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 42

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 42

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415

THE LADIES' SOCIAL CIRCLE.

vote, the Dorcas society changed its name to Ladies' Social Circle, when, with a new constitution, and under new officers, but with the old-time spirit and energy of its predecessors, the burden bearers shouldered their work and at once made plans to place new pews inside the church. They discussed, they sewed, they knitted, they held fairs, and cooked suppers, they worked early and late, always looking forward to an accomplishment of their purpose-the com- fort and good of all. When December 10, 1890, arrived, the circle observed a twenty-fifth anniversary, dating from the formation of the Ladies' Aid society, listening to the various reports of officers, reviewing the work done and financial conditions, hearing reminis- cences, and partaking of a hearty supper served to give satisfaction, and to cause all to feel great good had been accomplished. It was on August 28, 1894, that at a meeting of the pewholders, for the second time the band of industrious women was given " full power to change the church inside in any way they chose, provided they paid the, bills." Two days later, at a meeting of the Social circle, Mrs. Freeman P. Woodbury showed plans drawn by Mr. Wards- worth Longfellow of Boston, Mass., for the inside of the church, thus giving a clear idea of what was needful. At the same time Mrs. Freeman P. Woodbury made a proposition,-if the said society use what money it had in following the plans presented, she would pay the remainder of the expense, and pass in the money to the credit of the society to the treasurer as bills became due, the amount then being nine hundred dollars. The circle voted to reconsider the vote taken at its previous meeting when it had been decided to put in new pews, and instead to accept Mrs. Woodbury's offer.

Work was at once begun, and soon the old pews were made more comfortable, the old pulpit was removed and a new one built, the ceiling was remodeled on curved instead of straight lines, the walls were painted an artistic green, a new carpet and cushions were added, so the room at last presented a fresh and most attractive appearance. The cost of this renovation amounted to $2,921.81.

Not stopping for an instant on its onward way the circle at its annual meeting, October 1, 1894, voted to work for a clock to be placed in the church tower. Almost four years later, in August, 1898, the endeavor reached success by the cooperative effort of the efficient committee and the interested townspeople, at a cost of $450, and on an evening appointed all gladly met at the dedication for as the hammer of the new timepiece struck the hour on the old

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HISTORY OF BEDFORD.

bell, it was to the accompaniment of words written by a friend, Mrs. Celia N. (French) Dascomb :

It is fitting to look backward Upon labor planned and done At the cost of our achievement, How we've earned the honors won.

However, never satisfied, the circle next turned its attention to another project, viz., the joining of the town house to the meeting- house by a concrete sidewalk. The laying of the sidewalk was begun in the fall of 1900 and completed the following autumn, at a cost of $345. Now in November, 1902, as the work of half a century is reviewed it shows labor planned for the good of the whole commu- nity, and within the next few years the zealous women hope to con- tinue their work, and by electricity through the town to carry out the letter as well as the spirit of the gospel injunction,-" Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in Heaven."

SCHOOLHOUSE, DISTRICT NO. 1.

SCHOOLHOUSE, DISTRICT NO. 2.

Schools.

The people of our town early turned their attention to the sub- ject of common-school education. Even before the town was incor- porated certain lands were set apart, the income of which was to be devoted to school purposes.

The sturdy settlers of Bedford did not confine themselves to one lot only for school purposes, but laid out four lots, as follows: Lots 21 and 22, north of farm occupied by John Orr, Esq., later by Samuel Patten, and now owned by Albert L. Flint. Lot 59, south of the Old cemetery, near the back river road, and lot 90, which probably formed part of the farm occupied by Samuel Chandler, and since included in the farm occupied by the late Rodney M. Rollins. Upon two of these lots, schoolhouses were early erected, one north of Esq. John Orr's farm, the other near the Samuel Chandler farm, but no record has been found of such use having been made of the other two lots.

Lots 21 and 22 extended east and west of Riddle's brook, which was located so as to furnish an excellent mill privilege. In 1771 we find the town voting to lease this mill privilege for twenty years. In 1789 again a vote is passed to lease this land for six years. The timber, also, was an important source of income from these lots, as there was a heavy growth of ship and building timber upon the upland. From the timber alone £387 were received in 1793, an unusual sum for school purposes in those days. (This was probably old tenor, however.)

In course of time the school lands were trespassed upon in vari- ous ways, a fact often brought to the notice of the town fathers, as the record of their meetings proves. That these meetings were somewhat stormy at times can easily be imagined, and in 1794 we find the voters apparently determined to settle the matter once for all by voting to lease the school land north of Esq. John Orr's farm, "the same to be leased as long as wood grows and water runs." The record fails to tell us who secured this long term lease, but it is fair to presume that Esq. John Orr secured a goodly portion of this land,

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HISTORY OF BEDFORD.

as much of it now forms the northern part of the farm once owned by him, now owned by Albert L. Flint. In 1802 the remainder of the school lands was disposed of by leases running 999 years. Lot 59, south of the Old cemetery, was leased at this time, John Bell securing " all east of road leading from Chandler's to McGaw's," while William Moore secured the southwest part of the lot and Samuel Chandler the northwest part.

At first the families were long distances apart, but as neighbors increased we find them uniting their funds and employing a teacher. See Matthew Patten's Journal, March 28, 1772:

" My brother Samuel and Major Goffe, Mclaughlin, Newman and I hired one Mr. Stillman to keep school and Martin joins the wages to be the same of Mr. Saunders " (Undoubtedly a previous teacher.) March 30th. "The children went to school to the amount of five scholars the whole day." March 31. "I had six children at school all day." Later. "We settled with our school master and I paid my brother Samuel's part and mine; they both came to 13 shillings lawful. I sent 128 days and Samuel sent 65 days."

After erecting their own homes, the thought of the early settlers turned to establishing a church and building a meeting-house. The schoolhouse soon followed. The first schoolhouse, a log-cabin structure, was located on school land, about one fourth mile north of farm then owned by John Orr, Esq. In Bedford history, pub- lished 1850, page 174, we find, “ This schoolhouse stood on an emi- nence." On page 192, same history, we find, "The schoolhouse stood at the foot of the hill by the large stone,1 as you go from the farm of the late John Orr to the center of the town." Eminence and stone still remain, silent reminders of the dim past. The high- way which passed this center of learning can still be easily traced, but the ancient structure itself long since completed its usefulness, and only exists in tradition and history. Diligent inquiry has failed to discover the date of its building, or how and when its history closed. Some of the materials of the old building formed part of the barn of Mr. Calvin Snow. The second schoolhouse was erected July 4, 1772. Matthew Patten says : "We raised it about sunset." It was built by subscription, and located at junction of the river road with the back river road, south of Samuel Chandler place, now occupied by heirs of Rodney M. Rollins. This house was soon filled by a large school.

1 This stone can be seen at the left of the present highway, a few rods north of an aged apple-tree, which stands in a dilapidated stone wall.

419

SCHOOLS.

When the town was incorporated (1750) it contained about fifty families, or two hundred persons, of which twenty-five would proba- bly be of school age. In 1750-'51 the town voted to have no school, but in 1752 decided to have a public school six months during the summer: "To be kept in three places in said town, viz-2 mos. near Thos. Chandler's and 2 mos. near James Little's and 2 mos. more south of Benj. Smith's." The next year the vote stood the same, but in 1754 an effort was made to accommodate all sections of the town by providing schools for eight months, as follows : "Be- ginning in S. W. corner of town and continue one month, then N. E. corner one month, N. W. corner one month, and so alternately in each of afore-mentioned places, till the eight months be completed." The southeast corner of the town being the first settled, was probably included in this division of school time. Even this arrangement made it necessary for the children to travel great distances.

For nineteen years after this no action was taken by the town to support public schools, though no doubt schools were sustained in various places by private subscription. In 1773 £15 lawful money were voted to hire a town school-master, the town to be divided into seven districts. The next year £15 were again appropriated, with four districts to provide for. As we review the town records, it is evident that two parties existed, with regard to school matters. One party desired each district to support its own school, the other felt more inclined to give the schools town support.

From 1775 to 1780 the people were too much absorbed in the stirring times of the Revolutionary period to give much attention to educational matters. In 1780 the town flatly refused "to hire a town school master," but, at a later meeting, when it was discovered that complaint against the town had been made by the grand jury at Amherst, £120 were forthcoming. The next year it was decided to pay John O'Neil for his services as school-master seven years previous. Possibly, by this time, the feelings which had smarted under the strict discipline of this stern master may have become more calm, and after seven years of waiting the people were ready to do him justice.

Another teacher of this early time, Luke Eagan, taught in the second schoolhouse ever built in town. He had been well educated for a priest in the Roman Catholic church, and becoming a Protes- tant was qualified for teaching. An account of his death is found among the fatal casualties.

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HISTORY OF BEDFORD.

Rev. Joseph Goffe said :

At that time (1766) it was generally thought that no native American was capable of teaching a common English school. Suita- ble books of instruction were very few and scarce. Grammar, Geography and other studies now common in schools, were then rarely heard of.

Book agents, with their frequent calls and urgent demands, had not penetrated this primitive region. Each book was carefully pre- served, as containing hidden treasure. In most cases, learning to read, write, and spell, with a limited knowledge of arithmetic, meas- ured the height of the pupil's ambition. Mental arithmetic gave a keen intellectual training which would often outstrip the slower process of ciphering to-day, by its rapidity in securing results. The New England primer, though small in size, must not be overlooked. It occupied an important place in the school-room, being used as a reader, and containing many wholesome truths, which, with the cate- chism, were thoroughly taught.

Meagre as were the advantages, still in the minds of some of those early pupils a great desire for knowledge was imparted. John Orr, Esq., born 1748, was a striking illustration of what a quick mind, with a thirst for knowledge, may accomplish, even with limited opportunities. He became a power in his own community, and filled important positions, in both town and state, commanding the respect of all.

David Patten, Esq., born 1761, a son of Hon. Matthew Patten, took his place as land surveyor and school-master when a young man, thus reflecting credit upon his own ability and that of his instructors also.

Joseph Goff, born 1766, was the first college graduate of Bedford, taking his degree of A. B. at Dartmouth, August 21, 1791, standing well in a class of fifty students, and later an active and successful minister of the gospel. He assisted Hon. John Vose to prepare for college, and found him an apt pupil.

John Vose graduated from Dartmouth (1795) and became in his turn an instructor of youth. He served as principal of Atkinson and Pembroke academies for thirty-two years, and was the author of valuable works in astronomy.

Some of these aspirants for knowledge struggled on for years in their effort to secure an education. Hon. Benjamin Orr was one of these. As a boy, he expressed a desire for college training. His father being unable to help him, Benjamin determined to pay his

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SCHOOLS.

own way through college. As apprentice, carpenter, and teacher he finally overcame all obstacles, won his degree of A. B., 1798, from Dartmouth, and became an eminent lawyer,-"Higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward."

When the new century dawned, the people had established church and school upon solid foundations. The sturdy efforts of the pre- vious fifty years had taken root, and a more vigorous growth was the result. Population and wealth had increased. At least six schoolhouses had already been erected, probably by the people living in their vicinity, as there is no record of the town appropriating money for that purpose. These houses were located in the present subdistricts Nos. 1 (located at the southwest corner of the common, which was removed to Isaac Riddle's and used for a shed), 2, 3, 4, 7, and 9. The boundaries of these little communities were not defin- ite, but varied with the convenience and preference of the parents. Thus the support of each school was subject to the sudden likes and dislikes of all who felt at liberty to join other districts whenever they chose. Seeing this disadvantage, the people voted, in 1800, to divide the town into nine districts, and defined their boundaries. Only two years later we find the town cheerfully raising $1,500 for new schoolhouses, those districts already having suitable school build- ings being excused from paying their share of this tax. The new schoolhouses were erected in what are now subdistricts Nos. 1, 6, 8, and Piscataquog. Large families were the rule then, not the excep- tion as now, and the new houses were soon filled with large, flourish- ing schools.

The districts now assumed more definite control of school mat- ters, and for over three fourths of a century, until 1886, erected and repaired their own school buildings, chose their agents for hiring teachers, and determined the time and length of school terms as best suited them. Sums of money appropriated from time to time by the town were divided among the districts in proportion to the wealth of each, and not according to the number of pupils. This system was followed, also, by the selectmen in dividing the money required by law for the support of schools. Of course it might often happen that some of the largest schools would have the least money, and, therefore, the shortest terms. A partial remedy for this was found by sending the pupils whose school had closed to some neigh- boring school still open. Districts receiving pupils in this way usu- ally charged tuition varying from six cents to one dollar per week,

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HISTORY OF BEDFORD.

but seemed ready to accommodate in this matter. When a teacher was very popular, the private purse was often called upon to assist in increasing the length of school terms.

The people of the town were industrious and desired their public servants to serve them in the same manner. The minister was re- quired to preach two good long sermons each Sunday. Teachers and pupils were required to spend six days per week in the school-

room. Saturday holidays were not even dreamed of, much less mentioned. Gradually the boys grew to be men, and we find them assembled at the various school meetings, carrying forward the work so well begun by their fathers. The holiday question was brought up for solemn discussion. Economy was the rule in every household and they wished to get their money's worth in the school-room. At length they decided to grant a half holiday each Saturday. Later, this plan was changed to no school every other Saturday, and finally the present custom of no school on Saturday was adopted. What would the thrifty people of those times think of the numerous holi- days of the present time ?

Teachers' salaries were in proportion to the prices of the times. The salary of the mistress employed for the summer schools, varied from $1.20 to $2.00 per week, the district paying her board in addi- tion to this. The famous Ann Orr taught No. 9 school ten weeks in 1837, for $1.25 per week, while Thomas Shepard received for her board in the mean time $1.34 per week. The master, whom it was thought necessary to employ for the winter terms, received $3 or $4 per week.

The privilege of boarding the teacher was often struck off "by vendue " to the lowest bidder. More or less rivalry in the matter often secured a very low price. The lowest price noted was 16 cents per week, but the man who offered to board for this sum happened to have a daughter Hannah. The committee of three chosen to secure a mistress for the summer school that year employed this daughter Hannah, and we presume they thought her father well paid for her board. Often the teacher "boarded around " with her pupils, stopping at each home a longer or less time, according to the number of pupils. This arrangement was the source of many pleasant and sometimes strange experiences.

Listening to the echoes coming down to us from the first half of the last century, we hear such names as these upon the teachers' roll : Dr. Mitchell, Fletcher, also lecturer on astronomy in Riddle hall;

SCHOOLHOUSE, DISTRICT NO. 3.

SCHOOLHOUSE, DISTRICT NO. 4.

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SCHOOLS.

Spaulding, Boutwell, Hall, Joy, Calvin McQuesten, R. Walker, Cor- nelius Walker, who taught many terms, though noted for his severity; Margaret and Sally Orr, Mary Houston, selected by a committee of five men chosen to secure a mistress for No. 1 school; Hannah French, Sally Noyes, Philomela Atwood, Eliza Gordon, Harriet N. French, Ann Riddle, Susan Spofford, Mary Rogers, Ellen Cutler, Mary J. F. Moore, Adeline and Ann J. Nevins, who came from a family of teachers; also, Thornton McGaw, Charles Aiken, D. G. Stevens, William R. Woodbury, Elijah C. Stevens, and many others. The Rev. David McGregore once held sway in No. 1 school, while standing out prominently among them all, the strong, forceful tones of Ann Orr were heard as she presided in nearly every school-room in town. Born in 1782, her death occurred in 1849. For nearly fifty years her commanding form was seen in the school-rooms of Bedford and surrounding towns.

Few natives of Bedford during that period but remembered with gratitude the faithful instruction, the kind advice, the excellent pre- cepts and example of Ann Orr. She is said to have been an extra- ordinary character, making up in vigor of thought and action what she lacked in refinement. "As a teacher of children almost un- equaled." Kind-hearted, strong-minded, sensible, the older pupils sel- dom questioned her authority, and the younger ones were sure of her interest and protection. Hers was a life of quiet, steady, earnest de- votion to one great purpose, viz., the moral, religious, and intellectual culture of the youth of her time. A certain writer says, when as a little girl she looked upon Ann Orr for the first time, she could not help associating her with the verse recited in Sunday-school the day before, "Stand in awe and sin not." For years afterward she felt as if she must write that teacher's name Awe. Later, when some blun- derer, reading from the Bible the parable of the vineyard, said, " Here is the hair comb, let us kill him," a burst of laughter followed. In- stantly the teacher thundered, "Silence !" emphasizing it with a stamp of the foot which jarred the room, and silence it was. The pupils sat in awe and smiled not. She had little patience with poor lessons ; they must be learned. The catechism also was thoroughly taught by her. Many a frostbite and discomfort were prevented by her care of the little ones on a cold stormy day as she carefully ad- justed and fastened the various wraps, caps, hoods, and mittens. Only evil-doers were roughly handled by her. She believed and practised with Aaron Hill :

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HISTORY OF BEDFORD.

" Tender-hearted stroke a nettle And it stings you for your pains, Grasp it like a man of mettle And it soft as silk remains. 'Tis the same with common natures, Use them kindly, they rebel,

But be rough as nutmeg graters And the rogues obey you well."

She seemed to read the future of her pupils with wonderful accu- racy. When visiting at the home of one of her former pupils, who had married a clergyman, the minister remarked, " I suppose you little thought this pupil of yours would sometime fill the position she now does." Instantly came the reply, "Sir, my pupils stayed pretty much on the shelf where I put them !" Near the close of her useful life, her former pupils, scattered throughout the country, united in presenting her a valuable gold watch in token of their high regard.

The following anecdote was related of Miss Orr at the centennial celebration by the president of the day :

" I once had," she said, "a lad in my school who troubled me very much. He would not get his lesson, though he appeared not to be idle. I kept my eye on him a day or two; I had an article he wanted; I said to him, James, if you will give me a perfect lesson you shall have that article. At the time of recitation I had a perfect lesson. Now, James, I see you have a good mind, as good, if not better than any in school, I shall always expect, and I intend to have, perfect lessons ever after this ; and it was so, I had no more trouble with James."

The following poetical tribute to Miss Orr is from one of her scholars. It is an extract from a poem, too long for a place in this volume :

" Near half a century flitted by, The summer's sweetness, winter's sigh Still found her at her chosen post, To educate the youthful host. Her labors o'er, but memory still Will feel a deep and touching thrill, As back it passes to those days When we indulg'd in jocund plays."

In conversation she was always sensible and animated. At times she was masculine in her bearing; but her active usefulness, with many excellent qualities, made ample amends for the want of that softness that belongs to the female character.

When the town was divided into nine districts (1800) and their boundaries defined, District Number One was located in the center of the town; District Number Two, in the south central part ; Dis- tricts Three, Four, and Five, near the Merrimack river, in the eastern

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SCHOOLS.

part of the town; Number Three being in the southeast part, and Number Five in the northeast part, now Piscataquog; Districts Six, Seven, and Eight came in order as now in the northern part of the town, while District Number Nine occupied the west central part, including its present territory, and much of Joppa also.

The schoolhouse of District Number One, built in 1800, was lo- cated on the south-east corner of the parsonage lot. (Here the first Sunday-school was organized in 1818.) This district was noted for its lively school meetings. When but few were present at the school- house they often adjourned to Riddle's store, and here had no trouble in securing a good attendance. One person was usually considered sufficient to act as prudential committee, but in 1819 an especial effort was made to secure good teachers, and three men were chosen to secure a mistress for the summer school, and seven men to select a master for the winter term. The choice fell upon Sally Orr and Mary Houston for the summer, and Silas Aiken for the winter term. We hope their efforts were successful. A division of the pupils was made in this school for several years, those under a certain age, vary- ing from ten to fourteen years, attended the mistress' school in sum- mer, while all over the age limit attended the master's school in winter. As the population increased and extended over a large area,. the district was divided (1829) and a stone schoolhouse, familiarly known as " the stone jug," was erected just east of the brook in the southeast corner of the field, north of Holbrook's mill. Thus Dis- trict Number Ten came into existence. Moving the schoolhouse now became the burning question in District Number One. After several years of discussion, both question and schoolhouse found a resting-place just "north of causeway," near the present junction of roads at the foot of Woodbury (Globe) hill. After serving its pur- pose faithfully for nearly seventy years, the old building was aban- doned (1870), when Districts One and Ten were again united by vote of the selectmen and superintending school committee, and the pres- ent house was built.

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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 42

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