THE RETROSPECT OF THE YEAR. 159 



Mass., and the Dummer Academy in his native parish. 

 Since 1861, he has been in the service of the government, 

 an officer in the Boston Custom House and in the United 

 States Treasury, Boston, retiring with the reputation of a 

 skilful and valuable officer. In consequence of advanc- 

 ing age and failing health, the last few years of his life 

 were spent at his home in Sharon. 



During his pastorate at Lynnfield he associated himself 

 with the Essex Institute and became deeply interested in its 

 work, and several field meetings were held in his little chapel 

 under his auspices. On these occasions he took an active 

 part, his familiarity with the surrounding objects, the va- 

 ried scenery, the peculiar geological features, the fauna 

 and the flora, enabling him to impart freely much valuable 

 information and instruction on these and kindred subjects, 

 thus adding much to the usefulness of these gatherings. 



Hon. Edward Swain Davis, eighth mayor of Lynn and 

 one of the oldest and most respected citizens, died on Sun- 

 day, August 7, 1887, at his home on Summer Street, 

 Lynn. He was the son of Hugh and Elizabeth (Batch- 

 eller) Davis and was born in Lynn, June 22, 1808, edu- 

 cated in the schools of Lynn and graduated from the old 

 Lynn Academy in 1826. His first position was a clerk- 

 ship in Lynn Mechanics' Bank where he remained until 

 his majority ; then in business in Philadelphia, returning 

 home in 1833 to enter the service of the Nahant Bank. 

 With a short intermission he continued in this situation un- 

 til the winding up of its afiairs. 



On account of ill health, he retired for several years from 

 active business pursuits. Upon recovery he obtained a po- 

 sition in a United States bonded warehouse in Boston. In 

 1861 he was a clerk in the state auditor's office continu- 



