History of Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire, Part 198

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 198
USA > New Hampshire > Belknap County > History of Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire > Part 198

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).

Major Gale, as he is universally called, carries his seventy years with the appearance of a much younger man ; possesses great strength of character, can say yes when he means yes, and no when he means no, and is a model banker. He commenced by keeping the books, and knows all the details, and there is no need of an "expert " to " straighten out " the affairs of this bank while Major Gale, with his clear mind, is at the helm.

In a business career of over half a century his life has been one of unblemished integrity and conscien- tions uprightness. He is ever honest in all transac- tions,-not because honesty is the best policy, but because of his sound principles, which he never for one moment compromised. He has sought no means of obtaining wealth by any speculative or hasty methods, choosing rather to labor with untiring zeal and cheerful industry in his own field, in which he has won and deserved the confidence of the entire community.

Kind-hearted and generous, in all good causes he gives with a liberal hand, without ostentation and assumption. Public-spirited and enterprising, he advocates and promotes any effort for the improve- ment and betterment of this section. He is, in many ways, one of Laconia's representative men, and among the most honored of her citizens.

JOSEPH P. PITMAN.

Joseph P. Pitman, for more than fifty years an honored and influential citizen of what is now Laconia, descended from a family which had been long and favorably known in Belknap County.

Among the officers elected at the first town-meeting held in Meredith appears the name of the grand- father, Ebenezer Pitman, who was afterward made representative to the General Court, and served several years as town clerk. The confidence of his fellow-citizens was also bestowed upon the son, Eben- ezer Pitman, Jr., who was likewise for a number of terms a representative to the General Court, and in various ways rendered valuable service to his own townsmen by virtue of his legal acquirements.

Joseph P. Pitman, second son of Ebenezer Pitman, Jr., was born on the old homestead in Meredith Jan- uary 12, 1809. Passing his earlier days upon the farm, attending school as opportunity offered, he I seeking any official position for himself.

profited greatly by his advantages. But eager to know and quick to learn, he was not content with the instruction to be obtained at home, and therefore entered the academy at New Hampton, and made such progress that prior to his majority he has taught several terms of school, and had been a clerk for two years in Concord. At the age of twenty-one he began business in what is now Laconia, in connection with the late Daniel M. Gale, and subsequently continued it with his brother, John M. Pitman, afterward, for more than thirty years, with his intimate friend, Daniel A. Tilton, and from 1877 in company with his own son, Joseph W. Pitman. Mr. Pitman early acquired an enviable reputation as a sucessful business man of sound practical judgment, and was conse- quently selected to fill many positions of responsibility and trust. From 1836 to 1841 he was both agent and treasurer of the Winnipesaukee Lake Cotton and Woolen Manufacturing Company, and during a part of this time he was also engaged in business at Lake village, in company with the late John V. Barron. In 1842 he was made a director in the Winnipesaukee Bank, and rendered such essential service in the management of its affairs as to prevent its threatened failure.

During the twenty years of its existence, from 1846 to 1866, he was a director of the Belknap County Bank, acting on the discount committee, and in 1876 he was chosen a trustee of the Belknap Savings- Bank, an office which he continued to hold during the remainder of his life.

Mr. Pitman was a director of the Winnipesaukee Steamboat Company, also of the Concord Railroad, president of the Pemigewasset Valley Railroad.

But his ability was, perhaps, put to the severest test in connection with the Boston, Concord and Montreal Railroad, of which at the time of his death he was senior director, having been elected to that office as early as 1858. It was mainly through his persistent energy, foresight and tact that the railroad enterprise was preserved from financial ruin and its late prosperity secured. What Mr. Pitman accom- plished in connection with the distinguished president of the road, the late John E. Lyon, in restoring the credit of the corporation when failure seemed inevit- able, can be appreciated only by those who knew the difficulties and discouragements with which he had to contend.

For a number of years Mr. Pitman was engaged in manufacturing, and his efforts in this direction were concentrated in 1868 in the production of knit-goods.

In conducting this business he held a controlling in- terest in the firm of Pitman, Tilton & Co., which was, in 1874. incorporated as the Pitman Manufacturing Company, and in this he was president and principal owner.

Mr. Pitman was a life-long Democrat and thoroughly interested in the success of the party, without ever

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HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

He was, however, a representative from Meredith to the General Court in 1851 and 1852, and showed that he was thoroughly well adapted to the work of legislation.

Mr. Pitman was for forty-three years a member of the Laconia Congregational Church, and identified with its activity in many relations. He was the prin- cipal member of the building committee, under whose direction the house was remodeled in 1871, making it at that time one of the finest church edifices in North- ern New Hampshire.

He was a man whose kindness of heart was recog- nized by those with whom he came in contact from day to day, and he was held in grateful remembrance by the many who had become indebted to him for wise counsel or timely encouragement.

Prompt in aiding every worthy effort to secure in- dividual prosperity or public advantage, he was especially interested in the success of young men who desired to engage in business for themselves, and lived to see many manufactories and other business enterprises thoroughly established through the finan- cial assistance they had received from him. The following, taken from the resolutions adopted by his townsmen, who had been called together for that pur- pose immediately after his death, will show, to some extent, how he was regarded by those among whom the greater part of his life had been passed:

" We deeply lament the loss which we, io common with others, have sustained by the death of one so intimately connected with the substantial history and prosperity of our town. Mr. Pitman was widely and most favorably known as a strong business man, of undoubted integrity and great sagacity, always punctual in meeting every engagement, and faith - ful in performing every duty, and combining energy with prudence to a rare degree. No one has contributed more largely to give to Laconia its enviable rank as a business centre than Mr. Pitman, and his loss will be long and severely felt far beyond the immediate circle in which he moved."

Although so far advanced in years, Mr. Pitman continued to be actively engaged in business to the end of life.

His last illness was of short duration, and he died in peace at his own home on the 16th of February, 1883, aged seventy-four years. Thus for upwards of a half-century Mr. Pitman was a resident of Laconia, holding a high place in the esteem of his fellow- citizens, on account of the upright character of his life, and succeeding by patient industry and skillful management in acquiring a large estate.

Mr. Pitman was married, on May 9, 1841, to Char- lotte Abby, daughter of Charles and Abigail Parker. Their children were Elizabeth W. (now Mrs. Charles U. Bell, of Lawrence, Mass.); Helen M., deceased (the first wife of Mr. Bell); Charles F. (the present manager of the Pitman Manufacturing Company) ; Joseph W. and Walter H., who continue the business of the father uuder the established partnership name of J. P. Pitman & Co.

HISTORY OF MEREDITH.

CHAPTER I.

Introductory-Topography and Description of Town-First Settlement- Extracts from Proprietors' Records of Salem and New Salem-Pro- prietors' Grant-Names of Persons Drawing Lots-First Saw-Mill- First Improvements and Residents-First Births-Grist-Mill, etc.

THE history of Meredith really covers a period of nearly two and a half centuries, for in 1652 a party of hardy adventurers was detailed by Massachusetts to seek the northern source of the Merrimack, and at the ancient Aquedoctan, or Weirs, August 1, 1652, they chiseled the inscription on the rock which bears the name of Endicott, so-called in honor of the Gov- ernor of Massachusetts, who gave them their commis- sion.

The foot of Lake Winnipesaukee was a favorite resort for the red man. Large villages stood on each side of the river, and on the Laconia side can yet be seen the site of one of their forts. Eighty years ago their dams filled the river, built for the purpose of taking the shad, which swarmed there in the fall. Here the warlike chief, Wohawa, called a council to inflame the neighboring tribes just previous to the bloody days of 1675, and here the gallant, but ill-fated, Lovewell often halted in his raids on the Ossipees. This whole region is rich in legendary lore, and many an interesting story could be related if time and space would permit; but we must turn to more au- thentic history.

Meredith is one of the oldest towns in this part of the State. Her early settlers were men and women of a most sturdy character. They were pioneers of a more than ordinary type, and took an active part in the formation of the Granite State, and stamped their individuality upon its enactments. The exam- ple which they displayed of heroic faith, of invinci- ble courage, of bold and untiring enterprise, and their sacrifices in developing the resources of the country, all reflect honor upon them, and their de- scendants should recall their heroic struggles with pride, and by these recollections be stimulated to an emulation as noble, to a patriotism as pure, to virtues as exalted and philanthropy as generous.

This town was incorporated by the Governor and Council December 30, 1768, and was within the bounds of Mason's patent. By an act approved December 30, 1799, Stone Dam and Bear Islands

were annexed. A division of the town took place July 14, 1855, the southeasterly portion being incor- porated into a town by the name of Laconia. By an act approved July 3, 1873, a portion of Meredith was annexed to Centre Harbor.

Meredith is thirty-six miles north of Concord, and is bounded on the north hy Centre Harbor and Lake Winnipesaukee ; north and northeast by said lake; southeast by Laconia ; south by Sanbornton, and west and northwest by New Hampton. Waukawan Lake (formerly called Measley Lake), near the vil- lage, is connected with Lake Winnipesaukee by a stream affording a large amount of water-power. As a farming town, it is surpassed by but few in the State. Agriculture is the principal employment of its inhabitants, who are well recompensed for the labor bestowed. The soil is deep, fertile, easily cultivated, and many of the farms beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, which washes a large portion of its southern and northeastern borders. At Meredith village there is one of the best water privi- leges in the State, which is controlled by the Mere- dith Mechanic Association, and there is considerable capital invested in manufactures. The population is about eighteen hundred. There are two post-offices,- Meredith village and Meredith Centre. The present town officers are,-Selectmen, William S. Smith, J. L. Prescott, O. N. Roberts ; Clerk, I. C. Boynton ; Treas- urer, T. S. Moses; Superintendents, F. L. Mason, John Webster. S. W. Rollins, Esq., Probate judge of Belknap County, is a resident of of the town.

The oldest physician is George Sanborn, M.D. The present churches are Congregational, Calvin Baptist and Free-Will Baptist. There is one hank, Meredith Village Savings-Bank, with a deposit of three hun- dred and thirty thousand dollars, and over nine hun- dred and ninety depositors. The manufacturers are Waukawan Hosiery Mills, Samuel Hodgson, proprie- tor (see biography) ; J. A. Lang, piano-forte cases ; Meredith Shook and Lumber Company ; American Twist Drill Company; Wadleigh Plow Company ; J. S. Robiuson & Co., organs; G. H. Clark & Co., lumher.

First Settlement-Extracts from "Proprietors' Records " of Salem and New Salem .- The first set- | lement of this territory was commenced in 1748, and

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HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

the land was surveyed and laid out as the town of Salem, which soon was changed to New Salem, and this name the township hore until the incorporation of Meredith. The business was done and proprie- tors' meetings held for twenty years principally in Exeter. We give extracts from " Proprietors' Rec- ords," the following being the first record : "Novem- ber the 3d, 1748, Ensign Jonathan Longfellow and fifty-nine others petition 'that they may have a town- ship or a tract of land granted or given to them and to their heirs forever. Gentlemen, whose right it is to grant or give our request, we being the loyal and du- tiful subjects of His Majesty, King George the Sec- ond, we pray you to grant or give to us a part of the land which is to be laid out into townships in our fron- tiers above.'" The same persons met November 10, 1748, and organized by voting “Ensin Oliver Smith, moderator, and Jethro Person, treasurer, to keep the money to be raised hy the society for carry- ing on the business." " Voted, Ensin Oliver Smith, Joseph Juewt, Joseph Smith and Daniel Clark be a committee to go up and lay out a township." Decem- ber 19, 1748, " Voted, Joseph Rawlins have two pounds three shillings, old tenor, for going to Hamp- ton and Eping for a surveyor." November 14, 1749, " Voted, That there be a comety to joyn with the comi- tey of the first town to ron the line at the head of sª Towns betwen the Pound and Pemigewasset river, and to look out a place for a saw-mill and for a Sen- ter Scware." At a meeting of the proprietors, held at the dwelling-house of Tilton Lawrence, at Strat- ham, December 26, 1750, " Voted, Ensin Jonathan Longfellow moderator for sd meeting. Voted, Joseph Juett, Josiah Sandborn and Jonathan Longfellow, or aney two of them, to go down to Portsmouth and order draw the first division of lots." [This first divi- sion comprised about what is now contained in the town of Laconia, with a little of the present Meredith on its northern boundary]. "Voted, Five shillings on each wright. Voted, That all that don't pay to Mr. Josiah Sandborn their respective somes due on their wrights at or before the 4th day of January next, their wrights to be forfeted for their negleckting. Josiah Sandburn, Daniel Smith and Joseph Clark be a com- mity, ajust accounts with the Treshurs and Colectors for the town of Salem." November 2, 1752, " A com- mittee was chosen to lay out a second division of lots." [This division included the portion on the west and north of Winnisquam Lake.] At a meeting of the proprietors of the township of Salam (so called), at the house of Captain John Lights, in Ex- eter, January 1, 1753, " Voted, That the Proprietors' annauel meateing for the future shall be on the first Monday in Janary, in order to chuse Town officers. Voted, That their should be three assessors and one collector chosen for the year ensueing. Voted, That Mr. Josiah Sambon be Treasure for this year. Voted, That Mr. Jonathan Longfellow shall have one shil- ling, old tenor, Pr acer for every acer he shall, on his

own charge, Gitt added to the township of Salom, more than is contained in the two Plans all Readey taken, and to Gitt it confeirmd by the Grantors; and if he dose not git any added, is to have nothing for his charges ; and that the assessors shall taxe the Proprietors for to pay him for what he Gitts added." May 3, 1754, the proprietors of Portsmouth increased the grant by calling the north line twelve miles in- stead of seven, so adding Meredith Neck.

PROPRIETORS' GRANT.

" At a meeting of the Proprietors of the landa purchased of John Tufton Masou, Esq., in the Province of New Hampshire, held by ad- journment at the dwelling-bouse of Sarah Prust, widow, in Portsmouth, on Saturday, the thirty-first day of December, Anno Dourini 1748, Voted, that their ba and hereby is granted unto Samuel Palmer, Esqr., Jonathan Shaw, Benja Shaw, Juor., all of Hampton in sd Province ; Samuel Good- hew, Jun., John Purmot, John Smith, Benja Jewett, Joseph Rawlings, Elisha Smitb, Daniel Clark, Tilton Larrance, Joseph Clarke, Jonathan Sibbley, Richard Scammon, James Scammon, Benja Whicher, William Chase, Moses Chase, Benja Norris, Lazarus Row, Josepb Fifiald, Moses Rawlinga, Jobn Taylor, Jacob Low, David Rawlings, Chase Robinson, Josiah Goodhne, all of Stratbam in said Province ; Jonatban Longfel- low, John Light, Joseph Wadleigh, Jonatban Wadleigh, Daniel Smith, Daniel Gala, Josiah Robinson, Jun., Joseph Robinson, Joseph Pearson, Eliphelet Rawlina, Joseph Rawlings, Jun., Nathaniel Bartlet, Junt., Epbraim Robinson, Abrabam Clark, Josepb Rawlinga, Daniel Thurstin, Josiah Sambon, John Morgan, Joseph Goodhaw, Oliver Smith, Jun, Ja- cob Longfellow, Jobn Leavit, Junt., Oliver Smith, Joseph Norria, Samual Norris, Benja Norria, Samuel Norris, Jun., Josiah Sambon, Robert Cut- tler, all of Exeter in said Province, and Thomas Ford, of Nottingham in said Province (together with twenty other persons hereafter to be named by said Proprietors), in equal ahares, excepting as hereafter here- in excepted, on the terma, conditiona and limitations hereinafter ex- pressed : all that tract of land within the Province of New Hampshire, Containing the extent and quantity of Six miles Square, etc."

The conditions of this grant were, that there should be one hundred shares, each share to consist of two lots, to be laid out within one year, one share to be for the first minister of the gospel to settle on the land, six acres to be left for public purposes,-build- ing a meeting-house and school-house, a training- field, a burying-place, etc. Each of the owners of the eighty shares not reserved by proprietors should build an house eighteen feet long and fourteen feet wide, or equal thereto, upon some part of his land, and clear three acres of it fit for tillage or mowing within eight years from that date, and ten years to build a meeting-house.

The following are the names of persons drawing lots in New Salem, May 3, 1754, with number of lot in first division :

"1, Jobn Leavitt, Jr. ; 2, Samuel Sally & March ; 3, Propriators ; 4, Heirs of Jonathan Odiorue, Esqr .; 5, Theo. Atkinson, Eaqr. ; 6, Benja Sbaw; 7, Nathel Bartlett, Jun. ; 8, Joshua Pierce, Fsqr. ; 9, Benja Whitcher ; 10, Samuel Norria; 11, Richard Scammoo; 12, Jobo Sbaw, Juor, ; 13, Joseph Fifield ; 14, Banja Norria, Stratbam ; 15, Benja Norria, Exeter ; 16, Proprietors ; 17, Josiah Sambon, Jun. ; 18, Jacob Low ; 19, Mess. Tomlinson & Mason ; 20, Daniel Gale ; 21, Josapb Clark ; 22, Richard Wibirn, Esq. ; 23, Daniel Thurston; 24, Robert Cuttler ; 25, Thomas Ford; 26, William Chase; 27, Ephrm Robinaon ; 28, Joseph Pairson ; 29, Joseph Robinson ; 30, Elisha Smith ; 31, John Smitb ; 32 Nathel Mesarva & Com. ; 33, Josepb Rawlings ; 34, Josiab Sambon ; 35, Joseph Jewett ; 36, Josiab Robinson, Jun. ; 37, Jacob Longfallow ; 38, Joseph Norris ; 39, Thomas Packer, Esq. ; 40, John Morgin ; 41, Moses Cbase; 42, Josiah Goodbna; 43, Daniel Smitb; 44, James Gibson ; 45, Jobn Moffatt, Esqr. ; 46, Jobn Purmort ; 47, Daniel Pirce & Mary Mora ; 48, David Rawlings ; 49, Joseph Rawlings, North Hampton ; 50, Cbasa Robinson ; 51, Samel Palmer, Esq. ; 52, James Scammon ; 53, Josiah

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MEREDITH.

Goodhue ; 54, Mark H. K. Wentworth, Esq". ; 55, Jonathan Longfellow ; 66, Thos Walingford, Esq". ; 57, John Light ; 58, Elipha Rawlings; 59, Tilton Larrance; 60, Oliver Smith ; 61, John Riadge; 62, Jonathan Wadligh ; 63, Sammal Goodhue, Jun .; 64, Lazarus Row; 65, John Wentworth, Esq". ; 66, Moses Rawlings ; 67, Abram Clark ; 68, John Taylor; 69, Joseph Rawlings, Jun. ; 70, Samuel Norris, Junt. ; 71, Jona- than Shaw ; 72, Daniel Clark ; 73, Banja Jewett ; 74, Joseph Wadligh ; 75, George Jeffery ; 76, Oliver Smith, Juor. ; 77, Jonathan Sibley ; 78, Proprietors ; 79, Proprietors ; first settled minister, Lott for ministry, School Lott.11

At a proprietors' meeting, held January 2, 1764, this action was taken,-

" Whereas, those persons that first aettle in new Towns are exposed to many difficulties, as well as great charges in clearing of ways to their own particular lots, &c. It is therefore Voted the Proprietors of the above sd Township be taxed with four thousand Pounds, old tenor, to be paid in one year to the first twenty Proprietors that appear and give obligation to settle their Rights in the above ad Township in the follow- ing manner (or some person under them),-Viz .: To fall six acres of trees in one year from this date & to clear up threa screa of said land fit for planting or mowing io sixteen months from this date, & in twenty months to have a house built fit to dwell in, eighteen feet long & four- teen wide, or equal thereto, & to abide there four years after that time, and if in case that twenty proprietors do not appear in Six montha from this date to settle their Rights Do the above conditions the anmber of Proprietors that do appear shall be entitled to the four thousand pounds, to be equally dividad between them. Voted that thera be a Bridge built over Winuepiseoke River, at the saw mill grant, within twenty month from this date."

The First Saw-Mill was commenced in 1765, on the afore-mentioned grant (which covered the present business portion of Laconia on the Meredith side); but after it was carried away by the freshet of 1779 it was rebuilt on the Gilmanton side, in 1780.

January 6, 1766, "Voted that M'. Eben" Smith & William Mead shall have the care & charge of the saw-mill in New Salem for the space of three years to come, and that they shall saw logs to the halves for any of the Proprietors or settlers in said Town- ship that shall bring logs on the stage of said mill."

First Improvements and Residents .- September 29, 1766,-

" A committee to view the settlement at New Salem have been and viewed the same, and fiad as followeth, Viz':

"I. Abram Folsom has a house built, & 10 acres of laad fell, & 3 clear, & his son there.

"2. Ephrm Robinson, a house built, & 7 or 8 acres of land fell, & 3 acres clear, and James Quinby there.

"3. Eliphelet Rawlings, a house built, 8 or 9 acres of laud fell, & 3 acres clear, and Eaton & his wife & 7 children there.

"4. Jonathan Shaw, a house built, 6 acres of land fell, & 3 clear, & Torey & his wife & 6 children there.

"5. Jonathan Robinson, 6 acres of land fell, & 3 clear, & a amall bouge built, & s frame of another, & Robert Brisat there.

"6. Samuel Goodhue, 5 acres of land fell, & about half clear, a house part built, & Pitman there.

" 7. William Mead, a house built, 16 acres of laod fell, & 6 clear, & a honae built, & himself there. One Right he settles for Eben" Smith.

"8. Josiah Samboo, a house built, 6 acres of land fell, & 3 clear, & Masten there.

"10. Ebenezer Smith, 6 acres of land fell, & 3 clear, & s house part built, & George Beso, wife & children.

"11. ditto, 6 acres of land fall, one clear, Judkins to settle ditto, 25 acres of land fell, 18 acres clear, 2 Housea & a barn frame, & his family there ; ditto 6 acres of land fell, & 2 clear, a house built, Danford to aettla.

" JOHN ODLIN, Committee." " JOSEPH HOIT, S

The first birth among the early settlers of New

Salem was probably that of Tamar, daughter of Jacob Eaton, March 11, 1767; the second was that of Daniel, son of Ebenezer and Sarah Smith, born July 4, 1767.

January 5, 1767, "Voted the expences of this meet- ing be paid by the Proprietors. Voted that Mr. Joshua Folsom shall have paid him by the Proprie- tors of New Salem forty pounds, lawful money, if the said Folsom does build a good Grist-Mill in the above said Township, on the stream that runs out of a Pond between Richard Wibard, Esq"., & Joseph Robinson's lot into the great Bay in said Township, & finish it completely fit to grind corn and grain." The site was at the Falls at Meredith Centre.

June 14, 1768, "Voted that Eben' Smith, Joshua Folsom, William Mead, Abram Folsom, Jur., & Jonathan Smith be a committee to lay out the second & third Division of lots in said Township."

CHAPTER II.

MEREDITH-(Continued).

Petition for and Ordinance of Incorporation of Meredith-Warning and Records of First Town-Meeting-Action of Towa Concerning Fish- Sleds-Town-House-Meeting-House-Preaching-Schooling.

THIS petition for an incorporation was presented in 1768,-

"To His Excellency John Wentworth, Esqr., Captain-General, Governor & Commander in Chief in and over Hie Majesty'a Province of New Hampshire, & tha Hon. : Hia Majesty's Council.

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History of Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire, Part 198

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