USA > New Hampshire > Sullivan County > Acworth > History of Acworth, with the proceedings of the centennial anniversary, genealogical records, and register of farms > Part 16
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In 1833, Mrs. Dorcas Campbell, wife of Isaac Campbell, came into town. She was a native of Blairsville, Penn., and inherited much of the activity and energy common to the people of that State. Before coming to Acworth she lived for a time in New York city, and was converted under the preaching of the Rev. Cyrus Prindall, and joined the Bedford Strect Methodist Episco- pal Church, from which she brought a letter, when she came to Acworth, but there being no M. E. Church in town she united with the Marlow M. E. Church, and with her husband attended meeting in that place. In the year 1834, Rev. J. L. Smith preached in Marlow and vicinity, and Mrs. Campbell invited him to come and preach in Acworth. In compliance with her invita- tion, he made a week-day evening appointment, and preached in the school-house on "Grout Hill." This is the first sermon that we know was preached in Acworth by a Methodist clergyman. There was at this time but little interest in Methodism in town, and but little was accomplished. The next year Rev. J. L. Smith was ap- pointed to another field of labor, and nothing was done for the benefit of Methodism here. Isaac Campbell and wife still attended meeting in Marlow, but were very desirous that something might be done to secure Methodist preaching in their immediate vicinity.
In 1836, J. L. Smith and N. Ladd were appointed to the Mar- low circuit. Early in that year, Rev. J. L. Smith began preach- ing in the school-house in the south part of Acworth. During this year some interest was awakened, and Lois Brown, daughter of Francis Brown, was converted and joined the class in Marlow, but as she could not avail herself of the privileges of a church at a distance, she for the time united with the Baptist Church, and when a Methodist Church was formed she removed her relation to that. She afterwards married George Houston, and died in 1844, early in life, but rich in faith. During the year 1836, Henry Smith invited Rev. N. Ladd to come to his house and preach-the first family that opened their doors for Methodist preaching. During
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THE HISTORY OF ACWORTH.
this year some interest was manifested, and a few individuals were converted and united with the Marlow church. From this time until 1842, there was no Methodist preaching in town.
In the winter of 1841, Ebenezer Jones and wife, members of the Congregational Church, became interested in Methodism as they saw its workings in Marlow, under the pastoral labors of the Revs. H. Nutter and C. H. Eastman, consequently they were in- vited to come and hold meetings in the South Acworth school- house, which was accordingly complied with. A good degree of interest was manifested, which was the commencement of a revi- val. These were followed by Sabbath evening appointments, the first of which was filled by Rev. H. Nutter, who preached a plain and impressive sermon. At the close of the sermon, the following hymn was sung by one present :
" Alas ! and did my Saviour bleed ! And did my Sovereign die ! Would he devote that sacred head For such a worm as I ?" &c.,
which had its immediate effect upon the congregation. At the close of the meeting an appointment was left for Rev. A. Quimby, who found the house full to overflowing. The revival interest continued to deepen and increase until it was thought advisable to establish Methodist preaching, which was done in 1842, by an- nexing Acworth to Marlow circuit, and appointing Revs. H. Nut- ter and C. H. Eastman to the pastoral care of the two churches. During this year a class was formed by Rev. H. Nutter, consist- ing of the following persons, viz .: Ebenezer Jones, leader, Mrs. Mary A. Jones, Eleb Hardy, Loren Morse, Luke Nichols, Mrs. Mary Moore, Mrs. Dorcas Campbell, John B. Hardy, Mrs. Hep- zibah Hardy, Susanna Ware, John Osgood, Mrs. Nancy Mason, Mrs. Roxanna Osgood, Miss Lois Brown, Enoch George, Mrs. Hannah Ware, Mrs. Sarah George. Of this number ten have died, viz .: Mrs. Jones, John B. Hardy, John Osgood, Roxanna Osgood, Eleb Hardy, Susanna Ware, Nancy Mason, Lois Brown, Dorcas Campbell, and Sarah George. The year commenced with favorable indications for establishing a Methodist Church in town, and the interest continued through the year, so that at the next conference Acworth was made a separate charge, and Rev. H. Nutter appointed to the pastoral care of the same. During this year, the first Sabbath-school connected with this church was formed, and William Hayward was chosen superintendent.
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SKETCH OF THE METHODIST CHURCH.
In 1843, another class was formed, in the middle of the town, numbering twenty-four members, and one in the east part, num- bering seven. Having no church edifice, meetings were held dur- ing the summer in the town-house, and during the winter in "Concert Hall." The year's labors, though at times hard, and performed under discouraging circumstances, on account of the prejudices existing between different denominations at that time, were blessed in the conversion of some who connected them- selves with the church. The success which crowned the united labors of pastor and people, caused them to feel that they needed a house of their own, and resolve to build one, which was soon commenced under the supervision of William Hayward, Ransom Severns and Elijah Cram, building committee. The house was completed in 1844, at a cost of $2,500; located at the center of the town ; material, wood ; size, 40 by 56. It was dedicated in October, 1844, by Rev. Elihu Scott, who preached to a large and attentive audience. The members of the church at this time num- bered about sixty. A small debt still remained upon the house, but it was soon cancelled, and it was deeded to the trustees of the M. E. Church.
Mr. Nutter closed his labors in connection with this charge this year, and was followed by Rev. J. Perkins, who preached during the years 1845-6. He was a faithful laborer in his Master's vine- yard, and was much beloved by the people of his charge. In 1846-7-8 he was one of the council of the Governor of New Hampshire. In 1851-2 he was Representative of his district in the Congress of the United States. He died in 1854, at his own home, in Winchester, aged 61 years, full of faith and hope of heaven. Mr. Perkins was followed by Rev. L. Draper, who re- mained during the year 1847. By his personal effort the debt of the church was paid. In 1848-9, Charles Greenwood was ap- pointed to labor one-half the time in this town. In 1850, S. P. Heath, a man of earnest piety, labored with and for the people of this charge, and was much beloved by them. In 1851, Charles H. Chase and George N. Bryant preached alternately at Unity and Acworth. Peace and quietude prevailed throughout our church. In 1852, Charles H. Chase lived at South Acworth, and preached a part of the time at the center, and a part in the school- house at South Acworth. Some interest was excited and a few were added to the church.
In 1853, Rev. J. M. Blake preached one-half the time in Gil-
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THE HISTORY OF ACWORTH.
sum, and the other half in this town. He was devoted to the work, and labored with the energy and zeal of one who feels the importance of the trust committed to his care. The members of the church were becoming discouraged on account of the distance many of them lived from the place of worship. The bad travel- ing in winter, and the close proximity to the other churches, ren- dered it very hard to sustain meetings. Mr. Blake conceived the idea of moving the church edifice to South Acworth, believing himself, and seeking to inspire in others the feeling that it would be a success, for it seemed reasonable that many who did not at- tend meeting might be influenced to do so, and the society could be much better accommodated. The necessary plans were made for moving it, and Mr. Blake spent much time in making these arrangements, and his efforts seemed to meet with Divine approval. In 1854, he preached in Gilsum and Alstead, and in 1855 in Cor- nish. Here in the midst of labors and usefulness he was pros- trated by sickness, from which he never fully recovered, but after a time he was able to preach one sermon on the Sabbath, which he did for about two years, and performed some manual labor. In 1857, while visiting friends in Bristol and Hill, he preached twice, which effort so overcame him that he became convinced that his work was nearly done, and what remaining strength he had must be spent in providing a home for his family. Before that work was fully accomplished, he was called from labor to reward. In Cor- nish, on the 24th of July, 1858, after having returned from busi- ness out of town, and having eaten his supper, he was taken sud- denly with bleeding at the lungs, and in one-half hour calmly and peacefully fell asleep in Jesus, aged 40 years.
In 1854, being in an unsettled state in regard to moving the house, there was no preaching until December, when Rev. David Culver was sent by the presiding elder to preach the remainder of the year at the school-house at South Acworth, and was returned in 1855 to preach another year. During this year, the work of finishing the church, which had been moved to South Acworth the preceding autumn, was completed, under the superintendence of Harvey Howard, Benjamin Nichols, and Isaac Campbell, at a cost of $1,800. It was finished on the 9th of July, and reopened on the 10th. The dedication sermon was preached by Rev. Newell Culver, presiding elder of Claremont district, which was followed by a ministerial association of the preachers of Clare- mont district.
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SKETCH OF THE METHODIST CHURCH.
In 1856, Nelson Green received an appointment to labor in Gilsum and Acworth, and we had preaching only one-half the time. Nothing of importance occurred, except that in our new location the congregation increased, and the interests of the church began to brighten.
In 1857, Ira Carter lived in Springfield, Vt., and supplied here part of the time; but living at a distance, but little time, except the Sabbath, was spent with the people of his charge. This seemed to have a deleterious effeet upon our interests as a church, and it was thought best to secure the services of one who would live among us, and unite with us in all our services during the week as well as on the Sabbath; and Rev. Artemas C. Field, lieen- tiate of the Congregational Church, was hired to preach, by per- mission of the presiding elder, during the years 1858-9, living with us.
In 1860, Rev. A. K. Howard received an appointment to this place. During 1860-1-2, he officiated as pastor.
In 1863, Rev. Chester Dingman was sent to this charge. He labored faithfully for the good of those committed to his care. Believers were quickened, and twenty-five persons professed a hope in Christ. Of this number, fourteen united with the Methodist Church, two with the Baptist, and two with the Congregational Church. In 1864, Mr. Dingman was returned, and labored to promote the interests of the church during the year.
In 1865-6, Rev. J. H. Hillman, an earnest worker in the cause of Christ, ministered to this church in spiritual things.
In 1867, Mr. J. H. Lord dispensed the words of life from the sacred desk.
In 1868, Rev. H. Dorr was appointed to South Acworth. A good degree of interest has been manifested. Ten persons have professed a hope in Christ, eight of whom have connected them- selves with the church. Our house of worship has been repaired, at a cost of $300, and we now have a pleasant and convenient home in which to worship the God of our fathers, with none to molest or make us afraid.
We have an interesting Sabbath-school, numbering 132, with an average attendance of 75; 275 volumes in the library; M. E. Smith, Superintendent, and Frank Howard, Librarian. The church membership is 53 in full communion, and 8 probationers.
CHAPTER III.
THE MILITARY HISTORY.
THE people of Acworth have been noted for the unanimity and earnestness with which enterprises of a public nature have been prosecuted. This trait in their character may be seen in the cor- dial support given to the military system of the State. While this system required a certain amount of service which by many communities was deemed a hardship, the people of Acworth re- garded such service as both an honor and a pleasure. Through the first half of the century, a military spirit was fostered and en- couraged. The war of 1812-15 called many of the young men of that period into active service. Capt. James M. Warner and Capt. David Blanchard were of this class, and after the close of the war it was through the influence of these young officers and others, that a military spirit was diffused among the people, which was felt in every household. About this period, in addition to the two militia companies then existing, a light infantry volunteer com- pany was organized. Ithiel Silsby was its first Captain. It was composed of fifty men only, each of whom, according to its rules, must be at least five feet ten inches in hight. Being well officered and tastefully uniformed, it was accounted a fine company. The uniform consisted of black coat faced with scarlet trimmings, with four and a half dozen gilt buttons, and twelve yards gilt cord ; black pants, with cord up the seams. The first uniforms were made from cloth which Miss Sally Nesmith had manufactured from wool taken from a flock of sheep she had purchased from the estate of Joshua Lancaster, after his death. Most of these uni- forms were made up by her. The following incident is related to show the spirit of the company :- Early one morning the chickens and children at James Davidson's were awakened by martial music and the firing of guns. It was the light infantry, come to escort their Captain to the muster ground, which they did in fine style, after partaking of a bountiful breakfast. This was a frequent practice. It was disbanded in 1827.
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MILITARY HISTORY.
A company of cavalry, extending through the Sixteenth Regi- ment, was organized at an earlier period, and Acworth furnished a share of its officers and men. Under ambitious and efficient com- manders, a friendly rivalry sprang up, and continued for many years between the two old militia companies, each endeavoring to excel the other in soldierly qualities and equipments. Each new commander strove to improve upon his predecessor, until at length every soldier was in complete uniform, arms and equipments in per- fect order, and military fines unknown. For several years these com- panies numbered about one hundred men each, and each had its own pioneer force, its camp equipage, and its train of baggage wagons,- each performing its military drill and evolutions with as much preci- sion and skill as the best volunteer company. This state of things gave to Acworth an enviable military reputation among the surround- ing towns. The modification of the militia laws in 1851 put an end to all further military display in Acworth. The spirit, however, still slumbered in the breast of her sons, to be aroused at their country's call in the late rebellion, when many of their number cheerfully left home and friends to aid in her defense, and about one-third of whom sealed their devotion to their country with their lives.
A military band of music was organized in 1834, and under the skillful leadership of Maj. E. Cummings, soon became popular. It was afterwards merged into the South Acworth Cornet Band, and now, under the same veteran leader, its efficiency is well known and acknowledged.
LIST OF COMMANDERS OF THE SEVERAL MILITARY COMPANIES.
CAVALRY.
Sprague West.
Andrew Woodbury,
James Wallace, Samuel King,
Daniel McClure.
Ithiel Silsby, Edward Woodbury, Stephen Thornton,
LIGHT INFANTRY. James Davidson, Adam Wallace,
Samuel McClure, Allen Haywood,
INFANTRY UNDER THE OLD ORGANIZATION.
William Keyes, Daniel Mack, James McClure,
Joseph Gregg, John Duncan, after- wards Colonel,
Eusebius Silsby, Jonathan Silsby, John Rogers.
William Orcutt, Ebenezer Grout, after- wards Colonel, Gawin Gilmore,
SECOND COMPANY. Robert Clark, Nathaniel Davidson, Jonathan Gove, David Blanchard,
Amos Woodbury, Martin Mason, Abel Bailey, ' Orson Hemphill,
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THE HISTORY OF ACWORTH.
Joel Tracy, Amos Clark, John S. Symonds, after- wards Colonel, Ebenezer Grout, Jr., Samuel M. Angier,
Daniel Gay, afterwards | Calvin Wallace, Major, James L. Mitchell, Robert Clark, afterwards Colonel, J. Sumner Gove, John M. Barnard,
James M. Reed, after- wards Major,
Joseph F. Moore, Freeman Pearson, Thomas B. Bachelor.
SIXTH COMPANY.
James Dickey, Joel Angier, James M. Warner, Larnard Thayer,
Eleb Hardy, Daniel Nourse,
Jesse Slader, afterwards Lieutenant-Colonel, Thomas Ball,
Alexander Graham, Hugh Finlay, Nathaniel G. Davis, Daniel J. Warner,
Elisha A. Parks, William C. Woodbury, Charles M. Woodbury, Joseph F. Wallace, after- wards Colonel,
Benjamin S. King, Samuel A. King, James E. King, after- wards Colonel,
Daniel Nye, Shepherd L. Bowers, Joseph Ware, Orrison J. Williams.
In 1806, the citizens voted to have a flag. The material was procured from Boston, and the ladies of the village met in Samuel Slader's Hall, and made a beautiful flag, twenty feet in length. The eagle and stars were of white, cut out by David Wilson, and sewed on blue ground. The flag was raised on a tall pole on muster day near the hall, but a high wind nearly blew it to pieces.
The "company " and " general muster" days were the great holidays of the year. The 4th of July was first celebrated in 1808. The tables were set north and south on the common, and they were furnished with a substantial dinner, prepared by Mr. Amos Keyes who then kept the tavern. There were also speeches and music, and the affair was closed with a ball in the evening, in the upper rooms of Keyes' tavern.
REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
The settlement was but in its infancy when the War for Inde- pendence broke out, but the active part it took in the struggle has been shown in the Centennial Address. Cheshire County was espe- cially active and forward in the contest, and Acworth was not be- hind her sister towns. A single incident will illustrate the feeling of the times :
By great industry, Christopher Ayres and his mother had built their cabin, and harvested their first crop of rye. When an old man, Ayres would tell how they threshed the grain out upon the ground, and put it " four bushels in a bag," and then sat down and cried for very joy, and his mother fell on her knees and thanked God. But the news of the need of men to carry on the war with the mother country reached their ears. Their neighbor, Mr.
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REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
Houston, had told them if the king had his way, a poor man might work all day for a " calf's head and pluck," as in the old country. Ayres felt ealled upon to go and fight for his independence, and communicating his thoughts to his mother, she cried, " Go, Cris, and the Lord go with ye, and I will stay and mind the cabin." While she was there alone in her cabin, the rye being nicely stored in the loft " four bushels in a bag," the cabin took fire, when out went the bags of rye as "easily as though they were bags of beach leaves, for the old lady was a powerful woman, weighing more than fifteen stone (two hundred and ten pounds), and could put her son aside when he was a man."
Acworth lay very near the war-path by which the New Hamp- shire militia flocked to cut off the advance of Gen Burgoyne's army into New York, and her hardy sons, in great numbers, joined the eager militia. They were among the so-called " backwoodsmen" of New Hampshire who showed at Bennington, Stillwater and Saratoga, what so many doubted, that the militia could face the British soldiery without the protection of entrenchments. How many of the following list were among the number, who, under Capt. Bellows, joined the militia at that time, we cannot tell. This memorable and decisive campaign, however, was doubtless the occa- sion of recording this list of men, who had, up to September, 1777, served in the army from nine days to five months. It must be re- membered that the quota of Acworth was only five, and that five years before she had only twenty-five voters : Samuel Harper,
1 year and 8 months, John Wilson, Jr., John Duncan, John Rogers,
Samuel Silsby, Jr., Alexander Houston, Capt. William Keyes, Christopher Ayres, William Markham, John Wilson,
Thomas Putnam, Capt. Henry Silsby, Robert MeClure,
William Rogers,
William Clark,
Peter Ewins, F. Willoughby Willard, Samuel Smith,
Jedediah Smith,
Solon Grout, Joseph Chatterton,
James Rogers,
Henry Silsby, Jr.,
Jonathan Silsby, James Wallace, David Cross,
Julius Silsby,
Frederie Keyes,
Paris Richardson,
Thomas Nott,
Dean Carleton,
Daniel Mack,
Lieut. Keyes,
James Campbell,
James McClure.
LIST OF REVOLUTIONARY PENSIONERS WHO HAVE LIVED IN
Joseph Blanchard, Lasell Silsby, Lemuel Blood, Supply Reed, Jacob Hayward, Samuel Lufkin, Amos Ingalls, Joseph Markham,
TOWN. John McKeen, Robert Mc Clure, William Grout, Joshua Lancaster, Moses Warren, Phineas Blood, Daniel Campbell,
1 Charles Mathewson, Samuel Bradford,
Stephen Thornton,
Issacher Mayo,
Joel Turner,
Aaron Blanchard,
Eusebius Silsby.
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THE HISTORY OF ACWORTH.
LIST OF OTHER REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS,
WHO EITHER DIED OR REMOVED FROM TOWN BEFORE THEY BECAME ENTITLED TO A PENSION BY LAW.
Josiah Smith, Timothy Cross, Joseph Whitney,
Mathew Grier,
Thomas Slader, John Reed was in the battle of Bunker Hill, James Campbell, 1st,
James Campbell, 2d, Robert McClure, Sr., James McClure.
To this list may be added the nanie of Thomas Davis, who never would take the pension, which he called " the wages of unrighteousness."
WAR OF 1812.
Several from this town enlisted into the regular army during the war of 1812. The greatest excitement, however, was in 1814. The people along the New Hampshire coast had lived in continual alarm throughout the season, and many troops had been sent to Portsmouth for its defense. Finally, on the 7th of September, or- ders were issued for detachments from twenty-three regiments of militia to march immediately to Portsmouth. So great was the enthusiasm that whole companies were eager to go in a mass, and a draft had to be made to see who should stay, rather than to see who should go.
Of the Acworth militia,. Cyrus Lufkin, James Brown, Thomas Oliver and John Smith enlisted, September 21st, for three months, in the first regiment of detached militia. On the 25th of September, quite a number were drafted into the second regiment of detached militia, viz. : James M. Warner, Captain ; David Blanchard, Third Lieutenant ; Benjamin Grout, Sergeant ; Thomas Ball, Matthew M. Campbell, Ambrose Alexander, Joseph Barney, Calvin Clark, Thomas P. Alexander, David W. Clyde, James Da- vidson, privates. The following persons were in Captain Glidden's company : Silas Angier, John Smith, Samuel Graves, Rawson Angier. The following persons were in other companies of the detached militia : Richard Tinker, Asa Whitcomb, David Smith. The following were in the regular army : Robert Rogers, John Graves, John Whitney, John McMurphey, Alexander McMurphy.
WAR OF THE REBELLION.
The " war record " of Acworth in the late rebellion, is one for which she has no cause to blush. Her selectmen, in nearly all cases, performed the duty of recruiting officers, and the several calls of government were promptly met, and her quotas filled. Her citizens, very unanimously, were disposed to make the ardu- ous and trying duties of a soldier's life more endurable, by grant- ing generous bounties, and rendering material aid, if necessary, to
David Blanchard 7
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PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX TILDEN FOUNDATION
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WAR OF THE REBELLION.
the soldiers' families. Men from all classes of society responded to the country's call, ready to face death, if need be, upon the battle-field. Parents gave their only sons ; husbands and fathers left their wives and little ones and the endearments of home, and rushed to the scenes of danger ; while nearly one-third of their entire number never again looked upon wife or children, home or friends. Their blood mingles with the soil of many a hard-fought battle-field, and many of their bodies lie buried where they saw the last of earth. May their memories be cherished by every son and daughter of Acworth.
LIST OF SOLDIERS IN THE LATE WAR, RESIDENTS OR NATIVES OF THE TOWN.
Galen Grout, Second New Hampshire Regiment ; wounded.
John G. Graham, Company B, Third New Hampshire Regiment. Elisha M. Kempton, Third New Hampshire Regiment ; wounded. William P. Scott, Company B. Third New Hampshire Regiment. Samuel MeDuffee, Company A, Third New Hampshire Regiment. Samuel V. McDuffee, Company A, Third New Hampshire Regiment.
Melville C. Howard, Company A, Third New Hampshire Regiment ; died of wounds.
Asa M Dodge, Company B, Third New Hampshire Regiment.
John S. Osgood, Fourth Vermont Regiment.
James H. Hull, Company L, New England Cavalry.
Henry C. Lawton, Company L. New England Cavalry.
George Warner, Second New York Cavalry.
Samuel Bradford, Vermont Regiment ; died. . Carlos McNab, - Vermont Regiment.
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