0" ^3 *vT'.T»' ^^ o. ♦^T.T* .'V ''^arecl it, knew very little of the subject about which he was \vriting. T!ie author of the W(?*c;?< work was then induced to put down on paper — partly for his own amusomcnt, and partly for the information of his young friends — his own recollections of the " Business and Business Men ot liof^ton." These memoranda are now published, as it is believed there is nothing in them that need not be known, and much that will gratify a rational curiosity. Ho will only say for himself, that for upwards of forty years he has oeen a Boston merchant, and that ho clamis to Know soniething of the business and society i>f Boston ; and what is here written, may be considered a portmn of his experience and recollections. Entered, according to Act of Congress, tn the year 1848, by THOMAS L. V. WILSON, in the office of the Clerk of the District Court of Maasachuaetts. THE AmSTOCRACY OF BOSTON: WHO THEY ARE, AND WHAT THEY WERE. ADAMS, BENJAMIN. Long a shrewd, polite dry goods dealer, in Kilby- street, of the firm of B. & C. Adams, and later of the firm of Adams, Homer &c Co. ALGER, CYRUS, from Biidgewater ; Iron Founder, South Boston, who has pushed his way, by sagacity and good conduct, to eminence and wealth. The geologist of this name, his son, has contributed many valuable papers upon that science in Silliman's Journal. He was sent by his father to explore Nova Scotia, in the vicinity of the coal mines, many years ago. He has been much employed by government, and was selected by Col. Bomford to cast some immense pieces of ordnance. ALLEN, ANDREW J. Many years a lively, busy, and prosperous sta- tioner, &c., in State-st., near the Massachusetts Bank, and now as busy about railroads. He was one of their first advocates in Boston; AM0R7, CHARLES & V/ILLIAM. Sons of the late Col. Thomas C. Amory. Charles married a daughter of the late Gardiner Green ; William a daughter of David Sears. The commission house of " Thomas C. Amory & Co.," was among the first in Boston. The late " good " Jonathan Amory was the other partner. On the dissolution of that firm, by the death of Thomas C, Jonathan retired to a snug business alone. The oldest son of Thomas C, formed the house of Adams & Amory. Joseph H Adams from Newbury- port, did a large business, but failed, involvingr Daniel Appleton, now a large and prosperous bookseller and publisher, in New- York. This Thomas C. Amory has distinguished himself in organizing the present Fire Department, and is piesident of an insurance company. AMOHY, JONATHAN, Jr. A son of" good " Jonathan, succeeded to the commission business in dry goods of Brown, Brothers & Co., in New- York, in the unfortunate house of Amory, Leeds & Co., who wore prostrated by the storms of 1S36 and 1837. AMORY, JAMES, a cousin of Charles and AYilliam, and son of "good " •Jonathan, married another daughter oi' the late Gaidiner Green. ANDREWS, E BEN. T. Formerly the partner of Isaiah Thomas, under the firm of Thomas & Andrews, booksellers and publishers. Mr. Thomas retired to Worcester, and was the principal founder of the Antiquarian Society. APPLETON, SAMUEL & NATHAN. Brothers, and formerly partners, and importers of British dry goods, in South Row, till Broad-street was made. Samuel lived in Manchester many years, as the buyer for the firm, when Timothy Wiggin did also, who bought for Benjamin & Timothy Wiggm in Boston, and afterwards succeeded to the business of Timothy Williams, in 4 Tin; ARii^r.'n.ii \( V oi.- boston. London. On S;imuel Apj)leton'a letuin to Boston, '* wanting a good house- keejjer," he married Mrs. Gore, widow of John Gore, a former hardwaie im- })()iter, and nephew of Gov, Christopher Gore. Mrs. G. kept a select boarding- ifiou.se in High -street. He invested largely in the Lowell and other manufac- turing establishments. He has a clear heaci, large heart, but not free ut- terance. Nathan managed the business in ])Oston. Like other importing houses, forty-five years ago, they often shipped pot and pearl ashes to Liverpool. Ther, the jiacket ships went but twice a year, for spring and fall goods. One of these ships, commanded by little Andrew Scott, who afterwards commanded the Governor Stiong, owned by LeRoy, Bayard & McEvers, of New-York, made the passages of two successive voyages to Jjiverpool and back, in 33 and 34 days : that is, four passages in 67 days, — little less than steam ! Nathan took an active part with Francis C. Lowell, Patrick T. Jackson, Paul Moody and others, in establishing the cotton manufactory at Waltham, and was one of the associates in the first purchase at Lowell. He has been a member of Congress, but declined re-election, and many years a Director of the Boston Bank. His tastes are retiring and literary. It should be mentioned, to the credit of Samuel Appleton, that he com menced life with a single fourpeiice halfpenny, ])aid to him by a drover who passed his father's house, for his assistance in driving. He afterwards went to iVlaiiie, and worked as a common laborer. He is without children — Nathar has several. One of his daughters married a son of Sir James Mcintosh, and another the poet Longfellow. A nephew is married to the only daughter of Daniel Webster. APPLETON, WILLIAM, is a nephew or cousin of S. & N. He first ap- peared in Boston as a clerk and buyer of goods for a country store in New- Hampshire. He was afterwards an importer of British dry goods, with J. W. Paio-e. His investments in manufactories have been very successful, as well a>^ his operallons in the Canton trade. In spite of feeble health as a dyspeptic. he has shown great energy and perseverance. His percepliows are very quick, and his judgment sound and upright. He has been zealous for the prosperity of the Episcopal Chuich, and was one of the founders of St. Paul's, and has recently made an ample donation to advance the education of clergy- men in tiie Church. He married a daughter of " good " Jonathan Amory. APTHORP, JOHN T. For many years President of the Suffolk Insurance Office and the Boston Bank. Married a daughter of the late William Foster. He is of courteous manners — and, like many other gentlemen, derived his title of Colonel from having commanded the Cadets. It has been generally sup- posed that he held the two offices as President throuc^h family influence and warm personal friendship, and not his own wealth. He has saved and inherited money. Harrison Gray Otis and he married sisters. ARMSTRONG, SAMUEL T. Bred a printer with Samuel Etheridge. of Charlestown. Married a daughter of Col. Timothy Walker, a wealthy packer of beef in that town. He kept a book-store in Cornhill, and printed for the Andover Theological Institution. He has been Mayor of Boston, ana Lieutenant-Governor. Mr. Etheridge was afterwards of the firm of Hastings, Etheridge & Bliss- Jonathan Hastings, the old postmaster, and Elam Bliss, now- of New-York. ATKINS, BENJAMIN, of the firm of Hny & Atkins, for many year? industrious, saving, and thriving crockery-dealers in South lunv, next the Old South. Joseph Hay, the pattern of a polite shop-keeper. AUSTIN, -SAMUEL, Jun. Son of an old Clerk in the State-House — who was brother of a good old ship-bread baker at the North-End. Formerly TOR ARISTOCRACy Of BOSTON. 6 partner with Capt. Joseph W. Lewis, brother of Winslow Levis, the liglit- house man. They were the agents of the first line of Boston and Liverpool packets — the Topaz, Amethyst, and Emerald — established with great difficulty, by a joint stock company, in 1818 — 19, and soon given up. The ships could not be tlieu filled from Boston. AUSTIN, JAMES T. Son-in-law (and author of the life of) Elbridge Gerry, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence ; afterwards Governor of Maasachusetls, and Vice-PioBident of the United States. Mr. Austin has been City-Attorney and Attorney-General of Massachusetts. He was long an ardent politician and orator of the Republican Party. He is a nephew of the famous old " Ben Austin," who used to edit the Chronicle, one of the great guns of Democracy in the times of Jefferson and Adams. BALDVVIN, AARON. President of the Washifigton Bank. Married a sister of Philip Marrett, President of the New-England Hank. Mr. B. was long a safe and successful commission merchant on India Wharf, and dealt very exterisively in molasses. He is a native of Milton. BALLARD, JOHN. For many years kept a carpet-store at the corner of School and Marlborough-streets. His father kept a livery-stable. A sister married Thomas Carter, an Englishman — formerly Jackson & Carter, owners of the ship Warrington, in the Liverpool trade, and large importers of hats. BANCROFT, GEORGE. Sen of the Rev. Dr. Aaron Bancroft, of Wor- cester, a Unitarian. Having finished his studies at Cambridge, he went to Gottingen to pursue them further. On his return, he preached, and was a Unitarian; then, associated with Mr. John G. Cogswell, established a school at Round Hill, near Northampton, Mass., intended to embrace a wide course of instruction, including gymnastics. He did not succeed. He has since been Professor at Cambridge, and distinguished as an author, chiefly on American history, and as a Democratic politician ; a Collector of Boston, Secretary of the Navy, and now Minister to Great Britain. He married first into the wealthy Dwight family of Springfield, and since to the widow Bliss, also with a fortune. Mr. Cogswell is now employed by John Jacob Astor, to collect and arrange his great library. BANGS, BENJAMIN. Formerly an importerof dry goods in Court-street, where he succeeded Andrew Homer ; then of Bangs & Bradford, in Broad- street; then in navigation, (sometimes with the late Seth Knowles, who mar- ried a daughter of Matthew Bridge, of Charlestown,) principally to South Amt^rica. BARTLETT, JAMES. Began as a hired truckman to Samuel Harrison, brother of James Harrison, first of Harrison & Hall, then Harrison & Wilby. He had no means, but succeeded to Harrison's business by the aid of the latter tlrm. He united dealing in coals with his trucking, and then inveisted in a wharf at the North End, in Lynn-street. BARTLETT, SIDNEY. A lawyer from the Old Colnny. Formerly partner with Lemuel Shaw, now Chief Justice — and a leading practitioner. BARTLETT, THOMAS, A retired druggist of long high standing in Cornhill, near State street, at the sign of the " Good Samaritan." One of the few in whom physicians and the public had great confidence — and a gen- tleman. BASSETT, FRANCIS. Studied law with Timothy Bigelow. Has been Member of the State Legislature and Clerk of the U. S. District and Circuit Courts, He is a bachelor. BA'I'ES, JOHN D. Son of a ship-master and merchant, late of Concord, delated to Joshua Bates, of Barings' house, London, [see Wm. Gray.] Du- 6 THK ARI3TOCRA01 i^? BOSTON. ring his minority, he served several years with a heavy mercantile house in Europe. BELKNAP, JOHN. Son of the late Dr. Belknap, minister of Federal-st. Church, before Dr. Channing, and historian of New J^ampshire. Professor McKean, who succeeded John Quincy Adams at Cambridge, preached there also, immediately before Dr. Channing, in the old church, before the preserit was built. Mr. Ijelknap was always one of Boston's retiring, prudent, '-snug," and honorable men, principally in the Calcutta trade, not largely at once. Un- fortunately his eye-sight lias been impaired. He derived benefit from the sci' entilic skill of Dr. Elliot, the celebrated oculist of New-York. His brotlier Jeremiah was partner of a house in MarseilleSj and embarked in a granite quarry at Quincy, that furnished the stone for the present New-York Ex- change, under the direction of that deserving architect, Solomon Willard, who was also tlic architect of the Bunker Hill Monument. BELL, JOSEPH. From Haverhill, N. H., where he acquired his fortune. He and Kufus Choate married sisters of the family of Olcott, of Hanover. He has been a member of the Legislature. BIGELOW, JACOB. A respectable physician, and son of a clergyman in Sudbury, — once Rumford Professor in Harvard, — now Professor of Materia Medica in the Medical College. When Dr. James Jackson retired from active practice, he recom.mended Dr. Bigelow to many families. He has published on botany. Under a demure, almost bashful exterior, he possesses great shrewdness and dry humoi' — it was " human nature," for him to parody "the ode to the passions." BINNE Y, AMOS. Son of the late Col. Amos Binney, one of the few na- tives of Hull, forty years ago, kept a small retail grocery in Salem or Hull- 8t., and then at the lower end of Long Wharf He was a man of enterprise, great sagacity, and a decided democrat, and leading man with the Methodists. He was appointed Navy Agent, during the war of 1812, when the government was straitened for means, treasury notes at twenty-five per cent, discount. He exerted himself with energy and success, to fit out the U. S. ships of war- He was one of the founders of the New England Glass Company, at Lech- nure Point, from his intimacy with Daniel and Joseph S. Hastings, and Derning Jarvis, and influenced E. & A. Winchester to build there extensive provision and soap and candle works near the glass works. Cragie's Bridge followed their improvements. Andrew Cragie was a large holder of Yazoo scrip, but derived little benefit from the government appropriation for its partial payment. He was Jorccd to meet payments at the Boston Bank, his endorsers buying the scrip as sold at auction, for one-third its ultimate value. BINNEY, JOHN, kept a ship chandlery and grocery on Long Wharf, The present Mr. Binney married John's daughter. May his taste for natural science be devoted with his father's zeal for the benefit of his country, and his wealth used with his father's judicious benevolence ! BLAKE, SARAH. Widow of Edward Blake, till the war of 1812 a large importer of British dry goods, in State-st. — then in the commission business with Isaac McLellan, as Blake and McLellan — on Mr. Blake's death, McLellan & Chadwick, (see Ebenezer Chadwick.) Mrs. Blake is one of the two daugh- ters of Samuel Parkman, by his first wife. Edward Tuckerman married the other. BLAKE, MRS. Widow of Joshua, brother of George, the late U, S. Dis- trict Attorney. Joshua was a captain in David Hinckley's employ, in the Medi- terranean, and made money in it. After quitting the sea, he continued in the Sicily, and embarked in the Calcutta trade. Francis Stanton, one of the " Algerines," (see George Hallet) his brother-in-law, who died a bachelor, and whose wealth fell mostly to Mrs. Blake, was often concerned with him. lilll 4.RISTOCKACY OF BOSTON. BLAKE, GEORGE, was nppointed U. S. Dlsuict AlUn-ney '0/ President Jefferson, and lield that office till removed by Gen. Jackson. He was an ardent republican in. .Funtiiil Hall, but iii.t a ready speaker. Afler the choice of Mr. Adams, liis republicanism grew cold ; in fact, he was constitutionally afllicted with chills. In a barber's shop he dolfed more clothes than was ever done by any actor in playing the grave-digger in Hamlet. He w^as a patron of the theatre, and a crony of Cooke, &c. BLAKE, FRANCIS, another brother, a lawyer in Worcester, died young, in public life, a federalist, who gave promise of much higher talent than Oeorge possessed. BOIES, JEREMUH SMITH. First a paper, and then a cotton manufac- turer, above Milton Bridge, — a venerable and respected gentleman of the old school, and a thorough business man, aged nearly ninety, John Bussey, his near neighbor, and father of Captain Bussey, in the Liver- pool, and brother of the wealthy Benjamin of Boston, deserves equally to be remembered. •BORDMAN, WM. H., the late, was of the firm of Bordman & Pope, on India Wharf [see Pope, Pascal P.,] engaged in the North West, and Canton trade, — a very large private underwriter. His accomplished and celebrated daughter married H. G, Otis, Jr. BORDMAN, WILLIAM, had, I think, but one child, who married Wm. Lawrence. BORDMAN, LYDIA. Widow of William Bordman, who lived in Han- over-st., in the house standing back to back with the Codman estate, afterwards Earfs Coftee House. He removed thence into Hancock-st. He was originally a hatter, and was commonly called " Black Bill Bordrnan," from having been engaged, as was said, in the trade in blacks. BORLAND, JOHN, began life as one of the firm ofOlTver, Borland & Ab- bot, auctioneers, in Kilby-street, and then on Central Wharf, including general commissions — inherited a fortune from his uncle, James Lloyd ; chosen senator from Massachusetts, after John Quincy Adams resigned. Among other Eng- lish agencies, Mr. Lloyd had that of S. Smith Clapham &Eastburn, of Leeds. Mr. James Saslburr) was afterwards of the firm of Eastburn, Kirk & Co., ex- tensive publishers in New-York. He was well read, especially in Theology, and a liberal Methodist. Bishop Eastburn is his son. Another son died soon after graduating ; he had given promise of great talent. BOURNE, EZRA A., from Sandwich, Cape Cod, was first in the crockery trade with William Wood — afterwards W. & T, N. Wood. Mr. Bourne was attacked with bleeding at the lungs, and travelled south — rode much on horse- back in the upper part of Georgia, and recovered his health. He then kept a crockery store No. 1 South Row. He lived with his mother, in a small house, near Dr. Lowells' church, of which he was a member, in Staniford-street, and inherited a small property. On the death of William Ward, he was chosen president of the State Bank. Late in life, he married the widow of Charles Thorndike. He was always quick, careful in every thing, and highly honorable. BOWDITCH, NATHANIEL L. Son of the late Dr. Nath. Bowditch, the celebrated mathematician, — translator of La Place's great work, " La Me- canique Celeste," — -more extensively and practically useful, as the corrector of the tables in Blunt's Navigator. He had been many years president of an insurance office in Salem, and reluctantly removed to Boston, to become presi- dent of the Life Insurance Company, at a salary of $5000 per annum. Eben, Francis was said to have had great influence in promoting this wise step, proper THE ARISTOCRACY OF BOSTON'. tables fitr rstimnting tho value of human life being yet hardly formed, and the uhole subject of annuities imperfectly understood, Nr. N. L. Bowditch married a daughter of Eben. Francis, and is well versed in real estate practice. BRADFORD, CHARLES F., nj. Pollard, (afterwards street inspector,) was a favorite. Judge Dawes was always heard with welcome. "Little Tommy's lisp," dry humor, jokes, and ^sop-like tales, always put to the purpose, produced many a rcjar and loud hurrah. Moffet spoiled him. But, after all, Otis was the master popular speaker, and could not fail to charm the most fastidious. At times there were speakers on the " Republican" side, but not at strictly party caucuses. It is a New York (not a Boston) fashion, for one party to break up the party-meeting of another. After Charles Jervis' death, the Republican Party had little speaking talent. Old Benj. Austin, Geoige Blake, James F. Austin, Eben. Clough, and " Old Adams,'" the wire-sieve mender, were nearly all. If ever an object of contempt deserved pity, James T. Austin did, in Web- ster's first reply to him, in old Faneuil. He was torn limb from limb, and hung up piecemeal — dangling — the scorn of all. On one occasion, 1810 or 1811 — the era of good feelings — the two parties dined together on the 4th of July. Twelve hundred in that noble hall ! Benj. Austin was the principal writer in the " Independent Chronicle," and Hved in an old fashioned frame house at the corner of Hancock and Cambridge- etreets. When Cook first played lago at the Federal-street Theatre, he denounced ^he play — OtheUo's black love being likely to corrupt American daughters ! THE ARISTOCRACY OP BOSTON. 1^ COOKE, JOSIAH P. A lawyer, from Keene, N. H., who has been, for a lonjT time, faithful and diligent ; and, what rarely happens in his profession, as the world says, " of i'ew words, and modest." ^ COOLIDGE, JOSEPH In tlie China trade. Grandson of Joseph Cool- idge, first a goldsmith, then in partnership with Samuel Parkman. Lived in the huuse west corner of Bowdoin and Cambridge-streets. Joseph, his son, lived on the entrance from Court-street to that oddly named West Boston Square, next to Fulham's stable and dwelling-house. The house was once kept as a boarding-house by Mr. Bond, once a broker in Flag-alley, just out of State-street, — George Bond's father, (late of Whitwell, Bond & Co., the old Games' house.) CORDIS, THOMAS. Formerly of Bellows, Cordis & Jones, importers of British dry goods. When Thomas Gushing failed in the hardware business with Charles Scudder, Cordis slid into it, by providing capital for Scudder. John Bellows, (of Bellows, Cordis & Jones,) was afterwards President of the Manufacturers' and Mechanics' Bank. The Rev. H. W. Bellows — a Unitarian minister in New York — is his ire," fruit and provision dealers, chiefly pork, and large lemon dealers. DVVIGirr, EDMUiND. From Springfield. Married a daughter of the late Samuel Eliot ; and has made large donations to carry out Horace Mann'a plan of nontial schools. Thirty-five years ago, James and Henry Dvvight, of Springfield, were pro- bably the most extensive country traders that came to Boston. They had stores in Northampton and otlier country towns. Their heavy goods went in sloops up the Connecticut River. As the younger branches of the family came for- ward, they spread. An impi^rting house was established in Boston. The beloved and lamented William H. Dwight was lost when the Albion was wrecked on the coast of Ireland. The Bank at Geneva, N. Y., was established by them. One of the family was President. Edmund has not toiled in the drudgery of active business. He is clear- headed, and sagacious in counsel. He always liked the Suffolk corner, to the annoyance, it has been said, of his father-in-law, who had given close, active attention to business. ELIOT, SAMUEL A. Son of the late Samuel Eliot. Studied divinity at Cambridge, but has not been ordained. Ex-mayor, and promoted useful reforms in the Fire Department. Like his late lamented brother, William H,, he is fond of music, and is President of the Boston Academy. He married a daughter of the late Theodore Lyman. William H. was the prime mover in building the Tremont House. He gave a great impulse to musical taste. He had heard Italian music in Italy, and had loved it, especially Rossini's, in its native language. The adaptations of Thompson, with their delightful poetry, had lost the charm of Rossini and Mozart. Samuel Eliot was a true Sir Oliver Oldschool — with cocked hat, breeches, open bosom, and large ruffle ; no cloak or over-coat in the coldest weather; and of stalely politeness. Sir Samuel ! — could it have been ! The value of wealth is little here. We cannot found a family. We have no law of entail. He little knew how many of his family were Nature s noblemen — and would receive more precious honors from their fellow citizens, than his wealth could confer upon them. Like other sensible men, he loved old wine, old books, and imported dry goods in the old store at the west corner of little old Wil- son's Lane, at the entrance to old Cornhill from Old Dock Square ; and died, the only American we have ever known who deplored the want of an aristo- cracy. He lived in Tremont-street, opposite the stone chapel, or King's Cha- pel, and had a good library. FAIRBANKS, STEPHEN. From Dedham. (Fairbanks, Loring & Co.. old hardware dealers, long in Union-street.) FALES, SAMUEL. Began a retailer of dry goods in Washington-street; then wholesale-man in dry goods ; and in the African trade with Samuel San- ford, (not slave trade ;) now President of the L^nion Bank. FAY, RICHARD S. Son of the Hon. S. P. P. Fay. Judge of Probate for Middlesex County, in which office he succeeded that corrupt Judge, James Prescott, of Groton, who was tried before the Legislature in 1816 — and broken, though defended by Daniel Webster, Richard S, has the confidence of several large corporations, and is their treasurer. 16 THE AKISTOCRACV OF lioSiON. More than twenty years ago, Judge Fay co-operated with the late Abraham Bigelow — excellent gentleman ! — long Clerk of the Couits in MiddUsex Coun- ty — to renovate that beautiful E|)iscopal Chuich on Cambridge Common, (op- posite the Colleges,) after it had long been without worship, and in a state of utter delapidation. To their honor be it remembered, all the officers of the College, though Unitarian, contributed. FROTHINGHAM, SAMUEL. An experienced bank officer, fi)rmerly of the State Hank ; transferred to the late U. S. Branch ; now again in the State, as President. A great and deserved favorite with the late William Gray. FOSTER, JAMES H. Has dealt long, steadily, and quietly, in paper- hangings. A most worthy man. Connected by marriage with the family of John they do good w^th their money. A week hardly passes, without some report of large munificence. Institutions connected with education seem to receive their first attention. Simple manners add charms to their gifts. J William Lawrence came to Boston after Amos and Abbott were established, and went also into the dry goods business. He married the only daughter of William Bordman, [see Bordman, Lydta,] with large expectations : then Sook as partner Samuel, (now at Lowell ;) then Mr. Stone — and the firm be- THE ARISTOCRACY OF BOSTON. 2S came W. & S, Lawrence & Stone. His career in business has been somewhat similar to that of his brothers. The source of his wife's fortune may have infused a more adhesive property into his. The Hurd concern at Lowell, [see HuRi),] forced them Jiiore into the manufacture of woollens — not yet so safely and profitably established as cottons. LOD<_tE, (iILES An l-'Jnglishman. Came from Liverpool 50 or 55 years a'^o. John and Adam Ijodrre, his brothers, (among the first American mer- cliants in Liverpool at that time,) aided him. They were the sliipping houses of the Wiggins, Appletons, and all the principal importing houses. Giles was an importer of dry goods, hats, &c. He married a Miss Langdon — a sister uf the wife of Tht)mas Cardis. After living in Green-street, he bought the elegant house at the foot of the common in Boylstcm-street, built by Nathaniel Tucker, who had acquired a fortune in the wholesale grocery business in JNIer- chants'-row — first Alanson and Nathaniel, then Beza and Nathaniel. Nathaniel Tucker was more fortunate than Thomas Day, (not the "old Thomas," nor the " young Thomas," of the old glee he loved so well — but the author of "Sandford and Merton,") who educated tivo orphan girls, from whom he might choose a wife — but neither would have him ! Tucker educated but one — and she did have him. Tucker afterwards retired to Newtown, where he died prematurely. He was one of the early promoters of the Handel and Haydn Society. « To return to Mr. Lodge. He is a quiet, good man — and, were foreigners always as quiet, there vvouhl be less corruption in politics ; few votes would be bought or sold, either for rum or office : but, for forty years, corruption l;a3 gone on increasing. Thousands of foreigners are annually bought before they are naturalized; by many, perjury is committed ; and yet each party — tliat should be Americans — vies with the other for success in the damning pro- cess ! Where will it end ? This has meaning : the writer refers to what he hicw in Boston, of the first men of both parties, nearly forty years ago. LORING, CALEB. Of the late firm of Loring & Curtis, merchants, and he long a large underwriter. His first wife — Ann Greeley, of Marblehead — v.'as mother of his children. Mis second wife was the daughter of the late Rev. Mr. Lathrop. He is a native of the large town of Hull, atid was a member of the Massachusetts Senate in 1S.2S. LORING, CHARLES G. Son of Caleb. Studied law with Chas. Jack- son — the best school for law, manners, ami morals. He is a good scholar, and reaps his reward in a large Dractice aiid the confidence of all who know him. LORING, BENJAMIN. Of Hingham. Whitman, the annalist, (of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company,) says of him, that ho is universally popular and justly esteemed, and that there is as much of a benediction in his countenance, as in that of the late President Ivirkland. His brothers were — George, of Malaga, (justly celebrated for his dried fiuit — ''Loring's" brand l)eing preferred to all others;) he left a large foitunc: Josiah, a stationer, and successful maker of cheap and improved globes : and Elijah, long wharfinger of Long Wharf, agent for George of Malaga, and a Director of the Eagle Bank. LOWELL, REV. CHARLEfci, D. D.,— The amiable n,inister of the West Church, (Unitarian — formerly that of the celebrated Dr. Chauncey,) — is son o[' the late Judge Lowell, of the U. S. District Couit; tlesccnded from an old Newbury family. The Rev. Dr. resides at Cambridge, and is father of Lowell, the poet. LOWELL, FRANCIS C.,— Is son of the late Francis C. Lowell, another son of Judge Lowell, to whom, more than any other individual, belongs the credit of establishing the Waltham cotton factory, (the precursor of those at 26 THE AUISTOCRACY OP BOSTON. Lowell,) tlial ruinie he'liiir (fiveti to liis liouse. He wore out a feeble frame in study and anxiety to efi'ect these objects. A son of the late Francis C, (John Lowell. Jr.) matried a dauu;hter of good Jonathan Amory. Losing his wife and children, he travelled abroad, and died in Egypt, having by will fmuided the " Lowell Institute." Mr. Francis C. Lowell is Actuary to the Massachusetts Hospital Life Insurance Company. LOWELL, JOHN A.., — Is son of the late John Lowell, another son of Jud^e Lowell. He was an able lawyer, and zealous in politics and all useful public works. His ardent spirit gave impetus to, and carried through, the pro- ject of the Mill Dam ; in fact, he gave fire to all he did, and great knowledge and sagacity. As zealous in horticulture and agriculture — residing in ]»ox- bury. He was the " Boston rebel " of forty years since. The Lowell Build- ings in School-strcft were put up by him. By the will of his late nephew above named, he was made First Curator of the Lowell Institute, with power to appoint his successor — which he did, in the person of his son, Mr. John A, Lowell, who is atrent also for several Lowell factories. LYMAN, GEORGE H. .Son of the late Theodore Lyman, who came Ut Bostorn a Sergeant. PARKER, SAMUEL D. Son of the late Rev. Dr. Parker, Rector of Trinity Church, and Bishop of the Eastern Diocese, who remained faitlifully with bis clunch duiing the Revolutionary War. The Bishop once preached a sermon before the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, vvitli great applause. A few days after, he was complimented in one of the papers for the eloquence of his discourse ; and a conclusion of its excellence was given, V)y its agreeing so closely with a sermon of the celebrated Saurin ! The first five volumes (jf Saurin's sermons had just appeared, translated by Robert Ro- binson, a noted Baptist minister of Cambridge, who afterwards became an Arian or Socinian. Robert Hall was afterwards minister of the same church. PRATT, GEORGE. Son of the late Capt. John Pratt, who followed a successful trade in the Gulf of Mexico, while Spain was at war with England. Retired from sea, and was the first to run regular packets in the New Orleans trade; and after George had had a good training, formed with him, John Pratt & Son — still keeping in tlie New Orleans packet and cotton trade. John bought the large house at the head of Pearl-street, formerly owned by Jona- than Harris, called "Harris's Folly.*' George married a daughter of Giles Lodge. Excellent parentage on both sides! His industry and prudence have deserved and secured wealth; and his kind lieart and cheerful temper will make him happy. PRESCOTT, WILLIAM H. Son of that safe, industrious, sagacious, and eminent lawyer, the late William Prescott, and grandson of Col. Prescott, who commanded the American troops at Bunker Hill. Mr. Prescott studied law with Ins father, and inherited a large fortune from him, which was increased by marriage in the Amory family. But he has dis- tinguished himself above all the honors of wealth, by his ability as an his- torian — one of the first (perhaps the first) of the age. His Histories of " Fer- dinand and Isabella," the " Conquest of Mexico," and the " Conquest of Peru," have achieved European reputation. American books are read, and praised. The merit of these books is enhanced by the perseverance that has overcome the difliculties under which they were composed. While at the University. he received an injury in one of his eyes, that deprived him of the sight of it. The other became so much debilitated, that for many years together it has been useless for reading and writing. The reader is referred to the Preface to his " Conquest of Peru," for an affecting account of his disadvantages and inge- nious contrivances. Manly courage and cheerful piety have sustained him in his struggles. PUTNAM, MISS CATHARINE. Daughter and only child of the late Jesse Putnam, of the firm of Putnam & Ingafls, in Kilby-street. Mr. Putnam was deservedly and highly reputed for mercantile knowledge, good judgment, and undoubted integrity. He was much called upon in cases of reference and arbitration. His steady democracy never lost him a friend in the hottest parly times. Suavity and goodnature, such as his, softened baser tempers in others. As might be expected, from being long the companion of such a father, Miss Putnam's mind is highly accomplished by extensive reading and study. QUINCV, JOSIAH. Descended from a time-honored ancestry, has been distinguished by great ardor and energy through a long life. Previous to the war of 1S12, he was a ranting Federal spouter in Faneuil Hall; and :n Con- THE ARISTOCRACY OF BOSTON. 29 gress uttered the foolish taunt, that the Government could not be" kicked into a war." It was about the time that he said of Henry Clay, that "he spent his days in a gambling-house, and his nights in a brothel !" Mr, Clay, however, paid him in his own coin, when he remarked of him, in a debate subsequent to this, that "he soiled the carpet on which he stood!" and that as Judas Iscariot would be remembered through all time, for his betrayal of the Savior, so he (Quincy) would be held in abject remembrance for his remarks upon Jefferson. He was Judge of the Municipal Court on the trial of Buckingham for a libel on Maffit. His charge denied the old doctrine, — "the greater tho truth, the greater the libel." As Mayor of Boston, he projected the new mar- ket, and the noble ranges of stores where formerly stood the dangerous and unsightly buildings of Merchants' Row and Codman's Wharf. He was un- wearied in his efforts to promote cleanliness in the streets, remove obstruc- tions from the sidewalks, and to jmrify the hill. Bcnj. Pollard was his lieu- tenant, and was closely trotted after by the Mayor on his pony. He was afterwards elected President of Harvard University. Mr. Quincy married into the Phillips' family. He has been a zealous co- operator in agricultural improvements. Brighton Fair and Cattle Show alv/ays found him there. Hearty, fearless energy, has made Mr. Quincy a useful man. QUINCY, JOSIAH, Jr. — The present Mayor of Boston, inherits many of the good qualities of his father, softened by greater amenity. Like him he is fortunate by the progress of great public improvements during his mayoralty. The new water-works will eclipse the new market. He married the only daughter of the late Samuel R. Miller, [see Gore, Mrs. .Iohn,] with a moderate fortune. His principal wealth is the reward of merit, from trusts faithfully executed. REED, BENJAMIN T. President of the Eastern Rail-Road and of the Shawmut Bank. His father married a niece of the late Mrs. Willians Gray, (Miss Blackler.) Pie had not been successful in business at Marblehead ; and for him Mr. Gray built the mill in the Mill Dam, for grinding corn and wheat, and furnished money to carry it on. This investment has resulted badly for the Gray family. They could not get rid of it. Tha iron works were added by Horace Gray, to use the whole water power. Benevolence prompted the first purchase. The property is now carried on by Wm. Appleton. REVERE, .lOSEPH W. Son of Paul Revere, of venerable revolutionary memory, and eminent as a bell-founder and copper-smith. Joseph W. succeeded his father in the same line, conducting it with sagacity and prudent enterprize. He has a son, (Dr. Revere,) who is distinguished as a professor in the Medical and Surgical College of the University of New York. Dr. Mott, (the Warren at least of that city,) is a professor in the same College. RICE, HENRY G. From Brookfield. Formerly an importer of British dry goods, first as Rice & Reed — then Rice, Reed & Co., who were not suc- cessful. Mr. Rice married a daughter of Wm. H. Boardman, of the firm of Board man & Pope, and by her inheritance the fortunes of Mr. Rice were much bettered. His lady is sister to the celebrated and accomplished widow of the late Harrison Gray Otis, jr. RICHARDS, REUBEN. Served his time with John Odin, long in the hardware business in Dock Square — now in metals, in South-Market Street. The hardware business requires very close application ; this, and constant deal- ing in files and sharp instruments, may give a keen edge to the faculties. RICHARDSON JEFFREY — RICHARDSON JAMES B. — RICH- ARDSON BENJAMIN P. Brothers, extensively in the wire trade, of long 30 THE ARISTOCRACY OF BOSTON. Standing and great indiistiy and shrewdness, at the head of Central Wharf on India Street. ROBBINS, EDWARD H. Son of Lieutenant-Governor Robbins, of Mil- ton. Was educated for a physician, but jireferred speculation in real estate, and finally succeeded in securing a fortune. He has a vigorous and manly mind. He married a daughter of Barnabas Hedge, of Plymouth, once very wealthy. Lieutenant-Governor Robbins was celebrated for great ])nwer8 of memory, and for his loose manner of business, under many embarrassments. He will be remembered " down easf," as having been the original proprietor of what is now Rohhlnton, in Washington County, Me. He was in the habit of visiting that place frequently about forty years ago. He was Lieutenant-Crovernor at the time Caleb Strong was Governor. ROGERS, HENRY B. Studied law with Charles Jackson. Is son of the late Daniel Denison Rogers, who had been in the dry goods business, and later in life moved in stocks and notes, and invested also in good real estate. Henrv B. deserves all good fortune. RdSSELL, NATHANIEL P. Was Long quiet, diligent, and saving in the business of Marine Insurance — first as Secretary to the New-England, y with P. C. Brooks, President. He married a daughter of the late Samuel f] Hammond, and from her property and his own, he invested in manufactures, and lias grown rich. SALISBURY, SAMUEL. Son of the late Samuel Salisbury, a deacon of the Old South Church, with Deacon Phillips, and also a director of the Massa- chusetts Bank. He was in partnership with his brother Stephen — S. & S. Salisbury — in British dry goods and hardware. Stephen retired to Worcester, with wealth, and has succeeded Daniel Waldo there as President of the old Worcester Bank, that would never pay tribute to the Suffolk Bank. SEARS, DAVID. Inherited a large fortune — nearly a million — fiom his father, of the same name. He married a daughter of the late .Tonathan Mason. He has invested laigely in manufacturing corporations ; and, by his ample means, decision, and sagacity, has profited by the reverses of some concerns, where smaller capitals have been lost. Mr. Sears is a roan of cultivated mind, refined taste and manners, and of large public views. He left Dr. Channing's church when St. Paul's was built, and joined that parish. He has been a liberal benefactor to that church and several other public institutions. His project for abolishing slavery, deserves more attention than it appears yet to have received. Previous to the war of 1812, he commanded the Cadets, and has recently been recalled to that com- mand, to retrieve the declining fortunes of that select company. Twenty -five years ago, t)ie residence of Mr. Sears on Beacon-street was considered the best house in Boston. He has a cottage at Nahant, and another seat at tW. mouth of Penobscot River, His father joined with the late Col. Thorndike and Wm. Prescott, in the purchase of several islands in that vicinity, and other property in different parts of Maine. SHAW, ROBERT GOULD. Came to Boston young and poor: a distant relation of the late Samuel Parkman — one of whose daughters, by his second wife, he married. For several years he was princijial of the firm of Shaw. Barker & Bridge, auctioneers, in State, nearly opposite Kili)y-street ; after- wards, of the firm of Tuckerman, Shaw & Rogers, (Edward Tuckerman, who had married a daugliter of Mr. Parkman's first wife,) large importers of British goods, in Dock Stjuare. Subsequently, he kept on Central Wharf, in the Sicily and Trieste trade, and general shipping and commission business — uniting with THK ARISTOCRACY OP «OSTON. 31 Him, Mr. Perkins, (brought up bim — a son of Samuel Perkins, a house painter and floor-cloth manufacturer,) antl one of his sons. The bland manners of Mr. Sliavv, made him early friends ; and the great confidence reposed in him by Mr. Parkman, gave him great command of capital for any emergency. He could and would always advance, on undoubted secu- rity, for an aderjuaie commission. In the spiing of ISIG, he sold Wm. (Cray's notes, received for Rice & Savage's (afterwards Commercial) Wharf,) at 2^ per cent, per month, to raise money to make advances with. Treasury note* were worth but 75 cents on the dollar. What must they have paid who re- ceived the advances? The money pressure was very great. . The Southern banks were trying to resume specie payments. Mr. Shaw has always been a thorough and diligent desk man. He examiTied every bill and amount himself, and for a long time kept his own books. Forty five years ago, auction-sales in Bostim were disgraced, almost univer- sally, with by-bidding. The practice was so general, that no disgrace or dis- honor was thought to attach to it. Of course, it was met by combinations among buyers — ^fraud contending against fraud ! — auctioneers base enough to be tools ! Mr. Shaw long contiimed wedded to this practice, from force of habit. Francis George Shaw, the Fourierite, and translator of George Sands' works, is a son, and lives now on Staten-Island, N. Y. His wife is a daughter of Wm. Sturges. Another son is a Roman Catholic priest, and has recently returned from Rome, where he has been completing his studies. SHAW, LEMUEL. Chief-Justice of the Supreme Court of Massachusetts. Son of the Rev, Oakes Shaw, of Barnstable. Married a daughter of Josiah Knapp, the distiller. He was many years attorney of the New-England Bank, and in moderate practice only as a lawyer. But, he was much engaged in important references, so that his sound and comprehensive mind vvas well known. Public opinioa pointed to him as the successor of Chief-Justice Par- ker. Orthodox influence could not prevent it. Chief-Justice Shaw is an Uni- tarian. WARREN, JOHN C. The eminent surgeon— the Valentine Mott of Bos- ton — succeeded his father. Dr. John Warren, in practice. In reputation and science, he has far surpassed him. Dr. John Warren was zealous in the cause of his country during the Revo- lution, and served as a surgeon through the war. General Jnseph Warren was a volunteer, and killed at Bunker Hill. Twenty years ago, his remains were removed to Dr. Warren's tomb under St. Paul's Church, and a monument to his memory erected by Dr. W., — with an epitaph, elegant for its Latiiuty — fronting the eastern entrance to the cemetery. Dr. Warren has married daughters of the late Jonathan Mason and Lieu- tenant-Governor Winthrop. He took a warm interest in the settlement of Dr. Potter at St. Paul's Church, where he was a warden. He is zealous and active in the cause of temperance. Since that time, few men have grown. to fill so wide a span of usefulness as Alunzo Potter — now Bishop of Pennsylvania. He has fulfilled Bishop Hobart's opinion of his early promise, when he selected him as President of the new College at Groneva, at twenty-seven years of age. To great talent he unites wisdom in government. President Wayland, an early friend, said of him, "He is a great foot!" WILLL\MS. JOHN D. Of the firm John D. & Moses Williams. Has long been eminent as a dealer in wine and spirits, especially -on the neck. He was first a market gardener from Roxbury, where his brother long followed the same calliBg. A long life of devoted industry and economy has made him 32 THE ARISTOCRACY OP BOSTON. very rich. Few men l)ave understood better liow to adapt vvii.e and spirits to different tastes He always took ^reat care in selecting — and his taste was coiisideied good — that many of the fust retail grocers were always willing to pay a profit for his selections, in his teas as well as the above articles. WILLIAMS, MOSES. A biother— bred by John D., and then taken as 8. partner. He now manages the business. WINCHESTER, WM. PARSONS. Son of the late Edmund Winchester, of the firm of E. A. & VVm. P. Winchester; and as that firm (the first pro- vision-house in America,) is still continued, we shall include all the piincipal parties in this notice. Edmund and Amasa came from Newton about fifty-five years ago. * The butcher's stall in Faneuil-Hall Market was attended by Amasa for about thirty years, while ^'dmund was the out-door man, and buyer at Brighton. Their talent and industry early attracted the notice of the late Ebenezer Parsons, who offered, unsolicited, to endorse for them at the Massachusetts Bank — which he did until his death. When that took place, that Bank discounted all they wanted, without endorser. This command of capital enabled them to go into the market at all times. In the packing season, they killed at Lechrnore Point — a thousand head weekly. Their packing business is now principally at Cincinnati. Their brands for beef, pork, soap, and candles, have always stood the first in the country — and this credit is mainly due to the unwearied efforts of Edmund Winchester. Edmund Winchester was long a zealous Federalist of the old school, and very influential among country members. He was of great natural talent, great energy, and a Gillite Baptist, of the First Baptist Church — living near by in Richmond-street. Amasa was less prominent, and more retiring. His taste and knowledge of music was self-acquired, and extensive. He was zealous for its advancement, and for many years led the choir of Dr. Stillman's church. He was many years Pret.ident of the Handel and Haydn Society, and a member of several other musical societies. To no individual is Boston more indebted in time, talent, and purse, in promoting the culture of music. Handel and Mozart were his favorites. For many years after Dr. Stillman's death, ho worshipped at Dr. Sharp's. He died in December, 1846. Boston never had two better or more useful citizens. William P. was bred with his father and uncle, and early admitted a partner. He married the only daughter of the late Thomas D. Brashe, by whom he had a large fortune — nearly a million. He follows up the business with the family energy — going west every winter, to superintend the purchases of pork, and packing, &c. Col. Winchester (of the Cadets) has shown the partialities of the family for aquatic sports, by his fine yacht, the " NortherTi Light." Like his father, he avoids public office. Postscript. — It will be observed, that several of the pai'ties we have here mentioned, have lately deceased. This would have been slated in its proper place, had the author been able to have overlooked the proofs while the work was passing through the press. Another number will be issued in a few weeks, and it is probable that the work will be extended to yet other numberS; so as to include the prominent men of other places as well as Boston. *^* Any person furnishing important and reliable matter for the future num- bers of this work, will be fully compensated. Address, with real name, " Publisher Boston Aristocracy, Boston Post-Office." Boston, February^ 1848. H^ 107 89 I'* < '0^ .^^°- '-^. •-.^^; ^,^^°-^ ^^^^>* >^-<.. " - " — - .•^-. u^^ <^^. '° «?^"-^