Genealogical notes of Barnstable families - citizen hylbom blog

36 GENEALOGICAL NOTES OF BARNSTABLE FAMILIES.
farm which he cultivated, raising a large quantity of
onions for market. He was master of a packet running
between Boston and Barnstable many years, and
in the fall carried a large quantity of onions to the
Boston market. He was tall, over six feet, and
well proportioned—a man that was never vexed
at anything. If a man assailed him, he would
always have a witty reply, and thus turn the tables
on his opponent. Many anecdotes are related of
him. In the article on the Annable family a characteristic
story is told of him. This packet was
called "the Somerset," not her real name—a small
craft—the remains of which lie in the raft dock at
Blushe's Point. One time he sailed from Barnstable
with a southwest wind. After crossing the bar his
vessel began to leak. Unable to keep her free by
pumping, he hove about to return, and continuing to
pump she was soon free. It did not take Capt. Isaac
long to find the trouble. A wicked rat had gnawed
a hole through the planking on the starboard side,
which was under water when on the other tack. He
made a plug, let himself down on the side of the vessel,
and drove it in the rat-hole, hove about and
went to Boston.
One year straw to bunch early ripe onions could
not be procured, and the farmers cut green bullrushes
for the purpose. Purchasers who wanted
onions for the West India market, objected to them.
In reply, Capt. Bacon said: "Gentlemen, these are
what are called 'tarnity onions'; they'll keep to all
eternity." He sold his onions, but the purchasers
had to throw them overboard in a week after.
Capt. Samuel Hutchins, no relation of Capt. Bacon's,
also run a packet to Boston and carried onions.
At one time he sold a load to be delivered in Salem.
Capt. Bacon heard of it, and having his vessel loaded,
sailed for Salem, and called on the merchant to buy.
The merchant said he had engaged a load of Capt.
Huckins. Capt. Bacon replied : "He is my son-inlaw
and these are the very onions."
The town records say the 7th child of John
Bacon, jr., was named Mark, the church records say