History of Carroll County, New Hampshire, Part 118

Author: Merrill, Georgia Drew
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Boston : W.A. Fergusson & Co.
Number of Pages: 1124

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HISTORY OF CARROLL COUNTY.

that period overshadowed all else -- the preservation of the Union. He saw the war-cloud rising, and when the storm broke upon the country and the Union was imperiled, his patriotism led him to become a soldier. His parents reluctantly consented. and he enlisted as soon as possible, going to Bethel. Maine. for that purpose. He was one of the earliest soldiers, enlisting April 27, 1861, before he was seventeen years old, as a private in Company I, Fifth Maine Volunteer Infantry. This was a fighting regiment, did much active service, and won high honors. Marshall was never absent from the regiment during his three years' service, participating in its many memorable engage- ments. When his term of enlistment expired he returned to Jackson to visit his parents ; while there his father was ill, and he remained to care for him until his death. After the burial rites were over, our soldier reenlisted, January, 1865, in the First New Jersey Cavalry, and served until June, 1865, the close of the war. He was engaged in twenty-seven actions in both enlistments, among them the first and second battles of Bull Run, the seven days' fight on the Peninsula, South Mountain (his brigade making the famous charge at Crampton Pass), first and second battles at Fredericksburg, Salem Churchyard, the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Mine Run, Five Forks, and Gettysburg. May 10, 1864, his regiment (Fifth Maine) was one of ten regi- ments selected to break the rebel lines at Spottsylvania. This they did, and took many prisoners. In the first winter of his service, while on picket duty with three companions, they were attacked by twenty rebels, one of the four was killed, two were captured, but Marshall, although wounded, escaped. At Five Forks he received a wound in the foot from which he still suffers. He had offers of promotion and promise of a commission, but preferred to remain in the ranks with his companions, who said "a braver soldier never fired a gun."

After the war was over, and a visit made to Jackson, Boston, and other places, he was, for a few months, conductor of a passenger train running between New York and Elizabeth, New Jersey. Later he returned to Jackson, where he married, May 30, 1869, Georgia A., daughter of Captain Joshua and Martha P. (Meserve) Trickey. Captain Trickey was at this time building the Thorn Mountain House for his daughter, and here the young couple com- menced their long and pleasant career as host and hostess. They did not sit down with folded hands to await the coming of prosperity, or delegate the con- duct of their hotel to servants. They worked personally, early and late. taking pleasure in the thought that success must come to honest, well-directed labor. Far off in the distance they saw their ideal of a hotel, and their desire and ambition was to realize this ; to introduce every pleasant and aesthetic feature of home-life into their establishment in such a manner that people of the highest culture would experience delight at finding every want anticipated, and artistic harmony prevailing in their surroundings. The general's plans

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have been bold and original, Mrs Wentworth has cordially cooperated with him, and every step taken and every building constructed has been endorsed by both. They have made the entertainment of their guests their lifework and study, and have been phenomenally successful. They were the originators of the new system of artistic houses, decorations, and effects in mountain hotels, and the lovely village of Wentworth Hall and cottages realized their high ideal. In addition to Thorn Mountain House, they have built Arden Cottage in 1881 ; Wentworth Hall, at an expense of $25,000, in 1883 ; Thorny- croft in 1885; Glen-Thorne in 1885; Elmwood in 1886. In the winters of 1884, 1885, and 1886, General Wentworth was manager of the Laurel House, Lakewood, N. J., where he made many and permanent friends.

General Wentworth has not sought for office. It is due to him to say, however, that when his name was once presented to his townsmen, he ran forty- two votes ahead of his ticket, evineing his personal popularity. He was quartermaster-general on the staff of Governor Charles H. Bell from 1881 to 1883, and a member of the Republican Electoral College in 1884. He is a member of Mount Washington lodge, F. & A. M., North Conway ; Greenleaf chapter, R. A. M., Portland, Maine, and Saco Valley lodge of Odd Fellows, North Conway.

General Wentworth has the superb physique, the courtliness and grace of manner and kindness of heart which were characteristics of his English ances- tors, possesses a winning magnetism, and is kind and courteous to all, the patron and the servant, the acquaintance and the stranger. He is ever fore- most in public improvement, and has an enthusiasm which carries others with him. He was the chief promoter of the centennial celebration of the settle- ment of the town, and the founder of the public library. The development of his hotel interests has been a wonderful boon to Jackson. With far-seeing sagacity he discerned the opportunity and way, and convinced the most con- servative that he was right, and placed the care of guests upon the highest plane. By the enlarged facilities he has given his townsmen, by the employ- ment he affords to hundreds, by his liberal and extensive generosity, he has accomplished much good and is a public benefactor ; by his unvarying courtesy to his guests he has won the title of " prince of landlords." The sunny spirit and practical intelligence of his excellent wife have borne their part in his success, and been most important factors in the household economy. Their natural culture has been broadened by extensive travel in both continents. Their hostelries have been visited by many distinguished and cultivated people, and who comes once will come again and again.

Artists, poets, dead and gone, What Elysium have ye known, Happy fields or magic cavern Choicer than the Wentworth Tavern?

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CAPTAIN NICHOLAS TUTTLE STILLINGS.

Captain Nicholas Tuttle Stillings, who was for many years well known in this section as an energetic, successful business man and a man of wealth, was born in Bartlett, April 13, 1818, and died in Jackson, June 1. 1885. His grandfather, Samuel Stillings, an early resident of Bartlett. emigrated from Lee, and located in the " Upper District." Samuel, Jr. was born in 1790, and learned the trade of ship carpenter, but on attain- ing man's estate purchased a piece of wild land on the north side of the Saco, in Bartlett, where Walter Stanton now lives, and after devel- oping it bought the J. B. Brown farm, and kept a wayside inn for many years. He married Martha, daughter of Benjamin and Jane (Folsom) Tuttle. (Mr and Mrs Tuttle were from Lee, moved to Eaton in the early part of the century, in 1816 to Hart's Location, and subsequently to Jefferson, where they passed their last days.) The children of Samuel and Martha (Tuttle) Stillings attaining maturity were : Nicholas T., Alfred, Benjamin F., and Clarinda J., who married Elias M. Hall, of Bartlett. Mr Stillings was an honest, industrious, hard-working farmer. He was never known to deviate from the strictest truth, and lost several lawsuits by telling the facts, without any attempt to omit, pervert, or mystify them. Politically he was a Democrat; religiously a Universalist, and he lived a good and useful life. . He died -in 1868, his wife surviving him many years.

Nicholas T. Stillings attained a strong and robust physique in his home among the mountains and was noted for his great muscular strength. He worked for his father until his majority, then started in life on his own account, purchasing a farm for seven hundred dollars on credit, his only capital being a pair of colts. However he soon took to himself a help- meet, a bright, vigorous woman, who with her willing hands helped turn the wheels of honest labor with good results. Mr Stillings paid for his farm in seven years. He was obliged to work hard to do this, as money was scarce, and labor and stock brought small prices.1 He would go to Portland, buy a load of salt, and draw it to Vermont and Upper Coos. where he would dispose of it for part money and part produce, with which he returned to Portland. In 1846 he bought the farm of his father, and kept a stage tavern until he moved to Jackson. (This house was burned in 1870.) He then commenced lumbering, and not long after purchased the stage-route from the Glen to the Crawford House, and dined the passengers at his "hotel." He ran this line summers for eleven years, discontinuing it only with the advent of the railroad. The horses he used in the woods in the winter, thus combining two enterprises very success-

1 He sold a pair of " seven foot" oxen for forty dollars.

Or 9 Stillings

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fully, and during his life continued to purchase and operate large tracts of timber. His energetic, active temperament was always ready for hard work and the promotion of new enterprises. In 1866 he built a starch mill in Jackson, and in 1869 removed thither, and, with his daughter Sophronia, established a store as N. T. Stillings & Co. His next work was the building of the Glen Ellis House, which was opened for guests in 1876. This is a solid structure located near the Ellis river. When Mr Stillings was asked why he put so much work into it, and did it SO thoroughly, he answered that he was going to build it to stand as a monument to show that he was once on earth.

In August, 1839, Mr Stillings married Patience Stanton, daughter of William and Patience Jenkins. She was born in New Durham, August 17, 1817. Their children were: Sophronia (married Silas M. Thompson, and has one child, Harry Alonzo, born in 1884), who inherits many of her father's characteristics : Alonzo (dec.) ; Emeline (Mrs James Nute, of Bartlett).

Democratic in politics, and often serving as selectman in Bartlett and Jackson, Mr Stillings was recognized as a keen business man possessing rare good judgment. He had great perseverance, and when he started an enterprise he invariably carried it through. He was public-spirited and generous toward anything that appeared to him just and right, but was never a time-server, and could not nor would not fall in with every scheme presented to him. He was a captain in the militia and a good disciplinarian. A strong, rugged character, he was one whose personality was in keeping with his surroundings, and impressed himself upon all who knew him. He will not soon be forgotten, and few have done more for the benefit of the town.

THE MESERVE FAMILY.1

JONATHAN MESERVE moved his family from Madbury to Jackson in or near 1790. His first settlement was made on the Elkins farm on the east side of Eagle mountain. He afterwards moved to the west side on the Glen road. In colonial times he held a captain's commission. When expressing indigna- tion at the Stamp Act to one of the commission to bring it over, he was told that if the colonies did not swallow it, a standing army would be sent, which they would be obliged to swallow. He made the characteristic reply. " Cousin George, we will choke at it." He revolted, and expended all his energies and wealth in throwing off the oppressive yoke. The close of the war finding him without means, and his inherent pride still remaining, he joined his lot

1 By C. E. Meserve.

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with others to make a home in the wilderness.1 Of his ability we have little from which to judge except his handwriting upon the town records. The clean, even stroke of the pen indicates that he was no stranger to it, while the bold, clear-cut letters speak of a frank but decided character. He was town clerk in 1810-12. when his name disappears from the records.

Jonathan Meserve married Mary Davis. Their children were : Jonathan, Daniel, John, Nathaniel, Betsey, Mary, and Joanna. Of these Betsey was the wife of Judge Silas Meserve : Mary, wife, first, of Hubbard Harriman : second, of Elijah Seavey ; and Joanna, wife of Joseph Pitman. Daniel married Betsey, daughter of John Pendexter, and lived in Jackson until 1815, when he moved to Bartlett. They had several children. Of them Colonel Samuel P. Meserve was a prominent and influential man of great business capacity, tenacious of his opinions. yet open to conviction, and politically a Republican. Nathaniel married Sally, daughter of James Trickey. He went to Maine and lived many years, but returned and passed his last days with his only surviving child, James M. Meserve. proprietor of Iron Mountain House. James M. Meserve was a successful school-teacher for a number of years, then a model farmer. He married Martha, eldest daughter of General George P. Meserve. They have three children : Mrs Frank Black; J. E. Meserve, proprieter of Haw- thorne Cottage ; W. A. Meserve, manager of Iron Mountain House. John married Dorcas Hardy, of Fryeburg, Maine. Their children were : Nathaniel P., James, Silas, John. Chandler, Joanna (Mrs Daniel Meserve), Abbie (Mrs George Starbird), and Phebe. Nathaniel P. married Adeline, daughter of John Chesley. He was a substantial citizen who represented the town in the legislature several terms. A few years before his death he moved to Chatham with his son, but returned and died at the home of his only daughter, Mrs Ephraim Garland, in November. 1888. James was a veteran stage-driver between Conway, Portland, and Crawford's. He joined the Union army and died in the South. He left a family. Silas lives in Lewiston, Maine; John in Saccarappa, Maine. Both of these were in the Union army, and are men of good reputation. They have families. Chandler was a painter and carpenter. He disappeared many years ago.

Jonathan Meserve, 2d, born March 2, 1772. married Alice, oldest daughter of John Pendexter. He was a farmer and general business man. His farming operations were on a scale that would be considered extensive even now. He was a colonel of the militia, represented the town. and filled other official posi- tions. He was a man of fine physique. His face was round and full, with florid complexion. while a keen blue eye looked from under a broad and well-devel- oped brow. How we children loved the old man ! And the grandmother, too, whose presence our tired feet so frequently sought for a word of encourage-

" The Meserves purchased the south half of Gridley's Location, for which they paid an old sloop, their only remaining property.

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ment, but most of all for the generous slices of bread and butter she so lavishly bestowed. Colonel Jonathan would be particularly characterized for his geniality and hospitality. He died September 2, 1849; his wife, April 19, 1872. The children of Colonel Jonathan Meserve were: George P., Daniel, Martha P. (Mrs Joshua Trickey), John P., Andrew J., and Alice P. (dicd young). (See Pendexter family.) Captain Daniel left four sons. John P. has two sons. These were and are good citizens. Major Andrew J. was the most promising and the best educated of the family, but mistaken medical treatment of a brain fever left him insane for life.

George P. Meserve, oldest son of Colonel Jonathan and Alice (Pendexter) Meserve, was born April 11, 1798, and died September 19, 1884. Inured to toil in his boyhood, he had little opportunity to obtain books, and from them the longed-for knowledge. After the tasks of the day were over, and the household quietly at rest, he was in the habit of pursuing his studies by the dim light of a candle, or, more frequently, by pitch-knots burning in the rude fireplace, often till the coming of a new day. As his years increased, he became especially interested in works of a military character, and so thor- oughly mastered the intricate tactics of warfare that he successfully filled all the official military grades, and at the age of twenty-six was commissioned major-general of the state militia, which position he filled very efficiently. He was a man of sterling worth, full of energy, perseverance, and courage. He took an active part in public affairs, and was a zealous advocate of all measures calculated to advance the best interests of the community. His name frequently occurs upon the official records of the town and Coos county. He was the first representative sent from Jackson alone to the legislature, where he bore a prominent part, serving on the more important committees. By occu- pation he was a farmer, but he did a great deal of business for people in land matters. Being a land surveyor, and having a good understanding of the location and land interests, he was frequently consulted for information and plans, and was one of the original owners of the summit of Mt Washington.

Politically he was an uncompromising Democrat. By this we do not mean that he was a narrow partisan, for there was nothing contracted in his nature. He was broad enough to read both sides of the question, and liberal enough to give each side its due. In the Rebellion of 1861, his age prohibited his going to the battlefield as a common soldier, but he wrote to Governor Harriman, offering to raise a company of men, provided he could go with it as captain. His religious belief was in deeds not words, or that he who accomplished the most good for humanity's sake was the better man. He was one of the princi- pal men to whom the building of the neat little chapel at the village is due, which was dedicated to the use of any evangelical denomination of good standing. A good conversationalist, he was always a genial and entertaining companion ; hospitable, all received a hearty welcome to his board. He was a

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wonderful reader and student of history. It was impossible for him to enter a bookstore without taking away with him some of its treasures. The love of home and its associations was a very strong element of his nature.

He married Harriot, daughter of Richard Eastman.1 By this marriage, there were eight daughters and one son. These he endeavored to give a liberal education as far as his limited means would permit, believing there could be no better investment made for them. The daughters were all school- teachers, some of them teaching very successfully for several years in promi- nent schools in the state. The only son, George W. Meserve, filled official positions acceptably. He was chosen representative in 1874, and reelected in 1875, when there was not a vote cast against him. He was town clerk and selectman for a period of years, and chairman of the board of education at his death, December 11, 1886.

Clement Meserve, son of Clement Meserve, of Dover, moved to this place in 1790. His wife was Lydia Tuttle. His children were : Judge Silas, Isaac, and Ephraim. Silas Meserve lived in this town quite a number of years, as his name frequently occurs on the town records as one of its principal men. He married Betsey, daughter of Captain Jonathan Meserve. Their children were : Stephen, Ezra, John L., Isaac, Lydia, Mary, Alice, and Harriet. He moved to Bartlett, where he died. Isaae Meserve married Betsey Pinkham. Ephraim · Meserve, born February 20, 1773, married Sally Gray. They had fourteen children : Israel, Sophia, Abigail, Charlotte, Sally, Florinda, Ira D., Silas, Melissa, Stephen D., Oliver P., Clement, Winfield S., and Horace B. These were all good citizens. Sophia was wife of Robert McCarter: Abigail, of Andrew Chesley : Florinda, of William Emery ; Silas, who resides on the home farm, married Hannah Cogswell, and has two children living, Silas D. and Mrs Sarah Charles. Stephen D. left town when young, and is a prosperous physician in Robinson, Illinois. Oliver P. married Nancy L., daughter of William Eastman. They had one child, Mrs Charles Stilphen. He was com- missioned postmaster of Jackson in 1852. and held the office until his death in November, 1888. His widow, a very capable woman, still retains the office. Clement, a man of marked ability, is a lawyer in Hopkinton, Mass. Winfield was a prominent man of Danville. Horace B. was also a man of good ability, followed the sea several years, returned home and died. Israel died at the fort in Portsmouth. .

1 See Eastman family.

CHATHAM.

CHAPTER LXXXII.

Description - Population - Families - Action of the Proprietors - Early Settlers - Extracts from Town Records -Chatham in the Rebellion - Reminiscences of Samuel Phipps, Jr - Church History - Education - Civil List - Biographical Sketches.

C HATHAM was granted by Governor Benning Wentworth, February 7, 1767, to seventy-three grantees, none of whom became a resident. It was laid out ten miles long and four wide, and named for Lord Chatham. The survey overran one-half mile in width, and its area is now over 28,000 acres. It is bounded north by Bean's Purchase, east by Maine, south by Conway, west by Bartlett, Jackson, and Bean's Purchase. There are three postoffices, South Chatham, Chatham, and North Chatham. The soil on the eastern side and along the valleys and upland of the streams is either strong and productive or light and warm, capable by fertilization of good crops. Corn and fruit are successfully raised, and all the elements of prosperous farming exist. West of this fertile area is the wild mountain land which occupies the greatest part of the town. Baldface towers 3,600 feet high in the northwest part, with long upper ridges of strange whiteness. This is a mighty mass of granite of excellent quality for building purposes. There are veins . of peculiar decomposition running through this, in which have been found rare gems: white topazes almost rivaling the diamond in hardness and splendor,1 lapis lazuli, beryls, garnets, etc. From Baldface stretches southward a great mountain wall, composed of Gemini, Eastman, Sloop, and Kearsarge mountains. Kearsarge is noted and historic, and the attempt to substitute Pequawket for its oldtime name caused such uprising of patriotic zeal in all the region roundabout as will render subse- quent attempts to do this utterly futile. Kearsarge it was to the residents

1 Some of great value have been found. Ithiel E. Clay, who owns the mountain, has two splendid specimens set in a pin and a ring.

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a century ago ; Kearsarge it will be to the end of time.1 All these moun- tains are covered with a dense growth of pine, spruce, hemlock, and hardwood timber, and this region will be for years much sought by lumbermen and sportsmen. Mountain pond, at a high altitude in a glen-like basin, surrounded by mountains, is one of the loveliest and clearest bodies of water in the state. It covers one hundred acres, and contains speckled trout of great size. The largest caught in New England (it is claimed) was caught in this pond. In a lovely solitude, and with a pure and invigorating atmosphere, it is destined to become a highly valued summer resort. Province pond is also famed for trout, and the mountain streams abound with them. Many beautiful glens, cascades, mountain prospects, and other scenic attractions well reward the visitor.

When Coos county was formed (1805) Chatham was one of its towns, and so remained until 1823, when it was given to Strafford. It was one of the original towns of Carroll county. A grant made to Lieutenant Samuel Gilman in 1770, and containing 2,000 acres, was annexed to Chatham June 23, 1817. A small tract of Conway was annexed June 26, 1823. 500 acres were annexed July 2, 1838. June 30, 1869, a tract of Chatham was annexed to Bartlett. The population in 1790 was 58; in 1800, 183; in 1810, 201; 1820, 293. By 1850 the maximum, 516, was reached. This fell to 489 in 1860, 445 in 1870, 421 in 1880.

Among the representative families of Chatham are : Eastman, Clay, Cox, Chandler, Weeks, Charles, Fife, Hill, Binford, and others. Abiel Chandler is known as the founder of Chandler Scientific School, an annex to Dartmouth College. Eliphalet Weeks, of South Chatham, a Methodist local preacher, kept up an organization of that church for many years. He was a man of ability, a good speaker, and as representative acquired celebrity by his quaint and pertinent speeches. Russell and Bliss Charles filled many offices of trust. Moses Fife was another citizen worthy of mention.

September 28, 1792. The proprietors voted "that Messrs Samuel Walker, Nathaniel Walker, Amos Harriman, John Ames, Richard Walker, William Howard, Paul Chandler, Jonas Wyman and Benjn Walker, who have already entered on lands in said Township, shall be esteemed as settlers

1 Rev. B. D. Eastman finds the name a symbolical one, and from his great familiarity with the Algonquin language traces its origin and signification, and with just indignation repels all attempts to fasten any other appellation upon the mountain. He says: " Kearsarge, the mountain, with her name of appropriate meaning, we inherited as one of the most prominent and precious of all our surroundings. This mountain is situated on the dividing line between Chatham and Bartlett. The summit is in Chatham. the mountain is 3,250 feet high, and is the best and most beautiful to us of all the splendid mountains of New Hampshire. Ke-a-he-sa-he-gee, ' The lofty indicator of coming and passing events.' "the lofty index of morning and evening of the coming and departing of light and heat.' 'The Indian's clock and thermometer.' O Ke-a-he-sa-he-gee in the door of the sky; first to welcome rays of light; first the sunbeams to invite; first to feed her guests with dew from off' a well-shaped brow. We have always called thee Kearsarge. Thy name shall remain Kearsarge forever. We heard it in our childhood days, by lips of parents spoken, and by grandparents oft. The words they spoke shall live. Civilization is too far advanced to trade off' names so rich in meaning, in memory, and forever thy name shall be what it is, Kearsarge."

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History of Carroll County, New Hampshire, Part 118

Author: Merrill, Georgia Drew Publication date: 1889 Publisher: Boston : W.A. Fergusson & Co. Number of Pages: 1124

Author: Merrill, Georgia Drew
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Boston : W.A. Fergusson & Co.
Number of Pages: 1124