USA > New Hampshire > Hillsborough County > Peterborough > Historical sketches of Peterborough, New Hampshire : portraying events and data contributing to the history of the town > Part 2
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application of his hand, he would by no means pretend to assign the reason-say- ing that 'he knew no more about it than others.' It was stated by the late Dr. John Young, an eminent practitioner in medicine, in Peterborough, for more than 40 years-that infant children affiicted with scrofulous affections and tumours- too obstinate to yield to medical aid, did receive an almost immediately percepti- ble and an effectual relief by an applica- tion to Lieut. Robbe. The cause, he ob- served, he could not assign, but he could testify in the negative that the age of the patients rendered it certain that the effect did not proceed from any influence on their imaginations.
Full of days, in full possession of his mental powers-in patient and pious sub- mission to the will of God, this truly ex- cellent and worthy man sunk slowly and gradually into the grave. And after he was unable to lift his feeble hands, they were guided by others to give the healing application to the unhappy victims of disease. It would require a volume to record the extraordinary cures which have been ascribed to his instrumentality. He died universally respected and lament- ed June 8, 1815, in the 85th year of his age.
A case of supposed demoniacal agency and possession occurred here 52 years ago, which astonished the divines of that day ; and a tale might be told not infe- rior to the narratives in Mather's Magna- lia, or the more recent statements in Southey's life of Wesley. But the memoir of Lieut. Robbe contains as much of the marvellous as will be swallowed by mod- ern credulity. Well attested facts are stubborn things ; individuals, however, are left to make their own inferences. Some will side with Grotius and Dr. Mather ;- others with Rev. Hugh Farmer and Dr. Priestley.
The general character of the inhabi- tants of Peterborough is that of enter- prize, industry and intelligence. Intem- perance and the grosser vices are scarce- ly known, and there is not an individual here who professes to disbelieve the christian religion. The principal village
5 This occurred at Lunenburgh, Mass. Peter- borough like Ireland, contains no venomous reptiles.
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Dunbar's Sketch of Early Ecclesiastical History.
is situated between the great bridge and the bridge over the western branch, and in the immediate vicinity ; within the compass of half a mile. Here are situ- ated 3 cotton factories, including Mr. Smith's extensive establishment, his cot- ton factory, oil mill, fulling mill and pa- per manufactory. His mansion, on the eastern side of the main river, commands a pleasing view of the principal build- ings. Two miles south are situated a cotton factory and a woollen factory. About the same distance north, another cotton factory. Besides these, there are, on the various streams, several grist and saw mills.
The publick buildings are the congre- gational meeting house, six school houses and a small baptist meeting house.
The Social Library contains a handsome selection of well chosen books.
The Peterborough Bible Society was established Oct. 2d, 1814, and is not con- nected with any other Society. John Smith, Esq. held the office of President, till his death, Aug. 7, 1821. This office is now filled by the Hon. Samuel Smith.
To the funds of this society, an unsolicit- ed and unexpected donation was gener- ously presented in 1815, by his Honour William Phillips, Esq. Lt. Governor of Massachusetts.
NOTE BY THE EDITORS.
From a petition for an act of incorporation, dated Oct. 31, 1759, in the Secretary's office, signed by Thomas Morrison, Jonathan Morrison, and Thomas Cunningham, inhabitants of Peter- borough, it appears that that town was settled several years earlier than the date of its first set- tlement given in the preceding account. The petitioners say " that about the year of our Lord 1739, a number of persons in consequence of a grant of a tract of land had and obtained from the Great and General Court or Assembly of the Province of Massachusetts Bay by Samuel Hay- wood and others, granting to them the tract of land on certain conditions of settlement, in pur- suance whereof, a number of people went on to said land and began a settlement, though then very far from any other inhabitants." The peti- tioners further say " we have continued increas- ing since the year, 1739, except some times when we left said township for fear of being destroyed by the enemy who several times drove us from our settlements soon after we began, and almost ruined many of us."
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY OF PETERBOROUGH, 1822.
BY REV. ELIJAH DUNBAR, A. M.
The first settlement of Peterborough commenced a year or two previous to the war of 1745. Rev. Mr. Johnston, a Pres- byterian clergyman, came with the first settlers, and tarried with them about a year. When the war commenced, the first settlers with the exception of one or two persons, retired to older settlements for fear of the savages. Those who re- mained were never disturbed by the In- dians, and the settlement was resumed at the conclusion of the war. Another clergyman of the name of Harvey resided here for a time and preached-and the people were occasionally supplied with the administration of the word and ordi- nances by the ministers of Londonderry and of the Presbytery, and by neighbor- ing Congregational clergymen.
The Rev. John Morrison, the first set- tled minister, was born at Pathfoot in
Scotland, May 22, 1743 ; graduated at Edinburgh, in February, 1765 ; arrived in Boston in May following ; commenced preaching at Peterborough the first sab- bath in January, 1766, and was ordained here November 26, 1766. He adhered to the royal cause, and joined the British army in 1775, at Boston ; was attached to the commissary department, and died at Charleston, S. C. December 10, 1782. He married Miss Sarah Ferguson of Peter- borough. His widow still survives ; and one of his children, who lives in the State of Ohio.
Rev. David Annan, the second minister, was born at Cowpar of Fife, in Scotland, April 4, 1754; came to America when young, and was fitted for college and for the ministry by his brother, the late Rev. Robert Annan, minister of the Presbyte- rian church in Boston. He graduated at
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Peterborough Historical Society Collections.
Princeton, N. J. and was ordained for the work of the ministry, by the Presby- tery which met at Wallkill, N. J. in October, 1778, to which was presented the call of the town of Peterborough. He was married to Miss Sarah Smith of Peterborough, January 30, 1783. He was dismissed, at his own request, by the Presbytery of Londonderry, in June 1792. After supplying the pulpit in vari- ous societies, he visited Scotland in 1801 ; and was visiting Ireland, on his return, and died there, in 1802.
Rev. Elijalı Dunbar was ordained, Octo- ber 23, 1799, at which time the church was embodied in the Congregational order. The exercises on this occasion were, a prayer by Rev. Jabez Chickering, of Dedham ; Sermon by Rev. Thomas Thatcher, of Dedham, from 2 Tim. ii. 2 ; consecrating prayer by Rev. Zabdiel Adams, of Lunenburg ; charge by Rev. Stephen Farrar, of New-Ipswich ; right hand of fellowship by Rev. Henry Cum-
ings, D. D. of Billerica ; and concluding prayer by Rev. Abiel Holmes, of Cam- bridge.
There remain a few persons attached to the Presbyterian forms ; and for their accommodation, the sacrament of the supper is administered, once a year, in the Presbyterian mode. Both parties make but one society for the support of publick worship. The Congregational church members, living in Peterborough, together with those of the Presbyterian denomination, amount to 50 ; to this may be added 2 or 3 times the same number of females. The Baptist church may be estimated at 12 or 15, of which 5 are males. The society have lately erected and dedicated to the service of Almighty God, a neat and commodious meeting house. None have separated from either society on the plea of Methodism, or Universalism ; and the people are gener- ally attentive to the 'observation of the sabbath.
[ The foregoing articles by Rev. Elijah Dunbar were published in the Peterborough TRANSCRIPT of March 20th and 27th, 1902.]
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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF PETER- BOROUGH -- 1856.
[The following historical sketch is copied from a little twenty-four page 7 by 4 inch pamphlet, which has become very rare, printed at Dover, N. H., i11 1856, George Wadleigh printer, entitled, "Manual of the First Presbyterian Church, Peter- borough, N. H., Incorporated A. D., 1828." In addition to this historical sketch, it contains the articles of faith, confession and covenant, special provisions relative to the administration of the Lord's Supper passed by vote of the church April 14, 1840, and a list of membership.]
NOTICE. Much care has been bestowed in the preparation of this Manual ; and it is believed to be as correct as could be made. In the lists of Membership mistakes may be detected, yet they must be few, and rather as omissions. In 1796 (1) the records of the Church were burned in Dea. Morrison's house, which accounts for the paucity of matter previous to that date.
The early history of this Church is somewhat complicated, being interwoven with the ecclesiastical history of the town. The early settlers of Peterbo- rough came early imbued with moral and religious feelings; most of them having been trained up in the faith of the fa- thers, which was Calvinistic and Pres- byterian. From the beginning therefore they made it a primary duty to support the Gospel, and see that its truths were inculcated publicly as they had been accustomed to receive them. The town was settled by pioneer colonists from Londonderry in 1749; several ineffectual attempts having been made previous to this time. From this date the colony prospered and increased rapidly, so that in ten years it embraced about fifty families, all of whom were of Scotch Irish stock. A Presbyterian minister by the name of Johnston came with the early settlers and remained with them about a year, after which they were subject to frequent change, procuring supplies as they could obtain them. There seems to have been no organized church for some time, but a kind of association which attended to all ecclesiastical affairs; ministerial support being levied by pub-
lic tax, and supplies procured by com- mittees annually elected for the purpose. The desk was supplied for a time by Rev. Mr. Harvey, and in the year 1764 by Rev. Mr. Powers.
The first house for public worship was erected in the year A. D. 1752; how affairs were managed at this time will appear from the following extracts from the town records. The town was incor- porated Jan. 17, 1760.
In the records of the town meeting held July 18, 1760, under article 2, in the war- rant, we find the following :- "To see if the town would embrace the present opportunity of sending by the Rev. Mr. Kinkead to Philadelphia to the Synod or Presbytery there for a supply or Gospel minister to preach; under which head it was voted to send to Pennsylvania for a supply or Gospel minister. Also under the same head voted not to mention any certain sum for encouragement, but, voted that if any came he should be treated like a gentleman."
April meeting, 1761. According to Art. 2, in the warrant it was voted to raise one hundred and fifty pounds for the support of the Gospel and all other necessary charges. Hugh Wilson, Jona- than Morrison, sen., and William Ritchie were chosen as a committee to invite regular ministers and also to renew the supplication that was sent to Phila- delphia to the Synod. Voted to raise sixty-eight pounds for repairing the meeting house.
Sept. 14, 1761. "Voted to raise sixty- eight pounds to build a new addition to the old meeting house eighteen feet long, on the south side of the old house, and as wide as the old house is long; and to join the roof of the new addition to the roof of the old house."
Jan. 4, 1762. "It was voted that the Selectmen be a committee to invite regu-
(1) The date of the destruction of the church records, in the burning of Dea. Robert Morri- son's house, is given on page 83 of the Town His- tory as 1791, which is probably correct.'
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Peterborough Historical Society Collections.
lar ministers to preach; and to pay them for preaching."
March 29, 1763. "Voted to choose a committee of three, of ways and means; Hugh Wilson, Jno. Smith, and Joseph Caldwell, and that one of these should take care to send our supplication by the Rev. Mr. Kinkead to the Synod in order to remind Mr. Ellis of our former suppli- cation; inasmuch as we had no answer therefore we think proper to try again; and if there be any that will come and settle with us, for an encouragement we have passed a vote in our meeting to pay €80 settlement and forty pounds province money salary, to be increased as soon as circumstances will admit."
Jan. 3, 1764. "Voted to commission Rev. Mr. Morrow to send us a minister when he returned to Ireland; and that he should have a good new Beaver hat if he would accept this commission. Eight persons protested against sending to Ireland."
"At an adjourned meeting in the spring it was voted to authorize the Rev. Mr. Morrow to act with full power to send a faithful minister of the gospel-a Calvinistic of the Presbyterian constitu- tion. For settlement he should have £60, and for support, £45, which is as . much as we can give, being only about sixty families. Mr. Morrow should re- ceive eight dollars for his service."
March 1765. "Voted to commission Hugh Wilson to go to Philadelphia or elsewhere on this continent to obtain a Gospel minister, and to act in the town's behalf at any Synod or Presbytery; also voted to raise ninety dollars to pay his expenses."
March 18, 1766. "Article (4) in the town warrant made provision for public action in regard to the settlement of John Morrison. The vote was put in the following manner; all that were in favor of giving Mr. Morrison a call were direct- ed to go to the West end of the house, and all opposed to the East end. All the assembly went to the West end except five or six. It was voted to give him £60 settlement, and for salary £45 until
there should be an hundred families in town, when it should be increased five pounds."
Rev. Mr. John Morrison was born in Pathfoot, in Scotland, in 1743, and was of a family distinct from that of the Morri- sons who were among the first settlers of the town. He was graduated at Edin- burgh in 1765, arrived at Boston the May following, and was ordained at Peter- borough, Nov. 26, 1766. He was the first settled minister in the town. Although he was possessed of more than ordinary talent, le proved to be intemperate and licentious. His conduct after a time be- came so scandalous that a presbyterial meeting was held, and he was suspended for a time from his office. He relinquished his connection with the society in March, 1772, visited South Carolina, returned and joined the American Army at Cam- bridge, in 1775. He soon after went over to the British, and remained with them till his death, which took place at Charleston, S. C., in 1782. He became a professed atheist, and died an aban- doned profligate.
On the dismission of Mr. Morrison in 1772, it was voted that the selectmen be a committee to provide preaching. There were five days preaching provided for by vote in the fall of 1773. Preaching con- tinued to be provided by committees without any settled ministry until 1778.
A new house was built in '77, which was doubtless the one that stood on the hill near the old burial ground. Ropes and pulleys were brought from Jaffrey to aid in raising the frame. A plan of the house may be found in the town records.
April 29, 1778. According to warrant from the Selectmen, David Steele, Thomas Davidson, Matthew Templeton, Samuel Moore and Joseph Hamble were chosen a committee to provide preach- ing during the year. While this com- mittee served Mr. David Annan was called.
He was ordained by the Presbytery which met at Wallkill, N. J. Oct. 1778; with Peterborough for his destination. He was a brother of Robert Annan who
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First Presbyterian Church of Peterborough-1856.
was for some time pastor of Federal Street church in Boston; was born at Cupar of Fife, in Scotland, April 4, 1754, and came to America when young. He received his education at New Brunswick College, New Jersey. In 1792 the pas- toral connection of Mr. Annan with the society in Peterborough was dissolved, at his request, by the Presbytery of Lon- donderry. He was by the same Presby- tery deposed from the ministry in 1800, and died in Ireland in 1802. Mr. Annan pos- sessed respectable talents, and might eas- ily have retained the confidence of his peo- ple. But his intemperate habits, his licentious and corrupt conversation, and his haughty, over-bearing manner at length deprived him of their respect and regard. So brutal was his treatment of his wife, who was an estimable woman, that she was compelled to pass the whole night with her children in the woods; she finally obtained a bill of divorce on the ground of extreme cruelty.
Messrs. Morrison and Annan were the only settled ministers in the place for fifty years. During this dark period, religion was kept alive says the Rev. J. H. Morrison* by religious exercises in the family rather than by public minis- trations. "Our people were always read- ers, and the Bible was almost their only book. Here they went for counsel and support; it was to them prophet and priest. Family prayer was faithfully observed. Morning and evening the scriptures were read; and if the flame of devotion burned dim in the house of pub- lic worship, it was not permitted to go out upon the family altar."
It is a matter of surprise that these two ministers were borne with by the people. It is accounted for in part by the Rev. J. H. Morrison, because of the great veneration then attached to the profession. "Ministers," said one at the commencement of the difficulties with Mr. Morrison, "are edged-tools, and we maun aye be carefu' how we handle them."-"Keep yoursel' to yoursel'," said an elder of the church with great *Centenary Address.
solemnity to his son, who was beginning to intimate that Mr. Annan was not what he should be. Again, these minis- ters though wrong in practice were sound in the faith; and an error in belief was esteemed far more dangerous than in heart or life.
After the dismission of Mr. Annan a call was given to the Rev. Z. S. Moore who declined, being himself a Congre- gationalist.
From the earliest time this church has been Calvinistic and Presbyterian, and under the jurisdiction of the London- derry Presbytery, until the ordination of Mr. Annan. At his request it was dis- missed from the Londonderry Presby- tery, and united with the New York Presbytery, which body becoming ex- tinct it again came under the London- derry Presbytery.
After the dismissal of Mr. Annan tlie church was without a pastor until Oct. 23, 1799, when Rev. Elijah Dunbar was settled and public worship continued un- der his ministrations; but as there were many who were still attached to the Pres- byterian mode, it was arranged that once a year the communion of the Lord's sup- per should be administered by a Pres- byterian, in the Presbyterian manner. This service was performed for many years by Rev. William Morrison, of Lon- donderry. Mr. Dunbar remained until Feb. 1827.
In 1822 a portion of people who had never been pleased with the Congrega- tional form, and some others who had never been quite at ease under an Ar- minian preacher, withdrew and formed a Presbyterian society.
In 1825 they built a house of worship, of brick, at Gordon's corner, sixty feet long, with four feet projection in front, forty-four feet wide, with twenty feet walls. The pews of this house, when completed, were sold at public vendue.
The house was dedicated to the service of God Oct. 4, 1825; the Rev. E. P. Brad- ford preached the dedication sermon.
An attempt was made to settle the
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Peterborough Historical Society Collections.
Rev. Jacob Scales in 1826, which seems to have failed.
The Presbyterian Association (as they then termed themselves) met Jan. 22, 1827, and chose Gen. David Steele, Mod. and John Field, Clerk pro-tem. At this meeting they voted to take measures to call the Rev. Peter Holt to the pastorate . of the church. They further voted to hold a fast on the 30th inst. for that pur- pose, and that the Rev. E. P. Bradford be requested to preside.
After service on the 30th inst. they met for the purpose of taking a vote. Thomas Steele presided as Mod. It was unanimously voted to call the Rev. Peter Holt; and he was installed this same year in the March following over the Pres. Ch. of P. & Greenfield. His pastorate continued until March 1835, when tender- ing his resignation, the pastoral relation was dissolved by Presbytery April 29 fol- lowing. The Presbytery dismissed this father and brother so valued and respect- ed with deep regret. The causes which led to the change in nowise reflected on Mr. Holt .- His pastorate was faithful and extensively useful: the walls of Zion were built up, and those were times of prosperity in the church. One hundred and forty-one united with the church during his pastorate; one hundred and twenty by profession, and twenty-one by letter.
Rev. Nathaniel Pine was installed Pas- tor of the church June Sth, 1836. Dis- missed Jan. 1837. No additions to the church.
From 1837 until 1840 the church was without a pastor, but enjoyed the minis- trations of the Rev. Joshua Barrett, un- der whose labors nineteen united with the church. Mr. Barrett remained until Feb. 1839. The present edifice was then erected, and Rev. James R. Frenchi was ordained pastor March 18, 1840, and was dismissed in 1847. Under his pastorate there were a goodly number of additions, but how many we cannot determine pre- cisely.
Rev. Henry J. Lamb was ordained
July 14, 1847. He was dismissed Dec. 31, 1852.
From the dismissal of Mr. Lamb until the present time (1856) the church has been without a pastor .- Messrs. Bigelow, Merwin, McClenning and Haskell have supplied the desk for stated periods dur- ing the interval to the present time.
DISMISSION OF MEMBERS.
Twenty-seven members were dismissed in 1833 by advice of Presbytery and or- ganized as the Evangelical Church of Greenfield.
During the year 1851 a number were dismissed with regular letters who or- ganized and formed the Congregational Church of Peterborough.
THE ELDERSHIP.
The offices of Elder and Deacon have been held hitherto by the same person; it is recommended that they be kept dis- tinct henceforth, according to Presby- terian order.
The first gentlemen set apart to the of- fice of elder, were consecrated by Rev. Robert Annan, of Boston, in 1778. They were William McNee, William Smith, Samuel Moore and Samuel Mitchell. They all adorned their profession and died in the faith. -- Their successors until 1826 were:
William McNee, Jr. Thomas Davidson,
Jonathan Smith, Robert Morrison,
Peter Thayer, Christopher Thayer,
Robert Smith, Robert Thompson.
Elders in 1826, Timothy Hunt, Jno. Field, Jr.
On the 21st May 1827, Peter Peavey, Stephen Holt, Timothy Fox, Solomon Holt were ordained to the Eldership. Sermon and address by Rev. John M. Whiton of Antrim.
On May 22d, 1830, Nathaniel Moore and John Todd, Jr. were ordained to the of- fices of Elder and Deacon.
In 1836, June 8, Henry Breed and Na- thaniel Moore were ordained to the of- fices of Elder and Deacou.
March 18, 1840, Samuel Maynard and Watson Washburn were ordained to the Eldership.
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First Presbyterian Church of Peterborough -- 1856.
Feb. 17, 1850, John Vose, James B. Nichols and Joel Fay were ordained Elders.
NAMES OF MEMBERS.
Mrs. Abigail Allison, P.
1851
1827.
I823.
Timothy Hunt,
Beulah Field,
April. Solomon Holt, L.
1830
John Field, Jr.,
Mrs. Blodget,
May.
Timothy Fox, L.
Jolın Todd,
Sarah Todd,
Francis Lee, P.
David Steele,
Betsey Stone,
Huldah Lee, P.
~ John Little,
Jane Moore,
Sarah Dunkley, P. 1832
Peter Stone,
Lydia Upton,
Hannah Abbot, P.
1833
James B. Todd,
Rachel Allison,
Willard Carter, P.
John Field,
Jane Swan,
Sally Carter,
P.
William Miller,
Sarah Chamberlain,
Mosen Dane, P.
1833
Elihu Penniman,
Catherine Miller,
Mrs. Anne Dunkley,
P.
1832
Samuel Swan,
Margaret Jewett,
Ruth Gould,
P.
1833
James Miller,
Mr. Taplin,
Mary Dyke,
P.
Jonathan Mitchell,
Mr. Puffer,
Sally McCoy,
P.
Thomas Upton,
Fanny Smith,
Fanny Smith,
L.
1851
Isaac Field,
Abigail Stone,
Sarah Chamberlain,
P. 1827
Sarah Morrison,
Roxana Stone,
Aug.
Lydia Pevey,
L.
Sally Todd,
Sally Mitchell,
William Field,
L.
1856
Lucinda Little,
Nancy Swan,
Mary Field,
L.
Ann Steele,
Rebecca Upton,
Dinah Freeman,
L.
Nancy Hunt,
Ruth Penniman.
Mary Baily,
P.
Ruth Field
Total 4I.
Sept.
Jacob Gould,
P.
Deborah Gould,
P.
1833
ت
Lucy Spalding,
P.
1833
Mary Smiley,
P.
1830
1824.
Admitted. Name.
OLOH ad.
Dis. &
Rec.
Died.
Sept. 19,
Susan Forbush,
P.
1835
1828.
May.
Elihu Thayer,
P.
1851
Henry Breed,
P.
P.
1833
1825.
Mary Blanchard,
P.
Eliza Grant,
P.
1835
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