Amesbury (AIMZ-be-ree), town (1990 pop. 14,997), Essex co., NE Mass., on the Merrimack R.; 42°51'N 70°57'W. Mfg. (electronic equip., machinery, metal prods., furniture). John Greenleaf Whittier lived here most of his life, and his house is preserved. Josiah Bartlett b. here. Inc. 1668.