USA > New Hampshire > Hillsborough County > Manchester > History of Manchester, formerly Derryfield, in New-Hampshire : including that of ancient Amoskeag, or the middle Merrimack Valley, together with the address, poem, and other proceedings of the centennial celebration of the incorporation of Derryfield at Manchester, October 22, 1851 > Part 71
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THE HISTORY OF MANCHESTER.
After some years had elapsed, Mr. Riddle purchased a tract of wild land, at Bedford Centre, and built a spacious farmhouse, and in 1788, he was united in marriage to Miss Ann Aiken. She was a woman well fitted to take the charge of a household in those troublous times, when the fathers were all minute men. To the kindest sympathy she enforced that strict unhesitating obedience, which she considered the foundation of all success in the education of children.
By indomitable energy, and perseverance in business, Mr. Riddle added farm to farm, and made the purchase of lands in most of the surrounding towns. His house became literally a home for ministers, strangers, and a large circle of acquaintance. He presented to the town of Bedford, the land for the central graveyard, and by his decided generosity in performing acts of kindness, he gained the respect of a wide-spread community. His fellow-townsmen elected him to some of the highest offices in their gift. He was Justice of the Peace " quorum unus," and Representative to the State Legislature. Often called upon to render pecuniary assistance, many instances are rendered worthy of note. Judge Eben'r Webster of Salisbury, when on on his way to Amherst, to attend County Court, usually passed the night at his house. On one occasion he spoke of his em- barrassment on account of his son Daniel, then in college, and asked assistance, which was promptly rendered by the loan of money. Being one of the first stockholders in the Concord Bank the officers often made application to him for aid in order to meet the exigencies of the times. Such calls were effectu- ally answered, he often being obliged to take a journey to Portsmouth, and obtain the money in his private capacity.
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In 1806, Mr. Riddle was married to Margaret McGaw, daugh- ter of Jacob McGaw, Esq., of Merrimack, his first wife having died in consequence of having been thrown from a horse.
Not content with his limited operations in business, he pur- chased an extensive tract of land at Souhegan, (Merrimack ) in the year 1807, which was afterwards called Riddle's Village, and built factories for the manufacture of cotton, nails and wool.
In 1811, he superintended the building of the locks and ca- nals for the Union Lock and Canal Company. The funds ex- pended in building this canal were raised by lottery managed by gentlemen from Concord.
According to the History of Bedford, in 1812 he conceived the design of navigating the river by boats, in connection with the recent improvement of the river by locks and the Middle- sex Canal. The landing at West Manchester, near Piscataquog
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ISAAC RIDDLE, ESQ.
bridge, was for many years the head of navigation in the Mer- rimack river. In 1815, it was extended to Concord, mainly by the enterprise of John L. Sullivan, Esq.
The first canal boat that ever floated in the river was built bv Mr. Riddle, in connection with Caleb Stark of Dunbarton. It was built on the bank in front of his house in Bedford, and named the " Experiment." 'The occasion was one of no ordi- nary interest. All passers-by gazed at the Newburyport archi- tect with antediluvian wonder. Launching day, clothed with so much novelty, drew crowds of people from both sides of the river. The boat was drawn a distance of three miles by forty yoke of oxen, to Basswood landing, where amid the shouts of the multitude, it glided off upon the water, destined to lead the line of prosperous activity until the iron horse, with its burning breath, should sweep all minor improvements off the track. It was loaded, and went down the river through the Middlesex Canal to Boston, where its arrival from a distant part of New Hampshire, was received with loud cheers and the firing of cannon.
Large contracts for lumber were furnished by Mr. Riddle, and sent from the landing at West Manchester to build many of the famous bridges in Massachusetts. With his usual method of despatch, he sent off the lumber employed in building the Essex Merrimack Bridge at Newburyport.
Owing to the bad state of the Pawtucket Canal, near Lowell, the rafts were delayed ; forthwith he notified the Company that they had forfeited their Charter. The case was litigated in the Supreme Court for years and according to the Massachu- setts Reports, he was awarded heavy damages.
In 1814, a public call was made by John T. Gilman, then Governor of New Hampshire, for volunteers of that class of citizens who were exempt from military duty in the ranks of the militia, to form themselves into companies for home de- fence, in case of sudden invasion. The call was responded to by a veteran band of men, numbering about sixty, of fifty years of age and upwards, under the command of Capt. Isaac Riddle.
The firm of Isaac Riddle and Sons was formed in 1817. The business of this firm in West Manchester, in conjunction with their other stores, supplied by way of boating and trade many of the towns in New Hampshire and Vermont. And there probably has been more lumber boated and rafted from this landing, than upon all the river above Nashua. About this time, an incident occurred which is still cherished in grateful remembrance. When Mr. Riddle was returning from "Pem-
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THE HISTORY OF MANCHESTER.
broke Muster" he saw a ferry-boat nearing the fatal plunge at Hooksett Falls, crowded with people. Without a moment's pause, he sprung from his chaise, plunged into the stream, and, when all were expecting instant death, his courageous arm caught the rope attached to the boat, and thus saved over thirty valuable lives.
Mr. Riddle's second wife died Dec. 18, 1816, being respected for her piety and true worth. In 1820, he resigned in a meas- ure, the care of his extensive business and property to his sons, and was married to Mrs. Mary Vinal of Quincy, Mass. She was an accomplished lady, belonging to one of the best families in the state, being a sister of Ex-Governor Lincoln and Capt. Lincoln, one of the party that destroyed the tea in Boston har- bor in 1776. Mrs. Riddle reckoned among her treasures the axe which her brother used to sunder the " memorable chests of tea."
About the time of Mr. Riddle's last marriage he removed to Quincy Point, Mass., and built a spacious mansion, where in the sunshine of earthly prosperity, he passed the remainder of his life. He died suddenly from the effects of a slight wound received at the time his factory was burnt at Souhegan. His remains were brought to Bedford, and deposited in the family tomb, which he had just completed.
HALLSVILLE .- This is a village that was started about 1840, on the road leading to Manchester Centre, just below where it is crossed by Amoskeag Brook. When the Amoskeag Company first commenced operations on the east side of the river, they had secured most of the land on in the immediate neigborhood. Not placing their lands in the market, or holding them at pri- ces beyond the means of many, certain villages grew up out- side of the lands owned by the Company, where people could purchase lands at ordinary prices. Hallsville was thus built up and at one time had quite a flourishing business, there being a wholesale, and two retail stores, and a tavern in it. In fact for a time, certain people thought it bid fair to retain its business, and invested their money in real estate, but to no great advan- tage, as the trade has left the village, and real estate bears no higher value than other agricultural lands in the suburbs of a thriving city. It received its name from Joseph B. Hall, who owned a large portion of the land in that neighborhood.
JANESVILLE .- This was another village built up in the same manner as Hallsville. It is situated on Mile Brook, near to
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MOOR'S VILLAGE.
where that crosses Bridge street. In the course of improve- ment this village has almost become united with the city proper, and will soon be part and parcel of it. Janesville received its name from Mrs. Jane Southwark, wife of Taylor M. South- wark, whose maiden name was Jane Young, and who inherited the land upon which the village was built.
TOWLESVILLE .- Down the Mile Brook betwixt Janesville, and the Amoskeag Company's land, and extending south east on the old Falls road, is Towlesville, a village built up in the same manner as Hallsville, and Janesville. This received its name from Mr. Hiram Towle, who owned most of the land on which the village is built. In this village upon Concord and Hanover streets extended, are some of the neatest dwellings in the city, and shortly the village will be but a part of the city proper. In fact, in a very few years, these localities, Hallsville, Janesville, and Towlesville, will cease to be known as such, and their localities will be merely matters of history.
MOOR'S VILLAGE -This village is situated on both banks of the Cohas near its junction with the Merrimack. It has been a village of some note for many years. It was originally known as "Goffe's Mills," and subsequently as "Goffe's Falls." It re- ceived its first name from Col. John Goffe, who settled there in 1734. It took the name of Moor's Village after the mills and Goffe farm passed into the hands of Capt. Samuel Moor, who married a daughter of Col. Goffe. It has been a place of con- siderable business, the water power being the best upon the Cohas, and the mills having been operated by men of energy and enterprise. The manufacture of lumber has been prosecu- ted to a large extent, while the other mills have always done a good business. A public house was long maintained by Capt. Joseph Moor, who was well known under the designation of "Landlord Moor." A machine for carding wool was started here in 1817, by Mr. Jacob Brown, now of this city. The machine was built by Messrs. Golding and Knowles, of Chelmsford, and cost Mr. Brown $500. The first rolls were manufactured the 3d day of June, 1817. In 1820, Mr. Brown, so'd his interest to Mr. John Calef, who has carried on the busi- ness of carding and dressing cloth since that time. Mr. Brown moved from here to Vermont in 1820, but not liking his posi- tion there, in about six months, he returned to Manchester, and erected a clothing mill at the Harvey privilege.
Mr. Calef having enlarged the mill purchased of Brown, in
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THE HISTORY OF MANCHESTER. .
1832 commenced the manufacture of satinets. The satinet mill is now operated by Mr. Peters.
A store was started here about 1826, or 1827, by Messrs. Franklin and Reuben Moor, subsequently it was carried on by Joseph, Charles, and Stephen Moor. These gentlemen had an extensive trade. Captain Moses Fellows carried on the manufacture of shoes very extensively in this village some years past, manufacturing about 150,000 pairs annually, and giv- ing employment to a large number of workmen. He carried on a store usually. in connexion with the shoe business. Moor's village comprises School District No. 4, and contains about a dozen houses, and near 100 inhabitants. It is about four miles from the City Hall, and must from its position, and facilities, become a place of considerable importance in the way of man- ufactures.
TOWN FARMS.
OLD TOWN FARM .- This farm was bought of Mr. Moses Davis, for the poor of the town. It contains 100 acres and cost $4000. It was upon the old road to Deer Neck on the south west side of Oak Hill, but is now upon Bridge street. The poor of the town were kept upon this farm until the purchase of the New Town Farm.
NEW TOWN, OR CITY FARM .- This was the well-known Stevens Farm, and lies upon the Mammoth Road, being the old Tavern Stand of Capt. Ephraim Stevens, Jr. It passed into the hands of Hon. F. G. Stark, and was sold by him to the City in 1846, for $6000. Since the purchase, the City have paid to the widow of Capt. Stevens, $1000, for right of dower, making the cost of the farm $7000. These have proved most profitable investments to the city. Either farm would readily bring twice what both cost the City.
CEMETERIES.
NORTH CEMETERY .- This is a private Cemetery on the river road, near Mr. John Campbell's, for the accommodation of the northern section of the town.
THE RAY CEMETERY .- This is on land now owned by Joseph M. Rowell, Esq., on the south bank of Ray Brook, and adjoining the west side of the river road. It was on the farm of the late John Ray, and was enclosed by him as a family
683
CHRISTIAN'S BROOK CEMETERY.
Burying Ground, although some of his neighbors are interred in it.
CHRISTIAN'S BROOK CEMETERY .- This burying place was on an oak knoll south of Christian's brook, and upon the farm of John McNeil. It was lately graded in part by the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company, the remains having been removed in- to the Valley Cemetery.
This was a private burying ground and of course passed with the land. Most of the graves were without monuments. Some however had them ; these were six in number. The oldest in date of death, and probably in erection, was that in memory of Mrs. Janet Riddel.
The inscription on her monument was thus ;
Here Lyes the Body of Mrs. Jenit Riddel Wife To Mr, John Riddel She Died Septr, 18 1746 Aged 50 years.
The next stone in date read thus ;
Here Lyes The Body of Mrs. Chresten McNeil She Died September 17t'h 1752 Aged 66 years.
The next stone in age read thus ;
Here Lyes The Body of Mr. Archibald Stark He Departed This Life June 25th 1758 Aged 61 years.
The next stone in age read thus ;
Erected In memory of Samuel Stark who died March 16 1800 Aet. 73
Samuel Stark was the second son of Archibald Stark and was a brave soldier in the "Old French War."
Beside his grave was that of his wife, whose tombstone read thus ;
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THE HISTORY OF MANCHESTER.
Erected In memory of Elizabeth Stark who died March 10 1817 Aet. 73
Near to the above grave was the next in date and last having a tombstone, which read thus ;
Miss Polly Stark Died Oct. 22 1820, in the 49th year of her age.
Miss Polly Stark was the daughter of Samuel Stark, and died as above, unmarried.
THE VALLEY CEMETERY .- The ground for this Cemetery was given to the town of Manchester in 1840, by the Amos- keag Manufacturing Company, by their deed bearing date the 29th day of January, 1840. It contains nineteen acres and seven-tenths of an acre, and is most pleasantly located upon Mile Brook, being bounded on the north by Auburn street, east by Pine street, south by Valley street, and west by Willow street. The conditions of the deed were, that certain highways or parts thereof, should be discontinued within two years from its date, and these being performed, the town was to hold the land for a Cemetery under the following restrictions, viz : .
"The said town of Manchester shall thenceforth hold the said premises to said town of Manchester and its successors in fee simple forever, for the sole use and purpose of a public Cemetery or burial ground for the use of said town, and for no other use or purpose whatever. The said Cemetery to be under the entire care and control of a Committee to be appointed for that purpose by said town as may be provided by law or by votes of said town; a suitable portion of said tract to be by such Committee designated to be used as a common bu- rial place ; and the residue thereof to be divided from time to time by suitable walks and alleys, and allotted into lots not exceeding six hundred square feet each, and sold at such prices as may be from time to time fixed by such Com- mittee for the purpose of family tombs and burial places, subject to such regu- lat ons as the said Committee shall prescribe ; and the monies arising from such sales to be applied by said Committee to the sole purpose of enclosing and or- namenting said Cemetery. Provided further, that it said premises or any part thereof, shall be applied or used for any other purpose whatever than that be- fore stated, or if any money arising from the sale of any lots as aforesaid, or in any manner arising from the said premises, shall be applied to any other pur- pose except that of enclosing and ornamenting said grounds, then this convey- ance shall be void. Provided further, that said Company shall have the right to flow the valley through which the brook crossing said premises runs by any dam which they may erect for the purpose of carrying any mills or machinery upon the stream below said premises."
*See Records.
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VALLEY CEMETERY.
The town took immediate possession, and appointed a com- mittee, and what is often unusual in such cases, they contin- ued the same committee in office for a series of years, thus en- abling them to carry out their plan of laying out, and embel- lishing the avenues, paths and alleys, which was conceived in much good taste. Through its centre, passes the clear and Jimpid Mile Brook, now confined in its meandering channel ; but formerly so wild in its movements as to have worn a deep gorge, its sides now swarded over, and its bottom a level mead- ow, affording an abundance of natural grass. This gorge is still covered with its primitive growth of forest trees-only such having been removed as were in the way of the necessary improven ents. Paths have been constructed down the sides of this gorge to the meadow, in such manner as shall take the least from the natural features of the place ; while two or three rustic bridges, and here and there a fountain, alone show that art has been brought to the assistance of nature, in beautifying this resting place of the dead.
The southeast side of the Valley Cemetery, upon Pine street, is a level plain, a little rolling to the south, and covered with a growth of small pines. Where too thick, these have been cut away, and in some parts other ornamental trees have been planted. The ground here has been laid out with much taste. An avenue passes in a southeast direction along and conforming to the sinuosities of the gorge or valley. This is called Pine Avenue. Upon it are some of the finest lots in the Cem- etery, fitted up with taste, and having, most of them, rich and elaborate slabs or monuments. There are many other avenues and paths east of this, upon which are very many pleasant lots, all fitted up with more or less taste ; and some in the most rich and expensive manner. On the west side of the Valley the land is more uneven, and the lots are laid out with less regu- larity. On this side is the public portion of the Cemetery- the city tomb, and some very rich and appropriate monuments. The main entrance, that from Chestnut street, is upon this side of the Valley. This is by an iron gate, the gateway being of massive granite, after a design by Moses W. Oliver, Esq. The whole produces a very fine effect.
The most of the lots are already taken up in this Cemetery, and the city have secured a capacious lot for another, atout 2 1-2 miles below the city Hall, on the Calef road. They had purchased a lot for this purpose in 1853, upon the Calef road,
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THE HISTORY OF MANCHESTER.
but it was found that it was not fit for the purpose, and another purchase has been made, to meet the demands of our increas- ing population. This is called,
PINE GROVE .- It contains about 40 acres and is located up- on the point of land between the Calef and River roads. It is mostly covered with a second growth of pines, and is soon to be finished and laid out with walks. Laid out with taste and judgment it will make a most delightful cemetery.
GOFFE'S FALLS CEMETERY .- This is a private Cemetery just below the forks of the Harvey and the River road at Moor's Village, for the accommodation of that section of the town.
THE CENTRE CEMETERY .- This burying ground was loca- ted Dec. 13th, 1759, by the following vote ;
"Voted that the Burying Yard in Derryfield, shall be in that place of ground that Levt. John Hall gave a deed of to the town, in the most suitable part of it, not improved."
This was the meeting-house lot, and the "Burying Yard," was located in the south part of it. It was cleared and enclosed in 1777, with "Merchantable boards, and oak posts." It was covered with bushes, and was cleared in that year. In 1803. May 14, the town
"Voted to raise money to fence the Grave Yard on the front side, with a good stone wall said wall to be 4 1-2 feet high, 3 feet thick at the bottom, and one foot thick on the top, with a good and sufficient gate, painted."
The building of the wall was sold by auction, to Mr. Wil- liam Farmer, at $3,40 per rod. This wall stood until 1842' when it was replaced by a substantial picket fence. This Bury- ing Yard was more extensively used than any one in town un- til the Valley Cemetery was laid out in 1840.
THE FOREST CEMETERY .- I have taken the liberty to apply this name to the first burying ground in this place, located in the woods south east of the late residence of Mr. Rodnia Nutt, near the south west corner of ancient Chester, and upon land of Captain Amos Weston. This Cemetery was located and used by the grantees from Massachusetts, who came here in 1735, as mentioned before. It was adjacent to the meeting house, built under the requirement of the Massachusetts grant. It was probably not much used after 1740, when the line was established betwixt New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The graves are now in the midst of the forest, and are covered with
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COMMONS.
stately oaks their position alone marked by the rough cobbles at their head and foot.
THE MERRILL CEMETERY .- This is another private Ceme- tery in District No. 5, near the school house, at the forks of the Harvey and Merrill roads. It has not been much used.
THE HUSE CEMETERY .- This is a private Cemetery on the Derry road, near to Mr. John Huse's house, for the accommo- dation of the southeast section of the city.
AMOSKEAG CEMETERY .- This Cemetery is very pleasantly sit- uated on the plain west of Amoskeag Village, and on the road to Rock Rimmon. The ground is tastefully laid out, and cov- ered with thriving pines, is alt: gether a creditable affair to that village.
PISCATAQUOG CEMETERY .- This is upon the plain overlooking the Piscataquog, and in the midst of the village of that name. It should have been located at a greater distance from the vil- lage, but at the time of its location, the present or prospective growth of the village was not anticipated. The lot was given to the town by William Parker, Esq. The first interment was that of a child of Mr. James Griffin in 1814; the next that of a son of William Parker, Esq., April 8, 1814.
THE CATHOLIC CEMETERY .- This Cemetery is in the very west part of the city, upon the road to Amherst. It occupies a very pleasant position, and is capable of being made a pleas- ant "resting place for the dead." It has been used for such purpose only a few years, and as yet very little has been done. to it by way of improvement
COMMONS.
One of the most pleasant and beneficial features in the topog- raphy of our city, is its system of Commons, or Squares, as they are generally called. These have been reserved and laid out by the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company, and passed to the city under certain restrictions, with a liberality highly cred- itable to all concerned in that Corporation. It has been said, that "Corporations have no souls," but without speculating upon this saying, it may be said with truth, that this Corpora- tion, though it may be a sole exception, in the laying out this manufacturing city, has displayed a whole-souled regard for the health and comfort of its inhabitants, in furnishing a system of Commons, so many lungs or breathing places, that serve to puri-
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THE HISTORY OF MANCHESTER.
fy the air of the same, while they afford a pleasant resort to our people on public occasions, and after the severe and confin- ed labors of the day.
There are six of these public Squares east of Elm Street, while upon the west side of that street, there are several private Squares, for the benefit of the occupants of the Overseers' Blocks and Boarding House Blocks, belonging to the various corpo- rations.
CONCORD SQUARE .- This common was the first one laid out in this city. It is situated betwixt Concord, Amherst, Pine, and Vine Streets, and contains about 4 5-8 acres. This was laid out in 1839, previous to the Company's first sale of lots. It is provided with walks, and ornamented with various forest trees, the Elm predominating. In the Centre, is a reservoir, or small pond, supplied with water from Mile Brook. In passing the common to the city, it was stipulated that the same should be enclosed with an iron fence in five years, or revert to the cor- poration. The time has transpired, but the fence has not been built. It probably will be however, when the present substan- tial wooden fence shall have decayed.
MERRIMACK SQUARE .- This Square was next appropriated to public use. It is situated east of Elm Street, betwixt Merri- mack and Central streets and contains 5 7-8 acres.
This is a beautiful and picturesque common. Mile Brook passes through it, furnishing a beautiful pond in its centre, while on the south east part of it, a portion of the original forest re- mains, affording a cool and quiet shade from the scorching sun of summer. Brook trout originally abounded in this pond, but the horned pout has driven them from it. The musk-rat bur- rows in the banks of this Square and their gambols in the water and upon its surface, of a moon light evening, are among the pleasant features of this Square. It is laid out with walks and ornamented with trees. This is the only Square upon Elm street in the lower part of the city.
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