USA > New Hampshire > Sullivan County > History of Cheshire and Sullivan counties, New Hampshire > Part 17
USA > New Hampshire > Cheshire County > History of Cheshire and Sullivan counties, New Hampshire > Part 17
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In 1877 the city passed an ordinance " com- mitting the Library to a Board of Trustees consisting of six persons, three of whom may be ladies, and all to serve without compensa- tion, to be appointed as follows : two for one year, two for two years and two for three years, and at the expiration of the term of office of each two, their successors shall be ap pointed for three years." William P. Cham- berlain, Mrs. H. M. Hatch, A. B. Heywood, Mrs. M. R. Osborne, D. W. Gilbert and Mrs. E. J. C. Gilbert constituted the board of trus- tees, four of whom have remained on the board until the present time, and the librarian then, Miss Brooks, who succeeded her father after his decease, is still at her post.
The mayor, in his review of the library the third year after its transfer to the city, depre- cated the fact " that so large a per cent. of the books read were fiction, revealing a frivolous taste prevailing in the community." In 1880 the Keene Public Library became a member of the Library Association, and the trustees availed themselves of the valuable aid afforded
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thereby to increase the efficiency of their library. The lack of two things had been a hindrance to its growth and prosperity, viz. : a proper classification of books and a catalogue that would be a more complete guide in the finding of books.
In 1881 a large, commodious and well- lighted room was provided by the city in City Hall Block, and the books were renumbered and classified, according to their subjects. A card-catalogue had also been completed, based upon the same plan, and containing copious ref- erences to the contents of books, and an exhaust- ive analysis of the subjects treated in them. A new method of keeping the record of books loaned and returned, has been adopted, which, in effici- ency and simplicity is much superior to the old ledger system, and lost books can be more easily traced. The book committee of three persons, chosen from the board of trustees, have always aimed to carry out the legitimate object of a pub- lic library-that of furnishing the means of in- struction and education, instead of amusement only, and have placed on the shelves works of an enduring character, such as should render it more valuable as it increases in size, instead of filling it with books of a sensational nature, which will become valueless when their short day has passed. Many valuable gifts have greatly enhanced the value of the library. And before closing this fragmentary sketch permit me to invite the citizens of our county, when visiting Keene for business or pleasure, to step into our Public Library, where our obliging and business-like librarian will show the admirable working of the card-catalogue (which cost days and months of continuous labor), where the anxious seeker after some missing-link, with which to complete his essay or discussion, is directed straight to the hidden truth or historical fact, and thus much valuable time is saved. Then, passing on to the Reference Department, pause and look over the table covered with the best magazines, and if it chance to be out of school hours, you will see pupils seated around it, not to read the stories, but to glean choice bits of knowledge from the excellent articles on science, biography and travel, contributed by master-minds in our own and foreign lands.
But the grandest portion of our library is the solid books of reference and excellent maps and charts. Here you will find the members of our higher grades of school, with pencil and note- book in hand, carefully noting facts and dates to aid them in acquiring the liberal education which is the birthright of every child in Keene.
One who has been abroad many years said, on returning here to his native city, " I find the beauty of Keene greatly enhanced by her fine public and private buildings, her broad streets beautified and arched by the spreading branches of her noble elms ; but the crowning gem to me is her Public Library, with its almost faultless appointments."
But this " beginning," we trust, is only the earnest of the future Public Library of Keene, when, through the munificence of our late gen- erous citizen, John Symonds, supplemented by the aid of both of our citizens, a fire-proof build- ing, with its library hall filled with light alcoves, holding their precious treasures, its well- appointed reading-room, its art gallery and museum of natural history, when the fifty-five hundred volumes shall be multiplied, it may be five times, it may be ten, and who knows, but a hundred-fold !
The present board of trustees are William P. Chamberlain, Dexter W. Gilbert, Charles H. Hersey, Mrs. E. J. C. Gilbert, Miss Kate I. Tilden, Mrs. M. R. Osborne ; Mrs. L. M. Converse, librarian ; Miss Z. B. Gilmore, as- sistant librarian.
THE PRESS .- The first newspaper in Keene was the New Hampshire Recorder and Weekly Advertiser, established by James D. Griffith in 1787. This was continued until March 3, 1791.
The New Hampshire Sentinel was established in March, 1799, by John Prentiss, who was connected with it nearly half a century. His son, John W., became associated with him in October, 1828, and the paper was conducted under the firm-name of J. & J. W. Prentiss until June 20, 1834, when John Prentiss again appears to be the sole proprietor. In 1838 the firm again became J. & J. W. Prentiss. In 1847 J. W. Prentiss again assumed control, and soon after Alfred Godfrey became associated
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HISTORY OF CHESHIRE COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
with its publication, under the name of J. W. Prentiss & Co. July 6, 1855, the American News was united with the Sentinel, and the firm became A. Godfrey and G. S. Woodward. It was subsequently published by S. & G. S. Woodward; later by Thomas Hale, G. S. Woodward, Albert Godfrey and T. C. Rand. In July, 1865, the firm consisted of T. C. Rand, G. S. Woodward and Oliver L. French. In 1866 it was issued by George Ticknor & Co. From December, 1866, to 1868, Mr. French was the sole proprietor. Mr. T. C. Rand then purchased an interest, and the Sentinel was conducted by Rand & French until Sep- tember, 1872, when C. J. Woodward purchased an interest, and the paper was then issued by the Sentinel Publishing Company, which name has continued to the present time. No further change appeared in the ownership of the paper until March, 1880, when Mr. William H. Pren- tiss became a member of the firm, and the Sentinel is now published by Messrs. Rand, Woodward and Prentiss, under whose able management it has taken front rank among the leading journals of the State. It is Republican in politics.
The Cheshire Republican, the leading Demo- cratie paper of Western New Hampshire, was established in Walpole, N. H., April 11, 1793, and removed to Keene November 14, 1828. It was originally called the Farmers' Museum. It has been successively published since its removal here by Nahum Stone, B. Cooke, HI. A. Bill, Horatio Kimball, J. N. Morse and W. B. Allen, J. N. Morse, and Joshua D. Colony & Sons. The Republican came into the possession of Colony & Sons in 1878 and at once entered upon a prosperous era. They brought to theenterprise energy and ability, which soon became manifest. It is Democratic in politics and a fearless ex- ponent of the principles of that party.
The following are obsolete publications : The Cheshire Advertiser, The Columbian In- former, The Rising Sun and the American News. The latter was merged with the Sentinel in 1855.
The New England Observer was com- menced at White River Junction, Vt., January 1, 1878, as The Republican Observer. Thomas
Hale, a veteran journalist, was its founder, and he continued to be its editor and publisher un- til June, 1880, when the subscription-list and material was purchased by a stock company and removed to Keene, and the paper was re- christened the New England Observer. Mr. Hale remained as its editor until the following spring, when he was succeeded by H. L. In- man, the manager, who has since filled both po- sitions. The New England Observer is Repub- lican in politics, but not in an organic sense, reserving the right at all times to believe that the good of all is preferable to the success of any party, when that party is clearly in the wrong.
KEENE IN 1831 .- The first Directory of Keene was published in 1831, "with four original engravings." This Directory contained the names of thirteen streets and about five hundred people. The business interests, etc., at that time were represented as follows :
Apothecaries .- S. & H. Gerould, A. & T. Hall.
Attorneys-at-Law .- Samuel Dinsmoor, Jr., Elijah Dunbar, Thomas M. Edwards, Elijah Parker, Joel Parker, James Wilson, James Wilson, Jr.
Booksellers .- J. & J. W. Prentiss, Geo. Lincoln. Baptist Church .- Rev. E. Hale, pastor.
First Congregational Church .- Rev. Z. S. Barstow, pastor ; Elijah Carter, Thomas Fisher, C. H. Jaquith, Abijah Wilder, deacons.
Keene Congregational Society .- Rev. T. R. Sullivan, pastor ; Samuel Wood and Adolphus Wright, deacons. Engine Companies .- No. 1, John V. Wood, captain ; No. 2, J. B. Davis, captain.
Insurance Agents .- Elijah Parker, Thomas M. Ed- wards, Justus Perry.
Hotels .- Eagle Hotel, Stephen Harrington, proprie- tor; Phoenix Hotel, John Hatch, proprietor.
Taverns .- Henry Goodenow, Abigail Metcalf, Josiah Sawyer, J. & R. Shelly and Samuel Streeter.
Libraries .- Cheshire Athenæum, Cheshire Theolog- ical Institute, Juvenile Library, Keene Book Society, Circulating Library, School Library.
Livery Stables .- Stillman French, T. E. Sears.
Manufacturers .- Perry, Wheeler & Co., bottles; Adams, Holman & Dutton, A. & T. Hall, potashes ; Adams, Holman & Dutton, window-glass.
Baker .- Amos Wood.
Blacksmiths .- Aaron Davis, J. Daniels, J. Towns, N. Wilder, J. Wilson, N. Wood.
Book-Binder .- George Tilden.
Brick-Maker-Thomas M. Edwards.
Butchers .- Barker & McNiel.
Carpenters .- Nathan Bassett, S. Crossfield, K. Cross- field, John Fitch, E. Newcomb, Jotham Parker, G. W. Sturdevant, John S. Thatcher.
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Chaise- Maker .- Thomas F. Ames.
Clock-Maker .- Luther Smith.
Clothiers .- Faulkner & Colony.
Coopers .- Abel Angier, A. Dodge, Elisha Fassett, E. Hale, James Perry, Silas Perry.
Glazier .- Walter Taylor.
Gravestone- Maker .- Eliphalet Briggs.
Gun-Maker-John C. Mason.
Hair-Dresser .- Adolphus Wright.
Hatter .- Dexter Anderson.
Hoe- Makers .- Aaron Davis, Azel Wilder.
Last-Maker .- C. H. Jaquith,
Masons .- J. B. Davis, J. F. Locke, D. Marsh, J. Parker, C. Wilson.
Millers .- T. Dwinell, Jr., Faulkner & Colony, E. Holbrook, Geo. Page.
Milliners and Dress-Makers .- Jerusha Brown, Misses Dodge, Harriet Keyes, Jane N. Leonard, Eliza R. Ridgway.
Millwrights .- Enos Holbrook, George Page, Aaron Willson, Jr.
Morocco-Dressers .- Harington & King.
Pail-Makers .- S. Perry, J. Willson.
Painters .- Gideon Clark, Charles Ingalls, Walter Taylor.
Printers .- J. & J. W. Prentiss, N. Stone.
Pump-Makers .- Page & Holman, Oliver Willson.
Saddlery .- T. F. Ames, David Watson.
Shingle-Maker .- George Page.
Shoemakers .- Harington & King, C. H. Jaquith, Abijah Kingsbury, Wilson & Wade.
Sleigh-Maker .- A. Wilder, Jr.
Stone-Cutters .- A. Dickerson, J. Ellis.
Tailors .- G. C. Dean, Montague & Wright, Mon- tague & Dinsmore.
Tailoresses .- Mrs. Baker, Esther Page, Hannah Stiles, Mrs. Welden, Mary Wright.
Tanners .- Harington & King, C. Lamson.
Tinner .- J. P. Barber.
Turners .- Page & Holman, A. Wilder.
Jewelers .- J. Corbett, S. & H. Gerould, J. H. Pond, J. Ridgeway.
Wheel-Head Maker .- A. Wilder.
Wheelwright .- C. P. Perkins.
Music and Musical Instruments .- George Tilden.
Newspapers .- The Farmer's Museum, Nahum Stone, editor; New Hampshire Sentinel, J. & J. W. Prentiss, circulation, 1150.
Physicians .- Charles G. Adams, J. B. Dousman, Amos Twitchell.
Saw-Mills .- Thomas Dwinell, Jr., Faulkner & Col- ony, Perry & Angier, J. Perry, George Page, Caleb Wright.
The selectmen for this year were Eliphalet Briggs, Henry Coolidge and Thomas Thomp- son ; Eliphalet Briggs, clerk ; William Dins- more, postmaster ; Representatives, Aaron Hall and James Wilson, Jr. 7
There were fourteen school districts, with six- teen teachers and seven hundred and sixty-eight scholars. The school money raised was thir- teen hundred and fifty dollars. The enterpris- ing business men, as evidenced by the adver- tisements in this pioneer Directory, were Thomas F. Ames, George Tilden, John C. Mason, Abijah Kingsbury, Adams, Holman & Dutton, Lamson & Dutton, A. & T. Hall, Evans & Perkins, Montague & Dinsmoor, Perry, Wheeler & Co., S. & H. Gerould and J. & J. W. Pren- tiss. It contained a view of the Congregational Church, Unitarian Church, Phoenix and Eagle Hotels.
POST-OFFICE .- The late Hon. Salma Hall, while compiling his " Annals of Keene," wrote to the Post-Office Department at Washington in relation to the first post-office in this town, and received the following letter in reply :
"Owing to the destruction of a large part of the books and papers of the Department, by the fire of 1836, we have no means of giving satisfactory answers to the inquiries contained in your letter of the 5th inst. We are enabled, however, to state positively that, in the early part of 1795, Asa Bullard was the Postmaster at Keene, N. H. (then spelt Keen). His account, rendered for the quarter (or part of the quarter, possibly) ending 31st March, 1795, shows that the net proceeds of the office for that quarter amounted to $1.36. The next quarter, it appears, they came up to $4.49. By the Auditor's records, which go back to 1775, it does not appear that any account, prior to the above, was opened with the office at Keene. From this circumstance, and the fact that Keene is not mentioned in the list of offices (about two hundred in number, and believed to be all then in operation in the United States), to which a circular of the Postmaster-General was sent, under date of 18th June, 1792, it seems very probable that Asa Bullard was the first Postmaster of Keene, and that he was appointed some time in the first quarter of 1795, or, possibly, in the latter part of 1794.
"It appears, by a copy of a letter from the First Assistant Postmaster-General to Jeremiah Libbey, Esq., Postmaster of Portsmouth, N. H., dated 16th Sept., 1794, that ' Ozias Silsby's proposal for carrying the mail from Boston to Keen' had then just been ac- cepted ; and contracts were enclosed for execution. It is not stated when the contract was to go into oper- ation, nor how frequently the mail was to be conveyed. It seems that the route to Keene was by the way of Portsmouth; and it is not probable that the service beyond Portsmouth was oftener than once a week, because it appears that, in winter, it was at that time but twice a week between Boston and Portsmouth.
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HISTORY OF CHESHIRE COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
How long the mail was in passing between the two places (Boston and Keene) we have not, from any of the existing records, been able to ascertain." 2
THE KING'S CANNON .- At the term of the Superior Court held in Keene in October, 1807, came on the trial of a prosecution instituted by the inhabitants of Walpole against certain eiti- zens of Keene " for taking and carrying away, in the night-time, a piece of ordnance of the value of two hundred dollars, the property of said town of Walpole."
For the better understanding of this matter, it is necessary to go back to a remote period of our history. In the early settlement of the country, on Connecticut River, four forts were erceted on its banks, and each was supplied by His Majesty, the King of England, with a large iron cannon. These forts were numbered-that at Chesterfield being No. 1, that at Westmore- land No. 2, that at Walpole No. 3 and that at Charlestown No. 4. These cannons remained in those several towns after the achievement of our independence, were prized as trophies of victory, and made to speak in triumphant tones on every Fourth of July and other days of public rejoicings. Their reports sounded to the inhabitants of the adjoining towns as exulting claims to superiority, they having no such trophies to speak for them. That at Walpole was left unguarded in the Main Street. In the spring of this year a citizen of Keene, then a youth, but sinee distinguished in the service of his country, having received an elegant sword for his gallant defense, in the War of 1812, of
1 It has been ascertained that Asa Bullard was an officer in the Revolutionary War-probably a captain, for he was so styled when he first came to Keene. While here he re- ceived an appointment in the militia which gave him the rank of major, and he was afterwards known as Major Bullard. Ile resided and kept the post-office in the rough- cast house formerly occupied by Elijah Dunbar, and now by Joshua Wyman. Ile afterwards removed to Walpole and kept tavern there; and it was at his house that for some time the club of scholars and wits, who made them- selves and the Farmers' Museum famous throughout the country, by their lucubrations, and consisted of Joseph Dennie, afterwards editor of Portfolio, at Philadelphia, Royal Tyler, afterwards chief justice of Vermont, Samuel Ilunt and Roger Vose, both afterwards members of Con- gress, Samuel West and others, held their periodical sym- posiums.
Fort Covington, near Baltimore, arranged a party who repaired to Walpole in the night, took possession of the cannon and brought it in triumph to Keene.
The whole population of Walpole were in- dignant at being deprived, in this way, of their valued trophy, and determined to appeal to the laws to recover it. Several attempts to arrest the offenders proved abortive, but this only added to their zeal. A respectable citizen of Walpole was sent to aid the sheriff. Knowing that he whom they most wished to secure con- cealed himself whenever apprized that the officer was visible, they lay in ambush for him in the swamps south and west of his father's residence. It happened that Dr. Adams was at this time gunning, as was his frequent habit, in the same grounds. He saw them, and knowing that they. saw him, he walked hurriedly away. They fol- lowed ; he hastened his walk, they theirs, until the walk became a run, and the run a race. His knowledge of the minute topography of the place enabled him to take such direction as might best suit his purpose. Methinks I see him now, lightly springing from hassoek to hassock, from turf to log, now and then looking back, with face sedate and eagle eye, to see how his pur- suers sped. By turning and winding he led them into a bog, and gained distance while they were struggling to gain firm foothold. They outran him, however, and arrested him at his door ; but were soon convinced they had not caught the right man, and returned, not the less irritated, to Walpole.
Several of the delinquents were at length arrested and brought to trial. The court (Chief Justice Smith, afterwards Governor, presiding) decided that the said cannon was not the prop- erty of the said town of Walpole, and the do- fendants were discharged. It was immediately drawn near the court-house, loaded and fired. " May it please your honor," said Counselor Vose, " the case is already reported."
This was the year in which the sufferings from the Embargo exasperated a large portion of the people of New England. It is worthy of note that the selectmen of Keene, on being legally requested so to do, called a meeting of the qualified voters of the town "to take into
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consideration the present alarming situation of our country, to express our sentiments thereon and to adopt such measures for a redress of grievances as shall be thought expedient." It was the practice in Revolutionary times for towns to resolve and even act in their corporate capa- city in relation to public affairs; but the in- stances have been few in which they have so done since the adoption of the Constitution of the United States. This instance is not now men- tioned to censure it. It might be attended with many good results if all the citizens of a town were to be called together occasionally to dis- cuss public measures. At such meeting all parties might be heard, and argument be com- bated by argument. At this meeting several resolutions were adopted, but no measures were determined on.
The irritation of the people of Walpole at the loss of their valued trophy, or more, per- haps, at the manner in which they had been de- prived of it, continued unabated ; and they de- termined to take redress into their own hands. They had been informed that the cannon was concealed in a granary, in a back store, on the south side of West Street, near Main Street. On the evening of the 4th of July a plot was ar- ranged to regain possession of it. A confederate (a stage-driver) was sent immediately to Keene, in a huge stage-wagon, to gain information and take measures to facilitate the execution of the project. He ascertained that it was concealed in the place mentioned, bargained for some grain, and, at his suggestion, was allowed to take the key, that he might get the grain very early in the morning without disturbing the clerks. Returning immediately, he met on their way a cavalcade of about thirty, mostly young men, commanded by a military officer of high rank, and made his report. They left their horses in the cross-road, then fringed with bushes, leading from Court Street to Washing- ton Street, and in a few minutes entered the granary. The first motion of the cannon, the night being still, made a terrific noise. The town bell was rung and an alarm of fire was raised. The men in the granary la- bored for a time without success, and almost without hope. Outside, men were seen skulk-
ing behind buildings and flitting from corner to corner. At length, by a desperate effort, it was lifted into the wagon, and the team hurried towards Walpole. At break of day they were welcomed home by the ringing of the bell and by the applause of a crowd awaiting in anxiety the return of their fellow-townsmen.
In the mean time a large number of the citizens of Keene mounted their horses and pur- sued the returning party ; but fortunately they took the wrong road, and thus a desperate con- flict was avoided. A report was current, at the time, that they took the wrong road by design ; but this was pronounced a base and baseless slander.
But the history of the King's cannon is not yet complete. It was soon afterwards furtively taken by a body of men from Westminster, Vt., to be used in celebrating the Declaration of Independence ; and was retaken, on a sudden on- set, by a large body of men from Walpole, the selectmen at their head, while actually in use for that purpose. It was afterwards taken by men from Alstead, and report says that it was, after that, appropriated by an iron founder and transmuted into implements of husbandry.
MANUFACTURING INTERESTS .- The Faulk- ner & Colony woolen-mill is one of the oldest es- tablishments of its kind in the State. The entire production of this mill is flannel. The founders of this interest have long since passed away, and the business is now conducted by their descend- ants.
The Keene Furniture Company was estab- lished in 1868. This company employs about one hundred hands. Its principal owner is Edward Joslin; F. L. Sprague and C. L. Kingsbury are the managers of the business. The works are located in the Hope Steam Mill Company's buildings.
The Cheshire Chair Company is also located in the buildings of the Hope Steam Mill Com- pany. It was organized January 1, 1869, and at present consists of Edward and C. E. Joslin and George W. McDuffee. The Keene Chair Company is also a large establishment, at South Keene, of which Hon. S. W. Hale is president. The celebrated "Clipper " mowing-machine is manufactured at South Keene. Among other
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HISTORY OF CHESHIRE COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
manufacturers are Nims, Whitney & Co., manu- facturers of sash, doors and blinds ; C. N. Tot- tingham & Co., manufacturers of sleighs. J. & F. French, manufacture the Keene sleigh. This business was commenced in 1839. Wil- kinson & McGregor manufacture the celebrated Keene harness. The Humphrey Machine Com- pany manufactures the I X L turbine water- wheel. A wheel costing ten thousand dollars was made at this establishment, in 1884, for a Low- ell mill ; pottery (J. S. Taft & Co.), brick, paint-brushes, impervious cans, ete., are also manufactured here. The Hope Steam Mill Company, in addition to supplying power for other manufacturers, manufactures pails, tubs, etc. ; John Simons, tannery ; Frank E. Foster, tannery ; Morse Bros., soap-works ; Upham's glue works.
MEMBERS OF CONGRESS .- Keene has fur- nished six members of Congress : Peleg Sprague, Samuel Dinsmoor, Sr., Joseph Buffum, Salma Hale, James Wilson, Jr., and Thomas Mckay Edwards.
GOVERNORS .- Samuel Dinsmoor and his son, Samuel Dinsmoor, Jr.,1 have been the only Gov- ernors elected from Keene until 1882. In that year Samuel W. Hale was elected Governor.
WAR OF THE REBELLION .- The first war- meeting was held in Keene April 20, 1861. The meeting was called to order by Hon. Levi Chamberlain, and the following officers were chosen : President, ex-Governor Samuel Dins- moor ; Vice-Presidents, ex-Governor William Haile, Colonel David Buffum, Captain J. S. Adams, William P. Wheeler, Colonel Benjamin Read, Colonel T. A. Barker, F. A. Faulkner and Hon. Jacob Taylor; Secretaries, George H. Tilden and A. S. Whitcomb.
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