USA > New Hampshire > Cheshire County > Gazetteer of Cheshire County, N.H., 1736-1885 > Part 38
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TOWN OF MARLOW.
missed November 13, 1799, and for one year preached to the society at Unity, when he returned and again assumed charge of the church here, preaching in the new meeting-house.
A minister tax was voted by the town until 1796, when an interim of five years occurs, then it was voted "to assess no tax upon those who could show that they had paid towards the support of some other minister ; but even this release did not prevent serious difficulties, lawsuits, and even personal vio- lence taking place. Elder Beckwith preached until 1806, after which the Baptists had no regular pastor until 1859, when the society was re-organized by Rev. David Gage, who preached in the academy for three years. He was succeeded by Rev. W. H. Eaton. After the latter's departure, in 1864, the society became scattered, and have seldom held meetings since.
While the Baptist faith seems to have had the strongest hold upon the people, we see that toward the close of the century, the newly advanced doc- trine of the Methodists and Universalists were being spread over the land, some seed falling in Marlow. Each of the faiths found its supporters here, though the former seems to have obtained the more permanent hold, but not, however, without considerable opposition.
On April 28, 1807, a vote was passed extending a call to Rev. Paul Dustin. He being an avowed Methodist, the act aroused the ire of all who were op- posed to this faith. A protest to this call follows it on the records, signed by eighteen voters, who say: "By the creed, the said Dustin has exhibited views on the Methodist plan of Doctrine, which we profess not to believe, therefore his preaching cannot be edifying to us." Mr. Dustin was settled, however, and remained until the summer of 1810, when ill health obliged him to withdraw. Until 1812 there is no evidence of regular church service, but in this year, and in 1813, Rev. Dexter Bates was located here. It 1814, Rev. Peter Jacobs settled in town, remaining several years, supplying the place of a regular pastor much of the time. The succession of Methodist ministers since is as follows : Revs. Warner Banister, Caleb Dustin, James Farnum, Erastus Otis, Amasa Taylor, Zenas Adams, Lamson Walker, John Lord, Phineas Ball, Silas Frink, A. D. Merrill, Justin Spauldin, Joel Steel, George Putnam, Amasa Houghton, Leonard Frost, J. A. Scorrett, Benjamin C. East- man, George Barkley, Roswell Putnam, Dennis Wells, Elihu Scott, Set Far- well, H. J. Wolsey, J. L. Smith, N. Ladd, James Smith, J. Allen, John Jones, Daniel Jones, H. Johnson, L. D. Barrows, Nathan Howard, L. H. Gordon, E. G. Perham, H. Nutter, C. H. Eastman, Rufus Tilton, J. English, Franklin Fur- ber, Abram Fulsom, H. C. Harris, W. T. Evans, H. C. Wood, G. S. Dearborn, G. N. Bryant, W. H. Jones, O. H. Call, E. A. Smith, S. Beedle, A. P. Hatch, N. M. Bailey, S. Quimby, A. C. Coult, A. L. Kendall, A. K. Howard, I. Taggart, A. F. Baxter, C. W. Taylor, S. G. Kellog and C. J. Chase.
In 1829, the society not having such church accommodations as were de- sirable, they erected a house a few rods west from the "old meeting-house," which was occupied there till 1845, when it was removed to the " Plains."
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In 1866 it was enlarged to its present size. The removal of the house caused a division in the society, and a second church was built on the hill; but it was ocupied but a short time, when it went into disuse. In 1873 it was purchased by the Universalists and removed to the village, and is now known as Murray Hall.
In 1827 a society known as Christian Brethren was organized, by Elder E. B. Rollins and Patten Davis, with thirty-three members. Meetings were held in private houses, school-houses and occasionally in the meeting-house, until 1830, when the society came into possession of the old church edifice, which they thereafter occupied. In 1845 it was removed to its present site at the village. The ministers of this denomination have been : Seth and Robert Allen, Daniel Winchester, Amos Stephens, Josiah Knight, Moses, George H. and W. Sweet, J. L. Green, I. R. Pettingill. Bennett Palmer, Jacob Burnham, James S. White, Samuel White. Jonathan Farnum, Seth Ross, Lewis Philips, J. F. Whitney, A. H. Martin, W. S. Morrill, J. L. Pierce, W. H. Nason, E. E. Colburn and Clark Simonds.
The Universalists, while quite numerous in town, had no organized society until 1847, when Rev. N. R. Wright became pastor of a church. He re- mained in charge several years, but after his departure only occasional preach- ing was had until 1875, when Rev. William Hooper was engaged. He preached here and at Lempster for two years, when he resigned his pastorate. Since then services have been held only during the summer, when students from Tuft's Divinity school have supplied.
In the matter of education the town has evinced considerable interest. As early as 1772, six months' schooling was voted. It was also voted to build a school-house, which was to be located near the Mack mill place. This was never built, however. In 1794 five schools were established, ali held at pri- vate houses, excepting the one at Baker Corner, which was held in the old meeting-house. In 1796 it was voted to build four school-houses, each 18x24 feet. One was located near the present house in District No. 1 ; one a few rods south from J. H. Hardy's, on the " Hill" road, one near the house in District No. 3, and the fourth a short distance south from I. Davis's house. The first was burned in 1799, but rebuilt the next year, rebuilt again in 1823, and in 1868. The house in No. 2 was removed, in 1817, to a site a few rods north from W. H. French's. In 1836 a new house was built, a little north of Curtis Winham's, and subsequently, in 1843, was removed to a spot on the Acworth road. In No. 3 the house was burned and rebuilt in 1798, and rebuilt in 1827, and in 1879. In No. 4, the first house was moved about one fourth a mile toward the Jones place, and was burned in 1808, when it was rebuilt, on a site between the Jones and Giffin places. In 1834 a new house was erected about half-way between E. Phelps's and Mrs. A. G. Tubbs's. The house now used was erected in 1852. District No. 5 was formed in 1804, but was associated with Stoddard and Gilsum, for schooling purposes, for many years. This house was built in 1858. No. 6 was estab-
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lished in 1816, when a house was constructed out of a cooper shop located on Whittermore Hill. In 1847 the present house was erected. District No. 7 was separated from No. 2 in 1838, their house was built in 1840, located across the road from the present one, which was erected in 1865. No. 8 was made up of portions of Nos. 1 and 4, in 1846, the house being built two years later. No. 9 is a partial district, being the portion left in union with Stoddard after No. 5 was formed.
In the matter of higher education, a worthy beginning was made, but like many other similar attempts in small towns, lack of means and proper sup- port caused the enterprise to fail. In 1838, Marlow academy was opened to students, in the hall of Edmund Jones's hotel, by Giles Bailey. The term of 1838 was begun in the same place, but difficulties arising, the school was transferred to Huntley's hall, Mr. Bailey being succeeded by Charles F. Stock- well. The school held its sessions in the Tontine, which then stood near by the house how occupied by H. Farnum, but the removal of this building and its conversion into a dwelling house precluded its further use as an academy. In 1841 an association was formed, Rev. Amos Tenney being the prime mover, whose purpose was to erect a house and establish on a firm basis an academy school. The present institution is the result of this effort. The first principal under the regime was Warren J. Guernsey, who remained in charge till 1846, when a Mr. Johnson had charge for a term. In 1847, Lucian Hunt was secured as principal. The school was then at low ebb, but under him it was brought to a most excellent condition, seeing its palmiest days. Rev. W. F. Ebans succeeded as principal in 1849, for one year, when Rev. H. C. Wood took charge of the school, remaining about three years. Under him the school prospered and earned an enviable reputation. For a short time the school was under the care of W. H. Hollis, when, in 1855, George W. Todd, a successful teacher, was employed. Under his charge for three years the school prospered. In 1857 J. L. D. Otis purchased the acad- emy and established a Normal school, but lack of support caused the effort to fail, and he sold the building to members of the Baptist church, who, for a few years, held their meetings in it. Finally, the building came into the pos- sion of the Marlow Academy association. Dating from the departure of Mr. Todd, the decline of the school began and since then teachers have been se- cured for one or two terms each, and upon their skill and popularity the suc- cess of the school has depended. The succession of teachers is a follows : G. I. Cutler, A. M. Smith, J. A. Wilbur, Emma Nelson, F. D. Mussey, W. P. Beckwith, C. A. Allen, E. C. Cole, A. E. Cudworth, D. W. McKean, H. D. Upton, E. A. Jones, A. S. Hazelton, C. W. French, F. W. Lane, H. O. Hill, A. P. French, F. D. Wells, and A. W. Mitchell.
Scarcely a town whose history covers a century and a quarter has had fewer physicians than Marlow. Four successive ones complete the list, viz .: Hazelton, Baker, Hatch and Perkins, although others have lived and prac- ticed in town. Dr. Benjamin Hazelton was early in town, though the date
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of his coming is unknown. Isaac Baker was his student in 1790, and soon suceeded to his practice, which he continued till his death in 1847. In 1829 Thomas J. Stevens came to town and practiced until 1844, when he sold to Reuben Hatch. The latter was succeeded in 1850 by Marshall Perkins, who remains in practice still. In 1821-'22 and '23, Lyman Brooks studied and practiced with Dr. Baker. In 1854 William M. French located here, but remained only two years. Dr. Perkins, enlisting in the 14th N. H. Vols., in 1861, left the town without a physician ; but Rockwood G. Mather soon settled. He enlisting also, the field was left open again, Dr. A. P. Richard- son, now of Walpole, then came, practicing about one year.
The mercantile history of the town is a varied one. The first dealer in country store commodities was Nicodemus Miller, who it seems was a merchant in Connecticut, and brought his stock of goods with him to this town, though it consisted principally of "Rumbe and Melases," if we are to believe an old account book. The first regular "truck and barter" mer- chant was Nathaniel Evans, who occupied a room in Silas Mack's new house, built in 1779, and the first framed building in town. He continued here while building a store at the corner, to which he soon removed, and where he continued business until 1802. In 1797 Samuel Richardson opened a store in the old house which stood near W. Whittermore's. In 1801 he be- gan to build a store and hotel across the road from the Evans store, which he opened in 1803, and continued in business until 1820. In 1810, a brother, Thomas P., was his associate, and in 1817 Jonathan Mack was a part- ner. In 1819 John Briant purchased the Evans store, began business, and continued until 1828. In 1825 Willard A. Baker became a partner, and in 1828 purchased Mr. Briant's interest. In 1834, Edward H. Savage (Boston's last chief of police) was made a partner for two years. In 1837 Baker closed out his business, and from this time on no store has been kept at the " Corner."
On Marlow Hill, in 1796, Jonathan Bailey kept a store. The only knowl- edge that remains of him is worthy of preservation. It is said that a woman brought him a tub of butter for exchange ; he, to test its qualities, bowed his head to smell of it. Not liking this procedure, the lady siezed him by the hair and plunged his head into the butter, exclaiming : " I'll teach you, old Bailey, not to smell of my butter." In 1803 a store was kept in a house standing where Curtis Winham lives, by Lampher & Shepard, which was continued about five years. In 1819 Jonathan Richardson opened a store in the same place, remaining about two years, when he built and run a hotel. In 1822 Thomas Walker and Francis D. Ellis began business as merchants in a store which stood a little west from the old meeting-house. In 1825 Ellis succeeded to the entire business, Walker buying the Richardson tavern. Ellis continued alone until 1829, when Amos F. Fisk was admitted as partner, and in 1834 became sole owner. In 1836 Gilbert Lewis was his partner. In 1845 Mr. Fisk moved his stock of goods to the village, filling the Hunt- 21*
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TOWN OF MARLOW.
ley store, and in 1859, Arthur W. Fisk entered into partnership with him. In 1864, Henry Fisk was associated with A. W., Mr. Fisk, senior, retiring. The sons sold in 1869, to Hosea Town and T. D. Winch, though the latter soon withdrew and Elton W. Town succeeded him, the latter dying soon after left Mr. Town alone.
The first store at the village was a branch from Mr. Ellis's, and was kept in E. A. Fox's house, about 1830. It was continued only a short time. In 1833, Thomas Hardy and Aaron Tenney began trade in a part of D. W. Howe's house, where they remained about two years. In 1834, Otis Barden opened a store, where W. H. Seaman resides, but soon sold to Samuel Buss. In 1836, Reuben Griffin became a partner, and, after three years, purchased Buss's interest. In 1839, two new stores were opened, one by Joel Tenney and Eli Foster, in the "Union store," the other by Rufus M. Huntley and Imley Shed. Tenney & Foster dissolved after one year, Foster continuing, while Tenney succeeded Shed & Huntley. E. H. Savage succeeded Tenney, in 1842. In 1844. T. W. Wilson filled this store, but for some reason did not remain long, before Mr. Fisk purchased it. Foster was succeeded, in 1842, by Stephen Day, Jr., and he sold to Albert Gillingham, in 1846. After him came C. G. Pressey, but for a single year, when Aaron and John Tenney purchased the business. In 1849 John retired, and after three years Aaron was succeeded by Edmund Rogers and Leonard Tenney. In 1853 Branch No. 381 of the New England Protective Union was opened in this building, continuing in operation till 1859. In 1871 D. W. & E. N. Howe pur- chased the property and opened a drug and variety store, which is now owned by the latter. In 1859, a store was built by John Q. Jones and Benjamin Coolidge. The latter filled and occupied it till 1864, Amos C. Glidden being a partner the last year. After remaining vacant a short time it was opened by George D. Joslin & Co .. who about 1867, removed to a newly prepared store near the river. In 1869 the store was again filled, by George W. Clyde and Benjamin F. Knight, who continued in business until 1880, when they sold to E. A. Jones, who continues the business. A. T. Joslin succeeded George D. Joslin & Co., and in 1871 Granville H. Messer became his part- ner. Messer withdrew in 1882, continuing the meat and provision branch of their trade.
It would be difficult to locate all the public houses the town has supported, if the licenses granted were to indicate their number. Of public houses proper, there have been few. The first was kept by Elisha Royce, its location being a matter of doubt. As early as 1773, he is mentioned as an "Inn holder." In 1803 Samuel Richardson opened a public house at the "Corner." About 1790 Elisha Huntley kept a tavern on the " Hill." In 1802 and '03, John Gale's sign swung at the house where F. W. King now resides. In 1825 Thomas Walker kept an inn at the Richardson stand, but departing very sud- denly, he was succeeded by Ranscn Gee. The latter sold to Dr. Stevens, and he in turn to Almon Smith, or, as more widely known, "Peg" Smith,
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whose eccentricities and accidental wit rendered him notorious. With him departed the glorious hotel days of the " Hill." Ellis had opened an oppo- sition house, in connection with his store, but soon closed it. The first hotel at the " Plains" was built in 1833, by Edmund Jones, who ministered to the wants of the public for eighteen years, when he sold to Knight & Fleeman. After them came Amos Pike. In 1856 Daniel Petts was proprietor, and was succeeded by his son Ferdinand, who sold to Sylvester Mathews, in 1861. Among the occupants since then have been R. F. Whitney, G. C. Durkee, F. W. Baker, J. H. Mathews, H. H. Huntley and G. A. Petts. Two years after the building of the Ashuelot House, Russell Huntley erected the Forest House, which was afterwards remodeled and became the houses owned by G. A. Petts and G. H. Messer. It was kept open only a few years. In 1852, Edmund Jones built a second hotel, on Forest street, which has at times been kept open.
The water-power furnished by the two streams flowing through the town has been variously utilized, and to good purposes. In 1767 a move was made by the proprietors toward building a grist-mill. Where this was located is not positively known, though it is probable that it was a short distance south from the Mack mill. In 1770 Solomon Gee built a saw-mill about a mile south from the school-house in District No. 8, and a few years later Silas Mack built another saw-mill, which was burned in 1816, but at once rebuilt. Pre- vious to 1780, Zacheus Beebe had a grist-mill a few rods south of the school- house mentioned, while about the same distance above it was a carding-mill. Towards the south part of the town, in 1814, John Jones and Thomas How- ard built a saw-mill, and in 1848 Gilman Jones built a second mill, a few rods further down the stream. About 1775 Stephen Gee began working at his trade of clothier, in a little shop standing back of Horace Gee's house. A little later he built a grist-mill, which stocd where the house now is. This was soon after followed by a saw-mill, which is still in use. In 1851 Reuben Giffin built the "Whip-poor-will mill. About 1800 Samuel Richardson man- ufactured potash at Baker Corner, and previous to this he had worked in a shop southeast from W. Whittemore's, near the brook.
The first to utilize the power furnished by the Ashuelot here, was Andrew Town, who, in 1795, erected a saw and grist-mill about a quarter of a mile north from the Smith mill. In 1816 Peter Fox built the second mill, on a site about half a mile above the village. This, in 1819, was torn down by Keyes & Campbell, who had begun to build on the present site which, when completed, was operated by Keyes until 1827, when Almon Harris purchased the property and enlarged the mill somewhat. In 1832 Martin Huntley be- came the owner. Associating his son Russel with him, in 1833, they built a woolen-mill, a few feet south from the saw-mill. This was sold, in 1846, to J. & J. Burnap, and since 1852, it has been occupied by J. Q. Jones, as a sash and door manufactory and wood-working shop. The saw-mill has been owned by several parties, among them being P. Clark, Eli Foster, and Elisha
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Comstock. In 1847 troubles in reference to flowage arising, the Fox heirs purchased the property, holding it for some time. In 1855 the Burnaps be- came part owners, selling, in 1860, to Selden Brown. The Foxes sold to Edward Giffin, in 1861. In 1865 it was purchased by E. B. Gee. It was burned in 1876, but was at once rebuilt. In 1835 Luman Huntley, son of Martin, began the first tannery on the present location. As early as 1790 Asa Mastin had a small tannery at Baker Corner, and about fifteen years later Phineas Stone established one down near the school-house, in district No. 7, and a third was started in 1820, near F. Phelps's rake shop, by Warde Ware. Huntley operated the one built by him, until 1838, when James Bur- nap and Wells H. Way purchased it. Way soon retired, when Josiah Bur- nap became a partner. The brothers continued in company till 1856, when Josiah retired. In 1749 steam was introduced for heating purposes, and in 1856 the building was enlarged, while in 1859, steam was instituted as a mo- tive power, the water supply not being sufficient. In 1862 James M. How- ard was made a partner, continuing until 1869, when he retired, though still acting as foreman. The tannery proper was burned in 1864, but a new building, enlarged and improved, was at once erected. In 1877 a second fire occurred, destroying the tannery ; but only a few weeks elapsed before it was replaced and fully equipped. Asnow constructed and operated, it is scarcely equalled in the state for capacity and quality of work.
In 1841 C. D. & D. Symonds put in operation, at. Symondsville, a tannery. The latter soon sold his interest, and C. D). managed the business successfully for several years ; but engaging later in lumbering, which did not prove re- munerative, he was finally obliged to sell. The tannery was purchased by James Burnap, who converted it into a saw and planing-mill. The saw-mill, on the west side, had been purchased by Mr. Symonds, of George W. Fox, who built it in 1837. This mill was occupied by several for the manufacture of pail handles and like articles, coming finally into the possession of W. Whittemore, who owned it when it burned, in 1872.
In 1838 Edward H. Savage began the manufacture of starch, in a building across the river from the grist-mill. He extended his business in 1840, and continued it for two years, when George Huston and James H. Savage settled up affairs. Joel M. Eaton then operated the mill for one year. In 1845, Jonathan Green made some changes in the mill and manufactured for three years, and after this no further business was done.
The saw-mill, known as the Downing mill, was built in 1840, by James Downing. In 1859 J. Elliott Smith built a mill about half a mile above the Downing mill. The saw-mill at Cohoes was built by Butler & Tenney. in 1849. It was occupied but a few years when it was allowed to go to ruin. In 1816 a fulling-mill was put in operation, near the rake shop, by William Huntley. Calvin Phelps purchased the property in 1848 and began the manufacture of rakes, having built a shop for that purpose. The business is now conducted by Freeman Phelps.
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The first stove and tin-shop was opened in 1851, by Benjamin Sawyer, in the building now occupied by A. T. Joslin. Two years later, Francis J. Rogers purchased the business, continuing it till 1854, when he sold to Or- ville F. Mack. In 1856 Mack built the present shop. James H. Fisher succeeded Mack in 1858, and conducted the business till 1869, when he sold to Perley E. Fox. In 1858 Edmund Rogers opened a shop in a building standing east of E. A. Fox's house, but remained only one year.
There are in the town three cemeteries. Of the first, far too little is known. It may be found in the northwest corner of Isaiah Davis' house-lot, being a part of the original Tubbs farm. Here, in 1775, was buried Joseph Tubbs, the first of the name in town, and the first person known to have died in town. About twenty graves may be counted, though nought but fast disap- pearing mounds mark them. The West yard is referred to in 1781 as the " buring plase," but the first burial here is said to have occurred in 1785, when Sarah, daughter of Zacheus Beebe, was interred. In 1819, land for a ceme- tery was purchased at the village, though Elvira, daughter of Ira Knight, had been buried here a year previous. The cemetery was enlarged in 1854.
So far as known Marlow furnished soldiers in the war of 1812 only as they were needed for the defence of Portsmouth. Those who enlisted are enrolled in the companies of Capt. Nathan Glidden, and Capt. James M. Warner, and are as follows : Luther Huntley, Reuben Hale, Samuel Murdough, John Lewis, Samuel Comstock, David Hosley, Selden Brown, William Lewis, John Marvin, Elijah Huntley, John Giffin, Harris Beckwith, Jason Beckwith, Jared Beckwith, Aaron Huntley, John Raymond and Elisha Gee.
In the war of 1861 the following list includes those who enlisted to fill the town quota. Besides these there were twenty-eight men who furnished sub- stitutes or paid commutation, while the town also furnished ten substitutes : Reuben Gassett, Alden E. Metcalf, Perry Miner, Ezra L. Miner, Joseph Wetherby, John S. Warner. Albert W. Heaton, James Hosley, Andrew T. Hosley, Francis Wetherby, Clark Lowell, Lucius Thatcher, Emory W. Grandy, Henry Lowell, Francis M. Lewis, Sumner Keyes, James C. Grandy, Edward H. Wetherby, Rockwell B. Wilson, Elbridge Smith, Henry Knight, Ora Monroe, Ira H. Gassett, Freman H. Campbell, Braman I. Wilson, Will- iam T. Tyler, Marshall Perkins, James F. Power, William R. Dunham, Rockwood G. Mather, George W. Mastin, Orrin D. Fox, Moses A. Cragin, Manley W. Gassett, Ezra G. Huntley, Heman Farnum and Ezra W. How- ard.
The population of the town at various times may be ascertained by refer- ence to the census table on another page. In 1773 there were in the town thirty-four polls, twenty-eight oxen, forty-two cows, thirty-six head of young stock, and two horses. In 1884 there were 204 polls, 162 oxen, 262 cows, eighty-eight head of young stock, 183 horses, and 1,650 sheep.
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