A memorial of the town of Hampstead, New Hampshire : historic and genealogic sketches. Proceedings of the centennial celebration, July 4th, 1849. Proceedings of the 150th anniversary of the town's incorporation, July 4th, 1899, Volume I, Part 15

Author: Noyes, Harriette Eliza, b. 1848, comp
Publication date: 1899
Publisher: Boston : G.B. Reed
Number of Pages: 676


USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Hampstead > A memorial of the town of Hampstead, New Hampshire : historic and genealogic sketches. Proceedings of the centennial celebration, July 4th, 1849. Proceedings of the 150th anniversary of the town's incorporation, July 4th, 1899, Volume I > Part 15


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It is gratifying to see here today the loved teacher who fitted me for college, the Hon. William C. Todd, whose benefactions to the public have made him well known and honored by a far wider circle than that of his many pupils.


I also see the Hon. Lyman D. Stevens, my steadfast friend since I went to the fair city of Concord in 1868 to be princi- pal of the high school ; also a few of my schoolmates, Dea.


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William H. Davis, Rufus C. Smith, Job Tabor, Charles H. Grover, Francis Sawyer, William and Horatio Emerson, and others whom I remember most pleasantly.


Some of you recall my father's personal appearance, tall, dignified, serious, but with a singularly kind expression of face and manner. He was proud of children, and his many years of service as chairman of the superintending school com- mittee kept him youthful in feeling. Of his prominent traits of character, the first that occurs to me is his modesty. In what I may say of him and his family, I trust you will not think his son has failed to inherit some portion of it.


He was not one to talk much of what he intended to do, nor of what he had done, but quietly pursued what he thought to be the way of Christian usefulness. Some here today can recall his tender sympathetic visits in times of sickness, be- reavement and sorrow.


His public spirit was manifested in the active part he took in whatever would be of benefit to the town. He was one of the leaders in village improvement and with the help of such man as Daniel Emerson, Ezekiel Bartlett, Isaac Smith, John Ordway and Captain Buck, carried out the work of pro- viding shade for our procession today.


The trees in the cemetery were also a part of their work. There is one tree, in the planting of which I am sure he had no part, one which has not apparently added a single inch to its circumference since we saw it fifty years ago, the great oak in front of Mr. Francis Sawyer's residence, of which the Rev. Henry True wrote for the centennial celebration :


" The royal oak, it was the tree, That swiftly I ran down to see, The first time I had trousers on."


This tree is thought to be nearly or quite 300 years old.


He showed a marked interest in the education of the young. He introduced me, both to singing and day school, at an age so young that I cannot remember the beginning of my school life. He was not only devoted to his work in the public schools,


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but was active in the annual organization of those delightful singing schools, and the select school in the fall, where every one, in the words of those choice teachers, was a " young gen- tleman " or a " young lady." How often we heard some cour- teous young lady teacher say, "The young gentlemen may have recess." Didn't it make us ambitious to deserve the name ?


The founding of the Emerson High school was the result of my father's intimate acquaintance and friendship with Mr. Benjamin Dudley Emerson, and their frequent conversations on the subject of the education of the youth of Hampstead.


By reading that charming book " Bends the Bonnie Briar Bush," you have come to love the schoolmaster. " We called him Domsie because we loved him," says the narrator. He was always looking for a " lad of pairts " that in some way he might be sent to the university for a complete education.


My father, too, was on the lookout for " lads and lasses of pairts " and I can count a dozen or more for whom in some ways not altogether known to me, he secured a college edu- cation.


Of course, he would not neglect his own children, and so he sent my brother William to Andover and Bowdoin College, my sister Susan to the Female High school, Newburyport, Mass., and myself to Atkinson Academy, Williams College and Princeton Theological Seminary.


In coming back to Hampstead I feel that I am coming home, and to friends, who may be interested to know some- thing of my life since leaving here thirty-nine years ago. These years have been exceptionally happy as a high school principal, for more than thirty of them chiefly in the Female High School of Newburyport, Mass., and the high schools of Concord, N. H,, and Burlington, Vt., and Bridgeport, Conn.


It is gratifying that many of my graduates have completed courses at Yale, Harvard, Williams, Columbia University, Smith, Wellesley and Radcliffe Colleges and Brown Univer- sity, and to count among them, members of the faculties of


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Yale, Williams and Vassar, the present Assistant Commis- sioner of Patents at Washington, and the newly elected President of Brown University, Rev. W. H. P. Faunce, D. D.


Among those taking college courses, I should not forget to mention my own children; my daughter Helen taking the course at Smith, and my son William Tenny, at Yale and Andover Theological Seminary.


It is a great pleasure to be with you today, amid scenes fraught with delightful associations of a happy boyhood, and I thank you for the opportunity of addressing you.


The President called upon Mr. Charles H. Grover of Haver- hill, Mass., to respond for the young men of Haverhill, which he did as follows :


Mr. President, Friends, and Fellow Citizens:


Today marks an event that I have looked forward to with pleasurable anticipation, ever since I can remember, and I am glad to say that the realization today has been no disappoint- ment. Today is, and should be, a day for rejoicing, retro- spective in character, and an occasion for reunion of old friends.


Words of mine in reference to Hampstead's past would be but an idle repetition, and would add nothing to the lustre of her already bright name. Our historian has done well her work. The few words I bring to you are the loving greet- ings and the heartfelt thanks of the young men of Haverhill, who are proud to claim Hampstead as their birthplace. We are grateful indeed, friends, to our ancestors for their un- selfish liberality in giving to us so many privileges that they themselves did not enjoy. Our fine free High school is one example of their generosity, and hundreds of sons and daugh- ters will have a chance to honor and bless the name of Hamp- stead High School. Our free public library is another ex- ample of the liberality of a fellow citizen, and his name will go down to posterity as a man who has done much for his fellowmen. These, friends, are but noble examples. Our


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peaceful, prosperous town of today, is the work of our fathers, the men of fifty years ago, and for all this we are truly grate- ful. Haverhill has ever been the course on which scores of the young men of Hampstead have run the race for wealth or fame. An enviable percentage have won or are gaining in that race, and whatever their successes may have been, they realize that not a little credit is due to this dear old town for their early training and education.


Hampstead has sent forth into the world a type of young men peculiar to herself. No matter where they are or how long they have lived elsewhere, they always regard her as their real home. An especial love seems to cling to them for their native town. They are proud of her, and why not? Nature has done much for Hampstead ; her placid lakes, surrounded by fine forests and picturesque hills, unite in making one of the most beautiful towns in the state, noted for its beautiful scenery ; her citizens have ever been men of high moral character and sterling integrity. Tragedies of any character have never stained her fair name nor disturbed her peace, and so friends, I say today that we have nothing to blush for, and much to be proud of, in our dear old town's history.


Mr. President, you have honored me in calling upon me to respond for the young men of Haverhill. As I look around me today, it seems to me that they are all present, and I know they are well able to speak for themselves. What better evi- dence indeed, sir, could we have of the loyalty of the young men of Haverhill to their native town, than the mere fact that so many of them have returned here today to celebrate with her this, her 150th birthday. But I realize the hour demands us to be brief. Before I close I want to leave with you this sentiment, and I know that I voice the feelings of all our young men, when I say: That Hampstead to us is the fair- est spot on God's green earth; may Heaven continue to bless and prosper her, and may her sons be as good men, as worthy citizens, as true to every trust in the future, as have always been her sons in the past.


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The remarks by Mr. Rufus C. Smith of Haverhill, Mass., a native and formerly a prominent resident of Hampstead, were listened to as follows :


Mr. President, Sons and Daughters of Old Hampstead, and Friends :-


It is with the greatest pleasure that I join you in these pleasant exercises. Wherever the sons and daughters of this good old town may be today, whether in foreign lands, or in some distant part of our own country, they will all turn with loving thoughts, and tender memories to the scenes of child- hood.


We, who today are permitted to assemble together, in the home of our youth, amid the scenes of that time, with the re- membrances which old familiar faces bring to each of us, should count this occasion as one of the pleasant experiences of life.


What a rush of past memories come to us at this time ! how our hearts and minds are filled with the sweetest and tender- est recollections of the past ; and with what fond hopes do we look forward to the future.


The old town of Hampstead needs no eulogy from any of her sons and daughters. Her record is her best eulogy. True to herself : true to the principles of right; loyal and steadfast in her devotion to this grand nation, in war as well as peace ; the record of the good town of Hampstead is the pride and admiration of her sons and daughters, whether at home, or dwellers in distant parts of the old Granite State, or in that grand old sister state, the Commonwealth of Massachu- setts, where so many of them have been honored and trusted, or in distant parts of the world.


We come in unison today, as the children of this goodly town, back to the old scenes, to pay our tribute of love and affection to the town and its people, which all the changes of time and place can never take away.


And now, Mr. President, let me thank you for this oppor-


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tunity of saying these few words ; and allow me to close with this sentiment, which will re-echo from every heart.


" The Old Town of Hampstead-May her sons in the future be as strong, as true, and as loyal as the fathers ; may her daughters be as gracious, as lovable, and as noble as the mothers ; and may the record of this town, which we all love so much, be as grand and as creditable in the future, as her record has been in the past."


Remarks of Rufus K. Noyes, M. D., of Boston, Mass.


Ladies and Gentlemen :-


It is a great honor to be called upon to speak on this occa- sion, however little one has to say. Taking part in celebrat- ing the one hundred and fiftieth birthday of our town, is pleasant and interesting to even the younger ones among us, but especially satisfactory must it be to those who have re- sided here in town a half century or more.


We have reason to be proud that our town was named after Hampstead, England, since that town is now a part of the greatest metropolis in the world.


When I was in London, about the first place I visited was Hampstead, and I was surprised to find a location on Hamp- stead Heath, which corresponds to, and resembles topograph- ically that where our town hall stands.


While we are justly glad that our Hampstead was named after so great and renowned a place as London, I am sure that Hampstead, London, would be proud to know of the progress and greatness of little Hampstead, New Hampshire, and I would suggest, if it has not already been proposed, that an ac- count of our celebration be sent to the Lord Mayor of London.


We have reason to congratulate ourselves that we belong in New Hampshire, where so many of her sons and daughters have received from her invigorating atmosphere and heathful climate, so much that counts for progress and success in life, and one has only to see the faces, to hear the speeches, and to sit at the banquet boards, at the New Hampshire Club of


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Boston, where more than two hundred and fifty natives of New Hampshire come together annually, to realize how much the sons and daughters of our dear old State have given, and are continually, in all departments of human endeavor, to the welfare and progress of Massachusetts, and even to the world in general.


But we must especially congratulate those noble, brave and faithful ones of each generation who do not go to cities, but who remain at home and prevent the farms from being aban- doned, build school-houses, libraries, improve the roads and highways, rear families, and help the parents who are grow- ing aged and infirm.


Much may be said about the advantages of city life, but those who have had experience in both city and country, in- cline towards the country as the only place where peace, con- tentment, comfort and the satisfying qualities of the truest joys of life, can be found in the greatest measure. Even the wealthiest of men, have an unfulfilled ambition until they have a country home, and it seems to be a general desire on the part of those, especially, who were born and bred in the country, to return there to spend their declining days.


It is fortunate that we live in this age, and in this country, and in New England. It is fortunate that we possess those activities, energies and ideas of progress which have enabled us to accomplish more in one hundred and fifty years, than the people of England have in more than six hundred years. Here, the farmers use the best machinery, and instances where women labor in the fields are exceptional, while in England and in Europe the people use antiquated implements and little machinery, and the women are commonly harnessed with the dog and the donkey, and work in gangs, breaking stone, building roads and doing general farming, while the man-bosss its under the shade of a tree, smoking his pipe.


Then let us reflect when we feel discouraged at the weeds, potato-bugs, and drouth, and the dubious farming prospects at any particular time, that thirty per cent. of the people of


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some of our large cities live on charity, and that sixty per cent. live from "hand to mouth " in a most precarious fashion.


Let us not be contented, however, but let us be able to be congratulated, and congratulate ourselves on many things.


I desire to express the hope, after seeing how good a time we all have had here today, that we act on the recommenda- tion of His Excellency, Gov. Rollins, and repeat our hospi- talities and home coming each succeeding year.


And now, thanking you for your kind attention, let me offer to you the sentiment of Shakespeare, which says,


" Upon this land, upon this people, a thousand, thousand blessings."


Rev. Daniel J. Smith, of West Rindge, N. H., was the last speaker of the afternoon, and it was a pleasure to the older people to once again listen to his voice. He spoke of the pride he felt in being a native of a town, whose location and surroundings were so pleasant, in which he spent the first thirty-one years of his life in the Ordway district. He brought to our thoughts two sides of a home-coming, especially to him. A sad side, that all of his family were gone, and the old house where he was born almost gone also, and he might go through the town and not see one familiar face or one to recognize him ; still there was a bright side for him, to note the progress that had been made in the town since he could remember it nearly seventy years ago. The improvements he saw on every hand told him that his native town was a progressive town, and he felt that those that had remained here all the years could say truly " the lines have fallen in pleasant places." He contrast- ed the little library in the center of the town that they had when he was a boy, where he was so interested in one book which then was there, among the few about the northwest passage and polar regions, with the beautiful library we now have with its many books.


" Yes, I am proud today of my native town, and of the Granite State, that it is my native state. They have done much for me, and I rejoice to be with you today."


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ADDRESS PREPARED BY EDWARD CLARKE SMITH, OF MAN- CHESTER, N. H., A SON OF JUDGE ISAAC W SMITH.


Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen :-


There is one familiar face missing in this company today, one known and loved by the citizens of Hampstead, whose in- terest in its prosperity never flagged and who cherished to the last the ties which bound him to his native place. My ven- erable father had looked forward to this important anniver- sary with delightful anticipation. He had invited his sons to accompany him to the scenes of his boyhood, and they had gladly consented. But heaven willed otherwise. Crowned with years and honors, he sleeps within sound of the river on whose banks the greater portion of his life was spent.


If he could have been permitted to speak of the future, next to his own desire at being here and taking part in these exercises, I know he would have desired that one of his sons might be permitted to represent him, upon this, the one hun- dred and fiftieth anniversary of the place of his birth. It seems to me as though this wish had been transmitted to your committee, and I want to express to them the sincere thanks of my family and myself for the privilege of addressing the dear old friends of my father whom he loved so well, and who are gathered here today to commemorate the birth of the town of Hampstead, and, as the only son now residing in New Hampshire, I represent the family, and in their name ex- tend to the good citizens of Hampstead sincere congratula- tions upon this most interesting of occasions.


The town of Hampstead will always have for me the ten- derest of memories. My great grandfather and my grand- father lie in yonder cemetery. Honored and respected during their lives, their memory is still cherished. My father's early days were spent in Hampstead, and here he elected to pass his college" vacations. His interest in this town never di- minished throughout his long and busy life, and all that went to make up its prosperity lay very near his heart. When this


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town made its first century run, my father, fresh from college, just entering upon his professional career, was chosen orator of the day. How eminently fitting were he with us today in a similar capacity.


Mr. Chairman, the many evidences of prosperity and prog- ress which I see around me, assures me of the fact that the old town is keeping pace with the demands of the times. Your library, your high school, your town hall with its interesting associations, your churches, testify to the public spirit and generosity of your fellow citizens. The little red schoolhouse, the corner stone of New England civilization, has merged its identity into something more pretentious, but its real influ ences still survive.


In this connection, Mr. Chairman, I wish to make a sug- gestion in keeping with the spirit of progress which animates the citizens of the new Hampstead. In yonder cemetery lie the parents and grandparents of many within sound of my voice.


Dear to our hearts are the "last long homes " of our loved ones. Ennobling is the work of erecting suitable monuments to them. Beautiful is the custom of placing flowers upon their graves. The care of their last resting places should be a duty sacredly to be performed. And this care is a matter which is occupying the hearts and minds of educated people in all large municipalities. I regret to say that in smaller communities I have found little interest in this matter. I know of no work being carried on today more worthy of sup- port than the beautifying of our " cities of the dead." It is one in which we may take pride, and which finds commen- dation in the eyes of civilized men, and I believe is pleasing in the sight of our Heavenly Father.


I would that some son of Hampstead might leave the town a legacy for beautifying God's acre where our fathers dwell. I would that these graves might have perpetual care. That strangers coming to this town might be impressed with the perfect condition of the grounds and the taste displayed in their decoration.


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And now, Mr. Chairman, I want to add to my congratula- tions the sincere wish of my family and myself for the future welfare of this town. May her citizens continue to cherish the traditions of the past and maintain undimmed the fair name of old Hampstead. For a century and a half it has stood for all that goes to make up plain living and high thinking, manly men, womanly women, and upright, law- abiding citizens. May the God of our fathers watch over you and keep you, for


" Unless the Lord this city keep,


The watchman wakes in vain."


Rev. Rufus P. Gardner read the following letters from absent friends :-


FREMONTVILLE, VENTURA COUNTY, CAL.,


June 19, 1899.


To the Committee of Arrangements and Friends of Hamp- stead :-


I send you greetings, and regrets that I cannot be with you to help celebrate and enjoy the occasion of the celebra- tion of the 150th anniversary of the settlement of good old Hampstead.


Many of the pleasurable days of my boyhood were passed in the grove where you this day celebrate. The beautiful " Wash Pond," how much I have enjoyed sailing on its sur- face and swimming in its waters. I think it is worthy of being called a lake, and charming enough to have a gem of a name. I would suggest Crystal Lake. I hope you will that day christen this lovely lake by some appropriate name.


I congratulate all that are able to be present.


From a native son of Hampstead,


WILLIAM TENNY RICHARDSON.


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DETROIT, MICHIGAN, July 1st, 1899. Messrs. GARDNER, BENNETTE, and EMERSON, Committee. Gentlemen and my dear old Townsmen :-


Sixty-five years ago today I first saw light in "old Hamp- stead," and fifty years ago the coming Tuesday I was one of the young boys to help decorate for the one hundredth anni- versary, and I assure you nothing would delight me more than to be one of the " old boys " to enjoy your celebration of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary.


We have the great crowd of Christian Endeavorers here fourth of July next, and my business will be such that I cannot leave.


With hearty regards to everybody in my old town, I am Sincerely yours,


EBEN H. AYER.


METUCHEN, N. J., June 29, 1899.


Gentlemen :-


Your invitation to attend the celebration of the 150th an- niversary of the incorporation of Hampstead is before me. I should be very glad to be present on that occasion, but ad- vancing years make it seem a very formidable task.


Hampstead has always had a very warm place in my mem- ory. There was I born, there my ancestors rest. Her hills and valleys, her beautiful lakes, are still vivid pictures before me. The schools where I received the beginnings of educa- tion are still fresh in memory.


I often go over the list of friends and neighbors who were so much a part of my early life, and a sadness comes over me to think nearly all have passed away.


The old meeting-house is perfectly represented in your note of invitation. The High school and Library buildings are of later date, and signs of progress for which old Hampstead was always noted. Let the people ever remember that " Righteousness alone exalteth a nation," and that the great-


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ness and glory of our country will ever be in proportion to the virtue and intelligence of its individual citizens.


I am drawing near to the eightieth milestone, and mny wish for you all is,


When the strength is diminished, And the work of life finished, And the final orders come, "Ground arms! break ranks!" May the ruddy sunset glow, Rest on heads of snow,


Emblem of waiting glory In the heavenly home.


I am, Gentlemen, very truly yours,


ARTHUR WARD MARSHALL.


ST. LUKE'S SCHOOL, BUSTLETON (near Phila.), PENNSYLVANIA, June 24, 1899.


REV. RUFUS P. GARDNER, Hampstead, N. H.


My Dear Sir :-


Your kind invitation to attend the celebration of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the Town of Hampstead, July 4th, was duly received and greatly appreciated. I have delayed my reply in the hope that I might send a favorable answer, but professional duties will make it impossible for me to be with you on that interesting occasion.


My brother, Edward C. Smith, will attend, and has con- sented to read an original ode dedicated to the citizens of Hampstead, which I have just completed. After the ode has been read, my brother will deliver the MS. to the committee for such disposition as they may deem proper.


Please convey to the gentlemen completing the committee of arrangements my appreciation of the honor conferred upon me, and my sincere regret that my duties will not admit of my being with you in person.




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