of all true principle, err as much as they who laud their conduct with indiscriminate applause. Passionate opinion and violent action were the gen- eral faults of their time. And when they saw that one principle was overstrained in its effect, they scarcely thought themselves safe until they had vacillated to the opposite extreme. Regarding themselves, like the Israelites, as a peculiar people, they imagined that they had a right to destroy the red men as heathen.
The areas which at first they took up with the idea that they were requisite for self-defense, were, soon employed in a war of extermination. And the generous mind is grieved to think, that instead of endeavoring to conciliate the Indians by kindness, they should have deemed it expedient to determine their destruction.
The Indians had undoubtedly good cause to be jealous of the arrival of another people, and in some instances to consider themselves injured by their encroachments. Their tribes had inhabited the wilderness for ages, and the country was their home. Here were the scenes of their youthful sports, and here
GENERAL REMARKS. 19
were the graves of their fathers. Here they had lived and loved, here they had warred and sung, and grown old with the hills and rocks. Here they had pursued the deer not those " formed of clouds," like the poetical creations of Ossian but the red, beautiful, fleet-footed creatures of the wilderness, over the glad waters that encircle Nahant, they had bounded in their birch canoes; and in the streams and along the sandy shore, they had spread their nets to gather the treasures of the deep. Their daughters did not adjust their locks before pier-glasses, nor copy beautiful stanzas into gilt albums; but they saw their graceful forms reflected in the clear waters, and their poetry was written in living characters on the green hills, and the silver birch, and the black rocks of Nahant. Their brave sachems wore not the glittering epaulets of modern warfare, nor did the eagle banner of white men wave in their ranks; but the untamed eagle of the woods soared over their heads, and beneath their feet was the soil of freemen which had never been sullied by the foot of a slave.
The red men were indeed cruel and implacable in their revenge ; and if history be true, so have white men been in all ages. I know of no cruelty practised by Indians, which white men have not even exceeded in their refinements of torture. The delineation of Indian barbarities presents awful pictures of blood; but it should be remembered that those cruelties were committed at a time when the murder of six or eight hundred of the red people, sleeping around their own fires, in the silent repose of night, was deemed a meritorious service. In resisting to the last, they fought for their country, for freedom, for life; they contended for the safety and happiness of their wives and children; for all that brave and high-minded men can be held dear. But they were subdued; and the few who were not either killed or made prisoners, sought refuge in the darker recesses of their native Woods. The ocean, in which they had so often bathed, and the streams which bad yielded their bountiful supplies of fish, were abandoned in silent grief; and the free and fearless Indian, who once wandered in all the pride of unsubdued nature, over our fields and among our forests, was driven from his home, and compelled to look with regret to the shores of the sea, and the pleasant abodes of his youth.
20 HISTORY OF LYNN.
A few indeed, continued for some years to linger around the shores of their ancient habitations; but they were like the spirits whom the Bard of Morven has described, sighing in the wind around the dwellings of their former greatness."
They are gone. And over the greater part of New England the voice of the Indian is heard no more. We listen in silent regret to the last faint echo of their reluctant steps in their sorrowful journey over the prairies of the west. We see their long and faint 'Shadows cast by the setting sun,' as they thread the defiles of the Rocky Mountains in their despairing march toward the far-off Pacific. A few years, and they may have plunged into that ocean from which there is no return, and the dweller of a future age may wonder what manner of men they were. That they were originally a noble race, is shown by the grandeur of their language, and by their mellifluous and highly poetical names of places the yet proud appellations of many of our mountains, lakes, and rivers. It would have been gratifying to the lover of nature, if all the Indian names of places had been preserved, for they all had a meaning, applicable to scenery or event. Change not barbarous names," said the Persian sage, "for they are given of God, and have inexpressi- ble efficacy.' 'The names of Saugus, Swampscot, and Nahant remain; and may they continue to remain, the imperishable memorials of a race-which has long since passed away.
The thought here expressed, in relation to the language of the Indians, is one that seems to have delighted other writers as well as Mr. Lewis. But is it not rather fanciful than deep, considering that words themselves are arbitrary and valueless excepting in their external relations? Any people with know- ledge as limited as that of the Indians would necessarily use a simple language and one that would be most directly illustrated by familiar objects and events. The language of the red men abounded in illustrations from nature, and hence to the lover of nature possessed many charms, suggesting, it may be, to the mind of the cultivated bearer poetical ideas, when none existed in the mind of him who used it. Our more extended
GENERAL REMARKS
knowledge supplies a language of greater scope, one that con- tains all the simplicity and poetry of theirs with the additions that flow from science, art, history, and numerous other sources not open to them, and hence may not be suggestive of poetical ideas alone, but ideas in all other shapes recognized by the cultivated mind. How much has been heard of the picturesque manner in which the Indians were accustomed to indicate mul- titudes, by comparing them to the stars of heaven, the sands on the shore, the leaves on the trees, and so forth. But in these comparisons there was to them no poetical idea involved. Be- ing ignorant of arithmetic, actually unable to count, they were compelled to resort to some such mode of expression, where the white man would have expressed himself in exact terms. Again, for example, the Indians called a certain island in Boston harbor, The Twins, but the white people called it Spectacle Island. In one case the name was drawn from a semblance, in nature; in the other, from a semblance in art. Both are apt enough, and about equally poetical. Yet the Indian name has been lauded as expressive and picturesque far above the other.
In contemplating the destruction of a great people, the reflect- ing mind is naturally disposed to inquire into the causes of their decay, in order to educe motives for a better conduct, that their wrongs may be in some degree repaired, and a similar fate avoided. If dissension weakened the power of the tribes of the forest, why should it not impair the energies of our free states? If the red men have fallen through the neglect of moral and religious improvement, to make way for a more refined state of society, and the emanations of a purer worship, how great is the reason to fear that we also may be suffered to wander in our own ways, because we will not know the ways of God, and to fall into doubt, disunion, and strife, till our country shall be given to others, as it has been given to us. . He who took the septre from the most illustrious and powerful of ancient nations and caused the tide of their prosperity, and refinement to flow back and stagnate in the pools of ignorance, obscurity, and servitude, possesses ample means to humble the pride of any nation, when it shall cease to be guided by his counsels.
Already have evils of the most alarming sequences passed far on their march of desolation. Already has the spirit of discord, with his dark shadow, dimmed the brightness of our great country Already has the fondness for strong drink seized on thousands of our people, bringing the young to untimely graves,
22 HISTORY OF LYNN.
sapping the foundations of health and moral excellence, and pulling down the glory of our country. Already has a disregard for the Sabbath and for divine institutions, begun openly to manifest itself; the concomitant of infidelity, and the harbinger of spiritual ruin. If we may trust the appearances in our west- ern regions, our land was once inhabited by civilized men, who must have disappeared long before the arrival of our fathers. May Heaven avert their destiny from us, to evince to the world how virtuous a people may be, on whom the blessing of civil liberty has fallen as an inheritance.
The political system of our nation is probably the best which was ever devised by man for the common good; but it practi- cally embraces one evil too obvious to be disregarded. While it advances the principle that all men have by nature the same civil rights, it retains, with strange inconsistency, one sixth of the whole population in a state of abject bodily and mental servitude. On its own principles, our government has no right to enslave any portion of its subjects; and I am constrained, in the name of God and truth to say, that they must be free. Christianity and political expediency both demand their eman- cipation, nor will they always remain unheard. Many generous minds are already convinced of the importance of attention to this subject; and many more might speak in its behalf, in places where they could not be disregarded. Where are the ministers of our holy religion, that their prayers are not preferred for the liberation and enlightenment of men with souls as immortal as their own? Where are the senators and representatives of our free states, that their voices are not heard in behalf of that most injured race? Let all who have talents, and power, and influence, exert them to free the slaves from their wrongs, and raise them to the rank and privileges of men. That the colored people possess mental powers capable of extensive cultivation, has been sufficiently evinced in many instances of Gustavus Vasa, Ignatius Sancho, Lislet, Capitein, Fuller, Phillis Wheatley, and many others. And the reader will not fail to recognize many note-worthy examples presented through the agency of the American rebellion; examples in which individuals of that op- pressed race have exhibited rare judgment, skill, and valor in the field; a clear perception of the principles and respons- ibilities
GENERAL REMARKS. 23
of liberty; true generosity of character, ardent longing for culture and advancement. And the period may arrive when the lights of freedom and science shall shine much more exten- sively on these dark children of bondage - when the knowledge of the true faith shall awaken the nobler principles of their minds, and its practice place them in moral excellence far above those who are now trampling them in the dust. How will the spirit of regret then sadden over the brightness of our country's fame, when the muses of History shall lead their pens to trace the annals of their ancestors, and the inspiration of poetry instruct their youthful bards to sing the oppression of their fathers in the land of Freedom.
I trust the time will come, when on the annals of our country shall be inscribed the abolition of slavery - when the inhuman custom of war shall be viewed with abhorrence - when human- ity shall no longer be outraged by the exbibition of capital punishments - when the one great principle of LOVE shall per- vade all classes - when the poor shall be furnished with em- ployment and ample remuneration - when men shall unite their exertions for the promotion of those plans which embrace the welfare of the whole - that the unqualified approbation of Heaven may be secured to our country, and that glory may dwell in our land."
But the unqualified approbation of Heaven can rest only where things are done according to the will of Heaven. And when will the inhabitants of earth attain to perfect obedience ? Had Mr. Lewis lived but a few months longer, he would have been startled from his hopeful dreams by the thunders of a war more to be deplored, in some respects, than aay which ever before shook the world - the war of the great American Rebel- lion. He would have beheld enlightened myriads, hosts of professing Christians, going forth heroically to battle for the perpetuation of slavery, and offering up to the God of peace, thanksgivings for their bloody achievements. And would he have seen their evil meditations met in that spirit of universal love, so delightful to him to contemplate ? Alas, no. He would have seen here in Lynn, on the open Common, and on the Lord's day, vicegerents of the Prince of peace, whose church doors had been closed that they might appear before the
24 HISTORY OF LYNN.
multitude to lift up their voices for war - war, as a necessity, to shield against evils still more terrible. Blessed were his eyes in that they were closed by death without beholding those scenes which would at once have swept away all his bright anti- cipations, and left him despairing that the time would ever arrive when the heart of man would become so sanctified that the temporal and selfish would not assert tbeir overwhelming power - those scenes which would with force irresistible have taught that earth was not the place to search for heaven's beatitude.
In delineating the annals of a single town, it can scarcely be expected that so good an opportunity will be afforded for vari- ety of description and diffusiveness of remark, as in a work of a more general nature. It is also proper to observe that this compilation was begun without any view to publication; but simply to gratify that natural curiosity which must arise in the mind of every one who extends his thoughts beyond the persons and incidents which immediately surround him. I may, however, be permitted to hope, that an attempt to delineate with accuracy the principal events which have transpired within my native town, for the space of two hundred years, will be interesting to many, though presented without any endeavor to adorn them with the graces of artificial ornament. My endeavor has been to ascertain facts, and to state them correctly. I have preferred the form of annals for a local history; for thus every thing is found in its time and place. The labor and expense of making so small a book has been immense, and can never be appreciated by the reader, until he shall undertake to write a faithful history of one of our early towns, after its records have been lost. I could have written many volumes of romance or of general history, while preparing this volume; and I have endeavored to make it so complete, as to leave little for those who come after me, except to continue the work.
Since Mr. Lewis closed his labors, however, antiquarian research has opened many sources of information. It would be singular indeed if an enterprising and important community like that of Lynn, should, during her history of more than two hun- dred years, furnish nothing worthy of note beyond what might be recorded in an octave volume of three hundred pages.
EARLY -VOYAGES AND DISCOVERIES. 25
The present edition will show something of the multitude of interesting matters that escaped his careful eye. And it is not to be doubted that many valuable documents of the olden time yet remain in ancient garrets, permeated by herby odors, and perhaps at present used by motherly mice as bedding for their young, which may somewhere in the future come to light to the greatjoy of the student of the past.
It should be remembered that previous to the change of the style, in 1752, the year began in March; consequently February was the twelfth month. Ten days also are to be added to the date in the sixteenth century, and eleven in the seventeenth, to bring the dates to the present style. Thus, 11 12 mo. 25, 1629, instead of being Christmas-day, as some might suppose, would be March 8th, 1630. In the following pages, I have corrected the years and months, but have left the days undisturbed.
EARLY VOYAGES AND DISCOVERIES.
It would be extremely gratifying, if we could roll back the veil of oblivion which shrouds the early history of the American continent, and through the sunlight which must once have illumined those regions of now impenetrable darkness, behold the scenery, and trace the events, which occupied that long space of silence or activity. Has one half of this 'great globe' slumbered in unprofitable and inglorious repose since the morn- ing of the creation, serving no other purpose than to balance the opposite portion in its revolutions through unvarying ages? Or has it been peopled by innumerable nations, enjoying all the vicissitudes of animal and intellectual life? We have the high authority of Agassiz for claiming that the American continent is the oldest of the great divisions of the globe, and that it existed, under its present formation, while Europe was but an extensive group of scattered islands. Ever since the coal period America has been above water.
The most strenuous advocates of the priority of the claim of Columbus to the discovery of America, admit that he found people here - and we can look back with certainty to no period, however remote, in which we do not find the continent inhab- ited. How came those people here? Were they the descend- ants of a cis-Atlantic Adam? Or did they find their way, by
26 HISTORY OF LYNN.
accident or design, from the eastern continent? If the latter supposition be the more probable, then a corresponding accident or design might have returned some of those daring adventur- ers to their homes, and thus a knowledge have been conveyed of the existence of another continent. Nor are the difficulties of a passage, either from Europe or Asia, so great as may at first be supposed. The continent of Asia approaches within fifty miles of the northwest coast of America; or, as some nav- igators say, within thirty-five miles, either continent being at times plainly in sight from the other; and ships which traded from Iceland to the Levant, might easily have sailed from Greenland along the shore of New England. People were much more venturous in early days than we are generally will- ing to allow. And canoes might have passed across the ocean from Japan, and even by the isles of the Pacific - as it is evi- dent they must have done, to people those islands. When Captain Blighe was cast adrift by Christian, he passed twelve hundred miles in an open boat with safety. Why might not such an event have happened three thousand years ago as well as yesterday ?
The Scandinavian manuscripts inform us that in the year 986, Eric the Red, an Icelandic prince, emigrated to Greenland. In his company was Bardsod, whose son Biarne was then on a voyage to Norway. On his return, going in search of his fatber, he was driven far to sea, and discovered an unknown country. In the year 1000, Leif, a son of Eric, pursued the discovery of the new country, and sailed along the coast as far as Rhode Island, where he made a settlement; and because he found grapes there, he called it Vineland. In 1002, Thorwald, his brother, went to Vineland, where be remained two years.
It is very reasonable to suppose that these voyagers, in sail- ing along the coast, discovered Lynn, and it is even probable that they landed at Nahant. In 1004, we are informed that Thorwald, leaving Vineland, or Rhode Island, sailed eastward, and then northward, past a remarkable headland, enclosing a bay, and which was opposite to another headland. They called it Kialarnes, or Keel-cape," from its resemblance to the keel of a ship. There is no doubt that this was Cape Cod. And as they had no map, and could not see Cape Ann, it is probable that the
EARLY VOYAGES AND DISCOVERIES. 27
other headland was the Gurnet. ' "From thence, they sailed along the eastern coast of the land to a promontory which there projected - probably Nahant - and which was everywhere cov- ered with wood. Here Thorwald went ashore, with all his companions. He was so pleased with the place, that he ex- claimed - Here it is beautiful! and here I should like to fix my dwelling!" Afterwards, when they were prepared to go on board, they observed on the sandy beach, within the promon- tory, three hillocks. They repaired thither, and found three canoes, and under each, three Skrellings, (Indians) They came to blows with them, and killed eight of them, but the ninth escaped in his canoe. Afterward a countless multitude of them came out from the interior of the bay against them. They endeavored to protect themselves by raising battle on the ship's side. The Skrellings continued shooting at them for a while and then retired. Thorwald bad been wounded by an arrow under the arm. When be found that the wound was mortal, be said, "I now advise you to prepare for your depar- ture as soon as possible; but me ye shall bring to the promon- tory where I thought it good to dwell. It may be that it was a prophetic word which fell from my mouth, about my abiding there for a season. There ye shall bury me; and plant a cross at my head and also at my feet, and call the place Krossanes, [the Cape of the Cross] in all time coming." He died, and they did as he had ordered; afterward they returned. (Anti- quitates Americana, xxx.)
The question has arisen whether Krossanes, was Nahant or Gurnet Point. There is nothing remarkable about the latter place, and though so long a time has passed, no person has thought it desirable to dwell there, but it is used as a sheep pasture. It is far otherwise with Nahant, which answers to the description well. An early writer says that it was "well wooded with oaks, pines, and cedars; and it has a "sandy beach within the promontory." Thousands also, on visiting it, have borne witness to the appropriateness of Thorwald's excla- mation - "Here it is beautiful and here I should like to fix my dwelling!"
If the authenticity of the Scandinavian manuscripts be admit- ted, the Northmen, as the people of Norway, Denmark, and
28 HISTORY OF LYNN.
Sweden are called, visited this country repeatedly, in the elev- enth and twelfth centuries; but if they made any settlements, they were probably destroyed in some of the numerous wars of the aborigines. The Welch Triads and Chronicles, those treasures of historic and bardic lore, inform us, that in 1170, Madoc, Prince of Wales, on the tyrannous usurpation of his brother David, came to America with a party of his followers, and settled a colony. I see no reason to doubt this record - but if there were no descendants of Welchmen in America then, there are plenty now. In the language of several of the ancient tribes, Welch words were distinctly recognized. It has hence been supposed the colonists, by intermarriage, became merged in the tribes around them.
Alonzo Sanchez, of Huelva, in Spain, in a small vessel with seventeen men, as we are informed by De la Vega, was driven on the American coast in 1487. He returned with only five men, and died at the house of Columbus
In 1492, the immortal Columbus made his first voyage to South America, but he did not come to North America until 1498. (Mr. Lewis makes a slight trip here. Columbus, on his first voyage, discovered land 11 October, 1492. And that land was one of the Bahama islands, which he named St. Salvador. On the 28th of the same month he discovered Cuba. Can these islands be called in South America?)
In 1497, Sebastian Cabot, a bold and enterprising English- man visited the coast, of North America, and took possession of it in the name of his king, Henry VII.
In 1602, Bartholomew Gosnold visited our shores. He dis- covered land on Friday, 14 May, at six o'clock in the morning, sailing along according to Purebas's Pilgrim, vol. 4, p._, and by the shore, at noon, be anchored near a place which he called Savage Rock, and which many have supposed to have been Nahant. (Bancroft's U. S.,vol. 1, p. 152.) A sail-boat went off to them, containing eight Indians, dressed in deer-skins, excepting their chief, who wore a complete suit of English clothes, which he had obtained by trading at the eastward. The Indians; treated them kindly, and desired their longer stay; but they left, about three in the afternoon, (Mass. Hist. Coll. vol. 27,) and sailing southerly, sixteen leagues," the next morning
EARLY VOYAGES AXD DISCOVERIES. 29
they, found themselves just within Cape Cod. Archer's account of the voyage says, "The Coast we left was full of goodly Woods, faire Plaines, with little green, round hils above the cliffs appearing unto us, which are indifferently raised, but all rockie, and of shining stones, which might have persuaded us a longer stay there." This answers well to the appearances at Nahant; but some have supposed Savage Rock to be some- where on the coast of Maine. There is, however, no spot on that coast which answers exactly to the description; and Judge Williamson, the historian of Maine, says, "We have doubts whether Gosnold ever saw any land of ours." (Hist. Maine, vol. 1, p. 185.) It seems now quite certain that Gosnold anchored at a point not farther east than Cape Ann and no farther west than Nahant.
In 1603, Martin Pring came over with two vessels, the Speedwell and the Discoverer, to obtain medicinal plants. He says, " Coming to the Maine, in latitude 43 degrees, we ranged the same to the southwest. Meeting with no sassafras, we left those places, with all the aforesaid islands, stearing our course for Savage Rocke, discovered the yeare before by Captain Gosnold; where, going upon the Mayne, we found people, with whom we had no long conversation, because we could find no sassafras. Departing thence, we bear into that great gulf, (Cape Cod Bay,) which Captain Gosnold overshot the yeare before, coasting and finding people on the north side thereof; yet not satisfied with our expectation, we left them and sailed over, and came to anchor on the south side." (Purebas, Vol. 4, p. 1654.) Other voyagers, doubtless, visited our coast, but as places were unnamed, and the language of the natives unknown, little information can be gained from their descriptions. And it is astonishing what absurdities some of the superstitious old voyagers were accustomed to relate. Even the comparatively late voyager John Josselyn, in his account of an expedition hither, gravely asserts that he discovered icebergs on which he saw foxes and devils. Had be reflected a moment, be must have concluded that the devils, at least, would not have chosen such a place for their sports. If he saw any living beings they were probably seals. But devils, at that period, were under- stood to perform very wonderful exploits, and to have a direct
30 HISTORY OF LYNN.
hand in all sorts of mischief that could haunt and tease men. Modern culture has relieved the brimstone gentry of most of their importance, arising from visible interference in human affairs. But yet, unnatural events enough are daily transpiring to induce the apprehension that they may be still, though covertly, pursuing their mischievous enterprises.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAHANT-GRANT TO CAPTAIN GORGES.
THE next white man who appears at Nahant, if we consider it established that the peninsula was visited by Europeans before 1614 was that dauntless hero and enterprising statesman Capt. John Smith. Having established the colony of Virginia, he came north, in 1614, made a survey of the whole coast, and published a map. In his description of the islands of Massachu- setts Bay, proceeding westward from Naumkeag, now Salem, he says, "The next I can remember by name are the Matta- hunts, two pleasant Isles of Groves, Gardens and Cornfields, a league in the sea from the Maine. The Isles of Mattahunts are on the west side of this bay, where are many Isles, and some Rocks, that appear a great height above the water, like the Pieramides of Egypt." It is evident that by the Mattahuuts he meant the Nahants, the pronunciation of which, perhaps, he imperfectly "remembered." His delineation of these islands on the map, though very small, is very correct; and he named them the " Fullerton Islands," probably from the name of the surveyor, or some other friend. He appears to have examined the islands and shores attentively. He says, "The coast of Massachusetts is so indifferently mixed with high clay or sandy cliffs in one place, and the tracts of large, long ledges of divers sorts, and quarries of stones in other places, so strangely divided with tinctured veins of divers colours, as free stone for building, slate for tyling, smooth stone for making Furnaces and Forges for Glasse and Iron, and Iron ore sufficient conveniently to melt in them . . . who will undertake the rectifying of an Iron Forge, in my opinion cannot lose." (Smith's N. E.) As the beds of Iron in Saugus had not then been discovered, he probably mistook the ledge on the north of Nahant for a mine of iron ore.
[note - the author may not have known about bog iron ore. Also see this Maine item, SHS, and Ironworks on the Saugus; the Lynn and Braintree Ventures of the Company of the Ironworks in New England, by E. N. Hartley, U of Oklahoma Press, 1957. DCB]
The Nahants appear to have been admired and coveted by
NAHANT - GRANT TO CAPTAIN GORGES. 31
all who visited them. On the 20th of December, 1622, when
then granted by the Council in England, to Captain Robert
Gorges. He came over in 1623, took possession of his lands,
and probably commenced a settlement at Winnisimet, which was
also included in his grant. The following appears in the Massa-
cbusetts Archives:
The said Councill grant unto Robert Gorges, youngest son of Sir Fernand.
Gorges, Knight, and his heires, all that part of the Maine land in New Eng-
land, commonly called and known by the name of the Massachusetts, scytuated
and lying upon the North East side of the Bay, called and known by the
name of the Massachusetts, or by whatever name ornates whatsoever called,
English miles in a straight line with coastes and shoares along the Sea for Ten
English miles in a staight line towards the North East, accounting seventeen
hundred and sixty yards to the mile; and 30 English miles after the same rate, into
the Mayne Land, through all the breadth aforesaid togeather with all Islands so lyeing
within 3 miles of any part of the said land.
Robert Gorges dyes without issue; the said lands descend to John Gorges,
his eldest brother. John Gorges by deed hearing date 20 January, 1628-9,
(4 Car. 1.) grants to Sir William Brereton, of Handforth, in the County of
Chester, Baronet, and his heires, all the lande, in breadth, lying from the
East side of Charles River to the Easterly parte of the Cape called Nahant,
and all the lauds lyeinge in length 20 miles northeast into the Maine land from the mouth of the said Charles River, lyeing also in length 20 miles into the
Maine land from the said Cape Nahant: also two Islands lyeing next unto
The shoare between Nahant and Charles River, the bigger called Brereton,
and the lesser Susanna. [East Boston and Belle Isle.)
Sir William Brereton dyes, leaving Thomas, his only son, afterward Sir
Thomas, and Susanna his daughter. Sir Thomas dyes without issue. Su-
sanna marries Edward Lenthall, Esq. and dyes, leaving Mary, her only daughter and heire. Mary is married to Mr. Leavitt of the Inner Temple, who
claymes the said Lands in right of Mary his wife, who is heire to Sir William
Brereton and Sir Thomas Brereton.
Sir William Brereton sent over Severall familyes and Servants, who possessed and Improved severall Large tracts of the said Lands, and made Severall Leases, as appeares by the said deedes.
A portion of these lands was granted by Captain Gorges to
John Oldham, including Nahant and part of Saugus. In a letter
from the Council in England to Governor Endicott, dated
17 April, 1629, we find as follows: " Mr. Oldham's grant from
Mr. Gorges, is to him and John Dorrel, f or all the lands within
Massachusetts Bay, between Charles River and Abousett River;
Containing in length by straight lyne 5 Miles up the Charles
River into the Maine Land, northeast from the border of said
32 HISTORY OF LYNN.
Bay, including all Creeks and Points by the way, and 3 myles
in length from the mouth of the aforesaid River Abousett, up
into the Maine land N. W. including all Creeks and Points,
and all the Land in Breadth and Length between the foresaid
Rivers, with all prerogatives, royall. Mines excepted. (Haz-
ard's Collections.) The writer of this letter, in reference to
the claim of Oldham, says, "I hold it void in law," and advises
Mr Endicott to take possession. Such possession was taken
of the Nahants, as will be seen in proceeding; and though the
heirs of Gorges afterward renewed their claim, the colony de-
clined either to relinquish or pay; because Gorges, after being
appointed to the government, had relinquished the possession
and returned to England.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE INDIANS
Before proceeding with the history of the whites, it will be
interesting to learn something more respecting the Red Men.
The emigrants from England found the country inhabited by
a people who were called Indians, because when first discovered
the country was supposed to be a part of India. They were
divided into several great nations, each of which, consisted of
many tribes. Lechford says, they were governed by sachems,
kings and sagamores, petty lords; but Smith, who was here
before him, calls them "sagamos " and as the Indians, in this
neighborhood at least, had no R in their language, he is probably
correct. The word sachem, pronounced sawkum by the Indians,
is a word meaning great strength, or power; and the word
sachemo, or sagamo, evidently has the same derivation. Their
plural was formed in uog; Sagamore Hill, therefore, is the
same as Sachemnog Hill, or the Hill of Kings.
There appear to have been as many as seven nations in New
England. The ever-warring Taratines inhabited the eastern
part of Maine, beyond the Penobscot river; and their great
sachem was Nultonanit. From the Penobscot to the Piscata-
qua were the Chur-churs, formerly governed by a mighty chief,
called a Bashaba. The Pawtfickets had a great dominion,
reaching from the Piscataqua to the river Charles, and extend-
ing north as far as Concord on the Merrimac. Their name is
preserved in Pawtucket Falls, at Lowell. They were governed
THE INDIANS 3
by Nanapashemet, who sometime lived at Lynn, and, according
to Gookin, could raise three thousand warriors.
(see also, http://members.aol.com/mpied31415/nanapashemet.htm )
The Massachusetts , so named from the Blue Hills at Milton, were gov-
erned by Chickataubut, who also commanded three thousand
men. His dominion was bounded on the north and west by
Charles river, and on the south extended to Weymouth and
Canton. The Wampanoags occupied the southeastern part of
Massachusetts, from Cape Cod to Narraganset Bay. They were
ruled by Massasoit, whose chief residence was at Pokanoket,
now Bristol, in Rhode Island. He was a sachem of great
power, having dominion over thirty-two tribes, and could have
brought three thousand warriors into the field, by a word; yet
be was a man of peace, and a friend to the English, and during
all the provocations and disturbances of that early period, he
governed his nation in tranquillity for more than forty years,
leaving an example of wisdom to future ages. The Narragan-
setts, on the west of Narraganset Bay, in Rhode Island, num-
bered five thousand warriors, and were governed by two
sachems, Canonicus and his nephew Miantonimo, who ruled
together in harmony. The Pequots occupied Connecticut, and
were governed by Sassacus, a name of terror, who commanded
four thousand fighting men, and whose residence was at New
London. Besides these, there were the Nipmucks in the interior
of Massachusetts, who had no great sachem, but united with
the other nations in their wars, according to their inclination.
The Pequots and the Taratines were ever at war with some
of the other nations, and were the Goths and Vandals of abo-
riginal New England.
The Indians were very numerous, until they were reduced
by a great war, and by a devastating sickness. All the early
voyagers speak of multitudes," and countless multitudes."
Smith, who took his survey in 1614, passing along the shore in
a little boat, - says, "The seacoast as you pass, shows you all
along, large corn fields, and great troupes of well proportioned
people ," and adds that there were three thousand on the islands
in Boston harbor. Gookin has enumerated eighteen thousand
warriors in five nations, and if the remainder were as populous,
there must have been twenty-five thousand fighting men, and
at least one hundred thousand people, in New England.
3
34 HISTORY OF LYNN.
But could that be called a large population for such an extent of
territory ? A population equal to but half that of Boston at this
time. Nomadic and all unsettled branches of our race are
usually small in numbers. And the stories told by some of the
early comers, so magnifying the Indian populations, are no
more worthy of credit than the fanciful chapters of those mod-
ern writers who laud their virtues to a degree hardly within
the range of mortal attainment. A page or two hence it is
stated that Sagamore James resided at Lynn. He was a ruler
of some note. And yet, as further evidence that there could
have been but a small Indian population hereabout, at that time,
it may be added that Rev. Mr. Higginson says that he command-
ed riot above thirty or forty men, for aught I can learn. In
the spring of 1615, some provocation was given by the western
Indians to the Taratines, who, with a vindictive spirit, resolved
upon retaliation; and they carried their revenge to an extent
scarcely paralleled in the dreadful history of human warfare.
They killed the great Bashaba of Penobscot, murdered his
women and children, and overran the whole country from
Penobscot to the Blue Hills. Their death-word was cram!
Cram-kill! kill!-and so effectually did they "suit the
action to the word," and so many thousands on thousands did
they slaughter, that, as Gorges says, it was "horrible to be
spoken of." In 1617, commenced a great sickness, which some
have supposed was the plague, others the small pox or yellow
fever. This sickness made such dreadful devastation, among
those whom the tomahawk had not reached, that when the Eng-
lish arrived, the land was literally covered with human bones.
Still, the vengeance of the Taratines was unsatiated, and we
find them hunting for the lives of the few sagamores who
remained.
NANAPASHEMET, or the New Moon, was one of the greatest
sachems in New England, ruling over a larger extent of country
than any other. He swayed, at one time, all the tribes north
and east of the Charles river, to the river Piscataqua. The
Nipmucks acknowledged his dominion, as far as Pocontocook,
now Deerfield, on the Connecticut; and after his death they
had no great sachem. (Smith, Gookin, Hubbard. See also
Samuel G. Drake's interesting Book of the Indians, wherein he
THE INDIANS. 5
has accumulated a vast amount of facts respecting the Sons of
the Forest.) Nanapashemet, like the orb of night, whose name
he bore, had risen and shone in splendor. But his moon was
now full, and had begun to wane. He resided at Lynn until
the great war of the Taratines, in 1615. He then retreated
to a hill on the borders of Mistick river, where he built a
house, and fortified himself in the best manner possible. He
survived the desolatirig sickness of 1617; but the deadly ven-
geancee of the Taratines, which induced them to stop at nothing
short of his death, pursued him to his retreat, and there he was
killed by them in 1619. In September, 1621, a party of the
Plymouth people, having made a visit to Obatinua, sachem of
Boston, went up to Medford. Mr. Winslow says, "having
gone three miles, we came to a place where corn had been
newly gathered, a house pulled down, and the people gone.
A mile from hence, Nanapashemet, their king, in his lifetime
had lived. His house was not like others; but a scaffold was
largely built, with poles and planks, some six feet from the
ground, and the house upon that, being situated upon the top
of a hill. Not far from hence, in a bottom, we came to a fort,
built by their deceased king, the mannner thus: there were
poles, some thirty or forty feet long, stuck in the ground, as
thick as they could be set one by another, and with those they
enclosed a ring some forty or fifty feet over. A trench, breast
high, was digged on each side; one way there was to got into
it with a bridge. In the midst of this palisade stood the frame
of a house, wherein, being dead, he lay buried. About a mile
from hence we came to such another, but seated on the top
of a hill. Here Nanapashemet was killed, none dwelling in it
since the time of his death." The care which the great Moon
Chief took to fortify himself, shows the fear which be felt for
his mortal enemy. With his death, the vengeance of the Tara-
tines seen, is in some degree to have abated; and his sons, re-
turning to the shore, collected the scattered remnants of their
tribes, over whom they ruled as sagamores on the arrival of our
fathers. The general government was continued by the squaw
or queen of Nanapashemet, who was called Squaw Sachem.
She married Webbacowet, who was the great physician of her
nation. On the fourth of September, 1640, she sold Mistick
36 HISTORY OF LYNN.
Ponds and a large tract of land now included in Somerville, to
Jotham Gibbons, of Boston. On the eighth of March, 1644, she
submitted to the government of the whites, and consented to
leave her subjects instructed in the Bible. She died in 1667,
being then old and blind. Nanapashemet dad three sons:
Wonobaquaham, Montowampate, and Weilepoykin, all of whom
became sagamores; and a daughter Yawata.
WONOHAQUAHAM was sagamore on Mistick river, including
Winnisimet. In 1627 he gave the whites liberty to settle at
Charlestown, and on the records of that town he is called a
chief "of gentle and good disposition." He was called by
the English, " John," and died in 1633, according to the best
authorities.
MONTOWAMPATE, sagamore of Lynn, was born in the year
1609. He lived on Sagamore Hill, near the northern end of
Long Beach. He had jurisdiction of Saugus, Naunikeag, and
Masabequash; or Lynn, Salem, and Marblehead. He was called
by the white people," James." Mr. Dudley in his letter to the
Countess of Lincoln, says, "Uppon the river of Mistick is seated
Saggamore John, and uppon the river of Saugus, Saggamore
James, both so named from the English. The elder brother,
John, is a handsome young . . . . (one line wanting) , . . .
conversant with us, affecting English apparel and houses, and
speaking well of our God. His brother James is of a far worse
disposition, yet repaireth to us often." He married Wenuchus,
a daughter of Passaconaway, the great powab, or priest of the
nation, whose chief residence was at Penacook, now Concord,
on the Merrimac. This venerable, and in some respects won-
derful man, died about the year 1673., when he was one hundred
and twenty years of age. On his death bed, be called his friends
around, and told them that he was going to the land of spirits,
to see them no more. He said he had been opposed to the
English at their first coming, and sought to prevent their settle-
ment; but now he advised them to oppose the white men no
more, or they would all be destroyed. The marriage of Monto-
wampate took place in the year 1629, when he was twenty
years of age; and it gave, him an opportunity to manifest his
high sense of the dignity which appertained to a sachem.
Thomas Morton, who was in the conutry at the time, and wrote
THE INDIANS 37
a work entitled the New English Canaan, furnishes us with the
following interesting particulars:
The sachem or sagamore of Sagus, made choice, when he came to man's estate, of a lady of noble descent, daughter of Papasiquineo, the sachem or sagamore of the territories near Merrimack river; a man of the best note in all those parts, and, as my countryman, Mr. Wood, declares, in his Prospect, a great nicromancer. This lady, the young sachem, with the consent and good liking of her father, he marries, and takes for his wife. Great entertainment he and his received in those parts, at her father's bands, wheare they were feasted in the best manner that might be expected, according to the custom of their nation, with reveling, and such other solemnities as is usual amongst them. The solemnity being ended, Papasiquineo caused a selected number of his men to waite on his daughter home into those parts that did properly belong to her lord and husband; where the attendants had entertainment by the sachem of Sagus and his countrymen. The solemnity being ended, the attendants were gratified.
Not long after, the new married lady had a great desire to see her father
and her native country, from whence she came. Her lord was willing to
pleasure her, and not deny her request, amongst them thought to be reason-
able, commanded a select number of his own men to conduct his lady to her
father, where with great respect they brought her; and having feasted there
awhile, returned to their own country againe, leaving the lady to continue
there at her owne pleasure, amongst her friends and old acquaintance, where
she passed away the time for awhile, and in the end desired to returne to her
lord againe. Her father, the old Papasiquineo, having notice of her intent,
sent some of his men on ambassage to the young sachem, his sonne in law, to
let him understand that his daughter was not willing to absent herself from
his company any longer; and therefore, as the messengers had in charge,
desired the young lord to send a convoy for her; but he, standing upon
termes of honor, and the maintaining of his reputation, returned to his father
in law this answer: That when she departed from him, hee caused his men
to waite upon her to her father's territories as it did become him; but now she
had an intent to returne, it did become her father to send her back with a
convoy of his own people; and that it stood not with his reputation to make
himself or his men so servile as to fetch her againe."
The old sachem Papasiquineo, having this message returned, was inraged
to think that his young son in law did not esteem him at a higher rate than to
capitulate with him about the matter, and returned him this sharp reply:
That his daughter's blood and birth deserved more respect than to be slighted,
and therefore, if he would have her company, he were best to send or come
for her."
The young sachem, not willing to undervalue himself, and being a man of a
stout spirit, did not stick to say, that he should either send her by his own
convoy, or keepe her; for he was determined not to stoope so lowe."
So much these two sachems stood upon termes of reputation with each
other, the one would not send for her, lest it should be any diminishing of
38 HISTORY OF LYNN.
honor on his part that should seeme to comply, that the lady, when I went
out of the country, remained still with her father; which is a thing worth the
noting , that salvage people should seek to maintain their reputation so much
as they do.
A chief who could treat a lady so discourteously deserved to
lose her. Montowampate had not the felicity to read the Fairy
Queen, or he would have thought with Spenser :
What vertue is so fitting for a Knight,
Or for a Ladie whom a knight should love,
As curtesie."
My lady readers will undoubtedly be anxious to know if the
separation was final. I am happy to inform them that it was
not; as we find the Princess of Penacook enjoying the luxuries
of the shores and the sea breezes at Lynn, the next summer.
How they met without compromising the dignity of the proud
sagamore, history does not inform us; but probably, as ladies
are fertile in expediting , she met him half way. In 1631 she
was taken prisoner by the Taratines, as will hereafter be related.
Montowampate died in 1633. Wenuebus returned to her father;
and in 1686, we find mention made of her grand-daughter Pali-
pocksit. Other interesting incidents in the life of Montowam-
pate will be found in the following pages.
WENEPOYKIN, erroneously called Winepurkit, was the young-
est son of Nanapashemet. His name was pronounced with an
accent and a lingering on the third syllable, We-ne-pawwe-kin.
He was born in 1616, and was a little boy, thirteen years of age,
when the white men came. The Rev. John Higginson, of Salern,
says: " To the best of my remembrance, when I came over with
my father, to this place, there was in these parts a widow - wo-
man, called Squaw Sachem, who had three sons; Sagamore
John kept at Mistick, Sagamore James at Saugus, and Sagamore
George here at Naumkeke. Whether he was actual sachem
here I cannot say, for he was then young, about my age, and I
think there was an elder man that was at least his guardian."
On the death of his brothers, in 1633, he became sagamore of
Lynn and Chelsea; and after the death of his mother, in 1667,
he was sachem of all that part of Massachusetts which is north
and east of Charles river. He was the proprietor of Deer
Island, which he sold to Boston. He was called Sagamore
THE INDIANS. 39
George, and George Rumney Marsh; also Sagamore George
No-Nose. Until the year 1738, the limits of Boston extended
to Saugus, including Chelsea, which was called Rumney Marsh.
Part of this great marsh is now in Chelsea and part in Saugus.
The Indians living on the borders of this marsh in Lynn and
Saugus, were sometimes called the Rumney Marsh Indians.
Wenepoykin was taken prisoner in the Wampanoag war, in
1676, and died in 1684. He married Abawayet , daughter of
Poquanum, who lived on Nahant. She presented him with one
son, Manatahqua, and three daughters, Petagunsk, Wattaquat-
tinusk, and Petagoonaquab, who, if early historians are correct
in their descriptions, were as beautiful, almost, as the lovely
forms which have wandered on the rocks of Nahant in later
times. They were called Wanapanaquin, or the plumed ones.
This word is but another spelling of Wenepoykin, their father's
name, which signifies a wing, or a feather. I suppose they were
the belles of the forest, in their day, and wore finer plumes than
any of their tribe. Petagunsk was called Cicely. In the Indian
deed of Lynn, she is described as " Cicily alias Su George,
the reputed daughter of old Sagamore George No-Nose." She
had a son Tontoquon, called John. W attaquattinusk, or the
Little Walnut, was called Sarah; and Petagoonaquah was named
Susanna. Manatahqua had two sons, Nonupanohow, called David
[Kunksbamooshaw] and Wuttanoh, which means a staff,
called Samuel. The family, of Wenepoykin left Lynn about
the time of the Wampanoag war, and went to Wameset, or
Chelmsford, now Lowell, where they settled near Pawtucket
falls. On the 16th of September, 1684, immediately after the
death of Wonepoykin, the people of Marblehead embraced the
opportunity of obtaining a deed of their town. It was signed
by Ahawayet, and many others, her relatives. She is called
Joane Abawayet, Squawe, relict, widow of George Saggamore,
alias Wenepawweekin.' (Essex Reg. Deeds, 11, 132.) She
survived her husband about a year, and died in 1685. On the
19th of March, 1685, David Nonupanohow, "heir of Sagamore
George, and in his right having some claim to Deer Island, doth
hereby, for just consideration, relinquish his right, to the town
of Boston." (Suffolk Records.) On the 11th of October, 1686,
the people of Salem obtained a deed of their town, which was
40 HTSTORY OF LYNN.
signed by the relatives of Wenepoykin. And on the 4th of
September, of the same year, the people of Lynn likewise ob-
tained a deed of their territory, from the heirs of Wenepoykin,
a copy of which may be found on page 51, et seq.
YAWATA, daughter of Nanapashemet, and sister of the three
sagamores, married Oonsumog. She lived to sign the deed of
Salem, in 1686, and died at Natick. She had a son, Mumin-
quash, born in 1636, and called James Rumney Marsh, who also
removed to Natick. There is great softness and euphony in the
name of this Indess. Ya-wa-ta; six letters, and only one hard
consonant. Probably her heart was as delicate and feminine as
her name. The early settlers indicated their poetic taste by
calling her Abigail. The wife of David Kiftnkshamooshaw, who
was a grandson of Yawata's brother Wenepoykin, was also
called Abigail. This last was the Abigail who signed the deed
of Lynn. And it seems as if Mr. Lewis may have confounded
the two Abigails. Yet, Yawata might have signed the Salem
deed, in 1686, though she must then have been quite old.
POQUANUM, or Dark Skin, was sachem of Nahant. Wood, in
his New England's Prospect, calls him Duke William; and it
appears by depositions in Salera Court Records, that he was
known by the familiar appellation of Black Will. He was con-
temporary with Nanapashemet. In 1630 he sold Nahant to
Thomas Dexter for a suit of clothes. It is probable that he
was the chief who welcomed Gosnold, in 1602, and who is
represented to have been dressed in a complete suit of English
clothes. If he were the same, that may have been the reason
why he was so desirous to possess another suit. He was killed
in 1633, as will be found under that date. He had two chil-
dren - Ahawayet, who married Wenepoykin; and Quealylussen,
commonly called Captain Tom, or Thomas Poquanurn, who
was born in 1611. Mr. Gookin, in 1686, says, "He is an Indian
of good repute, and professeth the Christian religion." Probably
he is the one alluded to by Rev. John Eliot, in his letter, Nov-
ember 13,1649, in which he says: "Linn Indians are all naught,
save one, who sometimes cometh to hear the word, and telleth
me that he prayeth to God; and the reason why they are bad
is partly and principally because their sachem is naught, and
careth not to pray to God." There is a confession of faith,
THE INDIANS. 41
preserved in Eliot's "Tears of Repentance," by Poquanum,
probably of this same Indian. He signed the deed of Salem in
1686, and on the 17th of September, in that year, he gave the
following testimony: "Thomas Queakussen, alias Captain Toni,
Indian, now living at Wamesit, neare Patucket Falls, aged about
seventy-five years, testifieth and saith, that many yeares since,
when he was a youth, he lived with his father, deceased, named
Poquannum, who some time lived at Sawgust, now called Linn;
be married a second wife, and lived at Nahant; and himself in
after time lived about Mistick, and that he well knew all these
parts about Salem, Marblehead and Linn; and that Salem and
the river running up between that neck of land at Bass river
was called Naumkekd, and the river between Salem and Marble-
head was, called Massabequash; also he says he well knew
Sagamore George, who married the Neponent's Owne Sister,
named Joane, who died about a yeare since; and Sagamore
George left two daughters, name Sicilye and Sarah, and two
grand-children by his son; Nonumpanumbow the one called
David, and the other Wuttanob; and I myself am one of their
kindred as before ; and James Rumney Marsh's mother is one
of Sagamoro George his kindred; and I knew two squawes
more living now about Pennecooke, one named Pahpocksitt,
and the other's name I know not; and I knew the grandmother
of these two squawes named Wenuchus; she was a principal
proprietor of these lands about Naumkege, now Salem; all
these persons above named are concerned in the ancient pro-
perty of the lands above Mmntioned." Wabaquin also testified,
that David was the grandson of Sagamore George - by his
father, deceased Manatahqua. (Essex Reg. Deeds, 11, 131.)
NAHANTON was born about the year 1600. On the 7th of April,
1635, Nahanton was ordered by the Court to pay Rev. William
Blackstone, of Boston, two beaver skins, for damage done to
his swine by setting traps. In a deposition taken at Natick,
August 15, 1672, he is called "Old Ahaton of Punkapog, aged
about seaventy yeares;" and in a deposition at Cambridge,
October 7, 1686, he is called "Old Mahanton, aged about ninety
years." In the same deposition he is called Nahatun. He
testifies concerning the right of the heirs of Wenepoykin to
sell the lands of Salem, and declares himself a relative of Saga-
42 HISTORY OF LYNN.
more George. He signed the deed of Quincy, August 5, 1665,
and in that deed is called "Old Nahatun," one of the "wise
men" of Sagamore Wampatuck. He also signed a quit-claim
deed to "the proprietated inhabitants of the town of Boston,"
March 19, 1685. (Suffolk Records.)
QUANOPKONAT, called John, was another relative of Wenepoy-
kin. His widow Joan, and his son James, signed the deed of
Salem, in 1686. Masconomo was sagamore of Agawam, now
Ipswich. Dudley says, "he was tributary to Sagamore James."
From the intimacy which subsisted between them, he was prob-
ably a relative. He died March 8, 1658, and his gun and other
implements were buried with him. (Felt's Hist. Ipswich.
The names of the Indians are variously spelled in records
and depositions, as they were imperfectly understood from their
nasal pronunciation. Some of them were known by different
names, and as they had no baptism, or ceremony of naming
their children, they commonly received no name until it was
fixed by some great exploit, or some remarkable circumstance.
The Indians have been admirably described by William Wood,
who resided at Lynn, at the first settlement. They were black
haired, __nosed, broad shouldered, brawny armed, long and
slender handed, out breasted, small waisted, lank bellied, well
thighed, flat kneed, handsome grown legs, and small feet. In a
word, they were more amiable to behold, though only in Adam's
livery, than many a compounded fantastic in the newest fash-
ion." In another place he speaks of "their unparalleled beauty."
Josselyn, in his New England Rarities, says: "The women, many
of them, have very good features, seldome without a come-to-me
in their countenance, all of them black eyed, having even, short
t eeth and very white, their hair black, thick and long, broad
breasted, handsome, straight bodies and slender, their limbs
cleanly, straight, generally plump as a partridge, and saving
none and then one, of a modest deportment." Lechford says:
"The Indesses that are young, are some of them very comely,
having good features. Many prettie brownettos and spider
fingered lasses may be seen among them." After such graphic
and beautiful descriptions, nothing need be added to complete
the idea that their forms were exquisitely perfect, superb, and
voluptuous. But is not this superlative language, as applied
THE INDIANS. 43
to Indian squaws, rather intense? Mr. Lewis, however, is well
known to have entertained more than ordinary veneration for
the aborigines. It is believed that a more just estimate may
be found in the volume- published before 1862, under the title
LYNN: or, Jewels of the Third Plantation."
The dress of the men was the skin of a deer or seal tied round
the waist, and in winter a bear or wolf skin thrown over the
shoulders, with moccasons or shoes of moose hide. The women
wore robes of beaver skins, with sleeves of deer skin drest, and
drawn with lines of different colors into ornamental figures.
Some wore a short mantle of trading cloth, blue or red, fastened
with a knot under the chin, and girt around the waist with a
bone ; their buskins fringed with feathers, and a fillet round
their heads, which were often adorned with plurnes.
Their money was made of shells, gathered on the beaches,
And was of two kinds. The one was called wampumpeag, or
white money, and was made of the twisted part of the cockle
strung together like beads. Six of these passed for a penny,
and a foot for about a shilling. The other was called suckauhoc,
or black money, and was made of the binge of the poquahoc
clam, bored with a sharp stone. The value of this money was
double that of the white. These belts were also very curiously
wrought into pendants, bracelets, and belts of wampum, several
inches in breadth and several feet in length, with figures of
animals and flowers. Their sachems were profusely adorned
with it, and some of the princely females wore dresses worth
fifty or a hundred dollars. It passed for beaver and other
commodities as currently as silver,
Their weapons were bows, arrows and tomahawks. Their
bows were made of walnut, or some other elastic wood, and
strung with sinews of deer or moose. Their arrows were made
of elder, and feathered with the quills of eagles. They were
beaded with a long, sharp stone of porphyry or jasper, tied to a
short stick, which was thrust into the pith of the elder. Their
tomahawks were made of a flat stone, sharpened to an edge,
with a groove round the middle. This was inserted in a bent
walnut stick, the ends of which were tied together. The flinty
beads of their arrows and axes, their stone gouges and pestles,
have been frequently found in the fields.
44 HISTORY OF LYNN.
Their favorite places of residence hereabout, appear to have
been in the neighborhood of Sagamore Hill and High Rock, at
Swampscot and Nahant. One of their burial places was on the
hill near the eastern end of Mount Vernon street. In Saugus,
many indications of their dwellings have been found on the
Old Boston road, for about half a mile from the hotel, westward -
and beneath the house of Mr. Ephraim Rhodes was a burying
ground. On the road which runs north from Charles Sweetser's
was another Indian village on a plain, defended by a hill. Na-
ture here formed a lovely spot, and nature's children occupied
it., The localities here referred to lie between East Saugam
and Cliftondale. They usually buried their dead on the sides
of hills next the sun. This was both natural and beautiful. It
was the wish of Beattie's Minstrel.
"Where a green grassy turf is all I crave,
And many an evening sun shine sweetly on my grave."
The Indians had but few arts, and only such as were requisite
for their subsistence. Their houses, called wigwams, were rude
structures, made of poles set around in the form of a cone, and
covered by bark, or mats. In winter, one great house, built
with more care, with a fire in the middle, served for the accom-
modation of many. They had two kinds of boats, called canoes.;
the one made of a pine log, twenty to sixty feet in length, burnt
and scraped out with shens; the other made of birch bark, very
light and elegant. They made fishing lines of wild hemp, equal
to the finest twine, and used fish bones for hooks. Their meth-
od of catching deer was by making two fences of trees, half a
mile in extent, in the form of an angle, with a snare at the place
of meeting, in which they frequently took the deer alive.
Their chief objects of cultivation were corn, beans, pumpkins,
squashes and melons, which were all indigenous plants. Their
fields were cleared by burning the trees in the autumn. Their
season for planting was when the leaves of the oak were as
large as the ear of a mouse. From this observation was formed
the rule of the first settlers.
When the white oak trees look goslin gray,
Plant then, be it April, June, or May.
The corn was hoed with large clam shells, and harvested in
cellars dug in the ground, and enclosed with mats. When
THE INDIANS. 45
boiled in kernels it was called samp; when parched and pound-
ed in stone mortars it was termed nokebike; and when pounded
and boiled, it was called hominy. They also boiled corn and
beans together, which they called succatash. They formed
earthen vessels in which they cooked. They made an excellent
cake by mixing strawberries with parched corn. Whortleberries
were employed in a similar manner. Some of their dishes are
still well known and highly relished - their samp, their hominy
or hasty pudding, their stewed beans or succatash, their baked
pumpkins, their parched corn, their boiled and roast ears of
corn, and their whortleberry cake - dishes which, when well
prepared, are good enough for anybody. And when to these
were added the whole range of field and flood, at a time when
wild fowl and venison were more than abundant, it will be seen
that the Indians lived well.
The woods were filled with wild animals - foxes, bears,
wolves, deer, moose, beaver, racoons, rabbits, woodchucks, and
squirrels - most of which have long since departed. One of
the most troublesome animals was the catamount, one of the
numerous varieties of the cat line, which has never been par-
ticularly described. It was from three to six feet in length,
and commonly of a cinnamon color. Many stories are related
of its attacks upon the early settlers, by climbing trees and
leaping upon them when traveling through the forest. An
Indian in passing through the woods one day, heard a rustling
in the boughs overhead, and looking up, saw a catamount pre-
paring to spring upon him. He said he cry "all one soosuck"
that is, like a child - knowing that if he did not kill the cata-
mount he must lose his own life. He fired as the animal was
in the act of springing, which met the ball and fell dead at
his feet.
The wild pigeons are represented to have been so numerous
that they passed in flocks so large as to " obscure the light."
Dudley says, "it passeth credit if but the truth should be
known;" and Wood says, "they coutinued flying for four or
five hours together, to such an extent that one could see nei-
ther beginning nor ending, length nor breadth, of these millions
of millions." When they alighted in the woods, they frequently
broke down large limbs of trees by their weight, and the crash-
46 HISTORY OF LYNN
ing was heard at a great distance. A single family has been
known to have killed more than one hundred dozen in one
night, with poles and other weapons; and they were often
taken in such numbers that they were thrown into piles, and
kept to feed the swine. The Indians called the pigeon wusco-
wan, a word signifying a wanderer. The wild fowl - were so
numerous in the waters, that persons sometimes killed "fifty
duckes at a shot."
The Indians appear to have been very fond of amusements.
The tribes, even from a great distance, were accustomed to
challenge each other, and to assemble upon Lynn Beach to
decide their contests. Here they sometimes passed many days
in the exercises of running, leaping, wrestling, shooting, and
other diversions. Before they began their sports, they drew a
line in the sand, across which the parties shook hands in evi-
dence of friendship, and they sometimes painted their faces, to
prevent revenge. A tall pole was then planted in the beach,
on which were hung beaver skins, wampum, and other articles,
for which they contended; and frequently all they were worth
was ventured in the play. One of their games was foot-ball.
Another was called puilm, which was played by shuffeling to-
gether a large number of small-sticks, and contending for them.
Another game was played with five flat pieces of bone, black
on one side and white on the other. These were put into a
wooden bowl, which was struck on the ground, causing the
bones to bound aloft, and as they fell white or black, the game
was decided. During this play, the Indians sat in a circle,
making a great noise, by the constant repetition of the word
hub, hub, - come, come - from which it was called hubbub; a
word, the derivation of which seems greatly to have puzzled
Dr. Johnson.
The Indians believed in a Great Spirit, whom they called
Kiebtan, who made all the other gods, and one man and woman.
The evil spirit they called Hobarnock. They endured the most
acute pains without a murmur, and seldom laughed loud. They
cultivated a kind of natural music, and had their war and death
songs. The women had lullabies and melodies for their children,
and modulated their voices by the songs of birds. Some early
writers represent the voices of their females, when heard
47 THE INDIANS
through the shadowy woods, to have been exquisitely harmonious
It has been said they had no poets; but their whole language
was a poem. What more poetical than calling the roar
of the ocean on the beach, sawkiss, or great panting? Literally,
the noise which a tired animal makes when spent in the chase.
What more poetical than naming a boy Poquanum, or Dark
Skin; and a girl Wauapaquin, a Plume ? every word of the
Indians was expressive, and had a meaning, Such is natural
poetry in all ages. The Welch called their great King Arthur,
from aruthr, terribly fair; and such was Alonzo, the name of the
Moorish kings of Spain, from an Arabic word, signifying the
fountain of beauty. When we give our children the names of
gems and flowers - when we use language half as designative
as that of the Indians, we may begin to talk of poetry. " I am
an aged hemmilock," said one, whose head has been whitened
by eighty snows!" "We will brighten the chain of our friend-
ship with you, " said the chiefs in their treaties. " You are
the rising sun, we are the setting," said an old chief, sadly, on
seeing the prosperity of the whites. Gookin says that when
the Quakers tried to convince certain Indians of the truth of
their doctrines, advising them not to listen to the ministers, and
telling them that they had "a light within, which was a suffi-
cient guide," they replied, "We have long looked within, and
find it very dark." The Indians reckoned their time by snows
and moons. A snow was a winter; and thus, a man who had
seen eighty snows, was eighty years of age. A moon was a
month ; thus they had the harvest moon, the bunting moon, and
the moon of flowers. A sleep was a night; and seven sleeps
were seven days. This figurative language is in the highest
degree poetical and beautiful.
The Indians have ever been distinguished for friendship, jus-
tice, magnanimity, and a high sense of honor. They have been
represented by some as insensible and brutish, but, with the
exception of their revenge, they were not an insensate race.
The old chief, who requested permission of the white people to
smoke one more whiff before he was slaughtered, was thought
to be an unfeeling wretch; but be expressed more than he could
have done by the most eloquent speech. The red people re-
ceived the immigrants in a friendly manner, and taught them
48 HISTORY OF LYNN
how to plant; and when any of the whites traveled through the
woods, they entertained them with more kindness than compli-
ments, kept them freely many days, and often went ten, and
even twenty miles, to conduct them on their way. The Rev.
Roger Williams said: "They were remarkably free and cour-
teous to invite all strangers and I have reaped kindness again
from many, seven years after, whom I myself had forgotten. It
is a strange truth, that a man shall generally find more free
entertainment and refresfiment among these barbarians, than
among thousands that call themselves Christians."
The scene which presented itself to the first settlers, must
have been in the highest degree interesting and beautiful. The
light birch canoes of the red men were seen gracefully swim-
ming over the surface of the bright blue ocean; the half clad
females were beheld, bathing their olive limbs in the lucid flood,
or sporting on the smooth beach, and gathering the spotted
eggs from their little hollows in the sands, or the beautiful
shells which abounded among the pebbles, to string into beads
or weave into wampum, for the adornment of their necks and
arms. At one time an Indian was seen with his bow, silently
endeavoring to transfix the wild duck or the brant, as they rose
and sunk on the alternate waves; and at another, a glance was
caught of the timid wild deer, rushing through the shadow of
the dark green oaks; or the sly fox, bounding from rock to rock
among the high cliffs of Nahant, and stealing along the shore to
find his evening repast, which the tide had left upon the beach.
The little sand-pipers darted along the thin edge of the wave,
the white gulls in hundreds soared screaming overhead - and
the curlews filled the echoes of the rocks with their wild and
watery music. This is no imaginary picture, wrought up for
the embellishment of a fanciful tale, but the delineation of
an actual scene, which presented itself to the eyes of our
fathers.
An incident respecting the Indians, about a year before the
settlement of Lynn, is related by Rev. Thomas Cobbett, in a
letter to Increase Mather. About the year 1628, when those
few that came over with Colonel Endicott and begun to settle at
Nahumkeeck, now called Salem, and in a manner all so sick of
their journey, that though they had both small and great guns,
49 INDIAN DEED OF LYNN
and powder and bullets for them, yet had not strength to man-
age them, if suddenly put upon it; and tidings being certainly
brought them, on a Lord's day morning, that a thousand Indians
from Saugus, (now called Lynn,) were coming against them to
cut them off, they had much ado amongst them all to charge
two or three of their great guns, and trail them to a place
of advantage, where the Indians must pass to them, and there
to shoot them off; when they heard by their noise which they
made in the woods, that the Indians drew near, the noise of
which great artillery, to which the Indians were never wonted
before, did occasionally, by the good hand of God, strike such
dread into them, that by some lads who lay as scouts in the
woods, they were heard to reiterate that confused outcry, "0h
Hobbamock, much Hoggery," and then fled confusedly back
with all speed, when none pursued them. One old Button,
lately living at Haverhill, who was then almost the only haile
man left of that company, confirmed this to be so to me, accord-
ingly as I had been informed of it." This old Button was Matthias
Button, a Dutchman, who lived in a thatched house in
Haverhill in 1670, says Joshua Coffin. And this same Button
is acknowledged to have communicated to Mr. Cobbett a part
of the interesting facts supplied to Dr.Increase Mather, regard-
ing the early difficulties with the Indians. He came over with
Endicott, in 1628, and died in 1672.
By returning to page 39, it will be observed that Mr. Lewis
speaks of the Indian deeds of Marblehead and Salem. And it is
a little remarkable that while doing so he did not suspect that
there might also have been one of Lynn, for it appears as if
such a suspicion would have put him upon that thorough search
which must have sesulted in its discovery. Such a deed, bear-
ing date 4 Sept.,1686 - may be found among the records at Salem.
And this seems an appropriate place for its introduction, as it
contains, aside from its more direct purpose, divers statements
regarding some of the Indians of whom brief biographies have
been given. It is true that in one or two points it somewhat
tarnishes the romantic gloss which has so delighted us. But it
is not unwholesome now and then to interpose a slight check to
50 HISTORY OF LYNN.
the imaginary flights to which the lover of the people and
things of old is ever prone.
It should not, however, be concluded that the first purchase from the Indians was made at the date of this deed. Separate tracts had been purchased at different times before, and this was merely intended as a release or quit-claim of all the rights of the grantors in all the territory now constituting Lynn, Lynnfield, Nahant, Saugus, and Swampscot, and parts of Danvers, Reading and South Reading. At the time this deed was given, in reality not a third of the territory was occupied by the settlers; but there was a prospect that it would presently come in use. The Indians had mostly retired, and it was important that their title, if any existed, should be extinguished. The small consideration named is some indication that it was not considered that the Indians had any very valuable remaining interest. Other value, however, may have been given. It was often the case, that the consideration expressed in a deed was quite different from the real one, the custom of indulging in a little innocent deception being as prevalent then as now. And it was not unfrequently an object with the shrewd settlers to have it appear that the prices paid for lands were low, even when the old sagamores had succeeded in making good bargains.
And taking into account the time at which this deed was given, I am persuaded that the procuring of it was deemed a matter of much importance, inasmuch as it would constitute written evidence that the natives had parted with the title to their lands for a satisfactory consideration - the previous deeds, if there were any, having been unrecorded and lost. The people were extremely suspicious that under James, the crown agents would pay little regard to titles that did not rest upon some clear and unimpeachable evidence. And though Andros pretended to have no more regard for the signature of an Indian than for the scratch of a bear's claw, he yet sometimes found the barbarous autographs very serious impediments in the way of his tyrannous assumptions. As a precautionary step, the procuring of this deed shows the wariness of our good fathers. It will be observed that the Indian deeds of Marblehead, Salem, and one or two other places were procured almost simultaneously with that of Lynn. And in March, 1689,
51. INDIAN DEED OF LYNN.
Andros asked Rev. Mr. Higginson whether New England was the king's territory. The reply was, that it belonged to the colonists, because they had held it by just occupation and purchase from the Indians. The following is a copy of the deed, which, though it may not furnish much entertainment to the general reader, will be appreciated by the antiquarian.
To ALL CHRISTIAN PEOPLE, to whom this present Deed of Confirmation Ratification and Alienation shall come, David Kunkshamooshaw, ho by creditable intelligence is grandson to old Sagamore George No-Nose, so called, alias Wenepaw-veekin, sometime of Rumney Marsh, and sometimes at or about Chelmsford, of ye collony of ye Massachusets, so called, sometimes here and sometimes there, but deceased, ye said David, grandson to ye said old Sagamore George No-Nose, deceased, and Abigail Kunkshamooshaw, ye wife of David, and Cicely, alias Su George, ye reputed daughter of said old Sagamore George, and James Quonopohit of Natick alias Rumney Marsh, and Mary his wife, send greeting,etc.
Know YEE, that the said David Kunk-shamoosbaw and Abigail his wife, and Cicely alias Su George aforesaid and James Quonopohit aforesaid with his wife Mary who are ye nearest of kin and legall successors of ye aforesaid George No-Nose alias Wenepawweekin whom -vvee aflirme was the true and sole owner of ye laud that ye towns of Lynn and Reading aforesaid stand upon, and notwithstanding ye possession of ye English dwelling in those townshipsof Lynn and Reading aforesaid, wee, ye said David Kunkshamoosbaw, Cicely alias Su George, James Quonopohit, etc., the rest aforesaid Indians, doe lay claime to ye lands that these two townes aforesaid, Lynn and Reading, stand upon, and the dwellers thereof possess, that ye right and title thereto is ours and belong to us and ours; but, howsoever, the townships of Lyn and Reading having been long possessed by the English, and although wee make our clayme and ye selectmen and trustees for both townes aforesaid pleading title by graunts of courts and purchase of old of our predecessor, George Sagamore, and such matters, &c., wee. ye claymers aforenamed, viz. David Kunkshamooshaw and Abigail his Squaw, Cicely alias Su George the reputed daughter of old Sagamore George No-Nose, and James Quonopohit and Mary his Squaw, they being of the kindred as of claymers, considering the arguments of ye selectmen in both townes, are not willing to make trouble to ourselves nor old neighbors in those two townes aforesaid of Lyyy,and Reading, etc., wee therefore, the clayming Indians aforesaid, viz. David Kunkshamooshaw and Abigail his wife and Cicely alias Su George the reputed daughter of old Sagamore George alias Weaepawweekin and James Quonopohit and Mary his wife, all and every of us, as aforesaid, and jointly together, for and in consideration of ye summe of sixteen poundes of currant sterling money of silver in hand paid to us Indians clayming, viz. David Kanksbamooshaw, etc., at or before ye ensealing and delivery of these presents, by Mr Ralph King, William Bassett, senior, Mathew Farrington, sen'r, John Burrill, sen'r, Robert Potter, sen'r, Samuel Johnson, and Oliver Phurchis, selectmen in Lynn in ye
county of
52. HISTORY OF LYNN.
Essex, in New England, trustees and prudentials for and in behalf of ye purchasers and now proprietors of ye Townships of Lynn and Reading, well and truly payd, ye receipt whereof we, viz. David Kunksbamoosbaw, Abigail his wife, Cicely alias Su George ye reputed daughter of old Sagamore George, and James Conopohit, of Natick, alias Rumney Marsh, and Mary his wife, do hereby acknowledge themselves therewith to be fully satisfied and contented, and thereof and of every part thereof, doe hereby acquit, exhonerate, and discharge ye said Mr Ralph King, William Bassett, senior, with all and every of ye selectmen aforesaid, trustees and prudentials, together with ye purchasers andnow proprietors of ye said townships of Lynn and of Reading, their heirs, executors administrators, and assigns, forever, by these presents have given, granted and bargained a full and a firme confirmation and ratification of all grants - of courts and any former alienation made by our predecessor or, predecessors and our own right, title and interest, - clayme and demand whatsoever, and by these presents doe fully, freely, clearly, and absolutely, give and grant a full andfirm confirmation and ratification of all grants of courts, and any sort of aliention formerly made by our predecessor or predecessors, as alsoe all our owne clayme of right, title, interest and demand unto them, ye said Mr King, William Bassett, and the rest, selectmen forenamed, trustees and prudentials for the towne of Lynn, ye worshipful Mr John Browne, Capt. Jeremiah Sweyn, and Leiut. William Harsey, trustees and prudentials for ye towne of Reading to their heirs and assigns forever, to and for ye sole use, benefit and behoof of ye purchasers and now proprietors of ye townships of Lynn and Reading aforesaid and all ye said townships of Lynn and Reading joyning one to another, even from the sea, where ye line beginneth between Lynn and Marblehead, and so between Lyon and Salem, as it is stated by those townes and marked, and so to Ipswich River, and so from thence as it is stated betwixt Salem and Reading, and as ye line is stated and runne betwixt Wills bill, and as is stated and runne betwixt Reading and Andover and as it is stated betwixt Oburne and Reading, and as it is stated and runn betwixt Charlestowne, Malden, Lynn and Reading, and upon the sea from ye line that beginneth at Lynn, and Marblehead, and Salem, to divide the towns aforesaid, so as well from thence to ye two Nahants, viz. the little Nahant and ye great Nahant, as ye sea compasseth it almost round and see to ye river called Lyric River or Rumney Marsh River or Creeke unto ye line from Brides Brook to ye said Creek, answering ye line that is stated between Lynn and Boston, from ye said Brides Brook up to Reading.
This said tract of land, described as aforesaid, together with all houses, edifices, buildings, lands, yards, orchards, gardens, meadows, marshes, feedings, grounds, rocks, stones, beach flats, pastures, commons and commons of pasture, woods, underwoods, swamps, waters, water-courses, dams, ponds, fishings, flowings, ways, casements, profits, privileges,rights, commodities, royalling, hereditaments, and appurtenances whatsoever, to ye said townships of Lynn and Reading and other ye premises belonging, or in any wise appertaining, or by them now used, occupied and injoyed as part, parcel or member thereof; and also all rents, arrearages of rents, quit
53. INDIAN DEED OF LYNN.
rents, rights and appurtenances whatsoever, nothing excepted or reserved, and also all deeds, writings, and evidences whatsoever, touching ye premises or any part or pareell thereof.
To HAVE And To HOLD all ye said townships of Lynn and Reading, as
well as the Two Nahants aforesaid, ye little and ye great Nahant, as they are encompassed by ye sea with their beaches from ye great Nahant to ye little,and from the little Nahant homeward where Richard Hood now dwelleth, and so to Mr Kings, with all ye above granted premises, with their and every of their rights, members and appurtenances, and every part and parcell thereof, hereby given, granted confirmed, ratified, unto ye said Mr Ralph King, Willia Bassett and ye rest selectmen in behalf of Lynn, and ye worsbipfull Mr John Browne and ye rest aforenamed, for Reading, all trustees and prudentials for ye townships of Lynn and Reading, to them and their heirs and assigns forever, to and for ye sole vse, benefit and behoof of ye purchasers and now proprietors of ye said townships of Lynn and Reading; and they, ye said David Kunkshamooshaw and Abigail his wife, and Cicely alias Su George, the reputed daughter of George No-Nose, deceased, and James Quonopobit and Mary his wife, Indians aforesaid, for themselves, their heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns, jointly, severally, and respectively, doe hereby covenant, promise, and grant to and with ye said Mr King, William Bassett, sen'r, and ye rest of Lynn, and the worshipfull Mr John Browne and ye rest of Reading, trustees and prudentials for ye townes of Lynn and Reading, as aforesaid, their heirs and assigns, and to the purchasers and now proprietors of ye said townships of Lynn and Reading, etc., in manner and forme following, that is to say,) that at ye time of this graunt, confirmation and alienation and untill the ensealing and delivery of these presents, their ancestor and ancestors and they, the above named David and Abigail his now wife, and Cicely alias Su George, and ye rest aforenamed Indians, were the true, sole, and lawfull owners of all ye afore bargained, confirmed, and aliened premises, and were lawfully seized off and in ye same and every part thereof in their own propper right, and have given themselves full power, good right, and lawfull authority to grant, aliene, confirm, and assure ye same as is afore described in this deed, unto Mr Ralph King, William Bassett, sen'r, and ye rest selectmen of Lynn, and ye worshipfull Mr. John Browne and ye rest aforenamed, agents for Reading, all trustees and prudentials for ye two townships of Lyn and Reading, to them, their heirs and assigns forever, for ye use aforesaid, viz. the benefit and behoof of ye purchasers and now proprietors of ye two townships aforesaid, as a good, perfect and absolute estate of inheritance in fee simple without any manner of condition,reversion or limitation whatsoever, so as to alter, change, or make void same, and that ye said trustees aforesaid, and ye purchasers and now proprietors of ye said townships of Lynn and Reading, their beirs and assigns, shall and may, by vertue and force of these presents, from time to time and at all times forever hereafter, lawfully, peaceably, and quietly, have, hold, use, granted, aliened, and confirmed premises,possess, and enjoy, the above with ye appurtenances and benefits thereof, and every part and parcell thereof,free and clear, and clearly acquitted and discharged off and from all and all
54 HISTORY OF LYNN.
manner of other gifts, graunts, bargaines, sales, leases, mortgages, jointures,dowers, judgments, executions, forfeitures, and off and from all other titles,troubles, charges, incumbrances, whatsoever, had, made, committed, done or suffered to be done by the said David and Abigail his wife, Cicely alias Su George and ye rest Indians aforenamed, them or any of them, or any of their heirs or assigns, or any of their ancestors, at any time or times. And further, that ye said David Kunkshamoosbaw and Abigail his wife, Su George, James Quonopobit aud Mary his wifb, &c., their heirs, executors and administrators,etc., jointly and severally will and shall by these presents, from time to time and at all times hereafter, warrant and defend their foregranted and confirmed premises, with their benefits and appurtenances and every part and parcel thereof, unto the said trustees or prudentials forenamed for ye townships of Lynn and Reading, and their heirs and assigns forever, to and for the sole use and benefit of ye purchasers and now proprietors in and off ye said townships of Lynn and Reading, against all and every person or persons whatsoever anyway lawfully clayming or demanding ye same or any part enparcell thereof.
And lastly, that they, ye said David, and Su George, and James Quonopohit, etc., their wives or any of their heirs, executors, or administrators, shall and will from time to time and at all times hereafter, when thereafter required, at ye cost and charges of ye aforesaid trustees and prudentials, their heirs or assigns, or ye purchasers and proprietors of ye townships of Lynn and Reading etc., doe make, acknowledge, suffer, all and every such further acts, thing and things, assurances and conveyances, whatsoever, for ye further more better surety and sure making of ye abovesaid townships of Lynn and Reading, with ye rights, hereditaments, benefits and appurtenances above by these presents mentioned to be bargained, aliened, confirmed, unto ye aforesaid trustees and prudentials, their heirs and assigns, for ye use afore said, as by the said trustees aforesaid, their heirs or assigns, or ye said proprietors, or by their councill learned in ye law, shall be reasonably devised, advised or required.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, ye said David Kunkshamooshaw and Abigail his
wife, and Cicely alias Su George and James Quonopohit and Mary his wife, have hereunto set their hands and seals, ye, day of ye date, being ye fourth day of September, one thousand, six hundred eighty and siy, annoque regni regis Jacobus Secundi Anglice."
This deed, it will be seen, was intended to confirm and ratify
previous alienations, as well as to operate as a release or quit-
claim of all the interest remaining in the grantors. The virtue
of the conveyance, however, must have existed mainly in the
release. But the purpose was accomplished in the old-fashion
way, and shows that, as before stated, there were earlier con-
veyances. To this deed the Indian grantors affixed their marks
and seals. The marks of David and Abigail Kunksbamooshaw
are rude representations of a bow and arrow. Cicely alias SU
55.INDIAN DEED OF LYNN.
George indulges in a modest flourish. And Mary Ponham, alias
Quonopohit, dashes off with a figure that somewhat resembles
an intoxicated X, but which may have been intended for a dis-
guised cross. The more learned James Quonopohit writes his
name in full. On the whole, the signatures do not indicate
remarkable accomplishment in the use of the pen; but fortu-
nately the value of a signed manual does not depend on the
chirography. It is not wonderful that such signatures put
Andros in mind of scratches of a bear's claw. A slip or two
from the modern rules of grammar, may have been noticed;
but it is a wise provision that bad grammar shall not damage
a legal instrument if the meaning is apparent. Facsimiles of
the marks are here introduced. They were traced from the
record, which appears to give very careful imitations of the
originals.
INDIAN SIGNATURES TO THE DEED OF LYNN.
Chapter 2 - History of Lynn Massachusetts - Annals 1630 page 122 - 1634
122 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1630.
[The two children named by Mr. Lewis, Elizur and Elizabetb,
were not the only offspriDg of Mr. Holyoke. He had daughters,
Ann, who married Lieut. Thomas Putnam, 17 Oct. 1643; Mary,
who married John Tuttle of Bostoni 10 Feb. 1647; SusanDa,
who married Michael Martin, 12 Sept. 1656; and Sarah, who
married an Andrews. He also had sons, Edward and John, who
were born in England and died there, at early ages. Mr. Hol-
yoke's will is a curious document; and most of it is here given,
because it so well exhibits his spirit and so faithfully exposes
the condition of things at that time, in several interesting par.
ticulars. It was made 25 Dec.. 1658, and he died 4 May, 1660.
As for the holy faith of the holy one, God in trinitie, and of the holy faith
of our glorious Lord, the son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, the second Adam,
I haue composed A booke and doe bestowell vpon each of my sonns in law as
their best legacy, &c. (Being instructed chiefly by an understanding of the
Scriptures) I doubt not my booke will giue him A hart of au sound doctrine.
Touching my worldly estate, I dispose the' yoke of Oxen and my mare, to
my sonn in law, George Keysar, and my mare foale and A Cow, to My 80M]
Pielnim; tow kine to my sonia Andrewes; A Cow to my dau. Mai-ten. These
Oxen and kine are in the hands of Goodman Wilkins, of Linn; the mare and
foale is at Runmey Marsh. I giue to my sonn Tuttle, that F,4 yearely bee
should haue giuen Mee since I put ouer the house in Boston to him. I ueuer
yet had a paimey of it; 40s. I gone him of that, so theare is yet L6 beebind
and theare is E5 mentioned in Goodman Wilkins Case that bee oweth Mee, I
guic to my dau. Maiwu, and 20s. to my kinswoman Mary Mansfeild, and 10s.
of it to John Dolittle, and 10s. of it to my kinsman Thomas Morris, of New-
ham, and 10s. of it to Hamiah Keasur. I giae my best Cloake of that Cloth
that cam from England to my sonn Holyoke, as allsoc my Coate of the same
cloth. I giuc my other Cloke to my somi Keaser, my best Dublet and breeches
to my sonn Tuttle, my stuT dublet and my best hat to my sonn Holyoke; all
the rest of my wearchig apparell. to my somi Keasar. As touching the whol
yeares rent of this yeare 1658, that is Dew Mee from Goodman Wilkins, of
Linn, I owe Theodore Atkins 49s.; pay him in wheatc; I owe John Hull
Aboute 22s.; pay him in wheate; pay Mr. Russell, treasurer, 3 bushells of
wbeate; for John Andrewes, 8 busLells of wheate to Mr. Wilson Paster at
Boston, and 8 bushell of Indian. As for my Linell, let all my daurs. part
alike. The 20s. Goodman Page owetb me, as my somi Tuttle cann witness,
I give my dau. Martin. There is about 15s. Capt. Sauige oweth Mee; intreat
him to satisfie my Cosan Dauis, and the rest giue to my dau. Maiten. As for
my books and wrightings, I giue my sonn Holyoke all the books that are at
Linn, as allsoe the Iron Chest,and the bookes I haue in my study that are
Mr. Beangbans works I giue him, bee onely caim make vse of them, and
likewise I giue all my maniscripts what soeuer, and I giue him that large new
testament in folio, with wast papers between cueiy leafe, allso Mr. ADsworth
on the 5 books of Moses and the psalmes, and my dixinaiy and Temellius
bible in Latten, and my latten Concent and danOl bound together, and A
part of the New testament in Folio, with wast paper betwin. euery leafe, and
the greate mapps of geneolagy, and that old maniscript called a SyDas sight;
the rest, for A muskett I gaue of olde to my sonn Holyoke: All my land in
Linn, and that land and Medow in the Country necre Reding, all was gitien
to my sonn Holyoke, when he iTtaried Mr Pinchors Daughter.
Pr me., Ei)woiLD HoLyoKE.
[Mr. Holyoke's son Elizur administered on the estate, and
the inventory was taken 19 June, 1660. John Tuttle and John
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1630. 128
Doolittle were'appraisers, and the amount was X681. 11 A farme
at Lynne, X400 ; 3 acres at Nahant, X6 ; a farme at Bever dame,
neare Reading, X150; 11 two oxen, X12; four cows, X16; and
his books, X20; are the principal items.
[Mr. Holyoke was from Tamworth, Warwickshire, where he
married, 18 June, 1612, Prudence, daughter of Rev. John Stock-
ton, rector of Kinkolt. His father, who was likewise named
Edward, is thought to be the same 11 Edward Hollyocke " men-
tioned in the will of the father of Ann Hathaway, wife of the
immortal Shakspeare, where he is spoken of as baviDg a claim
Of twenty shillings, for wood.
[It is evident that Mr. Holyoke, quite early in life, had his
mind directed to the consideration of sacred things. And on
the whole he seems to have been rather a lively exponent of
puritan character. On 12 May, 1612, about a ' month before his
marriage, be wrote to Miss Stockton a long epistle, from which
a few passages are here introduced, the orthography being mod-
ernized. "Let us resolve," he says, "with an unfeigned heart
in constancy and perseverance to follow the Eternal, and to
cleave unto him all our days; to set him up in our hearts to
be our God; to love him with all our heart, mind,. soul, and
strength; to worsbip him in spirit and truth, according to his
revealed will; to sanctify his name in his word, in his works, in
our holy conversation; to keep his Sabbath with joy of heart
and delighting in the Lord; in it not doing our own will, but
sanctifying it wholly to the Lord. If this be in our hearts. in
deed and in truth, then we shall be faithful to each other, iioi
sinning against one another; for you have set me on your heart
and me alone, to be thine; thy husband, the veil of thine eyes
in the sight of all ; thy head. If this be so, then cleave to me,
to me alone; lot your affections be mine, your desires mine.
And I have set thee on my heart ., and thee alone, to make thee
my spouse, my companion, the wife of my youth; to enter into
covenant with thee before God, never to transgress against
thee, but to love you only, even as myself; to care for you, to
rejoice with you, to wander in thy love continually . . . . . Me-
thinks I see the preparation that Prudence makes for the'day
of solemnity; every thing in readiness, that she will not forget
an ornament; every thing in such conveniency. Ob, will you
thus prepare for this marriage, which is but for a time ? Labor
to be truly spiritual, that this may be, above all things, the
chief of your thoughts, to prepare for that eternal marriage with
Christ Jesus in the last day."
[The name of Mount Holyoke, in Hampshire county, it is said,
was derived from Elizur, the son named as having married Mary
Pynchon, and who became a very conspicuous and useful man.
Few names appear on the records of the colony in connection
124 ANNALS OP LYNN--1630.
with more enterprises of a public nature than that of Elizur
Holyoke, and few are more highly spoken of for their services.
There is a tradition that during an exploration by some of the
settlers of Springfield, five or six years after they first located
there, Elizur Holyoke, with a party, went up the east side of the
river, While Rowland Thomas, with another party, went up the.
west side. On reaching a narrow place, between the mountains,
a conversation took place, across the water, between Holyoke
and Thomas, concerning the naming of the mountains. And
finally it was determined to give the name of Holyoke to that
on the east, and the name of Thomas to that on the west. The
latter soon came to be called Mount Tom; but the former was
more fortunate in retaining the integrity of its name. A worthy
writer says of Elizur Holyoke: "His whole life was devoted to
the service of the people among whom be lived." He was
appointed by the General Court, in 1652, One of the commis-
sioners empowered to govern the Springfield settlers, "in all
matters not extending to life and limb." He died 6 Feb. 1676.
He had a son Elizur, the youngest of four, who was sent to
Boston to learn the trade of a brazier, and who finally became
prominent by his enterprise and wealth ; and his name will long
survive from his association with the founders of the Old South
Church. Edward Holyoke, president of Harvard College, was
a son of his. The name is perpetuated in Lynn, through Hol-
yoke street, in the vicinity of which Edward, the original settler,
owned lands.]
WILLIAM HATHORNE- was born in England, in 1607; was
admitted a freeman in 1634; and removed to Salem.
DANIEL HOWE, (Lieut.)-was admitted a freeman in 1634.
He was a representative in five General Courts, and a mem-
ber of the Ancient Artillery Company in 1638. He removed
to New Haven. His son Ephraim was master of a vessel which
sailed from Boston. In Sept. 1676, his vessel, in which were
two of his sons and three other persons, was disabled by a
storm, off Cape Cod, and driven to sea for several weeks, until
his two sons, lashed to the deck by ropes, perished. The vessel
was then cast on a desolate island, vhere the three other per-
sons died. Mr. Howe was thus left alone, and found' means to
subsist for nine months, lodging and praying in a cave, till he
was taken off by a vessel, in June.
EDWARD HOWE, -was a farmer, and was admitted a freeman
in 1636. He was several times chosen representative, and Nvas
a member of the Essex Court, in 1637. In April, 1639, after
the Court was ended in Boston, having dined in his usual health,
be went to the river side, to pass over to Charlestown, and
while waiting for the ferry boat, fell dead on the shore. Gov.
Winthrop says he was 11 a Godly-man." He had a son Edward.
-ANNALS OF LYNN - 1630. 125
[Mr. Lewis has located him here at too early a date. He came
in the Truelove, 1635. He was 64 years old at the time of his
death. He and Daniel Howe', the preceding, were brothers.]
THOMAS HUBBARD - was admitted a freeman in 1634, and
removed to Billerica. [His wife's name was Elizabeth. He died
in Nov. 1662.]
THOMAS HUDSON-was a farmer, and lived on the western
side of Saugus river. He owned the lands where the Iron
Works were situated, part of which be sold for that purpose.
He had a son Jonathan, whose descendants remain.
CHRISTOPHER HUSSEY -was born in Darking, in Surrey, EDg-
JaDd, in 1598. He went to Holland, where be became enamored
of Theodate, daughter of Rev. Stephen Bacbiler, who had resid.,
ed there several years, but her father would not consent to
their uiiion, unless Mr. Hussey would remove to New England,
whither he was preparing to go. Mr. Hussey came to Lynn
with his mother, widow Mary Hussey, and his wife, in 1630, and
here, the same year, his son Stephen was born, who was the
second white child born in Lynn. He removed to Newbury,
in 1636, and was chosen representative in 1637. In 1638, be
became one of the first settlers of Hampton, and was chosen a
counsellor. In 1685, he was cast awaf and lost on the coast
of Florida, being 87 years of age. His children were Stephen,
John, Joseph, Huldab, Theodate and Mary.
GEORGE KEYSEP,, born in 1616 -was a miller, at Swampscot,
and was admitted a freeman in 1638. He married Elizabeth
Holyoke, and had a son Elizur, who removed to Salem.
CHRISTOPHER LINDSEY -lived as a servant with Thomas Dex-
ter, and kept his cattle at Nahant. A bill on the notbeastern
part of Nahant is still called Lindsey's hill. He died in 1668.
He had two soils, John and Eleazer, and his descendants remain.
[Mr. Lindsey was wounded in the Pequot war, and in a petition
to the Court, May, 1655, states that be was " disabled from
service for 20 weekes, for which he neuer had any satisfaction."
He was allowed three pounds. His only daughter, Naomi, was
the first wife of Thomas Maule, of Salem, the famous Quaker,
to whom she was married, 22 July, 1670. Maule published a
book setting forth and maintaining the truth according to the
Quaker view. And for this be was indicted. He afterward put
forth allother work - his 11 Persecutors Mauled 11 - in which be
remarks that they five times imprisoned him, thrice took away
his goods, and thrice cruelly whipped him; besides their many
other abuses.]
JONATHAN NEGUS -was born in 1601, and admitted a freeman
in 1634.
THOMAS NEWHALL - was a farmer, and owned all the lands
on the eastern side of Federal street, as far north as Marion.
126 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1630.
His house stood on the east side of the former street, a few rods
south of where the brook crosses. He had two sons. 1. John,
born in'Englaud. 2. Thomas born in 1630, who was the, first
white child born in Lynn. He married Elizabeth Potter, 29
Dec. 1652, and was buried 1 April, 1687, aged 57. His wife
was buried 22 Feb. 1687. His descendants are more numerous
thanthose of any other name at Lynn, and there are many in
the adjacent towns. [A fac-simile
of the autograph of this Thomas,
the first of the white race born
in our precincts, is here given. Sipature of Thomas Newhall.
It was traced from his signature to an inventory filed in the
court at Salem, in 1677, the last two letters being supplied, as
the paper is so much worn as to render them illigible. I have
searched in vain for a proper signature of his father, who died
25 May, 1674. His will is signed by " his mark." But as the
document was executed just before his death, it is reasonable
to conclude that infirmity, rather than ignorance, was the occa,
sion of his signing in that suspicious mariner. A somewhat
extended genealogical view of the Newhall family will be given
in another part of this work.]
ROBERT POTTER - was a farmer, and lived in Boston street.
He was admitted a freeman in 1634. He had a daughter Eliza.
both. [He removed from town soon after he became a freeman.
Under date 1685 Mr. Lewis gives the name of a Robert Potter,
who was probably a son of this Robert. He went first to Rhode
Island, but changed his place of abode two or three times. In
1643, he, with others, was arrested for disseminating obnoxioiis
doctrines, and brought to Boston. The government ordered
' them to discontinue their preaching, on pain of death. They
suffered imprisonment, confiscation of estate and banishment.
Subsequently, however, by making complaint in England, they
had their estates restored. In 16492 he kept an inn, at War-
wick. He had a son John, and daughters Deliverance and Eliz-
beth; and, probably, a son Robert, his eldest child. He died
in 1655.]
JOHN RAMSDELL -was a farmer, and died 27 Oct. 1688, aged
86. His wife, Priscilla, died 23 Jan. 1675. His sons were John
and Aquila, and his descendants remain.
JOSEPH REDNAP -was a wine-cooper, from London, and was
admitted a freeman in 1634. Judge Sewall, in his Diary, says
be died on Friday, 23 Jan. 1686, aged 110 years. [But Judge
Sewall must have made his entry touching the age, from exag~
gerated reports. Mr. Rednap could not have been much, if any,
above 90. And in the Judge's statement we have further evi-
dence that in those days people took a singular pride, when one
died at an age beyond the common limit, in giving him, to as
INNALS OP LYNN-1630. 127
great an extent as the case would bear, the patriarchal cbarac-
teristic of age. On 29 June, 1669, Mr. Rednap gave certain
testimony, which be swore to, in the Salem Court, in which be
states himself to be 11 betwixt seventy and eighty years " old.
He also, in evidence given in 1657, states himself to be about
sixty. Now if be was 60 in 1657, be would have been 72 in
1669, and at the time of his death, in 1686, he would have been
but 89 or 90. This conclusion, it will be observed, is drawn
from his own statements, made under oath. Mr. Rednap was
an anabaptist, or rather an anti-pedobaptist, and underwent some
persecution as such.]
EDWARD RiCHARDs, born in 1616- was a joiner, and was ad-
mitted a freeman in 1641. He lived in the eastern part of Essex
street. On the third of April 1646, be sold to Daniel King,
14 one parcel of land, called Windmill Hill," being the eastern
mound of Sagamore Hill. He died 26 Jan. 1690, aged 74. His
descendants remain. [His wife's name was Ann, and they bad
children, William, born 7 June, 1668; Daniel; Mary; Abigail;
and, it is thought, John. William was living abroad in 1688, as
appears by a parental letter superscribed 11 These ffor my love
ing sonn William Richards Liveing att pbiladelpbia in pensylva-
nab or elsewhere present," and sent 11 ffrom Lin in New EDg-
land this 12tb of June, 1688.11 The letter urges him to return
to Lynn, as his parents are getting old, and much desire his
presence. And they want him to make up his mind never to
leave the place again; the father agreeing, for his encourage-
ment, to give him half of his place. In 1678 Mr. Riebards made
oath that be had lived here forty-five years. The inventory
of his estate, taken about a month after his decease, by William
Bassett, jr.and Samuel Johnson, gives an amount of X180 Is.]
DANIEL SALMON, born in 1610 -was a soldier in the Pequot
war, in 1636. [He labored at the Iron Works, soon after their
establisbmeDt.] He had a son Daniel, born 2 May, 1665.
JOHN SMITH-was a farmer, and was admitted a freeman in
1633. He removed to Reading.
SAMUEL SMITH- was a farmer, and lived at Swampscot. His
descendants remain.
JOHN TAYLOR -came from Haverhill, in England. His wife
and children died on the passage. He was admitted a freeman,
19 Oct. 1630, and lived on the western side of Saugus river.
EDWARD TOMLINS, (Capt.) -was a carpenter, and was admitted
a freeman in 1631. He was six times cbosen representative.
In 1633, be built the first mill in Lynn, at the mouth of Straw-
berry Brook, which flows from the Flax PoDd, where Chase's
mill now stands - [that is, at the point where Summer street
now crosses the stream.] At one of the courts be agreed to
repair Mistick bridge for X22. In 1638 be was a member of the
128 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1630.
Ancient Artillery Company. In 1640 he went to Long Island,
but returned to Lynn, and was appointed clerk of the writs, in
1643. His son Edward came over in 1635, at the age of 30;
but returned to London in 1644, and in 1679 was at Dublin.
[The statement that the first mill in Lynn was at the mouth
of Strawberry Brook, is a mistake; and Mr. Lewis was satisfied
of it when the facts were laid before him. The first mill was
on that brook, a few rods west of where Franklin street opens
into Boston street. Some years ago there was a case in one
of our courts, wherein the question of the location of the first
mill in Lynn became of some importance. An examination of
ancient documents and records established the fact as above
stated. Astute counsel objected to any testimony from Mr.
Lewis tending to show that it was located in any place but that
stated in his book, on the ground that it would be a contra.
diction of himself. After some wrangling, however, it was
admitted, for the rules regarding the admission of evidence are
not quite so bad as to deny one the privilege of correcting an
undoubted error. The mill which he refers to as the first, was,
without doubt, the third in Lynn, the second having been built
near the Flax Pond and afterward removed to Water Hill. And
this seems to have been the first manifestation of' that propen-
sity to move buildings which has characterised our people to
this day. Every season we find our ways obstructed and trees
dismembered by migratory edifices. For something further
about the old mills, see under dates 1654 and 1655.]
TIMOTHY TOMLiNs, brother of Edward - was a farmer, and
was admitted a freeman, 1633. He was representative in thir-
teen sessions of the General Court. In 1640, he went with
those who began a settlement at Southampton, on Long Island,
but returned. A pine forest in the northern part of Lynn is
well known by the name of Tomlins's Swamp. He was one of
the first proprietors of Cambridge, but did Dot reside there.
NATHANIEL TURNER, (Capt.)-lived in Nahant street, and
owned the whole of Sagamore Hill. He applied to be admitted
a freeman, 19 Oct, 1630, but did Tint take, the oath iinffl .1 Julv
1632. He was representative in the first seven sessions of the
General Court, and a member of the first County Court at Salem,
in 1636. In 1633, he was appointed captain of the militia, and
in 1636 and '7 had a command in several expeditions against
the Pequot Indians. In 1637 his house was burnt. In 1638,
he became a member of the Ancient Artillery Company; and
the same year sold his land on Sagamore Hill to Mr. Edward
Holyoke, and removed, with others, to Quilipeake, where a new
sett4ement was begun, and called New Haven. His name is
preserved in Turner's Falls. In 1639 be was one of the seven
members of the first church at New Haven. In 1640 he pur-
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1630. 129
chased for the town, of Ponus) the Indian Sagamore, the tract
of land which is now the town of Stamford, for which he paid
in 11 coats, shoes, hatchets, &c.11 His active and useful life was
soon after terminated in a melancholy manner. In January,
1647, he sailed for England, with Capt. Lamberton, in a vessel
which was never heard of more. Governor Winthrop informs
us that in June 1648, the apparition of a ship was seen under
full sail, moving -up the harbor of New Haven, a little before
sunset, in a pleasant afternoon, and that as it approached the
shore, it slowly vanished. This was thought to have a refer-
ence to the fate of Capt. Lamberton's ship. The following epi-
taph was written to the memory of Capt. Turner.
Deep in Atlantic cave his body sleeps,
While the dark sea its ceaseless motion keeps,
While phantom ships are wrecked along the shore,
To wain his friends that he will come no more!
But He who governs all with impulse free,
Can bring from Bashan and the deepest sea,
And when He calls our Turner must return,
Though now his ashes fill no sacred urn.
[In 1639, Capt. Turner, in connection with Rev. Mr. Daven-
port and four others, at New Haven, was appointed to 11 have
the disposing of all house lotts, yet undisposed of about this
towne, to such persons as they shall judge meete for the good
of the plantation ; and tbatt none come to dwell as planters here
without their consent and allowance, whether they come in by
purchase or otherwise." In 1640, Capt. Turner, as agent for
New Haven, made a large purchase of lands on both sides of the
Delaware river -sufficient for a number of plantations. The
purchase was made chiefly with a view to trade, though the
establishment of Puritan churches was an object. Trading
"I "houses were erected, and nearly fifty families sent out. In all
fundamental matters the Delaware colonies were to be under
the jurisdiction of New Haven. In the same year he made the
purchase of the Indian territory of Rippowams - Stamford -
as noted by Mr. Lewis, partly of Penns and partly of Wascussue,
another chief. He gave for the whole, 11 twelve coats, twelve
boes, twelve hatchets, twelve knives, two kettles, and four
fathom of whitewampum." In a sale to the people of Wethers-
field, a while after, the tract was valued at thirty pounds ster-
ling.
[In a list, made in 1643, giving the names of a hundred and
twenty-two New Haven planters, with the number of their fam-
ilies -including only parents and children -and the value of
their estates, the family of Capt. Turner is put down at seven,
and his estate at X800, the latter being as high as any on the
list, with the exception of ten.
LBut the land speculations of New Haven do not seem to
130 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1630.
have turned out in any degree profitable. The Delaware trade
was not successful; and the Dutch were troublesome at Stam.
ford. And she seems literally to have struck a vein of ill-fortune,
in which she was destined to struggle for some time. It was
under a desperate effort to retrieve ber fortunes, that the planters
sent to Rhode Island and had a ship of a hundred and fifty tons
built, hoping to open a profitable foreign trade. By joining
their means, the planters were able to freight her in a satisfac-
tory manner. Capt. Turner, with five others of the principal
men embarked, and she sailed from New Haven in January,
1647. Nothing was ever heard 'either of the vessel or any on
board, unless the apparition which appeared in the harbor, the
next June, immediately after a great thunder storm-tbe re-
nowned phantom ship-be regarded as tidings. Capt. Turner,
had kept alive his friendship for the people of Lynn, and while
11 Now Haven's heart was sad," there were many here to mourn
his fate.]
THOMAS TALMADGE -was a farmer, and was admitted a free-
man in 1634. He had a son Thomas.
. RICHARD WALKER, (Capt.) -was a farmer, and resided on the
west of Saugus river. He was born in 1593, and was admitted
a freeman,in 1634. He was buried 16 May, 1687, aged 95. He
had two sons; Richard, born 1611, who came over in 1635,
removed to Reading, and was several tim~s chosen representa-
tive; and Samuel, who also removed to Reading. He likewise
had two daughters; Tabitba, who married Daniel King, March
11, 1662; and Elizabeth, who married Ralph King, March 2,
1663.
JOHN WHITE -was a farmer, and was ad ' mitted a freeman in
1633.[He removed to Southampton, L. I.; there he became a
man of property and reared a large family. He died in 1662.]
BRAY WILKINS - was a farmer, and lived on the western
side of the Flax Pond. He was admitted a freeman in 1634,
and removed to Danvers. [He was an inhabitant of Dorchester
in 1641, and was then, or had been, keeper of Neponset ferry;
was back again in 1664,, a farmer, and tenant on Gov. 'Belling-
ham's farm, when his house was burned. He died 1 Jan. 1702,
aged 91.]
THOMAS WILLIS -was a farmer, and the first resident on
the bill on which the alms-bouse is situated. The land on the
south was called Willis's Neck, and that on the north, Willis's
Meadow. He was a representative in the first General Court
in 1634, and a member of the Essex Court, in 1639. He became
one of the first proprietors of Sandwich, in 1637, but did not
remove at that time.
WILLIAM WITTER -was a farmer and resided at Swampscot.
Ile says, in a deposition in Salem Court files, 15 and 27 April,
ANNALS OF LYNN-1630. 131
1657, "Blacke Will, or duke william. so called, came to my
house, (which was two or three miles from Nabant,) when Tho-
mas Dexter had bought Nahant for a suit of clothes; the said
Black will Asked me what I would give him for the Land my
house stood vppon, it being his land, and his ffatber's wigwam
stood their abouts, James Sagomore and John, and the Sago-
more of Agawame, and diners more, And George Sagomore,
being a youth was present, all of them acknowlidginge Black
will to be the Right owner of the Land my house stood on, and
Sagomore Hill and Nahant was all his;" and adds that be
C' bought Nahant and Sagomer Hill and Swamscoate of Black
William for two pestle stones." He died in 1659, aged 75 years.
The name of his wife was Annis, and his children were Josiah,
and Hannah, who married Robert Burdin. By his will, 6 Aug.
1657, he gives his wife Annis half his estate, and Josiah the
other half; and says, 11 Hannah shall have a yew and lamb this
time twelf mounth." [This was the William Witter who sorely
offended the authorities by entertaining Obadiah Holmes, John
Crandall, and John Clarke, when they traveled hither from
Rhode Island, and who was called to account for his opinions
against infant baptism. "It came to pass," says Clarke's narra-
tive "that we three by the good hand of our God, came into
the Mathatusets Bay upon the 16 day of the 5th Moneth 51;
and upon the 19th of the same, upon occasion of businesse, we
came into a Town in the same Bay called Lin, where we lodged
at a Blind-man's house neer two miles out of the Town, by name
William Witter, who being baptized into Christ waits, as we
also doe, for the kingdom of God and the full consolation of the
Israel of God." For something 'further concerning the visit
of these notable travelers see under date 1651.]
RicHARD WRIGHT, (Capt.) -was selected in 1632, to confer
with the Governor about raising a public fund. He was adrait-
ted a freeman in 1634. He removed to Boston, where, in 1636,
he contributed 6s. 8d. 11 towards the maintenance of a ftee
sebool-master." (Boston Records.)
The great body of fifty persons, with their families, who came
to Lynn this year, settled in all parts of the town, selecting the
most, eligible portions, and each occupying from ten to two huD-
dred acres, and some more. They were principally farmers, and
possessed a large stock of horned cattle, sheep and goats. For
several years, before the land was divided, and the fields fenced,
the cattle were fed in one drove, and guarded by a man, who,
from his employment, was called a hayward. The sheep, goats,
and swine were kept on Nabant, where they were tended by a
shepherd. Nabant seems to have been sold several times, to
different individuals, by 11 Black William," who also gave it to
the plantation for a sheep pasture. A fence of rails. put near
132 ANNALS OP LYNN - 1630.
together, was made across the beach, near Nahant, to keep out
the wolves, as those animals do not climb. When the people
were about building this fence, Captain Turner said, 11 Let us,
'make baste, lest the country should take it from us." (Deposi-
tion in Salem Court Records, 22 April, 1657.) The people of
Lynn, for many years, appear to have lived in the most perfect
democracy. They had town meetings every three months, for
the regulation of their public affairs. They cut their wood in
common, and drew lots for the grass in the meadows and
marshes. These proved very serviceable to the farmers, by
furnishing them with sustenance for their cattle; which was
probably the reason, why there were more farmers at Lynn,
than in any other of the early settlements. . Mr. Johnson says,
11 The chiefest corn they planted, before they had plowes, was
Indian grain -and let no man make a jest of Pumpkins, for
with this food the Lord was pleased to feed his people to their
good content, till Corne and Cattell were increased." Their
corn at the first, was pounded, after the manner of the Indians,
with a pestle of wood or stone, in a mortar made either of stone,
or a log hollowed out at one end. They also cultivated large
fields of barley and wheat. Much of the former was made into
malt for beer. They raised considerable quantities of flax,
which was rotted in one of the ponds, thence called the Flax
Pond. Their first houses were rude structures, covered with
thatch, or small bundles of sedge or straw, laid one over. another.
A common form of the early cottages, was eighteen feet square,
and seven feet post, with the roof steep enough to form a sleep-
ing chamber. The better houses were built with two stories in
front, and sloped down to one in the rear; the upper story
projecting about a foot, with very sharp gables. The frames
were of heavy oak timber, showing the beams inside. Burnt
clam shells were used for lime, and the walls were whitewashed.
The fire-places were made of rough stones, and the chimneys
of boards, or short sticks, crossing each other, and plastered
inside with clay. The windows were smalli opening outward
on binges. They consisted of very small diamond panes, set in
sashes of lead. The fire-places. were large enough to admit a
four-foot log, and the children might sit in the corners and'look
up at the stars. People commonly burned about twenty cords
of wood in a year, and the ministers were allowed thirty cords.
On whichever side of the road the houses were placed, they
uniformly faced the south, that the sun at noon might 11 sbine
square." Thus each house formed a domestic sun-dial, by which
the good matron, in the absence of the clock., could tell, in fair
weather, when to call her husband and sons from the field; for
the industrious people of Lynn, then as well as Dow, always
dined exactly at twelve. [In this description of the ancient
ANNALS OF LYNN-1630. 133,
houses Mr. Lewis has to some extent mixed the styles of differ-
ent periods. On page 114 there is a brief description of a novel
style of habitation which prevailed in New England at the time
of the early settlements.] It was the custom of the first settlers
to wear long beards, and Governor Winthrop says, 11 Some bad
their overgrown beards so frozen together, that they could not
get their -strong water bottells to their moutbs.11 In very hot
weather, says Wood 11 servants were priviledged to rest from
their labors, from ten of the clocke till two." The common
address of men and women was Goodman and Goodwife; none
but those who sustained some office of dignity, or were descend-
ed from some respectable family, were complimented with the
title of Master. [Was not the distinction, at first, based solely
upon admission to the rights of freeman, or member of the
Company ? But see further remarks on the point elsewhere in
this volume.] In writing they seldom used a capital F; and
thus in the early records we find two small ones used instead;
and one m, with a dash over it, stood for two. [And so of some
other letters. The act naming the town, passed in 1637, stands
thus: 11 Saugust is called LiR."] The following ballad, written
about this time, exhibits some of the peculiar customs and modes
of thinking among the early settlers:
The place where we live is a wilderness wood,
Where grass is much wanting that's fruitful and good;
On, inotuitains and bills, and our valleys below,
Being commonly covered with ice and with snow.
And when the northwest wind with violence blows,
Then every man pulls his cap over his nose;
But if any is hardy, and will it withstand,
He forfeits a finger, a foot, or a hand.
And when the spring opens, we then take the hoe,
And make the ground ready to plant and to sow;
Our corn being planted, and seed being sown,
The worms destroy much before it is grown 7-
And while it is growing, some spoil there is made
By birds and by squirrels, that pluck up the blade;
And when it is come to full corn in the ear,
It is often destroyed by racoon and by deer.
And now our old garments begin to grow thin,
And wool is much wanted to card and to Spin;
lfwe can get a garment to cover without,
Our other in garments are clout [patch] upon clo~it.
Our clothes we brought with us are apt to be torn,
They need to be clouted soon after they're worn;
But clouting our garments they binder us notbiDg,
Clouts double are warmer than single whole clothing.
L
134 ANNALS OP LYNN - 1630.
If fresh meat be wanting to fill up our dish,
We have carrots and pumpkins, and turnips and fish;
And if there's a mind for a delicate dish,
We haste tothe clam banks and take what we wish.
Stead of pottage and puddings and custards and pies,
Our turnips and parsnips are common supplies;
We have pumpkins at morning, and pumpkins at noon,
If it was not for pumpkins we should be undone.
If barley be wanting to make into malt,
We must then be contented and think it no fault;
For we can make liquor to sweeten our lips,
Of pumpkins and parsnips and walnut tree chips.
Now while some are going let others be coming,.
For while liquor's boiling it must have a scummirig;
But I will not blame them, for birds of a feather,
By seeking their fellows, are flocking together.
Then you whom the Lord intends hither to bring,
Forsake not the honey for fear of the sting;
But bring both a quiet and contented mind,
And all needful blessings you surely shall find.
The General Court, for the first four years, consisted of the
Governor, Deputy Governor, twelve Assistants, or magistrates;
and all who had obtained the privileges of freemen. Instead,
therefore, of sending representatives, the whole number of free-
men attended the Court in person. An order was made, that
no persons should be admitted to the privileges of freemen, but
such as were members of some church, and had certificates from
their ministers that their opinions were approved. This policy
continued, till it was abrogated by an order from king Charles
II., in 1662.
Lynn was incorporated in 1630, by the admission of its free-
men as members of the General Court. There were no acts
of incorporation for several of the early towns. Boston,.Salem,
and CharlestowD, were no otherwise incorporated, than by their
freemen taking their seats in the General Court. They never
paused to inquire if they were ineornnrnf(~rl - fbfl 17ArX? nO+ ~f
their being there was an incorporation. The freemen of Lynn
were an important and respectable portion of the General Court,
and Lynn was as much incorporated in 1630 as Boston was.
The injustice which has been done to Lynn, by placing her
incorporation seven years too late, should be corrected.
The following order was passed by the General Court, for
regulating the prices of labor. 11 It is ordered, that no master
carpenter, mason,joiner, or bricklayer, shall take above 16d. a
Day for their work, if they have meate and Drinke; and the
second sort not above 12d. a Day, under payne of Xs. both to
giver and receiver." This order probably occasioned some
ANNALS OF LYNN-1630. 13.5
dissatisfaction, as the Court i some months after, determined
that wages should be left unlimited, 49 as men shall reasonably,
agree."
[The evil effects of strong drink were felt in the very infancy
of the plantations. As early as this year the Court found it
expedient to pass the following summary order, which looks
like a sort of special liquor law: 11 It is ordered, that all Rich:
Clougbes stronge water sball presently be seazed vpon, for his
selling greate quaDtytie thereof to seual mens serv1s which was
the ocacon of much disorder, drunkenes & misdemeahr.11 A
number of years subsequent to this, however, Rev. Mr. Firmin,
rector at Shalford, who had been in several of the New England
settlements and had practised physic at Boston, declared in a
sermon before Parliament and the Westminster Assembly, that
he had been seven years among the planters, and had 11 never
heard one profane oatb,11 and in 11 all that time ' never did see a
a man drunk." These declarations have been quoted as those
of Hugh Peters, but incorrectly. The seven years alluded to
probably terminated in 1643. As Savage remarks, the decla-
rations ~re better proof of the keeping of good company than
of searelling for examples. The frequent enactments regard-
ing the sale of 11 strODge water," and the numerous instances
of punishment awarded for drunkenness tell a very different
story.]
The Indians, having become acquainted with the use of guns,
and having seen their superiority over bows and arrows, would
give almost any amount in land, beaver skins, or wampum, for
them. This caused an apprehension of danger, and on the 28th
of Sept. the Court ordered, that 11 noe person whatsoever sball,
either directly or indirectly, imploy or cause to be employed,
or to their power permit any Indian, to vse any peece vpon any
occasion or pretence whatsoever, under pain of Xs. ffyne for
the first offence, and for the 2 offence to be ffyned and impris-
oned at the discretion of the Court."
A company of militia was organized, of which Richard Wright
7as captain, Daniel Howe lieutenant, and Richard Walker en.
sign. The officers were not chosen by the people, but appointed
by the Governor. The company possessed two iron cannon,
called 11 sakers, or great guns."
There is a story that two of the early settlers went to Nabant
for fowl, and separated. One of them killed a seal on Pond
Beach, and leaving him, went after some birds. When be re-
turned, be found a bear feeding on the seal. He fired at him a
charge of shot, which caused him to fall, and then beat him with
his six foot gun till it broke. The bear then stood up, wounded
the man and tore his clothes; but the man, extricating himself,
ran into the pond, where be remained untilhis companion came
136 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1631.
and relieved him. They then returned to - the town and informed
the people, who went down in the evening and made a fire on
the beach, which they kept burning through the night,'to pre-
vent the bear from coming off. In the morning they went to
Nabant and killed him.
Much mischief was occasioned among the cattle, for many
years, by the wolves, which, Wood says, used to travel in C0111-
panies of 11 ten or twelve." On the 13th of Sept., says Whi-
tbrop, 11 the wolves killed some swine at Saugus." On the 9th
of Nov., the Court ordered, that if any one killed a wolf, be
should have one penny for each cow and horse, and one farthing
for each sheep and swine in the plantation. Many pits were
dug in the woods to entrap them, and some of them are yet to
be seen. It is said that a woman, as she was rambling in the
woods for berries, fell into one of these pits, from which she
was unable to extricate herself. In the evening, a wolf made
her a very unceremonious visit, dropping down at her side,
through the bushes with which the pit was covered. Finding
himself entrapped, and being as much afraid of the woman as
she was of him, be retired to the opposite corner of the pit;
and thus they remained through the night, ogling each other
with any looks but those of an enamored couple. The next day
the friends of the woman arrived at the pit, from which they
took her without injury, and prevented any future visit from
her rude and unwelcome intruder. [Wood remarks that a black
calf was considered worth more than a rod one, because the
red, bearing greater resemblance to a deer, was more likely to
become the victim of wolves.]
1631.
In the early part of this year, provisions were very scarce,
and many persons depended for subsistence upon clams, ground.
nuts, and acorns. Wheat was sold for fourteen shillings, ($3.11)
a bushel; and Indian corn, brought from Virginia, for eleven
shillings ($2.44). The price of cattle, for several years, contin-
ued very high. A good cow was valued at-, tiveDty-five pounds,
($111.11,) and a yoke of oxen at forty pounds ($177.77).
On the third of February, the Court laid a tax of sixty pounds,
to make a palisade or defense about Newtown, now Cambridge.
The proportion of Saugus and Marble Harbour, or Lynn and
Marblehead, was six pounds.
On the 18th of February, a vessel owned by Mr. John Glover,
of Dorchester, was wrecked on Nabant rocks; but the crew
were all saved.
The Court, on the first of March, ordered, 11 That if any per.
son, within the Lymitts of this Patent, doe trade, trucke, or sell
any, money, either silver or golde, to any Indian, or any man
6
I ANNALS OF LYNN - 1631. 137
that knowe of any that shall soo doe, and conceal the same,
shall forfeit twenty for one. Further it is ordered, that wbat-
ever person hath received an Indian into their ffamilie as a
servant, shall discharge themselves of them by the 1th of May
next I and that noe person shall hereafter entertain any Indian
for a servant without licence from the Court."
Wohohaquaham and Montowampate, the sagamores of Wini-
simet and Lynn, having been defrauded of twenty beaver skins,
by a man in England, named Watts, went to Governor Winthrop,
on 26 March, to solicit his assistance in recovering their value.
The Governor entertained them kindly, and gave them a letter
eof introduction to Emanuel Downing, Esq., an eminent lawyer
in London. Tradition says, that Montowampate went to Eng
land, where he was treated with much respect as an Indian king;
but, disliking the English delicacies, he hastened back to Sau-
gus, to the enjoyment of his clams and succatash.
At this time, there was no bridge across Saugus river, and
people who traveled to Boston were compelled to pass through
the woods in the northern part of the town, and ford the stream
by the Iron Works, which were near the site of the present
woolen factories, in Saugus Centre. The following extract from
a1kter written by Mr. John Endicott, of Salem, to Gov. Win-
throp, on the 12th of April, illustrates this custom. Mr. Endicott
had just been married. He says: 11 Right Worshipful, I did
hope to have been with you in person at the Court, and to that
end I put to sea yesterday, and was driven back again, the wind
being stiff against us; and there being no canoe or boat at Sau.
gus, I must have been constrained to go to Mistic, and thence
about to Charlestown; which at this time I durst not be so bold,
my body being at present in an ill condition to take cold, and
therefore I pray you to pardon me."
A quarrel had arisen, a short time previous, between Mr. En.
dicott and Thomas Dexter, in which the Salem magistrate so
flir forgot his dignity as to strike'Mr. Dexter, who complained
to the Court at Boston. It was on this occasion that Mr. Endi-
cott wrote the letter from which the preceding extract is made.
He thus continues: "I desired the rather to have been at Court,
because I hear I am much complained of by, Goodman Dexter
for striking him; understanding since it is not lawful for a jns-
tice of peace to strike. But if you had seen the manner of his
carriage, with such daring of me, with his arms akimbo, it would
have provoked a very patient man. He hath given out, if I bad
a purse he would make me empty it, and if be cannot have jus-
tice here, he will do wonders in England; and if be cannot
prevail there, he will try it out with me here at blows. If it
were lawful for me to try it at blows, and he a fit man for me
to deal with, you should not bear me complain." The jury, to
138 ANNALS OF LYNN-1631.
whom the case was referred, gave their verdict for Mr. Dexter,
on the third of May, and gave damages ten pounds, ($44.44).
[An error was made in copying from the record, which stands
thus: 11 The jury findes for the plaintiffe and cesses for dam.
ages x1s." ($8.88). It is evident that the second numeral and s,
were mistaken for a pound mark, thus increasing the 408. to 101.]
Besides the evidence of the blow, Mr. Endicott maDifests'somo-
what of an irascible disposition in his letter; and Mr. Dexter
was not a man to stand for nice points of etiquette on occasions.
of irritability. Some years afterward, baviDg been insulted by
Samuel Hutchinson, be met him one day on the road, and jump-
ing from his horse, he bestowed 11 about twenty blows on his
bead and shoulders," to the no small danger and deray of his
senses, as well as sensibilities.
April 12. 11 It is ordered that every Captaine shall traine his
companie on saterday in every weeke."
May 18. "It is ordered that DO person shall kill any wild
swine, without a general agreement at some court."
July 6. A tax of thirty pounds was laid for the purpose of
opening-a canal from Charles river to Cambridge.' The requisi-
tion on Lynn was for one pound.
Masconomo, the sagamore of Agawam, or Ipswich, having
committed some offence against the eastern Indians, the Court,
on the fifth of July, passed an order, forbidding him to enter
any Englishman's house within one year, under a penalty of ten
beaver skins. The Taratines, also, undertook to avenge their
own wrong. On the eighth of August, about one hundred of
them landed from their canoes, at Ipswich, in the night, and
killed seven of Masconomo's men, and wounded several more,
some of whom died. ' They also wounded Wonohaquaham and
Montowampato, who were on a visit to that place; and carried
away Wenuebus, the wife of Moptowampate, a captive. She
was detained by them about two months, and was restored on
the intercession of Mr. Abraham Shurd of Pemaquid, who traded
with the Indians. She returned on the 17th of September.
For her release, the Taratines demanded an quantity of wampum
and beaver skins.
The people of Lynn were soon after alarmed by a report that
the Taratines intended an attack on them, and appointed men
each night to keep a watch. Once, about midnight, Ensign
Richard Walker, who was on the guard, beard the bushes break
iiear him, and felt an arrow pass through his coat and "buff
waistcoat." As the -night was dark be could see no one, but be
discharged his gun, which, being heavily loaded, split in pieces.
He then called the guard, and returrred to the place, when he
had another arrow shot through his clothes. Deeming it impru.
dent to proceed in the dark against a concealed enemy, he
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1632. 139
desisted from further search till morniDg. The people then
assembled, and discharged their cannon into the woods; after
which, the Indians gave them no further molestation.
Governor Winthrop, who passed through Lynn, 28 Oct., puts
down in his journal, "A plentiful crop."
Thus have we seen the town, which three years before was
a wilderness of Indians, now occupied by cottages of white men,
living in harmony with the natives; clearing the forest, and
cultivating the soil, and by the blessing of Providence, reaping
a rich reward for their labors. The Indians had received them
with kindness, and given them liberty to settle where they
pleased; but some years after, they made an agreement with
the natives for the land. The deed has shared the fate of the
lost records; but one of the town treasurers told me that be
had the deed in his possession about the year 1800, and that
the compensation was sixteen 'pounds ten shillings- about
seventy-three dollars. The people of Salem paid twenty Pounds
for the deed of their town. [The Indian deed of Lynn here
referred to is no doubt the one which *is copied on page 51,
et seq., with introductory remarks.]
1632.
For the first three years, the people of Lynn had no minister,
but some of them attended church at Salem, and others had
meetings for prayer and exhortation. The Rev. STEPHEN BACH-
ILER, with his family, arrived at Boston on Thursday, 5 June,
after a tedious passage of eiglity-eight days. He came in the
ship William and Francis, Capt. Thomas, which sailed from Lon-
don, 9 March. He immediately came to Lynn, where his daugh-
ter Theodate, wife of Christopher Hussey resided. He was
seveDty-one years of age. In his company were six persons
who had belonged to a church with him in England; and of these
be constituted a church at Lynn, to which be admitted such as
desired to become members, and commenced the exercise of his
public ministrations on Sunday, 8 June, without installation.
He baptized four children, born before his arrival; two of whom,
Thomas Newhall and Stephen Hussey, were born the same
week. Thomas, being the first white child born in Lynn, was
first presented; but Mr. Bacbiler put him aside, saying, 11 1 will
baptize my own child first" -meaning his daughter's child.
The church at Lynn was the fifth in Massachusetts. The first
was gathered at Salem, 6 Aug., 1629; the second at Dorchester,
in June, 1630; the third at Charlestown, 30 July, 1630, and re.
moved to Boston; the fourth at Watertown on the same day;
and the fifth at Lynn, 8 June, 1632. The first meeting-bouse
was a small plain building, without bell or cupola, and stood
on the northeastern corner of Shepard and Summer streets.
140 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1632.
It was placed in a small hollow, that it might be better sheltered
from the winds, and was partly sunk into the earth, being
entered by descending several steps.
In the General Court, 9 May, "A proposition was made by
the people that every company of trained men might choose
their own captain and officers; but the Governor ' giving them
reasons to the contrary, they were satisfied without it."
On the 14th of June, as Capt. Richard Wright was returning
from the eastward, in a vessel, with about eight hundred dollars,
worth of goods on board, one of the crew, when off Portsmouth,
proceeded to light his pipe; but was requested to desist, as
there was a barrel of powder on board. He replied that he
should 11 take one pipe if the devil carried him away." The
boat and the man, says Winthrop, were presently blown to
pieces; but the rest of the crew, though some of them were
drunk and asleep, escaped.
Governor Winthrop, in his journal 1 14 Aug. remarks: 11 This
week they bad, in barley and oats, at Sagus, about twenty acres
good corn, and sown with the plough."'
On the 4tb of September, Richard Hopkins, of Watertown,
was arraigned for selling a gun and pistol, with powder and
shot, to Montowampate, the Lynn sagamore. The sentence of
the Court was that he should " be severely wbippt, and branded
with a hot iron on one of his cheekes.11 One of. the Saugus
Indians gave the information, on promise of concealment, for his
discovery would have exposed him to the resentment of his tribe.
Capt. Nathaniel Turner was chosen, by the General Court,
constable of Saugus for this year, and till a new be chosen."
[The Court order that Sarah Morley be "putt as an appren-
tice to Mr Nathaniel Turner, of Saugus, for the space of nyne
yeares, from this Court, for w' tearme he is to finde her meate,
drinke & clothing."]
In consequence of a suspicion that the Indians were conspir-
ing the destruction of the whites, the neighboring sagamores
were called before the Governor on the 14th of September.
The readiness. wit, wbich they appearte"'A, UVIUUfjU their friendly
disposition.
Mr. Bacbiler had been in the performance of his pastoral
duties about four months, when a complaint was made of some
irregularities in his conduct. He was arraigned before the
Court at Boston, on the 3d of October, when the following
order was passed: 11 Mr. Bacbiler is required to forbeare exer-
cising his giftes as a pastor or teacher publiquely in our Pattent,
unlesse it be to those be brought with him, for his contempt
of authority, and until some scandles be removed." This was
the commencement of a series of difficulties which agitated the
unhappy church for several years.
ANXALS OF LYNN-1633. 141
October 3. It is ordered, that Saugus plantation shall have
liberty to build a ware upon Saugus Ryver also tbey have prom-
ised to make and continually to keepe a goode foote bridge,
upon the most convenient place there." This wear was chiefly
built by Thomas Dexter, for the purpose of taking bass and
alewives, of which many were dried and smoked for sbippiDg.
It crossed the river near the Iron Works. The bridge was only
a rude structure of timber and rails.
11 It is further ordered, that no person shall take any tobacco
publiquely, under pain of punishment; also that every one shall
pay one penny for every time be is convicted of taking tobacco
in any place."
On the second of November, a vessel, commanded by Captain
Pierce, and loaded with fish, of which Mr. John Humfrey was
part owner, was wrecked off Cape Charles, and twelve men
drowned.
November 7. "It is ordered that the Captaines shall train
their companyes but once a monethe.11
11 It is referred to Mr. Turner, Peter Palfrey, and Roger Co-
nant, to sett out a proportiori of land in Saugus for John Hum-
frey, Esqr.11 This land was laid out at Swampscot. Mr. Turner
was also one of the committee to settle a difference respecting
the boundary line between Cambridge and Charlestown.
In the month of December, a servant girl, in the family of the
Rev. Samuel Skelton, of Salem, coming to see her friends at
Lynn, lost her way, and wandered seven days. Mr. Winthrop
says, "All that time she was in the woods, having no kind of
food, the snow being very deep, and as cold as at any time that
winter. She was so frozen into the snow some mornings, as
she was one hour before she could get up." Mr. Wood says,
ic The snow being on the ground at first, she might have trackt
her own footsteps back again; but wanting that understanding,
she wandered, till God, by his speciall Providence brought her
backe to the place she went from, where she lives to this day-"
1633.
In the month of January, this year, Poquanum, the sagamore
of Nahant was unfortunately killed. Several vessels having
been to the eastward in search of some pirates, stopped on their
return at Richmond's Isle, near Portland, where they found
Black William," whom they hanged in revenge for the murder
of Walter Bagnall, who had been killed by the Indians, on the
3d of October, 1631. Mr. Winthrop says that Bagnall 11 was a
wicked fellow, and had much wronged the indian~s." It is not
certain that Poquanum had any concern in his death; on the
contrary, Governor Winthrop tells us that be was killed by
Squidraysett and his Indians." Thus terminated the existence
142 ANNALS OF LYNN- 1633.
of a chief who had welcomed the white men, and bestowed ben-
efits on them.
In the course of a few months, Mr. Bachiler had so far suc-
ceeded in regaining the esteem of the people, that the Court, on
the 4th of March, removed their injunction that be should not
preach in the colony, and left him at liberty to resume the per-
formaDCO of his public services.
At the same Court, Mr. Thoinas Dexter was ordered to "be
set in the bilbowes, disfranchised, and fined XX for speaking
reproacbful. and seditious words against the government here
established." The bilbows were a kind of stocks, like those in
which the hands and feet of poor Hudibras were confined
"The Knight
And brave squire from their steeds alight,
At the outer wall, near which there. stands
A Bastile, made to imprison bands,
By strange enchantment made to fetter
The lesser parts, and free the greater."
[Ariotber error in transcribing occurred here. The fine of
Mr. Dexter was forty pounds instead of ten; a fact which goes
still further to show that the offeDee was regarded as of great
enormity, and that fractious people some times found the luxury
of railing at the government an expensive one. At this blessed
day of liberty things are different. The fine of Mr. Dexter was
not promptly paid, however. And some years afterward, to
wit, in 1638, the larger part was remitted, the record standing
thus : 11 4 Mrcb, Thom: Dexter being fined 401. there was 301.
of it remited him." (Col. Recs.)]
One of those elegant and commodious appendages of the
law -the bilbows -was placed near the meeting-house; where
it stood the terror and punishment of all such evil doers as
spoke against the government, chewed tobacco, or went to
sleep in a sermon two hours long. However censurable Mr.
Dexter may have been, his punishment was certainly dispro-
portioned to his fault. To be deprived of the privileges of a
freeman, to be exposed to the ignominy of the stocks, nnd to be
amerced in a fine of more than forti dollars, [401.1 show that
the magistrates were greatly incensed by his remarks. If every
man were to be set in the bilbows, wbi speaks against govern-
merit, in these days, there would scarcely be trees enough in
Lynn woods to make stocks of. The magistrates of those days
had not acquired the lesson, which their successors have loiig
since learned, that censure is the tax which public men must
pay for their adventitious greatness. [But so ravenously fond
are most people of position, that they are ready enough to pay
the tax for the enjoyment of the privilege.]
On the fourth of March, Mr. Nathaniel Turner was chosen
A"ALS OF LYNN 1633. 143
by the General Court, "Captaine of the military company att
Saugus."
Captain Turner gave ten pounds 11 towards the sea fort," built
for the defense of Boston harbor. Capt. Richard Wright gave
400 feet 4 inch planke," for the same purpose.
Mr. Edward Howe was fined twenty shillings, 11 for selling
stronge waters, contrary to order of Court."
[The nineteenth of June was 11 appoyncted to be kept as a day
of publique thanksgiucing throughout the seval plantacons."]
At a town meeting on the twelfth of July, the inhabitants
made a grant to Mr. Edward Tomlins, of a privilege to build a
corn mill, at the mouth of the stream which flows from the Flax
pond, where Chase's mill now stands. This was the second
mill in the colony, the first baviDg been built at Dorchester, the
same year. [For the'correction of an error as to the location
of the first mill in Lynn, see page 128.] At this time, the pond
next above the Flax pond was partly a meadow; and some
years after a dam was built and the pond raised by Edward
Tomlins, from whom it was called Tomlins's pond. In reference
to this mill, we find the following testimonies, given 3 June,
1678, in the Essex Registry of Deeds.
11 1, George Keaser, Aged about 60 yeare, doe testifle, that being at a Towne
mectinge in UnDe meeting house many yeares agoe, mr. Edward Tomlins
made complaint then to the Towne of Linne, that there was not water enough
in the great pond next to the Towne of Linne to serve the mill to grind theire
grist in the sumer time, and he desired leave of the Towne to make a dam in
the upper pond to keep. a head of water against the height of sumer time, that
soe he micht have a suply of water to Grind their Grist in the drought of sum-
er. And the Towne of linne granted him his request, that he would make a
dam there, where the old trees lay for a bridge for all people to goe over,
insteed of a bridg."
11 This 1, Clement Coldam, aged about 55 years, doe testifle, that the grant
of the old mill was in July ve 12, 1633, to Edward Tomlins, which was the
second mill in this colony; and after the Towne saw that the mill could not
supply the Towne, they gave leave to build an overshoot mill upon the same
water; with a sluice called by the name of the old sluce, being made by Mr.
Howell, the second owner of the mill; and then Mr. Howell did sell the same
mill to John Elderkin; and John ElderkiD did sell it to mr. Bennet, and mr.
Bennet did sell it to Goodman Wheeler, and Goodman Wheeler sould it to
John Ballard, and John Ballard sold it to Henry Rhodes. And this I testifie
that the water to supply the mill with, was granted'to the mill, before any
Meddow in the Towne was granted to any man, wee mowing all comon then.
And this I testifie, that I kept the key of the old sluce for mr. South, which is
since about 27 or 28 yeares agoe."
Edward Richards testified that Mr. Tomlins 11 was not to stop
or hinder the alewives to go up to the great pond."
The following description of ancient Saugus and Nabant is
extracted from 11 Nevv England's Prospect," written this year
by William Wood of Lynn, and which be says was undertaken,
because there hath been many scandalous and false reports
144 AXXAtS OV LYNN - 1633.
I
past upon the country, even from the sulphurous breath of every
base ballad monger."
"The next plantation is Saugus, sixe miles northeast from Winnesimet.
This Towne is pleasant for situation, seated in the bottom of a Bay, which is
made on one side with the surrounding shore, and on the other with a lo.ng,
sandy Beach. This sandy beach is two miles long at the end, whereon is a
necke of land called Nahant. It is sixe miles in circumference, well wooded
with Oakes, Pines and Cedars. It is beside, well watered, having beside the
fresh SpriD-S, a great Pond in the middle, before which is a spacious Marsb.
In this necke is store of good growid, fit for the Plow; but for the present it
is only used for to put young Cattle in, and weather Goates, and Swine, to
secure them from the Woolues; a few posts and rayles, from the low water
markes to the sbore,.keepes out the Woolves, and k~epes in the Cattle. ODe
Blacke William, an ]Indian Duke, out of his generosity, gave this place in gen-
erall to this plantation of Saugus, so that no other can appropriate it to
himselfe.
" Vpon the South side of the Sandy Beach, the Sea beateth, which is a
true prognostication to presage stormes and foule weather, and the breaking
up of the Frost. For when a storme hath been, or is likely to be, it will roare
like Thunder, being heard sixe miles; and after stormes casts up great stores
of great Clammes, Viiieb the Iridians, taking out of 1heir shels, carry home in
baskets. On the North side of this Bay is two great Marshes, which are made
two by a pleasant River, which runnes between them. Northward up this
river goes great store of Alewives, of which they make good Red Herrings;
insomuch that they have been at charges to make them a wayre, and a Her-
ring house to dry these Herrings in; the last year were dried some 4 or 5
Last [150 barrels] for an experiment, which proved very good; this is like to
prove a great inrichment to the land, being a staple commodity in other Coun-
tries, for there be such innumerable companies in every river, that I have
seen ten thousand taken in two houres, by two men, without any weire at all'
saving a few stones to stop their passage up the river. There likewise come
store of Bosse, which the English and Indians catch with booke and line, some
fifty or three score at a tide. At the mouth of this river runnes up a great
Creeke into that great Marsh, which is called Rumney Marsh, which is 4 miles
Iong, and 2 miles broad, lialfe of it being Marsh ground, and halfe upland
grasse, without tree or bush; this Marsh is crossed with divers creekes, wherein
1ye great store of Geese and Duckes. There be convenient Ponds, for the
planting of Duck coyes. Here is likewise belonging to this place, divers firesh
Meddowes, which afford good grasse; and foure spacious Ponds, like little
Lakes, wherein is good store of fresh Fish, within a mile of the Towne; out
of which runnes a curious fresh Broocke, that is seldom frozen, by reason of the
7armuesse of the water; upon this stream is built a water Milne, and up this
river come Smelts and frost fish, much bigger than a Gndgenn. For wood
there is no want, there being store of go6A Oakes, Wallnut, Cedar, Aspe,
Elme. The ground is very good, in many places without trees, and fit 1br
the plough. In this place is more English tillage than in all New England
and Virginia besides; which proved a~well as could be expected; the corn
being very good, especially the Barley, Rye and Oates.
11 The land affordeth to the inhabitants as many varieties as any place else,
and the sea more; the Bosse continuing from the middle of April to Michael-
mas [Sept. 29,1 which stayes not half that time in the Bay [Boston Harbor,]
besides, here is a great deal of Rock cod and Macrill, insomuch that shoales
of Bass have driven up sboales of Macrill, from one end of the sandy Beach to
the other; which the inhabitants have gathered up in wheelbarrows. The
Bay which Iyetb before the Towne, at a lowe spring tyde will be all flatts for
two miles together; upon which is great store of Muscle Banckes, and Clam
banckes, and Lobsters amongst the rockes and grassie holes. These flatts
A
ANNALS OP LYNN- 1633. 145
make it unnavigable for shippes; yet at high water, great Boates, Loiters,
[lighters] and Pinnaces of 20 and 30 tun, may saile up to the plantation; but
they neede have a skilful Pilote, because of many dangerous rockes and foam-
inibreakers, that lye at the mouth of that Bay. 'The very aspect of the place
is tortifieation enough to keepe of an unknbwne enemle ; yet it may be fortified
at little charge, being but few landing places thereabout, and those obscure."
Of the health of' Lynn, Mr. Wood remarks: 11 Out of that
Towne, from whence I came, in three years and a half, there
died but three; to make good which losses, I have spene foure
children Baptized at one time." Prefixed to his book is the
following address, written by some one in England, who signs
himself S. W. [Can the S. W. mean Samuel Whiting, the emi-
nent divine, who came over in 1636, and soon settled as minis-
ter of the church at Lynn -a man famed for his piety, learning,
and affability ? It is possible that Mr. Wood's book induced his
emigratiob ; and if so, it Was the occasion of great good to the
infant plantation. The Puritan clergy were much prone to
bestow their eDcomiums in numbers, after this style.]
Thanks to thy travel and thyself, who bast
Much knowledge in so small room comptly placed,
And thine expirience thus a mound dost make,
From wheDee we may New England's prospect take,
Though many thousands distant; therefore thou
Thyself shall sit upon mount praise her brow.
For if the man who shall the short cut find
Unto the Indies, shall for that be shrined,
Sure thou deservest then no small praise who
So short cut to New England here dost sbew;
And if than this small thanks thou gefst no more
Of thanks, I then will say, the world's grown poor.
The curious fresh broocke 11 which Mr. Wood noticed, is
Strawberry brook, which is kept warm by the numerous springs
beneath the pond in which it originates, and by its constant
flowing for the supply of several mills. Mr. Robert Mansfield,
who lived near its source, told me that be had never seen it
frozen for more than seventy years. e first of Octobe I r,
A tax, made by the General Court, on tb
will show the relative wealth of the several towns. The ap-
portiODment was, to Dorchester, 80 pounds; to Boston, Charles-
town, Cambridge, Watertown, and Roxbury, each, 48 pounds;
Lynn, 36; Salem, 28. At several assessments, Lynn was in
advance of Salem.
Such great quantities of corn having been used for fattening
swine, as to occasion a scarcity, the Court ordered, on the fifth
of November, 11 That no man shall give bis swine any corn, but
such as, being viewed by two or three neighbors, shall be judged
unfit for man's meat; and every plantation may agree how many
swine every person may keep."
The Court ordered, that every . man, in each plantation,
146 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1634.
excepting magistrates and ministers, should pay for three days'
work, at one shilling and sixpence eaelf, for completing the Fort
in Boston harbor.
The ministers of Lynn and the western towns were in the
practice of meeting at each other's houses, once in two weeks,
to discuss important questions. The ministers of Salem were
averse to the practice, fearing it might eventuate in the estab.
lishment of a presbytery.
On the 4th of December, corresponding with the 15th of new
style, the snow was "knee deep," and the rivers frozen.
The year 1633 was rendered memorable by the death of the
three Indian sagamores. In January, Poquarium was murdered;
and in December, Wonobaquabam. and Montowampate died.
Governor Winthrop, in his journal, says:
"December 5. John Sagamore died of the small pox, and al most all his
Veople; above thirty buried by Mr. Maverick of Winuesemett in oDe day.
he towns in the bay took away many of the children ; but most of them died
soon after.
"James Sagamore of Sagus died also and most of his folks. John Sage-
more desired to be brought among the English; so he was; and promised,
if he recovered, to live with the English and serve their God. He left one
son, which be disposed to Mr. Wilson, the pastor of Boston, to be brought up
by him. He gave to the governor a good quantity of 'wampompeague, and to
divers others of the English he gave gifts; and* took order for the payment
of his own debts and his men's. He died in a persuasion that he should go to
the Englishmens God. Divers of them, in their sickness, confessed that the
Englishmen's God was a good God, and that if they recovered they would
serve him. It wrought much with them, that when their own people forsool,
theirn, yet the English came daily and ministered to them; and yet few, only
two families, took any infection by it. Amongst others Mr. Maverick, of Win-
neseinett, is wortby of a perpetual remembrance. Himself, his wife and serv-
ants, went daily to them, ministered to their necessities, and buried their dead,
and took home many of their children. So did other of the,.neigbbors."
After the death of his brothers, Wenepoykin became sagamore
of the remaining Indians in this region.
1634.
.The inconvenience of having the Legislature composed of the
whole number of freemen, and the danger of leaving the planta-
tions exposed to the attacks of the Indians, induced the people
to form a House of Representatives, who first assembled on the
1-4th of May. Eight towns were represented, each of which
sent three representatives -Boston, Charlestown, Roxbury,
Dorchester, Cambridge, Watertown, Lynn, and Salem. The
representatives from Lynn, were Captain Nathaniel Turner,
Edward Tomlins, and Thomas Willis. The General Court this
year consisted of the Governor, Deputy Governor, six Assist.
ants, and twenty-four Representatives. This number was not
much increased for many years; each town sending fewer,
rather than more representatives.
ANNALS OF LYNN-1634. 147
Hon. JOHN HuMFREY, with his wife, the Lady Susan a daugh-
ter of the Earl of Lincoln, arrived in July. He brought with
him a valuable present from Mr. Richard Andrews, an alderman
of London, consisting of fifteen heifers, at this time valued at
more than eighty dollars each. One of them was designed for
each of the eight ministers, and the remainder were for the
poor. He went to reside on his farm at Swampscot, which had
been ' laid out by order of the Court. It consisted of five bun-
dred acres, 11 between Forest river and the cliff." The bounds
extended 11 a mile from the seaside," and ran 11 to a great white
oak by the rock," including " a spring south of the oak." The
spring is on Mr. Stetson's farm, [and the 11 old oak " stood about
a furlong north of the spring. It was standing when the first
edition of the History ofLynn appeared, and Mr. Lewis pleaded
for it in these pathetic strai.ns:
0 spare the tree, whose dewy tears
Have fallen for a thousand years!
Beneath whose shade, in days ofold.,
The careful shepherd watched his fold;
On whose green top the eagle sate,
To watch the fish-hawk's watery weight;
And oft in moonlight by whose side,
The Indian wooed his dusky bride!
It speaks to man ofearly time,
Before the earth was stained with crime,
Ere cannon waked the peaceful plains,
When silence ruled her vast domaiDS,
0, as you love the bold and free.
Spare, woodman, spare the old oak tree!
[In his second edition, the old oak having disappeared, Mr.
Lewis tartly exclaims: 11 But, alas 1 the old oak, the last of the
ancient forest of Lynn, has been cut down. Some people have
no sentiment."
[But it seems beyond dispute that Mr. Lewis was wrong in
locating Mr. Humfrey.in what is now Swampscot. He owned
an extensive tract of land there, but resided, I am satisfied, on
the east side of Nahant street, having, in that vicinity, quite an
extensive farm, his windmill being on Sagamore Hill. Seep.~201.
[Timothy Tomlins was appointed overseer of the "powder
and shott. and all other amuniCOD," in the Saugus plantatiOD.]
On the 3d of September, the Court ordered, " That Mr. Ed.
ward Tomlins, or any other put in his place, by the Commis.
sioners of War, with the help of an assistant, shall have power
to presse men and carts, for ordinary wages, to helpe towards
makeing of such carriages and wbeeles as are wanting for the
ordinances."
On training day, Captain Turner, by the direction of Colonel
Humfrey, went with his company to Nahant, to hunt the wolves.
This was very pleasant amusement for training day.
CHAPTER II
ANNALS
1629
LYNN is one of the earliest towns planted in Massachusetts.
Its settlement was begun in 1629. Among the authorities for
assigning the settlement to this year, is the Rev. Samuel Dan-
forth's almanac for the year 1647. He gives a list of the first
towns settled in this state, to which be prefixes these words:
"The time when these towne, following began - Lynn, 1629."
By several ancient manuscripts, it appears that the settlement
must have commenced as early as the first of June.
The first white men known to have been inhabitants of Lynn,
were EDMUND INGALLS and his brother FRANCIS INGALLS. A
record preserved in the family of the former says, " Mr. Edmund
Ingalls came from Lincolnshire, in England, to Lynn, in 1629.
He was a farmer, and settled in the eastern part of the town,
near a small pond in Fayette street. The place where his house
stood is still pointed out by his descendants. He had a malt
house near the margin of the pond. When the lands were divi-
ded, in 1638, there were apportioned "to Edmund and Francis
Ingalls, upland and meadow, 120 acres." He was accidentally
drowned, in March, 1648, by falling with his horse through the
old Saugus river bridge, on Boston street; for which the Gen-
eral Court paid one hundred pounds ($444) to his children.
His estate was valued at X135 8s. 10d., including, "house and
lands, X5021. The name of his wife was Ann, and he had nine
children, Six of whom were born in England.
1. Robert, who inherited his father's house and
2. Elizabeth.
3. Faith, who married Andrew Allen.
4. John, to whom his father
gave "the house and ground that was Jeremy ffits, (Fitch)
lying by the meeting-house, and that three acres land be hath in
England."
5. Sarah, who married William Bitner.
6. Henry,
who was born in 1627, and removed to Andover, where be died
in 1719, aged 92 years. A descendant of his, Capt. Henry Ingalls,
112 HISTORY OF LYNN.
died in 1803, aged 84 year's. About a year before his
death he added the following note to the family genealogy:
"Mr. Henry Ingals, from whom all these spring, was born in
the year 1627, and he died in the year 1719, who lived ninety-
two years, and two months after his death, Henry Ingals, was
born, who have lived eighty-three years, So that two Henry
Ingals hath Lived on this Earth one hundred and seventy-five
years.,
7. Samuel.
8. Mary.
9. Joseph.
The descendants of Mr. Edmund Ingalls,in this and other towns,
are numerous and respectable, and several of them eminent in
the learned professions.
One or two interesting particulars appear in the petition
of the children of Mr. Ingalls, for redress on the loss of
their father. The paper reads as follows: "The humble petition
of Robert Ingalls with the rest of his brethren and sisters, being
eight in number, humbly sheweth, that whereas your poor peti-
tioners' father hath been deprived of life by the insufficiency
of Lynne Bridge, so called, to the great impoverishing of your
poore petitioners mother and themselves, and there being a
Court order that any person so dyeinge through such insuffi-
ciency of any bridge in the countrye, that there should be an
hundred pounds forfeit to the next heire, may it therefore please
this honorable Court to take your poore petitioners case into
consideration."
FRANCIS INGALLs, brother of Edmund was born in England
in 1601. He was a tanner,.and lived at Swampscot. He built a
tannery on Humfrey's brook, where it is crossed by a stone
bridge in Burrill street. I saw the vats before they were taken
up in 1825. This was the first tannery in New England. And
perhaps its establishment gave the first direction to the great
business of the place: shoemaking. When the leather was
made, it was natural enough to turn attention to means for di-
rectly applying it to the common necessities of life.
WILLIAM DIXEY - was born in England in 1607, and came over
a servant with Mr. Isaac Johnson. (Common laborers and
craftsmen were frequently called servants to those by whom
they were for the time being employed.) On his arrival at Salem,
he says, in a deposition in Essex Court, July, 1657, that
application was made for him and others, "for a place to set
down in; upon which Mr. Endecott did give we and the rest
leave to go there; we would; upon which we went to Saugus,
now Linne, and there wee met with Sagamore James and some
other Indians, who did give me and the rest leave to dwell there
or thereabouts; whereupon I and the rest of my master's com-
pany did cutt grass for our cattell, and kept them upon Nahant
for some space of time; for the Indian James Sagamore and the
rest did give me and the rest in behalf of my master Johnson,
what land we would; whereupon wee set down in Saugus, and
ANNALS 1629,
had quiet possession of it by the above said Indians, and kept
our cattell in Nahant the summer following." Mr. Dixey was
admitted a freeman at the first General Court, in 1634. He re-
moved to Salem, says Felt, and kept a ferryboat across the
North River. [He had several children baptized in Salem, and
died in 1690, aged 82.]
WILLIAM WOOD - came to Lynn in 1629, and was admitted a
freeman 15 May, 1631. He resided here, according to his own
account, about four years; and during that time he wrote an
interesting work, entitled "New England's Prospect," contain-
ing a very favorable account of the early settlements. On 15
August, 1633, be sailed with Captain Thomas Graves, for London,
where, in 1634, be printed his book, in one hundred pages.
In 1635, be published a map of New England, engraved on
wood. He returned to Lynn the same year. He embarked on
the eleventh of September, in the Hopewell, of London, being
then 27 years of age; bringing with him his wife, Elizabeth, aged
24 years, as appears by the records in Westminster Hall, London.
In 1636, he was chosen representative. In 1637, he went with
a company of about fifty men, and commenced a settlement at
Sandwich. He was chosen town clerk there, and was a very
active, intelligent, and talented man. His book is one of the
most interesting and valuable which was written at that early
period, and several extracts from it will be found in these pages.
Shattuck thinks Mr. Wood went to Concord, where he resided
many years, dying there, 14 May, 1671, aged 86. There were
several of the same name, in the settlements, and hence oppor-
tunity for confusion among genealogists. It is pleasant for one
to locate eminent individuals in the society of his ancestors,
and some appear over-anxious to do so. There is, however, no,
doubt as to Mr. Wood's having resided at Lynn.]
JOHN WOOD was a farmer, and lived on the corner of Essex
and Chesnut streets. When the lands were divided, in 1638,
100 acres were allotted to him. I think that William Wood, the
writer, was his son, and William Wood of Salem, his brother.
Such was the little band who commenced the first settlement
in the wilderness of Lynn. Five men, with their families, prob-
ably comprising about twenty persons. They did not settle at
Sagamore Hill, because the Indians were there; nor on the
Common, because that was a forest; but coming from Salem,
they selected a "faire playne," somewhat less than half a mile
in extent, where they built their rude cottages, and had peace-
able possession." John Wood appears to have been the princi-
pal person, and from him the vicinity has ever since been called
"Woodend." There the soil of Lynn was first stirred by the
white men - there, surrounded by Indians, they laid the
foundation of a town.
114 HISTORY OF LYNN.
There was a fashion of constructing temporary habitations,
prevailing, more or less, particularly among the poorer class of
farmers, at an early period, which deserves notice for its ingen-
nuity and security, and for the comfort it afforded in winter.
A square pit was dug, of such dimensions as convenience re-
quired, to the depth of six or seven feet. This was lined with
boards or logs, and a roof made of poles covered with bark,
apertures being left for lighting and for the escape of smoke.
As late as 1650, the secretary of the province of New Nether-
lands, writing in Dutch, speaks of houses constructed after this
fashion. He however describes them as being generally finished
in rather better style, and says that the wealthy and principal
men in New England, in the beginning of the colonies, com-
menced their dwellings this way.
1630.
Early in the spring, eleven vessels, having on board about
seventeen hundred persons, left the harbor of Southampton, and
sailed for New England. In the number of the passengers were
Mr.John Winthrop, the first governor of Massachusetts, with
many other persons of dignity, wealth, and reputation. As Mr.
Humfrey, who had been chosen deputy governor, was not ready
to remove, Mr. Thomas Dudley was chosen in his stead. In
the month of June, the ships arrived at Salem, and the passen-
gers began to make settlements in the pathless woods. Mr.
Dudley says that some of them settled upon the river of Sau-
gus. Others went to Charlestown and Boston; and the rest
began new settlements at Roxbury, Dorchester, Watertown, and
Medford. The Council had agreed that each person who ad-
vanced fifty pounds, should have 200 acres; and that each one
who came over on his own expense, should have 50 acres.
The following persons appear to have arrived at Lynn, this year:
JOSEPH ARMITAGE - lived on the north side of the Common,
a little east of Mall street, his land extending to Strawberry
brook. He was a tailor, and was admitted a freeman in 1637.
Some years after, he became the proprietor of a corn and slitt
mill on Saugus river. (Essex Reg. Deeds.) He opened the
first tavern in the town, called the Anchor. (Mass. Archives).
It stood on the Boston road, a little west of the river. For a
hundred and seventy years, this was the most celebrated tavern
in Essex county, being half-way from Salem to Boston. He
died 27 June, 1680, aged 80 years. His wife, Jane, died March
3, 1675. His children were John, and Rebecca, who married
Samuel Tarbox, in 1665.
GODFREY ARMITAGE -was a farmer, and was admitted a free-
man in 1638. He was by trade a tailor, as was Joseph; and
they may have been brothers. Godfrey removed to Boston,
ANNALS - 1630.
where he reared a faimily; and some of his descendants became
prominent.
JAMES AXEY - was a farmer, a representative in 1654, and
died in 1669. His wife, Frances, died the same year.
ALLEN BREED - was a farmer, and lived near the point where
Summer street crosses the Turnpike. In 1638 he had 200 acres
allotted to him. He was born in 1601, The name of his wife
was Elizabeth, and his children were Allen, Timothy, Joseph,
and John. His descendants are numerous, and from him the
vicinity in which he resided was called Breed's End. He was
one of the Long Island settlers, but returned. And it is assert-
ed that Breed's Hill, in Charlestown, where the battle of Bunker
Hill was fought, took its name from him. In early times the
name was spelled B r e a d, and there was more uniformity in the
spelling than there was in that of
most names. Appended is a facsimile of his autograph. It is a
careful tracing from his signature.
Signature of Allen Breed
on a document in the county
archives.
WILLIAM BALLARD was a farmer, and was admitted a free-
man in 1638. In the same year he was a member of the Essex
Court. His children were John, Nathaniel, and Elizabeth. Mr.
Ballard seems to have died in 1641. Nicholas Brown and Gar-
rett Spencer made oath before Messrs. Bradstreet and Nowell,
in March of that year, that being with Mr. William Ballard of Linn
a day or two before his death & persuading him to make his
will, he told them that "he intended to do it the next day,
but, dyed before he could put it in writing. He
would leave his [wife Sarah?] half his estate, and the other half
to be divided amongst his children; the said William Ballard
beinge then of perfect minde. - (Suffolk Records).
GEORGE BURRILL - lived, on the western
side of Tower Hill. He was a farmer
and had 200 acres of land. A fac-
simile of his autograph is here given,
traced from the signature to his will,
dated 18 October, 1653. Here was the signature of
Geo. Burrill, one of the richest of the planters.
His wife was named Mary and both he and she died in 1653. His chil-
dren were: George; Francis; and John. George removed
to Boston and was a cooper. He married Deborah Simpkins,
and died 5 July, 1698. He had children: George, born 13 Feb.
1654; Samuel, b. 10 Jan., 1656; Sarah, who married John
Souther. Francis's wife was named Elizabeth; and he had chil-
dren, Elizabeth, born I Dec. 1655; James, b. 21 Dec. 1657; Jo-
seph, b. 18 Dec., 1659; Mary, wbo died young, b. 16 May, 1661;
116 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1630,
Lydia, b. 13 June, 1663; Hannah, b. 19 March, 1665; Mary,
who lived but ten days, b. 7 Feb., 1668; Deborah, b. 23 July,
1669, and died the next month; Moses, b. 12 April, 1671; Hester
b. 15 Jan., 1674; Sarah, b. In April, 1676, and died in infan-
cy; Samuel, who also died in infancy. 11 John married Lois Ivory,
10 May, 1656, and had children, John, b. IS Nov. 1658; Sarah,
b. 16 May, 1661, and died 27 Dec., 1714; Thomas, b. 7 Jan.,
1664; Anna, b. 15 Sept., 1666; Theophilus, b. 15 July, 1669;
Lois, b. 27 Jan., 1672; Samuel, b. 20 April, 1674; Mary, b. 15
Feb., 1677;. Ebenezer, b. 13 July, 1679; Ruth, b. 17 May, 1682.
The last named John, he who was born 18 Nov., 1658, became
quite distinguished for his talents, and for skill as a presiding
officer in the General Court. He died in 1721. See a bio-
graphical notice of him beginning on page 489. His brother
Ebenezer was also conspicuous as a public man, and known as
the Hon. Ebenezer. He died in 1761. See notice, page 492.
Sarah, who was born 16 May, 1661, married John Pickering, of
Salem, and became grandmother of Hon. Timothy Pickering,
the eminent statesman and intimate friend of Washington. Hon.
James Burrill, LL. D., who was made chief justice of the Supreme
Court of Rhode Island, in 18-- and was afterward distinguished
as a United States senator from that State, was a great-great-
grandson of John, (known as Lieut. John, and youngest son of
the first George.) Other conspicuous descendants of this early
settler will be seen elsewhere. The Burrill family was form-
erly called the royal family of Lynn, in view of the many famous
persons connected with it.
EDWARD BAKER - was a farmer, and lived on the south side
of Baker's Hill, in Saugus. He was admitted a freeman in 1638;
and was buried March 16, 1687. His wife, Joan, died April 9,
1693. His sons were Edward, who married Mary Marshall,
April 7,1675; and Thomas, who married Mary Lewis, July 10,
1689. Mr. Baker removed to Northampton about 1658, and
there had grants of land. He remained many years, respected
and influential. Mr. Lewis is incorrect in one or two particu-
lars. The name of Mr. Baker's wife was June, and he had five
sons - Joseph, Timothy, Edward, Thomas, and John. He finally
returned to Lynn; but his sons Joseph and Timothy remained
at Northampton. John is supposed to have settled in Dedham,
and become the head of an extensive family. The will of Mr.
Baker is dated 16 Oct. 1685, and having previously provided
for some of his children by deed, not all of them are named in it.
He exhorts his family to live peaceable and pious lives, and
desires for himself a decent funeral, suitable to his rank and
quality while living. Timothy was a prominent man in North-
ampton, and some of his descendants became conspicuous;
among them, Hon. Osmyn Baker, late member of Congress.
ANNALS OF LYNN-1630. 117
Captain Thomas Baker, son of Timothy, just named, and
of course a grandson of Edward, the early Lynn settler, was
taken captive by the Indians, at Deerfield, on the terrible
night of 29 Feb. 1704, and carried to Canada. He however,
the next year, succeeded in effecting his escape. In or about
the year 1715, he married Madam Le Beau, whose name figures
somewhat in the history of that period. And the lives of both
husband and wife furnish touching and romantic passages. She
was a daughter of Richard Otis, of Dover, N. H., who, with one
son and one daughter, was killed by the Indians on the night
of 27 June, 1689, at the time they destroyed the place. She
was then an infant of three months, and was, with her mother,
carried captive to Canada and sold to the French. The priests
took her, baptized her, and gave her the name of Christine.
They educated her in the Romish faith, and she passed some
time in a nunnery, not, however, taking the veil. At the age
of sixteen she was married to a Frenchman, thus becoming
Madam Le Beau, and became the mother of two or three child-
ren. Her husband died about 1713. And it was very soon
after that her future husband, Capt. Baker, appears to have
fallen in with her. He was attached to the commission detailed
by Gov. Dudley, under John Stoddard and John Williams for
the purpose of negotiating with the Marquis de Vaudreuil for
the release of prisoners and to settle certain other matters, and
went to Canada. From Stoddard's journal it appears that there
was much trouble in procuring her release, and when it was
obtained, her children were not allowed to go with her. Her
mother was also opposed to her leaving Canada.
After her return, Christine married Capt. Baker, and they
went to reside at Brookfield, where they remained till 1733.
They had several children, and among their descendants is Hon.
John Wentworth, late member of Congress from Illinois. She
became a protestant after marrying Capt. Baker, and substituted
the name Margaret for Christine, though later in life she seems
to have again adopted the latter. In 1727, her former confess
or, Father Siguenot wrote her a gracious letter, expressing a
high opinion of her and warning her against swerving from the
faith in which she had been educated. He mentions the happy
death of a daughter of hers who had married and lived in Quebec
and also speaks of her mother, then living, and the wife
of a Frenchman. This letter was shown to Gov. Burnet, and
he wrote to her a forcible reply to the arguments it contained
in favor of Romanism. And there are, or recently were, three
copies of the letter and reply, in the Boston Atheneum. The
mother of Christine had children by her French husband, and
Philip, Christinels, half-brother, visited her at Brookfield.
All the children of Capt. Baker and Christine, seven or eight
118 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1630.
in number, excepting the first, who was a daughter, bearing
her mother's name, were born in Brookfield. There is no rea-
son to doubt that the connection was a happy one. They held
a very respectable position, and he was the first representative
from Brookfield. He was, indeed, once tried before the Super-
ior Court, at Springfield, in 1727, for blasphemy; but the jury
acquitted him. The offence consisted in his remarking, while
discoursing on God's providence in allowing Joseph Jennings,
of Brookfield, to be made a justice of the peace, "If I had
been with the Almighty I would have taught him better."
In 1733 Capt. Baker sold his farm in Brookfield. But this
proved an unfortunate step, for the purchaser failed before mak-
ing payment, and their circumstances became greatly reduced.
They were a short time at Mendon, and also at Newport, R. I.,
before finally removing to Dover. Poor Christine, in 1735, peti-
tioned the authorities of New Hampshire for leave to "keep
a house of public entertainment "on the County road from
Dover meeting house to Coebeco Boome." In this petition she
signs her name Christine Baker," and mentions that she made
a journey to Canada, in the hope of getting her children, "but
all in vaine." A license was granted, and it seems probable
that she kept the house a number of years. She died, at a great
age, 23 Feb.1773, and an obituary notice appeared in the Boston
Evening Post. The Mrs. Bean mentioned in the N. H. Hist.
Colls. as having died, 6 Feb., 1826, at the age of a hundred years,
was Mary, the daughter of Capt. Baker and Christine. She pos-
sessed her faculties to the last, and her eyesight was so perfect
that she could, without glasses, see to thread a needle. Col.
Benjamin Bean, of Conway, N. H., was a grandson of this aged
grand-daughter of Edward Baker, the Lynn settler.
I have given this connected recital, though hardly knowing
how to afford the space, not only on account of the romantic
incidents touched upon, but also because it aptly illustrates
occurrences frequent in those days.
JOHN BANCROFT - died in 1637. He had two sons, Thomas
and John, and his descendants remain. The name was some-
times spelled B a r c r o f t; indeed it is questionable whether
that was not the original spelling, the change easily occurring. Ja
the wife with whom this settler was blessed, does not seem to
have been the most amiable of women. By the record of the
Court held at Boston, in 1633, it appears that Mr. John Bar-
croft doeth acknowledge to owe unto our Sovereigne, the King,
the, some of X1l and to Samuell Mauacke the som of XX1.etc. The
condition of this recognizance is, that Jane Barcroff, wife of the
said John, shall be of good behavior towards all Persons." George
Bancroft, the eminent historian, is a lineal descendant from this
Lynn planter.
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1630. 119,
SAMUEL BENNET - was a carpenter, and a member of the Anc-
ient Artillery Company, in 1639. A pine forest in the northern
part of Lynn still retains the name of Bennet's Swamp. He
resided in the western part of Saugus, and when the towns
were divided, the line passed through his land, eastward of his
house, so that afterward he was called an inhabitant of Boston.
NICHOLAS BROWN - was a farmer, and lived on Walnut street,
in Saugus. He removed to Reading, in 1644. He had a son,
Thomas, who continued in Lynn, and died, 28 Aug. 1693. His
descendants remain.
BONIFACE BURTON was a farmer, and was admitted a free-
man, 6 May, 1635. He was the oldest man who ever lived at
Lynn. He died, 13 June, 1669, aged 113 years, according to
Sewall. Another diarist makes him 115. His son Boniface
removed to Reading.
THOMAS CHADWELL - was a farmer, and lived in Summer
street. He died in Feb. 1683. His sons were Thomas, Moses,
and Benjamin. His descendants remain. He had three wives;
the first was named Margaret,and she died 29 Sept. 1658. He
afterward removed to Boston, and married Barbara Brimblecom,
a widow, who had survived two husbands. This second wife
died in 1665, and for a third wife, he married Abigail Jones, of
Charlestown, a widow. His son Moses was born 10 April, 1637.
CLEMENT COLDAM - was a miller, and a member of the An-
cient Artillery Company, in 1645. He had a son Clement, born
in 1622, who removed to Gloucester, and died in 1703.
THOMAS COLDAM - was admitted a freeman in 1634. He kept
Mr. Humfrey's windmill, on Sagamore Hill, and died 8 April,
1675, aged 74 years.
WILLIAM COWDRY, born in 1602 - was a farmer. He removed
to Reading in 1640, where he was Clerk of the Writs, Town
Clerk, Selectman and Representative.
THOMAS DEXTER - was a farmer, and lived on the west of Sau-
gus river, near the Iron Works. He was admitted a freeman,
in May, 1631. He owned eight hundred acres of land, and was
called, by way of excellence, "Farmer Dexter." He was a very
active and enterprising man, and built a mill and a weare across
Saugus river. Among his speculations, he purchased Nahant
of the Indian chief, Poquanum, called "Black Will," for a suit
of clothes; which occasioned the town an expensive lawsuit in
1657, another in 1678, and a third in 1695. He became one of
the first proprietors of the town of Sandwich in 1637, and pro-
moted its settlement, but did not remove at that time. He had
a son Thomas, a grandson Richard, and a great-grandson William;
but none of his descendants remain at Lynn.
ROBERT DRIVER - was a farmer, and lived in Shepard street,
on the south of which a creek still bears his name. He was
120 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1630.
made a freeman in 1635, and died 3 April, 1680, aged 88 years.
His wife, Phebe, died in February, 1683. He had a son, Rob-
ert, who was a soldier in the Indian War of 1675.
WILLIAM EDMUNDS - was admitted a freeman in 1635, and
died 4 Aug. 1693. His children were John; and Samuel, who
married Elizabeth Bridges, 27 Jan. 1685. He was a tailor by
trade. His wife Mary died 2 April, 1657, and five months after
he married a widow Ann Martin, at Boston. Besides John and
Samuel, he had children, Joseph and Mary. The latter married
Joseph Hutchings, 1 Sept. 1657. He was 82 years old at the
time of his death.
GEORGE FARR - was a farmer in the eastern part of Essex
street. He was admitted a freeman in 1635, and died in 1661.
His wife Elizabeth (Stower)was buried 11 March, 1687. His children
were, John, Lazarus, Benjamin, Joseph, Mary, Martha, Elizabeth,
and Sarah. Mr. Farr came over in 1629. He was a ship-
wright.
HENRY FEAKE- was admitted a freeman, 14 May, 1632, and
removed to Sandwich in 1637. He was a Representative in
1643 and 1644. About 1656 he was residing at Newtown,L.I.
John Dillingham married a daughter of his, 24 March, 1654.
JEREMIAH FITCH - was a farmer, and lived in Shepard street.
He removed to Reading in 1644.
SAMUEL GRAVES - was a farmer, and lived on the Turnpike,
west of the Floating Bridge, and from him the neighborhood
has ever since been called Gravesend. In 1635, be gave nearly
X300 to the colony. He had a son Samuel, and his descendants
remain. The son Samuel married Sarah Brewer, 12 March,
1678, and had children, Crispus, born 3 Aug. 1679; Hannah, b.
27 Aug. 1681; Samuel, b. 2 Aug. 1684.
JOHN HALL - was admitted a freeman in 1634. Edward Hall,
son of John, was a farmer, and died in 1669. His children were
Joseph, Ephraim, Elizabeth, Rebecca, and Martha. His descend-
ants remain. I think this John Hall must have been the one
who, in 1640, was a Salisbury proprietor, and married, 3 April,
1641, Rebecca, widow of Henry Bayley by whom he had a son
John, born 18 March, 1642. He was dead in 1650, as his widow,
in July of that year, married Rev. William Worcester, the first
minister of Salisbury. After the death of Mr. Worcester,
which took place in 1663, she married, as a fourth husband,
Deputy Governor Symonds, whom she outlived, and died in
1695. As to Edward, Mr. Lewis is without doubt wrong in
some particulars. There may have been two of the name here.
Edward, son of John, by his wife Sarah, had children, Joseph,
born 3 July, 1646; Ephraim, b. 8 September, 1648; Sarah, b.
in August, 1651; Elizabeth, b. 30 April, 1654; Rebecca, b. 30
April, 1657. And Savage treats him as the same individual who
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1630. 121
was so oddly named in the will of Benjamin Keayne, of Boston,
who, probably through his son, at one time a resident of Lynn,
had various connections with the people here. If so identified,
he must have been a carpenter, though he may have carried on
farming to some extent. "To Edward Hall, of Lynn, carpenter,"
says Mr. Keayne's will, "as an acknowledgement of his doing
service to me, (though of Later yeares he hath carryed it lesse
deserving, & fuller of more Just provocation, three pounds."
ADAM HAWKES - was a farmer, and settled on the Hawkes
Farms, in Saugus. He owned the land where the iron ore was
found, and filled up one of the mines, on the supposition that it
contained silver. Soon after his settlement, his house was
burned. The only persons in it at the time, were a servant girl
and two twin infants, who escaped. He died in 1671. His sons
were, Adam, John, Moses, Benjamin, and Thomas. His descend-
ants remain.
JOHN HAWKES - was admitted a freeman in 1634, and died 5
Aug. 1694. I think Mr. Lewis is wrong in making this John
Hawkes, the one who was admitted a freeman in 1634. The
only John here, at that period, was probably the young son of
Adam, though there was an older person of the name in the
vicinity. The John who died here, 5 Aug. 1694, is called in
the record of his decease, senior, and would, as respects age,
answer well as the son of Adam. He married, 3 June, 1658,
Rebecca Maverick, and she died in 1659, at the birth of their
son Moses. He married again, 11 April, 1661. His second
wife was Sarah Cushman, and he had by her, Susanna, born
29 Nov. 1662; Adam, b. 12 May, 1664; Anne, b. 3 May, 1666;
John, b. 25 April, 1668; Rebecca, b. 18 Oct. 1670; Thomas, b.
18 May, 1673; and Mary, b. 14 Nov. 1675. Within twenty
days of the latter date, he experienced a severe affliction in the
loss, by death, of all his daughters, excepting the infant Mary.
EDWARD Holyoke - was a farmer, and had 500 acres of land.
He was a member of the Essex Court, and was many times
chosen representative. In 1656 be owned the western side
of Sagamore Hill. He died 4 May, 1660. In his will he beseeches
God to impress his children with the importance of private
prayer and public worship, and bequeaths each of them a lock
of his hair. His children were, Elizur, who removed to Spring-
field, and married Mary Pynchon; and Elizabeth, who married
George Keyser. An excellent spring, in the western part of
Lynn, surrounded by willows, is well known by the name of
Holyoke spring. This spring is near the western margin of
the meadow lying immediately north of Holyoke street, and
west of Walnut formerly known as Pan Swamp. An eminent
descendant of this settler, Dr. Edward A. Holyoke, of Salem,
died 31 March, 1830, aged a hundred years and seven months.
ended here where p. 122 begins
122 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1630.
[The two children named by Mr. Lewis, Elizur and Elizabetb,
were not the only offspriDg of Mr. Holyoke. He had daughters,
Ann, who married Lieut. Thomas Putnam, 17 Oct. 1643; Mary,
who married John Tuttle of Bostoni 10 Feb. 1647; SusanDa,
who married Michael Martin, 12 Sept. 1656; and Sarah, who
married an Andrews. He also had sons, Edward and John, who
were born in England and died there, at early ages. Mr. Hol-
yoke's will is a curious document; and most of it is here given,
because it so well exhibits his spirit and so faithfully exposes
the condition of things at that time, in several interesting par.
ticulars. It was made 25 Dec.. 1658, and he died 4 May, 1660.
As for the holy faith of the holy one, God in trinitie, and of the holy faith
of our glorious Lord, the son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, the second Adam,
I haue composed A booke and doe bestowell vpon each of my sonns in law as
their best legacy, &c. (Being instructed chiefly by an understanding of the
Scriptures) I doubt not my booke will giue him A hart of au sound doctrine.
Touching my worldly estate, I dispose the' yoke of Oxen and my mare, to
my sonn in law, George Keysar, and my mare foale and A Cow, to My 80M]
Pielnim; tow kine to my sonia Andrewes; A Cow to my dau. Mai-ten. These
Oxen and kine are in the hands of Goodman Wilkins, of Linn; the mare and
foale is at Runmey Marsh. I giue to my sonn Tuttle, that F,4 yearely bee
should haue giuen Mee since I put ouer the house in Boston to him. I ueuer
yet had a paimey of it; 40s. I gone him of that, so theare is yet L6 beebind
and theare is E5 mentioned in Goodman Wilkins Case that bee oweth Mee, I
guic to my dau. Maiwu, and 20s. to my kinswoman Mary Mansfeild, and 10s.
of it to John Dolittle, and 10s. of it to my kinsman Thomas Morris, of New-
ham, and 10s. of it to Hamiah Keasur. I giae my best Cloake of that Cloth
that cam from England to my sonn Holyoke, as allsoc my Coate of the same
cloth. I giuc my other Cloke to my somi Keaser, my best Dublet and breeches
to my sonn Tuttle, my stuT dublet and my best hat to my sonn Holyoke; all
the rest of my wearchig apparell. to my somi Keasar. As touching the whol
yeares rent of this yeare 1658, that is Dew Mee from Goodman Wilkins, of
Linn, I owe Theodore Atkins 49s.; pay him in wheatc; I owe John Hull
Aboute 22s.; pay him in wheate; pay Mr. Russell, treasurer, 3 bushells of
wbeate; for John Andrewes, 8 busLells of wheate to Mr. Wilson Paster at
Boston, and 8 bushell of Indian. As for my Linell, let all my daurs. part
alike. The 20s. Goodman Page owetb me, as my somi Tuttle cann witness,
I give my dau. Martin. There is about 15s. Capt. Sauige oweth Mee; intreat
him to satisfie my Cosan Dauis, and the rest giue to my dau. Maiten. As for
my books and wrightings, I giue my sonn Holyoke all the books that are at
Linn, as allsoe the Iron Chest,and the bookes I haue in my study that are
Mr. Beangbans works I giue him, bee onely caim make vse of them, and
likewise I giue all my maniscripts what soeuer, and I giue him that large new
testament in folio, with wast papers between cueiy leafe, allso Mr. ADsworth
on the 5 books of Moses and the psalmes, and my dixinaiy and Temellius
bible in Latten, and my latten Concent and danOl bound together, and A
part of the New testament in Folio, with wast paper betwin. euery leafe, and
the greate mapps of geneolagy, and that old maniscript called a SyDas sight;
the rest, for A muskett I gaue of olde to my sonn Holyoke: All my land in
Linn, and that land and Medow in the Country necre Reding, all was gitien
to my sonn Holyoke, when he iTtaried Mr Pinchors Daughter.
Pr me., Ei)woiLD HoLyoKE.
[Mr. Holyoke's son Elizur administered on the estate, and
the inventory was taken 19 June, 1660. John Tuttle and John
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1630. 128
Doolittle were'appraisers, and the amount was X681. 11 A farme
at Lynne, X400 ; 3 acres at Nahant, X6 ; a farme at Bever dame,
neare Reading, X150; 11 two oxen, X12; four cows, X16; and
his books, X20; are the principal items.
[Mr. Holyoke was from Tamworth, Warwickshire, where he
married, 18 June, 1612, Prudence, daughter of Rev. John Stock-
ton, rector of Kinkolt. His father, who was likewise named
Edward, is thought to be the same 11 Edward Hollyocke " men-
tioned in the will of the father of Ann Hathaway, wife of the
immortal Shakspeare, where he is spoken of as baviDg a claim
Of twenty shillings, for wood.
[It is evident that Mr. Holyoke, quite early in life, had his
mind directed to the consideration of sacred things. And on
the whole he seems to have been rather a lively exponent of
puritan character. On 12 May, 1612, about a ' month before his
marriage, be wrote to Miss Stockton a long epistle, from which
a few passages are here introduced, the orthography being mod-
ernized. "Let us resolve," he says, "with an unfeigned heart
in constancy and perseverance to follow the Eternal, and to
cleave unto him all our days; to set him up in our hearts to
be our God; to love him with all our heart, mind,. soul, and
strength; to worsbip him in spirit and truth, according to his
revealed will; to sanctify his name in his word, in his works, in
our holy conversation; to keep his Sabbath with joy of heart
and delighting in the Lord; in it not doing our own will, but
sanctifying it wholly to the Lord. If this be in our hearts. in
deed and in truth, then we shall be faithful to each other, iioi
sinning against one another; for you have set me on your heart
and me alone, to be thine; thy husband, the veil of thine eyes
in the sight of all ; thy head. If this be so, then cleave to me,
to me alone; lot your affections be mine, your desires mine.
And I have set thee on my heart ., and thee alone, to make thee
my spouse, my companion, the wife of my youth; to enter into
covenant with thee before God, never to transgress against
thee, but to love you only, even as myself; to care for you, to
rejoice with you, to wander in thy love continually . . . . . Me-
thinks I see the preparation that Prudence makes for the'day
of solemnity; every thing in readiness, that she will not forget
an ornament; every thing in such conveniency. Ob, will you
thus prepare for this marriage, which is but for a time ? Labor
to be truly spiritual, that this may be, above all things, the
chief of your thoughts, to prepare for that eternal marriage with
Christ Jesus in the last day."
[The name of Mount Holyoke, in Hampshire county, it is said,
was derived from Elizur, the son named as having married Mary
Pynchon, and who became a very conspicuous and useful man.
Few names appear on the records of the colony in connection
124 ANNALS OP LYNN--1630.
with more enterprises of a public nature than that of Elizur
Holyoke, and few are more highly spoken of for their services.
There is a tradition that during an exploration by some of the
settlers of Springfield, five or six years after they first located
there, Elizur Holyoke, with a party, went up the east side of the
river, While Rowland Thomas, with another party, went up the.
west side. On reaching a narrow place, between the mountains,
a conversation took place, across the water, between Holyoke
and Thomas, concerning the naming of the mountains. And
finally it was determined to give the name of Holyoke to that
on the east, and the name of Thomas to that on the west. The
latter soon came to be called Mount Tom; but the former was
more fortunate in retaining the integrity of its name. A worthy
writer says of Elizur Holyoke: "His whole life was devoted to
the service of the people among whom be lived." He was
appointed by the General Court, in 1652, One of the commis-
sioners empowered to govern the Springfield settlers, "in all
matters not extending to life and limb." He died 6 Feb. 1676.
He had a son Elizur, the youngest of four, who was sent to
Boston to learn the trade of a brazier, and who finally became
prominent by his enterprise and wealth ; and his name will long
survive from his association with the founders of the Old South
Church. Edward Holyoke, president of Harvard College, was
a son of his. The name is perpetuated in Lynn, through Hol-
yoke street, in the vicinity of which Edward, the original settler,
owned lands.]
WILLIAM HATHORNE- was born in England, in 1607; was
admitted a freeman in 1634; and removed to Salem.
DANIEL HOWE, (Lieut.)-was admitted a freeman in 1634.
He was a representative in five General Courts, and a mem-
ber of the Ancient Artillery Company in 1638. He removed
to New Haven. His son Ephraim was master of a vessel which
sailed from Boston. In Sept. 1676, his vessel, in which were
two of his sons and three other persons, was disabled by a
storm, off Cape Cod, and driven to sea for several weeks, until
his two sons, lashed to the deck by ropes, perished. The vessel
was then cast on a desolate island, vhere the three other per-
sons died. Mr. Howe was thus left alone, and found' means to
subsist for nine months, lodging and praying in a cave, till he
was taken off by a vessel, in June.
EDWARD HOWE, -was a farmer, and was admitted a freeman
in 1636. He was several times chosen representative, and Nvas
a member of the Essex Court, in 1637. In April, 1639, after
the Court was ended in Boston, having dined in his usual health,
be went to the river side, to pass over to Charlestown, and
while waiting for the ferry boat, fell dead on the shore. Gov.
Winthrop says he was 11 a Godly-man." He had a son Edward.
-ANNALS OF LYNN - 1630. 125
[Mr. Lewis has located him here at too early a date. He came
in the Truelove, 1635. He was 64 years old at the time of his
death. He and Daniel Howe', the preceding, were brothers.]
THOMAS HUBBARD - was admitted a freeman in 1634, and
removed to Billerica. [His wife's name was Elizabeth. He died
in Nov. 1662.]
THOMAS HUDSON-was a farmer, and lived on the western
side of Saugus river. He owned the lands where the Iron
Works were situated, part of which be sold for that purpose.
He had a son Jonathan, whose descendants remain.
CHRISTOPHER HUSSEY -was born in Darking, in Surrey, EDg-
JaDd, in 1598. He went to Holland, where be became enamored
of Theodate, daughter of Rev. Stephen Bacbiler, who had resid.,
ed there several years, but her father would not consent to
their uiiion, unless Mr. Hussey would remove to New England,
whither he was preparing to go. Mr. Hussey came to Lynn
with his mother, widow Mary Hussey, and his wife, in 1630, and
here, the same year, his son Stephen was born, who was the
second white child born in Lynn. He removed to Newbury,
in 1636, and was chosen representative in 1637. In 1638, be
became one of the first settlers of Hampton, and was chosen a
counsellor. In 1685, he was cast awaf and lost on the coast
of Florida, being 87 years of age. His children were Stephen,
John, Joseph, Huldab, Theodate and Mary.
GEORGE KEYSEP,, born in 1616 -was a miller, at Swampscot,
and was admitted a freeman in 1638. He married Elizabeth
Holyoke, and had a son Elizur, who removed to Salem.
CHRISTOPHER LINDSEY -lived as a servant with Thomas Dex-
ter, and kept his cattle at Nahant. A bill on the notbeastern
part of Nahant is still called Lindsey's hill. He died in 1668.
He had two soils, John and Eleazer, and his descendants remain.
[Mr. Lindsey was wounded in the Pequot war, and in a petition
to the Court, May, 1655, states that be was " disabled from
service for 20 weekes, for which he neuer had any satisfaction."
He was allowed three pounds. His only daughter, Naomi, was
the first wife of Thomas Maule, of Salem, the famous Quaker,
to whom she was married, 22 July, 1670. Maule published a
book setting forth and maintaining the truth according to the
Quaker view. And for this be was indicted. He afterward put
forth allother work - his 11 Persecutors Mauled 11 - in which be
remarks that they five times imprisoned him, thrice took away
his goods, and thrice cruelly whipped him; besides their many
other abuses.]
JONATHAN NEGUS -was born in 1601, and admitted a freeman
in 1634.
THOMAS NEWHALL - was a farmer, and owned all the lands
on the eastern side of Federal street, as far north as Marion.
126 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1630.
His house stood on the east side of the former street, a few rods
south of where the brook crosses. He had two sons. 1. John,
born in'Englaud. 2. Thomas born in 1630, who was the, first
white child born in Lynn. He married Elizabeth Potter, 29
Dec. 1652, and was buried 1 April, 1687, aged 57. His wife
was buried 22 Feb. 1687. His descendants are more numerous
thanthose of any other name at Lynn, and there are many in
the adjacent towns. [A fac-simile
of the autograph of this Thomas,
the first of the white race born
in our precincts, is here given. Sipature of Thomas Newhall.
It was traced from his signature to an inventory filed in the
court at Salem, in 1677, the last two letters being supplied, as
the paper is so much worn as to render them illigible. I have
searched in vain for a proper signature of his father, who died
25 May, 1674. His will is signed by " his mark." But as the
document was executed just before his death, it is reasonable
to conclude that infirmity, rather than ignorance, was the occa,
sion of his signing in that suspicious mariner. A somewhat
extended genealogical view of the Newhall family will be given
in another part of this work.]
ROBERT POTTER - was a farmer, and lived in Boston street.
He was admitted a freeman in 1634. He had a daughter Eliza.
both. [He removed from town soon after he became a freeman.
Under date 1685 Mr. Lewis gives the name of a Robert Potter,
who was probably a son of this Robert. He went first to Rhode
Island, but changed his place of abode two or three times. In
1643, he, with others, was arrested for disseminating obnoxioiis
doctrines, and brought to Boston. The government ordered
' them to discontinue their preaching, on pain of death. They
suffered imprisonment, confiscation of estate and banishment.
Subsequently, however, by making complaint in England, they
had their estates restored. In 16492 he kept an inn, at War-
wick. He had a son John, and daughters Deliverance and Eliz-
beth; and, probably, a son Robert, his eldest child. He died
in 1655.]
JOHN RAMSDELL -was a farmer, and died 27 Oct. 1688, aged
86. His wife, Priscilla, died 23 Jan. 1675. His sons were John
and Aquila, and his descendants remain.
JOSEPH REDNAP -was a wine-cooper, from London, and was
admitted a freeman in 1634. Judge Sewall, in his Diary, says
be died on Friday, 23 Jan. 1686, aged 110 years. [But Judge
Sewall must have made his entry touching the age, from exag~
gerated reports. Mr. Rednap could not have been much, if any,
above 90. And in the Judge's statement we have further evi-
dence that in those days people took a singular pride, when one
died at an age beyond the common limit, in giving him, to as
INNALS OP LYNN-1630. 127
great an extent as the case would bear, the patriarchal cbarac-
teristic of age. On 29 June, 1669, Mr. Rednap gave certain
testimony, which be swore to, in the Salem Court, in which be
states himself to be 11 betwixt seventy and eighty years " old.
He also, in evidence given in 1657, states himself to be about
sixty. Now if be was 60 in 1657, be would have been 72 in
1669, and at the time of his death, in 1686, he would have been
but 89 or 90. This conclusion, it will be observed, is drawn
from his own statements, made under oath. Mr. Rednap was
an anabaptist, or rather an anti-pedobaptist, and underwent some
persecution as such.]
EDWARD RiCHARDs, born in 1616- was a joiner, and was ad-
mitted a freeman in 1641. He lived in the eastern part of Essex
street. On the third of April 1646, be sold to Daniel King,
14 one parcel of land, called Windmill Hill," being the eastern
mound of Sagamore Hill. He died 26 Jan. 1690, aged 74. His
descendants remain. [His wife's name was Ann, and they bad
children, William, born 7 June, 1668; Daniel; Mary; Abigail;
and, it is thought, John. William was living abroad in 1688, as
appears by a parental letter superscribed 11 These ffor my love
ing sonn William Richards Liveing att pbiladelpbia in pensylva-
nab or elsewhere present," and sent 11 ffrom Lin in New EDg-
land this 12tb of June, 1688.11 The letter urges him to return
to Lynn, as his parents are getting old, and much desire his
presence. And they want him to make up his mind never to
leave the place again; the father agreeing, for his encourage-
ment, to give him half of his place. In 1678 Mr. Riebards made
oath that be had lived here forty-five years. The inventory
of his estate, taken about a month after his decease, by William
Bassett, jr.and Samuel Johnson, gives an amount of X180 Is.]
DANIEL SALMON, born in 1610 -was a soldier in the Pequot
war, in 1636. [He labored at the Iron Works, soon after their
establisbmeDt.] He had a son Daniel, born 2 May, 1665.
JOHN SMITH-was a farmer, and was admitted a freeman in
1633. He removed to Reading.
SAMUEL SMITH- was a farmer, and lived at Swampscot. His
descendants remain.
JOHN TAYLOR -came from Haverhill, in England. His wife
and children died on the passage. He was admitted a freeman,
19 Oct. 1630, and lived on the western side of Saugus river.
EDWARD TOMLINS, (Capt.) -was a carpenter, and was admitted
a freeman in 1631. He was six times cbosen representative.
In 1633, be built the first mill in Lynn, at the mouth of Straw-
berry Brook, which flows from the Flax PoDd, where Chase's
mill now stands - [that is, at the point where Summer street
now crosses the stream.] At one of the courts be agreed to
repair Mistick bridge for X22. In 1638 be was a member of the
128 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1630.
Ancient Artillery Company. In 1640 he went to Long Island,
but returned to Lynn, and was appointed clerk of the writs, in
1643. His son Edward came over in 1635, at the age of 30;
but returned to London in 1644, and in 1679 was at Dublin.
[The statement that the first mill in Lynn was at the mouth
of Strawberry Brook, is a mistake; and Mr. Lewis was satisfied
of it when the facts were laid before him. The first mill was
on that brook, a few rods west of where Franklin street opens
into Boston street. Some years ago there was a case in one
of our courts, wherein the question of the location of the first
mill in Lynn became of some importance. An examination of
ancient documents and records established the fact as above
stated. Astute counsel objected to any testimony from Mr.
Lewis tending to show that it was located in any place but that
stated in his book, on the ground that it would be a contra.
diction of himself. After some wrangling, however, it was
admitted, for the rules regarding the admission of evidence are
not quite so bad as to deny one the privilege of correcting an
undoubted error. The mill which he refers to as the first, was,
without doubt, the third in Lynn, the second having been built
near the Flax Pond and afterward removed to Water Hill. And
this seems to have been the first manifestation of' that propen-
sity to move buildings which has characterised our people to
this day. Every season we find our ways obstructed and trees
dismembered by migratory edifices. For something further
about the old mills, see under dates 1654 and 1655.]
TIMOTHY TOMLiNs, brother of Edward - was a farmer, and
was admitted a freeman, 1633. He was representative in thir-
teen sessions of the General Court. In 1640, he went with
those who began a settlement at Southampton, on Long Island,
but returned. A pine forest in the northern part of Lynn is
well known by the name of Tomlins's Swamp. He was one of
the first proprietors of Cambridge, but did Dot reside there.
NATHANIEL TURNER, (Capt.)-lived in Nahant street, and
owned the whole of Sagamore Hill. He applied to be admitted
a freeman, 19 Oct, 1630, but did Tint take, the oath iinffl .1 Julv
1632. He was representative in the first seven sessions of the
General Court, and a member of the first County Court at Salem,
in 1636. In 1633, he was appointed captain of the militia, and
in 1636 and '7 had a command in several expeditions against
the Pequot Indians. In 1637 his house was burnt. In 1638,
he became a member of the Ancient Artillery Company; and
the same year sold his land on Sagamore Hill to Mr. Edward
Holyoke, and removed, with others, to Quilipeake, where a new
sett4ement was begun, and called New Haven. His name is
preserved in Turner's Falls. In 1639 be was one of the seven
members of the first church at New Haven. In 1640 he pur-
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1630. 129
chased for the town, of Ponus) the Indian Sagamore, the tract
of land which is now the town of Stamford, for which he paid
in 11 coats, shoes, hatchets, &c.11 His active and useful life was
soon after terminated in a melancholy manner. In January,
1647, he sailed for England, with Capt. Lamberton, in a vessel
which was never heard of more. Governor Winthrop informs
us that in June 1648, the apparition of a ship was seen under
full sail, moving -up the harbor of New Haven, a little before
sunset, in a pleasant afternoon, and that as it approached the
shore, it slowly vanished. This was thought to have a refer-
ence to the fate of Capt. Lamberton's ship. The following epi-
taph was written to the memory of Capt. Turner.
Deep in Atlantic cave his body sleeps,
While the dark sea its ceaseless motion keeps,
While phantom ships are wrecked along the shore,
To wain his friends that he will come no more!
But He who governs all with impulse free,
Can bring from Bashan and the deepest sea,
And when He calls our Turner must return,
Though now his ashes fill no sacred urn.
[In 1639, Capt. Turner, in connection with Rev. Mr. Daven-
port and four others, at New Haven, was appointed to 11 have
the disposing of all house lotts, yet undisposed of about this
towne, to such persons as they shall judge meete for the good
of the plantation ; and tbatt none come to dwell as planters here
without their consent and allowance, whether they come in by
purchase or otherwise." In 1640, Capt. Turner, as agent for
New Haven, made a large purchase of lands on both sides of the
Delaware river -sufficient for a number of plantations. The
purchase was made chiefly with a view to trade, though the
establishment of Puritan churches was an object. Trading
"I "houses were erected, and nearly fifty families sent out. In all
fundamental matters the Delaware colonies were to be under
the jurisdiction of New Haven. In the same year he made the
purchase of the Indian territory of Rippowams - Stamford -
as noted by Mr. Lewis, partly of Penns and partly of Wascussue,
another chief. He gave for the whole, 11 twelve coats, twelve
boes, twelve hatchets, twelve knives, two kettles, and four
fathom of whitewampum." In a sale to the people of Wethers-
field, a while after, the tract was valued at thirty pounds ster-
ling.
[In a list, made in 1643, giving the names of a hundred and
twenty-two New Haven planters, with the number of their fam-
ilies -including only parents and children -and the value of
their estates, the family of Capt. Turner is put down at seven,
and his estate at X800, the latter being as high as any on the
list, with the exception of ten.
LBut the land speculations of New Haven do not seem to
130 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1630.
have turned out in any degree profitable. The Delaware trade
was not successful; and the Dutch were troublesome at Stam.
ford. And she seems literally to have struck a vein of ill-fortune,
in which she was destined to struggle for some time. It was
under a desperate effort to retrieve ber fortunes, that the planters
sent to Rhode Island and had a ship of a hundred and fifty tons
built, hoping to open a profitable foreign trade. By joining
their means, the planters were able to freight her in a satisfac-
tory manner. Capt. Turner, with five others of the principal
men embarked, and she sailed from New Haven in January,
1647. Nothing was ever heard 'either of the vessel or any on
board, unless the apparition which appeared in the harbor, the
next June, immediately after a great thunder storm-tbe re-
nowned phantom ship-be regarded as tidings. Capt. Turner,
had kept alive his friendship for the people of Lynn, and while
11 Now Haven's heart was sad," there were many here to mourn
his fate.]
THOMAS TALMADGE -was a farmer, and was admitted a free-
man in 1634. He had a son Thomas.
. RICHARD WALKER, (Capt.) -was a farmer, and resided on the
west of Saugus river. He was born in 1593, and was admitted
a freeman,in 1634. He was buried 16 May, 1687, aged 95. He
had two sons; Richard, born 1611, who came over in 1635,
removed to Reading, and was several tim~s chosen representa-
tive; and Samuel, who also removed to Reading. He likewise
had two daughters; Tabitba, who married Daniel King, March
11, 1662; and Elizabeth, who married Ralph King, March 2,
1663.
JOHN WHITE -was a farmer, and was ad ' mitted a freeman in
1633.[He removed to Southampton, L. I.; there he became a
man of property and reared a large family. He died in 1662.]
BRAY WILKINS - was a farmer, and lived on the western
side of the Flax Pond. He was admitted a freeman in 1634,
and removed to Danvers. [He was an inhabitant of Dorchester
in 1641, and was then, or had been, keeper of Neponset ferry;
was back again in 1664,, a farmer, and tenant on Gov. 'Belling-
ham's farm, when his house was burned. He died 1 Jan. 1702,
aged 91.]
THOMAS WILLIS -was a farmer, and the first resident on
the bill on which the alms-bouse is situated. The land on the
south was called Willis's Neck, and that on the north, Willis's
Meadow. He was a representative in the first General Court
in 1634, and a member of the Essex Court, in 1639. He became
one of the first proprietors of Sandwich, in 1637, but did not
remove at that time.
WILLIAM WITTER -was a farmer and resided at Swampscot.
Ile says, in a deposition in Salem Court files, 15 and 27 April,
ANNALS OF LYNN-1630. 131
1657, "Blacke Will, or duke william. so called, came to my
house, (which was two or three miles from Nabant,) when Tho-
mas Dexter had bought Nahant for a suit of clothes; the said
Black will Asked me what I would give him for the Land my
house stood vppon, it being his land, and his ffatber's wigwam
stood their abouts, James Sagomore and John, and the Sago-
more of Agawame, and diners more, And George Sagomore,
being a youth was present, all of them acknowlidginge Black
will to be the Right owner of the Land my house stood on, and
Sagomore Hill and Nahant was all his;" and adds that be
C' bought Nahant and Sagomer Hill and Swamscoate of Black
William for two pestle stones." He died in 1659, aged 75 years.
The name of his wife was Annis, and his children were Josiah,
and Hannah, who married Robert Burdin. By his will, 6 Aug.
1657, he gives his wife Annis half his estate, and Josiah the
other half; and says, 11 Hannah shall have a yew and lamb this
time twelf mounth." [This was the William Witter who sorely
offended the authorities by entertaining Obadiah Holmes, John
Crandall, and John Clarke, when they traveled hither from
Rhode Island, and who was called to account for his opinions
against infant baptism. "It came to pass," says Clarke's narra-
tive "that we three by the good hand of our God, came into
the Mathatusets Bay upon the 16 day of the 5th Moneth 51;
and upon the 19th of the same, upon occasion of businesse, we
came into a Town in the same Bay called Lin, where we lodged
at a Blind-man's house neer two miles out of the Town, by name
William Witter, who being baptized into Christ waits, as we
also doe, for the kingdom of God and the full consolation of the
Israel of God." For something 'further concerning the visit
of these notable travelers see under date 1651.]
RicHARD WRIGHT, (Capt.) -was selected in 1632, to confer
with the Governor about raising a public fund. He was adrait-
ted a freeman in 1634. He removed to Boston, where, in 1636,
he contributed 6s. 8d. 11 towards the maintenance of a ftee
sebool-master." (Boston Records.)
The great body of fifty persons, with their families, who came
to Lynn this year, settled in all parts of the town, selecting the
most, eligible portions, and each occupying from ten to two huD-
dred acres, and some more. They were principally farmers, and
possessed a large stock of horned cattle, sheep and goats. For
several years, before the land was divided, and the fields fenced,
the cattle were fed in one drove, and guarded by a man, who,
from his employment, was called a hayward. The sheep, goats,
and swine were kept on Nabant, where they were tended by a
shepherd. Nabant seems to have been sold several times, to
different individuals, by 11 Black William," who also gave it to
the plantation for a sheep pasture. A fence of rails. put near
132 ANNALS OP LYNN - 1630.
together, was made across the beach, near Nahant, to keep out
the wolves, as those animals do not climb. When the people
were about building this fence, Captain Turner said, 11 Let us,
'make baste, lest the country should take it from us." (Deposi-
tion in Salem Court Records, 22 April, 1657.) The people of
Lynn, for many years, appear to have lived in the most perfect
democracy. They had town meetings every three months, for
the regulation of their public affairs. They cut their wood in
common, and drew lots for the grass in the meadows and
marshes. These proved very serviceable to the farmers, by
furnishing them with sustenance for their cattle; which was
probably the reason, why there were more farmers at Lynn,
than in any other of the early settlements. . Mr. Johnson says,
11 The chiefest corn they planted, before they had plowes, was
Indian grain -and let no man make a jest of Pumpkins, for
with this food the Lord was pleased to feed his people to their
good content, till Corne and Cattell were increased." Their
corn at the first, was pounded, after the manner of the Indians,
with a pestle of wood or stone, in a mortar made either of stone,
or a log hollowed out at one end. They also cultivated large
fields of barley and wheat. Much of the former was made into
malt for beer. They raised considerable quantities of flax,
which was rotted in one of the ponds, thence called the Flax
Pond. Their first houses were rude structures, covered with
thatch, or small bundles of sedge or straw, laid one over. another.
A common form of the early cottages, was eighteen feet square,
and seven feet post, with the roof steep enough to form a sleep-
ing chamber. The better houses were built with two stories in
front, and sloped down to one in the rear; the upper story
projecting about a foot, with very sharp gables. The frames
were of heavy oak timber, showing the beams inside. Burnt
clam shells were used for lime, and the walls were whitewashed.
The fire-places were made of rough stones, and the chimneys
of boards, or short sticks, crossing each other, and plastered
inside with clay. The windows were smalli opening outward
on binges. They consisted of very small diamond panes, set in
sashes of lead. The fire-places. were large enough to admit a
four-foot log, and the children might sit in the corners and'look
up at the stars. People commonly burned about twenty cords
of wood in a year, and the ministers were allowed thirty cords.
On whichever side of the road the houses were placed, they
uniformly faced the south, that the sun at noon might 11 sbine
square." Thus each house formed a domestic sun-dial, by which
the good matron, in the absence of the clock., could tell, in fair
weather, when to call her husband and sons from the field; for
the industrious people of Lynn, then as well as Dow, always
dined exactly at twelve. [In this description of the ancient
ANNALS OF LYNN-1630. 133,
houses Mr. Lewis has to some extent mixed the styles of differ-
ent periods. On page 114 there is a brief description of a novel
style of habitation which prevailed in New England at the time
of the early settlements.] It was the custom of the first settlers
to wear long beards, and Governor Winthrop says, 11 Some bad
their overgrown beards so frozen together, that they could not
get their -strong water bottells to their moutbs.11 In very hot
weather, says Wood 11 servants were priviledged to rest from
their labors, from ten of the clocke till two." The common
address of men and women was Goodman and Goodwife; none
but those who sustained some office of dignity, or were descend-
ed from some respectable family, were complimented with the
title of Master. [Was not the distinction, at first, based solely
upon admission to the rights of freeman, or member of the
Company ? But see further remarks on the point elsewhere in
this volume.] In writing they seldom used a capital F; and
thus in the early records we find two small ones used instead;
and one m, with a dash over it, stood for two. [And so of some
other letters. The act naming the town, passed in 1637, stands
thus: 11 Saugust is called LiR."] The following ballad, written
about this time, exhibits some of the peculiar customs and modes
of thinking among the early settlers:
The place where we live is a wilderness wood,
Where grass is much wanting that's fruitful and good;
On, inotuitains and bills, and our valleys below,
Being commonly covered with ice and with snow.
And when the northwest wind with violence blows,
Then every man pulls his cap over his nose;
But if any is hardy, and will it withstand,
He forfeits a finger, a foot, or a hand.
And when the spring opens, we then take the hoe,
And make the ground ready to plant and to sow;
Our corn being planted, and seed being sown,
The worms destroy much before it is grown 7-
And while it is growing, some spoil there is made
By birds and by squirrels, that pluck up the blade;
And when it is come to full corn in the ear,
It is often destroyed by racoon and by deer.
And now our old garments begin to grow thin,
And wool is much wanted to card and to Spin;
lfwe can get a garment to cover without,
Our other in garments are clout [patch] upon clo~it.
Our clothes we brought with us are apt to be torn,
They need to be clouted soon after they're worn;
But clouting our garments they binder us notbiDg,
Clouts double are warmer than single whole clothing.
L
134 ANNALS OP LYNN - 1630.
If fresh meat be wanting to fill up our dish,
We have carrots and pumpkins, and turnips and fish;
And if there's a mind for a delicate dish,
We haste tothe clam banks and take what we wish.
Stead of pottage and puddings and custards and pies,
Our turnips and parsnips are common supplies;
We have pumpkins at morning, and pumpkins at noon,
If it was not for pumpkins we should be undone.
If barley be wanting to make into malt,
We must then be contented and think it no fault;
For we can make liquor to sweeten our lips,
Of pumpkins and parsnips and walnut tree chips.
Now while some are going let others be coming,.
For while liquor's boiling it must have a scummirig;
But I will not blame them, for birds of a feather,
By seeking their fellows, are flocking together.
Then you whom the Lord intends hither to bring,
Forsake not the honey for fear of the sting;
But bring both a quiet and contented mind,
And all needful blessings you surely shall find.
The General Court, for the first four years, consisted of the
Governor, Deputy Governor, twelve Assistants, or magistrates;
and all who had obtained the privileges of freemen. Instead,
therefore, of sending representatives, the whole number of free-
men attended the Court in person. An order was made, that
no persons should be admitted to the privileges of freemen, but
such as were members of some church, and had certificates from
their ministers that their opinions were approved. This policy
continued, till it was abrogated by an order from king Charles
II., in 1662.
Lynn was incorporated in 1630, by the admission of its free-
men as members of the General Court. There were no acts
of incorporation for several of the early towns. Boston,.Salem,
and CharlestowD, were no otherwise incorporated, than by their
freemen taking their seats in the General Court. They never
paused to inquire if they were ineornnrnf(~rl - fbfl 17ArX? nO+ ~f
their being there was an incorporation. The freemen of Lynn
were an important and respectable portion of the General Court,
and Lynn was as much incorporated in 1630 as Boston was.
The injustice which has been done to Lynn, by placing her
incorporation seven years too late, should be corrected.
The following order was passed by the General Court, for
regulating the prices of labor. 11 It is ordered, that no master
carpenter, mason,joiner, or bricklayer, shall take above 16d. a
Day for their work, if they have meate and Drinke; and the
second sort not above 12d. a Day, under payne of Xs. both to
giver and receiver." This order probably occasioned some
ANNALS OF LYNN-1630. 13.5
dissatisfaction, as the Court i some months after, determined
that wages should be left unlimited, 49 as men shall reasonably,
agree."
[The evil effects of strong drink were felt in the very infancy
of the plantations. As early as this year the Court found it
expedient to pass the following summary order, which looks
like a sort of special liquor law: 11 It is ordered, that all Rich:
Clougbes stronge water sball presently be seazed vpon, for his
selling greate quaDtytie thereof to seual mens serv1s which was
the ocacon of much disorder, drunkenes & misdemeahr.11 A
number of years subsequent to this, however, Rev. Mr. Firmin,
rector at Shalford, who had been in several of the New England
settlements and had practised physic at Boston, declared in a
sermon before Parliament and the Westminster Assembly, that
he had been seven years among the planters, and had 11 never
heard one profane oatb,11 and in 11 all that time ' never did see a
a man drunk." These declarations have been quoted as those
of Hugh Peters, but incorrectly. The seven years alluded to
probably terminated in 1643. As Savage remarks, the decla-
rations ~re better proof of the keeping of good company than
of searelling for examples. The frequent enactments regard-
ing the sale of 11 strODge water," and the numerous instances
of punishment awarded for drunkenness tell a very different
story.]
The Indians, having become acquainted with the use of guns,
and having seen their superiority over bows and arrows, would
give almost any amount in land, beaver skins, or wampum, for
them. This caused an apprehension of danger, and on the 28th
of Sept. the Court ordered, that 11 noe person whatsoever sball,
either directly or indirectly, imploy or cause to be employed,
or to their power permit any Indian, to vse any peece vpon any
occasion or pretence whatsoever, under pain of Xs. ffyne for
the first offence, and for the 2 offence to be ffyned and impris-
oned at the discretion of the Court."
A company of militia was organized, of which Richard Wright
7as captain, Daniel Howe lieutenant, and Richard Walker en.
sign. The officers were not chosen by the people, but appointed
by the Governor. The company possessed two iron cannon,
called 11 sakers, or great guns."
There is a story that two of the early settlers went to Nabant
for fowl, and separated. One of them killed a seal on Pond
Beach, and leaving him, went after some birds. When be re-
turned, be found a bear feeding on the seal. He fired at him a
charge of shot, which caused him to fall, and then beat him with
his six foot gun till it broke. The bear then stood up, wounded
the man and tore his clothes; but the man, extricating himself,
ran into the pond, where be remained untilhis companion came
136 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1631.
and relieved him. They then returned to - the town and informed
the people, who went down in the evening and made a fire on
the beach, which they kept burning through the night,'to pre-
vent the bear from coming off. In the morning they went to
Nabant and killed him.
Much mischief was occasioned among the cattle, for many
years, by the wolves, which, Wood says, used to travel in C0111-
panies of 11 ten or twelve." On the 13th of Sept., says Whi-
tbrop, 11 the wolves killed some swine at Saugus." On the 9th
of Nov., the Court ordered, that if any one killed a wolf, be
should have one penny for each cow and horse, and one farthing
for each sheep and swine in the plantation. Many pits were
dug in the woods to entrap them, and some of them are yet to
be seen. It is said that a woman, as she was rambling in the
woods for berries, fell into one of these pits, from which she
was unable to extricate herself. In the evening, a wolf made
her a very unceremonious visit, dropping down at her side,
through the bushes with which the pit was covered. Finding
himself entrapped, and being as much afraid of the woman as
she was of him, be retired to the opposite corner of the pit;
and thus they remained through the night, ogling each other
with any looks but those of an enamored couple. The next day
the friends of the woman arrived at the pit, from which they
took her without injury, and prevented any future visit from
her rude and unwelcome intruder. [Wood remarks that a black
calf was considered worth more than a rod one, because the
red, bearing greater resemblance to a deer, was more likely to
become the victim of wolves.]
1631.
In the early part of this year, provisions were very scarce,
and many persons depended for subsistence upon clams, ground.
nuts, and acorns. Wheat was sold for fourteen shillings, ($3.11)
a bushel; and Indian corn, brought from Virginia, for eleven
shillings ($2.44). The price of cattle, for several years, contin-
ued very high. A good cow was valued at-, tiveDty-five pounds,
($111.11,) and a yoke of oxen at forty pounds ($177.77).
On the third of February, the Court laid a tax of sixty pounds,
to make a palisade or defense about Newtown, now Cambridge.
The proportion of Saugus and Marble Harbour, or Lynn and
Marblehead, was six pounds.
On the 18th of February, a vessel owned by Mr. John Glover,
of Dorchester, was wrecked on Nabant rocks; but the crew
were all saved.
The Court, on the first of March, ordered, 11 That if any per.
son, within the Lymitts of this Patent, doe trade, trucke, or sell
any, money, either silver or golde, to any Indian, or any man
6
I ANNALS OF LYNN - 1631. 137
that knowe of any that shall soo doe, and conceal the same,
shall forfeit twenty for one. Further it is ordered, that wbat-
ever person hath received an Indian into their ffamilie as a
servant, shall discharge themselves of them by the 1th of May
next I and that noe person shall hereafter entertain any Indian
for a servant without licence from the Court."
Wohohaquaham and Montowampate, the sagamores of Wini-
simet and Lynn, having been defrauded of twenty beaver skins,
by a man in England, named Watts, went to Governor Winthrop,
on 26 March, to solicit his assistance in recovering their value.
The Governor entertained them kindly, and gave them a letter
eof introduction to Emanuel Downing, Esq., an eminent lawyer
in London. Tradition says, that Montowampate went to Eng
land, where he was treated with much respect as an Indian king;
but, disliking the English delicacies, he hastened back to Sau-
gus, to the enjoyment of his clams and succatash.
At this time, there was no bridge across Saugus river, and
people who traveled to Boston were compelled to pass through
the woods in the northern part of the town, and ford the stream
by the Iron Works, which were near the site of the present
woolen factories, in Saugus Centre. The following extract from
a1kter written by Mr. John Endicott, of Salem, to Gov. Win-
throp, on the 12th of April, illustrates this custom. Mr. Endicott
had just been married. He says: 11 Right Worshipful, I did
hope to have been with you in person at the Court, and to that
end I put to sea yesterday, and was driven back again, the wind
being stiff against us; and there being no canoe or boat at Sau.
gus, I must have been constrained to go to Mistic, and thence
about to Charlestown; which at this time I durst not be so bold,
my body being at present in an ill condition to take cold, and
therefore I pray you to pardon me."
A quarrel had arisen, a short time previous, between Mr. En.
dicott and Thomas Dexter, in which the Salem magistrate so
flir forgot his dignity as to strike'Mr. Dexter, who complained
to the Court at Boston. It was on this occasion that Mr. Endi-
cott wrote the letter from which the preceding extract is made.
He thus continues: "I desired the rather to have been at Court,
because I hear I am much complained of by, Goodman Dexter
for striking him; understanding since it is not lawful for a jns-
tice of peace to strike. But if you had seen the manner of his
carriage, with such daring of me, with his arms akimbo, it would
have provoked a very patient man. He hath given out, if I bad
a purse he would make me empty it, and if be cannot have jus-
tice here, he will do wonders in England; and if be cannot
prevail there, he will try it out with me here at blows. If it
were lawful for me to try it at blows, and he a fit man for me
to deal with, you should not bear me complain." The jury, to
138 ANNALS OF LYNN-1631.
whom the case was referred, gave their verdict for Mr. Dexter,
on the third of May, and gave damages ten pounds, ($44.44).
[An error was made in copying from the record, which stands
thus: 11 The jury findes for the plaintiffe and cesses for dam.
ages x1s." ($8.88). It is evident that the second numeral and s,
were mistaken for a pound mark, thus increasing the 408. to 101.]
Besides the evidence of the blow, Mr. Endicott maDifests'somo-
what of an irascible disposition in his letter; and Mr. Dexter
was not a man to stand for nice points of etiquette on occasions.
of irritability. Some years afterward, baviDg been insulted by
Samuel Hutchinson, be met him one day on the road, and jump-
ing from his horse, he bestowed 11 about twenty blows on his
bead and shoulders," to the no small danger and deray of his
senses, as well as sensibilities.
April 12. 11 It is ordered that every Captaine shall traine his
companie on saterday in every weeke."
May 18. "It is ordered that DO person shall kill any wild
swine, without a general agreement at some court."
July 6. A tax of thirty pounds was laid for the purpose of
opening-a canal from Charles river to Cambridge.' The requisi-
tion on Lynn was for one pound.
Masconomo, the sagamore of Agawam, or Ipswich, having
committed some offence against the eastern Indians, the Court,
on the fifth of July, passed an order, forbidding him to enter
any Englishman's house within one year, under a penalty of ten
beaver skins. The Taratines, also, undertook to avenge their
own wrong. On the eighth of August, about one hundred of
them landed from their canoes, at Ipswich, in the night, and
killed seven of Masconomo's men, and wounded several more,
some of whom died. ' They also wounded Wonohaquaham and
Montowampato, who were on a visit to that place; and carried
away Wenuebus, the wife of Moptowampate, a captive. She
was detained by them about two months, and was restored on
the intercession of Mr. Abraham Shurd of Pemaquid, who traded
with the Indians. She returned on the 17th of September.
For her release, the Taratines demanded an quantity of wampum
and beaver skins.
The people of Lynn were soon after alarmed by a report that
the Taratines intended an attack on them, and appointed men
each night to keep a watch. Once, about midnight, Ensign
Richard Walker, who was on the guard, beard the bushes break
iiear him, and felt an arrow pass through his coat and "buff
waistcoat." As the -night was dark be could see no one, but be
discharged his gun, which, being heavily loaded, split in pieces.
He then called the guard, and returrred to the place, when he
had another arrow shot through his clothes. Deeming it impru.
dent to proceed in the dark against a concealed enemy, he
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1632. 139
desisted from further search till morniDg. The people then
assembled, and discharged their cannon into the woods; after
which, the Indians gave them no further molestation.
Governor Winthrop, who passed through Lynn, 28 Oct., puts
down in his journal, "A plentiful crop."
Thus have we seen the town, which three years before was
a wilderness of Indians, now occupied by cottages of white men,
living in harmony with the natives; clearing the forest, and
cultivating the soil, and by the blessing of Providence, reaping
a rich reward for their labors. The Indians had received them
with kindness, and given them liberty to settle where they
pleased; but some years after, they made an agreement with
the natives for the land. The deed has shared the fate of the
lost records; but one of the town treasurers told me that be
had the deed in his possession about the year 1800, and that
the compensation was sixteen 'pounds ten shillings- about
seventy-three dollars. The people of Salem paid twenty Pounds
for the deed of their town. [The Indian deed of Lynn here
referred to is no doubt the one which *is copied on page 51,
et seq., with introductory remarks.]
1632.
For the first three years, the people of Lynn had no minister,
but some of them attended church at Salem, and others had
meetings for prayer and exhortation. The Rev. STEPHEN BACH-
ILER, with his family, arrived at Boston on Thursday, 5 June,
after a tedious passage of eiglity-eight days. He came in the
ship William and Francis, Capt. Thomas, which sailed from Lon-
don, 9 March. He immediately came to Lynn, where his daugh-
ter Theodate, wife of Christopher Hussey resided. He was
seveDty-one years of age. In his company were six persons
who had belonged to a church with him in England; and of these
be constituted a church at Lynn, to which be admitted such as
desired to become members, and commenced the exercise of his
public ministrations on Sunday, 8 June, without installation.
He baptized four children, born before his arrival; two of whom,
Thomas Newhall and Stephen Hussey, were born the same
week. Thomas, being the first white child born in Lynn, was
first presented; but Mr. Bacbiler put him aside, saying, 11 1 will
baptize my own child first" -meaning his daughter's child.
The church at Lynn was the fifth in Massachusetts. The first
was gathered at Salem, 6 Aug., 1629; the second at Dorchester,
in June, 1630; the third at Charlestown, 30 July, 1630, and re.
moved to Boston; the fourth at Watertown on the same day;
and the fifth at Lynn, 8 June, 1632. The first meeting-bouse
was a small plain building, without bell or cupola, and stood
on the northeastern corner of Shepard and Summer streets.
140 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1632.
It was placed in a small hollow, that it might be better sheltered
from the winds, and was partly sunk into the earth, being
entered by descending several steps.
In the General Court, 9 May, "A proposition was made by
the people that every company of trained men might choose
their own captain and officers; but the Governor ' giving them
reasons to the contrary, they were satisfied without it."
On the 14th of June, as Capt. Richard Wright was returning
from the eastward, in a vessel, with about eight hundred dollars,
worth of goods on board, one of the crew, when off Portsmouth,
proceeded to light his pipe; but was requested to desist, as
there was a barrel of powder on board. He replied that he
should 11 take one pipe if the devil carried him away." The
boat and the man, says Winthrop, were presently blown to
pieces; but the rest of the crew, though some of them were
drunk and asleep, escaped.
Governor Winthrop, in his journal 1 14 Aug. remarks: 11 This
week they bad, in barley and oats, at Sagus, about twenty acres
good corn, and sown with the plough."'
On the 4tb of September, Richard Hopkins, of Watertown,
was arraigned for selling a gun and pistol, with powder and
shot, to Montowampate, the Lynn sagamore. The sentence of
the Court was that he should " be severely wbippt, and branded
with a hot iron on one of his cheekes.11 One of. the Saugus
Indians gave the information, on promise of concealment, for his
discovery would have exposed him to the resentment of his tribe.
Capt. Nathaniel Turner was chosen, by the General Court,
constable of Saugus for this year, and till a new be chosen."
[The Court order that Sarah Morley be "putt as an appren-
tice to Mr Nathaniel Turner, of Saugus, for the space of nyne
yeares, from this Court, for w' tearme he is to finde her meate,
drinke & clothing."]
In consequence of a suspicion that the Indians were conspir-
ing the destruction of the whites, the neighboring sagamores
were called before the Governor on the 14th of September.
The readiness. wit, wbich they appearte"'A, UVIUUfjU their friendly
disposition.
Mr. Bacbiler had been in the performance of his pastoral
duties about four months, when a complaint was made of some
irregularities in his conduct. He was arraigned before the
Court at Boston, on the 3d of October, when the following
order was passed: 11 Mr. Bacbiler is required to forbeare exer-
cising his giftes as a pastor or teacher publiquely in our Pattent,
unlesse it be to those be brought with him, for his contempt
of authority, and until some scandles be removed." This was
the commencement of a series of difficulties which agitated the
unhappy church for several years.
ANXALS OF LYNN-1633. 141
October 3. It is ordered, that Saugus plantation shall have
liberty to build a ware upon Saugus Ryver also tbey have prom-
ised to make and continually to keepe a goode foote bridge,
upon the most convenient place there." This wear was chiefly
built by Thomas Dexter, for the purpose of taking bass and
alewives, of which many were dried and smoked for sbippiDg.
It crossed the river near the Iron Works. The bridge was only
a rude structure of timber and rails.
11 It is further ordered, that no person shall take any tobacco
publiquely, under pain of punishment; also that every one shall
pay one penny for every time be is convicted of taking tobacco
in any place."
On the second of November, a vessel, commanded by Captain
Pierce, and loaded with fish, of which Mr. John Humfrey was
part owner, was wrecked off Cape Charles, and twelve men
drowned.
November 7. "It is ordered that the Captaines shall train
their companyes but once a monethe.11
11 It is referred to Mr. Turner, Peter Palfrey, and Roger Co-
nant, to sett out a proportiori of land in Saugus for John Hum-
frey, Esqr.11 This land was laid out at Swampscot. Mr. Turner
was also one of the committee to settle a difference respecting
the boundary line between Cambridge and Charlestown.
In the month of December, a servant girl, in the family of the
Rev. Samuel Skelton, of Salem, coming to see her friends at
Lynn, lost her way, and wandered seven days. Mr. Winthrop
says, "All that time she was in the woods, having no kind of
food, the snow being very deep, and as cold as at any time that
winter. She was so frozen into the snow some mornings, as
she was one hour before she could get up." Mr. Wood says,
ic The snow being on the ground at first, she might have trackt
her own footsteps back again; but wanting that understanding,
she wandered, till God, by his speciall Providence brought her
backe to the place she went from, where she lives to this day-"
1633.
In the month of January, this year, Poquanum, the sagamore
of Nahant was unfortunately killed. Several vessels having
been to the eastward in search of some pirates, stopped on their
return at Richmond's Isle, near Portland, where they found
Black William," whom they hanged in revenge for the murder
of Walter Bagnall, who had been killed by the Indians, on the
3d of October, 1631. Mr. Winthrop says that Bagnall 11 was a
wicked fellow, and had much wronged the indian~s." It is not
certain that Poquanum had any concern in his death; on the
contrary, Governor Winthrop tells us that be was killed by
Squidraysett and his Indians." Thus terminated the existence
142 ANNALS OF LYNN- 1633.
of a chief who had welcomed the white men, and bestowed ben-
efits on them.
In the course of a few months, Mr. Bachiler had so far suc-
ceeded in regaining the esteem of the people, that the Court, on
the 4th of March, removed their injunction that be should not
preach in the colony, and left him at liberty to resume the per-
formaDCO of his public services.
At the same Court, Mr. Thoinas Dexter was ordered to "be
set in the bilbowes, disfranchised, and fined XX for speaking
reproacbful. and seditious words against the government here
established." The bilbows were a kind of stocks, like those in
which the hands and feet of poor Hudibras were confined
"The Knight
And brave squire from their steeds alight,
At the outer wall, near which there. stands
A Bastile, made to imprison bands,
By strange enchantment made to fetter
The lesser parts, and free the greater."
[Ariotber error in transcribing occurred here. The fine of
Mr. Dexter was forty pounds instead of ten; a fact which goes
still further to show that the offeDee was regarded as of great
enormity, and that fractious people some times found the luxury
of railing at the government an expensive one. At this blessed
day of liberty things are different. The fine of Mr. Dexter was
not promptly paid, however. And some years afterward, to
wit, in 1638, the larger part was remitted, the record standing
thus : 11 4 Mrcb, Thom: Dexter being fined 401. there was 301.
of it remited him." (Col. Recs.)]
One of those elegant and commodious appendages of the
law -the bilbows -was placed near the meeting-house; where
it stood the terror and punishment of all such evil doers as
spoke against the government, chewed tobacco, or went to
sleep in a sermon two hours long. However censurable Mr.
Dexter may have been, his punishment was certainly dispro-
portioned to his fault. To be deprived of the privileges of a
freeman, to be exposed to the ignominy of the stocks, nnd to be
amerced in a fine of more than forti dollars, [401.1 show that
the magistrates were greatly incensed by his remarks. If every
man were to be set in the bilbows, wbi speaks against govern-
merit, in these days, there would scarcely be trees enough in
Lynn woods to make stocks of. The magistrates of those days
had not acquired the lesson, which their successors have loiig
since learned, that censure is the tax which public men must
pay for their adventitious greatness. [But so ravenously fond
are most people of position, that they are ready enough to pay
the tax for the enjoyment of the privilege.]
On the fourth of March, Mr. Nathaniel Turner was chosen
A"ALS OF LYNN 1633. 143
by the General Court, "Captaine of the military company att
Saugus."
Captain Turner gave ten pounds 11 towards the sea fort," built
for the defense of Boston harbor. Capt. Richard Wright gave
400 feet 4 inch planke," for the same purpose.
Mr. Edward Howe was fined twenty shillings, 11 for selling
stronge waters, contrary to order of Court."
[The nineteenth of June was 11 appoyncted to be kept as a day
of publique thanksgiucing throughout the seval plantacons."]
At a town meeting on the twelfth of July, the inhabitants
made a grant to Mr. Edward Tomlins, of a privilege to build a
corn mill, at the mouth of the stream which flows from the Flax
pond, where Chase's mill now stands. This was the second
mill in the colony, the first baviDg been built at Dorchester, the
same year. [For the'correction of an error as to the location
of the first mill in Lynn, see page 128.] At this time, the pond
next above the Flax pond was partly a meadow; and some
years after a dam was built and the pond raised by Edward
Tomlins, from whom it was called Tomlins's pond. In reference
to this mill, we find the following testimonies, given 3 June,
1678, in the Essex Registry of Deeds.
11 1, George Keaser, Aged about 60 yeare, doe testifle, that being at a Towne
mectinge in UnDe meeting house many yeares agoe, mr. Edward Tomlins
made complaint then to the Towne of Linne, that there was not water enough
in the great pond next to the Towne of Linne to serve the mill to grind theire
grist in the sumer time, and he desired leave of the Towne to make a dam in
the upper pond to keep. a head of water against the height of sumer time, that
soe he micht have a suply of water to Grind their Grist in the drought of sum-
er. And the Towne of linne granted him his request, that he would make a
dam there, where the old trees lay for a bridge for all people to goe over,
insteed of a bridg."
11 This 1, Clement Coldam, aged about 55 years, doe testifle, that the grant
of the old mill was in July ve 12, 1633, to Edward Tomlins, which was the
second mill in this colony; and after the Towne saw that the mill could not
supply the Towne, they gave leave to build an overshoot mill upon the same
water; with a sluice called by the name of the old sluce, being made by Mr.
Howell, the second owner of the mill; and then Mr. Howell did sell the same
mill to John Elderkin; and John ElderkiD did sell it to mr. Bennet, and mr.
Bennet did sell it to Goodman Wheeler, and Goodman Wheeler sould it to
John Ballard, and John Ballard sold it to Henry Rhodes. And this I testifie
that the water to supply the mill with, was granted'to the mill, before any
Meddow in the Towne was granted to any man, wee mowing all comon then.
And this I testifie, that I kept the key of the old sluce for mr. South, which is
since about 27 or 28 yeares agoe."
Edward Richards testified that Mr. Tomlins 11 was not to stop
or hinder the alewives to go up to the great pond."
The following description of ancient Saugus and Nabant is
extracted from 11 Nevv England's Prospect," written this year
by William Wood of Lynn, and which be says was undertaken,
because there hath been many scandalous and false reports
144 AXXAtS OV LYNN - 1633.
I
past upon the country, even from the sulphurous breath of every
base ballad monger."
"The next plantation is Saugus, sixe miles northeast from Winnesimet.
This Towne is pleasant for situation, seated in the bottom of a Bay, which is
made on one side with the surrounding shore, and on the other with a lo.ng,
sandy Beach. This sandy beach is two miles long at the end, whereon is a
necke of land called Nahant. It is sixe miles in circumference, well wooded
with Oakes, Pines and Cedars. It is beside, well watered, having beside the
fresh SpriD-S, a great Pond in the middle, before which is a spacious Marsb.
In this necke is store of good growid, fit for the Plow; but for the present it
is only used for to put young Cattle in, and weather Goates, and Swine, to
secure them from the Woolues; a few posts and rayles, from the low water
markes to the sbore,.keepes out the Woolves, and k~epes in the Cattle. ODe
Blacke William, an ]Indian Duke, out of his generosity, gave this place in gen-
erall to this plantation of Saugus, so that no other can appropriate it to
himselfe.
" Vpon the South side of the Sandy Beach, the Sea beateth, which is a
true prognostication to presage stormes and foule weather, and the breaking
up of the Frost. For when a storme hath been, or is likely to be, it will roare
like Thunder, being heard sixe miles; and after stormes casts up great stores
of great Clammes, Viiieb the Iridians, taking out of 1heir shels, carry home in
baskets. On the North side of this Bay is two great Marshes, which are made
two by a pleasant River, which runnes between them. Northward up this
river goes great store of Alewives, of which they make good Red Herrings;
insomuch that they have been at charges to make them a wayre, and a Her-
ring house to dry these Herrings in; the last year were dried some 4 or 5
Last [150 barrels] for an experiment, which proved very good; this is like to
prove a great inrichment to the land, being a staple commodity in other Coun-
tries, for there be such innumerable companies in every river, that I have
seen ten thousand taken in two houres, by two men, without any weire at all'
saving a few stones to stop their passage up the river. There likewise come
store of Bosse, which the English and Indians catch with booke and line, some
fifty or three score at a tide. At the mouth of this river runnes up a great
Creeke into that great Marsh, which is called Rumney Marsh, which is 4 miles
Iong, and 2 miles broad, lialfe of it being Marsh ground, and halfe upland
grasse, without tree or bush; this Marsh is crossed with divers creekes, wherein
1ye great store of Geese and Duckes. There be convenient Ponds, for the
planting of Duck coyes. Here is likewise belonging to this place, divers firesh
Meddowes, which afford good grasse; and foure spacious Ponds, like little
Lakes, wherein is good store of fresh Fish, within a mile of the Towne; out
of which runnes a curious fresh Broocke, that is seldom frozen, by reason of the
7armuesse of the water; upon this stream is built a water Milne, and up this
river come Smelts and frost fish, much bigger than a Gndgenn. For wood
there is no want, there being store of go6A Oakes, Wallnut, Cedar, Aspe,
Elme. The ground is very good, in many places without trees, and fit 1br
the plough. In this place is more English tillage than in all New England
and Virginia besides; which proved a~well as could be expected; the corn
being very good, especially the Barley, Rye and Oates.
11 The land affordeth to the inhabitants as many varieties as any place else,
and the sea more; the Bosse continuing from the middle of April to Michael-
mas [Sept. 29,1 which stayes not half that time in the Bay [Boston Harbor,]
besides, here is a great deal of Rock cod and Macrill, insomuch that shoales
of Bass have driven up sboales of Macrill, from one end of the sandy Beach to
the other; which the inhabitants have gathered up in wheelbarrows. The
Bay which Iyetb before the Towne, at a lowe spring tyde will be all flatts for
two miles together; upon which is great store of Muscle Banckes, and Clam
banckes, and Lobsters amongst the rockes and grassie holes. These flatts
A
ANNALS OP LYNN- 1633. 145
make it unnavigable for shippes; yet at high water, great Boates, Loiters,
[lighters] and Pinnaces of 20 and 30 tun, may saile up to the plantation; but
they neede have a skilful Pilote, because of many dangerous rockes and foam-
inibreakers, that lye at the mouth of that Bay. 'The very aspect of the place
is tortifieation enough to keepe of an unknbwne enemle ; yet it may be fortified
at little charge, being but few landing places thereabout, and those obscure."
Of the health of' Lynn, Mr. Wood remarks: 11 Out of that
Towne, from whence I came, in three years and a half, there
died but three; to make good which losses, I have spene foure
children Baptized at one time." Prefixed to his book is the
following address, written by some one in England, who signs
himself S. W. [Can the S. W. mean Samuel Whiting, the emi-
nent divine, who came over in 1636, and soon settled as minis-
ter of the church at Lynn -a man famed for his piety, learning,
and affability ? It is possible that Mr. Wood's book induced his
emigratiob ; and if so, it Was the occasion of great good to the
infant plantation. The Puritan clergy were much prone to
bestow their eDcomiums in numbers, after this style.]
Thanks to thy travel and thyself, who bast
Much knowledge in so small room comptly placed,
And thine expirience thus a mound dost make,
From wheDee we may New England's prospect take,
Though many thousands distant; therefore thou
Thyself shall sit upon mount praise her brow.
For if the man who shall the short cut find
Unto the Indies, shall for that be shrined,
Sure thou deservest then no small praise who
So short cut to New England here dost sbew;
And if than this small thanks thou gefst no more
Of thanks, I then will say, the world's grown poor.
The curious fresh broocke 11 which Mr. Wood noticed, is
Strawberry brook, which is kept warm by the numerous springs
beneath the pond in which it originates, and by its constant
flowing for the supply of several mills. Mr. Robert Mansfield,
who lived near its source, told me that be had never seen it
frozen for more than seventy years. e first of Octobe I r,
A tax, made by the General Court, on tb
will show the relative wealth of the several towns. The ap-
portiODment was, to Dorchester, 80 pounds; to Boston, Charles-
town, Cambridge, Watertown, and Roxbury, each, 48 pounds;
Lynn, 36; Salem, 28. At several assessments, Lynn was in
advance of Salem.
Such great quantities of corn having been used for fattening
swine, as to occasion a scarcity, the Court ordered, on the fifth
of November, 11 That no man shall give bis swine any corn, but
such as, being viewed by two or three neighbors, shall be judged
unfit for man's meat; and every plantation may agree how many
swine every person may keep."
The Court ordered, that every . man, in each plantation,
146 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1634.
excepting magistrates and ministers, should pay for three days'
work, at one shilling and sixpence eaelf, for completing the Fort
in Boston harbor.
The ministers of Lynn and the western towns were in the
practice of meeting at each other's houses, once in two weeks,
to discuss important questions. The ministers of Salem were
averse to the practice, fearing it might eventuate in the estab.
lishment of a presbytery.
On the 4th of December, corresponding with the 15th of new
style, the snow was "knee deep," and the rivers frozen.
The year 1633 was rendered memorable by the death of the
three Indian sagamores. In January, Poquarium was murdered;
and in December, Wonobaquabam. and Montowampate died.
Governor Winthrop, in his journal, says:
"December 5. John Sagamore died of the small pox, and al most all his
Veople; above thirty buried by Mr. Maverick of Winuesemett in oDe day.
he towns in the bay took away many of the children ; but most of them died
soon after.
"James Sagamore of Sagus died also and most of his folks. John Sage-
more desired to be brought among the English; so he was; and promised,
if he recovered, to live with the English and serve their God. He left one
son, which be disposed to Mr. Wilson, the pastor of Boston, to be brought up
by him. He gave to the governor a good quantity of 'wampompeague, and to
divers others of the English he gave gifts; and* took order for the payment
of his own debts and his men's. He died in a persuasion that he should go to
the Englishmens God. Divers of them, in their sickness, confessed that the
Englishmen's God was a good God, and that if they recovered they would
serve him. It wrought much with them, that when their own people forsool,
theirn, yet the English came daily and ministered to them; and yet few, only
two families, took any infection by it. Amongst others Mr. Maverick, of Win-
neseinett, is wortby of a perpetual remembrance. Himself, his wife and serv-
ants, went daily to them, ministered to their necessities, and buried their dead,
and took home many of their children. So did other of the,.neigbbors."
After the death of his brothers, Wenepoykin became sagamore
of the remaining Indians in this region.
1634.
.The inconvenience of having the Legislature composed of the
whole number of freemen, and the danger of leaving the planta-
tions exposed to the attacks of the Indians, induced the people
to form a House of Representatives, who first assembled on the
1-4th of May. Eight towns were represented, each of which
sent three representatives -Boston, Charlestown, Roxbury,
Dorchester, Cambridge, Watertown, Lynn, and Salem. The
representatives from Lynn, were Captain Nathaniel Turner,
Edward Tomlins, and Thomas Willis. The General Court this
year consisted of the Governor, Deputy Governor, six Assist.
ants, and twenty-four Representatives. This number was not
much increased for many years; each town sending fewer,
rather than more representatives.
ANNALS OF LYNN-1634. 147
Hon. JOHN HuMFREY, with his wife, the Lady Susan a daugh-
ter of the Earl of Lincoln, arrived in July. He brought with
him a valuable present from Mr. Richard Andrews, an alderman
of London, consisting of fifteen heifers, at this time valued at
more than eighty dollars each. One of them was designed for
each of the eight ministers, and the remainder were for the
poor. He went to reside on his farm at Swampscot, which had
been ' laid out by order of the Court. It consisted of five bun-
dred acres, 11 between Forest river and the cliff." The bounds
extended 11 a mile from the seaside," and ran 11 to a great white
oak by the rock," including " a spring south of the oak." The
spring is on Mr. Stetson's farm, [and the 11 old oak " stood about
a furlong north of the spring. It was standing when the first
edition of the History ofLynn appeared, and Mr. Lewis pleaded
for it in these pathetic strai.ns:
0 spare the tree, whose dewy tears
Have fallen for a thousand years!
Beneath whose shade, in days ofold.,
The careful shepherd watched his fold;
On whose green top the eagle sate,
To watch the fish-hawk's watery weight;
And oft in moonlight by whose side,
The Indian wooed his dusky bride!
It speaks to man ofearly time,
Before the earth was stained with crime,
Ere cannon waked the peaceful plains,
When silence ruled her vast domaiDS,
0, as you love the bold and free.
Spare, woodman, spare the old oak tree!
[In his second edition, the old oak having disappeared, Mr.
Lewis tartly exclaims: 11 But, alas 1 the old oak, the last of the
ancient forest of Lynn, has been cut down. Some people have
no sentiment."
[But it seems beyond dispute that Mr. Lewis was wrong in
locating Mr. Humfrey.in what is now Swampscot. He owned
an extensive tract of land there, but resided, I am satisfied, on
the east side of Nahant street, having, in that vicinity, quite an
extensive farm, his windmill being on Sagamore Hill. Seep.~201.
[Timothy Tomlins was appointed overseer of the "powder
and shott. and all other amuniCOD," in the Saugus plantatiOD.]
On the 3d of September, the Court ordered, " That Mr. Ed.
ward Tomlins, or any other put in his place, by the Commis.
sioners of War, with the help of an assistant, shall have power
to presse men and carts, for ordinary wages, to helpe towards
makeing of such carriages and wbeeles as are wanting for the
ordinances."
On training day, Captain Turner, by the direction of Colonel
Humfrey, went with his company to Nahant, to hunt the wolves.
This was very pleasant amusement for training day.
Chapter 2 - History of Lynn Massachusetts - Annals - 1652 - 1674
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1652. 233
1652.
Wenepoykin, the LVDn Sagamore, on the first of April, mort
gaged "all that Tract ~r Neck of Land COMMODly called Nahant,l
to Nicholas Davison of Charlestown, 11 for twenty pounds ster-
ling dew many yeer." The deed was signed with his,mark,
which has somewhat the form of a capital IT in writing.
[John Hatborne having succeeded Joseph Armitage "in the
ordinary at Lin, and so standing bound to perform his engage-
ment in respect of what be was to pay for drawinge of wine,
desiring a remittment of what is due- for the last balfe yeare past,
received this aDswer: that be should only pay after the rate
of fifty shillings per butt for what he hath draWDe to this time."
This appears to have been the same John' Hathorne who was
proceeded against, about this time, for forgery, and confessed
himself guilty. Having petitioned, in May, 1653, for remission
or mitigation of the penalty, the General Court ordered that in
lieu of the prescribed punishment be should 11 pay double dama-
ges, which is twenty pounds, to the party wronged and ten
pounds to the common wealth, to be forthwith levied; and to
be disfranchised. If be doth not submitt to the sentence, then
the law that pvides against fforgery is to take place in euery
particular."]
At the Quarterly Court, on the 29th of June, the following
presentments were made. 11 We present Ester, the wife of Jo-
seph JyDkeS, Junior, ffor wearing silver lace;" and "Robert
Burges for had corne grinding." Other persons were presented
for wearing great boots and silk boods.
Mr. Gifford this year increased the height of the dam at the
Iron Works, by which ten acres of Mr. Hawkes's land were
overflowed; for which he agreed to give sixteen loads of hay
yearly, and 200 cords of wood. Afterward he agreed to give
him X7, 11 which ends all, except that 10s. is to be given him
yearly." By this agreement the water was to be so kept " that
it may not ascend the top of the upper floodgates in the POI)d
higher than within a foot and a balfe of the top of the great
Rock that lies in the middle of the pond before the gates."
This year a mint was established at Boston, for coining silver.
The pieces had the word Massachusetts, with a pine tree on
one side, and the letters N. E. Anno 1652, and 111. VT. or XII.
denothig the number,of pence, on the other. The dies for this
coinage were made by Joseph Jenks, at the Iron Works.
[The coinage was continued'for many years, the mint not'
having been closed till about 1686, according to Mr. Felt, or
before 1706, according to others. But the dies were not alter.
edp at least for some years; and perhaps the date never was,
for reasons patent to our shrewd fathers. And hence a large
T*
234 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1653.
portion of the pine-tree coins now in the cabinets of the curious,
do not bear sure evidence of the precise date at which they were
struck. It is certain that the date 1652 was retained as late as
1685. This coinage would, under most circumstances, have
subjected those engaged in it to heavy punishment .. for it in-
fringed a prerogative usually guarded with the utmost jealousy
by the sovereign. But it will be observed that it was com-
menced during the Puritanical Interregnum, and affords addi-
tional evidence that at that period almost perfect independence
was assumed by the colonists. It is stated by Randolph, 1676,
that Massachusetts established this rnint, in 1652, to commeino.
rate her independence; and adds that the adjacent colonies were
subject to her. Hugh Peters was a fast friend of Massachusetts;
and baviDg much influence with Cromwell, it was probably in a
great measure through his exertions that she came so near being
.declared an independent commonwealth. When CbarlesIT. came
to the throne he was greatly offended at the high-handed pro-
c6edings. Sir Thomas Temple, who knew the necessities of the
colonists, and was friendly to them, stated to the king that
money was extremely scarce in New England, and during the
civil wars but little could be obtained from the mother country.
And be exhibited pieces of the- pine-tree money. 11 What is
that?" asked the king, pointing to the pine-tree that adorned
one side of the coin. 11 That," answered Temple, with more
shrewdness than honesty, 11 is the royal oak that sheltered your
majesty." This well-timed insinuation regarding the loyalty of
the colonists so pleased the monarch that be gleefully exclaimed,
11 Honest dogs ! 11 and let the matter pass for the time. Events
that took place soon after, however, indicated that be bad
reached a temper to use the noun without the adjective.
[The pine-tree shilling, as assayed at the United States mint
-proved to be 926-1000 fine, and to weigh almost exactly sixty-
six grains; its value, therefore, would be just about seventeen
cents of our present money.
[A comet appeared in Orion, 9 December, and remained an
object of wonder for about a fortnight, or 11 till Mr. Cotton
died."
[It was this ' year required that negroes and Indians should
perform military duty.]
1653.
On the 17th of March, the boundary line between Lynn and
*Reading was established.
Samuel Bennet, carpenter, sold his corn mill to I Thomas
Wheeler, 1 April, for X220.
This year, Mr. Thomas Savage, of Boston, attached the Iron
Works, at Lynn, for the amount owed to him and Henry Webb.
I
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1654, 1655. 235
On the 14tb of September, a special court convened at Boston,
for the trial. Mr. Savage obtained for himself X894 2s. and for
Henry Webb, X1351 6s. 9d. The total account of Mr. John
Gifford, agent for the Company, was X16,284 7s. 4d.
[The Court ordered, 18 May, that Lynn be allowed ten POUDds
12
per annum, " SO lODg as the Iron Works shall be continued,
with a qualification relating to a former grant.]
1654.
The selectmen of Boston agreed with Mr. Joseph Jenks "for
an Ingine to carry water in case of fire." This was the first
fire engine made in America.
In August, the Court fixed the prices of grain; Indian corn
at 3s., rye and peas at 4s., and wheat and barley at 5s. a busbel.
At a town meeting, on the 28tb of December, a grant was
made to Edmund FarringtoD, allowing him the privilege to build
a grist-mill, in Water Hill street, on condition that grain should
be seasonably and faithfully around; otherwise the privilege
was to revert to the town. [Mr. Lewis makes. a mistake in
locating this privilege at Water Hill. The grant was for a tide
mill, which of course could not have been where he states. It
was where Chase's mill was afterward built, at the point where
Summer street crosses the stream, a little above Needham's
Landing. Mr. John Raddin now (1864) owns the mill there.
[Mr. Whiting and Mr. Cobbet, 11 elders of Lyn," were appoint-
ed overseers of Harvard College.]
1655.
This year Edmund Farrington built his mill on Water Hill.
A pond was dug by band, and the water brought from the old
brook, by a little canal about half a mile in lellgth. This mill
was for many years the property of Benjamin Phillips, and in
1836 was purchased by Henry A . Breed, who dug out a new
pond of more than an acre, for a reservoir. [Nehemiah Berry
purchased the property a number of years since, and continues
the mill in successful operation. It long ago, however, ceased
to be a rnere grist-mill. But Mr.'Farrington did Dot build his
mill here. His was a tide mill, and stood where Chase's was
afterward built. See under date 1654. See also page 128.]
Mr. John Gifford, agent of the Iron Company, b ' aving been
imprisoned on account of the pecuniary affairs of-that establish-
ment, a-petition was sent from London to the General Court, for
his release. It was dated on the 27tb of February and signed
by John Becx, William Greenhill, Thomas Foley, and Phebe
Frost.
On the 23d of May, the General Court granted to Mr. Joseph
Jenks a patent for an improved sytbe, "for the more speedy
236 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1656.
cutting of.grasse, for seven years." This improvement consisted
in lengthening the blade, making it thinner, and welding a square
bar on the back, to strengthen it, as in the modern sythe. Be-
fore this, the old English blade was short and thick, like a bush
sytbe.
[The Court, 23 May, 11 considering the urgent occasions of
the country respecting the bridg at LyD," ordered that Edmund
Batter, George Gettings, Joseph Jewett, and Thomas Laighton,
be a committee to see that the bridge be completed forthwith.
And the next county court was directed to apportion the charge
to the towns in the county, according to the law made at that
session.]
1656.
This year the Rev. Thomas Cobbet relinquished his counee-
tion with the church at Lynn, and removed to Ipswich. He was
born at Newbury, in England, 1608. Though his father was
poor, be found means to gain admission at the University of
Oxford, which he left during the great sickness in 1625, and
became a pupil of Dr. Twiss, in his native town. He was after.
ward a minister of the established Church. He came to Lynn
in. 1637, and was welcomed by Mr. Whiting, with whom he had
commenced a friendship in England. Mr. Mather says, "they
were almost every day together, and thought it a long day if
they were not so; the one rarely travelling abroad without tbo
other." Mr. Cobbet preached at Lynn nineteen years, and
twenty-nine at Ipswich. In 1666, he preached the election
sermon, from 11. Chronicles, xv. 2. He died on Thursday, 5
November, 1685, and was buried on the next Monday. At his
funeral were expended, one barrel Of Wine, X6 8s.; two barrels
of cider, 11s.; 82 pounds of sugar, X2 1s.; half a cord of wood,
4s.; four dozen pairs of gloves, "for men and women," X5 4s.;
with 11 some spice and ginger for the cider." It was the custom
at funerals to treat all the company with cider, which in cold
weather was heated and spiced. In the year 1711, the town
of Lynn paid for 11 half a barrel of cider for the widow Dis-
paw's funeral. Wine was distributed when it could be afforded.
Gloves were commonly given to the bearers and the principal
mourners,, and by the more wealthy, rings were sometimes
added. Mr. Cobbet appears to have been much esteemed.
The following epitaph to his memory is one of the best of Mr.
Mather's productions:
Sta viator; thesaurus hic jacet;
TnOMAS COBBETUS;
Cujus, nosti preces potentissimas, ac mores probatissimos,
Si es Nov-Anglus.
Mirare, si pietatem colas;
Sequere, si felicitatem optes.
ANNALS OF LYNN-1656. .237
Stop, traveler, a treasure 's buried here ;
Our Thomas Cobbet claims the tribute tear.
His prayers were powerful, his mauners pure,
As thou, if of New England's sons, art sure.
If thou reverest piety, ~dinire;
And imitate, if bliss be thy desire.
Mr. Cobbet possessed good learning and abilities,, and wrote
more books than any one of the early ministers of New England.
Among his works, were the following:
1. A Treatise AsertiDg the Right of the Magistrates to a
Negative Vote on the Resolves of the Representatives. 1643.
2. A Defence of Infant Baptism. 1645. This is said to have
been an admirable summary of the principal argurnents for and
against the subject, and an able exposition of the error of those
who deny the validity of this important rife.
3. The Civil Magistrates' Power in Matters of Religion, Mod-
estly Debated, with a Brief Answer to a certain slanderous
pamphlet, called III News from New England; containing six
pages of grievous dedication to Oliver Cromwell. 1653.
4. A Practical Discourse on Prayer. 1654. Mr. Mather
remarks that, il of all the books written by Mr. Cobbet', none
deserves more to be read by the world, or to live till the gen-
eral burning of the world, than that of Prayer." -
5. A Fruitful and Useful Discourse, touching the Honor due
from Children to their Parents, and the Duty of Parents toward
their Children. London, 1656.
6. A Treatise on Ecclesiastical Drder and Discipline.
7. A Treatise on the First, Second, and Fifth Command-
ments.
The following beautiful picture of the enduring affection of a
mother, is from the discourse on the duties of children : 11 Des-
pise not thy mother when she is old. When she was young,
yea, when she was middle aged, thou prisedst, and respectedst,
and did reverence and obey her; do it as well when she is old;
hold on doing of it to the last. Age may wear and waste a
mother's, beauty, strength, parts, limbs, senses, and estate ; but
her relation of a mother is as the sun when he goeth forth in his
might, for the ever of this life, that is, always in its meridian,
and knoweth no evening. The person may be gray beaded,
but her motherly relation is ever in its flourish. It may be
autumn, yea, winter, with the woman; but with the mother, as
a mother, it is always spring."
In descanting on the duties of children, he says: "How tender
were your parents of their dealings with men, to discharge a
good conscience therein; of their very outward garb, what they
wafe, and of' what fashion, and the like; but you their children
regard not what you do, nor how you deal with others, nor what
you wear, nor of what fashion, so the iiewe~st. Did ever your
238 A"ALS OF LYNN-1656
good father or grandfather wear such ruffiaDly hair upon their
heads? or did your godly parents frisk from one new fangled
fashion to another, as you do ?
The following a~ecdote is related by Mr. Mather. 11 The un-
grateful iDbabitants of Lynn one year passed a town vote, that
they could not allow their ministers above thirty pounds apiece
that year, for their salary; and behold, the God who will not be
mocked, immediately caused the town to lose three hundred
pounds in that one specie of their cattle, by one disaster." With
his characteristic carelessness, Mr. Mather dees not give any
date to this fact, [nor any account of the disaster.]
Mr. Cobbet was much respected for his piety and the fervency
of his prayers. One of the soldiers in Philip's war, whose name
was Luke Perkins, says that when be was detached, in 1675, to
go against the Indians, be went to request the prayers of Mr.
Cobbet, who prayed that the company might be preserved, and
they all returned in safety.
Some women of his neighborhood were one day attempting
some trick of witchery, when their minister appeared. " There,"
said one of them, 41 we can do no more; there is old crooked
back Cobbet a coming.))
For a considerable time, be was in the practice of walking
from Ipswich to Boston, once in two weeks to attend Mr. Nor-
ton's lecture, and to see his old friend, Mr. Whiting. He used
to remark that it was worth a journey to Boston, " to bear one
of Mr. Norton's good prayers." [Mr. Lewis makes a singular
mistake here. It was not Mr. Cobbet who made these pedestri-
an excursions, but a pious layman of Ipswich,. one of Mr. Nor-
ton's old parishioners. Mr. Norton had been minister at Ipswich
fourteen years, leaving there in 1652.]
The parents of Mr. Cobbet came over some time after his
arrival. The name of his wife was Elizabeth, and be had four
sons; Samuel, who graduated in 1663; Thomas, John, and
Eliezer.
Thomas Cobbet, Jr., who was a seaman at Portsmouth, was
taken prisoner by the Indians, in 1676, and carried to Penobscot.
After an absence of several weeks, he was released by Madock-
awando, the sacbero, who received a red coat as a present. On
this subject, Mr. Cobbet thus writes, in his letter to Increase
Mather: "As to what you quere, whether there were not an-
swers to prayer respecting my captured son, Surely I may truly
say his woDderfull preservations in all that 9 weeks time after
be was taken, and deliverance at the last ', they will be put on
that account as answers to prayer; for be was constantly plead-
ed for by Mr. Moody in his congregation for that end, from his
being first taken (of'which they first beard) till his redemption.
So was be in like sort pleaded for by Mr. Shepard in his congre-
ANNALS OP LYNN - 1656. 239
gation at Charlestowne, and by my desire signified that way, by
Mr. Phillips, Mr. Higginson, Mr. Buckley, in tbeyr congregations,
and I doubt not by,yourself, Mr. Thatcher, Mr. Allill, in the 3
Boston churches, besides the prayers going constantly that way
for him in the families and closets of godly ones, which heard
of his captivity and hazard. He was constantly, as there was
cause, remembered in our congregation for that end, and which
I may not omit to mention: When Mr Moody, by post sent
bither, sent me the first news of his taking by the Indians, and
their further rage in those parts, calling out for further prayers-
I presently caused one of our Deacons to call to my house that
very day, as many godly men and tbeyr wives as were near us,
to spend some hours in prayer about the same; about 30 met;
several of them prayed; Capt. Lord was with them in it, and
with me also, who began and ended that service; and having
beg1d some amends of our wasted son Eliezer at home as a
pledge of the desired mercies to our captived son abroad as
granted, my heart I must acknowledge to the Lord's praise, was
sweetly guided in the course of that service, and I was even
persuaded that the Lord had heard our prayers in that respect,
and could not but express as much to some of our godly friends;
so was one of our sisters (as since she informed my wife,) as
CODfidently persuaded that she should ere long see him returned,
and that in comfortable plight, as.if he were already come.~' He
says that his son Eliezer began to amend, 11 insomuch that lie
who before could not walk up and down the town without stag-
ering, could yet Vvalk up that high bill (which you know oQ
that is by Mr. Norton's, now our house."
The great age to which many of the early settlers lived, is a
subject worthy of notice. Boniface Burton died in 1669, at the
great age of 113 years; an age to which no person in Lynn,
since his time, has attained. Joseph RedDap lived till be was
110 years of age, in the full possession of his faculties. In the
year 1635, when be was in his COth year, we find a vote of the
town granting him lands at Nahant, for the purpose of pursuing
the trade of fishing; and be seems as enterprising at that age
as if he were just beginning active life. [I am afraid that much
exaggeration was formerly dealt in with respect to the ages
of old people. It is quite certain that Mr. Rednap, for instance,
died at about the age of 90; see notice of him on page 127.]
Henry Styche was an efficient workman at the Iron Foundry in
the year 1653, and was then 103 years of age. HoNv many
years longer he lived, history has not informed us. Christopher
Hussey was pursuing his active and useful life, in 1685, when
he,was shipwrecked on the coast of Florida, at the age of 87
years. This great longevity and good health of the early set-
tlers, may probably be referred to the regularity of their habits,
240 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1657.
and the simplicity of their diet. They seldom ate meat, and
they generally retired to rest soon after sunset. A pitch pine
torch in the chimney corner, served to illuminate the cornmon
room, until the family prayer was said; and then the boys and
girls retired to their respective chambers, to undress in the dark.
Nor did they steam themselves to death over hot iron. Cook
stoves were unknown, and no fire was put into a meetiDg-house,
except the Quaker, until 1820.
[Robert Keayne, the, wealthy merchant of Boston, before
alluded to, died this year. He appears to have had a high re-
gard for many of the Lynn people, arising, perhaps, from asso-
ciations pertaining to his only son, Benjamin, who resided here
for a time. In his will appear the following bequests - "To
Mr Whiting, one of the Teaching Eldrs at Lyn, fforty~ shillings."
" To Mr Cobit, the other Teaching Elder at Lyn, forty shillings."
In a codicil, dated 28 Dec. 16531 he adds: "I have forgott one
Loveing Couple more that came not to my minde till I was
sbutting'vp; that i's Cap' Bridges & wife, [of Lynn,] to whom I
give forty shillings." Also, 11 To Robert Rand, of' Lyn, Some-
time my Servant, forty shillings."]
1657.
Having purchased Nahant of the Indian Sagamore, for a suit
of clothes, Thomas Dexter was not disposed to sit down in
unconcern, when the town made known their intention of djvid-
ing it into lots for the benefit of all the people. At a town
meeting, held 24 February, 1657, the following order was taken:
11 It was voted that Nahant should be laid out in planting lotts,
and every householder should have equal in the dividing of it,
noe man more than another; and every person to clear his lot
of wood in six years, and be or they that do not clear their lotts
of the wood, shall pay fifty shillings for the towne's use. Alsoo
every householder is to have his and their lotts for seaven
years, and it is to be laid down for a pasture for the towne;
and in the seventh, every one that hath improved his lott by
planting, shall then, that is, in the seventh year, sow their lott
with English corne ; and in every acre of land as they improve,
they shall, with their English corne,'sow one bushel of English
bay seed, and see proportionable to all the land that is improved,
a bushel of hay seed to one acre of land, and it is to be remem-
bered, that no person is to"raise any kind of building at all; and
for laying out this land there is chosen Francis Ingals, Henry
Collins, James Axee, Adam Hawckes, Lieut. Thomas Marshall,
John Hathorne, Andrew Mansfield." (Mass. Arcbive8.)
This record is valuable, as it exhibits several interesting par.
ticulars. It shows that the purchase of Nahant, by Mr. Dexter,
was not considered valid -it exhibits the most impartial speci.
4
ANNALS OP LYNN-1657. 241
men of practical democracy in this country, the lots being ap-
portioned to each householder equally, " noe man more than
another "-it furnishes an explanation of the cause and manner
ofNahant being so entirely cleared of the beautiful wood which
once grew upon it - and it shows that Nahant was early planted
with English corD, that is, with wheat. On the passing of this
order, Mr. Dexter commenced a suit against the town for occu-
pying it. The people held a town meeting, in which they ap-
pointed Thomas Laighton, George Keysar, Robert Coats, and
Joseph Armitage, a committee to defend their right. At the
Salem Court, which began on the third of June, the following
depositions were given:
1. "Edward Ireson, aged 57 yeares or there abouts, sworne, saitb, that
]iVeiDg with Mr. Thomas Dexter, I carried the fencing . stuffe which master
Dexter sett up to fence in Nahant, his part with the rest of the Inhabitants,
and beiug and living with mr. Dexter, I never heard him say a word of his
buying of Nahant, but only his interest in Nahant for his fencing with the rest
of the inhabitants; this was about 25 yeares since; and after this fence was
sett up at nahant, all the new comers were to give two shillings sixpence a
bead or a piece vnto the setters up of the fence or iDbabitants, and some of
Salem brought Cattell alsoe to Dahant, which were to give soc."
2. " The Testimony of Samuel Whiting. senior, of the Towne of Linne,
Saitb, that Mr. Humphries did desire that mr. Eaton and his company might
not only buy Nahant, but the whole Towne of Linne, and that mr. Cobbet and
he and others of the Towne went to mr. Eaton to offer both to him, and to
commit themselves to the providence of God; and at that time there was none
that laid claim to or pleaded any interest in nabaDt, Save the town, and at
that time farmer Dexter lived in the Towne of Linne."
The person to whom Lynn was Ibus offered for sale, was The-
ophilus Eaton, afterward goverDor Of Connecticut. He came
to Boston, 26 June, 1637, and went to New Haven, in August,
of the same year.
13 11 The Deposition of Daniel Salmon, aged about 45 yeares, saitb, that he
being master Humpbreyes servant, and about 23 yeares agou, there being
wolves in Nahant, commanded that the whole traine band goe to drive them
out, because it did belong to the whole towne, and farmer Dexter's men being
then at training, went with the rest."
4. 11 This 1, Joseph Armitage, aged 57 or there abouts, doe testifie, that
about fifteen or sixteen yeares agoe, wee had a general] towne meeting in Lin;
at that meeting there was much discourse about Dabant; the men that did
first fence at nahant and by an.act of gencrall court did apprehend by fencing
that nahant was theires, myself by purchase baveing a part therein, after much
agitation in the meeting, and by persuasion of rur. Cobbit, they that then did
plead a right by fencing, did yield up all their right freely to ihe IDbabitants
of the Towne, of which Thomas Dexter, senior, was one. 11
5. 11 We, George Sagomore and the Sagomore of Agawdr~, doe testify that
Duke William, so called, did sell all Nahant unto ffarmer Dexter for a suite
of Cloatbes, which cloathes ffarmer Dexter had again, and gave vnto Duke
William, so called, 2 or 3 coates for it again." [Signed by the marks of the
two sagamores.]
6. 1, This 1, Christopher LiDsie, doe testifie, that Thomas Dexter bought
Nahant of Blacke Will, or Duke William, and emoloyed me to fence part of it
wheii I lived with Thomas Dexter."
U 16
242 ANNALS OF LYNN
7. 111, John Legg, aged 47 years.or thereabouts, doe testifie, that when I
was M , r. Humphreys servant, there came unto my master's house one Blacke
'Will as wee call him, an Indian, with a compleate Suit on his backe; I asked
him where he had that suit; he said he had it 'of ffarmer Dexter, and he had
sould him Nahant for it."
Depositions were also given by Ri~hard Walker, Edward. Hol-
yoke, George Farr, William Dixey, William Witter, John Rams-
dell, John Hedge, William Harcher, and others. [And it is fair
to give Mr. Dexter's own statement of his case, on the appeal.
It was evidently drawn up by one skilled in legal proceedings:
1. The Plaintiff pleadeth his right therein and thereto by purchase of the
Indians, above 26 years now past, who were then the lawful owners thereof,
as by the testimony off Jno. Legg, Wm. Witter, George Sagamore, Sagamore
of Aguwame. 2. the Plt. ple~aetb his possession yroff by fencing and other
improvement, as by the testimony of Wm. Witter and John Legg, Capt. Traske
and Mrs. Whiteing. 3. The Plaintiff humbly comendeth to the consideration
of the Honoured Court, (L) That the purchase was by no law then prohibited
or made voyd, but hath since, by act of the General Court, Octo. 19, 165%
written lawes, ben confirmed as being according to God's word; . . . .
. . . . . . . also divers examples that might be instanced of sundry
persons yt do iDjOy those lands, which, in the infancy of these plantacons, they
came by their possessions in like manner. (2.) That as yet no act or instru-
ment made or signed by the Plaintiff hath appeared to manifest any alienacou
f
thereof to the d, endants. (3.) That they are parties which testify against
the Plaintiff, and that for and in their owne behalfe, and many of them such
as have in a disorderly manner ingaged themselves in a special manner against
the Plaintiff and his right; as aay appear by the testimony of Ri. Woodey;
their combbiacon of assaulting his person, &c. (4.) That if there be no reme-
dy but what they will swea-- must passe as truth, (although the Plaintiff con-
ceives it to be very false,) yet nevertheless the Plaintiff conceivetb himself to
be wronged in that be had no part found for him, wbenas, by yr owne oath
and confbssion, as he was an Inhabitant of Lin, so he had a share with them,
the which as yet they have not sworne, as he conceiveth, that he either gave it
them or any other, and therefore seeing he sued but for his interest therein,
whether more or less, he marvelleth yt such a verdict should be brought against
him, and humbly entreateth releif therefrom by this Honored Court.
24 (6) 57. [24 Aug. 1657.1 TnOMAs DEXTER.]
Mr. Dexter was afterward granted liberty to tap the pitcb
pine trees on Nahant, as be had done before, for the purpose
of making tar.
A vessel owned by Captain Thomas Wiggin, of Portsmouth,
was wrecked on the Long Beach, and the sails, masts, anchor,
&c. purchased by Thomas Wheeler, on the third of June.
Sagamore Wenepoykin petitioned the General Court, on the
twenty-fir9t of May, that be might possess some land, formerly
owned by his brotber, called Powder Horn Hill, in Chelsea. He
was referred to the county court.
[John Aldeman, of Salem, by will dated 3 July, bequeaths
one cow to Mr. Whiting, of Lynn, and one to Mr. Cobbet. He
also gives 11 one cow and one cave to yl Indians yl Mr. Eliot
doth preacli vnto."]
ANNALS OP LYNN - 1658. 243
1658.
At the Court of Assistants, on the 13th of May, the towns
of Lynn, Reading, and Chelsea, received permission to raise a
troop of horse, [and choose their own officers 11 provided they
be not fferry free, nor have five shillings yeerly allowed them
from the country,, as other troopers have."]
At the Quarterly Court, on the 29th of June, Lieutenant
Thomas Marshall was authorized to perform the ceremony of
marriage, and to take testimony in civil cases. [Mr. Lewis
seems to have taken this Lieut. Marshall to have been Capt.
Marshall, of Lynn; but I think be was another person and resid-
bd elsewhere. There were several of the name of Thomas
Marshall, in the colony. Capt. Marshall, of Lynn, the jolly land-
lord of the 11 Blew Anchor " tavern, was, indeed empowered to
perform the nuptial ceremony, but not till the next year. See
second paragraph under date 1659. And it appears pretty cer-
tain that at the time of . his appointment there could have been
no other in Lynn authorized to join in marriage, for the appoint-
ment is prefaced by the declaration that there are 11 s6uerall
tounes w"in this jurisdiction who are not only remote from any
magistrate, but also destitute of any person impowered to so-
lemnize marriage, the want whereof is an occasion of sometjmes
disappointment." And herein we have certain evidence that the
early ministers had no power to marry; perhaps because the
authorities chose to look upon marriage as a mere civil contract;
swerving to the opposite of those high churchmen who were
charged with regarding it in the light of a sacrament.]
This year there was a great earthquake in New England,
connected with which is the fel,lowing story:
Some time previous, on a pleasant evening, a little after
sunset, a small vessel was seen to anchor near the mouth of
Saugus river. A boat was presently lowered from her side, into
which four men descended, and moved up the river a considera-
ble distance, when they landed, and proceeded directly into the
woods. They had been noticed by only a few individuals; but
in those early times, when the people were surrounded by dan-
ger, and easily susceptible of alarm, such an incident was well
calculated to awaken suspicion, and in the course of~the eve'Ding
the intelligence was conveyed to many houses. In the morning,
the people naturally directed their eyes towards the shore, in
search of the strange vessel~but she was gone, and no trace
could be found either of her or her singular crew. It was after-
ward ascertained that, on that morning, OD6 of the men at the
Iron Works, on going into the foundry, discovered a paper, on
which was written, that if a quantity of shackles, handcuffs,
hatchets, and other articles ofiron manufabture, were made and
244 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1658
deposited, with secresy, in a certain place in tne woods, whicli
was particularly designated, an amount of silver, to their full
value, would be found in their place. The articles were made
in a few days, and placed in C011formity with the directions. On
the next morning they were gone, and the money was found
according to the promise; but though a watch had been kept,
no vessel was seen. Some months afterward, the four men
returned, and selected one of the most secluded and romantic
spots in the woods of Saugus, for their abode. The place of
their retreat was a deep, narrow valley, shut in o'n two sides by
high bills and craggy, precipitous rocks, and shrouded on the
others by thick pines, hemlocks, and cedars, between which
there was only one small spot to which the rays of the sun, ai
DOOD, could penetrate. On climbing up the rude and almost
perpendicular steps of the rock on the eastern side, the eye
could command a full view of the bay on the south, and a pros-
pect of a considerable portion oftbe surrounding country. The
place of their retreat has ever since been called the Pirates'
Glen, and they could not have selected a spot on the coast, for
maDy miles, more favorable for the purposes both of CODceal-
ment and observation. Even at this day, Nvben the neighbor-
bood has become tbickly peopled, it is still a lonely and desolate
place, and probably Dot One in a hundred of the inhabitants has
ever descended into its silent and gloomy recess. There the
pirates built a small but, made a garden, and dug a well, the
appearance of which is still visible, It has been supposed that
they buried money; but though people have dug there, and in
several other places, none has ever been found. After residing
there some time, their retreat became known, and one of' the
king's cruisers appeared on the coast. They were traced to
the glen, and three of them were taken and carried to England,
where it is probable they were executed. The other, whose
name was THOMAS VEAL, escaped to a rock in the woods, about
two miles- to the north, in which was a spacious cavern, where
the pirates had previously deposited some of their PIUDdor.
There the fugitive fixed his residence, and practised the trade
of a shoemaker, occasionally coming down to the village to
obtain articles of sustenance. He continued his residence till
the great earthquake this year, when the top of the rock was
loosened, and crushed down into the mouth of the cavern,
enclosing the unfortunate inmate, in its unyielding prison. It
has ever since been called the Pirate's Dungeon.
[By 'his romantic labor in thus gathering together detached
and dim traditions, and giving them a connected form and local
habitation, Mr. Lewis has succeeded in exciting a lively interest
in many minds where a love of the marvellous could hardly have
been supposed to exi,3t. Without any desire to obliterate the
0
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1658. 245
glowing impressions which a fond credulity loves to cherish, it
seems a duty to inquire as to the foundation on which these
stories rest. No recorded evidence has been discovered respect-
ing the persons and transactions so circumstantially brought to
view. Among the records of the various courts, which abound
in allusions, at least, to matters of even the most trivial signifi-
cance, nothing is found. And none of the gossiping old writers
wbo delighted especially to dwell upon whatever partook of the
wonderful and mysterious make any mention of these things.
The alleged abode of the pirates was almost within a stone's
throw of the Iron Works, which were in operation at the time;
and yet we find no evidence that any about the Works even
suspected the neighborhood of the outlaws. I once directly
questioned Mr. Lewis as to whence be obtained the information;
but he declined answering. It has, however, been understood
that he simply claimed the authority of tradition ; and is said to
have remarked that his inquiries on the subject were induced
by the same sort of evidence that induced his inquiries concern-
ing the Iron Works. But however the researches may have
commenced, they must have been pursued under very different
circumstances. A glance at the colony records, would at once
have assured any one of the existence of the Iron Works. Arid
in recorded deeds they are again and again mentioned, as well
as in the filed depositions of indivijuals connected with them.
They were about as important in their day, as is the mint of
the United States in this. And besides, at this very hour may
be se'en tb~ heaps of scoria which were ejected from their sooty
portals. Mr. Hiram Marble, who is now engaged in excavating
Dungeon Rock, probably has much more faith in the supposed
spiritual revelations that day by day are vouchsafed him, than
he could have in any traditions. And if he should, under the
spiritual guidance, discover hidden treasure, and traces of a
piratical abode within the rock, then it will be deemed a triumph
of spiritualism entirely eclipsing the few obscure, discordant
traditions that float up from an age of mysteries.
[It was in 1852, that Mr. Marble purchased from the City of
Lynn the lot of woodland in which the Dungeon Rock is situ-
ated. Ile came hither, a stranger, enticed by alleged clairvoy-
ant revelations, and immediately commenced the laborious task
of excavation. And be has continued to ply the ponderous
drills and rending blasts for these twelve years with a courage
and faith almost sublime. His faith surely has not been without
works nor his courage barren of results. And centuries hence,
if his name and identity should be lost, the strange labor may
be referred to some recluse cyclops who had strayed hither
from mystic lands. The rock is of very bard porphyry, and the
work has been so extremely uncomfortable and hazardous, that
U*
246 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1658.
very few would have persisted in it. The course of the exca-
vation is irregular, and such as a sensible mortal might avoid, as
involving great waste of labor. But it is declared to be pursued
under spiritual direction, the unseen superintendents -the re-
doubtable Veal among the rest-being constantly at hand to
direct where a blast should be made. As it can readily be
believed that no mortal would give such apparently erratic
directions, spiritual interposition may as well be referred to for
an explanation.
[Mr. Marble is a man by no means deficient in intelligence;
and be is an energetic and persevering enthusiast-just such a
person as often accomplishes great things, either directly or
indirectly. He is of medium size, has a bright, quick eye, and
wears a flowing beard, of sandy hue, which does Dot always
bear evidence of having immediately been under the restraining
discipline of a comb. He is communicative, and in his conver-
sation there runs a pleasant vein of jocularity. He is now
verging upon old age, and his bealtb has become somewhat
impaired, probably through the severity of his labors in that
P_
damp, dark cavern. He is ready to converse on 111;8 plans, lears,
and hopes.; and with great good nature, and some times with
an apparently keen relish, alludes to the jeers and taunts of
those who seem disposed to rank him with lunatics. It is
refreshing to observe his f~ith and perseverance, and impossible
not to conclude that he derives real satisfaction and enjoyment
from his undertaking. He informs me that the spirit of Mr.
Lewis has appeared, and th.rough a writing medium endeavored
to cbeer him by words of approval and promise. That being
the case, Mr. Lewis must surely have changed his sentiments
since be left this world, for he was greatly incenged against
those who laid their destroying bands upon the interesting
objects of nature within our borders. And the reader, by
referring to the first paragraph under date 1834, will see how
indignantly be has expressed himself in regard to former
attempts on the integrity of this very rock. The hope of find-
ing hidden treasure has been the incentive to labors here, on
a small scale, in former years; and it is presumed that Air. Mar-'
ble would not disclaim a kindred motive in his extraordinary
application; secondary, perhaps, to a due anxiety 11 to establish
a great truth."
[At the close of the year 1863 the passage excavated bad
reached a hundred and tbirty-five feet, and was of the average
height and width of seven feet. Mr. Marble - who, by the
way is a native of Charlton, in Worcester county, and was born
in 1803 - when be undertook the labor had about fifteen bun.
dred dollars which he devoted to the enterprise; and that fund
being exhausted, he has for the last eight years received his
vi
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1658. 247
support and been enabled to continue his work, by the dona-
tions of visitors. He is accustomed, whenever in doubt as to the
course he should pursue, to apply for spiritual directiony and
seldom or never conceives his application to be in vain. The
following may be given as a fair specimen of his singular corres-
pondence, the originals being at band while we write. And
that he has perfect confidence in them as genuine communica- J
tions from disembodied spirits is beyond question. The manner
in which be conducts his unique correspondence, may be illus-
trated by explaining the way in which the communication from
Veal was obtained. He states that be wrote the request in this
form:
I wish Veal or Harris would tell what move to make next."
He wrote it in a room, while entirely alone, ahd folded the paper
in such a manner that the writing was covered by fifteen thick
The medium was then called, and merely feeling of the
nesses.
exterior of the folded paper, took a pencil an~ wrote what the
spirit of Veal gave, through him, as the response. The one
called Captain Harris is supposed to have been the leader of the
piratical band.
RESPONSE OF VEAL: ,My dear charge: You solicit me or Captain Harris
to advise you as to what to next do. Well, as Harris says he has always the
heft of the load on his shoulders, I will try and respond myself, and let Harris
rest. Ua! ha! Well, Marble, we must joke a bit; did we not, we should
have the blues, as do you, some of those rainy days, when you see no living
person at the rock save your own dear ones. Not a sound do you hear save
the woodpecker and that little gray bird, [a domesticated canary,J that sings
all the day long, more especially wet days, tittry, tittry, tittry, all day long.
But, Marble, as Long [a deceased friend of Mr. Marble, spoken of below,]
says, don't be discouraged. We are doing as fast as we can. As to the course,
you are in the right direction, at present. You bave one more curve to make,
before you take the course that leads to the cave. We have a reason for keep-
ing you from entering the cave at once. Moses was by the Lord kept, forty
years in his circuitous route, ere he had sight of that laud which flowed with
milk and boncy. God had his purpose in so doing, notwithstanding he might
have led Moses into the promise in a very few days from the start. But DO;
God wanted to develop a truth, and no faster than the minds of the people
were prepared to receive it. Cbeer up, Marble; we are with you, and doing
all we can. Your guide, Tom VEAL."
[It seems proper to present another illustration of this singu-
lar phase of human credulity; and we give one that purports to
come from the spirit of the Mr. Long, who is alluded to in the
response of Veal, and who died in 1851. He was a man of
good character, and a steadfast friend of Mr. Marble. One of
the most suspicious things, in our view, concerning him is, that
going out of this world with an untarnished reputation, and with
the seal of good orthodox churchmembership, he should so soon
be found coucerting with pirates to allure his old friend into
labors so severe and unfruitful. The rhetorical flourish about
218 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1658.
millions of years, near the close, would be thought weakening,
did it come from a mortal. The Edwin alluded to is Mr.
Marble's son, who has faithfully borne a heavy share in the
operations, and is, if possible, a more confirmed spiritualist
than his father.
REQUEST OF MR. MARBLE: "Friend Long, I want you to advise me wh . at
to do."
RESPONSE OF LONG: "My dear Marble, I have nothing to advise above
what Captain Veal and Harris have already advised. We act in concert ia
every thing given you. I am aware you feel not discouraged; but you feel
that after ten years' hard labor, you should have had more encouragement
than you have seemingly had. But, dear one, we have done the most we,
could for you, and though we may be slow to advise you in reference to that
,vhich your highest ambition seems to be -the establishment of a TRUTH
which but few comparatively now credit, or cannot believe, from tile gross.
ness of their minds. But, Marble, you have done a work that will tell, when
you shall be as I am. The names of Hiram and Edwin Marble will live wheii
millions of years shall from this time have passed, and when even kings and
statesmen shall have been forgotten. The names of Hiram Marble and Dun-
geou Rock shall be fresh on the memories Of the inhabitants that then exist.
What shall you do? seems to be the question. Follow your own calculations
or impressions, for they are right.
Yours as ever, C. B. LONG."
[These curious communications are introduced for more than
one purpose. They show something of the kind of encourage.
ment Mr. Marble receives in his arduous labors. And they
likewise show something of modern spiritualism, which now pre-
vails to some extent throughout the civilized world. Lynn has
had a good share of believers, some of whom were among the
intelligent and refined. It will be observed that the orthogra.
pby and mode of expression in the res'ponse of Veal, who, if he
were ever in this world, was here in 1658, are in the style of the
present day. This might give rise, in a critical mind, to a strong
suspicion. Indeed it is not easily explained excepting on the
supposition that the medium, after all, acts himself, in part -
and if so, in how great a part? - or the supposition that the
spirits of the departed are enabled to continue o ' n in the pro.
gressive learning of this sphere; or by taking a bolder sweep
and at once awarding to the spirits the, attribute of omniscience.
There are difficulties in the way of reasoning in such matters,
because they lie in that mystic province into which no human
vision can penetrate - where the vagrant imagination so often
revels undisturbed. And then again, the allusion to sacred
things, in Veal's response, does not seem in exact accordance
with the character of an abandoned outlaw.
[Spiritualism, however, in the case of Mr. Marble, seems to
have been productive of good. He states that he was formerly
an unmitigated infidel, having no sort of belief in man's immor.
tality. Even for some time after he com menced his labors at
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1658. 249
Dungeon Rock, he clung to his frigid principles. And it was
not till after repeated exhibitions of what be was forced to
receive as spiritual manifestations, around him, that his old
opinions began to loosen. To minds constituted essentially
like that of Mr. Marble ., and there are a great many, the doc-
trines of spiritualism must commend themselves as fond reali-
ties; and they bringing consolation and trust. And they are
doctrines which, under different. names and forms have existed
ever since the world began. It must be a strong incentive that
could induce a man to quit the ordinary pursuits of life, and
take up his abode in a lonely forest, as Mr. Marble Aas done,
there devoting years to the severest toil, and undergoing so
many and great privations.
[In a late conversation, Mr. Marble expressed a desire that
the facts regarding his enterprise might be stated in this history,
to the end that the people of future generations might have
some data by which to judge concerning the pretensions of the
spiritualists of this period; saying that if he should discover,
somewhere in the interior of that hill of rock, a cave containing
treasure, and evidences of ancient occupancy, all according to
the lavish assurances be has been daily receiving from the spirit
host, the truths of spiritualism will be considered most strongly
fortified, if not established. There is wisdom and fairness in
this. And on the other hand, failure will teach a useful lesson,
a lesson that will remain before the eyes of men so long as the
rock itself endures. In either event, the Dungeon Rock is
destined to be forever famous; to remain.a monument of irra-
tional credulity or triumphant faitb.
[A few words should be added regarding the Pirates' Glen.
This~ remarkable locality, though exactly the opposite of the
Dungeon ]Rock in some of its principal features, being a deep
ravine instead of a commanding elevation, still possesses rare
attractions, notwitbstandiDg its fame has become so eclipsed.
During the last score of years, a great portion of the wood in
the vicinity has been swept off. The axe is the most unsenti-
mental of instruments, and by its ravages much of the former
grandeur and beauty of the scene has been extinguished. Quite
enough remains, however, to abundantly compensate the visitor
who enjoys nature in her more untamed aspect. On a recent
visit I took particular notice of the old well from which the
pirates are supposed to have drawn their supplies. It was cer-
taiDIv excavated by human bands and if the fact were once
estafilisbed, that pirates dwelt there, it might be fair to refer
the work to them. But the reasoning which claims tile exist-
ence of the well as proof of the residence of the pirates, is no
more conclusive than that which claims the fact that the Dun-
geon Rock was riven by an earthquake and a portion projected
250- ANNALS OF LYNN - 1659.
forward, as proof that a cave was thereby closed up and a pirate
entombed alive, with his treasure. The well may have been
dug for the convenience of those employed in the woods. Be.
iDg in a swampy place, and hence requiring but little depth, a
few hours were sufficient for the labor of excavation. The
water ordinarily stands almost at the surface. The Glen would
have furnished a most apt place for the jolly iron workers and
their sweethearts to retire to, on a summer holiday, to pursue
their sports and drink their punch. And the convenience of a
well would have been to them worth the small labor of the
digging. It may be remarked in passing, that the evidence
of the splitting of Dungeon Rock, by the earthquake of this
year, is not the most satisfactory. But it is not an agreeable
task to reason against what a doting imagination has long held in
keeping. And, moreover, it becomes one to be wary in making
aggressive suggestions on these mysterious topics, lest Mr.
Marble's future success should turn the laugh upon him.]
1659.
A road was laid out from Lynn to Marblebead, ever the
Swampscot beaches, on the fifth of July. In reference to tbe
part between Ocean street and King's Beach, the committe say,
it has been a country highway thirty and odd years, to the
knowledge of many of us."
[Captain Marshall, of Lynn, was empowered by the General
Court, 18 October, to join in marriage such persons in Lynn as
might desire his services in that interesting connection, they
beiDg,publisbed according to ]awe."]
At the Quarterly Court, on the 29th of November, 11 Thomas
Marshall, of Lynn, is alowed by this court, to sell stronge water
to trauillers, and also'otber meet provisions."
The General Court had passed some very severe laws against
the people called Friends or Quakers, forbidding any even to
admit them into their houses, under a penalty of forty shillings
an hour. Mr. Zacbeus Gould had offended against this order,
for which be was arraigned by the Court. On the 25th of No-
vember, " the deputies having heard of what Zacbeus Gould
hath alleged in Court, in reference to his entertainment of Qua-
kers, do think it meet that the rigor of the law in that case
provided, be exercised upon him, but considering his ingenious
confession, and profession of his ignorance of the law; and be
also having long attended the Court, do judge that he shall only
be admonished for his offence by the governor, and so be dis-
missed the court, and all with reference to the consent of our
honored magistrates hereto." This decision of the deputies
was sent to the magistrates, and returned with this endorse-
ment: 11 The magistrates consent not thereto." So it is proba.
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1660. 251
ble tbat Mr. Gould was compelled to pay his fine. [The Court
ordered that Mr. Gould pay a fine of three pounds. But the fine
was remitted, 31 May, 1660, in conside'ration of the great loss,
by fire, which he had recently sustained.]
The Court this year enacted that the festival of Christmas
should not be observed, under a penalty of five shillings.
1660.
Mr. Adam Hawkes commenced a suit, in June, against Oliver
Purchis, agent for the Iron Company, for damage by overflow-
in- his land. The following papers relating to this subject,
were found in the files of the Quarterly Court.
The deposition -of Joseph Jenks, senior, saith, that baviDg conference with
adani hawkes about the Oeat dam at the Iron works at Lin, be complayned
that he suffiered great damage by the water flowing his ground. I answered
him, I thought you had satisfaction for all from the old companie; be said he
had from the OLD company, and further saith not.
This 1, Charles Phillopes do testifie, that 1, keepeing of the watter at the
Irone Workes, since Mr. Porebas came there, Mr. Porchas did att all times
charge me to keepe the watter Lowe, that it might not damage Mr. Hawkes,
which I did, and had much ill will of the workmen for the same.
Others testified that the lands had been much overflowed.
Francis Hutchinson said, that the water had been raised so
high, that the bridge before Mr. Hawkes's house had several
times been broken up, and "the peces of tember raised up and
Made Sweme." John Knight and Thomas Wellman were ap-
pointed to ascertain the damage. They stated that the corn
had been " Much Spoilled,11 and the wells 11 sometimes ffloted ; 11
.that the English grass had been much damaged, and the to-
bacco lands much injured, 11 in laviDg them so Coulld.1' They
,judged the damage to be the ~Iualloation of ten pounds a
yeere.11
[This year Charles If. took possession of the thrODe of Eng-
land. Joseph Jenks, Jr., who worked with his father at the
Iron Works, and who seems not to have been very strongly
attached to the monarch, was accused of treason, having, proba-
bly during some free and easy discussion with the otb~r work.
men, or perhaps in a political dispute with the dignitaries
assembled at the tavern, after the labors of the day, made
divers careless remarks that did not favorably strike the loyal
minds. He was brought before the Court on the first of the
next April, and several depositions were made against him.
Nicholas PiDion deposed that he " did beere Joseph Jinks, jun.
say that if be bade the king beir, he weld cutte of his bead and
make a football of it." Thomas,Tower testified that when the
king's name was mentioned Mr. Jenks said, "I should rather
that his head were as his father's, rather than he should come
252 ANNALS OF LYNN - 16612 16622 1663.
to England to set up popery there." Several others testified to
similar speeches. He was imprisoned while the case remain.
ed undetermined, the punctilious authorities probably taking a
strict view of the unbailable character of treason. While in
durance, Mr. Jenks wrote a long letter to the Court; and they
finally de3ided that the words proved against him, 11 were all
too weak to prove him guilty of treason."]
1661.
At a Generall Towne Meetinge, the 30th of December, 1661,
vpon the request of Daniel] Salmon for some land, in regard he
was a soldier att the Pequid warrs, and it was ordered by vote
that Ensign John ffuller, Allen Breed, senior, and Richard John-
son, should vew the land adjoyninge to his house lott, and to
giue report of it vnto the next iowne meetinge."
[11 The canker worm," says John Hull, writing this year,
hath for fower years devoured most of the apples in Boston."
And he adds that the apple trees, in June, look as if it were No.
vember. So those pests are not especially a modern inflictioD,
in this vicinity, as some have supposed.]
1662.
Mr. William Longley prosecuted the town, for not laying out
to him forty acres of land, according to the division of 1638.
The case was defended by John HathorDe and Henry Collins.
In March, the Court decided that he sbould,have the forty acres
of land or forty pounds in money. [For some curious facts
connected with this matter, see page, 175.]
On 1.3 May, the boundary line between Lynn and Boston was
marked. It ran 11 from the middle of Bride's brooke, where the
foot path now goeth." This line has since become the boundary
between Saugus and Chelsea.
[This year, the price of oak wood was one shilling and six-
pence a cord.
.[It was customary, at this period, for Indians to bring cbes-
nuts hither, for sale. They usually sold them at a shilling a
bushel.]
For the first time since the organization of the general gov-
ernment, in 1634, the town of Lynn sent no representative.
1663.
On the evening of 26 January, there was an earthquake. [ft
took place about twilight, and proved quite severe; chimneys
fell, and in many instances people were forced to seize upon
supports to prevent falling. On,the evening of the fifth of the
next month another earthquake occurred ; in some places doors
opened and shut, walls split, bells rang, and floors fell. And
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1663. 253
between that time and July, some thirty shocks took place. In
most cases the earth seemed to undulate, as if upon stupendous
waves,, rolling from the northwest. In some instances ponds
were dried up, the courses of streams cbaDged, trees torn up,
and bills riVeD.]
Mr. John Hatborne complained to the church at Lynn, that
Andrew Mansfield and William Longley had given false testi-
mony in the recent land case, for which they were censured.
They appealed to the county court, accusing Mr. Hatborne of
slander, of which he was found guilty, and sentenced to pay a
fine- of X10, and make a public acknowledgment in the meeting.
houseat Lynn; or else to pay X20 and costs. [See notice of
Richard LODIrly, page 175.] On the fourth of April, the court
directed the following letter to the church at Lynn.
Reverend and loving Friends and Brethren: We understand that John Bath-
orne hath accused Andrew Mansfield and William Longley in the church of
Lynn, for giving a false testimony against himselfaDd Henry Collins, at the court
of Ipswich, in March this was 12 moDtb, and for which the said Mansfield and
Longley stand convicted in the church, and finding themselves aggrieved
thereat, hath brought their complaint against the said Hatborne in several
actions of slander, which hath had a full and impartial bearing, and due
examination, and by the verdict of the jury the said Hathorne is found guilty
Now because it is much to be desired that contrary judgments in one and the
same case may be prevented, if possibly it may be attained, and one power
strive not to clash against the other, we thought it expedient, before we give
judgment in the case, to commend the same to the Serious CODsideration and
further examination of the church. We doubt not but that there hath been
even more than a few both in the words and carriage of all the parties con-
cerned, (though Dot the crime alleged), which if it may please God to put
into their hearts to see and own so as may give the church opportunity and
cause to change their mind and reverse their censures, so far as concerns the
particular case in question, we hope it will be acceptable to God, satisfactory
to ourselves and others, and the beginning of their own peace and quiet, the
disturbance whereof hitherto we are very sensible of, and shall at all times be
ready to afford them our best relief, as we may have opportunity or cognizance
thereof. Had you been pleased, before your final conclusion, to have given
us the grounds of your oflbnce, we should kindly have resented such a request,
and probably much of your trouble might have been prevented. We have
deferred giving judgment in this case till the next session of this Court, to see
what effect this our motion may have with them. NowtheGodofpeaceand
wisdom give them understanding in all things, and guide them to such conclu-
sions, in this and all other causes of concernment, as may be agreeable to his
will, and conducing to your peace and welfare. So pray your friends and
brethren. By order of the County Court, at Ipswich.
ROBERT LoR-D, Clerk.
To this letter Mr. Whiting made the following reply, on the
fourtb of May:
Honored and beloved in the God of love: We have received your letter,
which you have been pleased to send to us, wherein we perceive how tender
you are of our peace, and bow wisely careful you declare yourselves to be in
preventing any clash that might arise between the civil and ecclesiastical
powers, for which we desire to return thanks from our hearts to God and
V
254 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1663.
unto you concerning the matter you signify to us; what your pleasure is that
we should attend Unto, we in all humility of mind and desirous of peace, have
been willing to prove the parties concerned, to see what errors they would
see and own; and for his part that complained to us, he doth acknowledge
his uncomely speeches and carriage both unto the marshal, he being the
courfs officer, and also to brethren in the church, 'r the agitation of the
matter, and dotb condemn himself for sin in it - but for frie other parties that
stand convicted, they either do not see or will not acknowledge. any error
concerning their testimony, which we judge they ought. Wherefore we hum-
bly present YOU with these few lines, not doubting but they will be pleasing
to God and acceptable to you, whatever hath been suggested to yourselves by
others that bear not good will to the peace of our church; we are sure of this,
and our consciences bear us witness, that we have done nothing in opposition.
to you, or to cast any reflection upon your court proceedings, but have justi-
fied you all along in what you have done, Secumdum Allegata et probata,
[according as they were alleged and proved] in all our church agitations,
which our adversaries can tell, if they would witness; but by reason of this,
that some of our brethren did swear contrary oaths, we thought it our duty
upon complaint made to us to search who they were that swore truly and
who did falsify their oath, and after much debate and dispute on Sunday
days-[this must be an error; sundry days is no doubt intended. Besides
the awkwardness of the phrase in the mouth of such a man as Mir. Whiting,
it is a familiar fact that the Puritans did not use the name Sunday, but called
the first day of the week Lord?s-day, or Sabbath, and occasionally Pirst-day.] -
about this matter, we did judge those two men faulty, which in conscience
we dare not go back from, they continuing as they do to this day. Could we
discern any token of these men's repentance, for this that they are, especially
one of them, censured in the church for, we should cheerfully take off the
censures; but inasmuch as they justify themselves, and tell us if it were to do
again they would do it, and lift up their crests in high language and come to
such animosities from the jury's verdict, we desire the honored court would
not count us transgessors if we do not recede from what we have done;
0
especially considering what disturbers they have been to us; especially one
of thern, for these several years. Now, therefore, honored and dear sirs, see-
ing bv what we have done we have gone in our own way as a church in the
search after Sin, we hope the court will be tender of us and of him that com-
plained to us oil that account, and if we humbly crave thaE it be not grievous to
you that we humbly tell you that in our judgment the discipline of these churches
must fall; and if so, of what sad consequence it will be, we leave it to those
that are wiser than ourselves to judge, for this case being new and never
acted before in this country, doth not only reflect on our church but on all the
churches in the country; for if delinquents that are censured in churches,
shall be countenanced by authority, against the church in their acting in a
just way, we humbly put it to the consideration of the court, whether there
will not be a wide door opened to Erastian i s in e,* which we hope all of
us do abhor from our hearts. Now the God of peace himself give the country,
courts and church peace always by all meaus; grace be with you all in Christ
Jesus. Amen.
Dated the 4th, 3d, 1663, with the consent and vote of the church.
SAMUEL WHITING.
On the next day, the Court replied as follows:
Reverend and beloved: We are very sorry our endeavors have not produced
that effect we hoped and desired, but seem to have been interpreted contrary
0 Thomas Erastus, in 1647. during the civil wark in England, contended that the church had no
power to censure or decree. This opinion was termed Erastiauism.
ANNALS OP LYNN 1664. 255
to our intentions, (and, we conceive, our words,) as an encroachment and
destructive to the right and power of the churches. We have been taught,
and do verily believe, the civil and ecclesiastical power may very well CODSiSt,
and that no cause is so purely ecclesiastical, but the civil power may in its
way deal therein. We are far froin thinking the churches have Do power but
what is derived from the christian magistrates-, or that the civil magistrate
hath ecclesiastical powers, yet may, and ought, the matter so requiring, take
cognizaDee and give judgment in solving a case, not in a church but civil way.
We suppose we have kept much within these bounds in the case that hath
been before us, and that our opinion and practice herein hath been as clear
from Erastianisme, as some men's assertions have been from the opposite
error, and the declared judgments of our congregational divines. In that
point, we own and desire so to regulate our proceedings accordingly. The
God of order guide all our miniswations to his glory, and the peace and edifi-
cation of his people.
By order and unanimous consent of the County Court, sitting at Ipswich,
May 5th, 1663, p. me. ROBERT L4RD, Clerk.
[For a year or two, difficulties seem to have existed regard-
ing the organization and disposition of the 11 Lynn troopers."
The Court, in June, judged it meet to declare, 11 that Capt.
Hutchinsons comission doeth bind him to comand the troopers
residing'in Lynne, that are listed Wth him, as formerly." And
in October the Court say, in answer to a petition of the Lynn
troopers, that 11 henceforth the troopers inhabitting in Lynne,
shall apperteine unto and joyne w" Salem troope, . . . except-
ing only such as shall rather choose to continue wt' the Three
County Troope, and shall certify tbeire desire see to doe, under
theire hands, at the next meeting of Salem troope.11
[There was a great eclipse of the SUD, 22 August, the light
becoming 11 almost like eventyde," as a writer of the time ob-
serves.]
1664.
On the 28th of June, Tbeopbilus Bayley was licensed to keep
a public house. C. Files.)
This year the wheat is first mentioned to have been blasted.
(Hubbard.) Little has. been raised on the sea coast of New
EnglaDd since.
A public fast was appointed on account of dissensions and
troubles.
In November, a comet appeared, and continued visible till
February. [In Bradstreet's journal this comet is noticed in a,
manner that aptly illustrates the popular opinion regarding the
influence of such celestial visitants. 11 Novem. A great blazing
star appeared in the S: west w' continued some montbes.
The effects appeared much in England, in a great and dreadful
plague that followed the next sumer; in a dreadfull warr by
sea wt' the dutch; and the burning of London the 2'
year
following." By Josselyn this is calledthe great and dreadful
comet."]
256 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1665, 1666, 1667.
1665..
On the 27th of June, Thomas Laigbton, Oliver Purcbis, and
John Fuller, were appointed commissioners to try small causes.
[A fast was held, in June, on account of the caterpillars and
palmer worms. John Hull makes -this note: "This summer
multitudes of flying caterpillars arose out of the ground, and
from roots of corn, making such a noyse in the aire, that travel-
lers must speak lowd to hear one another; yet they only seazed
upon the trees of the wilderness." Could these "flying cater-
pillars" have been locusts?]
On the 29th of November, Mr. Joseph Jenks was admonished
by the Silem court, for Dot attending public worship.
[The Court, in the absence of newspapers through which to
promulgate their orders, were obliged, on many occasions, to
resort to the primitive way of proclaiming by herald. They
order, this year, that a declaration be 11 published by Mr Oliuer
Parebis on horse backe, by sound of trumpet, and that Thomas
Bligb, the trumpeter, and Marshall Richard WaJte accompally
him, and yt in the close he say, wt' an audible vojce, I God saue
the king.' 11 It can hardly be imagined that Mr. Purchis ut-
tered the closing ejaculation with any great beartilless, as he
is understood to have been a decided anti-royalist.]
1666.
Mr. Andrew MaDsfield was chosen town recorder.
On the 7th of December, the General Court assembled for
religious consultation and prayer, in which Mr. Whiting and Mr.
Cobbet sustained a part.
[This year was marked by several conspicuous events. The
small-pox prevailed extensively, and a great.many died of it.
An unusual destruction of life by lightning, also took place; an
almanac memorandum says, 41 Divers were this year ' slain by
ligbtning." Grasshoppers and caterpillars did great mischief
during the growing season.
[Nathaniel Bishop and Hope Allen, curriers, petitioned the
Court to forbid tanners and shoemakers exercising the trade
of curriers. But the Court judged "it not meete to grant ye
peticoners request."]
1667.
[The spring was so forward that apple trees began to blossom
by the 18th of April.]
At the Quarterly Court, on the 26th of June, Natbar~iel Kert-
land, John Witt, and Ephraim Hall, were presented, ."for pro-
pbaining the Lord's Day : , By Going to William Craft's house, in
time of publike exercise, (they both bei.-ig at meetiDg,) and
ANNALS OF LYNN 1668, 1669, 257
DrinkeiDg of his sider, and Rosteing his Aples, without eyther
the consent or knowledge of him or his wife."
Mr. Joseph Jenks presented a petition to the General Court
for aid t ' o commence a wire manufactory, but did not receive
[Bradstreet Dotes that " toward the end of Februar , there
y
was a migbty l0Dg beam appeared in the 8: West, and was seen
four or five nigbts ; it appeared like the tail of a comet, but no
starr6 was to bee seen, Dor had it any, vnlesse it was depressed
VDder ye Horizon." This, taken in connection with the descrip-
tiOD given in Morton's Memorial has led some to suppose that
an Unsually brilliant display of the zodiacal light then took place.
But I do not see bow'it could have been that. Most likely it
was a comet with the bead below the boriZOD, or without a
head of any density. But whatever it was, it created consider-
able alarm and numerous disaster's were ascribed to its agency.
The next year, Rev. Mr. Shepard of Rowley, Rev. Mr. Flint of
Braintree, and Rev. Mr. Mitcbell, of Cambridge, died.' And the
apprebeDsive Bradstreet observes, 11 Possibly the death of these
precious Servants of Christ might not bee the least thing sig-
nefyed by that Blaze or Beam."
[The winter of this year 11 was exceedingly mild above N.
&glish winters," says Bradstreet. There was not much snow
and but little depth of frost.]
1668.
The ministers of the several towns assembled in Boston, on
the 15th of April, to bold a public disputation with the Baptists.
Mr. Whiting and Mr. Cobbet were among the principal.
On the 13th of June, Robert Page, of Boston, was presented
for 11 setinge saille from Nahant,,in his boate, being Loaden with
wood, thereby Profaining the Lord's daye.11
Land on the Dorth side the Common was this year sold for
X4 an acre- and good salt marsb, X1.10.
1669.
On the 29tb of April, the boundary line between Lynn and
Salem was defined. It ran from the west end of Brown's pond,
in Danvers, "to a noated Spring," now called Mineral Spring,;
thence to 11 Chip Bridge," on the little brook which runs out
near the house ofJobif Phillips, to the sea sbore.
[The Dolphin, a vessel belonging to Charlestown, lost a top-
sail and some other rigging in Ipswich Bay, and these were
taken up at Lynn, by Mr. King -Daniel King, it is probable,
who lived at Swampscot-and lie, for some reason that does
riot appear, refused to give them up, notwithstanding recom-
pense had "been tendered,for all his paynes and charge in
V* 17
258 ANNALS OP LYNN - 1670.
securing the same. Uppon application for're&6ss, by the' mas-
ter, Major Hathorne was empowered by the Court to heare and
determine the case according'to lawe, to allow what recompense
he shall judge meet, and cause said sayle and rigging to be
delivered to the sajd master."
[A difference existing between the, county treasurer and the
constable of Lynn, 11 about the prosecution of lines en cry," and
on some other accounts, the Court, 19 May, gave to a committee
power to 11 inspect the sajd differences, and together with the
treasurer, to put issue thereto."]
1 1670..
The Court ordered, that the lands of deceased persons might
be sold for the payment of debts. Before this, if a person died
in debt, his land was secure. The method - of conveyance was
by 11 turfe and twig; 11 that is, the seller gave a turf from the
ground and a twig from a tree, into the bands of the buyer, as
a token of relinquishment. [This is a mistake. The earlier
practice of the courts here, even went to the extent of treating
real estate the same as chattels; in administration, allowing sales
to be made regardless of hei ' rsbip. The old English mode of
conveying, by turf and twig, was never adopted here. It was
about this time, however, that the diStiDguisbing features of
real estate law began to be recogized; and petitions for leave
to sell were occasionally presented.
[Capt Marshall, who had been empowered.to perform the
marriage ceremony, at Lynn, as stated under date 1659, was
discharged by the Court, 31 May, 11 from officyating in that
imployment." He seems to have been "abused bythe misin-
formation of some," and by 11 his oune ouermucli credulity,"
and to have exceeded his commission, by marrying parties from
other places, and such as had not been legally published. Some,
of his grievous offences are stated on the colony records. It
is presumed that he inconsiderately performed the ceremony in
the following case. "Hope Allin and John Pease,, . . appear-
ed.in Court, and y11 sajd John Pease acknouledged, that not-
withstanding the counsell of the major general, who had declined
ye marrying of Mr Deacon to Hope Allins daughter, be did ac-
company them to Lynn, to Capt. Marshall, &c. and Hope Allin
declared he did give his consent y, ye Sajd Mr Deacon should
have his daughter, and told Capt. Mar~hall yt be hoped they
might be legally published before yt time, &c.; the Court judged
it meet to censure the saJd Hope Allin to pay ten pounds as a
fine to the country for his irregular proceedure and John Pease
forty shillings." And so it appears that Mr. Allen had to pay
rather dearly for manifbsting a little anxiety to get his daughter
off his bands.]
ANNALS OP LYNN - 1671. 259
1671.
On the 18tb of January, there was a great snow storm, in
which there was much thunder and lightning.
The following memorandum is copied from the leaf of a Bible.
May 22. " A very awful thunder, and a very great storm of wind
and hail, especially at Dorchester town, so that it broke many
glass windows at the meeting-bouse."
V Mr. Samuel Bennet sued Mr. John Gifford, the former agent
of the Iron Works, and attached property to the amount of
X400, for labor performed for the company. On the 27th of
June., the following testimony was given: 11 John Paule aged
about forty-five years, sworDe, saitb, that living with Mr. Sam-
uel Bennett, upon or about the time that the Iron Works were
seased by Capt. Savage, in the year 53 as I take it, for I lived
tber several years, and my constant imployment was to repaire
carts, coale carts, mine carts, and other working maierials for
his teemes, for he keept 4 or 5 teemes, and sometimes 6 teemes,
and be had the most teemes the last yeare of the Iron Works,
when they were seased, and my maste;Bennet did yearly yearne
a vast sum from the said Iron Works, for he commonly yearned
forty or fifty shillings a daye for the former time, and the year
53, as aforesaid, for he had five or six' teemes goeiDg generally
every faire day." (Salem Q. C. files.)
The Iron Works for several years were carried on with vigor,
and furnished most of the iron used in the colony. But the
want of ready money on the part of the purchasers, and the
great freedom with which the company construed the liberal
privileges of the Court, caused their failure. The owners of the
lands which had been injured, commenced several suits against
them, and at last hired a person to cut away the flood gates and
destroy the works. This was done in the night, when the pond
was full. The dam was high, and just below it, on the left,
stood the house of Mae Callum Afore Downing. The water
rushed out and flowed into the house, without disturbing the
inhabitants, who were asleep in a chamber. In the morning,
Mrs. Downingfound a fine live fish flouncing in her oven. The
works were much injured, and the depredator fled to Penobscot.
The suits against the Iron Works were protracted for more,
than twenty years. Mr. Hubbard says that 11 instead of drawing
out bars of iron for the country's use, there was hammered out
nothing but contention and law suits." The works were con-
tinued, though on a smaller scale, for more than one hundred
years from their establishment. But they have l0Dg been dis-
continued, and nothing now is to be seen of them, except the
heaps.of scoria, called the 11 Cinder Banks."
[Jonathan Leonard, in a letter published in the N. E. Histori-
260 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1672.
Cal and GeDealogical Register, Oct. 1857, mentions a tradition
handed down from his ancestors, one of whom was employed at
the Lynn works, in their very inf4ncy, to the effect that after
these works had done considerable business, the people became
alarmed through the apprebeDsion that the quantity of charcoal
used, would occasion a scarcity of wood; and, urged on by their
fears, threw so many obstacles in the way of the company that
the business was broken up. It is quite certain that they were
constantly beset by difficulties, and the singular apprehension
alluded to may have laid the,foundation for some at least.
[As evidence of the desire to diffuse education among the
people, it may be remarked that at this time the law required
every town, consistiDg of as many a-, one hundred families, to
establish a grammar school, with a master able to fit -the youth
fo college. And every town neglecting the requisition was
liable to a penalty of ten pounds a year.
rThat "isposition t0warli independence was early entertain-
L-- " - ~s I
ed by the people of New England, is evidenced by a note in
Evelyn's journal, under date of this year. He says, 11 There was
a fear of their breaking from all dependence on this natioD."
Evelyn was a member of the board oftrade and plantations.]
1672.
Mr. Daniel Salmon attached the property of the town, to the
value of forty pounds, for not laying out the land granted to
him in 1661. On the 27th of June, the Quarterly Court required
the town to give him about six acres, near his house.
[On the fir-st of April there was a violent sDow storm. Drifts
were left six feet in height. And the rains that followed did
much damage. It rained fourteen days during the MODth.
[The-whole General Court resolved to keep the twenty-sec-
ond of May as a day of fasting and humiliation, and to meet at
the -court house, where Rev. Messrs. Whiting, Cobbet, John
Eliot, Increase Mather, and others, were appointed 11 to carry
on the worke of that day, by prayer and preaching." The
solemnities were held on account of the disturbances and dis-
tresses in Europe, and to supplicate for freedom from like
afflictions here.
[Joseph Jenks, senior, made proposals to coin the money.
But the Court judged it "meet not to grant his request."
[The first dancing school in the colony was commenced this
year. It was soon, however, suppressed by the strong arm of
the law. And up to this time there were no professed musi-
cians in the colony.
[The sun was,eclipsed, 12 August, 11 total or very near."
[There was a great easterly storm, 10 November.. It brought
in 11 so great a tyde as hath not bene this 36 years."]
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1673, 1674. 261
1673.
On the 18th of June, a new road was laid out from Lynn to
Marblehead, on the north of the former road. It is now called
Essex street.
The second inhabitant of' Nahant, of whom we find any men-
tion, was Robert Coats. He probably lived there as a fisherman
and shepherd, and left before he married Mary Hodgkin, which
was 29 December, 1682. He had six sons and three daughters.
After be left, ther6 appears DO inhabitant, until 1690.
1674.
[John Tarbox, one of the first farmers in Lynn, died 26 May.
He had seven acres of upland on Water Hill, an orebard, three
cows and nine sheep, at the time of his decease. His will says,
11 1 bequeath my house and housing, with orchard and all my
land and meddow, with a greene Rugg, and a great Iron kettell,
and a round Joynd table, to my son John Tarbox." He was a
small proprietor in the Iron Works. This was the same John
Tarbox, for the winDi11g of the affections of whose daughter,
Matthew Stanley was fined X5, in 1649. See page 225.]
Some of the inhabitants of Salem attempted to form a new
church, and engaged Mr; Charles Nicholet for their minister;
but their design being opposed, they came to Lynn to complete
it. Mr. Rogers, minister of Ipswich, wrote a letter to Mr. Phil-
lips, minister of Rowley, requesting him to assist in preventing
the accomplishment. This letter was banded to Major Dennison,
who subjoined the following approbation: 19 Sir, Though I know
nothing of what is above written, I cannot but approve the same
in all respects." On Sunday, the 11th of December, the dele-
gates from the churches of Boston, Woburn, Malden, and Lynn,
with the governor, John Leverett, assembled at Lynn, and
formed a council. They chose the Rev. John Oxenbridge, of
Boston, moderator, and agreed that the new church should be
formed. Afterward, the delegates of the churches of Salem,
Ipswich, and Rowley, arrived, when the vote of the council
was reconsidered, and decided in the negative. In the curious
church records of Rowley, it is said that 11 This work was begun
without a sermon, which is not usuall. There was also a break-
ing out into laughter, by a great part of the congregation, at a
speech of Mr. Batters, that he did not approve of what Major
Hathorne had spoken. Suc4 carriage was never known on a
first day, that I know of." After the frustration of this design,
Mr. Nicholet went to England. [Nicholas Root was active in
this design.
. [This year closed with gloomy apprehensions touching the
impending storm. of savage retribution.]
Chapter 2 - History of Lynn Massachusetts - Annals - 1675 - 1698
262 1 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1675.
1675.
This year we find 'Mention made, in the records of the Society
of Friends, of the sufferings of that people, in consequence of
their refusal to pay parish taxes. In reference to George Oaks,
who appears to be one of the first who embraced the doctrines
of George Fox, in Lynn, is the following record: 11 Taken away
for the priest, Samuel Whiting, one eow, valued at 'X,3." Otb-
ers afterward suffered for refusing to perform military duty, or
to pay church rates, by having their cattle, corn, bay, and do-
mestic furniture taken away.
On the 29th of August, there was "a very great wind and
rain, that blew down and twisted many trees." (Bible leaf.)
The year 1675 is memorable for the commencement of the
great war of Pometacom, called king Philip, sachem of the Wam-
panoag Indians, in Plymouth county and Rhode Island, just one
hundred vears befo;e the war' of the independence of the United
States. Ninetacom was a son of Massasoit, but was more war-
like than his father. Perhaps be had more cause to be so. As
we have received tbe history of this war only from the pens
of white men, it is probable that some incidents that might serve
to illustrate its origin, have been passed unnoticed. It com-
menced in June, and some of the eastern tribes united with the
Wampanoags. One of the causes of their offence, was an out-
rage offered by some sailors to the wife and child of Squando,
sagamore of Saco. Meeting them in a canoe, and having heard
that young Indians could swim naturally, they overturned the
frail bark. The insulted mother dived and brought up her
child, but it died soon after.
[Considerable alarm was felt, even in this quarter, so powerful
and determined did the Indians appear, in this, their last great
struggle.] The military company in Lynn, at this time, was
commanded by Capt. Thomas Marshall, Lieut. Oliver Purcbis,
and Ensign John Fuller. The troops from Massachusetts, which
went against the Indians, were commanded by Major Samuel
Appleton. [The following answer of the Court, despatched in
October, to a letter of the Major General, will give a glimpse
of the existing state of feeling. 11 Sr : Wee received your letter
dated at Lynn, 23th instant, and haue perused the particculs
inclosed, wc' still present us w" sad tjdings (the Lord bane
mercy on us) toucbeiDg the performance of yor promise to Ma-
jor Pike in your designe to rajse what force you can to resist
the enemys bead quarters at Ausebee. Wee approove of it;
only wee presume your intelligence that the enemy is there is
vpon good grounde. Wee cannot give yow particular orders,
but leaue the management of this affayre to yor prudenc and
assistance of Almighty God, not doubting yor care in leaviDg
ANNALS 6F LYNN 1675. 263
sufficient strength to secure the frontJer tounes of Norfolke and
Essex, least the enemy should visit them when the fforces are
abooard. Wthout doubt, if their squawes and pappooses, &c. be
at Assabee, and God be pleased to deliver them into our bands,
it would be much for our interest. As for your personall march-
ing, it will be acceptable, if God inable to psecute it."
[Solomon Alley and Benjamin Farnell, of Lynn, were among
the slain at Bloody Brook, having been in Lathrop's command.]
Fifteen men were. impressed at Lynn, by order of the Court,
on the 13th of November, in addition to those who had been
previously detached. Their names were Thomas Baker, Robert
Driver, Job Farrington, Samuel Graves ., Isaac Hart, Nicholas
HitcbeDs, Daniel Hitchens, John Lindsey, Jonathan Locke,
Charles Phillips, Samuel Rhodes, Henry Stacey, Samuel Tarbox,
Andrew Townsend, and Isaac Wellman.
On the 19tb of December, says the Bible leaf, there was 11 a
dreadful fight with the Indians." This was the great swamp
fight, at South Kingston, R. I., when eigbty white men, and
more than three hundred Indians, were killed. Mr. Ephraim
Newhall, of,Lynn, was one of the slain. [The fOllOWiDg affida.
vif was signed by Thomas Baker, and sworn to, at Lynn, 8 June,
1730, before Theophilus Burrill, justice of the peace, and is
The deposition of Thomas
recorded in Middlesex Registry.
Baker, of Lyn, in the county of Essex, aged about 77 years,
Testifietb and saitb, That I, being well acquainted with one
Andrew Townsend of Lyn aforesaid, for more than 55 years
since, and do certainly know and very well Remember that the
sl Andrew Townsend was a soldier in the Expedition to the
Narragansett under yo Command of Capt. Gardner, and that he
was in ye s' Narragansett fite and in s' fite Rec1d a wound, in or
about the year 1675."]
Wenepoykin, the sagamore of Lynn, who had never been in
deep friendship with the whites, went and united with Pometa-
com. He probably had some causes of offence which have been
left unrecorded. Indeed, the thousand little insults, which the
men of his race have ever been in the babit of receiving from
white men, and which must have been felt by his proud mind,
might have been sufficient cause for his conduct. As a poetess
has well said:
Small slights. contempt, neglect, unmixed with hate,
Make up in number what they Want in weight.
Two of the descendants of NaDapasbemet, whose names were
Quanapaug and Quanapobit, living on Deer Island, had become
Christians by the names of James and Thomas. These united
wit~ the whites, and became spies for them, for which they
were to have X5 each; for which cause the Wampanoag sachem
264 ANNALS OP LYNN - 1676.
offered a reward for their death, but they survived the. war'.
Several anecdotes of their cunning are preserved by Mr. Drake.
At one time, when they were taking him to Pometacom Quana-
paug escaped by his skill. Quanapobit, also, came accidentally
upon six of his armed enemies, whom be put to flight, and plun-
dered their wigwam, by turning round and beckoning, as if he
were calling his company.
1676-
The war with the Indians was prosecuted by both parties
with the most determined vigor and cruelty. Many towns were
burnt and many of the inhabitants put to death. Great num-
bers of the Indians also were killed, and those who were taken
prisoners were most cruelly sold for slaves to the West Indies,
against the earnest entreaties of some of the principal officers,
At last, Philip was pursued to a swamp, near his residence, at
Mount Hope, and killed, on the morning of Saturday, the 12th
of August. After his death Annawon, Tispaquin, and others
of his chiefs and warriors, submitted themselves, on' the promise
that their lives would be spared; but they were unrnercifu.11y
put to death. From the expressions of some of them, it is
probable that they did not wish to survive the destruction of
their nation.
Thus fell Philip, the last great Icing of the Wampanoags-
the last formidable enemy of the English. Like Sassacus, he
foresaw the destruction of bis nation ; but be was at first friend-
ly to the white people, and wept when he heard that some of
them had been killed. The pen of the historian will do justice
to his patriotism, and the harp of the poet will eulogize him in
strains of immortality.
Tradition, legend, tune, and song,
Shall many an age that. wail proloug;
Still from the sire the son shall hear
Ofthat stern strife and carnage drear.
Wenepoykin, who had joined with the Wampanoags, was
taken prisoner, and sold as a slave to Barbadoes. He returned
in 1684, at the end of eight years, and died at the house of his
relative, James Muminquasb, at the age of 68 years. The tes-
timony of Tokowampate and Waban, given 7 October, 1686, and
preserved in Essex Registry of Deeds, declares, that " Sagamore
George, when he came from Barbadoes, lived some time, and
died at the house of James Rumneymarsb." The old chief, who
had ruled in freedom over more than half the state of Massacbu-
setts, returned from his slavery, sad and broken-bearted, to die
in a lone wigwam, in the forest of Natick, in the presence of his
sister Yawata.
A law had been passed, prohibiting the friendly Indians fiom
t
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1677. 265
going more than one mile from their own wigwams. On the
25th of' October, the Court agreed that they might go out to
gatber 11 chesnuts and other nuts in the wilderness," if two
white men went with each company, whose charges were to be
paid by the Indians.
The injuries which the Indians received in the early history
of our country, cannot now be repaired; but the opportunity is
afforded for our national government to manifest its high sense
of magnanimity and justice, and to evince to the world that re-
publics are not unmindful of honor and right, by redressing any
wrongs which the,existing red.men have received, and by pro-
viding for their welfare, in a manner becoming a great and pow-
erful nation, which has received its extensive domains from a
people who are now wandering as fugitives in the land of their
fathers. Such conduct, it may reasonably be expected, will
receive the approbation of heaven; and it cannot be supposed,
that He who watches the fall of the sparrow, will regard its
neglect with indifference.
[John ' Flint, of Salem, shot a hostile Indian at the end of
Spring pond, in Lynn, as appears by the record of an examina-
tion before William Hathorne, 9 October. The next year, for
causing the death of a white man, he was convicted of man-
slaughter. He was a soldier in Philip's war.]
The leaf of the ~ible says, there was -1 a great sickness this
year."
1677.
[Lynn gave X4.13, for the relief of captives from Hatfield;
Salem, X4.7.
[In the Salem court files is the following: " An inventory of
ye estate of Teague alias Thaddeas Braun, who was impressed
a soldier of Lynn for the Countrevs service and ~Nas sent from
Lynn Ve 22nd June, 1677, and wa~ slayne in the fight at Black-
point, as we are informed, on Ve 29t'.of June, 1677.11]
The following letter was addressed by Mr. Whiting to Increase
Matber, 1 October, 1677.
"Reverend and Dear Cousin: T acknowledge myself much engaged, as to
God for all his mercies, so to yourself for your indefatigable labors, both in
our church here, and in your writings, which of your love you have sent to
me from time to time; and especially for your late book which you sent to
me, wherein you have outdone any that I have seen upon that subject. Go
on, dear cousin, and the Lord prosper your endeavors for the glory of his
great name, and the good of many souls. And let me beg one request of you,
that you would set pen to paper in writing an history of New England, since
the coming of our chief men hither; which you may do, by conferring with
Mr. Higginson, and some of the first planter~ in Salent, and in other places;
which I hope you may easily accomplish, having, by your diligence and search
found out so much history concerning the Pequot war. And the rather let
me entreat this favor of you, because it hath not been hitherto done by any in
W
266 ANNALS OF. LYNN-. 1678.
a polite and scholar like way; which, if it were so done, would glad the heart's
oftbe Lord's people, and turn to our great account in the last and e t day
y gr a
ofthe Lord Jesus. Thus commending rny love to you and yOUr 1OViDg COD-
sort, with thanks to you for your kindDeSS to me and My SOD, when we were
last with you at your house, beseeching the Lord to bless you and all yours
Dot knowiDg how shortly I must put off this earthly tabernacle, I rest,
SAMUEL WHITING.
[The General Court order, 10 October, that " 10 barrels of
cranberries, 2 bbds. of special good samp, and 3000 cod fish,"
be sent as a present to the king.]
At this time there was but one post office in Massachusetts,
which was at Boston. On the 3d of December, the Court of
Assistants appointed John Hayward postmaster for the whole
colony.
On Thanksgiving day, the 4tb of December, happened one
of the greatest storms ever known in New England. It blew
down many houses and many trees.
This year, Samuel Appleton, Jr., took possession of -the Iron
Works, by a grant in the will of William Payne, of Boston. On
the 9tb of June, Thomas Savage sued an old mortgage which
be bold on the property, and Samuel Waite testifies, " There is
land, rated at Three Thousand acres of' Iron Mill land." In
1679, Mr. Appleton had possession of three fourths of the Iron
Works, valued at X1500. The law suits respecting the Iron
Works were protracted to a tedious length, and papers enough
.are preserved in the Massachusetts archives, respecting them,
to form a volume.
The Selectmen, or, as they were called, 11 the Seven Pruden.
" this year, were Thomas Laigbton, Richard Walker,
tial men, 6
Andrew Mansfield, William Bassett, Nathaniel Kertland, John
Burrill, and Ralph King.
The price of corn was two shillings a bushel.
[Thomas Purebis, senior, died 11 May, aged a hundred and
one years, as stated by his widow and son in a petition to the
Salem' court. He had not long resided in Lynn, baviDg been
among the Maine settlers. It seems hardly possible that he can
have been the same individual mentioned by Mr. Lewis under
date 1640, though be may have been here for a brief period,
about that time. Somewhere between 1625 and 1629 be located
in Maine, and engaged in the fur trade. He had lands On the
Androscoggin, and sold to Massachusetts, 22 July, 1639, a por-
tion ofthe territory on which Brunswick now stands, of which
place be was the first settler. In 1635, he was one of Gorges's
Council ; subsequently he held the office'of sole Assistant to the
Colony Commissioners; and was a Justice under Archdale, in
1664. In 1675) his house was attacked by hostile Indians, and
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1679. 267
pillaged. He then removed to Lynn. I have seen it suggested
that be may have been a brother -of Oliver Purchis who was so
long an active and conspicuous man here. But I think it could
not have been so. About seven months after his decease) his
widow married John Blaney.
[Thomas Laighton was empowered by the Court to join such
persons in marriage as had been duly published, provided one
at least resided in Lynn.]
The first meeting-house of the Society of Friends, says an
old record of one of their members, 11 was raised on Wolf Hill."
[This site was on Broad street, nearly opposite Nahant. The
first Friends' meeting, in this vicinity, is supposed to have been
held, this year, in a house that stood -on Boston street, a little
west of Brown's pond.]
The people of Reading petitioned the General Court, on the
3d of October, that the alewives might be permitted to come
up to Reading pond, as before; that they might find no obstruc-
tion at the Iron Works, but 11 come up freely into our ponds,
where they have their natural breeding place; 11 which was
granted.
Thomas Dexter, Jr., and Captain James Oliver, administrators
of the estate of Thomas Dexter, prosecuted the town of Lynn,
on the 26th of November, at Boston, for the recovery of Na-
bant. The jury decided in favor of the town. This was a
review of the case decided 1 September, 1657, against Mr.
Dexter.
1679.
In the number of the early ministers of New England, there
were few who deserved a higher celebrity, for the purity of
their character ', and the fervor of their piety, than the Rev.
Samuel Whiting. His name has been frequently overlooked
by biographers, and little known and estimated even in his own
parisb. He has no stone erected to his memory, and the very
place where he was buried is known only to a few.
Dust long outlasts the storied stone
But thou-tby very dust is gone.
[Since Mr. Lewis wrote the above, William Whiting, Esq.,
the eminen ' t lawyer, who is a descendant, has erected a fitting
monument to his memory. It is a simple granite shaft, inscribed
with his name, and the dates of his birth and decease. It is on
the westerly side of the path leading from the front gate-way
in the Old Burying Ground, near the western end of Lynn'
Common.]
This is another instance of the truth of the observation, that
men are indebted to the poet and the historian for their remem.
268 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1679.
brance to after ages. An honorable memorial of the deserving
dead is one of the rewards of goodness, and the very desire of
remembrance is itself a virtue. We naturally love the idea that
we are remembered by others, and that our names will be
known beyond the circle of those with whom we shared the
endearments of ftiendship. It is sweet to think that we have
not altogether lived in vain; to persuade ourselves that we have
conferred some slight benefit on the world, and that posterity
will repay the pleasing debt by mentioning our Danies with ex-
pressioDs of regard. It is not vanity, it is not ambition; it is a
pure love of mankind, an exalting sense of right, that twines
itself around every virtuous and noble mind, raising it above
the enjoyment of worldliness, and making us wish to prolong
our existence in the memory of the good.
Rev. Samuel WhitiDg was born. at Boston, in Lincolnshire,
England, on the 20th of'Noveniber, 1597. His father, Mr. John
Whiting was mayor of the city, in 1600; and his brother John
obtained the same office. in 16L ffavim- completed his studies
in the school of his birthplace, young Samuel entered the uni-
versity at Cambridge, where he had for his classmate, his 6OUSiD,
Anthony Tuckney, afterward Master of St. John's College, with
whom he commc~ced a friendship, which was not quenched by
the waters of the Atlantic. He received impressions of piety
at an early age, and loved to indulge his meditations in the
retired walks of Emanuel College. He entered college in 1613,
took his first degree in 1616, and his second in 1620. HaviDg
received orders in the Church of England, be became chaplain
in a family consisting of five ladies and two knights, Sir Na-
tbaniel Bacon and Sir Roger Townsend, with whom he resided
three years. He then went to old Lynn, where he spent tbreE
years 'more, a colleague with Mr. Price. While at that place,
complaints were made to the Bishop of Norwich, of his nou.
conformity in administering the services of the church, on which
he removed to Skirbick, one mile from old Boston. There the
complaints were renewed, on which be determined to sell his
possessions and embark for America. He remarked, 11 1 am
going into the wilderness, to sacrifice unto the Lord, arid I will
not leave a hoof behind me." The beauty, piety, and harmony
of the church, in our own time, induce us to wonder why a
pious man should have objected to her services. But the
church, at that period, demanded more -than is now required;
and the dissenters, by their repugnance to those ceremonies
and requisitions which were excessive, were driven to revolt
against those forms which were really judicious.
Mr. Whiting sailed from England in the beginning of April,
1636, and arrived in Boston on the twenty-sixtb of May. He
was very sick on his passage, during which he preached but
ANNALS OF LYNN -1679. '269
one Sermon. He observed that be would 14 much rather have
undergone six weeks imprisonment for a good cause, than six
weeks of sucb terrible sea sickness." He came to Lynn in June,
and was installed on the eighth of November, a~ the age of'
tbirty-Dine. He was admitted to the privileges of a freeman Oil
the seventeenth of December. His residence was Dearly oppo-
site the meeting-house, in Shepard street. He had a walk in
his orchard, in which he used to indulge his babit of meditation
and some who frequently saw him walking there, remarked,
There does our dear pastor walk with God every day." An
anecdote related of him, will serve to illustrate his character.
In one of his excursions to a neighboring town, be stopped at a
tavern, where a company were revelling. As be passed their
door, he thus addressed them Friends, if you are sure that
your sins are pardoned ., you may be wisely merry." He is re-
puted to have been a man of good learning, and an excellent
Hebrew scholar. In 1649, be delivered a Latin oration at Cam-
bridge, a copy of wbich is preserved in the library of the
Massachusetts Historical Society. He employed much of his
leisure in reading history ; and be could scarcely have chosen
a study more indicative of the seriousness and solidity of his
mind. He possessed great command over his passions, was
extremely mild and affable in his deportment, and his counte-
nance was generally illumined by a smile. He was chosen
moderator in several ecclesiastical councils, and appears to have
been generally respected. In his preaching, be was ardent and
devoted; but he was less disposed to frighten his bearers by
wild and boisterous efforts, than to win them to virtue by mild
and persuasive eloquence.
In the latter part of his life, Mr. Whiting was afflicted by a
complication of disorders, and endured many hours of most ex-
cruciating pain. But his patience was inexhaustible, and his
strength enabled him to continue the performance of the public
services till a very advanced age, in which he was assisted by
his youngest son, Joseph. A short time before his death, he
presented to the General Court a claim for five hundred acres
of land, which be bad'by deed of gift from his brother-in-law,
Mr. Richard Westland, an alderman of Boston, in England, who
had loaned money to the colony of Massachusetts. As the claim
had been some time due, the Court allowed him six hundred
acres. FAs this petition recounts several interesting facts, and
I L
witha so faithfully exhibits the meek and pious spirit of the
venerable man, we, insert it entire. The signature is a fac-simile,
as carefully traced from the original, which is still in good pre-
servation in the state archives. - The tremulous hand. indicates
age and infirmity; 'and he lived but a few months after the
petition was drawn.
W*
270 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1679.
The humble petition of Samuel Whiting, seur, of LyD, sbeweth, that whereas
your petitioner upon My COMeiDg to New England, ~rhich is Dow about forty
three years since, had per deed of gift of my kinde brother in law, Alr.
Richard Westland, of Boston, in England, alderman, hi Consideration of his
disbursement offifty pounds of lawful money of EDglaral, in way of loan to
this colony, then low, and in its beginning, which sum the said Mr. Westland
did delive~ and pay unto some of ve chief agents of' this patent then, which
was some years before I left England, they promising him a compensation
with a farme of five hundred acres of upland and meadow, convenient and
nigh within the Bay; I say, the wholl interest in the premises by fair deed
and gift, by the gentleman himself freely given to myself and wife and our
heires forever, as without fiallacie I doe averr and testify before God and your
bonoured selves, being a dyeing man, and gociDg out of this world, and shortly
to appear before the Lord Jesus, ye Judge ofall.
Yy humble request, and the last petition I shall ever make application ofto
this honorable assembly is, that haveing been so long in the country, and as
long in ye work of the Lord, and God baveing given me issue, whom I am
shortly to leave, baveing little, of a considerable estate I brought, left for them,
that your honors would pleas to grant to myself and my heirs, that wh. pei
ye free gift of my brother is our right, viz, five or six hundred acres of land
and meadow, wh. hath been my due about this forty years, although never
motinnnd hiit nnep. tn thiQ n-milly, nor should have now been insisted on,
could I in conscience of God's command and duty to mine as a father, be
silent, and soe they lose their right in what belongs to them; or ifI could die
with serenity of soule upon consideration of the promises, should I neglect to
use this meanes of an humble remonstrance.
I doe therefore humbly reitterat my request, wherein I mention nothing of
use or for forbearance so long time past, dues and donations, only the 5 or
six hundred acres, that my children may inherit what is righteously their
owne, au4 yours to grant, and which I hope will not be dertyed, beeing of
itselfe so just to be requested, and so most equitable and just to be granted.
Thus begging the Lord's presence to be amongst you, and his face to sbine
on this your court, the Country, and churches, that we n-jav be saved, aad
that ye choice blessing, divine wisdom, councell and conduct; may preside in
all things, I leave the whole matter to your honored selves, and yourselves
with the Lord
Your humbie petitioner, friend ever, and servant for Christ's sake, though
ready to depart dieing.
this 23 of April ann. 1679.
Witnesses - Henry Rhodes,
Samuel Cobbet.]
Mr. Whiting made his will on the 25tb of February, 1679.
He commences thus: "After my committing of my dear flock
unto the tender care of that great and good Shepherd, the Lord
Jesus Christ." He gave his son Samuel, at Billerica, his house
and four hundred acres of land at Dunstable, valued at X362,
a'd fourteen acres of marsh, at Lynn; and his son Joseph, his
n
dwelling-bouse, orchard, and eight. acres of marsb, at Lynn. And
be remembered his other children. His money and plate amount-
ed to X77.2; and his whole estate to X570.15.6. He died on the
11th of December, 1679, at the age of 82; having preached at
Lynn, forty-three years.
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1679. * 271
The death of Mr. Whiting called forth the following elegy
from the pen of Mr. Benjamin Thompson, a schoolmaster, born
at Braintree., and the first native American poet.
UPON THE VERY LEARNED SAMUEL WHITING.
Mount, FAME, the glorious ebariot of the sun!
Through the world's ch-que, all you, her heralds, run,
And let this areat saint's merits be revealed,
Which during life he studiously concealed.
Cite all the Levites, fetch the sons of art,
In these our dolors to sustain a part;
Warn all that value worth, and every one
Within their eyes to bring a Helicon;
For in this single person we have lost
More riches than an India has engrost.
When Wilson, that plerophory of love,
Did from our banks up to his centre move,
Rare Whiting quotes Columbus on this coast,
Producing gems of which a king might boast.
More splendid far than ever Aaron wore,
Within his breast this sacred father bore,
Sound doctrine, Urim, in his holy cell,
And all perfections, Thummim, there did dwell.
His holy vesture was his innocence;
His speech, embroideries of curious sense.
Such awful gravity this d c or used,
As if an angel every wor infused;
No turgent style, but Asi tic lore;
Conduits were almost ful, seldom run o'er
The banks of time -come visit when you will,
The streams of nectar were descending still.
Much like senitenifluous Nilus, risiiig so,
He watered Christians round, and made them grow.
His modest whispers, could the conscience reach,
As well as whirlwinds, which some others preacli.,
No Boanerges, yet could touch the heart,
And clench his doctrine with the meekest art.
His learning and his language might become
A province not inferior to Rome.
Glorious was Europe's heaven, when such as these,
Stars of his size, shone in each diocese.
Who wriest the fathers' lives, either make room,
Or with his name begin your second tome.
Aged Polyearp, deep Origen, and such,
Whose worth your quills, your wits not them av.-ich;
Lactantius, CYprian, Basil, too, the great,
0
d
a
I
Quaint Jerome, Austin, of the foremost seat,
With Ambrose, and more of the highest class
In Christ?s great school, with honor I let pass,
And humbly pay my debt to Whiting's ghost,
Of whom both Englands may with reason boasL
Nations for men of lesser worth have strove
To have the fame, and in transports of love
Built temples, or fixed statues of pure gold,
And their vast worth to after ages told.
272 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1679.
His modesty forbade so fair a tomb,
Who in ten thousand hearts obtained a room.
What sweet composure in his angel face!
What soft affeCtiODS! Melting gleams of grace!
How mildly pleasant! by his closed lips
Rhetoric's bright body suffers an eclipse.
Should half his sentences be fairly numbered,
And weighed in wisdom's scales, 'twould spoil a Lombard,
And ebui-ebes'bomilies but homily be,
If, venerable WbitiDg, set by thee.
Profoundest judgment, witli a meekness rare,
Preferred him to the moderator's chair,
Where, like truth's champion, with his piercing eye,
He silenced errors, and bade Hectors fly.
Soft answers quell hot passions, rie'er too soft,
Where solid judgment is enthroned aloft.
Church doctors are my witnesses, that here
Affections always keep their proper sphere
Without those wilder eccentricities,
Which spot the fairest fields of men most wise.
In pleasant places fall that people's line,
Who have but shadows of men thus divine;
Much more their presence, and heaven-piercing prayers,
Thus many years to mind our soul affairs.
The poorest soil oft has the richest mine!
This weighty ore, poor Lynn, was lately thine.
0, wondrons mercy! but this glorious light
Hath left thee in the terrors of the night.
New England, didst thou know this mighty one,
His weight and worth, thou Idst think thyself undone.
One of thy golden chariots, wbieb amODg
The clergy rendered thee a thousand strong;
One who for learning, wisdom, grace, and years,
Among the Levites, hath not many peers;
One, yet with Grod, a kind of heavenly baDd,
Who did whole regiments of woes withstand;
One that prevailed with heaven; one greatly mist
On earth, he gained of Christ whate'er he list;
One of a world, who was both born and bred
At wisdom's feet, hard by the foumain's head.
The loss of such a one would fetch a tear
From Niobe herself, if she were bere.
What qualifies our grief, CeDtres in this;
Be our loss ne'er so great, the gain is his.
The following epitaph has been ap plied to him by Mr. Mather.
In Christo vixi morior, vivoque, Wbitingus;
Do sordes morti, cetera, 0 Christe, tibi, do.
In Christ I lived and died, an(] yet I live;
My dust to earth, my soul to Christ, I give.
Mr. Whiting published the following pamphlets and books.
1. A Latin Oration, delivered at Cambridgq, on Commence-
ment day, 1649.
ANNALS OP LYNN - 1679. 273
2. A Sermon preached before the Ancient and Honorable
Artillery Company, at Boston, 1660.
3. A Discourse of the Last Judgment, or Short Notes upon
Matthew 25, from verse 31 to the end of the chapter, concerning
the Judgment to come, and our preparation to stand before the
great Judge of quick and'dead ; which are of sweetest comfort
to the elect sheep, and a most dreadful amazement and terror
to reprobate goats. (Cambridge, 1664, 12mo. 160 pages.)
4. Abraham's Humble Intercession for Sodom, and the Lord's
Gracious Answer in Concession thereto. (Cambridge, 1666,
12mo. 349 pages.) From this work the following extracts are
taken.
What is it to draw nigh to God in prayer P It is not to come with loud
expressions, when we pray before Him. Loud crying in the ears of God, is
not to draw near to God. They are Dearer to God, that silently whisper in
His. ears and tell Rim what they want, and what they would have of Him.
They have the King's ear, Dot that call loudest, but those that speak softly to
him, as those of the council and bed chamber. So they are nearest God, and
have His ear most that speak softly to Him in prayer.
In what manner are we to draw nigh to God in prayer? In sincerity, with
a true heart. Truth is the Christian soldier's girdle. We must be true at all
times; much more, when we fall upon our knees and pray before the Lord.
We, in this country, have left our near relations, brothers, sisters, fathers'
houses, Dearest and dearest friends; but if we can get nearer to God here, He
will be instead of all, more than all to us. He hath the fulness of all the
sweetest relations bound up in Him. We may take that out of God, that we
forsook in father, mother, brother, sister, and friend, that hath been as near
and dear as our own soul.
Even among the most wicked sinners, there may be found some righteous;
some corn among the chaff- some jewels among the sands -some pearls
among a multitude of shells.
Who hath made England to differ from other nations, that more jewels are
found there than elsewhere? or what hath that Island that it hath riot received?
The East and West Indies yield their gold, and pearl, and sweet spices; but
I know where the golden, spicy, fragrant Christians be -England hath yielded
these. Yet not England, butthe grace of God, that hath b~en ever with them.
We see what hope we may have concerning New England; though we do
not deserve to be named the same day with our dear mother.
In enumerating the evils with which the people of New England
were obliged to contend, be says, it is cause " for humilia-
tion, that our sins have exposed iis to live among such wicked
sinners," with whom he ranks "Atheists and Quakers."
Mr. Whiting married two wives in England. By his first wife
he had three children. Two of thern were sons, who, with their
mother, died in England. The other was a daughter, who came
with her f~ther to America, and married Mr. Thomas Weld, of
Roxbury.
His second wife was Elizabeth St. John of Bedfordshire, to
whom he was married in 1630. She was. a daughter of Oliver
St. John, Chief Justice of England in the time of Oliver Crom.
well. She came to Lynn with her husband, and died on the
18
274 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1679.
third of March, 1677, aged 72 years. She was a woman of
uncommon piety, seriousness, and discretion; and not only
assisted her husband in writing his sermons, but by her car,e
a:nd prudence relieved him from all attention to temporal con.
cerns.
[Mrs. Whiting was a sister, not a daughter, of Chief Justice
St. John. Her pedigree, as given by Clifford Stanley Simms,
of Philadelphia, may be found in the New England Historical
and Genealogical Register, v. 14, p. 61. It is there stated that
Elizabeth St. John Whiting was sixth cousin to King Henry
VII. Through the Beauchamps, she descended from the Earls
of Warren and Surrey; from the Earls of Warwick, from William
the Conqueror, and from King Henry I. of France. Indeed her
pedigree is traced to William the Norman, in two distinct lines;
and in herwere united the lineage of ten of the sovereigns of
Europe, a confluence of noble blood not often witnessed. And
yet she appears to have passed her days here at Lynn, undis.
turbed by ambitious yearnings, cleaving lovingly to her worthy
husband, and sedulously performing the duties of a laborious
pastor's wife. Surely here is an example of humility for some
of the worldlings who now traverse our streets, swelling with
pride if they can trace their lineage to an ancestor who bore,
however ignobly, some small title, or who happened to possess,
however unworthily, a few more acres or a few more dollars
than the multitude around him.]
By his second wife, Mr. Whiting had six children; four sons
and two daughters. One daughter married the Rev. Jeremiah
Hobart of Topsfield; and one son and one daughter died at
Lynn. The other three sons received an education at Cam-
bridge.
1. Rev. Samuel Whiting, Jr., was born in England, 1633.
He studied with his father, at Lynn, and graduated at Cam.
bridge, in 1653. He was ordained minister of Billerica, 11 No-
vember, 1663; pn~ached the Artillery Election Sermon, in 1682;
and died 28 February, 1713, aged 79 years. The name of his
wife was Dorcas, and he had ten children. 1. Elizabeth. 2.
Samuel. 3. Rev. John, minister at Lancaster; where he was
killed.by the Indians, 11 September, 1697, at the age of 33. 4.
Oliver. 5. Dorothy. 6. Joseph. 7. James. 8. Eunice. 9.
Benjamin. 10. Benjamin, again. '
2. Rev. John Whiting, graduated at Cambridge, in 1653.
He returned to England, became a minister of the Church, and
died at Leverton, in Lincolnshire, 11 October, 1689, very exten-
sively respected.
3. Rev. Joseph Whiting, graduated in 1661. He was ordained
at Lynn, 6 October, 1680, and soon after removed to Soutbamp.
top, on Long Island. He married Sarah Danforth, of Cambridge,
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1680. 275
daughter of Thomas Danfortb, Deputy Governor. He had six
cbildreD, born at LVDn. 1. Samuel, born 3 July, 1674. 2. Jo-
sepb, b. 22 Nov. i675, 3. Joseph, again, b. 8 May, 1677. 4.
Thomas, b. 20 May, 1678. 5. Joseph, again, b. 14 Jan. 1680.
6. John, b. 20 Jan. 1681. All except the first and sixth, died
within a few weeks of their birth.
'Of the descendants of Mr. Whiting, now [1844] living, are the
Rev. Samuel Whiting, minister at Billerica; and Henry Whiting,
an officer in the service of the United States, and author of a
beautiful little Indian tale, entitled Ontwa, or the Son of the
Forest.
[Caroline Lee Hentz, one of the most esteemed of American
prose writers, descended from this venerable minister of the
Lynn church. She was a daughter of Gen. John Whiting, who
did good service in the Revolution, and died at WasbingtOD, in
1810. And Gen. Henry Whiting, of the United States army,
quite distinguished also for his literary attainments, was a bro-
ther of hers. She was born at Lancaster, Mass., in 1800, and
was married in 1825, at Northampton, to Mr. N. M. Hentz, a
French gentleman of education and talents, who was at that
timel in connection with George Bancroft, the historian, con-
ducting a seminary at Northampton. Soon after marriage, they
removed to North Carolina, where Mr. Hentz became a profes-
sor in the college at Chapel Hill. They afterward lived at
Covington, Ky.; then at Cincinnati; and then at Florence, Ala.,
where they established a flourishing seminary. In 1843, they
,removed their school to Tuscaloosa, Florida; and afterward
they resided at Columbus, Ga. Mrs. Hentz died at the resi-
dence of her son, Dr. Charles A. Hentz, at Mariana, Florida, in
1856. And within a year afterward, her accomplished husband
died at the same place. Hon. Jeremiah Mason, the distinguished
lawyer and United States Senator, from New Hampshire, who
died at Boston, 4 October, 1848, aged 80, was a descendant
from Mr. Whiting; and the late Rev. Dr. Charles Mason, rector
of Grace Church, Boston, son of Jeremiah, was conspicuous for
his talents and piety.
[In May, of this year, a Dew troop was formed at Lynn, con.
sisting of forty-eigbt men, who petitioned the General Court
that Capt. Richard Walker might be appointed commander. The
magistrates named Walker, for captain; Ralph King, lieuten&nt;
John Lewis, cornet; and William Bassett, quarter-master.]
1680.
[On the 9th of June, the town of Groton voted to give Thomas
Beall, of Lynn, tanner, ten acres of land, provided be would go
and live there, 11 and be not alienating or selling it." Probably
he did not accept the offer, for on the 14th of August, 1691)
276 ANNALS OF LYNN ~ 1680.
the town of Lynn voted, 11 that Thomas Beall should live in tho
watch house."
[Joseph Armitage died this year. In the administration ac-
count, filed in July, occur these items : 11 For coffin, vaile,
and digging the grave, 14s. In wine and Sider, for his buriall,
X2.;)]
4
On the Gth of Octo ' ber, Mr. Jeremiah Shepard was ordained
pastor, and Mr. Joseph Whiting teacher, of the church at Lynn.
On the 18th of November, a very remarkable comet made its
appearance, and continued about two months. The train was
thirty degrees in length, very broad and bright, and nearly
attained the zenith. I memorandum on a Bible leaf, thus re-
marks: "A blazing star, at its greatest height, to my appre-
bension, terrible to behold." It was regarded by most people
with fear, as the sign of some great. calamity. This was the
comet on which Sir Isaac Newton made his interestino- obser-
vations. While the party, who were predominent in religious
affairs, were noting every misfortune which befell those of a
different opinion, as the judgments of God; they, on the other
hand, regarded the earthquakes, the comets, and the blighting
of the wheat, as manifestations of his displeasure against their
persecutors. [Judge Sewall remarks, in an interleaved alnianac,
about the time the comet disappeared, 11 And thus is this prodi-
gious spectacle removed, leaving the world in a fearful expecta-
tion of what may follow. Sure it is that these things are not
sent for nothing, though man cannot say particularly for what.
They are by most thought to be forerunners of evil coming
upon the world, though some think otherwise." So, it appears,
there were some above th6 common superstitions of the time.
The period of this comet being five hundred and seventy-five
~ears, it will not again appear till the year 2255. And how
inconceivable must be the distance that it journeys into space,
moving as it does in the known portions of its orbit, with start-
ling rapidity. Increase. Mather, in his introduction to a lecture,
remarks, 11 As for the blazing star which hath occasioned this
discourse, it was a terrible sigbt indeed, especially about the
middle o~ December last."]
Dr. Philip Read, of Lynn, complained to the court at Salem,
of Mrs. Margaret Gifford, as being a witch. She was a respect.
able woman, and wife of Mr. John Gifford, formerly agent for
the Iron Works. The complainant said, 11 be verily believed
that she was a witch, for there were some things *which could
not be accounted for by natural causes." Mrs. Gifford gave no
regard to her summons, and the Court very prudently suspended
their inquiries.
11 We present the wife of John Davis, of Lynn, for breaking
her husband's head with a quart pot." (Essex Court Rec.)
ANNALS OF LYNN ~ 1681? 1682. 277
1681.
[Samuel Worcester a repre'sentive to the General Court, from
Bradford, died in the road, on the night of 20 February, in what
is now Saugus, on his way to Boston, to attend an adjourned
session. He was a son of Rev. William Worcester, and was a
man distinguished for his piety and enterprise. He had walked
from Bradford, and, much wearied, gained the tavern at Saugus.
Being unable to obtain accommodation there, be endeavored to
reach the house of a friend. In the morning, he was found
lead, in the middle of the road, in a kneeling posture. He was
3f the family from which Rev. Dr. Worcester, the congregational
minister who for some time supplied the pulpit at Swampscot,
descended.]
In town meeting, on the 2d of March, the people voted that
Mr. Shepard should be allowed eighty pounds, lawful money, a
year, for his salary; one third of which was to be paid in money,
and the other two thirds in articles of domestic production, at
stipulated prices. Besides the salary, a contribution was kept
open.
[A great drought prevailed during the summer months. The
growing crops were injured to the amount of many thousand
pounds. 11 Yet God hath gratiously left vs enough for a meat
and drink offering," piously adds Bradstreet, in his journal.
[The Court passed an order that Lynn miglit have two liceu.9ed
public houses.]
1682.
The Meeting House was this year removed from Shepard
street to the centre of the Common and rebuilt. It was fifty
feet long, and forty-four wide. It had folding doors on three
sides, without porches. The top of each door was formed into
two Wemicircular arches. The windows consisted of small dia-
mond panes set in sashes of lead. The floor was at first supplied
with seats; and pews were afterward separately set up by indi-
viduals, as they obtained permission of the town. By this means
the interior came at length to present a singular appearance.
~Some of the pews were large, and some small; some square,
and some oblong; some with seats on three sides, and some
with a seat on one side; some with small oak panels, and some
with large pine ones; and most of them were surmounted by a
little balustrade, with small columns, of various patterns, accord-
ingto the taste of the proprietors. Most of the square pews bad
a chair in the centre, for the comfort of the old lady or gentle.
man, the master or mistress of the family, by whom it was occu.
pied. One pew, occupied by black people, was elevated above
the stairs in one corner, near to the ceiling, [Meeting-houso*
278 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1682.
pews are considered to have been a New England invention.]
Tbe galleries were extended on three sides, supported by six
oak columns, and guarded by a turned balustrade. They were
ascended by two flights of stairs, one in each corner, on the
south side. The pulpit was on the north side, and sufficiently
large to contain ten persons. The top of the room was unceiled
for many years, and exhibited enormous beams of oak, travers-
iDg the roof in all directions. The light from the diamond
windows in the gables shining down upon the great oak beams,
presented quite a picturesque appearance. The roof presented
four pediments; and was surmounted by a cupola, with a roof
in the form of an inverted tunnel. It had a small bell, which
was rung by a rope descending in the centre of the' room. The
town meetings continued to be held in this house till 1806. [For
divers facts, traditions and - legends, connected with this interest-
ing edifice, see "Lin: or, Jewels of the Third Plantation." It
was universally known as the Old Tunnel Meeting House, and
remained On the Common till 1827. It stood opposite Whiting
street.
[Noadiah Russell, tutor at Harvard College, in a journal kept
by him, under date 26 March, gives an account of a remarkable
thunder storm which took place in the latter part of the after-
noon~ it being Sunday. There was a high wind and much bail,
and the stones being large, many panes of glass were broken.
And be adds these remarkable details, which be says were sent
in a letter from Rev. Mr. Shepard, of Lynn, to Mrs. Margaret
Mitchell, of Cambridge, dated 3 April, 1682: 11 Moreover, at LVD,
after sun down, as it began to be darkish, an honest old man,
Mr. Handford, went out to look for a new moon, thinking the
moon had changed, when in the west be espied a strange black
cloudl in which, after some space, be saw a man in arms com,
plete, standing with his legs straddling, and having a pike in his
bands, which be held across his breast; which sigbt yo man,
with his wife, saw, and many others. After a while 0 man
y
vanished, in whose room appeared a spacious ship, seeming
under sail, though she kept the same station. They saw it, they
said, as apparently as ever they saw a ship in the barbour w'b
was to their imagination the handsomest of ever they saw, with-
a lofty stem, the bead to the south, bull black, the 'sails bright.
A long and resplendent streamer came from ye top of ye mast -
this was seen for a great space, both by these and other of yo
same town. After this they went in, where, tarrying but a
while, and looking out again, all was gone, and ye sky as clear
as evenly
[This was, no doubt, an instance of the mirage produced
by atmospheric refraction. Several remarkable instances are
recorded in early New,England history, of which the pban.
. ANNALS OF LYNN - 1682. 279
tom ship at New Haven, furnishes an example. Similar occur-
rences are often witnessed at this day, in this vicinity; but
being easily accounted for, attract little attention. Our forefa-
thers, not having made themselves acquainted with the natural
causes of suc% appearances, and withal being fond of viewing
themselves as objects of special notice with the powers above,
awarded them supernal.-Ural honors. And their fears being ex-
cited, their imaginations had assistance in filling up what was,
perhaps, a very dim outline, and in rendering vivid what would
otherwise have appeared very dull. And in like manner, it is
probable that some things which to us appear wonderful and
inexplicable, will to people of future years appear plain and
natural. Mr. Lewis gives the following sketches, which aptly
illustrate atmospheric phenomena occasionally seen hereabout.
PHANTOM SHIPS.
SUNRISE ON THE WATER.
[Tn another entry made by Mr. Russell, under date 16 Angust,
occurs this passage: "The next day, being Fryday, I went to
wait on some company to Lynspring, where, for company's sake
drinking too mucli cold wat'er . h
I I set myself in an ague w, camb
on again on Sabbath and on Tuesday." Does he refer to the
Lynn Mineral Spring? The romaDtic grounds adjacent were
visited by little pleasure parties at an early period.]
280 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1683, 1684, 1685.
. 1683.
This year the heirs of Major Thomas Savage sold the "il
hundred acres, called Hammersmith, or the lands of the Iron
Worksl to Samuel Appleton,-wbo thus became possessed of the
whole property. In 1688, he sold the whole to James Taylor,
of Boston,-who was the last proprietor of the Iron Works, of'
whom I have found any record. They probably ceased opera-
tiODs about this time. [I tbiDk Mr. Lewis's statement here,
concerning the time of the discontinuance of the Iron Works
is more correct thaD his statement under date 1671, where be
makes them to have been in operation, to some extent, till about
the middle of century 1700.]
1684.
A letter written at Haverhill, this year, by N. Saltonstall, to
the captain of a militia company, thus proceeds: 11 1 have orders
also to require you to provide a flight of colors for your foot
company, the ground field or flight whereof is to be green, With
a red cross in a white field in the angle, according to the ancient
custom of our own E nglisb nation, and the English plantations
in North America, and our own practice in our ships." This was
the American standard, till the stripes and stars of'1776.
[The English High Court of Chancery, at Trinity Term, gave
judgment against the Massachusetts Government and Company,
11 that their letters patent and the. enrolment thereof be cancel-
led." This was the dissolution of the beloved old Charter, and
a fresh impulse was given to those political agitations which
surged on till the whole aspect of things was changed; indeed
till the colonies became an independent nation.]
1685.
The following singular deposition is transcribed from the
files of the Quarterly Court, and is dated 1 July, 1685: 11 The
deposition of Joseph Farr, and John Burrill,jUDior, testifieth
and saitl), that they being at the house of Francis Burrill, and
there being some difference betwixt Francis Bari-ill and Benja-
miD Farr, and we abovesaid understanding that the said Benja-
min Farr had been a suitor to Elizabeth Burrill, the daughter of
Francis Burrill, and be was something troubled that Benjamin
had been so long from his daughter, and the said Francis Burrill
told the said Benjamin Farr that if he had more love to his marsb,
or to any estate of his, than to his daughter, he should not go
into his house; for he should be left to his liberty; be should
Dot be engaged to any thing More than be was freely willing to
give his daughter, if be had her; and this -was 'about two days
before they was married."
- ANNALS OF LYNN -1685. 281
[A fast was appointed, 14 July, on account of the prevailing
drought. Great ravages were committed by caterpillars.]
At a town meeting, on the first of December, the people
voted, that no inhabitant should cut any green tree upon the
common lands, which was less than one foot in diameter.
The following petition of some of the inhabitants of Lynn,
for a remuneration of their services in the Wampanoag war, was
presented this year.
To the Honoured Governor and Company, the General Court of the Massa-
ebusetts Bay, that is to be assembled the W May, 1685, the humble petition
of several inhabitants of Lynn, who were ;old, impressed, and sent forth
for the service of the country, that was with the ludiaDS in the long march in
the Nipmugg country, and the fight at the fort in Narragansett, humbly show-
eth, That your petitioners did, in obedience unto the authority which God hath
set over them, and love to their country, leave their deare relations, some of us
our dear wives azid children, which we would have gladlv remained at home,
and the bond of love and duty would have bound us to choose rather see to
have done considering the season aDd,time of the year, when that hard service
Was to be performed. But your petitioners left what was dear to them, and
preferred the publique we~l above the private enjoyments, and did cleave
thereunto, and exposed ourselves to the difficulties and'hardsbips of the winter,
as well as the dangers of that cruel warr, with consideration to the enemy.
What our hardships and difficulties were is well known to some of your wor-
ships, being our bonoured magistrates, as also what mercy it was from the
Lord, who alone preserved us, and gave us our lives for a prey, by leading us
through such imminent dangers, whereby the Lord gave, us to see many of
our dear friends lose their blood and life, which might have been our case,
but that God see disposed toward us deliverance and strength to returne to
our homes, which we desire to remember and acknowledge to his most glori-
ous praise. But yet, we take the boldnes to signifie to this honored Court,
how that service was Doc whitt to our particular outward advantage, but to
the contrary, rinueb to our disadvantage. Had we had the liberty of staying
at borne, as our neighbors had, though we had paid double rates, it would
have been to our advantage, as indeed we did pay our properties by our es-
tates in the publick rates to the utmost bounds. Notwithstanding all, yet we
humbly conceive, that by the suppression of the enemy which God of his great
mercy vouchsafed, wee poor soldiers and servants to ihe country were instru-
ments to procure much land, which we doubt not shall and will be improved,
by the prudence of this bonored Court, unto people that need most especially.
And we, your poor petitioners, are divers of us in need of land, for want
whereof some of us are forced upon considerations of departing this Colony
and Government, to seek accommodatioDs whereby the better to maintaine the
charge in our families, with our wives and children, and to leave unto them,
when the Lord shall take us away by death, which we must expect. And
divers of us Nave reason to fear our days may be much shortened by our hard
service in the war, from the pains and aches of our bodies, that we feel in our
bones and sinews, and lameness thereby taking bold of us much, espe -'ally at
the spring and fall. whereby we are hindered and disabled of that ability for
our labour which we constantly bad, through the mercy of God, before, that
served in the warrs. Now, your poore petitioners are hopeful this honored-
Court will be moved with consideration and some respect to the poor soldiery,
and particularly to us, that make bold to prefer our petition, humbly to crave,
that we, whose-Dames are hereunto subscribed, may be so graciously consid-
c'red by this bonored Court as to grant us some good tracks of land in the
Nipmugg country, where we may find a place for a township, that we, your
petitioners, and our posterity may live in the same colony 'wbere our f4thers
X*
282 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1686,* 1687.
did, and left us, and probably many of those who went fellow soldiers in the
way may be provided for. ana tbeir'children also, in the portion of conquered
lands their fathers fought for. Your petitioners think it is but a very reasona-
ble request, which will be no way offensive to this honored Court, which, if
they shall please to grant unto your petitioners, it will not only be satisfaction
to their spirits for their service already done, but be a future obligation to them
and theirs after them for future service, and ever to pray.
This petition was signed by twenty-five inhabitants of Lynn,
wbose names were : William Bassett, John Farrington, Nathan-
iel Ballard, Timothy Breed, Jonathan Locke, Daniel Johnson,
Widow Hatborne, Samuel Tarbox, Samuel Graves, John Ed-
munds, Samuel Johnson, Daniel Golt, Joseph Hawkes, Andrew
Townsend, John Davis, Joseph Collins, Samuel Mower, Robert
Potter, senior, Joseph Mansfield, Robert Driver, John Richards,
John Lindsey, Philip Kertland, Joseph Breed, Henry Rhodes.
It was also signed by sixteen persons of other towns. On the
3d of June, the Court granted them a tract of land in Worcester
county, eight miles square, on condition that thirty families, with
an orthodox minister, should settle there within four years.
[Oliver Purebis of Lynn, was appointed on a committee to
revise the laws. He was also elected Assistant; but the record
adds, 11 be declined his oatb.1' He had not probably finished
his days of vexation and mourning on account of the dissolution
of the old Charter.]
1686.
Mr. Oliver Purebis was chosen Town Clerk.
"A great and terrible droutb, mostly in the 4th month, [June]
and continued in the 5th month, with but little rain; but the
18tt, being the Sabbath, we had a sweet rain."
James Quonopobit and David Kunkshamooshaw, descendants
of Nanapashemet, sold a*lot of land on the west side of the Iron
Works' pond, on the 28th of July, to Daniel Hitchings.
[This year, also, David Kunksbamoosbaw, and divers of his
kindred, heirs of old Sagamore George No-Nose alias Wenepoy-
kill, gave a deed confirming the title of the town to the lands
on which it stood. For a copy of this deed, and remarks con-
cerning it, see page 49, et seq.]
1687.
At a town meeting on the 15th of February, 11 the town voted
the Selectmen be a committee to look after encroached lands,
or bigbways, from Francis Burrill's barn to the gate that is by
Timothy Breed's, or ~arcels of land in places least prejudici~l
to the town, and make good sale of any of them on the Town's
behalf, for money to pay the Indians at the time appointed, and
the necessary charges of that affair."
On the 16th of February, Capt. Thomas Marshall excbanged
I
ANNALS OF LYNN-1687. 283
with the town his right in Stone's meadow, in LYDDfield, for a
right in Edwards's meadow; and the town, at the request of Mr.
Shepard, made a grant of it to the ministry. '
[Thomas Newhall, aged 57, the first white person born in
Lynn, was buried in the Old Burying Ground, near the west
end of Lynn Common, I April.]
Mr. Shepard kept the school several months this winter. Ed-
ucation, with the children of the early settlers, was a matter of
convenience rather than of accomplishment. I have seen the
signatures of several hundreds of the first settlers, and have fac-
similes of many, and they aye quite as good as an equal number
of' signatures taken.at random at the present day. . But in clear-
ing the forest, and obtaining a subsistence, they had little leisure
for their children to spend in study; and a month or two in
winter, under the care of the minister, was the principal oppor-
tunity which they had to obtain the little learning requisite for
their future life. The consequence was, that the generations
succeeding the early settlers, from 1650 tp 1790, were generally
less learned than the first settlers, or than those who have lived
since the Revolution.
[The statement of Mr. Lewis in the second sentence of the
foregoing paragraph may rather confuse than enlighten. The
establishment of schools here, had a religious purpose. Thus,
the legislative enactment of 1647, commences, 11 It being one
chief proiect-of yt ould deludor, Satan, to keepe men from the
knowledge of ye Scriptures, as- in former times by keeping them
in an unknown tongue, so in these latter times, by persuading
from ye use of tongues, yl so at least ye true sence and meaning
of ye originall might be clouded by false glosses of saint-seeming
deceivers, yt learning may not be buried in ye grave of our
fathers in ye church and commonwealth, y11 Lord assisting our
endeavors: It is therefore ordered yt every townesbip in this
jurisdiction after ye Lord hathincreased them to ye number of
50 householders shall then forthwith appoint one within their
towne to teach all such children as shall resort to bim, to write
and reade," &c. . . . 11 And it is further ordered, yt where any
towne shall increase to ye number of 100 families, or household-
ers, they shall set up a grammar schoole, ye master thereof being
able to instruct youth so farr as they may be fitted for ye -uni-
versity, provided yl if any towDe neglect ye performance hereof
above one yeare, then every such towne shall pay X5 to ye next
seboole till they shall performe this order." In 1654, the Court
prohibited the t.eacbing of schools by persons of 11 unsound
doctrine." Were such a 'probibit~on in force now, we should
see in a glaring light the result of the religious independency
they held so dear. Who would be authorized to determine
what unsound doctrine is? And is it not a melancholy fact,
284 ANNALS OF LYNTN-1688.
that in. our day, either from an undefinable fear of meddling
with some right of conscience, or from some other loose appre-
bension, the intellectual training in our schools is treated as
altogether superior to the moral? Nay has Dot the moral beei,
well-nigh thrust out of doors? And yet, is it not, in sober
truth, of quite as much importance that children should, day by
day, be instructed in the principles that are to rule their desti-
nies for all eternity, as in the principles that have relation only
to the arts of money making or at best mere intellectual disci.
pline ? It does not appear that the Bible was used, at least to
much extent, as a school book, our discreet fathers probably
baViDg too much veneration for the sacred volume to devote it,
intact, to so common a purpose. But the Psalter, containing
extracts from Solomon's Proverbs, selections from the Psalms
of David, and, in some editions, selections from the Parables
of the New Testament, was longiii use. And we are persuaded
that no special evil would flow if a similar book were introduced
into the schools which are the boast of this day. Even por.
tions of the Church Prayer Book were used for devotional
purposes.]
1688.
During the administration of Sir Edmund Andros, the people
of Lynn had an opportunity of witnessing the tendency of arbi-
trary government. Andros had been appointed by the British
King, James IT., Governor of all New Eno-land, and came over
in 1686 to exercise that authority; and his administration, for
two years, was characterized by many acts of arbitrary power.
He asserted that the people of Massachusetts had forfeited their
ebarter, and that all the lands belonged to the King. Edward
RaDdolpb, his Secretary, looking round among these lands, to
see where be might establish a little dukedom,,fixed his atten-
tion upon the beautiful domain of Nahant, which he requested
the Governor to give to him. The following is a copy of his
petition.
TO is Excellency, Sir Edmund Andros, Knight, Governor, &c. &e.
The humble petition of Edward Randolph, that there is a certain tract of
I nigh the TowD9hip of Lynn, in the County ofEssex, in this His Majesty's
te tory an d dominion, out of fence and u D divided, containi ng about five bUD -
dre acres, commonly called Nahant Deck, for which your petitioner. b umbly
b
and
rri
d
prays His Majesty'S grant, and that your Excellence would please to issue a
warrant to the Surveyor-General to adryiensure the same, in order to Passing
a PateDt, he paying such moderate quitrent as your Excellence shall please to
direct, &c. En. RANDOLrH.
On the reception of this modest petition, the Council, on Fri.
day, the third of February, directed the constables to " Give
public notice in the said town of Lynn, that, if any person or
ANNALS OP LYNN-1688. 285
persons bave any claim or pretence to the said land, they appear
before his Excellency, the Governor, in Council, on Wednesday,
the seventh of March next, then and there to show forth the
same, and why the said land may not be granted to the peti-
tioner." In pursuance of this order, the constable John Ed-
munds, notifled a town meeting, which was held on the 5th of
March, when a committee was chosen, who made the following
representation.
To his Excellency, Sir Edmund Andros, Knight, and our Honorable Gover-
nor, with his Honorable Council to sit with him, on Wednesday, the seventh
of this instant March, 1688.
Having received an order upon the second day of this instant March, that
orders our constables of Lynn, or either of them, to give public notice in the
said town of Lynn, of a petition of Mr. Edward Randolph, Esq., read in a
council held in Boston, on the third day of February,'1688, praying His Majes-
ty's grant of a certain tract of land, therein called vacant land, lying nigh the
town of Lynn, called Nahant, &c., as also, that, if any person or persons have
any claim or pretence to the said lands, they appear before his Excellency, in
council, on Wednesday, the seventh of this instant March, to show forth the
same, and why the said land may not be granted to the petition, &c.
Wherefore, we, the proprietors of the pasture of Nahant, and inhabitants
of Lynn, have, in obedience to our present Honorable Governor, and his Ron-
crab le Council. presented before them as followeth.
Imprimis, 6ur humble and most thankful acknowledgment of the favor
showed unto us, in giving us notice of such an enterprise, as whereby, should it
take effect, would so extremely indamage so many of His Majesty's good sub-
jects at once; whereby we conclude His Excellency, our HonorAle Governor,
and his Honorable Council, are such as will search for and do justice, and
maintain the cause of the innocent, weak, and poor, as we humbly and sin-
c~rely acknowledge ourselves to be; and yet being clearly satisfied of our just
right in the tract of lands petitioned for, have good hope our honorable rulers
will, of clemency and justice, adhere to, bear and weigh reasons herein pre-
sented, why we cannot comply with Mr. Edward Randolph's petition for the
alienation ofour NahaDts; which, we humbly conceive, is groundlessly repre-
sented to be a parcel of vacant land, and therefore must apply ourselves to
dernonstrate to our Honorable Governor, and his Honorable Council the coD-
trary. Amd although the time is very short indeed for us to lay before your
Honors to vindicate our just right to our Nahants, yet our endeavors shall be
as effectual as we can in so short a time as we have to bethink ourselves, and
show your Honors, that it is not vacant land, and that the proprietors have a
true and just right thereunto, wherefore we present your honors as followeth.
That we have in our records, that in the year 1635, this tract of land, viz.
our Nahants, was in the hands of the freemen of Lynn'to dispose of; who did
then grant unto several inhabitants to plant, and build upon, and possess; and,
if they did not pet form the conditions, they, to whom it was granted, forfeited
the land to the town again, to dispose as shall be thought fit; and among
those to whom these lands were granted, that worthy and honorable gentle-
man, Mr. Humphreys, was one, who was a patentee and an assistant in the
first gover4m~nt; therefore, sure it was the town's land then.
That these inhabitants that did build and dwell there, they were tributaries,
or tenants, and paid their yearly rent to the town as long as they lived, or
were removed by the town; as to instance, one Robert Coates yet living, to
testify it.
There have been some that have laid claim to this land called Nahant, and
commensed suit at law with the town for it, but were cast at law, the Court
286 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1688.
that then was gave the town the case, justified the town's right, and never
denied it, nor blamed them about it.
This tract of land, it hathbeen divided into planting lots to the several pro-
prietors by a vote of the town, as appears in our records, AnDo, 1656, and the
whole fenced as a common fleld, and the lots been improved by the proprie-
tors, in Planting,. tilling, and manuring; and afterward, by the agreement of
the proprietors, converted into a pasture ; and so, ever since to this day im-
proved; so we have by hard labor and industry subdued it, and brought it
into so good a capacity as it is at this day, for the town's flature benefit and
no other.
We have honestly purchased said tract of land with our money, of the orig-
inal proprietors of the soil, viz. the Natives, and have fit in confirmation thereof,
under their bands and seals, according to law.
We have possessed and improved the said tract of land upwards of fifty
years, for so long since it hathbeen built upon, inhabited by tenants paying
their acknowledgments year after year.
We hope arguments of this nature will be swaying with so rational a corn-
monwealth's man as MY'. Randolph, who hathever pretended great respect to
His Majesty's subjects among us, and an earnest care and desire to promote
their welfare and prosperity. The premises considered, we believe a gentle-
man, under such circumstances, will not be injurious, by seeking a particular
benefit, to impoverish and disadvantage so many of His Majesty's good sub-
jects, by seeking the alienation of such a tract of land, so eminently useful
and needful for those proprietors now in possession of it-it being a think so
consistent with His Majesty's pleasure, that his subjects should enjoy their
properties and flourish under his government.
We are confident, therefore, that this Honorable Council will be solicitous
for the promoting our welfare, as not to sufFer us to be impoverished by the
alienation of such a considerable tract of land, as this will do, if it should be
alienated, -yea, we are bold to say again, extremely prejudicial, if not impov-
erish the body of the inhabitants of Lynn, who live not upon traffic and trading,
as many seaport towns do, who have greater advantages, but upon husbandry,
and raising such stocks of cattle and sheep as they are capable, and as their
outlands will afford; for this, our Nahant is such a place for us as God and
nature hath fitted and accommodated with herbage; and likewise, the only
place about us for security for our creatures from the teeth of ravening wolves;
which, this last summer, as well as formerly, have devoured very many that
fed in other places about us, to the very great damage of sundry of our inhab-
itants accordingly. Therefore, the said tract of land hathbeen improved by
the proprietors as a grazing field with great benefit to the body of the whole
town, which otherwise would be exp~'sed to great hardships, inconveniences,
and difficulties, to obtain a poor living; and, therefore, we cannot but be
deeply sensible, that, if the said pasture be alienated from us, our poor families
will be very great sufferers, and we shall be rendered very uncapable, either
to provide for them, or to contribute such dues and duties to His Majesty's
government set over us, which otherwise we might be capable of, and shall
always readily and carefully attend unto our utmost capacity.
And we burnbly trust, our Honorable Governor and his Honorable Council
will show us the favor, as in their wisdoms, to weigh and consider well our
dutiful application to their order, to give in and show our reasons why we
claim this said tract of land to be our right, as Dot to suffer any alienation of
that which we do so much need for our great comfort and benefit;.but rather
grant us further confirmation thereof, if need require.
And thus we, the proprietors of the tract of land, even our Nahant, that is
petitioned for, have taken notice of your Honors' order, and have, this first
dav of March, 1687-8, made choice of a committee, to consider what is meet
to . Jay before your Honors, and of messengers, to appear and present the same
toyour Excellency, our Honorable Governor, and the Honorable Council;
ANNALS OF LYNN-1688. 287-
which, if these thiDgs are not satisfactory, we then in humility crave the favor
of His Excellency and his Honorable Council for such a trial and process as
the law may admit of in such a case, wherein persons are in possession of
lands, as we of this said tract, having tenants thereon; and further time and
opportunity being granted, we doubt not but we shall produce such valid
confirmations of bur true and honest title to said tract of land, as shall be abun-
dantly satisfactory to our honored rulers, and put a period to further dei.-ates
about it. So we rest and remain, His Majesty's most loyal subjects, and your
Excellency's and Council's most humble servants, The Committee, in the
name and behalf of the Proprietors of Nahant.
THONAs L&UGHTON
RALPH KiNa,
JonN LFwis,
OLIVER PURCHIS,
JoHN BURRILL,
EDWARD RicITARDS,
JoHiq FULLER.
It may appear strange to many, at this time, to notice the
humble and almost abject demeanor of the committee, as evinced
in the preceding address. They doubtless thought,, that nothing
would be lost by soft words; but the spirit of freeman was at
length roused, and ample vengeance was. soon to be taken on
the aggressors of arbitrary power. Notwithstanding the repre-
sentations of the committee, Mr. Randolph persisted in his de-
mand, and renewed his claim as follows.
To His Excellence, Sir Edmund Andros, Governor.
The humble representation of Edward Randolph, sheweth: That having,
by his humble petition to your Excellence, prayed a grant of a certain tra~t
of land lying in the township of Lynn, in the county of Essex, called Nahant,
your Excellence was pleased, by your order in Council, the third day of Feb-
ruary last, to direct that the constables of the said town do give public notice
to the said town, that, if any person or persons have any claim or pretence to
the said land, they should appear before your Excellence in Council, on Wed-
nesday, the seventh of this instant March; at which time several of the inbab-
itants of the said town of Lynn did appear, and presented your Excellence
with a paper, containing their several objections to the said petition.
In answer whereunto is humbly offered as follows: That by their said prayer,
it does not appear the lands petitioned for, or any part thereof, were disposed
of to the inhabitants of Lynn, nor that the said town of Lynn was incorporated
.in the year 1635, nor at any time since, and so not endowed with a power of
receivi~g or disposing such lands.
9;hat the freemen of Lynn, mentioned in the first article of their said paper,
were not freemen of the corporation of Lynn, (as they would insinuate) but
inhabitants only in the township, and were admitted by the General Court to
be freemen of & Colony, with power to elect magistrates, etc., and their town
of Lynn is equal to a village in England, and no otherwise.
And in regard their whole paper contains nothing more material than what
is expressed in their first article, the petitioner hathnothing further to offer,
than to pray your Excellence's grant according to his petition. All which is
humbly submitted.
ED. RANDoLPH.
On the reception of this petition ' the People of Lynn held
another meeting, and addressed the Governor as follows.
288 ANNALS 0; LYNN - 1688.
To His Excellency, Sir Edmund Andros, Kuight, our Honorable Governor,
Captain-General of His Majesty's Territory ai~d Dominion in New England,
the humble address of the inbabitaws of Lynn is humbly offered.
We, whose names are subscribed, having, by the favor of your Excellency,
good information of the endeavors of some to seek the alienation of a tract of
land from us, called the Nahants, containing about four or five hundred acres,
which will prove extremely prejudicial and injurious to,tbe body of His Ma-
jesty's subjects among us; it being a tract of land honorably purchased of the
natives, the original proprietors of the soil, and possessed by our predecessors
and ourselves near upon sixty years, and to this day. We have also renewed
confirmatiODS of the tract of land by firm deed from the successors of the
ancient proprietors, the natives; having also been at great cost and charges,
and bard labor for the subduing of the said land, to briDg it into so good a
capacity as it is in at this day; having also defended our right to this tract of
land as well as others possessed by us, by blood and the loss of many lives,
both formerly, and especially in the late cagagments, with the barbarous
pagans. The said tract of land having been built upon, also, and inhabited
upwards of fifty years. It hathbeen ploughed, planted, tilled, and manured,
and ibneed in; the fence remaining to this very day, only wanting reparation;
none ever, to this day, from the first settlement of our plautatiou -called
formerly by the Dame of Saugus - dispossessing of us; but we have niain-
tained our position and right, which hathbeen owned and defended by His
Majesty's former government set over us. The said tract of land being also
eminently beDeficial and needful for the support of our inhabitants; it being
improved for a grazing field for our sheep, and such other useful creatures as
can scarcely be preserved from the ravening wolves.
Therefore, we are seiisible, that, by the alienation of such a tract of land
from us, so circumstanced, many of His Majesty's good subjects -our honest,
innocent neighbors -will be exposed to great sufferings and hardships, and
we all rendered incapable to contribute such dues and duties to His Majesty's
government set over us, as is our bounden duty, and which we shall always
readily attend, knowing how consistent it is with His Majesty's pleasure, and
how well pleasing to your Excellency, that we live and prosper under your
government.
We request your Excellency, therefore, to condescend to cast a favorable
aspect upon the premises, and that our mean and shattered condition may not
induce your contempt, but rather obtain your pity and succor. And,therefore,
we confide in your Excellency's favor for our encouraging answer to this our
petition, which is for the further and future enjoying of our Nahants.
By your Excellency's fatherly and compassionate grant of such a patent for
further confirmation thereof unto ourselves and heirs forever, upon a moderate
ackDowledgment to be paid to - His Royal Majesty, as may be consistent with
your Excellencys prudence, and most conducive to our best behoof and beu-
efit, and so that we may live and prosper under your government, that we may
have tranquillity under the same from henceforth.
The second day of April, AUDo Domini, One Thousand SLK Hundred Eig&ty
and Eight. Annoqui Regui Regis Jacobi Secundi Quarto.
The above petition was signed by seventy-four inhabitants,
and, with the preceding papers, are preserved in the Massacbu-
setts archives. Their interesting nature has induced me to
give them entire. I have only corrected the spelling.
The revenge which had been burning in the breasts of the
eastern Indians for twelve years,for their friends killedvand
sold into slavery in 1676, this year broke out into open war.
Their dnimosity was increased by the instigation of Baron de St.
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1689. 289
Castine, a Frenchman, who married a daughter of Madockawan-
do, the Penobscot chief. His house had been plundered by
Sir Edmund Andros, the Governor of Massachusetts, and this
induced him to ' join with the Indians. The French of Canada
also united with them in their depredations, which were contin-
ued, with intervals, till 1698, under the appellation of Castine's
war. A company of soldiers from Lynn were impressed, by
order of the Governor, and sent out against the Indians in the
depth of winter. One of the soldiers from Lynn, Mr. Joseph
Ramsdell, was killed by them at Casco Bay, in 1690.
1689.
The assumptions of Andros and his lordly secretary, as may
well be supposed, gave great offence to the people of Lynn, and
there seems to have been no other general topic of conversation
for several years. At length the spirit of the people was roused
to such a degree, that, on the 19tb of April, the inhabitants of
Boston rose in arms, wrested the power from Sir Edmund and
confined him a prisoner on Fort Hill until he was sent back to
England.
The people of Lynn, who had not only been injured, but even
insulted by Governor Andros, united with some from other
towns, and went up to Boston, under the command of Rev. Jer-
emiah Shepard, the minister of Lynn. A writer who was pres-
ent says: 11 April 19tb, about 11 o'clock, the country came in,
beaded by one Shepard, teacher of Lynn, who were like so
many wild bears; and the leader, mad with passion, more sav-
age than any of his followers. All the cry was. for the Governor
and Mr. Randolph." The Lynn people were doubtless some-
what excited, but it may be noted, that the above account
of their conduct was written by a friend of Governor Andros.
[Mr. Lewis states, in a note, that this interesting passage was
copied from a manuscript Account of the Insurrection, among
the papers of the Archbishop of Canterbury, in the Lambeth
Palace, at London, and that it was probably written by Ran-
dolph himself.]
In the exigency of public affairs, town meetings were held,
and a Committee of Safety for the county of Essex appointed,
with directions to make -a report of grievances, to be laid before
the government. The people of Lynn made the following rep-
resentation. '
At Lynn, the 24th of May, 1689, upon a signification from Captain Jonathan
Corwin, of the Committee of the County of Essex, to make inquiry into the
grievances suffered under the late government, that it is expressed, that this
town, or any inhabitants therein, that have been aggrieved or burtliened, do
manifest the same under their hand, to the Committee aforesaid, or to Captain
Jonathan Corwin to make known the same. We the Committee chosen by
290 ANNALS OF LYNN-- 1689.
the. inhabitants of Lynn, on the 20th of May, ](419, to consider of the significa-
tion abovesaid, and to draw up what grievancem and burdens we have sustained
by the late government, &c., do declare, viz. that this poor town of Lynn have
sustained great wrong and damage by the said late government; in that our
orderly, honest, and just rights, in a tract of land within the boUDdS of Lynn,
called Naliants, that hath been enjoyed, possessed, built upon, and improved.
by fencing, planting, and pasturing, &c., by the township of'LynD, well onward
to sixty years; and yet, by the injurious, unjust, and covetous humors of some
very ill minded persons, upon petitions preferred -as Mr. Randolph first, and
Mary Daffin, of Boston, in the second place, when Mr. Randolph could not
make his petition true and valid, then he throweth in Mary Daffin her petition
for the same lauds, and as unjustly founded as Mr. Randolph's. But on their
two petitions and vain pretences, we, the poor people of Lynn, have been, by
order's from the Governor and Council, called, summoned, and ordered to
appear at Boston, and to show and make good title to said lands before Sir
Edmund Andros, and his Council, at one sitting, and a second sitting, and so
a third, and a fourth, to our great loss, and expense of time and moneys, and
no advantage nor benefit to us, because of delays and procrastinations, to screw
our moneys out of our hands, and to make us pay, with a vengeance, for such
writings as we must be constrained to take forth. And thus we have been
grieved and oppressed, and put to loss, cost and damage, near one hundred
pounds, and never the better, no justice done us, and at last put upon a threat-
ened necessity of patenting our own old enjoyed properties, and a denial of
our rights in any of our cZmons, always enjoyed, but now called King's lands,
and we denied to be any town. Thus we have been perplexed, vexed, and
oppressed, and impoverished; and except the Lord had wrought for us, whose
name we bless, and give thanks to the worthy gentlemen, his instruments, we
had been the worst of boudmeD. Furthermore, we were debarred, by the late
government, of our constant liberty of tow-n meetings but once in a year,
whereby we could not meet to consult of defending our rights in the premises,
because it should be charged with riot; and also of keeping a watch for our
security from any dangers we had too just cause to fear, which was our great
grief and burthen; and our abuses by the profane farmers of excise; and our
sons, neighbors, and servants impressed and sent out so remote in the winter
season, and constrained hereunto, and all sufferings, and we understand not
upon what grounds.
.Per order of, or in the name of the Town and Committee.
OLIVER PURCHIS, Cleric.
Jeremiah Shepard, aged forty-two years, and John Burrill, aged fifty-seven
years, we, whose names are subscribed, being chosen by the inhabitants of
Lynn, in the Massachusetts Colony, in New England, to maintain their right
to their prQperties and lands, invaded by Sir Edmund Andros's goveinmeDt,
we do testify, that, (besides Sir Edmund Andros his unreasonable demands
of money, by way of taxation, and that without an assembly and deputies,
sent from our towns, according to ancient custom, for the raising of money
and levying of rates, ) our properties, our honest, and just, and true titles to
our land were also invaded; and particularly a great and considerable traet
of land, called by the name of the Nahauts, the only secure place for the graz-
ing of some thousands of our sheep, and without which our iDbabitants could
neither provide for their families, nor be capacitated to pay dues or duties for
the maintenance of the public, but, if dispossessed of, the town inust needs
be impoverished, ruined, and rendered miserable. Yet this very tract of land,
being petitioned for by Edward Randolph, wds tbreateDed to be rent out of
our hands, notwithstanding our honest and just pleas for our right to the said
land, both by alienation of the said land to us by the original proprietors, the
natives; to whom we paid our moneys by way of purchase, and notwithstand-
iDg near sixty years peaceable and quiet posseseion, and improvement, and also
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1690. 291
enclosure of the said land by a stone wall; in which tract of land, also, two
of our patentees were iDterested in common with us, viz. Major Hurnfrey and
Mr.JOIIDSOn; vet Edward Randolph petifioning forthe said land, Sir Edmund,
the Governor, ilid so far comply with his Unreasonable motion, that we were
put to great charges and expense for the vindication of our honest rights
thereto. And being often before the Governor, Sir Edmund, and his Council,
for relief, yet could fincl no favor of our innocent cause by Sir Edmund; not-
withstanding our pleas of purchase, ancient possession, enclosure, grant of
General Court, and our necessitous c6ndition; yet he told us that all these
pleas were insignificant, and we could have no true title, until we could prove
a patent from the king, neither had any person a right to One foot of land in
New England, by virtue of purchase, possession, or grant of Court; but if we
would have assurance of our lands, we must go to the king for it, and get patents
of it. FindiDg no relief, (and the Governor having prohibited town meetings,)
we earnestIv desired liberty for. our town to meet to consult what to do in so
difficult a case and exigency, but could Dot prevail; Sir Edmund angrily telling
us, that there was no such thing as a town in the country; neither should we
have liberty so to meet; neither were our ancient records, as be said, which
we produced for our vindication of our title to the said lands, worth a rush.
Thus were we from time to time unreasonably treated, our properties, and
civil liberties, and privileges invaded, our misery and ruin threatened and
hastened, till such time as our country, groaning under the unreasonable
heavy yoke of Sir Edmund's. government, were constrained forcibly to recover
our rights and privileges.
JEREMIAH SHVPiRD,
JouN BURRILL.
[Robert Driver petitions the Court that his son Solomon, who
had been impressed, may be released, as some others had been,
14 as the life of his wife Sarah is bound up in herson Solomon."
There is no record of the Court's answer.
[Capt. Ralph King died this year. He was a man of prom-
inence and usefulness. He left an estate quite considerable for
the time, the. appraisal showing in amount X2.365 4s. Rev.Mr.
Shepard, William Bassett, senior, and John Ballard were ap-
praisers.]
1690.
The third inbabitant of Nahant, and the first permanent one,
was James Mills. He had a small cottage, which stood in the
field a few rods southeast from Whitney's hotel, wherein be
resided twenty-six years. He had- three children; Sarah, born
27 February, 1675; James, b. 11 October, 1678; and Dorothy,
b. 21 April, 1681. A bay on the south of Nahant having been
her favorite bathing place, has received the name of Dorothy's
cove.
The first Monthly Meeting of the Society of Friends, in Lynn,
was held at the house of Samuel Collins, on the 18th of July.
There were but five Lynn'men present.
[The first paper money of Massachusetts was issued this year.-
There was an emission of 40.000 pounds, to defray the.charges
of the Canada expedition.]
292 ANNALS OP LYNN - 1691, 1692.
1691.
Lieutenant John Burrill was chosen Representative ;I to the
great and geDerall Court." The pay of a Representative was
three shillings a day.
Mr. John Burrill ', junior, was chosen Town Clerk, in which
office be continued thirty years.
April 14. 11 Clement Coldam and Joseph Hart were chosen
cannoners, to order and look after the great guns."
July 13. Lieutenant John Fuller was chosen Clerk of the
Writs. It is thus evident, that this office was not the same as
that of Town Clerk.
On the northern shore of Nahant is a ledge of rock, which
contains a portion of iron. Some of it was smelted in the foun-
dry at Saugus, and more was taken for the forge at Braintree.
It It was voted that Mr. Hubbard of Braintree, should give three
shillings for every ton of Rock Mine that be has from Nahant,
to the town, for the town's use, and be to have so much as the
town sees convenient."
Mr. William Bassett was Quarter Master in the militia, and
collector of the parish taxes. People who held offices were
generally better known by their titles than by their first names.
[The titles were used partly to distinguish persons of the same
Dame, middle names not being then in use.]
December 21. At a meeting of the Selectmen, " Mr. Shepard,
with his consent, was chosen Schoolmaster for the year ensu-
iijg.11 (Town Records.)
1692.
January 8. 11 It was voted that Lieutenant Blighe should
have liberty to set up a pew in the northeast corner of the
meeting house, by Mr. King's pew, and be to maintain the win-
dows against it.
11 The town did vote, that Lieutenant Fuller, Lieutenant Lewis,
Mr. John Hawkes, senior, Francis Burrill, Lieutenant Burrill,
John Burrill, junior, Mr. Henry Rhodes, Quarter Master Bassett,
Mr. Haberfield, Cornet Johnson, Mr. Bayley, and' Lieutenant
Blighe, should sit at the table.
11 It was voted, that Matthew Farrington, senior, Henry
Silsbee, and Joseph Mansfield, senior, should sit in the deacon;,
seat.
"It was voted, that Thomas Farrar, senior, Crispus Brewer,
Allen Breed, senior, Clement Coldam, Robert Rand, senior,
Jonathan Hudson, Ricbard Hood, senior, and Sergeant Haven,
should sit in the pulpit.
"The town voted, that them that are surviving, that, was
chosen by the town a committee to erect the meeting-house,
ANNALS OF LYNN -1692. 293
and Clerk Potter to Join along with them, should seat the in-
babitants of the town in the meeting-bouse, both men and wo-
men, and appoint what seats they shall sit in; but it is to be
understood,. that they are not to seat neither the table, nor the
deacons' seat, nor the pulpit, but them to sit there as are voted
by the town.
11 The town voted that Mr. Shepard should have liberty to
remove Mr. Shepard's pew, and to set it adjoining at the east,
ward end of the pulpit."
Lieutenant John Lewis, Cornet Samuel JobnSOD, John Witt,
Joseph Breed, Thomas Farrar, junior, Joseph New ' ball, an i d
John Burrill, junior, were chosen Selectmen,. 11 to order the pru-
dential affairs of the town." Tbdse were the first Selectmen
of Lynn whose names are recorded in the town book.
11 The town voted, that the persons undernamed, in answer to
their petition, should have liberty of the hindmost seat in the
gallery to sit in, and fit it lip as well as they please, in the north-
east corner, provided they do no damage in hindering the light
of the window: Sarah Hutchins, Mary Newhall, Rebecca Bal-
lard, Susanna Collins, Rebecca Collins, Ruth Potter, Jane Ballard,
Sarah Farrington, Rebecca Newhall, Elizabeth Norwood, Mary
Haberfield.11 (Town Records.)
The year 1692 has been rendered memorable in the annals of
pur country, by the great excitement and distress occasioned by
imputed Witchcraft. It was an awful time for New England '
superstition was abroad in her darkest habiliments, scourging the
land, and no one but trembled before the breath of the destroyer,
for no one was safe. It seemed as if a legion of the spirits of
darkness had been set free from their prison house, with power
to infect the judgment of the rulers, and to sport, in their wan.
ton malice, with the happiness and the lives of the people. The
stories of necromancy in the darkest ages of the world -the
tales of eastern genii - the imaginary delineations of the poet
and the romancer -wild, and vague, and horrible as they may
seem -fall far short of the terrible realities, which were per-
formed in the open daylight of New England. The mother at
midnight pressed her unconscious children to her trembling
bosom -and the next day she was standing before a court of
awful men, with her life suspended on the breath of imagina-
tion - or b ' arred within the walls of a prison, and guarded by
an armed man, as if she were a thing to be feared - or swinging
in the breeze between earth and sky, with thousands of faces
gazing up at her, with commingled expressions of pity and im.
precation. The father, too, returned from his work at eve, to
his peaceful household -and in the morning he was 1~ing ex-
tended on - a rough plank - with a heavy weight pressing on
his breast -till his tongue had started from his mouth.- and
Y*
294 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1692.
his soul had gone up to Hi6 who gave it -and all this, that he
might be made to confess an imaginary . crime.
The alarm of witchcraft commenced in February, in the. house
of Rev. Samuel'Parris, of Salem, with an Indian girl Damed
Tituba. Thirteen women and five men were bung, and two,
Rev. George Burroughs and Giles Corey; pressed to death, be.
cause they would not answer or confess. More than one hun-
dred others were accused and imprisoned, of whom the following
belonged to Lynn:
1. Thomas Farrar was brought before the court, at Salem,
18 May, and sent to prison at Boston, where he was kept until
2 November, more that five months. He was an -elderly man,
and his son, Thomas Farrar, jun.~, was one of the selectmen
this year. He lived in Nahant street, and died 23 February-,
1694.
2. Sarah Bassett was tried at Salem, May 23, and sent to
Boston prison, where she was kept until December 3, seven
months. She was a daughter of Richard Hood, and wife of
William Bassett, jun., in Nahaut street.. She had a young child,
twenty-two months old, which she took with her to prison. The
next daughter which she had after her imprisonment, she called
Deliverance."
3. Mary Derick, widow of Micbael Derick, was carried to
Boston prison, May 23, and kept there seven months. She was
a daughter of William Bassett, senior.
4. Elizabeth Hart was arraigned and sent to Boston, May
18, where she was imprisoned until December 7; nearly seven
months. She was an old lady, the wife of Isaac Hart, and died
November 28, 1700.
5. Thomas Hart, son of Elizabeth Hart, in a petition to the
Court, October 19, says 11 be has been in prison ever since May,
for imputed witchcraft, and prays to be released."
[Mr. Lewis must be in error in this last paragraph. 11 Thomas
Hart, inhabitant at Lynn," presents a petition, on the 19tb of Oc-
tober, sheWing 11 that whereas Elizabeth Hart, mother of the
petitioner, was taken into custody in the latter end of May last,
and ever since committed to prison in Boston jail, for witchcraft,"
&c. The petition among other things says: 11 The father of
your petitioner, being ancient and decrepit, was wholly unable
to attend to this matter, and yomr petitioner, having lived from
his childhood under the same roof with his said mother, be dare
presume to affirm that he never saw nor knew any ill or sinful
practice wherein there was any shew.of impiety nor witchcraft
by her." And with strong expressions of filial regard, be begs
for her 11 speedy inlargement.11 The petition refers altogether
to his mother, not to himself. Not a hint is dropped of his ever
having been imprisoned. The petition indicates a pious turn of
ANNALS 6 LYNN - 1692. 295 -
mind, and one not exempt from the common superstitions of the
time; but anxiety about his mother seems to predominate.]
6. Sarah Cole, the wife of John Cole, was tried at Charles-
town, I February, 1693, and acquitted.
7. Elizabeth Proctor, wife of John Proctor, of Danvers, was
a daughter of William Bassett. She was condemned to death,
but was released on account of her peculiar circumstances. Her
husband was executed.
That aged people, as some of those were, and respectable, as
they all were, should have been subjected to long imprisonment
and the danger of death, on the, accusation of a few hoyden
girls, of uncertain reputation, influenced. by wild malice, or, a
distempered imagination, is a matter which now excites our
wonder and pity. My readers will doubtless be anxious to
know what was said about the accused from Lynn. It is really
too trifling for a serious record,. and only merits notice for its
consequences.
The following is the testimony against Thomas Farrar. "The
deposition of Ann Putnam, who testifieth and saitb, that on
the 8th of May, 1692, there appeared to me the apperisbion of
an old gray head man, with a great nose, which tortored me, and
almost choaked me, and urged me to writ in his book; and I
asked him what was his name, and from whence he came, for I
would complain of him; and people used to call him old father
pharaoh; and he said he was my grandfather, for my father
used to call him father; but I tould him I would -not call him
grandfather, for be was a wizard, and I would complain of him;
and ever since he hathafflicted me by times, beating me, and
pinching me, and allmost choaking me, and urging me contine-
wally to -writ in his book."
The testimony against Elizabeth Hart was as follows: "The
deposition of Mary Walcott, who testifieth and saith, that on
the 13th of May, 1692, I saw the apparition of Goody Hart, who
hurt me much by pinching and choaking of me; and urged me
grievously to set my hand to her book, and several other times
she has tormented me, ready to tare my body in pieces."
Therewere several other depositions', but these were the most
important; yet on evidence like this, respectable people were
taken from their homes, and imprisoned more than half a year.
It is some satisfaction to know,, that some of the judges and ju-
rymen afterward saw their error and regretted it. Some resti-
tution was also made, by the Court, to some of the sufferers.
Mary Derick was allowed X9, being at the rate of six shillings
a week during her imprisonment, and X5 ', for her goods lost;
and Sarah Bassett was also allowed X9.
The first thing that opened the eyes of the prosecutors, and
tended to put a stop to accusations, was the " crying out 17
296 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1694.
against the Rev. Jerenjiab Shepard, minister of the church at
Lynn, as a wizard! Every body saw the absurdity of the charge,
and the court were convinced that if the matter proceeded much
further, themselves' might not be safe. [But this unduly mag-
Difies Mr. Shepard. A number Of eMiDent persons were 11 cried
out" against; among them, the wife of Gov. Phipps and the
wife of Rev. Mr. Hale. And are those free discussions on the
dark subject, entered into by the iDtelligent young men of Bos-
ton, as well as the exertions of such men as Bradstreet, Brattle,
Calef, Danforth -who, by the way, had been Deputy Governor,
and was father-in-law of Rev. Joseph Whiting - and Saltonstall,
to pass for nought ? It should not be overlooked that the
leaven of truth and good sense had begun to actively work
among all classes.]
In reflecting on this subject, it should be remembered, that
people at - that time generally believed in witchcraft. It was
part of their religion, and under such a misconception of scrip-
ture, the slightest indications were proof The more absurd,
improbable and even impossible a thing was, the more certain
it appeared -for many people very wisely conclude, that no
one would assert an impossibility, unless it were true! We
wonder at the delusion of those days -but is there no mist
before our eyes at present ?
1694.
The society of Friends having increased, Mr. Shepard became
alarmed at their progress, and appointed the 19tb of July, as a
day of fasting and prayer, 11 that the spirital plague might pro-
ceed no further." [And the versatile Mather says, 11 The spirit
of our Lord Jesus Christ gave a remarkable effect unto this
holy method of encountering the charms of Quakerism. It
proved a better method than any coercion of the civil magis-
trate." This is very well. And if be himself had adhered to
the principle he would doubtless have been the instrument of
more good than is now placed to his credit. But with amusing
credulity he adds: 11 Quakerism in LyDn' received, as I am
informed, a death wound from that very day; and the number
of Quakers in that place has been so far from increasing, that I
am told it has rather decreased notably.;')
At a town meeting on the 25th of July, 11 The constables
personally appearing, and declaring that they had all warned
their several parts of the town, according to their warrants,
and so many being absent from said meeting, the town did then
vote and give power to Jacob Knight, in behalf of the town, to
prosecute against any and every person or persons, that has
not attended this meeting, according to the by laws, or town
orders."
ANNALS OF LYNN - 16951 1696. 297
The practice prevailed, for many years, of warning out of the
town, by a formal mandamus of the sv,,lectmen, every family and
individual, rich or poor, who came into it. This was done to
exonerate the town from any obligation to render support in
case of poverty. One old gentleman, who had just arrived in
town, to whom this order was read, took it for a real intimation
to depart. "Come, wife," he says, "we must pack up. But
there - we have one consolation for it - it is not so desirable
a place."
1695.
The property of the Nahants, which had been a cause of
contention from the first se"-lement of the town, was this year
claimed by the heiresses of Richard Woody, of Boston; into
whose claim they probably descended by a mortgage of one
of the sagamores, in 1652. At a town meeting, on the 18th
of October, 11 There being a summons read, wherein was signi-
fied that the lands called Nahants were attached by Mrs. Mary
Daffern ', of Boston, and James Mills summoned to answer said
Daffern at an inferior court, to be bolden in the county of Essex,
on the last Tuesday of December, 1695; the town did then
choose Lieutenant Samuel Jdhnson, Joseph -Breed, and John
Burrill, junior, to defend the interests of the town in the lands
called Nahants, and to employ an attorney or attorneys, as they
shall see cause, in the town's behalf, against the said Daffern,
and so from court to court, till the cause be ended -they or
either of them-and the town to bear the charge." '
The following is transcribed from the records of the Quarterly
Court, December 31. "Mrs. AfaryDaffern and Mrs. Martha Padis-
hall, widows, and. heiresses of Richard Woody, late of Boston,
deceased, plaintiffs, versus John Atwill junior, of Lynn, in an
action of trespass upon the case, &c., according to writ, dated
30th September, 1695. The plaintiffs being called three times,
made default and are nonsuited. The judgment of the court is,
that plaintiffs pay unto the defendants costs." This is the last
we hear of any claim made upon the Nahants, as individual
property.
1696.
January 13. The Selectmen did agree with Mr. FAbraham]
L
Normenton to be schoolmaster for the town, for the year ensuing,
and the town to give him five pounds for his -labor; and the
town is to pay twenty-five shillings towards the hire of Nathan.
iel Newhall's house to keep school in, and the said Mr. Nor-
menton to hire the said house."
Immense numbers of great clams were thrown upon the
beaches by storms. The people were permitted by a vote of
298 ANNALS OF LYNN-1697.
the town, to dig and gather as many as they wished for their
own use, but no more; and no person was allowed to carry any
out of the town, on a penalty of twenty shillings. The shells
were gathered in cart loads on the beach, and manufactured
into lime.
This year, two Quakers, whose names were Thomas Farrar
and John Hood, for refusing to pay parish taxes, suffered nearly
one month's imprisonment at Salem.
The winter of this year was the coldest since the first settle.
ment of New England. [During the latter part of February,
the roads had become so obstructed by snow and ice that travel
was suspended.]
1697.
On the Sth of January, the town, by vote, set the prices - of
provisions, to pay Mr. Shepard's salary, as follows: beef, 3d.;
pork, 4d. a pound. Indian corn, 5s.; barley, barley malt, and
rye, 5s. 6d.; and oats, 2s. a busbel.
The blackbirds had to keep a bright look out this year, as
the whole town were in arms -against them. The town voted,
March 8, 11 that every householder in the town, should, some
time before the fifteenth day oP May next, kill or cause to be
killed, twelve blackbirds, and bring the beads of them, at or
before the time aforesaid, to Ebenezer Stocker's, or Samuel
COlliDS'S, or Thomas Burragels, or John GowiDg's, who are
appointed and chose by the town to receive and take account
of the same, and take care this order be duly prosecuted; and
if any householder as aforesaid shall refuse or neglect to kill
and bring in the heads of twelve blackbirds, as aforesaid, every
such person shall pay three pence for every blackbird that is
waUtiDg as aforesaid ', for the use of the town."
[The small pox made its appearance in Lynn, in the spring
of this year to the great alarm of many people. Samuel Mans.
field died of it, 10 April.
[There was a 11 sore and long continued drought," in the
summer. And the season was one peculiarly fatal to farm stock
of all kinds. The winter was very severe, and the ground was
covered with snow from the first of December till the middle
of March. In February, the snow was three and a half feet
deep, on a level.
[For the purpose of giving an idea of the facilities for inter-
communication, at this time, the following extract from a letter
dated in February, is introduced. The letter was from Jonathan
Dickenson, at Philadelpbia, to William Smith. "In 14 days we
have an answer from Boston; once a week from New York;
once in three weeks from Maryland; and once in a month from
Virginia."]
Chapter 2 - History of Lynn Massachusetts - Annals - 1698 - 1758
ANNALS OF LYNN-1698, 1699Y 1700. 299
1698
On the 4tb of January, Oliver Elkins and Thomas Darling
killed a wolf in ' Lynn woods. On the 28th of February, Thomas
Baker killed two wolves. This year also, James Mills killed
five foxes on Nahant. Twenty sbillings were allowed by the
town for killing a wolf, and two shillings for a fox.
The town ordered that no person should cut more than seven
trees on Nahant, under a penalty of-forty shillings for each tree
exceeding that number. -
June 1. The Court enacted "that no person, using or occu-
pying the feat or mystery of a butcher, currier, or shoemaker,
by himself, or any other, shall use or exercise the feat or mys-
tery of a Tanner, on pain of the forfeiture of six shillings and
eight pence for every hide or skin so tanned." They also en-
acted that no tanner should exercise the business of a butcher,
currier, or shoemaker. 11 And no butcher shall gash or cut any
hide, whereby the same shall be impaired, on pain of forfeiting
twelve pence for every gash or cut." It was also enacted'tbat
no 11 shoemaker or cordwainer shall work into Shoes, Boots, or
other wares, any leather that is not tanned and curried as
aforesaid; nor shall use any leather made of horse's bide for
the inner sole of any such shoes or boots on pain of forfeiting
all such.sboes and boots."
1699.
The platform of the meeting-bouse was covered with lead.
The bell was taken down and sent to England. to be exchanged
for a new one. Mr. Shepard's salary was reduced to sixty
pounds.
On the 7th of November, the town ordered that any person
who should follow the wild fowl in the harbor, in a canoe,' to
shoot at them, or frighten them, should pay twenty shillings;
and Thomas Lewis and Timothy Breed were chosen to enforce
the order.
1700.
On the 25th of May, Mr. John Witt killed a wolf. [The town
paid Timothy Breed two shillings "for killing of one ffox. at
Nahant."
[Dr. John Caspar Richter van Crowninsebeldt, bought of Eliz-
beth Allen, wife of Jacob Allen, of Salem, 20 June, twenty acres
of land "neer a certain pond called the Spring Pond, with all
the houses, buildings, waters, fishings," &c.- The land appears
to have previously belonged to John Clifford. The oldest
grave stone in the burying ground near the west end of Lynn
Common, bears this inscription: "Here lyeth ye body of lohn
300 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1701) 1702.
Clifford. Died Iune ye 17, 1698, in yo 68 year of his ago." It
is on the west of the foot path leading from the front entrance,
and, unlike the other old stones, faces. the east. The 9 in the
date has been altered, in a rough way, so as to resemble a 2, and
hence some have been deceived into the belief that there was a
burial -here as early as 1628. Mr. Lewis declared the alteration
to have been made in 1806, by a pupil at Lynn Academy. This
John Clifford appears to have been the same individual who
owned lands in the vicinity of Mineral Spring. He was made
a freeman in 1678, and is sometimes called of Salem; which
would be natural enough if be lived any where about Spring
Pond. I think be marr' ed Elizabeth Richardson, perhaps as a
second wife, 28 September, 1688, be being then some fiftv-eight
years of age. Mr. Lewis states that Dr. Crowninscheldt builta
cottage at Mineral Spring about the year 1690. And in Felt's
Annals of Salem, under date 1695, we find the fOllOWiDg: 11 This
year Richard Harris, master of the Salem Packet, bound to
Canada river, invites I Doct. Grouncell. (Crown in sb ield) a Ger-
man , who married Capt. Allen's daughter at Lynn Spring,'.to
accompany him, but be declined." Could it have been of bis
mother-in-law, that the Doctor purchased the land, in 1700?
At first view, there seems something like confusion in the above;
but I do not see that the statements are irreconcilable.]
At a meeting of the Selectmen, on the 7th of June, Mr. Shepard
was chosen to keep a grammar school, for which thirty pounds
were the next year allowed.
1701.
[Henry Sharp, innbolder, of Salem, let his carriage, a calash,
for the conveying of Mr. Bulkley, who had arrived at that place,
sick, to his home. But as he could get Do farther on his jour-
ney than Lynn, he here dismissed the driver, who returned to
Salem on Sunday. For the desecration of holy time Mr. Sharp
was called to answer, but was finally discharged by making it
appear that the travel was necessary. This calash is noted as
being one of the first carriages ever owned in the vicinity. On
borse-back or a-foot our forefathers and mothers almost exclu.
sively traveled, down to a period something later than this.
The above incident well shows the solicitude with which the
sanctity of the Lord's day continued to be guarded.]
1702.
[Rev. George Keith, a missionary of the Church of England,
visited Lynn, in July, accompanied by Rev. John Talbot, also a
Church minister. 'He appears to have come rather to combat
Quaker principles than to propagate his own. He had himself
been a Quaker and suff6red persecution for his faith. But now
ANNALS OF LYNN -1702. 301
that be appeared as a champion against them, he seems to have
divested himself of at least the pacific characteristic that dis-
tinguishes the Quaker of this day. In his journal appears the
following account of the transactions on the occasion of his
visit. The entries are made under dates Wednesday and Tburs-
day, July 8 and 9.
1 went from Boston to Linn, accompanied with Mr. Talbot, and the next day
being the Quakers' meeting day, we visited their meeting there, having first
called at a Quaker's house, who was of my former acquaintance. Mr. Shep-
ard, the minister of Linn, did also accompany us; but the Quakers, though
many of them had been formerly members of his church, were very abusive
to him, as they were to us. After some time of silence I stood up and began
to speak, but they did so interrupt with their noise and clamor against me,
that I could not proceed, though I much entreated them to hear me; so I sat
down and heard their speakers one after another utter abundance of falsehoods
and impertenances and gross perversions of many texts of the holy Scripture.
After their speakers had done, they hasted to be gone. I desired them to stay,
and I would shew them that they had spoke many falsehoods, and perverted
many places of Scripture, but, they would not stay to hear. But many of the
people staid, some of them Quakers, and others who were not Quakers but
disaffected to the Quakers' principles. I asked one of their preachers before
he went away, seeing they preached so much the sufficiency of the Light
within to salvation, (without any- thing else) did the Light within teach him,
without Scripture, that our blessed Saviour was born of a virgin, and died for
our sins, &c.? He replyed, if he said it did, I would not believe him, and
therefore he would not answer me. After their speakers were gone, I went
up into the speakers' gallery, where they used to stand and speak, and I did
read unto the people that staid to hear me, Quakers and others, many quota-
tions out of Edw. Barroughs's folio book, detecting his vile errors, who yet
was one oftheir chief authors, particularly in pages 150,,151, where be renders
it the doctrine of salvation that 's only necessary to be preached, viz. Christ
within, and that he ts a deceiver that exhorts people for salvation to any other
thing than the Light within; as appears by his several queries in the pages
cited. And where be saitli, page 273, that the sufferiDgS of the people of God
in this age [meaniDg the Quakers] are greater sufferings, and more unjust, than
those of Christ and the Apostles; what was done to Christ, or to the Apostles,
was chiefly done by a law, and in great part by the due execution of a law.
But all this a noted Quaker, whose name I spare to mention, (as I generally
intend to spare the mentioning of their names) did boldly defend. Butanother
Quaker who stood by, confessed the last passage in rendering the Quakers'
sufferings greater and more unjust than the sufferings of Christ, was not well
worded; but to excuse it, said, we must not make a man an offender for a
word.
[John Richardson, a noted Quaker preacber, from England,
was then in Lynni stopping at the house of Samuel Collins,
which stood on the north side of Essex street, a few rods east
of Fayette. He vigorously engraged Mr. Keith, and gives . an'
account of the meeting not exa~tl_y coincident with the abbve.
It is but fair to give his version. But we shall first quote from
his recital of an encounter the evening before. He says:
I came to Lynn, to Samuel Callings, [Collins'sl where I had not been
long before I met with an unusual exercise, which I had expected for Borne
time would fall upon me. . . . Having heard of George Keith's intention of
Z
302 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1702.
being at Lynn Monthly Meeting the next (lay, (this Lynn,'as near as I rFmem.
her lies between Salem in the east part and Boston,) the'evening coming on,
as I was writing to some friends in Old England, one came in haste to desire
me to come down, for George Keith was come to the door, and a great number
of people and a priest with him, and was railing against Friends exceedingly.
I said, Inasmuch as I understood this Lynn Meeting is, although large, mostly
a newly convinced people,. I advise you to be swift to hear,'but slow to speak,
for George Keith hatha life in argument; and let us, as a people, seek unto
and cry mightily to the Lord, to look down upon us, and help us for his name's
sake, for our preservation, that none may be hurt. . . . I went to the rails and
leaned my arms on them, near to George Keith's horse's head, as be sat on his
back, and many people were with him; but the few Friends who were come,
stood with me in the yard.
[A warm discussion between the champions, followed this
abrupt introduction, concerning which Mr. Richardson, with a
triumphal air, says:
I was roused up in my spirit in a holy zeal against his wicked insults and
great threatenings, and said to him, that it was the fruit of malice and eDvy,
and that he was to us but as an heathen man and a publican. . . . Then he
began to cast what slurs and odiums he could upon Friends, with such bitter
invectives as his malice could invent. I stood with an attentive ear, and a watch-
ful mind; for.as I stood leaning uRon the rails, with no small concern upon
my !nind, I felt the Lord's power arise, and by it my strengtb was renewed in
the inner man, and faith, wisdom, and courage with it, so that the fear of man,
with all his parts and learning, was taken froin me; and in this state George
Keith appeared to me but as a little child, or as nothing. . . . He said, The
Quakers pretend to be against all ceremonies, but be could prove that they
used many ceremonies, as taking one another by the hand, and men saluting
one another, and women doing so to one another; and he said that women
did salute men; yea, they had done it to him; as it was generally understood
by those who heard him, which I thought not worthy of notice. He went on,
and said, the Quakers pretend to be against all persecution, but they were not
clear, for the Quakers in Pennsylvania and the Jerseys had persecuted him,
and would have hanged him, but that there was some alteration in the govern-
ment. Then came out one of my arrows which cut and wounded him deep;
I said, George, that is not true. Upon that the priest drew Dear, and appeared
very brisk, and said I had as good as charged Mr. Keith (as he called him) with
a lie. I replied, give me time, and I will prove that which George said was not
true, and then tbou and be may take your advantage to rescue him from that epi-
tbet ofa liar, ifyou can. The priest said, I know not Mr. Keith. Ireplied,iffie
knew him as well as I did, be would be ashamed to be there as an abettor of
him. The priest got away and troubled me no more in all the arguments that
George and I had afterwards (although the said priest was with him.)
[Here let us pause a moment and throw a glance back upon
the rationale of the edifying occasion, imagining bow those
assembled partisans, on either side of the fence, must have had
their christian sympathies refreshed and perceptions improved
by the encounter of the sturdy combatants. Do such things give
us a particularly elevated.idea of the piety of the times? Or
does it appear that the non-resistaDt principles of the Quakers
had become sufficiently consolidated to wi ' thstand the. pugi~acity
of nature? But we will proceed with Mr. Richardson's account
of the transactions at the meeting-bouse, the next day. '
ANNALS OF LYNN-1702. 303
Now to the meeting we went; George Keith with two prieAs and a great
many people gathered together of several professions and qualities into one
body, and Friends and some friendly people into another body; and as we
came near to the meeting-bouse, I stood still, and took a view of the people,
and it appeared to me as if two armies were going to engage in battle. There
appeared with George Keith men of considerable estates, parts, and learning,
and we appeared like poor shrubs2'
[Before entering the meeting-house, Mr. Richardson addressed
a few words of advice and encouragement to the Friends. And
immediately afier they had entered, -Mr. Keith proclaimed that
he had come, in the Queen's Dame, to gather Quakers from
Quakerism to the good old mother Church, the Church of EDg-
land; and that he could prove, out of their own books, that
they held errors, heresies, damnable doctrines, and blasphemies.
Upon this, Mr. Richardson was -moved to inform the assembly
what mariner of man Mr. , Keith was. He stated that he had
been a Quaker for many years, but during the latter part of his
walk with them, had been very troublesome on account of his
contentious spirit; and as they had in vain labored to reform
him, be had been publidly disowned ' ; whereupon be commenced
opposing and vilifying them. And sundry other rough person-
alities'and home thrusts did the Quaker champion deliver. In
the course of the discussion divers points of doctrine and prin-
ciples of faith were considered and more or less darkened by
the unchristian spirit manifested. Mt. Richardson proceeds:
The priest of this place, whose name was Shepard, before my mouth was
opened in testimony, made preparation to write; and when I began to speak, he
had his hat upon his knee, and his paper upon its crown, and pen and ink in
his hands, and made many motions to write, but wrote nothing; as he began,
so he ended, witboutwriting at all. And as Friends entered the meetink-house
in the Lord's power, even that power which cut Ratiab; and wounded the Drag-
on, which had been at work, kept down in a good degree the wrong spirit in
George, for he appeared much down; but this busy priest called to him several
times to make his reply to what I had spoke. After some time, I said to the
priest, in behalf of the meeting, that be might have liberty to make reply. He
proposed to have another day appointed for a dispute; to which I said, if I
did make a voluntary challenge, (which he should not say we put hirn upon)
we, or some of us, (meaning Friends) if a day and place were agreed upon,
should find it our concern to answer him as well as we could. He said be
would have Mr. Keith to be with him; I told him, if he should, and meddled
in the dispute, if I was there, I should reject him for reasons before assigned.
When the priest had said this, and somewhat more, an elder of the Presbyte-
rian congregation clapped him on the shoulder, and bid him sit down; so be
was quiet; and then stood up George Keith, and owned he had been refreshed
amongst us that day, and had heard a great many sound truths, with some
errors, but that it was not the common doctrine which the Quakers preached.
[Mr. Richardson repelled the obnoxious insinuation contaiDed
in the last clause. Whereupon the other began to exhibit
charges against the Quakers, declaring that be could prove
them by their own books; referring especially to the works of
Fox and Burroughs. Mr. Richardson continues:
304 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1702.
He had in a paper, a great many quotations out of Friends' books, and a
young man with him had many books in a bag. . . . He was now crowded
up into the gallery between me and the rail, with a paper in his band, and I
standing over him, and being taller, could see his quotations, and his para-
phrases upon them; on which I told him, loudly, that all the meeting might
hear, that he offered violence to the sense and understand ' which God had
2 either
given him, and he knew in his conscience, we were not t at people, n
were our Friends' writings either damnable or blasphemous, as he, through
envy, endeavored to make the world believe, and that he would not have
peace in so doing, but trouble from the Lord in his conscience. I spoke in
the Lord's dreadful power, and George trembled so much as I seldom ever
sawanymaDdo. I pitied him in my heart, yet as Moses said once con cernnig
Israel, I felt The wrath of the Lord go forth against him. George said, 11 Do
not judge me." I replied, The Lord judges, and all who are truly one in
spirit with the Lord, cannot butjudge thee. So he gave over.: and it appear-
ing a suitable time to break up the meeting, Friends parted in great love,
tenderness, and brokenness of heart; for the Lord's mighty power had been
in and over the meeting from the beginning to the end thereof . . . Two
Friends were desired to stay, to bear what George had to say to them who
remained, which said two Friends gave an account to us afterwards, that
George, said to the people after we were gone, that the Quakers had left none
to dispute with him but an ass and a fool; when I beard it, I said, could you
not have replied, An ass was once made sufficient to reprove the madness
of the prophet. . . . George called to see me the next day, and said "You
had the advantage over me yesterday, for you persuaded me to be quiet until
you had done, and then you would not stay to hear me;" neither, indeed,
were we under any obligation so to do. I told him, I hoped that truth would
always have the advantage over those who opposed it; and so we parted, but
met again upon Rhode Island.
[And thus ended one of those 11 disputes 11 on christian doc-
trine ', &o characteristic of the time. The cbampioDs seem to have
been well matched as to ability and destitution of Christian
courtesy. And it is probable that the friends of each claimed
a victory, as is usually the case in such contests. I have given
the account from the details furnished by the opposing parties
themselves, who deemed the affair of sufficient'importance to
merit narration in their journals. And certainly a strange
spectacle is presented, though one that well illustrates the man-
ner of conducting religious controversies at that period; those
controversies in which asperity of temper and bitterness of
expression were especially conspicuous. And when Episcopa.
lians, Congregtionalists, or Quakers, of this day, undertake to
defend the course of their fathers in the faith, in every particu-
lar, and on principles that obtain at the present time, they
undertake a labor that it would be more creditable to avoid.
And when those same theological partisans, on the promulgation
of an unpalatable truth concerning their kindred of the past,
deem themselves under censure, they exhibit an unreasonable
sensibility.
[Mr. Shepard, the minister at the Old Tunnel Meeting House,
was present to enjoy the proceedings. And be exhibited some-
thing of that inclemency of temper which on certain other occa.
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1703) 1704. 805
sions reached a point that furnished but a poor example for
those to whom he preached forbearance and meekness. The
fact that such a sturdy hater of the Church as lie, could readily
fraternize ' with an Episcopal missioua~ry, and stand his abettor in
assaults upon Quakerism, is instructive. But we must consider
that be had nothing to fear from Episcopacy, while Quakerism
was making great inroads upon his parochial jurisdiction.]
On the 14tb of December, ten pounds were allowed for the
maintenance of a grammar master; 11 and such master to have,
over and above the said ten pounds, 2 pence per week for such
as are sent to read, 3 pence per week for them that are sent to
write and cipher, and 6 pence per week for them that are sent
to learn Latin, to be paid by parents and masters that send
their children or servants to 1~arn as aforesaid."
[The price of oak wood, was three shillings a cord, this year.
Walnut was generally preferred for fuel, and that sold for five
shillings.]
1703.
[The following is a copy of a letter sent to Governor Dudley,
by the Quakers of Lynn. 11 Lynn, 22tb 4 in' 1703. Whereas,
we, the people called Quakers, of the town of Lynn, having
been requested by the governor to give,in a list of our -names -
in answer tbereunto each person hathrespectively signed by
bimselfe.11 The signatures are, Richard Estes, Samuel Collins,
William Bassett, Walter Phillips, Richard Oake, Joseph Rich-
ards, John Hood,, Samuel Breed, Hugh Alley, William Bassett,
Jr., John Bassett, John Collins, jabez Jenkins, Walter Phillips,
Jr., Isaac Clark, Samuel Collins, Jr., John Estes.
[Walter Phillips, senior, being a Quaker, and refusing to per-
form military duty, had a fourth of an acre of his land seized
and sold for the payment of his fine.
[The town paid the sexton two pounds and thirteen shillings
for 11 sweeping yo meeting house, and Ringing yo bell for ye
year past, and one shilling for gitting y" Claper for ye bell."]
1704.
This year another war was prosecuted with the French and
Indians ., called Queen Anne's war. It was begun by the In-
dians in the preceding year, and was productive of the most
dreadful cruelty. Several of the soldiers from Lynn were takein
prisoners. It continued about a year.
Col. Benjamin Church, who commanded in this expedition,
wrote a letter to Governor Dudley, requesting 11 That four or
9ve hundred pair of good Indian shoes be made; and let there
be a good store of cow bides, well tanned, for a supply of su(,.h
Z 20
306 ANNALS OF LYNN - 17051 1706.
shoes, and bemp to make thread, and wax, to mend and make
more such shoes when wanted, and a good store of awls."
On the 6tb of March, the town, 11 being informed that several
persons had cut down.seve'ral trees or bushes in Nahants, where.
by there is like to be Do sbade for the creatures," voted that
no person should cut any tree or bush there, on a penalty of ten
shillings.
1705.
[There was a very violent northeast storm on the 29tb and
30th of January. Immense quantities Of SDOW fiell. Josepb
Newhall, of Lynn, perished in the storm~ on the second day.
He was no doubt the same hidividual elsewhere noticed as a
son of Thomas Newhall, the first white person born in Lynn.
He was born 22 September, 1658, married Susanna, a sister of
Thomas Parrar, Jr., and settled in LyDnfield. He had eleven
children, and a great many of his descendants remain.
[In June, a severe drought prevailed. " Corn and grass
perished, pretty much."]
1706.
Nahant, and the great range of woodland in the north of the
town, had from the first settlement, been retained in common.
The same spirit of practical democracy which had influenced
the people at the beginning, was carried out through all their
public affairs. Nahant was used as a cow--- pasture, where
any ODe who chose, put cattle and sbee~ lwuich were tended
P3
by a person, chosen and paid by the town, called a sliopberd.
In like manner the great woodlands had been reserved for
common use, and the people cut their fuel in such quantities as
they pleased in the woodlands nearest their dwellings. If any
required timber for building, they selected the fine old Oaks
that plumed the craggy cliffs, and the tall, straight trUDks which
grew in the dark pine forests, to make into boards at the saw
mill. But now the people had so increased, and the limits of
their cultivated lands become so permanently established, that
they concluded it would be best to have some more definite
regulations for their government in future.
On the 15tb of April, a town meeting was held, when it was
resolved to make a division of the public lands, only reserving
the training field, which is now called the Common. They
chose a committee of three persons from other.towns, to make
the division, whom they directed to allow each proprietor at
least one fourth upland, and as Dear his own house as might be.
The committee were Captain Samuel Gardner, of Salem, John
Greenland, of Malden, and Joseph Hasey, of' Chelsea. [And
they make return of their doings as follows.]
ANNALS OF LYNN-1706. 307
We whose names are hereunto subscribed, having been chosen by the
Towne of LYD, at a Towne Meeting held April 15tb, 1706, as a committee to
Divide all the Undivided Common Lands within the Towne of Lyn, aforesaid,
by such rules, and in such way and manner as shall be agreed upon by us;
we having agreed arid made Division of the Common Undivided Lands too
and amongst all the proprietors and Inhabitants that have land of their own
in fee, according to said Town Voate, so far as appeared to us. The way and
manner of our Division, and that which we have agreed upon to make our
rules by, are as followedi.
We first obtained of the Selectmen of said LYD, a copy of the List of Estate
taken by them in 1705, which list being first perfected and made intelligible
to us by the Selectmen, through our desire, by their bringing each person's
land to the Right owner, and by adding such to said List, , iha~i by Reason of
poverty, or others being in captivity, had been left out of said List, that soe
we might come to the knowledge of all the proprietors and lubabitaDtS that
have Lands of theire owne in fee; we having made division of the aforesaid
Common Lands according to what each proprietor and Inhabitant have of
Lands upon said List.
1. We first taking out, according to the best Information we could obtaine,
all such as had houses erected since the year 1694, who are priviledged. for so
much and no more than what each person bathe of Lands upon said List.
2. A second Rule by which we make division is, that all such as have UPOD
said List foure acres of Land or any Less quantity, to have priviledg foi- five
acres; and all such as have five acres to have priviledg for six acres; and all
such as have six acres to have priviledg of seven acres; and all such as have
seven acres to have priviledg for eight acres; and no person to receive advan-
tage any further for any more than for what they have upon said List.
3. A third Rule of our Division is, that all such as have upon said List any
greater number of acres than eight, till they come to twenty acres, counting
two acres of pasture land for one of tillage Land; we finding them to be Rated
but balfe soe much for pasture Land as for tillage or Improved Lands; are
priviliged according to the number ofacres they have on the List.
4. A fourth Rule is, that all those that have above twenty acres upon said
List, until they come to thirty acres, shall receive privilidg but for one fourth
part ofall they have above twenty acres; and for what land any person bathe
on said List above thirty acres, shall receive priviledg but for one eighth part
ofwbat is above thirty acres.
5. And whereas we, the aforesaid Committee, according to said Towne
voate, are to Leave convenient ways in all places, as we shall think fitt, we
have agreed that, by reason of the Impossibility of making highways passable,
ifLaid upon the Range Lines, Doe therefore order, that all the proprietors
concerned, their heirs and assigns forever, to have free Liberty to-pass and
Repass, over each person's Lotts, that is laid out by us on the commons, with
carts and teams, to transport wood, timber, and stones, or upon any other oca-
tion whatsoever, in such places as may be convenient, without any molestation,
hindrance, or Interruption from any of the proprietors, their heirs or assigns;
but no person to Damnifle his neighbor by Cutting DowDe his tree or trees.
We have left a highway over Little NahaDt two poles wide on the west end,
and soc Riming over the beach unto Great Nahant; and soe on the soutb-
wardly side of the hill to about ten pole above the Calf. Spring, and running
slanting Up the hill into the old way, and soe runing on the northeast end of
James Mills his land, and soe on to the first Range in the ram pasture; and
have left about one acre of land joining to the highway by the Spring to
accon):idate Cattle coming to the Spring. We have also left a highway, two
pole wide from the highway by the Spring, ouer into Bass neck, and son
through the Ranges to the southermost Range on said Deck. We have also
left a highway, two pole wide, on the Bay side, over to Bass neck, and so ouer
Mr. Taylor's lott, Joseph Jacob's lott, and Moses Hudson's Lott, unto the other
308 AiMALS OF LYNN - 1706.
highway; and have left a highway one poic wide over the westward end of
each Range on great Nahant; and a highway one pole wide, on the north-
wardly end of each Range on Bass Deck; and a highway one pole wide ouer
between the range of lots, halfe a pole on each Range, on each- side of the
Range Thus we make Returne of this our Doings, this first Day of January, 1706-7.
SAATUEL GARDNER,
JOHN GREENLAND,
JosrPn HAsFy.
On the 28tb of September, 11 The towne considering the great
difficulty of laying out highways on the common lands, by rea-
son of the swamps, bills, and rockenes of the land, theirfore
voated, that after said common lands shall be divided, every
person interested therein, shall have free liberty at all times, to
pass and repass over each others' lotts of lands, to fetch their
wood and such other things as shall be upon their lands, in any
place or places, and for no other ends, provided they do not cut
downe any sort of tree or trees in their so passing over." Eleven
persons entered their dissent to this vote, but do Dot state
whether it was against the privilege, or its limitation. Men
frequently want to pass on to ~beir lots for other purposes than
to fbtch wood; and in many places in the woods, if they had
not cut down a tree, it would have been Utterly impossible ever
to have gone upon their lots at all with a carriage. If this vote
were a law, many proprietors on Nahant, even now, could not
go upon their lands to plant or build. But the warrant for
calling this meeting is unrecorded.
The Common Lands were laid out by the committee in 11 Seven
Divisions." The First Division began on the west of Saugus
river, including what was called the Six Hundred Acres, which
were then in Lynn. The Second Division ran across the north-
ern part of the town, and the Seventh Division was Nahant.
There is no record that the report of the committee was ac-
cepted, though it.probably was, as it was recorded, with all the
separate lots and owners' names. The woodlands and the
NabaDtS were laid out in Ranges, forty rods in width, and,tbese
were divided into lots, containing from about one eighth of an
acre to eight acres. Many of these lots were afterward subdi-
vided among heirs, jso that manv lots on Nahant are Dow six
hundred and sixty feet long, ana from two feet to eight feet
wide. This renders it impossible in many places to obtain a
building lot, without purebasiDg of many owners. Several lots
are as Darrow as two feet and three inches, and for each of these
a separate deed must be written. I have constructed a com-
plete map of Nahant on a very large scale, on which the lots are
shown with the names of the original proprietors and the pres-
ent owners.
[It will be observed that the above stands as it did in the 1844
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1708) 1712) 1713) 1715. 309
edition. Many changes have of course taken place since that
time. But it will always be interesting as showing how mat-
ters formerly stood in these important particulars.]
1708.
[A fast was held, 23 June, and prayers offered for deliverance
from the devastations committed by insects, on the fruit trees.
,They appear to have been caterpillars and canker worms. And
we had, in 1863, another grievous instance of the destruction
that may be accomplished through the combined industry of
those voracious little spoilers. But this unbelieving generation
instead of resorting to prayers and fasting, resorted to burning
brimstone and other stifling appliances.]
1712.
Lynnfield was set off as a parish, or district, 17 November.
The inhabitants were to be freed from parish taxes, as soon as
a meeting-house should be built, and a minister settled. The
people of Lynnfield, in the town records, are called 11 our neigh.
bors, the farmers."
This year, all the shells, which came up*on the Nahant beaches,
were sold by the town, to Daniel Brown, and William Gray, for
thirty shillings. They were not to sell the shells for more than
eight shillings a load, containing forty-eight bushels, heaped
measuie. The people were permitted to dig and gather the
clams as before, but they were required to open them on the
beach, and leave the shells. The house in which I was born,
was plastered with lime made from these shells.
1713.
Mr. John Merriam was employed as schoolmaster. The school
was called a grammar school, because Latin was- taught in it.
The other studies were reading, writing, and ciphering. Eng.
lish grammar was not a common study, and no book on that
subject was introduced into general use, till about seventy
years after this time. No arithmetic was used by the scholars,
but the master wrote all the sums on the slate. No spelling
book was used. [So one would naturally conclude from the
ways in which words were sometimes spelled. There had been
no established system of orthography, but each spelled as best
suited his own fancy, using letters in any way that gave the
sound of the word. Some uniformity, however, now prevailed.]
1715.
The first meeting-bouse in the second parish, now Lynnfield,
was built. When the building of the first parish meeting-bouse
was in contemplation, the people of the northern part of the
310 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1716, 1717.
town, being obliged to travel six or eight miles to meeting,
wished to have the house placed in a central situation, and a
committee was appointed to " cliuse " a place. They selected
a bill, now included in the bounds of Saugus, -,vbicb was thence
called Harmony Hill. It was afterward determined to place
the house on the Common, and the people of Lynnfield continued
to attend meeting there till this year.
1716.
A gentleman whose name was Bishop, was schoolmaster.
Mr. Ebenezer Tarbox was chosen, by the town, as shepherd.
Three porches were added to the first parish meetiDg-house,
and a curiously carved and paneled oak pulpit, imported from
England, was set up.
[Jonathan Townsen - d, of Lynn, graduated at Harvard College.
He was settled, 23 March, in Needham, being the first minister
of the place, and remained in the ministry forty-two years. He
died 30 September, 1762, aged 64. A record in his hand wri-
ting, dated Needham, 17 July, 1735, states an interesting fact
regarding a lady, who, it is probable, was a member of his
church: "This day died here, Mrs. Lydia CbickeriDg, in the
83d year of her age. She was born in Dedham, in Now Eng-
land ' July 14, 1652, and about the year 1671 went up from
thence to Hadley, where for the space of about a year, she
waited upon Col. Whalley, and Col. Goffe (two of King *Charles
1st's judges), who had fled thither from the men that sought
their lives. She was the daughter of Capt. David Fisher, of
Dedham, one of the magistrates of the colony under the old
charter."
[Governor Shute passed through Lynn 15 October. There
was considerable parade. The S4em'Troo'p, under Col. Brown,
came over, to escort him to their town, where be was received
in a becoming manner, had "a splendid entertainment," and
remained over night. He was on a journey to New Hampshire.
[An extraordinary darkness prevailed at mid-day, 21 October.
Lighted candles were found necessary on the dinner table, fowls
went to roost, and there was great alarm.]
1717.
Two great storms on the 20th and 24tb of February, covered
the ground so deep with snow, that people for some aays could
not pass from one house to another. Old Indians, of a hundred
years, said that their fathers had never told them of such a SDOW.
It was from ten to twenty feet deep, and generally covered the
lower story of the houses. Cottages of ' one story were entirely
buried, so that the people dug paths from. one house to another,
under the snow. Soon after, a slight rain fell, and the frost
ANNALS OF LYNN 311
crusted the snow; and then the people went out of their cbam-
her windows, and walked over it. Many of the farmers lost
their sheep; and most of the sheep and swine which were saved,
lived from one to two weeks without food, One man had some
bons buried near his barn, which were dug out alive eleven
days after. During this snow, a great number of doer came
from the woods for food, and were followed by the wolves,
which killed many of them. Others were killed by the people
with guns. Some of the deer fled to Nahant, and being chased
by the wolves,-leaped into the sea, and were drowned. Great
damage was done to the Orchards, by the snow freezing to the
branches, and splitting the trees as it fell. This snow formed
a remarkable era in New England; and old people, in relating
an event, would say that it happened so many years before or
after the great snow. Hon. John Winthrop says: "We lost at
the island and farms above 1100 sheep, beside some horses and
cattle interred in the snow; and it was very strange, that 28
days after. the storm, the inhabitants of Fisher's Island, in pulling
out the ruins of 100 sheep, out of the snow bank in the valley,
where the snow had drifted over them sixteen feet, found two
of them alive in the drift, -,,Vliich had lain on them all that time,
and kept themselves alive by eating the wool off the others."
The mail was nine days in reaching Portsmouth, and eight in
i
return ng. [But the greatest snow storm of the year occurred
in April. It being so late in the season, however, the effects
were not long visible.]
The town tax, this year, was X237. Mr. Shepard's salary was
eighty-seven pounds; and the rest was for the school, and other
town debts.
It was in one of the great storms of this year, that Samuel
Bellamy's pirate ship, the Whidab, of 23 guns and 130 men, was
wrecked on Cape Cod, and more than one hundred dead bodies
were found on the shore. Six of the survivors were afterward
executed at Boston.
This year Nahant was again without an- inbabitant; James
Mills being dead, and his family removed. His house and land
became the property of Dr. John Henry Burchsted, who, on
the 18tb of December, sold it to Samuel Breed. He built a
house where Whitney's Hotel now stands. He was very small
in stature, and was generally called 11 Governor Breed." He
was born November 11, 1692, married Deliverance Bassett,
June 25, 1720, (the. same who was mentioned as a child in 1692,)
and had five children; Anna, Sarah, Huldab, Nehemiah, and
William. His house became the property of his son Nehemiah,
and his grandson William, by whom it was rebuilt in 1819.
For twenty-four years this house was kept as a hotel, by Jesse
Rice; and was purchased, in 1841, by Albert Whitney. [Mr.
312 ANNALS OF LYNN-1718.
Whitnev is a son-in-law of Mr. Rice, and still [) S64] continues
the pu~lic house.]
Jabez Breed, brother of Samuel, soon after removed to Na-
bant and built a house directly opposite. A few years after-
ward, Richard Hood exchanged his house in NabaDt street for
this. He married Theodate Collins, May 20, 1718, and bad
eight children; Theodate, Jedediah, Content, Rebecca, Hannah,
Patience, Abner and Abigail. His descendants still live at
Nabaut, on the estate of their ancestor.
The third house on Nahant was built by Jeremiah Gray, a
carpenter, and uncle of' Lieutenant Governor William Gray.
This house, about the year 1770, was sold to Jonathan John-
son. [And it afterward became the property of his son, Caleb
JohDson, by whom it is still occupied.]
These were the only three houses on Nahant until the year
1803. Their occupants, were Quakers, and kept no taverns, but
accommodated a few boarders in the summer, and occasionally
made a fish chowder, for parties who visited Nahant from Bos-
`nn and other places.
1718.
In the beginning of this year, Mr. Shepard was unwell; and
a gentleman whose name was Townsend, was employed to preach
five sermons; for which the town paid him fifty shillings. The
Selectmen, on the 5th of March, were directed to employ a
schoolmaster; and in their agreement with him, 11 to have rela-
tion to some help for Mr. Shepard in preaching."
According to tradition - which may not very safely be relied
on in matters of importance, though it may assist in delineating
manners and customs-it was about this time that potatoes were
first introduced into Lynn. Mr. John Newhall received two or
three, which he planted; and when be gathered the produce,
a few of them were roasted and eaten, merely from curiosity;
and the rest were put into the shell of a gourd, and bung up in
the cellar. The next year be planted them all, and had enough
to fill a two bushel basket. He knew not what to do with so
many, and gave some of them to his neighbors. Soon after,
one of them said to him: "Well, I have found that potatoes are
good for something. I had some of them boiled, and ate them
with fish, and they relished very well." It was several years
after this, before potatoes came into general use, and then only
in small quantities. A farmer, who kept a very particular ac.
count of every day's employment, first mentions 11 patatas," as
a common article, in 1733. [But in the Colony Records we
find potatoes named as early as 1628. They were among the
articles to be provided for the Massachusetts settlers and sent
over by the Company, probably for planting. Historians have
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1719. 313
generally supposed they were not known in England before
1653, when some were carried there by Sir John Hawkins,
from Santa Fe. But the above indicates an earlier introduction.
And besides, as Mr. Felt mentions, Bermuda potatoes sold in
our colony, in 1636, for 2d. a pound; but these were probably
what we now call sweet potatoes. The common potato, how-
ever, came slowly into general use. And it seems evident tha ' t
in some places at least it fell under a sort of religious ban;
attributable, as some have thought, to the fact that it is not
mentioned in the Bible; but this cannot have been the case,
as the use of sundry other vegetables which were highly esteem
ed, would, for the same reason have been interdicted. If it be
true that potatoes were brought here as early as 1628, for culti-
vation, as an article of food, it is quite remarkable that almost a
century should have elapsed before they began to be served
upon the table. I know it is generally supposed that they
were not introduced here till about the period indicated by the
traditions alluded to by Mr. Lewis; and that they were brought
by the 11 Scotch Irish" immigrants, as they were called.] '
At this time, tea was little used, and tea-kettles were unknown.
The water Nv as boiled in a skillet; and when the ladies went to
visiting parties, each one carried her tea-cup, saucer, and spoon.
The tea-cups were of the best china ' and very small, containing
about as much as a common wine-glass. Coffee did not come
into use until many years after.
1719.
The northern lights were first mentioned this year, on the 17th
of December. The people were much alarmed at their appear-
ance. The northern hemisphere seemed to be on fire; and it is
said that the coruscations were distinctly beard, like the rustling
of a silken banner. [It is an interesting question, whether this
was the first time that the northern lights were observed here.
If the earlier settlers had seen them it is remarkable that re-
corded descriptions are not found. It seems now to be settled
that intervals of many years, perhaps centuries, do occur in
which they are not seen; and then they suddenly blaze forth
again to the surprise and terror of mankind. I have seen this
peculiarity remarked upon in a history of Iceland. The ancients
have left no account of the phenomenon, tinder the present
name; though some have imagined that it is alluded to in the
book of Job, ch. 37, v. 22 - "Fair weather cometh out of the
north: with God is terrible majesty " - the term rendered 11 fair
weather," meaning also bright light. And the last reading
seems most natural, as there is no 11 terrible majesty 11 con-
ne ' cted with fair weather. The following extract from a curious
letter, dated Chester, 19 June; 1649, may be sufficient to con-
A2
314 ANNALS OF LYNN- 1720.
vince some that the northern lights were seen before this
year: 11 Beino- late out on Saturday night to see my horse eat
0
his Oates, it being past 12 a clock at night, we saw in the North
East, in the Ayre, 2 black Clowdes :firing one against the other,
as if they had been 2 Armies in the Clowdes: The fire was
disserne4 sometimes more and sometimes lesse by us. It was
not a continuing fire, but exactly as if Muskitiers were disebarg-
iDg One against another. Sometimes there could be no fire
scene. and then about half an hour after, we could discerDe the
North Clowde retreat: And so it did till the day began to
appear, and all the while the last Clowde following it, both firing
each at other:, It was the strangest sight that ever I saw, nor
can I relate the exactnesse of it; it was in such a wonderful
manner that I cannot express it." It is not easy to determine
what this was, if it was not-the aurora bo ' realis, though in some
particulars the description does not exactly answer for the
usual appearance at the present day. The wonder-struck ob-
servers, however, could not have supposed that the contending
forces intended much damage to each other, as their shooting
was probably perpendicular and not horizontal.
[The summer of this year was remarkable for copious rains.
In the Boston News Letter, for the week ending 17 August,
appears this paragraph: "It is very remarkable that tbol on last
Lord's Day we had then some Rain, which had been grievous
for about a Month before, that after the Ministers of the several
Meeting Houses had made Intimation to their Congregations
of their intending the Thursday following, that the Publick
Lecture should be turned into a Day of Fasting and Prayer, to beg
of God that He would avert His Judgments in granting suitable
and seasonable Weather, after the great Rains, to ripen and
gather in the Fruits of the Earth, both by Land and Sea, that
that self same Evening the Rain ceased and the sun shone clear
ever since, even before the Day appointed for His people to call
upon Him for these great mercies."]
1720.
The Rev. Jeremiah Shepard was the fourth son of the Rev.
Thomas Shepard, Minister of Cambridge, who came from Tow-
cester, in England, in 1635. His mother, who was his father's
third wife, was Margaret Boradile. He was born at Cambridge,
August 11tb, 1648, and graduated at Harvard College in 1669.
He was the first minister of Lynn, who was born and educated
in America. His brother Thomas was minister of Charlestown,
and his brother Samuel minister of Rowley. In 1675, be
preached as a candidate at Rowley, after the death of his bro-
,ther; and in 1678 at Ipswich. He came to Lynn in 1679,
during the sickness of Mr. Whiting, and was ordained on the
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1720. 315
6th of October, 1680. He was admitted a freeman in the same
year. He resided, at first, in the street which has been called
by his name; and afterward built a house, which, was burnt
down, on the north side of the CommoD, between Mall and Park
streets. In 1689, be was chosen Repres ' entative to the General
-Court; and this is perhaps the only instance in the early history
of New England, in which a minister of the gospel sustained
that office. He died on the 3d of June, 1720, aged seventy-two,
having preached at Lynn forty years.
The life of Mr. Shepard was distinguished by his unvaried
piety. He was one of tbose-plain and honest men, who adorn
their station by spotless purity of character; and has left a name
to which no one can annex an anecdote of inirth, and which no
one attempts to sully by a breath of evil. He was indefatigable
in his exertions for the spiritual welfare of his people ; but his
dark and melancholy views of human nature tended greatly to
contract the circle of his usefulness. It is the practice of many
who attempt to direct us in the way of truth, that, instead of
laying open to us the inexhaustible stores of happiness, which
the treasury of the Gospel affords-instead of drawing aside
the veil which conceals from man's darkened heart the inexpres-
sible joys of the angelic world, and inducing us to follow the
path of virtue, from pure affection to Him who first loved us -
they give unlimited scope to the wildest imaginations that ever
traversed the brain of a human being, and plunge into the un-
fathomable abyss of superstition's darkness, to torture the minds
of the living by stirring up the torments of the dead, and driv-
ing us to the service of God, by unmingled fear of his extermin-
ating wrath. It is not requisite, for the prevalence of truth, that
we should be forever familiar with the shadows that encompass
it. The mind mav dwell upon darkness until it has itself become
dark, and callou; to improvement -or reckless and despairing
of good. That Mr. Shepard's views of human nature, and of
the dispensation of the Gospel, were of the darkest kind, is
evident from the sermons which he has left; and these opinions
unfortunatelv led him to regard the greater part of the christian
world as oi;t of the way of salvation, and to look upon the
crushed remnant of the red men as little better than the wild
beasts of the forest. In alluding to the mortality which pre-
vailed among the Indians, in 1633, he says that 11 the Lord swept
away thousands of those salvage tawnies, those cursed devil
worshipers."
His writings exhibit occasional gleams of genius and beauty;
but they are disfigured by frequent quotations from the dead
languages, and by expressions inconsistent with that nobleness
of sentiment and purity style, which should be sedulously culti!
vated by the young. It was the custom in his time, to prolong
316 ANNALS OF LYNN -, 1720.
the sermon at least one hour, and sometimes it was extended
to two; and a sand glass was placed on the pulpit to measure
the time. In one of his sermons be alludes to this practice:
11 Thou art restless till the tiresome glass be run out, and the
tedious sermon be ended," He published the following works:
1. 11 A Sort of Believers Never Saved." Boston, 1711, 12mo.
2. "Early Preparations for Evil Days." Boston, 1712, 24mo.
3; 11 General Election Sermon." Boston, 1715, 12mo.
[Mr. Shepard does not appear to have been entirely exempt
from the prevailing custom of the early clergy of sometimes
expressing their thoughts in numbers. Few specimens of his
versification, however, are now to be found. In the first edition
of Hubbard's Indian Wars, printed in 1677, is a page of poetry,
following the 11 Advertisement to the Reader," addressed 11 To
the Reverend Mr. William Hubbard, on his most exact History
of Now England Troubles," and signed J. S.; which initials are
generally supposed to refer to Mr. Shepard. A short extract
follows:
When thy rare Piece unto my view once came,
It made my muse that erst did smoke, to flame;
Raising my fancy, so sublime, that I
That famous forked Mountain did espie;
Thence in an Extasie I softly fell
Down near unto the Helliconian Well.
[That the church at Lynn enjoyed a good degree of temporal
prosperity under the ministry of Mr. Shepard seems evident;
and it does not appear that its spiritual progress was not com-
mensurate; though outward prosperity is not a sure indication
of godliness within. The encomiums of Mr. Lewis, so far as they
touch certain points in the character of Mr. Shepard are, no
doubt, well merited; and the reflections on the dark features
are as judicious as direct. But the entire character is not
given. One might infer, from what is said, that be was of a
quiet, retiring disposition; but such, I apprehend, was by no
means the case. He was vigorous, if not passionate. His piety
may have been deep and sincere; and so were his prejudices.
In the troublous times of the Andros administration, he was
more distinguished for political ardor, than cbristian forbearance.
He certainly seems to have secured the attachment of the peo-
ple here; and be could not have had so many friends and held
them so long without possessing some sterling qualities. But
while preaching at Rowley be was almost constantly embroiled
with the people, and became the subject of severe censure. And
there is something mysterious if not significant in the fact that
Cotton Mather says nothing about him. He seems to have
'preached at Rowley and Ipswich not only before he was or-
dained, but before he had become a professor. In a note in
ANNALS OP LYNN - 1720. 3t7
Gage's History of Rowley, page 20, appears this statement: " It
is understood that this Jeremiah Shepard was not a member of
any church, having made no public profession of religion at the
time be preached at Rowley and Ipswich." He commenced
his labors at Rowley, in February, 1673, and continued there
some three years. Gage remarks that be was the cause of
much trouble in the church and town of Rowley. The town
made him a grant, 12 December, 1673, 11 of X50 and one load
of wood from each man who has a team, for his work in the
ministry " for that year. And they further agreed, in 1674, to
give him X50 a year, so long as be continued to preach for
them. There was, however, even then, a respectable minority
who dissented. The troubles increased, and in t676, obstinate
hostility existed between his adherents and opponents. Before
this year closecT, it became apparent that his adversaries had
risen to a decided majority. At a town meeting held 30 January,
1677, a motion was made to 11 invite Mr. Shepard to establish a
monthly lecture." But it failed, and a motion to reconsider was
unsuccessful, wben'tbe meeting." brake up in confusion." Mr.
Shepard sued for his salary of that year, and his suit was con-
tested. Judgment was given in his favor at the Ipswich court,
and the town appealed to the. Court of Assistants. Finally, be
took X20 as payment in full. . The discord attained such an
extremity that the General Court was appealed to. And that
august body, in warm terms, uttered their mandate against all
irregular proceedings, declaring that they had by law 11 made
provision for the peace of the cburcbe~s and a settled ministry
in each town." What their precise view on the questions imme-
diately concerning Mr. Shepard was, does not seem perfectly
clear; but they order that certain of his leading kiends, as
abettors in the turbulence., 11 be admonished, and pay,.as costs,
X6.7.8; " which they certainly would not have done had they
deemed them innocent. Mr. Shepard left Rowley, soon after,
and went to Chebacco parish, Ipswich, now the town of Essex,
where he remained a short time, and then, in 1679, came to
Lynn. I havegiven these passages in his life as exhibiting
points of character which Mr. Lewis does not appear to have
observed. And a biography is never perfect without at least a
glimpse at every principal trait. Mr. Shepard was compara-
tively young, at the time he preached at Rowley; and no doubt
as be gathered experience saw more and more clearly the neces-
sity of restraining his natural temper; yet it would occasionally
assert itself,. to the end of his days.]
The name of Mr. Shepard's wife was Mary. [And she was a
daughter of Francis Wainwright, of Ipswich.] She died March
28, 1710, aged fifty-three years. He had nine children; 1.
Hannah, born 1676, married John Downing, of Boston, 1698.
A2*
318 ANNALS OP LYNN-1720.
2. Jeremiah, born 1677, died 1700. 3. Mebetabel, died 1688.
4. Nathaniel, born June 16, 1681, removed to Boston. 5. Mar
garet, died 1683. 6. Thomas, born August 1, 1687, died 1709.
7. Francis, died 1692. 8. John, married Alice Tucker, 1722.
9. Mehetabel seconkmarried Rev. James Allin of Brookline,
1717.
The following ep;.tapb was transcribed from the grave stone
of Mr. Shepard, with much difficulty, baviDg become nearly
obliterated by the dilapidations of time.
Elijah's mantle drops, the prophet dies,
His earthly mansion quits, and mounts the skies.
So Shepherd's gone.
His precious dust, death's prey, indeed is here,
But Is nobler breath 'mong seraphs does appear;
He joins the adoring crowds about the throne,
He Is coDquered-all, and now be wears the crown.
Rev. Nathaniel HencbmaD, who had been invited, in February,
to settle as a colleague witb Mr. Sliepard, was ordained Minister
of the first parish, in December. His salary was X115; and he
received X160, as a settlement. Twenty persons, " called Qua-
kers," were exempted, some entirely and others in part, from
the payment of parish taxes.
Rev. Nathaniel Sparbawk was ordained minister of the second
parish, now Lynnfield, on the 17tb of August.. His salary was
X70.
Mr. John Lewis was master of the grammar school. The
school was kept in four places; on the Common, at Woodend,
in the west parish, and in the -north parish. [It is probably
intended by this phraseology that the grammar school was a
circulating institution; Dot that there were four schools, but
one school kept a part of the time in each of four places. Yet
John Lewis was not the , only schoolmaster in Lynn about this
time. Samuel Dexter, a son of John Dexter, of Malden I and
afterward minister of the first church in Dedham, taught here.
In his diary be says: 11 Then being Desirous, if it might be, to
Live nigher my friends, by ye Motion of some, I was invited to
keep ye School at Lyn. Wrfore, Quitting my school at Taunton,
I accepted of the Proffers made at Lyn, and, Feb. 17, 1720-21, 1
Began my School at Lyn, in w' I Continued a year ' ; and upon
ye Day yl my Engagement was up there A Committee from
Maldon Came to treat with me in Reference to Maldon school ' ;
w ch proposalls I Complyed with & kept yr school for abt six
weeks & then was mostly, to the present time, [4 Dec. 1722J
,Improv'd in preaching." He was a graduate of Harvard College,
and at the time of taking the school in Lynn, was twenty years
of age. Some of his descendants became eminent for their
talents.]
ANNALS OF LYNN-1721, 1722, 1723. 319
The General Court ordered fifty thousand pounds to be emit-
ted in bills of credit. Of this, Lynn received X124.4 as its
proportion, which was loaned at five per cent. This money,
which was afterward called Old Tenor, soon began to depreciate;
and in 1750, forty-five shillings were estimated at one dollar.
1721.
The small pox prevailed in New England. In Boston, more
than eight hundred persons died. If the small-pox of 1633 was
a judgment upon the Indians, for their erroneous worship, was
not this equally a judgment upon the inhabitants of Boston ?
Some men are very free in dealing out the judgments of,God to
their enemies, while they contrive to escape from the conse-
quence of their own reasoning. If a misfortune comes upon one
who differs from their opinions, it is the vengeance of heaven;
but when the same misfortune becomes their OWD, it is only a
trial. One might suppose that the observation of Solomon, that
11 all things happen alike to all meD,11 and that still more pertinent
remark of our Saviour, respecting the Tower of Siloam, would
teacb men understanding. (Luke 13: 4.) But though be spoke
so plainly, how many do not rightly understand the doctrine of
that inimitable Teacher.
[The Hon. John Burrill, of Lynn, then a Councillor, died of
the dreaded disease, 10 December, aged 63 years. He was one
of the most eminent men that Lynn, or indeed the colony ever
produced. A biograpical notice of him appears elsewhere in
this volume.]
1722.
Between the years 1698 and 1722, there were killed in Lynn
woods and on Nahant, four hundred and twenty-eigbt foxes;
for most of which the town paid tivo shillings each. In 1720,
the town voted to pay no more for killing them, and the number
since this time is unrecorded. We have also Do account of the
immense multitude which were killed during the first seventy
years of the town. If these animals were as plenty in the neigh-
borbood of Zorah, as they were at Lynn, Samson probably had
little difficulty in obtaining his alleged number.
1723.
[A terrific storm took place on Sunday, 24 February. The
tide rose to an unusual height. Mr. Dexter says, in his diary,
there was 11 ye migbtyest overflowing of ye sea yt was almost
ever known in this Country." Rev. Thomas Smith, in his jour-
nal notes it as 11 the greatest storm and highest tide that has
been known in the country." And on the 16th of the preceding
January be says, " This month has been the hottest that ever
320 ANXALS,OP LYNN-1723.
was felt in the country." The hottest January, he probably
means. The Boston News Letter, referring to the storm, says,
11 the water flowed over our Wharffs and in our Streets to a very
surprising height. They say the Tide rose 20 Inches higher
than ever was known before. The storm was very strong at
North-east."
[It is probable that the old Friends' meeting-bouse was built
this year, succeeding the one " raised on Wolf Hill," in 1678.
The land on which it stood was given to the Society by Richard
Estes, "in consideration of the love and good will" be bore to
11 ye people of God called Quakers, in Lyn," by deed dated 11 this
seventeenth day of the tenth month, called December in ye ninth
year of the reign of King George, in the year of our Lord, ac-
cording to the EDglish account, one thousand, seven hundred
and twenty two." The land was given 11 unto ye people afore-
mentioned, to bury their dead in, and to erect a mectiDg house
for to worship God in; I say those in true fellowship of the
gospell unity with the monthly meeting, an(] those are to see to
ye Christian burying as we have been in ye practice of" The
meet * house built this vear was removed to give place to the
1119- n
new house, built in 1816 the same which is the present place
of worship, OCCUPYiDg the rear of the lot and facing on Silsbe
street. The old house may still be seen on Broad street, corner
of Beacb, wbere it stands, occupied by a firm engaged in the
lumber business. The Friends are Dot high eburcbmeD, arid do
not scruple, in common witb most of the. denominations around
them, to take back an edifice that has once been solemnly dedi.
-cated to the service of the Lord, and devote it to worldly pur-
poses. But even this is less. objectionable, to the orderly mind,
than so to devote it while it still remaiDS professedly the Lord's.
[The first mill on Saugus river, at the Boeton street crossing,
was built this year. It was an important undertaking, and the
town records exhibit the public action in the premises. A
privilege was granted, 27 October, 1721, to Benjamin Potter,
Jacob Newhall, and William Curtis, to erect a mill bere. But
they did not complete their project, and, in town meeting,
8 October, 1722, 11 resigned up their grant to the town again."
At the same meeting the privilege was granted to Thomas Cbee-
ver and Ebenezer Merriam, under some coDditioDs: William
Taylor and Josiah Rhodes protesting against the gr~nt- The
mill was soon in operation. In 1729, Merriam sold out to
Cbeever. And in 1738, Josepb Gould, a Quaker, purcbased
the property. He died in 1774, and the premises became dilap-
idated, and for a time remained unfit for use. They were
afterward purchased by George Makepeace, extensive repairs
and additions were made, and the manufacture of snuff and
chocolate commenced. Mr. Makepeace, in 1801, sold the pro.
ANNALS OP LYNN - 1724, 1726, 1727. 821
perty to Ebenezer Larkin, of Boston, and another, though he
still continned to manage the business; and the premises were
afterward re-deeded to him. On the 6th of June, 1812, Ama-
riab Childs bought the estate, and continued the business many
years, with success. In 1844 Mr. Childs sold to Charles Sweet-
ser. Saugus is undoubtedly, directly and indirectly, greatly
indebted to these mills for her prosperity.]
1724.
The eastern Indians recommenced their hostilities early in
the spring. On the 17th of April they attacked a sloop from
Lynn, at the mouth of Kennebunk river, commanded by Captain
John Felt, of Lynn, who went there for a load of spars. He
had engaged two youm_r men, William Wormwood and Ebenezer
Lewis to assist him. While standing on the raft, Capt. Felt was
shot dead. Lewis fled to the mill, wben a ball struck him on
the bead and killed him instantly. The ball was afterward
found to be flattened. Wormwood ran ashore, closely pursued
by several Indians, and with his back to a stump defended himself
with the butt of his musket, until he was killed by several balls.
They were all buried in the field near Butler's rocks, and
Capt. Felt's grave stones were standing but a few years since.
1726.
A ship yard was open at Lynn, where the wharves have
since been built, near Liberty Square. Between this year and
1741, two brigs and sixteen schooners were built. (Collins's
Journal.) It is said that before the first schooner was launched,
a great number of men and boys were employed, with pails, in
filling her with water, to ascertain if she was tight. [Such a
way of trying new vessels was common down to the time of the
Revolution, and was not unknown for some years after.
[At the Salem Court, this year, X13.15 were awarded to Na-
tbaniel. Potter, for three pieces of linen manufactured at Lynn.]
[The bridge over Saugus river was repaired this year, the
county bearing two thirds of the expense.
[News of the death of the King was received in Lynn, 14
August, and George II. immediately proclaimed.
. P This was a very bott August, throughout," says Jeremiah
Bumstead, in his diary of this year.1
An earthquake happened on the 29th of October, about twenty
minutes b~fore eleven, in the evening. The noise was like the
roaring of a cbimney on fire, the sea was violently agitated, and
the stone walls and chimneys were thrown down. Shocks of
earthquakes were continued for- many weeks; and between this
21
322 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1728, 1729.
time and, 1744,'tbe Rev. Mathias Plant, of Newbury, has recorded
nearly two buDdred shocks, some of which were loud and vio-
lent. [A memorandum in an interleaved almanac, made by
James Jeffrey, of Salem, speaks of this as the most terrible
earthquake ever known in New England, the first shock being
of two minutes' duration, and there being a succession of shocks
during the week. Rev. Benjamin Colman, in a letter to bis
daughter, dated Boston, 30 October, 1727, says: " My dear
Child: No doubt you felt ye awful and terrible shock of yo
Earthquake on ye last Night, about half an hour after ten; and
some of yo after trembliDgs at eleven and before twelve again,
and about three and five toward morning. Ye first shock- was
very great with us and very surprising. We were all awake,
being but just got into bed, and were soon rais'd and sat up till
two in Y. morning, spending ye time in humble cries to God for
our selves and our neilbours, and in ferveDt praises to him for
our. singular preservations. Your mother and sister were ex-
ceeding thankful yl I was not with you; that is to say, not
absent from them, as we were proposing on tbursday last. And
as God hasordered it- I hope it is much ye best. We long to
hear from you, bow you do after such a terrifying dispensation
to ye whole land. We bear from Dedham, Watertown,'Concord,
Chelmsford, Lyn, &c. that ye shake was ye same, and about y,
same time, with them that it was wt' us. It remains a loud call
to ye whole land to repent, feai, and give glory to God. God
sanctify ye rod wc' be has shook over us for our humiliation and
reformation." [A fast wa- held throughout the province, on
Thursday, 21 December, or, accou ' nt of the earthquake.]
The town, on the 22d of November, fixed the prices of grain;
wheat at 6s,, barley and rye at 5s., Indian corn at 3s., and oats
at Is. 6d. a bushel.
1728
The General Court having, the preceding year, issued sixty
thousand pounds more, in bills of credit, the town received
X130.4, as its proportion, which was loaned at four per ce'nt.
. A school,house was built in Laighton's lane, now Franklin
street.
1729.
A great snow storm happened on the 15th of February, during
which there was much thunder and lightuing.
The General Court was held at Salem, on the 28th 0 of May, in
consequence of the measles at Boston.
At the request of the first parish, Mr. Henchman relinquished
his salary of X115, trusting entirely to the generosity of the
people for his support; in his own words,." depending on what
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1730, 1731. 323
encouragement hath been given me, of the parish doing what
may be handsome for the future." At the end of the year, the
contribution amounted to X143.1.4.
1730.
On Sunday evening, 12 April, there was an earthquake.
On Monday, 24 August, 11 Governor Jonathan Belcher went
through Lynn, and the people paid their respects to him in an
extraordinary manner." (Collins.)
On the 31st of August Mr. Andrew Mansfield was killed in a
well, at Lynnfield, by a stone falling on his head.
On the 22d of October, the northern lights appeared very
brilliant and awful, flashing up in red streams.
1731.
The Rev. Nathaniel Sparbawk was dismissed from the pastoral
charge of the north parish, now Lynnfield, on the first of July,
having preached eleven years. He was a son of Mr. Nathaniel
Sparbawk of Cambridge. He was born in 1694, and graduated
at Harvard College in 1715. He was ordained August 17, 1720;
and died May 7, 173~; about one year after his separation from
that church. A. part of bis people had become dissatisfied with
him, and some, whom he considered his friends, advised him to
ask a dismission, in order to produce tranquillity. He asked a
dismission, and it was unexpectedly grAnted. A committee was
then chosen to wait on him, and receive the church records;
but he refused to deliver them. Soon after, be took to his bed,
and is supposed to have died in consequence of his disappoint-
ment. I have sixteen papers of his hand writing, the confes-
sions of faith of his wife and other members of his church. He
married Elizabeth Perkins, who died May 12, '1768, aged 68
years. He had four children. 1. Elizabeth, 2. Nathaniel, 3.
Edward Perkins Sparhawk, born July 10, 1728, and graduated
at Harvard College in 1753. He married Mehetab ' el Putnam,
1759. He was never ordained though he preached many times
in the pariibes of Essex. I have twenty-six of his manuscript
sermons, and seventeen interleaved almanacs. He appears not
to have approved the settlement of Mr. Adams as minister of
the parish for which be was a candidate, and calls him "old
Adams, the reputed teacher of Lynnfield.11 He is the first per-
son whom I found in our records, having three names. The
custom of giving an intermediate name seems not to have been
common, till more than one hundred years after the settlement
of New England. 4. John, born October 24, 1730, was appren-
ticed as a shoemaker, and afterward became a physician in Phil.
adelpbia.
Rev. Stephen Chase, of Newbury, was ordained minister of
324 ANNALS OP LYNN - 1732, 1733) 1736) 1737, 1738.
the second parish, on the 24tb of November. His salary was
X100.
On the 3d of August, the school-house was removed from
Franklin street to Water Hill.
1732.
[A severe northeast snow storm took place on the night of the
6th of April. A memorandum in an interleaved almanac says:
Very wett going to the Fast."]
On the 5th of September, there was an earthquake without
noise.
In October, an epidemic cold affected most of the people in
Lynn. It ranged through America, and passed to Europe.
(Collins.)
1733.
A settlement was begun at Amherst, in New Hampshire, by
people from Lynn.
A memorandum respecting the town Meeting, on the 5th
of March, says: " At this meeting we had a great debate and
strife, so that the town was much in a hubbub." (Collins.)
. [The following appears on the Lynnfield church records:
"Dee. ve 20, 1733, at a Chb. meeting. Voted that every Com-
municant of this Chb. shall pay three pence every Sacrament
day, in Order to make provision for the Lord's table."]
1736.
1
,The first meetiDg-bouse in the third parish, now Saugus, was
built this year.
'On the 4th of September, Thomas Hawkes was drowned.
1737. -
On Sunday, 6 February, there was an earthquake, says Col-
lins's journal.
Square toed shoes went out of fashion this year, and buckles
began to be used. [It too ' k buckles about three years to get
into general use. Square toed shoes were again in use in 1833Y
and continued for about seven years. They are now again in
fashion, and ought never to give place to the cramping round
or pointed toe.]
1738.
On the 31st of March, two houses were burnt; one of which
belonged to Mr. Edmund Lewis, and the other to Mr. John
Hawkes. -
Mr. Richard Mower was schoolmaster.
The town tax was X119.16.10.
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1739Y 1740) 1741. 325
1739.
On the 3d of March, Mr. Tbeopbilus Burrill's barn was burnt.
Rev. Edward Cheever was ordained minister of the third
parish, now Saugus, on Wednesday, the 5th of December.
Mr. Edmund Lewis and Mr. Ralph Lindsey, were chosen by
the town, to enforce the act of the General Court) to prevent
the' destruction of deer.
1740.
A fatal disease, called the throat distemper, prevailed in Lynn,
and many fell victims to it. In October, six children died in
one week. (Collins.)
[The summer was uncommonly wet.]
In a great snow storm, on the 17th of December, a schooner
was wrecked on Nahant rocks.
The winter was exceedingly cold, with many storms. The
rivers were frozen in October. Snow began to fall on Thanks-
giving day, November 13, and on the 4th of April following it
covered the fences. (Collins.)
1741.
The winter of 1711, was perhaps the coldest ever known in
New England, since its. settlement. Francis Lewis, signer of
the Declaration of Independence, drove his horse from New
York to Barnstable, the whole length of Long Island Sound, on
the ice. I
"For these 3 weeks we have had a continued series of ex-
treme cold,weatber, so that our harbors and rivers are entirely
frozen up. On Charles river a tent is erected for the entertain-
ment of travellers. From Point Alderton along the south shore,
the ice is continued for the space of above 20 miles." (Boston
Post Boy, Jan. 12.)
J`
11 People ride every day from, Stratford, Con,, to Long Island,
which is three leagues across, which was never known before."
(Boston News Letter, March 5.)
11 W6 hear that great numbers of horses, cattle, and sheep, are
famishing for want of food. Three hundred sheep have died on
Slocum's Island, and 3000 on Nantucket. Neat cattle die in
great numbers." Some farmers offered half their cattle for the
support of the rest till May, " but in vain." (Same, 26 March.)
Dorchester, March 28. People from Thompson's Island
Squantum, and the adjacent neighborhood, have come fifteen
Sabbaths successively upon the ice to our meeting." (Same,
2 April.)
A letter dated at New London, on the ninth of July, five days
later than our day of Independence, says: 11 There is now at
B2
326 ANNALS OF LYNN- 1742, 1 7143, 1744.
Lyme on the east side of Connecticut river, at a saw mill, a
body of ice, as large as two cartz; can draw, clear and solid, and
I believe might lay there a month longer, were it not that so
many resort, out of curiosity, to drink puDcb made of it." (Same,
27 July.)
On the 17th of July, a mass of " snow-congealed into ice,
lay at Ipswich, " nearly four foot thick." (Same, 22 July.)
A difference had existed for several years, between Mr. Henchman
and his parish, in consequence of their refusal to make so
large an addition as he desired to his salary, on which he declined
to accept it. This year be offered to preach lectures to them
gratuitously, for which be received their thanks, and an increase
of his salary.
Great cqmmotions were excited in the neighboring towns,
by Mr. Wbitefield's preaching. In some places, meetings were
held almost every evening; and exbOrtatiODs and prayers were
offered by women and children, which had never before been
done in New England.
1742.
The Rev. George Whitefield preached in Lynn. An evening
meeting on the 11th of March, is thus noticed. 11 This evening
sundry young persons were struck, as they call it, in the reli-
gious manner. This is the first of so in our town." (Collins.)
On the 18th of June, Mr. Nathaniel Collins's house was struck
by lightning.
On the 12th of October, Mr. Jonatball Norwood fell from a
fishing boat, near Nahant, and was taken up dead.
1743.
[A memorandum, 27 June, says, "Multitudes of worms eat
almost every green thing in the ground."] -
On the 13th of July, Mr. Moses Norwood, of Lynn, was
drowned at Bostoij.
1744.
On Sunday morning, June 3d., there was an earthquake, suffi-
ciently violent to throw down stone wall. It was repeated on
the 20tb. (Collins.)
On the 14tb, a small company of men were impressed, to be
sent, with other troops from Massachusetts, against the French
and Indians, who were making depredations On the northern
frontier. The town was furnisbed with a stock of powder,
which was stored in a closet beneath the pulpit of the first
parish meeting-house.
On the 31st of December, Mr. Tbeopliilus Yerriara was found
dead on the ice, on Saugus river.
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1745, 1746. 327
1745.
On the evening of March 9tb, 6ere was a night arch.
Rev. George White6eld came to Lynn, on the 3d of July, and
requested Mr. Henchman's permission to preach in his meeting-
house, which was refused. Some of the people resolved that
he should have liberty to preach; and taking the great doors
from Mr. Tbeophilus Hallowell's barn, and placing them upon
-some barrels, they made a stage, on the eastern part of the
Common, from which he delivered his address. [The barn
alluded to was an outbuilding belonging to the Hallowell house,
which still stands on North Common street, the second east
from St. Stephen's church. It did Dot then belong to Mr.
Hallowell, who was not born till 1750, but to Benjamin Newhall,
,who built the house, and whose daughter Mr. Hallowell ' many
years after, married. Mr. Newhall was town clerk, and diea
during the Revolution.] Mr. Whitefield also delivered a dis-
course, standing on the platform of the whipping-post, near the
first parish meeting-house. On the first application and refusal,
Mr. Henchman addressed a letter, in a printed pamphlet, to the.
Rev. Stepbeu Chase, of Lynnfield, containing reasons for declin-
ing to admit Mr. Whitefield into his pulpit. Some of these
reasons were that Mr. Whitefield had disregarded and violated
the most solemn vow, which he took when he received orders
in the Church of England, and pledged himself to advod'ate and
maintain her discipline and doctrine -that he had intruded into
places where regular churches were established- that be used
vain boasting, and theatrical gestures, to gain applause -that
he countenanced screaming, trances, and epileptic fallings -that
he had defamed the character of Bishop Tillotson, and slandered
the colleges of New England. To this letter, Mr. William Hob-
by, minister of Reading, made a reply; and Mr. Henchman
rejoined in a second letter. The controversy extended through-
out New England7, and many pamphlets were written, both for
and against Mr. Whitefield. Some good seems to have been
done by him, in awakening the people to a higher sense of the
importance of piety; but seeking only to awaken them, and not
direct them to the Church, of which he was a minister, they
were left to form new separations, and to build up other sys-
tems of faith.
1746.
A packet schooner, commanded by Capt. Hugh Alley, passed
from Lynn to Boston. It continued to sail for many years, and
was a great convenience.
On the 18th of August, there was a frost, sufficient to damage
the corn.
328 ANNALS OF LYNNI - 1747, 1749, 1750.
1747.
The Rev. Edward Cheever relinquished his connection with
the third parish, of which be had- been minister for eight
years. Ile was a son of Mr. Thomas Cbeever, of Lynn, and
was born May 2, 1717. He graduated at Harvard College, in
1737, and was ordained in 1739. He removed to Eastham, where
be died, August. 24, 1794, aged 77 years.
1749.
The drought of this summer was probably never exceeded in
New England. The preceding year had been unusually dry,
but this was excessively so. There was but little rain from the
6th of May to the 6th of July. A memorandurn on the 18th of
July, by Collins, says: " Extreme hot dry weather, such as has
not been known in the memory of man -so scorched that the
creatures can but just live for the want of grass." The effect
of the drought was so great, that hay was imported from England.
Immense multitudes of grasshoppers appeared. They were so
plenty on Nahant, that the inhabitants walked together, with
bushes in their bands, and drove them, by thousands, into the
sea. [And this is the year in which it is said the good bishop
of Lausanne pronounced the frightful sentence of excommunica.
tion against caterpillars.]
1750.
John Adam Dagyr, a shoemaker, from Wales, came to Lynn.
He was one of the best workmen for ladies' shoes, who had
ever appeared in the town. At the time of his arrival, the
business of shoemaking at Lynn was very limited, and the
workmen unskillful. There were but three men who conducted
the business so extensively as to employ journeymen. These
were John Mansfield, Benjamin Newhall, and William Gray,
grandfather of William Gray, Lieutenant Governor of Massacbu-
setts. The workmen had frequently obtained good shoes from
England, and taken them to pieces, to discover bow they were
made. By the instruction of Mr. Dagyr, they were soon enabled
to produce shoes nearly equal to the best imported from EDg-
land. Shoemakers, from all parts of the town, went to him for
information; and he is called, in the Boston Gazette of 1764,
11 the celebrated shoemaker of Essex." He resided on Boston
street, -not far from the foot of Mall. He married Susanna New.
hall., in 1761, and had tbree children, Caroline, Sarah, and Joseph.
Like many who have consulted the 'public interest more than
their own, he was poor, and died in the Lynn alms-house, in
1808.
[Quite an excitement prevailed regarding the raising of silk.
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1751, 1752Y 1753P 1755. 329
worms and manufacture of silk; but it died away without im-
portant results. Numerous mulberry trees, however, were
planted, which continued to yield their delicate fruit, for many
years.]
On the night of July 2, Mr. Robert Mansfield's house, near the
Flax pond, was struck by lightning.
1751.
On the 8th of February, Capt. Benjamin Blaney, of Swampscot,
fell from his horse, at Malden, and was taken up dead.
[On the 10th of April, there was so great-a snow storm that
the fences were covered. It was thought to have been the
greatest since 1717.]
1752.
Rev. Joseph Roby was ordained minister of the third parish,
now Saugus, in August.
The school house was removed from Water Hill, to its former
place in Franklin street, on the 29th of September; and on the
27th of November ' it was again removed to the eastern part
of the Common.
The selectmen were allowed two shillings a day for their
services.
Dr. Nathaniel Henchman was schoolmaster.
1753.
Many sheep having been killed by wild animals, the-people
assembled, on the 6th of August, and ranged through the woods,
to kill the wolves and foxes. On the 27th, a great number
of the inhabitants of Lynn, Salem, and Reading, met and spent
the day, in endeavoring to clear the forest of them.
[The General Court this year ordered that all persons having
barberry bushes growing on their lands, should extirpate them
before the 10th of June, 1760. And the surveyors of highways
were required to destroy all growing by the roadside within
the specified time, or the towns should pay two shillings for
every one left standing. The reasons for this order were that
those bushes had so much increased that the pasture lands
were greatly encumbered; and it was imagined that something.
flew off " from them that blasted the English grain.
1755.
A shop, on the Common, belonging to Mr. Benjamin James,
was burnt, on the 4th of February. On the 24th, a schooner,
from Salem, was cast away on Short Beach, at Nahant. (ColliDs.)
On Sunday, April 27tb, the Society of Friends, for the first
time, had two meetings in one day. (Collins.)
B2*
Rev. Stephen Chase, resigned the care of the second parish,
now Lynnfield. He graduated at Harvard University, in 1728,
and was ordained November 24. 1731. He married Jane Win.
get, of Hampton, in 1732; and his children, born at Lynn, were,
Abraham, Stephen, Jane, Stephen, second, and Mary. He re-
moved to Newcastle, in New Hampshire, where he settled and
died.
Mr. Benjamin Adams, was installed minister of the second
parish, on the 5th of November.
The greatest earthquake ever known. in New England,
happened on Tuesday, the 18tb of November ' at fifteen minutes
after four, in the morning. It continued about four minutes.
Walls and chimneys were thrown down, and -clocks stopped.
On the following Saturday, there was another earthquake. (Col-
lins.)'-. On the first of this month Lisbon was destroyed. [It
was very destructive, from Maryland to Halifax, in many places.
More than fifteen hundred cbimneys were thrown down or shat.
tered, in Boston; some twelve brick houses had their gables
thrown down; and the spindle of the vane on the market house
was broken off. It does not appear that any greater damage
was done in Lynn than the injuries to walls and cbimneys. Its
direction seemed to be from the northwest. In the West Indies
the sea rose six feet, having first subsided, leaving the vessels
dry at the wharves. In this vicinity the air was calm, the sky
clear, and a bright moon sbining; bui the sea was roaring in a
portentous manner.]
A whale, seventy-five feet in length, was landed on King's
Beach, on the 9th of December. Dr. Henry Burebsted rode
into his mouth, in a chair drawn by a horse; and afterward bad
two of his bones set up for gate posts, at his house in Essex
street, where they stood for more than fifty years. [Opposite
the Doctor's house, the cot of Moll Pitcher, the celebrated for-
tune teller, stood. And many were the sly ]Inquiries, from
strangers, for the place where the big whale bones were to be
seen.]
In the eastern French and Indian wari Governor Lawrence,'
of Nova Scotia sent to Massachusetts, in the course of two
years, about 2000 French Catholic Neutrals, who were quar-
tered in different places. Lynn had fourteen. - Thomas Lewis
supplied them with provisions; and among the items of his bill
are 432 quarts of milk, at six pence a'gallon. The war continued
until 1763.
1756.
The manuscript of Dr. John Perkins gives a long and partic-
ular relation of a singular encounter of wit, had between Jona-
than Gowen, of Lynn, and Joseph Emerson, of Reading. They
330 ANNALSOF LYNN - 1756.
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1757) 1758. 331
met, by appointment, at the tavern in Saugus, and so great was
the number of people, that-they removed to an adjacent field.
The Reading champion was foiled, and went home in great
chagrin. Dr. Perkins says that the exercise of Gowen's wit
14-was beyond all human imagination." But be afterward fell
into such stupidity, that the expression became proverbial -
11 You are as dull as Jonathan Gowen." [The championship, in
such an exercise, is much more worthy of being striven for
than the championship in those pugilistic encounters which
are the delight of this refined age. But a bloody nose is more
easily appreciated by most people than an intellectual achive-
ment.]
There was an earthquake on the 8th of July, at fifteen minutes
after two o'clock. (Collins.) [A witness says of this earth-
quake, " it seemed as though some small bod was swiftly roll-
ing along under the earth, which gently raised up that part
of the surface that was over it, and then left it as gently to
subside."]
On the 6th of February, two merchant vessels, from London,
valued at one hundred thousand pounds, were wrecked- on Lynn
Beach.
On the afternoon of Sunday, August 14, the people were
alarmed, during meeting time, by the beating of drums; and on
the next day, twenty men were impressed, and marched to
Springfield. (Pratt.)
On the 6th of December, Lord Loudon's regiment, in mareb.
ing through Woodend, took a boy named Nathaniel Low, living
with Mr. Zaccheus Collins. His master followed the regiment
into Marblehead, and on his solicitation, being a Quaker, the
boy was released. This regiment had for some time been
quartered in Boston, where Lord Loudon sported his coach and
six horses. (Collins.) [The regiment is judged to have been
a rather unruly one, from the frequent complaints made by the
citizens.]
1758.
Thomas Mansfield, Esq., was thrown from his horse, on Friday,
January 6, and died the next Sunday.
A company of soldiers, from Lynn, marched for Canada, on
the twenty-third of May. Edmund Ingalls and Samuel Mudge
were killed.
In a thunder shower, on the 4th of August, an ox, belonging
to Mr. Henry Silsbe, was killed by lightning.
A sloop from Lynn, commanded by Capt. Ralph Lindsey, was
cast away, on the 15th of August, near Portsmouth.
Chapter 2 - History of Lynn Massachusetts - Annals 1791 - 1813
354 ANNALS OF LYNN- 1791
1791.
Until this year, there were but two religious denominations
in Lynn-tbe First Congregational Church and the Society of
Friends. This year the First Methodist Society was organized.
The Rev. Jesse Lee, a preacher of that persuasion, came to
Lynn on the 14th of December previous, and was so successful
in preaching at private houses, that on the 20th of February a
society was ).ormed; and on the 21st of June a house of worship
was raised, which was dedicated on the 26tb of the same month.
This was the first Methodist meetiDg-bouse in Massachusetts.,
Several members of the First Congregational Church united
with this society; among whom were the two deacons, who
took with them the vessels of the communion service. These
vessels consist of four large silver tankards, eleven silver cups,
and one silver font for baptism; presented to the church by
John Burrill, Theopbilus Burrill, and John Breed. The removal
of this plate occasioned a difference between the societies, and
the Congregational Church was compelled to borrow vessels,
for the communion, from the church at Saugus. The deacons
afterward offered to return one balf; aud in PIVOF~'t of _V1_
ecution they reliDquished the whole. It is a fact woriby 0~
notice, that the First Congregational Church, which had opposed
and persecuted the Quakers and the Baptists, was at one time
so reduced, that only three male members remained. In 1794,
this church invited those of its members who had seceded to
the Methodist Society, to be reunited; and within a few years,
one of the deacons and several of the members returned. The
first stationed minister of the Methodists was Rev. Amos G.
Thomson. The frequent changes of the ministers of the persua-
sioD, render it inconvenient to keep an account of them. They
are regarded as belonging to the Conference, or society at large;
and, like the apostles, they " have no certain dwelling place."
May their rest be in heaven!
[It is proper to add in this connection, that the Methodists
have taken a very differeDt view of the facts regarding their
possession and detention of the church plate, from that taken
by the Congregationalists, maintaining that there was nothing
illegal or unfair in what they did - tbat.tbey were in a majority
before withdrawing from the old society, but were held as legal
members and taxed for its support -that the deacons were the
rightful custodians of the sacred vessels and had not been
displaced - that they generously abstained from any attempt to
possess themselves of the house of worship, and withdrew and
erected an edifice for themselves. They further assert that
an eminent counsellor was consulted, who assured them they
were in the right. But does all this make out a case? With.
ANNALS OF LYNN-1791. 355
out pausing to consider what attitude the affair might have
assumed had the Methodists remained and outvoted the Con.
gregationalists, let us look at the facts just as they were. The
Methodists withdrew- I, seceded." to use Mr. Lewis's term.
The plate was given to "The First Church of Christ in Lynn "-
as the inscriptions on the different articles prove. Now did
the seceders claim to be that First Church ? Why, no; they
claimed to be Methodists -a new denomination, and one un-
known in the world at the time the pious donors gave the
vessels. They did not revolutionize the old society, but sece-
ded from it. And in the great political secession of 1861, when
the seceders appropriated all the property of the United States
on which they could lay bands, what did we call them? If the
communion vessels of a church are rightfully in possession of
the deacons, they are there in trust and are -not such property
as attaches to the person. Could erroneous legal advice have
been received? Implicit faith in the instructions of his coun-
sel may be admired in any party. But notwithstanding the
proverbial discernment and integrity of lawyers, it nevertheless
has been known that while advocating the interests of opposing
parties they have slightly differed; sometimes, perhaps, leaning
most strongly toward the side from which they received their
fees. Something like this happened here; for it seems that the
Congregationalists as well as the Methodists consulted most
able counsel, and that each party received assurance tbat-they
were in the right.
[It is -not at all necessary for a moment to impute any evil
intpnt to the Methodists; for there was opportunity enough
for honest mistake, in the outset; and as the contest increased
in warmth it was not natural that their perception of the rights
of the,other side should become more clear. Tho deacons who
had charge of the plate, appear to have been men of excellent
character. And it is evident, too, that the old church did not
conceive the conduct'of the seceders to be such as'to preclude
them from a cordial invitation to return. And Deacon FarriDg-
ton did, among others, return.
[This was a period when church difficulties were beginning
to occur on every hand. Worse experiences than those which
overtook the Old Tunnel befell some others of the societies
which had been planted and nurtured amid the privations of the
first settlements. Lawsuits, with their long trains of evils, in.
tervened. And the decisions of the supreme court, in certain
instances, fail to increase our respect for that august tribunal.
It is a singular fact that the First Church of Lynn is almost
the only one of the early Massscbusetts churches that has main.
tained her intearity in doctrine - that has adhered to the Calvin'_
istic faith. AT~d perhaps her early experience with the Quakers
356 ANNALS OP LYNN - 1792.
ind subsequent conflicts with the Methodists, sa ved her from
ffbat in the view of some of her devoted children would have
oeen the greatest of all calamities, to wit, the instating -of
Unitarianism.]
The eighteenth of December was the coldest day known for
many years. The thermometer was twenty degrees below zero.
1792.
Rev. Obadiah Parsons relinquished his connection with the
first parish on the 16th of July. He was born at Gloucester,
graduated at Cambridge in 1768, and was installed at Lynn,
February 4, 1784, where he preached eight years. He returned
to Glouc ' ester, where he died in December, 1801. His first ivife
was Elizabeth Wiggleswortb; his second, Sally Coffin. He had
nine ebildren; Elizabeth W., William, Sally C., William and Sally
.0. again, Obadiah, Polly, Harriet, Sally. [Mr. Parsons likewise
taught the school near the east end of the Common. After his
return to his native place, be there taught for several years,
and performed the duties of justice of the peace. His first wife
belonged to one of the most eminent families in the colony.
And it is enough to say of his own family, that it gave to the
commonwealth the most able chief justice who ever graced her
bench. His son William studied medicine, and was su~geon's
mate on board the frigate Constitution while quite a young
man. His son Obadiah was remarkable for early mental devel-
opment, but received injury from inteDse application, and died a
little before be would have attained his majority. Elizabeth,
the eldest daughter, born in 1770, was married to Amos Rhodes,
who lived on the east side of' Federal street, and was a ma~ of
property and standing. Polly, who was born in 1784, was
married to Jabez HitebiDgs, a citizen long well known.
[Before Mr. Parsons came to Lynn be was settled over the
Squam parish, in Gloucester, which be left, in consequence of
charges of a gross nature made against him by a female member.
A co ' uncil was held to examine into the allegations, and before
it be made a strong defense. The result of the examination
appears in the following votes: 11 1. That the charge or coin-
plaint made against the Rev. Mr. Obadiah Parsons was not sup-
ported., 2. That, nevertheless, consideriug the great alienation
of affection, especially on the part of his people, (nearly one
half having left his ministry,) and the little prospect there is of
furtber usefulness amODg them, we think it expedient, and advise
as prudent, that the pastoral relation be dissolved." The coun-
cil also made a report which was accepted by church and pastor.
Ind Mr. Babson, in his valuable History of Gloucester says the
.church made application for a parish meeting to be called to
act upon the doings of the council; which meeting was held
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1793. 357
on the 15th of November, and resulted in the refusal of the
parish to accept the decision of the council. And they further
voted, unanimously, under an article in the warrant for a pre-
vious m6eting adjourned to the same day, that Mr. Parsons be
dismissed from the work of the gospel ministry. One would
think that this action clearly enough indicated the prevalent
opinion regarding the guilt of Mr. Parsons. Nevertheless, the
Lynn church gave him a call. And, under all the circumstances,
one may almost be pardoned for the suggestion that some evil
spirit governed their course, in the hope that thereby the church
would be broken up.
[As might have been expected, the society was not prosper-
ous under the ministry of Mr. Parsons. And there were not
wanting stories of his moral delinquencies while in our midst.
If be were innocent, he was greatly sinned against, and very
unfortunate in being involved in suspicious circumstances. He
was unquestionably a man of talents, learning, and pleasing
manners, and under other circumstances might have been an
instrument of much good. I have been informed by one of our
most aged and intelligent citizens, who was a pupil at his school,
that he would frequently send by the scholars his compliments
to their mothers with the message that be would call and
take tea with them. But his reputation was such that notwith-
standing the sacred relation be sustained, the return message
that it would not be convenient to entertain him would occa-
sionally come. He lived in the Lindsay house, as it is now
called, on South Common street, the second west from the
corner of Pleasant.]
The ship Commerce, of Boston, was wrecked on the coast of
Arabia, on the 10th of July. One of the crew was Jame7s Lar-
rabee, of Lynn, who suffered almost incredible hardships, being
robbed by the Bedouins, and compelled to travel buDdreds of
miles over the burning sands, where be saw his companions
daily perishing by hunger, thirst, and beat. He finally arrived
-it kuscat, where be was relieved and sent home by the English
consul. Of thirty-four men, only eight survived.
On the 10tb of August Joshua Howard, aged twenty-nine,
went into the water, after laboring hard upon the salt marsh,
and was immediately chilled and drowned.
[Widow Elizabeth Phillips died on the 11th of December,
aged a hundred years.]
1793.
This year the post office was established at Lynn, at the corner
of Boston and Federal streets. Col. James hobinson was the
first postmaster. [He died in 1832; and a brief notice of him
will appear under that date.]
358 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1794.
A boat, containing five persons, was overset, near the mouth
of Saugus river, on the 14th of December, and three persons
drowned. These were John Burrill, aged 67, William Whitte-
more, aged 27, and William Crow, aged 15 years. They had
been on an excursion of pleasure to the Pines; the afternoon
was pleasant, and as they were returning, the boat was struck
by a squall, which frightened them, and caused them to seek
the shore, which they probably would have gained, had not one
of them jumped upon the side of the boat, which caused it to
be overset. Two of them swam to the shore in safety. Mr.
Burrill and the boy also gained the beach, but died in a few
minutes.
Dr. John Flagg died on the 27th of May. He was a son of
Rev. Ebenezer-Flagg, of Chester, N. H., born in 1743, and
graduated at Cambridge, in 1761. In 1769, he came to Lynn,
where his prudence and skill soon secured him the coDfidence
of the people. He was chosen a member of the Committee of
Safety, in 1775, and received a COMMiMiOD as C01OD61. His
wife was Susanna Fowle, and be had one daughter, Susanna,
who marned Dr. James Gardner.
[EbeDezer Burrill discovered an old tan vat, at Swampscot,
which evidently belonged to the tannery on KiDg's brook,
which was in operation in 1743, and took froni it a side of
leather which had doubtless lain there forty years. Near a
branch of the same brook Mr. Burrill also found relies of an
ancient brick kiln.]
1794.
On the. 17tb of May, there was a great frost.
Resi. Thomas Cushing Tb0cber was ordained minister of the
First Parish, on the 13th of August.
A Dew school-bouse was this year built by a few individuals
and purchased by the town. Six hundred and sixty-six dollars
were granted for the support of schools.
In the prospect of a war with France, the government of the
United States required an army of eighty thousand men to be
in preparation. SeVeDty-five men were detached from Lynn.
The town gave each of them twenty-tbree shillings, and voted
to increase their wages to ten dollars a month.
[The manufacture of snuff was commenced at Makepeace's
mill, on Saugus river, by Samuel Fales. Two mortars, formed
by iimming out a couple of rough buttonwood logs, were set
up. And this was the beginning of a business which became
profitable.
[Christmas day was so warm that at noon the thermometer
stood at eighty, and boys went in to swim. Such a thing was
probably never known here, before or since.]
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1795) 1796. 359
1795.
in' a great storm, on the night of the 9tb of December, the
Scottish brig Peggy, Captain John Williamson, from Cape Bre-
ton, was wrecked near the southern end of Lynn Beach. She
was laden with dried fish, consigned to Thomas Amory, of Bos-
ton. There were twelve men on board, Only one of whom,
Hugh Cameron, of Greenock, in Scotland escaped. He was
ordered into the loDg-boat, to make fast the tackle, when the
same wave separated it from the vessel, and swept his unfor-
tunate comrades from their last hold of life. The vessel was
completely wrecked, being dashed to pieces upon the hard sand,
and the fragments of the vessel, the cargo, and the crew, were
scattered in melanchQ]y ruin along the beach. The bodies of
eight, of the drowned men were recovered, and on the I Ith,
they were buried from the First Parish meeting-house, where
an affecting sernioD was preached by Rev. Mr. Thatcher, from
Job I : 19P 11 And I only am escaped alone I " During the dis-
course, Hugh Cameron stood in the centre aisle.
[In Dwigbtps Travels it is stated that during no summer for
eighty years was there so much rain as during that of t795.
For ten weeks, commencing in the middle of June, it rained
at least a part of half the days.
[Massey's Hall, so called ', was built this year. It was on
Boston street, a few rods west of Federal, and is believed to
have been the first public hall in Lynn. Here the Republican
and Democratic caucuses were held. The first dancing school
was opened in this ball, in 1800.
[The schooner Dove, of about twenty tons, was this year
purchased by James Phillips, Jonathan Blaney, and others, and
was the first of the little schooners owned in Swampscot. In
1797 she went as~ore in a storm, between Black Rock and New
Cove, and became a total wreck. The same year, James Phillips,
Beniah Phillips, Joseph Fuller, and others, bought the schooner
Lark, of sixteen tons. In October, 1799, during a gale, she
sank at her moorings, being a leaky old boat. But the Swamp-
scot people were not to be driven from their purpose by these
disasters, and in the same year bought another schooner of the
name of the first -the Dove. Such was the beginning of that
class of Swampscot marine, which now makes such a picturesque
appearance in her little bay.]
1796.
rTbe first fire engine purchased for public use in Lynn, was
L
bought this year. It is still [1864] in existence, and occasion-
ally makes its appearance, on an alarm, attracting much more
attention by its antique appearance than by its usefulness.]
360 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1797, 1798.
1797.
[Jonathan Makepeace commenced the manufacture of eboco-
late at the mill on Saugus river. And this may be set down as
the beginning of the production of that excellent article which,
under Mr. Childs, attained a world-wide celebrity. It is not
improbable, however, that before this, Benjamin Sweetser had
made a little chocolate, by horse power.]
1798. -
[At a legal town meeting, the people of Lynn adopted an
address to the President and Congress, touching our. troubles
with France. The address, which seems in the style of Rev. Mr.
Thacher, well exhibits the loyalty and spirit of the people, and,
together with the President's reply, is here given -
To John Adams, President, the Senate and House of Representatives of the,
United States of America:
At a period which so seriously arrests the attention of every American,
and true friend of his country, as the present, the inhabitants of Lynn, in the
State of Massachusetts, feeling it to be their duty, and impressed with the just,
wise and prudent administration of the Executive and the rulers in general of
the American republic, ardently embrace an opportunity to announce their de-
termined resolution to support their constitution and government, with all they
.hold most sacred and dear. Convinced as we are, that the President has, by
fair, unequivocal, and full instructions, which be has given to our envovs, to
adjust and amicably accommodate all existing difficulties between the United
States and the French republic, done all CODSiStOlIt with the honor, dignity, and
freedom of his country, to preserve peace and good tiuderstaDding with that
Dation. Notwithstanding our envoys are commissioned with full power to
settle all animosities with the French agents, upon the broadest basis of equity,
they are treated with neglect -refused an audience, lest their reasonings should
show to the world the integrity of our government and disclose their iniquity.
Legislators, Guardians! The most nefarious designs have been plotted to
subvert our government, subjugate the country, and lay us under contribution;
but tbaDks be to the Sovereign of the universe, that we do not experience the
fate of Venice, nor groan under the oppression of subdued nations. We are
a free people, have a sense of the blessings which we enjoy under that liberty
and independence, which we have wrested from the hand of one king, and
will not supinely submit to any nation.
We wish not again to behold our fields crimsoned with human blood, and
fervently pray God to avert the calamities of war. Nevertheless, should otTr
magistrates, in whom we place entire confidence, find it expedient to take
rDergetic measures to defend our liberties, we will readily cooperate with them
in every such measure; nor do we hesitate. at this interesting crisis, to echo
the declaration of our illustrious chief, that 11 we are not humiliated under a
coloDial sense of fear; we are not a divided people." Our arms are strong in
defense of our rights, and we are determined to repel our foe.
[ R E P L Y. ]
To the Inhabitants of Lynn, in the State, of Massachusetts:
Gentlemen: Your ~ddress to the President, Senate and House of Repre.
sentatives, adopted at a legal town meeting, has been presented to me by your
Representative in Congress, Mr. Sewall.
When the inhabitants of one of our towns, assembled in legal form, solemnly
ANNAI.S OF LYNN - 1799, 1800. 361. f
declare themselves impressed with the wise, just, and prudent administration
of their rulers in general; and that they will support their constitution and
goverInnent, With all they hold most sacred and dear, no man who knows
them, will question their ;incerity.
The conviction you avow that the President has done all, consistent With
the honor, dignity, and freedom of his country, to preserve peace and good
understanding with the French, is a gratification to me which I receive with
esteem.
As the treatment ur envoys is without a possibility of justification,
01 yo
excuse, or apology, 11.1 it to your just resentment. Your, acknowledgment
of the blessings you enjoy, under your liberty and independence, and deter-
mination never supinely to surrender them, prove you to deserve them.
Jom; ADAns.1
[A resolve passed the General Court, 7 June, establishing
a Notary Public at Lynn. And this being the first officer of
the kind here, it may be well to say a word respecting the
history of the office in Massachusetts. Hutchinson, under date
1720, says, " There had been no public notaries in the Province,
except such as derived their authority from the Archbishop of
Canterbury. The House now first observed that a Notary
Public was a civil officer, which by the charter was to be chosen
by the General Court, and sent a message desiring the council
to join with the house in the choice of such an officer in each
port of the province." The custom under the second charter
must be referred to; and we may conclude that the colonists
under the first charter operated with a high band in this as
well as in many other things; for the Court appointed, in 1644,
William Aspinwall, of' Boston, Notary for Massachusetts. And.
in 1697, Stephen Sewall was a "notary publique."I
A barn, belonging to Mr. Micajah Newhall on the south side
of the COMMOD, was struck by lightning, about noon, on the
2d of August, and burned, with a quantity of hay and grain, and
one of his oxen.
1800.
The memory of Washington was honored by a procession and
eulogy, on the 13tb of January. He died on the 14th of De-
cember previous. The people assembled at the school-house;
the scholars walked first, with crape on their arms, followed by
a company of militia, with muffled drums, the municipal officers
and citizens. The eulogy was pronounced by Rev. Thomas C.
Thacher, at the First Congregational meeting-house. A fune-
ral sermon, on the same occasion, was preached by Rev. William
Guirey, at the First Methodist meeting-house.
[The Legislature passed, 20 February, an act to encourage
the manufacture of shoes, boots, and goloshes.]
On the afternoon of Sunday, March 1st, there was an earth.
quake.
362- ANNALS OF LYNN - 1800.
On the IItb of June, Mr. Samuel Dyer, a gentleman froni
BOStOD, was drowned in Hurnfrey's Pond, at Lynnfield.
[On Friday, 18 July, the first regular New England Methodist
Conference commenced at the meeting-house on the Common.
Among those present were Jesse Lee, George Pickering, Joshua
Wells, Joshua Taylor. Joshua Hall, Andrew Nichols, William
Beauchamp, Thomas F. Sargent, Daniel Fidler, Ralph Williston,
Timothy Merritt, and John Finnegan, elders, and fathers of
American Methodism, though some of them were then young
in years. The Conference continued in session two days. The
preachers, however, remained over Sunday, when ordination
services were held. Bishop Asbury delivered an address, from
the . text, Matthew ix - 36-38. While the congregation were
still assembled, the clouds gathered and a copious rain descend-
ed. This was deemed a "signal instance of divine goodness;."
for a severe drought had prevailed, and the preachers had been
zealously praying for raiD.]
On the 26tb of July, Mr. Nathaniel Fuller, aged 38 years, was
drowned from a fisbiDg boat, Dear Nahant.
The ship William Henry, of Salem, owned by Hop. William
Gray, was wrecked on an island of ice, on the Ist of May,
Three of the crew were John Newhall, James Parrott, and Bas-
sett Breed, of Lynn. They launched the long-boat ; and the
whole crew, consisting of fifteen persons, leaped into it. They
saved nothing but the compass, the captain's truDk, an axe, and
a fishing line. For six days they had no water but a small
quantity which had fallen from the clouds, and laid in the bol-
low of an island of salt water ice. On the fourth day, they
caught a fish, which some of them devoured raw, but others
were too faint with their long fast to swallow any. When the
storm and fog cleared up, they went ashore at Newfoundland,
and the next morning found their boat stove and filled with
water. They subsisted three days on sea peas, thistles, and
cranberries. Several of the crew were unable to walk; but
having repaired their boat, they put to sea, and were discovered
by a vessel containing four men, who at first would afford them
no relief, but after much entreaty threw them a rope, and they
arrived at St. John, where the American consul furnisbed them
with a passage home.
[An elephant was exhibited in Lynn, for the first time, this
year. He was shown in the chaise house of Col. Robinson, on
Boston street, corner of Federal.
[On the 24th of December there was nO frost in the ground.
Previous to the year 1800, there were only three houses on
Nahant, owned by Breed, Hood, and Johnson. This year a
large house was erected on the western part of Nahant, as a
hotel, by Capt. Joseph Johnson.
ANNALS OP LYNN-18011 1802) 1803. 363
[The manufacture of morocco leather was introduced into
Lynn, this year. William Rose established a factory on the
south side of the Common, opposite where the pond now is.
A small brook ran across at that place.]
1801.
A very brilliant meteor, half the size of the full moon, ap-
peared in the northwest, on the evening of Friday, 16 October.
["In all my school days, which ended in 1801," says Benja-
min Mudge, in a memorandum, 11 1 never saw but three females
in public schools, and they were there only in the afternoon, to
learn to write." In the Lynn school reports, female pupils are
not spoken of till 1817.1
1802.
Rev. John Carnes died on the 26th of October, aged 78. He
was born at Boston in 1724, graduated in 1742 _. was minister at
Stoneham and Rehoboth, and chaplain in the army of the Revo-
iution. At the close of the war he came to Lynn, received a
commission as justice of the peace, was nine times elected as a
representative, and in 1788 was a member of the Convention
to ratify the Constitution of the United States. He was an
active and tiseffil citizen. He married Mary, daughter of John
Lewis, resided on Boston street, and had two childreq, John
and Mary.
1803.
Rev. Joseph Roby, pastor of the Congregational Church in
Saug~-is, died on the last day of January, aged 719. He was born
at Boston, in 1724, graduated in 1742, and was ordained minister
ofthe third parish of Lynn, now the first parish of Saugus, 1752.
He preached fifty-one years. He was an excellent scholar, a
pious and venerable man, and was highly esteemed for his social
virtues. He published two Fast Sermoiis, one in 1781, the other
in 1794. He married Rachel Proctor, of Boston, and had seven
children; Joseph, Rachel, Mary, Henry, Thomas, Elizabeth and
Sarah. [Mr. Roby belonged to an excellent family. Dr. Thomas
Roby, of Cambridge, and Dr. Ebenezer Roby, of East Sudbury,
both highly distinguished men, were his uncles. Some of the
family spelled the Dame Robie. His son Thomas, who was
born 2 March, 1759, graduated at Cambridge in 1779; settled
at Chatham in 1783, and remained there till 1795. He died in
1836.]
The ship Federal George, of Duxbury, sailed from Boston in
February, bound to Madeira, with a cargo of flour and corn. In
the number of the crew were three men from Lynn, whose
names were Bassett Breed Parker Mudge, and Jonathan Ward.
364 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1803.
In the midst of the Atlantic they were overtaken by a great
storm, which, on the 22d, capsized the vessel, carried away her
ibasts, and bowsprit, and when it subsided, left the deck tivo
feet beneath the water. The crew, which consisted of seven
men, remained lashed upon the windlass for twenty-four days.
Their sustenance, for the first part of the time, was a small piece
of meat, and a box of candles, which floated up from the bold.
They afterward succeeded in obtaining a bag of corn, and some
flour soaked 'With salt water. Their allowance of drink, at first,
was a coffee-pot cover full of -water twice a day. This was
afterward reduced to one half, and then to one third. On the
18tb of March, they were relieved by the Duke of KeDt, an
English merchant ship, returning from the South Sea. When
they were taken from the wreck, they had but one quart of wa-
ter left. [The Bassett Breed mentioned as one of the sufferers,
survived 1*or maDy years, and died at LYD11, 011 the 22d of De-
comber, 1862, at the advanced age of 87. He had accumulated
considerable property, and was a worthy citizen.]
On Sunday, the Stli of May, a snow storm commenced, and
continued about seven hours. The snow was left upon the
ground to the depth of'one inch. The apple trees were in bl'os-
D p
som at the time.
On the 8th of July, Mr. William Cusbman, aged 23. a work-
man on the Lynn Hotel, was drowned from a raft of b6ber, in
Saugus river.
On Sunday, the 10th of July, about three of the clock in the
afterDoon, a house on Boston street, nearly opposite the foot
of Cottage, was struck by lightning, and Mr. Miles Sborey and
his wife were instantly killed. The bolt appeared like a large
ball of fire. It struck the western chimney, and tbeD, after
descending several feet, separated. One branch melted a watch
which hung over the chamber mantel, passed over the cradle
of a sleeping illfant, covering it with cinders, and Went out at
the north chamber window. The other branch deSCODded with
the chimney, and when it reached the chamber floor, separated
into two braDclies, above the beads of the wifb and husband,
who were passing at that instant from the parlor to the kitchen.
One part struck Mrs. Shorey on the side of her head, left her
stocking on fire, and passed into the ground. The other part
entered Mr. Shorey's bosom, passed down his side, melted the
buckle of his shoe, and went out at one of the front windows.
There were four families in the house, which contained, at the
time, nineteen persons, several of whom were much stunned.
One man, who stood at the eastern door ' was crushed to the
floor by the pressure of the atmosphere. When the people
entered the room in which Mr. Shorey and his wife lay, they
found two small children endeavoring to awaken their. parents.
ANNALS OV LYNN - 1803. 1365
An infant, which Mrs. Shorey hold in. her arms, when she was
struck, was found with its hair scorched, and its little finger nails
slightly burned. She lived, and became the wife of Mr. Samuel
Farrington. Mr. Shorey was a native of New Hampshire, 29
years of age. Mrs. Love Shorey, aged 28 years, was a daugb-
ter of Mr. Allen Breed, of Lynn. On the next day they were
burled. The coffins were carried side by side, and a double
procession of mourners, of a great length, followed the bodies to
their burial in one grave.
On the next Sunday, a funeral sermon was preached by the
Rev. Thomas Cusbing Thacber, at the First CODgregational
meeting-liouse, from Job xxxvii - 2, 3, 4. At the close of the
service, a house in Market street, owned by Mr. Richard Pratt,
was struck by lightning. It descended the chimney, separated
into three branches, did considerable damage to the house, and
left Mr. Pratt senseless on the floor for several minutes.
On Sunday, the 28th of August, at one o'clock in the morning,
the hotel on the western part of Nahant, owned by Captain
Joseph Johnson, took fire and was consumed, with all its con-
tents. The family were awakened by the crying of a child,
which was stifling With the smoke, and had just time to escape
with'their lives. A black man, who slept in the upper story,
saved himself by throwing a feather bed from the window, and
jumping upon it.
On the 8th of September, John Ballard, John Pennerson, and
his son, went out on a fishing excursion. On the next day, the
boat came ashore at Nahant, with her sails set, the lines set for
fishing, and food ready cooked. Nothing more was ever beard
of the crew; but as Mr. Pennerson was a Frenchman, and as a
French vessel had been seen that day in the bay, it was con-
jectured that they were taken on board and carried to France.
On Thursday, the 22d of September, the Salem Turnpike was
opened and began to receive toll. The Lynn Hotel was built
this year. The number of shares in this turnpike was twelve
hundred, and the original cost was $189.000. This road will
become the property of the Commonwealth, when the proprie,
tors shall have received the whole cost, with twelve per cent.
interest; and the bridge over Mystic river, when seventy years
shall be accomplished. This turnpike, for nearly four miles,
passes over a tract of salt marsh, which is frequently covered
by the tide. When it was: first projected, many persons es-
teemed it impracticable to build a good road on such a founda-
tion. One person testified that be had run a pole down to the
depth of twenty-five feet. Yet this turnpike proves to be one
of the most excellent roads in America.
The post office was removed from Boston street to the south
end of Federal street.
366 ' ANNALS OF LYNN - 1804.
1804.
This year a powder house was built, near High Rock, at an
expense of one hundred and twenty dollars. [This remained a
curious and conspicuous little mark for about fifty-years, when
on a certain night some rogue set it on fire and it was consumed.
It had ceased to be used for the storing of powder, many years
before.
[The first, celebration of Independence, in Lynn, took place
this year. There was a procession, and an oration was de.liv-
ered by Rev. Peter Janes, the Methodist minister. A patriotic
ode, written by Enoch Mudge, was sung. A large company
partook of a dinner in the ball in the west wing of the Hotel,
which was built the preceding year.
[Snow fell in this vicinity, in July; yet the month.proved, on
the average, to be the warmest of the year.]
On the 4th of August, the body of a woman was found in the
canal, on the north side of the tUYDpike, a short distance west
of Saugus bridge. She was ascertained to have been a widow
Currel, who was traveling from Boston to Marblebead. The
manner of her death was unknown.
Rev. William Frotbillghain was ordained minister of tbe'Sau-
gus parish, OD the 26th of September, He continued to perform
the duties of that office till the year 1817, when be was dismissed,
on his own request.
.One of the greatest storms ever known in Now England com-
menced on Tuesday morning, the 9tb of October. The rain fell
fast, accompanied by thunder. At four in the afternoon the
wind became furious, and continued with unabated energy till
the next m'orniDg. This was probably the severest storm after
that of August, 1635. The damage occasioned by it was very
great. Buildings were unroofed, barns, chimneys, and fences
were blown down, and orchards greatly injured, The cbimney
of the school-house on tho western part of the Common, fell
through the roof, in the night, carrying the bench, at which I
had been sitting a few hours before, into the cellar. Many
vessels were wrecked, and in several towns the steeples of
meeting-bouses were broken off, and carried to a great distance.
The Dumber of trees uprooted in the woodlands was beyond
calculation. Thousands of the oldest and hardiest sons of the
forest, which had braved the storms of centuries, were pros-
trated before it, and the woods throughout were strewed with
the trunks of fallen trees, which were not gathered up for many
years. Some have supposed that a great storm, at an early
period, may have blown down the trees on the marsbes; but it
could not have buried them several feet deep; and trees have
been found thus buried.
ANNALS OF I,YxN - 1805) 1806. 367
1805.
For a bundred and seventy-three years, from the building of
the first parish meeting-bouse, the people had annually assembled
in it, for the transaction of their municipal concerns. But tbis
year, the members of that parish observing the damage which
such meetings occasioned to the house, and believiDz that,
since the incorporation of other parishes, the town had ~o title
in it, refused to have it occupied as a town-house. This refusal
occasioned much controversy between the town and parish, and
committees were appointed by both parties to accomplish an
adjustment. An engagement was partially rnade for the occu-
pation of the house, on the payment of twenty-eight dollars
annually; but the town refused to sanction the agreement, and
the meetings were removed to the Methodist rneetiDg-house, on
the eastern part of the Common, in 1806.
The Lynn Academy was opened on the 5th of April, under
the care of Mr. William Ballard. A bell was presented to this
institution by Col. James RobinSOD.
. An earthquake happened on the 6th of April, at fifteen min-
utes after two in the afternoon.
On the 11th of May, Mr. John Legree Johnson's house, on
the east end of the Common, was struck by lightning.
A society of Free Masons was constituted on the 10th of
June, by the name of Mount Carmel Lodge. [For further no-
tices of this institution, see under dates 1834 and 1845.]
On the 24tb* of July, Mr. Charles Adams fell from the rocks
at Nipper Stage, on Nahant, and was drowned.
[On Sunday, 11. October, Benjamin Phillips's house, on Water
Hill, was struck by lightning.]
1806.
A total eclipse of the sun happened on Monday, the 16th of
June. It commenced a few minutes after ten in the forenoon,
and continued about two hours and a balf, The sun rose clear,
and the morning was uncommonly pleasant. As the eclipse
advanced, the.air became damp and cool, like the approach of
evening. The birds at first flew about in astonishmeDt, and
then retired to their roosts, and the stars appeared. The shad-
ow of the moon was seen traveling across the, earth from west
-to east; arid at the moment when the last direct ray of the sun
was interceptect, all things around appeared to waver, as if the
earth was falling from its orbit. Several persons fainted, and
many were observed to take hold of the objects near them for
support. The motion of the spheres was distinctly perceptible,
and the whole system appeared to be disordered. It seemed as
if the central orb of light and animation was about to be forever
368 ANNALS OF LYNN 1807.
extinguished, and creation was returning to its original norlen-
tity. The most unreflecting mind was made sensible of its
dependence, and the soul involuntarily sought the protection
of its Maker. The total darkness endured about three minutes.
When the sun came fortb from his obscurity, it was with over-
wbelming lustre; the dreadful silence which had spread its
dominion over the universe ., was broken; the cocks began to
crow, the birds renewed their songs, and man and nature seemed
to rejoice, as if returning to existence, from which they had been
shut out by the unwonted darkness.
The anniversary of American Independence was this year
publicly celebrated in LyDD,, for the first time. [Mr. Lewis is
mistaken here. See UDder date 1804.] As the spirit of party
was exercising its. unabated influence, the inhabitants could Dot
unite in performing the honors of the day,, and made two pro.
cessions. The Federalists assembled at the First Congregational
meeting-house, where an oration was delivered by Mr. Hosea
Hildretb, preceptor of the Academy; and the Democrats met at
the First Methodist meeting-bouse, where an oration was pro.
nounced by Dr. Peter G. Robbins. The-Demo6rats dined at
the Hotel, and the Federalists in the hall of the Academy.
And such regard for freedom there was shown,
That either party wished her all their own!
[The town meetings began to be beld, this year, in the First
Methodist meeting-bouse; and they were held there till 1814.1
1807.
The town having determined that no person who was Dot an
inhabitant should have the privilege of taking any sand, shells,
or sea manure from the Lynn beacbes, this year prosecuted
several of the inbabitants -of Danvers, for trespassing against
this order. The decision of the court established the right of
the town to pass such a vote and left it in legal possession of all
the natural treasures which the sea might cast upon its shores.
[A rock on the east side of Oak street, was struck by lightning,
this year, and a portion.weigbing some twelve tons thrown
two hundred feet.
[Tbeopbilus Bacheller's house was burned in October.]
The depression of commerce and manufactures, at the close
of this year, was very great. This was principally occasioned
by the state of affairs in Europe, and the spoliation of property
in American vessels, by the governments of France and England,
which, in the prosecutioni of their hostilities, had made
decrees affecting neutral -powers. On the twenty-second of
December, Congress passed an act of embargo, by which all the
ports of the United States were closed against the clearance
of all vessels.
.ANNALS OF LYNN - 1808. 369
1808.
The enforcement of the embargo law occasioned great suffer-
ing throughout the Union, particularly in commercial places.
The harbors were filled with dismantled vessels, which lay
rotting at the wharves. Thousands of seamen were 'thrown
out of employment., the price of provisions was enhanced, and
the spirit of desolation seemed to be spreading her dark wings
over thd land. While the democrats were disposed to regard
this state of things as requisite to preserve the dignity of the
nation and the energy of government, the federalists viewed
it as an impolitic,- unjust, and arbitrary measure, by which the
interests of c'ommerce were sacrificed to the will of party. The
spirit of opposition, in this difference of opinion, was put forth
in its utmost strength. At the election in April, the greatest
number of votes was produced which had at this time been
given in the toN6; of which 418 were for James Sullivan, and
273 for Christopher Gore. On the second of May, the people
assembled for the choice of representatives. The democratic
party voted to choose, three, and the federalists were inclined
to send none. As there was some difficulty in ascertaining the
vote, it was determined that the people should go out of the
house, and arrange themselves on different sides of the Common,
to be counted. The democrats went out, but a part of the
federalists remined, and took possession of the house. They
chose a town clerk, to whom the oath of office was administered,
voted to send no representative, and made a record of their
proceeding in the town book. The other party then returned,
and chose three representatives. Several of the principal fed-
eralists were afterward prosecuted for their infringement of a
legal town meeting; but as it appeared on examination, that
none of the town meetings had been legal for many years,
because not called by warrant, they were exonerated. On the
29th of August, a meeting was held to petition the President to
remove the embargo; but the town voted that such a proceeding
would be highly improper, and passed several resolutiol 9,
approving the measures of the administration. On'the following
day, the federalists prepared a memorial, expressing their dis-
approbation of the embargo, and requesting its repeal, which
was transmitted to the President. The feelings of both parties
%yere raised to a degree of excitement, which could only be
sustained by political events of unusual occurrence.
[A great bull fight took place at the half way house, on the
turnp*e, in the summer. Bulls and bull dogs were engaged in
the cruet and vulgar sport. It was got up by a Mr. Gray, of
Salem, and great numbers attended. Raised seats were arranged
for the spectators to conveniently watch the ferocimis conflict.
24
370 ANNALS OP LYNN - 1808.
This was the first bull fight in New England, and certainly
should have been, as it probably was, the last.]
On the 20tb of September, the house of widow Jeruslia Wil-
liams, in Market street, was struck by lightning, On the same
afternoon, the lightning fell on a' flock of sheep, at Nahant,
which were gathered beside a stoDe wall for shelter, and'killed
eighteen of them.
On the night Of Monday, October 31, Mr. Theopbilus Breed's
barn, on the south side of the Common, was burned ; and on
the night of the following Thursday, a barn belonging to Mr.
Jacob Chase, on the opposite side of the Common, was con-
sumed; both of them having been set - on fire by a mischievous
boy.
A company of Artillery was incorporated by the General
Court, On the 18tb of November, and two brass field pieces
allowed them. [Aaron Newhall was the first captain, and Ezra
Mudge and Benjamin Mudge were lieutenants.]
This year Benjamin Merrill, Esq., came into town. He was
ffie first lawyer at Lynn. [Mr. Merrill's office was in the sontb-
west chamber of the dwelling house that still stands on North
Common street, the next west from Park. He died at Salem,
30 July, 1847, aged 63. He was a man of fine talents, excellent
education, and kind feeliDgS. He remained in Lynn but a few
months and then removed to Salem, where be became quite
eminent in the profession; rather, however, as a counsellor and
conveyancer than as a pleader. He received the degree of
LL. D. at Cambridge, in 1845. The occasion of his removal
from Lynn as be informed me, a few years before his death, was
somewhat singular. A deputation of the citizens called on him
with the request that he would leave the place, it being appre-
bended that evil and strife wpuld abound wherever a lawyer's
tent was pitched. He took the matter in good part and soon
departed. The people of Lynn afterward made some amends
for their uncivil proceeding, by entrusting a large share of their
best legal business to his hands. He served them faithfully,
and never seemed to entertain the, least ill feeling toward any
here. He died lamented by a large circle who had received
benefits at his band, and left a considerable estate. He was
pever married, which seemed the more singular, as be was emi-
nently social in his habits.
ESamnel Newell-as he spelled his surname, though Mr.
Lewis makes it Newhall-waa this year preceptor of Lynn
Academy. He was feeble, and unable to keep up a rigid disci-
pliDe. He remained but a short time, and was afterward a
missionary in India. The celebrated Harriet Newell was his
wife.
[A white faced cow, while grazing in the old burying ground
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1809, 1810) 1811. 371
broke through a tomb. Some personso in the vicinity, at night,
observing her bead raised and struggling, were much alarmed,
and horrifying ghost stories immediately prevailed.
[The trapping of lobsters was first practiced at Swampscot,
this year, by Ebenezer Thorndike. He had twelve pots.
[The manufacture of chewing and smoking tobaQco was begun
this year, in that part of Lynn now known as Cliftondale,
Saugus, by Samuel Copp. By degrees it grew to be a large
and lucrative business.]
1809.
The inhabitants petitioned the General Court for an act to
establish the proceedings of the town in their previous meet-
ings, which had been illegal, in consequence of the meetings
having been called by notice from the selectmen, instead of a
warrant to a constable. A resolve confirming the proceedings
of the town was passed by the Court on the 18th of February.
The embargo law was repealed by Congress, on the 12th of
April, and an act of non-intercourse with France and England,
substituted in its place.
1810.
Independence was celebrated by both political parties, who
very patriotically and cordially united for that purpose. They
formed a procession at the Lynn Hotel, which was then kept by
Mr. Ebenezer Lewis, and proceed ' ed to the First Congregational
meeting-bouse, where an oration was delivered by Dr. Peter G.
Robbins.
This year the Lynn Mineral Spring Hotel was built.
On Friday evening, November 9, there was an earthquake.
[It appeared, by careful estimati ' on, that there were made in
Lynn, this year, 1.000.000 pairs of shoes, valued at about
$800.000. The females earned some $50.000 by binding.]
On the 8th of January, Ayer Williams Marsh, aged five years,
was killed by the falling of an anvil, from a cheese-press.
A great snow storm commenced on the 2d'of February, and
continued three days. It was piled up in reefs, in some places,
more than fifteen feet. In Market street, arches were dug be-
neath it, high enough for carriages to pass through.
On the 4th of July, the officers of Lynn, Marblehead, and
Danvers, had a military celebration at Lynn. The young fed-
eralists also partook of a dinner in the ball of Lewis's hotel,
which was tastefully decorated for the occasion, by the young
-ladies.
The 7tb of July was excessively hot. The thermometer rose
372 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1812.
to a hundred and one degrees in the shade. Mr. John Jacobs,
aged 70, while laboring on the salt marsh fell dead in conse.
quence of the beat.
A splendid cornet was visible on the 11th of October, between
Arcturus and Lyra. Its train was estimated to be forty mil.
lions of miles in length. It remained visible for a number of
months.
[The 11 Lynn Wire and Screw Manufacturing Company," was
incorporated this year. Th6y built a dam and factory on San.
gus river. There was a fair prospect of success; but the peace
of 1815, by restoring the means for cheap importations, ruined
their prospects, and the business was abandoned. A number
of substantial individuals were engaged in the promising enter-
prise.
[The first meeting for the preaching of Universalism, in Lynn,
was held in the Academy, on the Common, this year. Rev.
Joshua Flagg, of Salem, preached. He also lectured at Graves-
end.]
The Second Metbodist Society was formed in the eastern part
of the town, by separation from the First Society. A meeting-
house was built, which was dedicated on the 27th of November.
Their first minister was Rev. Epaphras Kibbey.
1812.
On the 4th of May there was a snow storm, all day and night.
The snow was about eight inches deep.
War was declared by Congress against England, on the 18th
of June. This was called the War of Impressments, because
England claimed the right to search American vessels for her
sailors. The conflict was chiefly conducted'by battle ships on
the water, but people were much affected by it in the depression
of commerce. The Federalists disapproved of the war-tbe
Democrats exulted in it.
A new meeting-bouse was built by the First Methodist Soci-
ety, at the east end of the Common.
The burial ground in Union street was opened.
[A. pottery was.commenced in what is now Cliftondale, Saugus,
by William Jackson. A fine kind of earthen ware was made
from clay found in the vicinity. It was continued about four
years. Mr. Jackson was an Englishman and occupied a respect,
able position. He twice represented the town in the General.
Court.
[The old Lynn Light Infantry was organized this year.
[Reuben P. Washburn, a native of Leicester, Mass., commenced
the practice' of law, at Lynn. His office was in the building
so long occupied by Caleb Wiley for a West India goods store,
at the corner of Federal street and the Turnpike. He graduated
ANNALS OF LYNN-1813. 373
at Dartmouth College, with the class of 1808, and studied law
under Judge Jackson, at Boston. He procured his education
and made his way in the world by his own exertions. While at
Lynn he married a daughter of Rev. Mr. Tbacber. He was a per-
SODal friend of Judge Story and other eminent men both In law
and letters. Considering the business of the place, his practice
could not have been large, here, and he removed to Vermont,
in 1817. There be became a judge, and to the end of his life
maintained a high position, and preserved an unsullied reputa-
tion. He died in 1860, at the age of 79.]
1813.
Rev. Thomas Cushing Thacher discontinued his connection
with the First Parish. The people gave-him a recommendation
and made him a present of eight hundred dollars. He was a
son of Rev. Peter Thacher, minister of Brattle Street Church,
in Boston. He graduated in 1790, was ordained in 1794,
preached nineteen years, and removed to Cambridge. He
wrote,,many good sermons, six,of which, on interesting occa-
sions, he published.
1. A Sermon on the Annual Thanksgiving, 1794.
2. A Sermon on the Interment of Eight Seamen, 1795.
3. A Eulogy on the De ' ath of Washington, 1800.
4. A Sermon on the Death of Mrs. Ann Carnes, 1800.
5. A Masonic Address, delivered at Cambridge.
6. A Sermon on the Death of Mr. Shorey and Wife, 1803.
[Mr. Thacher died at Cambridge, 24 September, 1849. He
was born at Malden, 11 October, 1771. His wife was Elizabeth
Blaney; and she survived him, living till September, 1858,
when she died at South Reading, aged 88.]
At a town meeting in March, thirty-nine tithing-men were
chosen. This was for the purpose of enforcing the Sunday law,
that no person should journey on the Sabbath.
The schooner Industry was fitted out as a privateer, under
the command of Capt. Jo'seph Mudge, and sent in three prizes
two brigs and one ship.
On the first of June, the people of Lynn were called forth by
an occasion of unusual interest. The English frigate Shannon,
Capt. Brock, being expressly fitted for the purpose, approached
the harbor of Boston, and challenged the American frigate
Chesapeake, to battle. The hills and the house tops were
crowded with spectators, who looked on with intense solicitude.
The Chesapeake, commanded by Capt. James Lawrence, sailed
out beyond Nahant, and engaged with her adversary. After a
short and spirited conflict, Capt. Lawrence fell, the colors of
the Chesapeake were lowered, and the Shannon, with her prize,
departed for Halifax.
F2
374 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1813.
The new Methodist meeting-bouse was dedicated on the 3d
of June.
Rev. Isaac Hurd was ordained pastor of the First Parish, on
the 15th of September.
This year, many racoons, driven by the war from the north,
were shot at Swampscot; and a wild cat, after a deperate resist.
ance, was killed at Red Rock. [It can easily be imagined that
wild animals have no partiality for gunpowder. But it seems
hardly reasonable to suppose that the war could have had much
influence in driving the racoons hither, inasmuch as there were
military movements here as well as at the north. Such aDirfials
abounded a short distance back, and some necessities touching
their food may have induced their descent. They had always
been found hereabout; occasionally in considerable numbers.
As late as November, 1829, four were killed in the barn on the
Carnes place, Boston street, two of them weighing fifteen pounds
each.]
The celebrated Mary Pitcher, a professed fortune-teller, died
April 9, 1813, aged 75 years. Her grandfather, John Dimond,
lived at Marblehead, and for many years exercised the same
pretensions. Her father, Capt. John Dimond, was master of a
vessel from that place, and was living in 1770. Mary Dimond
was born in the year 17038. She was connected with some of
the best families in Essex county, and, with the exception of
her extraordinary pretensions, there was nothing disreputable in
her life or character. She was of the medium height and size
for a woman, with a good form and agreeable manners. Her
head, phrenologically considered, was somewhat capacious; her
forehead broad and full, her hair dark brown, her nose infilliniDg
to long, and her face pale and thin. There was nothing gro~s
or sensual in her appearance-her countenance was rather
intellectual; and she had that contour of face and expression
which, without being positively beautiful, is, nevertheless,, deci-
dedly interesting-a thoughtful, pensive, and sometimes down-
cast look, almost approaching to melancboly-an eye, when it
looked at you, of calm and keen penetration -and an expres.
sion of intelligent discernment, half mingled with a glance of
shrewdness. She took a. poor man for a husband, and then
adopted what she doubtless thought the harmless employment
of fortune-telling, in order to support her children. In this she
was probably more successful than she herself had anticipated;
and she became celebrated, not only throughout America, but
throughout the world, for her skill. There was no port on
either continent, where floated the flag of an American ship,
that had not heard the fame of Moll Pitcher. To her came the
rich and the poor - the wise and the ignorant - the accom.
plished and the vulgar - the timid and the brave. The ignorant
ANN&LS OF LYNN - 1813. 375
sailor, who believed in the omens and dreams of superstition, and
the intelligent merchant, whose ships were freighted for distant
lands, alike sought her dwelling; and many a vessel has been
deserted by its crew, and waited idly at the wharves, for weeks,
in consequence of her unlucky predictions. Many persons came
from places far remote, to consult her on affairs of love, or loss
of property ; or to obtain her su ' rmises respecting the vicissi-'
tudes of their future fortune. Every youth, who was not
assured of the reciprochl affection of his fair one, and every
maid who was desirous of anticipating the hour of her highest
.felicity, repaired at evening to her humble dwelling, which stood
on what was then a lonely road, near the foot of High Rock,
with the single dwelling of Dr. Henry Burchsted nearly oppo-
site; over whose gateway were the two bones of a great whale,
disposed in the form of a gothic arch. There, in her unpretend-
ing mansion, for more than fifty years, did she answer the
inquiries of the sirnple rustic from the wilds of New Hampshire,
and the wealthy noble from Europe; and, doubtless, her predic-
tions have had an influence in shaping the fortunes of thou-
sands.
Mrs. Pitcher was, indeed,, one of the most wonderful women
of any age; and had she lived in the days of alleged witchcraft,
would doubtless have been the first to suffer. That she ac-
quired her intelligence by intercourse with evil spirits, it would
n,ow be preposterous to assert- and it requires a very great
stretch of credulity to believe that she arrived at so many
correct conclusions, merely by guess-work. That she made no
pretension to any thing supernatural, is evident from her own
admission, when some one offered her a large sum, if she would
tell him what ticket in the lottery would draw the highest prize.
Do you think," said she, " if I knew, I would not buy it my-
self?" Several of the best authenticated anecdotes which are
related of her, seem to imply that she possessed, in some degree,
7A
the faculty which is now termed clairvoyance. Indeed, there
seems to be no other conclusion, unless we suppose that per-
sons of general veracity have told us absolute falsehoods. The
possession of this faculty, with her keen perception and shrewd
judgment, in connection with the ordinary art which she admit-
ted t6 have used, to detect the character and business of her
visitors, will perhaps account for all that is extraordinary in her
intelligence. In so many thousand instances also, of the exer-
cise of her faculty, there is certainly no need of calling in super-
natural aid to account for her sometimes udging right; and
these favorable instances were certain to be related to her
advantage, and insured her abundance of credibility. She mar-
ried Robert Pitcher, a shoemaker, on the 2d of October, 1760.
Had she married differently, as she might have done, she would
376 ANNALS OF LYNN-IbIcs.
have adorned a brighter and a happier station in life, and the
world would never have beard of her fame. [The period in
which she lived was one in which the education of females was
Yery little regarded; yet it is evident that she was by no means
destitute of education. A fac-
simile of her signature is here
given. It was engraved, with
great care, from her signatu . re A
on a deed dated in 1770, coin-ignature of MoU Piteber.
veying a piece of land near her
babitation.] She had one son, John, and three daughters, Re-
,becca, Ruth, and Lydia, who married respectably; and some
.of her descendants are among the prettiest young ladies of
.Lynn. Nor is there any reason why they should blush at the
mention of their ancestress. While it is hoped that no one, in
-this enlightened age, will follow ber -profession, it must be
.admitted that she had virtues which many might practice with
advantage. She supported her family by her skill, and she was
benevolent in her disposition. She has been known to rise
before sunrise, walk two miles to a mill, purchase a quantity of
meal, and carry it to a poor widow, who would otherwise have
had no breakfast for her children.
[The cottage in which this remarkable woman so long dwelt,
may still be seen. It stands on the north side of Essex street,
nearly opposite Pearl. But population has so increased in the
vicinity that it is now very far from being in a lonely plade.
The bum of business is heard around, and numerous pretentious
edifices look down upon its modest roof. Witbin a short time
it has undergone repairs, and, together with its surroundiDgS
has been made to assume more of a modern appearance. Its
essential features, however, remain unchanged; and the follow-
ing is a faithful representation of it as it was.]
MOLL PITCHER HOUSE.
Chapter 2 - History of Lynn Massachusetts - Annals 1814 - 1864
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1814. 377
1814.
[Samuel W. Coggshall was drowned in Saugus river, 1 May.
Ile was a son of Capt. Timothy Coggshall, of Newport, R. I.,
and 29 years of age.]
The district of Lynnfield, which was separated frdm Lynn on
the 3d of July, 1782, was this year incorporated as a town, on
the 28th of February'.
On the 28th ofFebruary, also, the Lynn Mechanics Bank was
incorporated, with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars.
The erection of the Town House, on the Common, was begun
in February-
A company of militia, consisting of seventy eight men from
Essex' county, was detached, in July, for the defense of the
sea coast. Of this number, Lynn furnished fifteen, and the
whole were placed under the command of-Capt. Samuel Mudge,
of Lynn. On the first of August, they mustered at Danvers,
and on the next day marched to Salem, and encamped on Win-
ter Island. On the 27th, a violent storm blew down most of
the tents, and on the next day the detachment removed to Fort
Lee. On the night of the 28th of September, a great alarm
was.occasioned by some men who were drawing a seine at
Beverly. Alarm guns were fired about midnight, and in less
than thirty minutes the Salem regiment was drawn up for orders.
Nearly sixty old men of that town also took their arms, went
directly to the fort, and patriotically offered ther services to
Captain Mudge. The alarm spread to the neighboring towns,
and within an hour the Lvnn regiment was in arms, and on its
march toward Salem. The promptitude with which these two
regiments, were formed, the self-possession manifested by the
officers and soldiers, and the readiness with which they marched
toward what was then confidently believed to be a scene of
action and danger, is worthy of commendation. The company
was discharged on the first of November. During a considera-
ble part of this season, guards were stationed in Lynn, on Long
Wharf and Saugus Bridge. The town, with its accustomed
liberality, allowed to each of its soldiers, who went into service,
thirty dollars in addition to the pay of the government, which
was only eight dollars a month. The town received a hundred
muskets from the. State. and a hundred old men volunteered to
use them.
In a great sleet and rain storm, on the night of November
19tb, Mr. Ward Hartwell, of Charlemont, perished in attempting
to pass Lynn Beach, to Naliant. He lost his way and drove
into the water.
I An earthquake happened on the 28th of November, at twenty
minutes past seven in the evening.
378 -ANNALS OF LYNN - 1815.
[The manufacture of linen goods was this year commenced
by the " Lynn Linen Spinning Factory Company." They built
a factory of wood, three stories high, on the east side of Saugus
river, and commenced with the manufacture of sail duck. But
the termination of the war with England afforded facilities for
procuring linen goods from abroad at such reduced prices that
the business was soon abandoned. Some linen, however, was
made in Lynn long before this; but it was probably more like
the ordinary tow cloth. See under date 1726.]
1815.
The Saugus parish was incorporated as a separate town, on
the 17th of February.
A treaty of peace with England, which was signed at Ghent,
on the 24tb of December, 1814, was ratified by Congress, on
the 17th of Februarr.
This year the First Baptist Church in Lynn was organized,
on the 17th of March. In May, the meeting-house which the
Methodist society had vacated, was purchased for their use. It
is worthy of remark, that this building was placed upon land
purchased of the First Congregational Church - that ver
C) y
church which had persecuted the Baptists, and delivered them
up to the executioner, a hundred and sixty-four years before.
[No Baptists who executed. Some were banished, and others
fined. It is worthy of remark, also, that this building was, last
of all, occupied by the Roman Catholics, that Church which
Baptists, Congregationalists, and Methodists, as well as all other
protestant bodies delight to traduce. It was burned on Satur-
day night, 28 May, 1859. And so closed its eventful history.
[In Brooks's history of Medford it is stated that at this time,
when only a few persons resided at Nahant, it was the custom
for families in Medford to join in parties to that beautiful prom-
ontory. From ten to twenty ebaises would start together, and,
reaching their destination, the ladies and gentlemen, girls and
boys, would proceed to fishing from the rocks and boats. Each
one we're the commonest clothes; and the day was passed in
all sorts of sports. A fish dinner was an agreed part of the
fare; and a supper at Lynn Hotel closed the eating for the day,
The party rode home by moonlight; and by ten o'clock were
sufficiently fatigued to accept the bed as a most agreeable finale.
And such parties often came from Malden, Reading, Stonebam,
and places more remote. The dinners were generally cooked
by the parties themselves, over fires built among the rocks,
a sufficieDt Supply of drift wood being gleaned from the shores.
They were right jolly times, and involved little expense.]
A very great storm, on the 23d of September, occasioned
much damage. The wind blew violently from the southeast,
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1816. 379
and buildings, fences, and trees, fell before it. A part of the
roof of the Academy was taken off, and carried by the wind more
than half way across the Common. The spray of the ocean
was borne far upon the land, and the fruit on trees several
miles from the shore was impregnated with salt.
1816.
[The first Methodist Society in Lynnfield, was organized on
the 2d of April.]
The Baptist society was incorporated on the 15tb of April;
and on the 15tb of Siptember, Rev. George Phippen was settled
as their first minister.
Rev. Isaac Hurd relinquished his pastoral care over the First
Congregational Society, on the 22d of May. - He was born at
Charlestown, [in December, 1785, and graduated at Cambridge,
in 1806. From Lynn be removed to Exeter, N. H., where he
was installed over the Second Church of that place, September
11, 1817. There he remained till his death, which took place a
few years since.
[The summer of this year was very cool, and little corn
ripened. There was a frost in every month; and snow fell on
the 8th of.June. The 23d of June, however, was excessively
hot, the thermometer rising*to 101 degrees, in the shade.
[The Quaker meeting-bouse was built oil Broad street, this
year; and it stood on its original site till 1852, when it was
moved back some rods and made to face on Silsbe street. For
facts relating to the earlier Quaker meeting-bouses see under
dates 1678 and 1723.
rA great horse trot-took place on Friday, September 6. The
course was on the Turnpike, and extended three miles toward
Boston, from Saugus river bridge. This is said to have been
the first regular trot in the country; and it was attended by a
great multitude of spectators, from far and near. A horse called
Old Blue, owned by Major Stackpole, trotted three miles' in
eight minutes and forty-two seconds. The same horse, four
days after, trotted the same distance in eight minutes and fifty-
six seconds, and again, two days after that, the same distance in
eight minutes and eighteen and three quarter seconds.
[This year another attempt was made to establish the manu-
facture of linen in this vicinity. Nathaniel Perry built a dam
over the brook in North Saugus, and erected a large wooden
building in which be designed to spin and weave a finer kind
of linen. He did not, however, succeed in his enterprise.
[Isaac Burrill, who lived near Saugus river bridge, on Boston
street, while returning from Boston, on a cold, moonlight night,
was robbed, on the Turnpike, by three highwaymen. He was
a shoe manufacturer, on a small scale, and was walking home
380 ANNALS OF LYNN -1817, 1818.
from Boston with a bag -of articles which be had received in
exchange for shoes disposed of during the day. He had also a
small sum of money in his pocket. When near a small shanty,
which stood on the south of' the Turnpike, perhaps a mile west
of the Half-way House, and which had been erected for the
convenieDCe of laborers on the marsbes, three men rushed out
and forced him into the building. There they robbed him of all
be had of value, and bound him, band and foot, with raw hemp.
They then left him, with the threat of instant death if he should
make any outcry before the mail stage had passed, adding that
they intended to rob that.' He kept silence for the time speci-
fied, but they did not return. By straining and kicking he
finally succeeded in releasing his feet, and soon reached the
Half-way House. The robbers were never caught. He said
they assured him that nothing but shear necessity impelled
them to the act. There was no attempt to rob the mail, the
pretense about that probably being for the purpose of keeping
him quiet while they made good their escape. His pocketbook
was found, weeks after, in Cambridgeport, in a ditch.]
In November, new bells were placed on the First Congrega-
tional and First Methodist meeting-houses.
1817.
Friday, the 14th of February, was an exceedingly cold day.
The thermometer was eighteen degrees below zero.
. There was an earthquake on Sunday, 7 September, and an-
other on 5 October.
This year, Hon. Thomas H. Perkins built the first stone cot-
tage on Nahant.
President Munroe passed through Lynn.
[The prices of provisions were very high, in lynn, at this
time. From the old book of a respectable shoe manufacturer
it appears that flour was $16 a barrel, Indian meal $2 a bushel,
molasses 70 cents a gallon, young hyson tea $1.60 a pound, and
brown sugar 18 cents a pound.]
1818.
[Herbert Richardson, jr., aged 24, and Charlotte Palmer, aged
20, were drowned in the Sbawsheen river, on their way to Lynn-
field. where they were to be married, the same evening, March 3.
[there was a very 1011g Storm in April. A memorandum
made by Major Ezra Hitchings, who kept a store on Boston
street, says it 11 began to snow the second of April, at eleven
o'clock, and continued to snow and rain alternately till the
tenth, at six o'clock in the evening."]
Rev. Otis Rockwood was ordained pastor of the First Congre.
gational Church, on the 1st of July.
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1819. 381
A stone building, for a sebool-house and library, was built at
Nahant, and several hundred volumes were presented by gentle-
men from BOStOD.
. The First Social Library at Lynn was incorporated. [But it
would be a mistake to suppose that the first library was formed
this year. There was a good social library here before the
commencement of the present century, and Mr. Thacber acted
as librarian during a part of his ministry. The library'incor-
porated this year became a useful institution, and was continued,
much according to its origipal organization, till it was merged
in the ]Lynn Library Association, incorporated in -March ', 1855 *
And finally, in 1862, the collection went to form the basis of the
adjective-afflicted 11 Lynn Free Public Library." At the last
mentioned date the Dumber of volumes was about 4.100. No
doubt care will be exercised to increase the value'of this insti-
tution. A free library, especially, should be composed of only
such books as will exert a healthful influence; it should be a
corrector, not a follower, of public taste. The books of such a
library, whatever they are, will be extensively read ; and if' it
contains none but good,ones, the influence must be highly bene-
ficial. The circulating library, as it is called, stands on a very
different f,00tiDg~ and is in some sense beyond the control of
those who may stand in the attitude Of CODservators of the
ptiblic weal.]
1819.
The winter was unusually mild, with little snow, and the
harbor scarcely frozen. Farmers ploughed in every month~
January was like April, and the spring was forward and warm..
[The principal snow storm was on the 8th of March.]
The first attempt to form an Episcopal Church in Lynn, was
made this year. A few persons were organized as a Church on
the 27tb of January, and continued to worship in the Academy
about four years.
On the 31st of January, Jonathan Mansfield was drowned in
the Flax pond. On the 6tb of April, William Phillips was drown-
ed in the Pines river. On the 4th of September, Asa Gowdey
was drowned near the mouth of Saugus river.
[The first Missionary Society of the great Methodist Church
was formed in Lynn, on the 21st of February. The General
Missionary Society was not organized till the 4th of April.]
~ Tuesday, July 6, was an exceeding warm day. The thermom-
eter rose to 120 degrees in the sun.
A farm of about fifty acres was purchased by the town, and a
new poor-bouse built on Willis's bill. [I do not understand
why Mr. Lewis, here and in one or two other places, calls this
Willis's hill. No one else appears to have done so. True, one
382 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1819.
of the barly settlers, named Willis, owned lands hereabout, but
tAie bill does not appear to have been called by his Dame.
[Isaiah Newhall. a shoemaker, who lived On Federal street,
made' in 6ree consecutive days, fifty one pairs of ladies' spring
heel shoes. The price of making, was thirty-three cents per
pair.]
This year the Nahant Hotel was built, by Hon. Thomas H.
Perkins and Hon. Edward H. Robbins, at an expense of about
sixty thousand dollars.
That singular marine animal, called the Sea-serpent, first made
his appearance in the waters of Lynn this year. It was alleged
that it had been seen in August, 1817 and 1818, in Gloucester
harbor. On the 13tb and 14th days of August, this year, many
hundred persons were collected on Lynn Beach, by a report,
that it was to be seen. ' Many' depositions have been taken of
its subsequent appearance. It was represented to have I;een
from 50 to 70 feet in length, as large as a barrel, moving swiftly,
sometimes with its head several feet above the tide. I have not
seen such an animal, but perhaps it exists; and it may be one
of the mighty existing relics of a buried world. In 1638, Dr.
John Josselyn tells us of "A Sea Serpent or Snake, that lay
quoiled up, like a cable, upon a Rock at Cape Ann. A boat
passing by, with English aboard and two Indians, they would
have shot the serpent, but ibe Indians disswaded them', saying
that if be were not killed outright, they would be in danger of
their lives."
[It may be thought that so celebrated a wandeTer of the sea
is deserving of a little more extended notice than Mr. Lewis has
afforded. The learned Agassiz says, in a lecture delivered at
Philadelphia, 20 March, 1849, 111 have asked myself in connec-
tion with this subject, whether there is not such an animal as
the Sea-serpent. There are many who will doubt the existence
of such a creature until it can be brought under the dissecting
knife; but it has been seen by so many on wbom. we may rely,
that it is wrong to doubt any longer. The truth is, however,
that if a naturalist had to sketch the outlines of an Ichthyosau-
rus or Plesiosaurus from the remains we baveof them, be would
make a drawing very similar to the Sea-serpent as it has been
described. There is reason to think that the parts are soft and
perishable, but I still consider it probable that it will be the
good fortune of some person on the coast of Norway or North
America to find a living representative of this type of reptile,
which is thought to have died out."
[The late prominent Boston merchant and worthy gentleman,
Amos Lawrence, under -date 26 April 1849, writes, 11 1 have
never had any doubt of the existence of the Sea-serpent since
the morning be was seen off Nahant by old Marshal Prince,
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1819. 383
through his famous mast-bead spy-glass. For, within the next
two hours, I conversed with Mr. Samuel Cabot, and Mr. Daniel
P. Parker, I think, and one or more persons besides, who had
spent a part of that morning in witnessing its movements. In
addition, Col. Harris, the commander at Fort Independence, told
me that the creature had been seen by a number of his soldiers
while standing sentry in the early dawn, some time before this
show at Naharit; and Col. Harris believed it as firmly as though
the creature were drawn up before us in State street, where we
then were. I again say, I have never, from that day to this,
had a doubt of the Sea-serpent's existence."
[The Mr. Cabot to whom Mr. Lawrence refers gave a descrip-
tion of the animal in a letter to Col. T. H. Perkins, dated 19
August, 1819, from which the following is extracted:
I got into my chaise [at Nahant] about seven o'clock in the morning, to
come to Boston, and on reaching the LODg Beach, observed a number of
people collected there, and several boats pushing off and in the offin'g. I was
speculating on what should have occasioned so great an assemblage there
without any apparent object, and finally had concluded that they were some
14nn people who were embarking in those boats on a party of pleasure to
Egg Rock or some other point. I had not heard of the Sea-serpent as being
in that neighborhood, and I had not lately paid much attention to the evidences
which had been given of its existence; -the idea of this animal did not enter
my mind at the moment. As my curiosity was directed toward the boats, to
ascertain the course they were taking, my attention was suddenly arrested by
an object emerging from the water at the distance of about one hundred or one
hundred and fifvy yards, which gave to my mind, at the first glance, the idea
of a horse's head. As my eye ranged along, I perceived, at a short distance,
eight or ten regular bUDches or protuberances, and, at a short interval, three
or four more. I was now satisfied that the Sea-serpent was before me, and,
after the first momeDt of excitement produced by the unexpected sight of so
a monster., taxed myself to investigate his appearance as accurately as
I could. My first object was the head, which I satisfied myself was serpent
shaped. It was elevated about two feet from the water, and he depressed it
gradually, to within six or eight inches as he moved along. I could always
see under his chin, which appeared to hollow underneath, or to curve down-
ward. His motion was at that time Very Slow al0Dg the beach. iDclining
toward the shore. He at first moved his head from side to side, as if to look
about him. I did not see his eyes, though I have Do doubt I could have seen
them if I had thought to attend to this. His bunches appeared to me not alto-
gether uniform in size; and as he moved along, some appeared to be depressed,
and others brought above the surface, though I could not perceive any motion
in them. My next object was to ascertain his length. For this purpose, I
directed my eye to several wbale-boats at about the same distance, one of
which was beyond him, and, by comparing the relative length, I calculated
that the distance from the animal's head to the last protuberance I had noticed
would be equal to about five of those boats. I felt persuaded by this examina-
tion that he could not be less than eighty feet long. As he approached the
shore and came between me and a point of-land which projects trom. the end
of the beach, I had another means of satiS~YiDg myself 011 this point. After I
had viewed him thus attentively for about four or flve minutes, be sank gradu-
ally into the water and disappeared. He afterward again made his appear-
ance for a moment at a short distance. . . . After remaining some two or
three hours on the beach, without again seeing him, I returned toward Nahant,
384 ANNALS OF LYNN ~ 1819.
and, in crossing the 'Synall Bea gel
ch, had duother good view of bim'for a lon -
time, but at a greater distance. At this time he moved more rapidly, causing
a white foam under the chin, and a long wake, and his protuberances had a
more 1111iform appearance. At this time he must have been seen by two or
three buffilred persons on the beach and on heights each side, some of whoin
were very favorably situated to observe him.
[James Prince, Esq., Marshal of the District, to whom Mr.
Lawrence also refers, writes as follows to Hon. Judge Davis,
under date 16 August:
My DEAR. SIR: -I presume I may have seen what is generally thought to
be the Sea-serpent. I have also seen my Dame inserted in the evening news-
paper printed at Boston on Saturday, in a communication on this subject.
For your gratification, and from a desire that my name may not sanction any
thing beyond what was actually presented and passed in review before me, I
will now state that which, in the presence of more than two hundred other
witnesses, took place near the Long Beach of NahaDt, on Saturday MOYDing
last.
Intending to pass two or three days with my family at Nahalot, we left Bos-
ton early on Saturday morning. On passing the Half-way I-louse on the Salein
turnpike, Mr. Smith . informed us the Sea-serpent had been seen the eveniDg
before at Nahant beach, and that a vast number of people from Lynn had gone
to the beach that morning in hopes of being gratified with a sight of him; this
was confirmed at the Hotel. I was glad to' find I had brought my famous
mast-head spy-glass with me, as it would' enable me, from its form and size,
to view him to advantage, if I might be. so fortunate as to see him. On our
arrival on the beach, we associated with a considerable collection of persons
on foot and in chaises; and very soon an animal of the fish kind made I-Cis
appearance . . .
His head appeared about three feet out of water; I counted thirteen bunches
on his back; my family thought there were fifteen. He passed three times at
a moderate rate across the bay, but so fleet as to occasion a foam in the water;
and my family and self, who were in a carriage, judged that,he was from fifty
to not more than sixty feet in length. Whether, however, the wake might not
add to the appearance of his length, or whether the undulations of the water
or his peculiar manner Of propelling himself might not cause the appearances
of protuberances, I leave for your better judgment. The first view of the
animal occasioned some agitation, and the novelty perhaps prevented that
precise discrimination which afterward took place. As he swam up the bay,
we and the other spectators moved on and kept nearly abreast of him. He
occasionally withdrew himself under water, and the ilea occurred to me that
his occasionally raising his bead above the level of the water was to take
breath, as the time he kept under was, on an average, about eight,' minutes.
. . . Mrs. Priu--e and the coachman having better eyes than myself were of
great assistance to me in marking the progress of the animal; they would say
"He is now turning," and by the aid of my glass I saw him distinctly in this
MOVCMeDt. He did not turn without occupying some space, and, taking into
view the time and the space which he found necessary for his ease and acconi-
niodation, I adopted it as a criterion to form some judgment of his *IeDgtb. I
had seven distinct views of him from the Long Beach, so called, and at some
of them the animal was not more than a gundred yards diStaDt. A116r
being on the Long Beach with other spectators about an hour, the animal dis-
appeared, and I proceeded on towards Nahant; but on passing the 6ccond
beach, I Diet Mr. James Magee, of Boston. with several ladies, in a carriage,
prompted by curiosity to endeavor to see the animal; and we were afrain
gratified beyond even what we saw in the other bay, which I concluded he
had left iii consequence of the number of boats in thc~ offing in pursuit of him,
ANNALS OP LYNN - 1819. 385
the noise of whose oars must have disturbed him, as he appeared to us to be a
harmless, timid animal. We had here more than a dozen differeDt views of
him, and each similar to the other; one, however, so near, that the coachman
exclaimed, 0, see his glistening eye! Certain it is, he is a very strange
animal.
[Among the papers left by the late Benjamin F. Newhall, of
Saugns - than whom no m~n in' the com'munity stood higher
for truthfulness - I find an interesting account of what he wit-
nessed of the seeming gambols of the monster, who appeared
to him also to be a timid animal. As he approached the shore,
at about nine A. m., says Mr. N., he raised his head apparently
about six feet, and moved very rapidly; 11 1 could see the white
spray each side of his neck, as be ploughed through the water."
He came so near as to sta " rtle many of the spectators, and then
suddenly retreated. 11 As he turned short, the snake-like form
became apparent, bending like an eel. I could see plainly what
appeared to be from fifty to seventy feet in length. Behind his
head appeared a succession of bunches, or bumps, upon his
back, which the sun caused to glisten like glass."
[And, lastlyj the writer well remembers traveling down to the
Beach, with other barefoot urchins, on the memorable day, but
arrived too late - the serpent had gone and the multitude were
dispersing. Boastful boys declared that they could have thrown
stones beyond him as he ranged about there in the morning.
[The following is copied as a fair specimen of the pictorial
representations of. the Sea-serpent which were given at the
time. I do not find, however, in the written descriptions, that
he was in the habit of carrying his tail in that style. And con-
sidering the use that serpents in general put that appendage to,
it would seem improbable that if he belonged to the tribe he
would have displayed it in that manner, which is much like a
ship carrying her rudder above water.
THE SEA-SERPENT.
[A small work, somewhat odd in style but evidently the pro.
duction of a person of intelligence and ingenuity, was published
at Cambridge, in 1849, under the title, " A Romance of the Sea-
serpent, or the Ichthyosaurus." It contains, in the Notes and
Appendix, divers interesting matters relating to sea monsters.
Two editions were readily disposed of, the author informs me.
[For several years succeeding this alleged visit of the Sea-
386 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1820) 1821.
serpent, accounts were spread from time to time of his appearance
at different points on the coast. And so many false reports were
made for the transparent purpose of attracting visitors to the
marine resorts, that doubts increased as to the existence of this
solitary rover of the deep. Little has been beard of'bim of late
years. In 1849, however, John Marston, a respectable and
credible resident of Swampscot, appeared before, Waldo Thomp-
son, a justice of the peace, and made oatb that as be was walking
over Nahant Beacb, on the 3d of August, his attention was sud.
denly arrested by seeing in the water, within two or three
hundred yards of the sb ' ore, a singular looking fish, in the forin
of a serpent. He had a fair view of bim, and at once concluded
that he was the veritable Sea-serpent. His bead was out of
water to the extent of about a foot-, and he remained in view
from fifteen to twenty minutes, when be swam off toward King's
Beach. Mr. Marston judged that the animal was from eighty
to a hundred feet in length, at least, and says, 11 1 saw the
whole body of the serpent; not his wake, but the fish itself. It
would rise in the water with an undulatory motion, and then all
his body would sink, except his bead. Then Eis body would
rise again. His head was above water all the time. This was
about eight o'clock A. M. It was quite calm. I have beeu
constantly engaged in fishing, since my youth, and I have seen
all sorts of fishes, and hundreds of horse-mackerel, but I never
before saw any thing like this."]
1820.
On the 14th of February, two barns, belonging to Mr. Joseph
Breed, in Summer street, were burnt by the carelessness of a
boy. The people by a subscription, built him a good barn
immediately, which they stocked with bay.
[India rubber over-shoes first made their appearance about
this time. They were made much thicker and heavier than at
present. Pattens, clogs, and goloeshoes were in -use for keep.
ing the feet dry, before rubbers were known; but they all, to
some extent, failed of their purpose.
[There were six tanneries in Lynn, this year. But before
1833 they were all discontinued, as leather could be procured
from Philadelphia and other places at such rates as rendered
them unprofitable.]
1821.
On the 25th of January, the thermometer was 17 degrees
below zero.
[There was a violent northeast snow storm, on the 17th of
April. It was so severe as to prevent the assembling of a quorum
of the house of representatives, at Boston.]
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1822. 387
Rev. Joseph Mottey died on the 9th of July. He was born
at Salem, May 14, 1756, and graduated at Dartmouth, in 1778.
He was ordained over the Lynnfield parish, September 24,
1780. He was characterized by extreme sensibility, and fODd-
ness for retirement. His manners were affable, and his mode
of preaching mild and persuasive. He married Elizabeth Moody
and had four children; Charles, Elias, Charles Edward, and Eliza.
1822.
A considerable disturbance was this year occasioned in the
meetings of Friends, in consequence of a portion of that society
having embraced different views. On Sunday, the 17th of Feb-
ruary, one of these essayed to go into the ministers' gallery,
with a sword by his side, which be said was an emblem of the
warlike disposition of those against whom he wished to, bear
testimony; but before he had reached the seat, he was stopped,
and the sword taken away. In the afternoon the disturbance
was renewed, by several persons attempting to enter the high
seats; and many people having assembled about the house, the
deputy sheriff was called from the First Parish meeting-bouse,
who read the riot act in the street. Four persons were apprehended,
and after an examination, the next day, before a justice,
were committed to prison, at Salem, where they remained until
the time of their trial, at Ipswich, on the 16th of March. Two
of them were then discharged, and the others were fined. A
report of this trial was published, with a review in a separate
pamphlet.
The first Circulating Library at Lynn was opened this year,
by the author of this sketch. [This was a very limited collection,
and may have formed the basis of a small circulating library
kept by Charles F. Lummus from 1827 to 1832.
[A singular phenomenon was -witnessed at Saugus . river, in
March, and is thus described by the late Benjamin F. Newhall,
of Saugus, who was careful in noting unusual occurrences:
The ice in the river had just broken up, and the dam at the
bridge was overflowed with a large volume of fresh water. It
was in the evening succeeding a very foggy day, -and as dark
as a foggy night with no moon could possibly be. In looking
under the great bridge, where the waters swiftly poured over
the dam, my eyes were greeted with the appearance of balls of
fire, about the size of a large cannon ball. They made their
appearance as soon as the water broke over the darn, and
seemed to dance and whirl about upon the swiftly rushing tor-
rent for a moment or two, and then disappear, to be succeeded
by others. The light of these apparent balls of fire was so
great that the whole space under the bridge was illuminated to
that extent that all objects were clearly visible. So striking
388 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1823, 1824.
and beautiful was the phenomeron, that I summoned several
persons from the neighborhood tci ~korne and witness it. The
balls of fire were continuous that nig~A as long as we had pa-
tience to look at them. There was no oppearance of that phos-
phorescent sparkling that is often seen about the bows of a
vessel. There was no light but what seemed to be balls of fire.
They were not seen at all on the succeeding evening, and have
never been seen since."
The Second Congregational Society [Unitarian] was incorpo-
rated on the 15tb of June ; and on the 25th of November, the
corner stone of the first Unitarian meeting-bouse was laid with
an address by Rev. Joseph Tuckerman, of Chelsea.
As some workmen were this year digging a cellar, in Liberty
street) they found the skeleton of an Indian. It was more than
six feet in length, and the skull was of an uncommon thickness.
Two large clam shells were found buried with it.
1823.
The coldest day this year, was the 1st of March. The ther-
mometer was seven degrees below zero.
The Unitarian Meeting-bouse was dedicated on the 30tb of
April. Sermon by Rev. Henry Colman.
On the 5th of May, snow fell, and the ice was a quarter of an
inch thick. Thermometer twenty-nine at sunrise.
A young woman named Sarah Soames, aged 19 years, living at
Thomas Raddin's went in to bathe in Saugus river, on the even-
ing of June 15, and was drowned.
[The first Methodist meeting-house in Lynnfield, was dedi-
cated on the 14tb of October.]
1824.
The tide, during great storms, had for many years been
making its encroachments upon Lynn Beach, washing its sands
over into the harbor, and sometimes making deep channels, as
it ran'across in rivulets. In compliance with a petition of the
town, the General Court, on the 18th of February, made a grant
of $1.500, to which the town added $1.500 more: aud by aid
of this fund, a fence was constructed, about half the length of
the beach, to prevent the encroachments of the tide.
On the 6th of May, the ice was a quarter of an inch thick.
Thermometer twenty-seven at sunrise.
On the 21st of June, Rev. Joseph Sear] was ordained pastor
of the Congregational society in Lynnfield. He continued his
connection with that parish, till the 17tb of September, 1827,
when be removed to Stoneham.
The French General Lafayette, who served in the War of
Independence, this year came to America, and was received
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1825. 389
with general gratulation and welcome. He passed through
Lynn on the 31st of August. He was received at Saugus
bridge, on the Turnpike, by an escort, consisting of a battalion
of cavalry, the Lynn Rifle Company, Lynn Light Infantry, the
3alem Cadets, and a large number of officers and citizens, by
whom he was conducted to the Lynn Hotel, where an address
was delivered to him by Capt. John White, to which he made
an affectionate reply. After being introduced to many gentle-
men and ladies, with several revolutionary soldiers, be entered
an open barouche, and passed through two lines of the children
of the town, who threw flowers into his carriage as be pro-
ceeded. A salute of thirteen guns was fired, on his entrance
into the town; and another of twenty-four, when be departed.
On his way he passed through seven beauti I ful arches, decorated
with evergreens, flags, and festoons of flowers, and bearing
inscriptions in honor of Lafayette and Freedom. Proceeding
through the principal streets, he was received, at the eaAern
boundary of the town, by another escort, and conducted to
Marblehead.
Rev. James Diman Greene was ordained pastor of the Unita-
rian Society, on the 3d of November.
[That very ingenious mechanic, Joseph Dixon, lived in Lynn
at this time. And here be labored on some of those useful
inventions by which he became so widely known. Among
other things he directed his attention to the application of
steam, and was the originator of combinations that proved the
germs of some of the most gigantic and useful contrivances
through which that mighty agent works at the present day.
The New England Farmer, of 21 February, 1824, thus speaks
of one of his inventions: 11 We have seen some ingenious ma-
chinery for beating steam to a high temperature, invented by
Mr. Joseph Dixon, of Lynn, Mass., which promises to prove of
much utility." And a particular description is added.]
1825.
.[The Probate Court was first held at Lynn, on the 4th of Jan-
uary. And sessions were continued here for about thirty years.]
For several days, in April, the moon and stars, with the planet
Venus, were visible for some hours, in the middle of the day.
There were no clouds, and the sun sbone with a dim light.
On the 20th of April, a piece of land adjoining the Quaker
burial ground, in Lynn, was purchased by several individuals
and opened as a free burial ground. This was done because
that society had refused to permit a child to be buried in their
ground, witho-at a compliance with their regulations.
This year Frederic Tudor, Esq., of Boston, built his beautiful
rustic cottage at Nahant.
390 ANNALS OP LYNN - 1826, 1827.
On Thursday, the 23d of June, at the commencement of twi-
light, a remarkable sungush appeared. It proceeded from the
place of sunsetting, and rose perfectly straight and well-defined,
to the height of twenty degrees. * Its color was a beautiful
bright red, and its width equal to that of a broad rainbow; the
clouds around were variegated with the finest colors, and the
pageant continued about fifteen minutes.
[The thermometer rose, 21 July, to 101 degrees in the shade.1
On Saturday, September 3d, the first newspaper printed in
Lynn was published by Charles Frederic Lummus, with the
title of Lynn Weekly Mirror.
A comet was visible in October, on the right of tne Pleiades,
with a train about six degrees in length.
1826.
The coldest day this winter, was February 1, when the tber-
mometer was sixteen degrees below zero.
A schooner, loaded with six hundred bushels of corn, struck
on a rock off the mouth of Saugus river, on the 12th of April,
and sunk.
The festival of St. John, June 24, was celebrated at Lynn, by
Mount Carmel Lodge, and five other lodges of free masons. The
address was delivered by Hon. Caleb Cushing, of Newburyport.
The Lynn Institution for Savings was incorporated on the
20tb of June.
[A temperance meeting was held at the First Methodist meet-
ing-bouse, on the evening of August 12. A hundred and thirty
.members were added to the society, which before numbered
seventy-one. The object of the society was 11 the suppression
of intemperance and its kindred vices."]
The Quaker meeting-house, in Boston, with the burial ground
adjoining, having been long disused, and few or none of the
society remaining in the city, it was thought best to remove
the boDes. The remains of one hundred and nine persons were
taken up and removed to the Quaker burial ground at Lvnn.
Mr. Joseph Hussey, who had two sisters buried at Boston,'was
unwilling tbattbey should be removed with the rest, and caused
their remains, so dear to his memory, to be deposited in the
cemetery of King's Chapel.
1827.
On the 11th of April, the First. Congregational meetiDg-house
[the Old Tunnel] was removed from the centre of the Common
to the corner of Commercial street. Its form was changed, a
new steeple added, and ' it was dedicated on the 17th of October.
[It would perhaps be more correct to say that the old house
was demolished and a new one built, in which a portion of the
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1828. 391
old materials were used; the new erection bearing no resem-
blance to the old, either inside or out. The Second Universalist
Society now occupy the house.]
On the 30th of April, Mr. Paul Newhall was drowned from a
fishing boat, at Swampscot, in attempting to pass within Dread
Ledg~. His body was found, uninjured, thirty-nine days after;
having, it was said, been caused to rise by heavy thunder, which
agitated the water.
On the night of Thursday, May 10tb, a schooner from Kenne-
beck, loaded with hay ahd wood, was driven by a storm upon
Lynn Beach, and diqmasted.
The anniversary of Independence was this year celebrated at
Woodend. In the procession were thirteen misses, dressed in
white, wearing cbaplets of roses, representing the thirteen
original states, and eleven younger misses, representing the
new states. They recited a responsive chorus, written for the
occasion, and an oration was delivered by the author of this
history.
On Tuesday evening, August 28tb, a most beautiful pageant
was displayed in the heavens. During the first part of the
evening, the northern lights were uncommonly luminous; and
at half past nine, a broad and brilliant arch was formed, which
spanned the entire heavens, from east to west. No one who
did not behold it, can easily imagine its splendor and sublimity.
[It was like a splendid rainbow, with the exception of the pris-
matic colors; and was so transparent that stars were clearly
discernible through it. It shot up in a stream of white light
from the western horizon and extended to the eastern.]
On several evenings in September, the northern lights were
exceedingly luminous, sometimes so bright as to cast shadows.
In the month of November were several great and drifting
snow storms, and the weather was colder than had been known
at that season for many years. It was so cold that it froze a
large water,cistern solid, and burst it.
1828.
On the 2d of May, a whale was cast ashore at Whale Beach,
Swampscot, measuring sixty feet in length, and twenty-five
barrels of oil were extracted~ from it.
An oration was delivered, on the 4th of July, by Rev. James
Diman Green. His connection with the Unitarian Society, was
dissolved, at his request, on the 4th of August.
[The Lynn Mutual Fire Insurance Company was organized
this year - Dr. James Gardner, president, and Beiijamin Massay,
secrotary.]
Flora, a black woman, died on the Ist of October, aged one
hundred and thirteen years. She was born in Africa, and re-
392 ANNALS OF LYNN- 1829.
lated many interesting anecdotes of her country. Her father
was one of the chief,.,, and when be died they built a house over
him, as they considered it an indignity to suffer the rain to fall
on his grave. One day a party of slave dealers came and set
fire to their happy and peaceful village. Her mother was unable
to run so fast as the rest, and as Flora was unwilling to escape
without her, she remained and was taken. She had two hus.
bands and five chijdren in Africa, and three husbands and five
children in America. She was a sensible and purely pious
woman, and was greatly respected.
In a storm, on th ' e 22d of November, a SC110013er, belonging
to Freeport, was cast upon the Lobster Rocks. The crew, with
a lady passenger, immediately left the vessel, which was found
in the morning, drifted upon Chelsea Beach.
The Lynn Lyceum was established., 23 December.
1829.
One of the most beautiful appearances of nature was presented
on the morning of Saturday, the 10tb of January. A heavy
mist had fallen on the preceding evening, and when the sun
rose, the whole expanse of hill and plain displayed the most
enchanting and dazzling prospect of glittering frost. The tall
and branching trees were bent, by the weight of ice, into grace.
ful. arches, and resembled magnificent chandeliers, glittering
with burnished silver. As far as the eye could reach, all was
one resplendent surface of polished ice; and in some places,
the trees which stood in colonnades, were bent till their tops
touched together, and formed long arcades of crystal, decorated
with brilliant pearls, and sparkling with diamonds. But the
scene in the open village, although so highly beautiful was far
exceeded by the magnificent lustre of the woods. The ni~jes-
tic hemlocks bent their heavy branches to the ground, loaded as
with a weight of gold, and formed delightful bowers, sparkliDg
with gems, and illuminated with colored light. The evergreen
cedars were covered with crystal gold, and glowed with emeralds
of the deepest green. The silver tops of the graceful birches
crossed each other, like the gothic arches of some splendid
temple; while the slender shafts, and the glittering rocks, re-
sembled columns, and altars, and thrones; and the precipitous
cliffs looked down, like towers and battlements of silver; and
far above all, the tall pines glittered in the frosty air, like tile
spires of a thousand cathedrals, overlaid with transparent gold,
and - burnished by the cloudless sun. This beautiful and-sur.
prising exhibition continued undisturbed for, two whole days.
On the third morning, the warm fingers of Aurora found the
frozen chords which upheld the glittering show. They severed
at the touch -and from lofty spire and stately elm, came show.
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1829. 393
ering gems and pearls, that tinkled as they bounded on the
crystal plain. The ice, which had confined the mighty arms of
aged forest trees, came crashing down, breaking the frosted
shrubs beneath, and sending through the woods a mingled
sound, like falling towers, and the far dash of waters. The
admirer of the works of nature, who, during the continuance of
this beautiful scene, was in the majestic woods, will never forget
their indescribable splendor, or doubt the power and skill of
Him, who, with such slight means as the twiligbt vapor and the
midnight mist, can form an arch of fire in heaven, or create an
exhibition of glory and grandeur on earth, so far surpassing the
utmost beauty of the works of man.
[On this inspiring occasion Mr. Lewis produced the poem
which has generally been considered the most beautiful of his
productions. It first appeared, I think, in the Token, one of
those elegant gift volumes so fashionable at this period. And
surely if be had never written any thing else, this would have
been sufficient to seal him as a poet. Its insertion here seems
appropriate:]
THE FROSTED TREES.
JANUARY 10, I829.
What strange enchantment meets my view,
'So wondrous bright and fair?
Has heaven poured out its silver dew
On the rejoicing air?, -
Or am I borne to regions new,
To see the glories there?
Last eve, when sunset filled the sky.
With wreaths of golden light,
The trees sent up their arms on high,
All leafless to the sigbt,
And sleepy mists came down to lie
On the dark'breast of night.
But now the scene is changed, and all
Is fancifully new;
The trees, lait eve so straight and tall,
Are bending on the view,
And streams of living daylight fall
The silvery arches through.
The boughs are strung with glittering pearlm,
As dew-drops [)right and bland;
ADd there they gleam in silvery curls,
Like gems of Samarcand;
Seeming in bright and dazzling whirls,
The work of seraph's hand.
Each branch is bending with the weigbt~
Which makes it nod and swerve,
As if some viewless angel sate
Upon its graceful curve,
Causing its heart to glow elate,
And strain each secret nerve.
394 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1829.
It seems as if some robe of God
I!ad been spread out below;
As if His hand had stretched abroad,
Where midnight breezes go.
To make the mind of nature awed
With His most glorious snow.
In the snow storm on the 6th of February, a woman perished
on Farrington's Hill, on the Turnpike, one mile eastward of the
Lynn Hotel. Another great storm commenced on the 20tb,
when several vessels belonging to Swampscot, were driven out
to sea. One of them remained five days, and went on shore at
Chatham, where the crew were much frozen.
On the night of the 5th of March, a schooner, loaded with
coffee, struck on Shag Rocks, on the south side of Nahant, and
was dashed entirely to pieces. No traces of the crew were
found, and it is probable that they all perished.
Great excitement was occasioned this year in Lynn, as it had
been in many other towns and cities for some years previous,
on the subject of Freemasonry. On the 1st of April, Mr. Jacob
Allen, of Braintree, gave an exhibition of some of the allejed
mysteries of that institution, at Liberty Hall, corner of Essex
and Market streets ; and on the 6tb, the inhabitants, in town
meeting, voted, that they regarded Freemasonry 11 as a great
moral evil," and its existence 11 as being dangerous to all free
governments," and gave Mr. Allen the use of the Town Hall to
continue his exhibitions. [The nature and tendency of the
oaths taken on admission to the different masonic degrees were
soon vehemently discussed in the community at large, and the
principles of the institution and its value freely canvassed,. it
being generally conceded that the veil had been rent from its
privacy. Anti-masonry presently formed an active element in
politics, and its influence began seriously to be felt. We bad
here an anti-masonic newspaper - the Lynn Record - and in
other places similar journals, conducted with zeal and ability,
sprang up. In Lynn, for several years, the anti-masonic party
were in complete ascendancy, and managed things as they
thought best. The battle against the instituti-on continued to
rage till in some states extra-judicial oaths were prohibited
under severe penalties. Many lodges surrendered their cliarters,
and then th * e excitement began to decline. Soon after, how-
ever, other secret societies - the Odd Fellows' for instance -
claiming to be free from the objectionable features of Free-
masonry, were established. And, finally, after a disturbed sleep
of about twenty years, the ancient institution began to arouse
and assert itself with renewed vigor.]
Rev. David Hatch Barlow was ordained minister of the UDi-
tarian Society, on the 9th of December.
The canker worms, for seven years, have been making great
ANNALS OF LYNN-1830. 395
ravages among the fruit trees. Many orchards have borne but
little fruit during that time, and the leaves and blossoms have
been so thoroughly devoured, that the trees'bave appeared as
if scorched by fire.
In a very great tbunder shower, on the 30tb of July, a barn
on Nahant, belonging to Stephen Codman, Esq., was struck by
lightning, and Mr. William Hogan, a carpenter, was killed.
In September, a stone beacon, twenty feet in height, was
erected on the outer cliff of Dread Ledge, by order of the United
States government, at an expense of one thousand dollars. It
was thrown down by a storm, on the 31st of October.
The first complete Map of Lynn was made this year, from a
particular survey, by Alonzo Lewis. [And the first numbers
of the first edition of Mr. Lewis's history were published.
[The manufacture of flannel was commenced at Saugus, this
year, by Bri6rly and Whitehead. In a few years it grew to be a M
large and profitable business.]
1830.
The publication of the second newspaper, entitled the Lynn
Record, was begun, January 23, by Alonzo Lewis. [Mr. Lewis's
connection with this paper ceased with the sixth number. It
then became the organ of the anti-masonic party, which soon
attained supremacy in municipal affairs, and held it for several
years. The Record was discontinued in 1841.
[During January, not a single death occurred in the whole
population of 8.000 in Lynn, Lynnfield, and Saugus.]
One of the highest tides ever known happened on the 26th
of March. It rose about five feet higher than common high
tides, passing entirely over the Long Beach, and making Na-
hant an island. It also flowed over the southern part of Market
street, and passing up the mill brook, swept off a quantity of
wood from a house in Bridge street.
On the 12th of July, Mr. Joseph Blaney, aged 52, went out in
a fishing boat'at Swampscot, when a shark overset his boat and
killed him. [This shark must have been extremely ferocious. 3
Mr. Blaney went out into the bay in one of the large Swamps-
cot boats, which he left, and in a small boat rowed away,. alone,
-to fish. After some hours be was seen to wave bi; hat for
assistance. Another boat immediately started toward him, and
presently the fish was seen to slide off, Mr. Blaney still remain-
ing in his boat. But the shark renewed the attack, carrying
down the boat, before the other could arrive. It came to the
surface bottom up, and the unfortunate man was no more seen.]
The meeting-bouse of the Third Methodist Society, built this
year, in South street, Wa3 dedicated on the 3d of August. The
first minister was Rev. Rufus Spaulding.
396 ANNALS OF LYNN-1831.
A great tempest of rain and wind, on the 26th of August,
occasioned very great damage to the corn and fruit trees.
Donald MacDWnald, a native of Inverness, in Scotland, died
in the Lynn almshouse, on the 4th of October, aged 108 years.
He was in the battle of Quebec, when Wolf~ fell, and was one
of the few whom Washington conducted from the forest of
blood when Braddock was killed by the Indians.
Vegetation this year was abundant; English hay was eigbt
dollars a ton; and more apples were gathered than in all 1he
seven previous years.
Another great storm tide, on the 29tb of November, came in
high and furious, doing great darnage to the Long Beach, by
sweeping down the ridge and throwing it into the harbor.
On Wednesday, December 1st, there ' were two shocks of an
earthquake, about eight o'clock in the evening.
On the morning of the 4th, half an hour after midnight,a
meteori exceedingly brilliant, passed south of the moon, which
was then shining near the meridian.
The northern lights made an uncommonly rich d ' isplay on the
evening of the 11th, assuming the most fanciful forms, changing
into the appearance of tall spires, towers, arches, and warriors
armed with long spears.
1831.
Dr. Aaron Lummus died on the 5th of January, aged 74. He
resided in Lynn nearly fifty years, and was one of the most
popular physicians in the town. He married Eunice Coffin, in
1786. 'In 1823 and 1824, be was a senator of Essex county.
[Dr. Lummus had seven sons and three daughters, viz: Clarissa,
Hannah, John, Aaron, Edward A., George, Elizabeth C., Samuel,
Charles F., and Thomas J.
[The Essex Democrat, the third Lynn newspaper, was com-
menced this year, by Benjamin Mudge. It was published a
year or two, and then the materials were moved to Salem and
used on the Commercial Advertiser.]
A great storm commenced on the 15tb of January, in which
a schooner, belonging to Stephen Smith, was torn from her
fastenings at his wharf, and dashed to pieces against the em-
bankment on Deer Island, tbrOWiDg down about sixty feet of
the new granite wall, recently built by the United States gov-
ernment.
In August, the sun and the atmosphere, for many days, pre-
sented a smoky appearance, of a greenish blue color. The same
phenomenon was noticed by M. Arago, the French astronomer,
at Paris. [It was also observed in other parts of Europe. It
was not damp, like fog, and was entirely wanting in some of the
properties of smoke. In some places it.was at times so lumin-
ANNALS OP LYNN - 1832. 397
ous that people were Able to read by, it, at midnight. I remem-
ber it very well, and how much it was remarked and speculated
upon here at Lynn. Some time after it had disappeared, an em-
inent astronomer of Europe thought be had discovered sufficient
evidence to determine that the earth was then 6nveloped in the
tail of a comet. And such an occurrence has now ceased to be
alarming, as it is well ascertained to have taken place at other
times. The tail of the great comet which appeared in our
heavens with such startling suddenness, in 1861, is known to
have been in actual contact with the earth, three days before
it became visible., See under date 1861.1
On the evening of the 26th of August, the moon rose about
fifteen minutes before nine; and half an hour after, there was a
shower in the northwest, and on the cloud a perfect and beau-
tiful limar rainbow was depicted, o * f a yellowish color.
This year the small-pox made its appearance in Chesnut
street, Woodend. The infected were promptly removed, and
the disease soon disappeared. One death occurred.
Another beacon was erected on Dread Ledge, at Swampscot-
an obelisk of granite, twenty-five feet in height, and three feet
Square at the base.
On the 22d of November there was a singularly mingled
tempest, very violent, for an hour in the morning, with rain,
bail, snow, thunder and ligbtniD-, a strong east wind, and a
high tide. The lightning struck at Breed's End, and a vessel
went ashore on Phillips's Beach, and another on Nahant Beach.
Dr. James Gardner died 26 December, aged 69 years. He
was born at Woburn, in 1762, entered the army of the Revoln-
tion at an early age, and on the return'of peace devoted himself
to study, and graduated at Harvard, in 1788. He came to Lynn
in 1792, and commenced the practice of medicine. The next
year be married Susanna, daughter of Dr. John Flagg. He
was a skillful and popular physician, and possessed tbe, manners
of a gentleman. [His residence was on the soutb side of Bos-
ton street, ne * ar Bridge; and be was the father of a very respect-
able family.]
This year Mr. John Alley enclosed about twenty acres of
water,, by a dam from his wbarf to the marsb, [near the foot of
PleasaDt streetj thus making a pond, on which he built a grist
miJI, and afterward a fulling mill.
On the last of December, the thermometer was eleven degrees
below zero.
1832.
[Col. James Robinson died on Saturday, 21 January, aged
75. He was the first postmaster of Lynn -appointed in 1795-
and for many years a most useful citizen. For a long time he
398 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1832.
resided in the ancient mansion, still standing on the Tiortbeast
corner of Boston and Federal streets. And in a little shop near
by, the post-office was kept. He was father of a large and
respectable family. After marrying his second wife, he removed
to Boston and there lived for a Dumber of years. The latter
part ofbis life was passed in reduced circumstances, and mental
obscurity. He was a soldier of the Revolution, and in his last
years received comforts from a small pension. His first'wife
was a daughter of James Newhall, kDown as 'Squire Jim, and
his children by her were, James, Lydia, Abigail, Jolm, Harriet,
Lois, Janet, George, Charles, Horatio.
[The Weekly Messenger, the fourth newspaper established
in Lynn, was commenced April 14, by James R. Newhall. It
was published on Saturdays, and was as large and well printed
as any newspaper ever print,ed in Lynn, Up to that period. The
publishing business was Dot then profitable here; nor was it
for many years after, if, indeed, it has ever been. It is a kind
of'business that naturally, concentrates in the larger cities; and
Lynn is too near Boston to afford any great encouragement to
priDters."
The Lvnn Anti-Slavery society was formed on the 25th of
April.
Rev. Otis Rockwood was dismissed from the pastoral charge
of the First Congregational Church, on the 12tb of May. Rev.
David Peabody was ordained pastor of the same church on the
(VAT(Vel-111-er.
15til I I.N U
[The Lynn Mechanics Fire and Marine Insurance Company
Nvas incorporated this year. Also NabaDt Bank, which failed in
1836.
[Right and a half inches of rain fell in May, and the summer
was cold.]
The Tuscan Chapel at Nahant was erected by subscriptions
made by gentlemen of BOStOD. Religious services are held in
it during the warm and visiting season.
[The first meeting for the preaching of Mormonism, in LYDD,
was held in the summer of this year. And for the space of' ten
years afterward, elders of the faith continued to visit bere and
bold meetings at intervals. About a dozen converts were made.
Several emigrated to Nauvoo, and thence, when the Latter Day
Saints, as they styled themselves, were driven from Illinois,
journeyed to the Salt Lake. Two or three finally returned,
having renounced the faith; and one of them, a female, put
forth a book exposing the errors and evil practices of the Saiijts.
Baptism by immersion was administered to a small body of con-
verts, by an elder Damed Freeman Nickerson, Dear the foot of
Market street, in 1841.]
A Whaling Company was formed, and five EAiips employed,'
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1832. 399
three of which were built at LVnD. They harbored in Saugus
river, but on the crossing of ihe rail-road, in 1838, they were
removed to Boston. [None of the whale ships were built at
Lynn. A ship yard was established in the western part of the
town, about this time, but no vessel larger than a schooner was
built there.
[This year the great Nullification ferment in South Carolina
occurred. Many eDtertained serious apprehension that it would
result in a dissolution of the Union. Indeed the fiery southern
sentiment seemed rapidly ripening into a gigantic rebellion.
But the energy and unswerving patriotism of General Jackson,
who was happily then in the presidential chair, in all human
probability saved the country from great disaste ' rs. The stern
and uncompromising proclamation which be issued on what
appeared to be the eve of a terrific political -storm, created a
profound sensation, and was enthusiastically applauded in every
loyal quarter of the Union. The excited soutberners at once
saw the danger of precipitancy, and discreetly abstained 'from
overt acts. And the danger passed away in barmless discbages
of oratory. On the evening of the 25th of December, soon
after the reception of the proclamation at Lynn, a meeting of
the citizens was held in the Town Hall, composed of the adbe.
rents of all parties -of Anti-masons, Democrats, and National
Republicans -at which the following preamble and resolutions
passed unanimously:
I
At a time of unprecedented prosperity in agriculture, commerce and manu-
factures, in our happy Union, and this Union purchased with a great treasure,
and cemented with the blood and tears of our progenitors, and hallowed by
our own devout prayers, aspirations, and labors,. we, the citizens of Lym),
learn with sorrow that our sister State, South Carolina, once so patriotic, has
assumed false principles, and, pretending peace, made warlike preparations
to dissolve the Union so dear to the people in most portions of the nation.
We cannot consent to the proposition, in fact we do not believe, that any State
of the twienty-four States now solemnly united, can withdraw her allegiance
to the United States, whenever she may please, or dictate to the Congress of
the United States the laws which should be enacted or repealed, ally further
than the weight of the representatives of such State may prevail in the acts
and deliberations ofthat body.
]jut since the acts of the State of South Carolina have undertaken to decide
the constitutionality of the laws of Congress, and upon the same principle all
other laws of the United States, when such decision is wholly confided to, and
intrusted in, the Supreme Judicial Court of the Union, by the United States
constitution, to which every CitiZeD of the twenty-four United States owes
absolute and unqualified allegiance, and since such principles of Nullification
and misrule prevail by a majority of the citizens of one State, and are openly
approbated, and not reprobated, by some other States, we are alarmed for the
safety of the Union, and our own, and in COMMOD, for the liberties of the
people.
It is with satisfaction that we have read the Proclamation of the President
of the United States denouncing the treasonable designs and acts of the Con-
ventioD and Legislature ofthe State ofSoutb Carolina. This Proclamation is
400 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1833.
replete with true sentiments upon the construction of the Federal Constitution,
of the power and duty of the President, and of the Supreme Judicial Court
of the Union; which sentiments we, in common with our brethren of this State,
have been educated, from the cradle to the present time, to cherish and love;
and we will never abandon them. Therefore,
RESOLVED. That we abhor and denounce the doctrine of South Carolina
Nullification, and the awkward and unnatural attitude in wbich she has placed
herself before the Union and the world.
RESOLVED, That we approve of the sentiments.and principles spread before
the public bV the President in his late able Proclamation, and believe,it to be
the duty of all good citizens to support such sentiments and principles to the
hazard of life and property.
RESOLVED, That in all cases in which the construction of the Federal Con-
stitution is drawn in question, the Supreme Judicial Court of the United States
is the sole interpreter.
RESOLVED, That Do individual State or any individual of any State h~s a
right to declare void or Dullify a single act of the COD ress of the United
States; and that the several States, and each and every citizen in them-, owe
allegiance to the United States, which cannot be dissolved excepting by a
majority of the voices of the people of the whole United States, constitution-
ally and legally expressed. And, further,
REsOLVED, That a copy of the foregoing preamble and resolutions be signed
by the chairman and secretary, and transmitted to the President of the United
States.]
1833.
On the 16tb of January, Mr. David Taylor's shoe manufactory,
corner of Ash and Elm streets was burnt, with a large amount
ofstock.
On the 2d of February, Rev. David H. Barlow relinquished
the care of the Unitarian Society; and Rev. Samuel D. Robbins
was ordained pastor of the same church on the 13th of No-
vember.
On the 14tb of February, the new Baptist meeting-house on
the north side of the Common was dedicated.
[The First Universalist Society was organized, 25 March, in
the Town Hall.
[President Jackson visited Lynn, 26 June. The old hero
mas warmly greeted; but the day was stormy, and his stay was
short.]
One of the most remarkable phenomena ever witnessed in
New England, was a shower of meteors. It commenced soon
after three o'clock, on the morning of Wednesday, the 13th of
November, and continued until day. There were many thou-
sands, which fell in all directions, like flakes of snow. Most of
them were small, but some appeared as large as seven stars com-
bined in one. The meteors seemed to proceed chiefly from a
point about fifteen degrees southeast of the zenith, and the
display was noticed in Philadelphia and Baltimore.
[Friction matches came into use about this time. And they
soon supplanted the old tinder-box, with its flint and steel.
[Anthracite coal, also began to be used here, in small quan-
ANNALS OP LYNN - 1834) 1835. 401
tities. But it grew in favor slowly, and sorely tried the pa-
tience of its friends. It required such different treatment, in
burning, from any kind of fuel before used, that it seemed as if
some people never could become habituated to it.
[Metal pens, likewise, came into use at this time; but the old
goose quill long continued in favor with many. The writing
paper of that time was not well adapted to the new pen, a hard-
er and smoother surface being required; the want, however,
was soon supplied, and then the metal pen became more gen-
orally popular.]
1834.
On the 28th of May, several persons destroyed the curious
cave in the Dungeon Rock, under the imagination that they
might obtain a treasure. They placed a keg of powder in the
cave, which, on its explosion, blew out the lower portion of the
rock, causing the great mass above to fall, and thus destroying
the cavern. This is the third time that curious and wonderful
caves in Lynn have been destroyed by wantonness. It is much
to be regretted that this rage for destructiveness cannot cease.
Such persons ought to be confined as destroyers of God's beau-
tiful works.
On the 31st of July, Mr. Durant, aeronaut, ascended in a bal-
loon, from Boston, passed over Nahant, and descended into the
water, from which, in about fifteen minutes, be was taken up by
a schooner.
%
On the 12th of August, Mr. John Mudge's barn, in Shepard
street, was burnt by lightning.
[The anti-masonic sentiment, growing Out Of the alleged rev-
elations regarding the evil tendency of freemasonry prevailed
so extensively that in December the meetings of Mount Carmel
Lodge were discontinued. But they were resumed in 1845.]
1835. A
On the 22d of April, Rev. David Peabody resigned the pas-
toral charge of the First Congregational Church.
[In the early part of the summer of this year, George Thomp.
A
son, a prominent English abolitionist, visited Lynn and lectured
in several of the meeting-houses, to large audiences, ou the
subject of slavery. In the latter part of the summer he again
came to Lynn, to attend a meeting of the Essex County Anti
Slavery Society, bold in the First Methodist meeting-house.
Some opposition was now manifested by the opponents of the
anti-slavery movement. In the evening, while Mr. Thompson
was lecturing, a great crowd collected about the meeting-house,
and a stone was hurled through one of the windows, causing
great disturbance witbin. A large number pressed into the
402 ANNALS OF LYNN - 183,6.
entry and attempted to burst in the inner doors, which had
been closed. During the tumult Mr. Thompson ended his dis-
course, and passed out, unobserved by the crowd. He was
presently surrounded by a guard of la&ies, and conducted to a
neighboring house, whence he departed, privately, to his tempo-
rary residence, at Swampscot.]
A cornet appeared, in the constellation of Ursa Major, on the
9th of October, and continued in view about two weeks.
On the 4th of November, Hezekiab Chase's mill, at the mouth
of Stiawberry brook, was burrit.
The Christian Church, in Silsbe street, was organized on the
5th of November. The first minister was Rev. Philemon R.
Russell, who preached there about five years.
On Tuesday evening, November 17, the n6rtbern lights were
very lustrous, and presented the singular appearance of'a splen-
did illuminated crown in the zenith.
On the 10th of December, the First Universalist Meeting-
house, in Union street, was dedicated.
The 16tb of December was the coldest day of the season, the
thermometer being fourteen degrees below zero.
On the evening of the 17tb of Deceimber, Mr. Rufus Newhall's
barn, in Essex street, was burnt.
On the 28tb of December, Lieutenant Robert R. Mudge, of
Lynn, aged 26 years, was killed by the Seminole Indians, near
Witblacoocbie, in Florida, three persons only escaping in a corn-
pany of a hundred and eight.
[There were one hundred families reckoned as belonging to
the Society of Friends, in Lynn, this year.]
1836.
Th.is year a second attempt was made to form an Episcopal
Church in Lynn. It was commenced on the 7th of January, by
three persons, under the name of Christ Church. On the 5th
of November, a handsome rustic edifice, with diamond windows,
and four Tuscan columns, was erected on the north side, of' the
COMMOD. [And this was the first Episcopal Church built in
Lynn.] Rev. Milton Ward was the first minister.
The Second Universalist Society was organized on the 9th
of March. Their first minister was Rev. Dunbar B. Hari-is.
[The act establishing the fire de~artment of Lynn was passed
March 23, and accepted by the town April 18.]
The winter was very long and cold; snow began on the 23d
of November, and sleigbing continued until the 15th of March -
sixteen weeks. [There was a frost in every month, and remark-
able spots appeared on the sun.]
Rev. Parsons Cooke was installed pastor of the First Con-
gregational Church on the 4th of May.
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1837. 403
.[The first post-office in Lynnfield was established 25 May,
in the south village.1
This year Henry A, Breed, Esq., built a large brick factory on
Water Hill, for calico printing and dyeing. He dug a new pond,
comprising about an acre, for a reservoir. He also laid out sev-
eral new streets, and built nearly four hundred convenient -cot-
tages, and other buildings, and a wharf.
[The Trinitarian Congregational Society, at Saugus centre,
built their stone MeetiDg-house, at a cost of $2.800.1
Dr. Richard Hazeltine died on the 10th of July. He was
bbrn at Concord, N. H., November 28tb 1773, married Phebo
Carter in 1799, and came to LVDD in 1817. [He owned the
beautiful estate on the south side'of Esgex street, between High
and Pearl streets ' and there resided. He was a man of sterling
integrity, dignified manners, and commanding person. He act-
ed to some extent as a civil magistrate, and took much interest
in the common schools.]
On the 23d of September, a young man jumped off the preci-
pice of High Rock, a descent of sixty feet, and, strange to tell,
walked away uninjured.
A fire in Broad street, near Exchange, on the evening of the
18th ofOctober. burnt the stable of Boynton Viall and the shoe
mauufactory of isaac B. Cobb.
The brig Shamrock, Jortin, of Boston, with,a cargo of sugar
.and molasses, was wrecked on Long Beach, on the 17th of De-
cember.
[At this time there were but seventeen buildings of brick in
all Lynn, and only six, of any material, above two stories in
height. There were sixty streets, and the dwellings, through-
out the town were valued at an average of $500.]
1837.
On the 15tb of January, at two o'clock in the morning, there
was an earthquake.
The new meeting-bouse of the First Congregational Society,
on South Common street, corDer of Vine, was dedicated on the
1st of February.
On the 20th of June, the schooner Triton of Waldoborougb,
loaded with wood, was wrecked on Fishing Point, Swampscot.
[The barn of Hubbard Emerson, Lynnfield, was struck by
lightning, 20 June, and an ox killed.]
I On the 21st of June., Lewis A. Lauriat ascended in a balloon
from Chelsea, and landed in the woods near Lynn Dye House.
Augustus, son of Israel Perkins, aged 14, was drowned on
the Ist of July, while bathing in Alley's mill pond, near the
wharf.
Independence was celebrated near Lover's Leap, by a party
404 ANNALS OP LYNN - i838.
of ladies and gentlemen of Lynn, Boston and Salem, and several
songs written by the Lynn Bard, were sung. [The 11 LYDD
Bard 11 was Mr. Lewis. He adopted the name soon after he be.
gan to publish poetry.]
The Episcopal Church, on North Common street, was conse-
crated on Thursday, 20 July. Sermon by Bishop Griswold.
[The subject of the manufacture of silk excited mueb attention
in Lynn and many other places at this time. Great numbers of
white mulberry trees were planted to furnish food for the
worms, and high expectations were entertained. Considerable
-success attended the experiments; but the matter died away
without important results. A gentleman who took quite an
interest in the business, showed me, within a few months, some
handkerchief,, which were woven from silk produced by worms
raised by him, and fed On leaves of trees which be planted.
They were of beautiful texture, and handsomely printed at the
silk printing works then in operation here.]
In August, a survey of Lynn Beach and Harbor was made by
Alonzo Lewis, under the direction of Congress; and a plan
submitted for the purpose of erecting a sea wall, the whole
length of the Beach, at an expense of $37.000; but though en.
couragemeDt was given for a grant, yet none was obtained. N
[This year the surplus United States revenue was distributed.
The amount received by Lynn was $14.879.00; and it was, by
vote of the town, applied to the payment of the town debt.
L-nnfield received $1.328.29, and in like manner applied it to
their town debt. Saugus received $3.500.00, and appropriated
it to the building of a town ball. Where shall we look for a
parallel case in the history of any nation ? But, jud '-in- from the
present and prospective accumulation of our national debt, cen-
turies will roll away before the United States will be in a condi-
tion to repeat the example.
[There was a frost every month this year, as well as the
preceding.]
1838.
[The thermometer fell to 18 degrees below zero on the 30th
of JaDuarv.]
The laiies of Lynn held a fair at the Town Hall, on the 4th
of July, for benevolent purposes. Francis Maria, [wifb of Mr.
Lewis] was principal, and nearly $500 were obtained.
The Eastern Rail-road, passing through Lynn, was opened for
public travel, from Boston to Salem, on the 28tb of August.
.Before this time, a few stages had accommodated all the eastern
travel; but now the number of passengers, to and from Boston,
so rapidly increased, that for the first three months, the average
was three hundred and forty-eight persons each day. The com.
. ANNALS OF LYNN - 1839. 405
pany for effecting this great and convenient enterprise was in-
corporated on the 14th of April, 1836. [After the road was
opened, as above, it was rapidly extended eastward to Port-
land.] It was a magnificent project, happily accomplished, and
it may be regarded not merely as a civil convenience, but as a
work of great m-oral influence, tending to break down the barri-
ers of sectional prejudice, and to promote feelings of benevo-
lence and refinement, by bringing many persons of both sexes
into habits of social and daily intercourse. [In relation to what
Mr. Lewis says above regarding the travel by stage, before the
rail-road was opened, it may be stated that in 1836, twenty-three
stages left Lynn Hotel for Boston, daily, and there were like-
wise numerous extras. They belonged to the great eastern and
the Salem lines. Ofteutimes they were well filled on their arri-
val at Lynn, and the cry "stage full," fell upon the ear of the
hurrying man of business in a way any thing but pleasant. A
great many,, however, drove to Boston in their own vehicles.
And there were numerous fast horses about town.]
On the 28th of September, two brakemen a.'idr. Tyler and a
Mr. Baker, who were standiD- upon the top of a car, were
instantly killed, by being struck against the overhead framework
of the little bridge near the West Lynn depot.
[Edward PraDker this year bought the water privilege and
other property of the New England Wool Company, at Saugus,
and commenced the manufacture of flannel. In 1846 be in-
creased the power by raising the dam two feet, and greatly
enlarged his business, which proved lucrative and added much
to the prosperity of the place. In 1860, be built a fine large
mill to be run by steam power. His mills, together with that
of Mr. Scott, are picturesquely situated in the vicinity of the
site of the old Iron Works, a location well adapted to manu.
facturing purposes.]
The Lynn Freeman newspaper was commenced on the 10th of
November-David Taylor and Charles Coolidge, proprietors.
1839.
On the 27th day of May, died, Francis Maria, wife of Alonzo
Lewis -a woman amiable, talented, virtuous and greatly be-
loved. Her funeral was attended by perhaps as great a number
of persons as were ever present at the interment of any lady in
Lynn, to whom her active benevolence, and her worth as a
teacher, had greatly endeared her.
Amid the attention which is given to the various concerns of
humanity, surely one page may be spared as a tribute to the
excellence of Woman. In the course of history, the virtues and
the worth of Man are delineated in all the features of strong and
admirable portraiture ; but Woman - the inspiration of exist.
406 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1839.
ence, the soul of humanity, without whom the world would be
but a resplendent desert, and life itself a burden to its lordly
and lonely possessor -Woman is overlooked with indifference,
,as if she were not entitled even to a small share in the record
of human events. When a man is consigned to the tomb of his
fathers, his worth is-recorded on monuments of marble, and his
virtues illuminate the page of history; but the grave of woman
is passed in silence and neglect. She who is the mother of rnaD,
the wife of his bosom, the daughter of his affection -she who
has shared all his dangers and encouraged his footsteps U'p the
steep ascent of fame-she who in the hour of sickness has
been his comforter, in the day of adversity his support, and in
the time of trial his guardian angel -generous, virtuous, unas-
suming woman -is permitted to go to her everlasting sleep,
with no mention of her Dame, no record of her virtues. Poetry
indeed has extolled her, but even poetry has praised her but
half. It has represented her chiefly as a thing of beauty, an
object of youthful admiration, a creature of light and fancy, full
of fascination and the blandishments of love'. Poetry and ro-
mance follow her in the sunny days of youth and beauty; but
when the time of her matiirity and usefulness arrives, they
abandon her for other pursuits, and leave her alone to encounter
the trials, and sickness, and sorrows of home. It is there, in the
unobserved paths of domestic life, that the value of woman is to
be estimated. There may be found unwavering faith, untiring
action, hope 1-1-at endures all afflictinDs, arid love that bears all
He I it UU
trials. There may be found the smile of unfailing friendship,
mantling over a breaking beart-the unobtrusive tear of sym-
pathy, falling in the silence of solitude. There may be found a
being, like a spirit from another world, watching through the
long dark hours of night, over the form of manhood, prostrate
and wasting by slow consuming sickness, and performing all the
numerous duties, and encountering all the innumerable trials of
common life, with the enduring patience of years, arid with no
reward but the satisfaction of her own secret heart. Man per-
forms the public toils of life, and participates the boners of the
world and the recompense of fame - but woman, who has formed
man for his high destiny, and whose virtues and amiable quali-
ties constitute the refinement of society, has no share in such
rewards. But history cannot do justice to her merits; she
must be satisfied with the living admiration of her excellence
on earth, and the everlasting remuneration of her virtues in
bea,, en.
[Louisa Jane a young daughter of Samuel Stearns, keeper of
the rail-road depot on Central Square, in August, 1837, drank
some potash, in a tumbler of water, which had been prepared
for cleaning purposes. It destroyed the inner coating of her
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1840. 407-
stomach , and she did not eat for twenty-two days. On the 30th
of March, this year, she died, having again abstained from food
for twenty-one daysj
On the 7th of June, Rev. Samuel D. Robbins resigned the
care of the Unitarian Society.
One of the greatest storms for many years commenced on
Sunday, December 15tb, and continued three days. It consisted
of snow and rain, and the wind blew a gale ', which did great
damage to the shipping in many places. The schooner Catha-
rine, from Philadelpbia, for Boston, was wrecked on the rocks
near Bass Point, at Nahant. Two of the crew were instantly
drowned, and another was so injured, by being dashed upon
the rocks, that he soon died. Capt. Nichols and one man were
saved.. At Gloucester, twenty vessels were wrecked, and sev-
enteen dead bodies were picked up on the beach.
1840.
On the 1st of January, Rev. William Gray Swett was ordained
minister of the Unitarian Society.
[The house of widow Betsey Newhall, in the south part of
Lynnfield, was burned, on the 4th of January.
[On the 16th of January the thermometer was 18 degrees
below zero.]
On the evening of Sunday, October 25tb, a scene of terrific
grandeur was exhibited. A tempest suddenly rose, in which
the thunder was exceedingly heavy, so as to shake the houses
like an earthquake; and the lightning was intense, making the
whole atmosphere, at times, appear as if it were a flanae; and
in the house it seemed as if one were enveloped with fire. At
the same time snow fell and covered the ground. The exbibi-
tion was singular and awfully sublime.
On the 11th of November, during a storm, the tide rose higher
than it probably had done since 1815. The wind had been east-
erly for several weeks, and the swell of the waters was immense,
passing for several days entirely over the Long Beach, so that
not only the harbor, but the m*sbes of Lynn, Saugus and Chel-
sea, were a portion of the mighty sea. There was no safety in
approaching the level shore; but it was a grand and terrible
sight, to stand upon Sagamo ' re bill, or some other elevation, and
view the fearful devastations of the waters. Nahant appeared
to be severed forever from the main, and ocean to be passing the
bounds of its ancient decrbe.
[The Puritan~ a religious and secular newspaper was com-
menced this year, at Lynn. Rev. Parsons Cooke was editor of
the religious department, and James R. Newhall of the secular.
The paper was afterward removed to Boston, and being united
with the Recorder was called the Puritan Recorder. Sub.
'408 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1841.
sequently the name Puritan was dropped and the publication
continued tinder the name Recorder. Mr. Cooke's connection
with it continued fill- 1862.]
0130 fact appears evident from: recent observation - either
the sea is encroacbiDg Upon our shores by elevation, Or t110
marshes are sinking. There are strong indications, by marks
upon the rocks, that the ocean once broke against the cliffs of
Saugus; and on examination of the marsbes, we are led to the
almost irresistible conclusion that the whole region now occu-
pied by them was once a portion of the sea. By some means,
Dot easily explained, these marsbes were formed, and covered,
or filled, with trees. The trUDks and stumps of those trees, in
some places bearing marks of the axe! are now buried two or
three feet below the surface of the marsh ! and twice that depth
beneath the level of high tides ! - so that the sea, after having
been shut out by some great revolutiOD, appears to be returniDg
to claim what were perhaps its ancient limits. Another proof'
that the waters are gaining upon the land is the fact that the
creeks are much wider now than they formerly were; and the
trunk of a pine, which a few years since projected three feet
into the river, now projects twenty feet.
1841.
The Lyceum Hall, in Market street, was built this year.
Phrenology and Mesmerism received much attention at this
period. Many lectures were given by European and American
professors, and many interesting experiments performed to the
satisfaction of numbers; but some remained incredulous.
This year Joseph G. Joy, Esq. built his log cabin, at Nahant,
from a plan by Alonzo Lewis. [A sort of log cabin mania pre-
vailed to some extent throughout the country. The political
campaign which resulted in the election of General Harrison to
the presidency, was called the log cabin and bard cider cam-
paign, in allusion to the alleged fact that the General, during his
western life, lived in a log cabin and -refreshed himself, while
toiling as a busbandmarl, by the' free use of hard cider. It was
thought by sagacious politicians that the picture of simplicity
thus brought before the people, with the adjunct of bard cider
songs, had great influence in the election. Many individuals,
before and after the election, erected unique structures, for
temporary residences and other purposes, bearing some resem-
blance to the log cabins of the frontier.
[Some disturbance was created in Lynn and other places,
about this time, by the Comeouters, as they were called. They
arrayed themselves against the religious organizations, and in a
number of intances disturbed public worship by entering the
meeting-liouses and denouncing the proceedings. The First
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1842. 409
Congregational and the First Baptist churches had the benefit
of their visits; but members of the congregations, withoutappre-
ciatino- the interruptions, quietly carried out the disturbers.
They had little respect for Sunday, or the settled institutions of
religion. In some cases their condnet became so outrageous
that they were arrested and punished as breakers of the peace.
They professed great regard for morality, but seemed to think
it better when separated from religion. In a few years, how-
ever, the new light exhausted itself in extravagance ofdoctrine
and indecorum of practice.
[On the 17th of April a party of public spirited young men
assembled and set trees around the Common, in Lynnfield.
[The first Daguerreotype picture ever taken in Lynn was
executed this year by James R. Newball. It was a landscape,
and the instrument by which it was taken was a cumbrous
affair, imported from France. The beautiful art had been dis-
covered but a few months before, and was just beginning to be
applied to the taking of likenesses of persons. No more sensi-
tive coating for the plate had then been discovered than the sim-
ple exhalation of iodinei and the plate was of copper with a
face of silver; it not having been discovered that a picture
could be taken on any thing but a surface of silver. Three
minutes were the shortest time thought of for a sitting, even in
clear sunshine; and eight or ten. minutes were not unfrequently
required. And after the trial of sitting, the miniatures were
dim and unsatisfactory, requiring to be held in a particular light
to have any effect, or even, in most cases, to be discernible.
American ingenuity, however, soon greatly improved the art.
And at the famous world's exhibition, in London, in 1852, the
pictures from the Unite.d States took precedence of all others.
In about myenty years after the first operations under the
process, the elegant miniatures known as photographs were
produced. And presendy the photograph album appeared on
the centre-table of the mansion and shelf of the cot, often dearer
than the Bible itself.]
1842
[Ro'bert W. Treveit died, 13 January, aged 53. He was a
graduate of Harvard College, and for many years in respectable
practice as a lawyer, at Lynn, having come in 1813. He was
a conspicuous man in our community, and sometbing of a poli:
tician, though be never occupied a very high official position.
With general literature of the better sort, he was more than
ordinarily familiar, and few stood before him in knowledge of the
history of American commerce and manufactures. In person
be was of something more than medium size, and in tempera-
ment exceeding-1v nervous, so much so, that in his latter years
410 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1843.
his whole system, mental and physical ; 'was unfavorably affected.
The closing years of his life he passed in obscurity and indi-
gence, sbunDed by most of those who irf his prosperous days.
had received benefits at his band. His wife was a lady eminent
for her virtues. They had four children; Sarab, Robert W.,
Susan W., and Warren G.
[The Essex County Washffigtouian, a large and well printed
paper, designed to advocate the cause of temperance, was
commenced on the 16th of March - Christopher Robinson pro-
prietor.]
The Lynn Natural History Society was formed on the 3d of
August. It was quite successful in the collection of interest-
ing natural curiosities, and continued in operation a number of
years.
[The house of Warren Nowball, at LyDnfield Centre, was
destroyed by fire, on the 23d of September.-'
Another great storm happened on Friday, the 3d of Decem-
ber, during which a singular phenomenon occurred. It was
high tide about ten o'clock in the forenoon, and the tide rose
nearly three feet higher than common spring tides. Soon after
eleven, when the water had ebbed more tban a foot, the wind
changed, and brought the tide in again above two feet; so that
vessels and timbers, landed by the first tide, were set afloat by
the second. This is the. only instance on record of a double
tide, since the remarkable one in 1635.
1843 .
Dr. Charles 0: Barker died on the 8th of January. He was
born at Andover, March 8, 1802, graduated at Cambridge in
1822, and married Augusta, daughter of Rembrandt Peale, in
1828.* His practice was extensive and successful, and he was
beloved by all who formed his acquaintance.
Rev. William Gray Swett, pastor Of the Unitarian Society,
died on the 15th of February. He was born in Salem, July 15,
1808, and graduated at Cambridge in 1828. He went to Cuba
in 1830, for the benefit of his health, where be spent upwards
of two years. In July, 1836, he was ordained at LeXiDgtOn:
and OD the first of January, 1840, was installed at Lynn. He
was a practical preacher, and was greatly beloved by his people.
His death was a great loss to his society and to the town ; for
*be was a man of talent, of active benevolence, and of sterliDO'
worth. He united bigb classical attainments with a rn~nly piety,
and knew enough of human nature to mingle with all its sympathies
and partake of all its innocent and social -enjoymentS.
In a sudden storm of snow and rain, on the morning of March
17, before daybreak, the schooner Thomas, Captain William
Sprowl, of Belf4st, loaded with wood, was wrecked on tbe
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1843. 411
southern end of the Lorg Beach. There were seven men on
board, five of whom were drowned, by the swamping of the
long-boat, as they were attempting to gain the shore.
A splendid comet made its appearance this year. It was
observed on the 1st of February, in the day time, passed the
sun ion tbk2ftb of that month, and was in its most favorable
po,~ition for observation on the night of the 18th of March. Its
train then extended from Zeta in Eridanus, to Eta in Lepus
thirty-eight degrees in length. It was brilliant and beautiful.
The winter.was very cold. I crossed the harbor on the 17th
of March, and"Ibe ice was then strong enough to bear a horse.
On the 4th of April the snow in many places was three feet
deep, and on the 8tb, a man drove an ox-sled, loaded with wood,
across Spring Pond. On the 20th of April, the ice was still
thick on the ponds. There were heavy frosts on the 1st and
2d of June.
President Tyler attended the celebration of the battle of
Bunker Hill, on the 17th of June; and in that week, 20,600
people passed over the Eastern Rail-road.
Lewis A. Lauriat made an ascent, in a balloon, from Chelsea,'
on the 4th of July, and descended amid thousands of spectators,
near the Lynn Bard's cottage, at Sagamore Hill.
This year, Theopbilus N. Breed built his factory for making
cutlery and shoemaker's tools on Oak street. [An excellent
water power was obtained by running a dam across the valley,
a few rods from Oak street, on the north. A fine pond, of fifty-
three acres, was thus formed, which, besides answering the
useful purpose of carrying machinery, constituted a most pictur-
esque feature of the landscape. Surrounded by woodland hills,
excepting at the narrow outlet on the west, where, at the dain,
the busy little colony of iron workers was located, and with
waters as clear as an alpine lake, it never failed to attract the
eve that could appreciate the romantic and beautiful. On the
1~th of April, 1851, during the memorable storm by which the
light house on Minot's Ledge was destroyed, a serious disaster
happened here. Some forty feet of the dam were carried away,
and out rushed the waters, in a current ten feet in depth, wi~h
such impetuosity as to carry large rocks across Oak street,
down into the meadow, where they still remain. Some of the
buildin" Avere considerably injured by the storm and rusbing
waters, and other damage was done. The dam was repaired,
and Mr. Breed continued his business, which was casting and
machine work, five or six years longer, and then the works
were closed. In 1860 the dam was broken and the water suf-
fered to escape. And then the acres wbich formed the bed
of that beautiful pond were reduced to a noxious bog, where
rank veactation flourished and noisy reptiles congregated. The
412 ANNALS OF LYNN -- 1843.
clink of the iron worker's barnmer no longer rang among the
bills, the red fires of the forges went out, and the buildings
began to decay. In 1863, however, the dam was again repaired,
the pond restored, and the business of preparing bair com-
menced.]
In August, about twenty of the Penobscot Indians came to
Lynn, and encamped, some at High Rock, and others at Nahant.
Rev. John Pierpont, Jr. was ordaiDed minister of the Unita-
rian Society, on the lith of October.
For about four years past, it has been noticed that the syca-
!nore trees [buttonwoods] have been leafless, decayed, and dy.
Mg. It is supposed that their decay has been owing to heavy
frosts blighting them, after they had budded early. [But theh-
diseased condition was noticed in various distant parts of the
country and in Europe. They seem now, [1864] however, in a
great measure to have recovered ; though there are but few left
of what was once a very fashionable tree.]
Sagamore Hall, near the Central Square Depot, was partially
burnt in the night of the 25th of November. Loss, about $3000.
The town has been remarkably exempt from losses of this kind-
this being the only great fire for ten years.
With the year 1843 the labors of Mr. Lewis) as the historian
of Lynn, close. He inserted a concluding chapter, bearing
date 1844, which was probably written in the early part of that
year. . A few passages of it appeared to be superseded by other
matter in this edition, and the remainder is given in other con-
nections. In 1857 ' be made known his intention to prepare a
Dew edition, but causes operated to prevent his fulfilling his
design; and he died in the early part of 1861. 1 have not
tbought,it right, in the preceding pages, to make any essential
alteration in the text of Mr. Lewis, nor to introduce additions of
my OWD in a way that would render him responsible. And
be*nce, as. elsewhere remarked,. I have indicated by brackets
what I have supplied. It would INve been a little more fash.
ionable, perhaps, to have resorted to foot notes than to have
introduced the new matter in the way chosen. But the most
fashionable tbiDgs, are Dot always the most convenient. And
foot notes, though often pets with writers are dire afflictioDs to
readers. In the remainder of our volume, however, the unor-
namental bracket will of course be dispensed with, as Mr. Lewis's
matter extends no farther than this page. J. R. N.
P-4
ANNALS OP LYNN - 1844. 413
1844.
Early this year Laroy Sunderland gave a course of lectures on
Pathetism, as be termed his subject in Lyceum Hall. He claimed
ability to explain divers mystical operations of the mind, and by
experiments to exhibit some of its most remarkable effects on
the body. The attendance on his lectures was very large. The
supposed science, however, seemed but another phase of Mes-
merism, or animal magnetism, which created a good deal of
attention in France toward the close of century 1700, and which
Franklin, as a member of an investigating committee, referred
to the imagination. Yet, on a question of such depth in mental
philosophy it might require'one greater than Franklin to deter-
mine what is imaginary and what real. During the few years
immediately antecedent to the year 1850, scores of lecturers,
many of them ignorant mountebanks, travelled up and down the
country, pretending to great discoveries in mental science, and
adopting various learned Dames for the dignifying of their sys.
tems. But they all seemed to Spiritualism, which began to prevail
about that marked year,
1850. Great numbers among the learned and refined, as well
as among the ignorant, believed that means were now discov-
ered by which intelligible communication could be bold with
disembodied spirits. The means -to wit, the knocking against
a wainscot or the tipping of a table - through which the com-
munications.of the invisible ones were vouchsafed, were, to be
sure, to common apprebeDsion a little extraordinary; but in
matters which are altogether mysterious, and without the circle
of common events, the rules of what we call common sense
may not apply. But all such things are perhaps useful, from
directing att;ntion to studies which may do much to elevate
mankind; even as the old astrology, which in itself was puerile,
led to some of the loftiest discoveries in astronomy.
The Essex County Whig, a weekly newspaper was com.
menced this year. In 1846, the name was changed to Lynn
News. And in 1861 it was discontinued.
The journeymen shoemakers formed a society for mutual
benefit, early this year. They endeavored to establish better
and more uniform prices. The old order system -the system
under which the workman was compelled to take orders payable
in goods, for his earnings - which often operated oppressively,
was now very general ' ly abandoned, and the wages were paid in
money. No striking results, perhaps, immediately followed the
formation of this society; yet, like all similar movements, it was
useful in diffusing a knowledge of the real condition of things..
and affecting pu~iic sentimenThe thermometer stood at 100 degress, in the sbade, 26 June.
T2_
414 ANNALS OF LYNN-1845.
The Whip- party held a mass meeting in Lynn, 4 September.
0
Eminent speakers from abroad were present, and a procession,
numbering about 3.000, moved through the principal streets.
On the Gtb of September, the Democratic party had a great
clam-bake at Swampscot. A procession, numbering some two
thousand, two hundred of whom were of the military' 7was formed
at the Central Depot, in Lynn, and marched to the place of the
unique entertainment. Addresses were made by eminent polit-
ical orators.
Tuesday, 22 October, was the day calculated by the Millerites,
as the believers in the immediate destruction of the world were
called, to be that on which the closing up of all earthly affairs
would take place. But it passed off without any extraordinary
occurrence, probably to the relief of some whose courage was
not equal to their faith. There were quite a number in Lynn,
who firmly believed in the predictions of Mr. Miller. They
held meetings, and in some instances showed their sincerity by
abandoning their business and giving away their property. And
many still continue steadfast in the belief that the end of all
tbings is close at band.
Air. John Alley, 3d, had a swine, raised byll-Ilmself, slaughtered
this year, which weighed, before being dressed, 1.330 pounds.
The fat produced 128 pounds of lard. He had the skin stuffed;
and it became an object of curiosity at agricultural exhibitions.
1845.
A I-
CLUL)UL. U11drilglit', on the 4th 01' M a dwening house on the
ivlayy
north side of Summer street, between Market and Pleasant,
occupied by Albourne Oliver and David M. Hildreth, was
burned. The two families had barely time to escape with their
lives. Not even a change of clothing was saved by any of the
inmates. Loss $3.000.
Mount Carmel Lodge of Freemasons, instituted in 1805, and
discontinued in 1834, under the anti-masonic pressure, was this
year reorganized and regular meetings resumed.
Joseph W. Millett, of' Swampscot, met his death, 28 May,
under painfiiI circumstances. Some young men were in the
pastures in pursuit of geological specimens, and be accompanied
them. They charged a rock with a pound of powder, and he
volunteered to touch it off. They retired, not without appre-
hensiOD, as he appeared so daring, leaving him to execute the
dangerous task. They heard the report, returned, and found
him dead, his body being much mutilated. He left a wife and
six children.
The Lynn Artillery joined the escort at the funeral solemnities
held in Boston, 9 July, on the occasion of the death of General
Jackson.
I -ANNALS OF LYNN -1846. 415
The thermometer reached 101 degrees, in the sbade, 12 July
A Young man from Bradford, named Noyes, was drowned,
while bathing, at Needham's Landing, 10 September. He bad
come to Lynn in the hope of benefitting his health by sea bath-
ing, arriving only the day before.
1846.
Between eleven and twelve o'clock on the night of 1 January,
a fire broke out in the Rockaway House, at Swampscot, destroying
the building and furniture, bowling-alloys, stable, and other
out buildings. Loss about $20.000. The building was formerly
the Topsfield Hotel, and was moved from that town to Swamps-
cot, a distance of about fifteen miles.
For several days, in the early part of January, the air was
so clear that the planet Venus c~uld be seen at noonday, about
three hours behind the sun.
Amariah Childs died, 21 January, aged 80. He owned the
mills on Saugus river, Boston street, which so long bore his
name, and there manufactured. that excellent chocolate which
became celebrated not only throughout the United States, but
in Europe. He began the manufacture in or about the year
1805, and sold out the business in 1840. He lived on Boston
stree ' t, nearly opposite Bridge, and was an esteemed citizeD.
He married three wives, the first and-last of whom were sisters,
and the intermediate one the widow of a deceased brother of
the other two. The last named was Mrs. LarkiD, mother of
Thomas 0. Larkin, who, at one time during the excitement
respecting the California gold discoveries, was reputed to be
-the wealthiest man in the Union, be having become proprietor
of extensive tracts of land in that auriferous region. At the
time of his death, however, which occurred a few years after, it
appeared that though a rich man, his possessions had been
greatly over-estimated.
A house on Franklin street, belonging to John Alley, 3d, was
struck by ligbtniDg, 18 May, and two persons knocked down.
On the 21st of June, the lightning struck the house of Charles
P. Curtis, then in process of erection, on Ocean street, doing
considerable damage to the frame.
On Sunday, 28 June, there appeared a remarkable solar bale.
The outer edge was of a beautiful violet, and the inner red.
The first Congregational meetiDg-bouse in Swampscot, was
dedicated on the 15th of July, and the church organized.
On the Ist of August, the anniversary of the abolishment
of slavery in the British West Indies was celebrated in the
woods, near Lover's Leap. The day was pleasant, and a large
company of ladies and gentlemen assembled. Some prominent
speakers from other places were present.
416 ANNALS OF LYNN -i846.
. Thomas Nourse killed a rattlesnake five feet long, and having
nine rattles, on the LynDfield road, in July. The ages of these
reptiles may be determined by the number of their rattles.
They have the first when three years old, and -afterward One
annually.
On Sunday morning, 9 August,,ono of the most destructive
fires that ever occurred in Lynn, took place. It commenced at
about two o'clock, in the spice and coffee mill of Nehemiah
Berry and Samuel C. Childs, on Water Hill. The mill and adja-
cent frame buildings were soon destroyed and the fire commu-
nicated to the large brick building used for silk printing and
dyeing, then occupied by Daniel K. Chase; and that also was
destroyed. Total loss about $T5.000. Insurance $20.000. This
brick factory was the one referred to under date 1836.
On Friday afternoon, 14 August, during the recess at the
grammar school on Franklin Street, the upper wall fell-plaster-
ing, beams, flooriDg, and all -and precipitated into the room
a cord and a half of wood which had been piled in the attic. It
came down with such force that portions sank through the floor
into the basement. Several pupils who happened to remain in.
during the recess, were injured; none, however, fatally. The
average attendance of scholars was about a hundred and fifty,
and had the accident occurred while the school was in session,
many lives must have been lost.
A smart shock of an earthquake was felt on Tuesday morning,
25 August, at fifteen minutes before. five nlelonk. Tt, was suffi.
ciently violent to wake persons from sleep, and in some instances
dishes were tbrOWD from shelves. There was for a moment a
dull, rumbling sound, like that produced by a train of cars/pass-
ing over a bridge,
The old Lynn Light Infantry, organized in 1812, was disbanded
this year. For many years it was a famous company.
The Agricultural Society of Essex County, held their annual
cattle show and exhibition in Lynn, 1 October. The weather
was pleasant and a very large number were present from abroad.
The address was delivered by Moses Newell, of West Newbury,
and the dinner was had in the basement of the First Congreg-t-
tional meeting-house. A levee and dance took place in the
evening.
The summer and autumn were unusually warm and dry;
more so, it was stated, than at any previous time for a quarter of
a century. There was a great failure of water in the wells about
town; some dried up that never had before. November and
December were very cold. At Thanksgiving time there' was
a great easterly storm that did much damage.
A singular disease began to affect the potato crop, this year;
and it has continued to exhibit itself with more or less virulence
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1847. 417
every season since, in some instances destroying wnole crops;
the potatoes being sometimes attacked while in the ground, and
at other times after being digged. Four periods have been
marked by the prevalence of the 11 potato rot," in this vicinity;
the first in 1770. The remedv in former times seems to have
been in the use of the seed, instead of the bulb, for propagation.
The congress boot began to be manufactured at this time.
Its peculiarity consisted mainly in the substitution of an elastic
gore for the old l1acing, thus rendering the boot easier about
the ankle, and more tasty in appearance.
I The Mexican war commenced this year. Lynn furnished
twent ' y volunteers ' viz: Mark Annis, Henry Chester, Benjamin
Coates, C. W. Foster, Natban Green, Lucius Grover, Joseph
Hepburn, Amos Kimball, Stephen Morton, Henry Newhall,
William B. Patten, Hezekiah Shaw, Walter Sherman, Edward
F. Skinner, John Spinney, William Swasey, Joseph Wendell,
Joseph York, and two others of the name of Brown.
1847.
On the 15th of April. there were two inches of frost in tb6
ground. And on the 22d of the same mouth the weather was
so warm that the thermometer rose to eigbty-six degrees in the
sbade. But the next day it snowed.
President Polk made a short visit to Lynn on Monday after-
Doon, 5 July. He came from the east in a special train, left his
car at the Central Depot and rode through the town in a car-
riage, taking his car again at the depot at the foot * of Commer-
cial street. There was great eagerness to greet him, but his
stay was so short that few could be gratified.
The HutobiDson cottage at High Rock,was built this year.
Also Exchange Building, on Market street.
The Agricultural Society of -Essex county, again held their
annual cattle show and exhibition at Lynn, 29 September. The
address was delivered by Thomas E. Payson of Rowley. The
dinner and other fbstivities usual on the occasion passed off in
a manner most satisfactory..
Samuel Mulliken died 25 November, aged 86. He was.long
identified with the prosperity of Lynn, and was the third post-
master, serving from 1803 to 1807. Before coming to Lynn
he for a short time pursued the business of a watchmaker, at
Salem. In Lynn, be did a large business, for many years, as a
tanner, and at one time- kept a large store at the southern end
of Market street. He was a man of strict integrity and great
industry. He had a strong will, which, being usually set in the
right direction stood him in good stead. But he once related
to i-ne ,in instance of its operation which seems more amusing
than beneficial. During the active portion of his life, it was a
27
418 ANNALS OF LYNTN - 1848.
custom, as public conveyances were few, for a couple of busi-
ness men to visit Boston in company, one prov?ding the horse
and vehicle and the other paying the tolls and horse keeping.
One chilly November day, he and Jeremiah Bulfinch, a neighbor,
agreed to visit Boston in that partnership way. Mr. B. was to
furnish the conveyance and Mr. M. to pay the expenses. When
they arrived at Charlestown, which was early in the forenoon,
they found that an additional toll, or some other charge, to the
amount of six cents, on which neither had calculated, had been
levied. Mr. Mulliken contended that the extra charge should
be equally shared; but Mr. Bulfineb declaied that none of it
rightfully fell on him. They were equally matched for stub.
bornness, and there they sat, disputing and arguing, till the
declining sun warned them that it was time for the horse's head
to be turned homeward. And home they rode, each, undoubt-
edly, congratulating himself on his manly triumph. 11 And,"
added Mr. Mullikeu, as be related the incident, his counte-
nance radiating from the old fire within, though he was then
more than eight), years of age,." 1 would have sat there till
this time, before I would have paid it 111 Mr. Mullikell had two
wives; his first was a daughter of Col. Ezra Newhall, of * the
Revolution - and his children were, Jonathan, William, John,
Charles, Susan, George.
The old Lynn Rifle Company was disbanded this year. It
had been in existence about tweDty-fiVe years, and ranked bigli
for discipline.
The custom of pressing sea mosses and working them into
parlor ornaments, began about this time. The rocks by the
sea side and those upon the woodland hills furnish an Inex'haust-
ible amount of material for the most durable and beautiful orna.
ments; and -by a tasty and patient hand it may be wrought into
pictures that might easily be referred to the skill of goddesses.
And the brilliant leaves of autumn, carefully pressed and var.
nisbed may be formed into exquisite pictures.
The first telegraphic wires that passed through Lynn were
put up in December. There was, however, no communication
held -by them between Lynn and other places. Morse's tole-
graph was invented in 1832, and the line between Washington
and Baltimore completed in 1844.
1848.
On the night of Wednesday, 5 January, the bartiess shop of
Edwin N. Pike, on Union street, near the Central Depot, was
burned. Loss $1.200.
Oliver Fuller, aged 60, while walking on the rail-road track,
in the vicinity of,the Central Depot, on Thursday, 24 February,
was run over by a locomotive, and instantly killed.
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1848. 419
George Gray, tne Lynn hermit, died 28 February, aged 78.
He was by birth a Scotchman and came here near the close of
the last century, locating in a lonely spot, which he made his
home till the time of his death, though population largely in-
creased around, much to his annoyance. Two or three rude
little structures, erected chiefly by his own hand, answered for
his dwelling, workshops, and store houses. They were on
the south side of Boston street, a few rods east of the main en-
trance to Pipe Grove Cemetery. It Was a very wild place till
within a few years. A high woody hill rose in the rear, a tan-
gled swamp was on either band, with a weedy brook winding
through; while in front, beyond a little area of brambles and
rank vegetation, wound the street just named. He persistently,
and often with a good deal of asperity, refused to communicate
to the curious inquirers who sometimes beset him, any know-
ledge of his personal history or the causes which induced the
adoption of his comfortless and unnatural mode of life. And
that very secrecy gave rise to innumerable romantic surmises.
Some believed that an unfortunate affair of the heart estranged
him from the world ; others that some great crime rendered his
flight from his native land a necessity. And be had the shrewdness
to avoid entangling himself, by contradicting any current
opinion.
At times be was by no means aVerse to discussing affairs
with his neighbors, though very seldom could one receive a
welcome to his premises, and never would an invitation ~o enter
his dwelling be extended. His calls were generally made at
night. I was occasionally favored with one and usually found
him so forgetful of the passing time that it was necessary to
remind him of the lateness of the hour by a delicate hint like
that of extinguishing the lights, nothing short of some such rude-
ness appearing to be understood. On one of these visits, when
be seemed in gracious mood, with venturesome curiosity I
expressed a desire to know something of his early history; but
the sudden and lively response - "That is what don't concern
you I " checked all approach for that purpose. He was a reflecting
man, and one of considerable literary and scientific attainment;
but the current story of his carrying a Hebrew Bible about in
his pocket was, no doubt, a fiction. He took great pleasure
in attending lectures, and in studying works on the abstruse
sciences. But his fondness for the mechanic arts was perhaps
his most conspicuous trait, and he became very skillful in some
branches 'connected with machinery. Strangers would some-
times vex him With Untimely visits, and by unpalatable remarks
induce sudden exhibitions of temper. But if one assumed to
possess a knowledge of mechanics, he was pretty sure of a courteouis
hearing. He claimed to be the inventor of a most useful
420 ANNALS OP LYNN - 1848.
part of the ship's steering apparatus; but some one was before
him in securing the patent, and he was subjected to much ex
pense in unsuccessful efforts to establish his claims. Rufus
Cboate was his advocate and counsellor at one time.
In religion he was probably a materialist, most of his life.
Perhaps a dozen years before his death he remarked to me that
it was "ridiculous for any one to contend that intelligence was
not the result of physical organization." But it is understood
that be subsequently abandoned his old views, and died in the
Calvinistic Nth. He was eccentric in his habits, and had little
regard for personal appearance, oftentimes, especially during
the last few years of his life, appearing in a grim and filthy con-
dition. He was remarkable, even in old age, for power of pby-
sical endurance. Many a time has be walked to Boston, on a
winter evening, attended a lecture, and walked home after it
had closed, making a distance, in all, of full twenty miles, most
likely with no thicker covering to his head than a dilapidated
straw hat and upon his feet coarse shoes and no stockings.
He suffered much from disease during his few last years. And
there, in his forlorn habitation, without the sympathy of friends
or the common endearments of home, in solitude and distress,
his last days were passed.
Mr. Gray, at the time of his decease, possessed property to
the amount of about $4.000. He died intestate, and his debts
were not large; a considerable portion, therefore, went into the
treasury of the COMMODwealtb. His savings do not appear,
however, to have accumulated from a miserly disposition, but
rather from habits of industry and a naturally frugal turn, for
the administrator informed me that from the appearance of
things he could hardly have taken sufficient interest in his pe.
cuniary affairs to have known what he did possess. In some
instances the evidences of his money deposits were found
thrown among waste paper.
The death of the hermit was noticed in the newspapers,
throughout the country, and several persons appeared, claiming
to be heirs; but they failed to substantiate their claims. On
the 16th of January, 1861, George Gray and William Gray peti-
tioned the legislature to grant to them the proceeds of the
hermit's estate in the treasury. The petitioners represented
that the hermit was a natural son of William Gray, of Oxgang,
Dunbarton county, Scotland, of whom tlfey were legitimate
grandchildren. They did not assume any legal right to the
money, but in consideration of the fact that they would have
been entitled as heirs, had the hermit been legitimate, hoped
the legislature would favorably regard their prayer. The peti.
tion was referred to the committee on claims, but the result
was not favorable to the petitioners.
ANNALS OP LYNN - 1848. 421
During the month of May, some two hundred dwellings were
in process of erection or enlargement in different pares of Lynn.
On Saturday morning, 6 May, during a thunder shower, the
safe in the ticket office of the Central Depot was blown open
and robbed of about forty dollars. The thief was discovered
and suffeOn Sunday, 11 June, a party of youn men went down Sau-
gus river, for recreation, partaking of clams apd other refresh-
Monts. On their way back, William Austin, one of the number,
was suddenly taken ill, and died before a physician could be
summoned.
Independence was this year celebrated in Lynn by the friends
of temperance. In the evenin there was a display of fireworks,
at High Rock, and a great crowd of spectators.
The second post-office in Lynnfield was established, 1 August,
in the centre village.
At about four o'clock on Sunday morning, 6 August, the
house and barn of Samuel Parrott, on North Bend, were entirely
destroyed by fire. Loss, about $3.500. Two cows and a calf
perished in the flames.
An unusually fatal epidemic prevailed in September. There
were seven funerals in town on the 17tb. And on the next
Sunday Rev. Dr. Cooke, of the First Church, preached a sermon
appropriate to the occasion.
The Agricultural Society of Essex County, for the third suc-
cessive year held their annual exhibition in Lynn. The day
was pleasant and great numbers attended. The address was
delivered by Gen. Josiah Newhall, of Lynnfield. Hon. Daniel
Webster was present. The evening levee was in ExcbaDge
Hall. A few rockets were let off on the Common, at night,
which so frightened some of the cattle that they broke from
their enclosures and fled. Three young cows, brouglAby David
S. Caldwell, of Byfield, were found, about. midnight, at the rail-
road depot, quietly reposing beside the same car in which they
had been brought.
In October, the house of Daniel Kidder, in Saugus, near the
Newburyport. Turnpike, was burned. Loss $2.000. The fire
was occasioned by children playing with matches in the garret.
On Friday afternoon, 29 December, the. new grammar school-
house on the westerly side of Franklin street, was dedicated.
Though of wood, it was at the time considered a fine building.
The carriage road along the harbor side of Long Beach was
built this year by Dennison W. Goldtbwaite, under the super.
intendence of Alonzo Lewis. It cost $1.771.25. The town
appropriated $1.000 and the people at Nahant, resident and
non-resident,.subscribed $1.225. A part of the town appropri.
ation was not used.
422 ANNALs 6F LYNN - 1849.
Lynn Common was fenced this year. The whole cost of the
fencing fell a.trifle short of $2.500. To the exertions of the
ladies the town was in a great measure indebted for the im-
provement. On the 28tb, 29tb, and 30th days of September, they
held a great fair at Exchange Hall, and were so successful as ~o
realize $1.636, iDC]UdiDg $245 previously obtained by subscrip-
tion. Other sums were subsequently subscribed, and the town
made an appropriation, which enabled the committee promptly
to complete the work. Down to this time the Common bad
remained an open area. Most of it was used as a public ground
frorn the earliest times, military trainings and public parades
and exhibitions being held there. In some portions the surface
remained quite uneven as late as 1830; there were hollows
and risings, muddy places and gravelly shelves. The travel
flowed partly along the sides, where North and South Common
streets now are, and partly along a road which ran, with divers,
interruptions, along the centre. Just east of where the pond
now is, stood a dwelling-bouse, with out-buildings and a small
orchard. And a little farther east stood the gun-bouse and
town-bouse. At the eastern extremity was a little district
sebool-bouse, and at the western another. Almost exautly op-
posite where Whiting street opens, was the famous Old Tunnel
meeting-bouse; and so few were the buildings, for most of the
distance, between the middle of the Common and the sea, even
down to the time of the disappearance of that sacred edifice,
that people in passing up and down had pleasant views of the
water. Many a time, when a boy, on my way to and from
meeting, haVe I watched the vessels. In 1827 the old meeting-
house was removed; and in the course of about half a dozen
years thereafter the whole extent was freed from the arcbitec-
tural encumbrances. It was then ploughed up, the circular
pond formed, the hollows filled, and North and South Com-
mon streets graded. Since the fence was built the city has
made a number of small appropriations for improvements; the
gravel walks have been formej, and numerous trees planted.
At the time the Common was fenced there were three hundred
and forty-seven trees upon it, including those within the rail-
ing and along the side-Walks.
1849.
On Wednesday afternoon, 3 January, the new grammar school-
house, on the. east side of Centre street was dedicated. This
and the one built at the same time, on Franklin street, and ded-
icated 29 December, 1848, were the best ever built in Lynn, up
to this time. They cost about $5.000, each.
On Wednesday, 31 January, the body of a man about fifty
years of age, who had been frozen to death, was found on Tower
ANNALS7 OF LYNN - 1949. 423
Hill, near the aims-house. It was supposed that he froze tile
night before, which was intensely cold, while in a condition of
helpless intoxication.
A small building near High Rock, used as a shoemakers' shop,
was burned on Sunday evening, 25 March. The building was
an interesting relic, having been the belfry of the Old Tunnel
meeting-house. The spaces being boarded up, it furnished a
comfortable though not very capacious shop.
The Lynn Police Court was established this year. It became
a court of record, in the legal sense, I January, 1862.
The Laighton Bank commenced business, 2 August.
A national fast was appointed for the 3d of August, on account
of the threatened prevalence of the Asiatic cholera. The day
was well observed at Lynn. About a dozen cases of the disease
appeared in our alms-house, ten of which proved fatal. A few
other cases occurred in different parts of the town. But the
excitement was not to be compared with that of 1832, when
the disease first reached America. Lynn, at that time, partook
largely of the general alarm, though the pestilence did not then
visit her.
In September, James C. Lampbier, of Swampscot, discovered
floating off Swampscot beach, a turtle, of the enormous weight
of six hundred pounds. Its length, from the end of the nose to
the end of the tail, was eight feet and six inches, and its shell
was six feet long and three and a half wide. The animal was
dead when discovered. After being towed ashore a bullet bole
was found in the body.
. Rev. Theobold Matthew, of Ireland, a distinguished advocate
of temperance, visited Lynn on the afternoon of Monday, 17
September. He held a levee at Lyceum Hall, and several bun-
dreds, mostly his own countrymen, took the temperance pledge.
On the 7th and 8th of October, he again visited Lynn and
administered the pledge to others.
A great storm occurred on the 6th and 7th of October. The
sea was driven in with such fury that in several places it made
breaches entirely over Long Beach.
The Bay State, a weekly newspaper, advocating democratic
principles, was commenced 11 October, by Lewis Josselyn.
On the evening of 19 October a party of Ojibway Indians
gave an entertainment at Lyceum Hall. They had traveled
in Europe under the guidance of George Catlin, the accom-
plished Indiap~ delineator.
The new grammar school-house, at Swampscot, was dedicated
on the 20tb of December.
A large number left Lynn, this year, to seek their fortunes in
California, the excitement respecting the gold discoveries on
the Pacific coast having set people almost bieside themselves.
424 ANNALS OF LYNN - 18,50.
Nearly two hundred went, some by water and some by land.
And there was as much diversity in their success as in their
characters and habits. Some returned in poverty and witli
broken health, others with well-filled purses and good health;
others still remained, preferring to make new -homes iii that
distant region.
The grammar school-house at Tower Hill was built this year.
1850.
A curious discussion, which in some instances waxed quite
warrg, arose at the beginning of this year. It was on the ques-
tion whether 1850 was the last year of the first half of the cen.
tury, or the first year of the last half.
Fifteen cases of small-pox occurred in January in one house
on Spring street; only one, however, proved fatal. All the
patients were colored persons.
At the beginning of this year there were in Lynn thirty-four
public schools, employing nine male and thirty-four female
teachers. The whole number of pupils was 3.379.
A two story building on Centre street, between North Com-
mon street and the Turnpike, occupied by Peter C. Downing,
as a boarding-house, was destroyed by fire on Sunday night,
March 31.
Lynn adopted the city form of government this year. The
leg~slature granted the charter on the 10th of April, and on the
19th the inhabitants voted to accept it. The organization of
the first city government took place on Tuesday forenoon, the
t4th of May, at Lyceum Hall. The day was pleasant, and a
large number, some of whom were ladies, were present to wit-
ness the ceremonies. George Hood took the oath of office as
mayor, Daniel C. Baker as president of the common council, and
William Bassett as city clerk. In the evening the new city
government, together with a large company of citizens, partoA
of a collation, in the old Town Hall.
A great fire raged in the woods on Sunday, 21 April. Sev-
eral hundred acres, chiefly in Dungeon Pasture, were burned
over.
Col. Samuel Brimblecom died 24 April, aged 81. He was
for many years an enterprising shoe manufacturer, and did a
great deal towards establishing the business on a firm basis.
Before his time the whole trade was so loosely conducted that
few realized any thing beyond a bare maintenance from unre.
mitted toil and perplexity; but many of his suggestions tended
greatly to systematize the business and render it profitable. In
common with all the manufacturers of that period he met with
reverses in early life, though before the infirmities of age had
settled upon him be had secured a competency. He was a man
'UNTINALS OF LYNN - 1850. 425
of philosophical turn of mind, and estimable social qualities;
fODd of reading, and ready to aid in all efforts to improve the
mind. He was a member of the Unitarian Society at its forma-
tion, and continued steadfast in the faitb. He had seven ebil-
dren, namely,Mary, Samuel, Mary Ann, two Williams, Lucy, and
Ellen. His' flrst wife was Mary Uansfleld, whom be married
4 June, 1794; and his second, Nelly Copp, whom be married
I June, 1817. Ellen was the only child by the second marriage.
His residence was on the south side of the Turnpike, a few
rods west of Franklin street. He was a native of Marblehead.
At about midnight, on Sunday, 26 May, two buildings on
the wharf at the foot of Commercial street, were destroyed by
fire, with a considerable quantity of lumber and lime. On the
morning of the same day, a store-house in the rear of Caleb
Wiley's store, corner of ihe Turnpike and Federal street, was
burned.
Down to the last day of May, the easterly wind had been the
prevailing one for a'bundred successive days, an occurrence
quite uncommon even here where our springs are so marked
by easterly winds.
The physicians of Lynn, by mutual agreement, commenced
charging seventy-five cents for each professional visit, June 15.
The most common fee, previous to that, had been fifty cents.
It was a time of great prosperity, and wages in almost every
craft and profession took an upward course.
On the afternoon of Thursday, 20 June, during a thunder
shower, the lightning struelc the clothing store of RolaDd G.
Usher, on Market street. James W. Ingalls, who was standing
in the door way, was knocked down. The lightning passed
between his legs, tearing one of his boots, and burning his
person somewhat.
The "ten hour system," as it was called - that is, the reckon-
ing of ten hours' labor as a day's work-was very generally
adopted this year. The church bells were rung at six in the
afternoon, and then labor, for the most part, ceased, in field
and shop. Mayor Hood took a lively interest in the movement.
On the night of the 18th of July, the morocco manufactory
of James Tibbets, on Sutton street ., was destroyed by fire.
On the afternoon of Wednesday, 24 July, Pine. Grove Ceme.
tery was consecrated. The weatLer was pleasant, though very
warm, and a great concourse attended. The address was deliv.
ered by Rev. Charles C. Shackford, of the Unitarian Society.
A son of Joseph Ramsdell, of Lynnfield, aged 10, killed a
rattlesnake, in July, which was five feet in length and had eleven
rattles.
In the summer of tbi4 year, the Salem and Lowell rail-road,
running through the northerly part of Lyntifield, was opened.
426 - ANNALS OF LYNN - 1850
. A tornado passed through the westerly part of Lynnfield, on
the 1st of August, at about three in the afternoon, sweeping
every thing before it. Its track was but a few rods in width,
and fortunately no buildings were in it.
On Thursday, August 15, a sad disaster occurred at Humfrey's
pond, in Lynnfield. A company, connected for the most part
with the First Christian Society of Lynn, were holding a pic-nic
on the border of the pond. In the course of the afternoon a
party of twenty-five, chiefly ladies, rowed out in a large flat
bottomed boat, about a hundred yards from the sbore. As some'
of them shifted from side to side, the boat was made to careen;
and several becoming alarmed threw their weight in a manner
to completely capsize it. Before aid could reach them thirteen
were drowned.
The Salem and South Reading rail-road, passing through
Lynnfield, was opened for travel, 31 Angust.
The dry goods store of Charles B. Holmes, on Market street,
was broken into on the night of 5 October, and robbed to the
amount of some $500. Several other robberies were committed
at about the same time, in different parts of the town.
This year the potato rot was very destructive to the crops in
and about Lynn.
The first burial in Pine Grove Cemetery took place on Sun-
day, October 13. It was on Myrtle path and in lot number 212.
The stone bears this inscription: 11 Harriet Newell, wife of
George W. Stocker, died Oct. 11, 1850, aged 27 years. Faith-
ful while below, she did her duty well. The first interment and
the first stone erected in this Cemetery."
The planet Venus was visible to the naked eye, on clear after-
noons, for several days during the early part of November.
On the evening of 28 November, George Thompson, ihe dis-
tinguished abolition lecturer and member of the British parlia-
ment, being again in the country, had a public reception by his
friends in Lynn, and delivered an address. The meeting was
at Lyceum Hall, which was well filled, though the weather was
stormy. James N. Buffum presided. For notice of Mr. Thomp-
son's earlier visits see under date 1835.
The law passed by Congress, this year, intended to facilitate
the rendition of slaves escaping into the free states, and known
as the "Fugitive Slave Law," met with strong opposition in
Lynn' Several largely attended meetings were held, at which it
was warmly denounced. At Lyceum Hall, on Saturday evening,
5 October, a full and enthusiastic meeting convened, at which
Mayor Hood presided, Jonathan Buffum, Daniel C. Baker,
Charles Merritt, and William Bassett, being vice presidents, and
George Foster and Benjamin F. Mudge secretaries. One or
two prominent speakers from abroad made stirring addresses,
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1850. 427
and the following resolutions were unanimously adopted. They
are certainly characteristic of the people of Lynn, in the
animated spirit of freedom they breathe though the 'Oxceedin-
0
fervor of one or two -seems to savor somewhat of nulliflcation:
RESOLVED, That the Fugitive Slave Bill, recently enacted by Congress,
violates the plain intent and the strict letter of the United States constitution,
which secures to every citizen, except in cases of martial law, the right of trial
by jury on all important questions; further, said bill outrages justice, Since it
does not secure to the fugitive, or to the free man mistaken for a fugitive, due
notice beforehand of the charge made against him, and opportunity for cross-
examining the witnesses against him on their oath, gives him no time to get
counsel or gather testimony in his own behalf-rigbts which our fathers
secured by the struggle of two hundred years, and which are too dear to be
sacrificed to the* convenience of slave hunters, afraid or ashamed to linger
amid a community whose institutions and moral sense they are outraging.
Again, said bill . tramples on the most sacred principles 6f the common law;
and even if men could be property, no property, however sacred, can claim
the right to be protected in such a way as endangers the rights and safety of
free men, therefore -
RESOLVED, That we protest against it as grossly unconstitutional, as fi-aught
with danger to the safety of a large portion of our fellow citizens, and capable
of being easily perverted to the ruin of any one, white or black; we denounce
it as infamous, and we proclaim our determination that it shall not be executed.
RESOLVED, That we rejoice to believe that there are not prisons enough at
the North to hold the men and women who stand ready to succor and protect
the panting fugitive slave, and baffle and resist the slave hunter, who shall
dare to pollute our soil.
RESOLVED, That every man who voted for this atrocious bill, every one
who avows his readiness to execute it, and every one who justifies it on anv
ground, is a traitor to the rights of the free states, and a criminal of the deepe~t
die;, at the head of whom stands Millard Fillmore, who from party, or even
baser motives, has set his Dame to a law, the provisions of which, so far
from being fitted for a- christian republic, remind one only of the court of
Jeffries, or the camp of Haynau.
RESOLVED, That Samuel A. Eliot, of Boston, in giving his vote for this
blood-hound bill, dishonored and betrayed Massachusetts;' and low as is often
the moral sense of a great city, cankered by wealth, ~ve rejoice to kDOW that
he misrepresented his immediate constituents. and we demand of them,.in
the Dame of our old commonwealth, to save us from the infamy of his presence
in aDotber Congress.
RESOLVED, That since God hathcommanded us to 11 bewray not him that
wandereth," and since, our fathers being witnesses, every man's right to lib-
erty is self-evident, we see no way of avoiding the conclusion of Senator
Seward, that "it is a violation of the divine law to surrender the fugitive slave
who takes refuge at our firesides from his relentless pursuers;" and in view
of this, as well as of the notorious fact that the slave power has constantly
trampled under foot the Constitution of the United States to secure its own
extension or safety, and especially of the open, undisguised, and acknowledged
contempt of that instrument, with which the slave states kidnap our colored
citizens traveling South, and imprison our colored seamen, we, in obedience to
Gods law, and Z~ in self-defense, declare that, constitution or no constitution,
law or no law, with jury trial or without, the slave who has once breathed the
air and touched the soil of Massachusetts, shall never be dragged back to
bondage.
RESOLVED, That Lewis Cass and Daniel Webster, Senator Foote and Sen-
ator Clay, and each and every one of the 11 conmromise committee of thirteen,"
428 ANNALS OF LYNN-1851.
who reported and urged the passage of this bill, as well as every one who
voted for its passage, are unworthy the votes of a free people for any office
for which they may be hereafter named.
In the course of a few months other large meetings were held,
attended by prominent individuals of the several political parties,
and similar resolutions adopted. Other places in the common.
wealth were quite as much in a ferment as Lynn, and public
opinion soon became so moulded that a legislature was elected
which made such provisions that the operation of the law was
seriously obstructed ; and the soutberners grew rampant under
what they declared to be Mmsacbusetts nullification. Some
very had seeds were sown at this time.
George Thompson, member of the British parliament, deliv-
ered the introductory lecture before the Lynn Lyceum, on the
21st of November. There was a very large attendance. His
sulliect was Reforms in England.
The Central Congregational meeting-bouse, Silsbe street, was
dedicated on the 11th of December.
Rev. Elbridge G. Brooks was installed minister of the First
Universalist Society, on Sunday evening, December 22.
The valuation of the real estate in Lynn, for this yeat, was
$3.160.515; of personal, $1.674.328 -total, 4.834.843. Rate
of taxation, $9 on $1.000. Number of polls, 3.215. City debt,
$56.960.55. By turning to date 1860, the reader will have an
opportunity to determine what progress had been made in these
particulars in ten years.
The %vbole number of deaths in Lynn, this year, was 262; of
consumption, 43. Aggregate population, 14.257. Many have
an impression that Lynn is an especially unfavorable locality
for such as are liable to pulmonary diseases. But it is thought
that a careful study of the bills of mortality will show that a
smaller number of deaths, from all diseases, occur in Lynn ., in a
given period, than in almost any place of equal population, in
New England; and that though the consumptives here beara
greater proportion, they are yet less in the whole number than
the consumptives in those other places.
1851
On Wednesday, 8 January, the commodious structure, erected
on High street, for the use' of the High School, was dedicated.
The school was commenced 28 May, 1849, in the wooden school-
house on Franklin street, under the charge of Jacob Batchelder,
as principal.
The carpenter shop of Thomas Taylor, on Sagamore street,
was destroyed by fire, on the night of 4 February. And on
Monday night, 17 February, the two story wooden building on
Market street. oorner of Essex, was nearly burned up. The,
ANNALS OP LYNN-1851. 424
lower story was occupied as a crockery ware, grocery, and
provision store. The Freemasons and two temperance societies
had their rooms above.
On Sunday evening, March 11, a barn near the Dr. Cbeever
place, in Sau-gus, was -burned, with about twelve tons of bay.
On Tuesday, 18 March, a tremendous storm occurred. The
tide was driven entirely over Long Beach, at several points,
so that Nahant was literally an island. . The new road, on the
harbor side was much damaged, the marsbes were submerged,
and considerable injury was done to the rail-road bed.
The second City Government was organized April 7 -George
Hood, mayor, James R. Newhall, president of the common coun-
cil, William Bassett, city clerk~
On the 15th of April, another violent easterly storm com-
menced, continuing two days. The wind was terrific, and
much rain fell. A. higher tide was occasioned than any since
that driven in by the great gale of 1815. The sea again swept
over Long Beach, to such an extent that a continuous sheet of
raging water lay between Lynn and Nahant. Two men, on
horseback, attempted to cross the Beach, but the horses were
thrown down by a wave, and they were in great danger of losing
their lives. The lower part of Beach street was submerged,
and much lumber, wood, and other property floated off. This
storm was more severe than that of the 18th of March. Sever,
successive tides rushed over the Beach, badly gullying the road
so lately built, and rendering it almost impassable. At Breed's
mill, on Oak street, a part of the dam was carried away and
much damage done, a more particular statement whereof may
be found on page 411. Butthe most serious disaster on the
coast was the destruction of the light-house on Minot's Ledge,
and the loss of two faithful assistant keepers. The height of the
building was seventy-five feet, and it was supposed to have been
so strongly built as to survive any storm. It was seen to fall,
a few minutes after midnight, by persons on board an inward
bound vessel.
Nearly two hundred went, some by water and some by land.
And there was as much diversity in their success as in their
characters and habits. Some returned in poverty and witli
broken health, others with well-filled purses and good health;
others still remained, preferring to make new -homes iii that
distant region.
The grammar school-house at Tower Hill was built this year.
1850.
A curious discussion, which in some instances waxed quite
warrg, arose at the beginning of this year. It was on the ques-
tion whether 1850 was the last year of the first half of the cen.
tury, or the first year of the last half.
Fifteen cases of small-pox occurred in January in one house
on Spring street; only one, however, proved fatal. All the
patients were colored persons.
At the beginning of this year there were in Lynn thirty-four
public schools, employing nine male and thirty-four female
teachers. The whole number of pupils was 3.379.
A two story building on Centre street, between North Com-
mon street and the Turnpike, occupied by Peter C. Downing,
as a boarding-house, was destroyed by fire on Sunday night,
March 31.
Lynn adopted the city form of government this year. The
leg~slature granted the charter on the 10th of April, and on the
19th the inhabitants voted to accept it. The organization of
the first city government took place on Tuesday forenoon, the
t4th of May, at Lyceum Hall. The day was pleasant, and a
large number, some of whom were ladies, were present to wit-
ness the ceremonies. George Hood took the oath of office as
mayor, Daniel C. Baker as president of the common council, and
William Bassett as city clerk. In the evening the new city
government, together with a large company of citizens, partoA
of a collation, in the old Town Hall.
A great fire raged in the woods on Sunday, 21 April. Sev-
eral hundred acres, chiefly in Dungeon Pasture, were burned
over.
Col. Samuel Brimblecom died 24 April, aged 81. He was
for many years an enterprising shoe manufacturer, and did a
great deal towards establishing the business on a firm basis.
Before his time the whole trade was so loosely conducted that
few realized any thing beyond a bare maintenance from unre.
mitted toil and perplexity; but many of his suggestions tended
greatly to systematize the business and render it profitable. In
common with all the manufacturers of that period he met with
reverses in early life, though before the infirmities of age had
settled upon him be had secured a competency. He was a man
'UNTINALS OF LYNN - 1850. 425
of philosophical turn of mind, and estimable social qualities;
fODd of reading, and ready to aid in all efforts to improve the
mind. He was a member of the Unitarian Society at its forma-
tion, and continued steadfast in the faitb. He had seven ebil-
dren, namely,Mary, Samuel, Mary Ann, two Williams, Lucy, and
Ellen. His' flrst wife was Mary Uansfleld, whom be married
4 June, 1794; and his second, Nelly Copp, whom be married
I June, 1817. Ellen was the only child by the second marriage.
His residence was on the south side of the Turnpike, a few
rods west of Franklin street. He was a native of Marblehead.
At about midnight, on Sunday, 26 May, two buildings on
the wharf at the foot of Commercial street, were destroyed by
fire, with a considerable quantity of lumber and lime. On the
morning of the same day, a store-house in the rear of Caleb
Wiley's store, corner of ihe Turnpike and Federal street, was
burned.
Down to the last day of May, the easterly wind had been the
prevailing one for a'bundred successive days, an occurrence
quite uncommon even here where our springs are so marked
by easterly winds.
The physicians of Lynn, by mutual agreement, commenced
charging seventy-five cents for each professional visit, June 15.
The most common fee, previous to that, had been fifty cents.
It was a time of great prosperity, and wages in almost every
craft and profession took an upward course.
On the afternoon of Thursday, 20 June, during a thunder
shower, the lightning struelc the clothing store of RolaDd G.
Usher, on Market street. James W. Ingalls, who was standing
in the door way, was knocked down. The lightning passed
between his legs, tearing one of his boots, and burning his
person somewhat.
The "ten hour system," as it was called - that is, the reckon-
ing of ten hours' labor as a day's work-was very generally
adopted this year. The church bells were rung at six in the
afternoon, and then labor, for the most part, ceased, in field
and shop. Mayor Hood took a lively interest in the movement.
On the night of the 18th of July, the morocco manufactory
of James Tibbets, on Sutton street ., was destroyed by fire.
On the afternoon of Wednesday, 24 July, Pine. Grove Ceme.
tery was consecrated. The weatLer was pleasant, though very
warm, and a great concourse attended. The address was deliv.
ered by Rev. Charles C. Shackford, of the Unitarian Society.
A son of Joseph Ramsdell, of Lynnfield, aged 10, killed a
rattlesnake, in July, which was five feet in length and had eleven
rattles.
In the summer of tbi4 year, the Salem and Lowell rail-road,
running through the northerly part of Lyntifield, was opened.
426 - ANNALS OF LYNN - 1850
. A tornado passed through the westerly part of Lynnfield, on
the 1st of August, at about three in the afternoon, sweeping
every thing before it. Its track was but a few rods in width,
and fortunately no buildings were in it.
On Thursday, August 15, a sad disaster occurred at Humfrey's
pond, in Lynnfield. A company, connected for the most part
with the First Christian Society of Lynn, were holding a pic-nic
on the border of the pond. In the course of the afternoon a
party of twenty-five, chiefly ladies, rowed out in a large flat
bottomed boat, about a hundred yards from the sbore. As some'
of them shifted from side to side, the boat was made to careen;
and several becoming alarmed threw their weight in a manner
to completely capsize it. Before aid could reach them thirteen
were drowned.
The Salem and South Reading rail-road, passing through
Lynnfield, was opened for travel, 31 Angust.
The dry goods store of Charles B. Holmes, on Market street,
was broken into on the night of 5 October, and robbed to the
amount of some $500. Several other robberies were committed
at about the same time, in different parts of the town.
This year the potato rot was very destructive to the crops in
and about Lynn.
The first burial in Pine Grove Cemetery took place on Sun-
day, October 13. It was on Myrtle path and in lot number 212.
The stone bears this inscription: 11 Harriet Newell, wife of
George W. Stocker, died Oct. 11, 1850, aged 27 years. Faith-
ful while below, she did her duty well. The first interment and
the first stone erected in this Cemetery."
The planet Venus was visible to the naked eye, on clear after-
noons, for several days during the early part of November.
On the evening of 28 November, George Thompson, ihe dis-
tinguished abolition lecturer and member of the British parlia-
ment, being again in the country, had a public reception by his
friends in Lynn, and delivered an address. The meeting was
at Lyceum Hall, which was well filled, though the weather was
stormy. James N. Buffum presided. For notice of Mr. Thomp-
son's earlier visits see under date 1835.
The law passed by Congress, this year, intended to facilitate
the rendition of slaves escaping into the free states, and known
as the "Fugitive Slave Law," met with strong opposition in
Lynn' Several largely attended meetings were held, at which it
was warmly denounced. At Lyceum Hall, on Saturday evening,
5 October, a full and enthusiastic meeting convened, at which
Mayor Hood presided, Jonathan Buffum, Daniel C. Baker,
Charles Merritt, and William Bassett, being vice presidents, and
George Foster and Benjamin F. Mudge secretaries. One or
two prominent speakers from abroad made stirring addresses,
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1850. 427
and the following resolutions were unanimously adopted. They
are certainly characteristic of the people of Lynn, in the
animated spirit of freedom they breathe though the 'Oxceedin-
0
fervor of one or two -seems to savor somewhat of nulliflcation:
RESOLVED, That the Fugitive Slave Bill, recently enacted by Congress,
violates the plain intent and the strict letter of the United States constitution,
which secures to every citizen, except in cases of martial law, the right of trial
by jury on all important questions; further, said bill outrages justice, Since it
does not secure to the fugitive, or to the free man mistaken for a fugitive, due
notice beforehand of the charge made against him, and opportunity for cross-
examining the witnesses against him on their oath, gives him no time to get
counsel or gather testimony in his own behalf-rigbts which our fathers
secured by the struggle of two hundred years, and which are too dear to be
sacrificed to the* convenience of slave hunters, afraid or ashamed to linger
amid a community whose institutions and moral sense they are outraging.
Again, said bill . tramples on the most sacred principles 6f the common law;
and even if men could be property, no property, however sacred, can claim
the right to be protected in such a way as endangers the rights and safety of
free men, therefore -
RESOLVED, That we protest against it as grossly unconstitutional, as fi-aught
with danger to the safety of a large portion of our fellow citizens, and capable
of being easily perverted to the ruin of any one, white or black; we denounce
it as infamous, and we proclaim our determination that it shall not be executed.
RESOLVED, That we rejoice to believe that there are not prisons enough at
the North to hold the men and women who stand ready to succor and protect
the panting fugitive slave, and baffle and resist the slave hunter, who shall
dare to pollute our soil.
RESOLVED, That every man who voted for this atrocious bill, every one
who avows his readiness to execute it, and every one who justifies it on anv
ground, is a traitor to the rights of the free states, and a criminal of the deepe~t
die;, at the head of whom stands Millard Fillmore, who from party, or even
baser motives, has set his Dame to a law, the provisions of which, so far
from being fitted for a- christian republic, remind one only of the court of
Jeffries, or the camp of Haynau.
RESOLVED, That Samuel A. Eliot, of Boston, in giving his vote for this
blood-hound bill, dishonored and betrayed Massachusetts;' and low as is often
the moral sense of a great city, cankered by wealth, ~ve rejoice to kDOW that
he misrepresented his immediate constituents. and we demand of them,.in
the Dame of our old commonwealth, to save us from the infamy of his presence
in aDotber Congress.
RESOLVED, That since God hathcommanded us to 11 bewray not him that
wandereth," and since, our fathers being witnesses, every man's right to lib-
erty is self-evident, we see no way of avoiding the conclusion of Senator
Seward, that "it is a violation of the divine law to surrender the fugitive slave
who takes refuge at our firesides from his relentless pursuers;" and in view
of this, as well as of the notorious fact that the slave power has constantly
trampled under foot the Constitution of the United States to secure its own
extension or safety, and especially of the open, undisguised, and acknowledged
contempt of that instrument, with which the slave states kidnap our colored
citizens traveling South, and imprison our colored seamen, we, in obedience to
Gods law, and Z~ in self-defense, declare that, constitution or no constitution,
law or no law, with jury trial or without, the slave who has once breathed the
air and touched the soil of Massachusetts, shall never be dragged back to
bondage.
RESOLVED, That Lewis Cass and Daniel Webster, Senator Foote and Sen-
ator Clay, and each and every one of the 11 conmromise committee of thirteen,"
428 ANNALS OF LYNN-1851.
who reported and urged the passage of this bill, as well as every one who
voted for its passage, are unworthy the votes of a free people for any office
for which they may be hereafter named.
In the course of a few months other large meetings were held,
attended by prominent individuals of the several political parties,
and similar resolutions adopted. Other places in the common.
wealth were quite as much in a ferment as Lynn, and public
opinion soon became so moulded that a legislature was elected
which made such provisions that the operation of the law was
seriously obstructed ; and the soutberners grew rampant under
what they declared to be Mmsacbusetts nullification. Some
very had seeds were sown at this time.
George Thompson, member of the British parliament, deliv-
ered the introductory lecture before the Lynn Lyceum, on the
21st of November. There was a very large attendance. His
sulliect was Reforms in England.
The Central Congregational meeting-bouse, Silsbe street, was
dedicated on the 11th of December.
Rev. Elbridge G. Brooks was installed minister of the First
Universalist Society, on Sunday evening, December 22.
The valuation of the real estate in Lynn, for this yeat, was
$3.160.515; of personal, $1.674.328 -total, 4.834.843. Rate
of taxation, $9 on $1.000. Number of polls, 3.215. City debt,
$56.960.55. By turning to date 1860, the reader will have an
opportunity to determine what progress had been made in these
particulars in ten years.
The %vbole number of deaths in Lynn, this year, was 262; of
consumption, 43. Aggregate population, 14.257. Many have
an impression that Lynn is an especially unfavorable locality
for such as are liable to pulmonary diseases. But it is thought
that a careful study of the bills of mortality will show that a
smaller number of deaths, from all diseases, occur in Lynn ., in a
given period, than in almost any place of equal population, in
New England; and that though the consumptives here beara
greater proportion, they are yet less in the whole number than
the consumptives in those other places.
1851
On Wednesday, 8 January, the commodious structure, erected
on High street, for the use' of the High School, was dedicated.
The school was commenced 28 May, 1849, in the wooden school-
house on Franklin street, under the charge of Jacob Batchelder,
as principal.
The carpenter shop of Thomas Taylor, on Sagamore street,
was destroyed by fire, on the night of 4 February. And on
Monday night, 17 February, the two story wooden building on
Market street. oorner of Essex, was nearly burned up. The,
ANNALS OP LYNN-1851. 424
lower story was occupied as a crockery ware, grocery, and
provision store. The Freemasons and two temperance societies
had their rooms above.
On Sunday evening, March 11, a barn near the Dr. Cbeever
place, in Sau-gus, was -burned, with about twelve tons of bay.
On Tuesday, 18 March, a tremendous storm occurred. The
tide was driven entirely over Long Beach, at several points,
so that Nahant was literally an island. . The new road, on the
harbor side was much damaged, the marsbes were submerged,
and considerable injury was done to the rail-road bed.
The second City Government was organized April 7 -George
Hood, mayor, James R. Newhall, president of the common coun-
cil, William Bassett, city clerk~
On the 15th of April, another violent easterly storm com-
menced, continuing two days. The wind was terrific, and
much rain fell. A. higher tide was occasioned than any since
that driven in by the great gale of 1815. The sea again swept
over Long Beach, to such an extent that a continuous sheet of
raging water lay between Lynn and Nahant. Two men, on
horseback, attempted to cross the Beach, but the horses were
thrown down by a wave, and they were in great danger of losing
their lives. The lower part of Beach street was submerged,
and much lumber, wood, and other property floated off. This
storm was more severe than that of the 18th of March. Sever,
successive tides rushed over the Beach, badly gullying the road
so lately built, and rendering it almost impassable. At Breed's
mill, on Oak street, a part of the dam was carried away and
much damage done, a more particular statement whereof may
be found on page 411. Butthe most serious disaster on the
coast was the destruction of the light-house on Minot's Ledge,
and the loss of two faithful assistant keepers. The height of the
building was seventy-five feet, and it was supposed to have been
so strongly built as to survive any storm. It was seen to fall,
a few minutes after midnight, by persons on board an inward
bound vessel.
After these two severe storms it became apparent that some.
thing must speedily be done for the protection of the Beach or
it would entirely disappear leaving the town exposed to the
unobstructed inroads of the ocean. As the cheapest plan, it was
concluded to place a line of red cedars along the ridge, working
stones, sand, and sea debris as compactly as possible among
thern. A guard was thus formed, answering a very good pur.
pose. The city appropriated $5.000 to the object. There
should, however, be a substantial wall of stone; and it is hoped
that government will one day supply the need; though there is
not much prospect that they will do so at present.
On Friday afternoon, May 2, Miss Sarah Churchill, aged 19,
430 ~ANNALS OF LYNN-1851.
a daughter of Ivory Churchill, of Vine street, while on a pleas.
ure ride with a young man named Davis, visited the Fort, at
Marblehead. They rode on an embankment, and Mr. Davis step-
ped from the ebaise to turn the horse, when the animal suddenly
backed the carriage over the embankment, at a perpendicular
descent of soine nine feet, and Miss Churchill was instantly
killed, her neck being broken. She was buried from St. Ste-
pbeu's church, on the following Sunday, and a great concourse
attended the solemn service.
On Sunday evening, 4'May, a barn on tbe.Ballard estate, in
Saugus, was destroyed by fire. An ox and a cow perished in
the flames.
At about noon, on Saturday, 28 June, Charles Furbusb killed,
John J. Perdy, at the boarding house of Mr. Bailey, on Market
street, near the rail-road crossing. Furbush and Perdy were
both journeymen shoemakers, boarding with Mr. Bailey. They
had come home to dinner, and immediately after the meal was
ended, Furbush ~\,ent to his room, and Pordy went out, but
soon returned, and went into the chamber where Furbush was.
Presently two discharges of a pistol were heard, and some ex-
cited ejaculations. The people below rushed to the chamber
and found that Perdy had been shot; and he immediately ex-
pired. Furbush was tried for murder, but acquitted on the
ground of insanity.
A petition was this year presented to the city council, by
Hiram Marble, for leave to excavate Dungeon Rock. Lea;e
was granted, in July, and then commenced those labors of Mr.
Marble in that romantic locality, which will remain forever,
evidence of his faith and perseverance. For a somewhat ex-
tended notice of the whole subject see under date 1658.
An effort was made this year, by a considerable number of
ladies, to bring into fashion the Turkish costume, or, as it was
called, the Bloomer-dress, from a lady of the name of Bloomer,
who strongly urged its adoption. They however had but small
success in inducing the sex generally to lay aside their graceful
flowing robes for those which, though more picturesque and
perhaps more convenient, have always, among the more fastidi-
ous at least, been deemed less appropriate if not less modest.
On a pleasant afternoon in July, a bevy of young ladies from
Boston, richly and gaily babited in the new costume, left the
cars at the Central Station, creating considerable observation if
not admiration by their short tunics, full trowsers, bright sashes
and jaunty bats. Quite a number of the young ladies of Lynn
arrayed themselves in the new style, but such a strong prejudice
against the innovation began to manifest itself, that they soon
laid aside the unappreciated garments.
. On the afternoon of Wednesday, 13 August, during a thunder
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1851. 431
shower, the lightning struck the house of Mr. Conner, on River
street; and in a description of the singular effects, given by
one who soon after visited the premises it is stated that the light-
ning descended the cbimney, bursting it all to pieces as far down
as the attic floor. Then it passed down a stove funnel to the
chamber.floor, bursting the cook stove, passing along the floor
into a room adjoining, where two persons were taking tea. In
its course here it tore up a large piece of the floor, upsetting
the table, bursting out two whole windows in the room, break-
ing the very chairs on which the persons sat, and throwing
table, dishes, food, broken chairs, splinters of wood, and broken
plastering, on all sides. Pieces of the broken iron and shivered
wood were afterward to be seen sticking in the casings of the
room, having been driven in, endwise, with much violence.
From this room it could be traced to the basement, and off into
the ground. And what is most wonderful of all, out of seven
persons who were in the house at the time, none were seriously
injured. The curious fact appeared, that pieces of the broken
stove were so highly magnetized, that in one instance a piece
about six inches square had strength enough to take board nails
from the floor and bold them by the point. At about the same
time that Mr. Conner's house was struck the lightning also struck
the store of Mr. Vickary, in Gravesend village, somewhat injur-
ing it, and knocking down one person.
, On Friday afternoon, 22 August, a fierce tornado visited this
region. It was felt, however, to but a small extent in Lynn.
At Woodend, a boat was thrown out of the pond, and an apple
tree eight or ten inches in diameter torn up by the roots. In
Gravesend, the lightning which accompanied the tornado, in one
instance descended the chimney of a house and went out through
the front door, taking the side-ligbts. But it was terrific in
some of the adjacent places; tearing up lofty trees, demolisbing
out buildings and fences,. wrenching off roofs, and. more or less
injuring many persons who, were exposed to its fury.
The new grammar school-bouse at Nahant, was dedicated on
Tuesday afternoon, 16 September.
On Sunday, 21 September, a great fire raged in the woods.
Some streets were filled. with smoke, and much damage wag
done.
The Independent Methodist meeting-house, at Nahant, waE
dedicated on Thursday afternoon,.25 September.
The Methodist meeting-house in Saugus, east village, wa,,:
broken into on the night of Thursday, October 23, and the mis,
sionary box robbed of six dollars, and some thirty yards of
carpet stolen from the floor.
On Sunday night, October 26, the British schooner Brothers,
Captain Clark, was wrecked by striking on the outer ledge, off
482 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1852
Swampscot. The crew, seven in number, were landed in safety,
about midnight, by the assistance of Edward C. Bates and his
men, who beard their outcries and hastened to their succor.
The wreck drifted over to the Nahant rocks, Dear Mr. Tudor's.
The new grammar school-house in Woodend, was dedicated
on Wednesday afternoon, 29 October. It was destroyed by fire,
21 January, 1859, being then valued at $6.000.
A new religious society, called the Central Unitarian Society,
was formed in Lynn this year. They commenced worship in a
hall, on Sunday, 9 November. This society was afterward dis-
tiDguished as the Free Church.
Sagamore Building, near the Central Depot, was again nearly
destroyed by fire, 14 November.
The new grammar sebool-house in Gravesend was dedicated
19 November.
On Friday evening, 21 November, the brig Exile, of Yar-
mouth, N. S., Captain Sharp, was wrecked on Long Beacli.
Large quantities of her deck load of wood were washed ashore,
and by the ineans an immense fire was kindled on the Beacb,
by the light of which the multitude worked in saving the lives
of the mariners, who were very much exhausted and in great
peril. By half past one o'clock all were safe on shore, but the
vessel was a total loss. It was estimated that there were a
thousand people on the Beach that night, and tbe scene was
one of terrific grandeur.
The first power printing press ever used in Lymi was set up
at the office of the Bay State on Christmas day. Before that
all the printing here was done on band presses. The second
power press was set tip in the Reporter office, in March, 1854.
The first meetings of the Second Baptist Society of Lynn,
were held this year.
The legislature authorized the offering of a reward of $10.000
for the discovery of a remedy for the potato rot.
1852.
On Wednesday night, 7 January, Joseph Barrett, of Graves.
end, aged 70, was frozen to death on his way home from Salem,
whitber he had been to testify in the Perdy murder case.
At about sunrise, on a morning in January, a noble eagle was,
observed, perched upon a house in Green street. Finding that
fie was attract4ng a good deal of attention, he presently soared
away.
A light snow fell on Sunday evening, March 21, and the next
morning,mysterious footprints were discovered in the vicinity
of Nahant street and Long Beach. They were of a shape that
excited much curiosity, and no one was able to determine what
sort of a creature had made them. But on Monday evening,
ANNALS OP LYNN-1852. 433
Mr. John Barry shot a very large gray owl, on the marsh, near
the foot of Pleasant street, and it was concluded that the won-
derful tracks were made by him. He measured more than five
feet from tip to tip of the wings.
An act was passed, 26 March, to prevent the destruction of
shad and alewives in Saugus river, and the tributary streams in
the city of Lynn. Shad had long before disappeared, but ale-
wives continued abundant.
The Saugus Mutual Fire Insurance Company commenced
business on the 1st of April.
The organization of the third city government took place on
the 5th of April. Edward S. Davis was elected president of
the common council, and William Bassett, city clerk. Mr. Hood
continued to act at,~, mayor, no other having been elected. Daniel
C. Baker and Benjamin F. Mudge were the principal candidates;
but there were sufficient scattering votes to defeat an election.
The old majority law was then in force; and it was not till the
eighth trial that a choice was effected. Mr. Mudge was elected,
June 12, by a small majority, and took the oath of office, on
the 16th of June.
A violent snow storm occurred on the 6th of April. A foot
of snow fell. There was also a snow storm on the 13th of April,
during which from six to eight inches fell.
On Thursday, 6 May, Louis Kossutb, the diStiDguisbed Hun-
garian patriot visited Lynn, and was received with public
honors. He arrived at about one o'clock in the afternoon, and
a procession was formed which proceeded through the COMMOD,
between lines of public school children, and thence, by Market
street, to Lyceum Hall, where an enthusiastic reception awaited
him. He was quite ill, from exertion and exposure, but was
able to speak for about three quarters of an hour. The proces.
sion was imposing, embracing some military, the fire companies,
the city government, associations, and citizens generally -with
stirring music. It was thought that ten thousand persons were
on the Common at the time the procession passed. Kossuth
left in the afternoon. The day was quite warm., the thermom-
eter standing at eighty.
An act was passed by the legislature, 13 May, designed more
effectually to restrain people from carrying away sand, sea-weed,
and. stones from the beaches. Much damage had been done by
inconsiderate and mercenary trespassers.
The LvDn City Guards were chartered this year. They were
formed a7s an independent company, and ~or a short time called
the Kossuth Guards, their first duty baviDg been to serve as
escort on the reception of Gov. Kossutb, May 6. They were
chartered as an artillery company. William T. Gale was the
first captain, but he resigned in August, and was succeeded by
434 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1852.
Thomas Herbert. -Capt. Herbert resigned 15 May, 1857, and
James Hudson, jr., was chosen commander. This was one of
the companies belonging to the renowned Eighth Regimeiit,
which so promptly responded to the first call of President Lin-
coln, on the breaking out of the war of the great rebellion, in
1861. In five hours after the unexpected requisition arrived in
Lynn, this company and the Light Infantry were ready for duty.
And they both departed in the forenoon of the next day.
A band of music was formed in. Lynn, this year, under the
name of Mechanic Brass Band.
Swampscot Was incorporated as a separate town, May 21.
And on Saturday, the 29tb, public festivities were held there in
honor of the event. Bells were rung, cannon fired, and flags
raised. In the afternoon there was a procession, with music by
the Salem Brass Band, an address by Rev. J. B. Clark, and a
collation. In the evening there was a torcb-ligbt procession
and illuminations. . -
On Thursday, June 3d, three men were in a boat, near Pig
Rocks, when a severe squall struck them with such force as to
lift the boat entirely out of the water. It was capsized, and
two of the men, Mr. Small, of Swampscot, and Mr. Danforth, of
East Boston, were drowned.
The bells -were tolled and flags raised at half mast, on the 3d
of July, by order of the city government, on account of the
death of Henry Clay.
The planet Venus was brighter in the month of July, than it
had been for the ten precediDg years. And for several nights
the unusual occurrence of all the visible planets being above
the horizon at the same time, was witnessed.
In July, a rattlesnake, having ten rattles, and measuring
nearly five feet in length, was killed on the Lynnfield road, by
Joshua Soule. And on the 29th of July another was killed
by Samuel J. Sargent, measuring five feet in length and eleven
inches in girth, and having twelve rattles. Still another was
killed in August, on the Turnpike, between Lynn and Boston,
by a Mr. Grout, which was four and a half feet long and bad
seven rattles.
On the 28th of August, Mrs. Jerusha Rhodes died, aged a
little more than 97 years - being the oldest person then in Lynn.
On Thursday, 2 September, the Sixth Regiment of Infa~try
went into camp at Lynn, occupying the field on the southeast
corner of Washington and Laighton streets. Many military
notables and others were present from abroad. Some gamblers
and pickpockets also made their appearance, but the police
interfered with their arrangements.
Building was very active during the spring - and summer of
this year. Many houses of the better sort were erected.
ANNALS OF LYNN 185 2. 435
On Wednesday, 15 September, the new meeting-house of the
Trinitarian Congregational Society, in Saugus, was dedicated.
It cost $5.500.
An omnibus commenced running between the east and west
sections of Lynn, in October, and was continued till the horse
rail-road was built.
Funeral services were held in the First Congregational meet-
ing-house, on Friday, 29 October, in memory of Daniel Webster,
it being the day on which his funeral took place at Marsbfield.
The city council attended, each member wearing a badge of
mourning on his left arm. The house was appropriately draped.
Minute guns were fired on the Common from twelve to one
o'clock, the bells were tolled, and flags raised at half-mast.
Died, on Tuesday, 9 November, Isaac Gates, aged 74. He
practiced law in Lynn, for many years, but closed his life at
Harvard, his native place. He had been unwell, but recovered,
as was supposed, and went to the polls to vote the day before
his death. He retired apparently in good health and was found
dead in his bed the next morning. He graduated at Cambridge,
with the class of 1802, and possessed good natural abilities, but
had such eccentricities and irregularities, as tended to impede
his success; and he never prospered much at the bar. His
style of address was dogmatical, and his expressions extrav-
agant; but he possessed an abundance of grating wit and
loved much to indulge his powers of sarcasm, particularly in
the political caucus. His talents were sufficibnt to have ren-
dered him conspicuous and useful in any community; but in
him was afforded another of those instances over which the
philanthropist ' is so often called to lament. He took a good
deal of interest in the management of town affairs, and often
wrote timely articles for the newspapers; but his really judi.
cious suggestions too frequently lost their force through some
lurking prejudice or severity of expression. He also loved
to write political articles for the newspapers, but his style even
here was often SO pungent as to destroy the effect. Neverthe-
less 'Squire Gates, as he was popularly called, secured many
friends by his good nature and readiness to do a neighborly act.
The following very well exhibits a common way be had of giv.
ing vent to his humor. He had in the court of common pleas
defended a man of notoriously intemperate babits against the
charge of being a common drunkard, and by some strange
good luck succeeded in winning from the jury a verdict of
not guilty. The man was so elated that he began to stammer
out his thanks. Mr. Gates, perceiving his object, sprang to his
feet, and throwing up his spectacles, exclaimed, in that earnest
manner which every one who knew him will remember, 11 There
there don't you try to say any thing; the jury on their oath
436 ANNALS OP LYNN - 1853.
declare that you are not a drunkard. Now go right home and
see if you can't keep sober for a week, a thing that you know
you haven't done for the last six months." Before coming to
Lynn Mr. Gates practiced in Concord, N. H., and Brunswick, Me.
He had one son and three daughters, and the family were refined
and highly esteemed.
On the 26th of November, an earthquake was felt at Lynn.
A bell was raised on the meeting-bouse of the Tripitarian
Congregational Society, in Lynnfield, November 26. And'this
was the first church bell in the town.
At the great World's Fair held in London, this year, several
lots of shoes, the product of Lynn industry, were exhibited,
highly praised, and in one or two instances took prizes.
1853.
On Monday, January -3d, a prize fight took -place between
two pugilists from Boston, in a field bordering on the north-
eastern road to Lynnfield. The stakes were $300. The fight
was arranged in Boston, continued about an hour, and was
witnessed by a large number of persons, many of whom came
in carriages from other places. The combatants were badly
bruised. The city marshal succeeded in arresting one of the par-
ties who was afterward convicted in the court of common pleas.
The gas was lighted in Lynn, for the first time, on Thursday
night, 13 January. The price to consumers was fixed at $3.50
a thousand cubic feet.
On the 16th of January, the harbor was frozen to Sand Point;
on the 23d it was clear of ice, and on the next day it was
again frozen to Chelsea.
The new grammar scbooLbouse in the fourth ward was dedi.
cated on the 25th of January.
On Tuesday, February 1, the cars commenced running over
the Saugus Branch Rail-road.
On Monday afternoon, February 14, Richard Roach, a man
about forty years of age, was at work near the Lynn Common
rail-road depot, sawing wood with a steam circular saw. The
balance wheel suddenly exploded, with a terrific report, and
fragm6nts flew in all directions, one of them striking the -unfor-
tunate man just above the chin, and knocking his head com-
pletely off, with the exception of a part of the jaw. Another
part of the wheel was thrown with such force as to cut off a
four-inch joist and shoot to a distance of a quarter of a mile;
and two pieces landed on Boston street.
Nahant was incorporated as a separate town, March 29.
The organization of the fourth city government took place
on Monday, April 4 - Daniel C. Baker, mayor, Edward S. Davis,
president of the common council, Charles Merritt, city clerk.
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1853. 437
On Friday afternoon, May 20, the remains of Jesse Hutcbin-
son were buried from the stone cottage at High Rock, which
was built by him six years before. Ile was one of the band of
vocalists known as the Hutchinson brothers, though his duties
lay rather in making arrangements and writing songs than in
~singing. He was the p6et of the family, had much skill in
toucbii)- the popular vein, and would, could he have been per-
suaded to spend a little more time and thought in elaborating
some of his pieces, have left what would have endured. He
had a social disposition though his temper was impulsive; and
he possessed many eccentricities that were attractive, coupled
with some that were not. He had a good printitig-office educa-
tion, had traveled so ' me, read a great deal, and his mind was
well stored with informatiOD, much ofwhich was unavailable in
the practical concerns of life. He was a spiritualist, and, it is
said, pledged himself to return, after entering the spirit land,
and convince mankind of the truth of his views. But from
some cause, he appears to have failed in fulfilling his pledge.
He died at Cincinnati, where he had stopped at a water-cure
establishment on his %vay home from California, in the hope of
recovering his health. He was the father of several children,
all of whom died young, and before his own decease.
The Lynn Light Infantry was chartered this year. This was
the second company of the name formed in Lynn. See Linder
date 1846.
Boston street Methodist Society was organized tWs year, and
their meeting-bouse dedicated on Thursday, 9 June.
During a thunder shower, on the 23d of July, electrical dis-
charges were beard in several places near where telegraph wires
ran, resembling the discharges of muskets. When one of the
~xplosions took place near the Central Depot, two horses were
thrown to their knees. At the mill on Saugus river, as one of
the discharges took place the glass attachment on the ridge-pole
was shivered and pieces sent to the distance of a hundred rods.
A comet was visible in August. It was about as bright as a
star oftbe third magnitude and had a tail two degrees in length,
extending upward. The best view was when it was in the west,
an hour or two after sunset.
On Friday morning, 16tb September, a fire broke out in a
building on the north side of Federal square, owned by Joseph
Moulton, jr. A store and dwelling-bouse were destroyed and
several other buildings iDjured. Loss $3.000.
Patrick McGuire, an Irishman, aged about 23, was fatally
-stabbed in Franklin street, at half past nine o'clock on Monday
evening, September 26. The murdered man was thought to
have been mistaken for another. The murderer escaped.
On Monday night, 24 October, a severe gale took place. The
438 INNALS OF LYNN- 1854.
eastern wing of Nahant Hotel, eighty feet in length and thirty
in breadth, and containing sixty sleeping rooms and the large
dining ball, fell, with a tremendous crash. It had been raised
from the foundation for the purpose of being altered.
Albert Gove, aged 51, while near the Central Depot, 25 Octo-
ber, was caught by the arm, by a locomotive, and dragged some
two hundred feet. His injuries caused his death, two days
after. His spectacles were found on the cow-catcber, at the
Salem depot.
1854.
Pine Grove Cemetery was conveyed to the City,'January 2,
by the Corporation.
During the first week in January, there were four snow
storms. Between two and three feet fell. The rail-road trains
were much impeded. On Thursday, five locomotives were
joined to force a morning train from Lynn to Boston. Some
damage was done to Nahant Hotel, by the wind.
Early this year various fashions in wearing the beard began
to be adopted. A great many laid aside the razor altogether,
and allowed it full scope; others kept it within what was to
them a convenient length, by the use of the scissors; others
entertained only mustaches ; and soon as great diversity pre-
vailed as existed in the tastes and whims of those who cultivated
the masculine appendage.
The Legislature passed the plurality law in February. This
was a great convenience and the means of saving much expense
at elections. In a community where the number of voters is few,
it may operate well to require a majority for an election. But
where the number reaches to thousands, and there must neces-
sarily be many opposing candidates, a plurality law seems a '
necessity. The majority requisition was a great burden to
Lynn, where there were usually more than two parties. It was
not till tile eighth trial that the mayor was elected, in 1852.
On Friday night, March 17, a violent gale corn-menced from
the northeast, continuing through Saturday. For a few days
previous the weather had been quite warm, with some tliunder
and lightning; but when the wind set in so violently the tempe-
rature changed with a suddenness seldom witnessed even here.
In about five hours the thermometer sank from near summer
heat to below freezing point. The wind was so powerful as to
overthrow several chimneys, and the lofty flag-staff at East San.
gus. Upon the Eastern Rail-road a train was brought to a full
stop, while passing over the marshes, by the force of the wind.
Mr. Stevens, of the Tremont House, Boston, while attempting
to ride across Long Beach, on his way to Nahant, found himself
and bis.horse in danger of being buried by the drifting sdud,
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1854. 439
and was compelled to give up the attempt and return to Lynn.
Old people at Nahant declared that so severe a gale had not
before taken place, within their recollection.
The Lynn Weekly Reporter was commenced on the 25th of
March, by Peter L. Cox and Henry S. Cox.
The organization of the fifth city government took place on
Monday, April 3 -Thomas P. Richardson, mayor, Gustavus
Attwill, president of the common council, Charles Merritty city
clerk.
John Estes died ' 30 May, aged 41, of lockjaw. Abouf a fort-
night before, be stepped on a rusty nail, wounding his foot; but
the wound apparently bealed and he thought nothing further
of it for some days. But on the Saturday before his death he
cook cold, and on Monday took to his bed, complaining of an
unpleasant feeling in his bead. His jaws presently became
fixed and no effort could relax the muscles. MortificatiOD
ensued and on Tuesday afternoon he died.
A large and beautiful elm, on Washington square, died in
May, as was supposed from the effects of gas that had leaked
from the under-ground pipes. Several other fine trees, among
them a stately elrn on South Common street, which had cast its
shade for sixty years, died about the same time, and as was
thought, from the same cause; also one on Market street, corner
of Liberty.
On Friday, 16 June, a little son of C. W. Jewett, died from
iDjuries received while attempting to turn summersets.
On Saturday morning, 8 July, a car load of cotton belonging
to a Saco company, on arriving at Lynn was found to have
taken fire from a spark from the locomotive. Alarm was given
and the fire engines appeared. After considerable exertion the
fire was extiDguibed., Some fifteen bales were destroyed.
There was a great drought this year. No rain fell for six
weeks immediately preceding the first of September. On that
day copious showers took place, much to the refreshment of
parched nature.
On the 3d of August, Henry Thomas shot a wbite-faced seal
off Swampscot. The animal was four feet in length and weighed
forty pounds.
Mackerel were unusually plenty on the coast this year. Old
fishermen declared them to be more so than at any other time
within twenty-five years. Considerable quantities were taken
from the wharves ii~ Lynn.
The City Bank went into operation - in September. Capital,
$100.000. John C. Abbott, president; B. V. Ffencb,jr., cashier.
The Cemetery at Swampscot was consecrated in September.
Saganiore Hotel was built this year. The stone dwelling on
the point of Sadler's Rock, at the junction of Walnut and Hol.
440 ANNALS OF LYNN- 1854.
yoke streets, was also built this year. The stone was taken
from the bill above, and affords a fair specimen of large ffeposits,
Our rough and partially barren hills contain that which at some
future day may be esteemed rich treasure. In elevated locali-
ties especially, stone- is far preferable to wood as a building
material, not only because it is more substantial and durable,
but also because it' is so much less liable to be affected by
atmospheric changes. There were only three stone houses in
Lynn when this was built. But a novel material for building
began to be used to some extent at this time. It consisted of
coarse gravel, with about one twelfth part of lime, worked into
mortar. Many believed it would be sufficient to form walls firm
enough for-large dwellings. But the delusion was dispelled in
a singular and effectual manner, on Monday afternOOD, November
13. Joseph Hay had employed William H. Mills, a carpenter, to
erect for him, on Breed street, near Lewis, a. dwelliDg-bouse,
the dimensions of which, on the ground, were tbirty-four by
twenty-eigbt feet, With an L twenty-tbree by eighteen feet.
The walls, which were of ihis new material, had been carried
tip twenty-two feet from the underpinning, and the roof" was put
on early in October. The house was now -November 13 -
lathed, and ready for the inside plastering. Ten persons were
at work within, when, without any premonition, and with a
tremendous crash, the whole fabric fell to the ground. A cloud
of dust ascended and great alarm spread. Nothing remained
but a beap of rubbish. Mr. Hay had three of his ribs broken;
a young man had an arm broken; and several others were badly
bruised; no one, however, was fatally in~jured. After this catas.
trophe, the 11 mud houses," as they were called, were looked
upon with little favor. But it should be added that one or two
smaller. buildings, of similar material, erected about the same
time, are still standing. The ingredients may, however, have
been better proportioned, or the weather during the time of
building may have been more favorable. It is quite certain
that in a climate as variable as that of New England, something
more substantial is required.
The rail-road running from Danvers to South Reading, through
Lynnfield, was opened for public travel, in connection.with the
Danvers and Georgetown rail-road, on the 23d of October.
An unusually protracted and delightful period Of Indian sum.
mer ended on the 28th of October. The natural cause of the
beautiful autumn weather known in New England as Indian
summer still remains unknown. Some naturalists tbiDk it pro.
ceeds from a chemical condition of the atmosphere produced by
the ripening and falling of the foliage.
Brick side walks began to be laid in Lynn this year, though a
few trifling patches existed before. With a view to ciacourage
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1854. 441
the improvement, the city government passed an order that
granite curb stones should be furnished and set at the public
expense, in all cases where individuals would furnish and lay
the bricks.
On Sunday evening, December 3, a violent wind with rain
and hail arose and did considerable damage, breaking trees and
destroying fences. Two dwelling houses in process of erection
at Bass Point, Nahant, were blown down.
During the winter of this year there were thirty-five storms,
and a more than usual aggregate of snow.
The boundary line between Lynnfield and Reading was estab-
lished this year.
Two of those financial anomalies called loan and fund associa-
tions were formed this year; one called the "Lynn Mutual Loan
and Fund Association," and the other the "West Lynn Loan
and Fund Association." It is not singular, as may be remarked
in general, and with no special reference to the Lynn associ-
ations that many of that large class who in the hot pursuit of
riches rely rather upon their supposed shrewdness than any
settled business principle or mathematical rule, and have a child-
like credulity, in regard to any speculation that promises in-
crease, should Toadily join such associations as these; but it
is singular that so many reputable and experienced business
men, should have so readily given countenance to what was so
questionable. Some expected to derive from them large benefits
as borrowers and others as lenders. But most ware disappoint-
ed; for it turned out as a few careful computers declared, that
miscalculations. had entered into the plans of operation. The
modes by which these associations operated were complicated
and not easily understood; and perhaps that very thing was
one cause of their acceptance ; for many minds are charmed with
what is mysterious, and disdainful of what is simple. A portion
of those connected with these associations complained bitterly
of their usurious and oppressive management. And the supreme
court was appealed to for the righting of some of the alleged
wrongs; but the appeal was barren of' the expected results.
They were relieved from the charge of usury; and the purgation
was followed by such reasoning as to satisfy honest and reflect-
ing men that the tribuDal still remains a human institution..
For several vears a difference had existed among the Friends,
occasioned by'sorne of their distinguished writers having advo.
cated and published sentiments which were deemed by a large
portion of the society to be at variance with some of its well.
known and fundamental principles. This difference at length
resulted in a division or separation in the Yearly Meeting of
New England, one branch professing to adhere uncompromis.
ingly to the original ground, while the other had so far aban-
442 . ANNALS OF LYNN - 1855,
doned that ground as to acknowledge religious fellowship and
unity with those who had sought to i - ntroduce their modified
views into the church. A large proportion of the FrieDds'
Meeting in Lynn having declared themselves subordinate to
this latter body, no alternative remained for those members
who could not join in this course but to meet apart from them
and thus sustain or continue the Meeting in connection with
the Yearly Meeting which had resisted the innovations upon
its discipline and doctrines. This year they erected a neat
meeting-bouse on Cambridge street. Perhaps the reader will
be enabled to form some just conception of * the differences
existing between the two parties by the statement that both
contended that they were the true Quakers. Those who re-
tained possession of the meeting-bouse, approved the teachings
of Joseph John Gurney, an English Quaker, and considered that
the readin- of the scriptures forms an essential part of family
and private devotion -,that the scriptures alone reveal the true
character of sin - that the observance of the sabbath is impor-
tant -that the written gospel becomes the power of God unto
salvation-that Christ will come again literally. The other
party, in accordance with the ministration of John Wilbur and
the early Quakers, held that the influence of the'Holy Spirit,
within the heart, was the true gospel, and alone~ sufficient for
salvation -that the sabbath is a Jewish institution, the first
day of the week not being the anti-type thereof nor the true
cbristian sabbath, which, with Calvin, they believed to have a
more spiritual sense -that the reading of the scriptures is
profitable, but the knowledge of them not so essential to the
understanding or practice of a holy life as to preclude the pos-
sibility of leading such a life without it -that Christ has coine,
already spiritually.
1855.
By an amendment of the city charter, the municipal year
was made to commence on the first Monday in January instead
of the first Monday in April.
The influx of the sea was so great during the violent storms
in the early part of this year that considerable damage was
done to the embankments along Ocean street. Many bathing
houses were thrown down and King's Beach was at times com-
pletely overflowed.
"Josselyn's Lynn Daily," a good sized, well printed and ably
edited sheet was commenced in' January, and continued for
some months, by Lewis Josselyn.
On the morning of January 10, Samuel Newhall shot, near
Saugus river, two eagles ~ one gray and the other bald.
There was an interval of severe cold early in February. On
ANNALS OF LYNN -1855. 443
the morning of the 5tb, the body of a well-dressed man was
found in the road between Lynn and Danvers. He had evidently
frozen to death. On the 7tb, the thermometer stood at eighteen
degrees below zero, in the morning, but at noon it was eight
above; making a change of twenty-six degrees in four hours.
The new Methodist meeting-house in East Saugus, was dedi-
cated on Thursday forenoon, 22 February. Sermon by Bishop
Janes. The cost.of the edifice, including furnishings, was about
$9.000.
On Tuesday forenoon, 27 February, Mrs. Mary Farley, aged
28, died from the effects of ether. She went into the office of
a respectable and skillful dentist, near the Central Depot, for
the purpose of having a tooth extracted, and desired that ether
might be administered. The operator advised against it, but
after being urged complied. She died immediately, without
returning to consciousness. A coroner's inquest was held, and
the verdict was that she died from congestion of the lungs,
caused by inhaling the ether. And the jury exonerated the
operator from all blame in the unfortunate matter.
During the week ending March 3, the Swampscot fishermen
were unusually successful. The number of boats employed
was fourteen, and the aggregate tonnage, six hundred. The
total number of men employed was one hundred and twenty-six
and the fish which they caught sold for $5.272.00. None of the
boats excepting oine, were out more than five dRev. Jotban! B.Sewall was installed pastor of the Central
4 on Wednesday, 7 March.
Church, Silsbe stree ,
The Lynn Library Association was incorporated in March.
On Saturday evening, 31 March, some gentlemen at Little
Beach captured a black-fish, eighteen feet in length. The blub-
ber produced two barrels of oil.
Seven thousand tons of ice were cut in the ponds of Lynn
during the last winter.
The Lynn Musical Association was incorporated this year.
On Sunday, 6 May, a large tract of woodland, in Saugus, was
burned over. A st~ikiDg display was. made by the fire, at night.
Early on Friday morning, May 11, the shoe manufactory of
Nelson RaddiD, nJar East Saugus bridge, was burned, and with
it a large amount of stock.
Several young men made a trial of their powers in a pedes-
trian. contest, in June. Albert Ramsdell ran three fourths of a
mile in two minutes and fifty seconds; Jacob Ramsdell ran
the same distance in two minutes and fifty-five seconds ; and
Charles Breed equalled the latter. E. F. Newhall ran one mile,
on Long Beach, in five minutes and fifteen seconds. A. M. Col-
yer, a shoemaker, ran a mile in five minutes and twenty-seven
seconds, barefoot, and on hard ground.
444 AN9ALS OF LYNN - 1855.
On the 16th of June, a turtle, weighing thirty-five pound-,,
was caught in Floating Bridge PODd.
True Moody died On Sunday morning, 17 June. He was a
colored man and had been out-door servant and hostler at Lynn
Hotel for about forty years. He was.a native of New Hamp-
sbire, an honest man and a faithful servant, and acquitted him-
self so willingly and skillfully in his humble calling that travelers
regarded him with great favor. In person be was stout, and
possessed in-a well-developed form, all the pbvsical peculiarities
that distinguish the African race. His mo~th was capacious
and answered the novel purpose of a temporary savings bank;
for in it be was accustomed to deposit the pecuniary gratuities
that were bestowed by the numerous visitors at the house, till
be could find time to remove them to a more suitable place, or
till he required his mouth for some more legitimate use. And
there is an account of' a wager by some young men'as to the
a . mount of silver 'change in his mouth at a given time. To
determine the bet he consented, with his usual good nature, to
discharge the deposits into a bowl, wben they were found to
amount to a little more than five dollars,, the whole being in
sinall pieces. By his gains in this humble way, he was eDabled
to secure a comfortable home and respectably support a family.
By the failure of Nabarit Bank, in 1836, be lost some five bun-
dred dollars, which was a sad misfortune. And the Eastern
Rail-road, which was built a few years afterward, by diverting
--travel from the Hotel, which for many years had ranked as One
of the best in the vicinity, greatly reduced his income. It is
said that at this period he was accustomed to retire to a corner
of the deserted stable and weep. He long bore the name of
Master True, and few persons were better known to travelers.
Arid he knew all the noted characters who traveled the road,
many of whom wbuld rather have lost an hour on their jour-
ney than an opportunity to have a chat with him. It is said
that Harrison Gray Otis was accustomed to speak of him as an
acquaintance, and a man of great moral worth. Some newspa-
pers stated that be was ninety-seven years old at.the time of his
death ; but this was probably far from the truth or be must
have been endowed with extraordinary physical powers. His
history affords another illustration of the fact that diligence
and faithfulness, even in the most. lowly occupation will attract
attention and ensure reward.
The electric telegraph to Nahant was put in operation this
summer.
The bakery of J. C. Eldred, on Commercial street, was de-
stroyed by fire on Friday night, 10 August. Loss $1~00.
On Monday, 20 August, a horse mac ' kerel, weighing a thou-
sand pounds, and measuring ten feet in length and six in girth,
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1856. 445
was captured between Egg Rock and the Swampscot shore, by
three men from Swampscot.
A severe drought prev%iled during the last of summer and
first , of autumn
A sad accident occurred at Dungeon Rock, September 19. Ed-
win Marble, who was assisting his father in the work in progress
there, and Benjamin Mann, were engaged in blasting, when a
charge prematurely exploded, breaking Edwin's left arm and two
of the fingers of his right band; also badly 'cutting and bruising
his face and neck. Mr. Mann was likewise bruised, though be
escaped with comparatively little injury.
David S. Proctor, of Swampscot, during three days hunting
in Lynn woods, killed three foxes and forty gray squirrels.
On Sunday, 25 November, the Catholic church, on Ash street,
was consecrated, by Bishop Fitzpatrick. Nearly three hundred
persons were confirmed on the same day. The main portion
of the building was'old. It was built by the Methodists; after-
ward occupied by the Baptists and later still used for the sixth
ward grammar school. The Catholics purchased, repaired, and
enlarged it, rendering it capable of accommodating something
over a thousand worshipers. This was the first Roman Catho-
lic eburcb in Lynn. See under date 1815.
Michael Dolan, aged 22, was knocked down by a rail-road
train from Boston, at the Market street crossing, 21 December,
and so much injured as to cause his death.
At the close of December there was a splendid display of
frosted trees, continuing three days. Few people ever witnessed
such a fairy-like exhibition. It appeared to me far superior to
that noticed under date 1829. In the forest, when the sun was
sbiniDg brightly, one could hardly realize that be had not been
transported to some enchanted land. -
The Lynn Five Cents Savings Bank commenced receiving
deposits, November 27 -George Hood, president.
There were issued in Lynn, during this year, one buDdred
and sixty-three marriage certificates.
1856.
On Saturday, JaDuary 5, a violent snow storm commenced,
and continued through Sunday. A great quantity of snow fell,
and the wind blew a hurricane from the northeast. Rail-road
traveling was greatly obstructed. The half past six o'clock
train from Boston, on Saturday evening, was twenty-two hours
in reaching Salem; it became fast bound, a short distance east of
the Swampscot station, and had to remain through the night,
the passengers, among whom were some twenty ladies, suffering
much from the intense cold, and want of food. For several
days after the storm the weather was very cold, the tbermome-
L2
446 ANNALS OF LYNN-1856.
ter, on Wednesday, standing at twelve degrees below zero. In-
*deed the winter of 1855-6 was one of marked severity. From
Christmas to near the middle of March, the same snow, in many
instances, remained on the roofs. Sleigbipg commenced the
day after Christmas and continued between eighty and ninety
consecutive days. On the morning of the 10th of March, the
thermometer, in various parts of Lynn, stood at ten degrees
below zero. The ice in the harbor broke up on the 19tb of
March. Cutting winds from the northwest greatly prevailed
for ten weeks preceding the middle of March, adding much to
the piercing effects of the cold.
On the 17th of January, George 1EI. JillSOD, aged 46, a carpen-
ter, employed on Nahant Hotel, was so badly injured by the
falling of a board from the fifth story, upon him, that be died on
the following Sunday.
A pair of bald eagles were seen upon the,ice in Lynn harbor,
17 January.
On Tuesday, 12 February, Ezra R. Tibbetts, a respectable
citizen of Lynn, while passing along the side-walk in Bromfield
street, Boston, was killed by the falling of a body of ice and
snow from a three story building, upon his bead. He was a
mason by trade, and an industions, worthy man. He held vari-
rious responsible offices under the old town government. Tib-
betts's Building, so called, on Market street, was built by him.
On the night of 27 February, a sudden and vivid flasb lighted
up the whole atmosphere. It resembled lightning, in some
respects, though no thunder was beard. It was probably some
brilliant meteor passing behind the clouds.
On Tuesday evening,. April 8, a farewell meeting was held at
the First Methodist meeting-bouse, on the occasion of Rev.
William Butler's departure for his field of duty as superintendent
of the Methodist missions in India. Several dignitaries frona the
church at large were present and the exercises were instructive
and impressive. Mr. Butler received his credentials and charges
at this meeting. Soon after his arrival in India, the great Sepoy
revolt took place, and be was subjected to much loss though
be escaped personal barm.
On the morning of April 10, the carpenter shop of William
H. Mills, on Chesnut street, was destroyed by fire with all its
contents. Loss, about $1.460.
A severe northeast storm began on Saturday evening, 19
April, and continued to rage till Monday night. Numerous
buildings were more or less injured. The steeple of the Meth-
odist rneeting-bouse at Swampscot, then in process erection,
was blown down.
The brick sebool-bouse on Howard street, was destroyed by
fire on the morning of May 15.' Loss $1.500.
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1856. 447
Stephen Palmer, a carpenter, aged 53, fell from a staging, while
at work on the house of Holten Johnson, at the eastern end
of the Common, on the 15th of May, and was so injured that be
lay senseless till the morDing'of the 18th, when he died.
The first Methodist meeting-house at Swampscot, was dedi-
cated on Monday, June 30. Bishop Simpson preached the
sermon.
As an instance of the quick work of one of our Lynn sboe-
makers, it may be stated that Francis D. Rhodes, in fifty days,
made, in a good, workmanlike manner, seven hundred and
niDety-two pairs of ladies' shoes, at twenty-two cents a pair,
thus earDIDg, In less than two months, $174.24. They were,
of course, made entirely by band.
On the evening of 26 June, a Mrs. Brazil, visiting at the house
of John Regan, South Common street, attempted to fill a lamp
with burning fluid, when an explosion took place, setting fire to
her clothes. A child ran toward her, the fire was communicated
to its garments, and it was so much burned that it died. Mrs.
Brazil was not fatally injured. This was one of many accidents
that took place about this time from the explosive burning fluid
then in such common use.
The new school house in the centre district of Lynnfield was
dedicated on the 11th of July.
On the 16th of July, Capt. William T. Gale, fell down a flight
of stairs in the Bay State Building, Central Square, and so in.
jured himself that be died the next day, remaining insensible
duringtbe meantime. He was for a Dumber of years commander
of the Lynn Artillery, and was buried with military boners. -
A borse-mackerel, Dine feet in length, and weighing nearly a
thousand pounds was captured off Nahant, 16 July.
On the 26tb of July the thermometer stood at from ninety.
seven to a buDdred degrees, in the shade, in different parts of
Lynn; and for the preceding five consecutive days it had stood
above ninety during Some part of the day.
A colored youth named Francis P. Haskell, aged 20, was
drowned in the Flax pond, on the 3d of August. He rode a
horse in to water, and not loosening the martingale the animal
became restiff, threw his rider over his head, and with his fore
feet thrust him under water.
There was a severe drought this summer. It ended on the
night of August 5,'when a copious rain commenced, CODtinuiDg
in almost unbroken torrents till Wednesday DOOM On the next
Friday there was a violent thunder storm. The house of Dr.
Asa T. Newhall, on Olive street, was struck and damaged to the
amount of $250. A 'house on the opposite side of the same
street was also struck; likewise a brick house on Sea street,
the latter having every pane of glass, in one window, broken.
448 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1856.
Two gentlemen were riding over Long Beach, when the pole
of their carriage was struck and shivered into innumerable
splinters. The house of John Blaney, in Swampscot, was also
struck. Indeed the lightning struck in some twenty places,
within a circuit of ten miles. The storm was extraordinary for
its,duration, raging, with very brief intervals, for full fourteen
hours. Between five and eight o'clock in the afternoon it was
very severe; but from half past eleven to half past one in the
night it was really appalliDg-the thunder jarring the most
substantial fabrics, the lighting gleaming with blinding intensity,
the rain pouring down in equatorial torrents, and the wind
roaring furiously.
Out-door services were held in LyDn, this year, by several
of our clergymen. Dr. Cooke, of the First Church, preached
his first field sermon on Sunday, 7 September, on the Common.
But the experiment, on the whole, was not successful, the wea-
tber often interfering with the arrangements. The groves are
indeed bequtiful temples, but in a climate so variable as that of
New England not so convenient for fashionable worshipers.
Egg Rock light was shown, for the first time, on Monday,
night, 15 September. The cost of the building was $3.700.
It was built by Ira P. Brown. On the Sth of July, a company
of gentlemen from Lynn and the neighboring places visited the
rock and held a jovial celebration.
Patrick Buckley, the 11 Lynn Buck," ran five miles in twenty.
eight minutes and thirty-eight seconds, at the Trotting Park,
September 19, for a belt valued at $50. And on the 4th of
December, William Hendley ran the same distance in twenty-
eight minutes and thirty seconds.
The schooner Shark, Captain Carlisle bound from Bristol, Me.
for Boston, with wood, was wrecked on Long Beach, 30 Sep-
tember. The cargo was strewed along the shore and the vessel
went to pieces; but no lives we~e lost. The disaster was
occasioned by the Egg Rock light being mistaken for that on
Long Island.
Forest Hill Cemetery, Lynnfield, was consecrated October
14. Addresses were delivered by Rev. E. R. Hodgman and
Rev. A. P. Chute:
Some of the Swampscot fishermen were very successful
about the close of the ye' r. During the week ending Decem-
a
her 13, the schooner Flight, Captain Stanley, with thirteen hands,
caught 62.700 pounds of cod fish. And a short time before, the
crew of the Jane caught in one day, among a large quantity of
cod fish of the ordinary size, twelve which weighed on an average
fifty-six pounds each. Captain Nathaniel Blanchard caught one
cod fish which weighed ninety-four pounds, gross, and seventy-
eight pounds dressed.
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1857. 449
. 1857.
A very violent snow storm commenced on Sunday, January
18. It bad, been extremely cold. ODFriday, the thermometer
sank to twenty-two degrees below zero, and on the morning Of
the day on which the storm began, it was from twelve to
twenty below. The wind was high, and the snow drifted fur-i-
ously. So great a quantity fell that almost all travel was sus-
pended for on ' e or two days. Three powerful engines were
required to force the formidable SDOWplougb along the rail-road
track. It was not till Tuesday afternoon that traiDSwere able
to reach Lynn from Salem and Boston; at which time one
arrived from each place, drawn by four engines. The way
being thus opened, other trai * ns followed, and there were eleven
engines at the Lynn station, at one time. Much damage was
done on the coast and the beaches bore melancholy evidence
of the perils of the sea.
The bark Tedesco was totally wrecked in the terrible storm
spoken of in the foregoing paragraph. She was commanded
by Captain Peterson, of Portland, and was from Cadiz, with a
cargo of wine and salt. She was driven ashore at Long Rock,
Swampscot, below the Ocean House, and soon went to pieces.
All on board, twelve in number, perished. Six of the dead
bodies were buried from the Methodist meeting-house in Swamp-
scot, at one time. The vessel was valued at $15.000, and the
cargo at the same. The captain had been married, at Cadiz,
immediately before sailing, but his wife was not on board.
From the 7th day of January to the 20th, Mercury, Venus,
Mars and Jupiter were all visible in the western hemisphere,
and Saturn in the eastern. Uranus was also visible by glasses.
Such an occurrence, it is said, Copernicus longed to witness,
but did not. Neptune was likewise, at the same time, visible
by telescopic aid.
James H. Luscomb, a youth of the age of fifteen ' , while driving
a cow across LODg Beach, 19 February, fastened one end of a
Tope around her neck and the other end around his own body.
The cow suddenly turned and rushed back toward Little Nahant,
dragging him three quarters of a mile and killing him. His,
skull was fractured and his back broken in two places.
Goold Brown, aged 65, died at his residence on North Com-
mon street, March 31, after an illness of nine days. Ile early
directed his attention to studies connected with the science o7f
language and became widely known as a grammarian. Many
years ago be published a grammar which was exteDsively intro-
duced into the schools of the United States. And be taught a
seminary in New York city, long and acceptably. His last and
great work, which was co;nplet.ed but a short time before his
L2* 29
450 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1857.
death, was entitled the Grammar of English Grammars. He
was a native of Providence, R. I., and a descendant of the
founder of Brown University; was a member of the Society of
Friends and a much respected citizen. He left a widow and
two adopted daughters.
Haddock appeared in great numbers, at times, during the
early part of the year. On the thirteenth of March, about one
hundred of the Swampscot fishermen, in twelve boats, caught,
in some six hours, 160.000 pounds of fish, almost entirely had.
dock.
Fisher Kin-sbury, a respectable citizen of Saugus, aged 70,
was instantly killed on the Saugus Branch Rail-road, at Malden,
17 March. Both his legs were. cut off, and he was otherwise
injured, by a passing train.
A number of respectable sboe manufacturers early this year
joined in forming a board of trade. It was thought that bene.
-fits would accrue from the association, particularly through the
adoption of rules regarding credit to customers and for the
security of greater uniformity in the trade generally. But all
the good that at first seeined promised was not realized, owing
perhaps in a great measure to the diversity of interests and the
unwillingness of some to yield to -any regulation that miglit
appear to restrain the largest freedom in trade. The associa-
tion did not long continue in active operation.
Trawl-fisbing began to be practised by some of the Swamp~-
cot fishermen this year.
A team load of goods, while passing over Long Beach, from
Nahant, M-ay 6, took fire, and was damaged to the amount of
sixty dollars.
On the evening of May 26, the shoe manufactory of Albert B.
Ingalls, on Union street, was burned, with a considerable amount
ofstock.
John E. Gowan, a native of Lynn, arrived at Sebastopol,
Russia, June 3, to undertake the raising of the ships sunk in
that harbor, during the Crimean war, under a contract with the
Russian government. His enterprise was successful, and honors
were bestowed upon him.
The barn of Captain Fuller, in Humfrey street, Swampscot,
was burned, June 13. The fire was set by two little boys who
were playing with matches, in the barn. One of the boys, a son
of J. A. Knowlton, aged four and a half years, was burned to
death.
The color of Egg Rock light was changed from white to red,
June 15.
On Sunday morning, 21 June a dwelling-bouse in process of
completion for Mrs. Raddin, widow of George W. Raddill, near
the Saugus line. was burned. Loss, about $1.200.
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1857. 451
Widow Mary WiggiD, died JUDe 20, aged 95 - the oldest
person in LYDD, at the time.
Independence was celebrated in Lynn, this year. A long
procession marched through the streets, CODSiStiDg of a caval-
cade in fancy costumes, fire companies, bands of music, and
numerous carriages, beautifully decorated, and filled with school
cbildreD, bearing mottos, flags, and other insignia. An enter-
tainment was provided, on the COMMOD, for the cbildreD. In
the eveniDg there was a display of fireworks. It was called a
juvenile temperance celebration.
At Swampscot, July 4, Henry Scales and John Draper were
seriously injured while firing a salute. Scales was badly wound-
ed in the bowels, and had an arm broken; and be soon after
died, at the Massachusetts Hospital. Draper had an arm broken,
an eye destroyed ., and was otherwise injured. He was also
taken to the hospital, and in about two months died of lockjaw.
On the 15th of July, a pleasure party from Nahant, while
fishing, captured 'a shark' twelve feet in length and weighing
Dearly twelve hundred pounds.
Much excitement took place this summer, in many places,
concerning the discovery of pearls in fresh water muscles and
clams. Many small ones were found in shell fish taken from the
Floating Bridge and Flax ponds, in Lynn, but Dot enough to
render the search more profitable than regular labor. It was
quite amusing occasionally to observe some venerable and de-
mure citizen, who never in his life bad. been guilty of imagining
that there was such a tbiDg as amusement in the world, wending
bis way toward the ponds, and fancying his real object entirely
concealed by the rod and line, and other sporting gear with
which be had so cunningly encumbered himself. ,
The African Methodist meeting-house, on Hacker street, was
dedicated on the I st of August.
On the 14tb of August, at about one o'clock, in the afternoon,
while the thermometer was standing at ninety-eight degrees, in
the shade, an iDterest]Dg little child of five years, a daughter
of Nicholas Mailey, living on Green street, who was playing in
the garden, was sun-struck, and died the next day.
On Tuesday, the 8th of September, the Fifth Regiment of
IDfaDtry, Col. Rogers, went into camp, at Nahant, remaining till
Thursday. The weather was fine, and the attendance of spec-
tatorslarge.
The Franklin Trotting Park, chiefly in Saugus, was laid out
this year.
A small comet was visible, to the naked eye, in September, in
constellation Bootes.
The differeDt fire engine compaDies of Lynn had a grand trial
of' power, on the Common, on Saturday afterDOOD, September
452 ANNALS OF LYNN-1858.
26. A great multitude assembled, and much good-natured rival-
ry prevailed. Money prizes were contended for, the highest
being twenty-five dollars.
Blue fish were very plenty off our sbores in the early part
of autumn. They are great enemies to the menhaden ; and for
several days such a war raged that the beaches were strewn
with dead fish, chiefly of the latter species. Mr. Lewis, the
historian, said that in two tides, be picked up nine bushels, and
buried them in his garden, for manure.
The Congregational meeting-bouse in Lynnfield, south village,
was dedicated November 11.
Great financial embarrassment prevailed throughout the coun-
try this year and affected all classes. In Lynn there was a larger
amount of suffering among the poor, than had been known for a
long period. Numbers were out of' employment, and many of
the necessaries of life were dear. Public meetings were held,
in the fall and winter, to devise means for the relief of the des.
titute. Many benevolent hearts were stirred ' and indivi duals
of means contributed liberally; and on the whole the cloud
passed away with less distress and disaster than might reasonably
have been anticipated. Very few business men failed, and not
many of the poor suffered long.
The boundary line between Lynnfield and North Reading
was changed this year.
The number of marriages in Lynn during this year was 209.
1858.
The first Congregational Methodist meeting-house, on Ches-
nut street, near Broad, was dedicated on the 1st of January.
It afterward became the property of the Calvinistic Society
known as the Chesnut street Congregational Society.
The first vessel ever built at Nahant wa s a schooner of sixteen
tons. She was built by J. and E. Johnson, and launched on the
11th of February.
Joseph E. Watts , of Marblehead, froze to death on the Eastern
Rail-road track, near Oak Island, on the night of the 16th of
February.
On the morning of February 19, the rosin oil factory, Dear
the Lynn Common Depot was destroyed by fire. The building
was of brick, and the loss of that ' together with the stock, amout-
ed to $6.000. On the evening of the same day a barn, belong-
ing to Oliver Ramsdell, in Gravesend village, was burned.
The 11 Lynn Buck," so called, walked a plank, at Lowell, in
February, a hundred and five consecutive hours and forty-four
minutes, without sleep, and with but twenty-nine minutes' rest.
A strict watch was kept on him.
. Joseph L. Hill, aged 20, while at Swanipscot, gunning, on the
ANNALS OP LYNN-1858. 453
afternoon of March 3, was instantly killed by the accidentai dis-
charge of a fowling piece.
The sun-dial, on the Common, was set in April. ' The granite
pillar was furnished by the city, and the instrument was pro~
cured by private subscription and adjusted by Cyrus M. Tracy.
Telegraphic communication between Lynn and Boston was
commenced on the 4th of Mav.
On the 5th of June, two small boys, while fishing, fell into
the basin above Scott's woolen factory, in Saugus, alld-were
drowned.
On the afternoon of June 8, the schooner Prairie Flower, Capt.
Brown, left Salem for Boston, with a party on board. When
off Nahant, she suddenly capsized and seven were dro*ned.
Davis's barn, in Saugus, was struck by lighting, during a show-
er, June 20.
The Eighth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Militia para-
ded in Lynn, on the 23d of June, in compliment to Col. Coffin.
Eight fine companies of infantry were present, and many guests
of dignity; among them Gov. Banks. Dinner was served in a
spacious tent, and some five hundred partook. This was the
celebrated "Eighth" that gained such plaudits in the early
stages of the war of the Great Rebellion.
The month of July was found, by observation, to be the cold-
est that had occurred for fourteen years.
On the afternoon of the 6tb of August, a barn in Swampscot,
belonging to Jonathan . F. Phillips, was struck -by lightning and
burned, with fifty tons of hav. The well-known trotting mare
Lady Lawrence, valued at a ihousand dollars, being in the barn,
was killed by the lightning.
On the evening of the 14tb of August the barn of Jacob Jack-
son, on Essex street, was burned, with sixteen tons of bay. One
cow perished, and another was so badly burned that it was
necessary to kill her.
There was an impromptu 11 cable celebration " in Lynn, on
the 17tb of August - a firing of guns, waving of flags, and divers
similar demonstrations -on the occasion of the transmission of
Queen Victoria's message to President Buchanan through the
Atlantic cable, the instrument of high hopes that were to be
disappointed. At Federal Square, in the evening, there was
quite a display.
During a heavy shower, on the afternoon of September 11,
two schooners, lying at the west part of the towD,.were struck
by ligbtning. The whole length of the foremast of one was
splintered. The other was Dot much damaged.
A splendid comet appeared in the autumn of this year. It
was one of the most striking and beautiful celestial objects ever
witnessed. For many evenings it descended in the northwest
451 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1858
with its immense tail curving toward the north. The tail Nvas
determined to be, on Oct. 10, fifty-one millions of miles in length;
and to the observer it appeared clearly delineated for a length
equal to something more than half the aistance from the horizon
to the zenith. On the 13th
of September it was a bun-
dred and twenty-two mil-
lions of miles from the
earth; and on its nearest
approach it was fifty-two
millions of miles distant.
It is known as the comet
of Donati. A faithful rep-
resentation of this beauti- COMET OF 1858.
ful wanderer is here given.
the meeting-bouse of the Second Baptist Society, on High
street, was dedicated on the 7th of October.
On Thursday, the 13th of October, the completion of the elec-
tric telegraph to Swampscot was celebrated. Flags were dis.
played and guns fired at morning, noon, and Pip,11t.
John B. Alley was elected, November 2d, Representative to
the United States Congre ss, from tbis district. He was the first
Lynn man, who received the honor of a seat in that august
assemblage.
The Catholic Cemetery, was consecrated on Thursday, the
4tb of November, by Bishop Fitzpatrick, assist ed by six other
clergymen. On account of the violence' of the storm the ser.
vices were chiefly held at the cbureb, where the rite of con.
rmation was a minis ere o a o s. The
cemetery contains eight acres.
The tide rose to'sucli a height on the 23d of November that
the Lynn and Saugus marshes were so deeply submerged as to
occasion detention of the rail-road trains. All the trains were
for a time forced to run over the Saugus Branch.
Benjamin Luscomb, aged 46, while. examining. his fowling
piece, preparatory to going on a gunning excursion the next
morning was instantly killed by the explosion of a charge, on
Sunday evening, December 12. Not supposing the piece to
be loaded he had taken the barrel from the stock and was
blowing in it, near a lighted lamp.
There were landed in Lynn, during the year, 5.950.000 feet
of lumber; 16.034 tons of coal; 5.820 cords of wood; 5.877
casks of lime and cement; and 79.600 bushels of grain. The
number of vessels bringing the same, was 337. What was
landed on the Saugus side of the river is not included in the
statement. And it should be borne in mind that Lynn has no
back country to look to her for supplies.
ANNALS OF LYNN-1859. 455
Cyrus M. Tracy this year published an octavo pamphlet of
eigbty-eigbt pages, entitled " Studies of the Essex Flora: a
Complete Enumeration of all the Plants found growing naturally
within the limits of Lynn, Mass., and the Towns adjoining, ar-
ranged according to the Natural System, with copious Notes
as to Localities and habits." The title fully expresses the char-
acter of the work, and Mr. Tracy performed his task in a very
creditable manner. As it will be interesting to those who
occupy this soil in the far future, when population and art have
driven nature from her present footholds, to know what forest
trees grew and wild flowers bloomed where then will be busy
streets, this modest work will be valued long after many more
pretentious things are forgotten.
There was very little cold or tempestuous weather, in the
winter of 1858-9, before the middle of February. The evenings
of January, as regarded temperature, were generally more like
those of kpril, than any other season. The cumulous clouds,
on several occasions, like immense fleeces of wool, rose to a
great height, and in the moonlight made a very beautiful appear-
ance. After the colder weather set in, one of the chief amuse-
ments, not only of the school boys but the school girls and not
only of the young, but of the mature, of both sexes, was skating.
On moonlight evenings, the ponds were vocal with the merry
voices of those engaged in the exhilarating recreation.
18'5 9.
Judson J. Hutchinson died, January 11, age 38. He was one
of -the favorite band of singers known as the Hutchinson
brothers. He committed suicide, by banging, at the wooden
dwelling on the west of the stone cottage, at High Rock. The
act was no doubt done while be was laboring under mental
aberration. For several vears be had at times been insane, and
his mind occasionally seer~ed to incline to self.destruction. Many
months before the melancholy event took place, be very pleas.
antly an4 as was supposed jocosely assured the writer that
nothing but lack of courage had for a long time prevented his
destroying his life. He was an enthusiast, and'possessed 'many
eccentricities in manners and modes of thought; but be was
genial in disposition, affable in manners, intelligent, and much
beloved. He was a spiritualist, and could see no evil in taking
the abrupt road that he did to join his friends in the spirit land.
There was a "Calico Ball" at the Sagamore House, on
Wednesday evening, January 19. All the ladies appeared fn
calico dresses, which at that time were the cheapest style of
dress. A hundred couples were present. The prize of a gold
bracelet was awarded to the lady who in the judgment of a
committee was arrayed in the most neat and becoming manner,
456 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1859.
personal charms also being taken into account - and Iiiss
Nellie Clapp was the fair winner of the prize. It was a very
pleasant gathering; and the prevalence of silks and satins could
not have added to its attractiveness.
Early on the morning of the 21st of Jannary, the commodious
grammar school-bouse, in Woodend, Vith its contents, was
totally destroyed by fire. The building was valued at $6.000,
and was built in 1851.
On Wednesday night, February 2, during a violent storm, the
Vernon, a British bark of 265 tons, bound from Messina for Bos.
ton, with a cargo chiefly of fruit, was driven ashore on Long
Beach. The wind was very high and the sea in terrific commo-
tion; but by great courage and the skillful management of a
life boat all the crew were saved. Most of the calio was also
saved. At low tid6 the vessel was left almost out of water;
but on Sunday morning, 13 February, she was got off and towed
to Boston, in a crippled condition. A spirited lithographic print,
illustrating the scene at the wreck, was soon after published.
There was a total eclipse of the moon early on the morning
of February 17. The sky being very clear, an unusually strik.
ing effect was produced.
On Friday morning, February 25, the tin ware and stove store
of Brawn and Morrill, on Broad street, near Newhall, was
burned. Loss $3.000.
A large hump-bacl~ whale was several times seen near the
Swampscot shore in the latter part o ' f February.
The New England Mechanic, a weekly newspaper, of good
size, was commenced on the 19th of Ma~cb, by Alonzo G. Dra-
per as an advocate for the interests of the journeymen shoe-
makers.
The New England Conference of the Methodist Church com-
menced its annual session in Lynn, on Wednesday, April 6,
Bishop Ames presiding.
On Saturday night, 28 May, the Catholic church, on Asti
street, was burned, and one or two small buildings standing
near, were considerably damaged. The value of the church
property destroyed was $6.500.
William F. Mills and Charles A. Forbes, while on a pleasure
sail some two miles outside of Egg Rock, on Sunday, May 29,
were overtaken by a squall which overset the boat. Mills was
drowned and Forbes was taken up, in an insensible condition,
b.v a passing schooner, and carried to Boston.
A man ran round Lynn Common on the evening of June 3,
on a wager, in two minutes and three quarters.
On the nights of the 4th and 5th of'June there were severe
frosts.
~ Independence was celebrated in Lynn, in a very pleasant
I
ANNALS OP LYNN - 1859. 457
manner. A long procession, consisting of military and fire
companies, city officials and other dignitaries, with numerous
decorated carriages containing the pupils of the public schools,
moved through the principal streets, accompanied by bands of'
music. A collation was prepared on the Common, and short
addresses were made by the Mayor and others. In the evening
there was a displav of fireworks. The day was also celebrated
at Swampscot. /
On Tuesday, July 19, Mr. Fenno went out from Swampscot,
in a boat, to fish; subsequently the boat was found drifting and
Mr. Fenno was missing, though his bat remained in the boat.
On the 28tb, his body was found floating a short distance from
the Ocean House.
A rand regatta took place at Nahant, on the 22d of July.
9
The prize contended for was an elegant silver pitcher.
On Sunday evening, July 31, a fire occurred in Healey's Ar-
cade, at the west end of the Common, damaging the same to
the amount of some $2.000. The stocks in the stores were
likewise considerably damaged.
A horse mackerel was taken off Bass Point, Nahant, on the
3d of August, measuring between nine and ten feet in length
and six feet in girth, and weighing six hundred and fourteen
pounds.
On the afternoon of August 12, as a train was passing on the
Eastern R-ail-road, a few rods east of the Swampscot depot, it
ran into a berd of cows which were feeding on the track. The
engine, tender, and a baggage car were thrown from the track,
down ' an embankment, and several of the cows were killed.
There was a brilliant display of the northern lights, 011 Sun-
day evening, August 28. The whole heavens were overspread.
,Charles Frost was run over by a fire engine, in Mafket street,
on the evening of August 31, and instantly killed, one of the
wheels passing over his bead.
*In the early part of September, some twenty spots were
observed on the surface of the sun, distributed in clusters.
In September, a lady living in Lynn, feeling a prickling sensa-
tion in her bee], examined aDd.found protruding a needle, which
from certain circumstances she was convinced was one that she
ran into her foot eleven years before. In all that time it had
not proved troublesome; and when extracted was as bright as
when new.
On the morning of September 2, the heavens w`ere tinged
by an aurora of a deep red hue. In the southwest it appeared
like the reflection of a conflagration.
The engine house, corner of Ash and Elm streets, was burned,
together with nine hundred feet of hose, the hose carriage, and
other property, ou-tbe night of Sunday, October 2.
M2
458 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1860.
Two barns on t*ho Hood Farm, Water Hill, were destroyed
by fire on the morning of November 10, together with fifty tons
4 bay, and a large quantity of vegetables. And on the night
of the same day, the barn of Daniel Fairchild, on Boston street,
was burned, three horses perishing in the flames.
A large barn, belonging to John Mansfield, in the south village
of LynDfield, was burned on the 18tb of November. Two yoke
of'oxen and two horses perished in the fire.
On Sunday evening, November 20, the Union street Metbo-
dist meeting-bouse was totally destroyed by fire. A Sunday
school concert was being held in the building at the time, and
some five hundred persons, a large portion of whom were cbil-
dren, were ii~ attendance ; but all safely retired. The loss was
about $8.000. The bell, organ,,clock, and part of the Sunday
school library were lost.
The church bells were tolled in Lynn, at sunrise, 110011, and
sunset, on Friday, December 2, on account of the execution of
John Brown, at Charlestown, Va., on the charge of treason,
growing ont of an armed attempt to free slaves.
So many fires had in recent years occurred in the woods,
destroying such quantities of wood which had been prepared
for fuel, as well as that standing, that a serious depreciation in
the value of wood land seemed likely to ensue. Several large
proprietors, awakening to the necessity of some action, made a
move for the protection of their interests. Their direct efforts,
perhaps, secured no conspicuous result; but by arousing atten.
tion and operating on public sentiment some good was effected.
Rewards have been offered by the authorities,. from time to
time, for the detection of rogues setting such fires. In
spring,wben the earth has become dry,and before the new
verdure has put forth, the greatest danger exists; and many a
boy, by carelessly throwing down a lighted match has been the
instrument of great mischief; to say nothing of those who are
so abandoned as to wantonly destroy the property of othei-s.
The fact that the fires most frequently occur on Sunday is sig.
nificant.
1860.
On the afternoon of January 6, three young men walked
across the harbor, on the ice, from near the south end of Com-
mercial street, to Bass Point, Nahant. No one had before so
crossed at n point so far out, for some twenty years.
The brick school house, in Woodend, which was built to
supply the place of the wooden structure ' destroyed by fire, on
the 21st of January, 1859, was dedicated on the 8tb of February.
The Lynnfield Agricultural Library Association was founded
on the 11th of February.
I
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1860. 459
A great Sboem~kers' Strike commenced in Lynn, in February.
No occurrence of the kind in this part of the country perhaps
ever before created such a sensation. Processions of workmen
paraded the streets, day after day, with music and banners.
Large delegations of operatives from other places joined. And
in several instances -on one occasion during a snow storm -
large bodies of females appeared in the ranks ; for the sboebind-
ers were also on a strike. On the 16th of March, a really im-
posing spectacle was presented. Several military and fire
companies belonging to Lynn and other places, numerous de-
tachments of strikers from neigbboring towns, and hundreds
of women, formed in grand procession with the Lynn strikep
and marched through the streets with bands of music, flags, and
banners with devices. They moved in as close order as is
common with such bodies, and the procession was something
more than half a mile in length, and numbered, at different
points. from three thousand to five thousand individuals. The
day w~s very pleasant, and the demonstration passed off in an
orderly manner. In the early part of the strike there was a
good deal of excitement; and the city authorities, not deeming
themselves sufficient for the emergency, sent to Boston for a
detachment ofpolice officers and took means promptly to secure
other support from abroad should necessity require. After
continuing. about seven weeks, the great ferment. quietly sub-
sided. There was very little violence -a wonderfully small
amount, considering the magnitude of the interests supposed to
be at stake, and the energy with which the war of words was
kept up. The object of the strikers was the same that is com-
mon in all such movements; namely, the obtaining of more
adequate remuneration for labor; for it was alleged that at the
current rates very few found it possible to obtain a decent
livelihood. On the other band, the manufacturers maintained
that under existing circumstances, it was not in their power to
pay higher prices. There was probably a misconception, of
facts on both sides. The whole trade Lad, in truth, through
the instrumentality of some who had made heedless haste to
be rich, and others, who had operated in ways positively dis-
honest, been brought into an unhealthy condition, a condition
where it was necessary that some remedy should be applied.
But whether a resort to such means as a general strike was the
most expedient remains problematical. Yet the result did not
seem to be mischievous. The energet~c discussions that took
place' opened the way for a better understanding. Many facts
were brought to light, useful to employers and employed. The
suspension of labor prevented the accumulation of large stocks
on the hands of the manufacturers, which stocks, no doubt,
would in many cases have been disposed of, on credit, to south-
460 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1860
erD dealers, who, judging from tbd experience of some Lynn
people, about that time, toucbiDg southern integrity, would not
have been over-anxious that the spirit of rebellion should be
curbed till they had time to discharge their obligations. Though
perhaps no definite and conspicuous result of this famous Strike
could be shown ; yet it is far from certain that it was not bene-
ficial. Each party saiv more clearly the strength and weakness,
the wants and difficulties, of the other, and the friends of justice,
on both sides, had the means furnished for a more intelligible
view. The whole country seemed to have their eyes momenta.
rily turned on Lynn, and tbroukh the daily journals and illustra.
ted weeklies, her travail was magnified to an extent far beyond
what was dreamed of in her own borders.
On Sunday morning, February 19, Dr. Ezekiel P. Eastman
died, aged 42. He had practised in Lynn for a number of years,
was a skillful physician, and possessed attractive manners.
The Meclianics' Steam Mill, on Broad street, near the foot of
Market, was burned on the evening of March 12, together with
one or two other frame buildings, occupied for mechanical
purposes. Loss, about $8.000.
John Whalley, a partially deaf man, was killed on the rail-road
track, near Market street, being struck by a locomotive, on
the 23d of March.
The Third Baptist Society in Lynn, was formed- this year;
and their meeting-house, near Dye House village, was dedicated
on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 16.
There was an uncommon drought during the spring of this
year. The first rain for forty-one days fell on the 19tb of May.
Vegetation, however, did Dot materially suffer, the dews being
heavy and the sun not in its summer position.
The Universalist MeetiDg-bouse in the centre village of Sau.
gus was dedicated on Thursday, the 24th of May. The Univer.
salists had succeeded to the first Calvinistic church property,
and baviDg disposed of the old meeting-bouse, which stood in
the Square, and which was built in 1738, erected their new
edifice. The ancient house was steepleless, and certainly not a
very elegant specimen of architecture; but its history is interest-
ing. It was there that the celebrated Parson Roby preached, so
many years. The spot where it stood was purchased by the
town to be retained as a public ground.
St. Andrew's Episcopal Chapel, in the ancient Gothic style,
was built this year, on Ontario Court, and first opened for service
on Sunday, June 10.
Rev. Sumner Ellis was installed pastor of the First Universal-
ist Society, in Lynn, on the afternoon of June 13.
A comet was just visible to the naked eye, in June. Its tail
was about four degrees in length, and pointed upward.
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1860. 461
On Friday, June 29, a severe thunder storm occurred. It
commenced. about six' o'clock in the afternoon, and continued
till nine, with scarcely an intermission. There was some bail ;
the wind blew with great fury, and torrents of rain fell. The
house of Stephen Lewis, on Fayette street, was struck by the
lightning, and slightly damaged. The meeting-house in the
south vi , Ilage ofLynnfield was also struck.
The Methodist meeting-bouse, in Saugus, east village, was
entered on Sunday night, July 8, and robbed of a hundred yards
of carpeting. This was the second time that the carpets of this
house were stolen.
There was a muster of the fire com panies of Essex county, at
Lynnfield, on the 18tb of July. Many firemen from Lynn at-
tended, though the authorities would not suffer the engines to
be carried. .
An extraordinary meteor appeared in the heavens at about
ten o'clock-, on the evening of July 20. It moved slowly, in a
southeasterly direction, leaving a luminous train which was
visible for about a minute. The meteor resembled two bright
balls as large as full moons.
A turtle. weighing tbirty-five pounds and measuring, on the
shell, thirieen by seventeen inches, was taken from Stacey's
brook, in Woodend, in July.
The jewelry store of George If. Moore, on Market street,
was robbed at noon, August 16, of some twenty watches and
other articles, of the value of about $400.
On the afternoon of August 8, the barn of Henry Clay, in
LynDfield, was struck by lightning, set on fire, and entirely
consumed, together with a large quantity of hay and other farm
property.
John Denier, a tight rope performer, walked upon a single
rope a distance of fourteen hundred feet, at Nahant,_ on the
afternoon of August 16. The rope was stretched high above
Canoe Beach, in the rear of Nahant House. A very large con*_
course witnessed the dangerous feat. And OD the afternoon of
the 27tb, be walked up a rope one inch and three quarters in
diameter, stretched from the top of a three story building on
the southwest side of Exchange street, in Lynn, to a derrick
erected near the entrance of Mount Vernon street, and per-
formed sundry astonishing feats-amolig them banging by one
foot, head downward-wbile on the rope, many feet above the
beads of the crowd of spectators.
On the 22d of August a swing-tail shark was captured in a
net, by Chandler Lewis, of Swampscot, a short distance from
the beach. He measured ten feet in length. This species is
very rare on our coast.
.Phe new light house on Minot's Ledge was lighted for the first
M2*
462 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1860. -
time on the night of Wednesday, August 22. The liglit,,bow.
ever, was only shown toward the sbore, it being merely an
experimeiital lighting. It began to be regularly lighted on the
night of Thursday, November 15.
A suD-fish was caught near Egg - Rock, in August, ,N,eigbing
about two huDdred and fifty pounds.
A small encampment of the Peuobscot tribe of Indians erected
their wigwanis on Phillips's Point, Swampscot, in the latter part
of the summer, aud pursued their trade of basket makii)g.
On the night of the 7th of September, a fire occurred on
Beach street, . at the wood and coal wharf of Breed and Thing.
A heap of about three tbousaDd tons of coal took fire and coD.
tinued to burn two days, notwithstanding the efforts of the firo
department to extitignish it, aided by a steam fire engine froin
Salem. The coal and hay sheds, wire destroyed, and a large
portion of the coal and wood either burned or thrown overboard.
Loss, about $94 ' 000. 1
Early on Sunday morning, September 16, the baking estab.
lishment of Nathaniel Holder, on Pine Hill, was burned. Four
valuable horses perished in the flames. Loss, about $4.000.
The carpenter shop of N. P. Boynton, on Broad street, was
destroyed by fire, September 30. Loss, about $1.200.
The planet Venus was distinctly visible to the naked eye, at
about eleven o'clock on the forenoon of October 11. The sun
was sbining brightly.
The Lynn post office was broken into on Sunday night, Octo-
ber 14, and robbed of a quantity of postage stamps, a small
amount of money, and a large number of letters. Many of the
lcl4crs were afterward found, breken on,,n nnrl rifl,-.rl anmi-, nq-ar
the High School house, and some at Oak Island.
A slight shock of an earthquake was felt on the morning of
Oct. 17. There was a rumbling sound and the earth trembled.
The Prince of Wales passed through Lynn at about ten o'clock
in the forenoon of Saturday, October 20. The special train in
which the august youth journeyed, made a slight pause at the
Central Station, and he stepped upon the platform of his car,
thus voucbsafing to some of the anxious crowd gathered in the
Square a glimpse of his royal person. Some preparations bad
been made to receive him, and divers of the city officials were
present, but be did not appear to appreciate the honor.
The Republicans had a grand torch-light procession on the
evening of the 30th of October. Music, illuminations, fireworks,
and bonfires abounded. Brilliant lights were placed upon the
stone posts that surround the Common, making a fine show.
The procession numbered from twelve to fifteen hundred. The
demonstration was in favor of Mr. Lincoln then a candidate for
the presidencv. The other parties also had their demonstrations.
ANNALS OF LYNN-1860. 463
On Saturday ni gbt, November 3, the severest sto~rn of the
season occurred. There was a strong easterly wind and a high
sea. The Gazelle, a small vessel belonging to Gloucester, broke
from her moorings at Swanipscot and was driven ashore at
KiDg's Beach, where she went to pieces.
On the 6th of November, Micajah Burrill of Woodend, aged
96, was at the polls and voted for Mr. Lincoln for president.
He voted for Washington at the time Of'his election.
Captain Ammi Smith, of Lynn, was master of the ship Oliver
Putnam, which foundered at sea, this year. After the ship
went down the men remained eleven day~ in an open boat, sub-
subsisting on two biscuits and a pint of water a day. A Dutch
bark, bound for Rotterdam, finally picked them up and carried
them to St. Helena.
Early on the morning of' Saturday, November 24, a severe
southeasterly gale set in, which was particularly disastrous to
the shipping at Swampscot; more so than any other that had
occurred for many years.
In the latter part of November, Zachariah Phillips, of Lynn,
during four days' fishing from his dory, in the bay, experienced
in a singular manner the vicissitudes of a fisherman's luck. His
first day's catch sold for 25 cents. That of one of the other
days sold for $21.00. And taking the whole four days together
be realized $46.50. The fish sold for three cents a pound, on.
the beach, and were chiefly cod.
The cars began to run on the horse rail-road, through Lynn,
on the 29th of November.
Market street was lighted by gas, for the first time, on Friday
evening, December 7.
Cars commenced running over the Cliftondale horse rail-road,
from East Saugus to Boston, Dec9mber 26.
The sessions of the Probate Court in Lynn were discontinued
this year.
There was a very large crop of fruit this year; particularly
of apples and pears; and the quality was superior.
The fire department was called out fifty-six times duxing the
year, seventeen of which were from false alarms. The whole
loss by fire was about $32.000.
By the census taken this year, Lynn was found to contain
19.087 inhabitants; Lvnnfiel~, .866; Nahant, .380; Saugus,
2.024. Swampscot, 1.5k
The valuation of real estate in Lynn, this year, was $6.291.460;
personal, ~3.357.605 -total, $9.649.065. The rate of taxation,
was $8.80 on $1.000. Number of ratable polls, 3.933. city
debt, $107.600. By turning to date 1850, the increase of ten
years may be determined. But it should be borne in mind that
Nahant and Swampscot were set off during the period.
464 ANNALS OF LYNN -
1861.-
Friday, 4 January, was observed as a Dational fast, in view
of the threateniDg aspect of public affairs.
AD extraordinary change in the weather took place during a
few hours preceding sunrise, on Friday, the Sth of February.
On Thursday the air was mild, the thermometer standing at
forty-five degrees, at two o'clock in the afternoon. About that
time a change commenced, the cold increasing rapidly, till Friday
morning, when the thermometer stood at twenty-one degrees
below zero. Thus, between two o'clock on Thursday afternoon
and eight on Friday morning, the thermometer fill sixty-six
degrees.
On the night of 18 February, a barn, on Howard street, be-
longing to James E. Barry, was burned. Two horses perished
in the flames.
A severe storm occurred on Saturday evening, 9 March. Con-
siderable damagewas done to the sbippiDg at Swampscot. And
again on the 22d of March there was a heavy blow, and while
the, sea was running high a vessel was disc~vered some two
miles off the eastern point of Nahant, rolling heavily at anchor,
with all her masts gone excepting a portion of the mizzen. She
proved to be the bark Nonpareil, Capt. Flynn., from Palermo, for
Boston. She was finally taken safely to Boston, by a steani
tug. No lives were lost.
A snow storm commenced 1 April, during which eighteen
inches of snow fell.
The brick Catholic Church, at the eastern end of South Com-
mon stureet, --as built this year. it was the flnpqf. n.nd Tnnqt.
costly church edific ' e that had been built in the place.
Fort Sumpter, in the harbor of Charleston, S. C., was attacked
by the South Carolina forces on Friday, 12 April. And this
was the commencement of the terrible civil war which will
forever remain a marked point in American history. Presi-
dent Lincoln immediately issued a proclamation calling out a
portion of the militia of the several states. Lynn was instantly
aroused to a high pitch of patriotic fervor. In five hours after
the requisition arrived, two full companies were armed and
ready for duty. And in the eleven o'clock train of the next
forenoon - Tuesday, 16 April - they departed for the soutb,
amid the cheers and sobs of the immense CODcourse who had
gathered in Central Square. These two companies - the Lynn
Light Infantry and Lynn City Guards -formed a part of the
Eighth Regiment of Massachusetts troops, which became so
celebrated in the early part of the war, for discipline, prompt-
ness and heroism. These troops were called for three months'
service. And just before their departure it was announced to
ANNALS OP LYNN-1861. 465
them that six hundred dollars had been contributed for each of
the, companies. The names of those who so promptly responded
to their country's call, in the day of her peril, are worthy of re-
membrance, and are here inserted. Others would have g De bad
there been time for equipment, as is shown by the terse des-
patch sent to bead quarters - 11 We have more men than guns -
what shall we do ? " The names of'such of the regimental officers
as belonged to Lynn, are also given.
TimOTHY MUNROZ, Colonel.
EDWARD W. HiNKs, Lieutenant Colonel.
EPHRAim A. INGALLS, Quartermaster.
ROLAND G. USHER, Paymaster.
BowmAN B. BREED, Surgeon.
WARREN TAPLEY, Assistant Surgeon.
HORACE E. MuNrtoE, Quartermaster Sergeant.
COMPANY D - Lynn Light Infantry.
George T. Newhall, Captain - Thomas H. Berry, First Lieutenan-t - El-
bridge Z. Saunderson, Second Lieutenant - Charles M. Merritt, Fourth Lieu-
tenant - William A. Fraser, Henry C. Burrill, William H. Merritt, and George
E. Palmer, Sergeants -Daniel Raymond, Henry C. Conner, Henry H. Good-
ridge, and Horatio E. Macomber, Corporals - Yames 0. Clarrage, Musician.
PRIVATES.
Alley, James D. Foster, Samuel Nichols, John H.
Andrews, Oscar D. Foxcroft, George A. Nichols, N. A.
Atkinson, Charles 0. Foye, JohnNoonan, Daniel
Bailey, George W. Fraser, Joshua ff. Oliver, Harrison
Bartlett, Alonzo W. Hills, Edwin T. Oliver, Stephen A.
Bates, Lewis H. HiXOD, E. Oswell Patten, Jolm B.
Berry, William H. Hoyt, Wheelwright Patten, Thomas P.
Bess~, Francis E. Jones, James E. Pierce, Levi M.
Carpenter, Henry A. Keene, William H. Pousland, Thomas J.
Caswell, William Keitb, Friend H. Reed, Samuel A.
Cilley, John W. Kelley, James D. Remick, Samuel D.
Clement, Oscar H Kimball, Edwin B. Sanborn, Joseph R.
Coe, John T. Lambert, DanielSmith, Frank M.
Curtis, George Lock; JamesSweetser, Charles H.
Dudley, Alonzo G. Lougec,JobD E. Tarr, John S.
Elder, Josiah L Martin, John M. Trask, Israel A.
E-ton, Willii Me., 11, Arthur T.
mei Im W. I 7i Tuttle, Lyman M.
Fales, Charles Merritt, George G. Wentworth, Ruffis 0
Foss, William ff. Mudgett, Isaac N. Whitney, J. A. P.
Foster, George W. Newhall, Henry A. Williar~s, J. Henry
COMPANY F - Lynn City Guaq-ds.
James Hudson, jr., Captain- Edward A. Chandler, First Lieutenant-
Henry Stone, Second Lieutenant -Matthias N. Snow, Third Lieutenant-
Hanson H. Pike, George Watts, George E. Stone, and Timothy Newton,
Sergeants-James R. Downer, George Harris, Joseph W. Johnson, and
Jeremiah Towfin, Corporals -Edward D. Clarrage, Musician.
PRIVATES.
Alley, James E. Black, James 0 Caldwell, William
Alley, Richard BoyntonBe.j.~i, F. j,.. Campbell, George
, W.
Bailey, William E. Brown,' zra . Chase, Charles H.
Barker, Patrick W. Brown, James W. Chasej John C.
Baxter John B. Brown, William B. Cryon, Thomas
30
466 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1861.
Dalton, Frank Laborda, James S. Reed, Orson R.
Davenport, Charles Lake, Charles H. Reynolds, Andrew T.
Davis, Henry S. Luscomb, Murray RCYDoids, John W.
Donelly, Jaines E. Mahoney, DenDiS Rhodes, Isaac N.
Dougherty, James B. Martin, Robert P. Rowe, George W.
Edwards, George McDavitt, William S. Rowe, William B.
Estes, Jacob S. Mead, SamuelSargent, Albert
Flanders, Augustus B. Mellen, Andrew Sargent, George W.
Foster, John F. Millar, Andrew W. Snow, Warren
Gilbert, John Moulton, Edward Sparks, Uriel
GriffiD, William H. Moulton, James F. Swan, George W.
Grover, Benjamin P. Murray, James W. Sweetser, George W.
Harriden, Oscar Newton, William S. Taylor, Henry
Harris, Edward Orr, CharlesThompson, Samuel
Hiller, Edward Owen, JosephTufts, William F.
Humiewell, Francis Peabody, Benjamin W Tutt, Benjarnin
Ingalls, Abner Phillips, Daniel Webster, Samuel
JohnSOD, Nathaniel Pike, William J. White, George B.
Kelley, Daniel Pratt, Daniel W. Wilson, William B.
Kimball, Josiah F. Rand, Benjamin Young, Hugh
Kimball, Moses
And many of the foregoing were soon in higher positions than
they at firs~ occupied. But with their departure the zeal of the
citizens by no means subsided. Meetings were held, funds were
subscribed by individuals and appropriated by the city govern-
ment, new companies were raised, and every thing was done
that could be expected of a loyal and patriotic people. A mass
meeting was held at Lyceum Hall, on the afternoon of Monday,
22 April, at which a considerable sum was subscribed for the
benefit of volunteers, stirring speeches were made, and divers
animating pieces played by a band. of music. The following
preamble and resolutions were passed by acclamation.
WHEREAS, The country has been plunged into civil war, by the rash, tritor-
ous, and unjustifiable action of the leaders in the so-called Confederate States;
therefore,
1. RESOLVED, That we, in the hour of peril to the nation, to free institutions,
to life, liberty, and social well-being, unite as one man to uphold our govern-
ment, and to defend our country.
2. RESOLVED, That as our fathers pledged to each other their "lives. their
fortunes, and their sacred honor," to establish the institutions under which
we have lived, so we now renew this pledge, to maintain those institutions,
an(] to hand them down, intact, to our children.
3. RESOLVED, That the present crisis has been forced upon us, lovers of'
peace and of the Union ; and that there is left for us nothing but to raliv about
the government, which has shown itself forbearing, and whose effb~ts for a
peaceful settlement have been met with bravado, insolent contempt, and war-
like opposition.
4. RESOLVED, That it is the duty of every citizen to stand ready for the
performance of every work which the government requires at his hand, till
the traitors shall desist from their unhallowed purpose, and peace be restored
to our distracted land.
5. RESOLVED, That Governor Andrew, General Sebouler, and tb6 civil and
military authorities oftbe state, have acted in an able, prompt, and patriotic man-
ner, in this trying crisis; and that their efficient action is deserving of all praise.
ANNALS OP LYNN-1861. 467
6. RESOLVFD, That the action of our City Government., in making an appro-
priatiou for the support of the families of our brave and devoted volunteers,
i~ts the exigency of the hour, and receives our hearty approval.
nee
7. RESOLVFD, That the prompt response of the Eighth Massachusetts Reg-
iment, to which so many of our citizen soldiers are attached, together with the
dispatch 11 We have more Men than gLms - what shall we do? " proves the
loyalty of our citizens, and iDspires us -vvitb the belief that the glorious old flag
shall not be trailed in the dust, nor be wrested, by traitor hands, from its right-
ful guardians, an acknowledged majority of American citizens.
Enlistments DOW went rapidly On. The whole community
seemed fully awake to the demands of the calamitous exigency.
The ladies applied themselves diligently in the preparation Of
clothing and other things necessary and ' Convenient for the
departed and the constantly departing Soldiers. Flags were
kept flying in every direction, and drums were beating at all
bours. And those other places, the offspriDg of good old
Lynn, which are named in the title-page of this work, manifested
the same zealous and patriotic spirit. It would be an exceed-
iDgly agreeable task to give in these pages a circumstantial
history of events here, as connected with the war, and to
record the name of every One who went out from among us to
battle for the boner of his country. But it will be at once
seen that such a thing would be impossible. The most that can
be done will be to note the more prominent occurrences. God
grant that all who survive may have a reward here commeDsu-
rate with their labors and sacrifices, and that all who perish
may receive a reward in the better land.
On the morning of May 4tb, the grocery store of Robert
Collins, corner of Franklin street and the Turnpike, was con-
sumed by fire, with all its contents. The adjacent out buildings
were also consumed, and the dwelling of Mr. Collins was some-
what damaged.. Loss, about $2.500.
The ship Abadino, Capt. Ammi Smith, of Lynn, was captured
by a rebel privateer, 20 May, while o ' n her passage from Boston
to New Orleans, with a cargo of ice. This was one of the first
of such seizures in the war. The officers, crew, and vessel,
were, however, soon released.
I On the first day of June, the Lynn horse cars began to run to
Boston.
On Sunday, 2 June, Julia, aged ten years, a daughter of John
Fitzpatrick, an overseer in one of the Saugus woollen factories,
died of the terrible disease of hydrophobia. She was slightly
bitten by a small dog with which she was familiar; but little or
notbiDg was tbought of it at the time. Six weeks after, wbile
at school, she was taken with spasms and soon died, in great
agony.
The brick sebool-bouse, on the west side of Franklin street,
was dedicated on Monday afternoon, 24 June.
468 ANNALS OF LYNN- 1861.
A great comet suddenly appeared in July. It was first seen
on T~esday evening, the 2d, and was very bright. I was stand-
ing on the slope of the bill, Dear Sadler's Rock, at dusk, con-
versing with a friend. On looking up, as one or two of the
brighter Stars began to appear, be remarked, 11 Why, there is a
strange looking star." As the darkness increased, the propor-
tions of a magnificent comet became developed. On the follow.
iDg evening the celestial stranger made a still more imposing
appearance. Its position was a very little west of north and it
was finely delineated, from the tail which spread Out into a
silvery light at the zenitb, to the bright nucleus at the horizon.
Observation determined that it was moving with extraordinary
rapidity; and it was soon beyond the vision of the unassisted
eye. One remarkable fact about this comet is that its tail, which
was upwards of ninety degrees in length, actually came in con-
tact with the earth. In the report of the visiting committee of
the Cambridge observatory to the overseers of the college-
which report, by the way, was signed by our eminent townsman,
William Mitchell, as chairman -it is stated that the comet was
subjected to a rigorous examination and its path marked with
great care, its position being determined at forty-nine periods.
And the report adds that as soon as its real motion was ascer-
tained, it became evident that its train had swept the earth :
and subsequent observations, both in this country and Europe
showed that only three days previous to its sudden apparition
in our heavens a part of the train mu t have been in actual con.
tact with'tbe earth. It is
an ancient Sunerstition that
comets portend dire calam.
ities to mankind ; particu-
larly wars. And that of
1858 and this of 1861, com-
iDg SO opportune for the
terrible civil war, will be
likely to confirm the appre-
heDsions of some unculti- COMET OF 1861.
vated minds.
The Lynn soldiers who so promptly responded to the call of
the President, and on the 16th of April hastened southward,
returned on the first of August, their three months term of ser.
W'Mo
IN", 0 ~Tlmedw_~_ -
vice having expired. And they had a very enthusiastic and
gratifying public reception. Tfie City appropriated $500, and
individual liberality contributed a large additional sum, to make
the occasion one of uncommon display. Not a man of the wbole
regiment had died during its absence. Col. Munroe had re-
signed, 12 May, and returned home, and Lieut. Col. Hinks bad
succeeded him. The reception was quite imposing. There
ANNALS OF LYNN-1861. 469
was a large escort of military and fire companies~ and public
and private places were profusely decorated, business was sus-
pended, and the large body of the population were in the streets.
The procession was something more than an eighth of a mile in
length, and moved through the principal neighborbuods, the
bands playing, church bells ringing, and guns firing. At about
seven o'ciock a collation was had at Exchange Hall; and when
the hungry stomachs had been supplied the patriotic tongues
were loosed. And the whole furnished a notable instance of
the liberal bestowment of well-earned honors.
The Union street Methodist meeting-house (St. Paul's) was
dedicated on Thursday afternoon, I August.
On Thursday night, 12 September, the spacious building
known as Nahant Hotel, was destroyed by fire. It was an
immense structure of wood, with the exception of the small part
built in 1819, which was of stone; was in some parts three and
in others four stories in height; was something more than four
hundred feet in length, and contained three hundred rooms. It
was sufficient for the accommodation of a thousand visitors at a
time; six hundred could be seated together in the dining hall
magnetic telegraph wires connected it with Boston ; and it had
every appliance of a first class public house. , The conflagration
made a striking display as seen from Lynn and the adjacent
places. And it was observed from vessels a great distance
at sea.
In September the little green in Washington Square, at the
junction of Nahant street and Broad, was enclosed by a neat
iron railing, and otherwise improved. The ladies held a fair, on
May-day, to raise funds to defray the expense. The cost was
$550.
An encampment was formed at Lynnfield, at which a number
of regiments were, drilled, preparatory to leaving for the seat
of war.
Thursday, N September, was observed as a national fast.
In October, Miss Mitchell, whose astronomical observations
and discoveries at Nantucket had made her name familiar to the
scientific world, removed with her accomplished father, William
Mitchell, to Lvnn. Besides several smaller instruments, used
at her former ~esidence, she brought with her a beautiful equa-
torial telescope, which she has since constantly applied to vari-
pus original researches, the principal and perhaps the most
important of which are observations on the phenomena of the
double stars or binary systems. The telescope was the gift of
a few friends ' of both sexes, and no pains were spared in its
construction. It was made by Alvan Clark and Sons, of Cam-
brigeport, and is unquestionably among their best productions.
The telescope is furnished with all the appliances belonging to
N2
_Y
470 ANN;L OP LYNN-1862.
the largest class of instruments, measuring circles of right as-
cension, and declination, has clock-work, and micrometer. It
has six eye-pieces of powers from fifty to three hundred. The
telescope and equatorial apparatus are connected to a heavy
iron tripod resting on a firm piece of solid masonry, whose base
is sufficiently below the surface of the ground to be secure
from the effects of ftost and the tremor of passing carriages in
the street at a distance of two hundred feet. The observator
is a circular building of great simplicity, with an ordinary r9o~
revolving by means of iron balls running in grooved circular
plates, thus enabling a narrow scuttle in the roof to be turned
to any part of the heavens.
On Tuesday afternoon, 26 November, Phipps Munroe, a mas-
ter carpenter, and much respected citizen, aged fifty-one, was
instantly killed by a revolving shaft, at the morocco factory of
Souther and Blaney, on Market stect. The shaft was making a
hundred and eighty revolutions a minute, and it was supposed
his clothing was caught, and he dashed against the beams, which
were but about fourteen inches above the shaft.
1862.
On Saturday morning, 22 March, the dry goods store of S. J.
Weinburg, on Market street, was a good deal damaged by fire.
On Monday morning, 7 April, Sagamore Cottage, which bad
been the home of Mr. Lewis, for nearly twenty of the last years
of his life, was partially burned. It was at the time occupied
by Mrs. Lewis and her little boy of four years. They were
aroused in time to make their escape, by a dog kept on the
premistes. Most of the movable property was saved. The
building, though much damaged, was soon repaired.
At Pranker's factory, in Saugus, 8 April, a steam copper cyl-
inder, weighing about two hundred pounds and being a foot
and a half in diameter and four feet in length, used for drying,
suddenly burst, wbile revolving with great rapidity. Mr. Tobin,
the man in charge, was tbrown some ten feet and considerably
injured. The force of the explosion was so great that several
large windows were broken, and the iron frame that supported
the cylinder was snapped to pieces, and thrown about with
great violence.
Capt. Henry Bancroft's barn, in Lynnfield, was burned early
on Sunday morning, 4 May, together with his carriage-bouse
and other out buildings. A horse and several cows, were
burned. Loss, about $4.000.
On Monday evening, 14 July, a large and enthusiastic war
meeting was held at Lyceum Hall. And on the evening of
Tuesday, 22 July, another was held on the Common. And on
Saturdav, 26 July, still another was held on the Common. Sim.
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1862. 471
ilar meetings were likewise held in August. The places of busi-
ness were closed at two O'clock in the afternoon of Tuesday,
26 August, and on each day for the remainder of the week, that
the afternoons might be devoted to obta*nin recruits.
' g
On the afternoon of 30 July, during a thunder storm, George
L. Hanson of Portland street, was seated near a window, in his
house, when be was suddenly thrown a distance of nearly ten
feet, receiving such a shock as rendered him apparently lifeless.
His wife immediately closed his nostrils and breathed into his
mouth; other restorative means were applied, and be soon
returned to consciousness. It was not known that the lightning
struck any where in the vicinity. And Mr. Hanson neither saw
lightning nor heard thunder.
On Sunday afternoon, 31 August, an enthusiastic war meeting
was held on the Common. Religious services were omitted at
all the churches excepting the First Baptist, and the clergy
very generally attended and took part in the meeting. The
day was pleasant, and a very great crowd assembled, including
a body of soldiery. Stirring speeches were made, and national
pieces Sung and played by ibe military band. There was like.
wise an interspersion of religious exercises, During the lattei
part of the evening, there was a large gathering in front of the
City Hall. And the result of the movements of the day was
the securing of a considerable number of enlistments.
On Thursday, 4 September, a grand pic-nic party under the
auspices of the Spiritualists, was held at Dungeon Rock. Some
two thousand persons of both sexes and all ages were present.
There was speaking, music, and dancing. Mediums were in
attendance, and divers revelations made. The day was pleasant,
and the proceedings went forward with spirit. No more
delightful or romantic place could be found for such a gathering.
This was the first of a number of similar assemblages in that
attractive locality.
The 8th of October was the warmest October day since 1807,
the thermorneter reaching ninety degrees, in the shade.
On Sunday afternoon, 19 October, the funerals of two de-
ceased soldiers - John C. Dow and Solomon Martin - both
victims of the battle of Antietam - took place; that of the first
named from the Christian Chapel, on Silsbe street, and.tbat of
the last from the Second Universalist meeting-house. They
were attended by a large concourse, including the principal
city authorities.
The house of William Cheever, in Saugus was burned on the
night of 3 November.
The Swampscot Library Association was formed this year.
On the 5th of November, the bodies of two brothers - Charles
J. Batchelder and George W. Batchelder. were buried from the
472 ANNALS OF LYNN - 1863.
First Methodist meeting-bouse. Both were in the service of
their country. Charles, who was a lieutenant, died at New
Orleans ., of fever, and George, who was a captain, was killed at
the battle of Antietam. There was a very large attendance,
embracing the city authorities and a considerable body of mil.
itary; and the services were peculiarly impressive and affecting.
This, and the other military funerals ' mentioned under this date
were the first of a large number, which would be separately
noticed did space permit.
There was an extraordinary yield of fruit this year, in this
vicinity, and it was more than usually excellent.
During the autumn of this year, a Soldiers' Burial Lot was
laid out in Pine Grove Cemetery. The City appropriated five
hundred dollars for the object.. The lot is on the corner of Lo.
cust and Larch avenues, is square, contains three thousand and
six hundred square feet, and is surrounded by a border of twelve
feet, for trees, shrubs, and flowers.
is evidence of the patriotism of some of our families, it may
be mentioned that Otis Newhall, superintendent of Pine Grove
Cemetery, and Edmund Waitt, of Strawberry Avenue, each had
five sons in the war, this year; and John Alley, 4th, had four.
The most atrocious murder ever committed in Lynn was
perpetrated early in the evening of 23 December. Nathan
Breed, jr., an estimable citizen, aged thirty-eight, who kept a
grocery store on Summer street, corner'of Orchard Court, was
killed by terrible blows from a small axe, inflicted chiefly on
the head. The horrid deed was consummated in a most daring
and merciless manner. He was in his store, and it was an hour
when customers were especially liable to call. The. murdarer
must have watched his opportunity, and done the deed with
fearful expedition. 'The assault was made between six and
seven o'clock, and Mr. Breed lingered till three in the morning.
He. had his senses, and declared that his murderer was a young
man named Horace L. Davis, who lived in the neighborhood,
and whose age was about seventeen. Davis was arrested and
tried for the murder, but the jury could not agree on a verdict,
being divided on the question of mental capacity; but he
subsequently pleaded guilty to the charge of manslaughter, and was
sentenced to the state prison for twenty years.
1863.
Rev. Charles W. Biddle was installed pastor of the First Uni-
versalist Society, on Thursday afternoon, 5 February.
On the morning of 12 February, the Sash and Blind Factory,
on Essex street, near the Swampscot line, was destroyed by fire.
The little fishing schooner Flying Dart, of Swampscot, with a
crew of twelve men, on the 25th of February brought in 14.000
ANNALS OF LYNN-1863. 473
pounds of fish, caught by them that day. The fish were readily
sold at an average rate of two cents a pound.
There was an interval of severe cold, near the middle of
March. On the 14th, the thermometer reached twelve de-
grees below zero. The winter had been quite open, hereabout,
but it was judged to have been very severe at the north, from
the number of arctic birds that visited us. Four large arctic
owls were shot during one -week, at Nahant and on the beaches,
and several eagles appeared on the marshes.
The Kerosine Oil Factory of Berry and Hawkes, on Hawkes's
Hill, in East Saugus, was burned, 20 March.
Capt. John B. Hubbard, of Gen. Weitzel's staff, was killed in
battle at Port Hudson, in May. He was principal of the Lynn
High School at the time of his enlistment. He was a son of'
a former governor of Maine, a graduate of Bowdoin College,
and highly esteemed, while here, as a teacher and a man.
The large steam bakery of Thomas Austin and Company, on
Water Hill, was burned on the morning of 29 May.
The Boston and Lynn Horse Rail-road commenced running
cars to Chelsea Beach, on the 1st of June.
Extraordinary numbers of caterpillars appeared in the summer
of this year. So numerous were they that in many instances
trees had to be abandoned to their ravages. Canker worms
were also very abundant and destrnctive.
The barn of' Nathan Breed,, on Broad street, was burned,
June 2, the fire being occasioned by attempts to destroy, by
fire, the caterpillars on the fruit trees Dear by.
Lieut. Col. Charles Redington Mudge was killed at the battle
of Gettysburg, 3 July. He was the eldest son of E. R. Mudge,
of Swampscot, and iwenty-tbree years of age; was an officer
of great promise, and at the time be was killed was in command
of the regiment, gallantly leading on a charge. He graduated
at Harvard, with the 1860 class.
The church bells were rung, cannon fired, and bonfires lighted,
on the 7th.of July, in rejoicing'over the fall of Vicksburg.
Liberty Hose House, on Willow street, was burned 36 July.
An enthusiastic reception of the Lynn soldiers belonging to
the Eighth Regiment, took place on the 30tb of July, on the
return from their nine months' service. There was a very long
procession of military, firemen and citizens; bells were rung,
cannon fired, and WelCOMiDg speeches made; many dwellings
and public places were decorated ; and a collation was served
on the Common.
Thursday, August 6, was observed as a day of national thanks-
giving, in view of the successes of our arms.
The dwelling house of'Frank Fiske, in Cliftondale, was burned,
September 15.
474 ANNALS OF LYNN-1864.
1864.
A war meeting was held at Lyceum Hall, on Sunday evening,
January 3, which was largely attended and enthusiastic.
Frederic Tudor died at his residence, in Boston, on Saturday
afternoon, February 6, aged 80. He was born in Boston, in a
house which stood on the site of the present Tudor's Building,
in Court street, on the 4tb of September, 1783. His grandfather,
John Tudor, emigrated from Devonshire, England, to Boston,
and his father, William Tudor, was born in Boston, and served
during 6e Revolution as Judge Advocate General of the army
under Washington. Daniel Henchman, who planted the celebrated
old elm on Boston Common, was his maternal ancestor,
and perhaps from him be inherited that taste for the culture of
trees which is evidenced by the groves now flourishing on
Nahant. And this Daniel Henchman, by the way, was grandfather
of' Rev. Mr. Henchman who was settled over the Lynn church
from 1720 to 1761.
Mr. Tudor married, in 1834, Miss Eupbemia Fenno, a Dative
of'New York city, and left six children, the eldest of whom was
born in 1837, and the youngest in 1854. Their names are as
follows: Eupbemia, now a naturalized French lady, the Countess
Kleezkowska; Frederick; Delia J.; William; Eleonora; Henry.
Mr. Tudor is justly entitled to be called the father of the
great New England Ice Trade, which was commenced as early
as 1805. In 1834, he sent his first cargo to the East Indies,
and soon fouDd himself in a highly lucrative business. He early
became charmed by the beauties of' Nahant, and in 1825 built
his stone cottage and laid out his picturesque groutids Lbere.
And he continued, from year. to year to reside there during the
warm season, and expend large sums in beautifying the peninsula
and adding to his possessions. There is unquestionable autbo.
rity for stating that during the last thirty years -of his life
be expended not less than $30.000 dollars annually - making
$900.000 for that period alone. Previously he had spent large
SUMS in building, improving roads, and planting trees. He was
a man of great decision of character, promptness in action, and
impatience of interference with his plans. Towards strangers
he manifested great courtesy and did much to render their
visits to Nahant agreeable. The inhabitants, at their annual
town meeting, 12 March, 1864, unanimously adopted resolutions
expressive of tbeir sense of loss and appreciation of his worth
and generosity. -
On the evening of February 8, Henry Neil.], aged 49, was
killed at the Central Rail-road Station. He jumped from the
platform of a car and fell in such a manner that the wheels
passed over his neck, nearly severing his bead.
ANNALS OP LYNN--1864. 475
Rev. Parsons Cooke, D. D., minister of the First Church of
Lynn, died on Friday afternoon, 12 February. He was born
in Hadley, 18 February, 1800, was the son of Solomon Cooke, a
respectable farmer and a descendant from Capt. Haron Cooke,
conspicuous among the early settlers of that vicinity.
Mr. Cooke graduated at Williams College, in 1822, and studied
theology under Dr. Griffin, president of that institution. In
June,'1826, he was installed over the East Evangelical Church
in Ware, which was his first settlement. There he remained
till April, 1835, and then accepted a call from a society in Ports-
mouth, N. H. In the latter place he continued about six
months, and in 1836 accepted the call of the church at Lynn,
and remained its pastor to the end of his life. On the 5th of
June, 1826, be married Hannah Starkweather, who died July 2,
1852, and by whom he had no children. His second wife,. whom
he married July 20, 1853, was Mary Ann W. Hawley, of Bridge-
port, Ct., and by her be had one son, born 27 October, 1855.
Mr. Cooke early displayed a love of controversy, which it
may be said grew with his growth and strengthened with his
strength - so his life was not distinguished by that pacific
course which many believe is most strongly. inculcated in the
gospel of peace. His mind was of such an order that be rapidly
arrived at conclusions, tenaciously held to them, and was not
remarkble for his gentle bearing toward those who differed from
him. His perceptions were quick, and be had an abundance of
natural wit, which, unfortunately, was liable to exhibit itself in
the degenerate form of sarcasm. His reasoning powers were
evidently good , but yet be. possessed such an unaccountable
vein of credulity, that their best fruits seemed sometimes never
to ripen. A reference to his work entitled " A Century of
Puritanism and a Century of its Opposites," will be sufficient
to satisfy any one acquainted with our history, of the truth of
these remarks. Some of the honest individuals who supplied
him with information would, doubtless, have been more guarded
in their expressions, had they observed this peculiarity of his
mind. But it is difficult not to conclude that others deliberately
imposed upon him. It.cannot be supposed that be made any
of the remarkable statements without a full belief of their truth;
and it is surprising that he forbore the slight examination neces.
sary for the detection of some of the more patent errors. He
was often boldly charged, in the newspapers, with wilful misrep-
resentation; but I see no necessity for the charge of wilfulness,
and apprehend that be was simply ensnared in the way indicated.
His style of' composition was not what rhetoricians call elegant,
but was well adapted to controversial purposes. The sentences
were short, direct, and without any waste of words. He evi-
dently thought more of what be was saying than how be spoke.
476 ANNALS OF LYNN -
Dr. Cooke was a high Calvinist, and often cast a fond look
backward, upon the "old paths," sighing that there had been
such a general departure from them. He was an industrious
and faithful minister. so far as pulpit preparations were con-
cerned; but he visited little among the people of his charge. His
power and delight lay rather in the use of the pen than in per-
sonal intercourse. His ministry here was successful; his pari-
sioners were much attached to him 'and regarded him as one
of mote than ordinary power. And had it not been for his
unfortunate disposition to controversy, there is little doubt that
his abilities would have commended him to the favorable regard
and respect of the theological world in general. It may readily
be admitted that be thought it a duty to always have his pungent
pen ready dipped for the defence of the truth and the demolish-
ing of error, as he deemed them; but the way in which things
are attempted often has great illfluence on the result. The
severity with which he speaks, in his " Centuries," of' some of
his predecessors in the pastorate of the First Church, and the
little respect he seems to have entertained for their memories,
lead to the conclusion that be did not consider that church
one that had been conspicuously blessed in her ministry. With
some of his estimates I cannot agree, and think that in other
parts of this volume may be found such authenticated state-
ments as will show that be labored under mistakes. And it is,
furtber, a matter of regret that he should have taken occasion
to give what is believed to be an undeservedly dark coloring to
the morals, intelligence, and manners of the people of Lynn.
The pulpit oratory of Mr. Cooke was not pleasing to those
UDaccustomed to it ' ; the delivery was rapid ` in a high tone, and
with very little intonation; but his appearance was dignified.
He was not an adept in music, and took no part in the choral
portion pf the service. In person he was commanding, being
considerably above the ordinary stature, but symmetrical. His
habits were sedentary, and in part, no doubt, the occasion
of his last protracted and painful sickness. He suffered greatly
for two years, but with the resignation that always character-
izes the good man. Immediately before his death, in a still
watchful anxiety for the souls of' his charge, be dictated, and
with a tremulous band signed, the following -the ever-living
testimony of a dying Christian. -
Lynn, FEB. 5TH, 1864.
As I am about to Close My ministry and my life, I have one thing to say to
my people -That all the support that I find in a dying honr, are the doctrines
of grace I have preached, which centre in Jesus Christ and him crucified, and
are to my heart a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ
Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief; and that these
I would command to the acceptance ofali, with my dying breath.
PARSONS COOKE,.
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1864. 477
The publications Of Mr. Cooke were numerous. The titles
of his books, in brief, may be given as follows.
1. Modern Universalism Exposed.
2. A History of German Anabaptism.
3. The Divine Law of Beneficence.
4. Recollections of Dr. Griffin.
5. A Century of Puritanism and a,Century of its Opposites.
The foregoing were all in book form, and besides them be
published some twenty pamphlets -sermons, addresses, tracts,
&c. And in speaking of his industry with the pen it should
likewise be mentioned that for about twenty years be was one
of the regular editors of the Puritan newspaper, which publi-
cation was commenced at Lynn and afterward removed to Bos-
ton. See under date 1840.
Mr. Cooke was the first minister who died while settled over
the First Church, for a little more than a century, Mr. Hench-
man, who died in 1761, having been the last one before him who
died in the pastorate. And it may be noted as a coincidence
that Mr. Henchman was born in the first year of century 1700,
as Mr. Cooke was in the first year of century 1800; and they
attained very near the same age.
A great easterly storm commenced on the 29tb of March, and
continued till the 2d of April. The wind blew with great vio-
lence, and the sea came in furiously. The beacon on Dread
Ledge, an obelisk of granite, twenty-five feet in height and
three feet square at the base, was ' broken off near the centre.
The fine-summer residence of Benjamin T. Reed, at Red Rock,
was destroyed by fire on the night of April 8.
The school-bouse on Howard street was destroyed by fire on
the morning of June 8.
Saturday, June 25, was the warmest day in Lynn, of which
there is any record. The thermometer reached a hundred and
four degrees in the most shady places. At five o'clock in the
afternoon it stood above a hundred. The next day, Sunday,
was nearly as warm. The same remarkable degree of heat
was experienced in other parts of New England.
The extensive soap manufacturing establishment of George
E. Emery, on Chesnut street, near Gravesend village was de-
stroyed by fire on the night of June 26.
A severe drought prevailed this summer, and destructive fires
took place in the woods in the latter part of July.
A threatening fire occurred on Federal Square, near Water
Hill, on the afternoon of July 22. It commenced in the bakery
of Isaac H. Tarbox, consumed four frame buildings and injured
several others.
The first steam fire engine owned by the city arrived in town
on the 11th of August. It received the name 11 City of Lynn."
478 ANNALS OP LYNN - 1864.
Mackerel appeared on the coast, in great abundance, during
the early part of. the autumn. The crew of the little fishing
schooner Minnehaba, of Swarapscot, on the 18th of September,
off Boon Island, caught three hundred and fifty barrels. And
the crew of the Flying Dart, of the same place, at another point,
took a hundred and thirty barrels in some four hours.
At about five o'clock on the morning of Thursday, October
6, the City Hall, on South Common street, head of Blossom,
was discovered to be on fire, and was soon destroyed. It was
of wood, and not a very comely structure. A'good representa-
tion of it mav be found on page 591, accompanied by a brief
historical skeicb. In the northeast corner of the building, on
the first floor, was the Lock-up, a place for the temporary con-
finement of offenders, and on the same floor were the City
Clerk's office, the Mayor and Aldermen's room, and the offices
of the Police Justice and City Marshal. On the upper floor
were the Police Court room, the office of the Clerk of the
Police Court, and the Common Council room. In the Lock-up
an unfortunate man, named Joseph Bond, aged about forty years,
was confined, and being unable to extricate himself and no help
seasonably arriving, though his shrieks were heard, be was
burned to death. It appeared that he was a man of generally
correct habits, but on the occasion of his arrest had from some
cause become turbulent.
On Thursday evening, October 27, the Female Benevolent
Society celebrated their fiftieth anniversary, by a gathering and
an entertainment at Armory Hall. This society was formed in
1814, by benevolent ladies belonging to the different religious
societies, and has ever continued to flourish, dispensing, in an
unostentatious way, blessings to thousands.
On the 2d of November the two Lynn companies of the
Eighth Regiment returned from three months' service, and
were welcomed by a public parade and an entertainment; in
the former of which the fire department joined, and in the latter
of which the good old Yankee dish of baked beans held a prom-
inent position.
There was no Indian summer this year; a thing hardly ever
known within the memory of man.
CHAPTER III. BEGINNING ON PAGE 479:
Contains Biographical Sketches of various Natives of Lynn who from position, endowment-, or acts seemed entitled to some special notice.
CHAPTER IV., BEGINNING ON PAGE 575:
Embraces various Tables Lists of Public Officers, Names of Early Settlers, Religious Societies and Ministers, News. papers and Editors, etc.-togetter with Statistical Summaries.
CHAPTER V., BEGINNING ON PAGE 590:
Contains brief Concluding Remarks, alluding especially to
the progress of Lynn during the last twenty years and closing with acknowledgments for the friendly assistance received during the progress of the work.
THE INDEX, BEGINNING ON PAGE 593:
Contains all the Surnames in the book, alphabetically arranged in connection with the subjects. Names are so. nat. urally connected in the mind with events that it I's thought the arrangement will prove highly useful. A full index is to a work of this kind of the first importance. Indeed a good index is a valuable addition to any work. And the object of the threat of Lord Campbell to introduce a bill into the British Parliament making it penal to issue a book without. an index, should be better appreciated by book makers than seems generally to be the case.
620 G4 TIFF Page images of Volume I are here -
http://genweb.net/~books/ma/lynn1/
Note-No further editing has been done of this OCR scanned book.
It was a work in progress never finished.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
next Table of Contents of volume 2
On the 10tb of December the schooner Lion, from Rockland,
Me., loaded with granite, was wrecked off Long Beach, and all
on board- six in number- perished. A violent storm prevailed,
and it was very cold. Though the cries of the hapless mariners
were heard upon the Beach, they could not be rescued.
The Franklin Trotting Park Hotel, in Saugus, (Cliftondale)
was, with its contents, destroyed by fire, on the night of Dec. 19.
And here, with the year 1864, we close our Chapter of Annals,
embracing the record of two hundred and thirtyfive years.
-----------------------------------
end of Chapter 2 of volume 1 of the
History of Lynn Massachusetts, by Alonzo Lewis and James R. Newhall, pub. 1890
Scanned and OCRed by David Blackwell 1999.
editing of the raw OCR is in progress.