History of Amesbury - Merrill.org

382 HISTORY OF AMESBURY.
Abner L. Bailey was authorized by the legislature to continue
his wharf at the Ferry and extend the same easterly on the
Merrimac and Powow rivers to low water mark, and to lay ves-
sels at its head and receive wharfage.
An effort was made this year to unite the towns of Amesbury
and Salisbury. An act was obtained from the legislature for
that purpose, authorizing the union under the name of Merri-
mac. ,
But,
as the act required the consent of both towns at a
meeting held for that purpose, the project failed. Both towns
decided against the union. This was the second attempt to
alter the limits of these towns.
A charter was obtained for the construction of a horse rail-
road from Newburyport to Amesbury with a capital of $120,000,
to be divided into shares of $100 each, and the road was sub-
sequently built and has proved a profitable investment.
The Horton Hat Company was organized this year by Mr.
Alfred Bailey and others, and commenced the manufacture of
hats in Mr. Bailey's building at the Ferry, which was fitted for
that purpose.
A national bank was this year organized at West Amesbury
with a capital of $50,000, which has since been increased to
$200,000. The directors were Patten Sargent, Thomas T. Mer-
rill, John S. Poyen, Benjamin F. Sargent, William Gunnison.
President, Patten Sargent; cashier, William H. Haskell.
1865.
Two roads were accepted as laid out by the selectmen at
West Amesbury, extending from the Landing road to School
street.
Aug. 2d. A town meeting was held for the purpose of pur-
chasing hose for the engines, and the selectmen were instructed
to purchase one thousand feet.
By-laws prohibiting fast driving were adopted, with a fine of
$20 attached, and were approved by the superior court.
The Great Rebellion closed in the early part of the year and
the soldiers, who had so nobly fought, "came marching home"
crowned with victory and honor. But in the hour of triumph
there was sadness, for some came not again and many hearts