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Contributions of the Old
Residen ts ' Historical . . .
Old Residents' Historical Association
"1
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CONTRIBUTIONS
OF
THE OLD RESIDENTS'
Si^tofidkl S^^odktioi\,
LOWELL, MASS.
Organized December 21, 1868.
Vol. II.
PUBLISHED BY THE ASSOCIATION,
NOVEMBER, 1883.
t<Ti
* Tis greatly wis* to talk with our past hours,"— YoxjVQ,
LOWELL, MAg&.
MoBNiNG Mail Print: No. 18 Jackson Street.
1888.
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CONTENTS.
Boott, Kirk, Sketch of the Life of , by Alfred GUman t
Clark, John, by John W. Smith 21S
Central Bridge, History of, by Alfred Oilman 295
Corresponding Members, Responses from 319
Cnilse of the Monitor Lehigh, by Charles Cowley 61
I>uinmer, John, Biography of, by James S. Kussell 93
I>rama in LoweU^, Sketch of Perez Fuller, by H. M. Ordway 268
Early Trade and Traders of Lowell, by Charles Hovey 102
Fox, Gapt Gnstayns V., in the War of the Kebellion, by Alfred Oilman 83 «
Foreign Colonies of Lowell, by Charles Cowley 166
Glass-Making in the Merrimack Basin, by Ephraim Brown /. 180
Glldden, Elisha, by Hon. John A. Enowles ....289
Insurance in Lowell, by J. K. Fellows 183
Lowell High School, Bemlniscences of, by James S. Russell 18
liivermore, Edward St Loe, by Mrs. C. L. Abbott 74
liOwell, John Amory, Sketch of Life of ... 109
Melvin Suits, by Hon. John P. Robinson 201
Merrimack Rlyer, its Sources, Affluents, etc., by Alfred Oilman 206
Newspaper Press of Lowell, by Alfred Oilman 233
Ordway, Thomas, Biographical Sketch of, by J. E. Fellows 223
Thompson, Oeorge, in Lowell, by Z. E. Stone 112
*Wyman Farm and its Sources, by Charles Hovey S3
Reminiscences of the Early Physicians of Lowell and Vicinity, by D. N. Patter-
son, M. D 329
Members of the Massachusetts Medical Society in Lowell, from 1822 to 1883, by J. O.
Green, M.D 449
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NEW MEMBERS.
ADDED SINCE JANUARY. 1883.
The figures In the first column indicate date of birth; those in the second column, date
of arrival in Lowell.
Allen, Nathan 1813 1841
Carroll, Henry H 1826 1846
Danfortb, Solomon 1818. . . . . .1833
Eaton, Wyllis G 1808 1861
Puffer, A. D 1821 1821
Whiting, Phineas. 1819 1819
Wright, Atwell F 1829 1845
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CONTRIBUTIONS
THE OLD RESIDENTS'
LOWELL, MASS.
OROANIZKID DJS2CICM.RER 21, 1808.
a;^o1. II. ]^j^o. 1.
PUBLISHED BY THE ASSOCIATION,
November, 188 0.
LOWELL, MASS. :
Stonb, Ba(?hellkr & Livingston, Pkintebs, No. 18 Jackson Street.
1880.
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OFFICERS.
JOHN O. GREEN, President.
JEFFERSON BANCROFT, Vice-President.
ALFRED OILMAN, Sec'y and Treasurer.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
WAKD ONE
J. W. SMITH, CHARLES HOVEY.
WARD TWO.
JOSHUA MERRILL, AMOS B. FRENCH.
WAKD THREE.
HAPGOOD WRIGHT, ALFRED OILMAN.
WARD KOU^.
EDWARD F. WATSON, BENJAMIN WALKER.
WARD FIVE.
J. G. PEABODY, Ch. CHARLES MORRILL.
WARD SIX.
WILLIAM KITTREDGE, EDW. B. HOWE, Sec.
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CONTENTS.
I. Sketch of the Life of Kirk Boott, by Alfred Oilman, . . 3
II. Reminiscences of the Lowell High School, by James S.
Russell 13
III. Capt. G. V. Fox in the War of the Rebellion, by Alfred
Oilman 33
IV. Cruise of the Monitor Lehigh, by Charles Cowley, . . 61
V. Sketch of the Life of Edward St. Loe Livermore, by C. L. A., 74
VI. The Wyman Farm and its Owner, by Charles Hovey, . . 83
VII. Biography of John Dummer, by James S. Russell, . . 92
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THE JIBW YORK .
^^UC UBRARY
Anon. LBMOX AMD
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/. Sketch of the Life of Kirk Boott, hy Alfred
GilnujbTi.
Kirk Boott was born in Boston, October 20 1790.
At an early age he was sent to England, and was for
some time a member of the Rugby School. On his
return he entered Harvard. His name appears among
the juniors in 1807, and the seniors in 1808 ; but he did
not graduate. Choosing the military profession, his
father obtained for him a commission in the English
army, with which he was connected for about five years.
He served in the Peninsular War, under the Duke of
Wellington ; and commanded a detachment at the siege
of San Sebastian in July, 1813. After this his regiment
was ordered to New Orleans, to serve against the United
States. Mr. Boott obtained leave to withdraw, and
entered a military academy, where he acquired a
thorough knowledge of engineering and surveying arts,
which were afterwards of such eminent service to him.
His father, Kirk Boott, who died January, 1817,
came to Boston in the latter part of the last century and
established an importing house. In 1810, February 1,
John Wright Boott was admitted a partner, and the firm
became Kirk Boott and Son. At a subsequent period
Francis, another son, was admitted as a partner. The
father built the mansion house, now known as the
Revere House in Boston. This was the family mansion
until 1845, when it was sold to William Lawrence.
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OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
By the father's will it was provided that the busi-
ness of the co-partnership in which he was engaged with
his sons, John Wright and Francis, should be continued,
until the 19th of March, 1818 — the day when his son
James would come of age ; that, in the mean time, the
executors should invest, from his share of the capital,
the amount of the trust funds, created by the will, for
the benefit of his widow and two maiden sisters ;* and
that after the 19th of March, 1818, if his sons should
form a new co-partnership, they should employ in the
business the portions of his minor children, three in
number, until they should respectively come of age.
He gave to his widow the right of occupying the
mansion house during her life ; and after a few specific
legacies, he left the residue of his property, with a
reversion in the house and the trust funds, equally to his
nine children. The execution of this will devolved, by
the resignation of the other executors, upon his eldest
son, John Wright Boott. The minor children were
Mary, James, Elizabeth, Ann and William. Mary
married William Lyman ; Ann married Robert Ralston,
and Eliza married Edward Brooks ; James and William
were unmarried. There was a Frances who married
William Wells. Besides these there was John Wright,
Francis and Kirk, Jr.
When James became of age, in 1818, a new firm,
consisting of John W., Kirk and James Boott, under the
same firm-title, was formed and continued a little less
than four years, until 1822. The business of Kirk
Boott and Sons had been importers of British goods.
*He left to his wife the house, furniture, wines, &c., in Bowdoin Square, and one
hundred thousand dollars, to be held In trust, the income to be expended for her support,
and the support of the minor children until they became of age; and a little over eleven
thousand dollars, also to be held in tnist, to his tAvo maiden sisters, who resided in
Derby, England, the income of which was to be paid to them.
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SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF KIRK BOOTT.
The firm met with very heavy losses, after the death of
Kirk Boott, Senior. The double duties which had been
levied during the war of 1812, were repealed in 1816,
and there was in consequence a great fall in the value
of merchandise. Mr. Kirk Boott, of London^ a cousin of
Mr. Boott, Senior, was the firm's agent in England. He
became bankrupt in June, 1817, owing the firm nearly
$50,000, very little of which was ever paid. Out of the
proceeds of their father's estate each of the heirs were
paid, by the executor, $10,000. During the term of
co-partnership. Kirk Boott states that they met with
heavy losses, and that he became indebted to his brother,
John Wright Boott, for " advances."
During the summer of 1821, Kirk, while passing a
day at Nahant, in company with Mr. Patrick T. Jackson,
the latter gentleman expressed great delight in having
even that brief respite from his numerous and pressing
cares. Mr. Boott expressed a wish that he had cares,
too, and offered to accept of any post of service which
Mr. Jackson might assign him. Thus, accidentally, he
found the place for which he was so admirably fitted.
This was the condition of Mr. Boott at the time he
came to Chelmsford. We find a communication from
him to the owners of the Locks and Canals on Merri-
mack River, dated November 14, 1821, offering to hire
the water-power at $1800 per annum. The offer was
refused, and the Boston Company proceeded to buy up
a sufficient amount of the stock to control it; when
Thomas M. Clark, the clerk of the old Locks and Canals
Company, was employed to purchase the lands in the
vicinity. The property in the hands of John Wright
Boott was in the market seeking a profitable investment.
The Boston Manufacturing Company, at Waltham, had
solved the problem in regard to the ability of manufac-
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OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
turers to sustain themselves in the business. It was
here, then, that the trust funds held by John Wright
Boott, under his father's will, were invested, and I find
among the articles subscribed to by the founders of
Lowell, the iollowing : —
"Article 6th. Whereas, vie have been informed
that the Proprietors of the Locks and Canals on Merri-
mack River are possessed of valuable mill-seats and
water-privileges ; and, whereas, Kirk Boott has, with our
consent, advanced money for the purchase of shares in
the stock of that corporation, and of lands thereunto
adjoining, we hereby confirm all he has done in the
premises, and further authorize him to buy the remainder
of the shares in said stock, and any lands adjoining the
Locks and Canals he may judge it for our interest to
own ; and also to bargain with the above-named corpora-
tion for all the mill-seats and water-privileges they may
own. He must in all cases be governed by such advice
and direction as he may receive from the company, or
any committee duly appointed by them."
Kirk Boott we find now thoroughly and systemati-
cally engaged in this new enterprise. He gave himself
up heartily to its prosecution ; and in the discharge of
every duty devolving upon him, he amply fulfilled the
expectations of his most sanguine friends. But we have
become aware of one fact: that he was not a rich man.
The interest from his portion of his father's estate did
not go a great way toward the support of himself and
family, while the pittance allowed him by the company
($3000 per annum*) in the light of salaries of the
present day looks meagre.
•In 1832 his salary was increased to |4000.
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SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF KIRK BOOTT.
\
There was no public house at that time suitable for
the entertainment of his friends or the directors, when
they came to Lowell. It fell upon him to make his
house their resort, whether they were attracted here by
curiosity or business. The Merrimack Comjjany built a
house for him, which formerly stood on the ground now
occupied by the Boott Mills, for which at first he was
charged rent, but upon his representation that he could
not live on his salary, it was abated. Besides his cares
and duties as resident manager of the Merrimack Com-
pany, and afterwards of the Locks and Canals Company,
he was the foremost man in every public enterprise.
He was chosen moderator of the first town meeting, and
repeatedly represented the towii's interests in the state
legislature.
He married Anne Haden, November 14, 1818, and
had six children : Kirk, born in Boston, October
27,1819; Sarah Ann, Boston, March 18, 1821; Mary
Love, Chelmsford, October 4, 1822 ; John Wright, Low-
ell, May . 9, 1824 ; Eliza Haden, Lowell, February 18,
1827 ; Frederic, Lowell, February 16, 1829.
Mr. Boott has been charged with intolerance in both
religion and politics. All we have to do with these
charges is to print the correspondence between him and
Dr. Edson, in evidence of his prudence and impar-
tiality, and the following printed rules given to each
person employed by the company :
April 9, 1825.
To Rev. Theodore Edson —
Dear Sir : With a view to preserve some record of
the conversations I have had with you, relative to your
settlement, I will now report the tenor of my observa-
tions, and shall be happy to receive from you a written
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8 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
reply. As agent for the Merrimack Manufacturing
Company, I will engage to give you $800 per annum, in
quarterly payments, and to furnish you a house rent
free.
In case the form of worship we have adopted should,
contrary to ray belief and expectations, be found so
unpalatable to the majority of our people that the church
is neglected, and the company should, in consequence,
deem it prudent to substitute some other, I agree that
you shall receive a year's notice of their intention, or
your salary for the same period, as may be thought most
advisable. I have only to stipulate on your part that if,
from any cause, you desire to be dismissed, you will
give us a like notice ; and should this desire arise from
more advantageous proposals, that upon our offering you
an equivalent, you will consider yourself bound to give
us the preference.
I do not anticipate any of these occurrences but
with reluctance; but, on the contrary, look forward
with confidence to a belief that every year will render
a separation less probable and far more painful.
I am, dear Sir, with great respect.
Very truly your friend,
K. BOOTT, Agent.
Chelmsford, April 11, 1825.
Kirk Boott, Agent — Dear Sir :
In reply to your letter of the 9th instant, I agree
to become your minister on the terms therein stated.
In regard to the cases you mention which may possibly
lead to a dissolution of this relation, I am willing to
submit them to the direction of a superintending Provi-
dence, The nature of my connection here is obviously
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SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF KIRK BOOTT. 9
such as not well to admit of compulsion on either part,
and I am aware that whenever a separation becomes
expedient, it will in some way or other be effected.
The provisions on that point, contained in your letter,
are perfectly fair and satisfactory to me.
1 am, dear Sir,
Your obliged friend and servant,
THEO. EDSON.
" All persons are required to be constant in attend-
ance on public worship, either at the church in this
place or in some of the neighboring parishes.
"All are required to pay 37 i cents per quarter, in
advance, for the support of public worship in this place,
which sum shall be paid over for the use of such regular
society, as each may choose to join.'*
These rules, drawn up by Mr. Boott, evince an
almost parental solicitude for the well-being and culture
of the operatives. They were to be surrounded by the
influences of home, and yet left free to choose. If it
was a hardship to be " required " to do right, then the
world is full of hardships. In regard to the second
charge — "intolerance in politics" — we quote from an
opponent. Eliphalet Case, in the Mercury, May 29,
1830, says : " The corporations do not care a stiver, one
way or the other, for the peculiarities of religion or
politics of those in their employ.''
There is no doubt as to the effect of Mr. Boott's
education — that it made him reserved in his communica-
tion with others, giving and requiring exact information
upon any subject discussed, and a prompt and efficient
discharge of every duty. We have only to refer to his
B
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10 OLD BESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
correspondence, in 1830, to learn that the position he
occupied was not a " bed of roses " — that it was no
sinecure. He says, in a letter dated September 29th —
" I am almost worried out. Committee after committee
keep coming up in relation to the increase of the Apple-
ton works, or a new concern, for all of which many
calculations are required, taking all ray time ; and since
this unhappy disclosure,* 1 get neither sleep nor rest."
Again : he reveals a new feature in the care of the
property entrusted to him, where he says: "Mr. Col-
burn is away from home, and I make it a point never to
suffer both to sleep away from the works, on any
account whatever." Here we see the master sunk in
the servant, and cannot but admire the rule that
governed his life.
We have also a glimpse of his home life. He had a
fine establishment, his house was in a beautiful location,
from which he could view the noble Merrimack from the
foot of Pawtucket Falls to the bend at Hunt's Falls.
He had his stud of horses, his grounds and his servants.
He had, also, more valuable than all, a companion
" possessed of the rare accomplishment of adapting her-
self to any circumstances into which by God's providence
she might be called, whose life was devoted to him."
All could not withdraw his mind from business; for
October 10, 1830, he writes from his home : '' I have
been very busy, and have the house full of
company."
In the persistent opposition he offered, on various
occasions, to the plans of his fellow-townsmen, I have
found that he acted under instructions that he could not
disregard or disobey.
•Referring to J. W. Boott's uufortunate investmeuts in the Mill Dam Foundry.
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SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF KIBK BOOTT. 1 1
While preparing this notice of Kirk Boott, I re-
ceived the following interesting letter from Dr. J. 0.
Green : —
Kirk Boott died at 12 o'clock, noon, Tuesday, April
11, 1837, near the Merrimack House. He died instanta-
neously, falling from his chaise at the moment. The
chaise was standing still, and he engaged a moment
before in conversation with Mr. Tilden. It providen-
tially happened that the Boston directors were here and
very near him at the time, viz : Mr. Patrick T. Jackson,
Mr. Lyman, Mr. Tilden, Mr. Hale and others.
The following day came up Dr. J. B. S. Jackson
and Dr. Putnam, and a minute examination was made of
every organ of the body, occupying all the afternoon.
The result was that he died of apoplexy, from a rupture
of a blood-vessel on the brain. The cause of his chronic
complaints was a thickening of the enveloping mem-
branes of the spinal cord.
His brother, Mr. Wright Boott, came up the day he
died, and on Wednesday he told me his brother had left
express direction that his funeral should be SLSjyrivate as
possible. It took place on Friday at his house. Dr.
Edson reading the service for the burial of the dead in
the presence of the family and some few relatives from
Boston, and the body was carried to Boston in a special
train at 4, P. M.
The following Sunday Mr. Edson's morning sermon
was on the words : " For here we have no continuing
city, but we seek one to come " ; in the afternoon on
'^ The day is far spent, the night is at hand.''
Mr. Boott left a will, made a year before his death,
just before he embarked for England. His property was
given to his wife and children in trust. Patrick T.
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12 OLD KESIDENTS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
Jackson was made executor and John A. Lowell and
Edward Brooks trustees. He left about $40,000 and a
valuable reversion in his father's property, which was not
payable till his mother's death, so that the whole is
estimated at somewhat short of $50,000.
At a meeting of the proprietors at Boston, April
28th, Mr. Francis Lowell was elected treasurer and
agent of the Merrimack Company, vice the late Kirk
Boott, and Mr. John A. Lowell treasurer pro tern of the
Locks and Canals (he declining a permanent appoint-
ment) vice Mr. Boott. The Merrimack Company voted
Mrs. Boott $4000 and the Locks and Canals presented
her with forty thousand feet of land on Button Street,
valued at least at fifty cents a foot.
J. O. GREEN.
Lowell, March 5, 1879.
It will be seen by this brief sketch of the life of
Kirk Boott, that his family bore a prominent part in the
beginning and growth of Lowell.
April 28, 1837, at a meeting of the Directors of tlie
Merrimack Company, it was " Voted, That P. T. Jackson
be requested to communicate to the widow of the late
Kirk Boott, Esq., the sympathy of the proprietors of tlie
Merrimack Manufacturing Company, with her and her
family in the bereavement that they have recently
sustained, and the high respect which they feel for the
character and services of the late Mr. Boott."
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II. ^teiiLini scene es of t?ie loweLi IligK
Sclxool, hy IcL7n.es S, ItuLSseLl. ReacL
JlvLgjxst 6, 187 U.
The Lowell High School was organized in Decem-
ber, 1831, under Thomas M. Clark as principal, assisted
by John M. Clapp. Mr. Clark was a recent graduate, not
yet having attained his majority. He was enthusiastic
and of versatile talents, not only ably doing duty in
school but supplying the pulpit at Pawtucket Falls,
being at that time a candidate for a Congregational
clergymanship. He was independent, having none too
much reverence for those in authority over him ; but at
the same time he was quite popular among his scholars,
always taking their part in any controversy with the
grammar school occupying the same house ; or even
with the committee when they found it necessary to in-
t^erfere. Mr. Clark changed his church relations after
leaving Lowell, took orders in the Episcopal church and
rose from one independent post to another till he now is
one of the most successful bishops of the church.
Mr. Clapp was a graduate of Yale College, a class-
mate and friend of Mr. Clark. After he left Lowell he
became teacher of Beaufort Academy, S. C; then he
passed to the editorial staff of the Charleston Mercury.
He entered actively upon the political strifes of his day,
and secession found in him a champion, though he died
in December, 1857? before secession was fully developed.
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14 OLD RESIDENTS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
Nicholas Hoppin was Mr, Clark's successor, and,
as usual in such circumstances, he found it difl&cult to
follow a popular teacher. He was a contrast to Mr.
Clark : humble, quiet, and of nervous temperament.
After a limited time the school was discontinued, and he
became an Episcopal clergyman, being for many years
rector of Christ Church, Cambridge.
Mr. Hoppin, in a communication to the Lowell
Daily Courier ^ say« in reference to these reminiscences :
" To his brief account of my very short connection
of only a few months with the High School, between
forty and fifty years ago, Mr. Russell might have added
the same remark that he makes with regard to my dis-
tinguished predecessor, namely : that I was under age
when I took charge of it. He alludes, in his second
paragraph, to what would now be considered, and in
fact was considered at the time, a strange sort of insub-
ordination, which had been allowed and kept up in the
school, and which had grown to a direct collision with
the authority of the school committee. I was not
apprised of this state of things, and knew nothing of it
till I encountered the natural consequences immediately
upon taking charge. It did not need any great degree
of 'humility' or * nervousness ' to make one distrust-
ful in a very short time of the expediency of retaining
the responsibility. I might perhaps have been a little
more ' popular ' with the older boys, some of whom
afterwards gained positions of influence, but for the
necessity and duty of enforcing certain distasteful but
explicit requirements of the school committee, which
they had been and were still encouraged to resist.
Under these circumstances I was quite ready to agree
with a proposal of the committee to shut up the school,
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REMINISCENCES OF THE LOWELL HIGH SCHOOL. 15
as the most effectual way of vindicating their authority.
There had certainly been no lack of decision and firm-
ness on my part in the unusual situation referred to;
and I have always looked back upon my course
as head of the Lowell High School with just pride and
self-respect, as I have also rejoiced in the improved
character and usefulness of the institution.
N. HOPPIN.
Cambridge, August 18, 1879."
When the school was re-opened William Hall
became the principal. The school was then located in
Concert Hall, on Merrimack Street. It had been located
previously, first in a low building on Middlesex Street,
then in the Free Chapel, then in the upper room of the
South grammar school-house on Highland Street.
Early in April, forty-four years ago, a college
student, who had been keeping school all winter at $35
a month, to eke out his means of paying commons' bills
and the numerous calls upon a poor student's scanty
means, previous to his return to his college duties, pre-
sumed upon a short visit to his friends at Lowell. See-
ing an advertisement for a principal and assistant to
take charge of the Lowell High School, at a salary of
$1000 for one and $500 for the other, our under-gradu-
ate contrasted these salaries with the pittance he had
secured for his last winter's work, and concluded that he
might as well attempt to secure one of these places for a
year, and provide the means to pursue his education
without further interruption. Though not expecting
anything more than the second place, he applied for the
first, and in a postscript signified his willingness to
accept the second place, should a better man be found
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16 OLD RESIDENTS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
for the first. The result was that a better man was
found, and your humble servant was judged only the
second best available man.
Franklin Forbes, a graduate of Amherst College,
afterward a teacher in a Boston school, and then but re-
cently elected principal of Marblehead High School, had
the good fortune to be elected principal, or rather Lowell
had the fortune to secure his services. He had the
keenest mind, the most acute appreciation of the truth,
and the ability to express that truth in the most fitting
words. Aptness to teach he had in a high degree.
On the fourth day of May, 1835, Mr. Forbes and
myself entered upon duty in the North school-house.
The other schools of the town had commenced, after a
vacation of the first week of April. But the High
School was delayed by an interregnum in the succes-
sion of teachers. William Hall, the former teacher,
had been re-elected on a liberal salary, and the school
was to be opened in due time on a larger scale. But
Mr. Hall assuming to himself the duties of a law-student,
an interest in a bookstore, and an interest in the
daughter of Dr. Hubbard in addition to his public duties,
the school committee, fearing their interests might
suffer, waited on him to induce him to relinquish some
of these extra interests, or else relinquish the school.
Mr. Hall chose the latter, either to show his inde-
pendence or, more likely, because he had so involved
himself that he could not well relinquish his other
engagements. His law business was slow in its returns;
his bookstore was not successful; his increased expenses
were too importunate for him to live in Lowell, and he
turned up in Pittsburg, Pa., where he struggled for
awhile with varying fortune, till the small-pox terminat-
ed his earthly career.
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toltlNiSCENCES OF THE LOWELL HIGH SCHOOL. 17
Some time was needful to select Mr. Hall's succes-
sor; Mr. Forbes, when elected, could not at a moment's
warning leave the Marblehead school, where he had been
only a few weeks ; and thus the scholars of the High
School luxuriated in a vacation of the whole month of
April. Little did they care for loss of time, and much
were they envied by the scholars of the other schools.
A few days before the school opened, I accepted an
invitation to be present at the examination of candidates
for admission. I walked a mile in an April rain, pouring
torrents, found some fifteen or twenty eager aspirants
undergoing the examination by Di^. Edson, in a lobby of
the Town Hall, and seated myself where I best could,
there being no special seats for invited guests. 1 was
soon surprised as well as amused by the Doctor's includ-
ing me in his list of candidates, and putting me a word
to spell in his irotation around the compact circle. I
excused myself as having already received my certifi-
cate. The Doctor could only offer in apology the dis-
guise of my wet garments. I could easily excuse the
indignity in the despatch of business. In two hours or
less, the Doctor had examined them all, given them
their certificates, and they were on their way home,
rejoicing in their success and wondering that they should
have suffered so much in the anticipation of that which
proved so simple and inoffensive.
The early examinations of applicants were conducted
orally by the committee, and rarely was an applicant
rejected. This may be accounted for, partly from the
more strict construction of the rules by the teachers
presenting the candidates, and partly from the then
undeveloped notion that the High School is a popular
institution and the people have a right to its privileges,
even if those privileges be useless unless taken in due
c
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18 OLD RESIDENTS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
order. Afterward the teachers conducted the examina-
tions, and the committee, in full board, admitted or
rejected on the reported results furnished by the teachers.
Still the examinations were oral. In process of time the
grammar masters were required to be present at the
examinations, that they might learn to what results to
direct their teaching. But when the importance of their
presence was magnified too greatly, their non-attendance
was requested. As the number of applicants increased
and their qualifications diminished, and the outside
pressure became clamorous, written examinations were
adopted, not only as furnishing a more sure test, but
also as furnishing a tangible answer to all complaints,
and charges of favoritism.
The standard of qualification for admission has been
thought to be elevated from time to time, till now a
college would accept some of our rejected applicants.
But really, the standard has been arranged on a sliding
scale, rising or falling, so as to admit to the utmost
capacity of the school; and not unfrequently, by some
hitch in the machinery the influx has exceeded the
accommodations. Instead of the standard being now so
much higher than formerly, there are causes operating
in an opposite direction. Formerly there was no limit
to the term of membership. A scholar could attend as
long as he pleased, or graduate when he pleased, by
simply dropping out without ceremony. But since the
custom of awarding diplomas, and graduating by classes
came into use, the graduates include many who deprive
themselves of the advantages of the school at a time
when they are best qualified to appreciate them ; and
their scholarship reflects little honor upon the school,
which, moreover, is deprived of that mature scholarship
which once gave it character ; and the vacated seats are
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REMINISCENCES OF THE LOWELL HIGH SCHOOL. 19
filled with scholars whose attendance another year at
the grammar schools would be advantageous, both to
themselves and to those schools, as well as to the High
School.
But it may be urged in favor of the diplomas, that
the esprit de corps they induce excites to more diligence,
better attendance, and greater efforts to keep up and
graduate with their own class. And should the diplomas
always be awarded with a just discrimination, so that
they may really be what they pretend to be ; and should
a wise discrimination also be exercised in the admission
of members, having as much care to avoid depleting the
grammar schools as to surfeit the High School, the effect
of the diplomas would be highly salutary.
But to return from this long digression. Mr. Forbes,
myself, and about eighty scholars assembled at the
school-room on a beautiful May morning, and had our
first introduction. The salutations were soon over, the
forces were marshaled into order with wonderful facility,
and we were soon in complete and successful operation
upon the famous " ten-minute system." This system
was followed to the letter, till it was thoroughly proved,
and in many respects found wanting ; then it was modi-
fied by doubling the time and trebling it, till at present
each teacher has only six recitations a day, instead of
thirty-two as formerly. The ten-minute clock was left
behind when the school removed from the North school
house, and no longer obtruded its admonitions upon un-
willing ears.
This system doubtless had its advantages, but it has
long since passed away, and with it some of the spirit
and life of the grammar schools. It is but recently that
I heard a man in authority say that he believed the
restoration of that system, with slight modification,
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20 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
would be for the advantage of those schools. The father
of the system in our schools (the venerable Dr. Edson)
I believe has never lost confidence in it. But I am
happy to say the High School has never needed the
driving power of that engine. Mr. Forbes certainly had
velocity sufficient to drive his business, and under his
administration the school was faithfully worked ; the
swift had a free rein, and the slow lacked not the spur.
All worked . together harmoniously, both teachers and
scholars, especially those who imbibed the enthusiasm of
the teachers, as most could not fail to do. But if any
chose the way of transgressors, it would not be wonder-
ful if they should remember to this day the hardness of
their chosen way.
Time fled apace, and my year's furlough drawing to a
close, it became necessary to resign my place and return
to college, or to abandon my degree altogether. The
decision was difficult. On one side was the convenient
salary, and the Circean embrace in which I was held ;
on the other was the college diploma, to be had through an
examination extending over more than a year. Formid-
able indeed it might be, though most faithful diligence had
been used in preparation for the ordeal. The decision
was made to depend upon the cast of a die : upon the
success of a petition for more salary. The result of that
petition was the following vote : " That the salary of
the assistant teacher in the High School be $575, but
that Mr. Russell shall receive $600 while he remains."
That fatal vote fixed the current of my life. The ready
money had more attraction than the coveted piece of
parchment at a distant day. In due time, however, the
generous university bestowed the parchment of a higher
honorary degree.
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REMINISCENCES OF THE LOWELL HIGH SCHOOL. 21
The pleasant association with Mr. Forbes was fated
to be transient, as he was elected principal of the Win-
throp School in Boston ; and in August he resigned his
place in the Lowell High Scheol after one year and a
quarter's service.
Mr. Forbes' successor was Moody Currier, a gradu-
ate of Dartmouth College, and at the time of his
election a successful teacher of an academy in Hopkin-
ton, N. H. While in school he occupied his leisure over
law books, and when he left Lowell he opened a law
office in Manchester, N. H., just as that embryo city was
starting into vigorous growth. He has for a long time
been cashier of Amoskeag Bank and the treasurer of the
savings bank connected therewith, which need not fear
suspension from shrinkage of its securities while Mr.
Currier has charge. He was almost totally unlike Mr.
Forbes. Though he had many excellences, they were of
a different class. We worked together harmoniously,
but a larger ratio of the government now devolved upon
the assistant. The teachers' tables were placed before
the scholars ; the principal's before the boys, near the
entrance ; the assistant's before the girls, near the other
end of the room. The assistant had the oversight of the
girls, but was often constrained to volunteer a glance
over the other end of the room. We were embarked on
the same ship, and so associated that if either went under
the other went with him. Such helps never lacked the
grateful appreciation of the principal, though it must be
said they met less appreciation from disappointed evil-
doers. Mr. Currier was more shrewd to discover the
authors of mischief by after investigation, than to detect
and nip it in the bud, as may be illustrated by examples.
On one occasion a music-box suddenly arrested the
attention of all by starting off on Yankee Doodle, or
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22 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
something equally out of time and place. The principal,
with unusual energy, issued forth. The music held its
breath in horror, and seemed about to escape detection?
when the assistant, judging only from appearances,
ventured to call out at a distance, "French has the
music." The principal turned and held out his hand
toward French, and forth to public stare came the trem-
bling box ! On another occasion, years after, in the
Hamilton school-house, Mr. Currier picked from the
floor an obscene note, addressed to one of the young
ladies. By comparing the hand-writing with that in
writing-books and compositions, and skilfully collating
items of circumstantial evidence, he traced out the
author, who delayed not his graduation many days.
But the High School was destined to another re-
verse. It struggled for life in its origin, and its breath
was once suspended. It was driven from the South
school-house to make way for a grammar school, living
for a time in a hall no better suited for it than for its
rival, and not fit for either. It expanded into new life
and hope in the North school-house. But now again in
December, 1836, it is shoved away by a young grammar
school, and stowed in an attic-loft some hundred feet
high, reached by a narrow flight of stairs through a dark
passage. The room was about a hundred ieht long,
thirty feet wide, ten or twelve feet high, imperfectly
lighted at each end, and heated with the breaths of
occupants, a wood fire at one end, and a smoke-pipe
issuing out at the other end. Here were packed scholars
enough to require a second assistant teacher — Seth
Pooler, recently graduated from Vermont, a most
excellent man, and faithful teacher. He taught English
grammar and other English studies. We all heard
recitations in that one room. The mingled voices of the
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REMINISCENCES OF THE LOWELL HIGH SCHOOL. 23
reciters, the echoing sounds from the drumhead floor,
the inevitable murmur of a school-room, the obscure
light, especially in the short and cloudy days of winter,
the pestiferous atmosphere, all rendered total suspension
of animation, as on a former occasion, a state devoutly
to be preferred. On one occasion, as all was in the usual
routine, a heavy sound attracted all eyes to Mr. Currier s
class, standing mute near the stove — all except Miss Ange-
line Cudworth, who was lying straight upon the floor,
pale as death. Her eyes look kindly upon me now as
they did when I dashed into her face and bosom an ava-
lanche of fresh snow hastily seized from the window seat
at my end of the room. Had not that blessed snow
fallen that day that estimable young lady would have
waited long before she had opened those kindly eyes,
such was the distance from all relief.
The High School remained in this rookery about a
year, when it took its flight to another attic in the
Hamilton school-house, somewhat less elevated, better
proportioned, better lighted, but too small and unsuited
to the convenience and dignity of the High School.
The gallery at one end of the room was boarded up in
front, making a room about seven by twice nine, and
ceUing within reach. This served Mr. Pooler for a reci-
tation room. The other arrangements were much as
they were in the North school-house and the rookery.
The school remained here three long years, begging for
more ample accommodations, but patiently and faith-
fully laboring on, and establishing for itself a character
and an influence to demand and secure a dwelling that
should at least compare favorably with those of the
grammar schools. The history of the High School for
one of those years is less vivid in my memory. Like the
squirrel in the fable, seeing in the distant hills attractions
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24 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATIOK.
that made him discontented with his burrow on the
plain, he wandered away for a year. But a nearer view
of those delusive hills not verifying the distant promise,
he returned to his former position in the High School,
having spent six months as principal and only teacher
in what was then called the Latin Grammar School
of Worcester, four months as assistant in the State
Normal School, then at Barre, and the remainder
of the time in preparing the manuscript of "Rus-
sell's Arithmetic." In the meantime the position in
the High School was occupied by Abner H. Brown,
one of the first members of the school, a recent graduate
of Dartmouth College, a fine scholar, and a man to be
loved and respected, as many who hear me will testify.
Mr. Brown left the High School to accept a tutorship in
his alma mater. He was afterwards elected principal of
the Lowell High School in 1842; but failing health pre-
venting his entering upon duty, he practised medicine
and lectured to medical students till his much-lamented
death in 1851.
The new school-house upon Kirk and Anne Streets
was built in 1840, and at that time it might well be con-
sidered one of the best school-houses in the State. But
school architecture has since made such advances, that
there are numerous high school-houses in the State that
have much better appointments than our own.
The school moved into the new building as soon as
it was ready, and a little before. The boys' room being
finished first, they took possession October 8th, at the
beginning of the term ; but the girls were disbanded till
their room should be ready in the distant future.
Previous to this time the two sexes had assembled
in the same room, mingled in the same classes, and
enjoyed all the advantages of mutual acquaintance and
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REMTNISCENCES OF THE LOWELL HIGH SCHOOL. 25
influence. For the most part that influence was salu-
tary ; but at one time, beginning at the North school-
house, and extending over the occupancy of the rookery,
the social inclinations of the scholars acquired an
ascendency that essentially interfered with the legitimate
objects of the school, and was a source of unusual solici-
tude on the part of the teachers and of a stringency of
discipline that for the time was irksome to the scholars.
The origin of this state of things seemed to date from
the entrance into the school of several scholars froiA a
recently disbanded private school.
On entering the new house, December 7, 1840,
after a vacation of nearly ten weeks, the females were
separated entirely from the males, entering the house
from a different street, occupying a different room and
not mingling at all in the same classes. The organiza-
tion of the school was entirely changed. Only male
teachers had ever been employed. Now, two female
teachers were introduced (one as principal and the other
as assistant) in the female department. The male
department had a male principal. The other teachers
were common to the two departments, and were denom-
inated, one, "Teacher of Mathematics," the other,
"Teacher of Languages"; afterwards a "Teacher
of Natural Sciences " was added. Their relation to
the school, at that time, was much like that of pro-
fessors in college, each being responsible for his
distinct department. The two principals were inde-
pendent of each other in all makers relating to their
several rooms ; but in general matters relating alike to
both departments, the male principal had the ultimate
authority-
Mr. Russell was appointed the teacher of mathematics,
and he has occupied that position to the present time.
D
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OLD RESIDElsrrS HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
Mr. Currier's successor was Nehemiah Cleveland,
who had long been principal of Dumhier Academy at
Byfield, one of the oldest and best academies of the
State. He was totally unlike Mr. Currier, or any of his
predecessors. His personal appearance did much for
him. He was tall, large, dignified, and of aristocratic
bearing, yet affable, easy, graceful and genteel in
manners ; but he was better fitted for an academy than
for a public school. The response to his demand for a
large increase in salary being unfavorable, he left at the
end of one year, opened a school for young ladies at
Brooklyn, N. Y., and afterwards engaged in literary
labors to the end of his long life.
After Mr. Cleveland, Mr. Forbes again took charge,
till, thinking he had mistaken his vocation, he took up
engineering for a limited time, and then became agent
for the Lancaster Mills, where his remarkable success
proved he had found his proper vocation at last. He is
no longer living. I have, as a memorial of him, not only
our long and friendly intercourse, but his saying of me
in an address before the High School Association in
1864: "I was then (1842) associated with my long-
. respected friend Russell, as true in heart and head as
figures, the best teacher of mathematics I ever knew."
Mr. Forbes' successor was the present worthy prin-
cipal, Charles C. Chase, of whom it will not become me
particularly to speak. I may, however, be allowed to
repeat, in substance, what I once said when called upon
by authority to testify, that, though Mr. Chase might
lack the eloquence of Clark, the meekness of Hoppin,
the keenness of Forbes, the soundness of Currier, and
the patrician bearing of Cleveland, he was a more useful
and faithful teacher than any one of them.
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KEMIKISCENCES OF THE LOWELL HIGH SCHOOL. 27
The position of a High School principal is the most
difiQcult and uncertain of any in the profession. Mr.
Chase's tenure is exceptional. He has continued for
thirty-four years, whereas seven principals preceded him
in less than fourteen years. What better eulogy could
one crave ?
John W. Brown was appointed the first teacher of
languages under the new organization. He was a lawyer
by profession, but being too conscientiously scrupulous
to follow the law, he took up the profession of teaching ;
and even that worried his conscience so that he resigned
after one year's service. This was an evil world for him,
both in his life and in his tragical death.
Mr. Brown was succeeded by George B. Jewett, a
scholarly gentleman from Amherst College, to which he
returned as tutor after one year's popular service here.
He afterwards entered the ministry of the Congrega-
tional church. He returned to Lowell as principal of
a select private school at the corner of High and
Bartlett Streets, on the site of the "Livermore mansion,"
which he conducted successfully for a number of years.
He was subsequently called to a proffessorship at
Amherst College. A railroad accident rendered him a
cripple for life, disappointing an ambition that looked
aloft.
David C. Scobey succeeded Mr. Jewett. He was
one of the old Puritan stamp, a thorough teacher, with
high notions of a teacher's prerogatives. He held the
position till death severed the connection.
Jonathan Kimball was his successor in 1850, and in
1852 he succeeded Miss Sawyer as sub-principal. He
was popular among the young ladies of the school. He
is at present superintendent of schools in the city of
Chelsea.
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28 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
Lloyd W. Hixon succeeded Mr. Kimball in 1858.
He now has a private boarding-school in New bury port.
After Mr. Hixon, Miss Mary F. Eastman served one
year as sub-principal. She is now one of the advanced
women in the lecture-field of women's rights.
James 0. Scripture was her successor in 1860. He
afterwards entered the Episcopal ministry, where his
prospects of high position were soon cut off by prema-
ture death.
Mr. Scripture was followed by Joseph H. McDaniels,
now Greek Professor in Hobart College at Geneva, N. Y.
Since Professor McDaniels there has been no distinctive
classical teacher.
Ephraim W. Young, in 1849, became the first
special teacher of natural sciences. He is at present a
lawyer, farmer and government ofiicer in a western
state.
Mr. Young's successors were Dr. John J. Colton, in
1857; Gorham Williams, in 1866; Levi S. Burbank, in
1867; and Edwin H. Lord, in 1873. The department
still holds its distinctive character.
The female teachers have been numerous. The
principals of the female department were Miss Lucy E.
Penhallow, in 1840, beloved by those who would take
care of themselves ; Miss Susan E. Burdick, 1846, be-
loved by those least deserving her favor, and Miss Anna
B. Sawyer, who soon chose to retire to a family school.
Then the experiment of a female principalship was
abandoned, but revived again temporarily under Miss
Eastman in 1860. Other sub-principals were, as before
named, Kimball, Hixon, Scripture and Williams.
In 1867 the school-house was transformed into its
present condition, and meantime the school had a lodg-
ment in Jackson Hall, at great inconvenience. Since
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REMTNISCENCES OF THE LOWELL HIGH SCHOOL.
29
that time there has been no distinctive female depart-
ment. The scholars are seated in different study-rooms,
the sexes mixed in the different rooms, mixed in the
classes, and the classes in different studies mixed among
the teachers, so that most of the teachers must attend to
a variety of studies.
In 1840 the new school-house was arranged for a
complete separation of the sexes, the males and females
entering from different streets and never uniting in the
same classes. But after a time doors were cut through
partitions to admit of uniting the smaller classes, and by
degrees the present complete amalgamation of the sexes
has been attained.
The first female assistant was Miss Julia M. Pen-
hallow, a general favorite and a valuable teacher. Fol-
lowing Miss Penhallow were Miss Augusta Lovering in
1844, and in 1846 two assistants, Misses Catherine C. Pond
and Elizabeth T. Wright. Miss Wright was only a
temporary teacher at this time, but afterwards, in 1852,
she was for several years a most successful teacher and
a particular favorite of the young men. Miss Martha F.
McKown was a dignified, lady-like teacher, and of salu-
tary influence. In 1852 Miss Caroline A. Raymond
became a valuable acquisition to the school. Misses
Emily B. Guild, Susan A. Skinner, Mary F. Morgan,
Mary H. Farmer, Caroline A. Page, Agnes Gillis, Eliza
T. Braley, Harriet B. Bancroft, Gertrude Sheldon,
Elizabeth B. Russell, Alice J. Hardman, Maria C. R.
Swan, Mary E. Hardman, Julia Bennett and Helen Ham,
served for limited times, either by election or as
temporary teachers.
In 1844 music was introduced into the school by the
enthusiastic teacher, B. F. Baker, and continued by
Isaac N. MetcaK and the present able instructor, George
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30 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
F. Willey. French was taught in the school by the
special teachers, E. H. Viau in 1848, Louis Royer in
1869 and Charles De Frondat in 1874. Drawing was
taught by Augusta L. Brigham in 1867. Some other
teachers have served as substitutes on occasions of
temporary sickness or other causes of absence of the
regular teachers.
The present board of teachers are more permanent
than most of their predecessors. The principal, Charles
C. Chase, elected in 1845 ; the assistants are Mary A.
Webster, elected in 1864 ; Marietta Melvin, elected in
1868 ; Elizabeth McDaniels and Charlotte E. Draper,
elected in 1870; Harriet C. Ho vey, elected in 1872;
Edwin H. Lord, elected in 1873, and Mrs. Alice J. Chase,
elected in 1878.
Of this noble and well-proved band there is no need
that I should speak. They are worthy of a higher
appreciation than the penny-wise economy of the present
day can comprehend.
The writing in the school had always been taught
by professors of the art, or at least by those who taught
only writing and book-keeping. Their connection with
the school has always seemed less intimate than that of
the other teachers, and their association with the other
teachers has lacked completeness, they holding them-
selves aloof on the numerous and various occasions that
bring the teachers into intimate and pleasant intercourse.
In their selection, proficiency in their art has seemed the
only necessary qualification. But when persons of
known character, instead of itinerants, have been selected,
they have been men worthy of the most intimate
la^^ociatioii.
Frantus D. Randall taught writing a part of the
time under the administration of Messrs. Clark and
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REMINIBCBKCES OF THE LOWELL HIGH SCHOOL. 31
Hoppin. He was a respectable man, of full middle age,
did his duty acceptably, and being elected register of deeds
in his native county in New Hampshire, he left Lowell.
At the beginning of Mr. Forbes' administration,
S. R. Hanscom, who had previously been an assistant in
the school with Mr. Hoppin, taught the writing, dividing
his time between the High and some of the Grammar
schools. He was an efficient teacher and his services were
reasonably acceptable ; but on the first of April, 1836, he
was permitted to give place to Calvin Bugbee, who hap-
pened along here at that time, could write a good hand, cut
splendid flourishes, and stay in a place till he became
known, which in Lowell proved to be only a few months.
For a time the school was without instruction in
writing, till January, 1837, when William A. Van Derlip
taught the writing to the boys, and Ephraim B. Patch,
to the girls, making two visits a week each, and giving
their instructions in the common room, while all else
went on in the usual manner. This arrangement con-
tinued till the school was removed to its own new
building, except the place of Mr. Patch was filled for
some months by his brother, John S. Patch. Mr. Van
Derlip had been of the itineracy, and it is sufficient to
say that he out-did Mr. Bugbee in all his qualifications,
writing better, bragging more, and concealing his
character longer. The Messrs. Patch had long been
citizens of Lowell, in the mercantile business, and ac-
cepted this post as a temporary convenience, pending
some changes in business. They were neat penmen,
efficient teachers, and safe in their moral influence. On
the re-organization of the school, E. D. Sanborn was
elected " teacher of writing and of book-keeping." But
he made only a short stop with us; not making a
fortunate impression upon the High School boys, there
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OLD RESIDENTS HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
was too much friction, and his services were transferred
to the grammar schools, and Charles H. Farns worth took
his place in the High School. Mr. Farnsworth succeeded
remarkably well in imparting his elegant style of writing.
He had no worse enemy than himself. He was succeeded
in 1865 by Bertram Harrison, who has continued in the
position to the present time.
In the beginning of 1837 the schools of Lowell were
required to open their morning sessions with devotional
exercises. Mr. Currier and myself compiled a form of
prayer from the Book of Common Prayer and Blair's
Book of Prayers, which has been in use ever since.
Episcopalians, Unitarians, Orthodox, Baptists and others,
alike have used the prayer in responsive form in connec-
tion with the " Scriptures without note or comment,"
and with singing also in later years. Never have I
known devotional exercises in any public school con-
ducted with more decorum, decency and order.
The instruction in the High School has generally
been of the most thorough character ; scholars who have
gone from our schools to other schools, have often shown
such marked superiority in their independence of forms,
and readiness of comprehension of the subjects taught as
to call forth the most flattering compliments for our
teachers. Our college students have been relatively
numerous, and their standing in college has often been
such as to reflect great honor upon the school where
they received their preparatory instruction.
Though not claiming perfection for the Lowell
High School, it need not decline comparison with any
similar institution. And if the citizens of Lowell should
know the extent of the advantages they derive from the
High School, they would not suffer it to lack anything it
may need for its highest usefulness.
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///. Capt. G. V. Fox in the War of the Rebel-
lion, by Alfred Gilman. Read August 6,
1879.
Scattered over the pages of the history of the
great rebellion will be found many incidents in the life
of a Lowell boy. To the fact that he has never been
mentioned as a candidate for the suffrages of the people,
must be ascribed the reason that no one has collected
and collated these incidents and given them to the
public in a connected and readable narrative. He gradu-
ated from the Lowell High School and Phillips Academy,
Andover, entered the United States Navy early in life,
served as an officer for nineteen years, during which time
he was ordered to different stations — in command of
mail steamers, in the work of the Coast Survey and in
the prosecution of the war with Mexico. The experience
gained in the various positions assigned him, while in the
service of the country, eminently fitted him for the part
he took in the suppression of the Rebellion.
Montgomery Blair was the Postmaster General
during part of President Lincoln's administration. He
married a daughter of the Hon. Levi Woodbury, of New
Hampshire. Our hero married into the same family.
Mr. Blair, before and while a member of Mr. Lin-
coln's cabinet, gave his voice and influence to the
plan of re-enforcing and victualling Fort Simiter.
When we recall the events of that period, we be-
come aware that a little of Old Hickory's pluck and
£
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34 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
determination would have put an entirely different
aspect upon the affairs of the country. It would seem
as if Buchanan had been selected by the South for the
Presidency with a full knowledge of his complete sub-
serviency to the wishes and plans of its leaders. It was
Mr. Blair who advised Gen. Scott to send, in this emer-
gency, for his brother-in-law, Gustavus V. Fox. In this
case it was an honor to be called to perform a duty, as
it implied confidence in the ability requisite to its per-
formance. There is a marked distinction between being
called to and seeking a post of honor.
Lossing, in his narrative of the Rebellion, says:
"January 7, 1861, Mr. Fox presented Mr. Buchanan a
plan for provisioning and re-enforcing the garrison of
Sumter." This question agitated the country and
caused eventually a division in the ranks of the Demo-
cratic party. President Buchanan was committed to the
doctrine of " no coercion,'* which was stretched to the
extent that the United States troops were to be shut up
and starved without even making an attempt to relieve
them. Gen. Cass, the veteran hero of the Northwest,
who had been the standard-bearer of the Democratic
party, could not and did not sustain the President in this
view. This disaffection spread among the people.
We have only to consult our own experience to
know that opportunities lost can never be recovered.
With a spirit discouraged but not disheartened, Capt.
Fox found his plans thwarted by the President. It does
not detract one particle from the credit due him that
General Scott and Major Anderson decided that twenty
thousand troops were necessary to re-enforce Fort Sumter.
He had the spirit and will to make the effort, which was
required to vindicate the dignity, honor and character of
the Government.
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CAPT. G. V. FOX IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 35
Were evidence wanting to prove that an early
effort would have been successful, I have only to refer to
the action of Major Anderson in the evacuation of Fort
Moultrie and the occupation of Sumter, December 26,
1860 ; to the probable effect of opening a fire upon the
rebels when they assailed the Star of the West, which
was laden with provisions for the relief of Sumter,
or the successful retention and re-enforcement of Fort
Pickens.
Lossing in his History of the Rebellion, says : —
"March 21, 1861, President Lincoln sent Mr. Fox on a
visit to Fort Sumter, and he was permitted to enter by
Governor Pickens."
The correspondent of the Neio York IVibime, under
date of March 26, 1861, says: " Capt. Fox is cautious,
intelligent and well-informed, and was brought to the
notice of the government by Mr. Aspinwall, J. M. Forbes
and some of the principal ship-owners of New York and
Boston."
On the occasion of this visit, the Governor of South
Carolina sent the following note to Major Anderson :
" I have permitted Captain Fox and Major Hartstein
to go to you under peculiar circumstances, and I deeply
regret General Scott could not have been more formal
to me, as you well know I have been in a peculiar
position for months here, and I do this now because I
confide in you as a gentleman of honor."
Major Hartstein was sent as a guard to prevent any
confidential conversation between Major Anderson and
Captain Fox.
On the return of Captain Fox from Fort Sumter he
informed President Lincoln that any attempt to succor
Anderson must be made before the middle of April.
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36 OLD KESIDENTS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
The order was given the afternoon of the 4th of April,
and Col. Lamon was sent, April 8th, as a special mes-
senger to the Governor of South Carolina, to notify him
that supplies must be sent to Fort Sumter, peaceably it
was to be hoped, but forcibly if necessary. It is not
surprising, therefore, that every needful preparation was
made for the reception of Captain Fox, and for the
assault on Sumter.
President Lincoln's sense of honor would not permit
him to make even an attempt to succor the garrison of
Fort Sumter without formally giving his enemies
notice.
In answer to a note, Captain Fox sent me the fol-
lowing statement, which has an important historical
value : —
" The first question presented to Mr. Lin-
coln, after his inauguration, was that of re-enforcing or
abandoning Fort Sumter. Mr. Seward was for giving it up,
and Mr. Blair for holding and re-enforcing it. On taking
the sense of his Cabinet the vote stood, for withdrawing
Major Anderson and yielding the fort to the rebels,
Seward, Chase, Cameron, Smith and Bates; against
yielding, Blair and Welles. Major Anderson having
written a letter advising the Government to order his
withdrawal from the fort, (to which an excellent military
judgment had carried him), and having stated in that letter
that it would require twenty thousand men to re-enforce
him, and General Scott having endorsed the letter of
Major Anderson in a personal interview with President
Lincoln, the Cabinet then followed the recommendation
of General Scott, and advised that the garrison of Fort
Sumter be withdrawn, Mr. Blair alone dissenting.
Mr. Blair took the ground that to yield this fort;
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CAPT. G. V. FOX IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 37
the property of the United States, and forego any
attempt to provision a starving garrison of United States
soldiers, would demoralize the Nopth, destroy the party
which had just elected its President, and accomplish at
once a permanent dissolution of the Union, and being
out-voted, he tendered his resignation as Postmaster
General.
In matters of serious import Mr. Lincoln moved
with great caution. His mind was reflective and logical
rather than executive, and when he had the time to
listen to, and weigh facts and arguments presented to
him, his judgment was superior to his party associates.
He asked Mr. Blair why he maintained the possible re-
lief of Fort Sumter, against the opinion of General Scott
and the commander of Fort Sumter. Mr. Blair replied
that the same question was before Mr. Buchanan only a
short time previous ; that a plan of relief was presented
by his brother-in-law, Mr. Fox, not now of the Navy,
but with^oightoon years' naval experience ; that this plan
was approved then by Mr. Holt, Secretary of War, and
General Scott, but refused at the last moment, by Presi-
dent Buchanan, and that the circumstances had not so
completely changed as to render it necessary to aban-
don now at least the attempt upon which so much in the
future rested.
This conversation led to my being summoned to
Washington. These facts are known ; perhaps they have
not been stated so sententiously, but two survivors
besides myself are alive and can confirm them and give
others of importance. Many other statements are neces-
sary to enable posterity to form accurate judgment upon
the conduct of those whose purpose at this tremendous
crisis of our affairs was first and foremost to preserve
this Union of States. Unfortunately those who knew the
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38 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
facts and helped to make them had not the time, when
they were in power, and out of it, have not the inclina-
tion to write them. The principal actors in great affairs
seldom contribute to history the truths within their
knowledge/'
MEMORANDUM OF FACTS IN REGARD TO THE ATTEMPT TO PROVISION
FORT SUMTER. IN 18C1, SUBMITTED TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
IN 1865, BY CAPTAIN G. V. FOX, ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
DURING THE REBELLION.
On the 5th of January, 186 J, being in New York
city, I received information that a steamer belong-
ing to the line of which M. 0. Roberts was president,
was preparing to go to Fort Sumter with troops and
supplies. While I was a Lieutenant in the United States
Navy I had commanded one of the mail steamers be-
longing to this company, from which and the navy I
resigned to enter civil life. Sharing the feelings of those
who urged President Buchannn to hold this for.t, and
being desirous of employment on such patriotic duty, I
called on Mr. Roberts and requested command of the
vessel selected. Mr. Roberts expressed his regret that
he had not known of my presence in the city and my
desire to go, as he would certainly have given me com-
mand. Now, he said, it was too late, as the steamer
[Star of the West] was on her way there. On the 9th of
January, '01, this vessel was fired at by the forts on
Sullivan and Morris Islands, acting under the orders of
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CAPT. O. V. FOX IN THE WAR OF THE HEBELLtOX.
39
the authorities of the State of South Carolina, and driven
from the harbor. So soon as this fact was known in
New York, I called to see George W. Blunt, of that city,
whom I knew to be on intimate terms with General
Scott, and to him I expressed my views in regard to the
practicabilit}^ of sending in supplies and troops to Fort
Sumter, and the dishonor which would be justly merited by
the Government unless immediate measures were taken to
fulfil this sacred duty. Mr. Blunt asked me to explain
my plan, and promised to send it at once to General
Scott, in Washington.
I gave it to him in writing, as follows : From the
outer edge of the Charleston bar, in a straight line to Fort
Sumter, through the swash channel, the distance is four
miles, with no shoal spots having less than nine feet at
high water. The batteries on Morris and Sullivan
Islands are about two thousand six hundred yards apart,
and between these, troops and supplies must pass. I
proposed to anchor three small men-of-war off the
entrance to the swash channel, as a safe base of opera-
tions against any naval attack from the enemy. The
soldiers and provisions to be carried to the Charleston
bar in the Collins steamer Baltic — the provisions and
munitions to be put up in small packages, such as one
man could hajidle easily; the Baltic to carry three
hundred extra sailors and a sufficient number of armed
launches to land all the troops at Fort Sumter in one
night.
Three steam-tugs, of not more than six feet draught
of water (such as are employed for towing purposes)
were to form a part of the expedition, and to be used for
carrying in the troops and provisions, in case the weather
should be too rough for boats.
With the exception of the men-of-war and tugs, the
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40 OLD RE9IDEKTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION^.
whole expedition was to be complete on board the
steamer Baltic, and its success depended upon the possi-
bility of running past batteries, at night, which were
distant one thousand three hundred yards from the
line of entrence. I relied upon the barbette guns
of Sumter to keep the channel, between Morris and
Sullivan Islands, clear of rebel vessels while entering.
Mr. Blunt and myself discussed this plan over a
chart, and he communicated it to Charles H. Marshall
and Russell Sturgis. As it met with their approval, Mr.
Marshall agreed to furnish and provision the vessels
without publicity.
February 4th, Mr. Blunt came to iny hotel with a
telegram from General Scott, requesting my attendance
at Washington. I had been summoned to the capital as
soon as Mr. Blunt wrote to General Scott, communicat-
ing my plan of relief, but owing to a misdirection of the
letter I did not receive it when it was written, near the
middle of January. I left Washington February the
5th, and breakfasted with the General the next day. At
eleven, A. M., I met at his office Lieutenant J. N. Hall,
who had been sent from Fort Sumter by Major Ander-
son. In the General's presence we discussed the ques-
tion of succoring the Fort. Lieutenant HalFs plan was
to go in with a steamer, protected by a vessel on each
side loaded with hay. I objected to it for the following
reasons : First, a steamer could not carry vessels lashed
alongside, in rough water; secondly, in running up the
channel she would be " bows on " to Fort Moultrie, and
presenting a large, fixed mark, without protection ahead,
would certainly be disabled.
General Scott approved my plan, and on the 7th of
February introduced me to Mr. Holt, Secretary of War,
to whom I explained the project, and offered my services
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CAPT. O. V. FOX EN THE WAR OF THE BEBELLION.
41
to conduct the party to the fort. Mr. Holt agreed to
present the matter to President Buchanan that evening. *
The next day, the 8th of February, news was
received of the establishment of a Provisional Govern-
ment at Montgomery, Alabama, by the convention
of delegates from the seceded States. I called on
General Scott, when he intimated to me that probably
no effort would be made to relieve Fort Sumter. He
expressed great disappointment and astonishment at
the change of purpose in President Buchanan, and shar-
ing his feelings, 1 left Washington the next day for
New York.
On the 4 th of March, Mr. Lincoln was inaugurated
and his cabinet appointed, among whom was Mont-
gomery Blair, Postmaster-General, a graduate of West
Point, and connected with me by marriage. While I
was urging Mr. Buchanan's administration to hold Fort
Sumter, by strengthening its garrison in February, I
communicated my plans to Mr. Blair, who sympathized
with my objects and warmly seconded my views. At
that time he was urging Congress to pass a bill legal-
izing volunteer military organizations in the Southern
States, for the defence of the Union, and having the
confidence of General Scott, he had obtained from him im-
portant orders in aid of the organizations formed by his
brother, for the defence of the Arsenal at St. Louis,
Missouri. Mr. Lincoln, in his inaugural address, said :
" The power confided to me will be used to hold, occupy,
and possess the property and places belonging to the
Government, and to collect the duties and imposts " ;
but when the question of holding Fort Sumter was dis-
cussed in the cabinet, every member except Mr. Blair,
voted to give it up, and General Scott not only shifted
his ground and advised the withdrawal of its garrison,
F
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42 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
but included also that of Fort Pickens, in Florida, which
was not claimed to be under military strain, as was
urged in the case of Sumter.
Mr. Seward's policy was, " to let the wayward States
go in peace " and seek a " reunion " by means of a con-
vention to be called in pursuance of the constitution. Mr.
Blair, a Southern man, opposed to slavery and educated
in the traditions and union principles of General Jack-
son, antagonized Mr. Seward's policy, and urged holding
and strengthening the forts still in possession of the
United States, and placing arms promptly in the hands
of the Union people South, who were in a majority, but
unless promptly assisted, would be coerced by their
desperate leaders, who held the political organizations
and arms. Mr. Seward's policy proposed an abandon-
ment of the forts held by the Government in the South,
for the future contingency of a " reunion." Mr. Blair
held that their abandonment was a surrender of the
Union, and on this view he put his resignation from the
cabinet on the issue.
On the 12th of March, Mr. Blair telegraphed me to
come to Washington, where 1 arrived on the 13th. He
briefly explained to me the condition of things and the
necessity of convincing Mr. Lincoln of the practicability
of re-enforcing Fort Sumter, since General Scott and
Major Anderson advised that it would require twenty
thousand men to relieve it. He took me at once to the
White House, where I explained to Mr. Lincoln the plan I
had proposed to his predecessor one month before, and
which had then met the approval of General Scott.
From the President we went to General Scott's office
and discussed the subject with him. He took the ground
that the batteries erected on both sides of the entrance
of Charleston Harbor, since my former visit, made the
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CAPT. G. V. FOX IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 43
plan impossible, whereae I maintained that a naval force
propelled by steam, could pass any number of guns there,
because the course was at right angles to the line of fire
and the distance — thirteen hundred yards — too great for
accurate shooting at night. As Mr. Blair seemed to be
fighting this battle alone, I thought it would strengthen
my arguments and his position if I made a visit to Fort
Sumter.
The President agreed to it, if I could obtain the
consent of the Secretary of War and General Scott.
The latter thought I incurred some personal risk, but at
my urgent request, supported by the Secretary of War,
he signed the letter annexed, with which I left Wash-
ington on the 19th of March, and passing through Rich-
mond and Wilmington reached Charleston the 21st. I
travelled the latter part of the way with Mr. Holmes, of
California, formerly a member of Congress from South
Carolina, in the days of Calhoun. At Florence Station
we met Mr. Keitt, a member of Congress from South
Carolina when that State passed the ordinance of seces-
sion. He welcomed Mr. Holmes warmly, and inquired
with great anxiety whether Sumter was to be given up.
Mr. Holmes said, " Yes, I know it," which seemed to
give Mr. Keitt much satisfaction, but he insisted upon
knowing his authority. Mr. Holmes said, '' 1 have the
highest authority for what I say," and upon Mr. Keitt
again asking, " Who ? " he leaned towards him, and at
that moment the engine-whistle gave a screech for start-
ing, so that the conversation closed, and I lost the
name.
At a station near Charleston Mr. Huger, who had
been Postmaster of that city, under President Buchanan,
got into the cars and held a conversation with Mr.
Holmes, during which the same assurances were repeated,
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44 OLD RESIDENTS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
as to the certainty of the evacuation of Fort Sumter.
Mr. Huger seemed much depressed with the condition
of affairs.
At Charleston I sought an interview with Captain
Hartstein, formerly of the United States Navy, to whom
I made known my mission to visit Major Anderson. Not
finding General Beauregard, he introduced me to Gov-
ernor Pickens, who asked for the orders under which
I acted. After considerable delay he directed Captain
Hartstein to take me to Fort Sumter, and while the boat
was preparing, I had an interview with General Beaure-
gard. We then went to Fort Sumter, reaching it
after dark, and remaining about two hours.
Major Anderson said it was too late to relieve the
Fort by any other means than landing an army on
Morris Island. He agreed with General Scott, that an
entrance from the sea was impossible ; but as we looked
out on the water from the parapet where we were con-
versing, it seemed very feasible, demonstrably so, be-
cause we heard the oars of a boat near the Fort, and a
sentry hailed, but the boat was not seen on account of
the darkness until it nearly touched the landing.
I found the garrison getting short of provisions, and
we agreed that I should report that the 15th of April, at
noon, would be the period beyond which the Fort could
not be held unless supplies were furnished.
I made no arrangements with Major Anderson for
re-enforcing or supplying the Fort, nor did I inform him
of my plan.
On my return to Washington the subject was still
under discussion. General Scott's military fame and his
great experience would seem to put beyond dispute any
opinion of his concerning military affairs ; but Mr. Blair
convinced the President that he was influenced by politi-
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CAPT. G, V. FOX IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 45
cal grounds, because he advised surrendering Fort
Pickens also, while I argued that the question of passing
forts at night, with a naval force, was not a military
but a naval one, and I compiled for Mr. Lincoln all the
cases I could find where ships had passed shore batteries
with impunity ; notably, the English gunboat squadron
which ran the batteries at Kinburn, in the Crimean
War. I attended the meetings of the Cabinet very often
to assist Mr. Blair and the President in these discussions,
and at one of them General Totten, Chief of Engineers,
read a paper in which he admitted that my plan of pass-
ing batteries at night, under steam, was feasible ; but he
said that the naval force at the disposal of the authori-
ties at Charleston, would meet us at the entrance of the
harbor and defeat its object. I replied that General
Totten admitted all I urged, viz : the feasibility of run-
ning past shore batteries, and as to a contest of vessels
at the entrance of the harbor, that was a naval question.
The President told me if there was any naval oflBcer of
large experience who would confirm my views, to bring
him to the White House ; so I took Commodore Striiig-
ham, then stationed at the Navy Department. This
oflScer not only supported my plans, but he said that he
had held a conversation with the venerable Commodore
Stewart that morning, who asserted that Fort Sumter
could easily be re-enforced and provisioned with boats at
night. As valuable time was being lost by discussions
which form no part of this narrative, I represented to
the President that an expedition of such importance
required time for its preparation, and that if there was
any probability of sending it out, preliminary steps
should be taken.
On the 30th of March, he sent me to New York
with verbal instructions to make ready, but not to incur
any binding engagements.
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46 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
After consultation with George W. Blunt, I met
Messrs. William H. Aspinwall and Charles H. Marshall,
by previous arrangement, for the purpose of having
such an understanding as the President's instructions
authorized.
Mr. Marshall declined to aid me, upon the ground
that the attempt to relieve Fort Sumter would " kill the
proposed loan and bring on civil war, and because the
people had made up their minds to abandon Sumter, and
make the stand upon Fort Pickens."
On the 2nd of April, I had not received the written
authority which I expected from the Government, there-
fore I returned to Washington.
Delays, which belong to the secret and political
history of this period, prevented • a decision until the
afternoon of the 4th of April, when the President sent
for me, and said that he had decided to let the expedi-
tion go, and that a messenger would be sent to the
authorities of Charleston, before I could possibly get
there, to notify them that troops would not be put into
^^ Sumter, provided the subsistence for the garrison was
< allowed to be landed at the Fort '{jiiftQQfttlljr. I told
i the President that by the time I should arrive at New
York I would have but nine days in which to organize
the expedition, charter and provision the vessels, and
reach the destined point, six hundred and thirty-two
miles distant. He replied, " You will best fulfil your
duty to your country by making the attempt."
In the Atlantic waters of the United States the
Secretary of the Navy had in commission only two small
vessels of war, the Pocahontas and Pawnee ; these he
placed at my disposal, and also the revenue steamer
Harriet Lane, and permitted me to give all the necessary
orders. The Powhatan, which had recently returned to
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CAPT. G. V. FOX IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 47
port and gone out of commission, was immediately re-
commissioned, because it was supposed to be impracti-
cable to put all the sailors and all the launches on board
the Baltic, with the army detachment, as I had requested,
for I feared a divided expedition. Therefore, the
Powhatan with her disciplined crew and large boats
became indispensable to success.
I suggested to the Secretary of the Navy to place
Commodore Stringham in command of the naval force,
but upon consulting with that distinguished oflBcer, he
said that it was too late to succeed, and likely to
ruin the reputation of the oflBcer who undertook it.
I arrived at New York on the 5th of April ; engaged
the steamer Baltic through Mr. Aspinwall, who used
every possible exertion to get her ready for sea, and
delivered confidential orders embracing all my wants, to
Colonel H. L. Scott, aid to the General-in-Chief, and
Colonel D. D. Tompkins, Quartermaster.
Colonel Scott ridiculed the idea of the Government
relieving Fort Sumter, and by his indifference and delay
half a day of precious time was lost. The recruits that
he finally furnished were raw and undrilled, and there-
fore totally unfit to be sent to garrison a fort, which by
a combination of circumstances had become the spot
where the question of maintaining the authority of the
Union was to be tested.
I placed the hiring of three tugs in the hands of
Russell Stxurgis, but he found great diflBculty in obtaining
from the owners tugs to go to sea for a secret purpose.
Finally, three were promised at exorbitant rates, namely :
the Yankee (which I fitted to throw hot water), the Uncle
Ben and the Freeborn.
The question of supplies introduced me to Major
Eaton, of the Commissary Department, who " thanked
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48 OLD residents' histokical association.
God " that an attempt was to be made to relieve Major
Anderson's command, and from the energetic and enthu-
siastic co-operation of this oflBcer the expedition was
immediately provisioned as ordered.
The frigate Powhatan, Captain Samuel Mercer,
sailed on the 6th of April, 1861 ; the Pawnee, Com-
mander S. C. Rowan, on the 9th ; the Pocahontas, Cap-
tain J. P. Gillis, on the 10th; the Harriet Lane, Captain
Faunce, on the 8th ; the tug Uncle Ben, on the 7th ; the
tug Yankee, on the 8th, and the Baltic, Captain Fletcher,
dropped down to Sandy Hook on the evening of the 8th
and went to sea at 8, A. M., of the 9th.
The detachment of recruits, with the following
ofl&cers of the United States Army, accompanied me on
board the latter vessel : First Lieutenant Edward McK.
Hudson, First Lieutenant Eobert 0. Tyler and First
Lieutenant C. W. Thomas.
Soon after leaving Sandy Hook, a heavy gaJe of wind
came on from the northward and eastward, which continued
during the whole passage. At three, A. M., on the 12th,
we reached the rendezvous off Charleston, and communi-
cated with the Harriet Lane, the only vessel which had
arrived. At 6, A. M., the Pawnee was seen standing in.
I boarded her and acquainted Commander Bowan with my
orders from the Secretary of War, and asked him to stand
in for the bar with me. He replied, that his orders re-
quired him to remain " ten miles east of the light and await
the Powhatan," and that he " was not going in there to
begin civil war." I then steamed in toward the bar with
the Baltic, followed by the Harriet Lane, Captain 'Faunce,
who cheerfully went along me.
As we neared the land, heavy guns were heard and
the smoke and the shells from the batteries which ^llad
opened their fire upon Sumter, were distinctly visible.
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CAPT. G. V. FOX IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 49
I immediately stood out to apprise Captain Rowan,
but met him coming in. He hailed me and asked for a
pilot, declaring it to be his intention to run into the harbor
and share the fate of his brethren of the army. I went on
board and told him that I would answer for it, that the
Government did not expect any such gallant sacrifice,
having maturely settled upon the policy indicated in the
instructions to Captain Mercer and myself. No other
naval vessels arrived during this day ; but the steamer
Nashville, from New York, and a number of merchant
vessels reached the bar, and while awaiting the result of
the bombardment they gave indications to those inside,
of a large naval fleet off the harbor. The weather con-
tinued very bad, with a heavy sea ; neither the Pawnee
nor the Harriet Lane had enough boats, nor of the proper
size, to carry in supplies and troops. Feeling sure that
the Powhatan would arrive during the night, as she had
sailed from New York two days before the Baltic, I
steamed out to the appointed rendezvous and made
signals all night.
The morning of the 13th was thick and foggy, with
a very heavy ground-swell. The Baltic, while steaming
slowly in, ran ashore on Rattlesnake Shoal, but was soon
got off without damage. On account of the heavy swell
she was obliged to anchor in deep water, several miles
outside of the Pawnee and Harriet Lane.
Lieutenant Robert 0. Tyler, United States Army, an
officer of very great zeal and loyalty, although suffering
from sea-sickness, like most of the recruits, organized a
boat's crew, and exercised them in spite of the heavy sea,
for the purpose of having at least one boat, in the absence
of the Powhatan's, by which to reach Fort Sumter. At 8,
A. M., I took this boat and in company with Lieutenant
Hudson, pulled in towards the Pawnee. As we drew
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50 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
near that vessel, a great volume of black smoke
arose from Fort Sumter, through which the flash of Major
Anderson's guns could be seen, replying to the rebel
batteries. The quarters of the Fort were on fire, but
most of our military and naval officers believed that the
smoke came from an attempt to drive out the garri-
son with fire-rafts.
As it was the opinion of the officers that loaded
boats could not reach Sumter in such a heavy sea,
and as no tug-boats had arrived, a schooner near us,
loaded with ice, was taken possession of, and prepara-
tions commenced at once to load her to enter the
harbor the following night. 1 now learned for the first *
time from Captain S. C. Rowan, that he had received a
note from Captain Mercer, of the Powhatan, dated at
New York, the 6th, the day that vessel sailed, stating
that the Powhatan was detached by order of " superior
authority," from the duty to which she was assigned off
Charleston, and had sailed for another destination. I
had left New York two days afterward without receiving
information of this fatal change.
At 2, P. M., the Pocahontas arrived, and at half-
past two the flag of Fort Sumter was shot away and not
again raised.
A flag of truce was sent in by Captain Gillis, and
arrangements made to put Major Anderson and his
command on board the Baltic for passage to New
York.
The Fort was evacuated Sunday, the 14th of April.
Monday, the 15th, the steamer Isabel took the garrison
to the steamer Baltic, which left that evening for New
York, where we arrived on the forenoon of the 18th
instant.
In passing Sandy Hook, the Baltic stopped to re-
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CAPT. G. V. FOX IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 51
ceive the telegraphic <agent, but Major Anderson was so
weak, physically, and so prostrated mentally, that he
declined to see him or give him any message. Being
appealed to, I suggested a brief report of facts to the
Secretary of War, hy telegraphy and the Major requested
me to write what I thought best and he would sign it.
Accordingly I wrote the following message, which was
telegraphed from Sandy Hook and a copy given to the
associated press agent :
Steamship Baltic, off Sandy Hook, |
April 18, 1861—10.30, A. M., via. New York.)
Having defended Fort Sumter for thirty-four hours,
until the quarters were entirely burnt, the main gates
destroyed by fire, the gorge walls seriously injured, the
magazine surrounded by flames, and its door closed from
the effects of the heat ; four barrels and three cartridges
of powder only being available, and no provisions re-
maining but pork, I accepted terms of evacuation offer-
ed by General Beauregard — being the same offered
by him on the 11th inst., prior to the commencement of
hostilities — and marched out of the Fort on Sunday
afternoon, the 14th inst., with colors flying and drums
beating, bringing away company and private property,
and saluting my flag with fifty guns.
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major 1st Artillery, Comraauding.
HON. SIMON CAMERON,
Secretary of War, Washington, D. C. *
My plan for supplying Fort Sumter was plain and
practicable, and it called for no means which the limited
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52 OLD RKSIDENTS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
resources of the Government did not have at hand.
I requested —
First — Three hundred sailors on board the steamer
Baltic.
Second — A sufficient number of armed launches to
land the recruits and subsistence.
Third — Three light-draft tugs, for use should the
sea be too rough for boats.
Fourth — Three small men-of-war to be anchored
close in to the entrance of Charleston harbor, for a base
of operations.
As already stated, the frigate Powhatan was specially
re-commissioned, that she might carry the necessary
sailors and launches, and be the flag-ship of the reliev-
ing squadron. Captain Samuel Mercer, a loyal South
Carolinian, was placed in command, and instructions for
his guidance, dated April 5th, were handed to him on
the 6th.
On that day, as he was about to sail, Lieutenant
D. D. Porter, United States Navy, and Captain M. C.
Meigs, United States Army, came on board and gave
Captain Mercer two orders. One was dated, " Executive
Mansion, Washington, April 1, 1861,'* addressed to no
one, but directing Lieutenant Porter to take command
of the Powhatan, and ordering all officers to aid him in
getting to sea. It was signed Abraham Lincoln and
endorsed, '' Recommend, William H. Seward." The
other was dated '' Washington City, April 2, 186L" It
was directed to " Captain Mercer, United States Navy,"
signed Abraham Lincoln and attested, ^^ True copy, M. C.
Meigs, Captain of Engineers, Chief Engineer of Expedi-
tion of Colonel Brown." It detached Captain Mercer
from the Powhatan in soothing and regretful language.
This officer did not yield his important command with-
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CAPT. G. V. FOX IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 53
out great perplexity. He knew that, according to
invariable usage, the President exercised his constitu-
tional authority as " Commander in Chief" of the Navy
through the Navy Department only, the head of which
gave orders as " Secretary of the Navy," which were by
law the orders of the President. Captain Mercer held
the confidential orders of the Secretary of the Navy,
dated April 5th, when those of the President dated the 1st
and 2nd were given to him. The orders of the President
conflicted with those of his Secretary, but they were of
an older date, and transmitted by a department charged
with diplomatic affairs only. Nevertheless, owing to
the high character of the oflBcers who brought the presi-
dential orders, and their strenuous personal representa-
tions, he put Lieutenant Porter in command and went on
shore.
In this way the Powhatan, with the sailors and
launches, the commander of the squadron and the con-
fidential instructions, were withdrawn from the Sumter
expedition, and this steamer was sent to Fort Pickens,
where a squadron of naval vessels was already anchored,
and where she arrived five days after that fort had been
re-enforced, in obedience to an order from the Navy
Department which Lieutenant John L. Worden, United
States Navy, carried overland to Pensacola. Tlie delay
in giving orders to fit out and organise the otoomoP
expedition, until its failure in a naval point of view was
extremely probable, was due to the political exigencies
of that period. The steam tugs, which were a necessary
part of my plan in the event of the water being too
rough for boats, did not reach their destination. The
tug Freeborn was not permitted to leave New York hy
its owners. The tug Uncle Ben was driven into Wil-
mington, N. C, and seized by the rebels. The tug Yankee
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54 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
ran before the gale to the entrance of Savannah, Ga.,
and re-passed Charleston after the Baltic had left for
New York. The naval steamer Pocahontas (one of the
three men-of-war that I asked for) arrived as the Fort
was about to be surrendered. Therefore all the condi-
tions which I considered indispensable failed, and with
them, the relief of Fort Sumter.
On my return the President wrote to me : " You and
I both anticipated that the cause of the country would
be advanced by making the attempt to provision Fort
Sumter, even if it should fail, and it is no small conso-
lation now to feel that our anticipation is justified by
the result."
While awaiting a summons from the Government,
the communications between New York and Washing-
ton were severed. I therefore asked Mr. Aspinwall to
procure a small steamer with arms and ammunition to
enable me to reach Chesapeake Bay, where I believed the
most critical situation to be. This gentleman applied to
William B. Astor, who patriotically gave him a check for
five thousand dollars. With this he procured for me the
tug Yankee and pursuaded Commodore Breese, com-
mandant of the New York Navy Yard, to arm and fit her
out ; and receiving from that officer an appointment as
Acting Lieutenant in the Navy, which gave me the right
to exercise military authority, I left on the 26th for
Hampton Roads, where I consulted first, Commodore
Pendergrast of the Cumberland, and then Colonel Dimick,
commanding at Fortress Monroe.
The services of the Yankee not being required by
either of these officers I went to Annapolis and offered
my vessel to General Butler, who was opening communi-
cation with Washington by that route. The General
gratefully received the steamer and sent me through to
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CAPT. G. V. FOX IN THK WAR OF THE REBELLION. 55
the capital, on the first train, where I reported to the
President, who requested me to take an appointment in
the Navy Department as Assistant Secretary.
Annexed are copies of orders and letters, relating
to the narrative which I have submitted.
Very respectfully yours,
G. V. FOX,
Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
Annexed to this narrative are copies of orders and
letters relating thereto, fully corroborating the state-
ments made by Captain Fox. The following letter from
President Lincoln shows the appreciation in which Cap-
tain Fox's efforts were held :
Washington. D. C, May l, 1861.
Captain G. V. Fox : My Dear Sir —
I sincerely regret that the failure of the late attempt
to provision Fort Sumter should be the source of any
annoj'ance to you. The practicability of your plan was
not, in fact, brought to a test.
By reason of a gale well known in advance to be
possible, and not improbable, the tugs, an essential part
of the plan, never reached the ground, while, by an
accident, for which you were in no wise responsible,
and possibly /, to some extent was, you were deprived
of a war vessel, with her men, which you deemed of
great importance to the enterprise.
I most cheerfully and truly declare that the failure
of the undertaking has not lowered you a particle, while
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50 OLD residents' histokical association.
the qualities you developed in the effort have greatly
heightened you in my estimation.
For a daring and dangerous enterprise of a similar
character, you would to-day be the man, of all acquaint-
ances, whom I would select. You and I both anticipated
that the cause of the country would be advanced by
making the attempt to provision Fort Sumter, even if it
should fail ; and it is no small consolation now to feel
that our anticipation is justified by the result.
Very truly your friend,
A. LINCOLN.
The Comte de Paris, who wrote a history of the
rebellion, says : " Mr. Fox, who was Assistant Secretary
of the Navy during the entire period of the war, pos-
sessed that peculiar kind of activity and intelligence
which rises superior to all obstacles and can turn the
least resources to account when all hearts are discouraged.
Having visited Major Anderson at Fort Sumter, a plan
had been agreed upon between them for re-victualling
the garrison, and he proposed to Mr. Lincoln to be him-
self the instrument for carrying it out."
At a later date he says : " The Federal navy began
to prepare for its combined expeditions (among them
Hatteras and the Mississippi River) by land and sea in
the month of August. The chief merit of their concep-
tion and organization was due to Mr. Gustavus V. Fox,
Assistant Secretary of the Navy, who had already dis-
tinguished himself at a critical moment by attempting to
re-victual Fort Sumter. For four years his ardent mind,
practical and full of resources, effectively controlled the
Department, and at the expiration of those memorable
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CAPT. O. V. FOX IN THE WAE OF TEE REBELLIOK. 57
four years, he retired without aspiring to any other
reward than the satisfaction of having served his country
well."
B. J. Lossing, whom we have twice before quoted,
says of Captain Fox's efforts to re-enforce Sumter : ^^ As
Mr. Fox's orders were imperative, he performed his duty
in spite of official detentions, and with- that professional
skill, untiring industry and indomitable energy, which,
as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, he displayed through-
out the entire war that ensued ; he fitted out the expe-
dition (having made some previous preparation) within
the space of forty-eight hours.
'' The judgment and energy displayed by Captain
Fox caused him to be appointed Assistant Secretary of
the Navy. As the Lieutenant of Secretary Wells, in-
vested with wide discretionary powers, he was to the
navy what the general-in-chief is to the Army."
General J. G. Barnard, United States Engineer and
Chief Engineer Army of the Potomac, in Johnson's New
Universal Encyclopaedia, saj^s of Captain Fox: ^*As
Assistant Secretary of the Navy, he is thus mentioned to
the writer by a prominent member of Mr. Lincoln's
cabinet : ' Fox was, in my opinion, the really able man
in Lincoln's administration He planned the
capture of New Orleans and the opening of the Missis-
sippi, and generally the operations of the navy. He had
all the responsibility of removing the superannuated and
inefficient men he found in charge He selected
Farragut General Grant constantly consulted
him Not the least meritorious part of his ser-
vices is, that he sought only to make them useful, claim-
ing neither then nor now the fame due to his services/ "
H
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58 OLD BESIDENTS' HISTOEICAX ASSOCIATION.
After the war closed, just as Captain Fox was about
to retire to civil pursuits, Congress determined to signify
its sense of the services of Alexander II. of Russia to
humanity in the abolishment of serfdom by him, and its
grateful appreciation of that sovereign's sympathy
openly expressed for the preservation of the Union, by
sending a formal mission, in a naval squadron, to deliver
to him the vote of Congress congratulating him upon
having escaped the ^hot of an assassin. Captain Fox
went to Russia in the Monitor Miantonomoh and per-
formed this delicate mission to the satisfaction of
Congress and with such an appreciation on the part of
the Emperor that his son, the Grand Duke Alexis, made
him a visit at Lowell, December 9, 1871.
Hon. Alexander H. Rice, chairman of the Naval
Committee of the House of Representatives during the
war, writes : " I am thoroughly impressed by my obser-
vation and intimate knowledge of the inestimable value of
Mr. Fox's services, the wisdom of his council, the sagacity
of his plans, and the boldness and efficiency with which
the Naval Department and service were conducted."
Admiral Porter writes of Mr. Fox: "To his pro-
fessional knowledge and untiring energy the country is
largely indebted for the rapidit}^ with which we built up
a powerful navy. To his advocacy of the building of
suitable vessels for the destruction of an enemy's com-
merce, and improvement of Ericsson's system of monitors,
was the country in a great measure indebted for an
avoidance of war with England and France, which would
have been fatal to the Union cause. Mr. Fox has never
received due acknowledgment of his services from the
country, and it is only by officers of ^he navy, or his
wide circle of friends, that they are fully appreciated."
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CAPT. G. V. FOX IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 59
Admiral Dupont, in his official despatches, acknowl-
edged his indebtedness to the Assistant Secretary, for
his professional ability and great zeal, and this was the
universal opinion of the ofl&cers who led our squadrons
to victory.
Senator Grimes, chairman of the Naval Committee
in the Senate, confirmed all that the Hon. A. H. Rice
said, as to Captain Fox's services and abilities, and after
he retired from the Department, at the end of the war, to
seek his living in civil life, Mr. Grimes caused the oflSce
of Assistant Secretary of the Navy to be abolished, say-
ing that it was created especially for Captain Fox, to
enable the Navy Department to have during the war a
person, whose professional knowledge and abilities would
give a guarantee of success to the blockade and to naval
operations, and whose character commanded the con-
fidence of Congress and the country, and since the war
was closed and he had retired to civil life, the office was
no longer necessary.
Colonel C. C. Chesney, of the Royal Engineers, who
visited this country during the rebellion, and studied the
naval and military operations, published his observations
on his return to England. Of Mr. Fox he wrote : —
" This officer, who had left the navy for private employ-
ment before the era of secession, was one of many bold
and active spirits who flocked back to the public service
of the Union, when its existence was endangered
An Assistant Secretary of the Navy was one of the first
additional ofi&ces recommended for the sanction of the
new Congress; the appointment was at once conferred on
Captain Fox, who held it until the war was brought to a
successful end. No better selection could have been
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60 OLD RESIBENTS* HISTOBICAL ASSOCIATION.
made. The happy combination he possessed of cultivated
professional knowledge with close experience of the
details of the Northern shipping trade, enabled him, in a
degree to which no other man could have attained, to
utilize the resources of the latter for the supply of the
vast deficiencies existing in the department of which
throughout the struggle he held practical charge."
Writing of the loss of Norfolk Navy Yard and the con-
version of the steam frigate Merrimac acquired thereby
into an iron-clad by the rebels, Colonel Chesney
writes that they proceeded forthwith to convert this
vessel, "into such an invincible iron-clad as might hope to
defy all the fleets of the North. To the foresight and
activity of Captain Fox it was due that this design was
failed in the end, by the counter-measures adopted at
his instance." Reviewing the work of 1861, Colonel
Chesney says the one work really accomplished, was the
validity of the blockade, and " further, it is evident
that the Marine Department of the Union forces had
done more during this period of general girding for the
strife than the administration of the sister service."
Again : " Passing forward another year in our review
we find more conspicuous successes obtained by the
energy of Mr. Welles' able assistant than perhaps even
he had dreamed of, when the mantle of oflSce fell on
him in a fortunate hour for the Union."
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IV. Cruise of the Monitor Lehigh, by Charles
Cowley, Read J^ovemher 12, 1879.
The success of the Monitor in her battle with the
Confederate Ram Merrimack (or Virginia) induced the
Federal Navy Department to contract at once for the
building of nine iron-clads of the Monitor pattern, re-
sembling, according to the homely description of one
who witnessed the combat in Hampton Roads, " a cheese-
box on a raft/' One of these was the Lehigh, built at
Chester, Pennsylvania, and costing four hundred thousand
dollars. The burden of the Lehigh was about eighteen
hundred tons, and a description of her will answer, sub-
stantially, for each of the other iron-clads of this class.
She was about two hundred and fourteen feet . in
length over all, forty-five feet in beam and fourteen feet
deep. She drew, when in fighting trim, eleven feet of
water. The turret, which contained one fifteen-inch
and one eleveurinch Dahlgren gun, was twenty feet in
diameter. She carried twelve steam engines, two to
propel the ship, two for the turret, and eight for various
other purposes.
The cruise of the Lehigh began April 16, 1863, and
ended with the close of the war.
Her commanders were John C. Howell, now a rear
adiniral in command of the European squadron ; Andrew
Bryson, now also a rear admiral in command of the
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62 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
Brooklyn Navy Yard ; Francis M. Bunce ; William Gib-
son, the poet ; Andrew J. Johnson and A. A. Semmes.
Her first duty was in the Chickahominy River,
where, with the Monitor Sangamon, she co-operated with
the Army of the Potomac under General McClellan.
For some time she carried the flag of Rear Admiral Lee.
At the close of McClellan's campaign, in July, 1863, she
was sent to New York, where a branch rebellion was
then imminent.
She left New York again on August 2Dth for the
South Atlantic squadron. The passage of Cape Hatteras,
which proved fatal to the original Monitor, came near
proving fatal to the Lehigh. It was only by the greatest
care and vigilance that she was prevented from laying
her bones with the bones of hundreds of ill-fated barks
over which the light of Cape Hatteras revolves forever.
She passed Cape Hatteras Light on the night of the
27th and 28th of August, but no one on board saw that
light. The sea broke over her decks without intermis-
sion during successive watches. It lifted and carried
away her bell. There was one period of about an hour
and a half, during w^hich the deck could not be seen at
all — the sea rolling over it, often as high as the turret.
Captain Bryson expected every moment to go down.
She arrived off Charleston on the 80th of August,
spent one day in " coaling ship," and on the two follow-
ing days engaged, with other Monitors, in bombarding
Fort Sumter, passing at once from the perils of the sea
to the perils of battle.
Fort Wagner, which the Federal army had twice
vainly attempted to capture by storm, was now almost
within our grasp, having undergone one of the heaviest
and most protracted bombardments recorded in history.
The capture of this famous fortification was finally
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CRXTISE OF THE MONITOR LEHIGH. 63
consummated by the aid of the " Grant " electric light,
the use of which was suggested by John Austin Stevens,
the editor of the Magazine of American History.* Be-
THE LEHIGH BOMBARDING BATTERY WAO'EB.
ing brought to bear upon this battery, this light made it
impossible for the Confederates to repair during the
night (as they had previously done), the damages sus-
tained during the day, and also enabled our army and
navy to operate effectively, continuously, by night as
well as by day.
On the 5th and 6th of September, the Lehigh and
the Monitor Weehawken took a position, and maintained
it, between two fires, having the Cummings Point
Batteries, Wagner and Gregg, on the south, and Fort
Sumter on the north, and being also exposed at the same
time to the fire of more distant batteries on James Island
and on Sullivan Island. By firmly holding this position,
these vessels made it impossible for General Beauregard
to send any further re-enforgements to Morris Island.
The next night General Taliaferro evacuated that island,
and General Terry, who was to have led a third assault
on Wagner the next morning, entered that famous
battery without a shot.
•See Mr. Stevens' kindly review of my '* Leaves from a Lawyer's Life Afloat and
Ashore," in his Magazine for June, 1880.
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64 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
That night her consort, the Weehawken, accidentally
got aground near Fort Sumter, and the Confederate
artillerists, sighting their guns with the greatest preci-
sion of aim, poured upon her a most destructive fire.
The Lehigh, meanwhile, with other vessels from below,
used every effort to divert the fire of the Confederates
from her disabled consort, and finally pulled her off into
deeper water. The Weehawken, even while aground,
returned the fire of the Confederate batteries with great
vigor and effect. One shell which she then threw into
Fort Moultrie, created more wide-spread havoc than
any other single shot, so far as is known, that was fired
during the siege of Charleston. It dismantled and broke
the muzzle of an eight-inch Columbiad, then glanced off
and exploded behind a mulin. This exploded two
caissons, one containing cartridges for the cannon, the
other shell. The bursting of these shells exploded
several other ammunition chests, and the havoc was
general. Eighteen men were killed, and ten wounded.
Captain R. Press Smith, who commanded the company
serving these guns, was compelled to leap over the
parapet into the ditch, in order to save his own life.*
But great as were the losses then inflicted upon the
Confederates by the Weehawken, they wholly failed to
compensate for the injuries which she herself sustained
in consequence of getting aground on that disastrous
night ; for I have no doubt that it was the overstrain
which she suffered while thus lying aground, and keep-,
ing her battery going at the same time, which, two
•By the kindness of my fru-iul. Mr. Yates Snowden, of Charleston, S. C, since this
paper was read, I have been furnislied witli letters from Captain Smith (now practising
medicine at Santa Kosu, California), Major T. A. Uuguenin, who then commanded
Battery Beauregard, and Lieutenant J. C. Minott, who then commanded Battery Marion,
which enable me to add here several particulars previously unknown to me, and, also, to
correct an error into which I had fallen as to the date.
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CRtriSE OF THE MONITOR LEHIGH. 65
months later, carried her suddenly to the bottom, with
more than thirty of her crew.
On September 8, 1863, a picked body of three
hundred sailors and marines, assaulted Fort Sumter.
During the whole night the Lehigh lay near the Fort,
covering with her guns the storming party. The garri-
son, however, had been strongly re-enforced in anticipa-
tion of this attack ; the army column, which was to have
cooperated wi.th the navy column, failed to come up to
our support, and the assault proved disastrous.*
I am aware that Mr. Greeley and Mr. Lossing,
writing under the inspiration of General Gillmore, have
said that this assault was made without the knowledge
of that officer and without any expectation of coopera-
tion from his army ; but this is untrue. I myself saw
and read the original despatches and telegrams from the
General to the Admiral, arranging for a joint assault,
and General Gillmore himself suggested the countersign,
" Detroit," which was used by both branches of the
service on that night. Not the slightest hint of any
change of purpose on Gillmore's part was received by
the Admiral ; but the army column remained in boats
in the rear, while the navy column climbed the walls of
Sumter unaided, but climbed them only to be captured
or killed.
The assault of the army column could not have suc-
ceeded, had it been made as planned. For its success
depended on taking the enemy by surprise. But the
Confederates became apprised of what was coming, by
•Colonel Charles H. Olmstead, of the First Georgia Infantry, who was stationed on
James Island at the time, says: "The land forces, about four hundred strong, em-
barked in their boats in Vincent's Creek. The windings of the creek (between Morris
and James Island) probably delayed them, and they had not quite reached the fort
when the naval assault was made and repulsed. All hope of a surprise being at an end,
the second force retired."
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66 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
interpreting the signals which passed between the Ad-
miral and the General in relation to the proposed assault
during the preceding day. They were thus enabled to
obtain re-enforcements, and to prepare thoroughly for
the attack.
So, by the help of their knowledge of the mysteries
of our signal code, they interpreted the signals which
the Admiral and the General exchanged, prior to the
terrible assault on Wagner, in the preceding July. Had
the Federal commanders suspected that the Confederates
knew the key to this code, the entire code would have
been reconstructed at once. But no suspicion of this
arose until after this assault.
The Confederates learned the key to all our signals
early in the war. A Federal officer was captured near
Georgetown, S. C, who had this code with him ; but he
firmly refused to reveal its precious treasures. The
book was handed back to him with the remark, " Well,
you may keep it; we can't read it; so it is of no use
to us.'' By this conduct the fears of their prisoner, if
he had any, were allayed. An adroit Confederate,
dressed in the Federal uniform, was then shut up in the
same apartment as a fellow prisoner-of-war. While thus
confined, he won the confidence of his "chum," who
finally taught him how to interpret the code.
During the night of September 8th, the Lehigh
engaged Battery Bee at close range, and silenced her
guns, but received more than thirty shots herself, and
lost her flagstaff, jack-staff and cutter.
On November 16th, the Lehigh got aground between
Cuminings Point and Fort Sumter. Instantly a furious
fire was opened upon her by the Confederates from the
Sullivan Island batteries. Several of her officers and
crew were wounded — three badly. Admiral Dahlgren
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CRUISE OF THE MONITOB LEHIGH. 67
promptly ordered all the other monitors and the New
Ironsides* to her assistance, and they did good service
by diverting a part of the fire from the Lehigh to them-
selves. Captain Simpson, now a commodore in command
of the naval station at New London, went into the fight
with the smoke-stack of his ship (the monitor Passaic)
shot through, and with her turret and pilot-house revolv-
ing together. The Patapsco's smoke-stack was also shot
through. She was then under command of Captain
Thomas H. Stephens, recently made a rear admiral. Dr.
Longshaw, the surgeon of the Lehigh, with three men,
volunteered to carry a hawser to the Nahant, a most
daring feat, for which he and the men obtained promo-
tion ; but it proved useless, for the hawser was cut by
Confederate shot and shell before it could be used. Dr.
Longshaw belonged to Cambridge, Mass. He was after-
wards killed at Fort Fisher.
Admiral Dahlgren's private journal, which has not
yet been published, contains the following entry for
November 16, 1863 :
" Monday, November 16th. Superb weather. Wind
northwest — clear and cool — bar. 30.00. Last night,
about 9 or 10, the Confederates very unexpectedly
opened a rapid fire from their batteries on Sullivan
Island upon our works on Cummings Point. The
General telegraphed me to prevent their landing in
boats, so I sent orders accordingly to the monitors on
picket.
" This morning, at daylight, the Lehigh was reported
aground and the Confederates pummelling her. So I
signalled the iron-clads to go up and relieve the Lehigh.
•See Captain Belknap's article on the New Ironsides off Charleston, in the first
nmnber of the United Service.
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68 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
I went up myself in the Passaic, and finding the Nahant
close in, passed to her in my barge. The tide wfis rising,
and the Nahant could approach so as to get a hawser
aboard the Lehigh.
" The scene was of great interest. Three times the
hawser parted— once shot away. The line carrying it
was twice sent to the Lehigh by the surgeon, in a little
boat, and once by two seamen. Every effort seemed
vain for the whole morning, under a perfect storm of
shot and shell from cannon and mortars, under which
the men worked well.
"At last I ordered the Nahant's propeller to be
started, the Lehigh backed, and the Montauk ahead of us.
It was the moment of high water, and, most fortunately,
the Lehigh yielded and backed off. Even then the
hawser began to give way. Seven men were wounded
by pieces of mortar shell. At one time, I ordered the
Passaic and Montauk to reply to the batteries, which
they did with effect, striking every time and dismount-
ing a gun. The scene was quite a change. I noticed
that the shore batteries, for whom we had got into
trouble, gave us no help.'*
While the Lehigh lay aground on this occasion, ex-
posed to instant destruction by the Confederates, Admiral
Dahlgren gave a signal proof of his extraordinary per-
sonal bravery. Not content with signalling to Captain
Bryson to hold on to the ship to the direst extremity,
and sending all the others to share her peril and save
her from her impending fate, the Admiral boldly exposed
his own life by pushing off in his barge from the flag-
ship, pulling through a heavy sea, and personally board-
ing the monitors, while still under a heavy fire. Reck-
less of personal danger, the Admiral resolved to save the
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CRUISE OF THE MONITOR LEHIGH. 69
ship, at all hazards, if she could be saved, and if she
could not be got oflP, then to put a match to her magazine,
" And give her to the god of storms,
The lightning and the gale."
At length, the tide rising, the Lehigh got safely off.
Although the Admiral was endowed with extraordinary
physical intrepidity, and delighted to recognize and
reward any exhibition of it among his oflScers and men,
he never referred to it as a quality of which he was
specially proud.
There are two kinds of courage. There is natural
courage which men share with the lower animals : that
can be hired for twelve dollars a month, with rations and
clothing. It is an indispensable trait, but it is not the
greatest. It is inferior to professional courage, which is
the result of culture and calculation. For example :
To push off from a ship during an engagement, and pull
over to another in an open boat, and go on board that
other when she too is engaged, (as Admiral Dahlgren
used to do), seems a most daring adventure ; and such
indeed it is. But the professional sailor knows that
while he is pulling about in a boat away from the
vessels engaged, the danger is rather less than it is on
board of those vessels, because the boat presents a
smaller target to the enemy's artillery. Both natural
and professional courage are necessary, and Admiral
Dahlgren had both.
Once, when the Admiral, the Fleet Captain, and I,
were going from one ship to another during one of the
many artillery duels at Charleston, shell after shell from
Moultrie exploded so near to the barge that conveyed
us, that, though no fragment struck us, we were repeat-
edly splashed, and once almost deluged with water. I
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70 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
remarked : " Admiral, Moultrie has trained her guns on
your flag/' (alluding to the broad, blue pennant which
was then the ensign of his rank, and which was flying
from the barge's bow). " That can hardly be," the
Admiral replied. "In an operation like this, the great
point is to get a broad target. The Monitors are small
targets compared with the old-fashioned frigates ; but
they are so much larger than my barge, the rebels are
not likely to train their guns on my flag, though they
sometimes do, and perhaps they are doing it now." All
this was said as coolly as if he had been sitting at his
own cabin table, instead of under the fire of half a dozen
belching batteries.
The Lehigh was once visited by a French Admiral
who dropped anchor off Charleston with a French cor-
vette, while Commodore (now Vice-Admiral) Roan was
in command ad interim. It was desirable to treat the
Frenchman politely ; but as our relations with Napoleon
the Third were precarious, it was not deemed advisable
to show him the interior structure of the Monitors. Just
as the Frenchman was coming on board the Lehigh, the
Commodore, with that grim humor which is one of his
best-known characteristics, suggested to Captain Bryson,
" You can appear to show him a great deal and yet not
show him much of any thing. A wink is as good as a
nod to a blind horse." Captain Bryson governed him-
self accordingly. His demonstrativeness was astonish-
ing, but the Frenchman left but little wiser than when he
came.
The Lehigh did her full share of picket duty, the
most irksome duty incident to the war — save only the
gathering up of the wreck of battle and the burial of the
dead. On December 6, 1863, she had the misfortune to
see her consort, the Weehawken, go down off Morris
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CRtnSE OF THE MONITOR LEHIGH. 71
Island, as before mentioned. On February 17, ISlU,
another of her consorts, the Housatonic, was blown up
and suddenly sent to the bottom by a Confederate
torpedo, carrying down with her several of her crew.
A few months later (January 15, 1865) still another of
her consorts, the Monitor Patapsco was blown up and
instantly sunk near Fort Sumter by another torpedo,
carrying down, as food for the fishes, eight of her officers
and fifty-four of her men.
The Lehigh was sent, once in 1864, and again in
1865, into the Stono River, where she engaged the Con-
federate batteries which guarded the approach to
Charleston on that line. One of these bombardments
lasted eight days successively. A Confederate " David "
was sent down the Stono expressly to blow her up, and
the Pawnee with her, if possible ; but she escaped.
Many other dangers were encountered and many other
services performed by the Lehigh, in addition to the
usual picket duty at Charleston, which it would be tedious
to record at length here. The facts already related will
suffice to indicate something of the life of all the iron-
clad blockaders off Charleston.
The interior life of these blockaders corresponded
with that on board of other naval vessels, except that
our quarters were closer, the air fouler, and the service
far more exhausting generally. Though the officers of
the vessel came from every quarter of the globe, the ser-
vice soon became painfully monotonous. Among my
companions on board the Lehigh were Captain Bryson,
who chased the Confederate steamer Sumter under the
walls of Gibraltar ; Lieutenant Forrest, who was execu-
tive officer of the Keokuk in the attack which Admiral
Dupont made upon Fort Sumter, and who narrowly
escaped going down with her when she sunk, on the
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72 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
morning after the battle ; Lieutenant Read, who distin-
guished himself at the capture of New Orleans, and who
was attached to the Weehawken when she laid her bones
upon the same level as the Keokuk ; Dr. Hamilton, who
had just chased Captain Semmes 'round the world in the
flying squadron of Admiral Wilkes ; and several others,
whose experiences had been very various and deeply
interesting. Forrest died of yellow fever in the West
Indies ; Read was drowned, with Admiral Bell, of the
Asiatic squadron, by the swamping of a boat in China.
Others of my old shipmates have passed through various
vicissitudes.
It has been said that the life of any man, if truly
written, would make an interesting book. There must
be many exceptions to this rule ; but I am sure there
were at least half-a-dozen of my brother officers of the
Lehigh whose lives would be far more interesting than
this paper, in which I have essayed to sketch only the
brief outlines of the history of the ship in which we
served together.
About once a week we were visited by a, supply
steamer, which brought mails from the North. Fre-
quently copies of the Charleston Courier were received
by our advanced pickets from the advanced pickets
of the Confederates, in exchange for the newspapers of
New York. The Cotirier always brought recollections
of Lowell "in the days of auld lang syne"; for it
contained all the letters of the best Confederate army
correspondent, F. G. Fontaine, " Personne," who first
practised his gift in literary composition in the Lowell
High School. It also contained Richard Yeadon's famous
advertisement, which no Lowell man could read without
laughter, as follows : —
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CRUISE OF THE MONITOR LEHIGH. 73
TEN THOUSAND DOLLAKS EEWARDI
($10,000.)
President Davis having proclaimed Benjamin F. Butler, of
Massachusetts, to be a Felon, deserving of capital punishment, for the
deliberate murder of William B. Mum ford, a citizen of the Confeder-
ate States, at New Orleans, and having ordered that the said Benjamin
F. Butler, for that and other outrages and atrocities, be considered
and treated as an Outlaw aiid Common Enemy of Mankind, and
that, in the event of his capture the officer in command of the capturing
force do cause him to be immediately exec uted by hanging, the
undersigned hereby offers a reward of Ten Thousand ($10,000) Dol-
lars for the capture of the said Benjamin F. Butler, and his delivery,
dead or alive, to any proper Confederate Authority.
RICHARD YEADON.
Chakleston, S. C, January i, 1863.
The Lehigh is now at Brandon, Va., with other iron
clads, ready to do her part in any future struggles,
foreign or domestic.
" There are sailors to-day who would die at their guns,
As the tars of the Cumberland died,
Or with Somers sail through the jaws of death,
On Tripoli's fatal tide."
At present their duties are irksome and monotonous
enough. But long may it be before this wearisome
monotony is again relieved by the bloody work of war.
God grant that the thunder of our iron-clads may never
be heard again, save in firing salutes to the starry flag,
the honor of which they have so well sustained.
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V. Sketch of the Life of Edward St. Loe Liver-
more, by C.L. A^ Bead J^ovemher 12, 1879.
" bbott
Edward St. Loe Livermore, the subject of this
sketch, was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, April
5, 1762. He was the son of Samuel Livermore, a former
chief justice of New Hampshire, and his wife, Jane, the
daughter of the Rev. Arthur Browne, and was of the
sixth generation in lineal descent from John Livermore,
who emigrated to America in the bark " Frances/' which
sailed from Ipswich, England, during the year 1634.
John Livermore settled first in Watertown, Massa-
chusetts, where he lived until 1665, when he removed to
Wethersfield, Connecticut. From Wethersfi.eld he went
to New Haven, where his name appears in the town
records as one of the signers of the fundamental agree-
ment of the Colony of New Haven. In 1670 he returned
to Watertown, where, after having filled many offices of
trust, he died in 1685. Ilis wife, Grace, died and was *
buried, in 1686, at Chelmsford, where visitors to the old
rural graveyard may still see an ancient, moss-cov-
ered stone^ " erected to her memory by her dutiful
children."
Samuel Livermore, the great-grandson of John
NoTE.—The writer of this skctcli Is indebted for niauy dates and facts to Bond's
"History of Watertown," "Tlie Collections of the Historic.!* Society of New Hamp-
shire," Sprague's " American Ministers," Hildreth's " History of the United States,"
and other publications ; but it has not been considered necessary, in so short a paper, to
indicate in each case the source from which the information was derived.
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SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF EDWABD ST. LOE LIVERMORE. 75
Liverniore, inherited from his uncle, Nathaniel, the
homestead in Watertown, now known as the " Lyman
Farm " in Waltham. His wife was a daughter of
Deacon Brown, of Boston. He was " much trusted in
municipal and church affairs," and died at the age of
seventy-one years, in 1773, leaving four sons, all of
whom. became distinguished men.
Samuel Livermore was born in 1732. At the age
of twenty he was graduated at Nassau Hall in New Jersey,
and afterwards read law with Judge Trowbridge, at
Beverly, Massachusetts. Soon after being admitted to
the bar he settled in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where
in 1759, he married Jane, the daughter of the Rev.
Arthur Browne.
Arthur Browne was the first Episcopal minister
settled in New Hampshire, He was born in 1609, in
Drogheda, Ireland, and was a son of the Kev. John
Browne, archdeacon of Elphin, a descendant of the
Scottish family of Browmes of Coulstone. He was edu-
cated for the ministry at Trinity College, Dublin, and
was ordained by the Bishop of London. In 1729, under
the auspices of the " British Society for the Propagation
of the Gospel in Foreign Parts," he was sent as mission-
ary to Providence, Rhode Island. On his way thither
he landed at Newport, where he remained about a year
in charge of Trinity Church. He then went to Provi-
dence, where he was settled for several years as rector
of King's — now St. John's — Church. In 1737 he was
called to St. John's Church of Portsmouth, New Hamp-
shire, of which he remained rector until a short time
before his death, which occurred at Cambridge, Massa-
chusetts, in 1773, while he was on a visit to his daughter,
the wife of the Rev. Winwood Sargent. He was a man
of great learning, and of a genial and benevolent dispo-
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76 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
sition. Upon one occasion, as he was dining at the
house of Governor Went worth, where he was a frequent
and welcome guest, he was ordered by the governor to
perform the ceremony by which the maid-servant, Patty,
became the governor's wife. Lady Wentworth — an inci-
dent which has since been celebrated in verse by Long-
fellow. The silver tankard which the governor took
from the table at the conclusion of the ceremony, and
gave to Arthur Browne, is still in the possession of his
descendants.
Samuel Livermore soon became a successful lawyer,
and was appointed attorney-general for the province,
and king's advocate in the courts of admiralty. In 1705
he removed to Londonderry, New Hampshire, and in
this town was born his son Arthur, who became a justice
of the Supreme Court, chief justice of the Court of Com-
mon Pleas of New Hampshire, and member of Congress.
About the year 1765 Samuel Livermore began the settle-
ment of Holderness, in Grafton County. Of this place
he was one of the original grantees, and he eventually
became by purchase the owner of about one half of the
township. There, on the banks of the Pemigewasset
River, in 1709, he fixed his permanent residence, and
lived in almost feudal state until his death. It is said
that " he possessed but little less than absolute power
over the inhabitants, his superiority of character adding
to the influence he could naturally command from the
extent of his possessions." The huge house which he
built there is still known as the " Old Livermore Man-
sion," and is now used for the Episcopal Seminary for
the diocese of New Hampshire. After the breaking out
of the war of the Revolution, he was made State's attor-
ney-general, and was several times a delegate to the Con-
tinental Congress. In 1782 he was appointed chief
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SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF EDWARD ST. LOE LIVERMORE. 77
justice of the State. He was a member of the convoca-
tion for the adoption of the Federal Constitution, under
which he was a representative in the first Congress, and,
later, a senator for nine years. He was for several years
president ^ro tempore of the United States Senate. In
1803 he died, and was buried at Holderness, in the
shadow of the church which he built, and which he had
for many years supported. He and his wife were noted
for their loving charities.
Edward St. Loe Livermore received his early educa-
tion at Londonderry and Holderness, where his father's
chaplain, the Rev. Robert Fowle, w\as his tutor. He
studied law at Newbury port in the office of that distin-
guished jurist, Chief Justice Parsons. Upon being ad-
mitted to the bar he began the practice of law at
Concord, New Hampshire, where he soon attained to a
high position in his profession. Here, while still very
young, he married his first wife, Mehitable, the daughter
of Robert Harris, Esq. She died at the age of twenty-
eight years, in 1793, leaving five children, all of whom
are now dead. She was a highly educated, refined, and
agreeable woman.
Judge Livermore's eldest son by his first marriage,
Samuel, was educated at Harvard College. He was a
friend of Captain Lawrence of the " Chesapeake," under
whom he served as a volunteer chaplain in the celebrated
sea-fight with the British frigate " Shannon,'' in which
he was wounded and taken prisoner. He afterwards
practised law in New Orleans, where he amassed a con-
siderable fortune. He was the author of several treatises
upon different branches of the law, which are still re-
ferred to as authorities. At his death he left to Harvard
College his library of some thousand volumes, which was
then the richest in America in works relating to the civil
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78 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
law. His sister, Harriet, was widely known and respect-
ed as a traveller in the Holy Land.
Soon after the death of his first wife, Mr. Livermore
removed to Portsmouth, where, in a short time, he be-
came distinguished in professional and political life. He
was appointed by President Washington, United States
district attorney, an office which he held until 1798,
when he was made justice of the Supreme Court of New
Hampshire. In 1799 he married Sarah Crease, the
daughter of William Stackpole, a distinguished merchant
of Boston. She has been well described as ^' a woman of
sweet and amiable temper, with an entire absence from
her character of envy, hatred, and uncharitableness."
Her consistently Christian life and deportment warmly
attached to her all who knew her or came within the
sphere of her gentle, winning influence. Well might be
said of her,
" NoDC knew thee but to love thee,
None named thee but to praise."
She survived her husband many years, and died at Low-
ell, October 5, 1H59.
In politics, Judge Livermore was a zealous Federal-
ist, and took an active part in public affairs ; but although
he lived at a period when party feeling was intensely
bitter, his gentlemanly and courteous bearing, and the
urbanity of his manners gave him much personal influ-
ence even with his political opponents. After a faithful
discharge for a few years of his duties as judge, he re-
signed his position upon the bench and resumed the
practice of his profession.
In 1802 he took up his residence in Newburyport,
where he soon became a leading citizen and was chosen
to represent the town in the General Court of the State.
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SKETCH OF THE LIFE OP EDWARD ST. LOE LIVERMORE. 79
" His course there was so wise and judicious that he was
chosen to represent the North Essex District, then so
called, in Congress." On the 22nd of December, 1807,
Congress, upon recommendation of President Jefferson,
passed the famous Embargo Act, which was intended
" to countervail Napoleon's Berlin and Milan decrees,
and the British orders in council." Judge Livermore
took an active part in the debates of the House upon the
passage of this act, and, later, used all his endeavors to
have it repealed. Upon this subject he made in particu-
lar one very forcible and eloquent speech, which won
for him many laurels.
In 181], after having served for three terms in
Congress, he declined a re-election, and soon after re-
moved from Newburyport to Boston, where he lived for
some years a quiet life, taking no active part in public
affairs. In 1813, at the request of the town authorities
of Boston, he delivered the annual oration upon the
anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This
oration was delivered at the height of the war of 1812,
and about a month after the sanguinary combat off
Boston Light between the " Chesapeake " and " Shannon "
frigates, in which his son Samuel was engaged. The
details of this combat being as yet unknown in Boston,
there was naturally among the townspeople a feeling of
great anxiety to learn the fate of their friends and
relatives on board the "Chesapeake," and this feeling
was probably not unmixed with bitterness toward those
who had involved the country in what many believed a
causeless war. It was, therefore, with the apparent
sympathy of his hearers that Judge Livermore criticised
most severely the action of the American government
which led to the war — which he believed unnecessary,
and which had brought so much misery and suffering
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80 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
upon the whole country, but especially upon the New
England States — while he paid a deserved tribute of
praise to the gallantry and patriotism of the navy whose
exploits reflected so much lustre upon the American
arms.
Soon after the close of the war of 1812, Judge
Livermore caught the so-called '' Western fever," and
took his large family to Zanesville, Ohio, which was, at
that time, looked upon as the " far West,'' with the in-
tention of settling there. The comforts of civilization
had not yet spread through that part of the new world.
It was before the days of railways, and the long and
tedious journey from the East had to be performed in
carriages suited to the rough roads of the country.
Judge Livermore and his family could not bring them-
selves to submit to the many deprivations and hardships
necessarily attending a residence in the West at that
time, and they therefore soon returned to Boston.
About 1816 Judge Livermore, desirous of passing
the rest of his days removed from the bustle of city and
political life, bought, far out in the country, in the town
of Tewksbury, a quiet home farm of about two hundred
acres, called the " Gedney Estate." The mansion house
upon this estate was beautifully situated at the conflu-
ence of the Merrimack and Concord Rivers. Standing
at an elevation of from forty to fifty feet above the
water, it commanded a distant and lovely view of both
the streams. Back of the house, upon the opposite side
of the Merrimack, rose Dracut Heights, looming up as if
to shield the spot from the north-wind. The house itself
was a large, old, rambling building, and the tradition is
that all its beams and woodwork were prepared in Eng-
land, and brought to this country for a Mr. Brown, who
bought the estate about the middle of tha last century.
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SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF EDWARD ST. LOE LIVERMORE. 81
However this might be, it was certainly a lovely old
mansion, a fit residence for its new owners, who brought
to it high culture and breeding. Some of the older
residents of the goodly city which has since sprung up
about it may still remember the house as it then stobd,
with the lawn in front bordered on one side by a long
avenue of Lombardy poplars — and may also remember
the hospitality which made it so well known in the
country about.
For many years Judge Livermore had associated
with men prominent in letters and in politics, in this and
other countries, and had taken an active part in the
political transactions of the times, so that, being endowed
with a comprehensive memory, he had at his command a
large fund of anecdotes, and his conversation was agree-
able and instructive to all with whom he came in con-
tact. When he bought the Gedney estate in Tewksbury,
he called it " Belvidere" — a most appropriate name for so
beautiful a place. Until 1826 the nearest place of public
worship was about two miles from " Belvidere," at Paw-
tucket Falls, where the Rev. Mr. Sears, a Presbyterian
minister, preached for many years, and here the Liver-
more family became constant attendants.
When the Merrimack Manufacturing Company was
organized, a church was built for the benefit of Kirk
Boott, his family, and other Episcopalians connected with
the manufacturing establishment. At the first church
meeting of the new parish, a pew was kindly placed at
the disposal of Judge Livermore. He, with his family,
continued to occupy this pew until his death, and it is
still occupied by his eldest daughter, the only member of
the family who now lives in Lowell. The first clergyman
installed in this church wa^ the Rev. Theodore Edson,
the beloved pastor who still fulfils his duties with un-
K
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82 OLb RESIDENTS* HISTORICAt ASSOCIATION.
wearied zeal, not unmindful of the exhortation of St.
Paul to " rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep
with them that weep."
Judge Livermore lived to see a large and flourishing
city grow up around the lonely spot he had selected for
a quiet home, and to gather round his fireside neighbors
who would have graced society in any city in the world.
He died at "Belvidere " on the 15th of September, 1832,
at the age of seventy years, and was buried in the old
Granary Burying Ground in Boston. He left seven
children by his second marriage, four of whom are still
living, viz : Elizabeth Browne Livermore, who lives at
Lowell and is unmarried ; Caroline, the wife of Hon.
J. G. Abbott, of Boston ; Sarah Stackpole, wife of John
Tatterson, Esq., of Southbridge, Mass. ; and Mary Jane,
wife of Hon. Daniel Saunders, of Lawrence.
Judge Livermore, although of a quick and hot
temper, was a just, hospitable, upright man, with
" a tear for pity, and a hand
Open as day for melting charity."
The poor man never turned from his door empty-handed,
or the afflicted Avithout sympathy. He died in the sure
hope of the resurrection of the dead and a life to come.
" The memory of the just lives with the just.''
Boston, September 14, 1879.
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VL The Wyman Fariiv and its Owner, by Charles
Sovey. Read February 4f 1880.
Were the legitimacy of the ancestry of the people
of this couutry in any doubt, it would be difficult to
trace it by any of the characteristics or habits of their
descendants. In the mother country, men and things
move slowly. A century in Old England, when measured
by results, is scarcely more than a generation in this
country.
Our great men come up, as it were, in a night ;
disappear, and are forgotten about as soon. Our rich
men buy land, build houses and call their estates *' after
their own names,'' but how fleeting are such names as
compared with those of the mother country.
These thoughts are suggested by the title 'of this
paper, which has been written partly for your edification,
and partly to supply a link in the chain of events which
is to make up the history of our city.
It is only about forty years since the late departed
owner of this farm purchased it from a family of modest
pretensions, that had held it for about the same length
of time, but who had not attained prominence enough to
give it a permanent name. The present name is now
about to disappear, so that in another forty j'ears there
will be but few persons living who ever heard of the
" Wyman Farm." All that will then be known of the
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84 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
locality will be the names now given to the " avenues "
and " streets " by the present owner. The children to
be born will know Belmont, Shirley, Brandon and Pen-
tucket Avenues, and the names of the streets which will
intersect them, but will not be able to realize the fact
which is now before tis, that the places of their nativity
were so recently covered with apple trees. It may then
be as interesting to them to find in the records of this
Old Residents' Association an early history of the locality
where they were born, as it is for us to gather the tra-
ditions in regard to the Indians who inhabited this region
a hundred years ago, or the certain landings of the
ferries across Merrimack River before any bridges were
built.
Some of the members of this Association will re-
member William Wyman, as once the postmaster of
Lowell. He belonged to a class of men, whose numbers
do not exceed one in a thousand, and to whom the world
seems indebted for much of the progress that is made in
it. His ideas of the future possibilities of Lowell were
nearly half a century ahead of those of his neighbors.
His actions kept pace with his expectations, and as the
rest of t*he world moved so much slower than he did, it
was a disappointment to him which resulted in pecuniary
embarassment.
Mr. Wyman was the second postmaster of Lowell,
receiving his appointment from President Andrew Jack-
son in 1829, as successor to Jonathan Morrill. He was
an earnest supporter and great admirer of General Jack-
son, before and during his first presidential term.
At the President's visit to Lowell on a bright day in
June, 1833, Captain Wyman was "in his glory." He
was an uncommonly handsome man, both in figure and
features, and with his flowing locks and elegant mill-
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THE WYMAN FARM AND ITS OWNEK.
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tary dress, a prouder man never " mounted a steed."
[An apology is due for using so poetical an expression in
so plain a paper as this ; but as applied to Captain Wy-
man it expresses much more than its equivalent, '^rode
on horseback."] His position as postmaster, together
with his impulsive admiration of General Jackson, gave
him a prominence in the reception surpassing that of
any other politician. He was one of more than thirty
assistant marshals, yet the impression made upon the
writer, who was then a lad, exceeded that of any other
man, not excepting the President of the United States.
He was eccentric, and emphatically what is commonly
called an independent man; that is, his impulses led him
to do whatever he pleased, apparently regardless of con-
sequences or of <he opinion of his neighbors. This
feature of his character was most prominent in his
religious persuasion. He was a leading man in every
religious body to which he attached himself. He built
two meeting-houses ; the first about the time the Second
Advent doctrine was preached by Miller, who fixed the
end of the world for the year 1813. It was a one-story
building on Middle Street, afterwards occupied for
ignoble purposes, and more recently for low-classed
dwellings. Within the last year it was torn down, and
another building erected for merchandizing.
The second was of a more pretentious character and
was situated on Merrimack Street, nearly opposite John
Street. It rested on twelve (the number was intention-
ally significant) piers, made of rubble-stone from the
farm. It was used at different times by various religion-
ists, but was finally occupied by a commercial college.
The building was taken down last summer, and has been
superseded by Davis Block. The recent destruction of
Classic Hall building and the erection of Albion Block in
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86 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
its place, has, it is believed, removed the last, so that
there is now no building in the city which was built by
Captain William Wyman.
It was not many months after the President's visit
that Captain Wyman had occasion to go to Washington
to secure a re-appointment as postmaster, for a second
term. He failed in this, and was informed of the ap-
pointment of his successor while he was absent from
home. It is said that on returning to his house, and
before saluting any member of his family, he walked
directly to a picture of his old friend, General Jackson,
which hung in the parlor, and turned the face to the
wall.
His dwelling at that time was the most easterly one
of four cottages which stood on the north side of Merri-
mack Street, and as remembered, the identical locality
where this Association is this moment assembled — about
midway between Kirk and John Streets, respectively,
before either of them was opened as a street. He re-
moved from the cottage to a house on Gorham Street,
where he lived a few years, and until he occupied the
new buildings at the farm.
The farm was conveyed to him by Clarissa Hunt,
the widow of Ebenezer Hunt, by deed dated the last day
of the year 1840. It is assumed that her title came by
inheritance from her departed husband, whose deed was
dated March U 1802, conveying the " Lynde Hill Estate."
The ** consideration " expressed in Captain Wyman's
deed is seven thousand dollars. The farm is situated
mostly on the easterly side of the hill. It contains a
little less than fifty acres, including two purchases of
small lots of John and Thomas Nesmith. It is bounded
on the north by land of General B. F. Butler, on the east
by land of Charles Hovey and the heirs of David Dickey,
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THE WYMAN FARM AND ITS OWNER. 87
and on the south and west by various owners and includ-
ing the reservoir of the Proprietors of Locks and Canals.
At the time of the purchase, it was covered with a heavy
growth of timber and wood, which was sold in lots at
auction, and soon removed.
Captain Wyman at once erected five houses and
barns, not very unlike in appearance, connecting them
by a one story passage, making a line of buildings more
than two hundred feet in length. From these buildings
the land sloped both to the east and west. In describ-
ing the beauty of the locality the captain would say —
" I can lie in my bed in the morning and see the sun
rise ; then turn over and see the moon set."
The buildings on the easterly side were all placed
exactly on the boundary line between Lowell and Tewks-
bury. This line was changed a few years ago, and now
embraces the larger part of the farm.
Captain Wyman began at once to improve the place,
and either planted the stones for or set out not less than
a thousand peach trees. In this climate they are very
short-lived, and were soon superseded by about the same
number of apple trees. What of these have not been
removed in making the new streets are now standing on
the farm.
After he had occupied the premises a few years, he
conceived the idea of erecting an observatory for public
use, in which he was to be aided by the subscription of
parties whom he might interest in the project. It is not
known how much money was collected, but it was gener-
ally understood that the name " Appleton Observatory"
was a compliment to the largest contributor. The
foundation was placed on the highest point of land and
still remains on the easterly side of Belmont Avenue, as
it is laid out on the new plan. No superstructure has
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88 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
ever appeared. In reply to a question of one of his
family as to the object of the Observatory, he said, in his
usual humorous manner, " A great many young men
come from New Hampshire to Lowell who have never
seen Boston. If they visit the Observatory they can see
Boston."
His aspirations did not cease until he ceased to
breathe. Late in life his sons deemed it prudent to re-
strain him from embarking in any new enterprise, and
modestly suggested his leaning upon them. The old
gentleman was quite indignant, and to give emphasis to
his words he widely uncovered one eye with his fingers
and looking sharply said — "Anything look like fail
there?"
Captain Wyman died in 1864. In the settlement of
the estate the farm was sold at public auction and was
bid in by the mortgagee for the amount of his claim,
which with accumulated interest was understood to be
about eighteen thousand dollars.
The present owner, Samuel G. Wyman, of Balti-
more, has had it surveyed and laid out with avenues and
streets, all fifty feet wide, aggregating more than two
and a quarter miles in length, and occupying thirteen
acres, or more than a fourth of the whole area of the
farm. He has adopted the eminently practical mode of
running the avenues north and south and the streets east
and west. Some of these are nearly completed, and in
the spring next before us will afford one of the most
sightly and beautiful rides in this vicinity. There are
two hundred and fourteen building lots, averaging about
one mile distant from the postoffice. For beauty and
healthfulness of location some of them are not excelled
in Middlesex County.
Most of the gentlemen present will remember the
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THE WYMAX FARM AND ITS OWNER. 89
very excellent contribution wliich Ephraim Brown
read to us at the annual meeting in May, 1877. It was
entitled " Lowell and the Monadnocks," and is printed in
the first volume of contributions to this Association. In
it he made a most useful suggestion, which has not yet
been adopted. As the suggestion will well bear a second
reading, it is now quoted. Mr. Brown, after describing
in detail the mountains visible from Lowell, says: —
"Here I make a practical and eminently useful
suggestion. It is altogether probable that nine-tenths of
the inhabitants of Lowell do not know the names of these
mountains. Some indeed, do know that they are in New
Hampshire, but cannot tell the specific name of one ;
cannot even point out Grand Monadnock, much less Pack
Monadnock range. People are here, born upon their
sides, who cannot specify from the reservoir the name
and direction of the spot that gave them birth, although
it is in plain sight, having never made the observation.
" Our school children learn slowly from our school
geographies. They get the names ; they do not get the
places, and like the scholar at one of our public school
examinations a few years ago, who had twice a day
crossed the mouth of Concord River for many years and
could not tell where the mouth of Concord River was,
they live in sight of these mountains for years and recite
their names at school yet do not know that the name,
Grand Monadnock, and the towering pinnacles visible
from their own doors belong to the same group.
'' Strangers come to Lowell — ^learned men, scholarly
men, teachers. Our citizens are proud to exhibit the
works and beauties of our busy city. They go to the
Reservoir Is it a credit to our existence as a
municipality, that visitors not only from our own country,
L
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90 OLD BESmENTS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
but from otheV countries as well, must feast their eyes
upon Grand Monadnock and turn away unenlightened
from the view, just because the possessors and exhibitors
of these sublime and beautiful landscape views did not
themselves know ?
^^ There are outline maps of this beautiful region,
with the name of every mountain visible from either
reservoir in Lowell, placed in juxta-position to the
mountain. Let there be an enlarged drawing of these
maps by a skilful artist or engineer. Let there be a few
additions of positions not now upon them. Let every pro-
minent eminence have its name appended to it. Let this
map be placed upon the bank of the reservoir substantially
and as a permanent fixture. Make it indestructible. K
need be make it in metal — even in bronze. Place
another on the top of the gatehouse. Nay : I go farther.
Erect stone and metallic pedestals on the western bank
of the reservoir — one for every mountain. On each of
these pedestals erect the classic arrow— one for every
mountain, with its name cast in metal on the feather.
"Let each arrow be immovably fixed upon its
pedestal pointing to its mountain — these silent but truth-
ful teachers to stand till time shall be no more and these
mountains flee away."
On the plan of the Wyman farm, which hangs in
this room for your inspection, there is a vacant space
adjoining the reservoir of the Locks and Canals Com-
pany, on its easterly side, not large enough for a house
lot but abundantly ample to carry out Mr. Brown's
suggestion.
It would be a singular coincidence, if after so many
years, the accidental laying out of the homestead farm
ahould result in the erection of a structure at once the
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THE WTMAN FABM AND ITS OWNEK. 91
literal pinnacle of the owner's ambition, the pride of his
family and townsmen, the constant resort of earnest
school children and withal a most appropriate monument,
both in conception and location, to the memory of
William Wyman.
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VII. Biography of John Duminer, hy James S,
Russell. Read J^ovemher 9, 1880.
In the town of Bishopstoke, Hants County, England,
on the present railroad from London to Southampton,
about eighty miles southwest from London, and six miles
from Southampton, lived a man bearing a name which is
familiar to many of those present. John Dummer was
born about 1575, somewhat over three hundred years
ago. He is presumed to have been a man of wealth and
of high consideration in his vicinity, from the character
and high position taken by his three sons, who emigrated
to this country. They were Richard, Stephen and
Thomas. But 1 am chiefly concerned with Richard, the
elder, who was born in England, about 1599, and came
by the ship "Whale,'' arriving May 26, 1632. "He
first sat down in Roxbury, where he built a mill
in 1633."
He soon removed to Boston, at the desire of his
wife, Mary, who probably preferred a metropolitan to a
frontier life ; but she soon died, and he removed to Ips-
wich, and thence to Newbury with the early settlers.
In May, 1635, the General Court ordered Humphrey,
Endicott, Turner and Trask to set out a farm for Mr.
Dummer, about the falls of Newbury, not exceeding the
quantity of five hundred acres, provided it be not preju-
dicial to Newbury. At the same time liberty was
granted to Richard Dummer and John Spencer to build
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BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BUMMER.
93
a mill and weir at the falls of Newbury, "with such
privileges of ground and timber as is expressed between
them and the town, to enjoy to them and their heirs for-
ever."
At the same Court (May 1635) it was ordered that
Richard Dummer and Mr. Bartholomew shall set out a
convenient quantity of land within the bounds of New-
bury for the keeping of the sheep and cattle that came
over in the Dutch ships this year, and to belong to the
owners of said cattle. Richard Saltonstall, Richard
Dummer, Henry Sewall, and divers other gentlemen of
England. At length Richard Dummer acquired ten
hundred and eighty acres of land, four hundred and fifty
acres more than Henry Sewall, his nephew by marriage,
who stood next highest in amount of land possessed.
Richard Dummer was one of the fathers of Massa-
chusetts, and was chosen a magistrate numerous times.
He warmly espoused the cause of Henry Vane, was one
of the disarmed adherents of Mrs. Hutchinson ; and no
man, says Eliot, more deserved the praise of doing well.
He was very rich and equally benevolent, contributing
greatly to the improvement and growth of that part of
Newbury, where he lived.
"May 16, 1640, in consequence of the great loss
which Governor Winthrop suffered in his outward estate,
through the unfaithfulness of his bailiff, the elders
agreed that supply should be sent in from the several
towns. The generosity of Richard Dummer is above all
praise. His contribution is fifty per cent, above the
whole tax of his town, and equal to half the benevolence
of the whole metropolis. Yet he had been a sufferer
under the mistaken views of Winthrop and other tri-
umphant sound religionists.''
The lands upon which the Dummer Academy was
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94 OLD RESIDENTS* ^BTORlCAt ASSOCtAl'IOit.
built were his, and were left for the support of this in-
stitution. The house in which he lived stood a few rods
southeast of the present mansion house.
For his second wife he married Mrs. Frances Burr,
the widow of the Rev. Jonathan Burr, of Dorchester, in
1644. His children were Shubael, Jeremiah, Hannah,
Richard and William.
Shubael graduated at Harvard College in 1656, and
became a clergyman at York, Maine.
Of Jeremiah, the Rev. Dr. Chauncy says, in a letter
to Dr. Stiles, 1768 : " Mr. Jeremiah Dummer, Mr. John
Buckley and Mr. Thomas Walter, of Roxbury, I reckon
the first three clergymen, for extent and strength of
genius and power, New England has yet produced."
William Dummer, the son of Jeremiah, was perhaps
the most distinguished of the Dummer family. In the
beginning of the reign of George I. he was appointed
our Lieutenant-Governor. Upon the return of Col.
Shute to Great Britain, the chief command of the prov-
ince devolved upon him. In this station, he appeared
with distinguished taste. The wise, incorrupt and suc-
cessful administration of Mr. Dummer, will always be
remembered with honor, and considered as a pattern
worthy of imitation of all future governors. Douglass
always styles it the wise administration of Dummer. He
was in the chair from November, 1722, to July, 1728;
and again from Gov. Burnet's death, September, 1729, to
April, 1730. He died October 10, 1761, leaving no
children. By his will he gave his valuable farm and
stately mansion house, for the endowment of the Dum-
mer Academy, which was the first incorporated academy
in the state.
But Richard, the third son of Richard, and grandson
of John, was in the direct line to the John of our ac-
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BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN DT7MMER. 95
quaintance. He was born January 13, 1650 ; his mother
was Elizabeth, the daughter of John Appleton, of Ips-
wich. He was made freeman in 1677, was of the Council
of Safety, and representative to Court for three sessions.
He died October 11, 1695. His children were Hannah,
John, Richard, Richard, Elizabeth, Nathaniel and Shubael.
Of these Nathaniel is in the line of our consideration.
He was born in 1685, married Sarah Moody, in 1719,
and had for children Mehitabel, Richard, William, Shubael
and Samuel. He was a man of character and substance,
dealt largely in real estate, and at his death, February
27, 1767, aged 82, he divided his real estate among his
sons, Richard, William and Shubael ; his household stuff
to his daughter Mehitabel, and to his youngest son,
Samuel, £lo3. 6s. 8d. in money. Samuel was the grand-
father of our friend, John Dummer ; and had for chil-
dren by his wife, Eunice Noyes, married May 16, 1765,
Sarah, John, Daniel, Mehitabel, Joshua and Samuel. In
this generation, so far as I can learn, first appears that
vein of oddity so conspicuous in the character of the
recent John Dummer. Daniel, of this family, was insane
for many years. And John, the next in the line, was
peculiar, says Mrs. Kent, his neice, an elderly lady, at
present, but who lived in the same house with him. He
kept by himself, never went away from home, was silent,
never talking with her or other children, as they came
about him while working in his garden. This John, the
father of the late John, was born about 1769, and mar-
ried Susannah Duty, May 1789, and had for children
Mehitabel, John, Katherine and William. One of the
daughters married a blacksmith in Newburyport, said to
be an industrious and respectable man. William was
drowned at adult age. His brother John had undertaken
to train him for a useful mechanic and worthy citizen,
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96 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
but the premature death of his brother disappointed his
generous purpose.
John Dummer, the subject of this biography, was
born in 1791. His son Edward, his only surviving child
(his other son and two daughters, lying buried in the
Lowell Cemetery), writes me : " I thought I could easily
get facts concerning the early life of my father ; but on
looking aborut I find that all the old people that would
know about him, when young, are dead. I have been
able to learn simply, that at about eleven years he went
to work for a brother of Paul Moody, at farming, and
worked there about three years ; that he was a faithful
worker, and displayed great ingenuit}^ for one of that
age. He attracted the attention of Paul Moody, who
wished to give him a chance at the millwright business.
He had only such school education as he could get in
the winter, at a country school.
" One thing I would like to have told you ; that he
is said to have built the only mill that was ever built in
Lowell without Sunday work. Notice was taken of it at
the time, in the newspapers. He took the job by con-
tract. It was at a cost to him of five hundred dollars.
He often said since, that it was only a question of dollars
and cents whether there was Sunday work or other-
wise.
" It was said that we had the well giving the purest
water in the city ; and I remember a piece in the Jour-
nal^ in the poetical vein, acknowledging the fact. That
well had a history, as also did our house, since both Avere
built after a contest with the Merrimack Company, who
were building a house to be occupied by my father, he
objecting to it, because they would persist in putting the
well, as he thought, too near the vault."
Now, very many of us remember that well, standing
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BIOtiUAPHy OF JOHN DU^fMER. 9*3
ill Mr. Dummer's front yard, near the street, accessible
to the pubHc ; and that few minutes in the day was the
pump-handle idle. The well is now covered up by a
grocery store, annexed to the main house, at the corner
of Market and Dummer Streets.
David Moody writes that John Dummer came from
Byfield to Waltham, in 1815. " My father knowing him
to be such a kind of workman as he wanted, made him
foreman of the water-wheel and pattern work, &c. All
of the water-wheels and patterns of machinery for the
Boston and Waltham Manufacturing Company, up to
1822, were made by him, or others under him. His
work was just what was wanted ; had it not been for
that I doubt he never would have been known. He was
extremely odd, reticent ; never put confidence in any one.
I don't think his wife knew much about him. Twice he
left Wajtham without giving any notice ; and no one
knew where he went to. After a time he was heard from
at Byfield. Being persuaded to return, he was found
at his work one morning, and nothing having been said
about his absence, he continued to stay. In 1822, he
went to Lowell, then .Chelmsford I never knew of his
belonging to any church, societ}', or anything of a social
nature.
" In the year 1822, John Dummer and myself went
up the Merrimack River, near Nashua, brought down a
raft of logs, to the Stony Brook saw-mill, and there got
out the lumber for the first two wheels of the Merrimack
mill."
There are some statements in Mr. Moody's letter,
that need qualifxing. Mr. Dummer may not have been
a hona-Jide church-member; but he, before marriage,
attended regularly at St. Anne's Church ; and after his
marriage he had a pew at St. Anne's ; also at the First
M
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98 OLD RESIDENTS* HIStORICAL ASSOCIATIOK.
Congregational Church, where his wife preferred to wor-
ship. In 1834, however, he gave up his pew at St.
Anne's and went with his wife. He always took his
family to church, he leaving his house last, locking the
door after him. His son says; "In looking over my
father's papers, I find a parchment certificate as follows :
John Dummer admitted to third degree of Masonry,
Monitor Lodge, Waltham ; signed, January 15, 1822."
He also says his father was a member of a military com-
pany in Lowell. True, he was not of a social nature.
On being over-persuaded to attend a gathering of friends
at the Rev. Mr. Blanchard's house, on the opposite side
of the street, he was present ; but he said to his wife, he
must either give up his business, or give up all parties.
Mr. Dummer's wife did know him much, even be-
fore their marriage, as she had ample opportunity, since
they were engaged to each other full thirteen years
before their marriage, the ceremony of which was per-
formed in Boston, February 9, 1830, by the Rev. William
Jenks, D. D. While they both lived in Waltham, she,
an operative in the mill with her younger sister, they
were familiar with each other. Many a time John Dum-
mer and Marinda Russell, Thomas Blake and Susan
Russell, came from Waltham to Carlisle to visit the
young ladies* parents — my uncle and aunt. Their fine
horses and chaises were always put up at my father's
barn, a half a mile distant, as our accommodations were
more ample, we having a larger house and fewer chil-
dren. Mr. Blake was more gallant and sociable, but Mr.
Dummer was considered the greater " catch " for the
sisters.
Mr. Dummer was reasonably attentive, during those,
to her, long years of waiting. He gave her additional
means of education ; and she then and always, had a
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BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN DITMMER. 99
salutary influence upon him. She knew him well, and
adapted herself to his peculiarities. She was a helpmeet
indeed. He provided liberally for his family, in that he
furnished the money with which a bureau drawer was
always supplied, to which Mrs. Dummer resorted freely,
for whatever was needed for food, clothes, or other
family purposes, without being called to account. He
reposed full confidence in her judgment and yielded to
her influence, by which he was more of a man and less
of a hermit than he otherwise would have been. He
was kind and generous to his family and pleased at their
happiness, but little demonstrative in showing it. He
was tender and humane, even to the lower animals.
One time his young boy begged for permission to take
home a kitten from a neighbor's house; but was refused.
The boy was afterwards employed to throw into the
canal a bag loaded with a brick and those kittens. The
bag lodged near the edge of the water, and the boy ran
away. But not long after the father came that way ;
and observing one of the kittens proclaiming its peril, he
had compassion upon it, took home and cherished the
very kitten his boy had desired. He would hold a news-
paper for an obtrusive spider to crawl upon, and care-
fully brush it out of the window ; he would not suffer to
be shot a mad dog shut into his shed.
Mr. Dummer would supply his children with spend-
ing money for innocent amusements, but would scrupu-
lously withhold it from their indulgence in anything of a
doubtful character.
Mr. Dummer was generous to benevolent objects.
When his son was ready to enter college, the father
inquired what college he preferred. The answer was,
"Yale." "Why not go to Oberlin?'' "Why do you
wish me to go to Oberlin f " Because I have a scholar-
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100 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
ship there, which you might have the benefit of." The
son, however, went to Yale and the scholarship was un-
selfishly permitted to be enjoyed by strangers.
He was supposed to be the moneyed man of the
family, and was urged to purchase a Dummer homestead,
to prevent its going out of the family. This he did, and
permitted an uncle to occupy the farm and mills, and
bring up there a family of boys without ever paying a
cent for rent.
He never took a cent of interest money, deeming
such act usury. When he built his house on Dummer
Street, he had |^3000 in his chest, that had gradually
accumulated there. He was not an economist ; he was
too much' engrossed in business to take care of his
money ; with the ordinary care in that regard he might
have retired from business with an ample fortune, instead
of passing his later days in humble retirement.
When he sold real estate, he would have nothing to
do with a mortgage ; nothing short of cash down would
satisfy him. Hence the purchaser would borrow money
and mortgage the property to a third party.
When his son of a dozen years old visited the By-
field farm, he was enamored with a pair of steers, and he
persuaded his father to give the steers to him. When it
became expedient to sell the steers, the avails were $80.
" Well, my son, what will j^ou do with the money ?'*
"Put it at interest." "Let me have it ; I will pay you
the interest." This was done, and the interest for a
time was regularly paid ; but at length both interest and
principal were forgotten. After Mr. Dummer's death,
among his papers were found forty two-dollar bills, new
and unrufUed. They were presumed to be the identical
avails of the steers. They were the issue of a Boston
state bank, and the time for their redemption had ptissed ;
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BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN DUMMER. 101
but the bank, notwithstandingj redeemed them, as a
great curiosity.
Mr. Moody says Mr. Dmnmer came to Waltham in
1815. He was then twenty-four years old. He went
from the farm to his uncle's to serve in learning the
joiner's and millwright business. At Newbury Falls, on
the Dummer land, was built one of the first cotton mills
in this country. Here John Dummer, with his uncle
Samuel, both probably under either Paul Moody or his
brother, entered upon his life's business.
At Lowell, from 1822, as well as at Waltham before,
the responsibility for all the wheel-work, shafting and
patterns of machinery devolved upon him ; and he was
fully adequate to the work, while wooden wheels were in
use. But when iron displaced the wood, Mr. Dummer
considered his vocation gone, his usefulness at an end.
He sold out his property in Lowell and retired to the
privacy of his farm in Byfield — his native place — to live
over the scenes of his childhood, to reflect upon the
vicissitudes of life, and submit to the inevitable. He
never would look at a turbine wheel ; but yet had the
curiosity to depute one of his trusty workmen to report
to him how it operated, how the water ©ntered and left
the wheel, &c.
In talking with the men who worked with him and
for him, T find them enthusiastic in eulogy of his
character. He was always kind to his workmen, liberal
in the wages he paid, on his own jobs, and an earnest
advocate for a like liberality on the part of the companies
Avhen working directly for them. On one occasion, when
the reduction of wages was becoming common, he resisted
its application to his own men, to the extent of taking
the work by the job and continuing to his men their
usual wages.
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102 OLD RESIDENTS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
On his contract work he did not require his men to
work by artificial light; and when he was working
directly for the companies he opposed working by lamp-
light. Small hand-lamps were provided for his men ;
but he would go round and raise the wicks till the smoke
was suffocating, to increase the light or prove the lamps
insufficient. They were thrown aside and the workmen
excused. When called to account, why his men did not
work evenings, he says : "They have no light." " But
you were supplied with lamps." " They were good for
nothing," says Dummer. "Well, what do you want?"
" I want seventy-five solar lamps !" This was enough to
show that it was useless to urge the matter any further.
Men that were faithful to him ever found him their
friend. But if one neglected his work, concealed any-
unfortunate mistakes, as spoiling a timber, or in any way
lacked proper honesty and manliness, Mr. Dummer pene-
trated the affair as if by instinct, and was unsparing in
his indignation ; or if a workman became dissatisfied and
complained that he did not fare as well as somebody else
who had been advanced, his answer was a prompt dis-
charge. Such men were afraid of him, and would
employ some fellow-workman, who was in better favor
with Mr. Dummer, to intercede with him for a restora-
tion. Such negotiation was generally successful. He
would leniently say, " Tell him to bring on his chest and
go to work," no allusion being made to former diffi-
culties.
Mr. Dummer was excitable, and of a hasty spirit,
and would sometimes overdo his censures, but he was
placable ; though not, perhaps, making a direct apology,
he would by extra attention endeavor to do away with
the grievance. He could enjo}^ a joke, and perpetrate
one himself. On one occasion of opening a trench for a
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BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN DUMMER. 103
penstock^ the caving of the bank enclosed a workman up
to his middle. Dummer, with a sly wink, says — " Better
not dig him out. It won't pay." He directed a certain
workman to take a heavy chain to the guard-lock —
meaning a place by that name near by. But after a long
absence of that man, no one knowing where he was, he
returned at last hopping mad at being made a " cart-
horse/' but only to be laughed at by Dummer and all
hands, for his folly and blunder in going off a mile or
more, to the guard locks of the great canal, on a tom-
fool's errand, with his heavy burden.
Whatever work was done under Mr. Dummer was
well done, as much of it that remains in the earlier-
built mills, after a half century's constant use, will
abundantly testify. No poor timber was allowed to be
used. It was promptly condemned, to the grief of the
contractors and sometimes to his own grief, as one of his
workmen tells me. A large and valuable stick, upon
which much work had been performed, was condemned
for having an imperfect spot, no bigger or thicker than
a man's hand, which might have been cut out and re-
placed, looking as well and being as strong as ever.
And this was at a loss of twenty-five or thirty dollars to
his own pocket.
I am informed by one of our most respectable citi-
zens that he was one of the many who visited the first
wheel put into the Merrimack Mills. It was an immense
and beautiful structure, in all parts smoothed and finished
like cabinet work.
Mr. Dummer was authority in his line of business.
" Nobody could tell him anything," says one of his work-
men. There were only two men to whom he would
defer. They were Paul Moody and Patrick T. Jackson.
He would receive any suggestion from them, or waive
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104 OLD KESIDENTS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
any opinion of his own in deference to them. Once on
showing to Mr. Jackson some contrivance of his, and Mr.
Jackson expressing some doubt of its feasibility, Mr.
Dummer promptly smashed it to pieces. But had any-
body else doubted its success, he would have received it
with contempt.
Mr. Moody had favored him and confided in him,
and Mr. Dummer was ever grateful and loyal in return.
Once a wheel of given dimensions w^as prepared for a pit,
but on trial the pit was found too narrow by three or
four inches. Mr. Dummer says — " That pit must be
widened." " But you must consider what immense labor
and expense it involves, to hew off that amount of
stone." "It can be done," says Dummer.
Mr. Boott once came to him with a project. Says
Mr. Dummer — "That w^on't work." "But why will it
not work ?" " I tell you it won't work." Suffice it to
say, it w^as not insisted upon. Mr. Dummer could not
bear to be teased by any suggestions or interference, or
oversight of the dignitaries in authority. On another
occasion Mr. Boott visited his works with a company of
his friends, to gratify their curiosity. Mr. Dummer says
to his workmen, " Take your tools and come with me."
His work was so necessary to the authorities that they
yielded to his arbitrary decisions.
Mr. Dummer was physically only of medium stature,
but of great strength for one of his size ; and never
hesitated in emergencies to " lend a hand." Says one
who was a young man at that time, that he and Mr.
Dummer made one of three pairs of men to carry a heavy
piece of shafting, tliej^ on the lead. He knew Dummer's
strength and quickness, and was on the lookout to be
quick enough to throw^ the heavier burden upon his
mate; and they w^ere quick enough to throw the heavier
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BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN DUMHER. 105
burden in the rear, where the men, with bent backs,
unable to straighten, were admonished by Mr. Duramer
to " Hold it higher ; hold it breast-high, and you will
carry it easier." Dummer enjoyed his advantage ; he
liked to show off his strength.
It is thought that the weakness in his back, with
which he was troubled in after life, was the result of his
over-exertions in lifting and otherwise straining.
Mr. Dummer was an accurate man. When he saw
a man marking off his lengths with a coarse pencil, he
would say : " That's no way to measure ;" and then put
the point of his pen-knife at the end of the rule, and hold
it there to govern the next length. He would examine
the tools of a new hand ; and if they were not in good
condition, to put them in such condition was the first
business. If the saw was dull, he would say — " Take it
to that man there. Tell him I sent you !''
If he should make a mistake, which was of rare
occurrence, no one was ever the wiser for it. He did
not reveal his plans in advance. He would assign a man
a limited amount of work, with specific instructions, and
would not have him apply for a repetition of them. An
application for such would most likely meet with a dis-
charge and "blowing up." He did not exhibit extensive
plans and drawings to his workmen. He generally kept
them in his own head. It was thought by some that he
witheld them to guard against instructing and raising up
a rival in his business.
A foot-rule served him on all occasions. With it he
would not only take his measurements, but would use it
in drawing his illustrations in the sand or snow; and
with these simple measurements he would make his
minute and accurate calculations while walking the street,
or in the retirement of his chamber. His mind was
N
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106 OLD residents' histokical association.
crowded with his business ; he must have his plans ready
for each of his numerous workmen as he visited them in
his daily rounds. Each man was expected to be at hi&
bench, even if the work assigned him had been completed
for hours, or even days before, as was sometimes the
case when a long job had been on hand. Such were the
times for sharpening the tools. No deduction in wages
was ever made for such lost time. " But and if an evil
servant shall say in his heart, My Lord delayeth his com-
ing," and should leave his post, ^^ the Lord of that
servant shall come in an hour that he is not aware of,
and appoint his portion with '* — outsiders.
Mr. Dumraer was considered odd; but his oddity
was that of genius. His mind was so engrossed by his
business he had no time for the common trifles and
courtesies of social life. He was sufficiently independent
to repel by silence any encroachments upon his time
when they would interrupt his study. But he had his
times of relaxation, when he could enjoy intercourse with
a friend. I have been to his house and received from
him only a cold recognition ; and I have found him at
other times affable and ready to converse. I was de-
tained by hhn one evening till the small hours, convers-
ing upon the sublime science of astronomy. He dis-
played much thought, and was inclined to draw me
out.
Mr. Dummer was an honest man — ^' true and just in-
all his dealings." No man could justly say that he dealt
unfairly by him.
Mr. Dummer was one of Lowell's most able me-
chanics. Few people now know to what degree the
Lowell manufacturing corporations are indebted to John:
Dummer for their distinguished success.
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BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN DUMMER. 107
The mechanics of LowelK have a noble institution.
Its halls are graced with the portraits of their prominent
patrons atid capitalists. But where are the faces of the
prominent mechanics ? It would seem that they were
entitled to the place of honor. The face of John Dum-
mer was never photographed. His body lies mingling its
dust with the earth of the Lowell Cemetery, undistin-
guished by the simplest headstone ! It was at the ex-
pense of much time and labor that his grave could be
identified, that the body of his honored wife might be
laid by his side. The lot having two fronts, inasmuch as
the lote on each side fronted in opposite ways, it was not
known which corner his body occupied. Recently, on
the constructive Fourth of July, under the meridian sun,
the bells ringing and the cannon booming, as we may
imagine in honor of the reunion of the bodies of that
honored couple, as well as the reunion of their sympa-
thetic souls, I was one of only three unofficial witnesses
of her burial ; and that was more than witnessed the
burial of the husband, some fifteen years ago, at the
mature age of over seventy-three years and nine months.
It is sad that one whose usefulness was so great should
be buried in such obscurity, and his memory so soon pasQ
to oblivion.
Can the mechanics of Lowell, who were so honored
by him, and the corporations of Lowell, who were so
benefited by his genius, do less than raise a mausoleum
to his memory ?
The children of John Dummer, late of Lowell, were
Marinda, John, Mehitabel and Edward. The three
elder died before adult age, victims of wasting con^
sumption.
Edward is a worthy descendant of a noble family,
born in Lowell, February 20, 1842, a graduate of Yale
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108 OLD RESIDKNTS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
College, in 1865. He was married March 28, 1879, to
Sarah M. Barrows, daughter of Prof. E. P. Barrows, of
Oberlin College. He is a gentleman and scholar, a me-
chanic, inheriting in a good degree the genius, without
the other peculiarities, of his father. He is the origina-
tor of several useful patents of his own, and a solicitor of
patents for other parties. At the age of thirty-eight
years he is the happy father of a male descendant of this
long line of worthy ancestors, extending back, as I have
delineated, from this infant too yoimg to receive a name,
through Edward, John, John, Samuel, Nathaniel, Richard,
Richard, to John senior, born over three hundred years
ago.
The coat of arms of the family, by usage, was Argent,
three fleurs-de-lis ; Or, on a chief of the second, a demi-
lion ; Crest, a demi-lion, holding in dexter paw a fleur-
de-lis.
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CONTRIBUTIONS
THE OLD RESIDENTS
Si^tof id^ S^^od^tioi\,
LOWELL, MASS.
ORGANIZED DECEMBER 21, 1868.
^ol. II. ISTo. 2.
PUBLISHED BY THE ASSOCIATION,
January, 1882.
LOWELL, MASS.:
8T0NS> BaCHBLLBB & LiTINGSTON, PBINTESS, NO. 18 JaCKSOK STREET,
1882.
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\
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OFFICERS.
JOHN O. GREEN, Pbesident.
JEFFERSON BANCROFT, Vice-Pbesident.
ALFRED OILMAN, Sec't and Tbeas.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
WARD ONE.
J. W. Smith,
Chables Hovey.
WARD TWO.
JosHiTA Meebill, Amos B. Feench.
ward three.
Hapgood Weight, Alfeed Gilman.
ward four.
Edwabd F. Watson, Benjamin Walkee.
ward five.
J. G. Peabody, Chairman, Chables Mobbill.
WARD SIX.
Wn^i^iAM Kittbedgb, Edwabd B, Howe, Secretary.
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CONTENTS.
VIII. Sketch of the Life of John Amory Lowell .... 109
IX. George Thompson in Lowell, by Z. E. Stone .... 112
X. Insurance in Lowell, by J. K. Fellows 183
XI. Early Trade and Traders of Lowell, by Charles Hovey . 152
XII. Foreign Colonies of Lowell, by Charles Cowley . . . 165
XIII. Glass-Making in the Merrimack Basin, by Ephraim Brown, 180
XIV. The MeMn Suits, by Hon. John P. Robinson .... 201
XV. The Merrimack River, its Sources, Affluents, etc., by Alfred
Gilman 206
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VIII. Sketch of the Life of John Amory Lowell.
BORN. NOVEMBER II. 1798; DIED, OCTOBER 31, 1881.
John Amory Lowell was the son of John Lowell, a
trusted leader of the Federal party, and grandson of
Judge Lowell, of the United States Circuit Court, the
nephew and son-in-law of Francis C. Lowell, for whom
the City of Lowell was named, and brother-in-law of the
founder of the .Lowell Institute. His maternal grand-
father was John Amory, one of the most successful
merchants of the last century.
Graduated from Harvard College at the age of six-
teen, Mr. Lowell's business education was begun in the
house of Kirk Boott & Sons, to whose business he suc-
ceeded in partnership with the eldest son, Mr. John
Wright Boott.
In 1827, he became the Treasurer of the Boston
Company, at Waltham, immediately following Mr. Patrick
T. Jackson. He held this office until 1844.
During the management of Mr. Kirk Boott, as
Agent and Treasurer of the Merrimack Company, Mr.
Lowell made most of the purcliases of materials in
Boston, and was at the same time active in the admin-
istration of the Locks and Canals.
In 1835, he built the Boott Mills, of which he was
the Treasurer for thirteen years, and as President and
Director until the hour of his death, contributed largely
to its success.
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110 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
In 1839, he built the Massachusetts Mills, of which
he was also Treasurer until 1848, and with which he
remained connected as Director through life.
He was also a Director of the Lake Company from
the start, as well as of the Lowell Machine Shop, the
Merrimack and many other of the most prominent
companies of this city.
Mr. Appleton, in his History of the Origin of
Lowell, says of him : " There is no man whose bene-
ficial influence in establishing salutary regulations in
relation to this manufacture, was exceeded by that of
Mr. John Amory Lowell."
Mr. Lowell was associated with Mr. Abbott Law-
rence and other gentlemen, in the creation of the City
of Lawrence, the Essex Company, and especially of the
Pacific Mills, of which he continued to be a Director
until the weight of years warned him to relinquish some
portion of his vast responsibilities.
Mr. Lowell's services to the manufacturing interests
of our community can hardly be overstated. Beginning
his career as an associate of men who have left their
impress upon American manuf«ictures, and whose far-
reaching sagacity and large-heartedness have made of
Lowell the model manufacturing city of this country,
Mr. Lowell was fully their peer in ability, but not in
age, and he brought their traditions down to the present
generation in the steady maintenance of the policy
they inaugurated, and that generous treatment of the
operatives which often considered their interests in
running the mills at times when it could only be done
at serious risk to that of the owners.
Mr. Lowell was for fifty-nine years a Director of
the Suffolk Bank of Boston, and originated in 1824 the
system for the redemption of country bank bills, which
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SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF JOHN AMORY LOWELL. Ill
gave to Massachusetts an almost faiiltless currency.
He was also largely connected with the .literary and
educational progress of the community as one of the
Fellows of Harvard College for forty years, and the
sole Trustee of the Lowfell Institute for even a longer
period.
Mr. Lowell was distinguished as an accomplished
classical scholar, an eminent mathematician, an able
botanist and rare linguist. His character was marked
by fearlessness, sound judgment, and a strong sense of
justice. Ever ready to give to any cause which
appealed to his generosity, he never paraded his gifts,
but with characteristic modesty rarely suffered his left
hand to know what his right hand was doing. He
delighted in aiding younger men, and many, now pros-
perous, look back with gratitude to a time when his
counsel and assistance marked the turning-point of
their lives.
Such a union of business capacity, literary and
scientific attainments, unsullied integrity, and unostenta-
tious generosity, formed a rare combination, and enabled
him, in a long life- of untiring industry, to do much for
the advancement of his generation, and to add lustre
to the honored name he bore.
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irge Thompson, the English Philanthro-
t, in Lowell, by Z, E. Stone, Read August
1874; Revised December, 1881.
future historian of Lowell, when writing of the
to-day, will hardly realize the difficulties of
[) at the present time attempt to collect the
loment that transpired forty or fifty years ago.
ind in that "map of busy life" — the news-
uch more than he can make available. The
^er in the public prints of forty odd years ago
;re in amount and barren in detail. The
papers were partisan in the extreme and re-
ly the proceedings of their respective parties ;
ticed the public meetings of their opponents
Lially, to misrepresent them. Now it seems to
ssion of the press to bruit abroad about every-
ispiring in city or country. Political conven-
1 parties are fairly reported in the daily papers,
3tails of primary meetings are not unfrequently
ile three or four columns are filled with the
ns of an important political gathering. If
irges his woodshed the local reporter obtains the
gives an anxious public the dimensions and
e '^improvement." If Mr. B goes to the sea-
e mountains to spend a week, his friends and
ars are made aware of the fact through the
rs. If Mrs. C presents Mr. C with additional
ihat New England women are not degenerating,
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GBORGE THOMPSON IK LOWELL. 113
the fact is often considered worthy of mention in a
facetious paragraph. The recollections of " the oldest in-
habitant/' and the success of the enterprising farmer
who gets into market the earliest vegetables, are
equally worthy of record. In short, much space in
every newspaper of to-day is given up to details of
matters and things which neighborhood gossips of former
years would have regarded as too unimportant for their
entertainment even. Who better than the editor and
reporter know this to be true ? But this state of things
would not exist did it not find public approval. So, the
fact established, we repeat, the future historian will find
his task an easy one, compared with that of ours, in
searching for details of even grave occurrences in the
early history of Lowell.
We are led to those prefatory remarks in conse-
quence of a somewhat persistent inquiry for factg con-
cerning a disturbance in Lowell, in 1834, growing out
of the second visit of George Thompson, then well
known as a distinguished English philanthropist. There
is not, probably, in our city a single newspaper paragraph
from which one can learn the slightest fact concerning
that event ; but we have good reasons for believing it
was the first riotous demonstration in New England grow-
ing out of the discussion of African slavery in the
Southern States, and therefore is of historical importance.
On the 4th of July previous, in Boston, a women's anti-
slavery prayer-meeting had been disturbed and dispersed,
but no violence was offered those engaged in it, and it
was not regarded as a very serious affair.
The small party of Abolitionists about this time
began in earnest their aggressive and proselyting work.
After the outbreak here, and in consequence of their
public meetings, in which slavery and slave-holding
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114 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
were denounced with a fervor and force that showed
their sincerity and earnestness, others soon followed.
In Haverhill and Worcester, this State, there were
similar riots, from the same cause, not long afterward.
In Concord, N. H., also about the same time, occurred
an "Abolition riot," although the Abolitionists them-
selves made no disturbance ; and in Boston, the follow-
ing year, Mr. William Lloyd Garrison was seized by an
enraged mob of men who put a halter around his body
and dragged him through the streets with the avowed
purpose of hanging him to a lamp-post, but he was rescued
by the Mayor of the city, who eventually succeeded,
after many hair-breadth escapes, in getting him into the
common jail, for safe-keeping. In the West, at Alton,
111., about a year later. Rev. Elijah P. Lovejoy, a candid,
Christian gentleman, was murdered by a mob, for advo-
cating, anti-slavery sentiments. But all these and others
occurred after the affair we are about to relate ; and
while Lowell has the undisputed honor of being
the first to despatch troops for Washington, on the
breaking out of the rebellion (a legitimate offspring
of slavery), and of originating the first sanitary
fair in behalf of the Union soldiers, she, also, we fear,
should bear the disgrace of being the scene of the first
attempt in New England to suppress free discussion,
when the anti-slavery party had obtained a foothold.
But there is no local record of the exciting events grow-
ing out of the anti-slavery meetings here. The Aboli-
tionists had no newspaper organ ; in fact there was but
one or two anti-slavery papers at that time in the
country. Mr. Garrison's was not established in Boston
until 1830, and for years it had but a limited circulation.
An independent paper, called "The Times," was com-
menced in this city in 1833, by H. Hastings Weld, but
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GEORGE THOMPSON IN LOWELL. 115
it is very doubtful if it espoused in the least degree the
anti-slavery cause. There is no file of it in existence,
SO far as is known. The Democrat and Whig prints
confined their reports and comments to a condemnation
of the proceedings of " a handful of fanatics."
In order to a proper understanding of the political
situation at that time, it should be borne in mind that
both the Democratic and Whig parties of the North were
pro-slavery in their sentiments; both toadied to the
South, and the general government was virtually in the
hands of the Southern politicians, to whom the North-
erners yielded with such constant pliancy as to earn the
derisive appellation of " dough-faces " from the Aboli-
tionists. At the North there seems to have been a feeling
of distrust in the two parties, each aspiring to outdo the
other in its loyalty and respect for the rights of their
Southern brethren in everything relating to the institu-
tion of slavery. In proof of this it may be cited that the
late Edward Everett, a Whig representative in Congress
(1826) took occasion to define his position, and expressed
his hostility to the propositions of the Abolitionists by
declaring his readiness to shoulder a musket to put down
a slave insurrection, and his conviction with regard to
slavery, that "while it subsists, where it subsists, its
duties are presupposed and sanctioned by religion," etc.
This was going a little too far ; as Artemus Ward says,
he " slopped over," even in the opinion of Southerners
themselves. A member of the same body, Mr. Cambre-
leng, a native of North Carolina, denounced the senti-
ment, and John Randolph, of Virginia, also of the same
body, said he '^ envied neither the head nor the heart of
that man from the North who rises here to defend slavery
upon principle." It is sufficient here to repeat that at
the North both parties were anxious to show their fidelity
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116 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
to " the Union and Constitution " and to keep themselves
" clean and unspotted from the " diabolical Aboli-
tionists.
Mr. Thompson by his masterly force, eloquence and
wit, had won a conspicuous position among the distin-
guished men of England. He had been a leader in the
struggle for emancipation in the West Indies ; and on
the passage of the Act of Emancipation, was specially
complimented, in the House of Lords, by Lord Broug-
ham, who said — " I rise to take the crown of this most
glorious victory from every other head and place it upon
George Thompson." Mr. Garrison first met him in
London, and after hearing him speak, on a public occa-
sion, was constrained to invite him to visit America,
feeling sure that he — an admirer of republican institu-
tions, a Christian gentleman and philanthropist — would,
by his wonderful ability and eloquence, by moral force
hasten the emancipation of the blacks in this country.
The result, however, was quite the reverse of what he
anticipated, as the sequel shows. Mr. Thompson's
fervid eloquence and unanswerable arguments instead of
convincing and converting, seemed rather to intensify
the sentiments and cement together the opposition ; and
from the first he was regarded as an interloper and
meddler, and the coming of an Englishman to interfere
in the domestic affairs of our country, was an offence
which prompted immediate and indignant resistance.
October 4, 1834, Mr. Thompson, who had been in
this country but a few weeks, spoke in Lowell for the
first time. Rev. William Twining, the pastor of what
was later known as the Appleton Street Church ; Rev.
Giles Pease, the pastor of a society worshipping in the
Town Hall, and Rev. Asa Rand, then not in the ministry
but proprietor of a bookstore on Merrimack Street, took
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GEORGB THOMPSON IN LOWELL. 117
seats on that occasion upon the platform. The lecture
was delivered in the Town Hall, by consent of the Select-
men^ and about one thousand persons were present.
Mr. Thompson was listened to throughout with the most
profound attention and every appearance of interest.
At the close of his lecture Rev. Mr. Pease read a
hymn appropriate to the occasion, and singing ended
the meeting. There was no disturbance of any kind,
at this meeting, and Mr. Thompson the next day went
to new fields of labor.
But during the months of November and December,
of the same year, there was much excitement in Lowell,
growing out of Mr. Thompson's second visit. It may
not be amiss to say that Andrew Jackson was President
of the United States, John Davis Governor of Massa-
chusetts, and the Selectmen of the town of Lowell were
Benjamin Walker, William Livingston, James Russell,
Jbhn Chase, and William N. Owen. The population of
the town was at that time about 16,000, and increasing
rapidly. The Boott, Massachusetts and Prescott Corpor-
ations did not then exist. '^The Merrimack Steam
Navigation Company" had an existence, and Joseph
Bradley was its president ; and the steamer " Herald,"
owned by said company and commanded by Capt. Lewis,
made daily trips on the Merrimack River, between
Lowell and Nashua. The Boston and Lowell Railroad
had not at that time been constructed.
Mr. Thompson came to Lowell on Saturday evening,
November 30th,_ by invitation of a board of managers in
the anti-slavery interest, and was to lecture on Sunday,
Monday and Tuesday evenings following. The Town
Hall (in our present City Hall building) had been en-
-gaged of the Selectmen.
On Sunday evening Mr. Thompson delivered his
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118 OLD RESI1>ENT8' HISTOBXCAL ASSOCIATION.
first lecture of this series. His audience was quite large,
made up of both sexes. His subject was "Slavery
and the Bible," in which he undertook to show that
slavery was not justified by the teachings of the Bible.
The large audience listened with delight to the speaker,
till a somewhat late hour. There may have been some
signs of dissent to certain utterances of the speaker ; but
there was no noisy demonstration inside or outside of the
hall ; with one exception, nothing disorderly occurred.
At one point of the speaker's remarks, quite a heavy
stone, hurled with considerable force, came against one
of the windows, but striking the sash, fell back on to the
sidewalk. This startled a good many, but made no
impression on the lecturer. He proceeded with his sub-
ject, as if nothing had happened. The meeting closed
with singing and the announcement of another meeting,
Monday evening.
It was agreed that there should be a meeting for
discussion at 6i o'clock, Monday evening, before the
public meeting at 8; and Mr. Thompson extended a
friendly and conciliatory invitation to all who had objec-
tions to the principles or measures of the Abolitionists
to be present and state them, and to all who had in-
quiries to avail themselves of the opportunity and pro-
pound them. The board of managers also sent special
invitations of the same purport to gentlemen who had
previously been active in opposition to the formation of
an anti-slavery society. But all declined, and there
were no objectors or inquirers at the early meeting. It
was composed entirely of dyed-in-the-wool Abolitionists,
who in discussions with one another fortified themselves
for future battles with their pro-slavery opponents.
When the hour for the lecture arrived, Mr. Thomp-
son found an audience quite as large as that of the
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6E0R0E TflOMPSOK m LOWELt. Il9
evening previous. He spoke two hours, his theme being
" the History of San Domingo." Although the lecturer
was discussing the negro, it was not mir negro, and
therefore what he said was not so objectionable as it
would otherwise have been. Slavery in San Domingo
was a long way off, and was of little interest to people in
Lowell. But the speaker made his theme sufficiently
local to excite the ire of some of his audience ; and
occasional hisses were heard. A small gang of reckless
fellows stood outside the hall door, at the head of the
stairs, and by stamping, loud talk and hisses made a dis-
turbance for half an hour or more, but ofl&cers being
sent for, they ceased their annoyance. Later in the
evening, however, three missiles were hurled at the build-
ing, behind the speaker. One of them — a large brick-
bat— came through the window with a startling crash,
passed near Mr. Thompson's head and fell upon the
floor, near where sat Mr. Samuel B. Simonds, a member
of this Association. It must have been thrown with great
force, to pass into the second story of the building and
nearly to the centre of the hall. A very slight change
in its course would have brought it in contact with Mr.
Thompson's head ; but his speech was not to be stopped
by arguments of that kind. The brickbat was picked up
and laid upon the speaker's desk, and he, not at all
daunted or disconcerted, went on as if nothing had
happened. The meeting closed without disturbance, the
third and last meeting of the series being announced for
the next evening.
Tuesday the people of Lowell were feverish and
excited. Mr. Thompson's remarkable speeches had exas-
perated a great many of both the old parties. Lowell, it
was supposed, was largely dependent on the South for its
cotton, and the sale of large quantities of cotton goods
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120 OLD RESIDENTS* HI8T0BICAL ASSOCIATION,
was made in the Southern States. The leading men of
the city, it seems, could not endure the idea that the
South should discover that Lowell was tinctured with
abolitionism, or had tolerated the presence of George
Thompson, an Englishman. On the morning previous
to the third lecture, the following placard was found
posted up arotmd town :
" Citizens of Lowell, arise ! Look well to your
interests ! Will you suffer a question to be discussed in
Lowell which will endanger the safety of the Union ? — a
question which we have not, by our constitution, any
right to meddle with. Fellow-citizens, shall Lowell be
the first place to suffer an Englishman to disturb the
peace and harmony of our country ? Do you wish in-
struction from an Englishman ? If you are f reeborn
sons of America, meet, one and all, at the Town Hall,
THIS EVENING, at half-past seven o'clock, and con-
vince your Southern brethren that we will not interfere
with their rights."
During the day Mr. Thompson received an anony-
mous letter, which was altogether more expressive than
elegant. It was as follows :
" Rev. Dr. Thompson — Dear Sir : I as a frend. beg
leave to inform you that there is a plot in agitation to
immerce you in a vat of Indelable Ink and I recommend
to you to take your departure from this part of the
contry as soon as possable or it wil be shurely carried
into opperration and that to before you see the light of
another son. Very respecfuUy yours a citizen of theas
United States of America."
It is a literal fact, we take occasion to remark here,
that Mr. Thompson did see " the light of another son " ;
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OEOftOE THOMPSOK IN tiOWELt* 121
for a few days later, December 6th, a son was born to
him, his wife at the time being in Roxbury, Mass. This
son, named Herbert Thompson, died in London in Feb-
ruary or March, 1867. He was a zealous friend of the
North, during the rebellion, and made several speeches
in favor of the Union and emancipation. He inherited
much of his father's brilliancy as an orator.
The posters, the threatening letter, and other things
conspired to arouse hundreds of people. The talk was
excited and angry. The sagacious among the Abolition-
ists seriously apprehended a greater disturbance than
had yet taken place ; but they did not propose to give
up their meeting; none of their rights were to be
abridged, be the consequences what they might. They
did not propose to get up a row ; they did not propose
to violate any law, or trespass on the rights of any one ;
but they did propose to testify to their abhorrence of
slavery, come what might.
Early in the afternoon the board of managers met
and by agreement resolved to claim the protection of the
Selectmen, and to proceed with the meeting. The
Selectmen — th« air being full pf threatening rumors —
had been on the alert, endeavoring as far as possible to
avert a collision between the two parties.
The hour of meeting arrived. The managers and
Mr. Thompson met the Selectmen in the ante-room,
which adjoined the hall.. There were unmistakable signs
of trouble. In the hall had gathered quite a large
audience, and it was plainly to be seen that it was
composed of a different element from that heretofore
observable in the meetings. Near the door was a threat-
ening, noisy squad of men, though the largest portion of
the audience was composed of orderly people, and a
respectable number of ladies was also present. Outside,
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122 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL AfiSOCL^TlOK,
on the sidewalk on Merrimack Street, a crowd began
to gather about the hour assigned for the opening
of the meeting. The Selectmen were not a little anxious
as to the result, but they were still determined to render
Mr. Thompson's friends all possible aid, and do their
utmost to prevent a breach of the peace.
The hall, it will be remembered, stood alone, as
now, but the buildings nearest it were only cottages, or
" ten-footers," and it was approachable from all sides.
There were no shutters or blinds attached to the win-
dows, with the exception of the one opening upon Shat-
tuck Street, directly back of the speaker's stand, where
a temporary barrier had been erected, which would afford
partial protection against missiles hurled from that direc-
tion. The janitor of the hall was Mr. Daniel 6. Greenleaf,
a member of this Association, who remembers distinctly
the turmoil and disorder and the danger of personal
injury which at one time threatened those present.
The night was exceedingly dark, drizzly and disagree-
able. But the stirring appeal which we have quoted had
the effect to bring to the vicinity of the hall probably
one-quarter of the male population of the place. Some
were bent on breaking up the " abolition meeting " ;
some were there "to see the fun" ; others to witness the
disturbance, if one occurred. The lights in the street at
that time were few and far between, and one could
throw a missile at the building and not be recognized by
those standing within a few feet of him. People were
on all sides of the hall, but the largest number gathered
on Merrimack Street, at the junction of Shattuck. About
the hour announced for commencing the lecture, the
crowd outside was particularly noisy and demonstrative.
Brickbats and stones were thrown against the end window^
some entering but doing no harm, while the barrier
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0EORGE THOMPSON IK LOWELL. 123
across the window back of the rostrum received a shower
of small stones and was cracked and scarred in a manner
indicating the earnestness of the arms which sent them
flying. Hootings, howlings, hisses ! — derisive cries, cat-
calls and every infernal noise that an earnest, mis-
chievous, reckless mob is capable of making— came up
from that black, animated mass. The condition of things
was enough to chill the blood of the well-disposed people
within the hall. Every moment added to the confusion
and the danger. It hardly seemed possible that any-
thing would appease those disturbers of the peace. Mr.
Thompson and his friends were saluted with all manner
of disrespectful names, and personal violence was pre-
pared for " the damned Englishman who had come over
here to interfere in our matters." The coolest of the
number were convinced of the imprudence of his attempt-
ing to go on, with hundreds in the hall opposed to him
and the streets filled with reckless, determined men —
there for the avowed purpose of breaking up the meet-
ing, at all hazards.
What was to be done ? What could be done, in
view of the danger ? The Selectmen were powerless to
►save the assembly from the violence of the mob. As
yet no one had been harmed ; but nobody knew what
mad freak would next seize the ungovernable throng or
what would be the consequences if violence was once
begun. Finally the board of managers, after several
conferences with the Selectmen, decided that as an act
of discretion (without sacrificing principles) they would
adjourn the meeting to 2 o'clock the next afternoon, at
the same place. An adjournment was therefore effected ;
and the audience began to leave, those opposed to the
meeting making no demonstration which threatened
personal injury.
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124 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
We have been told that so bitter was the feeling
against Mr. Thompson that it was not considered safe for
him to make himself known on the street. A few ladies
pressed closely about him ; and through the dimly-lighted
passage-way he passed into the street, and soon after
was safe at the house of Rev. Mr. Twining. Mr. Thomp-
son was no coward ; but it would have been worse than
folly had he exposed himself to the mad men who be-
sieged the hall, and again "discretion was the better
part of valor." However, he was not content at what
he had seen and heard from his stand-point in the meet-
ing. Half an hour later, disguised in a camlet clodk
(such as was somewhat in fashion in those days), with a
white hat well drawn down over his face, he went back
to the vicinity of the hall to see what was going on, and
get an idea of the temper of the community.
In order to confirm some parts of the preceding
narrative, we wrote to Rev. Mr. Twining, now residing
at St. Louis, Mo., for his version of Mr. Thompson's re-
ception. In response to our letter we received from him
the following very satisfactory communication. We infer,
however, that the aged writer has somewhat confounded
the proceedings at two meetings, making them appeart
as transpiring at one. On the evening rof the greatest
excitement and most danger, Mr. Thompson did not
lecture in the hall; the meeting was adjourned till the
next afternoon, as our version of the affair shows. Mr.
Twining's letter is as follows :
"It being reported that a number of persons had
banded together to occupy the front seats in the hall to
disturb the meeting and molest Mr. Thompson, a con-
siderable number of women agreed together to go to the
meeting early, and to occupy those seats in advance of
the rioters, and in case of any attempt at personal
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GEORGE THOMPSON IN LOWEIX. 125
violence to form an unbroken circle around him for his
defence. At the hour appointed the women were in
these seats, and the disturbers of the meeting were com-
pelled to sit in the back part of the hall, and to stand in
the aisles and along the stairway. The house was
densely packed with friends and foes, the former having
taken good care to occupy the front. At the proper
time Mr. Thompson took his stand upon the platform,
and began the delivery of a lecture on ^ the History and
Results of West India Emancipation.' His gentlemanly
bearing and his evident command of the whole subject
made a favorable impression upon his audience.
" At one point of his lecture an attempt was made to
disturb him by groans, if I recollect rightly. Mr. Thomp-
son made some pertinent remark respecting it which I
do not now recall. This being followed with hisses he
replied: ^Ladies and gentlemen, I am now more confused
than before whether to interpret it as the sign of the
malignity of the serpent or the simplicity of the goose.'
" At another point of the lecture a brickbat was
thrown through the window at the back of the platform
from the street, which, passing near the head of Mr.
Thompson, fell upon the floor in front of him. At first
some confusion was produced by this incident, but a
simple waving of the hand by Mr. Thompson quieting
the assembly, they resumed their seats and the lecturer
proceeded. At the close of the meeting, the rioters
having taken possession of the aisle and the stairway,
my wife and another lady (whose name is not recol-
lected) came promptly forward and taking him by the
arm, one on the right and the other on the left, con-
ducted him through the crowd down the aisle and the
stairway, engaging him meanwhile in conversation, ap-
parently unconscious of the tempestuous condition of the
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126 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
element around them. Awed by the presence of Mr.
Thompson and the fortitude of the women, the crowd
opened at the right and the left and we passed out, down
the stairway, into the street which was thronged with
excited people, and thence through Merrimack and
Central Streets to my residence, on Appleton Street.
After a few moments' conversation on the events of the
evening, Mr. Thompson, rising from his chair, said — ' I
must go out among my friends in the streets, to hear
what they say of me.' I placed upon his head a large
white hat and threw over his shoulders a Scotch plaid
cloak. Thus habited he went in disguise into the streets,
and passed around among the excited throng unrecognized
and unobserved. On his return he gave us an entertain-
ing account of what he had seen and heard, and his
personal conversations with many of those with whom
he mingled. The particulars of these conversations I do
not recollect and cannot relate. It being now late at
night he arose to leave for his lodgings. We urged him
to remain with us over night. At first, he declined the
invitation, saying that he would not for any consideration
expose us to danger on his account. We, however,
strongly insisting upon his staying with us, he finally
consented to do sq ; ^ and the night passed away quietly.
" There were in the city two young lawyers of note
in their profession, and educated gentlemen, one of
whom had been active in stirring up the people. The
other, though not active in the same manner, was known
to be violently opposed to the anti-slavery movement.
These two gentlemen I invited to dine with Mr. Thomp-
son at my house the next day. They accepted the
invitation and came. My wife, always equal to an
emergency, had * killed the fatted calf,' and prepared to
receive her guests with elegant though not sumptuous
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GEORGE THOMPSON TS LOWELL. 127
hospitality and to make everything pleasant for them.
At the appointed hour they arrived and were introduced
to Mr. Thompson, with whom they entered into free and
easy conversation. During the whole of this interview
not an unpleasant word was spoken, and the whole con-
versation was worthy of gentlemen of the highest rank^
and in due time the lawyers took their leave of us with
the most agreeable impressions respecting Mr. Thompson.
"Meanwhile among the people the storm was
gathering, and it was evident that scenes of violence
were likely to be enacted in the evening. The Select-
men, therefore, having no police at their command, sent
a polite communication to those who had engaged the
hall for the evening, stating that they had no means of
protecting the building, and requesting them, as damage
was likely to be done to it, to change the hour of the
lecture from the evening to the afternoon. This propo-
sition was accepted, and the lecture that was to have
been delivered in the evening came off about three
o'clock in the afternoon. I have a faint recollection that
in the evening the enemies of the movement took posses-
sion of the Town Hall, but I have no remembrance of
their proceedings or that any importance was attached
to them.
" There were many other incidents connected with
the visit of Mr. Thompson at Lowell which I cannot
relate. Time has pushed them into the dim distance,
and my recollection of them is so imperfect that I cannot
be confident of the verity of any statement that I might
make respecting them."
Precisely when Mr. Thompson made his tour of
inspection in the disguise described, we are unable to
determine ; for it is evident that on quitting the hall he
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128 OLD RESIDEKTS* HIStflRICAL IBbOCTATIOK.
— : "T^T ;^.^ .
aad his ;fiiends gatheredAdl^** Twining's church, and
that there^l^e lecture was3elivered, undoubtedly with
such emendations and embellishments as the occurrences
of the day and evening , suggested ; indeed, this is the
recollection of some'ofj-lStof old residents, and a local
newspaper of a few days' later daite, confirms the fact.
In noticing Mr. Thompson's lecture the paper referred
to says : ^^ It is to be regretted ,that some violence was
offered to him at one of his lectures ; and at the next
the feeling was so strong against them [the Abolitionists]
that, apprehending violence too powerful to be put down,
they adjourned from the Town Hall to one of the
churches, where Thompson played his antics," &c. Rev.
Eliphalet Case, then conducting a paper in the town, is
represented as saying in an editorial respecting the meet,
ing, referring to the brick that was thrown through the
y^rindow — "It was a weighty, but not a convincing
argument.''
Immediately after the withdrawal of Mr. Thompson
and his friends, the hall was filled from the throng that
had collected outside. "A meeting," says a partial
chronicler of the event, " of the friends of order was
called upon the spot, and resolutions were unanimously
passed, condemning the interfering of the North on the
subject of Slavery and the formation of societies on the
principles of the Abolitionists j and recommending the
town authorities to withhold the use of the Town Hall
for anti-slavery lectures." Respecting this meeting we
have nothing to add to the above. There is no record
of it anywhere. It is more than forty years since the
noisy demonstration we have depicted took place, within
a few rods of this spot. Men's memories are reliable in
but few things after the lapse of so many years. No
one has been able to name even a single individual who
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OEORGE THOMPSON m LOWELL. 129
took part in that noisy demonstration against Mr. Thomp-
son and his friends. Perhaps it is best so ; nothing there
transpired to which those of to-day can look back upon
with the slightest feeling of satisfaction ; and it may be
well in this case to " let the dead past bury its dead."
Many men who were not Abolitionists condemned the
acts which broke up the meeting, saying — " This is no
question of Abolition, but whether law and order shall
prevail in Lowell, or whether mobs shall rule." Despite
the vigorous efforts made at the time and the summer
following to show that there was no anti-slavery senti-
ment in Lowell, it is apparent that one was steadily
increasing. About the time of the transpiring of the
events we have described, a "Female Anti-Slavery
Society " was formed, and obtained a membership of
four hundred.
The brick which was hurled at Mr. Thompson was
carried by him to Boston, and for a long time exhibited
in the rooms of the New England Anti-Slavery Society.
Upon it was placed this inscription: —
" While 6. Thompson, from England, was pleading
the cause of 2,300,000 human and immortal American-
bom beings, held in brutal, unmitigated and soul-
destroying bondage in this land of Republicanism and
Christianity, this deadly missile was hurled with tre-
mendous force at his head by one of the citizens of
Low-hell. In the year of our Saviour Christ, 1834 ; of
American Independence, 58."
Mr. Thompson, being a Londoner, will probably be
forgiven for the use of the letter h in the name of our
city, if he was the author of the legend placed upon the
brick, which, however, is scarcely probable.
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130 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
It will be well to add that Mr. Thompson and his
friends held their meeting the Wednesday afternoon
following the disturbance of Tuesday evening, according
to adjournment. It can easily be imagined that he had
warm coats for the backs of those who interrupted his
speaking the evening before ; but it is doubtful if even
one of the offenders was present to test their fitting
qualities. It was broad daylight — an unfavorable time
for rioters and men of bad passions to be abroad — and he
was not in the least disturbed.
By the fall months of the year following, Mr.
Thompson's speeches had awakened an intense feeling
of opposition throughout New England. In Boston
especially was there great excitement. On one occasion
a meeting had been arranged which he was to address ;
but shortly before the time for him to appear, his friends
discovered that it would be perilous for him to speak in
public, or indeed even to remain in the city. With the
utmost caution he was smuggled away from the city,
and somewhere on the New England coast got on board
an English vessel, and leaving " the land of the free and
the home of the brave,'* he returned to England. The
"respectable mob," as Mr. Garrison afterward sarcastically
termed it, which had failed in finding Mr. Thompson,
vented its rage on its next most important object of
aversion, Mr. Garrison himself, as already related.
More than thirty years elapsed before Mr. Thompson
again visited this country. Then the war which had
been commenced to perpetuate slavery was nearly
ended — those who had resorted to the arbitrament of the
sword had, virtually, perished by the sword, and their
" peculiar institution " had gone down to rise no more.
A month after Mr. Thompson's third and last visit to
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GEORGE THOMPSON IN LOWELL. 131
Lowell, the capital of the Confederate States was
occupied by the Union forces and the leader of the
rebellion was a hunted fugitive.
On the 15th of March, 1865, George Thompson
again walked the streets of Lowell, having come to our
city with his friend William Lloyd Garrison to speak in
behalf of the Lowell Freedmen's Aid Society, an auxiliary
of a society in New Englapd of a similar name. On the
evening of the day designated a meeting was held at
Huntington Hall — within a stone's throw of the spot
where Mr. Thompson once so narrowly escaped being
mobbed — Judge Nathan Crosby, the president of the
Society, presiding. The object was to raise money to be
expended for the benefit of the destitute freedmen in
those parts of the South held by the Union army, which
were increasing every day as the rebel army weakened
and gave up the field. Mr. C. C. Coffin (the " Carleton "
of the Boston Journal), who was present when the Union
forces entered Charleston, S. C, and who eventually sent
North an auction-block from the slave mart in that
city, was one of the speakers. The block referred to
was exhibited on the rostrum. The word " Mart," in
large, gilded letters was on the block; in Chalmers
Street it had been a conspicuous sign, designating one of
the principal slave-dealing establishments in the city.
Mr. Coffin's address related principally to the events
connected with the capture of Charleston.
He was followed by Mr. E. W. Kinsley, a Boston
merchant, specially interested in the New England
Freedmen's Society, who spoke of the importance of
educating the freedmen as a matter of policy and as a
Christian duty.
Mr. Garrison, on coming forward, stepped upon the
auction-block and from it congratulated his audience on
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132 OLD BESroENTS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
" the destruction of the accursed institution of slavery."
He contrasted the sentiment of 1865 with public sentiment
on the slavery question at the time he began the publi-
cation of The Liberator. His remarks were quite
lengthy ; at many points they were earnest and eloquent,
and several times he was interrupted by demonstra-
tions of applause.
Mr. Thompson was the last speaker. The hour was
late ; and many in the audience did not care to remain.
He contrasted his first reception in this country with the
demonstrations which he had witnessed since last coming
among our people. He also congratulated his audience
on the downfall of slavery and the indications of the
restoration of peace and the prospects of a noble future
for our country. He did not speak with the fire and
force of former years, when even those who did not
agree with him in sentiment, listened with admiration to
his marvellous and unanswerable addresses.
How different the treatment extended to him ! In
1834 he was by a vast majority of the people regarded
as an intruder and » meddler in matters he had no right
even to debate, and for his protection in our streets at
night, disguise seemed absolutely necessary. In 1865 he
was greeted with the utmost cordiality and consideration,
and was recognized as a patriotic, Christian gentleman.
True indeed it is that " Time works wonders !"
Note. — Mr. Thompson was the guest, while in
Lowell, March 15, 1865, of Hon. Chauncy L. Knapp.
He died in Leeds, England, October 7, 1878, at the
age of 75 years. Mr. Garrison, the George Thompson
of America, died May 24, 1879.
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X. Insurance in Lowell: Reminiscences con-
nected therewitji, by J. K. Fellows. Read
August 1, 1877.
Insurance or Assurance ? Both terms are commonly
ased, but the former is more frequently applied in this
country to contracts to indemnify against a certain
amount of loss, as the burning of a certain building, the
loss of a certain ship, or the death of a certain person.
The sum paid by the insured is called the premium ; the
deed by which the company becomes bound is called a
policy ; and the contingency insured against is termed
a risk. The principle of insurance is founded upon the
doctrine of probabilities. Experts in life insurance
cannot predict with any certainty that any individual
will die in one year ; yet, if we take a number of per-
sons— say ten thousand — and find that during a period
of ten years so many have died annually, of various ages,
it can be predicted with tolerable certainty that a like
number will die annually in similar circumstances. It is
in this way that insurance on buildings, ships and mer-
chandise is calculated, the moral risk being taken into
consideration also. Thus, if out of 100 risks the company
expects to have two losses, the calculation is that the
100 premiums may cover the two losses, oflfice expenses,
and add a per cent, to the surplus fund, which is
divided among the stockholders unless squandered by the
managers, as seems to have been the case in many
instances, especially among life insurance companies.
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134 OLD residents' histobical association.
Mutual insurance companies have no proprietors,
the insured being likewise the insurers, dividing the
profits among themselves, after deducting the expenses
of management and reserving a guarantee fund. Mutual
insurance was first introduced in England about the
middle of the sixteenth century. The earliest ordinance
respecting insurance was published, it is said, in Florence
in 1503, but the principle of mutual insurance was in
practice much earlier. The first settlers of New England
adopted the mutual plan, which is still continued among
many small settlements, especially in the Western States.
Thus, if a house or a barn is burned, or a man of small
means loses a horse or a cow, his neighbors assess them-
selves and make good the loss — a trait to be commended,
surely.
GENERAL LOCAL SUMMARY.
The early business men of Lowell, to protect them-
selves, organized the Lowell Mutual Fire Insurance
Company in 1832, and its business has been continued
to the present time. It being one of the oldest institu-
tions of our city, some of the earliest records may be of
interest to the Old Residents.
The Lowell Bank was the first business institution of
Lowell, organized in 1829. The Railroad Bank, organ-
ized in 1831, commenced business in the building which
is now called the Apple ton Bank Block, but then called
the Railroad Bank Building ; and the Lowell Mutual Fire
Insurance Company in 1832 opened an office in the same
building. The building, however, was not as it now is,
being then the south end of the present block, and
perhaps a third of the present front, three stories high,
and was owned by the Middlesex Manufacturing Com-
pany. The office was removed to the Mansur Building,
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mSTTKANCE IN LOWELL. 135
comer of Central and Market Streets, where it has
remained for over forty years. Our population at that
time was about ten thousand. The Middlesex Mutual Fire
Insurance Company, of Concord, Mass., was organized in
1826, and the Merrimack, at Andover, began business in
1828 ; and for many years these three companies did
nearly all the insuring in this region. The old residents
will remember seeing the notice over doors — " Insured
at Andover."
The Traders and Mechanics Mutual Insurance Com-
pany, which has a large amount at risk in this city, was
organized in June, 1848. The first board of directors
was as follows : Thomas Hopkinson, Thomas Nesmith,
A. C. Wheelock, Joshua Converse, Edward F. Watson,
J. H. Rand, Peter Powers, Henry Reed, S. G. Mack,
B. H. Weaver, Nathaniel Critchett ; Thomas Hopkinson,
president; James Dinsmoore, secretary. Stock depart-
ment organized in 1854. Capital $100,000. The com-
pany's loss at the great fire in Boston, 1872, was
$230,000, which was paid in full, and the company is
now in good condition.
The Howard Insurance Company was organized
September, 1848. Directors — Oliver M. Whipple,
William Fiske, Joel Adams, Emory Washburn, Joshua
Merrill, David Dana, Stephen Cushing, Elijah M. Read,
Samuel Burbank, Sidney Spalding, A. W. Buttrick,
Thomas Hopkinson, Daniel S. Richardson ; Oliver M.
Whipple, President ; Frederick Parker, Secretary. —
Capital $50,000. The following interesting details con-
cerning this Company have been furnished by an intelli-
gent gentleman long connected with it :
" The prime mover in the forming of the Howard
Company, was the late Frederick Parker, Esq., whose
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136 OLD residents' historical association.
law-office was No. 76 Central Street, easterly side, near
Hurd Street, the site of the Appleton Bank Block. The
Company was formed and held its first meeting sometime
in the winter of 1848. Its capital at time of organization
was $50,000. It was not long after increased to $100,000.
About 1851, an attempt was made for further increase of
capital and |6,100 was taken on the second hundred
thousand, when some heavy fire losses put a stop to
subscriptions and the capital was $l06,100 till about
1862, when it was carried up to $200,000, and never
more.
^^ The late Oliver M. Whipple was the first president
of the Company, and held that office till about 1851 or
'52, when he resigned, and Dr. Nathan Allen became its
president, until 1862. Upon his resignation Joshua
W. Daniels (the former secretary of the Company)
was elected president and treasurer, which office he
retained till October, 1865, at which time he resigned,
and Ephraim Brown was elected president and treasurer,
and conducted the business of the Company till the time
of the great Boston fire, of November 7, 1872.
"Its first secretary and treasurer was Frederick
Parker. He held the office till 1852, or about four
years. Upon his resignation Joshua W. Daniels was
elected to that position and became the president and
treasurer in 1862, which office he resigned in 1865. In
1862, upon the promotion of the secretary, Mr. Daniels,
to the presidency of the Company, Ephraim Brown was
elected secretary. He resigned in 1864, and Henry B.
White was chosen to that office, and resigned in 1867,
and Sewall A. Faunce was elected secretary, and per-
formed the duties of that office to the time of the great
fire, in 1872.
" About 1862 the Company opened a branch office
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INSUKAKCE IN LOWELL. 137
in Boston, and in 1864 that became the principal
office of the Company, when its Lowell office was closed
and the Lowell business of the Company was conducted
by an agency.
" In the few first years of the Company its losses by
fire were severe, and its credit became impaired. Under
Mr. Daniels' management it prospered, and at the time
his successor, Mr. Brown, came to the management, the
capital was $200,000, with some $12,000 surplus and
about $4,000,000 at risk. Nine months after, in July,
1866, occurred the great Portland fire, in which the
Company lost $19,000. The business of the Company
gradually increased, but it paid no dividend in 1866,
there having been divided, in 1865, 20 per cent.; leaving
$12,000 surplus. In 1867 the dividends were 9 per
cent., and from that date to 1872 the dividends were 10
per cent, per annum, until the great fire in Boston,
November 7, 1872, since which time all dividends of
earnings have ceased.
" At the time of that disaster the Company was in a
highly prosperous condition. Its amount at risk was
$10,000,000, its capital $200,000, and its surplus
$150,000; and it was found in winding up its affairs
that its surplus was fully $175,000, equal to seven-
eighths of its capital, and making a total ability of
$375,000, which was all lost in that great disaster. The
winding-up value was $187 per share ; par, $100. In
that fire its losses were $840,000, distributed over eighty
acres of the best insurance property of Boston, averaging
$11,000 only per acre. Showing a very small relative
amount at risk, or only about one-twelfth of the Com-
pany's total amount at risk, on the whole burned district.
Having in that fire lost all its assets, the Company has
ceased all insurance business, and its office is closed."
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138 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
Insurance now is a large business. The agents of
the various companies represented in Lowell are sending
away in premiums annually from ^150,000 to $200,000,
while the money returned to Lowell to pay losses has
not been large, especially since water, fire-alarm and the
efficiently manned steam fire-engines have been intro-
duced, with an able Chief. For the last five years the
average loss has been a little over $50,000 per annum.
The losses of the early companies were quite heavy,
years ago, the outside business being done by agents
having other business, who gave but little attention to
the business or class of risks taken, looking more for
their commission than the companies' interest; conse-
quently assessments were often made which were at
times large, the receipts being barely sufficient to pay
the office expenses. There were no premiums paid for
several years after commencing business. One dollar
was charged for the policy, a deposit note being relied
on for assessment. The losses of the Lowell Mutual
Company have never been large in this city; but at
Cambridge, Charlestown, and other large towns, twenty-
five or thirty years ago, the losses were quite heavy, and
of course assessments followed. Agents were dispensed
with, and the business done wholly at the home office,
under the supervision of the directors. In place of
assessments, the policy-holders have received in return
premiums about $20,000, and the Company has a large
guarantee fund in reserve for the amount at risk, which
belongs to the policy-holders.
Our incorporated manufacturing companies are, also,
collectively a mutual fire insurance company, insuring
themselves — assessments being made as losses occur, in
proportion to the amount at risk ; and the cost to them
of insurance against fire for the last twenty-five years
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IKSUBANCE IN LOWELL. 139
has been less than one-tenth of one per cent, per
annum.
OFFICERS.
Following is a list of well-known former and present
citizens who have been officially connected with this
institution :
The first directors were chosen April 6, 1882, as follows : Kirk
Boott, Luther Lawrence, Elisha Glidden, Aaron Mansur, Nathaniel
Wright, John C. Dalton, Seth Ames, Benjamin Walker, Matthias
Parkhurst. None survive hut Messrs. Ames and Parkhurst. Luther
Lawrence chosen president, Samuel F. Haven, secretary. At the
annual meeting in 1833, John Nesmith and Francis Hillard succeeded
Messrs. Wright and Dalton as directors. For 1834 the new mem-
bers elected on the board were Jonathan Tyler, Alpheus Smith,
Jonathan Morse, 2nd, and Hamblin Davis ; Elisha Glidden was
president. In April, 1835, Tappan Wentworth was chosen secre-
tary, in place of Mr. Haven, declined. The latter was an attomey-
at-law — a gentleman of fine attainments and literary tastes. He
went from Lowell to Worcester, and has been secretary of a
historical society there for forty years or more. In 1836 David
Dana and Horace Howard took the place of Messrs. Parkhurst and
Glidden; John Nesmith became president. In 1837 the new
directors were Stephen Goodhue, Jonathan Marston and Elisha
Bartlett ; in June Mr. Wentworth resigned as secretary, and after
three meetings and twenty-two ballotings, J. W. Mansur was elected
to the vacancy ; in November Mr. Nesmith resigned the presidency,
and Jonathan Tyler was chosen in his place. In 1838 Royal South-
wick was added to the list, and in 1839 John W. Graves. In 1840
the new names were Abner W. Buttrick and Hapgood Wright. In
1841 they were George H. Carleton, J. B. French, H. J. Baxter and
Jonathan Bowers ; in May J. W. Mansur resigned the secretaryship,
and R. G. Colby was elected ; in June Mr. Tyler resigned as presi-
dent, and Horace Howard was elected. April, 1842, James Bowers,
Thomas Nesmith, William Livingston and Ransom Reed first
appeared as directors. In 1843 J. Russell was the only new director ;
in 1844 J. H. B. Ayer and P. W. Warren became such ; in 1845 no
change, until October 6th, when R. G. Colby, the secretary, was
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140 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
taken sick and soon after died, Isaac S. Morse being appointed to
the place pro tern. At the annual meeting in 1846 Mr. Morse was
permanently chosen. In 1847 Cyril French became a director. In
1848 no change; in 1849 only one — the choice of E. B. Patch as a
director; in 1850 no change; in 1851 Stephen Mansur and A. R.
Brown became directors ; Mr. Howard declined re-election as presi-
dent, and J. B. French was elected. In 1852 Mr. Morse declined
agaui to be secretary, and Jacob Robbins succeeded him ; the
number ot directors was increased from nine to eleven, and I. S.
Morse joined the board. In 1853 the annual meeting was changed
from April to January ; in May Mr. French resigned the presidency,
and J. H. B. Ayer was elected. In 1854 A. B. French became a
director, but in 1855 he withdrew and was succeeded by William
Fiske. In 1856 W. H. Wiggin succeeded E. B. Patch, who declined.
In 1857 directors increased to fifteen, and Abram French, J^ K.
Fellows, Charles Hovey and Josiah T. Howe were unanimously
selected. In 1858 two new members were chosen — Jonathan Page
and William P. Brazer; in 1859 no change; in 1860 Mr. Ayer
declined the presidency, and J. K. Fellows was elected, since when
he has served in that capacity ; Jacob Robbins resigned as secretary,
and in February George W. Bean was chosen. In 1861 no change ;
in 1862 H. W. Hilton took the place of Stephen Mansur, who had
died ; the secretary, Mr. Bean, died in February, 1862, and W. P.
Brazer assumed the position temporarily ; March 10th, James Cook
was elected permanently, and so continued till the present year,
when he resigned and Charles W. Drew was elected. The present
directors are the following : Jonathan Tyler, J. K. Fellows, Abram
French, William H. Wiggin, A. B. Buttrick, William P. Brazer,
George Stevens, Charles A. Stott, Benjamin Walker, Jacob Robbins,
J. C. Abbott, A. B. French, William O. Fiske, WiUiam E. Living-
ston, N. M. Wright, E. A. Hill.
MINOR REMINISCENCES.
The following reminiscences of local concern are
derived from the records of the Lowell Mutual Company :
July 1, 1832, the first policies were issued. April, 1839,
an application was made to the directors for leave to
store cotton batting under the Methodist Meeting-house
on Chapel Hill, and rejected. In 1840 it was decided
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INSURANCE IN LOWELL. 141
not to insure any stock of goods outside the city of
Lowell, unless by vote of the directors. August, 1840,
notice of burning of building owned by Samuel Wyman,
of Baltimore, Md., situated on Washington Street, Belvi-
dere. In 1841 it was voted to insure William Fiske's
saw-mill on Warren Street (where the Middlesex Mills
now are), at 20 per cent, per annum. It was also voted
by the directors to insure the circus horses owned by
Benjamin Thurston. In 1842 the agent at Nashua was
authorized to insure personal property at not less than
4 per cent, per annum. February, 1842, voted to award
$30 (to be disposed of at the discretion of the president),
for extra exertion at the fire at Mr. Reed's house at
Chelmsford, and that Mr. Cole have liberty to exhibit
" the Battle of Bunker Hill " in Mechanics' Hall, without
injury to insurance. May 21, 1842, William Schouler's
printing establishment, located at Billerica, burned ;
insured in this oflBce ; loss to company $925. In 1843,
voted that no spirit or camphene oil should be used in
any building insured in this office. April, 1844, voted
by the directors that the sum of ^50 as a reward be
given such persons as distinguished themselves by ex-
traordinary exertions at the fire in Old Cambridge, where-
by the property of Willard & Bliss was endangered, but
rescued. April, 1847, notice of loss on N. Critchett's
stock of boots and shoes; referred to committee and
settled for $425. September, 1847, voted to take a risk
on the Lawrence Academy, at Groton, at 6 per cent, for
five years. November, 1847, voted that a convention of
insurance companies be held in Lowell, at such time as
the president and secretary may deem best; also, voted
to refer the application of the Prescott Street (Methodist)
Church to the president. January, 1848, notice of a fire
in the meeting-house, corner of Suffolk and Lowell
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142 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
Streets, for helping to put out which John Billings was
awarded |10. April, 1850, the subject of giving up the
room occupied by the company, fronting on • Market
Street, for a banking room (the Prescott Bank opened
there) was considered. September 30, 1853, fire in the
Museum Building (next to the Postoflfice) and the stock
of goods (insured in this oflfice) owned by George W.
Cummings damaged. It was voted not to take any risks
out of the city, after November 1st, and not to renew
any such risks. February 4, 1854, fire in "ten-foot'*
stores on Merrimack Street, owned by Paul R. George
and Tappan Wentworth; insured in this oflBce; large
loss. July 31, 1854, large fire on Lowell Street; five
buildings burned, that were insured in this office for
$7000 ; loss to the company $6046.43. May 10, 1856,
building corner of Merrimack and Central Streets, owned
by W. W. Wyman, damaged by fire to the extent of
$6000. January, 1859, accepted the act incorporating
the Company, to continue in force for twenty-eight years,
from March 6, 1860.
EARLY POLICIES.
The total number of policies written, from July 1,
1832, to July 1, 1877, has been over eighteen thousand.
Of the earlier ones, issued in 1832-33, the following are
cited, and will remind old residents of ancient landmarks
and names of business men perhaps forgotten :
No. 1 — Luther Lawrence, dwelling, household furniture, &c.,
on Lawrence Street^ |53500 (now the Wentworth house).
No. 2 — William Wyman, stone building on Merrimack Street,
occupied by Appleton, March & Co., $5000, for seven years.
No. 6 — Stephen and Thomas Goodhue, dwelling on Lowell
Street, west of new canal, $1500.
No. 8 — Seth Ames, furniture and dwelling, $1500, locality not
mentioned.
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mSUKANCE IN LOWELL. 143
No. 9 — James Tower, stock of dry goods, $1200.
No. 11 — Oliver M. Whipple, dwelling-house and bam in Tewks-
bury, $700.
No. 12 — Hapgood Wright and Elijah Mixer, stock of boots,
shoes and leather, in their store on Central Street, $1500.
No. 19 — Humphrey Webster, dwelling-house, east side of
Central Street, occupied for stores, $400. (After being twice moved,
the building has recently been demolished at the comer of Appleton
and Gorham Streets.)
No. 21 — James and Jonathan Bowers, half of a house west of
Pawtucket Canal, $500.
No. 27 — Samuel L. Wilkins, stock of boots, &c., and household
furniture, Merrimack Street, $2000.
No. 29 — John Putney, stock of dry goods and crockery, $1500.
No. 37 — Jonathan M. Marston, West India goods and furniture,
under the Railroad Bank and in adjoining building (called Morse's
Building, now Appleton Bank Block), $1000.
No. 40 — Kirk Boott, furniture, books and wines, $4500 ; horses
and carriages, $500 ; for five years. (House located near where the
Boott Mills now are.)
No. 41 — Horatio H. Weld, printing material in brick building
east side of Gorham Street, $300.
No. 45 — Benjamin Walker, bam and contents in the northerly
part of Lowell, near the Falls, now known as School Street, $500,
for seven years.
No. 55 — Thomas and John Nesmith, dwelling in Tewksbury, on
the bank of the Merrimack River, $1000. (Formerly owned by
Edward S. Livermore and known as the Tavern House, now the
wooden ell of St. John's Hospital.)
No. 75 — Gilman Kimball, dwelling on a cross street from
Ix)well to Lewis Streets, $2500.
No. 79 — Proprietors of the South Congregational Meeting-
house, on Merrimack Street, now known as the Unitarian Church,
$5000.
No. 80 — Henry G. Norton, stock of fancy goods in store under
new Methodist Meeting-house on the corner of Suffolk and Lowell
Streets, $3000.
No. 81 — James Tyler, furniture in a brick building on Central
Street, occupied by him for a boarding-house, $700.
No. 87 — Peter H. Willard, West India goods and groceries, on
LoweU Street, $4000. (Called later " Old Hobbs' Block.")
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144 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
No. 95 — John R. Adams, new brick and stone building, comer
Lowell and Adams Streets, to contain one dwelling, sundry rooms
for public purposes, and victualling cellar in basement (now known
as Adams' Block), $5000.
No. 106 — George Tyler, furniture and movables in the American
House, kept by him on Central Street, $2848. (The house then was
wood, two stories, situated near the canal, where the present fine
brick structure now stands, and was headquarters for stages, as well
as the landing-place for new-comers to town.)
No. 107 — Jonathan Tyler, the building now at corner of Middle
and Central Streets, $4000.
No. 116 — Ephraim B. Patch, stock of dry goods in store in
brick block with stone front on Merrimack Street (now occupied
by H. M. Ordway), $4500.
No. 118 — Paul R. George, stock of dry goods and woolens, in
brick building on Central Street, known as Dr. Crosby's (same store
so long occupied by William S. Bennett, clothier), $2000.
No. 129 — Roland Lyman, stock usuaUy found in jewelry shops,
Central Street,' $500.
No. 134 — Cornelius Sweetser, stock of boots, &c., in wooden
one-story building on Merrimack Street, $1500.
No. 145 — Thomas and John Nesmith, wooden dwelling on
High Street, brick dwelling in Howe's Block, and block of houses on
Livermore Square, all in Tewksbury, $2700.
No. 148 — William Brown, brick buildings in Tewksbury, near
the junction of the Merrimack and Concord Rivers, $1800. (These
now stand at the corner of Brown and Stackpole Streets, and are
owned by the Massachusetts Cotton Mills.)
No. 156 — Daniel Bixby, stock of books, &c., southeasterly side
of Merrimack Street, $800.
No. 157 — George H. Carleton, druggists' stock in the Town
House, $1000.
No. 161 — Jonathan Kendall, stock of West India goods, Ac,
Merrimack Square, $2250.
No. 165 — Danforth Athei-ton and Abner W. Buttrick, groceries,
in basement of Town House, $1500.
No. 187 — Alston Allen and James H. Boyden, comer of Church
and Central Streets, $2500.
No. 18H — Methodist Episcopal Society, church on Chapel Hill,
$.3000 (now on Preseott Street, and called Industrial Hall).
No. 000 — Proprietors of the First Universalist Meeting-house,
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INSURANCE IN LOWELL. 145
on Chapel Hill (lately stood where the new depot now is on Central
Street).
No. 189 — Thomas and John Nesraith, on dwelling in Tewks-
bury, occupied by themselves, $2400, and on furniture, $1500. (The
house was situated where the new Catholic Church of the Immacu-
late Conception now stands ; it was later called Leavitt's Block ; it
now stands at the north of the church, on Staokpole Street, and is
occupied by the clergy and officials connected with the church.)
No. 190 — William Fiske, dwelling in Tewksbury, $375.
No. 202 — Proprietors First Congregational Meeting-house, brick
church on Merrimack Street, $6500.
No. 206— Cyril Coburn, brick dwelling on Appleton Street,
$4000.
No. 209 — Seth Ames, dwelling on Lawrence Street, $1800.
No. 212— W. D. Mason, John Chase, S. C. Oliver, M. M. Tux-
bury, Stephen Whipple and Lewis Fiske, brick Baptist Meeting-
house on Suffolk Street (now St. Mary's Catholic Church), $8000.
No. 214 — ^William Livingston, buildings on Thomdike Street,
occupied as dwellings (now woolen mills) near Lowell Brewery, and
store-house with stable, $8500.
No. 222 — George W. Whipple, stock of dry goods, No. 49
Merrimack Street, under the Unitarian Church ; consent given to
move the stock to another store, also additional insurance permitted
to the amount of $4000.
SPECIAL INCIDENTS.
Mr. Whipple, who had obtained the above policy,
secured the additional insurance, and had moved his
stock of goods from under the church, as permitted, into
one of the ten-foot wood stores, where now stands the
brick block of Jacob Robbins. This class of buildings,
then new, occupied the ground from what is now Hos-
ford's building to the brick building next to the Unitarian
Church. Mr. Whipple had occupied this store some six
weeks, when on the night of the 2nd of September, 1833,
about 12 o'clock, his store was found to be on fire. The
writer well remembers the fire-alarm, being an occupant
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146 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATIOK.
of a store a few doors above, and sleeping at the time in
a rear room of the store. The firemen were soon at
work. I think the town had but two hand-engines at
this time, the Merrimack Manufacturing Company and
the Machine Shop one each. Joseph Tyler was Chief
Engineer. The fire was checked before much damage
was done, and it was discovered that the store had been
robbed of its richest goods, then set on fire. A large
crowd had collected, and hundreds remained about the
store and streets till morning. It was soon ascertained
that Mr. Whipple had, the afternoon before, procured
one of Thurston's best teams (a horse and chaise) and
started for Boston. There was no railroad or telegraph
at this time. John P. Robinson, a noted attorney,
having done business for Whipple and being quite familiar
with him, was employed, in company with Sheriff John
Kimball (a shrewd detective, father of the President of
our Common Council) to go to Boston at once for
Whipple and work up the case. In the mean time there
were all sorts of rumors afloat. It had been discovered
that Mr. Whipple had sold several lots of goods in Boston
at auction ; also that he had disposed of goods in town to
dealers at much less than cost ; also that he was much
embarrassed financially. One of our prominent business
men, then in the dry goods trade, a member of the Old
Residents' Association, made the remark that " it was
fortunate he did not go to Boston with Mr. Whipple, as
he had arranged to do that afternoon, but circumstances
prevented " — for he had bought a large quantity of
prints of him a few days before, at a very low figure.
Messrs. Robinson and Kimball, on arriving in Bos-
ton, soon found Whipple in his room at Wilde's Hotel, and
he returned with Mr. Robinson to Lowell in the after-
noon. Mr. Whipple was fully aware that suspicion of
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INSURANCE IN LOWELL. 147
the fraud rested on him. John P. Robinson was a high
minded man, very excitable, and always ready to unearth
fraud. It was said that Whipple made some inquiries as
to what he should do ; Robinson's reply was " he had
better hang himself." Mr. Whipple was not under arrest,
but inspectors were on guard. It was said he went twice
to a stable for a team to hunt up the goods, but he did
not go. During the next day the goods were heard-
from at Woburn. The brick house next west of the new
Universalist Church on Hurd Street was occupied by
Mr. Whipple. In the rear of his house was a canal — a
feeder for the Middlesex Mills — leading from the Hamil-
ton Canal under Central Street. The canal was some
fifteen feet wide and three or four feet deep, and it was
in this canal wherfe Mr. Whipple's body was found,
drowned, the following morning.
The citizens were now wild with excitement. A
meeting was called at the Town Hall, and a committee
of the following gentlemen was appointed to investigate
the case: William Austin, William Heydock, Eliphalet
Case, Joshua Swan, Matthias Parkhurst, Benjamin Walker,
Elisha Huntington, Samuel C. Oliver — the last five gen-
tlemen being the Selectmen of the Town. The commit-
tee subsequently made a long report, in which they say
that — " On Monday, the 2nd inst., about 2 o'clock, P. M.,
said Whipple procured a horse and chaise and proceeded
to Boston, where he arrived the same day at five o'clock,
and took a room at Wilde's Tavern, Elm Street, where his
horse and chaise remained until his return to Lowell on
Tuesday afternoon ; that between seven and eight o'clock
on Monday evening he procured at a stable in Portland
Street a horse and covered wagon, under pretence of
going to Wilmington for shoes, and immediately left the
city ; that the same horse and wagon were seen in front
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148 OLD BE8IDENT8' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
of his store at midnight; that said Whipple entered by
a key in his possession, not generally used, and took
from the store a large quantity of silk goods, packed by
him in four large trunks, brought with him from Boston,
and in order to effect his purpose set the store on fire,
then left for Boston ; that between four and five o'clock
that morning, he left the trunks of goods at the ^ Black
Horse Tavern,' in Woburn, and returned the horse and
wagon in Boston about sunrise, and was met at Wilde's
Tavern about 10 o'clock, when he was told of the fire in
his store. In the afternoon of Tuesday he returned to
Lowell, and joined the citizens in their endeavors to
ascertain the person or persons concerned in the fire and
robbery; that he remained in town till the following
morning, when about 5 o'clock he 'left his house, and
soon after was found drowned in a canal near it."
Mr. Whipple for three years or more had been doing
a large trade in dry goods ; was an energetic business
man, and from thirty to thirty-five years of age ; com-
manding in person, of good address and wearing the
finest of cloth. His wife was quite attractive, as seen
promenading the streets clad in the richest of silks. She
had the sympathy of the community, although many
thought she urged on extravagance and caused the
downfall of her husband. Several pieces of silks were
found in the house, secreted in a straw-bed in an un-
occupied room. Nothing transpired during the investi-
gation that connected Mrs. Whipple with the conceal-
ment. There were no children to bear the burden of the
disgraceful fraud and transaction. Thus ended the life
of one with all the abilities, acquirements and requisites
of a man except moral principle, the foundation of all
that is in man. Underwriters have never fixed a rate of
premium for this class of risks ; the moral hazard cannot
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INSURANCE IN LOWELL. 149
be well ascertained ; therefore all policies are void under
such circumstances as the above.
Mr. Whipple had been doing a large business in dry
goods for two or three years, second perhaps to Whidden
& Russell. Walter Russell was a great wag, and on
meeting Whipple one evening after closing, having had
a great " rush " (as was usual evenings), Mr. Whipple
boasted about the amount of his business, saying that
half of his customers could not get at the counters.
" Oh/' replied Russell, " nothing said ! At our store
they tossed their money right over the crowd and merely
called — ' Give me something before all is gone.' " Whip-
ple turned on his heel.
January 3, 1848, notice of a loss by Isaac Scripture
on his building was referred to a committee ; writ served
on the company by Mr. Scripture, September, 1849, and
the case not settled till November, 1852, when the
treasurer paid claim and costs. This is the only case, as
the records show, of the Company's contesting a claim in
court. The building was a dwelling-house, occupied by
tenants, situated a little in the rear of the present Scrip-
ture brick bakery. Boys of the occupants had stolen a
keg of powder from Whipple's Powder Mills, concealed it
in a wood-pile, where the powder became quite wet, then
took it to the attic of the house and with a trail of
powder fired it oflf. The roof of the building was entirely
taken off, and landed in a yard not far away. A few
buckets of water extinguished the fire. One boy was
very badly injured, but I think he ' recovered. After
three years' contest by lawyers, judgment against the
Company was obtained. Cushing's Reports of 1852, Vol.
10, page 356, refers to this case.
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150 OLD BESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
1833 was an eventful year with Lowell. The in-
crease in population for the year was about three
thousand. Stages were coming in from all points loaded
with new-comers, largely from New Hampshire and
Maine. Houses and stores were in great demand. Spec-
ulators were buying up lands, buildings were erected and
occupied when half completed. One gentleman, a land
trader, made the remark that " he had secured nearly all
of the corner lots " ; there were then not so many comers
as now. This gentleman, however, at the end of a year
found himself cornered^ as did many others.
It was in June of this year that Gen. Jackson visited
Lowell, bringing together an immense crowd of people
from the surrounding towns.
During July and August great excitement and
agitation were kept up in regard to the licensing of a
theatre, which had been built on Lowell Street, a little
above Worthen Street, on the north side. A company
was here from the Tremont Theatre, Boston, headed by
the late Mr. and Mrs. Barry, at that time star actors.
Our Selectmen were firm against license. Several large
and boisterous meetings were held at the Town Hall, and
hundreds of men congregated outside the theatre, even-
ings, and a riot was feared, but the Selectmen remained
firm. Able attorneys were consulted, and the house was
opened for the evening, as advised ; but immediately
after the performance the actors were arrested and held
for trial.
It was at this time, too, the famous trial of the Rev.
Ephraim K. Avery was going on, for the murder of the
Cornell girl. The trial was not in Lowell, but in Rhode
Island, where Avery had located, after a settlement here
of two or three years ; but Lowell people were greatly
interested. A large number of witnesses went from
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tNSTtRANCE IN LOll^ELL. l6l
Lowell to the trial, besides many especially interested in
the case. Crowds gathered on the arrival of stages from
Boston, for papers and the latest news, as the trial
progressed.
It was also the last of August, 1833, that Warren
Colbum died — then the Superintendent of the Merrimack
Manufacturing Company — a man whose name was more
generally known throughout the country than any one
who has ever lived in Lowell, his books having been so
universally used in our schools for a generation or
more.
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XI. The Early Trade and Traders of Lowell, by
Charles Hovey. Read February 15, 1880.
The beginning of Lowell, as we all know, was the
establishment here of " corporations" by the merchants
of Boston for manufacturing cotton cloth.
The Merrimack Manufacturing Company began ex-
cavations for their mill sites in 1822, necessarily employ-
ing large numbers of laborers. Where people exist
whose only capital is their labor, there must be stores of
supplies for sale in small quantities.
The only store in the neighborhood at that time, so
far as is now known, was that of Captain Phineas Whit-
ing, who established himself in the shoe business near
Paw tucket Falls in 1792, and also secured a tract of
land which he occupied as long as he lived. He died in
his own house, which stood on a part of the land where
the elegant brick mansion of Frederick Ayer, Esq., now
stands. The " Whiting house " was sold to the late
Oliver M. Whipple, who removed it to the westerly side
of Lawrence Street, and made it a tenement-house.
It is a natural law of trade that a demand for either
money or merchandise will always induce a supply, and
it is as certain in its operation as are the predictions of
the present day in regard to the weather. Thus it was
that Captain Whiting was induced to increase his stock,
both in quantity and variety ; and thus it is that the city
of New York receives its daily supply of meat, milk
and other necessaries* of life, increasing day by day,
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TfiAfeLY TRADERS OF LOWELL. 153
silently but xiniformly "with the needs of the increasing
population.
After a lapse of sixty years since mill work began
in Lowell, during "which the persons who have begun
trade here may be numbered by hundreds, it will not be
attempted to enumerate them, or to notice either persons
or events in chronological order.
The trade of Lowell having always been confined to
narrow limits, and scarcely more than to supply the food
and clothing of the rapidly increasing population, is not
a prolific subject for a paper for this Association ; but as
our venerable president, and possibly one or two others,
are all whose memories can span the entire history of
our city from its beginning to the present, it seemed
needful to gather such items in regard to it as are now
available, however imperfectly or disconnectedly they
may be stated.
Trade was induced by the investment of capital
here. With a temporary exception in its early history,
it has always been independent of the " corporations.''
Its history, therefore, is a legitimate part of the history
of the city, but of course interesting only to old resi-
dents ; but to them the recalling of a name or an event
will revive many pleasant recollections of their early
experience. To this end there is appended to this paper
a list of many of the prominent traders during the first
ten years of the settlement.
Owing to the migratory habits of the men who flock
to a new settlement for trade, it is impossible to give
any account of very many wh# have at some time been
here. The history of any one of the corporations could
be easily written, for the date of its charter, the names
of the stockholders, the purchase of location, the laying
of foundations, and all the details up to its production of
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OLD RESIDENTS* HIStORICAL ASSOCtAtlON.
the past week/ are matters of record. Every
hem has far exceeded its originally prescribed
id has literally spread out " like a tree planted
^ater-side."
y unlike this is the history of trade. It com-
nds a congenial soil more by accident than by
oi man. Successful trade almost always begins
ind in a small way. It may be stated as a
1 that the best time to begin is not at high tide,
n business is at low ebb. Every old resident
hat " experience is the best teacher/' and he
ms that its teaching to be profitable must be
by every man for himself. After it has heen
it is easy to see how he could have improved his
lities if he had got it earlier,
de cannot be located as can a mill-site, neither
y be successfully planned beforehand, which fact
ome sort account for the imperfect laying out of
our streets. Maps of projected cities may be
ruthfuUy showing remarkable opportunities for
dal navigation, the finest sites for mills, the
land for railroads and depots, and everything
conduce to the laying out of a large city with
t expenditure of capital. Add to this the best
in the world, perfect drainage and every other
attraction, but the trafficy which is largely the
3f cities, will locate itself utterly unmindful of
Forts to divert it.
city of Chicago is a notable illustration of
iciple. Its location is not at all like that just
\ ; but for some reason, business located itself
nd the result has been the most marvellous
lent of a large city in the world. Thirty years
first settlement, it became necessary to raise the
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EAKLY TRADEBS OF LOWELL. 155
grade of large sections of it, involving the raising of
blocks of brick and stone buildings from four to ten feet
higher than their original elevation.
Lowell is another but much smaller illustration of
the same principle in a different way. Trade first began
at the west end. The second store was just across
Concord River, at the easterly end ; but the present
business centre is between the two original points, from
which it now gradually diverges in all directions.
In the year 1824 Mr. Jonathan C. Morrill, Nathaniel
Morrill & Co., opened a store on the northerly side of
Merrimack Street, and on the west side of Tilden Street.
The senior of the three partners was appointed post-
master of the new village, and kept the Postoffice in the
same store for one or two years. The building is still
standing, and is the same as was afterwards occupied by
Jonathan Kendall, Amasa Kimball, Kimball & Wheeler
(the late Albert Wheeler), and now by A. Wheeler & Co.,
the principal of the present firm being the son of the
former proprietor. In the changes, both of the building
and of the firm, the old board in which was the aperture
for the reception of letters for the mails, is still preserved,
and has recently been placed in its original position.
One of the most prominent traders in early Lowell
was Francis Hobbs, familiarly known as Frank Hobbs.
He came here as early as 1826, purchased the nearest
land to the Merrimack Corporation that the company
would sell him, and built a three-story wooden building
which is still standing on Salem Street, nearly opposite
the northerly end of Adams Street.
He was a rather short man, quite stout, with a
remarkably merry face, which some of us recall with
pleasure. His stock consisted of corn and calico, cheese
and broadcloth, muslin and molasses, silk and pork,
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156 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
together with all the other articles in what is known as
a " country store/' the catalogue of which has no end. '
Like many other traders who have obtained their
business experience in Lowell, he was induced to move
to a large city. He died in New York many years ago.
Several prominent men of the city were brought up in
his store ; conspicuous among them was the late Abner
W. Buttrick, who in Mr. Hobbs' time associated himself
with a Mr. Atherton, under the style of Atherton & But-
trick. They opened a store in the basement or cellar of
the Town House and kept a grocery, then known as a
" West India Goods Store," commonly put on the sign
over the door as " W. I. Goods." The name was in
common use throughout New England, and was probably
given for the same reason as that of " English Goods,"
to indicate what at this day are known as " Dry Goods."
The present president of one of the banks of the city
was then employed in their store. The firm was the
beginning of the present well-known firm of " Buttrick
& Co.," of which the late John A. and Alden B. Buttrick,
both brothers of the original, have at times been partners,
but although the style continues, neither of the present
proprietors bears the name of Buttrick.
Both members of the firm of Baxter & Bennett,
with whom for many years we were familiar, were gradu-
ates of Mr. Hobbs' store. Mr. Baxter died several years
ago, but Mr. Bennett is now a member of this Associa-
tion, retired from business, enjoying the legitimate earn-
ings of his early life, and ruminating on the happy hours
he enjoyed while driving Mr. Hobbs' cow to pasture on
the land now covered by the buildings of the Lawrence
Manufacturing Company.
Between the years 1833 and 1840 the credit of
Lowell traders, especially of those in the dry goods line,
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EARLY TRADEBS OF LOWELL. 157
was decidedly bad. Very sharp competition was induced
by adventurers, who began business without intending to
remain or pay for their goods. Almost all who engaged
in that business either totally failed or compromised with
their creditors. One only out of the large number
engaged in the business at that period, who has always
" paid a hundred cents on the dollar/' has survived. It
is hardly needful to mention the name of James Tower
to obtain a recognition. His first store was on Central,
near Hurd Street, but the oldest among us can scarcely
remember him at any other locality than in the building
between Central and Gorham Streets, which for half a
century has been known as " Tower's Comer." He
retired from business some years ago, but is still an
active member of this Association.
The first Lowell Directory was printed by Thomas
Billings, in 1832. His place of business was in the build-
ing which was displaced to make room for the Mechanics
Savings Bank Building. At the end of the directory
proper there are the advertisements of sixty-six persons
who were engaged in trade or other occupations in
Lowell, and on the last page is this apology: "Our
friends will please accept our thanks for their liberal
patronage in advertising in the Directory, and excuse
our making up the sheet on different colored paper, as
other could not be obtained without retarding the pro-
gress of the work. — Benj. Floyd."
The paper which " could not be obtained " was
ordinary white printing paper. The advertisements
were printed on yellow paper.
Of the sixty-six persons who advertised in it, only
two — Mr. James Tower and Mr. George Hedrick — are
now living in Lowell, and it is not known that any of
the remaining sixty-four survive.
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158 OLD RESIDENTS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
volume referred to is an interesting one for any
ent to look over. It contains words and expres-
w almost obsolete, such as "cordwainer" and
Q." Of the latter the number is large and their
1 are generally put down as " without the village."
also a goodly number who kept a " W. I. goods
name of Hapgood Wright, with which we are
iar, and yho has by the gift of one thousand
3 the city perpetuated it for all time by estab-
The Hapgood Wright Centennial Trust Fund/'
ed to be the only person whose store dates back
me when the first volume of the Directory was
before intimated, the business of the town was
le, and as the competition was great, the oppor-
of suddenly obtaining fortunes in legitimate
jre rare, but for the period covered in this paper
school of experience^ so to speak, at which men
ucated for wider fields of operations, and the
^s are scattered in many of the large cities of
itry.
? not possible for a young man of the present
) is constantly using expresses, telegraphs and
es, to appreciate the difficulty with which busi-
i done half a century ago, or to imagine that
white printing paper " could not be obtained "
seriously retarding the printing of a few volumes
irectory — a book the size of a First Reader in the
schools.
1 now, after sixty years, let us for a moment
ik at the starting-point. The locality consisted
poor farms, partly hill and partly wet meadow,
of which could probably have been purchased
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EARLY TRADERS OF LOWELL.
159
for the present price of a power carpet-loom. Coincident
with the sound of the pick-axe and shovel, there came
rushing to the spot hundreds of men, all young, vigorous
and ready for the race of life. So far as was known to
each other, they were all on one level ; to some the hills
looked too high ; to others the mud too deep. All started.
Some gave up at once ; others stopped at the foot of the
first hill ; others sank deep in the mire ; many left for
smoother ground, while few, very few, whose lives have
been spared, are counted with the sixty thousand people
now occupying the aforesaid farms.
APPENDIX.
NAMES OF PROMINENT MEN AND FIRMS WHO WERE IN TRADE IN
LOWELL FROM 1822 TO 1832.
Phineas Whiting,
H. & W. Spalding,
Alpheus Smith,
John Richardson,
Warren Dyar,
Jacob Robbins,
Greorge H. Carleton,
Horace Howard,
Roland Lyman,
Mecham & Mathewson,
William W. Wyman,
Samuel L. Wilkins,
Paul H. Willard,
William Davidson,
Aaron H. Safford,
Man8ur, Child & Co.,
Ransom Reed,
Hazen Elliott,
Henry J. Baxter,
William S. Bennett,
Daniel Sanderson,
Whidden & Russell,
Wentworth & Raynes,
John T. Pratt,
H. W. Hastings,
Charles H. Sheafe,
John Putney,
Joel Stone,
Oliver Sheple,
Thomas Flint,
Thomas Billings,
Atherton '& Buttrick,
Frye <fc Abbott,
James K. Fellows,
William Bascom,
Perez Fuller,
W. S. & T. P. Saunders,
James Tyler,
Paul R. George,
PhiUp T. White,
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160 Ott) RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATIOK.
Daniel E. Kniglit, James L. Foote,
S. & T. P. Goodhue, Luther Richardson,
Charles Sanderson, William C. Gray,
Jonathan Kendall, Dennis Fay,
Edward Sherman, E. B. Patch,
Matthias Parkhurst, Charles Green.
SUPPLEMENT, BY A. B. WRIGHT.
The following, written by Mr. A. B. Wright (now
a resident of Boston) and sent to the Lowell Courier,
seems to be an appropriate continuation of Mr. Hovey's
paper :
"Allow me to supplement Mr. Hovey's interesting
paper read before the Old Residents' Association, on
Wednesday evening, and from my memory add a few
more to the list of traders in Lowell between 1826, when
I first saw Lowell, and the limit of the period fixed by
him, 1832. This list and the localities are made up
entirely from my recollection, and I believe is nearly, if
not quite, correct. However, if there are any mistakes
I think Dr. Green, Col. Bancroft, Capt. Peabody or Mr.
Jeroboam Howe, can correct me, as they were all in
Lowell at that time.
" I begin on Chapel Hill, with Henry Fletcher (who,
I think, had a partner) on Central Street, on the site of
the present line of North Street; Robert Taylor, just
below, on the corner oi Union Street, in the house now
occupied by Mr. Currier ; John Mixer, Central Street,
same building originally occupied by Mr. Converse,
harness maker ; Addison Bristow, directly in the south
line of the extension of Appleton Street; Darius or
Artemas Young (which, I do not certainly remember).
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KARLY TRADERS OF LOWELL. 161
corner of Central and Church Streets, being the present
location of Nichols & Fletcher ; and perhaps it may be
appropriate to name here as next in order, Henry Van
Vronker. the genteel and accomplished colored barber,
in the rear of the store of Mansur & Reed, on the corner
of Central and Gregn Streets. His widow is now living
on Chapel Street, south of Elm, in the same house
occupied by herself and husband in 1826. I do not
know of but one other family in Lowell who have lived
in the same house for so many years.
" In Appleton Street, my impression is that Daniel
H. Dean, and perhaps his brother, Horace C, were in
business in the house of the former, next west of the
Appleton Street Church, the Rev. Mr. Court's ; Chauncy
and Alonzo Child were on the same street, in the square
house next east of the long brick block. This firm sub-
sequently moved into Gorham Street, into the two-story
brick house next south of the stone house. Soon after
Alonzo formed a copartnership with Stephen Mansur,
and occupied the brick store on Gorham Street, running
through to Central Street, opposite the Washington
House. I think Henry Flagg had a store in the stone
house on Gorham Street ; at any rate he was the owner
of the building if he did not occupy it. Darwin D.
Baxter, was on Gorham Street, in the two-story brick
building then owned by David Gove, next south of
Mansur & Child.
" Going on to the east side of Central Street again,
the next in my recollection was Edward Callender, the
husband of Mrs. Callender, named by Mr. Hovey. He
was located about on the present site of the Vox Populi
office, and is the person who has been several times
heretofore named as, with his own hand, opening the
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162 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
door through which he went into the spirit world.
Coming to the south corner of Hurd and Central Streets
was one of the Young brothers before named, but I am
in doubt as to which. Going to the north corner of
Hurd Street, where the Appleton Bank is now located,
was Cushing Baker ; and passing along to the corner of
Warren Street was the crockery store of John Gawn.
Perhaps I may tell the readers of the Courier at some
future time about the "bull" that smashed things in
that " china shop." Opposite the American House the
south end of the brick block which occupies the former
site of James Tyler's store, was occupied, I am quite
certain, by William G. Merrill, who subsequently went
to the same locality of C. R. Kimball's apothecary store;
and about in the centre of the block was Ward's apothe •
cary store. [Who remembers the articles that were
written about those days respecting the wonderful
properties of Ward's hair oil? As a burlesque they
were incomparable.] In the north end of this same
block was the hat-store of the Atkinson Brothers. Those
who are in the habit of passing this point may have
observed the beautiful elm in front of this store. That
tree, when first set out, was watered daily for some years
in the summer season by a young clerk in the store.
Passing to the location of Mr. Raynes's jewelry store was
Benjamin Mather, the second bookseller in Lowell. This
store was formerly occupied by Thomas Billings, before
he moved to his store on Merrimack Street, in 1828 or
1829. I think this same store was also occupied by
Thomas Sweetser, as a variety store, before he also went
to Merrimack Street. I remember, also, Thomas New-
man, in the same line of trade, who was likewise in this
same store for a short time, and subsequently went to
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EABLT TRADERS OF LOWELL. 163
the brick block opposite the American House. Before
leaving Central Street, I will name Edward P. OfEutt,
furniture dealer, who was on this street, or Market
Street. Amos Wetherbee is another name, which I think
should be classed among the traders of this period. His
place of business I cannot locate.
" On Merrimack Street, on the site of the Masonic
Building, was Otis Allen, variety goods, and just above
Hosford & Co.'s was John S. Patch, and near by was
Miss Nancy Waldron, millinery goods. I believe these
last three should be included in the period named. Go-
ing up to Tilden Street, and what was then Merrimack
Street, to the store of J. C. & N. Merrill ; my recollection
is that Simon Adams was there before then, and he was
the first postmaster in what is now Lowell.
" Going into Belvidere, which may not be improper
to include in this enumeration, I recollect George Brown,
grocer, in the same store now occupied by H. M. Rice &
Co.'s meat market, and after Mr. Carleton (Carleton &
Hovey) moved from the adjoining store to the Town
Hall, it was occupied as a dry goods store by one whose
name has escaped from my memory ; while on the
opposite side, on the west corner of what is now David-
son Street, was Aaron Mansur (named in Mr. Hovey's
paper), who was succeeded by Jacob Jenness, somewhere
near 1832. Going to the basement of the City Hotel,
was Nathan Durant, grocer, who graduated from the
store of Capt. Whiting at Pawtucket Falls, and in the
next building beyond the City Hotel was the firm of
Gillis & Edes, keeping a large stock usual to a country
store.
" This list would not be complete if I did not add to
it the firm of Porter & Rogers, the first auctioneers in
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164 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
Lowell, and who were, for a while, located on Central
Street, near Fielding's hardware store ; also Bethuel T.
Cross, likewise an auctioneer and son-in-law of Mr. Parker,
and whose place of business was on Market Street, where
James F. Puffer's furniture store now is."
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XII. The Foreign Colonies of Lowell, by Charles
Cowley. Read February 15, 1881.
■'-.r A \
I WONDER, Mr. President, what reply you would
have received from " the Early Traders of Lowell," of
whom Mr. Hovey has just spoken, if you, who were the
contemporary of them all, had foretold to them, fifty
years ago, that the time would come, even during your
own life, when more than twenty thousand persons of
foreign birth, and as many more of native birth but of
foreign extraction, would be permanently domiciled in
Lowell. Undoubtedly, they would have regarded that
prediction as a very wild one. Still greater would their
amazement have been, if you had foretold to them that,
in 1881, a majority of your own successors in the Board
of Aldermen, including the Mayor, would be persons
who were born subjects of the British Crown. And yet,
each of these predictions would have been fully warranted
by present existing facts. Hence my topic to-night:
The Foreign Colonies of Lowell.
The population of Lowell, in 1880, was 59,475.
The number of the native bom was 36,421, and of the
foreign born 23,054. Of the native born 24,001 were
born in Massachusetts, 4,070 in Maine, 3,902 in New
Hampshire, 2,054 in Vermont, 1,271 in New York, 209
in Rhode Island, 204 in Connecticut, 139 in Pennsylva-
nia, 61 in Illinois, 60 in New Jersey, 59 in Virginia,
48 in Ohio, 28 in Wisconsin, 24 in Michigan, 22 in
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166 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
California, 21 in Indiana, 20 in Maryland, and a few in
other States and Territories.
Of the foreign born 10,670 were born in Ireland,
7,758 in Canada, 2,550 in England, 650 in Scotland, 466
in Nova Scotia, 458 in New Brunswick, 107 in Sweden,
74 in France, 61 in Prince Edward Island, 49 in
Germany, 21 in Portugal, 21 in Newfoundland, 16 in
Prussia, 13 in Italy, and a few in various other parts of
the globe.
THE KELTIC COLONY.
The first foreign colony that gained a foothold here
since the original English settlements of the seventeenth
century, was that from the Emerald Isle, which dates
from 1822, when Pawtucket Canal was widened, and the
first of the Merrimack mills erected. The first habita-
tions of these Irish pioneers were " shanties," of the
rudest construction, with no other chimneys than flour-
barrels or pieces of stove-pipe projecting through the
roofs. They were but little better than the birch-bark
wigwams which the Indians of this valley occupied two
centuries and a half ago. They stood together on the
" Acre," and " Half-acre." Plans of these " Paddy Camp
Lands," so called, are extant in Books 373 and 380 in
the Registry of Deeds at East Cambridge, with *^ Dublin
Street," " Cork Street," etc., just as they were laid out.
Some of the first settlers shared their shanties with
their swine ; but ere long a great collection of piggeries
was formed behind the shanties, and a peremptory stand-
ing order was issued, "Pigs to the rear." That order
was generally obeyed, but not all at once. There was a
pig-headed, contrary-minded minority that resented and
resisted this " Saxon innovation," and that resolved, in
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FOREIGN COLONIES OF LOWELL. 167
hog Latin, stare semper super antiquas vias, to stand
forever on the ancient ways.
Dennis Crowley was the first Kelt in Lowell who
applied whitewash to his shanty ; Timothy Ford was the
first who built for himself a frame house and painted it ;
Nicholas Fitzpatrick was the second; and the practice
soon became common.*
Constant employment on good wages has had a
wonderful influence in developing what Theodore Parker
called the "instinct of progress" in this Keltic colony,
which (including those born here) now exceeds 20,000 in
number. When we contrast the poverty of the first
settlers with the comfort and reputability in which their
sons generally live now — not to speak of the elegance
and luxury ^f the wealthier families — it is easy to see
why the Keltic people of Lowell are so strongly attached
to their adopted home.
On the 13th of June, 1823, Samuel Frye executed
to Luther Richardson a deed of the " Paddy Camp Lands,"
which was intended to defraud his own minor children,
and out of which arose litigation which lasted for sixteen
years. Three bills in equity were brought — one in the
Supreme Judicial Court, and two in the Circuit Court of
the United States at Boston.f Charles Sumner sat as
master in one of the cases, and George S. Hillard in the
other; and Judge Story wrote seven elaborate opinions.
Great Britain has furnished three separate and
distinct colonies to Lowell, besides numerous scattering
immigrants. Those who investigate this matter for the
first time, will be surprised to find how large a portion
*For various fragments of Kelto-Lowellian history and biography, see the letter of
John F. McEvoy, published with " Proceedings in the City of Lowell at the Semi-<3enten-
nial Celebration of the Incorporation of the Town of Lowell, March l, 1876," pp.
133—136.
tFlagg V. Mann, 14 Piclcering's Reports, 467; Wood v. Mann, l Sumner's Reports, 606,
678: 2 ibid, 317; 3 ibid, 319; Flagg v. Mann, 3 ibid, 84.
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168 OLD residents' HISl-QRICAL ASSOCIATIOi^.
of our British-born population is derived from three
particular counties — Renfrewshire in Scotland, Lancashire
and Gloucestershire in England.
THE LAKCASHIRE COLONY.
The first of these three colonies was that from
Lancashire, and the occasion of it was the necessity
which was felt by the Merrimack Manufacturing Com-
pany in 1825 for employing the skilled artisans of
Manchester in printing their calicoes. To obtain a
superintendent for the Merrimack Print Works, Kirk
Boott went to Manchester in 1826, and secured John
Dynely Prince. Few men have understood the art and
mystery of calico printing as thoroughly, as did Mr.
Prince, and the services of such men have always com-
manded liberal compensation. Mr. Boott, having satisfied
himself that he had found precisely such a man as the
business demanded, inquired of Mr. Prince how much
salary he would want. Mr. Prince replied, " Five
thousand dollars a year." " Why," Mr. Boott exclaimed,
^' that is more than we pay the Governor of Massachu-
setts !" Mr. Prince blandly inquired, " Can the Governor
of Massachusetts print ?"
With but little further parley, Mr. Boott, whose
own salary was then but three thousand dollars a year,
and never exceeded four thousand dollars, accepted Mr.
Prince's terms ; and never did the Merrimack Company
make a more fortunate engagement.
Mr. Prince was soon followed by many other Lan-
cashire men, who like himself brought families with
them, and came to stay. For many years these Lanca-
shire immigrants carried on, almost exclusively, all
departments of the Merrimack Print Works — designing,
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Foreign colonies of lowell. 169
engraving, printing, etc. Of the first generation two or
three only are now living; but to-day, notwithstanding
the many changes which the introduction of machinery
has wrought in this branch of manufactures, the business
of calico printing is still largely carried on by men from
Lancashire.
The late Henry Burrows, the successor of Mr.
Prince, was one, and the present superintendent, Mr.
James Duckworth, is another " of the same old stock."
So, when the Hamilton Manufacturing Company under-
took the printing of calicoes, they employed another
Lancashire expert, William Spencer, to superintend their
print works. Two of Mr. Spencer s successors, William
Hunter and Thomas Walsh, are from the same hive.
Mr. Prince retained the superintendency of the
Merrimack Print Works till 1855, when he retired on a
pension of two thousand dollars a year. To his complete
mastery of this business the Merrimack Company owe it,
that for many years goods bearing their name would
command higher prices than other fabrics of equal
intrinsic value bearing any other brand. Mr. Prince
died in 1860; but the eminent reputation which he
acquired by his proficiency in his profession, by his
fidelity to his employers, by the baronial hospitality
which he dispensed to his friends, by his liberal charity
to the poor, and by his quick sympathy for the depressed,
still lives in the memories of all who knew him. It was
he who received Mrs. TroUope when she visited Lowell
in the course of her travels in America.
Mr. Prince was a remarkable man, with just enough
of eccentricity about him to make his individuality quite
pronounced. If Charles Dickens could have prolonged
his visit to Lowell in 1842 for one week, and could have
become a little more intimate with this " fine old English
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170 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
gentleman," I have no doubt that Mr. Prince, disguised
under an alias, would have found a place in the same
gallery with Pickwick and Micawber. Mr. Prince was
related by blood to Sir John Dynely, the eccentric
baronet, whose many matrimonial projects attracted, in
their day, as much notoriety as those, in our own times,
of the Baroness Burdett-Coutts.
It may be worth mentioning that one of our recent
Massachusetts congressmen, Mr. Dean, formerly a Lowell
lawyer, and another Lowell lawyer, Mr. Greenhalge, now
Mayor, are natives of Lancashire. If Charles Stott,
another Lancashire Lowelliau, could not find time to
attend to such matters, his son, Charles A. Stott, could ;
and he filled the Mayor's office with credit for two
terms.
Without mentioning other Lancashire men, who
moved in these smaller spheres, and acquired local dis-
tinction, I turn for a moment to one of the greatest
names in our national historv. Robert Morris, of Phila-
delphia — one of the signers of the Declaration of Inde-
pendence, the manager of the finances of the colonies
during the Revolutionary War, one of the framers of the
Constitution of the United States, and one of the first
senators from Pennsylvania — was a son of this ancient
duchy. Leaving Lancashire at the age of thirteen, he
began business in Philadelphia as a merchant, on his own
account, at the age of fifteen. He amassed a princely
fortune, and acquired a fame second to none among the
merchant-princes of the world in his time. He was the
friend and neighbor of Franklin, the friend and exemplar
of Hamilton, the friend and confidant of Washington.
When the infant republic seemed about to perish in its
cradle for want of funds to carry on the war, Morris
pledged for it his personal credit for $1,400,000. When
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FOREIGN COLONIES OF LOWELL. 171
the most sanguine were sinking in despondency, when
even Washington was almost overwhelmed with despair,
the lion-hearted Morris never flinched.
His letters to Congress and to the Governors of
the several States are published in the twelfth volume
of " Diplomatic Correspondence,'' edited by President
Sparks. Chancellor Kent says these letters " cannot but
awaken in the breasts of the present generation, in
respect to the talents and services of that accomplished
statesman, the most lively sentiments of admiration and
gratitude."*
When Washington became President, he selected
Mr. Morris for Secretary of the Treasury, and thought of
no other man in connection with that office. When, to
his surprise, Mr. Morris declined, he asked him to name
a substitute, and Morris named Alexander Hamilton,
whom Washington promptly appointed. While this
great man saved the fortunes of his country, he failed to
save his own, and the last years of his valuable life were
passed in a debtor s prison. To the shame of Pennsyl-
vania, to whose wealth he added millions of dollars, to
the shame of the nation which he saved, he died in
Moyamensing jail. May 8, 180G.
THE RENFREWSHIRE COLONY.
The manufacture of cotton cloth in the manner
adopted by the Merrimack Manufacturing Company had
been successfully introduced by the Boston Manufactur-
ing Company, in Waltham, before it was attempted here ;
and Waltham was called " the Parent of Lowell." In
like manner, the manufacture of ingrain carpets was
introduced in Medway (and that, too, by the same men,
• 1 Kent's Commentaries on American Law, p. 217.
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172 OLD RESIDENTS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
and with the same machinery) before it was introduced
by the Lowell Company in Lowell ; and the men who
introduced this branch of industry were chiefly natives
of Renfrewshire.
While the Manchester men were sought for to
establish calico printing, the Paisley men were sought
for to establish carpet weaving. The pioneers of the
Renfrewshire colony came in 1829 — Alexander Wright;
Peter Lawson and Claudius Wilson. They were followed
by scores of others, among whom was Daniel Wilson,
brother of Alexander Wilson, the distinguished ornitholo-
gist, to whom a statue has been erected in Paisley.
Excepting Royal Southwick and Joseph Exley, all
the early managers and overseers of this carpet company
were from Renfrewshire.*
THE GLOUOESTERSniRE COLONY.
The last of the three British colonies was that from
Gloucestershire, which dates from 1837. The pioneers
of this colony were five men of Uley, whom the brothers,
James and Cyrus Cook, met while making a tour through
the woolen manufacturing districts in the west of Eng-
land, shortly after the failure of the Messrs. Sheppard in
Uley, had thrown a considerable number of skilled opera-
tives out of employment. From a journal of this tour
kept by the elder Mr. Cook, then agent of the Middle-
sex Company, I quote a part of an entry, dated Uley,
April 2, 1837 :
" Here I found several families going to America.
They had already shipped on board the ' Laing,' to sail
*See the paper of the late Samuel Fay, on Carpet Weaving and the Lowell Manu-
facturing Company, in the first volume of these "Contributions," pp. 52— 61; and the
letter of the late Feter Lawson, In the '' Proceedings " already quoted, pp. 130—131.
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FOREIGN COLONIES OF LOWELL.
173
from Bristol in a few days. . . . There are very
many people here that might be hired upon any terms,
if they could have their passage paid to America." Two
days later, the same journalist remarks that " the failure
of the Messrs. Sheppard here seems to have stopped so
much of the business of this town that many families
are starving."
Upwards of sixty passengers from Uley came over
in the " Laing," which reached Boston, June 12, 1837,
after one of the most tempestuous voyages on record.
The voyage lasted nine weeks; all the masts of the
"Laing" were carried away, and she was otherwise
seriously injured, so that on her return voyage she was
lost.
About one-half of the Uley passengers who came in
the " Laing" settled in Lowell, and were engaged by the
Middlesex Company, and continued in that Company's
employ for many years, and their sons and daughters
after them. They were not the first Gloucestershire
men who took up their abode in Lowell. Several others
from Uley, as well as some from other parishes in that
populous county, had previously settled here. Among
these was John Pitt, a natural son of the famous William
Pitt, prime minister of Great Britain during the wars of
Napoleon, and a grandson of the first Earl of Chatham.
Two daughters of this John Pitt and four grandsons now
reside in this city.
Encouraged by the reports of these pioneers, in
1838 and every year afterwards for many years, other
Gloucestershire families followed ; many of them were
employed by Mr. Cook on the Middlesex Corporation,
while others engaged in trade or in manufacturing enter-
prises on their own account.
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174 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
One of the youngest of them, George Wilkins, after-
wards became superintendent of the Middlesex Com-
pany's Mills, and was for ten years agent of the woolen
mills at Vassalboro', Maine, on a salary of ten thousand
dollars a year. Another of these Uley men, Joseph
Powell, invented the dressing or sizing machine used in
the Middlesex Mills.
Some of these families have become extinct. Others
have increased and multiplied in an extraordinary manner.
One couple — Josiah Wilkins and wife — ^bore twenty-two
children, including three pairs of twins.
There seems to be some ground for the belief that
the ancestors of the renowned Confederate general,
Thomas Jefferson Jackson, were people of Uley. The
tombs of the Jacksons of many generations are prominent
in the churchyard of Uley, the manor of which was long
held by them. John Jackson and wife, who emigrated
to Virginia during the last century, had a son Edward,
and his son Jonathan was a lawyer and the father of the
General.
Gloucestershire was one of the counties in which
the historic Talbot family for many generations held
estates. One of these estates was the subject of contro-
versy for almost two hundred years. In 1469 that
controversy was decided in a pitched battle at Wotten-
under-Edge, in which a thousand men were engaged, and
Thomas Talbot, Viscount Lisle, lost not only the estate
in controversy, but also his own life, being shot by an
arrow in the mouth. The Talbots of Lowell are a branch
of this family, which holds the Dukedom of Shrewsbury
and many other patents of nobility in Great Britain and
Ireland.
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FOKEIGN COLONIES OF LOWELL. 175
THE FRANCO-CANADIAN COLONY.
There were but few French Canadians here prior to
1865, when Mr. S. P. Marin was employed by some of
the manufacturing companies to visit his native Province
of Quebec, to present to the people the advantages to be
derived from ^* a change of base," as well as of occupa-
tion, and to induce them to remove with their families
from the Valley of the St. Lawrence to the Valley of the
Merrimack. They have since come in greater numbers
than any other class of immigrants, and have effected a
permanent foothold here, and the cry is, "still they
come."*
There is a great deal of the ancient British blood in
these French-Canadians. The French settlers of the
Province of Quebec (once called Lower Canada and
more recently Canada East) were chiefly from Normandy,
Picardy and Brittany ; and we know from history that
the Gauls, the ancient inhabitants of Western France,
were substantially the same people with the ancient
Britons. Furthermore, in the course of the hundred and
fifty years during which the Angles, Saxons, Jutes,
Frisians and other filibusters conquered England, history
informs us that many thousands of the Britons settled in
Brittany (calling it Little Britain) and also in Normandy,
which now includes Picardy.
It is curious that after the lapse of a thousand years,
the descendants of the rovers who drove the Britons
into exile, and the descendants of the Britons themselves,
should thus meet and mingle here in a world which, to
the ancestors of both, was then, and for hundreds of years
afterwards, totally unknown.
•See the " Habitant of Lower Canada," in Atlantic Monthly, December, 1881.
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176 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
Eight hundred years ago, the population of Nor-
mandy flowed over into England, and took charge of its
destinies. Is history about to repeat itself ? Are these
French. Canadians, these descendants of the Normans,
about to take charge of the destinies of the descendants
of the English ? Once I looked at this question with
some apprehension. But since I travelled through Nor-
mandy, and saw the place* where my own ancestors
once dwelt before the Norman Conquest, and from which
some of them went forth to join the Norman army and
to help fight and win the Battle of Hastings, I have
learned to look upon this French Canadian immigration
with more equanimity. A people that can live and
thrive as the people now occupying New England have
lived and thriven in spite of all the vicissitudes of the
last five thousand years, can have nothing to fear from
this source.
GENERAL REMARKS.
The growth of manufactures and the mechanic arts
and the introduction of railroads have changed the
aspects of Lancashire and Renfrewshire as much as they
have changed the aspects of our own Middlesex County ;
but in Gloucestershire the face of nature has imdergone
far less change — agriculture being the principal pursuit
now as of old.
Not many years ago I travelled through all these
counties, and also through Ireland, from the Blarney
Stone to the Giant's Causeway, and through the Province
of Quebec. I was deeply interested in all of them, and
especially in Gloucestershire, where, after their migra-
tion from Normandy, my ancestors dwelt for many
•Xa VUle de Cuilly. It Is near Falaise. See the Norman People, article, " Cullly."
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FOREIGN COLONIES OF LOWELL. 177
generations. It would require a separate paper to give
an account of my tour, and I shall refer here to one
thing only — ^language.
While the dialect of Bums is still much spoken in
Renfrewshire, as one must expect in a county adjoining
the land of Burns ; while the " Northwestern dialect," as
Lucien Bonaparte calls it, is still much spoken in Lanca-
shire ; and while the lower classes of the people in
Gloucestershire still speak the Dorset dialect, which Mr.
Barnes, the poet of Dorsetshire, calls " the bold, broad
Doric of England," it is manifest that all these dialects
are gradually dying out, through the influence of vthe
public schools and the general diffusion of knowledge.
As all educated people in English-speaking countries
speak substantially alike, so do all educated people in
French-speaking countries speak substantially alike.
While some of our French Canadians speak a patois
which would make a member of the French Academy
"stare and gasp," educated Canadians speak as pure a
French as the people of Paris. Paul F6val says, " if you
want to hear the true sound of the language of Bossuet
and of Corneille, you must go to Canada, where green
grows a branch of the old tree of France."
CONCLUSION.
And now if we contemplate what these colonies
have done in this city, are not the words of Charles
Sumner as applicable to the foreign population of Lowell
as to that of any part of the Union ? " The history of
our country in its humblest, as well as its exalted spheres,
testifies to the merits of foreigners. Their strong arms
have helped furrow out our broad territory with canals
and stretch in every direction the iron rail. They have
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178 OLD RESIDENTS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
filled our workshops, navigated our ships and tilled our
fields. Go where you will among the hardy sons of toil
on land or sea, and there you will find faithful and
industrious foreigners bending their muscles to the work.
At the bar and in the high places of commerce you will
find them. Enter the retreats of learning, and there,
too, you will find them, shedding upon our country the
glory of science."
To the question, " What will be the effect of this
immigration ?" Mr. Sumner makes the following hopeful
reply : " As in ancient Corinth, by the accidental fusion
of all metals, accumulated in the sacred temples, a peculiar
metal was produced, better than any individual metal ;
so perhaps, in the arrangements of Providence, by the
fusion of all races here, there may be produced a better
race than any individual race, Saxon or Kelt. Originally
settled from England, the Republic has been strengthened
and enriched by generous contributions of population
from Scotland, Ireland, Switzerland, Sweden, France and
Germany."*
The best evidence that our Keltic and Teutonic
populations will fuse into one, is the fact that they are
members of the same Aryan race. Both Kelt and Teuton,
as Brother Azarius reminds us, " started from the same
Aryan homestead. They had the same stock of ideas,
the same •principles of action, the same manners and
customs. They spoke the same language, with very
slight variations," originally. But, now, when after
many centuries of separation, the Kelt and Teuton meet
in this new world, they find themselves strangers to each
other; they recognize no special afl&nity to each other;
their language has developed new forms. They have
•Works of Charles Sumner, volume 4, pp. 77, 78. The speech here quoted was
delivered by Mr. Sumner in Lowell, October 31, 1855.
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FOREIGK COLONIES OF LOWELL. 179
widely diverged in character and disposition, so that they
have little in common save this community of origin and
of race; and yet, they will finally assimilate. Of that
there can be no manner of doubt. One in the far
past, they will assuredly become one in the not distant
future.
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XIII. Lowell and the Monadnocks, J^o. 2, hy
Ephraim Brown. Read J^ovember 2, 1881.
THREE GLASS MANUFACTORIES.
Once again I ask the members of the Old Residents'
Historical Association of Lowell, to stand with me on
the beautiful heights that skirt the eastern boundary of
our city, and to look westward over the broad and wide
landscape, that lies within the crescent sweep of the
distant Monadnocks. It is the basin of the Merrimack.
Writers on the rise and progress of our busy city
enlarge with pride on the early manufactures which
began and have been carried on here. Laudable efforts
have been made to gather up the histories of all these
enterprises, and the Old Residents' Historical Associa-
tion is one of the outgrowths of these efforts. It consti-
tutes an important nucleus, around which and toward
which these efforts centre. It stimulates, it collects,
and it keeps. By its work the early life of our city and
its surroundings will be rescued from that oblivion which
was gathering like a darkness, -because no hand found a
place in which to preserve what it recorded. The Old
Residents' Historical Association unlocks and opens to
view, and will forever keep, a very large amount of early
history, of great interest now, and to be of still greater
interest a thousand years hence.
Lowell and its landscape are rich in events which
have no record within any public organization within
their boundaries ; and from these heights, I now open to
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OLASS-MAKING IN THE MERRIMACK BASIN. 181
your vision a few pages of early history, that for want
of record have been fast sinking into the abyss of the
lost and the unknown. The astronomer by his glass
brings the heavens near, and so to-night, by glass, I
bring what is past near.
This rich landscape upon which your eyes now rest,
is the seat of three glass manufactories. They all origi-
nated here, found most of their supplies here, and largely
disposed of their products here.
The first one, began and ended forty-six years
before Lowell had its name ; the second one began in
Lowell some twenty-four years before Lowell was born
and named, and ended its career in Lowell forty-two
years ago ; and the third one began fifteen years ago,
and is in active operation to this day, by a citizen of
Lowell. f
The first and third were located in the distant region
which forms the background of the charming landscape
your eyes are resting upon ; in fact the ruins of the first
and the active life of the third are only hidden by some
little elevations between, while the site of the second is
within the bounds of Lowell and almost under your
feet.
Drawing aside the veil of time, I see the smoke of
their fires, in three stately columns, ascending to the
clouds, and in the darkness of the night the lurid glare
from their furnaces glows upon the sky like the aurora.
Again, what do I see ? Flame and smoke are rising
above the mountain tops and in this valley, and confla-
grations are reducing their works to ashes.
They rise again. One soon to be abandoned, and
in the oblivion of one hundred years to be lost from pub-
lic sight ; the second to be changed to another portion
of the Merrimack basin and some twenty years after to
10
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182 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
be discontinued ; and the third, still in active life. By
this it is seen that the manufacture of glass has been
conducted in four distinct localities within the sweep of
our vision.
Fix your eye on that towering pinnacle, the grand
Monadnock, seen almost directly west. Twenty miles
this side, and a little to the south, you see on the summit
of the hither ridge, a broad and comparatively level
plateau, extending south, toward the New Ipswich line,
one mile distant. This plateau embraces some hundreds
of acres of hard land.
On this plateau one hundred and one years ago
were erected the first glass-works within our landscape
view. In the year 1780, the little town of Temple,
N. H., was electrified by the advent of one Robert Hewes,
from Boston. His coming was to erect a manufactory of
glass. The first settler had been there but twenty-three
years, and the Monadnock tops had hardly heard the
sound of his axe ; but every inhabitant of Temple felt a
thrill of interest, that so distinguished an establishment
was to be within its borders.
The Revolutionary War being then in full activity,
and all importations of glass from England being by
English law prohibited, and from all other countries being
nearly impossible, by reason of the blockade, Robert
Hewes resolved to supply the American people from
American glass-works, to be carried on from the tops of
the Monadnocks.
In 1780 (one hundred and one years ago this
autumn), on this mountain top he built his first factory.
Were the building standing there now, and the interven-
ing trees removed, I think its roof and tall chimney
would be within your vision.
I visited the spot in 1877. From that visit, from
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OLASS-MASCINO IK THE MERRIMACK BASIN. 183
the statements of my father, who was born on that
mountain range in 1790, from the stories told me by
Temple people while teaching school some five terms
in various districts along the foot of the range, from the
centennial history of Temple, of 1858, and from some
knowledge of glass-making, by reading and observation,
I will endeavor to portray briefly, but succintly, the
course of events and the results.
On the first of May, 1780, Robert Hewes and his
men began the erection of his glass-factory and com-
pleted the same, solely on his own expense. In the
autumn or early winter he started fires. By some mis-
hap the buildings soon took fire and burned down.
It is stated that the glass-blowers were German
Hessians and Waldeckers, who had been employed by
the British as soldiers to fight us, but loving liberty
better than war, had deserted from the British army
and had become employes, as glass-blowers, of Robert
Hewes. Now, in every glass-factory that I have ex-
amined, there has appeared to be a large proportion of
the low-class Germans — dissipated, drinking and quarrel-
some men. Hewes had just such men. They got
drunk, perhaps in jollification of the first success in
producing glass, and the burning of the works was the
result. This was a heavy blow to Mr. Hewes. Winter
was coming on ; his workmen to be fed and paid, and
his works had been destroyed.
The people of Temple also became solicitous ; for if
Mr. Hewes gave up, not only would there be no glass-
works there, but the glass-blowers would be there, as
low paupers that the town must support. Towns and
cities were very watchful about the incoming of strangers,
who might become paupers, and warrants were served
upon strangers, warning them out j and warnings were
served on Hewes and his men.
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184 OLD RESIDEKTS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATIOK.
But to prevent the abandonment of the enterprise,
the people of Temple also rallied to the aid of Mr.
Hewes; and in a short time the buildings were recon-
structed and ready for business. Then frost shattered
his furnaces so that they would not stand the fire, and
they gave way upon the production of the first samples
of glass.
Beset with difficulties, delays, and loss, funds began
to fall short, and the great want was money. The people
had no money to lend to the enterprise, and might not
choose to invest there if they had. Then Mr. Hewes
petitioned aid from the. State, asking "freedom from
taxation on his buildings," exemption of taxes for his
men, and the granting of a bounty upon the glass
produced.
January 2, 1781, the House of Representatives of
New Hampshire voted to receive and accept Mr. Hewes'
petition, but postponed the bounty till good window-
glass could be successfully produced.
The persistence of Mr. Hewes is best illustrated by
the following petition made to the Selectmen of Temple,
in the winter of 1781, written from Boston:
" Gentlemen : After due respects, hoping these
will find yourselves and families well, they are to inform,
that being almost discouraged by the misfortunes I have
met with, & the little spirit of the People to encourage
me, I am almost determined to drop all thoughts of
prosecuting the Glass-Manufactory in Temple, for why
should I strive to introduce a Manufactory to benefit a
people that has not spirit enough to subscribe a trifle to
encourage it, when I have met with a misfortune — ^for if
the Business ever comes to perfection it will be a greater
service to the country than it possibly can to me, even if
I make my fortune ? But, Gentlemen, it was not money
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GLASS-MAKING IK THE 3CEBBIMACE BASIN. 185
only^ that induced me, but it was because I was satisfied
I could do it, & in so doing serve my country most
essentially — ^more especially your Town. You will do
well, Gentlemen, to consider this is not a thing for a
moment, but it is laying a foundation for the good of
Posterity ; for certain /am, if my Glass-works are brought
to perfection, they will soon be as universal as the Iron
works, or many others : as I said to Esquire Blood the
other day, that the Glass-makers should be employed, if
it were only to steal their art.
I think the Town of Temple, as a Town, will be
highly culpable if they let this matter slip without a
struggle. But it is not for me to point out the advan-
tage you are all sensible of.
What I have to say is what will your Town do to
encourage the matter ? I shall have to send 60 miles
for stones to build my melting furnace, which will take
eight teams, & then all the other furnaces are to he re-
built; but all this while, the Glass-makers and fatoilies
are to be supported, which will be a costly affair.
Your court will make a Lottery, I suppose, but that
will be a thing of Time. Can I be credited for one or two
Carcasses of Beef, till the Lottery is drawn, or what way
can you think of to help me till the works are set a-
going?
I should be glad to know your opinion of the mat-
ter as soon as possible, so that I may know what to
determine.
From Your Friend & Humble Servant,
Egbert Hewes.
P. S. Mr. Ashley will wait upon you with this &
receive your answer, & transmit it to me as soon as
possible — B. H.
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186 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
P. S. If I could be properly encouraged, I would
come up in the Spring and work at it myself till it comes
to perfection."
"March 5, 1781. The Town voted to advance upon
a loan to Mr. Hewes £3000, with good security, to be
assessed in two months, & collected as soon as may be."
On the same day, March 5th, Mr. Hewes' agent, at
the glass-house, wrote to the selectmen " requesting
provisions."
March 11th, Mr. Hewes writes to the selectmen
from Boston, declining the loan of £3000 if security is
required ; states he will not assume any further risk or
responsibility ; that ten times that sum could be secured
in Boston, if he wanted it, but that he had determined
to recede immediately, and proposed to sell his interest
in the works at a low price ; had resolved to do nothing
furtl^er except bring down the workmen, if nobody
appears to purchase the houses and tools.
March 24th, in a letter from Boston, Mr. Hewes
proposes to the selectmen, that he be supplied money,
on a loan, on the strength of the lottery, for which he
seems to have petitioned the General Court of New
Hampshire, and requests that his glass-blowers be fur-
nished with supplies for subsistence.
It was not till March 30, 1781, that the lottery act
was passed, giving leave to raise £2000, new emission,
for the Temple Glass- Works, and appointing three men
to conduct the lottery, and report their proceedings and
account to the General Court within one year. A fao-
simile of the lottery-tickets may be found on page 171
of the History of Temple.
The tickets would not sell. I have no statement
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GULSS-MAKING IN THE MERRIMACK BASIN. 187
what their prize was to be. I infer the great lack to
have been want of faith in the glass-works.
Robert Hewes abandoned the enterprise, but left
sundry of his glass-blowers, paupers, or to become
paupers, upon the town of Temple, unless removed there-
from by law or strategy. The vigilant authorities of the
town had warned them out on arrival ; but now, with
the works abandoned, these helpless, destitute glass-
blowers and their families were left to steal or starve,
and to multiply that dread of early settlements, town
paupers. These helpless people seemed in danger of*
starving. The young and feeble could not leave, un-
aided, and some of the able would not. The people
of the town by some aid and a good deal of manage-
ment, got them on the road toward Boston, and in due
time they were there.
Now, the town of Boston was excited — indignant,
that Temple people should shove off its paupers upon
Boston. A writ was issued to serve upon the first
Temple officer that should come to Boston, to arrest and
lock him up till Boston's expenses, past and prospective,
for supporting Temple's paupers were satisfactorily
adjusted.
A few months after, one of the Boston officers
stepping into an office on State Street, inquired of the
occupant by what means, he (the officer) could send
a letter to Temple, N. H. Introducing a stranger to the
officer, theoccupant added : " Here is Mr. James So-and-
so, treasurer of Temple, N. H." "Ah," said the officer,
" very glad to see you. I hold a warrant for your
arrest. You must go with me." And so he went.
In due time Boston learned that its paupers had
gained no right of livelihood on the Monadnocks, but
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188 OLD RESIDENTS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
were Boston paupers still, and our Temple oflScer was
discharged.
Nearly all the foregoing facts and many minor
incidents were related to me forty years ago, by the
hosts and hostesses who welcomed, entertained and cared
for the schoolmaster, as guest, during the school seasons
of five years.
My recent visit to the site of these glass-works was
of great interest. It would be rare to find a more ro-
mantically-historic and beautiful spot, on a warm, sunny,
September afternoon. I found the foundation-stones of
the works so completely in place as to show the exact
ground plan. Laid without mortar, in some places they
rise several feet from the ground, and are especially
conspicuous where the melting-pot and chimney-stack
stood. There are fragments of bricks — the common and
fire-bricks, many with vitrified surfaces, to be found on
the grounds ; and there appear abundant evidences that
the works were complete.
There are interesting questions, inferences and con-
clusions that crowd up for expression. I can touch only
part of them. Why did Robert Hewes come to the top
of this mountain range to make glass ? I answer : He
thought a very large part of the needful material was
here. The land was of little value, the support or suste-
nance of his men inexpensive, and fuel for the cutting.
He seems to have built his first melting-furnace so
entirely of the stone of the place (mica slate, intersected
with silex veins) that fire and frost tore them down.
Then he writes to the selectmen, as quoted before : *^ I
shall have to send sixty miles for stones to build my
melting-furnace, requiring eight teams." Mr. J. W.
Walton, of New Ipswich, stated in 1859, that these
stones were obtained in Uxbridge, Mass., and conveyed
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GLASS-MAKING IN THE MERRIMACK BASIN. 189
by OX teams. I infer the material for the melting-pots
came from Uxbridge or Boston.
The forests of the Monadnocks would supply fuel
and potash. But the silex, or sand, whence was that?
Glass is purified silex, and all other material used is only
to purify and liquify it. The general belief has been
that he got it in the neighborhood of his works. One
tradition has been that it came from Magog Pond, in
Littleton, Mass. Littleton is thirty miles distant, and
when Mr. Hewes mentioned stones from sixty miles, I
think he would have included sand thirty miles, if it
came from so far.
If one looks for sand beds, on this plateau, he will
look in vain. Within eighteen years the Lyndeborough
Glass- Works seem to have solved that question ; but no
doubt Hewes solved it eighty-five years before, and
collected the silex boulders almost covering this plateau,
calcined them in one of his furnaces, crumbled them to
sand and thus found an abundant supply. A stone base
of such a probable furnace stands now, close by the
principal ruin.
A Mr. Hewes, of Piqua, Ohio, wrote to the historian
of Temple : " I remember seeing the glass decanters,
&c., which my mother told me were made at his glass-
works in New Hampshire." Very little, however, was
accomplished except to begin.
Mr. Hewes was no common man. He was ingenious,
industrious, a great reader, and an enterprising man, as
his glass-works prove. Being left by his father with
|50,000, it seems he resolved not to risk all. He carried
on business in Boston, retrieved his losses in New
Hampshire, and died in 1830, aged seventy-nine years.
Unkind criticism is often meted out to unsuccessful
enterprise, and that, too, very unjustly and ungenerously.
11
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190 OLD KESIDENTS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
What succeeds is praised; what fails is denounced.
Suppose the founders of Lowell had failed? Does it
follow that founders are to be discountenanced? No.
In every good enterprise, lend them kind words and
helping hands; for who knows which shall prosper,
' either this or that, or all be alike good ?
CHELMSFORD GLASS-WORKS.
The second establishment within the basin of the
beautiful Merrimack for the manufacture of glass, was
under our feet, within the bounds of our favored city
of Lowell.
Who has not heard of " Chelmsford glass" ? Especially
who did not, if living within the Merrimack basin sixty
years ago ? You can look down from where you now
stand, upon the exact spot where the works stood. In
our beautiful suburban village, Middlesex, there is a
street at right angles with Middlesex Street, on its south
side, just westerly of the fine mansion of our enterprising
citizen, M. C. Pratt, Esq., and the first street this side of
and parallel with the bed of the old Middlesex Canal,
now filled up with earth, through the beautiful grounds
of Mr. Pratt. On the westerly side of this cross street,
and about thirty rods south of Middlesex Street, stood
the furnace buildings of the Chelmsford Glass-Works.
The buildings have been removed and little remains
except a range of store-houses.
These works were established in 1802, by Hunne-
well & Gore, of Boston, and their product was chiefly
window-glass, and other glass was made in smaller
quantities. Hunnewell & Gore were glass merchants, or
manufacturers, and I have an impression were interested
in other glass-works.
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0LA8S-MAKINO IK THE MERRIMACK BASIK. 191
About four years ago I began to collect facts re-
garding the Chelmsford Glass- Works, and I found con-
siderable diflSculty in obtaining exact knowledge, because
the works were discontinued in Lowell in 1839. Forty-
three years ago they were moved to the town of Pem-
broke, N. H., and the books carried there. There are
two or three men in Lowell still who were employed in
these works.
I went to the village of Suncook, in Pembroke, the
place of residence of Mr. William Parker, who had the
sole charge and half-ownership of the works to the time
of the suspension of glass-making there, in 1850. Mr.
Parker died only some four weeks before my visit.* The
only survivor of the family at home was his youngest
daughter. She kindly gave me a free examination of
such books as would impart information relative to the
history of the works. I also had an interview with Mr.
William E. Hirsch, a glass-blower there, sixty-seven years
of age, who was employed in the works in Lowell and
went to Suncook in 1839. Some papers, also, of the
late Sidney Spalding, of our city, who was clerk at the
•Some of you were, doubtless, well acquainted with Mr. Parker. The following
obituary notice, from the Manchester "Mirror and American," of September 14,
1877, is of interest to his friends and acquaintances :
" William Parker died at his home In Suncook, Tuesday, September llth. He was
bom in Merrimack, December 16, 1797, and began business as a landlord of the Parker
Tavern at Seed's Ferry, one of the famous hostelries of those days. Subsequently he
was landlord of the Adams Hotel at' Chelmsford, Mass. His next business venture was
as a merchant at Tyngsboro', Mass., in which he continued about two years. He then
purchased ihe Chelmsford Glass-Works, at Middlesex Village, which he operated for
ten years. In 1839, he removed the business to Suncook, and erected new buildings,
enlarged and extended it, and until 1850 continued to carry it on. In that year he closed
the factory, and having bought the Bunt In farm, Just below Suncook Village, moved
upon it, and afterwards devoted his energies and skill to farming. For twenty years he
was widely known as one of the most earnest, progressive and successful farmers in
Merrimack County. He was an ardent admirer of fine stock, of which his spacious
bam has always contained splendid specimens. He was also an intelligent husband-
man, as his nirm bore witness, and few men in the State have doue more to encourage
and sustain our fair^ and other agencies of agricultural advancement than he. As a
manufacturer and business man, in his earlier days, Mr. Parker was also extensively
known, and universally respected; and as a citizen and neighbor he could always be
relied upon to do more than his share of any work which the public good or neighborly
kindness demanded. '*
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192 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
establishment in Chelmsford, when he was a young man,
and part owner afterwards for many years, were placed
in my hands.
From these, from Allen's History of Chelmsford and
other sources of knowledge, I have made up a sketch of
the history of the works, as accurately as I can, and
while in some points there may be errors, in the main
they are nearly correct.
Two years before the opening of the Middlesex
Canal, which was in 1804, Hunnewell & Gore erected
the Chelmsford Glass-Works. Allen fixes the date at
1802. It was a private or copartnership enterprise
by Boston parties, with resident manager and employ^
in Chelmsford.
As the works had ten years in which to come into
successful operation before the war of 1812, it is reason-
able to suppose that the closing of our ports gave a great
impetus to the manufacture of glass in America, and a
corresponding activity in the Chelmsford Glass-Works.
Allen hints the same regarding other manufactures.
The late Joel Powers said that Couper, a German, of
Boston, was selling agent. Mr. Hirsch says Couper con-
trolled the glass manufactory on Essex Street, Boston,
had a warehouse on Merchants' Row, and that Loring &
Couper's sign was on the building as late as 1873. The
same Boston parties carried on the South Boston Glass-
Works for a period, and afterwards discontinued them.
Mr. Frederick S. Geer, of Lowell, was employed in
the works and Mrs. Geer says most of the glass-blowers
of the Chelmsford Glass-Works were Germans, and names
among them Weaver, Baruch and Cook, who escaped
from France at the time Napoleon married Maria Louise
of Austria, and came to Chelmsford as glass-blowers.
Mr. Hirsch says there were glass-works in Chester,
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GLASS-MAKINO IN THE MERRIMACK BASIN. 193
Mass., and ChesTiire County, N. H., all making window-
glass.
There were two modes of working glass for glazing,
one producing " crown-glass " the other " cylinder-glass."
The molten glass was taken upon the end of a rod of
iron called a pontil, and the rod was rapidly revolved in
the hands of the workman, till the centrifugal force of
the revolutions had expanded the glass into a thin disk
or wheel three or four feet in diameter. When this thin
glass disk was cut up into squares or panes it was
*^ crown-glass." The other mode was to take the glass
from the melting-pot upon the end of an iron tube about
four feet long. Applying the free end of the tube to his
lips the workman forced air into the viscid mass, which
was expanded thereby into a hollow ball. A revolving
motion was imparted, then more air given, until the ball
was considerably enlarged. It was then revolved u§on
a table to form it into cylindrical shape and expanded by
blowing and rolling, till it was a large, long, hollow
cylinder. Then it was cut open and its walls laid flat
upon the table as a sheet, which being cut up into panes
was " cylinder-fflass." Cylinder-glass was the best and
the most profitable to make.
About 1802 a Mr. Frieze, a German glass-maker in
Baltimore, Md., visited Europe, and the father of Mr.
Hirsch, with others, came to America in consequence.
Mr. Hirsch began to blow, in Chelmsford, at the age of
sixteen, in the year 1817.
Mr. Geer was a glass-cutter. One informant stated
that the Chelmsford works ran two furnaces, employed
ten blowers, working ten hours per day, three days in a
week, then five. With the other employes the works
supported some sixty or seventy people, and made quite
a market for the little town of Chelmsford, of seventy
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194 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATIOK.
years ago — before our city was dreamed of. But the
most complete account is found in Allen's History, pub-
lished in 1 820. He says :
" On the east bank of Middlesex Canal, at a distance
of two hundred rods from Merrimack River, a large
building one hundred and twenty-four feet long and
sixty-two wide, with necessary appendages for manufac-
ture of window-glass, was erected in 1802.
" Near it is a two-storied house, handsomely finished,
designed for the residence of the overseer, and around it,
at convenient distances, a number of smaller houses for
the accommodation of the workmen and their families.
" There are appertaining to this manufactory about
twenty families, consisting of 'forty men, twenty women
and forty children — one hundred in all. It is now in a
flourishing state. About three hundred and thirty
thousand feet of window-glass are annually made, or
three thousand three hundred boxes of one hundred feet
each, which at $13 per box will amount to $42,900.
'' The situation is very favorable for transportation
of glass to Boston, and those raw materials from thence
which it would be expensive to con^iey by land. A
ready and cheap supply of wood is also easily obtained,
of which it is estimated that about two thousand cords
are annually consumed in the manufactory and houses
attached to it.
" The manufactory consists of two furnaces, three
flattening ovens, two tempering ovens, six ovens for
drying wood, cutting, mixing, and pot-rooms, a kiln for
burning brick, a mill-house and sand-house."
To my inquiry, " Where did the supplies come
from ?" Mr. Hirsch answered : " Up the canal and
down the river." The soda-ash, potash, lime, salt
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OLASS-MAKINa IN THE MERRIMACK BASIN. 195
and sand, came on the canal from Boston. When first
established potash was largely used. After the war,
soda-ash from England, took the place of potash to a
large extent. " But from whence did the sand come to
Boston ?" I asked. He answered : " From Morris
River, New Jersey." The fuel was wood. It came down
the Merrimack River in boats and rafts. It was pine
wood entirely. No coal was used, neither any hard
wood. In fact it was not discovered that anthracite coal
would burn at all . till 1826 — twenty-four years after
these works were established. The wood was from the
plains of Concord, N. H.
Iridescence or rainbow colors, was a defect in glass,
and caused more or less trouble. Bad fuel, hard wood,
bad sand and impurities in other supplies were the cause,
not only of iridescence but of brittleness, waves and
dark colors, especially green. If you will notice glass
in houses erected forty to sixty years ago, you will
detect these defects. I noticed them more than fifty
years ago, in the Chelmsford glass of my father's house.
The fire-bricks and also the melting-crucibles were
composed of German clay. Crucibles are very perish-
able, take a long time to make and are a costly item in
glass-making.
The Chelmsford Glass- Works were carried on, pre-
sumably with fair success, from 1802 to about 1827 or
'28 — some twenty-six years — when Hunnewell & Gore,
the proprietors, failed ; and Samuel P. Hadley, Esq.,
remembers that at about this time the works were
burned. This seems to have stopped glass-making in
Chelmsford, for the time being.
Either to continue the prosperity of Chelmsford,
or to reap the profits of the trade, or both, Chelms-
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196 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
ford people formed a company, procured a charter, and
commenced operations as a corporation to manufacture
glass at the old works. It is from the aforesaid examina-
tion of the books of the corporation, at Suncook, chiefly,
that I trace the further history of the Chelmsford Glass-
Works.
The first recorded meeting of the new corporation
was held July 11, 1828, at the house of Mr. Simeon
Spalding, in Chelmsford, when the company was legally
organized. Jesse Smith was chosen treasurer and William
Adams, Samuel T. Wood, Daniel Richardson, Jesse Smith
and Amos Whitney, Jr., were elected directors.
"Voted, That Daniel Richardson be an agent of
the Chelmsford Glass Company, to take a deed of the
real estate, described in bond of William Sullivan, John
Bumstead, John Bellows and Eben Chadwick Glass Com-
pany, to Cyrus Baldwin, Samuel T. Wood and Daniel
Richardson." (Dated March 25, 1828).
He was also empowered to give a mortgage deed
to secure the payment of part of the purchase money,
and to give notes and securities as necessary, and to use
the seal of the company.
"Voted, To assess $12.50 per share, before July
19th, more than was raised, previous to being incor-
porated."
This last vote seems to recognize some organization
previous to obtaining a charter, in which these members
of the new company had paid assessments.
It seems that a private copartnership, or corpora-
tion, had begun, but whether glass was made during its
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GLASS-MAKING IN THE MERRIMACK BASIN. 197
existence, I have no means of knowing. Members of
such a concern would have been individually liable for
its debts ; under a charter they would not ; besides, a
corporation with charter, seal and organization is a
stronger body than a private company.
" Voted, That the directors be empowered to assess
as much as they shall think necessary, not exceeding
$100, on each share, including the sums already paid."
" Voted, To raise by assessment $12.50 per share,
to be paid before 15th August, being fifth assessment.
" Adjourned to July 25th.
Charles Blood, Clerk."
Article third of the by-laws limited the votes of
stockholders to ten, however many shares were held.
Article fourth, that dividends be semi-annual, if able.
The annual meeting of the next year was held July
13, 1829, at John C. Bixby's Hotel, in Chelmsford. The
old oflScers seem to have been re-elected.
Another meeting was held at Bixby's in 1830, and
it was
" Voted, To run the fire of Chelmsford Glass- Works
another year.
" Voted, To make preparation for another fire.
" Voted, To purchase wood lots.
"Voted, To prosecute for bad potashes from
Maine."
By the first of these four votes, it seems that stop-
ping the works was discussed. By the last vote, that the
company had been imposed on in buying bad potashes.
If there was not satisfactory prosperity, it was only the
common experience of new men in a new business.
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198 OLD RESroENTS' HISTOBICAL ASSOCIATION.
The annual meeting was held at Bixby's, July 12,
1830. Charles Blood was elected clerk and Jesse Smith
treasurer. Directors elected were Daniel Richardson,
Jesse Smith, Amos Whitney, and Eben Adams.
The next annual meeting was held July 11, 1831.
It was voted, "to divide at the end of three months
whatever money there is on hand." Samuel Burbank
was chosen clerk. The directors' report was accepted,
and John Kendrick & Co.'s report put on file.
This meeting seems to have left unfinished business,
for July 15, 1831, there was a meeting and it was " voted
that the treasurer be required to give bonds in $10,000,"
and "a committee to examine the accounts of John
Kendrick & Co., was chosen. Voted, that the clerk
furnish the committee with the doings of the selling
agents, Kendrick & Co. for the committee's examina-
tion."
The annual meeting called July 9, 1832, was twice
adjourned, and finally held August 9, 1832. Chose
Samuel Burbank clerk and treasurer. Directors — Samuel
T. Wood, Shepard Lamb, William Parker, John Kendrick
and John McGaw. " Voted, there be a dividend of $20
per share."
In 1833 William Parker was elected clerk and
treasurer.
The next record quoted in my memorandum seems
to have been August 5, 1839, to wit : " Voted, That
William Parker be authorized to sell and convey any part
or all the real estate of the company and in their
name."
This last vote implies the giving up of the works in
Chelmsford ; and the next record was of a meeting held
in Pembroke, N. H., July 14, 1840,
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GLASS-MAKIKG IN THE MERRIMACK BASIN. 199
In 1835, the stock of the Company was owned by
four or five persons, William Parker holding sixty-two
shares and sixty-three more shares being held by other
persons. The capital stock was $12,500, at par value
$100 per share ; and Mr. Hirsch says it sold at one time
at $180 per share. From 1829 to 1840 the dividends
appear to have averaged about 6 per cent, per annum.
The motive for moving the works from Chelmsford
to Pembroke was : reduced cost of supporting the work-
men, ease of obtaining cheap fuel, and close proximity
to an abundant supply of sand at Massabesic Pond, in
Chester, now Manchester. The works were carried on
there from 1839 to 1850.
But there were heavy drawbacks in New Hampshire.
The expected supply of suitable sand proved a delusion.
The sand from Massabesic produced glass of so dark color,
by reason of iron, that the glass was unsalable. Sand
from Morris River, New Jersey, was the only resort,
with increased cost for transportation.
The revision of the tariff in 1845 brought another
disaster. The duty on imported glass was made so low
that the country was supplied with European glass at
less price than the cost of production here, and in conse-
quence the manufacture of glass by Mr. Parker was
abandoned in 1850. He made no glass after that date.
Thus ended the second establishment for the manu-
facture of glass in the Merrimack River basin.
There is another manufactory of glass in Lynde-
borough, N. H., well known to Lowell people.* It is
•In response to inquiries concerning the works at Lyndeborougli, which were Incor-
porated in 1866, Mr. Putnam writes briefly and as follows:
South Lyndeboeouqh, N. H., Nov. 3, 1881.
EPHRAIM BROWN, Esq.:
Dear Sir— Your notice gives me only time to say that the glass business was com-
menced at this location on account of the immense supply of pure silica, from quartz
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200 OLD KESIBEKTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATIOK.
situated upon that vein of silex which is described in the
published papers of our Association, No. 25.
rock here, the chief constituent of glass, and the large supply of wood. At the time
these worlcs were started there were in New England seven other places where bottie
ware was made and other lines of goods similar to those made here. As the ware from
these works entered the market, the products of the other manufactories gradually
disappeared, until every other factory in this line of goods in New England abandoned
the business, confirming the superiority of goods made from pure material. Many
improvements have been introduced here to cheapen cost of production, and the busi-
.ness has gradually extended, until its clients are now found in all parts of the country.
The present capacity of the works is four tons of molten glass daily, employing eighty-
five hands. Carboys and general bottle ware are the staple productions, including
rattan-covered demijohns. At first wood was the only fuel used, then coal, and now
crude petroleum is successfully used. I would be glad to say more, but must close in
order to have this reach you by to-day's mall.
Respectfully yours,
J. D. PUTNAM.
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XIV. The Melvin Suitsi^ hy Hon. John P.
Rohinson.
Hon. John P. Robinson was born at Dover, N. H.,
in 1799 ; educated at Phillips Academy, Exeter, N. H.;
graduated at Harvard College in 1823 ; studied law in
the office of Daniel Webster and commenced practice in
Lowell in 1827. He represented Lowell in the Legisla-
ture of Massachusetts in 1829, '30, '31, '33 and '42. He
was Senator for Middlesex County in 1835, and served
as one of the Committee on the Revised Statutes in
1836. He married a daughter of Ezra Worthen, and had
one daughter, who, with the mother, still survives. He
died October 20, 1864. H. G. F. Corliss was associated
with him, first as a student, and afterwards as a partner.
It has been truly said that " John P. Robinson was an
able and accomplished lawyer, and a thorough classical
scholar."
The poet Lowell, in his quaint Way, has rendered
his name famous :
George N. Briggs is a sensible man;
He stays to his liome and loolcs arter his folks;
He draws bis furrer as straight as he can,
And into nobody's tater-patch polces.
But John P.
Bobinson he
Says he won't vote for Governor B."
We are indebted to his personal interest in the
celebrated Melvin Trials, as counsel for the defendants,
for the following characteristic and graphic account of
them:
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202 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
"In 1771, Thomas Fletcher died, seized of a farm of
about one hundred and thirty acres, and another piece
of outland of about eighteen acres, situate in that part of
Chelmsford which is now Lowell. He left two daughters,
Rebecca and Joanna, his only heirs at law. Rebecca
married Dr. Jacob Kittredge and Joanna married Benja-
min Melvin, prior to 1782 ; so that at that time Kittredge
and his wife owned an undivided half in her right, and
Melvin and wife owned an undivided half in her right of
both pieces. Kittredge and his wife both died prior to
1820, leaving ten children, their heirs at law. Melvin
and his wife died prior to 1831, leaving seven children
their heirs at law. The lands which the Melvin heirs
claimed were the eighteen acre lot and about eight acres
of the farm, making twenty-six acres in all.
" The Proprietors of the Locks and Canals claim to
hold these lands by deeds from Melvin and wife and
Kittredge and wife, made in 1782, by sundry mesne con-
veyances subsequently made, and more than thirty years
possession. The Company in 1820, '21 and '22, bought
out, or intended to buy out, the title of every person
who had any right or claim to this land, and they paid
the owners or occupants the price which they asked.
All went on quietly as before until 1832, when the specu-
lation in land was at its height. Some profound lawyer,
on examination of the titles, then found out that the
Company had no title whatever to these two pieces of
land, which had already become valuable.
"In the latter part of 1832, Benjamin Melvin, the
son, applied to me to bring a suit for a fourteenth part of
the eighteen acre lot. I endeavored to dissuade him
from go doing, and told him he had no title, legal or
equitable, to any of this land. He thought otherwise,
and applied to Samuel H. Mann, Esq., who brought six
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THE MELVIN SUITS. 203
suits in the names of the several Melvin heirs. I was
then employed by the Company. The first of these
suits was tried October term, 1833, before Wilde, J.,
and the Jury found for Melvin. The case was carried
before the whole Court, and argued October term 1834.
The court set aside the verdict ; Morton, J., giving the
opinion of the Court. The case went to a jury Novem-
ber following. This jury disagreed — ten for the Com-
pany and two for Melvin. This trial was before Putnam,
J. This case was continued to April term, 1835, and
tried before Morton, J. This verdict was for the Com-
pany. Melvin then carried the case before the whole
Court. It was argued October term, 1835, and at April
term, 1836. Shaw, C. J., gave the opinion of the whole
Court, rendering judgment on the verdict against Melvin.
The Kittredge suit was disposed of at the same time, in
the same way. (See Pick. Rep., Vol. 16, page 137.)
(Vol. 17, page 246 and 255.) The other five suits were
continued to October term, 1836, when they were dis-
missed without costs to either party. Thus the title to
the eighteen acre lot was forever put to rest. This lot
lies above the Stone House, extending from Merrimack
River across the road to School Street.
" But the eight acre lot was of far more value, and
gave rise to a longer controversy. Encouraged by his
success in the first suit, Melvin brought another suit to
recover an undivided fourteenth part of this lot, which
is partly on Button Street, extending over and including
about forty rods of the Western Canal. This case was
tried at the April term, 1834, before Putnam, J., and
after four days' trial, a verdict was found for Melvin.
The Company took exceptions, and the case was carried
before the whole Court, and argued in February, 1835.
The Court set aside the verdict as against law ; Wilde,
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204 OLD BESIDENTS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
J. giving the opinion of the Court. (See 16 Vol., Pick.
Rep., p. 161.) Melvin became nonsuit, and the Company
recovered $341.90 cost on this suit alone. Encouraged
by the verdict on the above suit, the other heirs brought
five other suits, which were also nonsuited, and the
costs paid by the Melvins. Twelve suits were thus
disposed of.
" The Melvins not finding it a very profitable business
to multiply suits, now joined together in the great and
final remedy of a writ of right to recover their lost in-
heritance. This suit came on for trial in October, 1836,
when we went prepared with about thirty or forty
witnesses to have a final trial. I was perfectly certain
of prevailing in this suit on three points of law. But as
we were just proceeding to trial, a certain lawyer whom
I had formerly driven out of the case, had been figuring
with one of the Melvins and had got a release, and in-
sisted upon having the case dismissed without having
any trial. This I protested against, but finally yielded,
by the overpersuasion of the other counsel, upon the
understanding that here should be an end of the con-
troversy. Thus there was nothing sealed on this writ of
right, a judgment in which would have been a final and
eternal bar to all future writs. So in the Fall of 1839,
both parties were entirely out of Court. In the Spring
of 1837, Kirk Boott, Esq., by whom I had been employed,
and who had entrusted this whole business with me^
died, and I had nothing to do with any of the Company's
business for three years.
"In August, 1839, Melvin and his counsel got new
light upon the subject. They had hitherto claimed only
one-half the land, they now claimed the whole. The
Melvin heirs and most of the Kittredge heirs conveyed
all their titles to Benjamin Melvin alone and he brought
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THE MELVIN SI7ITS. 205
a suit for the whole. This suit was tried at the October
term; 1840 before Judge Dewey, and the jury found that
Melvin and wife's deed of 1782, did not cover the de-
manded premises, which was another false verdict. We
then carried the case before the whole Court, and it was
decided in October, 1842, Judge Wilde delivering the
opinion of the Court, that if the Melvins ever had any
title, they were barred by lapse of time. (See 5 Mete.,
Rep. 15.) Here was a final settlement of the matter in
the State Court. But the judgments were all upon non-
suits, and nothing was finally settled that could be
pleaded in bar of a suit in the United States Court.
And it turned out that Melvin before this last trial had
conveyed all his interest (?) in the suit to Jonathan M.
Eeed, of Michigan, and after the final decision in the
State Court, Reed brought a suit in the United States
Circuit Court in 1843. This was tried at Boston before
Judge Woodbury in 1845. And after four days' trial a
true verdict was rendered for the Company. Reed then
brought a writ of error in the Supreme Court of the
United States, where it was entered December 7, 1846,
and continued to the present term, and was argued on
the 2d, 3d and 4th of January, 1849, by General Jones
and Grenville Parker for the plaintiff in error, and by
Mr. Webster and myself for the defendants.
"On the 24th of January 1849, the Supreme Court of
the United States unanimously affirmed the judgment of
the Circuit Court.
" Thus after a controversy of more than seventeen
years, in which from $30,000 to $40,000 have been
expended, these Melvin suits were ultimately settled."
13
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XV. Merrimack River, its Sources, Affluents, etc.,
^Prepared hy Alfred Gilman.
The east branch of the Pemigewasset has its rise in
the Willey Mountain, six thousand feet above the ocean,
in a pond near the summit of that mountain. Its waters
escape in a southerly direction, then turning to the west,
the waters of the Ethan Crawford Pond unite with it.
Its course is through an unbroken wilderness for forty
miles. The accessions it receives from the mountain
ranges on either side soon swell its proportions from a
brook to a river. Six miles from where the waters of
the two ponds unite, a large brook flows in from the
right ; ten miles further down is the grand fall, said to
be well worth a trip to see. Just below another tribu-
tary comes in, and still farther down the Hancock River
unites with the Pemigewasset. The middle branch has
its source in the Profile Lake, north of the Franconia
Notch. The west branch takes its rise in the Mooailauke
Mountains.
These three branches unite at Woodstock, N. H.,
from which place large quantities of lumber have been
floated to Lowell. Moosilauke and Hill Brooks come in
below Woodstock. On Hill Brook is a remarkable fall ;
thirty feet before reaching the main fall, the descent is
one foot in four. The main fall is forty-two feet. Mad
River and two other small rivers fall into the Pemige-
wasset from the east near 'Campton. In the town of
Holderness are situated Great and Little Squam Lakes,
which discharge their waters through Squam River into
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THE MERRIMACK RITER, ITS SOTTRCES, ETC. 207
the Pemigewasset immediately below Bridgewater Falls.
The manufacturing corporations on the Merrimack have
secured the right to draw from the two lakes when the
Merrimack is low. At Plymouth the Pemigewasset re-
ceives the waters of Baker's River from the west. Baker's
River rises in the Moosilauke Range and is supplied from
Stinson's River, the outlet of a pond by that name.
Newfound Lake, in the town of Bridgewater, here dis-
charges its waters through Newfound River, from the
west, into the Pemigewasset. Newfound River is but
two miles long, and is one continuous rapid. The fall in
that distance is two hundred feet. The water in its lake
is controlled as in Squam Lake. Smith's River comes in
at Hill, and is that town's northern boundary. At
Franklin the Pemigewasset and Winnipesauke unite and
form the Merrimack.
Lake Winnipesauke, the source of the river of that
name is something more than twenty miles in length,
and is dotted over with a large number of islands, on
some of them are excellent farms. This lake has no
feeders of importance j Goose Pond, through its outlet,
enters it at Meredith Village ; Gunstock and Miles Rivers
from Gilford; Merry-meeting River from Alton; and
Smith's Pond, through its outlet, at Wolfboro'. The
outlet of Lake Winnipesauke is called the Weirs, from
the fact that the Indians here dammed the river by a
netting of bark and twigs, for fishing purposes.
The Weirs is the locality of the rock on which
Major Simon Willard and Edward Johnson, in 1652, two
hundred and twenty-six years ago, put this inscription :
EI S W
W P JOHN
ENDICVT
GOV,
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208 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATIOK.
The claim of Massachusetts extended to a point
three miles north of the most extreme northerly point of
the Merrimack River ; to substantiate and establish this
claim^ she sent the above-named persons as Commissioners
to perambulate and define her claim. At one time the rise
of the Water in the lake threatened to obliterate this
inscription. The Lake Company took measures to pre-
serve it. It is called the " Endicot Rock." A cast of it
has been taken and placed by J. B. Francis, Esq., in the
custody of the Middlesex Mechanics' Association.
Winnipesauke River falls nearly two hundred and
fifty feet, before uniting with the Pemigewasset, just
below Webster's Falls in Franklin. Besides the lake,
there are two large bodies of water, called bays. They
form reservoirs from which Manchester, Lowell and
Lawrence are supplied in a dry time. The Suncook
River has its source in a pond on the summit of one of
the Suncook mountains, and runs in a south-east course
through Gilmanton into Barnstead, receiving there the
waters of Half-moon and Brindle Ponds. Bear Brook
enters the Suncook from the east, furnishing many mill
sites. A short distance above the mouth of the Suncook,
there is a fall ample for manufacturing purposes ; on the
Merrimack, just above the confluence of the Suncook, is
Garvin's Falls, where the water falls perpendicularly
twenty-eight feet. Contoocook River enters the Merri-
mack at Boscawen ; its sources are on the height of land
between the waters of the Connecticut and Merrimack
in Rindge and Jaffrey, Cheshire County ; its general
direction is northeast, and it receives accessions from
Warner and Blackwater Rivers in Hopkinton. Hillsboro'
River unites with the Contoocook at Hillsboro', where
many smaller streams swell its current. The Contoocook
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THE MERRIMACK UlYER, ITS SOtTRCtS, ETC. 209
is remarkable for its crooked course. Warner River,
a tributary of the Contoocook River, rises in the Sunapee
Mountains, and in its course receives the waters of
Pleasant Pond.
The Merrimack River, from the foot of Webster's
Falls at Franklin, to Garvin's Falls, four miles below
Concord, is a broad, placid stream, with the exception of
Sewairs Falls, near Concord. The Soucook River, which
rises in Gilmanton, falls into the Merrimack from the
east, at Concord. Turkey River, the outlet of Turkey
Pond, enters the Merrimack from the west at Bow.
Black Brook and Piscataquog River enter the Merrimack
from the west near Manchester. At Amoskeag, the
river falls perpendicularly fifty-four feet. Cohas River,
the outlet of Massabesic Pond, enters the Merrimack
from the east at Goffe's Falls in Bedford. The fall in
this stream, from the pond to the river, is one hundred
and twenty feet. Beaver River or Brook has its source
in a pond of the same name in Londonderry, and falls
into the Merrimack at Lowell below Pawtucket Falls.
Bowman's Brook enters the Merrimack on the west at
Bedford. Souhegan River, and its affluent, Baboosuck
River, which flows through two ponds, enters the Merri-
mack from the west. It has its rise in several large
ponds in Ashburnham, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
The Nashua River has its source in the Wachusett
Mountain in Massachusetts ; and enters the Merrimack
at Nashua ; its fountain heads are numerous ; it is sup-
plied by the Still River one of its branches, at Lancaster,
Massachusetts, and the Nisitissit at Hollis, N. H. Penni-
chuck and Salmon Brooks enter the Merrimack, the first
above, and the latter below Nashua. The Salmon Brook
has its rise in Groton, Mass. ; the Pennichuck in a
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210 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATIOK.
pond of the same name. Black and Deep Brooks are
tributaries of the Merrimack, Deefp above and Black below
North Chelmsford. Stony Brook unites with the Mer-
rimack at North Chelmsford j it has its rise in Groton.
Concord River unites with the Merrimack at Lowell.
One of its branches rises in a pond in Westboro*, the
other in Hopkinton; its extreme length is about fifty
miles. River Meadow, or Hale's Brook has its rise in
Heart Pond in Carlisle, and enters the Concord at Low-
ell. The whole length of the Merrimack from its source
to the mouth at Newburyport, is two hundred and sixty
miles. The fall from Lake Winnipesauke to Haver-
hill, at the head of tidewater, is four hundred and fifty-
two feet.
In 1603 the French monarch, Henry of Navarre,
granted to Pierre de Guast, Sieur de Monts, a patent for
the entire territory from the fortieth to the forty-sixth
degree of north latitude. The next year, 1604, de
Monts, accompanied by Samuel Champlain de Brouage,
sailed from France, to take possession of the territory
and landed on the island of St. Croix (Neutral Island) in
Passamaquoddy Bay. Here they passed the winter.
The next summer, 1605, having built a pinnace of fifteen
tons, he resolved to seek a warmer climate, and, in com-
pany with Champlain, the chronicler of the voyage,
Champdore, the master, and a crew of twenty sailors
and soldiers, they skirted the coast of Maine. They
were piloted by an Indian, Panonnias, who was accom-
panied by his newly-married squaw. On the 17th of
July, 1605, he entered a bay (which he called Ipswitch),
and discovered the mouth of the Merrimack. He named
it Gua's River ; but the Indian name being better known
has been retained.
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THE HEBRIHACK, ITS SOURCES, ETC.
211
VARIOUS ORTHOGRAPHY FOR WINNEPISSIOGEE AND
MERRIMACK.
From investigation, J. B. Francis, Esq., gives twenty
variations in the manner of spelling the name of our noble
river Merrimack,, which are given below. He says Mon-
omack means sturgeon; that the first mill erected by
the Merrimack Company was surmounted by the figure
of that fish for a vane. He protests against the practice
of discarding the k in writing the word, as King Charles
sanctioned the use of that letter in making the original
grant.
Winipasekek.
Winipesioke.
Winnapuscakit.
Winnapusseakit.
Winnepesocket.
Winnepesseokeege.
Winnepisseogee.*
Winnipaseket.
Winnipesockee.
Winnepicioket.
Win n ipissaukee.*
Winnipisseogee.*
Malamake.
Maremake.
Meremack.
Meremacke.
Meremak.
Merimacke.
Mermak.
Merraraack.
Merramacke.
Merremacke.
Merremeck.
Merrimac*
Merrimach.
Merrimack.*
Merrimak.
Merrimeck.
Merr3rinacke.
Monnomacke.
MoDomack.
Monumach.
Aqaedahtau (Weirs). — Becords of Massachusetts Bay^ 1652.
Aquedocktau (Weirs). — History of Concord,
•Modern.
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GREATEST HEIGHTS OF WATER ABOVE TOP OF PAWTUCKET DAM,
EXTRACTED FROM RECORDS KEPT AT THE GUARD GATES OF THE
NORTHERN CANAL.
Greatest Height in March,
Greatest Height in the other
Year.
April and May.
nine months.
Date.
Feet.
Inches.
Date.
Feet.
Inches.
1848
May 4.
4
IIH
November 7.
6
1849
April 1.
6
10
NoYember 11.
7H
1860
Mayl.
8
8%
July 21.
9
1851
April 18.
4
1
November 1.
7
1852
April 22.
13
7
November 28.
0%
1863
May 28.
6
4
February 8.
11
1864
May 2.
8
0
November 27.
5
1866
AprU21.
7
0
October 4.
8
1866
April 10.
4
6%
August 8.
8
1867
April 16.
8
1
October 28.
3H
1868
AprU26.
3
10
September 18.
8
1869
March 20.
10
3
June 19 and 23.
9
1860
March 4.
4
0
November 26.
1
1861
April 16.
6
11
November 6.
11
1862
April 20.
10
6
November 23.
0
1863
April 18.
9
0
November 19.
6
7
1864
March 8.
7
4
November 23.
3
8
1865
March 19.
10
6
November 6.
8
2
1866
April 26.
4
0%
November 18.
3H
1867
April 18.
6
0
August 18.
9
1868
May 26.
6
4
September 27.
11%
1869
April 23.
7
6
October 6.
10
0
1870
April 21.
12
8V4
January 4.
11
1871
May 7.
6
6
November 17.
9
1872
April 12.
6
0
August 19.
9
1873
Aprill3,
6
5H
October 22.
8
1874
May 23.
6
0
January 10.
10
1876
1876
18n
April 6.
March 30, and )
April 16 and 17. J
March 29.
6
6
7
8
8
8
November 1.
January 4.
November ll.
2H
8
1
1878
Mayl.
7
0
December 12.
10
8%
1879
May 2.
6
11
1880
April 6.
4
7»^
1881
May 18.
4
9
Copied from Records of Proprietors of Locks and Canals on Merrimack River,
Lowell, December, I88I.
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CONTRIBUTIONS
OF
THE OLD RESIDENTS
Si^tofidkl ^^^odktion,
LOWELL, MASS.
Organized December 21, 1868.
Vol. II. No. 3.
PUBLISHED BY THE ASSOCIATION,
JANUARY, 1883.
LOWELL, MASS.
Morning Mail Print: No, 18 Jackson Street*
1883.
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CONSTITUTION.
ARTICLE I. — NAME.
Section 1. The name of this organization shall be
The Old Residents' Historical Association of Lowell.
ARTICLE II. — OBJECTS.
Section 1. The objects of this Association shall be
to collect, arrange, preserve, and perhaps from time
to time publish any facts relating to the history of
the City of Lowell, as also to gather and keep all printed
or written documents, as well as traditional evidence of
every description, relating to the City.
ARTICLE III. — OFFICERS.
Section 1. The officers shall be a President, Vice-
Presidei;it, Secretary and Treasurer, who shall be elected
annually.
Sect. 2. There shall also be an Executive Com-
mittee, consisting of two from each Ward, whose duty it
shall be to attend to the collection, arrangement and
transmission to a Recording Secretary (who may be se-
lected by the Committee), of all matters pertaining to
the objects of the Association, and to appoint such sub-
committees as may be necessary to aid them in their
duties. In this Committee is vested the power to fill all
vacancies that may occur during the year, and to direct
the Secretary to call special meetings. They shall also
fix the compensation of the Recording Secretary.
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IV OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL A8SOCIATIOK.
ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP.
Section 1. Any person shall be eligible to mem-
bership who was a resident of Lowell at the time of
the organization of the City Government (May 2, 1836),
or prior to that date, or has resided in Lowell twenty-
five years, and attained the age of forty-five years.
Sect. 2. It shall be necessary for the applicant for
membership to sign the Constitution and pay to the
Treasurer the sum of one dollar ($1.00^ annually.
ARTICLE V. MEETINGS.
Section 1. The annual meeting of the Associa-
tion for the election of officers shall be held in the first
week in May, at such time and place as the President
shall appoint, printed notices of which shall be given to
members by the Secretary.*
ARTICLE VI. HONORARY MEMBERS.
Section 1. Non-residents of Lowell, or persons
who formerly resided in tlie City, may be made Honor-
ary Members by vote of the Executive Committee.
Sect. 2. Any person interested in the objects of
the Association may be made a Corresponding Member
by a vote of the Executive Committee.
article VII. AMENDMENTS.
Section 1. This Constitution may be amended at
any meeting, previous notice of the same having been
given by the Secretary in the call for such meeting.
* At the annual meeting, May 4, 1871, it was voted that the
Association hold quarterly meetings each year, commencing in May.
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OFFICERS.
JOHN O. GREEN, President.
JEFFERSON BANCROFT, Vice-President.
ALFRED GILMAN, Sec't and Treas.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
WARD ONE.
J. W. Smith,
Charles Hovet.
WARD TWO.
Joshua Merrill, Amos B. French.
WARD three.
Hapgood Wright, Alfred Oilman.
ward four.
Edward F. Watson, Benjamin Walker.
ward five.
J. G. Peabody, Chairman, Charles Morrill.
WARD six.
William Kittredge, Edward B. Howe, Secretary.
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LIST OF MEMBERS.
Tbe figures In the first column indicate date of birth ; those In the second column, date
of arrival in Lowell.
Abbott, Hermon 1811 1827
Adams, Smith 1809 1833
Ames, Jacob 1806 1833
Atkinson, J. V. (died 1874) 1787 1824
Allen, Otis 1808 1828
Abbott, Ziba (died 1878) 1800 1830
Ayer, James C. (died 1878) 1819 1836
Adams, John (died 1881) 1805 1821
Adams, Jonathan 1802 1823
Abbott, Josiah G. (honorary)
Bancroft, Jefferson 1803 1824
Bancroft, Selwin (died 1871) 1805 1826
Battles, Charles F. (died 1870) 1818 1832
Bedlow, Joseph 1795 1826
Bellows, S. M 1810 1830
Bennett, W. S 1814 1830
Bennett, Wilder 1813 1832
Brooks, A. L. (died 1878) 1803 1832
Brabrook, J. A 1806 1832
Brown, William (died 1882) 1799 1826
Brownell, George (died 1872) 1793 1824
BuUens, J. M. (died 1878) .1804 1829
Bowers, James (died 1873) 1787 1787
Bailey, Manasseh (died 1872) 1792 1827
Barnes, Henry H 1815 1829
Batchelder, Samuel, Cambridge (hon.), (died 1879)1785 1825
Bragdon, George 1800 1825
Butcher, John (died 1881) 1803 1828
Buttrick, John A. (died 1879) 1813 1839
Bradt, Garritt J. (died 1876) 1810 1827
Brown, D. C 1814 1836
Brown, Leonard 1821 1842
Brown, Willard (died 1878) 1794 1834
Brown, WiUard A 1828 1834
BuUard, Otis 1809 1881
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Viii OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
Barnard, B. F. (died 1881) 1824 1843
Brown, Ephraim .' 1819 1846
Beck, Samuel 1821 1838
Brigham, Danforth P. (died 1876) 1803 1829
Brown, William (died 1876) 1802 1840
Butterfield, Ralph 1818 1818
Baron, George 1825 1826
Bartlett, D. B 1822. .... .1846
Boyden, Erastus 1821 1846
Batchelder, Ashael G. (died 1878) 1820 1845
Berry, Charles R 1819 1838
Billings, John 1808 1825
Battles, Frank F 1820 1832
Batchelder, John M. (honorary) 1811 1825
Cobum, Franklin 1817 1817
Collins, David M 1816 1829
dishing, Stephen (died 1861) 1797 1823
Clark, Jeremiah 1819 1834
Chesley, John T. (died 1872) 1817 1835
Currier, John (died 1881) 1810. . . . . .1830
Gushing, Daniel 1806 1835
Chase, John K. (died 1879) 1813 1834
Clark, Dustin , 1810. . '. . . .1827
Cook, James 1794 1830
Conant, Abel E 1829 1834
Clifford, Weare (died 1872) 1816 1834
Clough, Nathan 1812 1832
Chambers, Cyrus (died 1875) .1796 1796
Converse, Samuel (died 1882) 1808 1826
Cooper, Isaac 1806 1835
Conant^ Abel (died 1875) 1784 1820
Crane, J. E. (died 1876) 1821 1841
Currier, Jacob B 1829 1848
Crosby, Sylvester (died 1877) 1804 1832
Chase, Warren E. (died 1882) 1830 1830
Coburn, Charles B 1813 1813
Cowley, Charles 1832 1842
Caverly, Robert B 1806 1843
Crosby, Nathan 1798 1843
Carney, George J 1835 1835
Chase, Charles C 1818 1845
Chandler, George H 1825 1832
Cheney, C. J 1823 1843
Cook, David (honorary) (deceased)
Cressey, Samuel G \ 1813 1836
Cumnock, A. G 1834 1848
Gushing, G. S 1825 1845
DUlingham, Artemas 1805 1829
Davis, Sidney 1815 1815
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LIST OF MEHBEBS. IX
Davis, Elisha 1799 1799
Deming, Isaac 1805 1827
Davis, Elisha L. (died 1876) .1810 1832
DemiDg, C. W. (died 1876) 1839 1839
Edson, Theodore 1793 1824
Edwards, Jabez 1816 1834
Emery, Henry 1814 1845
Elliott, G. M 1839 1839
EatoD, Forrest 1802 1830
Fifield, Edward 1809 1832
Fellows, J. K 1809 1827
Farrington, Daniel (died 1879) 1801 1822
Fay, Samuel (died 1880) 1817 1833
Fiske, William 1806 1828
French, J. B. (died 1876) 1799 1824
Freeman, S. J. 1814 1833
Fiske, George W 1812 1833
Fitts, Isaac N 1808 1828
French, Thomas T 1814 1827
Fox, Jesse (died 1870) 1786 1823
Fox, Gustavus V 1821 1823
Favor, Nathaniel B 1806 1829
Femald, Mark (died 1873) 1803 1840
Fletcher, Horatio 1796 1841
Francis, James B 1815 1834
Frye, Frederick 1824 1838
French, Amos B 1812 1824
French, Abram (died 1879) 1803 1835
Fisher, Samuel S 1801 1824
Fielding, H. A 1828 1832
Fletcher, Warren (died 1881) 1821 1837 •
Fletcher, William (died 1881) 1791 1791
Fletcher, Edmund D 1824 1838
Furlong, John C 1837 1842
Gates, Josiah (died 1882) 1805 1823
Green, John O 1799 1822
Graves, John W. (died 1873) 1810 1826
Gray, William C 1808 1829
Gifeenleaf, D. G 1808 1829
Gove, David (died 1882) 1802 1826
Gilman, Alfred 1812 1829
Green, Amos (died 1881) 1799 1825
Goodale, William , 1813 1840
Gage, James IT .1824 1830
Goodspeed, Calvin 1806 1829
Gibby, Samuel J 1821 1831
Griffith, John 1814 1846
Gookin, Benjamin L 1820 1842
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OLD RESIDENTS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
Howe, E. B 1816 1826
Hovey, Charles 1817 1832
Horn, Samuel 1806 1828
Hopkins, James 1806 1832
Hildreth, C. L 1824 1846
Hadley, Samuel P 1831 1831
Hatch, G. S 1819 1834
Hunt, E. S. (died 1880) .- 1815 1833
Hulme, James (died 1871) 1813 1833
Hodge, J. A 1815 1835
Hovey, William 1802 1834
Howe, Jeroboam 1800 1821
Hale, B. S 1808 1808
Hadley, John (died 1876) 1804 1825
Hill, Benjamin C 1820 1834
Hapgood, Ephraim (died 1874) 1812 1833
Holton, Frederick 1815 1840
Howes, Samuel P. (died 1881) 1809 1838
Hobson, George (died 1878) 1826 1833
Hedrick, George 1809 1831
Howe, James M 1811 1831
Howe, Lorenzo G. (died 1881) 1810 . .1832
Hazeltine, G. W. (died 1879) 1810 1841
Hancock, Levi (died 1879) 1814 1837
Hovey, Cyrus 1813 1844
Howe, Augustus J 1836 1836
Holt, Joseph S 1811 1827
Hutchinson, Reuben M 1807 1825
Huse, Jesse .1802. ,..,. 1845
Hosmer, Stephen 1808 1832
Holden, Frederick A 1812 1812
Healey, Henry 1817 ! .1828
Jewett, J. P. (died 1870) 1808 1832
Jaques, John S 1812 1833
Kittredge, William 1810 1822
Knowles, J. A 1800 ! .1827
Knapp, Daniel (died 1876) 1808 1829
Kimball, John F 1824 1824
Kent, James (died 1876) 1800 1835
Kimball, Gilman 1805. .... .1830
Kittredge, Jeduthan (died 1875) 1800 1840
Kimball, Durrell 1810 1831
Kittredge, Daniel (died 1880) 1806 1838
Kidder, Samuel * .1821 1843
Kittredge, Abner 1807 ! .1831
Kidder, John (died 1878) 1805 1828
Knapp, Chaunoy L 1809 1843
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iisT oir kEHBSfis. xi
Kimball, Charles W 1816 1852
Kershaw, Abraham 1804 1848
Lawson, Peter (died 1881) ,1813 1827
Lesure, A. P 1812 1831
Lawson, Thomas B 1807 1842
Lawrence, Samuel 1823 1841
Lawrence, Samuel, Stockbridge (honorary) deceased. . . .^ . .
Libbey, Isaac M 1808 1835
Lord, Henry A 1822 1845
Latham, Cyrus 1821 1838
Lawton, George F 1845 1845
Merrill, Joshua 1802 1827
Mathews, Abraham, (died 1881) 1804 1829
Morrill, Charles 1818 1828
McAlvin, J. B. (died 1880) 1800 1834
McEvoy, Hugh 1808 1828
McArthur, William 1825 1829
Moar, Stephen (died 1876) 1810 1831
Manahan, Samuel T 1805 1845
Morrison, J. G 1822 1840
Munroe, Charles 1800 1845
Mack, Sewall G 1813 1840
Moore, J. N 1820 1842
Morrill, N. W 1821 1839
Marshall, Bradley 1817 1836
Mitchell, Daniel F. (died 1877) 1823 1845
Morse, W. W 1819 1834
Motley, George 1808 1827
McFarlin, Luke 1810 1810
Manahan, Mark 1809 1832
McKissock, Robert 1818 1852
Mallard, Albert 1807 1833
McEvoy, John F 1834 1841
Manahan, John F 1821 1837
Nichols, C. C 1809 1829
Nichols, William 1818 1828
Nesmith, Thomas (died 1870) 1788 1833
Nowell, Foster 1814 1838
Nichols, Alanson (died 1874) 1815 1836
Nash, James W 1823 1848
Nute, Andrew T 1805 1832
Nichols, Jacob 1814 1832
Nichols, Gilraan N 1803 1829
Norris, G. W 1819 1837
Noyes Benjamin A 1814 1838
Orange, H. S 1815 1884
Ordway, H. M 1825 1826
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Xii OLD KESiDENTS* HISTORICAt ASSOCIATtOl^.
Pillsbury, Harlin (died 1877) 1797 1827
Pearl, F. F 1812 183S
Place, Isaac (died 1872) 1810 1834
Patch, E. B 1806 1881
Peabody, J. G 1808 1824
Parkhurst, Matthias (died 1877) 1795 1828
Parmenter, Horace 1808 1832
Perkins, M. G 1819 1836
Page, Jonathan 1809 1823
Pratt, Thomas 1805 1832
Peabody, James M. (died 1873) 1818 1832
Philbrick, Caleb 1825 1825
Patten, Joseph A 1818 1840
Puffer, J. F 1828 1828
Prince, Robert 1810 1827
Prince, Edward 1818 1827
Paul, Thomas (died 1876) 1821 1827
Parks, George (died 1878) 1813 1834
Powers, Joel (died 1879) 1803 1842
Pearson, George W 1825 1825
Piper, Isaac B 1814 1882
Patterson, George W , 1815 1834
Read, E. M. (died 1878) 1800 1828
Richardson, E. G .1809 1830
Russell, J. S 1807 1835
Roby, A. B. (died 1879) 1809 1830
Roper, George W. (died 1877) 1813 1830
Richardson, Daniel L. (died 1875) 1809 1828
Richardson, O. A 1809 1832
Richardson, Luther 1811 1835
Rand, James H 1813 1830
Raynes, Joseph (died 1879) 1814 1831
Rand, Enoch S 1818 1835
Read, Henry (died 1878) 1804 1834
Rugg, S. S. (died 1880) 1807 1832
Rice, Jonathan (died 1876) ; . . .1818 1839
Richards, John 1808 1835
Russell, C. K 1815 1829
Simonds, S. B 1806 1831
Sherman, E. F. (died 1872) 1821 1824
Spalding, Joel 1820 1820
Sawtell, J. A 1823 1830
Smith, J. W 1816. . . . .1835
Stevens, Levi B 1815 1833
Stearns, Erastus (died 1881) 1807 1830
Spalding, Weld 1798 1822
Sprague, Levi 1810 1827
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ttST OF HBHBB^ Xui
Staples, Nathaniel T 1816 1885
Stevens, Solon (died 1878) 1801 1S25
Sanborn, Page 1798 1836
SneU, Orlando 1825 1847
Stone, Zina E 1824 1842
Short, Josiah E 1809 1827
Streeter, Holland 1811 1832
Smith, William M. (died 1881) 1803 1836
Sargent, E.M 1820 1833
Stanley, George W. (died 1878) 1811 1832
Shattuck, Horace B 1826 1826
Swan, Albert G 1826 1826
Stacy, Lucien P 1821 1844
Sheldon, Abiel W 1820 1838
Spofford, Frederic A 1818 1846
Savory, C A 1813 1849
Shattuck, (Jeorge W 1822 1826
Scadding, Aaron 1804 1829
Stott, Charles (died 1881) 1799 1836
Southwick, John R 1818 1839
Sanborn, E. A 1820 1846
Scott, James 1817 1841
Smith, John (died 1 877) 1806 1831
Smiley, John 1811 1833
Swett, John 1801 1820
Tower, James 1796 1826
Tufts, Edward (died 1876) 1806 1828
Tock, Edward 1806 1828
Tyler, Silas (died 1876) 1793 1793
Tyler, Jonathan (died 1877) 1790 1790
Tyler, Artemas S 1824 1824
Tripp, John 1807. ! . ! ! .1826
Trueworthy, James B 1828 1848
Thompson, J. P 1830. .' [ '. ! !l848
Trask, James T 1823 1848
Tyler, Rinaldo H 1880 1836
Tapley, J. W 1824 1828
Vamum, Atkinson C 1828 1828
Vinal, G. A. W 1833. ! ! ! .' !l843
Wilkins, George 1818 1839
Winslow, George 1804. .* 1829
Wright, Hapgood 1811 1828
Webster, William P. (died 1877) 1818 1823
Waugh, John (died 1872) 1795 1822
Watson, E. F ; 1807 1832
Whittier, Moses 1796 1829
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XlV 6LD itESilJfeiTTS' HtSilOItlCAt ASSOCIATIOlt.
Whithed, Darius (died 1877) 1809 1831
Welch, W. C 1824 1830
Webber, J. P. (died 1876) 1801 1828
Walker, Benjamin. 1822 1826
Wheeler, Albert (died 1876) 1813 1823
Wood, Samuel (died 1874) 1786 1823
Williams, S. M 1794 1824
Watson, James 1818 1835
Wood, Samuel N 1821 1822
Wood, William 1819 1819
Whipple, Oliver M. (died 1872) 1794 1818
Washburn, J. M. (died 1875) 1812 1829
Winn, Parker (died 1877) 1800 1824
Wright, A. C. (died 1879) 1819 1833
Welch, Charies A. (died 1880) 1824 1834
Worthen, George W 1815 1833
Worcester, Leonard 1813 1846
Wood, Robert.. .' 1820 1842
Wiggin, Andrew J 1815 1886
Wood, Charles 1817 1836
Wright, Nathan M 1815 1831
Wilder, Charles H. (died 1879) 1805 1832
Ward, S. L 1826 1843
Webster, George 1810 1825
Wright, John F 1818 1831
Wilson, Edwin T 1812 1826
Watson, Shepard 1815 1831
Willoughby, B. L. (died 1881) 1807 1841
Wing, True (died 1878) 1816 1841
Wallace, D. R 1823 1847
Wood, Horatio. 1807 1844
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CONTENTS.
XVL John Clark, by John W. Smith 218
XVII. Biographical Sketch of Thomas Ordway, by James K.
Fellows 228
XVnL The Newspaper Press of LoweU, by Alfred Gilman . . 288
XIX. The Drama in Lowell, with a Short Sketch of the Life of
Perez Fuller, by H. M. Ordway 268
XX. £llsha Glidden, by Hon. John A. Knowles .... 289
XXI. History of Central Bridge, by Alfred Gilman ... 295
XXU. Besponses from Corresponding Members .... 819
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XVI. John Clark, by John W. Smith. Read
February 9, 1882.
Associated with the early history of Lowell were
men of eminence and distinction, but there were none
who took more interest in its welfare and prosperity
than John Clark, Esq.
Mr. Clark was born at Waltham, Mass., March 14,
1796. He graduated with honors at Harvard College in
the year 1816. Afterwards he taught school at Salem,
Mass., for several years. While there he married an
accomplished and amiable young lady, Priscilla S.,
youngest daughter of Mr. JonatTian Hodges. During
their residence of fourteen years in Lowell, Mrs. Clark
won a large circle of acquaintances and friends, some
of whom are still living and will be glad to know that
their old friend is enjoying a fair degree of health in
her native city — Salem. Her memory is cherished,
and she still lives in the high esteem of those whose
wants in times of bereavement and distress were re-
lieved by her affectionate ministrations and liberality.
Subsequently Mr. Clark engaged in mercantile busi-
ness in Boston, and for several years was an active mem-
ber of the firm of Kimball & Clark.
Having been engaged by Kirk Boott, Esq., he came
to Lowell in the Fall of 1833, to accept the Superin-
tendency of the Merrimack Company's mills, a place
made vacant by the death of Mr. Warren Colburn
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214 ou) residents' historical association.
a very superior mechanic, mathematician, and scientist.
Mr. Clark at once entered upon his new duties with
zeal and earnestness, and soon became a very success-
ful Superintendent. He not only looked after the
interests of his Company with care and fidelity, but
constantly manifested much interest in the welfare of
the people under his charge. He was a gentleman of
high-toned, moral character, superior judgment, and was
well qualified to become an efficient and safe leader in
the society of a young and rapidly growing town.
The first City Government of 1836 was composed
of gentlemen of culture and marked practical ability,
with Dr. EJisha Bartlett for Mayor, to preside over a
Board of six Aldermen, and Mr. Clark as President
of the Common Council. Our aged and respected citi-
zens, Hon. James Cook and Mr. Weld Spalding, are the
only persons of that government of thirty-one members
now living.
In 1839 Mr. Clark was elected to the Board of
Aldermen, and there served the city with his usual
fidelity and ability. Ag^i" ^^ 1844 he was elected
a member of the government, as Councilman, for the
specific purpose of aiding in founding a City School
Library, now known as our City Library. In this
scheme he was successful. The library now has about
27,000 volumes, and is in a flourishing condition. It is
highly prized by the thousands who avail themselves of
its privileges. The Board of Aldermen and Common
Council could confer no more worthy tribute to his
memory than to place in the library a handsome oil
painting of Mr. Clark, appropriately inscribed.
The Ministry-at-Large was started in Lowell in
1844, its object being to provide free religious and sec-
ular instruction, and a medium through which the chari-
ties of the benevolent could be worthily bestowed among
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JOHN CLARK. 215
the unfortunate and poor. This institution had the sym-
pathy and aid of Mr. Clark from the beginning. He
presented the subject of its permanent support at a
meeting of the Agents of the Manufacturing Companies
here, and in due time obtained an annual appropriation
of $800, which sum has since been increased. In addi-
tion to this, he offered the officiating minister and
teacher twenty dollars per month, as a personal as-
sessment, if needed. Our much respected citizen, Rev.
Horatio Wood, who acted as secular and spiritual teacher
in the Free Chapel for twenty-four years, refers in glow-
ing terms of gratitude to Mr. Clark, James 6. Carney,
Dr. John C. Dalton, and others who rendered him much
valuable aid in his work. May the benevolent of the
present and future generations imitate their noble ex-
amples and perpetuate this valuable institution.
It was to persevering industry, to moral, religious,
and educational influences that he looked for the future
welfare of his newly adopted home. When a new regis-
ter of the help in his mills was made, and one room of
seventy girls gave thirteen of that number as having
been teachers in public schools, with pride and gratifica-
tion he con^municated the fact to Hon. Horace Mann,
Secretary of the State Board .of Education. He was
much interested in the progress and prosperity of our
. schools. Middlesex Mechanics' Association shared his
aid and influence. He served that institution as Treas-
urer for several years; was much interested in efforts
to enlarge its number of members, thus to extend the
privileges of the Association ; to improve its library and
reading-room ; to establish and fulfil the objects of the
organization, by public lectures in its hall and classes
for scientific instruction for its members in the school-
room.
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216 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
A valuable library at the Unitarian Church, of
which Mr. Clark was an active and esteemed member
was largely increased and improved in the years 1836
and '37 by his untiring personal effort in soliciting aid
from others and by liberal personal donations.
Great and good men live in their works. Mr. Clark
not only advocated morals, virtuous examples, and re-
ligious obligations, but he practiced the right. Previous
to his coming to Lowell, when engaged in mercantile
business during the perilous times of President Andrew
Jackson's war upon the United States Bank, there was
great depression of trade and there were many failures
throughout the country. Mr. Clark and his partner
suffered, and were much embarrassed, but greatly to
his credit, during his residence in Lowell he paid every
doQar due on his part, and even much more than was
legally expected of him by his creditors.
Few men have ever been more highly esteemed in
Lowell by all classes. When he retired from the Super-
intendence of the Merrimack Manufacturing Company,
in the year 1847, to accept the Treasurership of the
Great Falls Manufacturing Company, the overseers un-
der his charge unitedly presented him a very beautiful
silver pitcher which co&t $185, having the following in-
scription : " Presented to John Clark, Esq., late Superin-
tendent of the Merrimack Mills, as a token of respect
and esteem, by the overseers." Signed by Stephen Cush-
ing, Robert Wragg, Jabez Edwards, J. S. Grordon, William
French, Walter Wright, David E. Chase, George Savory,
E. M. Titcomb, John L. Cheney, John W. Holland,
Stephen Moar, William Conihe, B. 0. Page, James
Hanaford, David M. Collins, George Wellman, John W.
Smith, James C. Crombie, E. H. Hadley, Arnold Welch,
James Townsend, John Richards, D. P. Brigham, James
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JOHK CLABK. 217
Watson, Stephen T. Stanley, Alfred S. Saunders, William
B. Brown, J. B. Wheeler, William Williams, Willard C.
Welch, George Nickless, Marcus A. Thomas, Aaron B.
Young, and John L. Ordway. The pitcher was got up
by Messrs. Jones, Ball & Poor, of Boston. On one side
of it was engraven a view of the Merrimack Mills, and
on the other a picker and a loom. A long letter accom-
panied the present, and an equally long one was received
from Mr. Clark, of which a closing sentence is as follows :
"In taking leave of those with whom I have been so long
and so pleasantly associated, it is, I assure you, a source
of unmingled gratification to me to find that I leave be-
hind me none but friends."
Mr. Clark's magnanimity was too large for him to
be content not to reciprocate with something more
tangible than words, and in due time he presented
each overseer with a valuable set of the late Dr.
William E. Channing's works, in six volumes.
At the time he left Lowell he was about completing
the extension of the Merrimack Manufacturing Com-
pany's works, having built a large mill with 25,000
spindles and other buildings in the mill yard, for the
purpose of increasing the production of the works,
besides building one of the finest boarding-house blocks,
with eighteen tenements, then known in the country.
The total spindles of the mills had been increased in
the fourteen years of his administration from about
31,000 to 41,600, and in the year 1848, when the new
mill was started, there were 66,600. The total number
of spindles in the works to-day is 153,552.
In the midst of his usefulness in business circles
and in his devotion to the interests of humanity in its
various wants about him, with the strong ties of a pleas-
ant home, made happy by his presence, and surrounded
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2 IS OLD RESIDBNTS* HISTO^CAL ASSOCtATIOK.
by circles of friends rich in mental culture and business
sagacity, he was suddenly cut off from all of earth's
endearments, January 28, 1851, aged 54 years. On the
Sunday following his interment, the Rev. Mr. Thomp-
son, his pastor, preached an eloquent discourse on the
exemplary and estimable Christian character of his
brother and friend. He appropriately said: "Our
friend was benevolent in the Christian sense, actively
useful from a principle of benevolence ; but, that some-
thing was to be subjoined to complete the description
of him, and that which is to be adduced — I beg you
to remark — is the essential thing. Without it, though
he had been all I have yet said of him, I could not
speak with so much confidence as you have heard me,
in respect to the condition into which he has passed.
The essential thing — you scarcely need be told what
that is — yet in naming it I utter a word which every
Christian loves to repeat even as he loves to cherish the
thing itself — Religion. That was the central principle
in him. All his other excellent qualities were held in
their places and balanced by it as the planets are by the
sun. That gave energy, scope, direction, eflfect, to his
benevolence, made his usefulness voluntary instead of
necessary, as men's often is, but put a divine stamp
instead of this world's upon his labors'. Yes, I say
again, that it may be remembered by you, religion was
central in him. It was that which made sunshine around
him wherever he was. As the rays of the sun falling
upon the jets of a fountain give to them the brilliant
and variegated coloring we often observe, so religion
threw its beams over the gushing waters of his affec-
tions, over all his friendly and social sentiments, over
all the motives of his conduct, and caused the luminous
beauty which we saw in them. It was the governing
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JOHN CLABK. 219
principle in him. It was so in early life — it was so
to the very last, and when his end was coming with
such fearful suddenness, and he knew it, when he was
speechless and suffering all signs showed that it was
making him calm, resigned, peaceful as one reclining
on the hosom of a friend. It is when I think of him on
a Simday like this — sitting down with us meekly and de-
voutly at the Table of Great .Sacrifice, commemorating
with humble thankfulness the death of him who died
that we might live ! — then he becomes associated in my
mind with all that is truly great and good, with things
that are ' unseen ' and ^ eternal,' with God who is over
all, and with those whom God accepts as jewels for the
crown of his Son. In this sublime association we are
privileged by our faith to have him, while he leaves to
us a manifold blessing in the example and memory of
his life."
Long will his name be revered by those who have
felt the inspiring influences of his aid and advice in the
business and moral relations of life. He lives in the
hearts and memory of those who knew him best, to be
beloved and respected as one who ever sought the best
good of humanity and practiced those divine and en-
nobling principles which have commanded the respect,
admiration and esteem of the good in all ages.
APPENDIX.
Since the above was written the writer has received
a valuable genealogy of the Clark family in this country
from Mrs. Lydia Hobart, of Waltham, sister of Mr. John
Clark, who was son of John Clark, of Waltham, and was
the sixth to bear the name of John, being the second
born of nine children of the seventh generation, de-
scendents of Hugh Clark, of whom little is known except
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220 OLD residents' historical association.
that he was born, according to his testimony, about the
year 1613. There is no record of his place of nativity
or the time of his emigrating to this country. The first
mention of him occurs in the town records of Water-
town, at the time of the birth of his oldest son, John,
in 1641. His wife's name was Elizabeth. He lived in
Watertown about twenty years. In legal documents he
was called a ^^husbandma9/' There is no evidence that
he held important offices, although his admission as a
freeman. May 30, 1 660, and to the artillery company,
1666, prove him to have held reputable position. He
removed to Roxbury, and remained in that town or vi-
cinity until his death, which occurred July 20, 1693.
His wife died December 11, 1692. The descendents of
Hugh Clark, of which we find records as compiled by
Mr. John Clark, A. B., of Boston, and printed in 1866,
were quite numerous. Births from the year 1641 to
July 30, 1810, were five hundred and sixty-nine.
Among the members of these large families living
in important and historic periods of our country, we find
records of several bright and shining lights in literary
circles. Conspicuous among the clergymen of New
England we find the Rev. Peter Clark, of the fourth gen-
eration— a very eminent divine. He settled in Salem
village, over the First Church of that place, in 1717. He
died there much lamented, June 10, 1768. He became
widely celebrated, and was regarded as one of the most
learned theologians of New England. The Boston
Chronicle of June 20, 1768, says of him: "To draw
a complete portrait of so eminent a divine, so accom-
plished a Christian, as Mr. Clark was, is not easy. The
strength of whose intellectual capacities, the extent of
whose knowledge and his attainments in the divine life
are better conceived of by those who have had the
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JOHN CLABK.
221
happiness of an intimate acquaintance with him, than
easUy expressed/'
Of the sixth generation we find another very able
divine and patriot, Rev. Jonas Clark, who was ordained
and installed at Lexington, Mass., November 5, 1755.
He was distinguished for his zeal and fidelity as a
preacher ; he carried on a farm of considerable size, and
was unceasing in his devotion to his flock as a pastor.
Living at a time of the dangers and difficulties of the
Revolution, his tongue and pen were ever ready in sup-
port of his country's cause. At his house John Hancock,
Samuel Adams and their friends found a safe retreat to
form plans for the salvation of their country. This
divine and patriot was beloved for his many virtues,
was venerated as a wise counsellor and trusted friend.
He died in Lexington, November 15, 1805.
In reviewing sketches of the many descendents of
Hugh Clark, we find many men of marked ability and
integrity; the family is largely represented in Princeton
and Hubbardstown, Mass., in Maine and New Hampshire.
John Clark, of whose life and character we have given a
brief sketch, was the son of John and Lydia Sanderson
Clark, of ^^altham, Mass. Mr. Clark was a farmer. He
was distinguished for his integrity and devotion to the
interests of his town, was one of its selectmen for thir-
teen years, filled other offices of honor and trust, for a
long time was employed in the settlement of estates, etc.
He was for many years a devout worshipper at the First
Church; the last fifteen years of his life he was con-
nected with the Society of the New Jerusalem. He died
May 10, 1850. The New Jerusalem Magazine has an
obituary of Mrs. Lydia Clark, his wife, who died April 2,
1862, at Waltham, where she was born January 8, 1769.
The sketch of her life presents a kind mother of marked
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222 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
devotion as a Christian, and a representative of those
noble traits of character, which imparted elevating in-
fluences in life, and to their posterity those noble traits
of character which it has been my pleasure to record of
her son John, who was the second born of her nine chil-
dren, and of whom the Salem Gazette said at the time of
his death: "Salem will long mourn the loss of a most
enlightened, upright, disinterested, and public-spirited
citizen, whose hand and heart were ready for every good
work; and whose sound judgment, lofty integrity, and
warm benevolence, made him a wise counsellor and
efficient guide in all useful, and charitable undertakings."
With the flight of time, since the above manuscript
was written, Mrs. Clark has been borne on wings of faith
and hope, to meet the central object of her love and de-
votion when living.
She was born November 4, 1799, in Salem, Mass. ;
died October 12, 1882, in Salem.
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f
'&rM
, *: HyjK
.'J"l--J
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XVIL A Biographical Sketch of Thonvas Ord-
way, hy James K. Fellows. Read May S,
1882.
Among the early residents of Lowell, who have gone
to their rest, no name can be held in more pleasant re-
membrance than that of Thomas Ordway.
Born in Amesbury, in 1787 — his father being the
principal village physician for a generation or more —
he there passed his youthful days attending the village
schools and the academy that should fit him for the fu-
ture pursuits of life. While making rapid progress in
his studies, the academy building was destroyed by fire.
He then for some time recited to a gentleman of liberal
education, under whose tuition the avenues of learning
were thoroughly opened up to him.
He conmienced business in Newburyport in 1809.
In 1810 occurred the great fire which destroyed Mr.
Ordway's store, with the whole stock, and created
such a stagnation that business could not be profitably
carried on. This, together with the prospect of war,
caused a check on all enterprises, and it was hazardous
to embark upon any undertaking. Without means, he
still further pursued his studies that he might thoroughly
qualify himself for a teacher.
He married, January 1, 1811, Jerusha, daughter of
Jacob B. Currier, of Amesbury. Mr. Currier was in
the Revolutionary War, participating in the Bunker
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224 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
Hill conflict, and was present with Mr. Ordway at the
laying of the corner-stone of the monument, in 1825.
Mrs. Ordway was a native of Amesbury, Mass., and
came to Lowell with her husband, in 1826. She was
therefore one of the oldest matrons of our city. She
was the mother of ten children, seven of whom still
survive. She possessed, among other sterling qualities,
a cheerful, charitable disposition, which assisted her to
sucessfully encounter the adversities of life and to en-
dear herself to her family and a large circle of relatives
and friends who sincerely mourned her departure. She
was 68 years of age on the day of her death, surviving
her husband just two years and a-half to a day.
In the spring he sailed from Newburyport for Alex-
andria, Va., hoping to find employment of some kind;
but while passing Mt. Vernon there came on board a
gentleman who told those on the vessel that an embargo
had been laid, preparatory to a declaration of war. He
was consequently obliged to relinquish the hope of mer-
cantile employment, but was fortunate enough to obtain
a school near Georgetown, where he continued nearly a
year. In 1842 the writer visited Washington, and at
the suggestion of Mr. Ordway, went over to Georgetown
to learn of the family that he boarded with while teach-
ing there. An old lady was found, who pointed at the
house, but said the family had been away for many years,
and that none of them were alive, so far as she knew.
Mr. Ordway had been so kindly entertained at this house
that a sadness seemed to come over him, on hearing my
report.
Mr. Ordway from Georgetown went to Philadelphia,
seeking employment, but for several days was unsuccess-
ful. Here occurred a striking instance of his unyielding
integrity of character.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCB OF tHOHAS OBBWAT. 226
He writes : "Inquiring at an intelligence office, the
person in charge hinted to me a plan of business which
he said would be made profitable if I had a mind to be
concerned with him. He wished me to call in the
morning, and he would give me further information.
Not conceiving it to be strictly honest, I shall not accept
the offer. I find it easy to get rich if we part with good
principles; but I prefer a clear conscience to all the lux-
ury that wealth can afford."
From Philadelphia he proceeded to New York,
where he taught 8ch6ol a short time j but not receiving
sufficient encouragement to continue, he turned his steps
homeward ; and after endeavoring in vain to obtain a
school at Raynham, he took the stage, and reached Ames-
bury with the fruit of his year's toil reduced to the sum
of three dollars.
In 1815 he sold goods in Boston for the Dedham
Cotton Factory. In 1821 he opened a store in Concord,
N. H., where for three or four years business was good;
but at the end of the fourth year, the prospect was so de-
cidedly bad that he removed to Dorchester and thence to
Lowell, where he commenced business at the Falls, in
the building now used in part as the Horse Railroad
station. Afterwards he removed to the brick block at the
comer of Merrimack and Worthen Streets. Here he
kept dry goods, crockery ware, groceries, and the gen-
eral assortment usually found in a country store, includ-
ing liquors. For a short time business was very prosper-
ous, but he became convinced that the sale of liquor was
wrong, and he could not conscientiously make it an arti-
cle of traffic. He therefore discontinued the sale, where-
by he lost a large number of his customers, who were
in the habit of buying intoxicating drinks with their
groceries.
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226 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
His business soon becoming unprofitable he — the
first martyr here in the cause of temperance — closed up
his affairs and started for the West, hopmg in some of
the growing towns to find an opening. But after re-
maining a few months in Rochester and Lansingburgh,
N. Y., without success, he decided to return to Lowell.
Here he remained, with the exception of a year spent
in Portsmouth, until 1837, when he discontinued busi-
ness. In 1838 he was chosen City Clerk, and held that
office nearly twenty years, as City Clerk and Registrar,
being the second City Clerk, Samuel A. Coburn having
been City Clerk two years, and Town Clerk from the
organization of the town in 1826.
In conversation with a gentleman early engaged in
banking in our city, he made the remark that Mr. Ord-
way was too conscientious to be successful in trade. He
said that soon after Mr. Ordway commenced business
here he had a certain brand of flour from his store,
which suited him ; and he concluded to take two barrels
more. The price, I think, was $6.50. After a month or
two a bill was rendered, with other groceries, and the
flour was put in at $6 — $12 for the two barrels. The
gentleman, perhaps equally as conscientious, called Mr.
Ordway's attention to the change, it being a dollar less
than the price agreed upon. " Yes, yes," said Mr. Ord-
way, " that was what I was selling the flour for, but on
going to Boston a few days after the sale, I found that
flour had fallen fifty cents on a barrel, therefore I struck
off the dollar on the two barrels."
Mr. Ordway died November 14, 1859, of a painful
disease, which he bore with fortitude and Christian resig-
nation.
It was his custom for many years to keep a com-
mon-place book of thoughts and reflections, and a diary
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THOMAS ORDWAY. 227
or memorandum of events. From 1812 to 1832 the
record is complete. At the close of every year it was
his practice to review in his journal the acts of his life
through the past year, and make such reflections as
were suggested by the occasion. He suffered so many
disappointments and was so unsuccessful in his various
undertakings that his diary throughout is tinged with a
feeling of sadness, enlivened, however, occasionally, by
the mention of visits from friends, or his journeys to his
early home at Amesbury, which he seemed to dwell
upon with the greatest satisfaction.
He had a deep sense of the importance of religion,
and took great interest in the formation of the Unitarian
Church in Lowell. He was one of the first members and
a deacon nearly thirty years. He had the strictest rev-
erence for the Sabbath, and seldom allowed his children
to be absent from church, where no one was more con-
stant in attendance than he.
One of his boys when quite young was employed by
a conscientious and exacting financier for some time, at
a low rate for his services and with no assurance of an
advance, which caused him to give up the situation.
His employer called on Mr. Ordway, hoping to get the
boy to return to the work at the office, and during the
interview Mr. Ordway said the boy must judge, or act
for himself. The gentleman being quite earnest, re-
marked that he could not give him a recommendation
for any other place, unless he resumed work with him,
for a time, at least. The indorsement of this gentleman
among business men was second to none ; but Mr. Ord-
way replied, sharply, that he " hoped his boys were so
trained that they would need no recommendation from
any one." This ended the negotiation at once.
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228 OLD residents' histobical association.
The serious tone of his thoughts is evinced by the
following reflections, culled from his common-place book:
" We should ever recollect that the most important
business of life is religion ; and though it is our duty to
be ever industrious in order to render our lives useful to
others, yet while we are employed in our occupations in
life, we should not forget that the duties of religion are
the most important. A habit of blending these duties
with all our concerns and of exercising the precepts of
religion on every occasion, will prevent us from so often
neglecting them. Our minds should ever be impressed
with the thought of the shortness and uncertainty of
life and the vanity of the world. These reflections
should serve to repress every vain and anxious thought.
We should endeavor to lead a virtuous, upright, humble
and pious life, receiving with thankfulness and content
the gifts of Providence, and every adverse event with
humble resignation ; ever mindful of all our duties, and
that the reward of the Christian is not only peace in this
life, but endless happiness hereafter."
"A spirit of humility, gentleness and Christian
charity will render its possessor truly amiable. Without
religion all our hopes of happiness must prove delusive.
Though we possess all the comforts and conveniences
of life, we are ever subject to calamities under which
nothing but religion can support us. With our minds
at peace with themselves and all mankind, and with the
prospect of eternal happiness before us, we cannot be
unhappy in any situation."
"Christianity does not require us to neglect the
concerns of this world, or to relinquish the innocent
enjoyment which it affords ; but it teaches us to remem-
ber that this is not our home. The traveller may fully
enjoy the conversation of his companions, and partake
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THOMAS ORDWAY. 229
of the pleasures which his journey affords, without for-
getting the end of the journey."
Mr. Ordway being city clerk and registrar from
1838 to 1858, there must be many old residents — and
those somewhat advanced — who well remember how
much at ease one was made when getting a marriage
certificate; his extreme modesty and politeness during
the interesting ceremony; also the inspection of his
peculiar hand-writing in the notices of "intended mar-
riages," which were posted in the churches in those
times. Previous to this was the custom of reading these
notices in church, and his voice may have been heard in
such duty. But little attention was paid to the recording
of births and deaths of the city until he introduced a
thorough system — now more than forty years since —
and laws were enacted in regard to the records at his
suggestion. He was also one of the first to advocate
underground drainage', the advantage of which in a san-
itary point of view was hardly thought of till about the
time he was city clerk.
He took but little interest in political affairs, although
very firm in his views — being a Whig. He was not am-
bitious for ofl&ce. He was a mfember of our first City
Council, in 1836. He declined various positions tendered
him by political friends before serving as City Clerk, and
although elected almost unanimously for twenty years,
at one time one vote was in opposition, and he was so
extremely sensitive that he really thought of resigning
the office at once. A remark came to him at this time
from a grumbler, that those " long in the city service
were paupers," which irritated him exceedingly. Dur-
ing the many years he served the city his salary aver-
aged about $1,000, being $700 the first year. And he
not only supported quite a family, but laid by sufficient
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230 OLD residents' historical association.
to build a good house on Nesmith Street, with quite a
reserve for the future, in addition to replenishing his
library, which was quite extensive.
He was a constant reader of old and new books of
worth, and was always in pursuit of the latest publica-
tions of certain authors, and such as were not early in
the libraries. On his way to and from his business he
would stop at the book-stores, where he was always a
welcome visitor, and would stand at the coimter pe-
rusing some new volume until aroused to the conscious-
ness that his time was limited, when he would leave with
the book under his arm, often late to dinner, but always
on time at his office. No one who had not visited the
Holy Land possessed more accurate information of its
topography than he. Once, when describing the dif-
ferent varieties of scenery in various parts of that
coimtry to a lady, she could not believe he had not
travelled through it, so correct* was his description of
different localities.
The following has kindly been handed me by our
present City Clerk, Samuel A. McPhetres,* who has a
sharp eye to system and order:
Lowell, April 10, 1882.
James K, Fellows^ JSsq^'
Dear Sir — You ask me to give you my general ideas of the
records of the late Thomas Ordway as City Clerk, from my experi-
ence with them. Having for more than thirteen years held the
position which he once honored and graced, I can heartily testify to
his accuracy and preciseness, and the legibility of his writing; also
to the care he took in compiling family sketches. I find by the
records that Mr. Ordway was elected City Clerk April 2, 1838, (the
municipal year then commencing on the first Monday in April,)
and that he retired January 2, 1854, his services covering sixteen
municipal years. In addition, he continued until January, 1858, as
city registrar, so that for twenty years he had charge of the records
•Mr. McPhetres died at Clstremont, N. H., September 29, 1882.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THOMAS ORDWAY. 231
of births, marriages and deaths. Until 1843 there does not appear
to be a full record of births, no law until that year requiring the
facts to be collected. Previous to that date such births only were
recorded as were reported to the office by parents, but the records
in this respect are large, showing that effort was made to obtain the
facts, and there appear many very interesting family sketches,
valuable to those most interested. My predecessor in office, now
city treasurer, speaks in the highest terms of Mr. Ordway's records,
which he had charge of for over eleven years, and he says that Mr.
Ordway appears to have been a careful, painstaking official and to
have taken great delight in his work. Our joint experience covers
nearly a quarter of a century, and we have tested the value of his
records of vital statistics, in making hundreds of copies for the use
of persons in claims for pensions, and other benefits arising from
services in the late rebellion.
I bad little acquaintance, personally, with Mr. Ordway, but I
recollect that on two or three occasions when I called upon him for
information his accomodating and pleasant manner, and he is often
referred to by older citizens, who have business at the office, in
terms of affectionate remembrance.
I can picture him in his place at a meeting of the Board of
Aldermen. An exciting subject was under discussion and the mem-
bers nearly equally divided in sentiment, were contending for the
mastery. Bitter words were spoken and burning retorts made.
The City Clerk alone of all present was calm and cool, ready to give
facts when called upon, prepare papers, and suggest forms of pro-
ceeding, but not to advance opinions on the merits of the question,
for he must make an impartial record of the proceedings, which he
could not have done had he mingled in the contest. He was the
historian whose story was to be precise to render it of value, for it
was handed down to posterity, and important issues have turned
upon its correctness. " What is the record ? " was afterward asked,
and it settled the matter. Trifling memorandums were too valuable
to be cast aside, and were preserved in the archives of the city.
Such a cool, careful, dispassionate man, I believe our second City
Clerk to have been, for I have had occasion hundreds of times
to refer to his records, and I recall no instance where I have looked
in vain for a valuable paper, or heard it claimed that his record was
in error.
Tours Respectfully,
S. A. MoPHETRES.
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23^ OLD RESIDENTS* HISTOBICAL ASSOCtA^TlOK.
All those, we think, connected with our City Gov-
ernment during Mr. Ordway's oJBElcial duties, who still
survive, will acquiesce in the picture drawn by Mr. Mc-
Phetres above ; and none, probably, who knew him per-
sonally, or had business intercourse with him, will deem
the sketch too highly colored.
It is seldom in the course of our experience that
we find one possessing the amiable and pleasing traits of
character which distinguish the subject of this paper.
Struggling with adverse fortune, yet maintaining an
incorruptible integrity, unassumning in manner ; bearing
ill-will towards none ; strictly conscientious, and having
the respect and esteem of all ; here, indeed, was a man
without guile.
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'XVIIL The Jfewspaper Press of Lowell, hy
Alfred Oilman. Read May 3, 1882.
A RECENT writer (George Jacob Holyoake) says :
" If electricity be the source of life, the press of Amer-
ica may be compared to a vast machine for the produc-
tion of intellectual electricity, which vibrates through
the nation, quickening the life of the people." He
might justly have added that it is the safety-valve of
the community. It restrains violence; exposes fraud
and ignorance ; inculcates obedience to the law ; it is
the arbiter amid diversity of minds and opinions; the
instructor of youth and the delight of the aged ; it is
the bond of the Union and on it rests the future of our
country.
The busy world around us is reflected in the col-
imins of the newspaper, but how few of ail the sub-
scribers who regularly receive their newspapers preserve
them. They are read, thrown aside and destroyed.
Some great calamity, crime or misdemeanor; some re-
markable revolution in politics, religion and science;
some new development or discovery in the arts, may
make an impression that lingers on the memory; but
when called upon for details, we fail in satisfying the
demands of historical accuracy.
I cannot but congratulate the Association on the
possession of a volume containing portions of the first
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234 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCtATtOK.
numbers issued of the Chelmsford Phenix for 1825-'26;
almost the whole of the numbers of the Chelmsford
Journal for 1827 and portions of the Lowell Journal for
1828-29. For this valuable contribution to the library
of the Association we are indebted to Miss Elizabeth B.
Livermore, who has uniformly manifested a most grati-
fying interest in our prosperity and success. I have
also to record the donation of a file of Washington and
Boston papers from 1793 to 1807, by the Misses Harriet
and Louisa W. Bradley, daughters of the late Dr. Peleg
Bradley. These evidences of the interest felt by the
ladies of Lowell in the objects and aims of our Associa-
tion, seem to me to call for some act of reciprocation
on the part of the Association that shall entitle them to
a participation either as active or honorary members.
Previous to 1818 printing paper was made by hand,
one sheet at a time. In that year a machine was in-
vented that made a continuous sheet of any required
length. This materially reduced the cost. Fifty years
since a printing press that could be made to print 300
sheets per hour, was considered a fast machine. A token
or 240 sheets was a fair hour's work. The process of
inking the types in 1828-'30, was a slow and tiresome
work. It was done with two balls made of deer-skin or
wash-leather, stuffed with hair or wool. The skin was
fastened to the handle with tacks. The ink was taken
up on a small flat shovel or trowel, daubed on one of the
balls, and then the face of the balls were placed one
over the other, and both made to revolve, thus distribut-
ing the ink equally on their surfaces. There was a
peculiar knack in the performance which, if not thor-
oughly acquired, resulted in a smouched face. Before
each impression, the form, as the body of type is called,
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THE NEWSPAPER PBESS OF LOWEXiL. 235
had to be gone over with these balls, one in each hand ;
until the whole face of the type was covered with ink.
This labor was usually performed by the youngest ap-
prentice, who was called the printer's devil. Composi-
tion rollers, made of glue and molasses run in a mold on a
wooden frame, drove the balls from the printing office,
lightening and simplifying the labor. To one accus-
tomed to the use of balls there was music in timing
and regulating their movement. After their use it was
customary to wash them in a caustic, and scrape the
face with a knife in order that they might not harden
80 as to be unfit for use.
** Necessity is the mother of invention." Who at this
day does not recognize the necessity of the improve-
ments that have taken place within the last fifty years ?
Some call this a fast age. Is it any more so, when we
consider its wants, than that of half a century ago ? Can
we dispense with the improvements in travel, transmis-
sion of intelligence, and in the perfection of machinery ?
Let us imagine, for one instant, that every thing but pop-
ulation had remained stationary for the last fifty years.
Wher^ would be our facilities for doing business ? Who
would go back to a flint and steel, to tallow candles, to
slow coaches, to three mails a week between Lowell and
Boston, and to a weekly newspaper?
I would like to linger over the improvements that
have been made in the art of printing during the last
sixty years ; but I fear to weary your patience by the
recital. Suffice it to say that our daily papers, the
Courier, Citizen, Times and Mail, are printed on one side
of the sheet at the rate of 1,800 sheets an hour ; the Vox
Populi at the rate of 1,300 per hour, and the J. C. Ayer
Company have a Campbell cylinder press that prints sixty
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236 OLD RB6IDENT8' HI8T0BICAL ASSOCIATION. '
sheets each minute, 3,600 sheets per hour, making 7,200
copies of their almanac. Such a press can be fed from a
roll of paper containing a continuous sheet three or four
miles long, which it prints, cuts and folds in one opera-
tion. So extensive is the circulation of some of the daily
papers in this country, England and France, that the
forms have to be stereotyped for each daily issue. One
press is not of sufficient capacity to supply the demand,
consequently the number of presses and stereotyped
plates have to be increased to meet it.
In Allen's History of Chelmsford we catch a glimpse
of a Mr. Nathaniel Co verly, who moved his printing press
from Boston to South Chelmsford in 1775. John Farmer
is quoted as authority for this statement. The reason for
such a removal is readily suggested by the condition
of Boston at that time. Mr. Coverly probably thought
that his printing materials would be more secure in
Chelmsford than in Boston. Next year Mr. Coverly is
in Concord. As Allen's History of Chelmsford was
printed at Haverhill, in 1820, we may safely conclude
that there was no facility for the work in Chelmsford
at that time.
Here let me introduce an extract from the diary
of our respected President, Dr. John 0. Green : " 1824,
June 24. First number of our Chelmsford newspaper
brought round to us." This was the Chelmsford Cou-
rier, published and edited by William Baldwin. It was
printed at Middlesex Village, and the first number was
dated June 25, 1824. I am indebted to the same diary
for the fact that "January 25, 1825, the Courier was
edited by Paul Dabney, for a few weeks of his vaca-
tion, which he spent at the head of the Middlesex Canal.
He was a resident graduate of Harvard, studying divin-
ity." May 20, 1825, Rev, Bernard Whitman became
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THS NBWSPAPSR PRE86 OF LOWELL. ^37
the editor.* I learn from Z. E. Stone, editor of the
Mail, who is in possession of a portion of the first vol-
ume of the Courier, that the printing office was burned,
and from its ashes arose the Phenix, and also that
Mr. Baldwin published a paper called the Ladies'
Literary Friend.
June 28, 1825, No. 1, Vol. 1, of the Chelmsford
Phoenix t appeared, Bernard Whitman, editor, William
Baldwin, publisher and proprietor. The motto at the
head of the editorial column is a quotation from the
thirteenth chapter of Hebrews, part of the sixteenth
verse: "But to do good and to communicate forget
not." The editor should have adopted thp whole verse,
with slight alterations: "for with such sacrifices [the
editor] is well pleased." Under the motto the editor
says: "One word to our subscribers. We wish them
to send us from time to time a list of the subjects on
which our thoughts are desired."
Mention is made of a paper called the "Globe,"
published at the " General Printing Office," East Chelms-
ford, by J. H. White. "The first number of a new
paper dated at East Chelmsford, but printed in Boston,
was circulated in this town on Saturday last (June 24,
1825). It is advertised in one of its columns as being
published at the * General Printing Office, East Chelms-
ford, by J. H. White.' We thought ourselves pretty
well acquainted in this town, but we must confess that
we have not been able to discover this General Printing
Office." The editor then proceeds to give the " Globe "
a thorough overhauling, exposing its bad grammar, pre-
tence, assurance and egotism. As no further editorial
*Bey. Bernard Whitman officiated at the meeting-house which stood near the head
of the canal, at Middlesex Village. This house was afterwards sold to the Catholics
and moved to North Oielmsford, where it now stands. He received and accepted a call
to become the pastor of the Second Religious Society, in Waltham. He was installed
Fehmary 16, 1896.
t Soon after the o was left oat in spelling this word.
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238 OLD RESIDENTS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
mention is made of this paper, we are left to conclude
it was short-lived. That it was printed in East Chelms-
ford appears conclusive, from a notice dated September
16, 1825: "The Phenix Office is removed to East
Chelmsford, and occupies the place of the Globe Print-
ing Office."
J. S. C. Knowlton became the proprietor of the
Phenix, July 4, 1825, with E. W. Reinhart as printer.
The name Phenix was dropped and Journal substituted,
March 3, 1826. Lowell was incorporated as a town
March 1, 1826, but the name Merrimack Journal was
not changed to Lowell Journal until March 2, 1827.
October 7, 1825, William Baldwin calls upon those
indebted to settle, and offers his furniture for sale, as
he intends to leave town.
June 30, 1826, E. W. Reinhart issued proposals for
publishing in the city of Boston, a weekly newspaper,
entitled the North American Democrat.
January 12, 1826, Joel Adams, Postmaster at
Chelmsford, published a list of the letters remaining
in his office, with the information "that the list can
be found at F. Hobbs' store."
January 31, 1826, nineteen days after, J. C. Mor-
rill, Postmaster at East Chelmsford, appears in an ad-
vertisement which reveals the following facts: Mails
were carried three times a week between Lowell and
Boston ; rates of letter postage for 80 miles 6 cts., 150
miles 12i cts., 400 miles 18| cts., over 400 miles 25
cts. ; if the letter was in two pieces, double these rates
were charged.
November 14, 1829, the Lowell Mercury appeared
as a weekly, Thomas Billings, proprietor, Rev. Eliphalet
Case, editor. It was established as the organ of the
Democratic party. At first it was printed in one of the
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THE NEWSFAFER PBE88 OF LOWELL. 239
Merrimack cottages, situated on the south side of Mer-
rimack Street, where Welles' Block now stands. As soon
as Mr. Billings had finished the brick building on the
opposite side of the street, the printing office was re-
moved into it. Mr. Case was installed as pastor of the
First Universalist Society in 1828, and retained this posi-
tion two years. He succeeded William Wyman as Post-
master in 1833, and held the office seven or eight years.
He removed to Portland, Me., and for a time edited the
Eastern Argus. From there, in company with Samuel
M. Bellows, he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and started a
newspaper. Failing in this experiment, he became in-
terested in manufacturing whiskey and raising pork in
Indiana.
Thomas Billings came to East Chelmsford in 1824
and started a book bindery. He soon added a book-
store to the bindery. In connection with Hazen Elliot
he built the third brick building on Merrimack Street —
it might truthfully be said to have been the second, as
his block was finished as soon, if not sooner, than the
City Hall Building. In 1833 he made an assignment
of his property and removed to Lunenburgh, Mass. He
saved his brick block, and eventually sold it, I think to
S. P. Gladwin. The site is occupied by the Mechanics'
Bank Building.
September 30, 1829, the Groton Herald was united
with the Lowell Journal. July 8, 1831, the proprietor
of the Journal gave notice that he should publish a tri-
weekly paper. August 6th, J. S. C. Knowlton retired
from the Journal, and left Lowell. He was born in
Hopkinton, N. H.; graduated at Dartmouth College;
went from Lowell to Worcester; started the Worces-
ter Palladium; was elected High Sheriff of Worcester
County in 1856; and died June 11, 1871.
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240 OLD BBSIDBirrS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
March, 1832, Oliver Sheple commenced the publica-
tion of the Rose Bud, a Sabbath School monthly. The
contributors to it were Mrs. Samuel Batchelder, Mrs.
Huntington, and Miss Hinckley. The last number bears
the date of February, 1834.
After the departure of Mr. Knowlton there was a
contest for the possession of the Journal establishment.
Randall Meacham, of the firm of Meacham & Mathew-
son, tried to buy the concern, but J. R. Adams had
a mortgage on it, and was enabled to secure it for
the sum of $1,800. This occurred September 3, 1831.
Meacham having failed to secure the Journal, started
the Middlesex Telegraph, September 16th, with Albin
Beard as printer.* On the same day, E. C. Purdy, who
had been engaged by J. R. Adams to take charge of the
editorial department of the Journal, issued proposals for
the publication of a daily. Mr. Purdy had edited the
Rutland (Vt.) Herald, the Horn of the Green Moun-
tains, and the Whitehall Palladium. September 17th,
the first number of the Daily Journal appeared, and also
that of the weekly Middlesex Telegraph. Mr. Purdy
edited the Journal one year for Mr. J. R. Adams, and
then leased the establishment of him, and published
the paper on his own account. Before the expiration
of the lease, in May, 1833, the establishment and lease
was purchased by John S. Sleeper, who had been the
publisher and editor of the Exeter (N. H.) News-Letter.
Mr. Sleeper has placed upon record his recollection of
this transaction, dated January 7, 1861: "I purchased
the Lowell Journal (a weekly and daily paper) of Mr.
Adams, May 15, 1833, and purchased of Mr. Purdy
his lease and right to money due from subscribers. Mr.
•After Bfr. Beard left Meacham. the Medical Joomal, edited by Dr. EUaha Bartlett,
was printed at the Telegraph office.
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THB NXWSPAPEB PRX8S OF LOWSLL. 241
Weld came into this arrangement, and the Lowell Com-
pend was published at the office of the Lowell Jomnal.
Weld retired the 5th of August, leaving with me the
Compend, which was continued until October 9th."
H. Hastings Weld, a graduate of the Journal office,
started the Experiment in 1832, and soon after changed
the name to the Compend. Previous to this new co-
partnership Mr. Weld had purchased the type and mate-
rial of the Middlesex Telegraph. If he bought on credit
it afforded Meacham an opportunity to pay off the Journal
for the disappointment he experienced in his failure to
get possession of that paper. As has been stated, the
co-partnership formed by Sleeper and Weld in May, 1833,
terminated a few months after, resulting in the financial
distress of H. Hastings Weld, and the transfer of John
S. Sleeper to the editorship of the Boston Journal. Soon
after these occurrences the Semi-Weekly Times was
started (in 1834) by H. H. Weld, with Shubael Kinnicut
as printer. The office was in Livingston's building.
Tower's Corner. Afterwards, when Weld left Lowell,
he became a contributor to the Boston Galaxy and the
Boston Pearl. He published his contributions, in 1836,
under the title of "Corrected Proofs." Later he com-
piled an Annual. He is now a clergyman of the Episco-
pal order, settled in Riverton, New Jersey.
November 1, 1832, Aljtred Gilman started the Album,
or Ladies' Common-Place Book. It was printed semi-
monthly, at No. 35 Merrimack Street, in one of William
Wyman's buildings. At the close of its first year the
good will of the paper was sold to George Brown.
The Lowell Observer, an organ of the Congregation-
alists, and the Lowell Evangelist, Baptist, were started
in 1831. The Observer was edited by the Rev. Mr.
Southmayd, and the Evangelist by the Rev. E. W. Free-
man. The experiment of publishing sectarian papers in
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242 OLD RESroENTS' HISTOEICAL ASSOCIATION.
Lowell, of which the Observer and Evangelist were the
pioneers, has almost invariably proved to be a financial
failure. This was the case with both of these papers.
For a time, after Sleeper left the Lowell Journal, it
was edited by Charles H. Locke. In the autumn or early-
winter of 1834, the old Lowell Journal failed under his
management. The publication was not resumed until
after the sale to Huntress & Knowlton. A bargain wbjs
made with Kirk Boott, but the property was held in
trust by John R. Adams and John L. Sheafe. Leonard
Huntress having purchased one-half of the Mercury, in
1834, formed a co-partnership with Daniel H. Knowlton,
who bought the other half, and then they effected the
purchase of the Journal, uniting the two papers. Janu-
ary 6, 1835, they started the Lowell Courier as a tri-
weekly. This co-partnership was dissolved September
20, 1836.
In 1834 the Lowell Advertiser, a tri-weekly, was
started by B. E. Hale, and edited by Eliphalet Cfuse, who
was intensely excited over the disaffection of the Mei^
cury, which appeared as a Whig paper. In 1835 the
Lowell Patriot, a weekly, was started in connection with
the tri-weekly Advertiser, and both were printed by
Dearborn & Bellows, at No. 35 Merrimack Street. A
paper called the Pledge was printed at the Advertiser
office, and another, called the Female Advocate, was
printed at the Journal and Mercury office. This year
Kinnicutt & Parker published a paper called the Journal
and Bulletin. It was printed in Livingston's building.
Tower's Corner. The appropriation of the name Jour-
nal, grew out of the suspension of the Lowell Journal.
The Zion's Banner was published and edited by Elder
Nathaniel Thurston, while his popularity was at its
height.
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THE NEWSPAPER PRESS OF LOWELL. 243
- ■ ■ I ■ ■ ■ ^ ■ .
In 1836 the Patriot office was moved to the brick
building comer Central and Middle Street; the Lowell
Times passed into the hands of James Wingate ; a paper
called the Messenger was printed by George Brown, at
No, 35 Merrimack Street ; another, called the Standard,
edited by Edward Waylen, was printed at the Times
office ; another, called the Gazette, printed by Alfred S.
Tilden, office corner Merrimack and John Streets ; and
the Philanthropist was published by Rev. Aaron Lummas,
Suffolk Square, Merrimack Street.
April 17, 1837, Daniel H. Knowlton, Mr. Huntress'
former partner, died at Hopkinton, N. H. He was a
brother of J. S. C. Knowlton, and married Ann, sister to
Thomas Billings. His wife and two children survived
him.
In 1838 the Casket, a weekly paper, was published
by Brown & Judkins, at No. 13 Merrimack Square, Suffolk
Street. The Advertiser at this time was edited by N. P.
Banks.
In 1839 Mr. Huntress engaged Robins Dinsmore, a
lawyer by profession, who had been a member of the
legislature of Vermont, to edit the Journal and Courier.
He retired July 11, 1840, and was succeeded by William
0. Bartlett, a brother of Dr. Elisha Bartlett. Mr. Bart-
lett continued until April 20, 1841, when he was suc-
ceeded by Daniel S. Richardson, who continued to the
close of the year. This year (1839) the Advertiser and
Patriot was printed by William Gould.
January 1, 1840, Rev. Orange Scott, assisted by
Rev. J. Horton, published and edited the American Wes-
leyan Observer — anti-slavery. The publication continued
six months and was succeeded, January 7, 1841, by the
New England Christian Advocate, edited by Rev. Luther
Lee. Both these papers were printed at the Journal and
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244 OLD BESn>BKT8' HI8T0BICAL ASSOCIATION.
Courier ofl&ce, which was moved ( 1840) to the building
on the corner of Central and Hurd Streets. This year
(1840) the Advertiser and Patriot was published by
Abijah Watson; the Zion's Banner ^Free-Will Baptist)
was printed in the basement of their building, at tiie
head of Central Street; the Literary Souvenir, a weekly
and the Ladies' Repository, a semi-monthly, were pub-
lished by A. B. F. Hildreth. The last two were started
in 1839. Mr. Hildreth also published a penny paper
called "The Daily Morning News," August 12, 1840.
The first number of the Lowell Offering appeared
in October, 1840. It demands something more than a
mere passing notice. It was really what it pretended
to be — a magazine containing original compositions by
girls who worked in the mills. The circumstances at-
tending its origin have been faithfully detailed by the
Rev. A. C. Thomas and Miss Harriet Farley. An im-
provement circle was formed in 1839-40, where written
communications were received and read by the pastor
of the Second Universalist Church, Mr. Thomas. Their
authorship being unknown they were subject to criticism
and amendment. The reading of these articles was the
sole entertainment of the circle. This led to the prac-
tice of reading, at social meetings of the church mem-
bers or the society, those articles which were of a serious
and religious character. The talent thus brought out
led to the publication of the Offering.
The success of the Offering was such that a rival
sprung up called the Operatives' Magazine. Miss Far-
ley says: "It differed from the Offering by receiving
communications from both sexes and from those females
who had left the mill. After a time, however, the gentle-
men's articles were discarded, and the magazine passed
entirely into the hands of the young ladies. They
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THE NEWSPAPER PRESS OF LOWELL. 245
owned, edited and published it." Previous to this the
male editor, Abel C. Thomas, sold the Offering to the
the printer of the Magazine, William Schouler, and after
a while both works were united in one by the proprietor,
and edited by Harriet Farley.
In the Atlantic Monthly for November, 1881, Lucy
Larcom has an article entitled " Among Ixxwell Mill-
Girls." She carries us back to the improvement circle
in the following reminiscence of her youthful days :
"This propensity for scribbling having shown itself
to be somewhat contagious among us younger ones, a
motherly elder sister devised a plan for making a mutual
entertainment for us out of it. She started a little paper
in which our stories and verses were collected, having
been dropped very privately by us into a box, of which
she held the key. It was great fun for us to listen to
the semi-weekly evening reading, and guess at the care-
fully concealed authorship.
" Our little journal was called the Diving Bell, and
we were not critical enough to perceive any incon-
gruity between its title and its motto —
* 'T is here young mind her untried strength shall prove,
And onward, upward, she »ll forever move.*
Certainly we felt delightfully free to plunge or soar at
will. Our thoughts made amusing ventures in almost
every direction.
^*The manuscript file of the Diving Bell, twelve
numbers, yellow and thumb-worn, is still in existence.
It is not unlikely that it was the germ from which the
Lowell Offering blossomed. For, at about this time, a
group of young mill-girls, of whom the elder sister just
mentioned was one, formed themselves into what they
called an Improvement Circle, the object of which was
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246 OLD BESIDENTS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
the writing and reading of their own literary composi-
tions, with mutual criticism. An enlarged improvement
circle grew out of this, and from the material there col-
lected the first numbers of the Lowell Offering were made
up and published."
The Vox Populi was started in June, 1841, by J. M.
Stone. Samuel J. Varney was engaged to print the Vox
for six months. Mr. Varney came to Lowell in 1839 or
1840 ; had previously been at Methuen in business, which
he sold and went to Ohio. The oflBce at Methuen was de-
stroyed by fire. He being a loser by that occurrence, came
back and was attracted to Lowell. He worked in the
Advertiser office, then owned by Abijah Watson. After-
wards he opened a small book, periodical and newspaper
store in Wyman's Exchange. He obtained from Me-
thuen a hand press which had become damaged in the
fire, repaired it and set it up in the basement of a build-
ing at the corner of Central and Hurd Streets. Decem-
ber 4, 1841, at the end of six months, the Vox passed
into the hands of Mr. Varney, and he retained it until
January 8, 1850, when John T. Chesley became the
proprietor. In May, 1856, it was purchased by S. J.
Varney and published by S. W. Huse & Co., Mr. Var-
ney being the sole owner. The death of Mr. Varney,
November 11, 1859, made another change necessary,
and January 1, 1860, the paper became the property
of Stone & Huse. A few years afterwards N. J. N.
Bacheller was admitted a partner. The editors of the
Vox are numerous. Among them were James M. Stone,
S. J. Varney, J. F. C. Hayes, B. F. Johnson, Enoch
Emery, A. W. Farr, Thomas Bradley, Miss Harriet F.
Curtis, John A. Goodwin, Z. E. Stone, and Samuel A.
McPhetres. Three daily papers have at different times
been published in connection with the Vox Populi-^
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THE NEWSPAPER PRESS OF LOWELL. 247
the Daily Telegraph, during the winter of 1849-50;
the Daily Vox, during the first exhibition of the Middle-
sex Mechanics' Association, in 1851 ; and the Daily
News, by John T. Chesley. October, 1878, Z. E. Stone
retired from the Vox, and was succeeded by John A.
Goodwin. The firm is now Huse, Goodwin & Co.
In 1841 the Ladies' Pearl, a monthly publication
by E. A. Rice, was printed at the Journal and Courier
office.
The Star of Bethlehem, a weekly (Universalist) pub-
lication by Powers & Bagley, was printed at the Adver-
tiser office. In 1844 it was edited by T. B. Thayer and
A. A. Miner ; N. Osgood publisher and proprietor.
January 1, 1842, William Schouler purchased the
Lowell Journal and Courier. Previously he had purchased
of William S. Robinson the Concord Republican, a paper
that grew out of the Concord Yeoman. The two papers
were united, or rather as Robinson had it, " the Journal
swallowed " the Republican, William S. Robinson came
to Lowell with Mr. Schouler, as assistant editor, and for
a short time became the Washington correspondent of
1±ie Courier. As this did not pay, Robinson returned
to Lowell and did the light work. In 1845 Robinson
went to Manchester, N. H., and was associated with
John H. Warland in editing the American, a Whig paper.
He returned to Lowell in April, 1846. During 1842-43
the Lowell Advertiser was edited by William Butter-
field, afterwards the editor of the Nashua Gazette and
Concord Patriot.
At this time (1842) there was also published a small
weekly sheet entitled "The Sword of Truth." It was
conducted in the interest of the Methodist denomina-
tion, perhaps as a counteractive to the Universalist paper
already alluded to.
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248 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
In 1843 the Middlesex Washingtonian and Martha
Washington Advocate, a weekly, was printed in Coburn's
Block, Central Street, L. D. Johnson.
The late James M. Stone, began the publication of the
Daily Herald, a morning paper, office in third story of a
building on Central Street, opposite Market, now occu-
pied as a job printing office. So far as known there are
no numbers of the paper in existence. It was published
about a year. Soon after its discontinuance, Mr. Stone
removed to Charlestown. He was the originator, and
for the first six months of its existence, the conductor
of the Vox Populi. Previous to engaging in the pub-
lication of the Herald he was for some years a clerk in
the store of Messrs. Burbank, Chase & Co. Stone be-
came prominent in the Free Soil party; was elected to
the House of Representatives, became Speaker of that
body and was for many years a prominent and influen-
tial party man. He was born in 1817, at Westford; died
December 19, 1880.
The Genius of Christianity, a semi-monthly, was
printed at the Journal and Courier office.
In 1843-44 the Orion was started by Washington
F. Somerby. It was printed in Coburn's Block, Central
Street. After the first year it passed into the possession
of Arthur P. Bonney who published and edited it another
year, when it was merged in other papers. The Opera-
tive, a weekly, was published by J. C. Stowell & Co., at
No. 76 Central Street, Lowell, and No. 38 Elm Street,
Manchester, N. H.
In 1845 the Patriot and Advertiser passed into the
hands of H. E. and S. C. Baldwin; the Republican, a
weekly, was printed at the Vox Populi office, Fisher A.
Hildreth, publisher and proprietor; the Sunday School
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THE NEWSPAPER PRE88 OP LOWELL. 249
Monitor, a monthly, was published at No. 9 Merrimack
Street; the Worcester County Gazette and Middlesex
Standard, a weekly, was published by Pillsbury &• Knapp,
at 24 Central Street, and Langley, Abbott (" Long John "),
Dealing & Co., practical printers, published the True
Reformer and Independent Press. A scurrilous paper
called the Life in Lowell, edited by John C. Palmer, was
published at No. 56 Central Street, and another called the
Scourge, without paternity. John G. Whittier has left
a reminiscence of his residence in Lowell, called the
"Stranger in Lowell," published in 1845. He says:
" Occupying, during a brief sojourn in Lowell, in the
past autumn (1844) a position which necessarily brought
him into somewhat harsh collision with both of the great
political parties on the eve of an exciting election, he
deemed it at once a duty and privilege to keep his heart
open to the kindliest influences of nature and society."
At the solicitation of a few anti-slavery friends, he
came here to edit the " Middlesex Standard," which
survived but a few months. It was a pecuniary loss to
Mr. Whittier as well as the proprietors.
In 1846 William Schouler went to Europe and left
William S. Robinson in sole charge of the Courier. Mrs.
Robinson, in the life of her husband, says, " the credit ac-
quired by his (Robinson's) articles in the Courier, caused
Schouler to receive an offer to go into the Boston Atlas
in 1847 ! " There are others who believe that Schouler's
letters from Europe, published in the Courier, had some-
thing to dq with it.
In 1846 William F. Young edited a paper called the
" Voice of Industry." It was printed at the Courier
office. October 3, the editor lectured in Nashua. In
commenting upon the lecture the editor of the Nashua
Telegraph called it " stujff."
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250 OLD BBSIDENTS' HISTOBICAL ASSOCIATION.
The Literary Visitor appeared in 1847, and was suc-
ceeded by the Lowell Gazette, July 31, published by Joel
Taylor • and Daniel Kimball. Joel Taylor served his
apprenticeship in the office of the Lowell Mercury ; con-
tinued in the employ of Huntress & Knowlton, after
the Journal and Mercury were united ; in 1844-'45 he
had a job printing office at No. 82 Central Street, where
the firm of Stearns & Taylor printed the Lowell Offering ;
left the Gazette November 30, 1847, having disposed
of his interest to a Mr. Famsworth, and probably went
to Manchester, N. H., soon after. There he was com-
missioned as penny-post, January 29, 1849, in which
position he continued until his decease. May, 8, 1881.
Daniel Kimball was a lecturer on the subject of temper-
ance, and editor of the Temperance Standard. The Ga-
zette was sustained by William Livingston, between whom
and B. F. Butler, there had grown up a rivalry for the
Democratic support. Ira B. Pearsons became editor of
the Gazette, which survived until February 9, 1849, when
its light went out.
Fisher A. Hildreth in 1 846-' 4 7 became the editor of
the Advertiser and Patriot, and the Republican was ab-
sorbed by these papers; the Niagara, a weekly, edited by
Rev. William H. Brewster — Jesse E. Farnsworth and Nel-
son Drake, publishers — was printed at No. 44 Central
Street; the Gospel Fountain, edited by Rev. William Bell,
was published by Pillsbury & Knapp ; the Ladies' Mag-
azine and Casket of Literature, edited by Miss A. T.
Wilbur, was published by E. A. Rice; and the Temper-
ance Offering, a bi-monthly, Rev. Nathaniel Hervey,
editor, ofl&ce No. 112 Merrimack Street.
July 1, 1847, Schouler sold the Journal and Courier
to James Atkinson, of Newport, R. I. William S. Rob-
inson was retained as editor until June 12, 1848, when
he was succeeded by Leander R. Streeter.
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THE NEWSPAPER PRESS OF LOWELL. 251
William Schouler was bom at Kilbarchan, county of
Renfrew, Scotland, December 31, 1814. He was by trade a
calico printer. After he left Lowell, he became editor of
the Boston Atlas, May 1, 1847, which position he retained
for a number of years. Although a warm personal and
political friend of Daniel Webster, the 7th of March
speech made by him completely separated them. Novem-
ber 30, 1857, Mr. Schouler connected himself with
the Cincinnati Gazette, retaining the connection three
years. Afterwards he edited the Ohio State Journal at
Columbus and was appointed by Gov. Chase, Adjutant
General of Ohio. He returned to Massachusetts in 1857
and edited the Boston Atlas and Bee. In 1860 Gov.
Banks appointed him Adjutant General for Massachu-
setts, a position he held through the war and until 1866.
Mr. Schouler represented Lowell in the House of
Representatives in 1842, 1843, 1844. When he became
a resident of Boston, he was sent to the House for four
vears and in 1853 was clerk. In 1868 he entered the
Senate from the first Essex Senatorial District.
In connection with his son he edited and published
two volumes of the Massachusetts War Records. He died
at Roxbury, October 4, 1872.
January 1, 1848 the Courier was enlarged. In
July, 1848, William S. Robinson succeeded C. F. Adams
in the editorial chair of the Boston Daily Whig, after-
wards called the Boston Republican, where he continued
until February, 1849, when Henry Wilson cut his pay
down to one dollar and twenty-five cents per day. He
came back to Lowell, May 28, 1840, and started the
Tri-Weekly American, which lived till November 22,
1853. August 28, 1848, the Massachusetts Era (Free
Soil) appeared, Dana B. Gove, publisher; J. W. Hanson,
editor. January 13, 1849, Leander R. Streeter left the
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252 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
Journal and Courier, and was succeeded on the 15th by
J. H. Warland. February 4, 1850, S. J. Varney pur-
chased the Courier establishment, on which there was
a mortgage of $9,000 to William Schouler. A small
Sabbath School publication, called the Day Star, was
printed by A. B. Wright, at No. 55 Central Street.
July 3, 1851, the Christian Era (Baptist), a weekly,
was published by J. M. Burt; Rev. !).• C. Eddy, editor.
Miss Harriet Farley in 1851 published and edited the New
England Offering and Mill Girls' Advocate. It was issued
monthly from No. 22 Appleton Block. June 4, 1851,
the Daily Morning News appeared, Enoch Emery and
Abram Keach, editors; Keach, Emery & Co., publishers.
In 1851 the Spindle City and Middlesex Farmer, a
weekly, was published by Keach & Emery; L. H. Hil-
dreth, of Westford, agricultural editor.
August 23, 1852, the Lowell Advertiser made its ap-
pearance as a daily, published by Samuel M. Bellows and
Levi Hedge ; James J. Maguire, editor. A weekly paper
called Wentworth's Waverly was published this year
(1852) by George Wentworth, at No. 48 Central Street.
June 12, 1852, the Lowell Mirror, a weekly, pub-
lished by Chase & Hoitt, No. 21 Central Street, made its
appearance.
A monthly paper called the Medical Expositor was
commenced in 1852, and printed from time to time as
an advertising sheet.
June 30, 1853, J. H. Warland left the Courier and
was succeeded by Charles Cowley. Mr. Cowley con-
tributed to the Courier, in 1872, a sketch of the life of
John H. Warland, from which I quote : " John H. War-
land, eldest son of John and Sarah (Bates) Warland,
was born in Cambridge, Mass., April 20, 1807. He was
fitted for college at Phillips Academy, Exeter, N. H.
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THE NEWSPAPER PRESS OF LOWELL. 253
He entered Harvard College in 1823, and graduated
in 1827, in the same clasft with Dr. Francis Dana,
whose death preceded his own by only a few days. He
once began the study of law in New York, but soon dis-
continued it and taught school, first in Lancaster, Mass.,
and afterwards in Medfield, Mass.
^^In 1834 he went to Claremont, N. H., and took the
charge of the National Eagle, a paper devoted to the
Whig cause. He was much liked by the Whig chiefs.
*How are you, old Eagle?' was the familiar way in
which Mr. Webster once addressed him. * Give us your
claw. I have heard the crack of your rifle at Washing-
ton. Let it ring out sharp, and clear, and true ; let the
lubberly smooth-bores foul their pieces as they may.'
"Prom Claremont in April, 1842, Mr. Warland went
to Boston, and for a short time edited the American, a
Clay paper. About 1847, he published The Plume, a
volume of tales and poems, patriotic and popular, which
had an extensive circulation. These tales and poems had
all previously appeared in the Claremont Eagle. Some
of the most popular songs sung during the campaign of
1840 ( " Tippecanoe and Tyler, too ") were from his pen,
and may be found in the Plume.
*^ He was next connected with the Manchester Ameri-
can, and while so connected, experienced the first sym-
toms of that terrible mania which was fated to project
its shadow over so much of his life. He, however,
gunned the American all through the Polk and Clay
campaign of 1846.
" When the Mexican war broke out he enlisted in the
regiment which New England furnished for the army of
invasion under Col. Caleb Cushing. In Mexico he had
a rich experience, which he poured out profusely, in after
years, in the columns of the various journals which from
e
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254 OLD RESmSNTS' HI8T0BICAL ASSOCIATION.
time to time owned his sway. Gen. Pierce made him
his private secretary, and at a later day General Scott
employed him, or permitted him to be employed, as edi-
tor of the American Star, which was published, one-half
in English, the other half in Spanish, in the city of
Mexico, both the languages of his bi-lingual sheet being
spoken and written with facility by the editor.
*^ Returning from Mexico he became editor of the
Lowell Courier. His protracted war of words with Gen.
Butler, whose epitaph he published, and thereby in-
volved both himself and Mr. Vamey, his editorial col-
league, in prosecutions for libel, will never be forgotten
by the Lowellians of that time. After quitting the
Courier he became editor of the Boston Chronicle and
subsequently a contributor to other Boston and New
York journals,
"In 1869, the infirmity to which allusion has
already been made, rendered it necessary that he
should be treated systematically, and Mr. Warland
became a patient in the Lunatic Hospital at South
Boston. He remained there till 1868, when he was
transferred to Taunton — his last abode.
"Mr. Warland was married in 1832 to Marianne,
eldest daughter of William E. Carter, of Cambridge.
She died at Claremont in 1841, and he never afterward
married. By this marriage he had two children, who
survive him — a son, William C. Warland, who went to
sea at the age of fourteen and is now (1872) captain
of the American merchantman Endeavor, and a daugh-
ter, the wife of James H. Wyeth, of Cambridge.
"He died July 7, 1872, and was interred in his
father's tomb in old Cambridge."
October 12, 1853, the following papers were printed
on the Courier press: Dailiee— Courier, News and Her-
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TSS HXW8]^A:^Blt ftLBBB Ot LOWXLL. 265
aid. Tri-weekly — ^American. Weeklies — Journal^ Chris-
tian Era, Vox Populi and Lowell Cabinet. I have found
no other record of the Cabinet than this fact.
April 21, 1854, the Lowell Daily Morning Herald,
published by Enoch Emery, ceased to exist. It died a
yearling. May 5, 1854, Z. E. Stone, who had been with
J. T. Chesley in the management of the Vox Populi, left
that paper, and commenced, May 20, the publication of
the American Citizen. The World's Crisis (Second Ad-
vent) was published this year by Jonas Merriam; S. J.
Vamey, printer. September 1, 1854, Charles Cowley left
the Courier and was succeeded, October 1, by John A,
Goodwin. Mr. Goodwin bought the Lawrence Courier
of J. F. C. Hayes, January 1, 1851; Homer A. Cook
became senior partner with him July 1, 1862. Hayes
took Cook's interest January 1, 1854, and Goodwin sold
his share September 30, 1854, to F. Leathe, and came ,
to Lowell. .
May 3, 1855, James J. Maguire left the Adver-
tiser and was succeeded by Charles Hunt and Robins
Dinsmore. The proprietor of the Advertiser was
Fisher A. Hildreth, Postmaster. September 10, 1855,
Frank Crosby, son of Deacon Judah Crosby, was engaged
on the American Citizen and remained until November
20. December 31, 1855, John A. Goodwin published
his valedictory to the readers of the Courier and was
succeeded by Benjamin W. Ball.
Charles Cowley in 1855 bought the News of Abram
Keach and sold it immediately to Cheslfey, who disposed
of it in 1856. April 28, 1856, the Daily Morning News
and the Daily Citizen united under the editorial care of
John A, Goodwin, general and political editor, Enoch
Emery, city reporter; Leonard Brown and George F.
Morey, publishers; politics, American Republican.
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266 OLD residents' histobical associatiok.
In 1864, as has been previously stated, Z. E. Stone
commenced the publication of the American Citizen^ a
weekly; in September, 1855 he began the publication
of a Daily of the same name in connection with it.
April, 1856, he sold his office and papers to Messrs.
Brown and Morey. The following two years he spent
in Chicago, Illinois. He returned to Lowell, and July
1, 1868, bought a small second-hand printing establish-
ment with which the Trumpet (an advertising sheet)
had been published, moved it to Haverhill, enlarged it,
and January 1, 1859, began the Tri- Weekly Publisher,
which he conducted successfully and satisfactorily for
one year, and then sold it to take a half interest in
the Vox Populi, Samuel J. Vamey, the proprietor, having
died in November, 1859.
J. A. Goodwin retained his position as editor of the
Daily Citizen and News for nearly a year. In the fall
of 1856 he was elected as one of the representatives
from Lowell to the Legislature of Massachusetts, and in
1857 attended both the regular and extra sessions. For
a short time, during J. J. Colton's illness, he was a
teacher in the High School. Enoch Emery, in the mean-
time, took control of the editorial department of the
Citizen and News. Mr. Goodwin resumed the charge in
1858. In June, 1859, Leonard Brown disposed of his
interest to C. L. Knapp, who became the editor, and the
firm of Knapp & Morey was formed July 1, which con.
tinned until March, 1876, when Mr. Morey sold his inter;
est to Mr. Knapp and retired.
May, 1856, the Courier establishment became the
property of Tappan Wentworth, who purchased it of
Samuel J. Varney. S. N. Merrill's name appeared as
publisher. He had been an assistant with Charles Mor-
rill, then principal of the Green School.
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TH£ NEWSPAPER PBBSS OF LOWELL. 267
February 12, 1857, a paper called "The Star"
appeared, published by E. D. Green & Co., at No. 38
Central Street. March 31, H. A. Pierce was associated
with S. N. Merrill in the publication of the Courier.
He was born at Danville, Vt. ; entered Dartmouth Col-
lege in 1852, but did not graduate ; came to Lowell in
1855 ; was employed as clerk in the Courier* ofl&ce, and
became a partner in 1857. He died January 23, 1858.
September 30, 1857, The Middlesex American, a tri-
weekly, appeared, edited by Rev. L. J. Fletcher, and
advocated the election of Henry J. Gardner. The
Weekly Union, printed by B. H. Penhallow, was pub-
lished and edited by High School scholars.
July 1, 1859, John A. Goodwin retired from the
Citizen and News. Being a member of the Legislature
for 1859, '60 and '61, he was elected Speaker of the
House for the two last years.
November 11, 1859, Samuel J. Vamey died. He
was bom in Rochester, N. H., March 11, 1814, the son
of Enos Vamey. He learned the trade of printer in
the Dover Gazette ofl&ce, and in 1835 started the Methuen
Falls Gazette, the publication of which was suspended
on accoimt of fire. He married, in 1836, a daughter
of David Place, of Rochester. In 1840 he came to
Lowell. His connection with the newspapers has already
been detailed. His wife died in 1851, and in 1852 he
married Ruth Stuart, who still survives. He was a
member of the Common Council in 1850-51 and Alder-
man in 1852 and '59. He was Secretary of the Middle-
sex North Agricultural Society for several years.
April 16, 1860, Stone & Huse purchased the Journal
and Courier of Tappan Wentworth. November 16, Ho-
mer A. Cook, who had been editor of the Journal and
Courier for a short time, retired from the editorial
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258 OLD RESlDBKTS' HISTOBtCAL ASSOClAtlOK.
management; started the Lowell Sentinel, a literary
paper, in the spring of 1861, and discontinued the pub-
lication June 8, that same year. Z. E. Stone became
editor of the Journal and Courier, and retained that
position until September 1, 1867.
May 21, 1861, The Gad Fly, a semi-monthly, illus-
trated, Douglas Democratic paper, was printed and pub-
lished by L. W. Huntington. This was a flyer to the
Douglas Democrat, a tri-weekly, which appeared August
20, under the auspices of A. R. Brown, W. E. Livingston
and J. K. Fellows.
September 1, 1867, Stone & Huse disposed of their
interest in the Journal and Courier to Harden & Rowell,
who retain it now. George A. Harden was bom in
Hount Vernon, N. H., August 9, 1839. He graduated
at Dartmouth College in 1861, having prepared himself
at Appleton Academy. During his College course he
worked at his trade and taught school to raise the neces-
sary funds. In November, 1861, he enlisted as a pri-
vate in Company G, Second Regiment, Berdan's U. S.
Sharpshooters; mustered in December 12, 1861, and
received a warrant as Second Sergeant. In AprD, 1862,
he was transferred to the First Regiment, U. S. S.,
which served under HcClellan, from Yorktown to Har-
rison's Landing. July 10, 1862, he was commissioned
First Lieutenant and Regimental Quartermaster. Janu-
ary 1, 1862, was ordered on staff duty as acting Assistant
Adjutant General of the Third Brigade, Third Division,
Third Corps, and served in this capacity until August,
1863, participating in the battles of Chancellorsville,
Gettysburg and Wapping Heights. He was then ordered
to Riker's Island, New York harbor, on detached service,
but, at his own request, soon returned to his regiment
and served until it was mustered out, September, 1864.
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THE NEW6PAPEB PBB88 OF LOWELL. 259
He returned to New Hampshire ; studied law in the
spring of 1865, at Concord, and was at the same time
employed in writing for the Daily Monitor. In Novem-
ber, 1865, he went to Charleston, West Virginia, and
purchased the Kanawha Republican, a weekly paper,
which he edited until the spring of 1866, when he dis-
posed of the paper and returned to New Hampshire.
There he was employed to *^ compile, arrange and edit
a history of each of the New Hampshire military organ-
izations, during the war" for the Adjutant General's
report. Meantime he wrote for the Monitor and the
Boston Daily Advertiser. January, 1867, he accepted
and held the position of assistant editor of the Adver-
tiser until the first of September, when he came to
Lowell.
December 10, 1867, he was married to Mary P.,
daughter of Dea. David Fiske, of Nashua, N. H. They
have two children: Philip Sanford, born January 12,
1874, and Robert Fiske, born June 14, 1876.
Mr. Marden was elected a member of the Massa-
chusetts House of Representatives from Lowell in 1873;
Clerk of the House in 1874, and has held that position
every year since then.
Edward Thomas Rowell was born at West Concord,
N. H., August 14, 1836, the son of Ira and Rebecca
(Kimball) RowelL He graduated at Dartmouth College
in the Class of 1861, and soon after enlisted in the Fifth
N. H. Volunteers. Before leaving the State he was com-
commissioned Second Lieutenant of the Second N. H.
Sharp-shooters, under Capt. Caldwell; was promoted to
Captain, Major and Lieut-Colonel in the same regiment
and served until the close of the war. Major Rowell was
wounded at Gettysburg and quite severely at Petersburg.
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260 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
At the close of the war he went to Portland, Me.,
and engaged in the iron business, a member of the
firm of Haseltine, Cole & Co. In September, 1867, he
came to Lowell.
He married, September 8, 1870, Clara S., daughter
of George Webster, of Lowell. Major Rowell was ap-
pointed Postmaster of Lowell, April 15, 1874, which office
he still retains.
Removals of the Journal Office : First, to a two-
story wooden building near the First Congregational
Church. Second, April 13, 1827, to a building a few
rods east of St. Anne's Church. Third, to Central Street,
near the American House. Fourth, to Hurd Street.
Fifth, February 1, 1830, to corner of Central and Mid-
dlesex Streets. Sixth, January 1, 1840, to comer of
Central and Hurd Streets. Seventh, May 8, 1852, to
corner of Central and Middle Streets. Eighth, to the
Museum Building, Merrimack Street.
October 8, 1871, the Middlesex Democrat was
published by Dr. J. H. Smith. The office was in the
Museum Building. In 1872, the Daily Morning Times
was published by E. A. Hills, the Doctor's son-in-law.
About the 1st of August, 1872, the Democrat, Times
and the Dover (N. H.) Gazette were purchased by J.
Livingston Hunt of Dr. Smith, secured to him by a
mortgage on the material. In 1874, a second mortgage
was given to Charles Cowley. The Hunt Brothers pur-
chased in 1875 the Penhallow Printing Office of C. H.
Latham, administrator; obtained a loan from Charles
Cowley, giving a mortgage on the material as security.
December 20, 1875, Cowley foreclosed, took possession
of the printing material, and published the papers for
three months on his own account. In the early part of
1876, the two establishments were separated and the
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THE KSW8PAPEB PBS8S OT LOWELL. 261
Times transferred to Dr. J. H. Smith. From December
20, 1875, to March 20, 1876, the Times was published as
an Independent paper. In 1876 the Sunday News,
a Democratic campaign weekly, was published three
months by D. B. Hughes and Walter H. Mills.
December 15, 1879, Campbell & Hanscom bought the
the Daily Morning Times of Dr. J. H. Smith.
James L. Campbell was bom in Henniker, N. H.
His father published the Manchester Union, where he
(James L.) learned his trade. In 1872 he entered into
a co-partnership with George A. Hanscom, and together
they published the Union until 1879.
George A. Hanscom was born in Elliot, Me. ; served
three years' apprenticeship in the ofl&ce of the Maine
Democrat, Saco; followed the sea for twenty years;
went to Manchester, N. H. ; was employed in the Union
office, and in connection with James L. Campbell bought
the Union of the elder Campbell.
John T. Chesley was bom in Dover, N. H., February
28, 1817; came to Lowell in September, 1835; worked
at his trade for Daniel Swan ; afterward opened a store
for the sale of petroleum; became at first a local reporter
for, and then the publisher of, the Vox Populi. After
the war he was engaged in the exhibition of panoramic
scenes during the war. JCist previous to his death
(November 6, 1872) he was in the employment of J. C.
Ayer & Co. He left a wife but no children.
Fisher A. Hildreth died July 9, 1873. He was born
in Dracut, February 5, 1818, the son of Dr. Israel Hil-
dreth. His education was acquired in the town schools
and at the Dracut Academy. On the attainment of his
majority, he was sent from his native town to the
Legislature of Massachusetts for two years (1840-41).
In 1845 he comno^enced at Lowell the publication of
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262 OLD residents' historical association.
the Republican, a weekly Democratic paper, and a few
months after he purchased of H. E. & S. C. Baldwin*
the establishment of the Tri-Weekly Advertiser and
Weekly Patriot. He retained an interest in these
papers up to the time of their suspension in 1863.
In 1850 he received from Gov. Boutwell the appoint-
ment of Sheriff of Middlesex County, which he re-
tained for two years. He succeeded T. P. Goodhue
as Postmaster of Lowell in 1853, in which position
he was kept by the Pierce and Buchanan adminis-
trations. He married Lauretta, daughter of Major
Ephraim Coburn, of Dracut. The widow t and two
daughters survive ; the elder married Thomas Nesmith ;
the younger, Charles D. Palmer.
Efforts were made by our French fellow-citizens, in
1874, to be supplied with a publication in their own
language. These resulted in the publication, at Fall
River, of " L'Echo du Canada," which had a Lowell edition
from November, 1874, to May, 1875. This was subse-
quented in October, 1875, by "La Republique," H.
Beaugrand, editor and proprietor. This publication was
removed from Lowell to Fall River, April, 1876. Beau-
grand is at present editor of the leading liberal paper in
Canada. " La Sentinelle " was commenced here in April,
George Lambert, proprietor, and continued until Decem-
ber, 1879. "L'Abeille" (the Bee), a daily publication,
J. B. Hurtubise, proprietor, L. E. Carufel, editor, com-
menced December 31, 1880; since, sold to "La Cam-
pagnie d'Imprimerie Canadienne Francaise de Lowell,"
ofl&ce No. 49 Central Street.
• Jannary, 1843, S. C. Baldwin became editor and pnblisher of the Granite State
Democrat, printed at Exeter, N. H. In consequence of ill health he relinquished the
nndertaking, and the paper ceased to exist March 9, 1813. Afterwards he came to
Lowell.
t Mrs. HUdretb died October 80, IMS.
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THE NEWSPAPER PRESS OF LOWELL. 268
The Sun, Harrington Brothers (Daniel J.* and John
H.), publishers and proprietors, Thomas F. Byron, editor,
was started August 10, 1878, with four pages, enlarged
August 10, 1881, to eight pages.
Stone & Huse, as has been stated, during their pro-
prietorship of the Journal and Courier, continued the
publication of the Vox Populi. After the sale of those
papers to Marden & Rowell, September 1, 1867, they
established a Saturday edition of the Vox, and the semi-
weekly issue was continued by the new proprietors after
the retirement of Z. E. Stone and N. J. N. Bacheller in
1878. A new co-partnership was formed, consisting of
Z. E. Stone, N. J. N. Bacheller and Ephraim D. Living-
ston, which commenced the publication July 1, 1879,
of the Daily Morning Mail. In connection with this
publication a Semi-Weekly Mail was issued, which has
since been changed to a weekly called the Saturday
Evening Mail.
Zina E. Stone, the editor of the Mail, was bom
March 30, 1823, at Bethel, Me.; entered a printing
office, as an apprentice, when a lad so^small as to require
the aid of about five thicknesses of inch board to bring
him up to a position where he could reach the type ad-
vantageously. He served a regular apprenticeship of
three years, and a year later (in 1842), a minor, came to
Lowell in pursuit of work. Not succeeding he went to
Concord, N. H., and worked as a journeyman, for the
first time, in the office of the late Gov. Isaac Hill. In
Baston, Lowell and other places he followed " the art
preservative " as journeyman till 1854, when he began
the publication of the Citizen. Mr. Stone was elected in
1865-'66 a member of the House of Representatives from
Daniel J. Harrington died Hay 34» 1882.
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264 OLD BESIDENTS' HISTORIC At. ASSOCIATION.
Ward Six. The interest he has taken in the aims and ob-
jects of this Association has been uniformly persistent.
The columns of the press under his direction have ever
been at its service and open to all who would elucidate
and reveal new facts in the history of our city. His per-
sonal efforts in collecting and preserving pamphlets,
papers and old books, in any manner illustrating the
early history of Lowell, have been unwavering, and in a
measure successful.
Nathaniel J. N. Bacheller was born June 16, 1827,
in Fayette, Me.; learned the printing business in Saco ;
was in business as a newspaper and job printer in Bidde-
ford and Saco for a time. He came to Lowell to reside
in 1857. Here he became a partner in the Vox Populi
printing establishment in 1872, the firm name being
Stone, Huse & Co. After the dissolution of the co-part-
nership, in 1878, he became one of the new firm. Stone,
Bacheller & Livingston, in 1879, the publishers of the
Daily Mail.
Ephraim D. Livingston is a native of Lowell, bom
October 9, 1847. He served a regular apprenticeship in
the job printing oflSce of the late Benjamin H. Pen-
hallow. On the decease of Mr. Penhallow he for a time
continued the business for the heirs. He became a
member of the present firm in 1878.
A new monthly magazine (illustrated) was issued
from the Vox Populi office in November, 1881, called
the New Moon, W. B. Goodwin editor, and published
by the New Moon Company.
April 3, 1882, the Daily Citizen was sold by C. L.
Knapp & Son to the Citizen Newspaper Company;
Harry R. Rice business manager, Henry J. Moulton
editor, C. F. Coburn assistant editor, and James Bayles
city editor.
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THE NEWSPAFEB PBES8 07 LOIfELL. 265
Chauncy L. Knapp, the retiring editor, was bom
February 26, 1809, at Berlin, Vt. He came to Lowell in
October, 1843; united himself in 1844 with John G. Pills-
bury, a book and job printer, whose oflSce was in Cen-
tralville. Pillsbury & Knapp soon after moved their
office to No. 24 Central Street. Mention has been made
of their connection with sundry newspapers. Mr. Knapp
afterwards was alone, occupying a room in Nesmith's
Building, on Merrimack Street. He was one of the origi-
nal Free Soil party which united with the Democrats
and elected George S. Boutwell Governor, in 1851. Mr.
Knapp was elected, in 1851, Clerk of the Massachusetts
Senate. In 1854 he was elected a member of Congress
by the American party and served two terms. When he
returned to Lowell, after Preston Brooks' attack on
Charles Sumner, his friends, not to be singular, pre-
sented him with a pistol. All the members of Congress
from Massachusetts were complimented in the same way.
His duties as editor of the Citizen since 1859 have been
discharged with acknowleged ability. He is now a
worthy member of this Association.
Harry R. Rice, the business manager of the Daily
Citizen, was born in Quebec, P. Q., attended the schools
of that city, and subsequently took a four years' course
in a private classical school in Montreal, P. Q. He com-
menced on newspaper work in Hon. Mr. Walton's Gazette
office in Sherbrooke, P. Q., was afterwards engaged in the
same emplojonent in Montpelier, Vt., Burlington, Vt.,
and Claremont, N. H. He came to Lowell in 1869 and
was employed on the Lowell Daily Citizen as city editor,
a position he retained until the Citizen Newspaper
Company was organized, April 1, 1882.
During Mr. Rice's residence in Lowell he has been
special correspondent of the Boston Journal and Bos-
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266 OLD RESIDENTS' HI8T0BI0AI. ASSOCIATION.
ton Globe and has furnished a series of letters for
Canada, Vermont and New Hampshire papers.
Henry J. Moulton was bom March 29, 1847, at
Macon, Georgia, the son of Thomas J. and Julia Ann
(Smith) Moulton. His father was a native of Pittsfield,
N. H., his mother of New Haven, Conn., both of whom
he lost at an early age. From 1856 to 1859 he resided
with a relative in New Hampshire ; then went to Taun-
ton, Mass., and remained until 1864. That year he
removed to Tewksbury, having received an appointment
as Clerk at the State Almshouse, where he remained
(with the exception of one year in New York city)
until the fall of 1869, when he removed to Monson,
Mass. Here his duties were similar but in connection
with the State School. In 1873 he went to South Caro-
lina ; in 1876 he returned to his old position at Monson
and remained until 1877 ; when he removed to Boston and
was connected with the State Board of Charities until
1880. Since then Mr. Moulton has been engaged in
journalism, writing for different newspapers. He is un-
married and the sole survivor of hia family, an only
sister, Mrs. Helen M. Swift of Taunton, having died
in January, 1882.
In writing up the history of the press, reminiscences
of the past have come to mind, which if related would
have swelled the proportions of this paper to such an
extent that the time allotted for its reading would have
proved too short. They must be deferred until some
one, refreshed and inspired by the names and dates now
presented, shall take the task in hand and complete the
record.
It is hardly necessary to say that this paper is im-
perfect ; that is granted at once. If it will only be the
means of inducing those who know the facts to impart
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THE NEW8PAPEB PBE88 OF LOWELL. 267
that knowledge, thus enabling us to make corrections
and hand down to our successors a true record, this ef-
fort will not have been made in vain.
Before closing I cheerfully give credit to the pub-
lishers and editors of our local papers for their courtesy
and kindness in imparting information. Especially am I
indebted to Z. E. Stone, the editor of the Daily Mail,
for allowing me to examine copies of the different
papers patiently collected by him from time to time.
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XIX. The Drama in Lowell, with a Short
Sketch of the Life of Perez Fuller^ by
H. M. Ordway.
The theatre is an institution of great antiquity.
Among the ancient Greeks and Romans, it was held
in high estimation, and was thought to have been de-
rived from the gods. The amphitheatre was designed
for shows of gladiators and wild beasts, while the
theatre was used for stage-plays. The theatres of
modern days, differing somewhat from those of the an-
cient times, are not less popular, and one or more may
be found in every town or city of any considerable size.
Serious objections to theatrical performances have been
raised from time to time on account of their supposed
immoral tendency, and it must be confessed that many
of the plays represented are not generally of a high
character ; but well selected entertainments, properly
conducted, may serve to elevate and instruct as well as to
amuse. The drama first appeared in Lowell in 1828
when it was introduced by a company whose per-
formances were held in the hall connected with the
hotel in Belvidere kept by Mr. John Kimball, the
father of our esteemed fellow-citizen, John F. Kim-
ball, Esq. This building known in later years as the
" Old Yellow House," has undergone many changes
since the removal of Mr. Kimball to the house on the
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THE DRAMA IN LOWSLL. 269
comer of Howe and East Merrimack Streets, now occu-
pied by Mrs. J. B. Giles. The hall in the rear part
has been separated from the main structure and was
moved westerly a few rods. Rented to private families
for some time, it was at length purchased by the
Catholics, who removed it to Stackpole Street, where it
is now used as the home of the Oblate Fathers. After
the erection of the Church of the Immaculate Conception
the main portion of the old structure was moved from
its original location easterly, for an annex to St. John's
Hospital. Within a few weeks it has been again moved,
to make room for a more substantial building, and will
hereafter be used for a different purpose, but still con-
nected with the hospital.
In 1831 — five years previous to the incorporation
of Lowell as a city — Mr. Jonathan Morse, the owner of
a block of tenements on Winter Street, in the rear of the
First Presbyterian Church, on Appleton Street, converted
the entire premises into a hall, which he leased to a
speculator by the named of Rounds for dramatic pur-
poses. Neither the plays presented nor the new negro
melodies sung (such as ^* Jim Crow," " Long-Tailed
Blue," and others), proved conducive to the moral or
to the intellectual improvement of its patrons, who
secured admittance to the entire entertainment by pay-
ing twenty-five cents. This theatre, which was capable
of accommodating about two hundred people, was suc-
cessful for one or two seasons, when it was closed on ac-
count of the erection, by a Boston and Lowell Stock Com-
pany, of a much more pretentious structure on the
northerly side of Lowell (now Market) Street, between
Worthen Street and Maiden Lane. Here, in 1833, Mr.
and Mrs. Barrett, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Messrs. Murdock
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270 OLD BE8EDENTS HI8T0BICAI. ASSOCIATION.
and Williamson and others appeared occa^sionally, as-
sisted by Mr. Perez Fuller. Mr. Barrett — one of the
actors — was stage-manager, and Mr. Ostinelli, who en-
joyed an enviable reputation as a conductor in Boston,
led the orchestra. While living here Mr. Ostinelli played
the first violin in the Appleton Street Church, now
under the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Court, and also re-
ceived pupils in music in Concert Hall, on Merrimack
Street. Mr. Ostinelli married a Miss Hewett, an accom-
plished lady of Boston, who for many years was organist
for the Handel and Hadyn Society, and it is said thai
she was the first lady organist, and their daughter, the
celebrated Madame Biscaciantti, the first American prima,
donna who appeared before the public. Mr. and Mrs..
Ostinelli's married life not proving harmonious, a sepa-
ration ensued.
The Lowell Street Theatre proved a successful in-
vestment the first year, although denounced by nearly
all the members of the different churches, who believed
it to be one of the great sources of evil. Rev. Eliphalet
Case, the editor of the Mercury, representing this portion
of the community, presented a remonstrance to the Se-
lectmen against renewing the license of the Company.
Several public meetings were held concerning it. John
R Robinson, a stock-holder and one of the foremost law-
yers in the town, was counsel for the applicants, while
Mr. Heydock, a Websterian-looking lawyer of consid-
erable repute, and Rev. Mr. Streeter, a retired Universal-
ist clergyman from Salem, then practising law in Lowell,
represented the opposition. The controversy was not
conducted in the most amiable spirit, the counsel often
indulging in the most bitter invective, which did not
assist in allaying the excitement. Every one connected
in any way with this theatre was censured. Even the
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THB DttAkA ijf tOWELL. 271
Secretary of this Association was threatened with pros-
ecution for doing the printing for the company.*
Finally, after weeks of agitation, the Selectmen re-
fused to grant a renewal of the license. Mr. Robinson
advised a continuance of the plays without one; and,
acting upon his advice, the management announced for
the succeeding evening Sheriden Knowles' "Himch-
back." Immediately after the conclusion of the per-
formance the principal actors were arrested and held
for trial. At the examination before Judge Locke, in
£he Police Court rooms (held in the building built by
a brother of Judge Crosby, but recently demolished for
the erection of the new Central Block), Mr. Robinson,
who was an exceedingly nervous man, used such in-
temperate language to the Court, witnesses and counsel,
that serious thoughts were entertained of attempting to
procure his expidsion from the bar. This contest re-
sulted adversely to the company, and the building was
closed for theatrical entertainments. It was afterwards
opened by Rev. Mr. Pease for a free church, called the
Third Congregational Society, which had but a short
existence. At the present time this long, dilapidated
structure (just above the Hadley Block) is overflowing
with a class of tenants whose greatest ambition is to
participate in a contest to redress Ireland's wrongs.
•Dr. John O. Oreen, since this sketch was read, wrote a note to the author, saying:
"Iflnd the following records'*— presumahly in his private diary:
"July IS, 1833. The town refused to license a theatre.
"November ll» 1833. We have been holding a town meeting all day, at which
more than one thousand votes have been east. The true St«te officers were all
elected. We had four separate tickets for Representatives— the National Republican,
Jackson, Liberal and Workingmen. Only one Representative was elected — Mr.
Samuel Howard. The Liberals are a new party, got up for their attachment to
the Lowell Theatre. In July preceding, this was put down by public opinion,
but to-day it was tested again. The vote confirmed the previous decision. There
were 383 votes in favor and 606 against. They say the subject shall be brought up
at every town meeting till thehr point is gained. This made a split in the National
Republicans, and the Jackson men profit by the division. The meeting was adjourned
late the following day for choice of other Representatives.''
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272 OLD BE8n>ENT8* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
Still later (in 1836) about thirty of the most
promising yoimg men in the place, interested in his-
trionic art, associated themselves together for the pur-
pose of forming an organization called the Thespian
Club, to give gratuitous entertainments to the public.
They leased the hall formerly occupied by the Masonic
fraternity, in the brick block at the junction of Merri-
mack and Worthen Streets, and arranged the stage with
all the necessary appliances to ensure successful exhibi-
tions. The most prominent members of this company
were Perez Fuller, leading actor; Brooks Bradley, tra-
gedian ; John Wellington and a Mr. Stone, comedians ;
and T. T. Ordway, delineator of female characters, sup-
ported by John Sweetser, Moses Winn, William T. G.
Pierce, Luther Con vers (afterward captain of the High-
landers), Joseph Ripley, Kelsey Moore, Miss Willis, Miss
Seymour and Miss Eaton — the latter a lady who after-
ward attained celebrity. After a short time some of
the members becoming dissatisfied with the asssign-
ments of characters, refused to pay their assessments
and withdrew, leaving the others to meet the liabilities
incurred. As quite a debt had been created, it was
thought advisable by the management to charge the
small admission fee of twenty-five cents, which resulted
in procuring funds to cancel their obligations, after
which the company disbanded, leaving all their stage
paraphernalia to adorn a neighboring piggery.
An amusing incident is related regarding the real-
istic acting of this company. A terrific sword-combat
was introduced in one of the acts of the play which
was being performed, and just as one of the heroes
was about ending the earthly career of his opponent,
two young ladies who had been engaged to support the
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t^ BBAICA IK LOWELI. 273
troupe that evening, fled from the stage with horror
depicted upon their countenances, leaving Mr. Ordway
(who had assumed an important female role) to receive
alone the applause which followed his re(fbgnition.
On one occasion an original play was produced. It
was written by Mr. Clapp, assistant teacher of the High
School when the principal was Thomas M. Clarke, now
Bishop of Rhode Island. Mr. Fuller took the part of
Henry VI., and that of Prince Edward was given to
a High School lad of fourteen years, who, recently,
when nearly sixty years of age, sent me fragments of
the play, which are all his memory retains of that ex-
cellent production. This really was the first amateur
theatrical organization that appeared in our city, and
although other clubs subsequently acquired quite re-
spectable reputations here, none have exceeded, or even
equalled the old Thespian in point of dramatic ability.
The next attempt to establish a permanent place
for theatricals occurred in 1840, when Mr. Moses Kim-
ball, of Boston, fitted up the fourth story of the stone
building (Wyman's Exchange), corner of Merrimack
and Central Streets, for a museum. The collection
of curiosities consisted of pictures, wax statuary, and
selections of natural history, from the New England
Museum, Boston. In the course of a year a stage
was erected for light entertainments such as dioramas,
magical performances, etc., but no legitimate dramatic
performances were attempted. The most noted celeb-
rities who appeared here were Adelaide Phillipps and
Freeman, the giant. As the museum did not prove
remunerative, it was closed for a while, and finally
disposed of (in 1845) to Mr. Noah F. Gates, who took
possession in October, 1846. Soon aftewards Mr. Gates
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274 Otl> RESIl>lBKT8^ BIBTOBtCAL ASSOCIAftOK.
leased the Freewill Baptist Church building (on the
opposite side of the street) of Henry Reed for three
years, from January 1, 1847, at a rental of eight hun-
dred dollars per annum.
The attempt to introduce dramatic entertainments
in the old church edifice aroused the indignation of
those who formerly worshipped there, and such a press-
ure was brought to bear upon the City Council that
they refused to grant a license for such purposes. A
long petition signed by many of the most prominent
citizens was presented to the Council to influence their
decisions, and at a hearing in regard to it, John P.
Robinson and Thomas Hopkinson appeared for the peti-
tioners, and Rev. Messrs. Thurston and True for the
remonstrants. This hearing terminated in obtaining
a license, and the theatre flourished under the manage-
men of Mr. Gates until April, 1850, when he applied
to the Legislature for an act of incorporation for a stock
company with a capital of $60,000, the officers of which
were Noah F. Gates, president; W. A. Richardson, clerk;
G. L. Pollard, treasurer, who were also directors, associ-
ated with B. H. Weaver, F. A. Hildreth, A. B. French
and Henry Reed.
The new arrangement opened under favorable au-
spices with the following dramatic talent, viz: C. G.
Graham, W. F. Johnson, R. W. Germon, Messrs. Bland,
Reed, W. LaFavre, G. E. Locke, Mr. and Mrs. G. C.
Germon, Mr. and Mrs. Altemas, and Miss Emmons.
Mr. Johnson (connected with this company) was one
of the finest comedians known. Previous to severing
his connection with the troupe he was tendered a com-
plimentary benefit, which he accepted, and announced
his farewell, October, 15, 1852. His advertisement of
the affair was so unique that we give it verbatim :
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THE DRAICA IK LOWELL. 275
PROCLAMATION! >
Whereas, it has become customary, from time ^memorial,
during the fall of the year, or that portion of the season which
precedes sleigh-rides, oyster sappers, balls, colds, rheumatics, etc.,
to appoint a day and evening of general thanksgiving, and pray
that we may be blessed with the means to enjoy the one and have
the good lack to escape the other, I hereby, with the advice and
consent of my numerous councillors and friends — and, moreover,
as such matter seems to escape the memory of Brother Boutwell,
much to the indignation, it appears, of the ladies of the numeiK>U8
corporations — appoint next Monday evening as a time and place
for a general jollification, amusement and bene^ial eDJoyment of all
parties without regard to the all-absorbing topic of w1u> shall be
President, to take place at the Lowell Museum, where a grand mass-
meeting will be held, it is hoped, to test their approbation of the
Governor's proceedings in the present dearth of fun and amuse-
ment.
Given at our council chamber, the same old attic, 56 American
House, this sixth of October, in the year of our Lord, 1852.
WiLLL^M F. Johnson, Governor.
HooKET Walkee, Secretary of State.
Ood Save the United States of America !
This literary effusion secured Mr. Johnson the
honorable title of "Governor," which followed him all
through a Southern tour, and led some of the local
Southern papers into the error of announcing the
appearance of a distinguished Ex-Governor of Massa-
chusetts.
Soon after this the building was struck by lightning,
and (in 1853) it was burned, with the stuffed elephant,
wax figures of Queen Elizabeth, White and his mur-
derers, and other monstrosities, including oil portraits
of all the Presidents, which had been painted for five
dollars a head by a prominent young artist who has
never had occasion to regret that great loss to art.
December 14, 1853, an amateur organization known
as the Aurora Club, hired a hall in the third story of
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276 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
a brick block on Merrimack Street, now owned by Mr.
Edward Garner. Shortly after eight o'clock, just before
the play commenced — the room being crowded with
about two hundred people — the floor gave way, precipi-
tating the entire audience into the story below. A stove
filled with burning coals descended with the audience,
occasioning an alarm of fire, but the presence of mind
of a few individuals averted what might have been a
sad calamity. No serious injury was inflicted, although
several individuals received severe bruises.
During the year 1866 Mr. Henry Emery remod-
elled his hotel, and converted the westerly portion
into an opera house, opening it August 1st, with an
inaugural vocal and instrumental concert, under the
direction of Mr. Charles Koppitz, leader of the Boston
Theatre Orchestra.. Nearly all the numerous dramatic
troupes, and the stars of any magnitude, have appeared
upon these boards. But, owing to its somewhat diminu-
tive character, the place does not meet our present re-
quirements.
What Lowell needs and demands is a first-class
opera house of sufficient capacity to accommodate the
public, and we trust the time is not far distant when
a suitable edifice will be erected, which will not only
reflect credit on our city, but prove a remunerative
investment to its proprietors.
Within fifty years there has been in this community
quite a change in public sentiment with regard to theat-
ricals. Theatres are not necessarily demoralizing insti-
tutions. On the contrary, it only remains for the public
to elevate their standard by shunning entertainments of
a low or doubtful character, and by patronizing those of
the highest class. The theatre then will have an elevat-
ing and refining tendency, and the presentation of noble
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THE DRAMA IN LOWELL. 277
characters and virtuous, useful lives, may serve as a
means of inciting young and old to an imitation of
those characters, and to an earnest effort to live such
lives.
MR. PEREZ FULLER.
This paper would be incomplete without a brief
notice of one who doubtless was more interested in his-
trionic art and who was a better amateur actor than any
other person ever residing in our city. Mr. Perez Ful-
ler, to whom we refer, was born in Kingston, this State,
January 11, 1797, and married Miss Newman, who died
in 1833, leaving a daughter who became the wife of
a minister named Murray. Mr. Fuller established him-
self in business in Medway, but through the influence
of his old friends, Alexander Wright and Royal South-
wick, he came to Lowell about 1830, and opened a tailor-
ing establishment on Merrimack Street. Although an
exceedingly quiet and unostentatious gentlemen, his
talents were soon appreciated by a large circle of
friends, who prevailed upon him to appear in the
Lowell Street Theatre, and also to becohie one of the
prominent members of the Thespian Club. In 1838,
when a member of the City Council, and likewise while
representing our city in the Legislature, he was induced
to appear at a benefit tendered Miss Hildreth (afterwards
Mrs. Benjamin F. Butler) at the Tremont Theatre, in
Boston, fcjustaining the role of Michael, in " The Adopted
Son," to the satisfaction of a critical audience. Previous
to appearing he came to the conclusion that such a trans-
action would be derogatory to the dignity of the House
of Representatives^ and so, rather than disappoint the
beneficiary, he sent in his resignation.
Previous to his departure for Europe, in 1847, he
gave a few concerts in the City Hall, at one of which
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278 OLD RESIDENTS HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
he was assisted by his good friend Oliver, of Boston.
Among Mr. Oliver's numbers on the programme was
"Yankee Doodle." After singing the line, "Yankee
Doodle is the tune," he stopped, and quickly turning
to Mr. Fuller, who was seated a little in his rear, he
said — "Isn't it, Perez?" Mr. Fuller arose, in his
courtly way, and in his slow, inimitable manner re-
sponded— "Of course it is, Mr. Oliver!" This little
episode occasioned considerable merriment among the
audience, and a repetition of the song was demanded.
After Mr. Fuller's return from his visit to Europe
he presented his claims for patronage in these words :
Perez Fuller, having commenced business at the store No. 1
Savings Bank Building, City Hall Square, Merrimack Street,
respectfully invites the attention of his friends and the public
to an entire new stock of cloths, cassimeres, doeskins, vestings,
etc. Having purchased for cash at the lowest tariff prices, he
will be able to execute orders for clothing on the most favor-
able terms to patrons. He has, during the past season, person-
ally made arrangements with some- of the best houses in Paris,
London and New York to furnish him from time to time with
reports of the most approved styles of cut and workmanship
that may prevail at those places. While constantly prepared to
furnish garments in the most approved style, he will as usual
cheerfully conform to any directions which the convenience of
his customers may suggest.
Mr. Fuller had an original way of disposing of
captious customers, even if it was not always effective.
One of his friends demurred at the charge of $8 for
a pair of pantaloons. "Too much — eight dollars too
much!" replied the humorous Mr. Fuller; "why, sir,
you can buy them anywhere for six ! '' Another inti-
mate friend ordered a coat made, which was found to
be too small, so it was returned with directions to " let
it out." After a few days the owner called for the gar-
ment, and was. informed by Mr. Fuller that he had
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THE DRAMA IN LOWELL. 279
strictly complied with his directions and had "let it
out" to Mr. Barrett, conductor on the Boston and
Lowell Railroad.
Mr. Fuller was not only a good actor, comic singer
and elocutionist, but he also possessed considerable po-
etic talent. At a Fourth of July celebration in Pelham,
in 1833, when Dr. Israel Hildreth delivered the oration
and Henry Reed, proprietor of the hotel, furnished the
dinner, Mr. Fuller sang an original song containing
many happy allusions to different members of the Pha-
lanx (a military company of this city) which had been
invited to be present to perform escort duty on the
occasion. He likewise wrote a hymn for the dedica-
tion services of the Unitarian Church, which was pro-
noimced by some of the committee superior to the one
accepted. At various other times he indulged in verse,
always inditing something appropriate for the occasion.
The many accomplishments of Mr. Fuller made him
a valuable acquisition to society, and no party or social
gathering was complete without his presence. His store
was the resort of a number of intimate friends, who
delighted to impose upon his good nature merely for
the purpose of enjoying his sarcastic or witty retorts.
He never appeared conscious of doing anything or of
uttering a word calculated to provoke a smile, and yet
his humorous observations are remembered and related
by his old friends as gems worthy of almost immortal
fame.
But it would require too much time to collect and
relate all the good things credited to Mr. Fuller. Those
who knew him will bear witness to his appreciation of
the humorous, and to his possession of all those acquire-
ments necessary to make a good citizen and valuable
friend. His last illness — an attack of typhoid fever,
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280 OLD RESIBEKTS* HISTOKICAL ASSOCIATION.
accompanied with dysentery — was terminated by death,
at his residence, on Tyler Street, September 3, 1866.
The funeral services, held in the Unitarian Church, con-
ducted by Rev. Frederick Hinckley, were attended by
all the merchant tailors of the city, and his old friends,
Messrs. Adam Putnam, Isaac Farrington, William C.
Gray and Edwin C. Rice acted as pall-bearers. His
remains were interred in his lot, which is situated upon
elevated land on Path 62, in the southeasterly part of
the Lowell Cemetery. But very few of his surviving
friends recognize the neglected, barren spot, which is
without a stone to indicate the place where his remains
repose.
Surely those should be considered public benefac-
tors whose pleasant words, written or spoken, make us
forget, for a time at least, our troubles, real or imagin-
ary ; and to those who have shed a ray of light on our
path by their genial humor and fund of wit — who
have pleased the mind and healed the body, driving
away dyspepsia and despondency, making us "laugh and
grow fat" — we owe a debt of gratitude; and this debt
Mr. Fuller's old friends should repay by the erection of
a monument to his memory.
Since the preceding sketch was read, the writer has
been favored with the following interesting facts con-
cerning the drama in the early days of Lowell, by Mr.
E. B. Howe, of the Association, who was personally
identified with much that he has described. —
The first dramatic performance in Lowell, by local
talent, occurred in a school-house which stood near the
south-east corner of the site of the Baptist Church, on
.Church Street. The teacher of the school (a Mr. Flint)
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¥l^E i>RA3CA TN LOl^ELL. 281
encouraged some of the pupils to memorize and recite
extracts from plays, and other friends prompted them to
give a public exhibition, and accordingly one was given,
in the school-house. The entertainment consisted of
scenes from " Pizarro,'' with the following cast of char-
acters: Rolla, A. Jackson Butler; Sentinel, Dexter
Eaton ; Elvira, Miss Martha Moore ; Cora, Miss Mary
Eaton ; with Gustavus V. Fox, George Fox and H. K.
Moore in appropriate parts.
The performance was repeated the next evening.
Encouraged by their success, the Masters and Misses
who took part in it joined with others, and formed the
Lowell Dramatic Society. The following-named persons
embraces nearly all of the members, at the time of its
organization : Philip Stewart, Charles Stanley, George
W. Stanley, Phineas Stanley, Henry Wales, John Welling-
ton, Charles Stanwood, Luther Conner, J. Brooks Bradley,
Hugh K. Moore, Dexter Eaton, Joseph B. Ripley, Peter
Renton Moore, Martha Moore, Mary A. Leonard, Mary
Eaton, Adeline Bradley, Mary A. Eldridge. Musicians :
Samuel C. Moore, violin ; Joseph Nason, flute ; Edward
B. Howe, violoncello.
After the necessary preparations and rehearsals,
Concert Hall (now the site of H. Hosford & Co.'s elegant
store ) having been properly fitted up, was the scene of
the first performance by the Society, and the first play
presented was "Rudolph; or. The Robbers of Calabria,''
with the following cast, in part : Rudolph, Philip Stew-
art; Count Albert, Charles Stanley; Paulo, Charles
. Stanwood ; Rozalia, Miss M. Moore. A song, by Master
J. B. Ripley, followed the play, and the performance
closed with a rehearsal of " Roderick Dhu," by Messrs.
Stewart and Moore.
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282 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTO&ICAL ASSOCIATION.
The entertainments given, at different times later,
by the Lowell Dramatic Society, embraced the following :
"Pizarro,'' "Damoaand Pythias,'' "Rudolph," "Family
Jars," "The Turnpike Gate," "The Boarding House,"
" The Cork Leg," with agpropriate songs on each even-
ing by Miss Moore and Masters J. Brooks Bradley and
Joseph B. Ripley. Master Bradley sang sentimental and
patriotic songs, and also had conspicuous parts as aji
actor, while Master Ripley was the low comedian and
comic singer.
The following was the cast for the performance of
" Pizarro" when performed at Concert Hall : Pizarro,
Philip Stewart ; RoUa, Charles Stanley j Almagio, H. K.
Moore ; Dorilla, H. Wales ; Orazembo, G. W. Stanley ;
Gomez, P. Stanley; Valverd, J. B. Ripley; Sentinel,
Charles Stanwood ; King Attaliba, Richardson ;
Alonzo, J. B. Bradley ; Elvira, Miss Moore ; Cora, Miss
Eaton. The play was followed by a duet, entitled " Polly
Hopkins and Tommy Tompkins," by Miss Moore and
Master Ripley The closing piece for the evening was
" The Boarding-House," Phineas Stanley assuming the
part of the Admiral and H. Wales that of Peter Fidget.
Some of the songs introduced at the performances
of the Society are remembered to have been "Polly
Hopkins and Tommy Tompkins," "Harry Bluff," "Mr.
York, you're Wanted," "Bay of Biscay," "The Soldier's
Tear," "Barney Bralligan," "King of the Cannibal Is-
lands," "Adam and Eve," "Jim Crow," etc.
While this Dramatic Society was giving their enter-
tainments a company of professional players were per-
forming in a hall in rear of the stone church on Appleton
Street. Among the performers there were Charles
Rounds, low comedian and extravaganza singer, and
Mr. and Mrs. Keiser, Miss Julia Clement and at times
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THE DRAMA IN LOWELL. 283
a Mr. and Mrs. Goodnow, Mr. and Mrs. Gale and a Mrs.
Conway. Many if not all of this company of players
boarded with Mr. Benjamin Moore, the father of Miss
Martha Moore, and from them Miss Moore obtained
many valuable hints in regard to enacting the parts
which she assumed in the Lowell Dramatic Society;
Miss Clement, in particular, gave her much aid in the
details of stage action.
I remember having seen this company perform the
following plays at the hall designated above: "The Heir
at Law," "The Spectre Bridegroom; or, A Ghost in
Spite of Himself," "The Manager in Distress," "The
Iron Chest," and " The Lottery Ticket." It is said there
were at times "scenes" enacted by some of the players
not announced on the bills of the day, and that Reiser's
violent conduct toward his wife was the cause of their
separation. Mr. Rounds for a long time nightly per-
formed the extravaganza of "Jim Crow" at this Theatre ;
and Master Ripley, at the performances of the Dramatic
Society imitated, if he did not excel him, in this particu-
lar line. The verses for that particular piece were
frequently improvised, or made on "the spur of the
moment," and were intended for local hits at everybody
and everything. On one occasion Mr. Rounds made
a pointed allusion to the rival " Jim Crow," of the Dra-
matic Society ; consequently at the next performance of
the Society, Master Ripley retaliated. It may not be
amiss here to give a few specimen verses of the retort,
and also a quotation from another, then popular humor-
ous and satirical song of that time, to show in some
degree what amused and entertained the theatre-goers
of the period of which I write. The song of "Jim Crow,"
first given in New York and Boston the season before by
Thomas D. Rice (then best known as "Jim Crow Rice ")
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284
OLD residents' historicax association.
was the rage all over the country; hence its popular-
ity then in Lowell. Master Ripley's retort on Mr.
Rounds, which was received with great enthusiasm, was
as follows :
Now, old Jim Crow, the other night,
Did prove himself so cute,
I think it is no more than right
That I should follow suit.
Wheel about and turn about,
And do Just so, etc.
He says that I can't run him down
A-singing of Jim Crow;
1 know I can't, for he 's down now
As low as he can go.
Wheel about, etc.
Da play up In de cellar;
Da play of drlnkin' hard;
I t'ink da 'd better go and play
In Dracut Navy Yard.
Wheel about, etc.
Old K broke his cane —
It happened de other day;
It happened over his wife's head.
And he happened to run away.
Wheel about, etc.
Las' night was Mrs. Gale*s benefit.
Up under Morse's Hall.
They counted fifty tickets,
And the benefit was small.
Wheel about, etc.
The song of " Adam and Eve " was also very pop-
ular all over the country at this time. A few verses
will serve as a specimen of the whole :
I sing to you of ancient days,
Of ancient fashions and ancient ways.
When people had no toils nor cares
And sat ou stools Instead of chairs.
Refrain. — Sing helgh-hol I grieve, I grieve,
For the good old days of Adam and of Eve.
O, dear!— O, dear! how 1 dream now;
Everything, It goes by steam now.
In my young days, when I was little,
The only steam came from the tea-kettle.
Sing heigh-ho, etc.
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THE DRAMA IN LOWELL. 285
The dandies then looked slim and pale,
(Now they look hearty, fresh and hale);
Their voices sounded like a squeaking fiddle;
They were small as a wasp around their middle.
Sing heigh-ho, etc.
The dandies now wear stays and laces,
Horses' girts around their leaistes.
Times are not as times have been;
Father " laced " me with a cow-skin.
Sing heigh-ho, etc.
Sometimes at the performances of the Dramatic
Society instead of "A Song, by Master Bradley/' or "A
Duet, by Miss Moore and Master Ripley," the announce-
ment would be " The Rival Jim Crows, by Messrs. Ripley
and Eaton." On such occasions, although Eaton was
some little older and nearly twice as large as Ripley, he
was no match for him in wit and repartee, and for half
an hour the audience seemed to think that they had had
their " money's worth " in listening to the wit and fun
of the " rivals " alone.
I cannot give the exact dates of any of the exhibi-
tions of the "Dramatic Society," but one date can be
fixed accurately if any one can tell when the great
"Union Ball" took place at the City Hall — an event
of no small interest at the time ; for " Pizarro " was per-
formed that night, and some of the performers went
to the ball, after the play was over. I know that two
of the musicians on that occasion also " hooked " into the
ball.
The last exhibition of the Society was given in
a hall in " Barnes' Folly," and the play was " Damon
and Pythias," with the following cast, as near as can be
recollected: Damon, P. Stuart; Pythias, Charles Stan-
ley ; Procles, H. K. Moore ; Dyoninus, B. Bradley ; Da-
mocles, Henry Wiales; Lucullus, Luther Conner; Boy,
Peter Renton Moore; Calantha, Miss M. A. Leonard;
Hermion, Miss Martha Moore. The admission fee was
twenty-five cents, and there was a good attendance.
10
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286 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
Perhaps, in recalling the events and scenes of fifty
years ago, they may have a seeming importance that
a just criticism would not justify. But that the Lowell
Dramatic Society was made up of bright, intelligent,
well-behaved persons, belonging in good and respectable
families, everybody in the city knew. That they played
well in their several parts was shown by the closely
packed audiences which always greeted them. That
there was much real talent in several of the performers
is shown when we see that Miss Eaton adopts the pro-
fession of an actress, and as Mrs. Woodward became a
quite distinguished actress at the National Theatre in
Boston and in other theatres. Miss Moore exhibited so
much dramatic talent that George Barrett and John
Gilbert, of Boston, made a special but unsuccessful
visit to Lowell to induce her father to permit her to
study for the stage, under their personal supervision and
guardianship, predicting for her high rank and fortune
as the result.
About 1833 — I am not quite sure of the year — a
company of professionals played six consecutive weeks
in the brick building at the corner of Merrimack and
Worthen Streets, now owned by Dr. Gilman Kimball.
I was all the time a member of the orchestra, play-
ing nightly. The hall had been for some years pre-
viously occupied for the meetings of the Masonic
fraternity.
Many people of Lowell remember that J. Brooks
Bradley was a good singer on the stage, and performed
many times at the Old Lowell Museum in later years.
Charles Stanley was an excellent ^^Rolla," and to
my youthful imagination an equal of Forrest. He was
ati energetic business man ; at one time he commanded
the Lowell Phalanx ; held a position in one of the mills
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THE DRAUA IK LOWELL. 287
at Lawrence; subsequently removed to the West, and
there died not many years ago.
George W. Stanley grew up here, married, held a
responsible position in the service of the Massachusetts
Cotton Mills for many years, was esteemed and honored
by all who knew him. He died October, 1878.
Philip Stewart had a large share of dramatic talent.
His performance of " Damon '' was equal to that of any
professional. He was in youth employed at the Lowell
Machine Shop. Later on he was in business in BiUerica,
where he died about four years ago.
Joseph B. Ripley was a printer by trade. In his
youth and prime of life he was considered one of the
skilled ones of the craft. Like many others who stand
at the " case," he evidently improved well his opportuni-
ties for obtaining knowledge ; for after working several
years in the different offices in Lowell, we find him edi-
tor and proprietor of a paper in Worcester. It is not
known whether the paper was a success or not ; but he
afterwards came to Lowell and found employment as a
journeyman. He enlisted during the war of the rebel-
lion, and bore a good record for faithful and honorable
service. He was of a generous disposition, courteous and
polite to every one, well read in general literature and
current politics, witty, and possessed an abundant flow
of language, and it was his pride to render it precise
and elegant. As an actor, printer, editor, soldier and
gentleman, he will long be remembered, and his good
traits will, I trust, overshadow whatever errors and
misfortunes may have marred any portion of his life.
Luther Connor is living in Boston. In his youth
he painted the "scenes" for the Dramatic Society, and
now, with his left hand, he wields the brush to gratify
his taste and earn his living. He lost his right hand
many years ago.
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288 OLD residents' historical association.
Hugh K. Moore is living in Maiden, a prosperous
business man, for several years manager of the Ameri-
can Steam Gauge Company ; has an interesting family,
wife, sons and daughters, all of whom are gifted with
music in a marked degree.
Joseph Nason was an excellent player on the flute
and a genius in everything; a superior scholar; could
write sensible poetry ; was a natural mechanic ; a good
draftsman ; an inventor. He was, I think, the founder
of the house of Walworth & Nason, in Boston, manu-
facturers of piping and gas fixtures. He subsequently
moved to New York and established a large business of
the same kind there. He died about five years since.
Miss Moore (now Mrs. Joseph Raynes), to whom I
am indebted for many of the facts concerning the Dra-
matic Society, is still living in Lowell, enjoying the
evening of her life in the possession of good health, with
her children and grand-children around and with her.
She retains to a remarkable degree her memory of the
events of her youth, and delights to recall and live them
over again, even though nearly all of her associates have
made their final exit.
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XX. Elisha Glidden, by Son. John A. Knowles.
Read J^ovemler 8, 188B.
** Tread llKbtly o*er his grave, ye men of virtue, for he was your brother.
Weed his grave clean, ye men of learning, for he was yoor kinsman."
It is difficult to give the character of an individual
unless you know something of his early proclivities and
the historical facts of his childhood and youth, for, as
it has been well said, " the child is father of the man."
My acquaintance with Elisha Glidden commenced in
1827. December 10, 1827, I took a seat in his office,
first as student and clerk, afterwards as sharer of his
profits. The next year I went to board with him, and
continued with him until within a few months of five
years. From the college records of Dartmouth College
I learn that he entered college, and graduated in 1815.
He was bom in Unity, N. H., in 1789. After graduat-
ing he first studied law, I think, in Dover, N. H., for
a time, but afterwards went to Boston and entered the
office of Mr. Hubbard, late a Justice of our Supreme
Court. He continued there until he entered the Bar,
which I think was in 1818 or '19. In 1820 he was
invited to go to Townsend, Mass., to take charge of the
legal business of Col. Walter Hastings. Col. Hastings
graduated at Harvard in 1799 ; was appointed Colonel
in 1812, and took his regiment to an island in Boston
Harbor. After the war he returned to Townsend and
took up his profession of law, but was taken sick and
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290 OLD HESIDBNTS' HISTORICAL A8S0CIATI0K.
obliged to retire from business, and Elisha Glidden was
called to take charge of his large docket. In 1821 Col.
Hastings died, and Mr. Glidden continued, finishing up
his legal business and aiding Mrs. Hastings in settling
up her husband's estate. Col. Hastings left four chil-
dren, over all of whom Elisha Glidden was appointed
guardian. He continued in Townsend until 1823, when
he, Mrs. Hastings and her children, moved to Boston.
He remained there until 1826, when he married Mrs.
Hastings, and afterwards moved to Lowell.
He took an office in the southerly end of a wooden
block standing where the Appleton Block now stands;
his office was directly over the present banking rooms
of the Appleton National Bank, and he occupied with
his family a building on the land of the Hamilton Man-
ufacturing Company, nearly opposite his office. The
building he occupied was sold long since and moved
down Church Street, and was for a long time the resi-
dence of the late Deacon Tapley. Mr. Glidden continued
to live in the house above named until the autumn of
1828, when he moved into his new home at the comer
of Gorham and Appleton Streets. Major Josiah Sawtell
having come to town, made a contract with Mr. Glidden
to erect him a building on the afore-named lot, and com-
pleted it in the autumn of 1828. This was the first
house erected by that well-known builder. Major Josiah
Sawtell. The garden of Mr. Glidden is now occupied
by that large brick block lately erected by our worthy
Mayor Runels. The house formerly erected for Mr.
Glidden stands next west of Mr. Runels' large block, and
is owned by John McAleer. Mr. Glidden continued his
practice in the old wooden building until the Middlesex
Company wanted that part of the land to erect a brick
block, and Mr. Glidden, having formed a co-partnership
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EUSHA GLIDDEN. 291
with Luther Lawrence, moved across Central Street and
took an office in the Hamilton brick block, so called.
He remained there until the Middlesex Company had com-
pleted their block, when he moved back again, and the
Railroad Bank, having been chartered, was established in
the southerly end of the block formerly occupied by
Elisha Glidden, and Lawrence & Glidden took an office
in the rooms next north of that In the mean time Mr.
Glidden had become enfeebled by a severe attack of
pleurisy which he took when attending Court at Cam-
bridge. He becoming quite ill, his physician advised
him to take a journey into the country, and he invited
me to go with him. We took a buggy and passed
up through Nashua, Francestown, Hillsboro' and on to
Claremont, N. H., where we stopped with an elder brother
of his, who was a trader there. Here we tarried a few
days, when we went to Unity to visit his brother Gen.
Erastus Glidden. After paying him a visit of a few
.days we passed down the river, through Brattleboro',
to Greenfield, Mass., and after remaining there two or
three days we passed to Leicester, Worcester and Con-
cord, Mass., and then returned home to Lowell. Mr.
Glidden was a very accurate and careful conveyancer,
and drew all kinds of legal papers with much taste.
He was very quick to discover any defect in any legal
paper, and seized with much readiness any important
matter pertaining to his profession. He once had a
client in Tewksbury, I think, who was desirous to refer
his case which he had in court, and applied to Mr. Glid-
den in a great deal of trouble about its reference, saying,
" I would like to refer my action, but my opponent re-
fuses to refer to any persons unless they are deacons in
a church, and I don't want to refer my suit to any per-
son who does not understand law." To which Mr. Glid-
den immediately replied, " We can fix that well enough.
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292 OLD BESIDENTS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
for I know two good lawyers who are deacons." To
which the client replied, "J never knew lawyers could
be deacons." "Oh, yes," replied Mr. Glidden, "Joseph
Locke and Joel Adams are both deacons, and very good
lawyers, too." The client then replied, " I am glad you
told me.. We will have them ; please draw' the papers
and we will refer the case." Mr. Glidden accordingly
drew the papers for referring the case, and Messrs. Locke
and Adams soon settled the difl&culty. Mr. Glidden was
a close financier, but was a high-minded and honorable
man in his transactions. He once proposed to purchase
a lot of land on the southerly side of Appleton Street,
covered with a stone ledge, from eighteen inches to
three feet in height. The proprietors offered it to him
very low, as it was a hard ledge to remove. He took
me up to the lot and wanted my opinion, about it, and
I informed him that I would give him my opinion if he
would give me one-eighth of all he made on it. To which
he replied, " I will do it." I then told him to purchase
the lot by all means, and by the aid of William Living-
ston I had no doubt he would make it a profitable bar-
gain. He purchased the lot and after Mr. Livingston
had removed the ledge he sold it at an advance of $2400,
one-eighth of which was $300, and although I never
asked for it, he put it in on our settlements, and said it
was justly due me. He was a man of great simplicity of
character, and although I could not see any consideration
for the $300, as I ran no risk in the transaction, yet he
thought, undoubtedly, that my opinion was worth some-
thing, and chose to allow it.
Mr. Glidden was of a very equable disposition and in
the five years I resided at his house, I have no recollection
of ever seeing him excited, by anger or passion. He
was always industrious and prudent in the expenditure
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ELI8HA eUDDSN. 293
of money, and yet was as charitable as people generally
in his position. He was not rich, but continued to save
money during his nine years of practice in Lowell, and
left, I should think, from $30,000 to $40,000. Elisha
Glidden was peculiarly attached to his family, including
not only his own daughter, but his several step-children.
I may say he was peculiarly under the influence of his
affections. His only daughter survived him several
years. She was very agreeable, but exceedingly frail.
She died early, after having married a distinguished naval
officer. Mr. Glidden was late in college and probably
aided his father upon his farm, as he did not graduate
until he was twenty-five years of age. He was a very
careful practitioner and for a long time attended to the
business of the Proprietors of the Locks and Canals on
Merrimack River. He frequently met Kirk Boott, Esq.,
with whom he did a great deal of business. Mr. Glid-
den engaged in very little litigation, as that kind of
business was not to him the most profitable, and I think
not to his taste. He was a contemporary of Hon.
Nathaniel Wright, John R. Adams (who have long since
passed away ), and afterwards Hon. Seth Ames, John P.
Robinson, Tappen Wentworth and others. He took an
interest in establishing the Railroad Bank at the corner
of Central and Hurd Streets, he being one of the Direc-
tors, and Luther Lawrence, his partner, the first Presi-
dent of the Bank. He was afterwards connected with
Hon. Thomas Hopkinson, who continued with Mr. Glidden
as long as he was able to attend to duty. Mr. Glidden
was surrounded by a number of profitable clients, among
them being Mansur & Reed, General Sawtell, William
Livingston and many others.* Erastus Glidden, Esq., was
•In tbe diary of our respected President is this record: At a meeting bolden In
Hamilton Counting Boom, May 6, 1828, of Lowell Institution for SaTlngs, Samuel Batcbel-
n
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294 OLD KESIDENTS' HISTORICAL ASSOCLATION.
the executor, and I think also the guardian of the daugh-
ter. Of the family of Col. Hastings, now remain onlj
Henry Hastings,. Esq., of Boston, and Catherine, a
daughter.
der was elected President, but declined, upon wbich Ellsba GUdden was duly elected
to the office, and served till his death, April 2, 1835, his attendance the last year being
often prevented by sickness. May 6, 1836, Theodore Edson was chosen, and continues
In office.
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XXL History of Central Bridge, hy Alfred Gil'
man. Bead J^ovemher 8, 1882.
Under the date of 1737, Allen's History of Chelms-
ford says : " Road from Hunt's to Clark's Ferry, south
side of Merrimack, laid out by order of the Court of Ses-
sions/'
Hunt's Ferry was afterwards called Bradley's Ferry,
which crossed the Merrimack River at Bridge Street.
The road on the Dracut or northerly side was called
Ferry Lane. The ferry was probably owned by Joseph
Bradley, and for a time kept by his brother, Nehemiah,
who had a little shop on the Dracut side, where he manufac-
tured boots and shoes. Previous to this time James and
Stephen Puffer were the ferrymen. James was the
father of A, D. Puffer and Stephen the father of J. F.
Puffer, both well known citizens to-day, and members of
this Association. How long previous to 1737 this ferry
had been established is uncertain. The Chelmsford
grant was made May 19, 1653 ; Dracut was incorporated
in 1701, and the probability is that it was established
soon after the latter event was consummated. The ferry
boat was kept on the northerly side of the river, obliging
the traveller on the southerly side, intending to cross, to
blow a horn or shout, to attract the ferryman's attention.
Clark's Ferry was at Middlesex Village. The road to it is
still open (a little north of the hotel), for the conven-
ience of a railroad station. The manner of propelling
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296 OLD UBSWVJXTS* HI8T0BICAL A880CIATIOK.
the ferry boat was a rope or chain stretched from shore
to shore. Miss Louisa W. Bradley says on one occasion,
when she and her mother were crossing in the boat, the
chain broke and the boat floated down river.
February 24, 1825, the legislature of Massachusetts
passed an act to incorporate the Central Bridge Corpora-
tion. The corporators were Joseph Bradley, Ezekiel
Cheever, Abijah Fox, Ezekiel Fox and Peter Heaselton
— the tolls to be the same as the tolls at Pawtucket
bridge. The Legislature had the right, at the expirsr
tion of eighteen years, to regulate anew the tolls. Under
certain conditions the property was to revert to the
Commonwealth, or whenever the inhabitants of the towns
of Dracut and Chelmsford should remunerate said pro-
prietors for the expense of said bridge (deducting what
may have been received for tolls) the same might be
opened free of toll. When the bridge was built, the
clerk of the proprietors thereof was required to make a
return into the office of the Secretary of the Common-
wealth of the actual expense of building the same, and
at the expiration of eighteen years the clerk was re-
quired to make a return, stating the amount of the re-
ceipts, expenditures and dividends during the said term
of time.
I call attention to these terms because on the com-
pliance with, and construction of them, the whole con-
test for the possession of the bridge turned. They seem
plain and clear to an ordinary business man, to call for
no extraordinary ability in their settlement, and yet it
took seven or eight years to effect that object.
Mr. William Kittredge's recollections of the build-
ing of Central Bridge were related to me some years
since and I preserved them :
" In the year 1822-*23 it became necessary to re-
build the locks at the foot of the canal near Concord
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mSTOBT OF CENTRAL BBIDGB. 297
River, in the vicinity of the American House. It was a
work requiring great skiU, judgment and some experi-
ence. The timber of which the old locks were erected was
all to be removed, excavation to the depth of forty feet
was to be made, and the new locks were to be con-
structed of stone of the largest capacity, shaped and
jointed so as to be impervious to water.
"Mr. Boott was fortunate in securing the services of
Luke S. Rand to do this work. He was a native of Ver-
mont, possessed of a large farm, well stocked with cattle
and producing an abundance of hay and vegetables.
When he came down from Vermont to commence opera-
tions the procession of his oxen, the cart-loads of hay
and grain, and his teams appeared to the astonished na-
tives more like the procession of a caravan than the ma-
terial of a job-taker. He was a man of his word — prompt,
energetic and yet a keen observer of human nature.
" At this time wheels for the transportation of stone
weighing eight and ten tons to the single block were un-
known. Mr. Rand had a pair fourteen feet in diameter,
which caused quite a sensation. People from all the ad-
jacent towns visited the scene of his operations to view
the working of the monster wheels, and were astonished
to witness the ease with which he handled such immense
weights.
" While Mr. Rand was building the locks referred to,
the question arose as to the feasibility of constructing
a bridge across the Merrimack at what was called Brad-
ley's Ferry. Soundings had been made, and it was
thought impracticable to erect a bridge in that locality,
on account of the depth of the water on the Chelmsford
side of the river. It was found to be thirty-two feet deep.
Mr. Rand's opinion was asked, and he told them' that " as
soon as he could arrange for it, after constructing the
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298 OLD BB8IDSNT8' HISTORICAL A8S0CIATI0K.
locks^ he would throw a little bridge over the river
for them." Encouraged by this opinion, where so much
doubt had been expressed before, they engaged him to
do the work.
^^ He sounded the river from shore to shore and pro-
ceeded to make a large raft, capable of sustaining the
weight of quite a number of tons. This raft he moored
over the spot where he intended to erect his pier, and
held it there with anchors.* The stone of which the pier
was to be constructed he carefully selected for its dimen-
sions, being of the largest size he could obtain. These
he conveyed to his raft in scows, and having deposited
the first layer, he then added another course of stone
and bound the two with iron clamps, every stone being
secured by a clamp to the next one, thus securing an in-
separable mass that would stand any shock or strain.
As the weight was added upon the raft the whole mass
would sink, until finally it touched the bottom. It did
not stop there, but sank in the mud to the depth of four
or five feet, carrying timbers and stone below the bed of
the river. There that pier remains to the present day,
evidence of the thorough workmanship of Mr. Rand.
The iron work was all forged at the shop of Joseph G.
Kittredge."
The discrepancy between this account and the fact
as revealed by the recent displacement of the piers of
the old bridge is, what is called a raft turns out to be a
crib, built of heavy timbers one above another, to the
number of eight or ten, dove-tailed at the ends and fast-
ened with long wooden pins, bearing the shape intended
for the piers. These were sunk and filled full with stone
and gravel. On this superstructure the stones were laid
• The divers employed to remove the wood work of the old piers discovered an
extra crib not far from one of the piers, of which it is supposed Mr. Band lost control
It is about five f)Bet under water.
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HISTOBT OF CENTRAL BBIDOB. 299
and the up-river ends protected and bound together with
straps of iron. I learn that the iron work was added in
1862. It is an interesting and noteworthy fact that this
timber, that has been under water fifty-six years, comes
up as sound as it was the day it was submerged.
Under the date of December 15, 1826, the Merri-
mack Journal has the following:
NEW BRIDGE.
The Central Bridge now erecting across the Merrimack at this
place, is so nearly completed as to be passable. It is built on the
principle of the brace and the arch, is five hundred feet in length,
and stands on the abutments and two piers. The span of the centre
arch is one hundred and eighty feet, of the two outer arches one
hundred and sixty feet each. The travelled way is divided into
two parts, with the walks on each side. The timbers are all secured
from water. The work appears to have been judiciously planned
by the architect, Luke S. Rand, Esq., and handsomely executed
under his direction. The expense of erecting it will probably
amount to $16,000; but the rapid growth of this place warrants
the conclusion that the enterprising proprietors will find it a profit-
able investment of capital. Two stage coaches cross it daily already,
one to Haverhill and Dover and one to Londonderry.
According to the answer of the Central Bridge Cor-
poration at the AprO term of the Supreme Judicial Court
in 1855, it is said that the bridge " is five hundred and
forty feet in length/' that the " actual expense" of build-
ing said bridge, according to the return made by the clerk
and filed October 15, 1829 (almost three years after its
completion), was $22,128.25.
March 10, 1832, the proprietors obtained an act of
the legislature authorizing the Corporation to "com-
pound tolls " to passengers. Prior to this time influential
directors of the Bridge Corporation had purchased the
most eligible lands in Centralville, including what was
known as the " Bradley Farm," and under authority of
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300 OLD RE8n>BKT8' HISTORICAL AS80CIATIOH.
this act the Board of Directors contracted with the
owners that thenceforth all persons living on any of their
lands, and all persons going to any of their lands on the
business of the owner, should have the right to pass the
bridge free of toll.
It is evident that the inhabitants of Dracut felt that
some injustice had been allowed and should be corrected.
At the town meeting held in Dracut, March 4, 1833, it
was << voted that our Representatives suspend all further
operations in the General Court against the proprietors
of Central Bridge, provided said proprietors give them
satisfactory assurance that said Corporation will reduce
their tolls to the town of Dracut, as proposed by the
agent of said Corporation, to wit : to one-half of what
said Corporation now take ; in case of half-cents, these
to be given to the Corporation."
March 26, 1833, the proprietors voted to comply
with the demand of Dracut, on account of the great ex-
pense of keeping the roads in repair leading to and from
Central Bridge, on condition that Dracut shall ^' stop all
further proceedings on their part against this Corpora-
tion."
March 28, 1833, the directors having made their
lands free of tolls, by their procurement, the legislature
repealed the act to compound tolls, and authorized the
Central Bridge Corporation to reduce their tolls to cor-
respond with those established at Pawtucket bridge.
April 1, 1833, at a legal meeting of the inhabitants
of the town of Dracut, after having ascertained that the
town would lose none of its rights, as set forth in the
original charter of the bridge, the town voted to accept
the offer of the Corporation.
At that time Dracut was much more interested in
bridge matters than Lowell. Its territory extended to
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HI8T0BT OF CEKTBAL BBIDaE. 801
the northerly end of the bridge. It was a territory
sparsely populated but constantly increasing in value, a
fact thoroughly appreciated by the proprietors of the
bridge. They testify that less than forty of the three
hundred shares of stock remained in the hands of the
original owners. The new proprietors were men of means,
and the temptation to acquire a title to the land on that
side of the river was too great to be resisted. Conces-
sions in the matter of tolls to those who would buy or
reside on land belonging to them, was no doubt winked
at and allowed.
From April, 1833, to October 31, 1842, the inhabi-
tants of Dracut rested quiet in regard to the management
of the bridge ; at any rate the town in its corporate capac-
ity did not trouble it, although there may have existed
among the people a feeling of dissatisfaction. At the
last named date, however, two articles were inserted in
the warrant for the town meeting, first : " To see what
measures the town will take to reduce the toll on Central
Bridge," and second : " To see if the town will vote to
petition the legislature of this Commonwealth to send out
a committee from that honorable body, invested with
suitable power to find the amount of money the Central
Bridge Corporation have taken by tolls, and by com-
pounding with themselves, or act any other way relative
thereto ; and also to find the amount of money that has
been expended upon Central Bridge, or act any other
way relative thereto."
This term "by compounding with themselves"
clearly indicates that some action of this kind had come
to the knowledge of the people. At the meeting, No-
vember 14, 1842, the town instructed its Representative
to ascertain at the office of the Secretary of State, and
report at the next March meeting the amount of money
13
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302 OLD BESIDENTS' HISTOBICAI. ASSOCIATION.
taken by, and the expenses of the Central Bridge Cor-
poration ; and the Selectmen were also instructed to pe-
tition the legislature to reduce the Central Bridge tolls to
Pawtucket Bridge rates. After the passage of the act
of March 28, 1833, the last mentioned vote would lead
any one to infer that the provisions of that act had not
been complied with by the Corporation.
Repeated town meetings were held in Dracut during
the latter part of 1842 and the early part of 1843 ; the
burthen of their deliberations was to find out the cost
and expenses of Central Bridge, and ways and means to
obtain a reduction of the tolls. The incentive of all
their investigation, however, was to get possession of the
bridge under the conditions of the original charter. The
proprietors were well aware of this, and they shrewdly
forestalled the purpose by procuring the passage of the
act of March 23, 1843, giving them authority to recon-
struct the bridge ; for that purpose assessing the stock-
holders not exceeding $9000, and declaring that the sum
of $10,000 of the cost of the bridge remained unpaid, and
that that sum, together with the cost of reconstruction
should therefore constitute the capital stock. Subsequent
investigation disclosed the fact that the declaration in
the act of 1843 that $10,000 of the cost of the original
bridge remained unpaid by tolls was untrue, and that
in fact the whole cost, with nine per cent, interest, had
been repaid; and in 1857 the legislature passed an act
declaring that that declaration in the act of 1843 was
void. The Supreme Court, however, held that the pre-
vious act constituted a contract and was valid and the
later act was unconstitutional. This act defined the rate
of tolls and abolished the tolls for foot passengers. The
bridge was but sixteen years old and should have been in
a fair condition. The average yearly dividends, according
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HISTOBY 07 CSKTRAL BBIDGE. 303
to the showing in their own report, to 1843, the time
it was rebuilt, was over nine per cent, on $23,000 cost.
If the income over the expenses was more than the
amount of the dividends, it would go just so far towards
rebuilding without touching the increase of capital. Not
satisfied with the increase of $9000 to the capital, they
obtained February 10, 1845, a supplementary act for
$5000 more, being the amount demanded by the excess
of cost in rebuilding " and protecting the whole structure
by a permanent and substantial covering." This cover-
ing was not added until 1849.
It is very evident that there was considerable by-
play between Dracut and the proprietors in regard to the
acceptance of the rebuilding act. The act was passed
March 23, 1843; the directors held a meeting, April 4,
and authorized a notice for a meeting of the proprietors
April 21. Lowell accepted the act April 5. At the
meeting of the proprietors, April 21, Dracut did not.
come in, at least no notice had been officially received
by the Corporation of the fact, and a vote by ballot
being taken it stood 26 in favor and 23 against accept-
ing said act. It must be borne in mind that this act
was one of their own seeking. The record says : " The
meeting was then met by a committee of the town of
Dracut, informing them that the town had passed a vote
accepting said act." At an adjourned meeting of the
proprietors, held the next day, April 22, the vote of the
previous day was ratified and confirmed, 45 in favor and
13 opposed. The proprietors say in their answer that
they "refused to accept said act and reconstruct said
bridge unless said inhabitants of said town of Dracut at
a legal meeting would vote to accept said act." The
date of the acceptance by Dracut is April 3, 1843.
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304 OLD BBUDXHTS' HI8TOBIOAL ABSOCIATIOH.
Up to this time Dracut had the fight pretty much
all to itself. To be sure Lowell had contributed largely
to populate its territory and swell the receipts of its
treasury. People living on the other side of the bridge,
while their interests were in Lowell, did not like to go
80 far to town meeting. Their religious privileges were
secured in Lowell, while Dracut could do little for them
in the way of education. The question of annexing
that portion of Dracut called Oentralville to Lowell was
agitated in Lowell as early as 1846, and culminated in
the act of February 28, 1851, notwithstanding the vote
of the citizens, December 9, 1850, at which time the vote
was 851 for and 1153 against annexation. The proprie-
tors of the bridge now had a new and active opponent.
It is very evident that they relied somewhat on the plea
advanced that Lowell had no rights in the bridge ; that
the original act of incorporation for the Bridge Com-
pany conferred certain privileges upon the towns of
Chelmsford and Dracut, and they only were entitled to
open said bridge free of toll. They forgot that they had
recognized the rights and privileges of Lowell when they
were so anxious to get its sanction of the act of 1843.
When, therefore, Lowell obtained. May 7, 1851, an act
" granting certain powers," i. e., the same powers origin-
ally conferred on Chelmsford, it was equivalent to a
declaration of war, and Lowell struck hands with Dracut
with the intent to free Central Bridge.
As early as May 21, 1853, the legislature passed an
act authorizing the city of Lowell and the town of Dra-
cut to purchase of the proprietors the bridge over Mer^
rimack River upon such terms as might be agreed upon
between the parties. The parties could not agree upon
terms. Section third of this act authorized them to
enter upon, take and lay out Central Bridge as and for
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HISTOltY OF CmSrrBJLL BBIDGE. 306
a town-way or street in the same manner as other streets
are laid out, the damages to be assessed and paid in the
same way as damages occasioned by the laying out of
streets in the City of Lowell.
In 1854 the city petitioned the legislature for an act
to authorize the Supreme Court to determine in equity
what sum the Bridge Company were entitled to be paid,
in order that the bridge might be opened free of toll.
This application was strongly opposed by the Bridge
Company, Rufus Choate and other counsel appearing in
behalf of the Corporation; A. P. Bonney and T. H.
Sweetser, the City Solicitor, for the city. The result
was the passage of the act of April 29, 1854, drawn by
Mr. Bonney, entitled " An act to provide a mode of open-
ing Central Bridge free of toll." It entitled Lowell and
Dracut, or either of them, to petition the Supreme Judi^
cial Court to hear and determine, in equity, what sum
was due the Central Bridge Corporation, and to order and
decree that upon the payment of such sum to the Cor-
poration the bridge shall be opened free of toll.
These acts of the legislature said plainly to the
proprietors : Lowell and Dracut want that bridge ; they
will buy it and pay a fair price f 6r it ; if they cannot buy
it they will take it and lay it out as a street ; and then
will ask the Supreme Court to fix the amount of dam-
ages to which the Corporation will be entitled.
Upon the passage of the last named act negotiations
commenced between the city and the Bridge Corporation
for opening the bridge as a free way ; but failing of sat-
isfactory results the city commenced proceedings under
this act. The cause was argued before the Supreme
Court by A. P. Bonney for the city and Rufus Choate
for the Bridge Company. The Bridge Company met the
case with the ^dilatory pleading for which equity cases
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306 OLD RBSIDBin^' HISTOBICAL ASSOCtATIOK.
are famous, and before any decision was rendered by the
Court, the city perceiving that long delay was inevitable
before the bridge could be made free under this method,
instructed Mr. Bonney, who had succeeded Mr. Sweetser
as City Solicitor, to prepare proper measures for the lay-
ing out of the bridge under the act of 1853, and July
24, 1855, the City Council passed a resolution laying out
the bridge as a town-way or street. This act was resisted
by the proprietors in every possible way. After its pas-
sage, claiming that the proceedings were unconstitu-
tional and illegal, they petitioned for and obtained an
injunction restraining the city from taking possession of
the bridge. At the first hearing for the dissolution of the
injunction before Judges Bigelow (afterwards chief jus-
tice) and Metcalf, the two judges were divided on the
question, and it went before the full bench, which, after
argument, held that the proceedings laying out the
bridge as a public highway were legal and dissolved the
injunction, and therefore the city took possession of the
bridge and opened it to the public as a free highway.
The Bridge Corporation then applied to the County
Commissioners for a jury to assess the damages under
the highway act, the City Council having awarded them
nominal damages of a dollar. Meantime a political
change had taken place in the City Government, and the
counsel who had hitherto managed the case on the part
of the city were discharged and no opposition was made
to the granting of the application and a jury was ordered
accordingly.
A trial was had before this jury, Sheriff John S.
Keyes presiding (Mr. Bonney being again retained by
the city on the day of the assembling of the jury, and
Gen. Butler at a later stage of the trial), Rufus Choate,
D. S. Richardson and Benjamin Dean appearing for the
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HI8T0BY OF CENTBAL BBIDGB. 307
Bridge Corporation. This trial resulted in a verdict in
favor of the Bridge Company of $16,000 for the bridge,
$4,740.83 for the franchise and $1002.47 interest, in all
$21,743.30. This verdict was set aside by the Supreme
Court on exceptions by the city for erroneous rulings,
and instructions given by the sheriff to the jury, and a
new trial ordered.
At this trial the counsel for the city were A. P.
Bonney and T. H. Sweetser (then City Solicitor); for the
Bridge Company, J. G. Abbot, D. S. Richardson and Ben-
jamin Dean ; Mr. Choate having died since the previous
trial.
The second trial resulted in a verdict of $17,000,
which was set aside by the Supreme Court on exceptions
taken by the Bridge Company, and a new trial was
ordered. The case was never tried again, but in pur-
suance of an agreement effected between the city and
the Bridge Company, a verdict was rendered by consent
in 1862 for $33,998.51, which sum included interest for
seven years and costs of suit. Of this amount Dracut
paid $7865 and Lowell the residue.
One curious phase of this bridge case is the obliga-
tion of the Corporation, under the original and amended
charters to make due returns to the office of the Secre-
tary of State. In the petition of the city of Lowell,
presented by its counsel, it is said "And your petitioners
further show that though said eighteen years have long
since expired, the clerk of said Corporation has never
made return into the office of the Secretary of the Com-
monwealth, of the actual expense of the building of said
bridge, nor of the amount of the receipts, expenditures
and dividends, during said term of time.'*
We feel a natural curiosity to know what the an-
swer is to this serious charge. There are such things as
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308 OLD BBSmSNTS' HISTOBrCAL ASSOCIATION.
" fictions of law." Perhaps this is one of them. Then
again in regard to the reconstruction acts, the city
charge the proprietors with a failure to make a return
of the actual expenses incident thereto.
The directors of the Bridge Company, in their an-
swer say, that the clerk of the Corporation ^^ did make a
return" of the original cost, October 15, 1827, which
was filed February 19, 1829, used before a committee of
the legislature in 1852 and has since been lost. That at
the expiration of eighteen years a committee duly ap-
pointed appeared before a committee of the Common-
wealth with a full, true and perfect statement, and evi-
dence of the receipts, expenditures and dividends during
the eighteen years then elapsed. This account was laid
before a committee of the town of Dracut, which found
it true and accurate, and the filing of the statement in
the office of the Secretary of State " became wholly un-
necessary and was waived." So in regard to the cost
of reconstruction the filing of a statement was waived.
It does not appear who authorized the waiving of the
provision of their charter.
Under the management of the proprietors of Cen-
tral Bridge after it was roofed in, no lights were allowed
to enable the passengers to see their way. It was on
one dark night, just after a severe rain storm, that a
gentleman doing businessUn Lowell, who resided in what
was then Dracut, had occasion to cross the bridge. While
groping his way to the bridge he fell into a hole close to
it which had been washed out by the rain. He happily
gathered himself together without any more serious
damage than a thorough shaking up, and went at ^nce
to the toll-gatherer and notified him that he should put
a lantern near the hole as a warning to other travellers.
Through the representations of this gentleman to the
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HI8T0BY OF CENTBAL BBIDGE. 309
city authorities, the proprietors caused a few oil lamps to
be distributed through the bridge, just sufl&cient to make
darkness visible. These not being satisfactory, the city
authorities carried the matter before the Grand Jury
and the proprietors were indicted for maintaining a nui-
sance. This irritated them to such an extent that in-
dividual members swore that gas-pipe should never be
carried across that bridge into Centralville. The indict-
ment was sustained by the Court, the proprietors fined
in the sum of $2000 with $46.37 costs, and the Sheriff
of the County was empowered to expend the amount of
the fine to carry gas-pipe through the bridge for the pur-
pose of lighting it. The sheriff gave the proprietors the
option of doing the work at their own expense or he
would cause it to be done. They accepted the first
proposition and the Gas Company was enabled there-
after to supply Centralville with gas light. Subse-
quently a demand was made by the proprietors that
this amount of $2000 should be refunded to them as part
of the cost of the bridge.
The bridge was rebuilt by the city in 1862 (some
years after litigation concerning it had ended), at an ex-
pense of $33,818.33. The City Council appointed a
special committee, consisting of Aldermen James B.
Francis and William A. Burke, Councilmen George Run-
els (Mayor in 1882), William T. McNeil and Cleveland
J. Cheney to superintend the work. The bridge was
built by Josiah Sawtell after a pattern for which his
son. Col. J. A. Sawtell, a well-known citizen at pres-
ent, took out a patent when but seventeen years of
age. It first had a plank roadway but owing to the
increase of travel it was voted in 1874 to pave it
with wood, and the work was done in the summer of
that year. As soon as the wood paving was laid the
18
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310 OLD BSSmSKTS' HIBTOBIOAL A880CIATIOK.
Horse Railroad Company extended its track tcr Central-
ville^ the extension being formallj opened in September
of the same year. In 1879 the roadway was laid in
concrete. It became necessary to straighten the bridge,
which had been thrown out of line by the west winds,
or other causes, and the work was done in September,
1880, by Dutton Wood, of Concord, N. H.
In looking back over the events that have transpired
from 1825 imtil now and scanning this whole matter,
we cannot but become aware that toll bridges and turn-
pike roads, in the opinion of the public, were nuisances ;
that people were averse to paying tolls when travelling,
and preferred to take the burthen of supporting roads
and bridges upon themselves. The trouble with the pro-
prietors of Central Bridge was, they did not look at the
matter in that light.
The following account of the destruction by fire of
the bridge built in 1862, the building of temporary
bridges and the preparations for building a permanent
one, have been compiled from the columns of the
Lowell Morning Mail.
About 20 minutes to 3 o'clock, Saturday morning,
August 5, officer D. W. Lane, who watches in Central-
ville, discovered a fire about midway of the Central
Bridge, on the western side. An alarm was at once
sounded from Box 46, and the officers and two or three
bystanders attempted to work the sprinkler-pipes, but
after gaining access to closets on both sides of the bridge,
nothing was found but the wrench and neither the officer
nor his assistants knew where to apply it. By this time a
fireman was on hand and at once took up the iron cover
in the sidewalk, and after some necessary delay succeeded
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ttudPOBY w csstHAis Bttmctt. 311
in letting on the water. All this required time, and
before the water was fairly on, the flames burst through
the end near the Boott Cotton Mills and a sheet of flame
burst through the roof. The sprinkler-pipe had the ef-
fect to stop the flames somewhat, but the wooden struc-
ture being as dry as tinder, it soon became evident to
all* that nothing could save the bridge. Chief Engineer
Hosmer had arrived by this time and hose was at once
laid and a ladder raised to the roof. At this juncture a
section of the roof-timbers in the centre fell with a crash,
and the firemen on the roof were warned to be careful.
Streams of water were thrown on the fire by hose from
the Boott and Massachusetts mills, but it seemed for a
moment as though the Boott mill nearest the bridge
must go, as the window-cases were in a blaze. Suddenly,
without a moment's warning, the entire roof on the south
end of the bridge gave way and three of the firemen, who
were on its top, fell with it, and were precipitated into
the river beneath. Chief Hosmer at once lowered a lad-
der into the river to reach the men who fell. James
McCormick, of Hose 6, was found clinging to timber and
was rescued without being much injured. Edward Meloy,
of Hose 4, was found down at the edge of the river
and helplessly hurt. He was taken out and f oimd to be
badly bruised in the face and injured internally, to what
extent could not be told at the time. He was placed in
the protective wagon and taken home. Capt. Stackpole,
of Hose 3, also went down to the river's edge but was
able to crawl out. He found William Dana, of Hose 3,
clinging to the wall and helped him down. The two then
crawled along to the Boott embankment and came up
through the Boott yard. Stackpole was badly injured
about the head and slightly in the leg ; Dana's injuries
were in the stomach, and he was not able to walk.
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312 OLD RESIDENTS* HIStOBICAL A8S0CIATI0K.
Capt. Edward Cunningham,- of Hose 8, when the bridge
went down, caught the wire guy rope that supported
the derrick in use by the Boott Company in constructing
their heavy bank wall. It was a most thrilling spectacle
— Capt. Cimningham dangling from the rope, twenty-five
or thirty feet from the ground, with the flames roaring
and crackling only a foot or two back of him. A crowd
impulsively gathered underneath, expecting every mo-
ment to see him drop, and thinking they might by some
means break his fall. But with wonderful coolness he
worked his way along the heated wire until a footing was
gained among the telephone wires suspended below. On
reaching it he waved his hand in triumph, turned up his
coat collar as a protection against the blistering heat be-
hind him, and quietly watched the movements being
made for his rescue. When the ladder was put up he
coolly came down and was soon ready for action again.
Immediately after the bridge fell a blazing volume
of gas burst forth from a six-inch pipe directed toward
the Boott mill, and only the* constant application of a
stream of water from the top of the mill kept it from do-
ing an inconceivable amount of damage. Not until day-
light appeared was the gas shut off and this dangerous
fire extinguished.
The dry woodwork burned so rapidly that in less
than half an hour the entire superstructure was down for
one-half its length, and soon after the entire structure
fell into the river, while the shore ends remaining
undetached, and partially held by the many pipes
and wires, kept the blazing line, which reached from
shore to shore, from going down stream with the cui>
rent until it was eaten into pieces by the greedy flames.
It was a brilliant and novel spectacle, and was wit-
nessed by many thousand people, who lined the shores.
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HI8TOBY OF CBlinntAL BRtDi^B. 313
watching the progress of the flames until the fire waned
in the sipproaching light of the morning. At an early
hour portions of the bridge which did not bum were cut
away and floated down stream, lodging on the rocks
(the water being very low) at the head of Hunt's Falls.
The origin of the fire is unknown. The engineer in
charge of the portable engine in use in building the
embankment wall for the Boott Company, from which
it was said the flame started, stoutly denied the possi-
bility of it, as no sparks flew from the smoke-stack, and
Lf they did they could not have reached the bridge at
the point where the conflagration was first discovered.
It is not improbable that it caught from a cigar-stump
or an ignited match, dropped carelessly on the plank-
ing, as one of the police oflficers recently extinguished
an incipient fire on another wooden bridge in the city
that had caught from this cause.
No sooner was the destruction of the bridge an
assured fact than the important question for official con-
sideration was, what means could be provided to trans-
port citizens from the comparatively isolated district
across the river to the city proper. Before the ruins
had ceased to smoke Mayor Runels and Alderman Garity,
with the assistance of other prominent citizens, arranged
a temporary but precarious foot-path on the partially
sunken dehrisy and by means of ropes and ladders a large
number of persons who had the courage to attempt it
were furnished with means of reaching their daily em-
ployment.
At an early hour, also, Mr. E. B. Peirce, the versatile
navigator of the Merrimack (above Pawtucket Falls),
was consulted, and promised to have a ferry-boat running
by 9 o'clock. About the time fixed he made his appear-
ance with a cumbrous but commodious canal-boat, with a
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314 OLD bBSIDBNTS^ HISTOBICAI. AflSOOtAtlOHr.
steamer for propelling it, and passengers were conyejed
back and forth at the city's expense. This put a stop,
to a great extent, to the operations of two other tiny
steamers which had promptly appeared, and to a variety
of small row-boats which had been brought into use, to
earn an honest penny for their owners on the Central-
ville side. A landing was improvised near the Boott
wall, and communication with Bridge Street was made
by a circuitous passage through the company's yard. Mr.
Peirce's boat served the purpose during the forenoon, and
at noon another canal boat, belonging to the Locks and
Canals Company, made its appearance. During the after-
noon both boats ran with full fares. Policemen were
placed on both sides of the river, to restrict the travel as
much as possible to persons having legitimate business.
A floating bridge for pedestrians was a manifest
necessity, and William H. Wiggin was authorized, early
Saturday forenoon, to construct one. A large force of
men was at once set at work ; every available team
heavy enough for the business was brought into requisir
tion, and before many of the tardy on-lo6kers took their
first view of the ruins of the bridge, the floating high-
way was well out into the stream, going forward vigor-
ously. The sills (heavy mill timbers) were dumped on
Bridge Street, shoved off into the river and floated into
place, four abreast. They were held fast by heavy floor-
ing planked on transversely, and under the efforts of the
workmen the floating structure fast assumed a solid ap-
pearance. By Sunday evening the work was practically
finished, and a quite satisfactory communication was again
established with Centralville — for pedestrians only. The
floating bridge was below the ruins, and Bridge Street
was now gained by a flight of steps next to the Massa-
chusetts mill ; on the Centralville side the end was at the
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HISTOBY OF CENTRAI. BRIDGE. 316
old " landing." Teams were obliged to go around and
cross the river at Pawtucket Falls. One of the horse-
ears was taken around by way of Pawtucket Falls and
the Navy Yard, and put upon the track in Centralville.
A car was run down Bridge Street to the ruins ; passen-
gers walked across the temporary bridge, and took the
waiting car on the Centralville side, and thus travel on
the horse-cars was re-opened.
The loss of gas to the Centralville people was for
two nights a very serious matter ; but as soon as practi-
cable the Gras Company laid a pipe along the floating
bridge, and the inconvenience in that direction was there-
after removed. The broken lines of the telephone were
also soon restored, and thus all interruptions were quickly
re-established.
The floating bridge was built under authority con-
ferred by the City Council, at a special meeting held
immediately after the fire, Saturday forenoon. On Thurs-
day evening citizens of Centralville held a meeting over
which presided G. A. Gerry, T. G. Wadman acting as
secretary, to discuss the question as to the kind of a
bridge that ought to be erected in place of the old one.
After a free expression of opinion by several gentle-
men, it was apparent that the feeling was in favor of a
structure of stone, as superior and more economical in
the end than one of wood or iron. A committee of
eleven was appointed to present a petition to the City
Council, praying for a hearing on the subject. The
hearing prayed for was assigned for August 28, when all
parties interested were respectfully heard. Petitioners
were likewise heard on the matter of widening Bridge
Street, from the canal to the river, by taking a portion
of the Biassachusetts Company's estate. The action of
the City Council was averse to the prayers of both peti-
tioners.
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316 OLD residents' historical association.
A temporary bridge for carriages and teams uras
deemed indispensable, and specifications for one were
issued by the special committee on Central Bridge —
which consisted of the following named gentlemen :
Messrs. George Runels (Mayor), W. N. Osgood (Presi-
dent Common Council), T. R. Garity and J. F. Phillips
(Aldermen), J. F. Puffer, Jr., L. J. Smith, and A. G.
Thompson (Councilmen). The requirements demanded
a bridge 780 feet long, extending from the Locks and
Canals Company's land (next below the residence of Mrs,
Levi Hancock) in Centralville — between First Street and
the river — to land of the same company on the Belvi-
dere side — between the river and Stackpole Street —
nearly opposite the Church of the Immaculate Concep-
tion ; to be built on piles 14^ feet above the ( then)
water-level ; to be 20 feet wide ; roadway of one thick-
ness of 3-inch spruce plank. Bidders were required to
give the price of construction per lineal foot, and fix the
time desired for completing the work. The following
were the bids : S. N. Proctor, 40 days, $11.00 per foot;
J. W. Bennett & Co., 21 days, $10.68; W. H. Ward, 30
days, $10.60; W. H. Wiggin, 28 days, $9.87; Trum-
bell & Cheney, 28 days, $8.94 ; V. L. Wilson, 30 days,
$6.45. By the terms of contract Mr. Wilson was to
pay $50 for each day that he exceeded the time fixed
for finishing his work and he was to receive the same
amount for every day gained within the thirty days.
He commenced driving the piles on the 14th, and the
bridge was formally opened for travel on the 23rd —
some vehicles passed' over it on the preceding day.
Mr. Wilson received $815 in addition to the contract
price.
At a special meeting of the City Council, September
22, a resolution was passed authorizing the construction
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HISTORY OP CENTRAL BRIDGE. 317
of a pile foot-bridge, the floating one having proved
unsafe and otherwise insufficient. W. H. Ward was
given the contract, his bid being $2780, he to pay two-
fifths of the expense in consideration of advantages
secured by the laying of a railway track on the bridge,
for moving material for the construction of the abut-
ments and piers of the new bridge, that job having been
awarded him some days previously. The pile bridge was
built as nearly as possible to the line of the proposed
new bridge ; and in order to gain Bridge Street without
interrupting the work of the contractors, an opening
was made through the river-side of the brick wall of the
Massachusetts mill and another through the wall on
Bridge Street, thus making a passage, some thirty feet
long, through the mill, above which the machinery
merrily hummed through the working hours of every
day.
The annexed diagram shows the form of the curb
upon which the piers are to be constructed. The di-
mensions of the curb' from outside to outside : length
61 feet 4 inches ; width 14 feet 4 inches. Five of these
frames will be used in the construction of the two piers,
two on the north and three on the south pier. The outer
frame of the curb in seen at a, the round piling at 6, the
sheet piling at c, and the one and three-quarter inch iron
bolts that hold the whole together, at d. The round piling
as shown at the head of the pier is to extend under its
whole body, and after these are in place the interstices
are to be filled with concrete composed of the best quality
of hydraulic cement, broken stone, free from dirt and
dust, or pebbles screened, varying in size from i to 2J
inches in diameter. The material to be in proportion of
four parts broken stone, two parts clean sand and one
part cement. The piles to be sawed off eight and not
14
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318
OLD BSSIDEKTS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATIOK.
higher than six feet below datum. The curbs to be filled
with cement or concrete to the top of the piles, which
are to receive a capping of heavy timber, framesd and
thoroughly secured. On this foundation the piers are to
be built of square stone, each block of the bottom course
to rest over one or more of the round piles.
The contract for the superstructure of the main
bridge, which after many propositions and hearings it
was decided should be of iron, was given to the Morse
Bridge Company, of Youngstown, Ohio, whose bid was
$51,590 — the lowest of any considered. This brought
the contract price, at $110,590, Mr. Ward's figures for
the abutments, piers, etc., being $59,000. The inci-
dental expenses will probably bring the cost up to
$115,000. At this writing, it is supposed the bridge
will not be completed within nine months of the time
of the destruction of the old one.
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XXIL Responses from Corresponding Members.
The interest manifested by the corresponding mem-
bers of the Association is very gratifying. Responses
have been received from Rev. Henry A. Miles, Hingham,
Mass. ; Rt. Rev. T. M. Clark, D. D., Providence, R. I. ;
Rev. Elias Nason, Billerica, Mass.; Rev. D. C. Eddy,
D. D., Boston, Mass.; Rev. A. A. Miner, D. D., Boston,
Mass.; Rev. Nicholas Hoppin, D. D., Cambridge, Mass.;
Rev. George Leeds, D. D., Baltimore, Md.; Rev. H.
Hastings Weld, D. D., Riverton, N. J.; Rev. E. L.
Magoon, D. D., Philadelphia, Pa.; and James Payne,
Esq., Lawrence, Mass. These all express pleasure for
the honor conferred, great interest in the object of
the Association, and a willingness to do all in their
power to make the institution a success. Two of the
responses are of sufficient interest to warrant their
publication, as follows.
1819 GiBAKD Avenue,
Philadelphia, Pa., November 24 1882.
Dear President Green — Notice of my election
as Corresponding Member of your Old Residents' His-
torical Association was yesterday received. Grateful
appreciation of the honor thus conferred may perhaps
be best indicated by at once sending you a few hastily
recorded reminiscences of fifty years ago.
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320 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
In June, 1826, an apprenticeship of three years
was begun with the bricklayers, Willard & Chapin, in
Windsor, Vt. In 1830 the former went to Lowell to
execute several contracts, and employed the apprentice
he had trained to work as journeyman, he then being
twenty years old.
Early in the spring we began a block of stores
opposite St. Anne's Church, owned by Messrs. Elliott
and Billings, this being the first edifice of brick on
that main street. Wooden "tenfooters" extended on
both sides below, and the Town Hall was soon started
above. The great vacant area in the rear was merely
" old field,'' whereon the " Glorious Fourth " was cele-
brated in primitive style. A modest iron swivel woke
echoes over a sparse population, summoning a miscel-
laneous crowd to hear Dr. Bartlett read an oration in
verse, full of keen humor and patriotic thought. With
his classic face and comprehensive culture, what a mag-
nificent citizen stood there ! Foremost in professional
BkUl and every public enterprise, pioneer in all munic-
ipal growth, was he not your first Mayor ?
After the civic celebration, minus brass band and
military display, came a yet more pacific anniversary
of the public schools, in the customary Oak Grove.
At the head of this cheerful throng wending thither,
walked arm-in-arm the two oldest village ecclesiastics,
the tall and courteous Baptist pastor, Enoch W. Free-
man, erect and elegant as a wax candle, «^nd Rector
Edson, whose lucid purity is not yet entirely removed,
thank God !
Various denominations planted their chapels at an
early day, but no Catholic church was yet built, as
a genial religious resort, especially for the foreign pop-
ulation. The want of needful restraint upon ardent
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RESPONSES TBOM GOKBESPONBIKa HEMBBBS. 321
hereditary proclivities often presented curious scenes
in an extended arena now occupied by a most influen-
tial and decorous community. Well is it remembered
how our fellow-laborers, " hewers of wood and drawers of
water," ditchers and hod-carriers, formerly dwelt there
in rude mud-hovels, with pigs and poultry, squalid ur-
chins and drudging adults, in blended glee and misery.
Lager was yet in the far future, and penny pipes
abounded much more than dime cigars. But new rum
was an adequate substitute for old whiskey as a stim-
ulant to quarrelsomeness, and Sunday assemblies about
"the Acre" were sometimes much more belligerent than
devout.
From our front staging of simple constructive use,
it was interesting occasionally to observe the great pri-
mary architect of your city, Kirk Boott, as his impres-
sive form moved past with that peculiar oscillation in
gait caused by an affection of the spine. Only old res-
idents know where his white-columned mansion origi-
nally stood ; but thousands yet profit by his influence.
Many potent individuals concentrated their differ-
enced abilities in diverting the mighty current of lim-
pid White Mountain drainage through desolate swamps
and arid ravines, to create along Merrimack's ragged
cataracts the prolific sources of cheap clothing for im-
poverished mankind. In the front rank of these bene-
factors of his race was Warren Colburn, who, early in
the morning with a band of signal-holders and chain-
measurers, would go forth with theodolite in hand to
extend avenues and define foundations whereon now
soars majestically "the Manchester of America." Then,
in the evening, with equal facility, wielding pen and
press as vehicles, he initiated rising generations into
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322 OLD residents' historical ASSOCIArriON. I
the mysteries of serenest science and rendered ^.mathe-
matics the recreation of childhood as well as the crown-
ing grace of maturest age.
With the native scholar let us gratefully ietssociate in
memory his beloved friend and representative English-
man, Manager Spencer, who was called hither to super-
vise the erection and manipulate the completeness of
Hamilton Print Works. Robust in fonn, sedate in
manner, of few words, but full of intuitive sagacity,
no one ever doubted his " yes " or " no."
To those who, like Boott and Colburn, did much
to cause a single outlet from the old Granite State to
whirl more spindles than any other river on earth, and
to such as bleached gray fabrics into immaculate purity,
or, with exquisite design and color, sent forth irinumerr
able folds of printed goods, both to comfort and adorn
every variety of need or taste, add the great inventor
who taught unsophisticated hands most adroitly to
weave, and stretched multitudinous rows of power-
looms to that effect. We used to look on Paul Moody
as the very incarnation of mechanical skill,, who, to
drive the innumerable shuttles he had winged, supple-
mented the force of liquid torrents with the might of
steam, newly conditioned and rendered comparatively
safe by that revolving regulator which now surmounts
and controls the myriad engines of the world.
Postmaster Morrill was a highly esteemed citi-
zen, whose home and office were on Central Street.
His oldest son, Otis, was my classmate in college,
greatly loved as a student as he was so well appre-
ciated in connection with your public schools. A
younger brother, promoted to the higher position he
now so admirably fills, needs no commendation of
mine.
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BBSFONBES FBOM CORRESPONDIKG HEMBEBS. 323
My own board and lodgings, during the only year
of continuous, residence in town, was with Abel Shat-
tuck, an admirable family, on Hurd Street. Some
of the children are probably yet alive and esteemed
amongst you, as by heredity and self-culture they
deserve to be;
: In. the same neighborhood resided Dr. John
Wh^elock Graves and his accomplished wife, whose
personal and professional worth some of us have the
best reasons never to forget.
: On the first of May, 1831, the writer, with a
isuit; of new clothes, a set of trowels, and forty dollars
in cash, left Lowell for New Hampton Institution, in
his.native New Hampshire, and there began a ten years'
course of education. While in preparatory studies and
during the four years at Waterville, Me., "vacations"
were occupied in "masonic" toil. Even as late as the
three years at Newton Theological Institution the famil-
iar trowel was occasionally resumed " at home," if such
a place had ever been found for poor me. On such visits
it was always a joy to call on George H. Carleton and
other generous friends who never failed in encouraging
words and acts. Bent & Bush was a sign peculiarly
golden, for there some unknown friend " dead-headed "
the prospective preacher with the only fur hat he ever
had before he was ordained.
The allusion just made to the amiable druggist brings
us back to the old Town Hall, and reminds us of the
strange changes that have transpired therein and around.
For instance, when that eloquent member of the British
Parliament, abolitionist Thompson, was sent to lecture
this country on its greatest curse, the conservative influ-
ence of Massachusetts manufacturers was so great that
our mentor could not proceed in that tumultuous gather-
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824 OLD BESn>£KT8' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
ing-place. Intensifying the characteristic aspirate of his
rhetoric into concentrated indignation he named the pre-
cinct " Lowhell." But in due time the stupendous evil
ferments itself into a vastly more frightful explosion,
when the radical cure, latent in worn hands and hero-
ical souls, proved equal to the emergency they would
neither create nor evade. " To the front," endangered
Freedom cries, and the first to respond, with bare brow
and undaunted breast, " marching through Baltimore,"
were they whose blood crystallized into the foremost
monument of the kind on all our vast domain, now
your grand city's centre and in full view of a reunited
republic more firmly consolidated than ever before.
Doubtless much has been achieved by men in build-
ing up the productive metropolis of our early struggles
and undying solicitude. But to women, young and old,
is Lowell mainly indebted for the accumulation of wealth
and spread of influence. The reminiscences we are re-
calling are intimately related to the throngs of noble
factory girls who worked the mills, built the churches,
supported the schools, contributed benevolent funds, and
adorned the social life of our own aspiring days. Many
were the lovely daughters of rural parents, who came
hither to toil a portion of their life to gain the means
of preparation for other spheres. It is quite easy to
recall many a maiden who passed from factory to
academy, and thence to equal honors with eminent
cooperatives in every walk of life. Not waiting to
matriculate with formal diplomas elsewhere, the admir-
able literary Journal originated and sustained by them-
selves alone for so many years was itself the type and
eulogy of factory girls, God bless them !
To preside over a wide diversity of retail trade and
prudently to manage the numerous and crowded board-
ing-houses on all corporations was the appropriate office
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RESPONSES FBOM CORRESPONDING MEMBERS. 326
of matrons, in friendly alliance with the industry of
younger females. One of that valuable class I well
knew, whose dignified urbanity and untiring industry
were subordinated to the welfare of her household in
general, and for the frugal but thorough education of
her darling son in particular. Member of the same
church and her children in the same Sunday school,
she particularly desired me to aid in the welfare of her
child when abroad. Accordingly, on the 10th of Sep-
tember, 1834, I wrote a letter of introduction to the
President of Waterville College (now Colby University),
of which I was then a junior, introducing this youth
as a candidate for the freshman class. He entered at
once, and, after the full course of four years, graduated
with high honor.
In that communication the belief was expressed
that Master Butler would prove himself a successful
scholar. He has since been heard from, even so far
that in his own Commonwealth he is now supreme.
He may sometimes seem fierce in the execution of his
design ; but did he ever enter the list with visor down,
or ignobly obstruct a competitor in open coptest? With
no patron but Providence, and no patrimony save native
talent and indomitable self-reliance, whatever eminence
he may have attained many may envy but none can
despise.
The letter of introduction alluded to above is herein
enclosed,* and you may show it to my promising young-
* The letter, folded in the prevailing style preyious to the introduction of envelopes,
is yellow with years, hat unworn and legible. The superscription upon it is as follows :
Hev, Rufu» BaJbeoek,
President Wat. College,
Mr. B. Butler. WcOerviUe, Me.
It is dated September 18, 1834. Its contents relate largely to matters concerning the
writer, and his allusion to " the widow's son " is very brief, viz: *' Hope the College will
prosper. I have seen several who will enter this year. One will bear this letter to yoo.
Master Butler will make a good scholar, I think."
16
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326 OLD BESIDSNTS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
ster, upon whom I have not laid eyes for more than
forty years. Nor am I yet ready for congratulation,
since, though he has always been my candidate, not yet
is prophetic hope fully realized. When from Governor
of MassachusettiS he becomes President of the United
States, it may then be said — "Dear Ben, after privately
vindicating your public career for a quarter of a century
without obtruding either person or petition, as the only
justification and reward of my confidence I beseech you
yet more and more continue to be a right good boy."
E. L. MAGOON.
Lawrence, November 25, 1882.
A. Gilmanf Eaq.j Secretary of the Old Residents^ Sis-
torical Association^ Lowell:
Dear Sir — A few days ago I received a certificate
of membership in the above named Association. Will
you .please convey to the officers and members my
thanks for the honor conferred. Lowell has always-
seemed more like home than any place I have ever
lived in, and it is particularly gratifying to me to be
associated with a society having amongst its members
friends of more than half a century.
All my recollections of Lowell are pleasant. I ar-
rived there in the spring of 1827, my father and mother
with me. I very well remember the appearance of
Central Street as our party drove through it to the
Mansion House, then kept by the late Jonathan Tyler.
I remember, too, my delight in seeing the two rivers —
Merrimack and Concord. Hastily equipping myself with
rod and line, I rushed across the field to the river and
soon pulled out a strange-looking fish — a horned pout, I
was told — requiring careful handling; this I found out.
My father had acted as agent in England for the
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RESPONSES FBOM CORRESPONDING MEMBERS. 327
Merrimack Company, in 1826, sending out men specially
for the Print Works. In the course of the same year
Kirk Boott visited England, when my father arranged
to return with him to Lowell. It was decided that we
should sail about the 1st of March from Liverpool, in
the first-class packet ship Emerald, of Boston, Jabez
Howes, master, a remarkable ship in those days — three
hundred and seventy tons burthen. We arrived in
Liverpool on time, but the ship did not get away till
the 26th, waiting for a fair wind. In the cabin were
Kirk Boott, Mrs. J. D. Prince and children, E. J. Payne,
wife and son, Richard Worswick, wife- and son, Mr.
William Duesbury (old Doctor), and Stephen Dickinson,
a block-cutter. It took about thirty-three days to arrive
in Boston, where some anxiety was felt for the safety
of the ship, being overdue.
There were a number of passengers in the steerage,
one of whom found his way to Lowell and was employed
in a subordinate capacity in the engraving department,
under Mr. Worswick. Thomas Slater was his name, and
he it was who first gave the name of John Bull's Row
to the few brick cottages erected for the accommodation
of some of the skilled workmen employed by the Mer-
rimack Company. He had lost some article of value
to himself, and went to a printing-ofl&ce to have it
advertised. When asked for his address, he gave it —
for want of a better — John Bull's Row. It was so
printed and circulated through the village, and every
one at once knew the locality, as every house was occu-
pied by an English family. This took place, I think,
about the year 1828. I was learning the art of engrav-
ing at the time, worked in the same room, was present
when he reported to Mr. Worswick what he had done.
There was a good deal of talk in English circles on the
subject for a time, and I supposed as did every one that
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328 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
I knew, that it would soon die out and be forgotten.
Slater undoubtedly is dead, and I am probably the only
person living who remembers the circumstances under
which the name was given. This seems a small matter
to write about at this day ; but as Gen. Butler thought
fit to give a version of it in his address at the semi-
centennial celebration of the town's organization, and
might have obtained it through some member of your
Association, I thought it might be interesting to get at
the fact from one who knew the party well.
There was another statement made by the General
on the same occasion, representing Kirk Boott as an
"English Cavalry oflScer," which is incorrect. Kirk
Boott was born in Boston, I believe, of English parents,
was educated and grew to manhood there. Having a
taste for military life he went to England, obtained a
commission in the English army and saw a great deal
of hard fighting in Portugal and Spain, under the Duke
of Wellington. When .war was declared against Great
Britain, in 1812, the regiment to which he was attached
(infantry) was ordered to America. He refused to fight
against his own countrymen, and placed his resignation in
the hands of the Commander-in-Chief, the Duke of York,
who, when informed of the circumstance of his nation-
ality, granted him leave of absence. He retained his
commission till after the battle of Waterloo, when peace
was declared by the allied powers. I learned this from
my father, who was on friendly terms with Mr. Boott,
and who could, if living, have told a great many interest-
ing facts relating to his military career. My object in writ-
ing this is to place Kirk Boott before the Old Residents'
Historical Association as a true and loyal American.
Truly yours,
JAMES PAYNE.
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CONTRIBUTIONS
OF
THE OLD RESIDENTS'
Si^toridkl ^^^odktion,
LOWELL, MASS.
Organized December 21, 1868.
VoL II. ]S-o. 4.
PUBLISHED BY THE ASSOCIATION,
NOVEMBER. 1883.
LOWELL, MASS.
Morning Mail Print: No. 18 Jackson Street.
1888.
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CONTENTS.
XXIII. Reminiscences of the Early Physicians of Lowell and
Vicinity, by D. N. Patterson, M. D 829
Israel Hildreth, M. D., 333. Amos and Peleg Bradley, 840. Elisba Huntington,
M. D., 346. Zadok Howe, M. D., 352. Elisha Bartlett, M. D., 361. J. C. Bartlett, M. D.,
871. Kulus Wyman, M. D., 374. WlUard Tarker, M. D., 378. Joslah Crosby, M. D., 380.
Calvin Thomas, M. D., 386. Augustus Pelrce, M. D., 393. Augustus F. Peirce, M. D., 395.
Harlln Pillsbury, M. D., 396. John D. Pillsbury, M. D., 400. Henry Kittredge, M. D., 402.
Jonathan Brown, M. D., 406. John C. Dalton, M. D., 409. William Graves. M. D., 417.
John W. Graves, M. D., 418. Hanover Dickey, M. D., 421. Benjamin Skelton, M. D., 423.
Daniel Mowe, M. D., 423. Jeremiah P. Jewett. M. D., 425. John Butterfield, M. D., 426.
Abner H. Brown, M. D., 42T. Patrick P. Campbell, M. D., 430. Otis Perham, M. D., 430.
Daniel Gage, M. D., 431. Eben K. Sanborn. M. D., 436. James G. Bradt, M. D.,437.
Abner W. Butlrick, M. D., 438. David Wells. M. D., 440. Hiram Parker, M. D., 442.
Henry Whiting, M. D., 444. Walter Buraham, M. D., 445. Daniel Uolt. M. D., 445.
XXIV. Members of the Massachusetts Medical Society in Lowell,
from 1822 to 1883, by John O. Green 449
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OFFICERS.
JOHN O. GREEN, Peesident.
JEFFERSON BANCROFT, Vice-President.
ALFRED OILMAN, Sec'y and Tbsas.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
WABD ONE.
J. W. Smith,
Joshua Merbill,
Hapgood Weight,
Samttel Hoen,
J. O. Prabody, ChairmaD,
WABD TWO.
WABD THEEE.
WABD FOtTB.
WABD FIVE.
Chables Hovet.
Amos B. Fbbnch.
Alfbed Gilhan.
Benjamin Walkeb.
Chables Mobbill.
WABD SIX.
William Eittebdge, Edwabd B. Howe, Secretary.
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XXIII. Reminiscences of the Early Physicians*
of Lowell and Vicinity, by D. JV. Patterson,
M. D.
The early history of our local Medical Society is
so interwoven with that of an association which pre-
ceded it, that in a review of its history a brief sketch
of the earlier organization is in place.
In 1829 the first Medical Association in Middlesex
County was formed. Its origin can best be stated in
a printed notice, copies of which were sent to the sub-
scribers to the association. It reads as follows:
Waltham, May 9, 1829.
Sir — At a meeting of a number of physicians in September
last, a committee was appointed to procure subscribers to a Medical
Association, whose further duty it should be to call a meeting of
the subscribers as soon as forty-five signatures should be procured.
The requisite number having been obtained, the committee ap-
point a meeting of the subscribers to be holden in Lexington, at
Chandler's Tavern, on Tuesday, the 19th inst., at 11 o'clock a. m.
As the association is to be organized at this meeting, it is important
that it should be a full one; and your attendance is particularly
desired.
J. BARTLETT,
H. ADAMS,
B. CUTTER.
A. HOOKER,
J. M. WHITTEMORE,
Committee.
* In accordance with the expressed wishes of quite a number of persons, the com-
mittee of the Old Residents' Historical Association have obtained from Dr. D. N. Pat-
terson the right to reprint the Beminiscences of the Early Physicians in Lowell and its
Vicinity. These papers are really valuable as a part and parcel of the history of Lowell
and much credit is due the writer for his labor and research in producing them.
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330 OLD residents' historical association.
The meeting was held at Lexington, according to
notice, and an association was organized. Dr. Josiah
Bartlett of Chelmsford was chosen president, and Dr.
S. S. Hurd secretary. The physicians of Lowell who
were present at that meeting were Drs. Green, Hunting-
ton, Crosby and Bartlett. Unfortunately the records of
that association have been lost.
Through the courtesy of Dr. John 0. Green of this
city, who has kindly furnished extracts from his private
papers, the following facts are derived, which are of
special historic interest :
The first annual meeting of this association was
held May 19, 1830, and Dr. John C. Dalton of Chelms-
ford delivered an address on " Certainty in Medicine."
All of the distinguished gentlemen from Lowell at-
tended this meeting and participated in its exercises.
May 18, 1831, the association met at Billerica.
Dr. Zadok Howe of that town delivered the address
on "Fear in Connection with Medicine." This address
is said to have been a very able one, and highly char-
acteristic of its author. It was printed in full in the
Monthly Journal and Medical Student's Gazette, pub-
lished in January, 1832, and edited by Dr. Elisha
Bartlett.
The next annual meeting was held in Lowell, May
16, 1832. The address was delivered in the City Hall
by Dr. Abraham R. Thompson of Charlestown, on
"Cholera." The interest and profit of the occasion
were supplemented by an association dinner, which
inaugurated what has since been a custom in similar
gatherings of the profession.
The fifth and last annual meeting of the association
was held at Charlestown. Dr. John 0. Green of Lowell,
whose skill and kindness will long be cherished by its
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THE EARLY PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL.
citizens, and his learning and character honored by his
professional brethren, delivered the address on this occa-
sion. Though cholera had been the subject of the last
address, the prevalence of the disease in portions of the
country induced the doctor to renew the discussion, and
he embraced in his paper the report drawn up by him
as a member of a delegation consisting of himself and
Drs. Bartlett and Huntington, who had been appointed
and sent to New York by the Selectmen of Lowell, one
of whom was Dr. Josiah Crosby, to investigate and re-
port the nature, remedies and preventives of cholera.
It is well remembered and often referred to by our
older citizens in connection with the history of that
time, that a good deal of alarm had been awakened
in our city by the rapid and fatal spread of the disease,
and by the cases which had occurred in Boston.
In 1833 the association was dissolved on account
of loss of time and the expense incurred by the mem-
bers in going by stage to and from their then distant
places of meeting. For several years there was no
formal organization of physicians in this immediate
vicinity.
But the old association had awakened a jspirit that
demanded for each the advantages to be derived from
the aggregated knowledge and experience of all. To
meet this demand the members of the profession in this
city and neighboring towns, who had largely increased
in number since the organization of Lowell under a city
charter in 1836, established the custom of holding
occasional meetings at each other's homes, for social
converse, literary improvement, and the^ exchange of
fraternal courtesies.
Doubtless this suggested a more permanent rela-
tionship, as, after several meetings with these objects
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332 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
in view, a special meeting was held March 8, 1839, at
which it was voted to form the Lowell Medical As-
sociation.
This voluntary association continued to grow in
interest and increase in number, until, five years later,
a charter was granted by the Massachusetts Medical
Society for the establishment of a District Medical So-
ciety. At a meeting held in Lowell, November 2, 1S44,
consisting of the physicians of this city and twenty ad-
joining towns, it was voted *Hhat they organize and
form themselves into a District Medical Society." At
an adjourned meeting the society adopted the name
of the Middlesex District Medical Society.
In 1850 a slight change was made on account of
the re-districting of the state. By the new arrange-
ment, Middlesex County was divided into three districts,
viz. : east, north and south. This city and eighteen
neighboring towns were included in the north district,
and the name of the society changed to the Middlesex
North District Medical Society, which name it has since
retained.
A more extended review of the history of this
society would interest the members of the profession
only, but the incidents and reminiscences in the lives
of the men who composed it, and their peculiarities of
character, cannot fail to be of general interest. Many
of them w*e distinguished in their profession, and all
were an honor to the community in which they lived.
Their memory will long be cherished by the older in-
habitants, and their faces gladly recalled by younger
citizens, in whose minds they are associated with fond
recollections of departed friends and parents.
It is therefore proposed to present in a series of
papers such facts as can be obtained concerning the
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THE EARLY PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 333
earlier physicians of our city. For obvious reasons, no
attempt will be made to consider the character of any
now living.
ISRAEL HILDRETH, M. D.
Of those who have passed away, the name of Israel
Hildreth, M. D., stands prominent among the earlier
physicians of this vicinity.
Dr. Israel Hildreth was bom in Dracut, February
28, 1791. The house in which he lived during his long
and useful life is still standing, and its sacred associ-
ations have been perpetuated in a beautiful poem, writ-
ten by one of his daughters, entitled "The Homestead."
It was customary in the early days for the youth
of New England to receive much of their early edu-
cation at home. It was from that source that the early
training of Dr. Hildreth was drawn.
Certainly no one could be better fitted by nature
or intellectual acquirements to give instructions and lay
the foundation of studious habits than was the father
of Dr. Dildreth. He was a prominent man in the town,
a justice of the peace, a man of sterling worth, and is
reputed to have been one of the finest scholars of
his day. One who knew him well later in life, and
who is the only counsellor now living who practiced be-
fore him, says, " Justice Hildreth was a man of stalwart
proportions, of sound, vigorous mind, and of an age
which enabled him to preside with much dignity. He
then held a justice court in the sitting room of his
house, on the right hand side of the road as you pass
over toward the hill-side meeting house in Dracut. The
reason why he held this court, was that there was no
justice of the peace in Lowell who would act in that
capacity."
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334 OLD ^StDSKTS' HISTOBICAL ASSOCIATIOK.
After choosing his profession Dr. Hildreth showed
a wise discernment in the selection of his instructors.
He commenced his studies under the direction of Dr.
Thomas of Tyngsborough. Subsequently he studied
with Dr. Wyman of Chelmsford, who will be remem-
bered as the able and efficient superintendent for many-
years of the McLean Asylum. He afterwards attended
a full course of medical lectures at Boston, and received
a license from the Censors of the Massachusetts MediQ^l
Society, to practice medicine and surgery.
In 1815 he commenced the practice of his profes-
sion in his native town. It was not long, however,
before his practice extended for many miles into the
surrounding country.
From his residence, which stood upon a slight
elevation, he saw the rise and progress of this city,
in which he soon had many families among his patrons,
and where for many years he enjoyed as large a prac-
tice as many physicians whose homes were within the
city limits. Progress with him was duty. Being a
diligent studenji and a close observer of the phenomena
of disease, he became acquainted with the principles
and methods of treatment which are still considered of
recent date. He did not fall into the prevailing custom
of those days in the use of drugs, which were given
more frequently and in larger doses than is the practice
of later years. He sought rather to ascertain if the
cause of any prevailing sickness was not due to the ne-
glect of proper sanitary conditions of the house and its
surroundings, and by their removal to bring about a re-
turn of health through a proper regard of the laws of
. hygiene.
This, together with the use of simple remedies, he
*43onsidered of more importance than the increase of
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THE BABLT PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 335
medicines, either in kind or quantity. In this respect
he was certainly in advance of his time. In the sick
ro&m, he was ever kind, thoughtful and considerate.
Nothing was allowed to escape his notice which could
in any way be made subservient to the comfort and im-
provement of his patients, while anything which he
observed that he thought detrimental to their best
interests, he was prompt and fearless in stating. He
was ever ready, however, to give the reason which justi-
fied his action.
That he was frequently called to consult with his
professional brethren in cases of severe sickness, or
under trying and difficult circumstances, is one of the
strongest proofs of his skill and reputation as a success-
ful practitioner.
Notwithstanding the demands made upon his time
as a physician, and the amount of study which must
have been necessary, during a long period of excep-
tional practice for nearly forty years, he yet found
leisure for literary pursuits which to him were always
a source of special enjoyment and improvement. From
surviving members of his family it is learned that
when at home he was always busily engaged in
reading some useful and interesting book, the con-
tents of which were often the subject of conversation
at the table, and made of special interest by his rare
coversational powers. He could concentrate his facul-
ties with the force of a powerful lens upon whatever
he had read, and could so express his reflections as
to leave a lasting impression upon his children and
those who temporarily enjoyed the hospitality of his
home. This improvement of the intercourse of the
home circle should be specially noted, as it was a
habitual custom with the doctor, and one which it is
feared is too often neglected at the present time.
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336 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
He was well read in history, both ancient and mod-
ern, and was perfectly familiar with the best works in
English literature. He was very fond of the poets,
too, and frequently gave recitations from the plays of
Shakespeare.
But it was as an orator he achieved a distinction
not often reached by the quiet conversation of the sick
chamber or in the consulting room at the oflBce. Had
he chosen any of the professions which would have
called forth the constant application of his efforts in
this direction, he would doubtless have ranked with the
finest orators of his day.
He inherited his father's physical proportions, and
was possessed of a mind strong in conception, rich in
resources, and rapid in execution. He was able to hold
the attention of an audience with a grasp that is given
only to the few. He had a fine personal appearance.
His manner was self-possessed, full of grace and dig-
nity, and, what was far better, he had at all times, and
under all circumstances, the complete control of his
mental powers. His voice though sonorous, was yet
soft, and, when touched by his ardent nature, it became
sympathetic, and fell upon the ear like music. His
manner of delivery was deliberate. He used but few
gestures, and those few were always significant, the
very embodiment of dignity and conscious strength.
A gentleman who had frequently heard him speak has
said, " His greatest perfection was his style ; his sen-
tences, though apparently prompt and unpremeditated,
were in a classical mould that no meditation could
improve." His speeches were mostly of a political
nature, and of course characteristic of the period in
which he lived.
It was in 1818 or 1819 that a political division oc-
curred in Dracut, and for many years the two parties.
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THE EARLY PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 337
known as the Whigs and the Federals, passed through a
crisis which is described as being of a most bitter charac-
ter. Dr. Hildreth early connected himself with the
Federal party, and to it he gave his best efforts.
Though in a minority, on no occasion was he ever
known to prove false to the principles that he advo-
cated, and in which he firmly believed. In gathering
reminiscences of his life no one instance of his political
career is more often referred to than his reply to a
speech made by Hon. Abbott Lawrence during the pres-
idential campaign of 1848. Both of these speeches
were made in the Centre Meeting House in Dracut, and
within a few evenings of each other. The reply of Dr.
Hildreth is said to have been " one of the most crushing
and effective rejoinders conceivable." It was soon after
repeated in Tewksbury before a much larger audience,
where, if possible, the enthusiasm it created exceeded
that on its first delivery in Dracut. On several oc-
casions he delivered the oration, at the anniversary of
our national independence in the towns in this vicinity.*
As an orator on such occasions his services were highly
prized, and rarely did he fail to do justice to himself or
the principles he then proclaimed.
As a member of the Masonic fraternity he was
held in high esteem. In an able address delivered by
one of the highest officers of that order, Mr. Solon
W. Stevens, on the 75th anniversary of Pentucket
Lodge, in alluding to his connection with that order,
spoke as follows : " Dr. Hildreth was elected Master of
Pentucket Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, October
28, 1819. He was a man of remarkable ability, — among
the foremost of his profession as a physician, and noted
• In 1829 he delivered a Fourth of July oration in the Universalist Meeting House then
standing on Chapel Street hi this city.
2
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338 OLD BESIDENTS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATIOK.
for the dignity of his demeanor, the elegance of his
manner, and the persuasiveness of his speech. His
reputation as a presiding officer is among the traditions
of the lodge. On public occasions, whenever he spoke,
the melody of his voice and the distinctness of his
utterance produced that charm upon the listener which
may be felt but cannot be described. In the words of
another, *He was born a gentleman and an orator.'
He served as Master for five consecutive years, and, on
his declining another re-election, the lodge voted him
* thanks for his long and meritorious services.' "
It is not surprising, therefore, that his remarkable
executive ability was early recognized by his friends
and townsmen, who repeatedly urged him to accept
positions of honor and trust at their hands. These,
however, he persistently declined. The only office that
he would accept was that of a member of the board of
superintending school committee. It was only the deep
interest that he took in educational matters that induced
him to fill the duties of that office, which he did to the
perfect satisfaction of the people of the town. During
his long period of service the schools attained a high
degree of success, which was due in no small degree to
his earnest, intelligent and conscientious endeavors in
their behalf. At " town meeting" Dr. Hildreth consid-
ered it his duty to be present, and the occasion was rare
that found him absent. His well informed mind en-
abled him to speak intelligently upon almost any sub-
ject. In the heated discussions, he was always sure of
the closest attention. To him the weak and undecided
looked for a clear, straightforward statement, which
would enable them to obtain a more intelligent view
of the question than the confused representations of
previous speakers had given. By such help the most
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THE EARLY PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 339
unlearned man in the assembly was able to define his
position, having taken his bearings from a source which
to him was as welcome as an observation of the sun is
to the mariner after days of obscurity. His opponents
were often driven to seek new ground for defence,
as their previous positions had been effectually over-
thrown.
Having abundant means, and not being dependent
upon the income from his profession, he gradually relin-
quished it, and during the last years of his life retired
from active practice. This enabled him to pass the
evening of life in the quiet of his home, surrounded
with all its comforts, and the loving care of children.
Age did not dim his mental faculties, which he retained
in a remarkable degree.
Thus, even in declining years he was able to some
extent to continue his habits of study and enjoy his
last days with the best works of literature as his com-
panions.
Having always possessed a strong, vigorous consti-
tution, and having seldom experienced illness, he gave
little heed to those symptoms which in another he would
have considered with serious concern.
At the la^t he was confined to his house but a few
weeks, and to his room not many days, with a disease
that was somewhat complicated in character, its real
nature never being known, which terminated his life
April 6, 1859, at the age of 68. His memory will long
be cherished by those who knew him best, while his
rich and varied qualities of mind and heart will not
soon be forgotten.
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340 OLD BBSIDENT8' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
DRS. AMOS AND PELEG BRADLEY.
This paper will recall the practice of a father and
son continued through nearly three-quartfers of a cen-
tury.
Dr. Amos Bradley was born in Dracut, October 2,
1762. He was the son of Deacon Amos Bradley, who
will be brought to mind in connection with an item of
local history as the gentleman for whom "Bradley's
Ferry" was named.
Dr. Bradley spent his earliest years in the usual
occupations of a farm. His father then owned a large
farm in Dracut, which is now Centralville, covering
nearly all of the side hill east of Bridge Street, having
the river on one side, and what is now Tenth Street
on the other. The market of Messrs. Strout & Kings-
bury is located in a portion of the old house in which he
was born, and which is, doubtless, one of the oldest
buildings in this city. His opportunities for an educa-
tion were limited, and it is not known with whom he
studied medicine. He commenced practice about the
time he was married, which was in 1785. Soon after
this he purchased the farm now owned by Mr. Charles
Hamblett in Dracut, where he lived the remainder of his
life.
There is a varying tradition that for fifteen or
twenty years Dr. Bradley was the only resident physi-
cian in the town. He had a large practice, and was a
perfect type of the country doctor of olden time. He
made his daily tour of professional visits, through the
town and surrounding country, on horseback. When in
the saddle, he wore a pair of felt leggings to prevent his
trousers from being soiled by the mud or dust of the
road. In their accustomed place he carried the ever-
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THE EARLY PHYSICIAKS OF LOWELL. 341
memorable saddle-bags, which, when opened at the bed-
side of the sick, revealed a curious medley of well-filled
phials of medicines, various instruments, and other
paraphernalia of his profession. The circuit over which,
for so many years, he travelled in the discharge of his
professional' duties, may be briefly stated as follows :
On leaving his house in the morning, and after having
made his calls in the immediate vicinity, he would cross
over the river at " Bradley's Ferry," into that part of
Chelmsford which is now Lowell, and continue on through
Middlesex, North Chelmsford, and Tyngsborough, where
he would re-cross the river by " Tyng's Ferry," thence
he would proceed through the northwestern portion of
Dracut to Pelham, N. H., returning to his home by the
turnpike road through that section of Dracut known as
" Black North."
There was scarcely a day for many years that he
did not travel over portions of the above route, and
rarely a week passed that he did not complete the entire
circuit. In each of the towns mentioned he had many
families. These long rides, made in all kinds of weather
during summer and winter, and often extending late intO'
the night, to be again commenced before the break of
day, required a strong and rugged constitution and am
indomitable will, both of which he fully possessed.
It is related of a physician, that when on his death-
bed he gave explicit directions in regard to the care of
his horse, which had been his faithful servant for many
years. That such a request would not have been inap-
propriate for the subject of this sketch, may be inferred
from a statement made by one who is a relative of the
family, who says " that on several occasions, late in the
night, the first intimation to the family of the doctor's
arrival, would be the whinnying of a horse in the yard,
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342 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
and on going to the door to ascertain the cause, the
doctor would be found sitting in his saddle sound asleep,"
his faithful horse having brought him safely over many
a mile while he was obtaining that rest in sleep which he
so much needed.
As a man he was honored and respected. His trsr
ditional reputation is that of a skilful, conscientious
physician, who was faithful to his patients, and ever
mindful of his own professional honor. He continued
in practice for forty-five years, and left as a legacy to his
son, who succeeded him, a practice which he had built
up by steady and persistent efforts, the income of which
had enabled him to meet the reasonable wants and
necessities of a large and growing family.
He continued in practice until within a few months
of his death, which was caused by paralysis. He was
confined to the house but a few weeks after the fatal
shock. His death occurred May 6, 1817. His funeral
was largely attended by people coming long distances,
and who mourned the loss of one whom they had learned
to love as a kind arid sympathizing friend.
Dr. Peleg Bradley, son of the subject of the preced-
ing sketch was born in Dracut, May 26, 1792. He re-
ceived his education at the town school and at the
Academy in Westford. For several terms he taught
a winter school at Pelham, N. H., and at Salem in this
state. He studied his profession in the office of his
father, attended medical lectures at Boston, and received
a license to practice, from the Censors of the Massachu-
setts Medical Society.
In 1813 he commenced practice in Dracut, and,
until his father's death, was in company with him.
The confidence which had been given to the father was
not long in being transferred to him. It is to his credit
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THE EARLY PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 343
that his fidelity to the profession which had been his
father's pride and the object of his tireless efforts did
not lose any of its fascinations, but rather gained new
importance as the opportunities of a larger practice
opened before him. In company with his father, he
travelled over the circuit already described, and soon
extended its limits by including the towns of Methuen,
Andover, Billerica. and Tewksbury. Lowell, both as a
town and city, contained a considerable number of his
best families.
It was natural that his method* of practice, at first,
should conform somewhat to that of his father, though
it was afterwards modified to meet the demands of mod-
em thought and experience. During the first years of
his practice he obtained all of his medicines from Boston,
and at his house he kept a small apartment where he
compounded his mixtures, made his pills, and prepared
his ointments and plasters.
He inherited an adaptedness for his profession, and
was always happy when busily engaged in its active
duties. He was a careful physician, and gave attention
to methods of obtaining knowledge from experience.
He kept an accurate record of his most important cases,
giving careful thought to the details of aetiology, pathol-
ogy, diagnosis and treatment. He was thus enabled to
classify and arrange under their appropriate heads the
different diseases, and to arrive at better methods of
treatment than an absence of such a method could have
given.
He also kept an accurate descriptive account of his
obstetrical cases, which he arranged with great care, and
which is still preserved in his family. The wisdom of
such a course has been demonstrated by the frequent
reference which has been made to its pages by the
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344 OLD BESIDENTS^ HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
respective clerks of this city and the neighboring towns.
No little amusement has been quietly enjoyed by the sur-
viving members of the family who possess this record,
when they have overheard the remarks made occasion-
ally by certain of the fairer sex of "uncertain age,"
who have confidently declared that no one could tell
how old they were, as the family record had accidentally
been destroyed.
Although not in practice as long as his father, the
younger Bradley during a period of thirty years accu-
mulated some property. When it is remembered that
his charge for office advice, with medicine, was only
25 cents, and for visits to the house 50 cents, and
allowance is made for various deductions and losses
which are always incident to the practice of medicine,
something as to the extent of his practice may be in-
ferred. Although he took a watchful interest in politi-
cal questions of the day, yet he cared for no public
honors, being content to cast his vote, and to fulfil the
quiet duties of a citizen.
In 1845 he built the house on Third Street which
is now owned by Mr. Daniel Stickney, where he lived
during the few remaining years of his life. He did not
possess the strong and rugged constitution of his father,
but was frequently subject to gastric troubles which
temporarily confined him to the house. These increased
in frequency and severity during the last year of his life,
and at length became complicated with ulceration of the
bowels, and after several weeks of great suffering he
died, September 26, 1848, at the age of fifty-six.
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THB EABLY PHTSICIANS OF LOWELL. 345
ELISHA HUNTINGTON, M. D.
In 1824, two years before the incorporation of the
town of Lowell, there came into this place a young man
of ripe mental culture, scholarly attainments, and pos-
sessing traits of character unusually promising. These
and other excellent qualities were united in the person
of Dr. Elisha Huntington, who was destined to fill a
place in the early history of Lowell that even the most
sanguine admirer could not anticipate.
Dr. Huntington was born in Topsfield, Essex
County, Mass., April 9, 1796. He was the son of
the Rev. Asahel Huntington, for nearly twenty-five
years the devout and faithful minister of the town.
His mother was the daughter of Dr. Elisha Lord, a
distinguished physician of Pomfret, Conn., and was a
woman of superior intellect, high culture and great
moral worth.
Under their instruction and influence he was trained
in correct habits, and imbibed those sterling principles
by which his future life was controlled. He was fitted
for college under the direction of his father, who made
it a part of his occupation to fit young men for college,
and his adaptedness for that work was shown by the
scholarship and number of students who were instructed
by him, many of whom afterwards occupied important
places of trust and responsibility. Mr. B. A. Gould, for
many years master of the Boston Latin School, was
among the number.
He entered Dartmouth College at the age of fifteen,
and graduated in the class of 1815. He studied med-
icine with Dr. Bradstreet of Newburyport, and attended
medical lectures at Yale College, taking his degree in
1823. In 1824 he came to Lowell and entered at once
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346 OLD RESroENTS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
upon a career of professional and ofl&cial duties such as
it is rarely the fortune of one man to experience. As
in other pursuits, so in the practice of medicine, time,
circumstances and surroundings have much to do in
directing the course and shaping the destinies of men.
It was fortunate that Dr. Huntington did not choose one
of the specialties in medicine or surgery to which to de-
vote his thoughts and his hours of study, for subsequent
events, in which he was so actively engaged, and the
duties of which he was so eminently fitted to discharge,
would have made it necessary for him to sacrifice the
studies of the one or the obligations of the other.
But as a general physician, he was eminently suc-
cessful, and when not interrupted by the duties of his
official position, he enjoyed a large practice. If we may-
presume to speak of his professional worth in a more
sacred relation, it may be stated that as a family physi-
cian he enjoyed the confidence and high regard of a
large number of families in this community, who retained
his services as long as he lived. During the early years
of his practice, Lowell was being rapidly populated by
individuals and by large and enterprising families. The
excellent opportunities and inducements offered by this
growing city had considerable influence in drawing with-
in its limits a large number of the latter.
The relations which a physician sustains to the fam-
ilies by whom he is employed have been so beautifully
expressed by an eminent writer, and apply so forcibly to
the subject of this sketch, that they are here appended
without change: "Warm and generous in his friend-
ships, none could surpass him in his sympathy for the
afflicted and suffering, and thus controlled, his attentions
were unremitting. To skill, that was seldom baffled,
there was added this essential qualification of a success-
ful physician — a benevolent heart; a heart that feels
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THE EARLY PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 347
his patient's pain as if it were his own ; that looks on
the woe-stricken countenance of a wife, and resolves
that, if possible, she shall be saved from the desolation
of widowhood; that looks on weeping children, and
resolves that no energy shall be spared in saving them
from the orphan's destitution ; that looks at a father's
and mother's anguish, and resolves that, with God assist-
ing, he will save their child."
This, which was said of another, expresses with
special emphasis the characteristics of Dr. Huntington.
He was faithful to those who were intrusted to his care,
sparing not himself in his endeavors to allay the suf-
ferings of the sick or the anxiety of their friends.
Especially to the poor was he very considerate; and
ready to give his time and his skill, which were often
supplemented by pecuniary aid. An eminent writer has
remarked that " great men and great events grow as we
recede from them ; and the rate they grow in the esti-
mation of men is in some sort a measure of their great-
ness."
A generation has grown up in our city since Dr.
Huntington finished a municipal career which has never
been excelled in our local history. While Lowell was
yet a town, he served two years as one of the selectmen
and four years as a member of the school committee.
After its incorporation as a city, he served three years
as a member of the common council, two terms of two
years each as a member of the school committee, which,
with the period he served as a member of the board by
virtue of another oflBce, gave him a prominent position
on that educational board for sixteen years.
He was three times elected an alderman, and in
1839, during his second year as president of the common
council, he was elected to fill the office of Mayor, made
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348 OLD residents' historicax association.
vacant by the death of Hon. Luther Lawrence, only
a few weeks after entering upon his second term of
oflBce. He was re-elected to fill that office in 1840, '41,
'44, '45, '52, '56 and '58 — a period of eight years, which is
more than twice as long as held by any other incumbent.
With these facts before us, and knowing that on several
occasions he positively declined a re-election, what must
be the verdict in respect to the position which he held
in the minds and hearts of the people of Lowell ? Can
it be any other than that of unlimited confidence and
respect? A confidence and respect that early in his
municipal career won for him the entire support of our
citizens, and were a passport to his re-election, until the
word re-election well nigh lost its significance, so often
was it used in connection with him. It was only on one
or two occasions that he was defeated, and on no occa-
sion was his election so questionable that a recount of
votes was necessary. The fact that party animosity and
political chicanery were not as prevalent then as now
will not account for the doctor's long retention in office.
The foot-lights gave a clear view of the stage on
which the political actors moved, and the lifted curtain
often revealed as intense and varied popular excitement
as characterize the local elections of the present day.
What, then, were the essential elements of his success,
and wherein lay his power, which was so unmistakably
recognized? Perhaps in no better way can they be
studied than by reference to some of his inaugural
addresses. That he felt the responsibility and dignity
of the office may be inferred from his address on one
occasion when he said : " I cannot fail to consider the*
matter in all seriousness, and to feel that a great duty is
laid upon me — a duty that I am to discharge without
fear or favor and with perfect impartiality towards every
member of the community."
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THE EARLY PHYSICIANS OP LOWELL. 349
It is believed that during the administration of Dr.
Huntington, he faithfully and with honest purpose car-
ried out in act what he had proclaimed in word. It was
because of that honest endeavor that the citizens of
Lowell felt a degree of security when Dr. Huntington
presided at the head of our municipal government.
During his long period of service as mayor, his deport-
ment was- correct, his judgment sound, and the success
of his administration universally admitted. The only
charge that was ever brought against him was his lib-
erality to the poor. If that was a failing, it was a God-
given one, and the care and attention bestowed upon
that unfortunate class will be approved in a higher court
than that of popular prejudice.
In one of his inaugurals he gives considerable atten-
tion to the subject of the care of the poor. It is fortu-
nate that this was done, as it enables us to judge of his
motives in this work. These , are his words : " Our
whole duty to the poor is not discharged by relieving
their immediate and pressing necessities. The great
object that should never be lost sight of is the preven-
tion of pauperism, and this is to be accomplished in
various ways — by teaching the poor habits of temper-
ance, industry and^ economy ; encouraging and aiding
them in self-dependence and self-respect." There are
abundant proofs that by such methods did he seek
practically to aid this unfortunate class.
When in 1856 he entered for the seventh time upon
the duties of mayor, it would seem from the tone of the
opening sentences of his address, that in his own mind
he did not intend to again accept the responsibilities
of that oflBce. In his exordium he briefly reviews his
period of service in the municipal history of this city
with these words : " You may readily imagine, gentle-
men, how difficult, nay impossible, it is for me to find
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350 OLD RESIDEKTS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
fitting words to express the feelings of my heart on this
occasion. To have received so many tokens of the
generous confidence and kindness of the people among
whom I have lived for more than thirty years, and not
be deeply moved thereby, would prove me wanting in
ordinary sensibility." At the next election he positively
refused to allow his name to be used as a candidate for
re-election.
But the following year — 1857 — will ever be
remembered in the history of our country as the year
of the " great panic." Almost every business commu-
nity within its borders was more or less affected, and
this city was not excepted. When the time came in the
fall of that year to nominate a candidate for mayor for
the ensuing year, the utmost concern was felt that the
choice should be made wisely and with care. There was
a feeling that no party issues were at stake, but that
a responsibility rested upon each man's shoulders that
he dare not cast off without regarding its consequences.
Then it was that the citizens of Lowell unanimously
nominated Dr. Elisha Huntington, and by a large major-
ity elected him for the eighth time as their honored and
beloved mayor. They knew his worth, and to him they
entrusted the interests of this city, when, if ever within
its history, there was needed a wise, judicious, and Chris-
tian man at the helm.
If in coming time this city should again be involved
in financial depression and doubt, and the highest city
official should wish to stimulate the citizens of this com-
munity with hope, activity and enterprise, he can do no
better than refer to the calm, thoughtful and enlight-
ened views which are contained in the eighth and last
inaugural address of Dr. Huntington. His political
honors were not confined to his own city, nor his execu-
tive ability employed in her behalf alone. In 1852 he
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THE EABLT PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 351
was chosen lieutenant governor of the state on the
Whig ticket with Gov. Clifford.
For two years he was president of the Massa-
chusetts Medical Society, and also for two years served
as president of the District Medical Society, having held
all of the minor ofl&ces of that society. The resolutions
passed by that body on the occasion of his death testify
to the reverence with which he was regarded by his pro-
fessional brethren, and " that his ambition for professional
success never betrayed him into dishonorable practices j
and whose desire for self-improvement, which made him
an accomplished man in his profession, also made him
a zealous supporter of everything conducive to its honor
and welfare." He was a most active member of the
Middlesex Mechanics Association, and was chairman of
the lecture committee for several years. His interest in
education was of the practical kind. It might be sup-
posed by some that a life so active and full of various
occupations, would prevent him from obtaining that
knowledge from books, the pursuit of which the student
so much enjoys. But an incident occurring only a few
months before his death will, we think, correct the idea
that he had lost his love for the studies of his youth.
Daniel Webster said in his master plea for his Alma
Mater, before the learned court at Washington, " It is
u small college, as I have said, and yet there are those
who love it," and in describing that scene, one has
remarked, " that not a man among the strong-minded
men of that assembly thought it unmanly to weep with
the great orator alumnus over her glory and peril."
That Dr. Huntington might be placed among the num-
ber that had not forgotten the debt he owed to Dart-
mouth College, may be inferred from the fact that during
the last summer of his life he paid a filial visit to his
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352 OLD BESIDENTS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
Alma Mater. Although his health was seriously im-
paired at this time, he attended the commencement
exercises, it being the fiftieth anniversary of his gradua-
tion.
The last public act of his life was to attend as a
bearer at the funeral of his friend and associate, Dr.
Campbell. This, like many other duties, was performed
at a time when his physical condition would hardly admit
of such service. On that occasion he contracted a severe
cold which, added to his somewhat impaired health, pro-
duced a severe shock to his system, and on December
13, 1865, this good man passed away, confident in that
faith which had been his stay and support through all the
years of his life. The grief felt at the death of Dr.
Huntington was universal, and his loss to the city felt
to be irretrievable. But so long as the fame of this
city shall survive, the public services of Dr. Huntington
will live upon its records, and his name occupy a promi-
nent place in its history.
ZADOK HOWE, M. D.
Located in the neighboring town of Billerica, there
stands a building of noticeable proportions, upon whose
front walls appears in raised letters —
"Howe School."
It is with a brief sketch of the founder of that school^
Dr. Zadok Howe, that this paper is concerned.
To say of him that he was a bundle of eccentricities
would not exaggerate the oddity for which he was noted-
Concerning his birth, early history, family connections,
or future purposes in life, he would reveal nothing.
I^Tot until after his death was it known by his townsmen
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THE EABLY PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 353
and friends that he had any relatives living. Some time
after his decease a gentleman was found who proved to
be his brother, from whom reliable information regard-
ing the doctor's early life was obtained. Of matters of
personal history, and especially with reference to his
age, he was ever most reticent. His birth is believed to
have been at Bolton, Tolland County, Conn., February
15, 1777. His education, which was quite limited, was
obtained at Foxboro', Mass., where his father, for whom
he was named, and who was of Revolutionary fame, died
November 17, 1809. Whether the peculiar and varied
circumstances which followed each other in rapid succes-
sion for a number of years had any influence in shaping
his future eccentric career, can only be surmised. At
the age of sixteen he went to Hartford, in his native
state, where he learned the trade of watch-making,
which he followed for several years. Here, also, he
developed considerable fondness for the brush and easel.
It was late in life that he commenced the study of
his profession, under the direction of Dr. Miller of
Franklin, Mass. He began practice in Concord, N. H.,
where he remained a few years, acquiring in the mean-
time considerable professional business and a growing
reputation. But for some reason he became dissatisfied,
and in 1814 he entered into partnership with his former
preceptor. Dr. Miller, and for two years they carried on
the business of an infirmary for the cure of cancers.
This not proving lucrative, " the partnership affairs were
adjusted and divided." When he was next heard of he
was located in Boston. He remained there but a few
weeks, when, one day after dark, he took in his sign, and
again embarked on the troubled waters of uncertainty.
The next place to which he directed his steps was
the town of Billerica. Whether in previous places he
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354 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
had not received that encouragement which he needed,
or whether the surroundings were not suited to his
tastes, may be questioned, but certain it was that in
Billerica "his talents and worth soon became appre-
ciated, and secured for him an extensive business."
Referring to his eccentricities, one who knew him
well has remarked " that it was impossible for him to do
anything that was not odd." 'Yet that very peculiarity
stamped him as a man of more than ordinary genius.
His writings, of which there are known to be twelve
publications, are noted for a degree of zeal and diligence
in pursuit of knowledge pertaining to his subjects, and
for perspicuity in narration. On one occasion, in pre-
paring a report of several important cases, he says, " I
am fully aware that the reports of many cases, import-
ant in themselves, lose much of their interest when
drawn out in minute details; and taking for granted
that no one cares to be informed whether the patient
took a spoonful of laudanum at night, or a bowlful of
gruel in the morning, I shall abstain from the discussion
of any such matters ; and in my descriptions shall only
be solicitous to make myself clearly and distinctly
understood." It may be safely stated, without fear of
contradiction, that whoever has had occasion to refer to
any published reports of his cases, has been saved the
trouble of wading through several pages of useless
material.
In a previous piper, reference has been made to his
able address on "Fear in Connection with Medicine,"
which he delivered before the Middlesex Medical Associ-
ation in 1831, and which was published at that time. Its
introduction was marked by the characteristic peculiar-
ities which have been noted. " The privilege of choos-
ing a subject for discussion," he says, "and the ample
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THE EABLT PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 355
time allowed me for preparation are circumstances which
I have turned to very little account. Man is an indolent
being; he requires the stimulus of necessity to prompt
him to exertion. Give him a whole year for time, give
him all creation for the choice of a topic for the discus-
sion of a single hour, and, after all, he will probably
come forward with a hasty production, because he could
always postpone the consideration of his subject ^to a
more convenient season.'" He then proceeds with a
discussion of his theme, entering with diligent and care-
ful search into the mythology of the Greeks and Romans,
the earliest writings of ancient history, theology and
medicine, referring occasionally to the mysteries of the
dark ages, and then closing with quotations from the
writers of his own time. Although fifty years have
elapsed since that address was published, it would still be
read with interest if it were reprinted.
His address on "Quackery," delivered before the
State Medical Society, is considered by some as his best
production, though when compared with the one on
" Fear," many would prefer the latter.
Opening with the remark that " This topic has en-
gaged the attention of philanthropists through a long
succession of ages," he proceeds to consider the arts of
quackery as they prevailed in the days of Henry VIH.
He then ingeniously conducts his hearers through a
somewhat circuitous line of attack upon quackery,
which he declares still survives, " not only in England,
but, what is of more importance to us, the demon of
Empiricism still hovers over the land of the Pilgrims."
Numerous selections from that address might be given to
show the mingling of his brilliant sallies of wit with the
scathing utterances of sarcasm. But one only must suf-
fice, which reads as follows : " It is to be regretted that
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356 OLD BESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
even in these days of medical light and knowledge, the
line of demarcation between the scientific practitioner
and the professed quack is not always so clearly defined
as it should be. The following case, which occurred a
few weeks since, will afford an illustration in point: I
was called to examine a tumor upon the neck of a gen-
tleman from a neighboring state. Upon removing his
cravat, which partially concealed the tumor, I discovered
a ten-cent piece attached to a cord, which passed around
his neck, together with a string of gold beads hanging
in festoons over the tumor. I first made inquiries touch-
ing these ^ deposits of the precious metals,' and was in-
formed by the patient that he had consulted a seventh
son, who presented him with the ten-cent piece, to be
constantly worn about his neck; but that the gold beads
had been subsequently directed by a regular practitioner ,
who informed him that the silver was a very good appli-
cation, but that in real scrofulous humors the gold was
more powerful."
Dr. Howe's talents and success as a surgeon will be
handed down to posterity, and be as enduring as the
genius of his literary productions. He was careful and
conscientious in his methods of procedure, and took
much pride in saying ^- that he never performed an oper-
ation when he thought he could do no good." Many of
his instruments he made himself, and, doubtless, to his
professional ingenuity many owed their lives. His
method of removing a hay-hook from a boy who, in
sliding down from a mow of hay, had struck upon the
pointed end of the hook, which had penetrated his body
at the lower part of the abdomen, and protruded from
his body but two inches below the umbilicus, was original
and characteristic. " It was an iron hook, two inches
across the point of the barb (which is not unlike that of
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THE EARLY PHYSICIANS OP LOWELL. 357.
a fish hook) and rather long in proportion to its width,
with a wooden handle attached to it by a socket." The
doctor saw his patient two hours after the accident, he
having been sent for in consultation. The sufferings of
the boy may be better imagined than described, and he
was evidently sinking under the intense pain and shock
to his nervous system. Whatever was to be done must
be decided upon quickly. The course which he adopted
was most ingenious, and was as follows : That it could
not be extracted in the same way as it entered will be
readily seen from the shape of the hook. He therefore
procured a blacksmith's vise of the largest size, and
securing it to the floor and the bedstead in a substantial
manner, he brought his patient into a favorable position
with the lower limbs bent and supported by an assistant.
He placed the rod in the vise and gave the screw a strong
turn. Then with a cabinet-maker's fine saw, running in
oil, the rod was separated between the socket and vise.
On making an incision of desired length, the iron was
removed, and the patient ultimately recovered.
The above is but one of many operations which he
performed under equally as trying and difficult circum-
stances. As a physician he was eminently successful,
and during his long residence in Billerica he enjoyed a
large practice, while the esteem with which he was re-
garded by his professional brethren may be inferred from
the statement that his consultation practice was very
large, frequently extending not only in the immediate
adjoining towns but in more distant parts of the state.
His eccentricities were as varied and changeable as
the pictures in a kaleidoscope. At one time when the
"tobacco question" was creating considerable discussion
in medical circles, the doctor gathered the names of the
oldest men, whether living or dead, within the circle of
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358 OLD RBSIDENTS' HISTOBICAL ASSOCIATION.
hie practice, going back in his researches for twenty
years. Of course the names of the living were easily
obtained, while those of the dead he gathered from
family records, tombstones and bills of mortality. He
then proceeded to ascertain how many of that number
were or were not in the habit of using tobacco. This
information he obtained mostly from the store-keepers
who sold that article. He then presents the result of
his investigations as follows: "The list contains the
names of 67 men, from 73 to 93 years of age ; average
age 78 and a fraction.
"After patient inquiry, never having received a
guess as evidence, I arrived at the following result, viz. :
Smokers or chewers 64
Non-consumers of Tobacco 9
Doubtful, or not ascertained .... 4
67
How much longer these men might have lived without
tobacco, it is impossible to determine."
On another occasion, while staying a few days in
the village of Canterbury, N. H., he was much inter-
ested in what was to him a new process of unloading
hay, the most marked feature being the rapidity with
which it was done. He therefore placed himself in a
favorable position to observe the modus operandi, and
then took out his watch and timed the proceeding,
which occupied only six minutes. The time, together
with a detailed account of the process, he recorded in
his journal.
When he purchased the "Everett lot," on which
the school-house now stands, the conjectures of his
friends occasioned no little amusement to the doctor,
who would not satisfy their curiosity by answering que&-
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THE EARLY PHYSICIANS OP LOWELL. 359
tions as to his future use of the grounds, but rather
excited it by building a durable and handsome fence in
front of the lot, and adorning it with trees.
After his friends- had tired of asking in regard to
its future use, they settled down with the belief that he
selected the spot for his last resting place. Although
this lot was purchased twenty years before his decease,
yet so well did he keep his secret that it was not known
until after his death for what purpose it was designed.
Although he never married, yet he was noted as
quite an expert in the way of matrimonial match-
making, often eclipsing the efforts of those who are sup-
posed to know the peculiar workings of that mysterious
business. He had a pleasant manner of introducing a
young lady and gentleman to each other, and frequently
by his eccentric remarks made them better acquainted
in a few minutes than more fashionable methods, the
formality of which often defeats their purpose, could
have brought about in as many weeks. No one enjoyed
a joke at a family's expense better than he, but when
seriously speaking of the sacred relations of marriage,
he treated them with great reverence and respect.
Whatever might have been his disappointments in early
life, he never allowed them to lower his belief in the
sacred and Christian oflBces of marriage.
As in every duty which he performed he aimed to
be practical, so in his religious life this element was not
wanting. He had his theories concerning the teachings
of the Bible, and they may have differed from those
of other men, but whatever they were, he exemplified
them so closely in his daily life, that there could be no
doubt that they had their seat in the heart.
That he should have accumulated a large estate is
accounted for from the fact of his making careful col-
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360 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
lections, and, having no family, he lived very economi-
cally. Soon after settling in Billerica his ingenuity was
displayed by the following manner of collecting his
charges :
Most of his patients being farmers, and not always
having ready money, were inclined to make a long pay-
day. Dr. Howe adopted this expedient : At the begin-
ning of every year he prepared notes with receipted
bills, and, calling on his patrons, proposed settlement of
accounts by their signing these notes — saying he did not
want the money, they could pay whenever convenient,
but that it would greatly oblige him, as he would then
have no further trouble in his accounts or bills. It will
be seen at once that these notes on interest proved of far
more value than any old or disputed bills.
He generally enjoyed good health and possessed a
constitution capable of enduring great labor and fatigue.
During the last years of his life he was troubled with
obscure symptoms of heart disease, which finally de-
veloped into the form known as angina pectoris, which
finally caused his death quite suddenly, March 8, 1851,
at the age of 74. " By his will he bequeathed three
thousand dollars to the Bible Society, and the remainder
of his property, amounting to about thirty thousand
dollars, to erect and maintain an Academy in Billerica,
* for instruction in the higher branches of English edu-
cation, and such other studies as are required of young
men preparatory to entering college.' "
The academy was erected as provided, and will per-
petuate for generations, in the history of that ancient
town, the name of the good " old bachelor " doctor.
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THE EAKLY PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 361
ELISHA BARTLETT, M. D.
A reverend gentleman on one occasion said : " Ther?
is a beautiful cathedral built by one of the princes of
the Old World, which, as you look at it from one side,
fascinates you with its splendor, and you exclaim, ^Noth-
ing can be more grand ! ' But when you step to another
side and look at it in another light, it speaks with a new
beauty not seen before. As you go to still another side
another vision bursts upon the gaze, seemingly more
grand than the others. But you change your position
yet once more, and another equally fascinating view fills
the eyes." So it is with the life and character of Dr.
Elisha Bartlett. Approach it by whatever avenue you
may, it fascinates while it instructs, and you desire to
know more of him of whom it has been said, that " his
childlike simplicity, his sweet and loving disposition, his
purity of life, his gentleness of temper and conduct, his
honesty and uprightness were all mirrored in his face,
and so strongly marked and so beautifully blended that
a stranger even could not mistake his character."
Dr. Bartlett was born in Smithfield, Rhode Island,
October 6, 1804. His parents possessed the unostenta-
tious virtues and correct habits of the Society of Friends,
of which they were active and consistent members.
Although he did not receive a collegiate education, the
loss was more than supplied by a highly finished and
classical training, received at seminaries and institutions
at home and abroad which rivalled the most famous uni-
versities of his time.
His medical education was pursued under several dis-
tinguished physicians. Among these were such men as
Dr. Wheaton of Providence, Dr. Willard of Uxbridge,
and Drs. Green and Heywood of Worcester. He
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362 OLD RESIDBKTS* HISTOBICAX ASSOCIAl'tOK.
attended medical lectures in Boston and Providence,
and was graduated as Doctor in Medicine at Brown
University in 1826. After his graduation, he spent
nearly a year in Europe, and during several months'
sojourn in Paris, he placed himself under the most dis-
tinguished teachers of the healing art in that metropolis.
His visit to Italy at the same time was one of the most
pleasant remembrances of his life, and he ever held in
vivid and grateful recollection the experiences he there
enjoyed. Returning to this country late in the fall of
1827, on the 15th of December of that year, when only
twenty-three years of age, he came to Lowell, and
entered at once upon his professional career.
Never in the history of this city, has there lived a
more studious, faithful and conscientious physician than
was Dr. Bartlett. Of elegant person and accomplished
manners, with rare conversational powers and an entire
absence of affectation, he became at once a universal
favorite, while his pure and exalted principles gave him
a place in the hearts of the people and left an impres-
sion upon society which will live as long as memory
shall survive, and a marked influence for good which
shall reach to succeeding generations. The object of
this paper will in some degree be realized if, though in
an humble manner, it shall enable the citizens of Lowell
— to some it may be for the first time, and to others
yet once more — to catch a few glimpses of the life and
character of that rare man, concerning whom Dr. Oliver
W. Holmes, when speaking of his death, remarked that
his loss was a " national calamity."
As a physician, he stood among the foremost this
side of the Atlantic. Having enjoyed superior advan-
tages of medical training, he was prepared to take
advanced ground, and by continuous study and appli-
cation to the duties of his profession, he reached a
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THE EABLY PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 363
position among the medical faculty which caused him
to be recognized as a leader in the onward march of the
science and practice of medicine. His method was not
routine in its character, nor was it confined to medicinal
treatment alone. While he was well versed in Materia
Medica, and understood perfectly the nature and action
of drugs, he yet was a firm believer in the recuperative
powers of nature, and condemned a loose and indiscrim-
inate use of medicines as showing a laok of judgment
on the part of the practitioner, as unworthy of the pro-
fession as the ignorance displayed by those who are
timid and undecided in the presence of disease. His
discriminating and sagacious mind went deeper than the
practice that rested with prescribing medicines. He
went back of that. He looked for the cause — and
sought by removing or modifying that to obtain the
more important object of practical medicine, viz.: the
prevention of disease. This he strongly believed in, and
on one occasion firmly declared it to be " the great mis-
sion which now lies immediately before us." "This,"
he said, "is to constitute the great work of the next
and succeeding generations." It was such original views
and fearless conduct that placed Dr. Bartlett far in ad-
vance of his times, as a medical practitioner and writer.
Although a resident of this city only a little over a
decade of years, he was called to fill many oflSces of
honor and trust. It is an honor to the medical profes-
sion that one from her ranks was first chosen to fill the
position of Mayor of our city. There could be but one
first mayor in our municipal history, and it was a mark
of special distinction that this responsible trust should
have been bestowed upon Dr. Bartlett when only thirty-
two years of age. Doubtless both parties were eager to
secure the advantage and the honor of the position, and
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364 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTOEICAL ASSOCIATIOK.
put in nomination their best and most popular men. In
this contest the doctor's opponent was Rev. Eliphalet
Case, an able and respected citizen, of large experience
and culture, and who had been a clergyman of consider-
able distinction. To have triumphed in such a contest
is evidence of great popular favor. Dr. Bartlett was
not a politician in the usual acceptance of the term, and
the duties of his official position were not altogether
congenial to his studious habits and literary pursuits.
But having been elected, by a respectable majority, to
fill the office of chief magistrate of the city, he felt the
responsibility to be a sacred trust, and taking his place at
the helm, he ably and judiciously guided the new enter-
prise out into the untried waters of municipal govern-
ment, and, after two years of wise administration, gave
the keeping of that trust into other hands. It was not
in an official capacity only, but also as a private citizen
that he was ever ready to exert his influence on the side
of justice, truth, and right. The occasions were numer-
ous that found him exercising his voice and pen in behalf
of the helpless and the unfortunate.
By frequent lectures on matters pertaining to health
he sought to confer upon the people of this community
the results which were to be obtained by careful atten-
tion to those conditions of sanitation and hygiene which
he knew so well how to explain to the apprehension of
others.
Our older citizens will recall an effort made by Dr.
Bartlett in behalf of the working people of this city,
which bound him to their hearts with ties never to be
broken. It is well known that during the first ten or
fifteen years of the industrial history in this city, the
condition of those employed in our mills was peculiarly
exceptional. The operatives, especially the female por^
tion, nearly all belonged to our New England families.
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THE EARLY PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 365
They had been brought up in our country towns, and,
with hardly an exception, were girls of good health and
moral character. Many of them, by laboring here for a
few years, laid by a comfortable sum which was generally
put to most worthy uses. Some were thus enabled to
relieve the anxiety of aged parents, by removing em-
barrassments that rested on the old homestead. Others
were providing for younger brothers and sisters. Many
young men who afterwards occupied places of responsi-
bility and honor, owed their success in no small measure
to the aid which their sisters gladly furnished, while
they were laying the foundations of future usefulness
by courses of study in the seminary, college and profes-
sional school. It seemed brutal and well-nigh sacrile-
gious to impugn such a state of facts, and yet a series of
articles appeared in two of our leading Boston papers
at that time containing a most ferocious attack upon
the " manufacturing population," asserting that factory
girls were obliged to live in boarding houses erected and
controlled by the corporations ; that the sanitary condi-
tions of those houses were most unhealthy, that the
girls were ill-fed and charged an exorbitant price for
board; that the bills of mortality of the factory girls
were largely increasing, showing a most unfavorable
condition of their life and surroundings, and not being
content with such sUnder, made gross charges respect-
ing their morals and general character.
Then it was that the kind-hearted Dr. Bartlett
voluntarily stood forth as a champion in their behalf,
and, in a number of articles which were first published in
the Lowell Daily Courier, and afterwards printed in pam-
phlet form and widely circulated, gave to each specific
charge a careful and thorough investigation, and proved
beyond all controversy by reliable evidence and unques-
tioned statistics that those charges were grossly false.
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366 OLD BE8n)ENT8* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATIOK.
On another occasion his interest in the welfare of
the youth of this city was shown in an address which he
made to the boys of the High School on the evil effects
of tobacco. This address was a friendly talk rather
than a prepared speech, was given in an earnest, kindly-
manner, so that even the youngest could but see that he
spoke to them as a father talking to his children, so in-
terested was he in behalf of their physical growth and
moral improvement.
It is a matter of record that his early efforts as a
lecturer, in which he attained a world-wide reputation,
especially as a medical lecturer, were made in this city.
In 1828, at the age of only twenty-four, he gave a
lecture in this city before the Lowell lyceum on Conta-
gious Diseases. Again, in 1835, he delivered the address
at the dedication of Mechanics Hall on Button Street.
In 1836, an honor which was only given to the few was
bestowed upon him by an invitation to deliver an address,
which he did, in the Odeon Building at Boston. The
Odeon being at that time what Music Hall is today.
He was also the orator on the 4th of July, 1828. This
oration was delivered at Whipple's Grove, the place
usually selected for such occasions. In 1836 he deliv-
ered a course of lectures on Physiology, which were
largely attended by the most intelligent people of the
city.
But it was in his more public duties as a medical
teacher that he fulfilled the mission for which he was
pre-eminently fitted by nature, and by the discipline of
study and experience. It was to that work which he
brought his varied and brilliant talents, his profound
scholarship, and his unsurpassed gifts of eloquence. He
was a master in his profession, and had biBen taught at
those sources of knowledge to which the faculty as a
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THE EABLY PHYSICIANS OP LOWBtL. S67
rule seldom have access. Thus equipped, he stood as an
interpreter and a daysman between the teachings of the
fathers of medicine and the disciples of later times.
Scientific truth as stated by Dr. Bartlett seemed to have
something of the power of demonstration as it fell from
his lips. His influence over students also was magnetic.
It was stronger than the fascination of pure intellect.
It seemed to result from the force of a powerful mind
ennobled by character and fired by professional enthu-
siasm. A kind of mesmeric influence, at once elevating
and inspiring, seemed to go forth with his words. One
who sat under his teachings has said, "Here were
gathered sixty young men so rude, so wild, so rough,
that no professor could in quiet order deliver his lec-
ture; but no sooner did Professor Bartlett enter his
lecture-room than perfect order immediately was ob-
tained, and a profound silence was maintained until he
had finished." His appearance while standing at the*
desk, during his lectures, is said to have been most
pleasing, and his manner of delivery easy and impressive.
His voice was clear and musical and seemed to be an
essential part of what he said.
It was a characteristic of Prof. Bartlett to awaken
within the minds of his students the higher and nobler
purposes of life, and to inspire them to reach out after
something better than simply following their profession
as a trade, or only for mercenary purposes, and it would
seem that the dullest member of the class must have
caught something of his enthusiasm as he led them on
with the zeal of a veteran warrior into that path which
he himself so eloquently describes as the one " which
was trodden by the Sydenhams, the Hallers, and the
Hunters. It is the path which led Harvey to the most
brilliant achievement in the annals of physiological
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368 OLD KESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
science. Is is the path which led the more fortunate
Jenner to that discovery which has embalmed his name
in the gratitude and the love of all peoples and of all
tongues. It is the path which led Newton up to the
loftiest pinnacle ever reached by uninspired humanity —
a pinnacle crowned with light of ineffable brightness,
where the vail was rent which, from the creation of the
world, had hung before the universe, hiding its wonder
and its mystery, and man was suffered to look, for the
first time, out upon the beauty, the majesty, the un-
changeable order of the handiwork of God. Into this
path be it our effort and our happiness to enter."
The amount of good accomplished by this earnest
teacher and scholar in his quiet but effective way cannot
be estimated, as for many years he continued to sow
throughout the extent of this broad land the seeds of
sound medical education, and incite his pupils to aspire
to the higher walks of the profession. That influence is
still expanding in the community, and, like the beams of
the morning sun, gilding and brightening whatever it
touches.
In 1832, when but twenty-eight years of age, he
entered upon his first professorship, at Pittsfield, which
he held for several years.
For some time he occupied a chair in the medical
department of Dartmouth College, and another also in
Baltimore. During six consecutive years he held the
position of Professor in Transylvania University, Ken-
tucky, and for one year in the Louisville University.
A professorship was also offered to him in the medical
school at Woodstock, Vt., in 1828, which he declined,
but that school afterwards obtained his services. He
lectured there eight years and at the same time held his
position in Kentucky. His last position was in the cele-
brated College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York.
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THE EARLY PHYSICIANS y)F LOWELL. 369
There, associated with such men as Parker, Gilman,
Clark and other kindred spirits of equal eminence, he
reached a height worthy of his ambition, and one which
he was every way fitted to adorn.
He also attained great eminence as an author, both
as a medical and miscellaneous writer. His first efforts
with his pen commenced when he was seventeen years
of age.
While he was a resident of this city, amid his many
and arduous duties, he started a monthly journal entitled
"Medical Literature and American Medical Students'
Gazette," which was published here in 1832 and after-
ward in Boston. This journal was most ably conducted,
and contributions were sent to it by the best writers of
that time.
Dr. Bartlett's editorial ability was recognized by
that celebrated and accomplished writer, philanthropist
and statesman, Horace Mann, who engaged him to revise
for him " Paley's History of Natural Theology." This
involved considerable labor, as it extended through five
or six volumes.
It was while living here, as he says in his dedication
of the work to Dr. John 0. Green, that his material was
obtained for his excellent book on " Fevers," which to
this day is a standard authority on that subject in the
medical schools of this country. This work, together
with his " Essay on the Philosophy of Mental Science,"
have placed his name high in the annals of medical lit-
erature, both in this country and in Europe.
He was a constant contributor to our standard med-
ical journals, and his published books and pamphlets,
both professional and miscellaneous, are numerous. It
seems impossible that one man could accomplish in so
short a life more than what has been ascribed to Dr.
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370 OLD BESIDEKTSj HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
Bartlett, yet he added another to his graces — that of
poetry.
To enter that inner sanctuary was hardly the priv-
ilege of his friends when living, and certainly intrusion
into the sacred place must not be made now. But our
own poet, Dr. Oliver W. Holmes, who was a life-long
and intimate friend of Dr. Bartlett, has permitted us for
a moment to catch something of the beauty of Dr. Bart-
lett's poetic nature, as he describes that little offering
written during the last year of his life, and entitled
" Simple Settings in Verse for Six Portraits and Pictures
from Mr. Dickens' Gallery." Of that oflfering Dr.
Holmes says : " When to the friends he had loved there
came as a farewell gift, not a last effort of the learning
and wisdom they had been taught to expect from him,
but a lit'tle book with a few songs in it, songs with his
whole heart in them, they knew that his hour was come,
and their tears fell fast as they read the loving thoughts
that he had clothed in words of natural beauty and
melody. The cluster of evening primroses had opened,
and the night was close at hand."
Would that a life so pure, so noble, and so self-
sacrificing for others might have had an easy and pain-
less exit. But this was not to be his lot, and for many
months he was a great sufferer from an inexorable
disease which laid hold upon the central springs of his
life.
But during the long weeks of suffering he was ever
patient and ready to meet his intimate friends with that
cordial welcome which had been characteristic of his
manner during health, but which then was seen to be
an effort of his strong and indomitable will.
His Christian faith grew stronger and his hope
brightened, as during the brief respites from suffering,
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THE EARLY PHY8ICIAK8 OF LOWELL. 371
which the nature of the disease allowed him, he engaged
his strong and vigorous mind in contemplating those
great problems of man's eternal destiny, the realities
of which he was soon to enter upon, and, having sought
that peace which alone can satisfy in the ^nal hour, he
" found rest under the shadow of Calvary," and on the
19th' of July, 1855, at the age of fifty-one, in the prime
of life, he left it for a higher and a htetter.
Truly it may be said of him,
"His life was gentle, and the elements
So mixed in him, that nature might stand up
And say to all the world, 'This was a man.' "
The adjoining town of Chelmsford has not been
without her representatives in the medical profession,
who have ranked among the ablest physicians of Mid-
dlesex County. Among the physicians who have prac-
ticed in Chelmsford, the name of
JOHN C. BARTLETT, M. D.,
stands prominent. This gentleman was born in Charles-
town, Mass., October 5, 1808. His academic training was
received at Pembroke Academy, N. H., and his collegiate
education at Bowdoin College, Me., where he graduated
in the class of 1828. Dr. Bartlett received his medical
instruction under the direction of Dr. Thompson of his
native town, and attended lectures at Harvard University,
graduating in 1831. Soon after receiving his degree he
settled in Chelmsford, where he continued in practice for
forty-six years. During his long residence of nearly
half a century in the town, he held the confidence and
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372 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
esteem of his townsmen and the public to a remarkable
degree.
As a practitioner, Dr. Bartlett possessed those quali-
fications, which are essential to a successful physician.
His mind was active and discriminating ; he was a good
studentj a careful observer, and interested in all matters
pertaining to the advancement of the profession. Against
quackery and all forms of imposition, when practiced
either by regular members of the profession or by those
outside of its ranks, he was very decided, and would
never tolerate the use of those preparations which are
generally known as " patent medicines," because he was
unwilling to employ drugs that he was not allowed to
know the constituents of, and so be able to judge, on
scientific principles, whether or not they were suited to
the disease which it had been stated they would cure.
In his manners he was the type of a gentleman, and his
presence in the sick room was always welcomed.
It may be said of Dr. Bartlett that he was a many-
sided man, yet his talents were not only marked in their
character, but they also manifested themselves in a
variety of ways. He was much interested in the busi-
ness of husbandry, and for many years was a member of
the State Board of Agriculture. He was also interested
in educational matters, being at one time a member of
the school committee of the town, also a member of the
Board of Trustees of Westford Academy, and for many
years held the honorable position of president of this
board. In the Unitarian denomination, with which he
was connected, he was an active member, and for several
years was president of the North Middlesex Unitarian
Conference. He was a fine musician, served as chorister
for many years, and was a musical composer of consider-
able reputation.
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THE EAKLY PHYSICIANS OP LOWELL.
373
During the last few years of his life Dr. Bartlett
retired from active practice. A short time before his
death he removed to Boston, where, after a brief illness
of a few weeks, he died of paralysis, January 13, 1877,
at the age of 72. The esteem and respect in which he
was held by his professional brethren will be seen by the
following extract from the fitting testimonial prepared by
a committee, of which Dr. John 0. Green was chairman,
and adopted at the next regular meeting of the Medical
Society after the doctor's death :
^* Above pretence and show, above the arts by which
so many, half as well prepared, thrust themselves into
notoriety, as a physician he was esteemed by those who
had an opportunity to learn his worth. He made no
claim to extensive medical lore, he attempted no diflficult
surgical operations, but he had what all the schools of
medicine cannot of themselves supply, an observing
mind, a retentive memory, a good judgment, and a high
sense of responsibility. His standard of professional
honor was high, and he never descended to mean and
petty tricks. For forty-six years he held the position of
a medical man in a small country village, so different
from that of a city practitioner. The division of labor
and responsibility in large towns very naturally shuts
the physician up to his chosen appropriate sphere ; but
the country physician will find many opportunities and
calls to do good, for which the faculty, as such, have no
prescriptions. Happy is he who has the power and dis-
position to meet such calls, and no better evidence of
Dr. Bartlett's claims upon the respect and confidence of
the community in which he so long lived could be wished
for and seen than were manifested by the large gather-
ing at his funeral and grave."
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374 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
Another physician whose name is not so familliar
as Dr. Bartlett's, but who practiced medicine some time
in Chelmsford and became distinguished in the pro-
fession, is
RUFUS WYMAN, M. D.
Dr. Wyman was a native of Wobum, where he was
born July 16, 1778. He received his early education at
the town school, and at the age of twenty-two entered
Harvard University, graduating in 1799. For some time
after his graduation he was engaged in teaching, both in
his own and adjoining towns.
In 1810 he commenced his medical studies with Dr.
Brown of Boston, receiving at the same time clinical in-
struction at the almshouse in Leverett Street. But,
owing to the illness of Dr. Brown, it became necessary
to make a change of preceptors, which proved most
fortunate to him, as after completing his studies under
the direction ,of that able and widely known physician,
Dr. Jeffries of Boston, and upon receiving his degree in
1813, he was invited into partnership by his distinguished
teacher. This invitation he accepted, and the pleasant
relation continued for nearly a year, when, owing to a
pulmonary difficulty, Dr Wyman thought it best to seek
a location farther inland. He therefore selected the
town of Chelmsford, where he at once settled, and by
his professional attainments, and the watchful care and
interest which he always manifested in behalf of his
patients, he won and retained the name of the " beloved
physician," which clung to him in after years when en-
gaged in a wider and more active field of usefulness.
Although but a few years in practice at Chelmsford,
yet his experience there and the knowledge gained by
his habits of study and observation proved of great
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THE BAKLY PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 375
value as preparatory to his more public professional life
work elsewhere. It was while in practice in Chelmsford
that he interested himself in the education of young
men in the profession. Several of his students attained
high rank as physicians. One, who will long be remem-
bered by the citizens of Lowell and Dracut, and who was
the subject of our first paper, was Dr. Israel Hildreth.
It was also while living there, that a case occurred
in his practice which will illustrate his success as a sur-
geon, the circumstances of which have been kindly
furnished by Dr. Charles Dutton of Tyngsborough, and
are as follows :
"The late Mr. Francis Parker, who was a well-
known and highly esteemed citizen of Chelmsford, when
quite a lad, was kicked by a horse, the blow being
received on his head. The accident occurred late in the
afternoon, and early in the evening Dr. Wyman saw his
patient, and, after making a careful examination, he
decided to remove a piece of the bone by the process
known as trepanning. Not having a trephine in his
possession, he started early the next morning and rode
on horseback to Boston, purchased the instrument and
returned the same day, and the next morning he per-
formed the operation, which was successful. The patient
recovered and lived nearly seventy years after that event.
At his death, which occurred about a year ago, an
autopsy was held, and this peculiarity was observed,
which may be of interest to the profession : The aper-
ture had not been covered by new bone, but in the place
of it there was a firm elastic substance, which, during
all these years had performed all the requirements of the
original bone.*'
When, in 1847, the buildings of the McLean Asylum
at Charlestown (now Somerville) were in progress, it
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376 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
became necessary to appoint a physician and superin-
tendent. There were many factors to be carefully con-
sidered in that appointment, in order that the beginning
of such a project might be successful. In the first place
it was a new enterprise, and of course subject to dis-
couragement and lack of cooperation from certain mem-
bers of the profession, and to no little prejudice from
the public. Another drawback was the unfinished state
of the buildings, the plans of some of which had not
been drawn. These things, together with the character
of the inmates for whom the asylum was designed, made
the choice of a physician and superintendent one of
more than ordinary difficulty and importance. It would
seem natural that the choice should have been made
from among the able and scientific medical men whose
homes could be seen from the elevation on which the
institution was to stand. But no! Others, perhaps of
equal merit, were passed by, and from a little quiet town
in another and distant part of the county was selected
the man who was to fill that most important position —
that man was Dr. Wyman.
By his removal the town of Chelmsford lost a
worthy citizen, an able physician, and a Christian gentle-
man, but the asylum over which he presided as executive
officer for nearly twenty years, gained a wise and judi-
cious superintendent and a thoughtful and conscientious
physician. That Dr. Wyman felt the responsibility thus
entrusted to him, may be inferred from the fact that
soon after his acceptance of that position he visited aU
of the more important hospitals in this country, for the
purpose of gaining all important information possible
with regard to the best arrangement in the construction
of such buildings, and the best methods in the manage-
ment of the inmates. By this means he was enabled to
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THE EARLY PHYSICIANS OP LOWELL. 377
render valuable assistance to the architect who had the
charge of the work. When the buildings were com-
pleted and he was fairly settled in his new position, he
gave to it his whole care and attention, and during the
first twelve years of his service he was absent from the
institution but one night. If this was not devotion to his
work, where shall we find it ? At one time during his
connection with that asylum, an additional and larger
building was erected for the accommodation of the male
boarders. This building was erected under the sole
supervision of Dr. Wyman. Both the architectural and
working plans were drawn by his own hand.
His success in the care and treatment of the un-
fortunate class under his care was exceptional, and, after
seventeen years of service in that capacity, he resigned
his position, and removed to Roxbury, intending to re-
linquish his practice, and seek that rest and quiet, to
which the trying and peculiar duties of his responsible
position, and which he had so faithfully discharged, cer-
tainly entitled him.
But this was in a measure denied him, as repeated and
urgent requests for his advice and treatment with refer-
ence to the insane induced him to "receive into his house
for treatment and cure, many of this unfortunate class
of sufferers, up to within a few weeks of his death."
Dr. Wyman held many offices in the Massachusetts
Medical Society, in which he was an active member. For
several years he was a counsellor and censor, and in
1840-1 he was president of the society. In 1830 he
delivered the annual discourse, his subject on that occa-
sion being " Mental Philosophy as connected with Mental
Disease." He was also a strong temperance man, and at
the time of his death was president of the Norfolk Tem-
perance Society.
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378 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
His death was unusually quiet and peaceful, being
so calm that, after life was extinct, it is said a glass of
water which he held in his hand, was removed unspilled.
He died June 22, 1842, at the age of 64, of bron-
chial disease, leaving two sons, Morrill and Jefferies
Wyman, who have also become eminent in the profession
of their father.
Chelmsford, the mother town of our city, has had
not only many able and skilful physicians within her
borders, but is specially fortunate, that she may claim
the honor of having been the early home of one who
has reached eminent distinction elsewhere in the pro-
fession of medicine.
WILLARD PARKER, M. D.,
though yet living, at the advanced age of eighty-three,
has been so long absent from his early home, and has
reached so high a position among the medical faculty of
New York, that no apology is needed for adding a few
words in reference to him in these memorabilia of the
eminent physicians of the past. The ancestors of Dr.
Parker were of the good " English Puritan stock," and
he was consequently endowed with a sound mental capac-
ity and a strong physical constitution. He was well
fitted by nature for the long life of laborious usefulness
which it has been his privilege to enjoy.
Until he was nineteen years of age he worked on
his father's farm in Chelmsford, which, it is said, is now
owned by the doctor. During a part of these early
years he taught a district school, and thus obtained
means to pursue his education.
He entered Harvard at the age of twenty-three, and
graduated in the class of 1826. While in his freshman
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THE EARLY PHYSICIANS OP LOWELL. 379
year, an incident occurred which turned his attention to
the choice of surgery as his profession.
Having pursued his medical studies under the direc-
tion of Drs. S. D. Townsend and John C. Warren, and
having acceptably filled the position of house physician
in U. S. Marine Hospital at Chelsea, and a similar posi-
tion in the Massachusetts General Hospital, he graduated
at Harvard Medical School in 1830.
Early in his medical studies his ability as a lecturer
was recognized. During the summer of 1829, nearly a
year before his graduation, he was invited to deliver a
course of lectures on anatomy in the medical school at
Woodstock, Vt., which he did the year immediately fol-
lowing his graduation. In rapid succession he was
appointed to fill respectively the chair of anatomy and
the chair of surgery in the Berkshire Medical Institution
at Pittsfield, Mass., lecturing twice daily. At the same
time he continued to hold his place in the school at
Woodstock, Vt. In 1836 the chair of surgery was filled
by him in the Cincinnati Medical College. Soon after
this appointment he visited Europe, where he spent con-
siderable time in the English and French hospitals.
Returning to this country, he was called, in 1839, to the
chair of surgery in the College of Physicians in New
York. It is not in that city alone that Dr. Parker stands
at the head of the medical profession, but his reputation
extends throughout the country as well. He was one of
the originators of hospital clinics, and also one of the
founders of the Academy of Medicine, of which he was
at one time president. It was from the Academy of
Medicine that the New York board of health originated,
and the amount of work of which he has been the leader
in this connection, may be estimated from these words :
"This board has inspired most of th^ legislation upon
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380 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
hygiene, reforming our building laws, giving us improved
sewerage, checking the adulteration of food, demon-
strated the necessity of pure water and proper ventila-
tion in all parts of our dwellings ; it has fought manfully
for the preservation of our public parks, the lungs of the
city ; it has stimulated tree planting, and aided in beau-
tifying the city in a variety of ways."
The town of Chelmsford may well feel not only
honored with the record of these physicians who have
practiced within her borders, but may also justly be
proud of this eminent son, of whom the following pen
pictures are fitting words for our close :
" As a teacher Dr. Parker enjoyed the highest rep-
utation. With a fine personal presence, and a courteous
and affable manner which wins the personal regard of
his pupils, he also rivets their attention by his direct and
lucid manner of unfolding the principles of his art, and
the unexcelled, simple and common-sense character of
his operations and general treatment."
"With an erect carriage and elastic step, and an
eye and features kindling with animation, he is one of
the best examples of the preservation of a splendid
physical and mental organization by the observance of
those laws of health which he has so long and so ably
advocated."
JOSIAH CROSBY, M. D.
To mention the name of Crosby in this vicinity the
public mind turns at once with feelings of great respect
to our venerable and highly esteemed citizen, Hon.
Nathan Crosby. But as you cross the border of this
state into that of New Hampshire, the name of Crosby
is found to be associated with the brightest names in the
medical history of the " Granite State."
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THE EARLY PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 381
In April, 1828, Dr. Josiah Crosby came to this city,
by the advice and recommendation of Samuel Batchel-
der, Esq., the first agent of the Hamilton Manufacturing
Company. Dr. Crosby, who was a brother of the judge,
was born in Sandwich, N. H., February 1, 1794. His
opportunities for acquiring an education were much the
same as those enjoyed by many of the New England
lads of those days. But the opportunities he had were
improved, and he made rapid progress in his preliminary
and academical studies. He first attended the town
school, and afterwards received private instruction from
Rev. Mr. Hidden of Tamworth. He was also a pupil at
one time at Amherst Academy.
During those years he gave special attention to pen-
manship, being a careful student of Giflford's system,
which at that time was very popular. By such attention
and steady practice, he became an elegant penman, and
often aided himself pecuniarily by giving private lessons
in writing. He also taught several terms in the country
schools. His profession he studied with his father, Dr.
Asa Crosby, who was one of the pioneers in the practice
of medicine in the " Granite State," and distinguished as
a surgeon throughout New England. He attended three
courses of lectures at Dartmouth Medical College, and
spent "a year reading and riding with Prof. Nathan
Smith to learn his practice." In 1816 he received his
medical degree from Dartmouth, of which Dr. Nathan
Smith was a distinguished professor.
In 1828 he came to Lowell, where he remained five
years. During his residence in this city he was active
in organizing and carrying on several of our institutions
which have since become permanent. He was one of
the founders of the Appleton Street (now Eliot) Congre-
gational Church, in 1830. His connection with that
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382 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
early church was marked with the same earnest and
conscientious endeavor that was characteristic of his
whole Christian life.
In 1831 he was chosen one of the Selectmen of
Lowell. It was during his term of service that the
cholera raged so fearfully throughout the country, and
on its near approach to this city a meeting was called by
the selectmen, and on the advice of Dr. Crosby it was
voted to send a delegation, consisting of medical gentle-
men, to New York to ascertain the best means of pre-
vention, and the nature and treatment of that disease.
The medical gentlemen appointed as members of that
delegation were Drs. Green, Bartlett, and Huntington.
After their return the report of this committee was pub-
lished in the Lowell Courier for general information.
Dr. Crosby was also one of the early members of
the Middlesex Medical Association, a detailed account of
which was given in the first paper of this series. It was
here in this city that, by careful study and close applica-
tion to the duties of his profession, he laid the foundation
of his future eminent career as one of the most distin-
guished surgeons in New Hampshire.
In the fall of 1832, he was induced to leave Lowell
and enter into a manufacturing enterprise of consider-
able promise, but it not proving successful, he turned
again to his profession, and in 1844 removed to Man-
chester, N. H., where he remained in successful practice
for thirty years. It was while living in Manchester, in
1853, and again in 1860, that his genius as an inventor
placed his name high upon the roll of benefactors, of
whom the medical profession has contributed a liberal
share. By one of these he gave to the profession " the
method of making extension of fractured limbs by the
use of adhesive strips." The benefit to be derived from
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THE EARLY PHYSICIANS OP LOWELL. 383
this method was at once recognized, and it was adopted
by the members of the profession, and to-day it is the
only one that is generally used.
His other invention, which, by its very nature, is
more widely known outside the profession, than the one
just considered, is what is termed the " invalid bed.'' *
This bed is simple in its construction, and so substantially
made that it will not easily get out of repair, and its
arrangement is so easy of comprehension that a child
twelve years of age can manage it. Perhaps the follow-
ing description will enable all to understand the con-
struction of it : Take an ordinary bedstead, and in place
of the slats use as many or more strong bands, which
are held in position by pins or hooks. Underneath these
bands is placed the bed proper, of smaller size, and so
adjusted that it can be raised or lowered by simply turn-
ing a crank at the head of the beadstead. It will readily
be seen that the bed can be brought into position under
the bedstead and raised to h sufficient height to take the
weight of the patient entirely from the straps, while he
lies as upon an ordinary bed. A reverse turning of the
crank lowers the bed, which can be taken out and the
linen changed, and at the same time the patient will be
resting upon the bands, which when the bed is in place
remain perfectly loose and unnoticed. There is no kind
of disease, even the most prostrating, in which it cannot
be used, while in cases of fractures, and where lotions or
ointments are applied to the body, it is indispensable.
The acknowledged merits of this bed are shown by the
large numbers which are now in use and by testimonials
•Tbe Crosby bed has been in use in this city more than twenty years. In 1868 one
was procured, with some difficulty, on the occasion of Dr. S. L. Dana's accident, wliich
proved of so much comfort and convenience that he desired, after bis death, it should be
given to the Lowell Dispensary for the use of aoy sufferer. It has been in almost con-
stant use, and the Dispensary has added another for its patients or any others who may
need. St. John's Hospital has now three, and an agency for its sale has been established
with our well-known Messrs. Adams & Co., on Central Street.
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384 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATIOl^.
from all the leading surgeons in the country. It has
been generally adopted in all our public and private
hospitals. The poor and suffering in our hospitals have
been spared much pain and discomfort by this invention.
It was by the use of the Crosby bed that the lamented
Garfield was relieved when suffering from the effects of
the assassin's bullet. Those who devote their genius to
the relief of human suffering deserve and win the tribute
of gratitude from the popular heart. It has well been
said of Dr. Crosby, " the skilful physician, the Christian
gentleman and sympathizing friend were combinations
of character in him rarely excelled."
As Dr. Crosby's medical career was passed princi-
pally in New Hampshire, it may be well to notice what
was his standing in that state and how he was regarded
by the profession. Dr. Crosby joined the New Hamp-
shire Medical Society in 1818, ten years before he came
to Lowell. In 1850 he was chosen president of the
'Society, and in 1857 he was elected vice-president of the
American Medical Association, and was also made an
honorary member of the Massachusetts Medical Society,
A committee, appointed by the Society to draw up some
expression of their high esteem of his professional worth,
reported as follows :
" During the fifty years that he has been a fellow of this Soci-
ety he has often filled positions of honor, trust and responsibility.
He was one to whom in every emergency we were inclined to turn.
During this long period we feel assurance in saying these responsi-
bilities have been discharged alike honorably to the record of this
Society and of his own. Every honest worker in the profession
had his hearty sympathy, no matter how young or inexperienced.
Such an one could go to him feeling that he could lay bare his hearty
and that no unkindly criticism would be made on account of his in-
experience. On the contrary, he was sure of obtaining the rich
results of a well-stored mind.
" Dr. Crosby had those qualities that made him a superior sur-
geon. Possessed of abundant resources, he was able to meet the
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THE EABLY PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 385
emergencies of any case however complicated, and upon the failure
of ordinary methods of treatment he could readily supply their place
by his inventive genius, and thus all of his operations were com-
plete. His contributions to medical science were of a character
that reflected the highest honor upon him as a physician and skilful
surgeon, and placed him in no mean rank as a benefactor of his
race."
At a meeting of his associates of Manchester the fol-
lowing were among the resolutions which they adopted :
" Reaolvedi That we mourn the loss of one who was eminently
qualified for the practice of medicine, by nature and early training
and association, to which natural advantages were added, in time,
an education and universally clear judgment, enlightened by a
familiarity with the opinions and practice of the most eminent
authorities.
^^jResolvedy That he advanced his profession by his original
researches and by his inventive genius, and adorned it by exhibiting
in the practice of it the honor, dignity, courtesy, self-sacrificing
spirit and benevolence which have caused it to be respected by the
wise and good in all ages."
This sketch would be incomplete did we not in a
word note the Christian character which was so marked
in the person of Dr. Crosby. In 1844 he assisted in
founding the Franklin Street Church in Manchester, and
was one of its most eflBcient supporters till the hour of
his death. " His religious life," said Rev. Dr. Tucker of
Andover, his late pastor, " was simple, real, true ; with
him there was no pretence; he had no beliefs except
those which were thorough; no little question vexed
him ; he loved God, trusted his Savior, and worked for
the welfare of his fellow men. Such was his record
from first to last. He looked with a calm, clear eye into
the future, and, so far as we know, was troubled with no
doubts."
Those were the words spoken at his funeral, and in
a letter received from the reverend gentleman within a
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386 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
few weeks, in referring to the influence which Dr. Crosby
exerted in the city where he lived, among other things
he says : " Dr. Crosby was a man of great energy and
decision. He had the power of making large plans and
of carrying them out with painstaking. detail. He took
the careful oversight of whatever was entrusted to him,
and he always brought out a given work in season. He
was remarkable for promptness. There was a nobility
of endowment in mental and moral qualities which made
him a conspicuous citizen and a most influential Christian.
Men esteemed him for his worth, his charity, his posi-
tiveness, his public spirit, and his natural and sincere
piety."
Dr. Crosby in his early years had poor health and
gave little promise of long life ; but after his recovery
from typhoid fever while living in Concord, he enjoyed
general good health until the last two years of his life.
On Saturday, the second day of January, 1875, he dressed
a broken arm in the niorning, and in the afternoon sat,
in his own parlor, for the finishing touches of the por-
trait painter, in his usual cheerfulness of spirits ; but
fifteen minutes after the artist had left him, at three
o'clock p. M., he was stricken with paralysis, from which
he did not rally, but passed away on the seventh, at four
o'clock in the morning, at the advanced age of nearly
eighty-one years, leaving a son. Dr. George A. Crosby,
who is at present an eminent practitioner at Manchester.
• CALVIN THOMAS, M. D.
At the quarterly meeting of the Middlesex North
District Medical Society, held in this city January 31,
1883, a diploma which is now in the possession of Dr.
John 0. Green, was exhibited to the members of the
Society.
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THE EARLY PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 387
This diploma, bearing the date 1824, and which was
quite large, measuring twenty-nine inches in length, by
twenty-six in breadth, was of curious workmanship and
design, having prominently displayed at the top a figure
representing ^Esculapius, the god of medicine, together
with the cpat of arms of the state, and at the bottom the
seal of the Massachusetts Medical Society, made in red
wax, and placed upon a circular piece of tin, which had
been securely fitted to the parchment. It was not only
a curiosity, when compared with those of the present
day, being in size nearly six times as large and of more
elaborate pattern, but possessed additional interest, as hav-
ing engraved upon its face the name of Calvin Thomas,
M. D., of Tyngsborough, who although thirty years have
elapsed since his death, is still remembered as a man of
sterling integrity, great public worth, and high profes-
sional standing.
The gentleman to whom this diploma belonged was
bom in Chesterfield, Cheshire County, N. H., December
22, 1765. On the death of his parents, which occurred
when he was quite young, he was placed under the care
of an uncle then living in Rowe, Mass., but afterwards
returned to his former home in Chesterfield, where he
worked on the farm until he was seventeen years of age.
He then learned the trade of a carpenter. But ill health
compelled him to relinquish it, and at the age of twenty-
four he commenced his medical studies with Dr. Josiah
Goodhue, of Putney, Vt., remaining with him for four
years, during the last one of which he was associated
with his preceptor, in practice.
"It is the intelligent eye of the careful observer,"
says a writer, '' which gives these apparently trivial phe-
nomena their value," of which history fi^^ftishes many
examples.
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It was the swinging lamp suspended from the roof
of the cathedral at Pisa that suggested to Galileo the
pendulum — the subsequent use of which has placed his
name on the imperishable page of history. It was as
simple a thing as the floating seaweed that enabled
Columbus to assure the sailors in his ship that land
could not be far ofif, and with this assurance, to quell
the mutiny that had arisen among them. So the most
ordinary occasions will often show the influence by
which a future life shall be directed, and in some
measure controlled.
It was so with Dr. Thomas. Leaving the home of
his former teacher, he started on horseback to seek a
place where he might settle and pursue with reasonable
encouragement his chosen profession.
It is not known that he had any place in view, and
in all probability he had no previous knowledge' of the
town of Tyngsborough, until, in the course of his jour-
ney, he rode through it and stopped at the tavern for
dinner, or perhaps a night's lodging. Be that as it may,
he went no further, but at once settled there and entered
into a practice which he continued uninterruptedly for
fifty-six years. The personal appearance of Dr. Thomas
is said to have been very striking. He was quite tall —
a little over six feet in height — of florid complexion,
having a large and compact frame, his usual weight being
nearly two hundred.
It is difficult in these days to picture definitely the
varied conditions under which the physicians of our
New England towns labored, and the hardships to which
they were exposed in the sparsely populated districts of
fifty years ago. The experience of the subject of this
sketch was no exception to the rule.
The town of Tyngsborough was small, and the
number of inhabitants during the best years of his
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THE EAKLY PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 389
practice did not exceed eight hundred people. Like
that of other physicians of his time his labors were
not confined to his own town, but included those
adjoining, often reaching great distances.
Among the towns in which Dr. Thomas largely
practiced, in addition to Tyngsborough, were Dunstable,
Groton, Westford, Chelmsford, Dracut, and Pelham, N. H.
His own town was peculiarly situated, and entailed
upon him an amount of extra labor which was very
exceptional.
The town is nearly equally divided by the Merri-
mack, which, until within a few years, and long after
the doctor was dead, was passable at that place only
by a ferry, so that a ready and prompt means of
ing the river was not always available. At c
seasons of the year, especially in the spring, the
being full of floating ice, the ferry could not be
and at other times the ice was not sufficiently strc
bear a person upon it.
These facts, with the accidents and delays to
ferry-boats in those days were liable, made it nec(
for the doctor during a large portion of the ye
come down to Pawtucket Bridge, a distance of
miles, and, crossing the river at that place, he h
travel up on the other side an equal distance, \
with the return trip, made a distance of twenty
miles to visit patients in his own town. This do
present a very pleasant retrospect, especially whe
condition of the country roads in March or Aj
taken into consideration. Had such extra labor
of rare occurrence it might be passed without r
but upon reliable information it is learned he 1
large practice on the east side of the river,
required his attention almost daily, and the aggi
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390 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
number of weeks in the year when it would be impossi-
ble to cross the river by any means other than a bridge
the reader can easily estimate.
As a physician he ranked second to none. His edu-
cational advantages had been somewhat limited, yet from
observation and experience he had learned those lessons
which are full of practical knowledge, and when studied
with fidelity, reveal much useful information. One
peculiarity in the practice of physicians in those early
times, was that they not only kept all their medicines,
but prepared or compounded them for use. This in-
volved a great amount of labor and skill. As an illus-
tration of Dr. Thomas' skill in this direction, he com-
pounded a certain cathartic pill, which, from its excel-
lence, obtained quite a notoriety in his day, being used
by many other physicians, and is still used and known as
"Thomas' Pill."
In 1806 he was elected a fellow of the Massachu-
setts Medical Society. The communication which he
received on that occasion, and of which the following is
a copy, will throw some light upon the honor which that
event, in those days, conferred :
BosTox, October 4, 1806.
Sir — I have the pleasure to anno\ince to you, that at a meeting
of the Council of the Massachusetts Medical Society, upon the first
instant, you were elected a fellow of the institution.
Allow me to hope, sir, that the election will be gratifying to
you, as the interests of the Society will always be promoted by
your attention and communications. The m^embers are assessed
two dollars annually. You will oblige me by a line expressing your
acceptance or non-acceptance of the fellowship.
I have the honor to be
Your obedient servant,
THOMAS WELSH,
Vor. 8ec*y Mass. Med, 8oc.
Db. Calvin Thomas, Tyngsborough.
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THE BABLY PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 391
His devotion to this Society, of which he was a
counsellor for more than twenty years, is worthy of
notice. For this and his recognized professional ability
he received, in 1824, the honorary degree of M. D. from
Harvard University. The character of that honored
institution, even at that early period, is a suflScient guar-
antee that the honor was not bestowed unworthily.
How deeply he was interested in the education of
those just entering professional study, may be inferred
from the fact that " he educated fourteen students, sev-
eral of whom became distinguished in their profession."
That Dr. Thomas acquired a large practice, and was
zealous in his work, may be seen from the words of one,
a relative of the family, doubtless the only one now
living, who says : " He left behind him thirty large day-
books or journals, in which he systematically recorded,
^^y by <Jay> the name and residence of every patient,
the visit, the medicine prescribed, the disease or acci-
dent and the charge for service, with frequent notices
of the weather, etc., and but very few days are there in
fifty years in which some such service was not rendered
or recorded. The day preceding his last sickness, and
only a week before his death, being then almost 87
years old, he successfully reduced a dislocated humerus
with only the assistance of a neighbor called in to aid
him."
While his strong physical constitution and wonder-
ful power of endurance will be seen from the following
minute, which is found written in his journal December
22, 1849: "This day I am eighty-four years old, and
crossed the Merrimack River in a canoe, walked one mile
to visit a patient."
In another capacity he served his fellow-men with
a fidelity which was ever characteristic of his life. For
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392 OLD RESroENTS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
twenty-eight years he held a commission as justice of the
peace,, under Governors Strong, Gerry, Brooks, and
Lincoln. On certain days of the week he held a justice
court at his house, performing such duties as legally
come before a judge of a police court. It always has
been the C£kse, and is likely to continue to be, that those
who are defeated in any trial at law will feel that they
have not been fairly dealt with. Such cases doubtless
occurred during the administration of Justice Thomas.
But with those exceptions, his traditional reputation in
that capacity is that he gave a full and fair hearing to
both sides, and rendered an honest and impartial decision.
It may be inferred from his will that his religious
views were in accord with those of the liberal and cath-
olic spirit of the Unitarians, as he left bequests to the
American Unitarian Association for the promotion of the
Unitarian religion in the Mississippi Valley, and also to
the president of Harvard University to be used at his
discretion for the benefit of theological students. He
also left a considerable sum to the Unitarian Society
in Tyngsborough, and one hundred dollars to the Massa-
chusetts Medical Society, for the purchase of medical
books.
Thus he infused the spirit of his faith into the work
of his daily life, which was long and useful. A merciful
Providence saved him from a long and wearing sickness,
as after a short illness of less than a week, he died
October 23, 1851, at the age of eighty-six years and ten
months. Thus another of those early physicians of New
England, after a long and laborious career of usefulness,
passed away.
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THE EARLY PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 393
AUGUSTUS PEIRCE, M. D.
A contemporary with Dr. Thomas, for nearly twenty
years of his practice at Tyngsborough, was Dr. Augustus
Peirce, who was born at New Salem, in this state, March
13, 1803.
He fitted for college under the direction of a legal
gentleman living in his native town, and entered Har-
vard University, graduating in the class of 1820. While
in college he was universally recognized as the "wit" of
the class. He was also of a strong poetical turn of
mind, and during his junior year, and when only seven-
teen years of age, he wrote an epic poem of a humorous
cast, called the *^ Rebelliad," which was delivered before
the "College Engine Club," in July, 1819. The poem
was received with great enthusiasm by the students, who
were very desirous of having it printed,' but this he
would not permit them to do. Says one in writing in
reference to it : "A copy of parts of it, which related
to members of the faculty, was posted on the president's
door by some one unfriendly to its author. The next
day President Kirkland called Peirce to his study to give
him an admonition for ^ cutting prayers,' when he took
the opportunity of alluding to the poem. He told him
that he had nothing to say to him in regard to what he
found on his door, for he knew very well that such a
thing would not be done by the author of the lines when
he had once publicly spoken them. ^But,' said he,
^ Peirce, I think you would be more regular in attending
morning prayers if you retired earlier in the evening
and did not sit up so late writing poor poetry.^ "
Just how much of censure the venerable president
intended to convey in his closing words, is not known,
but as nothing further was said to him on the subject by
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394 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
the faculty, it is supposed that little attention was given
to it by that body. But the poem was not destined to
be lost, as copies of it, in manuscript, have been handed
from class to class in that institution, and successive
generations of students, although strangers to him, have
enjoyed reading it or listening to its recitation by their
own witty geniuses. A few years before the doctor's
death it was printed for private circulation, and- the
original copy of it is now in the University library at
Camhridge.
After his graduation he studied medicine with Dr.
Shattuck of Boston, and commenced practice at Nashua,
N. H. Remaining there but a short time, in 1839, at
the request of Dr. Thomas, he removed to Tyngsborough,
where he remained in active practice until his death.
Dr. Peirce was peculiarly fitted for a professional
career. Possessed of affable and agreeable manners, a
sound judgment and quick perception, he soon acquired
an extensive and permanent popularity, which was not
confined either to his own or adjoining towns.
He loved his profession and gave to it his best and
constant endeavors. It is said that during his residence
at Tyngsborough he also had a considerable practice in
Nashua, to which place he made one or more visits every
week for over fifteen years. For a few years before his
death. Dr. Peirce appeared to be in failing health, the
cause of which could not, at first, be accounted for, but
it was finally supposed to be caused by poisoning from
the lead pipe connected with his well. A short time
before his death the pipe was taken up, and upon ex-
amination it was found that the inner surface of the pipe
was thickly coated with the oxide of lead.
But it had done its work, and after several weeks of
intense suffering, he died May 20, 1849, at the age of
forty-seven years.
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THE EAJMiY PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 395
By his own request an autopsy was held, at which a
portion of the 'brain, lungs, kidney, liver, heart, and
the whole of the stomach were removed. These were
brought to this city and placed in the hands of our well-
known citizen and expert chemist, the late Dr. Samuel
L. Dana, for examination. After several weeks of
thorough analysis he made a report, in which he stated
that traces of lead were found in all of the organs re-
moved, even the brain, adding in conclusion that "on
the whole the evidence of the presence of lead in the
organs of Dr. Peirce is unmistakable. The quantity,
though exceedingly small, is but another proof how
minute a quantity of lead may cause cruel disease,
from which the patient is released only by death.*'
AUGUSTUS p. PEIRCE, M. D.
It was only a few years that Dr. Augustus F. Peirce,
who was a son of the subject of the preceding sketch,
practiced his profession in Tyngsborough. Yet in that
brief period he endeared himself to the hearts of the
people in a remarkable degree.
" None knew him but to love him,
Nor named him but to praise,"
Bom in Nashua, N. H., August 11, 1827, he early
in life manifested a desire to enter the profession of his
father. Under his direction the son fitted for the medi-
cal department of Harvard University, which he entered
in 1846.
Owing to the failing health of his father, he was
induced to alter his previous plan, and in the fall of 1847
he left the medical school at Cambridge and entered
that of Bowdoin, hoping to complete his studies more
speedily.
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While there his father died, and although but
twenty-two years of age, he at once commenced prac-
tice in his native town. "The respect and confidence
felt by all for the deceased parent was transferred to
the son. How well he sustained himself in this trying
position and more than justified the confidence of his
friends is known to many who mourned his early
death."
Dr. Peirce gave great promise of usefulness, and
doubtless, had he lived, would have made his mark in
the community and become an honor to the profession.
But New England's dread destroyer, consumption, laid
hold upon his young life, and after several months of
gradual wasting away, he died. May 18, 1855, at the
age of 28.
HARLIN PILLSBURY, M. D.
Our citizens generjdly will not remember many of
the medical gentlemen who have been the subjects of
the previous papers. But nearly all of us will readily
recall the name of Dr. Harlin Pillsbury, whose familiar
form we were wont to see almost daily on the streets
of this city, as he was busily engaged with the duties
of his profession.
Dr. Pillsbury was born in Hanover, N. H., Novem-
ber 30, 1797, and received his early education in the
schools of that town and at the ajcademy at Atkinson,
N. H. In 1819 he entered Dartmouth College, gradu-
ating in 1823.
In August of that year he commenced his medical
studies with Dr. Rufus Kittredge, of Chester, N. H.
Subsequently he studied with Dr. William Graves, of
Deerfield, N. H. In 1824 he attended medical lectures
in Boston, being at that time a pupil with Dr. J. H.
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THE EABLY PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 397
Lowe, of that city. At the same tune he received
clinical instruction at the North District Dispensary.
In 1826 he practiced several months at Kingston,
N. Y., and in November of that year received his
degree in medicine from Dartmouth Medical College,
and in January, 1827, he came to Lowell, and at once
commenced practice. Having enjoyed the advantages*
of study under severd preceptors, and attended courses
of lectures at two of our best medical institutions, and
having acquired practical knowledge during a period of
service at the Boston Dispensary and also in New York,
he was well fitted on coming to Lowell to enter at once
upon a large practice, which it was his fortune to retain
during his long residence here of forty-seven years.
In person. Dr. Pillsbury was a little above the aver-
age height, and although never of a robust constitution,
he yet possessed an unusual degree of bodily strength
and activity.
In his deportment he possessed a suavity of man-
ner, combined with a marked facility of address, which
were not reserved for special occasions, but were ever
present, being a part of his nature, and therefore char-
acteristic of the man.
Those who were well acquainted with him will
readily recall a habit which he had when in earnest
conversation. He would bring the tip ends of the
fingers of both hands together, and with a movement
would describe the arc of a circle. It is doubtful if
anyone else could do it so gracefully and convey with
it additional emphasis to his words.
Dr. Pillsbury did not select a specialty in medicine
or surgery in which to direct his studies, but devoted
his time to the duties of a general practitioner. But
while he did not adopt any specialty, yet what is often
much better, he had a large family practice.
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398 OLD RESIBENTS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
In this respect he was especially fortunate, as most
of his families continued to employ him as their medical
attendant as long as he lived. It was thought by many
that he had unusual success in the treatment of the dis-
eases of children and women. As a physician, he was
remarkably successful with his cases, and the extent of
his practice was only limited by the strength of his
physical system to perform.
In the District Medical Society he was an active
member from the time of its organization. At the first
regular meeting he was chosen a member of the stand-
ing committee, and during his life he held most of the
important ofl&ces of the society with the exception of
treasurer, which ofl&ce has had only three incumbents,
the last and present being Dr. Edwards of Chelmsford,
who has held the office for thirty-one' years. For t^pro
years Dr. Pillsbury was president of the organization.
Dr. Pillsbury was not a politician, and only on a
few occasions did he consent to hold office. For several
years he was a member of the School Committee, but
that honor was bestowed by reason of special qualificar
tions rather than on account of adherence to any politi-
cal party.
In 1839 he was a member of the Common Council,
and in 1840 of the Board of Aldermen. For many
years he was president of the Merchants' Bank.
Dr. Pillsbury was very temperate and abstemious
in his habits, and of the strictest morality. In his
religious life he was an attendant at St. Anne's Epis-
copal Church, whose creed and devotional forms he
adopted.
In 1874 he removed to Billerica, intending to
spend the remainder of his days on a farm, in the
enjoyment of that rest and quiet, to which a steady
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THE EARLY PHYSICIANS OP LOWELL. 399
and unremitting labor of nearly half a century had
certainly entitled him.
The people of that town not only welcomed him
as a neighbor and townsman, but soon became persist-
ent and almost unreasonable in their demands upon
his services as a physician.
Only a few days after his arrival in the town, his
services were called into requisition, and were continued
to the last day and even to the last hour of his life.
During the forenoon of Fast Day, April 12, 1877, then
being in feeble health, he made a professional visit
to a sick neighbor. His interest in the case was seem-
ingly as great as he had manifested in his patients in
his earlier practice, but on returning to his house to
prepare some medicine he felt a slight indisposition, and,
lying down upon the lounge, in a few minutes he was
dead. The immediate cause of his death was supposed
to be disease of the heart. His age at the time of
decease was 79 years and 4 months. His remains were
brought to this city for interment and burial at the
Lowell Cemetery.
The honor and respect in which he was held by his
medical brethren was attested by the large number of
the profession that attended his funeral, and by the feel-
ing which was expressed in the resolutions passed by the
members of the society at their next meeting.
The following, written by one who knew him well,
are fitting final words of tribute to his memory : " He
was a man to honor, to esteem, and to imitate; and
there are few, if any, who can think over his long and
useful life and say they would have it different. Thor-
oughly sincere in his opinions, strict in his regard for
morality, keenly aware of the needs and appreciating
the trials of humanity, his nature was one of truth, of
consistency, and of sympathy."
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400 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
JOHN D. PILLSBURY, M. D.
Although not a resident of Lowell as long as Dr.
Harlin Pillsbury, yet most of our older citizens will re-
member the skilful and always jovial physician, Dr. John
D. Pillsbury. The subject of this sketch was the son
of Dr. John Pillsbury, and was born in Pembroke, N. H.,
April 16, 1805.
His early education was received in the old academy
of that town. Having chosen the profession of medi-
cine, he commenced his studies with his father in 1825,
and in the following year attended a course of medical
lectures at the Berkshire Medical School. Subsequently
he became a pupil of Dr. Peter Renton of Concord,
N. H., who was at that time one of the most distin-
guished surgeons in the state. After remaining with
him about a year he went to Pelham, N. H., where he
taught the winter school, and at the same time continued
his studies under the direction of Dr. William Graves of
this city.
In the fall of 1829 he received his degree of doctor
of medicine from the Bowdoin Medical School, and at
the urgent request of his friends and relatiyes, was in-
duced to settle in his native town, entering into partner-
ship with his father.
He remained there but a little over two years, when,
desiring a wider field in which to exercise his talents, he
came to this then growing and enterprising town in
1831, where he soon entered upon a thriving and lucra-
tive business, which continued without interruption for
nearly twenty-five years.
As a physician Dr. J. D. Pillsbury enjoyed the con-
fidence and esteem of the people of this city and the re-
spect of his professional brethren. In his method of
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THE EARLY PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 401
practice he was true to the principles of his profession,
and while not bigoted, yet had faith in the power of
medicine, believing that when its nature and constitu-
ents were thoroughly understood and properly applied,
it was of great and inestimable value.
It was at one time the custom in Lowell to invite
the citizens to attend a public meeting of the physicians
and listen to the annual address of the Medical Society,
delivered by one of their members. These occasions
were usually well attended, and much interest was mani-
fested in them on the part of the public.
On one of these occasions Dr. J. D. Pillsbury
delivered the annual address in the City Hall, May 21,
1845, ander the auspices of the Middlesex District Med-
ical Society. His subject was " The Progress of Medical
Science." It was a well prepared paper, showing careful
research on the part of the author. He was severe on
certain forms of practice, while his address contained
many humorous anecdotes and sarcasms at quackery and
charlatanism.
As a member of the Middlesex Medical Association,
he was much interested in its early organization. He
was the first secretary of the Lowell Medical Association,
and to him the Society is indebted for neatly written and
compact records of the doings of their early meetings.
He held the position of secretary for nine consecutive
years, and also served acceptably in other offices con-
nected with the Society.
Dr. J. D. Pillsbury was rightly called the cheerful
physician. He possessed a large and compact frame, and
a full and noble countenance, which was habitually lit
up with a genial smile, and which he always carried into
the sick room. His happy manner was often as beneficial
as the medicine which he prescribed. Charity to the
poor was one of his marked characteristics.
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402 OLD RESroENTS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
In 1854 he removed to Rochester, N. Y. Here
" influential friends welcomed him, and the hand of
kindness was extended to him by his professional breth-
ren, by whom he was appointed to deliver the next
annual address before the Monroe Medical Society."
Being of a naturally hopeful temperament, and possessed
of a strong constitution, he looked forward with reason-
able hope of many years of usefulness and prosperity.
But his stay in that beautiful city was brief. In
about a year, just after having settled in his new and ele-
gant residence which he had purchased, he was stricken
down with a disease of the brain, which, though it had
troubled him some fifteen years previous, was thought to
have entirely disappeared, but again manifested itseU,
and finally produced death quite suddenly December 21,
1855, at the age of fifty years.
One who was intimately acquainted with him, in
speaking of his last illness, says of him : " He clearly
comprehended its symptoms, watched its progress, and
knew that it was not in the power of medical skill to ar-
rest it. But it was sad to look upon the going down of
so much hope, vigor, and mind, but sadder to him who
knew it all, suffered it all. In his release from great
physical and mental sufferings, we doubt not he has
made a happy change."
HENRY KITTREDGE, M. D.
The circle of adjoining towns whose memorabilia
of early physicians we have considered in previous
papers, would be incomplete did we not include that of
Tewksbury.
With no disrespect to any who have in the past, or
who may in the future, practice the healing art in that
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THE EABLY PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 403
ancient town, we venture to affirm that it is doubtful
if there ever was, or ever will be, within its borders a
greater than Dr. Kittredge.
Dr. Henry Kittredge was bom in Tewksbury, Mass.,
January. 3, 1787. He was the son of Dr. Benjamin
Kittredge of Tewksbury, who was one of the earliest
physicians in the town, and continued there in practice
until his death. The first Dr. Kittredge in this coimtry,
and who is supposed to have been the great-grandfather
of the subject of this sketch, is said to have been the
founder of a long family dynasty of physicians in New
Hampshire. He was one of seven brothers, all of whom
were physicians and men of distinction.
Dr. James Thatcher, in his most admirable work,
"American Medical Biography," in speaking of Dr.
Thomas Kittredge, who was an uncle of Dr. Henry Kit-
tredge, uses these words, which are perfectly applicable
to the subject of this sketch :
" The family of which he was a member has become
so distinguished for surgical skill in New England, that
in many places the name alone is a passport to practice ;
and the number of practitioners of this name is very
considerable. This is to be attributed, not only to the
well-earned reputation of Dr. Kittredge, but to that of
his father, who also had a high reputation in surgery ;
and it is not improbable that his grandfather and great-
grandfather, the latter of whom came to this country
from England, at an early period, and settled at Billerica,
were eminent in the same line."
This will readily account for the tradition which
has been handed down, that, on account of the great re-
nown which was accorded to this remarkable family, and
of the wide reputation which they achieved as repre-
sentatives of medical skill, severjd physicians in New
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404 OLD KESIDENTS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
Hampshire applied to the legislature for a change of
their names to Kittredge, believing that, in popular esti-
mation at least, they would thus acquire something of
hereditary prestige. But it may be reasonably doubted
if such an influence as that which the Kittredges con-
tinued to exert for so long a period, could have been
maintained simply on account of their name. But may
we not look back of that, and recognize in their sterling
integrity and soundness of mind and body the elements
of that sturdy stock from which they sprang.
The Dr. Kittredge with whom this paper is con-
cerned was educated at Phillips Academy and studied
medicine with his father. At the age of only twenty-
three he commenced practice in Tewksbury, where he
continued until his death, which occurred nearly forty
years after. In person Dr. Kittredge was tall, with a
well built and compact frame, capable of great powers
of endurance.
Dr. Kittredge was a very practical man, which was
clearly demonstrated in his method of practice. Doubt-
less his success as a practitioner was, in no small degree,
due to the liberal use of the tincture of good common
sense, which he made an important ingredient in the
medicines, which he himself always compounded. He
held human life too sacred for experiment or mere guess
work, and in accordance with that faith he brought to
the bedside of his patients honest purpose of heart and
sincerity of manner. He was not a stern and unap-
proachable man, but affable, courteous in his intercourse,
and his conversation was usually facetious, animated,
and entirely free from any semblance of affectation.
Dr. Kittredge enjoyed an exceptionally large prac-
tice not only in Tewksbury, but in the towns adjoining.
Like his ancestors he was a distinguished surgeon^ and
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THE BABLT PHYSICIANS OF LOWBLL. 405
his reputation in that department in no sense diminished
the high standard which others of his name had attained.
As a portion of Tewksbury, bounded by the Concord
and Merrimack rivers, contained many families whom
Dr. Kittredge attended, and some had moved into Low-
ell, his services were frequently demanded in this im-
mediate vicinity.
Dr. Kittredge took an earnest and deep interest in
all matters pertaining to the welfare of the town, serv-
ing on its various committees during his long residence
there. With the exception of the clergyman, Dr. Kit-
tredge was the only professional man in the town.
He was one of the first to engage in the temperance
movement of those days, when it required not only
moral courage but often some personal sacrifice to con-
tend against a common usage which was more univer-
sally practiced than at the present day.
There are those still living in Tewksbury who re-
member Dr. Kittredge, and their united testimony, with-
out one dissenting voice, is that he was an able physician,
a skilful surgeon, and, above all else, an honorable, up-
right Christian man, in whose life we may discover
"deeds as heroic, all unsyllabled and unsung though
they be, as any that the world perpetuates in marble
and bronze."
Dr. Kittredge continued in active practice until a
few weeks before his death, the cause of which is to the
writer unknown, but occurred December 18, 1847, at
the age of nearly sixty-one years. His death was re-
garded as a great loss to the place. Many individuals
and families, to whom he had long administered in sick-
ness and was their only medical adviser, looked upon his
death as a personal affliction.
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406 OLD BE8IDENT8' HI8TORICAL ASSOCIATION.
JONATHAN BROWN, M. D.
The immediate successor of Dr. Kittredge was Dr.
Jonathan Brown. Dr. Brown was born in Wilmington,
Mass., February 24, 1821. He pursued his medical
studies under the direction of his father, and attended
lectures at Pittsfield and Harvard Medical University,
receiving his medical degree in 1846. Soon after his
graduation he located in the neighboring city of Law-
rence, where he remained a little over one year. At the
death of Dr. Kittredge he removed to Tewksbury, where
he continued in practice nearly twenty years. Part of
that time he was connected with the state institution.
Dr. Brown possessed the qualifications which were
essential not only to his success as a country practitioner
but which were of great value to him during his long
period of service in connection with the state institution,
of whose character it is not necessary to speak.
As a practitioner he was observing, studious, and
devoted to the welfare of his patients. As a neighbor
and townsman he was highly honored and respected, and
was an ever ready and sympathizing friend.
When, in 1854, the state almshouse was established
at Tewksbury, he was appointed resident physician, and
for twelve years he had the entire charge of the hospital
department. The condition under which the offer was
made was that he should not attend to private practice,
which, on accepting the position, he at once entirely re-
linquished. The wisdom of such a couVse will at once
be seen from the following statement, which shows that
it would have been impossible to do justice to private
practice and at the same time properly discharge his
duties at the institution.
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IBE EAllLY ^HYSICIAKS OF LOWELL. 407
During Dr. Brown's connection with the State Alms-
house a very large amount of sickness came under his
care and treatment. "The hospital reports give for
those twelve years over 15,000 patients, averaging all
the time from 150 to 200, and numbering some years
up to 1700 or 1800 patients. Few if any medical men
in the state ever prescribed for so many patients in the
same time." This was too large a business for any one
man to attend to, and he should have had assistants.
To the interest of the institution and the welfare
of its inmates Dr. Brown gave his best and undivided
efforts. His reports, which were prepared with great
care, showed his treatment to have been wise and dis-
criminating. His mind was clear, logical and exact, and
he possessed a well balanced character. He was seldom
absent from the institution, with the exception of a few
months in 1862, which he spent in the service of his
country. It was while in this service that his system
became impregnated with malaria, from the effects of
which he never recovered.
In 1865 he resigned his position as physician at the
almshouse, and again entered into private practice, but
it was not long before he was obliged to relinquish
active business, and finally, after several months of suf-
fering, he died of phthisis, August 20, 1867, at the age
of 46. At the time of his death he held the office of
President of the District Medical Society, in behalf of
which he had been a most earnest worker, always
attending its meetings, which were at one time held
once a month. His constant and punctual attendance
was often at the expense of considerable effort on his
part, living as he did, nearly six miles from the place
of meeting. The records show that he frequently pre-
pared papers or brought forward cases for discussion.
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408 OLD RBSIDBNT8' HISTOIUCAL ASSOCIATION.
The following are among the resolutions passed by
the Medical Society at a meeting which was called for
that special purpose on the day of the funeral :
Hesolvedj That in the death of our President, Dr. Jonathan
Brown, this Society deeply regret the loss of one who by his
readiness to contribute to the interest and welfare of the oigan-
ization, his uniform courtesy and kindness as an associate, and his
impartiality and uprightness as a presiding officer, had secured our
highest esteem and respect.
lieeolvedy That while hb professional attainments, his unblem-
ished Christian character, hb untiring industry and self-sacrificing
devotion rendered him admirably adapted to discharge the onerous
duties of his late responsible position as physician to the State
Almshouse at Tewksbury, his kind sjonpathies and cheerful counte-
nance made him a welcome guest in the family circle and by the
private bedside of the sick.
Rev. Mr. Tolman, his pastor, and who was inti-
mately acquainted with him, Dr. Brown having been
his family physician for many years, when officiating
at the last sad rites, paid this affectionate and fitting
tribute to his memory :
^^He possessed qualities as a physician that made
him beloved ; he was strictly honest, always true to his
patients^ was modest in his deportment, had great respect
for his professional brethren, and when placed in trying
circumstances, was scrupulously careful of their honor
and reputation. As a man he was cheerful, agreeable,
frank and plain-spoken. At various times he occupied
positions of trust and responsibility in the town, with
fidelity to the public and honor to himself. He was a
consistent member of the church, exhibited not so much
by words or professions as by acts or example; when
placed as a Christian in trying situations and put to the
test, he always manifested genuine piety, true penitence
and forgiveness."
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niBLICLIBKAU'/l
Lkl^KjX t
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THE BARLT PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 40^
JOHN C. DALTON, M. D.
Wherein lay the power that Dr. Dalton exerted
while living in this community, that now, after nearly
a quarter of a century has elapsed since his removal
from this city, its influence is not only still felt, hut
his memory affectionately cherished by so large a
number of our citizens ? The inquiry is frequently made
by those interested in these reminiscences — When will
the paper on Dr. Dalton appear ?
The artist runs a great risk who attempts to put
upon canvas a head that has already been painted by a
great master, and it is not without a similar hazard that
an attempt is made to gatiier up these reminiscences.
A most excellent memorial on Dr. Dalton was pre-
pared by Dr. John 0. Green, and delivered by him
before a public meeting of the citizens of Lowell, April
27, 1864.
Dr. Dalton was bom in Boston, May 31, 1796.
Early in life he received instruction at a private school,
then kept in Spring Lane. Subsequently he attended
the public schools, and in 1807, at the age of twelve
years, yas placed under the care of Dr. Luther Steams,
principal of Medford Academy, by whom he was fitted
for college, entering Harvard in 1810. Among his class-
mates were such men as James Walker, William H. Pres-
cott, F. W. P. Greenwood, and Pliny Merrick, each of
whom afterwards attained eminent distinction in the pro-
fessions which they adopted. In his college course he
acquired scholarly tastes and habits, which he retained
until the close of life. During his senior year he wrote
for and obtained the Bowdoin prize, his subject being
some question pertaining to political economy.
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410 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
After his graduation in 1814, he accepted an usher-
ship from his former instructor, where he remained one
year. In the fall of 1815 he entered his name as a stu-
dent of medicine in the oflSce of Dr. Josiah Bartlett of
Charlestown. He attended two full courses of medical
lectures in Boston, one in the University in Philadelphia,
and received his degree from Cambridge in August, 1818.
Dr. Samuel L. Dana, who was for a long time a resident
of Lowell, and who will be remembered by our older
citizens, received his degree at the same time.
The entrance of a young physician into professional
life in those days was somewhat different from the usual
custom of later years. In some respects it was not un-
like that of a minister receiving a call to settle over a
parish. In this case Dr. Dalton virtually received a call
from the people of Chelmsford to settle among them,
and it was extended to him in the following manner :
In 1818 Dr. Wyman, who was then practicing at
Chelmsford, received his appointment as superintendent
of the McLean Asylum at Charlestown. A public meet-
ing of the citizens of the town was called to give ex-
pression to their high esteem and personal respect for
Dr. Wyman, and to request him to appoint a successor.
The confidence which they reposed in him must have
been extraordinary and very universal, for they pledged
him that they would admit into their fellowship and
employ the man whom he should recommend. The re-
markable sagacity which was ever characteristic of Dr.
Wyman was never more clearly shown than when he
selected the subject of this, sketch, who was then in his
twenty-third year, and his medical studies scarcely com-
pleted. "No recommendation could have been more
desirable and essential to success, and no appointment
could have been more satisfactory and fortunate in its
results to all parties."
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THE EARLY PHYSICIANS OP LOWELL. 411
An amusing incident^ as related by Dr. Dalton to a
friend in this city, occurred upon his first going to
Chelmsford. Dr. Wjrman, in order to facilitate his
acquaintance, took him around to different parts of the
town, and introduced him to the leading families, speak-
ing a good word in his favor. Dr. Dalton was only
twenty-two years of age, and his looks were youthful,
especially as compared with Dr. Wyman. In calling
upon one of the principal families, the head of the
family, remarkable for age and wisdom, after making a
careful survey of the "young doctor," remarked that "a
physician would have to fill more than one grave-yard
before he had a chance to experiment on him." Not-
withstanding the shock this remark made upon the
" young doctor " at the time, he said that this family
became one of his best patrons.
For thirteen years Dr. Dalton pursued with untiring
energy the duties of an extensive and successful prac-
tice. He was naturally zealous and enthusiastic, and
followed out his investigations with great care and
patient study. But the country |)ractitioner early learns
the lesson of self-dependence, as circumstances and exi-
gencies frequently occur which not only ripen his native
qualities, but also bring him occasions that test his men-
tal fibre as well as his firmness and force of character.
Early in his professional career at Chelmsford, an
incident occurred which will illustrate not only his skill
in diagnosis but also will give an insight into the trials
and difficulties and the misrepresentations — the latter
too often coming from members of his own profession —
with which the young surgeon has to contend.
An old gentleman, seventy-eight years old, residing
in the northern part of New Hampshire, upset his two-
horse team in Chelmsford, fell on his hip and could not
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412 OLD BESTDBNTS' HISTOBICAI. ASSOCIATION.
get up. He was at once conveyed to a house, and Dr.
Dalton was called to see him. After a thorough exam-
ination he pronounced the case to be one of fracture of
the neck of the tiiigh bone, and he at once proceeded to
apply a modification of Dessault's long splint. A few
days after, the patient became restive, and declared he
must go home, and with that object in view, he employed
a carpenter to make him a box sufficiently large to
receive a bed together with himself and splint. Dr.
DiJton heard of this and strongly protested against his
removal, but it was of no use, for home he would go.
The journey was taken in a wagon, the distance being
over one hundred miles, he being carried forty miles on
the last day of his ride. Some three weeks after the
accident, a distinguished professor from Hanover was
called to see him. ^^ The patient made a somewhat sin-
gular appearance lying in his box, which, to accommo-
date himself and splint, he being over six feet high, was
not much less than ten feet in, length." The professor
decided that the bone was not fractured, and prescribed
treatment accordingly, ^d in a subsequent lecture before
his class he described the case, and impressed upon the
students the great care to be exercised against making a
hasty diagnosis. Dr. Dalton heard of this and wrote to
the professor, expressing surprise at the statement which
he heard he had made, and described the case as it came
under his care, stating that he found the limb everted
and shortened more than an inch, also that he detected
crepitus. A few years after the man died, and Dr. Dal-
ton went to the place of his death and requested an au-
topsy, which was granted. Upon dissection ^^ the bone
showed every mark of fractare, and constitutes now a
most interesting specimen of that peculiar kind of ac-
cident." Dr. Dalton at once wrote to the professor,
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THE BABLY FHTSICIAN8 OF LOWELL. 413
^^ stating the result, and closed with sa3ring that it wm
very important in such cases to avoid a hasty diagnosis."
The above incident doubtless made a lasting im-
pression upon Dr. Dalton, as forty years after its occur-
rence, while in conversation with a brother practitioner
on the trials of young physicians, he referred to this cir-
cumstance as a striking illustration of those trials from
his own experience.
During his residence in Chelmsford he formed many
pleasant associations, both social and professional, with
people in this young and rapidly growing town, and in
1831, desiring a larger field of usefulness, such as the
increasing population here afforded, he came to Lowell
in September of that year.
"How easy," says Dr. Green, "for his friends to
recall his ever welcome presence. On his expanded
forehead no one could fail to trace the impress of a large
and calm intelligence. In his beaming smile none coiold
help feeling the warmth of a heart which was the seat
of all generous and kindly affection; while his closed
mouth and rigid muscle around it gave equal evidence of
his firm purpose and indomitable energy of will."
Dr. Dalton's career in Lowell covers a period of
twenty-eight years, and was contemporaneous with the
growth of our city from its incorporation to the time of
his death.
There are many characteristics that enter into the
life, character, and professional attainments of this man
which are worthy of more than passing notice.
As a physician he presents to the younger members
of the profession an example worthy of study and imi-
tation. He was an ardent lover of his profession, and
sought, by careful study and investigation, to glean from
every source those acquisitions which should enable him
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414 OLD residents' historical association.
io take high rank among the first in his calling, not only
by his medical brethren of this city, but which should
cause him also to be recognized among the leading phy:
sicians of the state. With a fine personal appearance,
accomplished manners, and a melodious voice, he united
in himself those mental acquirements and personal habits
which are essential to usefulness and popularity.
It has been our privilege in some of the earlier
papers to notice the relations which their respective
subjects sustained to the municipal history of our city.
But in this sketch we have one who did not actively
engage in the political changes incident to a rapidly
growing community. Dr. Dalton was not a politician,
and his only experience in that line was two years of
service as an alderman, which ofl&ce he held only from
a sense of duty.
During his residence of nearly thirty years in this
city, Dr. Dalton took an active interest in all our chari-
table institutions, and he always entered with a glowing
sympathy into the various measures instituted for the
relief of the unfortunate and the aged poor, In 1857-
'58, when many persons were thrown out of employ-
ment, and there was much suffering among the poor,
he was quite active in forming a citizens' association
for their relief. For some time he was Treasurer of
the ^^ Ministry-at-Large," and during his term of office
many changes and improvements were made by his
suggestion, which proved of inestimable value.
The Unitarian Society of this city, to which he
belonged, and in which he was a valued member, are
indebted to him for many substantial tokens, among
which was this handsome gift: He transferred two
shares in the Railroad Bank to the Society, and ex-
pressed the wish that the dividend therefrom should be
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THE EARLY PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 415
used in the following manner — "I would have one-half
expended in the purchase, annually, of some engraving
of permanent value in illustration of Scripture history
or geography, for the use of the Sunday School; the
other half to be put into the hands of the Minister-at-
Large, for the purchase of poultry as a Thanksgiving
dinner for a few of the most deserving poor, at his dis-
cretion." As a result of this gift several fine engrav-
ings now adorn the walls of the beautiful vestry of that
society, while many a poor family, as they sit down to a
Thanksgiving dinner, have reason to be thankful for
the thoughtfulness and benevolence of this kind-hearted
man.
Dr. A. B. Crosby once related that when gathering
reminiscences of Dr. Nathan Smith, one of the most dis-
tinguished surgeons in New England, and the founder
of Dartmouth Medical College, he asked a venerable
man in his own neighborhood, whose hair had been
silvered by more than eighty winters, what manner of
man Nathan Smith was. He thought a moment, and
then, with a moistened eye and a quiver of the lip,
replied : " He was good to the poor." Nearly two dec-
ades have passed since Dr. Dalton has slept within
" The low green tent
Whose curtain never outward swings."
Yet there are many living hearts in this community
that still beat his requiem, and voices that repeat that
most enduring of all epitaphs : ^^ He was good to the
poor."
In 1859, owing to family relations which were of
a most pleasing nature, he removed to his native city.
Although he had been so long absent from the scenes
of his early life, he was privileged to renew many old
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416 OLD RESIDENTS' HISTOBICAL ASSOCIATION.
acquaintances, and form new associations which soon
placed him in an enviable position among the refined and
cultured of that gifted city. " His brothers in the pro-
fession ^t once joyfully admitted him to a place among
their honored members, and medical trusts of dignity
and importance were gladly placed in his hands/' among
which was the appointment as Senior Physician to the
new City Hospital.
Dr. Dalton was a patriot, and nothing but his age
prevented him from giving personal service at the front,
in the days of the Rebellion. While his four sons were
in the service of the country, he was not idle at home,
but was actively engaged in all those philanthropic
measures which were instituted by loyal friends in the
North for the comfort of those who were engaged in
the service.
The lamented John A. Andrew — war governor of
Massachusetts — in an address delivered on one occasion,
eulogized the patriotic zeal of Dr. Dalton as follows:
" When accidentally present on the arrival of two hun-
dred men in the steamer ^Daniel Webster,' in Boston,
he at once promptly offered his services to the Surgeon
General; and he actually rode up State Street in an
open ambulance at the head of the column on its way
to the hospital, while many a young man has turned
away in disgust because he disliked his assigned position
at some capital operation."
Dr. Dalton was one of the few who are in the habit
of speaking freely and unreservedly of their religious
convictions.
In a long autobiographical letter furnished by re-
quest, to his class secretary, some years after his gradua-
tion, he gives a specific and explicit account of his views
relative to those important questions which relate to
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THE EABLY PHYSICIANS OP LOWELL. 417
man's future destiny, but in respect to which the limits
of this paper do not permit us to speak. But enough
may be gleaned from the above brief sketch of his life
to show most conclusively that whatever his theological
opinions might have been, he had learned the true mis-
sion of life, and was content to humbly follow in the foot-
steps of Him who went about doing good.
The last illness of Dr. Dalton, which was the result
of an accident, was brief, though painful. For several
days he was a great sufferer.
"How touchingly characteristic," said Dr. Green,
"was the fact that the errand which called him from his
home on the night of his fatal accident was to secure the
Life of his classmate, Prescott, then newly published, to
send to another classmate in a distant state."
Upon returning from this errand he slipped on some
ice by his door and fell " upon a piece of iron, the model
of a cannon, about six inches long and one inch in diam-
eter, which he had in his pocket, and which was forcibly
driven against his left side." In a few hours after the
accident he was attacked with symptoms of pneumonia,
which rapidly increased, and finally terminated fatally
January 9, 1864. He had reached the age of sixty-
eight at the time of his death.
" He gave his honors to the world again.
His blessed part to heaven, and slept in peace."
His remains were brought to this city, and now rest
in the Lowell Cemetery.
WILLIAM GRAVES, M. D.
This gentleman was bom in 1793. Unfortunately
no authentic account can be obtained of the place of his
birth and early life. As the family have become extinct
12
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418 OLD residents' HISTORICAL AS80CIATI0K.
and no printed sketches of him can be found, our notice
is necessarily brief.
This paper therefore introduces him at a time when
he was in practice at Deerfield, N. H. It is said that he
practiced in that town for a number of years and did a
large business.
In 1826 he came to Lowell, where he remained
nearly fifteen years. While living in Deerfield, and in
this city, he educated a large number of students, which
fact speaks well for his attainments. His traditional
reputation is that of a skilful physician and surgeon, and
he is often referred to favorably by our older citizens.
For many years he had an office on Central Street,
at the corner of Warren, from which he removed to Hurd
Street, where he lived until his death. He is described
as a man of genial temperament and of a cheerful dis-
position. He was also quite corpulent, turning the beam
at three hundred pounds. Probably he was the largest
physician physically that ever practiced in this city.
Dr. Graves was a member of the State Medical
Society, but there is no record of his being a member of
our local organization.
His death is recorded at the city clerk's office as
having occurred April 1, 1843, at the age of fifty.
JOHN W. GRAVES, M. D.
Dr. John Wheelock Graves, son of the subject of
the preceding sketch, was born in Deerfield, N. H., Jan-
uary 7, 1810. His academical education was received at
Exeter, N. *H. At the age of sixteen he removed to
Lowell with his father.
Dr. Graves studied his profession in the office of his
father and attended lectures at the Medical University at
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THE EARLY PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 419
Washington. After his graduation he returned to this
city, where, with the exception of the time he was in
charge of the United States Marine Hospital at Chelsea,
he remained in active practice until the last year of
his life.
Having the prestige of his father's name, reaping
certain advantages from his father's experience and
business, and commencing himself when quite young
the practice of medicine with a young and growing pop-
ulation, he soon became very acceptable as a physician
to a large number of families, and for many years had
an extensive business, not only in Lowell but in the
neighboring towns. Few physicians are ever called to
prescribe for so many different patients or have done it
with such general satisfaction.
He espoused heartily the cause of temperance and
anti-slavery, and was always ready to contribute of his
time, his means, and his influence to them, as well as to
other benevolent objects.
Few physicians, in city or country practice, have
ever performed gratuitously a greater amount of pro-
fessional service for the poor and needy — among whom
were found at his death very many sincere mourners.
In 1871, when our community was suffering from
the ravages of small-pox, it will be remembered how
earnestly he labored to suppress this epidemic while
acting as chairman of the medical staff appointed by
the Board of Health. For the quick suppression of
this loathsome disease our community was very much
indebted to his decided and persevering efforts.
Dr. Graves was quite active in the political history
of our city. Originally he was a democrat but became
prominent in the "free soil" movement. He served
acceptably on the School Committee in 1833-34-35. In
1842 he was a member of the Board of Aldermen, and a
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420 OLD RESIDENTS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
state senator in 1850-'51. He was also a member of the
convention to revise the state constitution in 1853. In
1852 he was appointed by Gov. Boutwell as one of the
commissioners to locate and erect the lunatic asylum at
Taunton.
" He was several times a candidate for mayor, and
was each time unsuccessful by a few votes only, although
the candidate of a party in an almost hopeless minority
f|.nd had pitted against him a candidate whose nomination
at any time was considered equivalent to an election."
He wafi city physician in 1850-59-60. In 1861 he
entered upon his duties as superintendent of the United
States Marine Hospital at Chelsea. This position he
held with great acceptance for eight years. In, 1869 he
returned to Lowell and assumed charge of the Lowell
Hospital, where he remained until his death, making
forty-four years of medical practice.
Dr. Graves was a member of the Old Residents'
Association, and also an active member of the Middlesex
North District Medical Society, having been one of its
early members.
In person Dr. Graves was a little above six feet in
height, of erect carriage and of commanding presence.
He was very pleasant in conversation, adding to this
happy faculty a much more rare one, that of remember-
ing every one by name to whom he had once spoken.
Dr. Graves " possessed naturally a strong constitu-
tion and had always enjoyed good health, except a severe
fit of sickness in 1841. But early in August, about four
months before his death, he had a alight attack of apo-
plexy, followed for some weeks with a disturbance of tiie
bowels, which, by reducing the vital forces of the sys-
tem, revived up and greatly increased an old difficulty,
an organic disease of the heart. As a result of this low
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THE EARLY PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 421
vitality and want of power in the action of the heart,
the circulation was soon cut off entirely to one foot,
which relapsed into a moribund state, that gradually ex-
tended to the knee. In the mean time the action of the
heart became weaker and more abnormal, occasioning
at times great difficulty in breathing. So great was this
difficulty in respiration for the last two weeks of his life
that it seemed to his attendants that he could not survive
from day to diay, and, at times, from hour to hour. This
continued resistence to disease and tenacity of life
showed a remarkably strong constitution. During all
his sickness he had full possession of his mental faculties
and frequently expressed a desire to be relieved from his
pain and sufferings." These troubles rapidly increased
during the last few weeks of his life, and finally termi-
nated fatally November 28, 1873, at the age of nearly
sixty-four.
The remains of both the father and son rest in the
family lot in the Lowell Cemetery.
HANOVER DICKEY, M. D.
Dr. Hanover Dickey was born in Epsom, N. H.,
September 14, 1807. He pursued his medical studies
under the direction of Dr. William Graves, Dr. John W.
Graves, the subject of the preceding sketch, being a
student in his father's office at the same time. Dr.
Dickey attended medical lectures at Dartmouth Medical
College and Harvard University, receiving his degree
from the latter in 1837- For eight years he practiced
medicine in Epsom, his native place. In 1845 he came
to Lowell, where he resided twenty-eight years.
Dr. Dickey was, from disposition and the constitu-
tion of his mind, very retiring. As a physician he
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422 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
. '-
possessed^ in a large degree, those moral and intellectual
qualities which give honor and usefulness to the profes-
sion. He possessed one moral and intellectual quality
which will be recalled by those who were well acquainted
with him, and that was a purity of mind and heart. In
his religious life he was a member and regular attendant
at the Kirk Street Church.
The subject of this sketch was made for a working
physician. He had a good person, a grave, mild counte-
nance, a good constitution, and a kind, sympathizing
nature. These, together with his intellectual acquire-
ments, enabled him to enjoy a good business during his
professional career in this city.
As a member of the Medical Society he was a con-
stant attendant at its regular meetings, frequently taking
active part in the discussions, and ever ready to perform
his part, when assigned to prepare a paper or present a
case for mutual study and improvement.
Dr. Dickey never married, but, together with his
mother and sister, lived in a quiet and respectable
manner on Hurd Street for many years. On the 29th
day of May, 1873, after returning to his house from
making a professional visit on the Hamilton Corporation,
he entered his office, where he was soon heard to make
considerable noise as if in trouble. But when entrance
was made into the room he was found to be breathing
his last, and before medical assistance could be obtained
he was dead. His death was caused by heart disease,
which had troubled him for many years. His remains
were removed to his native town for burial.
At the next regular meeting of the District Medical
Society the following resolutions were passed by his
medical associates in this city :
Resolved, That in the death of Dr. Hanover Dickey, who has
been a member of this Society twenty-eight years, and been honored
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THE EARLY PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 423
with all its leading offices, we lose an honorable associate, a physi-
cian thoroughly educated in his practice, strictly honorable in all his
intercourse with his brethren and always thoughtful of the rights of
others, as well as conscientious in the discharge of his duty towards
his patients.
Mesolvedf That while expressing a deep sense of our personal
loss in the death of Dr. Dickey, the virtues and the qualities here
described as exhibited in his life and character are deserving of our
warm commendation, our highest respect and faithful consideration.
BENJAMIN SKELTON, M. D.
Dr. Benjamin Skelton was bom in the neighboring
town of Billerica, March 16, 1783. For many years he
practiced in Pelham, N. H., and in 1840 he removed to
this city, where he resided for twenty-seven years. Dr.
Skelton was highly respected for his moral and religious
character. He was an active member of the John Street
Congregational Church, and when the High Street Church
Society was organized he became one of the original
members. Of a quiet and retiring disposition he enjoyed
a respectable practice for twelve or fifteen years, but for
ten or twelve years he was confined most of the time to
his house by reason of chronic rheumatism and partial
paralysis. His death occurred March 23, 1867, in the
eighty-fifth year of his age.
DANIEL HOWE, M. D.
This gentleman was bom in Pembroke, N. H., Feb-
ruary 3, 1790. When he was twelve years of age his
parents moved to Salisbury, N. H., and most of his edu-
cation was received in the seininary of that town.
Having chosen the profession of medicine he pur-
sued his studies under the direction of Dr. Joseph Wil-
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424 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
son, of Salisbury, and attended lectures at Hanover,
N. H., where he graduated in 1819.
For several years he practiced at New Durham,
N. H. On the 10th of June, 1831, he came to Lowell,
where he opened an office and commenced the practice
of his profession, which he continued until within a few
months of his death.
Dr. Mowe's character as a man of probity and honor
stood high among all who knew him. To those who
were intimate with him, he was known to be governed
by the highest Christian principles, and daily exhibited
the most ardent piety, united with sincere humility.
As a physician Dr. Mowe enjoyed a large practice,
especially among the Methodist people of this communi-
ty. He had a thorough knowledge of materia medica,
was a careful observer of all new remedies, and was in
the habit, after careful study of their constituents, to
give them a thorough trial before adopting them among
his class of remedies.
" The remedial agent known as ' Mowe's Cough
Balsam ' was a preparation of his own, and has justly re-
ceived a fair reputation throughout New England."
In 1860 Dr. Mowe appeared to be in failing health, and
in the fall of that year he went to Salisbury, N. H.
While there he took a violent cold, which was followed
by pneumonia, that terminated fatally November 3, 1860.
At a regular meeting of his associates in the medical
fraternity, November 20th, a deserved tribute was paid to
his worth in the following resolutions :
Hesolved, First, That in the death of Dr. Daniel Mowe, an old
and respected member of the Middlesex North Medical Society, we
have lost an associate who was ever honorable and upright in char-
acter, kind and courteous in professional intercourse, correct and
exemplary in life and manners, a safe and intelligent counsellor and
always true and steadfast friend.
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THE EARLY PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 425
Second, That inasmuch as his working years were devoted to
the interests of this community, so here his memory should ever be
held precious, as that of one who, after a long and useful career, has
left a bright example of an upright Christian life.
JEREMIAH P. JEWETT, M. D.
Dr. J. P. Jewett, who was the son of Dr. Jeremiah
Jewett, was born in Barnstead, N. H., February 24, 1808.
He received a common school education in his native
village, and also attended two terms at Phillips Academy
in Exeter, under the instruction of John Adams.
Dr. Jewett studied his profession in the ojBSce with
his father, and attended lectures at Dartmouth Medical
College, where he graduated in the fall of 1835.
In March, 1838, he came to this city, and entered
upon the practice of his profession, which he continued
until his death.
His devotion to the profession never abated during
the whole period of thirty-seven years that he was en-
gaged in practice His career was not marked by start-
ling events nor remarkable achievements, but was itself
the most rare and difl&cult achievement of all — an unin-
terrupted discharge of every daily duty.
As a physician Dr. Jewett enjoyed a good practice,
and for many years he served the city acceptably, per-
forming the offices of coroner. As a member of our
local medical society he was prominent and active. He
was at one time president, and far many years he was
secretary of the organization; he also served in other
positions. He was for many years a member of the
New England Genealogical Society. At one time during
his connection with this society, he collected material
and commenced a history of his native town. This
work, which was not completed at the time of his death.
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426 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
has since been revised, enlarged, and published by our
venerable citizen, Robert B. Caverly.
During two years before his death he suffered from
dropsical affections. His death occurred June 23, 1870.
On the 27th his funeral was attended by large dele-
gations from the Old Residents' Association and the
North District Medical Society, and his remains were
borne away "to a peaceful rest in the shades of the
Lowell Cemetery."
JOHN BUTTERFIELD, M. D.
Dr. Butterfield was born in Stoddard, N. H., January
2, 1817. He began to attend school at the early age of
three years, and from that time until his death, was a
most diligent and faithful student. A large part of his
short life of thirty-two years was spent in teaching. He
was at one time a pupil of our venerable citizen, Mr.
Joshua Merrill, and also of Mr. Thomas M. Clark, now
Bishop Clark of Rhode Island. Dr. Butterfield taught
school at Francestown, N. H., when he was but seventeen
years of age, having previously had some experience in
teaching at Londonderry in that state. He was at one
time the principal of the Third Grammar School in this
city.
He studied his profession with the late Dr. Hunting-
ton, and attended lectures at the Medical University at
Philadelphia, from which he received his degree of M. D.
Returning to this city, he entered into partnership with
Dr. Huntington.
Although a young man, Dr. Butterfield was widely
known as a man of great promise. H^ was a great
favorite with his associates and won for himself a large
circle of friends both in and outside of the profession.
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THE EARLY PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 427
He was highly respected for his Christian manliness and
integrity of character.
In 1843 he removed to Columbus, Ohio, where he soon
won for himself a high position in the medical circles of
that city. Soon after his arrival at Columbus he was
chosen professor in the Starling Medical College. " It is
no disparagement to the very respectable gentlemen con-
nected with that college to say that Dr. Butterfield was
the leading man among them." Dr. Butterfield was a
great favorite of Dr. Willard Parker of New York, who
it is said, after his death remarked ^^ that he lived a full
and rounded life in the short period of thirty-two years."
Never of a strong and rugged constitution, by close
application to his studies he easily fell a victim to pul-
monary troubles, which rapidly increased untU, in the
summer of 1847, he returned to this city, hoping that
the change and rest would soon restore him to his health,
so that he might return to labors which he fondly looked
forward to with the brightest hopes. After remaining
here a week he went to Salisbury, N. H., where he rap-
idly failed, and died of consumption, September 7, 1847.
ABNER H. BROWN, M. D.
The subject of this sketch was born in New Ipswich,
N. H., July 6, 1816.
Through the courtesy of our highly respected citi-
zen, Mr. C. C. Chase, principal of the Lowell High
School, who was a classmate and intimate friend of Dr.
Brown's, the following sketch of his early life is here
given as furnished by him in a letter received a few
days ago :
At the age of eight years he lost his father by death,
and in six or seven years after this event, his mother, for
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428 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
the better support and education of her three children,
removed to the city of Lowell.
It was the good fortune of Dr. Brown to be a mem-
ber of the first class of boys who entered our High
School, and to become a scholar of the Rev. Dr. Clark,
afterwards the distinguished bishop of Rhode Island.
Dr. Clark, when chosen principal of the High School,
was only nineteen years of age, but his pupils saw in
him so much to admire, such enthusiasm, such hearty
sympathy, such personal magnetism, that he found it
easy to inspire them with a high ambition.
The admiration was mutual, for more than thirty
years afterward the bishop declared that he used firmly
to believe at the time that there never was such a splen-
did set of scholars as he had. Of those boys I will men-
tion only four.
First was Benjamin F. Butler, now governor of the
state, whose active, vigorous mind already gave promise
of his renown.
Next was Edward F. Sherman, a fine scholar, who
afterwards became the mayor of our city. •
Next was Marshall H. Brown, brother of Dr. Brown
and two years his junior, a boy of great promise, who
died before entering college.
The fourth was Abner Hartwell Brown, the subject of
this article, a delicate boy of such quiet, gentle ways, so
full of love and tenderness and yet so coy in the ex-
pression of his feelings, so refined in his taste and lan-
guage, such a natural gentleman, though but a country
boy, that his mates could not help respecting and loving
him.
After his graduation in 1835 Dr. Brown entered
Dartmouth College, where he graduated in 1839. " As
a student of Dartmouth he stood in the front rank. As
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THE BAKLT PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 429
a scholar he was diligent and thorough^ and as a man he
was a favorite."
Upon finishing his collegiate course he was appointed
as a tutor in the college, where he remained two years.
In 1841 he was elected as principal of our Lowell
High School. But before entering upon his active duties
he was attacked with a dangerous hemorrhage of the
lungs, which prostrated him for several weeks. On
account of this he returned to the School Board the
commission with which they had honored him.
At length, after somewhat recovering from his ill-
ness, he chose the profession of medicine, influenced, it
is supposed, by his intimate friend. Dr. John Butterfield,
the subject of the preceding sketch. He attended med-
ical lectures at Dartmouth Medical College and at New
Haven, graduating at the latter and delivering the vale-
dictory address on that occasion. Subsequently he was
appointed professor of chemistry in the Willoughby
Medical College of Lake Erie, where he gave several
courses of lectures with acknowledged abUity and suc-
cess. When that school was removed to Columbus, Ohio,
he still continued to occupy his position as professor.
In 1847 he received the appointment of professor
of materia medica and medical jurisprudence in the
Berkshire Medical School at Pittsfield, Mass. This ofl&ce
he retained until his death.
Of his practice in this city, which was of course
more or less interrupted by his courses of lectures, it is
only necessary to say that by his good judgment, kind
feelings and courteous deportment he acquired and re-
tained, in an eminent degree, the confidence and good
will of all who knew him. Brilliant as were the quali-
ties of his mind, the qualities of his heart still eclipsed
them. As a physician he was esteemed as a safe and
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430 OLD KESIDENTS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
skilful practitioner. He was thorough in his investiga-
tions^ and careful in his methods of treatment. He was
city physician for several years, and in that capacity his
kindness of heart and gentleness of nmnner were ever
prominent in his dealings with suffering humanity. Such
were the high attainments of Dr. Brown that had his
life been spared he would doubtless have stood among
the first in his profession, and have been an honor to the
community as an upright Christian physician. His death
occurred at Hanover, N. H., April 21, 1851.
PATRICK p. CAMPBELL, M. D.
Dr. Campbell was bom in Scotland, March 30, 1804.
At an early age he came to this country, and soon after
settled in Lowell. For twenty years he practiced his
profession in this city. Among his own nationality and
the families who patronized him he was highly respected
for his upright, honorable life, while as a physician he
possessed the necessary requsites of a successful practi-
tioner. A few years before his death he removed to
East Chelmsford, where he remained the rest of his life.
His death occurred November 18, 1865, at the age of
sixty-two, after an illness of only three days.
OTIS PERHAM, M. D.
The older citizens of this commimity will readily
recall the name of Dr. Perham, who for nearly twenty-
five years, was a highly-respected and well-known prac-
titioner in this city. Dr. Perham was born in Old
Chelmsford in 1813. He was a cousin of Dr. Willard
Parker, with whom he studied medicine, and graduated
at Woodstock Medical School in Vermont, when Dr.
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THE EARLY PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 431
Parker was Professor in that institution. In 1837 he
came to Lowell. By marriage and other associations he
enjoyed a large practice among the leading families in
this city. In 1839 he connected himself with our local
medical society, in which he afterward held many im-
portant ofl&ces.
As a physician, Dr. Perham is reputed to have been
well read in his profession, careful and discriminating in
his diagnosis, judicious in his methods of treatment, kind
and sympathizing with his patients, and thoughtful of
their wishes and* patient with them in their troubles. As
a man, none have but the kindest words as they speak
of his life and revere his memory. His death occurred
November 22, 1863, at the age of 50.
DANIEL P. GAGE, M. D.
Among the many physicians who have practiced med-
icine in this city it would be hard to find one who was
more devoted to the duties of his profession than was
Dr. Gage.
The subject of this sketch was born in Berlin, Wor-
cester County, in this state, October 25, 1828.
Shortly after this event his father moved to North-
boro', where the youth's early years were spent in assist-
ing his father in his labors on the farm, and in attending
the winter terms of the town school.
Subsequently he attended the academy in Newbury,
Vt., where he graduated.
He also taught school for several terms in the acad-
emies at Wrentham and Walpole, Mass., and at the
same time continued his studies of the higher mathemat-
ics and the languages.
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432 OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
Having chosen the profession of medicine he com-
menced his studies under the direction of Dr. Harvey
Clapp of Wrentham. He afterwards studied under Dr.
Moses Clarke of Cambridge, both now deceased, and at-
tended lectures at Harvard University, graduating in
1855.
Immediately after his graduation he came to Lowell,
and opened an ofl&ce on East Merrimack Street, Belvi-
dere, but shortly after removed his office to the Nesmith
Building, and finally located on John Street, where he
kept an office for many years. In 1862.he entered the
army as assistant surgeon, and was detailed for several
months in the hospitals at Washington and vicinity. He
also participated in several of the important battles of
that year.
Upon his return home he again entered into active
practice, which was continued uninterruptedly for nearly
twenty years.
In 1867, when St. John's Hospital was organized, he
was elected a member of the staff of physicians, and
during his connection with that institution, which was
continued until the close of his life, he not only served
it faithfully as a physician, but also took an active inter-
est in all matters pertaining to the prosperity of the
hospital and the comfort of its patients.
He was greatly interested in another charitable in-
stitution in this city — the St. Peter s Orphan Asylum.
He gave to it his professional services, and by kind
attention and fatherly care over the little orphans won
their love, and the respect and high esteem of those
connected officially with the asylum.
Dr. Gage devoted his life to the interests of his pro-
fession with the zeal which marks the true patriot on
the field of battle.
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THE EARLY PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 433
In regard to his medical standing and character it is
due to his memory to say that he was well informed in
the latest and best methods of treatment in his day, was
diligent -in study, careful and discriminating in his diag-
nosis, and was especially fortunate in his management of
disease.
It was characteristic of Dr. Gage that he laid special
emphasis upon the family history of his patients. He
always made it a rule to enquire particularly into their
antecedents, early habits, occupation and surroundings,
and having done this took equal care to investigate the
immediate cause of their ailment.
Nor was this careful and painstaking inquiry into
details confined to his first visit, but it has often been
remarked of Dr. Gage that when he had once taken
charge of a case, he remained faithful to the trusts com-
mitted to him to the last.
In his surgical treatment he emphasized most clearly
the significant remark of Desgenettes to the French
surgeon-in-chief, that " It was the duty of the physician
to save life, not to destroy." In this particular Dr. Gage
won the lasting gratitude of his patients. However
serious a wound might seem to be at first, he was always
inclined to defer any operation that would involve a por-
tion of the injured part, believing that nature would
make the necessary repairs, if allowed to do so. This
characteristic was especially shown in his treatment of
mill accidents, the most common of which are injuries
to the hands or arms, and it is believed that many an
unfortunate person who has received severe lacerations
of one or more fingers of their hand now enjoy the use
of their whole hand as the result of the wise and patient
treatment of Dr. Gage, for he literally nursed back to
recovery the injured members, which perhaps others,
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434 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
less willing to wait for so slow a process, would have am-
putated.
Another characteristic of Dr. Gage was the deep in-
terest which he always manifested in students and
younger members of the profession. Many a young phy-
sician cherishes his memory with filial affection as he re-
calls the courtesies and kind attentions received from
him during the early years of his professional career.
As a member of the district medical society, he held
many important offices, and was president of the society
the year preceding that of his death.
The subject of this sketch gave his life in behalf of
his profession, but it was more of a sacrifice than many
are called upon to offer. We read in history that, during
the plague which is known as the "Black Death" and
which raged throughout Europe in the 14th century, a
physician shut himself up alone in a room, and there,
until he perished, continued to dissect the bodies of those
that had died, at the same time writing out a diagnosis of
the disease in order that the faculty might discover a
remedy for it.
For twelve years Dr. Gage suffered from slow poi-
soning occasioned by the inoculation of virus through a
scratch on his finger while making a post-mortem exam-
ination. Within twenty-four hours after the occurrence
he was obliged to take his bed, and the best of medical
aid was summoned to his relief. He rallied from his
prostration, but his finger did not heal for three months.
The attacks from this cause recurred ^t first at ir-
regular and long intervals, but they grew more frequent
in number and severity until finally he was compelled to
relinquish practice. During the last two years of his life,
he was confined most of the time to the house. He was
never heard to complain, even when suffering intense
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THE EARLY PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 435
pain, from which the nature of the disease gave him but
little respite. He would, by a strong effort, strive to
forget himself in the interest of others.
Worn out by terrible and continuous sufferings,
though in the prime of life, and with everything to live
for, death was "welcomed, and relieved him of the burden
of life on the morning of the 31st of January, 1877, at
the age of forty-eight.
EBEN K. SANBORN, M. D.
Dr. E. K. Sanborn was born in New Chester, N. H.,
January 24, 1828. His father, who was also a physician,
died when he was thirteen years old. Having chosen
the profession of medicine, he pursued his studies under
the direction of his uncle, Dr. Gilman Kimball of this
city. Dr. Sanborn early in his career gave evidence of
a high degree of professional attainments and soon
reached an enviable position among the younger mem-
bers of the profession.
In 1853, at the age of twenty-six, he filled the chair
as lecturer on pathological anatomy in the medical col-
lege in Vermont. The following winter he went abroad,
and spent several months attending the clinics in the
hospitals of England and Germany.
After returning to this country he was appointed a
teacher of anatomy at the Berkshire Medical Institution.
For some time he also filled the chair of surgery in the
same school.
After the breaking up of the school in Vermont
with which he was first connected, he received an ap-
pointment in the .medical institution located at Castleton,
Vt., at the same time establishing himself in practice at
Rutland.
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436 OLD BESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
Dr. Sanborn is said to have possessed rare acquire-
ments as a teacher, and had he remained in that capac-
ity, he would doubtless have attained to a high position
among the medifeal instructors in this country. He early
in his practice commenced to use his pen in recording
his observation of cases, methods of treatment, and such
other information as he thought would be useful to him
in later years. His communications to medical journals,
although few in number, showed original thought and
study, and covered a wide range of subjects, especially
in his special department of anatomy and surgery.
The following are some of the subjects of the papers
which he prepared, and which may be of interest to the
profession : " Fractures of the Patella, treated by Adhe-
sive Straps"; "Ligamentous Union of the Radius and
Ulna, treated by Drilling and Wiring, after Failure by
other Means" ; " Ununited Fracture of the Humerus cured
by the same method" ; "A New Method of Treating large
Erectile Tumors, with a Review of the Pathology of the
Disease and the Different Modes of Treatment." This
last is said to have been a most exhaustive treatment on
that subject, showing not only remarkable success in a
given case, but furnishing also suggestions of general
application to this particular class of disease.
Upon the breaking out of the rebellion he was one
of the first to offer his services in behalf of his country.
In April, 1861, he was commissioned as surgeon to the
First Volunteer Regiment of Vermont. He was first
stationed at Fortress Monroe, and soon after he was
ordered to Newport News as post surgeon, where he
established, though on a small scale, the first hospital
erected during the war.
It was while at Fortress Monroe that his real worth
and efficient service were recognized by Gen. B. F. But-
ler, who solicited his future service as surgeon of the
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THE EARLY PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 437
Thirty-first Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. This
proposition was accepted, and with a commission from
Gov. Andrew, he joined his regiment on board the ill-
fated steamship " Mississippi," whose record of disasters
and perils is well known by every student of history.
But his brilliant career was destined to be short, for
as soon as he reached Ship Island " he had become sadly
prostrated, both in mind and body, by the unremitted
fatigues and anxiety of the voyage, so that in less than
two weeks from the day of disembarking he sank away
without showing any evidence of actual disease, appar-
ently from mere physical exhaustion.'* His death oc-
curred April 3, 1862, at the age of thirty-five. His re-
mains were taken to Lowell for burial.
Upon the occasion of his death Gen. Butler re-
marked : " The service lost a good officer, the profession
an able member, and the country a patriot and good
citizen."
JAMES G. BRADT, M. D.
Dr. James G. Bradt, who was the son of Mr. G. B.
Bradt, a well-known citizen of this city, was born in
Lowell, September 24, 1837. His early education was
received in the public schools of this city. He gradu-
ated at the High School in 1849. He entered Harvard
College in 1853, but was obliged to leave his studies
before the close of his junior year on account of a severe
attack of hemorrhage of the lungs.
Dr. Bradt read his profession with the late Dr. Wal-
ter Burnham of this city, and attended lectures at the
Medical College of Physicians and Surgeons in New
York, where he graduated in 1858. For a time he was
professor of anatomy in Worcester Medical College. On
the breaking out of the war he entered the army and
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438 OLD BESmENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
served as surgeon of the Twenty-sixth Massachusetts
Regiment. While in the service he won a high position
among his medical associates, and particularly distin-
guished himself as an operating surgeon of more than
ordinary ability. After serving his country for four
years he returned home and entered into practice in this
city. Dr. Bradt united to undoubted skill in his pro-
fession an intense love for its practice, and had excep-
tionally good success in the management of disease.
He early connected himself with the North District
Medical Society, which he served faithfully for a consid-
erable time as its secretary.
But the same relentless foe— consumption — that had
taken his mother, a sister and only brother, at last
claimed him also, and on the 22nd of January, 1868, at
the age of thirty years and four months, he passed away.
ABNER W. BUTTRICK, M. D.
Although not strictly one of the early physicians of
this city, yet, on account of the high rank which he at-
tained among his professional brethren in this commim-
ity, it may not be inappropriate to include a bf ief sketch
of him in this paper. Dr. Buttrick was bom in Lowell,
August 28, 1842. He was a member of our Lowell High
School, and fitted for college at Phillips Academy of An-
dover, entering Williams College in 1861, graduating in
1865. Subsequently he entered Harvard Medical School,
where he received his degree in 1869. Soon after his
graduation he went to Europe, where he spent a consid-
erable time at a hospital in Dublin, and several months
of study in the celebrated medical college at Vienna.
Later, he attended clinical instruction at a hospital in
Paris.
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THE EARLY PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 439
" While Dr. Buttrick was a man thoroughly imbued
with scholarly habits and tastes, he made not the slight-
est pretence to scholarly rank or distinction, under the
ordinary discipline and regimen of school or college. He
grasped the substance of knowledge, and was almost
scornfully indifferent to the conventional methods of
proclaiming and rewarding scholastic achievement."
Upon entering upon the active duties of his chosen
profession, which he did in his native city, he at once
took high rank, not only as an educated physician of
more than ordinary ability, but as far, and even at times
beyond the limits which his health would permit, he
worked persistently for the advancement in certain of
its most important spheres.
His heroic and faithful discharge of duties performed
during the prevalence of small-pox in this city, will
stand as a monument that he proved himself " to the
occasion true." One, in writing of him after his death,
and referring to his connection to the important position
which he occupied at that time, said : " The acceptance
of the post of resident physician at the pest house in
Lowell meant isolation from family, from friends, and
deprivation of the ordinary comforts of social life; it
meant, also, personal danger ; it meant communion with
disease and death in their most terrible form. He was
himself stricken with this dreadful scourge, but he never
faltered, and there are many living to-day who can tes-
tify to the unremitting care, the fidelity and patience
with which the good physician ministered unto them.
^He stood between the living and the dead and the
plague was staid.' " This was only one of the many of
the duties which he performed as a public medical bene-
factor during the few years in which he was permitted to
follow his chosen profession, which he loved so well.
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440 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
But the same relentless foe which has claimed so many
of the younger members of the profession, who have
been the subjects of these sketches, met him also, and
again provecL that while he saved others, himself he
could not save.
For seven years he fought manfully, patiently and
well against its ever insidious approaches, but at last,
when the inevitable time came, he met it " calm, philo-
sophical, cheerfully, undisturbed by his waiting shadow,"
and on the morning of March 27, 1882, he passed peace-
fully away.
The following most fitting testimony, which was
prepared by one of his intimate professional brothers,
expresses beautifully the respect in which he was held
by the members of the Medical Society :
"While we tender our sympathy to the family of our late
associate, Dr. Abner Wheeler Buttrick, in their affliction, and
deplore the loss occasioned to this society by his death, we recall
with pride and admiration the traits of character to which his ex-
cellence as a man and physician was due. He had a mind analytic,
observing, unusually clear and well balanced, with a breadth of view
that had been enlarged by foreign travel, a heart easily moved by
human woes, a genuineness of purpose and sturdy common sense
that frowned on charlatanry whether in religion, politics, society or
the practice of medicine. A quiet heroism and calm philosophy
which, rendered prominent by a long and trying illness, touched it
with a gentle pathos, and made the closing scenes of his life seem less
like a bed of sickness than an impressive triumph over suffering."
DAVID WELLS, M. D.
The subject of this sketch was born in Wells, Me.,
November 13, 1804. He was the son of Rev. Nathaniel
Wells, a clergyman who for nearly a quarter of a century
was highly respected and honored as an upright, faithful
and earnest preacher of the gospel.
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THE EARLY PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 441
At an early age Dr. Wells removed with his father
to Deerfield, N. H., where his boyhood life and many
years of his early manhood were spent. His general
education was received in the town school and in the
academy at Exeter, N. H. " In the higher department
of books and thought, he cultivated the domain of read-
ing as the sailor follows the sea, as the native Swiss loves
the mountains.'' His medical studies were pursued under
the direction of Dr. Thomas Brown of Deerfield.
After his graduation he commenced practice in
Deerfield, where he remained eight years. Subsequently
he removed to Boston, where he remained nearly one
year, and in 1837 came to Lowell, where he continued
in practice forty years, until the close of his life.
Dr. Wells was one of the original members of the
North District Medical Society, and during his connec-
tion with that organization he held nearly all of its
important offices.
As a practitioner Dr. Wells was remarkably success-
ful. He was a diligent and untiring student, and pos-
sessed, in a high degree, the requisites of all true intel-
lectual greatness — the habit of patient investigation and
close application to the subject he was pursuing.
Dr. Wells enjoyed a large practice, especially among
the Irish people of this city. In regard to his medical
treatment, it may be said that he possessed sound and
discriminating judgment, and was often consulted by his
professional brethren in trying and difficult cases. He
lived to be useful and was most happy when he was ful-
filling the kind duties of his profession in behalf of the
poor. But, as has often been said, he was extremely re-
tiring and self-distrustful.
The Rev. Dr. Foster, for many years his pastor, now
deceased, in speaking of Dr. Wells, on the occasion of
15.
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442 OLD RESIDENTS' HI8T0BICAL ASSOCIATION.
his death, made these fitting remarks : " Descended from
a long line of distinguished ministers, both on the father's
and the mother's side, nourished in his childhood and
youth by the richest food of gospel truth, it is not to be
wondered at that he was a natural teacher, and that if
his gifts of practice had been equally exercised with his
gifts of experience and thought, he would have been an
eminent expounder of Bible doctrine. With jiative soci-
ableness and generosity, together with the charm of
manner which belonged to him, he won greatly upon the
confidence of children."
Dr. Wells never married, but spent his days in the
quiet seclusion of his own companionship. In referring
to his choice of single life, one has remarked : " How sad
that some happy explorer had not traced those rivulets
of kindness through ever deepening currents to the Albert
Nyassa Lake, and built a home on its border, so that its
blessed exhalations might not have been lost in the
unknown airs, and its overflowing streams in surround-
ing sands."
During his residence here he boarded most of the
time at the Merrimack House, sleeping in his office at
night. Not appearing during the day of the 23d of
February, 1877, entrance was made to his office, where
he was found dead. Subsequent investigation made it
probable that his death occurred early in the preceding
night, of rupture of the heart, at the age of seventy-
two years.
HIRAM PARKEB, M. D.
This gentleman was bom in Kittery, Me., in 1809.
He entered upon his professional studies when quite
young, attended lectures at the medical school in Phila-
delphia, where he graduated. For seven years he prac-
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THE EAKLY PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 443
ticed in South Berwick, Me., and in 1834 he came to
Lowell, remaining in practice in the city over forty years.
He was originally a practitioner of what is termed the
" old school," but subsequently advocated homoeopathy,
whose doctrines he followed during the last years of his
practice.
Dr. Parker was a kind and genial man, a good prac-
titioner, and enjoyed a large and lucrative practice. He
was something of a literary genius, and wrote consider-
able, on both medical and miscellaneous subjects. When
the work of Rev. Edward Beecher was published, enti-
tled " The Conflict of Ages," Dr. Parker wrote and pub-
lished a volume of considerable size which was designed
as a reply to that of Mr. Beecher, and chose for his title
" The Harmony of Ages." This work had a considerable
sale, and is said to have been a production of more than
ordinary merit.
Dr. Parker was a member of our local medical soci-
ety, and, until his change of views with reference to
medical treatment, he was quite an active member, but
after adopting homoeopathy he was not a constant at-
tendant at its meetings, though he always retained his
connection with that organization.
During the last few years of his life he was con-
fined most of the time to the house with paralysis, which
caused his death May 22, 1877, at the age of sixty-eight.
His funeral occurred at the Worthen Street Baptist
Church, where for many years he was an active, consist-
ent member, a teacher in the Sabbath School, and prom-
inent in the several departments of Christian labor.
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444 OLD residents' historical association.
HENRY WHITING, M. D.
This gentleman, who was a brother of our well-
known citizen, Phineas Whiting, was born in that part of
Chelmsford which is now Lowell, February 19, 1822.
He fitted for college at Derry, N. H., and also in Boston,
entering Harvard in 1838, graduating in 1842. He
studied medicine with Dr. Gilman Kimball of this city,
and Dr. Marshall S. Perry of Boston, attended lectures
at Harvard Medical School, and at Jefferson Medical
College in Pennsylvania, graduating at the latter in 1845.
Immediately after receiving his degree he went to
Europe, where he continued his medical studies, and also
travelled over a great part of the continent. On his re-
turn from Europe, Dr. Whiting commenced practice in
this city. Having abundant means he was never com-
pelled to seek practice on account of its pecuniary re-
muneration, and therefore he devoted himself to acquir-
ing the best possible knowledge of the art and science of
his chosen profession.
Dr. Whiting possessed a naturally strong mind and
unusual powers of observation. He was of a kind and
generous nature, and was especially fond of humor, in
which he freely indulged, but it was never of that char-
acter which in any way detracted from his gentlemanly
habits, which he guarded with scrupulous care. In his
professional life he was highly honored and was looked
upon by his contemporaries as a young man of more than
ordinary promise. But his career was brief. " He died
in the flush of manhood, with high hopes and expectations
unfulfilled." His death occurred June 23, 1857, at the
age of 35.
When the list was prepared whose names have been
the subjects of this series of papers, it was hoped that
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THE EAKLY PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 446
they might be completed without having to include any
of the fraternity who were then living. But this has not
been permitted. Since these papers were commenced,
the sickle of the destroying angel has entered our circle
and consigned to another and larger circle beyond the
shores of time, two of our oldest and well-known physi-
cians— Dr. Walter Burnham and Dr. Daniel Holt. They
have so recently left us, and as full notices of their pro-
fessional careers, which were well known to all our citi-
zens, have appeared in our several local papers, any
further notice would necessarily be but a repetition of
what has already been written.
As a matter of record, the following may appropri-
ately be given :
WALTER BURNHAM, M. D.,
Was bom in Brookfield, Vt., January 12, 1808. He
graduated in medicine in 1829, and came to this city in
1846, where he continued in practice thirty-seven years.
His death occurred January 16, 1883, at the age of
seventy-five.
DANIEL HOLT, M. D.,
Was born in Hampton, Conn., July 2, 1810. After
receiving his medical degree he practiced for a while at
New Haven, and came to Lowell in 1845, continuing in
practice here nearly thirty-eight years. He died April
11, 1883, aged seventy-two years.
CONCLUSION.
In drawing this series of papers to a close it may
not be inappropriate to briefly review some of the salient
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446 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
points which they present, and note a few lessons which
they suggest. An apology for anything of a personal
nature is always in place. Including the present paper
there have been published fifteen papers, containing
thirty-two sketches.
The subjects of these respective papers have, with
but one or two exceptions, been regular members of the
State or Middlesex North District Medical Societies. The
object of this series, as stated in my first paper, was to
gather up the incidents and reminiscences in the lives of
the men who composed this society. Many of them
were distinguished in their profession, and all were an
honor in the community in which they lived. This, we
believe, has been verified. In the Morning Mail of May
26, 1883, appears an article written by Dr. Nathan Allen
of this city, in which this assertion is clearly demon-
strated. Among other things he says : "The reading of
these papers impresses one strongly that several of these
physicians were men of no ordinary character. They
inherited talents of a high order, and such was their
calling and the circumstances surrounding them that
they developed marked characteristics. It is doubtful
whether any other city or vicinity in the state, except
Boston, can present such a list of medical men. Some
eight or ten physicians can be named among them whose
equals in point of talent, education and character it
• would not be easy to find. Take Hildreth of Dracut,
Thomas of Tyngsborough, Wyman of Chelmsford, Howe
of Billerica, and Kittredge of Tewksbury, then Bartlett,
Dalton and Huntington of Lowell — passing by the liv-
ing— and where else can we find such men? Several
names might be added to the above list who, in the esti-
mation of many, would not be considered inferior to
those mentioned."
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THE EAKLY PHYSICIANS OF LOWELL. 447
In the preparation of a series of papers of this
nature, it will not be supposed that the task could have
been accomplished without the aid and co-operation of
the members of the respective families and friends of
those in respect to whom I was writing. It has been
very gratifying to me to receive the hearty approval and
kind assistance of the remaining members of the families
whose fathers, husbands, and brothers have been the sub-
jects of these sketches. While the occasion does not
permit me to mention their respective names, yet I take
this public manner of expressing to each and all my
sincere thanks for their kind and thoughtful aid in fur-
nishing memoranda, loans of books, and for promptness
in correspondence.
But I cannot allow this opportunity to pass without
publicly acknowledging my indebtedness to Dr. John 0.
Green and Dr. Nathan Allen for the valuable assistance
which they have rendered to me while preparing these
papers. Some mistakes have been made and much that
might have been included* in several of the sketches has
doubtless been omitted, yet from the many kind letters
which I have received from prominent men in the pro-
fession and from others outside its ranks, together with
personal expressions of* approval and commendation from
so large a number of our citizens, have not only been
very. gratifying, but also assure me that with those ex-
ceptions which the nature of such a work will allow,
they have been generally correct.
Soon after the publication of these papers was begun
there appeared in the New bury port Herald an able
editorial commending this work and suggesting that some
one prepare a similar series of the physicians of that city.
In speaking of the important position which a physician
holds in the hearts of the community, the article says :
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448 OLD residents' historical association.
" There is no class more highly honored. People stand
up for the family doctor as they do for their own clergy-
man, and there is much more of personal preference.
There is no greater insult than to speak slightingly of
the skill of the man who has faithfully attended the
sick-bed of a loved one, and perhaps has brought
him or her back from the portals of the dark kingdom
to life and light. The doctor knows the troubles as well
as the sickness of the families he visits. Their straight-
ened circumstances cannot be concealed from his eye as
they can from that of the casual visitor, and he is looked
on as a friend so long as he is trusted in at all. But
there is one great drawback to the profession. As soon
as the doctor is dead he is forgotton by all except those
who knew him personally. His beneficent deeds are
exceedingly comforting at the time, but they are not such
as to make a display. He works in secret, but the
reward does not come openly, in this world."
Under these circumstances, I can but believe that
these sketches have at least proved pleasant reading to
those acquainted with their history, and recalled pleasant
memories of the early physicians of Lowell and vicinity-
1
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XXIV. Members of the Massachusetts Medical
Society in Lowell, from 1822 to 1883,
hy John 0. Green.
^ir,v ;'*>.- ;3i:,^."a]i AN/.
Admitted Died. Age.
Allen, Nathan 1841
Aldrich, Ezra B 1870
Bartlett, Elisha 1828. . . .1855 61
Baker, Nathan 1841
Baker, John 1841
Burnham, Walter 1846. . . .1883 75
Brown, Abner H 1849 1861 35
Bntterfield, John 1842. . . 1849. . . .33
Bartlett, Benjamin D 1849 1853 68
Brown, Paris B 1851. . . .1853
Bradley, Wm. H 1852
Blake, Jeremiah 1858. .
Bricket, George F 1859
Bradt, James G 1861 . . . .1868. . . .30
Bass, William .- 1866
Bancroft, Henry K 1864. . . .1868. . . .31
Buttrick, A. W 1872. . . .1882. . . .40
Babbitt, Henry S 1850
Benoit, Benjamin, Jr 1878
Brissett, H. R 1880
Bradt, G. J 1881
Ballard, Albert M 1871
Campbell, Patrick B 1834. . . .1865. . . .69
Curtis, Josiah 1843
Chadboume, T. W 1876
Colton, J. J 1877
Carolin, W. T *. 1881
Coggin, David 1869
Dalton, John C 1831. . . .1864. . . .68
Dewar, Henry A 1834
Dearborn, A. D 1840. . . .1861
Davis, Charles A 1849. . . . 1862. ... 72
Dickey, Hanover 1845 1873. . . .63
Daley, James 1869
Dillon, Valentine M 1874
16
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450 OLD RESIDENTS* HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
Eaton, Wyllis G., Jr 1879. . .
Ford, James W 1827
French, Leonard 1849
Fox, Lorenzo 1865
Fiske, Cyrus M 1872
Green, John 0 1822
Graves, William 1826. . . . 1843. . . ,60
Graves, John W 1830. . . .1873. . . .63
Gordon, Charles 1834
Grey, William 1838. . . .1868 .. . .66
Gage, Daniel P 1851. .. .1877. .. .48
Gilman, John H 1866
Goulet, Ambrose 1860
Huntington, Elisha 1824 1,866, . . 69
Home, Jeremiah 1841
Hill, Reuben W 1846
Hooke, H. M 1845
Holt, Daniel 1849. . . .1883. . . .72
Harwood, Henry J 1860. . . .1863 37
Herrick, A. S 1873 .... 1881
Hoar, W. H 1874
Halloran, Robert J 1874
Huntress, Leonard, Jr 1876
Hyde, Edward 1878
Humphrey, Otis M 1862. . . . 1872
Irish, J. C 1878.
Ireland, G. D 1863.
Jewett, Jeremiah P 1833 ... . 1870 .... 62
Jackson, William B. 1880
Jefferson, H. P.. 1880
Kimball, Gilman 1830
Kidder, Moses 1838 1866 63
Kidder, C. W. B 1849
Kidder, Walter 1846. . . .1871. . . .48
Kidder, Moses W ; 1860
Knight, Harvey 1879
Leach, J. T. G 1833
Langlois, Joseph E 1867
Livingston, Alfred 1«62. . . .1877 39
Little, John 1846
Leighton, W. H 1867
Lavigne, Alfred W 1872
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MEMBERS OF THE MASSACHTTSETTS MEDICAL SOCIETY. 451
Mowe, Daniel 1830. . . .1860. . . .70
Mansfield, George 1832 . . . 1869. , . .61
Manning, Peter P 1838. . . .1865. . . .64
Mansur, Moody 1840
Moore, Ira L 1843
Mason, Augustus 1844 1882
Mann, Cyrus S 1844
Morse, Luther B 1848
McCrillis, John 1845
Maxfield, James G 1865
Mignault, Deodat .1860. . . .1862. . . .29
Merrill, Sydney S 1853
McCarty, J. J 1878
McKinnon, J. A 1881
McOwen, William H 1882
Nickerson, Franklin 1867 .
Osgood, George C 1866.
Ober, C. J 1880.
Pillsbury, Harlin 1827. . . .1877. . . .79
Pillsbury, John D 1830. . , . 1856. . . .49
Perham, Otis 1840. . . .1863. . . .50
Parker, Hiram 1834. . . . 1877 .... 68
Prius, Peter 1860
Perkins, E. A 1858
Pinkham, George E 1865
Parker, Moses G 1866
Pinco, Peter 1850
Proctor, W. B 1866
Pillsbury, George H 1870
Patterson, D. N 1876
Phelan, A. J 1879
Plunkett, F. C 1865
Pillsbury, Harlin H 1859
Rice, F. R 1879.
Scribner, Isaac W 1834. . . .1864. . . .58
Skelton, Benjamin 1836 1867. . . .77
Shapleigh, E. B 1838
Spalding, Joel 1846
Savory, Charles A 1850
Sanborn, E. K 1852. . . .1862. . . .35
Smith, Joseph H 1868
Sanders, Charles B 1870
Smith, H. J 1872
Spalding, Charles P 1876
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452 OLD residents' historical association.
Shaw, Thomas P 1877
Sibley, Hartwell A 1878
Shackford, Rufus 1847
Taylor, V. 0 1870
Trueworthy, E. W 1877
Viles, C. A 1878
Wormsley, Thomas 1842
Wells, David 1840 .... 1876 .... 72
Wadleigh, John B 1847. . . . 1853. . . .62
Wilbur, Hervey B 1843
Whiting, Henry 1847. . . .1857. . . .35
Woodman, Lucius D. B 1852
West, Joseph T. 0 1849
Warren, Charles 1860
Whitmore, George H 1864. . . .1870 47
Wood, Franklin A 1856
Whole number, 137.
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INDEX.
Abbott, J. G., 82, 307
Adams, C. F.. 251
Eben. 198
H.,329
Joel. 136, 238, 292
John, 425
John R., 144, 240, 293
Simon, 163
William, 196
Advocate, Marina Washington, 217
Albion Block, 85
Alexander II., 58
Alexis, Grand Dulie, 68
Allen and Boyden. 144
Nathan. 136, 446. 447
Otis, 163
Allen's History of Chelmsford, 236. 295
Altemas, 274
American, The, 247
Citizen. The 286
Wesley an Observer^ 243
Amherst College, 16, 27
Amory, John, 109
Amoskeag Bank, 21
Anderson, Robert, 34, 35, 36, 40, 44, 48, 50,
51.56
Andrew, John A., 216
Appleton Bank Building, 134, 136
Elizabeth, 95
John. 95
Manufacturing Company, lo
National Bank. 290
Observatory, 87, 88
Street Church, 116, 270
Appleton's History of the Origin of Lowell,
no
Arsenal, United States, 41
Article subscribed to by the early founders
of Lowell, 6
Ashley, 185
Aspinwall. William H., 36, 46, 47, 64
Astor, William B.. 54
Asylum, St. Peter's Orphan. 432
Atnerton & Buttrick. 144, 156. 159
Atkinson Brothers. 162
James, 250
Aurora Club. 275
Austin. William, 137
Avery, Ephraim K., 150
Ayer, Frederick, 150
J. C.& Co., 236, 261
Bacheller. N. J. N., 246, 263, 264
Baker, B. F., 29
Gushing, 162
Baldwin, Cyrus, 196
H. E. & E. C, 248, 262
William, 236, 237, 238
Ball, Benjamin W., 255
Bancroft, Jefferson, 160
Harriet B., 29
Banks, N. P., 243
Gov., 261
Baptist Meeting House on Suffolk Street,
146
Barnes, 177
Barnard, J. F., 67
Barrett, George, 286
Mr. and Mrs., 269
,279
Barrows Coat of Arms, 108
E. P.. 108
Edward, 108
John, 108
Samuel, 108
Sarah M.. 108
Richard, 108
Barry, Mr. and Mrs., 150
Bartnolemew. 93
Bartlett, Elisha, 214, 243, 330. 331
Sketch of. 361-371, 3
John C, sketch of, 371-374
Josiah, 329, 330, 410
William O.. 243
Bascom. William, 169
Batchelder. Samuel, 381
Samuel, Mrs., 240
Bates, John, 252
Sarah, 252
,86
Baxter & Bennett, 156
Darwin D.. 161
Henry J.. 159
Beard, Albin, 240
Beaufort Academy, 13
Beaureguard, Gen., 44, 64, 63
H.,262
Beecher, Rev. Edward, 443
Bell, Admiral, 72
Rev. Wm., 250
Belmont Avenue. 84, 87
Bellows. John, 196
Samuel M., 262
Bennett, Julia, 29
J. W. & Co., 316
WUliam S., 169
Bigelow, Judge. 306
Billings, Ann, 243
John, 142
Thomas. 157, 150, 162, 288
Bisaciantti, Madam, 270
Bixby, Daniel. 144
John, 197. 198
Black Horse Tavern, 148
Blair, Montgomery, 33, 34, 36, 37, 41
Blair's Book of Prayer, 32
Blake, Thomas. 98
Blanchard, Rev. Amos, 98
Blood, Charles, 197, 198
Bonaparte. Lucien, 177
Bonney, A. P., 248, 305, 306, 307
Boott, Ann, 4
Corporation, 117
Elizabeth, 4
Eliza Haden, 7
Francis. 3. 4
Frederick Lowell, 7
James. 4
John Wright, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 109
Kirk, Senior, 346
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454
OLD residents' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
Boott, Kirk, of London, 6
Kirk. Sketch of. 3-12, 81, 104. 143, 168,
204, 213, 283, 297, 321, 827, 328
Kirk, Jr., 7
Kirk & Sons, 109
Mary, 4
Mary Love, 7
Miils. 109
Sarah Ann, 7
William, 4
Boston Daily Whig, 251
Fire (1872), 136
Galaxy, 241 •
& Lowell Rail Road, 117
Manufacturing Company, 6, 97, 110,
171
Boutwell, Gov., 262
Bowers, James, 143
John, 143
Bradley, Amos, 340
Dr. Amos, sketch of, 340-^44
Harriet, 234
J. B., 281, 282, 283
Joseph. 117, 295, 2%
Louisa W.. 234
Peleg. sketch of, 340-^44
Thomas. 246
Bradley's Farm, 299
Ferry, 295, 297
Bradstreet, Dr., 345
Bradt, G. B., 437, 438
James G., 437
Brandon Avenue, 84
Brastow, Addison, 160
Bridge, Central, History of, 295-318
Brigham, Augusta L., 30
D. P., 216
Brooks, Edward. 4
Gov., 392
Preston. 265
Brougham, Lord, 116
Brown, Abner H., sketch of, 427-430
A. R.,258
Dr., 374
Epluaim. 89, 136, 137, 180
George, 163, 243
Jonathan, 144
John W., 27, 144, 406, 407, 406
& Judkins. 243
Leonard, 256, 256
Marshall H., 428
& Morey, 256
William C, 217
Brunce, Francis M., 62
Bryson, Andrew, 61, 62. 68, 70, 71
Buchanan, James, 34, 38, 41
Buckley, John, 94,
Bugbee, Calvin. 31
Bunker UUl, Exhibition of Painting, 141
Burbank, Charles & Co., 248
Levi 8., 28
Samuel, 135, 198
Burdlck, Susan E., 28
Burke. WilUam A., 309
Burnet. Gov.. 94
Burnham, Walter, 445
Burr, Francis, Mrs., 94
Rev. Jonathan, 94
Burrows. Henry, 169
Butler, A. Jackson, 281
Benjamin F., 54, 73, 86, 250, 254, 325,
326, 328, 428
Mrs., 277
Butterfleld, John, sketch of 426, 427, 429
William. !M7
Buttrick, Alden B., 156
Abner, 135, 136
Dr. A. W., sketch of, 438-440
John A., 156
Byron, Thomas F., 263
Carobreleng, 115
Cameron. Simon, 35, 51
Campbell, James L., 261
& Hanscom, 261
P. P.. 352. 430
Carleton, George H., 144, 159, 163
Carney, James G., 215
Carter, Marianne, 264
William C, 254
Carufel, L. E.. 262
Case, Rev. Eliphalet, 9. 147, 238, 239, 242, 270
Cass, Gen., 34
Casket, The, 243
Cauncy. Rev. Dr., 94
Caverly. Robert B., 426
Chadwick, Eben. 196
Chandler, Edward. 161
Channing, Rev. Wm. E., 217
Charlestown Courier, 72
Harbor, 42. 52
Mercury, 13
Chase, Alice J., 30
Charles C, 26. 27, 30, 427
David E.. 216
& Hoitt, 252
Gov., 251
John. 117
Chelmsford, Al\en's History of, 236, 295
Courier, 236
Journal, 234
Phoenix. 234, 237, 238
Cheever, Ezekiel, 296
Cheney, Cleveland J., 309
John L., 216
Chesley, John T., 246, 247, 265
Chesney. C. C, 59, 60
Child, Alonzo. 161
Chauncy, 161
Choate, Rufus, 305, 306
Christian Era. 252, 256
Citizen Newspaper Company, 264
City Hall. 239, 277. 283, 401
Clapp, John M., 13, 27
Moses. 432
Claremont Eagle, The, 253
Clark, Elizabeth, 220
Hugh, 219, 220
John, sketch of, 219-222
John M., 13
Rev. Jonas, 221
Lydia, 221
Rev. Peter, 220
D. D., Rev. Thomas M., 6, 13, 14, 26,
30. 273. 319, 426, 428
Clarke. Moses, 430
Classic Hall, 85
Clement, Julia. 273, 282
Cleveland, Nehemiah, 26
Cobum, Cyril, 145
C.F.,284
Ephraifh, 262
Lauretta, 262
Coffin. C.C, 131
Colbum, Warren, 10. 151, 213, 321
Colbum's Residence. 10
Colton, John J., 28, 256
Compend, The, 241
Comte de Paris. 66
Concert Hall, 15, 270, 281, 282
Concord Patriot. 247
Republican, 247
Yeoman. 247
Conihe, William, 216
Conner. Luther, 281, 285. 286
Converse, Joshua, 135
Conway, Mrs., 283
Cook, Cyrus, 172
Homer A., 251, 266
James, 172, 214
Digitized by
Google
INDEX.
455
Corliss, H. G. F., 201
Cowley, Charles, 61, 166, 252, 255, 260
Crease. Sarah. 78
Critchett, Nathaniel, 135, 141
Crombie. James C., 216
Crosby, Asa. 381
A. B.. 415
Frank. 2S5
George A.. 386
Joslah, 330, 331
Sketch of, 380-386
Nathan, 131, 380
Judah, 2S0
Cross. Bethuel, 164
Crowley, Dennis, 167
Cruise of the Monitor Lehigh, sketch of,
61-73
Cadworth. Angellne. 23
Cummings, George W., 142
Pohlt, 63. 66, 67
Cunningham, Edward, 312
Currier, Moody 'il, 22, 23, 26, 32
Curtis, Harriet F., 246
Cushing, Caleb, 253
Stephen, 135, 216
, Cutter, B., 329
Dabney, Paul, 236
Dahlgren, 66. 68, 69
Daily Citizen, 256
Herald. 248
News. 247
Telegraph, 247
Vox. 247
Dalton, John C. . 215, 330
, Sketch of, 409-417
I Daniels, Joshua W., 136, 137
Dana, David, 135
Francis, 253
Samuel L. , Sketch of, 30S-410
Dartmouth College, 21, 24, 230, 279
Davidson, William, 169
Davis Block, 85
John, 117
Day Star, 262
Dearborn & Bellows, 242
Dean, Benjamin, 306, 307
Daniel H., 161
Horace. 161
Declaration of Independence, 79
De Frondat, Charles, 30
Dickens, Charles, 169, 370
Dickey, David, 86
Hanover, 421^123
Dimick, Col., 64
, Dinsmore, James, 135
> Robert, 243
i ' Robins, 266
Diplomatic Correspondence, 171
Douglass, 94
Drake, Nelson, 250
Drama in Lowell, with a short sketch of
Perez Fuller, 267-288
Draper, Charlotte E., 30
Duckworth. James, 169
[k Duesbury, William, 327
I Dummer Academy, 28, 93, 94
I David, 96
I Edward. 96, 107
r Elizabeth A., 95
Eunice Noyes, 95
Hannah. 94, 96
Jeremiah, 94
John, biography of, 92-108
John, Jr.. 96
Joshua. 95
Katherine, 96
Maranda, 107
Mary. 92
Mehltabel, 95, 107
Dummer, Nathaniel. 96
Richard, 92, 93, 94, 96
Samuel, 96
Samuel. Jr., 95
Sarah, 96
Shubael. 94, 95
Stephen, 92
Susanna, 95
Thomas, 92
WUliam, 91
Dupont. Admiral, 59
Duty. Susanna, 95
Dutton. Charles. 375
Dyar, Warren, 159
Early Physicians of Lowell, Reminiscences
of. 329-448
Policies in Howard Fire Ins. Co.,
1832-'3. 142-146
Trade and Traders of Lowell, 152-164
Eastman. Mary F., 28
Eaton, Dexter, 281, 285
Major, 47
Mary, 272. 281, 282, 286
Eddy, D. D., Rev. D. C , 319
Edson, D. D.. Rev. Theodore, 7, 8, 11, 17, 20,
81,310
Edwards, Jabez, 216
N. B., 398
Eldridge, Mary A.. 281
Elliott & Billings, 320
Hazen, 169, 239
,93
Embargo Act. 79
Emery. Enoch, 246, 252, 255, 256
Emmons, 274
Endicott. , 92
Ericsson's System of Monitors, 58
Everett. Edward, 115
Exley Joseph, 172
Farley, Harriet, 244. 246, 262
Farmer. Mary H., 29
Famswortli, Chas. H., 32
Jesse £., 50
Farr, A. W., 246
Farragut. Admiral, 67
Farrlngton, Isaac, 280
Faunce, Sewall A., 136
Fellows, J. K.. 133, 223, 268
Female Advocate, 242
F^val, Paul, 177
Flske, David. 269
Mary P., 259
William. 136, 146
Flske's Saw Mill. 141
First Universallst Church. 144
Congregational Church, 98, 145
Fltzpatrick, Dennis, 167
Flagg, Henry. 161
Fletcher, Henry, 160
Jona, 202
Rev. L. J., 267
Rebecca, 202
Thomas, 202
. 48
Floyd, Benjamin, 167
Foote, James L., 160 ' -
Forbes, Franklin, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 26, 31
J. M., 36
Ford, Timothy, 167
Foreign Colonies in Lowell, Sketch of, 166-
179
Forrest. Lieut., 61
Fort Moultrie, 36, 40, 64
Pickens, 36, 46, 46
Sumter, 33-61. 64-67, 65, 66, 71
Fortress Monroe, 64
Foster, D. D.. Rev. E. B., 441
Fowle, Rev. Robert, 77
Digitized by
Google
456
OLD RESIDENTS' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
Fox, Abilah, 296
Ezekiel, 296
George, 281
Giistavus, sketch of, 33-61, 281
Francis, James B., 208, 211, 309
Franco-Canadian colony, 175, 176
Free Chapel, 16
Freeman. Rev. Enoch W., 241, 320
French, WiUlam, 216
Fuller, Perez, 270, 272. 277, 278, 279. 280
Gage, Daniel P., sketch of, 431^435
Gale. Mr. and Mrs., 283
Gardner, Edward, 276
Henry J., 267
Garfield. James A., 384
Garity, Thomas R., 313, 316
Garrison, William Lloyd, 114, 116, 130, 131,
132
Gates, Noah F., 273, 274
Gawu. John, 162
Gedney Estate. 80, 81
Geer, Frederick L., 192, "193
George I., 94
Paul R., 142, 144
Gennon, G. C, Mr. and Mrs., 274
R. W., 274
Gerry, George A., 315
Gov.. 392
Gibson, William, 62
Gilbert. John, 286
Giles. J. B., Mrs., 269
GiUis & Edes. 163
J. P., 48
Gilman, Alfred, 33, 206, 233, 241, 295, 326
Gilmore, Gen., 65
Gladwin, 8. F., 293
Glass, Three Manufactories, 180-200
Glidden, Elisha. sketch of, 28^294
Erastus, 291, 293
Globe, 237. 238
Gloucester Colony. 272-274
Goodhue, Joslah, 387
Stephen, 142
S. &T. P.. 160
Thomas, 142
Goodnow, Mr. and Mrs., 283
Goodwin, John A., 246, 247, 255, 256, 257
W. B., 264
Gordon, J. C.,216
Gospel Fountain, 260
Gould, William, 243,
Gove, Dana B., 261
David, 161
Graham. C. G., 274
Grant, U. S., 57
Graves, John W., 418-421
William, 376, 400, 417, 418, 421
Gray, William C, 280
Green, Charles, 160
E. C. & Co., 257
John O., 11. 12. 160, 236, 319, 330, 369,
382, 38e. 409, 413, 417, 447
Greenleaf, Daniel G., 122
Greenwood, F. W. P., 409
Grimes, 68
Groton Herald, 239
Guild, Emily B., 29
Hadley, E. H., 216
Samuel P., 196
Hale, B. E., 242
William, 15, 16, 17
Hall, J. N., 40
Ham. Helen, 29
Hamblett, Charles, 340
Hamilton, Alexander, 171
Manuf acturhig Company, 169, 290
Hanaford, James, 216
Hancock, John, 221
Hancock, Levi, Mrs.. 316
Handel & Haydn Society, 270
Hanscom, George A., 261
S. R., 31
Hanson. J. W., 261
Hardman, Alice J., 29
Mary. 29
Harrington Brothers, 263
Daniel H., 263
John H., 263
Harris. Robert, 77
Hastings, Catherine, 294
Henry, 294
H. W., 159
Walter, 289, 294
Hayes. J. F. C, 246, 256
Heaselton. Peter, 296
Hedge, Levi, 252
Hervey, Rev. Nathaniel, 260
Hews, Robert. 182-189
Heydock, William, 147
Heywood, Dr., 361
Hidden, Rev. , 381
Hildreth, A. B. F., 244
Fisher A., 248, 250, 266, 261, 274
Israel, 333
Dr. Israel, 261. 279
Sketch of, 333-339, 375
Hill, Isaac. 263
Hillard, George S., 167
Hills, E. A.. 260
Hirscb. William E., 191-194, 199
Hixon, Lloyd W., 28
Hobart CoUege, 28
Lydia. 219
Hobbs. Francis. 155, 156, 238
Holmes, Oliver W., 362, 370
tJ?
Holland, John W., 216
Holt, Daniel, 445
> 37, 40
Holyoake, George J.. 233
Hooper, A., 239
Hopkinson. Thomas, 136, 274
Hoppin. D. D.. Rev. N., 14, 16, 26, 31, 319
Horse Railroad Company, 310
Horton, Rev. J., 243
Hosmer, Edward S., 311
Howard, Horace, 159
Insurance Company, 135
Insurance Company, List of Ofll-
cers, 139, 140
Hovey, Charles, 83, 86, 152, 161, 165
Harriet C, 30
Howe, E. B , 280, 281
Jeroboam, 160
School, 353, 360
Zadoc, 330 •
Sketch of, 352-360
Howell, John C. 61
Hudson, Edward M., 48
Hunt Brothers, 260
Charles, 255
Clarissa. 86
Ebenezer, 86
J. L.,260
Hunnewell & Stone, 190, 192, 196
Hunter. William, 169
Huntington, Rev. Asahel. 346
Elisha, 147, 330, 331
Sketch of, 345-362, 882,
426
L. W., 268
Mrs., 240
Huntress, Leonard, 242, 243
& Knowlton, 242, 260
Hurtubise, J. B., 262
Huse, Goodwin & Co., 247
S. W. & Co., 246
1
Digitized by
Google
XNDSX.
457
Immaculate Conceptioo, 316
Insurance in Lowell. History of, 133-151
'* Insured at Audover," 136
Jackson, Andrew, 84. 85, 117, 216
Edward, 174
Jonathan, 174
J. B. 8., 11
Patrick T., 5, 11, 168, 109
Thomas J., 174
Gen., 42, 160
Jefferson, Thomas, 79
Jenks.D.D.Rev. W.,«6
Jenness, Jacob, 163
Jewett, George B., 27
Jeremiah, 425
Jeremiah i\, 425, 426
Johnson, Andrew J., 62
B. F., 246
Edward. 20
J.. D.. 247
William F„ 275
Jones, Ball & Poor, 217
Gen., 217
Journal and Bulletin, 242
Kappltz, Charles, 276
Eeach, Abram, 252, 255
Emery & Co., 262
Eeiser, Mr. and Mrs., 282
Keltic Colony, 166-168
Kendall. Jonathan. 144, 165, 160
Kendrick, John, 198
John & Co., 198
Kent, Chancellor, 171
Miss. 96
Kbnbail, Amasa, 165
Charles P., 162
& Clark, 213
Daniel. 250
Glluian. 143. 286
Jonathan. 27, 28
John. 146, 268
John P., 268
Moses, 273
& Wheeler, 166
Klrkland, ,3»3
Kittredge, Benjamin. 403
Henry, 402-406
Ji^cob. 202
Joseph. 298
RufUS. 396
Thomas, 403
William, 296
Knapp, Chauncy L., 132, 256, 266
& Son. 204
Knight. Dauiel E., 160
Knowles. John A., 289
Sheridcn. 271
Knowlton. Dauiel H. 242. 243
J. S. C, 239, 240, 243
L'AbeiUe. 262
Ladies' Pearl, 247
La Campagnie d'Im., etc., 262
La Favre. 274
La Republique, 262
La Sentinelie, 262
Lake Company. 110
Lamb, Shepard, 198
Lambert, George, 282
Lamson, Rev. Aai'on, 243
Colonel, 36
Lane. D. W., 310
Lancashire Colony, 168-171
Lancaster Mills. 26
Langley. A. D. & Co., 249
Larcom, Lucy, 246
Latham, C. H., 260
Lawrence, Abbott, llO, 337
Lawrence, City of, 110
Essex Co., 110
Luther. 142, 291, 298, ait
Manufacturing Co., 156
William. 3
41-46,62,58,55,
lex North bis-
l&-4fi2
sketch of, tt^
82
264
,250,281,296
9,316
Loring & Cooper. 192
Lovejoy, Rev. EUJah P;, 114
Lowe, J. H..396
Lowell Advertiser, 242-244, 247. 262, 966
Advertiser and Patriot, 250
Bauk, 134
Cabinet, 265. 257
Citizen and News, 235. 256, 257, 264
Courier, 14, 160, 242, 235, 264, 365
Directory, 167
Draina:tic Society, 281-288, 286
Francis C. 109
Freeman Aid Society, 131
Gazette. 243, 260
High School, Reminiscenoes of,
13-32,33
High School Association, 26
Institute, 109
John Amory, sketch of. 109-111
Journal, 238. 239. 242, 265
Journal and Courier, 243, 247, 262^
267, 288, 263
Judge. 100 \
Lyceum, 366
Manufacturing Co., 166
Mercury, 9, 238, 242, 260, 270
Messenger, 242
Mirror, 262
Morning Herald. 255
Morning Mail, 263, 310
Mornhig Times, 235
and Monadnocks, sketch of, 180-200
Mutual Fire Ins. Co., 134, 140
Observer, 241, 242
Phalanx, 286
Philanthropist, 243
Poet, 201
Saturday Evening HaU, 268
\
Digitized by
Google
458
OLD RESIDENTS' HISTOBICAL ASSOCIATION.
Lowell Semi-Weekly MaU, 268
Seml-Weekly Times, 241, 243
Street Theatre, 270
Lyman Farm. 76
Roland, 144, 160
WlUiam, 411
LyndeHiU Estate, 86
no, 826
1.1T
110, 117
230, 231, 282
»,240
iStrtct. List Of
0-828
Company. 7, 12
161, 162, 156, 168,
Mutual Fire Ins. Co., 136
River and its Sources, History
Of,20&-211
Steam Navigation Co., 117
Metcalf, Isaac N.. 29
Judge. 30«
Methodist Church on Prescott Street, 141
Chapel Hill, 140, 144
Middlesex American, 267
Democrat. 260
Mechanics' Association, 216,
247,382
Medical Society, North District,
List of Members, 449-462
Manufacturing Co.. 134
Mills. 141.172. 173. 174
Mutual Fire Ins. Co.. 136
Standard. 249
Telegraph, 240
Miles. Rev. Henry A., 810
Miller. Dr. . 363
MinisOT-at-Large, 214
Miner. D. D., Rev. A. A., 247, 810
Mixer. Elija. 143
John. 160
Moar. Stephen. 216
Monitor Miantonomah, 68
Sagamore, 68
Weehawken, 68
Moody, David, 07
Faul. 822
Sarah. 96, 06. 108, 104
Moore, Benlamln, 283
H.K., 281, 282, 286, 288
Kel8ey,272
Martha, 281. 282, 288, 286, 886
Peter R.. 281. 286
Samuel C. 281
Morrill, Charles, 286
Jonathan C. 166, 288
Nathaniel & Co., 166
Otis. 322
Postmaster, 322
Morris. Robert. 170. 171
Morse Bridge Company, 818
Jonathan. 260
Morey, George F., 266
Mowe, Daniel, 423-426
Nashua Gazette. 247
NasoD. Rev. Ellas. 310
Joseph. 281. 288
National Kagle, 263
Nesmtth, John, 86, 143. 144, 146
Tbomas. 86. 136. 143. 144, 146, 268
New England Cliristlan Advocate. 243
Newman. Tliomas. 162
New Moon Company. 264
Newspaper Press of LoweU, History of,
233-267
News and Herald, 266
LeUer. 240
New York Navy Yard, 36
Tribune. 64
Nickless. George, 217
Nichols & Fletcher, 161
Norfolk Navy Yard. 60
North American Democrat. 288
North Grammar School House, 16, 10, 28,
23, 28
Norton. Henry G., 143
Noyes, Eunice, 96
Offutt, Edward P., 163
Old Lowell Museum. 286
Residents' Historical Association, 160,
328
Yellow Meeting House, 268
Oliver, Samuel C. 147
Ordway, H. M.. 268
Jerusna, 223
John L, 217
Thomas, biography of, 223-882
T. T., 272. 2^
Orion. The. 248
Osgood. William N., 816
Ostinelll. Mr., 270
Owen, William N., 117
" Paddy Camp Lands," 167
Page. B.O.. 216
Caroline A., 20 -^
Palmer, John C, 240
Parker, Francis. 376
FredeHck, 136
Greenville, 206
Hiram. 442, 443
Theodore. 167
Willard, sketch of, 378-880, 487, 480
Digitized by LjOOQ IC
INDEX.
459
Parker, William. 128. 191, 199
Parkhurst. Matthias, 147. 160
Parsons. Chief Justice, 77
Patch, Ephraiin B., 31, 144, 160
Johns., 31, 1H3
Patriot and Advertiser. 248
Patterson, David N., 329
Payne. James, 319
Peahody, C'apt., 160
Pearsons* Ira B., 260
Pease, Kev. Giles, 116,117, 271
Feirce, Augustus. 393-393
Augustus P., 395, 396
E. B.. 313. 314
Penhallow, Benjamin H., 264
Julia M., 29
Lucy £., 28
Peninsular War, 3
Pemigewasset Kiver, 76
Pentucket Avenue. 84
Perham. Otis. 430. 431
Phillips Academy, 33
Adelaide, 273
J. F.. 316
Physicians. Reminiscences of Early, of
Lowell, 329-448
Plerce,.H. A., 257
Gen.. 2U
WUliam T. G., 272
Plllsbury, John, 400
John D., 400-402
John G.. 260
& Knapp, 200. 209, 266
Harlin, 896-890
Pitt. John. 178
Plzarro. 282. 285
Place, David. 257
Pollard. G. L.. 274
Pocahontas, 46, 48, 64, n
Pond. Catherine C, 29
Pooler, Setli. 22. 23
Porter, Admiral, 08
D. D., 62
& Roger. 168
Portland Fire. 137
Powell, Joseph, 174
Powers, Joef, 192
& Bagley. 247
Peter, 136
Powhattan, 46-00, 02, 08
Pawnee. 46,48, 64, 71
Pratt. M.C. 190
Prescott Bank, 142
Ck>rporation, 117
WmiamH.409
Prince, J. D., leo. 160, no
Mrs, 327
Printing. Early History of, in Lowell, 234,
230
Proctor. 8. N., 316
Puffer, A. D., 290
James. 200
James F., 164, 290
James F., Jr., 316
Stephen. 290
Pntney, John, 143, 169
Putnam, Adam. 280
J., 200
J. D.. 208
Purdy, E. C, 240
BaUroad Bank, 134
Buildtaig, 184
Ralston. Robert, i
Rand, Rev. Asa, 116
J. H., 130
L. K.. 297. 208, 299
Randall, Francis D.. 80
Randolph, John. 110
Raymond, CarolUie A., 29
Raynes,-
Mrs. Joseph, 288
Read. Elijah M.. 130
Reed, nenry, 130. 274. 279
Jonatnan M., 200
Ransom. 109
Reinhart, E. W.. 238
Reminiscences of Early Physicians of Low-
ell and Vichiity. 329^448
Renfrewshire Colony. 171, 172
Kenton, Peter, 400
Richai*ds, John, 216
Richardson, Daniel, 130, 196, 243
John, 160
Luther, 160, 167
W. A., 274, 282
Rice, Alexander H., 08, 60
Edwin C, 280
E. A.. 247
Harry R.. 264. 260
Thomas D., 283
Riot. AboIiUon, 114
Ro^i-an, Commodore, 70
Bobbins, Jacob, 140, 150
Roberts. M. O.. 38
Robinson, John P., 146, 147, 201, 370, 271,
274,293
William S , 217, 249, 250
Rounds. Charles. 'JS2
'• Row, John Bull's," 827
Rowan, s. C, 48. 00
RoweU. E. T., 200, 260
Ira. 250
Rebecca, 209
Royer. Louis, 30
Rmiels. George, 290, 300, 318» 816
Russell, James. 117
James S , 13. 14, 20, 20, 26, 92
Mariauda, 08
Susnn. 98
Walter. 149
Russell's Arithmetic, 24
Safford, Aaron H., 169
6anbom, Kben K., 430-487
E. D..31
Sanderson, i^harles, 160
Daniel, 109
Sandy Hook, 48, 00
San Sebastian. 3
Sargent, Rev. Wlnwood, 70
Saunders, Alfred S., 217
Daniel H., 82
W. 8. & T. P., 169
Savory. George, 210
Sawtell, JosiHh. 290. 293, 309
Sawyer. Anna B., 27, 28
Schouler, William, 141, 240, 247, 249, 260, 261.
252
Scobey, David C, 27
Scott, H. L.. 47
Rev. Ornnge. 243
Gen. Winfield. 34-37, 39-44
Scripture, James O., 28
Sears. Rev. M., 81
Seromes. A. A, 62, 72
Sewall. Henry. 03
Seward. Wm. H.. 86, 42, 02, 63
Seymour. Miss, 272
Shaw, C. Z, 203
Shattuck, Abel. 323
Abel, Jr., 804
Sheaf e, Charles H., 109
Sheldon, (Gertrude, 29
Sheple, Oliver. 240
Sherman, Edward. 160
Edward F., 428
Shirley Avenue, 84
Shute. Col., 04
Simonds, Samuel B., 119
Digitized by
Google
460
OLD BE8IDENT8' HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
Simpson, Capt., 87
SkeitoD, Benjamin, 423
Skinner. Susan A., 29
Slater, Thomas, 327
Sleeper. John S., 240-242
Smith, Alpheus, 159
Jesse, 196, 198
J. H., 200. 281
L. J., 316
John W.. 213, 216
Mr. and Mrs., 269
Nathan, 381
[ouse, 143
6
40,47-60,62
»4
266,266,268,
Tliatcher. Dr. James, 403
Thayer, T. B.. 247
Thespian Club, 273. 277
Thomas, Abel C. , 246
Calvhl, 334, 386-392, 883, 3M
Marcus A., 217
Thompson, Abraham B.. 330
• A. G., 316
George. 112-132
Herbert, 121
Dr , 371
Rev. M., 218
Thurston, Benjamin. 141
Nathaniel. 242, 274
Tllden, Alfred S., 243
Times. The. 114
Lowell Morning, 261
Titcomb. E. M.,216
Tolman, Rev. , 408
Tomklns. D. D., Col., 47
Tower, James, 167
Town Hall. 17, 116, 117, 120, 127, 128, 14!7, 820.
House. 16G
Townsend, James. 216
S. D.. 379
Traders & Mechanics* Mutual Ins. Co., 135
Trl- Weekly Publisher. 2.56
Advertiser. 202
American. 251, 266
Trowbridge, Judge. 75
True, Rev. . 274
True Reformer and Independent Press, 249
Trumbell & Cheney. 316
Tnith and Sword, 247
Tucker. 1). D., Rev. William J., 386
Tug, Freeborn. 47. 48, 53
Uncle Ben. 47, 48
Yankee. 47, 48
Tyler, George, 144
James, 143
Jonathan, 144, 826
Joseph. 146
Robert 0.48. 49
Twinhig, Rev. William, 116, 124
Unitarian Church. 216
United States Bank. 216
Navy. 33. 52
Universalist, First. Society, 239
Second, Church, 244
Van Derlip, William A., 31
Vane, Henry, 93
Vamey, Enos. 257
Samuel, J., 252, 254, 365, 256, 257
Vlau.E. H..30
Voice of Industry, 249
Vox P^ull, 235, 246, 248, 255, 266, 261, 268,
Vronker, Henry Van, 101
K,286
3
Talbot, Thomas, 174
Taliaferro. Gen., 63
Tapley, Deacon, 290
Tatterson. John, 82
Taylor, Joel. 250
Robert, 160
Teny, Gen., 63
266
88
818
S2.2S4
264
6
78,171
Digitized by LjOOQ IC
IKDBZ.
461
Watson, AbUah, 244. MS
Watson, E. F., 135
James, 217
Waylen, Edward, 243
Weaver, B. H.. 135. 274
Webster, aara. 260
Daniel, 201, 251, 851
George, 2fi0
Humphrey, 143
Mary A., 30
Welch, Arnold. 2i6
WiUard C, 217
Weld, D. D.. Rev. fl. H., 114, 143, 240, 819
WeUes, David. 440, 442
William. 4
Secretary, 36, 67
WellUigton, Duke of. 3
John, 272, 281
Welsh, Thomas, 390
Wentworth, George, 252
Gov.. 76
Lady. 76
& Raynes, 169
Wentworth's Waverly, 252
West Point. 41
Wetherbee. Amos, 163
Wbeaton, Dr. -,361
Wheeler, Albert & Co., 166
J. B., 217
Wheelock. A. C.. 136
Whidden & Russell. 149, 160
Whipple, George W.. 145
Oliver M.. 135, 136, 143, 146-148, 162
Whipple's Powder Mills, 149
White, J. H., 237
Philip T.. 160
Whitehall Palladium, 240
Whiting, Henry. 444
Phineas, 152, 160. 163
Whitman, Rev. Bernard, 236, 237
Whitney. Amos. Jr., 196, 198
Whlttemore. J. M., 329
Whlttier. John G.. 249
Wiggin, William H., 316
Wilbur. Mrs. A. T., 260
Wilde. J.. 208
Wilde's Tavern, 147
WilUns, George, 174
Josi^ 174
Samuel L., 143, 160
WiUard & BUss, 141
WUlard & Chapin, 820
Paul H., 160
Peter H., 148
Simon, 207
Dr. , 361
Wniey, George P., 30
Williams, Gorham, 28
William, 217
Willis, Miss, 272
Wilson, aaudlus, 172
Daniel, 172
Henry. 251
V. L., 316
Wlngate. James. 243
Winn, Moses, 272
Wood, Dutton. 310
Rev. Horatio, 216
Samuel T., 196
Woodbury, Levi. 33
Worcester County Gazette and Middlesex
Standard. 249
Worden, John L., 53
World's Crisis, 255
Worswlck. Richard, 327
Wortheu, Ezra. 2
Wrtght, A. B., 160 262
Alexander, 172
Hapgood, 143
Hapgood, Centennial Trust Fund,
158
Nathaniel, 298
Walter. 216
Wyman Farm, 83-91
Jefferles, 378
Morrell. 378
Ruf us, 334. 874-378,'410
Samuel, 141
Samuel G., 88
William. 84-91, 142, 238, 241
W. W.. 142, 160
Wyeth, James H., 252
Wyman's Exchange, 246, 273
Teadon. Richard, 73
Young, Aaron B., 217
Artemas, 160, I6l
Ephrahn W.. 28
William F., 249
Zlon's Banner, 242, 244
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