160 



the Collins House, noAv owned and occupied by Francis 

 Peabody, Esq. The house where Gen. Israel Putnam 

 was born still stands about one mile away, and a number 

 of the ancient witch houses arc still in existence in vari- 

 ous parts of the town. 



Mr. William P. Upiiam, of Salem, related some facts 

 about the original Parris house, the birthplace of witch- 

 craft. Some distance from the site of the house stands 

 another house, a part of Avhich was supposed to be a part 

 of the original Parris house ; but which proves to be an 

 addition built in the eighteenth century and which was 

 moved away. He exhibited, however, a well authenti- 

 cated fragment of the old house which came from a shed 

 built of the })ieces of the house when it was torn down. 

 He also exhibited some pears gathered from a tree planted 

 by the llev. Mr. Bailey, the first minister of the parish. 



Mr. George Tapley, of Danvers, spoke of the Hon. 

 Samuel Holton,* a very noted, prominent and intlucntial 

 citizen in the annals of the town, and i)aid a fitting tribute 

 to his memory. The mansion in which he resided for 

 many years is still extant and is near to this i)lace of 

 meeting. Mr. Holton was a man of great integrity and 



*S."uniicl Holton, the only son of Samuel .'in<l Il.anniih ((iardnor) Holton, was 

 born at Salem Villaj^e. now Danvers, June !), 17;i8. In early life a successful prac- 

 titioner of medicine. His puljlic career commenced in 17()8, when lie was elected a 

 reiiresentative to the general court from Danvers. lie was eight years a ivpre- 

 sentative, live years a senator, and twelve councillor, in Massachusetts legislature, 

 Ave in congress under tlu^ confed(uacy and two uinler the Federal constitidion. a 

 member of tin; constitutional convention of 1780; a delegate to tlie State conven- 

 tion for ratifying and adoi>ting tlie Federal constitution, twice served as presiden- 

 tial elector. For thirty-two years a justice of the ci>urt of common i)leas for 

 Essex, being for half of that tim(! the presiding justice, a judge of probate of 

 Essex from July 2, 17'.W!, to May 2!t, 181.'). He also discharged the duties of several 

 town ofllces and other jinblic and private tiusts. Ho died Jan. 2, 181(1, and tributes 

 were p.ald to his memory by numerous grateful hearts and a sermon was preached 

 at his funeral by the Itev. Dr. Henj. Wadswortli, which was published and widely 

 circulateil. 



