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 75
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Amoskeag Canal, the greatest work of the kind in New England, except Middlesex, though not owned in any part by our Corporation, is, however, principally in the hands of proprietors in the Middlesex Canal ; and it being of great importance in the chain of water-communication, formed by the rest of our works, we are happy to state that for the most part, it is new and per- manently constructed, and that what remains of the old works, will probably be renewed the present year.
On leaving Amoskeag Canal, you enter on that section of the river nine miles in extent, converted by law, into the Union Canal, comprehending in that space, six distinct falls ; at each of which, and at several intermediate places, work has been done. The first Lock is at Merrill's Falls, erected at the
716
THE HISTORY OF MANCHESTER.
foot of this rapid, near the eastern shore, supported and protected by strong wall, from which dams formed of timber and stone, extend from the one side to the shore, and from the other to the head of the falls, and obliquely nearly across the river ; forming a still basin or Canal in this instance, one hundred and forty rods in length.
In great freshets when the river is unnavigable the Lock is overflowed. As the water subsides the works re-appear for use ; and are calculated for a varia- tion of the surface, perpendicularly for eight feet. Precautions appear to be taken to guard against the effects of winter; and the experience of five seasons proves them secure.
The other Locks, viz : at Griffin's, Goff's, Coos, and Moor's Falls, are con- structed on similar principles, varying in position, or strength of the works according to circumstances. In several instances, considerable difficulties were to be surmounted by dint of labour, and places were pointed out where chan- nels had been formed by the removal of masses of rocks from under water, by force of powder and machinery.
Descending the river five miles further, we came to Cromwell's Falls ; where a Lock has been built under the same Act of Incorporation, by a subsequent grant of the Legislature, with a separate rate of toll. The toll of the Union Canal above described, is seven and a half cents a ton per mile, or sixty seven cents per ton ; and by a recent act of the Legislature, a toll on rafts has been granted. The cost of Union Can il, including Cromwell's, may be estimated in round numbers at $50,000 dollars; which however, will be reduced, (to the proprietors) twenty thousand, by the avails of the lottery, granted in aid of this expensive and hazardous undertaking. This Canal has begun to receive toll, and is under a like system of management.
After descending the river fifteen miles further, your Committee entered Wicasee Canal, and passed the Lock therein. This work being in the same county as the Middlesex, may be considered as an appendage thereof. It con- sists of a natural passage between Tyng's island and the north shore, which was cleared out and deepened and a substantial Lock built to raise the height of Wicasee Falls, which are on the other side of the island; in which Falls there are dams to check the water back in a low state of the river, to save the expense of digging the Canal deeper. The cost was about $14,000 dollars, and there is a separate toll. The work opened the river for fifteen miles, and may be considered essential to its navigation. Proceeding from hence three miles down the river, we reached the head of Middlesex, fifty two miles from the "lower" landing in Concord, the "upper" landing being on the East side five miles higher up.
Your Committee, after viewing this chain of water communication, see no reason to doubt its effectual operation ; and are confirmed in the opinion which six years ago prompted the Board of Directors to the undertaking, that it was necessary to the final success of the Middlesex Canal. A few years of experi- ence are wanting to show the extent of the usefulness of these improvements, and the effects they will undoubtedly produce. The kind of business expected to result from them, has already commenced. The landing places and stores al- ready mentioned have been established at Concord, for the deposit of mer- chandize, and produce in their way to and from Boston .. A regular system of transportation is actually carried on, which there is every reason to think will actually increase ; and bringing the real accommodation of eighty-five miles of water carriage directly into the heart of the country, may be expected to attract a considerable accession of trade to our State and metropolis.
In closing their report, your Committee (having had an opportunity of in- specting the proof-impression of a map of New Hampshire, on a large scale, now preparing for publication,) beg leave to advert to the supposed practica- bility of opening a water-communication between the Merrimack and Connec- ticut river, in the direction of Windsor, in the state of Vermont, between Su- gar river and Sunnape Lake, from which it takes its rise; and the Contoocook, which has its northerly source in or very near the same and discharges eight miles above Concerd ; By which water carriage from Boston might be 'encreas-
717
CANALS.
ed to three hundred miles ; not with a view of engaging the Corporation in any additional expense already too great; but to lead the Board to consider at some convenient time, the means of calling the public, and even Legislative atten- tion to an object of so much importance to the whole community, at least so far as to ascertain its practicability, and prob ,ble cost from actual survey. This point indeed might be settled for a few hundred dollars. The Committee have only to add that they found the Middlesex Canal in an improved state and per- fect operation.
AARON DENTON, BENJAMIN WELD, COMMITTEE.
ANDREW SIGOURNEY, B. JOY.
From this report, it will be seen that the project was seriously contemplated of uniting the Merrimack and Connecticut rivers by means of the Contoocook and Sugar rivers, and thus to se- cure the trade of Northern Vermont to Boston. The project was chimerical, as the same object has been attempted nearly in the same direction by railroads, and has thus far proved a perfect failure.
A large proportion of the boatmen upon the river, in the employment of the boating company, were from Manchester and Litchfield. A knowledge of the river and river craft, gained from their proximity to the Falls, and consequent em- ployment there in fishing and "running" lumber, gave them a decided superiority as boatmen. It was a life of hardship and temptation by which some fell, but others are among our most respectable citizens. Among them was the late Capt. Israel Merrill, a man of powerful make and without fear. A boat race is well recollected betwixt his boat and another, which continued from Boston to Concord. From the head of " Mid- dlesex" to Concord, each strived for the advantage, but Merrill beat by the length of the boat or so ! His antagonist however never did another day's work ; the exertion was the cause of his death ! Capt. Merrill was pilot of the steamer that made a trip to Concord in 1817. Joseph M. Rowell, Esq .. Messrs. Samuel Hall, Samuel B. Kidder, and James Hall, are among those of our citizens who were engaged in the boating busi- ness. This business was done by a company, incorporated by
the name of the "Merrimack Boating Company." The first boat that passed from Boston to Concord arrived there in the Fall of 1814, but the boats did not commence running regu- larly till in June, 1815. A large square sail was used for pro- pelling the boats when the wind was fair, but the usual meth- od was by "setting poles." Two men standing upon the bow of the boat, each with a pole some 12 feet long, shod with iron, would thrust the same against the bottom of the river or ca- nal, in an angling direction, and then throwing the body for-
50
718
THE HISTORY OF MANCHESTER.
ward would walk with a measured step to the stern of the boat, thus pushing the boat along as they went; they would then pull up their poles and pass to the bow again to go through the same walk. This was called "polling a boat." While this operation was going on, a third hand stood some feet from the stern of the boat holding in his hand the handle of a long paddle, some fifteen or twenty feet in length, its immense blade extending into the surface of the water from the bow of the boat say something less than half its length. This man was the "steersman" and this ponderous paddle was the "til- ler" with which to guide the boat. Being under the direction of experienced men, it was not often that any serious accident happened to these boats. However, two boats were lost upon the river in this neighborhood. One boat was capsized in Goffe's Falls, and Mr. Enoch Killicut was drowned. He be- longed to Hooksett.“. In 1840 another boat ran over the Amos- keag Falls and was stove in pieces and its cargo lost or dam- aged. The boatmen were Thomas Howe, Timothy Vickery, Thomas J. Page and Warren Pettingill. It was high water and a yoke of oxen were "hitched" to the boat by a long rope, to tow it up the river out of the swift water. The "steers- man" let the bow of the boat sheer too far from the shore, the force of the current was stronger than the oxen, and boat and oxen were taken down the river. The oxen were forced into the water and the boatmen made for the shore for their lives !- At this moment, Joseph M. Rowell, who was standing upon the bank, very coolly struck the rope with a jack-knife, and stretched to its utmost tension, with one stroke of the knife it parted, and the oxen were saved while the boat was dashed in pieces upon the rocks. The loss was about $2,500. In 1823, the name of the company was changed to that of the Boston and Concord Boating Company. Under this name it continued to do a prosperous business till the Fall of 1842, when the Concord railroad was opened to Concord.
LOCKS ON THE PISCATAQUOG.
In 1818, Wm. P. Riddle built a set of locks at the mouth of the Piscataquog. His store and boating house were just below the Piscataquog bridge and some rods from the Merrimack, and at low water boats could not pass up the Piscataquog. By building a dam across the Piscataquog at the head of Bass Is- land, a still basin was formed up to the bridge-and by a lock of 100 feet long, the Merrimack was reached with boats and rafts at the lowest stages of the water.
OLD DEPOT.
PASSENGERISTATIONIT
MANCHESTER PASSENGER STATION.
NEW DEPOT.
719
RAILWAYS.
RAILWAYS .- The Concord railroad passes through this city, while the Manchester and Lawrence and the N. H. Central roads start from this city. The Concord road extends from Con- cord to Nashua, a distance of 36 miles. It was incorporated in 1835 and has a capital of $1,485,000. It was opened to this place for public travel July 4, 1842. In connection with the Manchester and Lawrence road, it has two splendid depots in this city, one for freight and the other for passengers. The Freight Depot is below Granite street, corner of Granite and Canal streets, and is 300 feet in length by 65 feet in width .- The Passenger Depot is upon the corner of Canal and Granite streets. It is in the form of a cross 310 feet in length and 80 feet in width. Both these buildings are of brick and of the most improved make for depots. A view of the Passenger De- pot is given opposite. This Depot was built in 1855 upon ground formerly occupied by the old Freight Depot which was of brick and had been taken down, as it was inadequate to the business of the place. The old Passenger Depot, abandoned for the same cause, still stands immediately west of the new Depot. A view of this is also given. The officers of the Con- cord Road are
Isaac Spaulding, Nashua, President. Isaac Spaulding, Josiah Stickney, Chas H. Peaslee, A. C. Pierce, Uriel Crocker, B. F. Manning, J. S. Kidder, Direc- tors. John H. George, Concord, Clerk. N P. Lovering, Boston, Treasurer. Hon. N. G. Upham, Concord, Superintendent. D. C. Gould, Agent and Tick- et Master for the Manchester Station. A. W. Tompson, Baggage Master.t Jacob Sawyer, Freight Clerk. James A. Watson and W. H. Dole, Freigh Agents.
THE MANCHESTER AND LAWRENCE .- This road was chartered in 1847, and built in 1848 and '49. It extends to Lawrence a distance of 26 miles. It occupies the Depots in connection with the Concord road. Its capital stock is $800.000. The of- ficers of the road are
E. J. M. Hale, Haverhill, President. E. J. M. Hale, David . ABunton, J. T. P. Hunt, Manchester, Joseph Low, Concord, John Fiint, Andover, N. F. White Lawrence, Charles Connor, Exeter, Directors. Wm. C Clarke, Manchester, Clerk. D. J. Daniels, Manchester, Treasurer. J. A. Gilmore, Superintendent.
N. H. CENTRAL .- This road was chartered in 1848 and was built in 1849 and '50, and extends from Manchester to Henni- ker, a distance of 28 miles. Its capital stock is $500,000. It has been merged with the Concord and Claremont road un- der the name of the Connecticut River Railroad.
720
THE HISTORY OF MANCHESTER.
CHAPTER XXVII.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Preaching at Amoskeag .- Universalist Society .- First Congregational Society .- First Methodist Episcopal Society .- First Baptist Society .- St. Michael's Church .- Unitarian Society .- Franklin Street Society .- Free Will Baptist Society .- Second M. E. Society .- Second Baptist Society .- Christian Mission Church .- North Elm St., M. E. Society .- Piscataquog Cong. Church.
The ecclesiastical history of Manchester of any interest to the reader as such, covers a period of only some twenty-six or twenty-seven years last past. Prior to 1829, there seems to have been no effectual measures taken for the regular support of a ministry, and for reasons fully set forth in the 17th chap- ter of this work, where also may be found a history of the eclesiastical affairs of the town, from its incorporation in 1751 to 1804, when the Rev. Mr. Pickels left the town. Prior to
that time there was occasional preaching here, as the Rev. Mr. John Elliot undoubtedly preached here to the Indians as early as 1651 or 1652, and subsequently, Simon Betogkom an Indian also preached here to the Indians ; and at a still later period, after the whites began to visit the Falls in large num- bers. for the purpose of fishing, there was occasional preaching here during the fishing season. The Rev. Mr. Seccomb of Kingston often preached here to the fishermen prior and sub- sequent to 1743. He was a gentleman of good at tainments, of eccentric habits, and extremely fond of fishing. As was the custom with many gentlemen of the seaboard towns, Mr. Seccomb was in the habit of visiting Amoskeag annually for
-
721
FISHING AT AMOSKEAG.
the purpose of indulging in the amusement of fishing. A such times he preached upon the Sabbath. In the "Fishing Season of 1739 " he preached a discourse here having Hon. Theodore Atkinson and other gentlemen for hearers. This sermon was published in 1743, and its title page was as follows : "AMOSKEAG FISHING.
" Business and Diversion inoffensive to God, and necessary for the comfort and support of human Society. A Discourse utter'd in part at Ammauskeeg Falls, in the Fishing Season, 1739.
"Deep in the Vale old " Moniack"* rolls his Tides, Romantick Prospects crown his reverend sides ;
Now thro' wild grotts, and pendant Woods he strays, And ravish'd at the sight, his course delays. Silent and calm-now with impetuous shock Pours his swift Torrent down the steepy rock ;
The trembling Waves thro' airy channels fl >w, And loudly roaring, smoke and foam below. I. W.
The dedication of this discourse was as follows, viz :
"To the Honourable Theodore Atkinson, Esq .; and other the Worthy Pat- rons of the Fishing at Ammauskeeg.
" Gentlemen, It's not to signify to others that I pretend to an Intimacy with you, or that I ever had a Share in those pleasant Diversions, which you have innocently indulged yourselves in, "t the Place where I have taken an annual Tour for some years past. Yet I doubt not but you'l Patronize my Intention, which is to fence against Bigotry and Superstition, All Excess I disclaim, but pretend to be a Favourer of Religion, and of Labour as an Ingraclicut, and of Recreation as a necessary Attendant.
"I believe the Gentleman who moved me to preach there in some odd cir- cumstances, and those at whose Desire and charge this Discourse is Printed, (asking their Pardon if my Suggestion appear to them ungrounded) were moved more from the uncommonness of the Thing, than any Thing singular in it. I have put off the Importunity for near these three years; but least it should be that I fear it's being seen by the World, I submit it to Sight and Censure.
" So little as I know you, Gentlemen, I heartily present it to you ; tho' all the Reason that I intend to offer is, we have fished upon the same Banks : And tho' I know this will be no Bait, I am fond of being esteemed, in the Affair of Fishing, Gentlemen, your most obedient and humble servant,
" FLUVIATILIS PISCATOR.
The sermon itself bears "the evident traits of a brilliant genius and a poetic imagination.+
No account is to be found as to preaching here by any other person until the incorporation of the town in 1751, when the
" Boston, Printed for S. Kneeland and T. Green in Queen Street MDCCXLIII.'
* " Moniack" one of the names applied to the Merrimack by the Indians, from the fact that it contained a great many islands. The literal meaning of Moniack is " Island-place"-it being a compound word from the Indian nouns Mona (island) and Auke (place).
t A copy of this sermon is in the Library of Harvard College, and to the kind intentions of the former Librarian, the late Dr. T. W. Harris, and the obliging attentions ef the present Librarian, Mr. John L. Sibley, I am indebted for the above extracts.
722
THE HISTORY OF MANCHESTER.
Rev. Mr. McDonald preached here and an attempt was made to settle him, as related in chapter XVII, of this work.
After the Rev. Mr. Pickels left in 1804, Mr. David Abbott, who had moved into the town the year previous, and was a Baptist commenced holding religious meetings at the houses of such as would open them for that purpose, and with such success that in 1812 a Baptist Church was formed in the place consisting of fourteen members. This Church continued to prosper for some years under the teaching of Mr. Abbott, until it numbered twenty-two male members, when it became divided from some cause now unknown, and finally ceased to exist. Soon after, the Methodists occasionally had preaching in town, Elders Hinds, Broadhead and Peaslee officiating .- Their efforts were successful, and at length in 1829, during a period of much religious interest, the result of Rev. Mr. Broad- head's preaching, the project of building a church was started and resulted in success-the building of the Methodist Episco- pal Church at Manchester Centre. This was the first success- ful effort at building and completing a meeting-house in the town. In 1828, the Presbyterians made a successful effort to form a church and society which continued with occasional preaching until 1839 when uniting with the church and socie- ty at Amoskeag, or Goffstown, they two became The First Congregational Society in Manchester. Since that period, re- ligious effort has been abundant and most successful, so that a town, that for one hundred and ten years had not been able to support a minister, now has more churches, more ministers, more communicants and members, than any other town in the State.
UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY .- REV. B. M. TILLOTSON.
This society was commenced in 1825, at Amoskeag, through the efforts of Dr. Oliver Dean, the Agent of the Factories in that village, and now of Boston. The Society continned their worship under the charge of Rev. Frederick A. Hodgson .- In 1833, this church numbered 70 members, being, on Sept. 4th of that year, organized under the name of the "First Universalist Church of Bedford and Goffstown." In 1839, it was thought advisable that the society should be transferred to Manchester, and it was done accordingly. In the summer and fall of that year the society built a church upon Lowell street. The land for the same was given by the Amoskeag Manufac- turing Company. The church wasof brick, 80 feet in length
THERPICK Del
LOWELL STREET CHURCH.
ذه
HANOVER STREET CHURCH.
723
FIRST CONG. CHURCH.
by 60 feet in width, and was dedicated to the service of Al- mighty God in February, 1840.
The Rev. George W. Gage was settled over the church and society in 1841. Mr. Gage asked a dismission in the Fall of 1843, which was granted, and in January, 1844, the Rev. B. M. Tillotson was settled as his successor.
The society prospered beyond the expectations of the most sanguine of its friends, and it was found that their house was too small to accommodate those who wished for seats as regu- lar attendants, and in 1849 it was determined to enlarge and otherwise improve it. Accordingly in the Autumn of that year and the winter of 1850, it was enlarged by the addition of 25 feet in width, or by one half of its former size. and its interior greatly improved ; and in February, 1850, it was dedi- cated with appropriate services. In 1855 a portico was added to the front, and the church was provided with a fine organ at an expense of $3000. Under the ministration of Rev. Mr. Tillotson it has become one of the most flourishing societies in the city. The house is large, but it is constantly filled, and the society already feel the need of a still larger one, as seats are in demand, and no more hearers can be permanently accommodated, The church is in a prosperous condition numbering about 125 members. The Sabbath School connected with this church is also flourishing, numbering about 250, and having a Library of some 1000 volumes. The great secret of the success of this society, is the unanimity of its members in all their affairs .- A spirit of union seems to pervade their every movement .- And as long as such a spirit characterizes their efforts, their success must be continuous and permanent. .
FIRST CONG. CHURCH .- REV. C. W. WALLACE.
A Presbyterian church was organized in Manchester, on the 21st of May, 1828. The means of grace enjoyed by this church were very limited. There was no house of worship of which it had the exclusive control. It never was blessed with the labors of a settled pastor. Rev. Wm. K. Talbot supplied the pulpit for a few months after the organization of the church. In 1833 Mr. Benjamin F. Foster was ordained as an Evangelist, and divided his labors for sometime between this church and the church at Amoskeag. For a number of years this church was almost entirely destitute of the stated means of grace.
A Congregational church was organized at Amoskeag village, Dec. 2, 1828. This church was situated on the opposite side of the Merrimack river, and about three miles distant from the Pre byterian church above mentioned. Its condition was very similar to that church, although it enjoyed to a greater ex- tent the stated preaching of the gospel. But like the other it never had a set- tled pastor or a house it could control. Among those who supplied this church with preaching, was Rev. B. F. Foster, before mentioned, Rev. Mr. Noble, Rev. Mr.French, afterwards missionary at Siam, Rev.Mr.Stone, and Mr. C. W. Wal- lace. The last named commenced his labors with this church on the last Sab- bath in April, 1739. About the same time this church commenced holding
724
THE HISTORY OF MANCHESTER.
meetings at the new village of Manchester. This was done with the advice and concurrence of the Presbyterian church, as well as other friends of Christ in the neighborhood. This was the first regular Sabbath service which was commenced and sustained in what is now the heart of the city of Manchester. During the summer of 1839, it became apparent that the interests of religion would be advanced by a union of the Presbyterian church at Manchester cen- ter and the Congregational church at Amoskeag village, and to have the same, when united, located at the new village of Manchester. This union was effect- ed Aug. 15, 1839, and the church thus formed became what is now " The First Congregational Church" in the city of Manchester. Previous to this union, Moses Noyes was the deacon of the Presbyterian church, and Daniel Farmer of the Congregational church, and by agreement of parties they retained the same office in the new church. The articles of faith and covenant, and the name of the Amoskeag church, were accepted. The articles are strongly Cal- vanistic in doctrine. At the time of the union the church consisted of 28 mem- bers. ; Since that time 424 have been added-298 by letter and 126 by profes- sion of faith-making 452. Of these four have been excluded-39 have de- ceased-128 have been dismissed to other churches, and 273 is the number of the present membership.
Soon after the organization of the church in its present form, Nahum Bald- win and Hiram Brown were chosen deacons, and at a later period, 1848, Henry Lancaster and Holbrook Chandler were appointed to the same office. All these brethren still survive, and have ever been united with the pastor in main- taining the order, discipline, harmony and spirituality of the church, and have thereby added much to his usefulness as a minister ol Christ. Seasons of re- ligious interest have been enjoyed. In 1842, 26 were received on profession of faith ; in 1850, 17 ; and in 1852, 12. No year has passed without same addi- tions to the church by profession. Not a few have been converted, who have united with other churches as they returned to their homes in other parts of the State. General peace and harmony have prevailed among the members of this church. They have been united in doctrine, in labors to promote spiritu- ality, and in regard to the moral questions of the day. In respect to all these subjects, they have been found walking, in a good degree, in the fear of God and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost. The contributions of this church for charitable purposes, during some years past, have been between $700 and $1000.
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