Linda, in my presentation I spoke of John Tower, 1824-1900. When he became editor of the North River Pioneer, he began an extensive series of articles on the North River and published in the Rockland Standard. These articles are on microfilm and available at the Rockland library. In 1885, in referring to Barstows Forge( the new forge) he wrote "Capt. Barstow was a respectable and enterprising man, and laid the foundation for the business that had been carried on by his descendants and others for over 125 years. Cannon balls were cast here at the time of the revolution and the anchors for the United States Frigate Constitution were made here and carted to Hingham where they were transported to Boston by water. "
After the Barstows sold out to the Salmonds, they together with Nathaniel Cushing and Charles Josselyn controlled the business for 30 years. In 1898 the Rockland Standard published the obituary of Cyrus Josselyn, 1814-1898, he learned the trade of iron moulder, that of his father Charles, who helped forge the anchors of the famous frigate Constitution.
In my view, Cyrus Josselyn did not get this mentioned in his obit without cause. He must have been very proud that his father worked on the anchors of the Constitution. Charles Josselyn may have begun his apprenticeship at the Old Forge on Elm St. as his family were principle owners in the 1780s. The Josselyn family sold out of this forge in 1791 and it transitioned over to the Curtis family. It is thought likely that Charles Josselyn had moved on to Barstows Forge well before then.
Now we have Nathaniel Cushing, great grandson of Capt Joseph Barstow, who founded the New Forge at State and Cross St. There is no doubt this is the same Nathaniel Cushing who associated with Robert Salmond and Charles Josselyn.
In conclusion, in 1795 -1798 there is only one forge at which both Josselyn and Cushing could be associated with, the New Forge on Cross and State St. In South Hanover. There is no doubt the anchors for the USS Constitution were made here.
I hope you enjoy this little blurb of investigative history. If either of these two articles are not what you are referring to, I would be glad to have you forward what you have, if you can locate it.
I can be reached at jgrecco@verizon.net.
Enjoy and be safe.