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 1826. A company of gentlemen erected 

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

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

 James W. Ward, who was the instructor from May, 1827, to March, Ib28. 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 Derry, N. H., took the school and by their joint and indefatigable 

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

 New England. Miss Lyon left Ipswich in 183-t 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 Holyoke Female Seminary, which was opened Nov. 8, 

 1837, and Miss Lyon was in charge until her death, which occurred March 5, 1819. 



Miss Grant retired in April, 1839, and two and a half years later was married to 

 William B. Banister, a lawyer in Newburyport. She is still living at Newburyport, 

 a widow, aged 80, ^n good health. 



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

 time previous principal of a seminary at Plymouth, N. H., was appointed to suc- 

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

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

 and afterwards Miss Yeaton succeeded Miss Grant in the direction of the school, 

 the three together were there only three years. The school was then closed until 

 May, 1814, when the present principals, Rev. John P. and Mrs. Cowles, entered 

 upon their duties. Mr. Cowles, Jan. 29, 18i9, purchased the land and buildings, 

 and the corporation was soon after dissolved. The school is a private institution 

 under the corporate name. 





