Topsfield Town (part 3 of 7)

The numerous circle of relatives and friends who are mourning this afflicting and mysterious dispensation of Providence, may find much consolation in the promises which the Gospel so richly affords. They mourn not as those without hope ; - for while they remember the life of faithful piety which character- ized the departed, they will rejoice in the assurance, that he is now removed from the sources of all his former afflictions, to that world where « Sickness and sorrow, pain and death Are felt and feared no more.'' - Com. Salem Gazette, Oct. 11, 1842.

Fire in Torsrietp. We learn from acorrespondent in Topsfield, that the dwelling house of Mr. Cyrus Webster caught fire on Sunday night last, but by the prompt and energetic exertions of Mr. Samuel Janes, and other neighbors, the flames were arrested and the house saved, with a loss of about fifty dollars damage. Had the fire been discovered five minutes later, the house, barn, sheds, &c., must have been destroyed, and the new meeting house, which is in progress of erection, and other buildings in this vicinity, would have been in imminent danger as the wind blew strong from the Northwest.

Diep. In Boston, on the 22d ult. at the residence of her sonin-law (Mr. Brownell), where she had gone in feeble health to spend the months of the coming winter, Mrs. Rurx B. Emnurson, widow of the late Mr. Billy Emerson, of Topsfield, at the advanced age of 75 years. In recording this brief memento to departed worth, it may justly be said, she served her generation by the will of God, and fell asleep, and has left a numerous circle of relatives in tears. Various were the relations she sustained in life and sedulously did she discharge the obligations consequent on those relations. The poor have lost a ready friend, the benevolent enterprises of the day a cheerful patron, the cominunity a worthy citizen, and the church of God an honored member. Her life being eminently righteous, her death, as might be expected, was peaceful as the setting sun.

in that series by which Mr. Hubbard's family has been recently visited in quick succession. - Last August in the space of one week, three promising children, all he had, were laid in the grave. Ina few days, Mrs. Averill, the mother of Mrs. Hubbard, followed. 'The health of Mrs. Hubbard has ever been delicate, but now commenced a gradual decline which terminated her life.

She was naturally of an amiable, retiring disposition and anxious to deserve the respect and esteem of her acquaintance. But in her domestic relations, her excellence was more peculiarly developed. Few mothers were more affectionate and devoted, few wives more kind and attentive. Her delight was in her home, her happiness in the welfare of her family. Her death has made that home desolate. But ber husband, though bereft of children and wife, is not compelled to sorrow as those who have no hope. His departed companion had for many years been a member of the church of Christ and there is reason to believe, a humble follower of the Redeemer. Her recent trials served to prepare her for death, and they may also have served to hasten the event. She rests, we trust, where sickness never invades ; tears are never shed ; and parting sighs are never uttered.

Concert In Tops¥Fietp. We have seen the programme of a Concert of Sacred Music to be given in Topsfield on Wednesday evening, 22d inst. The selections are from many of the best authors, and from what we know of the abilities of some of the performers we do not hesitate to assure our Topsfield friends that a rich treat is in store for them. The Concert is to be under the direction of Messrs. Moses Sears and Wm. Rk. Hubbard.

Depication. The new Meeting House recently erected by the Congregational Parish, in Topsfield, will be dedicated on Wednesday, 22d inst. Sermon by Rev. Mr. M*Loud, the Pastor. Services to commence at 2 o'clock, P. M.

Dedication In Topsfield

The new meeting house recently erected by the Congregational parish in Topsfield was dedicated on Wednesday last. The services, which were highly interesting and impressive, were as follows;

Original Hymn. Sermon, by Rev. Mr. McLoud, pastor of the church. Dedicatory Prayer, by Rev. Mr. Braman, Georgetown. Original Hymn. Doxology. Benediction.

The sermon was from 95th Psalm, 6th and 7th verses. The preacher delineated in a forcible manner the duty of a regular and conscientious attendance upon the public social worship of God, and portrayed some of the many moral and spiritual priviledges and advantages which those are sure to realize who go up to the House of the Lord in company, and who are careful to discharge the obligations, which attach to every community, to maintain public worship and to give at least one day in the week to the assembling themselves together,

One remark of the preacher, however well it may apply to his own parish, would not be less opportune in many other churches. The hint so pointedly conveyed might be observed with prot by the members of other congregations than those widely scattered over country towns. He said that im the old house the attendance had been generally good, nevertheless there were always some spare seats, in which many more worshippers could be accommodated. He hoped it would not be so in future, but that in respect to the attendance of the people of the parish, "the glory of this latter house would exceed that of the former."

The discourse was a plain, practical, common sense production, creditable to both the head and heart of the preacher. If it be duly appreciated by those who heard it, much good will be the result.

The musical performances, under the direction of Messrs. W. R. Hubbard and M. Sears, were excellent, and peculiarly appropriate to the occasion.

The house stands upon the spot which the old one occupied, and isa neat, commodious and comfortable place of worship. The style of the finish and decoration, particularly of its imterior, combines the simple and the beautiful in a very pleasing

The subscriber offers for sale, his Farm in Topsfield, formerly the estate of the late Billy Emerson. Said Farm contains about thirty five acres, nearly all of which is first rate Grass Land. Also - a large, square, three story House in good repair; a beautiful garden, with choice Fruit and Ornamental Trees, a large Barn, Wood and Carriage House; two wells of excellent water, and other conveniences.

The above is one of the most desirable situations in the County of Essex, being beautifully situated in the immediate vicinity of a most enterprising and thrifty population; only nine miles from Salem, twelve from Newburyport and Haverhill; within a few rods of the new Congregational and Methodist Churches, and but a short distance from the Academy and Town Schools.

Gilbert Brownell Branch Railroad

An intelligent correspondent gives us the following memoranda, to show the advantages of a branch Railroad from Georgetown, to connect with the Eastern Railroad : rn

3radford, to connect with the upper route to Boston. One route has been surveyed from Georgetown to Ipswich, or old Rowley. A route from Georgetown, through Topsfield and North and South Danvers, would be a feasible route, and one which would pay a handsome profit; and it would accommodate the public much better than any other. The Georgetown people would get to Boston with some 3 or 4 miles less travel than by the upper route. The freight and passenger money would, from Georgetown, amount to $12,000; from West Newbury, 3 or $4000; Topsfield, $3000; North Danvers. from 8 to $12,000; South Danvers, probably 12 or $14,000. It would be the route of shoe buyers from Lynn to Georgetown and 8. Haverhill; would take the Southern travel which now goes on the upper route, and could be made cheap, as the route would be a very level one. Salem Gazette, eb. 2, 1844.

Iilaworl Tarlilo Rail Road Meeting

A numerously attended meeting of the citizens of North and South Danvers was held at Union Hall, in South Danvers, on Friday Evening, February 2d, to take into consideration the project of constructing a Railroad from Georgetown through the towns of Topsfield and Danvers, to intersect with the Eastern Railroad at Salem. A number of influential citizens from Topsfield were present.

The meeting was called to order by Elias Putnam, Esq., of North Danvers, and organized by the chaice of Dr. Andrew Nichols as Chairman, and W. L. Weston, Secretary.

The objects of the meeting were briefly stated by the chairman, who was followed by John W. Proctor and Elias Putnam, Esqs., who set forth the advantages to be derived from such a road.

J. W. Proctor, Dr. Osborn, Elias Putnam, Samuel Preston, of Danvers, and John Wright, of Topsfield, were appointed a committee to prepare resolutions to be laid before the meeting. In the absence of the committee, the meeting was addressed in a spirited manner by Dr. Merriam and B. P. Adams, Eso. of Topsfield. They stated that they had conferred with a number of the leading citizens of Georgetown, who expressed themselves warmly in favor of the enterprise, - they had estimated that their business would pay from 12 to $14,000 a year. Henry Poor of Danvers spoke of the business of South Danvers, and thought the amount would exceed that of Georgetown, and that his place would be benefited quite as much as any other of the places through which the road is proposed to pass; he could mention individuals whose freight bill alone would amount to 8 or $400. Mr. Phillips of Topsfield thought the business of his place would exceed $3000.

GrorcEetown, TorsrieLp AND Danvers Rarroap. A survey of this route is now being made, by Mr. }*repeRtcK Wi LANppR, engineer, of Danvers. 'he survey will be completed

[On Feb. 14, 1844, Mr. Brackett, representative from Topsfield, presented to the Legislature, a petition from Samuel Adams and others, for the construction of a fishway through Farley's dam [Willowdale], on Ipswich river.

By order of the Probate Court on TUESDAY, the second day of April next, at 10 o'clock, A.M., will be sold at Public Auction, in the town of Topsfield, on the premises hereafter described, for the purpose of raising the sum of fifteen hundred dollars to pay debts and charges of administration upon the estate of Isaac Killam, late of Topsfield, deceased, the following described parcels of Real Estate.

about 65 acres of land connected therewith, and lying on the north and south sides of the highway leading to Boxford - being mowing, tillage, pasture and meadow land - about three-fourths of a mile from Topsfield mecting-house, and on said Boxford road. Also, a Wood Lot in Boxford, about five acres, well wooded, and bounded by Oliver Peabody, Thomas Averill and others. Also, three and one half acres of River Meadow in Topsfield, bounded by the highway and near Rowley bridge on the east. Also, one acre of Brook Meadow, in said Topsfield, bounded by land of Josiah L. Gould, Foster, Allen Gould, and others. Also, three quarters of an acre of Peat Meadow, in said Topsfield, called the Gould Meadow.

Or so much of the above premises, beginning with the House and Buildings and land connected therewith, on the northerly side of the road aforesaid, as will raise the aforesaid sum of fifteen hundred dollars. 'Terms made known at the time of the sale. By order ASAHEL HUNTINGTON, Adm'r.

The Convention to nominate County Commissioners was held at the Village Hotel in Yopstield on Wednesday, Mar. 27, 1844, Asa Wildes, of Newburyport (born in Topstield), headed the list. ] | Salem Gazette, Mar. 29, 1844.

paeThe " Report of the Topsfield School Committee"' from the pen of R. Phillips, jr., Hsq., is of uncommon interest. - Salem Gazette, Apr. 5, 1844.

At Auction In Topsfield

One building Lot, bounded by Topsfield Road, 4 1-2 rods, and by land of John Sawyer, about 12 rods; by land of Moses Wildes, about 5 rods, and by land of Solomon Wildes, about 14 rods.

Also - A Lot of Land, bounded by Topsfield road 4 1-2 rods, and by land of Benjamin Kimball, about 16 rods; by land of Wm. Cleaveland, about 6 rods, and by Academy road, about 16 rods, to the bounds first mentioned ; with one large Dwelling House, finished throughout, and convenient for 4 families; with stable 30 by 40 feet.

The petition of Zaccheus Gould, of Topsfield, in said County of Essex, yeoman, shows that your petitioner is interested in and holds in common and u ndivided, certain parcels of Real Estate, viz: thirty-seven acres of wood and pasture land in the town of Boxford, bounded by Crooked pond; by land formerly Nath') Gould's ; by Jand of Oliver Kilham, and by land of John Balch ; his share of this parcel being six sevenths of one third part;

Fdi Lai

Eleven and three quarters acres of Woodland, situated in Boxford, bounded by land of Wm. Low, Samuel Gould, Israel Rea, and Andrew Gould, his share being six sevenths of one halt; the other owners being Huldah Perley, wife of Artemas W. Perley of Hampstead, N. H., Mrs. Anna Lake, wife of Enoch Lake of Boxford, Daniel Boardman of Georgetown, Elizabeth James, wife of Samuel Janes of Topsfield, and Nancy Goodale, wife of Samuel Goodale of Boxford.

Five acres of tillage and pasture land, situated in Topsfield, bounded by land of Wm. R. Hubbard, Humphrey G. Hubbard, Benjamin F. Hubbard, all of Topsfield and Moses Wildes of Boston ; his share of this parcel being six sevenths of the same, the other owners being Huldah Perley, Anna Lake, Daniel Boardman, Elizabeth Janes and Nancy Goodale before named if our petitioner is desirous of holding his share in said parcels of land in severalty. Wherefore he prays that partition of the premises may be ordered and that Commissioners, may be appointed to set off his share by metes and bounds, to be held by him and his heirs and assigns forever. And as in duty bound will ever pray.

the inhabitants. The town has voted to build a new and suitable school house in every district, and have chosen a committee to build the same. 'There is also an active interest to ornament and improve the beautiful common by setting ont ornamental trees and filling up ponds. A new mecting house, as our readers are aware, has recently been erected. he ladies of the Congregational parish are busily at: work for the purpose of building a vestry. The ladies of the Methodist Society are as actively engaged, their object being to build a vestry under the church. Quite a number of dwelling houses are building this season, and a laudable interest is manifested in regard to improvements in general. Salem Gazette, Apr. 30, 1844.

Diep. In Manchester 21st inst, (at the home of her son-inlaw, Rev. O. A. Taylor,) Mrs. EXPERIENCE CLEAVELAND, relict of the late Hon. Nehemiah Cleaveland, of Topsfield, in the 81st

Tun Snow Storm, which commenced on Tuesday forenoon, continued through the greater part of the night, and is said to have been the most severe we have had for many years:* * * The Haverhill mail was taken by Mr. Pinkham in a light sleigh. * * * 'The snow is very deep, and the roads are almost impassable, back of us. Our friends in Topsfield turned out with great spirit, on Wednesday, to remove the embargo, at a cost to the town of about three hundred dollars. 'I'he process they adopted is ingenious, and seems preferable to the old fashioned " heater." They fastened a very heavy log, 8 or 10 feet in length across the front of the sled, and then filling the sled as heavily as possible with shovellers, and dragged by a sufficient number of oxen they pursued their route, thus levelling the high banks, and pushing the snow before the log over the bare places, so as to make good sleighing all the way through. They made the road good to the Danvers line, and at the Georgetown line they were met by the people of that town, who continued. the good work. The Topsfield people aided Mr. Pinkham along, with his mails, partly by the road, and in part through the pastures, as far as mowing, pasturing and tillage ; two never failing wells of water, the buildings consist of a large double house and large barn with a shed attached to the same, grainery, chaise house and piggery, and other out buildings, all in good repair, together with several choice fruit trees. Also, a very valuable peat meadow on said farm. Said farm is well fenced with good stone wall - situated on the main road from Salem to Boxford, about 3-4 of a mile from the flourishing village of Topsfield and in all respects a very desirable situation for a gentleman of leisure and worthy the attention of purchasers.

Accident. Mr. John Bradstreet, of Topsfield, a respectable young man, had his leg badly shattered on Wednesday last, while riding. He observed that his harness was out of place, and, when he was endeavoring to put it right, his house kicked and broke his leg, mangling the flesh and causing it to bleed fearfully. He is now doing as well as could be expected, considering the severe injury he received. - Reg.

Ricnarp Puiwiirs, Jr., of Topsfield, has been appointed one of the Justices of the Peace, and Coroner, for the County of Hssex. Salem Gazette, May 20, 1545.

Frrrs 1n Sarem. [In an account of a fire on Boston Street, occurs the following:] The large building, formerly the Topsfield meeting house, belonging to George Nichols, jr. and occupied by him and Charles Harrington, for tanning and currying, was a times on fire and somewhat injured, but saved by great exertions.

States than the County of Essex. So great was the emigration that in the opinion of good judges there has been little if any inercase of inhabitants for sixty years, prior to 1820.

The innumerable cellars and remains of chimneys now standing in the remote parts of almost every town, whose firesides had become extinct, compared with any increase which had then taken place in our towns and villages, go far to prove to population of this connty was then rather declining than increasing.

Few manufactories had sprung up among us, except those strictly domestic. Many had settled on the poorer lands, from which the rich valley of the Connecticut, and the still richer lands of the West had tempted them to remove: their farms were sold out to become pastures to their more prosperous neighbors, and the houses were pulled down that the rich farmer might not be encumbered by the vicinity of some poor family, who from that time would naturally become their only tenants. It would be truly surprising to any one not acquainted with the fact, to go over our back grounds, and witness the numerous deserted locations which were once the abode of happy families, now desolate, and many of them actually buried in new grown forests.

The building of a new house was an important event ina town or neighborhood, and marked the year in which it took place. The houses were of course ancient, and almost all unpainted, and the painting white of the window frames and sashes of a certain house in Rowley, now Georgetown, was spoken of by a neighbor as marking the pride and aspiring disposition of the owner, who was frequently dignified by them with the title of " Prince."

About 1820, a new spirit came over the State and County, and from that time many more have come into the county than have left it. Under the Tariff of 1816 and '24, manufactories sprang up in every quarter. Our villages have inereased - new buildings have risen, and any town or parish which does not add a half dozen dwellings a year to their accommodation is quite left behind its neighbors.

Since that time more than 200 houses have been built in Haverhill, Georgetown and Andover, 100 in Bradford, and a proportionate number in Topsfield, West Newbury and other towns in this part of the County, while the extraordinary increase of business in Lynn, Danvers, and other southern towns in the County, fully sustains their part of the statement.

Newspaper Items Relating To Topsfield. 13T

Accident in Topsfield. We learn that on Saturday last, as Mr. Erastus Clark, a respectable and industrious farmer in Topsfield, was employed in tending a threshing machine, he had his right hand caught in the clogs of the cylinder, and the thumb and little finger were instantly torn entirely from the hand. The rest of the fingers and hand were also much bruised

Youthful Crime. Two young men belonging to Topsfield, one about 16, and the other 19 years of age, ran away from their arents one day last week, having in their possession about one thousand dollars in money and notes. Having been advertised in some of the papers, an interest was taken in the matter to secure them. On Tuesday, as the 3 o'clock train of cars was coming from Boston, one of the Express men attached to the road, discovered them by the description before given. Just before the cars arrived at Breed's wharf in Lynn, the little rascals leaped upon the marshes and endeavored to make their escape. Word being left with proper authority concerning their where abouts, Constables Phillips and Stone were despatched in pursuit of them, and after a search of four hours, found them at Mr. Tilton's store, Front street, where they were awaiting the arrival of the next train for Portland, having previously purchased tickets to go through, but presuming they were detected, bolted the first opportunity. They were armed with dirk-knives and pistols, and made severe threats to any who should dare molest them. - Advertiser. Salem Gazette, Sept. 2, 1845.

A writer in the Newburyport Herald thinks that the proposed road should run along upon the banks of the Merrimac accomodating Amesbury village with a depot somewhere not far from Powow river Bridge, and passing through Haverhill and the new city to Lowell. "Let Georgetown," says the writer, "be accomodated by a road from Haverhill to Salem, accomodating Topstield in like manner, when they shall please to construct it."

Diep. In Topsfield, Dec. 9, Mrs. Mary Towne, aged 76, widow of the late Jacob Towne, Esq. Mrs. T. was a lady of no ordinary character. With an expansive mind and retentive memory she had acquired a knowledge of things in general, surpassed but by few, and many were they who sought of her that information of historical events long since past, which she was always ready to impart with precision and accuracy. She was fond of reading and when her time was not occupied by domestic or other important objects, she was storing it with useful knowledge. It is said of her and I believe with truth, that she had read every number of the Salem Gazette since its first publication, and had them preserved in file up to the time of her death. She was familiar with all the most important events which had transpired within her knowledge for the last sixty years. She was "a mother in Israel.' Having a heart to feel and hand to give, and poor and needy found in her a friend aud benefactor, and her deeds of charity endeared her to a large circle, who will long feel her loss. For nearly fifty years she was a member of the Church in Topsfield, and by her works manifested her faith - Communicated.

Jan. 1, Benjamin Albert, only son of Benjamin Adams, aged 3 years; 7th, Mrs. Keziah Hitchcock, aged 22; 10th, Daniel Averill, aged 74. Feb. 16th, Ruth Eliza, only daughter of Benjamin Adams, aged 1 year. March 2d, Widow Sarah Balch, aged 75; 6th, Ellen Edna, child of L. H. Gould, aged 2. April 8th, Widow Salome Perkins, aged 75. June 9th, Mehitable Towne, aged 50; 22d, Daniel Towne, aged 56. Aug. 3d, Jane Beckers, aged 53a child of William Fears, aged 8 mos. Sept. 9th, Abigail Perkins, wife of R. S. Perkins, aged 2 2 years ; 20th, John Bachelder, axed 78. Oct. Ist, Anna Lake, wife of the late Enos Lake, aged 62; 6th, Joseph Peabody, aged 80; 17th, Joseph Hart, aged 70; 18th, Walter, son of Asa Bradstreet, aged 18 months ; 29th, Harriet, wife of Ebenezer Eastman, aged 22 years. Nov. 15th, Mariette B., daughter of Wm. G. Lake, aged 10; 22d, Elizabeth, wife pia Thomas L. Lane, aged 24;

Diep. In Topsfield, on the 22d ult, Mr. NATHANIEL PeERKINS, jr., aged 32 years. He was a man possessed of sterling integrity, and unobtrusive but sincere piety ; and was universally respected for his sincerity of heart, his gentlemanly deportment, and uprightness of character. During his life he uniformly displayed an unwavering attachment to his friends, a sincere love for the political institutions of his country and a deep reverence for morality and religion.

Within the brief period of a few weeks, the parents of the deceased have followed to the silent grave one son and two daughters ; at that interesting period in life, when just setting out in the world for themselves, bright and promising, their parents' joy and hope, they were seized with that fell disease which annually sweeps off so many of the sons and daughters of New England.

Town Officers In Topsfield, 1846

Danvers and Georgetown Railroad. At a meeting of this Corporation held last Wednesday afternoon, at the Town Rooms, the following gentlemen were chosen Directors for the ensuing year.

All the personal estate of Joun SAwYER, an insolvent debtor, consisting of one horse, one cow, horse-cart, sleigh, ploughs and various other articles; also several notes and bills of accounts.

After the sale of the above will be sold the real estate, consisting of a parcel of land near the Academy, in Topsfield, in lots to suit purchasers.

Also about two acres of Peat Meadow on ' Hassocky Meadow,' (so called) bounded by land of Ebenezer Peabody, Nehemiah Perkins and others, in lots to suit purchasers.

Also all right and title in and to one undivided eighth part of about one hundred and twenty acres of land situated in Litchfield, county of Kennebec, State of Maine.

Disp. In Topsfield, suddenly Mrs. Anna, wife of Mr. John B. Lake, and daughter of Mr. Zaccheus Gould, aged 33 years. This is the second time (within the short period of three years) that Mr. Lake has been called to follow a beloved wife to the silent tomb; and the afflicted parent, two lovely daughters.

Benjamin C. Orne has been appointed Postmaster of Topsfield, in place of Richard Phillips, jr., Esq., who might have kept the oflice, if he had been willing to purchase continuance at the usual rate.

affected with disease, so prevalent last year. From three years experience upon the different methods of raising this valuable root, I am convinced, that unless we cast off the new mode of its cultivation, the potato will become entirely extinct. I find that | where the old mode of cultivation has been continued, there ' has been no trouble with the rot. I refer to the mode of earth- | ing upthe land. Where this is done, and has been continued for years, there is no trouble with the disease ; but where the mode is adopted of keeping the ground level and not earthing it up at all, and where this mode has been continued for three or four years, the disease is prevalent. If good seed be planted one year, and cultivated by keeping the ground level, the next fall the crop, will not be so good as the seed planted in the previous spring, for the disease has slightly in} ured it. The second year if the produce of the first be planted, the disease will plainly show itself. The third year the crop will be very much affected. The disease is not produced entirely in one year, but continues to grow upon the crop as time increases, with the modern mode of cultivating the land level, and with but very little earth upon the potato to protect it from the severe rays of the sun. The earth is a preserver of the potato, if rightly managed,and the sun's rays are a sure poison, as any one will perceive by exposing a potato to the influence of the sun for a day of two. For the protection of the potato it is necessary to have it well covered up with the earth. The severe hot rays of the sun and water that must stand on the land after a rain, where the ground is kept perfectly level, are sure to eifect the potato, and then commences the disease.

After considerable enquiry, I have found that those farmers in this vicinity who have never adopted the manner of keeping their land level, but who have always earthed up their potatoes, and have planted the potatoes so raised, have never had any trouble with their crop. Water should never stand for any length of time upon the potato, and in earthing up the hill ib necessarily causes small dippers in the rows of potatoes, which hold the water and cause it to soak into the ground under the potato. If the water lay upon the potato, and it is but slightly covered with the earth, the extreme heat of the sun, with the water that must stand up on the potato, produce this disease which will destroy the crop in a few years, where the new mode of cultivation is contin ued.

Mr. Eprror, - I am emboldened by the example of your Lynn correspondent, to inform you that the same game is going on here. Certain emissaries of the Malden Railroad frequently condescend to visit us, to enlighten our ignorance, and pull the wires so that we may send men to the County Convention who will subserve the interests of that corporation. I have been partial to that road, and intended to make an investment of some of my small means in it; but I must confess that my gorge rises atthe idea of a Whig Senatorial Convention being made to play second fiddle to a little money making scheme, for the aggrandisement of a few individuals. If these acute managers should succeed in the ingenious scheme of packing the Convention, which they have attempted, its nominations will not be worth apinch of snufi - The Whigs of Essex will not tamely submit to having their organization perverted, to put money into the pockets of the Malden Railroad Company.

i= Weare desired to mention, that the letter signed "« Topsfield" in our last paper, was not written by the same person who wrote an article under that signature, in reference to potato rot, a few

A Mezancuoty Enp. The life of an elderly man, belonging to this city, was brought to a melancholy termination, on Friday of last week. His name was Knight, and some years ago, in a fit of intemperance, both his feet were so badly frozen that it was found necessary to amputate them. He has since sometimes been supported in our workhouse, from which he eloped about two monthsago. Last Iriday, he was found under a wali in Boxford or Topsfield, where it seems, he had been lying nine or ten days. He was removed, and taken care of, but survived only a short time, and was yesterday buried in this city.

Railroad Meeting

The object of this meeting and the duty of the above committee is to lay before the Directors of the Salem, Danvers, and New City railroad, and the public, that the road ought to run through the manufacturing villages of Topsfield, Boxford both villages, and Georgetown to Andover north depot, rather than from Danvers to Swan's Corner (so called.) That the utility of railroads is to connect the interior of a country with the seaboard, this cannot be denied. Weask where in our county for the length of way, can be found a more level and convenient location for a railroad than through these flourishing villages of Topsfield, Boxford, Georgetown, and West Boxford, to North Andover depot. Not in our county, and we presume not in the state, and not more than four miles further than the contemplated route from Danvers to Swan's Corner (so called), Hf the contemplated route is rather a level way by following meadows and swamps, and the uplands hard and rocky; we ask if the grading cannot be done vastly cheaper where it is almost all upland and a sandy soil and free from rocky ledges? The question may be easily answered by a very poor philosopher. The route from Topsfield to Boxford, everybody knows who has travelled over the ground, that it isa level plain, and from thence to Georgetown, but one elevation of twelve or fifteen feet, and but a few rods in length, and thence running west of Georgetown village making a very small curve, and shunning all the hills, and having a level plain to West oxford, and from there in a straight course between Mr. Daniel Harriman and Mr. Jedediah H. Barker, through the hollow, and running south of Andover pond and to North Andover depot. We are sanguine that this route can be graded for less money, than the contemplated route; and when your course to Swan's corner, reaches the furthermost village, within five miles, we would ask any mathematical gentleman whether he can make four miles difference.

Taking into consideration these advantages, and when it is accomplished you will connect the very centre of the county with the seaboard, and greatly increase the value of the stock of said road by a large number of tons of freight, and a goodly number of passengers. Even one of these villages amounts to 95 or 30 thousand tons annually; and not only these villages, but Bradford and West Newbury ; - and on the other hand you will receive nothing of any amount, except at the two termini of said road, and all this loss to the advantages of the public and pecuniary advantages to said road, only to shun the making of four miles of road. Jfine picture in the eyes of an enlightened public. You may say we will have a spur to Georgetown. Georgetown people are not of the low Dutch reformed, but of pure Auglo Saxon blood, too highly mettled to receive the goad or spur ; they will do all in their power to forward the enterprise, and wish to share the advantages in common with their fellow citizens. And gentlemen, we wish you to view the ground with an unprejudiced eye, and we are self-confident you will answer our suplication.

Amicgaoa Aig Tot

"The Town agreed to "fence in 'all y® Parsonage Land in Topsfield with a Leagall stone wall - or other sufficient fence by y° fift of march in 1724 voted and also the Town agreed to fence in sd Parsonage Land by y® same rule and the same ten years Rates that y° Last Divisions of y° Common. Lands in Topsfield was divided by

_ and M* Nath" Porter Lieut Tho: Baker & mr Edward Putnam are Chosen a Com:itty to Apportion and Let to Every man his Proportion to fence about y® above sd parsonage according to the rule as is above Expresed voted

The Town granted Liberty to y® inhabitants of Topsf? on y® South Side of y® River, to Build a Pound where it may be most convenient for sd inhabitants and the Town will pay y" Charge voted

Jacob Peabody being Chosen Town Clerk was sworn to y° faithfull discharge of yt office before y® Selectmen Corp! Nath" Borman Dec Jn®° Howlett Thomas gould Elisha Putnam & Jacob Peabody being Chosen Selectmen were Sworn Assessors before the Last years Selectmen Corp! Jacob Robinson and Benj Knight being Chosen Constables were sworn to y® faithful! Discharge of their office before y® present Selectmen

Jn° Hovey Edward Putnam & David Balch being Chosen tythingmen were sworn to ye faithfull discharge of their office before y® present Selectmen

Joseph Andrew Jacob Dorman Tho: Dwinell & ffrancis Peabody being Chosen Surveyers of highways were Sworn to y® faithful discharge of their office before the present Selectmen Clerk Elisha Perkins & Lieut Thomas Baker and Corp! Joseph Town being Chosen fence viewers were Sworn to y® faithfull discharge of their office before y® present Selectmen John Clark and Eben: Nickols being Chosen hogreeves were sworn to y® faithfull Discharge of their Office before y® present Selectmen the persons above Named that were sworn were all sworn on y® fift and on y® Eighth Days of March 1722-3

Sargt Amos Dorman being Chosen Sealer of Leather was sworn to y® faithfull Discharge of that office before y® Selectmen on y® 25 day of March 1723

The free holders and other inhabitants of y° Town of Topsfield Such as are Qualified as y® Law Directs for Voting: are hereby notified to meet at y° meeting house in Topsfield: on Munday y® twentyfift day of March Currant at two of y® Clock in y® afternoon first to Choose and agree with a Schoolmaster. 2ly to see if the Town will give Liberty for Swine to go at Large. 3ly to see ifthe Town will Lett y® _ Parsonage to Either of those men that Lately appeared to

Of Topsfield, Mass

Choose men and impower them to make y* fence about the Parsonage Land in Topsfield, where any person of Persons shall Refuse or neglect, to make his or their proportion of sd fence according to y®° Town order at y® Last Town Meeting in Topsfield.

Mr John Hovey is Chosen Schoolmaster for y® year Ensuing and the Town agreed with s:d Hovey for twenty shillings for being Schoolmaster voted

The freeholders and other inhabitants of y° Town of Topsfield Such as are Qualified as y® Law Directs for voting; are hereby Notified, to meet at the meeting house in Topsfield on Wednesday y® Eighth of May Currant at two of y® Clock in y® afternoon; first to Chuse a Representative 2ly to Choose jurymen for Ipswich Court; and also to act upon any other thing or things that y° Town shall then think needfull and Proper to be done.

Dec" Daniel Redington is Chosen to Serve on y® grand jury and Edward Putnam and Nath" Porter are Chosen to Serve on y® jury of Tryals at y®° next Superior Court to be holden at Ipswich voted

Boston May y® 7°: 1723 then Rec? of Mt Allen Treasurer four Pounds in Bills of Credit, it being so much due to y® Town of Topsfield, for a Wolf Killed in sd Town: in part for my serving at y° General Court in the year 1722: by order of the Selectmen of Topsfield

Rec® of Thomas Dwinel! Constable of Topsfield the sum of four Pounds Nineteen shill' & four pence in full for y® County Rate for y* s:d Towne for y® year 1722

[235] Ata Lawfull Town meeting in Topsfield Sept' y® roth 1723 Corp! Nath" Borman & Sergt Zacheus Gould are chosen to Serve on y® Jury of Tryals at the Next Inferior Court to be holden at Newbery within and for y® County of Essex

The frecholders and others inhabitants of y° Town of Topsfield such as are Leagally Qualified for voting are hereby Notified & warned to mect at y® Meeting house in Topsfield, on fryday y° Twenty fift day of October Current at Twelve of y° Clock on sd day. first to Agree upon some way and Method for y® fencing in & improveing y® Parsonage Land in Topsfield and for building a house on said Parsonage land

Law any Person or Persons that have Already Dug or Garried of any stones or rocks from of y® above said Parsonage Land: in Topsfield: or that shall hereafter Presume to Dig

Parsonage Land: Contrary to ye Town order made on y°® fift Day of Last March To give some further instructions or Order to y® Trustees viz Capt Joseph Gould Cap* Thomas Baker & Dea John Howlet for their future Proseeding in Leting out y° Towns money: To allow to y® Reverend Mr Joseph Capen Nine pound as formerly. And also to allow bills of charge. and to act upon any of y* Perticulars Above Mentioned as y® town shall then think best.

The Town agreed that y® Trustees viz: Capt Joseph Gould Capt Thomas Baker & Dea* John Howlett shall Let out y° towns money atone shilling upon the pound for interest: by y° year for the future and to Let out said money but from year to year as they shall receive orders from y® Town. and y® some or Sums of sd money to Let: to be as y® Town hath formerly agreed upon: voted

The Town alowed to Elisha Putnam a former Constable twelve Shillins and six pence it being an alowance for Nathan Kennes Kates voted O60 "F2 "06

Rec? of Mt David Balch Constable of Topsfield Twenty Pounds twelve shillings & nine pence in full for my Master Jer: Allen Treasurer. £ 20~12-9 P Geort Rogers

Rec:d of Mr David Balch as Constable for Topsfield for y® year 1722 y® full & just sum of three pounds twelve shillings which he was Ordered by the Selectmen of Topsfield for y* year afore said to Collect & Deliver to me I say rec:d y® sum above said this 12° of March 1722-3 per me Joseph Capen

Topsfield. May 27: 1723: then Rec? of David Baltch Constable two shillings in full of what was Ordered to me by y® Selectmen. I say recived By me Thomas Gould

[236] Topsfield October: 15 1723 Then Rec? of Constable Balch for serving at the General Court the Sum: sixteen pound seven shillings in full what was Ordered him to Pay me J say rec' by me

Topsfield May y® 18 day 1723 Rece? of David Baltch Constable y® sum of seven shillings in full which was ordered to me by y® Selectmen for my husband Averills sweeping y* meeting house:

Of Topsfield, Mass. Isi

Topsfield August: 17: 1723 Rec* of David Balch Constable y® sum of two shillings & six pence in full of what was ordered to me by y® Selectmen of y® Town I say Rec? by me Elesha Perkins These four Recipts, above Entred, are true Copies: Attest Jacob Peabody Town Cler

The frecholders & other inhabitants of y* Town of Topsfield such as are Qualified as y® Law Directs for Voting are hereby Notified to meet at the meeting house in Topsfield: y® Clock on s:d Day: first To Chuse an Agent or Agents to Answer to y® Towns Presentment for not being Provided with a grammar School-master. 2¥ to agree upon some Method to Improve y® intrest of y® towns Loan money 3" to allow bills of Charge

Dea® Jn® Howlett & Mr. Nath" Porter are Chosen Agents for y° town to appear at y® next Inferiour Court to be holden at Salem to answer to y® Towns Presentment for not being provided with a grammer Schoolmaster voted

The town agreed that y? Selectmen shall Recive the intrest of y° Towns Loan money of the Trustees: & pay the Towns Debts therewith as far as it will go voted

Whereas Thomas Demsi was rated in y® year 1722 to Several Rates y® sum of nine shillings & six pence: and sd Demsi then being & still is in his Majesties Service so that y® Constable cannot yet recover sd Demsis rats Therefore the Town allowed to David Baltch Constable, nine shillings & six pence , »@ 9,6 voted

-Decem* 31: 1723 Then Rec:® of y® Select men by y® hand of Thomas gould for part of my wages for going Representative: the sum of Nine pound six shillings: I say rec:d by

Received of mr David Baltch as Constable for Topsfield y® full of what was Committed to him to Collect for my use for y® year 1722 I say rec? in full this 18: Day of feb' 1723-4 per me Joseph Capen

[237] The freeholders & other inhabitants of this Town Such as are Quallified as y® Law Directs for Voting are hereby Notified to meet at y° meeting house in Topsfield on Tuseday y® third of March next after the Date hereof at Eight of y° Clock in y® morning first to Choose a Town Treasurer & other Town officers as y® Law directs

Topss4 Jacob Peabody ) Topsfield At a Lawfull Town mecting of y* Inhabitants of Topsfield on y® third of March 1723-4 | Dec" John Howlett is Chosen Moderator for sd meeting voted

Capt Joseph gould, Capt Tho* Baker, Ivory Hovey, Thomas Robinson & Mr Simon Bradstreet, are Chosen a Committe to Seat People in y* meeting house voted

The Town Agreed that the Orders Relating to y® Preseruing the wood & Timber and also the stones or rocks, on the Parsonage Land in Topsfield, that was made in y® year 1723. shall stand good for this year folloing voted

And Thomas Gould Nath! Borman & Nath" Porter are Chosen Agents or Attorneys in behalf of y° Town to Prosecute any Person or Persons that shall Presume to Brake Either of y® above sd Orders voted and the Major part of sd Agents or Attorneys shall act in y® concern about the Parsonage and y® Town to bear them out in all Lawfull Proseedings therein voted

Doct Michael Dwinell is Chosen to serve on y® grand jury and William Redington & Joseph Robinson are Chosen to serve on y® Jury of Tryals at y® next Inferiour Court to be holden at Ipswich voted

En: Amos Dorman Qu: master Ephraim Willds & En: Timothy Perkins are Chosen A Committe, to Joyn with such men as Boxford shall appoint to Settle the bounds between Topsfield & Boxford voted

The Several Persons Chosen into Office at y® above sd meeting of whom an oath is by Law required: all took y° oath to Their respective Offices on y®third day of march 1723-4 before y® Selectmen attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk

At A Lawfull Town meeting in Topsfield on y® seventh of Aprill 1724. the Town agreed that swine should go at Large this year according as the Law gives Liberty voted

[238] The freeholders & other Inhabitants of y® Town of Topsfield Quallified for Voting as y® Law Directs are Notified & warned to meet here at y® meeting next Wedensday at three of y® Clock in the after noon it being the thirteenth of May Currant, first to Choose a Representative to serve at the great and general Court. to be hild at Boston on y® Last Wedensday of May Instant 2d To Choose Jurymen to serve at Ipswich Court to be holden on y® third Tuseday of this Instant May Elisha Perkins Dat? Topsfield May 6 1724 Nath! Porter Select- Eliezar Lake Constable of Topsfit John Howlet men of

At A Lawfull Town mecting in Topsfield May y® 13% 1724 first Dea: John Howlett is Chosen moderator for this meeting voted M* John Hovey is Chosen to Represent y® Town at y® general Court the year following voted

Cler: Elisha Perkins is Chosen to serve on y® grand jury & Jacob Town and Joseph Town are Chosen to serue on y® Jury of Tryals at the Next Superiour Court to be holden at Ipswich voted

We whose names are under written have meet & Perambulated and renewed bounds: Begining at a heap of stones near M® Porters Meadow and Runing to a Plump of maples and Runing as the Brook runs toa stone & a stake in y® brook near too Robinsons Island: and so runs to a stake and heap of stones on s@ Island as y® Line Runs & so to Pigdens meadow and to the River as formerly

AtA Lawfull Town meeting in Topsfield Sept® y® 8 1724 Mr: Simon Bradstreet & John Perkins are Chosen to serve on y® Jury of Tryalls at y® Next Inferiour Court to be holden at Newbery voted the Town allowed to Dea® John howlet and m? Nath? Porter two pound five shillings & six pence for Court Charges and their attendance at Salem Court: December 1723 to Answer to y° Towns Presentment for want of a grammer School voted 25 6 the Town allowed five shillings to Clerke Elisha Perkins for giting y® warrent Entred in y® Court Records of Nath" Ramsdells being Warned out of Town voted O50

Lastly the Town agreed that y® present selectmen should recieve the intrest of y° Towns Loan Money of y® Trustees: which is due to the Town for y® year past: and sd Selectmen are to Pay the Town Debts therewith voted

At A Lawfull Town Meeting in Topsfield the 12 1724-5 the Town allowed four shillings & six pence to Luke Averill for timber to mend y° highways in the year 1724 voted 046

The Town allowed three shillings to Sam" Howlett and three shillings to Joseph How for helping M?*: Lord about mending y® meeting house glass in 1724 voted 060 the Town allowed two shillings & Six pence to mr Nath! Porter and two shillings and six pence to Corp! Joseph Town for Perambulating with Salem in 1724 voted 050 the Town Allowed to Clerk Elisha Perkins David Baulch & Edmon Towne two shillings to Each of them for Perambu-: lating with Wenham men in y® year 1724 voted 060

Lastly the Town allowed Eighteen shillings to Capt Joseph Gould Capt Thomas Baker and Dea® John Howlett for their trouble in Leting out y° Towns money the year past

Whereas we the Subscribers were ordred & impowered by the Selectmen of Topsfield to Perambulate on the Line and to renew the bounds between Topsfield & Boxford: accordingly meeting at time and Place with Capt Thomas Perley and Lieut Joseph Hale who were Likewise appointed by y® Selectmen of Boxford for that service sd Gap Perley & Lieut Hale told us that Except We would Promise to go throughout and Renew or Settle the bounds between said Towns according to y® General Court Resolves, they wholly Declined the service: and so gave this as A Reason, that they was informed that the Town of Topsfield had att a Town meeting Chosen a Comzitte for that Purpose: and so we could proseed no farther in order of Perambulation.

The frecholders & other inhabitants of this Town Quallified as y® Law Directs for voting are to take Notice to meet here at the meeting house on y® first Tuseday in march next Ensuing y® Date hereof at Hight of the Clock in y® morning: first to Choose Town Officers as the Law Directs.

To sce if the Town will make Choice of a meet person to mend any breach in or on the meeting house as need shall require or to doe any other thing or things as shall then be

John Hovey Jacob Estey William Porter Michael Dwinel and Dea John Howlet are Chosen selectmen to order y® Prudentiall affairs of the Town for y® year Ensuing voted

John Willds and John Perkins are Chosen to make search into the Turrit of the meeting house to see what repairing it wants and to make Report thereof at y° next Town meeting in Topsfield voted

John Nicholes & and John Burton are Chosen to rebuild Topsfields part of the Bridge over the y® River Near to Edward Putnams between Topsfield and Boxford and to bring their account to the Town when sd Work is Done and they shall be reasonably allowed by y® Town for sd service voted

The Persons Chosen to office at the above s:@ meeting viz. Town Clerk, Constables, Tythingmen, Sealer of Leather, Sirveyors of highways, fence viewers, and Hogreeves all appeared at the house of mr Daniel Clark immediately. after y°sd mect[ing] was over and took the oath belonging to their Respective offices before y® Selectmen: Excepting Richard Town

At A Lawfull Town meeting in Topsfield on y® 29 day of march 1723 The Town agreed that swine should go at Large: y° year following with as Much Liberty as the Law Allowes of voted

The freeholders & other inhabitants of this Town suchas are Quallified according to Law for Voting are to take Notice to mcet at y° meeting house on fryday the seventh of May next after the Date hereof at two of the Clock in y® afternoon

To Choose A man to Represent them in the Great & General Court to be holden at Boston the Twenty six day of May next. 2ly To Choose Three good & Lawfull Men to serve upon y® Jury at y® Superior Court to be holden at Ipswich the Third Tuseday of May next one whereof to serve on the Grand Jury and y® other two upon y® Jury of trialls

2: Dea John Howlett is Chosen to Represent the Town at General Court to be holden at Boston on the Twenty sixth Day of this Instant and at their several sessions till s? Court be Desolved voted

M* Isaac [Peabody?] is Chosen to serve on y® Grand Jury and Capt Tho: Baker & Mr. Tho: Gould are Chosen to serve on y® Jury of Tryalls at y® next Superior Court to be holden at Ipswich voted

Mr Thomas Gould Corp! Eliezer Lake Corp! Jacob Town and Sergt Ivory Hovey are Chosen A Committee to new Seat People in the Meeting house voted

The frecholders & other Inhabitants of this Town Quallified according to Law for voting are to take notice to meet here at the meeting house on Tuseday the 20" of July Currant at two of y® Clocke in the afternoon

To see if the Town will Choose a Committe to see to y® supply of the Pulpit with a Minister: zly To see what the Town will Contribute towards the Funeral Charges of y°® Reverend m* Joseph Capen late Deceased and to doe any other thing or things as shall be thought needful Dated July 7; 1725 William Porter Jacob Dorman Constable John Howlett | Selectmen

The Town Did manifest by a vote that they were willing to Choose a Committe to make inquiry after & git a Minister to Dispence the word of God Amongst us for a while

Dea Daniel Redington John Howlett Cle: Elisha Perkins Sergt Ivory Hovey & En: Amos Dorman are Chosen a Committe to Procure a Minister or Scholar to Dispence the word of God amongst us for Ten weeks from this time & they are to ask advice of the Neighbouring Ministers in order to the procuring a suitable person for said service voted and said Commtte are fully impowered to agree with a minister or Ministers for y® above said service & Term & the Town will pay the Cost voted

At A Lawfull Town meeting held by adjournment from y® 20 of July 1725 to the third day of August 1725 and then met & having Discoursed of how much and in what way to Contribute towards the funeral Charges of the Reverend Mr? Joseph Capen Deceased, it was generally Concluded that y° best way was for Every man to subscribe to give what he Pleas? and Ivory Hovey, Joseph Town, & Thomas Robinson are Chosen & Desired by the Town: to go to all the inhabitants of Topsfield not present: to see what they will Contribute towards sd Charges voted

Whereas the Church have agreed upon a fast to be kept on the Eighteenth Currant on y® acount of the awfull breach that God has Latly made amoungst us by taking away our Reverend Pastor by Death: as also to implore the Mercies of heaven for the Obtaining another setteled minister. Therefore the above named Committe for the Ministry are to see that suteable provision be made for such reverend ministers that shall Carry on the work of s? Day or that shall be aiding or assisting therein and the town will pay the charges thereof hee voted

The free holders and other inhabitants of this Town Quallified according to Law for voting are to take Notice to meet here at y° Meeting house on Wedensday the fifteenth Day of September Currant at Twelve of y® Clock on sd Day

1 To Choose a Committe to see to y® supply of the Pulpit with one to Dispence the word of God to us: 2ly. To allow bills of Charge & to Raise a Tax for the Defraying of Nessacery charges

2ly The Town Allowed to Ens: Amos Dorman 7:7:6 he having Paid five pound to Mr Hale & two pound to M* Crocker for Preaching to us since the Revernd M* Capens Decease: and for other things he found for y® fast for several things for Provision for the fast wokedwikt In 4ly The Town Allowed to Cler: Elisha Perkins 0:6:6: it being for sundary things for y® fast voted 0:6:6 sly The Town allowed to Sergt Ivory Hovey 1:5:6 for

- sundary things for provision for y® fast voted 1:5:6 6ly the Town allowed to John Hovey three shillings for Lamb & spice for y® fast voted 0:3:0

7ly the Town allowed to Dea: John Howlett four shillings & Eleven pence for several things for the fast voted O:4:1I 8ly The Town allowed Nine shillings & six pence to Nath" Capen for victualing several Ministers on Sabath day 0:9:6 gly Sergt Thomas Robinson & John Town are Chosen to serve on y° Jury of Tryals at the next inferiour Court to be holden at Newbery for & within y® County of Essex voted 1oly The former Committe for the Ministry viz Dea: Daniel Redington Dea: John Howlett Cler: Elisha Perkins Ens Amos Dorman & Sergt Ivory Hovey are Chosen again to Procure and agree with a Minister to Dispence the word of God unto us untill the first of Jan'' next [ensuing voted

Sat Tt

11ly The Town agreed that y® present Selectmen should Levie a Tax of one hundred and twenty pounds for y® Defraying of y® necessary Charges of the Town voted

Boston 318* May 1725 Recé of M? Eliezar Lake Constable of | P Zacheus Gould Topsfield fifty one pounds in full for my - Master Jer. Allen Treasurer

Where as Jacob Peabody was Chosen Clerk for the proprietors of the Late Divided & of the undivided Common Land in Topsfield on y® sixth of December 1725: he was sworn to y® faithfull Discharge of sd office before y® Selectmen of st Town on y® same Day

At a Lawfull Town meeting in Topsfield November 1° 1725 ist Cap* Joseph Gould is Chosen Moderator for this meeting voted aly Mr Isaac Peabody En: Amos Dorman & Jacob Peabody are Chosen a Committe to Reckon with Madam Priscilla Capen and Adjust all the accompts that are betwixt her and y® Town Refering to y° Reverend M* Capens Sallery & make report thereof to the Town in convenient time 3ly The Town agreed that the intrest of the Towns Loan money' shall go to pay y® towns debts voted The present Selectmen are impowered to receive s¢ intrest of y® Trustees & Dispose of it to y° afores* use voted

Aly The Town allowed to En* Amos Dorman five pounds five shillings he having paid so much to Osgood for Preaching so amoungst us three Sabath Days voted 5:5:0

6ly The Town Allowed to Daniel Gould two shillings & SIX pence for two Logs to mend the bridge near to M* John Capens house voted 0:2:6 aly The Town Allowed to Jacob Peabody three shillings for Timber to mend y® bridge near his house O73 :0

8ly The Town Allowed to Mrs Mary Baker two shillings & six pence for Timber to mend the Bridge near to M? Jacob Dormans house veted O72 26 gly The Town allowed to Sam! Smith four shillings for Timber to mend y®* highways voted 0:4:0 1oly The Town allowed to Corp! Jacob Robinson one shilling for timber for sd use voted: O71 70 rtly The Town allowed to Capt John How two shillings & six pence for timber to mend y® Bridge near Mr Clarks house voted' 0 !2':0 12ly The Town allowed to Capt Joseph Gould & John Howlett twelve shillings for their trouble in taking in y® intrest of y© Towns Loan money for y® year past voted 0:12:0 13ly The Town agreed to fence in all y° Parsonage Land in Topsfield according to y® same rule & by the same Ten years Rates that the last Division of Common Land in Topsfield was divided by, voted further the Town agreed that s4 Parsonage Land should be fenced in by y® first day of June next with a Good sufficient fence voted 14 Mr Nath" Porter Mr Eliezer Lake and Jacob Peabody are Chosen a committe to apportion and set to Every man his Proportion to fence about said Parsonage Land according

We the Subscribers the Committees respectively Chosen appointed by the Towns of Ipswich and Topsfield, to Perambulate the Line and renew the bounds between the sd Towns: have accordingly performed the said service, by Peambulating the Line and renewing the Bounds aforesaid ; having new marked y® Trees afore marked on y® Line and heaving more stones to the old heaps on the said Line. Witness our hands the Day of novem: anno Domini 1725

Vital Statistics Of Topsfield, Mass For The Year Iqio

June Elizabeth, dau. of Warren T. and Grace A. (Frame) Tilton. Francesca, dau. of Pauland Lucia (Le Caporal) La Cassesse. Fanny Forester, dau. of Hiram L. and Mary L. (Murphy) Clay.

Francesco, son of David and Gesulda (Abbadessa) Gangi. Dorothy Pearl, dau. of Ira R. and Callie A. (Clarke) Andrews. Walter Archibald, son of James and Ellen (Stoddard) Wood Helen Pingree, dau. of Franklin and Helen K. (Smith) Balch.

166 VITAL STATISTICS FOR 1910. MARRIAGES. 19Io Harry E. Lake (Topsfield), son of Otto E. and Flora E. (Adams) Lake. re ceases Liming (Dedham), dau. of Christopher and Drusilla (Ream) Liming. Charles A. Pingree (Georgetown), son of Charles H. and Lucy S. July 6 (Harris) 'Pingree. y Mary L. Woodbury (Topsfield), dau. of Isaac M. and Sarah Kk. (Leach) Woodbury. Benjamin D. Hodges (Topsfield), son of Benjamin and Maria R. Ame | %s (Reynolds) Hodges. v7 o Virginia C. Reynolds "(Topsfield), son of Mark and Elizabeth (Anderson) Reynolds. Walter Farnham (Beverly), son of Charles H.and Lucy (Simpson) Now pape m. - 7 4 Ada M. Phillips (Topsfield), dau. of William N, and Matilda A. (Davis) White. DEATHS. 190.

Vital Statistics For I910

Mary Gammell, dau. of John and Emily (Dechman) Gammell, aged . 43 yrs., 5 mos.. 12 dys. Gilbert B. Balch, son of Humphrey and Hannah P. (Bradstreet) Balch, aged 54 years § mos., 15 dys. Henry Ware Lake, son of David and Harriet (Wilkins) Lake, aged 72 yrs., 4 mos., 28 dys. Isaac B. Young, son of Isaac and Delia (Tobin) Young, aged 73 yrs., § mos., 4 dys. Ruth Ashton, dau. of Fred E. and Hattie E. (Fuller) Watson, aged 3 mos., 11 dys. Mabel Frances, wife of Albert C. Dick and dau. of Edwin and Sarah (Moore) Adams, aged 44 yrs., 2 MOS., 17 dys. Amelia Carr Skaden, dau. of Joseph C. and Jane (Saxbury) Skaden, aged 81 yrs. Henry R. M. White, son of Manley and Mary Ann M. (White) White, aged 81 yrs., 2 mos., § dys. Elizabeth Hanson, dau. of Thomas A. B. and Elizabeth (Hanson) Norris, aged 36 yrs., 9 mos., 23 dys.

Joseph Towne, died in Lynn, Mass., aged 84 yrs. Annie S. Lamson, died in Hamilton, Mass., aged 638 yrs., 6 mos., 22 dys. Alice M. Fuller, died in No. Reading, Mass., aged 39 yrs. Benjamin Potter, died in Danvers, Mass., aged 34 yrs. Elizabeth H. Lake, died in Peabody, Mass., aged 72 yrs., 9 MOS. 4 dys. Florence M. Kirk, died in Danvers, Mass., aged 34 yrs. William B. Perkins, died in Middleton, Mass., aged 72 yrs. 3 MOS, 30 dys. Victoria A. Harris, died in Waltham, Mass., aged 53 yrs.,I mo., 25 dys. Augustus T. Billings, died in Malden, Mass., aged 68 yrs. 6 mos., 4 dys. Chester M. Striley, died in Salem, Mass.,aged 27 yrs., 8 mos., 10 dys. Herbert P. Woodbury, Jr., died in Malden, Mass. Carrol Mellish Woodbury, died in Malden, Mass., aged 30 y'sy 9 mos., 28 dys. Edgar Richardson Walsh, died in Salem, Mass., aged 4 dys. Mary Elizabeth Lovett, died in Lawrence, Mass., aged 63 yrs. 5 mos., 16 dys.

Chronology Of Events In Topsfield In 1910

David Cummings, of Somerville, descended from Topsfield ancestors, bequeathed to the town of Topsfield, for its poor, $4,000 5 fox the care of the South Side Cemetery, $1,000; and to the Topsfield Historical Society, $2,000.

Source changes here: from The Historical Collections of the Topsfield Historical Society, by Topsfield Historical Society, published 1913; 56,343 words in this source stream.

Topsfield Nurseries

A meeting of the friends of TAYLOR & 'FILLMORE will be held at the Academy Hall, in Topsfield, THIS EVENING, Nov. 3, at 7 o'clock. Addresses will be delivered by Hon. A. Huntineron and O. P. Lorn, Esq. .

Whig Meeting in Topsfield. - A large and spirited meeting of the friends of Taylor and Fillmore, was held last evening, in the Academy Hall. This large and commodious hall was at an early hour crowded to overflowing, to hear addresses from Mr. Northend of Danvers, and Mr. Huntington of Salem. They addressed the meeting with great force and eloquence for more than three hours. Their speeches were rich in fact, argument, and amusing illustrations. The meeting broke up with three cheers for Taylor and Fillmore and our speakers. Salem Gazette, Nov. 4, 1848.

NOTICE. This is to certify that I have sold to my son, Eras- Tus H. Ciarxg, his time; and I hereby forbid all persons trusting him on my account, as I shall pay no debts of his contracting.

Samuel Clarke

An attempt was made to rob the store of Mr. Paul Pearson, of Pearson's Mills Village, Newbury, early last Monday morning. The Newburyport Herald says three persons were discovered in the act of putting goods from the store into asleigh. Messrs. Elbridge Tenney and Wm. Pearson, having been informed of the fact, proceeded to the spot, and after a sharp conflict, succeeded in obtaining possession of the horse and sleigh, the robbers having fled.

In the conflict, Mr. Tenney received a severe wound in the hand witha knife. Three young men named Shaw, Mallory, and Purrington have been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the robbery.

These individuals had their examination on Tuesday morning, before Justice Marston. After the examination had proceeded at some length, Purrington, one of the prisoners, turned evidence for the state, and testified that he hired a horse and sleigh at Mr. G. Boardman's and together with Shaw and Mallory went to Ipswich, where they broke into the depot, and from thence they went to Topsfield, where they broke into a store, but took nothing. Then they went to the place of the robbery.

The Court required the prisoners, Shaw and Mallory, to give bonds in the sum of $600 each for their appearance in the Court of Common Pleas, to be holden at Salem in March next for further trial. In default of bail they were committed.

Among the appointments made by the President and Senate was that of Asa W. Wildes (born in Topsfield) to be Surveyor of the Port of Ipswich.

At a meeting held Feb. 5th, Charles Herrick of Topsfield was chosen one of the Directors of the Essex Mechanics Mutual Fire Insurance Co. of Salem.

A FARM FOR SALE. In Topsrirztp, seven miles fram Salem, three from Danvers Plains, and one from a stopping place on the Essex Railroad, on a road from Danvers to Boxford, - containing about one hundred and forty acres, all compact around the buildings ; a good convenient house and cellars for two families, with seven other buildings : The whole pleasantly situated with handsome lots of wood near the house, sufficient in growth to support the fires, young grafted fruit bearing trees, and the best of fielding. The farm is fenced almost wholly with stone wall, and is excellently watered with springs and two brooks running through it.

At a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners held at Ipswich this week the petition of Benj. B. Towne and als., for a road in Wenham, crossing Wenham Swamp towards Topsfield, was dismissed. Jt has been decided to Jay down the whole of the Newburyport Turnpike lying in this county, as a highway, - it being understood that the Middlesex Commissioners will pursue a like course with the residue of said turnpike.

The wheelwright shop of Thomas K. Leach, and the dwelling house of Aaron Kneeland, in Topsfield, were struck by lightning on Thursday morning. 'Tbe shop was very much shattered ; the house was less injured. We are informed that lightning was never known to strike in the village or Topsfield before this instance.

Commonwealth on complaint of Luke Towne vs. Samuel Todd. This complaint charged against the respondent with an assault and battery committed on the complainant.

It appeared that on the 21st of December last, a meeting of the inhabitants of Topsfield was holden for the adoption of measures to prevent injury from rabid dogs. A motion was made for an indefinite postponement of the subject. While this motion was under consideration, the complainant made some observation that induced the respondent (the moderator of the meeting) to say to him that he was out of order, and must sit down. Either I won't or 1 shan't were his words. He was again told by the moderator, that he must either sit down and keep order, or leave the house. He said I shan't doeither. He was then told by the moderator that he should direct the constables to take him from the house, and detain him until the meeting was over. He replied you can do it. Accordingly the constables were so dlrected. When the constables were about to take hold of him, Mr. T. extended his arm towards them, says, hands off ,. gentlemen, I appeal to the town. The moderator says, there is no appeal - or it is too late now to claim an appeal - Constables carry him out, - carry him out. Whereupon with a constable at each arm he was conducted from the house - resisting sufficiently to show clearly that it was against his will. The forcible removal from the house was the assault and battery charged. The complaint testified that he was slightly injured in his arm and side by the violence used. No question was made as to the correctness of the decision of the moderator, whether Mr. Towne was or was not in order when he was called to order, and directed to sit down. If Mr. Towne had then claimed an appeal, the Court were of opinion that the question should have been submitted ; and if supported by a majority of votes, it would have been the duty of the moderator to have yielded thereto. But inasmuch as no appeal was shown to have been claimed, until peremptory orders for the removal had been given, it was then the duty of the moderator to insist upon obedience or removal.

Fire in Torsrietp. On Monday night last, an outbuilding, belonging to Asa Pingree, Esq., near his house, in Topstield, was destroyed by fire. Among the contents destroyed were three chaises, three hundred bushels of corn, two and a half tons of

The death of Mrs. H. J. Holmes, of Topsfield, mentioned in your paper of last week, ought not to pass without some further notice. Her friends and the circle of her acquaintance, feel a void which will not soon be filled. The natural powers of her mind were not more conspicuous than her acquired knowledge. From an infirmity, under which she had suffered for many years, she was shut out from the freedom of intercourse with society which was enjoyed by others. Her conversational powers connected with her extensive reading and brilliancy of intellect, fitted her in a most remarkable degree for an entertaining companion.

When a little excited by opposition or otherwise, I have been surprised at the displays of her extemporaneous eloquence. It has frequently exceeded any thing we ever witnessed in man or woman. With her command of language, and the many facts stored up ina very retentive memory, she would frequently fasten the attention of the listener for almost hours together, astonished at the powers of her oratory. She had obtained by her own unaided industry the knowledge of several foreign languages. She read French with great fluency; her pen was the principal source of her amusement, and her poetic compositions were, by no means, small, although her modesty would seldom allow them to be published. Her benevolence and generosity were proverbjal. Irom her infancy she had imbibed a predilection for Catholicism, professed and embraced it, and died in the full faith. Her friends deeply feel her loss and all those who had the pleasure of her acquaintance sincerely sytmpathize with them in their. bereavement. M.

Newspaper Items Relating To Topsfield

meeting under the direction of the Moderator, the Judge intimated that he should rule that if defendants justified under the direction of the Moderator, he should hold thejustification good ; upon which a verdict for defendants was allowed. O. P. Lord

Will be sold at Public Auction, on MONDAY, the 19th day of November inst., at 9 o'clock, A. M., at the farm of Col. Porter Bradstreet, late of Topsfield, deceased.

All The Personal Estate

CENTENNIAL. We understand that the people of Topsfield have it in contemplation to celebrate the two hundredth anni. versary of the incorporation of that town, during the present year. 'The date of incorporation was Oct. 18,1650. The place was formerly called Sheweenemeady, or New Meadows, was granted to inhabitants of Salem and Ipswich at the session of Nov. 5, 1639, and was settled about this time. The names of many of the first settlers are yet borne in the town by their descendants, and not a few men of noite claim Topfield as the place of their nativity. A very interesting celebration may be anticipated should our Topsfield friends take hold of the matter with their usual energy and spirlt. - Reg.

The following described real estate, occupied by Joun W. Donex in Topsfield, will be sold by auction, on TUESDAY, the 12th day of March next, unless the taxes assessed on the same, by the town of Topsfield, are previously paid :- -

Said property consists of one half of a Dwelling House, oceupied by said Dodge, as above named, with the Land, under and adjoining, and a barn adjacent.

Two Iundredth Anniversary at Topsyfield. - The citizens of Topsfield, have had a meeting, and an efficient commiitee of seven persons have becn chosen to make necessary arrangements. Nehemiah Cleaveland, Esq., of Brooklyn, N. Y. has been invited to deliver an address.

Will be sold by Public Auction, on SATURDAY, the 30th day of March instant, at 10 o'clock, A. M., at the store of Beng. P. Apams, in Topsfield :

SO MUCH of the REAL ESTATE, near the meeting house, in Topsfield, now in occupation of JOHN W. DODGE, as will pay, together with the costs of sale and all necessary interyen- 'ing charges, a tax of $4 65, assessed upon said Dodge.

Thomas L. Lane

The FARM of the late Naruanient PorTER, situated in Topsfield, on the road leading from Danvers to Boxford over the Ipswich river, at Rowley Bridge, so called, containing about 54 acres of excellent land, pleasantly situated, and suitably divided into tillage and pasturage, well fenced with stone walls, and well watered. There isa dwelling house and barn upon the premises. Conditions made known at the sale.

Ira Porter

Topsfield Ceniennial. Messrs. R. A. Merriam, Wm. Mundy, W.N. Cleaveland, J. W. Batchelder, J. P. Towne, and Jno G. Hood, are the Committee chosen by the town to make arrangements for the two hundredth celebration of the incorporation of Lopsfield, which occurs the present year, on Thursday, the 29th day of August next. An address will be delivered by Nehemiah Cleaveland, N. Y., and a poem by Miss Hannah F. Gould, of Newburyport, will be followed by a public dinner, to be enlivened by sentiments and speeches. It is hoped that all the absent sons and daughters of this small but ancient town will atttend this social home gathering.

Farm School, to be established near the centre of the County, in Topsfield, Middleton, or Georgetown, for instance. Salem Gazette, May 14, 1850.

United States Mail Line

Stage leaves Hagle House, Haverhill, every morning, at 6 o'clock, passing through Georgetown, Boxford, Topsfield and Danvers ; arrives at Depot in Salem in time for 10 1-2 o'clock Train of Cars for Boston.

Returning, leaves Depot at Salem every day, on the arrival of the 2 1-2 o'clock Train from Boston, and leaves Essex House, Salem, 3 1-4 o'clock, passing through the above named places for Haverhill.

in Topsfield, 11th inst, Susan Jane, aged 8 years, daughter of Elizabeth H., and Richard Phillips, Jr. Esq. This is the fourth child out of a family of five children, which these parents have been called to follow to the grave within a few years past. Salem Gazette, July 16, 1850.

The Inhabitants of TOPSFIELD intend to celebrate, on TuurspAy, the 29th of August, the Second Centennial Anniversary of the Town. As there may be persons in other places who wish to attend on that occasion, all such are informed that Tickets for the Dinner, at one dollar each, may be procured until the 20th inst. at Messrs. W. & S. B. Ives' Bookstore and of N. Goldsmith, jr. in Salem, and at Messrs. A. P. Perley & Co's. store, at North Danvers. An early application is desirable.

Tur Topsrizenp CELEBRATION. Our Topsfield friends are carrying forward the preparation for their bi-centennial celebration, with great zeal and spirit. The procession is to be enlivened by a division of "representatives of ancient modes and manners," in which, we presume small-clothes, faithingales, cocked-up hats and pillions, will make a figure. In the church besides other appropriate services, an address will be delivered by Nehemiah Cleaveland, Esq., and an ode will be sung, which has been written for the occasion by Miss H. F. Gould. Tickets for the dinner may be obtained in this city, of N. Goldsmith, Jr., and at the store of W.&S.B. Ives. We think we can promise an interesting day, and a hospitable reception to any of our citizens whe may improve this occasion to visit the ancient and pleasant town of 'Topsfield. We presume that some of our dealers in "horseware " will make a profitable day's work, by arrangements to carry passengers back and forth, at convenient hours.

The public exercises will be held in the Grove on Centennial Hill, and will begin at a quarter before eleven, A. M. A procession will be formed on the Common, at 10 o'clock, and will proceed from thence to the Grove, - where seats are provided, - to which all ladies are requested to resort and be seated before the arrival of the procession.

At the close of the public exercises the procession will be formed again, and will proceed. in the following order to the Pavilion on the Common, where dinner will be served.

Order Of Procession

Band Chief Marshal and Aids. Committee of Arrangements. President and Orator of the Day. Officiating Clergymen. The Clergy. Visitors, who are natives of Topsfield, or descended from Topsfield ancestors. The Officers of the Town. The Choir. Representatives of ancient modes and manners. Citizens present from other towns. Citizens of Topsfield. Natn'L Conant Chief Marshal. Salem Gazette, Aug. 28, 1850.

Tue TopsrierD CELEesRATIon. Yesterday was the two hundredth anniversary of the incorporation of the pleasant, and of Course ancient, town of TopsrienD, - or as it was called by the Indians, before the incorporation of the town in 1650, Sheweenemeady, and by the whites, New Meadows. Topsfield was settled by the whites about the year 1642. Among the names of the first settlers, were, Peabody, Perkins, Clark, Cummings, Bradstreet, Gould, Town, Easty, Smith and Wildes ; many of whose descendants now cultivate the soil of their progenitors, and have taken an active part in all the preparations of this festival, of Which we hope to present a full and detailed account at a future day. We have only time now to say that the weather was delighful beyond compare. The people of all the neighboring towns flocked in to do honor to the occasion. 'They were received with warm hospitality.

The services of the occasion were under the shade of trees, on the side of a beautiful hill. The oration, by N. Cleaveland, Esq., was a performance of unsurpassed eloquence and ability. The festivities in the tent were heightened by all the charms which beauty, intelligence, patriotism, and historical sentiment can give to such an occasion. About a 1000 persons of both sexes were assembled at the table, spread by the skill and experience of Mr. Wright. Dr. Huntington, ex-mayor of Lowell, presided, and several speeches were delivered.

In the procession, and on the ground were several very striking memorials of the olden time - particularly three or four couples, in the ancient pilgrim costume, such as marked the higher conditions of life, full wigs, three cornered hats, immense ruffles on breast and wrists, hoods, knee buckles, and the like. The wives rode on pillions behind their husbands, in the procession. There was among other things, a curious display of ancient New England implements of agriculture.

In short Topsfield did the thing in a style never surpassed, and none who participated in the celebration will cease to remember it with pleasure.

The wilderness was deep and drear, And mind a savage wild ; - Chaotic darkness brooded here, O'er man, the forest-child. The Spirit, by our fathers, moved Upon the face of Night, When dawned the Day, that since hath proved Two hundred years of light !

Behold the civil beauty shed In wide survey around ; - The fields with summer's beauty spread ; - The hills with harvest crowned! While finite eye must fail to trace The shining marks of soul, That, dating this its starting-place, Has fixed in Heaven the goal!

To that illustrious ancestry We'll sing aloud our claim, While marching to eternity In their Redeemer's name. Two hundred years of Gospel beams, Diffusing joy and peace, Have here been poured in swelling streams Of glory ne'er to cease! Salem Gazette, Aug. 30, 1850.

Topsfield Celebration

The solemnity, already more than once announced in our paper - the commemoration of the Second Centennial of Topsfield - took place on Thursday the 29th inst. The day was fine and most auspicious for the occasion. At an early hour, every avenue leading to the village, was alive with vehicles and with travellers, all conveying and hastening to the interesting scene. At 10 o'clock, a procession was formed on the common near the Meeting House, and proceeded under the direction of Chief Marshail Conant, to the house of Capt. William Munday where it was joined by the President and Orator of the day and by invited guests. The procession then passed under a white arch, neatly ornamented with evergreens, and inseribed with leafy letters, " Centennial Hill." We now found ourselves in a green Jane, which soon brought us to a smooth and open lawn, in the centre of which rose the beautiful mound, which is henceforth to bear the name of '« Centennial Hill." It isa conical elevation of remarkable regularity, covered to the top, though not densely, with oak trees. Irom a staff, which rose high above the tallest of these the nation's banner was waving in the breeze. Upon the north side of this charming mound, we found a spectacle of extraordinary animation and beauty. Upon seats which began at the base and reached about half way up the hill, were seated some fifteen hundred ladies. On the outside of these, and reaching quite to the summit, and far around the convexity, were probably as many more, a mingled throng, standing or reclining on the green sward. In front of this vast assemblage, stood the speaker's rostrum, on a small stage. 'This little structure was a most

Interesting object. Its verdant decorations, beautifully relieved upon a ground of spotless white, could be the work only of delicate fingers, guided by woman's unerring eye. <A tablet in front bore, in large letters, the words, "New Meadows, 1689 - Topsfield, 1650.'? Directly below this tablet, stood an object of no common interest - an old oak pulpit. A white tablet in front, told its story. Upon this was written in letters of bright purple amaranth, the names ' Capen,' ' Emerson' and the dates '1703- 1759" This relic of the third meeting house in the place, built 147 years ago, and taken down 91 years since, had been carefully preserved by Deacon George Bixby and'his son. Behind it stood a high-backed oaken chair, which once stood, as the orator informed us in the course of his address, in that same old pulpit.

William Hubbard, now of this city, but a native of Topsfield. The first exercise of the day was a voluntary by the choir, sung with much spirit and effect. The piece selected was a very good anthem, composed fifty years ago, in Topsfield, by that once celebrated singer and teacher, Jacob Kimball. The Rev. Mr. Atkinson, of the Methodist church in Topsfield, then read appropriate selections from the Scriptures. The bible used was printed in 1599 and has probably been in Topsfield 200 years. Rey. J. Augustine Hood of Middleton, next read a psalm written for the occasion by Rev. George Hood, of Southport, New York, a native of Topsfield, and set to music by his brother, Mr. Jacob Hood, of this city.

With prowling beasts, and savage men, In faith and hope, they dauntless stood ; Then sung their anthems yet again, And rear'd their altars to their God.

Nerv'd by a living faith, they rose O'er ills, and toils, and dangers dire ; Disease, nor death, nor savage fees, Could quench the fervor of their fire.

There we will render ceaseless praise, To Thee, our fathers', and our Gop, To thee, blest Spirit, chant our lays, And Thee, Divine, Incarnate Worp.

The Rev. Mr. McLoud, of the Congregational Society, then invoked the blessing of Heaven, in a short but most appropriate prayer. Benj. A. Gould, Esq., of Boston, next read an ode written for the occasion by his sister, Miss Hannah F. Gould, of Newburyport, who was present ; a portion of which was sung by the choir, to the tune of ' Topsfield,' another of Mr. Kimball's productions.

The address was delivered by Nenemran CLEAVELAND, Esq., of Brooklyn, New York, eldest son of the late Dr. Cleaveland of Topsfield. The speaker commanded the deeply interested attention of more than three thousand people, for the space of nearly two hours. He fully met the high expectations of the audience, and the magnitude ofthe occasion. Every one was delighted. The Hon. Mr. Upham, in his speech at the dinner, remarked that, for eloquence, learning, research, humor, beauty and power, the discourse was unsurpassed.

Judge Cummings, and Benj. A. Gould, Esq., spoke of it in similar language, and the enthusiastic responses to these encomiums showed that the speakers uttered but the general sentiment of the assembled multitude. If the orator was fortunate in having so rich a history for his theme, Topsfield was fortunate in having such an orator to illustrate her history. It is of course quite impossible to give more than a brief and imperfect sketch of this able and elaborate discourse.

After an eloquent exordium, Mr. Cleaveland touched upon the aboriginal traditions of the place, once called by its savage occupants, SHE-WE-NE-ME-by, and by their European successors, New Meapows, and afterwards incorporated by the name of Topsfield. The latter name was given, not as many suppose, on account of the hills which enclose the valley, but in grateful remembrance of Topsfield or Topesfield in England, from which place some of the early settlers undoubtedly came. The antiquity of the original Topsfield was ingeniously traced to the time of the Cesars. The corporation of Topsfield is 200 years old, but the first settlement is several years older, dating back as far probably as 1635.

Mr. C. then went into an interesting investigation of the ancient history of the town. It was no dry detail of statistics, but a most animating and inspiring narrative, flowing on with sparkling humor, touching pathos and eloquence, and a still widening channel to the close.

With a masterly power, the departed generations were made to pass before us in living reality. We sawthe venerable forms of Bradstreet (the Governor), of Gould, and of Peabody, and Perkins, of Capen, Emerson, Breck, and Huntington; and we seemed to be carried back to the generations to which they belonged.

Some sketches of characters, customs, and scenes within the memory of most persons present, were conceived in the happiest vein of chastened humor. The effect of the whole was eminently salutary ; its moral tone was pure and elevated, and was well adapted to stimulate all who heard it to noble aims, and more vigorous endeavors in the great work of life. Weare glad to hear that the discourse is to be published. It will bea valuable contribution to the local history of New England.

At the close of the address, the Rev. E. L. Cleaveland, originally of Topsfield, and now of New Haven, Ct., read an original hymn, which was sung to Old Hundred, by the choir and the immense congregation.

The benediction was pronounced by Rev. Samuel Gould, a native of Topsfield, now of Boothbay, Me. Upon or around the stage we noticed many men of mark from other parts of Essex County. The venerable Mr. Braman of Rowley, Mr. Kimball of Ipswich, Dr. Dana of Newburyport were there. There also were the Rev. Messrs. Worcester, Milton, Braman, Field, Thatcher, Taylor, &c., Rev. Asa Cummings of Portland, Me., Nathaniel Lord, Esq., the aged Register of Probate, Hon. Mr. Upham and Judge Perkins of Salem, Hon. Mr. Dodge of Hamilton, and many others not Jess honorable.

The procession was again formed, and marched down as far as the house of John Cleaveland, Esq., of New York, when it wheeled and countermarched, thus giving all an opportunity to see the whole procession. And it was well worth seeing. The long line of respectable citizens, with their wives, and sons, and daughters, was garnished near its centre by a singular spectacle. There were three young men on horseback, dressed in the costue of 1600, each having on a pillion behind him, a comely companion, similarly arrayed. Others followed in tri-cornered hats, with vast, bushy wigs, and other articles of antiquated garb. One individual seemed to be on his way to mill, for he had on his horse's back, two large bags, apparently of corn. Another was evidently bound for market, being mounted, and having on either side, a large pannier. We saw one lady whose costume of antiquated splendor, and whose immensely deep bonnet, drew much observation. 'his antique cavalcade was succeeded by an old dobbin of a horse driven by Mr. Edward Hood, drawing a wagon load of relics. - It contained a side-board, said to have belonged to Governor Bradstreet, an ancient oak chest made in 1685, with the original date upon it, an old winnowing fan, a large samp mortar, several snow shoes, some of the implements once used in the dressing of flax, and various agricultural tools, of the most ponderous and uncouth character.

The dinner tables were set beneath a pavilion erected on the common. Though provision was made for about 800 guests, nearly every seat was oceupied. Directly over the President's Seat, we noticed the old Indian name of the place, - She-we-neme-dy. Beneath this were arranged several articles, suggestive of the times when wild beasts and savages were the sole tenants of the Topsfield woods. Two pairs of moose horns (one pair very large), from Mr. Frank Curtis' collection of trophies ; numerous arrow-heads, and stone tools of the aborigines - lent by Major Poore of Indian Hill - and a long halberd, once carried by a Topsfield officer, in the Indian wars, and brought down from Amherst, N. H., by Mr. Peabody, who is one of that officer's descendants.

Dr. E. Huntington of Lowell, eldest son of the Rey. Asahel Huntington, formerly minister of Topsfield was the President of the day. The Rev. Asa Cummings of Portland, Me., the descendant of a Topstield man craved a blessing. When due justice had been done to the liberal provisions on the table, the President, after a few happy remarks, by way of introduction, proceeded to read the regular sentiments. 'The first wasas follows:

«This day of our solemnities, bright with memories of the Past, - with contemplations of the present - and with hopes of the Future'"' After the second toast, which was a compliment to the old county of Essex, the President put it upon Mr. Upham of this city to reply, which he did, in a strain of prompt and felicitious remark. He supposed that he had been called on to respond to the sentiment, because he happened to be one of the representatives of the county in the State Senate. He had been invited to attend the celebration, but should have come, had it been otherwise, for he took a deep interest in such meetings, and in the object which brought them together. He alluded very happily to Topsfield as being the heart of the county, and said he had early acquired an interest in its history, while investigating the story of the witchcraft delusion. He character and melancholy fate of Mary Easty, a Topsfield woman, who was hung in that dreadful time. 'The importance of gathering up and preserving the fragments of tradition and history yet within our reach, was strongly urged. He alluded to the statements. of the orator, in regard to the votes and acts of Topsfield, at the time, and before the time of the Revolution, as showing what such investigations always have showed, the high and determined spirit of the people, in those days. But we will not do injustice to his remarks by any further attempt to report them.

Lhe next toast, happily introduced by an allusion to the old pronunciation of the name of the most precious metal, accompanied with the remark that we have no need to search for it in California, as there is plenty of it in Topsfield, was as follows: "The Gould of Topstield - It was a rich vein at first - it has borne working well - and it still yields sterling ore."

This was responded to by Benj. A. Gould, Esq., of Boston, who said, that though not born in Topsfield, he received the rudiments of his education there. He alluded in terms of high eulogy to his old teacher and minister, the Rev. Asahel Huntington. He referred to his brave ancestor, Lieut. John Gould, who was imprisoned in the time of Andros, for his bold speaking, - a circumstance which had been alluded to in the Address, and in regard to which he stated some additional particulars. He referred also to his grandfather, John Gould, who was, for nineteen eventful and successive years the representative of Topsheld in the Genera! Court - and to his own father, Capt. Benj. Gould, of Topsfield, who took part in the events of the 19th of April and of the 17th of June, 1775, and commanded a company at West Point ai the time of Amold's defection. Mr. Gould concluded with a sentiment complimentary to the orator of the day.