History of Lynn, Essex County, Massachusetts, including Lynnfield ...

Biographical Sketches. Newhall. 189
in military affairs, attaining the rank of Brigadier General in the
Massachusetts Militia. When General Lafayette reviewed the
troops on Boston Common, during his visit to America, in 1824,
he was present in command of a regiment.
Lynnfield was incorporated as a separate town, in 18 14, and
General Newhall was her first Representative in the General
Court. He served also in 1826 and '27, and again in 1848. In
the administration of President Jackson, he held an office in the
Boston Custom House. He also at different times filled important
local ofBces. But his most congenial and satisfying resort
was the honorable occupation of farmer and horticulturist. There,
the results of his experiments and suggestions were often of much
value. He was kind-hearted, genial in manners, and ever ready
to lend a helping hand to the deserving who needed assistance.
The last time the writer had the pleasure of meeting him, was
on the occasion of the celebration of the Two Hundred and
Fiftieth Anniversary of the Settlement of Lynn, June 17, 1879.
He seemed greatly to enjoy the proceedings, and as the open
;arriage in which he sat moved along in the procession, on that
pleasant forenoon, was in fine spirits and highly interested in
observing the many evidences of thrift and improvement.
His wife was Rachel C, a daughter of Timothy Bancroft, and
they were the parents c^ nine children, only two of whom survived
him.
Newhall, Thomas and Anthony. These two individuals,
who were among the earliest settlers of Lynn, were brothers ; and
the first white child born within our borders was a son of the
former, who, at his baptism, which took place immediately after
the arrival of Rev. Mr. Bachelor, received the name of Thomas,
a name which seems to have been a favorite in the family as far
back as it can be traced. In the 1865 edition of our History
of Lynn may be found such genealogical references as v'U enable
many of the line living at this day, to trace their kinshij,. Dr.
James A, Emmerton and Henry F. Waters, Esq., of Salerh, *
few years since, in their researches in the old country, found in
the English archieves, the will of Thomas Newhall, dated in
1498, and proved April 22, ;
1499 and from that testator, it is
concluded, the Newhalls of Lynn descended. The will is in