History of Amesbury - Merrill.org

34-0 HISTORY OF AMESBURY.
Nov. i st. Presidential election was held and the small vote
of fifty-seven and twenty-nine showed the interest taken in the
contest.
The noted event of the year was the arrival of General
La Fayette in this country. No little enthusiasm was awakened
by the reception of this friend, who had rendered such valu-
able services nearly half a century since, in the cause of free-
dom. He arrived at Newburyport August 13th and spent the
night there. He was welcomed with every sign of joy. Trium-
phant arches lined his way and thousands flocked to see him.
Amesbury people were there in large numbers to catch a glimpse
of this French general and patriot, who had so nobly assisted
their fathers.
April 1 7th. Dr. Jonathan French died. His practice in town
was very successful. He lived in the house now owned by
James Follansbee previous to his temporary absence at New
York.
A post-office was this year established at West Amesbury and
Col. Edmund Sargent appointed postmaster.
1825.
One dollar was voted to each officer and soldier doing duty
at the brigade muster at Rowley.
The selectmen were chosen a committee to widen and
straighten the road from Charles Ramsey's to the Haverhill line.
The town having become satisfied that putting out the poor
was not the best way to support them, instructed the selectmen
to buy or hire a suitable farm for the purpose. The farm form-
erly owned by Matthias Merrill, near Saunders' hill, was accord-
ingly purchased and fitted to accommodate the poor.
Dr. Philip Towle commenced the practice of medicine at the
Ferry, taking the place of Dr. Rufus Hill, who removed to the
West. He was somewhat noted as a violin player of sacred
music, and for many years assisted the choir at the Sandy Hill
church, as many elderly persons well remember. He was highly
esteemed as a physician.
Maj. Thomas Hoyt died January 14th. He was a son of Capt.
Matthias Hoyt, who lived at the Highlands, and was a prom-