The history of Lynn - Lynn Massachusetts Genealogy Project

HI3T0RV OF LYNN. 253ing, with angry force, against the invincible barrier of rocks,that rises abruptly to check their course, dashing the whitefoam more than a hundred feet into the air, and sending thesalt spray far upon the green highland. The deep, heavyroar of the sea, as it is stopped in its majestic march by a slenderbar of sand, sounds like continuous thunder, and may heheard many miles.At no place, on the western continent, arethe beauty and sublimity of nature more delightfully combinedthan at Nahant.The principal business of Lynn is the manufacture of Ladies'shoes. For the first hundred years from the settlementof the town, this business was very limited. Few persons followedit constantly, and the farmers only pursued it in the intervalsof their common employment. The shoes were generallymade of neats' leather or woollen cloth. In 1750, Mr.John Adam Deaggeor came from England, and gave this businessits first impulse. After his arrival, shoes were manufacturedof finer stufis—of calamanco, silk and satin. They weremade with long straps, for the ladies, like the gentlemen, worebuckles, and the rands were commonly white.The reputationof Lynn shoes soon found way to the cities of the south, and themanufacturers began to extend their business by taking apprenticesand employing journeymen.Tn 1783, Mr. Ebenezer Breedmade a visit to England, and on his return, introduced themanufacture of Morocco leather into America. For this importantservice, he received a complimentary letter, containingthe thanks of the National Committee of Commerce and Manufactures.He also brought with him two men from Sheffield,in England, to instruct in the manufacture of crosscut andcourt heels; and in the ensuing year, he procured two otherworkmen to make improvements, and by his exertions the businesswas essentially promoted. Mr, Amos Rhodes and Col.Samuel Brimbelcom were also among those who took an earlyand very active part in its extension. There are now sixtytwoprincipal manufactories, and fifteen hundred mechanicsemployed. About the same number of females are engagedin binding and trimming, and by their industry and economy33