History of Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, Part 98

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 98

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

The New Mill .- The hope of Hillsborough Bridge and immediate vicinity has for many years centred on its excellent water-power,-on the work which the Contoocook might some day do for them. The Con- toocook River has been regarded for a long period as the tutelary genius of the place. Only a small por- tion of its water-power has yet been utilized. It is believed that it might easily do all the work that it is now doing, and, in addition, turn as many spindles and drive as many shuttles as the Merrimack does at Lawrence or Lowell. Its grist-mills, saw-mills, yarn- factories, hosiery-mills and all the rest combined did not satisfy the longing minds of the people. There was something not possessed that was wanted. The project of "The New Mill" was started at length -perhaps spontaneously. It was called "The New Mill" before even the plan of it was drawn, a stone dug or a stick of timber drawn, or even cut. Shares were taken eagerly, money paid cheerfully, in hopes of having speedily a golden return. Work was com- menced, the money which had been subscribed all used, and "The New Mill" not completed. Then bonds were issued, and more money raised on these. " The New Mill" at length was finished, from the water-wheel to the ventilator,-made for no particular use, but for any use that might be needed by the pur- chaser or renter. "The bonds" ate up " the shares," and, like Pharaoh's lean kine, were still hungry. No purchaser, no renter that would be accepted. "Wait- ing, still waiting." At length " The New Mill" was sold and put to use. It has added vastly to the busi- ness of the place by employing more hands requir- ing to be sheltered, fed and clothed. But it has not brought back the first thirty thousand dollars that was paid out for original shares.

Hillsborough Bridge has always been noted for handling " the nimble shilling." A ten-dollar bill started on its travels in the morning will make the acquaintance of a dozen pocket-books before night, in season to get back into bank within banking hours. And so it has always been that a small capital at the Bridge has been able to do a large and legitimate business. The starting up of the " New Mill," about seven or eight years ago, awoke to full action the latent energies of the place. House-building became at once a business, and lots for building purposes- always high at the Bridge, proverbially so-now rose to an unprecedented height, so that those who had lots to sell now received a part of their loss in " shares." Business of all kinds improved.

The corporate name of the New Mill is Hillsborough Woolen-Mills,-Rufus F. Frost & Co., proprietors; John Kimball, superintendent. The New Mill, even if it should get old enough to demand repairs, will al- ways be " The New Mill." It can never grow old in the hearts of this generation. When the dam was built for this mill, John B. Smith, proprietor of the Contoocook Mills, built the north half, which he owns, and the mill privilege also, on the north bank of the river. He did this for two reasons,-one, that he might be able to control one-half of the water, if necessary, for the use of the Contoocook Mills; the other, to secure the means of running another "new mill," if he should think best at any time to do so. In former years that mill privilege had been used to ad- vantage; it might be of advantage to use it again. Mr. Smith also owns the mill, last operated as a silk- mill, on the north bank of the Contoocook, east of the bridge across the river. Factories might be suc- cessfully operated, if built, for a long distance down the river.

The future of Hillsborough lies in the judicious use of the waters of the Contoocook. The river is better than a gold-mine, and there is an opportunity for great extension. The water can be conducted for a long distance down the river, and enough conveyed to carry machinery to an unlimited extent. Besides, there is abundant opportunity to hold water back in the vast reservoirs in Stoddard and in the adjacent towns, against a time of need, if such should arise. Hillsborough village is destined to be, at no distant future, a large manufacturing place. The Contoocook Mills, of years' standing, are a pledge of what it can do.

Hillsborough (or Valley) Academy .- It will be found, on inquiry, that about the year 1820 there was a wide-spread fever, both in New Hampshire and Vermont, for establishing incorporated academies- it was before the day of High Schools-with or with- out invested funds, as the case might be. Hillsbor- ough Academy was incorporated by act of the Legis- lature in 1821. The first teacher was Dr. Simeon Ingersol Bard, of Francestown, a graduate of Dart- mouth in 1821. He came to Hillsborough directly after graduation. He was small in size, wiry, elastic in his movements, boyish in appearance, but a man every way in mental ability and scholarship. His mind was keen in analysis, and he gave a high tone to the new academy. He afterwards taught in the academy at Francestown. So youthful was his ap- pearance that one of the citizens of Francestown, not knowing who it was, saw him as he was going to the academy with some large books under his arm, and accosted him,-" Sonny, how do like your pre- ceptor?" He was followed in the Hillsborough Academy by Rev. William Clark, D.D .; of Amherst, a native of Hancock, a classmate of Dr. Bard in col- lege, who taught several years before going to An- dover, where he graduated in theology in 1827. He

408

HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

is well and favorably known for work in the home missionary field in the State. His brother-Rev. Samuel Wallace Clark-took his place in the acad- emy in 1523, taught one year and then went with his brother William to Andover, from which place both graduated in theology in 1527. Rev. Jonah Pea- body followed, who graduated at Dartmouth in 1825. Ile was followed by the brothers (in turn) Robert Reed and Solomon Heath Reed, graduates of Dartmouth.

Another teacher of note was Benjamin F. Wallace. E-q., who became a veteran in the field and is well remembered in Hillsborough. Rev. Ephraim Tay- lor, Albert Baker, Esg., and F. B. Massey followed in turn. The academy was at first located in a brick building at the Lower village. Having at length done its work there, and good work, too, it reappeared at Hillsborough Centre under the instruction of Rev. Elihu Thayer Rowe, a graduate of Dart- mouth College in 1840, who was a practical and thorough teacher, who died in 1867. Others swayed with credit the educational sceptre on the hill, and the academy did good work there for years. In 1864, taking the name Valley Academy, it reappeared at Hillsborough Bridge under the auspices of Rev. Harry Brickett, assisted by his wife. Mr. Brickett was acting pastor, at the time, of the Hillsborough Bridge Congregational Church. The pupils numbered abont . home. one hundred and twenty.

In 1576 Valley Academy reopened with a fall and spring term, the winter and summer terms being in the same building, under the same teachers, and known as the Union School. Rev. Harry L. Briekett, son of Rev. Harry Brickett, a graduate of Oberlin College, class of 1875, was principal, and Miss Ellen J. Brickett, a graduate of the Ladies' Department of the same institution in the same year, was assistant. For three years, from 1876 to 1879, they taught with the best of success-the schools being crowded with scholar -- four terms a year. In the fall of 1879, Mr. Brickett entered Andover Theological Seminary. They were followed by Dr. Frank P. Newman and Miss Mary Ellen Whittemore, who remained one year, Dr. Newman being called from there to the position of principal of Tubbs' Union Academy, Washington, his native town, where he has since taught with great weeptance, and has made his school rank among the first. Miss Whitt more, a graduate of Bradford Acad- amy, Massachusetts, was called from Hillsborough to Bradford, N. H., where for several years she taught, with great credit, the Bradford Grammar School.

A new, commodious and elegant school-house, with four departments, has been built since Mr. Dickey's \ advent. Miss Jennie Breed, Miss Clara F. Potter and others are his eo-laborers in educational work. Hills- borough may well feel proud of her schools. A good education is the best legacy for children.

CHAPTER IV.

HILLSBOROUGH-( Continued).

The scotch-Irish Element-The Professions-Law and Lawyers-The. Ministry-Ecclesiastical History-Congregational Churches-Method- ist Episcopal Church-Baptist Church-Independents.

The Scotch-Irish Element .- The inhabitants of Hillsborough are descendants mainly of Puritan stock; but, like other stock in good companies, it has been somewhat watered. It will be found that no nationality can claim a decided majority. It is well known, however, that from the very start there has been a liberal sprinkling of the Scotch-Irish ele- ment. These were men unsurpassed in decision of character, determination, love of liberty, even to license ; yet of the utmost fidelity in all social relations. They may be properly styled the defenders of the

The Scotch-Irish originally went from Scotland to. the north of Ireland, which they made their home. Very likely there is, to a greater or less degree, an intermingling of Irish blood.

Londonderry, in New Hampshire, attracted the men from Londonderry and the region round about in Ire- land.

The Scotch-Irish predominated in that town, and sent out emigrants to help in settling other towns, Hillsborough among the rest.

It is this blood that furnished most of our brave officers in the Revolutionary War and in the War of 1812, and they were not backward to volunteer to march in the ranks.

It is a race that possesses in a high degree pluck and fire. It possesses the pure Scotch firmness-al- most obstinacy-that is determined to fight a cause out "on that line." to the fiery high blood of the Irish soldier that would charge, without flinching or turn- ing aside, up to the very cannon's month.

It is an exceedingly interesting class of people, as studied in their adopted homes in Ireland. They were zealous Protestants, and, in the days of James the Second, of England, they adhered firmly to the cause of William of Orange against the tyranny of James. The story of the siege of Londonderry, Ire- land, in 1689, is one of the most thrilling in history. They endured the most terrible tortures of famine, but held out till they were relieved and saved. It is the tendency of such blood to tone up society to a high level of honorable feeling. Some of the first settlers

Mr. B. F. Hurd, a graduate of Bates College, Me., followed, and remained three years. Mis- Epps was for a time his assistant ; she was succeeded by Miss Gutter-on. Mr. Hurd was called from here to Fran- cetown Ardens, where he still remains, doing faith- tul and efficient work. A primary department was -tarted under his administration with good success. Mr. George A. Dicke, a graduate of Dartmouth College in Isso, succeeded, and is the present principal. Hof Hillsborough came originally from Ireland. Their

409

HILLSBOROUGH.

descendants have, as a rule, been men of probity and unblemished character. They are generous to a fault, and will divide the last loaf. Hillsborough has felt the good influence of that blood.

The Professions .- The history of a town would be incomplete that left out mention of its professional men, -those who filled its pulpits, who pleaded at the bar, and administered the healing art,-who had to do with the souls, the wills and the bodies of the people. I ought to add another class, much, at the present time, more than formerly a profession, that of teachers of youth,-those who, while dealing mainly with the minds of pupils at a tender age, really lay the founda- tion, either well or ill, on which the superstructure of a life, good or bad, is built. It is fair to presume that the professions are made up of men of at least average ability, but of superior mental training.

LAW AND LAWYERS .- Law is supposed to be the embodiment of justice and fair dealing among men. From the earliest ages of civilization there has been a class of men whose business is to know the law and be able to give sound and safe advice in regard to it. Hillsborough has been from the first the home of dis- tinguished lawyers.

Among the first practitioners was David Starrett, a native of Francestown, a graduate of Dartmouth Col- lege in 1798, and student of law in the office of Hon. Samuel Bell, of Francestown. He opened an office in Hillsborough in 1802. He was not regarded as a brilliant advocate, but as a safe adviser he had the general confidence of the people of the town and was confidently trusted by his clients. He resided in town ten years. He then mysteriously disappeared, never to return. In Smith's annals is a long account concerning it.

John Burnam, also a graduate of Dartmouth Col- lege, a student in the office of Hon. Samuel Bell, and later of David Starrett, succeeded the latter in 1812.

David Steele, born at Peterborough, September 30, 1787, graduated at Williams College in 1810, studied Jaw with James Walker, Esq., and Hon. Charles G. Atherton, of Amherst; married, late in life, Miss Catharina Kendall, of Amherst, who yet survives him, and opened an office in Hillsborough, at the Bridge village, in 1813. He was a useful man, both in so- ciety and in the church. He died at Peterborough many years ago, between eighty and ninety years of age.

John McFarland opened an office at the Upper vil- lage in 1815, and died in Hillsborough in 1819.

Timothy Darling graduated at Harvard University in 1822, opened an office in Hillsborough in 1826 and remained in town just one year.

In 1827, Hon. Franklin Pierce, of national reputa- tion, opened a law-office in the Lower village of Hills- borough, and continued there eleven years, when he removed to Concord. He was a graduate of Bowdoin College, Maine, in 1824, at the age of twenty, and three years later was admitted to the bar in his native

State. He filled many positions of public trust with dignity and honor. From 1829 to 1833 he represented Hillsborough in the State Legislature, the last two years being Speaker of the House. In 1833 he was elected to Congress, where he served ably during his two terms till 1837, when he was elected to the United States Senate. Hewas then the youngest mem- ber of that body, being barely of the legal age required. In 1842 he resigned his seat and returned to Concord, where he resumed his legal practice.

His fluency of speech, his knowledge of law and his prominence as a public man gave him the first place at the bar of New Hampshire. In 1846 the position of United States Attorney-General was offered him by President Polk, but he declined. He also declined to run for Governor when nominated by the Demo- cratic party in New Hampshire.

His military record was one of rapid rise. Enlist- ing as a private in a volunteer company, he became a colonel and soon after a brigadier-general. He took a prominent part in the Mexican War, where he served with bravery and honor under General Scott. At the close of the war he resumed the practice of law in Concord. In 1850 he presided over the Constitutional Convention of New Hampshire. In 1852, at Baltimore, he was nominated, after a pro- tracted struggle, on the forty-ninth ballot, over all competitors, as the Democratic candidate for Presi- dent of the United States. He was nominated in the convention by two hundred and eighty-two votes to eleven for all other candidates. When the votes of the Electoral College were counted, Pierce had two hundred and fifty-four and Scott forty-two.

After 1857, which was the close of his administra- tion, Mr. Pierce passed several years in Europe, re- turning in 1860. He died in Concord. It has been proposed to erect a statue to his memory, to stand in the State-House yard.

Albert Baker, an exceedingly popular man in the town and State, was a native of Bow, born February 10, 1810, a graduate of Dartmouth College in 1834. read law with Hon. Franklin Pierce, and opened an office in Hillsborough in 1837.

There have followed men of brilliant talents,- Samuel H. Ayer, an able lawyer, who was sometimes pitted against Hon. Franklin Pierce at the bar, where he acquitted himself with honor. George Barstow, a native of Haverhill, a man of good mind and scholar- ship, amember of Dartmouth College, but who left be- fore graduating. He succeeded as a man of letters rather than as a lawyer. He remained but a short time in town. Francis B. Peabody was also in Hills- borough for a short time. Of him but little is known. Francis N. Blood, a Hillsborough boy had an office and dwelling-house at the Lower village. He was re- garded as a good lawyer, and an upright and honor- able man. He died of consumption, leaving a good property, which he had gained in his profession.

Hon. James F. Briggs, of English parentage,-a dis-

410

HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

tinguished con-color-at-law, an ex-member of Con- press, practiced at the Bridge several years, till his rem wal to Manchester. Charles A. Harnden suc- ceeded Esq. Blood. He remained in Hillsborough but a short time after he was admitted to the bar.

Brooks K. Webber has been in the practice of law at the Bridge since the removal of E-q. Briggs. He is considered a satte adviser in law, and never counsels a client to ineur the expense of a lawsuit if he can avoid it by an amicable settlement. He has a good practice.

A. B. Spalding, of Lyndeborough, began to practice law the latter part of 1876, and remained a little less than two years. He left under a cloud, and has since died. Willi- G. Buxton studied law with Brooks K. Webber, and in the Boston Law School. He was ad- mitted to the bar and commenced and continued several years in practice in Hillsborough. He early removed to Pennicook, where he now is in suc- cessful practice. Samuel W. Holman has been at the Bridge several years in the practice of law. He studied law with Hon. Mason Toppan, of Bradford, . Attorney-General of New Hampshire. Mr. Holman is rapidly acquiring a lucrative practice. The Pierces, Colonel Frank HI. and Kirk D., brothers, are located at the Lower village, and are doing a good share of legal work. Colonel Frank HI. Pierce, one of the firm, has recently received the appointment of judge advocate of the Amoskeag Veterans. He has accepted the appointment of United States consul to Matanzas, Cuba. J. Willard Newman, son of James Newman, prepared under Esq. Webber, and is now a practicing lawyer in Chicago. Others may have come into town and reconnoitered, hoping to find a place to hang up a shingle somewhere; but so long as the Pierces guard the Lower village, and Webber and Holman the Bridge, interlopers may as well know that there is no room ; they had better not unlimber. Hillsborough has good lawyers now, fully competent to defend the interests of all its citizens and others who may apply,- nien who are good judges of law and equity and safe alvi- rsof their clients.

THE MINISTRY .- In the early settlements the min- i-er- of the gospel did not stay long behind the pioneer-, who came with axe, saw, auger, shovel and jack-how-to be supplemented with the plow-to dear, to build and to cultivate. Rude homes were soon constructed of hewn logs, The timber stood everywhere, and almost enough grew on the lot for buildings to make them especially if a garden and small field were taken into the account-a shelter of lors sufficient to protect the family during the hours at Jump, and serve as a nucleus for the home, the deir A place on earth, whether a hut or a palace. At Ors there were no saw-mill- and no means of sawing In her everpt by hand. The tools most needed and ns In were de, saw, anger and chi-el.

First, a hope for the family; the very next, the moting house cards in these days in New England

called a church-and the next, a parsonage. The first settlement, which, on account of imminent dan- ger from a treacherous enemy, lasted only from 1741 to 1746, nevertheless built a meeting-house and a home for a minister. As has already been said, this meeting-house was burnt, and, as is believed, wantonly, for the malicious gratification of seeing it burn. A man named Keyes, as appears from the records was at the beginning of the first settlement in 1741, joint- proprietor with Colonel Hill. His name does not appear in the records as connected with the second settlement of the town. Business troubles may have soured the mind of this Keyes, of Weare, and so for revenge he may have fired the building. It was burnt. This Keyes may have felt himself wronged, and that the glass which he took out and buried was his.

During the time between the years 1767 and 1779 -twelve years-public worship was held in warm weather in groves or in barns, in the coldest in pri- vate dwellings. Colonel Hill, now the sole proprietor of the town (by some means he has sloughed off Mr. Keyes), gave the town ten acres of land-now occupied at the centre of the town for the sole use of the church buildings and the cemetery-for these purposes and also for a common. In addition, he reserved from sale two whole lots of the one hundred aere lots and a part of another for the first settled minister. In the autumn of 1772 the church, concurred in by the town of Hillsborough, invited Mr. Jonathan Barnes, a licentiate, to come and settle with them as their minister and pastor. He accepted the call, came and was ordained and installed November 25, 1772.

The ordination exercises were held on Bible Hill, in the barn of Lieutenant Samuel Bradford. It was no uncommon thing in that early age, and even later, to hold religions services in a barn. The writer, in his youthful days in Newbury, Vt., frequently attended meeting in barns in the summer season ; indeed, himself and sisters were baptized in a barn within his personal recollection. The name "Bible Hill " has frequently been alluded to. It is a familiar name in Hillsborough,-as well known as the Bridge, Lower, Upper or Centre village. A road from West Deering, one mile west of the Bridge village, running north and south, passes by the "Deacon Sawyer place," now owned and occupied by Gawn Mills, over a con- siderable hill, consisting of most excellent farming land, by the Jones, Burnham and Tuttle places. This is called " Bible Hill," common rumor has it, because the only Bible in town was owned by a family living there. Mr. Smith, who probably sifted the rumor, modestly puts it, to save the credit of the deacons of the church, that the only large Bibles in town were owned by Deacons Isaac Andrews and Joseph Sy- monds. I yield to that authority, and am glad to be- lieve Mr. Smith the faithful annalist in preference to Madam Rumor, who has sometimes proved to be mis-

411

HILLSBOROUGH.

taken. It is hoped and believed that there were some small Bibles elsewhere, and that they were read and obeyed. Bible Hill at that time bid fair to be the leading place in town, outranking the Bridge even. It had in it the first tavern built in town, in 1766; the first town-meeting was held there in 1772; the first ordination, in 1772 ; the first captain of the first military company formed in town, and its first lieu- tenant, lived there.

to be entitled to fifty pounds, whether sooner or later, until there shall be ninety families ; when there is ninety families, he shall receive sixty pounds until there is one hundred and ten families; when there is one hundred and ten families, he shall receive sixty- six pounds, six shillings and four-pence, which last sum he shall continue to receive so long as he remain our minister." This last was to be the ultimatum. It will be remembered that, in addition, Mr. Barnes was The second meeting-house in town was built by the town, the same as the first, which had been burnt. The town passed a vote for the purpose of building a house of worship in May, 1773. It was carried into effect in 1779, and used thirteen years, when it was found to be insufficient for the increased congrega- tion that was to come early every Sabbath morning and stay till late in the afternoon to listen to two long sermons, each of at least an hour's length, and prayers and singing in proportion. It was then re- moved from its site several rods, and converted into a school-house. As a meeting-house it gave place to another larger building, and better adapted to the wants of the town. "The new building"-they called it-was to be sixty-two feet in length, fifty feet in width and two stories in height, with porches on three of the sides, each having a door for entrance. The raising of this large building, lifted a broadside at a time, as was the custom in those days with all frame buildings, was no small affair. People came from far and near, even from distant towns, to help lift at the master-workman's call, " Heave, O heave !" and then to share in the inspiring contents of the barrel, liberally furnished for the occasion. Though professedly the building was for the Holy Spirit's dwelling, other spirits aided at the raising. to receive between two and three hundred acres of land as the gift of Colonel Hill. Mr. Barnes, having sustained the pastoral relation for thirty-one years, becoming incapacited for performing the duties of his office through paralysis resulting from a stroke of lightning, resigned his office as minister and pastor October 19, 1803, in the fifty-fourth year of his age, and lived after his resignation only two years. He was esteemed as a good citizen and a good friend, a man of respectable talents and agreeable manners. As a preacher, he was regarded as leaning too strongly to what is called " the liberal side " in doctrine. Ile was active and laborious, working with his own hand to supply the wants which his salary, prudently used, failed to do. His heirs own and occupy the home- stead. Mr. Barnes married a most excellent lady,- Miss Abigail Curtiss, of East Sudbury, Mass., in 1774, who became the mother of ten children. She survived her husband thirty-three years, dying in 1838, " uni- versally beloved and lamented." She was esteemed by all her personal acquaintances as a true friend and a consistent Christian. Though not rich in this world's goods, she always gave something to the poor and needy. having a heart to feel for them in their poverty and want. She set the example in her early widowhood to attend meeting constantly when cir- This building was used as a place of worship for cumstances would permit. Her children called her twenty-eight years, with no means of warming it ex- blessed on account of her gentle goodness.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, Part 98

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