History of Coos County, New Hampshire, Part 101

Author: Merrill, Georgia Drew
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Syracuse [N.Y.] : W. A. Fergusson
Number of Pages: 1194

USA > New Hampshire > Coos County > History of Coos County, New Hampshire > Part 101

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Representatives to the General Court .- Ransom Twitchell, 1831, 1835, classed; Peter Walker, 1839, classed; Amos Green, 1843, classed: Joshua Parker, 1845, 1850, classed; Peter Wheeler. 1849, classed; Hiram T. Elling- wood, 1852, classed; Ozmon M. Twitchell, 1854-55; Chase E. Parker, 1856-57; Samuel F. Mathers, 1858-59; Columbus Lane, 1860-61; Charles E. Phipps, 1862-63: George T. Roberts, 1864-65; Cyrus D. Hamlin, 1866, 1878: Moses Hodgdon, Jr., 1867, 1869; Abner Keith, 1868; Charles W. Hodgdon, 1870-71; Freeland Hutchin- son. 1872-73: Lorenzo P'. Adley, 1874-75: Adams Twitchel, 1876: Peter A. G. W. Phipps, 1877; Burleigh Roberts, 1879: Voted not to send, 1880; George W. Page, 1882; James M. Phipps, * 1884: Alvinza A. Higgins, t 1884: Dennis B. York, 1886.

CHAPTER CI.

Mills-Milan Mine-Business Interests.

FC IRST Mills in Milan .- Early in this century, probably before the War of 1812, a mill was erected by one Eames who received a grant of land from the proprietors for doing so. It consisted of a primi- tive saw-mill with an " up-and-down " saw with a wooden crank, and a grist-mill with stones about as large as grindstones. How they were transported hither tradition fails to tell. This mill stood near Milan Water Station, now Copperville, and cut out quite an amount of lumber, and was quite a benefit to the scattering settlers. William Leighton, who came to Dummer in 1812, shortly after built a barn, and had the roof- boards sawed at this mill. Much of the way there was no road. and the boards were carried on the roadless portion up the hill on the backs of men, who received a glass of rum for each board brought up. The old mill. its owners, and its patrons have long since gone to decay, only the mill-stones remaining to excite the imagination of the wondering individual who finds them in their brush-surrounding resting place.

The first mill on the Ammonoosuc was built as early as 1835 on lot 7, range 3. first division, by a company consisting of Henry Snow, of Effing- ham, Dr. Loren Hildreth, and one Roberts, of Parsonsfield, Me. This was first conducted by Mr. Snow, afterward by Anthony Nay, and, during

*Deceased. fElected to fill vacancy.

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1838 or '39, the property was sold to Amos Green, of Berlin, who rebuilt the mill on a larger scale. He carried it on until the California fever broke ont, when, leaving it in the charge of his son George A., (who, it is said, made more money out of it than did his father. ) in 1850, he went to Cal- ifornia. In 1855 Alvinza A. Higgins, of Saco. Me .. purchased it from Tasker & Boyd, who then had the property. He soon sold an interest to his brother, Reuben W., and they jointly condneted business here until the death of the latter, in June, 1884. since which time A. A. Higgins has been proprietor. In August. 1557, occurred a terrible thunder-storm, which raised the river seven feet within six hours, swept off the mills, and caused other great destruction. The mill was at once rebuilt. It con- tains now a rotary saw, an edger, a shingle-machine, and a grist mill. It manufactures from 1,500,000 to 2,000,000 of lumber per annum, and em- ploys from twenty to twenty-five men.

Alfred N. Twitchell, in 1-68, with others, built and run in Milan the first steam starch-mill in operation in New Hampshire. He continued in this till 1$75.

Milan Mine .- In August, 1577, Nathan Fogg, while haying, went to the small stream, called " William Fogg brook." to get a drink, and saw something glittering on the bottom in an apparently metallic vein of about four feet in width. He soon blasted in the rock containing the vein near the stream, sent specimens to Prof Huntington at Hanover, and had him come and examine the place. Prof. H. found. by assaying, sas gold, four ounces of silver, fifteen per cent. copper, and a trace of lead, to the ton. The land was bonded to one Zalmon Taylor, who sunk a shaft twenty feet. but did not develop further. It was then leased and bonded successively to Charles H. Souther and D. F. Leavitt, who did not do much work. In 1881 Mr. Fogg sold the mine to Hanson Gregory, Jr., for $7,500; he operated it for some time, and sold to Boston and Portland parties, who erected buildings, employed from sixty five to seventy men during last and 's5, and accomplished much work.

The vein was followed about fifty rods and to a depth of 200 feet. The richer metals diminished in quantity as the shaft left the surface: copper became the chief metal in the vein, exhibited chiefly as a sulphuret. The sulphur formed an important element of profit in working the mine, and, on account of its low value, the work was stopped in the fall of 1586.

Business Interests. Previous to 1538 the inhabitants of Milan were obliged to go to Shelburne or Lancaster for all " store " goods used. Some of the first settlers made the trip to Shelburne and back on foot in a day, bringing a load of from fifty to seventy five pounds. They used to make considerable potash, shaved pine shingles, etc .. carry them to Harrison. Me., or to Portland with an ox-team, bringing back supplies: the most im- portant of which was a generous supply of old New England rum. A

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barrel of rum was calculated to be of as much value in a family in a year as a good cow. About 1-3> Ransom Twitchell commenced keeping a small assortment of goods in his house which he continued until 1844. Israel P. Green was in trade from 1844 to 1846, when he sold out to Fordyce Bur- bank, who took in as partner. John Hamlin. In 1547 the store was burned and their business closed up. From 1847 to 1850 Jacob & Hiram T. Elling- wood kept a store in connection with their potash business. About 1850 Davis, Frasier & Co., (Abner Davis, John L. Frasier and Fred A. Crafts,) formed a partnership. In 1851 Mr. Frasier sold out his interest to his partners, the firm being " Davis & Crafts"; in 1852 Mr. Crafts sold his in- terest to Merrill C. Forist, firm "Davis & Forist." In 1854 or '53 they sold out to David Meserve, who continued in trade until 1865 or '66; the last year of his business he had associated with him Solomon J. Hayward, firm name " Meserve & Hayward." In 1852 a new firm entered the mer- cantile business-Adams Twitchel and James M. Phipps-continuing until 1856, when they sold out to "Bickford, Wheeler & Davis" (Sullivan T. Bickford. Franklin Wheeler and Columbus Davis). In 1858 they disposed of their interest to " J. A. & J. W. Greenlaw, " who continued until 1861. In 1863 "Wardwell & Paine" (Charles A. Wardwell and Gardiner C. Paine) began trade in the store formerly occupied by the Greenlaws. In 1866 Mr. Paine sold his interest to Theodore Morin. The next fall Mr. Wardwell disposed of his interest to Columbus Lane, firm "Morin & Lane." In 1869 Mr. Lane bought out Mr. Morin and continued in trade alone until 1874 when he closed up his business and moved away. In 1863 Samuel E. Paine built a small store on the site now occupied by A. Blake and occupied it until 1866, when he sold to Cyrus D. & Charles H. Hamlin. In 1567 they sold to George G. Gates, who remained until 1872, when he sold out to Alfred N. and Ransom A. Twitchell. After a few months Ransom A. sold his interest to George W. Page (firm name "Twitchell & Page"). In the spring of 1874 their store was burned, and the goods saved were sold to the firm of "York & Twitchell, " (Dennis B. York and Ransom A. Twitchell, ) who continued in partnership until 1881 when Mr. Twitchell sold to Mr. York who is still in business.

In 1868 John W. Greenlaw built the store now occupied by George E. Dale. It was used by various parties for different purposes. Appleton Blake commenced trade there about 1872 or '73 and occupied it until he moved into the store where he now is. In 1866 Daniel & Jabez P. Evans began merchandising in the old Greenlaw store, but were burned out in the spring of 1867, thus closing their business. In 1868 the firm of J. M. Phipps & Co. bought the building now owned by S. A. Collins, fitted it up and commenced trade, the firm consisting of James M. and Peter A. G. W. Phipps and Cyrus D. Hamlin. After about two months Mr. Hamlin sold his interest to his partners, who, in 1874, took in James S. Phipps as

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partner; they continued business until 1878 when they sold out to George E. Dale, who still continues in business.

About 1876 a "Grange " of the Patrons of Husbandry was organized in town, and the scheme of co-operative trade was tried. For several reasons it was a failure and finally ended in the organization of the firm of W. A. Willis & Co., (William A. Willis, Carleton W. Muzzy, Charles P. Bickford and Sullivan T. Bickford, ) who continued in business until 1884. In 1884 Henry L. Steinfeld occupied the store vacated by W. A. Willis & Co. and is still in trade.

C. Williamson is postmaster at Milan.

West Mitan. Merchants, Etc .- The first regular store was opened at West Milan by Ezra Horn, about the year 1850, when the Grand Trunk railway was being built. In 1857 Simon Cole commenced trade in the store opposite the railroad station, and continued until 1860, when he sold out to his son, Lewis H. Cole, who built the store now occupied by Roberts & Forbush, and in 1865 disposed of his business to Edwin W. Wilkinson, who closed out in 1869 and moved to Groveton. In 1870 Hutchinson & Morin (Freeland Hutchinson and Theodore Morin) occupied the same store. They continued three years; in 1874 Mr. Morin sold out to Mr. Hutchinson. In 1874 or '75 Mr. Hutchinson sold out to Blanchard Bros. (George W .. Charles N., and Fred H.,) and the next year Charles N. sold to his part- ners, and the firm name became "G. W. & F. H. Blanchard " until 1879, when the partnership was dissolved. In the year 1860 O. H. Nay com- menced business in the store below the depot; he continued in trade until 1874 or '75, and has not done much since. In 1880 Fred H. Blanchard occupied the store formerly owned by O. H. Nay, and, with the exception of a few months, has occupied it ever since. Between Mr. Nay and Mr. Blanchard the building was occupied by a Mr. Bisbee. and by " True, Lover- ing & Co." for a short time. About 1870 Mr George T. Roberts com- menced trade in the store opposite the depot, and continued about three years, when he sold out to his son Burleigh, who conducted the business three years, then Benjamin T. Roberts traded in the same store one year or more. Since that time it has not been occupied. In 1879 Burleigh Roberts began trade again in the store formerly occupied by the Blanch- ards. In 1883 he associated with him Mr. Zenas W. Forbush, and the firm now remains "Roberts & Forbush," Mr. Forbush conducting the business.

The Blanchards have been leaders in business in West Milan for years. In manufacturing, in merchandising, and other industries they have been actively engaged. George W. is now conducting a steam-mill with a production of from 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 of feet per annum. Hamlin & Company, of Milan, have a birch and poplar-mill; R. H. Cole manu- factures shingles; C. M. C. Twitchel is an extensive farmer and lumber-

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HISTORY OF COOS COUNTY.

man. There are many good farmers in town, whose industry brings good results and adds to its financial status.

CHAPTER CII.

Church History-Methodism -- Pastors-Present Society-Original Members of Methodist Church -- Church Building-Calvinist Baptist Society -- Free-Will Baptist Society -- Civil War.

HURCH History.# -- The church history of Milan, as in many other towns, must of necessity be incomplete. The records of early work are few, old members have fallen out by the way, and tradition is uncertain. We have gleaned from various sources a few items which we present.

Nearly fifty years ago, the ever-active Methodist church had established a mission here on a circuit which also included Guildhall, Vt., Stark, Gor- ham, Randolph, and other towns, and among the first ministers on the circuit were William C. Bixby and Stephen Adams. The first work done here by the Methodists was done on Milan hill, and this locality is conse- quently the cradle of Methodism in Milan. In 1854 and 1855 Milan was included in the Haverhill district of the New Hampshire M. E. conference, and was supplied by Charles R. Homan. In 1856 Daniel W. Barber was the supply, and again in 1861. Between these dates we have no records. In 1863 the church was under the care of " church labor"; in 1864 Warren C. Applebee was the first pastor. In 1866 J. H. Knott and C. M. Barnes supplied the pulpit, and in 1867 C. M. Barnes was the preacher in charge. Since 1856 this charge had been in the Concord district.

In 1869 Rev. G. C. Noyes came to take charge of this church and remained three years, being assisted the first year by J. M. Copp. Rev. Mr. Noyes was followed by L. E. Gordon who remained on the charge three years. J. A. Steele was Mr. Gordon's successor. Remaining only one year, he was followed by William Woods, who stood at the helm three years, and guided the "old ship" during a dark period, when the dread disease, diphtheria. swept away many of the inhabitants, including two of his own family. Rev. Amos B. Russell followed Rev. Mr. Woods and remained on the charge two years, being succeeded by Rev. Otis S. Dan- forth who supplied the pulpit two years, doing excellent work. Rev. James D. LeGro, the present pastor, preached his first sermon in this

*By Rev. James D. LeGro.

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church in September, 1885. [Mr. LeGro, although not now in robust health, is an able sermonizer, an agreeable writer, and is highly appreci- ated and esteemed as a preacher of the Gospel.]

The present society is made up of several denominations, Congrega- tionalists, Methodists, Baptists, " Advents," and Universalists; no one denomination represented being able to support a minister alone. Not- withstanding the fact that so many sects, differing in many respects, are brought together. the work is remarkably harmonious and free from strife. The present pastor. Rev. James D. Le Gro, is a Methodist clergyman, and a member of the New Hampshire conference. Since his coming to this society the church has been remodelled and repaired, and the society much improved. Best of all. there has been a gracious revival influence among the people and a goodly number of earnest Christian workers have been added to the ranks of "God's soldiers." The Sunday-school, with Mr. L. U. Cole for superintendent, is in a prosperous condition. The library con- taines about 500 volumes.

A partial list of the names of the original members of the Methodist church: Betsey Fogg. Insley Bean, Benjamin Bean, John L. Dustin, Ruth Peabody. Arvilla Hutchinson, May Hutchinson, Samuel G. Crafts, Sarah Crafts, Moses Robbins, Delindy Dustin, Arvilla Eastman. Samuel Farrington and wife, Lydia Cushman, Adaline Abbott. Stephen Abbott, Soloman J. Hayward, Sallie Bean. Sophia Bean. Rhoda Bean, John Pea- body.

The present church building is a "union building," but for many years has been occupied by Methodist preachers. The building was erected in 1856, at an expense of about $2, 200. It has since been repaired, and is now in a comfortable condition. The Methodist society owns a small house and lot, the probable value of which is $500. The union church was dedicated early in the month of August in 1556. The five denominations interested were each represented on this occasion by a clergyman who participated in the exercises. The dedication sermon was preached by Rev. J. K. Chase. of Rumney. a Calvinistic Baptist minister.

Baptists .- Somewhere about the year 1538 a Calvinistic Baptist society was organized, and quite a goodly number of members obtained. Rev. Leonard Kingsbury, father of Luther Kingsbury, now residing in town, was for a time pastor. The meetings at this time were held in school- houses or in barns-in the latter place on special occasions. Rev. H. I. Campbell and Abram Bedel were also among the latter preachers for this denomination. Among the original members of this church were Addison Hamlin and wife, Whipple Willard and wife, Nathan Bickford and wife. Ormando Lary and wife. Joshua Parker and wife, James M. Phipps. Dorcas Phipps. Ransom Twitchel. Cyrus Twitchel. In about the year 1843 the Free Will Baptists organized a society with Rev. Elijah Griffin as pastor.

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HISTORY OF COOS COUNTY.

The society was never large, and continued their organization only a few years. Philip Wight, an uncle of Isaac Wight now residing in Dummer, was at one time pastor of this church.

Civil War .- The true principle of patriotism was exemplified by those sons of the American Union who volunteered their services and courage- ously fought its battles with faces steadfastly turned toward its foes, and who braved every danger, not from hopes of preferment, but that the tri- colored flag of red, white and blue should forever be unfurled from the nation's capitol.

When the President's call for 300,000 men was made in the fall of 1863, the quota for the town of Milan was ten. When the time was nearly up the selectmen made preparations to obtain substitutes from other towns, but they were forestalled by this circumstance. On the Saturday evening previous to the Monday, the day they were to put their plans into action, ten young men, or rather boys, met at a blacksmith's shop near "Elling- wood's Hotel," and, with closed doors and extinguished lights, they all, then and there, agreed to volunteer, and themselves fill the town's quota. These young men were Sylvester Newell, Samuel Ordway, Nathaniel P. Ordway, John L. Ordway, Walter H. Evans, James Pettengill. George L. Vincent, Charles H. Hamlin, Charles Ellingwood, and Henry F. Paine. They were schoolmates, and such friends as young men usually are who grow to manhood together in a country town. Their determination was soon made known to the selectmen, and, accompanied by two of them, the embryo soldiers started for Lebanon. No attempt will be made to describe the good times these "boys " had en route, but they arrived in season, sought the enlisting officer the first night, and were told to be on hand the next morning. Bright and early all, except Henry F. Paine, who was too ill, presented themselves at the enlisting office, were examined and enlisted, given a nine days' furlough, and went home to prepare for-they knew not what. They reported at the proper time, were sent to Concord, being mustered into the United States service while on the way, and, as recruits at that time were mostly drafted men or substitutes, they, being volun- teers, were chosen to act as gnard while in camp, and also allowed to visit the city when they wished. They had their choice of joining the Sixth, Ninth, or Eleventh New Hampshire regiments; they chose the Ninth, and with about 500 other men started to join their respective regiments, and had the honor of being placed on guard on the journey. After their arrival at Paris, Ky., the headquarters of the Ninth, they were assigned to Com- pany E, then performing guard duty at Kizer's Station on the railroad from Paris to Cincinnati, Ohio. It was here that the nine Milan boys first re- ceived instruction in military manœuvres and tactics. They remained for a month, when the regiment was ordered to Knoxville, Tenn., to join the Ninth corps under Burnside. On this march they were first convinced that

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it was not all fun to be a soldier. After marching a few days they came to camp, -Nelson. Ky.,-where they found the Sixth New Hampshire, and their townsman Aaron White. They went to rest that night without any covering but a blanket, and when they awoke in the morning they had an additional covering of eight inches of snow. Here the first death in this band of nine occurred. James Pettengill was ill and removed to the hos- pital; three days after two of the "boys" went to see him, but they only found the dead body of their comrade. Before the funeral rites were per- formed, the regiment was under marching orders, and Pettengill was buried by strangers. Such are the vicissitudes of the soldier's life! Their next resting-place was Camp Isabella, Ky. Here Charles Ellingwood was taken sick, and had to be left behind, and when his companions returned, four or five weeks later, he, too, had been laid in a soldier's grave, far from home and friends. Nothing of importance occurred to the Milanites between this and Knoxville, except the usual trials and privations of a sol- dier, such as running short of rations, and thinking parched corn a luxury, and an attack one dark night on a "reported " camp of rebels, when about fifty selected men, three of whom were "Milan boys," surrounded a sup- posed rebel camp, and captured two old men who were watching fires to keep them from spreading. As soon as the regiment reached Knoxville, the Ninth corps was ordered to join the Army of the Potomac, then near Washington, which they did in season to be partakers in General Grant's famous campaign "On to Richmond."

The first battle in which the Milan boys were fairly engaged was that of Spottsylvania Court House. There, on the 12th of May, they received their first baptism by fire. In this engagement Walter H. Evans had one heel shot off; Samuel Ordway received a very severe wound; John L. Ordway was wounded in the shoulder and in the foot, lived to reach his home, and died among his friends. On the 18th of May the regiment sup- ported the "Irish Brigade " in a charge, and here Charles H. Hamlin and Sylvester Newell were wounded. There were now only two of the "nine " left able for duty-Nathaniel P. Ordway and George L. Vincent. At the battle of North Anna River, George L. Vincent was slightly wounded; he remained with his regiment, but was not on duty; Nathaniel P. Ordway, the only Milan boy then able to carry a musket. did good and efficient service. Some time in June, Vincent reported for duty, was with his regi- ment until two days before Burnside's mine was sprung, when he was detailed for duty in the quartermaster's department, and continued there until the close of the war.

Nathaniel P. Ordway was now again alone, but when the mine was sprung he was wounded, and there was not a Milan boy left in the regi- ment. In the fall Walter H. Evans and Charles H. Hamlin returned to duty, and, in one of the battles for the possession of the Weldon railroad,

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Hamlin was again wounded, and did not afterwards rejoin his regiment. Walter H. Evans was promoted, and, at his discharge, he was orderly- sergeant of his company.

Of these nine school-mates, brave soldiers and loyal citizens, James Pettengill, Charles Ellenwood and John L. Ordway died in service.

S. A. Collins, who came to Milan in March, 1879, was a soldier in the great civil war, a member of Company K, Twentieth Maine Infantry.

Capt. Lorenzo P. Adley, who held every important office in his town, and was representative two years, served nearly five years in the Union army in the Rebellion, was twice promoted on the field for bravery, re- ceived severe wounds in service, and rose from the rank of a private to that of a captain. He married Ruth, daughter of Moses Hodgdon, and at his death left a legacy of untainted honor, bravery and integrity to his children.

Col. Welcome A. Crafts, son of Samuel Crafts, was a native of Milan, and enlisted in the great civil war as a private, and rose rapidly to the rank of colonel. He is a brilliant and talented man, and a successful lawyer in Texas.

CHAPTER CIII.

Physicians, Past and Present-A Model Marriage Certificate.

HYSICIANS .- The first physician to settle in Milan was Dr. Banfield, who staid but a short time. The next was Dr. Brown who died very soon after moving here.

Dr. Ozmon M. Twitchell was born at Bethel, Maine, June 29, 1819, was brought up on a farm, attending district school two terms a year. At the age of eighteen he entered Goulds academy where he remained four years. He then attended a course of lectures at Dartmouth Medical school, in the fall of 1845, and afterwards, at Woodstock, Vt., where he graduated in June, 1846. He commenced the practice of medicine at Milan the same year. He remained at Milan thirteen years, when he removed to Bethel. While at Milan he was twice elected to the legislature, being the first representative sent by Milan alone. He served ten years as town clerk; was a good citizen and generally well liked as a physician.

Dr. William Berry Lapham, well-known in Maine as a historian, prac- ticed medicine here six months, during Dr. Twitchell's absence.

Don A. Robinson, M. D., was born at West Charleston, Vt., February

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TOWN OF MILAN.

29, 1836. He was the oldest son of Dr. Elijah Robinson, a prominent physician of his town. His medical studies were almost entirely under the direction of his father. His first course of medical lectures was commenced at Dartmouth Medical school in 1858. After completing this course he taught one term of school in his native village. The following spring he became a student of Vermont University Medical school, where he gradu- ated among the first of his class in June. 1859. He settled in Milan in January, 1860, succeeding to the practice of Dr. Twitchell. It is remembered that on his arrival at his new home his general appearance was not particu- larly reassuring to those who had been accustomed to old and tried physi- cians, Pale-faced, beardless, and not quite twenty-four years old, he hardly looked equal to filling the position of pedagogue to a back-district school. But the young doctor had come to stay, and while quacks and electricians held sway for a few months, he rapidly grew into favor among all classes, as a safe, judicious, and skillful physician, and soon acquired a large practice. In the winter of 1865 he was offered and accepted the position of assistant surgeon of the Fifth Regt. N. HI. Vols. At the close of the war he returned to Milan, but only to remain a short time, his health having become impaired by his military service. He afterward located in Vermont, and is now in Canada.

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History of Coos County, New Hampshire, Part 101

Author: Merrill, Georgia Drew Publication date: 1888 Publisher: Syracuse [N.Y.] : W. A. Fergusson Number of Pages: 1194

Author: Merrill, Georgia Drew
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Syracuse [N.Y.] : W. A. Fergusson
Number of Pages: 1194