Saugus Town (part 1 of 2)

Saugus Town

three children. On this farm stood the Anchor Tavern, then kept by Mr. Norwood, and at his decease by his widow, until 1773, when Landlord Jacob Newhall took charge.

After almost a hundred years of alienation from the Ballard family, one-half of this farm was bought back by William Ballard ; the other half continued in possession of the heirs of Norwood until about 1800, when this was bought by John Ballard, Esq., of Boston, who then became the owner of the entire farm. In 1802 he built a new hotel a few rods south of the old tavern, and from 1815 to 1822 he made this house his residence.

During subsequent years the farm was partly cut up into house-lota and sold, making the jiresent village of East Saugus, - and it was not till a few years ago that the remaining portion of the farm, on either side of Ballard Street, was sold by the Ballard family to Mrs. John Pike and Henry W. Johnson.

Edward Baker was another early settler. In the allotment of 1638 he was given forty acres. His farm was on the south side of Baker's Hill, so called. He was admitted a freeman in 1638 and died in 1687.

Samuel Bennet, a carpenter and a member of the Ancient Artillerj' Company in 1639 ; he received in the allotment twenty acres. His farm was in the westerly part of the town.

Thomas Dexter, a farmer, was admitted a freeman in 1631, and in the allotment was given three hundred and fifty acres. He lived in the centre of the town, near the iron-works, and was generally known as *' Farmer Dexter." He was an active, stirring man in the plantation, although frequently getting into trouble with his neighbors, and even quarreling with the Governor of the colony. He must have posse*!- ed an irritable disposition as well as fighting qualities.

He built a mill on the river, for the grinding of corn, and also a fish-weir in 1632, wherein were captured large quantities of alewives and bass; one hundred and fifty barrels were cured the first year.

Captain Richard Walker, a farmer, was located on the west side of the river, and in the allotment received two hundred acres. Born in 1593, admitted a freeman in 1634 and died at the age of ninety-five years.

Adam Hawkes, a farmer, settled in North Saugus about 1634. He landed in Salem with Endicott's company in 1630, and probably soon after went to

Charlestown, as his wife Sarah's name is there found on the church records. LTndoubtedly he reached this remote section of land by following up the river in his boat, and his location was well selected.

In the allotment of 1638 he was given one hundred acres, but before his death, which occurred in 1671, he acquired a great deal more land, for in the division of his property, March 27, 1672, we find him possessed of five hundred and fifty acres, one-half of which was given to his son John, and one-half to his grandson, Moses. A true inventory of his estate was made by Thomas Newhall and Jeremiah Sweyen, March 18, 1672, which contains many curious and interesting items, which we would like to give here, but for its length. The total value of his property, real and personal, was £817 lis.

Adam Hawkes had only two children, John and Susannah. John married Rebecca Maverick, daughter of Moses Maverick, and what is very unusual, the homestead farm has continued in the Hawkes family, in an unbroken succession, down to the present time, and is now owned and occupied by Samuel and Louis P. Hawkes, and the family of Richard Hawkes.

Adam Hawkes built his first house on the hill, a few hundred feet north of the present house of Louis P. Hawkes ; this house was burned down soon after it was built. Much of the iron-ore which was obtained by the old iron works, in the centre of the town, for forty years or more, was, without doubt, dug in the meadows of Mr. Hawkes. And it seems he was troubled with the flowage of his lands by the iron works, the dam being raised much higher than the present one. He obtained damages for this flowage at several different times.

The above-mentioned early settlers were all farmers, and it is to be regretted that there is not more definite knowledge of their locations and history. Could sufficient time be given, undoubtedly much more might be gleaned concerning them and others who have escaped notice.

But there were also many men connected with the iron works industry, in the Centre, some of whose names we have preserved to us. Among these were Richard Leader (general agent till 1651, after which John Gifford was agent), Joseph Jenks, and Joseph Jenks, Jr., Henry Leonard, Henry Styche (who lived to the great age of one hundred and three), Arzbell Anderson, MacCallum More Downing, John Turner, John Vinton and Samuel Appleton, Jr., who owned the works after 1677.

Appleton's Pulpit. - An interesting incident in our early history is recorded on a bronze tablet fastened to the perpendicular face of a rocky cliff on Appleton Street, in the centre of the town, a few years ago, by some of the descendants of the Appleton family. The tablet is about two and a half feet square, and firmly bolted to the rock just beneath the place where the stirring harangue is sujjposed to have

Tradition says that in those troublous times a watch was stationed on the hill to give alarm of any approach of the Crown officers to arrest their man. The watch was to signal their approach by crying, "Caleb, mount !" and from this cry came the name of the hill.

" In September, 1687, from thia rock, tradition asserts that, resisting the tyranny of Sir Edniond Andros, Major Samuel Appleton, of Ipswicli, spoke to the people in behalf of those principles which later were embodied in the Declaration of Independence."

Chapter Xxvi Farms, &C., A Hundred Years Ago

It may be interesting to the reader to take a look at some parts of the town, but more especially at the farms as they appeared a hundred years ago or thereabouts.

East Saugus. - Let us begin at the bridge in East Saugus, now compactly built and covering the entire slope from the hill to the river ; but, one hundred years ago very few houses were standing here. In 1775 the old one-story shed-like mill building, then used as a grist-mill, was standing on the west side of the bridge, leaving a very narrow roadway over the bridge. Adjoining the mill on the south was a twostory dwelling-bouse, of good size, built by Joseph Gould, who having died the year previous, the house was then occupied by his widow.

Let us proceed southerly up the hill by the only road, and a few rods will bring us to a two-story dwelling, occupied by Colonel Ebenezer Stocker, of subsequent Revolutionary fame. This house was torn down in 1851 to give place to the present house, built and owned by H. W. Brackett.

A few rods farther south we find an old-fashioned two-story house, where now stands the liouse of Fales Newhall. Jacob Newhall, the grandfather of Fales Newhall, then lived there and he was a farmer and shoemaker.

Continuing up the bill, and near the tcp, we come to a two-story dwelling, which is still standing and omaed by the heirs of the late Frederick Stocker. In

The road soon comes to the rocky hill, where it turns to the left, ard a few rods bring us to the famous tavern kept by Landlord Jacob Newhall. It stood on the left or northerly side of the road, facing the south ; it was a two-story gambrel-roof house, with a long sloping roof in the rear covering the kitchen.

Should we continue along under the hill on the Boston road southerly a few rods, we should pass on the right, Major Parker's blacksmith-shop in full blast, and just beyond this his dwelling-house. This house has recently been torn down and a large twostory double dwelling built on the site.

Major David Parker came from Maiden to Saugus when quite a young man - about 1760. Having married a Miss Hunnewell, of Charlestown, he settled himself in a house which stood a few rods south of the old tavern. A short distance north of the house he built his long blacksmith-shop and carried on a brisk business. He was industrious, capable and enterprising. He held an honorable rank among the people and was early honored with the office of captain of the West Parish Militia, one of the largest companies in Lynn. This was previous to the Revolutionary War, for we find that Captain David Parker mustered his company at an early hour on the day of the Concord fight and marched them with all speed to the scene of the confiict, where his company did gallant service. The courage and bravery shown by Captain Parker led immediately to his promotion as major. He was a man of great benevolence of feeling, kind and affable to strangers. He continued to work at his blacksmith-shop up to the period of his death, which occurred in the early part of this century.

The next house south of Major Parker's was Samuel Oliver's, a blacksmith who worked for Major Parker. In 1805 Solomon Brown purchased this house of Mr. Oliver and lived in it until his death. It was afterwards removed to the Centre.

Some rods still south we come to Thomas Florence's small one-story house standing on the side of a ledge to the right, just where it is to-day, in 1887.

A few rods south of the Florence house we reach a large dwelling occupied by Amos Stocker, another Revolutionary soldier, and by trade a cooper. This house is still standing.

Still going south a short distance, just where the road turns to the west, on our right is a large twostory dwelling, built as early as 1740 ; it was considered in that day one of the best houses. It was the birth-place of John Ballard, Esq., he who built the new hotel on the Ballard farm. This house is still (1887) standing, and is owned and occupied by William A. Trefethen, farmer.

Just opposite the last house there was a lane, sometimes called " Lewis Lane," leading south ; some rods down this lane there was an old dwelling-house, in front of which were noble elms. This was the " Lewis Place," one of the earliest settled farms in this section.

Coming back to the old Boston road and continuing westerly from the Trefethen house, we soon come to a dwelling known in the Kevolutionary times as the "Thomas Stocker Place," then occupied by himself. This house is still standing, in 1887, and is owned by Charlotte M. Mills. Some Ibrty rods farther on we find a large dwelling on the right hand side. It stood where now, in 1887, the "Sunnyside House" is found, and a part of the old house was undoubtedly used in the erection of the new one.

The large tract of land lying west of Lincoln Avenue, in Cliftondale, extending down to the Revere line, and intersected by the Saugus Branch Railroad, and now very recently bought and laid out into town lots by C. H. Bond, Henry Wait and E. S. Kent, was formerly a noted farm.

Previous to the War of 1812 John Stocker owned this farm, and built himself a house. Subsequently it passed into the possession of Captain Daniel Bickford. In about 1826 Isaac Carleton became the owner. His native place was Andover. He cultivated the farm until his death, in 1841.

Mr. Hatch, formerly a ship carpenter in Medford, did an extensive market gardening on his farm. A man of great industry ; his broad well-tilled acres always presented a pleasant sight to the passer-by.

About one-half mile south of Cliftondale, on the old traveled road which bore to the east of Lincoln Avenue as now traveled, was a famous farm of olden time, being situated partly in Saugus (then Lynn) and partly in Chelsea. The road passed between the barn and farm-house, which stood at the foot of the hill then knowu aa Boynton's Hill. This was the hardest hill between Salem and Boston, and was much dreaded by the drivers of heavy teams. Mr. Boynton was often called upon for an extra lift, and Landlord Newhall often sent extra horses or oxen to help teams which were to stop at his tavern.

Mr. Boynton lived to an advanced age, and the farm passed to his son, Ellis Boynton. The farm was soon sold to Eben F. Draper and John Edmunds, who owned it for a few years and sold to Dr. Smith, of Boston. A large part of this farm was utilized by the Franklin Trotting Park some years ago, and is still used somewhat for horse-racing.

Leaving Lincoln Avenue at Cliftondale, and taking Essex Street, a short distance brings us to a fine residence on the right, facing the depot, now owned (in 1887) by Pliny Nickerson. This dwelling-house has not always presented the beautiful a^jpearance of to-day, for it has met with many changes since its first construction, in 1807, by Jacob Eustis, of Boston, a brother of Governor Eustis. The land in front of the house constituted his farm. Mr. Eustis was a man of untiring industry, especially scrutinizing all town expenses, and every irregularity received his scathing rebuke.

About 1830 he sold to James Dennison. It then passed to W. Turpin, and soon to Seth Heaton, who occupied it until 1853. Mr. Heaton sold to Daniel P. Wise and others, who then applied the name of Cliftondale to this section of the town, and began a scheme of improvement. Subsequently John T. Paine, Esq., of Melrose, bought a portion of the land, with the Eustis house. The location of the old road, which ran nearer the house and inside of the noble trees now standing, he caused to be relocated outside of the trees, where we find it to-day. Substantial stone walls were built around the place, and the house itself remodeled.

Continuing our way beyond Mr. Nickerson's, the road winding to the north, we pass soon on our right a tract of land (now being rapidly built over with houses) that was known seventy-five years ago as the " Breeden Place " among the old farm settlements of the town. Crossing the railroad, are fine tillage fields on the left. A large part of this farm was reclaimed from an extensive swamp by Timothy H. Brown, who settled here about 1830 and died in 1851. This was known years ago by the name of the "Allen Place," from its owner, Lemuel Allen, who married the daughter of Parson Roby. Mr. George N. Miller is the present owner, and may be reckoned one of our prosperous farmers.

Still going westerly a short distance to the corner of Felton Street, we come to an old house now owned and occupied by Mr. Walter V. Hawkes. This was the home and farm of Colonel Abner Cheever, of Revolutionary memory. The farm was one of the best of that early day. On the death of the colonel, about 1820, it passed into the hands of his son, Major Henry Cheever, who occupied it till his death in 1858.

About sixty rods to the north we come to the once femous "Dr. Cheever Place," for many years considered the most elegant residence in Saugus. A broad high two-story verandah supporting the roof on massive columns gave it at once an elegant and southern air. It was built about 1808. Noble shade-trees surrounded the house, the grounds were kept neat and trim, ponds were formed in the rear of the house for fish, boats and bathing. He built a fine avenue, bordered with shade-trees, leading direct from Jhis residence to the turnpilce, protected by gates at either end. Dr. Cheever was a surgeon in tlie Continental army. In politics a Federalist, in religion a Unitarian, and for many years attended public worship with that society at Lynn.

He died about 1842, leaving two children, - Dr. Charles Cheever, of Portsmouth, N. H., and Eliza S. Cheever, both now deceased. The doctor owned about two hundred acres of land, forty acres being tillage.

About forty rods west of the Dr. Cheever place is an old house, now somewhat modernized, and owned by Mr. William H. Penny. It was formerly the house of Ezra Brown, and in the Revolution days was the abode of his father. More recently the farm was owned b}^ Stephen Hall, who lived there many years. His daughter is the wife of Mr. William H, Penny.

About one hundred rods north of Mr. Penny's house, on the Newburyport turnpike, is the farm now owned by the town of Saugus, and occupied for its almshouse. This was one of the forms of the olden time. It was formerly known as the ''Tudor Place." The old road from Sweetzer's Corner (nowCliftondale) to South Reading passed through this farm for about sixty rods south of the present house, substantially where the turnpike was afterwards built and is now traveled. Before the present house was built there was a venerable old farm-house upon the same spot. That flld farm-house was owned by William Tudor, Esq., known as Judge Tudor. He inherited this place from his father, John Tudor. The late Frederick Tudor, Esq., of Nahant, was the son of William Tudor, Esq. The improvements made by William Tudor, Esq., upon this jilace began about the year 1800. The old house was not torn down entirely, but was made the nucleus of the new house by doubling the size of the old house and modernizing the whole structure. Judge Tudor no doubt intended to make it his permanent family residence. Its fine situation, its rich fields around the dwelling, its picturesque wooded hills, all afforded him the opportunity to display his taste. An artificial pond was formed southwesterly of the house, and into it was conducted the water from Long Pond by an artificial canal which he excavated, partly through solid ledge, at great expense. This canal can now be seen, and through it is now running a portion of the waters of Long Pond. The magnitude of this work and its speedy completion testify to the energy of Mr. Tudor.

In 1807 the house was vacated by the Tudor family, and for years was occupied by different families. In 1818 it was leased to Robert Fames, who lived there until 1822, when it was purchased of Henry I.Tudor by the town of Saugus for a poor farm.

On Central Street, near the junction of Denver Street, on what was then the traveled road to Reading, were two very old farms, one on the south side of the old road, owned by Josiah Rhodes, who died about 1794. This dwelling, which was a small one-story house, stood upon the elevated ground east of the house now standing and recently occupied by the late Salmon Snow. Mr. Rhodes' barn was upon the opposite side of the old road. The widow of Josiah Rhodes soon after her husband's death married Richard Shute, who came from Maiden. He combined farming, mercantile business and school-teaching. He bought the old school-house, attached it to the farmhouse as an ell and made of it a store. These buildings were all burnt one pleasant autumn afternoon, about 1820, with all their contents. Mr. Shute was an active man, and being lame, rode a great deal on horseback, even sowing his grain from the back of his bay mare. He was also tax collector for Lynn for some three years. After his death the farm passed into the possession of Benjamin Swain, and by him was sold to Salmon Snow, about 1833.

The second farm above referred to was on the northerly side of the Reading road and the westerly side of the road leading to the meeting-house. This farm was owned about eighty years ago by Deacon Asa Rhodes.

More recently it was owned by the late Deacon James Roots. The Deacon Asa Rhodes house was a venerable relic of the olden time, two stories high, with a chimney in the centre occupying a large part of the house. A little east of the house stood his small shoemaker's shop, where the deacon could always be found at his craft. The deacon was born in the old house, IMarch 1749, and lived there all his days, dying at the age of ninety-three years. Though a farmer, yet his principal business was shoemaking. He worked his own stock and made shoes for the Marblehead market. He would repair to Marblehead with his saddle-bags, distribute their contents among his customers, take other orders and return home. His way of traveling was sometimes on horseback, sometimes on foot with saddle-bags on his shoulder, and sometimes, with leather-apron on, he would wheel a barrow. The old house was torn down soon after his death, in 1842. Deacon James Roots, who married a daughter of Deacon Rhodes, owned and lived on the place until his death.

About eighty rods eastward of the Deacon Rhodes place was what was known as the Master Hitchings place. This place is now our cemetery. Thomas Hitchings moved from Lynn to the West Parish, about 1802, so as to lead the singing in the parish church, and also to teach the singing-school ; hence he was called " Master Hitchings." He lived in the old homestead and reared a large family. This old house is still standing, although removed many rods towards East Saugus, on land known as the Bowler Field.

In the westerly part of the town, now called Oaklandvale, a little over a mile from the Town Hall, on the road to Wakefield, were a number of old farms deserving some mention. Just before the road descends to the meadow and crosses the brook the location of the old Reading way can be seen leading off to the left or south, and making a wide sweep over the meadow; the present new location across the brook was laid out in 1818. Just after crossing the meadow an old house is still seen to the north, and some rods back from the road. This was in Revolutionary days occupied by 8anuiel Boardman.

Just here a road branches off' to the left, leading to Melrose. A few rods on this road brings us to a venerable dwelling-house on the right, a good specimen of the old time house; it is fully two hundred years old. During the American Revolution it was occupied by Aaron Boardman, and afterwards it became his son's, Abijah Boardman's, who lived and died there. When the county of Suffolk extended up as far as this farm, the line dividing the counties passed through this house, and the court had to decide where Mr. Boardman should pay his poll-tax. Chelsea finally collected it, as his sleeping-room was in that town.

Coming back to the Reading or Wakefield road, and continuing westerly, we come to some excellent intervale, where were several very old farms. In the Revolutionary days there were four farm-bouses here, one of which only is now standing. This is the house on the south side of the road, the homestead of the late Joseph Cheever, and more recently occupied by his son, Cyrus Cheever. It was formerly Ivory Boardman's house. Another of the old houses also stood on the south side of the road, before reaching the Joseph Cheever homestead. This was built about 1775 by John Dampney, formerly of Salem, grandfiither of the late Joseph Dampney, Esq., of Lynn.

But another of these houses, and the most remarkable, was the Deacon Pratt house. It stood about one hundred rods east of the old road, upon a level plot of ground. The remains of the old fruit-trees can yet be seen.

Deacon Pratt was noted for his orderly habits, his jdace being always in the best of shajie. He was a deacon in the West Parish Church, and a highly exemplary man.

Let us now retrace our steps as far as the Oaklandvale School-house. Directly opposite this schoolhouse is a road leading northerly. We take this road, and about forty rods brings us to a modern two-story dwelling, built by Joseph Measui-y, Esq., in 1847. Subsequently he sold it to CI. W. Phillips, Esq., who recently died there, when it was sold to the present owner, Mr. Ziegler.

A few rods beyond this house brings us to a gate on the left ; through this gate, about twenty rods, stands a venerable farm-house, now owned by Mr. Bostwick. This was one of the ancient farm-sites of the West

In 1775 it was owned by Elkauah Hawkes, who occupied it many years. He combined by occupation the blacksmith and farmer. His shop stood near the gate before-mentioned, wherein was executed what smith-work the neighborhood needed. When out gunning in the woods his hand was mutilated by an accidental discharge of his gun, rendering amputation necessary. With the aid of his son, he continued his business several years. He had a daughter, Love Hawkes, who for several years taught school in the neighborhood.

During the beginning of the present century the farm came into the possession of Nathan Hawkes, son of Nathan of the West Parish, who owned it till its sale to Mr. Saunders and Measury, in 1846. After the sale he moved to the old house farther east, near where the old road crosses the brook. He died here in 18G2, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. This old farm-house, where he died, was owned by Daniel Hitching^ early in this century, and afterwards was owned by Ira Draper, Esq., until about 1840. It still stands and is occupied by Hannah Hawkes.

About one hundred rods eastward of this last farm, in a large field, stands an old farm-house, until very recently owned and occupied by the late Lott Edmunds. This farm, in the period of the Revolution, was called the " Hitchings Place." Its site is rather low, and all these fields and intervales, in the period of the old " Iron- Works," must have been covered with water to the depth of three feet and more.

To the northwest of these last farms, and contiguous thereto, is that tract of rough, wild woodland, long and still known as the " Six Hundred Acres." This was the lot of public land distributed among the settlers about 1706.

Chapter Xxvii Religious Societies

Parish CHURtH : Organization - Edward Cheever - Peiostin Church - Parson Rohy - His Salary - His Death aud Epilapli - William Frothingharn - Other Pastors - Secession of the Calvinistic Wing - Netv Church Edifice - Organization of Calvinistic HCcmbers - First Pastors - First Church Edifice - New Church. First Methodist Church : Organisation - Rock School- House - Pioneers - Pastors - First Church - Sundan-schnnl - New Church. Cliftondale BIethodist Church ; Formation, etc. Methodist Church IN Centre. St. John's Episcopal Mission. Congregational Society IN Cliftondale.

Old Parish Church. - The first parish church in Situgus, known as the Third Church of Lynn, or the Church of the West Parish, dates its organization in the year 1738. Previous to that time the people in

The tirst step was the union of all the principal men to build a meeting-house. The union was named the " Proprietors of the Meeting-House." In 1736 the work was commenced, and the best of oak timber was cut for the frame. The work made considerable progress during the year, although it was not probably finished till 1737. The finishing only extended so fiir as to build a pulpit and cover the floor with plain seats, one side called the "men's seats," and the other the " women's seats." At this state of affairs the parish records commence. The first book of records was a present to the parish from Thos. Cheever. It is a remarkable vellum-covered book, and served the parish ninety years. On the first page of the book is written : " This book is a gift to the Society of Proprietors of the new meeting-house, in the westerly end of the town of Lynn, by Thomas Cheever."

On the 5th of March, 1738, a warrant was issued by Ebenezer Burrill, Esq., of Lynn, addressed to Joshua Haven, and requiring him to call the first meeting of the Third Parish of Lynn for organization and the choice of officers.

The meeting was held by adjournment at the meeting-house, the 28th day of March, 1738, and William Taylor was chosen parish clerk, and William Taylor, Jonathan Wait and Josiah Rhodes parish committee. After this organization the parish at once proceeded to provide their first preacher. Edward Cheever, a resident in the parish, an educated man and about entering the ministry, was invited to preach for three months.

It appears that the people were pleased with the preaching of Edward Cheever, and at a meeting held June 18, 1738, they voted to settle him as their minister. For some reason which does not appear, Mr. Cheever was not at once settled. In the following October the parish voted to send letters for ordinaiion, although it does not appear that he was ordained till October, 1739. What salary he was to have does not appear from the records, although a certain gift of the General Court was appropriated to assist the settlement, and that forty members of the parish were each to carry to the house of Edward Cheever a half-cord of wood each year, and not fail. At the same time with this settlement several things came up for the decision of the parish. One was to accept the legacy from Theophilus Burrill of one hundred pounds (three hundred dollars, silver) "' to be expended in furniture and vessels for the Lord's Table." It was voted to accept and appropriate. Another was to assign a lot of land for " horse-stables,'' each one to build his own stable. So about ten stables were built, })robably in front of the burying-ground.

undertake a work of such magnitude as the building of a church. It was forty-four feet long by thirtysix wide, with about twenty-feet posts. It had upper and lower windows all round, of common-sized glass. On its front, or south side, was the front door, with a large porch or vestibule, which was entered by three doors. It had, besides, a door on each end opening into the church. No doubt the model of this was found in the "Old Tunnel," so-called, on Lynn Common. Let us go into the church. The pulpit isupon the north side of the house, in the centre, raised high, with a seat in front for the deacons. A gallery runs around the front and two ends, the front gallery seats being appropriated to the singers. The floor of the church is seated with plain plank seats, divided into two sections.

What a pattern of plain Puritan simplicity must this church have presented, with its " men's seats " on one side and its " women's seats " on the other ; and then the worshippers with their antique dresses !

The situation of this church was very pleasant. It was in the centre of the town, on a small elevation of land upon the west side of the road leading north to the " Old Iron Works," on a part of the " Taylor Farm," so-called, on the triangular green where now (1887) stands the flag staff". The road running westerly, now called Main Street, was not then made. For some years the people living on the old road to South Reading probably passed through the fields, opening bars, but afterwards a highway was built. This church edifice continued to stand on the same spot, although undergoing some alterations, until the year 1858, when it was moved about three rods north of its old site, and is now occupied for a grocery-store by Mr. Whitehead, with dwelling above. The elevated knoll has been graded down and is now an open square.

Let us now return to the old church in 1740. Another question was then brought up which proved in the sequel an encroachment on the "free-seat" plan. They voted to build a pew for the minister at the east end of the pulpit. Poor, blind mortals ! They should have known enough of human nature to have taught them that it never would be endured to have the minister's family sit above the people. So, very soon after, it was resolved that the new church should have pews, in part at least. A committee was chosen to make a plan for the pews. At a meeting held on the 8th of December, 1740, the committee on pews made the following report in substance : " We are of opinion, there being room enough to erect twentynine pews in said meeting-house, nineteen wall pews and ten pews on the floor. All persons that make choice of a wall pew, they maintaining the glass against their own pews. The proprietors of the house to have the choice of pews. That each person having a pew shall pay for erection of his own pew. That the pews shall be taxed forty shillings per week as apportioned."

The foregoing report was accepted and a larger committee of seven of the best men was chosen to superintend the whole matter, and after the pews were built, to tax them.

This committee, finding that more pews were needed, made a plan to increase the number to thirtyfoui", by making five more. Their report read thus : " By taking two seats of the men's, and two hindermost seats of the women's, with five feet of the women's fore seat and second seat, will make room for five pews more, making thirty-four in all."

From what can be gathered, it appears that the Third Parish (now Saugus) was set off from the First Parish (Old Tunnel) on condition that the parish tax should be assessed and collected by the First Parish till the General Court should incorporate the West Pai'ish. That during said time, the West or Third Parish might have separate preaching, and draw from the treasurer of the First Parish their ratable proj^ortion of the money raised. Their projjortion was thirty-five parts of every one hundred and eighty. It is thus seen that Saugus was no small part of Lynn, as to taxation at that day. The sum refunded, with forty shillings per week tax on pews, was deemed sufficient to meet the cash expenses of the new parish. But the young parish found very soon the same difliculties that religious societies have always found - the trouble of raising money. The people were remiss in paying the weekly assessments upon the j^ews, and also were negligent in supplying the yearly half-cord of wood each. Various votes were passed threatening to delinquents.

On March 6, 1745, the parish chose a committee to build the five additional pews on the lower floor, and twenty jiews in the gallery, ten in the front gallery and five in each end gallery. They were also empowered to let, tax and sell, as they might judge best.

The course adopted by the West Parish about the construction of pews was an improvement on the "Old Tunnel" method. In that house every one made his pew to his own taste, but here the society built the pews uniformly and the pew-owner paid the cost.

In February, 1749, Ebenezer Burrill issued a warrant for organization under the charter. The meeting was held the 10th inst., and Jonathan Hawkes was chosen as first parish clerk under the charter. (Rev. Edw. Cheever was dismissed December, 1748.)

become their minister. In this vote of concurrence the parish voted all the particulars as to the payment of Mr. Eoby. We here give the vote verbatim :

The broad south porch did not escape, but was torn down and its doors closed, the only entrance now being on the west side. Such was the change that the old church could scarcely be recognized.

The first minister after the renovation was Eev. John Nichols. After Mr. Nichols the pulpit was supplied from 1838 to 1848 by Benjamin F. Newhall, Esq., James M. Usher and others.

It was at this time that most of the parish property was sold. In 1858 some movement was made for a new church. Soon the old parish church was sold for about two hundred and forty-two dollars to Miss Eliza Townsend, who removed the church to the northerly side of Main Street, near by, and made it into a store with dwelling above. The site of the old church was sold for five hundred and seventy dollars.

In 1860 a new church was built and dedicated in the autumn of the same year. It was located a few hundred feet west of the old site, at the corner of Main and Summer Streets, where it is now standing with its modest spire. An outside clock on its tower gives the time of day to observers.

Having brought the old parish history down to the present time, let us return to that portion of the old parishioners who, although claiming to be the true successors in doctrine of the old parish church, were yet by the laws of the State made the seceders. being in. the minority.

In 1832 the Calvinistic members of the parish formed a society and first held separate services in the seminary building, which stood on the parish property.

This rupture or secession from the old society was led by Joseph Emes, David Newhall and George Pearson. Their first pastor was Rev. Sidney Holman, who was installed January 16, 1833, and dismissed December 31, 1834. From this time till May, 1836, there was not a settled minister.

Rev. Cyrus Stone, a returned missionary from India, now supplied for a few years, and Rev. Levi Brigham was installed May 7, 1851, and continued until September, 1868.

Rev. C. H. Washburn supplied in 1885 until 1886, when he was followed in June by Rev. M. S. Hemenway, who supplied the pulpit for one year, and at the present time (1887) the society is without a settled pastor.

This society built their first church in 1835, Joseph Emes, Esq., being the chief planner and manager. This was a stone church of very plain appearance, and is still standing (1887), although occupied as a grocery-store and post-office.

The society worshipped in this stone church until 1854, when they built a larger and more commodious church edifice, which still stands, and is a commanding structure in this portion of the town. Originally, as designed by Arthur Oilman, architect, it had no vestry under the audience-room, but in 1871 the society raised the whole building, with its tower, and built under the same a vestry story.

While this gave the society better accommodations, it most certainly injured its excellent proportions and took much away from its former beauty.

The First Methodist Church. - Methodism first gained a settlement in that part of the town now known as East Saugus, but then as the South Ward.

Jesse Lee, the pioneer Methodist preacher from the New York Conference, came to Lynn in December, 1790, and a church was built in Lynn in June, 1791.

Some of our inhabitants were attracted to these Methodist services, which brought to their hearts an earnestness and a consecration which they had not found in the more formal and cold services of the parish church.

Whole families were in the habit of walking down to the Methodist services on Sabbath mornings, carrying their luncheon with them, and returning at night.

We find that as early as 1810 members came up from the Lynn Church and held prayer-meetings in the old Rock School-house, so-called. This schoolhouse, which proved to be the cradle of Methodism

It stood on the eastern brow of the rocky hill on the old Boston road, now called Lincoln Avenue, opposite to what was formerly the old Anchor Tavern. The spot was many feet above the level of the street, and being rocky and comparatively worthless, it was thought just the place for a school-bouse, and so here it was built in 1806.

The building was about twenty-four feet square, one story high, with hipped roof. On the southerly side was a porch about six feet square, from which an aisle six feet wide ran through the middle of the 'house north and south. At the north end of the aisle stood the teacher's desk upon a raised platform : in the middle of the aisle stood a large, cajjacious castiron box-stove.

From this central aisle three narrow passages on each side sloped up to the sides of the house; between these passage ways ran long desks or forms for the accommodation of the scholars, each tier being higher than the one in front.

In 1838, a new school-house having been built, the old Kock School-house was sold, and during the attempt to remove it from its elevated jilateau some accident occurred by which it was precipitated into the street below; this necessitated its demolition.

It was in this building that the Methodist services were held for many years, beginning about 1810 and continuing until their new church was built, in 1827. Among the early converts were Solomon Brown, John Shaw, Amos Stocker and Joseph S. Newhall - men who proved themselves worthy to uphold the banner of the cross amid the increasing opposition.

It was not long, in 1815, before Edward T. Taylor, then an illiterate young man, traveling as an itinerant peddler, found a place in this school-house to begin his preaching, which afterwards became so famous. About 1818 this occasional preaching-place was joined to the Maiden Circuit, and among the preachers were Orlando Hinds, Isaac Jennison, Aaron D. Sargent, Frederick Upham, Jotham Horton, Leonard Frost, Eleazer Steel, Aaron Wait, Jr., and Warren Emerson. As the converts increased they were formed into a class and were first connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church at Lynn Common. The winter of 1819 and 1820 was a period of great religious interest ; hardly a family in this village but shared in some measure in the work.

1824. For this year there was a subscription for his supjjort of one hundred dollars, made up by fortyeight subscriptions ranging from five dollars down to forty-two cents.

Of this amount twenty-five dollars was contributed by friends in Lynnfield ; also twelve dollars and twentytwo cents by the " Honorable Mite Society." This was a woman's society which met once a month at different houses for conversation and prayer and payment of dues. This money was expended in the following manner :

The record of the names of the members of the church, as made by Henry Mayo June 4, 1825, is headed by Solomon Brown, and contains sixteen males and thirty-seven females, with twenty-five on probation. The First Quarterly Conference met in the South School-house (also called the Rock Schoolhouse), June 4, 1825.

The following official members were present : Edward Hyde, presiding elder ; Henry Mayo, preacher in charge ; John Shaw and Joshua Howard, stewards ; and Solomon Brown and Joseph S. Newhall, classleaders. At this meeting Jonathan Newhall and Joseph G. Goldthwait were added to the stewards.

"Saugus, June .30, 1825. "At a meeting of the inhabitants of Lynn and Saugus convened In said Saugus, it was voted first that we form ourselves into a society, to be called the ' First Methodist Ejjiscoiial Society in Saugus.' Second, that repetition William Jackson, Esq., a Justice of the Peace iu and for the County of Essex, to grant a warrant calling a Legal meeting of the members of said Society, for the purpose of choosing officers and transacting such other business as may be found proper."

Petition At Large

" S.\UGUS, June 30, 1825. " To William Jackson, Esq., one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the Count;/ of Essex : " We, the undersigned Petitioners, at a meeting held in Saugus, Voted to organize ourselves into a Society called the First Methodist Society in Saugus, and we would therefore beg leave to request you to issue a warrant calling a legal meeting of the members of said Society, for the purpose of choosing officers and transacting such other business as shall come before the meeting.

The warrant, as requested, was issued by William Jackson, Esq., .Inly 15, 1825, and the legal meeting of the Finst Methodist Episcopal Society in Saugus was held at the Rock School-house on July 25, 1825, when John Shaw was chosen moderator, Benjamin F. Newhall secretary and parish clerk, Joshua Howard treasurer, and John Shaw, James Howard, Stej)hen Smith, Jonathan Newhall and Joshua Howard a com-

Eev. Henry Mayo saw the church organized in all its departments and well started in its long career of service. That the church should have started at this time with so much matured strength clearly indicates that there had been for years previous a great deal of labor put forth in the interest of Methodism. This was the case, as has already been mentioned.

Many of our people had formed a congenial religious home with the Lynn Common Methodist Church, had become members therein and had attached themselves to a " class," which met in East Saugus.

At a meeting of the society held in the Rock School-house April 17, 1827, it Avas unanimously voted " to proceed immediately to erect a House of Worship for this society." Rev. Aaron Joselyn, George Makepeace and John T. Burrill was a committee to obtain subscriptions for the new church.

Accordingly, the work on their first church at once commenced, and was carried forward to completion with commendable dispatch, so that its dedication took jjlace November 22, 1827.

This church was of very modest appearance, fortysix by forty feet, without spire or tower, bell or vestry. It contained forty pews and cost two thousand dollars. Its pulpit was high above the pews and was reached by two flights of stairs, at the head of which were doors through which to enter the box pulpit.

This edifice served the society until 18-42, when it was lengthened by adding about twenty feet on the back end and building a basement vestry under the same. Twenty-two new pews were thus obtained, and fifteen hundred dollars spent. Rev. Jonathan D. Bridge was then pastor and much religious interest prevailed.

In 1854 the society sold their first church, and it was remoyed to the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Wendell Street, where it still stands under the name of Waverly Hall.

Active measures were taken in building their second church on the old spot, and in the meantime services were held in the school-house and in the old church.

The vestry of the new church was dedicated December 3, 1854, and public dedication services of the entire church were held February 22, 1855. Sermon by Rev. Bishop E. S. Janes.

In 1880 the interior was improved by stained-glass windows, new pulpit with enlarged platform and altar, frescoing, carpets and upholstering.

In 1835 the society built a parsonage just north of the church. It was a modest one-and-a-half-story dwelling, which made a home for the successive pastors until 1871, when the parsonage was sold and removed, and a new one was erected on the old site. This cost about four thousand five hundred dollars, and is still standing. It was built during the pastorate of Rev. Jesse Wagner, who raised sufficient money among this people to pay for its erection.

A flourishing Sunday-school has always been connected with this church, and even as early as 1819 we find a Sunday-school formed. George Makepeace was the first superintendent, succeeded by Harriet Newhall, Miss Brigdon, James Burrill, Fales Newhall, Martin W. Brown, George H. Sweetser, Joseph C Hill, James S. Oliver, Alvah Philbrook, Rufus A. Johnson, Horace Lovering and Wilbur F. Newhall, who is the present superintendent, having held the same ofiice since 1865, with the exception of two intervening years.

Cliftondale Methodist Episcopal Church. - The Methodist Episcopal Society of Cliftondale was organized March 20, 1850. There had been preaching, however, a part of each Sabbath by Rev. R. W. Allen during 1854 and every Sabbath by James Blodgett during 1855.

The new society at first held its services in the unfinished room in the school- house, now the grammar school room. In 1857 a chapel - a plain, but substantial, structure - was built, and in December of the same year was dedicated to the purposes of Christian worship.

The first pastor was Rev. James Blodgett, a local preacher, who died a few years since. He was followed, in turn, by Revs. George F. Poole, who remained as pastor from 1856 to 1859; Solomon Cbapin, 1859-61 ; John S. Day, 1861-63 ; Daniel Waite,1863-

This church is the daughter of the East Saugus Methodist Episcopal Church, granddaughter of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Lynn, and mother of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Saugus Centre, which latter church, in 1877, formed a society of their own, and a year later built and dedicated their present place of worship.

The Sunday-school connected with the society was formed in 1852 and organized in 1858. The superintendents of the school have been S. S. Dunn, Hon. George H. Swretser, Horatio G. Herrick, Matthew Rawson and Albert H. Sweetser, who holds the position at the present time. The school is in a prosperous condition, its present membership being one hundred and eighty-six.

About the beginning of the year 1881 the pastor, Rev. W. P. Odell, conceived the idea of building a new church, in which plan he readily interested the members of the society, displaying commendable zeal and enterprise in the matter. The plan of building a new church was finally given up, and it was decided to remodel the chapel. The effort to solicit subscriptions met with such success that the building committee, consisting of A. H. Sweetser, J. A. Roddin, C. H. Bond, S. P. Coates and E. S. Kent, feeling assured of success, placed the matter in the hands of Henry W. Rogers, of Lynn, who submitted to the committee the plan of the present edifice, which was accepted, and work was commenced on remodeling the chapel in July, and was finished the day before its dedication.

The church is a very handsome one, giving entire satisfaction to the people and being an ornament to the community. Its seating capacity is about two hundred and twenty-five. There are two entrances in front by large double door?!, surmounted with neat pitched roof hoods. The front gable is ornamented with tracery of a pretty pattern. The exterior is painted in shades of olive green, the spire, roofs and belts of cut shingles around the tower are painted red. The vestibule, audience-room and tower-room are lighted by 'beautiful stained-glass windows of a new and attractive design. The audience-room on the main floor is entered by two large doors, opening into aisles three and a half feet wide, with rows of ash pews, richly upholstered, on either side. The walls and ceilings are tastily decorated with rich frescoings of the Pompeiian style. Below the audience-room is a vestry, with a seating capacity of one hundred and twenty-five, also store-rooms, library and class-room.

The church is in a very prosperous condition. Both church and Sunday-school are growing rapidly. The present church membership (August, 1887) is one hundred and thirty-eight.

The Methodist Episcopal Church in Saugus Centre. - In 1875 a few Christian men invited Rev, O. J. Pettegrew to assist in starting a Methodist mission in the Centre. A Sunday-school was formed ; also a Ladies' Sewing Circle, and preaching Sunday afternoons.

The services were held in Flye's Hall at first, but this proving too small to accommodate the people, a removal was made in September to " Hitchings' Hall," near the depot. Mr. Pettegrew continued his labors with them until April, 1876, when Rev. J. Thompson came for a short time.

In November, 1876, the society united themselves with the Methodist Episcopal Church at Cliftondale, and in May, 1877, Rev. E. H. McKenney began his services with them, which continued three years.

July 23, 1877, Rev. Daniel Dorchester, presiding elder of the New England Conference, met with thirty-eight members of the society and organized them into a church. Rev. E. H. McKenney was made pastor and all the usual church officers elected, including a board of trustees. Steps were at once taken towards the building of a chapel.

A lot of land on Main Street, nearly opposite Vine Street, was given by William H. Penny, and during the winter a church, thirty-two by fifty feet, was erected, so that April 24, 1878, it was dedicated by appropriate services. Rev. V. A. Cooper, of Lynn, preaching the sermon.

The church was placed in the westerly portion of the village, so as better to accommodate the people living in the neighborhood, including Oaklandvale. The following are the Conference ministers who have had charge : April, 1880, Rev. Charles M. Melden ; April, 1882, Rev. Samuel Plantz ; April, 1883, Rev. Arthur W. Tirrill ; April, 1884, Rev. Webster Miller ; April, 1886, Rev. Daniel Richards ; April, 1887, Rev. C. J. Mills.

St. John's Mission (Saugus Centre). - In the spring of 1883 the diocesan Episcopal missionary, Rev. John S. Beers, held a service in a private house in Saugus Centre. A goodly number of churchmen were present. Soon after this a modest beginning was made by the establishment of a Sunday-school, which, in a few months, numbered forty scholars, and later on increased to seventy. Mr. Thomas Ashworth was the first superintendent - an earnest Christian man - but in less than two years he died, after a short and painful illness. He was succeeded by Lyman F. Merrill, a member of St. Paul's Church, Maiden, who continued to hold this office until a short time previous to his ordination as deacon in the Episcopal

In the summer of 1884 Rev. Thomas L. Fisher, minister at St. Luke's Church, Linden, added to his heavy labor in his own parish a regular Sunday afternoon service for this mission, together with such pastoral care as his time w^ould allow.

The hall on Central Street, near Mr. Flye's, was tastefully fitted up under his direction ; several gifts of church furniture, books and other necessary things were made, and the work continued to prosper under the name of St. John's Mission.

Money is now being raised for the erection of a church edifice, assistance having been received from St. Stephen's Church, Lynn, so that the society hope, in less than a year's time, to have a place of worship of their own.

First Congregational Society of Cliftondale. - This religious society was organized November, 1886. About a year previous to its formation services were held in Clifton Hall, preachers being obtained as they could be from different denominations.

The society continues to hold its services in Clifton Hall, owned by Mr. Charles H. Bond, who has been much interested in the formation of this society.

Chapter Xxviii Manufacturing Interests, Past And Present

Iron Works - 3Iill Site at East Sauijus - Praiiker's 3[ilU - Scott's Mills - North Saugun - Tobacco Business at Cli/tondaJe - CfrocJcery - Shoe Business - Grain Mill on Ballard Street - Brick staking - Hair Btisiness.

Iron Works. - Although iron ore was first discovered in other sections of the country, the first succesful iron works were established in New England and in that portion of Massachusetts now embraced in the township of Saugus. In 1632 mention is made by Morton of the existence of " iron stone " in New England, and in November, 1637, the General Court of Massachusetts granted to Abraham Shaw one-half of the benefit of any " coles or yron stone w"'' shal be found in any comon ground wch is in the countryes disposeing."

Iron ore had been found in small j^onds on the western bank of the Saugus River soon after its settlement in 1629, and in 1642 specimens of it were taken to London by Robert Bridges, in the hope that a company might be formed for the manufacture of iron.

This hope was realized in the formation of "The Company of Undertakers for the Iron Works," consisting of eleven English gentlemen, who advanced £1000 to establish the works. John Winthrop, Jr., had previously gone to England, and he appears to have assisted Mr. Bridges to secure the organization of the company. He became a member of the company, as did others among the colonists. Thomas Dexter and Robert Bridges, both of Lynn, were among the original promoters of the enterprise.

Workmen were brought from England in 1643, and the foundry was erected on the western bank of Saugus River, just at the head of tide water, in what is now called the Centre of Saugus, and still marked by the old banks of scoria, which have bravely withstood all changes. The village at the foundry was called " Hammersmith," from a place of that name in England, whence came many of the workmen

In 1644 and subsequently the General Court granted many special privileges to the company. On March 7, 1644, it was granted three miles square of land in each of six places it might occupy in the prosecution of its business.

On November 13, 1644, it was allowed three years "for ye perfecting of their worke and furnishing of ye country with all sorts of barr iron." The citizens were granted liberty to take stock in the enterprise, " if they would complete the finery and forge, as well as the furnace, which is already set up."

On the 14th of May, 1645, the general court passed an order declaring that " ye iron works is very successful (both in ye richness of ye ore and ye goodness of ye iron)," and that between £1200 and £1500 had already been disbursed, " with which ye furnace is built, with that which belongeth to it; and some tuns of sowe iron cast in readiness for ye forge. There will be neede of some £1500 to fiuit^h ye forge."

On the 14th of October, of the same year, the company was granted still further privileges by the General Court, on the condition " that the inhabitants of this jurisdiction be furnished with barr iron of all sorts for their use, not exceeding tvventye pounds per tunn," and that the grants of land already made should be used " for the building and seting up of six forges or furnaces, and not bloomaries onely." The grant was confirmed to the company of the free use of all materials " for making or moulding any manner of gunnes, potts and other cast-iron ware."

On the 6th of May, 1646, Mr. Richard Leader, the general agent of the company, who is described as a man of superior ability, purchased "some of the countiy's gunnes to melt over at the foundery." On August 4, 1648, Governor Winthrop wrote from Bos- ton to his son, who had removed to Pequod, Conn., that " the iron work goeth on with more hope. It yields now about seven tons per week." On September 30th he writes again : " The furnace runs eight tons per week, and their bar iron is as good as Spanish."

Among the many workmen who came over from England were Richard Leader, already mentioned, Henry and James Leonard, Henry Styche, Archibald Anderson and Joseph Jenks, who had come from Hammersmith in England. He was a machinist and a man of much skill and inventive genius. He prepared the moulds for the first castings. A small iron pot, holding about one quart, was the first article cast, according to Lewis' History, and is still in the possession of a lineal descendant of Thomas Hudson, who was the original owner of the lands on which the iron works were built, and who obtained possession of the pot immediately after it was cast.

Joseph Jenks, who became the founder of an eminent New England family, purchased from Richard Leader on the 20th of January, 1647, the privilege of building a forge at the iron works for the manufacture of scythes and other edge tools.

In 1652 he made at the iron works, for the mint which was that year established at Boston, the dies for the first silver pieces coined in New England. On one side of these coins was the impression of a pine tree. In 1654 he made for the city of Boston the first fire engine made in America. In 1655 the General Court granted him a patent for an improved scythe. This scythe we understand to be substantially the one in present use, a great improvement over the short wide-bladed scythe of English make. He died in 1683.

Henry and James Leonard were also skilled workmen at the iron works. They and their descendants were afterwards connected with other colonial iron enterprises.

Rev. Dr. Fobes, in referring to the Leonard family in his book written in 1703, says that "the circumstance of a family attachment to the iron manufacture is so well known as to render it a common observation in this part of the country (town of Raynham), " where you can find iron works there you will find a Leonard !"

Henry and James Leonard are said to have learned their trade at Pontypool, in Monmouthshire. One or both of them superintended the erection of ironvorks at Braintree, in 1648, and also at Taunton, in 1652, and at Rowley, in 1668.

Indeed, we read of many other iron enterprises by ihese Leonards in many parts of our State. For a hundred years after its settlement Massachusetts was the chief seat of the iron manufacture on this contiaent. Most of its iron enterprises, during this hundred years, were bloomeries ; but there were blast-furnaces also, although the latter, as a rule, produced only hollow ware and other castings, and not pigiron. During the period mentioned the iron industry of Massachusetts was confined to the eastern counties of the colony, where bog or pond ores formed almost the only kinds of ores obtainable.

In 1644 all engaged therein were exempted from taxes for ten years. The workmen also were not liable to military service. They gave any of the inhabitants liberty to share in the work, by " bringing in within one year no less than £100 a person, with allowance to the adventurers, &c., for £1000 already disbursed," if they would complete the finery and forge, as Avell as the furnace, which " is already set up." Liberty was given " to make use of all yron ston, or yron ore," to cut wood and to make ponds and highways.

In 1646 arrangements were made with Thomas Dexter for opening a new water-course and enlarging the pond. Land was purchased of Dexter and a new dam was erected higher up the river, and probably very near the present dam. The old canal, which conveyed the water to the mills, can be distinctly seen in places, even at the jjresent time.

In 1652 John Giftbrd was the new agent at the iron-works. He seems to have increased the height of the dam again, and also to have flowed more of Mr. Hawkes' land.

Fz'om this time onward an increased amount of trouble and annoyance attended the Iron Company. They had made great inroads into the forests in consequence of the large quantities of charcoal needed, - so much so, that fears were everywhere prevalent that the wood would be exhausted and the country impoverished.

In 1678 Samuel Appleton, Jr., took possession of the Iron Works, by a grant in the will of William Payne, of Boston. It was estimated there were three thousand acres of iron mill land. Mr. Appleton then owned three-fourths of the Iron Works, valued at £1500, but, in 1683, the heirs of Major Thomas Savage sold the remaining fourth to Mr. Appleton, who thus owned the whole property.

In 1688 Mr. Appleton sold the entire works to James Taylor, of Boston, and it was about this time that they probably ceased operations entirely. Vexatious law-suits had much to do with hastening its cessation, but it would rather seem probable that the supply of iron-ore had nearly become exhausted.

From the foregoing details it is plainly established that the enterprise at Saugus embraced a blast-furnace or " foundery," and a refining forge. The term "foundery"' was long a synonyme for "furnace," castings being made directly from the fiirnace.

This practice continued in this country down to almost the middle of the present century, and is still followed in many European countries. That the furnace was in operation in May, 1645, is certain, and that the forge was in operation in September, 1648, is equally certain.

These dates may be accepted as definitely determining the first successful attempts in this country to make " sowe iron " and other castings in a blast-furnace, and to make "barriron" in a refining forge from " sowe iron."

Mill -Site iif East Saugus. - In October, 1721, certain citizens of Lynn, viz., Benjamin Potter, Jacob Newhall and William Curtis, were granted a right to build a tide-mill at East Saugus Bridge, but these men failing to build, the right was given, in 1722, to Thomas Cheever and Ebenezer Merriam, and they at once built a mill with two run of stones for grinding corn. This mill was a small one-story building built upon the west side of the river, and likely upon the very spot now occupied by the south end of the present mill.

Gould was a Quaker, but not a native of Lynn. He was a prudent, energetic business man. Within a few years after the purchase he built for himself, adjoining the mill, a two-story dwelling-house, one room of which he occupied for a small grocery-store. This dwelling-house was taken down in 1844. Joseph Gould owned and occupied the mill till his death, in 1774. His widow continued in possession up to about 1785, when, through neglect to make necessary repairs, it became unserviceable. The flood-gates no longer kept the water in the mill-pond, but it was allowed to ebb and flow with the tide.

It was then, in 1792, that George Makepeace, Esq., of Boston, bought the mill of the heirs for nine hundred dollars. This was an important time for this mill privilege. Mr. Makepeace had been a leading importing merchant at Boston. He at once tore down the old one-story mill, and in its place built a good two-story building. This was built in 1794, and comprises about two-thirds of the present building, 26§ being the central part. In this mill he put two runs of stones for grinding corn and in the northerly end two mortars for grinding snuff". These snuflf-mortars were rimm nianufecture was in a very prosperous condition, and the mill was rented to William Smith, who manufactured chocolate for Messrs. ('hase & Page, of Salem. During this time the chocolate was made in exact imitation of the Spanish, and found a ready sale in the New Orleans market and for export.

From 1815 to 1822 the grist and saw-mills were leased to Robert Earaes, who ground dye-woods, principally cam-wood. A very large business was done. About 1822, William Gray, of Boston, otherwise familiarly known as "Billy Gray," removed his manufacture of duck-cloth from Stoneham to Saugus. He took the Stoneham factory building to pieces and removed it to this locality, placing it between the chocolate-mill and the grist-mill, and forming but one building about one hundred and fifty feet in length. The duck was made of flax and hemp. But this business lasted only about one and a half years.

In 1824 the premises were leased to Brown & Baldwin for the purpose of bleaching and printing calico. John Haskins, of Boston, was soon associated with them under the firm-name of Brown, Baldwin & Haskins. A large amount of money was expended in new building and further improvements, followed by business embarrassment and final suspension at the end of 1825.

In 1826 the property passed to True & Brodhead, who continued the business. They repaired and raised the dam, which led to tedious lawsuits for flowage damages. During the ownership of Messrs. True & Brodhead, in 1829, the flannel manufacture was begun by Messrs. Brierly & Whitehead, who leased a portion of the old mill. This was the beginning of a business which has since given to Saugus a reputation as well as permanent prosperity.

In 1830 Mr. Brodhead withdrew, and Mr. Street entered the firm as True & Street ; they continued until 1832, when their failure suspended business. It was during this time that they built a large brick factory, eighty-five by forty feet, and three stories high, which is now standing, but in consequence of a fire, in 186G, the upper story and roof were removed ; it is now two stories high, with flat roof. In 1834 Whitwell, Bond & Co. were the owners ; they introduced the business of cleaning and assorting wool. In 1835 another change in ownership took place, and Messrs. Livermore & Kendall, of Boston, became possessors and managers - professedly by the New England Wool Company, - the establishment was known as Rockville. In 1836 they removed to Framingham, and all business at the mills ceased for about two years.

In 1838 Edward Franker, Esq., bought the property and removed from Salem, N. H. The mill underwent a thoi'ough renovation and new machinery was put in. Although a period of great financial depression, yet Mr. Franker showed energy and zeal in his business, which prospered from the first.

factory adjoining the old one on the west, seventy by fifty feet, three stories high. Both factories were complete, with six sets of cards, thirteen jacks and forty looms. Each jack carried one hundred and eighty spindles.

In 1857 Mr. Franker associated with himself in the business his son, George Frauker and John Armitage, the new firm being Edward Franker & Co. Frame buildings were built on the south side of the road for wool-pulling and tanning sheepskin pelts.

In 1860 Mr. Franker built a new brick building, one hundred and twenty-five by sixty feet, and two stories high, putting in four sets of woolen machinery. This building was placed on the east side of the road, nearly opposite the old brick mill, and extending northerly almost to the river.

Mr. Edward Franker died in 1865. He was born in Wilton, England, in 1792 ; by occupation he was a weaver of woolen goods ; he came to America in 1820.

After Mr. Franker's death his son George and Mr. John Parsons continued the business up to 1877, but the death of Mr. George Franker brought a suspension of the business for about two years.

In April, 1879, six grandchildren of Edward Franker associated themselves together under the name of the " Franker Manufacturing Company," and have continued the woolen-cloth business up to the present time.

They have increased the busine-s each year, and have constantly been adding new and improved machinery. They now employ about one hundred operatives. They manufectured the past year goods valued at three hundred thousand dollars, requiring about four hundred and fifty thousand pounds of clean wool.

The fire, in February 1866, damaged the two brick mills adjoining each other on the westerly side of the road, and caused a change in their restoration ; the older mill being lowered to two stories, while the newer mill, built in 1846, was raised to a four-story building; flat roofs were placed on both. These two buildings, together with the brick building on the east side of the road, containing six sets of machinery, now make up the principal buildings in use by this company, - in all ten sets of machinery. On the east side of [the road, opposite the oldest mill, they have a large brick steam boiler building, furnishing steam for power and heat for all the mills, of about two hundred horse-power. In 1884 they built a round brick chimney, one hundred feet high and ten feet diameter at the base, adjoining the boiler building.

then a young man of twenty-three years of age, bought this property, and in 1811 finished the dam and erected a two-and-a-half-story brick building for a morocco manufactory and other business. In 1813 Mr. Emes put in a grist-mill with one run of stones. At this time Robert Emes, Esq., his brother, united with him in business. They did a prosperous business.

In 1817 the grist-mill was changed into one for the grinding of dye-stuffs, principally camwood. This business continued for about four years.

After 1821 Joseph Emes continued the business himself, manufacturing kid and morocco, with the grist and fulling-mills running as business could be obtained.

In the spring of 1847 the brick factory was burned, with all the stock and machinery therein. This led to the selling of the property by Mr. Emes to Francis Scott, Esq., a merchant of Salem, in 1848. He at once repaired the dam, and erected on the northwest side of the river a large brick factory building, eightyfive by fifty feet and four stories high, put in all necessary machinery, and commenced the manufacture of flannel. In 1857 his son, A. A. Scott, was taken into the business as a partner, under the firmname of Francis Scott & Son. In 1862 Mr. Francis Scott was thrown from a cart, severely injured and died soon after his injury, since which time the business has been carried on by his son, under the same style of firm.

Mr. A. A. Scott now employs about fifty workmen and workwomen. He manufactures all-wool flannels and dress goods. He makes eight hundred thousand yards annually, both fine and coarse grades. Improved machinery has been put in ; also a steam-engine of eighty horse-power, with which the factory can be run Avhenever the water power is insuflicient.

North Saugus. - In 1814 the manufacture of linen duck was started in North Saugus. A dam was built across the river at a short distance west of the Newburyport Turnpike, and about a hundred rods above the bridge through which the river flows under the Turnpike.

A company was formed under the name of the Lynn Linen-Spinning Factory Company. The active men in the enterprise were Joseph R. Newhall and Amos Binney, of Boston. A large three-story frame building, situated on the east side of the river, was built, but the peace of 1815, together with sundry lawsuits for flowage damage, soon caused a suspension of business.

In 1816 Joel Fox undertook to revive the drooping energies of the concern by introducing machinery for making fine linen cloth, and also shoe-thread. After a trial of three years he sold out and removed. The building was divided and set off to different persons to satisfy their judgments for damages. Thus in five years arose, flourished and died the " Linen- Factory," so-called.

Let us leave this spot and go perhaps a half a mile to the north, into the present village of North Saugus. Directly opposite to the school-house, on the easterly side of the highway, where now are found the artificial works of the city of Lynn for diverting the water of Hawkes Brook for their own use ; it was here, on the south slope of a bluff of land that in 1816 Nathaniel Perry built a large frame building and put in machinery for spinning and weaving linen, at the same time building a dam across the brook close by. In the same year (1816) John Clark and James Howlett purchased land about ten rods northwest of Perry's mill, on Hawkes Brook, and built a dam and a frame building, and began the manufacture of Rappee snuff.

The effort of Mr. Perry to establish a linen-factory, after about a year's labor, proved a failure. Mr. Perry sold out to John Clark and James Hewlett, who at once introduced the snuff business into this building. A canal was dug across the bluff" of land, about fifteen rods long, so that the water of both streams could be connected into one pond when necessary.

In 1828 John Clark, Esq., put into the large building the necessary machinery for a grist and chocolatemill. This business continued for about three years, when the whole was discontinued and the dams removed. Hardly a vestige now remains to mark either site.

About a half a mile westerly from the school-house, on the Wakefield road, is situated an old mill-site, on Saugus River. It is now owned by Byron S. Hone, who has a saw-mill in operation.

In 1811 Dr. John Hart, David Pratt, E. Weston and others were incorporated under the name of the " Lynn Wire and Screw Manufacturing Company " at this point ; land was purchased, the dam was built and a suitable building erected in 1812. Although the business was commenced with vigor, yet misfortune soon attended this company, and failure and suspension followed. From 1816 to 1819 very little use was made of the property, and in the latter year it passed into the possession of John Clark, Esq., of Boston, who at once changed its use into a snuff-mill. This purchase influenced, in part, the removal from the two other snuff-mills, before alluded to. Eight large mortars were at once introduced into this new mill, and arrangements made for a large business.

afterwards bought the mill, and at his death his son, John Howlett, bought out the other heirs, and continued the snuff business, and the cutting of tobacco into what was called " fine-cut.'' A few years before selling the mill to Mi-. Hone, Mr. Howlett removed the snufT-mortars and tobacco-cutter and put in instead a saw and shingle-mill, which have continued in operation to the present time.

In 1871 Mr. John Howlett sold the mill property to Philip P. Hone. At his death it passed to his only son, Byron S. Hone, who is the present owner.

Cliftondale Tobacco Business. - That portion of the town now called Cliftondale was formerly for many years known as Sweetser's Corner. The growth and prosperity of this village is to be traced to its manufacture of tobacco in its various forms, viz., snutF, chewing and smoking tobacco, and cigars, which had its beginning at the very close of the last century.

The pioneer in this business was William Sweetser, known as William Sweetser, Jr. He manufactured snufFin a hand-mill previous to this century and sold his product principally in Salem and Marblehead.

Following close upon Mr. Sweetser was Samuel Copp. He was a native of Boston, and his mother was a sister of the wife of Landlord Newhall. Having the misfortune to lose his father at an early age, he was apprenticed to a tobacconist. During this time his mother removed to Saugus and resided in the family of Landlord Newhall, where she died before he reached his majority.

On completing his apprenticeship he at once repaired to Saugus and commenced a very small business, first in East Saugus, then in Lynn on Boston Street near Federal Street, but after a very few years he removed to Cliftondale built him a house and shop and married for his second wife another daughter of William Sweetser who lived close by. This was about 1807. Mr. Copp's house, with the shop a few feet west, stood on the spot now occupied by the palatial residence of Mr. Charles H. Bond.

His factory was a two-story frame building and the business then consisted mainly in the manufacture of "Fig and Pig-tail," as they were then called. The upper story was wholly devoted to hand labor and spinning " pig-tail ; '' in the lower story were stout wooden screws in strong oaken frames, where the manufactured tobacco was pressed into boxes or kegs.

Previous to the establishment of Samuel Copp only one house existed at the " Corner;" this was the house of William Sweetser, and it is now standing, having been owned and occupied for many years past by the late Charles M. Bond.

Mr. Copp continued the business till 1820, when he sold out to Charles Sweetser, son of William Sweetser, who added the manufacture of cigars known as " short sixes " and " long nines," and also began the manufacture of snuff, first grinding the snufFat Salem until 1844, when, purchasing the mill-site at East Saugus, he removed his snufF-grinding thereto. It will be seen that Mr. Charles Sweetser greatly enlarged the business, and a market was found all over the United States and British provinces and to some extent in foreign countries.

In 1860 Mr. Charles Sweetser gave up the business to his two sons, Charles A. aud George H. Sweetser, who carried it on under the firm-name of Sweetser Brothers.

During these years many others took up the same business, viz., Charles Raddin, who was an extensive manufacturer, also S. S. Dunn, Charles M. Bond, Silas S. Trull, Thomas F. Downing, Hiram A. Raddin and John M. Raddin.

At the beginning of the Rebellion, in 1861, the cigar manufacture practically ceased, on account of the Southern market being lost and the heavy internal revenue tax placed on these low-priced goods. Pipesmoking was resorted to.

Now, in 1887, Joseph A. Raddin, under the firmname of F. L. & J. A. Raddin, conducts the business of his father Charles, having also bought out the Sweetser Brothers' business in November, 1885. Mr. Raddin's business is largely in cut smoking tobacco, some brands of which have become very popular.

The other manufacturers of to-day are S. S. Trull, Edward O. Copp, grandson of Samuel Copp, M. S. Fiske and Copp & Gibbons, all of whom, excepting Copp & Gibbons, confine their business to cigars.

Crockery-ware. - The road which now leads from Cliftondale to Saugus Centre, called Central Street, soon after leaving the village of Cliftondale, descends a hill and crosses a swamp or peat meadow. This was known as " Jackson's Meadow." It contains an inexhaustible quantity of peat, which many years ago was utilized by the inhabitants to a small extent.

In 1808, or thereabouts, William Jackson, an Englishman by birth and education, came to Saugus (then Lynn), and bought a small farm at what is now Cliftondale, together with a part of the meadow before

The embargo and War of 1810 and 1812 coming on rendered the importation of crockery very difficult. Mr. Jackson at once built a large building and two smaller ones. He procured the best machinery and most skillful workmen possible at that time, but he soon found out that the clay was not adapted for the finest kind of ware, and so his manufacture was confined to a superior kind of brown and red earthenware.

Shoe Business. - We will now rapidly sketch the rise and progress of the shoe business in Saugus. Let us go back to 1802, when our territory was included in the town of Lynn. It was in this year that Ebenezer Oakman, Esq., a young man of active business talents, began the manufacture of shoes on the northern side of our river, about ten rods from the bridge, in East Saugus. He built a small factory, which he enlarged in 1807, and also built a new factory in the same year, and again in 1810 he built a much larger factory, connecting it with a large barn fifty feet northerly by a lower building. At that time this was undoubtedly the largest shoe factory in Lynn. Mr. Oakman's market was found largely in Philadelphia, whither his shoes were shipped by sailing-vessels from Boston. His example and zeal were contagious in the community.

During the War of 1812, it being too dangerous to send his shoes to Philadelphia by packet, he established a line of large baggage-wagons, drawn by six horses, with two skillful drivers, making the transit to Philadelphia and back in about six weeks' time. This was continued during the war, although at great expense. Among his teamsters were Captain Jacob Newhall, Jesse Rice and Captain Jacob Baird.

During this time Mr. Oakman was indefatigable in his business, both at Lynn and Philadelphia, spending a part of his time at each place. He commenced, to some extent, also the manufacture of gentlemen's calf boots. After the peace of 1815 the business was not prosecuted with so much vigor, although Mr. Oakman continued it till about 1818. After that period he closed his business here and removed to Philadelphia for a permanent residence.

This was a great detriment to Saugus, for soon the factory buildings were cut up and removed to different parts of the town and made into dwellings. In those days shoes were manufactured very differently from what they are at this time. The leather and kid were brought to the factory and cut up in the rudest manner. The uppers, binding, soles, thread and everything necessary was counted out to the workman, who took them away in a bag or basket to his house or a small shop near the same, and while the women folks bound the uppers, he put on the soles and finished them entirely ready for market, after which he carried them to the boss, and returned home with a new week's work.

After Mr. Oakman's removal, the shoe business was carried on in a very small way for a number of years, until about 1825. It was at this period that a number of resolute and active young men, natives of our town, took up the business and carried it on with uniform success. These were Thomas Raddin, Jr., George W. Raddin, Sewall Raddin, Jacob Newhall, Jr., Abel

John W. Newhall began business in 1841 ; James C. Lockwood, Levi D. Waldron and Pickmore Jackson in 1842 ; Charles W. Newhall in 1847 ; Harmon Hall and Charles E. Raddin in 1850. Mr. Hall was associated with John W. Newhall from 1852 to 1855, but after this he continued the business himself for many years. But from this time onward the shoe business of Saugus began to decline.

This was caused by the entire revolution of the manner of manufacturing shoes. Machinery was taking the place of hand labor. The workmen were congregated together in large factories instead of being scattered about the town and country in their little shops.

There was an advantage, as well as convenience, to the manufacturers themselves to be in a narrow locality. So our manufacturers, one by one, began to leave us, removing their business into the centre of the city of Lynn, or elsewhere, so that at this time (1887) there is only one shoe manufacturer, L. Waldo Collins, doing business in East Saugus. Our people, men and women, find their employment in Lynn, going down in the morning and returning in the evening, either by horse-cars or steam railroad.

Among the early shoe manufacturers in the centre of the town we will mention Moses Mansfield, who died in 1806; he lived in the Capen house. Also his brother, Thomas Mansfield, who lived in the Adam Ames house, now owned by Mr. Scott. Also Richard Mansfield, who died in 1824; he lived on Main Street, where Mr. FoUett now lives. His shop was opposite.

In 1818 Benjamin Hitchings moved into town and commenced the shoe business, and continued in business until about 1850. Latterly he took his two sons, John B. and Otis M., into partnership.

Mr. Hitchings at first lived in the Davis house, on the Cinder Banks, and manufactured there until he removed to his house, and shop connected therewith, on Main Street, near the turnpike, where he died.

In 1852 Walton & Wilson commenced the shoe business, and continued until 1879, when they sold out to Charles S. Hitchings, who removed his business, commenced in 1867, into the three-story factory on Central Street, corner of Pearson, said factory having been built by Walton & Wilson in 1872, and occupied by them up to 1879. Messrs. Walton & Wilson did a large business, often employing as many as a hundred hands, and manufacturing shoes to the amount of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars yearly.

William T. Ash commenced in 1877. His business increasing, he soon removed to 0. M. Hitchings' factory, near the depot, where he continued until 1883, when he removed his whole business to Lynn. Mr. Ash at this time was doing a good business, employing some eighty hands.

Charles S. Hitchings, William F. Hitchings and Otis M. Burrill are now the only shoe manufacturers remaining in the Centre. Mr. Charles S. Hitchings, the largest of the three, employs from forty to fifty hands.

Gkain-Mill. - In 1850 Benjamin F. Newhall purchased the lands on both sides of Fox Hill Creek, socalled, extending to the Salem turnpike, for the purpose of constructing a grain-mill, and wharf adjoining it on the northerly side. The wharf was built in 1851, and the earth for filling was taken from the southwest side of Ballard Street, making now a part of the mill-pond. Ballard Street was built from the old Boston road in East Saugus to the Salem turnpike in 1850. The grain-mill was built in 1852. From the time of its erection to the present a very large grain business has been done here. And until very recently the grain has been landed in vessels directly to the mill, being raised from the vessel by a large elevator. From fifty to one hundred thousand bushels of corn have been ground annually. Since 1864 Herbert B. Newhall, son of Benjamin F. Newball, has owned and run this mill. During a few years last past Mr. Newhall has landed his grain by railroad at Lynn Common Depot and carted it to the mill, for the reason that it could be done more cheaply than by vessel.

Brick-Making. - It is now forty-six years since Mr. Frederick Stocker began brick-making in East Saugus, with his yard between Winter Street and the river. Mr. Stocker usually manufactured from onehalf million to a million bricks annually. About nineteen years ago he gave up the business to his son Frederick, who continues up to the present time. He makes about one million bricks annually, and consumes thereby about four hundred cords of wood, and gives employment to a dozen men.

From 1850 to 1860 William M. Newhall also carried on the brick business on the northerly side of the river, not far above the bridge. He manufactured about a million bricks annually, until the clay was practically exhausted. From 1858 to 1860 Mr. H. Hard had a yard adjoining Mr. Newhall's.

Curled Hair. - In 1848 Enoch T. Kent commenced the business of preparing hair for plastering. He then lived on the place now occupied by William A. Trefethen, in East Saugus.

In 1853 he removed to Cliftondale, and took as a business partner S. R. Marvin, when they enlarged their business, amounting to fifty thousand dollars yearly. They dissolved partnership in 1866, and in 1873 Mr. Kent built a large factory in the Centre, on what is known as Shute's Brook near the railroad depot. This factory was three stories, with basement, and was furnished with steam-power, the brook affording water for Avashing and scouring purposes. Here he has continued the business up to the present time, not only furnishing hair for plastering, but for spinning and saddlers' and upholsterers' use. He employs about twenty men, and does about fifty thousand dollars business annually. He ships his hair to all parts of the country.

Chapter Xxix

Anchor Tavern. - Very early in the settlement of the town, probably as early as 1643, a tavern was established in that part of the town now called East Saugus, on the road from Boston to Salem, and about half-way between these two places. It was built on the Ballard farm, under the brow of the hill, just where the highway turned sharply to the south.

For about one hundred and seventy years it atforded shelter for man and beast, and became, during its history, a famous hostelry, known far and wide.

Governors Endicott and Bradstreet early found entertainment here, as the court records, in 1669, show Mr. Armitage's petitions for payment of their expenses for " bear and cacks " (beer and cakes), " vitalls, bear and logen, beare and wyne att sevrall times."

Mr. Armitage died in 1680. But probably many years before this he was succeeded by Captain Thomas Marshall, who was the second landlord and continued to keep the tavern until December 23, 1689, the time of his death. Captain Marshall was a soldier under Cromwell.

We are not informed of the landlords succeeding Captain Marshall until we come to Zaccheus Norwood, who bought the tavern-stand with the Ballard farm in 1760. The house now was very famous and its patronage very large.

married an eccentric Englishman, named Josiah Martin, who, by his hypocrisy, gained her affections and afterwards led her a terrible life as landlord.

On May 3d, 1773, Landlord Jacob Newhall became landlord at this tavern. The time of the Revolution was now approaching, and it was not long before Landlord Newhall took down the Anchor Tavern sign, with the lion and unicorn, and substituted in its place the "Rising Sun Tavern," with a painted representation of the morning sun just appearing above the horizon. Landlord Newhall was an ardent patriot, and his means were freely spent for the country. No one was allowed to go hungry past his house. He continued its landlord until about 1800, and when he left it. carried away scarcely anything but a good name to show for his many years' labor.

It was in 1800 that the tavern and the entire farm came back into the possession of the Ballard family, and in 1802 Mr. John Ballard built a new publichouse, about nine rods south of the old tavern. This was the time that the Salem turnpike was building. Mr. Ballard had prevented the turnpike from being built over his farm.

Disappointment was in store for him in regard to his new public-house, for as soon as the turnpike was opened the travel was diverted and the stand was ruined.

Joseph Palmer was the landlord of the new hotel ; but he continued only until the opening of the turnpike, when he went to Lynn to take charge of the Lynn Hotel.

After this it continued a checkered career as a public-house until 1871, when it was purchased by Wilbur F. Newhall, and removed a few hundred feet east, so as to make room for a new dwelling.

The old Anchor Tavern building continued to stand during these years of the new hotel, serving as a farm-house, until 1836, when it was torn down to make room for a new street - now Lincoln Avenue - leading down to the bridge.