In regard to the names of persons, as well as places and things, it is
said that there was "a prejudice in favor of the Israelitish custom, and a
fondness arose, or at least was increased, for significant names for
children." "The three first that were baptized in Boston church were Joy,
Recompence and Pity. The humor spread. The town of Dorchester, in
particular, was remarkable for such names as Faith, Hope, Charity,
Deliverance, Dependance, Preserved, Content, Prudent, Patience, Thankful,
Hate-evil, Holdfast," &c. These are pretty much out of fashion: possibly
the name of "Prudence" may yet be found. It is somewhat strange that this
"prejudice" did not get a more public expression: perhaps Salutation Alley
may be a relic of it.
* * * * *
The Hangman's Gallows, strange to say, was a permanent structure on the
Neck, on the east side and somewhat in the rear of the burying-ground: the
pirates were hung there as late as 1815. The following peculiar historical
names, although well known, may be mentioned: Liberty Pole was in Liberty
Square, at the point of meeting of Water and Kilby Streets. It was not
restored after the Revolutionary War. Liberty Tree, corner of Newbury (now
Washington) and Essex Streets, nearly opposite Boylston Market. It was cut
down by the British in August, 1775. Green Dragon was the sign of a noted
tavern in Union Street, licensed in 1697, and disappeared 1854. The
building which now occupies the spot in Union Street, displays the Green
Dragon on its front. The "Orange Tree" spoken of in the history of Boston,
was on Hanover Street. A private school is spoken of as being in Hanover
Street, "three doors below the Orange Tree," and an earlier writer speaks
of it as on Queen (Court) Street. It was a tavern on or near the corner of
these streets, probably on the site afterwards occupied by Concert Hall.
Boston, at the present time, includes South Boston (formerly Dorchester),
East Boston (formerly Noddle's Island), Dorchester, Roxbury, West Roxbury,
and Charlestown, and within this territory there are now over 2,650
streets, squares, avenues, places, courts, &c., and 225 wharves,
twenty-nine of which are in Charlestown District. Public halls in Boston,
119, and the number of these is increasing. In 1735, there were twelve
wards in the town; revised in 1805, and now, including the annexations
above named, there are twenty-five wards.