Edward Johnson's estimate in his _Wonder-working Providence_ supposes in 1643, a population in Massachusetts of about 15,000. There were then 31 towns in the Bay Colony, of which 10 were within the limits of the present Essex County. The population of these 10 towns was probably about 6,000. They were located for the most part along the shore line. The same geographical area in 1915 had a population of about 360,000, or exactly 60 times as great as the population in 1643, 272 years before.
_1643_ _1915_ Population 6,000 360,000 Increase in 272 years--60 times as great. In 1643, 1 person in 60 was a criminal. In 1915, 1 person in 600 was a criminal. 10 times more crime in 1643 according to population. Murder (4), manslaughter (6), assault to murder (2) 0 12 Arson 0 7 Robbery, breaking and entering, etc. 8 165 Assault of various kinds 10 86 Drunkenness 7 70 Illegal sale of liquor 0 74 Sexual crimes, including bastardy, streetwalking, etc. 6 71 Living from wife 14 0 Non-support and desertion 0 48 Profanity, reproachful speeches, evil speeches, etc. 13 2 Extortion, oppression, shortweight, etc. 7 5 Idle and disorderly 3 22 Slander and libel 1 3 Forgery 0 3 Lying and perjury 2 0 Breaking the Sabbath 5 1 Misc. Putting oxen in field, absence from watch, neglect of a servant, etc. 25 -- Delinquency, cruelty to horse, adulterating drugs, automobile cases, junk dealers fines, etc. -- 39 ---- ---- Total 101 607
In 1643--7 were servants. In 1915--251 were South European names and a large part of the remainder were Irish.
_The Governor's "Fayre House," 1630 Colonial Village, Salem._ 1
_English Merchant Vessel of about 1620._ 2
_Colonial Village of 1630, at Salem, Mass._ 6
_Front Entry and Stairs in the Governor's "Fayre House."_ 9
_Hall in the Governor's "Fayre House."_ 10
_Corner of McIntyre Garrison House, York, Me._ 12
_Corner of Bunker Garrison House, Durham, N. H._ 12
_Frame of the Fairbanks House, Dedham, Mass._ 14
_Frame of the Whipple-Matthews House, Hamilton, Mass._ 15
_Spencer-Pierce House, Newbury, Mass._ 17
_Parson Capen House, Topsfield, Mass._ 18
_Front Entry and Stairs Parson Capen House._ 20
_Overhang and Drops, Parson Capen House._ 21
_Jethro Coffin House, Nantucket, Mass._ 23