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HISTOET

-OF THE-

TOWN OF ROCKPORT,
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
JOHN W. MARSHALL, NEWELL BURNHAM,
HENRY DENNIS, LEVI CLEAVES,
Committee.

ROCKPORT, MASS.:
Pmnted at Bookpokt Ebvibw Office,
1888.

PREFACE.

? ,^g>"^ »

Fellow Citizens: — Your Committee beg leave to say that the
correspondence that precedes the address of Lemuel Gott, 'M.
D., sufficiently explains the publication of this work at the
present time.
We regret that the publication ofthis interesting address
has been so long delayed. But are pleased that the Doctor
so readily acceded to our request. As received, it is in book
form, quarto, one hundred and thirty four closely written pages.
It should be preserved in the archives of the town.
In order to make the work convenient for the printer, we
were obliged to rewrite it entire.
The voluminous memoranda of our late estimable fellow
citizen, Eben'r. Pool Esq., which hig heirs have temporarily
placed in our hands and from which we have made copious
extracts, we consider of much value to the town and hope in
due time the whole thereof will be properly compiled. We
appreciate the kindness of those who have allowed us its
present use.
We do not claim that we herewith present a complete and
exhaustive history of Rockport. But are free to say that
these pages contain much that can but be of special interest
to every citizen and will preserve from oblivion that which
will be of great use to the future historian whose object it
shall be to produce a more minute and complete history of
this our pleasant town.
September, il

4 INTRODUCTION.
Mr. Marshall: —
You will recollect that Dr. Gott, at the request of the town,
some years since wrote a history of Rockport and read it before
the citizens, at one or more meetings held for that purpose.
As that history was not printed, but ought to be, I wrote the
doctor some time since to know whether he still holds the
manuscript! He replied that he had it in the same condition
as when first written. I think if the town desired it he would
revise it for publication.
I thought it proper to suggest that you present the matter
to the next town meeting, — to see if the town will confer with
the Dr. with reference to having it published while he is living,
also to employ him or some one else to continue the history
to the present time. Yours,
ALFRED C. POOL.
Feb. 2d, 1884.
At a legal meeting, on the third day of March A. D. 1884,
of the inhabitants- of the Town of Rockport, qualified to vote
in town affairs, during the progress of the meeting and by
permission of the same, the warrant being laid on the table
for the purpose, Mr. John W. Marshall introduced the subject,
on which the following action was had.
Voted, "That the Town choose a committee to confer with
Dr. Lemuel Gott in relation to the address delivered by him
at the centennial anniversary of the Incorporation of the 5th
Parish of Gloucester in 1854 and ascertain if he will furnish
the town with a copy of the same for publication; and also to
confer with the heirs of the late Ebenezer Pool and ascertain
upon what terms or conditions they will allow the town to take
the notes and memoranda by him recorded that they may be
compiled and made convenient for future reference, and report
at the next Town Meeting."
Also, Voted, That a committee of three be appointed by the
chair, to confer with the above named parties.

INTRODUCTION. 5
"The chair, Amos Rowe Esq., appointed John W. Marshall,
Henry Dennis and Newell Burnham, as that committee."
A true copy of record,
Attest: CALVIN 'SN . POOL, Town Clerk.
Rockport, March nth, 1884.
Lemuel Gott M. D., Berlin, Mass.
Dear Sir: — At our annual March meeting held on the 3d
inst, a committee of three persons, viz: John W. Marshall,
Henry Dennis and Newell Burnham, was chosen by a unani
mous vote to confer with you and ascertain if you will, and
if so upon what terms, furnish the town with a manuscript
copy of your very interesting address delivered before the
inhabitants of the town on the 2d. day of January 1854, that
being the centennial celebration of the incorporation of Sandy
Bay as the 5th Parish of Gloucester.
We trust you will favorably consider this request and thus
confer a favor upon your native town.
Respectfully yours,
For and in behalf of the Committee,
JOHN W. MARSHALL, Chairman.
Berlin, March iSth, 1884.
Dear Sir: — Yours relating to my centennial address is
before me.
It seems the town has chosen a committee, of which you
are a member, to confer with me for the purpose of enquiring
on what terms, a manuscript copy of the address will be fur
nished for preservation as I suppose.
It has always been my desire that the town should have a
copy for this purpose, even so imperfect as it is.
My intention has always been to transcribe the address that
it might be in a suitable condition for preservation, and this is

6 INTRODUCTION.
still my purpose, which I hope to accomplish eventually.
When it is completed, I may confer with the committee further
in relation thereto. Yours respectfully,
LEMUEL GOTT.
JOHN W. MARSHALL.
After some further correspondence the following was
received. Berlin, Mass., Feb. 1885.
Dear Sir: — Your kind letter was duly received, and I trust
its generous sentiments appreciated. I send you with this
letter the address by the hand of Mr. John G. Dennis; you
wish me to name a sum which I think would be a suitable
compensation for my services. * * * *
I submit the sum of fifty dollars. I should be gratified to
receive that amount, but am willing to leave it to the generosity
of the town. Yours respectfully,
LEMUEL GOTT.
To JOHN W. MARSHALL, Chairman of Committee.
The town at its annual meeting, on the second day of March
1885, by a unanimous vote appropriated fifty dollars, rather
as a token of regard for the lecturer than as pay for the valuable
manuscript and service rendered.
A check for the amount (^50.00) was duly forwarded and
the receipt thereof was acknowledged. Rockport, March nth, 1884.
Mr. Alfred C. Pool,
Dear Sir: — At our annual town meeting on the 3d. inst.,
and agreeable to your suggestion, the town, by a unanimous
vote, appointed a committee of three, viz: John W. Marshall,
Henry Dennis and Newell Burnham, to confer with Dr. Gott

INTRODUCTION. ;
in relation to his valuable historical address to which you re
ferred in your letter to me of Feb. 2d. last passed.
The town also, by the same vote, enjoined upon the committee
to confer with the heirs ofthe late Ebenezer Pool, your respected
father, and ascertain if you will, and upon what terms, allow
the town to copy and compile the valuable memoranda left
by your father. I am instructed by the committee to address
you, as we learn these memoranda are in your keeping. In
our estimation these records are valuable and will be more so
as the years roll around. Our object is to compile and put
it in condition for reference and perhaps it may at some
time be wrought into a history of the town. We trust you
will give this matter your careful consideration and confer
the favor asked. Respectfully yours,
JOHN W. MARSHALL,
For and in behalf of the Committee.
Chelsea, Mar. 22, '84.
Mr. Marshall:
In regard to the books in question, we are willing that the
town should have them for the purpose of copying whatever
the committee may think useful to the town, and will leave it
to the generosity of the town to make us such compensation
as it may think proper, the books to be returned to me in a
reasonable time, in their present condition.
A. C. POOL.
At the annual town meeting held on the 2d day of March
1885, the committee made report ofthe foregoing action and
recommended the acceptance of the propositions made. This
report was accepted by vote.
It was also voted that one thousand copies of the address,
with other items of special interest be published in book form
and be sold to citizens and others at cost price.

8 • INTRODUCTION.
CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE.
Annual Town Meeting.
March 14, 1853.
On motion of Alfred C. Pool
Voted, That a committee of ten be chosen by the town to
appoint some suitable person to prepare a History ofthis town
and deliver the same before the inhabitants on the 3 1 st day of
December next, that day completing one hundred years since
this town became a separate parish of Gloucester under the
name of the Cape Parish, and that said History be placed in
the Archives of the town as town property: And James Haskell,
George D. Hale, Alfred C. Pool, Eben Blatchford, and Thomas
O. Marshall were chosen to nominate and report to-morrow
morning ten names for said committee, — who accordingly
reported the following, to wit: Messrs. Ebenezer Pool,
Charles Tarr, Abraham Lurvey, Ebenezer Davis, Dr. Lemuel
Gott, David Brooks, Peter Stillman, E. Blatchford, William
Norwood, William Smith, all of whom were chosen by vote.
Also Voted, That the committee have power to fill vacancies,
should any occur; and that the same be a committee of arrange
ments. The committee soon met and organized. Mr. Ebenezer
Pool was chosen chairman. They invited the board of selectmen
viz: Thomas Hale, Dudley Choate and John W. Marshall, to
unite with them in carrying into effect the vote of the town.
After due consideration, the full committee by their unani
mous vote extended an invitation to their fellow townsman
Lemuel Gott M. D. to prepare and deliver an historical address
before the inhabitants of the town, on Monday the 2d day of
January 1854.
The invitation was cordially accepted by Dr. Gott, and at
time appointed was carried into effect,

INTRODUCTION. g
PROGRAMME.
Centennial Celebration at Rockport.
Services in the Congregational Meeting House, jfanuary 2d.
18^4, at 2 o'clock P. M.

I. ORGAN VOLUNTARY by Samuel J. Giles.
2. READING OF SCRIPTURE AND PRAYER
by Rev. Thomas Driver (Baptist).
3. HYMN composed in part, and selected in part,
by Eben'r. Pool Esq.
This hymn was read by Rev. A. C. L. Arnold
(Universalist).
4. ADDRESS , by Lemuel Gott, M. D.
Evening Service at 6 1-2 oclock.

ORGAN VOLUNTARY by Samuel J. Giles.
PRAYER by Rev. J. A. Gibson (Methodist).
ANTHEM by Choir, Organ Accompaniment.
ADDRESS by Dr. Gott, Continued.
BENEDICTION by Rev. A. C. L. Arnold.
ORGAN VOLUNTARY.
The foregoing order of exercises was successfully performed
and received the earnest attention of the entire audience.
A North-east snow storm raged during the entire day, which
prevented friends who were expected from abroad from being
present, yet there was a large audience both afternoon and
evening. The absence ofthe pastor of the church, Rev. Wakefield
Gale, was greatly regretted; the parts that had been assigned
him were performed by the other clergymen.

IO INTRODUCTION.
HYMN.

God of the circling spheres !
To whom a thousand years
Are as a day;"
Led by Thy guiding hand
Our fathers found this land —
They firmly took their stand.
Thy laws t' obey.
Two centuries have gone
Since fishing here began,
From other towns;
Eight score years have gone by
Since first our fathers' sigh
Heard here alone on high,
No other sound.
Over a rocky road.
They bravely walked or rode
In prayer to join;
'Twas through a forest dim
Some miles they went to hymn,
God's praises there to rhyme,
Read line by line.
Many a year had passed,
The time it came at last
God's word brought near;
A century has gone,
Since a house near their home
Was built for all, not one,
God's word to hear.
A hundred years have fled;
Our fathers with the dead,

INTRODUCTION. ii
Man's certain lot;
But we, their children, meet
This day with joy to greet.
And strengthen home too sweet
To be forgot.
Our fathers, sons and all.
Heeded their country's call
For liberty;
By land and sea they went.
Regardless of event,
To meet the tyrants sent, —
They would be free.
Thou, as a shield of power.
In battle's awful hour,
Did'st round them stand;
Their hopes were in Thy power
Strong in this trying hour,
By Thee their banners towered,
God of our land.
To this our early home.
With filial love we come.
And gather here;
To breathe our native air,
To join our souls in pray'r,
And with our friends to share
This social cheer.
Lord, let Thy smile of love
Beam on us from above
While now we raise
Our grateful song to Thee —
God of our land and sea,
God of the bond and free,
God of all praise.

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.

Ladies, Gentlemen, and Fellow Citizens: — I trust you have
not assembled on this occasion thinking to be entertained with
an oration; if you have, I fear you will be disappointed. I
have not deemed the occasion one calling for oratory or rhe
torical display.
The circumstances which gave origin to this movement are
these — Dr. William Person, of Gloucester, a man always to be
remembered with esteem, while rummaging among some old
papers in his office, chanced to light upon an old document
relating to this Cape. It was the first tax list for this Cape
after it had become a Parish, which was January first 1754,
when the act received the signature of the Governor.
The doctor bequeathed this ancient relic to Mr. Ebenezer
Pool, with his particular request that it should be preserved
for future generations, as a memento ofthe past, suggesting
at the same time, the propriety of the town's commemorating
the organization of the fifth parish by an historical address.
The town at its last annual meeting acted upon the suggestion
and chose a committee to carry it into effect. The speaker
has been induced to attempt this duty for the town.
There are times and occasions in the history of communities,
as of individuals, of more than ordinary interest, when it is
fitting to lay aside our usual cares and turn our attention, for
a while, to the contemplation ofthe past. Such is our privilege
on the present occasion.
Yesterday, January first 1854, completed the period of a
hundred years since the Cape was incorporated as a parish;
a much longer time has passed since our history began.
I propose, in this survey, to go back to our origin, introducing
and making extracts from old documents, according to my
fancy, and gradually to come down to the present day. This
wiir necessarily consume much time and call for much patience

1 4 CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.
on the part of speaker and hearer. And here at the outset I
would acknowledge my indebtedness, for much that I may
communicate, to Mr. Ebenezer Pool of Rockport and Mr. John
J. Babson of Gloucester, Mass., whose researches into our
antiquities are to be highly commended.
But, with all the facilities afforded by these gentlemen and
by the aged people about town, I am conscious of my inability
to do anything like justice to this subject. Many things im
portant will probably be imperfectly described or wholly passed
over, while others of less consequence may be made too
prominent. Many things pertaining to our history are neces
sarily obscure, being matters of tradition, or concealed beneath
the rubbish which has been suffered to accumulate about them
by the lapse of time and by indifference.
Our ancestors were not ambitious of fame or covetous of
renown. They probably felt themselves obscure and not of
great consequence whether they were known in history or not.
But "Let not Ambition mock their useful toil,
Their homely joys and destiny obscure;
Nor Grandeur hear with a disdainful smile
The short and simple annals of the poor."
As early as 1602, we read of English navigators visiting the
coast of North America for the first time. Bartholomew
Gosnold, an intrepid seaman, at this period discovered the coast
lying. North of this Cape, probably, from the' description,
between Portland and York. To a person not acquainted with
the coast it might appear, from the account ofthe voyage, that
he had described some part of our coast, for he speaks of a
rock which he named Salvages from the circumstance that
Savages came to them in a boat from this rock; but his latitude
and other circumstances, distances and description of scenery,
do not answer to our coast. If he saw this Cape he did not
describe it. From the account, he must have passed it in the
night; the next day he discovered Cape Cod.

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 15

»

Martin Pring follows, the next year, in the same track,
making similar discoveries, but his account is very obscure.
To Capt. John Smith belongs the honor of first having visited
and described our coast in the year 1614. Smith was a bold
adventurer and forms an important character in history. At
the age of 13, he sold his books and satchel to raise money to
convey himself privately to sea, but was prevented. At the
age of 17, he embarked at Marseilles on a voyage to Italy;
encountering a storm, he was thrown into the sea by the super
stitious Pilgrims on board, who suspected him to be the cause
of the storm. He escaped to the shore, entered the Austrian
service, distinguished himself in battle. At the siege of Regal,
the Turks challenged the Christians to fight any Captain, for
diversion of the ladies. Smith accepted the challenge and
killed, in single combat, three Turks in succession.
He afterwards turned his attention to America, visited the
Chesapeake Bay in 1607, and during his stay in the country
occurred his celebrated adventure with the Indian chief,
Powhatan, and the saving of his life by Pocahontas.
In 1609 he visited England, and in 161 4 visited North
America, and ranged the coast of what was then called North
Virginia, from Penobscot Bay to Cape Cod, in an open boat,
with eight men, surveying the coast and harbors; and at his
suggestion, having formed a map of the country, this part of
America was for the first time called New England.
Methinks I see this bold and hardy adventurer plowing his
solitary way through these unfrequented seas. He pauses in
his voyage and surveys these bold and rugged shores. The
event is pregnant of consequences of which he is unconscious.
He names this Cape Tragbizanda, or rather Tragabigzanda, in
honor of a Turkish lady who had rendered him important
service while a prisoner among the Turks. This name was
afterwards altered to Ann by Prince Charles in honor of his
mother, Anne of Denmark. But this Cape was not without a
name, previous to this important event. Before the hardy

1 6 CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.
*
Englishmen had visited these shores, the wild natives of the
region had doubtless for ages honored it by some name. Its
name was Wingaersheek, at the time of Capt. Smith. The
meaning of this word we do not know; no doubt, it was appro
priate and significant as Indian names usually are. The
authority which gives this Indian name says it was the original
fot the place called, subsequently, Gloucester, by the English.
I use it here in application to the whole territory comprised
in the English name, whether justly or not history does not
determine. The grandson of Sir Ferdinando Gorges of England
writing, in 1658, of New England, says: "A little farther,
the Cape Tragbizanda, otherv/ise called Champlain, St. Louis,
and, by the natives, Wingaersheek, shoots itself into the sea
by a long neck before which lie three islands, vulgarly called
'Turks-heads.' " This writer, not having been in the country,
had an imperfect knowledge of the region and hence attached
these names, Champlain and St. Louis, which perhaps belonged
to some other part of the Country. The next we hear of Cape
Ann is in 1 624 when a fishing company is formed at Dorchester,
England, to carry on the cod fishing at Cape Ann. This
company sent their vessels here at Gloucester, a short time,
when they broke up, taking their house to Salem where it was
erected into a dwelling-house, near the old court house. A
writer in the National Era of January 5th. 1853, in an article
describing the old affairs of Salem, says: "There are many
houses in Salem which date back very early, one, in particular,
which stands at the corner of Washington and Church Streets
which was built at Gloucester on Cape Ann. It was taken to
pieces and brought by sea to Salem, by Roger Conant, before
1 629. Gov Endicott resided in it for a time. Since those old
Colony days it has passed through different hands, at one time
being transformed into the Ship Tavern, at another occupied as
a shop and then again restored to its former condition as a
dwelling-house." Part of the fishermen went to Salem; some
remained here, probably. These fishermen were, doubtless,

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 17
bold and hardy men and no doubt cruised about our fishing
grounds, near the coast, frequently creeping about our shore
and making a harbor here as occasion required.
Fish, we may suppose, were then plenty, and these fishermen
were probably the first Europeans that pressed their feet upon
our soil. Gov. Winthrop says, in his journal commencing
with his voyage from England to this country, that this Cape
was the first they made, in June 1630. They came to anchor
near the Cape and tried to catch fish. They visited the shore
and wandered about and picked berries which they found in
abundance, but it is not certain that it was this part of Cape
Ann that he visited. The Sagamore or Indian chief of
Agawam, now Ipswich, came on board.
Sir Ferdinando Gorges, in 1658, says: "The one and
twentieth town erected in Massachusetts Government was
upon the Northerly cape of the bay, called Cape Ann, in the
year 1641."
At first peopled with fishermen, till one, Mr. Richard
*Blindman, coming from Green Harbor, a place in Plymouth,
with some few people of his acquaintance settled here, built a
town and named it Gloucester. ^
In another place he says ofthe advenflUrers of 1628: "The
place picked out by this people to settle themselves in was in
the bosom ofthe outstretched arm of Cape Ann, now called
Gloucester." In another place he says: "Mr. Richard Blind-
man gathered them into a church, being a small number about
fifty persons: they called to office this godly, reverend man."
As early as 1633, says Rev. Eli Forbes of Gloucester, they
met and carried on the yvorship of God among themselves, read
the word of God", prayed to Him and sang Psalms.
In 1639, we learn that the fishing company before referred
to was at Cape Ann and in 1 641 three hundred thousand codfish
were sent to market, equal to 9,000 quintals, and at this time,
1639, at General Court held at Boston on the 2 2d. day of
*Blyndman.

1 8 CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.
the month, which was May according to their reckoning. Cape
Ann was incorporated as a fishing plantatjon begun by Maverick
Thompson, a London merchant, in 1642; by an act of the
Court it received the name of Gloucester.
During all this time, the Indians, we may suppose, held an
interest in the territory in Cape Ann and probably dwelt here
or in the vicinity, engaged in hunting and fishing: few or no
memorials, however, are recorded of them; but as late as 1701
there is an account of a sale of land made for the purpose of
making the last payment to a person by the name of Samuel
English, an Indian agent, as supposed. It is not known what
amount was to be paid the Indians for the whole land, but it is a
satisfaction to know that it was honorably purchased and paid for
The following is the description ofthe Indians residing in
this locality by one of the voyagers referred to. "While
crossing along the coast, a Biscay shallop with sail and oars,
having eight persons in it whom we at first took to be Christians
distressed. But approaching nearer we perceived them to be
Savages. They hailed us and we answered them; then, after
signs of peace and a long speech by one of them made, they
came boldly aboard of us, being all naked saving about their
shoulders certain loose deer skins and near their waists seal
skins tied fast like to Irish dimmie trowsers. One that seemed
to be their Commander wore a waistcoat of black work, a pair
of breeches, cloth stockings (supposed to have been taken from
some wreck). These people are in color swart, their hair
long, uptied with a knot, in the part ofthe head behind. They
paint their bodies which are strong and well proportioned."
The only works of art commemorating the existence of
Indians in this vicinity, that have been seen, were heaps of
clam shells known to the early settlers in Annisquam, and a
few stone instruments. The remains of persons supposed to
have been Indians have been disinterred recently in Town
Parish (Gloucester); also, some sixty years ago, the remains
of Indians were discovered at Annisquam.

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 19
The name Annisquam was originally (it is said) by the first
discoverers called Wonasquam, by some others as now. The
word Quom, or Squam, was significant as an Indian name of
the harbor or location and Annis was prefixed as indicating
the harbor of Ann, as the Cape was the Cape of Ann. Agasquam
is also used in an ancient document relating to the first settle
ment ofthe place, according to this well authenticated account
ofthe first European settler who was a son ofthe Rev. John
Robinson of Leyden, Holland, pastor of the first Pilgrims to
Plymouth, and that all of that name sprang from him.
We have now come to that interesting and melancholy period
in our history, namely — The shipwreck of Anthony Thacher
and his associates, Rev. Mr. Avery and their children. I have
thought there would be a propriety in introducing this ancient
narrative, constituting as it does an important event in the
history ofthis Cape; also as an historical fact is to be settled,
namely: Where did this shipwreck happen? a question which
the people here are the best qualified to determine.
Probably it is an account which few of our people ever read
arid to abridge it would mar its simple pathos and despoil it
of much of its melancholy interest. Anthony Thacher's nar
rative of his shipwreck, in Young's Chronicles of Massachusetts:
"I must turn my drowned pen and shaking hand to indite the
story of such sad news as never before this happened in New
England. There was a league of perpetual friendship between
my cousin Avery and myself never to forsake each other to
the death but to be partakers of each other's misery or welfare,
as also of habitation in the same place. Now upon our arrival
in New England there was an offer made unto us. My cousin
Avery was invited to Marblehead to be their pastor in due
time, there being no church planted there as yet, but a town
appointed to set up the trade of fishing, because many there (the
most being fishermen) were something loose and remiss in their
behaviour. My cousin Avery was unwilling to go there; and
so refusing, we went to Newberry intending there to sit down.

20 CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.
But being solicited so often both by the men of the place
and by the magistrates and by Mr. Cotton and most of the
ministers, who alleged what a benefit we might be to the people
there and also to the Country and Commonwealth, at length
we embraced it and there consented to go. They of Marblehead
forthwith sent a pinnace for us and our goods. We embarked
at Ipswich, August i ith. 1635, with our families and substance,
bound for Marblehead we being in all twenty-three souls,
namely: eleven in my cousin's family, seven in mine, and one
Mr. William Elliot, sometimes of New Sarum, and four mar
iners. The next morning, having commended ourselves to
God, with cheerful hearts we hoisted sail.
But the Lord suddenly turned our cheerfulness into mourning
and lamentations for on the 14th. day of August 1635, about
ten at night, having a fresh gale of wind, our sails being old
and done were split. The mariners, because that it was night,
would not put to new sails but resolved to cast anchor till the
morning. But before light it pleased the Lord to send so
mighty a storm as the like was never known in New England
since the English came, nor in the memory of any ofthe Indians.
It was so furious that our anchors came home. Whereupon
the mariners let out more cable which at last slipped away.
Then our sailors knew not what to do, but we were driven
before the wind and waves.
My cousin and I perceived our danger and solemnly recom
mended ourselves to God the Lord both of earth and seas,
expecting with every wave to be swallowed up and drenched
in the deep. And as my cousin, his wife, and my tender babes
sat comforting and cheering each other in the Lord against
ghastly death which every moment stared us in the face and
sat triumphing on each one's forehead, we were by the violence
and fury of the winds, by the Lord's permission, lifted upon a
rock between two high rocks, yet all was one rock. But it
raged with the stroke which came into the pinnace so as we
were presently up to our middles in water as we sat. The

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 2 1
waves came furiously and violently over us and against us,
but by reason ofthe rock's proportion could not lift us off but
beat her all to pieces. Now look with me upon our distress
and consider of my misery who beheld the ship broken, the
water in her and violently overwhelming us, my goods and
provisions swimming in the seas, my friends almost drowned,
and mine own poor children so untimely (if I may so term it
without offence) before mine eyes drowned and ready to be
swallowed up and dashed to pieces against the rocks by the
merciless waves, and myself ready to accompany them. But
I must go on to an end of this woful relation. In the 'same
room whereas he sat, the master of the pinnace, not knowing
what to do, our foremast was cut down, our mainmast broken
in three pieces, the forepart of the pinnace beat away, our
goods swimming about the seas, my children bewailing me, as
not pitying themselves, and myself bemoaning them, poor
souls, whom I had occasioned to such an end in their tender
years, when as they could scarce be sensible of death, and so
likewise my cousin, his wife and his children; and both of us
bewailing each other in our Lord and only Savior, Jesus Christ,
in whom only we had comfort and cheerfulness, insomuch
that from the greatest to the least of us there was not one
screech or outcry made, but all as silent as sheep were content
edly resolved to die together lovingly, as since our acquaintance
we had lived together friendly.
Now I was sitting in the cabin room door with my body jn
the room, when lo! one of the sailors by a wave being washed
out ofthe pinnace was gotten in again and coming into the
cabin room over my back, cried out: "We are cast away! The
Lord have mercy upon us! I have been washed over-board
into the sea and am gotten in again." His screeches made
me look forth; and looking toward the sea and seeing how we
were, I turned myself to my cousin and the rest and spake
these words: "O Cousin, it hath pleased God to cast us here

22 CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.
between two rocks, the shore not far from us for I saw the
tops of trees when I looked forth."
Whereupon the master of the pinnace looking up at the
scuttle hole of the quarter-deck, went out at it; but I never
saw him afterwards. Then he that had been in the sea went
out again by me and leaped over-board towards the rocks,
whom afterwards also I could not see. Now none were left
in the barque, that I knew or saw, but my cousin, his wife and
children, myself and mine and his maid servant. But my cousin
thought I would have fled from him, and said unto me: "O
Cousin leave us not, let us die together," and reached forth
his hand unto me.
Then I, letting go my son Peter's hand, took him by the
hand and said: "Cousin, I purpose not. Whither shall I go?
I am willing and ready here to die with you and my poor
children. God be merciful unto us and receive us unto Himself,"
adding these words, "The Lord is able to help and deliver."
He repHed saying: "Truth, Cousin, but what His pleasure is
we know ngt. I fear we have been too unthankful for former
deliverances, but He hath promised to deliver us from sin and
condemnation and to bring us safe to heaven through the all
sufficient satisfaction of Jesus Christ. This therefore we may
challenge of Him."
To which I replying said: "That is all the deliverance I
now desire and expect." Which words I had no sooner spoken
but by a mighty wave I was with the piece of the barque
washed out upon part of the rock, where the waves left me
almost drowned. But recovering my feet I saw above me on
the rock my daughter Mary, to whom I had no sooner gotten
but my cousin Avery and his eldest son came to us, being all
four of us washed out by one and the same wave. We went
all into a small hole on the top of the rock, whence we called
to those in the pinnace to come unto us, supposing we had
been in more safety than they were in. My wife, seeing us
there, crept up into the scuttle of the quarter-deck to come

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 23
unto us. But presently came another wave and dashing the
pinnace all to pieces carried my wife away in the scuttle as she
was, with the greater part of the quarter-deck, unto the shore,
where she was cast safely, but her legs were something bruised,
and much timber of the vessel was there also cast. She was
some time before she could get away, being washed by the
waves. All the rest that were in the barque were drowned in
the merciless seas. We four by that wave were clean swept
away from off the rockj also into the sea, the Lord in one
instant of time disposing of fifteen souls of us according to
His good pleasure and will. Thisi pleasure and wonderful
great mercy to me was thus: standing on the rock as before
you heard, with my eldest daughter, my cousin and eldest
son, looking upon and talking to them in the barque, whereas
we were by that merciless wave washed off the rock as before
you heard, God in His mercy caused me to fall by the stroke
ofthe waves fiat on my face, for my face was towards the sea.
Insomuch that as I was sliding off the rock into the sea the
Lord directed my toes into a joint in the rock's side as also
the tops of some of my fingers with my right hand, by the
means whereof, the wave leaving me, I remained so hanging
on the rock only my head above the water, when on the left
hand I espied a board or plank of the pinnace, and as I was
reaching out my left hand to lay hold on it, by another wave
coming over the top of the rock I was washed away from the
rock and by the violence of the wave was driven hither and
thither in the sea a great while, and had many dashes against
the rocks. At length past hope of life and wearied in body
and spirits, I even gave over to nature and being ready to
receive in the waters of death, I lifted up both my heart and
hands to the God of heaven (for note I had my senses remaining
perfect with me all the time that I was under and in the water)
who at that instant lifted my head above the top of the water,
that so I might breathe without any hindrance by the waters.
I stood bolt upright as if I had stood upon my feet but I

24- CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.
felt no bottom nor had any footing to stand upon but the'
waters. While I was thus above the water I saw by me a
piece of the mast as I suppose about three feet long, which I
labored to catch in my arms, but suddenly I was overwhelmed
with water and driven to and fro again, and at last I felt the
ground with my right foot, when immediately whilst I was
thus groveling on my face I presently recovering my feet was
in the water up to my breast and through God's great mercy
had my face unto the shore and not to the sea. I made haste
to get out, but was thrown down on my hands with the waves
and So with safety crept to the dry shore, where blessing God,
I turned about to look for my children and friends but saw
neither nor any part of the pinnace, where I left them as I
supposed, but I saw my wife about a butt length from me,
getting herself forth from amongst the timbers of the broken
barque; but before I could get unto her she was gotten to the
shore. I was in the water after I was washed from the rock,
before I came to the shore, a quarter of an hour at least.
When we were come each to the other we went and sat
under the bank, but fear of the seas roaring and our coldness
would not suffer us theVe to remain. But we went up into
the land and sat us down under a cedar tree which the wind
had thrown down, where we sat about an hour, almost dead
with coM. But now the storm was broken up and the wind
was calm. But the sea remained rough and fearful to us.
My legs were much bruised and so was my head, other
hurts I had none, neither had I taken in much quantity of
water, but my heart would not let me sit still any longer but
I would go to see if any more were gotten to the land in safety,
especially hoping to have met with some of my poor children,
but I could find none, neither dead nor yet living. You
condole with me my miseries, who now begun to consider of
my losses.
Now came to my remembrance the time and manner, how
and when, I last saw and left my children and friends. One

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 25
was severed from me sitting on the rock at my feet, the other
three in the pinnace, my little babe (Ah, poor Peter!) sitting
in his sister Edith's arms, who to the uttermost of her power
sheltered him from the waters, my poor William standing
close unto them, all three of them looking ruefully on me on
the rock, their very countenances calling unto me to help
them, whom I could not go unto neither could they come at
me, neither would the merciless waves afford me space or
time to use any means at all either to help them or myself
Oh I yet see their cheeks, poor silent lambs pleading pity and
help at my hands. Then on the other side to consider the
loss of my dear friends, with the spoiling and loss of all our
goods and provisions, myself cast upon an unknown land, in
a wilderness, I know not where, nor how to get thence. Then
it came to my mind how I had occasioned the death of my
children, who caused them to leave their native land, who
might have left them there, yea and might have sent some of
them back again and cost me nothing. Those and such like
thoughts do press down my heavy heart very much. But I
must let this pass, and will proceed on in the relation of God's
goodness unto me in that desolate island on which I was cast.
I and my wife were almost naked, both of us, and wet and
cold even unto death. I found a knapsack cast upon the
shore, in which I had a steel and flint and powder horn; going
further I found a drowned goat; then I found a hat and my
son William's coat, both of which I put on. My wife found
one of her petticoats, which she put on. I found also two
cheeses and some butter driven ashore. Thus the Lord sent
us some clothes to put on and food to sustain our new lives
which we had lately given unto us, and means also to make a
fire, for in a horn I had some gunpowder which, to my own
and since to other men's admiration, was dry. So taking a
piece of my wife's neckcloth which I dried in the sun, I struck
fire and so dried and warmed our wet bodies; and then skinned
the goat and having found a small brass pot we boiled some

26 CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.
of her. Our drink was brackish water. Bread we had none.
There we remained till the Monday following; when about
three of the clock in the afternoon, in a boat that came that
way, we went off that desolate .island, which I named after my
name — Thacher's Woe — and the rock Avery his fall, to the
end that their fall and loss and mine own might be had in
perpetual remembrance. In the isle lieth buried the body of
my cousin's eldest daughter, whom I found dead on the shore.
On the Tuesday following, in the afternoon, we arrived at
Marblehead." Here closes this thrilling and affecting narrative.
Dr Alexander Young from whose works the letter is taken
remarks that the author, Anthony Thacher, was a tailor by
profession. This narrative was written to his brother in a
letter to England, as Increase Mather says, "Within a few
days after thAt eminent providence happened to him, when
matters were fresh in his memory."
Cotton Mather says that a day or two before that fatal
voyage from Newbury to Marblehead our young Thacher, a
nephew, had such a strong and sad impression upon his mind
about the issue of the voyage, that he with another would
needs go the journey by land and so he escaped perishing.
Anthony Thacher after this catastrophe resided at Marshfield
and the General Court gave him, says Winthrop, twenty-six
pounds, thirteen shillings, four pence towards his losses, and
divers good people gave him beside. In 1639 he removed to
Yarmouth, Cape Cod, where he resided till his death, 1668,
aged eighty years. He left two sons and one daughter born
after the shipwreck. Dr. Thacher, a descendant, says that a
cradle coverlet of scarlet broadcloth and some articles of
clothing said to have been saved from the shipwreck, are now
in the possession of Mr. Peter Thacher and such is the vener
ation for these relics, that every child of Thacher families that
has been baptized in Yarmouth has been carried to the baptismal
font, enwrapped in them.
According to the narrative of Mr. Thacher, one thing we

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 27
think is apparent to every person who is acquainted with our
shores — namely that the rock called Avery is not the rock
upon which the shipwreck happened, for it has not the char
acteristics spoken of by the narrator: not being out of water
or capable of admitting of persons walking on it or standing
upon it, much less sitting upon it, as the narrator represents
one of his children as sitting at his feet when severed from
him. We also have proofs from another source that this
could not be the rock. From the journal of Richard Mather
who was on the coast at the same time in a ship from England,
we learn that for several days previous to this shipwreck the
wind was south, south-westerly and was in this direction when
the pinnace split her sails and came to anchor on the night of
the 14th. of August. Mather says: "On Saturday morning
about break of day the Lord sent a most terrible storm -of
rain and easterly wind whereby we were in as much danger
as I think ever people were for we lost in that morning three
great anchors and cables where they lay at anchor near the
Isles of Shoals." This was on the 15th. at about the break
ofday it will be perceived. Thacher says: "But before daylight,"
namely daylight on the 1 5th., "it pleased the Lord to send so
mighty a storm as the like was never known in New England
since the English came." "It was so furious that our anchors
came home, whereupon the mariners let out more cable which
at last slipped away." Here we learn the direction of the
wind when the pinnace struck adrift and went on to the rock.
It was easterly. Our conclusion is that it must have been
Crackwood's Rock, about a gunshot from the western head
of the island, which looks like two rocks at half tide but is
one rock with a passage admitting a small boat through. ,
The name Londoner was given to the rock of that name
years after the shipwreck of Thacher, in consequence of the
ship London being cast away there; its early name was Gannet
Rock. There are at least three graves known on this island near

28 CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.
the western head; tradition says they were shipwrecked
mariners, two of them at least. A few years since, these
graves were examined at the request of a stranger and one of
the graves was found to contain the skeleton of a female.
No calamity of such a nature as this just related, from that
day to this, has occurred on our coast that has been so over
whelming and disastrous. We seem to see this party of
friends of olden time set sail taking cheerful leave of their
homes as if bound on a long voyage, for then it was a great
undertaking to go a little distance. The day to them is
apparently propitious: they set sail with cheerful hopes; they
soon enter our bay in that delightsome season of the year
when summer is about to mellow into autumn. As they near
the wild and rugged shore, sweet odors are wafted o'er the
sea and for aught we know sweeter incense ascended from
their hearts — of prayer and praise, that God would grant them
a safe and prosperous voyage: when suddenly by a mysterious
providence, they are overwhelmed in the deep. So long as
the sea shall roll and break upon our shore, so long shall the
death of these early navigators be commemorated.
The light-houses on this island (Thacher's Island) were
built about the year 1 771, by the English. Mr. Rockwood,
or Kirkwood, who was the first light-keeper, was forcibly
removed at the commencement of the Revolutionary War, by
Capt. Rogers' company of minute men, of Gloucester, as being
hostile to the patriotic sentiments of the town.
Straitsmouth Island had its name before 1699; it was then
granted to Capt. James Davis of Gloucester, by General Court,
as the record says, in consideration that he had been at much
charge and expense in the late war with the French and Indian
enemy, and spent much time in said service. Its value then,
in the currency of 1732, was 225 pounds. I further remark
in regard to Thacher's Island— It was purchased in 17 14 by
the Rev. John White, for one hundred pounds; he sold it to
Joseph Allen, in 1727, for 177 pounds. In 177 1, the Colonial

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS, 29
Government bought it at five hundred pounds. Milk Island
was sold in 1 714, by Peter Bennett, to Anthony Bennett, for
47 pounds. Capt. John Smith called these islands the "Three
Turks' Heads," in 161 4, for the three Turks he had slain in
single combat in Turkey. This name was soon after transferred
to hills near Agamenticus, near Portsmouth, N. H. About
1630, Gov. Winthrop, in his journal, speaks of these hills by
this name.
Nothing has been transmitted to us respecting the origin of
the term Salvages. In 1768, tradition says, a schooner was
wrecked here and all lost.
Before any settlement took place here, our coasts, as tradition
says, were frequently visited by fishermen from Chebacco,
Essex, then Ipswich, particularly at Gap Cove, Loblolly
Cove, Pigeon Cove and Long Cove. Perhaps a company
came to each Cove. At these Coyes they probably
dressed and cured their fish, having some temporary shelter
to sleep and cook in; it is thought they followed this till after
1720. Some came from Gloucester to procure wood to carry
to Boston. With the exception of these occasional visits for
these purposes, this part ofthe town now constituting Rockport
was little known. For long years this territory remained a
wild, trackless waste. The tenants ofthe forest roamed and
hunted for their prey, undisturbed. No sounds of human
industry were heard amid these solitudes of nature, except
occasionally those of the woodman's axe near the shore, or at
long intervals the voice of the lowly fisherman calling to his
mate from his frail skiffi
The seasons came and went and the same monotonous
scenes succeeded each other. Grim Winter howled around
our shores and shook his thick and fleecy locks, with none to
witness his wild career. Jocund Spring with her balmy breath
warmed into birth the lonely wild flowers, but they were born
to blush unseen and waste their sweetness on the desert air.
Fervid Summer gathered to her sylvan bowers the happy

30 CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.
birds and as they carolled their joyous notes no human ear
was there to be charmed by their melody. Mellow Autumn
came, all russet and brown, and with prodigal profusion for
the want of a garner poured back into the bosom of mother
earth her wild treasures.
But soon a change comes over these scenes. The town
begins to act in relation to the land at the Cape, at first cautiously
voting in 1668 that no lands at the Cape should be taken up'
for planting. This acted as a check on the early settlement
of the Cape. As the term Commoners is occasionally referred
to, it may be well to remark that they were the first owners
of the land or township, to whom it had been granted by Gov.
Endicott. They acted in conjunction with the town in making
the principal divisions of the land till about 1 704 when they
organized into a separate body of about 1 30 persons and had
liberty to record their doings in the town records. They
occasionally granted to individuals lots of land for different
purposes. When they sold they divided the proceeds among
themselves; they also divided land among themselves.
Other persons became Commoners by purchasing a Com
moner's freehold, but, in 1688, the town voted that every
householder and every young man upwards of twenty-one
years of age, that was born in the town and living in the town,
bearing charges to the town and county, shall have six acres
of land, the town and harbor to have it laid out at the Cape.
Accordingly, eighty-two lots, about rive hundred acres, were
laid out, beginning at Folly Cove and extending to what was
called Davison's Run, being the brook at the school-house
beach as it now is. These lots from Pigeon Cove extended
westerly back from the shore about eighty rods. By an over
sight, as it appears, the town forgot to lay out a road around
the shore, through this land, and hence, in 1717, the town
laid out the road, purchasing the land from the owners, for
the road. Gates were kept up on this road until 1 800, when
the town voted them to be taken down.

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. ji
The earliest grant of land made in Sandy Bay was about
1 662, to James Babson who settled at the Farms Village. The
grant consisted often acres of upland and ten acres of lowland,
it being part of Beaver Dam farm.
We now come to the period of the first settlement of what
is now called Rockport, then Sandy Bay. In 1690, according
to the most authentic records ofthe first settler, Richard Tarr
with his wife and two children, John and Richard, who, it is
supposed, were born in Marblehead, moved from the latter
place to this Cape. As there is no record of these children
at Marblehead, it remains doubtful where they were born; it
is conjectured that they were born in England or Wales. Most
of his children were born after i688 or '90. Richard Tarr
was taxed for the first time, in 1693. The writer is ofthe
sixth generation, in direct descent, in the following order: —
Richard Tarr, Benjamin Tarr, Benjamin Tarr Jr., Jabez Tarr,
Reggy Tarr, Lemuel Gott, son of Reggy Tarr (Gott).
Richard Tarr built his log cabin just to the westward a
short distance from Benjamin Knights' house, on the late Dea.
Reuben Brooks' land. Some of the old remains, such as a
cellar, were in existence there till within a few years, and
perhaps could be found yet. In 1 697 he had liberty from the
town to enclose three or four acres where his house stood,
and use the same for a few years. In 1701, he had ten acres
granted him for supporting Arthur Churchill for life. He also
had grants afterwards. In a deed of Benjamin Tarr, dated
July 1757, allusion is made to one of these grants as being
granted to him and his brothers, William and Caleb, as it was
lately to his father, Richard, to secure the town from being
at town charges for his mother. Richard Tarr made his will
in 1732, but it seems that the widow's income was not sufficient
for her support.
In 1695, John Babson, son of James at the Farms, had
some three acres of land granted him at Straitsmouth, for an
encouragement to set up fishing there. In 1699, he had

32 CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.
another grant of six acres. It is supposed this Babson built
the first house at the bend ofthe cove at the North side, about
this time or soon after, but this is doubtful; perhaps it was
built by the subsequent owners ofthe land soon after. Tradition
says the Chebacco fishermen made Straitsmouth cove a harbor
very early, and that some of the small boats were built in the
garret of the house or houses and launched from thence. It
is supposed that Babson sold out to Ipswich parties in 172 1.
This Babson had afterwards, in 1707, some nine acres .granted
him in addition.
It is about this time that tradition says Bear Skin Neck
received its name. The story runs thus: Henry Witham,
when aged, born in 1695, used to relate that Ebenezer Babson
who then resided at the Farms was going on to t .e point alone
when he unexpectedly encountered a bear. Not having any
gun he stepped into the water and seeing the bear approaching
him, he gave battle with his knife and finally mastered him;
he skinned him and spread his skin on the rocks to dry. The
old man, thinking his uncle had done a great exploit, used to
reply, when asked how Babson killed the bear; "With his
knife, I do declare!" This was current tradition in the
Witham family.
In 1699 John Day had a grant of land from Loblolly Cove
to Emmon's Point. He was to give sixty pounds for it. William
Cogswell of Chebacco bought, in 1704, Day's land and an
addition to it of the town. He is supposed to have built a
house there to accommodate the fishermen of Chebacco.
The common belief is that John Pool was the second
permanent settler of our town, in the year 1 700. He was a
native of England, came to Beverly about 1690, married the
widow of Richard Woodbury with whom he worked as a
carpenter, moved here in the autumn, first living in a shanty
near what is now William Witham's house on the bank, soon
built his house on the site of the John Haskins' house. The
former was taken down when the Haskins' house was built

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 33
1802. Mr. Pool purchased his first land of John Emerson
Jr., son of the minister of Gloucester, and paid one hundred
and sixty pounds, at a place called in the record "ye Cape,"
near Davison's run or neck. Emerson was the original
grantor in 1688 and erected a house on it, whose occupant, if
it had any, is not known.
His son John had a house on the western end of these
premises; this was small and was used by his slaves, of which
he had several. The cellar of this house is now in existence,
but was covered up by Haskins when he built his house.
John Pool, senior, built the first framed house, the first saw
mill and first vessel in Sandy Bay. He supplied the builders
of Long wharf, Boston, in 17 10, with several sloop loads of
hemlock timbei", one of his sons being one of the crew. He
became a large landed proprietor: his estate at his death was
appraised at ^9,000. As early as 1703, he was drawn as a
juryman to attend court at Salem. In 1701, he and Thomas
Witham had Davison's Run granted them to set up a saw
mill. This mill was built on the stream where the present
Manning grist mill stands, and afterwards John Pool 2d. built
a grist mill near the same place. The old dam above where
Dea. Rowe owned a grist mill was also built at a very early
day. The old dam is just seen near Lambbank Hill, which
was erected for the purpose of holding reserve water.
John Pool died in 1727, aged 57 years, and was buried on
his own land, now owned by Dea. Thomas Giles, at the head of
King Street. His stone still remains and also part of the
stone of one of his wives, of which he had four. The broken
stone is so much injured as to render it impossible to learn
anything from it. All his wives were buried here and their
graves were originally marked by stones.
Mr. Pool married for his fourth wife a widow lady of Rowley.
This marriage had something of the romantic about it. His
first visit having been rejected by the lady, on further reflection
she was induced to encourage the return of his addresses.

34 CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.
The fruits of this marriage were one son and two daughters;
the son was the first born, and to indulge her romantic fancy
in commemorating the return of her husband's addresses, she
caused the babe to be named Return.
In 1708, Peter Bennett was living in a log cabin near Pebble
stone Beach, at the west of the Witham or Grover pond: the
cellar is now there, the same on which Saunders Witham
house was built. He soon afterward moved away to George
town, Maine. None of his descendants settled here. Peter
Emmons, at the same time, lived near Loblolly Cove in a log
cabin. The cellar was in existence till within fifty years, and
the place is now known to Asa Todd. The point took its
name from Emmons. He and Peter Bennett are said to have
pastured cows on Milk Island, at this time, and hence the
name. Nothing more is known of Emmons.
About 1 71 8, we hear of Edmund Grover from Beverly
settling here, taking the Bennett house near the beach. He was
a weaver by trade and purchased land. This house, according
to Henry Witham, was moved away from its first locality
and after several moves became the Henry Witham house.
In 1708, the town laid out the road from old town parish
to the back side of the Cape to the seaside, from Sandy Bay
Cove to the house of John Pool. This road was laid out from
the old burying place, easterly by Richard Tarr's land, thence
as the road now is, on towards the harbor. Roads to the
landings and around by the Long Beach to the Farms were
laid out in 1708. Also the land from Allen's Head to the
Great Pond, on to Cape Hedge, was laid out at this time,
comprising about 800 acres, into 6, 8, 10 acre lots, being 122
lots. Each man who was considered a common proprietor
had one lot. Soon after, these lots were principally bought
up by some eight persons. The purchasers were, Allen (hence
Allen's Head), Pulcifer, Pool, Jabez Baker, Henry Witham,
Elder Edmund Grover, Thomas Harris. In 1722, 1500 acres
more were laid out, about ninety-four lots being the remainder

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 35
of the land. The whole laid out at three different times was
about 6^ square miles, about 4000 acres in the whole territory,
including ponds, marshes, and the Great Pond containing
about seventy acres. This pond, at this time, had an outlet at
the south-west. It was some higher than at present; there is
an appearance of its having been banked up on the northern
part. The water ran to the south-west and carrier a saw mill.
This mill was afterward removed to the southern woods and
constituted what was called the old saw mill, the dam of which
yet remains. Here were also one or more tanyards not far from
the upper end ofthe pond, which received their water from this
pond. Quite early, also, a house was erected near the upper
end of the Stacy's pines, close by the marshy land, by one
Witham, and a saw mill also; the remnants of the dam are
yet to be seen.
In 1 71 6, Pigeon Cove road was laid out to John Pool's
bridge. It was about this time that John Davis was warned
out of town, supposed to be lest he should become a share
holder in the property, not being entitled legally to a share,
not having been born in town. As early as 1707, Mr. Samuel
Gott owned land at the Cape, near Flat Stone Cove and to
eastward of Lane's Cove; also Joshua Norwood was living to
the north-west of Pigeon Cove. Tradition says that about
this time a person by the name of Gallup came to the Folly
Cove and set up boiling salt water for making salt which the
Chebacco fishermen purchased. He built a wharf of logs
which the tide soon washed away, hence the name Gallup's
Folly. It is supposed that Samuel Gott, whose son John
settled in Sandy Bay in 1 750 and who was my great grandfather,
Joshua Norwood and Daniel Marchant were the first families
that settled at North Village. Samuel Gott settled near the
late David Babson's farm; his house is now standing, where
his great grandson now lives; he was grandfather of the
Joshua Gott who died* there in 1 846, aged 92 years, and the
*This record may not be exactly correct, respecting the Gotts.

36 CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.
father of the writer's great grandfather, John, who settled here
about 1 754, as above. John bought land of John Pool here,
3^ acres, in 1756. Previous to 1750 there were nine houses
in Pigeon Cove: Woodbury, Marchant, Andrews, Gott, two
Norwoods, two Wheelers, Dodge, owners. About 1716,
Jabez Baker and John Wonson settled here. Jabez Baker, Jr.,
owned the Joseph Smith farm. Thomas Harris, Jonathan
Pool, Ebenezer Pool, Henry Witham, Edmund Grover, settled
on their farms about 1 720 to 1730.
The third house built at the South End was Edmund
Grover's about where the old Oakes house now stands. It
was here in later times that the young people used to have
their social gatherings and parties of amusement, and the older
people often assembled to gossip away the long winter evenings,
in quilting, knitting and singing and perhaps in other diversions.
Other houses were, John Grover's, built by Nehemiah,
Henry Witham's where widow Aaron Pool lives, Ebenezer
Grover's, Francis Pool's, Ebenezer Lurvey's, Ephraim
Sheldon's, the Hero house, Joseph Lane's, 'Samuel Clark's,
Joshua Gammage's, John Gott's, etc., there being about thirty
houses in 1750 scattered over the town; some were log-houses.
In 1720 John Wonson had a house lot granted him. In 1725
Thomas and John Allen had fourteen acres set off to them,
near Long Cove.
Now Richard Tarr and John Pool had sons married. In
1724, we hear for the first time the note of preparation for a
school-house: up to this time, what little instruction was had
was in the families. John Pool, says tradition, had sent his
eldest son, Jonathan, to Beverly to obtain some education to
teach the other members of the family. Jabez Baker, Samuel
Davis, and others, petition the town for a grant of land to
build a school-house upon. Old Puritans as they are they
begin to think they cannot do without education. It is to be
remembered to the credit of our ancestors that a goodly
number of the first settlers were religious people, recognizing

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 37
the hand of God in all their undertakings^. This was especially
true of the most influential, for years. The Commoners
granted them an acre of land near the centre of the neighbor
hood of Sandy Bay for a school-house to be erected thereon,
to be kept for the purposes of education and morality. The
house was erected in 1725: the precise spot is not known, but
somewhere in the rear of the land known as the Parish land
and on a part of which stands the Congregational meeting
house. It seems by action ofthe parish the house was erected
on the land which the parish afterwards granted to Rev.
Ebenezer Cleaveland. When he came into possession, the
parish voted in 1766 that the school-house be removed by
the parish paying their part of the re-building. It seems by
this that it was removed from its original site and re-built at
this time. In imagination I seem to see these few settlers
assembling in their humble dwellings and deliberating on the
mighty enterprise in which they are about to engage, the erect
ion a house for purposes of educating their children to meet
the exigencies that are opening before them. They nerve
themselves for the task, levy their contributions, make their
contracts, and speedily the mighty structure goes up and is
completed, the wonder of the neighborhood. The old, the
young, gather about it to admire and gaze upon its beautiful
proportions. It forms an epoch in their history, and may we
not suppose from the disposition of their hearts they assembled
beneath its humble roof, old men and matrons, young men
and maidens, and v/ith devout hearts dedicated it to the cause
of godly education. It is not known who was the first teacher
but it is highly probable that the young man before referred
to was honored with this office. This was the only school-house
for twenty-five or thirty years. It was here, probably, the
people met to do their business. It stood in its original
position till taken down, as above alluded to, in 1766, by act
of the parish, and re-erected on the western part of the lot
near the main street, near the lower end of the present Capt.

38 CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.
Josiah Haskell's front yard, where it stood till the autumn of
1797. About this time of which we are writing, 1728, or a few
years after, about thirty or forty families were visited with the
throat distemper which proved very fatal. About thirty-one
children were taken from their dear parents. Then the
population did not exceed one hundred and forty persons;
more than one-fifth were laid low in death. Lamentation
and mourning were then heard in nearly every dwelling, some
families losing several children. This disease prevailed in
other parts of New England with a similar mortality.
In the first parish records of Gloucester we find that in 1737
Mr. Benjamin Tarr and others petition the parish for assistance
to sustain preaching. They refuse to grant it till 1 740, when
the parish grants them liberty to have a preacher for the three
winter months, the expense to be paid by the first parish,
Rev. Mr. White's society. Rev. Moses Parsons was employed
and preached here the winters of 1740 and '44, at a salary of
.£¦26 old tenor. He afterward settled at Byfield and was the
father of Theophilus Parsons, the distinguished Chief Justice.
In 1743, or thereabouts, the second settlement takes place
at Gap Cove. Joshua Norwood settles there, supposed to
occupy the house previously occupied by John Babson at the
bend of the cove, in 1694 having a grant of three or four
acres of land at the cove as Babson had before him. Here
old Joshua died; some years afterward his sons Joshua and
Caleb built the other two houses, Joshua on the west in the
pasture, Caleb on the north-west point; the cellars are now to
be seen. Andrew Clark's house, on the corner of Mt. Pleasant
St. and Atlantic Avenue, according to tradition, is the house
built by Caleb and removed to its present position about eighty
years ago. William Choate owned the one which stood about
south-west from the bend ofthe cove, a little back, and occupied
it where he now lives, till he built the house he now lives in.
This house was moved by Thomas Robarts about seventy

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. jg
years ago, and was owned by several persons before Choate.
The old man Joshua Norwood with his family, it is said,
moved here from Attlcboro, Mass., he having moved there
from Pigeon Cove. Two of his sons, Stephen and Caleb, were
born in Attleboro. Caleb was a child when his father settled
at Gap Cove. This Caleb, William Norwood's father, was the
one who, according to tradition, found the pot of gold. He
found the gold in Mr. Francis Pool's land, before the war of
1 776, at the south of the gully. It was uncoined gold in one
ounce pieces. He is said to have shared it with Mr. Pool;
the value is not known, but thought to have been high. Mr.
Jabez Tarr, the old Revolutionary soldier, the writer's grand
father, said he saw one piece ofthe gold in ingot. Tradition
further says that the ingots were exchanged for depreciated
paper money, turned into the state treasury and received state
securities on interest which brought ^i.io per day until
redeemed by the state. The second wife of Norwood is said
to have had a ring made of this gold.
In those early times, money diggers were often engaged in
exploring wild and solitary places on the coast, in search of
money. Tradition says they came here from a distance, with
their mineral rods, and generally going away in the night. It
is not known that any more money was found. In later times,
some of our modern people have visited the place where the
pot of money is said to have been found, and dug. These
mysterious meetings were generally held in secret and in the
night and no person was allowed to speak during the digging
lest if they got hold of the bale of the pot it should escape
out of their hands, as it is said it was wont to do by some
mysterious agency.
There is an old tradition that some one hundred years ago
two young women coming up from the shore, having been
saved from a wreck, fell into the Gully and were killed.
From time to time we find frequent reference to parish
matters in the records of the first parish of Gloucester, pertaining

40 CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.
to preaching at "ye Cape," as follows. Parish meeting March
14th. 1737 to know whether the Parish will grant liberty to
the people of the Cape to hire a minister the three winter
months annually. Vote in the negative. July 28th. 1738,
Chose a committee to make answer to the Great and General
Court to the petition of Benjamin Tarr and others relating to
their having granted out of the parish treasury the fourth
part of what they pay to the parish yearly, to enable them to
maintain a minister among them the three winter months at
"ye Cape." Voted, That Capt. Andrew Robinson be agent to
represent the parish, why said petition should not be granted.
June 9th, 1740, Voted, Whereas Ebenezer Grover has
represented to this meeting, that he has paid his proportion
towards the supporting a minister at "ye Cape" whereof he is
an inhabitant, the three winter months last winter, Voted,
unanimously, that he be allowed one quarter part of the parish
rate he paid last year, out of the parish treasury. July 2d.
1740, Met to make an allowance that shall be that proportion
to the inhabitants of "ye Cape" for having a minister to preach
to them some part of the year. Voted, The Cape be allowed
one third part of rate provided they maintain preaching among
them four months of the year, and the committee see that it be
fulfilled. 1740, Grant them forty shillings per Sabbath, three
months. Cape petition, 1 749, to be set off, by Edmund Grover
and others. Not granted. 1750, Inhabitants of the Cape
released for two years of parish tax provided they maintain a
gospel minister among them all that term. March 12th, 1753,
Voted, To set off the Cape, agreeable to petition of Edmund
Grover and others.
In 1743, business increasing and the fishermen needing
some more convenient harbor, for larger craft and safety, than
Long Cove, Eben'r. Pool, John Pool and Benjamin Tarr petition
for a grant to build a wharf at the Whirlpool, so called. This
was granted by the Commoners.
This was the first wharf built of timber and stone. Each

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 41
of these persons had a store lot granted them, near the Whirl
pool. In 1 746, Eben'r. Pool had a lot to the south-west of
the first grant for a wharf, the first wharf being built just
inside the present old wharf. Mr. Pool built a wharf on his
grant, about where the middle wharf now stands. These two
wharves made quite a safe dock while they stood, leaving an
entrance of about seventy-five feet. Here the two bank
schooners that were owned here found for awhile a convenient
harbor when at home in the fishing season. In a few years
these wharves were out of repair. The first one was repaired
and had a timber breakwater built up at the back of it. The
other one was taken up. The first one by 1 800 was quite
useless. From the earliest times the practice of drawing the
fishing boats upon the beach, for protection during the winter,
was observed and continued till about 1840, when the
wharves were built in Long Cove. From two to four bankers
were fitted out here annually till the war of 1775. One of
them was lost on Sable Island when Elder Samuel Davis had
one son lost. The names of the four bankers owned here in
177s were the Morning Star, the Rising Sun, Friendship and
the Little John, so says tradition.
In consequence of land being cheap and the fishing business
carried on here, several families moved hereabout 1750, some
from Annisquam, out of town, up town and Farms Village.
Then there were about thirty-five or forty houses in this
village and six or more at Pigeon Cove; about fifty families,
including Pigeon Cove population about two hundred and
fifty. About this time, John Rowe kept tavern in his house,
now standing, lately occupied by Isaac Rowe, his son. Elder
John Davis also kept tavern in his house which stood about
where the house recently owned by Samuel Mcjannett stands.
This tavern was the great resort of some of the old men of
that day, where they used to spend their evenings in social
conversation and according to the usages of the times they
would have the mug of flip passed around, each one in turn

42 CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. •
calling for his "button." This was the fourpence, so called
because sometimes used as a button. It was said to be their
invariable rule to go home at nine o'clock.
These were the first public houses. In 1775, the Sheldon
house, which stood where Washington Tarr's store stands,
was kept as a public house by Ebenezer Rowe. It was there
in its glory under the name of Punch Bowl Tavern, because
on the top of the signpost was the sign of a punch-bowl. It
was here the jolly fishermen held, according to the custom of
the times, their rendezvous and with frolic and mirth drove
dull care away. Capt. Mark Pool kept tavern long after the
war, in his own house formerly standing near Levi Sewall's
house. A Mr. Marsh also kept tavern in Jabez Tarr's house,
about sixty years ago; Jabez Rowe also, as late as 1 810. In
later years, Samuel Huston for many years in the house now
occupied by Reuben Brooks; later still, Aaron Gidding in the
Mcjannett house, and Capt. Josiah Haskell in the present tavern
Here I am tempted to go back a little to 1750 or thereabouts
and relate briefly the story of the shooting of the porcupine.
It is related of one of the Pools, who was of gigantic stature
and distinguished also for physical strength as well as remark
able courage, that at one time on the Sabbath he and his wife
mounted the horse to go to meeting some five miles away.
On leaving, direction was given their daughter Lucy, then in
her teens, to prepare dinner against their return, of meat,
vegetables and the accustomed pudding. Lucy executes the
order with her usual fidelity and when dinner is done, pot
taken off and the cover removed, she steps out doors a little
way to see if her parents are coming, and she picks a few
berries, when she discovers her parents in the distance. She
hastens to the kitchen and passing in sees a certain animal
that has the liberty ofthe yard, coming out ofthe house. She
takes up her dinner and to her astonishment the Indian pudding,
bag and all are gone. She looks in vain for the pudding and
gives up the search, saying to her mother, when asked for an

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 43
explanation, that it is a mystery. Next morning, her mother
in clearing up the house sweeps under the bed. To her surprise
she sees a strange thing there, covered with down and dirt.
Quick as thought, suspecting some wild animal there, she
summons her good old man to shoot the varmint. The old
gentleman on enquiry pronounces it a porcupine, and taking
down his old gun which had served well in many an encounter,
lifts the quilt, takes aim and lets drive into the varmint, and
behold it is the lost pudding. The old gentleman, not knowing
of the loss, asked Lucy to explain. She replied that she
supposed piggy had rooted it under the bed, it being too hot
for him to eat. Lucy was some years after married to James
Tarr, and often told the story of shooting the porcupine.
The physical powers ascribed here to Mr. Pool were not in
fact designed to apply to him, but to Mr. Benjamin Tarr who,
if half of the stories were true, was the Goliath of his day; for
it was related that he lifted an anchor weighing eight hundred
pounds, and logs which a yoke of oxen could hardly draw,
and performed other feats of strength which were marvellous.
We now arrive at an interesting epoch in our history. Until
now, 1753, the people had been without any house of public
worship, except as they met from time to time in their little
log school-house, for this purpose. But now they begin to
feel more than ever the want of a christian ministry and the
necessity of better accommodations for the public worship of
God. It would be interesting if we would go back to that
early period and bring to light the principal transactions of
that day, relating to the erection of the house. It is to be
remembered that from the first settlement ofthe village till the
meeting-house was built, the old folks and young folks used
to attend meeting at Gloucester first parish. The husband
and wife would ride on horseback and the young folks that
were able would walk. Some did this even after the house
was built and there was preaching here, occasionally going
to Annisquam, and after the settlement of the minister, Rev.

44 CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.
Ebenezer Cleaveland, the people used to go to 'Squam for,
agreeable to a vote of the parish,- Mr. Cleaveland preached
there part ofthe time for different years. The building ofthe
meeting-house was well calculated to awaken a deep interest
in the people of the village. It was the great event ofthe day:
the most sagacious and experienced citizens then assembled
and talked over the enterprise. There were the grey-headed
men who had laid the foundations ofthe village — some ofthe
aged had already lain down in their graves, without being
permitted to participate in this undertaking which they had
doubtless long anticipated. The survivors felt that they must
soon go to their long home; they wished not to close their eyes
on things below, till they had erected a house to the praise of
God. The Tarrs, Pools, Grovers, the Rowes, the Withams,
were there to counsel and advise. It seems that, according to
the statement of Mr.. John Haskins born in 1771, he was told
in his younger days that the people of this village and Annis
quam had serious thoughts of building a meeting-house to be
owned in common, and that the timber was drawn to the place
which was to be its site, viz: Ginger-bread Hill in 'Squam
woods. He saw the timber there, when a boy. This project
was afterwards abandoned. In those days the larger part of
the wealth was in the southerly part of the village but most
ofthe people were near the centre. It appears that entire
harmony as regards the location ofthe house was not secured
for it is the current tradition of the time that, after it was framed
near where the Mt. Pleasant house now stands, it was removed
in the night time and carried where it finally stood, near the
house of Mr. Samuel H. Brooks, on the village land easterly,
near the Baptist meeting-house. This was the work ofthe
majority. In the parish records of the time, it was voted, To
see if the parish will raise a committee to treat with Jabez
Baker concerning the removal of the meeting-house from
Smith's pasture to the place where ft now stands. This Smith
is supposed to be Rev. Aaron Smith who lived out of town

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 45
and previously owned the land in the vicinity of where the
Mt. Pleasant house now stands. A committee of three was
raised for this purpose and probably adjusted all differences.
This meeting-house finally went up for good. It was about
thirty-six feet square, two stories high, with a porch in front
which was towards the south. There were eighteen pews
only. There were seats in the body of the house, for the old
men and the old women, galliers and seats for the singers in
the gallery fronting the pulpit which had a sounding-board.
just above. The hour-glass was also provided for the minister
to measure time. There was one seat for colored people, who
were slaves till after the Revolutionary War. The size of the
lot was four rods and four feet by seven rods and seven and
one-half feet, one rod porch lot and six rods by the road. Near
the eastern corner was the horse-block where the gentlemen
and ladies used to mount their horses. We seem to see the
prancing and curveting of those gay nags as their riders vault
upon their backs to seek their homes. It was customary for
man and woman to ride the same horse.
In the services of the house, the deacon was accustomed to
sit under the pulpit and deacon off the hymn one line at a
time. In 1767, they adopted Dr. Watt's Psalms and Hymns.
Capt. Young and Thomas Dresser were heaxi singers. They
had no music book from which to learn to sing, but were guided
by the ear, principally. The old deacon (as the story goes)
having a large nose, would pitch the'tune and hold on to his
nose till he got the right pitch. But let it not be thought that
we would disparage the manner of our fathers' worship. They
are to be judged by the customs of their times. God looks
upon the heart and not upon the outward appearances.
Rev. Ebenezer Cleaveland was their first permanent minister.
He came here in 1752, with his family, from Canterbury,
Conn. Tradition says he preached a short time in Essex
before he came here. It was doubtless through his influence,
in a great measure, that the people were induced to undertake

46 CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.
the erection of this house. It was not finished until several
years after. The minister's first salary was sixty pounds per
annum; some years it was higher. In 1754, the first day of
January, one hundred years yesterday, the village of Sandy
Bay was incorporated in answer to a petition to the General
Provincial Court; soon after, it was set off after the manner of
parishes, by meets and bounds. In Dec. 1755, Rev. Ebenezer
Cleaveland was ordained as pastor. The church was organized
Feb. 13th. 1755, with ten members from the first church. By
vote ofthe parish, Oct. 31st., Samuel Davis Jr's. house is to
be the house to entertain the ministers and messengers by the
parish, and Mr. Davis is to have ten shillings old tenor paid
him for each man, and Mr. Francis Pool was required by vote
to procure a cushion for the pulpit, against the ordination.
The salary was to be sixty pounds, excluding the frame of
his house: sometimes part of pay was in fish. We are left
exclusively to conjecture as to who were the ministers and
guests from abroad on this important occasion. It is probable
the first parish was represented by Rev. John White, then
about seventy-eight years of age, or Samuel Chandler then
about forty years of age. Perhaps Rev. John Rogers of the
old town fourth parish and the Rev. Benjamin Bradstreet of
the third parish were present. The exercises, we may suppose,
were deeply solemn and interesting. The doings of the
occasion were to extend to future ages by their influence, and
posterity to be moulded for all future time. In 1757, by the
church records, we learn that the widow Mary Gammage was
chosen sexton for that year, and to have nine shillings and
fourpence lawful money for her services. Similar votes were
passed in 1766. It would seem by the church records that
the minister was absent as Chaplain, soon after his settlement,
in the French war. June 1758, we find the parish voted,
That we will not concur with what the church did concerning
Mr. Cleaveland having leave of absence to tarry in the army.
Dea. Davis, Lieut. John Rowe and Thomas Dresser be a

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 47
committee to send to Mr. Cleaveland relating to a letter he
sent to the church and his wife. 1 760, the church met to
consider, in June, the letter of Col. John Whftcomb inviting
Rev. Mr. Cleaveland to go Chaplain in the army, this campaign,
and they granted him liberty to go. We also find by the
record of marriages and baptisms that he was at Crown Point,
near Lake Champlain, N. Y., in Oct. 1 760, for he married and
baptized persons there, as recorded. It seems by these records
that Mr. Cleaveland was in the French war in 1758 and 1760.
In the intervals he was here. This war began in 1756. Also
the church votes, in 1768, pastor leave of absence six months
to go to the Mohawks, and he went. The French war lasted
some fifteen years.
In 1754 the town voted. To assess a separate tax on the
Cape or fifth parish. Pigeon Cove then belonged to the third
parish. In Oct. 21st. ofthis year, the tax list was committed
to Benjamin Tarr, constable and collector. This is the first
tax levied on the village. Thirty-seven men and two estates
together with their polls, making forty-four, were taxed. Two
taxes were assessed: one, provincial, ;^47.i9; town tax, ;^40.58;
total, $?>T.TJ. Two vessels were taxed, one to Eben'r. Pool,
the. other to the estate of Jabez Baker. The highest tax was
less than ^9.00. Four Pools, with the Baker estate, pay about
one half of the tax.
I find, to digress a little, recorded on the fly-leaf of an old
book in my possession, the following: Nov. i8th. 1755; there
was in this place a terrible earthquake, about half past four
o'clock in the morning.
In 1766, Caleb Pool is chosen as first selectman for this
parish; he served about twenty-seven years. Parish voted in
1767 to petition the General Court for help^o sustain preaching,
and seek alliance with 'Squarri people to maintain the same.
Another story about this time would properly come in here.
Not this time about another porcupine, but about a dog and
it is said to be founded on the most reliable evidence and

^8 CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.
handed down to posterity. In 1770, to make the story short,
Thomas Goss, an old fisherman, had a large and sagacious
dog which he was accustomed to take on board his boat, when
out fishing. One day, being overtaken with a storm, and
unable to bear up against the wind, he was in a disabled
condition picked up by a vessel bound to the South, taking
his dog with him and abandoning his craft. They soon arrived
at the Chesapeake Bay, when Mr. Goss told his dog to go
home. He soon left and after many days he reached his home,
worn, emaciated and fatigued, for he had journeyed hundreds
of miles. The friends took courage when they saw the dog,
having till now supposed that all was lost. In course of time,
Mr. Goss reached home, to the wonder and astonishment of
the neighborhood. So much for the sagacity of the canine
race, wonderful as it is.
In 1774, Parish voted to build a pair of stocks. This, we
may suppose, was for the punishment of offenders against the
laws and peace of the village.
We now reach the dark and gloomy period ofthe Revolution
ary War, 1775; Hitherto the village had gone on from small
beginnings gradually to increase in population and business.
Then war comes and finds our fathers as yet few in numbers
and feeble in resources. They had their small fishing craft,
a few bankers, some few rudely cultivated fields, yielding a
meagre harvest, and dwelling on the sea-coast were peculiarly
exposed to the ravages of war. They had, amid their feeble
and scanty resources, gradually struggled up to a position of
comparative importance. They had their church and minister,
their school-house and teacher, their selectman and minor
officials, betokening progress and improvement, when the rude
blast of war is blijwn around the coast. It comes like a
mildew upon their budding 'prospects. The channels of
trade and business begin to close up. Their larger vessels
are docked. The active and hardy men, the bone and sinew
of the village, are turned from the peaceful pursuits to those

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 49
of war. The minister, after having served the people for twenty
years with occasional intervals of service as Chaplain in the
French war, yields to the adverse influence around him and
enters the service of his country again as Chaplain and surgeon's
mate in the war of the Revolution. At first at Dorchester, then
in the state of Rhode Island and elsewhere, where he continued
with occasional visits to his people for about three years. At
the expiration of his term of service he returned to his little
flock he had left behind and who had long mourned the absence
of their spiritual guide. After two years of continuance in
ministerial labors, being dissatisfied with the amount of salary
offered him, which was ninety quintals of hake annually, and
probably anticipating the continued poverty of the people, he
was dismissed at his own request, 1779, and removed to Coos
County, N. H. The tradition is that he had a settlement of
one thousand acres of land as an inducement to go. His
goods and effects were packed in an oxcart which he had
purchased of Capt. Dodge of Pigeon Hill farm. Jacob Fletcher,
then a youth and grandson, drove the team with David Brooks,
now living, then a little boy about five years old, also a grand
son, riding on the cart. He one day fell off, having been made
dizzy by drinking the sugar in the bottom of the tumbler of
grog given him by Fletcher. Mr. Cleaveland and family
came on with horse and carriage. The journey was about a
week. Now the tide of error and sin began anew to set in and
threaten to overwhelm the barriers of morality and virtue
which the gospel had erected. But, notwithstanding vice and
poverty reigned, the spirit of liberty survived, as evinced in
April 1775 when some twenty ofthe fishing boats were out
on the fishing grounds, a short distance from the shore, and
news came that the British were marching on to Concord.
One boat ^yent off and notified the others, and they all returned
and before night the men were all in Gloucester, armed and
equipped with such guns and arms as came to hand, ready to

50 CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.
march to encouiiter the enemy. But news had come that the
battle of Lexington had been fought and the enemy were on
their way from Concord to Boston. The most active men
enlisted in the service of their country, for which they received
but a paltry compensation in depreciating paper currency.
Those men and boys incapable of entering the service, and
remaining at home engaged in fishing, were obliged to dispose
of their fish for barter or nearly worthless paper money which
was sold in the latter part of the war, for 2s. 6d. on the £.
In one instance a soldier sent to his wife and family a bill for
his month's pay and this was exchanged for a bushel of meal.
So short were the people at one time, about 1779, that no
corn or barley was to be had in the vicinity and a lad was
sent to Beverly to buy three bushels of barley. From 1775,
for several years, salt was very scarce and therefore very dear
and for this cause many of the fish were imperfectly cured.
To save salt, Mr. Caleb Norwood introduced the practice
of salting fish in hogsheads and found it more economical.
His son William, now living, was the first person to fit out a
vessel to salt mackerel in casks on board of the vessel, for
packing and exportation. John Norwood, grandfather of
William, first made mooring stones and used many of them
for Long Cove. His son Joshua at the Gap did the same.
Probably no town experienced greater hardships for the
times than this village. John Parsons, the oldest man in
town, aged eighty-eight years, says that things came to that
state that contributions were made by adjoining towns, ofthe
necessaries of life for the people. In confirmation of these
statements, it is stated on the authority of persons now living
that the women of Up-town Parish and some from 'Squam,
their husbands being in the war, finding themselves in a
destitute condition, combined to procure provisions and went
in a company of about twenty or more to Beaver Dam farm,
then Col. Foster's, where provisions were stored, and demanded
a supply. The Col. being away, being refused by the keeper,

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 51
the Colonel's sister. Aunt Betty, they stove down the door
and weighed out to each one a supply, leaving an account of
all that was taken. The Col. soon got word of the affair and
was angry, but afterwards sent word for them to come to his
store in Gloucester and he would give them some provisions,
and they went.
It is well known that Government granted a pension to
those Revolutionary soldiers who had served a certain time
and whose pecuniary circumstances were small. This was of
great assistance to the old soldiers and especially to their
widows to whom it was extended. Benjamin Davis of this
place was a drummer in Capt. Rowe's Company and served
through the war. It is related of him that he went to Boston
to get his pension, having no evidence with him but Mr.
Reuben Brooks to procure his certificate that he was entitled
to receive. Brooks cautioned him not to take one drop, as
was his custom, lest he should fail of his purpose, but he
indulged, became jolly and when they called at the office
they were told not to come again till he was sober. Meeting
Governor Brooks, his old Major, he accosted him in his
rough way, was soon recognized; he gave him a certificate
and when sober he called at the office and accomplished his
purpose. At the battle of Bunker Hill this village was well represented.
Capt. John Rowe took command ofthe Company, consisting
of sixty-six men officered, from this village; more than one-
half ofthe men belonged here, about forty officers and privates.
Two of our men were killed in the battle, Josiah Brooks and
Francis Pool. William Parsons from the Farms also was
killed. The company roll is now in existence, a copy of which
is in possession of Eben'r. Pool in his scrap book.
The soldiers who wore long hair, as was the custom ofthe
day, had it cut off by the fair hands of their wives, sisters and
sweethearts, as they marched away.
Isaac Pool of the Cape Parish was ensign of the Company

52 CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.
and went to Chelsea or Winter Hill after the battle was fought,
taking Peter Stillman with him, then a boy of ten years of
age, to take his horse home. Not knowing the way home,
Mr. Pool told him to let the horse go as he pleased and he
would find his way home, and so it proved. Mr. Pool's name
is not on the muster roll which was made out after the battle,
and this explains the cause. Mr. Stillman, now eighty-eight
years old, is the authority for this statement.
In 1776, several of our men were taken in the privateer
Yankee Hero, by the frigate Milford, during an engagement
of short duration. Some four were killed, others wounded;
one lost his hand, Eben'r. Rowe; two or more died in Halifax
prison. This engagement was more serious than was at first
anticipated. Mistaking the frigate for a merchant ship they
ran into danger before they were aware and, finding it impossible
to escape, they gave battle and were taken. Some ofthe men
were gone seven years; some were sent as prisoners to Halifax;
others escaped on a raft while the frigate lay at anchor off
Rhode Island; some were sent to New York. Maj. John
Rowe was among the prisoners and was sent to New York.
This brave official died years after, viz: 1 801, at Boyls Springs,
New York. About 1779, eight men were lost from this place
in the privateer Tempest, foundered at sea. She sailed from
Gloucester, Isaac Somes master. During the war this village
lost by privateering, in battie and in prison, upwards of forty
men, most of them young and active. Some ofthe old people
at home were also swept off about this time, as well as children,
by the small-pox. This disease prevailed in the village,
causing great alarm. Pest-houses were established at first
but at length the people were permitted to remain in their
houses if sick. Inoculation was practised very generally,
vaccination was not yet discovered. The parish voted, That
no person be allowed to inoculate in their houses without a
permit from the committee. Any violating this order was to
receive thirty-three lashes. We have no record of a whipping-

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 53
post in the village but there was one in the first parish, where
offenders were punished.
Soon after the battle of Bunker Hill, an English brig was
discovered near Oakes' rock, at anchor in the fog. About
fifteen men mustered with a boat from Long Cove and soon
pulled alongside. Having taken the precaution to arm them
selves, and keeping most ofthe men below deck, they suddenly
surprised and boarded the brig, taking her into whirlpool
dock. She had a deck-load of cattle, ammunition and provisions
under deck. She was from Nova Scotia, bound for Boston
then in possession of the British. The cattle were hoisted
out and were driven to the harbor and sold at auction. The
vessel was taken to 'Squam where she lay awhile and eventually
drove ashore and was cut up except some of the timbers,
which are said to lie there yet. This was said to be the first
prize taken in the war. A similar capture was made by Capt.
Manly of Marblehead, about this time; the stores were sent to
Gen. Washington at Cambridge and he expressed his high
gratification as they were such as were much needed.
A Revolutionary incident of these times is related as follows.
The late Patience Knowlton ofthis place, daughter of Thomas
Knights, resided awhile in Rowley in the family of Col. Gage.
One night she heard an English officer come to the house
and bargain for some cattle which the Col. had in his pasture
in the south- part of this Cape. The bargain was concluded
and if he did not get a supply he was to call upon Joseph
Baker, grandson of Jabez, and he being a friend to the English
would supply him. In the morning this interview was made
known to the neighbors and their patriotism was at once
aroused to mob or expose the Col. but he succeeded in
inducing a denial of the facts and thereby escaped.
Perhaps it is well for us here to be reminded that the
fashions and customs of those eariy times were very different
from those of the present day, both in dress and food. The
prevailing dress for men and youth was short clothes, shoes

54 CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.
with buckles, three-cornered hat. The wig was worn by
many; others wore the long hair, powdered on dress occasions
when others who wore leather short clothes used to give them
a good dressing with yellow ball to make them shine with a
rich color. This was particularly the case when they appeared
at church and at social gatherings. The long coat of red
broadcloth, when it could be obtained and afforded, was
preferred with a plain vest, sometimes velvet of rich color.
But the poorer class had home-made clothes, as there were
no manufactories but all common goods were made in the
families, where the spinning-wheel and looms were kept busy.
The richer class wore ruffles in the bosom and on the wrists.
The females generally wore plain home-made clothing; the
richer, some foreign silks. Calico was not in common use:
that which now costs twelve and one-half cents per yard then
cost sixty-two and one-half cents and was worn on dress
occasions, at weddings etc. Cotton was scarce and dear; striped
and checked cloth made at home was in common use. High
heeled shoes turned up at the toe prevailed for a time. Food
was plain and simple. Bean broth and Johnny cake abounded.
Coffee was served in early times, in tumblers; pewter dishes
abounded. Bakers' bread was used by some. Jabez
Richardson was the first baker in the village. The old Gott
house was the bakery; it stood where the house of the heirs
of John Wallace now stands. He married my great grand
mother on my father's side. He carried his bread around
town in panniers on horseback. It was to this house the
boys used to go on election day to obtain their election cake,
each one carrying a fish in exchange. The next baker was a
Mr. Steele; about sixty years ago he kept near the house of
Wm. P. Burns, which is now removed and is the residence of
the widow Edward Haskell. Wages in those times were low,
females getting about two shillings per week and men in
proportion. Provisions were high.
We here recur again to the old schoolhouse on the village

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 55
green. While standing in this place it was for the greater
part of the time the abode of the teacher and his wife. His
name was William Clark; he taught in the war time and for
some years after. He had a young and sprightly wife who
taught the youngest children up stairs. The house being but
one story, the chamber was small and inconvenient. This
building was the principal place where the young folks obtained
their education. It was necessary that the teacher should
live in the building in consequence of his being a paralytic
and incapable of moving about without assistance. Not being
able to use his hands to advantage he wrote with his mouth,
holding the pen with his teeth and guiding it in some measure
with his hand. He also held his fescue, a small wire to point
with, in his mouth to point out the letters to the children
learning to read. His body used to have a rolling motion
and if the rogues did not keep their place he would strike
them with his head. He punished the larger boys by striking
them with his arms, which he did by a halting motion. Not
being able to bring his arms forward he was obliged to have
assistance for this purpose and then being able to throw his
arms backward he could strike the offender who stood before
him. His school books were very limited in number. The
principal were the Psalter, Primer with picture of John Rogers
and his family. Youth's Guide, Catechism, Dillworth's Spelling
Book. But these contained the key to all knowledge. His
scholars were obliged to draw him about on Saturday after
noons, in a handcart. The scholars were generally in high
glee on these occasions. Fastening ropes to the cart, they
strung hold as many as could draw and away they went,
shouting and singing at the top of their voices. If at any
time, taking advantage of his helplessness, they indulged
themselves to his injury, they were called to account when
assembled in school, and corrected.
This old schoolmaster had a brother Samuel who acquired
considerable distinction in those days as a prophet, soothsayer

5 6 CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.
and conjurer. He lived in an old house between Capt. George
Lane's and Capt John Gott's, back from the road. The
ignorance and superstition of the times fostered and nourished
into luxuriant growth that peculiar fondness for the wonderful
and mysterious, to which mankind are so naturally prone.
Before the Revolution he had a dream respecting the sad events
which were to happen to the country. These he had all written
out and published v/ith much particularity, in a small tract.
It is said that the wonderful coincidence of the actual events
with those prognosticated by the dream at once established his
claim as a prophet, with the credulous. But his fame as a
conjurer was not eclipsed by his gift of prophecy. He was
for a long time the oracle of the village and whenever any
mystery was to be unravelled or difficulty solved, he was
sure to be consulted. Tradition says his fame extended
abroad beyond the limits of his secluded village and attracted
the attention of the curious in other places. At one time, a
stranger came to him to ascertain the whereabouts of a barrel
of oil that was lost, and who the person was that had committed
the theft. Clark, with that remarkable insight into human
nature with which he was endowed, suspecting the stranger
himself to be the thief, told him that the man who stole the
oil would be known by a feather growing out of the end of
his nose. Clark slightly watched the man before him, when
he saw him cautiously put his hand to his nose. The mystery
was solved. Clark told him to go home and give himself no
concern about the matter for it would all come out right. In
a few days another person came to him (the real owner) on
the same errand. After a short consultation he told him to
be not uneasy but keep still and the oil would soon be restored.
In a few days the oil was found returned. Let ft not be said
in future that Sandy Bay furnished no philosophers in olden
time. But this class of honors was not wholly to be shared
or enjoyed by the Old Philosopher. Some few old women
says tradition, from up town, haggard, destitute and pinched

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 57
with poverty, were accustomed to make no small gains in the
exercise of the profession of wftches. They would come
down among the fishermen and beg fish, promising them good
luck for the favors received. They were usually supplied
with what they wanted, but it is said that, on one occasion,
their solicitations were rejected and reproachful language used
towards them by one man. They resented the treatment
and replied that he would soon regret his refusal. He soon
went out, found fish plenty, but all at once his hawser parted
and he had to quit and return home. This reminded him of
his ill usage of the witches. It operated on his superstitious
fears and he resolved he would ever after aim to secure their
good-will by granting their requests. After his change of
conduct towards them he prospered and obtained good fares.
It is supposed that it was this belief in witches, which was
quite prevalent in these times, that led to the adoption of some
charms to propitiate their favor. The horseshoe was supposed
to possess some mysterious power to secure good luck. It
was very generally introduced. It was found nailed up in
many fishing boats and doubtless may be found there still.
The farmer nailed it on his hog trough and barn door, and
the good housewife in some cases deemed it an indispensable
appendage to her pantry. I do not know that it ever got into
the schoolmaster's desk or the pulpit. Probably we owe its
exclusion from those places to a higher degree of intelligence
lurking about those premises, which had a tendency to exorcise
the evil spirits from those quarters. An old historian ofthe
early times, Edward Johnson, says that the master and seamen
ofthe ship which sailed in 1634 to New England in a storm
nailed two red-hot horseshoes to the mast, thinking the ship
was bewitched, showing the superstition of long standing.
It was in 1 780 two remarkable events occurred, one called
the dark day, the other the great snow-storm. The dark day
was general in its extent through New England. The snow
storm was more local but as they were regarded with much

58 CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.
interest in this vicinity they may be noticed here as in a
measure forming a part of our history. According to the
record of the time, the day commenced on the morning of
the 19th of May. The weather was previously clear
and calm, when suddenly, about ten o'clock A. M., darkness
began to shroud the face of nature. It increased in intensity.
The cattle cease grazing in the pastures and look upward
with wonder and then return lowing from the hills to their
folds. The birds close their joyous songs and seek in wild
dismay the nearest retreat. A cold chill and death-like
stillness are felt around. The scene is calculated to alarm
the fears and excite the imagination of the people, partaking
naturally of the spirit of the times. The pious among them
assemble in their houses and engage in religious services:
some of them, doubtless, believe that the Day of Judgment is
at hand. The irreligious are alarmed and attempt to pray.
The darkness continues; lights are in all their dwellings; all
work is suspended. They pass through the day and the
night in suspense ahd anxiety, but behold the morning cometh,
the darkness flees away and all nature assumes her wonted
appearance. Much has been said and written about this
strange phenomenon, at the time. Rev. Eli Forbes of
Gloucester, in his century discourse published in 180 1, says
ofthis event: "On the 19th. of May was a remarkable dark
day, when most people of the states were obliged to dine by
candle light." The most general impression among the
intelligent people was that it was produced by smoke from
New Hampshire and Vermont, from burnt land. The event
was long remembered and dwelt upon by our fathers, and one
of the old poets of the old town, said to be Elder Warner,
commemorated it in verse beginning with the following lines,
which were sung in many dwellings, littie thinking that the

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 59
effusions of his poetic genius would be preserved and handed
down to a future age.
'"Twas on the 19th. day of May, the 6th. day of the week,
In 1780, the Lord to us did speak.
Sometimes the clouds looked fiery red and sometimes yellow and green,
Then again for several hours daylight was not to be seen.
'Twas like the dreadful gloomy day when Christ was crucified,
It was the thought of many our days were turned to night."
The great snow-storm was remarkable for its kind, its
violence and continuance. It commenced with a violent N.
E. gale which caused the snow, that fell very fast, to drift
very much. It lasted several days; for twenty-seven days
snow fell with little interruption. Stephen Pool recovered
one of his sheep which had been covered up in the snow
twenty-nine days. It was much emaciated but was saved.
Most of the buildings were nearly covered with snow, the
chamber windows being darkened thereby. They had to dig
their way down to the door from the top of the snow. One
old lady related that where her family lived they had an
archway of snow leading from the front door to the top ofthe
snow. The severity ofthe weather combined with the poverty
of the people contributed very much to their suffering.
But we gladly turn from these scenes of darkness and gloom
to those more congenial and inspiring which were beginning
to dawn upon the people here and the country. The noise of
war and the clangor of arms subside, and peace, so long driven
from the abodes of men, returns and in her train follow
industry, enterprise and thrift,
The soldier lays down his arms and assumes the plow. The
sailor, so long the sport of fickle and adverse fortune, hies
home from bloody seas and engages in honorable commerce.
The channels of trade gradually • open and business flows on
its wonted course. The fishing interests ofthe village assume
greater importance. Soon the population increases in
number. Independence, a free country, are inspiring words

6o CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.
and quicken the energies ofthe people. At this time, 1783.
there are about sixty-five dwelling-houses and five hundred
people, four bank fishing schooners and twenty fishing boats:
two more bankers are soon to be added to the fleet. Daniel
Thurston and his son this year fitted out a bank schooner,
also Benjamin Hale and Daniel Young built the schooner
Lucy here and fitted her out for the Banks. She was built
where now is the head of the middle wharf
About this time, 1782, the parish, feeling the need of a
minister, engaged the services of Rev. Mr. Stewart He
resided with his family in Stephen Pool's house and he continued
to labor a good part of the time till 1785. He served as
preacher and school teacher, being hired from three to six
months at a time, salary one hundred pounds old tenor per year.
In 1783, the bill of rights gave liberty to all people in the
state: previous to this there were slaves in the state and some
in this village. James Norwood, Isaac Pool and Joseph
Baker had some few, and probably some others, and some of
these colored people lived here for several years after they
were free.
The parish votes this year, 1783, that the watch-house be
taken for parish use. There was a watch-house on the top of
Pigeon Hill, in the Revolutionary War, whence a complete
survey could be taken of the coast, and warning given in case
of an emergency. This was probably the house mentioned.
There was not as yet much advance made in agriculture.
There were some dozen farmers and although they had land
enough they did not seem to possess the facilities for culti
vating. They raised but littie produce and frequently depended
upon saft hay for their cattie, which they procured in Ipswich
by their boats. Some of the farmers carried on fishing, to
the neglect of their land.
In 1786, the old wharf before alluded to was repaired.
This wharf was about twenty feet wide, about seventy feet in
front of the present wharf, though not near so high and long.

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 6i
The tax of Sandy Bay in 1789 was ^580; Jabez Tarr,
Collector; one hundred and thirty-three persons were taxed.
In 1788, the parish voted the Independent society the use
of their meeting-house one fourth of the time, on condition of
their bearing their proportion ofthe expense of repairs. This
is the first mention of the UniversaHsts.
By 1794 the inhabitants had increased to about seven
hundred and there were about seventy-five dwelling-houses.
Business had for a few years been more flourishing and
continued so till about 1797, when there was more stagnation.
It was just before this, 1793, an old lady, Mrs. Lucretia
Norwood, remarked that she counted sixty-two sail of boats
in Long Cove, from five to ten tons.
In 1794, William Goss and Eben'r. Pool Jr, were fined as
Hable by law for not serving as Collector of parish taxes.
In 1793, the village was again visited by an epidemic, the
malignant sore throat. Sixty-two children were said to have
died in a few weeks. Physicians of Gloucester were called
on there being no physician here till, about this time. Dr.
James Goss of Billerica settled here from the first parish. Up
to this time, from the first settlement, the people when needing
a physician were dependent on the first parish.
There being no minister here at this time Dea. John Rowe
officiated at the funerals, a man highly esteemed for his
Christian character and well balanced mind. He frequently
conducted religious meetings through the long period of
religious or ministerial destitution. How many death scenes
the old deacon witnessed! How many a dying one he had
commended in prayer to that Saviour who taketh away the
sins ofthe world! Let us who are a portion ofthe descendants
of the fathers of that age bless God that such a man lived
in that dark day of the village, when the light of the gospel
was nearly extinct.
Dr. Goss not only practised medicine, but taught school in
1793 and afterwards. The widow Mary Gammage, daughter

62 CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.
of Joshua Norwood at the Gap, the old sexton, till this time
and some years after officiated in the medical line among her
sex. She eventually moved to Bristol, Maine, where she died
aged about one hundred and five years. She is represented
as a woman of small stature, but happily endowed by nature
with those qualities which rendered her highly useful in the
sphere in which she moved.
In 1 796, Mr. Eben'r. Pool was the Selectman for this parish,
when the valuation of Sandy Bay was ^50,000 and Pigeon
Cove ^20,000.
In 1797, May, the place was visited by a violent gale, the
highest tide since 1635. It is said a boat often tons was
driven across the Roberts' meadow to where the reservoir
now is. The land was some lower where the street is than
now and there was no obstruction to the sea coming into the
cove, as now.
It was about this time that typhoid fever prevailed here
extensively. At one period it is said one hundred were down
with the disease, never so prevalent before or since.
It was no uncommon thing in a gale of wind, at that day,
for the sea to run across where the store of Nath'l. Tarr now
stands, and boats even have been carried across. At this
time, along in this place and for some distance leading on to
the neck it was a sand beach; planks covered the ground
where now stand the houses on the beach side of the road.
In 1 797, the old burying-ground given by Richard Tarr is
enlarged by the north-east by the distance of the old road,
which passed till now in a northerly direction down by it; this
ground has been enlarged twice since by purchase. It was
in this old ground most of the first settlers were buried. But
at present there are but few monuments to mark their resting-
place. Here
"Where heaves the turf in many a mouldering heap,
Each in his narrow cell forever laid,
The rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep."
The oldest stones found do not exceed one hundred and

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 63
seventy-five years. Probably many were deposited there with
nothing but a temporary stone to mark their grave. Even
the precise spot where rest the remains ofthe first settler,
Richard Tarr, is not known as no stone points the visitor to
his resting-place. He died in 1732. Is it not fitting that a
grateful posterity should erect a monument* to the memory of
him who was the first settler, who gave to the village its first
burying-ground and committed to its bosom his earthly
remains? We have stated here the ancient tradition about the
gift of the old burying-ground but according to the parish
record it seems they had no suitable burying-ground before
1760, for this year the parish chose a committee to treat with
the Commoners for a piece of land for a burying-place in
this parish. And it seems it was granted for in a few years
after the parish votes, To work on the burying-ground fence.
It is probable that Mr. Tarr or his heirs relinquished to the
parish the ground where he lies buried; It being a small
piece of land, when it became filled up the parish occupied the
Commoners' land till 1 760, when they obtain possession by
grant. In 1797, the principal men ofthe town, fifty-eight in number,
unite and build the Proprietors schoolhouse at twenty-seven
dollars per share. The first teacher was Joseph Cummings,
a collegiate, a man of good qualifications and a successful
teacher. William Smith was the next teacher from 1798 to
1803, most ofthe time. David Jewett taught the next two
winters at ^150 per term. Wm. Whipple, an able teacher,
taught some twenty years with but littie interruption. The
builders of this house, having been trained under many
disadvantages, were determined their children should have
superior privileges to theirs. They looked for great results
and we trust were not disappointed. The old schoolhouse
was now taken down, after having seen the service of seventy-
three years, and old Master Clark retires to the old Clark
*Monument erected by tho town lu 1854 cost f 50.

64 CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.
house, some time afterward to the Stockman house which
stood on the corner of Main and School streets, where he
continues to teach for a few years when he dies and his grateful
pupils bear him to his grave.
In 1798, Dr. John Manning of Ipswich came here, the
second resident physician, from Gloucester. When seventeen
years of age he was surgeon's mate in the army ofthe Revolution
at Tiverton, Rhode Island. He commenced practice when
about twenty-one years of age, at Chester, N. H. In February
1 786, he came to Gloucester, Mass., and continued his residence
there till November 1798 when he came to reside here.
He and Dr. Goss shared the responsibilities ofthe medical
profession in this village and vicinity for many long years
during its growth, till it became a town, and some years
after. These veterans of the profession have themselves
yielded to the king of terrors whose sway they so long disputed.
Their labors were long and arduous in a field where great and
mighty interests as life and death are pending, in a field where
the honors that are won and the victories achieved are too
seldom acknowledged by the busy world. Dr. Manning in
early and later years engaged in commerce, both in Gloucester
and here, and made and lost much money. He said that he
had lost in foreign trade forty thousand dollars, both in ships
and brigs, including six hundred tons of shipping.
It is now the old pastor. Rev. Mr. Cleaveland, returns, 1798,
after so many years' absence, aged and infirm, and takes up
his abode in his house he had left behind and had built some
forty-five years before. During his absence there had been
littie permanent preaching, mostiy transient and at long
intervals. The consequence ofthis long dearth of ministerial
labor had been disastrous to the welfare of the village, and
while the outward marks of material prosperity had increased,
the moral well-being of the people had greatly deteriorated.
Mr. Cleaveland, while residing in N. H., in his country
home, occasionally visited here from 1780 to 1782. From

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 65
1 783 to 1 786 he visited Bath, Maine, from time to time. From
1786 to 1794 he is here a portion of his time, and probably
with his family as they were discontented with their country
home. From 1 794 to 1 797, he and family are at Amesbury,
Mass., visiting here now and then. In 1799, he mingled his
tears with those of his ¦ nation in the universal grief at the
death of Washington, commemorating the solemn occasion
by preaching a funeral sermon in the old meeting-house, on
his deatii. Mr. Cleaveland does not come back thinking to
resume the ministerial duties of the parish at this late period
of his life, but occasionally officiates when solicited, and his
infirmities allow, giving the weight of his influence to the
gospel he had so long preached and which was so little
appreciated by many around him.
In 1797 during our national troubles with France, in
consequence of their interference with our commerce, several
vessels were fitted out to protect ourselves. A number of
men from this village enlisted on board of States vessels. In
1800 there were about seventy vessels of all kinds owned here,
averaging about fifteen tons, fishing being very profitable
for a number of years. Some few larger vessels were used as
coasters. Some ten farmers having thirteen yoke of oxen
and fewer horses, supported their families mainly from the
produce of their farms, and several of these purchased saft
hay in other places, so little attention was paid to the cultivation
of English hay then. But soon some of the farmers turn
their attention to the clearing up of low swampy land. This
is soon found to be profitable, yielding good returns to the
cultivator. This gives a start to other farmers and soon an
improved agricufture is manifest. At this time there were
about eighty houses in the village and twenty-five at Pigeon
Cove, making one hundred and five in what is now Rockport.
Business was generally thriving and several new houses were
in process of erection.
In 1802, Dr. William Ferson came here, being the third

66 CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.
physician. He came from New Boston, N. H. He remained
here about three years, when he was called to an office in the
custom-house at Gloucester and was most ofthe time since in
the honorable service ofthe town. He died Dec. 6th. 1853.,
aged seventy-nine years.
In 1 803 the building of the new meeting-house was begun;
it was completed in 1 804 and was dedicated in October 1 804;
sermon by Rev. Abiel Abbott of Beverly, Mass. The corner
stone was laid with Masonic ceremonies. Documents were
deposited in the stone of the western corner. Mr. David
Jewett helped place the stone. The old meeting-house was
taken down and sold at auction. We give a copy of a document
now in existence relating to the disposal of this house.
"We, the subscribers, proprietors of the old meeting-house in the
fifth parish of Gloucester, wishing to sell our respective rights in said
house and such land belonging to said hoiise as a committee shall
think best, and give the purchaser or purohasei's a warranty deed of
the same, do each of us obligate ourselves by these presents to sell
the above mentioned premises in such way and manner as the committee
judge best, and each pew have an equal share in the money of said sale.
Gloucester, 23d. day of August 1804.
Bbnjamin Tarr, Henry Witham, Caleb Pool, Wm. Rowe, Jonathan
Pool, Joseph Smith, Eben'r. Pool Jr., (in behalf of his father) Samuel
D. Thurston, Aaron Sargent, Caleb Norwood, John Gott, Sarah Todd,
Mark Pool, Jabez Eowe, Daniel Thurston, Thomas Eoberts."
There were but two more owners, making eighteen,
corresponding to the number of pews. It will be remembered
that there were seats in the body of the house, for the old
men and the old women.
The erection of this new meeting-house was a great under
taking. The expense was ^9000. It was entered upon with
a good degree of spirit and interest. Many long years had
rolled away since the fathers ofthe village had laid the
foundations ofthe old house. Their posterity remembered
their labors, their toils and self-denials to institute and perpetuate
the worship of that God who had watched over them when an

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 67
infant settlement. The fifth parish and the inhabitants of
Sandy Bay united in the erection of this house, to be improved
between them. The fifth parish or society at this time consisted,
according to town valuation, of about three-fifths of the
amount of property of the place; the other inhabitants of
about two-fifths, they being a part of the Universalist Society
of the first parish of Gloucester. The agreement between
the parties was, that the house might be occupied by the
parties alternately in this proportion as to time. This arrange
ment was observed for awhile, when, from some disagreement,
it ceased, the larger party refusing admission to the others.
This led to protracted litigation which ended in the parish
retaining control and disposal of the house. The merits of
this controversy we do not propose to enter upon here,
sufficient to say much rancor and animosity were the result.
In 1804, in the months of September and October, it is
recorded a violent gale of wind prevailed here, causing much
damage and resulting in the loss of several men belonging
here, in 'Squam river.
It is now we hear for the first time of Baptists in this village.
Capt Benjamin Hale and wife came here to his native place,
both Baptists, having been married and baptized in New
York. Capt. Hale was a pious and devout man, and here
and then laid the foundation ofthe Baptist Society. In 1805,
Elder Elisha Williams, Baptist minister of Beverly, came here
to preach and was admitted into the new meeting-house, there
being no minister as yet for the Congregationalists except
Rev. Mr. Cleaveland, and he aged and infirm. James Woodbury
was the first person baptized by immersion, in town. He was
a descendant of Sarah Pool, the first wife of the first John
Pool and he was the first professor of religion that settled in
Sandy Bay, having joined the Orthodox church in Beverly
some twelve years before. This ceremony of baptism took
place on the back beach, near the wharf Elder Williams
officiated.

68 CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.
It was on Oct. 30th. 1805, that Rev. David Jewett of Hollis,
N. H., settled here as minister of the fifth parish. It seems
before he settled here that he was accustomed to teach school,
for the following advertisement was contained in a Salem
paper of that early day.
"New School. — The subscriber will open a school in Mr. Joseph
Glover's Chamber, Essex Street, for teaohing the following branches,
viz: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Geography, English Grammar,
and the Latin and Greek Languages; the number of scholars not to
exceed thirty-five. School hours, 8 to 11 o'clock A. M. and 2 to 5 P.
M. Price four dollars per quarter.
April 26th. 1803. DAVID JEWETT."
Mr. Jewett also taught school here while he preached, at
first, and lived in David Kimball's house and had his school
there. It is also known that before settling here he received
encouragement to settle in Wenham. The ordination of Mr.
Jewett was a great event, the people manifesting great interest
in the occasion. The old and the young came up to the
house of God to witness the interesting ceremonies. The
grey-headed men and women who had so long worshipped in
the old house now came up to mingle their prayers and tears
once more for the prosperity of Zion, before they go hence to
be here no more. The following churches with delegates
were present at the ordination: Tabernacle Church, Salem,
Rev. Samuel Worcester and delegate; Second Church,
Gloucester, Rev. Daniel Fuller and delegate; Second Church,
Newburypcvt, Rev. Samuel Spring and delegate; Church of
Hollis, N. H., Rev. Eli Smith and delegate; Church at Man
chester, Rev. Abraham Randall and delegate; Second Church,
Ipswich, Rev. Josiah Webster and delegate; Third Church,
Beverly, Rev. Joseph Emerson and delegate; First Church,
Newport, Rhode Island, Rev. Caleb T. Tenney; Third Church^
Gloucester, Rev. Ezra Leonard and delegate; First Church,
Gloucester, Rev. Percy Lincoln; First Church, Beverly, Rev.
Abiel Abbott and delegate. The sermon was by Rev. Samuel

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 69
Worcester of Salem, and the venerable Rev. Daniel Fuller of
Glouce^ster was Moderator of the Council.
It is this year, 1805, July 4th., that the old paster, Rev.
Ebenezer Cleaveland, like Jacob of old gathers up his feet
into his bed and dies. He had lived to be over eighty years
old, and to experience a variety of fortune. His life had been
a checkered one. He had seen the second meeting-house
built and dedicated and preached in it himself, when he baptized
nineteen children at one time, and now he is about to depart
to be here no more, a hallowed radiance surrounds his dying
bed. When asked by a friend, at his last dying hour, respecting
his prospects for eternity, he calmly replied with a confidence
sustained by Christian faith: "I trust in the same God that I
did when the bullets flew about my head," referring to Revolu
tionary scenes. His remains rest in yonder burial ground,
with those of the fathers. And posterity will rise up to do
homage to his memory. His funeral ceremonies were observed
in the new meeting-house, and also those of his wife, the year
before. He was a man much esteemed in his day as a
Christian minister. Easy, familiar and affable in his manners,
he adorned the doctrine ofthe gospel he had so long preached,
by a well ordered life and godly conversation.
In 1 806, fishing business continues good. Codfish sell at
four dollars per quintal and hake at three dollars. Several
houses are in process of erection.
In 1807, the state of public morals in a. portion of the
community may be judged by the circumstance that, during
the exercises attending the immersion of two persons of the
Baptist persuasion, some individuals ofthe baser sort, but
claiming respectability, fired a cannon near the middle wharf,
while others paraded the streets and the schoolhouse beach
with fife and drum, to disturb the ceremonies. Here was
exhibited, in the most offensive form, the spirit of religious
intolerance, the same which in other times had led its victims
to the scaffold and the stake. But we trust the influence of

70 CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.
education and Christianity since that day has been such as to
forever render impossible the repetition of such scenes.
In 1 807, the embargo comes on. It speedily operates as a
check on all business on the seaboard. The two embargoes
called the long and the short lasted nearly two years: during
this time no vessels were cleared at the custom-house, for any
foreign port. Our fishing interests suffered greatly. Many
merchant vessels in other places were stripped and docked.
The busy marts of trade were deserted, the din of business
hushed, and the long grass grew where before the busy feet
of men had trodden. This village felt sadly the reaction.
Codfish, which two years before were quick at four dollars
per quintal, cash, were now occasionally exchanged at two
dollars to two and one quarter per quintal, for country
produce. No sale for scale fish; no Labrador or Bank cod
for exportation. Thousands of quintals in other towns were
lost. Hostilities between England and France were the cause
ofthis state of things. Beneath the gigantic tread of these
two hostile nations, weaker nations were trodden in the dust.
But, notwithstanding the depression, our fishermen made the
best of things, hoping soon for a change of times.
During the stagnation of ordinary business, that iniquitous
system of smuggling sprang up. Some people here engaged
in it, as I suppose they felt they must have something to do
even if it was not the most respectable. To elude and evade
the government officials in their search for. contraband goods,
some curious contrivances were resorted to. One person
from here, in an eastern port, with contraband goods on
board, having discharged part of them before his vessel was
taken, being on shore with all of his men (except one he had
left on board to keep ship) and all communication being cut
off, contrived to make the officer believe that the necessfties of
the man on board required that he should be permitted to send
him some provisions. This being granted, he enclosed in a
loaf of bread a letter telling him to seize the first opportunity

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 71
and escape in the night with the vessel. This he soon
accomplished. On another occasion, the same individual had
bags of coffee secreted in a barn in this place, near the wharves.
An officer found the coffee and went to Gloucester to complain
but, in the meantime, the officer found on his return the coffee
exchanged for corn, except the few bags he had examined.
It was in 1808, June i8th., that our fishing fleet met with .a
violent gale, when three boats were lost on Cashes with all
their crews, comprising ten men. Widows and orphan children
mourn in silence as the tempest howls around their dwellings.
They tremble for the safety of their husbands and fathers,
and when the melancholy news reaches the village, their pent-
up grief seeks relief in wailings and bitter tears.
About this time, the village is divided into school districts;
this village is composed of three and North Village constitutes
one. Since then the latter has been divided into two. The first
district schoolhouse was now built in this village. This is the
time also ofthe short embargo, so called, coming on in 1809
and causing a check in business, but it is soon over.
1 810 is principally noticeable for what was here called the
cold Friday, and is now frequently spoken of as having been
of unusual severity, and also for the accidental burning of a
young woman, the next day, so as to cause the total loss of
her eyesight during life. Her name was Rachel Pool.
Whether there was any thermometer in town, at that time, to
mark the degree of cold, we do not know. All persons of
that day concur in saying that it was the coldest ever known
here. It is this year, also, that the embargo just spoken of
was taken off. This gives at onee a spring to business. All
the channels of trade speedily open and commerce spreads
her sails to catch the favoring breeze. The fishing interests
at once improve, the village thrives.
In 1 81 1, the Sandy Bay Pier Company commenced building
their first wharf, having been incorporated by the Legislature
the session previous. The old wharves were demolished and

72 CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.
put into the new wharf The foundation of the new wharf is
seventy-two feet northerly from the old wooden wharf and
which had been re-built years before. This new enterprise
enlisted the efforts and energies of a good portion of the
leading cftizens of the place. They saw that to enlarge their
business by sea they must have better accommodations than
were afforded by the old wharf The fishing business was
now good and all things conspired to encourage the undertaking.
This year, 1811, the Baptist Society was incorporated.
Previous to this time, according to the law, all persons within
the limits of the parish were subject to a tax to sustain
preaching, where there was an incorporated religious society.
This parish enforced the law and collected the tax as other
taxes were collected, and it was assessed in the same way
upon the property of individuals. But this year a free act
was passed by which all persons who would be exempt from
paying to the Parish Society were required to organize them
selves into a religious society to be known and recognized as
a separate religious incorporated body. This the Baptists
did and were therefore exempt from the parish tax. The
UniversaHsts were exempt because of their connection with,
and paying to, the first parish of Gloucester.
It was the year previous that Caleb Pool acquired the
reputation of a prophet, among the people, having predicted
an earthquake which, strange as it may seem, was said to
have taken place as predicted, to the wonder and astonishment
ofthe people. His views of things wonderful and strange
were published by him in a tract.
In 1 8 1 2 the United States declared war with England, but
its results to this place were not like those of the old war.
Then our country was in its infancy, contending with a gigantic
power, for a free and independent existence. Now, she is
herself a giant and able to repel aggression. Our fishing
interests, with some littie interruption, proved highly profitable
and the mass of the people obtained a comfortable living in

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 73
peaceful pursuits, but some for purposes of plunder and more
rapid gains embark in privateering. But what little wealth
was thus acquired was, in most cases, dissipated by habits of
extravagance and vice engendered by the war spirit. One
privateer owned in Salem, named Cadet, commanded at first
by a Capt. Evans, and manned in part from here, cruised
around this coast. She was afterwards commanded by Capt.
David Elwell of this place. The Capt. was said to have
cleared some twelve thousand dollars; some ofthe crew, some
hundred. They never came to an open engagement, but
occasionally boarded some vessels and took some prizes.
During the wan, a number of our men in other privateers and
others in merchant vessels found their way, before the war
closed, in the prisons of Halifax and some few in Dartmoor
prison, England. In the latter prison^ were Benjamin Colby,
Joseph Bailey, and one from Folly Cove. Some were in
Chatham prison on the Thames, William T. Abbott. Those
in Dartmoor prison were there at the time of the shooting of
the prisoners. It was said the prisoners had complained of
their bread, which is supposed to have aroused some ill
feeling. They were accustomed to exercise themselves by
playing baH. One day their ball went over the wall into the
barracks. The soldiers there did not return it as usual; when
some of the prisoners threatened to break through the wall.
They were commanded to desist, by the soldiery, but
declining, a fire was opened upon the prisoners and seven
were killed and a large number were wounded. Our men
were retained in prison some six months. This was in 181 5.
The leading citizens ofthe place, soon after the war was
declared, formed a Committee of Safety to have the oversight
of affairs. The English privateers occasionally ran into the
bay and molested the coasters which had run in under the
land for protection. At one time, 181 3, one privateer fired
upon the inhabitants. The people returned the fire from Bear
Skin Neck and the old wharf, with a long six pounder, carrying

74 CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.
a shot through her from stem to stern, when she crawled off.
Finding that our coast was, from its exposed situation, to suffer
from the enemy, "the inhabitants deemed it advisable, in 1 8 1 4,
to erect a fort on the Neck. This was done by subscription at a
cost of about six hundred dollars. The fort was mounted with
several cannon, making a somewhat formidable appearance,
so much as to attract the attention of the British cruisers. It
was regarded by them as a government fort. The English
frigate Nymph, lying in the offing Sept. 8th. of this year,
about midnight sent three barges in to reconnoitre and, if
things appeared favorable, to make an attack. The fort was
manned by nine men or more detailed from a company of
about sixty-four who were drafted to protect interests
principally located at Gloucester, at Stage Fort, and commanded
by Capt Benjamin Haskell of West Parish. The soldiers had
eight dollars per month; those quartered here had their
barracks at the old house, then standing where the Union
Store now is, till the watch-house was built. The English
were piloted into Long Cove by one of our townsmen, Capt
David Elwell, by command of the enemy who had captured
his boat for this purpose. Three barges landed twenty men.
Elwell led the way to the fort. The watchman on duty was
said to be asleep. The men who were stationed at the fort
were taken prisoners and put on board the barges. The
enemy spiked the two cannons and threw them off the breast
work, then set fire to the watch-house and left. One of the
barges, with twenty men, came around to the old dock, fired
at a sloop's mast, then started out. The meeting-house bell
beginning to ring an alarm, the barge while passing out by
the end of the pier fired at the meeting-house and lodged a
shot in one of the steeple posts. This discharge started a
butt in the bow of their barge, which caused the crew to pull
for the rocks at the back of the pier. Thirteen of them were
taken prisoners; some of them were rescued from drowning,
by being taken out of the water. The remainder (except one

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 75
who escaped in a float to the back beach and ran into the
woods) passed over to Long Cove, took a fishing boat belonging
to James Parsons and Wm. Lurvey, and went off to their
ship, about daylight, in the fog. The lieutenant escaped alone
in a whaleboat to the ship. The prisoners were well cared
for by the Committee of Safety, in the old house of James
Tarr, standing then where the house of Dea. Thomas Giles
now stands, near the Great Hill. At evening they were
marched to Pigeon Cove, the one in the woods till now joining
them, and they were sent on board the frigate in Capt. Daniel
Wheeler's boat, the captain having previously sent word by a
vessel he had captured, that he would willingly exchange
men of ours and release some Americans whom he had on
board. The captain sent our men back and some others and
also gave up the fishing boat to James Parsons, and from that
time while stationed off the coast he gave the fishermen liberty
to fish unmolested. Among the prisoners sent back on
exchange were the nine from the fort, Capt. Elwell and two
Salem men. While the English prisoners were in custody
here, orders icame from Salem to the Committee of Safety to
surrender up the prisoners but our people judged it best that
they should be exchanged for Americans and they thought
that this course would conciliate the Capt. and prevent further
trouble, which proved to be the case. The other barge, I
would further say to complete the history of the affair, that
left the fort, on hearing the firing of the barge in the dock, at
the meeting-house, rowed into the bay but was driven back by
the three persons firing small arms at them. This barge
returned the fire with a six pounder; three shots were exchanged;
no one was injured. The sunken barge was raised and given
to the owner ofthe stolen whaleboat, Ebenezer Davis, and
was in use for years and I believe was a valuable boat. She
was well built and copper fastened. The small arms, pistols
and cutlasses were divided by the Committee of Safety. The

76 CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.
cannon of the sunken barge is yet retained as town property
and is fired on great occasions.
About this time during the war, the frigate Leander came
in near the Folly Cove and fired several shots and attempted
to land for the purpose of watching a small craft which was
there. The people mustered to prevent their landing. The
Company from this village, called the Sea Fencibles, about
sixty men, marched to the scene of expected conflict, with a
nine pounder and two six pounders and small arms, the old
Revolutionary soldiers going with them. The Gloucester
militia were also on hand, Col. James Appleton commanding.
When they arrived they disputed the landing ofthe barge.
Then a flag of truce was sent in but the Colonel replied in a
letter that they could not allow of their landing for any such
purpose as proposed, and that he did not fear their threats.
The frigate soon after stood oft".
There is a story told of one Epes Woodbury of this cove
who boarded an American privateer, supposing her to be an
English vessel -which had taken his boat and retained her
skipper. He took with him a quarter of veal as a present,
thinking to secure the release of his skipper. The Yankee
captain distrusted his motives and, supposing him to be a
Tory, he mixed a strong dose of jalap in the grog he gave
him and sent him away. It operated powerfully and prostrated
him very much. His suspicions were probably groundless.
It is worthy of remark that, notwithstanding many men of
the town were in various ways engaged in the war, but two
are said to have lost their lives, Samuel Lane and Joseph
Tucker Jr., and ft is somewhat doubtful about the first.
In February 1815, the news ofthe ratification of the Treaty
of Peace was received with demonstrations of general rejoicing,
most of the dwellings being brilliantly illuminated. Thomas
Knights Jr. was at the Harbor when the news arrived by a
messenger on horseback. The horse was all foaming with
sweat. He had to pay twenty-five cents for a handbill

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. -jy
containing the news, and returning home he met Col. Isaac
Dennison on the Great Hill. He gave him the handbill and
the Colonel brought it here.
It was in 1815 that Joseph Bolles Manning, after practising
law in Ipswich a few years, located here; he was the oldest
son of Drw John Manning.
By a singular coincidence this general rejoicing for the
cessation of the war with England was here followed with a
proclamation of war against another king, more formidable
than the King of England to the peace and welfare of this
people. This was King Alcohol who had slain his hundreds
among our people. An organization was here and then
' formed, called the Moral Society. Its object was to discourage
vice and especially to check the excessive use of ardent spirits
among the people. This was our first movement on temperance
and the germ of all subsequent efforts to check the sway of
Alcohol. It was at first regarded by its friends as a doubtful
experiment, but accessions were soon made in the cause. All
traders were then engaged in the traffic. At one time it was
said that twenty-five places were known to have it on sale.
Opposition was soon aroused; the church was infected with
the malady: resistance grew clamorous. Some rowdy spirits
celebrate the grog act, so called. They marched about town
in defence of their king and their rights. The pulpit, filled
with a faithful sentinel, thundered the tocsin of alarm and
called to arms. Freedom's hosts grew stronger. The enemy
disputed every inch of ground. The church girds on her
armor anew. The people rally to the cause" of freedom, and
from that day to this the contest has been waxing warm and
eventually we trust will triumph.
The fishing interests ofthis year, 181 5, were the most
prosperous of any previous year. Codfish brought readily
five dollars per quintal, sold in New York at six dollars per
quintal subject to a discount of five per cent, for specie. It
was this year that the New York trade commenced. Nehemiah

78 CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.
Knowlton sailed in the Sch. Java, the second time, and cleared
six hundred dollars. The Pier Company now built the south
west wharf in order to make vessels more safe for the landing
of wood and lumber. This was also the year ofthe terrific
gale called the hurricane, severely felt here and in the harbor.
Trees were prostrated and also some buildings.
1 8 1 6 was noted as a remarkably cold year: little or no corn
grew and farming generally was a failure. The following
winter was regarded as colder than any since 1779 — 80.
In 1 81 7, His Majesty the sea-serpent honored this port with
his first visit. He exhibited himself to the inhabitants on
several occasions, much to the admiration and gratification of
the people.
The schooner Washington this year arrived from the West
Indies and smuggled her cargo consisting principally of rum,
in the village. It was stowed away in barns, wood-piles and
fish-houses. A man by the name of Ladd, then living at Mr.
Solomon Pool's, complained at the custom-house. The officers
took the goods and carried them off. It cost Mr. Pool five
hundred dollars to clear himself from his liabilities, and Mr.
Joseph Smith barely escaped the loss of a like sum. The
schooner was principally owned by a Mr. Boyd of West
Parish. She was carried up the East River and scuttled but
after awhile she was raised and sold. The schooner Dover,
at this time owned here, sailed to the West Indies and on
return made a voyage to the straits at Leghorn but the owners
did not find it profitable and the trade was abandoned. A
fishing boat sailed also to the West Indies from here but
never returned. This same year, 1817, the middle wharf was
built, the three wharves costing about fifty thousand dollars.
In 1 81 8, two hundred and fifty dollars were raised by
subscription to enlarge the old burying-ground and re-set the
walls. There was, this year, some talk respecting the propriety of
being set off from Gloucester as a separate town. The number

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 79
of inhabitants ofthe South Village was then found to be (i 506)
one thousand five hundred and six, having nearly doubled in
twenty-two years. There were about one hundred and sixty
dwelling-houses. In May of this year, 1 8 1 8, commenced the organization of
that grand movement, the Sabbath School, (thirty-five years
ago) which has so richly blest the youth and children of this
place during the past generation. This school originated in
the Congregationalist society, it being the only organized
society at that time having a meeting-house. The other
religious societies gradually adopted the arrangement as
circumstances enabled them. In 1 82 1 the Universalist Society
was incorporated, or rather organized. They have been
previously mentioned as the Independent Society. They
retained their connection with the first parish of Gloucester,
having preaching here at intervals, until they became incor
porated as a society. In 1822 the Baptist Society commenced
building their meeting-house, having been incorporated some
years before. Their first settled pastor was James A. Boswell
of N. H. This society, we have seen, had its origin as early
as 1804 and during the space of eighteen years till the erection
of their meeting-house they had occasional preaching.
There was no formal dedication of the house but at its
opening an appropriate discourse was delivered by the pastor.
Rev. J. A. Boswell.
It may seem strange to some that we should pause to
commemorate the death of a tree, and yet it was this year
that the monarch of the forest of this place was laid in the
dust. It had stood for ages as a landmark in Pool's pasture.
The great elm was, according to estimate, one hundred feet
high with branches spreading in proportion; it was eighteen
feet in circumference five feet up. It is a matter of regret
that this venerable tree was not permitted to stand as a
conspicuous memento of the past. Have we not reason to
believe that it stood in all its majesty and pride ere a European

8o CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.
set foot upon our soil? It may be was the first landmark
that caught the eye of that bold navigator, Capt Smith,
in 1614. It is fitting that such venerable objects of antiquity
should be cherished and preserved. Think you the Charter
Oak or the Big Elm on Boston Common are not objects of
veneration? or the Washington Elm at Cambridge? They
mark historic events, hence the interest that was taken for
their preservation. There is something in antiquity which to
the meditative mind begets veneration and respect. Who
would not esteem it a privilege to commune with the old
patriarchs who laid the foundations of our town? Something
ofthis pleasure, no doubt, would arise if we ofthis generation
could sit in the shadow of that old elm and hold converse
with the ages past. For one I can never look upon such
objects of antiquity without being reminded ofthe shortness
of time, the insignificance ofthe works of man and the bound
lessness of eternity.
In 1822, Dr. Charles Bolles Manning began practise here
with his father, Dr. John Manning.
In 1823, the valuation of Sandy Bay was ^192,000, being
a gain of ^142,000 in twenty-seven years.
In the year 1822 was commenced the manufacture of
isinglass, by Mr. Wm. Hall, from hake sounds, with wooden
rollers worked by hand, this being the only place of fts
manufacture in the U. S. until recently. It proved a lucrative
business to the owners. It is this year, 1 824, that we hear for
the first time ofthe stone business. Mr. Nehemiah Knowlton
first seeks a market for stone. He advertised about five
hundred tons of stone for sale, in a Boston paper. Major
Bates, noticing this advertisement, was led to Sandy Bay
where he soon began the stone business which has proved a
leading business ofthe town. Some ^200,000 worth of stone
was sold during the year 1853. Fifteen or twenty sloops
have been employed and some three hundred men.
In 1825 a post office was estabHshed here for the first

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 8i
time. Winthrop Pool was appointed postmaster. The mail
was at the first brought twice a week. In the course of two
years it came daily. Previous to the establishment of the
post office here, it was very inconvenient to depend upon the
Harbor office. Up to this time but some half dozen newspapers
were taken in town.
The exports from this place, this year, 1825, were 14,875
quintals offish, 3,283 barrels of mackerel, 1,093 barrels of
oil. The vessels owned here were forty fishing schooners,
twenty-one boats from fifteen to twenty tons and twenty-three
coasting vessels, part of them in the New York trade, one in
the West India trade. This was the great mackerel year.
More mackerel were landed this year than in any other year
before or since. One vessel landed more than 1600 barrels.
In 1827, the enterprise of the citizens leads to the
establishment of a Mutual Marine Insurance Company,
consisting of thirty-six shares.
In 1829, the Universalist meeting-house was erected, June
24th. The ceremony of laying the corner-stone and depositing
suitable documents was duly observed on the occasion. Oct.
8th. Rev. Thos. Jones preached the dedicatory sermon. Their
first settled pastor was Rev. Lucius R. Page, in 1830.
It was this year, 1829, that the first fire-engine for Sandy
Bay was procured, three hundred and fifteen dollars having
been raised by subscription for that purpose.
In 1830 the population here was 1783, voters 475, families
336, taxes ^2,352.42.
At Whale Cove, this year (i 830), was cast away a Nantucket
sloop. A woman was confined in the cabin for several hours
but was rescued alive by cutting a hole in the deck to get her
out. She was carried up to Mr. Joseph Smith's where she
gradually recovered.
Dea. Solomon Pool lost his house by fire, this year, said to
have been the first dwelling-house that was ever destroyed
here by fire.

82 CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.
The Baptist association was convened here this year (1830)
and the Rev. David Jewett preached in the Baptist meeting
house for the first time.
The Lyceum was first organized this year. Dr. Adams
Nichols located here this year. He remained about three
years, when he and four other families removed to Quincy,
Illinois. Dr. Joseph Reynolds succeeded Nichols. He was
from N. H.; he came in 1833, remained about six years and
removed to Gloucester.
In 1 83 1, the old pier was repaired and extended at a cost
of some fifteen hundred dollars. In 1831, Pigeon Cove
breakwater was built at a cost of about thirty thousand dollars.
In 1832, the Methodist Society was organized; its origin
was a number of years previous. Their first chapel was not
built till 1838; dedicatory sermon by Rev. L. B. Griffin of
Gloucester, the same year. Their first minister was Rev.
Ezra Washburn.
In 1835, the Government erected a Hght-house on Straits
mouth Island. Mr. Benjamin W. Andrews was appointed
first light-keeper. In 1836, the Government commenced the
breakwater and up to this time have expended some sixty-eight
thousand dollars on the same.
This year. Rev. David Jewett, who had officiated as pastor
of the Congregational Church for thirty-one years, was
dismissed on account of the failure of his health, and Rev.
Wakefield Gale was installed in his place. May 4th., with
appropriate and interesting ceremonies; sermon by Rev. Wm.
M. Rogers of Boston. Rev. David Jewett was a faithful and
laborious minister ofthe gospel during the long period of his
ministry. His church gained in numbers and efficiency.
When he began his ministry, there were but two male members
of the church, viz: Stephen Pool and Dea. Rowe. Female
members were but few, Anna Grover and Betty Tarr were the
principal; all of them in the service for many years and now
feeling the infirmities of age. The poor and the afflicted ever

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 83
found in him a warm friend who could sympathize with them
in all their sorrows. He has erected a monument in the
affections of his people, which will transmit his memory to
posterity. It is said that he fondly cherished the thought
that at last his remains would repose in yonder burial ground,
that he might rise at the Resurrection with those to whom he
had so long preached the gospel. He died at Waltham,
Mass., July 14th. 1841, where he resided with his daughter
and son-in-law, having been in poor health for some years.
He was buried at Marblehead where repose the remains of
his wife and many of her friends.
It was the year 1841 that your speaker commenced the
practice of medicine here in his native town. Dr. Benjamin
Haskell established himself here in the same profession, also
a native, in the year 1839.
March 6th. 1839, the inhabitants of this place meet to
consider the question of being set off from Gloucester and
becoming a separate town; seventy-eight voted for it and three
against it. A committee of two from each school district was
raised to call upon all the voters and get the yeas or nays on
the question. Result, 319 yeas; 54 nays. April Sth. 1839,
a committee, viz: George D. Hale, James Haskell, John W.
Marshall, Nehemiah Knowlton and Reuben Dade, was chosen
to meet the committee of Gloucester Harbor, to consider the
terms of separation. Dec. 7th. 1839, the terms of separation
having been agreed upon, a committee of five was raised to
report a name or names for the new town, for the consideration
ofthe people. Eben'r. Pool, Amos Story Jr., Daniel Wheeler,
Thomas O. Marshall and James Haskell were the committee.
They reported the following names to be voted upon: East
Gloucester, Rockport, Granite, Brest, Cape Ann. These
names had the following votes: East Gloucester, seven;
Rockport, twenty-four; Granite, two; Brest, eight; Cape Ann,
twenty-two. The house was divided to try the name Rockport:
vote, 36, 43. A new committee was now chosen to bring two

84 CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.
names forward, voting that the highest should be the name.
Rockport and Granite were reported; Voted, 40 for Rockport,
10 for Granite.
January 1st. 1840, the Congregational Church, which had
been remodelled the previous year, at an expense of ;^8ooo,
was dedicated. Rev. Wakefield Gale preaching the dedicatory
sermon from the text Psalms 116: 7. The exercises were
deeply interesting.
It was this year, 1 840, that the villages of Sandy Bay and
Pigeon Cove were incorporated under the name of Rockport.
The territory consists of about four thousand acres or six and
one-fourth square miles. The line run from Folly Cove, on
a southerly course across the Cape, to Long or Starknought
harbor beach, about four and a half miles. From Gap Head
on a westerly course to Gloucester line is about four miles;
from the sea-shore to the west of Thacher's Island, on a
south-west line, to Gloucester line, about two to two and one-
quarter miles; from Folly Cove to Halibut Point, from one
and one-half to two miles. Taxes this year were ;^3566.95;
population, 2,650. The Long Cove wharf was built this year,
at a cost of about thirty-five thousand dollars. From this year
much attention was paid to the cultivation of fruit trees; some
years the products have been three thousand barrels of apples.
This year, the Congregational meeting-house was struck by
lightning, during service time on the Sabbath, making a terrific
explosion and necessarily causing much alarm to the audience.
It was about the close of the service and the minister delayed
a few minutes at the close because the rain came down so
profusely, lest the people should be exposed to the shower.
The stroke seems to have been divided, as the weather-board
on the northern corner was shattered and knocked off, and
the ground in the rear of the house was plowed up by the
electricity as it followed the rod from the front to the rear.
In 1 842, Dr. John Manning of Waldoboro, Maine, began
practice here,

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 85
In 1 841, the sea-wall of Pigeon Cove harbor was destroyed
by a severe storm, and most of the vessels suffered a great
loss. In 1842 and '43, business was flourishing; many dwelling-
houses were erected.
Dec. 3d. 1 843, occurred the great fire; three dwelling-houses,
two barns and several outhouses were destroyed.
In 1848, the Mt. Pleasant House went into operation,
designed principally to accommodate summer visitors, as the
town was fast acquiring a reputation as a watering place,
especially the North Village (Pigeon Cove) which as early as
1840 and '42 had some distinguished visitors, viz: Richard
H. Dana and Wm. C. Bryant, who have ever ranked high
among our American poets; also Mr. Bracket, a noted sculptor,
who here moulded a bust of Mr. Bryant, in the old Wheeler
tavern then kept by Mr. Wm. Norwood Ji^. who afterwards,
when company increased, left the old place and moved up the
hill the north side ofthe Cove, where the Pigeon Cove House
now stands. From that time to the present. Pigeon Cove
especially has been acquiring celebrity as a summer resort.
In 1847, o"^^ ofthe greatest enterprises ofthe town was
undertaken, viz: the erection of the cotton mill. This was a
gigantic effort for the people who engaged in it, as it drew
largely upon their pecuniary resources and in some instances
to their serious injury. But it was entered upon with good
intentions, having in view not only their individual interests,
but the well-being of the town and business in general.
From 1 848 to 1 850, some fifty young men became interested
here in the gold excitement of California and the country
generally, and left for the land of gold.
In 185 1, the town felt the importance of making some new
provision for the maintenance of the poor. Some land was
purchased and a poorhouse erected, which will probably be
an advantage to the town. Following in the line of these
new movements, was the establishment of a bank this year.

86 CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.
The completion of these three enterprises has added much to
the importance ofthe town and increased its business to a
large extent. The express business here was begun in 1849,
by Edward H. Shaw, and in 1850 Roman Catholicism was first
introduced by a meeting of a priest, at Mr. Caleb Norwood's
hall. In 1852, among the events that may be noticed, was the
occurrence of an earthquake in this vicinity. On Saturday,
November 27th., at twenty minutes to 12 o'clock M., the sky
was clear and the wind light from N. W. The roar, at first
like the noise of a carriage approaching from a distance on
frozen ground, gradually increased in volume, shaking and
jarring the houses and doors. The sound seemed to pass
from a northerly to a south-easterly direction, lasting nearly
half a minute. The newspapers spoke of it as having been
heard over an area of fifty miles.
Joseph Manning, a native of Waldoboro, Maine, grandson
of Dr. John Manning senior, and son of Dr. John Manning
junior, began the practise of medicine, in Rockport, in 1852.
The same year, Oscar D. Abbott established himself here in
medical practice.
Now, Jan. ist 1854, we look backward over a space of one
hundred and sixty-four years since the settlement began,
with gratitude that from obscurity we have risen to our
present position of importance, our valuation being now
upwards of ^1,000,000, with many of the appliances and
facihties which would seem, with proper improvement, to
guarantee a prosperous future. One hundred years ago, our
territory contained less than two hundred and fifty inhabitants;
now, we number some three thousand five hundred. In this
brief survey of our history, we have aimed to note some of
its most prominent features. We have contemplated the
trials struggles and difficulties attendant upon those early
times. We have seen how the causes of religion and education
from small beginnings have gradually won their way to their

CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 87
present position. Previous to 1797, few parents aspired to
the thought of educating their children for any ofthe professions
of law, medicine, divinity or teaching, but now, for years
previous to the present time, a professional education of some
kind has been the one ambition of our sons and daughters.
(Since about the year 1800, some fifteen of our sons have
received a college education.) Then the condition of the
people did not allow of great projects for improvement. Now,
not content with piers, breakwaters, factories and banks,
their posterity propose, for the prosperity of the town, to be
connected by a chain of railroad to the surrounding country,
the survey of which has just been completed.
In our retrospect of the past, we behold the guiding hand
of Providence disposing and arranging events for the
accomplishment of His wise and beneficent designs. Be it
ours to co-operate in the furtherance of His purposes for
good for the coming future, that they may be transmitted to
the latest posterity. We live in a world of change. How
vividly are we impressed with -this fact, by this retrospect!
The same heavens indeed are over our heads, the same ocean
washes our shores. The same sun shines as brilliantly, and
the moon looks forth from as beautiful a sky as when our
ancestors dwelt here. As we look above we see no changes
in the firmament; as we look upon the sea, the same blue
waters roll and dash beneath our feet. God and His works
remain. But change has passed upon the soil upon which
we tread. These fields that once waved with towering forests
or resounded with the woodman's axe have long since been
subdued by the hand of cultivation, and where once brooded
the stillness and silence of nature, now are heard the din and
noise of business. The barrenness and sterility of nature
have given place to the productiveness of human industry.
But still onward are the mutations that time has wrought.
We are led to ask: Our fathers, where are they? They
sleep in the dust. Ages have passed since they were laid in

8S CENTENNIAL ADDRESS.
their graves. The dwellings of most of them have ceased to
exist. Their memory even hardly lingers in the minds of
their posterity. Man dies and is forgotten and the places
that once knew him know him no more forever, and so will
it be with us. How humbling to the pride of man! What
shadows we are, and what shadows we pursue:
"Like snow-flakes falling on the river,
A moment seen, then gone forever."
Yes, this audience that now hears, and he who addresses
you on this occasion, will all sleep in the dust. When another
hundred years shall have rolled away into eternity, and another
person shall compile its history, no one ofthis large audience,
it may be safe to say, will be there to hear its recital. We
shall have descended to the grave; our names, many of them.
will have passed from the memory of men. Here and there,
indeed, a moss-grown stone may point the inquirer to the last
resting-place of some of us, whose memory tender affection
has rescued from oblivion. Solemn thought, and is this the
end of our hopes? Have we no higher aim than to live to
gratify the pride of life? Is there not a nobler life for which
to live? Yes, blessed be God! Let us profit by the lesson
which this survey ofthe flight of years conveys to us all.
Let us hear the voice that sounds along the track of time.
This life is fleeting and transient, but the life beyond is lasting
and permanent. Let us live for that better life so gloriously
set forth in the gospel.

HISTOR Y OF ROCKPORT.
CHAPTER I.

89

The following list probably contains most of the names of the
men who lived in Sandy Bay from i6go to 1755.

Richard Tarr,
William Tarr,
Caleb Tarr,
Benjamin Tarr,
Benjamin Tarr Jr.,
John Pool,
Joshua Pool,
Ebenezer Pool,
Caleb Pool,
Jonathan Pool,
Francis Pool,
Stephen Pool,
James Pool,
Jacob Pool,
Peter Emmons,
Peter Bennett,
John Davis,
Samuel Davis,
Samuel Davis 4th.,
Jabez Baker,
Jabez Baker Jr.,
John Wonson,
John Blatchford,
Joshua Rendall,
Edward Jumper,
John Babson,
Thomas Harris,
Samuel Harris,

Samuel Wonson,
Edmund Grover,
Nehemiah Grover,
Ebenezer Grover,
Eleazar Grover,
Samuel Clark,
Samuel Clark 2d.,
William Clark,
Henry Witham,
Thomas Dresser,
John Rowe,
Elias Cook,
Stephen Butler,
Thomas Goss,
John Hobson,
Eleazar Lurvey,
Job Lane,
Joshua Norwood,
James Parsons,
Thomas Finson,
Joseph Thurston,
Ephraim Sheldon,
Israel Sheldon,
Daniel Williams,
James Hardy,
Thomas Oakes,
Thomas Harris Jr.

po

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.

Roll of Capt. Rowe's Company,
Hill, June lyth. 7775.
John Rowe, captain,
Mark Pool, ist lieutenant,
Eben'r. Cleaveland, 2nd. lieut.
Daniel Barber Tarr, sergeant,
William Haskins, "
William Daylon,
William Foster, "
Jonathan Rowe, corporal,
Thomas Finson, "
John Gott,
William Lowe, "
Benjarriin Davis, drummer,
Isaac Haskell, fifer,
Jacob Allen,
Obadiah Atkins,
David Averill,
Eleazar Butman,
Daniel Butler,
David Crage,
Henry Clark,
Daniel Doyle,
Dominicus Davis,
Samuel Clark,
Joseph Dresser,
Richard Dresser,
Thomas Dresser,
Caleb Elwell,
James Phipps, '
Ebenezer Gott,
Joshua Gore,
Francis Pool (killed in battle)
Wm. Parsons (killed in battle),
Josiah Brooks, " " "

engaged in the Battle of Bunkei

John Clark,
Joseph Lane,
James Lurvey,
Francis Lane,
Samuel Low,
Hugh Parkhurst,
Henry Morgan,
Henry Parsons,
Joseph Parsons,
Jeffrey Parsons,
John Rowe, Jr.,
Joshua Rowe,
Peter Richardson,
William Rowe,
Daniel Somes,
John Smith,
Ephraim Sheldon,
John Tarr,
John Tarr, Jr.,
James Tarr,
Jabez Tarr,
William Woodbury,
Ebenezer Witham,
Spencer Thomas,
Jonathan Parsons,
Peter Emmons,
Thomas Edes,
John Youlin,
John Parrott,
Joseph Low,
William Jumper,
Aaron Riggs,
Bennett Haskins.

HISTOR YOFRO CKPOR T. 9 1
Copy of John Rowe's Commission as Captain.
Province \ The Sixth Military Foot Company of
of the y Gloucester, belonging to Sixth Regiment
Massachusetts Bay. i in the County of Essex.
-{ Seal. )¦ To JOHN ROWE, Jr., Gentieman, Greeting:
By virtue of the natural power and authority in and by the
good officers of the Royal Commission granted to us and in
compliance with the recommendation of our patriots the
Representative body of this Province freely deputed by the
inhabitants of the respective towns of said Province to meet
in Congress to consult and advise in our oppressed estate
who in Congress at Concord October 26th. this current year
resolved and advised the militia special reference being had
to said resolve; we do by these presents (reposing special
trust in your constitutional loyalty, courage and good conduct)
constitute and appoint you the said John Rowe Jr. to be our
Captain with . full power to act agreeable to the voice of the
Continental and Provincial Congress in every Salutary measure
that they have or may advise to, and you are therefore
carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of Captain in
leading, ordering and exercising us the said Sixth Company
in arms both inferior officers and privates, and taking us in
good order and discipline hereby commanding us to obey you
as our Captain; and you yourself are to observe and follow
such orders and instructions as you shall from time to time
receive from the Continental and Provincial Congress for the
time being of our present exigency or other your superior
officers made agreeable to the voice ofthe Provincial Congress
for the service of his majesty and his loyal subjects, agreeable
to the Constitution of the British Nation and her Colony and
Provincial Charters according to mihtary rules and discipline
pursuant to the trust reposed in you.
Given under our hand and seal at arms in fifth parish in

92 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.
Gloucester the 2 2d. day of December in the fifteenth year of
the reign of his majesty King George the Third, annoque
Domini 1774.
[Signed] By the Company's command,
JOSEPH THURSTON, Scribe.
I Prf*sident
EBENEZER CLEAVELAND, K , , ,, ^ ^ '
In behalf of the Company.

Copy of the Commission of John Rowe Esquire as Captain of
the Company of Sandy Bay the fifth Parish of Gloucester,
engaged in the Battle of Bunker HiU.
The Congress of the Colony of the Massachusetts Bay,
JOHN ROWE, Esquire, Greeting:
We, reposing especial trust and confidence in your courage
and good conduct, do, by these presents, constitute and
appoint you the said John Rowe to be Captain of the Foot
Company in the Regiment of Foot whereof Ebenezer Bridge
Esq. is Colonel, raised by the Congress aforesaid for the
defence of said Colony.
You are, therefore, carefully and diligently to discharge
the duty of a Captain, commanding, ordering and exercising
the said Company in arms, both inferior officers and soldiers,
and to keep them in good order and discipline; and they are
hereby commanded to obey you as their Captain, and you are
yourself to observe and obey such orders and instructions as
you shall, from time to time, receive from the Colonel and
Commander in Chief of the forces raised in the Colony
aforesaid for the defence ofthe same, or any other your
superior officers, according to military rules and disciplines
in war, in pursuance of the trust reposed in you.
By order of the Congress,
Dated the 19th. day of May A. D. 1775.
FREEMAN, Secretary P. T.
JOS. WARREN, President P. T.

HISTOR Y OF ROCKPORT. 93
Middlesex, ss. June the 29th., 1775.
Capt. John Rowe within named appeared and repeated the
oath required by Congress to be taken by the officers of the
Massachusetts Army.
Before me, JONAS DIX, Justice ofthe Peace.

94 HISTOR YOFRO CKPOR T.
CHAPTER II.

Rockport National Bank.
The now Rockport National Bank was incorporated as a
state institution in 1851. The capital stock was ^100,000.
At its organization, Ezra Eames Esq. was chosen president
and occupied that position until his death, which occurred on
the 17th. day of August 1874, at the age of seventy-two
years. Dea. Jabez R. Gott was elected cashier and discharged
the duties thereof faithfully many years and until ill-health
compelled him to resign the office. He died March 1 5th.
1876, aged eighty-two years. Both of these men were
exemplary citizens and prominent in the business ofthe town.
Capt. Charles Tarr succeeded Mr. Eames as president, and
continues in that position at the present time, discharging his
duties faithfully, though his age exceeds fourscore years.
Mr. Howard H. Paul succeeded Dea. Gott as cashier. After
a few years' service he resigned the office and Mr. EH Gott
was appointed his successor. He served a few years and
was succeeded by Mr. George W. Tufts, the present cashier.
When the petition asking for a charter of a bank at
Rockport was before the Legislature, a considerable opposition
was manifested by the friends ofthe Gloucester bank, the only
bank of discount then on the Cape, they claiming that the
one institution was able to furnish all the bank accommodation
the entire Cape required.
After the charter was obtained it was somewhat difficult to
get the stock taken up; but by the earnest and untiring efforts
ofthe board of directors, the object was finally accomplished
and the bank went into successful operation. It was but a
short time before the stock commanded a premium, and it has
ever continued a useful, safe and paying institution.
It continued under the charter of the Commonwealth until

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 95
during the war ofthe Rebellion, Feb. 25th. 1863, the U. S.
Banking Law was enacted, and soon after this institution
accepted a charter under that act, therefore its present name.
After several years of successful operation, the capital
stock was increased to ^150,000, and was held at that figure
some years; then for certain good reasons it was reduced to the
original sum, 1 100,000, which is the amount of capital at this
day. Its stock sold at auction, in April 1888, at ^144 per
share; par value, ^100. Rockport Savings Bank.
Soon after the Rockport Bank went into operation, it was
determined by certain parties that there was room for, and
need of, a savings institution within this town; accordingly, a
petition was presented to the Legislature, and the prayer of
the petitioners was granted, and Rockport Savings Bank was
incorporated June 23d. 1853. The persons named in the act
of incorporation were Ezra Eames, Jabez R. Gott, James
Haskell and their associates. At its organization, James
Haskell was chosen president and Newell Giles treasurer, and
a full board of trustees was also chosen.
This bank soon commenced receiving deposits and it proved
to be a very useful and successful institution. The amount
of its deposits in 1875 was ^414,460.71. About this time, a
cloud came over the town, in the shape of financial troubles
and business failures. Confidence became impaired and
deposits were withdrawn so that in 1 876 they were reduced to
^376,780.51. Dr. Joseph Manning was then chosen treasurer
in place of Newell Giles who had resigned; a change was also
made in the board of trustees. Joshua Tarr was chosen
president, succeeding Henry Dennis who succeeded James
Haskell who resigned some years previous on account of his
leaving town for Saccarappa, Maine, where he now resides.
Notwithstanding the change of officers, confidence was not
restored; withdrawal of deposits continued so that on the 26th.

96 HISTOR Y OF RO CKPOR T.
day of February 1878 they were reduced to ;^ 182,3 5 2. About
this time, Hon. Charles P. Thompson and Dr. Joseph Manning
were appointed receivers and within a few years the business
of the bank was closed. The depositors received eighty-five
and a fraction per cent, of their deposits.
A short time, say about twenty days, after the receivers
were appointed, the Massachusetts Legislature enacted the
Stay Law, so called, which undoubtedly prevented other
savings institutions in the Commonwealth from sharing the
fate ofthe Rockport.
Had this law been enacted before the receivers were appointed
probably the Rockport Savings Bank would be in successful
operation to-day and the depositors would be receiving, when
called for, one hundred cents and interest on every dollar of
their deposits. For when we take into consideration the
eighty-five and a fraction per cent, paid depositors, and eight
thousand dollars paid the receivers, and the shrinkage on a
few of the largest mortgages, saying nothing of the shrinkage
on the smaller ones, we have an amount more than equal to
the whole amount of deposits when the receivers were appointed.
The closing out of this useful institution was one of, if not
the greatest financial disaster that ever befell this town.
Granite Savi?igs Bank.
Awhile after the closing out ofthe Rockport Savings Bank,
some of our citizens saw the need of an institution for savings
within the town. Therefore a petition was forwarded to the
Legislature and in the year 1884 the Granite Savings Bank
was incorporated. Wm. E. Winsor, J. Loring Woodfall,
George Elwell, George M. McClain, Francis Tarr, Nath'l.
Richardson, Jr., John W. Marshall, Frank Scripture, Wm. H.
Colby and George A. Lowe were named in the act as
Corporators. The first meeting for the choice of officers was held December
1 6th. 1884; at which meeting John G. Dennis was chosen

HISTOR Y OF ROCKPORT. 97
president, J. Loring Woodfall secretary and Nath'l. Richardson
Jr. treasurer, and a board of eleven trustees.
The ill feeling engendered by the closing out ofthe Rockport
Savings Bank operated somewhat against the new instftution;
but this is being overcome, the public can but have confidence
in the board of managers. The instftution is gradually
increasing in favor, and when business shall revive deposits
will increase more rapidly. Undoubtedly, this will prove a
useful institution.
Its first dividend of two per cent was payable April ist.
1 887, and ft has paid semi-annual dividends from that date.
The first deposft was received April nth. 1885.
The first president, John G. Dennis Esq., a person highly
esteemed in this community, died in June of the first year of
his service, but the vacancy was not filled until the next annual
meeting, when Wm. E. Winsor was elected president and Mr.
Nath'l. Richardson Jr. was re-elected treasurer.
Mr. Dennis at the time of his death was a member of the
Mass. Legislature.
Henry Dennis is now president; Wm. H. Colby, secretary;
Nath'l. Richardson Jr., treasurer.
Fourth of July Celebration.
Early in the year 1854, say as early as April, the question
of a town celebration of our national independence was agitated.
An interest in this was probably awakened by our celebration
on the second day of January, of the centennial ofthe incorpora
tion of the fifth parish of Gloucester (Sandy Bay).
As early as May, an informal meeting was called, plans
and measures were discussed looking towards a general
celebration. Other meetings soon followed. An executive
committee was chosen; sub-committees were appointed; thus
in good season the work of preparation was commenced. The
whole people were awake and interested in the work. The
finance committee collected some six or seven hundred dollars

p8 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.
for music, fireworks, etc., etc. The ladies proposed to furnish
a collation. A large tent, capable of seating six or eight
hundred persons, was to be erected in the Norwood Pasture
(Allen's Head). Mr. Wm. Norwood, when asked for the use
of his pasture for the occasion, replied "Yes, you are welcome
to the use of the pasture for the celebration of the Fourth of
July, but you have yet to fight for your independence." We
have seen his prophecy fulfilled. The several committees
went to work in good earnest, each one determined to make
the celebration a success.
On the morning of the Fourth, all was in readiness. At
sunrise, the bells ofthe several churches and ofthe cotton
mill were rung one half hour. This with the booming of
cannon was a fitting prelude to the exercises and festivities of
the day. The weather was hot and sultry. Notwithstanding
this, quite early, people in great numbers came pouring into
town. The programme called for a procession which formed on
Broadway, its right resting on Main Street, at lo o'clock A.
M., in the following order:
Aids. Chief Marshal. Aids.
Chelsea Brass Band.
Gloucester Artillery, Capt. Jeremiah Cook.
Committee of Arrangements.
Bay Tent of Rechabites, No. 224; sixty members in
full regalia, and floating banner of blue silk.
A carriage appropriately trimmed in which were five
of our eldest citizens, motto "Our Fathers."
Order of Odd Fellows, about sixty members of
Granite Lodge and a few members of Ocean
Lodge, in full regalia. They carried a
very elegant silk banner presented
by the ladies.
Goddess of Liberty, tastefully dressed, in a carriage
appropriately decorated.

HISTOR Y OF ROCKPOR T. 99
Justice — White dress, spangled sash, scales in the
right hand; motto, "Justice is not blind," in the left
Peace — White dress, blue sash, wreath of roses;
carriage trimmed with oak leaves, evergreen
and flowers.
Engine Company No. 3, in uniform — blue trousers,
red shirt, glazed cap.
School No. I , Grammar Department, Girls in Bloomer
costume; boys, blue jackets, white trousers and
stockings, straw hats.
Seasons, Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter — repre
sented by young ladies, emblematically dressed,
carriage appropriately trimmed with oak,
spruce, etc.
School No. 4 — girls in dark blue waists, white skirts,
wreaths of evergreen; boys in white trousers,
blue jackets, wide collars and black ties;
teachers; anchors trimmed with flowers.
Banner, "Hope,"
"District No. 4."
Stars — Nine girls dressed in. white with blue sash
and crowns of various colors, stars on each point
of crown; carriage trimmed with roses, ever
green, stars and spangles; driven by a
negro boy.
School No. 3 — Girls with oak-leaf hats, pink waists,
white skirts; boys, red jackets, white trousers,
oak-leaf hats. Banner, "Perseverance;"
"District No. 3."
Morning, Noon and Night, represented by ladies
emblematically dressed; carriage tastefully
adorned.
Faith, Hope and Charity, well represented by persons
in appropriate costume, in a carriage appropri
ately trimmed.

IOO HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.
School No. 2 — Girls in white skirts, blue sacks,
white sun-bonnets; boys, red jackets, white
trousers, straw hats trimmed with
evergreen.
Purity — A carriage with twelve young ladies in white
dresses and wreaths of flowers.
School No. 5 — Boys, pink shirts, white trousers,
straw hats; girls, white dresses and straw hats;
banner, "Truth is our Guide," "District No. 5."
Representatives of the States — Thirty -two young
ladies dressed in white, with straw hats, each
with the name of a state in white ribbon
over the shoulder. Banner in the center
leading from the staff held by each lady;
motto, "United States," "United
we stand, divided we fall."
School No I, Primary Department, in carriages
tastefully decorated — Boys, with white trousers,
buff waists, wreath over the shoulder, and
straw hats; girls, all in white, hats of blue
cambric, with wreaths. Banner, "Tall
oaks from little acorns grow,"
"Primary No. i."
Indian and Turk on horseback, appropriately dressed.
Old Folks at Home — Ten young ladies dressed in
old style, in a carriage, with spinning-wheel,
carding, &c.
Flora's Bower — Carriage trimmed with flowers,
containing six young ladies dressed in white,
decorated with flowers and carrying
baskets of flowers.
Modesty — White dress, full white veil, two attendants
holding an arch of flowers over her head.
Glee Club — Five ladies and two gentiemen; ladies
in various dresses, gentiemen as troubadours.

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. loi
The route ofthe procession was through Broadway, School,
High, Pleasant, Mt. Pleasant, South, Main, Beach and King
streets. The programme called for Granite Street to Pigeon
Cove, but when the procession arrived at the head of King
Street it was found impracticable, on account of the intense
heat, to proceed further. Several members of the Artillery
had been smitten with sunstroke and numbers of the children
were also obliged to leave the ranks. Therefore, upon the
consultation of the committee of arrangements, it was thought
best to take up the line of march towards the Pavilion, where
the procession arrived about half-past one o'clock. On their
arrival they found the tables well spread and loaded with a
bountiful supply of food provided by the ladies. After the
procession was seated at the tables, the divine blessing was
invoked by Rev. A. C. L. Arnold, chaplain of the day, after
which the attention of the company was devoted to the viands
before them. Though the procession was the first that was
seated at the tables, the crowd outside the tent was not
slighted nor neglected. In due time, all were invited to
partake of the good things that were provided to supply the
wants of the inner man. We are sure that there was a great
abundance of food, enough and more than enough for the
great number in attendance, and quite a surplus that was
distributed to the needy, by the committee of arrangements,
the next day.
The Hon. James Haskell, the president of the day, called
the assembly to order, and the Rev. Mr. Arnold again addressed
the throne of grace in words appropriate to the occasion.
After he concluded, Lemuel Gott M. D. read the Declaration
of Independence. Then the orator of the day, C. M. Ellis
Esq., of Boston, was introduced by the president in a few well
chosen words. The subject of the oration was a review of
the early history of the settiement of New England, showing
how the idea of constitutional liberty was fundamental in the
minds of our fathers and was by them bequeathed to their

I02 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.
immediate descendants. They welcomed fugitives from
tyranny, from every state of despotic Europe, whether that
tyranny was governmental or ecclesiastical. Fugitives from
slavery were their every-day visitors, and thereby the flame
of liberty was fanned into surpassing brightness. He considered
that the spirit of liberty was endangered in our period, by
causes obvious to all, but he yet believed in the ultimate
triumph of liberty and foresaw the day when as a nation we
should be free indeed. Mr. Ellis spoke for an hour and a
half Then an hour was spent in social expression, in pertinent
and short speeches by several persons. David Kimball Esq.,
of Boston, a former resident here, acted as toast-master. The
following were some of the many sentiments offered, all of
which elicited much applause.
The President of the Uiited States and his administration.
"May they fear God and keep His commandments."
Washington. "May we emulate his patriotism and practise
his virtues."
The orator of the day. "May the .spirit which he has this
day inspired be long felt." Mr. Ellis responded in an
animated and interesting manner.
Hon. Charles W. Upham. "Representative to Congress,
from Essex District, the firm friend of freedom."
The Press. "May its mighty influence ever be wielded on
the side of freedom." Rev. Mr. Arnold responded by a few
pertinent remarks.
The Gloucester Artillery. Private W. H. Dann answered in
behalf of the Company, by a few well chosen words.
The Chelsea Brass Band. "May they live to blow long for
the gratification of their patrons."
To the young ladies of Rockport. "May they make better
wives than their mothers."
Mr. Ellis responded declaring that were ft not for the influence
of the mothers he should consider it a libel. But, inheriting

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 103
their virtues and emulating their excellencies, it might be
possible. Thus closed the day's performance.
Decorations on the several streets were as follows: on
Broadway and Main Street were arches of evergreen, mottoes
"The day we celebrate," "July 4th., 1776," "Welcome;" on
High Street, arch of evergreen, motto "God and our country,"
"Liberty not Oppression"; on Pleasant Street, arch with the
motto, "The spirit of '76 stiH lives;" on School Street, "Inde
pendence," "Bunker HiH;" on Broadway, the schoolhouse
and the houses of Messrs. Samuel J. Giles, Dudley Choate,
James Haskell and N. F. S. York were appropriately decorated.
Flags were suspended across High Street from the houses
of E. Boynton and David Tarr; on Main Street, near the house
of David Brooks, and on King Street from the bakery of Mr.
Knowlton, also from many other places.
David Kimball Esq. donated to the boys a large quantity
of Chinese explosives which added greatly to their enjoyment.
They were very discreet in the use of them; none were
exploded on the route of the procession while it was passing.
During the evening, there was a grand display of fireworks
on the ground near the Pavilion and the Chelsea Band
discoursed some excellent music, including several very
popular airs.
Throughout the day and evening good order was preserved.
Though there was a very large number of people in town,
there were but two or three arrests and that for imbibing too
freely of that they brought with them. There was no disturb
ance during the entire day and evening.
The members ofthe Artillery that were most severely
affected by sunstroke were sergeant Henry Pearce and private
Oilman Saunders. Pearce was insensible several hours; they
however recovered within a few days.
The weather several days before and on the Fourth and a
few days after was very warm. The mercury ranged from 90

1 04 HISTOR Y OF RO CKPOR T.
to IOO in the shade, during the day, and did not fall below
80 in the night.
The Gloucester Telegraph of the 8th. of July, to which
we are largely indebted for much ofthe foregoing description,
also says: "The whole celebration was highly creditable to
the energy, enterprise and taste of our neighbors.
"Messrs. Lyman B. Stockman and J. P. H. Cushing rendered
us valuable assistance in making up our report of the
celebration." The orator of the day, C. M. Ellis Esq., was honorably
known throughout the free portion of our country, for his
connection with the defence of Burns in Boston, a fugitive
from slavery.

HISTOR Y OF ROCKPORT. 105
CHAPTER III.

Temperance Reform.
The earliest action taken in this line by the town of
Gloucester, of which Sandy Bay was the 5th. parish, was at the
annual town meeting in March 18 14, when a committee was
appointed by the town, whose duty it was to ascertain who
were violating the license law of that day. That committee
reported as follows:
"To the Gentlemen Selectmen of Gloucester:
"We, the subscribers, being appointed by the town at
its last annual March meeting, to notice and inform of all
those persons who sell ardent spirit contrary to the statute
laws of this Commonwealth, having attended to the business
of our appointment, find that the following licensed persons
have not conformed to the laws for the year past, but have
been and continue in the constant habit of selling liquors
mixed and drank in their shops in open violation ofthe statute
laws of this Commonwealth, viz: (here are inserted the names
of sixteen persons, all of whom did business at Gloucester
harbor).* "As no person can obtain a license but through the
approbation of the Selectmen, we think it most expedient in
the first instance to give them timely notice, with full confidence
that they will not be wanting in their duty, and will withhold
their future approbation.
"But, if any of the above mentioned persons who pay no
regard to the wholesome laws of this Commonwealth should
*Probablv these sixteen men were licensed to sell ardent spirit by
retail, but not to be mixed and drank on the premises.

1 06 HISTOR Y OF RO CKPOR T.
obtain an approbation, we are determined to make a presentation
of ah such persons to the General Sessions ofthe County.

(Signed) "James Goss,
"Francis Norwood,
"Solomon Pool,
"Timothy R. Davis,
"John Mason.

Committee.

"Gloucester, June 25th. 18 14."
All of whom were of Sandy Bay, except John Mason.
The next move, spoken of in the Centennial Address as "A
war waged against a more formidable power than the King of
England," was as follows. The villagers, having become
alarmed at the ravages King Alcohol was making in their
ranks, held a meeting to consider this great question, at the
house of Mr. Francis Norwood, on the 15th. day of February
1 81 5, and organized by the choice of Mr. Solomon Pool
moderator, Mr. Wm. Whipple Sec'y. A committee of five
were chosen to draft a constitution and by-laws, and then
adjourned to the 23rd. inst., at which meeting the Committee
made their report and presented their draft ofthe constitution,
which was adopted, and the society organized under the name of
"Moral Reform" and chose Major Francis Norwood, Pres.,
and Dr. James Goss, Sec'y. The temperance pledge adopted
by this society was as follows, after setting forth the evils of
selling and drinking ardent spirits: "We, therefore, do solemnly
engage to abstain from an excessive use of ardent spirit,
ourselves, to prevent it in our families, social circles and other
places; that we will not frequent and drink in retailing shops,
nor suffer our children under our care to do it; and that we
will unite in aiding and upholding persons appointed to
suppress all such unauthorized places amongst us, in taking
every legal step necessary, that this dreadful evil may be
removed and the rising generation saved from its ruinous
effects." They also pledge themselves against the use of

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 107
profane language, evil speaking and gambling, and also pledge
themselves to a proper observance of the Sabbath. The
foregoing vices were quite prevalent in the community in
those early days. Though the pledge against the use of
ardent spirits admitted of considerable latitude, yet, from what
has come down to us by tradition and history of the habits of
the people of that day, the stand taken by this society was a
bold and noble one, and certainly pointed in the right direction.
Those who signed the constitution were: Francis Norwood,
James Goss, Solomon Pool, Eben'r. Oakes, Abraham Pool,
Solomon Choate, Caleb Norwood, David Jewett, Reuben
Brooks, Stephen Pool, Wm. Choate, Henry Witham Jr.,
Thomas Giles, John Burns Jr., Wm. Whipple, Aaron Pool,
Matthew S. Giles, Jabez R. Gott, Wm. Pool, Reuben Brooks
Jr., Gorham Norwood, David Kimball, Josiah Page, Joseph
Smith Jr., Thomas Oakes, George Dennison, Isaac Dennison
Jr. This society continued in active operation until March
9th. 1829, when by mutual consent it was dissolved.
As far as we learn, there were no other special efforts to
suppress liquor-selling or drinking until about 1830 or '31,
when the question was agitated from the pulpit and by laymen.
As the results of this agitation, a society was organized and
the members pledged themselves not to drink distilled liquors;
but soon it was found that this pledge did not cure the evil,
as some members that were thus pledged were occasionally
intoxicated by the too free use of cider, wine or malt liquors.
From time to time the pledge was strengthened, until it forbade
the use of all intoxicating liquors.
The feeble efforts that were put forth before this date
caused a great opposition. The movement was by its
opponents at first called the gag act. The opposition made
at one time quite a demonstration by an assemblage on Dock
Square, where a barrel of New England rum was tapped and
the stars and stripes waved above it upon a staff whose base
was in the bung-hole. The day was spent in riot and drinking.

1 08 HISTOR Y OF ROCKPOR T.
It has been many years since such a scene could have been
re-enacted. Probably the drinking habits ofthis people were
not greater, and the opposition to reform more manifest, in
this than in other communities, especially where fishing was
the leading industry.
In the year 1 840, April, six men in the city of Baltimore,
all of them addicted to the excessive use of ardent spirits,
while seated together in a hotel where ardent spirits were
sold, inaugurated the Washington Total Abstinence Society
and adopted the following pledge:
"We whose names are annexed, desirous of forming a
society for our mutual benefit, and to guard against a pernicious
practice which is injurious to our health, standing and families,
do pledge ourselves as gentlemen that we will not drink any
spirituous or malt liquors, wine or cider."
This society thus inaugurated increased wonderfully in
power and volume. Its influence extended within a short
time to a great portion of our land and on the 30th. day of
August, 1 841, a public meeting was held in the Universalist
meeting-house in this town, of which Rev. John Allen was
chosen chairman and Nehemiah H. Swain, Sec'y. At this
meeting a committee was chosen to draft a constitution and
by-laws by which a permanent organization was effected. Wm.
Caldwell was chosen president; his successors in that office
were John W. Marshall, Levi Cleaves, Levi SewaU. This
society adopted the following pledge:
"The members ofthis society agree that they will never
again drink any intoxicating liquors, except when prescribed
by a medical attendant, or in case of wine at communion; and
that they will not provide them for their friends, or for persons
in their employ; and they will, in all suitable ways, discoun
tenance the use of them in the community; and above all,
that they will use their utmost endeavors to reclaim and
restore to Temperance those who are unfortunately addicted
to drunkenness."

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 109
The last record of a meeting of this society was dated Dec.
19th. 1848. It was held in the vestry ofthe Congregational
society. The record says: "The Committee who were chosen
at the previous meeting made no report." Though the life of
this society covered but a few years, it was an active one and
we know it accomplished a great good. Many liquor shops
were closed and the proprietors never again engaged in the
business, and many persons who were addicted to the free
use of liquor signed the pledge and to their dying day observed
it inviolate, some of whom were our most prominent citizens.
The whole number of names recorded that signed the
pledge and constitution was 1 139, nearly one-half of the whole
population of the town, at that time. Undoubtedly the
influence of that organization extended through many of the
succeeding years. Early in its history, John B. Gough gave
two lectures here, one in the Congregational and one in the
Universalist meeting-house. On these occasions, these houses
were literally packed. It was in the early years of his
temperance conversion; he was listened to with rapt attention.
At a later day, there were various organizations instituted
here in the interest of temperance, among which were the
Sons, an order of which was formed in each village. They
did a good work for a season, then passed away.
Bay Tent of Rechabites was instituted here, March nth.
1 847; within two years of that time it numbered more than
one hundred members. Its object was to promote temperance
and morality and watch over and provide for fts members
when sick and needy. It continued its organization with
various success and membership and accomplished much
good in the community, until May 1885 when a large majority
of its membership thought best to dissolve the organization,
which they did and then organized Rechabite Temple of
Honor which is now in successful operation.
Northern Light Lodge 240, I. O. G. Templars, at Pigeon
Cove, is the outcome of an order ofthe Sons of Temperance

1 1 0 HISTOR V OF ROCKPORT.
that had been instituted in that village and was in successful
operation several years. It exerted a good influence in that
community. When the Northern Light was instituted there
were thirty-four charter members. Five hundred and eight
names have been enrolled during its history. It is now in a
healthy condition.
These two organizations are the only active temperance
societies at present in town.
There was an extensive temperance revival here commencing
with the year 1876, under the leadership of a Dr. Reynolds
of Bangor, Maine. Many public meetings were held in the
Town Hall which on these occasions was filled to its utmost
capacity. Clergyman and layman united in assisting the Dr.
in the good work. The badge of membership was the blue
ribbon, which was worn by hundreds. Many were reclaimed
from their cups, and during the few years of its life great
good was accomplished. During this great upheaval of
temperance sentiment, one Mr. Greer who kept a saloon
dumped his stock of liquors in the street gutter and closed
out his business.
When that institution went out, an order of the Sons of
Temperance was instituted, which flourished and prospered a
few years, did a good work and disbanded.
The town, commencing with 1856 and during the succeeding
years including 1887, appropriated for the enforcement ofthe
liquor laws ofthe Commonwealth ^6450, of which sum there
has been expended by a special committee or Special Police,
annually chosen for that purpose, ;^3468.69. Their efforts
have been quite effective. For many years there has been no
place within the limits of our town where ardent spirits were
publicly sold. On the question of License or No License,
the vote has always been emphatically "No."
Rockport is truly a prohibitory town, though but two votes
were cast for the Political Prohibftory Party at the state
election, Nov. 6th. i i

HISTOR Y OF ROCKPORT. 1 1 1
Women's Raid.
The citizens of this usually quiet town were somewhat
surprised as, on the morning ofthe 8th. day of July 1856,
women in considerable numbers were seen wending their way
towards Dock Square. At about nine o'clock A. M., some
two hundred or more formed a procession and under the
leadership of a seaman who carried the American flag proceeded
to march through the principal and most public streets of the
town. The spectators, of whom there were a large number,
soon learned the object of this great demonstration, which
was a raid upon the shops and other places where intoxicating
liquors were illegally sold. As the procession arrived at one
and another of these marked and suspected places, they made
a halt and if the door was not opened before them they
proceeded to force an entrance and, once within the premises,
seized casks, demijohns, jugs and bottles that contained the
bane of their happiness, and emptied their contents into the
street, occasionally making use of hatchets (with which they
were liberally supplied) to hasten the flow of the hated liquid.
After marching over the principal streets and raiding thirteen
places where intoxicating liquors were illegally kept for sale,
they proceeded to the square, the starting-point of the
procession. There they congratulated each other on the
successful issue of the day's proceedings, then disbanded and
at about three o'clock P. M. each one quietiy returned to her
home. As far as we know, neither the Selectmen nor the
police were called upon to arrest the progress of these women
who thus had taken the law into their own hands in order to
rid the community of the great enemy to the peace and quiet
of their homes.
This action ofthe women of Rockport was made a subject
of legal investigation and after a full and fair trial they received
a verdict of acquittal. These women were aided in their
. defense before the Court by able council and the contributions

112 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.
of the friends ofthe cause, in sums of from five dollars to fifty,
a total of five hundred dollars or more.
At the first trial before the Court a verdict of acquittal was
rendered. Exceptions were taken by the prosecution, which
were heard before the full bench of judges. At the hearing,
the verdict was set aside and a new trial was had, which
resulted in a like verdict.
These two trials before the Court and the hearing before
the full bench caused a large expense in addition to the five
hundred dollars which was first contributed. One and another
declined to make further contributions. But Mr. John
Stimson, who for a long time was engaged in the stone
business in town, first a member of the Boston & Gloucester
Granite Co., then on his own account, next as a member of
the firm of Eames, Stimson & Co., and finally as agent and
treasurer of Rockport Granite Co., continued faithful and
gave the women's cause liberal aid until the end ofthe conflict
at a cost of ^800 to ^1000. He died in Lexington, Mass.,
July 30th. 1886, aged eighty-one years, nine months, eleven
days. Though those who were engaged in this demonstration
against the illegal sale of intoxicating liquors, after an
exhaustive trial, were acquitted, we would consider that way
of abating a nuisance, of dangerous tendency and certainly
should not be appealed to except as a last resort.
The peculiar character of this case prompts us to insert
the law proceedings in the following pages:
"Supreme Judicial Court, November term 1858. James
Brown vs. Stephen Perkins and wife." Gray's Report, Book
12. "An action of tort was entered by James Brown against
Stephen Perkins and wife, for breaking and "entering the
plaintiffs shop in Rockport and carrying away and destroying a
barrel of vinegar and other goods of the plaintiff.
"The answer denied that the defendants entered the shop.

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 113
or destroyed or carried away any goods; and alleged that the
building was for the sale of intoxicating liquors and so was a
public nuisance, and that a large number of persons assembled
to abate the same, and destroyed and injured no article of
merchandise, but only spirituous liquor, unlawfully kept for
sale, and did no other act, and used no more force than was
necessary to abate such nuisance."
At the trial before the Chief Justice, Lemuel Shaw, the
plaintiff and others testified that he was a grocer and kept a
shop in Rockport; that on the Sth. of July, 1856, the defendants
and others broke open his shop and destroyed various articles
therein; and that there was no spirituous liquor there at the
time. The defendants introduced evidence to show that about
three hundred women, some of whom were armed with
hatchets, met, according to previous appointment, in a
neighboring square and marched in procession to the plaintiff's
shop, and broke it open, and brought out and destroyed
spirituous liquors which they found there; that on previous
occasions persons had been seen coming out of the shop
intoxicated; and that when the shop was broken open, Perkins
was on the opposite side of the street, and his wife was not
there at all; and there was conflicting evidence as to the part
taken by her in the subsequent destruction of the property.
One of the defendants' witnesses testified: "There were
many men there, and almost all the women in Rockport — all
who could walk or move on crutches. All the men appeared
to be approving, except the rumsellers; I heard no objection.
The selectmen, ministers, deacons, policemen were present;
none of them forbade what was done, but all was peace and
harmony. They appeared to be very happy, and the shouts
came up from the gentlemen. The justices of the peace
were there; everything that could walk. We determined to
carry it through and destroy all the liquor."
So much ofthe judge's instructions as concerned the points

1 1 4 HISTOR Y OF RO CKPOR T.
decided by the full court was reported by him as follows:
"The most material question is, whether this proceeding
was justifiable upon the grounds stated and relied upon. That
justification is that by statute all intoxicating liquors kept for
sale, and the vessels and implements actually used in selling
and keeping the same contrary to the provisions of that act
(Statute 1855, C. 215), are declared to be common nuisances,
and are to be regarded and treated as such; and that by
another statute ( 1 8 5 5 , C. 405), all buildings, places or tenements
used as houses of ill-fame, resorted to for prostitution, lewdness
or for illegal gaming, or used for the illegal keeping or sale
of intoxicating liquors, are declared to be common nuisances
and are to be regarded and treated as such.
"Upon this three questions arise: First, Whether all persons,
members ofthe community, have a lawful right to destroy
intoxicating liquor thus kept, by way of abatement of a
common nuisance? Second, Whether for this purpose they
have a right to use force to break open the place where it is
so kept, if the nuisance cannot be reached and abated otherwise?
Third, Is it justifiable for a large number of persons to combine
and agree together to take and destroy such intoxicating
liquor, by force, and to use force in breaking open such a
shop in order to come at and get possession of the liquor to
be destroyed?"
"Upon the questions I (Chief Justice Shaw) was of opinion
and instructed the jury as follows:
"ist. That intoxicating liquors kept for sale, with the
vessels containing them, and articles used in the sale, being
declared by law to be a common nuisance, it is lawful for any
person to destroy them, by way of abatement of a common
nuisance, and that it is the exercise of a common and lawful
right. "2d. That if kept in such a shop, not a dwelling-house,
locked or otherwise closed, ft is justifiable to use force, but no

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 115
more force than is necessary to reach the liquor and vessels,
if it cannot be come at otherwise.
"3d. That if the combination or conspiracy of a large
number of persons extends no further than to take and destroy
intoxicating liquors and the vessels, and to use no unnecessary
force, the fact that such combination is entered into by a large
number of persons to act together, in doing that and no more,
would not take away the justification they would have, if
done by a few of them.
"But the jury were cautioned that this was a dangerous
power; comment was made upon the danger of permitting
people to take the law into their own hands, alluding to lynch
law, vigilance committees, etc., leading to resistance, to riots,
bloodshed and violence, destruction to the peace of a civilized
community; that as a general rule private persons must rely
upon the law for their protection and the redress of grievances.
And if the law is in any respect inoperative and ineffectual, it
is the province of the Legislature to amend it."
The restrictions under which this power can be lawfully
exercised, the jury were instructed to be as follows:
"ist The power claimed by the defendants is a power
conferred by law, and not by license or authority conferred
by private persons, and must therefore be construed strictly,
and if they exceed their authority they are trespassers, ab
initio. This justification wholly fails, and the plaintiff is
entitled to recover for all the damages sustained; so if they
break open a shop where no intoxicating liquor is kept, or, if
kept, if none is kept for sale, they do it at their peril; and if
none such is found, the justification fails; so, if after entering
they do unlawful acts, they are trespassers ab initio.
"2d. "If any more force was used than was necessary, or
any damage done to the building or to any articles in the
building, beyond that of taking and destroying the intoxicating
liquor kept for sale, and the vessels, which contained it, then
the parties so acting were trespassers ah initio, and the justifica
tion is not established."

1 1 6 HISTOR Y OF ROCKPORT.
"Under these views the evidence was briefly reviewed and
submitted to the Jury, upon the several questions of fact above
stated, especially whether any unnecessary force was used
in breaking open the shop, without first requesting the
owner to unlock it; or whether any unlawful acts were
done by the party after entering the shop, either to the
building or articles in it; and whether a barrel of vinegar, or
any article other than intoxicating liquor and the vessels, was
taken away or damaged.
"The Jury returned a verdict for the defendants; and the
plaintiff moved for a new trial, on the ground that the Jury
were misdirected in matters of law; and this motion was
reserved for the whole Court."
Able argument was presented by the counsel for the plaintiff,
viz: O. P. Lord and J. W. Perry.
Also by S. H. Phillips and R. S. Rantoul for the defendants.
Then the court go on and say, —
"This is an action for breaking and entering the plaintiffs
shop and destroying various articles of property. The defend
ants, denying the facts, and putting the plaintiff to proof, insist
that if it is proved that they were chargeable with the breaking
and entering, it was justifiable by law, on the ground that the
shop was a place used for the sale of spirituous liquors, and
so was declared to be a nuisance; and that they had a right to
abate the nuisance, and for that purpose to break and enter
the shop, as the proof shows it was done; that the shop contained
spirituous liquors kept for sale; that the so keeping them was
a nuisance by statute; that they had a right to enter by force
and destroy them; and that they entered for that purpose and
destroyed such articles, and did no more damage than was
necessary for that purpose."
"1st The Court are of opinion that spiritous Hquors are
not, of themselves, a common nuisance, but the act of keeping
them for sale by statute creates a nuisance; and the only mode
in which they can be lawfully destroyed is the one directed by

HISTOR Y OF ROCKPOR T. 117
statute, for the seizure by warrant, bringing them before a
magistrate and giving the owner ofthe property an opportunity
to defend his right to it. Therefore it is not lawful for any
person to destroy them by way of abatement of a common
nuisance, and, a fortiori, not lawful to use force for that purpose.
"2d. It is not lawful by the common law for any and all
persons to abate a common nuisance, though the doctrine may
have been sometimes stated in terms so general as to give
countenance to this supposition. This right and power is
never entrusted to individuals in general without process of
law, by way of vindicating the public right, but solely for the
relief of a party whose right is obstructed by such nuisance.
"3d. If such were intended to be made the law by force
of the statute, it would be contrary to the provisions of the
Constitution, which directs that no man's property can be
taken from him without compensation, except by the judgment
of his peers or the law of the land; and no person can be twice
punished for the same offence, and it is clear that, under the
statutes, spirituous liquors are property and entitled to
protection as such. The power of abatement of a public or
common nuisance does not place the penal laws of the
Commonwealth in private hands.
"4th. The true theory of abatement of nuisance is that an
individual citizen may abate a private nuisance injurious to
him, when he could also bring an action; and also, when a
common nuisance obstructs his individual right, he may remove
it to enable him to enjoy that right, and he cannot be called
in question for so doing. As in the obstruction across a
highway, and an unauthorized bridge over a navigable water
course, if he has occasion to use it, he may remove ft by way
of abatement. But this would not justify strangers, being
inhabitants of other parts of the Commonwealth, having no
such occasion to use it, to do the same. Some of the earlier
cases, perhaps, in laying down the general proposition that
private subjects may abate a common nuisance, did not

118 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.
expressly mark this distinction; but we think, upon the
authority of modern cases, where the distinctions are more
accurately made, and upon principle, this is the true rule of
law. "5th. As it is the use of a building, or the keeping of
spirituous liquors in it, which in general constitutes a nuisance,
the abatement consists in putting a stop to such use.
"6th. The keeping of a building for the sale of intoxicating
liquors, if a nuisance at all, is exclusively a common nuisance;
and the fact that the husbands, wives, children or servants of
any person do frequent such a place and get intoxicating
liquor there, does not make it a special nuisance or injury to
their private rights, so as to authorize and justify such persons
in breaking into the shop or building where it is thus sold,
and destroying the liquor there found, and the vessels in which
it may be kept; but it can only be prosecuted as a public or
common nuisance in the mode prescribed by law.
"Upon these grounds, without reference to others which
may be reported in detail hereafter, the Court are of opinion
that the verdict for the defendants must be set aside, and a
niw trial had."
Judges of the S'upreme Judicial Court at the time of this
report, — Hon. Lemuel Shaw, Chief Justice.
Hon. Charles A. Dewey.
Hon. Theron Metcalf.
Hon. George T. Bigelow.
Hon. Benjamin F. Thomas.
Hon. Pliny Merrick.
Hon. Stephen H. Phillips, Attorney-General.
In the month of December, 1859, a new trial was had before
the Superior Court. Hon. Judge RockweH presided; ft occupied
the Court three days. The defendants undertook to show that
they had committed no trespass. The Jury, after being out
eighteen hours, returned a verdict for the defendants.

HISTOR YOFRO CKPOR T. 119
on the lOth. day of December, 1859 — Perry and Endicott
for the plaintiff; Perkins, Derby and Rantoul for the
defendants.

1 20 HISTOR Y OF ROCKPORT.
CHAPTER IV.

History of the Public Schools.
The Centennial Address contains the early history of our
public school system, which of course we need not reiterate,
yet, in order to give a clear statement of the later history, we
deem it necessary to take up our public school system at the
date of the incorporation of the town. At which time we find
its territory had been divided into six school districts, four of
which, Nos. 7, 8, 9 and 10, were in Sandy Bay; two, Nos. 11
and 12, were at Pigeon Cove. Each district was provided
with a tolerably convenient schoolhouse, or what was so
considered in those days. After the incorporation of the
town, the school districts were re-numbered. No. i was in
the center of the town; its schoolhouse was about thirty feet
square, one story, with a hip-roof It was located on the site
that the Sandy Bay House stable and hall now occupies. No.
2 was at the southern part of the town; its schoolhouse was
the now dwelling-house which is located nearly opposite the
Mt. Pleasant schoolhouse. No. 3 was Main Street, all the
territory south-westerly of Butman's corner. Its schoolhouse
was the one on the corner of Main Street and Railroad Avenue.
It was built in 1824; it is now of higher post and has a small
porch added. No. 4 was on Beach Street between the house
of Addison Knowlton and Alvin Sanborn, and- was ofthe
same pattern of the Main Street. No. 5 schoolhouse was
about of the same style and size and was located northerly of
the residence of Mr. Alpheus Goodwin. No. 6 was on the
corner ofGranfte and Curtis streets. It was about twenty-four
feet square, one story and a hip-roof; it has been enlarged and
improved and is now the dwelling-house of Mrs. John Murray.
Each district chose annually a prudential committee of one

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 121
to three persons who had the charge of the school property,
attended to repairs, provided fuel and engaged the teacher.
The town school committee had the general supervision of
the schools, examining of the teachers, etc. This state of
things continued until March, 1855, when the town at its
annual meeting voted to abolish the district and mixed system
and adopt the town and graded system.
Soon after the incorporation of the town, District No. i
found ft necessary to build another schoolhouse in order to
accommodate the increase ofpupils. This house they located
on School Street, on or near the site now occupied by Mr.
Hartiey's shop. About the same time, District No. 2 built
about one-half of the present Mt. Pleasant schoolhouse. At
a later day it was enlarged to its present size.
In the year 1850, district No. i buift the large schoolhouse
on Broadway, at a cost of about ^5500.
In the year 1 849, a High School was opened in the vestry
ofthe Congregational society, Benj. Giles teacher; a fall term
of two months and a winter term of three months. This
school was continued, the next year, in the same room and
by the same teacher, the spring and fall terms and the first
two weeks of the winter term, when, at his own request, he
was released in order to accept a more permanent situation in
another town. Mr. George Parsons was called to fill the
vacancy and served with credit the balance ofthe term. The
Committee, in their report to the town, March 1851, say:
"This school was established as a High School and was
sustained as such the first five months, but the system of
receiving scholars ordered by vote of the town the second
year placed it in quite a different position." In complying
with this vote, the Committee could not fix upon any specific
standard of qualification or age, in receiving scholars, but
simply admit a proportional number of the best scholars who
might apply from the several districts. This method, while
it secured some ofthe best talent, also admitted a large number

12 2 HISTOR YOFRO CKPOR T.
who were unfit both as regards scholarship and age. Therefore
it will be seen that the town after making an appropriation to
sustain a High School, by a subsequent vote defeated the
object," and at the end of the second year the school was
closed. In relation to the grading ofthe schools, the Committee,
in their report at the annual town meeting in 1856, say: "As
soon as practicable after the annual meeting in March last,
we proceeded to re-organize the schools as we were instructed
by the vote of the town, although, from lack of suitable
accommodations, it was impossible to adopt the graded system
in all its entireness." "The Committee beHeve that the
experiment has demonstrated that it possesses many advantages
over the district system; and we do not hesitate to say that
the schools of 1855 — 56, taken all in all, are fifty per cent.
better than the preceding year." "Our observation and
experience have convinced us that the new is superior to the
old system: first, it secures better order; second, it is more
economical; third it affords superior facilities for improvement."
The Committee were Rev. A. C. L. Arnold, Benj. Giles, Austin
W. Story. . The grades established this first year were Primary
and Grammar.
The first year of the graded system the town paid rent to
the several districts for the use of their houses, amounting to
eight hundred dollars. The next year the town purchased
the school property (six houses) at an appraisal of ,^8675,
made by a disinterested Committee from out of town.
During several winters after the graded system was adopted
there were special winter schools for boys who to a greater
or less extent were deprived of.school privileges other seasons
of the year. One of these schools, the first winter, was in the
Mt. Pleasant schoolhouse, a Grammar school of sixty-six
members, taught by Mr. Ezekiel Bradstreet. An Intermediate
school in the Proprietor's schoolhouse, with a membership of
sixty-three, was taught by Mr. Nathaniel Poole. This school

HISTOR Y OF ROCKPOR T. 123
was not a success. The next winter there were three schools
for boys, but year by year after this second winter these boy
pupils were gradually merged in the Grammar schools, but
there remained a class of young men who were wholly
deprived of school privileges the other seasons of the year,
and for this class was constituted the young men's winter
school, which has been continued with good results until the
winter of 1 886 — 87 when, after four weeks' service, the teacher,
Samuel A. Couilard, resigned and the school was closed. In
the winter of 1887 — 88 it was re-opened as an evening school,
in the Main Street schoolhouse, C. D. Brown teacher. After
six weeks' service his connection with the school closed, and
Mr. Andrew F. Clark took charge the balance of the term
and was quite successful.
During all these years our public schools have been favored
with earnest and faithful teachers; their labors have been quite
successful. For the most part these teachers have been of
our own citizens.
The winter of 1 869 — 70, a school of an Intermediate grade
was established on the second floor of the Broadway school-
house, with a membership of one hundred and twenty, Mrs.
Eliza T. Prince, principal; Miss Aria Torrey, assistant These
teachers succeeded in giving this school a good start. The
examination at the close ofthe term gave evidence of commend
able improvement. Mrs. Prince continued in charge of this
school until her death which took place, after a short illness,
April 20th. 1 883, at the age of forty-seven years, nine months,
ten days. She was an earnest and faithful teacher.
At the close ofthe spring term in 1882, Miss Nellie J. Poole
who had been a faithful assistant teacher of the Broadway
Primary for one year and principal five years, resigned her
charge on account of ill health and after a long sickness which
she bore with Christian resignation, departed this life Sept.
22d. 1884, aged twenty-seven years, nine months.
In the year 1884 a Sub-Grammar sehool was opened in

1 24 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.
the Town Hall building, with a membership of forty-three.
Miss Ida Manning teacher. The Mt. Pleasant Grammar was
changed to an Intermediate of three grades, the Broadway
Intermediate from three grades to two. A similar change
was made at Pigeon Cove. The Grammar school of six
grades was divided, an Intermediate school of three grades
was established at the Phillips Avenue schoolhouse and a
Grammar school of three grades was organized at the Pigeon
Hill. The Committee, in their annual report, March 1885,
say: "Now there is not an ungraded school in town; all have
equal privileges, and every pupil can go without drawback
from Primary to High." This movement caused the Committee
to call for an additional appropriation of ;^ 1 600, which, at a
special town meeting in December 1884, was granted by
nearly a unanimous vote. At this same special meeting, the
town appropriated ^1350 to supply all the children in our
public schools with free ^text-books, pursuant to an act of the
previous General Court.
The fall term of 1 886, a Sub-Intermediate school was opened
in the Corporation boarding-house, with a membership of
thirty-six. Miss Charlotte R. Duguid teacher. This school
continued until the close ofthe spring term in 1887, then was
disbanded. The first schoolhouse built by the town in its corporate
capacity was on Phillips Avenue, Pigeon Cove, in the year
1857, at a cost of ^2963.59. Beach Street schoolhouse was
built in i860, at a cost of ^1439.71. The High schoolhouse
was built in 1865. It cost, including the lot and furniture,
^4046.56. It was raised from its foundation, in 1869, and
lower story constructed for a Grammar school, at a cost of
^2608.90. Furnace and other improvements in 1870 cost
^479.09. The Pigeon Hill schoolhouse was built in 1871 at
a cost, including lot and furniture, of ;^4864.46.
By a fair that was held in 1865, under the management of
Mrs. Daniel Staniford and others, the sum of ^325 was realized.

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 125
with which twenty volumes of American Cyclopaedia and
other books of reference were purchased and a piano for the
use of the High School, but these several purchases involved
a debt of about ;^200 which by school exhibitions was soon
cancelled. John Preston, Esq., donated to the school a neatly
framed lithograph ofthe Hon. Horace Mann.
At an earlier day than this, viz. 1863, when Mr. Andrew
F. Clark had charge of the High School, a change of reading
books was made and there was also a purchase of Guyot's
large maps. Thirty-one dollars of this expense was met by
funds raised by a school exhibition.
The present High School was instituted in the Proprietor's
schoolhouse in the spring of the year 1857, Miss M. A.
Cogswell of Essex teacher atasalary of three hundred dollars
for the school year of thirty-six weeks. The average member
ship for the year was thirty-nine, average attendance thirty-five.
This school continued in the same room, though presided
over by other teachers, until the winter of 1859 — 60, when it
occupied the Main Street schoolhouse which had been raised
to higher post and otherwise improved for the use ofthis
school. In 1 861 the school removed to the Proprietor's
house and there it remained until the 3d. day of February
1 866, when it was removed to the room that had been built
for its use on Broadway, which is the same premises it has
occupied until the present time; but this room has been lifted
some twelve feet and a lower story constructed for the use of
the Grammar School. This school has enjoyed a good degree
of pro-sperity during nearly all of the years of its history, and
its membership the most of the years has been nearly equal
to the capacity of the room. The exception to this rule was
in the winter of 1875 — 76 when its membership was but
twenty. These later years there has been an increase of
membership and attendance and the room for several years
has been quite full, and we notice that the Committee's report
gives a large, yea, almost perfect attendance. The present

1 26 HISTOR Y OF ROCKPORT.
principal, Mr. Andrew F. Clark, commenced service at the
fall term of 1 881 and his assistant. Miss Katherine A- Giles,
has served in that capacity since the year 1879. Salaries of
the teachers last year (1887) were ^1057.98.
The average membership for the year ending February
last was 58^; average attendance during the same time was
56 8-9.
The first graduate of this school to receive a diploma was
Miss Marietta Pool, June 22d. 1866.
Other graduates, as far as we have been able to learn, are
as follows: —
February, 1869: George L. Elwell, Romulus Norwood,
Emma M. Philbrook, Emily D. Haskell, Aria M. Torrey,
Adelia Parsons.
March, 1 870: Orin S. Tarr, Eli Gott, Daniel O. Marshall,
Mary Eliza Todd, Mary C. Tufts, Katherine A. Giles, Martha
Fretch, Rhoda Stillman.
February, 1871: Ada S. Tarr, Emma S. Manning, Mary J.
Tarr, Ellen Jones, Mary Dade, Rebecca Knowlton, John H.
Giles, Fred A. Stimson.
Feb. 23d., 1872: Ada Stanwood Tarr, Carrie J. Wheeler,
Ella O. Tarr, Sarah E. Philbrook, Cora S. Curtis, Grafton
Butman, Sumner D. York.
Feb. 2 ist, 1873: E. Archer Bradley, Annie E. Giles, Ellen
E. Greenwood, Aria Grimes, Mary L. Knowlton, Ida Manning,
Helen A. Leighton, Dora Littiefield, George E. Mills, Sarah
L. Parsons, NelHe J. Poole, Mary L. Richardson, Annie E.
Rowe, Sarah A. Stillman, Martha C. Tarr, Roger H. Tarr,
Susie N. Torrey, Hattie F. Tucker, Lydia D. Webster, Lucilla
M. Wetherbee, Lucinda C. Parsons.
Feb. 27th., 1874: Mattie Bradley, Mary Lurvey, Emily
Day, Sarah McNeil, Lizzie Rowe, NelHe Story, Jennie Manning,
Florence Paul, Alletta Pool, Hattie Jannett, Jennie Parsons,
Eddie Roberts, Emma Sanborn, Frank Lufkin.

HISTOR Y OF ROCKPORT. 1 27
February, 1875: Fred Bradley, Nellie Tucker, Nettie Slocum,
Adelia Oakes.
February, 1876: Willie E. Nickerson, Lizzie Paul, Ella
Conley, Mary O. Jones.
June, 1877: James P. Prince, Wilmot R. Griffin.
June, 1878: George W. Cleaves, Fannie M. Sanborn.
None in 1879.
June, 1880: Elsie M. Dann, Laura J. Taft, Clara M. Tufts.
June, 1 881: Nellie Fears, Annie G. Marshall, Ruth Stillman,
Lottie Robbins, D. Chester Tarr.
June, 1882: Joanna F. McGrath, Susie G. Dennis, M. Gertie
Clark, Marshall H. Saville, Charles H. Andrews.
June, 1883: Charies Ward Marshall, Annie M.Tarr, Waldo
Babson, Carrie N. Bray, Oilman E. Marston, Gertrude M.
McNeil, Grace C. Poole, Addie F. Poole, Emma G. Lufkin,
George L. Bray.
June, 1884: Chariotte R. Duguid, Fred H. Tarr, NeHie H
Choate, Keturah M. Tarr, Lottie S. McClain, Lena M.
Leighton. May 29th., 1885: Maude M. Story, Ada C. Low, Janette
Parker, Ida A. Andrews, Charles D. Knowlton, Clarence H.
Sanborn. June 4th., 1886: Lizzie Luella Hutchins, Isabella Margaret
Duguid, Carrie Clifton Dennis, Alice Maude Weber, Gertrude
Wilckens Weber.
June loth., 1887: Effie E. Murray, Lizzie M.Winn, LilHan
Young, Annie D. Hodgins, Mary O. Allen.
June 15th., 1888: Jennie R. Brown, Emma S. Carter, Grace
A. Butman, Fannie M. Jones, Florence M. Scripture, Carrie
A. Poole, Katharine D. Wetherbee, J. Fred Cleaves.
The appropriations for school purposes from the year 1855,
when the graded system was adopted, to the year 1887,
inclusive, for salary of Committee and teachers, repairs on
school property, janitors' service, fuel, free text-books, in fact
all expense for school purposes except the construction of new

128 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.
buildings, was as follows: — By taxation, ^170,461; income of
the surplus revenue, ^977.42; received from the State school
fund, ^6,962.24; total appropriations, ^178,461. 66. Expended
during the same years and for the purposes above named,
;g 1 89,891.5 1. Excess of expenditure over appropriation,
^11,429.80, which of course has been paid from money
appropriated for other purposes.
The first appropriation by the town for public schools, after
its incorporation in 1840, was ;$8oo. In the year 1855 the
town voted to adopt the graded system and appropriated
^2000 for school purposes. The next year the appropriation
for school purposes was ^3600. In 1888 it was ;^7350.
The town now has six schoolhouses, and a room in the
Town Hall, occupied by the Sub-Grammar; thirteen schools
in operation during the school year of thirty-six weeks, viz:
six Primary, three Intermediate, one Sub-Grammar, two
Grammar, one High School. In addition to these there has
been supported a winter school with one teacher, for young
men, for some twenty-five winters last past.
At the closing ofthe school year, June 1888, Miss Martha
C. Richardson who served as assistant teacher of Broadway
Grammar School three years and principal fifteen years, and
Miss Florence Story, principal of Pigeon Hill Grammar the
last year, previous to which she had served as assistant for
several years, resigned their charge. They were faithful and
earnest teachers.

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 129
CHAPTER V.

Re-intermcnt ofthe Remains of Rev. David Jewett.
The following account of the interesting service of the
re-interment of the remains of the Rev. David Jewett was
published in the Gloucester Telegraph and News, July 23d
1856:— "Without aiming to give an undue notoriety to the character
of one who was the farthest from wishing to be known of
men, it may serve to account for the interest felt and manifested
in the above occasion, when it is understood that Mr. Jewett
found the church and society, which he was called on to take
charge of, in the lowest condition conceivable, for a people
who had enjoyed the benefits of a preached gospel. But two
males, and seven or eight females, all of them aged, constituted
the whole of the visible church of what was then called the
fifth parish of Gloucester; and in other respects the prospects
with which he entered on his labors were most discouraging.
During his ministry, he saw all of the older societies of
Gloucester depart from the faith handed down from the
Puritans, either carried away by the tide of Universalism, that
swept over the Cape after the preaching of Murray, or by the
later and more general flow of Unitarianism which extended
through this and neighboring states. Yet, nothing daunted,
he steered his own bark in safety through the storm, and
gathered from the wrecks around him enough to re-organize
and re-construct. And it is to his perseverance and devotedness
that Gloucester now owes, under Providence, her three, and
Rockport her two. Orthodox churches. In a ministry of
thirty-one years his church had increased from ten to upwards
of two hundred and fifty members, rendering it one of the
largest, if not the largest, in the County.

1 30 HISTOR Y OF RO CKPOR T.
But in that time he had worn down an iron constitution,
and although settled for life, he chose voluntarily, with that
spirit of self-sacrifice which always distinguished him, to retire
with his family and not be a burden where he could be no
longer useful. The last five years of his life Mr. Jewett spent
with his family, chiefly in Marblehead and Waltham, occasion
ally preaching as he was able, but most of the time a sufferer
from severe disease — probably softening ofthe brain, the effect
of severe mental labors — which ended his days July 20th.,
1 841, at the house oi his son-in-law. Rev. Mr. Whitney of
Waltham. A funeral service was preached at Waltham at his
first interment, by the Rev. Mr. Crowell, the lately deceased
pastor of the Congregational Church at Essex, whose old and
tried friend he was — who both knew him intimately and was
worthy from sympathy with his good qualities, to speak of
him according to his merits, on such an occasion. His sermon
was subsequently repeated before his own church at Rockport.
It was the wish of the society to have his remains brought
here and interred immediately after his decease. But no steps
were then taken to effect the object, as it was understood that
Mrs. Jewett could not be prevailed upon to give them up,
being desirous of having them deposited where she contemplated
her own would rest, the family tomb at Marblehead. The
reasons, which, after so long a period had elapsed, induced
the society to make the request, will be best understood by
the following letter: Rockport, Feb. 12th., 1855.
"To BAVID B. JEWETT, Esq.,
Dear Sir:— On the part of the Committee whose names are given
below, I am empowered to make to you the following communication.
"At the annual Parish Meeting held in the vestry of the Congregational
Society, March 3d., 1855, it was voted unanimously, that Deacon
Thomas Giles, Deacon Jabez R. Gott, Deacon William Whipple,
Deacon Matthew S. Giles and Dr. Benjamin Haskell, be a committcQ
to carry the 9th. article into effect.
"The ninth article ofthe warrant was in substance: 'To see if the

HISTOR Y OF ROCKPORT. 1 3 1
society will request of the relatives of the former Pastor of this Church
and Society, Rev. David Jewett, his remains, with the view of
transferring them to this place for interment, and of electing a suitable
monument to his memory.'
"Bo assured, sir, that no more grateful oifioe could fall to the lot of
this Committee, thus constituted, than that which devolves upon
them by this vote, and in making the above request through you, they
wish you and your friends to understand that it is but the expression
of the general voice not only of the Church and Parish, but of the
whole town. The memory of your father is frejh in the minds of the
people here. Whatever diversity of opinion and feeling he may have
encountered during his ministry, there is now but one opinion, and
one feeling as to the value of his teachings and example on the minds
of all who came under his influence. Even those opposed to him in
religious sentiment may often be heard speaking of the great instru
mentality of his labors, in elevating the character, and promoting the
temporal interests of the place, and of the consequent obligations of
all citizens co him.
"It is only of late, that it has been generally understood with us,
that he expressed a wish in his last hours to be buried amoug his
people, whom he served so long and so faithfully. And this wish
only required to be known to be reciprocated.
"The flrst annual meeting of the Parish, after the centennial
celebration of the organization of the Church, was deemed a fit. occasion
to bring the subject before the society; and it may be gratifying to
your relatives to know that there was no dissenting voice. When the
vote was taken, all in the house rose spontaneously to testify their
regard for their former beloved and deceased pastor. It was evident
that they esteemed it a privilege to be able to join iu some substantial
demonstration of respect to his memory.
"Will you, sir, have the kindness to confer with your brothers and
sisters, and with your revered mother, as soon as convenient, and let
me know whether the request of the society can be acceded to. And
should your answer be favorable, any suggestions you may see fit to
make respecting the time of removal of the remains, the ceremonies,
and arrangements to be made on that occasion, as well as the kind of
monument to be erected, will be thankfully received and duly
considered. (Signed) Yours respectfully, BENJ. HASKELL."
To this letter, a favorable answer was received, and in
course of a year a most beautiful monument of granite, planned

132 HISTOR Y OF ROCKPORT.
and executed by L. B. Pratt, of this town, was placed on a
conspicuous spot near the centre ofthe old burying-ground at
Rockport, and surrounded by the graves of his parishioners
and people. To this spot, on Sunday the 1 3th. inst, after the
close of religious services conducted most eloquently and
feelingly by his son. Rev. Wm. R. Jewett, of Plymouth, N.
H., the remains were brought from the church, followed by a
long procession of citizens who had spontaneously gathered to
testify their regard for his memory. There in the presence
of an audience of nearly two thousand, many of whom were
affected even to tears, they were committed in trust to the
citizens, by the family. Rev. Mr. Richardson of Lanesville
opened the proceedings with prayer, prefaced by some touching
and appropriate remarks, in which he attributed to the deceased
all the countenance and encouragement he had received in
preparing himself for the ministry.
Mr. Jewett then spoke as follows.
"My Friends: — The occasion which has called us together
has much suited to awake our sensibilities and to fill our hearts
with intense emotion. The love of one's native place is an
universal law of our nature. But we, the children of the late
Rev. David Jewett of this place, have come back to revisit
the scenes and friends of our childhood under circumstances
of peculiar interest. We have seen the sun rise and set where
it rose and set in the days of our infancy; we have looked out
on the broad ocean on whose brow Time writes no change,
and we have visited the dwelling-place of our parents. We
have this day worshipped in the old meeting-house where our
father for so many years preached the gospel of Christ. There
we have met a few familiar faces, many half recognized
countenances, but more who were strangers to us. We made
haste to enter this resting-place of our departed friends and to
read the inscriptions on the monuments, which conjugal,
paternal or filial affection have erected. And if there is
anything in association suited to affect the mind, you will not

HISTOR Y OF RO CKPOR T. 133
wonder that we are filled with emotions which language cannot
express. The occasion brings back to our view the old forms of your
fathers and mothers, the devoted parishioners of our father,
who with him have entered the world of spirits. It is not you
alone by whom I am surrounded, and on whom my attention
is fixed. No; I have been holding silent, solemn converse
with blessed spirits, who seem to be hovering around, witnessing
what is now passing here. I have already said, that we have
come back to visit the scenes of our childhood under circum
stances of most unusual interest. Agreeable to your request,
we have come to give up the remains of our honored father,
that they may lie with the people cherished in his fondest
affection and remembered in his latest prayers. It is not my
purpose now to draw a portraiture of my father. The present
occasion does not call for it Most of you knew him. I refer
to your memories. He had a strongly marked character.
He was distinguished for great energy and for an admirably
balanced understanding, whose conclusions were seldom
erroneous. His moral characteristics were, however, more
remarkable than his mental. He was a man of childlike
simplicity but of iron determination. He was distinguished
above most men for his courage and independence. He sought
the opinions of others, but relied very much on his own. He
was morally and physically brave. He was a man who would
have entered the deadly breach or stormed a redoubt. Had
he been present at the Court of Babylon, he would have gone
with the three youths into the fiery furnace, rather than have
bowed down to the golden image. Beneath a strong will and
an apparently stern temperament were concealed a sympa
thizing tenderness, warm affections and a generous disinterest
edness. I am not ignorant of the fact, that during his long
pastorate, he encountered great opposftion. In the early part
of his ministerial course, the mass ofthe people in the town
differed widely from him in religious belief, and compromise

134 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.
was not in his vocabulary. But I rejoice to learn, that regard
for his memory has overleaped the limits of his church and
denomination, that his character is respected equally by those
who reject, as well as by those who embrace his religious
sentiments. As has just been said by my brother in the
ministry, he needed not this beautiful monument which you
have erected to perpetuate his name. No; he lives in your
grateful memories, as well as in the truths which he preached.
But the grave waits to receive her trust. You have asked
for his mortal remains. In behalf of my aged mother and his
children I now give them up. Let them lie in this ancient
cemetery, which he has so often trod, till the trump shall
sound and the dead shall rise. But standing on this most
solemn ground, I must say, that you have bound us to our
native place with a chain, which is more than golden;.the links
of which will only strengthen as years pass along. The grave
of our father is now with you. It contains our richest earthly
treasure. The memory of our father; it is as green in our
hearts, as the verdure, which covers the field of the dead.
This day with its most touching scenes can never be effaced
from our remembrance, while life and thought and being last.
The permanency, as well as the depth of your friendship is
most honorable to you.
The friends who have welcomed us can never be forgotten.
We leave our native place, imploring the blessing of our
father's God, the God of Jacob, upon you all. We now part
in this silent abode of the dead, in the hope of a glorious
resurrection. We part in the hope of being united at last in
the worship and friendship of Heaven."
This feeling address was thus responded to by Dr. Benjamin
Haskell: "Mr. Jewett, family and friends:— In behalf of the church
and society, of which your father was the late pastor, and I
may say, in behalf of the people of Rockport generally, the
Committee appointed for the purpose, receive with feelings of
grateful emotion, these remains.

HISTOR Y OF ROCKPORT. 1 3 5
Years have elapsed, since the living form which they represent
was wont to be seen going in and out before us. But among
those who stand around you to-day, nearly all who have
reached the meridian of life received those early impressions
which contributed in a great measure to form their characters,
from his teachings and examples; and to many of them, he
was their counsel and guide far along the pathway of life.
We remember him in the pulpit, as the faithful and conscientious
moral and religious instructor, whose whole soul seemed
absorbed in promoting the spiritual advancement of those
committed to his charge. We remember him in the schools,
urging upon us the importance of acqui.ring knowledge, and
of the formation of habits of mental discipline while we were
young, with an earnestness and power which, I trust, made
itself felt on the minds of us all. We remember him in the
family circle, as the friend and adviser, and as the consoler in
the hour of affliction, when he softened down the austerity
which seemed to belong to his sacred office, into the kindly
sympathy of the man.
It has been a settled conviction with us, and one not confined
to those of his own persuasion, that the services he rendered
to this community were of no common order; that exhausted
his energies and abilities, which, had they been employed in
a wider sphere, would have won for him an enviable and
extended reputation; and in the erection of this monument,
we have sought to give expression to these sentiments, well
knowing as we do, that he looked not to earthly powers as a
reward for his labors, and that, in the simply expressed wish
of his last moments, "to be buried among his people," that he
might rise wfth them, and appear with them before the Searcher
of hearts, he gave utterance to the final aspiration of a spirit
conscious of a life shaped to no other ends than to be greeted
with the welcome words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Not, therefore, to do violence to the native humility of his
character, but in j ustice to ourselves, to show that we were

1 3 6 His tor y of rO ckpOR T.
capable of appreciating his worth, and in acknowledgment of
our obligations to him, this beautiful pile is raised. And it
is gratifying to reflect, that the soil which he trod, and which
we now tread, is capable of furnishing a material so well adapted
to emblematize both our feelings towards him, and his own
most striking characteristics. That firmness of purpose, and
great endurance of the most wearing labors, for which he was
marked, is shadowed forth by the impenetrability and durability
of our native granite, while the smoothness and polish, of
which it is found susceptible, illustrate that pleasing urbanity
which characterized all his intercourse with his people. And
to crown all, the consummate workmanship here displayed,
while it challenges criticism to detect a flaw, either in the
proportion of the general outline, or in the rounding ofthe
curves and squaring ofthe angles and surfaces, how well does
it harmonize with the beauty and proportion of his finished
life. It will also be an interesting reminiscence of this day, that
of all that were actors in the scene of your father's ordination,
fifty-one years ago, and who have always with steadfast
constancy sustained him, and stayed up his arm, while he
bore the heat and burden of the day, but five *now remain,
three of whom are able to be here to assist in bearing his
ashes to their final resting-place. Among them we recognize,
with heartfelt satisfaction, our venerable sexton, who has
already deposited around this spot the mortal remains of two
generations, and whom we have always found ready to break
ground with his spade, whether through the thick frosts of
winter or under the burning sun of summer, and who never
hesitated in the discharge of his duty, to stand face to face
with the human body after it had put on corruption, or even
*Mr. David Brooks, Capt. Charles Tarr, Mr. Asa Knowlton, Mr.
John Stockman and Mv. WiUiam Choate, the last of whom commenced
his duties as sexton in the year 1800 and has continued them with
few interruptions ever since.
AU of them long since deceased (1886),

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 137
to walk with the pestilence in the midnight darkness. Who
more worthy than he to superintend these last offices to one
whom he loved so well! Long may it be, before that service
which he has done to others so oft shall be rendered to him
in his turn.
It is a matter of special regret to us, that your venerated
mother is too feeble to be here to witness this last testimonial
to her beloved partner in life. May her health be restored
and may she live to a good old age, to enjoy the pleasing
recollections due to a life spent in promoting the good of
others. And with regard to yourself, sir, while v/e do not hesitate
to endorse and confirm every word you have spoken in reference
to your father's character, accept our thanks for the eloquent
discourses to which we have listened, this day. It forms a
renewed sanction of these proceedings, when we are able thus
to recognize again the goodness ofthe stock, in fruit borne by
the scion. Remain assured, sir, that the good wishes of the
people of Rockport will follow you and yours, and all of the
descendants of the Rev. David Jewett, wherever their lot may
be cast." ,
The remains were now lowered into the grave by the side
ofthe monument, and after a hymn was sung, by the assembly,
the exercises were closed by a benediction pronounced by the
Rev. Mr. Bremner of the Second Congregational Society.
Yours, H."
The monument alluded to above is an elegant specimen of
Rockport granite, highly polished, fifteen feet in height, and
is a fine specimen of workmanship. On one side is the name,
"Rev. David Jewett," in raised granite letters; on the other,
the foUowing inscription, inserted, on a marble tablet:

1 3 8 HISTOR YOFRO CKPOR T.
"Born in Hollis, N. H., July 16th., 1773.
Graduated at Dartmouth College, 1801.
Ordained Pastor of the Cong. Church in Rockport,
Octr. 30th., 1805. .
Died at Waltham, July 14th., 1841.
Distinguished for strict integrity, godly simplicity, unity of purpose,
untiling energy, and self-sacrifice in his devotion to the Church of Christ
Living, he enjoyed the respect and confidence of his people; dying,
he left his memory embalmed in the warmest affections of their hearts.
This monument is gratefully erected by the churoh and society of
wldch he was pastor more than thirty years."
"Mrs. Rebecca, wife of Rev. David Jewett, died at Waltham,
April i6th. 1859, aged seventy-five years. She was born in
Marblehead, January 21st. 1784. She is buried by the side
of her husband.
Inscription upon . her tombstone is: — 'Distinguished for
Decision, Energy and Perseverance, Warmth of Affection and
Devotion to her family.' "
In full and certain hope of a glorious immortality."

Ecclesiastical History.
The early history ofthe First Cong'l. Church and Society
(Fifth Parish) is given to a considerable extent in the foregoing
Centennial Address, therefore we commence with the settlement
of Rev. W. Gale, who succeeded Mr. Jewett, thus giving a
tolerably concise history of this organization.
The history ofthe other churches, in order to be of proper
intelligible interest, we give from their inauguration.
Rev. Wakefield Gale, the third pastor of the First
Congregational Church, was installed on the 4th. day of May,
1836. Succeeding Rev. David Jewett, who had been its
faithful pastor thirty-one years, under his ministry the church
continued to prosper and witnessed many precious revival

HISTOR Y OF ROCKPOR T. 1 39
scenes. In the year 1837, fifty-four were added to its
communion; in 1839 sixty-three, and in 1843, seventy-six.
During his entire pastorate, three hundered and fifty-two were
added to its membership, nearly all of them on profession of
faith. After twenty-seven years of earnest and faithful service
in this part of the Master's vineyard, he, early in the year
1863, resigned his pastorate; alter several months' hesitation
on the part ofthe church it was accepted. He was dismissed
by council on the lOth. day of February, 1864.
His wife, Mary Louise, died at Rockport, April 12th., 1861,
aged fifty-four years. An exemplary Christian, beloved and
respected. After leaving Rockport he made his home at Easthampton
in this state; he supplied for a considerable time the church
at West Granville, Mass. He was married twice after leaving
this town. He died at Easthampton, Oct. 2d., 1881, aged
eighty-five years, leaving a widow, two sons and one daughter,
children by his first wife.
His remains, wife Mary Louise, and five children are interred
in our Beech Grove cemetery.
^Previous to his settlement here he was pastor of a church
at Eastport, Maine, about ten years. He was a graduate of
Dartmouth, as was Rev. Mr. Jewett, his predecessor.
Rev. William H. Dunning, the fourth pastor ofthis church,
was ordained on the lOth. day of February, 1 864. The sermon
was by Rev. Nehemiah Adams, D. D., of Boston; ordaining
prayer by Rev. F. F. Tenney of Manchester.
"Mr. Dunning's pastorate was an earnest and successful
one, although short and broken on account of ill health. After
a term of three and a half years — during which fifty members
were added to the church — he was compelled by the state of
his health to resign his charge, and was dismissed by council
on the 6th. day of September, 1867.
He died on the 9th. day of February, 1 869, at Fairbault,
Minn., where he had gone in search of health."

1 40 HISTOR Y OF RO CKPOR T.
Rev. James W. Cooper, the fifth pastor ofthis church, was
ordained on the lOth. day of September, 1868. Services were
as follows: sermon by Rev. J. M. Manning, D. D., ofthe Old
South Church, Boston; ordaining prayer by Rev. Wm. M.
Barbour of Peabody; Rev. J. L. Jenkins of Amherst gave the
charge to the pastor; Rev. J. M. Whiton of Lynn gave the right
hand of fellowship.
During his pastorate the church was prosperous; forty-four
were added to it on profession of their faith, nineteen by letter.
The membership at its close was three hundred and nine. The
Sabbath School enrolled four hundred names, with an average
attendance of three hundred.
"Mr. Cooper resigned his position on account of his own
health and that of his family, and was dismissed by council
June 6, 1 87 1. The records show that there had been an
unusual degree of unanimity between pastor and people."
He is now, and has been for several years, pastor of a large
and prosperous church at New Britain, Conn.
Rev. Charles C. McIntire succeeded Mr. Cooper and was
installed pastor December 28th., 1871. Services were as
follows: Invocation, by Rev. Charles Van Norden of Beverly
reading of the Scriptures, by Rev. Will C. Wood of Wenham
¦ installing prayer, by Rev. George L. Gleason of Manchester:
sermon, by Rev. George N. Anthony of Peabody; charge to
the pastor by Rev. C. R. Palmer of Tabernacle Church, Salem;
right hand of fellowship, by Rev. S. W. Segur of Gloucester;
address to the people, by Rev. J. C. Thatcher of Wareham;
concluding prayer, by Rev. W. H. Teele of Lanesville;
benediction, by the pastor.
"During a period of neariy eight years, Mr. McIntire
endeared himself to the whole community. His pulpit
instructions and his fafthful pastoral care during the most
trying years in the history ofthe church, can never be forgotten.
During his ministry, thirty-seven united with the church, on
profession of their faith, and twenty by letter, a total of fifty.

HISTOR Y OF ROCKPORT. 141
seven. He gave up his responsibilfties as pastor in July 1 879,
but was not regulariy dismissed until Sept 3d., 1880."
The later years of Mr. Mclntire's pastorate were somewhat
unpleasant, caused by the heavy debt resting upon the society
on account of extensive improvements that were being made
before and when he was 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
ofthe 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 ofthe 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 ofthe 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.

1 42 HISTOR YOFRO CKPOR T.
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. McIntire; 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 ofthe American
Peace Society, he resigned his pastorate June ist, 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 ofthe 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 Y OF ROCKPOR T. 1 43
auspices. The parish free from debt and united in his settiement,
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; ft 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 ofthis 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 181 1, by the name of the First
Baptist Society of Gloucester; they had no settled pastor until
1 81 9 or 1820. The first person baptized by immersion, at
Sandy Bay, was James Woodbury, March loth., 1805, by
Rev. Elisha S. Williams of Beverly. Capt. Benjamin Hale,
born in Sandy Bay in 1776, 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. They 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 wfth 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 HISTOR Y OF ROCKPORT.
1811 was licensed to preach the gospel. He was married in
New York, in 1 804, 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
1 81 8, 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 ofthis church,
from 1820 to 1823. He preached in an unfinished hall; it was
the second story ofthe 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 loth., 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 " 1833.
" Otis Wing, 1833 " 1836.
" Gibbon WiUiams, 1837 " 1838.
" Benjamin Knight, 1839 " 1840.
" Otis Wing, 1840 " 1842.
" Levi B. Hathaway, May 1843, died Aug. 1, 1843.
" B. N Harris, 1844 " 1846.
" Samuel C. Gilbert, 1846 " 1848.
" Thomas Driver, 1849 " 1849.
" George Lyle, 1850 " 1852.
" Thomas Driver, 1852 " 1854.

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 145
Rev. A. E. Battelle, I855 to 1856.
" J. M. Driver, 1856 " 1859.
Deacon Samuel Cheever, IggO " 1863
Rev. Benj. I. Lane, 1863 " 1867.
" Lewis Holmes, 1867 " 1869.
Rev. Otis L. Leonard was ordained pastor Sept. 23d., 1869.
Order of exercises was as follows: Invocation, by Rev. W. D.
Bridge ofthe M. E. Church; reading ofthe Scriptures, by Rev.
J. C. Foster of Beveriy; 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, 1875 to 1876.
" E. D. Bowers, 1878 " 1881.
" George A. Cleaveland, 1882 " 1883.
" N. B. WUson, March 1885 " Feb. 1886.
" W. B. Smith, 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 loth., 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 ft 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 UniversaHst
Benevolent Society of Gloucester. Aaron Pool, Solomon Pool,
John Manning, Francis Pool, Moses Colbey and Daniel O.
Marshall (who were members ofthe 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 two-fifths of the time; but
after some months of this way of occupying the house, the
UniversaHsts 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 ofthe
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. Oilman, J. P. Atkinson, Hosea Ballou and Lafayette
Mace. This society built their meeting-house in 1829, at a cost of
about three thousand dollars. The corner-stone was laid with
Masonic ceremonies, on the 24th. day of June, 1819. The
house was dedicated October 8th. ofthe 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, I^ev.
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 ist., 1875, and was ordained on the
evening of August 5th. The association of Boston UniversaHsts
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. lUman 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 ofthe 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 iDcen supplied from Sabbath to

1 48 HISTOR Y OF RO CKPOR T.
Sabbath, so that the ordinances of religion have been regularly
administered. This society was incorporated April 6th., 1 839, by the name
of the Second Universalist Society of Gloucester. Feb. 8th.,
1845, its name was changed by act ofthe 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 ofthe 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 fts 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 ofthe
church, with honor to himself and with an eye single to the
glory of God. He died in the triumph of Christian faith, June
i6th., 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, Charies 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 ft was set off as a circuft 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 ft was set apart as
a separate charge, with Rev. Israel Washburn, pastor.
The successive leaders ofthe 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 Wesleyan 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 .ofthe
Lynn District, pastor in charge until the session of Conference
in 1859. Mr. Mason continued in charge until 1863. He

ISO HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.
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 fonvenient 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 ofthe Master
After seven months' faithful service he was stricken with
typhoid fever and soon passed to his reward.
The balance ot 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 ofthe policies,
or from some other cause, only about one-half of the sum
(^5, 000) was realized, and when the indebtedness ofthe burned
building was cancelled, there were but ^3,000 remaining to
the society, A meeting was soon held, the question of

HISTOR Y OF ROCKPOR T. 151
re-building a meeting-house was discussed and ;^iooo 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,ooo. 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 1 880 was ^3 500. 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 a,nd
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 chu rch 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.
TJiis 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,

1 5 2 HISTOR Y OF ROCKPORT.
Esther Hadlock, Betsey Marshall, Laurana G. Rowe, Joanna
E. Choate, Lucy J. Haskell, Laurana T. Marshall, was regularly
organized on the 15th. day of March, 1855. Rev. A. B. Rich
of Danvers was moderator ofthe 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 finaUy 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 Christ, as 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 untU 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 ofthe 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 ofthe Second Church, on the corner of Broadway
and School Street, was built by stockholders, in the latter
part ofthe 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 ofthe 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, 1 864, 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 ofthe First Church, Rockport; charge, by Rev. J.
C. Thatcher of the Evangelical Church of Gloucester; closing

HISTORY 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 ofthis
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 ofthe 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 ofthe
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 T^iomas 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 ft 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

HISTOR Y OF ROCKPOR T. 157
Mr. David L. Choate, for about ^300. He soon sold ft 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 ^i 50.
After the Chapel was buift the trustees sold the schoolhouse
and lot to Mr. Beniah Colburn, for ^5345, which amount was
appropriated towards the building of the Chapel, which was
done in 1868, ata cost of ^3,996.92. It was dedicated in
January, 1 869; 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 ^i 200 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.o8. 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 ofthe institution from abroad also
came to the rescue. As the result of this special effort the
whole debt was cancelled in January, 1 881, 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 ofthe council and Rev. C. C.
McIntire of the First Church of Rockport was scribe. Rev.
Chandler Robbins, D. D., of Boston, preached the sermon.

1 5 8 HISTOR Y OF ROCKPOR T.
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 condftion and is provided wfth 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.

HISTOR Y OF ROCKPORT. 1 59
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,
1 861. 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 ;^io,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 ofthe
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

1 60 HISTOR YOFRO CKPOR T.
pulpft of this church gratuitously one Sabbath each year, so
long as his health allowed.
The funeral services of several ofthe 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 ofthe Young Men's Christian Association on Broadv/ay.
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 Chiirch, Gloucester, officiated. On the
afternoon of July 1 5th., 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. i6i
Otis E. Smith, Reginald R. CoUey, 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.
CoUey was chosen Superintendent, of the Sunday School
which is connected with the mission.
At the present time the society holds fts 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.

i62 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.
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 1 841.
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 5''ear, 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 Montteal. 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 ofthe 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 ofthe town untU 1852, its paupers
were boarded, some of them at the Gloucester almshouse,
others in private families. In the year 1852 the town purchased
of Wm. Young about four acres of land on South Street, the
present site of the almshouse, and erected the buildings at a
cost of ^5127, 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 Knowlton succeeded
him, at a salary of two hundred and twenty-five dollars. He
served until 1861, when Mr.Wm. Knights was appointed, ata
salary of two hundred dollars; in 1 864 fifty dollars was added;

1 64 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.
in 1 867 it was made three hundred dollars; in 1 869 twenty-
five dollars was added; in 1873 it was increased to three
hundred ai;d fifty dollars. In 1874, April 6th., he resigned
•md 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 ofthe premises and the good
appearance ofthe inmates. Mr. Bray served until April 6th.,
1 88 1, when Mr. Samuel W. Burt was appointed at a salary of
three hundred dollars; in 1883 it was raised to three hundred
and seventy-five, and in 1 884 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 ofthe 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.
Fire Det)artment.

The first fire department in Sandy Bay was organized in
January, 1807. It consisted of twenty members, viz:

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.

During its history forty-seven names were added, and in
1 845 there were twenty-two members, as follows:

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.

i66 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, aU 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 ofthe above
respects must pay to the clerk a fine of twenty-five cents for
the use ofthe 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 ofthe society by making application
to the clerk and receiving a majority ofthe 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 ofthe 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 ofthe dwelling-house ofthe 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

¦ HISTOR Y OF RO CKPOR T. 167
purchased by the town of Gloucester and was located at Sandy
Bay, opposite the old cemetery. It was ofthe 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 1848, 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 1885 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 1 876, 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 ofthe 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 tfrey," in charge of one man, twenty dollars; four
engineers, seventy dollars. It is claimed that Rockport has
now a very efficient department.

i68 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
;g 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 ;^2o8.36.
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 ofthe 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

HISTOR Y OF RO CKPOR T. 1 69
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 ofthe 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 1794. The
money to pay the expense of well and the pump was raised
hy subscription. Eben'r. Cleaveland, Jr., a son ofthe Reverend,
and Eben'r. Pool, born in 1 764, 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 i6th. day of April,
1 85 1, 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
ofthe 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 infront
of the old cemetery was strewed with debris from the flake
yards and Parsons' barn.
It was said that the tide at Charlestown Navy Yard had not
been so high for sixty years.

170 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.
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 ofthe present structure was put in
place July 9th., 1857, and the building was completed in i860,
at a cost of ^300,000.
January, iS^y. Very Cold. Great Snow Storm.
From Saturday night, January 1 7th., until the next Thursday,
the 22d. inst., there was no mail-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. 171
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 ofthe 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 ofthe land, building ofthe 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 settier-— 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. W^oodbury and Parsons a
tract of land adjoining the private cemetery, at a cost of ;^i 50.
In the year 1869, an additional lot was purchased ofthe
Langsford heirs, for $A,oo, 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. Bomh-shell in C/mrch.
On Sunday evening, November ist., 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 ofthe house.
It landed near 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
ofthe 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 v/ith 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 ofthe Eastern Railroad Company,
they proposed in the year 1855 that if the Rockport Railroad
Company would construct the road and make all the necessary

1 74 HISTOR Y OF RO CKPOR T.
connections by switches or otherwise with the track ofthe
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 on the train. Agree that they
will runalltheir 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 ofthe Rockport Railroad was subscribed
for to a very limited extent, therefore the building ofthe 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 wfth 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 ofthe Rockport road
was put under contract ^63,000. Oilman & Co. were the

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.

I7S

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,ooo 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, 1 862,
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 1^91,007.28. The town held stockto 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.

" second

(1

1863,"

" third

ti

1864,"

" fourth

(i

1865, "

" fifth

ii

1866, "

6 mos. to May, 1867, "

10 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 for
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

176 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.
Eastern at the cost of construction, viz: ;^9i,oo7.28. The town
received over and above all that was expended for stock and
interest, ^3,636.44.
The Rockport road with befitting ceremonies was opened
for travel on the 4th. day of November, 1861.
On the 4th. day of July, 1 867, a heavy shower with a high
wind took place in the afternoon. A tent erected upon the
field of Joshua Sanborn, near Back Beach, by the Methodist
society, for the purpose of holding a fair, was blown down.
A new engine, "Great Falls," was wrecked on the Rockport
railroad; some cattle owned by John Bray were killed. The
damages were paid by the Rockport Railroad Co.
From the Cape Ann Weekly Advertiser of Nov. Sth, 186 1.
"Opening of the Rockport Railroad. — On Monday last,
the 4th. inst., the Rockport Railroad was opened for travel,
and a free ride was given to all who availed themselves ofthe
privilege. The weather was fine, and the cars throughout the
day were crowded to their utmost capacity.
Accepting a polite invitation from the committee of arrange
ments we took the noon train, and were soon landed in that
thriving village. Having a spare hour before dinner, we took
a stroll around the town visiting the most important localities;
after which we repaired to the hall where the collation was to
be served up. Here we found a large gathering of friends
who had been invited to participate on this festive occasion.
The tables literally groaned under the weight of good things.
After a blessing had been asked by the Rev. Wakefield Gale,
the company fell to and satisfied the cravings of hunger. The
dinner was served by mine host S. P. Randall ofthe Rockport
Hotel, and was one of the best we ever sat down to; there
was an abundance of everything and that of the best quality.
After the inner man had been fully satisfied the meeting
was called to order by Mr. Newell Giles (president of the R.
R. Co.) who addressed the meeting in a few pertinent remarks

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 177
concerning the history of the road. He was followed by Mr.
Williams, a director ofthe E. R. R., who made some interesting
remarks concerning railroads. He said there were fifteen
hundred and fifty-six miles of railroad in this state; and
contrasted the scene with that of ancient times, when stage
coaches were the only mode of travelling, when it required
two days to visit Boston and return. Then there were but
three trips a week; now the cars run three times a day. He
congratulated the citizens on the completion of the enterprise,
and hoped that the prosperity of the railroad would be as
solid and enduring as the granite quarries of the Cape.
Mr. Chase, a former Supt ofthe Eastern Railroad, followed
with some felicitous remarks. He said it was nearly thirty
years since he first became acquainted with railroads. In the
fall of 1836, he first put spade into the ground at East Boston
to establish an enterprise which was to extend to Bangor and
to these ocean shores. It was then thought to be a great
undertaking, \tfho would imperil their lives by riding on a
railroad? It would surely prove a failure. But how mistaken
they were, since the opening of the Eastern Railroad twenty
millions of people have been transported in regular trains
without accident. He also spoke of the advantages which
would accrue to the town of Rockport, from the establishment
ofthis road, and congratulated the citizens on its successful
opening. Mr. Howe, a former President of the Eastern Railroad,
then made a few remarks which were greeted with frequent
applause. He had thought there was not much novelty in a
railroad opening, but from the crowded state of the cars on
this road to-day he was convinced that there was a great
interest manifested in this enterprise; the completion of which
has called us together to-day; when he was a boy he used to
go down on the end of Long Wharf and watch the Rockport
fishing-boats beat up against wind and tide; ft was an evidence
of enterprise, and we to-day see the fruits of the enterprise of

178 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.
this people, in the railroad which is now finished and in running
order. The speaker related many stories in a style which
kept the audience in good-humor.
Hon. Moses Kimball of Boston was next called and made
a rousing speech. He drew some life-like pictures of Rockport
as it was, contrasting it with the Rockport of to-day. His
earliest recollections were of the village of Sandy Bay with
its little cluster of hamlets near the water side, and its inhabitants
drawing their means of livelihood from the depths of old
ocean. The spirit of enterprise these people exhibited was to
erect a church, and each man contributed to the utmost of his
ability, and the result was the building of the first Congreg-
tionalist meeting-house which stands to-day on yonder hill.
Having got the church with all the privileges that flow
therefrom, they said they would have a schoolhouse, and they
got it. They began rightly attending first to their moral and
religious culture, — and to this they owe their prosperity.
Next follows the Isinglass Factory, and hake sounds were
found to be a merchantable article and readily brought the
cash. The quarry grounds at Pigeon Cove is where the next
enterprise developed; he well remembered the excitement
produced when a company from Boston commenced splitting
stone from the ledges. They were considered worthless and
were covered with brambles; the more a man owned of that
kind of property the poorer he was considered. But a new
event was dawning, they were found to contain bars of gold,
which were to be brought to light by the sturdy blows of the
workmen in getting out the solid granite. Next to the Quarry
enterprise came the building ofthe Factory, and when that was
completed they got a Bank in whose vaults they could lock up
their money. Next followed the Savings Bank where the poorer
classes could deposit their savings and have them increased
without any efforts of their, own. Do you stop here? No!
the last crowning glory of your enterprise is the Railroad. It
was hard for individuals to put their hands in their pockets

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 179
to carry out this enterprise, but the town generously came
forward and voted the sinews of war. Some think it a desperate
undertaking, and that it will not pay any dividend. Supposing
it does not at present, what then? Does not the town get its
money back in the increase in valuation of property? Is not
Rockport the winter fishing port on the coast of New England?
And cannot your fish be transported to market at a quick rate
on the railroad, thereby saving in teaming? And cannot you
take advantage ofthe market and rush your fish to Boston
and from thence to all the cities of New York and the West,
thereby securing the largest prices and a control ofthe business?
It has always been your aim since you separated from
Gloucester to' outstrip her and now that you have your railroad
you can do it You are the grand terminus of the road, and
she has become a way station. Let me conclude in the words
of a popular song: "Glory, Glory, Hallelujah,
Rockport is marching on."
Benj. K. Hough, Esq., followed Mr. Kimball in a most
eloquent and telling speech. He said he was always a friend
to the enterprise of building a railroad to Rockport and was
among the first to advocate the project. He congratulated
the citizens for the enterprising spirit they had manifested and
hoped they would be amply rewarded. He contrasted the old
stage-coach method of travelling with that of the railway and
related many pleasing anecdotes in illustration. In most
eloquent language he alluded to the perilous times which our
country is passing through, and concluded by saying that he
had faith to believe that the Union would yet be established
on a firmer foundation than ever. The times were indeed
unfavorable for your enterprise but don't get discouraged; after
we get through with the present difficulties, business will
revive and your railroad will become paying property.
Appropriate speeches were also made by F. W. Choate,

i8o HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.
Esq., of Beverly; Rev. C. C. Beaman of Salem; John M. Oxton
of Boston, and B. H. Corliss, Esq., of Gloucester, but our limits
forbid our making any further report.
At 4 P. M. the meeting closed, and the party well pleased
with their excursion and entertainment, wended their way to
the depot where the cars were in readiness to carry them home.
It was a day to be remembered, and we extend our thanks for
courtesies bestowed."

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. i8i
CHAPTER VII.

The winter and spring months ofthe years i860 — 61 were
months of great anxiety. Abraham Lincoln was in November,
1 860, constitutionally elected President of these United States
of America, but there were marked indications that several of
the states comprising the Union would not submft to his
administering the affairs ofthis nation. Soon our fears proved
a reality, for on the thirteenth day of April, 1 861, the news was
transmitted with lightning speed all over the United States,
that Fort Sumter in Charleston harbor had been fired upon
with Union guns in Rebel hands. The next day, Major
Anderson, who was in command, was compelled to surrender
to Gen. Beauregard, who was in command of the Rebel forces.
What awe and anxiety pervaded every loyal heart, as it was
feared the next object of attack would be the capital ofthe
nation. How were the people of this usually quiet town
aroused as at the close ofthe afternoon service on that otherwise
pleasant April Sabbath, our ears were greeted with the sound
of martial music and the tramp of footsteps led by one in
whose breast was awakened the slumbering fire of patriotism.
Not only was the leader of that host awakened, but the
entire community were intensely in earnest. The feeling of
patriotism and loyalty awakened by this demonstration
manifested itself in outspoken utterances of determined resist
ance to flagrant outrage and armed invasion, its object to
capture the capital of the nation. This feeling was intensified
by confirmatory despatches received within the next following
days, announcing the organizing and marshalling of the
impetuous hosts of the Rebel states whose regiments of foot
and cavalry were fast centering in Virginia, provoking the
conflict that soon followed and bathed her sacred soil and
dyed her historic streams with crimson hue of richest blood.

1 82 HISTOR Y OF ROCKPORT.
It was apparent that united action should be taken by the
town to provide and care for the families of those who were
ready and earnest to enlist in the service of the loyal states
and enroll their names with those that were ready to do and
to suffer that rebellion might be squelched. On the 22d day
of April, an informal meeting of the citizens was held in
Johnson's Hall and a committee of eleven were chosen, viz:
George D. Hale, Samuel H. Brooks, Daniel Staniford, John
Preston, Joshua Tarr, Reuben Brooks, Newell Giles, Stephen
P. Randall, Winthrop Thurston, Levi Cleaves and Ezra Eames,
to consider and report at a future meeting some course of
action for the town to pursue. At a town meeting held on
the 30th inst., the committee reported, and recommended that
the town appropriate three thousand dollars to be expended
as follows, viz: that each volunteer of Rockport when he shall
have passed an examination shall be paid twenty dollars, the
balance to be put in the hands of a committee of eight persons,
to be used at their discretion for the support of the families of
the volunteers. The report was adopted by a unanimous vote.
The committee chosen to carry this vote into effect were: Benj.
HaskeU, M. D., Winthrop Thurston, George D. Hale, Ezra
Eames, John Manning, James W. Bradley, Austin W. Story,
Reuben Brooks, with the selectmen, J. W. Marshall, Addison
Gott and Wm. Marchant. A recruiting office was opened in
Johnson's Hall, and by the close ofthe month of May a sufficient
number had enrolled their names as volunteers, and a company
was organized. The committee were untiring in their efforts
to have this company assigned to some one of the several
regiments that were being organized, but were delayed in having
their appeals to the state authorities favorably answered, on
account of the many applications from all over the state. As
no encouragement could be obtained for immediate place at
any of the headquarters of the troops, this company, about
the 4th day of June, went into camp at Cape Pond pasture,
where the time passed heavily in consequence of their not

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 183
being provided with arms, therefore they could not acquaint
themselves with the drill. Under that existing state of things
thirteen of the men, tired of that kind of life and anxious to be
in active service, left camp and went to Portland and enlisted
in the 5th Maine Regiment ; others left to enroll themselves
in other companies; one ofthe thirteen returned and rejoined
the company which was afterward known as Co. G of the 17th
Reg., M. V. Among the number that enlisted in the 5th
Maine was Otis Wing Wallace. He was ever fafthful, prompt,
courageous and undaunted in battle; the hardships of the
Peninsula Campaign produced weakness and prostration
which necessitated, though reluctantly on his part, his removal
to Finley Hospital, Washington, D. C, where he lingered
until the 28th day of October, 1862, dying at the age of
twenty-six years, nine months and four days. He was buried
in the soldiers' cemetery in that city.
This Maine regiment arrived in Washington and was engaged
in the first battle of Bull Run. It was also engaged in all of
the principal battles of the army of the Potomac and was in
the desperate and bloody conflict at Gettysburg.
Co. G, 17th Reg't, continued at Camp Kimball (Cape Pond
pasture), so named after the Hon. Moses Kimball of Boston
(formerly of Rockport), until about the lOth of July, when it
left town for Camp Schouler, Lynnfield. Previous to their
leaving camp, Mr. Kimball presented the company with an
elegant silk flag, he bestowing the gift in person. That flag
is now in the custody of O. W. Wallace Post No. 106, G. A.
R. The presentation services were in front of the First
Congregational meeting-house and the flag was accepted in
behalf of the company, by Capt. Daniel B. Tarr, who was
chosen to that position at the time of the organization of the
company. Each member of the company was presented at
this time with a copy of the New Testament. After going
into camp at Lynnfield, a disaffection sprang up from some
unexplained cause. Capt. Tarr; realizing the situation, resigned

1 84 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.
his position; George W. Kenney of Danvers was chosen captain
and succeeded him. Soon after this the company was recrufted
to the maximum standard; thirty-six of its members were from
Rockport. The 1 7th Regiment left Lynnfield for Baltimore,
on the 20th day of August, '61, where it arrived in due time,
and was there stationed several months and did good service.
It was from this company the first one of our citizens fell a
sacrifice on the altar of patriotism. First Lieut George W.
Tufts, of Co. G, 17th. Reg't. M. V., died at Baftimore, Oct.
27th, l86i,aged thirty -three years, six months and twenty-one
days. His remains arrived at Rockport, Thursday evening,
Oct. 31st, enclosed in an air-tight metalHc case, under escort
of some members of the company. Funeral services were
held Friday afternoon in the Congregational church which
was filled at an early hour with those that came to pay their
respects to one that went forth to do and dare for the preservation
ofthe Union. There were present Ashler Lodge, of which he
was a member, and a delegation of Tyrian Lodge, A. F. & A.
M. As they entered the church the choir sang a dirge, then
Rev. W. Gale read appropriate selections of Scripture and
offered prayer; after which Rev. David Bremner made remarks
appropriate to the occasion, a part of which was: "Although
it was not his fortune to die on the battle-field amid the shrieks
of the wounded, he died at the post of duty, and all honor to
him be given. The position his regiment occupied was one
of defense, but their services were as necessary as were those
who took a more active part in scenes of strife. He was ready
to fight for his country and his patriotic heart throbbed with
manly devotion. The last hours ofthe deceased were pleasant,
and his last words, "I die happy." He was attended by kind
friends during his illness. Kind ladies of Baltimore sent him
such delicacies as his case required. * * * Everything
which could be done for his comfort was kindly bestowed."
Rev. Elijah Mason read a hymn he composed for the
occasion. A few stanzas we here insert

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 185
"Ringing o'er hill and plain
The cry of war's alarms;
The nation's freedom to maintain
Our brothers rush to arms.
From old Atlantic shores
Where Pilgrim ashes lie
To where the broad Pacific roars.
Beneath a genial sky."

8. "Death lurks amid these bands.
Though clad in armor bright.
And palsies oft the Patriot's hands
Contending for the right.
Some in the battle's strife
Amid the cannon's roar
Yield, for their country's weal their life
And fall on fields of gore.
9. Some felt the sickly blast
Which on the midnight air,
Above the slumbering soldier passed.
And left its poison there.
Their strength and beauty wane
Far from homes away
And skill and friendship strive in vain.
The spoiler's hand to stay.
10. At length their force is spent
Like waves upon the shore;
And tidings fly from tent to tent,
'Our comrade is no more.'
Then with the lightning's flight
The painful message comes,
The hopes of kindred hearts to blight
And cloud the sunny homes.

1 86 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.
1 1 . May each the lessons heed.
These solemn scenes afford;
That we may learn such lives to lead
As win a sure reward.
Our country's rights defend,
Oh! vindicate our cause;
Let treason in confusion end;
And honored be our laws.
12. Inspire our men of might
With wisdom from on high;
Guard those our soldiers in the fight.
Till all the traitors fly.
Till war at rest is laid;
And free the fettered slave;
Till stars and stripes, with blending shades.
Throughout the nation wave. .
13. But most of aU we pray,
Our wayward passions bind;
And let religion's gentle sway
Subdue the carnal mind.
Through scenes of light and shade,
Serenely then we'll pass;
And crowns of Glory on our heads.
Be our reward at last."
Rev. Stillman Barden spoke feelingly of the character of
the deceased, and of the occasion which had brought so large
a concourse of people from their homes to the house of worship.
"Here, lying before us in that casket, is a martyr to the cause
of his country. Death found him actively performing ¦ his
duty and ready to exert his might in defence ofthe government.
Our brother is not dead — he has only made an advance step
for further light. Men who depart from us while at their
posts of duty, with their armor on, do not die; their mortal

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 187
remains crumble to dust, but their example, their actions and
their influence still remain, to incite us to more vigorous
action. .* * * * It is an honor to leave the worid as he
left it, engaged in the work in which he was. To the relatives
and friends I offer my heartfelt sympathies; may they have
the sweet consolation v.^hich cometh from above, in this their
hour of bereavement." Rev. Wakefield Gale made a short and
appropriate address. He was followed by John W. Marshall,
who spoke of the privilege he enjoyed of being with Lieut.
Tufts the last day of his regiment's encampment at Lynnfield,
as they were about leaving for the seat of war. He recalled
with pleasure his appearance that day: his whole soul was in
the work before him. He was a general favorite with the
men, and a strict disciplinarian. An appropriate funeral hymn
was then sung. The benediction was pronounced and the vast
audience left the church, formed in procession and foUowed
the corpse to Beech Grove cemetery. The procession was
escorted by the band, which played a dirge. The Ashler and
Tyrian Lodges of A. F. and A. M. performed the appropriate
and impressive burial service of their order at the grave.
"Everything connected with these funeral ceremonies was
well carried out and reflects the greatest honor upon the town
of Rockport" — Cape Ann Advertiser, Nov. Sth, 1861.
The 17th Regiment in the spring of 1862 left Baltimore
and joined Major-Gen'l Foster's command at Newbern, North
Carolina, where it remained, and continued in that vicinity
during the war, rendering good service. The Adjutant General
of Massachusetts, in his report of this Reg't for 1865, closes
with these words, "Thus terminates the splendid record ofthe
Seventeenth Regiment."
Following are the names of those who served in the quota
of Rockport, their age at the time of enlistment, the Company
and Regiment in which they served, date of muster and
discharge, and the cause thereof; also the names of those who

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.

were in the naval service, their rank, and name of the vessel
on board of which they served.
I 7th reg't (infantry) mass. vols. (3 years).
Company G.
Name. Age. Date of muster. Close of service and cause-
George W. Tufts, ist Lieut., 33, Aug. 21 '61, died at Baltimore,
Oct. 27 '61.
Alfred M. Channell, 2d " 29, " " " resigned Jan. 17 '62.
1 8, July 22 ' Apr 23 '63, disability.
36,36, •
23, '
24, '
24. '

John J. McKenney,
John N. Barton,
James Brown, Jr.,
Robert Chisholm,
William Gooding,
Andrew Goldthwait,
Joshua F. Hatch,
Oliver A. Norton,
George S. Parker,
George Prior,

22,
29, 19, 31,

Story D. Pool, Serg't, 31,
George Elwell, 31,
William A. Stevens, Serg't, 40,
Edward D. Bray, 22,
Edgar B. Clement, Serg't, 23,

" "June 12"
" "Mar. 18"
" " Jan. 3 "
" " May 28 "
" " never left the State.
" " Jan. 3 '63, disability.
" "Apr. 23"
" "June 23"
" " died at Newbern, N.
C, Sept. 28 '62.
" " Aug. 3 '64, expira
tion of service.
" " Jan. I '64,10 re-enlist.
" " Aug. 3 '64, exp. of
service.

WiUiam H. D

'avis.

Corp.,

26,

if

" ' Dec 26 '63, to re-enlist

Felix Doyle,

36,

((

" " Aug. 3 '64, expira
tion of service.

James Finn,

29,
li
" " Jan. 5 '64, to re-enlist.
George Felt,
26,
it
" " never left the state.
Cyrus Pool,
30,
il
" " Aug. 3 '64, expira
tion of service.
William Robb
lins.
23-
11
" " July '62, disability.
HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.

189

Name.
John Reeves,
Henry C. Robinson,
Hugh Strain,
•E. W. Skinner,
James H. Stevens,
Jesse McLoud,
Brainard B. Scanlan,
Thomas H. Taylor,
William Gould,
Ezekiel H. Stacy,
Jerome Wheeler,
Charles H. Gove,
James B. Daley, Serg't,

Age. Date of muster. Close of service, and cause.
22, July 22 '61 Dec. 30 '63 re-enlist.
35, " " " Sept '63, Commis'd
Ensign in the Navy.
_ 20, " " " Jan. I '64, to re-enlist
' 22, " " " never left the state.
21, " " " Aug. 3 '64, expira
tion of service.
19, " " " Jan. 4 '64, to re-enUst
21, " " "Aug. 3 "expiration of
service.
22, " " " Dec. 23 " to re-enlist.
35, " " "died at Andersonville,
May 5 '64.
28, " " " Aug. 3 '64, expira
tion of service.
21, " " " died at Newbern, N.
C, Nov. 19, '62.
19, " " " Dec. 28 '63, re-enlist
21, " " " April 2 '62, disability.

I ITH reg't (infantry) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS).
John C. Knowlton, age 22; Co. I, must in July 10, 1861;
disch. Sept. i, 1862, for disability.
I2TH reg't (infantry) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS.)
Hugh McGuire, age 28; Co. K, must, in June 26, 1861;
disch. Dec. 8 1863, by order of War Dept
1ST 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.

190 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.
Company M.
Name. Age. Date of muster. Close of .service, and cause.
Francis Allen, 1 8, Mar. 8 '62, Mar. 30 '64, re -enlist
Thomas Full, 29, " 6 " "5 '65, expiration
of service.
Augustus McClain, 28, " 17 " " 23 '64, re-enlist.
George S. Phillips, 34, " 7 " "9 "
The foUowing 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 ofthe Wilder
ness, May '64.
Horace Berry, was taken sick before the regiment left; he
afterwards joined the 2d Maine and served three years.
1ST MAINE BATTERY.
Daniel Turner (of Rockport), died at New Orleans, Aug. 6 '61 .
I9TH reg't (infantry) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS.)
Name. Age. Date of muster. Close of service, and cause.
Levi Shaw, ist Lieut, 50, Aug. 22 '61, Sept 1 7 '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 Harriganco.p, 28, Aug, 28 " Aug. 28 '64, exp. service
James Varney, Co. H, 18, Nov. i " 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. SewaU, 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 i '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. Age. Dateof muster. Closeof service, and cause
James F. Siders, Serg't, 29, Dec. 16 '61, died Nov. 16 '62,
at New Orleans.
James W. Abbott, 24, Jan. 14 '62, died Aug. 18 '62, at
Baton Rouge, La.
Eugene Prior, Serg't, 2 1 , Feb. 4 " Feb. 1 2 '64, re-enlist
Charles P. Brockelbank, 18, Jan. 3 " died Oct 14 '62, at
Carrolton, La.
Jabez W. Kendall, 19, " n " died Jan. 16 '63, at
New Orleans,

192

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.

Name. Age. Dateof muster. Close of service, and cause.
Henry F. McKenney, Corp, 1 8, 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 '61, drowned April 29
'62, in Mississippi River, La.
Frank Wheeler, 1 8, Jan. i '62, Feb. 1 1 64, re-enli.st
Levi F. Bailey, 27, " 4 " " " " "
Dudley G. Adams, Serg't, 40, Dec. 25 '61, Mar 10 '63, disabil ity.
44, " 18 " Oct. 16 '62, "
44, Feb. 6 '62, June 5 '63, "
25, Jan. I '62, Dec. 8 '62, "
24, " 8 " Oct 16 " "
22, " 3 " Jan. 20 '65, expira
tion of service.
20, " " " Jan. I '64, re-enlist.
23, " 7
18, " 16
21, "20
29, "13 " Feb. 1 2 '66, "
23, Dec. 16 '61, Jan. 20 '65, expira
tion of service.
29, Jan. " '62, Feb. 1 2 '64, re-enlist.
18, " 3 " Jan. I "
25, Dec. 16 '61, Oct 16 '62, disabil
ity.

Patrick Allen,
Michael Gallagher,
William E. Saunders,
George S. Coburn,
William Broomfield,
Philip Devoe,
Wm. P. Clark, 3d.,
Joseph Hodgkins,
Archibald McPhee,
John B. Norwood,
Lyman R. Tarr,
Addison Wheeler,
James Kenney,
Juvenal De Ornellas,

II II II

II II II

II tl It

3 2D reg't (infantry) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS).
Company D.
Name, Age. Date of muster. Close of service, and cause.
Sylvanus Babson, Corp., 21, Nov. 22 '61, Jan. 4 '64, re-enHst.
Andrew Lane, Jr., " 21, " 27 " Dec. i '64, expiration of service.

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.

193

.Name.

Age.

Date of muster

'. Close of service, and cause.

Joseph H. Wingood,

17.

Nov

¦ 27'6i,

Jan. 5 '64,

re-enlist.

William A. Beals,

21,

"

29 "

Dec. I '62, (

disability.

Llewellyn McClain,

23,

il

28 "

Jan. 7 "

ii

Benjamin M. Goday,

28,

H

25 "

Feb. 14"

ii

Daniel M. Stillman,

35.

ii

29 "

June 8 '64,

tt

Charles H. Burke,

21,

ti

22 "

Aug. 27 '62,

Charies D. Collins,

29,

ti

27 "

Dec. 28 '64,

exp. of
service.

Andrew L. Tarr,

28,

it

28 "

ii tt ti

it tt

Winthrop Pickering,

20,

it

(( tc

Jan. 4 "

re-enlist.

Eben Pickering, Mus'n,

22,

it

27 "

it it li

tt

Walter Johnson,

32,

'<

26 "

Feb. 26 "

ii

Joseph H. Sewall,

21,

"

24 "

Mar. 9 "

it

Jacob A. Day,

21,

tt

25 "

Jan. 4 "

tt

George W. Gove,

28,

ti

21 "

" 5 '62, (

disability.

Name.
Alonzo Low

35TH reg't (infantry) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS).
Company F.
Age. Date of muster. Close of service, and cause.
34, Aug. 19 '62, Sept 18 '63, died at
Camp Dennison, O.

George Bragdon,
George N. Burnham,
Newell Webster,
George Holbrook,
Lyford Holbrook,
James McClaren,
Charles W. Beals,
George S. Lowe,
Isaac B. Bray,
David Brooks, Jr.,
Calvin W. Pool, Serg't.,

30, "

10

" Nov. 1 2 62, disability.

18, "

19

" Apr. 1563, "

20, "

It

" Aug. 6 '64,

18, "

it

" Nov. 4 '63, "

22, "

" June 9 '65, expiration of service.

36, "

It

" Mar. 8 '64, disability.

24, "

tl

" Nov. 21 '63,

20, "

tl

" May 2 " both feet
amputated.

22, "

tl

" Nov. 1 2 '62, disability;
wounded at Antietam.

22, "

it

It it it It

28, "

11

" Feb. 14 '63, disability.

i 94 HISTOR Y . OF ROCKPOR T.
Name. Age. Dateof muster. Close of service, and cause
Enoch Anderson, 21, Aug. 19 '62, Jan. 31 63, disability
DanielA.Wheeler, Corp, 23, " " " AprU 9 "
Josiah F. Seavy, 27, " " "Nov. 16 '62, "
Aaron Hodgkins, Jr., 24, " " " July 14 '64, went into
the navy; killed at Fort Fisher Mar. 1 5 '65.
George Lisk, 21, Aug. 19 '62, May 21 '64, trans
ferred to V. R. C; wounded at battie of Fredericksburg.
Addison W. Tarr, 26, Aug. 19 '62, Mar 31 '64, trans
ferred to V. R. C.
George Clark, 3d.,
James H. Bingham, Corp, 19,
Samuel Norwood,
Newell Davis, Corp.,
Charles Davison, Serg't.
John WilHs,
Dennison Hooper,
Henry S. Sylvester, Corp, 2 1 ,
John F. Foster, 33, " " " Mar. 1 2 '64, disability;
lost right arm at battle of Fredericksburg.
Solomon D. Grimes, ist. Serg't., 27, Aug. 19*62, commissioned
2d. Lieut. Nov. 29*64; June 9 '65, exp. of service.
In July, 1 862, a call was made upon the town for twenty-nine
rrien. 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

28, '¦

"

" May 18 '64, died at
Spottsylvania, Va.

19, "

u

" Oct. 19 ^63, 

22, "

a

" June 9 '65, exp. service.

20, "

ii

tt il ti if ti it

20, "

i(

t( it It ti t( ft

24, "

tt

it ii tl ti a It

20, "

tl

11 tt ii ii il it

IT "

tt

li tt li it ii it

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.

I9S

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.
41 st reg't infantry (afterwards 3D reg't cavalry).
Robert HiU, age 22; Co. H, must, in Oct. 27, 1862; 
Nov. 30, 1862.
50TH reg't (infantry) mass. vols. (9 months.)
Company B.
Name. Age. Dateofmuster. Closeof service, and cause.
B. F. Blatchford, ist. Serg't, 27, Sept. 1 5 '62, Aug. 24' 63, exp.
of service.
44, " " " " " exp. "
22, " "
34, " "
29, " "
21, Oct. 9
30, Sept. 1 5

James Story, Serg't.,
Marcus A. Hanna, "
David L. Tuttle, Corp.,
George W. Dade, "
Edward C. Lane, "
James F. Tucker, "

John Beals,

May 19 '63, died at
Baton Rouge.
' Aug. 24 '63, exp. of
service.

196

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.

Name.
Joseph Beals,
William A. Beals,
David P. Boynton, Jr.,
died Nov.
James Breen,Jr.,
Peter Breen, Jr.,
Ephraim Brown,
Solomon Choate,

Age. Date of muster. Close of service and cause.
44, Sept. 1 5 '62, Apr. 27 '63, disa
bility.
21, Oct 29 " Aug. 24 '63, exp. of
service.
30, Sept. 15" " " " exp. "
3 '63, disease contracted in the service.
1 9, Sept. 1 5 '62, Aug. 24 '63, exp. of
service.
23, " " " " " "exp."
25, " " " "

li ll it

22,

ii ll tl ii

Hosea B. Clark,
David M. Day,

22,
42,

it it

tl li

" Apr. 16 '63, died at
New Orleans.
" Aug. 24 " exp. of

Joseph G. Devou,
Alvin F. Elwell,

19,
38,

ii
it

it
It

service.
" " " " exp. "
ii li tl ll il a

Thaddeus Giles,

33,

ll

li

ii li ii li tt (I

William Goday,

39,

ii

"

" " 20 '63, died at

Joseph A. Griffin,

18,

ii

tt

Rockport
" " 24 " exp. of

William H. Grimes,
Richard W. HiU,

25, 21,

il ii

a a

service.
" " " " exp. "
It it it it It tl

Adin Holbrook,
Thomas Haskins,
John S. Knights,

25, "
19'
36, Sept
19, "

" " died of wounds Mar.
63, accidentally shot at La.
. 15 '62, died Mar. 25 '63.
" " Aug. 24 '63, exp. of

Benjamin F. Leighton,
William H. Lowe,

43,22,

ii
tl

service.
" " " " exp. "
" " << <i (( ((

John Mcjannett,
Samuel Mcjannett, Jr.,
Charles B. Morse,

38,
28, 19.

ttil ll

" " << << ll <i
" it It tl It tt
(( << It 11 (( <,

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.

197

Name.
George E. Morse,
Loring P. Patch,
John H. Peach,
Charles Pettingill,
Nath'l. W. Pettingill,
George H. Pierce,
Caleb N. Pool,
John A. Pool,
Rufus Pool,
Benj. F. Sleeper,
Solomon Tarr,
Wm. Tucker, Jr.,

Age. Date of muster. Close of service, and cause.
23, Sept. 1 5 '62, Aug. 24 63, exp. service

29. 44,23, 20,
22,
33,
18, 18,
29,
23, 18,

" June 3 '63, died at Baton
Rouge, La.
" Aug. 24 '63, exp. service.
ll tl it it It ii
" May 1 1 " died at Baton
Rouge.
" Aug. 2463, exp. service.
It ll ll it ll a
" May 2 " died at Baton
Rouge.
" Aug. 24 '63, exp. service.

" Feb. 25 '63, died at Quar
antine Station, La.
" Aug. 24 '63, exp. service.

Wm. Tucker, 42, "
JohnM.Tuttie, 32, " " " " " " " "
Andrew P. Wetherbee, 1 8, " " " " " " "
George E. Wheeler, 22, " " " " " " "
John Witham, 36, " " " " " " "
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. vols.
Company A.
Name. Age. Dateofmuster. Close of service, and cause.
George Bragdon, ist Lieut., 31 Oct i '63, Sept. 18 '65, exp. of
service.
Zeno A. Appleton, 2d " 38 Dec. 31 '62, " 8 '64, promoted
to 1st. Lieut.
William H. Lane, Corp., 24jan. io'63, " 18 '65, exp. of
service.

198

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.

Name.
John Conley,

Age. Date of muster. Close of service, and cause.
41, Jan. 10 '63, Jan. 5 '64, disability.

Henry B. Daggett, Serg't., 27,

" Sept. 1 5 '64, trans, to
navy.

18, "

il il

May 7 '

t it a

43, "

i I ii

Jan. 4 '

' disability.

18, "

May 7 '

' transfer'd to navy.

27, "

ti ii.

tt II t

t i( i(

25, "

ii "

ll .1 1

, " "

26, "

ll a

i( II

It ti 4(

18, Mar,

. 10 "

July 25 '

11 II II

36, Jan.

" "

Sept. 18

'65, exp. of

Addison Haskell,
Michael Knowlton,
Peter Manning,
George Pool,
Henry N. Pool,
George W. Thurston,
Samuel Thurston,
Joseph W. West, 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, und cause.
William F.Jefferson, 18, Oct. 20 '63, Sept. 18 '65, exp. service.
Russell J. Boynton, Jr., 34,
Moses H. Grimes,
Theodore P. Keene,
Charles Paul, Jr.,
Joseph D. Paul,
Benj. F. West,
George Wheeler,

34, "

" " July 21 '64, died at Fort

Davis, D. C.

21, "

•• " Sept. 18 '65, exp. service.

28, "

" " Aug. I '64 died at Fort

Davis, D. C.

32, "

" " Sept. 18 '65, exp, service.

25, "

•' .1 II << II 11 tt

27, •¦

it II ll II II 11 II

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. Five 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 ofthe 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, 1 864, 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 reg'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 ofmuster.Oloseofservice, and cause
Benj. F. Blatchford, 28, Oct. 7 '63, Sept 3 '65, exp. of
service; was com. istLieut. 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., 31, " " " " " " exp.
John J. Fay (Co. H) 18, " " " "
James Brown, Jr., 38, " " " "
John Knights (Co. H) 20, " " "
Solomon Knights, Jr., 18, " " " "
Daniel Mengold, 38, " " "
Freeman MitcheU, Jr., 18, " " "
Albert Norwood, 20, " " " "
Alfred Norwood, 21, " " " "
Eben P. Pool, 19, " " " "
Rufus Pool, 18, " " "
William E. Saunders, 28, " " " "
Charles C. Sewall, 19, "
John Sweeney, 21, " " " "
Leonard Walen, Jr., 19, " ¦¦ " May 16 '65 died at
Fortress Monroe, Va.
S9TH 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. HiUiard, age 19; must, in March 4 '64; disch. June
10 '65 for disability.
Charies Dellmont,age 21; (Co. D) must in Feb. 9 '64.

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 201
VETERANS RE-ENLISTED.
3 2D reg't MASS. VOLS.
Couifany D.
Name. Age. Dateof muster Close of service,and cause
Winthrop Pickering, 23, Jan. 5 '64, June 2.9 '65, exp. of
service.
Eben Pickering, Mus'n., 25, " " " " " "exp."
Sylvanus B. Babson, Serg't., 23, " " " May 1 8 '64 kUled at
Laurel Hill, Va.
Walter Johnson, 34, Feb. 27 " " 30 '64 kUled at
Shady Grove, Va.
Horace M.Eaton, 21, Jan. 5 " June 29 '65, exp. of
service.
Joseph H. Sewall, 23, Mar. 10" " 20 "exp. "
Joseph H. Wingood, Corp., 19, Jan. 5 " Apr. 27 " " "
severely wounded in battle ofthe 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.
3OTH reg't (infantry) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS).
Company K.
.Name. Age. Date of muster. Close of service, and t-iiuse.
Joseph Hodgkins, Mus'n, 20, Jan. 2 '64, Jan. 22 '65 , exp. service
Wm. P. Clark, 3d, 25,
Philip Devou, 22,
James Kenney, 20,
Eugene Prior, 1st Serg't., 2 3, Feb 13 " " 25 " promoted to
2d. Lieut.
Archibald McPhee, 23, Jan. 2 " Feb. 27 " exp. service.
Frank Wheeler, 20, " "" Sept 29 '64 died of
wounds, at Winchester, Va.
Addison Wheeler, Serg't, 3 1 , Feb 1 3 '64, July 5 '66, exp. service.
George Frost, Serg't, 31, Jan. 2 " Jan. 20 '65 "

ii it, i.<. £<. Ci; ii ii

202 HISTOR Y OF ROCKPORT.
17TH reg't (infantry) mass. vols. (3 years).
Company G.
Name. Age. Date of muster Close of seivice, aUd cause.
George ElweU, Serg't, 31 , Jan. 2 '64; July 1 1 '65, exp. service.
Wm. H. Davis, " 26, Dec. 27 '63, " " " "
John Reeves, 22, " 31 "June 10 " "
Hugh Strain, 22, Jan. 2 '64, July 22 
Charles H. Gove, 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 i '64 to navy.
George S. PhiUips, 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, 1 864, 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 ofthe 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, every one anxious
and earnest to relieve the fears of their constituents.
To enable the recruiting committee to prOsecute their work,
a fund of five thousand nine hundred and ten dollars was raised
by the payment of twenty dollars each by those Hable 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 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 service.
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. 14
'65 by order of War Dept
1ST reg't (heavy ARTILLERY) MASS. VOLS. (l YEAR).
Michael Clifford, age 19; Co. B, must, in Aug. 19 '64; disch.
May 29 '65, expiration of service.
4TH reg't (heavy artillery) mass. vols, (i year).
Company G.
Name. Age. Dateofmuster. Close of service, and cause
Matthew McGraith, 21, Aug. 19 '64, June 17*65, exp. service.
William McGraith, 24 " " "
Jeremiah Murphy, 25 " 23 "
John Cosgrove, 21 " 19
Leon Derbon, 27 " 23 "
John W. Kirby, 19 " 22 , "

204 HISTOR YOF RO CKPOR T.
Company I.
Name. Age. Dateofmuster. Closeof 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, " " " Aug. 23 '64 deserted.
John Ward, 21, " " "June 17 '65, exp. of
service.
Company M.
Name . Age . Date of muster . Close of service, and cause.
Joseph A. Griffin, 18, Aug. 18 '65, June 1765 exp. service
Richard W. HiU, 23, " 23" " " " "
Charies Knowlton, Jr., 37, " " " " " " " "
Melville H. Knowlton, 21, " " " " " " " "
John G. Dennis, 3 years by substitute.
Allen G. Lane, " " "
Edwin Leighton, " " " "
2D reg't (heavy artillery) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS).
Barth Crowley, age 21; Co. D, must, in Aug. 23 '64; disch.
June 36 '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 (l VEAr).
2gth. 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.
3D 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.

i8, ¦

29 "

17^ '

20 "

26, '

29 "

30, '

' 30 "

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 205
6 1 ST reg't (infantry) mass. vols. (3 years).
Company B.
Name . Age . Date of muster . Close of service, ,ind cause .
Barth McDonald, 41 , Aug. 27 '64, June 4 '65, exp. service.
John McClellan,
George L. MoUer,
Timothy O'Brien,
Stephen Rowe,
Thomas Tuesent, 22, " " " " " " " "
John O'Connell, Co. C, 30, Sept 2 " " " " " "
Dennis Buckley. 19, " i " Mar. 15 '65, disability.
Peter Donahoe, 22, " 2 " June 4 '65, exp. service.
2D 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, " 30 " " " " " "
John J. McMahan, 24, " 29 " " " - " "
3D reg't (heavy artillery) mass. VOLS. (3 years).
Company M.
Name. Age. Dato of muster. Close of service, and cause.
Charles Curtin, 24, Aug. 26 '64, June 17 '65, exp. service.
Frank Eaton, 21, " " " " " " " "
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 ofthis year, 1864, one hundred days'
men were called for. We furnished eight as follows:

206

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.

8th reg't. (infantry) mass. vols, (ioo days).

Company G.
Age. Date ot muster. Close of service, and cause.
19, July 1 8 '64,Nov. i O '64 exp. service
21 21 18
21 19
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
John Beals,
Benj. G. Brooks,
John F. Brooks,
Albert W. Hale,
Ivory Lane,
George Rowe,
Beaman Smith,

Name.
Andrew Anderson,
Hiram Averill, Jr.,
Charles Bezansien,
Alonzo P. Carleton,
John E. Coggins,
Charles P. Day,
Eben Day,
Joseph Elwell,
George H. Friend,
Charies H. Hall,
Hervey Lufkin,
John McKennon,
Jonathan G. McLeod,
David A. Osier,
Thomas Owen,
Joseph M. Perkins,
Edward S. Ross,
William S. Snow,
Charles Tibbetts,
Thomas Wallace,

Age. Date of muster. Close of service, and cause.
3 5 , Dec. 9 '64, June 29 '65 , exp. service
18, Jan. 3 '65,

19'

Dec. 9 '64,

21,

It It It

26,

It ll II

28,

it it tt

i9>

" 30 "

39,

" 9 "

18,

(( ii it

18,

Jan. 2 '65,

34>

Dec. 9 '64,

18,

II 2J7 ,<

18,

" 9 "

21,

(( il ll

22,

ll ii ti

19,

Jan. 3 '65,

18,

Dec. 9 '64,

43 >

" 14 "

24,

" 9 "

28,

" 29 "

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 207
Name, Age. Date of muster. Close of service, aud cause.
James H. Wakins, 21 , Dec. 9 '64, June 29, '65, exp. service.
Howard Elwell, Mus'n., 19, " " " " " " " "
Benj. F. Perkins, 21, Jan. 3 '65, " " "
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.
4TH 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.
1ST 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, " " " " " " "
Samuel Johnson, 33, Nov 29" Oct 20 " "
6th 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, A..ug. 7 '65,
exp. of service.

2o8 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.
56th reg't (infantry) mass. vols. (3 years).
Company B.
John CoUins, 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 1ST 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.
2D reg't (cavalry) MASS. VOLS. (3 YEARS).
Name. Age. Dateofmuster. Close of service, and cause.
TimothyConnor(Co. F) 21, Feb.18'65, July 20 '65 exp. of
service.
Bernard McQuade (Co. M)27, " 9 " " " "exp."
Chas. A. Cummings (Co. G) 23, Mar. 16 " " " " " "
Patrick McCann I yr (Co. D) 29, " 13
Thomas Hickey I yr (Co. C) 18, " i '
6 1ST REGT (infantry) MASS. VOLS. (l YEAR).
Company H.
Timothy AUman, age 28; must, in March i '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.
14TH battery light artillery, MASS. voi^.
Wm. Campbell, age 24; must, in March i '65; disch. June 15
'65, exp. of service.

a & i

ii ( ( a

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 209
James Dunney, age 21; must in March 6 '65; disch. June 15
'65, exp. of service.
I3TH reg't, MASS. VOLS,, (3 YEARS).
Robert Topping, age 21; must, in March 17 '65; disch. July
28 '65, exp. service.
62 D reg't (infantry) MASS, VOLS. (l YEAR).
Henry B. Sprague, ist 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.
3OTH reg't (infantry) MASS. VOLS, (3 YEARS),
Company G.
Willis G. MerriU, age i8; must in March io'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.
55TH 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
II '66.

Navy recruits, as follows:
Michael Allen, Gunboat "Brooklyn."
Patrick Allen,
George Cleaves, Master's Mate.
Moses H. Cleaves,
John Griffin, "Delaware."
Alfred Goday, Steamer "Boxer."
Charies Haskell, 3d., "Jas. S. Chambers."
Benj. F.Jacobs, Master's Mate, "Housatonic."

2 1 6 HISTOR YOF RO CKPOR T.
Henry M, Lowe, Paymaster's Clerk,
Arthur T. Parsons, Ensign, "Cherokee."
Thomas Parsons, Gunboat "Guard,"
James Pool, "Brooklyn."
Charles E. Pool, "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 Fisher, Colorado.
Charles Pettingill.
Lawrence Griffin, Died April i6, 1863.
John O'Brien, Died at Key West, Nov. 26, 1862.
Wm. N. Tarr, Died at Memphis, May 15, 1863,
Thomas A. Knowlton,
Solomon Knights.
Henry C, Robinson, Ensign.
Thomas Wentworth,
Levi HiU, _ Died at New Orleans, April 11, 1864.
George McLane, "Tahoma."
Addison Pool, Asst, Paymaster's Mate, Monitor, "Mahopac,"
Francis W. Stewart.
John Scanlan, "Pursuit "
Michael Timmeny, "Portsmouth."
Michael Welch, , - "Pensacola."
Thomas H. Welch, "Cumberiand,"
Wm, Caldwell, Jr,, Ensign, Steamer "May Sanford," 'Mahopac'
John Porter, Died at Philadelphia, Dec. 2, 1861.
James Parsons,
Asa F, Sanborn.
Wm. Pool, 3d,, On board the Cumberiand when sunk.
Wm. Wingood, Jr., Ensign, Was at the capture of MobUe,
"Ossipee,"
Calvin W. Pool, Paymaster's Steward, Monftor "Mahopac."
George Hodgkins, - - . "Penobscot"

HISTOR Y Of ROCKPOR 7. 2 1 1
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 ;^29,094,8o
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 nth. 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 15th. day
of November, 1862, and left camp for the seat of war on the
19th. day ofthe 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 ofthe 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 ofthe
Rebel forces, "has surrendered to Gen'l, U. S. Grant,"
commander ofthe 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 war, 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 ofthe 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 of the Commonwealth were requested to hold a funeral
service in memory of the great and good man sq suddenly
stricken down by the hand of tiie 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 ROCKPORT. 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 ofthe 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, ofthis 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. Sth. the weather looked threatening and Capt. Millett
proposed to make for Portiand 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. 215
put the schooner under close reefed sail, the jib was soon
blown out ofthe boft rope. We made Portiand Hghts 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 littie 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 battie 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 battUng 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 pond; 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

2i6 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.
shore to look for the bodies of the dead. Mr. Jones, the
landlord ofthe hotel, was very kind and provided him with a
free pass home; the residents ofthe 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 ofthe 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 Giri" was 26,12 tons, buift 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 ofthe 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 BiUow" lost cable and anchors. Sch. "E. N,
WUliams" 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 ofthis 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 1 8 HISTOR Y OF RO CKPOR 7 .
The later years of his life he received a pension from the U.
S, government, for service in the war of i8i2 — 15.
Pemberton Mill.
Many of our citizens remember the great catastrophe, the
destruction ofthe Pemberton mill at Lawrence, At about five
o'clock P. M., on the loth, 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 MUk
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 embarassed and 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 ofthe 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 buift to, protect the travel. This opening was just
wide enough to admft 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 suft against the town was instftuted, with the above
named results.
In the year 1873, Mr. Ambrose Hodgkins brought suft

220 HISTORY OP ROCKPORT.
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 for a
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 ofthe plaintiff of ^i 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 Eimball, Esq., of Boston.
Boston, March ist 1867.
"To THE Selectmen:
Being desirous of presenting to my native town a testimony
of remembrance, I respectfully tender to the inhabitants ofthe
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

HISTOR Y OF RO CKPOR T. 221
discretion, to such ofthe 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, ofthe 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 ofthe gallery
of that edifice. It has performed good service during all the
intervening years.
In the early years ofthe Rockport cotton mill, Mr. Kimball
was its treasurer. He, also took an active part in procuring
the incorporation ofthe 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 1 869, 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 ofthe 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 ofthe 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 ofthe 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 ROCKPORT.
M, D., Samuel York, John G, Dennis, Henri N. Woods, Charies
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
;^ii50.oo; 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
yearsof its history, amounts to ^2310.72; total appropriations,
;^346o.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. 225
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 1877, from
Seth Adams Choate. Quite a number ofvaluable books have
been received from the departments at Washington, D. C.
Our estimable fellow citizen, ^ohn 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 nth. 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 Beveriy several days.
They had for sale, at least GUman had called at several houses
to sell, an article to attach to sewing machines. Joy, ft 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 Main St., thus 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 ofthe 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 wer^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! ft is my chum,"
and left the car. Within a short time he was arrested and
taken to the police station. Thete 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 ft 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 commftted
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 Decembef 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 cftizens.
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 Y 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 were
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 flowers. On
Sabbath afternoon, January 8th, they were 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 were 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 ist, 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 watch 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 weather, 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 13th,

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 Commercial Cable at Rockpori, May 22nd, 1884.
In anticipation of the arrival of the steamship Faraday,
which was engaged in laying the Commercial Go'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
nth. 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, MarshaU, George J,
Tarr, Francis Tarr, Calvin W, Pool, Dr, J, E. Sanborn,

230 HISTOR Y OF RO CKPOR T.
George Elwell, G. T. Margeson, Jason L, Curtis, John G.
Dennis, Alden Choate and James 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 Thachel-'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 ithe 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 skiU 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; at 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

2 3 2 HISTOR Y OF RO CKPOR T.
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:
"llic 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., of 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 ofthe United States. Called to
an unexpected position, he has discharged his duties with
marked ability which commands the respect of other nations

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 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
ofthe 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 ofthe 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 — Ihe 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 ofthe 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 confidentiy 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 b§ 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 wei e 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 procession 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 shore 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 ofthe
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 ofthe cable hut,
and your correspondent exchanged farewells with his Faraday
friends.

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 237
CHAPTER X.

Cornmencemeiit 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 Fort
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 v/ife 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

238 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.
granite for the government work on the islands in Boston
Harbor, and for the Charlestown and Portsmouth navy-yards.
After this time a portion ofthe 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 o.f 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 granfte 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 coinpany. 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 near 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 1 868, 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 buift
a wharf. Benjamin Hale also operated for awhile the quarry at
Pigeon Cove near 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 1 870 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 kOCltPORT.
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 credft 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 1 868, 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 ft most desirable
for paving blocks, building and monumental purposes.
The parties now engaged in quarrying are the Rockport
Granite Co., Pigeon Hill Granite Co., Charies Guidet, Edwin
Canney, Ballou & Mason, Herbert A. Story, SUas N. and
Edgar L, Waite, Bryant Lurvey & Co,, James and John
Edmands, The Lanesville Granfte 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 constantiy 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 ofthe 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 suppHed one of modern date and
style, and other material 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 ft has come to staj^. 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.
Thatcher's 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 1 77 1, 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 21st day of December, 1771. 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 ft was Ughted 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 185 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 Atiantic, 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 resuft ofthis agitation was a public meeting in
Haskins' haU 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. MarshaU, 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 Baftimore.
These petftions 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 petftions were presented to Congress, were favorably
considered, a survey was ordered, and in the year 1883
was made by assistant Unfted 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
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 efforts 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
pf 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 1 2th 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 sth, 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, 1865, 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 wfth 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 flying embers 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 ROCKPORT.
about ;^3,ooo.oo on hand toward erecting another church
building. May 1 6th, 1879, Edward Maguire's house. Pigeon Cove,
was damaged by fire ;^400.oo.
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 |8oo.oo.
May 2 2d, 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 ;^8oo.oo.
April 7th, 1882, Jacob Goldsmith's barn, on High street,
was burned. Loss, ;^i 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 fuU 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 ROCKPORT. 251
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 regulariy operated, and the
few later years paid fair dividends.
August 1 8th, 1 884, a stable owned by George H. Bradley,
and occupied by Manley Littiefield as stable and storehouse^
was destroyed by fire. Insurance on stock, ;^375.oo. Loss
on building and stock, J«8oo.oo. 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 mmd.

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 HISTORY 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,  June 20, 181 5
"  Aug. 10-28, 1 81 7
 Aug. — ,1818
Nahant,  " 19,1819
Swampscott,  " 10,1820,
Nahant,   July 1 2, 1 823
"   , 1 826
Lynn,   July—, 1833
Swampscott,   " — , 1 849
Nahant,   " 30,1875
Gloucester,  " 15,1877
The reports concerning these have not come from ignorant
and unreliable men, but from such gentiemen 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 ft. Whether ft
belongs to the mammalia, reptilia or pisces, whether ft 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

HISTOR Y OF ROCKPOR T. 255
for the study of fts 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. W^e 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.

2 5 6 HISTOR Y OF RO CKPOR T.
CHAPTER XL

Donation of a Clock, by John G. Dennis, Esq.
A special town meeting was held on the i Sth 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, how being prepared for
publication. Mr. Dennis represented the town at the last session of the
General Court, (1885.) He died after a short iUness, 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. 257
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 hatchwayand 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 four 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 " 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 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.
fast one end to as the other, the reply "Yes, and a great
deal faster." Highways and Town Ways.
The highway frdm 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
1 71 6. 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 Cove 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 ft 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 1 836.

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
buift 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

26o 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 1861-62, ata 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 1 874, 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 1 870, 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 buift in 1874, at a cost of $893,50, including land damage
Parker street was laid out by the county commissioners in
i88c, and was buift by the town in 1 881, at a cost of $3348.88,

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 261
Improvements on South street, as ordered by the county
commissioners in 1876, were made in 1877-78-79-80-81-82-83-
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
.^37S-32. The Pool's Hill road was laid out by the selectmen in 18S5.
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. John 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. 261
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 long distance from the house of the dead to
the cemetery, relief would several times be offered — some
times it would be offered nohe 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 1 87 1
Mrs. Robinson removed the old Pigeon Cove House, and buift
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 nlerchant,
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 while 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 notwfth-
standing their skUl, 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 ROCKPORI. 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 with 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. Barden.
Edward E, Barden, M. D., died December 3d, 1875, after
an illness of but a few days, aged twenty-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 was
chairman of our school board. His wife, Alfarata, was a
daughter of Addison and Abigail Gott. She died April ist,
1876; their infant child died March 27th, 1875; thus within a
few 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 Bowdoin College, Maine,
He spent nearly the whole of his professional life in his native
town ; he was skilful and popular as a physician, and greatiy
respected as a cftizen. During his later years, in addftion to
his professional duties, he was much interested in agriculture
and farm stock. He left a widow, Jane Calef, but no children.
Out of respect to his memory, a public meeting of the citizens
was held in the town haU the evening after his decease, A
large audience was 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. McIntire, 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, McIntire, 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; 1S08; died in Berlin, Mass., June i6th, 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 1S54, 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 ofthe 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 (1S51)
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, Capt. Benjamin Hale, Baptist, died January
loth, 1 81 8, aged forty-two years.
Rev. Levi B. Hathaway, Baptist, died August ist, 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 HISTOR Y OF ROCKPOR T.
Rev. StUlman 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 i6th, 1863.
He was chairman of our school board at the time of his
decease. Licentiate, Capt. Levi Cleaves, Methodist, died June i6th,
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 > 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 Ebenezer Pool.
Mr. Ebenezer Pool, an esteemed and venerable citizen, died
at his home near Dock Square, on the loth 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 ROCKPORT. 271
Pool who settied in Sandy Bay in the year 1700— the second
permanent settler ofthe village. He attended school one or
more terms in the first schoolhouse that was buift 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
tvrice married. Death of Another Aged Citizen.
Mr. William Tarr Abbott, the then oldest person in town,
died February 3d, 18S5, 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 1 81 2-14 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, WaUace, 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 ElweU, Charles Rowe, Jr., Thomas
Hale, Thomas N. Flood, Wm. Colby, WiUiam 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, 1 85 1. 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
ofthis 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. Sdnborn, 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,
1 88 1. 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. Tuttie, 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 loth 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: —

274

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
Elwell, Edward C,
Elwell, John F.
Everett, Jonathan R,
Fairbanks, Calvin D,
Fernald, Alpheus W,
Gott, Chester W,
Green, Charles H
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,
Tuttie, 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.

Parker, Wesley L,
Parsons, Irving C,
Parsons, Calvin T.
Smith, Hudson
Story, Henry L,
Story, Herbert A.
Tuttie, John M.
Tuttle, John M,, Jr,

Morgan, Christopher N.
Total membership at the present time, one hundred and ten.

276

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.

There is also connected with .this institution a Life Insurance
or Life Benefit Association. Though it is confined to the
membership ofthe Mutual Benefit, it does not include all of
its members, but only such as sign the obligation ofthe 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 ofthis order indicates the object
for which it is organized.
The members at its organization were as follows: —

Allen, Ethan
Bray, Alden P.
Breen, William H.
Broomfield, Wm.
Barton, Thomas
Bernard, John B,
Clark, Henry
Connors, William
Cleaves, George
Campbell, John
Davis, Horace T.
Dunbar, James
Davis, Wm. H,
Devou, Luke
Everett, Jonathan R.
Elwell, Benj.
Fairbanks, Calvin D,
Fellows, James B,
Frisbee, Harry B.
Freitas, Joseph, Jr.,
Gee, Richard
Griffin, Benjamin

Grover, George W.
Grimes, Manley
Grey, Loring
Grimes, George B.
Griffin, Frank N.
Hanson, Ferdinand
Haskins, Frank K.
Hodgkins, Howard
Hodgkins, Henry
Hayes, M. W. S.
Haskins, George R.
Harris, Wm. H.
Hart, Thomas
Harvey, Albert
Jordan, Frank
Keating, Michael
Knowlton, James M.
Lowe, Ashler
Lowe, Everett P.
Lowe, Henry M.
Longley, George
Leman, Peter

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.

277

Littiefield, 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 Town Officers.
Selectmen of Gloucester from Sandy Bay, previous to the
incorporation of Rockport:

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

1756, Ebenezer Pool,
'60,'68, Francis Pool,
75, "
'76,
'77, Stephen Pool,
'78, John Rowe,
'80, Mark Pool,

1 78 1, Mark Pool,
'82, Eben'r. Cleaveland,
'84, Mark Pool,
'85, Caleb Pool,
'86, "
'87, "
'88, Mark Pool,
'89, Caleb Pool,

278

HISIORY OF ROCKPORT.

1 81 3, Ebenezer Oakes,
'14, '15,'25, Winthrop Pool,
'26, Aaron Giddings,
'27, '30, George D. Hale,
> O T it it il
'32, " " •'
'^ .^ ll il tl
' -2 Jf ii ii a
'36, John W. Marshall,
'07 f< ii ii
J/ f
'38, " "
'39, James Haskell.

] 790, Caleb Pool,
'91,'92, '93, '94,
'95,'96, Ebenezer Pool,
'97, Benj. Tarr, Jr.,
'98, James Goss,
1805, John Manning,
'06, Ebenezer Oakes,
'07, Caleb Norwood,
'09, Caleb Norwood, Jr.,
'10, Francis Norwood,
'II,
'12, The first Representative from Sandy Bay to the General
Court was in

1806, Caleb Norwood, Jr.,
'07,
'09, John Manning,, M. D,
'10,'II, '12,'13, "
'14, "
'15, "
'30, 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.
'37. John Davis,
" Eleazar Boynton,
" David Dunahue,
'38, Eleazar Boynton,
" William B. Haskins,
'39, Samuel L. Andrews,
'40, Wm. B. Haskins.

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 279
Rockport' s First Town Meeting.
Rockports 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. CaldweU, 1842-43-45-46-47-53-57-61-63-64-65-
67-71. Samuel York, 1848-49-50-51-55-56-58-59-60-62-68-
69-70. John W. Marshall, 1852-54-72-74-78-79-80-86-87-88,
Nath'l F, S. York, 1866,
Henry Dennis, Jr., 1873-75-76-77-81.
Amos Rowe, 1882-83-84-85-89,
This first town meeting was held only for the choice of town
officers. Itcompleted its work and at half past four o'clock,
P. M., adjourned, sine die.
A second town meeting was held on the i Sth 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 ofthe
town clerk was fixed at ten dollars; town treasurer, ten dollars;

280 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, $3,5"66,95
At the end of the year there remained uncollected.
Of John B, Parsons, $"81.37
" Michael Walen, 98-84

Total, $180,21

Town of Rockport.

SELECTMEN, TOWN CLERKS, TOWN TREASURERS, AND SCHOOL
COMMITTEES.

Selectmen.
1840, David Babson, Jr., 1847, David Babson, Jr.,
James Haskell, Benj. Tarr,
Thomas O. Marshall. John Pool.
'41, David Babson, Jr., '48, Same.
James Haskell, '49, David Babson, Jr.,
Wm. H. Bradley. William Boynton,
'42, David Babson, Jr., William P. Burns.
Wm. H. Bradley, '50, David Babson, Jr,,
William P, Burns. William Boynton,
'43, Same. George Gott, Jr,
'44, Same. '51, David Babson, Jr.,
'45, David Babson, Jr., William Boynton,
Wm. P. Burns, James Manning.
George D. Hale. '52, James Manning,
'46, Same. Wm. H. Bradley,

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.

281

852,

Thomas Hale.

1865,

Henry Dennis, Jr.,

'53,

Thomas Hale,

Wm. Marchant,

John W\ Marshall.

Wm. Caldwell.

Dudley Choate.
'66,
Same,
'54,
John W. Marshall,
'67,
Same,
Dudley Choate,
'68,
Henry Dennis, Jr.,
Amos Story.
Austin W. Story,
'55,
James Manning,
Ezekiel Bradstreet.
Wm. H. Bradley,
'69,
Austin W. Story,
Benj. Atwood.
Francis Tarr, Jr,,
'56,
John W. MarshaU,
Wm, Caldwell.
Washington Tarr,
'70,
Austin W. Story,
Daniel Wheeler.
Francis Tarr, Jr.,
'57.
John W. Marshall,
James Fernald, Jr.
Washington Tarr,
'71,
James W. Bradley,
Austin W. Story.
Henri N. Woods,
'58,
Austin W. Story,
Abraham Lurvey.
John Manning,
'72,
James W. Bradley,
Alfred Parsons.
John W. Marshall,
'59,
John Manning,
Abraham Lurvey.
Moses Haskins,
'73,
John W. MarshaU,
Wm. Marchant.
Abraham Lurvey,
'60,
John W Marshall,
Henry Dennis, Jr.
Wm. Marchant,
'74,
Same,
Addison Gott.
'75,
Same.
'61,
Same.
'1(^,
Same,
'62,
Joshua Tarr,
'77,
Same.
Austin W. Story,
'78,
John W. Marshall,
Wm. H. Bradley,
Abraham Lurvey,
'63,
Austin W. Story,
Andrew F. Clark.
Wm. H. Bradley, Jr.,
'79,
John W. Marshall,
Henry Dennis, Jr.
Andrew F. Clark,
'64,
Henry Dennis, Jr.,
Stillman L. Mason,
Wm. Marchant,
*8o,
John W. Marshall,
David Brooks.
Andrew F. Clark,
282

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.

1880,

Abraham Lurvey.

1885, Joseph B. Dunahue.

'81,

Jason L. Curtis,

'86, N. F

S. York,

George A. Lowe,

Joseph B. Dunahue,

N. F. S. York.

William Lowe.

'82,

Same.

'87, Charles H, Cleaves,

'83,

N. F. S. York,

Joseph B. Dunahue,

Nath'l Richardson, Jr.,

Otis

E. Smith.

Austin W. Story.
*88, Char
les H. Cleaves,
'84,
Same,
Otis
E, Smith,
'8s,
N. F, S, York,
Isaac P. Fears.
Henry H, Thurston,
'89, Same
Town
Clerks.
1840
to 1868 incl
usive,
Col, William Pool
1869
" 1888,
it
Calvin W. Pool
Town Treasurers.
1840
to 1842 incl
usive.
John Gott
1843
" 1851
Addison Gott
1852
" 1854
James Manning
1855
" 1856
George Gott, Jr
1857
" I S64
Henry Clark
1865
" 1888
Joseph Manning
School Committees.
1840,
Lemuel Gott, M. D.,
1844, William CaldweU,
Joseph B, Manning,
WUliam Mann.
Wm. Mann.
'45, and
46, Same.
'41,
William Whipple,
'47, William Caldwell,
WiUiam Mann,
John
Manning,
Lemuel Gott.
WUliam Mann.
'42,
William Boynton,
'48, Lemuel Gott,
Jabez R, Gott,
William Caldwell,
John Harris.
Epes
Young.
'43
William Boynton,
'49, Benjamin Giles,
William Caldwell,
William Boynton,
John Harris,
Epes
Young.
'44
Lemuel Gott,
¦50, Alfred C, Pool,
HISTORY OF ROCKPORI.

281

850, '51,

P-emuel Gott,
Epes Young.
, Joseph Bartiett,
Lemuel Gott,

1S62, '63,

Benjamin Tarr,
John W. Legallee,
Rev, Stillman Barden,
Henry Dennis, Jr,

'52,

William Mann.
William Pool,
Joseph Bartlett,

'64,

Rev. Stillman Barden,
Henry Dennis, Jr.,
Daniel Wheeler.

'53,

Moses Mayo.
, William Pool,

'65,

Henry Dennis,
Daniel Wheeler,

Joseph Manning,

*66,

Nath*l F. S, York,

Moses Mayo.

Andrew F. Clark,

'54,

, Benjamin Giles,

Daniel Wheeler.
Rev. A. C. L. Arnold,
'67,
Same.
Austin W. Story.
'68,
Andrew F. Clark,
'55,
Same.
Daniel A. Wheeler,
'56,
, William Mann,
Daniel Wheeler.
William Whipple,
'69,
N. F. S. York,
Benjamin Giles.
William Marchant,
'57,
James Haskell,
Ezekiel Bradstreet.
Benjamin Tarr,
'7^,
N. F. S. York,
Joshua Tarr,
Calvin W. Pool,
William Mann,
Frank H. Knowlton.
Thomas Hale.
'71,
Same,
'58,
Benjamin Giles,
'72,
N. F. S. York,
William Mann,
Calvin W. Pool,
Samuel H. Brooks.
Rev. C. A. Merrill,
'59,
Rev. Elijah Mason,
'73,
N. F. S. York,
David Brooks, Jr.,
Rev. Henry C. Leonard,
William Mann.
Calvin W. Pool.
'60,
Rev. Elijah Mason,
'74,
N. F, S. York,
Benjamin Tarr,
Rev. Henry C, Leonard,
William Mann.
Edward E. Barden, M. D.
'61,
Rev, Elijah Mason,
'75,
Rev. Henry C. Leonard.
Benjamin Tarr,
Andrew F. Clark.
John W, Legallee.
'76,
Rev. Henry C. Leonard,
284

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.

1876,

Henry Dennis, Jr.,

1884,

John C. Pierce, *

John W. Marshall.

James S. Rogers.

'77.

, Same.

'85.

, John E. Sanborn, M. D

'78,

, Rev, Henry C. Leonard,

James S. Rogers,

John W. Marshall,
Nath'l F. S. York.
N. F. S. York,
*86,
N. F. S. York,
'79,
Same.
John C. Pierce,
'So,
Same.
Charles B. Hall, M. D.
'Si,
N. F. S. York,
'87,
Charies B, HaU, M. D,
John W. Marshall,
N. F. S. York,
Stillman L. Mason.
Wm. Marchant.
'82,
N. F. S. York,
*88,
Janette Parsons,
John W. Marshall,
Rev. J. H. Mansfield,
John C. Pierce.
Rev. A. F. Norcross,
'83,
N. F. S. York,
'89,
Janette Parsons,
John C. Pierce,
William H. Colby,
John E. Sanborn, M, D.
John C. Pierce.
'84,
John E. Sanborn, M. D.
Representatives from Rockport to the General Court.
1 841,
James P. Tarr.
1S61,
Austin W. Story.
'42,
None.
'62,
Moses Pool.
'43,
Thomas 0. Marshall,
'63.
Rev. David Bremner.
'44,
William Grover.
'64,
Austin W. Story.
'45,
tl It
'65,
Amos Rowe, Jr.
'46
to '50 inclusive, none.
'66,
Wm. Caldwell.
'51,
Addison Gott.
'67,
Benjamin Hale.
'52,
Newell Burnham.
*68,
Moses Pool.
'53
and '54, none.
'69,
Ambrose Hodgkins.
'55,
Benjamin Parsons, Jr.
'70,
William Marchant.
'56,
Samuel York.
'71,
Rev. George Vibbert.
'57,
Thomas Hale.
'72,
James W. Bradley.
'58,
Wm. W. MarshaU.
'72,
II It ll
'59,
Henry T. Lowe.
'74,
John J. Giles.
'60,
John D. Sanborn.
'75,
Henry Dennis, Jr.
HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 285
1876, Henry Dennis, Jr., 1884, George ElweU,
'77, Wm, Marchant, ' '85, John G, Dennis,
'78, Jason L. Curtis. '86, Rufus McLellan, 7th
'79, Amos Rowe. Ward, Gloucester.
'80, Wm, H. Sargent, 7th '87, Theodore L, Pool,
Ward, Gloucester, '88, Henry Friend, 2d Ward
*8i, Nath'l Richardson, Jr,, Gloucester.
'82, Jason L. Curtis. '89, W. H. Nichols, Ward 2,
'83, Edward H. Shaw. Gloucester,
James Haskell of this town was state senator from Essex,
5th District, which comprised Beverly, Essex, Gloucester,
Ipswich, Manchester, Rowley, and Rockport, in 1854,
He is now living at Saccarappa, Me,
Newell Giles of this town was state senator from the 5 th
Essex District, which comprised the same towns before named,
in 1872—73. He now resides at Winthrop, Mass.
William Whipple, Esq., of this town, was county commis
sioner during the years 1841-42-43.
Col. WUliam Pool of this town was special county commis
sioner during the years 1853-54-55.

286 HISTOR Y OF RO CKPOR T.
CHAPTER XII.

As we are about to close these pages, we will wait a
moment and take a cursory or retrospective view of the past.
It is now nearly two hundred, years (1690) since Richard Tarr,
his wife Elizabeth and their two sons, William and John,
came to this most easterly extremity of Cape Ann, and built
their log cabin just in the rear of where now stands the Dea.
Brooks' House on Main St, There were born to these par
ents after they located here: Elizabeth, in 1 691; Honor, in
1693; Richard, 1695; Joseph, 1698; Benjamin, 170c; Caleb,
1703; Samuel, 1706; Sarah, 1716. When Tarr and his family
settled here, this part of the Cape was almost an unbroken
forest; no road, scarcely a foot path. Though a settlement
had been effected at another part of the Cape nearly sixty
years previous, this most easterly portion had hardly been
trod by human feet. Here the wild beast roamed at will
and the songsters of the forest were unmolested. The early
visitors to this part of the coast were a few fishermen, who
came from Chebacco and Ipswich in their boats, and built
their rude huts at Gully Point, or Gap Head, and here plied
their vocation during the summer months. Occa-sionally a
coaster came in for a cargo of wood to take to Boston, or
some other port. The Tarr family must have depended, for
their sustenance, upon game, the products of Mr. Tarr's gun,
or fish, which could be had for the taking. He probably was
called upon, from time to time, to assist in loading some
vessel with wood, for which service he probably received
some of the common necessaries of life; the ship's crew or
Tarr knew little about the luxuries.
This family thus Uved secluded, as it were, from the outside
world, not a neighbor within five miles, for ten long years ;
when came John Pool, his wife Sarah and their five children,
Jonathan born in 1694; Miriam, 1695; Robert, 1697; Ebenezer,
1699; and Joshua, 1700. There were born to Pool after his

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 287
arrival here: Caleb, in 1701, John, 1703. By his last wife,
Abigail, he had Return born in 1722 and Abigail in 1725.
Pool was married four times within five years; his last wife
was Abigail Ballard, of Lynn. While wafting upon her, she
discarded him, but finally relented, and bade him return.
Therefore the unusual christian name Return, and from this
the name Turn's Orchard is derived. Pool located in the
rear of the residence of the late John Haskins, on King St,
Within ten years after his arrival, he had built a sloop and
engaged in shipping timber to Boston," which was used in
building Long wharf For twenty-five years the increase of
population, by immigration, was quite gradual. The main
business was fishing, an occasional call was made for help to
assist in loading some coaster, probably others were employed
in chopping wood for transportation; comparatively little at
tention was given to agriculture.
In the early years of the settlement of this village, up to
nearly the year 1 800, some of the fishing boats were wont to
go to Essex, Ipswich or Rowley, in the fall of the year, and
bring back a cargo of salt hay, for the feeding of the small
number of cows that were wintered here. It was fifty-three
years after Richard Tarr came, that the first wharf was built
of timber, a littie to the south-west ofthe present White wharf
This wharf, so far as we know, was buift by three persons, viz:
Benjamin Tarr, Eben'r. and John Pool, Next was a wharf west
erly of this, built by Eben'r, Pool, also of timber. Not until
one hundred and eleven years after Richard Tarr settied
here, was the present White wharf commenced. The timber
wharf had become dilapidated and was taken up. The Nor
wood family built a wharf, the remains of which are seen on the
southern shore of Long Cove, about this time, to accommodate
their fishing boats, of which they had several. During these
early years, fishing was carried on quite extensively by boats
from eight to twenty tons. When an easterly gale was immi
nent, they were obliged to leave their moorings and make for

288 HISTOR Y OF ROCKPORT.
Gloucester or Annisquam harbor. Quite a business was
carried on in the early years, by vessels that came here for
wood. Many cargoes have been shipped from the loading
rock at Allen's Head and other landing places along the shore.
In 1 815 the now Hooper & Son lumber wharf was built A
littie later Azor Knowlton built a part of what is now the W.
H. Knowlton wharf, to accommodate his fishing boat. Next
was the Middle wharf in the old dock ofthe Pier Co. About
the year 1825 Capt Daniel Wheeler built a wharf on the
western shore of Pigeon Cove. In 1832 an incorporate com
pany (Pigeon Cove Harbor) commenced to build a breakwater;
a few years after it was damaged to such an extent that the
cost of repairs was about $4000. Since then it has been
extended to the ledge; it has continued permanent and safe,
and by further improvements, wharf extension and dredging
during these later years, it forms a safe and convenient harbor
for the local trade.
In 1836, U. S. Government commenced to build a break
water at the entrance of Long Cove, for which work $50,000
had been appropriated; that and an additional $20,000 was
expended, and the work ceased. The Sandy Bay Pier Co.,
at a later day, erected the wharves at the head of the cove.
The several small harbors that have been named, and that of
the Rockport Granite Co., that has been in process of con
struction more than fifty years, and Pigeon Hill Granite Go's.
breakwater and wharf, of a later date, constitute the harbor
facilities of the present day.
How changed is the appearance of the shores of Sandy Bay
from the time that Richard Tarr and John Pool first looked
upon them; and how still greater will be the change of Sandy
Bay and its shores, when the breakwater, now in course of
construction, by the General Government, shall be completed.
Our fathers paid comparatively little attention to agriculture
or horticulture in the early years, but there was a gradual
improvement until about 1820, when these industries received

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT 289
much greater attention. Swamps and rocky pastures were
converted into fruitful fields, and the wilderness was made to
blossom as the rose. In these later years these industries
have taken new life and new methods, whereby the products
of the soil, within the last twenty years, have more than
doubled. Years ago farm team work was all done by oxen,
now the ox-team upon the farm is among the things of the
past; it proved to be too slow for this active generation. The
horse team is considered the more economical, and it has
supplanted the ox. Up to 1840 to 1850 the leading business
of the town was fishing. The building of the cotton mill in
1 847, which was largely done by home capital, and then a
larger class of vessels being needed, in order to successfully
prosecute the fishing business, then our meagre harbor
facihties, for vessels of larger draught, for these and other
reasons that interest began to decline.
The money invested in the cotton mill, for a few years paid
good dividends, but soon dividends ceased, and finally the entire
stock was wiped out. With the decHne of fishing, young men
sought other fields of industry, and other homes, so that now
Rockport has representatives in most ofthe states ofthe Union,
Our citizens have been quite unfortunate in some of their
business enterprises. A few years since a company was
organized, whose object it was to manufacture green hide
seating for chairs and other purposes. This company erected
a building which was well appointed for a large business; it
was soon found that it was not remunerative, and soon ceased
to be. Then a bobbin factory was established here, which,
after being in operation a short time, was removed to Gardner,
Mass. About the year 1 872 a company was organized for
the business of manufacturing organs; it continued in operation
a few years, and closed business, after causing quite a loss to
the proprietors. The Russia Glue Co, established itself here,
and after operating awhile was obliged to remove for want of

290 HISTORY OF ROCKPORT.
better and larger accommodation. It is now located at Glou
cester and doing a large business.
Thus, while the people were striving to increase the business
of the town, disaster followed disaster ; but there yet remains
with the present population, a portion of the pluck and energy
ofthe fathers, and is, after a short relapse, coming again to the
front, and will, in the near future, result in greater activities
and enlarged business facilities. We often wonder as we
look back upon what our fathers, with their limited means,
accomplished, and can but admire their energy. They were
industrious and patriotic, did their part well in the war of the
Revolution and I Si 2 — 15. In the late Civil War their sons
made manifest that they possessed the spirit of the fathers.
The fathers were awake to the interests of education. In
1797, when the whole valuation of the village was less than
$50,000, they built a school-house at a cost of $1,600, and
were satisfied with nothing less than a graduate of Harvard
for a teacher of their children. Neither were they remiss in
establishing and maintaining the ordinance of religion; to their
first minister they paid a salary double the amount of their
entire town and province tax. When they built the second
meeting house, in 1 804, the first having become dilapidated,
they did it at a cost of $9000, and at that time their whole
valuation was less than $100,000, the whole church
membership was but twelve persons, and they well advanced
in years.
As we look back and contemplate the past, and review the
works and deeds of the fathers, their energy, their patriotism,
their interest in education, and what they did to establish the
ordinances of religion and the worship of God, it may be that
they were not an educated or religious people, in the common
acceptance of these terms, but were there not religious prin
ciples implanted within them, and did they not look forward
for the best and highest good of their posterity? An unseen
and perhaps an unrecognized spirit may have moved them to

HISTORY OF ROCKPORT. 291
act so nobly for the cause of education and religion. We can
but admire the spirit of the following petition, that was
presented to the General Court, in 1738, signed by Jabez
Baker, Benj. Tarr and others of the easterly part of the first
parish of Gloucester, (afterwards incorporated as the fifth
parish, Sandy Bay.)
The petition asked that the General Court would order the
first parish to allow a sum of money from their parish treas
ury, to the easterly part of the first parish, in order that they
may support preaching the winter months. They then say:
"By reason of the great mortality, we have had thirty-one of
our pleasant children taken from us by death. — We have
reason to bless God for sparing so many. There are still
living one hundred and forty persons." At this time there
were twenty-seven families, two of which, those of Caleb and
Jonathan Pool, lost three children, each.

The industries of Rockport at the present time are
Quarrying and Dressing Granite.
Manufacture of Isinglass.
Agriculture and Horticulture.
Manufacture of Oil Clothing and Patent Rubber Oil Goods.
Manufacture of steel tools for the working of stone in all its
departments. Fishing to some considerable extent.
There are also other industries of a greater or less amount.
We have full assurance that within a few months a shoe
manufactory will be in operation, giving employment to some
two hundred persons.

292 History OE rOckporT.
Fellow Citizens: — After what may seem to you a long, but
to us an unavoidable delay, we are enabled to lay before you
these pages. You will peruse them with special interest.
Undoubtedly you will notice errors, but we feel sure that you
will not notice more of them than ourselves, and then we know
that you will throw over them a mantle of charity, especially
as it comes to your 'minds by whom these pages were com
piled. It is with deep feelings of regret that we have not been able
to give you better work, but we derive a certain satisfaction,
and we trust that you also will, as we realize, however imper
fect these pages, they will save from oblivion much that will
be useful to the future historian, as they, or a portion of them,
shall be wrought into a future and more elaborate history of
our pleasant town by the sea,
Rockport, May, 1889.

INDEX.

Page
Preface  ,
Correspondence  ,  4
Centennial Committee  S
Programme Centennial Celebration  9
Centennial Hymn  10
Centennial Address  13
Chapter i. Residents of Sandy Bay 1690 to 1755. . . 89
Roll of Capt Rowe's Co. at Bunker Hill. . . 90
John Rowe's Commission as Captain  91
John Rowe's Commission as Captain at
Bunker Hill  92
Chap. ii. Rockport National Bank  94
Rockport Savings Bank  95
Granite Savings Bank  96
Celebration of Fourth of July, 1854  97
Chap. hi. Temperance Reform  105
Women's Raid   , in
Chap. iv. History of the Public Schools  1 20
Chap. v. Re-interment of the Remains of Rev. David
Jewett  ,  1 29
Ecclesiastical History  138
First Congregational Society  138
Baptist Church  I43
First Universalist Society  146
Methodist Episcopal Society  148
Second Congregational Society  151
Ordination of Walter Harris Giles  154
Catholic Church  i5S
First Church of Christ  156
Second Universalist Society  159

294 INDEX.
Page
Protestant Episcopal Church  -  i6o
Women's Work  i6i
Chap. vi. Anthracite Coal  -  162
Telegraphic Communication 
Ice Business  - 
Almshouse  1 63
Death of Three Citizens Abroad  164
Fire Department  165
Baptist and Dock Squares  168
Great Gale  169
Great Snow Storm  170
Beech Grove Cemetery  ¦  171
Locust Grove Cemetery  172
Bombshell in Church  173
Rockport Railroad  "
Chap. vii. Civil War  181
Death of Otis Wing Wallace  183
Burial of Lieut. George W. Tufts  184
1 7th Regiment   187
Roll of Muster and Discharge of Soldiers. . . 187
Return of 36 Members of Co. B, 50th Reg't 211
Surrender of Gen. Robert E. Lee. . ,  212
Assassination of President Lincoln  "
Chap. viii. Heavy Gale and Loss of Life  214
Destruction of Pemberton Mills  218
Drowning of two Young Men  "
Manufacture of Isinglass  "
Injuries Sustained by Defective Highways. • 219
Donation to the Town by David Kimball. . 220
Young Men's Christian Association  222
Chap. ix. New Town HaU  223
Town Library  "
Murder of Gilman  225
Disabled and Dead Seamen  227
Landing of the Commercial Cable  229

INDEX. 295
Page
Chap, x. Commencement and Progress ofthe Granite
Industry  237
Rockport Gleaner  245
Rockport Review  "
Thatcher's and Straitsmouth Islands  246
Harbor of Refuge  "
Buildings Burned and Damaged by Fire. . . 248
The Sea-Serpent  251
Chap. xi. Donation of a Clock, by John G. Dennis, Esq. 256
Highways and Town Ways   258
Re-interment of the Remains of John Pool
and his Wives  262
Purchase of a Hearse  "
Taverns and Hotels  263
Casualties  265
Death of Dr. Barden  267
Death of Dr. HaskeU 
Death of Dr. Lemuel Gott  268
Deceased Clergymen  269
Death of Ebenezer Pool  270
Death of Another Aged Citizen  271
Secret and Benevolent Societies  272
Selectmen of Gloucester from Sandy Bay. . 277
Representatives from Sandy Bay to the
General Court  278
Rockports First Town Meeting  279
Selectmen of Rockport  280
Town Clerks  2S2
Town Treasurers   "
School Committees  "
Representatives from. Rockport to the Gen
eral Court  284
Chap. xii. Retrospection  286
-The Industries of Rockport  291
Closing Words  292

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