: » r ■ • •‘v* * •> • >as* *■ Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2016 https://archive.org/details/historyoftownofr00gott_0 HISTORY OF THE as Comprised in the Centennial Address of LEMUEL GOTT, M. D., Extracts from the Memoranda of EBENEZER POOL, ESQ., and interesting items from other sources. & & Compiled by l / C/ JOHN W. MARSHALL, NEWELL BURNHAM, HENRY DENNIS, LEVI CLEAVES, Committee. ROCKPORT, MASS.: Printed at Rockport Review Office, 56209 PREFACE ->vas called to the pastorate. The meeting-house was cut in the centre and twenty feet added to its length; the interior of the walls and ceiling were entirely stripped. Pulpit and pews removed; galleries were taken out; the entire interior was re-built; the old windows gave place to new; the outside was repaired and painted; the vestry was removed and enlarged — all this at a cost, including the purchase of the pews, of about $28,000. Then came a depression of business and financial failures. Under these adverse circumstances, though the debt had been reduced some $9,000, it became a burden too heavy for the society to bear. The Savings Bank held a large mortgage on the property. They foreclosed and took possession. Therefore the meeting-house was closed to the society and they were without a house in which to worship. In this extremity, the Young Men’s Christian Association opened the doors of their chapel and bade them a hearty welcome. They gladly accepted the invitation and occupied the chapel several months. During this occupancy, Rev. R. B. Howard came as a supply. He soon became interested in this people in their untoward circumstances, and proposed that efforts be put forth to repurchase the church property. The receivers of the Savings Bank offered to quitclaim the church property to the parish, on the payment of $10,000. Mr. Howard put forth earnest efforts, which were heartily seconded by members of the parish, many of whom contributed liberally; friends of the society and of the cause out of town also made liberal donations. $10,000 was raised and the property was transferred to the parish. Again the doors of the sanctuary opened, and the people went up to the house of the Lord, there to engage in acts of religious worship. 142 HISTOR Y OF ROCKPORT. Mr. Howard received a unanimous call from this church and parish to become their pastor, and was installed by council on the third day of September, 1880. The order of exercises was as follows: Invocation, by Rev. S. B. Andrews of Lanesville; reading of the Scriptures, by Rev. John Capen of Rockport; sermon by Rev. J. B. Clark of Boston; installing prayer, by Rev. George L. Gleason; charge to the pastor, by Rev. C. C. Mclntire; right hand of fellowship, by Rev. F. G. Clark of Gloucester; address to the people, by Rev. F. H. Boynton of Essex; concluding prayer, by Rev. E. S. Potter of East Gloucester; benediction by the pastor. “Mr. Howard’s pastorate was attended with a good degree of prosperity. The financial condition of the church and society was put on a substantial basis. The church also gained in spirituality and power. During his ministry, seventeen members were added by letter and nineteen upon profession of their faith. Being called to the Secretaryship of the American Peace Society, he resigned his pastorate June 1st., 1884.” After some hesitation on the part of the church it was accepted. He was dismissed by council February 13th., 1885. Rev. Albert F. Norcross was called to the pastorate of this church and society, in the autumn of 1884. He took charge on the first Sabbath in January, 1885, and was installed by council on the 1 3th. day of February, the same year. It was the one hundred and thirtieth anniversary of the organiza- tion of the church. He is the eighth pastor. The installation services were as follows: Invocation, by Rev. Arthur W. Tirrell of Rockport; reading of the Scriptures, by Rev. Nathaniel Richardson, resident; sermon by Rev. W. J. Tucker of Andover; installing prayer, by Rev. F. G. Clark of Gloucester; right hand of fellowship, by Rev. Nehemiah Boynton of Haverhill; charge to the pastor, by Rev. R. B. Howard of Medford; address to the people, by Rev. Temple Cutler of Essex; benediction, by the pastor. Mr. Norcross commenced his pastorate under favorable HISTOR V OF ROCKPOR T. 143 auspices. The parish free from debt and united in his settlement, at the present time, 1888, are enjoying a tolerable degree of prosperity. The regular services are quite well attended. The Sabbath School is in a healthy state. Its services are fairly attended; it has a good library. Dea. Calvin W. Pool is Superintendent. He. is the tenth that has occupied that position during the seventy years of its history. It has lately received from the children of our late respected citizen, John G. Dennis, a donation of five hundred dollars, they carrying into effect the expressed will of their father, though on account of his sudden death he failed to execute it. Baptist Church. The Baptist Church at Sandy Bay, of a few members, some of whom were residents of Gloucester harbor, was constituted in 1807. Previous to this, services of this denomination were held in this village. Rev. Elisha Scott Williams (Baptist) preached once at least in the new Congregational meeting-house before Rev. David Jewett was settled here. The society* was incorporated in the year 1811, by the name of the First Baptist Society of G 4 oucester; they had no settled pastor until 1819 or 1820. The first person baptized by immersion, at Sandy Bay, was James Woodbury, March 10th., 1805, by Rev. Elisha S. Williams of Beverly. Capt. Benjamin Hale, born in Sandy Bay in 1 776, was the prime mover of the Baptist denomination in this village. He was converted on shipboard, about the year 1 800, while on a voyage from Bristol, England, to Madeira. The)Z=~ encountered a heavy gale of wind; the brig was considerably damaged and was obliged to put back for repairs; a part of her cargo was contraband; Captain Hale conscientiously refused to continue the voyage with such a cargo; the owners put the mate in charge; the brig was partially repaired; sailed and was never heard from. Capt. Hale took passage for Alexandria, Va. On the voyage the captain of the vessel became disabled and Capt. Hale brought her safely into port. He was awake to his religious principles, and in 144 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 1 8 1 1 was licensed to preach the gospel. He was married in New York, in 1804, to Judith White of Sligo, Ireland, with whom he became acquainted at her home. He was baptized in New York. After a few years on shore he again took to the sea, and in 1817, while on the passage home, he, in a gale of wind, went aloft, the crew refusing to go. He received an internal injury, which terminated in consumption; he died in 1818, aged forty-two years. Previous to the building of their meeting-house, even before the society was incorporated, they held meetings for worship in private houses, often in the dwelling-house of Eben’r. Pool and the Stephen Roberts house. Rev. James A. Boswell was the first pastor of this church, from 1820 to 1823. He preached in an unfinished hall; it was the second story of the building next east of Eureka Hall. He taught school during the week, in the same room. The Sabbath School was organized in 1821. Their meeting-house was built in 1822; it was occupied for preaching service and Sunday School, without pews, until 1 828, when it was furnished with pews, and on the fourth day of July, the same year, a number of them were sold. The cost of the house, with the land and pews, was two thousand, two hundred and eighty-four dollars. March 10th., 1840, name was changed to the First Baptist Society of Rockport. The parties that succeeded Mr. Boswell were: Rev. Reuben Curtis, 1827 to 1830. “ Bartlett Pease, 1831 6 6 1833. “ Otis Wing, 1833 6 t 1836. “ Gibbon Williams, 1837 6 6 1838. “ Benjamin Knight, 1839 66 1840. “ Otis Wing, 1840 6 6 1842. “ Levi B. Hathaway, May 1843, died Aug. 1, 1843. “ B. N Harris, 1844 6 6 1846. “ Samuel C. Gilbert, 1846 6 6 1848. “ Thomas Driver, 1849 6 6 1849. “ George Lyle, 1850 66 1852. “ Thomas Driver, 1852 66 1854. HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 45 Rev. A. E. Battelle, “ J. M. Driver, Deacon Samuel Clieever, Rev. Benj. I. Lane, “ Lewis Holmes, 1855 to 1856. 1856 “ 1859. 1860 “ 1863. 1863 “ 1867. 1867 “ 1869. Rev. Otis L. Leonard was ordained pastor Sept. 23d., 1869. Order of exercises was as follows: Invocation, by Rev. W. D. Bridge of the M. E. Church; reading of the Scriptures, by Rev. J. C. Foster of Beverly; opening prayer, by Rev. Mr. Gannett of East Gloucester; sermon, by Rev. Justin D. Fulton of Boston; ordaining prayer, by Rev. S. H. Pratt of Salem; right hand of fellowship, by Rev. F. F. Emerson of Gloucester; charge to the pastor, by Rev. T. E. Vasser of Lynn; charge to the church, by Rev. Harvey Fitz of Middleton; closing prayer, by Rev. Wm. M. Lyle, a returned missionary; benediction, by the pastor. Mr. Leonard served until September 1874, then resigned and was dismissed. Rev. A. J. Lyon, “ E. D. Bowers, “ George A. Cleaveland, “ N. B. Wilson, “ W. B. Smith, 1875 to 1876. 1878 “ 1881. 1882 1883. March 1885 “ Eeb. 1886. Oct. 1887. During the years 1866 — 67, this society purchased an additional lot of land and enlarged and improved their church edifice. It was raised several feet from its foundation, and was moved from fronting on High St. to its present location. An addition of twenty feet was made to its length. The interior was completely renovated, and re-furnished with a new pulpit, furniture and pews. At a later date, the walls and ceiling were neatly frescoed, thus providing an attractive audience room. A small room for social meeting was constructed over the vestibule. A new tower and steeple were erected and at a later day were supplied with a bell. The entire exterior of the house was put in good condition, by carpenters and painters. The entire cost of these improvements 146 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. and repairs exceeded $ 6 , 000 , which was met when the work was completed, except $1,300. It was but a short time when this balance was paid. The society continues free from debt. The church edifice was re-dedicated, April 10th., 1867; sermon by the pastor, Rev. Benj. I. Lane. Some years since, this society adopted the free pew and free- will offering system and continue it until the present time, with good results. The Sabbath School is in good condition, with a membership of one hundred and a library of three hundred volumes. Nathaniel Richardson, Jr., is now on his seventeenth year of service as Superintendent. Universalist Society. The Universalist Society in Sandy Bay was organized February 27th., 1821, by the name of the Universalist Benevolent Society of Gloucester. Aaron Pool, Solomon Pool, John Manning, Francis Pool, Moses Colbey and Daniel O. Marshall (who were members of the Independent Christian Soci- ety of Gloucester Harbor), Wm. Norwood, Charles Norwood, Jr., David Babson, Daniel Wheeler, Wm. Norwood, Jr., and Epes Norwood (who were members of the Third Parish, Annisquam Society,) with others, constituted its membership. Previous to this, services of this denomination were held in this village. Rev. Thomas Jones of Gloucester preached several Sabbaths, in the new meeting-house built by the Fifth Parish, in 1 804, which, by an understanding with the Congre- gationalists, they were to occupy tw T o-fifths of the time; but after some months of this way of occupying the house, the Universalists were denied the privilege and were not allowed its use. This act resulted in a suit at law which, after being before the Court several years, was decided in favor of the Congregationalists (or the parish, as it was called), they to have the exclusive use and occupancy of the meeting-house. After they were refused admission to the meeting-house, as a HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 147 society, they worshipped in a schoolhouse that stood on the present site of the Sandy Bay House stable and hall. The clergymen that officiated the most frequently were Revs. J. H. Bugbee, J. Gilman, J. P. Atkinson, Hosea Ballou and Lafayette Mace. This society built their meeting-house in 1 829, at a cost of about three thousand dollars. The corner-stone was laid w r ith Masonic ceremonies, on the 24th. day of June, 1819. The house was dedicated October 8th. of the same year; dedicatory sermon by Rev. Thomas Jones of Gloucester. Rev. Lafayette Mace preached a few months in the new house; he was succeeded by Rev. Lucius R. Paige. The succession of ministers has been as follows: 1832, Rev. R. B. Mussey; 1835, Rev. A. C. L. Arnold; 1837, Rev. Charles Spear; 1839, Rev. Gibson Smith; 1841, Rev. John Allen; 1844, Rev. Henry C. Leonard; 1846, Rev. E. W. Locke; 1849, Rev. S. C. Hewitt; 1850, Rev. H. Van Campen; 1853, Rev. A. C. L. Arnold; 1856, Rev. Wm. Hooper; 1858, Rev. J. H. Farnsworth; 1861, Rev. Stillman Barden; 1867, Rev. George H. Vibbert; 1872, Rev. Allen P. Folsom. Rev. B. G. Russell was acting pastor July 1st., 1875, and v r as ordained on the evening of August 5th. The association of Boston Universalists met here on that day; it was an appropriate time for an ordination service. The services were as follows: Invocation, by Rev. C. C. Clark of Pigeon Cove; reading of the Scriptures, by Rev. T. W. Illman of Philadelphia; sermon, by Rev. J. M. Atwood of North Cambridge, from Luke xi: 23; ordaining prayer, by Rev. E. H. Chapin, D. D., of New York; charge to the pastor, by Rev. D. Sawyer; fellowship of the churches, by Rev. Richard Eddy, D. D., of Gloucester; benediction, by the pastor. He served several years and in 1880 was succeeded by Rev. Edwin Davis, who was pastor about four years. Rev. Miss Lorenza Haynes succeeded Mr. Davis in November, 1884, and was pastor until March, 1887, since which time they have had no settled pastor, but have been supplied from Sabbath to 148 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. Sabbath, so that the ordinances of religion have been regularly administered. This society was incorporated April 6th., 1839, by the name of the Second Universalist Society of Gloucester. Feb. 8th., 1845, its name was changed by act of the General Court, to the First Universalist Society of Rockport. In the year 1868, their meeting-house was repaired and improved by putting in a new pulpit, pews and windows, thoroughly changing the interior. The house was also enlarged by the addition of pastor’s study and organ loft; a new tower and spire were erected, changing to a considerable extent the exterior of the house. The cost of all the repairs and improve- ments was more than $9,000. This caused a large debt, which for some years hung heavily upon the society. But it has been gradually decreasing, until now it is of quite small proportions and is quite easily handled. They have now, Oct., 1888, a settled pastor, Rev. E. L. Houghton. There is an interesting Sabbath School connected with the society, of which James W. Bradley was Superintendent about twenty years. He resigned that office, some few months since, and Mr. John Manning now occupies that position. The school is favored with a good library. Methodist Episcopal Church. The Methodist Episcopal Church and Society of this town had its origin in a class formed by Rev. Aaron Lummus, the pastor of the M. E. Church of Gloucester Harbor, in 1831. He found here Sister Mrs. Nicy Cleaves (now Parsons) and her husband, Capt. Levi Cleaves, who was not then a professor of religion, but he soon became a subject of saving grace and joined the society and has held every office in the gift of the church, with honor to himself and with an eye single to the glory.of God. He died in the triumph of Christian faith, June 1 6th., 1865, aged fifty-eight years and nine months. HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 149 The first class was composed of the following members: Levi and Nicy Cleaves, John and Ann Cleaves, Aaron Cleaves, Solomon and Patty Tarr, Charles Wormwood, Zaccheus Roberts, Lois Pool, Rhoda Cleaves and Betsey Tarr. All of them have passed over the river, except Nicy Cleaves. This class was connected with the Gloucester Harbor church until 1838, when it was set off as a circuit with Town Parish (Riverdale), under the charge of Rev. L. B. Griffin. This year, a church edifice was erected on Jewett St. and was dedicated by the pastor, and the next year it was set apart as a separate charge, with Rev. Israel Washburn, pastor. The successive leaders of the class were Charles Wormwood, Levi Cleaves, John Cleaves, Moses Cleaves, James B. Stillman. A gracious revival attended the labors of Mr. Washburn and he reported for the year 1839, thirty-five members and sixteen probationers. He was succeeded in charge by Revs. Thomas G. Brown, John P. Bradley and Daniel Richards. The latter was followed by Rev. Charles O. Towne, who induced the society in 1 843 to withdraw from the New England Conference and form a Weslbyan Society, on the plea that the Methodist was pro-slavery and the Wesleyan more radical and influential. Mr. Towne remained pastor until the summer of 1 844. During his pastorate the church edifice was enlarged and re-dedicated; the sermon was preached by Rev. W. H. Brewster. His successors were Rev. Wm. Davenport, one year; Rev. David Mason, 1846 — 47; Rev. George Waugh, 1848 — 49; Rev. 'W C. Clark, 1850 — 51; Rev. David Mason returned in 1852 — 53; Rev. Alonzo Gibson, 1854 — 55, and Rev. L. P. Atwood in 1856 — 57. In the summer of 1858, the society voted to return to the N. E. Conference. They had learned the fact that the ground of their separation was a mistake. Rev. Elijah Mason was appointed by Rev. W. H. Hatch, the presiding elder of the Lynn District, pastor in charge until the session of Conference in 1859. Mr. Mason continued in charge until 1863. He HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 150 was an earnest and faithful pastor and continued his residence in town until called to the rest that remaineth to the people of God. At the time of his death, in 1863, he was chairman of our school board. In the year 1858, Levi Cleaves was licensed as local preacher. The next pastor was Rev. Joseph Gerry, one year. He was succeeded by Rev. J. A. Ames who was abundant in labors. On entering upon his work, he decided that the society should have a new and more convenient church edifice. A lot was soon purchased on Broadway; earnest and determined efforts were put forth by pastor and people, which resulted in the erection of a church edifice, at a cost of $16,000. It was dedicated April 14th., 1869; sermon by the Rev. J. A. M. Chapman. The church and society now start out with fairer prospects. Rev. W. D. Bridge followed Mr. Ames; his pastorate was blessed by a revival of religion. He was succeeded by Rev. C. A. Merrill, whose labors were quite satisfactory to the church and people. At no time during its history had it been so strong. He was followed by Rev. Samuel Roy, a faithful preacher and successful worker in the vineyard of the Master After seven months’ faithful service he was stricken with typhoid fever and soon passed to his reward. The balance ol the Conference year was supplied by Rev. M. B. Cummings. He was returned the next year. On the second day of May, 1875, Sabbath morning, the church edifice was destroyed by fire, the cause of which is unknown and is still a mystery. This was a great loss to this church and society. There was supposed to be an insurance of $10,000 upon the building, but by the expiration of one of the policies, or from some other cause, only about one-half of the sum ($5,000) was realized, and when the indebtedness of the burned building was cancelled, there were but $3,000 remaining to the society. A meeting was soon held, the question of HISTOR V OF ROCKPORT. 1 5 1 re-building a meeting-house was discussed and $1000 was at once subscribed for that purpose. The present edifice was built upon the site of the house that was burned, at a cost of $9,000. It was dedicated in February, 1876; Bishop Isaac W. Wiley, D. D., preached the sermon. This large outlay caused a heavy debt to rest upon the society, which in the year 1880 was $3500. Mr. Cummings was followed by Rev. W. A. Braman, who was succeeded by Rev. W. Silverthorne. The labors of these pastors were blessed to the church. Rev. John Capen was the next pastor. He reduced the debt quite a large amount, soliciting money from out of town churches and in other ways working very hard. Rev. Alfred Noon succeeded him and served one year. After Mr. Noon was Rev. A. W. Tirrell. He labored earnestly and faithfully, with good success. During his pastorate of three years, the church was painted upon the outside, and the society freed from debt, which event was celebrated in a becoming manner, on the 13th. day of April, 1886, on which occasion several of the past pastors of the church were present. Several clergymen of other denominations also joined in this interesting service, a prominent feature of which was the burning of the mortgage deed and note. This church and society now have a neat and commodious house of worship, free of debt; a Sabbath School in a healthy condition. Daniel Coath is Superintendent. It is furnished with a good library. There is a fair attendance upon the services of the church, preaching and other meetings. Mr. Tirrell’s pastorate expired in April, 1887. Rev. John H. Mansfield is now their pastor, faithful in every good work. Second Congregational Church and Society. A Second Congregational Church of sixteen members, viz: Dudley Choate, William Foster, Benjamin Giles, John W. Hadlock, John W. Marshall, Ebenezer Rowe, Lafayette Marshall, Mary Choate, Margaret Foster, Susan B. Giles, HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 152 Esther Hadlock, Betsey Marshall, Laurana G. Rowe, Joanna E. Choate, Lucy J. Haskell, Laurana T. Marshall, was regularly organized on the 1 5th. day of March, 1855. Rev. A. B. Rich of Danvers was moderator of the council; Rev. N. Richardson of Lanesville was scribe. These sixteen members were dismissed from the First Congregational Church in Rockport, for the purpose of organizing a second church of the same denomination. This action was deemed necessary as the attendance at the first church was large and had outgrown its seating capacity. It was hardly possible at this time to purchase or hire a pew, (the pews were owned by individuals.) This statement may seem strange at this day, nevertheless it was true for we know whereof we speak. The Rev. David Bremner was called to the First Church, the year previous, as associate pastor with Rev. W. Gale, having in view at that time the organizing of a second church, of which he would probably be pastor. Immediately after the organization, the church gave Rev. Mr. Bremner a unanimous call to become its pastor. The society that had been duly formed joined unanimously in the call and voted him a salary of one thousand dollars per year. Mr. Bremner-accepted the call and was ordained and installed on the 2d. day of May, 1855. Rev. Daniel Fitz of Ipswich was moderator of the council, and Rev. A. H. Quint of the Matthew Church, Jamaica Plain, was scribe. Eighteen churches were represented in the council. Order of exercises was as follows: Introductory prayer, by Rev. A. H. Quint; reading of the Scriptures, by Rev. H. J. Patrick of Bedford; sermon, by Rev. E. A. Park, D. D., of Andover; ordaining prayer, by Rev. W. Gale of Rockport; charge to the pastor, by Rev. Lyman Whiting of Reading; right hand of fellowship, by Rev. J. M. Manning of Medford; address to the church and society, by Rev. J. E. Dwinell of Salem; closing prayer, by Rev. J. O. Murray of Danvers; benediction, by the pastor. Mr. Bremner resigned his pastorate Oct. 13th., 1863. The HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 153 church held several meetings and, by a committee chosen for that purpose, conferred with Mr. Bremner, and finally very reluctantly accepted his resignation. He was dismissed by an ecclesiastical council, Oct. 20th., 1864. Rev. Wakefield Gale was moderator and Rev. Wm. M. Barbour, scribe. The council, after voting that the pastoral relation be dissolved, say: “In coming to this result, the council express their regret at losing one from among us with whom we have had so much pleasant intercourse, and who has been so faithful and useful and so much beloved in this community, as well as by his own church and society, and they cheerfully commend him to the churches of our Lord Jesus Christmas an able and successful minister of the Gospel — sound in the faith, of a blameless life — a diligent student and an affectionate pastor. We tender to him our undiminished affection and confidence, and wish him much happiness and success in the new field of labor to which Providence has called him.” The church of sixteen members during the ministry of Mr. Bremner grew to eighty. After Mr. Bremner’s resignation the pulpit was temporarily supplied until March 31st., 1864, when, by a unanimous vote, the church and society invited Rev. L. H. Angier to become their pastor, which invitation he accepted and immediately commenced his labors. His salary was fixed at $1,000 per year. He occupied that position until October, 1867, when he resigned his pastorate. He had not been installed by council. On account of the war of the Rebellion, and the decline of business consequent thereon and other untoward circumstances, the church and society felt compelled to call an ecclesiastical council to advise with them, as it had become quite difficult to support preaching regularly. A council convened on the 2 1 st. day of October, 1868; Rev. J. C. Thatcher of Gloucester was moderator and Rev. J. M. Whiton of Lynn was scribe. After a full presentation of the state of the church and society, 154 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. and a careful consideration thereof by the council, they advised the Second Church to dissolve their church organization and unite themselves with the First Church. The Second voted not to dissolve, but would grant letters of dismission and recommendation to any members who desired them. Under this vote, numbers took letters to the First Church, some to the Methodist, and at a later day, others to the First Church of Christ, at Pigeon Cove. The First Church had extended an invitation to the members of the Second Church to unite with them. The chapel of the Second Church, on the corner of Broadway and School Street, was built by stockholders, in the latter part of the year 1855, at a cost of about $4,000, including the lot. Previous to this, the Second Church and Society held their service in the vestry of the First Church. After the dissolution of the society, the chapel was sold to the Y. M. C. A. and by them, at a later date, to the I. O. O. F. They have raised it from its foundation and placed another story under it, which makes it convenient for the use of the order and more attractive to the public eye. Lately the premises have been enclosed by a neat and substantial iron fence. Installation of Walter Harris Giles. An ecclesiastical council was called and met in Broadway Chapel, on the 26th. day of August, 1864, for the purpose of ordaining Mr. Walter Harris Giles, a member of the Second Congregational Church, as a missionary of the American Board of Foreign Missions. Rev. A. B. Rich of Beverly was moderator; Rev. Thomas Morong of Lanesville was scribe. The sermon was by Rev. Edward E. Bliss of Constantinople, Turkey; ordaining prayer, by Rev. L. H. Angier of the Second Church, Rockport; right hand of fellowship, by Rev. W. H. Dunning of the First Church, Rockport; charge, by Rev. J. C. Thatcher of the Evangelical Church of Gloucester; closing HISTOR V OF ROCKPORT. 155 prayer, by Rev. John A. Vinton of Boston; benediction by Rev. Walter Harris Giles. Mr. Giles died at Constantinople, May 21st. 1867, in the thirtieth year of his age. He was in the service of A. B. C. F. M., and was a son of Dea. Thomas and Mary Giles of this town. Catholic Church. Up to the year 1830, nearly all of our population were native born. Even at a later date there were but a few foreigners who made their home with us, but in 1850 there were quite a number, the most of whom were Catholics; therefore the call for a service of that denomination. The first mass celebrated in this town was in what is now Eureka Hall, and in the year 1850; Rev. Father John McCabe of Salem officiated. In 1856 the Catholic population had increased to- such an extent that there seemed to be a necessity for their erecting a house of worship. Quite a number travelled to Gloucester, Sabbath after Sabbath, in order to attend their church service. Accordingly, through the efforts and lead of Rev. Father Thomas Sheahan of Salem, a lot was purchased on Broadway, in 1856, and a chapel was erected at a cost of about three thousand dollars. Rev. Luigi Acquarone was the first regular ministering priest here; his parish encircled the entire Cape. He was a gentleman and highly respected. With the rapid increase of the foreign population, which was composed largely of Catholics, the labor required was more than Father Acquarone could perform. Therefore Rev. Thomas Barry was appointed to the charge of the church here; he continued in its service until his death, which occurred after a short illness in January, 1883. Rev. Daniel S. Healey immediately succeeded Mr. Barry. Soon after he came in charge of the work here he set about enlarging and improving their house of worship, making it more convenient and attractive, both the interior and exterior 156 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. presenting a more favorable appearance. The whole cost of the improvement was thirty-six hundred dollars, which was soon paid in full. The Sabbath School numbers more than one hundred members and is an interesting and useful institution. All of the Sunday services, as also services on other set days, are quite well attended. In the month of November, 1887, Father Healey, to the regret of many even outside of his church, was assigned to a charge at East Weymouth, Mass. A few weeks after Father Healey left town, Rev. Father Thomas Tobin was appointed to the church here and at Lanesville. He is quite popular with his people. Their Sabbath School has now a membership of about two hundred. The church property has lately been improved by the erection of a neat and substantial iron fence. First Church of Christ. The First Church of Christ, at Pigeon Cove, is the outgrowth of a Sabbath School that was instituted in Woodbury’s Hall (that was located over the Union Store), May 31st., 1857. There were about forty persons present. Lyman B. Stockman was chosen Superintendent; it was largely by his efforts, advised and encouraged by Miss Ellen H. Gott (Burt), that the school was gathered. In the month of November, the same year, the school removed to what was a district schoolhouse before the school system was re-organized; it was located near the now residence of Mr. Alpheus Goodwin. The school continued at this place until January, 1863, when it removed to the Chapel it now occupies. The most of the time that the school occupied the schoolhouse, an evening meeting was held each Sunday, different clergymen officiating; in the absence of a clergyman, a service was held and a sermon read by a layman, or the hour was occupied by a prayer and conference meeting. While the schoolhouse was thus occupied by the Sunday School, the town sold it at auction and it was purchased by HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 157 Mr. David L. Choate, for about $300. He soon sold it to Dea. Jabez R. Gott, Newell Giles and Elbridge Witham, for about the same amount. They allowed the school to occupy it some seven years, free of rent, then sold it to them for $1 50. After the Chapel was built the trustees sold the schoolhouse and lot to Mr. Beniah Colburn, for $345, which amount was appropriated towards the building of the Chapel, which was done in 1868, at a cost of $3,996.92. It was dedicated in January, 1869; Rev. James W. Cooper, pastor of the First Cong’l. Church in Rockport, preached the sermon. At this time there was a debt of about $1200 resting upon it. By the earnest efforts of the ladies’ circle, by fairs and donations by friends of the institution, the debt was cancelled in 1871. The tower was erected, the bell purchased and fence built in 1873, at a cost of $2475.08. This improvement exhausted all the funds of the institution and incurred a debt of about $1300. This was year by year gradually reduced until in 1 880 it was about $600. In August of that year special efforts were put forth; friends of the institution from abroad also came to the rescue. As the result of this special effort the whole debt was cancelled in January, 1881, and none has since been incurred. Sunday, August 24th., 1873, was the first time that the people of Pigeon Cove were called by the ringing of the church bell in their village, to the worship of God in His courts. March 20th., 1874, a church of nineteen members was organized by the name of the “First Church of Christ at Pigeon Cove.” Rev. Daniel P. Noyes was acting pastor. September 22d., 1874, this church was recognized by a council of churches, duly called, as a church of Christ in good and regular standing and fellowship with other Congregational Churches. Rev. E. S. Atwood, D. D., of the Crombie Street Church, Salem, was moderator of the council and Rev. C. C. Mclntire of the First Church of Rockport was scribe. Rev. Chandler Robbins, D. D., of Boston, preached the sermon. 153 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. This year there was an ecclesiastical society organized and incorporated in connection with the church, to manage its financial affairs. The land was purchased and the Chapel was built in the name of the Sabbath School, the business being managed by three trustees, John W. Marshall, Thomas Hale and Abraham Lurvey, chosen by the school. The trustees in 1883, by vote of the Sabbath School, deeded the chapel, land and furniture to the church and society, for the nominal sum of one dollar. A few weeks after the organization of this school, Mr. Stockman received an invitation to teach a school in Illinois. He left the school in charge of John W. Marshall, who continued to be its Superintendent twenty-four years. Since his retire- ment, Andrew F. Clark, William W. Marshall and Samuel L. Lamson have occupied that position. Mr. Stockman returned home in the summer of 1858, in poor health. He died at the home of his sister, Mrs. Albert Wheeler, November 27th. of the same year, respected and beloved. This church and society have never been favored with a settled pastor, but the ordinances of religion have been quite regularly administered. Rev. Daniel P. Noyes was its stated supply about three years; Rev. Elijah Kellogg about the same length of time; Rev. R. B. Howard about two years; Rev. S. B. Andrews about three years. The other years the pulpit has been occupied by different clergymen, Sabbath by Sabbath. The present supply, Rev. W. W. Parker, is now on the second year of his pastorate. The services are generally well attended. The Sabbath School, Rev. W. W. Parker Superintendent, is in a healthy condition and is provided with a good library. In addition to the regular service there is also a Swedish service held each Sabbath P, M., conducted by a minister of that order. HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 159 Second Universalist Society. The Second Universalist Society of Rockport (Pigeon Cove) is the outgrowth of a Sunday School that was organized in the Pigeon Cove Engine House Hall, in the month of August, 1861. There were twenty persons present. They chose Mr. Austin W. Story Superintendent. He has been re-elected to that position each year until the present time (1888). The number now connected with the school is seventy-five; they have a library of about six hundred volumes. After occupying the Engine House Hall for a time, they removed to a building that was Edmunds’ bowling alley, then to Edmunds’ Hall where to some extent they maintained preaching service in connection with the Sunday School. March 31st., 1869, a religious society was organized, by the name of the “Pigeon Cove Universalist Association.” February 28th., 1878, an act of incorporation was obtained and the name of the society was changed to the “Second Universalist Society of Rockport.” In the year 1873 this society built a neat and commodious meeting-house at a cost of $10,542.43. It was dedicated by appropriate services to the worship of God, on the 12th. day of June, 1873. Rev. Richard Eddy, D. D., of Gloucester, preached the sermon. This society has had no pastor installed. The following are the names of the clergymen that have officiated from time to time: Rev. A. A. Folsom was the first to supply the pulpit; next was Rev. C. C. Clark, from 1 874 to 1875; Rev. Robert C. Lansing, from 1876 to 1878; Rev. George H. Vibbert^from June, 1878, to July, 1879; Rev. B. G. Russell, from July, 1879, to May 30th., 1880; Rev. Edwin Davis, from July, 1880, to April 22d., 1884; Rev. Miss Lorenza Haynes, from Sept. 28th., 1884, to March 22d., 1885. Since the last date the pulpit has been supplied the most of the Sabbaths by transient clergymen. Rev. E. H. Chapin, D. D., of New York, who for many years made his summer home at Pigeon Cove, supplied the i6o HISTOR Y OF ROCKPORT. pulpit of this church gratuitously one Sabbath each year, so long as his health allowed. The funeral services of several of the most prominent citizens of this village have been held in this house, thus increasing its usefulness as a house of worship. Their present pastor is Rev. E. L. Houghton. Protestant Episcopal Church. The first effort to establish Protestant Episcopal service in this town was in the year 1872. During several months of that year, services were held by this denomination, in the chapel of the Young Men’s Christian Association on Broadway. These services were conducted by Rev. D. Reid, rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church of Gloucester, but on the approach of winter they were discontinued. In the month of July, 1878, services were again commenced (this time in Eureka Hall) and continued to be held until late in October of that year. Rev. Wm. R. Hooper who was rector of St. John’s Church, Gloucester, officiated. On the afternoon of July 15th., the Rt. Rev. Benj. H. Paddock, Bishop of Massachusetts, preached the sermon. From the closing of these services, in October, 1878, until 1885, there were only occasional services of this order in town, except a lay service was held during the summer months of each year, commencing in 1879, at the cottage of Mr. Eben C. Millett on Phillips Avenue, Pigeon Cove. In the month of November, 1885, Rev. John S. Beers officiated at a service of this denomination, in Haskins’ Hall. The next Sunday service was held in Rechabite Temple of Honor Hall, which was presided over by Emil Charles Pfeiffer. Services were continued in this hall each Sunday until the 7th. day of May, 1886, when a regular organization was effected, by the name of St. Mary’s Mission. It consisted of nineteen members, viz: HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 61 Otis E. Smith, Reginald R. Colley, Frank H. Perkins, Frank Wilson, T. T. H. Harwood, Luther C. Tibbetts, Charles C. Tresnon, James Moore, Jr., Dr. O. St. Clair O’Brien, Charles F. Mills, John Moore, Fannie M. Sanborn, Delia F. Smith, Rosa Ann Moore, Abbie Tibbetts, Mary L. Tibbetts, Eliza T. Lane, Fannie C. Tupper, Cora A. Pickering. Mr. Otis E. Smith was elected warden, and Mr. R. R. Colley was chosen Superintendent, of the Sunday School which is connected with the mission. At the present time the society holds its services in one of the lower rooms of the Town Hall, which has been fitted up as a chapel. Rev. C. A. Hayden is now in charge of this mission. Woman's Work. It would hardly be courteous to close the history of these several churches and religious societies without referring to the great and good service the women have rendered in sustaining the means of grace and in aiding these institutions of religion which are seeking the highest good and welfare of the community. Connected with each of these churches and religious societies is a noble band or circle of women who are ever ready for every good work. They have done much towards aiding these churches and societies in sustaining the ordinances of religion, and it is, at least to a considerable extent, by the blessing of the Master upon the service thus rendered that the state of religion and morality is in so good condition in this community to-day. HISTORY OF ROCKPORI . 162 CHAPTER VI. Anthracite Coal. Anthracite coal was first brought to Sandy Bay in the Sch’r. Franklin, Capt. Abraham T. Doyle, in 1832, only a few lime-casks full, from Boston. The next was about forty tons by the schooner Stephen C. Phillips, Capt. John J. Giles, from Philadelphia, in 1841. Nearly a year expired before it was all sold. The price was eight dollars per ton. In 1850 it began to come into more general use, but it was some years before it became the general fuel supply. Now, 1888, more than six thousand tons are called for to meet the demand. In the year 1850 there were 1600 cords of wood landed in town by coasters from Maine and Nova Scotia. From this time the quantity of wood landed decreased year by year, as coal was fast taking its place. Telegraphic Communication Was first established here in 1850. Mr. Henry Clark was appointed operator, and continued to occupy that position for twenty years, when he resigned and Mr. G. Tucker Margeson was appointed to that position and still continues to operate the ’wires. The first message was transmitted Jan. 2 2d. to Winthrop Thurston, who was a townsman and at the time named was at Montreal. The same day a message was sent to Haskins' Express, Boston. Addison Gott Esq., with others, was greatly interested in establishing this communication. Ice Business. The ice business in this town was first engaged in by James HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 163 Manning, Esq. He built a house for its storage, in 1852, and on the 23d. and 24th. days of February of the next year he stored about four hundred tons, which proved to be an ample supply for that year. He continued to conduct the business several years, then sold the pond, ice-house and adjoining property to Mr. Caleb Jerome Norwood, a former townsman, who has since built two other houses and continues to success- fully conduct the business through his agent, Mr. Reuben Norwood. Some years after Manning commenced the business, Mr. John B. Hodgkins excavated a piece of meadow which was formerly the property of Dea. Abraham Pool, and constructed an artificial pond, erected a storehouse and engaged in the ice business. After conducting the business a few years, he sold the entire premises to Mr. Anson Stimson. His son, Fred A., enlarged the pond, built another storehouse and is successfully conducting the business. There are now annually stored and sold from twenty-five hundred to three thousand tons of ice. Almshouse. From the incorporation of the town until 1852, its paupers were boarded, some of them at the Gloucester almshouse, others in private families. In the year 1852 the town purchased of \Ym. Young about four acres of land on South Street, the present site of the almshouse, and erected the buildings at a cost of $5 1 27, which sum includes the furniture and land. The premises were completed during the year and were occupied the latter part thereof. Mr. Sylvester Pierce was appointed superintendent, at a salary of two hundred and fifty dollars, the town furnishing his family with rent, fuel and food. He resigned in 1855. Mr. Nehemiah KnowJton succeeded him, at a salary of two hundred and twenty-five dollars. He served until 1861, w hen Mr.Wm. Knights w as appointed, at a salary of two hundred dollars; in 1 864 fifty’ dollars was added; 164 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT in 1867 it was made three hundred dollars; in 1869 twenty- five dollars was added; in 1873 it was increased to three hundred and fifty dollars. In 1874, April 6th., he resigned •ind Mr. Caleb B. Bray was appointed at a salary of three hundred dollars.- A state agent who visited our almshouse in 1879 gave a very commendatory report as to its good management, the cleanliness of the premises and the good appearance of the inmates. Mr. Bray served until April 6th., 1881, when Mr. Samuel W. Burt was appointed at a salary of three hundred dollars; in 1 883 it was raised to three hundred and seventy-five, and in 1884 it was made four hundred. He resigned January 26th., 1885. Mr. Abraham Lurvey was then appointed at a salary of four hundred dollars, and is the present incumbent. The number of inmates in 1888 is eleven; average age, seventy years. We feel assured that the inmates of this institution have been well cared for. In the year 1853, from Feb. 26th. to April 7th., three of our citizens whose homes were within a few rods of one another, died abroad and were brought here for interment. James, son of John and Sally Stockman, whose home was the house now owned and occupied by Mr. Edwin Paul, on Broadway Avenue, who was engaged in teaching school at Provincetown, Cape Cod, died there from fever, on the 26th. day of February. His pupils have erected a marble monument to his memory, in the old cemetery. He was an exemplary young man, twenty-four years of age. Nehemiah, son of Eleazar and Sally Boynton, aged sixteen years, while attending school at Phillips Academy, Andover, died there, March 29th. He was a promising young man. His home was the house now owned and occupied by Elbridge Witham, on High Street. Thomas O. Marshall, aged fifty-seven years, was in Boston on the morning of our annual state fast, April 7th. While HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 165 walking between decks of the ship White Swallow, in company with his friend the mate, R. F. Dodge, he made a misstep and fell down the hatchway, a distance of twelve feet, and striking his head was instantly killed. He was a prominent citizen, had represented the town in the Legislature, served on the board of selectmen, assessors and overseers of the poor; also several years was' collector of taxes, and had served the U. S. as inspector of customs. He was a generous-hearted citizen. His house was that now owned and occupied by Francis Noble 2d., on High Street. The first fire department in Sandy Bay was organized in January, 1807. It consisted of twenty members, viz: During its history forty-seven names were added, and in 1 845 there were twenty-two members, as follows: Fire Department. Nathaniel Tarr, Eben’r. Pool, Jr., David Kimball, Benjamin Tarr, 3d., Solomon Choate, Nehemiah Knowlton, John Burns, Francis Norwood, Aaron Pool, Solomon Pool, Caleb Norwood Jr., Eben’r. Lowe, Simeon Richardson Josiah Haskell, Jr., Reuben Brooks, John Haskins, David Brooks, Jabez Tarr, William Choate, Andrew Tarr. Abraham H. Pool, Thomas Giles^ William P. Burns, Dudley Choate, Jabez Rowe, John O. Drown, George Lane, Newell Burnham, Addison Gott, Eleazar Boynton, Nehemiah Knowlton, Jr., William Whipple, Addison Choate, George D. Hale, Jabez R. Gott, Wm. B. Haskins, Reuben Brooks, Henry Dennis, William Lane, Josiah Haskell, Charles Tarr, Jr., Caleb Norwood. 66 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. One of the rules that this company adopted was, That each member should provide and always keep ready for use two good leather buckets and two strong bags, capacity three bushels each, all to be marked with the first letter of the owner’s Christian name and his surname in full; there shall be strings at the mouth of the bags in order to draw them close. They must be kept hanging in a conspicuous place, both bags and buckets. Any member failing in either of the above respects must pay to the clerk a fine of twenty -five cents for the use of the society. An annual meeting for the choice of officers and the transaction of business was to be held. Their by-laws provided that any person of good moral character may be admitted a member of the society by making application to the clerk and receiving a majority of the votes. Another provision was, “Whoever shall be missing at the time of fire, or shall neglect to give his attendance unto him that is in the most danger, (except he give a sufficient reason) shall pay to the clerk, for the use of the society, a fine of one dollar and fifty cents. For all the years of the history of this society its annual meeting was held, and the most of the years they ate their annual supper, which was an occasion of great sociability. A committee also made an annual examination of the buckets and bags, which were usually placed in the buckets, and were hung as required in a conspicuous place, which was usually in the front entry of the dwelling-house of the members. This society accomplished its work, when it was superseded with more modern appliances, and ceased to exist some thirty- five years since. The first fire-engine, “Enterprise,” (tub) was purchased by citizens of Sandy Bay, by subscription, in 1827. It was built by Eben Tappan of Manchester and cost three hundred and fifteen dollars. It required a crew of thirty men. It did good service at the great fire at Gloucester Harbor in the fall of 1830. The next fire-engine was the “Independence.” It was HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 1 67 purchased by the town of Gloucester and was located at Sandy Bay, opposite the old cemetery. It was of the same style and pattern as the first, was built by the same person and required a force of thirty men. The third engine, “Votary,” suction, was purchased by the town of Rockport in 1 848, for one thousand dollars. It was built by Hunneman. It was a good machine and did good service in its day. Its membership was forty-five men. It was sold in 1 885 for sixty-six dollars; the town having purchased a steamer had no further use for its faithful servant. The fourth engine was the “Pigeon Cove,” purchased of Wm. Jeffers of Providence, at a cost of $1171, in i860. The fifth engine, “Silver Grey,” was purchased of the city of Lynn, in 1866, at a cost of $898.72. It required a crew of fifty men. In the year 1876, the town purchased of Edward B. Leverick a hose-carriage, “C. H. Parsons,” and a hook and ladder truck, “G. P. Whitman,” the whole cost of which was $1498.14. The company of the two machines comprised twenty-six men. In 1885, the town purchased the steamer “Sandy Bay,” a third size Silsby, which cost, including the supply wagon, $3960.61. By this purchase the annual expense of the department was decreased. The present year, the steamer “Speedwell” was purchased to take the place of “Pigeon Cove,” suction. It cost four thousand dollars. The Pigeon Cove suction was sold at auction for sixty-one dollars. The department now consists of steamer “Sandy Bay,” requiring the service of fifteen men, at a cost of three hundred and ninety-four dollars; steamer “Speedwell,” fifteen men, three hundred and ninety-four dollars; hook and ladder truck “G. P. Whitman,” twenty men, two hundred and sixty dollars; “Silver Grey,” in charge of one man, twenty dollars; four engineers, seventy dollars. It is claimed that Rockport has now a very efficient department. 68 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. Baptist Square. Previous to the year 1856, what is now Baptist Square was a piece of land in a rough state and was occupied by coal bins, carts and other vehicles and to some extent by refuse and waste matter. It had a very uninviting appearance. At an earlier day even than when it was thus occupied, say at the time that there was a large fleet of fishing-boats from eight to twelve tons owned at Sandy Bay and had their moorings at Long Cove, it was the custom in the winter season to haul them up, by the use of skids and cattle, on to this vacant land; also they were hauled up on the eastern side of the highway, the whole distance between the old slaughter-house that stood where Kidder’s store now is, to the Oakes’ house, two boats deep. There were several vessels built upon this Square during these years. At the annual March meeting in the year 1856, the town appropriated three hundred dollars to be expended under the direction of the selectmen, in grading, fencing and improving this ground. The work was soon after commenced and $ 1 80. 36 was expended that year. The next year, twenty-eight dollars was expended for trees, loam and labor and the work was completed, the whole cost of which was $208.36. Dock Square. At the annual March meeting in the year 1882, the town appropriated the sum of two hundred dollars to be expended under the direction of the selectmen in grading and improving Dock Square. Soon after town meeting the work was entered upon and within a few months was completed, the whole cost of which was $450.55. There was an elm tree set upon this square in the year 1857, but it failed to live. The graceful and well formed elm that now adorns this square was placed there on the second day of May, 1859. It HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 169 was purchased of Eben’r. Pool, Esq., at a cost of $2.50, and was taken from his homestead lot. It was about five inches in diameter; it was originally a seedling that grew in Pool’s pasture, from there transplanted to Mr. Pool’s yard. John Manning, Moses Haskins and William Marchant were the selectmen. Nehemiah Knowlton, keeper of the almshouse, superintended the transplanting of the tree. On the first day of June, 1888, its circumference two feet from the ground was six feet and seven inches. The well on this square was sunk in the year 1 794. The money to pay the expense of well and the pump was raised by subscription. Eben’r. Cleaveland, Jr., a son of the Reverend, and Eben’r. Pool, born in 1764, were leaders in this enterprise. A pump made of white oak was the first to occupy this well. Great Gale. A heavy N. E. gale commenced on the 16th. day of April, 1851, and continued nearly three days, which caused an exceedingly high tide by which the old wharf, the breakwater at the entrance of Long Cove, the Pigeon Cove harbor break- water and that of Eames, Stimson & Co. (now Rockport Granite Co.) were damaged to a considerable extent. Some of the fish-flakes on Bearskin Neck were wrecked, also the barn owned by James Parsons (his house was founded upon a rock, Groat Knoll). A house near where the engine house of Sandy Bay steamer now is, was saved from being wrecked by securing it with cables. There was more than afoot of water on the floor of the E. Morse house. The spray was carried by the wind over the ridge of the barns of James Manning and J. E. Stickney. It was thought for a time that they would be removed from their foundations. The road in front of the old cemetery was strewed with debris from the flake yards and Parsons’ barn. It was said that the tide at Charlestowm Navy Yard had not been so high for sixty years. HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 170 It was during this storm, that is on the 17th. inst., that Minot’s Ledge light-house was completely wrecked. It was thought when built to be as secure as modern science could make it. The first stone of the present structure was put in place July 9th., 1857, an d th e building was completed in i860, at a cost of $300,000. January , 18 57. Very Cold. Great Snow Storm. From Saturday night, January 1 7th., until the next Thursday, the 2 2d. inst., there was no nfrail-stage arrived at Rockport, on account of the roads being blocked with snow. Messrs. Levi and Edward H. Shaw, who were stage-drivers, carried the mail to and from Gloucester several of these days, on foot. The weather was very cold with a high N. W. wind accompanied by snow. The brig Waverley, loaded with coffee, came to anchor between the islands, on the 23d. inst. She parted one cable and dragged the other anchor, then went ashore on Milk Island. A crew from the town soon manned the life-boat and went to her assistance. They found the crew badly frosted, and did what they could to make them comfortable. The crew of the life-boat were also somewhat frosted. The most of the cargo was saved in a damaged condition. After a few days the brig was floated and taken to Boston for repairs. A few years later she was totally wrecked in the Bay of Fundy. On the 23d., the day the brig went ashore on Milk Island, the thermometer indicated at half past seven o’clock A. M. eighteen degrees below zero; at one o’clock P. M., four degrees below. On Saturday morning, the 24th. inst., the road surveyor put forth earnest efforts to break out the roads and make them passable for travel. The chairman of the board of selectmen in charge of one gang of men went up to the Gloucester line, engaging on their way Mr. Schenck (the owner of Beaver Dam), his team and men. The whole forenoon HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 1 7 was consumed in breaking the road from the Gloucester line to Beaver Dam farmhouse, where the company dined, then proceeded towards the town and about dark completed the work as far as Butman’s corner. The other roads were during the day made quite passable for team or on foot. Beech Grove Cemetery. The old cemetery that was donated by Richard Tarr, that is a small plot of ground for burial purposes, early in the history of the village, had been enlarged several times by purchase of land by private subscription, and now had become so fully occupied that there was a necessity for more ground for cemetery purposes; and this notwithstanding private parties had purchased a tract of land (Union cemetery) and laid it out in lots and sold to individuals. Therefore after a committee chosen by the town for that purpose had quite thoroughly looked over the town in order to find a suitable spot for burial purposes, they decided and purchased of Levi Sewall and wife, in 1855, for one hundred and twenty-five dollars — and in 1856, of the heirs of Abraham Pool, for four hundred dollars — what is now Beech Grove cemetery and the gravel pit. Thus the whole cost of the land was five hundred and twenty-five dollars. There were expended in improvements in 1856, $529.82. The next year, Pleasant Street was extended to the cemetery at a cost of $689, which sum included the amount paid for land damage. The whole amount expended on this cemetery, including the purchase of the land, building of the road, land damage, building the two tombs, and other improvements, as appears by the auditors’ reports for the several years up to March, 1888, is $12,248.94. The town has received from the sale and care of lots, up to the same date, $5,642.38. This cemetery was consecrated on Friday forenoon, Nov. 28th., 1856, by services suitable to the occasion: first, by the singing of a hymn, by a choir; Rev. Wakefield Gale (Congre- gationalist) gave a short history of the old burial ground — its 172 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. beginning was a lot nine rods by four, donated to Sandy Bay by Richard Tarr, the first settler — he also alluded to the several additions that had been since made; Rev. L. P. Atwood (Methodist) offered the opening prayer; selections of Scripture were read by Rev. Wm. Hooper (Universalist); concluding prayer, by Rev. David Bremner (Congregationalist). Rev. J. M. Driver, the Baptist clergyman, was absent from town. The name “Beech Grove” was submitted to the audience by the chairman of the selectmen and was unanimously adopted. Immediately after the consecration services, the choice of lots was offered at auction, an appraisal having previously been made. The amount received from the sale of lots that year was $167.25. This cemetery contains about fifteen acres, a large portion of which is occupied. Locust Grove Cemetery. The origin of the Locust Grove cemetery was the purchase of a small tract of land by certain individuals, which they laid out in lots for burial purposes. There being a necessity for a public burial ground to accommodate the North Village, the town in 1854 purchased of Messrs. Woodbury and Parsons a tract of land adjoining the private cemetery, at a cost of $150. In the year 1 869, an additional lot was purchased of the Langsford heirs, for $400, and in 1 870 another purchase from the same heirs was made at the sum of $200. These several purchases comprised territory of good proportion and constitute the now “Locust Grove Cemetery.” The town has expended upon this cemetery up to March, 1888, as appears by the auditors’ reports, in the purchase of land, laying out lots, building a tomb, grading the avenues, fencing the grounds, and all other improvements except the building of the hearse- house, $5,607.31. The town has received from the sale of wood and lots, $2,562.59. It contains about ten acres. Quite a number of lots remain unsold. HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 173 As far as we can learn, this cemetery was never formally consecrated. Bombshell in Church. On Sunday evening, November 1st., 1861, there was an audience of about seventy persons in the Universalist church, listening to a lecture on the slavery question being delivered by Rev. Parker Pillsbury. # Directly some person threw a bomb-shell through a window on the north side of the house. It landed n^ar where Mr. Pillsbury was standing and exploded, filling the house with smoke. The frightened audience quickly vacated the premises. The smoke soon cleared and a portion of the audience returned and Mr. Pillsbury resumed his lecture. This missile was made by taking two pieces of coal and a quantity of powder wrapped in a cloth secured by cords and saturated with spirits of turpentine; it was about six inches in diameter. That evening there were some four or five rows of pews near the pulpit unoccupied. The why was not known. We understand a portion of the society were opposed to the use of the house for such lectures. Rockport Railroad. When the Gloucester Branch of the Eastern Road was being constructed, and also after it was opened for travel (in 1 847) the question was agitated by some of our most prominent citizens and business men, of extending the road to Rockport; but the Eastern Railroad Corporation could not be induced to engage in that enterprise. Therefore Ezra Eames and other citizens of Rockport obtained an act of incorporation by the name of the Rockport Railroad Company, by which act they were authorized to construct a railroad from the terminus of the Gloucester Branch to some point in Rockport. After a conference with the officers of the Eastern Railroad Company, they proposed in the year 1855 that if the Rockport Railroad Company would construct the road and make all the necessary 74 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. connections by switches or otherwise with the track of the Gloucester Branch, keep the road bed in good repair, assume the risk of accidents that might occur upon said Rockport road, (excepting those arising from the negligence of the Eastern Railroad), also furnish a suitable engine house, turn- table and water at the terminus of the road; furnish a ticket seller, switchman, road-tenders, and all other operatives necessary, excepting the men oirthe train. Agree that they will run all their passenger and freight trains over the Rockport Railroad, connecting with all regular trains over the Gloucester Branch, and will convey all the freight and passengers over said Rockport road for the term of five years from the time said Rockport road shall be in good running order, without charge or remuneration. In case the parties cannot agree upon what terms the road shall be run at the end of five years, both parties agree to leave the question to referees mutually chosen, whose decision shall be final. Notwithstanding the liberal offer made by the E. R. R. Corporation, the stock of the Rockport Railroad was subscribed for to a very limited extent, therefore the building of the road was delayed. In the year i860, the town petitioned the Legislature, asking to be authorized to subscribe for and take fifty thousand dollars of stock in the Rockport Railroad. Authority was granted. A special town meeting was held on the 2d. day of April, at which meeting it was voted 326 in the affirmative, 31 in the negative, to accept the act of the Legislature, and that the town do subscribe for and take fifty thousand dollars of the Rockport Railroad stock, provided favorable arrangements can be made with the E. Railroad Corporation. It was also voted to authorize the town treasurer to hire fifty thousand dollars in sums as wanted and issue town bonds therefor. The Eastern Railroad Corporation renewed the agreement as made in 1855, and the constructing of the Rockport road was put under contract $63,000. Gilman & Co. were the HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 175 contractors. Work was commenced Aug. 23d., i860. The road was completed and was opened for travel on the 4th. day of November, 1861. When opened for travel there was a debt of about $28,000 resting upon it and it became necessary for the town to come to the rescue, which it did and petitioned the Legislature in January, 1862, to grant it authority to take an additional sum of twenty-five thousand dollars of stock in said railroad. The town was so authorized. At a special town meeting on the 7th. day of April, 1862, it was voted that the town subscribe for and take twenty-five thousand dollars of additional stock in the Rockport Railroad, and that the town treasurer be authorized to hire the said amount and issue town bonds therefor. The whole cost of the road was $91,007.28. The town held stock to the amount of $75,000; individual stockholders, $13,400; debt remaining, $2,607.28. The first year, 1862, a dividend of 4 per cent, was paid. “ fourth “ 1865, “ “ “ 8 “ “ “ fifth “ 1866,“ “ “10 “ “ 6 mos. to May, 1867, “ “ ‘‘4 “ “ It will be seen that the capital stock, $88,400, was not sufficient to pay the cost of building the road and the necessary buildings and the land damage, by the sum of $2,607.28. This debt was paid from the earnings of the road, but this did not prevent the paying_of good dividends. At the close of the five years an agreement was made with the E. R. R. Co: to run all of their trains over the Rockport road at the rate of $500 per month, our road being liable Tor any damage that may occur, as by the previous agreement. This arrangement was continued until February, 1868, when the Rockport road with all its franchises was sold to the “ second “ 1863, “ “ third “ 1864,“ “ “ “ Aug. 3 ’64, expira- tion of service. William Robbins, 23, “ “ “ July ’62, disability. HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 189 Name. Age. Date of muster. Close of service, and cause. John Reeves, 22, July 22 ’61 Dec. 30 ’63 re-enlist. Henry C. Robinson, 35 , “ “ “ Sept. ’63, Commis’d Ensign in the Navy. Hugh Strain, 20, “ “ “ Jan. 1 ’64, to re-enlist. E. W. Skinner, 22 “ “ “ never left the state. James H. Stevens, 21, “ “ “ Aug. 3 ’64, expira- tion of service. Jesse McLoud, 19, “ “ “ Jan. 4 ’64, to re-enlist. Brainard B. Scanlan, 21, “ “ “ Aug. 3 “ expiration of service. Thomas H. Taylor, 22, “ “ “ Dec. 23 “ to re-enlist. William Gould, 35 , “ « ci ^ied at Andersonville, May 5 ’64. Ezekiel H. Stacy, 28, “ “ “ Aug. 3 ’64, expira- tion of service. Jerome Wheeler, 21, “ “ “ died at Newbern, N. C., Nov. 19, ’62. Charles H. Gove, 19, “ “ “ Dec. 28 ’63, re-enlist. James B. Daley, Serg’t, 21, “ « April 2 ’62, disability. IITH REG’t (INFANTRY) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS). John C. Knowlton, age 22; Co. I, must, in July 10, 1861; disch. Sept. 1, 1862, for disability. 1 2TH REG’T (INFANTRY) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS.) Hugh McGuire, age 28; Co. K, must, in June 26, 1861; disch. Dec. 8 1863-5- by order of War Dept. ist reg’t (heavy artillery) mass. vols. (3 years). Company L. Charles M. Wilkinson, Serg’t, age 31; must, in, Feb. 28, 1862; disch. Nov. 26, 1863, for disability. HISTORY Of ROCKPORT. 190 Company M. Name. Francis Allen, Thomas Full, Augustus McClain, George S. Phillips, Age. Date of muster. Close of service, and cause. 18, Mar. 8 ’62, Mar. 30 ’64, re-enlist. 29, “ 6 “ “5 ’65, expiration of service. 28, “ 17 “ “ 23 ’64, re-enlist. 34 , “ 7 “9 “ The following named Rockport men served in Company D, Fifth Maine Regiment, that left Portland June 26, 1861: William T. McQuestion, disch. for disability, Feb. 20 ’62; died on the field, July 26 ’62, while acting as sutler. Otis W. Wallace, died at Washington Oct. 28 ’62. Charles M. Colburn, died Nov. 24 ’62. Arthur Hamblin, disch. the winter following muster in. Stillman L. Mason, “ “ “ “ “ “ for dis- ability. Lorenzo D. Fox, disch. Oct. 26 ’62; died in a few days after reaching home. George L. Berry, killed at Salem Church, Va., May 5 ’63. Stephen A. Perkins, served three years. Henry W. Farrow, “ “ “ Albion Sloman, “ “ “ Thomas F. Parsons, lost right arm at the battle of the Wilder- ness, May ’64. Horace Berry, was taken sick before the regiment left; he afterwards joined the 2d Maine and served three years. 1 ST MAINE BATTERY. Daniel Turner (of Rockport), died at New Orleans, Aug. 6’6i. I9TH REG’t (infantry) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS.) Name. Age. Date of muster. Close of service, and cause. Levi Shaw, 1st Lieut., 50, Aug. 22 ’61, Sept. 17 ’62, disability. Isaiah Leighton, mus’n., 29, Sept. 3 “ Aug. 8 “ order of War Dept. John P. Naysen 26, HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 191 Name. Age. Date of muster. Close of service, and cause. George W. Dade, 29, Sept. 3 ’61, Dec. 31 ’61, order of . War Dept. Jeremiah Harrigan co.f, 28, Aug, 28 “ Aug. 28 ’64, exp. service James Varney, Co. H, 18, Nov. 1 “ never left the State. Michael O’Brien, Co. I, 24, Aug. 28 “ Sept. ’64 was taken prisoner and confined at Andersonville, escaped in April ’65, and was disch. by order of War Dept. May 23 ’65. Charles C. Sewall, 18, Aug. 28 ’61, June 22 ’62, wounded; disch. Sept. 23 ’62, for disability. James Eldredge, 31, Aug. 3 ’63, June 14 ’64, transferred to 20th Reg’t; must, out July 24, ’65, at exp. of service. 23 D reg’t (infantry) 3 YEARS. Landel T. Smith, age 33; Co. C, must, in Oct. 1 ’61; died at Newbern, N. C., Sept. 28 ’64. 24TH reg’t (infantry) mass. vols. (3 years). George W. Young, age 24; Co. B, must, in Oct. 14 ’61; died at Newbern, N. C., April 21 ’62. 20th reg’t (infantry) mass. vols. (3 years). John J. O’Connell, Co. G, must, in Aug, 5 ’63; died at Ander- sonville, Nov. 27 ’64. 30TH reg’t (infantry) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS.) Company K. Name. James F. Siders, Serg’t, James W. Abbott 7 Eugene Prior, Serg’t, Charles P. Brockelbank, Age. Date of muster. Close of service, and cause 29, Dec. 16 ’61, died Nov. 16 ’62, at New Orleans. 24, Jan. 14 ’62, died Aug. 1 8 ’62, at Baton Rouge, La. 21, Feb. 4 “ Feb. 1 2 ’64, re-enlist 18, Jan. 3 “ died Oct. 14 ’62, at Carrolton, La. 19, “ii “ died Jan. 16 ’63, at New Orleans. Jabez W. Kendall, 192 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. Name. Age. Dateof muster. Close of service, and cause. Henry F. McKenney, Corp , 18, Jan. 9 ’62 died Mar. 3 ’63, at Baton Rouge, La. Benj. F. Smith, 35 ; , “ 6 “ died Dec. 20 ’62, at New Orleans. George H. Ross, Corp., 21, Dec. 17 ' ’6i, drowned April 29 ’62, in Mississippi River, La. Frank Wheeler, 18, Jan. 1 ’62, Feb. 1 1 64, re-enlist Levi F. Bailey, 27 , “ 4 u a a a a Dudley G. Adams, Serg’t, 40 , Dec. 25 ’61, Mar 10 ’63, disabil- ity. Patrick Allen, 44 , “ 18 “ Oct. 16 ’62, “ Michael Gallagher, 44 , Feb. 6 ’62, June 5 ’63, “ William E. Saunders, 25 , Jan. 1 ’62, Dec. 8 ’62, “ George S. Coburn, 24, “ 8 “ Oct. 16 “ “ William Broomfield, 22, “ 3 “ Jan. 20 ’65, expira- tion of service. Philip Devoe, 20, a a “ Jan. 1 ’64, re-enlist. Wm. P. Clark, 3d., 23 , “ 7 u a u a a Joseph Hodgkins, 18, “ 16 u u a a a Archibald McPhee, 21, “ 20 a a a a a John B. Norwood, 29, “ 13 “ Feb. 1 2 ’66, “ Lyman R. Tarr, 23, Dec. 16 ’61, Jan. 20 ’65, expira- tion of service. Addison Wheeler, 29, Jan. “ ’ 62, Feb. 1 2 ’64, re-enlist. James Kenney, 18, “ 3 “ Jan. 1 “ “ Juvenal De Ornellas, 25 , Dec. 16 ’61, Oct. i 6 ’ 62 , disabil- . ity. 3 2D REG’T (INFANTRY) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS). Company D. Name, Age. Date of muster. C iose of service, and cause. Sylvanus Babson, Corp., 21, Nov. 22 ’61, Jan. 4 ’64, re-enlist. Andrew Lane, Jr., “ 21, " 27 “ Dec. 1 ’64, expiration of service. HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 193 Name. Age. Date of muster. C iose of service, and cause. Joseph H. Wingood, 1 7, Nov. 27 ’61, Jan. 5 ’64, re-enlist. William A. Beals, 21, (< 29 “ Dec. 1 ’62, disability. Llewellyn McClain, 23 , a 28 “ Jan. 7 “ “ Benjamin M. Goday, 28, “ 25 “ Feb. 14“ “ Daniel M. Stillman, Charles H. Burke, 35 , 21, u u 29 “ June 8 ’64, “ 22 “ Aug. 27 ’62, Charles D. Collins, 29, “ 27 “ Dec. 28 ’64, exp. of service. Andrew L. Tarr, 28, a 28 “ “ “ “ Winthrop Pickering, 20, a “ “ Jan. 4 “ re-enlist. Eben Pickering, Mus’n, 22, a 2^ << a << (( (( Walter Johnson, 32, a 26 “ Feb. 26 “ “ Joseph H. Sewall, 21, “ ' 24 “ Mar. 9 “ “ Jacob A. Day, 21 , a 25 “ Jan. 4 “ “ George W. Gove, 28, u 21 “ “5 ’62, disability. 35TH reg’t (infantry) mass. vols. (3 years). Company F. Name. Age. Date of muster. Close of service, and cause. Alonzo Low, 34, Aug. 19 ’62, Sept. 1 8 ’63, died at Camp Dennison, O. George Bragdon, 30 , IO “ Nov. 12 62, disability. George N. Burnham, 18, n 19 “ Apr. 1 5 63, “ Newell Webster, 20, a “ “ Aug. 6 ’64, “ George Holbrook, 18, u “ “ Nov. 4 ’63, “ Lyford Holbrook, 22, u “ “ June 9 ’65, expiration of service. James McClaren w 36 , a “ “ Mar. 8 ’64, disability. Charles W. Beals, 24, a “ “ Nov. 21 ’63, “ George S. Lowe, 20, u “ “ May 2 “ both feet amputated. Isaac B. Bray, 22, a “ “ Nov. 1 2 ’62, disability; wounded at Antietam. David Brooks, Jr., 22, “ a u u a a Calvin W. Pool, Serg’t., 28, “ “ Feb. 14 ’63, disability. 194 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. Name. Age. Dateof muster. Close of service, and cause Enoch Anderson, 21, Aug. 19 ’62, Jan. 31 63, disability Daniel A. Wheeler, Corp, 23, “ “ “ April 9 “ “ Josiah F. Seavy, 27, “ “ “Nov. 16 ’62, “ Aaron Hodgkins, Jr., 24, “ . “ “ July 14 ’64, went into the navy; killed at Fort Fisher Mar. 15 ’65. George Lisk, 21, Aug. 19 ’62, May 21 ’64, trans- ferred to V. R. C; wounded at battle of Fredericksburg. Addison W. Tarr, George Clark, 3d., 26, Aug. 19 ’62, Mar 31 ’64, trans- ferred to V. R. C. 28, “ “ “ May 18 ’64, died at Spottsylvania, Va. “ “ Oct. 19 ’63, “ June 9 ’65, exp. service. James H. Bingham, Corp, 19, “ Samuel Norwood, 22, “ Newell Davis, Corp., 20, “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ Charles Davison, Serg’t., 20, “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ John Willis, 24, “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ Dennison Hooper, 20, “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ Henry S. Sylvester, Corp, 21, “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ John F. Foster, 33, “ “ “ Mar. 1 2 ’64, disability; lost right arm at battle of Fredericksburg. Solomon D. Grimes, 1st. Serg’t., 27, Aug. 19 ’62, commissioned 2d. Lieut. Nov. 29^4; June 9 ’65, exp. of service. In July, 1 862, a call was made upon the town for twenty-nine men. At this time a sort of apathy hung over the people; some even said, “We can’t raise the men.” After a few days’ delay, a few men held a consultation in relation to the state of things. As the results of this consultation, early one evening strains of martial music were heard on our streets, the people gathered in large numbers, and finally a halt was ordered on Dock Square.. A meeting was organized by the choice of Wm. Haskins, chairman. Rev. David Bremner made an eloquent and patriotic address; others spoke in the same strain. At ten o’clock an adjournment was made to the next evening. At the time appointed the people came together in great HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 195 numbers. Music and speaking were in order. The people were awakened. The muster roll was next in order and in a few days the entire number, twenty-nine men, were enrolled. Religious services were held in the Broadway Chapel, the evening previous to the recruits leaving for Camp Stanton at Lynnfield. As they were filing into the chapel, a young man approached a recruit and said “I will give you fifty dollars for your chance.” He did not sell out. A sermon was preached by Rev. David Bremner from the text, I Samuel 4:9, “Be strong, and quit yourselves like men.” A full house, an inter- esting service. Mark the change within a few days by the efforts of a few men and the right kind of music. Rockport was not sleeping, only halting. 40TH reg’t (infantry) mass. vols. (3 years). Alvah Abbott, age 42; Co. B, must, in Aug. 22, 1862; trans- ferred July 2, 1863, to V. R. C. 4 1 st reg’t infantry (afterwards 3D reg’t cavalry). Robert Hill, age 22; Co. H, must, in Oct. 27, 1862; — Nov. 30, 1862. 50TH reg’t (infantry) MASS. VOLS. (9 MONTHS.) Company B. Name. Age. Date of muster. Close of service, and cause. B. F. Blatchford, 1st. Serg’t, 27, Sept. 1 5 ’62, Aug. 24’ 63, exp. James Story, Serg’t., Marcus A. Hanna, “ David L. Tuttle, Corp., George W. Dade, “ Edward C. Lane, “ James F. Tucker, “ John Beals, 29, “ “ 2 1 , Oct. 9 30, Sept. 1 5 of service. “ “ “ exp. “ ft if ft ft ft ft ft ft if ft tf ft it ft ft ft if ft ft ft “ May 19 ’63, died at Baton Rouge. “ Aug. 24 ’63, exp. of service. 96 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. Name. Joseph Beals, William A. Beals, David P. Boynton, Jr., died Nov Age. Date of muster. Close of service and cause. 44, Sept. 1 5 ’62, Apr. 27 ’63, disa- bility 7 . 21, Oct. 29 “ Aug. 24*63, exp. of service. 30, Sept. 15“ “ “ “ exp. “ 3 *63, disease contracted in the service. James Breen, Jr., 1 9, Sept. 1 5 ’62, Aug. 24 ’63, exp. of service. Peter Breen, Jr., 23, “ “ “ “ exp. " Ephraim Brown, " a ft u tt tt a tt Solomon Choate, 22, “ “ it U it it it it Hosea B. Clark, 22 “ “ “ Apr. 16 ’63, died at • New Orleans. David M. Day, 42, •• “ “ Aug. 24 “ exp. of service. Joseph G. Devou, 19, “ “ " “ “ “ exp. “ Alvin F. El well. 38, “ - a tt a a tt a Thaddeus Giles, tt if a a tt it a tt William Goday, 39, “ “ “ " 20 ’63, died at Rockport. Joseph A. Griffin, 18, “ “ “ “ 24 “ exp. of service. William H. Grimes, -> - «« «« ~ J ) a ft ft ft a Richard W. Hill, O T “ “ ft a a ft tt tt Adin Holbrook, ^ - tt tt ** Dj “ died of wounds Mar. 19 ’63, accidentally shot at La. Thomas Haskins, 36, Sept. 1 5 ’62, died Mar. 25 ’63. John S. Knights, 19, “ “ “ Aug. 24 ’63, exp. of service. Benjamin F. Leighton, 43, " “ if ft if ft ** William H. Lowe, 22 ** M - ft it ft ft if ft John Mcjannett, -Q it tt 3°, ft ft ft it it ft Samuel Mcjannett, Jr., 28, “ “ if if ft tt ft ft Charles B. Morse, 19. “ “ if ft ft it tt if HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 97 Name. George E. Morse, Loring P. Patch. John H. Peach, Charles Pettingill, Xath'l. W. Pettingill, George H. Pierce. Caleb X. Pool, John A. Pool, Rufus Pool, Benj. F. Sleeper, Solomon Tarr, \Ym. Tucker, Jr., Age. Date of master. Close of service, and cause. 23, Sept. 1 5 '62, Aug. 24 63, exp. service 29, 44 44 44 June 3 ’63, died at Baton Rouge, La. 44, 44 44 44 Aug. 24 ’63, exp. sendee. 20, 44 44 44 May 11 44 died at Baton Rouge. 22, 44 44 44 Aug. 2463, exp. sendee. 33 > “ “ “ ‘ 4 “ 18, 44 44 44 May 2 44 died at Baton Rouge. 1 8, 44 44 44 Aug. 24 ’63, exp. sendee. 18, 44 44 44 Feb. 25 *63, died at Quar- antine Station, La. Wm. Tucker, 42, 44 44 4 * Aug. 24*63, exp. sendee. John M. Tuttle, 32, 44 44 4 ‘ ‘ 4 Andrew P. Wetherbee, 18, 44 * 44 44 44 44 44 George E. Wheeler, 22, 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 John Witham. 36, 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 Soon after the nine months* men had departed for the seat of war, our quota was declared deficient. Therefore the following named three years’ recruits were enlisted and were attached to 3D REG*T (heavy ARTILLERY MASS. YOL5. 3- Company A. Name. Age. Date of muster. CSose of service, and cause. George Bragdon, 1st. Lieut., 31 Oct. 1 ’63, Sept. 18 ’65, exp. of sendee. Zeno A. Appleton. 2d “ 38 Dec. 31 ’62, 44 8 ’64, promoted to 1st. Lieut. William H. Lane. Corp., 24 Jan. 10 *63, “ 18 '65, exp. of sendee. 98 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. Name. Age. Date of muster. Close of service, and cause. John Conley, Henry B. Daggett, Serg’t. Addison Haskell’ Michael Knowlton, Peter Manning, George Pool, Henry N. Pool, George W. Thurston, Samuel Thurston, Joseph W. West, 41, Jan. 10 ’63, Jan. 5 ’64, disability. “ “ Sept. 15 ’64, trans. to navy. 27, 18, 43 , 18, May 7 Jan. 4 May 7 “ disability. “ transfer’d to navy. 27, “ “ “ “ “ 25 , “ “ “ “ “ 26, “ “ “ “ “ 18, Mar. 10 u July 25 36, Jan. “ “ Sept. 18 '65, exp. of service. At this point volunteering came to a standstill, waiting for the draft soon to be made, which speedily came, calling for sixty-three men from this town. Ninety-four names were drawn; of this number, thirty-four passed the examination and paid the commutation fee, or furnished substitutes at an aggregate cost of $10,610; eight enlisted in the 3d. Reg’t., Co. G, Heavy Artillery, 3 years, without waiting for an examination, viz: 3D reg’t (heavy artillery) mass. vols. (3 years). Company G. Name. Age, Date of muster. Close of service, and cause. William P\ Jefferson, 18, Oct. 20 ’63, Sept. 1 8 ’65, exp. service. Russell J. Boynton, Jr. , 34 , “ “ “ July 21 ’64, died at Fort Davis, D. C. Moses H. Grimes, 21, “ “ “ Sept. 1 8- ’65, exp. service. Theodore P. Keene, 28, “ “ “ Aug. 1 ’64 died at Fort Davis, D. C. Charles Paul, Jr., 32 , “ “ *’ Sept. 1 8 ’65, exp, service. Joseph D. Paul, 25, “ a a a a a a u Benj. F. West, 27 , “ a a a a a a a George Wheeler, 22, “ HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 199 Drafting having proved almost a failure, in October, 1863, a call was made by the President for three hundred thousand volunteers, of which our quota was seventy-nine. Immediately after the official notice was received, a subscription was solicited to aid recruiting. P'ive hundred and thirty-five dollars were collected, of the five hundred and fifty-two dollars subscribed, and devoted to that purpose. An order was issued by the War Department, authorizing the re-enlistment of soldiers in the field who had seen two years’ service. One of the selectmen (Henry Dennis) went to Newbern, N. C., to confer with our men in the Seventeenth Regiment. Offers were also made to our men in other regiments in the field. These efforts and offers were quite successful. Lieut. Benj. F. Blatchford opened a recruiting office in Votary engine-house hall and aided the recruiting committee to quite an extent in obtaining volunteers. They felt that some testimonial should be tendered him in acknowl- edgement of his services. Therefore he was presented with a sword, sash and belt, which service was done by Rev. Stillman Barden, in behalf of the committee, in a few well chosen words. Lieut. Blatchford’s response was full of patriotism and loyalty. He highly appreciated the kindness and good-will of our citizens. In the month of February, 1864, an additional call was made for two hundred thousand men, which brought our quota up to one hundred and fourteen. The result of answering it was as follows. 5 6th REC^T (infantry) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS.) Company B. John N. Barton, Corp., age 39; must, in Dec. 26 ’63; disch. May 29 ’65, for disability. John Collins, age 35; must, in Feb. 7 ’65; disch. June 20 ’65, by order of War Dept. 200 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 2D REG’T (heavy ARTILLERY) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS). Company K. Name. Age. Date of muster. (’lose of service, and cause Benj. F. Blatchford, 28, Oct. 7 ’63, Sept. 3 ’65, exp. of service; was com. 1st Lieut. June 21 ’65. James Breen, Jr., Serg’t, 20, Dec. 22 ’63, Sept. 3 ’65, exp. of service. Marcus A. Hanna, 1st Serg’t, 21, “ “ “ “ “ exp. “ promoted to 2d Lieut. Apr. 21 ’65 John J. McKenney, Serg’t, 21, Dec. 22 ’63, Sept. 3 ’65, exp. of service. Seward Norwood, Corp., 3L “ “ “ “ “ “ exp. “ John J. Fay (Co. H) 18, a a a n 44 n a 44 James Brown, Jr., 38, << a a ff 44 ft a 44 John Knights (Co. H) 20, a a a it if n a 44 Solomon Knights, Jr., 18, a ff ff ft 44 if a 44 Daniel Mengold, 38, n a a a a . a a 44 Freeman Mitchell, Jr., 18, a a a a n a a 44 Albert Norwood, 20, a a a a 44 a a 44 Alfred Norwood, 21, if a a a 44 a a 44 Eben P. Pool, 19, a a a a 44 *< a 44 Rufus Pool, 18, a a a a 44 << a 44 William E. Saunders, 28, << <« a a 44 a a 44 Charles C. Sewall, 19, a a a a 44 a <« 44 John Sweeney, O T w A ) a a a a 44 <« «« 44 Leonard Walen, Jr., 19 , “ “ “ May 16 ’65 died at Fortress Monroe, Va. 59 TH reg’t (infantry) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS.) Company G. Nath’l. Richardson, Jr., age 23; must, in March 4 ’64; disch. Jan. 14 ’65 for disability. Joseph H. Hilliard, age 19; must, in March 4 ’64; disch. June 10 ’65 for disability. Charles Dellmont, age 21; (Co. D) must, in Feb. 9 ’64. HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 201 VETERANS RE-ENLISTED. 3 2 D reg’t mass. vols. Company D. Name. Age. Date of muster C.ose of service, and cause Winthrop Pickering, 23, Jan. 5 ’64, June 29 ’65, exp. of service. Eben Pickering, Mus’n., 25, 44 44 44 44 44 44 exp. 44 Sylvanus B. Babson, Serg’t., 23, “ “ “ May 1 8 ’64 killed at Laurel Hill, Va. Walter Johnson, 34, Feb. 27 “ “ 30 ’64 killed at Shady Grove, Va. Horace M. Eaton, 21, Jan. 5 44 June 29 ’65, exp. of service. Joseph H. Sewall, 23, Mar. io 4 4 44 20 44 exp. 44 Joseph H. Wingood, Corp., 19, Jan. 5 k4 Apr. 27 44 4 4 4 4 severely wounded in battle of the Wilderness, May 1 2 ’64. Company M. Josiah Walker, age 21; must, in Dec. 23 ’63; disch.July 12 ’65, by order of War Dept. 30TH reg’t (infantry) mass. vols. (3 years). Company K. Name. Age. Date of muster. Close of service, and cause. Joseph Hodgkins, Mus’n, 20, Jan. 2 ’64, Jan. 22 ’65 , exp. service Wm. P. Clark, 3d, 25, 4 4 4 4 4 4 Philip Devou, 22, 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 James Kenney,. 20, 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 k4 Eugene Prior, 1st Serg’t. ,23, Feb 1 3 44 k4 25 4k promoted to 2d. Lieut. Archibald McPhee, 23, Jan. 2 44 Feb. 27 44 exp. service. Frank Wheeler, 20, 4 4 4 4 4 4 Sept. 29 ’64 died of wounds, at Winchester, Va. Addison Wheeler, Serg’t, 3 1 , Feb-i 3 ’64, July 5 ’66, exp. service. George Frost, Serg’t, 31, Jan. 2 “ Jan. 20 ’65 4 4 4 4 202 HISTORY OF R0CKP0RT. I/TH REG’T (INFANTRY) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS). Company G. Name. Age. Date of muster Close of seivice, aud cause. George Elwell, Serg't, 31. Jan. 2 ’64; July 1 1 ’65. exp. service. \Ym. H. Davis, k John Reeves. Hugh Strain, Charles H. Gove, 26. Dec. 27 ’63, - “ “ 22, k * 31 “ June 10 “ “ ‘‘ 22, Jan. 2 *64, July 22 21, Dec. 26 ’63, Sept. 29 ’64 died at Newbern, N. C. 1ST REG’T HEAVY ARTILLERY (3 YEARS). Samuel F Lefflan, age 24; Co. I, must, in Dec. 7 ’63; killed June 16 '64, at St. Petersburg, Va. Augustus McClain, age 30; Co. M. must, in March 24 ’64; transferred April 1 ’64 to navy. George S. Phillips, Corp., age 34; Co. M. must, in March 10 ’64; transferred April 24 ’64, to navy. We have now succeeded in enlisting fifty-seven men (twenty-five of whom are veterans re-enlisted), one-half of our quota of one hundred and fourteen under the two calls of 300,000 and 200,000. To make up the deficiency, a credit was given us of the thirty -four who had furnished substitutes, and the eight that had enlisted without examination. A claim of thirteen men in the navy, after much persistence, was allowed, thus satisfying the call within three. A contribution was made by men liable to draft and the nine hundred dollars commutation was raised and paid. This completed the whole number, one hundred and fourteen men. Hardly had we gotten over this, and were hoping to enjoy a short respite from the anxiety consequent upon such demands, when in July, 1864, another call was issued for three hundred thousand men. This was the darkest period in the history" of recruiting during the war. Our quota on this call was seventy-one How to obtain this number was a serious question, financially and mentally. The edict had gone forth: they" must be furnished before the fifth of the following Septem- HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 203 ber. Recruits could be obtained, but at prices that were appalling to slim purses and towns of limited means. Yet an effort must be made. We entered the field with competitors from other towns, and they were many, ev er}’ one anxious and earnest to relieve the fears of their constituents. To enable the recruiting committee to prosecute their work, a fund of fiv e thousand nine hundred and ten dollars was raised by the payment of twenty’ dollars each by those liable to draft. This sum was in addition to what the town as a municipality’ would pay. This being found insufficient, a tax on those who were willing to pay was assessed, which realized the sum of three thousand eight hundred and forty 7 dollars. With these sums the following named men were enlisted: 5TH REG’t ( CAVALRY ) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS). George Davis, age 34; Co. L, must, in Aug. 5 ’64; disch. June 28 ’65, expiration of serv ice. John Wilson, age 20; Co. B, must, in Aug. 27 •64; June 29 "65. VETERAN RESERVE CORPS (3 YEARS). Amos K. Flowers, age 30; must, in Aug. 18 64; disch. Nov. 16 65 by order of War Dept. Robert Chisholm, age 28; must, in Aug. 29 64; disch. Nov 7 . 14 '65 by order of War Dept. 1ST REG't (HEAVY ARTILLERY) MASS. V'OLS. (I YEAR). Michael Clifford, age 19; Co. B, must, in Aug. 19 64; disch. May 29 '65, expiration of serv ice. 4TH REG T (HEAVY ARTILLERY) MASS. VOLS. (i YEAR). > Company G. Name. Age. Date of muster. Close of service, and cause Matthew McGraith, 21, Aug. 19 64, June 17 65, exp. service. William McGraith, 24 44 44 44 44 44 44 Jeremiah Murphy, 25 44 23 44 44 44 44 44 John Cosgrove, 21 44 19 44 44 44 44 44 Leon Derbon, 27 44 23 44 44 44 44 44 John W. Kirby, 19 44 22 44 44 44 44 44 204 HISTOR Y OF R 0 CKP 0 RT. Company I. Name . Age . Date of muster . Close of service, and cause . Nelson A. Mowton, Serg’t, 20, Aug. 20*64, Jan. 5 ’65 appoint- ment to U. S. C. T. Wm. H. Roberts, 22, “ “ 4 4 Aug. 23 *64 deserted. John Ward, 21, 4 4 4 4 “June 17 ’65, exp. of service. Company M. Name. Age. Dale of muster. Close of service, and cause. Joseph A. Griffin, 1 8, Aug. 1 8 *65 , June 1 7 65 exp. service Richard W. Hill, 23, 44 23 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 Charles Knowlton, Jr., 37, “ 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 Melville H. Knowlton, 21 , 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 John G. Dennis, 3 years by substitute. Allen G. Lane, 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 Edwin Leighton, 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 2D REG’t (heavy ARTILLERY) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS). Barth Crowley, age 21; Co. D, must, in Aug. 23 ’64; disch. June 26 *65, expiration of service. 2D REG’t (cavalry) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS). William King, age 19; Co. I, must, in Aug. 31 *64; disch. May 8 *65, expiration of service. UNATTACHED HEAVY ARTILLERY (i YEAR). 29th. Company. William M. Twombly, Corp., age 19; must, in Aug. 30 ’64; disch. June 16 ’65, expiration of service. Levi Appleby, age 22; must, in Aug. 31 ’64; disch. June 16 ’65, expiration of service. 3 D REG’t (cavalry) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS.) Peter Rogers, age 35; Co. B, must, in Aug. 29 ’64; disch. Sept. 28 ’65, expiration of service. HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 205 6 1 st reg’t (infantry) mass. vols. (3 years). Company B. Age . Date of muster . Close of service, and cause . 41, Aug. 27 ’64, June 4 ’65, exp. service. 18, 44 29 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 17, 44 20 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 26, 44 29 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 30, 44 30 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 22 6i a a a a a a a Name . Barth McDonald, John McClellan, George L. Moller, Timothy O’Brien, Stephen Rowe, Thomas Tuesent, John O’Connell, Co. C, 30, Sept. 2 Dennis Buckley, 19, 44 1 Peter Donahoe, 22, 44 2 Mar. 15 ’65, disability. June 4 ’65, exp. service. 2 D BATTERY LIGHT ARTILLERY, MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS). Name. Age. Date of muster. Close of service, and cause. John Dalton, 21, Aug. 27 ’64, June 11 ’65, exp. service. Michael Moran, 21, 44 30 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 John J. McMahan, 24, 44 29 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3D reg’t (heavy artillery) mass. vols. (3 years). Company M. Name. Age. Date of muster. Close of service, and cause. Charles Curtin, 24, Aug. 26 ’64, June 17 ’65, exp. service. Frank Eaton, 21, 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 Our means at this time were exhausted, thirty-nine men having been furnished, and the committee were about thirteen hundred dollars in debt; our expectation was that the state would furnish twenty-five per cent, of the call and that, with the allowance to be made us for our naval recruits, the demand would be satisfied. The committee awaited further develop- ments. The final summing up of the affair in September, 1864, resulted in our having a surplus of twenty-one men; the State up to this time had furnished but two and one representative recruit. The reason of this surplus was the allowing of our claim for naval recruits. During the summer of this year, 1864, one hundred days’ men were called for. We furnished eight as follows: 20 6 HISTORY OF R0CKP0RI . Name 8th reg’t. (infantry) MASS. VOLS. (ioo days). Company G. Age. Date ot muster. Close of service, and cause. John Beals, I9< Benj. G. Brooks, 21 , John F. Brooks, 21 , Albert W. Hale, 18, Ivory Lane, 21 , George Rowe, 19 * Beaman Smith, 18, Daniel W. Tuttle, Corp. 27 > In December of this year, 1864, an opportunity offered whereby we could secure some men on our quota who were enlisting in the Twenty-fifth Unattached Company, Infantry, M. V., one year, for the town bounty (one hundred and twenty- five dollars). We succeeded in obtaining twenty-three, viz: Name. Age. Date of muster. Close of service, and cause. Andrew Anderson, 35, Dec. 9 ’64, J une 29 ’65, exp. service Hiram Averill, Jr., 18, Jan. 3 ’65, 1 1 “ 4 4 i i t i Charles Bezansien, 19, Dec. 9 ’64, “ 4 4 i i i t Alonzo P. Carleton, 21, “ “ “ 1 i 4 4 k t ( t John E. Coggins, a u (( “ 4 4 4 4 i t i ( Charles P. Day, 28, “ " “ i 4 4 4 4 4 i t 6 i Eben Day, 19 , “ 30 “ “ 4 4 4 4 i i t 6 Joseph Elwell, 39 , “ 9 “ i i 4 4 4 4 i i 6 i George H. Friend, 18, “ “ “ i i 4 4 4 4 i ( Charles H. Hall, 18, Jan. 2 ’65, 4 4 t i Hervey Lufkin, 34, Dec. 9 ’64, “ 4 4 i i John McKennon, O) 00 “ 4 4 4 4 “ i t Jonathan G. McLeod, 18, “ 9 “ “ 4 4 “ David A. Osier, 21, “ “ “ “ 4 4 “ “ i i Thomas Owen, 22, “ “ “ “ 4 4 “ 4 4 “ Joseph M. Perkins, 19, Jan. 3 ’65, “ 4 4 “ Edward S. Ross, 18, Dec. 9 ’64, i i 4 4 4 4 William S. Snow, 43 > “ H “ “ “ “ “ Charles Tibbetts, 24, “ 9 “ i t Thomas Wallace, 28, “ 29 “ 4 4 i i t i HISTORY OF ROCKFORT. 207 Name, Age. Date of muster. Close of service, and cause. James H. Wilkins, 2 1 , Dec. 9 ’64, June 29, ’65 , exp. service. Howard Elwell, Mus’n., 19, “ “ “ 44 44 44 44 44 Benj. F. Perkins, 21, Jan. 3 ’65, 44 44 44 44 4 4 He was in the Twenty-seventh Unattached. We were credited for seven and two-thirds three years’ men. Government had decided to give credit on the basis of a three years’ term; thus three one year’s men would count only as one man. We were still deficient, as decided by the provost- marshal, of twelve men, or thirty-six one year’s men. To meet this deficiency, a fund of two thousand dollars was raised by the men liable to draft, in order to procure the men. With this money we continued to enlist recruits until the latter part of March, 1865, though we had provided more than our just quota. But having money on hand it was concluded best to keep on the credit side; in case of future emergency we would be ready to meet the call. The following is the final result, viz the enlistment of twenty- nine men, as follows: VETERAN RESERVE CORPS, MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS.) Charles M. Wilkinson, age 43; must, in Dec. 5 ’64; disch. Nov. 30 ’65 by order of War Dept. 4 TH REGT (cavalry) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS). Fred L. Orcut, age 20; Co. C, must, in March 4 ’65; died March 13 ’65, on Str. Blackstone. 1 ST BATTALION HEAVY ARTILLERY, MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS) Company B. Christopher C. Williams, 21, Dec. 2 ’64, June 29*65 exp. service Louis H. Williams, 18, 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 Samuel Johnson, 33, Nov 29 44 Oct. 20 4 4 4 4 4 4 6 th battery light artillery, mass. vols. (3 years). Brewer F. Randall, age 22; must, in Dec. 3 ’64; disch. Aug. 7 ’65, exp. of service. James Dorgan, age 19; must, in Dec. 3 ’64: disch. Aug. 7 ’65, exp. of service. 208 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 56th reg’t (infantry) mass. vols. (3 years). Company B. John Collins, age 35; must, in Feb. 7 ’65; disch. June 20 ’65 by order of War Dept. Daniel Meagher, age 35; must, in March 15 ’65; disch. July 26 ’65 by order of War Dept. 3 1 ST reg’t (infantry) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS.) Company B. John O’Donnell, age 30; must, in Feb. 9 ’65; Feb. 9 ’65, rejected recruit. Charles Hartman, age 41, must, in Feb. 24 ’65; disch. Sept. 9 ’65, exp. of service. 19TH reg’t (infantry) mass. vols. (3 years). Christian Zeh, age 38; Co. E, must, in Feb. 18 ’65; disch. June 3 ’65, exp. of service. 24TH reg’t (infantry) mass. vols. (3 years). Michael J. Burke, Co. E, age 18; must, in Feb. 23 ’65; disch. Jan. 20 ’66, exp. of service. 2 D reg’t (cavalry) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS). Name. Age. Date of muster. Close of service, and cause. Timothy Connor (Co. F) 21, Feb. 1 8 ’65, July 20 ’65 exp. of service. Bernard McQuade (Co. M) 27, 44 9 4 4 4 4 4 4 “exp. 44 Chas. A. Cummings (Co. G) 23, Mar. 16 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 Patrick McCann 1 yr (Co. D) 29, 44 13 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 Thomas Hickey 1 yr (Co. C) 18, 44 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 6 1 ST REGT (infantry) MASS. VOLS. (i YEAR). Company H. Timothy Allman, age 28; must, in March 1 ’65, disch. July 16 ’65, exp. of service. Theodore C. Weld, age 18; must, in March 8 ’65; died May 22 ’65 at Alexandria, Va. I4TH BATTERY LIGHT ARTILLERY, MASS. VOLS. Wm. Campbell, age 24; must, in March 1 ’65; disch. June 15 ’65, exp. of service. HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 209 James Dunney, age 21; must, in March 6 ’65; disch. June 15 ’6 5, exp. of service. 13TH reg’t, mass, vols., (3 years). Robert Topping, age 21; must, in March 17 ’65; disch. July 28 ’6 5, exp. service. 62D reg’t (infantry) mass. vols. (i year). Henry B. Sprague, 1st. Serg’t., age 33; Co. B, must, in March 16 ’65; disch. May 5 ’65, exp. service. James Lovery, age 30; Co. A, must, in March 14 ’65; disch. May 5 ’65, exp. of service. 30TH reg’t (infantry) mass. vols. (3 years). Company G. Willis G. Merrill, age 18; must, in March 10 ’65; disch. March 10 ’66, exp. of service. Samuel P. Dow, age 19; must, in March 10 ’65; disch. March 9 ’66, exp. of service. 5 5th reg’t (infantry) mass. vols. (3 years). Andrew Williams, age 23; must, in March 11 ’65; disch. May 15 ’65, exp. of service. U. S. VETERAN (HANCOCK CORPS). Patrick Kenney, age 30; must, in March 14 ’65; disch. March 1 1 ’66. Navy recruits , as follows: Michael Allen, Patrick Allen, George Cleaves, Moses H. Cleaves, John Griffin, Alfred Goday, Charles Haskell, 3d., Benj. Y. Jacobs, Gunboat “Brooklyn.” 6 i a Master’s Mate. a a “Delaware.” - Steamer “Boxer.” - “Jas. S. Chambers.” - Master’s Mate, “Housatonic.” 210 HISTOR Y OF ROCKPORT. Henry M. Lowe, - Arthur T. Parsons, Thomas Parsons, James Pool, Charles E. Pool, - - Paymaster’s Clerk. Ensign, “Cherokee.” - Gunboat “Guard.” “Brooklyn.” “Scioto.” Alvin Smith, Gunboat “Southfield,” Frigate “Roanoke.” James H. Stillman, - “Roebuck.” Robert Tarr, Pro. to Lieut. Commanding “Isaac Smith” and Gunboat “Queen.” Aaron Hodgkins, Jr., - Killed at Fort F'isher, Colorado. Charles Pettingill. Lawrence Griffin, John O’Brien, Died April 16, 1863. - Died at Key West, Nov. 26, 1862. Wm. N. Tarr, - - Died at Memphis, May 15, 1863. Thomas A. Knowlton. Solomon Knights. Henry C. Robinson, Thomas Wentworth. Ensign. Levi Hill, Died at New Orleans, April 11, 1864. George McLane, _____ “Tahoma.’ Addison Pool, Asst. Paymaster’s Mate, Monitor, “Mahopac.” Francis W. Stewart. John Scanlan, Michael Timmeny, Michael Welch, - Thomas H. Welch, “Pursuit;” - “Portsmouth.” “Pensacola.” - “Cumberland.” Wm. Caldwell, Jr., Ensign, Steamer “May Sanford,” ‘Mahopac.’ John Porter, James Parsons. Asa F. Sanborn. Died at Philadelphia, Dec. 2, 1861. Wm. Pool, 3d., On board the Cumberland when sunk. Wm. Wingood, Jr., Ensign, Was at the capture of Mobile, “Ossipee.” Calvin W. Pool, Paymaster’s Steward, Monitor “Mahopac.” George Hodgkins, “Penobscot.” HISTORY OF ROCKPORI . 211 The whole number of men furnished by the town for the army was three hundred and fifty-eight; for the navy, forty-one; total, three hundred and ninety-nine. Commissioned officers in the navy as indicated. Eleven commissioned officers in the army. Forty-two were killed in battle or died of wounds or disease. The adjutant-general, in his report for the year 1865, says Rockport furnished sixty-three men more than its quota. The cost to the town for enlistment under the several calls was ------ $29,094.80 Already been assessed and reimbursed by the state, 1 5,000.00 Balance, ______ 14,094.80 Contributed by individuals, - - - 13,185.00. Paid by drafted men in 1863, - - 10,610.00 Paid by individuals for substitutes, - - 1,535.00 $39,424.80 On the 11th. day of August, 1863, thirty-six members of Co. B, Fiftieth Regiment of Infantry, arrived home. This was a nine months’ regiment and was mustered into the service of the United States, at Camp Stanton, Boxford, on the 1.5th. day of November, 1862, and left camp for the seat of war on the 19th. day of the same month. This regiment did good service at New Orleans, Port Hudson and at other points. Forty-nine Rockport men enlisted in Co. B; nine were killed in battle or died from wounds or disease; forty were spared. Thirty-six returned together- and were given a fitting welcome by our citizens. The next day after their arrival, they marched over some of the public streets, then formed in line in the Congre- gational church yard. At 9 o’clock A. M., prayer was offered by Rev. Wakefield Gale. Capt. Josiah Haskell tendered an address of welcome. Benj. H. Smith, Esq., a former citizen, spoke a few well chosen words. He was followed by Ex-President Franklin Pierce, then spending a few weeks at 212 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. Pigeon Cove, who spoke words of cheer. Rev. Stillman Barden addressed them in his happiest vein. At eleven A. M., the returned soldiers and invited guests marched to Votary engine house hall, where an excellent collation was provided by the citizens, to which our soldiers and guests were cordially invited and welcomed. The hour was happily spent in testing the viands and in social conversation. It was pleasant both to soldiers and citizens. This regiment was mustered out of the service, at Wenham, on the 24th. inst. What joy filled every loyal heart on that April day (1865) when the news “Gen’l. Robert E. Lee,” in command of the Rebel forces, “has surrendered to Gen’l. U. S. Grant,” commander of the Union troops, was heralded on lightning wings throughout the length and breadth of our beloved land, thus virtually terminating this cruel war; the Union saved and we destined to become a united and happy people, the procuring cause of this w r ar, slavery, being now dead and buried past resurrection. How soon was joy turned to mourning as the sad news fell upon our ears, on the morning of the fifteenth day of April: “Abraham Lincoln, President of these United States, shot by Wilkes Booth, on the evening of April 14th. at ten o’clock.” He died at twenty minutes past seven, the next morning. On Wednesday, the 19th. inst., by proclamation of His Excellency John A. Andrew, Governor, all of the towns and cities ot the Commonwealth were requested to hold a funeral service in memory of the great and good man so suddenly stricken down by the hand of the assassin. During the day flags were displayed at half mast; at noon the church bells were tolled. A general meeting of citizens was held in the Congregational meeting-house which was appropriately draped in mourning. A large and attentive audience was present. An appropriate hymn was sung by a choir; an impressive prayer was offered by Rev. Wakefield Gale; selections of HISTORY OF ROCKFORT. 213 Scripture were read by Rev. A. B. Wheeler of the Methodist Church; an interesting and appropriate address was delivered by Rev. L. H. Angier of the Second Cong’l. Church, (no other pastors in town). The address was well arranged and was eloquently and feelingly delivered. The benediction was then pronounced and the meeting closed. The 19th. day of April, 1865, was truly a day of sadness to all loyal hearts; but even in loyal states all did not mourn. This is the exception, not the rule; perhaps it is better to pity than to blame. 214 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. CHAPTER VIII. Heavy Gale and Loss of Life. On the 8th. day of September, 1869, commencing about noon and continuing until midnight, the eastern Atlantic coast was visited with a terrific gale of wind from the E. S. E. Many fruit and ornamental trees were uprooted, others were stripped of their foliage and branches. Great damage was done to shipping and many lives were lost. Five vessels went ashore at Gloucester harbor; one other was dismasted and rode out the gale. The fishing schooner Helen Eliza, of this port, Edward J. Millett master, went ashore on Peak’s Island, near Portland harbor, and soon went to pieces and of a crew of twelve men, but one, Charles Jordan, was saved. The lost were: Edward J. Millett, who left a widow and two children; Emerson Colby, left a widow and five children; Frederic T. Lane left a widow, as did David B. Harris and George Wood; Albert Tarr, Joel Fairbanks, Benjamin Lurvey, Charles H. Clark, James Bray, George W. Clark were unmarried. All of these men belonged in this town, except Lane who belonged in Gloucester. Seven of these bodies were recovered and were brought here for burial. Four were buried from the Congregational meeting- house at one time. The funeral service was performed by the Rev. James W. Cooper, pastor of the church. The house was filled with an attentive audience; the service was solemn and impressive. The following is a condensed account of the disaster, as given by Jordan. During the latter part of the forenoon of Sept. 8th. the weather looked threatening and Capt. Millett proposed to make for Portland harbor. The first land we made was Ram Island. During the afternoon a thick fog set in and was followed by a perfect deluge of rain; the wind increased to almost a hurricane. We came to in the wind and dropped both anchors; our cables soon parted. We then HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. put the schooner under close reefed sail, the jib was soon blown out of the bolt rope. We made Portland lights and concluded to run for the harbor, but found ourselves too far to the eastward to reach the channel. There seemed no earthly help for us. Both anchors gone, a perfect hurricane raging, and a tremendous sea, there seemed but little doubt that our vessel must go on the shore of Peak’s Island. The prospect was gloomy but our crew were undaunted and each one did his best. Capt. Millett stood at the helm to the very last. In all probability he received a blow from the main-boom, which caused his death. Soon the schooner struck heavily upon the shore and stove her bow, by which five of the crew lost their lives. Soon the sea ripped up the schooner’s deck. Jordan had divested himself of the most of his clothing. He was an expert swimmer and prepared to battle with the waves. He was washed over-board but regained the wreck. He finally, with the aid of an empty barrel, succeeded in reaching the shore. It was with great effort that he climbed up the rugged side of ledge upon which he landed; after gaining that position he soon found that he was not on the main-land, but a channel was between that and him. Soon after he reached the ledge he heard some one call his name: he answered, but there was no response. After a slight rest he found, as it was flood tide, he must make an effort to reach the main-land. He again took to the water and after battling with the sea by almost superhuman efforts he reached the island. His next efforts were to seek some habitation. While making his way over the island, he was precipitated down an embankment into a fresh water pontl; he finally succeeded in crossing the pond and landed in a bog, over which he finally forced himself and through a thicket of brambles, and found a pathway that led him to the residence of Mr. Smith Holbrook. The inmates were unremitting in their attentions, furnishing him clothing and every possible comfort. After a short rest and refreshment he accompanied a party of the residents of the island to the 2l6 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. shore to look for the bodies of the dead. Mr. Jones, the landlord of the hotel, was very kind and provided him with a free pass home; the residents of the island, though poor fish- ermen, made him a purse of eighteen dollars. At the depot in Portland, eleven dollars were raised in his behalf. The mayor of the city paid him kind attention. Mr. Jordan, on his arrival home, expressed great gratitude for the kindness he had received at the hands of all with whom he came in contact. This is the third time that he was the sole survivor of his associates. During the Civil War, he with quite a company was cast into Libby prison. Of his whole company he alone lived to reach home. He was once shipwrecked on Cape Cod and of the ship’s company of thirty men he alone was saved. But finally he was employed by the Boston and Maine Railroad as bridge tender over the Charles River and was struck by a passing train, causing an injury which he survived but two weeks. Thus terminated an eventful life. He left a widow and two children. His widow was a native of this town; he came from South Paris, Me. The Helen Eliza was 33.63 tons, was built at Essex, was owned by Capt. Millett and others and insured in the Gloucester Mutual office, for $1050. The schooner “Yankee Girl” was in the same vicinity and encountered the same gale, but was never heard from. She had a crew of eleven persons, seven of whom belonged to Rockport. The list is as follows: Clifton Atwood, master, left a widow and two children; Horace, another son, eleven years of age, was lost with him; Freeman and Henry Abbott, brothers, the former left a widow and one child; Henry was unmarried, so also were Alfred Giles, Thomas Williams, David A. Elwell, and James Cann of Rockland, Me. James Kellogg of Maine left a widow and one child; Isaac Forrester was of East Boston and another man from Maine, name not known. The “Yankee Girl” was 26.12 tons, built at Gloucester HISTORY OF ROCKPORT 217 in 1857 and was valued at $3800, one-half of which was insured at the Rockport office. She was owned by Wm. H. Bradley and others. Other casualties were: Sch. “Franklin D. Schenck” lost masts and jibboom, rode out the gale and was then towed into Portland harbor. Fred Brown, one of the crew, had his arm badly injured. Sch. “Neptune” lost foresail, anchor and cable. Sch. “Charles Frederick” lost mainsail and jib. Sch. “Rockaway” lost foresail and anchors. Sch. “Rebecca N. Atwood” lost fifteen barrels of mackerel, cable and anchors. Sch. “Sparkling Billow” lost cable and anchors. Sch. “E. N. Williams” lost foresail and had bulwarks stove. Sch. “Lizzie D. Saunders” was knocked down by a sea, lost thirty barrels of mackerel and split her sails. Sch. “Sea Breeze” lost seine- boat. Sch. “Cora Lee” lost foresail. The foregoing account proves this to have been one of the most disastrous gales that ever visited this eastern coast. Its results cast gloom and sadness over this entire community. Mr. James Rowe Rescues Three Young Men From Drowning. On the 22d. day of October, 1869, Mr. Rowe was on board his dory out in the bay, tending his nets. Directly his eye caught sight of a sinking boat and three young men. With him it was but the work of a moment to clear his dory from the nets, and bending to his oars with almost superhuman strength and effort, he was soon at the post of danger and succeeded in rescuing the three young men from a watery grave. They were George L. and Jabez E., sons of Newell and Elizabeth Giles, and George, son of Edwin and Patience Paul. For this humane act he is ever held in grateful remem- brance. At the time of this rescue he was sixty-eight years of age. The Massachusetts Humane Society for this humane and skilful service awarded him a diploma elegantly framed. Mr. Rowe died on the thirtieth day of November, 1887, aged eighty-six years, a venerable citizen, an industrious man. 2 I 8 HISTORY OF R0CKP0R1. The later years of his life he received a pension from the U. S. government, for service in the war of 1812 — 15. Pemberton Mill. Many of our citizens remember the great catastrophe, the destruction of the Pemberton mill at Lawrence. At about five o’clock P. M., on the 10th. day of January, i860, the building was standing, as it were, in perfect outline. The next moment the flooring and walls gave way and all was a mass of ruins, with some six hundred operatives buried therein. Three of our citizens, viz: Hannah, daughter of Ephraim and Hannah Brown; Viola and Lucy Ann, daughters of Russell J. and Mary Boynton, were among the number and were rescued unharmed, though there were eighty-six killed and forty-three seriously injured. Two' of our promising young men, David S., aged twenty years, son of John B. and Patience Parsons, and Charles H., aged eighteen years, son of Reuben and Lucinda Dade, were drowned by the upsetting of their boat, in the vicinity of Milk Island, on the first day of March, 1865. The body of Dade was found. Manufacture of Isinglass. The manufacture of isinglass from hake sounds was commenced at Sandy Bay by William Hall, who came here from Boston in 1822. This was the commencement of this industry in the United States. His place of business was the two-story fish-house farthest towards the end of Bearskin Neck, north-west side. He paid for the sounds from three to five cents per pound. Previous to this they were of no account, and were left with other fish offal to rot in the gutter. He cleaned and dried them and by the use of wooden rollers and hand labor, at from forty to fifty cents per day, formed them into ribbons similar to those of to-day, though not so thin or of so good quality as the product of the present day. He HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 219 obtained a patent and continued the manufacture a few years, then it went into the hands of Jabez Rowe, Wm. Norwood and others. They operated separately awhile, finally organized the Sandy Bay Isinglass Co. This company had sole control of the business a number of years. Iron rollers were soon substituted for wood; then next came horse power instead of hand, then after a few years steam took the place of horse. This company continued in business until 1 876, when it became financially embarassedand closed its affairs. There are now, and have been for some years past, in town, the Cape Ann Isinglass Co. and Haskins Bros.’ Caleb J. Norwood, a native of Rockport, is pursuing the same business at Ipswich. We learn that they each manufacture a good article and meet with fair success. These several manufactories give employment to some one hundred or more persons. Injuries Alleged to have been Sustained by Persons, from Defective Highways , and the Cost to the Town. During the year 1869, the Hartwell and Babson case that had been pending before the Court about two years, was brought to- a final verdict, at a cost to the town of about $9526.84. This was a case where the parties, Mr. J. E. Hartwell and Miss Adelia Babson, were out for a drive, when, in the vicinity of the Babson Farm, from some cause the horse became unmanageable. Mr. Hartwell alighted from the carriage and attempted to control the horse, but notwithstanding all his efforts, the 'horse backed the carriage, in which was Miss Babson, through an opening in the wall by the roadside, that was built to protect the travel. This opening was just wide enough to admit the carriage. Thus carriage. Miss Babson and horse went down a steep and craggy embankment. Miss Babson and Mr. Hartwell claimed to be seriously injured; therefore a suit against the town was instituted, with the above named results. In the year 1873, Mr. Ambrose Hodgkins brought suit 220 HISTORY OF R0CKP0R1 . against the town for an alleged injury by him sustained by his crutch getting into a hole in a culvert stone on School Street, near the junction of Broadway. He had been lame fora number of years and was obliged to use a crutch. An amicable settlement failed to be made between the town and Mr. Hodgkins, hence the suit before the Court, which, in 1875, resulted in a verdict in favor of the plaintiff of $1 194.57* total cost to the town of $1623.57. In the year 1879, Jacob Goldsmith claimed that he was injured by a defect in the highway, Main Street, near the junction of Pool’s Lane. There was a difference of opinion between the town and the claimant as to the justice of his claim. Therefore Goldsmith commenced a suit which resulted in a verdict in his favor, in 1880, of $550. The total cost to the town was $624. The foregoing are the only suits that have been brought against the town since its incorporation, on account of injury sustained by person or property on account of defective highways. Several cases where small amounts have been claimed, and which have seemed reasonable, have been settled without litigation. It behooves the inhabitants of every town to have an interest in keeping the highways in safe condition. Donation to the Town by David Kimball Esq., of Boston. Boston, March 1st. 1867. “To the Selectmen: Being desirous of presenting to my native town a testimony of remembrance, I respectfully tender to the inhabitants of the Town of Rockport in its corporate capacity, in trust, sixty shares of the capital stock of the Sandy Bay Pier Company, as a permanent fund, the income thereof to be expended annually forever for the following purposes, and in the manner following, to wit: The income of fifty shares shall be distributed by the selectmen for the time being, at their HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 22 discretion, to such of the American born inhabitants as are sick or infirm, who are unable to procure the comforts needful to their situation. No part of this fund, or its income, shall ever be used for the relief of those who are supported or assisted by the town. The income from the remaining ten shares shall be paid annually to those having the charge and oversight of the public schools to be by them expended for the purchase of books to be given as prizes to the most deserving scholars. It is my wish that the prizes may be distributed in all classes, to the lowest as well as the highest, and not confined to the most talented and advanced scholars, but also given to such as distinguish themselves by their good behavior and who manifest a desire to improve, though less gifted by nature. Very respectfully, Yours & c., DAVID KIMBALL.” At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Rockport qualified to vote in Town affairs, held March 4th. 1867, Article 30th. of the warrant being under consideration, which article was as follows; to wit: “To hear and act upon a communication from David Kimball of Boston,” the following action was had. The communication from David Kimball Esq., of Boston, presenting to the “Inhabitants of the Town of Rockport, in trust, sixty shares of the capital stock of the Sandy Bay Pier Company as a permanent fund” was read to the meeting by the chairman of Selectmen; and on motion it was Voted, unanimously, the acceptance of the same by the town, and that the thanks and gratitude of this large meeting be presented to the donor.” A true copy of record, Attest: CALVIN W. POOL, Town Clerk. 222 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. During the year 1839, while the Congregational meeting- house was being repaired and improved, Mr. Kimball donated to the society the clock that is placed in the front of the gallery of that edifice. It has performed good service during all the intervening years. In the early years of the Rockport cotton mill, Mr. Kimball was its treasurer. He also took an active part in procuring the incorporation of the Rockport bank and for quite a number of years was one of its most efficient directors. Young Men's Christian Association. An Association of this character was organized here about the year 1859. It occupied the hall over the store of Joseph Bartlett until 1869, when they purchased the chapel on the corner of Broadway and School Street, that was built in 1855 for the use of the Second Congregational Society. This Association did a good work several years; its meetings were well attended and were profitable and interesting. But a change came over the institution, the membership from various causes decreased, as did also the outside interest. After due consideration it was concluded best to sell the chapel, upon which rested not a heavy debt. They soon found a customer in the person of ‘the Granite Lodge of Odd Fellows. This sale which was effected a few years since virtually dissolved the Association. HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 223 CHAPTER IX. Town Hall. The annual town meeting for the year 1 869 was held on Monday, the first day of March, in Doe’s Hall. The 36th. article of the warrant was, “To see if the Town will purchase a lot and build a Town House thereon, and grant money for the same, per petition of George H. Vibbert and others.” It was voted to purchase a lot and build a Town Hall, and thirty thousand dollars was appropriated for that purpose. A building committee, consisting of the selectmen, viz: Francis Tarr, Jr., Austin W. Story and Wm. Caldwell, the town treasurer, Joseph Manning, M. D., and three other citizens, viz: James W. Bradley, Henry Dennis, Jr., and Samuel York, were chosen and given full power. The committee organized by the choice of Samuel York, chairman, and Joseph Manning, clerk and treasurer. They soon purchased a lot on Broadway, at a cost of $2,350, and prepared to erect a Town Hall thereon. The contract for building the cellar was awarded to David Brooks and Andrew Bickford, and the erection of the building to D. Somes Watson of Gloucester. The building was completed and furnished within the year, at a cost of $38,860.99, including the cost of the lot. The hall was first lighted on the evening of the 9th. of December, 1 869. A number of persons made short addresses and the Rockport Band discoursed appropriate music. A goodly audience was in attendance. The next evening, there was a musical concert by Gilmore’s Band, solos by Arbucle; all of which was highly appreciated. Town Library. The first winter the new Town Hall was occupied (1869 — 70), a committee or an association of our citizens, viz: John E. Sanborn, M. D., Levi E. Kent, George J. Tarr, Joseph Manning, 224 HISTORY OF RO'CKPORT M. D., Samuel York, John G. Dennis, Henri N. Woods, Charles W. Parker, Calvin W. Pool, instituted a course of lectures by men of ability, who were well and favorably known, in the profession. The opening of the course was a musical entertainment by Gilmore’s Band. It was of a high order, as was the entire course and it was highly appreciated and well patronized and was also financially successful, so that after all expenses were paid, including hall rent, there remained in the hands of the committee a surplus of two hundred dollars. This sum the association very generously proposed to donate to the town for the purpose of establishing a Town Library, providing the town would appropriate a like amount for the same object. At the annual March meeting, in 1871, the town accepted the proffered donation and very unanimously appropriated two hundred dollars for the object named. Thus was our present town library inaugurated. The town, during the past years, has made several appropri- ations in aid of this useful institution. The whole amount, up to the present time, appropriated and raised by taxation is $1 150.00; the total amount of dog tax that has been received by the town back from the county treasurer has also been appropriated to the use of the library, which, during all the years of its history, amounts to $2310.72; total appropriations, $3460.78. The patrons of the library are required to pay the small stipend of fifty cents per year, less than one cent per week, for all its privileges. The money thus received has been sufficient to pay the salary of the librarian and some other incidental expenses. The library committee have invariably served without any money consideration. The committee first in charge were: John E. Sanborn, M. D., Rev. Wm. D. Bridge, Henri N. Woods, Samuel York and Francis Tarr, Jr. After a service of more than a year Dr. Sanborn resigned and Rev. Mr. Bridge left town; the vacancies thus caused were not filled; HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. the town referred the question to the committee, they to act as they pleased. Samuel York served until his death, which occurred on the 15th. day of July, 1880. March, 1 881 , his brother, N. F. S. York, was chosen to fill the vacancy. He occupied the position until his death, which took place in March, 1888. The next choice was Charles H. Cleaves. The committee* now in charge are Henri N. Woods, Francis Tarr and Charles H. Cleaves; librarian, Elsie Dann. A donation of twenty-nine volumes was received in 1 877, from Seth Adams Choate. Quite a number of valuable books have been received from the departments at Washington, D. C. Our estimable fellow citizen, John G. Dennis, had contem- plated making a donation to the library, but his sudden death occurred before his plan was consummated ; his children ful- filled his plan by generously donating, from his estate, the sum of $500; which sum has been received and placed at interest, for the benefit of the institution. We now have a library of 2900 volumes, well selected, and the institution is appreciated and well patronized. Murder of Gilman. On the 11th. day of April, 1877, two men, viz: Albert Joy and Charles H. Gilman, with other passengers, came to town on the nine o’clock A. M. train. It seems they came from Lowell in company, and had stopped at several places between Lowell and Rockport. They were at Beverly several days. They had for sale, at least Gilman had called at several houses to sell, an article to attach to sewing machines. Joy, it seems, waited about the R. R. station; sometime during the forenoon he went to the reservoir on the hill rear of the station; this is evident, as he inquired of the station agent if the town was supplied with water from that reservoir. At twelve o’clock noon they were seen to enter the station at the eastern end together, and pass through and leave at the western end, thus going towards the reservoir. At about half past twelve o’clock 226 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. Joy was seen coming from the direction of the reservoir, alone. He crossed the railroad track and took the way of Pool’s pasture lane to MainSt.,th us to Broadway, and called at the restaurant of Mr. Aaron Hodgkins, and asked for an oyster stew and a cup of tea; also for a brush and blacking for his boots; there he remained until a little past one o’clock, then took the way to the railroad station, and took a seat in the smoking car of the train that would leave about half past one o’clock. A young man, Doyle, on his way home from a gunning excursion in the pastures, went to the reservoir for a drink, and beheld a dead man in the water; he immediately gave the alarm. There were three fishermen about the station that forenoon, who also came to town on the nine o’clock train; they went to Pigeon Cove seeking a chance to go on a fishing trip but were not successful, and were about to leave by the noon train; they had seen this man Joy about the station; as they were about to board the train they heard the news, “A dead man in the reservoir.” As they went into the smoker they saw Joy; one of them said, “A dead man has been found in the reservoir.” Joy exclaims, “My God! it is my chum,” and left the car. Within a short time he was arrested and taken to the police station. There he said he left Gilman at the reservoir and went to get some dinner for himself, and some bread and cheese for Gilman. He did not call for bread and cheese anywhere, so far as it could be ascertained. A medical examination was had, a coroner’s jury was empaneled, and the case was heard before N. F. S. York, Esq., conducted by Assistant District Attorney Kimball, for the government, and Henri N. Woods, Esq., for the defence. The verdict charged Joy with the murder of Gilman. He was committed to Salem jail to await trial at the next term of Supreme Court. The three fishermen, being strangers in town, were also committed to Salem jail, as witnesses in the case. At the session of the Supreme Court, held at Salem, July 9, 1877, Judges Morton and Lord presiding, Joy was tried for HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 227 murder. The trial consumed four days of the court. The government was represented by Attorney Gen. C. R. Train, and Dist. Attorney E. J. Sherman. The defence was repre- sented by Wm. D. Northend and Henri N. Woods. Though the evidence was circumstantial, it was very conclusive, all pointing towards Joy as the criminal. The jury brought in a verdict of guilty. He was sentenced to be hanged on Friday Oct. 19th. On October 1 5th. he was reprieved by the Governor until December 13th. On the 5th. day of December, 1877, his sentence was commuted by the Governor and Council, to imprisonment for life. This was brought about by the earnest appeals of his mother and some influential citizens. Disabled and Dead Seamen Cared for. Sch. “Cora Lee” of Pigeon Cove, Geo. A. Saunders, master, while engaged in setting trawls on Jeffreys Bank, about thirty miles E. N. E. of Cape Ann, about 8 o’clock on the morning of January 5th. 1882, discovered in the distance a small boat showing a signal of distress. They immediately left their trawls and made for the boat; when alongside, a sad sight presented itself. The boat contained five men nearly exhausted on account of the exceeding cold weather of the several days past, and the want of food and water. Some of them were badly frosted. Upon the floor of the boat two men lay dead; one other, the second mate, died the day before; they gave him an ocean grave. The live men were at once taken on board the schooner, every attention possible was paid them, and the “Cora Lee” was immediately headed for Pigeon Cove. The wind:-was light and her progress was slow; the latter part of the afternoon it was nearly calm; two of the crew took a dory and pulled for the harbor, as they could make better way than the schooner, and they were anxious to obtain medical aid at the earliest possible moment. The Sch. arrived at Pigeon Cove at early evening. Drs. Sanborn and Tupper, having been notified, were on hand, on the 228 HISTOR V OF ROCKPORT. arrival of the sufferers, and were prepared to render all the assistance in their power. They were taken at once to the boarding-house of Mrs. Ann Pierce, where they received the best medical attendance and the most careful nursing. The dead were taken to the Pigeon Cove Engine House, and w r ere watched over by some members of the company. Suitable grave clothes were provided, and neat coffins. Mrs. Bishop and the Engine Co. provided a liberal supply of flow r ers. On Sabbath afternoon, January 8th, they w^ere taken to the Chapel. A large and sympathizing audience witnessed the very appropriate funeral service. Singing by a union choir; other services: prayer and addresses by Rev. Edwin Davis, Univer- salist; Rev. R. B. Howard, Congregationalist; Rev. John Capen, Methodist. The boarding-house, where the disabled ones w r ere cared for, was in close proximity to the Chapel; so they, as it were, could, in a certain sense, participate in the funeral service. These men were the Capt. and crew of the three-masted schooner “Almon Bird” of Rockland, Maine, from Windsor, N. S., with a cargo of plaster for Alexandria, Va. In a heavy N. W. gale, accompanied with snow and severe cold, on the night of January 1st, she was struck by a heavy sea that broke down her hatches and poured a large quantity of water into the hold, also caused her to leak. Thus Monday, early morn, they were obliged to take to the boat and could take with them but a small quantity of provisions and water; the captain could not even take his gold w^atch and nautical instruments. Some of the men were even scantily clothed; in this condition five of them managed to live four days, until they were rescued, as before named. One man, the second mate, died the day before; him they buried in an ocean grave. When we consider the inclemency of the w r eather, it seems wonderful that any survived. The captain, C. A. Packard, suffered the amputation of several of his toes. Ferdinand Hamilton was very badly frosted; after intense suffering, death released him on the 1 3th, HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 229 inst.; his body was taken to Rockland for burial. Generous contributions were made for the sufferers; the Boston Globe sent a check of fifty dollars. The Capt. and crew of the “Cora Lee” did not stop to calculate the loss of their trawls, or of their fishing trip, but hastened with all possible speed to relieve the wants of these sufferers. It was a noble act, and they should ever be held in grateful remembrance. The citizens at Pigeon Cove were lavish in their attentions to these suffering men. Mrs. Pierce threw wide open her doors to receive them. Money could not have provided better medical attendance or more careful nursing. The names of the crew of the “Almon Bird” were: C. A. Packard, captain; Wm. Harriman, Allen Small, A. R. Henderson, Ferdinand Hamilton died on shore; Charles Staples, buried at sea; Horace Small and Patrick Hagan died on board the yawl boat. The names of the crew of the “Cora Lee” were: George A. Saunders, master; John Newman, cook; Scott Geyer, John J. Hickey, Joseph Morse, Joseph White, Charles M. Goodwin, William Grant, James E. Pinker, Joseph Pears, Joseph Silvia, Joseph Bushee, Edward E. Griffin and John E. Saunders. Landing of the C ommercial Cable at Rockport, May 2 2nd, 1884.. In anticipation of the arrival of the steamship Faraday, which was engaged in laying the Commercial Co’s. (Bennett & Mackay’s) cable, and was expected to land the shore-end near Little Cape .Hedge, within a few weeks, the citizens of this town held an informal meeting in the Town Hall, on the 11th. day of May 1884, to take some action in relation to giving a welcome and reception to this great and important enterprise. Nathaniel F. S. York, Esq., was chosen modera- tor and Andrew F. Clark, secretary. A committee consisting of John W. Marshall, George J. Tarr, Francis Tarr, Calvin W. Pool, Dr. J. E. Sanborn, 230 HISTORY OF R 0 CKP 0 RT. George Elwell, G. T. Margeson, Jason L. Curtis, John G. Dennis, Alden Choate and Janies S. Rogers, were chosen to co-operate with the Selectmen, to devise a formal celebration of this great enterprise. The committee met and organized and formed a plan of reception, as the following results will show. — The steamer was sighted off Thacher’s Island at 4.20 o’clock, on the morning of the 22nd. day of May; this was twenty-four hours sooner than she was expected. The news was immediately telegraphed from the Island to the Rockport station. Our citizens were soon awake to the situation. The steamer pursued her course and about five o’clock she came to anchor about three-fourths of a mile from the shore upon which the cable was to be landed. The report of a gun from her deck, was answered by the ringing of the church bells and firing of cannon in the village. Our sub-committee, N. F. S. York, Nathaniel Richardson, Jr., and Calvin W. Pool, was soon on board, and tendered our compliments to Captain L. Fanu, other officers and electricians, and extended to each of them a cordial invitation to the dinner prepared for the occasion. Our committee was then informed that they had been obliged to cut and buoy the cable 250 miles from our shore, therefore they would be obliged to decline the invitation, and forego the pleasure of being with us. As soon as the shore-end was laid, they would be obliged to weigh anchor and take their course for the end that was buoyed. The officers appreciated the attention of our citizens, and regretted their inability to accept of our hospitality. Our committee was shown every attention by the captain and other officers, as were also other citizens who visited the ship during the brief time she lay at anchor. As they could not be with us in the evening, at our dinner, the toast-master for the occasion, being one of the visitors, after partaking of a lunch, offered the following sentiment: “ The officers and electricians of tho Faraday. We are proud HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 231 to tender them with open hands and hearts, our welcome. Without their skill and able efforts our gathering would have no cause to exist. We extend our heartfelt wishes, that their individual and professional future may never be dimmed by a cloud of adversity.” Capt. L Fanu made a pleasant response. The Faraday is 365 feet in length, 52 feet in width and 31 feet in depth, and carries 200 officers and crew. This Bennett & Mackay cable is the largest ocean cable ever laid; it weighs about twenty tons to the mile. The landing was effected by means of three large rafts made of inflated double-ended rubber bags, covered with canvas, and another raft made of boats lashed together, and covered with plank. Six hundred fathoms of the cable were coiled upon these rafts, and they were then pulled toward the shore, paying out as they went. The scene was very exciting on the raft, and along the shore crowds were gathered to witness the work. The landing was effected about ten o’clock, and the cable was then laid through a deep trench to the cable-house, a short distance above high water. The event was duly honored by a long procession which, escorted by the Gloucester and Rockport Bands, marched to the landing-place, and by the firing of a salute of 38 guns, the playing of Hail Columbia and Rule Britannia by the Bands, and cheers of the people responded to from the Faraday, by her heavy steam whistle and cheers of the crew. Thus the cable was laid, and when it shall be completed, another bond of union will be effected between the old world and the new. As soon as the. cable was safely landed, the rafts returned to the ship. At about eleven o’clock A. M. the huge vessel weighed anchor and steamed away, trailing the cable behind her as she went, to make the connection 250 miles easterly, which, when connected, will complete the circuit from Dover Bay to Cape Ann. It was a grand sight, as we stood upon that vessel’s deck and beheld the great crowd of people and carriages upon the shore. It was a grand panorama. The 232 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. Capt. expressed himself in terms of great satisfaction and all hands considered themselves highly honored. The Abbott House, under the management of Maj. John F. Swett, the popular landlord, was gaily decorated. Many visitors were present from out of town, and with marching and music and the firing of cannon, the day which was very pleasant was also lively. In the evening a supper was served in Haskins’ Hall, complimentary to the officers of the Cable Company, repre- sentatives of the press and other visitors. Plates were laid for eighty guests; the tables presented a fine appearance. N. F. S. York, chairman of the selectmen, presided. The divine blessing was invoked by Dea. C. W. Pool. The waiters were seven of the finest young ladies of Rock- port; they were dressed in white. After sufficient attention had been paid to edibles, then came the intellectual feast. Our chairman, by a few well-chosen words, welcomed our guests to the festivities of the hour; then introduced as toast- master John W. Marshall. After a few preliminary remarks he proposed the following sentiments: “7 he Old World and the New , bound together by another cord of sympathy, bringing heart to heart in closer relation to daily life. May the electric pulse wax stronger every day, and the coming future develop good to universal humanity.” Responded to by Isaac Bell, Jr., ol New York, Vice President of the Commercial Cable Company. “ Her Majesty , the Queen of Great Britain. Her virtues and her beautiful motherhood belong to the whole world. As a woman, as well as a ruler, her wisdom and beneficence are the admiration of mankind.” Responded to by George G. Ward of New York, Secretary of Commercial Cable Company. “ Chester A. Arthur , President of the United States. Called to an unexpected position, he has discharged his duties with marked ability which commands the respect of other nations HISTORY OF ROCK PORT. 233 with our own.” Responded to by Col. David W. Low of Gloucester. “ Commercial Cable Company. Hon. James G. Bennett, herald of new tidings between the Old World and the New. John W. Mackay who, from the Pacific slope, connects the East with the West. Their united efforts have caused this the day of our rejoicing.” Responded to by H. DeCastro of New York, a director of the Commercial Cable Company. He expressed his joy that Rockport would soon be in direct communication by cable, not only with the United States, but with the old continent. He hoped that a new era of prosperity would dawn upon the land, and that not only would Rockport people have to congratulate themselves upon the realization of the new cable, but on the erection of a breakwater which will make Rockport one of the finest harbors in the world. “Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Foremost in public enterprise, she has ever stretched out her shores far into the Atlantic to greet her foreign neighbors and bind them to her with cables of quickest interest.” This was responded to by Dr. J. E. Sanborn, in rhyme. “The officers , electricians and reporters of the Faraday. We are proud to tender them open hands and hearts of welcome. Without their skill and able effort, our gathering would have no cause to exist. We extend our most heartfelt wishes that their individual and professional future may never be dimmed by a cloud of adversity.” Responded to by A. J. Keneday of the New York Herald. “Cape Ann , with its Sandy Bay, has had taken from the rocky ribs of its Gloucester, a Rockport to become famous for its Atlantic Cable and Harbor of Refuge.” Responded to by Francis Procter of the Cape Ann Advertiser, and W. Frank Parsons of Gloucester, who gave many interesting facts in the history of telegraphy. “Commerce and Law. The handmaids of modern progress. The former is represented by the achievement of to-day — the 234 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. latter will be defended by our young friend, Mr. Putnam of New York City.” Mr. Putnam responded in a few words, speaking of this, a great event of the times, and of his pleasure in being present. Frederick Ward, Esq., of New York City, Supt. of the Commercial Cable Company, was called out and gave some very interesting facts in relation to cables of the past and present, and the promise for the future. “ Last but not least — Ike Press. We acknowledge its power and court its faver.” Response by Mr. Thomas Maguire of the Boston Herald. He said that he regretted the absence of the Harbor of Refuge, at this particular time, as he would like to crawl into it. There was a particular reason why the people of Massachusetts should celebrate the landing of a cable, for all the great electricians who made a cable possible were Massachusetts men: Franklin, the first electrician, was born in Boston, Morse in Charlestown, and Cyrus W. Fields in Stockbridge. After a few remarks by Chairman York, the meeting closed, many adjourning to the Abbott House, where the festivities were continued until a late hour. Others took the special train for Gloucester and Boston. The day was very pleasant, and the citizens and guests will long remember the arrival of the Faraday and the successful placing of the cable on the shores of Pebblestone Beach and Little Cape Hedge. Rockport, May 26th., 1884, the first message by the Commercial Cable was received here at two o’clock P. M. From Steamer Faraday to the Selectmen of Rockport , Mass . — The Faraday wishes to thank the selectmen of Rockport, as well as its citizens, for the hearty reception she received at their hands, and can only regret that her arduous work called her away so soon. And she trusts that this section connecting Cape Ann with Dover Bay will probably be completed this afternoon.” Reply. — “The selectmen of Rockport, with the citizens, cordially congratulate the Faraday on the happy completion HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 235 of this great undertaking, and confidently hope the same success will in time crown the entire work. Our regrets at the brevity of their stay here disappear only in our joy at the success of the undertaking.” When we take into consideration that the Faraday arrived twenty-four hours before she was expected, therefore before the plans of the committee were perfected, everything considered, the reception was a success, surely it was a pleasant time for our citizens, and our visitors were lavish of their congratulations, of the success of the enterprise and the attention paid them. It was the plan of the officers of the Faraday to make a direct course from Dover Bay to Rockport, therefore when the shore-end would be landed the circuit would be complete, and this proceeding would have consumed twenty-four hours more time in reaching our shore; but when within 250 miles of our shore, it was found necessary to cut the cable and buoy it, and make directly for the Cape and land the shore- end, and then steam back and make the connection. New York Herald, May 23rd. 1884. “Reception of the Cable , — The rafts, as they were hauled towards shore, were surrounded by dories laden to the water’s edge with eager and admiring spectators. It was the first cable that Rockport had ever seen, and Rockport rose to the occasion. Just as in the days of ancient Rome, when warriors returning from a successful expedition, were met with an assembly of city fathers and a procession of garlanded virgins, so in Rockport a^rocession of school children and firemen, heralded by a band of music, was provided to do honor to the Faraday. The inhabitants of the town flocked down the beach; old men and boys, blooming young girls and strapping matrons were there in scores, thronging round the cable hut, seeming anxious to explore the prospective mysteries within. The Stars and Stripes waved from a flag-staff near the beach, 236 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. and also from the fore-truck of the Faraday. There was another bond of union between England and America being cemented, and the Englishmen on the Faraday and our own countrymen on $hore appeared to fully realize it. With a long pull, a strong pull and a pull altogether, new and increased way was given to the rafts, and soon the foremost one was close to the surf which beat in, but only gently, on the sandy, shining shore. With a loud hurrah from the rafts-men, re-echoed by those on shore, the fore-most raft was hauled high up on the beach. The men jumped off of all the rafts, and grasping the end of the cable it was carried bodily up the shore. A trench between the cable-house and the sea had been dug to’ receive it, and it was laid in this trench as it was dragged along. In less than ten minutes it was passed through a hole in the side of the cable-house, which had been bored to receive it, and there its coiled end will remain intact until the 25th. inst., when there probably will be communica- tion established between here and Dover Bay. The Rockport people, all smiling happily and in the best of temper, helped to lay the cable in the trench, and many civilities were interchanged between the charming young ladies who filled the beach and the smart young officers of the Faraday. It seemed to the careful observer, that regret was felt on both sides, that the visit was to be so short. As soon as the cable end was in the hut, the work of the Faraday’s men was ended. Mr. Schenck led three hearty cheers for the Commercial Cable, in which all joined lustily. The boatswain led another round for Mr. Brittle, which was heartily received. Preparations were then made for launching the boats and rafts and returning to the ship. Mr. Pratt was left on shore to take charge of the cable hut, and your correspondent exchanged farewells with his Faraday friends. HISTORY OF ROCKFORT. 23 7 CHAPTER X. Commencement and Progress of the Granite Industry. Sometime during the year 1823, Mr. Nehemiah Knowlton cut some five hundred tons of stone, from cobbles in rear of the old time Lurvey house at Pigeon Cove, or in that vicinity. He advertised the stone for sale in a Boston newspaper. Major Bates of Quincy, Mass., noticed the advertisement and came to Sandy Bay. The prospects were such that the next year he came here and commenced the business of quarrying stone. William Torrey, also of Quincy, came with him, and was in his employ about one year. However true it may be, that the business was not successful, it is a fact that Major Bates abandoned it, within about two years, and went to Boston. Here he met Colonel Thayer, United States Engineer, who, noticing Major Bates’ natural bent for working on stone, engaged him as an assistant in the construction of P'ort Warren and other government works, then being constructed in Boston Harbor. Col. Thayer, being in want of stone for the government works, and seeing that Torrey was possessed of both pluck and energy, induced him to engage in business on his own account. He accordingly commenced operations on part of the property now owned by the Rockport Granite Company; it became known as the Torrey Pit. The next year he commenced operations at Folly Cove, as that was the most favorable place to get cap and flag-stones, of which Colonel Thayer was then in need. That same year he moved his family, consisting of his wife and two sons, Solomon F. and William J., to Sandy Bay. The next year he abandoned Folly Cove and returned to his former location, and opened a quarry to the westward of the present stone bridge. This proved a good quarry and yielded a large amount of valuable stone. Up to the year 1842 he furnished nearly all the HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 238 granite for the government work on the islands in Boston Harbor, and for the Charlestown and Portsmouth navy-yards. After this time a portion of the stone of which these important works were constructed was furnished by Messrs. Colburn and Eames, Benjamin Hale and others. About the year 1841 he started the largest stone that had been quarried on the Cape up to that time. Two of his foremen, Joseph Stanley and Joshua Sanborn, were for many years identified with the quarrying interest of the Cape; the latter was, for quite a number of years, one of the firm of Eames, Stimson & Co. Stanley was one of their foremen. When in the zenith of his business, Mr. Torrey owned an interest in at least six sloops, keeping them constantly employed, and he also furnished freight for many other vessels from Quincy and the state of Maine. He was a good citizen, an energetic and successful business man. Of his two sons, Solomon F. died some years since; William J., who was formerly engaged in the stone business to a considerable extent, is now with us; he owns and occu- pies the mansion that his father built and occupied several years. Beniah Colburn came here two years after Mr. Torrey and worked for him. He became one of the foremost quarrymen of his time. Soon after him came Ezra Eames and Amos C. Sanborn. The last named, we think, tarried here about one year, then returned to Boston, and engaged in the business of buying and selling stone, in which business he continued many years and was quite successful; many thousand tons of Rockport granite have been shipped to him. Eames made Rockport his home. About this time, or perhaps a year later, came Zachariah Green and Jeremiah Wetherbee. They organized a corpora- tion, known as the Gloucester and Boston Granite Co. John Stimson, a son-in-law of Green, came about the same time, and held stock in the company. They opened a quarry on HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 239 what is now the property of the Rockport Granite Company, and soon commenced the wharf and breakwater, which has assumed such large proportions, and is. now owned by that company. They continued in business several years, and were quite successful. They built the stone house and barn, now upon the premises of the Rockport Granite Company, and did much towards opening up the resources of the town. Colburn & Eames formed a partnership in 1827. They opened a quarry hear where is now the residence of Thomas Full, at Pigeon Cove. At this place there was a hill of stone, rising some twenty feet above the level of the road. The stone was of good quality, and found a ready market at Boston, Portsmouth, Salem and other places, where much of it was dressed for cemetery purposes. The stone for the chain bridge over the Merrimack, just above Newburyport, was taken from this quarry in 1828; they also furnished stone to the government for fortifications, navy- yards etc. It is said that after taking account of stock and settling up, at the end of the first year, they found themselves fifteen dollars in debt. In subsequent years they were more successful. They finally worked the quarry down to tide-water level and then abandoned it, as they could no longer draw off the water, which filled in from springs and rains, with a syphon. Steam engines for pumping were not then thought of. John Stimson, after a few years, left the Boston and Gloucester Granite Company, set up for himself and quarried at the Flat Ledge, which was afterwards owned by Wm. H. Knowlton. The first paving-blocks cut on Cape Ann were by John Stimson, -from the Flat Ledge, and were used at Fort Warren, shipped there in the sloop “Fox.” This was a small sloop about thirty or forty tons burthen. . The next move was the organization of a new company, viz: Ezra Eames, John Stimson and Beniah Colburn, under the firm-name of Eames, Stimson & Co. The new company com- menced operations near where Stimson was located. Mr. 240 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. Colburn continued in the firm but a short time, but he engaged in the same business in other localities. He at one time operated a quarry at Hodgkins’ Cove (now known as Bay View). This quarry was originally opened by Richard W. Ricker and Kilby Sargent, and is now the property of the Cape Ann Granite Company. Mr. Colburn made the first blocks now known as New York blocks, and sent them to Boston; they were laid in Exchange Street, near the Merchants’ Bank building. These blocks were the first to be laid on the edge instead of on the flat. In 1852-53 he sent underpinning to San Francisco; it was used on government buildings. In 1 857 he sent paving-blocks to New Orleans. He was a man of strict integrity, and was quite successful in his business operations. Eames, Stimson & Co. operated on a part of the territory that is now- owned by the Rockport Granite Co. Those more or less interested in this company at different times, were Anson and Aaron Stimson, George R. Bradford, Joshua Sanborn, J. Henry Stimson, Abraham Day and Jotham Taylor. This company did a large business and continued in successful operation until 1864, when they sold all of their company property to J. Henry Stimson and others, which resulted in the organization of the Rockport Granite Compa- ny. Stimson, at one time, owned nearly one half of its capital stock. This company also purchased, at different times, the several properties of Wm. Hale Knowlton, William Torrey and Preston & Fernald. They continue to own and occupy this valuable property, and are working it successfully. The cut leading out from their quarries to their wharves was commenced in 1868, was completed, and the arched stone bridge built in 1872. John Stimson was for many years the able and successful agent and manager of this company. Upon his resignation a few years since, Charles S. Rogers was appointed, and now continues to occupy that responsible position ; this company HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 241 now transport the greater part of the products of their quarries to their wharves by rail. Thomas Peach, years since, quarried stone at Halibut Point and shipped it from Hooppole Cove. Benjamin Hale and Joseph Babson opened a quarry on the Babson Farm and shipped their stone from a cove near by, where they also built a wharf. Benjamin Hale also operated for awhile the quarry at Pigeon Cove n$ar where Mr. Canney is now at work. Some others who were engaged in the stone business in the early days were Samuel Parker and his brother William, Alpheus C. Pierce, George W. Johnson, Charles Dorman, Elijah Edmands. The Bay State Granite Co. did a large business several years. Levi Sewall, quite early in the history of this industry, opened up a quarry upon his land, which produced stone of an excellent quality ; he soon after formed a partnership with John Preston and James Fernald by the firm-name of Preston, Fernald & Co. They shipped their stone from Knowlton’s wharf. They conducted the business successfully quite a number of years. William Hale Knowlton opened up the Flat Ledge and conducted the business several years. He shipped his stone from Knowlton’s wharf, which he now owns. The Pigeon Hill Granite Company was formed in 1870 by George R. Bradford, Anson Stimson, Amos Rowe and Levi Sewall, and is next in capacity to its neighbor, the “ Rock- port.” Later, Frank Scripture became a member. This com- pany was the first in this town to build a railroad by which to transport the products of their quarries to their wharves. Some of the croakers prophesied that the cars would gain such headway in running down the steep incline, as to carry them out to Salvages before they could be stopped. If this prophecy were true, the advantage gained in taking stone to 242 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. the breakwater in process of building can be imagined. The fact is the cars are quite easily controlled by the use of the brakes. To Amos Rowe belongs the credit of cutting up the largest boulder on the Cape. It was situated near the top of Pigeon Hill, and was estimated to weigh more than two thousand tons. From it Mr. Rowe cut thousands of feet of edge-stone and a great amount of other marketable stock. The stone was of good quality and split as readily as the granite from the quarries. At the beginning of the stone business, and for quite a number of years, nearly all the workmen on the quarries came from Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Most of them boarded at the Pigeon Hill farm-house, Capt. Wheeler’s tavern at Pigeon Cove, and at Mr. Wm. Tarr’s, who occupied the house next northerly of the stone house now owned by the Rockport Granite Co. The most of them were young men, lively and full of fun; for the greater number of them, this was the first of their leaving home. They usually com- menced coming about the first of March and by the first of April the gangs were full. It was no ten-hour system or weekly payments in those days ; but an early breakfast and go to work; one hour for dinner, and then a late supper. Nearly all of the men worked by the month at a certain rate and board, receiving their pay at the end of the season except as they would occasionally call for a small amount of spending money. They were generally frugal and reliable. In later years when the employment of Irishmen was pro- posed it met with vigorous opposition. The house which was being prepared for them to occupy was two or three times blown up with powder; and other means were employed to keep out the unwelcome immigrants. This prejudice, how- ever, has long since died out, and all nationalities are allowed to work unmolested. The first stone known to have been shipped from Cape Ann HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 243 was quarried about the year 1800, near what is known as Lobster Cove. It was moved on skids to the shore where it was loaded on a small fishing-boat and taken to Newbury- port to be used as a mill-stone. The first derrick in Sandy Bay was erected for William Torrey, in 1836, and was placed near the break in the mount- ains a short distance to the westward of the residence of the late James Fernald. It was used for the loading of stone for the breakwater then being constructed by the United States Government at the entrance of Long Cove. The first pair of shears was built and erected for John Stimson, and was considered a marvel of strength and convenience. The first California pump used for pumping water from the quarries was made by Lewis Lane on his return from Cali- fornia, about 1854. These pumps were used at the mines in that land of gold. Granite was first split by means of flat wedges between shims placed in flat holes made by a flat chisel. The steel now used is made into plug wedges and driven between half- rounds made by round drills sharpened into a V-shaped point. Deep holes for blasting were made entirely with long drills struck by sledge hammers, and not until 1883 was a steam- drill used in the Rockport quarries. This was introduced by the Rockport Granite Co. The first steam-engine used in the quarries, for blasting and pumping, was in 1853-54, by Wetherbee & Page. Before this, hoisting was by hand-power or cattle. The water was pumped by hand or removed by syphon. This company for several years owned and occupied a part of the premises now owned by the Rockport Granite Co. Preston, Fernald & Co. were the next to adopt steam-power for hoisting and pumping. Then Eames, Stimson & Co. fell into line. The sloop John Brooks, Capt. Locke, was the first stone 244 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. freighter that was provided with an engine for hoisting sails and cargo. This was in the year, 1857. The next year sloop New Era, Capt. Levi Cleaves, and the sloop Hard Chance, Capt. Willard Cleaves, were provided with steam-power. The first stone from this town used in the streets of Boston was for cross-walks and gutters ; next came the large Belgian blocks, which were used for pavements. Then came the New York blocks, and later the smaller Boston blocks. Nearly every city in the United States has been supplied with more or less granite from this section, and the variety of blocks made has been almost as great as the number of places to which they were shipped. A paving block for New Orleans would make fifteen for New York, twenty for Philadelphia, thirty for Boston. Blocks have also been sent to Cuba and Valparaiso. In 1868, Mr. Charles Guidet made the first contract for paving the streets of New York with granite blocks, and paved the lower part of Broadway with what has since been known as the New York block. The granite quarries of Cape Ann are com- paratively inexhaustible, and their product has always been prized for its firm texture, high crushing test and freedom from pyrites and other impurities, making it most desirable for paving blocks, building and monumental purposes. The parties now engaged in quarrying are the Rockport Granite Co., Pigeon Hill Granite Co., Charles Guidet, Edwin Canney, Ballou & Mason, Herbert A. Story, Silas N. and Edgar L. Waite, Bryant Lurvey & Co., James and John PMmands. The Lanesville Granite Co. is comprised of Rockport men, most of its stockholders being residents here, though its plant is located at Gloucester. There are from four to five hundred men employed in the different branches of the stone business in our town. Twelve to fifteen vessels are constantly employed in transporting the products of our quarries to home ports, while a large number HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 245 of vessels bringing freights to Eastern ports, take return cargoes of paving blocks to New York, Philadelphia, Albany and other seaboard cities, either for use at places of discharge or for transportation by rail to inland cities and towns. Some of the old-time masters of vessels engaged in freighting stone to Boston and other ports were : Capts. John, Eben, Willard, Levi, Aaron and Moses H. Cleaves, Capt. Allen Pettingill and Capt. Hamilton, all of Maine, and Capt. Hersey of Quincy, Mass. Rockport Gleaner. In the year 1872, Levi Cleaves commenced to publish a local paper by the name of the Rockport Gleaner. It was published as an advertising sheet, yet it contained a good supply of reading matter, local news, &c. It was issued monthly, gratuitous, was a welcome visitor to many families, and did good service for fifteen years. Early in the year 1887, its visits ceased to the regret of its many friends. Rockport Review. The Rockport Review was established in town in the month of December, 1880, by H. C. Cheever. He was proprietor and editor. He had a small supply of type, and a press of ancient date; but he was possessed of a good amount of courage. He continued its publication a few years, then sold press, type, office furniture and all interest in the paper, to the present proprietor and editor, Joseph Leman. He has displaced the old press and supplied one of modern date and style, and other 3 naterial required, so that he now has a well- equipped office and is well fitted, not only for printing the paper but also for various styles of job work. The paper is issued every Saturday from the office on Bearskin Neck. It is quite well conducted, receives a fair patronage and has every appearance that it has come to stay. Job work in good variety is well and promptly done, and well executed by Editor Leman. The press is now operated by steam-power. 246 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. Thatchers and Straitsmouth Islands. The present light-houses on Thatcher’s Island were com- pleted during the year 1861, and were first lighted in October of that year. The keepers were James C. Parsons, principal; William H. Tarr, Benj. Parsons, Jr., James C. Parsons, Jr., assistants. In 1771, the Colonial government purchased this island (which contains about eighty acres, the most part of which is of good soil and affords rich pasturage) of Joseph Allen, for five hundred pounds, and the same year erected two light- houses and a dwelling-house thereon. They were lighted the first time on the 2 1 st day of December, 1 77 1 . One Kirkwood was keeper. Early in the Revolutionary War he was forcibly removed by a company of private men as his sentiments were not in accordance with the patriotic sentiments of the people of the town. The first light-house on Straitsmouth Island and dwelling- house were built in 1835, and it was lighted about the close of the year. Benj. W. Andrews was keeper. He died on the island, after a few years service, and in 1841 Capt. John Davis succeeded him as keeper. The present light-house was built in 1 8 5 1 , and was first lighted towards the close of that year. Harbor of Refuge. Since the construction of the breakwater at the entrance of Long Cove (in 1836 to ’40) the question of the need of a harbor of refuge off of this coast, of sufficient capacity to accommodate the great number of coast-wise vessels of the North Atlantic, and those also engaged in foreign trade, has from time to time been agitated and discussed, not only upon the Cape but in other towns along the coast interested in commerce. A result of this agitation was a public meeting in Haskins’ hall on the 29th day of March, 1882, The room HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 247 was well filled, the audience were enthusiastic. The meeting organized by the choice of John W. Marshall, moderator; J. Loring Woodfall, secretary. After some discussion a com- mittee was chosen to draft a petition to Congress asking for a survey of Sandy Bay, having in view the construction of a breakwater and a harbor of refuge. Accordingly a petition was drafted, and copies thereof were circulated in the cities and towns on the Atlantic coast from Eastport to Baltimore. These petitions were signed by a great number of ship owners, ship masters, merchants, and others interested in commerce and the welfare of those who go down to the sea in ships. These petitions were presented to Congress, were favorably considered, a survey was ordered, and in the year 1883 was made by assistant United States Engineer, Sophus Hau- genson, under the direction of Major C. W. Raymond, of the corps of United States engineers, and in charge of this district. In his report made to the Secretary of War, November 28, 1883, he recommended the building of a breakwater that shall enclose one thousand three hundred and seventy-seven acres of water (1377), twenty-four (24) feet deep at mean low tide. He estimated the cost of this structure at four millions of dollars, ($4,000,000.) Congress has made three appropriations v for this great work, of one hundred thousand dollars each, (300.000.) General Thom, of the board of United States Engineers, formerly in charge of this district, had previously called the attention of the general government to this good work. To the untiring_efiforts of Colonel Eben F. Stone, as member of Congress from this district, is due much of the credit for the commencement of this work, so important not only to the maritime interests of the North Atlantic, but to the commerce of the nation at large ; and to General Cogswell, our present Congressman, for its continuance. The first contract, calling for the delivery of 128,000 tons of stone, more or less, on the line of the breakwater, was taken 248 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. by the Rockport and the Pigeon Hill Granite Cos., at 58 3-10 cents per ton. The first load of stone was dumped from the sloop Screamer, Capt. Albert Pittee, the 12th day of Novem- ber, 1885. Amos Rowe, one of the committee, was present, as was Charles S. Rogers, agent of the Rockport Granite Co., assistant engineer T. T. H. Harwood, and several gentlemen from Boston. At 12.26 P. M., the first stone broke loose from its sling amid the cheers of all on board the vessel, and the screams from the whistle of the steamer and the engine of the sloop. The next contract which called for 1 50,000 tons of stone, more or less, to be delivered on the line of the breakwater, was taken by the Rockport and Pigeon Hill Granite Cos., at seventy-one cents per ton. And the third contract which calls for about the same amount of stone was taken by the same parties at about the same price per ton. This good work now occupies a place in the United States Engineers’ book of estimates ; therefore as they consider the amount needed for the construction and completion of works already commenced, and for the improvement of our rivers and harbors, we see no reason why this important work will not receive its share of their attention. Colonel Gillespie, United States engineer for this district, recommended by his last report an appropriation of $250,000 for this important work. The stone called for by the third contract is now being dumped every day, except Sunday, when the weather is suitable. Buildings Burned and Damaged by Fire. The first dwelling-house burned in Sandy Bay was a farm- house on South street, owned by Mr. Solomon Pool and brothers. It was in 1830, in the daytime. On the night of December 5th, 1843, fire was discovered about midnight just breaking out of Mr. James Pool’s barn in rear of his dwelling-house ; from this it soon communicated HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 249 to his dwelling, then to Mr. Solomon Pool’s house and barns, and the dwelling-house and barn of Samuel H. Brooks. There were three dwelling-houses and six or eight barns and out- buildings, three or four of which were quite large; there was also quite a quantity of hay and vegetables destroyed. Our fire department consisted of two tub engines, manned each by thirty men, and the bucket brigade. One of our citizens rode horseback to Gloucester and gave the alarm. An engine well manned soon put in an appearance and did good service. The tenement house on High street, then owned by Samuel H. Brooks, though standing within twelve feet of the one burned, was saved. In the year 1855, a barn on South street, owned by Asa Todd, was struck by lightning and destroyed with several tons of hay. In the year 1857, Andrew Bickford’s barn on Main street was burned. Capt. Charles Tarr’s barn, on South street, was struck by lightning in August, 1859, and was consumed with several tons of hay. Several persons were in the barn at the time but received no material injury. October 12,1 865 , about three o’clock, A. M., during a heavy shower, Alden C. Estes’ barn, on South street, was struck by lightning and was totally consumed with all its contents, about fifteen tons of hay, a lot of grain and farming tools. — Insurance, $500. D. Smith Gott’s barn, some three or four rods distant, was caught by flyinglembers and was totally destroyed, together with several tons of hay, a lot of vegetables and farming tools. — No insurance. Sunday Morning, May 2d, 1875, the Methodist church was totally destroyed by fire. This was a severe loss to the society. One policy of insurance had been suffered to expire, so that after paying the debt upon the building, they had but 250 HISTORY OF R0CKP0RT. about $3,000.00 on hand toward erecting another church building. May 1 6th, 1879, Edward Maguire’s house, Pigeon Cove, was damaged by fire $400.00. On the morning of December 8th, 1875, a large barn on School street, owned by Jabez Rowe, was destroyed by fire, with a lot of hay, a horse, cow and carriage. June 2d, 1880, a barn owned by George J. Tarr, on Main street, was totally destroyed by fire. Loss about $800.00. May 22d, the same year, the Glue Works at Beaver Dam, were burned. Loss, $1,000.00. December 3d, 1880, a barn on Main street, owned by the ►estate of Epes Tarr, was burned. Loss about $800.00. April 7th, 1882, Jacob Goldsmith’s barn, on High street, was burned. Loss, $1 50.00. July 25th, the same year, barn of James W. Bradley, on Prospect street, was burned, and his dwelling-house was dam- aged by fire. Loss about $800.00. October 17th, the same year, Frank Malonson’s barn, on Main street, was burned. Loss, $150.00. The summer residence of M. H. Young, at South End, was totally destroyed by fire in 1883. March 1 8th, the same year, the Sheridan House and stable were partially destroyed by fire. Supposed incendiary. Sunday morning, December 9th, 1883, about seven o’clock, the Annisquam mill took, fire ; there were two or three per- sons within, who were about to make some slight repairs. In a moment, as it were, access to the water tanks was cut off, and the devouring element had full sway. Our local fire department was promptly on hand, but was not equal to the occasion. Help was asked from Gloucester and Salem; each quickly responded, and sent a steamer which did good service. The Corporation houses and the Baptist church for awhile seemed in imminent peril, but the firemen succeeded in keeping the fire within the limits of the mill, which within HISTORY OF ROCKFORT. 25 two hours was a heap of ruins. This was a serious loss, perhaps not so great to the stockholders as the property was quite well insured ; but the loss to the town was the throwing of about two hundred and forty persons out of employment. This mill for several years was regularly operated, and the few later years paid fair dividends. August 1 8th, 1884, .a stable owned by George H. Bradley, and occupied by Manley Littlefield as stable and storehouse, was destroyed by fire. Insurance on stock, $375.00. Loss on building and stock, $800.00. A building near by, owned by the Sandy Bay Pier Co., and occupied by John Hooper & Son, was damaged, building and stock, $275.00. No insur- ance. September 27th, 1888, the Seacroft House, at the South End, was totally destroyed by fire. Probably there have been other buildings or property destroyed by fire that we fail to call to mind. By permission we publish the following : THE SEA-SERPENT. BY GRANVILLE B. PUTNAM, FRANKLIN SCHOOL, BOSTON. It has been my belief for some years that there is some fitful, gigantic wanderer inhabiting the ocean ; but, as I had never investigated the subject or even read upon it, my impressions were vague and undefined. On the afternoon of August 1 2th, about 1.15, I was engaged in the study of Professor Farlow’s work upon algae, when I heard the voice of Calvin W. Pool, town clerk of Rockport, at the door of my cottage at Pigeon Cove, saying, “ There is some strange thing in the water; I think it is the sea-serpent.” I quickly took my station upon the rail of my piazza, so that my marine glass was about fifty feet above the water and but thirty-six feet from the shore. The creature was advancing in a northerly 252 HISTOR V OF ROCKPORT. direction, and but little more than an eighth of a mile from me. I saw it approaching, passing and departing, and watched it most attentively for about ten minutes. Judging by the apparent length of yachts, whose dimensions I know, as they appear at that distance, I estimated the length to have been not less than eighty feet. The head seemed short, and about the size of a nail cask, while the middle of the body was larger than that of a large man. The color was a dark brown, and it appeared to be somewhat mottled with a lighter shade. As the head was at no time raised above the water, I could not determine the color of the throat. The surface of the head and back was very smooth, and no one of the forty or more persons who saw it detected anything that looked like a fin or flipper. Its movement was not that of a land-serpent, but a vertical one, resembling that of a leech or the bloodsuckers of my boyhood. I could distinctly see fifteen feet of the forward portion of the body, while back of that, the convolutions being greater, the depressions were below the surface, so as to present a series of ridges, some ten or fifteen in number at a time. The extremity of the tail was not visible. During nearly the whole passage of a mile and a quarter, either the muzzle or cranium cut the water so as to lead several to ex- claim, “His head is*white!” This fact .would remove the possibility of its being anything floating with the tide. The cutting of the water was by something at least a foot wide, and caused wakes on either side. From my elevated position I could plainly see the movements of the body between them, while the rear portion caused another wake behind. Its course was a direct one, and its speed uniform, and not more than five miles an hour. When it reached a point about a half mile north of us, the undulatory movement seemed to cease, and the body was for a moment extended along the surface. There was then an apparent gathering of the caudal extremity into ridges nearer together than those previously HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 253 seen, after which he disappeared. I judged that this latter movement was to aid in diving, but of course this is only conjecture. On the 19th, a week later, the same creature, or one like it, appeared north of us, going in an easterly direction, and, although perhaps a half-mile away, it was distinctly seen by Rev. David Brewer, assistant pastor of Park Street Church, Boston, by his wife and- servants and by several others. My attention was not called in season to permit me to observe anything of additional interest. , From a careful study, I am satisfied that the two localities most visited are the coasts of Norway and Cape Ann and vicinity, both rocky shores. The limits of this article preclude any reference to the former, and but a bare mention can be made of the latter. I find the following well-authenticated visits to these shores since the opening of the present century : Gloucester, « Nahant, Swampscott,. Nahant, Lynn, Swampscott, Nahant, Gloucester, . June 20, 1815 Aug. 10-28, 1817 . . Aug. — , 1818 .. “ 19, 1819 “ IO, 1820 . . . July 12, 1823 . . . , 1826 -- - July — , 1833 --- “ — 1849 ... “ 30,1875 --- “ 15, 1877 The reports concerning these have not come from ignorant and unreliable men, but from such gentlemen as Colonel Thomas H. Perkins of Boston, Chaplain Finch of the United States Navy, Samuel Cabot of Brookline, James Prince, United States Marshal, Rev. Arthur Lawrence of Stockbridge, Hon. Lonson Nash of Gloucester and B. F. Newhall of Saugus, as well as from intelligent captains, sailors and fishermen. I would gladly give the details of these reports, but can only 254 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. say in this article that I am surprised to find such a substantial agreement between these statements and my own, as given in the Boston Journal and the Cape Ann Breeze. In length, in color, in movement, in size, in speed, as usually seen, and in the manner of cutting the water, our accounts so agree that I could give a complete account in the words of others written years since, and which I affirm I had never seen. I am frequently asked, “ If there be such a thing as a sea- serpent, why is he not oftener seen ? ” I must frankly say, “ I do not know,” and yet I . can present some suggestions which satisfy my own mind. In the first place, large animals are not numerous. Eagles are less abundant than mosquitoes, elephants than mice, whales than mackerel. Again, Bishop Pontoppidan wrote, one hundred and thirty years ago, “ This creature keeps himself at the bottom of the sea, excepting in the months of July and August, which is their spawning season.” If this is true, as the dates just given would prove it to be, the time is short when it may be expected to appear. Again the bishop says, “ They come to the surface in calm weather, but plunge into the water again as soon as the wind raises the least wave.” I reported the sea as a dead calm, and such has been the case almost always, I think. It has been so in every case but one which I have noticed, so that the conditions in this respect are not often favorable. Again, it may be that, like the great sea turtles, it is most active in the night, when it would be least observed, and again we must remember that the ocean is vast, and that but an infinitesimal portion of its surface is at any time being scanned by the human eye. I have now described the object which came under my observation. I shall not attempt to classify it. Whether it belongs to the mammalia, reptilia or pisces, whether it be ophidian, cetacean or saurian, I must leave it to the naturalist to determine. I am no stranger by the sea. A love for its beauty and grandeur, in calm and storm, as well as a fondness HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. •Vf 2 55 for the study of its teeming life, both animal and vegetable, minute as well as gigantic, has led me to spend eighteen summers upon its very verge. This experience makes me sure that no one who saw what I did would ever entertain the suggestion that it was a school of porpoises, a grampus, or a horse-mackerel. Because some have been deceived by these, or a floating spar, or a mass of seaweed, it does not follow that others have not seen a genuine monster. Professor Silliman, in his Journal of Science, says : “We are ourselves not skeptical. We do not see how such evidence as was presented by Dr. Jacob Bigelow, in our second volume, can be set aside.” Professor Agassiz informs us that “ it would be in precise conformity with analogy that such an animal should exist in American seas. I see no chance to doubt that some huge animal with outward form much like a serpent did some- times visit these shores.” Professor Richard A. Proctor writes: “Naturalists have been far less incredulous than the general public. We confess we do not well see how such a chain of probabilities can be readily set aside.” Professor Gosse says: “Are not the facts sufficiently weighty to restrain us from rejecting so great an amount of testimony? I express my own confident persuasion that there exists some oceanic animal of immense size which has not yet been received into the category of scientific zoology.” Professor J. G. Wood remarks that “ it does require some courage to face the alternative of being either ridiculed as an ignorant fool, or denounced as a con- temptible impostor, but such is the ordeal through which all have to pass who venture to assert that they have seen the sea-serpent.” There are many grains of truth in this assertion, yet I have never regretted that I offered my report to the public , for I am confident that the time will come when its candid judgment will be assured of the existence of this denizen of the deep. 256 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. CHAPTER XI. Donation of a Clock , by John G. Dennis , Esq. A special town meeting was held on the 1 8th day of April, 1885, by adjournment. At said meeting the following resolution was presented by Nath’l F. S. York, Esq., chairman of the Board of Selectmen : Resolved , “ That we citizens of Rockport, in town meeting assembled, do hereby tender to our esteemed friend and fellow- citizen, John G. Dennis, Esq., our sincere thanks and grateful acknowledgments for the donation of the beautiful clock which he has generously made to his native town, and has placed upon the gallery of this hall.” The foregoing resolution was unanimously adopted by a rising vote. It was also voted that the resolution be assigned a place in the history of the town, now being prepared for publication. Mr. Dennis represented the town at the last session of the General Court, (1885.) He died after a short illness, on the 29th day of June, the same year, respect and lamented. He always manifested a deep interested in the welfare of this his native town. He left a family of four daughters. Old-Time Fishing Boats. A description of the old-time fishing boats, though perhaps out of place, may be of interest to some. These boats were fitted with two masts, and were minus shrouds or stays. They were called Chebacco or standing-room boats, and were from eight to twenty tons measurement, pink stern. The floor of the standing-room was about three feet below the deck ; the room extended to within two feet of the waist or gunwale, and was about three and a half feet wide ; from the forward standing- room was the entrance to the cuddy or the cooking and HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 25 7 sleeping room. There were two of these standing-rooms on forward and one abaft the main hatchway. The third man (the crew generally consisted of three men or two men and a boy) when not engaged in cooking, or in other duties that belonged to his office, stood in the main hatchway and fished. These boats were encircled by a waist or gunwale about eight or nine inches wide above the deck. The stem of the boat was about two and a half feet high above the deck ; this stem was convenient to haul the hawser over when taking • up the anchor. It was over this stem that the iron collar was placed when the boat was at her moorings. The mooring extended to two stumps which were oak trees divested of their branches and most of their roots, and were put through a hole in a flat stone weighing from fo.ur to six tons ; there was an eight or nine inch cable, each end secured to a stump; midway of the cable was a stout iron chain with an iron collar that fitted over the boat’s stem. In this way, there were at times fifty or sixty of these boats moored in Long Cove, and a consider- able number at Pigeon Cove. Up to the year 1820 to 1825, all of the fishing boats were standing-room. It was hardly thought men could stand on deck and fish. We remember that Mr. James Pool bought a boat {t Dart,” she was probably twenty to twenty-five tons, she was larger than most of the boats of that time. She was decked when he purchased her. He had her changed to standing-room ; but within a few years from this a change came over the people and this same boat “ Dart ” was changed to a decked boat, as within a few years all others were. The old-time boats were pink stern, that is they narrowed gradually from midships to abaft to a point. The gunwale was gradually raised and extended to little abaft the stern post. This arrangement was convenient for spreading the nets to dry. These boats were considered quite safe and were of good sailing qualities. One of this style boats was at a wharf in New York, when a sailor, after looking her over, enquired if she would sail as 258 HISTOR Y OF ROCKPORT. fast one end to as the other, the reply “Yes, and a great deal faster.” Highways and Town Ways. The highway from Annisquam to Pigeon Cove was laid out and recorded by the selectmen of Gloucester, October 2 1st, 1707. It was continued through Pigeon Cove and over Back Beach and Hale’s Point, to Pool’s Bridge, in or about 1716. There were bars or gates across this road until about the year 1 800. The highway from the first parish meeting-house, through the parting paths and over Beaver Dam Brook, up the Great Hill, and on by Richard Tarr’s house, to the brook, or Pool’s Bridge, was laid out and recorded by the selectmen of Gloucester, June 2d, 1707. The highway from the head of Long Coye and over Cove Hill, (Mt. Pleasant) and over South street by Peter Bennett’s house, over the Marsh and Beach by Salt Island to connect with the road through the Farms to Witham’s Corner on the Gloucester road, was laid out and recorded by the selectmen of Gloucester in 1708. This road was laid four rods wide. We fail to find any record of a road from Pool’s bridge through Sandy Bay village to the head of Long Cove. High street was laid open for public travel by the selectmen about 1820 to 1825. Its former name was Pasture Lane. It was formerly a cow path and open as far up as the dwelling- house of the -late Wm. B. Haskins, before it was laid out as a street over land of Dea. Abraham H. Pool, to Main street. Gott street was laid out by the selectmen as a town way in 1838. The road over Back Beach was graded and fitted for public travel in 1836. Azor Knowlton did the work by contract. Pleasant street and a part of School street were laid out and opened for public travel by Capt. John Gott, over his land, about the year 1836. HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 259 School street, from Main to High, was laid out by the County Commissioners about the year 1837. About the year 1836, Mr. Andrew Lane laid out Prospect street, over his land, for public travel. During the year 1847, a stock or land company purchased quite an extensive tract of land of Mr. David Brooks and others in the center of the village, and laid out and built Broadway. Over this purchase they laid out lots each side of the street and put them upon the market, with the restriction that no building should be placed within ten feet of the line of the road. John W. Hadlock built the first house upon this street. It is now occupied by Wakefield Hodgkins as a store. In the year 1852, this company offered the street (Broadway) and all the by-way privileges to the town without cost ; the town by vote accepted the proposition. Cleaves street was laid out by the selectmen about the year 1855. Smith street, from King to Beach street, was laid out by the selectmen in 1856. Cost of construction was $117.00. The line of the highway near the Babson farm and Gallup’s Folly was changed by the county commissioners in 1852, at a cost to the town, for construction, of five hundred and seventy- five dollars ; other improvements on the highway at Pigeon Cove were made by the same order at a cost of four hundred and ten dollars. Marshall street was laid out by the selectmen, accepted and built by the town in 1856, at a cost, including land damages, of four hundred and eighty-nine dollars. In the year 1857, Pleasant street from the junction of Marshall street to the cemetery gate was laid out by the selectmen and constructed by the town at a cost, including land damage, of four hundred and eighty-nine dollars. Broadway Avenue, from High street to Broadway was laid out by the selectmen in 1859, and constructed in i860, at a 26 o HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. cost of seven hundred and eleven dollars, including land damage. Railroad Avenue, from Main to King street, was laid out by the county commissioners in 1861, and was built by the town in 1 861-62, at a cost, including land damage, of $3834.20. The construction of Summer to Prospect street was in the year 1872, at a cost of $563.07. Forest street, from King to Granite street, was laid out by the county commissioners and built by the town in 1874, at a cost, including land damage, of $1599.00. Improvement of Granite street, from Ephraim Nickerson’s to Samuel Parker’s house, as ordered by the county commis- sioners in 1872, was completed by the town in 1873-74, at a cost of $6751.37, less by the amount allowed by the county of $1325.00; total cost to the town, $5426.37. One item of this improvement called for the reducing the hill near Wm. H. Knowlton’s premises, three and a half feet, and the filling of the valley three and a half feet, reducing the grade of the hill seven feet. This job was let to Benjamin Hale; he succeeded in completing the contract by his good manage- ment without obstructing the public travel, and to the entire satisfaction of the community. During the year 1870, the town expended in improving the highway at Folly Cove, $265.00. The same year (1870,) the town expended in the improve- ment of Mt. Pleasant street, $404.00. During the year 1871, the town expended in improving the highway at Pigeon Cove, $604.00. In the year 1872, an improvement of School street, from Main street to Broadway, was made at a cost, including damage, of $631.00. In the year 1873, Jewett street was laid out by the selectmen and built in 1 874, at a cost of $893.50, including land damage. Parker street was laid out by the county commissioners in 1 88c, and was built by the town in 188 1, at a cost of $3348.88, HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 261 Improvements on South street, as ordered by the county commissioners in 1 876, were made in 1&77-78-79-80-81-82-83- 84, at a cost of $2092.68. The improvements ordered by the commissioners are not yet completed, and there is an unex- pended balance of the appropriations that were made of $ 375 - 3 2 * The Pool’s Hill road was laid out by the selectmen in 1885. There was expended in its improvement in 1886, $386.49. Curtis street, at Pigeon Cove, was laid out by the selectmen in 1885 ; a portion of it was completed in 1886, at a cost of $1089.92. About the year 1855, Mr. Eben B. Phillips purchased at Pigeon Cove, of John W. Wheeler and others, a large tract of pasture and wood-land, and soon commenced to lay out and construct avenues over the same. He also added to his first purchase until it included Andrews and Halibut Point. There are now over this territory miles of good smooth road, by the line of which are many pleasant and attractive summer cottages. These avenues taken in connection with that over Sunset Hill, and others over the Babson Farm constructed during these later years by the Misses Babson and Gaffield, constitute as pleasant a drive as can be found anywhere within our good old county of Essex. On one side in the near distance is the broad Atlantic in full view; on the other, trees and shrubbery in great variety. In fact we think it would be hard to find a more pleasant drive than that from the Gloucester line at Folly Cove, over the main street to Sunset Hill, then over Phillips’ Avenue to Granite street, through Pigeon Cove to Beach street, to Main through Sandy Bay, then over Mt. Pleasant and South streets, to the Long Beach. 262 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. Exhumation and Re-Interment of the Remains of John Pool and his Wives. A small congregation of men assembled near the residence of Mr. Ephraim Nickerson, corner of Railroad avenue and King street, on the 22d day of October, 1878; their object was to witness the exhumation and re-interment of the remains of John Pool, the second permanent settler of Sandy Bay, and those of three of his wives, which had been buried more than one hundred and fifty years on what was then his own land ; but long since this estate had passed out of the possession of his descendants, therefore the call for and the necessity of their removal. It was a matter of special interest to the small number there assembled to know how little there remains of a fellow mortal after so long a burial. The coffins had crumbled so that only a few small fragments remained, a few bits of rusty iron, remains of nails and metallic trimmings, some bones, soft and crumbly, with fine fibres of roots and vegetable growth twined closely about, beneath and around every part, winding even into the minutest crevices and embracing every part with their delicate tracery. Even as Bryant says : “ Earth that nourished thee shall claim, Thy growth to be resolved to earth again.” The inscription upon the headstone is this : Here Lyes ye Body of Mr. Jdhn Pool, Aged about 57 years, DeiD May ye 19th, 1727. All of the remains were placed in a neat box and were re-interred in the old cemetery, and the ancient headstone was placed to mark this last resting-place. Purchase of a Hearse. The first hearse owned in Sandy Bay was purchased by HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 263 subscription in the year 1836. There are upon that sub- scription paper one hundred and fifty names, two of whom are now living, viz: Eben Gott and John O. Drown. Thirty-four of these donors subscribed one dollar each, thirty-five seventy five cents each, one set against his name eighty-five cents, sixty-one subscribed fifty cents each, and nineteen, twenty-five cents each. This hearse consisted of a framed cart, covered and draped with black broadcloth neatly trimmed, and was set upon four low wheels provided with wooden axles. Probably it cost about the sum subscribed, $96.35, as we have no account of any additional sum being raised for the purpose. This carriage did good service thirty-six years. It now occupies the house in the old cemetery. The first corpse to occupy it was Mrs. Kingsbury, an inmate of the family of Nehemiah Knowlton, on King street. The hearse now in use was purchased by the town in the year 1872, at a cost of $870.25. The whole outlay which included a new harness, house and platform, was $1151.23. The first corpse to occupy the present hearse was Azor Knowlton, a well-known and venerable citizen. The hearse in use at the North Village was purchased by subscription some years since; the town has made repairs upon it from time to time as called upon. All of the years previous to the purchase of a hearse, the custom of the people was to carry their dead to their last resting-place upon a bier borne upon the shoulders of four persons, (bearers); as the procession moved towards the cemetery four other persons would leave the procession and with quickened step reach the front and relieve the bearers ; in case it was a leng distance from the house of the dead to the cemetery, relief would several times be offered — some- times it would be offered none too soon. Taverns and Hotels. On pages 41 and 42 of the Centennial Address are names of 264 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. the several tavern keepers of the early days of Sandy Bay. The last three named are Mr. Samuel Huston, Aaron Giddings and Capt. Josiah Haskell. Of Mr. Huston we would say that a sea captain, on his arrival home one night, called for admittance which was denied him, whereupon he procured an axe and commenced to cut the sign-post down. Soon the door was opened and he was asked to enter. This sign-post stood several years after this event and exhibited its wounds to the passer-by. This hotel was the first of the three to close its doors to the public; next in order was that kept by Aaron Giddings. The Haskell house, after the death of Capt. Josiah, Sr., was kept by his son, Josiah Jr., for a number of years, then was sold to Jabez R. Gott, 2nd ; then after several years’ service it was sold to Caleb Norwood, who enlarged and improved the premises and continued the hotel business several years, then sold the property to an association; they in turn sold the entire premises to the Annisquam mills, the present owners. After Mr. Norwood sold the property, it was occupied several years for hotel purposes by different individuals, one of whom, Mr. Stephen P. Randall, occupied it the longest time and kept a good house ; for the last ten or fifteen years it has been a tenement house. During the early history of Pigeon Cove, Capt. Daniel Wheeler kept a tavern in that village many years. The sign- post is still in position in the shape of the stately elm tree in front of said premises. After Capt. Wheeler’s day, Mr. William Norwood kept tavern on the same premises for a time and from there removed and opened a house on the site of the present Pigeon Cove House; his object was to accommodate summer visitors. The house was small ; he could care but for a few at first. He enlarged the house several times. After his death his accomplished wife continued the business until 1866, when she sold the premises to Mrs. E. S. Robinson, who success- HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 265 fully continues the business up to the present time. In 1871 Mrs. Robinson removed the old Pigeon Cove House, and built upon its site the present large and well appointed edifice which cannot fail to attract the eye of the traveller. Pigeon Cove has long been a popular resort for men of letters, clergymen eminent in their profession, as well as the merchant, the man of business and those who seek for health, rest and quiet. Besides private boarding-houses, there are four well appointed, well managed, and well located summer hotels, viz : The Pigeon Cove House, Mrs. E. S. Robinson, proprietor; Ocean View, Mrs. Lougee, proprietor; Linwood, Mr. James Hurd, proprietor; Glen Acre, Mr. John F. Swett, proprietor. The only hotel at South Village is the Sandy Bay House, Albert Harding, proprietor. It is open the entire year, is well and pleasantly located and so managed that the traveller will find it a quiet and pleasant house. Casualties. On the day of our annual State Fast, 1 840 Mr. Peter Stillman accidentally shot himself. He, with Mr. Wm. H. Bradley, was on a gunning excursion at Dogtown Common, when Stillman’s gun accidentally discharged, taking effect in his side. He said, “ I am shot,” and instantly expired. He was an expert gunner, one of the best, and had handled firearms perhaps more than any other person in town. Messrs. Jonathan Tarr and Oliver Stevens, while on their passage from Boston, on the 28th day of March, 1851, on board of a small boat w r hile working up our bay against a strong westerly breeze, a sudden and unfavorable flaw struck their boat, by which she was capsized and sunk. The two men were drowned, as it were, in sight of their home. The body of Mr. Tarr was picked up the next day. These men were expert fishermen and good steersmen, perhaps none knew better how to handle a boat than they. But notwith- standing their skill, as Rev. Mr. Gale remarked at the funeral 266 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. service of Mr. Tarr, “ They sank like lead in the mighty waters.” Miss Flora S. Richardson, a young lady of nineteen years, and of much promise, a daughter of Lyman and Susan B. Richardson, was drowned on the nineteenth day of July, 1878, while bathing on Back Beach, just north-westerly of Hale’s Point. We can call to mind no other case of drowning while bathing during all the years. Our beaches are considered quite safe for such service. On the evening of the eighteenth day of December, 1874, the Sch. “ J. W. Bradley ” of this port, Frank Bramhall, master, lay at anchor in Portsmouth harbor; five of the crew took the boat and went on shore, when on their return to the schooner, by some accident, the boat capsized, and four of the number were drowned, viz : John J. Lowe, George Breen, John J. Griffin and Warren Stillman. They were all citizens of Rockport and unmarried except Griffin, who left a widow. A child was born to them after his death. February 20th and 21st, 1879, there was a very heavy gale at sea, by which the Gloucester fishing fleet suffered severely, some twelve or thirteen vessels with their entire crew being lost. Among the number were four from this town, viz : Michael Allen, left a widow and three children ; Philip Devou, left a widow and four children ; Edward Walton, left a widow and two children ; John J. Williams, left a widow and three children, one child by a former husband. Edwin Earle Rogers, born at Worcester, Mass., May 3d, 1866, was drowned off Gully Point, October 31, 1884. He with a young man, a friend of his, was by the shore gunning for sea birds, when accidentally he slipped or fell into the ocean ; no one saw him, though there were several persons near by. There was a high bluff of ledge between him and them. When they heard his cries and saw him struggling in the water, they were powerless to help; there was no boat within a half mile, and the sea was rough, there was quite a gale HISTORY OF R 0 CKP 0 R 1 . 267 from the north-east. This young man was a son of James S. and Annie B. Rogers. This family had been residents here some two or three years. The parents of the young man have erected a steel cross near the ledge from which he fell into the ocean. Wednesday, May nth, 1887, Mr. J. Allen, aged forty years, was coming in w 7 ith his nets when his dory was struck by a heavy flaw of wind and sank about 7.30 A. M. Allen was drowned ; he left a widow and five children. Death of Dr. Barde 7 i. Edward E. Barden, M. D., died December 3d, 1875, after an illness of but a few r days, aged tw r enty-nine years, seven months. He was a son of Rev. Stillman and Sarah Barden. Dr. Barden was a young man of much promise; his death was a loss to the entire community ; when it occurred he w 7 as chairman of our school board. His wife, Alfarata, was a daughter of Addison and Abigail Gott. She died April 1st, 1876; their infant child died March 27th, 1875; thus within a few r days more than a year the entire family, the child, the father and mother, passed away. Death of Dr. Haskell. On the 2 1st day of January, 1878, Benjamin Haskell, M. D., aged sixty-eight years, died after a short illness. He was born in Rockport, was graduated at Amherst College in 1832, received his medical education at Bow 7 doin College, Maine. He spent nearly the whole of his professional life in his native town ; he was skilful and popular as a physician, and greatly respected as a citizen. During his later years, in addition to his professional duties, he was much interested in agriculture and farm stock. He left a widow 7 , Jane Calef, but no children. Out of respect to his memory, a public meeting of the citizens was held in the town hall the evening after his decease. A large audience w^as present and organized by the choice of 268 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. John W. Marshall, moderator, Calvin W. Pool, clerk ; prayer was offered by Rev. C. C. Mclntire. Dr. John E. Sanborn paid a tribute of respect to his professional character and his usefulness as a citizen by an interesting address which was listened to with marked attention; his address was supple- mented by remarks from several others of our citizens. A committee was appointed to make arrangements for his funeral, which took place from the Congregational church on the 23d inst., at two o’clock P. M. Though a severe N. E. snow storm was raging, the church was filled with an interested and sympathizing audience. The services were conducted by Rev. C. C. Mclntire, the pastor of the church, sermon by Rev. Wakefield Gale, a former pastor, and long-time friend of the deceased. The pall bearers were physicians of Rockport and Gloucester. His widow, Jane Calef, died August 30th, 1885. Death of Dr. Lemuel Gott. Lemuel Gott, M. D., was born at Sandy Bay, December 23d, 1808; died in Berlin, Mass., June 16th, 1888, aged seventy-nine years, five months, twenty-four days. After passing through our public schools he entered Hampden Academy, N. H., at the age of nineteen years, and remained there four years ; he then entered Harvard Medical School, taking three courses, after which he attended the Massachu- setts General Hospital, and then the Marine, receiving his diploma February 3d, 1836. He commenced the practice of medicine and surgery the same year in his native town, where he enjoyed an extensive practice eighteen years. Removing to Berlin in 1854, he was there associated with Dr. C. Hartshorn in practice, and in the manufacture of “ family medicines,” where he remained until his death. He and his wife Mary became members of the Congregational church in this town, April 6th, 1837. Dr. Gott was interested in the cause of education, and was a constant visitor of our public schools. He was chairman of the Gloucester school board the year previous to the incorporation of Rockport, and HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 269 several years after the incorporation he served the town of Rockport in the same capacity. He delivered the address at the dedication of the Broadway schoolhouse in 1850; the Centennial Address also, that occupies eighty pages of this volume, in 1854. On his mother’s side he was a direct descendant of Richard Tarr, the first settler at Sandy Bay. She was a daughter of Jabez Tarr, who fought on Bunker Hill; on his father’s side, Capt. John Gott, he was a descendant of Samuel Gott, who settled at Halibut Point in 1702. In politics, the doctor took the unpopular side of that day; he was a pronounced anti-slavery man, and fearlessly declared his principles. His brother Addison was greatly chagrined at a time when he saw Lemuel in the pulpit of one of our churches with a colored man ; but even Addison, at a later day (1851) when a member of the Legislature, found it convenient to vote for Charles Sumner for United States Senator. There was a time when the doctor stood up with six others and was counted. He lived to see the hated institution numbered among the institutions of the past, and to enjoy the breathing for many years of the free air of heaven without the taint of slavery. He left a widow and one daughter. His son died during the Civil War, in service of his country. Deceased Clergymen. Clergymen that have officiated and died at Sandy Bay and Rockport, are as follows, viz : Rev. Ebenezer Cleaveland, Congregationalist, died July 4th, 1805; aged eighty years. Licentiate, Caprt. Benjamin Hale, Baptist, died January 10th, 1818, aged forty-two years. Rev. Levi B. Hathaway, Baptist, died August 1st, 1843, aged thirty-three years. He had been pastor of the Baptist church but a few months. Rev. Samuel Gilbert, Baptist, died January 25th, 1850. 270 HISTORY OF R0CKP0RT. Rev. Stillman Barden, Universalist, died August 7th, 1865. At the time of his decease he was chairman of our town school committee. Rev. Elijah Mason, Methodist, died February 16th, 1863. He was chairman of our school board at the time of his decease. Licentiate, Capt. Levi Cleaves, Methodist, died June 16th, 1865, aged fifty-eight years and nine months. Rev. Samuel Roy, Methodist, died October 24th, 1874. He had ministered to his people but a few months when stricken with disease which within a few days terminated his life. Rev. Henry C. Leonard, Universalist, died March 7th, 1880, at the age of sixty-two years. At the time of his decease, he was pastor of the church at Annisquam, and chairman of our school board. He had served three years previous as super- intendent of our public schools. He was pastor of the Universalist church in this town in 1 844-45 i he had also been pastor of the church at Orono, Maine, Albany, N. Y., and at Philadelphia. He served as chaplain of a Maine regiment during the Civil War. Death of Ebe?iezer Pool. Mr. Ebenezer Pool, an esteemed and venerable citizen, died at his home near Dock Square, on the 10th day of April, 1878, at the advanced age of ninety years and nine months. For many years he was a prominent member of the Baptist church. From early life he was specially interested in noting important or special events ; he was possessed of a very retentive memory and was able to give a ready answer when called upon for family genealogy or events that had long time transpired. He left a large number of pages of valuable memoranda, to which we are indebted, to a considerable extent, for that that appears upon several of the preceding pages of this book. Mr. Pool was a direct descendant of the John HISTORY OF ROCKFORT. 271 Pool who settled in Sandy Bay in the year 1700 — the second permanent settler of the village. He attended school one or more terms in the first schoolhouse that was built in this village ; it was built of logs and was located on a part of the now front yard of the Congregational meeting-house. This schoolhouse was demolished in 1797 or ’98. He left a family of seven sons and five daughters, but no widow. He had been twice married. Death of Another Aged Citizen. Mr. William Tarr Abbott, the then oldest person in town, died February 3d, 1885, having attained to the age of ninety- six years, eleven months and fourteen days. The most of the years of his long life he was a mariner ; at the time of the war of 1812-14 he engaged in privateering to some extent; he served on board the privateer schooner “ Orlando,” Capt. Joseph Babson, and on board the same vessel, Capt. R. Evens, four and a half months in all; he also served on board the schooner “ Cadet,” Capt. David Elwell. He also served as captain of a gun nine-pounder on board the schooner “ Thrasher,” Capt. R. Evens. During this cruise they cap- tured the English ship “ Portsea,” and were re-captured by the English ship “ Eleanor” and taken to England and put on board a prison ship on the River Thames, at a place called Jolicum’s Reach or Ranch, where they were imprisoned about three months, then set at liberty. Mr. Abbott returned to his home. During the later years of his life he received a pension from the United States Government. He also was engaged in dory fishing, .and was quite successful in this branch of business ; during one week when he was eighty-five years of age he caught from his dory, four miles from land, codfish that sold for .$12. He was quite active almost to the last of his days, was always temperate and industrious and of a genial temperament. 272 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. Secret and Benevolent Societies. Granite Lodge, No. 127, I. O. O. F., was organized on the 23d day of May, 1848, with twenty members. Its object is to promote good morals, to watch over and provide for the needy. This institution has always been in a healthy con- dition, has disbursed a large amount of money in relieving the needy. It now has a membership of two hundred and thirty. They own a neat and pleasant hall on the corner of Broadway and School street, well appointed for the use of the order. The charter members were Benjamin Parsons, 2d, William Bryant, David D. Lang, William P. Burns, Henry Dennis, John G. Wallace, Eli G. Tufts, Edward H. Shaw, Caleb Norwood, Charles E. Grover, George Sanford, Joseph J. Burns, Albert Clark, Levi P. Richardson, David Babson Jr., George Leach, Andrew Elwell, Charles Rowe, Jr., Thomas Hale, Thomas N. Flood, Wm. Colby, William H. Wallace, William H. Dann. Ashler Lodge of A. F. and A. M. The first meeting of the members of this institution was at the house of Eben Blatch- ford, Esq., in the month of January, 1851. The charter of this order is dated March 12th, 1852. The charter members were Eben Blatchford, Wm. H. Manning, Wm. Caldwell, Samuel Parker, William Smith, Henry Clark, Thomas O. Marshall, Charles Tarr, 3d, Francis Rowe, Charles Rowe, and William Giles, two of whom, Messrs. Blatchford and Clark, are now living. Eben Blatchford was the first master. The whole membership up to the present time, including the charter members, has been three hundred and seven. The present, membership is one hundred and twenty-five. Their motto, “ Faith in God, a hope of Immortality, Charity for the Needy.” This institution, during the years of its history has distributed quite a large sum of money to the needy brother- hood, not forgetting those outside the fold. This lodge is now in a healthy condition. Mr. Luther H. Kidder, a member HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 273 of this order, died on the 14th day of February, 1888, aged 94 years, 6 months. He was made a Mason of a lodge at Concord, Vt., in 1815 ; probably at the time of his death he was the oldest Mason in the State. The greater part of his life was spent in this town. O. W. Wallace Post, No. 106, G. A. R. This Post was organized August 19, 1869. The charter members were: Thomas F. Parsons, Jr., Eugene R. Prior, William Wingood, Jr., John E. Sanborn, Story D. Pool, Levi Shaw, Sidney Currier, William H. Davis, John E. Stickney, John S. Witham and E. Townsend. This institution prospered for a time, then came a falling off of membership with other discouraging circumstances, when the remaining members concluded to surrender their charter and disband the organization. This institution re-organized on the 31st day of December, 1881. The charter members at this organization were : Wm. Wingood, Jr., Eugene R. Prior, Thomas F. Parsons, Jr., O. H. Blaisdell, Ozias N. Rowe, James Breen, John E. Stickney, Nathaniel Richardson, Jr., Calvin W. Pool, C. L. Dunlap, James H. Stillman, Daniel W. Tuttle, Samuel Fears, Isaac B. Bray, Freeman Mitchell, Andrew Lane, Jr., and Charles French. This order now has a membership of sixty, is doing a good work, and is in a healthy condition. Wonasquam Tribe, No. 23, Improved Order of Red Men, was instituted in this town on the 10th day of June, 1886. This adds another fraternal and benefit organization to those before established here. It has met with marked success and has obtained the standing of an institution that has come to stay. There were one hundred and six charter members; * twenty-two have since been adopted; three have died, viz.: Joseph P. Connor, Wm. V. Norwood, and Alden Choate. The charter members were as follows: — 2/4 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. Andrews, Charles Andrews, Charles H. Babson, Isaac N. Breen, James Breen, William H. Brown, Joseph Butman, John W. Carver, Cyrus Chadwick, Joseph Choate, Alden Clark, Lemuel H. Cleaves, George W. Colby, Horace M. Connor, Joseph P. Cross, George E. Davis, Timothy Davis, Wakeman Dunahue, Joseph B. Dorr, Joseph K. Dunahue, Charles L. Edmands, John El well, Edward C. Elwell, John F. Everett, Jonathan R. Fairbanks, Calvin D. Fernald, Alpheus W. Gott, Chester W. Green, Charles Pk Green, Frank Griffin, Frank N. Griffin, James G. Grimes, George Hale, Charles T. Hale, Frank G. Hanson, Ferdinand Harris, Samuel B. Haskell, Charles A. Haskins, George R. Haskins, Leander M. Hoyt, J. Newell Hodgins, James Henderson, Samuel G. Knowlton, Benj. H. Knowlton, Edgar Knowlton, Frank H. Knowlton, Melville Lane, Leverett Lurvey, Abraham, Jr. Lurvey, Bryant Lowe, George A. Mahoney, Daniel Marchant, William Margeson, Gilbert T. Marshall, Albert H. Mitchell, Freeman Mitchell, Lewis Prescott Morgan, Christopher N. Morgan, Eli L. Morgan, Milton W. Morse, Stephen M. Nason, Winslow Newman, John S. Norwood, Will T. Norwood, William V. Ornellas, George W. Parker, Wm. R. Parsons, Benj., Jr., ' Parsons, Calvin T. Parsons, Irving C. Parsons, Fletcher W, HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 275 Parsons, Fred H. Parsons, Will Paul, Oliver Pierce, Alpheus W. Pierce, Ward A. Pingree, Henry C. Poole, John J. Poole, Newton B. Poole, Theodore L. Robinson, Levi Robb, Andrew Rowe, Amos Rowe, Eben P. Sanborn, Asa F. Sanborn, Hiram L. Saunders, Edward H. Smith, George E. Stevens, Orin Story, Albert Story, Herbert A. Story, Henry L. Shepherd, George B. Tarr, Andrew J. Tarr, J. Clarence Tarr, Thomas Tarr, Harvey Todd, Charles E. Tufts, Hosea C. Tuttle, Ward Tucker, Lewis Welch, Frank Whitney, Alonzo L. Witham, Elbridge, Jr. Wheeler, Thaddeus Woolford, Austin R. Woolford, Emery Pigeon Cove Mutual Benefit Association. This institution was organized by the Knights of Labor, March 12th, 1886, with a membership of fifty-four; Joseph B. Dunahue, president, Edgar L. Waite, secretary and treasurer. It was re-organized March 29th, 1887. The charter members at this organization were as follows: — Dunahue, Charles L. Fears, William Fears, Charles P. Fitz, John H. Fretch, Benjamin T. Griffin, James G. Lurvey, Bryant Morse, Stephen M. Morgan, Christopher N. Parker, Wesley L. Parsons, Irving C. Parsons, Calvin T. Smith, Hudson Story, Henry L. Story, Herbert A. Tuttle, John M. Tuttle, John M., Jr. Total membership at the present time, one hundred and ten. HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 276 There is also connected with this institution a Life Insurance or Life Benefit Association. Though it is confined to the membership of the Mutual Benefit, it does not include all of its members, but only such as sign the obligation of the Life Benefit. The number that has signed the articles up to the present time is forty-six. These institutions are what their names indicates. Sandy Bay Mutual Relief Association. This order was organized Feb. 14th, 1888, with a membership of ninety-one. Their regular meetings are held on the first and third Saturday of each month. The name of this order indicates the object for which it is organized. The members at its organization were as follows: — Allen, Ethan Grover, George W. Bray, Alden P. Grimes, Manley Breen, William H. Grey, Loring Broomfield, Wm. Grimes, George B. Barton, Thomas Griffin, Frank N. Bernard, John B. Hanson, Ferdinand Clark, Henry Haskins, Frank K. Connors, William Hodgkins, Howard Cleaves, George Hodgkins, Henry Campbell, John Hayes, M. W. S. Davis, Horace T. Haskins, George R. Dunbar, James Harris, Wm. H. Davis, Wm. H. Hart, Thomas Devou, Luke Harvey, Albert Everett, Jonathan R. Jordan, Frank El well, Benj. Keating, Michael Fairbanks, Calvin D. Knowlton, James M Fellows, James B. Lowe, Ashler Frisbee, Harry B. Lowe, Everett P. Freitas, Joseph, Jr., Lowe, Henry M. Gee, Richard Longley, George Griffin, Benjamin Leman, Peter HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 2 77 Littlefield, Hartwell Moore, John Z. Millett, Edward McLane, Geo. M. Marshall, Albert Moody, E. Prescott Mackey, William Morse, George Mitchell, Freeman Mitchell, Howard Norwood, Wm. H. Norwood, S. F. Nelson, Thomas W. Norwood, Chas. F. Ornellas, Geo. W. Pool, Stephen Pool, Burrill C. Pool, Albert Poland, Geo. L. Pickering, Winthrop Pierce, Frank Parsons, L. Cleaves Parsons, Daniel D. Parsons, William Parsons, Fletcher Pittee, Albert Pettengill, Ephraim Robb, James Roffey, Robert Roffey, Chas. H. Stevens, Andrew Stevens, G. Forrest Stevens, George Stevens, James E. Stevens, Eben P. Stevens, Andrew, Jr. Sheahan, Timothy Savage, Jesse Sherburne, Hosea Silva, Joseph Tarr, Harvey Tarr, George H. Tucker, Lewis Tarr, Edward Wendell, Robert Woodbury, James Witham, George Town Officers . Selectmen of Gloucester from Sandy Bay, previous to the incorporation of Rockport: 1756, Ebenezer Pool, ’60, ’68, Francis Poof; ’ 75 , ’76, ’77, Stephen Pool, ’78, John Rowe, ’80, Mark Pool, 1781, Mark Pool, ’82, Eben’r. Cleaveland, ’84, Mark Pool, ’85, Caleb Pool, * 86 , “ ’87, “ ’88, Mark Pool, ’89, Caleb Pool, 27 $ HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 1813, Ebenezer Oakes, ’14, ’if << << 1 5> ’25, Winthrop Pool, ’26, Aaron Giddings, ’2 7 , ’30, George D. Hale, ’3G * 3 2, “ “ ’ 33 , “ “ “ ’ 34 , “ “ “ ’3 5 , “ “ “ ’36, John W. Marshall, ’3 7 , “ “ ’38, “ “ ’39, James Haskell. i 7 90, Caleb Pool, ’91, ’92, “ “ ’ 93 , “ ’94, “ ’95, “ ’96, Ebenezer Pool, ’9 7, Benj. Tarr, Jr., ’98, James Goss, 1805, John Manning, ’06, Ebenezer Oakes, ’ 07 , Caleb Norwood, ’09, Caleb Norwood, Jr., ’io, Francis Norwood, > r T 11 u 1 1 y ’ 1 2, “ The first Representative from Sandy Bay to the General Court was in 1806, Caleb Norwood, Jr., ’o 7, “ “ “ ’09, John Manning, M. D. To, “ “ 13, “ T4, “ T5, “ *3°, John Gott, “ Aaron Giddings, ’31, John Gott, “ Solomon Pool, ’32, James Goss, “ Nehemiah Knowlton, “ Gorham Babson, P. C. ’33, George Lane, “ Josiah Griffin, 1833, Gorham Babson, P. C. 1834, Josiah Griffin, “ John Blatchford, “ Gorham Babson, P. C. ’35, John Blatchford, “ Jas. Harris, Pigeon Cove, “ Timothy R. Davis. ’36, Timothy R. Davis, “ John Davis, “ Jas. Harris, Pigeon Cove. ’3 7. John Davis, “ Eleazar Boynton, “ David Dunahue, ’38, Eleazar Boynton, “ William B. Haskins, ’39, Samuel L. Andrews, ’40, Wm. B. Haskins. HISTORY OF ROCKFORT. 279 Rockporf s First loivn Meeting. Rockport’s first legal town meeting was held in the vestry of the Congregational Society, on the 9th day of March, 1 840, at nine o’clock, A. M. The warrant for the meeting was issued by James Goss, justice of the peace, to James Haskell, who called the meeting to order, read the warrant, and then called for the balloting for a moderator. There were three hundred and seventy-three votes cast, two hundred and forty-two of which were for Capt. John Davis, who was declared elected. Col. William Pool was chosen clerk, which office he held by re-election each year, so long as his health allowed him to perform its duties, when his son, Calvin W., was elected, and continues, by re-election, to occupy the position until the present time. The succession of moderators of our annual March meetings is as follows: Dr. Lemuel Gott, 1841-44. Wm. Caldwell, 1 842-43-45-46-47-53-57-61-63-64-65- 67-71. Samuel York, 1 848-49- 50-51-55-56-58-5 9-60-62-68- 69-70. John W. Marshall, 1852-54-72-74-78-79-80-86-87-88. Nath’l F. S. York, 1866. Henry Dennis, Jr., 1 873-75-76-77-81 . Amos Rowe, 1882-83-84-85-89. This first town meeting was held only for the choice of town officers. It completed its work and at half past four o’clock, P. M., adjourned, sine die. A second town meeting was held on the 1 8th day of the same month of March, for the purpose of raising and appro- priating money for town expenses. At this meeting there were fifty-seven votes cast for moderator, fifty-five of which were for Capt. John Davis. At this meeting the salary of the town clerk was fixed at ten dollars; town treasurer, ten dollars; 28 o HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. selectmen, assessors, and overseers of the poor, twenty-eight dollars each, per year. The whole commitment of taxes that year was, to Collector John B. Parsons, - - - $2,762.03. “ Michael Walen, - 804.92. Total, - $3,566.95. At the end of the year there remained uncollected, Of John B. Parsons, - - - - - $81.37. “ Michael Walen, - 98.84. Total, - $180.21. 7 own of Rockport. SELECTMEN, TOWN CLERKS, TOWN TREASURERS, AND SCHOOL COMMITTEES. 1840, David Babson, Jr., James Haskell, Thomas O. Marshall. ’41, David Babson, Jr., James Haskell, Wm. H. Bradley. ’42, David Babson, Jr., Wm. H. Bradley, William P. Burns. ’43, Same. ’44, Same. ’45, David Babson, Jr., Wm. P. Burns, George D. Hale. ’46, Same. Selectmen. 1847, David Babson, Jr., Benj. Tarr, John Pool. ’48, Same. ’49, David Babson, Jr., William Boynton, William P. Burns. ’50, David Babson, Jr., William Boynton, George Gott, Jr. ’51, David Babson, Jr., William Boynton, James Manning. ’52, James Manning, Wm. H. Bradley, HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 281 1852, Thomas Hale. ’53, Thomas Hale, John W. Marshall, Dudley Choate. ’54, John W. Marshall, Dudley Choate, Amos Story. ’55, James Manning, Wm. H. Bradley, Benj. Atwood. ’56, John W. Marshall, Washington Tarr, Daniel Wheeler. ’5 7, John W. Marshall, Washington Tarr, Austin W. Story. ’58, Austin W. Story, John Manning, Alfred Parsons. ’59, John Manning, Moses Haskins, Wm. Marchant. ’60, John W Marshall, Wm. Marchant, Addison Gott. ’6 1, Same. ’62, Joshua Tarr, Austin W. Story, Wm. H. Bradley. ’63, Austin W. Story, Wm. H. Bradley, Jr., Henry Dennis, Jr. ’64, Henry Dennis, Jr., Wm. Marchant, David Brooks. 1865, Henry Dennis, Jr., Wm. Marchant, Wm. Caldwell. ’66, Same. ’67, Same. ’68, Henry Dennis, Jr., Austin W. Story, Ezekiel Bradstreet. ’69, Austin W. Story, Francis Tarr, Jr., Wm. Caldwell. ’70, Austin W. Story, Francis Tarr, Jr., James Fernald, Jr. ’7 1, James W. Bradley, Henri N. Woods, Abraham Furvey. ’72, James W. Bradley, John W. Marshall, Abraham Furvey. ’73, John W. Marshall, Abraham Lurvey, Henry Dennis, Jr. ’74, Same. ’75, Same. ’76, Same. ’77, Same. ’78, John W. Marshall, Abraham Furvey, Andrew F. Clark. ’79, John W. Marshall, Andrew F. Clark, Stillman L. Mason. ’80, John W. Marshall, Andrew F. Clark, 2$2 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 1880, Abraham Lurvey. ’8 1, Jason L. Curtis, George A. Lowe, N. F. S. York. ’82, Same. ’83, N. F. S. York, Nath’l Richardson, Jr., Austin W. Story. ’84, Same. ’85, N. F. S. York, Henry H. Thurston, 1885, Joseph B. Dunahue. ’86, N. F. S. York, Joseph B. Dunahue, William Lowe. ’87, Charles H. Cleaves, Joseph B. Dunahue, Otis E. Smith. ’88, Charles H. Cleaves, Otis E. Smith, Isaac P. Fears. ’89, Same. Town Clerks. 1840 to 1868 inclusive, Col. William Pool. 1869 “ 1888 Town Treasurers. Calvin W. Pool. 1840 to