160 THE RETROSPECT OP THE YEAR. 



ing for many years, filling the second, and then the first 

 clerk's position. 



He took a great interest in the old militia. In 1835, 

 was major of regiment of light infantry, first brigade, Essex 

 County, promoted lieutenant colonel, commanding the 

 regiment for a good portion of the time until 1843. 



He took an active part in several of the local societies 

 that were formed some fifty years since : viz., to secure the 

 abolition of slavery in the United States, the improvement 

 of the character and condition of the free blacks, the ac- 

 quisition by Indians and blacks of their natural rights, etc. 

 He early espoused the cause of universal freedom, and 

 lived to see it accomplished. The Young Men's Temper- 

 ance Reform Society in 1835 likewise claimed his sympa- 

 thy and cooperation. He was mayor of the city in 1859 

 and 1860 ; also president of the council, 1852, 1853, 1856, 

 1857 and member of the School Board six years ; repre- 

 sentative Massachusetts, legislature, 1839. 



Mr. Davis was a deep thinker and well-read man, de- 

 votedly fond of books and possessed one of the largest and 

 most valuable private libraries in Lynn. His society was 

 frequently sought by students and men of culture. 



During his mayoralty he took a deep interest in the pub- 

 lic library of Lynn. He became a member of the Essex 

 County Natural History Society in 1834. 



WILLIAM PUTNAM ENDICOTT, the father of Hon. William 

 C. Endicott, U. S. Secretary of War under the adminis- 

 tration of President Cleveland, died at his residence, on 

 Essex Street, Salem, Sunday, March 11, 1888, in his 86th 

 year. He was the sou of Samuel and Elizabeth (Putnam) 

 Endicott, and was born in Salem, March 5, 1803, lived 

 during the latter part of his life, and died in the house 



