History of Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, Part 139

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis
Number of Pages: 1168

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David HEald

581

MILFORD.

became an active local leader of that party. He moved to Milford in 1849, where his wife, Patty, born March 28, 1794, whom he had married April 30, 1816, and who had borne him ten children, died August 19, 1854, aged sixty years. Mrs. Heald's mother was of the celebrated Dunster family, the American branch of which originated with Henry Dunster, who came from England in 1640, became the first president of Harvard College, and was said to be "one of the greatest masters of the Oriental languages that has been known in these ends of the earth," and who ad- ministered its affairs with eminent success. Mr. Heald married, second, March, 1857, Relief Little, of Peter- borough, N. H., in which town he died October 5, 1867, aged seventy-seven years. His children were Addison, Albert, Sarah D. (Mrs. William Crosby), Emily (Mrs. J. Q. A. Ware), Henry, Lydia (Mrs. M. W. Harris), William (died in infancy), David, Almira (Mrs. Alonzo French) and Edwin. To show the deep religious feeling of this family, we would state that Addison and Albert were educated for the ministry, and Albert is an efficient minister of the Baptist de- nomination. Emily's husband (Rev. Mr. Ware) was also an able Baptist clergyman.

David Heald 8, by the force of circumstances, early devoted himself to labor, receiving only the educa- tional advantages of the old red school-house of his district, summers and winters, until he was twelve, and winter terms until he was fourteen. He worked both on the farm and in his father's cloth-dressing shop up to that age. With his brother Addison, who had learned the trade, he then started the manufacture of furniture or cabinet-work in the shops of his father, but after three years' time the business was relinquished as unprofitable, and the family removed to Milford. David then engaged as journeyman in the same establishment of which he became proprietor in May, 1856. From that time to the present Mr. Heald has been identified with the manufacturers of Milford. From the small force of half a dozen men employed in 1856 in making cheap " cottage " bedsteads and tables, the number of employés has increased to forty or fifty, and the quality of work to a fine grade of artistic chamber furniture made of ash, walnut, cherry and chestnut. The main building of his factory is eighty feet long, thirty-five feet wide, three stories in height, with an ell fifty feet by thirty-five feet, four stories in height; besides this there is an engine-room, drying-room, etc. An eighty horse-power engine has just been put in as the force to run the factory and the saw-mill and numerous appliances necessary in so elaborate an establishment, which has been provided with the latest improvements for the pro- duction of furniture, five thousand dollars' worth hay- ing been added in the last four years, making a com- plete establishment for its purpose. This large factory and extended industry has been the product of Mr. Heald's own exertions. He has steadily devoted him- self to his business, and has the satisfaction of know-

ing that it is one of the permanent and prosperous institutions of the town. A workingman himself, he understands the condition of other workingmen, and the relations which should exist between employer and employed. One man has worked for him for over twenty-five years, several others from ten to twenty years. His two sons, Edward and Frank, are his active assistants.

Mr. Heald has been twice married; first, November 27, 1856, to Mary Susan, daughter of Ebenezer Frost, of Ashburnham, Mass. She died November 9, 1858. Their child, Ella F., born April 15, 1858, died Sep- tember 21, 1858. He married, second, October 22, 1862, Mary E., daughter of Calvin and Elvira (Walling- ford) Stone, of Marlborough. She was a successful teacher in Milford for several years previous to her marriage. Their children are Edward S., Frank H., Florence M., Clara M. (deceased), Mary S. and Hattie L.

Although a member of the School Board of Milford for several years, and of the Lower House of the State Legislature in 1881, Mr. Heald has never sought office, but rather shrank from official position. In- heriting the Abolitionism of his father, he has sup- ported the Republican party in nearly every election since its organization. Intensely radical by nature that party has not always come up to his advanced ideas. He inherited a deeply religious character, has been a member of the Baptist Church for about twenty-five years, and, with the sympathy and hearty accord of his estimable wife, has given largely of his energies to the causes of religion and temperance. In fact, this worthy couple have generously contributed both of their time and money to all good work tending to the mental and religious improvement of the com- munity. Mrs. Heald is much devoted to religious interests, and prominent in efforts for the welfare of the young. Mr. Heald is a valuable factor in the Sunday-school. As superintendent and teacher for years, no one in Milford has more thorougly impressed himself upon the rising generation.

Esteemed as a citizen, of sterling honesty and per- sistent energy, Mr. Heald is one of the best types of New England's "self-made" men, and justly holds a high place in the regards of all who know him.

JOHN W. HUTCHINSON.

The Hutchinsons trace their ancestry to A.D. 1282, when Barnard Hutchinson resided in Cowlan, county of York, England. The family is entitled to bear arms described thus,-"Per pale, gules and azure, semée of cross-crosslets or, a lion rampant, argent. Crest, out of a ducal coronet or, a cockatrice with wings indorsed azure; beaked, combed and mottled gules."

The line of descent in England is Barnard1, Jantes 2, James3, William +, Anthony5, Thomas 6, Law- rence 7, Thomas &, Thomas9, Richard 10.

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HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

Richard19, born in Arnold, England, in 1602, emi- grated to America in 1634, with wife, Alice, and four children, settling in that part of Salem, Mass., now Danvers, in 1637. He became a large land-owner. His son Joseph 11 lived through the historic period of the witchcraft delusion of 1692. Joseph 12, Joseph 13, Jo- seph14 continue the line to Elisha 15, who, being granted by his father's will a lot of seventy-four acres of wild lands in the northwest part of Amherst (now Milford), N. H., moved thither in 1719, one of the first settlers. This lot was bought for fifty-five pounds, and, with subsequent additions, became the beautiful farm which has been the fondly-cherished home of the "singers."

Elisha was well fitted for the privations and ard- uous labors of a pioneer. He had been one of the earliest to respond to the call of the colonies as a private in the Danvers company of militia, which, commanded by Captain Jonathan Page, engaged the British troops at Lexington on the memorable 19th of April. He was chosen surveyor of Amherst March 12, 1787. He had three children,-Jesse 16, Andrew and Sarah.

Jesse and his brother Andrew, with the assist- ance of Andrew Leavitt, built the first Baptist Church in Milford village, and they were earnest and conscientious members of it. Years before, the brothers had purchased a violin. After join- ing the church, anything that had association with dancing was repulsive to them, and that the violin might yet be of use, they sawed it in two and made tobacco-boxes of the halves. Jesse married Mary, daughter of Andrew Leavitt, of Mont Vernon, also a Revolutionary soldier, who did good service at Bunker Hill. This worthy couple were residents of Milford from 1777 to 1868. Uncle Jesse was very popular with his townsmen; he had a large family, and from their parents they received religious in- struction, which bore good fruit in after-life. These children, sixteen in number,-Jesse, David, Noah, Mary, Andrew, Zephaniah, Caleb, Jesse, Joshua, Benjamin, Judson, Rhoda, John, Asa, Elizabeth, Abby,-had by nature and inheritance musical talents, which gave to the family a world-wide reputation. Mary, the mother, was a sweet singer, and, whether rocking the cradle, at the old spinning-wheel or in the active duties of her household, her voice was ever raised in saered song. Of this large family, three died in early youth, one lived to be seventy- seven years, and only two are now living, John and Abby (Mrs. Ludlow Patton). .

was ten years old he was admitted to the church, but when, in later life, his soaring spirit could not endure any restrictions upon his principles of freedom, he withdrew. For some years he was a member of a brass band, and with his stirring music aided in the campaign of "Tippecanoe and Tyler, too," and from that time to the present he has been in the vanguard of reformers, and one of the promoters of all progres- ! sive movements. But to the bold, daring, ambitious, inflexible, gifted John there could be but one result to any of his undertakings-success ; and, acting up to the inspiration of his early-conceived and long- contemplated ideas, he, with his younger brothers, established a singing band, to travel and give public concerts ; and, with a brave heart and a perseverance that knew not the word fail, even when failure stared him in the face, he pushed forward and accomplished the desired end, and through him and by him the band became an established factor in the musical world.

In the spring of 1841 they visited Massachusetts and gave their first concert as a quartette in Lynn, Jesse, Judson, Asa and John being the members. But feeling the need of more culture and realizing the necessity of gaining public opinion in their favor before they could make their concerts remunerative, John sought the advice of Professor Webb, of Boston, who said, "Please yourselves and you will please the public." To earn the money required by them, these brave boys sought and found employment in mercan- tile houses, and their bodily wants in this manner being provided for, they attended to the cultivation of their musical powers. In the fall they were in readiness for another trial, and advertised and gave a concert in the village of Wilton, N. H., which netted six cents. Failure and discouragement was depicted upon the countenances of the three brothers, but John inspired them with hope and to "try again." They visited New Ipswich, Peterborough and Han- cock, and at the end of the week, after all expenses were paid, there was thirty-seven cents in the ex- chequer. This was disheartening, and John prom- ised if another week did not prove more remunera- tive, he would "comply with their desire and retire." Their next week's concerts were given in another section of old Hillsborough County. As the result of five they cleared twelve dollars. This was their first step on the round of the ladder on which, in a brief space of time, they mounted to the hill of fame. During the twelve years that followed they gained great favor with the public and were very successful financially, and the name of Hutchinson, carried by the sweet singers from "the mountains of the old granite State," became a household word.

John W. Hutchinson 17, the thirteenth child, was born January 4, 1821, "under a lucky star," and for nineteen years he led the life incident to all farmer's boys of New Hampshire,-that of unremitting toil. In the autumn of 1845, John, with Jesse, Judson, Asa and Abby, visited the mother-country to touch the hearts of Old England with their sweet melody. Success crowned their efforts, and the heart of Great His musical genius was developed at a very early age. Before he could read the staff he could sing his part correctly, and at the age of seven he could manage any of the simple tunes then in vogue. When he ! Britain did beat and throb in time with their rhythm

582

HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

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Elisha - Hitel bite privations and ard- uous Ibewafa pinner He had been one of the di o respond w 1 call of the Colonies as a aren't Danver company of Militia, which, Come by Captur Jonathan Page, engaged the Pos e Lexington ou de memorable 19th He was dussen surveyes . Amberst March 1 1757. He had Par cchildren -/0 6. Andrew and 4. rah.

Jer and his brother Andre with the assist- que @ Andre; Leavitt, budt the first Baptist Whored in Shi tord villige, 04 they were earnest And conditions members i & Years before, the brothers had purchased . violin. After join- nie The church, anything that had association wit anie vas repulsive to them, and that the .ho wie o hof use; they scoved it in two and wk nda des of the halves. Jesse married budova Lewitt, of Mont Vernon, who die good service at . tedy couple were residents of Dass. Trele Jesse was very cow no had a large family.

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Wat ten years old he was admitted to the church, but when, in later life, his soaring spirit could not endure any restrictions upon his principles of freedom, he withdrew. For some years he was a member of a brass band, and with his stirring music aided in the campaign of "Tippecanoe and Tyler, too," and from that time to the present he has been in the vanguard of reformers, and one of the promoters of all progres- sive movements. But to the bold, daring, ambitious, inflexible, gifted John there could be but one result to any of his undertakings-success; and, acting up to the inspiration of his carly-conceived and long- contemplated idear, he, with his younger brothers, established a singing band, to travel and give public concerts; and, with a brave heart and a perseverance that knew not the word fail, even when failure stared him in the feet, he pushed forward and accomplished the desired end, and through him and by him the band became an established factor in the musical world.

In the spring of 1841 they visited Massachusetts and gave their first concert as a quartette in Lynn, Jesse, Judson, Asa and John being the members. But feeling the need of tore culture and realizing the necessity of gaining public opinion in their faver before they could make their concerts remunerative, John sought the advice of Professor Webb, of Boston. who said, "Please yourselves and you will please the public." To earn the money required by them, these brave boys sought and found employment in mercan- tile houses, and their bodily wants in this manner being provided for, they attended to the cultivation of their musical powers. In the fall they were in readiness for another trial, and advertised and gave a concert in the village of Wilton, N. H., which netted six cents. Failure and discouragement was depicted upon the counten news of the three brothers, but John inspired them with hope and to "try again." They visited New Ipswich. Peterborough and Han- cock, and at the end of the week, after all expenses were paid, there was thirty-seven cents in the ex- chequer. This was disheartening, and John prom- ised it another weck did not prove more remunera tive, he would "comply with their desire and retire." Their next week's converts were given in another section of old Hillsborough County. As the result of live they cleared twelve dollars. This was their first step on the round of the ladder on which in a brief space of time, they mounted to the hill of fame. During the twelve years that followed they gained great favor with the public and were very successful finindah and the name of Hutchinson carri al by passet singers from "the mountains of the old Sin-State, ' became a household word.

Inthe monmn of 1545, John, with Jesse, Jullson, Nos and Anby visited the mother- Ountry to touch hearts of Old England with their sweet moody. Speed hol their efforts, and the heart of Great Maitain Od bent and throb in tine with their rhythm

John W. Hutchison

583

MILFORD.

and sentiment. During this tour they won the ad- miration and warm friendship of many distinguished people; were received with tokens of honor by the nobility and crowned heads; enjoyed the confidence of Mary Howitt, Douglas Jerrold, Harriet Martineau, Richard Cobden, John Bright and other eminent re- formers, and completely conquered English coldness and insular apathy. Their course was a continual triumph. With sweetest melody rang out their en- couraging words of " A Good Time Coming, Boys," and a fortune awaited them if they would remain even one year in England. Seven thousand gathered in one place to hear their songs, cheering with enthusi- asm the glorious sentiment, " War and Slavery shall be the Monster of Iniquity," etc. The " Tribe of Jesse" had won a musical success never equaled. On their return there was no cessation in their work as exponents of the Abolition movement, which duty had called them home. They started on a campaign, singing in various cities. What an ovation they re- ceived! Their burning desire to see the curse of slavery blotted out from this fair land of freedom gave a power to their rendition which carried con- viction and fire, eliciting warmest sympathy and approval and also bitter wrath and denunciation. In Musical Fund Hall, Philadelphia, a crowded audience gave them a warm welcome. " The Good Time Com- ing," "Song for Emancipation " and other songs of burning eloquence created such indignation that the mayor, who was under pro-slavery influence, ordered the trustees of the hall to refuse its use to the singers, unless policemen were stationed to prevent their utterances of freedom. Refusing to win the wealth they might have acquired by sacrificing their principles, they returned to their old home in the Old Granite State.

The Hutchinson family was now fully identified as a leading force in the gigantic revolutionary move- ments of the day. For years they labored with the great apostles of reform, Garrison, Rogers, Phillips, etc. Ten years witnessed periods of intense struggles, many and diverse changes, which, though hard to bear, were rich in results. Washington, Baltimore, Chicago, Cincinnati and many other places heard their voices, gave their meed of praise to the talent shown and cheered the anti-slavery sentiments of their songs. During this time Jesse formed a com- pany of singers and made a tour of the Pacific coast, and on his return, in 1853, died at Cincinnati. John, at the request of his dying brother, moved to Lynn and took possession of that unique and pleasant estate, High Rock, leaving his native town, around which clustered so many sweet associations of youth and early manhood.

While campaigning in the West, in 1855, John and his two brothers founded the town of Hutchinson, Minn., erected mills, improved acre upon acre of the rich virgin soil and were the forerunners of a vast tide of emigration. John cut the first tree, began the

cabin used in the pre-emption of the town site and was one of the most active in building up the place.

In 1857 he gathered around him his little flock, which had matured during his absence and were possessors of the family talent, and organized the " Tribe of John." Henry and Viola won laurels as they joined with their parents in hundreds of success- ful concerts. The "Tribe of John " never forgot that they had a mission. They continued to press home to the hearts of the people "Oh! Liberate the Bond- man." For two years Mr. Hutchinson traveled with his family through New England with horse and carriage, rejoicing the hearts of the faithful.

There was no more devoted or effective worker for the election of Abraham Lincoln than Mr. Hutchin- son. He had the pleasure of singing to him when, as President-elect, he passed through New York, and was present at his inauguration. When war came Mr. Hutchinson was at the post of duty. He visited the recruiting-stations, and, by speech and song, en- couraged and inspired both officer and privates. After the terrible repulse of the Union troops at Bull Run, Mr. Hutchinson, with his son and daughter, visited Washington, and, after a series of concerts, was in- vited to go to Virginia and sing to the troops. Obtain- ing an appointment from Secretary Cameron, he entered at once upon this service. At the first con- cert, at Fairfax Seminary, their allusions to slavery were received with hisses, and a turbulent scene en- sued. The offensive words were in the newly-written poem of Whittier, which Mr. Hutchinson had wedded to music as inspiring,-

" What gives the wheat-fields blades of steel ? What points the rebel cannon ? What sets the warring rebel heel On the old star spangled pennon ? What breaks the oath of the men of the South ? What whets the knife for the Union's life ? Hark to the answer ! Slavery !"

With the word " slavery " came a hiss. The officer in command declared this act an insult alike to the singers and the " old flag," and if the hiss was re- peated the disturber should leave the church. A young surgeon from New Jersey arose and said : " You had better commence on me." The major re- plied, "I can put you out myself, and if I fail, I have a regiment that can and will." Thereupon the two thousand soldiers arose en masse, and the shout " Put him out! put him out !" was heard in all directions. The audience was soon quieted, and the concert pro- ceeded to the close without further interruption. The affair was brought to the notice of General McClel- lan. An order was issued expelling the "Hutch- inson Family" from the lines. Mr. Hutchinson did not silently submit to this act of arbitrary tyranny, and appealed to the President. Salmon P. Chase read the "obnoxious " song at the next Cab- inet meeting. The President said, "It is just the character of song I desire the soldiers to hear," and re-instated Mr. 'Hutchinson. The Hutchinsons

584

HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

were also active in temperance. From 1841, when they sang "King Alcohol in Old Deacon Giles' Distillery " in Salem, one or more temperance songs have been included in their programme. At the close of the war Mr. Hutchinson secured Cooper In- stitute, in New York, and, associating with him sev- eral notable workers, inaugurated a series of very popular "Sunday Evening Union Temperance Meet- ings." These were continued for several years, and effected a revival of the temperance cause. Mr. Hutchinson's services were sought by the State or- ganizations, and he conducted fully a thousand tem- perance conventions under their auspices. He char- tered three large connected parlors in Union Square, New York City, and, Sunday afternoons and evenings, conducted popular services, and established two active and useful organizations, the Manhattan Society and the American Temperance Union, which, even now, are powers for good in this field. He also inaugurated the temperance camp-meetings that for ten years have proved so successful at Martha's Vineyard. He took part in the Sunday temperance meetings held in Tremont Temple, Boston, where his quartette sang with great effect, till the death of his son, Henry, who sang bass. Mr. Hutchinson is decidedly in harmony with the Prohibition party. In 1884 he unfurled a large American flag, which bore the names of "St. John and Daniels," to the breeze, from the staff at " Old High Rock," and did good service in the cam- paign, and, in connection with the Reform Club of Lynn, he held Sunday temperance meetings, and both by speech and song, from 1852, he has advocated woman suffrage. In that year he attended the Na- tional Convention at Ravenna, Ohio, and created great enthusiasm by his song, " Right over Wrong, or the Good Time Come." Believing with all the in- tensity of his nature in the justice of the cause, he has lifted up his voice everywhere in favor of the emanci- pation of women. His " suffrage concerts " were a part of the organized forces that made Kansas their successful battle-ground. His associates were Mrs. Stanton, Lucy Stone, Susan B. Anthony.

Mr. Hutchinson married, February 21, 1843, Fannie

B. Patch, of Lowell, Mass. They have had three children,-Henry J. (deceased). He sang for twenty years with his father, was a vocalist of the highest order, and left a widow and two sons, all possessing great musical powers. Mrs. Lillie Phillips Hutchin- son, wife of Henry, a lady of rare culture, a teacher of piano, organ and the voice and eminent as an in- structor, resides at High Rock with Mr. Hutchinson. As a reader no one excels her. She has positions in two churches, and her powers as a ballad-singer keep her constantly engaged in her profession. Viola, another musical prodigy, married Lewis A., son of Judge William Campbell, who for fifteen years was a judge of the Supreme Court in New York City. She has three children, and resides in Santa Fé. Judson Whittier resides with his parents. Mr. Hutchinson has a wife who has been a constant aid to his genius. Her high culture and delicate appreciation of melody, with her practical common sense, have been of great value to the husband whose home she has adorned. Mr. Hutchinson is apparently in his prime. The clear tones of his voice are just as full and sonorous as when he accompanied the song-birds in his youth, or tuned it to the tempest or the thunder in the " Old, Old Home," conquered applause from the conservatism of England or held audiences enraptured by its in- tonations of freedom in the stirring days of the past. Devoting his life to the amelioration of humanity, he has dealt strong blows in causes which have made the world purer and better. His forty-four years of public life and eleven thousand concerts given, are evidences of a glorious and well-deserved success. Perhaps no person of the present generation has accomplished more good, is held to day in higher esteem or can attract larger or more enthusiastic audiences than the veteran John W. Hutchinson. A history of the Hutchinson family, with full incidents and historical events of great value, and which will be of deep in- terest to every family in the land, is now in prepara- tion by Mr. Hutchinson, who has devoted the spare time of many years to properly chronicle the purposes, struggles and achievements of this truly remarkable family.

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History of Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, Part 139

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) Publication date: 1885 Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis Number of Pages: 1168

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis
Number of Pages: 1168