History of Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, Part 68

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

USA > New Hampshire > Hillsborough County > History of Hillsborough County, New Hampshire > Part 68

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March 6, 1804, the town voted a call to the Rev. David McGregore, of Londonderry, and in May of the following year Mr. McGregore accepted the same.

On the 5th of September, 1804, Rev. David McGregore was ordained and installed pastor of the church in Bedford by the Presbytery of London- derry, Rev. Dr. Morrison, of Londonderry, preaching the sermon.

Mr. McGregore completed his collegiate course at Dartmouth College in 1799, and studied for the ministry under Dr. Morrison. Upon his settlement in Bedford the affairs of the church assumed alto- gether a more favorable aspect. Meetings of session were recorded and delegates regularly chosen to attend meetings of Presbytery. In 1806 a regular system of ministerial visitation was inaugurated, in which the elders alternately accompanied the minister. Numbers were added to the church from time to time, and church discipline was more strictly observed. The year 1818 was marked by a state of

general religious interest, and during the year twenty- two persons were received into communion with the church.

Mr. McGregore was a man of superior social qualities, and commanded the respect of his congre- gation, as well as of his brethren in the ministry. Many of those who united with the church under his preaching became eminent for usefulness, remaining firm in their attachment to the cause of the Master to the end of life. A few of them survive to the present day, and still bear witness to the earnest gospel preaching and ministerial fidelity of the pastor through whom they were converted to Christ.

During the earlier part of his ministry Mr. McGre- gore labored as a missionary in connection with the New Hampshire Domestic Missionary Society, ex- tending his tours into the northern section of the State. His labors were blest in the awakening of considerable religious interest in the places where lie preached.

The relations of Mr. MeGregore with the people of his charge were marked by harmony and good-will throughout. During his ministry the church in- creased in strength and influence, the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper were regularly and more frequently administered and the general tone of morals and religion improved. He was a man of sound doctrinal views and of good pulpit ability. His sermons, some of which are still extant in manu- script, evince a logical mind and a diligent study of the Holy Scriptures. He is spoken of as having faithfully preached the gospel, enforcing the practical duties of religion with great fidelity.

In April, 1825, Mr. McGregore apprised his church of his desire for a dissolution of the pastoral relation, and requested them to unite with him in application to Presbytery for the same. Accordingly, the Lon- donderry Presbytery, at its meeting at Nottingham West (now Hudson), on the last Wednesday in April, 1826, dissolved the pastoral relation between Mr. McGregore and the church in Bedford. Mr. McGre- gore removed to Falmouth, in Maine, in 1831, and died there October 18, 1845, aged seventy-four. He was the nephew of Rev. David McGregore, and great- grandson of Rev. James McGregore, the first minister of Londonderry. His pastorate continued twenty-one years, as did that of Mr. Houston.

About the time of Mr. McGregore's dismissal a Presbyterian Society was formed in the town, in ac- cordance with the laws of the State, and to it the gen- eral affairs of the church were committed. While, therefore, the town negotiated with Mr. McGregore on the terms of his dismissal, nothing appears in the records with regard to the call of his successor.

On the 5th of July, 1826, Rev. Thomas Savage was installed pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Bed- ford by the Presbytery of Londonderry, being its third settled minister. The sermon on the occasion was preached by the Rev. Dr. Whiton, of Antrim, N. H.

276

HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

Mr. Savage was born in Boston, September 2, 1793. He prepared for college at Phillips Academy, An- dover, and graduated at Harvard in 1813, the eleventh of his family who had graduated at that institution. Having pursued the study of theology for three years at Cambridge, he accepted an invitation to become a private tutor in Louisiana. About this time he ex- perieneed a change of views with respect to the system of theology he had adopted, and finished his prepara- tion under the care of the Mississippi Presbytery. By that body he was ordained to the work of the ministry in 1822, and preached two years at Baton Rouge.

Returning North in 1824, he supplied the pulpit of Dr. Colman, of Dorchester, for one year, during his absence, and immediately after received his first in- vitation to preach in this town.

Mr. Savage entered upon his life-work here under very encouraging circumstances. He was young, vigorous, finely educated and fully imbued with the spirit and energy needed for his work. He was earnest in his piety, remarkable for the urbanity of his man- ners and for the genial kindness of his disposition. He was, withal, an eloquent preacher, possessing supe- rior pulpit address and power, and soon won to him- self the affection of his people, the esteem of his min- the people of that part of the State where, during his long pastorate, his name became the synonym, not of what it literally imported, but of those virtnes which are the embodiment of a perfect Christian gentleman. Politeness-genuine Christian politeness-was, in fact, his distinguishing characteristic. To a temperament naturally genial were added the refinements of edu- cation and the graces of the Christian life, making him, says Dr. Wallace, in his memorial discourse. "a model for the young, a pattern for the Christian and an example to be imitated by that profession to which he was an ornament."

In the freshness and vigor of his early life Mr. Sav- age devoted himself to the work of the ministry, and I the results of his labors were soon apparent. He im- mediately brought to the attention of the Session the duty of systematic visitation, and a plan was adopted that had for its object "a revival of religion," by bringing the question personally to the attention of all. The town was divided up into districts, and com- mittees of visitation appointed to go from house to house, pledging themselves "unitedly to engage in the work, immediately to go about it, and not to grow cold or weary in it." The Sabbath-school, which had been previously held in school-houses, without much interest, was now transferred to the church and held during intervals of Divine service, with happy effects. On the Ilth of October, 1827, a Thursday afternoon prayer-meeting was commenced, which has continued without interruption until the present day, now almost fifty years. In 1829 a temperance reform began and a temperance society was formed, through the joint

influence of Mr. Savage, and a temperance discourse delivered by Dr. Justin Edwards. The result of this movement was, that whereas seven places were licensed in the town during 1829, by the selectmen, for the sale of ardent spirits, only two were licensed the follow- ing year.

These Christian efforts were ordered, in the Provi- dence of God, as preliminary to that wonderful work of grace which swept over the country in 1831. The church in Bedford was partaker, to a large degree, in that revival season, and accessions were made at that time which have had a lasting influence upon the church and the word. At the May communion of that year five were added on profession of faith ; in September, ninety-one; and the following January, seventeen, making one hundred and thirteen in all. This was certainly a most encouraging result for the young pastor, and for a country church it certainly evinces a work of no ordinary magnitude. Many of those brought into the church at that time became bright and shining lights in the world ; nearly all of them continued to adorn the Christian profession to the end of life, and some still survive to attest to the present generation the genuine nature of the work of Divine grace in their hearts.

It was during this revival year that the question of isterial brethren and the respect and confidence of | building a new meeting-house first took definite shape. The old building had stood and served its purpose for a period of seventy-five years, and was now too small and inconvenient to meet the wants of the growing congregation. During the year 1831 subscriptions were started and an association formed for building a meeting-house. The building was finished during the following year, and on Christmas Day, December 25, 1832, the house was solemnly dedicated to the worship of Almighty God.

In the succeeding years Mr. Savage continued to enjoy the confidence of his people, and accessions were yearly made to the membership of the church, as fruits of his ministry. In an historical discourse pre- pared and published during 1841, he reported that two hundred and seventy-two had been added to the church on profession since his settlement, being an average of eighteen per year.

On the 19th of May, 1850, the town celebrated the centennial anniversary of its incorporation. It was a great day for Bedford. Many distinguished visitors, former residents of the town, and others, were present. It was estimated that about two thousand persons participated in the festivities. The Ilon. Isaac O. Barnes, of Boston, a native of Bedford, delivered the centennial address. A history of the town-the joint work of Rev. Mr. Savage, Dr. P. P. Woodbury and Mr. William Patten-was published, embracing most of the facts of interest connected with the town history up to that date. It was the result of great labor and is an unusually interesting book of its kind.

Once more, near the close of his ministry, Mr. Savage was permitted to witness the Divine approval

277

BEDFORD.

of his labors in a revival ofreligion. In 1864 a revival began in Manchester, in connection with the preach- ing of the evangelist, Rev. A. B. Earle. The work extended to Bedford. Special meetings were held, and a deep and general interest prevailed. As a result, seventy-two persons united with the church during the year on profession of faith.

On the 3d of Jannary, 1866, the pastoral relation between the Rev. Thomas Savage and the church in Bedford was dissolved by the Presbytery of London- derry. The pastorate of Mr. Savage extended over a period of nearly forty years, and embraced the most im- portant period of the church's history. He had suc- ceeded in binding the church together in harmonions action in all Christian work, and bringing it for- ward to rank with the strong churches in the State. His pastorate, on the whole, was eminently successful, and the influence of his labors will long be felt upon the cause of religion in this community.

Mr. Savage did not long survive the termination of his pastorate. He died on the 8th of May, 1866, aged seventy-two years.

" As a preacher," says Dr. Wallace, "Mr. Savage was practical and impressive. He did not dwell so much on the distinctive doctrines of the gospel as many preachers. He did not preach theology as a system. Yet he preached salvation only by the cross. But its doctrines were mingled with precept, as the leaven pervades the mass in which it is hidden. They appeared not as the veins penetrate the marble, but as the painter's color shades the whole."

Rev. Anton Little was installed pastor January 3, 1866; Rev. Ira C. Tyson, May 9, 1869; and Rev. D. Herbert Colcord, the present pastor, September 8, 1881.

CHAPTER III.

BEDFORD-(Continued).

Centennial Celebration-Civil History-Town Clerks from 1750 to 1885- Representatives from 1762 to 1885-Physicians-Lawyers-Population -Extracts from Matthew Patten's Journal-The Old Militia-Military Record, 1861-65-List of Soldiers-Bounties and Expenses.

Centennial Celebration .- One of the most inter- esting events in the history of Bedford was the celebration of the centennial of the town, May 19, 1850.

Peter P. Woodbury was president of the day, with the following vice-presidents : Thomas Chandler, Moody M. Stevens, Samuel Chandler, John French, John McAllister, Theodore Goffe, John Patten.

The committee of arrangements consisted of the following: Leonard C. French, Willard Parker, Daniel Moore, Isaac Darrah, John Patten, John Adams, Adam Chandler, Andrew Dow, G. W. Riddle, Joseph H. Stevens, John Barr, L. C. French (2d), Thos. Holbrook, Charles F. Shepard, John Goffe, Elijah C. Stevens, Gardner Nevins, Rodney Mclaughlin, James Walker, Simon Jenness.

The address on the occasion was delivered by Hon. Isaac O. Barnes. Remarks were also made by Horace Greeley,1 Rev. Mr. Adams, Rev. Mr. Clark, John At- wood, Mr. Savage, Rev. C. W. Wallace, Rev. J. T. Wood- bury, Dr. Leonard French, Hon. C. E. Potter, James O. Adams and others.

The toasts on the occasion were as follows :

"19th of May, 1750 .- Ever to be remembered by the descendants of Bedford-the petitioners on that day received a charter of incorporation, whereby they could support their religion, which was that, and that only, they petitioned for."

Responded to by Hon. Horace Greeley, of New York City.

"19th May, 1850 .- Thanks to God, our religious institutions are still with us, and we most earnestly pray they may be the first, and, above all other things, supported by us and our posterity."

Responded to by Rev. Mr. Davis, of Amherst.

" Our Parents .- Long, long left us, gone to reap their reward of glory -with gratitude we remember them ; may we ever practice their virtues,. and teach them to our children by precept and example."

Responded to by Rev. Mr. Clark, of Manchester.

" The Emigrants, and Guests of Bedford .- We greet you welcome to our town, and our festive board. Pleasant and profitable to meet as relations, friends, and acquaintances, -it is the first time and the last, we shall ever meet on such an occasion, in Bedford."

John Atwood, Esq., of Albany, N. Y., responded.

" The changes of one hundred years .- The woolen and linen-wheels for the cotton-mills and spinning jennies, -are not more wonderful than the horse's two days' journey to Boston, with wooden panniers, with a tub- of butter on either side, or both, filled with linen cloth or thread, to the steam-engine and the telegraph wires."

" Englund, Scotland and Ireland .- Our mother-countries ; their united blood produces the best of stock, defying the world for competition."

Rev. James T. Woodbury, of Acton, Mass., re- sponded.

" Brown Bread .- May the hale yeomanry of old Bedford never despise- the hearty and substantial food of their ancestors."

Response by Hon. C. E. Potter, of Manchester.

" Our Posterity .- May this day be remembered, one hundred years hence, by our descendants who shall then be on the stage of action."

Responded to by Dr. Leonard French, of Fitchburg, Mass.

" The Scotch-Irish .- They left the north of Ireland, braved the dan- gers of the ocean, and came to these western wilds to enjoy their religion and liberty. May their offspring appreciate such noble virtues, and cherish them as a rich legacy handed down from their forefathers."

Jolın Aiken, Esq., of Andover, Mass., responded.

" The Orator of the day .- If our houses and Barnes appear as well a cen- tury to come as they do to day, posterity will have no reason to be ashamed of their inheritance."

Hon. Isaac O. Barnes spoke briefly on the subject of education.

" The Ladies of Bedford .- Ever prompt and energetic in every under- taking of a worthy and commendable character."

James O. Adams, of Manchester, responded.

I Horace Greeley was born just over the line of Bedford, in Amherst, the school he attended and the better portion of his father's farm being in Bedford, where he resided during a portion of his early years.

278

HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

Civil History .- The following is a list of town clerks from 1750 to 1885 :

John Melaughlin, 1750, '51.

Matthew Patten, 1752, 53, '5.4,

89, 156, 17, '58, '59, '60, '61,

'62, '13, '61, '65, '66, '67, '68, 1, 50, 471, 72, 71. John Bell, 1773, '74, '75, '76, '77. William White, 1777, '78, '79, '80, 's1.

Thomas MeLanghlin, 1782.

John Rand, 1780, '81.

J sich Gilles, 1786, '56, 's.

William Moor, Iss, 189, 90.

William MeAffre, 1791,'99, 1800. Davil Patten, 1792, '93, '94, 95, 00. 1-7, '08, '09, '10.

Phineas Viken, 1797, '98, 1801,'02,

Samuel chandler, 1805, '06, Moody M. Stevens, 1811, '12, '13, '11, '15.

William Moor, Is16, '17.

Alfred Foster, 1818, '19, '20, '21, '22, '20, '21, '25, '26.

Leonard Walker, 1829, '30, '33, '3.1. Isaac Riddle, 1831, 32.

Daniel Moor, Jr., 1835.

Frederick Wallace, 1836, '37.

Daniel Gordon, 1838, '39, '40, '41,

'13.

John Parker, 1812.

Andrew J. Dow, 1844, '45, '46, '47, '51. Benjamin F. Wallace, 1848, 49.

Matthew Barr, 1850.

Daniel K. Mack, 1852, '53.

Chandler Spofford, 1854, '55, '56, '57.

Benjamin Hall, 1858, '59, '60, '61, '62, '63, '61. William W Wilkins, 1865, '66, '67, 168. John Hodgman, 1869, '70, '71. Theodore A. Goffe, 1872.

Silas 3. Riddle, 1873, '74, '76, '77,

'75, '70, '80, '81, '82, '83, '84, '85. George W. Flint, 1875.

Sanmel Chandler, 1827, '28.

REPRESENTATIVES,-The following is a list of representatives from 1762 to 1885 :

John Goffe, 1762, '63, '61, '65, '66,

'67, '68, '60, 170, '71, '72, '73, '74, '75.

1851. Benjamin F. Wallace and Moody MI. Stevens.

1852. James Morrison and Thom- as W. Moore.

1853. Noyes Poor.

1854. James French.

1855. James French.

1856. Russell Moore.

1857 Russell Moore.

1858. Thomas G. Holbrook.

1859. Thomas G. Holbrook.

1860. Henry Hale.

1861. llenry llale.

1862. William R. French.

1863. William R. French.

1864. George W. Riddle.

1>65. George W. Riddle.

1866. Silas Ilolbrook.

1867. Silas Holbrook.

William Riddle, 1825, '26, '30, '31.

IM. Samuel Palten.

1.tweezer French, 1827.

1869. Charles 11. Moore.

1570. John Hodgman.

1×71. George W. Hoffe.

1872. Thomas G. Worthley.

J B. Blowinan, 1535, '19.

1873. Voted not to send.

Thomas Chimdler, 1841, '12.

1-55. Paul T. Campbell.

Wilbam Patten, 1x13.

1×76. George W. Gotle.

I. C. French, IsH, '15, '16.

1557. Voted not to send.

Willout P'. Rulle, 1×17, 18.

1878. William Me Allaster.

Gardner Nevins, ISIT, Is.

1-79. Voted not to send.

A. A Patten, INI9.

1ss0. Charles B. Beal.

Chandler spafford, IsI9.

1>>2. John A. Hiddle.

1x1. Freeman R. French.

Physicians. Dr. Nathan Cutler came to Bedford from Dun-table, Mass,, in 1777, and moved back in 17/2.

Dr. John Quin came to Bedford in 1782, from Hal- ifax, Vt. He was a relation of Dr. Cutler and had a family. After staying a year or two he removed to Massachusetts.

ford in 1789; he married Elizabeth Swett, and died May, 1809.

Dr. William Wallace came to Bedford in 1805; his native place was Milford, N. H. He died in 1821. His widow, sister of Rev. E. L. Parker, of London- derry, survived him many years.

Dr. Baird came to Bedford in 1811; left in 1813, and went to Nelson ; he resided, while in town, with Thomas Wallace.

Dr. Page came in 1810, and resided in Bedford but a few months.

Dr. Frederick A. Mitchell came in 1813; he was born in Peterborough. He married Lucy, daughter of Deacon Phineas Aiken. He left the practice in 1815, but lived in town till 1835.

Dr. P. P. Woodbury came to Bedford in 1815; he was born in Francestown, N. H.

Dr. Silas Walker came to Bedford in 1827; born in Goffstown; died in 1843.

Dr. Houston came to Bedford in 1824; resided at Piscataquog ; stayed one year, and then went to West- ern New York.

Dr. Levi B. Johnson came to Bedford in 1825; stayed two years ; he boarded at the village.

Dr. Robert Riddle, son of Hugh Riddle, began to practice at Hooksett; came back to his father's in 1825; practiced medicine till his death, which oc- curred in 1828.

Dr. Henry Clinton Parker, son of James Parker, Esq., studied medicine in Philadelphia; began to practice at the village in 1838.

Dr. Leonard French, son of Leonard C. French, studied medicine with Dr. Crosby ; began to practice in 1845; stayed one year in town, and removed to Ashby.

Dr. John D. Walker, son of Dr. Silas Walker, studied medicine with his father, and began to prac- tice in 1840 or 1841.

Dr. John Harvill came to Bedford in 1849; began to practice at the village, and after one year went to California.

The present physician is Frank D. Rowe.

The history of Bedford also makes mention of the following lawyers who resided in town: James Un- derwood, James Parker, Isaac McGaw, J. B. Bowman, James McWilkins, John Porter.

POPULATION.

1767.

Unmarried men from 16 to 60 years 30

Married men from 16 to 60 43

Boys from 16 and under 93

Men 60 and above

Females unmarried

117

Females married 51

Slaves (małe, 6 ; female, 3) 9

Widows

Total 362

For 1775 we have the following return, dated "Bed-

Dr. Nathan Cutler, son of the former, came to Bed- | ford, October 27, 1775."

John Orr, 1779, '>2, '95, '96, '97, 1×11, '12.

Samuel Patten, 1781.

Matthew Thornton, 1783.

James Martin, 1781, '85, '91.

Stephen Dole, 1786, 188, '89, '90, '92, '93, '91.

Isaac Riddle, 1798, 199, 1813.

David Patten, Ismo, '01, '02.

l'hineas Aiken, 1803, '01, '14.

William Riddle, 1805, '06, '07. summel Chandler, 1808, '09, '10, '15, '16, '17, '18.

Iwish Gordon, 1819, 120. Thomas Chandler, 1821, '22.

William Moor, Is23, '24, '32, '33.

John l'rench, 1~10.

1×71. Voted not to send.

Joseph Colley, Is28, '29, 135.

James Mck. Wilkins, 1834, '36,

A. J. Dow, 1850.

Paul Dudley, 1775, '76, '77, 178.

279

BEDFORD.

" Males under 16 . 109

Males from 16 to 50 not in army 93

Males above 50 . 28

Persons gone to the war 14

Females in all 241

Negroes and slaves for life 10

Total

495

" HILLSBOROUGH, SS., Oct. 27, 1775.

" Then personally appeared John Bell, and made solemn oath to his fidelity and impartiality in numbering the souls in Bedford, and making return of the several ages and sexes, as in the columns above thereof.

" Sworn before, MATT. PATTEN, J. P."

"There are 37 guns lacking to equip the inhabitants of Bedford. There are 1134 1bs. powder in Bedford, according to information, and no town stock of ammunition.

"JOHN BELL. "

The population in 1783 was 762 (framed houses, 93) ; 1800, 1182; 1810, 1296; 1820, 1375; 1830, 1554; 1840, 1543: 1850, 1913; dwelling-houses, 312; families, 344; farmers, 267; laborers, 161; shoemakers, 10; blacksmiths, 5; brickmakers, 33; machinists, 10; carpenters, 8; physicians, 2; clergyman, 1; lawyer, 1; teacher, 1; scholars attending school this year, 589; value of real estate owned, $594,600. 1

EXTRACTS FROM HON. MATTHIEW PATTEN'S JOURNAL.

" March 29, 1755. Was chosen town-clerk. Voted to give me six pounds, old tenor, for what I should record for the town this year, and they were to find me paper to write the minutes of the town on.

"October 29, 1755. Snow fell, ankle-deep.

" July 18, 1756. John Smith, of New Boston, informed me that a bear had bit my heifer (that he had in keeping), so she could not live. I got Mr. McNeil, of New Boston, to butcher her for me.

"September 13 & 14, 1756. A great frost, so as to kill all the coru- leaves.

"November 27, 1756. Went to Londonderry, to know when the Gen. Court set ; found it to be next Tuesday. On the 30th set out for Ports- mouth ; went as far as Mr. Murphy's, in Londonderry, and received an account that the Gen. Court had adjourned till Tuesday, 14th December, next.

"September 4, 1757. Mr. llonston lectured in the forenoon on the 1st chapter of John, and preached in the afternoon, it being the first sermon ever preached in our meeting- house. 11th, Mr. Houston lectured in the forenoon on the 12th, 13th and 14th v. of the first chapter of John, and preached in the afternoon, from Amos, fourth chapter and 12th verse.

"Jannary 22, 1758. Mr. Ilouston lectured on part of the 3d chapter of John's gospel. There were but 15 persons at meeting, by reason of the snow, which was deep, and poor paths.

"June 8 & 9, 1759. Fished at Namaskeag Falls and got 120 shad, and I gave Robert McMurphy 10 of them ; and I got 4 shad and a small sal- mon, for my part, from the setting-place. Wm. Peters fished for me by the halves.

"July 15, 1760. I joined with Sam'l Patterson to fish for salmon, and catched 2; one weighed 1272 Ibs., and the other 18 lbs. The small one 1 had, and the large one he had. 16th, We raised the bridge over Piscata- quog river, and set our net that night, and by morning we had a 9 and a 6 pound salmon ; the large one I had, and the small one Patterson had. "March 12, 1761. This morning, about 2 o'clock, a considerable smart shock of an earthquake, which wakened me out of sleep.

"March 4, 1762. I attended a meeting of the towns of Amherst and Bedford, at Bedford meeting-house, to choose a representative; I was chosen moderator by a unanimous choice, and Col. Goffe was chosen representative by 46 votes, and Capt. Barron had 13.

' April 1, 1764. Snow fell near 3 inches deep.

"June 7, 1771. Attended the funeral of Capt. Barron, and was one of the under bearers.

"July 3, 1771. I went to Derryfield meeting-house, and heard Mr. Ward, of Plymouth, preach.

" November 27, 1779. I have 2 bushels of corn a day for writing.

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History of Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, Part 68

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