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

33^ ANNALS OF LYNN 1887.
command of Lieut. Henn. A gold watch, bearing an engraved
representation of the yacht, was presented.
Nov. 22, the da}'^ on which ex-President Arthur was buried,
marks of respect were shown in Lynn by the closing of public
offices, raising flags at half-mast, and the execution of a dirge
on St. Stephen's bells.
The religious Society of the New Jerusalem
(Swedenborgian)
was formed this year. The French Catholic Church was also
organized.
1887.
On Thursday evening, Jan. 13, Washington Irving Bishop
gave an exhibition of his power of " mind reading," in Music
Hall, to an intelligent though rather small audience. A somewhat
pretentious circular had heralded his coming, giving accounts
of his marvelous success before sovereigns and nobles
in Europe. But it did not appear that his feats were more
astonishing than those of some others of humbler pretension
who had from time to time appeared here as illustrators of
*'
mental science."
A successful fair was held by Post 5 of the Grand Army,
commencing Feb. 15. The net proceeds amounted to $8,623.48.
On the 25th of February, President Cleveland sent to the U.
S. Senate a message vetoing the bill passed by Congress appropriating
$ico,ooo for the erection of a public building in Lynn,
chiefly for postofifice accommodation. The President's reasons
were generally viewed with candor though considerable disappointment
was felt.
On the 28th of Feb. the enthusiastic revivalist, " Sam Small,"
commenced a series of meetings in the First Methodist Church.
They were well attended, and closed March 6. Honest seekers
after good, and others from idle curiosity were there.
Henry A. Breed, a well-known citizen, died April 15, aged 86.
He was a descendant from the early Lynn settler, Allen Breed,
and a son of Thomas A. Breed, for many years onward from
18 1 3, landlord of Lynn Hotel, which, under his management,
attained an enviable reputation. Henry A. commenced his
active business life about 18 19, did a great deal in the building
line, and was zealous in forwarding improvements of almost
every kind. Being of a sanguine and somewhat credulous turn,
and withal attracted by projects of a speculative character, he had
serious business ups and downs ; the finality being of the latter
sort. But he always maintained the respect and good-will of his
fellow citizens by his genial manners, readiness to aid the unfortunate,
and other good qualities. His business prostrations
were undoubtedly sometimes attributable to over-confidence in
his own ability to " read " those with whom he dealt ; but more