History of Cheshire and Sullivan counties, New Hampshire, Part 45

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 45
USA > New Hampshire > Cheshire County > History of Cheshire and Sullivan counties, New Hampshire > Part 45

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Mr. Whitcomb was a pleasant newspaper correspondent. As an author, he published two volumes of original and selected matter in prose and poetry to comfort the bereaved. Although he fell in his prime, still he has left a full and useful life.

DUNCAN ABEL BAKER was born April 8, 1797. Like most lads in this town at that early day, he was brought up on a farm. He possessed a good constitution, was athletic and energetic and seldom failed to accomplish the object of his desire. His educational advan- tages were mainly limited to the district school, which at that period was much less efficient than now. These advantages, however, were well improved, and he became one of the best and most advanced scholars in his district. Having mastered the branches taught in the district school, he was sent to an academy in New Salem, Mass., where he studied one term and then commenced teaching. For several

years he taught school in the winter, and as- sisted his father on the farm in the summer. As a teacher, he was very successful, and his services were sought by the best and most de- sirable school districts.

He married April 18, 1821, and located upon a farm in the adjoining town of Troy, and de- voted his attention to agriculture. His admir- able qualities of head and heart were soon recog- nized by his fellow-citizens, and he became one of the leading men of the town. His sound judgment, practical wisdom and general intelli- gence fitted him for any position in the com- munity, and he was consequently elected at dif- ferent times to almost all the civil offices in the town. He served the town some fifteen years as selectman,-the most of the time as chairman of the board,-and represented it in the Legis- lature of the State in the years 1840-42.

In all the public positions he was called to fill he was faithful and honest, and none of his constituents ever had reason to feel that they had misplaced their confidence.

He did a large amount of business in the set- tlement of estates. His ability and familiarity with the law fitted him for civil practice. After a long and useful life he died, September 26, 1878, calmly, and in the full assurance of a glorious immortality.

OSGOOD COLLESTER opened his eyes upon life in this town February 12, 1815. He was born a singer and musician. He was the youngest of twelve children of Samuel and Si- lence Collester. He spent his boyhood on his father's farm and his youth in his brother Charles' shoe-shop. Becoming of age, he still worked at the shoe-bench, having become a skilled craftsman. It should be stated that he enjoyed fair advantages at the common schools, but, from his childhood, he exhibited remark- able musical talent. It was as natural for him to sing as for the lark. His voice was as melo- dious as the nightingale's ; his ear was correct as to time, pitch and harmony. He began early to play the violin. At about the age of

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twenty-five he commenced to give instruction in vocal music in his native town, and to lead the choir in the old church on the hill. Step by step he continued to advance, till demands were made upon him to teach singing-schools in and out of town. He was gifted with re- markable aptness and ability to instruct. As soon as he was financially able, he put himself under the tuition of Lowell Mason and other distinguished teachers and composers of music. After this he devoted himself entirely to teach- ing and the study of music. He became an efficient pianist as well as violinist. He sung for a series of years, on the Sabbath, in churches at Winchendon, Worcester and Fitchburg, Mass. He composed many popular pieces of music and compiled several singing-books. He, by his own efforts, deservedly won the title Professor of Music. He was truly popular as an instructor in Teachers' Institutes in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. He died in 1873, with the high reputation of being Marlborough's foremost son in the divine art of music.

REV. LUTHER WISWALL was born in Marl- borough, January 9, 1801. He early developed a thirst for knowledge, but had only limited educational privileges, having simply the ad- vantages of common schools till he was seven- teen years of age, after which time he attended two terms at an academy, and pursued his studies at home as he had opportunity ..

In 1822, Mr. Wiswall united with the Congregational Church. His activity in the church led to his election as deacon, and he also superintended the Sabbath-school for several years. In studying the Scriptures, to qualify himself for the duties of his office, he became interested in study for its own sake, and the thought often arose that he would like to preach the gospel.

In 1829 he purchased a small farm, and the following year married and settled down in life as a farmer. But his mind was not at ease, and four years later he sold his farm and

stock, removed to Maine and entered the semi- nary at Bangor, where he was graduated in 1836.

The following year he was settled as pastor of the churches in Brooks and Jackson, Me. Here he labored very acceptably for four years, when he removed to Windham, in the same State, where he spent the remainder of his days.

Mr. Wiswall's intellectual structure was of a marked character. He had great mental acuteness, was profoundly logical and of sound judgment. He was also a sound theolo- gian, and an able defender of the " faith once delivered to the saints. " Nor did he belong to that class of preachers who think it unprofit- able to preach the doctrines, the great vital truths of the gospel. He regarded them as the teachings of Infinite wisdom, fitted to the spiritual wants of men of all ages, countries and climes, and as the power of God unto salvation to all who cordially receive them. Socially, Mr. Wiswall was one of the most genial and companionable of men. A quiet wit, guided by strong common sense, added much to the pleasure of social intercourse with him.

On the first Sabbath in March, 1885, he preached his last sermon and administered the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and during that service informed the people that he felt that it was the last time he should ever be with them on such an occasion, as he was growing more weak and feeble every day. And in this he was not mistaken, for only two weeks from that day he entered into that rest which re- mains for the people of God. Though late in entering the ministry, he lived to preach the gospel forty-seven years.

JAIRUS COLLINS .- New Hampshire would not be the Switzerland of America were it not for her granite hills, lofty heights, deep dells and hard soil. If she has not been remarkable for growing corn, she has been for producing men. There is something favorable in her climate and atmosphere to yielding full harvests

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of rugged human characters. If they are likely to be somewhat hard and rough, it is in a good sense, showing power of endurance and of overcoming the greatest difficulties. The subject before us is a good illustration of the granite stock. He was of hardy origin and good blood. He was brought up to push for himself ; and he did push, whether sawing wood, or laying stone wall, or studying Colburn's arithmetic, or mastering Murray's grammar. He had a mind of his own and was bound to use it. He made the most he could out of his early school advantages, which were derived from the district school and from a short time in the academy. He seemed resolved upon becoming a teacher in the public schools ; and before he was of age he made his first trial, and with success, which was the beginning of a long series of terms in town and out of town. He soon earned the reputation of being a "thorough teacher." It appears as though more than half of the active men and women in town now were once his scholars.

He has been and is still a thorough Marl- boroughite. He has been connected, more or less, with public affairs for the last forty years ; per- haps, no other man more so. He is now sixty- eight years of age, his birth having occurred April 13, 1816. He has been called to fill all the leading officers in town from that of mod- erator to that of legislator. For many years he has served on the School Board. He has held the office of justice of the peace since 1852. He, no doubt, has written more wills, settled more estates and done more probate business than any other one in town.

He has been a workman at almost any craft ; so he has been one of the most useful men in the village and town to do little and great jobs when peculiar tact and skill were required. He is noted for being accommodating. He has served as sexton for many years.

He has strong religious convictions and has been ready to make sacrifices in their behalf. He was the prime mover and donor in building

the parsonage and improving the church edifice of the Universalist Society. He long acted as Sunday-school superintendent and is still most loyal to his church. He is a stanch temper- ance worker and tobacco hater. He is a man that wants his way, because he feels it is right ; still, he is kind, obliging and evidently desirous to help all. It can be said of him, he is a use- ful man.

NELSON CONVERSE, born October 10, 1810, married Sally M. Jones, September 10, 1829. His mother dying when he was but four years of age, he was placed in the family of a sister, where he remained until grown to manhood. Soon after his marriage he removed to Newport, Vt., and located on a farm. Two years later he returned to Marlborough and engaged in the mill business in company with his brother Gil- man. Losing their mill by fire soon after commencing business, he then turned his atten- tion to book-making for a short time; but, find- ing the business not sufficiently remunerative, he gave it up, and became interested in the man- ufacture and sale of trusses and supporters, which business he continued until the comple- tion of the Cheshire Railroad, when he was ap- pointed station-agent at the Marlborough station. Subsequently he was transferred to the station at Bellows Falls; but, finding the position an undesirable one to occupy, he gave it up and returned to Marlborough, and purchased the residence in the village which he still occupies. He then engaged in the stone-quarrying busi- ness, which he continued on his own account, and as agent for others, for many years, in the mean time purchasing and improving consid- erable real estate.

His first wife dying in 1872, in 1873 he married, for his second, Mrs. Fannie M. Ever- ett, of Fitzwilliam ; for the last ten years he has kept a public-house for the accommodation of travelers, but has sold no intoxicating liq- uors.

Being a person of an active and sanguine temperament in carly life, he naturally took the

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lead in all enterprises of a public character. His military career commenced at the age of sixteen. In 1838, through his instrumentality probably more than that of any other individ- ual, the Marlborough Cadet Company was or- ganized, uniformed and equipped. He soon became its commander, and from thence rose to the command of the Twelfth Regiment of the New Hampshire militia Re-entering the ranks again, he attained the position of major-general of the Third Division of the New Hampshire State Militia. Soon after the breaking out of the Rebellion, in the spring of 1861, he com- menced a weekly drill of all citizens of the town who chose to assemble for that purpose, thus preparing them for the duties of actual service, in case they were called for. In the autumn of that year he was appointed colonel of the Sixth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteers. The regiment was organized at Keene, and left there in December for Wash- ington, and from there was sent to Cape Hat- teras. In consequence of severe and chronic indisposition, he was obliged to relinquish the active duties of the field, and, instead of asking for a furlough and continuing under pay from the government, he adopted the less selfish course, and resigned his commission at once.

He has officiated as moderator in town-meet- ings for many years ; has held the office of se- lectman for three years, declining to serve again when elected ; he represented the town two years in the Legislature, was county commis- sioner for three years, and one of the building committee for erecting the present court-house at Keene. He has also held the office of deputy- sheriff for six years, and was twice unanimously nominated by the county delegation for the office of sheriff of the county, but declined ac- eepting it, and has held the commission of jus- tice of the peace for thirty years. In all these positions his record has been an honorable one to himself and creditable to the town.

As a citizen and neighbor, his sympathies are always with those in trouble, and, conse-

quently, his counsel and advice are oftener so- licited, perhaps, than those of any other indi- vidual in town.

EDWIN DAVIS, son of Jonah and Sarah (Wilkinson) Davis, was born May 8, 1821, under favorable circumstances. His ancestry reaches back to the first settlers of New Eng- land. His father was a man of mental strength, good judgment, and emulous to do good as he had opportunity. His mother was a woman of remarkably good common sense and generous feeling. They were both desir- ous to make the most possible of their only child. So Edwin was fortunately cared for in his early childhood, and at a suitable age was sent to the district school. Being of a genial disposition and full of fun, he was very much of a favorite among his school-mates. He always stood well in his classes. Having mas- tered to some extent the common branches, he left home at the age of fourteen, to attend Mel- ville Academy, in Jaffrey. Now, for several years, he spent most of his time in academies, pursuing the sciences, mathematics, English and classical literature. At the age of seventeen he taught his first school, in Swanzey, N. H. Though a mere boy, he proved himself able to instruct and govern young men and women who were his seniors. For a number of successive winters he taught with commendable success. After this he decided to study for the ministry, and entered upon his theological course under the direction of Rev. William N. Barber, and after- wards continued it under the tuition of Rev. C. Woodhouse. He was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry at the annual session of the New Hampshire Convention of Universal- ists at Winchester, June 19, 1845. His first stated engagement to preach was in his native town, where his labors were crowned with suc- cess. In 1845 he removed to Richmond, N. H., where he remained some five years, living in sight of the birth-place of Hosea Ballou, and preaching in the meeting-house in which that gifted one had proclaimed the gospel of glad

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HISTORY OF CHESHIRE COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

tidings. In 1850 he changed his location to Hinsdale, N. H., taking charge of the Universal- ist society there, and preaching some part of the time in West Brattleborough and Vernon, Vt., in Northfield, Mass., and West Swanzey, N. H. During his settlement here he taught several select schools and devoted considerable time to overseeing the public schools. On account of the death of his father, which occurred on the 24th of March, 1856, he went to Marlborough that same year to reside, for the purpose of aid- ing his bereaved mother and settling his father's estate. Being earnestly solicited, he made an en- gagement with the society there for the second time to supply them with preaching for the year.

In the spring of 1857 he settled in Paper- Mill village, Alstead, N. H., where he re- mained four years, having a very successful ministry, still proving himself a most devoted friend to the cause of education.

In 1861 he had a call to settle in Methuen, Mass., which he accepted. He had already spent some twenty years in the ministry, living all the while in his native county. In this new field of labor he made many warm friends, and served well the society as a faithful, religious teacher. After laboring three years in Methuen, he located in West Acton, Mass., where he or- ganized two societies, one in West and the other in South Acton. He faithfully ministered to these societies for seven years, being instrumen- tal in having a good church edifice built in the West village, and preparing the way for an- other to be built in the South village.

During the centenary year of Universalism in America he was employed by the New Hampshire State Convention to take the lead in raising her quota of money for the Murray fund. In this enterprise he accomplished all that could rightfully be expected. In Decem- ber of 1870 he accepted a call, and settled in Canton, Mass., where he has continued for nearly nine years. During this charge, he has been employed a portion of two years by the Massachusetts Universalist Convention as finan-

cial agent of that body to raise money, and has been successful in securing more than ten thousand dollars. Few men are better adapted to solicit money for a good cause than Mr. Davis. The people feel at once, as he makes an appeal, that he is strictly honest and believes heartily in his cause.

As a writer, Mr. Davis' style is direct, smooth, and somewhat florid. His sermons are quite methodical, and so illustrated as to render them plain and interesting. His published articles have been full of good thought, clearly and tastefully expressed.

He seldom speaks publicly without special preparation, and so he speaks because he has something to say. In manner, he is affable, without the least ostentation or affectation. His voice is expressive of a good head and heart. As a reformer, his trumpet has given no un- certain sound. He has always been a bold ad- vocate of freedom and temperance.

Mr. Davis is very much devoted to his fam- ily, consisting of a wife, a daughter and two sons, one of whom graduated in 1878 from the Medical School of Boston University, is now a practicing physician in Quincy, Mass., and the other is a graduate from Tufts College and Boston Dental College, and is now a successful dentist in Boston.

Mr. Davis never repels, but draws others to- ward him ; so he is a welcome servant of the Lord at the bridal altar, in the sick-room or in the place of deepest sorrow. Marlborough is the better for his being one of her native sons, and the world is better because he is living in it.

HENRY P. TENNEY was born in this town December 26, 1830. He was next to the young- est of five children-one daughter and four sons-of Calvin and Tabitha Baker Tenney. His father was a man of ability, and his mother a woman of sterling character. So, with good blood coursing his veins, and with an almost perfect physique, he started out on life's pil- grimage under favorable auspices. His early home wasclose by the foot of the old Monadnock.

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So, beauty, picturesqueness and sublimity en- compassed him. Gifted with a sunny tempera- ment and a fondness for the beautiful, he revel- ed in his boyhood with delight in the varied scenery about him. The hills and vales and streams and lakes enchanted him. He had not lived long before he knew what hard work meant, for his father was a farmer and tavern- keeper, and was not troubled to find enough for the boys to do. However, he wanted to have them in school when it kept, and was willing they should have seasons of recreation. Now, with Henry, when it was work, it was work, and when it was play, it was play ; he was not wont to do things by halves. When the stint was done or the time for recreation was at hand, how he would hie away to the brooks, the ponds or mountains, bound to have a good time and sure to do his part in bringing it about! His dark eyes would seem to scan everything, and his eager mind would take it all in. Ah ! how he enjoyed fun ! How he would joke and laugh, and yet was tender of the feelings of others ! He developed into a noble-looking youth, with a prominent forehead, a large, dark eye, and. rosy cheeks. He was full of vigor and good cheer. Whether acting the soldier, hoeing corn, fishing for pickerel or spelling in school, he was ambitious to excel. He early exhibited a fond- ness for learning, making the most of his oppor- tunities. As Henry advanced into his teens his parents plainly saw that he was not to be kept on the farm for a life employment. By the time he had seen a decade and a half of years he had exhausted the means of gaining instruction in his own district school. Soon after this he went from home to attend academies, where he became thoroughly fitted for college ; but now his eye-sight failed, and he was forced, much to his regret, to give up his college course. He then devoted himself for some years to teaching in Mettowee Academy, Pawlet, Vt., then in Peterborough Academy, N. H., and afterwards taught the select school in Marlborough. In all these schools he was eminently successful.

Withdrawing from teaching, he visited the far West, and on his return he remained in town for awhile, filling various offices of trust. In 1862 he settled in East Jaffrey, N. H., as clerk in the office of the cotton manufactory of A. Bascom & Co., where he continued for six years, managing the business for the most part. In 1868 he went to Orange, where he entered into mer- cantile trade, and continued up to the time of his death. However, he did not confine himself altogether to his store ; for he still took a deep interest in the cause of education, and served as a most valuable member on the School Board for some ten years. Besides this, he was one of the founders of Orange National Bank and of the Savings Bank, and has been a trustee of the former from its inception, and president of the latter for some years. In all these offices he proved himself a careful, discerning, trusty and strictly reliable man. He was a Mason of high degree, having passed through the different chairs up to the highest, with honor to himself and credit to the order. It can be said of him that he loved the craft and lived its virtues.

As a citizen, he ranked among the foremost, being always desirous to improve and advance the highest interests of his adopted town. He so wrought in its behalf as to leave enduring testimonials behind him.

In 1858 he was married to Julia Caroline Stibbins, of Hinsdale, N. H., a worthy and tal- ented woman. Their home has been an ideal one, blessing and being blessed. They have reared two sons,-one a graduate from Brown University, and the other a clerk in his father's store.

Mr. Tenney, by pneumonia, departed this life April 24, 1885, fifty-four years old, lamented by all who knew him. Townsmen, school chil- dren, Masonic brethren in throngs all united in his funeral obsequies, to bury respectfully the manly form of the noble one whose life proved that he loved God, home and humanity. It must be comforting to kin and friends, standing so close to his transformation, to look back upon

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the way that has been made so bright by him who now reflects only the light of immortality.

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS MCCOLLESTER, M.D., is the son of Silas and Achsah (Holman) McCollester. He first saw light in the easterly part of Marlborough, near the Roxbury line, May 3, 1831. In March, 1836, the family re- moved to the village. From the age of four years to that of ten he attended the district school, which was usually kept two terms a year, of eleven weeks cach. Intelligent and ac- tive in mind and body, at the age of ten years he commenced to work in his father's pail manufactory, and soon exhibited his capability by performing the usual labor of a skilled ar- tisan. His schooling was now limited to the winter term.

In the autumn of 1846 he attended a select school in his own village, taught by two broth- ers, Ransom N. and Royal H. Porter, and sub- sequently received further instruction in the schools and academies in Fitzwilliam, Walpole, Saxton's River and South Woodstock. He was often associated with his brother, Rev. Sul- livan H. MeCollester, as an assistant teacher, and it was under his supervision, mainly, that he effected his preparation for college. In the winter of 1848-49, he taught school in the " Fay Hill " District, in Walpole, and enjoyed the New England experience of " boarding round." The doctor frequently alludes to this portion of his life with pleasure. The intelli- gence, application and interest of the scholars in their school-work, he represents as unequaled in any school with which he has been acquaint- ed. During the two subsequent winters he taught school in the same district. In 1851, he passed an examination and was admitted to the class that graduated in 1853 from the Norwich University, at Norwich, Vt. In 1856 he re- ceived the degree of A.M. from this institution.

After completing his academical course he entered the office of Dr. James Batcheller, of his native town, as a student of medicine. He attended one course of medical lectures at the

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History of Cheshire and Sullivan counties, New Hampshire, Part 45

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