170 THE RETROSPECT OF THE YEAR. 



He took an active interest in the native American move- 

 ment in 1855, and when the office of register of probate 

 was made elective about that time, he was tlie first incum- 

 bent chosen tlierein, but retained the position only about 

 three months resigning on account of the inadequacy of 

 the salary. 



For years Mr. Perley was clerk of the old Active Fire 

 Club, a famous organization for nearly eighty years in Sa- 

 lem, succeeding his father in the office. His long life had 

 been one of quiet and persistent industry, of the purest 

 moral character, deserving of respect and esteem with 

 which he was universally regarded. Admitted to mem- 

 bership, Aug. 2, 1848. 



John Pickett, a highly respected citizen of Beverly, 

 died on Saturday, Dec. 3, 1887, from apoplexy. He was 

 son of Thomas and Annis (Preston) Pickett and was born 

 at Beverly, Nov. 9, 1807. In early life he was a sail- 

 maker having commenced in that industry at the age of 

 thirteen years. Subsequently the firm of R. and J. Pick- 

 ett was formed and continued for many years until the 

 death of the senior partner when Mr. John Pickett suc- 

 ceeded to the business. The firm during the later years 

 became interested in the coal and wood business. He al- 

 so interested himself in the fishing business and at one time 

 owned several vessels making regular trips between Bev- 

 erly and the Grand Banks and the Georges. He was Presi- 

 dent of the Beverly National Bank and Vice President of 

 the Beverly Savings Bank. He has always been promi- 

 nent in the town affiiirs, having held several positions of 

 trust. He was one of the Selectmen at the time of the late 

 civil war and made trips to the front to look after the needs 

 of the Beverly boys in the field. For two years he repre- 

 sented the town in the Massachusetts Legislature. He 



