USA > New Hampshire > Sullivan County > Charlestown > History of Charlestown, New-Hampshire, the old No. 4 > Part 24
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glass. The chimney was very large, capable of receiving wood of the length of four feet. It was built of rough stone to the height of five or six feet, and continued with rough boards. These would sometimes take fire, and some of us would climb up the stony part and extinguish it by throwing up water. More light was conveyed into the room from this large chimney, than from the dim little window. The building was shingled with spruce bark, confined by poles, which were secured at the end by withes. In the garret (attic) were two or three sleeping places, where we were sometimes lulled to sleep by the pattering of the rain upon the bark, almost in contact with us. We removed from the hut in the autumn, and the next winter the wind took possession of the roof-carried it to a considerable distance, and almost demolished the residue of the building.
My father's life was a peculiarly laborious one. In the first summer of his residence in the wilderness, he was accustomed, during the season of hay-making, to walk to Plymouth, eight miles distant, guided by marked trees-carry his scythe, perform his day's work, and then return home with a half bushel of grain as compensation for his labor. Owing, at a certain time, a small debt in Plymouth, he carried thither, on his back, a bag of grain; and found that by leaving his hat, he could pay the whole debt. He left it, and walked home bare-headed ; and declared that day to have been the happiest of his life. After his family became large, he was always in debt, though not to a large amount. Of course he was always in trouble as an honest debtor must be when he can look forward to no means of relief. " Expertus loquor."
Here, it is to be regretted, ends his account of himself and his biography is to be continued from other sources from which we gather the following facts.
He worked until he was eighteen years of age, upon a farm, during which period he had not the privilege of attending school more than a year and a half; and to enjoy this, he had to go a distance of two miles. But he had a decided passion for acquiring knowledge, which led him to determine that he would obtain an education by surmounting all the difficulties which might be in his way. This decision being made he set out, at the age of eighteen, for the Academy at Exeter, and walked the whole distance, which was eighty miles; and such was his self-denial and the economy which he practised, that he paid the entire expenses of his journey, with three and nine pence; which was the sum of 62 3 cents. He studied at Exeter two years on a charity foundation, and in 1800 entered Harvard College, where during his whole course,
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he lived in the family of a lady who gave him his board. His other expenses were met, partly by appropriations from a college fund for in- digent students, and partly by writing in the office of the Clerk of the Court.
Immediately on graduating in 1804, he returned to Exeter Academy, as an assistant teacher, where he remained a year ; when he began the study of Theology, under Rev. Dr. Appleton, then of Hampton, but afterwards President of Bowdoin College. Not having as yet sufficient funds for self-support in this position, he availed himself of a fund at Exeter, for indigent young men in their preparation for the ministry. Soon after commencing his Theological studies, he became discouraged and thought he had mistaken his vocation ; but on consultation with Rev. Dr. Buckminister, of Portsmouth, was advised to proceed. He was licensed to preach, by the Piscataqua Association, on the 11th of May, 1808; Dr. Buckminister, acting as scribe, and writing the certificate of his licensure. He preached his first sermon, at Greenland. In 1809, he preached at Lyndeborough, three or four months, where he . received a call for settlement, though it was by no means unanimous. It was however accepted ; but owing to a division in the council, as well as the parish, it was not thought expedient to proceed to his ordi- nation. The majority of the council, however, sustained his examina- tion. He subsequently preached three or four months, as a candidate in Freeport, Maine, and received a call to settle there ; but strong op- position being excited, he thought it best to decline. His next preaching was at Charlestown, where it was received with great ap- proval, and he was installed over the Church and South Parish Society, as has been described.
The impression made by Dr. Crosby, while preaching as a candidate, on the minds of the people, became greatly deepened on their further acquaintance. This was not effected so much by his public ministra- tions, though his sermons were prepared with taste, and preached in an acceptable manner, as by the charm which he threw around him in his social intercourse. Possessed of naturally amiable qualities-clear perceptive powers which gave him an almost immediate insight into the characters of those with whom he met; and a remarkable ability of adapting himself without the loss of dignity to the company he was in, caused him everywhere to be received with manifestations of the kindest regard. Every body became attached to him, and all were glad to see him in their houses, or to meet him upon the public street, as they never failed to receive from him a pleasant smile, and a kindly
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word. He thus became popular in the best sense of the word, by gath- ering into the circle of those bound to him by the ties of friendship, the whole community.
To the general testimony given to Dr. Crosby's social character, the following individual tribute from Rev. Dr. Sprague of Albany, may not be inappropriately added.
" My acquaintance " says Dr. Sprague "with Dr. Crosby commen- ced in the summer of 1818, just after I was licensed to preach. As I was travelling up Connecticut River for the benfit of my health, I call- ed at his home with an introductory note from one of his friends which secured me a very cordial welcome. I thought then and have never changed my opinion since that he was one of the most genial and good humored and kind hearted of men. He was constitutionally cheerful and a great lover of fun, and I cannot think of a person whom I have ever known who had a richer fund of all sorts of humorous and pithy anecdotes or who knew better how to apply them than he."
This was undoubtedly true, but we are not to infer, that because he was humorous and witty, that he was either light or trifling ; for proba- bly no minister, possessing his peculiar characteristics, ever comprom- ised in a less degree the sobrieties of his profession. For though known as a man of wit, and as one who had an almost unsurpassed power of repartee, the universal impression, that he made on the minds of the community, was that he held religion in the deepest reverence.
But Dr. Crosby did not gain favor with the people by his preaching and conversation alone, but by a power which lay deeper in his nature. He was peculiarly a man of sympathy, who entered into the feelings of joy or sorrow, felt by his parishioners, in such a manner as to cause them to feel, that whatever contributed to their happiness, or unhappiness, also similarly affected him. In this was the bond that united his peo- ple to him so strongly-that constituted the enduring hold on their affections while he was living-and which leads so many to cherish his memory now he is gone.
Owing to the loss of the Church Records, we have no means of as- certaining the number who publicly professed religion during his pas- torate. According to the best information which can be gathered, the first ten years of his ministry were productive of greater results than were subsequently effected. There has probably been in few parishes, a greater degree of union than existed in Charlestown during these years. The testimony of the aged among us is, that in those days there were no empty pews, but that the house of worship was completely filled. The
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people attended generally from all parts of the parish ; not allowing distance or the prospect of rain, or any of those things which now form the common excuses, to constitute a reason for absence. The at- tendance was also kept up as well in winter as in summer, notwith- standing the old foot-stove was all the apparatus for warming, which they had in those times. Of course it scarcely need be asked, what brought them there with such regularity, under what, to church-goers now, would be regarded as such discouragements to attendance, as the only true reason, which can be assigned, is their appreciation of their religious privileges. Religion was deemed of value, both for this life and the life to come ; and therefore its ministrations were prized, and what was generally believed to constitute a personal need for all, many were persuaded to embrace for themselves. Large numbers, therefore, in the early part of Dr. Crosby's ministry, accepted of the offers of the gospel and united with the church-larger numbers, than we have reason to believe, united with it during the controversy which subsequently arose, by which the church and the south parish and society were not only deeply affected but which greatly disturbed the previously exist- ing status of a considerable portion of New England.
It was never Dr. Crosby's habit to preach controversially. Up to the time, therefore, of the unitarian controversy, both the church and so- ciety appear to have been very well united. For though some fell off, other causes are to be assigned for their defection, than their dissatisfac- tion with their pastor. Nor subsequent to the institution of the contro- versy did he change the character of his preaching. The highest charge which the orthodox portion of the church and society brought against him, was not that he preached controversially, or unkindly, but that he omitted from his teachings, many great doctrines and principles, which they felt that as a minister of the gospel it was his duty to preach. By some, this omission was felt before the controversy commenced, but on his acknowledging himself, as he did, to be a unitarian, it became more noticeable, and appeared to be and doubtless was, greater than it had been previously. It was his earnest desire, that the religious ties of the parish should remain unsevered, and had his people, all exercised the same carefulness with himself, his desire possibly might have been gratified. But this was so far from being the case, that many members of the church and society, who had given in their adhesion to uni- tarianism, became so excited as to forget all thought of prudence in the matter, and were not only forward to assail, but even ridicule the adherents of orthodoxy, wherever and whenever they were afforded an
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opportunity. This course resulted in the speedy creation of parties and such a thorough disruption of all parish ties, as to render entirely improbable every expectation of restoration or re-union ; though tow- ards Dr. Crosby himself no other than kindly and friendly feelings in their widest separation appear to have been entertained.
The religious unity of the parish, which had been thus broken, was never afterwards restored, though no other religious societies were or- ganized in it, till several years afterwards. The Methodists, then, form- ed a church which has now become extinct, and the Evangelical Con- gregational Church was formed in 1835. Later still, and only a short time, before Dr. Crosby's decease, the St. Luke's Episcopal Church was also re-organized, and its stated service transferred to the village.
Dr. Crosby never was dismissed from his relation, as pastor to the South Parish Society ; but at a legal meeting of the members, held on the 10th of December, 1853, the following communication was received from him, asking on account of his declining strength, the aid of a colleague which was subsequently granted.
" From the pastor of this religious society to his beloved flock.
These many years, my dear friends, have I served you, and it is with great reluctance, that I now mention, what you doubtless already know, my inability to perform all the duties, which you have a right to expect from your minister. It is often true, that man knows not the time when he ought to relinquish his office, or a portion of his duties, and if I have been slow to discern the time, forgive me this wrong. It will not, I think, be an unexpected request, when I ask you to furnish the needful assistance, and in the way which you shall deem most con- ducive to the best interests of the society. As followers of the things which made for peace, your praise has long been in all the Churches ; and suffer the exhortation, that you allow none of your future pro- ceedings to tarnish this fair and merited reputation. My interest in this religious society, and my recollections of their kindness to the min- ister, will continue till all things are forgotten. Manifest the same spirit toward the one who may share, and ere long take his office, and he will ask no more. Peace be unto you."
This communication was voted to be put upon the files of the soci- ety ; and a committee consisting of Dr. Samuel Webber, Isaac F. Wetherbe, and Henry Hubbard Jr., were appointed to take it into consideration, and report at an adjourned meeting, December 24th, 1853.
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The following is the report of this committee in the form of a reso- lution.
" Resolved, That it is desirable and expedient, as soon as may rea- sonably be, to provide a colleague to assist our Pastor in his ministerial duties.
That the parish receive with unfeigned regret, Dr. Crosby's commu- nication, informing them that the constantly increasing weight of years makes him feel unable, without assistance, to discharge the duties of his ministry; that they entertain a grateful sense of his long and faithful services, and will endeavor as soon as may be practicable, to af- ford him the assistance desired, and that the clerk respectfully commu- nicate to him a copy of this resolution."
Dr. Crosby, ascertaining that it would be difficult for the society to continue to pay him any considerable portion of his salary, and yet provide such a support as would be absolutely necessary to sustain a colleague, in a subsequent communication to the society, at a legal meeting, held on the 8th day of May, 1854, informed them "That as it ever had been his object to consult their good he was ready to give up the parish, the fund, every thing that they might be able to settle a minister with an adequate support. At the same time he informed them that he would continue his connection with the parish, and do them all the good in his power, till they should settle another minister; and that after the dissolution of the connection he would continue to do likewise, whenever he should have opportunity and power."
Arrangements were afterwards made by which Dr. Crosby should retain the use of the fund and his connection with the church and so- ciety as senior pastor, while satisfactory provision was made for the support of a colleague. Under this arrangement, during Dr. Crosby's life, three colleagues, Rev. Adams Ayer, Rev. Edward Barker and Rev. Livingston Stone, were successively invited, of whom a separate ac- count will be hereafter given.
After resigning the main charge of his Parish in 1855, Dr. Crosby continued to assist in public services, occasionally, till 1863; when on account of vertigo, which he considered as fore-shadowing apoplexy, he declined any longer to take part in any public ministrations. His last sermon was preached on Thanksgiving day, 1862.
The following discourses and literary productions of Dr. Crosby were published during his life time. A sermon, delivered before the legislature of New-Hampshire in 1830 ; a sermon at the Dedication of his- church in 1843; a sermon at the semi Centennial of his ordina-
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tion in 1860 ; the Annals of Charlestown in the County of Sullivan New-Hampshire, published in volume IV of the collections of the New-Hampshire Historical Society. He published, also some articles in periodicals ; but as they were not written under his signature it is not known definitely what they were.
During the ministry of Dr. Crosby he was called to attend nearly six hundred funerals, almost all within the limits of his Parish. Among these were all who at his ordination constituted the members of his Church with the exception of one, Mr. Samuel Putnam, who (March 1876), is still living. Of these six hundred quite a number attained to remarkable ages. Twelve exceeded the age of ninety, one having attained the age of ninety-seven, another of ninety-five, three others ninety-three, another ninety-two. Fifty attained to ages of be- tween eighty and ninety ; many of them reaching nearly the latter age. About seventy were between seventy and eighty, and about forty, be- tween sixty and seventy. The largest number of the others departed carly in life, among whom were five of his own immediate family.
Dr. Crosby officiated also at a large number of weddings, at which, owing to his genial humor and his ability to adapt himself to all exis- ting social conditions, his services were always exceedingly acceptable. Concerning these he had treasured up many pleasant and ludicrous in- cidents, with a narration of which he often entertained his particular friends. He used to tell the following, which has had wide circulation, with great zest and glee. He had married a couple who at the time of the performance of the ceremony had been so peculiarly affectionate that he could not help noticing it. The gentleman especially appear- ed enamoured in the highest degree and after the ceremony was over paid him a liberal fee and went on his way evidently highly delighted. Twenty-two years afterwards as the Doctor was on the street one day, he saw a gentleman approaching him, whom he recognized at once as his happy bridegroom. After the usual salutations the gentleman said " Doctor Crosby I presume you remember the lady to whom you married me?" "O yes," said the Doctor, " O, yes I do very well." "Doc- tor," continued he " I loved that woman so much that I felt that I could have eaten her up, and now," he added, after a slight pause, "I wish I had."
After having united a couple one day whose manners indicated, that they had not seen much of polite society, the Doctor in giving them the usual counsel said " You are now married and I hope you will al- ways live in love and unity." Mistaking somewhat the counsel of the
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Doctor, by supposing that he meant the town of Unity in the neighbor- hood of Charlestown, instead of agreement and harmony in the con- duct of life, the bridegroom straightening himself up into a very erect and magisterial position said, " Dr. Crosby, we are married to be sure, as you say, and I hope that we shall always live in love, but as to living in Unity, Dr. Crosby, I never will, for its the rockiest place that ever I see."
One man whose pecuniary resources were rather limited, much to the amusement of the Doctor after he had married him, instead of the usual fee, went out to his wagon and brought in a half bushel of white beans, saying, " That they were very good food."
These are given as specimens of the ludicrous incidents which oc- curred, but space cannot be given for more.
In 1853, he received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from Har- vard College, at which Institution he had graduated forty-nine years before ; a tribute to the respect entertained for him which he highly valued.
His half century anniversary was an occasion which it gave him great delight to recall. In commemoration of it a festival was held, in which his friends participated, from places near and remote. His fan- ily were all present, and all the objects most dear to him were gathered around him. Many congratulations were given him ; brief speeches were made; reminiscences related ; anecdotes told ; all of which had such pleasant relation to him and his ministry, as to lead him to regard the day, aged and feeble as he was, as one of the most cherished days of his life.
The manner in which he bore the trials incident to his advanced pe- riod of life is beautifully given in a letter to a friend written only eight days before the event about to be described, which deprived him of his home and " All his pleasant things."
" With the not very pleasant feeling of uselessness, he says, I am pursuing my noiseless course without much grumbling ; yea even with a considerable degree of cheerfulness. Mrs. Crosby is constantly by my side, and does all that woman can to cheat the tiresome way, when- ever it is tiresome, which is very seldom the case. "Sed linquenda tell- us, domus, et placens uxor," a prediction soon to be fulfilled. The earth was to be left behind and home and pleasing wife."
On Thursday, the 15th of December, 1864, at about five o'clock in the morning, Dr. Crosby and family, consisting of his wife and a girl, were suddenly aroused by the cry of fire, and only awoke to the fear-
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ful discovery that their house was in flames, and that they would have only time to escape with life. The snow was on the ground, and the thermometer at zero; yet with not a moment to spare for supplying themselves with clothing, they were obliged to hasten forth into the cold and piercing atmosphere, with nothing but their night clothes for protection. They sought the nearest shelter which was available, which was the house of their neighbor Mr. Samuel Allison, where they were received with warm hearts and speedily made as comfortable as the circumstances would permit. The villagers were aroused by the aların but it was too late for their services to be of any use; and they could only look on and see their beloved old home sink in ashes and " Cloth- ing, library, the gathered, precious heirloomis of years,-all their pleasant things, go up in the devouring flame." Dr. Crosby wrote to a friend, " That study, the pleasant retreat of many years, will be seen no more. Of my whole library, about twenty volumes were saved ; when enumerating our losses, we end by saying ' No life was lost.' "
Dr. Crosby and his wife received numerous attentions in their calam- ity from their old friends, who proved by their kindness and readiness to assist them, that they were friends indeed. And everything was done to comfort them in their great trial and replace their losses, which could be done. They immediately repaired to Cambridge, Mass., at the invita- tion of a son residing there, to make his house for a time their home : and Dr. Crosby, for some days, seemed in his usual health and spirits, and spoke cheerfully of his loss and expressed the hope that he should have a new house, on the old spot, in the coming year. But this was not to be ; for he was soon attacked by erysipelas, which was thought to have been brought on by the exposure to which he had been subjected in the burning of his house ; which, on the 30th of December, 1864, ter- minated his life. He is described as having been, during his sickness, one of the most patient and cheerful of men, and as having died as quiet- ly and calmly as a child would fall asleep.
His remains were conveyed to Charlestown, where he had so long preached, and which had so long been his home, where his funeral servic- es were attended, January 3d, 1865. The services were held in church, where a large audience was gathered. Rev. Livingston Stone, who had been his colleague, and was his successor, made some appropriate re- marks, and Rev. William O. White, of Keene, offered the prayer. Thus passed away the aged pastor, than whom few have succeeded better in gaining the attachment of their people.
In honor of Dr. Crosby, his society, placed on the south side of the
SOUTH PARISH CHURCH.
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audience room, in the church, a marble memorial containing the follow- ing inscription :
REV. JAAZANIAH CROSBY D. D. Born Heborn N. H. April 3, 1780. Grad: Harv : Coll: 1804. Ordained Pastor of the first Church 1810. Died in its ministry December 30, 1864
Surviving most of the members of his original Parish, yet he renewed the circle of his friendship in his advancing years and his parishioners with other friends have united to erect this memorial of his worth and of their grateful affection. The wisdom that is from above is first pure then peaceable.
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that publisheth peace.
The last communications of Dr. Crosby to his people and the people of the village was a grateful recognition of their kindness to him and his, in their overwhelming catastrophe, which was read in the different churches on the sabbath after his leaving town. It was as follows :-
"CHARLESTOWN, December 17th, 1864.
DEAR FRIENDS,
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