History of Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire, Part 115

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton), ed
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Philadelphia [Pa.] J. W. Lewis & co.
Number of Pages: 1520

USA > New Hampshire > Merrimack County > History of Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire > Part 115
USA > New Hampshire > Belknap County > History of Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire > Part 115

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).

Epsom, at that time, was a frontier town, with a few scattering pioneers, striving to find a " local habi- tation and a name" in the unbroken forests.

Theodore Atkinson, a wealthy land-holder, was the leading spirit, among the proprietors, in inducing a few families to push a settlement so far into the woods. None of the adjoining towns were settled till many years afterward. This was nearly thirty years before Chichester, Pittsfield or Barnstead were settled, twenty years before Coneord received its present name, twenty years before Northwood and Deerfield were

incorporated and thirty-six years before the Revolu- tion.

The first settlement in the Suncook Valley was here, and not a tree was eut between this and the Canadas, and not a clearing, or friendly smoke, or any signs of civilization to break the monotony of the unbounded forest or cheer the loneliness of the early settlers. The sentiment that prompted the line,

"Oh ! for a ledge in some vast wilderness,"

could have been here gratified. Meagre, indeed, are the records and traditions concerning these hardy for- esters during their many years of border-life, before the Revolution.

Nottingham fort was the nearest neighbor and the asylum for safety.

The Indians frequented the valley, and bears, wild- cats, deer and eatamounts roamed through the forest undisturbed.

The proprietors built a block-house, or garrison, for refuge in case of danger. It was built near Andrew McClary's, and the old foundation was disturbed last summer by building the new house for Augustus Lord, Esq. Mrs. McCoy and family were hastening to and had nearly reached this garrison, when eap- tured by the Indians in 1754.

Though the Indians were generally friendly, the inhabitants were greatly annoyed, and the growth of the settlement slow and difficult.

Andrew and John McClary were the leading in- fluential men in all town or military affairs.

During the French and Indian War, commeneing in 1756, Epsom was one of the frontier towns; the people lived in fear of the scalping-knife and toma- hawk, and suffered by the ineursions of the prowling savages.

Garrisons were established at Epsom, Buck Street, Pembroke, and a fort at Canterbury. Government frequently sent small detachments of troops up through this section scouting for the enemy and to protect and encourage the settlers. Captain Andrew McClary was the leading man in this region in all military matters, and rendered the colony efficient service during these perilous times. He had the per- sonal acquaintanee of the highest officials of the col- ony, and such noted fighters and rangers as Stark, Goffe, Rogers, etc.

His name frequently appears on the State records. In 1755 he applied to Governor Wentworth and ob- tained a company of troop to go in search of the Indians that committed the massacre and captured the MeCall family at Salisbury. At another time he obtained a small company to aid in doing garrison duty at Epsom while the Indians were seen lurking about. As an officer, he was ever ready for any ex- posure or danger, while his men had the most implicit confidenee in his ability and integrity. His com- mand was authoritative, and no man refused obedience. In case ofan emergency he could swear enough for a

463

EPSOM.

battalion, enough to frighten the Penacooks out of the Suncook Valley and cause the Old Scotch Cov- enanters to hold up their handsin holy horror. He built a one-story frame house, and kept tavern on the height of land on the road leading from Epsom village to Pleasant Pond. The place is now owned by Jo- seph Lawrence, better known as Lawrence's "muster- field." His home was the common resort of the set- tlers, proprietors and scouts, and all who had occasion to travel in this direction. Town-meetings were held here until the "new meeting-house" was built, jurors were drawn here for His Majesty's Court, training of His Majesty's soldiers, and many rude frolics and exciting incidents which have long since passed into oblivion, never to be recalled. His wealth increased as well as his popularity. He owned all the land on the north side of the road to Deerfield line. He had the advantages of a fair English education. He served as town clerk, and his records on the town-books indicate a thorough knowledge of business, a good use of language and a style and beauty of penmanship seldom found at the present day. His last writing on the town-books, the year before he was killed, evinced care, accuracy and precision.

He took a lively interest in the affairs of the colo- nies, and early espoused the cause of the people against the arbitrary encroachments of the mother- country before the commencement of the Revolu- tionary War.

His ancestry, education and experience would naturally lead him to take sides with the people in defending their liberties when assailed by British oppression. Frequent meetings were held at his house, and measures taken to co-operate with adjoining towns for mutual rights and protection.

The Seven Years' War, which closed in 1760, had completely aroused the military spirit of the province, and organizations, with experienced officers, had been maintained up to the time of the Revolution. A new regiment was then formed, the Twelfth, comprising the towns of Nottingham, Deerfield, Epsom, Northwood, Chichester and Pittsfield. "Coming events cast their shadows before." The people were expecting a serious conflict.'

The location of McClary's tavern made it a common resort for the rustic foresters to meet and talk of the difficulties, while the popularity and ability of the jovial landlord rendered him the political and military oracle ofthe Suncook Valley.

The battle of Lexington, on the 19th of April, 1775, sounded the tocsin to arms. Signals flamed from the hill-tops, and fleet messengers transmitted news from town to town.

The sturdy yeomanry of the Suncook Valley suatched their trusty firelocks and powder-horns, and started for the scene of hostilities with spirits as brave as ever animated a soldier, and with hearts as noble and honest as ever throbbed in the cause of liberty and freedom.

They were governed by one common impulse, and came from blazed paths and crooked roads that wound through the forests and thickets. They were all known to each other as brothers and townsmen. Each soldier represented a household, and they and their cause were commended to the protection of heaven at the morning and evening devotious, and in the service of the Sabbath; donations of food and clothing were freely sent to them by the families at home.

The men from this section reached Nottingham Square about one o'clock, where they found Captain Cilley and Dr. Dearborn, with a company of about sixty men, making, with themselves, about eighty men.

Who would not like to see those men-some with broad-tailed black coats, worsted stockings, three-cor- nered hats; others in coarse homespun; all with long stockings, knee and shoe buckles, and thick cow- hide shoes? Their guns and equipments were as various as their costumes. Some had the old Queen Anne that had done service in the French War; some, long fowling-pieces; some, a fusee; only one had a bayonet .. Powder-horn and shot-pouches took the place of cartridge-box.

If we were to choose a subject for a historical paint- ing, we would prefer the scene on Nottingham Square, April 29th, where were paraded the noblest band of pa- triots that ever left New Hampshire to vindicate her honor and protect her liberties. We would like to hear the roll-call, and see a photograph of these heroes.

Captain Andrew McClary was by common consent the leading spirit of this noble band of patriots, though there was no previous organization.

There is much to be written concerning the achieve- ments and adventures of this distinguished company, and many of the able men composing it, but the most remarkable and thrilling incident in this connectiou was their famous march to Cambridge.

There is not a parallel in the annals of all the wars in our country, and such wonderful powers of endur- ance by a whole company of men excites our surprise, as their patriotism does our pride and admiration. No other locality can boast of sending braver hearts or tougher men to aid, by their valor and persever- ance, in establishing the noblest republic that ever cheered aud blest a prosperous people. This noble Spartan band opened a series of brilliant exploits by performing one of the most remarkable physical feats ever recorded in our nation's history. Dr. Dearborn gives an account of it, and Bancroft a passing notice, and tradition relates it from generation to generation, but it should be familiar to every son and daughter of New Hampshire as one of the brightest testimonials of our devotion to the cause of freedom and inde- pendence.

Accustomed as they were to life in the open air, and trials of strength by long journeys, hunting, trap- ping and scouting, they knew little of fear and fatigue Leaving Nottingham Square at one o'clock in the

464

HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

afternoon, they pushed on at a rapid pace, as if the destiny of the province or hopes of the nation de- pended upon their alacrity and speed. At Kingston they took a double-quick or " dog-trot," and followed it without a halt to Haverhill, crossing the Merrimack River in a ferry-boat at sunset, having made twenty- seven miles in six hours.

But this is not all,-they halted at Andover for supper, and then started for a night march, and on the morning of the 21st, at sunrise, they were paraded on Cambridge Common, "spiling for a fight." Those from Epsom had traveled seventy miles in less than twenty-four hours, and the whole company from Nottingham fifty-seven miles in less than twenty hours.

Did bone and muscle ever do better ? That was the " spirit of 76 ; " that was the kind of stuff the men were made of who lived in the Suncook Valley one hundred and ten years ago.

Upon the organization of the New Hampshire troops John Stark was unanimously chosen colonel and Andrew MeClary major. Conspicuous for his coolness and bravery, Major McClary moved among the men encouraging and calming them by his own example and word.

When, after a hard fought-battle and their ammu- nition all gone, the American forces were compelled to leave the field, the New Hampshire troops retired in excellent order. They were the last to leave the field, and Major McClary was in the rear maintaining order and discipline.

As the Americans retreated across the neck Major McClary was remarkably animated with the result of the contest. That day's conflict, and the glorious display of valor which had distinguished his country- men, made him sanguine of the result. Having passed the last place of danger, he went back to see if the British were disposed to follow them across the neck, thus exposing himself to danger anew. His men cautioned him against his rashness. "The ball is not yet cast that will kill me," said he, when a random shot from one of the frigates struck a button- wood tree and, glancing, passed through his abdomen. Throwing his hands above his head, he leaped several feet from the ground and fell forward upon his face- dead.

Thus fell Major Andrew McClary, the highest American officer killed at the battle, the handsomest inan in the army and the favorite of the New Hamp- shire troops. His dust still slumbers where it was lain by his sorrowing comrades in Medford, unhonored by any adequate memorial to tell where lies one of the heroes that ushered in the Revolution with such auspicious omens. Major McClary had a splendid physique and soldierly appearance.

With all the bravery of Stark, he possessed greater mental endowments and culture. With the natural ability of Sullivan, he possessed the magic power to incite his men to nobler deeds. With the popularity

of Poor, he was more cool and discreet. In fact, he combined more completely than either the elements that tend to make a popular and successful com- mander, and had his life been spared, he would doubt- less have ranked among the most able and noted officers of the Revolution. He married in early life 'Elizabeth McCrillis, a strong-minded, resolute Scotch- Irish girl, who proved a valuable help-meet and capable mother to his seven children. After her husband's death she kept the farm, tavern and store alone, assisted at first by her husband's partner in business, John Casey, and afterwards by her eldest son, James Harvey. Rumor says she was at one time published to be married to the above-named John Casey, but the match was prevented by the interfer- ence of a younger rival and the advice of her friends. After the children had grown up and nineteen years of widowhood, she married Colonel Samuel Osgood in 1794. She died in 1800, aged sixty-seven. The oldest son, James Harvey, was born in 1762, and as he grew to manhood, continued the business of his father and rendered valuable service to the family. He prose- cuted an extensive business for those times, having two stores and a potash-factory, besides the farm and tavern.

He was highly respected, exemplary in his habits, early promoted to offices of public trust and honor, which he held for a series of years. He wasone of the leading spirits in the organization of the Eighteenth Regiment, and one of its first commanders, afterwards promoted to a brigadier-general of the militia.

He married Betsey Dearborn, of North Hampton, an estimable lady, in 1789, by whom he had six chil- dren, but the whole family have gone to their long home except one daughter.

The second son, Andrew, born in 1765, was smart and active ; he received a good education, but had a wild, roving inclination. He entered the regular army, was soon promoted to the rank of captain, served for a time on the frontier, and for several years was clerk in the War Department at Washington, where he died in middle life. The third son, John, born in 1767, a man of fine abilities and credit, followed his brother into the regular army, and also rose to the rank of captain, served on the frontier and died at Fort Gibson. He married Abigail Pearson, of Epsom, in 1791 ; they had one son, Charles, who went to Stanstead, Canada.

The fourth son, William, was a blacksmith by trade; he married Isabel Dickey in 1795, and in company with quite a number of young men from Epsom first settled in Stanstead, Canada.

There were also three daughters,-Elizabeth mar- ried Captain Simon Heath, well-known in Epsom and vicinity ; Margaret married Rev. Mr. Haseltine, who was the pastor of the Congregational Church in Ep- som for thirty years; Nancy, the youngest daughter, married John Stevens. No family record or papers have been found to aid in this humble sketch, but we

465

EPSOM.

have given many official and well-authenticated facts which are rescued from oblivion, and may be inter- esting to some of the readers of the times, and may aid the future historian in giving this family more ex- tended mention than they have yet received in our written histories.

But in this connection we earnestly desire to call attention to one great duty yet to be rendered to Major Andrew McClary. The family, town or State have shown little patriotism, gratitude or affection in neglecting to erect some monument or stone to mark his burial-place. He was buried near the encampment of the New Hampshire Brigade at Medford, near some two hundred New Hampshire soldiers who died of disease and wounds.

John McClary was born in Ireland in 1719, and emigrated with his family to America when he was thirteen years old, A. D. 1733. His father and the family settled in Epsom in the year 1738.

John became industrious, methodical and exacting, a stern Presbyterian, as rigid as the old Scotch Cov- enanters,-very different from his jovial, rough, im- pulsive, convivial brother, Major Andrew.

He had no advantages of schooling ; still he pos- sessed a large share of common sense, a strong mind and good judgment.

He early became one of the leading men in Ep- som, was chosen moderator and for over forty years was one of the principal officers and advisers in town affairs.

He was justice of the peace under the provincial government, and all cases of litigation in this vicinity came before Esquire John McClary for trial.

He was well versed in Indian affairs, was called out to do scouting duty in the French and Indian War, was a captain of the militia at that time and rose to the rank of colonel before the Revolution.

Though closely connected with the Royal govern- ment, he took a decisive stand with the colonists to resist British oppression ; and while his brother rep- resented the military spirit of the Suncook Valley, Esquire John represented the civil authority both un- der monarchical and republican rule.

The towns of Epsom, Allentown and Chichester (including Pittsfield) were classed together, and Es- quire John McClary was annually chosen to repre- sent them at the convention at Exeter. With such men as Colonel Joseph Badger, of Gilmanton, Es- quire John Cram, of Pittsfield, and Hall Bergen, of Allenstown as leading spirits, the hardy settlers of the Suncook Valley were true to the cause of inde- pendence.

Not a single instance of Toryism is recorded. Es- quire John McClary was a prominent member of the first convention to organize a colonial government and afterwards in framing our State government, and was an active member nearly twenty years.

He held the responsible office as one of the Com- mittee of Safety from 1777 to 1783. This committee

had power to call out troops at such time and in such numbers as they deemed necessary and expedient.

In 1780 he was elected to the Council, and annually for the four succeeding years. In 1784 he was chosen to the Council and also to the Senate, and served as member of that honorable body three years.

He was tall, erect, commanding, dignified and made an excellent presiding officer.

In early life he was married to Elizabeth Harvey, of Nottingham. She was also born in Ireland, and came to this country in the same ship with the Mc- Clarys. They had four children. The oldest son, John McClary, Jr., who had many of the character- istics and promising qualities of his father, entered the army of the Revolution and was killed at the bat- tle of Saratoga in 1787, while serving as lieuten- ant in General Whipple's brigade (“ Adjutant-Gen- ral's Report " says Lieutenant Michael, which is an error). The second son, Michael, will be the subject of another sketch. The third son, Andrew, was sent to Dummer Academy to be educated, and died there during the war, aged sixteen. He was buried at Medford, by the side of his uncle, Major Andrew McClary

They had but one daughter, Mollie, who married Daniel Page, of Deerfield.

Captain John McClary had three sisters, who set- tled in Epsom, besides his parents and brother An- drew. The eldest, Margaret, married Deacon Samuel Wallace. The second, Jane, married John McGaffy, and the third, Ann, married Richard Tripp.

After a long and useful life, he died at the green old age of eighty-two, A.D. 1801.

The McClarys owned a very large landed estate, which was divided into several valuable farms for the sons and daughters. They are of good soil and loca- tion, commanding a fine prospect. Esquire John built a one-story house on the south side of the road. The house was enlarged at various times and be- came a venerable-looking mansion. It is now owned by Michael McClary Steele, of the fifth generation of the McClarys and great-grandson of Esquire John.

The old mansion is a place of peculiar interest. Here, for many years, Esquire John received the friendly and official visits of the leading men of the province. Here civil courts and military tribunals were held, and here, for half a century following, his son, General Michael, dispensed his hospitalities to his townsmen and the distinguished men of the times. Among the number were such as Generals Sullivan, Dearborn, Stark, Governors Gilman, Langdon, Plum- mer, Smith, etc.

That honorable and distinguished body, the New Hampshire Branch of the Society of the Cincinnati, held .three of its annual meetings at this house.

Near by, the huge liberty-pole was erected in 1783, at the close of the Revolution, on the declaration of peace, when the scattered settlers of the Suncook Valley met to celebrate the happy event which they

466

HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

had so nobly strove to win. Good speeches, good- cheer abounded; but "tell it not in Gath," publish it only in the local "Times," the glorious occasion wound up in a glorious drunk.

In fact, no house in the valley, or all the section around, has so many rich historical associations con- nected with it as the old McClary homestead.

The arrangement of the interior is reverently pre- served, and as one passes through its spacious rooms, viewing the relics of the past, and reflects upon the large number of honorable and distinguished men who have met within its walls, reason seems to lose its bounds, and one fancies he is wandering through some ancient baronial hall or old Scottish castle built in the age of chivalry, rather than viewing a spacious farm-house in the dull, quiet, old farming town of Epsom.

GENERAL MICHAEL MCCLARY, second son of Esquire John McClary, was born iu Epsom in 1753. He received the advantages of a fair education, was a smart, active lad, and, in common with other members of the family, had very decidedly a military turn.

At the age of twenty-three he joined the army, at the breaking out of the Revolutionary War, and was appointed ensign in Captain Henry Dearborn's com- pany, in Stark's regiment. His company, mostly from the Suncook Valley, rendered heroic service at the battle of Bunker Hill. In 1777 he was promoted and made captain iu Colonel Scammel's regiment.

He served four years in the army, taking part in some of the most decisive engagements of the war, and suffered with his men some of the severest priva- tions and fatigues. Many interesting incidents per- taining to his company ought to be published. His soldierly qualities, engaging manners and family con- nection gave him the acquaintance and friendship of the leading officers of the Revolution, and by a severe experience in the army he gained a thorough knowl- edge of men and national affairs, which proved of great practical advantage in after-years.

On returning from the army he at once took a prom- inent position in social and political life, which he held for half a century. He took an active part in the organization of the State government, and being well versed in military affairs and of good executive ability, he was appointed adjutant-general for the State of New Hampshire. He organized that depart- ment, and held the office twenty-one consecutive years. In 1796 he was elected Senator, and was a member of that body seven years, and such was his popularity that the votes in Epsom were unanimously in his favor, and nearly so in the adjoining towns.

He was United States marshal for a long time, which, during the last war with England, with the large amount of privateering prosecuted at Portsmouth, was a very responsible office. He was tendered the nomination as candidate for Governor, but declined to accept.

Though well known throughout the State, and with

positions of honor and trust at his command, his pop- ularity, power and influence in his native town was the most remarkable. He seemed to control the affairs of Epsom with almost universal consent. For over fifty years he served his townsmen in some ca- pacity, either moderator, town clerk, representative or auditor. He was decidedly the most popular and influential man that ever lived in town. Said an old Federalist : " If I had a family of children who would obey me as well as the people of Epsom do General McClary, I should be a happy man."

Though once a Federalist, he cast his lot with the Democratic party and carried the town with him al- most unanimously. One year, only one Federal vote was thrown.

During the last war with England party feeling ran high, and party lines were clearly drawn. Governor Plummer, through Adjutant-General McClary, called out detacliments of the militia without calling together the Council or Legislature, which provoked a great deal of controversy. General McClary procured sup- plies for the troops, made preparations for the defense of Portsmouth, purchased cannon and munitions of war, but in 1814, when the Federalists rallied and elected John T. Gilman as Governor, General McClary resigned with virtuous indignation his office, which he had filled with credit and ability, and in which capacity he had reviewed every regiment in the State. The town of Epsom strongly supported the war. A full company, under Captain Jonathan Godfrey, volun- teered for the defense of Portsmouth.

Michael McClary also did much business as justice of the peace and probate judge. Most of the court business for this vicinity was done at Epsom, and most cases of litigation were brought before him for trial.

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 Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire, Part 115

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton), ed Publication date: 1885 Publisher: Philadelphia [Pa.] J. W. Lewis & co. Number of Pages: 1520

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton), ed
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Philadelphia [Pa.] J. W. Lewis & co.
Number of Pages: 1520