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Among those of the last census is a dumb and deaf boy.
The following table gives the ages and numbers of the two sexes, as they were in 1830.

WHITES

Under 5 years,
Of 5 and under  10,
" 10 and under  15,
" 15 and under  20,
" 20 and under  30,
" 30 and under  40,
" 40 and under  50,
" 50 and under  60,
" 60 and under  70,
" 70 and under  80,
" 80 and under   90,
" 90 and under 100,
MALES
102  
69  
78  
81  
143  
77  
44  
40  
24  
13  
5  
        
676  
FEMALES
72  
76  
72  
60  
132  
62  
53  
41  
46  
20  
6  
    3  
643  

BLACKS

Under 10 years,
Of 10 and under  24,
"   36 and under  55,
"   55 and under 100,
MALES

5  
1  
        
6  
FEMALES
3  
1  
2  
    2  
8  

RECAPITULATION
MALES,
FEMALES,
} WHITE,
{ 676
643
MALES,
FEMALES,
} BLACK,
{ 6
      8
1333

Page 272

VALUATION

This, as rendered in by assessors in 1831, was $282,567, and it was doomed by the State, $322,297.99.

TOWN EXPENSES

1822. For poor and other charges, $400; for high-ways, $600; for schools, $400; and towards the debt of Ipswich, $1500.
1833. The expenses this year were $1493.

BUILDINGS

1831. 157 dwelling-houses; 9 shops in or adjoining such houses; 63 other shops; and 127 barns. Among the houses, in 1833, was one tavern.

HAY-SCALE

1833. In the place of the high-framed one, another of the patent kind was put.

ENGINE, &c.

1824, Oct. 21st. Voted $600 to purchase an Engine, a house for it, 24 leather buckets, 2 more fire-hooks, and 4 long ladders.

POST-OFFICE

1821. A commission was granted for this office.

MILITARY — PENSIONERS

1820, May 4th. Voted to have a powder-house on the hill near Ezra Perkins's. This was done.
1833. One uniform company and one militia company.
Under the law of 1832, there are six pensioners, who were in public service during the war of Independence.

Page 273

POLITICAL

1820, Oct. 16th. Jonathan Story, Esq., is chosen delegate to the convention, which is to meet in Boston the 3d Wednesday of November, for altering the State Constitution.

TEMPERANCE SOCIETIES

These, called Essex North and South, comprise 500 members. The influence of them was so beneficial, that, in 1833, there was no license for selling spirituous liquors in the town.

EDUCATION

1833. There were 370 scholars in six district schools. The amount of time, for which all the schools are kept in a year, is 22 months. The sum, raised by the town for their public schools, is $600; and, paid for private schools, is $300. The branches taught are, Spelling, Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, Geography, Grammar, and, to a limited extent, History, Rhetoric, and Philosophy. There is an increasing and commendable spirit in Essex to furnish their youth with intellectual improvement, which so powerfully and speedily adds to a community's respect and welfare.

GRADUATES SINCE THE INCORPORATION OF ESSEX

Hon. Rufus Choate, 1819, at Dartmouth College.
Dr. John D. Russ, 1823, at Yale College.
John C. Perkins, 1832, at Amherst College.

SABBATH SCHOOLS

In 1828, there were 90 scholars in the Congregational Society; and, in 1833 there were 132 scholars, and a library of 350 volumes. Besides this school, another has been recently formed, containing 40 scholars.

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COMPANY LIBRARIES

1833. The Social Library has 40 volumes.
The Religious Library has 200 volumes.

ALMS-HOUSE

Until an establishment of this sort was obtained, the poor, as in other places, were let out to the lowest bidder.
1825. A farm was purchased for them.
A report of 1832 gives us the following information. The house measures 50 feet by 30. It has been built probably a century. It has seven lodging-rooms for the poor. The farm contains 100 acres of upland, and 50 of marsh. The cost of the whole was $5000. No ardent spirits are given to its inmates. These work on the land, make their own cloth, and pick oakum. Three men and six women are each able to do a day's work. Few of the State's poor apply here for assistance. Salary of the superintendent, $200, and of a hired man for two months, $30.

Dr. Whole expense of the poor last year,
Interest on the cost of the farm,
$714.69
300.00
$1014.69
Cr. Labor of paupers, and sale of produce,
For State's poor,

Balance against the town,
$667.89
 40.80


$708.69
$306.00

1833. The clear cost of the poor is $276.
There are twenty of them, seven-eighths of whom have been impoverished either directly or indirectly by intemperance.

CHARITIES

1830. To sufferers by fire at Gloucester, about $60.
1833. The religious charities of the Congregational Society are $250 annually.

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PUBLISHMENTS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS

The yearly average of publishments for thirteen years has been 13-4/13; of marriages, for the same period, has been 9-5/13; of deaths, 14-4/13.
Among the births of 1832, there was a triple one.

PERSONS WHO DIED AGED 90 YEARS AND OVER.

1821. Widow Westley Burnham, 98.
1822. Widow Lydia Lufkin, 93.
1823. Widow Anna Andrews, in her 95th.
1824. Jesse Story, 94.
1831. Phillipa Burnham, 93.
1832. Mary Lufkin, 93

CASUALTIES

1823, Sept. 2d. Ebenezer Burnham's barn is destroyed by lightning.
1824, Nov. 19th. Susan Varney, Æ. 11, is burnt to death by her clothes taking fire.
1825, Oct. Stephen Story, Æ. about 60, is drowned.
1828, March 17th. James Nutter, Æ. 20, is drowned.
1831, June 26th. A daughter of Thomas Hardy, Æ. 2 years, is drowned.
1833, May 10th. Esther, daughter of Nimrod Burnham, quite young, is scalded to death.

OBITUARY NOTICES

1822, Feb. 27th. Washington, son of David and Miriam Choate, d., Æ. 19. He was a member of the Junior Class in Dartmouth College. He gave evidence of deep piety, and was a scholar of extraordinary promise.
1826, Feb. 6th. George, son of William and Mary Choate, d., Æ. 64. He m. Susannah, daughter of the Hon. Stephen Choate, of Ipswich. His children were William and John, both deceased, George, and Francis. He sustained various offices in the town, was Justice of the Peace, Representative from Ipswich, 1814, 1815, 1816, 1817, and from Essex, 1819. His life was useful and his death lamented.

Page 276

ESSEX CHURCH

After having been long denominated with relation to her mother Church, and after having passed through more trials than her adjacent sisters, the Church here began to be known by her present name, when the parish of Chebacco was incorporated.
1828. The members of the Church were six males, and forty-one females. — From Feb. 17th, 1828, to April 19th, 1829, eighty-three persons were added.
1833. The members were thirty seven males, and eighty-four females. These facts furnish us with proof, that this Church, like many others in our country, has received spiritual blessings from the hand of God. Benefits pertaining to time should be sought and valued. But those pertaining to eternity are far better. Accessions of worthy inhabitants to the community, is a blessing. But accessions to a Church of such as shall be saved, strikes a string, which vibrates through the universe, and fills all heaven with joy unspeakable.

T H E   H A M L E T

HAMLET PARISH< CALLED THE THIRD.

<*TR>1712, May 1st. Sixty-five males of the Hamlet petition the First Parish to be set off. The reasons assigned by them for such a movement, were, that forty families of them attended worship at Wenham, where the meeting-house was not large enough to accomodate them and others, who worshipped there; the distance to Ipswich was great, and it was much trouble to convey their families thither. May 22d. The town allow this petition, if a meeting-house be erected, and an orthodox minister be called here. Subjoined to such a permission, is this noticeable remark: "It will be considered, that we have two ministers to maintain, whose salaries must not be diminished; and as there have been two ministers here maintained from the foundation of the town, so we hope there will continue to be to the end of the world," -- and "if it should ever be otherwise, it will be a shameful degeneracy from the piety of our ancestors." The views which dictated

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the last clause, have been long erased from the code of modern opinion and practice. Though it has been a question, whether, on the whole, it is not best for a minister and his people to have him labor alone with them, and custom has decided the question in the afirmative, yet, in these days of increasing and oppressive labors of ministers, when no small portion of them sink under their duties, there is a louder call for two of them over a large congregation, than there was for many years after the settlement of this country.
1713, Oct. 14th. The Parish here becomes incorporated. It contained, in 1773, 116 houses, 172 families, 419 males, 451 females, making 870 inhabitants.

CHARACTER OF THE HAMLET

In a remonstrance of the town, in 1678-9, they say, "One of the principal of these Hamlets lies on the road to Boston, extending almost to Wenham, wherein are several of the better rank; members of the Church; persons of public places and service, as well or better landed than any, and as wise to be sensible of their difficulties, which they deeply share in, as others."

MEETING-HOUSE

1712, Oct. 2d. Voted to have such a building erected by November of next year, which was done. It cost the proprietors about $1033, besides some donations of other individuals. Its dimensions were 50 feet long, 38 wide, and 20 stud. It had a turret on the south end.
1762. Another house of worship is build, 60 feet long, 40 wide, and 26 stud. It is the present one, and occupies the site which the former did. Till 1801 it had long seats on the right and the left of the aisle in front of the pulpit, one set of them for men, and the other for women. Its cost was about $2151.

CLOCK AND BELL

1727, March 7th. The town vote to give the Hamlet Parish their old school bell.
1731, Sept. 8th. The Hamlet appropriate £60 in bills of credit, to purchase a bell in England, of 300 lbs. and upwards. This arrived the next year, and was hung for some

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time on a pine tree to the north-west of the meeting-house, until a belfry was prepared for its reception.
1785. It is voted, that the old bell be sold, and that £40 be added to its price, for the purchase of a new one.
1795. Permission is given by the town for putting up the clock.

PARSONAGE

1714. A vote is passed by the parish to procure a parsonage for the use of Mr. Wigglesworth. This was done 1720, and seven acres were purchased, adjoingin his house-lot.
1731, May 14th. The commoners grant one of the supernumerary lots in the Hamlet Eighth, for the use of the ministry there for ever.

SALARIES AND SETTLEMENTS

1714. Mr. Wigglesworth's salary was £60 for the first year, payable two-thirds in money and the rest in grain, and 20 cords of wood; £65 for the second, and £70 for the third year, with the same quantity of wood, and the use of a parsonage when obtained. His settlement was £100 towards building his house, which stoo where the present minister's does, and one acre and a half of land.
1771. Mr. Cutler's salary was £85 and parsonage, and settlement £133 6s 8d. In 1788, he had his salary raised to £100; 1796, to $367; 1797, to $400; 1807, till 1821, to $450; 1821, lessened to $400; 1822, to $333-1/3; 1823, to $150 besides the parsonage, when the parish vote to supply the pulpit.
1824. The successor of Dr. Cutler had $500, and Pond Parsonage, for a salary.

THIRD CHURCH

1714, Oct. 12th. A covenant is privately signed by twenty-five brethren, besides Mr. Wigglesworth, and was publicly owned by them the 27th. From the earthquake, Oct. 29th, 1727, to Sept. 8th, 1728, inclusive, ninety-nine were admitted to the Church. Tradition informs us, that many persons united with the Church after the earthquake of 1755.

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1744, Sept. This Church undertakes to deal with the Second Church, according to the third way of discipline, takes the first and second steps, and then suspends its procedure, because promised that the offence should be settled.
1768, Nov. 28th. The Church vote, "that if any candidate may be hired on probation, and have it as his principle, that infants of none but such as are in full communion, ought to be baptized, it shall be no bar to his settling. As their next pastor did not object to the baptizing of children under the half-way covenant, this was done for the greater part of his ministry.
1771. There were 27 male, and 41 female members.
1774, March 27th. Voted to have a portion of the Old Testament read in the forenoon, and another of the New in the afternoon, of the Sabbath.
1780, July 23d. Passed a vote to unite in the Quarterly Fast of the other Ipswich Churches.

SAMUEL WIGGLESWORTH

He was son of the Rev. Michael Wigglesworth of Malden; b. Feb. 4th, 1688 O.S. He graduated at Harvard College 1707, where he pursued his studies for two years after he took his first degree. — 1709, June 30th. He commenced the study of physic under Dr. Graves of Charlestown, and continued with him till March 1st, 1710, when he came to Ipswich Hamlet, and began to practice. Here he continued till Dec. 29th, and then went to his native place and took a school. While thus employed, he studied divinity, and preached his first sermon Jan. 20th, 1712. He was invited to labor at Dracut, July 15th, and, after being there a year, he received two unanimous calls to settle, which he concluded to decline. — 1713, Oct. 17th. He was engaged to supply the pulpit at Groton. Here he stayed till Jan. 27th, 1714, when he returned to the Hamlet, as a spiritual physician. Approved in this capacity, as he had been in his other, by the people, they invited him to become their pastor, and he was ordained Oct. 27th, 1714. Thus taking on himself an office, followed by momentous and endless results, he looked to Omnipotence for aid, that he might not be a slothful servant. In this he was heard. His health was not robust. It occasionally sunk under his parochial labors. Though called in this

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manner to experience physical infirmities, his mind and heart continued to imporve. He soon became known as a talented writer and a devoted minister. His printed productions are as follow:
1727. A Sermon in Yarmouth at the Ordination of Josiah Dennis. Oct. Another before a Society of young men, in his parish, who had united, like otheres of their age, in Old and New England, for religious improvement. This discourse was a fortnight previous to the earthquake. — A discourse the Sabbath after this event, which shook the earth, and waked the slumbering consciences of multitudes.
1733, Jan. 10th. Sermon at the Ordination of John Warren in Wenham. — An Election Discourse before the Legislature. The subject of it was, — the necessity of general reformation in morals and piety.
1744. A short Account of the Rev. Mr. Hale of Newbury, in the "Chirstian History."
1746. Sermon on the death of the Rev. John Rogers. — Rev. Mr. Chipman's, of Beverly, and his own Controversy with the Rev. Mr. Balch of Bradford, about the result of a Council.
1751. A Discourse before the Convention of Congregational Ministers of Massachusetts.
1755, March 20th. Two Sermons to his parishioners, enlisted for an expedition to Nova Scotia.
1760. Dudleian Lecture.
1765. Rev. Mr. Jaques's, of Gloucester, and his own Controversy with the Fourth Church, about admitting persons from neighbouring Churches.
As a member of the Synod or great Council, which met in Salem to deal with the First Church there, according to the third way of communion, July 16th, 1735, Mr. Wigglesworth withdrew, because a majority would not allow a document of Mr. Fisk to be read. — 1743, July 8th. He signs a testimony with many other clergymen convened in Boston which approves the late revival of religion. He was on the Committee, who reported such a testimony, and also, advice against abuses of the revival.
Besides attending to the public and private calls of his office, Mr. Wigglesworth still cultivated his knowledge of medicine, and was frequently useful in prescribing for ills of the body, as well as of the soul. This combining of two pro-

Page 281

fessions was common in his day. He prevailingly gave proof, that he applied his abilities, influence, and opportunities, as one, who was to render an impartial account. Supreme selfishness was a stranger to the motives of his conduct. He lived for others, as well as for himself. As illustrative of this attractive trait in his character, we have the following fact. Towards the close of his life, as he was setting out an apple tree, one of his people came along and remarked, "Sir, you cannot expect to reap any fruit from your labor." "No," he quickly replied, "I am only paying a debt." Blessed with a church, whose principles and practice were better than usual, he enjoyed among them a good degree of harmony. Occasionally, however, he had bitter experience of the truth, — "They are not all Israel, who are of Israel." In case of this kind he did not lie still for the sake of being applauded by those, who advocated false peace, as a covering for their own faults. No, he entered on the painful duty of discipline, so that a moral gangrene might not spread through the whole flock. Mr. Wigglesowrth was thoroughly versed in ecclesiastical concerns, and was often invited to exercise his knowledge and prudence in church difficulties. In his intercourse with others, he was accessible, kind, and improving. Few could be in his company without being able, if they chose, to carry away thoughts worth remembering and being acted on. Though he had much suavity in his feelings and manners, yet when the voice of obligation summoned his energies, he stood in its defence like the surf-beaten, but unmoved rock. As a speaker, his voice was not strong; but still it was clear, and accompanied with earnestness, so as to command close attention. His intellectual powers were above the common standard. His perception was quick, imagination lively, memory tenacious, ainvention fruitful, and judgment sound. He did not hold these talents, as bound in a napkin. He diligently and successfuly cultivated them in the various departments of of human and divine knowledge. He was happy in his Sriptural illustrations. The judge, which ended all debates with his conscience on points of faith and practice, was the Bible. His style of composition was original, perspicuous, pure, and energetic. Though his sermons contained many subdivisions, in accordance with the custom of his time, yet they were rich in ideas, and suited tointerest and edify. But what is more than all, in the view of Him who never errs,

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is, that the natural endowments and acquisitions of Mr. Wigglesworth were controlled and directed by the principles of religion, deeply engraven upon his heart. At home and abroad, he was the consitent messenger of Christ. His piety was of the sterling kind, which was not taken off and put on, like a garment, to suit occasions. Its texture, hue, and strength, were essentially the same at all seasons, in all places, and under all circumstances. Reviewing the mental, moral, and religious character, as well as the writting of Mr. Wigglesworth, we have reason to say, as Dr. Eliot did, in reference to him, that he "was an emineth divine." Of such desert, the Lord abundantly blessed his exertions to promote the cause of Zion. As he drew near the grave, his infirmites multipled upon him, and he had to receive assistance in the labors of the pulpit. Exhaused in the difficul, but elevating service of his heavenly Master, he fell asleep in the hope, that an incorruptible crown awaited him.
"Sure the last end
Of the good man is peace. How calm his exit!
Night-dews fall not more gently to the ground,
Nor weary, worn-out winds expire so softly."
The decease of Mr. Wigglesword was Sept. 3d, 1768, in his eightieth year, and the fifty-fourt of his ministry. On his tomb-stone is inscribed the pertinent passage, — "And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not, for the Lord will not forsake his people, for his great name's sake. Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart." Perhaps it may be well to state here, that, as to his person, he was of a light complexion, rather small in stature, well-proportioned, sprightly in movement, and of an interesting countenance. He m. Mary, daughter of John Brintnal of Winnisemet, now Chelsea, June 30th, 1715. Their children were, Mary, Michael, Martha, and Phebe. His wife d. of a pleuritic fever, June 6th, 1723, Æ. 28. He m. Martha, daughter of the Rev. Mr. Brown of Reading, March 12th, 1730. She survived him, and d. at Newburyport, 1784, Æ. 89. Their children were, Sarah, Phebe, Samuel, Katherine, Elizabeth, Edward, John, Abigail, and William. Four sons and four daughters outlived him, but they are now all dead. Thus parents and children pass away, and leave the scenes of earth for their successors, who must soon follow, and in body mingle with dust, and in spirit witness eternal realities. Surely

Page 283

"all flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as flower of the field."

INCORPORATION OF THE HAMLET AS A TOWN

After several exertions on the part of the people here, and after long delay, the Hamlet is incorporated by the name of Hamilton, June 21st, 1793. As an indemnity to Ipswich for paupers and other things, this town paid them £908 8s 3d.

SITUATION - EXTENT

Hamilton has Wenham on the south-west, Manchester south, Essex east, Ipswich north, and Topsfield west. Its latitude is 42° 38' north; longitude from Greenwich 70° 52' west. Its greatest lenght from east to west is five miles and a half, and its mean length, three and three-quarters. Its greatest breadth from north to south is three miles and three-eigths, and its mean breadth three miles.

SOIL

There is some clayey, sandy, and boggy soil, but the loamy, gravelly, and peaty predominate. The land, in 1831, was divided into 483 acres of tillage, 724 of English and upland mowing, inclusive of orchard mowing, 778 of fresh meadow, 4139 of pasture, including orchard pasturage, 998 of wood-land, exclusive of inclosed pasture lots, 470 of unimporved, and 37 of parsonage. Besides these, there were 120 acres for roads, and 345 covered with water.

PRODUCTIONS

These are such as are common to New England. The crops of grain, fodder, fruit, and vegetables are proportionable in quantity to those of the adjacent towns. In 1831, there were raised 425 bushels rye, 1333 of oats, 5006 of corn, 67 of barley, 354 tons of English and upland hay,

Page 284

416 of fresh meadow. The farmers here get considerable salt hay from their lots of marsh in Essex and Ipswich. Previously to the ravages of the canker-worm, this town raised apples enough to supply the market with large quantities, and to make 550 barrels of cider.

LIVE STOCK. The live stock, in 1831, were 91 horses of one year old and upward, 168 oxen of four years and above, 399 cows of three years and over, 238 steers of one year and upward, 430 sheep of six months and above, 139 swine of similar ages.

BUILDINGS - ROADS - BRIDGE

In 1831, there were 116 dwelling houses, 50 shops, and 114 barns. Among the houses in 1833, were two taverns. Since 1811, most of the roads have been widened and straightened. In 1830, the road from Rust's corner to Smith's mills was much imporved by being made wider, and having several new pieces. One half of its expense cost the town $1000; the other was paid by the county. In 1814, Moulton's bridge was rebuilt.

POPULATION

The number of inhabitants has not advanced, but of late years has been rather retrograde. One cause of this is, that most of the young people settle in some other part of the country. As, according to the mode of agriculture, there is no more land than is sufficient for the present number of farmers, no well-founded expectation can be cherished, that the people will increase, unless more manufactures should be introduced. ― In 1810, the census gave 780 inhabitants; 1820, 802, and 182 ratable polls; 1830, 748, and 150 polls rated, and thirty others not rated.

The following table presents a view of the ages and numbers of both sexes, as they were in 1830.

Page 285

WHITES

Under 5 years,
Of 5 and under  10,
" 10 and under  15,
" 15 and under  20,
" 20 and under  30,
" 30 and under  40,
" 40 and under  50,
" 50 and under  60,
" 60 and under  70,
" 70 and under  80,
" 80 and under   90,
" 90 and under 100,
MALES
30  
35  
39  
32  
68  
36  
24  
33  
22  
13  
11  
   2  
345  
FEMALES
31  
34  
50  
46  
48  
48  
50  
34  
28  
23  
7  
   1  
400  

BLACKS

Under 5 years,
Of 20 and under  30,
"   24 and under  36,
MALES
1  
0  
    1  
2  
FEMALES
0  
1  
    0  
1  

RECAPITULATION
MALES,
FEMALES,
} WHITE,
{ 345
400
MALES,
FEMALES,
} BLACK,
{ 2
    1
748

EMPLOYMENTS

Most of the common necessary arts are practised here. There are only three shop-keepers. Formerly it was a matter of course for a large number of such traders to sell ardent spirits. Now only one of them doles out this deadly drink. The greater proportion of the men are farmers. There are about thirty-five places where shoes are manufactured. In some of them several hands work together.
Mills; ― one saw and one grist mill, one veneering mill to saw mahogany for cabinet-makers.

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Cabinet-makers, two; Tannery, one; Blacksmith, one; Masons, two; Chairmakers, two; Wheelwrights, two; Carpenters, eight; Weaver, one.
On the Hamilton side of Ipswich river, a stone Factory has been party erected. A reason, why its completion was suspended, is the check which cloth manufactories experienced. A large stone dwelling-house has been put up, which was intended to accomodate those who might work in the Factory.

BUILDING VESSELS

This business was carried on considerably in the east part of the town, sixty years since. Fishing-boats from ten to twenty tons were then made, and drawn to the waters of Chebacco by teams of cattle. Of late years such employment has nearly ceased. Now and then, fishing schooners, of larger dimensions than formerly, are built.

LACE

A considerable number of young women were engaged in working dresses for Ipswich lace factories, while these were in operation.

FISHERY

Some years, individuals who bought the privilege of fishing, have caught a considerable number of alewives in Mile River, for the West India market.

POST-OFFICE

In 1803, this establishment commenced, and has continued.

EDUCATION

There are four district schools. They are kept partly by masters and partly by mistresses; by the former in winter, and by the latter in summer.

Page 287

1793. £36 were voted for schools.
In 1796, $150; and from 1808 to 1822, $200; and from 1822 to 1833, $300, were raised annually for this object.
1833. $400 were assessed, besides $108 paid for private schools. There are 205 scholars.
The winter terms of instruction, added together, make ten months, and the summer terms nine and a half.

GRADUATES SINCE THE INCORPORATION

1793. Charles Cutler, Harvard.
1811. Solomon S. Whipple, Dartmouth.
1833. Isaac Brown, Amherst.

SABBATH SCHOOL

1833. Ninety-one scholars. Library of 250 volumes.

LIBRARIES

There have been two of these, called First and Second Social Libraries. The former has nearly ceased, and the books of the latter are not numerous.

TOWN EXPENSES ― PAUPERS

1815, $1100, ― 1822, $1450, ― 1832, $1500, ― and 1833, $1800, were voted for town charges.
From 1832 to 1833, $516 were paid for fifteen paupers; some of whom were sholly, and others partly supplied. The most of the debt was brought on this community by intemperance.
The increasing expense for the poor in this town is twice as much as the interest of a valuable farm would be, if it were bought and made an alms-house establishment. Sound economy, and the dimunition of pauperism and corruption, call loudly for such a provision.

Page 288

VALUATION

This, as handed into the Secretary of State's office, in 1831, was $185,768.50, which was doomed by the State, $211,888.99.

POLITICAL

1796, April 25th. Voted to memorialize Congress, in favor of ratifying the treaty with Great Britain in an honorable way.
1812, July 1st. A letter from Boston, and a copy of the proceedings there, being read, resolves are passed here, expressive of an opinion against carrying on the war with England.

MILITARY

1794, Oct. 6th. "Voted to make to the detached men, together with what the Continent shall allow them, four shillings a day, for each day that they do duty, by virtue of said detachment, before they are called to march." The same minute-men are voted to have £3 a month, with what they shall receive from the State and the United States, from the time they may march, till they return.
1814, Sept. 29th. Voted to pay the detached men $5 per month, when called into actual service.
1833. There is one militia company, and a considerable number, who, with others from the adjacent towns, from a trrop.

PENSIONERS

Under the law of 1832, there were seven pensioners here, who bore arms for the cause of our Independence.

BENEFACTIONS

1811. The town give, bu subscription, $215 to sufferers by fire at Newburyport.

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1828. Collections for the Greeks, $36.50.
1830. Paid to the sufferers by fire in Gloucester, $37.59. Religious charities, $100 annually. Such benefactions are exclusive of other considerable sums given by individuals.

MARRIAGES ― BIRTHS

From 1794 to 1833, being thirty-nine years, there were 236 marriages, which make about six per year.
For twnety years, up to 1832, there were 332 births, making sixteen and three-fifths annually. Of these, 183 were males, and 149 females; among them were two double births.

DEATHS ― LONGEVITY

For forty years, ending 1833, 517 deaths occurred, which is an annual average of nearly thirteen. In the first decade of that period there were 112; in the second, 120; in the third 145; and in the fourth, 140.

DEATHS OF PERSONS AGED 90 AND OVER
1794. Jonathan Clinton, 90 |   fifty grand children,
1798. Sarah Clinton, 93 |   and fifty-two great-
  " Joseph Poland, 95 |   grand children.
1799. Plato, formerly a slave, 107 | 1815. Sarah Brown, widow. 99
  born in Africa, of a |   Her descendants were
  pious and excellent |   170, five of whom be-
  character. |   longed to the fifth
1801. William Brown, 90 |   generation.
1804. Simon Brown, 91 | 1817. Jenny, a black, 97
1805. Ephraim Brown, 91 |   " Molly Moncrief, 90
1806. Mary Kinsman, widow, 93 | 1827. Luke Dodge, 90½
1809. Phebe Brown, do. 92 |   " Sarah Annable, widow, 99-5/6
1812. Nathaniel Knowlton, 95 |   She professed re-
1813. Grace Ellery, a black, 90 |   ligion 11 yrs. before.
1815. John Goodhue, 93 |   " John Tuttle, 92
  His wife, Elizabeth, d. | 1830. Hephzibah, wife of 90
  1811, when they had |   Nehemiah Patch.
  been married 68 years |   " Nehemiah Patch, 90
  had eleven children, | 1832. Robert Annable, 91

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These deaths, for forty years, are to the whole number of deaths, for the same perios, as 1 to 23½.

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© 2005 by John Slaughter