USA > New Hampshire > Grafton County > Bethlehem > The early history of the town of Bethlehem, New Hampshire > Part 1
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(Grafton, Co.)
Gc 974.202 B47b
Gc 974.202 B4 7b 1235092
M. L
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01095 9358
C
THE EARLY HISTORY
-OF THE-
TOWN OF
BETHLEHEM,
NEW HAMPSHIRE.
-BY-
REV. SIMEON BOLLES,
WOODSVILLE, N. H: ENTERPRISE PRINTING HOUSE. 1883.
IT
Entered according to Act of Congress, June 23, 1883, BY REV. SIMEON BOLLES, Bethlehem, N. H., In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
1235092
PREFACE.
THE interest felt by many in preserving the early history of Bethlehem as well as the importance of these records and the opportunities for obtaining such infor- mation is annually decreasing. It was apparent that unless soon collected and put in form to be retained they would be lost to view in that darkness that follows close ly the march of time.
As no one seemed willing to undertake the task l have secured what facts I could in so short a time and I now present them to the public. The style of writing may vary but the facts presented lose none of their le- gitimate importance or interest.
S. B.
Bethlehem, August 3, 1883.
E. B. Wallace, Publisher and Printer, Woodsville, N. H.
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THE
EARLY HISTORY -OF-
THE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM, N. H.
CHAPTER I.
WHILE some parts of our country are furnish- ing conclusive proof, in the form of mounds, for- tifications and other relics of various kinds, that a race were dwellers in the Western World long before and superior to the red man in develop- ment, if not by nature, we have no proof that Bethlehem was ever inhabited or even known to exist by any human being prior to the existence of the North American indian; and we fail to find conclusive evidence that the red man ever chose this spot for a permanent home. No doubt the uncultivated children of the forest (being lovers of nature,) came at times to hunt and fish or to enjoy a few weeks of pleasure in nature's wild retreat, and it may be that these commodious
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THE EARLY HISTORY OF THE
structures that furnish pleasant homes for the many tourists who annually visit this lovely spot, have been erected on the same grounds that were once utilized by the red man on which to con- struct his wigwam. Who can say that on the same identical spot beneath the overhanging branches of some forest king, in twilight hour, a wood-nymph being the only witness, the dark- skinned warrior did not woo and win his dusky mate?
While the mound builders were unconsciously making records that would reveal the fact to fu- ture generations that they once existed, that which is now Bethlehem was clothed with prime- val upland grandeur beautified by nature's own adornments. No sound of the woodman's axe, no crack of the hunter's rifle, no merry laugh of happy children were heard and no familiar bell awoke the echoes of Sabbath morning calling the people to church. The morning and evening stars saw no change and setting sun bid adieu, (not a final farewell,) kissing tree-tops and hill- side with his departing rays to greet them again on the morrow. Thus things continued without any essential change during periods of unknown length. Could an observer have been permitted
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TOWN OF BETHLEHEM, N. H.
to look upon this enchanting spot from his home on some planet far off in the regions of space, his thoughts might have been something like the following: "Thou Invisible One! Why such lav- ish display of Thy creative power in that unin- habited region with gradual sloping grounds, more conspicuous elevations, plats and valleys covered with forest kings with giant forms inter- spersed with various specimens of the floral king- dom? No human beings enjoy the beauties of this favored spot for none are there. Why is it thus?" Echo repeats, "Why?" and the sound dies away in ethereal space.
After the lapse of ages the question is answer- ed. In harmony with the Creators wise arrang- ment of things his plans are gradually unfolded to the comprehension of man. Things created for the benefit of our race and the uses that the Creator designed that man should make of them, are made known to him as fast as man's upward progress and development require such knowl- edge. The North American indian had no use for oar, coal or petroleum stored away by their Creator beneath the surface of the globe and he knew but little or nothing of their existence. But when society became civilized and enlighten-
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THE EARLY HISTORY OF THE
ed there were corresponding needs to be sup- plied, and in harmony with the Creator's plan mans knowledge of these hidden treasures, with ability to obtain and utilize them, was co-extensive with the demand for them. Crowded cities, close application to business and unhealthy climate necessitated rest, a change of scenery and atmos- phere. While causes were creating a necessity for such a change, causes were preparing places where such changes could be obtained. Civiliza- tion was on the march, and hardy pioneers found their way to this hilly region, gradually the pop- ulation increased and usurped the laws of nature and woodland glory disappeared before the state- ly tread of civilization. The hand of industry utilzed the primeval forest and flowing streams, while the virgin soil yielded an abundant harvest.
At this point we leave the subject and go back to an earlier date in the history of the town. It
was early dawn in the beautiful morning when the feathered tribe were stopped and startled in the midst of their early songs, wild beasts were disturbed in their lairs and old Bruin sat upon his haunches, while the nimble squirrel ascended to the top-most branch of some stately tree to un- derstand, if possible, the meaning of those strange
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TOWN OF BETHLEHEM, N. H.
sounds and wonderful sights ; but being new to them they could not solve the mystery, for they now beheld for the first time, the camp of the white man, with its ascending smoke ; they heard the sound of the wood-man's axe as stroke after stroke was vigorously applied, and the meaning of all this was that the wild occupants of the for- rest could no longer hold undisputed sway over that part of natures wild domain ; and more, it was the precursor of important events, a link in the long chain of cause and effect by which the Creator governs the world. It was a harbinger of the day when Bruin must live a more retired life or retreat before the advancing tide, when game of all kinds must for their own safety keep a sharp lookout for their new but deadly foe, when the beauties of well cultivated fiields would sup- plant woodland glory, when log cabins would dis- appear before an increasing number of more com- modius and better constructed framed buildings, when school and meeting houses shuld dot the place, standing like so many guardian angels to protect the best interests of society, when rail- roads, telegraph and telephone would connect this town with Boston and other great cities, when Bethlehem Street would witness the com-
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THE EARLY HISTORY OF THE
ing and going of the majestic iron horse, when this locality would become a theme of conversa- tion in all parts of the civilized world and thous- ands be attracted hither by its natural scenery and the wonderful power of its atmosphere to re- store health to suffering invalids.
Knowledge and fame of the real value of Beth- lehem as a summer resort is increasing in this and foreign lands with a corresponding increase of annual travel to this place of beauty and won- derful sights. Looking far back into the past and peering away into the comparitively unknown future, who can define or limit the resources and ability of Bethlehem to accommodate guests, or the demand that shall be made upon her? Who can tell what the ultimatum will be?
CHAPTER 2.
FROM various sources we gather the following relative to the early history of Bethlehem.
Adventurous spirits are never lacking in num- ber or willingness to explore unknown regions. Restless and daring with great physical powers and constitution like iron, they were adapted by nature for fulfilling their important but hazard-
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TOWN OF BETHLEHEM, N. H.
ous mission. They find no charms in city life or in a quiet rural home, they court hardships and delight in dangers connected with a forest life far beyond the boundary of civilization. It was a part of the Creator's wise arrangement of things that forest grandeur would yield to superior pow- er which could not be accomplished without the aid of bold and energetic characters whose names and individual deeds of daring, to a great extent, are now unknown, being buried in the debris of the past, but the results of their labors continue to exist.
Bethlehem was not exempt from those restless feet and keen searching eyes that sought to pen- etrate to the depths of nature's secrets and reveal the mysteries of her most secluded abodes, and when success had crowned their efforts they pic- tured in glowing terms and picturesque language (though lacking in those rhetorical adornments that might embelish the writings of literary men, yet with great power being inspired by enchant- ing surroundings,) what they found recorded in the great book of nature. News of its discovery with its many advantages of beautiful scenery, forests and flowers, its rippling streams and nat- ural water power, productive soil and purity of
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THE EARLY HISTORY OF THE
never-failing springs, spread with great rapidity along the borders of civilization and soon became the theme of conversation at public gatherings, with laboring men in their daily toil and at the family hearth-stone; children sat on father's knee to hear the wonderful story aud lovers gravely consulted together as to the feasibility of begin- ning a wedded life in the promised land.
The first to awaken slumbering echoes by es- tablishing permanent homes mid the grandeur of primeval beauty, were Benjamin Brown and Jo- nas Warren from Massachusetts. This was in 1787 or 1788. For a time there were only three families in town, the two above named and an- other the name of which, from whence they came, how long they resided here, or whither they went, we can find no trace. Mr. Warren located on the place now occupied by Charles Blandin; they had four children, Otis, Betsy, Jonas and Anna. Mr. Brown settled on the farm known as James Bean place on the South Road. They had eleven children, named Abigail, Frances, Marcus, Benj- amin, Ida, Cynthia, Anna, Susannah, Triphena, Oliver and Mahala. Marcus died in Bethlehem leaving one son and one daughter who now re- side in town. Two of the eleven children above
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TOWN OF BETHLEHEM, N. H.
named, Benjamin and Ida were twins, the first pair born in town.
In the spring of 1790 James Turner began his settlement on Lloyd's Hill, there being at that time only two families in town; afterwards dur- ing the same year others came. In March, 1794, Lot Woodbury settled in town, he came from Roylston, Mass., bringing his family and effects on an ox sled.
The shorter month of February had lived out its time and the longer days of March with their piercing cold were now in line of march following closely its predecessor. The ground was clothed in its pure white garments so beautifully adapted to the winter season in this northern clime. The rippling brook and murmuring rill were hushed in silence bound by fetters of ice and clothed with a silvery sheen. The cold breath of frozen north with icy coldness penetrating every nook and corner. Its chilling influence caused fond mothers to be more careful of their little ones and travelers instinctively wrapped more closely around themselves their outer garments. Snow birds continued to come daily to doors and win- dows of friendly dwellings in quest of food in the form of bits of bread or cold potatoes from the
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THE EARLY HISTORY OF THE
remnants of a well-spread table that chanced to find its way to the exterior of the buildings, and occasionally a group of little children with eyes sparkling with delight and showing extreme pleasure, might have been seen with busy hands fetching crumbs to their charming little visitors, while a solitary crow might have made his pres- ence known by his accustomed " haw," moving lazily on the wing as if in search of food or signs of warmer weather ; but the time had not come for the warm blushes of spring to dispel that frigid look that covered the face of Nature.
In the town of Roylston, Mass., at the time of which we are writing, there might have been seen an unusual stir that showed conclusively that an important event was near at hand not unlike those scenes transpiring to a greater or less ex- tent along the borders of civilization. Neighbors gathered at this central point of attraction not to converse on the general topics of the day, but to share in those scenes and witness those events in which they felt a special interest , no pleasing story was rehearsed or jovial language used, no merry peals of laughter or songs of mirthful im- port saluted the ear, but solemnity bended over this little group of anxious friends, for their
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TOWN OF BETHLEHEM, N. H.
hearts were sad and their eyes were filled with flowing tears.
The wood in the old fashioned fire-place had not been replenished for some little time, the large fore-stick and huge back-log had been converted into glowing embers by the devouring element and a small tallow candle was burning low in its iron socket, whose dim and flickering light gave a dreary aspect to various objects within the room, harmonizing with the feelings of the little compa- ny. Warm grasping of hands, a fervent parting kiss, and ejaculations of "my best wishes I leave with you," "don't forget us," and "may God bless us all" ends the scene within. Before the door of the dwelling stood a yoke of oxen attached to a sled on which might have been seen household effects, provisions, and a small amount of farm- ing implements, the family now coming forward taking their allotted seats, the load was complet- ed, when all being ready the team moved on. The sky was cloudless and the twinkling stars still shown in all their glory for twilight had not come to dim their heavenly beauty.
Slowly and silently the subject of our narative moves onward and when day dawned they were beyond the sight of their once happy home
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This family consisted of Lot Woodbury and wife, one pair of twins named Zariah and Oliver, about two years old, and Asa about six weeks of age. Asa died in this town loved and respected by all who knew him, being a prominent man and a good citizen, leaving behind him an influence for good which none but a kind, benevolent, true- hearted, and practical Christian can. We can picture in our imagination the feelings and emo- tions of those anxious parents as they journeyed in the twilight of morning; fields and gardens were being left in the rear, familiar objects and loving friends had been seen by them (it might be for the last time) and the certainty of what they left behind and the uncertainty of that which was before them made it a moment of in- tense interest to those thoughtful travelers.
While contemplating the hardships that await- ed them in their forest home, the possible dan- gers from wild beasts, cold, and hunger, they were cheered with the thought that warm hearts and welcome greetings awaited them on their ar- rival. As the cold increased with the rising sun the fond mother cared for the twins as best she could, at the same time hugging her babe more closely to her throbbing bosom. Slowly and wear-
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ily the day wore on, night was apprgarbing, twi. light catan silently pt as the brightness of clay began to recode The ent ha gomme to rout 20 it» for off western house, giant forms stood mo- Gionloss in the piszcing cold of the evening wir. while their branches morel to and fro lo spee- teal forms in a stirring becere far in the frozen north, but the children heeded is not lwing wrap pod in lende of quirt slumber. In s abort lime a comfortable sheller was soestted for the night ani thas ended the first day's journey.
In the morning, refreshaged in body sad spir- itx, thay continued on their way. Day after day they moved slowly on surrounded by the same general scenery, good sod poor roads, forests anilmotivated pistehos of land with here and there s limmely dwelling, hille wod valleys moet their sight, while the samexese of the bescastor's prattlog noise of the little cmes and ralin, mooth- ing voice of the fond, careful mother all combin- ed to make their long tedious journey s toonoto- Dogs one.
In due time they reached the book in the little valley abond a mile went of Bethinbeto Street wod began to surend! the hill The osen,
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THE EARLY HISTORY OF THE
weary and worn by the heavy load they had drawn and great distance they had come, moved on mindful of the fact that the end was near, but by much and constant urging with a vig- orous given imperative command of "Gee Star," "Haw Line," or "Wake up my boy," which awoke many slumbering echoes, the jaded team was in- duced to obey the driver's voice and to move on, stopping every four rods to rest.
The knowledge of their near proximity to their future place of residence acted on the minds of Mr. and Mrs. Woodbury like magic power: for the moment forgeting their hardships and weari- ness of body and mind, they were exultant with joy at the near realization of their long cherished hopes. The children seemed to catch the inspiration, for the twins talked more gladful in their childish way and baby came in for a share with an increasing prattle. In their frame of mind the parents descanted on beauties of Nature that surrounded them on either side, and so charming to them was the scenery that Mrs. Woodbury likened their journey up the hill to that of ascending the hill of Zion. They soon reached their place of destination. Halting be- fore the cabin door of Jonas Warren where
TOWN OF BETHLEHEM, N. H.
they were to stay until a home off their own egal be prepared
The twins referred to in this narrative were the frit brought to Lloyd's Hill. The only surviv- Ingr metuber of Lot Woodbury's family is widow Wilder, the mother of Horsce W. Willer, the proprieter of the popular Centennial House. Mrs. Wilder was born in Bothledem, which place has been her home up to the present time: she in the oblast person born in the town who is living there. She is cared for by ber son Horse W. The oldest potwon in town in Ian Newton Gay, born in Massachusetts in 1796.
The part that Mrw Woodbury seted in outals linhingt snow hozom in a distant forest sentan more like the work of vivid imagination than of stern reality, but from the landing of the po- grimas on the ine-clad Rock of Plymouth hold and laure women were ready to share in all the priration of & pioneer life. To monk ounsok le wid in praise of those women who- arted an on- spiltwas a part in laying the fogodation for the fatura prosperity of Bethinhem. They were not strong mio I will good miral, charistinh charseter Thury faithfully performoil their soutien os wires,
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THE EARLY HISTORY OF THE
weary and worn by the heavy load they had drawn and great distance they had come, moved on mindful of the fact that the end was near, but by much and constant urging with a vig- orous given imperative command of "Gee Star," "Haw Line," or "Wake up my boy," which awoke many slumbering echoes, the jaded team was in- duced to obey the driver's voice and to move on, stopping every four rods to rest.
The knowledge of their near proximity to their future place of residence acted on the minds of Mr. and Mrs. Woodbury like magic power: for the moment forgeting their hardships and weari- ness of body and mind, they were exultant with joy at the near realization of their long cherished hopes. The children seemed to catch the inspiration, for the twins talked more gladful in their childish way and baby came in for a share with an increasing prattle. In their frame of mind the parents descanted on beauties of Nature that surrounded them on either side, and so charming to them was the scenery that Mrs. Woodbury likened their journey up the hill to that of ascending the hill of Zion. They soon reached their place of destination. Halting be- fore the cabin door of Jonas Warren where
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TOWN OF BETHLEHEM, N. H.
they were to stay until a home of their own could be prepared.
The twins referred to in this narrative were the first brought to Lloyd's Hill. The only surviv- ing member of Lot Woodbury's family is widow Wilder, the mother of Horace W. Wilder, the proprieter of the popular Centennial House. Mrs. Wilder was born in Bethlehem, which place has been her home up to the present time: she is the oldest person born in the town who is living there. She is cared for by her son Horace W. The oldest person in town is Isaac Newton Gay, born in Massachusetts in 1796.
The part that Mrs. Woodbury acted in estab- lishing a new home in a distant forest seems more like the work of vivid imagination than of stern reality, but from the landing of the pil- grims on the ice-clad Rock of Plymouth, bold and brave women were ready to share in all the privations of a pioneer life. To much cannot be said in praise of those women who acted so con- spicuous a part in laying the foundation for the future prosperity of Bethlehem. They were not only resolute and fearless but also persons of strong mind with good moral, christian character. They faithfully performed their duties as wives,
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THE EARLY HISTORY OF THE
mothers and daughters at the same time render- ing material aid in clearing, putting seed in the ground in the spring-time and in gathering their scanty harvest in the autumnal season; in fact there was no labor in which they did not have a hand to a greater or less extent. The light and cheer imparted by the females of those early times was not confined alone to their own cabins, but it extended to every family in the little settlement, they imparted life to social gatherings, and their hopeful word and strong, sympathetic feelings imparted comfort and new life to the sick and disheartened. The names and deeds of those self-sacrificing women, who so patiently and heroicly contended with great hardships and perils in planting the germ of civ- ilization and in fostering the growth of enlight- ened society amid the the primeval forests that then covered our now well-cultivated uplands and valleys, deserve to be held in grateful remem- brance by those who now enjoy the benefits of their labors and when the last vestige of their noble deeds shall have disappeared and time shall have rendered epitaphs illegible and even the headstone has crumbled and lost its identity in the great whole from which it was taken, and
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TOWN OF BETHLEHEM, N. H.
while the undying influence of those truly noble women shall silently continue to work out its glo- rious mission, may recollections of them be en- graven on the mind to the latest posterity.
Isaac Newton Gay came into town in 1800. Of a Balm Gilead tree near the residence of A. S. Phillips, Mr. Gay says, "On my seventh birth- day, June 6, 1803, I set it out with my own hands; there were two of them, but one died." Nathaniel Snow, father of the Nathaniel Snow who died in this town, originally surveyed Beth- lehem, and the compass used is now in the pos- session of Reuben Baker.
CHAPTER 3.
BETHLEHEM was incorporated Dec. 27, 1799. It was originally called Lloyd's Hill; the first town meetings were in 1800, and the following are copies of their records :-
At a legal meeting of the legal voters of the town of Bethlehem, held on Tuesday, the fourth day of March, A. D. 1800, voted as follows :-
Sworn 1. Made choice of Moses Eastman for a moderator.
Sworn 2. Made choice of Moses Eastman for a Town Clerk.
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Sworn 3. Made choice of Moses Eastman for the first select man.
Sworn 4. Made choice of Nathaniel Snow for the second ditto.
Sworn 5. Made choice of Amos Wheeler for the third ditto.
Sworn 6. Made choice of Edward Oakes for a Constable.
Sworn 7. Made choice of Edward Oakes for a collector.
Sworn 8. Made choice of Simeon Burt for a Highway Surveyor.
Sworn 9. Made choice of John Gile for a Highway Surveyor.
Sworn 10. Made choice of Edward Oakes for
a Highway Surveyor.
Sworn 11. Made choice of Lot Woodbury for a fence viewer.
Sworn 12. Made choice of Amos Wheeler for a Sealer of weights and measures.
Sworn 13. Made choice of James Noyes for a Tithing-man.
Sworn 14. Made choice of John Russell and Edward Oakes for hogreefs.
15. Voted to dissolve the meeting.
A true copy,
attest, Moses Eastman, T. Clerk. Moses Eastman, Moderator.
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TOWN OF BETHLEHEM, N. H.
At a legal meeting of the legal voters of the Town of Bethlehem, held on the tenth of April, 1800, voted as follows, viz :-
1st. Made choice of Edward Oakes for a mod- erator.
2nd. Voted to raise Twenty-four dollars for Schooling.
3rd. Voted to raise four dollars to defray Town charges.
4th. Voted to raise Sixty dollars to be worked out on the road.
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