USA > New Hampshire > Cheshire County > Chesterfield > History of Chesterfield, Cheshire county, N.H., from the incorporation of "township number one," by Massachusetts, in 1736, to the year 1881; together with family Histories and genealogies > Part 17
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1849. Selectmen : Alpheus Snow, Moses Dudley, Arad Fletcher. Representatives : Alpheus Snow, John Harris.
1850. Selectmen : Chandler A. Cressey, Oscar Coolidge, Benja-
min Pierce. Representatives : John Harris, David Day.
1851. Selectmen : Warham R. Platts, John M. Richardson, Sum- ner Albee. Representative, David Day.
I852. Selectmen : Joseph C. Goodrich, Arza K. Clark, George Chamberlain. Representatives : Harvey Carlton, Samuel J. Pattridge.
IS53. Selectmen : Arza K. Clark, Alpheus Snow, Joseph C. Goodrich. Representative, Joseph C. Goodrich.
1854. Selectmen : James H. Goodrich, Reuben Porter, Asa Smith. Representative, Joseph C. Goodrich.
IS55. Selectmen : Ebenezer P. Wetherell, Olney Goff, Ransom Farr. Representative, Ara Hamilton.
1856. Selectmen : Arad Fletcher, John Heywood, John M. Rich- ardson. Representative, Otis Amidon.
1858.
1857. Selectmen same as in '56. Representative, Barton Skinner. Selectmen : Arad Fletcher, Richard H. Hopkins, William Clark. Representative, Barton Skinner.
I859. Selectmen same as in '58. Representative, Arad Fletcher. 1860. Selectmen : Rodney Fletcher, Henry O. Coolidge, Truman A. Stoddard. Representative, Arad Fletcher.
IS6I. Selectmen same as in '60. Representative, John M. Rich- ardson.
1862. Selectmen : Rodney Fletcher, Charles C. P. Goodrich, George Goodrich. Representative, John M. Richardson.
1 863. Selectmen : David W. Beckley, Arza K. Clark, Charles C. P. Goodrich. Representative, Charles C. P. Goodrich.
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IS64. Selectmen and representative same as in '63.
1 865. Selectmen : David W. Beckley, Henry O. Coolidge, Levi L. Colburn. Representative, Richard H. Hopkins.
1866. Selectmen and representative same as in '65.
1 867. Selectmen : Henry O. Coolidge, Eli R. Wellington, Fred- erick L. Stone. Representative, Henry O. Coolidge.
IS68. Selectmen : Samuel J. Pattridge, George Goodrich, John
W. Davis. Representative, James H. Goodrich.
1869. Selectmen : George Goodrich, John W. Davis, James H. Goodrich. Representative, James H. Goodrich.
IS70. Selectmen : James H. Goodrich, John B. Fisk, Murray Davis. Representative, Warren Bingham.
IS71. Selectmen : George Goodrich, James H. Goodrich, Murray Davis. Representative, George Goodrich.
I872. Selectmen : Murray Davis, James H. Goodrich, Amos R. Hubbard. Representative, Charles C. P. Goodrich.
IS73. Selectmen : Murray Davis, Amos R. Hubbard, George S. Fletcher. Representative, Gordis D. Harris.
1874. Selectmen : James H. Goodrich, 2d, George S. Fletcher, John W. Davis. Representative, John F. Butler.
1875. Selectmen : James H. Goodrich, 2d, John L. Streeter, George S. Fletcher. Representative, John F. Butler.
IS76. Selectmen : John L. Streeter, Amos R. Hubbard, William Atherton. Representative, John Harris.
IS77. Selectmen : William Atherton, John L. Streeter, George Goodrich. Representative, John Harris.
IS78. Selectmen : William Atherton, Murray Davis, George Goodrich. Representative, Oran E. Randall.
1879. Selectmen : Murray Davis, George Goodrich, David Hol- man. Representative (chosen at the November election, '78), Oran E. Randall.
1 SSo. Selectmen same as in '79.
ISSI. Selectmen : Murray Davis, Larkin D. Farr, David Holman. Representative (chosen at the November election, '80), Mur- ray Davis.
The delegates from Chesterfield to the conventions for revising the constitution of the State, have been as follows :
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In 1791, Eleazer Jackson ; in 1850, Ara Hamilton and Moses Dudley ; in 1876, Jay Jackson.
Dr. Solomon Harvey was the delegate from Chesterfield to the convention that adopted the Federal constitution in 1788. (See p. 105.
WII.D'S ALMANAC.
The first number of Nathan Wild's almanac was evidently pub- lished in 1820, and its publication was continued till his death. (See Family Histories.) In its general arrangement and appear- ance, this almanac was similar to " The Old Farmer's Almanac," established by Robert B. Thomas in 1793.
The name first adopted was, " The Improved New-England Al- manack and Ephemeris ;" but in the course of a few years it was changed to "The Farmer's, Mechanic's and Gentleman's Alma- nack." Not only did Mr. Wild construct the calendars and ephe- merides of his almanac, but, being a practical farmer and surveyor, he also contributed articles for the benefit of persons of like pur- suits.
The "Farmer's Calendar " in the first number (that for 1820) was written by himself. The following extracts are taken from it : "January .- Good morning, my old friend Homestead. Time, that gangs by like a whirlwind, has bro't us to the commencement of 1820, and tho' you and I are more than half through the furrow of life, this new year is happy indeed to us, for it finds each of us in possession of 150 acres of good terra firma, a neat, tidy house, with a contented wife, buxom girls, and fat boys; comfortable barn, well stocked with hay, and cattle bright and trim; our cel- lars well supplied with meat, sauce, butter and cheese, and our garrets with grain, beans, wool and flax. Ah! these, my old neighbor, are the rewards of industry and prudence; an honest, merry heart is a thankful one."
" February .- Well said! Old Boreas has done the job for us now-covered up wood-pile, fences and pig-pen. Come, boys! we'll make the most of his fleecy bounty ; let us be out in the roads, shovelling and beating down paths. Winter is the time to prepare for Spring. See that your farming tools are in order-order is the beauty of business. * * * * These long even- ings you call occasionally upon your minister, and spend an hour or two in ' colloquy divine.' I take it for granted he is a sensible and discreet man, and that you take delight in preparing for the after harvest."
" March .- This is a month of winds and rains and storms. See that your buildings are all tight and warm; look to your pigs and give them a little bed. ding; split out your rails and posts in the dull weather. Don't let your fam. ily be running after fickle, eccentric, ever-changing Fashion. See that your
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sons and your daughters have dress that is neat, tidy and respectable; give them as good an education as you can afford, but do not let them think much of painting landscapes, and such trifling arts when compared with the sub- stantial knowledge required to make them useful and happy."
" April .- Farmers should rise as early and be as steadily engaged as me- chanics; the man that sticks to his business makes money, but idleness is poverty in the end. * * *
" May .-- Time once gone is gone forever. If you don't bestir yourself about your sowing and planting it will soon be too late. There is neighbor Fore- thought in his field with his plow, laying the sidelong furrows while the pearly dew is yet suspended on the tender spray. That's right, neighbor, plough in all the nutriment the silent night sheds upon your soil, but in the meantime have a care for your oxen-let them work within the limits of their strength, and do not half starve them for want of good hay and knobs of corn, or po-
* How charmingly Dame Nature smiles on the hus- tatoes. * bandman, but how sad the lot of him who is doomed to drag out his existence within the confines of a city."
" June .- Hail, thon refreshing breath of morn! thou harbinger of health, who spreadest a cheering mantle athwart the face of nature !- Sow beets and carrots for early use, set cabbages. See that the bugs do not destroy your
vines. * * * Your dairy calls your attention, and if plenty of good butter and cheese be your object, let not your women be fretted and tormented for want of milk pails, cheese-hoops, etc., and perhaps you may find use for a little salt-petre now and then. * * *
" July .- Now men, boys and all hands, is the season for you to be wide- awake; business calls you from your pillows in earnest. If you wish to cut your grass easily and comfortably, be at it while the dew is on, and before the sun pours its direct rays upon you. * * *
** Be cantious how you drink cold water, but more cautious how you drink rum. See that your hay is well dried before putting up, and do not let your boys run away with your reason for the sake of finishing haying early; be diligent and faithful," etc.
" August .- Delays are dangerous this month. Examine your grain often, and as soon as it is ripe be in the midst of it with your sickle, or nature will be taking that which she hath given you, and the fowls of the air will assist her. Pull and secure your flax when the heads are turned yellow. * * "
" September .- There's neighbor Careless has help enough; his boys are cut- ting corn-stalks, and his hogs harvesting his corn and digging his potatoes. Ah! that won't do for a farmer, but he is one of our do-for-the-present-fellows, and must get along as he can. But mark my word for it, his granary will feel the effects of it before the year comes about, and ten to one if his purse don't too. * * "
" October .- Now, boys, if you want music you shall be satisfied; business is the tune, and we have plenty of instruments to play it upon: making cider,
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harvesting corn, picking winter apples, securing garden vegetables, plowing corn-hills, etc., etc. If you want good cider you must pick your apples clean, make them up when mellow and before they are rotten; have the mill clean, keep the cider clean, and have clean casks to put it in. I do not admire a sloven for a cider-maker, nor a slut for a dairy-woman or cook. * * * Look well to your rotting flax if you want peace with your women, for peace in a family is one of the greatest of a man's blessings. * *
" November .- ' Good lack!' cries old Mrs. Lounger, 'husband, I guess you'll get some glass and mend the buttery window.' 'Ah, why, madam?' 'Come here and you may see why; here's our great earthen platter blown down by the northwester, and dashed in a thousand pieces. And while you are about it, I hope you will fasten on the loose clapboards and shingles, and bank the house before the cold creeps into the cellar.' * * * *
Be looking out for a winter school, and prepare for the education of your children by procuring a good school-master, a comfortable school-house, plenty of good fuel, and suitable school-books."
" December .- ' What is the matter, Jim, what are you whimpering for?' says old Farmer Thoughtless. 'Oh dear, pa, the master whipped me dreadfully!' ' Ah! and what did you do?' 'Nothing, pa.' 'Whip you for nothing! then I'll see to the scoundrel; he shan't abuse you for nothing.' But hark ye, Farmer Thoughtless, this won't do; be very cautious how you believe such reports of your school-master; children are not apt. to be willing to own they have done amiss, and you ought not to take part with your children. But if you are convinced the master has done wrong, go to him unknown to your child, and have the affair adjusted peaceably. If you wish to avoid the sher- iff and lawyer, and keep the friendship and confidence of those with whom you deal, come forward promptly and settle your accounts, and ' owe no man anything.' Thus may peace and happiness be your lot."
In an article in the same number of his almanac, entitled " Hints to Surveyors," Mr. Wild used the following language :
" If you intend to give satisfaction to your employers, spare no pains to qualify yourselves for the business, for it is of very great importance that this kind of business be done with the utmost correctness. The next grand re- quisite to self-qualification, is to be furnished with a good set of instruments. Many a poor surveyor has lost the confidence of his employers for the want of nothing but these, and good reason for it; for, after having equipped him- self with, perhaps, his grandfather's compass (the shell of which is made of a scallop squash or a billet of hemlock, the sight-vanes of a cornstalk, the needle of a rusty nail) and a strip of basswood bark for a chain, etc., he is called to run a line for his neighbor; his unfaithful compass leads him astray, so that, when he has done, his employer knows no better where to find his line than before.
But procure you a good set of instruments; get you a compass that will be
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your faithful guide, and follow it with the greatest care: and should the par- ties be at contending variance, hearken to no one but your compass, and, though you run to their disappointment and chagrin, keep your course.
Some men, because their lines vary from their wishes, will pour forth a succession of oatlis and curses as long as their lot-line; but oaths and curses and all the blasts that.can be blown from the polluted jaws of man, cannot waver a good compass or a good conscience. It is a fact, generally well known to those of the art, that the compass-needle does not point directly north, and that it differs in quantity at different times and places. This dif- ference is called the variation of the compass, from which arises the greatest difficulty that a skillful surveyor has to encounter. It is this variation that often creates distrust and suspicion among those who are unacquainted with the circumstance, who generally impute it to a defect in the surveyor or his compass, when in fact both may be good. All that a surveyor can do in this respect, is to observe the variation at different times, by the best possible means, and correct himself accordingly.
The magnetic needle now [May, 1819,] varies a little to the west of north. From celestial observations made by the author, it has been as follows:
DEG.
MIN.
Mean variation in 1813 was
6 6
[W. of N.]
1813 1814
6
6
7
66
66 1816
1817
.6
1818
6 6 6 36 25 17
2 0
Mr. Wild was wont to make his observations for the correction of the magnetic needle, and other purposes, from the summit of the hill situated a short distance from his residence, north of the pres- ent stage-road leading from Factory Village to Keene. On a tree that stood on the farm then owned by him (now owned by Rev. T. L. Fowler) was found not long ago what appeared to be the char- acters of the twelve signs of the zodiac, which had been cut in the bark many years ago.
The present owner of this farm also informs the compiler that, more recently, he has cut a tree bearing the date ISII, and on which the variation of the needle for that year was recorded as being 612 degrees west. On another tree can still be seen the letters "N. R. W."-the initials of the name of his son, Nathan R., who was also a surveyor.
The hill from which Mr. Wild made his observations was occu- pied as a station a few years ago by Prof. Hilgard, of the U. S. Coast Survey.
3
",
1815
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In the number of his almanac for 1822, Mr. Wild had the follow- ing observation :
" It is a circumstance worthy of remark, that the magnetic needle, in this place, was gradually approaching towards a due north direction from the year 1796 to 1818, when it became stationary at about 6 degrees west, and thus remained till the present year (1821), when it again begins to recede westerly."
In the number for 1836 the author published a table showing the mean variation of the needle for each year from 1812 to '34, which table was the result of the author's " own experiments from celes- tial observations and repeated trials, during each year, in Chester- field." According to this table the mean variation of the needle (beginning with the year 1819) was as follows : In 1819, 6° 3' west of north : 1820, 6° o' ; 1821, 6° 7'; 1822, 6° 12' ; 1823. 6° 30' ; IS24, 6° 40' ; 1825, 6° 35'; 1826, 6° 35'; 1827, 6° 45'; 1828, 6º 52' ; 1829, 7º 0' ; 1830, 7º 6' ; 1831, 72 10' ; 1832, 7° 15' ; 1833, 7 30'; 1834, 7° 35'.
Besides the author's own contributions, this almanac contained, also, original ones by Stephen . Streeter, Jr., and others, together with a considerable variety of selected matter. It was the author's intention, according to his own declaration, to admit to its pages nothing that would offend persons of any particular religious sect or political party, and, at the same time, to provide a reasonable amount of amusement for his readers, believing, as he said, " that amusement, fitly used, is not inconsistent with the purest principles of virtue and religion."
THE BARD OF STREETER HILL.
Many a New England town has had its bard, or " rhymer," who has made the incidents and events in its history, or in the lives of its citizens, the subjects of his songs and poems. Such has been the case with Chesterfield, and doubtless no history of the town would be regarded as in any degree complete, by those who were familiar with him, which should fail to preserve from oblivion a few specimens of the more popular and meritorious poetic productions of Stephen Streeter, Junior.
Mr. Streeter was a man of ordinary education, somewhat eccen- tric in his habits, brusk in manners and conversation, and posses- sing a remarkably retentive memory and poignant wit.
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Though naturally kind-hearted, and sympathizing with his fellow- men in their sufferings and afflictions, he could, when his indigna- tion was aroused, express his opinions in a way that the object of his displeasure would not easily forget.
For this reason some of his most popular songs and rhymes can- not be presented here ; while the plot of others being somewhat complicated, they are intelligible only to those who are familiar with the circumstances which called them forth.
At huskings, raisings, and social gatherings, Mr. Streeter was wont to sing the songs that he had composed, and repeat the epi- grams and witty poems that were the delight of his hearers; and many of his best known productions were never committed to writ- ing by himself.
One of Mr. Streeter's favorite songs was entitled
"THE FRAY WITH A BEAR."
"I call the attention of each merry blade; Be still as a mouse, let nothing be said : I'll sing you a song 't will please you to hear, How, lately, two men had a fray with a bear.
CHORUS (repeated after each stanza): To my fol de lol li, tol lu tul larido, etc.
There was one honest Tabor and Sam Estabrooks-
Though not very handsome yet quite clever folks- Lived on Turkey mountain, (I think it was there): They had a terrible fray with a bear.
One day as they were returning from work- 'T was through the thick forest so dreary and dark- One said to the other, 'I'm not without fear That, ere we reach home, we shall meet with a bear.'
While apprehensions and fears were afresh, They heard a loud trampling noise in the brush;
The dog he did bark, and erect stood his hair, And both cried at once, 'Behold, there's a bear!'
' Oh,' then said honest Samuel, ' what must be done? We have no ammunition, nor have we a gun! In sacred devotion we'll both go to prayer, And the good Lord will save ns from this hellish bear!'
' Oh,' then replied Tabor so bold and so stout,
' I've traveled these forests all round and about; I never abandon myself to despair,
Nor shall it be said I've run for a bear!'
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At last they determined their valor to try, The foe to encounter, and conquer or die; Then with their sharp axes they boldly drew near, To perish like men, or vanquish the bear.
Though bears are much given to slaughter and 'pelf,' Yet, seeing two rivals look worse than himself, He sprang to a hemlock, and at them did stare,- Then with great dexterity up went the bear!
Then straightway to chopping our heroes they went; To cut down the hemlock, it was their intent ;-- It bowed its tall head that long waved in the air, And then tumbled down, and the dog caught the bear.
The dog from the battle did flee with defeat; The bear in the forest secured a retreat; Then home with their dog these two heroes did steer, To pluck out the quills of the hog-thorny-bear!"
The preceding song, as well as several others, was written out from memory by a veteran clergyman (aged nearly eighty years) who learned it in his boyhood, and to him the compiler is indebted for it, though he has found several aged persons in the town who could repeat a large portion of it.
Another song, abounding in wit but somewhat lacking in cohe- rency, was called
"THE HUNT."
As given here, half of one stanza has been omitted, and two or three verbal changes made.
" One day, for recreation, Some hunters did advance With guns and ammunition, To try their luck or chance. O'er hills and dales they wander, And war their guns proclaim, Like conq'ring Alexander, On Pierce's flowery plain.
The sun it now was setting,- Which called these sportsmen home, And, through the woods returning, Victoriously they come;
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And Bacchus he descended To cheer their jovial souls- This hunting-day was ended In full and flowing bowls!"
Having succeeded in getting but little game save a common heron, or bittern, the hunters (who were a merchant and physician) decided to have the fowl cooked, not knowing what species of bird it was.
"Curiosity invites them Unto a dish so rare, Like kings and lords of England, Who eat the tender hare.
The fowl was soon dissected, Put on the coals to fry;
No oil could be collected ; The flesh was tough and dry.
' Go get your cheese and butter, Your tankards filled with wine;
This is a royal dinner, Like gentlemen we'll dine!'
' And now we'll ask a blessing Before that we sit down: O Lord, we do entreat thee, Thy favors may abound ; And may it ever please us Thy laws to well obey, And ultimately save us,- And now we'll eat away!'
The merchant grew suspicious : The fowl did relish ill; The meat was not delicious ;- He viewed the legs and bill. The bill was very long, The legs were slim and tall- ' I swear we've eat a heron, Good heavens, Doctor Hall!' "
Our poet once went to Lowell, Mass., to visit some relatives, and on his return described his journey as follows : " To Lowell so fair I first did repair; Four days in that place I did tarry; From Dracut's fair hills I saw the famed mills, While wand'ring with Holland and Harry.
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Then in the car's seat, so snug and so neat, I took my money-bought station;
To old Boston town I quickly rode down, The store-house and mart of our nation.
Many things did I see that well pleas'd me,- The cistern that stores the fresh water;
Likewise I went to the tall monument That points out the Bunker Hill slaughter.
One ev'ning I strayed where the stage-players played, And saw the love-actors in motion; Again I tripped o'er to the Navy Yard shore, To see the keels laid for the ocean.
While wand'ring around, two kindred I found, Whose kindness I grateful remember;
With their children and wives I wish them long lives, And honors on earth without number.
Then to the depot I straightway did go, And paid the master twelve shilling;
Paid no other bill till I hailed Streeter Hill, For that is the place of my dwelling."
Many years ago there stood in the neighborhood of " Christian street" a house that had the reputation of being haunted. It was occupied by a man named Turner, whose aged mother is said to have died for want of proper care. (It cannot, of course, be as- certained now how much truth there was in this report.) After she died the old spinning-wheel, that stood in the attic, was heard to turn nightly : from which circumstance the house was supposed to be haunted. Certain skeptical persons, however, proceeded to inves- tigate the phenomenon, and proved (to their own satisfaction, at least) that the revolutions of the wheel were caused by rats that, for some reason or other, jumped upon it, thus setting it in motion. These circumstances were made the subject of a poem by Mr. Streeter, entitled
"TURNER'S GREAT WHEEL."
Three stanzas of this poem have been omitted as being somewhat obscure. A rat is represented by the poet as saying :
" It was for the crime of base ingratitude, That with their old mother they long had pursued;
They wrongly compelled her to spin and to reel,- And for that very reason I turn their great wheel.
.
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In sickness forlorn and neglected she lies; They heed not hier groans, and regard not her cries; Their souls to perdition in future are sealed, And here I torment them by turning their wheel.
O, great dispensations I find there have been, To serve to admonish the children of men,- The pestilence, famine, and sword sent to kill,- But those did not answer like turning the wheel!
The Jews 'to mount Sinai once did repair, Their laws in the voice of loud thunder to hear; With horror they heard each tremendous peal,- But that did not answer like turning the wheel!
I'll not dwell in heaven, that mansion of light: Obscured by the darknees, it is my delight; And neither shall hell burn off my long tail- I will not go so far to turn the great wheel!
Young people, attend in the days of your youth ; I will teach you the precepts of wisdom and truth, And, if with all men you uprightly will deal, I will not eat your turnips, nor turn your great wheel!
But if you persist in rebellion and sin, You will find many cobs and much chaff in your bin; Your bags I will gnaw, and your cream I will steal, And if that will not answer, I'll turn your great wheel !
If all of Mr. Streeter's poems could be gathered into a volume they would doubtless fill a pretty large one ; in fact, the impromptu " rhymes" alone which he made for the amusement of young per- sons would occupy a good portion of such a volume.
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