Annual report, [1st]- [1896/97]-

THE FIRST HOUSE ON FELTON HILL

BY DANIEL HENRY FELTON

WITH THF.

FOURTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT

or THl-:

PEABODY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

IQOQ— -I9IO

INCORPORATED AlJ(.iiJM 15, 11:59*-'

THE FIRST HOUSE ON FELTON HILL

BY DANIEL HENRY FELTON

WITH THE

FOURTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT

OF THE

PEABODY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

1909 — 1910

INCORPORATED AUGUST 15, 1896.

Gift
WAV 13 191^

za.^11

THE FIRST HOUSE ON FELTON HILL

BY DANIEL HENRY FELTON

READ BEFORE THE PEABODY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, AUGUST 3, li

The subject for today is a description or a history of an old home, of a
home and a dwelling-house, that has been known as such and venerated
by many generations for a long period of time.

It is difficult, sometimes, to be exact about old matters, but from what
can be learned from record, and from tradition, this house, the east part,
was built about the year 1644, the present site of which, being not the first
or original location; but it has stood on the same spot as we see it today
for one hundred and fifty years.

One of the first traditions, about the age of this house, that I remember,
and many times have heard repeated, came from the lips of him, who in his
youthful years had often heard the original declaration from the original
source, the maker of the declaration.

And since that early remembrance, and while I was beginning to become
interested in historical matters, it has been my privilege to have had this
tradition and declaration confirmed, by other and living witnesses.

The declaration was, that this house had been built nearly " two hun-
dred years ago," and that the maker of the declaration "was present at
the Raising of the house."

This tradition and declaration, was for a long time, for many years, a
great riddle or conundrum to me. I could not very plainly see how a man
who had lived beyond the average age of mankind in general, could make
such a statement and declaration, and keep within the bounds of the truth.

But after I had become interested in historical matters, which finally led
to the gathering of material for a family history, I found records that
helped to confirm this declaration, to the extent that a portion of this house
had been removed from its original location, where it had stood for one hun-
dred years, to the spot where we now see it today, and that nearly sixty

3

years additional had elapsed, since the maker of the declaration, then a
youth of seventeen, was present at the " Raising " ot the addition, or west-
ern portion of the house, the eastern part of which had been built, as the
story went, nearly " two hundred years ago." As you will see further along
the removal took place at some time between 1746 and 1749, and the declara-
tion was made about the year 1800.

Reckoning from 1644 as the time when this house was first commenced,
at least one hundred and fifty-six years must have clai^sed, when the man
of seventy years made the declaration, that this house was built nearly
" two hundred years ago," and he " was at the Raising."

I feel that this story told nearly one hundred ycnrs ago, by a man who
died at seventy-three, of a house that had been built nearly two hundred
years before and he was at the Raising, is too good a story to be lost, and
especially so, when memory became also well emphasized in one of his de-
scendants, who afterwards was President of Harvard «'"ollege.

"Two hundred years ago," was the original expression, that first came to
ray ears in early life. This statement I have qualified by making it nearly
two hundred years ago, as I only wish to rely on such facts as can be
presented.

One hundred and fifty-six years before 1800 can be relied upon, I think,
from further and more conclusive evidence which will be presented, with
the allowance that the maker of the declaration shall be credited with the
statement that this east portion of the present house was the original and
first house built.

Nathaniel Felton, the original builder of this first house, in a deposition
that he made September 18th, 1700, which is on record, states that previous
to the year 1644, he was familiar with certain affairs in Salem, meaning
doubtless the town part of Salem, and closes his deposition by saying that
he had been a near neighbor to the Downing farm for fifty-five years.

This deposition, thus evidently, gives the important information, that he
was away from Salem town for the most part during the year 1644, and was
doubtless engaged in clearing the land and building his house, which be-
came his permanent home in 1645, fifty-five years before the date of his
deposition in 1700.

Nathaniel Felton was twenty-eight years old when he came to clear the
land and build his home. This land, having been granted some years pre-
vious to him and his mother, at different times during the ten or more years
that he is supposed to have lived in Salem town.

The first grant of land was to his mother in 1636. The second grant was
to Nathaniel in 1637, being laud that was first Mr. Thorndike's grant, and
the third to his mother in 1639. (At the 250th celebration of Salem, the
Honorable Joseph G. Ohoate referred to this Grant of Land to Mistress
Felton by the Town of Salem as an instance favorable to Woman's Rights.)

The grant of 1637, having defined the location of the land, the interven-
ing seven years between 1637 and 1644, were doubtless employed in making
the preparations that were necessary at that time, for the location of his
future home.

4

It is difficult at this day to describe what may have been the face of the
couutry at that early time. As a matter of course, uearly the same hills»
valleys, swamps and plains abounded, and it is natural to suppose that the
lands were almost wholly covered with dense forests, that the primeval
woodlands on every hand met the eye. Save where severe drouth and
succeeding fire had swept the woodlands, no human hands had cleared the
land and it was necessary as a means of defence from any foe that a new
country might possess, to have means of communication one with another
in times of peril.

Hence the occupation of the Hill-tops and Hill-sides which were so com-
mon in early times. They served a good purpose as a position for defence
and gave the opportunity of conveying by signal from one to others the
approach of im])ending danger. When a new location was to be made,
much prei)aration was necessary to make the situation safe and secure from
any assault that could bo made from without. Severe drouth and succeed-
ing fire before the settlements were made had doubtless served a good pur-
pose in the location of some of the early homes. What was afterwards
known as " Governors Plain " at the head of Cow-house, or as we call it to-
day. Waters Eiver, may have been one of these fires swept localities and
which, with the river as the first highway, may account for the early settle-
ment of the surrounding lands.

This river was an arm of the sea, along which the tide rose and fell, and
along its shores from the earliest times homes were built, about which we
hope to learn more facts by and by.

The Farmers of Salem Village had made their settlement. The site chosen
by Nathaniel Felton for the location of his home must have been well
adapted for the purpose of conveying by signal the approach of danger, as it
commanded almost at a glance the settlements along the river as well as
those at Salem Village.

The settlements along the River included Governor Endicott's Farm
House and Salters or Salt house Point, Bass river, Beverly.

What his means of defence were we are left to conjecture. Some hints of
a stockade after the manner of the times, have come down to us, but we
have no certain records. At Salem Village there was a Block-house, to
which it is said the surrounding settlers repaired at nightfall, leaving their
cattle and goods to whatever fate might befall them.

In the first laying out of the land, the eastern portion of Mount Pleasant
was divided into three portions. The southern jjart was included in the
Downing farm, the northern as the Thorndike grant, which afterwerds was
known as a portion of the "Small Lots," while the central portion, nearly
triangular in shape and containing about ninety or one hundred acres, was
long known as the Common Lands. It was on this northern portion (which
is described in the grant as the land that was Mr. Thorndike's) that Nathan-
iel Felton received his grants of land and where this first house was built.

The pathway or road, now Felton street, leading from the Ipswich old
road (now Prospect Street) passed nearly in a straight line between the

Common Lands and his grants to a spring of water which was famous
as a spring and also the supposed boundary of the Thorndike grant in that
direction. Lilie many of the houses that were then and subsequently built
in this vicinity, the first house is supposed to have had its front towards the
south with the chimney in the western end. The large east room in the
present house, forming of itself the first story, with two rooms on the
ground plan.

About the year 1680 the western end of the house is supposed to have
been built for the accommodation of his second son, Nathaniel, his first
son, John, having had a house built some years before at a short distance
easterly of his father's house, a portion of which is still standing.

Nathaniel, the first settler, died July 30th, 1706, in his ninetieth year. In
his will made in 1703 and admitted to Probate May 1706, he says that unto
his two sons John and Nathaniel upon their marriage he gave competent
portions of his estate, and also unto his two daughters Ruth and Hannah
when married, com])etent portions of moveables. " I also gave each of the
two daughters considerable portion of my lands, but unto my eldest daugh-
ter Elizabeth I gave no land at her marriage, but now she being a solitary
widow and under great bodily weakness, I give her my homestead, two acres
of Salt Marsh, and all movable goods.

To my sous John and Nathaniel all pasture land adjoining land given
them before allowing to Elizabeth pasture for three cows and three cords
of wood yearly."

John had all lands easterly, and Nathaniel had all lands westerly of the
ten acres which he describes as his homestead that he had given to his
daughter Elizabeth Watkins.

To show the value of land at that time, the ten acres of homestead was
apprised at twenty pounds while the two acres of Salt Marsh and "tbach"
was apprised at the same price, twenty pounds.

The "thach" was doubtless an important article at that time, 1706; the
increased value of this Salt Marsh laud over the homestead land may be
evidence that the "thach" was still in use to some extent for covering the
roofs of buildings.

This Salt Marsh is supposed now to lie in the bed of Waters River Mill
Pond between the Dam at the Iron Foundry (which was built ninety years
afterwards, in 1796) and the great cove.

To return to Elizabeth, she lived to enjoy her father's bounty for twenty-
five years. She died March, 1730-31, aged seventy-eight years. She left
some small estate which was divided amongst her heirs, proof of which
has come down to us in a paper that has been preserved of an agreement
by her heirs in 1733, two years after her decease, which paper aids us very
much in describing who her heirs were at that time.

The east portion, or the oldest part of the house, now seems to have come
into the possession of Elizabeth's brother, Nathaniel. He died January
1734 at the same age as Elizabeth, seventy-eight years.

In his will he gave to two of his sons, Skeltou and Jonathan, the greater

6

portion of his estate, including the old homestead. His son Ebonezer'to
"have one half of ten (10) acres in North Fields where Sister "Watkins dwelt."
Jonathan was to have "two-fifths of all lands not bequeathed, those that I
have the fee of, those that I hold lease of from the selectmen to include
house and barn where he now lives to be set off as shall least incommode
my son Skelton, Jonathan paying thirty pounds to Daniel, twenty-five
pounds to Margaret Sheldon, and to pay two-fifths of the debts."

The Daniel above mentioned and his brother John settled in Marblehead.
Daniel became a blacksmith and was the father of Thomas, who "was present
at the Raising of the house that had been built two hundred years ago."

Skelton was to have the remaining three-fifths to support his mother, and
to pay John thirty pounds and Margaret fifteen pounds, and to pay three-
fifths of the debts.

Skelton was undoubtedly living at the time of his father's decease in the
old house, as he was not to be incommoded in the division with his brother
Jonathan. Skelton was a favorite son. He was named for his grandmother's
family name, she being a daughter of the Rev. Samuel Skelton, one of the
first ministers of Salem. This name of Skelton was held with great respect
in the family and the name abounded amongst several branches of the
family for successive generations.

Skelton, when a young man, had a house built on the Western end of
Governors Plain. The Andover Turnpike runs over this plain and his house
was on the Northern side on high ground near the Swamp laud, and less
than a mile from the starting point of the turnpike at the Ipswich Road now
Prospect street.

Near his house several grants of land came together almost to a point,
including the Nurse lands, the Governors Plain, the land of the Feltons and
the Common lands, (Hog Hill, now Mt. Pleasant) of Salem, where the whole
of Salem town's swine, it is said, rusticated and fatted up in acorn or
autumn time. These lands were all in Salem until January, 1752, when Dan-
vers including Peabody was separated from Salem.

Nearby was Nathaniel Putnam's grant, and almost adjoining Skelton's
house-land, on the west, was Miry Swamp, an impassable barrier, on the
eastern borders of which had been arranged a series of Wolf Pitts, built to
ensnare and to entrap those wiley denizens of the forests that had been
attracted from afar by the forced occupation (WSl-n) by reason of the
times, of the town's common lands in acorn or autumn time.

This location of Skelton's house must at that time and for many years
before 1731 have been an important point, for the reasons that have been
given, and also that it was at the intersection of two local pathways, one
from Salem Village to the common lands, the other leading up to the west
(traces of which are still to be seen) and from the north side of the river,
Governor Endicott's farm by what is now the brickyards, thence through
the Collin's Place, now the Linden's, and by the home of William Sheldon,
whose daughter Hepsebah, Skelton married, by which he became the own-
er of a large portion of the Governors Plain, forty-four acres.

7

The house of Jonathan's was near the present house and on a portion of
the one hundred acres of common lauds, seventy acres of which had been
leased to several persons for one thousand years in 1677; the balance is
supposed to include the land between the present road and the first pathway
or road, which land was acquired by the Felton's at an early date, a portion
of which Jonathan obtained and built a house or cottage similar to his
brother Skelton's. In 1744 Skelton sold his farm, including the old house,
to his cousins Samuel and Malachi Felton.

In their division of the land the house stood upon Samuel's portion, and
it was put in the Division Deed dated March 18, 1746, that Malachi should
have one-half portion of the house (which tradition says was the latest-built
portion) and one-half part of the barn standing on laud set off to Samuel,
and liberty to remove the same any time within three years and one month.
At some time between 1746 and 1749 both parts of this first house were remov-
ed from their original site on to the land between the two roads, the history
of which we know but little. As it was a subsequent grant, there must
have been several owners who gained their rights by descent.

Samuel, one of the purchasers, removed the first-built portions of the old
house on to the present site for the use of his son Stephen, who died after
living there a few years, and Nathaniel, son of Jonathan, married his widow
whose descendants have since occupied the house.

There are some marks about this house that testify to its great age. One
is the oaken beam overhead which has always been kept uncased lu order to
show the print of the axe as left by the first builder. Another mark is
where a door is supposed to have existed when the house, so to speak, was
half of a house, which I shall try to explain before I get through. Malachi'
the purchaser of the other half of the old house, was the sou of a weaver,
which was also the occupation of Samuel, the buyer of the first portion of
the house.

Malachi's early home was on the Ipswich road, now Prospect Street, and
nearly opposite Cross Street. His early advantages are supposed to have
been good for the times, as one of the earliest schools had been established
but a short distance from his home during his childhood, 1708. This school
was kept by Madam Daland.

lie afterwards became a school-teacher himself and continued the school
begun by Madam Daland in this vicinity. The half of the old house that
became Malachi's portion was removed on to the new road, doubtless within
the stipulated time, and is familiar to the present generation as the Moses
Preston house, which was occupied by the Prestons for nearly one hundred
years. The second Moses Preston, like his predecessor in this house, was
also a school teacher, he having taught in the public schools of old Dan-
vers for twenty-one years. He told the writer that he taught in three (3)
Schools in old Danvers. Seven years in each. No. 5, No. 6, and No. 12 (Old
Danvers until 1855 included the present town of Peabody.)

The location of this house of Malachi's is an exception to the rule that
was followed in early times, in the fact that it does not front the exact south.

8

This was doubtless a school-masters taste who at school had seen enough of
angles, heuce when he located his house he had it front the highway or the
southwest.

I remember to have seen in the attic of this house one of the old case-
ment windows which were in use in early times, with diamond shaped panes
three or four inches on the sides set in sheet lead and hung on hinges-
This may have been the style of windows in the old house. It has always
been a family tradition that a part or portion of these two houses of Stephen
and Malachi— the eastern end of each, following the old style of building
originally formed together the old house— that the part that became Stephen's
was the first built portion of the first house.

In the earliest times one style of building was to build half a house with
the intention of completing the house at some future time. The half of a
house to front the exact south. In the western end was placed the chimney
which, if we are to judge by the specimens that have been preserved as
copies of the original, must have been of goodly size and of sufficient solid-
ity to retain whatever surplus heat the household economy needed.

When the means and necessities of the family had increased, the western
end of the house was built with an additional chimney adjoining the chim-
ney of the east part and a seperate flue to the top. This second chimney
was not, usually, so large as the first or the east part of the chimney but,
taken together, as far as the art had advanced, they must have fulfilled to
a considerable degree the purpose for which they were evidently intended,
to retain warmth and to keep the house from blowing away.

Some of the early settlers had come by the way of the West Indies, and
noting the hurricanes that occur in that section of this, to them, new coun-
try, had used caution and prepared themselves for the worst in the building
of their permanent homes by placing the chimney at first on the wind-ward
end of the house.

Like the building of the first part, the second part or western portion was
doubtless built by way of experiment; indeed, it might be truly said of their
whole lives— they were one grand experiment! The next feat in house-
building was to build, or, as it was commonly expressed, "to put on" a
leanto or long kitchen, on the rear or north side of their previous efforts.
Heretofore the house had evidently been built for warmth. Fronting the
south with two chimneys of goodly size to hold the surplus heat, they must
have been successful in keeping out the winter's cold.

The building of the leanto with the roof sloping down to one story was for
greater convenience in many ways, but especially to get rid of the summer's
heat, and the third era in the building of the house and chimney came to
pass,' this leanto, with its long kitchen, and the small bedroom on the ground
floor, was added to the north side of the main building, a third chimney
built alongside the two chimneys of the main structure, of sufficient size to
carry off \vith goodly draft the surplus heat of the summer, and the house
was finished; the combined chimney with its many associations and mem-

9

ories finally became nearly in the centre of the structure. Such was the style
of building in early times. The building of this old house at different times
made its removal possible. This style of building was not confined to the
first settlers alone, but it was continued through several generations. The
first house you see on coming to this place after making the ascent of
"Pound Hill" Felton street, from Prospect street is of the third generation
and built about 1710.

This house was built on the original plan of the east end first with the
western end not quite so large, and with the leanto bringing the combined
chimney a little one side of the centre of the house towards the western end.
Samuel, the purchaser of one-half of the first house and farm, was the
builder of this house.

Farther along on the road is the fourth and last of the ancient houses
built on the new road. Built about 17-50, after the style of that period, it
stands nearly in front of the original location of the first house.

Two more homes complete the list — those of James Houlton and Thorn-
dike Proctor, who married the daughters Ruth and Hannah respectively of
the first settler.

James Houlton's house was on the Ipswich road, now better known as the
Deacon Thorndike Proctor place of later times. It was here that the first
school v,as kept by Madam Daland, or Dealand, as it was sometimes written.
The old house was burned down about 1815. A large square brick house
now occupies the old site. Acioss the way still stands the old barn of
Houlton, 1898.

The home of Thorndike Proctor, the first of that name, was at the River
Head or Head of Waters River. He was the successor of Benjamin Scarlett
and Samuel Endicott, whose widow he married. He was a prominent and
leading citizen of affairs of his time and lived a long and useful life. The
house that he is supposed to have built about 17-50 is still standing at the
entrance to the River Head from Andover Street.

Beginning with the history of this old Felton house, I could not very
well hel]) saying some things about the homes that gathered around it.

I may have exceeded my time in this description, but there is much in-
teresting matter still left in connection with these old homes that is un-
written.

10

THE FELTON HOUSES.

Cut No. 1. The first house on Mt. Pleasant was built in 1644 by
Nathaniel Felton, who, with his mother Eleanor, received grants of land
from Salem in 16^6, '37, and '39.

This liouse passed to the children of Nathaniel Felton Sr., Elizabeth and
Nathaniel Jr. Nathaniel left it to his sou iSkelton, who sold it to his cousin
Samuel in 1744. Samuel removed it to its present location between the
years 1746 and '49.

It descended to his son Stephen whose widow married Nathaniel, son of
Jonathan Felton (whose house was not far away in the rear.) Their son
Nathaniel inherited it and his descendants have owned and occupied it to
this day it now bein^ in possession of Mrs. Harriet (Felton) Rhoades. Her
brother, the late Nathaniel Ward Felton, having been of the seventh gener-
ation of Feltons and the Sixth Nathaniel to live in this interesting old house.

Of the old tree near this house Mrs. Harriet (Felton) Rhoades writes as
follows: — ''From our earliest remembrance there were two beautiful old
Elm trees before our old home iiere. The western stood where the maple
one now is. Of this tree, which was standing dead, in 1882, we have the
knowledge that my grandfather, Xatliauiel Felton (5) when he was twelve
years old, helped his mother set it out for a mate to the old tree standing,
which being covered with woodbine, looks quite attractive to passers-by,
and to us who remain of the children who used to swing and play upon
its low spreading branches, most of which have been brought low by the

storms of the century We conclude that this tree now standing was

quite a sizable one then about one hundred and fifty years ago."

Cut No. 2. This house was the western end of the original Felton house
built in 1683 for Nathaniel Felton Jr. His son Skelton sold it to his cousin
Malachi Felton who removed it to its present site between 1646 and '49. It
is today used as a summer residence by Mrs. Joseph N. Smith.

Cut No. 3. This house was built about 1750 by Zechariah Felton (John 2,
Nathaniel l). It stands nearly in front of the original site of the first

Felton house. It is occupied today by Mr. John J. Connors. The large elm
tree was planted by Amos Felton, a nephew of Zechariah to whom he had
given his estate.

Cut No. 4. This house was built in 1709 by Samuel Felton (John 2, Na-
thaniel 1) and remained in the family until it came into the possession of
Mr. George Reynolds. A rare Tamarisk may be seen in the door yard.

" Of the Tainarisk tree near the ell of the Reynolds house," Mrs. Rhoades
writes: "I had heard the story of its planting from the wife of Geo. W.
Reed, but I have this later word from his daughter who writes that the slip
was given Mr. Reed thirty-seven (1873) years ago last May by his friend Mr.
Perkins of Lynde St., Salem, rooted in charcoal water, and kept covered
for the first four years in frosty weather."

It is indeed a thing of beauty with its tiny pink flowers and feathery
foliage, and I never saw another of its kind of half its size.

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THE FELTON BURIAL GROUNDS.

The location of the earliest Felton Burial Place, is best described by Mr.
D. H. Felton, in a letter written May 6, 1901 : " I have placed two light gray
stones at each of the four corners of the first Felton Burying Ground in the
rear, south-west of the Andover Turn-pike, and have placed the stones far
enough apart, to include what I think must be the whole burying-ground
and very likely, much more, To find the spot one must go from my house
(at the juntion of Sylvan Street), over the Turn-pike about one mile where
the upland and the meadow adjoin. The course of the Turn-pike is about
north-vrest. Looking to your left, or about due west as you approach the
low ground, you will see a grove of locust trees. Being deciduous and gray
they can easily be distinguished from other trees. Just west of this grove,
by and south-east of a stone wall is the burying ground. [The pathway of
an ancient road from Gov. Endicott's to John Humphrey's Pond (now Sun-
taug Lake), lies in a small valley as you approach the burying ground from
the East.] The first three generations of Feltons were buried here. Moses
Preston who was born in 1788, attended the last interment in this ground,
about 1800."

The present Felton Burial Ground, Prospect Street, is a part of 18 acres
which were bought May 6, 1686, by John Felton (2), Nathaniel (1) of his
brother-in-law Samuel Endicott, by a "Turf and Twig" deed, six months
later, it is also recorded.

The oldest stone is that of Zachariah Felton who died 23d of March,
1780, aged 54. This stone is of slate with a skull and wings. The other
slate stones have the Weeping willow and urn. A few marble slabs have
carved upon them a spray of Roses, and one a scroll.

In this Burial Place have been laid to rest five Revolutionary Soldiers
one of the War of 1812, a Dartmoor prisoner and one of the soldiers of the
War of the Rebellion. Four school teachers of Danvers are here, and one
(Nathan Felton) who served the town twenty-eight years as Town Clerk, and
fifteen years as Representative.

The Cemetery is still used and well cared fer.

The following inscriptions were copied by Daniel Henry Felton.

A list of several without stones is also added, and there are others which
have not been identified, and additions to this list will be gratefully received.

13

CLARISSA PROCTOR

WIFE OF

Benjamin Earle
Sept. 1, 1800
April 8, 1880

GEORGE W. EARLE

DIED

March 23, I860

JEt 23 yrs. 3 mos.

T/iou sleepest but we will not forget thee.

Slate: Weeping Willow and Urn

SACRED

To the Memory of

Mrs. Hannah Felton

Eelict oj

Mr. Timothy Felton

who died

Sept. 19, 1815;

Aged 72.

The dark silent grave holds the form once

so dear
hi slumbeis of death lies the cold silent clay
The voice of a mother no more ghall 1 hear
To greet my return or to welcome my stay.

CAROLINE

daughter of
Daniel & Hannah P.

Fei.ton

Died March 3, 1839

Aged 11 mouths

CTiild of promise, hope and love

We yet shall meet, blessed thoughts, aboue.

Mrs. Hannah P. Fei-ton

Wife of

Daniel Felton

and daughter of

the late

Nathan Felton, Esq.

Died Apr. 5, 1849

Aged 47

CAPT. DANIEL FELTON

Born

May 13, 1794

Died
March 28, 1861

FANNY FELTON

Died

June 14, 1855

Aged 64 yrs.

Slate: Weeping Willow and Urn

In memory of
Mrs. LYDIA,

wife of
Nathan Felton Esq.
who died
Nov. 28, 1832
.Et 61
Affliction sore long have I bore.
Physicians tried in vain
But God was pleased to give vie ease
And free me from my pain.

In Memory of
Mrs. Hannah Felton
wife of
Mr. Nathaniel Felton
who died Sept. 6, 1825
aged 57 years
Home and domestic duties were
Her chief delight., her cherished care
Faith., meekness., piety and love
Her ornaments.

10

Martha Abigail

daughter of

Daniel & Hannah P.

Felton.
Died July 20, 1845.
Aged 19 yrs. & 7 mos.
The joy of her parents
The beloved teacher
The faithful friend is seen no more
But her spirit., her example liveth.

14

11

Slate : Uin

14

Marble: Willow and Urn

In memory of
Miss Mehitablp; Fri-ton

Eldest daughter of

Capt. Nathan Felton

who died Apr. 14, 1813

^t16

Wf. have seen her health bloom , decay
Our fondest hopes are swept away
Yet why that heart felt sif;h
Since resignation faith and hope
In anguish bore her spirit out
And taught us how to die.

12

Slate: Weeping Willow and Urn

In Memory of

Nathan Felton Esq.

born June 15, 1770:

died Feb. 20, 1829:

.Et58

A kind faithful S^ instructive
Companion, Parent if Friend
An upright magistrate
A patriotic Citizen ^
An honest man
Whose very failings leaned to virtue's side

13
Marble: Urn

SACRED

TO THE MEMORY OF

Mb. Nathan Felton, Jk.

only son of

Nathan Felton Esq

^ Mrs. Lydia Felton

Who died at Gardner

Maine, Aug. 10, 1818

AGED 19

By friends beloved, by Strangers
honored, comforted and mourned;
Parental Affection caused his re-
mains to be removed and here de-
posited near kindred dust, that
those rvho loved him best might
have the satisfaction of cherishing
the remeinbrance of his many vir-
tues and amiable disposition by
weeping over his grave.

In Memory of

Mu. Nathaniel Felton

wlio died

May 20, 1836

aged 76 years

His life throughout this lesson taught
All good on earth is labour bought
Virtue , faith , honor, piety
Exist not without industry.

15
SARAH

wife of
ASA FELTON

died
Aug. 9, 1848
aged 84 yrs.

16
Slate: Willow

SARAH D.

daughter of Mr.

Daniel «fc Mrs.

Hannah P. Felton
died Sept. 25,
1832 yE 2 y.

Alas how oft does death destroy
The lovely babe, the parents joy.

17

Slate : Urn

S. A. R. Marker

In Memory of

MR. TIMOTHY FELTON

who died

Oct. 12, 1811

/Et 69

The sweet remembrance of the just
Shall flourish when they sleep m dust.

15

18
Slate: Skull and Wings

Here lies buried

the Body of Mk.

Zechariah Felton

who departed this life

March y' 23'i, 1780
Aged 54

19

SACRED

To the Memory of

Zachariah Felton

who died

March 22, 1842

Aged 42

20

Zachariah

Son of Z. &

Abigail K.

FELTON born

June 22, 1842

died March

4, 1843

22

MATTHEW HOOPER

died

Jan. 19, 1858,

In the 66 year of

his age.

His daily prayer far better understood

In acts than words, was simply doing good.

S. A

23
R. Marker

SAMUEL F. PRAY

Born

July 29, 1839

died
April 7, 1904

24

SARAH J.

wife of

SAMUEL F. PRAY

Born
Dec. 5, 1838

died
May 16, 1882

25
Marble : Spray of Roses

21

FRANCIS P. HOOPER

adopted son of

Matthew & Polly Hooper

was drowned Aug. 24, 1848

Aged 5 yr. 9 mos. 6 days.

We love to call Mm ours.

And give to thee our care

Thy heart was filled with goodness pure

1 hat made thy jiresence dear.

We hoped, to have thee long

To make our jxithiixuj bright

We hoped that thoit wouldst stay with us

And he our daily light.

But since thou hast been called

To direl! with God above

We will rrjdire that we may hold

The mtmory of our love

And lire upm the hojie

That ivheii this life in o'er

We meet again in that bright home

When we shall part no more.

BETSEY F.

wife of

MOSES PRESTON

Died Nov. 2, 185^

^Et. 65 yrs.

Life makes the soul dependant on the dust.
Death gives her wings to mount
Above the spheres.

26
Marble: Spray of Roses

ELIZA ANN

daughter oj

Moses & Betsey F.

PRESTON

Died June 5, 1851

Aged 22 years.

My Heavenly Father''s Call,
In hope, I follow to the unknown world
Trusting in Him, and knowiag whom 1 trust,
Or death or life is equal.

16

27.
Slate: Weeping Willow A- Urn

31
Slate: Weeping Willow and Urn.

In Memory of
T.EVI AUGUSTUS

Son of

Mo. Levi &

Mrs. Rebecca Preston

who died Feb. 21, 1819

Aged 7 mos.

&n days

Child of sorrow.^ sweetly sleep

Thou art happy., who can weep

In Memory of
REBECCA

daughter of

M r. Levi ^

Mr.H. Rebecca Preston

Who died Aug. 20, 1816

Aged 7 months &

3 days

Cropt in an unexpected hour

We mourn the fairest embryo flower.

28.
Slate: Weeping Willow and Urn

In Memory of
Levi Wakken

-Son of

Mr. Levi ^

Mrs. Rebecca Preston

who died Aug. 18, 1814

Aged 20 mos.

iS 1 days

Ataa hnxr oft does death destroy

The lovely babe, the mother's joy .

29
Slate: Weeping Willow ami Urn.

8. A. R. Marker.

In Memory of
Mb. Moses Preston
who died
Feb. 26, 1824
/Et 6.5
of wounds received by
being thrown from his wagon
Dec. 27, 182:3.
So unajfented, .so composed n mind
Sofirni yet soft, so strowj, yet so rai^inrd
Heaven, a.s its purest gold l>y toriures tri'd
The soiii sustained, but the body dy'd.

30

MOSES TRESTON

Died

Mch. 13, 1878

Aged 88 yrs.

8 mos.

" 4n Honest Man.''

32
Marble: Urn.

SACRED

To the Memory of

REBECCA

ilanfihter of Nathaniel

& 11 annah Felt on

and Wife of

LEVI PRESTON J"

who died Nov. 18, 1824

Aged 3.5

An ttfectionatr Danyhter, faithful
Wife, a d unfortnniile Mother
v-hose lieaUli & viracity sunk
)inder m,aternal .sufferings
irit/ioiit a murmur, wifliout
neijlertinif one social or domes-
tic duty, seemed to be draun
doun to the i/rave try Love for
her Children who had (/one
there before her.

33
Slate: Weeping Willow and Urn.

SARAH

ivldov) of the late

Moses Preston
Died Jan. 28, 1855
.Et 92
lilfst be that hand divi)w which
gently laid my heart to rat
beneath tlii$ humble sod.

34

EDWARD PRICE
Born June 6, 1821
Died July 31, 1894

17

35. 42

ELIZA M. ASENATH PROCTER
wife of Died

WILLIAM PRICE Aug. 6, 1886

1809 — 1899 ^t. 83 yrs

36 43

JOHN PRICE Slate: Weeping Willow and Urn.

Born Nov. 3, 1813
died Apr. 21, 1887 SACRED

To the memory of

Miss Elizabeth Procter

who died
Nov. 2, 1824
Mrs. Lydia F. ^t 74

wire or Shewasdistinguised as a teacher

William Price of a school for 62 years,
and daughter oj
the late

Nathan Proctor Esq. 44

Died Aug. 7, 184.5 Marble: Spray of Roses.

37

Aged 39

ELIZABETH

wife of

38 Thorndike Procter

JOHN PRICE ^'^^K^l'/nn^^'^'^

Born Dec. 25, 1779 „,, , ^^^f ^\. ,, ,

Died TnnP 9(\ 1 QKS Whi) do ire mourn departtng friends

Uiea June ^b, ]«b8 Or sh«ke at deaths alarms

SALLY WILSON Tis />ut th^ voice that Jesus sends

His wife ^'^ <'<'" them to Ms arms.

Born Aug. 1783

Died Dec. 10, 1859

' 4o

39

In Memory of

Mr.

GKORCiE Procter

LYDIA A. P. PRICE who died

1836 — 1910 Oct. 23, 1845

Aged 56

40 46

MARY A. Miss

Wife Of HANNAH PROCTER

Wm. H. Price DIED

DEC. 27, 1845 Oct. 24, 1851

APRIL 12, 1910 Aged 84 yrs.

47

^^ MISS HANNAH PROCTOR

William Prick Died

Born Feb. 1, 1809 May ], 1862

Died Jan. 18, 1890 Aged 82

18

48
S. A. R. Marker

SACRED

To the Memory of

Capt. Jonathan PiiocxKR

wlio died

Aug. 4, 1808

Aged 69

49

JONATHAN PROCTER

DIED

March 18, 1853
Aged 83 yrs.

Slate;

50
Willows and Uru.

63

Marble: with carved hand

Dea.
THORNDIKE PROCTOR
DIED
Feb. 24, 1871
^ : 84 yrs. 7 mos.
/ II praiaemy maker with my breath
And ulien my loicc is lost in death
J'ruiae shall emjiloi) my iwble powers
All/ days of jiraisisliall ne'er tie pa it
While life and thought and beiuy last
Or immortality endures.

54
REBECCA P.

dauyhter of
George W. &
Abigail K. Reed

Died
Sept. 23, 1845
Aged 15 mos.

SACRED

To the Memory of

Mrs. Judith Procter

relict of

Capt. Jonathan Procter

who died

Nov. 3, 1821

^t 76

51

Miss

MARY PROCTER

DIED

Nov. 18, 1836
Aged 76

52

PHEBE

wife of

Jonathan Procter

DIED

May 28, 1853

Aged 57 yrs.

Slate :

Willow and Urn.

Erected

In Memory of

Mr. John Roberts

0/ Burton, N. H.

who was drowned

June 10, 1825

Aged 24

Weep not for me who steep in peace
We know that death is ever right
Though now health your days increase.

56

CALEB S. RUSSELL
Born March 9, 1813
Died Oct. 2, 1903

57

EBNR K. TOWNSON
DIED

Jan 14, 1851

aged 24 yrs

& 10 mos.

Bletsed are tht dead who die in the Lord.

19

58
CHARLES E.

18:54 —

WILSON
1910

59

S. A. Jl. Marker

Nkwhai.l Wilson

Died Sept. 22, 1832

Aged 77

Also his wit'e

Sakaii Wilson

Died Dec. 3, 1831

Aged 72

62

lu Memory of
Mk.
ISRAEL WOOD, JR.
who died
June 29, 1830
Mt 33
No more! my friends, don't wap for me,
1 am gone to eternity,
The way of death you all must tread.
And sleep with me among tli< dead.

63
Slate: Urn.

60

SARAH F.

wife of

ROBERT WILSON

DIED

Nov. 20, 1836,

aged 85 yrs.

Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord
from henceforth : yea saith the sjdrit
that they may rest from their lahours
and tlieir works do follow them.

61

Slate: Weeping Willow and Uru.

In memory of
ISRAEL WOOD

who died

Dec. 16, 1834

Mt 75

How still and peaceful is the grave
Where life''s vain tumult's past
The appointed house by heaven's decree
Receives us all at last.

In Memory of

Mks. PHEBE WOOD

wife of Mr. Israel Wood

Obt. Jan. 12, 1802

Aged 40 Years

Great God 1 own the sentence just,
And nature mast decay,
I yield my body to the dust
And dwell ivith fellow clay.

64
Slate : Weeping Willow and Urn.

In Memory of
MRS. PHEBE

2d wife of

Mr. Israel Wood

who died

Nov. 18, 1810

Aged 54

Yet faith may triumph o'er the grave
And tremble on the tombs.
My Jesus, my Redeemer lives
My God, my Saviour comes.

20

GRAVES WITHOUT STONES.

John M. Abbott, B. Mch. 2, 1771. D. Feb. 13, 1824

Polly (Proctor) w. of J. M. Abbott B. Aug. 17, 1778. D. Dec. 8, 1817
Polly Abbott, d. of J. M. and Polly

Abbott B. Jan. 5, 1801. D. Oct. 7, 1806

Mary Proctor Abbott, d. of J. M.

and Polly Abbott B. Nov. 15, 1806. D. Mcb. 3, 1816

Mary 2nd w. of J. M. Abbott B. D.Oct. 1824

Asa Felton, S. A. R. Marker, B. Jan. 10, 1759. D. July 16, 1800

Dea. Malachi Felton B. May 14, 1705. D. 1779 or 1780

Jos. Warren Hanson, s. of Isaac

Hanson B. May 7, 1843. D. Sept. 11, 1846

Polly (Wood) Hooper, Lord, w. of

Matthew Hooper, married

2nd, William Lord B. Sept. 25, 1794. D, Mch. 29, 1880

Irene W. Messer B. Feb. 19, 1896. D. Nov. 24, 1896

Martha Abigail (Felton) Pike B. Aug. 26, 1846. D. June 23, 1888

Martha A. Pike, d. of W. L. and

M. A. Pike B. Aug. 6, 1880. D. Dec. 4, 1888

Mercy CMc. Mellen), w. of John

Pike B. Feb. 17, 1799. D. May 16, 1833

Amos Putnam, s. of Dr. James

P. Putnam B. Feb. 4, 1772. D. Oct. 24, 1848

Amos Putnam Jr. B. Feb. 11, 1806. D. Mch. 13, 1867

Desire (Felton) Putnam, w. of

Amos Putnam B. June 9, 1773. D. Dec. 11, 18-34

Julia Ann Putnam, d. of Amos

Putnam B. Jan. 26, 1803. D. Sept. 24, 1868

Salome Putnam, d. of Amos Put-
nam B. Oct. 7, 1799. D. June 17, 1868
Rebecca P. Reed, d. of Geo. and

A. K. Reed B. June 22, 1844. D. Sept. 23, 1845

Hitty P. (Russell) Westcott, w. of

John Westcott B. Aug. 16, 1840. D. Oct. 14, 1871

Mary Eliz. Towne, d. of Amos P.

Towne B. Sept. 15, 1837. D. Aug. 7, 1844

Marietta Tyler, d. of Abel S.

Tyler B. Nov. 27, 1845. D. May 15, 1846

Mehitabel F. (Proctor), Russell B. Sept. 27, 1814. D. Oct. 1, 1907

Martha (Felton) Wilson, w. of

Moses Wilson B. Oct. 23, 1797. D. June 6, 1880

Moses William Wilson, s. of M.

and M. Wilson B. Aug. 12, 1821. D. May 28, 1904

21

FOURTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT

OK THE

PEABODY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

INCORPORATED AUGUST 15th, 1896.

OFFICERS, 1909-191O.

President

1st Vice rresidciit

2nd Vice President

Recording Secretary

Corresponding Secretary

Treasurer

Assistant Treasurer -

Chairman Hosjiitality Com.

Librarian

Assistant Librarian

Rev. Geokge W. Pknniman
Jefferson K. Cole
WiM.AKD W. Woodman
Mks. Helen K. Robinson
Mks. Elizabkth C. Osbokn
LvMAN P. Osbokn
Miss Helen C. Allen
Miss Sauah S. Moore
Mk8. Elizabeth C. Osbokn
Miss Nettie M. Willey

DIRECTORS.

Daniel H. Felton,
Richards B. Mackintosh,
Samuel Crane Lord,
Mrs. Nancy J. Moulton,

Miss Dorothea C. Sawtell,
Mrs. Susan E. Thorndike,
P. H, O'Conor,
Benjamin N. Moore,

Albert Robinson.
23

CALENDAR 1909-1910.

1909
May 5. At the Annual Meeting of the Society, with the President Mr.
William Armstrong in the chair, the officers and committees read
their Annual Reports, showing the Society to be in a good con-
dition. The thanks of the society were given Mr. Armstrong for
his generous gift towards a permanent home for the Society.

After the completion of the usual routine business, light refresh-
ments were served by the hospitality committee, and a social hour
ensued,

Oct 2. At the field Meeting of the Society held at the Felton School
house (built 1841) eighty persons were present, including, as our
special guests, members of the Dauvers Historical Society. The
President Rev. Geo. W. Penniman opened the meeting by saying,
that this was really an "Old Home Day," to which we had invited
our Mother, (Dan vers) and our Grandmother, (Salem, represented
by the Essex Institute.)

A letter was read from the President, Geu'l Appleton, with the
greetings and good wishes of the Essex Institute, and a sketch of
the Schools of Salem previous to 1672.

Mr. Andrew Nichols gave the history of the early schools of
Dauvers on which subject Mr. Nichols is certainly an authority.

Mr. Frank A. Gardner then told us of the first school in that
part of Salem now Peabody, for the maintenance of which it was
voted by Salem to set apart 5£', annually 'towards learning their
children to read write and cypher." A school was started in March
1712 on site of what is now 62 Central St., of which Katherine
Daland was the first teacher.

Mr. W. W. Woodman then read a very interesting paper written
by Mr. D. H. Felton, about the Early Schools in that neighborhood,
including that at Proctor's Crossing and the Felton School tlie
oldest schoolhouse now in use and where we were holding our
meeting. Mention was made by Mr. Daniel H. Felton of Malachi
Felton, the first Teacher at Proctor's Crossing, and of Elizabeth
Procter who taught "for over fifty years." Miss Fannie Brown of
Andover gave a most interesting account of the school in South
Peabody, and of some of its early teachers, Mr. Marsh, Mr. Ben-
jamin Giles, Miss Mathilda Parker and Mr. Geo. H. Martin, of the
State Board. A most interesting paper on the "Peabody Schools in
the 19th. Century" written in 1900 by the late Judge Amos Merrill
was read by his grand-daughter. Miss Alice Merrill. Among other
speakers were Mr. Henry H. Proctor of Boston, Judge Sears, Capt.
Comey and Mr. Gilbert Tapley of Danvers, who told us that the
present Felton School was built of brick that it might not be moved
across the brook into Danvers. Miss Sarah J. C. Needham of
West Peabody also spoke briefly.

Wild flowers were gathered for decoration by the scholars of the
Felton School and several fitting reminders of the old schooldays
were placed upon the wall>, among them, a "Return of the School
District No. 6, and lists of names of the pu[)ils for the years, 1836 7
and 1837-8 on which Mr. Gilbert Tapley's age was given as 14,
Mrs. Eliza Preston now 86, was both a scholar and a teacher. Mrs.

24

Sarah A, Tibbetts of 13 Essex St. Danvers kinuly loaned this
"Return" and tliinks it was written by her tather, Elisha Hyde
who was one of the Prudential Committee at the time. Mrs. Mary
S. Pike of Danvers, another teacher of the Felton School was also
I>rescnt. Punch and wafers and a delightful social hour followed.

Nov. 17 After the opening of the meeting, the President, Rev. Mr.
Peuuiman referred to a letter from xMr. Myron L. (jnamberlain of
Boston and Beverly offering to erect a tablet to tue memory of
Katharine Daland, the lirst recorded school-teachei in that part
of Silem now called Peabody, the details to be left x.) the Peabody
Historical Society. On motion of Mr. Cole this gilt was accepted
and referred to the executive committee to carry cut.

The President then introduced Mrs. George W.Towne of Danvers
Willi words fitting the subject of the evening, "Rebecca Nurse."
Mrs. Towne spoke most sympathetically and interesuingly, of this
English woman who was tried, sentenced and hanged for witch-
craft at the age of seventy. The human side of the story was so
touched upon that the life of Rebecca Nurse seemed like that of a
personal friend. Hearty appreciation was expressed by the Presi-
dent, and a social hour followed, in charge of the hospitality
committee, Miss Sarah S. Moore, chairman.

Dec. 15 In the absence of the President, Vice President Cole presided.
In recognition of the long time interest in the objects for which
the Society stands and for which he so loyally worked and acted
as Vice President many years, it was voted that Mr. Thomas Carroll
be made an Honorary Member of the Society.

A committee composed of the President, Mr. Robinson, Mrs.
Lyman P. Osborn, and Miss Nettie M. Willey was appointed to plan
for an appropriate seal for the Society. Mr. Luther Atwood of
Lynn was then introduced as the speaker of the evening. His
Subject was "Gove's Rebellion" which took place January 27,
lH8i-3 in the towns of Exeter and Hampton, New Hampshire.
This rebellion has a special interest as the first recorded instance
of opposition to the rule of the English Governor. Vice President
Cole expressed the appreciation of the society for this most inter-
resting paper the audience responding with a rising vote of thanks.
The hospitality committee took charge of the social hour following.
IPIO

Jan'y 2'> The President, Rev. Mr. Penuimau presented Mr. Benjamin N.
Moure, who briefly outlined the origin and history of leather-
making in old Salem from the days of Philemon Dickerson of
Salem, in 1639, and of Thomas Eaborue 1642 and Samuel Eborne
near Aborn Street 1643, and of John Burton 1669, in
"Col. Read's Swamp," back of what in 1731 was Jonathan Ket-
tle's Pottery and today Mr. Jacob Bodges, No. 31 Andover Street,
and that part of the town now Peabody, up to the present time,
including the names of Jacobs, Osborn, Poor, Proutor. Sliove,
Southwick and other familiar names. The changes in the process
of tanning were explained and a large number of samples were
shown. A fleshing or skiving knife presented to Henry Poor
by his father, when he started in business, presented by Mrs.
Cleaves Hutchinson; a ball for marking the leather, by Capt.
Robert Daniels, and a bit of leather found in the early vat of Phil-
emon Dickerson in 1886, by Mr. Thomas Carroll, were exhibited.

25

It is hoped oilier relics of the tanninjr industry will be presented
to the Society.
The usual social hour followed this most instructive talk.

Mch. 9. The President presented Mrs. Lyman P. Osborn, who read a
paper on "The Potter's Industry in Our Town." The paper was
introduced by reference to the many poems which have been in-
spired by this work, including one of local interest written by
Dr. Nichols in 1852. " The .^ong of the Wheel," from Longfellow's
Keramos, was most artistically rendered by Mrs. J. J. Thorndike.
A quotation from a letter written to friends in England in 1629, by
Rev. Francis lligginson, mentioned that good clay had been found
in Salem "for Brickes and Tyles and Eartlien Pots." The Glass-
house Field, today, on the bordcu- line between Salem and Pea-
body, received specijil mention; also -Jonathan Kettle's Pottery of
1731, at what is now No. ol Andover Street, and Joseph Osborne's,
No. 91 Central Street, in 1736.

A list of old Potters presented by Mr. Nathan Bushby was made
the back ground of the paper. Otlier interesting facts were contrib-
uted by Mr. Daniel H. Felton and Mr. Andrew Nichols. The large
collection of old local Pottery was on exhibition, while other pieces
were loaned for the evening. Part of two wheels found at
the Amos Osborn Pottery, now carried on by Mr. Moses B. Paige,
and at the Kendall Osborne Farm, were i)ut together, and used by
Mr. Edwin A. Rich, an expert from Mr. Paige's Pottery, the last
and only Pottery in town today, to illust rate the use of the " Pot-
ter's Wheel," making such forms as were suggested by members
of the audience and becoming the centre of attraction for the
rest of the evening.

April 19. The meeting which fell upon this date, was one of the largest
attended and most enjoyable, of the year, about one hundred
members and guests sitting down to an old-fashioned supper pre-
pared by Mrs. Brooks. Private individuals provided Indian pud-
ding, candy and preserved ginger, and to Mr. Felton the Society
was indebted for some particularly fine apples. The supper was
held in the Masonic Banquet Hall and the attractive tables were
lighted only by candles, presented by Mr. Fred W. Bushby. After
the supper a vocal solo, " Dreaming of Home and Mother," was
beautifully rendered by Mrs. Leon G. Miles, to her own accompa-
niment on the autoharp.

The President, Rev. Mr. Penniman, opened the literary exercises
with expressions of regret that Mr. Thomas Carroll could not, on
account of illness, be present as had been planned.

He then referred to the three noted events which have made the
Nineteenth of April a famous date, in 1689, 1775 and 1861, eighty-
six years elapsing between the dates.

Mr. Ezra D. Hines then gave his most interesting paper on
" What the Dauvers Men did in 1775," which included the part
the men, of our town of Peabody took, on that historic day.

Mrs. Miles then sang "The Flag of the Free."

The President then introduced one of our Honorary Members,
Hon. Robert S. Rantoul, who gave a delightfully reminiscent talk
on the three celebrations of the nineteenth of April in Concord, in
1850, 1875 and 1900.

26

Judge Edward J. Battis, of Salem, brought the greetings of the
Massachusetts Sons of the Revolution.

Mr. Andrew Nichols loresented to the Society certain valuable
facts concerning General Gideon Foster, the local hero of that day.

The proposed seal for the Society was passed around and com-
mented upon, and Mr. William Armstrong was added to the com-
mittee, and called upon for remarks. lie spoke particularly of
the need of the Society for a permanent home of its own.

It was voted that the committee having the seal in charge be
empoweietl to secure the same.

The evening came to a happy close when Mrs. Miles gave most
beautifully her last solo, " Long Live the Merry Heart."

NHW MEMBERS.

Nov. 7, 1909.
Honorary Member — Mr. Thomas Carroll.
John J. Connor, S. Howard Donnell,

Arthur A . Osborne.

May 4, 1910.

Geo. S. Curtis, Mrs. Mary E. Shaw,

Mrs. Geo. S. Curtis, Charles F. Teague,

(ieorge R. Felt, Mrs. Charles F. Teague,

Mrs. George K. Felt, Thomas H. O'Shea,

Herbert A. Harrington, Mrs. Thomas II. O'Shea,

Mrs. Herbert A. Harrington, Miss Nellie L. Stockwell,

Mrs. Alvah O. Moore, Mrs. Ellen G. Hart,

Mrs. Moses 13. Taige, Miss Alice L. Poor,

Mrs. Alonzo Raddin, Miss Mary A. Draper.

NECROLOGY.
Mrs. D, B. Lord.

27

TREASURER'S REPORT.

FOR THE YEAR ENDING MAY 2d, 1910.
GENERAL FUND.

Receipts,

Balance May 1, 1909, $128.60

Dues and Admission Fees, 126.00

Sales of Postal Cards, 35.70

Interest, Warren Five Cents Savings Bank, 3.(18

Use of Electrotype Cuts, 5.<\)
Tickets to Antiquarian Supper, April 19, 1910, 48.00

Town Treasurer, for April I9tb, 5.00

Payments.

Rent of Rooms for year, $150.00

Use of Banquet Hall, 6.00

Printing Annual Report, 30.00

Printing Circulars, Postal Cards, etc., 23.25

Moving Safe, 6.00

Stationery, Record Books, etc., 10.90

Insurance, 12.50

Refreshments, 5.68

Express, 3.00

Dues to Bay State Historical League, 2.00

Electric Light, 6.08

J. M. Ward & Co., Decorating Monument, 5.00

Mrs. Brooks, Catering at Antiquarian Supper, 50.00

$310.41
Balance, 41.57

$351.98 $361.98

SAMUEL B. STIMPSON FUND.

Principal of Fund, deposited in Warren Five Cents

Savings Bank, $1,000.00

Interest accured to date, 82.42

$1,082.42

LIFE MEMBERSHIP FUND.

Previously Reported, $25.00

William Armstrong, 25.00

Mrs. Lydia W. Thacher, 25.00

Miss Mary Jane Buxton, 25.00

Interest Accrued at Savings Bank, 1.25

$101.25

Peabody, May 4, 1910.

28

Respectfully submitted,

Lyman P. Osborn, Treasurer.

REPORT OF CORRESPONDING SECRETARY AND
LIBRARIAN.

Your Corresponding Secretary and Librarian has been kept busy with
inquiries and filling blanks for Statistics. There has also been an increasing
demand for our Post Cards and Reports, by mail. If we can afford to con-
tinue to publish the material we have collected and hope to collect in the
future, our usefulness will be quite reason enough for our existence. Our
lives will not be long enough to finish the work we wish to do along this
line of publication. Not only the Papers on Local Subjects read before the
Society, with illustrations in note or picture, but many a bit of history, in
journal or diary or deed, is worthy of a place between the covers of a book.

We owe grateful remembrance to Mr. Grosvenor for his constant sale of
Postals for they have been our one source of income. Now that they are
selling at such low prices in the stores, it is hoped that each member will at
least buy one set of our Q.i views in town. Our Post Card plates have
this year served a double purpose. They have been used in a pam-
phlet of the towns of Peabody and Danvers ; and for a much more interesting
purpose, have made the journey to Baltimore. Here they were used in the
" Peabody Bulletin," a publication issued by the Preparatory Department
of the Peabody Institute, Conservatory of Music, to give the pupils an op-
portunity to get a glimpse of the Birthplace of George Peabody to whom
they, like ourselves, owe so much. All this came about through a chance
acquaintance on a steamer by our members Mr. and Mrs. Fred VV. Bushby.
They discovered a common interest, " George Peabody." One was interested
in the Peabody Institute of Baltimore, the others in that of our own town-
The result has been a correspondence and exchange of publications, relat-
ing to our Benefactor, through the kindness of the Secretary, Miss 13ertha
Leary.

These Bulletins have been very interesting to all who have read them.
George Peabody should ever be a source of study and inspiration to the
children of the Town which bears his name.

On June 1st, 1909, a petition was sent the selectmen, from the Society,
asking if the Town would recognize the 17th and other patriotic Holidays,
by ringing the bells. Thus our Patriotic enthusiasm has been aroused
without danger to life or limb.

In addition to the plan for erecting a tablet to General Foster, for which
a commmittee has been appointed, the suggestion has been made that some
memorial should be erected in memory of Katherine Daland, the first School
Mistress in our town mentioned on the old town records of Salem. For this
purpose. Dr. Myron P. Chamberlain offered a substantial gift. This with
many other gifts grew out of the Field-meeting and the subject of the
day, "Schools." A list of the old class of 1836 and 1837 in the Felton
School was presented at this time by Mrs. Sarah A. Tibbets, of Danvers;
also Mr. Amos Merrill's Paper on the " Schools," his poster containing a
description of the 13 school districts, his bronze models of the two High
School Medals, and a set of school reports. A copy of the "Scholar's Man-
uel," written by Elmer Valentine, an old-time School-master, and used in
our schools over 60 years ago, was given us by William Bushby. This should
be revised and used in the schools of today.

29

Copies of the High School Paper have been given and also the Peabody
Piogress, and it might be said here that every pa})ei- printed here in town
is desired, until a set has been completed both at the Library and in our
Society.

Several additions have been made to the collection of Almanacs, so that
a set of "Farmers" is nearing completion. These have been catalogued and
arranged by Mrs. Taylor this winter. An Index to the Baptisms in the First
Church in Salem by Miss Allen, is nearing completion.

A bit of local weaving and spinning, has been donated by Mrs. Ferguson.

The Commonwealth has sent us many volumes of the " Vital Statistics,"
including the second volume of "Danvers." The Essex Institute has also
sent a few volumes of " Danvers," which may be sold.

A Collection of 34 Proclamations, from 1878 to date, has been presented
by Mrs. Hudson. A collection of Autograph Letters, written at the time of
the George Peabody Celebration, of 1895, by Mrs. Harry F. Walker. The first
Telegraph Instrument in town, used by Mr. D. P. Grosveuor, was intrusted
to us when he left town, and we hope he will some day tell us all about it.
The gift by Mr. Paige of the old Amos Osborne Balance Wheel ; and the head
and shaft of Kendall Osboru, Sr's. Wheel, enabled us to have the Pottery
Paper most interestingly illustrated by Mr. Edwin A. Rich. The Pottery Col-
lection has been especially enjoyed this winter. The General Israel Putnam
Chapter, D. A. R. of Danvers, held a meeting here, and Mrs. George W.
Towne gave one of her most interesting talks on " Old American Pottery."

From the old Felton House, on Felton's Hill, have come several inter-
esting school books and pamphlets, a bit of pottery and a copy of Nathaniel
Bowditch's " New American Navigator," 1807, also " A Code of Signals for
the Use of Vessels," by Captain Marryat, 1851.

A Collection of Rewards of Merit presented to the three Mills sisters
from 1812-1823, is a touching reminder of childhood days.

A photograph of our Gingerbread Molds has been inserted in the Vol-
ume just published by Arthur \V. Brailie on "Bakers and Bakeries and Al-
lied industries" with matter concerning Mr. Stimpson's Bakery.

The evening on our Leather Industries led to gifts of hides, very appro-
priate at this time because the hide has been accepted as the center of our
seal. These hides from Mr. Moore, a clipping from the Hide and Leather
Magazine, other cuts representing the ideas of the A. C. Lawrence Leather
Co., Morrill Leather Co., and Mr. Armstrong, are vieing with each other for
a preference.

Invitations have been received to attend the meetings of the following
societies:

U09.
.luue 12. The Bay State Historical League, entertained by the Medford

Historical Society.
•June 23. The Danvers Historical Society, at the George Jacobs Farm.
June 23. The Gardner Family Association, in Salem.
July 21. The Essex Institute, entertained by the Marblehead Historical

Society.
Aug. 14. The Piscataqua Pioneers, at Portsmouth.

Sept. 16. The Old Planters Society, entertained by the Marblehead His-
torical Society.
Oct. 23. The Bay State Historical League, entertained by the Worcester
.Society of Antiquity.

30

Dec. 27-31. The American Historical Association, at New York.

1910.

Jan'y 15. The Bay State Historical League, entertained by the Koxbury
Historical Society.

Ai»ril 23. The Bay State Historical League, entertained by the Dedham
Historical Society.

These invitations were accepted and much pleasure and instruc-
tion were derived from the meetings by those attending: — Rev.
Geo. W. Penniman, Mr. I). H. Felton, Mrs. H. K. Foster, Miss Sa-
rah S. Moore, Arthur A. Osborne, Mr. and Mrs. Lyman T. Osborn,
Mrs. Hannah E. Poor, Miss Alice E. Teague, Miss Alice E. Trask.

.\ wider interest has been shown in our Annual Mcports, on account of
tlie insertion of the Historical or Genealogical Papers or illustrations. Our
Kxchanjic List is as follows: American Antiquarian Society, Baltimore
Peabody Institute, Bay State Historical League, Boston Athenaeum, Brook-
line Historical Society, Cambridge Historical Society, Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, Congressional Library, Danvcrs Histonlal Society, Essex In-
stitute, Ipswich Historical Society, Leominster Historical Society, Lynn
Historical Society, Maiden Historical Society, Mirblehead Historical Society,
Massachusetts Historical Society, Massacliusetts State Library, Minnesota
Historical Society, Missouri State Historical Society, New England Historic
(ienealogicalS ooiety, .Vevv York Public Library, N'orwood Historical Society,
Old rianter's Society, Rhode Island Historical Society, South Natick Histor-
ical Society, Wisconsin State Historical Society, and Yale University Li-
brary.

The Rooms of the Society have been open as usual, every Monday after-
noon from 2.30 to 5 o'clock, when the following list of members have acted
as a Hospitality Committee: Miss Helen C Allen, Mrs. Nancy .). Moulton,
Mrs E. C. Osborn, Mrs. Annie S. Porter. Mrs. Minnie A. Shanahan, Mrs.
Fannie G. Taylor and Mrs. Susie E. Thorndike. Other members of the Room
Committee are: Mr. D. H. Felton, Miss Sarah J. C. Needham and Mr. Sylva-
nus L. Newhall.

We will close as we began with a plea for a greater interest in our pub-
lications, and the where withall to publish the papers now in our i»ossess-
ion, and to secure a permanent Home for our Society.

31

PUBLICATIONS OF THE SOCIETY.

Pamphlets, Postal Cards and Photographs are for sale by the Society,
the rooms being open to the public every Monday afternoon.

" The Home of John Proctor," by William P. Upham ... $ .25
" Dedication of Memorial Tablet at Birthplace of George Peabody," .25
" History of Peabody," by Theodore M. Osborne .... 2.00
" Vital Statistics of Danvers," Essex Institute .... 4.24
" Some Places of Historic Interest in Our Town " . . . . .05
Annual Report with " Lexington Monument Memorandum " . .25
Annual Report with " Story of the High School," by Thomas Car-
roll .25

Annual Report with "Story of the Lexington Monument," by

Thomas Carroll ". .25

Annual Report with " Danvers Martyrs," a poem by Rev. A. P.

Putnam, D. D. .25

Annual Report with " Capt. Sam'l Flint and William Flint " . . .25
Annual Report with "Broadside with Account of Battle of Still-
water, Sept. 19,1777" .25

Annual Report with " Graves of Revolutionary Soldiers marked by

S. A. R. " .25

Annual Report with " Old Burying Ground, Main Street" . . .25

Postal Cards with local views 03 each, or two for .05

Photographs of local views 05, .10, .15, .25, .35, .50

1 Peabody Institute. 18 Elm Street and Entrance to Mon-

2 George Peabody's Birthplace. umeutal Cemetery.

3 Queen Victoria's Portrait in 19 Residence of Lewis Brown, South

Peabody Institute. Peabody.

4 Town Hall. 20 Crystal or Upham's Pond, West

5 High School. Peabody.

6 Soldiers' Monument and Old 21 "Phelp's Mill," West Peabody.'

" South Church." 22 Home for Aged Women.

7 Lexington Monument. 23 Cattle Show!

8 John Proctor Memorial Tablet. 24 Unitarian Church.

9 Old Proctor House. 25 Burial Place of George Peabody.

10 Ship Rock. 26 Parson Prescott House, Central

11 "Bowditch House." Street.

12 Osborn House. 27 Peabody Square in 1902.

13 Apple Tree Lane, Osborn Farm. 28 Peabody Square in 1905.

14 Peabody from Buxton's Hill, 29 Wilson Square in 1902,

15 Catholic Church and Parochial 30 Wilson Square in 1906.

Residence. 31 Triangle at Felton's Corner, 1906.

16 Convent, Parochial School and 32 Buxton's Hill in 1905.

Parochial Residence. 33 St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1906,

17 Chestnut Street and Town House 34 George Peabody, 1869,

32

SS George Feabody Tablet at Birth-
place.

36 Westminster Abbey, George Pea-

body Tablet.

37 View of Peabody from the Meth-

odist Church.

38 Corner Foster Street, 1905.

39 Main Street, looking west from

Caller.

40 Church and Schoolhouse, West

Peabody.

41 Noedham's Corner.

42 Gen. Appleton's House.

43 Salem Country Club House.

44 West Peabody Station,

45 Needham House.

46 Salem Golf Club House.

47 Peabody Square, 1890,

48 Peabody Square, 1848.

49 Corner Foster Street, 1906.

60 High School, 1850.

61 »♦ Peabody " High School, 1855„

{ Sylvester Proctor's Di ug biom,

52 j 1800, now 31 Elm Streot.
( John Lord's Drying Yard.

53 Curtis- Very Burial Lot.

54 Peabody from Salem.

55 Gateway of Old Burying Ground.
53 Gardner House, West Peabody,
57 Durkeo Farm or lied Farm, West

Peabody.

68 Hou»e of Mr. William E. Sheen,

West Peabody.

69 Nathan Holt's Gravestone.

60 Peabody Square In 1828.

61 "Broadside."

62 Tablet on Gate of Old Main St.

" Burial Place.'*
83 Group of Gravestones on Revo-
lutionary Soldiers' Graves.

64 1st Felton House, 1644.

65 2nd Felton House, 1683.

66 3rd Felton House, 1710.

67 4th Felton House, 1750.

68 Felton Burial Ground.

APB ? 1911

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

■111.

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