106 



the town, which possessed a "social library" as early as 

 1791, and later a few others of less importance. The 

 Ipswich Female Seminary,* for thirty years under the 

 care of Rev. and Mrs. J. P. Cowles, has been long a cele- 

 brated and well known educational institution. One of 

 the most substantial public works in the town is the 

 Choate Bridge across Ipswich river, which was built of 

 stone in 1764, and cost one thousand pounds, one-half 

 paid by the town, the other by the county ; named for 

 Hon. John Choate, who was on the committee and super- 

 intended the erection. It is strong and neat, having two 

 arches, with one solid pier in the bed of the river. 



Among the churches in the main part of the town are 

 two Orthodox Congregational, one Methodist, and an 

 Episcopalian. The woollen and hosiery business is the 

 leading industry of the town (at least of a mechanical 

 nature) and all appear to be prosecuted with success. 



* The Ipswich academy commenced in 182G. A company of gentlemen erected 

 the building, who became incorporated in February, 1828. The flrst teacher was 

 Rev. Ilervey Wilbur, who continued about one year, and was succeeded by Mr. 

 James W. Ward, who was the instructor from May, 1S27, to March, 182S. During 

 the above period the school was open to children of both sexes. 



Miss Zilpah P. Grant, assisted by Miss Mary Lyon, previously in charge of an 

 academy in Perry, N. II., took the school and by their joint and indefatigable 

 labors soon built up one of the most nourishing and popular female seminaries in 

 New England. Miss Lyon left Ipswich in 1834 to found a permanent academy for 

 females, with buildings, library, apparatus and endowments. After three years 

 of unsurpassed effort she succeeded in establishing the school at south Hadley, 

 now known as the Mount llolyoke Female Seminary, which was opened Nov. S, 

 I "•:;:, and Miss Lyon was in charge until her death, which occurred March 5, 1849. 



Mis- Grant retired in April. 1839, and two and a half years later was married to 

 William 15- Banister, a lawyer in Newburyport. she is still living at Newburyport, 

 a widow, aged v <>. in good health. 



Mis- Mary E. Ellison, a teacher in Prof. Abbot's school in Boston, and for some 

 time previous principal of a seminary at Plj mouth. N. II., was appointed to suc- 



ceed Miss Grant, she afterwards married Rev. Dr. Dimmick, of Newburyport, 

 : ,i,,i is still living, a widow, at Newburyport. Miss Little at first was substitute 

 and afterwards Miss Vcaton succeeded Miss Grant in the direction of the BChool, 

 ,i l( . n,,, ,. together were there only three yen,-. The Bchool was then closed until 

 May lsii.whcn the present principals, Rev. John P. and Mr-. Cowles, entered 

 upon their duties. Mr. Cowles, Jan. 29, 1849, purchased the land and buildings, 

 . iu ,i n,,. corporation was soon after dissolved. The school is a private institution 



under the corporate name. 



