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Society, at one of the last autumn meetings at which he 

 was present." 



"On September 22, 1886, passed away Malachi F. 

 Batchelder, at the age of 74 years and 5 months, after 

 a long and painful illness, a respected citizen of Peabody, 

 of modest and retiring disposition. He was one of the 

 best market-gardeners in his vicinity, as the variety of his 

 crops and his frequent success in competition for prizes at 

 our County Shows well proves. His crops were always 

 carefully and well cultivated, and in return they com- 

 manded the highest market prices. His fields were exten- 

 sive and yielded largely per acre. He was an exponent 

 of an industrious farmer, with perseverance and good 

 judgment combined, and his example and influence will 

 be missed by all who knew him, not less at the annual 

 Fairs of the Essex Agricultural Society than elsewhere." 

 He joined this Society in 1871. 



Joseph Hale, of Rowley, died March 13, 1886, aged 

 65 years. He was one of the foremost men of the town, 

 serving on its Board of Selectmen many years, and a 

 prominent worker in the local Farmers' Club. He was 

 interested and active in the affairs of our County Society, 

 joining it in 1870, serving as a Trustee in 1871 and 1877. 



Joshua Foss, the oldest resident of Rowley, died Dec. 

 25, 1886, aged 87 years. 



Maurice Birmingham, of Salem, died March 25, 1886, 

 aged 65 years. He was a regular attendant at our Fairs, 

 and will be missed there by many friends. A member in 

 1879. 



William S. Messervey, of Salem, died Feb. 19, 1886, 

 aged 73 years, 6 months. In early life he was in business 

 in the West. At one time he was a Delegate to Congress 

 from the Territory of New Mexico, and at another time 

 Secretary and Acting Governor. In 1854 he returned to 



