Suffolk County, Massachusetts - The whole text, 1894 (part 11 of 17)

When Nathaniel Greene became Postmaster in lS2'.t, Boston had about ()(),000 inhabitants scattered over little more than 3,000 acres, a good part of which was hardly occupied. When Burt was appointed in 18fi7, the territory of Boston had been increased by encroachments upon the water, and the population had risen to about 215,00(1; but Roxbury, Dorchester, Charlestown, West Roxbury and Brighton were independent post-offices and municipalities; and Brookline, Cambridge, Somerville, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, though since added to the Boston Post-Office, continue to be independent cities or towns. The era from 18"20 to the establishment of the Postal District was marked by internal growth. Commerce prospered; in 1840 Enoch Train began his famous line of Liverpool packets, and in the same year the first Cunard steamship arrived in Boston. Up to 1848 the Cunarders made Boston their only American port, and for some years Boston was the chief post-office of the countr}' for foreign mails. But gradually the supremacy was transferred to New York, so that when Burt was appointed Postmaster, Boston commerce and steamship connections had greatly dwindled, the civil war helping to increase the loss. The work of the Post-Office, however, though mainly internal, and perhaps because it was mainly internal, did not dwindle. The number of Post- Offices was increased. When Greene became Postmaster in 182!), the United States had about 8,000 Post-Offices, the present Postal District of Boston but ten. On June 1, 1873, the countrv had about 33,000 post-offices, and the present Postal District of Boston not less than twenty-fdiir : Boston, Brighton, Brookline, Cambridj^'e, Cambridgeport, Charlestown, Chelsea, Dorchester, East Cambridge, East Somerville, Harrison Square, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Mount Auburn, Neponset, North Brighton, North Cambridge, North Somerville, Revere, Roslindale, Somerville, West Roxbury, West Somerville, and Winthrop. East Boston and Roxbury had already been changed to Boston Stations, and two additional Stations had been established at South Boston and South End. Far greater were the changes in the postal administration and in the reliance of the public upon the postal service.

The great Post-Office Act of 1830, still in force, and the greatest monument left by Amos Kendall, placed the auditing of all postal accounts in the control of the Treasury Department, thus checking the extraordinary powers vested in the Postmaster-(ienera], who has ever since acted under specific appropriations. In 1S45 the half-ounce was made the standard for letter postage in the place of the single sheet, and the word packet, originally applied to ship letters or commercial letters of at least three or four single sheets, was transferred to mail boats or steamers carrying the mails. President Taylor's Postmaster- General, upright John Collamer, first suggested the request envelope or the useful custom of writing senders' addresses on all mail matter. Our first postage stamps, one for five cents, one for ten, were issued in 1847, and became immediately popular. Stamped envelopes followed in 1853, but the payment of postage in stamps did not exceed the payment in money until 1855-50. Prepayment in stamps became compulsory in 1872. At an earl)- date Boston became a large market for the private sale of all sorts of postage stamps.

President Fillmore's Postmaster-General, Nathan Kelsey Hall, induced Congress in 1851 to make three cents the standard postage for domestic letters; he established the foreign mail service as a distinct branch of the Post-Office Department, and he made an attempt at compiling the postal history of the country. But while domestic postal affairs imderwent great expansion and many improvements, the foreign mail service remained uncertain and costly. In 1852 the postage on domestic letters weighing a half-ounce or less was three cents, but double the rate when carried more than three thousand miles. The postage on daih' papers was from $1 to fif) a year, according to distance; on weekl}' papers from twenty cents to $1.20. Letter Carriers received a cent for every letter they delivered and half a cent for every newspaper. Postage on foreign letters mailed in Boston was as follows: to the United Kingdom, twenty-four cents; to Bremen, twenty cents by the Bremen line, but twenty-one cents by American packets; to Hamburg-, twenty-one cents by American packets and twenty-five cents by the Bremen line ; to Brazil, via Falmouth, eighty-seven cents ; to Portugal, via Southampton, sixty-three cents; to Spain, seventy-three cents ; to Australia, thirty-seven cents by private ship, fifty-three cents via Southampton, and seventy-three cents via Marseilles; to Sweden, thirty-nine cents ; to St. Petersburg, twenty-four cents ; to Canada, ten and fifteen cents, according to distance ; and to Mexico, thirty-five or forty-five cents, the dividing line being a distance of 2,500 miles. The sums spent by the government for carrying the foreign raails, especially from 1850 to 18G0, were enormons, and have not since been exceeded. This confusion in the foreign mails of the country continued until the Postal-Union Treaty of Berne, which was signed on October 0, 1874, and finally made all civilised countries a postal unit, governed by one law or one mind - perhaps the greatest achievement in the history of international law, if not the fullest demonstration that all nations of men are made of one blood.

On July 1, 1855, the Registry system went into operation, but did not immediately rise into importance. The year 1858 should be remembered, perhaps, as the most extravagant in the history of the Post-Office Department. The total earnings of the service throughout the country were $7,480,793.80; the Department expended $12,723,470.01, not counting $885,322.20 expended by the Navy Department for ocean mail transportation. In fact, the Treasury paid $5,034,245.30 out of general funds for postal purposes, not counting the cost of post-office buildings owned by the Government. In the same year the Boston Post-Office yielded but $32,135.97, in surplus of commissions; and all Massachusetts produced a net revenue of only $130,390.31. In Connecticut expenses exceeded postal receipts; the entire Post-Office receipts in Arkansas were $35,730.54, the expenses $344,580.09. The letter carriers in Boston handled 1,430,488 pieces of mail matter, including but 37,984 out-of-town letters; for this service the people of Boston paid $13,799.58. In the same year Boston sent 310,741 letters by the New- York, Chagres and California line of mail steamers, 717,213 newspapers, and collected $37,390.30 in postage on business done by the line named. But in the country at large the postal business was conducted most extravagantly, leading Postmaster-General Holt to call loudly for "retrenchment and reforms," a phrase since made popular in a different field. It was this same eminent Postmaster-General who established the first night mail between Boston and New York by rail ; the mail left both places at 8 p.m. This service began in 1860.

More than one-fifth of its present annual receipts the Boston Postal District expends for the free delivery of mail matter to all persons within the Postal District. This interesting and extremely popular service has a history dating back to 1803, when it was first autiiorised by Congress. It appears to rest upon the rule that free delivery should be established wherever the postage on local matter suffices to pay for free delivery. This service began at Boston in 1803 with thirty-two Letter Carriers, who received pay at the rate of $22,300 a year. But Letter Carriers paid by the recipients of mail matter were authorised as early as 1G39, when Fairbanks was made Postmaster at Boston. The public paid one penn}' or two cents for every letter delivered by Carrier; the great Post-Office Act of 1836 continued this rate, but allowed Carriers also to collect mail matter for despatch on receipt of two cents for each letter. For delivering papers or pamphlets they received a half cent per piece. These receipts of the Carriers were delivered to the Postmaster, who paid the Carriers. The Act of 1851 allowed the Letter Carriers to deliver or receive letters for less than two cents a piece ; and under this Act all public ways in Boston became post routes. The first year, 1851-52, the Letter Carriers at Boston handled 748,950 pieces, for which the sum of $7,476.35 was received. The total number of pieces handled at the Boston Post-Office was returned at 8,912,507 letters and 666,241 papers, the latter including 442,682 papers carried free for publishers. No wonder, Boston had more dail)' papers then than it has today.

For 1852-53 the Boston Letter Carriers were reported to have handled 871,370 pieces, for which the persons in interest paid $8,541.29. The service, then, was extremely cheap, but not popular. In 1854 the Carriers delivered or received 921,418 pieces, the fees being $8,878.28, while the Carriers in Baltimore handled 930,256 pieces, the fees being $14,434.02. For the same year the Boston Post-Office received a " surplus of commissions" amoimting to $15,923.29, against $392. 6S in Philadelphia. Indeed, an era of lavish extravagance had set in, and continued until drowned in the terrors of the civil war. Those were the years when the Collins line of steamers received $858,000 annualh' for twenty-six trips from New York to Liverpo(jl and back, under a contract with the Navy Department. In 1891 the entire cost of our foreigri mails was less than $(500, ()()(); and nearly twice that sum was received back in the form of postage. The principal economy practised was experienced by the chief postmasters, who received annually $2, 000 each. For 1855 the net revenue of the Boston Post-Office, being the gross receipts less office expenses, was $140,378.62. In that year the Postmaster at Charlestown had the same salary as the Postmaster at Boston, while the net receipts of the Charlestown office were $3,038.29. The money went mainly for transportation. In 1850 the Postmaster- General reported the entire earnings of the postal service throughotit the country at $0,920,821.(30; and the sums paid for transportation of the mails at $0,705,039.42, which does not include the ocean mail service paid by another Department. The Letter Carriers throughout the country received $102,915.59;. the Post-Office clerks, $758,080.80.

Ten years later, the country had forty-six Free-Delivery Post-Offices, with 803 Carriers, the cost being $589,230.41, and Boston stood third in the list of cities, as far as the cost of free-delivery is concerned. New York and Philadelphia led ; but Chicago was shortly to outgrow Boston. Like so many improvements in the postal service, the Free-Delivery system is due to Montgomery Blair, Postmaster- General under President Lincoln. He introduced also the Money-Order system, which has been in operation since July 1, 1804; and, in a measure, he was the author of the railway mail ser\ace. But Montgomery Blair owed something, as does the country, to Joseph Holt, President Buchanan's Postmaster-General, who cried a halt to postal extravagance, when it was his misfortune, in 1800, to report postal receipts at $8,518,007.40, and expenses at $19,170,782.15. Besides maintaining the Post-Office Department, as distinct from the postal service, and all public buildings used as Post-Offices, the Treasury in 1800 paid out of general funds, obtained by loans or taxes, the sum of $11,154,107.54 to keep the United-States Post-Office solvent. Yet in the face of such facts the the Postmaster-General of 1808 wrote in his annual report: "The idea that the Post-Office Department [meaning the postal service] can be self-sustaining, in the present condition of the country, is absurd. It cannot be, and ought not to be for fifty years to come." A better age was to come with John A. J. Creswcll, President Grant's great Postmaster-General from 1809 to 1874.

It was this eminent man that created the Boston Postal District. He compiled the great consolidated Post-Office Act of 1872, which is still the law of the land, and he ranks easily with the best postal officers in

Diir whole history. It was he who had the fortune of sending our first mail to the Pacific by an all-rail line; and by one stroke of the pen, on June 25, 1873, he discontinued the independent Post-Offices at Cambridge, Cambridgeport, Charlestown, Chelsea, Dorchester, East Cambridge, East Somerville, Harrison vSquare, Mattapan, Mount Auburn, North Cambridge and Somerville, and made them Stations of the Boston Post-Office, like East Boston, Roxbury, South Boston, and Station A or vSouth End, the only Stations then connected with the Boston office. Thirty-five Carriers were to do the Free-Delivery work from the new Stations. This sudden annexation was largely due to Postmaster Burt and to the annexation fever then prevalent in Boston. Roxbury had been annexed in 1868; Dorchester in 1870; Charlestown, West Roxbury and Brighton were to follow in 1874. But Brookline, Cambridge, Somerville, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop have remained independent municipalities. It is thus at nearly the same time that Boston became a great city in area as well as population ; that it became a great Postal District; and that the Postal Union transformed the civilised world into one postal unit, with one mind and one law\ The character of the Boston Postal District is unique. But for Postmaster Burt and Postmasters-General Creswell and Jewell, it would not have been formed.

Postmaster-General Creswell's order annexing all Post-Offices at Charlestown, Somerville and East Somerville, Cambridge and Dorchester to the Boston Post-Office, was issued on June 35, 1873, to take effect on July 1, 1873. Postmaster-General Marshall Jewell's order, annexing all West Roxbury, Brighton, Revere, Winthrop, West vSomerville and North Somerville, took effect on June 1, 1875. Brookline was added to the District on July 1, 1883, as if to commemorate the fact that in its early days Brookline had been a part of Boston and Suffolk County. This Postal District is unique in the United States. Its chief effect is to give free delivery to Revere, Winthrop, Mattapan, and the remotest points in Brookline. But for their close connection with the Boston Post-Office, they might still be without that advantage. In area the District is the second largest in the country, covering about sixtythree square miles, while the Philadelphia Free-Delivery area (in 1802) was nearly eighty square miles. In net receipts (gross revenue, less office expenses) the Boston Postal District is exceeded by New York and Chicago; in gross revenue, by New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia; in population, by New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Brook- lyn. In postal activity, Boston is not surpassed by any great American city, comparing receipts per head of population on the same basis. For New York does much postal work for its great suburbs ; and neither in Philadelphia nor in Chicago is free delivery co-extensive with the municipalities. In the cit}' of Chicago there are scores of independent Post-Offices.

The early history of nearly all Boston Stations, once independent Post-Offices, has elements of abiding interest. The first Postmaster at Cambridgeport was Luther Stearns Cushing, the author of "The Law and Practice of Legislative Assemblies." The second Postmaster at Roxbur}' was Ebenezer Fox, whose "Revolutionary Adventures" were published after he had retired from the Post-Office and from other earthly troubles. From 1829 to 1839 the Postmaster at Charlestown was Arthur Williams Austin, an ardent Jeffersonian, who made the University of A'irginia his residuary legatee. In 18o5 he published a Memorandum concerning the Charlestown Post-Office, which shows how the offices were fought for during the reign of Jackson. Austin states that in five years, up to July, 1834, his Post-Office yielded him but $1,3-25.10, or $-2(i5.03 a year. Later in life he was Collector of the Port of Boston. The first Postmaster at Chelsea was Horatio Alger, father of the famous story teller. From 1839 to 1888 William S. Keith had charge of the office at West Roxbury ; and the office at Winthrop, established in 1S53, has never changed its immediate chief. The Stations, like the main office, have been singularly free from calamities and scandal; they have generally enjoyed the confidence and respect of the commiTnity they served.

For this high character of the postal service in Boston, the credit, if an)-, is due no less to the singularly highminded community than to persons engaged in the service. The wishes of the Boston Postal District were met by the national Government, bj- the Postmasters at Boston, and by their numerous subordinates. The public wanted only what was right and honorable and useful ; they received it. A community not proudly demanding the best, is not likely to get it. Postmaster William Lathrop Burt, who was appointed on April 13, 18(i7, witnessed the annexation of Roxbury, Dorchester, Charlestown, West Roxbury, and Brighton to the municipality; and is the true father of the present Postal District. A Harvard graduate in the class of ISoO, and a lawyer by profession, he combined executive vigor with boldness. He took a leading part in obtaining for Boston the present Post-Office building. His Assistant-Postmaster was Henry S. Adams. If any of the early Boston Post-Officc records had been preserved, they were destroyed in the great Boston fire of 18T2, the Post-Office in the Exchange building being destroyed on November 10. Postmaster Burt retired in 1870, leaving the record of an administration unsurpassed for energy and excitement. He died in 188;i. On October IG, 1871, President Grant laid the corner-stone of the present Post-Oflice ; a year later came the great fire, which swept away so many precious records, including those of the Post-Office; then followed a great struggle for more room in and around the new Post-Ofiice building, which had barely escaped destruction (see Boston City Documents, 187:!, No. 55.) In 1875 the completed part of the new building was occupied. The entire pile was not completed until 1885.

The administration of Edward vSilas Tobe}-, who was Postmaster from January 1, 1876, to November 30, 1880, was very quiet. He inherited a great office and a great district; it was his special mission to systematise and perfect the service. He began with about one hundred and fifty Letter-Carriers; he ended with about three hundred. Notwithstanding the reduction of the postage rates, the receipts of the ofhce ro.se in 188(j to $1,551, 451. :59, the net revenue being nearly a million. The Postmaster's salary was raised from $4,000 to $(),000. The new Civil-Service law had no better friend than Postmaster Tobcy, nor had the cause of teniperance and benevolence. In the cause of universal peace Postmaster Tobey continued the interesting work begun by Postmaster Noah Woixester, of Brighton. Mr. Tobey was born on April 5, 1813, at Kingston, Mass. For many years he was actively engaged in the shipping trade. In 18G6 he was a member of the Massachusetts Senate. He died on March 30, 1891, at Brookline.

His successor in the Boston Post-Office was General John Murray Corse, who served from October 1, 1880, to March 31, 1891. General Corse was born on April 27, 1835, at Pittsburg, Pa. ; was graduated at West Point in 1857, and served with distinction in the war for the Union, his brilliant defense at Allatoona leading to popular fame, and incidentally to the equally popular "Hold the fort, for I am coming." After the war General Corse was Collector of Internal Revenue at Chicago. His administration of the Boston Post-Office was highly successful. The number of Letter-Carriers rose to more than five hundred ; the gross receipts of the office to more than two million dollars. Unlike many postmasters. General Corse became deeply interested in the entire postal service as a business enterprise, and was apparently the first to collect materials for a history of the office. To an unusual degree he had the special admiration of the civil-service reformers. His successor was Thomas Norton Hart, who had been Mayor of Boston in 1889 and 1890. His term began April 1, 1891. He was born on January 20, 1829, at North Reading, Mass., and had been a successful merchant before he entered upon his public career. General Corse died April 27, 1893. On July-l, 189o, Jeremiah W. Coveney became Postmaster at Boston.

Postmasters At Boston

1718. - Postmaster Campbell removed by the London authorities, who appoint Philip Musgrave in his place. Postmaster-General Hamilton appoints William Brooker, who starts the Gazette.

1730. - Postmaster-General Hamilton removed. Alexander Spotswood appointed Postmaster-General for British America and the British West Indies.

1774. - Postmaster-General Franklin dismissed by the British authorities. "Collection of the Statutes now in Force, Relating to the Post-office," published in New York. Paul Revere's first ride as the Courier of the Revolution.

1775, May 13. - The Province Congress establishes Post-Offices and appoints Postmasters for Massachusetts. James Winthrop appointed for Cambridge (and Boston); succeeded by Jonathan Hastings on July 8. On July 20 the Continental Congress appoints Benjamin Franklin Postmaster-General.

]7'.i2, February 20. - Washington signs the first great Post-office Act under the Constitution. The postage rates established continue, with slight changes, until 1845. Post-office Department in Philadelphia.

Postmaster-General Gideon Granger. 1810. - The office of Second Assistant Postmaster-General created. 181.5, February 1, to April ;J0, 181(;. - Domestic letter postage twelve to thirt)--seven and one-half cents. 1810, January 1. - Boston Post-Office at corner of Congre.ss and Water Streets. " April 1. - The Post-Office at Charlestown established. 1817, July 1. - The Post-Office at Brighton estabHshed. 183:5, August 25. - The Post-Office at Roxbury established. 1825. - The Post-Office laws codified under Postmaster-General John McLean. Bonds required of Postmasters. Negroes still excluded from the mail service. 1820, April 3. - The Post-Office at Dorchester established. 1828, March li. - The Post-Office at East Cambridge established.

182',t, January 12. - The Post-Office at Jamaica Plain established. " March 3. - The Post-Office at Brookline established. " " 4. - President Jackson inaugurated.

Postmaster-General William T. Barry. " - The Postmaster-General admitted to the Cabinet. 1830. - Post-Office in old State House, then called City Hall. 1832, July (i. - The Post-Office at Chelsea established. 183-1, February 27. - The Post-Office at West Roxbury established. " - Adhesive postage stamps first proposed by James Chalmers, Dundee. 1835-1840. - Amos Kendall Postmaster-General.

1836. - The Kendall Act transfers the auditing of Post-Office accounts to the Treasury. The appointment of Postmasters receiving $1,000 or more is vested in the President. The office of Third Assistant Postmaster-General created. Collection of letters for the mails authorised. 18311, March 2. - The Post-Office at Neponset Village established. It ceased on June 30, 1873, but was continued for a short time

State Street. " May 24. - Successful trial of the Morse telegraph between Washington and Baltimore. " May 28. - The Post-Office at Somerville established. 1845. - Postage reduced to five and ten cents for half-ounce letters.

name changed to Revere in 1871. 1847. - First arrangement with a foreign government for the exchange of mails concluded with Bremen. The regular despatch of mails for Europe by American steamers begun. " - First issue of American Postage Stamps.

to a Station May 1, 1860. " September 38. - President Fillmore appoints George William Gordon Postmaster at Boston. He served imtil 1853. 1851. - Postage reduced to three cents on half-ounce letters carried not exceeding 3,000 miles. New issue of Postage Stamps Books admitted to the mails. 1852. - The appointment of Assistant Postmasters required by the Department. Stamped envelopes authorised. 1853, January 6. - The Post-Office at North Cambridge established. " February 2. - The Post-Office at Winthrop established. " March 3. - Assistant Postmasters-General are made Presidential appointments.

1853 - Stamped envelopes introduced. " September 31. - President Pierce appoints Edwin Curtis Bailey Postmaster at Boston. He served until 1 857. ISSS-IS??'. - John Lewis, Superintendent of Mails at Boston. ISoo, July 1. - The Registry service begins.

" - Prepayment of postage on domestic mail letters compulsory. 1850, March U. - The Post-Office at Mount Auburn established. It was discontinued on September 15, ISTlj, but became a Sub- Station. " August 6. - The Post-Office at Mattapan established. A Station since July 1, 1873. 1857, June 4. - President Buchanan appoints Nahum Capen Postmaster at Boston. He served until 1801. Street Letter-Boxes introduced in Boston. 1858-1884. - Albert J. Hildreth in charge of the Registry division. 1859, March 5. - Boston Post-Office at corner of Summer and Chauncey

Streets. 1801, March 29. - John Gorham Palfre}' appointed Postmaster at Boston by President Lincoln. Served until 1807. Thomas L. Harmon, Assistant Postmaster. " August 1. - Post-Offices established at East Somerville and North Somerville. The former becomes a Station July 1, 1873, and later a Sub-Station. The North Somerville Post-Office became a vSub-Station on July 1, 1875 (present name, Winter Hill). " - Daily mails to California established.

" June 25. - Postmaster-General Creswell signs the order changing" the Post-Offices at Charlestown, Chelsea, East Cambridge, Cambrigdeport, Cambridge, North Cambridge, Somerville, East Somerville, Harrison Square, Dorchester, Mattapan, and Neponset Village to Stations of the Boston Post-Office, the order taking effect on July 1, 1873.

" May 17. - Postmaster-General Marshall Jewell signs the order discontinuing the Post-Offices at West Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, Brighton, Allston, Revere, Winthrop,' Roslindale, Boylston Station, North Brighton, North Somerville and West Somerville; and establishes Boston Stations at West Roxbviry, Jamaica Plain, Brighton, Allston, Revere, and Winthrop, the Stations to begin on June 1, 1875.

1S?(). - Edward Silas Tobcy (from Jan. 1) Postmaster at Boston. Me served until 188(i. Charles Soule, Assistant Postmaster to 1884. " October 1. - Edward T. Barker begins the superintendence of delivery and collection.

1884, June 9. - Postage on newspapers mailed by the public reduced to one cent for every four ounces. " - Alden B. Weston appointed vSuperintendent of Registry. Edward S. Tobey, Assistant Postmaster to 1886. 188.1, July 1. - The lawful weight of two-cent letters increased to an ounce. " - Newspapers and periodicals mailed by publishers carried at the rate of one cent per povmd. " October 1. - Special-Deliver}- service begun. 1880, October 8. - President Cleveland appoints General John Murray Corse Postmaster at Boston. His service began December 1, 188G, and ended March 31, 1891. 1887. - Peter J. Hughes appointed Superintendent of Mails. AV. J.

Dale, Assistant Postmaster to 1891. 1888, May 8 until May 11, 18S9. - Linus E. Clark Superintendent of the Money-Order Division. " May 24. - The eight-hour law for Letter-Carriers passed. " November 1. - Back Bay Station opened. 1889. - Henry A. Thomas appointed Superintendent of Mails. " May -27. - Omar F. Loring appointed Superintendent of the Money- Order Division.

Note. - Stations, or Branch Post-Offices, are mentioned in Section 2(12, Act of May 18, 1843. These appear to have been sub-offices established in the largest cities by the local Postmasters, using their discretion. Stations were first authorised by Section 10, Act of March 3, 1847. They are now established or discontinued by the Postmaster-General only, acting under Section 98, Act of June 8, 1872.

The Sub-Stations at Boston, from about 1852 to about 1858, the largest number being less than twenty, were stores at which the public could leave mail matter, which is now deposited in Street-Letter Bo.Kes. The first of the modern Stations, which are Post-Offices in most respects, except m name, is East Boston, which dates from May 1, 1860. In 1860 New York had six Stations. The Stations next established in Boston are South Boston and South End (since known also as Station "A"). Roxbury was added in 1868; twelve additional Stations were established in 1873; six in 1875; Brookline in 1883; Back Bay in 1888. Four Stations - East SomerviUe^ Harrison Square, Neponset, and Allston - were discontinued, and Roslindale was established, leaving the number of Stations in 1892 at twenty-one. In addition^ there were six Sub-Stations - Allston, East Scmierville, Roxbury Crossing, Uphams Corner, West Somerville and Winter Hill (formerly North Somerville) - for the transaction of Money-Order, Registry and Stamp bixsiness. On September 1, 1892, the Postal District had also thirty-two agencies for the mailing of packages and the sale of Stamps, and sixty agencies for the sale of Postage Stamps. The number of sworn per.sons attached to the service in the Boston Postal District was nearly 1,300.

The Postal S Truce. 4S

less than Ton inhabitants. It has now (Aut^ust 1, 1892) aliont llS.UdO, and an area of "2, -2? 7 aeres. vSinee 1S74 Brighton has been a part of Boston and vSuffolk County.

The first Postmaster at Brighton, 1817 to 18:i7, was Noah Worcester, whose Memoirs were published in 18-44. He was born in 1758, took part in the battle of Bunker Hill, was ordained a Congregational minister in 17S7, removed to Brighton in 1818, founded the Massachusetts Peace .Society in 1813, was created a Doctor of Divinity by Harvard in 1818, and died October 31, 1837. His " Solemn Review of the Custom of War " was republished in Europe, and had great intiuence. His deputy in the Post-Office, which netted him .^liO. 1() in IS^T), was his daughter Sally.

Jeremiah B. Mason, commissioned April 28, 1837, served until November 7, 1842. William Warren, commissioned Januarv 2t>, 1S43, served until May 2(3, 1857. Under President Buchanan, Timothy Munroe was Postmaster at Brighton. In 185i) his allowance was $462.92; his surplus, paid over to the Department, $300.30. His successor, John F. Day, commissioned July 1, 18(Jl, perished in a rebel prison in October, 1804. He was succeeded in the Post-Office by his widow, JMrs. Sibyl S. Day, who served also as Superintendent when Brighton became a Boston Station, June 1, 1875. Her daughter, Miss M. E. Day, succeeded; on April 1, 1887, David Reed, the present vSuperintendent, took charge.

The Brighton Post-Office has alwa3^s been in Washington Street. It is the only Station in the District whose history has been previously published, in Drake's Middlesex.

Allstoii, named after Washington Allston, was an independent Post- Office from February 28, 1868, to May 31, 1875. John Parkhurst appears to have been the only Postmaster at Allston. His allowance in 1871 was $310. For a short time Allston was continued as a vSub- Station, with A. B. Hitchcock in charge. This ended in 1870. On July 1, 1892, Allston became again a Sub-Station.

North Brighton was an independent Post-Office from March 20, 1873, to May 31, 1875, with Thomas Hunt for Postmaster, For less than a year it was continued as a vSub-Station, with Thomas Hunt in charge.

Free Delivery was established in Brighton June 1, 1875, In 1892 the service required ten Letter Carriers, two Clerks, and one vSuperintendent.

Brookline, oriji'inally a part of Boston, was incorporated as a separate Town in 17tl5, and remained a part of ^Suffolk County until 1705. When the Post-Office was established, March 3, 1820, Brookline had less than a thousand inhabitants. Au<;'ust 1, bS9"2, it had about 12,(t()0 inhabitants, an area of about -i, 160 acres, about 1,000 inhabited houses, and fifty miles of streets. The service was supplied by one Superintendent, two Clerks, and twelve Letter-Carriers.

The first Postmaster was Oliver White, who served until vSeptember 30, 1S4'.2. His successor was Stephen S. C. Jones. In 1851 James M. Seamans appears to have succeeded. About two years later, Clark S. Bixby was Postmaster. Alexander H. Clapp succeeded in 1855, or previously. On December Vl, 1858, John McCormack followed. Under Republican rule, Cyrus W. Ruj^'gles served as Postmaster from the time of the war until June 30, 1S83, and then as vSuperintendent of the vStation until October 31, 1S87, when he was succeeded by Isley M. Fogerty.

The Post-Office at Cambridge was established October 1, 1802, being the first established in the present Postal District, except Boston. At that time Cambridge included Brighton and Arlington, and had about 2,500 or 2, (300 inhabitants. In 1800 Cambridge had 20,000 inhabitants, and five independent Post-Offices: Cambridge, Cambridgeport, East Cambridge, Mount xVuburn, and North Cambridge. In 1890 the City of Cambridge had 70,028 inhabitants, and an area of 3,475 acres.

The first Postmaster at Cambridge, not counting the appointment of Winthrop and Hastings in 1775, was Ebenezer Stedman. He was born at Cambridge May 10, 1743; was graduated at Harvard in 1705; served as vSelectman 1780-90 and 1790-1801; was Town Treasurer 178G-1808; and died October 7, 1815. His successor was Joseph Stacey Read, who appears to have served until his death in 1830. Read's allowance in 1810 was $220.42; in 1825, $384.53; in 1829, after the Post-Offices at Cambridgeport and Cambridge were established, it was $300.00.

His successor was Calvin Morse; but soon Samuel Newell succeeded, serving until April 7, 1843. E. T. Bridge filled the interregnum of April and May, 1843. On May 2(5, 1843, Thomas J. Whittcmore succeeded. He brought his compensation in 1849 to $1,096.29, and soon after the President appointed Nathan Fiske Postmaster at Cambridge. Fiske, born December G, 1779 or 1780, was a Selectman in 1807, and served also as deputy sheriff. He died April 37, 1808. But William Caldwell had become Postmaster in 1855, or earlier. His successor, from May 1, 18U1, was George M. Osgood, whose salary in 1805 was $2,500. He retired soon after Cambridge became a Station. Free Delivery was introduced in 1804.

For a brief period William L. Lyon was Superintendent of the Station. From September 1, 1874, to 1880, Miss O. S. Bragdon was Superintendent. On April 1, 1880, Daniel T. Duhig served; A. H. Gormley from 1888 to 1891; Edwin P. Craig since 1891.

In 1875 the five Postmasters in Cambridge-City had a salary amounting to $7,500; in 1892 the four Superintendents had $4,800. For Cambridgeport, East Cambridge and North Cambridge see the separate articles.

The Post-Office at Mount Auburn was established March 14, 1850, and discontinued September 15, 1873, as if the famous order of June 25, which merged the Cambridge offices in the Boston Post-Office, had overlooked Mount Auburn. Its first Postmaster was Truman H. Safford, the railroad station master, and not the famous astronomer. From 185'.> or earlier, Joseph Bird served until 1868. His salary in 1865 rose to $173.79. In 1870 Edwin M. Safford was Postmaster, with a salary of $320; in 1873 Robert B. Safford, brother of the preceding, served, with a salary of $290. Apparently Mount Auburn was continued as a Sub-Station, with James H. Wyeth in charge, succeeded in 1874 by James H. Flagg. The Department authorised the Sub- Station from November 1, 1888. As such it is attached to the Cambridge Station.

In 1805 this part of Cambridge was made a Port of Delivery, whence the name. The Post-Offlce at Cambridgeport was established March 18, 1828, and serves about half the people at Cambridge.

The first Postmaster at Cambridgeport was Luther Stearns Cashing. In 18-2('> he was the onh' graduate of the Harvard Law School. He was Clerk of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1832 to 184;!, and a member in 1844. In 18:51 he had Ijeen Town Clerk. In 1848-4!) he was a Judge of the Massachusetts Court of Common Pleas. He edited twelve volumes of Massachusetts Supreme-Court Reports; but he is best remenabered as the author of " The Law and Practice of Legislative Assemblies." The Post-Office was in his law office, and his compensation in 1820 was $80.01. He died in 1850. .

His successor was John Parker Tarbell, who served until about 18137. He was graduated at Harvard in 1828 ; was Town Clerk 18;32-;i4 ; served in the Massachusetts Legislature from 1839 to 1841, and in 1843 as a member of the House, in 1842 as Senator. He was burn in 1807, and still lives (September 1, 1892.)

President Lincoln appointed John McDuffie, who served from May 1, 18(;i, until June 30, 1873, when the Cambridgeport Post-Office became a Boston Station. He introduced delivery by Carrier and the Money-Order business. He was a member of the School Committee in 1800-01; a member of the Common Council in 1800-07; a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1808, 1871 and 1872; and has been Clerk of Committees since Ma}-, 1870. His salarj- in 18li7 was $2,300.

Gardner W. Ring has been Superintendent since November 1, 1890. He had previoush^ served as Postmaster Tobey's secretary, and in other branches of the postal business.

Charlestown, at first an undefined territorial name, is now one of the best-defined towns. In 1810, when it was supplied from Boston, it had

4,950 inhabitants. Somerville was set off in 1S42. In 1847 Charlestown became a City. In 1874 it was annexed to Boston. The population of Charlestown in 1800 was 38,348; the area about 700 acres.

The Post-Office at Charlestown was established April 1, 1810, the first Postmaster being John Kettell, who served until 1822. He was born June 30, 1750, and died September l(i, 1822. He served also as Town Clerk.

Paul Willard was Postmaster from 1822 to 1829. He was born August 4, 1795; graduated at Harvard in 1817; served as Alderman in 1847, and died March 18, 1856. He was succeeded by his son-in-law, Arthur Williams Austin (name changed from Isaac Austin, March 11, 182S), who served from July 18, 1829, to January 12, 1839. Mr. Austin was born March 10, 1807; was graduated at Harvard in 1825; was made Doctor of Laws by Middlebur}^ College in 1807; was Collector of the Port of Boston imder President Buchanan, and died July 20, 1884. His Memorandum concerning the Charlestown Post-Office, published in 1 835, has abiding interest as showing the fury with which the petty offices were fought for. It is doubtful whether Austin's earnings from the Post-Office averaged a dollar a day.

His successor was William vSawyer, also a Harvard graduate in the class of 1828 (with Tarbell, of Cambridgeport). He was born December 15, 1807; he was by profession a lawyer; he died May 24, 1852, in a railway calamity at Waltham. The election of Harrison and Tyler made John Harris Postmaster at Charlestown; but William Sawyer resumed the office in 1845, or earlier, and served until May 31, 1849.

President Taylor appointed Nathan Merrill, who served from June 1, 1849, to 1853. Charles B. Rogers served under Pierce and Buchanan from 1853 to 1861. His salary in 1855 was $2,000, nominally the same paid to the Postmasters at Boston or New York.

William H. De Costa, editor of the Charlestown Advertiser, served from 1861 to June 30, 1869. He introduced free delivery on July 1, 1863. Rufus A. White was the last Postmaster at Charlestown, serving from July 1, 1869, until June 30, 1873, when the Charlestown Post-Office became a Boston Station. Mr. AVhite continued as Superintendent, but was succeeded February 11, 1873, by Charles A. Page, the present incumbent.

The Charlestown Station employs four Clerks, seventeen Letter-Carriers, and has more than a dozen mail arrivals and despatches daily. It illustrates the great liberality with which the Post-Office serves the public, and is altogether a typical office.

Chehsea, then comprising Chelsea, Revere and Winthrop, was set off from Boston in 1739. The Post-Office at Chelsea was established July 0, 1833. In 1846 North Chelsea, comprising Revere and Winthrop, was set off. In 1857 Chelsea became a City. It covers about 1,440 acres, has about 30,000 inhabitants (August 1, 1893), 5,000 houses, fifty miles of streets, and the highest point rises two hundred and twenty feet above sea level.

The first Postmaster at Chelsea was Horatio Alger (the Otffcial Registers call him Algier), father of the story teller. He served until March 31, 1843. His successor was Abel Bowen. From 1844 to 1850 Benjamin Dodge served. Mrs. Sarah A. Newell was Postmaster from 1850 to 1854; Gideon W. Young from 1854 to 1861; Hadley P. Burrill from 1861 to 1869; Clifton A. Blanchard from 1869 to June 30, 1873, when the independent Post-Otficc ceased, being changed to a Station of the Boston Post-OiSce.

Mr. Blanchard continued as vSuperintcndent until his death in 1879. His successor was Mrs. Mary A. Crowell (now Mrs. William G. Wheeler), appointed October 17, 1879, who continued until 1887. William H. Cate, Jr., served from 1887 imtil October, 1889; Ezra O. Winsor from November 1, 1889. The .Station at Chelsea is thought a model establishment. It employs four Clerks, eighteen Letter-Carriers, and lias daily more than twelve arrivals and despatches of mails.

The Post-Office at Dorchester was established April 3, 1830. Previously the town was supplied from Boston, and from 1833 to 1836 from Roxbury.

The first Postmaster was Jesse Bradshaw, whose salary in 1839 was $98.05. His successor was Robert Vose, Sr. , whose salary in 1839 was $318.38. Joseph Marshall and James Thorndike served next. Marshall's salary from July 1, 1841, to June 30, 1843, was $383.78, besides a surplus of $851.71 paid to the Department. Robert Vose, Jr., appears to have served from 1844 to 1873. In 1870 his salary was $350. But there were three additional Post-Offices in Dorchester: Harrison Square, Mattapan, and Neponset Village. So it happened that Dorchester never

Dorchester became a Station July 1, 1873. George H. Rexford was Superintendent from September, 187o, until he was succeeded, on August 1, 1882, by Wendell Jones, the present incumbent.

Harrison vSquare was named after the elder President Harrison. The Post-Office at Harrison Scjuare was establi.shed July 10, 184'.t. Abraham Noyes appears to have been the first Postmaster; Isaac Field the second; Jeremiah Sanborn, Jr., the third and last, under Republican rule. The Post-Office at Harrison Square ceased on June 30, 1873. For a short time a .Station was maintained, but it was soon merged in the Dorchester Station.

The Post-Office at Nepon.set Village was established March 2, 183!). The first Postmaster appears to have been O. P. Bacon, who served until Feb. IS, 1851. The next was Daniel Spear; then Charles Hunt, Jabez Howland, and Aniory C. Southworth, who served when the Post- Office at Neponset Village ceased, on June 30, 1873, to be continued for a short time as a Station called Nepon.set. Though the largest of the four Dorchester offices, Neponset was merged in the Dorchester

East Boston

East Boston includes Breed's Island and all the smaller islands in the harbor, but only East Boston proper, with Breed's Island, are served by the East-Boston Station. The area is about 1,635 acres, the population about 37,600.

Though East Boston was never an independent town, it was given an independent Post-Office on May 15, 1860. On May 1, 1800, it was made the first Station under the Boston Post-Office.

The first Postmaster at East Boston was George H. Plummer. In 1853 James B. Allen was appointed. He died, and on March G, 1854, Samuel C. Allen, his father, succeeded. He died April 7, 1860. His allowance in 1857 was $-2,066.85, beside a surplus of $2,067. 23 paid to the Department. He was a member of the Boston School Committee

Cyrus Washburn was appointed Superintendent of the East-Boston Station on May 8, 1800. In 1802 he was succeeded by Ebenezer Atkins, who introduced free delivery in 1803. Ebenezer Atkins had served in the Boston Common Council of 1854, and as Alderman of Boston in 1858, 1859 and 1800. In 1800 Rawlins T. Atkins succeeded, and in December of the same year Charles T. Jenkins. He was succeeded on July 1, 1887, by Benjamin J. Sullivan. George E. Harrington succeeded on September 1, 1891.

East Cambridge

The Post-Office at East Cambridge, the second of five established in Cambridge, was created on March 17, 1828, when John Quincy Adams was President, and John McLean Postmaster-General. The first Postmaster was Eleazer Hooper. The reign of Jackson made vSamuel S. Green Postmaster, who served until April 24, 1841. He was born at Maiden, January 12, 1782; he was Assessor at Cambridge 1824-37 and 1843-40, later on a Custom-House officer, and died September 8, 1872, He was .succeeded b}' John W. Donahan, and in 1845, bv Rufus Shattuck.

The Fillmore succession, with Nathan K. Hall as Postmaster-General, made Eli C. Kin.sley Postmaster, to be replaced, imder Pierce and James Campbell, by L. wS. Parker. Andrew Fogg followed, withan allowance of $1,008.05, in 1855. N. K. Noble served tmder Republicans. His salary rose to $1,900; in 1808 he was succeeded by Martha A. Langley, who served until 1872; but the Post-Office at East Cambridge ceased on June 30, 1873. Rufus R. Wade, the last Postmaster, continued in charge of the Station; in 1879 Miss Ella M. vStevens succeeded; Lsley M. Fogertyin 1883; John A. Collins on November 1, 1887.

Jamaica Plain

Jamaica Plain used to be in Roxbury, but was a part of West Roxbury when that town was set off in 1851. West Roxburv was merged in Boston in 1874.

The Post-Office at Jamaica Plain was established January 12, 1839. The first Postmaster was Joshua Seaver, who served also as Postmaster at Roxbur}-, 1845-49, and was Clerk of the Roxbur}' Common Council for tifteeii years. By lS:i7 Robert Seaver was Postmaster at )aiiiaica Plain, and served to April 14,- 1840. The next Postmaster was Jacob P. Geor;^-e, who was also a member of the Roxbury Common Council in ]S5() and 1851. Then Robert Seaver was reappointed. Mrs. Maria A. Robin.son followed ; then vSilas Poole, who continued also as Superintendent when Jamaica Plain became a Boston Station, June 1, 187"). The salary in 187'U was $1,(K)(), which made Jamaica Plain a Presidential office.

The Superintendent next after Poole was Nelson Hayward Fuller, succeeded in April, 1887, by John Lewis, who had entered the postal service in 1845, and had been Superintendent of Mails at the Boston office from 1853 to 1877.

Boylston .Station, near the Jamaica-Plain Post-Office, was an independent Post-Office from 1871 to Ma}' 31, 1875, with Albert Tower as Postmaster. It appears to have been continued as a vSub-Station, with Edward vS. Fernald in charge, to March lil, 1S7G.

As Neponset, at the mouth of the Neponset river, had a Post-Office, the Upper Falls or Mattapan would not have less. Mattapan is the most southerly village in Dorchester, and retains the Indian name for all Dorchester.

The Post-Office at Mattapan was established August G, 1856, and the first Postmaster was George L. Fisher. His successor was Elisabeth Fisher. On July 1, 1873, Mattapan became a Station of the Boston office, Charles E. Stevenson being the last of the Mattapan Postmasters.

From July 1, 1873, to August 31, 1800, Jonathan B. L. Bartlett had charge of the Station. September 1, 1800, John Henry Cullen succeeded; Andrew J. Holbrook on March 21, 1802.

North Cambridge

D. W. C. Barron was the first Postmaster; then James H. Davis. James B. Nason served from 1850, or earlier, to June 17, 1868. John A. Goodwin was the last. Arthur L. Jordan took charge of the Station in February, 1874.

Revere

Revere and Winthrup were incorporated in 184G as North Chelsea. Winthrop was set off in 1S32, and North Chelsea changed its name to Revere in 1871. It is named after Paul Revere, the courier of the Revolution.

The Post-Oflfice of Revere (North Chelsea) was established July 'I'i, 184(i, the first Postmaster being; Joseph H. Fenno, who served a community of about 750 persons. He was succeeded l:)y William Fenno, Hatch Crocker, George Newcomb, and James L. Wiggin, the latter being the last of the independent Postmasters at Revere. June 1, 1875, Revere became a Boston vStation, and free delivery was introduced in a Town that covered (August 1, 1892) about 3,540 acres, with a population of about 1,750 on July 1, 1875, and U,000 in 1892.

A. S. Burnham, Clerk-in-Charge, was succeeded on November 1, 1870, by Milo Gillet. His successor was Bulah S. Jacobs. His success(jr was John H. Putnam.

Roslindale is a part of West Roxbury, with which it w^as merged in the City of Boston, January 5, 1874. The Post-Office at Roslindale was established March 15, 1870. The Postmasters appear to have been John F. Worcester, W. B. Blackmore, and Samuel F. Dearborn. The Post-Office ceased May 31, 1875. It was revived as a vStation, the Clerks-in-Charge being Samuel F. Dearborn, Albert H. Eayres, Edward Carrol (son-in-law of Arthur W. Austin, the Charlestown Postmaster), and, from November 7, 1891, William H. Jenness.

Roxbury

The Post-Office at Roxbury was established August 25, 1823. At that time Roxbury covered more than 10,500 acres and had about 4,5()0 inhabitants. In 1874 this same territory, with nearly 0(M>()(i inhabitants, had one Postal vStation - Roxbury, and four independent Post-Offices : Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury, Roslindale, and Boylston Station. Roxbury became a City in 1840 ; West Roxbury was set off in 1851; and Roxbury was merged in Boston January G, 1808. The Roxbury Post-Office was made a Boston Station September 22, 1808. It is the largest vStation in the District as far as population is concerned, and the only Station, beside the South End, emploj-ing more than fifty Clerks and Carriers. Its area is nearly 2,200 acres; its population nearly 90,000.

Joshua Seaver, 1845-51. In 1849 his salary was $1,024. He was also the first Postmaster at Jamaica Plain in 1829 ; he was Clerk of the Roxbury Common Council 1846-57 and 18G1-G3, and Secretary as well as member of the Roxbury School Committee.

John Backup, 18G1-GG. His salary ended October 14, 18GG, It had reached $2,(100 in 18G5, with a surplus revenue of $8,427.89. Mr. Backup was a member of the Roxbury Common Council in 18G5 and 18GG. Mr. Burrell was a member of the Common Council in 1852 and 1853, an Alderman of Roxbury in 18G1, and has been a member of the Bostt)n Board of Street Commissioners from the beginning, in 1871, being re-elected triennially. His salary as Postmaster at Roxbury was $1,G18.G8 in 1855; the surplus in the same year was $2,095, IG. In 18G7 the salary was $2,500, the surplus $7,501.67, It was in Postmaster Burrell's day that Roxbury became a Boston Station. At that time the office employed two Clerks and six Carriers.

Mr. Burrell continued as Superintendent until 1871. Robert A. Backup served until 1877; Robert W. William.s, 1877-88; John E. Killian since then .

Somerville was set off from Charlestown in 1843. The Somerville Post-Office was estabHshed May 28, 1844. The population of Somerville at that time was about 3,000. In 1871 Somerville became a City. Its present area (August 1, 1893,) is about 2,600 acres, with a population of about 45,000. On June 1, 1873, Somerville had four independent Post-Ofiices: Somerville, East Somerville, North Somerville, and

West S(.)merville, The two named first became Boston Stations Jul}' 1, 1873; North vSomerville and West vSomerville ceased as independent Post-Offices on May 31, 1875. At present vSomerville is a Station, while East Somerville, West Somerville, and Winter Hill (North Somerville) a^e vSnb-.Stations.

The .Somerville Postmasters were Stephen B. vSewall, whose salary in 1849 was $i)ii.57. with a surplus of $137.41; Dane Appleton Marrett, George A. vSanborn, William H. Weston, Nathaniel Avery Daniels, who was also the first Superintendent of the .Somerville Station, servinging until October, 1874. His successors were: James F. Hunt, 1874- 75; Ansel Lewis, 187G; Robert W. Williams, May 5, 1876, to August 22, 1877; Charles William Morss, September 1, 1877, to June, 1882; Charles M. Jordan, June, 1882, to May 2, 188G; William H. Flynn, 1880 to August 31, 1891; James E. Whitaker, September 1, 1S91, to January 31, 1892; Ji->hn Uuincy Adams, from February 1, 1892.

The Post-Office at East Somerville was established August 1, 1861. The Postmasters were William C. Buzzell, F. G. Hartshorn, Alonzo B. Evans, and Nathaniel L. Dayton. The salary in 1865 was $1,200. When East Somerville became a .Station, Mr. Dayton remained in charge until the Station was abolished, July 31, 1876. It appears to have been revived from September 4 to December 31, 1877, since when it has been a part of the Somerville .Station. A Sub-Station at East .Soinerville was established July 1, 189(i.

The Post-Office at North .Somerville was established August 1, 1861. Edwin L. Weeks, Samuel Littleficld, and Thomas G, Temple appear to have been the Postmasters. The office ceased May 31, 1875; but a .Sub-Station, under the charge of Thomas G. Temple, appears to have existed from Jime )., 1875, to July 31, 1870. A Sub-Station named Winter Hill has been in operation at North Somerville since July 1, 1890.

The Post-Office at West Somerville was established April 21, 1873, and ceased on May 31, 1875. Benjamin Applin and E. A. Kingman appear to have been the Postmasters, the latter acting as Clerk-in-Charge from June 1, 1875, to March 31, 187 (i, during which time West Somer-

South Boston

There is no record showing when the South-Boston vStation was e.stablished. It was probably in the earlier da3-s of Postmaster Palfrey's service, and Mr. Geoi'ge W. Bail is probably the first Superintendent. It appears that this Station was established after East Boston, and pos- .sibly before the South End Station. Late in the forties, when South Boston had more than 10,000 inhabitants, Mr. Hunting was the Letter- Carrier and Collector for all South Boston, receiving two cents for everv letter. In 1849 Caleb Gill was appointed Letter-Carrier for South Boston, and served until December ',M, 18,54. In 18.'j.5~.5() W. vS. Jordan served as Letter-Carrier and had a suh-Post-Office, like his jiredecessors. In 185(; E. B. Spinney succeeded, under a similar arrangement with the Postmaster of Boston, who appears to have exercised the widest discretion in these matters. In or before 1803 George W. Bail was appointed, and free deliver}^ was introduced. This ended the old arrangement. The next Superintendent was Thomas Burns, who died November (i, 187G. His successor was William F. Gierke. John H. (liblin was Superintendent under Postmaster Corse, and was succeeded on vSeptember 1, 1891, by Henry S. Treadwell.

South End

The South End appears to have been established as a .Station in 1802. The first Superintendent was Miss Ellen M. Buckingham, who served about a year, when she was succeeded by her sister, Miss Lucy A. Buckingham. The third Superintendent was Mrs. D. C. Hollister; the fourth William H. Dupree, appointed October 1, 1874. South End (known also as vStation "A,") Roxbury, and Back Bay are easily the largest vStations in the District.

West Roxbury

The Post-Office at West Roxbury was established February 37, 1834, and Paul Draper appears to have been the first Postmaster. He served until March 1.3, 1839. On the following day William S. Keith succeeded as Postmaster, and continued in charge when West Roxbury became a Station of the Boston Post-Office, June 1, 1875. Mr. Keith died May 9, 1888, and was succeeded by Michael Edmund Hennessy. On July 1, 1888, Herbert B. Johnson succeeded.

The Town of West Roxbury was set off from the City of Roxbury in 1851. On January 5, 1874, the Town of West Roxbury, with the Post- Oiifices at West Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, Boylston Station, and Roslindale, was merged in the Cit}' of Boston.

Winthrop, set off from North Chelsea (Revere) in 1853, was named after Deane Winthrop. The Post-Office was established February 2, 1853, and has had but one chief, Warren Belcher having been Postmaster up to May :]1, 1875, and head of the Station since. His allowance in 1855 was $17.17; the surplus, $5.84; the community served, less than 500. The Census of 1870 reports the population of Winthrop at 532. It is now about 3,500 (August 1, 18'.t2), and the area, 980 acres. Winthrop has had free delivery since June 1, 1875, when it became a jjart of postal Boston. It had been a part of municipal Boston up to 173!).

Appendix The Neale Patent, 1691-2

William and Mary, by the grace of God etc. To all to whorae these presents shall come, Greeting. Whereas our Trusty and Welbeloved Servant, Thomas Neale, Esquire, hath lately humbly represented unto us that there never yet hath bin any Post Established, for the conveying of letters Within or between Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Yorke, New England, East and West Jersey, Pensilvania, and Northward as far as our Dominions reach in America, And that the Want thereof hath bin a great hindrance to the Trade of those parts ; And he, the said Thomas Neale, haveing humbly desired us to grant to him letters Patents for the settling of such a Post at his owne charge, and Wee being fully satisfied that the same may be of Service to Trade and Correspondence, and Wee Willing to Encourage such an undertakeing: Know yee, therefore, that Wee, of our especiall Grace, certaine knowledge and meer mocion, and With and under the condicions and agreements herein after mentioned, on the part and behalfe of the said Thomas Neale, his Executors and Assignes to be performed, have .given and granted. And by these presents for us, our heires and successors, doe give and Grant unto the said Thomas Neale, his Executors, Administrators and Assignes, full power and Authority to Erect, settle and Establish, and from time to time dureing the Terme herein after mentioned shall and may continue and enjoy Within every or any the Chiefe Ports of the several! Iselands, Plantacions or Colonies belonging or to belong unto us, our heires or Successors, in America, an Office or Offices for the receiving and dispatcliing away of letters and Packquetts, With full Power and Authority and free liberty, leave and lycence to and for him, the said Thomas Neale, his Executors, Administrators and Assignes, and to and for such person or Persons as he or they shall from time to time in this behalfe nominate, to receive at the respective Offices aforesaid of and from any masters of Ships, passengers or others, any letters or Pacquetts Whatsoever, Which shall be brought into the said Colonyes and Iselands, or any of them, from England or from any other parts Whatsoever, or Which shall be sent froin any parts or places of such respective Colony or Iseland to any other parts or places of the same, and to dispatch, send away, carry and deliver the same to the respective persons-and places to Whome or Which they shall be directed or sent, Within the said Colonys and Iselands or any of therii, and to take or receive to the onely use and behoofe of him, the said Thomas Neale, his Executors, Administrators and Assignes, for the Postage or Conveyance of all such letters and Packquetts as shall be soe dispatcht, sent away, carried and delivered, such Rates and Sumes of money as shall be proportionable to the Rates for the port or carriage of letters sett downe and ascertained in and by an Act of Parliament made in the Twelfth yeare of the Reigne of our late Ro)-all uncle, King Charles the Second, of Blessed memory - Entituled An Act for setting and establishing a Post Office, or such other rates or sumes of money as the Planters and others will freely agree to give for their letters or Pacquetts, upon the first settlement of such Office or Offices ; And further Wee have Given and Granted, and by these presents for us, our heires and Successors, we give and grant unto the said Thomas Neale, his Executors, Administrators and Assignes, and to such person and persons as he or they shall from time to time Nominate as aforesaid, full power and Authority and free liberty, leave and lycence, at the said Office or Offices so to be settled as aforesaid, to collect and receive such letters or Pacquetts as the Planters or any others Will send or bring to the same, and to dispatch such of them away for England as shall be directed thither, by the first ship that from time to time shall be bound for any Post Towne of England, to be there delivered to the Deputy or Deputies of our Postmaster or Postmasters Generall for the time being, bv him or them appointed or to be appointed for the said Post Towne, To the end such Deputy or Deputys may from time to time send the same away to the Generall Post Office in England to be delivered according to the severall and respective direccions of the same, as by the said Act of Parliament is prescribed, and to dispatch away such of the said letters or Pacquetts as shall be directed or are to be carried from any of the said Islands, Colonys or Plantacions, from time to time, to have, hold, use, exercise and enjoy the said Office and Offices With the Powers, Authorities, Priviledges, leave and lycence herein before mentioned and intended to be hereby Granted, and to rate, perceive, and receive the Rates and Sumes aforesaid unto him, the said Thomas Neale, his Executors, Administrators and Assignes, To the onely use and behoofe of him, the said Thomas Neale, his Executors, Administrators and Assignes, from the date of these our letters Patents for and dureing the Terme of twenty one yeares from thence next ensueing, and fully to be compleate and ended, without any Account or other matter or thing to be therefore rendered or paid to us, our heires or Successors, other then the Rent, Covenants and agreements herein after mentioned, Rendring to us, our heires and Successors dureing the said Terme the yearly Rent of six shillings and eight pence, to be paid into our Exchequer in England at the ffeast of St Michaell, the Archangell, yearly. And Wee doe hereby for us, our heires and Successors, Authorize and Comand the Postmaster and Postmasters Generall now and for the time being of us, our heires and Successors, from time to time to issue such Deputacions as may better enable the said Thom Thomas Neale, his Executors, Administrators and Assignes, and such Person or Persons as he or they shall from time to time Nominate, to Exercise and Execute the powers and Authorities to him or them hereby given and granted, or mencioned or intended to be given and granted, in and about the premisses, dureing the said Terme of Twenty one yeares. And Wee doe hereby also for us, our heires and Successors, strictly prohibit and forbid all and every person and persons Whatsoever other then the said Thomas Neale, his Executors, Administrators and Assignes, and such person or persons as he or they shall nominate, the aforesaid to sett up. Exercise or Execute the like Office or Offices Within the Iselands, Colonj-s and Plantations aforesaid, or any of them, at any time or times Within or during the continuance of the said Terme of one and Twenty yeares hereby granted; Provided ahvaies that nothing in these psents contained shall extend, or be construed to extend, to Restreyne any merchants, masters or others, from sending any letters or Pacquetts to or from the said Plantations or Colonys, or any of them, by any masters of ships or other vessells. or by any other Person 'vc Persons, Which such merchants, masters or others Will especially imploy or intrust for the carriage of the same, according to their respective direccions; And the said Thomas Neale doth for himselfe, his Executors, Administrators and Assignes, covenant, promise and grant to and With us, our heires and successors, by these presents, that he, the said Thomas Neale, his Executors. Administrators or Assignes, or such person or persons as he or they shall nominate as aforesaid, shall and Will from time to time upon his or their Receipt or Receipts of any lettei's or Pacquetts, Which shall be directed into the said Iselands, Colonyes and Plantations, or any of them, from England or any other parts, or from any parts or places Within the said Iselands, Colonyes, or Plantations to any other parts or places Within the same, cause the said letters or Pacquetts to be forthwith dispersed, carried and delivered in the several! parts of the said Iselands, Colonies and Plantations, as they shall be directed; and from time to time as he, they or any of them shall Collect or receive any letters or Pacquetts to be sent from the said Plantations, Iselands or Colonyes, or any of them, for England, shall dispatch and send away the same by the first ship that shall be bound for any Port of England, to be there delivered to the next Deputy Postmaster as aforesaid ; and Where any letters or Pacquetts shall be directed from any of the said Colonies, Islands or Plantations to some other of them, that he or they shall dispatch and send awav the same according to the respective Direccions by the first Conveniency of carriage or conveyance thereof, and that these Services shall be performed With Care and Without any neglect or Delay, at the Rates before mentioned. And the said Thomas Neale doth further, for himselfe, his Executors, Administrators and Assignes, Covenant, promise and Grant to and With us, our heires and Successors, by these presents That he, the said Thomas Neale, his Executors, Administrators or Assignes, shall and Will at his and their own Costs and Charges keep Accounts in Bookes fairely Written of all the Sumes of money and Profitts Whatsoever ariseing in every yeare by the office, Imployment or Businesse afciix-said, and of all Charges thereupon, and shall suffer the said Bookes to be iuspeeted fr<.)ni time to time, and Coppies thereof or Notes out of the same to be taken by such Person or Persons as the Coraissioners of the Treasury or high Treasury of England for the time being shall appoint, and shall and Will Within the Twentieth ycare of the said Termeof twenty one yeares hereby granted produce the said Bookes themselves or so many of them as shall be then made, to the Coraissioners of the Treasury or high Treasury of England then being, To the end he or they may have certaine knowledge of the yearly value of the said Office or Offices for the future benefitt of us, our heires and Successors; And further that such Publique orders as the Governors of the said respective Plantacions, Islands and Colonies from time to time shall issue out for the Imediate Service of us, our heires and Successors, shall be dispatcht and distributed by the said respective Offices Without any Charge: Provided that noe person or Persons Whatsoever shall be capable of Exercising the said Othce or Offices or anj- of them or any Deputacion relateing thereunto, untill he or they doe first take the oathes appointed by the Act of Parliament made in the first yeare of our Reigne, Entituled An Act for the abrogateing the oathes of Supremacy and Allegiance, and appointing other oathes : Provided alsoe that if it shall at any time hereafter be made appeare to us, our heires or Successors, that this our Grant is inconvenient to our Subjects in General!, or that the Powers hereby granted or mentiimed to be granted or any of them is or are abused. That then it shall and may be jawfuU tt) and for us, our heires and Successors, by any order of or made in our or their Privy Councill, to Revoake, determine and make void these our letters Patents, and every Clause, Power and thing therein contained, anything to the contrary thereof in any Wise notwithstanding: Provided further that if the said Thomas Neale, his E.xecutors, Administrators or Assigns, shall not within the space of two yeares next 'after the date of these our letters Patents Establish the Post or Office thereby intended. Within the Colonys, Islands and Plantations aforesaid, according to the true intent and meaning of these presents. Then this our Grant and every power, matter and thing therem contained shall cease and be void, anything to the contrary thereof in any Wise notwithstanding; And the said Thomas Neale doth for himselfe, his Executors, Administrators and Assignes, Covenant, promise and Grant to and With us, our heires and Successors, that all letters or Pacquetts collected or received in an\- of the Plantations, Iselands or Colonys aforesaid to be sent for England shall from time to time be carefuU)' put up and dispatched away by the first Ship bound for anj' Port of England to be delivered by the next Deputy Postmaster in England, Without any Charge to the Post Office here. Excepting and reserveing unto us, our heires and Successors, the English Inland Postage of all such letters and Pacquetts last mentioned to be sent for England, It being hereby intended and declared that the same shall not be accounted for to the said Thomas Neale, his Executory, Administrators or Assignes, 'but that he and they shall and is and are hereby obliged to satisfie and pay the masters of such vessells for such Conveyance and delivery of such letters and Pacquetts as shall be sent for England as aforesaid, and alsoe that he, the said Thomas Neale, his Executors, Administrators or Assignes, shall and Will at his and their own proper Costs and Charges Nominate and appoint a sufficient (Officer in our City of London to Receive and Collect from time to time all letters and Pacquetts for any of our Colonys or Plantations aforesaid, and to take Care to send them duely away from time to time by the first vessell bound for any of those

Parts; And further that all letters comonly called State letters. Which are usually carried Postage ffree here in England, shall pass free thorow all our Plantations and Iselands aforesaid; And further alsoe that he, the said Thomas Neale, his Executors, Administrators or Assignes, shall and Will at the end of the first three years next ensueing after the date of these presents, Transmitt or cause to be Transmitted to the Comissioners of the Treasury or high Treasury of England for the time being a true and faithfull Account in Writeing upon Oath of the Whole Profitts and advantage ariseing or accrewing by and the Charge of the settling and mannageing the said Office or Offices herein before granted or mentioned to be granted and Established, and shall and Will alsoe keep true and faithfull Accounts in Writeing of all the Receipts and Charges aforesaid relateing to the said Office or Imployment, and that from and after the Expiracion of the said Three yeares next ensueing after the date of this our Grant the like Account shall be yearly transmitted as aforesaid, if thereunto required ; And for the better Execution of the powers and direccions herein contained Wee have given and granted, and by these presents for us, our heires and Successors, doe give and grant unto the said Thomas Neale, his Executors, Administrators and Assignes, full power and Authority from time to time dureing the said Terme of Twenty one years, to sett up, make use, and have fferrys over any River or lake in our said Colonies, Iselands or Plantations, Where noe fferrys are yet made nor any grant thereof made or given to any other person or persons, by us or any of our Predecessors for the better Conveyance of Postage and Passengers, as need shall require, and to receive and take the Profitts and advantage comeing or ariseing by such fferrys to the use and benefitt of him, the said Thomas Neale, his Executors, Administrators and Assignes: Provided always and our Will and pleasure is, and Wee do hereafter for us, our heires and Successors, Declare that in all cases Where such fferry or fferrys are to be sett up and made over other Persons land or Water, the Proprietor or Proprietors thereof shall be first agreed With, and his and their Consent gained therein, according to law and Justice: In Witnesse &c Witnesse ourselves at Westmr, the seaventeenth day of ffebruary [1691-2].

Abbott Lawrence

Abi!ott Lawrence, the fifth son of Samuel and Susanna Lawrence, was born in Groton, Mass., December 1(5, 1792. He was a lineal descendant of John Lawrence, who was among the earliest of the Puritan settlers of Massachusetts, having settled in Watertown as early as l<i35, but afterwards removed with his wife to Groton, where he lived to an advanced age, leaving at his death several sons and daughters. Samuel Lawrence, the father of our subject, was one of the patriotic citizens who rallied at Concord to oppose the progress of the British troops. At the time the news of their approach reached Groton he was in the field, when, mounting his horse, he rode through the adjoining towns giving the alarm, and returning in season to join his company at the meeting-house. In the battle of Bunker Hill he received a slight wound, and his hat and coat, pierced with the balls of the enemy, were preserved for many years. He continued in the service till 1778; was promoted to be major, and fought in many of the hardest battles of the Revolution. He was a man of exemplary character, and beloved by his townsmen. In connection with others he originated and established the institution which, in commemoration of the endowments it received from him and other members of his family, is now called with great propriety Lawrence Academy. He died in Groton November 8, 1837, aged seventy-three years, and his widow May 2, 1845, aged eighty-nine years. He was the father of nine children, six of whom survived him, viz. : Luther, who resided in Groton and Lowell, and who died in the latter place in 1839, being the mayor of that town; William, a merchant of Boston, who died in 1850; Amos, who died in 1853; Abbott, the subject of this sketch; Eliza, who maiTied Dr. Joshua Green, and died in 1874; and Samuel who died in 1880.

His education, begun in the district school, was completed at the academy of the town of which his father had been trustee for many years. Beyond the educational advantages afforded by these local institutions young Lawrence received nothing in the way of scholastic instruction. In 1808 he was sent to Boston and placed as an apprentice in the store of his brother, Amos Lawrence, who had been for some years established here as an importer of English goods. "My brother came to me as my apprentice," says Mr. Amos Lawrence in his diary, "bringing his bundle under his arm, with less than three dollars in his pocket, (and this was his fortune.)" After six years' service in this subordinate position Amos Lawrence was so well pleased with his brother's diligence and business abilities that he admitted him as a partner. This' was in 1814, a period by no means encouraging, as we were in the midst of a war with England, and after a few months the prospects seemed so unpromising that Mr. Lawrence proposed to withdraw from the business and enter the army. He had previoufsly been an active member of the New England Guards. With his brother's consent he proposed to enter the service, and applied to the War Department at Washington to obtain a commission, but before receiving a reply the news of peace arrived, and he abandoned all thought of a military career. On the return of peace the two brothers were quick to perceive the new field that was opened for foreign importations, and the younger partner, commissioned to purchase goods at Manchester, embarked in the first vessel that left Boston for England after the proclamation of peace. " The passage," says Prescott in his memoir of Mr. Lawrence, "was a short one. . . . With characteristic ardor he was the first to leap on shore ; being thus, perhaps, the first American who touched his fatherland after the war was ended." After purchasing his goods and dispatching them to Boston, where they were sold at a large profit, he spent considerable time in visiting the continent, where he saw the allied armies immediately after the battle of Waterloo. Several times he repeated his voyage to England, and always with the same good results. Under the judicious management of the house its business became every day more widely extended, and the fortunes of the brothers rapidly increased. The firm name of A. & A. Lawrence became equally well known on both sides of the Atlantic. The sagacious minds of the Lawrences were also quick to perceive the effect of domestic protection, which began to be recognized as a leading feature in the policy of the government during the closing

5'ears of the first quarter of the present century. At a time when the merchants of the United States generally looked with indifference, if not with distrust, upon the attempt to c<jmpete with the fabrics of Europe, Abbott Lawrence took a different view of the subject, not for selfish motives, for his interest at that time ran rather in the channels of trade. He felt the importance of diversifying the pursuits of the country where the industry and ingenuity of the people so well fitted them for proficiency in the mechanical arts. With characteristic energy the brothers accordingly gave up their business as importers and soon engaged largely in the sale of cotton and woolen goods of domestic manufacture, and devoted all their energies to foster this great branch of the national industry.

As a merchant Mr. Lawrence, by general admission, stood at the head of the mercantile profession of Boston. The feeble health of his brother for many years prior to his death threw upon him the chief direction of an establishment second to few in the world for the extent of its transactions; second to none in standing and character. His interest in the work of railroad construction in New England was hardly less than in the establishment and extension of its manufacturing system. He was a large subscriber to the various railroads projected for the concentration of trade in Boston, investing his means in these enterprises more from a feeling of patriotism than with the expectation of profit.

Notwithstanding the extent and variety of his business relations, and the time and attention the)' required, Mr. Lawrence neglected none of the duties which a good citizen owes to the community. He took at all times a lively interest in public affairs, not from ambition for political advancement, or a wish for personal power, but because he felt it incumbent upon him to exert his influence for the public good. He was chosen to represent Massachusetts at the Harrisburg convention in 1827, and took a prominent part in its proceedings. In 1831 he was elected to the Common Council of Boston, but declined a re-election. In 183-1 he was elected to Congress, and on taking his place was assigned to the Committee on Ways and Means. On the expiration of his term his constituents testified their sense of his services by inviting him to a public dinner. This he declined in a letter in which he ably touched on the great questions of the day. He declined a re-election to Congress, although the members of the opposite party gave him the remarkable assurance that if he would consent to stand no candidate would be placed against him. Two years later he consented tt) accept a second nomination, and was again elected. Shortly after taking his scat he was attacked by typhus fever, so that for some time small hopes were entertained of his recovery. He resigned the following autumn. In the ]3residential campaign of 1S4(1 he took an active part in favor of the election of General Harrison, and in September, 184-3, was president of the Whig convention which nominated Henry Clay for president on the part of Massachusetts.

In 184"2 Mr. Lawrence was appointed by the governor one of the commissioners on the part of Massachusetts to negotiate a settlement of our northeastern boundary, which for many years had been a source of irritation between the United States and England. Of the part he bore in this important mission Mr. Prescott says: " It is not too much to say that but for the influence exerted b}' Mr. Lawrence on this occasion, the treaty, if it had been arranged at all, would never have been brought into the shape it now wears." Mr. Nathan Appleton confirms this statement in the following words: "It is the belief of the writer, who was then in Congress, that to Mr. Lawrence more than to any other individual is due the successful accomplishment of the negotiation which resulted in the treaty of Washington. "

In July, 1843, Mr. Lawrence, whose health still felt the effects of his illness in Washington, accompanied by his wife and daughter, embarked from Boston in the ill-fated steamer Coliiiiibia^ which was wrecked on Black Ledge near Seal Island. Five days the passengers remained on that dreary spot, when they were transported to Halifax, whence they proceeded on the vo3'age. Mr. Lawrence's reputation had preceded him, and on his arrival in England he was received with marked attention, and enjoyed the hospitality of many distinguished and influential people.

In 1844 Mr. Lawrence was a delegate to the Whig convention, and one of the electors at large for the vState of Massachusetts. He was an earnest and ardent supporter of Henry Clay for the Presidency, and was deeply disappointed on his defeat. During the following year, 1845, he was largely instrumental in the organization of the Essex Compan)% of which he was the first president and the first and largest subscriber to its stock. This company founded the city of Lawrence, which was incorporated in 1847 and named for him. Most justly has it been said by one writer: "The broad, comprehensive and unswerving faith and large capacity of Abbott Lawrence should never be forgotton by dwellers in the city that bears his name."

Mr. Lawrence's views on questions of political economy were broad and expansive. He was one of the strongest and ablest of the earlier advocates of domestic manufactures. These views he forcibly expressed in his private correspondence and public addresses. He unfolded them more at length in a series of letters addressed to Hon. William C. Rives of Virginia. They constitute a masterful handling of the tariff questions of the period, concerning which Mr. Webster wrote to Mr. Lawrence from Washington: "Your letters to Mr. Rives have a very great circulation, as you are aware, and are highly praised by intelligent men. The second of them will form the substratum of what I propose to say (if I say anything) on the tariif subject." " These letters," saj's another writer, "attracted much attention in all parts of the country, and especially in Virginia, where they were reprinted and commented on in the leading newspapers. So deep was the spirit of enterprise made in that State by them that some of the leading citizens invited him to come and establish a manufacturing town at the Great Falls of the Potomac." " This appeal on the part of a sister State for co-operation and leadership in the development of its industry and capital was a remarkable recognition and tribute to the ability and character of Mr. Lawrence. . . . But vast interests were at stake nearer home, and he could not allow himself to be diverted from this work b)- the projected enterprise on the shores of the Potomac, no matter how alluring the promise of results both to himself and to others."

In the presidential canvass of 1848 the name of Mr. Lawrence was prominently associated for the office of vice-president with that of General Taylor for president, and at the convention in Philadelphia he wanted but six votes of being nominated for that office. This result was owing to the peculiar and unexpected course of some of the delegates from his own State. Whatever may have been his disappointment over the result, Mr. Lawrence did not betray it by a word, and heartily sustained the nomination of Taylor and Fillmore, immediately after the inauguration of General Taylor, Mr. Lawrence was offered a seat in his Cabinet. The place of secretary of the navy was at first offered him, and afterwards that of secretary of the interior. Both offices were declined. Soon after he was nominated by the president to take the highest diplomatic post in the gift of the government, the mission to England, which he accepted. After serving for three years, his private affairs obliged him to return, and in October, 1853, he resigned. Mr. Lawrence's mission to the Court of St. James was the most lirilliant part of his political career. Entering upon the office without any experience of its duties or acquaintance with diplomatic fimctions, he filled that important office with distinguished credit, and to the entire satisfaction of his government, while his popularity in England was fully equal to that of the most able and distinguished of his predecessors. Rev John Gumming in dedicating the American edition of his Apocalyptic sketches to Mr! Lawrence, says: " I regard this as an opportunity of expressing a conviction shared and felt by the good and great of this country how much they appreciated your presence in London, as the representative of your nation, and how deeply - I may add universally - they regretted ycnir departure. We never had so popular a minister from America, or one who has done so much to leave lasting and elevated impressions of his countrymen."

Mr. Lawrence took an especial interest in the cause of education. He looked to substantial training in the various departments of useful knowledge as the great safe-guards - humanly speaking - of society. Besides liberal donations to schools and academics throughout the country, as cheerfully accorded as they were constantly solicited, he made provision by a handsome endowment for the annual distribution of medals in the High and Latin Schools of Boston. In a like spirit he aided in the endowment of the Franklin Library at Lawrence, which also received a bequest of $5,000 at his death. His views on the subject of education took a wide and high range. In the year 1847 he founded the Scientific School which bears his name, as a separate department of Harvard University. The spacious edifice appropriated to it was built by him, and sticcessive liberal endowments were made by him for the support of its professors. 'This institution, the first of its kind in the United States, was the embodiment of long and mature reflection on the importance of systematic education for those engaged in conducting the great industrial pursuits of the community as engineers, chemists, geologists, architects, machinists and manufacturers, as well as those who are disposed to aim at the increase of useful knowledge by original researches. The great success of the school has evinced the soundness of Mr. Lawrence's views as to the desirability of such an institution, as one of the wants of the country and the age. In this connection it may be said, that it was largely through Mr. Lawrence's agency that Professor Agassiz was induced to establish his residence in America. This eminent naturalist arrived in this country as a lecturer before the Lowell Institute, precisely at the time when Mr. Lawrence was niaturiny the prtjjcct of the Scientific School. The pecuhar fitness of Professor Agassiz for a chair in such an institution did not escape his penetration, and the Hberal appropriation, originally intended by him as the endowment of the school, was enlarged, with a view to a more adequate provision for the celebrated foreigner just then coming among us, and as a consequence Professor Agassiz was induced to accept the chair of zoology and geology. From that time imtil his death, a few years ago, this eminent naturalist was a professor in the school, and by his connection with it gave the institution world wide fame.

In the movement to supply the city of Boston with water Mr. Lawrence took a leading part. He attended several public meetings held to promote that object and made speeches in support of it. The project met with the strongest opposition. The first act of the Legislature (passed March, 1845), authorizing the city to take water from either Long Pond or Charles River, was rejected at the polls by a large majority, btit a second act, such had been the change in public opinion, was accepted by a still larger majority. Water was brought into the city from Long Pond in October, 184S, and Mr. Lawrence lived to see all his predictions more than verified.

After his return from England Mr. Lawrence held no public position, though he still maintained a warm interest in public affairs. He vigorou.sly opposed the new State Constitution of 185:i and made numerous speeches against it; but with this exception and his efforts in the canvass for General Scott as president, he took no active part in politics. His interest in the cause of education, however, remained unabated, and the fortunes of the Scientific School he had founded at Cambridge were especially dear to him and the source of constant solicitude. As a recognition of his generous and hearty interest in the cause of education, as well as his valuable public services, Williams College in 1852, and Harvard College in 18.54, conferred on him the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws.

Mr. Lawrence was married June 28, LSl'.i, to Katharine, the eldest daughter of the Hon. Timothy Bigelow, the distinguished lawyer. He died in Boston, August 18, 1855, and was buried with civil and military honors.

The life work of no man was more closely or more helpfully associated with what was best in the history of Boston from the opening years of the present century until his death than that of Mr. Lawrence. In many ways he was a positive factor for good. In political, financial, commercial and industrial affairs of his time the influence of no one was more potent in New England than his. Of every public body to which he belong-ed he was a leadinjy member, exercisinsif a commanding influence on all financial and other practical questions. He was a forcible, eloquent and persuasive, though not a frequent speaker; a legislator of the class unfortunately now too rare, who owe their advancement neither to party management, sectional agitation nor secret machinery; but to merit felt and acknowledged by the community. Though not professedly a man of letters, he had found time in tlie intervals of business for the acquisition of a great amount of miscellaneous knowledge hy a judicious course of reading. His house was filled with books, paintings and works of art ; his conversation was at all times intelligent and instructive; his appreciation of liberal pursuits prompt and cordial. In manner he was eminently courteous and affable. His kindh' disposition found constant expression in a beaming smile, in tones, and words, and acts of cheerfulness ; in unafi:ectcd sympathy with those around him. His purse, his advice, his encouraging voice were ever at the command of modest worth. Unostentatious hospitality was the presiding genius within his home. He lived in an atmosphere of good will; not a languid .sentiment, still less an empty profession ; but a substantial, effective good will, manifested in deeds of beneficence. It might be said of him as was said of his brother Amos, that "every day of his life was a blessing to some one." He was a religious man in principle and feeling, in heart and in life; a believer whose Christian profession was exemplified in all his conduct. He was a member of the Brattle »Street Church and a regular and devout attendant on the ministration of the (lOspel. The reality of his faith and hope in the promises of the Gospel shone brightly in the unswerving resignation with which he supported the weariness and suft'ering of the last trying week of his life. "He was ready," says one writer, "for the great summons, and at the critical moment when the chances in favor and against his recovery seemed X.o be equally balanced, he rejoiced that a higher wisdom than his (nvn was to decide the cjuestion."

Nathaniel Thayer

tember 11, 1808. His father was the honored and revered minister of Lancaster for nearly fifty years, and a lineal descendant on the maternal side of the famous John Cotton. The son's school education was received wholly at Lancaster, but among his teachers at the little local academy were such inspired masters as Jared Sparks, George B. Emerson and Solomon P. Miles. At the age of sixteen he came to Boston and began his business career.

When he arrived at maturity he was received as a partner by his eldest brother, John E. Thayer, who had established a prosperous banking and brokerage business in Boston. This was at the time when railroad building had just fairly begun, and the firm of John E. Thayer & Co. early took a leading part in these enterprises. Their banking business indeed related largely to the railroad enterprises which have opened the West to intercourse and traffic, and it yielded a liberal fortune to both partners. To a considerable extent, however, these enterprises were conducted as separate risks. Among the earliest in which Nathaniel Thayer was concerned were certain railroads in New York State, which later were consolidated as the New York Central system. Subsequently he took a leading part in the completion of the Michigan Central road, which was oi'iginally projected as a State enterprise, or one to which the State contributed a loan for the building. When about one hundred and fifty miles were constructed under this arrangement, a season of depression followed, and the bonds issued by the State fell into the hands of New York parties. Mr. Thayer interested himself with these bondholders and furnished the capital to finish the road, the total extent of which was 285 miles. It was his enterprise rather than theirs, their aim being the conservative one of making good the bonds which they held. Mr. Thayer had not only ample pecuniary resources, but the courage to apply them under circumstances which more cautious, or perhaps it should be said less sanguine, persons regarded as hazardous. The Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad was another enterprise, the construction and early success of which were mainly owing to Mr. Thayer's prescience and vigorous handling as a railroad man, and this proved one of the most profitable of his undertakings. The financial advancement of the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad was originally undertaken by John E. Thayer, but after his decease Mr. Thayer assumed the burden and carried it through. The Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore road was one in which the two brothers were concerned financially. Other railroad schemes of less mao-nitude engaged from time to time the attention of Nathaniel Thayer. Not all of these prospered at once, and a few not at all. The great rise in values after the panic of 1873 had spent its force, which took place from 1878 to 1880, yielded large returns to Mr. Thayer, who was an extensive holder in the panic period of Western railroad stocks which were intrinsically good. These pecuniary helps to Western railroad schemes were not wholly from Mr. Thayer's own exchequer, but to a considerable extent came from Boston capitalists who had confidence in his judgment. Still his investments in these cases largely outranked others, and the result of this energy and enterprise, whatever it may have brought to individuals, has contributed in a much greater degree to the general wealth of the country, in the development of the agricultural and other resources of vast areas of virgin soil. It is due largely to men like Mr. Thayer that in a very high sense Boston has become the great counting-room of American railroads ; and not all railroad men of the present time can form an adequate idea of the financial, legal and technical difficulties with which Mr. Thayer's generation coped so wonderfully well when they consolidated great roads and pushed others into the wilderness. He illustrated the fact that railroads are not so much the result of natural growth as of a well directed intelligence and indomitable energy.

Mr. Thayer's brother died in 1857 and from that time until about three years before his death, which occurred March 7, 1883, when failing health debarred him from participation in business pursuits, Mr. Thayer continued the banking business alone with unvarying success. Upon his retirement the firm was succeeded by the well known banking house of Kidder, Peabody & Co.