The demise of William Gibbs reminds us of one of several 

 individuals, -vvho contributed to the permanent success of 

 our Historical Department, when first instituted as the Essex 

 Historical Society. During the first ten or twelve years of its 

 existence he was an active and efiicient member. Though for 

 the last twenty years he has not resided in this city, and though 

 much secluded from society by ill health, yet it will be long be- 

 fore the memory of his zeal and industry in historical matters, 

 fades away. Mr. Gibbs was the son of Henry G. and Mercy 

 Prescott; born in Salem, Feb. 17, 1788, and died in Lexing- 

 ton, Dec. 28, 1853. His tastes led him to Genealogical and 

 Historical researches, particularly to those pertaining to the 

 first settlers of New England. His industry in these matters 

 enabled him to be of much service to many distinguished 

 writers, who accorded to him all due credit for the same. In 

 personal habits Mr. G. was difiident and retiring, but for moral 

 Avorth he was highly esteemed by all who knew him. 



The Quarterly meetings have been held and also such 

 ordinary ones as were needed to elect new members or to 

 transact all needful business. Ten evening meetings during 

 the winter months were held for the discussion of such topics as 

 were connected with the objects of the Institute, commencing 

 on "Wednesday, December 7, 1853, and thence held on every 

 alternate Thursday, with the exception of the concluding one, 

 which took place on Wednesday, April 19th ult. The atten- 

 dance on these meetings was very good, and the results were 

 very gratifying to all. Summaries of these several meetings 

 have been already published in the preceding pages. 



The following additions during the past year may be spe- 

 cified : 



To the Historical Department. — Figures in clay from 

 Poonah, near Bombay, and similar figures from Calcutta, il- 

 lustrative of different castes of native population, from Samuel 

 R. Masury, S. Benson, and E. B. Peirson. Thomas Perkins, 

 jr., Gardner Barton, Henry F. Shepard, M. W. Shepard, Geo. A. 

 Parker, Chas. J. Lee, Luther Upton, E. A. Emmcrton, Tho's 



