The Bay State Monthly Volume 2, Issue 3, December, 1884 written by Various

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Later, about 1837, Edward Pranker, an Englishman, and Francis Scott, a
Scotchman, became noted for their woollen factories, which they built in
Saugus, and also became residents here for the rest of their lives.
Enoch Train, too, a Boston ship merchant and founder of the famous line
of packets between Boston and Liverpool for the transportation of
emigrants, passed the last ten years of his life here, marrying Mrs.
Almira Cheever. He was the father of Mrs. A.D.T. Whitney, the author of
many works of fiction, which have been widely read; among them "Faith
Gartney's Girlhood," "Odd or Even," "Sights and Insights," etc. In this
connection we point to a living novelist of Saugus, Miss Ella Thayer,
whose "Wired Lore" has been through several editions. George William
Phillips, brother of Wendell, a lawyer of some note, also lived many
years at Saugus and died in 1878. Joseph Ames, the artist, celebrated
for his portraits, who was commissioned by the Catholics to visit Rome
and paint Pope Pius IX., and who executed in a masterly manner other
commissions, such as Rufus Choate, Daniel Webster, Abraham Lincoln,
Madames Rachael and Ristori, learned the art in Saugus, though born in
Roxbury, N.H. He died at New York while temporarily painting there, but
was buried in Saugus in 1874. His brother Nathan was a patent solicitor,
and considered an expert in such matters, and invented several useful
machines. He was also a writer of both prose and poetry, writing among
other books "Pirate's Glen," "Dungeon Rock" and "Childe Harold." He died
in 1860.

Rev. Fales H. Newhall, D.D., who was Professor of Languages at
Middletown College, and who, as a writer, speaker or preacher, won
merited distinction, died in 1882, lamented that his light should go
prematurely out at the early age of 56 years.

Henry Newhall, who went from Saugus to San Francisco, and there became a
millionaire, may be spoken of as a succesful business man and merchant.
The greatest instance of longevity since the incorporation of the town
was that of Joseph Cheever, who was born February 22, 1772, and died
June 19, 1872, aged 100 years, 4 months, 27 days. He was a farmer of
great energy, industry and will power, and was given to much litigation.
He, too, represented the town in 1817-18, 1820-21, 1831-32, and again in
1835.

Saugus, too, was the scene of the early labors of Rev. Edward T. Taylor,
familiarly known as Father Taylor. Here he learned to read, and preached
his first sermon at what was then known as the "Rock Schoolhouse," at
East Saugus, though converted at North Saugus. Mrs. Sally Sweetser, a
pious lady, taught him his letters, and Mrs. Jonathan Newhall used to
read to him the chapter in the Bible from which he was to preach until
he had committed it to memory.

North Saugus is a fine agricultural section with table land, pleasant
and well watered, well adapted to farming purposes, and it was here that
Adam Hawkes, the first of this name in this county, settled with his
five sons in 1630, and took up a large tract of land. He built his house
on a rocky knoll, the spot being at the intersection of the road leading
from Saugus to Lynnfield with the Newburyport turnpike, known as Hawkes'
Corner. This house being burned the bricks of the old chimney were put
into another, and when again this chimney was taken down a few years ago
there were found bricks with the date of 1601 upon them. This shows,
evidently, that the bricks were brought from England. This property is
now in the hands of one of his lineal descendants, Louis P. Hawkes,
having been handed down from sire to son for more than 250 years. On the
28th and 29th of July, 1880, a family reunion of the descendents of Adam
Hawkes was held to celebrate the 250th anniversary of his advent to the
soil of Saugus. It was a notable meeting, and brought together the
members of this respected and respectable family from Maine to
California. Two large tents were spread and the trees and buildings were
decorated with flags and mottoes in an appropriate and tasteful manner.
Judges, Generals, artists, poets, clergymen, lawyers, farmers and
mechanics were present to participate in the re-union. Addresses were
made, poems suitable to the occasion rendered, and all passed off in a
most creditable manner. Among the antique and curious documents in the
possession of Samuel Hawkes was the "division of the estate of Adam
Hawkes, made March 27, 1672."

Mrs. Dinsmore resided in this part of the town. A most amiable woman, a
good nurse, kind in sickness, and it was in this way that she discovered
a most valuable medicine. Her specific is claimed to be very efficacious
in cases of croup and kindred diseases, and its use in such cases has
become very general, as well as for headache. She is almost as widely
known as Lydia Pinkham. She died in 1881.

[Illustration: MRS. DINSMORE.]

Saugus nobly responded to the call for troops to put down the rebellion,
furnishing a large contingent for Company K, Seventeenth Massachusetts
Volunteers, which was recruited almost wholly from Malden and Saugus,
under command of Captain Simonds of Malden. Thirty-six Saugus men also
enlisted in Company A, Fortieth Massachusetts Volunteers, while quite a
number joined the gallant Nineteenth Regiment, Col. E.W. Hinks, whose
name Post 95, G.A.R., of Saugus bears, which is a large and flourishing
organization. There were many others who enlisted in various other
regiments, beside those who served in the navy.

[Illustration: NINETEENTH REGIMENT BADGE.]

Charles A. Newhall of this town is secretary and treasurer of the
Nineteenth Regiment association, whose survivors still number nearly one
hundred members.

THE OLD IRON WORKS.

These justly celebrated works, the first of their kind in this country,
were situated on the west bank of the Saugus river, about one-fourth of
a mile north of the Town Hall, on the road leading to Lynnfield, and
almost immediately opposite the mansion of A.A. Scott, Esq., the present
proprietor of the woolen mills which are located just above, the site of
the old works being still marked by a mound of scoria and debris, the
locality being familiarly known as the "Cinder Banks." Iron ore was
discovered in the vicinity of these works at an early period, but no
attempt was made to work it until 1643. The Braintree iron works, for
which some have claimed precedence, were not commenced until 1647, in
that part of the town known as Quincy.

Among the artisans who found employment and scope for their mechanical
skill at these works was Mr. Joseph Jenks who, when the colonial mint
was started to coin the "Pine Tree Shilling," made the die for the first
impressions at the Iron works at Saugus.

The old house, formerly belonging to the Thomas Hudson estate of
sixty-nine acres first purchased by the Iron Works, is still standing,
and is probably one of the oldest in Essex County, although it has
undergone so many repairs that it is something like the boy's
jack-knife, which belonged to his grandfather and had received three new
blades and two new handles since he had known it. One of the
fire-places, with all its modernizing, a few years ago measured about
thirteen feet front, and its whole contour is yet unique. It is now
owned by A.A. Scott and John B. Walton.

Near Pranker's Pond, on Appleton street, is a singular rock resembling a
pulpit. This portion of the town is known as the Calemount.

There is a legend of the Colonial period that a man by the name of
Appleton harangued or preached to the people of the vicinity, urging
them to stand by the Republican cause, hence the name of "Pulpit Rock."
The name "Calemount" also comes, according to tradition, from the fact
that one of the people named Caleb Appleton, who had become obnoxious to
the party, had agreed upon a signal with his wife and intimate friends,
that, when in danger, they should notify him by this expressive warning,
"Cale, mount!" upon which he would take refuge in the rocky mountain,
which, being then densely wooded, afforded a secure hiding place.
Several members of this family of Appletons have since, during
successive generations, been distinguished and well known citizens of
Boston, one of whom, William Appleton, was elected to Congress over
Anson Burlingame, in 1860.

Recently, one of the descendants of this family has had a tablet of
copper securely bolted to the rock with the following inscription:--

"APPLETON'S PULPIT!

In September, 1687, from this rock tradition asserts that resisting
the tyranny of Sir Edmond Andros, Major Samuel Appleton of Ipswich
spake to the people in behalf of those principles which later were
embodied in the declaration of Independence."

This tablet was formally presented to the town by letter from the late
Thomas Appleton, at the annual March meeting in 1882, and its care
assumed by the town of Saugus.

Among the present industries of Saugus are Pranker's Mills, a joint
stock corporation, doing business under the style of Edward Pranker &
Co., for the manufacture of woollen goods, employing about one hundred
operatives, and producing about 1,800,000 yards of cloth annually--red,
white and yellow flannel. The mill of A.A. Scott is just below on the
same stream, making the same class of goods, with a much smaller
production, both companies being noted for the standard quality of their
fabrics. The spice and coffee mills of Herbert B. Newhall at East Saugus
do a large business in their line, and his goods go all over New England
and the West.

Charles S. Hitchings, at Saugus, turns out some 1,500 cases of
hand-made slippers of fine quality for the New York and New England
trade. Otis M. Burrill, in the same line, is making the same kind of
work, some 150 cases, Hiram Grover runs a stitching factory with steam
power, and employs a large number of employees, mostly females.

Win. E. Shaw also makes paper boxes and cartoons, and does quite a
business for Lynn manufacturers.

[Illustration: RESIDENCE OF RUFUS A. JOHNSON.]

Enoch T. Kent at Saugus and his brother, Edward S. Kent, at Cliftondale,
are engaged in washing crude hair and preparing it for plastering and
other purposes, such as curled hair, hair cloth, blankets, etc. They
each give employment to quite a number of men. Albert H. Sweetser makes
snuff, succeeding to the firm of Sweetser Bros., who did an extensive
business until after the war. The demand for this kind of goods is more
limited than formerly. Joseph. A. Raddin, manufactures the crude tobacco
from the leaf into chewing and smoking tobacco. Edward O. Copp, Martha
Fiske, William Parker and a few others still manufacture cigars.

Quite an, extensive ice business is done at Saugus by Solon V. Edmunds
and Stephen Stackpole. A few years ago Eben Edmunds shipped by the
Eastern Railroad some 1,200 tons to Gloucester, but the shrinkage and
wastage of the ice by delays on the train did not render it a profitable
operation.

The strawberry culture has recently become quite a feature in the
producing industry of Saugus. In 1884 Elbridge S. Upham marketed 3,600
boxes, Charles S. Hitchings 1,200, Warren P. Copp 400, and others,
Martin Carnes, Calvin Locke, Edward Saunders and Lorenzo Mansfield, more
or less.

John W. Blodgett and the Hatch Bros. do a large business in early and
late vegetables for Boston and Lynn markets, such as asparagus, spinach,
etc., and employ quite a number of men.

Nor must we forget to mention the milk business. Louis P. Hawkes has a
herd of some forty cows and has a milk route at Lynn. J.W. Blodgett
keeps twenty-five cows, and takes his milk to market. Geo. N. Miller and
T.O.W. Houghton also keep cows and have a route. Joshua Kingsbury,
George H. Pearson and George Ames have a route, buying their milk. Byron
Hone keeps fifty cows. Dudley Fiske has twenty-five, selling their milk.
O.M. Hitchings, H. Burns, A.B. Davis, Lewis Austin, Richard Hawkes and
others keep from seven to twelve cows for dairy purposes.

[Illustration: RESIDENCE OF CHARLES H. BOND.]

Having somewhat minutely noticed the industries we will speak briefly of
some of the dwellings. The elegant mansion and gardens of Brainard and
Henry George, Harmon Hall and Rufus A. Johnson of East Saugus, and Eli
Barrett, A.A. Scott and E.E. Wilson of Saugus, C.A. Sweetser, C.H. Bond
and Pliny Nickerson at Cliftondale, with their handsome lawns, rich and
rare flowers and noble shade trees attract general attention. The last
mentioned estate was formerly owned by a brother of Governor William
Eustis, where his Excellency used to spend a portion of his time each
year.

At the south-westerly part of the town, not far from the old Eustis
estate, the boundaries of three counties and four towns intersect with
each other, viz: Suffolk, Essex and Middlesex counties, and the towns of
Revere, Saugus, Melrose and Maiden. Near by, too, is the old Boynton
estate, and the Franklin Trotting park, where some famous trotting was
had, when Dr. Smith managed it in 1866-7, Flora Temple, Fashion, Lady
Patchen and other noted horses contending. After a few years of use it
was abandoned, but it has recently been fitted up by Marshall Abbott of
Lynn, and several trots have taken place the present summer.

[Illustration: TOWN HALL.]

The Boynton estate above referred to is divided by a small brook, known
as "Bride's Brook," which is also the dividing line between Saugus and
Revere, and the counties of Suffolk and Essex. Tradition asserts that
many years ago a couple were married here, the groom standing on one
side and the bride on the other; hence the name "Bride's Brook."

The existence of iron ore used for the manufacturing at the old Iron
Works was well known, and there have been many who have believed that
antimony also exists in large quantities in Saugus, but its precise
location has as yet not become known to the public.

As early as the year 1848, a man by the name of Holden, who was given to
field searching and prospecting, frequently brought specimens to the
late Benjamin F. Newhall and solemnly affirmed that he obtained them
from the earth and soil within the limits of Saugus. Every means was
used to induce him to divulge the secret of its locality. But Holden was
wary and stolidly refused to disclose or share the knowledge of the
place of the lode with anyone. He averred that he was going to make his
fortune by it. Detectives were put upon his trail in his roaming about
the fields, but he managed to elude all efforts at discovery. Being an
intemperate man, one cold night after indulging in his cups, he was
found by the roadside stark and stiff. Many rude attempts and imperfect
searches have been made upon the assurances of Holden to discover the
existence of antimony, but thus far in vain, and the supposed suppressed
secret of the existence of it in Saugus died with him.

"Pirate's Glen" is also within the territory of Saugus, while "Dungeon
Rock," another romantic locality, described by Alonzo Lewis in his
history of Lynn, is just over the line in that city. There is a popular
tradition that the pirates buried their treasure at the foot of a
certain hemlock tree in the glen, also the body of a beautiful female.
The rotten stump of a tree may still be seen, and a hollow beside it,
where people have dug in searching for human bones and treasure. This
glen is highly romantic and is one of the places of interest to which
all strangers visiting Saugus are conducted, and is invested with
somewhat of the supernatural tales of Captain Kid and treasure trove.

There is a fine quarry or ledge of jasper located in the easterly part
of the town, near Saugus River, just at the foot of the conical-shaped
elevation known as "Round Hill." which Professor Hitchcock, in his last
geological survey, pronounced to be the best specimen in the state. Mrs.
Hitchcock, an artist, who accompanied her husband in his surveying tour,
delineated from this eminence, looking toward Nahant and Egg Rock, which
is full in view, and from which steamers may be seen with a glass
plainly passing in and out of Boston harbor. The scenery and drives
about Saugus are delightful, especially beautiful is the view and
landscape looking from the "Cinder Banks," so-called, down Saugus river
toward Lynn.

REPRESENTATIVES FROM SAUGUS SINCE THE TOWN WAS INCORPORATED.

Saugus, (formerly the West Parish of Lynn), was formed in the year 1815,
and the town was first represented by Mr. Robert Emes in 1816. Mr. Emes
carried on morocco dressing, his business being located on Saugus river,
on the spot now occupied by Scott's Flannel Mills.

In 1817-18 Mr. Joseph Cheever represented the town, and again in
1820-21; also, in 1831-32, and again, for the last time, in 1835. After
having served the town seven times in the legislature, he seems to have
quietly retired from political affairs.

In 1822 Dr. Abijah Cheever was the Representative, and again in 1829-30.
The doctor held a commission as surgeon in the army at the time of our
last war with Great Britain. He was a man very decided in his manners,
had a will of his own, and liked to have people respect it.

In 1823 Mr. Jonathan Makepeace was elected. His business was the
manufacture of snuff, at the old mills in the eastern part of the town,
now owned by Sweetser Brothers, and known as the Sweetser Mills.

In 1826-28 Mr. John Shaw was the Representative.

In 1827 Mr. William Jackson was elected.

In 1833-34 Mr. Zaccheus N. Stocker represented the town. Mr. Stocker
held various offices, and looked very closely after the interests of the
town.

In 1837-38 Mr. William W. Boardman was the Representative. He has filled
a great many offices in the town.

In 1839 Mr. Charles Sweetser was elected, and again in 1851. Mr.
Sweetser was largely engaged in the manufacture of snuff and cigars. He
was a gentleman very decided in his opinions, and enjoyed the confidence
of the people to a large degree.

In 1840, the year of the great log cabin campaign, Mr. Francis Dizer was
elected.

In 1841 Mr. Benjamin Hitchings, Jr., was elected, and in 1842 the town
was represented by Mr. Stephen E. Hawkes.

In 1843-44 Benjamin F. Newhall, Esq., was the Representative, Mr.
Newhall was a man of large and varied experience, and held various
offices, always looking sharply after the real interests of the town. He
also held the office of County Commissioner.

In 1845 Mr. Pickmore Jackson was the Representative. He has also held
various offices in the town, and has since served on the school
committee with good acceptance.

In 1846-47 Mr. Sewall Boardman represented the town.

In 1852 Mr. George H. Sweetser was the Representative. Mr. Sweetser has
also held a seat in our State Senate two years, and filled various town
offices. He was a prompt and energetic business man, engaged in
connection with his brother, Mr. Charles A. Sweetser, in the manufacture
of snuff and cigars.

In 1853 Mr. John B. Hitching was elected. He has held various offices in
the town.

In 1854 the town was represented by Mr. Samuel Hawkes, who has also
served in several other positions, proving himself a very
straightforward and reliable man.

In 1855 Mr. Richard Mansfield was elected. He was for many years Tax
Collector and Constable, and when he laid his hand on a man's shoulder,
in the name of the law, the duty was performed in such a good-natured
manner that it really did not seem so very bad, after all.

In 1856 Mr. William H. Newhall represented the town. He has held the
offices of Town Clerk and Selectman longer than any other person in
town, and is still in office.

In 1857 Mr. Jacob B. Calley was elected.

In 1858 the district system was adopted, and Mr. Jonathan Newhall was
elected to represent the twenty-fourth Essex District, comprising the
towns of Saugus, Lynnfield and Middleton.

[Illustration: _Sketch of Saugus._]

In 1861 Mr. Harmon Hall represented the District. Mr. Hall is a very
energetic business man, and has accumulated a very handsome property by
the manufacture of boots and shoes. He has held various other important
positions, and has been standing Moderator in all town meetings, always
putting business through by daylight.

In 1863 Mr. John Hewlett was elected. He resides in that part of the
town called North Saugus, and was for a long series of years a
manufacturer of snuff and cigars.

In 1864 Mr. Charles W. Newhall was the Representative.

In 1867 Mr. Sebastian S. Dunn represented the District. Mr. Dunn was a
dealer in snuff, cigars and spices, and is now engaged in farming in
Dakota.

In 1870 Mr. John Armitage represented the District--the twentieth
Essex--comprising the towns of Saugus, Lynnfield, Middleton and
Topsfield. He has been engaged in the woollen business most of his life;
formerly a partner with Pranker & Co. He has also held other town
offices with great acceptance.

J.B. Calley succeeded Mr. Armitage, it being the second time he had been
elected. Otis M. Hitchings was the next Representative, a shoe
manufacturer, being elected over A.A. Scott, Esq., the republican
candidate.

Joseph Whitehead was the next Representative from Saugus, a grocer in
business. He was then and still is Town Treasurer, repeatedly having
received every vote cast. J. Allston Newhall was elected in 1878 and for
several years was selectman.

Albert H. Sweetser was our last Representative, elected in 1882-3, by
one of the largest majorities ever given in the District. He is a snuff
manufacturer, doing business at Cliftondale, under the firm of Sweetser
Bros., whom he succeeds in business. Saugus is entitled to the next
Representative in 1885-6. The womb of the future will alone reveal his
name.

The future of Saugus would seem to be well assured, having frequent
trains to and from Boston and Lynn, with enlarged facilities for
building purposes, especially at Cliftondale, where a syndicate has
recently been formed, composed of Charles H. Bond, Edward S. Kent, and
Henry Waite, who have purchased thirty-four acres of land, formerly
belonging to the Anthony Hatch estate, which, with other adjoining lands
are to be laid out into streets and lots presenting such opportunities
and facilities for building as cannot fail to attract all who are
desirious of obtaining suburban residences, and thus largely add to the
taxable property of Saugus and to the prosperity of this interesting
locality.

* * * * *

THE BARTHOLDI COLOSSUS.

By WILLIAM HOWE DOWNES.

The project of erecting a colossal statue of Liberty, which shall at
once serve as a lighthouse and as a symbolic work of art, may be
discussed from several different points of view. The abstract idea, as
it occurred to the sculptor, Mr. Bartholdi, was noble. The colossus was
to symbolize the historic friendship of the two great republics, the
United States and France; it was to further symbolize the idea of
freedom and fraternity which underlies the republican form of
government. Lafayette and Jefferson would have been touched by the
project. If we are not touched by it, it proves that we have forgotten
much which it would become us to recall. Before our nation was, the
democratic idea had been for many years existing and expanding among the
French people; crushed again and again by tyrants, it ever rose, renewed
and fresh for the irrepressible conflict. Through all their vicissitudes
the people of France have upheld, unfaltering, their ideal--liberty,
equality and fraternity. Our own republic exists to-day because France
helped us when England sought to crush us. It is never amiss to freshen
our memories as to these historic facts. The symbolism of the colossus
would therefore be very fine; it would have a meaning which every one
could understand. It would signify not only the amity of France and the
United States, and the republican idea of brotherhood and freedom, as I
have said; but it would also stand for American hospitality to the
European emigrant, and Emma Lazarus has thus imagined the colossus
endowed with speech:

"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she.
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses, yearning to breathe free;
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore--
Send these, the homeless, temptest-tost to me--
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Now, there can be no two ways of thinking among patriotic Americans as
to this aspect of the Bartholdi colossus question. It must be agreed
that the motive of the work is extremely grand, and that its
significance would be glorious. The sculptor's project was a generous
inspiration, for which he must be cordially remembered. To be sure, it
may be said he is getting well advertised; that is very true, but it
would be mean in us to begrudge him what personal fame he may derive
from the work. To assume that the whole affair is a "job," or that it is
entirely the outcome of one man's scheming egotism and desire for
notoriety, is to take a deplorably low view of it; to draw unwarranted
conclusions and to wrong ourselves. The money to pay for the
statue--about $250,000--was raised by popular subscription in France,
under the auspices of the Franco-American Union, an association of
gentlemen whose membership includes such names as Laboulaye, de
Lafayette, de Rochambeau, de Noailles, de Toqueville, de Witt, Martin,
de Remusat. The identification of these excellent men with the project
should be a sufficient guarantee of its disinterested character. The
efforts made in this country to raise the money--$250,000--required to
build a suitable pedestal for the statue, are a subject of every day
comment, and the failure to obtain the whole amount is a matter for no
small degree of chagrin.

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