USA > New Hampshire > Merrimack County > Northfield > History of Northfield, New Hampshire 1780-1905: In Two Parts with Many Biographical Sketches and. > Part 6
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"The same shall be used by all Religious Denominations on equal terms and in equal proportion as to time of occupation giving to each Denomination alternate Sundays if more than one desires to occupy it.
"It may also be used at other times for any and all other pur- poses for which such a building may with propriety be occupied.
"The persons, religious or other Societies occupying the same shall pay for such use and occupation such sum or sums from
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HISTORY OF NORTHFIELD.
time to time as may be fixed upon by the Selectmen and which shall be in their judgment only sufficient to keep in a good state of repair said property, pay the insurance thereon and pay all the expenses of the care and supervision of said property and warming and lighting said buildings providing that the same shall be free for Sunday services the occupants to pay for warm- ing lighting and taking care of the church when so occupied.
"The buildings shall be kept safely insured for their full value, and in the event of their destruction or damage by fire, any sum obtained on account of such insurance shall be expended under the direction of the Selectmen in replacing or repairing said buildings and placing the same in a condition equally as good as before such fire.
"The schoolroom connected with said church may be used first for church purposes as a vestry, kitchen or ante-room, and when not in use for church purposes may be used for school purposes and upon the same terms as to pay therefor as are herein pro- vided in regard to said church.
"The Selectmen shall appoint annually some suitable person residing near the same who shall have the care of said property ; see that it is not in any way misused or abused; shall have the power to let the same according to the conditions of this convey- ance and collect the rents therefor and under the direction of the Selectmen make such incidental repairs thereon as may be necessary to keep said property in a neat and tasteful state of repair.
"In case any person or Religious Society or Denomination shall feel aggrieved at the decision of such agent in regard to the use or occupation of said property, appeal may be had to the Select- men whose decision made in accordance with the conditions of this conveyance shall be final and conclusive.
"The names of all persons who shall contribute toward the expense of said buildings shall appear in the said "Trust Deed.' "
The town promptly voted to accept the conditions.
The solicitors for funds met with generous responses and the sums specified were easily obtained. The trust deed contained nearly 90 names. The names, with amount and kind of aid furnished, is to be found on pages 271-'73 of the historical records of the town.
48
ECCLESIASTICAL.
Mr. Tilton then bought the picnic grove, sharing equally with its owner, William G. Hannaford, in this gift, and, having se- cured plans, began the erection of a meeting-house on an adjoin- ing lot, which was largely the gift of O. L. Cross, Esq., as well as the adjoining land containing a well and fruit trees, May, 1883, with Leonard Conant in charge. The corner stone was laid on May 24 without ceremony. A sealed leaden casket was placed beneath it by Mrs. W. C. French. In this casket were inclosed the following :
Copies of the Laconia Democrat, Merrimack Journal and Transcript, Independent Statesman and Manchester Union, each containing important letters relative to the enterprise; photo- graphs, with autographs, of Hon. Charles E. Tilton and His Excellency Governor Bell; and a copy of the Granite Monthly, with portrait of Hon. Samuel Tilton. There was also inclosed a written sketch of the church enterprise, including the history of Union Church and Hall Association; transfer of funds, etc., by O. L. Cross, Esq .; copy of the conditions accepted by the town; its check list for 1883 and its town report; a copy of the New Hampshire Register; a written sketch of Union Sunday School, prepared by Mrs. James Thompson; a copy of the New Testament; Granite Monthlies containing Prof. Lucian Hunt's Centennial Address and Mrs. L. R. II. Cross' poem; Centennial card of invitation; program; napkin; spoon and other souvenirs of the occasion; memorial of President Garfield; copy of the Boston Globe; time-table of the B., C. & M. Railroad; photograph of Judge Fowler; copy of the state ticket of both parties of the election of the previous year ; official package by Postmaster Sum- ner A. Dow; report of the Canterbury Fair for the previous year; and some small coins contributed by the workmen, F. G. Berry, master builder; A. L. Worthen, J. E. Dennis and Leavitt and Ford Sanborn.
August found the little edifice finished and furnished. There were suitable outbuildings, bell, chandelier and lamps, with an adjoining room suitable for vestry, Sunday School, kitchen or dining room.
August 21, at 2 p. m., the dedicatory service was held, a large crowd filling every inch of available space. Osborne Colby and C. J. Chamberlain acted as ushers.
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HISTORY OF NORTHFIELD.
Mr. Tilton, with guests, arrived promptly and, after an organ voluntary, in the following direct and business-like manner, presented the title deed and keys to James N. Forrest, Esq., chairman of the board of selectmen :
"Selectmen of Northfield:
"In accordance with the understanding of the town you repre- sent, I am now prepared, in behalf of the contributors, to de- liver to you the Trust Deed for this Union Church of Northfield. Gentlemen : In accepting this trust I hope you fully realize the responsibility and that your management of the same will be successful and equal to our expectations."
Mr. Forrest happily responded, contrasting the old Northfield with the new and appropriately and feelingly thanking the donor in behalf of the town for the noble gift.
Hon. L. R. Marsh of New York, law partner of the late Dan- iel Webster and friend and guest of Mr. Tilton, recited an original poem, in which he expressed his belief in the Christian religion and paid a compliment to his lifelong friend.
The program was as follows:
Doxology . Choir and congregation.
Rev. C. S. Nutter. Invocation Music Trinity Church choir.
Scripture Lesson (Chron.)
.
Rev. Henry H. Haynes.
Dedicatory Prayer .
Rev. A. D. Smith. .
Sermon
. Rev. Willis Hadley.
Dedication Hymn (original)
Choir.
Remarks by visiting clergymen.
Rev. A. D. Smith. Benediction .
The Sunday School, long held at Oak Hill schoolhouse, and which will be reported elsewhere, moved at once to the new quar- ters with library, organ, etc., and a committee was appointed to arrange for regular services. The clergymen of Tilton, Franklin and Canterbury were secured for alternate Sunday afternoons and the following denominations were recognized : Freewill Bap- tists, Congregationalists, Methodists and Adventists, the Baptists alone having an organization.
Sunday collections, personal gifts, the parsonage fund and the proceeds of an occasional entertainment furnished the neces- sary funds for pulpit supply.
-
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ECCLESIASTICAL.
Messrs. Folger and Jackson of the State Young Men's Chris- tian Association conducted revival services for a week early in the winter of that year with good results and the little com- munity assumed its new duties with renewed courage and nothing lacking in zeal. It became also of great educational value and from time to time private schools, singing classes and lyceums were organized with a class of young people fully abreast with those of the more favored parts of the town.
Losses by death and removal have often decreased the force of workers, but the work has not only been constant but equal in many lines to what its most earnest advocates hoped.
Nearly a quarter of a century has passed and the original arrangements for support and supply are still in force. Preach- ers of the various denominations in the adjoining villages con- duct services alternately each Sunday afternoon and the Sun- day School, under Osborne Colby as superintendent, is still well attended.
CHURCH OF THE ASSUMPTION-CATHOLIC.
This church did not originate in Northfield, but for two years during the charge of Rev. Fr. Lambert worshiped in the town hall. It passed from thence to its new edifice on Chestnut Street, Tilton, under charge of Rev. Fr. Finan.
.
CHAPTER III. EDUCATIONAL.
LIBRARIES.
About the year 1801 an association was formed under the name of "The Northfield Social Library."
The Abbotts, Smiths, Hills, Halls, Dolloffs, Gilmans and prob- ably many other families were included. Sums of money were furnished by the members to purchase books, which were kept in the homes of the successive librarians in different parts of the town. It contained a few books of travel, some histories, several novels and various religious works.
Its existence covered a period when few books were to be found in the homes and for many years it was generously patron- ized, and proved of inestimable value to those entitled to its privileges. There are still a few of these volumes to be found in the old homes.
"NORTHFIELD IMPROVING SOCIETY FOR THE PROMOTION OF USEFUL KNOWLEDGE."
One of the most unique organizations I have ever seen bore the above title. It was located in Northfield and was authorized by an act of the Legislature in the year one thousand eight hun- dred and eighteen.
It was enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened, "that Peter Wadleigh, John Kezar, John Rogers, Jonathan Clough, Jr., Jeremiah Smith, James West & their associates, and such as may hereafter associate with them be, and they hereby are incorporated and made a body pol- itic by the name and stile of the 'Northfield improving Society for the promotion of useful knowledge,' with continuance and succession forever, with all the powers and privileges incident to corporations of a similar nature, and may enjoin penalties of disfranchisement or fine not exceeding five dollars for each of- fence, and may purchase personal estate or may make and receive
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EDUCATIONAL.
subscriptions grants and donations of the same for the benefit of said society to the amount of one thousand dollars."
It was further enacted that the society meet at Northfield on the first Tuesday of January to choose necessary officers and that assessing and raising "monie" should be done at no other time. At this time, also, the society could make rules and by- laws for its government and regulations not repugnant to the constitution of the state.
Peter Wadleigh and John Kezar were empowered to call the first meeting by giving personal notice to each member or posting a notice 15 days prior to said meeting, at which time all officers should be chosen and manner of subsequent meetings may be de- termined.
In the House of Representatives, June 26, 1818, the above- mentioned bill, having had three several readings, was passed to be enacted and was sent to the Senate for concurrence, Mathew Harvey signing the bill as speaker.
In the Senate, June 27, 1818, the bill was read a third time and enacted, being signed by Jona Harvey, president.
The same day it was approved by the governor, William Plumer and Richard Bartlett, deputy secretary, attested to its being a true copy.
.
The reception of members was also a matter of great form and dignity, as will be seen from the following:
"Mr. Jonathan Clough jr recommends Wesley Knowles to be 21 years of age and declares upon honor that he is desirous of becoming a member of the society and if received will cheer- fuly obey all its regulations.
"(Signed) WESLEY KNOWLES. "Northfield, Jan. 6, 1829."
He, however, was denied a membership in this august body, as we find the following under date of June 5, 1826:
"To the members of the Northfield Improving Society "GENTLEMEN
"Being desirous of availing myself of the advantages re- sulting from membership in your Society I take this method of making known my request to become a member
"WESLEY KNOWLES.
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HISTORY OF NORTHFIELD.
"James B. Abbott "Att
"William Gilman"
"This certifies that Mr Wesley Knowles is a suitable candi- date for membership in the Northfield Improving Society
"WILLIAM GILMAN "JAMES B. ABBOTT
"Northfield June 5 1826"
This probably settled the matter.
Enos Hoyt and Benjamin Haines also certified to the fitness of Mr. Gardner Barker to become a member.
At the end of two years (1820), Nathan Wells, the president (probably), makes report that in looking over the transactions of the society "nothing presents itself worthy of high commenda- tion.
"No of volumes in Library 24
" " " Acting members 8
"Amt in Treasury $1:50
"One volume has been added and it appears to have been carefully preserved from injury."
He also suggests that the president and directory have power to organize a literary board, consisting of themselves and such others as may wish to associate with them in literary exercises.
Another paper speaks of fines and assessments and initiation . fees. The treasurer's report in all shows the sum handled for the year to be $5.871/2, with 131/2 cents in the treasury. Another annual report without date gives the volumes as 32, and member- ship 16, with 14 honorary members.
January 6, 1826, the constitution and by-laws were amended and Article 10 made to read as follows:
"It shall be the duty of every member of the Society before taking a book from the Library to give an obligation in legal form by which he is held in the sum of five dollars in case he fails to return the book to the society or pay the damage. & the Librarian shall not suffer a book to be taken from the Library in any other way"
The following bond is a copy of several among the records of the society :
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EDUCATIONAL. .
"Know all men by these presents that I Robert Gray of North- field in County of Merrimack & State of New Hampshire am held and firmly bound to the Improving Society for the promo- tion of useful knowledge in Northfield aforesaid County & State aforesaid in the sum of five dollars to be paid to the aforesaid Improving Society its agent or agents, to which payment well & truly to be made. I bind myself my heirs executors & ad- ministrators firmly by these presents, sealed with my seal and dated the Eleventh day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty six-
"The condition of this obligation is such that if the above named Robert Grey shall pay or cause to be paid to the above named Improving Society its agent or agents the full sum of five dol- lars for each Book he shall refuse or neglect to return to the Library of the above named Improving Society within three months from the time of taking it then this obligation is void otherwise to remain in full force and virtue
"Signed sealed &
"delivered in presence
"of us
"SAMUEL G. HANNAFORD
"AMOS H. MORRISON
"(Signed) ROBERT GRAY"
From the various papers I collect the following list of mem- bers :
J. B. Tibbitts;
Nathan Wells;
David Evans;
Enos Hoyt ;
Liba Conant;
Wesley Knowles;
Robert Gray ;
Jonathan Clough, Jr .;
Daniel Hills;
John W. Merrill;
Thomas Lyford, Jr .; John Kezer. From the same source I have also gathered the following list of books : 5
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HISTORY OF NORTHFIELD.
Aneedotes, 8 vols .; Butler's Analogy ; Whelpley's Compendium; Wonders of Creation, 2 vols .; Conversations on Chemistry ;
Foster's Essays; Miranda's Expedition;
History of England; Powers of Genius; History of Greece;
Monthly Literary Journal; Logic, Duncan's;
Logic, Watts'; Quarterly Magazine; History of North and South America; New Hampshire Gazeteer; Stuart's Philosopher ;
Blair's Grammar of Philosophy;
Conversations on Philosophy ;
Mason's Self Knowledge; History of the United States;
History of the Late War;
Life of Washington.
The librarian's report is a model as to exactness, as every spot and rent in each book are given in detail. Thus, Mason's Self Knowledge, it is recorded, has spots on pages 20, 24, 35, etc., 26 in all, and a rent on page 7.
I think we must conclude that this was a school for parliamen- tary drill as well as a library and debating club.
This society, May 2, 1826, voted Nathan Wells, secretary pro tempore, and the members were questioned severally on the sub- jects of logic, grammar, geography and history.
May 3, 1825, this society voted to celebrate the Fourth of July and committees were chosen to invite all singers who would per- form gratuitously and also to invite the Franklin Society of San- bornton by a letter missive to its secretary. It was also voted to post a notice at the meeting-house and at David Hazeltine's store 15 days previous, giving notice of an oration at 2 p. m.
The record of the last meeting is dated January 4, 1842.
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EDUCATIONAL.
NORTHFIELD FRATERNAL LIBRARY SOCIETY.
November 28, 1840, an association was formed with the above name. James M. Forrest, Ephraim S. Wadleigh and Warren . H. Smith were, with associates, charter members.
The organization, though not so formal or pretentious as the Improving Society, in a lengthy preamble speaks of the posses- sion of minds capable of improvement and the design of the Cre- ator, who had so graciously bestowed them. It calls the time emphatically an age of literature and credits it with affording "literary blessings and privileges not enjoyed by any previous age."
It had a constitution of seven articles and eight by-laws. The ancient record contains no list of books, officers or report of its continuance.
CHASE FREE LIBRARY. (See portrait.)
On the completion of Union Church, Charles G. Chase of Bos- ton gave a choice collection of 180 volumes for the free use of the people of Northfield Depot and vicinity.
In a letter, accompanying the gift, he says: "These books may become the property of the church," thus passing to the town to be held in trust with the church on conditions elsewhere stated.
Gardner Cook of Laconia generously donated material for a bookcase, which Almon Slader and William G. Hannaford gra- tuitously made and painted.
The volumes were neatly covered.
The library was opened without ceremony. Volumes now and then have been donated by friends, among whom are Mrs. Chase, Mrs. William Gilman, Arthur Cross, Mrs. L. R. Cross, and, more recently, some 30 volumes by the patrons themselves.
The past winter (1903-'04), on the solicitation of Arthur B. Cross of Concord, about 400 volumes from Senator Gallinger were put on the shelves, many of them being of general interest and some of them highly embellished.
The various librarians have served without compensation and the volumes have been given out on Sunday.
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HISTORY OF NORTHFIELD.
HALL MEMORIAL LIBRARY. (See portrait of donor.)
In 1885 Mrs. John Cummings of Woburn, Mass., offered the town of Tilton and Northfield a library building, to cost $10,000 if they would furnish a suitable lot. Mrs. Cummings further stated that the building would be a memorial to her husband, the late Bracket Hall, M. D., of Boston, a native of Northfield.
The town promptly accepted the generous offer and elected Charles E. Tilton of Tilton and Adam S. Ballantyne of North- field as trustees to superintend the carrying out of the enterprise.
In canvassing for a building lot there was no rivalry between the towns, the sole aim being to secure a suitable and accessible location.
The first thought of all concerned turned to Deer Park, which was then the property of Mrs. Charles E. Tilton. She at once generously offered, not only to give the land, but to raise the grade and further adorn it.
Trees were set out on the three sides and the fine piece of bronze statuary, representing a buck after Landseer, with gran- ite pedestal, inscribed "1885," was included in the gift. Perfect drainage was put in and an ample supply of water was secured.
The following description of the structure is copied from the Boston Journal of August 6, 1887:
"The building is of fine brick, with ample trimmings of Springfield, Mass., sandstone and artistic terra-cotta ornamenta- tions.
"The architecture is Queen Anne and the edifice consists of a main part facing the West and a right angle extension, one story and half in height, finished open and is surmounted with pitched roofs, slated and copper-crested.
"The outside walls have numerous buttresses with windows of stained glass. It has a front of forty-two feet and a depth of sixty-three, with main and side entrances.
"Beside the main entrance on the right is a tablet of sandstone sunk into the western wall, on which is cut an inscription setting forth the memorial character of the building. . Within the ap- pointments are perfect in detail and artistic without a fault.
"The exterior as well as interior beauty combine to make the edifice a credit to the donor as well as to the towns to which it is given. The whole cost, exclusive of the lot, was about $10,500."
.
HALL MEMORIAL LIBRARY.
.
MARY HALL CUMMINGS.
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EDUCATIONAL.
On its completion it was deeded in trust to Hon. C. E. Tilton, A. S. Ballantyne and Mrs. Eliza Cofran as a free public library for the two towns.
An association was formed, composed of young men, on the 12th of May, at which time by-laws were adopted and an agree- ment between the trustees and the association, as to the use and care of the building, entered into and the following officers chosen :
Chairman, William P. Lang; clerk, Willie T. Ballantyne; trustees, Arthur T. Cass, W. B. Fellows, Rev. C. C. Sampson, Frank Hill and George S. Philbrick. Arthur T. Cass was chosen treasurer and L. F. Batchelder, librarian.
Prominent citizens contributed $1,500 for books. This, with a further gift of nearly 1,000 books from Mrs. Cummings, fur- nished the library with 2,300 volumes at the start. A catalogue was prepared and the building was formally opened on Wednes- day, October 26, 1887.
Dedicatory services were held at the Methodist Church, Gould's Orchestra furnishing music. Rev. Luther Townsend, D. D., of Boston delivered a fine oration and Mrs. L. R. Cross an appro- priate poem.
Rev. Dr. Knowles presented the thanks of the faculty and students of the New Hampshire Conference Seminary, and Prof. Lucian Hunt, the lifelong friend of Dr. Hall, gave interesting reminiscences of their boyhood and school days.
W. B. Fellows, at the close, in behalf of the trustees, invited all to come and get all the benefits possible from its use.
Mrs. Cummings and Mr. and Mrs. Tilton were present and were accorded a rising vote of thanks.
A fine portrait of Dr. Hall has since been placed on the walls.
SCHOOLS.
The records show that our ancestors had advanced ideas in all matters pertaining to education. In 1784, at a town meeting, with Edward Blanchard, moderator, the "Town voted to Raise Sixty Dolers in the Perduce of the country for Schooling for the present year one half in somer and the other half in the Winter." They also voted to "Keep a School the Present year and to Pay the School tax in Corn, Gran, & Neat Stock." The same was
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HISTORY OF NORTHFIELD.
"voted" for several years, "the Perduce to be laid out in school- ing keeping open doors,"
In 1797 they voted "to build six school-houses. The first to stand near Crosses Mill brook (Oak Hill) the 2nd near Mr. Hodg- don's 3rd near the Meeting Hous. 4th on Bay Hill 5th on Bean Hill : 6th near Coos Brook." They redivided and renamed these in 1813. Again, in 1818, it was voted that "No. 2 should be called No. 3." In 1827 No. 9, the Smithville Factory Village Dis- . trict, was formed from No. 5. The town voted in 1815 to give Districts Nos. 6 and 7 some assistance in building their school- houses. The entire school fund in 1800 was $300; in 1804, $400, and in 1811 "just what the Law points out."
These schoolrooms were palaces compared with the first ones, which were built of logs, sometimes without a single pane of glass, as was the first one at Oak Hill; neither were there any . means of warming them. Then came a better style with small windows, high up, on two sides, and a broad rock fireplace in the further end, with sloping floors. The buildings were square, ยท with a little porch or entry in front. The schools were mostly kept in winter and only male teachers were employed, with the exception, perhaps, of Sally Thornton, who was both preacher and teacher and used to hold meetings in the log schoolhouse at the Center before the old meeting-house was built.
There was no lack of teachers and Masters Bowles, Parkinson, Simons and Dudley Leavitt were residents of Northfield, while Masters Gleason and Sutton from Canterbury were often called to duty here, which consisted chiefly in teaching the big boys the three Rs, "reading, riting and rithmatic," and in administering a certain amount of "thrashing" per term. They were paid for this service in 1790 in "wheat rye or Indian Corn, with wheat at 6s. rye at 4s. & Corn at 3s. or in neat stock."
The next change made provided advantages for the girls; sum- mer schools were established and more districts organized. While houses were being erected, schools were often held in private houses and female teachers employed. About 1800 the following teachers were in service: Josiah Shirley, Polly Glidden, Nancy Parkinson, Edmund Dearborn, Parmelia Ellison, Betsey Forrest, Josiah Ambrose, Samuel Forrest and Rev. Martin Reuter, the latter in 1809.
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