History of Cheshire and Sullivan counties, New Hampshire, Part 44

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 44
USA > New Hampshire > Cheshire County > History of Cheshire and Sullivan counties, New Hampshire > Part 44

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J. Kilburn Southwick also has a good farm, one of the warmest in town, and has long been noted for its fruits. Who has not heard of the pears, raw-ripes and grapes of Unele Enoch White, who long lived on this place? Mr. Southwick and his father have made great changes for the better since it came into their possession, and are still improving it. It is now stocked with milch cows, which furnish a large portion of the village with milk.

Mr. Southwick is interested in farming more from the fact, than any other, that he discovers so much in his work to illustrate geology, chem- istry, zoology, etc. Were it not that he could

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find, while farming, some time for reading and study, he would not be likely to continue it very long ; but he so manages as to keep him- self posted in the affairs of the day, and to have the opportunity of pursuing, more or less, some course of history or branch of science. Thus, while the hands are at work, the mind has some- thing to do. This renders the employment pleasant, for there is consciousness of mental growth. By saving the odd moments, Mr. Southwick has become one of the best-informed men. He has had considerable to do in town matters. He is showing how the farmer can become a scholar while tilling the soil. He was born November 8, 1847 ; so he is in the prime of life,-religious, intelligent, honest, do- ing honor to his vocation.

Among the many other good farms which deserve special mention, and would receive it if space would permit, are those of Charles Ryan, Wilbur F. Wallace, Cyrus F. Greeley, Daniel Town, Rufus S. Frost, George A. Robinson and George L. Fairbanks.

CHAPTER VIII.

MARLBOROUGH-(Continued).

SHORT BIOGRAPHIES.

REV. CHARLES CUMMINGS, son of Rev. Joseph and Anna Cummings, was born in Sea- brook, N. H., September 23, 1777. At the age of two years his parents removed to Marlbor- ough, where he passed his childhood. He was married in 1798, and settled in Sullivan, and became the father of several children, who were an honor to their parents,-among whom is Mrs. Elijah Boyden, one of the most amiable, talented and highly-esteemed women in Marl- borough.

It was about this time, or a little later, that he felt impressed that it was his duty to preach the gospel, as he understood it. He struggled with his convictions for several years, feeling

deeply his incompetency for the work, having but a limited education, such as was furnished by the common schools of those early days ; but finding no rest for the body or peace for the mind, his strong convictions of duty prevailed. In 1805 he was licensed to preach by the Bap- tist board of ministers, and received ordination in 1810, in Sullivan, where he formed a church and labored for many years, all or a part of the time. He was also instrumental in organizing churches in Keene, Swanzey, Marlborough, Peterborough, Hillsborough, Lyndeborough and Antrim, and preached more or less in other towns in Sullivan, Hillsborough and Merrimack Counties.

In 1820 he was called to the domestic mis- sionary work. He was truly one of the pio- neers in the ministry. A man of great energy and earnestness, not shrinking from any per- sonal sacrifice for the good of the cause he loved so well and labored so faithfully to sus- tain, nothing but utter inability could deter him from meeting his appointments, many times traveling until late in the night, and through the scorching heats and drenching rains of summer. He had a strong physical constitution, which enabled him to endure the arduous labors through which he passed.

The following was copied from the Christian Watchman and Reflector some time after his decease. It is from the pen of Rev. G. Rob- bins, who officiated at his funeral, being at that time pastor of the Baptist Church in Keene. Speaking of his succesful labors in the ministry, he says : " He was a man of a kind, concilia- tory spirit, humble, prayerful and zealous in every good work, and he belonged to a class of men that ought never to be forgotten,-that class which performed the labors and endured the privations of the pioneers of our cause in this State " After his decease, which occurred in 1849, the Dublin Association, as an expres- sion of regard to his memory, passed the fol- lowing :

" Resolved, That his faithful and arduous labors in

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planting new churches in fields before unoccupied, and breasting the force of opposition commonly inci- dent to such a work, claims from us not only a tribute of high respect, but of affectionate and Chris- tian remembrance ; and, as life is still spared to us, may a sense of our increased obligations stimulate us to renewed devotion in the service of our di- vine Master."

He never wrote his sermons; but, in the early years of his ministry, he would select a text of Scripture before going to the field (for at that time he tilled the soil), and while laboring with his hands he mentally studied and wrought out his sermons. He had a strong, sympathetic nature, and possessed the power to move and sway his audience to a remarkable degree. It was no unusual thing to see the congregation bathed in tears. The last few years of his life he labored in Pottersville, and preached up to the last Sabbath but one before his death, which occurred in Roxbury, N. H., December 27, 1849, aged seventy-two years.

REV. OSGOOD HERRICK, son of Ebenezer and Lydia (Eaton) Herrick, was born in Marl- borough, November 19, 1799. He worked upon his father's farm until the age offifteen, when he was placed in a store in Keene, where he remained until he was twenty-one, giving entire satisfaction to his employers.

In the year 1818, at a time of great religious declension, Mr. Herrick and two others became subjects of the renewing influences of the Holy Spirit, and in the month of July of the same year united with the Congregational Church in Keene, under the pastoral care of Rev. L. S. Bastow. '

Soon after, he felt an ardent desire to become more extensively useful than he could in the business in which he was engaged. Accordingly, he resolved, as soon as circumstances would al- low, to prepare himself for the ministry. In the spring of 1821 he commenced the study of Latin, and in the fall of 1822 was admitted a member of Dartmouth College. As he al- lowed himself but little time for preparation, he entered college under many disadvantages, and

conseqently severe study became necessary during his first collegiate year. It was during this year that his constitution was impaired and the foundation of that disease laid which resulted in his death.

In the autumn of 1826 he graduated at Dartmouth College, being regarded as one of the most distinguished of his class. The fol- lowing year he was engaged in teaching in the State of Virginia. In 1827 he became a mem- ber 'of Andover Theological Seminary, where he remained the usual term of three years.

On leaving the seminary he received a unan- imous call to become the pastor of the Congre- gational Church in Milbury, and on the 9th of December, 1830, was ordained and installed over that church and society.

Ten days subsequent he was united in mar- riage to Miss Emily Wilder, of Keene.

Mr. Herrick was a self-made man. By his own perseverance he overcame difficulties from which most young men would have shrunk. By his industry and economy, he de- frayed nearly the whole expense of his educa- tion. Diligence and perseverance were among the most distinguishing traits in his character. He was never idle. He felt the work of the ministry was too great and too important to admit indolence, and he felt too great an inter- est in the salvation of men and the honor of his Divine Master to be discouraged by any diffi- culties that were surmountable.

Mr. Herrick's talents were more useful than splendid. He excelled rather in a clearness of mind than brilliancy of imagination. His views were seldom confused or his conceptions feeble on any subject to which he directed his attention. He was a man of sound, practicable wisdom. He formed his opinions on subjects after taking a comprehensive view of their va- rious bearings, and generally with such preci- sion as not to have occasion to change. He was also a man of firmness of purpose,-did not form any plan of action without careful exami- nation and a conviction of duty ; but, when his

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conclusions were formed, he was not waver- ing, and only on the presentation of weighty reasons did he desire to change. Cautious to resolve, convinced he was right, he firmly, and with all the energies of his soul, executed his res- olutions.

His mind was well balanced ; and his facul- ties were not only well proportioned, but eulti- vated in due symmetry. As a preacher of Divine truth, Mr. Merrick was clear, instruc- tive, energetic and expressive. He never aimed, in the solemn work of preaching the gospel, merely to amuse the fancy or gratify a fastidi- ous taste, but to enlighten the mind, arouse the conscience, affect the heart and save the soul. His manner of delivery was earnest and impres- sive ; his eloquence, that of clear thought, sound argument and ardent feeling. As a pastor, he was devoted and laborious, ever ready to coun- sel the afflicted, to instruct the inquirer, to en- courage and edify the saints ; as a friend, frank, affectionate and obliging.

He died at Milbury, Mass., March 16, 1837. ASA GREENWOOD .- Should it be asked to whom is Marlborough most indebted for its important internal improvements, without hesi- tatancy the reply must be, Asa Greenwood. Though not a native of the town, still, as scon as he took up his abode here, which was in 1836, he began to put up stone structures. Nearly all the granite buildings and bridges in this vicinity were erected by him. He was a genius, and greatly given to mechanical inven- tion. He was remarkable for planning, and executing as well. He became skilled in work- ing on wood and stone. He aimed at thor- oughness ; no work of his was slighted. Really, he builded for the ages. For centuries the generations to come will have the oppor- tunity of looking upon what he conceived and what he builded. In 1853 he removed to Illi- nois, where he resided till 1877, when he came to Dummerston, Vt., to visit his son, Colonel W. H. Greenwood, and so, with him, he was permitted to visit Marlborough once more and

Dublin, his native town ; and, on his return to his son's, he sickened and passed away at the ripe age of four-score years. His remains were brought to Marlborough, and his funeral service was held in the church he built, and he was in- terred in the cemetery which originated with him. So his ashes rest as he longed to have them,-in Graniteville Cemetery, in the lot he selected and marked with a granite monument, bearing the name Greenwood ; but his epitaph is written in the hearts of all who knew him in lasting characters, telling of a generous and honest man, who thought for himself and lived for others, building better than he knew, by loving God and man.

CYRUS WAKEFIELD, son of James and Hannah (Hemenway) Wakefield, was born in Marlborough February 14, 1811. His father's farm was included in that territory which, the following year, was set off to make the town of Roxbury; hence the report that he was a native of Roxbury. The following condensed sketch of his life and character is taken from Eaton's " History of Wakefield and Reading," Mass. :

" His father's occupation was that of a farmer, and thus his early associations were connected with the rugged discipline of a New England farm.

"The executive and administrative qualities of his mind began to develop very early in life. There were numberless projects in his busy child-brain, to the accomplishment of which he bent, not only his own, but also the abilities of his brothers.

"At an early age he grew restive. Some of his relatives had gone to other States, and, at times, would return to tell what they had seen and done in the great cities. His father's farm would seem now too small for his growing ambition. The successes of his friends kindled in his own bosom a generous emulation. He, too, would try his fortune in the great world outside. He had heard of the fame of Mr. Appleton, of Dublin, who had emerged from

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obscurity like his own, but who was then widely known as a successful and an honorable merchant. What others had done he could do ; and he incessantly urged his views upon his father, who as constantly presented the other and darker side, showing how many who went to the city lost health, time and even character in their pursuit of wealth, and were ultimately obliged to return in disgrace to their native towns. But at the age of fifteen years, with his parents' consent, he went to Boston, declar- ing that he would achieve success and make a name of which his friends would be proud.

"Arriving in Boston, he at first entered a small retail grocery-store of Messrs. Wheeler & Bassett, on Washington Street, but soon after secured a clerkship with Messrs. Stearns, Cobb & Winslow, on India Street. While in their employ he conceived the plan of doing busi- ness on his own account, since he had some time at his command not required by his em- ployers. His employers gave him the liberty to buy and sell empty barrels and casks. He attended evening schools, both of an academic and mercantile nature ; visited the various de -. bating societies and churches ; observed care- fully the habits of the people ; listened, so far as his time would allow, to the various courses of scientific lectures, for which his mind had a keen relish, and thus laid the foundation of what general knowledge he possessed.

"Iu 1838 he formed a copartnership with his younger brother, Enoch H. Wakefield, which lasted until 1844. In the latter part of this partnership the fortunate sale of some rat- tan, thrown out as refuse from a ship, led to the foundation of the business which has since made his name famous all over the world.

" In the year 1856, Mr. Wakefield resolved to begin the manufacture of cane in this coun- try, and to utilize, so far as possible, the whole of the material.

" Commencing with a few machines, the in- crease of business soon compelled his removal to Wakefield, where his manufactories and

store-houses now contain flooring of fifteen acres.

"Among the many gifts to the town bearing his name, the Memorial Hall, costing one hun- dred thousand dollars, stands pre-eminent.

" Mr. Wakefield was a man of iron will and resolute purpose, combined with great physical endurance. Energy, perseverance and an in- domitable courage in the face of almost in- superable obstacles were his prominent charac- teristics. He had a keen perception, and re- sults that other men reached by hard thought seemed to intuitively come to him. He knew human nature thoroughly, and could read a man at a glance. To those who knew him best he revealed at times a warm, genial and tender nature, though to a stranger he might seem distant. He was charitable, giving not only in large sums to public enterprises, but cheering the hearts of the poor with his gener- ous gifts. Many students struggling for an education remember with gratitude his timely aid. As a merchant, he was shrewd, industri- ous, persistent and careful in the details of his business. His character and deeds are thus epitomized in the resolutions adopted by his fellow-citizens on the evening after his death:

"'The valuable citizen, the prosperous merchant, the progressive leader in ornamental and architectural improvements, the friend and helper of education, the chief promoter of our local industrial pursuits, our munificent namesake, whose numerous and gen- erous benefactions will remain his enduring mem- orials.'

" Mr. Wakefield died very suddenly on Sab- bath morning, October 26, 1873, at the age of sixty-two years and eight months."

REV. CYRUS STONE, son of Shubael and Polly (Rogers) Stone, was born in Marlborough June 9, 1793. Became a professing Christian at nineteen years of age, and remained a far- mer up to the age of twenty four years. His attention being then turned to the condition of the pagan world, he determined, after mnature deliberation, to devote himself to the preaching of the gospel among the heathen.

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HISTORY OF CHESHIRE COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

He spent a year and a half at the Kimball Union Academy, Meriden, after which he en- tered Dartmouth in 1818, graduating in the class of 1822.

Possessed of little means and receiving but slight help from others, he mainly supported himself, both in his preparatory and through his collegiate course, by his own exertions, laboring on the farm in summer, and in winter teaching in Fitzwilliam, Westminster, Vt., and other places.

His influence in college and in all these places of temporary labor was decidedly felt as a Christian worker. After graduating at Dart- month he at once entered Andover Theological Seminary, graduating thence in the class of 1825.

It being deemed by the American Board desirable that their male missionaries to India at that time should be possessed of some med- ical knowledge, he spent the autumn of the same year at Hanover, N. H., in attendance on medical lectures. Early in 1826 he continued his medical studies at the Harvard Medical School, spending the year in their prosecution as well as in the performance of a large amount of re- ligious work in Boston and vicinity. During this year he was united in marriage to Miss Atossa Frost, daughter of Col. Joseph and Zilpha (Roberts) Frost, of his native town, and with her sailed from Boston for Bombay in the ship " Emerald "-Captain Heard-on the 7th of May, 1827, arriving safely in India in Sep- tember of the same year. In 1841, after four- teen years' service, he was compelled, by the state of his own as well as his wife's health, to return to America. He preached at various times in Bingham, Me., Harwich, Saugus, and East Bridgewater, Mass., and then located for several years in Melrose, Mass., seven miles from Boston, and engaged in the publication of the Mother's Assistant and Happy Home, monthly magazines of a religions character, and of books of a similar kind for families.

His final work, however, was in the ministry. He was instrumental in founding and provid-

ing with a permanent house a church in Beechwood, a portion of Cohasset, Mass .; and he was called to be the pastor of the flock he had gathered.

Here he died on the 19th of July, 1867.

JAIRUS B. COLLINS, M.D., son of Samuel and Lydia (Mathews) Collins, was born in Marlborough April 21, 1794. He studied medicine with Dr. Ephraim K. Frost, of this town, and at the completion of his studies, in 1822, he removed to Londonderry, Vt., where he was a successful physician up to the time of his death, which occurred February 3, 1851.

JEREMIAH STONE, M.D., son of Shubel and Polly (Rogers) Stone, was born in Marlborough November 2, 1798. He graduated at Dart- mouth Medical College December, 1825. He commenced the practice of medicine in Tops- field, Mass., January 6, 1826, and remained there eleven years. Finding a country prac- tice, with its long and tiresome rides, was im- pairing his health, he removed to New Bedford, and thence to Provincetown, Mass., in 1864, where he remained until his death, with the ex- ception of two years spent in Chatham.

In town affairs he ever took an active inter- est, endeavoring to build up the place and ren- der it truly prosperous. Foremost in all good movements, he cordially espoused the cause of anti-slavery in its earliest days, when it was unpopular to be an Abolitionist. He was an ar- dent supporter of temperance, and an earnest worker in the Congregational Church, of which he had been a member since 1814. He was an honorary member of the Massachusetts Medi- cal Society. He was intolerant of quackery in every form and striet in his views of profes- sional etiquette. Prompt in decision, self-reli- ant in the emergencies of his profession, he in- spired and retained confidence in his skill.

Though often abrupt in his manners, yet be- neath was a warm heart that beat in sympathy with the needy and oppressed. Earnest in his convictions, decided in his opinions and cheer- ful in his disposition, he carried the elasticity of

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youth into the last years of his advanced life. Tall and erect, of powerful presence, he in- spired with hope the sick who sought his aid.

To a naturally buoyant spirit was added the sustaining power of a strong and earnest religious faith, that made belief to him a bright and clear reality. He died April 23, 1875.

TIMOTHY L. LANE, M.D., son of John and Mary (Livingstone) Lane, was born in Marl- borough September 1, 1800. He studied med- icine with Dr. Batcheller. Attended school first at Groton, Mass., afterwards at Hanover, N. H., where he graduated in medicine in 1824. He located first at Sullivan, in 1825; removed to Lunenberg, Vt., in 1832; remained there until 1834, when he went to Gilsum, N. H., where he lived until 1838; from thence to Daysville, Ill. ; practiced medicine there till 1841, and then removed to Fillmore, Ill., and continued the practice of his profession until his death, September 4, 1849.

REV. WILLIAM C. WHITCOMB, son of Dea- con -Simeon and Sally (Lincoln) Whitcomb, was born in Marlborough February 9, 1820. He was in his childhood singularly dutiful to his parents, never requiring discipline to enforce their commands ; and in mature years was ever anxious, according to his means, to pro- mote their welfare. He received from them a religious training, and in 1837 united with the Congregational Church in this town.

He pursued his literary and classical course, at the academies in Jaffrey, Troy and Ashby. He earned his money to attend them by teach- ing, always living in the most economical way.

He studied theology at Gilmanton Theo- logical Seminary, completing his course in 1847, at which time he was licensed to preach. He received several calls to settle in New Hampshire, but declined, as he wished to ob- tain further help for his work by attending the lectures of Professor Park, in Andover Theo- logical Seminary. He remained at Andover two years as a licentiate student.

May 1, 1851, he was ordained pastor of the church in Stoneham, Mass. May 1, 1852, he was married to Miss Harriet L. Wheeler, of Concord, Mass. In August, 1855, he was dis- missed from the church in Stoneham, after which he labored with the churches in Globe village (Southbridge), in North Carver and in Lynnfield Centre, all in Massachusetts.

He received a commission as chaplain of the United States Hospital at Newbern, N. C., which bears the signature of Abraham Lincoln and Edward M. Stanton, dated July 5, 1862, which he held to the time of his death. His labors in Newbern, Portsmouth and Morehead City, N. C., were very abundant and interest- ing, and continued two and one-fourth years.

In the summer of 1864 he came home on a furlough of some length. In September he returned to meet the sad effects of the yellow fever, brought treacherously by the enemy to our soldiers. Soon after his return he was attacked with malarial fever, and, before he had fully recovered, was taken with acute bronchitis, from the effects of which he died at the hospital in Morehead City, October 29, 1864.

Mr. Whitcomb's character was strongly marked, and he possessed many excellencies. He had an untiring activity, always doing with his might what his hands found to do. He was in a remarkable degree frank and out- spoken, being incapable of disguise and know- ing little of concealment. But for nothing was he more distinguished than for a warm, loving heart. He set a value on friends, and was true in his friendships. That he had a devoted attachment to his family is seen in the fact that, when absent on his chaplaincy, his general practice was to write to them daily. He was a decided Congregationalist, but loved all Christ's disciples of every name-union among Chris- tians being a favorite theme. He cherished an affectionate remembrance of his native town, in evidence of which may be mentioned the gift of a bell for the school-house in the village a

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short time before his death. He loved the slave and the colored race, and from an early age was ever ready, according to his ability, to aid the cause of emancipation.

From the outbreak of the slaveholders' re- bellion he took a lively interest in the struggle ; and that he was able with so much cheerfulness to separate himself from a family he loved so well may be taken as evidence of true patri- otism.

Mr. Whitcomb had qualities of mind and heart which could not fail to render him popu- lar and useful as a pastor. Much good, we are assured, was accomplished by his labors in connection with the churches to which he min- istered. But his active temperament and habits, his self-forgetfulness in his zeal to do good, his sympathy with the suffering, his cheerfulness, and readiness with thoughts and words for every occasion, seemed to fit him especially for the labors to which he was devoted, as hospital chaplain; and much was he loved by those who were the objects of his beneficent labors.

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History of Cheshire and Sullivan counties, New Hampshire, Part 44

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