History of Coos County, New Hampshire, Part 43

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

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Cady was sexton, and George W. Ingerson was appointed in his stead. In his rage and spite at the loss of his place, he said "he hoped to God that there would not be a person die in town that year." He had a good and amiable wife, and a large and respectable family.

Ziba Lynds was well-known to many of the present generation. He knew or cared little about the ways of society, legal or moral, preferring to live a hermit life in his little cabin near the pine woods above the vil- lage. Many years ago Ziba appeared one Lord's day in the old meeting- house with a miscellaneous collection of silver coin, which he wished to deposit as an "offering to the Lord." It being suggested that some one take care of it, he concluded that he would take care of it himself. After a time it was reported that he had buried it, and soon the rumor grew, and was believed by many that he had large treasures hidden away, which he had forgotten. He was under guardianship as an insane person during his later years. Previous to his death in 1869 he strongly desired to return to his native town, Charlestown, N. H., but he was not allowed to go. His last request was that he might be buried there, and fifteen dollars in

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gold were found sewed in the arm-pit of his shirt to pay the expense of transportation. His request was complied with.

Historical and Personal Notes in Royal Joyslin's Ledger .-- An interest- ing relic is in the possession of Edward R. Kent. It is an old ledger of the early merchant, Royal Joyslin, for the years 1825 to 1828 inclusive. The entries were all made by Richard P. Kent, then clerk for Mr. Joyslin. Some few years before the death of Mr. Kent, this old book became his property, and he made many historical notes and descriptions under the accounts of various persons which add largely to the value of the volume. By the kindness of Col. E. R. Kent we are permitted to give our readers the benefit of these :-

"Seth Adams, living in Lancaster Jan. 1, 1883, (died July, 1883,) a truly honest, conscientious man." "Rev. Joseph Willard, First settled Minister, ordained 1794, had the minister's lot of land of which he made a farm. Salary £50, to be increased to €80 when the increase of population would warrant it; was dismissed 1822. Succeeded by Mr. Wheelock who filled the pulpit one year Mr. Willard, in 1824, engaged to preach, with privilege of reading his old sermons, at a salary of $150 per year. He died suddenly Sunday morning, July 22, 1826." "Samuel Phelps, Guildhall, Revolutionary pensioner, for many years toll gatherer at the Lancaster Toll Bridge." " John Hicks, Jefferson, soldier in Major Weeks' Company, 11th Regiment, in the War of 1812." "Charles A. Going, a young physician of good talents, killed himself by hard drinking at the age of 26." " John Burgin, a lieutenant in the war of the Revolution, drew a pension under the act of 1818." "Ebenezer Twombley, Revolutionary pensioner." "Jonas Baker, Land Surveyor, long known as 'Squire Baker." "Ephraim Cross, hatter by trade, afterwards deputy Sheriff and Custom House officer, died of cancer, father of Col. Edward E. Cross, of the 5th N. H. Regiment who was killed at Gettysburgh, July 1863." "Eunice White, maiden lady long known as Aunt Eunice." (She was a kind hearted body, went from house to house as a seamstress. Many of the men of Lancaster will remember her kindliness, and the little presents of beech nuts, popped corn, etc., put into the pockets of the new garments she had made for them.) "Richard Darby, lives in Lancaster." A note in a subsequent hand says "after R. P. Kent's death, Darby came to see the remains and wept like a child." "Benjamin Hicks, Jefferson, Revolutionary pensioner." " Charles J. Stuart, Lawyer, intemperate, poor, died suddenly while seated at the dinner table in 1834." "Jacob E. Stickney, physician in practice in Lancaster forty-five years, died of consumption July 1869." "Jacob Barras, Dalton, Revolutionary pensioner, made brown pottery which was largely used in early times." " William Ingerson, Jefferson, known as 'Billy ' Ingerson, famous for tell- ing great stories." "Eliphalet Lyman, from Woodstock, Ct., was reputed to be an able physician and surgeon, for many years enjoyed an extensive practice, but fell into habits of intemperance, became poor and lost his business, was divorced from his wife, the mother of his children, married a second time; the second also obtained a divorce. He died at the Coos Hotel of paralysis." " Daniel Pinkham, Adams, known as Elder Pinkham, projector of the Pinkham road from Adams (now Jackson) to Gorham leading (to) the Glen House." "Ethan A. Crawford, for many years kept a teamster's tavern near where the large Fabyan House now stands at the White Mountains " "Jared W. Williams came from Woodstock, Ct., read law in S. A. Pearson's office, became a politician, was a member of the legislature, state senator, four years member of Congress, and two years Governor of New Hampshire, and the last years of his life served as judge of probate of Coos County." " Abner Hinds, Milan, was a farmer and hunter, supposed to have been killed." "John Smith, a soldier of the War of 1812." "Major John Burns, Whitefield, a soldier of the War of the Revolution, also of the War of 1812, in the latter as a member of Major Weeks' com- pany. He was elected Representative from Whitefield at the age of 87." " Samuel S. Wentworth, a soldier of the War of the Revolution and a pensioner." "Reuben Stephenson, trader, deputy sheriff, register of deeds, and held other town offices." " William Lovejoy, Jr., know as Judge

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Lovejoy, he being once side judge, by trade a joiner, was always poor, but a man of influence, was one of the electors of President in 1828, and voted for John Adams." "Charles Bellows, a trader, hotel-keeper, lumber manufacturer, sheriff of Coös County, and dealer in wild lands, died in 1883." " Gratia Stebbins, a scamstress, never married, worked at making men's garments, known as a tailoress, going from house to house to make garments of the home made cloth spun and woven by the female portion of the family, for her services she received 25 cents per day, and, when at a little over seventy years of age, she was obliged to give up labor, she had money laid up to ' carry her through', and at her decease, a few years later, left $1,100 which she had at interest." " Allen Smith, a drummer in the War of 1812, for many years a harness maker in shop opposite our store, a Free Mason." "John Bickford, Northumberland, soldier of War of 1812."

Mr. Kent had evidently only partially finished his work on the ledger. It is a pity he was not spared to rescue from oblivion facts concerning all whose names appear on these pages. On a blank page in the latter part Mr. Kent wrote: "Of the six hundred or more names on this ledger entered during the years 1825, 1826, 1827 and the early part of 1828, it is ascertained that the following 43 persons were alive Jan. 1, 1883." This entry made by R. P. Kent, March 10, 1883.

" Anson Fisk, at Haverhill, N. H .; Ralph Fisk, Orlando James, Horatio P. Lougee, Joseph Colby, Whitefield; Joseph Greenleaf, millwright, Massachusetts; David Hicks, Emmons S. Mc- Intyre, Jefferson; James Curtis, Stratford; Zeph. K. Washburn, Guildhall; Hazo Woodward, Minot, Me .; Wm. M. Smith, Normand Smith, Virginia; James H. Johnson, Bath; Levi F. Ranlet, Littleton; Sam. Rines, Strafford Co .; Thomas D. Blake, New York city; Ira White, Wells River, Vt .; John Bishop, Brighton, Vt .; Francis Bingham, St. Johnsbury, Vt,; Joseph Wiswall, Clarks- ville; Lucinda Greenleaf (Mrs. Pearson), Boston; Arnold Blood, Bethlehem; Alex. Brown, Oregon; Timothy Estes, Springfield, Mass .; Geo. V. Eastman, Coneaut, O .; Samuel Bell, Lunenburg, Vt .; F. G. Messer, Portland, Me .; Shepard Knight, James Legro, Mary Perkins (Mrs. Ingerson), John Stalbird, Seth Adams, Ezra Derby, Charles Bellows, George Bellows, Alva Twombly, Enoch F. Conner, Samuel McIntyre, Richard P. Kent, Harvey Goodall."

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

RICHARD PEABODY KENT.

For almost sixty years the subject of this sketch was identified with the business, the development, the prosperity of Lancaster and the region round about. During this long period, his career was marked by un- tiring energy, persistent industry and unswerving integrity. In the manifold transactions that passed under his direction, there was never an instance of deviation from the straight path of business and personal honor. His name for more than a generation, has been the synonym of commercial integrity and absolute truth. Generous in public matters de- serving support, devoted to his home and his family; it seems fitting that more than a passing notice should be bestowed upon him and his memory.

Michaud RaKink

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Richard Peabody Kent came of a thoroughly New England family. His ancestors landing at Newbury, Mass., in 1635, the different branches of their descendants being represented later by Chancellor James Kent, of New York, Edward Kent, Governor of Maine, and Moody Kent, of Con- cord. His immediate paternal ancestor was John Kent, son of Jacob, one of the earliest settlers of Newbury, Vt., then in the New Hampshire Grants-a lieutenant in the "Old French War " --- and a colonel in the War of the Revolution.

In 1760 a regiment of eight hundred men was raised in the Province of New Hampshire, for the army destined for the invasion of Canada, and placed under command of General Amherst. Of this regiment, one com- pany was officered by John Hazen, captain; Jacob Kent, (a descendant of the pioneer, who landed at Parker's river, in Old Newbury, in 1635-and then of Plaistow, N. H., ) Ist lieutenant, and Timothy Bedel, (father of Gen. Moody Bedel. of the War of 1812, and grandfather of Gen. John Bedel and Col. Hazen Bedel,) 2d lieutenant. The regiment rendezvoused at Litchfield, and marched, by Peterborough and Keene, to "Number Four" (Charlestown), thence cut a road through the wilderness, twenty-six miles to the Green Mountains, and thence to Lake Champlain, crossing to Crown Point, where it took water transportation. After a successful campaign they returned through the wilderness via the meadows of New- bury (Vt.) and Haverhill, or the "Cohos Country."

While returning, Lieut .- Col. Jacob Bayley, Capt. Hazen and Lieuten- ants Kent and Bedel were so favorably impressed with the fertility of these meadows that they determined to found a settlement there. This project was speedily carried out, Bayley and Kent locating on the western side, and Hazen and Bedel on the eastern side of the river, from which settle- ments sprung the towns of Newbury (named for the old home of the race at the mouth of the Merrimack), then in the " New Hampshire Grants" -- now in Vermont-and Haverhill, N. H.

Jacob Kent, here referred to, died at Newbury in 1812, aged eighty-six years. He was a noted man in his section, commander of the first com- pany of militia raised in the towns of Newbury and Haverhill, "in our Province of New Hampshire"-as says his commission signed in 1764 by Benning Wentworth. He was a leader in church matters, was for years town clerk, and county clerk of Orange county, and subsequently, and for a long time, judge in the Vermont judiciary. In the Revolution, while burdened with the cares of the infant settlement, he was an earnest actor in those scenes which gave us our independence. He was colonel of the forces in his vicinity, and on the advance of Burgoyne, started with his regiment for the field, and was present with it at the capitulation at Sara- toga.

On his mother's side his ancestry was equally notable and deserving.

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HISTORY OF COOS COUNTY.

His mother was Tabitha, daughter of Lieut. Richard Peabody, of Wood- stock, Conn., an officer of distinction in the Continental army, and one of the early pioneers of Littleton in Grafton county. Sprung from this hardy and patriotic stock, from which he inherited the indomitable will and re- sistless energy which characterized his life, the career of Mr. Kent was almost the typical progress of the New England boy of the period. He was born at Newbury on the family homestead. December 21, 1805, and in 1810 removed with his father to "Parker Hill," in Lyman, N. H. In 1811 he received an injury from a cut, on his right knee, from the effects of which he never recovered, and which event had an important influence in shaping his subsequent career. At the age of fifteen he commenced his mercantile life as a clerk for William B. Eastman in a little store in Ly- man, remaining two years at a compensation of $30 for the first year and $70 for the second. He then entered the store of William Eames, at Wells River, Vt., where he remained two years, from whence he went to Lisbon in the employ of John A. Smith, where he remained until 1825, when he engaged with Royal Joyslin, for two years, at $150 a year, in a store he was about to open at Lancaster. He came to Lancaster on the first day of June, 1825; his diary recording that he passed through Littleton village "then a place of a dozen houses, some mills and one store, kept by Major Aaron Brackett." Arrived at Lancaster, he stopped at the stage tavern at the north end of the street, kept by William Cargill. It being " Election Day," the people were observing it as a holiday, and he " engaged in a game of long ball, on the Holton Common." At that date, says the diary, there were from Parson Willard's (the present W. H. Hanson house) to the Rosebrook farm (now George H. Emerson's). thirty-four houses only, in- cluding the two taverns, one at each end of the street; the one at the south end, at a later date was christened the American House and kept by Samuel White. The public buildings were the old church on the Common, now the Town Hall building, the court-house, (the present Library building, which for many years served as an academy, ) the village school-house, in the northwest corner of the present court-house yard, the jail of elm logs, built in 1805 and burned January 9, 1858, and the Red Gun House of the (then) 24th Regiment, where the Unitarian church now is. There was a saw and grist-mill at the upper or Wesson dam, conducted by Isaac Derby, familiarly known as "Squire Derby." On the site of the present dam of Frank Smith & Co. was a saw and grist-mill on the north side, owned by Ephraim Stockwell, the grist-mill managed by David Greenleaf, a Revolu- tionary soldier. On the south side were clothing and carding works. Asahel Going had a smaller clothing mill on the lower dam, where Rich- ardson & Folsom's shop now is. Gen. Wilson had a pearl-ash on Indian brook, in rear of Irving W. Drew's, William Cargill one twenty rods south of it. Mr. Boardman one opposite J. H. Hopkinson's, Reuben Stephenson

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one where Marshall & Eaton's carriage shop sheds are, and Samuel White one where N. B. Wilson's shop stood near the south end of the bridge. The postoffice was kept by Samuel A. Pearson, in the house known as the Hiram A. Fletcher house. Renben Stephenson had a store on the corner of Main and Middle streets, in his house, now occupied by Mrs. Coburn, on High street. Samuel White a small stock in his tavern. Mr. Boardman a store in the house near the railroad crossing on Main street, and Perkins, Eastman & Co., (Gen. John Wilson, George W. Perkins and George V. Eastman,) a store on ground now occupied by I. W. Drew's house. The Masonic hall was in this structure, which. after several metamorphoses, is now Charles E. Allen's store. There was the Carlisle store, where Jonas Powers's house stands, and David Burnside had a tannery on Elm street. George W. Perkins was the tailor, Francis Bingham the cabinet maker, Ephraim Cross the hatter, Eliphalet Lyman, Benjamin Hunking, Jacob E. Stickney and Samuel LeGro the physicians: John L. Sheafe. Samuel A. Pearson, William Farrar, Levi Barnard, Charles J. Stuart and Jared W. Williams the lawyers, and Joseph Willard the clergyman. Such was Lan- caster sixty-two years ago, and during the long period that has since elapsed, no man did more to accomplish its development and prosperity, than did Richard P. Kent.

It is a remarkable fact. that from June 1. 1825, to March 11, 1885, when he took his bed, Mr. Kent kept a daily record of all events of interest tran- spiring in Lancaster, and largely in the region around about. There is no break in the chronicle, which furishes an invaluable fund of biographical and historic information, which it is proper to add, has been largely drawn upon already, in preparing this County History and other works, and which must grow more valuable with each passing year.

The limits of a memorial sketch necessarily preclude anything like the complete story of so long a business life, as well as of the growth of the enterprises with which it was identified. Mr. Kent was never in what is known as " public life," he reserving his energies for business pursuits and the society of his family and friends. He was, however, years ago, iden- tified with earlier public educational and business plans of the town and region. For over forty years he was secretary and treasurer of Lancaster bridge, built. not as an investment, but to draw business from the Vermont side of the river. For fifty years he was a trustee of Lancaster Academy. and was president of the corporation at his decease. He was, for several years, cashier of the Lancaster Bank, the first bank in this region, and an institution which, though expensive to its stockholders, by reason of bad debts incurred, never lost the public or any person a cent through failure to redeem its bills or obligations. He was a corporator in the first railway charter crossing Coos, the " Portland and Connecticut River, " covering the entire county, a franchise which the Atlantic & St. Lawrence were obliged

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to retire before they could build. It was believed by some that to hold the charter would compel the new promoters to build under it, and through Lancaster, thus securing a junction with southern roads at this point, to the advantage of the town. Mr. Kent was of this opinion, and strenuously opposed the relinquishment of the old charter which was asked by the Atlantic & St. Lawrence people, who, however, procured the acquiescence of sufficient grantees to annul it, which abdication was followed by a new charter, and the construction of the road up the Androscoggin. He was a trustee of the Lancaster Savings Bank from its incorporation to his decease. Aside from these matters his attention was methodically and diligently bestowed upon business, in which, after serious reverses consequent upon losses and destruction of property by fire, he attained a career of success which, for many years, was the reward of patient toil and honorable en- deavor, recognized wherever he was known. He was first in business in Lancaster as a clerk for Royal Joyslin, but speedily assumed care of a con- cern of his own. He has had as partners, Royal Joyslin, Lewis C. Porter, John C. Kent (at Lyman), Nelson Kent, and his son, Edwin R. Kent. In the hardware branch of his business, Mr. E V. Cobleigh was associated with him as partner. The clerks whom he trained have been numerous, and his methods of book-keeping and of business, practiced by them, best exemplify his correct mercantile views and habits of application, which have borne abundant fruitage in the successful career of many of his for- mer employés. His places of business have been the Carlisle store, at the north end of the street, moved by Royal Joyslin later to the site of the present National bank, and again to the sight of Cobleigh & Moore's store on Middle street, and destroyed by the great fire of 1878; the "Red," or Sampson store, remodeled, and now standing next Mrs. Hosea Gray's, on Elm street; the " Green Store," in which was also the bank, afterwards owned by Samuel G. Evans, on Main street, and burned in 1880; and the site occupied by him on Main street since 1837. Of this building the old ell was the original store, and formerly stood in the present garden of Mrs. John H. Hopkinson. The main store was built by Mr. Kent in 1853.

In his married relations Mr. Kent was especially contented and happy. He was married at Littleton, June 5, 1832, to Emily Mann Oakes, daugh- ter of Henry Oakes, a deceased merchant, formerly of Waterford, Fairlee and Barnet, Vermont, her mother being of the Manns of Orford, the orig- inal settlers of that town. In the summer of 1882 the golden anniversary of this auspicious union was quietly observed by the family and immediate relatives.

Mr. Kent was a member of the Orthodox Congregational church and for many years had been a consistent supporter of the society. He was devoted to the cause of temperance and education, liberal in his benefac- tions for public good, and an unostentatious bestower of deserved charity

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through numerous private sources. In his home he was devoted as a hus- band, just and kind as a parent, thoughtful and considerate in all things. He left an ineffacable impress upon those with whom he was associated.

It was evident, for the year preceding his decease, that the strength so long given to his duties was flagging, and that he was approaching the confines of his labor, but he was persistent to the end, completing Janu- ary 1, a detailed statement of his extensive stock and demands, a work that would have taxed the prolonged devotion of a younger man. It was not until into February that he abandoned his familiar seat at the desk in his counting-room. although thereafter he accomplished considerable work at his home. Tuesday, March 10, was his last day about the house, his last entry in his diary recording the result of the town meeting of that day. From then, until his decease, which occurred Monday, March 30, 1885, his decline was rapid. There was no disease, the mechanism of life was wearing out, and when he breathed his last it was as quietly as a child falling away to sleep.

The interment occurred, after obsequies at his residence, in the lot pre- pared by himself on the summit of the hill. in the Summer street cemetery, overlooking the valley and the now prosperous village where his life work was accomplished. It is entirely proper to say, that as the mould closed above him, it shrouded an honored citizen whose unobtrusive but per- sistent labors accomplished much to give prosperity to the town and char- acter to its people.

To each community there comes loss when a man active in affairs rests from his labors. To every household there comes grief, when those be- loved take up their final journey. The language of sympathy and condolence is well nigh identical on all occasions, and so frequent is the inevitable summons, that there remains nothing new to say, when another name is called. The memory of a good man is his best eulogy, and the life of a just citizen the best example for imitation. It is, however, well to draw from these sources lessons that may profitably be heeded, and the career of Richard Peabody Kent points and illustrates the possibilities and the use- fulness of a quiet well ordered life. Thrown upon his own resources at the age of fifteen, passing over all his earnings (as was then the custom) until he was twenty-one, to his father, clerking in a small way, gradually ascending the scale, avoiding extravagance and ill habits, laying carefully aside his small earnings, as the basis of his future success, prosperous, with the early prosperity that often comes, to beguile and wreck the weak, meeting unexpected reverses with undaunted front, battling financial loss, and the destruction of his savings, by fire, building alike store, house and home from the ruin of former prosperity. compelling the success that came after years of toil and unintermitted endeavor, rearing a family and making the home circle the center of his love, the acme of his ambitions,

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generous, public-spirited, just and kind, he walked for sixty active years among the people of this town and county, his name a synonym for integ- rity, industry and kindness, and as he closed his long life, replete with good example and honorable labors well performed, he left behind him the most precious inheritance that can come to children, the tenderest sym- pathy that can come to widow and kindred; the universal esteem and regard of the people who knew him so intimately and so well. By many years the senior business man of the region, an honored merchant, a valued citizen, he left a community better for his life, and a town and region wherein that good repute that is better than riches, endures to honor his memory.

HON. HENRY O. KENT .*

One of the best known and most prominent of New Hampshire's dis- tinguished sons is Henry O. Kent, of Lancaster, at the present time (1887) Naval Officer of the Port of Boston.

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History of Coos County, New Hampshire, Part 43

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