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

ANNALS OF LYNN 1887. 337
often in the ability of those others, not half as honest as he, to
" read " him. He was one of the founders of the Second Congregational
(Unitarian) Society, and was a devoted member till
his death. He was for many years a member of Mount Carmel
Lodge of Freemasons, and likewise an accredited member of the
fraternity of Odd Fellows.
The Memorial Day address was delivered by Rev. Henry E.
Mott, of Newburyport, May 30.
Hon. James N. Buffum died June 12. He was for many
years a marked character among us
;
bright, busy, of positive
opinions, readiness of expression, great perseverance and withal
of kindly sympathies and benevolent instincts. He was born in
North Berwick, Me., May i6, 1807, and was what is usually called
a self-made man. And it would be doing violence to the general
sentiment of the community to intimate that he was not well
made. He married, April 20, 1831, a daughter of Dr. John
Lummus, and by her had three daughters, two of whom survive
him. He was twice Mayor— 1869 and 1872 ;
and likewise
served a term in the Legislature.
The Robert E. Lee Camp of Confederate Veterans,
of Richmond,
Va., visited Post 5 of the Grand Army, Lynn, June 18. A
banquet was held in a capacious tent on the Common, and the
most fraternal feeling was manifested among those who had
met as antagonists on the battle field. It was an occasion of
much more than ordinary interest. Col. Allen G. Shepherd
acted as Chief Marshal. A delegation of Post 5, 160 in number,
left Lynn, July i, on a return visit to the Confederate Veterans,
and after an absence of eight days reached home, on the whole
well pleased with their excursion.
On the 8th of July, the old mill on Saugus river, at the Boston
street crossing, was burned. This was a famdus mill, for generations,
and did faithful service as a grist, snuff, and spice mill.
More especially did its product in the shape of Childs's chocolate
become an admired article the world over.
On the 3d of August the Mayors of several Massachusetts cities
visited Lynn by invitation of Mayor Hart. The Mayors of Boston,
Brockton, Chelsea, Fitchburg, Gloucester, Haverhill, Lawrence,
Lowell, Newburyport, Northampton, Somerville, Waltham
and Worcester came. The conclusion of the day's entertainment
was a drive to Nahant, and a banquet at the Bass Point House.
Died, Aug. 7, at his home in Summer street, Hon. Edward S.
Davis, aged 79. He was a native of Lynn, and a descendant
of Rev. Stephen Bachelor, the first minister. There was a
marked difference between Mr. Buffum, just spoken of, and Mr.
Davis, the one being bold, aggressive and sometimes even defiant
; while the other was quiet and unassuming, possessing
indeed those amiable characteristics that are often mistaken for
Sup. 2.