History of Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire, Part 191

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 191
USA > New Hampshire > Belknap County > History of Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire > Part 191

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).

At the same date Rev. William Cogswell, D.D., professor of history and national education in Dart- mouth College, was appointed president and profes- sor of Christian theology in the seminary. There is little need to speak him particularly here, as he was a man of national reputation. The appointment, and his coming at this time of trial, simply show how highly the seminary was prized by scholars and pub- lic officials in the Christian Church, and their readi- ness to sacrifice, if in auy way possible, to save it. Dr. Cogswell accepted the office January 11, 1844,

800

HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

entered at once on its duties and was inaugurated February 7th the same year. At the same time Mr. Charles Tenney, a very popular principal of the academy (Dartmouth, 1835), was ordained an evan- gelist, and was appointed instructor of sacred rhetoric in the seminary. By new special gifts from benevo- lent friends, and by severe sacrifices from residents in the village, the seminary struggled on till the census shows over fifty men that passed through and out of it, publicly to toil in the world's great field of whiten- ed harvest. At this date quite a large number of them have ceased from their labors, having heard a voice saying, "Come up higher ;" others are enfeebled through age and toil, and others growing old are yet young, and working "while the day lasts." One of the number, nigh upon the period that is reached only "by reason of strength," several years ago received " extreme unction" in a doctorate of divini- ty, and still lives, while the rest have been enabled to dodge it hitherto.

Under all the difficulties and discouragements Dr. Cogswell struggled manfully to sustain the institu- tion, but not only was there stringency in pecuniary matters all abroad, but the young men were few who turned their thoughts toward the ministry. Of course, then the regular routine of the past had to be sus- pended ; but the trustees offered the free use of rooms and furniture in the building, use of the library and what of instruction they might obtain to any and all students who would like to repair to the seminary for a season.

The great hall is the property of the academy, and is used for summer boarders in the long vacation, and by students of the academy in term-time.

The Churches .- The churches of Gilmanton, like the population of the town, have decreased in mem- bership and pecuniary ability. The fathers and the mothers in Israel are mostly numbered with the dead, while the warm young blood of the children flows in the life of churches in the larger towns and cities. It is so all abroad through our New Hampshire. And yet, worthy of all honor and needed help are these little churches scattered over the hills and valleys. They have impoverished themselves by giving to others. They have not much ability to "go down to the battle," but they are "sticking by the stuff;" they are holding back the tide of iniquity, and are shedding quietly and beautifully that hallowed light without which large sections of our State would be speedily in moral darkness.

Since the publication of Lancaster's "History of Gilmanton," the old First Church at the "Smith Meeting-House" has become virtually extinct, and for several years has not been reported in the minutes of the General Association.

According to Rev. Mr. Lancaster (" History," page 192), its first pastor, Rev. Isaac Smith, preached forty- three years, and, after a short illness, died among his people, March 25, 1817, in the seventy-third year of

his age. He was succeeded by Rev. Luke Ainsworth Spofford, who was ordained on June 9, 1819. His pastorate was about six years, during which time thirty were added to the church. On account of in- sufficient health for so large a field of labor, he asked release, and was dismissed on the 9th of June, 1825.

On the 21st September, 1825, the Rev. Daniel Lan- caster was settled, having received two calls from the church.

On the 26th February, 1826, letters of dismission and recommendation were voted to twenty-five mem- bers of the church to form a new church at the Centre village (Academy), and on the 12th October, 1830, thirteen individuals were dismissed to form a church at Gilmanton Iron-Works.

These two special periods of emigration diminished the church by thirty-eight members. On the other hand, there were two special revival seasons, in the winter of 1846-47 and in 1831, which brought into the church seventy-five new members. Thus the number was more than restored, but the pecuniary ability of the church was not restored, and on July 25, 1832, Rev. Mr. Lancaster was dismissed for want of support. During his ministry of six years eighty- five were added to the church; there were one hun- dred and eighteen baptisms and over one hundred burials of the dead.

After this removal of their pastor the church se- cured supplies as they had opportunity, till, in 1834, they had the Rev. Francis P. Smith, son of the first minister, as acting pastor through the entire year. A revival season was enjoyed during this year, and twenty were added to the church. At the close of Mr. Smith's engagement the Rev. Josiah Carpenter was secured for a year, under whose ministry twelve were added to the church. Subsequently students from the seminary preached as Sabbath supplies, till Mr. Horace Wood, a licensed graduate, engaged with them for a considerable period; but in the recent years there has been in the meeting-house no regular service. Occasionally neighboring pastors preach an afternoon or evening sermon ; otherwise the house is closed, and silence reigns. The families surrounding have greatly changed. Some have become extinct, others removed, and others, who in these days go to church anywhere, go to the village, or to the Iron- Works or to the church at Lower Gilmanton ; and yet, there is the spirit of beauty and of sacredness linger- ing about the old spot. Near at hand is the burying- ground, "where the forefathers of the hamlet sleep," and numbers of the patriot dead are gathered here, whose graves are decorated by loving hands at the appointed seasons. A few years since, John B. Batch- elder, Esq., in early life a resident, and educated in the town, awakened a lively interest in an enlarge- ment and beautifying of this ancient cemetery, and a wonderful change was effected. It is now a pleas- ant and ample inclosure, adorned with trees and blooming with flowers, while new care and taste and

801

GILMANTON.

generous expenditure are at once observable in the erection of monuments for the dead.

Here, also, at the "Old Smith Meeting-House," are held the public services of the soldiers' "Memorial Day," when there is a general gathering of the people of the town.

THE CENTRE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH .- The twenty-five persons from the old First Church were organized into a new church by an invited council on the 8th of March, 1826. Rev. Heman Rood, the first pastor, was ordained July 12, 1826. A new house of worship was built at a cost of three thousand five hundred dollars, and dedicated September 30, 1827. Mr. Rood continued with the church three and a half years from his ordination.

In 1835, December 16th, Rev. Daniel Lancaster, who had removed from the old First Church, was in- stalled pastor. He finished a laborious and most suc- cessful ministry January 25, 1852, having done service in the town more than twenty-seven years. In the following spring, April 22, 1852, the Rev. Roger M. Sargent was installed pastor, who con- tinued with the church till January 31, 1860, when he was dismissed, and accepted a call from Farming- ton, N. H. June 13, 1860, the Rev. Joseph Blake, D.D., was installed, and, finding his health failing, was dismissed February 14, 1871. But on October 25th, having been recalled by the church, he was re- installed, and continued pastor till his final dismis- sion, June 3, 1879, though he had removed from the town two months before. His ministry was more than eighteen years. Immediately on his leaving, the parish applied to Rev. S. S. N. Greeley, a townsman, who had returned after three years in the army and eight years ministry in the city of Oswego, N. Y., to re- cruit in health in the wonderful air of the moun- tains. He told the committee he did not come back to New Hampshire to take churches, nor to remain in his childhood's home; but, in the destitution of the people and church of the fathers, he would give them a few Sabbaths till they could look round. It is sufficient to remark that the " coming man " has not come yet, and it has now been more than seven years.

IRON-WORKS CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH was con- stituted by an ecclesiastical council, October 20, 1830. On the 12th of September the church extended a call to Mr. Charles G. Safford, a recent graduate from Andover, who was ordained pastor September 28, 1831. On the 12th of June, 1836, Rev. Mr. Safford was dis- missed on account of failing health. There had been two seasons of revival during his ministry of four years and nine months, and fifty-six new members had come into the church.

Early in the year 1838 a revival commenced under the labors of Rev. Jeremiah Blake, M.D., a student in Gilmanton Theological Seminary, more powerful than any yet witnessed, which resulted in the addition of sixty-two to the church, fifty-five in one day by

profession. On January 31, 1839, Rev. Stephen S. N. Greeley was ordained pastor of the church, (graduated at Dartmouth College in 1835; studied one year at Andover and two years at Gilmanton Theological Sem- inary). After nearly four years' pleasant labor among his townsmen, Mr. Greeley received an earnest call to the Congregational Church in New Market (Lamprey River). The church there was in great trial at the time from outside pressure, but was "fighting a good fight "-and the field was an important one. It was to be made manifest that the Christian Churches did not desire to "bind the fetters on the slave!" Mr. Greeley requested dismission from the church at Gil- manton Iron-Works, which was approved by council October 19, 1842, had a lively time in his new field the first few months, with five years pleasant labor following, till called to the then Seventh Church in Springfield, Mass. (Chicopee Falls). On the 6th of November, 1844, the church at the Iron Works received another pastor in the ordination of the Rev. Rufus Childs. He was pastor at the time " Lancaster's History " was issued ; but in the church records there appears no statement of the date of his dismission. It must have been near the close of 1855, for on the first Sabbath in 1856 (January 3d) it is stated that the pulpit was occupied by Rev. Jairus Ordway. Sub- sequently Mr. Ordway was engaged as acting pastor, and remained with the church till March 1, 1861. December 1, 1870, Rev. N. S. Moore commenced labor as acting pastor, and closed his labors of three years' continuance, December 28, 1873. July 22, 1875, Rev. George Rogers (from England) was ordained pastor, and in failing health was dismissed by Coun- cil February 22, 1877. He soon died. August 30, 1877, Mr. Charles L. Tomblin succeeded ; supplied till June 1, 1878, and was followed by Mr. Cassan- der C. Sampson in one year's service.

January 1, 1880, Rev. E. J. Roke (also from Eng- land) commenced a year's service, and closed his labors April 1, 1881.

On the 12th of December, 1882, the church extended a unanimous call to Rev. Lyman White, for some years pastor in Deerfield, but had been supplying the Iron-Works pulpit for a season. He is still with the church as acting pastor, strong in the confidence of his people, and, as a minister, able, faithful and useful.

THE FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH, GILMANTON IRON WORKS .- The Free-Will Baptist Church at Gilmanton Iron-Works was organized between the years 1785 and 1790. The denomination was in its in- fancy, with but few ministers of the gospel ; therefore, only a few of the churches had a settled pastor for the first thirty or forty years. These servants of the Lord " had a mind to work ; " so they frequently visited and encouraged the destitute churches. This church had a few stated supplies by such men as Elders Abel Glid-

1 The above is kindly furnished by Harlan Page, Esq., clerk of the church.

802

HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

den, Thomas Flanders and Ezra Ham, until about 1835 when Elder Hezekiah Buzziel was settled as pastor of the church, and continued with them some five years. After his retirement the church has had the following succession of pastors, in their order, down to the present time : Rev. Samuel P. Fernald, from 1840- 49 ; Benjamin McMurphy, 1849-52 ; Ichabod R. Cook, 1852-55; Thomas Keniston, 1855-60 ; John M. Dur- gin, 1860-62 ; Moses Quimby, 1862-65; Gilman San- born, 1866-68; John C. Osgood, 1868-73 ; John M. Durgin, 1873-75 ; John B. Leighton, 1875-77; Wal- lace W. Brown, 1877-79; George W. Price, 1879-81; Moses Quimby, 1881-83 ; Orrin Pitts, 1883-85 ; James C. Nelson, 1885, present pastor. In quite recent years the congregation has rejoiced in the possession of a commodious and tasteful house of worship, and two years since received from Samuel Goodwin, Esq., a native, but a successful business man in New York City, the very desirable gift of a tower-clock and bell.

THE FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH, LOWER GIL- MANTON .- Rev. H. B. Huntoon, present pastor of this church furnishes the following report after dili- gent search for facts for this history, saying, "It is very imperfect, but the best I could do with the little material I have at command."

The Free-Will Baptist Church was organized at Lower Gilmanton January 8, 1860, and enrolls the following pastors, with periods of labor: Moses Fol- som, two years ; John Malvern, one; J. C. Osgood, one; C. B. Griffin, two; J. G. Munsey, four; D. L. Edgerly, two; John M. Durgin, one ; C. L. Plum- mer, two ; John Chamberlain, one; L. E. Hall, two and a half; H. B. Huntoon, present pastor.

For many years the church at Lower Gilmanton was Calvinistic Baptist. Lancaster's "History " (p. 199) states that it was organized November 16, 1773, and on the 14th of June, 1786, settled as pastor Elder Walter Powers, who continued with them about twenty years. He was succeeded by Elder Phinehas Richardson, who resigned his care of the church after a ministry of eighteen years. It was with deep re- gret that the church parted with him. The greatest harmony had existed, and one hundred and sixteen new members had been brought into the church.

At two different periods after the retirement of Elder Richardson the church was supplied by Elder Hiram D. Hodge, an unusually interesting preacher -scholarly, logical, clear and convincing. There were several pastors or supplies after he left; but as time went on, emigration and death had reduced the church to the degree that they finally ceased to main- tain a distinct organization, and the very few that are yet living unite in service with the Free-Will Bap- tists, who occupy the house of worship on the old location, but reconstructed from the old timber, neat, tasteful, a smaller house with a larger liberty !

the travelers by the rattling stage-coach, and many the wearied teams with their drivers, who found rest and abundant supply for all pressing needs at the well-filled barns and loaded tables of " Major Parish." He was a landlord of the old school ; genial, witty, attentive to his customers, and, in business matters, one that " knew how to keep a hotel." Here were the law-offices of Benjamin Emerson and John Ham, Esqs., with their pleasant and spacious residences, and here were stores and varied industries that were pursued with profit. But in these latter days business is not rushing. As with many hopeful localities in earlier times, a change has become strikingly evident; from every direction roundabout the remaining peo- ple the voice of the steam-engine is heard in the land, but it steers quite clear of this section.

THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS .- Lancaster (" History," p. 204), in a brief paragraph, states that " A Society of Friends was organized in Gilmanton about the year 1780." Well do citizens remember the quiet, happy old age of some of these early founders. They were industrious, self-controlled, honest, truthful, and, as citizens, always interested in the prosperity of the town, and numbers of them long occupied official positions. They are all dead, but the church or soci- ety still lives. A little group of the children of the early sires still keep up the organization, hold regular meetings, stir up one another's pure minds by way of remembrance, or devoutly "meditate." They are notable examples of the perseverance of the saints. Some five years ago they took down the old house where their fathers worshiped, and on the old site in the Academy village erected as commodious, well- planned, thoroughly-finished and pleasant a Sabbath home as any people need desire, and while their chil- dren are, in numbers of instances, by marriage or removal, absorbed into other congregations, still they are determined that a remnant shall remain.

THE METHODIST CHURCH,-Two Methodist classes (1807-1818) were established here, connected with the Northfield Circuit, and had only occasional preaching. In 1826-7 a brick meeting-house was built, at a cost of about two thousand five hundred dollars, which was dedicated in 1827. Elder George Storrs preached the sermon. He was on the circuit two years (1828- 29) and was a strong man. He became famous in the early days of anti-slavery as a bold and convincing lecturer. He was the man who was arrested while on his knees in prayer in the Congregational pulpit in Pittsfield, where the pastor, Rev. Jonathan Curtis, had invited him to lecture.

Lancaster's " History " records, through quite a series of years, the succession of ministers in the Methodist Church, but at this date it is a lengthy roll, and mostly a very worthy one, for which there is neither space nor necessity for record here. The wheel turns round, and each man jumps off at the appointed locality only for a season. The church has experienced trying

In the by-gone years Lower Gilmanton was a live and prosperous section of the town, and many were losses by removals and deaths of efficient members,

803

GILMANTON.

and lives to-day only by severe sacrifices. But it has held on its way perseveringly and usefully, and has the best wishes of the entire community that it may continue long and prosper.

The Villages .- GILMANTON IRON-WORKS .- We have spoken of the settlement at Lower Gilmanton, past and present, and of the quiet section full of tender memories, where, by the old Smith Meeting- House, the sod was early opened to receive the dead. A few words concerning the Iron-Works village may be due in this connection. 1 There are not smelting furnaces, nor heavy castings and wondrous mould- ings of glowing metal in these days, as strangers sup- pose, at Gilmanton Iron-Works. But in the early settlement of the place there were discovered here and there, and especially in the neighboring Suncook or Lougee Pond, deposits of iron ore. Yankee con- trivance lifted this ore from its bed twenty feet under water and established "works," and for a time prose- cuted the making of iron for the market. But it was found ere long that the obtaining the ore under diffi- culties and the limited supply, so far as then known, would forbid continuance of the undertaking as a pay- ing investment. But it gave name to "Avery town," as the first designation was, and from the early day it has been known as " Gilmanton Iron-Works."

It has a fine water-power, furnishing opportunity for a large amount of machinery and manufactures. This power has long been utilized to considerable extent, and the village is a stirring business point, beyond any other locality in the town. There are signs of thrift and neatness about the homes of the people, and the village has improved every way in the recent years. There is evidence in stores and shops of lucrative business and in the professional walks, -- three or more clergymen guard their spiritual folds, four or more physicians have care for the health of the people, and, that the right may prevail, the genial and watchful Colonel Thomas Cogswell pays honor due to "the Majesty of Law ;" has a busy life in adjusting the claims of law and equity between man and man,-"Fiat Justitia," etc. (" Let justice be done though the heavens fall)."

Gilmanton Iron-Works within the past year has established a new industry in the erection of a large shoe-factory. "It is in successful operation," writes one of the principal owners, "and gives employment to about seventy-five persons. We have a good lo- cation and a fine building." Among other manufac- turing is the sash and blind-shop of Reuben Giles, the grist and saw-mill of Danford Cook, the plow- shop and rake-factory of the Marsh Brothers. All these are cheeringly prosperous.

The village of the Iron-Works, lying low under surrounding hills, at the water-level, would not be judged as healthful as other portions of the town. But large is the number who have, at a very advanced age, reached the bounds that were set that no man can pass.

On the 21st of August, 1885, a prominent citizen, Moses P. Page, died, a citizen aged and so prominent as to challenge some special notice. He lived to within two months of ninety years, being eighty-nine years and ten months. He was born in Gilmanton October 30, 1795, and, with the exception of a single year, passed his whole life in town. He was educa- ted in the town school and Gilmanton Academy, and commenced mercantile life in Lower Gilmanton; then at Gilmanton Iron-Works in 1818; opening a store, he continued a successful merchant fifty years. Mr. Page was one of the thirteen who formed the Con- gregational Church in Gilmanton Iron-Works. He was a constant attendant upon public worship and a daily reader of the Scriptures. He also kept himself in- formed in relation to the doings of the various benev- olent societies. While living he made the following donations: To the American Home Missionary So- ciety, $2500; to the New Hampshire Bible Society, $2500; to the American Board for Foreign Missions, $2500; to the New Hampshire Missionary Society, $2500; to the American Missionary Association for Educating the Colored People at the South, 810,000; to the Gilmanton Iron-Works Congregational Church, $3333 ; also his pew in the meeting-house for the min- ister and his family; and to said society, by his will, he gave his dwelling-house for a parsonage. His gifts in all amounted to about $25,000.

THE CENTRE VILLAGE .- The Centre village, Acad- emy village, (or, vulgarly, Gilmanton Corner), needs. but brief mention ; for, though greatly changed in many respects, it is as pleasant to the eye as it ever was. It is reduced in population and wealth, yet has many visitors from near and far, who come and go. The mountains hold fast their old positions, "as the mountains were round about Jerusalem; the little hills rejoice on every side," and rising suns and evening sunsets are glorious to the vision. " Do you keep painted up, and the village neat and tidy, as. when I went to school at the academy ?" asked the worthy president of the New Hampshire Medical So- ciety. Generally so, and a little more so, though the ability to gratify taste is far less than the desire. The attractions for business men and money-making are not strong. There are no facilities for manufactures nor the convenience of railroad stations, and yet every day the sharp whistle of engines, and often the rumble of wheels, are distinctly heard from the four cardinal points ; but, to the waiting traveler, eight, ten or twelve miles of outstretched country must be first passed over ere the eye sees what seemed so nigh at hand. It is most forcibly suggestive of the love- song in one of the operas, "Thou art so near and yet so far !" But, if not pressed by urgent business, these stage and carriage-rides are highly enjoyable, and, to the worn and weary under the cares of life, seeking for quiet, there is a feeling of positive relief in deliverance from smoke and noise and the endless excitements of large towns and cities. Gilmanton

804

HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

has some very pleasant residences, with tasteful sur- roundings, as, for instance, the country-seat of Z. S. Kitchen, Esq., of New York, built with all modern improvements but a few years since ; then, nearly op- posite, the massive old homestead of Major Ebenezer Eastman, once the home of Mary Butler, now im- proved, owned and occupied in the summer months by Dr. J. M. W. Kitchen, of New York; then the lofty mansion, purchased and improved a year ago by the celebrated lecturer, John L. Stoddard. From these points, also from the "Prospect House," the views are uncommonly fine. Another home, with a wonderful outlook, is that of Colonel Cyrus Gilman, on the southern outskirts of the village ; also, the en- tire sweep of the horizon at Oakland Cottage, the residence of J. Horace Drew, Esq. The late Rev. Dr. Prime (" Irenæus " of the New York Observer), while boarding there in a recent summer, sent a capital let- ter to his paper, extracts from which will close this article.

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 191

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