History of Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire, Part 82

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 82
USA > New Hampshire > Belknap County > History of Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire > Part 82

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HIGHLAND LAKE INSTITUTE .- In the early part of the year 1850, citizens of East Andover, interested in education and emulated by the success of the school at Andover Centre, raised by subscription a sufficient

fund for the erection of a building for school purposes. The paper, to which about fifty people attached sig- natures, was dated March 23, 1850, and read as follows :

"We, the subscribers, will pay the several sums set against our names respectively for the erection of a building at East Andover of suitable size, furnished for an academy and other purposes, to be divided into shares of five dollars each, each shareholder to be entitled to vote, ac- cording to number of sbares, in all matters in relation to the building and locating said house, and all other matters touching the interest of the same. No subscription to be paid noless a sufficient amount be subscribed."

The sum subscribed was paid either in money, labor or material, for which certificates of stock were issued. A deed of the land, on which the building still remains, was given May 28th, and an organization formed about this time known as the East Andover High School Association, with the following officers : President, Rev. D. Sydney Frost; Secretary, Geo. E. Emery ; Treasurer, Joseph Osgood; Executive Committee, Jeremy Y. Bryant, Joseph A. Rowe, Ca- leb Cross, Thomas Haley, William A. Bachelder, Joseph Osgood and George E. Emery.

The building was immediately erected, and in the fall of the same year the first term of school was held, known as the Highland Lake Institute, with instruct- ors as follows: Principal, Lyman Marshall, A.B .; Preceptress, Miss Eliza Wingate ; Teacher of Chirog- raphy, Rev. D. Sidney Frost. The examining com- mittee consisted of N. B. Bryant, Esq., Bristol ; Rev. D. Sydney Frost, East Andover ; David Cross, Esq., Manchester; Rev. Reuben Dearborn, Andover; E. G. Emery, Esq., Danvers, Mass.

Connected with the institute was a reading-room containing a selection of daily and weekly papers, to which a library of considerable extent was afterwards added. Three literary societies were in prosperous condition,-"The Mountain Club," "The Y. M. D. Society " and the young ladies' literary society, "The Conjunctæ Germanæ." Instruction was given in drawing, music and painting, and no pains spared for a first-class school. The natural attractions of the place, the interest of the citizens and energy of the officers of the association contributed in making the school a most gratifying success, the names of eighty- six scholars having been enrolled at the close of the first term, November 5, 1850.

Willard Emery was chosen president of the associ- ation at this time, Rev. Reuben Dearborn and Watson Dickerson vice-presidents. To the faculty were added Thomas Marshall and Milan Graves as assistants ; George W. Murray, teacher of music; D. P. Putnam, M.D., lecturer on anatomy and physiology ; and Wil- liam P. Hammond was chosen teacher of chirography. A normal class was formed for instruction in the science of teaching. Various other advantages were offered, and the school continued to prosper, having one hundred and forty-three scholars, representing thirty towns of New Hampshire and four New Eng- land States in the year 1851.

During the following year changes were made in

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the board of instruction. Rev. C. M. Dinsmore, A.B., was chosen principal ; Miss Letitia J. Shaw, preceptress ; George S. Rawson, M.D., lecturer on anatomy and physiology ; and S. G. Haley, teacher of penmanship. The previous prosperity of the school continued, the number of scholars was slightly increased and its enviable reputation became more extended during 1852.

At the close of the school year in November, W. A. Bachelder was elected secretary, to succeed Mr. Emery, and several changes were made in the execu- tive committee, Mr. Willard Emery still continuing as president of the organization. Nathan F. Carter, A.B., succeeded Mr. Dinsmore as principal, Miss Shaw remained as preceptress, assisted by Miss Mary J. Cross during the fall term, and Miss Marilla J. Butler was teacher of music. The catalogue issued in November, 1883, indicates the same thrifty condi- tion of the school, and the elevating and educational influence upon the entire community surrounding its location is conceded by all familiar with its history.

Public meetings by the literary societies were fre- quently held and widely known for the drama- tic talent displayed. At this time, those interested in its organization, having either sought a higher education or entered business life, were compelled to relinquish further interest here. The school was not supported by others, and, after a lingering exist- ence, this institution, which had been successful and very productive of good in many ways, was entirely discontinued, and the building only occasionally used for a school hy some transient instructor. In 1867 a majority of the stock held in the building was purchased by C. A. Durgin, Esq. A litigation fol- lowed between Mr. Durgin and other owners in regard to the disposition to be made of the building, and was decided in 1873, the building having re- mained on its original location and used for such purposes as the needs of the town require.

Religious Informer .- The Religious Informer was published at Andover Centre by Rev. Ebenezer Chase. The first number was issued July 20, 1819, and commenced with a subscription-list of one hun- dred and forty. It was a small sheet of eight pages, published in pamphlet form, twice a month, at sev- enty-five cents per year. At the expiration of six months it was enlarged to sixteen pages, issued monthly and the price reduced. It soon after reached a circulation of eight hundred. It was de- voted to the interests of the Free-Will Baptist Church, and did valuable service in securing regu- larity and uniformity in the churches and Quarterly Meetings of this denomination. Mr. Chase was a practical printer. He owned the press and type, and, with the assistance of a journeyman printer, the lahor was all performed by himself and family. This was one of the first religious papers published, and at the expiration of four years was removed to Enfield, and continued under the same management.

Various books and pamphlets were issued from this office, and the ingenuity and skill of Mr. Chase as a printer are highly commended by the newspapers of that day. He not only learned the trade without assistance, hut made the press himself upon which his first work was executed.

Physicians .- The first physician settled in An- dover was Dr. Silas Barnard. He was born in Bol- ton, Mass., a son of Francis Barnard, the common ancestor of the distinguished men of this name famous in early New England history. Dr. Barnard came to Andover in 1792 and practiced his profession here until his death, June 25, 1795.

Dr. Jacob B. Moore, the second physician settled in Andover, was born September 5, 1772, at George- town, Me., and was of Scotch descent. He was a man of culture, and is said to have acquired a fine education by his own industry. He came to the town in 1796 and practiced his profession with great success until 1812, when he received the appointment as surgeon's mate in the United States army. He continued in the service until December of that year, when he returned to his family, his health destroyed, and died January 10, 1813.

His two sons, Henry E. and Jacob B. Moore, are quite extensively known. Dr. Moore was a musician and poet of some note, and his remains are buried at East Andover.

Dr. Silas Merrill moved to Andover about 1811 and was the successor of Dr. Moore. Dr. Merrill was born January 16, 1784, in Salem, N. H., and studied his profession with Dr. Morrill, of Epsom. He built a house, in 1819, on the place where Dr. H. A. Wey- mouth now lives, this place having been occupied by a physician since that time. Gaius Jenkins, who was deliberately shot by the Kansas Senator, Jim Lane, was a son-in-law of Dr. Merrill. Dr. Merrill remained in practice in Andover until 1837, when he moved to Peoria County, Ill., and his house and practice were taken by Dr. James M. Buzzell.

Dr. Buzzell remained until 1839, when he was suc- ceeded by Dr. Jacob C. Hanson. Dr. Hanson re- mained until September, 1843, when Dr. Henry A. Weymouth moved to the town and to the place where he has since resided.

This seems to be the line of physicians in direct succession since Dr. Barnard came to town, in 1792. Others have been located in town. Dr. Tilton Elkins was at West Andover from 1820 to 1854, except two years at Concord, about 1835. Mr. Elkins was born at Andover Centre in 1790. Dr. J. Allen Tibbetts was at Taunton Hill from 1842 to 1844. Dr. John P. Elkins, Dr. Nelson P. Clark, Dr. Simpson and others have been located in the town for brief periods. The earliest physicians, Dr. Barnard and Dr. Moore, were located at East Andover ; Doctors Merrill, Buz- zell, Hanson and Weymouth at Taunton Ifill. Dr. Henry A. Weymouth has been in the practice of his profession in Andover forty-two years. It has not

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been confined to the limits of the town, and students of the profession in his office are now successful physicians in other sections. Dr. Weymouth is a member of the New Hampshire Medical Society and of the National Medical Association. He enjoys an extended acquaintance, has received all honors within the gift of the town and is still in the vigor of life.

Lawyers .- The legal fraternity were first repre- sented in Andover in 1817 by John H. Slack.

Samuel Butterfield opened a law-office at Andover Centre in 1829. In 1852, Wolcot Hamlin came to the town and formed a partnership with Mr. Butterfield, under the firm-name of Butterfield & Hamlin. Mr. Hamlin moved from town, and the partnership was dissolved in 1855.

John M. Shirley came to Andover September 11, 1855, and October 1, 1855, formed the partnership known as Butterfield & Shirley, and which existed until the death of Mr. Butterfield, in 1860. Mr. But- terfield was also connected with an office in Concord during the later years. John P. Carr, Jr., entered the firm with Mr. Shirley, January 1, 1867, and re- mained until May 8, 1869. Frank Kimball came to the town in the fall of 1869 and remained two years in the office of John M. Shirley.

Clarence E. Carr was admitted to the bar in Au- gust, 1879, and a partnership was formed January 1, 1880, under the firm-name of Shirley & Carr, and existed until January, 1882. George W. Stone was admitted to the bar in August, 1882, aud entered into partnership with Mr. Shirley, January 1, 1883, with the firm-name of Shirley & Stone, and this remains as the firm at the present time.

Frank W. Proctor was admitted to the bar in 1876. Mr. Proctor was afterward in Kansas two years, when he returned to the town and practiced his profession at Andover Centre until near the close of 1881. At this time he moved to Boston, and is now in the prac- tice of his profession in that city, as a member of the firm of Upham & Proctor. Several students have been connected with the law-office at Andover and admitted to the bar elsewhere.

Centennial Anniversary .- The one hundredth an- niversary of the incorporation of the town of Ando- ver was celebrated at East Andover June 25, 1879.

It is estimated that two thousand five hundred people were in attendance, and it was the most noted day in the history of the town. Clark Durgin was chairman of the committee of arrangements, and the following were the permanent officers of the day : President, Hon. J. W. Fellows ; Vice-Presidents, William Dyer, James Marston, Henry D. Cilley, Joseph A. Rowe, Samuel Morrill, Ziba Severence, Herod Thompson, John Keniston, Silas C. Fifield, Johu Wadleigh, Elias Davis, Benjamin F. Scribner, Gilbert C. Kil- burn, Warren Rowell, Andrew J. Cilley ; Secretary, Henry M. Putney.

after which the president of the day made appropriate introductory remarks and felicitously introduced the speakers. George E. Emery, of Lynn, Mass., de- livered the historical address. The school children of Andover sang "America." Hon. N. B. Bryant, of Boston, delivered an oration. The Gilford Cornet Band was in attendance and furnished music for the occasion. A fine collation was served to all, after which the literary exercises were resumed, and the following toasts, announced by the president, were ably responded to by the persons named :

"The President of the United States"-Hon. A. F. Pike.

"The State of New Hampshire"-[A letter of regret was read from Governor Head, who was to respond to thie sentiment, and an original poem by Edna Dean Proctor was read hy Miss Mary A. Brown.]

"The United States Navy "-Prof. John R. Eastman.

"The Judiciary System of New Hampshire."-Hon. N. B. Bryant.

" Highland Lake Institute and Andover Academy "-Rev. C. M. Dinsmore.

"The Common-School System of New England" -George W. Stone, Esq.

The exercises were held in the grove near the village, and perfect order prevailed throughout the day. A valuable and interesting collection of historical articles was exhibited in Academy Hall, and was visited by hundreds of people. It comprised a great variety of ancient articles, the oldest of which was a book loaned by George E. Emery, of Lynn, Mass., printed in 1546. The hall was in charge of Walter B. Durgin, and proved one of the most at- tractive features of the centennial. The occasion was a grand success and worthy the day cele- brated.

Secret Organizations .- KEARSARGE LODGE, No. 81, F. AND A. MASONS .- The first meeting was held under a dispensation, April 28, 1866. The lodge was constituted, hall dedicated and first officers elected and installed June 23, 1866.

Officers as follows: Master, George Sleeper; S. Warden, Charles W. Quimby; J. Warden, William H. Huntoon; Treasurer, Moses P. Thomson ; Secre- tary, George H. Morrill.

The society has an elegantly furnished hall at An- dover Centre, and a good sum in the treasury. Pres- ent number of members sixty-three, and following are the names of the masters in order of service: George Sleeper, Charlton W. Woodbury, John B. Wadleigh, Joseph D. Philbrick, George H. Morrill, Frank P. Goss, Herbert B. Dow.

HIGHLAND LAKE GRANGE, No. 88, P. OF H .- This society was organized December 14, 1876, with twenty-seven charter members. Officers elected : Master, J. B. Wadleigh; Overseer, O. E. Eastman ; Lecturer, E. G. Emery. Masters, in order of service, J. B. Wadleigh, N. J. Bachelder, G. H. Haley. Present number of members, fifty-eight.

The hall is located at East Andover, conveniently furnished, and meetings are held twice a month during the year.

Prayer was offered by Rev. Howard Moody. Mrs. The Proctor House was erected at Andover Centre R. G. Burleigh sang " Hurrah for Old New England," | in 1874 by Hon. John Proctor. It was a magnifi-

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cent hotel, built and furnished in elegant style at an expense of over one hundred thousand dollars. It became a noted summer resort under the manage- ment of W. S. Thomson, the popular landlord, and was patronized to its greatest capacity. This house was destroyed by fire March 23, 1882, and proved a severe loss to the business interests of the town.

Many individuals of local note and eccentricities have lived in the town whose personal history would prove interesting, while those of a broader influence and reputation are already known to some extent. Richard Potter, the celebrated ventriloquist and juggler, resided in the town, and is buried at the Potter Place, a village named in his honor.

Andover has representatives among the leading minds of the country in all honorable professions at the present day. Successful business men in the ac- cumulation of wealth, and professional men of dis- tinguished honors refer to Andover as their native town. Leading educators, noted authors and eminent jurists could be mentioned.

Edna Dean Proctor, whose fame as a poetess is world-wide, has resided in the town. Napoleon Bona- parte Bryant, a power in the legal fraternity of Massa- chusetts and the country, was reared on a farm in Andover. Perhaps there exists at the present day characters equally as grand, which the power of de- velopment will disclose.

Present Condition .- The town of Andover is bounded by the towns of Hill on the north, Franklin on the east, Salisbury on the south and Wilmot on the west. The Northern Railroad traverses about thirteen miles of the town, and four stations are located within its limits: East Andover, Andover Centre, Potter Place and West Andover.

Cilleyville is a small village supported by its water- power.

Andover has a population of twelve hundred and four, mainly engaged in farming. The natural re- sources of the town are abundant, and the soil in the hilly sections is strong and well adapted to grass- culture, while the sides of the mountains afford ex- cellent pasturage for the flocks and herds annually driven from the southern part of the State and from Massachusetts. Its manufactories consist of two hosiery-mills and a hame manufactory.

Harrison M. Busiel is making hosiery on the site of the first saw-mill in town, and the Murphey Brothers are operating, on a lease, a hosiery-factory on the place to which the first saw-mill was subse- quently moved.

The manufacture of hames at Andover Centre is a

peculiar business, these goods being made at but few places in the United States. The firm was estah- lished in Enfield February 10, 1860, by Robert C. Carr and Joseph Baker, under the firm-name of Baker & Carr. The business was moved to Andover in December, 1863, and several changes have since been made in the firm, which is now known as Baker, Carr & Co. The members of the firm at present are Joseph Baker, John P. Carr, Walter S. Carr and Clarence E. Carr. Within the memory of the senior partner, hames were made from old ox-bows which had become useless, and the work mainly done by hand. They now manufacture by machinery four hundred kinds of hames, and the styles are constantly changing. The trade-mark of the firm is "The Con- cord Hames." It is conceded by most, if not all manufacturers, that the best Concord hames manu- factured in this country are made here. The market is mainly confined to this country, with some export trade. An extensive wholesale and retail grain trade is carried on by Daniel Downes at the Potter Place.

The natural attractions of Andover are a leading feature. The grand scenery of Kearsarge and Ragged Mountains on the west and north is afforded variety by the numerons ponds and innumerable streams abounding. Blackwater River flows in a southeasterly direction through the town. Elbo Pond, often known as Echo Lake, located at the base of Ragged Moun- tain, is surrounded by an irregular outline and densely-wooded shores. It is easily accessible, yet has wild natural attractions so much admired. It is well-known to sportsmen for its pickerel-fishing and is a noted resort for wild fowl in their spring and fall migrations. Adder and Cole Ponds are also in the vicinity of the mountain, but remote from any road or present habitation. The latter is stocked with trout of the gamest kind, bred in the pond and its tributary, and never displaced by the introduction of inferior fish. Bradley Pond is at the base of Kearsarge Mountain. Highland Lake is in the eastern section, contains nearly a square mile and has lately been stocked with land-locked salmon. It is noted for the purity of its water, and the dry and rocky shores adjoining well-kept groves, finely culti- vated farms and numerous dwellings. An island, known as Halcyon, adds to the picturesqueness, and since before the memory of the oldest inhabitant a pair of loons have annually returned and reared their young on this beautiful lake. The black bass and pickerel-fishing attract sportsmen in its season, and many summer tourists find in the romantic surround- | ings of this vicinity a pleasant annual sojourn.

HISTORY OF HENNIKER.

BY L. W. COGSWELL.

CHAPTER I.

HENNIKER is the most southwesterly town of Mer- rimack County, and is in form nearly a square. It is, in its extent, on its east line, adjoining Hopkinton, two thousand one hundred and fifty-two rods, the variation of lots being south eighteen degrees east. Its west line, adjoining Hillsborough, is two thousand one hundred and fifty-two rods in extent, the variation of the lots being the same as upon its west line.

Its north line is, in extent, one thousand six hun- dred and thirteen rods adjoining Warner, and four hun- dred rods adjoining Bradford, the variation of lots being north eighty-two degrees east. The south line is one thousand two hundred and twenty-seven rods adjoining Weare, and seven hundred and eighty-six rods adjoining Deering, the variation of lots being the same as upon the north line. The township is, there- fore, seven-sixteenths of a mile longer upon its east and west lines than upon its north and south. The township contains about twenty-seven thousand acres, one-fifth of which is covered with water.

The town is situated in latitude 43º 10' north, and in longitude 5° 10' east from Washington, and lies fifteen miles west from Concord, twenty-seven north from Amherst, thirty-four east from Keene and twenty-five northwesterly from Manchester.

The Contoocook River enters the town at its south- western side, passing easterly through its centre, and leaving the town upon its eastern side. The course of the river is very circuitous, and presents, in many places, scenery of peculiar interest and beauty. Few places in the State have better water-power than is afforded by this river within this township. The vicinity of the falls, in the southwesterly part of the town, presents as favorable a power as can well be found in auy other town. The stream rises rapidly in the spring of the year and during heavy storms but as soon subsides when the cause is removed, and an even supply of water, the entire season, goes rip- pling and singing on its way to the ocean.

The surface of the town is broken and in some parts hilly. The highest hill is Craney Hill, which, tradi- tion says, was so called for a family by that name who at one time resided upon its south side and near

the Weare line. Its elevation is one thousand four hundred and twenty feet above the sea. Upon the southerly side of this hill are to be found some of the best farms of the town. A chain of hills extends from this hill westerly to the river, beyond which are some of the most hilly, but best cultivated farms. A chain of hills extends along the western line of the town affording most excellent pasturage, and, in some places, excellent farms. Slight elevations, only, exist in the northern and eastern parts of the town. The land lying in the valley of the river was not consid- ered fit for settlement until long years after the town begau to be peopled, the larger part of the inhabitants settling upon the hills. In this valley are situated the two villages, one mile apart, and many excellent farms. A large number of the early settlers com- menced living in the town, in its southeast part, in consequence of there being at that time quite a tract of low land, upon which grew a coarse grass, which assisted in sustaining the little stock that was kept until the land could be cleared. This natural meadow, now quite large, has furnished an immense amount of hay during the century and a quarter it has been mown.

Few minerals have ever been found in the town, Craney Hill furnishing a little black lead.

Besides the river, the town is well watered, quite a number of small streams rising in different parts of the town, and others still coming into town, and nearly all emptying into the river.

Most of these small streams furnish water during the entire season, affording good fishing-grounds.

Quite a number of ponds are to be found in differ- ent parts of the town, the largest of which is Long Pond, situated one mile and a half north of the main village. This pond was known for over half a cen- tury as Farnham's Pond, having been named for Baracas Farnham, the first settler near it. This pond is ahout one mile in length from east to west, and from sixty to eighty rods in width from north to south.

Connecting with Long Pond is Middle Pond, a little pond lying easterly from Long Pond, being about eight rods across it, and nearly circular in form. Connected with this pond, and lying easterly,

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is Upper Pond, about eighty rods across it and some half a mile in width. This pond was formerly known as North Outlet Pond. These ponds furnish a large amount of fishing-grounds, and are much sought after during the proper times for fishing.

Besides these, there are Whitaker's and Gove's Ponds, in the easterly part of the town, both of which were favorite resorts for fishing and camping by the Indians. A few years since the relics of an Indian were found buried near the first-namned pond.

Pleasant Pond is situated in the south part of the town, from which flows a little stream, which has been utilized for more than a century for milling purposes. Craney Hill Pond is situated close under the hill, on its southern slope. Buxton's and Morrill's Ponds are also in the south part of the town, both small in size. Mnd Pond is situated in the southeast part of the town, and Clough's Pond in the northwest part.

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History of Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire, Part 82

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