History of the Town of Gloucester, Cape Ann (Mass. Cape Ann: Including the Town of Rockport)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1860. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER IV. EARLY SETTLERS. Traditionary Account Of First Settlement. -- Thacher's ShipWreck.-- Mr. Thomson, Of London, Encouraged To Establish A Fishing Plantation At Cape Ann. -- Permanent Settlement And Incorporation Of The Town. -- List Of Settlers To 1651, To 1701; With Notices Of These Settlers And Their Families. In entering upon this period of our history, the path is found for a few years to be involved in darkness and obscurity. There is no mention by historians, or in any ancient record, of the story that tradition has handed down concerning the first permanent settlers of Cape Ann. It is natural to suppose that they were attracted to this rocky promontory chiefly by its advantageous situation for shore-fishing; for, though but poor returns could be expected for the most laborious industry upon its soil, they might reasonably hope to find the means of a comfortable subsistence in the treasures of the sea by which it is surrounded. The settlement of a large Colony within convenient distance, and the growing intercourse between Old England and New, afforded increased advantages, and a greater inducement than had yet existed, for pursuing that business; and no improbability forbids credence to the statement that a company from Plymouth came across the bay in search of a suitable place for a fishing-station, and found it on the shores of Cape Ann.* It is said that these men, led by a son of Rev. John Robinson, landed at Agassquam, and were so well satisfied with its har * The source whence the tradition mentioned in this paragraph is derived, with some remarks, will be given in a notice of the Robinson Family. bor, and other conveniences for the fishing-business, that they concluded to set up a fishing-stage, and to make preparations there for th...