USA > New Hampshire > Hillsborough County > Amherst > Celebration of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the incorporation of Amherst, New Hampshire June 17, 1910, including the proceedings of the committee, addresses and other exercises of the occasion > Part 1
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Gc 974.202 Am47r 1771745
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REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
GO
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01187 8433
CELEBRATION
OF THE roth 150
ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE
INCORPORATION OF AMHERST
NEW HAMPSHIRE
JUNE 17.1910
INCLUDING THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMITTEE
ADDRESSES
AND OTHER EXERCISES OF THE OCCASION
COMPILED AND PRINTED BY W. B. ROTCH, 1910
roved 1973
F 4202 comp. 76 Rotch, William Boylston, 1859-
Celebration of the one hundred and fiftieth 1 anniversary of the incorporation of Ankerst, New Hampshire, June 17, 1910, including the proceedings. of the Committee, addresses, and other exercises of the occasion. Comp. and printed by r. 3. Rotch
[ Amherst ? - 1910. 0.
1771745
309141
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The Town Charter.
PROVINCE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
George the Second, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith,
To all to whom these Presents shall come,
Greeting :
Whereas, our Loyal Subjects, Inhabitants of a Tract of Land within our Pro- vince of New Hampshire, known by the name of Sonhegan West, on the western side of Merrimack. have humbly petitioned and requested us that they may be erected and Incorporated into a Township and Infranchised with the same powers and privileges which other Towns within our said Province by law have and enjoy. And it appearing to'ns to be conducive to the general good of our said Province, as well as of the said Inhabitants in particular, by maintaining good order and en- conraging the culture of the land, that the same should be done. Know ye there- fore, that we, of our special Grace, certain knowledge, and for the encouragement and promoting the good ends aforesaid, By and with our trusty and well beloved Benning Wentworth, Esq., our Governor and Commander-in-chief, and of our Council for said province of New Hampshire, Have erected, and ordained, and by these presents for ns, our heirs and successors, Do Will and ordain that the Inhabi- tants of the tract of land aforesaid. and who shall inhabit and improve thereon hereafter, the same being Butted and Bounded as follows : Viz., Beginning at Sou- hegan River, thence running north 1 degree west on the townships of Merrimack and Bedford six miles, thence running west on Bedford and a tract of land called New Boston six miles, thence South about live miles and a half to Souhegan River aforesaid, thence by said River to the place where it began : Be. and hereby are, declared and ordained to be a Town Corporate, and are hereby erected and Incor- porated into a body Politic and Corporate, to have continuance until the first of January, 1762 . by the name of AMHERST, with all the Powers and Authorities. Privileges, Immunities, and Franchises, which any other Towns in said Province by Law hold and enjoy, to the said inhabitants, or who shall hereafter inhabit there, and their successors for said term ; always reserving to us, our Heirs and Successors, all White Pine trees that are or shall be found growing and being on said tract of land fit for the use of our Royal Navy ; Reserving also to us, our Heirs and successors, the power and the right of dividing said town, when it shall ap- pear necessary and convenient to the Inhabitants thereof. Provided. nevertheless, and it is hereby declared that this Charter and Grant is not intended, and shall not in any manner be constructed to extend to or effect the Private Property of the soil within the limits aforesaid. And as the several towns within our said Province aforesaid are by the laws thereof enabled and authorized to assemble and, by the majority of voters present, to choose all such officers and transact such affairs as are in the said laws declared :- We do by these presents nominate and appoint I.ient, Col. John Goffe to call the first meeting of said Inhabitants. to be hell with- in said town at any time within forty days from the date hereof, giving legal notice of the Time and design of holding such Meeting,-After which, the Annual Meet- ing in said Town shall be held, for the choice of Officers and the purposes aforesaid, on the second Monday in March, annually.
In testimony whereof, we have caused the Seal of our Province to be hereunto affixed.
Witness. Benning Wentworth, Esquire, Our Governor and Commander-in-chief of our said Province the eighteenth day of January, in the Thirty-Third year of our Reign, and in the Year of our Lord Christ, One Thousand and seven hundred and sixty.
WENTWORTH.
By his Excellency's Command, with advice of Council : THEODORE ATKINSON, SRC'Y.
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intendto mod's aNt
6
TO
FIRST TOWN HOUSE AND SECOND CHURCH
Vote of the Town.
Voted that the Selectmen be instructed to act as a com- mittee and to choose as many others to act with them as they deem necessary to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the incorporation of the town, 1910.
Voted that the Selectmen be allowed to appropriate a sum not to exceed $300 for the celebration of the 150th anniver- sary of the incorporation of the town, 1910.
Voted that Horace T. Harvell be instructed to ask the legislature to legalize the vote of the town in regard to raising $300 for celebrating the 150th anniversary of said town.
Act of the Legislature.
HOUSE BILL
NO. 572 Introduced by Committee on Judiciary .
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD ONE THOUSAND NINE HUN- DRED AND NINE.
AN ACT
Authorizing the Town of Amherst to Appropriate a Sum Not Exceeding Three Hundred Dollars to Celebrate the One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the Incorpo- ration of the Town of Amherst.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 SECTION 1. The Town of Amherst is hereby authorized
2 to appropriate a sumi not exceeding three hundred dollars 3 for the purpose of celebrating the one hundred and fiftieth 4 anniversary of the incorporation of the Town ofAmherst.
1 SECT. 2. This act shall take effect upon its passage, and 2 all acts and parts of acts inconsistent with this act are 3 hereby repealed.
AMHERST INCORPORATED
1760,
NEW
HA
SHIRE
150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE
INCORPORATION OF THE
IFUN OF AMHERST JUNE 17TH
1910
The Town of Amherst
Amherst, ( Hillsborough County ), N. H., is situated in latitude 42 - 51 minutes N .; 28 miles south of Concord; 12 south of Manchester; 11 northwest of Nashua; 48 northwest of Boston.
The village, one of the most beautiful in the State, lies upon a plain, or plateau, half a mile in extent, skirted on the north and east by a broad meadow, which receives its water-flow from the first highlands encountered by trav- elers from the State line below.
In thus approaching the town the Uncanoonucks in Goffstown tower at the north, while between lie the less- er Joe English and Mont Vernon, and westerly are seen the highlands of Lyndeborough, Temple and Wilton. From some higher points in the town the lofty Monadnock is visible, and farther south, Wachusett and other mountains in Massachusetts.
The hills, which at a short distance nearly surround this plateau or "plain," as it has ever been known, form almost a perfect amphitheatre; while through the interven- ing meadow at the north and east flows Beaver Brook to its junction with Souhegan River, three miles below.
The soil of this plateau is a sandy loam, of aqueons deposit, which, with the conformation of its surroundings, has given rise to the belief that it once formed the bed of a lake, whose waters found an outlet in the line of Beaver brook.
The surface of the town is uneven, and its soil diver- sified. Upon either side of the Souhegan, which traverses its entire breadth in a southeasterly direction, is a belt of rich intervale, very productive, including some of the best farms in town. These lands were part of the Souhegan Farms granted to individuals as early as 1660, and were cultivated by the Indians as cornlands, those lying about the mouth of Beaver brook being known to them by the euphonious title of Quoliquinapassakessanahnog, which
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ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY
name is now frequently erroneously applied to the brook itself. Below, the soil is sandy and unproductive, also, northward to the plain; but the hill lands, at the north and west, afford many fine and productive farms, and the more rocky portions, excellent pasturage.
Walnut hill is its most conspicuous prominence, seen from all parts of the town, and an object of beauty from its conformation. Chestnut hills form the highest eleva- tion, rising at the northeast of the town. Wilkin's hill (later known as Holmes's and now as David's, ) adds beau- ty to the village, as its background at the south; while just below it rises the "Great Rock," so-called, in days past more than now, a quite famous resort of the youth of the village in their rambles. Christian hill, at the west, derived its name from the religious character and devotion of a past generation, having had among its residents two pastors, and three deacons, and nearly every dwelling its family altar. Moderator hill, next north of the plain, has taken this name from being the home of the Campbells, Secombs and Macks, who, for the last century, have largely furnished the town its presiding officers. Other peculiarly named localities are Straddle-pole, a gorge at the north, taking its name from the denseness of its undergrowth; Skinner's Row, running by Fisk's mill, of which it was early said, "If a man had two coats he did not live there;" Pond Parish, so named from its adjacence to the Bab- boosuck; Cricket Corner, at the southeast, from its multi- tudinous crickets, and earlier, Honey-pot Row, from the abundance of wild honey found in its forests. Very early the street running north from the plain (or "training field as it was also called, ) to the first meeting-house was known as Upper Flanders, and was the residence of the elite of the town. The portion of the town adjoining Mil- ford is now known as the Acre, being mainly owned by Irish.
Dr. Jackson, in his report of the survey of the town- ship, (1844) says: "The pretty village of Amherst is spread out in a valley of ancient alluvial origin, which ap- pears as if it once formed the basin of a lake, but was sub- sequently filled in part with soil of a sandy loam, derived from ancient drift from the north. Six miles from the vil- lage, N. N. E., near the line of Bedford, on the estate of widow Betsey Stevens, was found a bed of limestone, in- cluded in mica slate rocks. Mingled with it are a few rare and beautiful minerals. Crystal of ageran, larger than any before found in New England, one being four inches long and two and one half inches in diameter were
Proceedings of the Committee.
The first meeting of the committee appointed by the town to arrange for the celebration of the 150th aniver- sary of the town in 1910 was held in the selectmen's room, Saturday, September 24, 1909, at 2.00 o'clock.
The following members were present : Horace T. Har- vell, Percy J. Odell, Aaron M. Wilkins, Ernest H. Peaslee. Eugene C. Hubbard, Enos S. Robinson, Frank A. Hol- brook, Herbert A. Fuller, Louis E. Clark, Benjamin F. McNamee, Rev. Charles E. White.
The meeting was called to order by Percy J. Odell, chair- man of the board of selectmen, and organization was effect- ed by the election of the following officers: Chairman, Aaron M. Wilkins; secretary, Rev. Charles E. White; treasurer, Eugene C. Hubbard.
It was then voted that the celebration be held on Friday, June 17, 1910.
It was further voted that a committee of three be ap- pointed to secure speakers for the day, and the following members were appointed: Messrs. Wilkins, White and Hubbard.
The following committees were also appointed:
Music: Messrs. White, McNamee and Peaslec.
Publicity, (printing, advertising, invitations, etc. ): Messrs. Fuller, Harvell and Clark.
Decorations: Messrs. Odell, Peaslee and Robinson.
Collation: Messrs. McNamee. Robinson and Odell. Sports: Messrs. Holbrook, McNamee and Robinson. Reception : The entire committee.
The second meeting of the committee on the 150th anni- versary of the incorporation of the town of Amherst was held in the selectmen's room, Saturday, November 27, at 2.00 o'clock, with Hon. A. M. Wilkins in the chair.
The committee on speakers reported that it had secured Col. W. B. Rotch of Milford to give the historical address,
S
£
€
SAID TO BE THE FIRST FRAME HOUSE IN AMHERST
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ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY
and the following gentlemen as other speakers: Gustavus G. Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tenn., George W. Putnam of Lowell, Mass., Jeremiah J. Doyle, Esq., of Nashua, N. H.
The music committee reported the securing of the Laurel Band of Milford for the date, June 17, 1910, with 25 pieces or more, from 9.00 A. M., through the day, the price to be $80.00.
It was voted that the Village Improvement Society be re- quested to assist the committee by having the flag-pole in the park put in condition for use.
The third meeting of the committee on the 150th ami- versary of the incorporation of the town of Amherst was held in the selectmen's room, Saturday, January 29, 1910. at 2.00 o'clock.
The committee on speakers reported the addition of the name of Prof. Warren Upham of St. Paul, Minn., as a speaker for a brief period.
By reason of his removal from town, the resignation of Benjamin F. McNamee was accepted.
It was voted that Louis E. Clark be added to the com- mittee on collation to fill the vacancy caused by the remov- al of Mr. McNamee.
It was further voted that the name of Louis E. Clark be added to the committee on sports in place of Mr. McNamee.
The names of the following were approved as special in- vited guests of the occasion: The Governor of the State and his staff, Congressman F. D. Currier, Congressman Cyrus Sulloway, Senator Henry E. Burnham, Senator Ja- cob H. Gallinger, the speakers of the occasions, and their wives, James W. Towne, East Orange, N. J., the county commissioners, Judge David Cross, Manchester, Senator R. P. Bass, Rev. and Mrs. A. J. McGown.
It was voted that the Towns of Milford and Mont Ver- non be invited to choose and send representatives, and that Hollis, Merrimack, Bedford and New Boston be invited to choose and send a representative. Also Exeter, suggesting Attorney-General E. G. Eastman as representative; Salem, Mass., suggesting ex-City Marshall William M. Hill as rep- resentative; Portsmouth, suggesting Calvin Page as repre- sentative.
'The following gentlemen were named as honorary vice- presidents of the day: Solomon Prince, Frank Hartshorn, William Pratt, J. Appleton Skinner, William Melendy, Al- bert M. Philbrick, James B. David, (declined), John A. Boutelle, William S. Peaslee, Pliny F. Odell, William R. Clark, Dr. John H. Clark, (declined ). Later were added: .
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ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY
Alfred Noyes, Washington, D. C., Ephraim A. Parkhurst, James S. Parkhurst, Silas P. Parkhurst, Lemuel Fuller. (declined. )
The fourth meeting of the committee on the 150th anni- versary of the incorporation of the town of Amherst was held in the selectmen's room, Saturday, February 26, at 2.00 o'clock.
It was voted, after discussion, to invite the Rev. A. J. MeGown to act as president of the day.
'The secretary was instructed to report to the town meet- ing the progress of the committee in its arrangements.
The fifth meeting of the committee was held in the se- lectmen's room, Saturday, March 26, 1910, at 2 o'clock.
It was voted that a temporary stand, 48 x 30 feet with 4 foot posts, be built, and that the chairman and secretary be a committee to have the same built.
It was further voted that the treasurer and secretary be a committee to make inquiries regarding a permanent marker for the site of the first church building.
The sixth meeting of the committee was held in the se- lectmen's room, Saturday, April 30, at 2.00 o'clock.
It was voted to accept the recommendation of the con- mittee on collation, and that the Page Catering Company of Lowell be asked to serve us, the price being 75 cents per plate, with $10.00 for teaming.
It was voted that a granite marker be purchased and placed on the site of the first church building, the cost not to exceed $60.00. The chairman appointed for this work: Messrs. White, Peaslee and Holbrook.
It was also voted to invite the King's Daughters to take charge of the decorations, including the town hall, school house and residences.
It was voted that Rev. C. E. White be asked to act as chaplain of the day; and further that an invitation be ex- tended to Dr. George H. Wilkins to act as president of the day.
The seventh meeting of the committee was held Satur- day, May 14, at 2.00 o'clock.
The secretary was authorized to contract with the Ehr- man Company, of Milford, for 500 badges, at &c a piece, together with cut of seal.
It was voted that the committee on printing be instructed
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ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY
to secure the printing of 1500 programs at the best price possible, the cost not to exceed $75.00.
It was also voted to secure not more than 15 painted signs to indicate places of especial interest at 75 cents a piece.
C. E. WHITE,
SECRETARY.
The Invitation.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO BE PRESENT AT THE EXERCISES COMMEMORATING THE
ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE INCORPORATION OF THE
TOWN OF AMHERST, NEW HAMPSHIRE
TO BE HELD ON FRIDAY, JUNE THE SEVENTEENTH 1
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND TEN
BEGINNING AT NINE THIRTY O'CLOCK
HERBERT A. FULLER CHAIRMAN
LOUIS E. CLARK
HORACE T. HARVELL COMMITTEE ON INVITATIONS
PLEASE REPLY
THE GRAND STAND
THE RAILROAD STATION AND DECORATIONS
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ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY
Letters.
26 Nov., 1909.
Mr. William B Rotch, Milford, New Hampshire. My dear sir : -
On behalf of the program committee for the 150th anniversary of the incorporation of the town of Amherst I am requested to ask you to deliver the historical address on that occasion, June 17, 1910.
With the earnest hope that you will be able to accept this part, and in such a case, believing that it will be in the hands of one whose knowledge and love of Amherst is unsurpassed, I am, on behalf of the committee,
Most cordially yours, CHARLES ERNEST WHITE, Sec'y.
Milford, Nov. 28, 1909.
Rev. Chas. Ernest White, Sec. Program committee. Dear sir : --
The kind invitation of the program committee of the 150th anni- versary of the town of Amherst is received and I accept with pleasure the invitation to prepare an historical address for that occasion. Am- herst has a rich history and it will be a true pleasure for me to as- semble such facts and incidents as appear to me appropriate for the occasion.
Very truly yours, WILLIAM BOYLSTON ROTCH.
U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. WASHINGTON, D. C, May 25th, 1910.
Gentlemen :-
The invitation of the town of Amherst to attend its one hundred and fiftieth birthday anniversary, was received. I have delayed answering pending the fixing of the date of adjournment of Congress. At the present time there appears little prospect of final ajournment before July. If I were to be in New Hampshire at the time of the celebration I should take great pleasure in being present. The impor - tant part Amherst has taken in the early history of the state : her rec- ord in the revolutionary war,her interesting chapter in the early admin istration of justice in the state as well as the character of the men she has reared and sent out, are familiar to every lover of the Granite Hills and she does well to commemorate this passing mile stone.
I send my hearty congratulations and my regrets at my inability to be present.
Very truly yours, F. D. CURRIER.
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ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY
U. S. SENATE. WASHINGTON, D. C., April 22, 1910.
Gentlemen :-
Acknowledging the receipt of a cordial invitation to be present at the exercises commemorating the One Hundred and Fiftieth anniversary of the Incorporation of the town of Amherst, on Friday, June 17th, it is a matter of regret to me that I am unable to accept the invitation, the probabilities being that I will not be in New Hampshire at that time.
Trusting that the occasion may be one of rare pleasure and profit to those who may be privileged to attend, know me to be
Sincerely yours, J. H. GALLINGER.
U. S. SENATE. WASHINGTON, D. C., April 22, 1910.
Gentlemen : -
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter and invi- tation to be present June 17th at the 150th Anniversary of the Incor- poration of your town of Amherst.
It is impossible to tell when Congress will adjourn. Perhaps it may be in session at the time named, but if we adjourn in season I expect to be present
It will be an occasion of very great interest and I shall regret ex- ceedingly if I am unable to attend.
Thanking you for this very courteous invitation, I am
Cordially yours, HENRY E. BURNHAM.
U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. WASHINGTON, D. C., April 22, 1910.
Gentlemen :---
I am in receipt of your kind invitation to attend the 150th anniversary of the incorporation of Amherst as a town, on June 17th. I desire to thank you very much for the invitation, but I regret to state that I hardly think it will be possible for me to be present for the reason that it now looks as though we would be in session here until the last of June.
Again thanking you for your kindness in remembering me, and with best wishes, I am,
Sincerely, · C A. SULLOWAY.
Gentlemen :-
NEW YORK, June 7, 1910.
I have your invitation for me to be present at the 150th anniversary of the incorporation of the town of Amherst, N. H. I have delayed replying until the present time, hoping I should be able to say that I would be present, but a number of things here in- terfere, and I very much fear I shall not be with you on that day, much as I should like to. It would be a great disappointment to me not to be there. I know you will have a nice time, and I would be glad to meet some of the old people whom I have not seen for many years.
Thanking you most cordially for your invitation, I remain,
Very sincerely yours, J. W. TOWNE.
Copy of Official Program
SOUHEGAN RIVER AND OLD TURNPIKE BRIDGE
150th Anniversary Committee
Hon. Aaron M. Wilkins, Chairman (Deceased May 27, 1910) Rev. Charles Ernest White, Secretary Eugene C. Hubbard, Treasurer Ernest H. Peaslee Enos S. Robinson
Percy M. Odell Louis E. Clark
Herbert A. Fuller Horace T. Harvell
Frank A. Holbrook
President of the Day, Dr. George H. Wilkins
Honorary Vice=Presidents
Frank Hartshorn William Pratt
Solomon Prince J. Appleton Skinner William Melendy Albert M. Philbrick James S. Parkhurst John A. Boutelle William S. Peaslee
Pliny F. Odell William R. Clark Alfred Noyes
Ephraim Parkhurst Silas P. Parkhurst
Centennial Committee
The Selectmen Edward D. Boylston
Perley P. Dodge Charles H. Campbell
Barnabas B. David David Stewart
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ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY
Greeting
The Town of Amherst flings open wide its doors today to all of its many child- ren and friends. A century and a half old, her heart is still in the right place, young and warm toward her lovers and well-wishers. Her stately trees throw out their welcoming arms to you, and reach up into the blue of heaven to bring its ben- son of peace. Her well-kept streets and walks are yours to travel. Her quiet homes leave out the latch-string in truest hospitality. Her objects of interest and veneration invite your attention everywhere. To all that old Amherst can give you today you are one and all welcome.
THE OLD TURN-PIKE INN
By Cucker
ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY
23
The exact date for the anniversary would be the 18th of January, but owing to the frequently rigorous weather of that month, the celebration has in both cases been observed later in the year, the centennial date chosen having been May 30, 1860
SITE OF THE FIRST MEETING-HOUSE
HERE WAS ERECTED THE FIRST MEETING-HOUSE IN AMHERST, MAY 16, 1739 ; IN 1771 GIVEN TO THE COUNTY FOR ITS COURT-HOUSE ; REMOVED TO THE PLAIN IN 1789. AND THERE EURNED. THIS STONE PLACED JUNE 17, 19,0
INSCRIPTION ON MARKER
In 1739 the fathers "ra'scd" their fist meet- ing house under the direction of Capt. Ebenezer Raymond. Fourteen years did r.ct see its com- pletion, and at the incorporation of the town in 1760 it had not been completed. They had, however, built roads in all directions to the meet- ing-house, and the settlers had generously used the house both for religious and civic purposes. Among the settlers was a young Harvard grad- uate, Daniel Wilkins, whom they made their first minister, serving 43 years. He was ordained, Sept. 23, 1741, over the church of six male mem- beis organized the day before, and'so began his ministry, with a charge over sixteen families and a church of a dozen members, male and female
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ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY
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The first court- house was the meeting - house; in 1788, this, the second, was built. Here Daniel Webster made his maid- en plea. The new court- house was erect- ed about 1825. County courts were held here until 1866, a to- tal of 108 years
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SECOND AND THIRD COURT-HOUSES
ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY
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