History of Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire, Part 146

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 146
USA > New Hampshire > Belknap County > History of Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire > Part 146

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Among the ministers who labored for this church in its early history we find the following names: David Knowlton, Samuel B. Dyer, - Bickford, Ezekiel True, Silas Bean, Ebenezer Knowlton and John Knowles.

May 7, 1831, David Marks being present at the regular monthly meeting, preached a sermon.

On May 2, 1838, another church was organized and known as the Second Free-Will Baptist Church of Pittsfield, until A. D. 1840, October 18th, when, the First Church having lost its visibility, by a vote of the church, its title was changed and called the First Free-Will Baptist Church. It was organized iu the hall of Stephen W. Libbey. The council consisted of Elders Enoch Place and Daniel P. Cilley, who adopted a constitution and church covenant, which was signed by the following-named persons, viz .: Stephen W. Libbey, Levi True, True Norris, Thomas Smith, Nehemiah Chase, Shurburne Greene, Newell Brown, Enoch Page, Joseph D. Emerson, Solomon Sanders, John D. Hillierd, Belinda A. Savory, Eliza Smith, Abigail Green, Dorothy Blake, Mary J. Chase, Mary T. Brown, Lucy Page, Judith Chase, Nancy Dennett, Rebecca B. Langly, Lois B. Langly, Me- hitable L. Dow and Hannah Morrill. All of the above-named persons have gone to their reward, ex- cept Elder Daniel P. Cilley and Dorothy Blake (now

1 By John T. Hill.

Giram. A. Tuttle

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PITTSFIELD.

Mrs. Andrew J. Young), Mrs. Hannah Morrill hav- ing died in 1884.

The whole number of members of this church from its organization in 1838 is five hundred and forty- three; present membership, oue hundred and sixty- five; well united and enjoying a healthy and strong growth; at peace with all the other churches and pastors of the town and desiring the prosperity of all.

This church became a member of the New Durham Quarterly Meeting May 25, 1838.

First pastor was Rev. D. P. Cilley, from March 2, 1839, to March, 1843. He was followed by Rev. J. E. Davis, May, 1843, to October, 1846; Rev. Ezekiel True, July, 1847, to May, 1851; Rev. Silas Curtis, November 5, 1852, to November, 1856; Rev. Hosea Quiuby, February, 1857, to September, 1860; Rev. J. B. Davis, October 4, 1862, to June 6, 1863; Rev. H. F. Snow, February, 1864, to -, -; Rev. B. F. Pritchard, August 7, 1866, to July, 1867; Rev. E. A. Stockman, May 2, 1868, to September 25, 1870; Rev. A. Deering, April 1, 1871, to -, 1874; Rev. Hosea Quinby, January 9, 1875, to April, 1876; Rev. George S. Hill, July, 1876, to December, 1876; Rev. F. E. Davison, March 7, 1877, to January, 1878; Rev. J. C. Osgood, April 1, 1878, to April 1, 1882; Rev. A. J. Eastman, May 1, 1882, to May 1, 1885 ; Rev. E. P. Moulton, May 1, 1885, the present pastor.

The meeting-house now occupied was completed in 1838 and dedicated December 12, 1838. Dedicatory sermon by Elder Daniel P. Cilley.

The house was enlarged and remodeled in 1852 at an expense of twelve hundred dollars. Re-dedicated August 4, 1853. Sermon by Elder Silas Curtis.

The Free-Will Baptist Sunday-School was organ- ized November 20, 1853, by Rev. Silas Curtis, John S. Osborne and others.

Ezra C. Willard was the first superintendent of the school ; John S. Osborn the first clerk, holding the office twenty years and for many years a teacher in the school, deacon and church clerk; John Smith was an active, earnest laborer in the Sunday-school, also deacon and church clerk. The last two brethren have gone to their long home,-Brother Smith hav- ing died January 2, 1884; Brother Osborn, June 22, 1885.

The whole number of superintendents to date, eleven; the present incumbent, John T. Hill, having served nine years. Dudley B. S. Adams served as clerk seven years and is now at rest. L. D. Much- more is the present clerk.

The average number of scholars during its exist- ence is eighty-two and a half; present number, one hundred and ninety. It has a library of four hun- dred volumes. Within its wheel is a "Band of Hope" (little missionary workers), who are contributing twenty-five dollars toward supporting a school in India.

An Episcopal Mission was established here some 38

years since, but has been practically abandoned. There is also a Baptist Church and an Advent Church here, but we have been unable to secure any infor- mation concerning them.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

HON. HIRAM A. TUTTLE.1

Hon. Hiram A. Tuttle was born in Barnstead Oc- tober 16, 1837, being the elder of a family of two sons. His father, George Tuttle, and his grandfather, Colonel John Tuttle, were also natives of the same town. His great-grandfather, John Tuttle, settled in Barnstead in 1776, coming there from that locality in Dover known as " Back River," where a part of the Tuttle family had resided since the settlement there of their emigrant ancestor, John Tuttle, who came from England before 1641.

His mother, Judith Mason (Davis) Tuttle, is a de- scendant from Samuel Davis, a soldier of the Revo- lution, and one of the primeval settlers of Barnstead. Brave soldiers of the Davis family from four genera- tions have represented that town in the four great wars in which the country has been engaged.

When Mr. Tuttle was nine years of age he moved with his father's family to the adjoining town of Pittsfield, where he attended the public schools and Pittsfield Academy, while the latter was under the charge successively of I. F. Folsom, Lewis W. Clark and Professor Dyer H. Sanborn.

After having been engaged in several vocations, in all of which he showed industry and faithfulness, at the age of seventeen years he became connected with the clothing establishment of Lincoln & Shaw, of Concord, where he remained several years. The ability and zeal which he exhibited while there won for him the confidence and respect of his employers, who established him in the management of a branch store in Pittsfield, of which he soon became the pro- prietor. His business increased, gradually at first and then rapidly, till his establishment had gained an extensive patronage, and ranked among the largest clothing houses in the State. It is so favorably re- membered by former residents and patrons that orders are received for goods from distant States and Terri- tories. Mr. Tuttle has also been interested in real estate. He has built many dwelling-houses, includ- ing a fine residence for himself, and the best business buildings in the village. He was one of the prime movers iu organizing the Pittsfield Aqueduct Com- pany, which furnishes an abundance of pure water to the village for domestic and fire purposes, and sub- scribed for a large part of its capital stock. In many ways he has promoted the growth, social and busines

1 By John Wheeler, M.D.

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HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

interests and general prosperity of his adopted town. He is a trustee of the Savings Bank, a director of the National Bank and a trustee of the academy in Pittsfield.

When he had attained his majority, in 1859, he ex- pressed his intention of casting his first vote with the Republicans, although all his relatives belong to the Democratic party. The Democrats of Pittsfield had been victorious and powerful since the days of Jackson, under such distinguished leaders as Moses Norris, Jr., Charles H. Butters and Lewis W. Clark, all being able lawyers, impressive public speakers and having popular manners. Mr. Norris, a native of the town, represented it repeatedly in the Legis- lature, was Speaker of the Honse twice, a councilor, representative in Congress four years, and was elected to the United States Senate for six years while resid- ing here. The ability and courteous manners of Mr. Clark (now Judge Lewis W. Clark) made him no less popular than Mr. Norris with all classes, during the shorter time he was in business life in town. Seeing in young Tuttle qualities that might make him trou- blesome if opposed to them, but useful if in accord with their party, the Democrats used their most emi- nent persuasive powers to indnce him to cleave to the party of all his kindred and vote with the hitherto victorions ; but he obeyed his convictions, and re- mained true to the Republican party. In 1860 the Republicans, though so long hopelessly beaten, made a sharp contest. When the day of election came Mr. Clark was elected moderator, having been a most acceptable presiding officer for several years. The election of town clerk was made the test of the strength of the two parties. After a very exciting ballot, Mr. Tuttle was elected town clerk, and the Democrats were beaten for the first time in thirty- three years.

Although Pittsfield has a Democratic majority under normal circumstances, Mr. Tnttle has received the support of a large majority of its votes at times when his name has been presented for position. In 1873 and 1874 he was representative to the Legisla- ture. In 1876 he received an appointment, with the rank of colonel, on the staff of Governor Cheney, and with the Governor and staff visited the Centen- nial Exposition at Philadelphia. He was elected a member of the Executive Conncil from the Second District in 1878, and was re-elected in 1879, under the new Constitution, for the term of two years.

Mr. Tuttle has been very successful in all that he has undertaken ; but his thrift has never made him arrogant or indifferent. He has cheerfully shared with others the results of the good fortune that Provi- dence has granted him. He is an agreeable and companionable gentleman in all the honorable rela- tions of life.

As a citizen, neighbor and friend he is held in the highest estimation.

He has furnished employment for many and has

been kind to the poor, very respectful to the aged, charitable to the erring and a sympathizing helper of the embarrassed and unfortunate. Few men have more or firmer personal friends, whose friendship is founded on kindness and substantial favors received. He gives with remarkable generosity to all charitable objects presented to him, and is very hospitable in his pleasant home. Mr. Tuttle accepts the Christian religion and worships with the Congregational Church. While he contributes very liberally for the support of the denomination of his choice, he does not withhold a helping hand from the other religious sects in his town.

In his domestic relations he has been very for- tunate. He married, in 1859, Miss Mary C. French, the only child of John L. French, Esq., formerly cashier of the Pittsfield Bank. Their only child- Hattie French Tuttle-born January 17, 1861, was educated at Wellesley College.

DR. RICHARD PERLEY JEWETT TENNEY.

Dr. R. P. J. Tenney was born in Loudon, N. H., August 18, 1810. His father, Dr. William Tenney, was a native of Rowley, Mass., and a descendant of Thomas Tenney, a member of one of the forty Puritan families who, with their pastor, Rev. Ezekiel Rogers, came from Rowley, Yorkshire, England, in 1639, and settled that ancient town. After studying medicine with Dr. Amos Spofford, of Rowley, he settled in Loudon, N. H., about 1790, where for more than thirty years he was a popular and prominent phy- sician.

Dr. Tenney, the younger, was, at the age of four- teen years, deprived by the death of his father of that paternal counsel and guidance so necessary in that critical period of life when the foundation of moral and business habits is laid, and called to assist a widowed mother in the care of two brothers and a sister, all younger than himself. He discharged his increased filial and fraternal duties in a commendable manner.

Although it had been the often-expressed design of his father that neither of his sons should encoun- ter the hardships incident to the life of a country physician, after a preparatory course at Gilmanton Academy, he studied medicine at Gilmanton under the direction of Dr. Asa Crosby, founder of that dis- tinguished medical family whose labors have re- flected so much of honor on society, college and State. He attended medical lectures at Harvard in 1829; at Dartmouth, 1830 and 1831, and took his medical degree from the latter college at the close of the lecture term of 1831, being then but twenty-one years of age. He soon after settled in London, where, with earnest devotion to his profession, and aided by the prestige of his father, he rapidly acquired a good practice.

After sixteen years of his professional life being

599

PITTSFIELD.

spent in the town of his nativity, he moved to the neighboring town of Pittsfield, and immediately en- tered upon a large business there, still retaining most of his former patrons. With duties thus augmented, the remainder of his life was exceedingly busy and laborious.

Dr. Tenney became a Fellow of the New Hamp- shire Medical Society in 1836, and was the oldest liv- ing member, except Dr. Ezra Carter, of Concord, who was admitted in 1826. He was called to various positions of honor in the society. With Dr. C. P. Gage, he represented it in the convention held in New York City in 1846, at which the American Medical Association was formed. He was elected president of the society in 1867.

As a physician, Dr. Tenney was successful, whether his professional labor be judged by the amount per- formed, methods used or results obtained. He was in the habit of taking charge of patients in more than a dozen towns. We have the best authority for the statement that his average time of sleep did not exceed five hours in the twenty-four, and he was never idle. It would seem almost impossible for one to do more than he did during a large part of his business life.

One of the earliest to discard that treatment known as heroic, which prevailed when he began to pre- scribe, he adopted milder means, which were cer- tainly very acceptable to his patients, and which soon became reasonable to his medical associates.

He had a very happy manner in dealing with his patients, and wonderful power to inspire confidence in them. "The way he entered my sick-room was medicine to me," said an intelligent lawyer, whose family physician he had been during his whole medi- cal career. Often called as consulting physician, he was faithful and assuring both to patients and phy- sicians-especially to young physicians. He never affected superior knowledge or experience; never ob- truded his opinions; never boasted and seldom men- tioned his fortunate cases, but frankly gave such clear and practical advice as made his counsel very desirable. Attending to all branches of the profes- sion, and answering calls at all times, he shirked no duty, however disagreeable, and seldom excused himself, but treated each case conscientiously, using his utmost ability. The rich and the poor, the thank- ful and the ungrateful, seemed to receive uniform con- sideration and kindness at his hands.

While he preferred the practice of medicine, he never avoided surgical cases when duty or humanity called, but did many creditable things in this branch. He would generously share the difficult and legally dangerous surgical responsibilities of other physicians which he might well have avoided. In obstetric practice he was singularly fortunate. He stated, a few weeks prior to his death, that he had attended two thousand four hundred births. His records were carefully kept. For many years he held the position

of pension surgeon and examined applicants from a large territory.

As a citizen, Dr. Tenney was justly esteemed and beloved by all classes, for he was always ready to lend a helping hand to any movement that tended to relieve, reclaim or elevate his fellow-men.

The prominent traits of his character were indus- try, courtesy and generosity. Though so busy, he never was in such haste that he would not give at- tentive audience to all who approached him, and care- ful consideration to wants expressed. Those who knew him confidently counted before-hand on a liberal donation to any benevolent or worthy object presen- ted to him. None who came to him for assistance went away with empty hand. With his numerous debtors he dealt in the most indulgent manner. He acted as though he fully believed the Divine declara- tion, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Although his time was so fully occupied with profes- sional engagements, yet he faithfully discharged the duties of every public trust which he assumed. He was connected with both the banks in Pittsfield, was president of the trustees of Pittsfield Academy, and also for many years president of the Suncook Branch of the New Hampshire Bible Society.

During the eventful years of 1861, '62 and '63 he was a member of the Executive Council in the admin- istration of Governor Berry. Dr. Tenney was very happy in his domestic relations. He was married (1834) to Hannah A. Sanborn, of Gilmanton, N. H., a sister of Professor E. D. Sanborn, of Dartmouth College. She, with their only child, a widowed daughter, survives him.

Soon after commencing the practice of medicine Dr. Tenney made a public profession of religion, and united with the Congregational Church, in which he was an active worker, and to the support of which he contributed liberally of his means for many years. During the last fifteen years of his life he was of the Episcopal communion, and was one of the chief mov- ers in erecting the chapel and establishing the parish of St. Stephen in Pittsfield, of which he was a gener- ous supporter and a warden at the time of his death.

Dr. Tenney loved peace, and would make great personal sacrifice to avoid contention or controversy. Although extremely sensitive to unkindness, he seemed almost incapable of retaliation, or even resent- ment. He had an easy and becoming dignity, and was a thorough gentleman in all his words and acts, a position from which he could not be surprised.

Though his thoughts were carefully expressed, he was not a great talker, but, what is much more rare, a patient and excellent listener. He dispensed a lib- eral hospitality, and delighted in entertaining his guests.

He was so healthy and vigorous that he took no va- cation for one period of twenty years; and he was detained from business but very little by accident or illness until the last few weeks of his life.

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HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

He died June 16, 1876, after a painful illness of some weeks' duration. He looked certain death in the face for weeks, with unimpaired reason, thought- fully and trustingly. While passing through this terrible ordeal he seemed to comprehend his situation as fully as it is given to mortals to ween, without show- ing fear or mental agitation.

His manner was calm and manly. "Waiting for Jesus," was his frequent reply to salutation and inquiry. After more than forty days of severest suf- fering his prostration had become so great that evidence of pain ceased, reason left its seat, and, he lay many hours in a quiet, unconscious state, and, without a struggle, passed calmly away.

" His sufferings endod with the day ; Yet lived he at its close, And breathed the long, long night away, In statue-like repose.

"But e'er the sun in all his state Illumed the eastern skies, He passed through glory's morning gate, And walked in Paradise." 1

BENJAMIN EMERSON, ESQ.

In the days long gone, when the courts held their terms in Gilmanton, there were lawyers toward whom the eyes of the children turned with wondering in- terest. They contended one against another with force and eloquence, and carried "green bags," in which our childhood imagined was deposited their ammunition. Later knowledge discovers they were "briefs," undoubtedly of precious worth; " skeletons" of their " sermons," or pleadings, and to be found of solid worth to their clients before their causes were ad- justed. Well we remember the giant form and tower- ing intellect of Jeremiah Mason, the profound lawyer ; the keen, logical Ichabod Bartlett; and the strong man, deeply read and of high standing in the profes- sion, Daniel Christie. Then there were the acute lawyers, Stephen Moody, Lyman B. Walker, Ben- jamin Emerson, and younger men who were seeking after the success and fame of their elder brethren.

Benjamin Emerson was born in Alfred, Me., March 20, 1792. He was the son of Joseph and Lydia (Durrell) Emerson, who was daughter of Benjamin and Judith Durrell, and was born December 26, 1748. Benjamin was educated at the common schools of his native village, and then fitted for college at Berwick Academy, South Berwick, Me. He entered Dartmouth College and graduated from that institu- tion in the class of 1816. Many of the members of this class became eminent men in after-years, and of twenty-four who composed the graduating class that year, ten were still living when, in 1866, they held a

semi-centennial reunion, and among the number was Esq. Benjamin Emerson.

He married, first, Mrs. Rebecca (Story) Porter, a daughter of Rev. Isaac and Rebecca Bradstreet Story, of Marblehead, Mass., and widow of Emerson Porter. They were married June 6, 1845. He mar- ried his second wife January 31, 1847, Miss Frances Leighton, daughter of General Samuel and Frances Leighton, of Eliot, Me., but at that time resident of Alfred, Me. Esq. Emerson lived through busy years to an advanced age, from an early life of bodily feeble- ness. Immediately after his graduation at Dart- mouth he went to Gilmanton and engaged in the practice of law.

He was admitted to the bar in 1822; was repeatedly moderator of the town-meeting; was four sessions representative of the town; was one of the select- men, and in a variety of positions was prominent and useful. A year or so after his second marriage he . removed to Pittsfield, where his subsequent life was spent.

As a business man he was successful, and accu- mulated a handsome property, continuing his legal practice, more or less, nearly to the time of his death. He was selectman and held various town offices in Pittsfield; was a director of the Pittsfield Bank for many years. The Suncook Valley Railroad had in him a strong advocate, so also the Pittsfield Water- works-a late grand improvement in the town. Mr. Emerson was an able speaker, and his powerful words were ever ready in behalf of every cause or enterprise for the good of the people. Politically, he was an Old-Line Whig, and upon the organization of the Republican party he gave to that his earnest and hearty support. Mr. Emerson was a member of the Congregational Church at Gilmanton Iron-Works; afterward of the church in Pittsfield. In the little meetings for social worship, and, at times, in crowded assemblies, his utterances for truth and righteousness were bold and impressive. Mr. Emerson was a studious, thoughtful man, possessed a remarkable memory, and, by a varied course of reading and study, kept himself always abreast of the times,

It was by the unanticipated Sabbath supply of the church in Pittsfield for four years, and occasional tarrying among its pleasant families, that the writer of this sketch had renewal of knowledge of Esq. Emerson. He was frequently with him in his last brief sickness, and with him when his feet were stepping down into the cold river. There was no- ticeable the lawyer's critical, searching investigation of the "evidence," the characteristics and valid grounds of a genuine faith and hope, and of reading " a title clear" to a heavenly inheritance. Mr. Emerson was long a Free and Accepted member of the Masonic fraternity. His death took place at his home in Pitts- field, January 23, 1878, and his interment in the an- cient cemetery in Gilmanton, at the "old Smith Meeting-House."

1 The above sketch of Dr. Tenney's life is abridged and adapted from a memoir by Dr. John Wheeler, of Pittefield. and contributed by him to the New Hampshire Medical Society at its annual meeting June 19, 1877.

PITTSFIELD.

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Mrs. Emerson's brother, Dr. Usher P. Leighton, became a celebrated physician in Ohio, and " was one of the most noble and generous of men." The Leigh- tons of this country are descended from three brothers who came from England in 1650. Two of them settled on the Piscataqua and the other at Plymouth.

From these all of the Leightons are descended. Sam- uel Leighton, the progenitor of this branch, was an officer in the Revolutionary army. His son, General Samuel Leighton, of militia fame, was several terms a member of the Legislature of Massachusetts.

THE ENSTITUTE OF AMERICAN GEREALOGY 407 South Dearborn Stroet CHICAGO, ILL.

HISTORY OF SALISBURY.

BY JOHN J. DEARBORN, M.D., TOWN HISTORIAN.

CHAPTER I.

THE name Salisbury is derived from the Latin salus, which signifies safety, or health, and the Anglo-Saxon "bury," or "burgh," a corporate town, -hence, the town of health and safety. It was named directly from Salisbury, Mass., which was so called from Salisbury, England.

It is situated in latitude 43° 23', on the west bank of the Merrimack and Pemigewasset Rivers, sixteen miles north of Concord and eighty miles from Boston. It was originally bounded north by Andover, east by the rivers, above named, south by Boscawen and Warner, west by Warner and what was Kearsarge Gore, and contains twenty-eight thousand six hun- dred acres.

The town has produced more brains than any other municipality in New Hampshire, other things being equal. There are three, perhaps four, hamlets in the town, but the main dependence of her people has always been upon the native products of the soil.

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History of Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire, Part 146

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