History of Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire, Part 41

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 41
USA > New Hampshire > Belknap County > History of Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire > Part 41

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).

Mr. Ela, while yet an apprentice, became acquainted with many of the business men and politicians of the State, and more especially in the county of Merri- mack. Mr. Jacob B. Moore, with whom he was ap- prenticed, was a publisher and bookseller, as well as editor of the New Hampshire Journal, and, a few months after the formation of the connty of Merri- mack (1823), was appointed register of deeds, and con- tinued in that office, by subsequent elections, several years. Mr. Ela much of the time was acting as clerk in the book-store and in the registry, often, in the absence of the principal, in the entire charge of the whole concern. Business, custom and convenience made the place a resort of the active men visiting the capital of the State and the shire of the county. While yet in his minority he was frequently employed as reporter of the proceedings of the Legislature, which position he afterward continued for a period of some fifteen years. These employments, incident to his early situations and continued while proprietor and editor of the Enquirer and Statesman, gave him an extensive acquaintance, most of whom, in the early part of his life, were fully twenty years his seniors- notably so with the politicians. He was a Whig in politics, as may reasonably be inferred from his po- sitions,-active, energetic and influential,-acting in responsible positions often, at times as chairman of the State Central Committee. He was prominent in the campaign which seated General Harrison in the Presidential chair, as also in that which so nearly elected Henry Clay. Mr. Ela's position brought him in contact with many public men of fifty years ago of national fame as well as of local distinction, -with some in a formal way and as a matter of ceremony, but with many in a more sociable and intimate rela- tion. He relates many interesting and valuable reminiscences which an attentive observation has se- cured and an active mind treasured, and this charac- teristic has brought him to be regarded as an author- ity in matters of history in his time. He was present in the procession of school-boys in Portsmouth when James Monroe, then President of the United States, visited that ancient town, and he has known every President from that time down to Garfield. A winter in Washington, forty-five years since, secured him the acquaintance of most of the prominent men there at that time. With the press and its managers he had a more intimate acquaintance, which extends back to when Boston was a town of some thirty thousand in- habitants, more or less, with its Board of Selectmen, holding its town-meetings and transacting its town business in Faneuil Hall, electing its fifty or sixty representatives to the General Court; when it had not a single daily, and Nathan Hale, of the Advertiser, Benjamin Russell, of the Centinel, and Joseph T. Buckingham, of the Courier, were the guides of public opinion and maintained the dignity of the common- wealth. The New York celebrities were Nathaniel H. Custer, of the Statum; Mordecai M. Noah, of the

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HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

New York Enquirer; William L. Stone, of the Com- mercial Advertiser; and, subsequently, James Gordon Bennett, of the Herald; James Watson Webb, of the Courier; Horace Greeley, of the Tribune; James Brooks, of the -- , with all of whom he was more or less intimately acquainted.

Mr. Ela, finding his health failing, in 1844, on the advice of his physician, abandoned his connection with the press. Since then he has spent much of his time on his farm at Allenstown, an acquisition which he made a few years previous, and has devoted much attention to agricultural pursuits. And now, as the traveler passes along the highway over his ex- tensive domain, covered with a growth of pine tim- ber, the equal of which is rarely to be found in this State at least, he may often see the tall, straight form of the proprietor, clothed in rustic garb, alone or with workmen,-or with company, as it may happen, -attending to the interests connected therewith ; sometimes in the corn-field, then examining the herd, perchance among the hay-makers, or directing and participating in whatever may be on hand at the moment; showing the evidence of age, yet with an alacrity perplexing to the stranger when told that the object of his observation is so closely approaching the age of eighty years, having endured forty years of active life since condemned as an invalid without hope of recovery. He is ever active, rising with the dawn, attending to whatever duties are in hand, whether it leads him to the stock-yard or the office- table. He is not confined to his farm in his labors ; he has other interests, somewhat extensive, and other labors call him on frequent journeys, although it is apparent that his activity and his power of endur- ance have, in some degree, abated.

Mr. Ela married Mary Adelaide Lane, of Sutton, by whom he had three children,-two sons and a daugh- ter. The latter died in infancy. Major Robert L. Ela served in the War of the Rebellion, in the Sixth Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers. He was se- verely wounded in the second battle of Bull Run and again in the crater at Petersburg, into which he led his regiment, commanding. He recovered to some extent and served throughout the war, and now re- sides in California.

Captain Richard Ela also served his country in the War of the Rebellion, and was killed at Drury's Bluff, on the James, below Richmond, while leading a charge on the enemy's works.

CAPTAIN RICHARD ELA.

The most costly sacrifice New Hampshire made for the preservation of the Union was that of her young men. From her cities and towns, colleges and schools they came, strong and brave, to fill and refill her regiments, and they fell by hundreds. Captain Richard Ela was one of these. He was twenty-one years old when he entered the army, and he was

killed in battle three months before his term of service would have expired. Brief as was his life, the story of it is worthy to be told, for it was well lived. He possessed an even temperament and a dis- position cheerful almost to gayety. To his passing friends he may have seemed to take life carelessly ; but beneath the jovial surface was a grave and earnest element which governed his character, and when the time which tried men's souls came, it was shown that he was controlled by an abiding purpose to accept the work that fell to him, and do it well.

Richard was the second son of George W. and Adelaide Lane Ela, and was born at Concord Feb- ruary 12, 1840. His mother died when he was three years old, and his childhood was spent partly with his father and partly with his grandfather, Dr. Robert Lane, of Sutton. After the public schools, the most of his school-life was spent at the academy at Frank- lin, although he attended, for shorter periods, the academies at Pembroke, New London and Meriden, and graduated from the latter in the summer of 1858. He determined to begin at once the study of his pro- fession, and accordingly entered the law-office of George & Foster, at Concord, with whom he com- pleted his professional studies ; also attending lectures at the Harvard Law School.

He was physically strong, vigorous and active, and naturally an adept in athletic sports. He had a special liking for military exercise.

When the war cloud broke, and the call to arms was sounded, it was impossible that he should prove indifferent. Patriotism and military ardor alike urged an immediate response, and, August 22, 1861, he was mustered into the service as first lieutenant of Company E, Third Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers.

About this time he was admitted as a member of the Merrimack County bar. He entered the service with enthusiasm ; but events proved that he was also moved by a profound faith in the righteousness of his cause, and a steadfast purpose to do his every duty. His introduction to real soldiering was as officer of the guard while the regiment was on the way from Concord to Camp Sherman, Long Island, N. Y. While at this camp he was appointed judge advocate of the regiment.

The Third was with General Sherman at Hilton Head, and was among the first to land.

Lieutenant Ela was in command of two companies ; was detached and ordered on an expedition to the plantation of General Graham, the rebel commander, for the purpose of securing the person of that officer and the papers at headquarters.

The general was not to be found. In other respects the expedition was successful.

For many months the regiment remained at Hilton Head. Sickness visited them, and this, with some being detailed for duty elsewhere, so reduced the number of officers that for six months, with few ex-

Prahanobla

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CONCORD.

ceptions, he was the only officer with his company. The monotony was at length broken by an expedition towards Savannah. It amounted to but little, how- ever, save to plant the first Union flag on Georgia soil.

Soon after, in an expedition to the mainland, Lieutenant Ela was ordered to cut off and capture the enemy's pickets at a certain station, which was accomplished. The next day the regiment moved further inland, and his company, deployed as skir- mishers going up and rear-guard in returning, had some sharp skirmishing with the enemy. "This," he says, " was the first time we had heard the whistle of rebel bullets."

During April, 1862, the regiment was doing guard duty on Edisto Island, and on the 15th of the month Lieutenant Ela was promoted to a captaincy and assigned to Company G. Three months later he was given command of his former company (E). The following June he participated in the battle of Seces- sionville, and being knocked down by a passing shell was reported killed, but he was soon able to contra- dict the report.

About the 1st of July the regiment returned to Hilton Head, and he was assigned to the command of the forces on Pinckney Island.

In September he returned to Hilton Head. Sick- ness prevailed to such a degree that for a time but one captain, besides himself, was on duty. His health suffered severely, and in November he was given leave of absence for twenty days, the most of which he spent in Florida.

In March, 1863, he was assigned to duty as second in command of provost guard at Hilton Head, where he continued until April, when he returned to his regiment.

He was with the first expedition against Charles- ton, and participated in the fighting on Morris Island in July. When the siege of Fort Wagner was begun Captain Ela was detailed to organize and command a battalion of sharpshooters. He was stationed at the front and held the post of danger throughout the siege, doing effective and important work towards the capture of the fort.

In March, 1864, the regiment returned to Hilton Head to be reorganized as mounted infantry. It was then sent to Florida and there dismounted, and sent to Virginia to join in the operations against Rich- mond. The forces were gathering for the last great struggle with the Rebellion. Captain Ela felt that serious work was ahead. His last letter to his father was dated at Gloucester Point, Va., April 30, 1864, and says : " We are crowded down to the lightest pos- sible marching order. You need not expect to hear from me again until I find an opportunity to write from Richmond."

Thirteen days later he fell in the charge which captured the first of the outer defenses of Richmond. In the desperate charge at Drury's Bluff he led his

men to within twenty paces of the enemy's breast- works and died.

The adjutant-general's report says . "The fighting lasted but twenty minutes; but in those twenty minutes more than two hundred of New Hampshire's bravest and best fell dead or wounded. Among the foremost fell the gallant Captain Richard Ela, while in advance of his men, leading them in the charge. He was shot through the brain, and expired almost instantly." His body was buried on the field of battle, where it lies awaiting the last reveille.

Captain Ela was a brave and faithful soldier. He had few opportunities to distinguish himself in bat- tle; but in a less conspicuous way his merit was even greater. Although just across the line from boyhood and fresh from student-life, he performed the work of one or more other officers besides his own during almost the whole of his time of service. From the time of entering active service the complement of officers was never full; he was always on duty, and work of absent ones therefore fell upon him. Much of the time, also, he was detailed for special work in addition to his regular duties. Officers and men. alike bore testimony to his ability, his faithfulness and kindly thoughtfulness of others. He bore the hardships and disappointments of his lot without complaint, and seemed only anxious to do his work well.

With the exception of leave of absence at one time of twenty days, he was never away from his post, and though sometimes suffering from ill health, he was never marked off duty. At the end of two years and a half of service he was the only one of the original officers who had not been home.

When on the march to the fatal battle-field a com- rade found him-usually so cheerful-now sober and thoughtful In response to a question, he replied that he had a presentiment of death. They were going into a fierce battle, and he felt that he should be numbered with the slain. The comrade urged him not to go into battle if such were his feelings. He replied, "If it comes to that, I never shrank from duty, and though I know this to be my last battle, my duty to my country shall be well done."

That was the key-note of his character. Had he lived, it would have made him a useful and honored citizen ; dying, it made him a hero.

DR. ROBERT LANE ELA.

Dr. Robert Lane Ela, the eldest son of George W. and Adelaide L. Ela, was born at Concord, N. H., April 17, 1838. When he was five years old his mother died. His childhood was spent in part with his grandfather, Dr. Robert Lane, at Sutton, and in part with his father at Concord. He was educated at New London, Pembroke and Meriden Academies. On completing his studies at these schools, he was employed on his father's farm at Allenstown, and

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HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

subsequently went to Stoneham, Mass., where he engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes, which he continued until the spring of 1861.

When the War of the Rebellion broke out he responded to the President's call for volunteers, and, returning to Concord, recruited a company for the Sixth New Hampshire Regiment. He was com- missioned a captain, and, joining the regiment at Keene, was mustered into the United States service November 30, 1861. He went with his regiment to Washington, D. C., where they remained in camp a few weeks, and early in January, 1862, they joined Burnside's expedition to Hatteras, Roanoke Island and Newbern, N. C. In July they were transferred by water to General Pope's command in Virginia. They participated in the battle of Cedar Mountain and the second battle of Bull Run, August 29, 1862, where Captain Ela was severely wounded in the right arm. He went home on a furlough, and remained until he had partly recovered the nse of his arm, rejoining his regiment in March, 1863, while it was on the way to Kentucky. He was with the regiment through the Kentucky campaign, and went with it to Vicksburg, where he was present during the siege and at the sur- render of that stronghold, and also in the operations against Jackson, which resulted in the capture of that place. The regiment then returned to Kentucky and was stationed at Frankfort, where Captain Ela acted as provost-marshal. On the reorganization of the army under General Grant, in 1864, he went with his regiment to Virginia, and participated in the Wilder- ness battles of May 5th and 6th ; the battles of Spott-

sylvania, May 12th and 18th; North Anna River, May 29th ; Cold Harbor, June 3d and 4th; then moving across the James River to the front of Peters- burgh, and engaging in the battles of June 17th and 18th, and being under fire every day until the explo- sion of the mine, July 30th. Captain Ela was in command of the regiment at this time, and, the Sixth New Hampshire being one of those selected to charge the enemy after the blowing up of the mine, he led it into the crater, and in the fight which followed was wounded by the explosion of a spherical case shot in front of him. Both legs were partially paralyzed, causing injuries from which he has never fully re- covered. He was afterwards detailed for duty as acting adjutant quartermaster, at Camp Gilmore, Concord, N. H. He returned to his regiment and was promoted to the rank of major before the close of the war. He was mustered out of the service with his regiment July 17, 1865.

Major Ela was popular with the men under his command, for he was thoughtful of their comfort and watchful of their interests. He was intimate with but few of his brother officers, but with those he was especially friendly and always ready to give them a cordial greeting. As an officer, he was prompt and faithful in the discharge of duty and performed well his part in the War for the Union.

After his return from the army he studied medicine and surgery with Dr. Crosby, of Concord, and at the Dartmouth Medical School and Bellevue Hospital, New York, taking degrees from hoth schools. For the past ten years he has resided in California.

HISTORY OF ALLENSTOWN.

CHAPTER I.

Geographical-Original Grant-Named in Honor of Gen. Samuel Allen -Incorporation of Town-Copy of Charter-First Town-Meeting- Officers Elected-First Settlements-Names of Pioneers-Indian Depre- dations-Capture of Robert Buntin and Others-Documentary History -First Justice of the Peace-Roman Catholic Church.

THE town of Allenstown lies in the southeastern part of the county, and is bounded as follows :

On the North by Epsom; East by Rockingham County ; South by Hooksett and West by Pembroke.

This town was originally granted, May 11, 1722, to the children of Governor Samuel Allen and to their heirs. It was described as follows : " A tract of land four miles square, adjoining to Chester side line, and Nottingham head line." A portion of this tract was incorporated with Pembroke in November, 1759. It was named Allenstown in honor of Governor Allen. In June, 1815, a tract of land lying east of the Mer- rimack River, which had previously belonged to Bow, was annexed.

Although this town was early granted, it was not incorporated as a town until July 2, 1831. The fol- lowing is the act of incorporation :

"STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE :

"In the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-one.

" An act to incorporate a town by the name of . Al- lenstown.

" Section 1 .- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives, in general court convened, that all that tract of land situated in the county of Merri- mack, in said State, that is now known by the name of Allenstown, be and the same hereby is incorporated into a town by the name of Allenstown, with all the powers, privileges, incident to other towns in this State.

" Provided, however, that no person whomsoever, that would not have gained a settlement in said Al- lenstown by the laws of this State, if said Allenstown had been incorporated into a town on the first Wednesday in June one thousand eight hundred and twenty-eight, shall gain a settlement in said Allens- town in virtue of this act, any law to the contrary notwithstanding.

"Section 2 .- And be it further enacted, that Ichabod Clark, James C. Emery, James Piper and Mark Til- ton, or any three of them, are hereby authorized to call the first meeting of the legal voters of said Al- lenstown by posters of notification in two of the most publick places iu said Allenstown, expressing the time, place and purpose of said meeting, fifteen days previous to the day of meeting, which meeting shall be holden on the last Monday of November next.

"Section 3 .- And be it further enacted that the officers that were chosen at the last annual meeting of the legal voters of said Allenstown shall continue in office during the term for which they were chosen.

"FRANKLIN PIERCE, " Speaker of the House of Representatives. "SAMUEL CARTLAND, " President of the Senate. " Approved July 2, 1831.

"SAMUEL DINSMORE, Governor."

At this time Ralph Metcalf was Secretary of State, and A. O. Evans town clerk of Allenstown.

The first town-meeting under this act was held February 2, 1822, and Charles Bodwell was chosen moderator. The first meeting for the election of town officers, under this act, was held March 13, 1832. Daniel Batchelder was elected representative, Andrew O. Evans town clerk and John Perkins, A. O. Evans and John Tennant selectmen.

Among the first settlers of the town were John Wolcutt, Andrew Smith, Daniel Evans and Robert Buntin.

Mr. Buntin and a son ten years of age and one James Carr, while at work on the west bank of the Merrimack, were attacked by Indians, who killed Carr and captured Buntin and his son and marched them as prisoners to Canada. Here they were sold to a Frenchman residing in Montreal. After a cap- tivity of eleven months they escaped and returned to their home. The son was Andrew Buntin, who served in the Revolutionary War until his death, which occurred at White Plains October 28, 1776.

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HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

Documentary History .-

Certificate of Three Soldiers liable to have their Tax abated.

"Allenston.

"this is to searty that george wins John Jedkins and Jeams megoy [McCoy] was in the Continentle serves agrebel to the vote of thes province past in the year 1775 should be teaken of John heyes By us

"that the pole tax is " BENJ MATTHES

0406 př head

Select men

to the state

"13-6 Sworn to June 12, 1777, before "WE PARKER Jus. Peace.

" JOSEPH DENNET Constable for 1776."

Return of Number of Ratable Polls, 1783.

" In obedience to the Order of the Hon1 General Court we the subscribers Select Men of Allenstown have made the Following to be the Exact Number of Rateable polls from Twenty one years old & up- wards in the bounds of said Allenstown viz. thirty Polls

" GEORGE EVANS - Select

"SAMUEL WEBSTER men

"Allenstown

December 9th A. D. 1783.

"To the Honle the General Court of the State of New Hampshire at Concord."

The above was sworn to before Samuel Daniell, of Pembroke, justice of the peace.

Petition for Abatement of Tax.

"State of New ) To the Honble the Senate and House Hampshire of Representatives in General Court Convened the 14th day of June A. D. 1786.

"The Petition of the Selectmen of Allenstown in the County of Rockingham.

" Humbly Sheweth That said Allenstown in the year 1781 was called upon by the authority of said State to raise one man to serve in the Continental Army three years or during the war between Great Britain and the United States of America at which time it was supposed by sª Town that there was then serving in the Army aforesaid a Man for said Town, which if it had been true would have prevented said Demand, but on trial before the Committee of safety it was determined against them, by means whereof sª Town lost a large sum of money which was paid him for engaging as aforesaid. Your Petitioners afterwards hired one Samuel Kennistown and went with him to the Muster Master, who Informed them that a few days before he was ordered not to Muster any more-since which an Extent hath been issued against the Select Men of said Town by the Treasurer for Seventy two pounds twelve shillings, and is in an officers hands to execute-As the said Town has ever procured their quota of Men during the late War, tho' but an Handful compared with the greatest part of the Towns in the State, and were unfortunately de-

prived of a Man they supposed that they had a right to, and who they paid for his Service, beg this Honble Court would take their case under their Consideration and relinquish the whole or part of said sum.

"And your Petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray.

" GEORGE EVINS

one, and in be- half of the other Selectmen of said Town "

In answer tothe foregoing petition, the Legislature abated forty-two pounds.

Petition for Justice of the Peace.

" State of New Hamp' } To his Excellency John Rockingham ss Sullivan Esq and the honourable Privy Council for said State .- Humbly shews that the Inhabitants of Allenstown in said State -That your Petitioners tho' small in Numbers Con- sider themselves Entitled To Common Privileges with other Towns in general in said state, that Ever since the settlement of said Town, the Inhabitants thereof have been destitute of a Civile Magistrate To Transact the Nessary business of said Town, and have ever been Obleged annualy To apply at least six miles and some times more Distance from said Town To a magistrate To qualify Town officers, and frequently upon other business which Proves very inconvenient, and as they humbly Conceive that there is a Person who is a Reputable free holder in said Town, well quallified To sustain such a Commis- sion and the most likley To give general satisfaction as a magistrate, therefore humbly Pray that Capt. George Evins may be appointed a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, and your Petitioners as bound &c.

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History of Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire, Part 41

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