Medford Historical Society Papers, Volume 1.

I have not the information which would enable me to write biographical notices of the ship-builders of the town, and I must content myself with saying that they were men of high character, of great executive ability, thoroughly trained in all the knowledge of their profession. They had the courage of men of strong will, and were not afraid to build a good ship in advance of orders, and if they sometimes lost money in doing so, they found their advantage in giving employment to their faithful and trusted men until better times should come. It bound employers and employed in closest bonds of respect and affection.

Of the ship-carpenters themselves it may be said that there was never, in any employment, a body of mechanics more intelligent or respectable. They were nearly all, as were the master-builders, natives of Scituate, or of towns in its vicinity, and it may well be said that the establishment of ship-building in Medford was a second settlement of the town. The impress which the newcomers made upon the character, and especially the physique, of our population is favorably felt up to the present time.

It remains that I should speak of the results of the work performed by the ship-builders of Medford. Rev. Abijah R. Baker, formerly pastor of the Second Congregational Church of Medford, delivered a discourse on this subject on Thanksgiving Day, 1846. The sermon was full of valuable information, and was published. Through the kindness of Mr. Dean, Librarian of the Massachusetts Historical and Genealogical Society and our respected associate, I have been permitted to consult a copy of Mr. Baker's printed discourse which is contained in the library of the society. This document gives a complete register of all vessels built in Medford from 1803 to 1846, with name of each ship, date of