History of Cheshire and Sullivan counties, New Hampshire, Part 122

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Philadelphia : J. W. Lewis
Number of Pages: 1200

USA > New Hampshire > Sullivan County > History of Cheshire and Sullivan counties, New Hampshire > Part 122
USA > New Hampshire > Cheshire County > History of Cheshire and Sullivan counties, New Hampshire > Part 122

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the time in Langdon, which custom has con- tinued until the present time.

Father Barber, as he is now reverently styled throughout the denomination, labored with this society for eleven years, and the old and the middle-aged here testify to the good accomplished by him during his pastorate. He resigned in 1853. At this time the society was the largest Universalist denomination, with one exception, in the State. Perhaps it will not be ami-s to say here, that in 1877, Father Barker, having closed his labors as a pastor, at the ripe age of seventy- six, returned to make Alstead his home. Here he lived for the remaining five years of life, beloved and respected by all parties and all denominations, and here he calmly and peacefully sank to his final sleep, and here his body was lain, among the people he loved and by whom he was admired.

In 1857 Rev. Edwin Davis was settled. After him Rev. Judson Fisher, who remained five years, closing his pastorate in 1866.

Rev. O. D. Miller next labored a number of months. Then Rev. Ephraim A. Read came one year. Then came Rev. Mr. Crosley for one year. Then Rev. Mr. Jenks, who remained three years. Later, Rev. L. F. Fortney, who reorganized the church, it having, from various causes, become weakened and separated, and he sought and did much to strengthen the society, and make the weak places strong. After some three years with this people he sought another field, and Rev. S. H. McCollester, D.D., who was the settled pastor at Bellows Falls, Vt., came here every Sabbath after- noon, and was to all intents and purposes as much the pastor here as at his own particular parish. When his labors closed at Bellows Falls, and his place was filled by Rev. J. N. Emery, the same plan has been observed. Mr. Emery, though settled at the above-named village, speaks each Sabbath afternoon for this society, and at present the people are very harmonious and united. The society is becoming strong, and the church gain- ing new members; the good work of universal salvation is going bravely and faithfully onward.

HISTORY OF LEMPSTER.

BY HELEN BINGHAM.

CHAPTER I.

THE township of Lempster, originally six miles square, has an irregular surface, diversified with hills, valleys and mountains, affording, at different points, very fine and extensive views ; on a clear day, Mount Washington may be seen from an elevation on the estate of D. B. Wheeler, Esq., a short distance east of the village. From whence the town received its name we are not informed, either by history or tradition, but, as the ancestors of the early settlers came from England, we may infer it had an English origin.

From the State records we learn that the town- ship was granted January 1, 1753, to Samuel Clark Paine and others, under the name of Dupplin. No settlement was attempted or ex- pected under this grant, but, October 8, 1761, a re-grant of the territory was made to Benadum Gallup and others. The conditions of this grant not being fulfilled in the matter of settlements, another was made, January 5, 1767, to Dudley Woodbridge and others, in sixty-seven equal shares; and tradition hath it that General Spencer, to whom this territory had been awarded for some military achievement, sent a young colored man named Tattan from East Haddam, Conn., as a pioneer to explore the then wilderness, with permission to settle if he pleased.

This energetic son of Africa made his way by a line of marked trees, and, arriving near the banks of Cold River just at nightfall, weary and foot- sore, encamped with his dog and gun. When the rays of the morning sun lighted up the forests and hills, the place pleased him, and he commenced at

once to erect a rude cabin, returning shortly for his wife; his glowing accounts of the new El Dorado induced the immigration of other families, both from East Haddam and Windham, Conn .; among the earliest was Deacon Elijah Bingham and Jabez Beckwith (first colonel appointed in the county). The apple-trees gnarled, and hoary with age, are still standing, the seeds of which young Tattan brought from his home, and Tattan's spring still quenches the thirst of man and beast as they pass along the highway.

In 1772 there were eight families in town, and, two years later, they held their first town-meeting at the house of Elijah Frink, innholder, called by order of Benjamin Giles, justice of the peace.

The legal voters were John Perkins, William Story, Timothy Nichols, Major Linkham, Silas Bingham, Elijah Bingham, Allen Willey, Elijah Frink, William Markham, William Carey and Jabez Beckwith. The first settlers were remark- able for their mental as well as muscular develop- ment, and for their independence of thought and action, as we see in their decided rejection of the plan of government of the State, which was re- ceived August 12, 1779. Why rejected, history does not tell.

Their early homes were rudely built of logs, the sunshine of hope gilding the otherwise dark interiors, glass windows being a too expensive luxury. Tradition informs us that the young bride of Captain Timothy Miner, possessed of much mechanical skill, whittled from soft, straight pine (of which there was an abundance in those days) some window-sashes, tying them with stout linen thread, and then substituting oiled paper for

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HISTORY OF SULLIVAN COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

glass, a pin-hole affording glimpses of the outer world !. In time, these primitive homes were sup- plemented by substantial framed dwellings; the earliest, being built by Colonel Jabez Beckwith in 1780, is still standing, with its gambrel roof and picturesque dormer-windows, although the six Lombardy poplars which graced its front have long since passed away.

James, the son of Deacon Elijah Bingham; erected the most expensive house in town, having expended one thousand dollars on the foundation when it was ready for the frame. This old mansion is still standing, reminding one of the homes of the old English esquires, with its square roof, wide halls, spacious rooms and lofty ceilings ; here in the early days was heard the hum and buzz of wheels, and click-clack of loom, for the wool and flax raised on the large farm was manu- factured in the home. And not only was this music heard, but the family, possessing great musical talent, were in themselves both orchestra and choir, rendering with ease the works of Handel, Haydn and Mozart, piano, violin and flute being skillfully played.

The settlement, in its infancy, suffered from the incursion of wolves ; they made the nights hideous with their howls, often having severe battles, the morning light revealing the killed and wounded. A certain locality is still known as " Wolf Swamp."

In 1778 the following vote was passed by the town :

" Voted, that if any person, that belongs to the town, shall, by trapping, or any other way, Shall kill a grown wolfe in the town, or shall take a wolfe track in the town and follow him till he kill him, shall be en- titled to thirty Dollars for every such wolf he killed; to be paid out of the town Treasury."

Until about 1782 the town joined with Acworth and Marlow in sending a representative to the General Court. During this time the following petition for a civil officer was sent to the Honor- able Council :

" As their is a Veakency in Lancaster for a Justice of the Peace, I, as a Representative for that Town,

have taken Sum pains to Inquire who is the fittest person for that Office, and the people Differ sum in sentiment.

" But wm. Cary and mr. Elijah firink is held up to vew as proper persons, Either of them, for that office. Leaving it to your Honours to apint One of them, as you in your wisdom think fit.

"Concord, february 17th, 1785.

" DANIEL GROUT."

From the early records we judge that Elijah Frink received the appointment, and, together with Colonel Jabez Beckwith, Elijah Bingham and Oliver Booth, were the prominent business men of the settlement.

The second New Hampshire turnpike from Windsor, Vt., to Amherst, incorporated December 26, 1799, passing directly through the site chosen for the village, at once brought thrift and activity to the place, as it was the main thoroughfare to Boston for farmers and merchants from the northern portions of Vermont and New Hamp- shire. It was nothing uncommon to see thirty and forty teams in line, many having four and six horses This afforded ample custom to the three innkeepers of the village, besides, en route to Washington, one inn at the foot of Lempster Mountain and the other at the summit.

In 1791 portions of Lempster, Newport, Unity and Sunapee were incorporated into a town by the name of Goshen, but not without much oppo- sition from the citizens of Lempster, on account of the extra tax on those who remained to support Rev. Mr. Fisher, and it was not agreed to until the persons living in the said northeast corner promised to continue their tax as formerly, and Mr. Fisher was to preach there a certain portion of the time.

The following Continental soldiers were fur- nished by the town : Abner Bingham, Asahel Roundy, William Tattan, Matthew Grear and Bethuel Beckwith. Tradition informs us that one Niles Beckwith was at the battle of Bunker Hill, and carried the gallant Warren from the field. In amusing contrast to this was the con- duct of one Peter Lowell, who was also there, but

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who, at the first booming of cannon, turned and fled,-never stopping till he reached his home, ninety miles away !

The following persons enlisted in the War of 1812, under the leadership of Lieutenant William Cary (then a youth of nineteen), and were sta- tioned at Portsmouth: Daniel Rogers, Jeremiah Parker, Leonard Way, Jerome Strickland, Luther Reed, Silas Chamberlain, Benjamin Chamberlain, Charles V. Ames, Timothy Scott, George Way, Willard Rogers, John Wheeler, Anson Wheeler.

Afterward Captain William Cary was made major-general of the Third Division of New Hampshire Militia, for which position he seemed well-fitted by nature,-a massive frame, well-pro- portioned and of commanding presence.

The attack upon Fort Sumter, April 12, 1861, aroused all the cultivated and inherited patriot- ism of Lempster's sons, and there were early en- listments. The town voted a bounty of one hundred dollars to each volunteer, and three hundred dollars to each drafted man. Many meetings of the citizens were held, testifying of their interest in the welfare of the country. Nor were the wives and mothers less interested, organ- izing quite soon a Soldiers' Aid Society, in which were gathered from chest and closet the treasures of linen, spun and woven by the dear old grand- mothers; and many a box of bandages and dain- ties found its way to hospital and camp. A neat granite monument, erected by the town, commem- orates the memory of the fallen heroes.

Quite early in the settlement, November 13, 1781, the First Congregational Church was organ- ized by the following members: Elijah Bingham, Thomas Scovell, Nathan Sewell, William Cary, Samuel Nichols, Shubael Hurd and Samuel Roundy. It is a matter of regret that the church records were lost when the old parsonage was burned in 1844.

In March, 1779, the citizens agreed to unite with Acworth in hiring a minister, and to meet for Sabbath worship at the dwelling of Elisha Beckwith ; also agreed to raise one hundred pounds of money on the ratable estate and polls

of the inhabitants. At this meeting three choris- ters were chosen,-Timothy Nichols, James Bing- ham and Joseph Wood, Jr. June 5, 1787, the following call was given to Rev. Mr. Fisher :

" Voted to give the Rev. Elias Fisher a call to settle in this town as a Gospel Minister. To give the Rev. Mr. Fisher thirty pounds in addition to the Minis- terial right of Land-the one half to be paid in Sept 1788 the other half to be paid in Sept 1789 to be paid in Labour and Materials for building-As Incourage- ment for settlement. And forty pounds the first year as Sallery, and rise Annually with the List Until it Amounts to Seventy pounds with the addition of Cut- ting and Drawing his fire Wood to the door Annually, his Sallery to be paid in Wheat at Six Shillings, Rye at four Shillings pr. Bushel, flax at Eight pence pr. pound, Sheeps Wool at two Shillings pr. pound and any other kind of produce in like proportion.

" DEA. ELISAH BINGHAM

" UZZEL HURD

" CAP' JAMES ROGERS

" CAP' JABEZ BECKWITH

) Chosen a Commit- tee to transmit a Coppyofthe above proceedings to the Sd. Mr. Fisher, and to treat with him in conse- ¡ quence of the same

"OLIVER BOOTH, Moderator.

" A true copy, attest,

"JAMES BINGHAM, Town Clerk."

Rev. Elias Fisher was ordained pastor over the First Congregational Church, September 26, 1787, and held this relationship till his death, March 22, 1831. In 1828 Charles M. Brown was in- stalled as colleague, and to meet the increased ex- pense the members of the church were assessed seventy-five per cent.

At the time of Mr. Fisher's ordination there was no church edifice, and the services were held at the north end of the village, in front of the residence of Mr. Oliver Booth (now owned by John O'Brien), a platform being erected for the ministers and choir.

Two choristers aspired to the honor of wielding the baton on that memorable occasion, the matter being decided by one of the authorities of the day.

Those who knew Mr. Fisher in those early days describe him as having a petite figure, set off to fine

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HISTORY OF SULLIVAN COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

advantage by his style of dress. Short breeches, long silk stockings, shoe and knee-buckles, and in later years, when hair grew thin, the now fashion- able black silk cap adorned his head. He had a fund of humor, and was quick at repartee. At times he was quite absent-minded and the old par- sonage floor had a well-defined path worn in its surface, where he used to pace back and forth, talking rapidly to himself; on one such occasion his wife says: "To whom are you talking, my dear?" quickly came the reply-" the wisest man in town." He was very successful as a min- ister and much beloved by his people, as his long pastorate attests. He requested that his place of burial should be on the western border of the cem- etery, that he might, as he said, " rise at the head of his people."

Rev. Charles M. Brown, although a man of strong intellect and an excellent sermonizer, remained but a little over two years, his eccentricities proving a hindrance to his usefulness. For a space of four years the church was without a settled pastor, em- ploying the services of Rev. Broughton White; during the time of his stay there was a very exten- sive and interesting revival. Rev. Ebenezer Cole- man was installed December, 1834; dismissed September 25, 1838.

In 1835 the Second Congregational Church was formed by the withdrawal of some of the members from the First, on account of disaffection at the lo- cation of a new church edifice built during Mr. Coleman's pastorate.

Rev. S. H. Tolman succeeded Mr. Coleman, re- maining about five years, his ministry eminently successful. Rev. Daniel Sawyer was ordained May 13, 1846; it was during his ministrations that the parsonage was burned and rebuilt. Rev. Robert Page came in 1851, remaining five years, and dur- ing the time there were many additions to the church of young people. Rev. Robert Fuller suc- ceeded him, commencing his labors July 13, 1856 ; a very talented man, but a constant sufferer from bodily infirmities, so that he left preaching in 1860. Rev. Augustus Chandler came next in 1861. Rev. William H. Barrows, 1865. Rev. Benjamin Howe,

1867, succeeded by Rev. John Le Bosquet, who remained seven years; a very genial man and fine writer. He was followed by Rev. A. E. Hall who was ordained and installed November 12, 1880; dismissed June, 1881,-a change necessary for the restoration of health.

The following persons have held the office of deacon : Samuel Roundy, Elijah Bingham, Jacob Smith, Aaron Hardy, William Cary, Eliot Cary, John Taylor, Alvah Smith, James H. Collins, A. B. Sabin, A. J. Mitchell, Joseph Marshall and James A. Evans. Reuben Roundy and Collins Hurd were deacons of the Second Congregational Church, which worshipped in a church edifice erected at the East village, in 1835.

In 1822 Truman Booth, Nathan Booth, Charles More and Thomas More " petitioned not to be taxed for Mr. Fisher's support, as they were not of the same belief." Their petition was followed by that of twenty-eight others, and since about that time the minister's support has been by voluntary contribution, and, after the death of Mr. Fisher, aided by funds arising from the parsonage and farm bequeathed by him to the church and society.

Until about 1794 the Sabbath services were held in private houses and school-houses. Then the town voted to build a " meeting-house ;" but it was not until after repeated meetings and adjourn- ments that a site was at length decided upon, with which, it seems, no one was pleased, it being a rocky hill some rods northwest of Elijah Frink's. (The house is now owned by heirs of Oliver Davis.) After ground was broken and pews were sold, a vote was passed to change the location, but, on consultation with a lawyer, it was found that the change would nullify former contracts, and so the massive beams and rafters of the structure were raised on the hill; dimensions, forty by fifty feet, with two porches. Like all the old-time churches, it had square pews above and below ; high, bird's nest pulpit, resting upon one ornamental pilaster ; seats to the pews hung on hinges, so that they might be raised to afford convenient standing- place in prayer time. The " Amen " was the sig- nal for a rapid succession of slams, like the firing

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of musketry at old-fashioned trainings. The gal- lery ran around upon three sides, supported by fluted pillars. Here the people literally " went up to worship," regardless alike of heat or cold, ease or fatigue. In winter-time the house of Elijah Frink, at the base of the hill, would be filled with young and old seeking the fire at noon. the women replenishing their little foot-stoves from the large, open fire-place. The minister's foot- warmer was twice the usual size to admit of his standing upon it in the pulpit. In 1822 this building was taken down and re-erected on the village green, with added bell-tower and spire, where it now stands, having defied the winds and storms of almost a century.

This building, belonging, as it did, to the town, held the interests of other denominations, who felt it their right to have the use of the house a portion of the time. This led in time to the building, by the First Congregational Church and Society, of a new house of worship in the year 1835, and the disaffection resulting from its location (as has been mentioned) caused the withdrawal of some mem- bers, who, uniting with Methodists and Universal- i-ts, built a new church at the East village. Since then a small chapel has been erected by the Uni- versalists, nearly opposite, in which are held Sab- bath services during a portion of the summer, sup- ported by a fund left the society by Asa Way.

Nothing very definite can be learned as to the early formation of a Methodist society. It appears there were quite early in the settlement occasional meetings conducted by itinerant clergymen. In 1823 Dr. Fiske, a presiding elder, came in town and .visited every family. There followed soon a wonderful revival-one hundred conversions. Many joined the Methodist Church, and not a few the Congregational.

Since 1835 the New Hampshire Conference has supplied the society with preaching, and they now have control of the house of worship at the East village. Among the prominent men in that so- ciety, we may mention, as the earliest, Edmund Perley, Abner Chase and Alden Cary; more re- cently, Henry Hurd and Albert Noyes.

Mr. Perley had a large family of daughters, three of whom married distinguished ministers- Bishop O. Baker, A. A. Miner, D.D., and Rev. Mr. Field.

Abner Chase's family has been styled the family of Levites, on account of its ministerial connec- tions. The eldest son, Charles Henry, has been a very successful clergyman for many years ; Minerva E. married Rev. L. D. Barrows, D.D .; Eliza C., for many years a teacher both at Newbury, Vt., and Tilton, is the wife of Prof. C. S. Harrington, of Middleton College; many of the grandchildren have married clergymen. Mr. Chase was one of the prominent business men of the town : not only had a store, but carried on a farm, and in the early days paid some attention to raising mules, " whereby hangs a tale." It will be remembered that in the early days of Methodism everything superfluous about dress was laid aside. Mr. Chase was conscientiously strenuous in the matter, often arguing the same with his neighbors On one such occasion his eldest daughter, about five or six years of age, listened quite attentively, till at last, reasoning in her own little mind, she says, "Why don't you cut off Jack's ears then ?"

The early settlers were wide-awake and alert in educational matters. School-houses were erected, not like those of the present day, but rude, like the dwellings; ceilings low, devoid of paint or plaster, the seats and desks rough-hewn slabs, with supports at either end, the chimney and wide-open fire-place fashioned of stones ; but, rude and rough as they were, they sent forth bright and energetic men and women, whose descendants have occupied positions of eminence and trust, and whose influ- ence will be felt to the latest generation It was not until 1795 that the town passed a vote to raise money for building school houses.

The schools were large, for in those days each home was blessed with many sons and daughters. The elder William Cary had seventeen children ; Deacon Elijah Bingham, thirteen; and John Sabin, who moved from Franklin Ct., in 1790, brought with him eleven children, and perhaps, as a bit of antique history, it will not be amiss to give

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HISTORY OF SULLIVAN COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

the names of the latter : Lydia, Azariah, Jerusha, Cynthia, Temperance, Nabby, Pamelia, Wealthy, John, Jehediah and Benejah. Alden B. Sabin, a grandson of the elder John, is still living at the advanced age of eighty-one ; served three years as county commissioner ; elected 1857.

His only son, Wm. C., has held positions of trust in the town, and a granddaughter given satisfaction as superintendent of the school committee. As far as known, the earliest graduates from Dartmouth College were John Cary, Aaron Hardy and James Harvey Bingham, the latter graduating in 1800, being class-mate, room-mate and life-long friend of Daniel Webster, their correspondence covering a space of fifty years to a day. Mr. Bingham opened a law-office in Alstead, N. H., became cashier of Claremont Bank in 1826, and the last fifteen years of his life was a clerk in the Treasury Depart- ment, Washington, D. C. He was at one time es- teemed the best bass-viol performer in New Eng- land. Aaron Hardy went to South Carolina as teacher, and there died on the island of Edisto. John Cary was a teacher in New York. Other graduates from Dartmouth have been Homer Taylor, whose promised life of active usefulness was ended while at Andover Theological Seminary; Holmes T. Fuller, perhaps the most scholarly of Lempster's sons, now principal of the Polytechnic School in Worcester, Mass., (he has twice made the tour of Europe) ; Anson Keyes, a teacher in the Far-West ; George A. Butler, civil engineer in Chicago; George F. Perley, a lawyer and music- teacher in Moorhead, Minn .; Fred. C. Parker, a graduate from the Agricultural Department, Hanover, now a merchant in Acworth; our latest graduate, Bertrand T. Wheeler, civil engi- neer, now in the employ of the Old Colony Rail Road Company. Hon. H. W. Parker, a prominent lawyer in Claremont, and for one term member of Congress ; also Walter Beckwith, teacher and superintendent of schools in North Adams, Mass., pursued their studies at Tufts College. Daniel B. Wheeler, a descendant of Deacon Elijah Bingham, was educated at various private schools in addition to what was furni-hed by the public schools of

Lempster, including Unity Academy as taught by Rev. A. A. Miner, and finishing his school course at Kimball Union Academy, Meriden.

He soon commenced teaching, a vocation which he has made his life-work, and in which he has been eminently successful. His connection with the public schools of Massachusetts covers a period of thirty years, the last fifteen of which was as master of the Shepard School, Cambridge. He was appointed by the Governor and Council, in 1863, a member of the New Hampshire Board of Educa- tion, being school commissioner for Sullivan County. Like the Swiss mountaineer, Mr. Wheeler has returned to his native hills, and by taste and industry has made very attractive one of the pleasantest residences of the village, which, eael summer, welcomes within its maple-shaded portal, Cora, the only daughter, a successful teacher of elocution. Tradition informs us of one Benjamin Way, a fine scholar, and one of the earliest teachers of Sanbornton Academy.

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History of Cheshire and Sullivan counties, New Hampshire, Part 122

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) Publication date: 1886 Publisher: Philadelphia : J. W. Lewis Number of Pages: 1200

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Philadelphia : J. W. Lewis
Number of Pages: 1200