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

340 ANNALS OF LYNN—
St. Luke's (Methodist) Church was dedicated October 28.
Hon. WilHam F. Johnson died at Nahant, Nov, 24. He
was born on Nahant, then a part of Lynn, July 30, 1819, and
was a son of the peninsular patriarch, Caleb Johnson, who
was also born there and lived to about the age of ninety.
The early education of Mr. Johnson was somewhat limited,
so far as book instruction was concerned, but his quick apprehension
and taste for reading, his penetrating examination
of current subjects, and patient inquiry into the wherefore of
things, soon placed him among the most intelligent. For the
wear and tear of mercantile life he soon seemed to discover
that he was not well adapted, and hence, as soon as circumstances
permitted, accepted more quiet and congenial employment.
For many years he was Secretary of the Lynn Mutual
Fire Insurance Company, and during his official period that
institution lost nothing of its high reputation. But his daily
duties at the desk did not prevent his cordial participation in
the benevolent, reformatory and social movements of the day.
The Hospital and the Home for Aged Women, especially,
had his sympathy, his labors, and his contributions. In municipal
affairs Mr. Johnson bore a conspicuous part for man}"
years, always doing faithful service. He held the office of
Mayor in 1858, fulhlling the duties with credit and ability.
He was genial in manners, a faithful friend and the enemy
of none ; and one of the attractive few who are welcome
every where. In religious affiliation he was for some time a
member of the Baptist connection, but in middle life became
a member of the Episcopal church, and remained steadfast in
that communion to the end of his life. For a number of years
he was a warden of St. Stephen's, and on the organization
of the Church of the Incarnation, was elected to the same
office in that body. He did much to promote the growth of
his beloved church in Lynn. Mr. Johnson was thrice married,
and left a widow and four children. His funeral took
place on the afternoon of Nov. 27, from the Church of the
Incarnation.
Lennox's brick factory. Market street, with other buildings,
was burned, Dec. 22. Loss, $136,000.
J.
W. Lewis & Co. of Philadelphia, publish their History
of Essex County, 2129 pages, large quarto. The Lynn
chapters occupy 127 pages. The first volume contains some
thirty fine portraits of business and professional citizens, accompanied
by biographical sketches.