History of Cheshire and Sullivan counties, New Hampshire, Part 82

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 82
USA > New Hampshire > Cheshire County > History of Cheshire and Sullivan counties, New Hampshire > Part 82

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).

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which rested a trestle of woodwork, support- ing the bridge. It was completed in the spring of 1812, and cost, including the land and franchise, $7945.39. In the spring of 1813, by reason of the ice freezing to the trestles, a rise of water lifted the same, which did not settle aright, and the structure fell a mass of ruins. It was rebuilt in 1814. In 1820 an elephant was forced by piking to cross the river upon this bridge. He had nearly reached the end upon the east side, when a portion of the bridge, being somewhat decayed, gave way, and the poor beast fell with a despairing wail, that sounded high above the crash of timbers ; but he caught his trunk around some of the under-braces, which were fast, and there in mid-air he held on, all the time uttering the most piercing shrieks of fright; but this was of short duration ; his strength could not long support his pondrous weight, and he fell to the rocks beneath ; his back was broken, but life remained for a few days. The name of his driver was Roblin. He was killed. The ele- phant's skin was stuffed, and belongs to the Boston Museum. The bridge was repaired, but was soon washed away by a February freshet. It has never been rebuilt. In 1830 a bridge was built across the river about one mile above the Ferry, which proved to be a temporary affair.

The year 1816 is memorable as the " cold year." Attending each month, excepting Au- gust, was a hard frost. On the 9th of June there was a snow-storm that extended to the sea-coast even. Very little corn was raised, and that of the poorest quality. Pigeons were very plenty, and furnished most of the meat for the inhabitants, who were in straitened circum- stances for food. Fodder was so scarce that cattle were by some turned into the forest and compelled to browse for their living.

From the older citizens we learn that the year 1826 was noted as the "grasshopper year." Early in summer the ground was covered, the air filled with this loathsome insect. They

ruined the hay and ont-crops, but, the autumn being favorable, a good crop of aftermath was secured, and our farmers were enabled to winter a portion of their stock. The other portion was sacrificed through necessity. Cows were sold for five dollars ; others were so reduced in flesh that they were slaughtered for their hides.

In 1831 much interest was awakened all along the river towns in the experiment of steam- boating upon the Upper Connecticut. At this time the amount of boating between the upper towns and Hartford and New York was con- siderable.

It was carried on by flat-boats fitted with sails. In time of no wind long ropes or " tow- lines " were thrown to men upon the shore, who " towed " the boat along the stream. This was a laborious work. There was an universal desire for something better; accordingly, the " John Ledyard " was fitted up at Springfield, Mass., to make the experiment of steam navi- gation. As this steamer proceeded on its voyage up the river its sight was welcomed with hearty demonstrations of favor. The inhabitants gathered upon the banks of the river to view the boat with hopeful curiosity. But these hopes were destined to disappointment, for the experiences of one season in backing off the numerous sand-bars were sufficient to demon- strate that steamboating upon the Upper Con- necticut was impracticable.

The year 1833 is spoken of on account of its wonderful display of celestial fire-works. On the 13th of November, from two o'clock until daylight, for three hours, the heavens were resplendent with myriad shooting stars, all emanating from near the zenith and following the arch of the sky. Some are represented to be as large as the moon, others but faint streaks of light. Its effect upon the people was curious ; some were impressed that the end of the world had come, some were excited to excessive relig- ious fervor, some were trembling with terror and others yielded to worldly abandonment. This year witnessed the culmination of a long con-

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HISTORY OF CHESHIRE COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

tention over the Mill Brook highway. The selectmen upon petition had refused to lay out this road, whereupon its friends called upon the " Courts Committee," who had granted it. The town, nevertheless, at a meeting had by vote refused to build it, and by this action succeeded in being fined by the court. Thus being driven to the wall, the town chose Abijah French and Aaron Works a committee to let out the build- ing of the road and also to superintend its con- struction ; but they raised no money for this object. But the road was soon built by Simeon Cobb, for some $1.50 per rod.

In 1834 the town voted to borrow seven hundred dollars to complete the road.

In 1783 the public feeling was very strongly opposed to Quakerism, as wefind, September 4th, the town voting " that no Shaking Quaker be allowed to stay in this town one night, except at a public-house, and chose a committee of fifteen persons to see that the vote was put into execu- tion." Exception was made to inhabitants of the town who might entertain this faith ; their number was few, however.

Previous to 1787 no warrant for an annual town-meeting was considered to be complete without an article relating to swine. Generally the vote was to allow swine to run at large, provided " that they be yoked and ringed ac- cording to law." To the traveler it was no uncommon sight to see his swineship upon the highway bearing the insignia of the law, his patent of nobility.

In 1821 the town voted " that no swine be permitted to run at large in town, only such as the Wisdom of the Selectmen may permit."

In 1822 the town forbid by vote to allow swine to run at large.

January 23, 1782, the town voted "to pay a bounty until July 5th, of one shilling for killing an old crow and six pence for young crow that cannot fly " and " four pence per head for grown black-birds."

About the year 1781, as Joshua Pierce was walking through the woods near the Gline

Cemetery, in the shade of the evening, he was suddenly surprised by a bear close by his side. As Pierce was unarmed and Bruin seemed dis- posed to cultivate too intimate an acquaintance by walking upright, with four legs extended, as if desirous for an embrace that might not partake of the propriety of friendship, Pierce swung himself by means of the overhanging limbs into a tree-top and just escaped the enraged beast. He was forced all the long hours of night, however, to play the part of the prisoner until the approach of daylight, when Bruin, tired of his assumed role of guard, de- parted into the forest, and Pierce returned to his alarmed family. In after-years Pierce was wont to talk of this night as the longest with- in his experience. From the Recorder, a news- paper printed at Keene, bearing date of De- eember 30, 1788, we cull the following item :

" We hear from Westmoreland that as a person was working in a field in that town last Friday, that he was surrounded by seven wolves, but receiving im -. mediate assistance, he escaped their devouring jaws."

Mr. and Mrs. Caleb Aldrich came from Abington, Mass., in 1768 or 1770, and were among the first settlers in the East Parish. Their place for many years was owned and occupied by a worthy descendant, Arvin Ald- rich, Esq. Mrs. Aldrich brought in her pocket some pear-seeds, which she planted, and thus raised the first pear-trees in town. It is related, that one day, while visiting with a Mrs. Wood- ward a neighbor, who had called upon her, they were startled by an unusual uproar in the pig- sty. The women hastened to ascertain the cause, and were surprised at the sight of a huge bear in pursuit of porcine. Upon seeing the women Bruin retreated toward the hill to the eastward, followed by the intrepid women, who had seized the musket that always hung over the door of the carly settler. But Bruin succeeded in elnding his pursuers, who were forced to return unsuccessful. Her husband upon his return informed them that the gun had no lock.

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From the Sentinel of July 22, 1815, we find the following relating to General Aldrich :

"About the year 1760, Gen. George Aldrich, while hunting deer in the winter-time, upon snow-shoes, had an engagement with an enraged buck, which had furiously attacked him after he had thrown his hatchet and missed his object. Aldrich had no other weapon, upon losing his hatchet, than his stout staff; this he used so effectively that he succeeded in killing his adversary without receiving any very serious injury to his own person.

"Soon after, while returning home from hunting, he lodged the contents of his musket in the body of a catamount, which turned upon him full of fury ; but, fortunately having another bullet in his mouth, he had presence of mind to charge from his powder- horn and drop in a bullet, with one stamp of the breech carried the ball home and at the same time primed the piece. The ball was lodged in the head of the animal almost at the instant he was ready to leap upon his prey.

"At another time his dog attacked a large moose. Knowing by the dog's barking that he had game of some kind, he proceeded, with his axe in his hand, to ascertain its nature. On seeing him the moose left the dog and made directly for him. His only resource was to ascend a tree which had fallen across another and which was near at hand. When the moose had got within two rods he threw his axe Indian fashion, which, turning once, lodged in the neck of the animal, which instantly fell and bled to death."

CONCLUSION .- In preparing this article I have been actuated by the desire to save from oblivion some of the more important events in the history of my native town of Westmore- land. My work is now ended, but far from finished. The many duties pertaining to an active business life engross my time and strength. Yet I would linger a moment to ex- press the hope that, some time in the future, some one with a more facile pen and more time at com- mand may pursue the theme of our local his- tory with profounder study and with deeper research, stimulated, encouraged by public spirit to publish its fruitage in a more complete form, and here I would express my grateful acknowl- edgments to all who, in the years past, have illumined the way with kindly words and assisting hands, and especially to Colonel D. W.

Patten I owe my grateful acknowledgments for his helpful kindness, and to Hon. I. W. Hammond, the accomplished State historian, whose services have been to me invaluable.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

CHAMBERLAIN FAMILY.

The Chamberlain family are of ancient origin and English descent, their ancestors bearing a coat-of-arms. Their lineage can be traced as far back as 1620, their first ancestor having come over in the "Mayflower," bearing the name of John Chamberlain. September 26, 1764, one of his descendants, named Thomas Chamberlain, with six others, names unknown, came to West- moreland, N. H., and united in signing the Church Covenant, the first step taken toward forming a Congregational Church in that place, they afterward uniting with the same. John Chamberlain, one of the original grantees of that town, was born in Newton, Mass .; married Eunice Edson, September 17, 1767. His fourth son, John, was born August 13, 1773; married Lydia Brown, of West- moreland, October 6, 1796. She had a print costing a dollar a yard for her wed- ding-dress ; afterward, thinking it a sign that she would always be poor to be married in so costly a dress, she chose one of her own spinning and weaving; but he wore a suit of blue broad- cloth, knee pants with silver buckles and long silk stockings. The only one left of this gen- eration is their youngest daughter, Mary P. Chamberlain, born May 5, 1818, who married John B. Osborne, of Westmoreland, and is now living on the same place where she was born, in Westmoreland. Their oldest son, John, born November 7, 1800; married, in 1821, Mary Hall, of Westmoreland. She died February 16, 1826, leaving one son, John, who died about the age of two years. These gener-

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HISTORY OF CHESHIRE COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

ations were all agriculturists and lived in the eastern part of Westmoreland, on the ancestral acres. He married, second, December 1, 1826, Caroline F. Farrar, born in Shirley, Mass., May 14, 1803. They lived in Westmoreland until 1849, when they moved to Keene, N. H. He died there October 13, 1875. He was a well- read man, deeply interested in all political and public questions. She died at Niagara Falls April 13, 1876. Their descendants are as fol- lows: John Adams Chamberlain, born Septem- ber 9, 1827, was the sixth in a direct line bearing the name of John Chamberlain. He always lived in Westmoreland, held many important offices of honor and trust in town and State which he never failed to fill with rare fidelity and was always prompt and punctual to the moment in all his engagements. He married January 1, 1852, Almira A. French, of West- moreland. He died April 29, 1880.

Descendants,-Ella Maria, born October 9, 1853; married, December 25, 1878, Allen A. Barker, of Westmoreland. Descendant,-An- na Mabel, born July 3, 1885.

Arthur French, born August 15, 1857; mar- ried, July 2, 1884, Lessie A. McChesney, of Detroit, Mich.

Anna Cora, born January 25, 1859.

Carrie Belle, born March 12, 1861 ; married, October 31, 1883, John G. Stearns, of Keene. Descendant-Perry Chamberlain Stearns, born March 12, 1885.

Helen Mar. Chamberlain, born March 7, 1829 ; married, October 10, 1850. Albert Nash, of Keene ; reside at Niagara Falls. De- scendants,-Carrie Helen, born January 28, 1857 ; married, December 17, 1885, James M. Merritt of Niagara Falls, N. Y. Nina Belle, born June 28, 1865.

Catherine F. M. Chamberlain, born February 24, 1831 ; married, September 9, 1851, Hiram M. Howard, of Swanzey, N. II. He died at his home, Niagara Falls, June 19, 1880. De- scendants,-Louisa Maria, born in Keene, July 13, 1852 ; died in Minneapolis, Minn., Novem-

ber 4, 1872; Jennie Frances, born in Swanzey, February 24, 1856; died at Niagara Falls, February 7, 1880; Helen Williams, born at Niagara Falls, July 31, 1866.

Adelaide L. Chamberlain, born February 10, 1833 ; married, November 8, 1853, David B. Stearns, of Keene ; reside in Keene. Descend- ants,-Helen Semira, born September 5, 1855; married, August 1, 1877, Dallas M. Pollard, of Chester, Vt. Descendants,-Margaret Ade- laide Pollard, born November 23, 1878 ; Ro- land Stearns Pollard, born May 19, 1881.

Ellis R. D. Stearns, born August 27, 1857. Jotham Fred. Stearns, born August 17, 1864.

Osburn Edson Chamberlain, born October 30, 1834; married, April 18, 1861, Lucie Up- ton, of Rochester, N. Y ; reside in Rochester. Descendants,-Mary Belle, born January 22, 1862 ; Carrie Helen, born January 29, 1865, died April 2, 1869; Addie Laura, born July 14, 1867, died March 9, 1869 ; Osburn Edson, born September 23, 1870; Laura May, born November 28, 1873; John David, born May 4, 1875; Lillie Minnie, born October 31, 1881 ; Frank Shaw, born May 17, 1884.

George P. F. Chamberlain, born August 26, 1836; married, October 12, 1865, Jennie E. Hayden, of Rochester, N. Y. He died at Niagara Falls, March 3, 1871. She died at Rochester, June 18, 1878, leaving three chil- dren,-Helen Josephine, born August 31, 1867 ; George Hayden, born February 28, 1869 ; Noel Byron, born December 28, 1870.

Caroline C. Chamberlain, born March 18, 1839; married, August 26, 1862, Almon Bolster, of Jaffrey ; reside in Keene. Descend- ants, - Lilian Adelaide, born December 27, 1866; Mabel Frances, born March 24, 1871.

Isabel J. Chamberlain, born JJuly 12, 1841 ; married, January 2, 1862, Josiah C. Richardson, of Keene; reside in Jackson, Mich. Descend- ants, Leon Josiah, born February 22, 1868 ; Isabel Florence, born November 5, 1869, died June 23, 1876; Arthur Howard, born January 16, 1879.

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Noel Byron Chamberlain, born August 11, 1843, enlisted in the Ninth New Hampshire Reg- iment of the War of 1861, and served to its close ; married, February 18, 1873, Delia Brigham Clarke, of Fredonia, N. Y .; reside in Buffalo, N. Y. Descendants,-Eleanor Risley, born May 30, 1879, died July 14, 1881.

Frederic Delmer Chamberlain, born June 16, 1845, died September 1, 1849.

Marion Lucia Chamberlain, born December 29, 1847, died September 9, 1849.

GENEALOGY OF THE FRENCH FAMILY.1

First generation,-John and Grace French. John, born 1612; admitted as a freeman in Dorchester, Mass., 1639.

Second generation,-Thomas and Elizabeth.

Thomas, their seventh son, born in Brain- tree, Mass., January, 1657 ; married Elizabeth -; they had ten children.

Third generation,-Abijah French, seventh child of Thomas French, born May 25, 1709, married Johanna Holbrook born December 21, 1712.

Descendants : Mary French, born July 22, 1736 ; Jesse French, born December 15, 1737; Josiah French, born September 10, 1739 ; Abijah French, born February 14, 1741; Sarah French, born October 13, 1748; Lois and Eunice French, born June 2, 1750; Joanna French, born August 23, 1752.

Fourth generation,-David French, born December 7, 1755, died February 19, 1836.

In Milford Mass., David French, son of Abijah French, married, in 1777, Lydia Twitch- ell, born in Milford, September 18, 1760 ; died in Westmoreland, N. H., April 4, 1798.

They had eight children,-six sons and two danghters,-

Sally, born December 21, 1779, married Mr. Lincoln, died June 30, 1807 ; Zeba, born June 28, 1781, married Martha Partridge, died Oc-

tober 16, 1853, Bethel, Vt. ; Asaph, born June 25, 1784, married Pede Partridge, died Angust 19, 1860, Royalton, Vt .; Lotty, born August 12, 1786, married Asa Partridge, died July 5, 1861, Stockbridge, Vt.

Fifth generation,-Abijah, born June 2, 1789, married Azubah Albee, died May 13, 1862, Westmoreland N. H .; Maynard, born October 29, 1791, married Clarissa Pollard, died May 7, 1874, Barre, Vt. ; David, born Feb- ruary 16, 1794, married Delia French, died August 14, 1864, Barre, Vt. ; Spencer, born July 6, 1796, married Lorena Chamberlain, died July 29, 1875, Gaysville, Vt.

David French married for his second wife Hannah White, of Westmoreland, born October 3, 1777, married September 10, 1799, died January 27, 1857.

They had eight children,-seven daughters and one son,-

Lydia, born April 27, 1800, married Mr. Stephen Rust, died January 28, 1824; Lois, born November 28, 1801, married Mr. Augus- tus Carroll; Ritte, born April 26, 1804, mar- ried Thaddeus Streeter, died December 4, 1863; Samuel, born July 13, 1806, died December 24, 1824, Westmoreland, N. H .; Sally, born Feb- ruary 24, 1809, married Daniel Patten, Keene, N. H. ; Dinah, born May 6, 1811, married Oren Woods, died December 21, 1850, Keene, N. H .; Harriett, born September 7, 1814, married Ronalds Leonard, Brattleborough, Vt. ; Mar- tha, born January 22, 1823, married Daniel Wheeler, died May 16, 1862, Bernardston, Mass.

Abijah French, son of David French, in Westmoreland, December 15, 1814, by Rev. Allen Pratt, married Azubah, daughter of Ich- abod and Lona Albee.

They had ten children,-five sons and five danghters,-

Infant daughter, born December 21, 1816, died December 21, 1816; infant daughter, born July 23, 1818, died July 23, 1818 ; Lira Ann French, born January 4, 1821, died Feb- ruary 15, 1821 ; Jotham Abijah, born July 22,

1 Collected and arranged from authentic family records and other sources by J. A. French, of Keene, N. H.

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HISTORY OF CHESHIRE COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

1822, died April 25, 1825 ; Spencer Lincoln, born June 30, 1824, died October 1, 1827; infant son, born September 16, 1826, died Sep- tember 16, 1826 ; Almira Azubah, born Octo- ber 14, 1828 ; Madison, born December 19, 1830, died February 13, 1831 ; Eunice Mariah, born January 30, 1832, died November 21, 1848.

Sixth generation,-Jotham Abijah, born April 25, 1834.

Married in Westmoreland, January 1, 1852, at nine A.M. by Rev. Stephen Rogers, John Adams Chamberlain and Almira A. French.

Seventh generation, - Descendants : Ella Maria, born October 9, 1853, married Allen Barker, of Westmoreland, December 24, 1879 ; Arthur French, born August 15, 1857, married Lessie McChesney, of Detroit, July 2, 1884; Anna Cora, born January 25, 1859 ; Carrie Belle, born March 12, 1861, married John G. Stearns, of Keene, October 31, 1883.

Married in Westmoreland, N. H., at eight P.M. October 31, 1883, by Rev. T. L. Fowler, John G. Stearns, of Keene, and Carrie B. Chamberlain, of Westmoreland.

Eighth generation, - Descendant : Perry Chamberlain, born March 12, 1885.

Married in Milford, Mass., September 20, 1866, Thursday, at two P.M. by Rev. James B. Thornton, Jotham A. French, of Keene, N. H., and Mary A. Ellis, daughter of Washing- ton and Amanda (Howard) Ellis, of Milford.

Seventh generation, - Descendants: Gertie Maria, born August 4, 1868, died December 22, 1878 ; Bessie Mabel, born July 25, 1871; Mary Bertha, born March 25, 1880.

Married, Allen A. Barker and Ella Maria Chamberlain, December 24, 1879.

Descendant : Anna Mabel, born July 3, 1885.

ABIJAH FRENCH.

History is the resume of the lives and events which are to-day among the things of the pres- ent, to-morrow those of the past, and in his- tory mention should be made of those whose

personal qualities, business enterprise and moral worth have contributed to the wealth, knowledge and welfare of the community in which they lived, and to this number belongs Abijah French, of Westmoreland.

The first American ancestors of this family were John and Grace French,-John, (1) born 1612. He emigrated to Dorchester, Mass., from England, prior to 1639, as he was admitted free- man that year. He afterwards, 1648, removed to Braintree, where he passed his life. His seventh child, Thomas, born January 17, 1657, married Elizabeth -, about 1695. Their seventh child, Abijah, married Johanna Hol- brook. Of their nine children, David was the youngest. He married Lydia Twitchell, of Milford, Mass. He was a farmer, and fore- seeing future success and a better field for his labor in developing the new lands in the upper Connecticut Valley, he removed to Westmore- land, N. H., in 1788, purchased lands and be- came an agriculturist. In that period of our country's history the means of locomotion were few and slow, and the moving was done with an ox-team. But David French possessed the true spirit of the typical New England farmer and pioneer, and although the country where he was to make his home was almost a prime- val wilderness, his pluek, persisteney and per- severance soon accomplished the work of clear- ing a piece of land, erecting a dwelling-house and bringing his farm into a good state of cul- tivation. It is now occupied by his descend- ants, and is situated midway between West- moreland South village and Chesterfield Fac- tory village. His first wife, by whom he had eight children, died April 4, 1798, and he married, second, September 10, 1799, Hannah White, of Westmoreland. They had eight children. David French was a vigorous, stal- wart, positive man, and with his industry and other good qualities, it is no wonder that he acquired success, as well as a good name.

Abijah French, son of David and Lydia (Twitchell) French, was born on the homestead

Alijah French

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in Westmoreland N. H., when everything was in a primitive state, and the country but sparsely settled. The facilities for educational advantages were few and rare,-the school-house a rough structure with slab seats, the school term limit- ed to a few months in the winter, when the farmer could not pursue his labor in the field. He was trained to work when a boy, and ac- quired those habits of industry, prudence and economy to which his success in life was mainly due. He remained with his parents until his majority ; then, contemplating marriage, he be- gan a house for himself, but, war being declared with Great Britain in 1812, he boarded up the windows of the yet unfinished honse, and prepared to go to war. He did not go, however, as he was not drafted, so he finished his house and married, December 15, 1814, Azubah, daughter of Ichabod and Lona (Hayward) Albee. Mr. French carried on farming, car- ing for his father and mother in their declining years, and succeeded to the homestead. He also owned a saw-mill, which his father had erected on a convenient mill privilege, and which for those days, before the era of many improvements and convenient machinery, did a wonderful work. The mill could be started on a log, the automatic machinery would set itself, and, without further aid, cut the whole log into lumber. He sawed lumber, drew it to the Connecticut River, and rafted it to Hartford and other places. This he continued for many years. In winter he drove his team to Boston, carrying his own produce and bringing in ex- change supplies for his own and neighbors' use. He kept things moving in every direc- tion that his ingenuity could devise, eating not the food of idleness, but gaining his bread by the sweat of his brow, and hence it was sweet and he knew how to estimate it. He was always a successful worker, a producer, not a mere consumer, and the example of such a man is provocative of force, industry and gen- eral prosperity in the community where he lives. In all matters of business he not only labored

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History of Cheshire and Sullivan counties, New Hampshire, Part 82

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