History of Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire, Part 116

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 116
USA > New Hampshire > Belknap County > History of Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire > Part 116

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He took an active part in organizing the New Hampshire Branch of the Society of the Cincinnati ; he was the first treasurer, and held the office twenty- five years. This honorable body of Revolutionary officers met annually on the 4th of July; three of their annual meetings were held at the house of Gen- eral McClary. This society is worthy of more ex- tended mention, and their annual meetings probably called together more noted men than ever assembled on any other occasion in the Suncook Valley. He was also a zealous Free-Mason. As is well known, many of the officers of the Revolution were Masons. While in the army young McClary had met in secret conclavesuch men ås Washington, Lafayette, Sullivan and other brothers of the mystic order, and became an earnest worker in the craft. In connection with other ex-officers, he was instrumental in organizing a lodge at Deerfield, and in honor of General Sullivan, it was named Sullivan Lodge. He was the first Senior Warden of this lodge, and afterwards Worship- ful Master.

In appearance General McClary was tall, command- ing, well-proportioned and prepossessing. He made

467

EPSOM.

a fine appearance as a military officer, either on foot or in the saddle, which, with his position, means and hospitality, rendered him exceedingly popular. He was remarkably affable and engaging in his manners, interesting in conversation, graceful in his movements, convivial in his habits, generous, hospitable and pub- lic-spirited, possessing the elements of popularity, though fond of power, and when opposed, displayed some traits not recorded among the Christian graces. His acquaintance and correspondence was remarka- bly extensive, embracing many of the most distin- gnished men of the country. He married, in 1779, Sally Dearborn, an intelligent, interesting and accom- plished lady, daughter of Dr. Dearborn, of Northamp- ton. The marriage was a happy one. They entered company with style and grace, and around their fes- tive board have been many happy meetings of the prominent men of the times.

They had five children that survived the perils of childhood. The oldest son, John, born in 1785, was of great personal beauty and accomplishments. He was early promoted to offices of trust,-Representative, Senator and a clerkship at Washington. He was killed by a falling building when but thirty-six. He was the most popular and promising young man in this region, and his death caused great demonstra- tions of grief. The funeral was the largest ever held in the Suncook Valley, and was attended by Rev. Jon- athan Curtis, an able divine, especially on funeral occasions.

The second son, Andrew, born in 1787, was also unusually smart and prepossessing, but was wild and roving. He entered the army in the War of 1812, and served as captain. He married Mehitable Duncan, of Concord, in 1813, and had one daughter. Shortly after this event he sailed for Calcutta, and was lost at sea.

General McClary also had three daughters of rare attractions. The oldest, Nancy Dearborn, born in 1789, married Samuel Lord, of Portsmouth, whose ability and wealth are well known. One of his sons, Augusons, has purchased a large part of the old McClary estate. The second daughter, Elizabeth Harvey, born in 1791, married Jonathan Steele, a lawyer from Peterborough. They settled on the home- stead now owned and occupied by their son, Michael McClary Steele. The third daughter, Mary, born in 1794, married Robert Parker, and is still living in Fitzwilliam.

General McClary and wife both lived to a good old age. The sad fate of their sons fell with crushing and disastrous weight upon the parents, wearing away by inches their life and vitality, and their poig- nant grief was only assuaged by the grave.

He died in 1825, aged seventy-two, and was buried with his ancestors in the old burying-ground in Ep- som, where rests the dust of many heroic dead, whose lives and deeds are fast fading from the memory of passing generations.

The papers following are copies of votes, receipts and other papers that are interesting as curiosities :

" To the Honorable Genl Assembly Convened at Exeter 19th April, 1780 :

"The petition of Michael McClary Humbly Sheweth that your peti- tioner was, by the anthority of the State, appointed to the Command of a Company (in Defence of his Country) the eighth of November, 1776, Continued in his command till Sept., 1778. Then, by reason of a bad State of Health, was obliged to resign his command. And Notwithstanding the many Fatigues & hardships he has been obliged to encounter (which has ruined his Constitution), he is by a late resolve of the Gent Assembly deprived of having the depreciation of his wages made good. Therefore prays you would take the matter under your wise Consideration and make the depreciation of his wages good up to the time he left the ser- vice.

" And your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray. " MICHL MCCLARY."

The above request was granted April 25, 1780.

A warrant beginning "State of New Hampshire : The Government and People of said State: To the Selectmen of Epsom, in the County of Rockingham, in said State," and issned by M. Weare, President of Coun- cil, and John Langdon, Speaker of the House, requir- ing the said selectmen to notify the legal inhabitants paying taxes in the towns of Epsom, Chichester and Allenstown, to meet at the meeting-honse in said Ep- som, on Monday, the 8th day of December, 1777, for the purpose of electing one person having a real estate of two hundred pounds, lawful money, to represent them in the General Assembly to be held at Exeter in said State, on the third Wednesday of the same De- cember, was signed by "John Cate, selectman, in be- half of the others, who are absent in the service."

At the meeting called as above, Ede Hall Bergen, of Allenstown, was chosen moderator and Colonel John McClary representative.

May 11, 1778, Colonel John McClary was chosen to convene at Concord on the 10th day of June follow- ing " for the purpose of forming and laying a per- manent plan or system of Government for the future Happiness and well-beingof the good people of this State."

March 17, 1779, "Rased $600 for the repair of High- ways in labor at three Dollars per day."

August 23, 1779, it was “ Voted to send a man to Concord, in this State, to meet in convention in order to regulate the prices of the Necessaries of Life ; " also " Voted Lieut. Samuel Osgood be appointed for the above purpose."

May 22, 1780, it was "Voted that a committee of safety be chosen for the town of Epsom the ensuing year, whose business it shall be at all times to consult the good and welfare of this Town. Said committee shall consist of the five following persons, viz. : Lieut. Benja. Goodwin, John Casey, Capt. Jerem" Prescott, Thomas Babb and Eben' Wallis."

"State of New Hame, Rockingham, S.S :

"This may certify that Amos Morrill has within twelve months past wrought in his own Blacksmith Shup in Epson one Hundred Thousand of Ten penny nails, and that he is Intittled to a bounty agreeable to a law of this State.

" THOMAS BABB, ¿ Select Men

" GEORGE SANDERS, S of Epsom.'

" Epsom, 16th March, 1791."

HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

" Rockingham, S.S., March 16, 1791 :

" This May Certify that Amos Morrill has made it appear to me that he has within twelve months past wrought one Hundred Thousand of Ten penny Nails in his own Blacksmith Shop in Epsom.

'· Attest : MICHL, MCCLARY, J. P."

" Ang. 12, 1791.

" Recieved an order on the Treasurer for five pounds. " A. MoraIL.L."

" Recieved of the Selectmen Seven pounds Eight Shillings, it being in full for Seventeen Thousand of Shingles and twenty-three hundred of Boards Delivered att the meeting-house in Jany. 13, 1785.

"Epsom, March 15, 1785."

"JOHN CASS.

" Reed of the Selectmen of Eprom an Order on Thos. Babb for one pound Eight Shillings, which order when paid, will be in full for three thousand of board nails which 1 Obligated to purchase, and did purchase for said Town.

" MOSES LOCK.

",Epsom, 8th March, 1785."

"Epsom, October 2, 1783 .- Recieved of Michael McClary the sum of five hard dollars for preaching one Sabbath.

" By me OLIVER NOBLE."

" EPSOM, March 13, 1789.

" Received of Mr. Josiah Sanborn, Agent for the town of Epsom for ye year 1788, eight Bushels of Wheat, thirty-nine Bushels & 14 of Rye & thirty Bushels of Potatoes,

" Reed per me

" EBENEZER HASELTINE.

£. #. d.

"8 bushels wheat @ 5s

200

391/4 bushels Rye @@ 38. 6d 6 17 4

30 bushels potatoes @10d . 150

10 2 4"

" Moses Locke, a Soldier in the Cont. Army for the town of Epsom, Dr. 1781

March. To cash advanced for sundry supplies for £. s. d.

the support of your family during the year 1780. 819 0 0 March 19, By Cash recd of Mrs. Locke . . . 12 0 0 "Epsom, April 18, 1781.

" JOHN CASEY, Select Men

" BENJA. GOODWIN,

for Epsom.

" THOMAS BABB,

"To the Committee on Claims at Exeter."

March 19, 1783, it was "Voted that the boards that are due from individuals in this town shall be recov- ered and disposed of to the best advantage, and the money converted to the preaching of the Gospel for the year current."

March 17, 1784, it was "Voted to raise forty-five pounds for the support of a school."

March, 1787, it was "Voted that the town of Epsom purchase a cow and lend her to Israel Clifford." A few years later, the town, by vote, ordered the select- men to sell said cow and use the proceeds towards paying the debts of the town.

March, 1782, it was "Voted to raise one hundred silver dollars for the support of schools."

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

NOAH MARTIN, M.D.

The active and energetic family of Martin has im- pressed itself on many nationalities, and those bearing that name have attained eminence in various fields of honor and usefulness. The American family goes

back through the Scotch-Irish stock to the time when France and Scotland were so intimately connected, and, perhaps, to the time when William, the Con- queror, marshaled his adherents and retainers for the bloody battle of Sanguelac or Hastings, which decided the fate of England and changed the course of civilization, for on the list of those who accompa- nied him were several of the name. In France it has been an illustrious name in law, science and litera- ture. Five of the Popes have borne the name. Everywhere we find among the members of the Mar- tin family ambitious hard-working, successful, men of more than ordinary ability.

Early in the eighteenth century, when the stalwart and freedom-loving defenders of Londonderry, Ireland, emigrated to America to found a new Londonderry in a land where religious persecution should not seek their blood, Nathaniel Martin, the earnest man, with Marga- ret Mitchell, his wife, and son William, were among the early settlers who made a home in this wild and strange country. Nowhere in America have been found more honest virtues or more sterling qualities than were in this notable settlement, and the descend- ants of these people may well look with pride upon their Scotch-Irish ancestry.

William (2) was born in 1712; married Hannah Cochrane. Their children were Mary, James, Na- thaniel, William, Robert, Samuel and Hannah.

Samuel (3), born May 26, 1762; married Sally, el- dest daughter of Major James Cochrane, of Pem- broke, N. H., and had Polly, Thomas, James, Noah and Nancy.

Noah (4), born in Epsom, N. H., July 26, 1801 ; married, October 25, 1825, Mary Jane, daughter of Dr. Robert Woodbury, of Barrington, and had two daughters,-Elizabeth A. and Caroline M. He died May 28, 1863, of apoplexy. Mrs. Martin died June 30, 1880.

Noalı Martin, M.D., was studious from early life, and, his tastes leading him in that direction, he elected to follow the study of medicine, and perse- vered through many difficulties until he had acquired a thorough classical and professional education. After the usual attendance at the district schools and private tuition of Rev. Jonathan Curtis, he became a pupil at Pembroke Academy, where he had the ben- efit of instruction from those able preceptors, the Rev. Amos Burnham and Professor John Vose. His professional studies were commenced in the office of Dr. Pillsbury, of Pembroke, with whom he remained one year, and he finished his preparatory medical education with Dr. Graves, of Deerfield, being with him two years. He then entered the Medical De- partment at Dartmouth College, and was graduated in the class of 1824, and soon after was associated with Dr. Graves and in practice in Deerfield one year. In 1825, Dr. Martin removed to Great Falls, and, being a thorough student, he felt that to keep abreast of his profession he must have a catholicity of thought

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A. Martin

Samuel Martin

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EPSOM.

that would allow him to discriminate and use those discoveries in medical science which could be made beneficial to his fellow-men, and he soon showed that skill and energy which is the key-note of success, ac- quired a large and lucrative practice, and was a leading member of the medical fraternity. After nine years' residence in Great Falls he removed to Dover. His established reputation, both as a physician and sur- geon, brought him at once into the confidence of the people in Dover. And now, after ten years of pro- fessional life, Dr. Martin was considered one of the best physicians and surgeons in the State; in fact, the leading physician in that section, and the con- sulting physician in cases requiring superior medical skill. His natural dignity of mien and courteons bearing, united with his social qualities, pleasing ad- dress and sympathetic heart, made him very popular. Generous in the matter of his services, prompt to answer the call of those from whom no remuneration could come as well as that of the wealthiest man, all who sought his counsel fonnd him faithful and sure, always ready with kind words of advice and encour- agement, and in the many delicate offices connected with his profession he displayed that discriminating sense, judgment and tact, conjoined with a nice ob- servance of a tender and scrupulous confidence, which were among his characteristics, and endeared him to the hearts of his patients. He was deeply devoted to his profession, pursuing it with ceaseless ardor, giv- ing it his greatest thought and study, making many sacrifices of a personal nature for its benefit, keeping thoroughly informed regarding all matters pertain- ing to it and calling to his aid its most advanced thought. His career was an eminently successful one, and he demonstrated what determination, perse- verance, untiring application and love for his noble art could do, and filled an honorable and high posi- tion.

In politics Dr. Martin was Democratic, of that honest and stable Jacksonian type which holds the object of the nation to be the paramount good of the people. With but little ambition for political pre- ferment, he was not always able to resist the impor- tunities of political and personal friends, and was often brought forward for political office. He was elected to the New Hampshire House of Representa- tives in 1830, 1832 and 1837; to the New Hampshire Senate in 1835 and 1836; and in 1852 and 1853 he was elected to the highest office of the State, that of Governor.

Dr. Martin was elected a member of the Strafford District Medical Society in 1835, and was chosen its president in 1841 and 1842; a member of the State Medical Society in 1836, and its president in 1858: and a member of the American Medical Association in 1849. He was one of the founders of the Dover Medical Association, and its first president in 1849, and re-elected in 1850. He was elected a member of the New Hampshire Historical Society in 1853, also New

England Historical Genealogical Society the same year, and vice-president of the same, for New Hampshire, in 1855. He was one of the organizers of the Dover Library, and its president in 1851, 1852 and 1853. He was a member of the board of trustees of the New Hampshire Asylum for the Insane in 1852, and 1853, and member of the board of trustees of the House of Reformation for Juvenile and Female Offenders in 1855. He was one of the incorporators of the State Agricultural Society, and was elected vice-president of the same in 1851. He was chosen president of the Savings-Bank for the County of Strafford in 1844. holding the office until 1852, when he declined a re- election ; was a leading director of the Dover Bank from 1847 to 1855, when he resigned; also a director of the Strafford Bank from 1860 to the time of his death. He also held various other offices of trust. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Order of Odd-Fellows.

In all the various relations of life, the kindliness of heart of Dr. Martin, his gentlemanly and unostenta- tious manner and his pre-eminent abilities won him warm friends and admirers. Never was a man more conscientious in the discharge of official duties or private trusts, and never could the evil-minded find aught against his integrity or the purity of his mo- tives.

SAMUEL MARTIN.

Prominent among the families dating back to the pioneer settlements of this section of the State, and members of which have in every generation been agriculturists, is that from which Samuel Martin traces his ancestry. This branch of the Martin fam- ily is "Scotch-Irish,"-that is, they were of Scotch lin- eage, born on Irish soil,-and it was necessary that a people of one nationality and born on alien soil should have a distinctive name, hence the appellation of "Scotch-Irish."

The line of descent to Samuel is Nathaniel (1), William (2), Samuel (3), James (4), Samuel (5). Wil- liam (2), born in 1712, the great-grandfather of Sam- nel, accompanied his parents to America when very young, and his childhood was passed amid the pri- vations incident to the pioneer life of the new country, and in the labor of converting the wilderness and rongh, stony soil into fruitful fields. His father, Nathaniel Martin (1), was a robust, persevering and adventurous man, of sterling worth, and much es- teemed. His mother, Margaret (Mitchell) Martin, was a true-hearted woman, who did not hesitate to follow her husband into a new and almost uninhabited region, and to brave the hardships appertaining, it there they conld only find that which their firmly- fixed faith so strongly desired : "Freedom to worship God." William (2) attained manhood, inherited the qualities of his parents, became " a tiller of the soil," and, in due time, married Sally, eldest daughter of

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HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

Major James Cochrane, of Pembroke. He followed the occupation of his father, that of farming, and also learned the shoemaker's trade. He made his home in Pembroke, and was an industrious and honored citizen. He died July 6, 1828. His children were Polly, Thomas, James (4), Noah (see biography of Dr. Martin) and Nancy. James (4) was born in Pembroke, N. H., July 1, 1799. He was a resident of Epsom, where he had a large farm, which he culti- vated. Intelligent and thoughtful, he kept himself cognizant of matters pertaining to public affairs, held numerous town offices and also served as representa- tive for the town of Epsom. He married Elsie Bailey. Their children were Sally (born December 25, 1822, now Mrs. Sleeper ; has four children), Samuel, James (born January 5, 1830; now residing in St. Louis; has three children), and Thomas (born July 1, 1832 ; has three children, and is living in Wisconsin.)

Samuel Martin, eldest son of James and Elsie (Bailey) Martin, was born in Epsom January 28, 1828. From a mere lad until he was fourteen years of age Samuel worked at farming, assisting his father in his labors. He then went to Dover, N. H., and made his home for three years with his uncle, Dr. Noah Martin, afterwards Governor, who kindly gave him the opportunity of availing himself of the valua- ble instruction of the eminent John R. Varney, whose enthusiasm in this calling was such as to inspire his pupils to laudable endeavor and friendly rivalry, and of whom the historian writes : " He left a record of a life of true manliness, consistency and purity." Im- proving these favorable circumstances, the young man acquired quite a proficiency in the studies pur- sued. Returning to Epsom, he remained a year, and then, like many New England boys, he thought he would try his fortune in another field of labor, and went to Boston, where he entered the employ of S. T. Parker, dealer in West India goods. He continued with this firm about two years; then made a change of employers and business, engaging with Cutler & Co., furniture dealers, to whom he gave faithful ser- vice for several more years, until, in 1851, he returned to his native place, preferring its pure air, pleasant surroundings and quiet, rural occupations, and com- menced farming and lumbering in company with his father. Since his death Mr. Martin has added one hundred and sixteen acres to his farm, while he has a large holding of real estate (two hundred acres) in Allenstown.

Mr. Martin is a consistent and unswerving Demo- crat, and as such represented his town in the Legis- lature of 1868-69. He is an honorable and estimable citizen, and has been elected to many offices of trust ; has served as selectman for twelve years and town treasurer nine years, faithfully performing the duties entrusted to him.

Inheriting a strong physique from his sturdy Scotch ancestry, together with many excellent characteris- ties of heart and mind, Mr. Martin is a representa-

tive farmer and worthy descendant of those men of activity, earnest labor and endurance who were im- portant factors in the formation of the American character.

WILLIAM GOSS.

William Goss was born in Epsom, N. H., July 13, 1820. His grandfather, Samuel Goss, came to Epsom from Greenland, N. H., and was one of the pioneers of the town. Like most frontiersmen, he possessed a rugged frame and strong constitution, fitted to battle with the hardships and privations of life in the wilderness. He lived to be seventy-five years of age. He was a soldier in the War of the Revolution, as was Mr. Goss' maternal grandfather, Yeaton, who was a sea-faring man, and served on the water in his country's struggle for independence.

Jonathan Goss, the son of Samuel, was a native of Epsom; was by occupation a blacksmith and farmer, . and was a soldier in the War of 1812. He married Sally Yeaton, and had a family of seven children : Noah, died in infancy. William, the subject of this writing. Hannah Y. married Nathaniel Ed- munds, of Chichester; died, leaving five children. Nancy L. married, first, Edward Edmunds, by whom there is one living child ; second, Jeremiah Mack, by this marriage there is no offspring; and, third, Jona- than Marden, both are yet living, no issue. Sally married Jefferson Edmunds; they have six children living. Mary C., now Mrs. George Morse, of Loudon ; they have no children. Andrew J., now residing in Santiago, Cal. He was for many years collector of customs at Saint Augustine, Fla. He was a graduate of Dartmouth College, and afterward studied medicine, but declining health forbade his choosing medicine as his profession.

Jonathan Goss was a strong, vigorous, active man of untiring energy, indomitable courage, and for those times a successful man. He was an ingenious man of inventive turn, and originated many new de- vices, some of which are in use at the present day. He possessed wonderful muscular strength, and many extraordinary feats of his are remembered by the older inhabitants of the community. One, related by his son, is that when more than fifty years of age, he lifted with one hand a forty-gallon cask of cider. He was a man of broad and liberal views, and gave his children what educational advantages his circum- stances in life would afford.

William Goss inherited his father's qualities of ac- tivity and energy, and was early taught to labor. When not at work on the farm he assisted his father in the shop, and remained at home with his parents until about twenty-five years of age. He married, June 2, 1846, Maryett, daughter of William and Esther (Fowler) Abbott, of Pembroke, N. H. He then went upon a farm adjoining his father's, and re- sided there until March, 1855, when he sold this farm and purchased the place where he now resides, within

William Goss

THE INSTITUTE OF AMERICAN GENEALOGY 407 Sou! . Dearborn Strset C.LUNGO, ILL.

RESIDENCE OF O. S. SANDERS,

O.J. Sanders.M.D.

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a few rods of the present railroad station at Epsom. Since that time, owing chiefly to Mr. Goss' enterprise, a village has grown up around him and bears his name, being called Gossville in his honor. He has been a prudent and industrious farmer, making a stock-farm of his acreage, trading a great deal in cattle, dealing considerably in real estate and in various ways adding to his income. He has built most of the houses in the village of Gossville. He purchased the house in which his father was born, and also the one in which he himself was born, moved them over to Gossville, fitted them up, and they are still used as residences. He bought the ok Baptist Church building, moved it into the village and con- verted it into a store. In this way he has constantly and assiduously labored to build up a prosperous village around his chosen abode.

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History of Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire, Part 116

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