History of Bedford, New Hampshire, from 1737 : being statistics compiled on the occasion of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the incorporation of the town, May 15, 1900, Part 31

Author: Bedford (N.H. : Town)
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Concord, N. H. : The Rumford Printing Co.
Number of Pages: 1202

USA > New Hampshire > Hillsborough County > Bedford > History of Bedford, New Hampshire, from 1737 : being statistics compiled on the occasion of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the incorporation of the town, May 15, 1900 > Part 31

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The second thing we would mention is the too frequent delivery of old discourses. If we mistake not the greater part of the dis- courses we have heard from you in years past has been of this description. We do not mean to be understood that a minister may not occasionally deliver an old discourse but when they are so fre- quent as to become proverbial we think they ought to be laid aside.

The third thing is too great a samenefs in arranging and closing your discourses. Different subjects we think require different divi- sions. It may sometimes be proper to give the character of the speaker, but to make this the first head of discourse day after day, and sometimes twice in a day is we think using the same thing too often. In closing your discourses, especially when you have a double sermon, you have generally observed the same manner in the fore- noon, the repitition of which has long wearied the patience of your attentive hearers.

The last thing we would mention is the use of too many words in the communication of your ideas. Greater concisenefs would be much more acceptable to your hearers and render your discourses more easily understood. Observations are sometimes made on the length of your prayers, especially when there are a number of mourn- ers, for unnecessarily particularizing each individual, as it protracts the service to a length that exhausts the strength, and wearies the patience of the auditory. Perhaps, Rev. Sir, these things we have stated have escaped your observation, but they have for a long time lain with weight upon our minds, and we have felt that we could not discharge our duty without plainly stating them to you. This, we have endeavored to do in the spirit of heavenly love and respect. We hope, sir, you will seriously ponder upon these things and write your applications with ours at the throne of grace that you and we may be guided into all truth, and walk in the faith and order of the Gospel.

On March 19, 1824, a committee of one from each school district waited upon Mr. McGregore to inform him "of the unhappy division which exists between him and his people, and take such measures

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for his dismissal from his ministerial charge in said town as may be thought best." The committee chosen were Phineas Aiken, Moody M. Stevens, David McQuesten, Richard Dole, Samuel Chandler, Josiah Gordon, William Moore, Stephen Thurston, John Moore, Samuel Barr, Nehemiah Kittredge, Solomon Gage. The committee waited on the Rev. Mr. McGregore and reported : "That Mr. Mc- Gregore has no statement to make until the town proceed." There- upon, a committee was nominated to carry into effect the dismissal of Mr. McGregore, and they chose Deacon David McQuesten, Lieut. Samuel Barr, Deacon Phineas Aiken, Capt. Nathan Barns, and Capt. William Riddle for their committee. They reported as follows : Bedford, April 15, 1824.

The committee to whom was assigned the business of examining and finding the minds of the inhabitants of Bedford relative to dis- missing the Rev. David McGregore from his pastoral charge, find the following result from those who did give their names. A con- siderable number, however, did not choose to give their voice on the subject.

For dismissing Mr. McGregore, 96; For retaining Mr. McGregore, 74.

They have also attended to the duty of calling on Mr. McGregore and acquainting him with the above result.

PHINEAS AIKEN, for the Committee. A true Record: ALFRED FOSTER, Town Clerk.

On Nov. 1, 1824, It was "voted that the committee be authorized to settle with the Rev. David McGregore and give him as much as he can recover from the town for his salary until he can be legally dismissed, and that the selectmen assess the money to be paid when it would be due for his regular salary if it does not exceed $400 from this date."

December 27, 1824. The town voted to appoint a committee of three to confer with the Rev. David McGregore and ascertain the terms on which a "separation may take place between him and his people and report to this meeting," and on motion of Col. William P. Riddle, chose Capt. Joseph Colley, Dr. Peter P. Woodbury, and Col. William Moore said committee.

The committee retired to attend to the duty assigned them and after an absence of a few minutes they returned and reported to the town the following proposals :

Bedford, Dec. 27, 1824.

Gentlemen :

In answer to your Committee I would observe that my real estate in Bedford, consisting of about eighteen acres of Land, with my

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buildings, has cost me as far as I can ascertain the cost, as much as $1,400. If the town will buy it at that price and settle up all other arrearages, I will quitclaim both it and the contract on the receipt of the payment. Or if the town, as an indemnity for the sacrifice, I shall probably have to make, on a forced sale of my real estate in Bedford, will pay me six hundred dollars and settle up all arrear- ages, I will on the receipt thereof give up the civil contract which the town, made with me at the time of my settlement in the minis- try in this place.

(Signed) DAVID McGREGORE.

It was " Voted that the same committee be instructed to offer Mr. McGregore four hundred dollars, or to take his real estate in Bed- ford at the appraisal of indifferent men."

The committee proceeded to the duties assigned them, and after a short absence came in and made the following report :

The committee appointed as above have attended to the duties assigned them and beg leave to report that Rev. David McGregore states that he cannot take less than before proposed.

JOSEPH COLLEY, for the Committee.

It was " voted that the proposition made by Mr. McGregore in the above proposals be accepted, that is to say, to pay him $600."

And it was "voted that a committee of three be chosen to carry into effect the last vote of the town relative to the proposals of Rev. David McGregore. Chose Capt. Joseph Colley, Dr. Peter P. Wood- bury, and Col. William Moore said committee."

" Voted that $600 be raised for the above purpose."

At the meeting of March 8, 1825, it was " Voted to reconsider the vote passed on December 27, 1824, giving the Rev. David McGregore $600 and all arrearages, and it was also voted that the committee chosen be discharged from any further service."

It was "voted that the town pay Mr. McGregore one year's salary from the 5th of September, 1824, and that he take his dismission from March 8, 1825, and provided that he shall not accept of this proposal, the committee appointed for that purpose proceed to carry the contract into effect, and that said committee inform him of this vote immediately and report at this meeting whether he accept of the same or not, and the money to be paid down."

Mr. McGregore made the following communication to the town, which it was voted to spread upon the record :

To the inhabitants of the town of Bedford : - Gentlemen : -

Presuming this to be the proper time and place to inform you of my wishes, and feeling desirous that a compliance with your vote of Dec. 27th, 1824 should be carried into immediate effect, I request that you will instruct your committee appointed for that purpose to conclude the contract. I proposed giving up as soon as may be.

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HISTORY OF BEDFORD.

This I conceive would produce a two fold salutary effect, as it would relieve me from farther suspense on the subject, and prepare you to proceed to such measures as may tend to your happiness and union in the selection of a suitable candidate as my successor. As you gave your committee no instructions with respect to the time, when a manner of carrying your vote into effect, I wish you now to do it, and if it is your desire that the contract should be closed before the money can be conveniently collected, I am willing to wait six months or any reasonable time that you may instruct your committee to re- quest on their security in their capacity, Bedford, March 8th, 1825. N. B. If the town wished to have the contract closed at the time of the meeting of the 27th Dec. last, and will settle it this week ac- cording to the vote and the proposals, I have made as above, I will give the Town that part of the salary which has accrued since the aforesaid meeting.

D. MCGREGORE.

He also made the following communication to the inhabitants of the town of Bedford :

Gentlemen :-

The statement I am about to make is from general impressions as I have been for years past incapable of distinctly recalling to mind transactions of recent date. I received the result of your meeting of the 27th of December, 1824, pleased with the honorable ground you had taken in compliance with my proposal. I then expected, and I refer you to my proposal your own vote, whether it was not natural that I should expect that your committee was to pay me on the day the contract was to cease according to the proposals which I made and which you accepted.

After I had inquired when they thought they would close the business your committee informed me that they had received no in- structions as to the time when the town wished to close the concern, but they would try to ascertain it at a meeting then already ap- pointed to form a religious society in this place. They then wished to know, that if the town desired to close the concern before the money could be raised, whether I would take security for the same.

Being at that time doubtful whether the money could be legally raised, I offered to take the joint and several note of all your com- mittee and wait a reasonable time for the pay, and by this I intended to make your committee responsible provided it should be the wish of the people that a settlement should be effected in this way.

Some considerable time elapsed after the meeting and I heard nothing from your committee nor could I understand that your selectmen were making any assessments of the six hundred dollars voted for that purpose and in the interim I heard many say that in their opinion the money could never be collected. This served to make my original impressions still the stronger, viz, that it was doubtful whether the money could be legally raised from the town.

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While this impression remained strongly on my mind and without any previous notice, two of your committee called upon me desiring to know if I would take their notes merely in their capacity for pay.

I thought if the money could never be collected such notes must be useless or perhaps lead to serious difficulties, and therefore de- clined taking them from those two in that form, but afterwards asked them if they would be responsible, which they declined and we parted.

After they were gone, I began to reflect on the sudden and unap- prised interview we had had and to query in my own mind whether all my scruples could be well founded. In addition to this, I was afterwards told that a note from a majority of a committee was sufficient to bind the town for which they acted and that the money could be legally assessed.

This led me to wish that I had taken the course that they pro- posed, to this end I went to Dr. Woodbury's and Captain Colley's to desire them to meet me at Col. Moor's on the afternoon of the same day. They were both from home and I left my request with their wives and repaired to Col. Moore's myself and waited to meet them there but neither of them attended.

After this, I went to Widow Gordon's where I expected to find at least two of them together, and found them according to expecta- tion. I then informed them that I was ready to settle with them according to the vote of the town; but have never met any of them on the subject since.

I regret that the business took such a turn and am still ready to settle the whole concern and take the security of the town by their committee or selectmen as they in their wisdom may think for the best, and wait six months or any reasonable time that the town may find most convenient for the pay. Gentlemen :

In review of this statement you will readily perceive 1st that there was nothing mentioned but the pay on the day on which the con- tract was to be settled either in my offer or in your vote to accept it. 2nd, On the proposal of giving security instead of pay by your committee, I, with a view to accommodate the town, was willing to take it if they would assume the responsibility and 3rdly since my doubts of the legality of assessing and raising the money have been removed, I am willing to take the security of your committee or Selectmen in their capacity as soon as you see fit to order them to perform that service and wait six months or any reasonable time for the collection of the money.

Finally, trusting that the town will adopt such measures as may be honorable to themselves and promotion of their lasting union and happiness after I am gone,

I subscribe myself your friend and pastor,

A true Record, recorded and examined.

DAVID MCGREGORE.

By ALFRED FOSTER, Town Clerk.

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HISTORY OF BEDFORD.

April 17, 1825, Mr. McGregore presented to the session the fol- lowing communication :

BEDFORD, April 16, 1825.

To the Session of the Church in Bedford.

Gentlemen, I hereby apprise you of my desire of an immediate dismission from my pastoral charge in this place. My reasons for this desire are, first that my bodily infirmities render me incapable of fully discharging the requsite ministerial duties of so large a parish ; and second, that nearly two-fifths of those subject to taxation for my support, have expressed their willingness that a dissolution of our re- lation as pastor and people should take place.

Accordingly, at the meeting of the Londonderry Presbytery, held at Nottingham-West, now Hudson, on the last Wednesday in April, 1825, the pastoral relation subsisting between Mr. McGregore and the church was by mutual consent dissolved.

Mr. McGregore was born in Londonderry. He was grand nephew of Rev. David McGregore, and great-grandson of Rev. James McGregore, the first minister of Londonderry. After com- pleting his collegiate course at Dartmouth college, in 1799, he de- voted himself for some time to the instruction of youth. Among other places, he taught at Cambridge, Mass., with great credit and success. About this time he was united in marriage to Miss Butter- field of Groton, Mass., who was soon removed by death. After his settlement at Bedford he was married to Annis, daughter of Hon. John Orr, and this connection was soon sundered by death. His third wife, who (1850) survived him, was Miss Rebecca Merrill of Falmouth, Me. He had no children. Mr. McGregore, in the early part of his ministry, was absent from his people some months on a missionary tour in the northern section of the state, and was one of the first missionaries sent out by the New Hampshire Do- mestic Missionary society. The writer of this notice heard Rev. Mr. Fairbanks of Littleton, N. H., say that Mr. McGregore's labors were blessed, and that he had met with individuals in that part of the state who retained a pleasant remembrance of his preaching. An account of his tour was published in a religious journal of the day. While engaged on his missions the following incident occurred : In that part of the country there was at that time a prejudice, to some extent, against the use of notes in preaching. On one occasion Mr. McGregore engaged in a controversy on the subject with a preacher not remarkable for his learning. He affirmed that it was anti-scrip- tural to use written notes in the desk, citing as proof of his position

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the passage, "Take neither purse nor scrip," and taking "scrip " evi- dently to mean anything written. Mr. McGregore applied this con- struction to the "scrip " into which David put the stones when he slew Goliah; thus showing the absurdity of confounding the differ- ence between a manuscript and a bag or wallet.1

Another anecdote is related of him while on this missionary tour. In the wild and thinly settled country near the White Mountains, he arrived on a summer evening, after a toilsome day's journey over a mountainous road, at a rude cabin in the bosom of a dark forest, and was so fatigued that he immediately retired to bed knowing nothing of the inmates of the house. After a season of sleep he was aroused by footsteps in the house, and by an undertone conversation between persons in an adjoining room. He listened, caught here and there a word, and began to suspect that he had fallen into bad hands who were plotting against his life. Putting himself in the best attitude of defence in his power, he lay awake the rest of the night. Morn- ing dawned and found him safe. On rising he soon discovered that he was with a very poor but pious family, and that the undertone talk and footsteps which had excited his suspicions arose from their joy at seeing a missionary, and from the preparations they had made in the night to give him in the morning the best reception their pov- erty would admit.

Several of Mr. McGregore's sermons were published, one of which was occasioned by the sudden death of Mrs. Isaac Riddle, who was killed by a fall from a horse, April 6, 1804. Text on the occasion, I Samuel 20:3. Mr. McGregore made himself very useful after his dismission as an instructor of youth. He encouraged many to get an education, who owe to his benevolent interest in their welfare much of their subsequent success in life. He was a man of fine social qualities, and often made himself very interesting by his pow- ers of conversation. In 1831 he removed to Falmouth, Me., where he engaged in promoting the interests of learning and religion. He died there very suddenly October 18, 1845, aged 74.2

July 5, 1826, Rev. Thomas Savage was installed pastor of the church and congregation in this place, by the Londonderry Presby- tery. Sermon on the occasion by Rev. Dr. Whiton of Antrim, from Luke 9:60, "But go thou and preach the kingdom of God." Mr.

1 Mr. McGregore used a stereotyped form for closing every morning sermon that he preached-"The day being now far spent and the weather somewhat inclement, we will postpone the remainder together with the improvement until the after part of the day and to God's Holy Name as in his word displayed, be praise and Glory, World without end. Amen!"

2 His pastorate continued 21 years, as did that of Mr. Houston.

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HISTORY OF BEDFORD.

Savage was ordained to the work of the ministry without pastoral charge, by the Presbytery of Mississippi, August, 1822, and preached two years at Baton Rouge, La.

Several changes and improvements took place in Bedford about this time that were favorable to the interests of religion. The Sab- bath school had been attended with rather a divided interest, in two or three schoolhouses ; it now began to be held during intermissions at the meeting house, and with very happy effects. A stated prayer meeting commenced October 11, 1827, which has continued to be observed on Thursday from that time to the present (1850).1

On Thanksgiving day, 1829, Dr. Justin Edwards delivered a dis- course on temperance, which awakened great attention and proved the commencement of a great temperance reformation. A temper- ance society was immediately formed which exerted a good influence and was succeeded by another, excluding all alcoholic drinks.

The year 1831 was memorable for revivals throughout the land. This church partook largely of the influence, and in September of that year ninety-one united with the church, of whom many have died, some have fallen from their profession, and a goodly number live to be ornaments in the church and blessings to the world. At subsequent periods, also, there have been seasons of religious interest which have resulted in additions to the church, notably in 1834, un- der the leadership of the Rev. Mr. Foote of Connecticut, and again in 1842 and 1864. The church at present (1850) is in a diminished state, owing to deaths, removals, and a long season of religious dearth, in which few additions have been made by profession. Of those who were once members of this church, numbers have gone to do good, it is hoped, in Wisconsin, Michigan, and other parts of the country. In the work of foreign missions, in the minis- try at home, and in Western fields, among the Indians of our own country, and the sable children of Africa, laborers have gone forth from this church, who, we trust, will meet their reward in Heaven.

Rev. Thomas Savage was born in Boston, September 2, 1793, pre- pared for college at Phillips academy, Andover, and completed his collegiate course at Harvard college, 1813, pursued the study of the- ology for some time2 at Cambridge, and finished his preparation

1 Since, the weekly prayer meeting has been held, at times, on other days of the week.

2 Having pursued the study of theology for three years at Cambridge, he accepted an invitation to become a private tutor in Louisiana. About this time he experi- enced a change of views with respect to the system of theology. He had adopted and finished his preparation under the care of the Mississippi Presbytery. By that body he was ordained to the work of the ministry in 1822, and preached two years at Baton Rouge .- Hist. Dic., Rev. I. C. Tyson.

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under the care of the Mississippi Presbytery, 1822. He was married at St. Francisville, La., to Miss Lucy . Woodruff, by whom he had the following children : Julia Ann, born at Baton Rouge, La., James, Lucretia, and Frances, born in Bedford. Mrs. Savage was born in Litchfield, Conn., August 10, 1790, and died May 16, 1847. A sermon on the occasion of her death was delivered by Rev. Mr. Allen. October 12, 1848, he was married to Miss Sarah Web- ster of Haverhill, N. H. Mr. Savage is lineally descended from Maj. Thomas Savage, who came over to this country in 1635, and married Faith, daughter of the celebrated Mrs. Ann Hutchinson, so well known in the early history of New England. As Bedford was one of the townships granted to soldiers who served in the Narraganset war, it may be interesting to notice that Major Savage commanded the forces of Massachusetts in the early part of that war. In Gookin's account is the following curious certificate, signed by him, bearing testimony to the good conduct of the praying Indians, who joined him as allies :

These do certify that I, Thomas Savage, of Boston, being Com- mander of the English forces at Mount Hope, in the beginning of the war between the English and Indians, about July, 1675, and after- wards, in March, 1676, at Menumene and Hadley, in both which ex- peditions, some of the Christian Indians belonging to Natick, were in the army ; as at Mount Hope were about 40 men, and at Menu- mene, 6. I do testify, in their behalf, that they carried themselves well, and approved themselves courageous soldiers, and faithful to the English interest. Dated at Boston, the 20th day of Dec'r, 1677.

THOMAS SAVAGE.

In the proprietors' records, previous to the incorporation of the town, is found the name of a son of Major Savage, Perez, who proba- bly inherited a right from his father, and in the town records, down to a late period, is seen the name of Habijah Savage, on the non- resident tax list, who was a grandson of Major Savage, and great- grandfather of the present minister of Bedford. In the possession of Hon. James Savage of Boston, there is a printed sermon (the only copy probably extant), preached by Rev. Samuel Willard, second minister of the old South church, Boston. The title runs thus :

The righteous man's death, a presage of evil; a funeral sermon upon Maj. Thomas Savage, from Isiah Ivii; 1 : 1681.

With regard to the paternal descent of the present (1850) pastor it may be remarked, that all his ancestors, from the one who came over, were born in Boston, for several generations, and were mem-

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bers of the old South church, and were engaged in military or mer- cantile pursuits. The first ministers in the line are the present pas- tor, and the Rev. William T. Savage, Franklin, N. H. Ezekiel Savage, Esq., father of Rev. Thomas Savage, was for many years a civil magistrate in Salem, Mass., well known in Essex county. He died in Salem, June, 1837. The mother of Rev. Thomas Savage was a daughter of Col. Joseph Vose of Milton, who commanded a regiment in the Revolutionary war, and had a horse shot under him in one of the actions connected with the capture of Burgoyne. The saddle blanket is still preserved in the family, with the perforation made by the ball. Miss Lucy Woodruff, first wife of Rev. T. Sav- age, was descended from the Griswold family in Connecticut. His present wife is daughter of the late Benjamin Webster of Haverhill, N. H., whose father, William, was brother of the late Judge Web- ster of Salisbury, N. H., who was father of the Hon. Daniel Webster. They came originally from Hampton, N. H. Julia A., daughter of Rev. Thomas Savage, married S. N. Robb, Esq., and now resides near Rodney, Mississippi.

Of Ezekiel Savage, Esq., it should be added he was born in Bos- ton, October 17, 1760; received degree at Harvard college, 1778. While he was a member of the college, it was removed to Concord, Mass., the college buildings being occupied by our troops. The writer has heard him say that while at college at Cambridge, he one day went to Winter Hill to see our troops that were posted there, and that while on the hill a cannon ball fired from Boston, then in possession of the British, came so near as to throw up the dirt upon him. In early life he prepared for the ministry, and preached a short time, but want of health obliged him to abandon it. He studied divinity with Rev. Mr. Smith of Weymouth, Mass., one of whose daughters married the first President Adams, and was mother of John Q. Adams.

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History of Bedford, New Hampshire, from 1737 : being statistics compiled on the occasion of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the incorporation of the town, May 15, 1900, Part 31

Author: Bedford (N.H. : Town) Publication date: 1903 Publisher: Concord, N. H. : The Rumford Printing Co. Number of Pages: 1202

Author: Bedford (N.H. : Town)
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Concord, N. H. : The Rumford Printing Co.
Number of Pages: 1202