USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Northwood > History of Nottingham, Deerfield, and Northwood, comprised within the original limits of Nottingham, Rockingham County, N.H., with records of the centennial proceedings at Northwood, and genealogical sketches > Part 43
USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Nottingham > History of Nottingham, Deerfield, and Northwood, comprised within the original limits of Nottingham, Rockingham County, N.H., with records of the centennial proceedings at Northwood, and genealogical sketches > Part 43
USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Deerfield > History of Nottingham, Deerfield, and Northwood, comprised within the original limits of Nottingham, Rockingham County, N.H., with records of the centennial proceedings at Northwood, and genealogical sketches > Part 43
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60
The academy was incorporated in February, 1866, and chartered by a special act of the State Legislature, June, 1867, as "Northwood Academy," but in June, 1875, the eharter was so amended as that the institution should here- after be known by the name of " Coe's Northwood Acad- emy," in honor of Ebenezer Coe, Esq., for many years a highly respected merchant and Christian gentleman, whose heart and hand were ready to aid every good cause, and whose son, E. S. Coe, Esq., of Bangor, Me., has shown a lively interest in the town of his nativity, and in various ways has materially aided the academy. At present it has only a small permanent fund, derived from the estate of the late Mrs. Abigail W. Cate, who foresaw the advantages of the institution to the community, and made Northwood Academy the residnary legatee of her small property.
The academy building is a modest structure, fifty feet long by thirty-three wide, having a main hall and two ante- rooms. These rooms are provided with ample blackboards and needful furniture, while the belfry is supplied with a bell full of melody, cast at Troy, N. Y., the gift of the friends of the school.
REUNION.
A reunion of the members of this institution took place at the close of the spring term, May 11, 1875. A large number eame from far and near, agreeably to arrangements made by themselves, and were cordially weleomed by teach- ers and people. A permanent organization was effeeted as the " Associate Alumni of Coe's Northwood Academy."
560
HISTORY OF NORTHWOOD.
Orris W. Farrar, Esq., of Dover, was chosen president ; James M. Berry of Malden, Mass., corresponding secre- tary ; and Miss Harriet A. Sanborn of Epsom, recording secretary. An address of welcome was given by the prin- cipal, and responded to by the president ; notices of the deceased and the married were read by Mrs. Martha Ellen Meade, and entertaining reminiscences and stirring ad- dresses were had during the day. In the evening an ad- dress was delivered by Rev. George A. Foss, followed by interesting responses to appropriate sentiments by A. O. Brown, John M. Moses, E. P. Sanborn of Dartmouth Col- lege ; also, by C. H. Prescott of Walpole, . Mass., J. W. Littlefield of Boston, and others.
SCHOOL YEAR.
The school year is divided into three terms of twelve weeks each, beginning on the first Wednesday in Septem- ber, December, and March. There are four prescribed courses ; viz., commercial, English, English and classical, and the classical. Appropriate diplomas are awarded to any who may complete either course of studies. In addi- tion to English, Latin, and Greek, instruction is given in French, drawing, painting, vocal and instrumental music.
TEACHERS.
The academy has been under the care of the Rev. E. C. Cogswell as ,principal, a graduate of Dartmouth College, from 1866 to the present time, a period of twelve years, with an average attendance per term of sixty-three pu- pils.
Miss Lizzie K. Peabody, a graduate of Oxford Female Seminary, Ohio, Miss Mary Neville, a graduate of Ips- wich Academy, and Maj. Charles W. Greene, a gradu- ate of Quaker City Commercial College, Philadelphia, were associate teachers the first year, while Miss Ella K. Hayes of Boston had charge of the department of music.
-----
--
------ --
-----
-------
F
COE'S ACADEMY.
561
HISTORY OF NORTHWOOD.
Miss Laura E. Robinson, for some years preceptress in Kimball Union Academy, and Mr. George A. Wood of Harvard College, were associate teachers during the second and third years. Miss Eliza Rand, a graduate of Bates College, and Mr. Nathaniel W. Cogswell, were associate teachers during the fourth year, with Miss Elizabeth G. Cogswell as teacher of music. Miss Martha Ellen, and Miss Elizabeth G. Cogswell, graduates of this academy, the former having taught two years in a ladies' seminary in Pittsburg, Penn., were associate teachers from August, 1870, to August, 1874, with others for teachers in book- keeping.
Miss Harriet A. Sanborn, a graduate of this academy, has been lady principal since 1874, having especial charge of French, music, and drawing.
Among those who have assisted for periods ranging from one term to a year are the following ; viz., Miss Clara A. Simpson of Deerfield, Mr. Jonathan Leavitt of Chichester, a graduate of Poughkeepsie Commercial College, Charles W Fogg, C. F. Carter, Mrs. Elizabeth A. Bolinstedt, Miss Belle P. Tucker, Walter E. King, Martin W. Hoyt, A. B., John M. Moses, and Albert O. Brown, William B. Cogswell, and Rosco Hill ; Moses and Brown being graduates of Dart- mouth College, 1878.
The interests and management of Coe's Northwood Acad- emy are intrusted to a board of eleven
TRUSTEES.
REV. ELLIOTT C. COGSWELL, Northwood, President.
HON. EDSON HILL, Manchester.
HON. GEORGE G. FOGG, Concord.
HON. GEORGE W. CATE, Amesbury, Mass.
MR. JOHN J. CATE, Northwood.
MR. WILLIAM T. WILLEY, Nortliwood.
MR. JOHN B. CLARK, Northwood.
JOHN G. MEADE, EsQ., Northwood. 36
562
HISTORY OF NORTHWOOD.
HON. WILLIAM B. SMALL, Newmarket.
HON. HENRY F. SANBORN, Epsom.
MR. JOSIAH P. LANCASTER, Northwood.
Hon. William B. Small, one of the trustees of Coe's Northwood Academy, died April 7, 1878, from an injury of the head, caused by a fall against a railway track at Roch- ester, a few weeks prior, in an effort to reach the car which should convey him to the bedside of a dying brother in Ossipee. Mr. Small was born in Limnington, Me., May 17, 1817, though his father removed to Ossipee after his birth. He died aged sixty-one, leaving a wife and three children. Mr. Small was married, June 12, 1851, by Rev. E. C. Cogswell, to Miss Olive A. Furber of Newmarket. by whom he had one son, William H. She died, and Mr. Small married the widow of Reuben Freneh. Mr. Small studied at Exeter Academy, read law with Messrs. Bell and Tuek, was admitted to the bar in 1846, and set- tled in legal practice in Newmarket. He was chosen senator, district No. 1, in 1870 ; was elected member of congress in 1873, and was eounty solicitor at the time of his death. Mr. Small stood at the head of his profession ; a man of great integrity of character, active in the cause of education, a generous supporter of religious institutions, and an abiding friend. His sympathy was always on the side of humanity ; one whom none knew but to respect and love. Rev. E. B. Pike of Northwood, since the death of Mr. Small, has been elected to fill his place as trustee.
NORTHWOOD SEMINARY.
This institution is located on Clark's Hill, some mile and a half or two miles south-east from the center of the town and from the academy. In 1864, an effort was made to erect a building for educational purposes in this part of the town, without any very well defined conception of what was wanted or what could be done. Dissensions among the projectors of the enterprise rendered meetings, held to
563
HISTORY OF NORTHWOOD.
consult respecting the object, inharmonious, and an ad- journment to a distant day was voted. When that day arrived, no one put in an appearance, and the enterprise was freely admitted to be a failure, and was abandoned by tliose who had been most prominent in the movement ; some of these men became interested in the establishment of the academy in 1866, and pecuniarily aided in the erection of the acad- emy building by subscribing to its funds. But when the academy was legally incorporated, and the building of the edifice was contracted for by responsible men, sectarianism incited some, and localism others, to revive the old scheme, and to sacrifice freely to its accomplishment. Their build- ing was erected in 1866, and a school started in the autumn, which has been maintained with greater or less success until 1878, under the instruction of a new principal, gen- erally, each year, the names of whom we have not obtained. As yet this institution has no permanent fund, and must rely on the tuition for the support of the teacher. Under the spur of excitement, a fund was raised by parties obligat- ing themselves and heirs to pay annually the interest, for a period of ten years, on the amounts severally subscribed ; this has come to an end.
The building has an airy situation, is two stories high, the upper being used by a lodge of Freemasons, and for such other purposes as circumstances may demand.
With judicious management, and with a felt need of the institution by wise men in the community, this seminary might be made a promoter of knowledge and good charac- ter among those who partake of its benefits.
SCHOOL-HOUSES.
The first efforts to provide instruction for the children at public expense resulted in the division of the town into several districts, and the selectmen were authorized to appor- tion to each its share of the small sum they were able to raise. Schools were at first taught in some unoccupied log houses,
564
HISTORY OF NORTHWOOD.
or rooms in private dwellings. The building of school- houses early commanded the attention of the town, and repeated votes to build were passed, not, however, executed. As now, the location occasioned strifes and prevented building, and not unfrequently the same building would be made to change its location, as new settlements were formed changing the center of population, or as new roads might be constructed modifying facilities of approach. It would seem that quite early in the history of the town there were five districts in which schools in some part of the year were taught. These were known as Morrill, Johnson, Center, Batchelder, and Knowlton districts. The follow- ing votes of the town will suggest some of the difficulties they had to contend with : -
May 7, 1792. " Voted that the Narrows School hous be Seat by the Narrows."
June 26, 1792. " Voted that the Senter District move the Senter School house and Set it on the corner of John Crockets Land the North Side of the Road by Elezer Wat- seons. Voted that the Town wood not move the lower School house uppon the expense of the Town."
" November 12, 1792, a meeting of the legal voters of the town was held at the Senter School house."
March 19, 1793. " Voted to except of the Senter School house as Benjamin Hill built it." "Voted to build three more School houses by the cost of the town."
On the 25th, at an adjourned meeting, " Voted that tha wood not Receve the School house that Daniel Hoit built." " Voted to have Chamber floaers to the School houses." " Voted the Destricts to provide places to Set the Several School houses on." " Voted that all the School houses be attended and finished in the Same manner as the Senter School house is by the cost of the town." " Voted that Jo- seph Demerit, Increase Batchelder and Elifilet Taylor be a Committee to survey the Several School houses and to re- port to the town. Voted that Daniel Hoit refund back
565
HISTORY OF NORTHWOOD.
Forty three Dollars out of the money that he Recd towards Building a School house." " Voted to Build a School house for the Lower Destrict. Voted Samuel Sharbun to build one School house. Voted Jonathan Randal to build one School house. Voted Henry Batchelder to build one School house."
There are at present nine districts. The school-houses are mostly new, or recently remodeled, and about fifteen hundred dollars are annually raised for the support of the public schools ; while the academy at the Center and the seminary near the Freewill Baptist Church afford ample facilities for the higher cducation of the children of the town.
FIRST SABBATH SCHOOL.
As early as 1819, the Rev. Mr. Prentice made a beginning in sabbath-school instruction by organizing a class of four young men, who met at his house and had him for their teacher. These young men were Charles Harvey, Josiah Edgerly, Samuel Johnson Edgerly, and J. Elliot Brown. The next year classes were organized at the Narrows, Jenness Pond, the Center, and Clark's Hill ; and soon these were all united in one school, holding its sabbath sessions at the school-house at first, then at the meeting-house. Some years Jater, schools were organized in connection with the Calvin and Freewill Baptist Churches. These schools at first were discontinued during the cold weather, but for many years have, in the Congregational Church, been continued through the entire year. All that composed the class of 1819 have died, J. E. Brown being the last.
566
HISTORY OF NORTHWOOD.
CHAPTER III.
LOCAL SKETCHES.
East Northwood. - Clark's Hill. - Center. - Letter of Hon. S. B. Piper. - Nar- rows. - S. G. Drake. - His Letter. - Blake's Hill. - Chace C. Hill. - The Mountain. - Bennett's Hill. - Richardson's Hill.
EAST NORTHWOOD.
H ERE the first settlement was made, the first school- house erected, the first church built, the first black- smith-shop opened, and the first store presented the attractive merchandise, - tobacco, salt fish, New-England rum, and molasses, being in excess.
Some of the earlier teachers are remembered with inter- est by the older inhabitants because of the aid rendered in solving the problems of arithmetic, or in dusting their coats with the birch. Knowledge was limited, both in teachers and scholars ; reading was poorly executed ; mathematics were unknown, save arithmetic as far as interest or cube root ; geography had few attractions ; and grammar was a blessed mystery, when not thought of with dread.
It was here that the Rev. Edmund Pillsbury, for years, taught the people on the sabbath, and the children during the week, as a pastor.
" A man he was to all the country dear, And passing rich with twenty pounds a year.
Remote from towns he ran his godly race, Nor e'er had changed, nor wished to change, his place Unpractis'd he to fawn, or seek for power, By doctrines fashioned to the varying hour ; Far other aims his heart had learned to prize, -- More skilled to raise the wretched than to rise."
As a teacher, he was mild and patient, ready to unfold all the stores he had, whether great or small, and many of the first generation had reason to remember him with grat- itude.
MEAT
WUFFORD'S LITH. GOSTOA
EAST NORTHWOOD.
1
567
HISTORY OF NORTHWOOD.
Here was the region in which was felt the strength of the arm of Samuel Buzell, to subdue the will and crush the might of overgrown young men fond of revolution, preferring to be masters and disdaining to obey. Buzell could look down with contempt upon any six-footer, and no man could wield the poker, or lay on the birch, with great- er effect ; few the rogues that dared resist, and destruction awaited those that dared. His stern aspect and lowering brow were enough to carry dismay to the stoutest heart. When other teachers failed and were " put out," Buzell was the " coming man," and when he came, culprits went out. And yet he was one of the noblest of men. For his times, he knew much, far more than most teachers. He loved to teach any that loved to learn. He was skillful in imparting instruction and in encouraging those who desired to learn, carrying beneath a stern exterior a kind heart and sincere love for the young. His influence for good, as teacher and superintending committee, we think, has been equaled by no other man in the town. His bearing was such as not only to inspire respect towards himself, but make the young desire to be respected. To young men, Buzell was a model man, and those who imbibed most of his energy, manly spirit, and upright deportment, canie nearest to true manhood. Would that he had many suc- cessors not inferior to him.
It was here, also, that " Master Thomas Demeritt " figured, before Buzell. He had many excellences as a teacher and acquired a wide reputation in his vocation, being well known as " Master Demcritt."
Among the merchants who flourished in this part of the town, was Joel Virgin, a native of Concord. He held his position long among the honorable men of his times, for urbanity of manners and fair dealing. Nathan H. Leavitt, and others, were sometimes associated with him in trade, or " up for themselves," and brisk was the business in the " staples " of life. The merchants were polite and accom-
568
HISTORY OF NORTHWOOD.
modating, young ladies were abundant, old women enough, hard-handed men as numerous as could be desired, and " red noses," not a few. The dance, the husking, and the sleigh-ride were popular " institutions."
Dr. John Starr, the physician here, a graduate of Cam- bridge and a member of the New-Hampshire Medical Society, curcd or killed, as the head was " level " or other- wise ; a gentleman of fine taste and culture, who would have been an honor to his profession and the pride of soci- ety, under other surroundings and the control of appetite.
The shops of the blacksmith, where the forge glowed, and the sons of Vulcan sweat in black, where nails were wrought and shoes were hammered, where horses kicked and oxen roared, and " craziness seemed to rule the day " and cheer up the night, have ccased to be what once they were. Taverns, odorous with toddy and punch, where men ate, drank, smoked, bragged, swore, and fought, when the internal heat was too great, where teamsters rested, horses and oxen reposed, coachmen halted, and trav- elers " turned in," have ccased to be the resorts of mighty captains and windy corporals. In the place of all these, is the ncat and attractive school-house, with its teachers of intelligence and dignity, and its pupils, modest and quick to learn, carrying books unfolding the sciences in an at- tractive style, and the beauty of whose exterior "is a joy forever." The old "poker" is gone, the large rods have disappeared, the ferule is unused, standing on one foot, ex- tending the arm, bending to touch nothing, clasps on the ears, and the chip between the jaws, are things that are numbered among days gone by ; while the school-room is the place to which the young are attracted to be taught, and not driven to be tortured. The church wears a cheer- ful aspect without, and discloses an air of comfort within, and all things conduce to an intelligent and spiritual wor- ship.
The farms discover to the traveler the presence of culti-
Heliotype Printing Co.
Boston.
ELM TREE, CLARK'S HILL.
569
HISTORY OF NORTHWOOD.
vation and abundance ; and here is the shoe manufactory of the Pillsbury Brothers, doing an extensive business, fur- nishing employment for many, and disbursing large sums monthly.
Here H. E. Kimball has his store ; Mrs. H. L. Carter her millinery shop, with articles new and old ; G. W. Knowlton his blacksmith-shop; the Cates, Pillsbury, and Johnson their saw-mill ; the Cates and Boody their grain-mill, and another saw, shingle, and clapboard mill, the latter two being just within the bounds of Nottingham. In the first- named mill may be found machinery for planing, for laths, and other purposes. West of the factory is Miss Stephens's millinery store, Brickett's variety store, and, beyond, D. N. Tilton & Co.'s store ; at Hoitt's Corner, and yet nearer Clark's Hill, may be found the manufactory of Tasker Brothers, for carriages and sleighs.
CLARK'S HILL.
This locality was early chosen for a settlement, though no settlement was made until after families had improved their lands in the eastern and central portions, as well as at the Narrows. This neighborhood was attractive because it overlooked the whole tract of land lying between it and the ocean, while from it an extended northerly view might be liad. The Clarks built here, coming from Stratham. They were men of business capacity and of acknowledged integrity. The first Clark for a while kept a tavern, and his house was always made the home of the traveler when desired, and the scene of much hospitality. A store, black- smith-shop, and a school-house soon gave notoriety to the locality. Jonathan Clark, Esq., for many years traded here, while taverns on the east and west were well patron- ized. Since Mr. Clark removed from the town, Jacob, William, and Caverly Knowles have in succession occupied his place ; while a meeting-house belonging to the Freewill Baptists has been reared, and still later the seminary
570
HISTORY OF NORTHWOOD.
building, wherein a school has been taught by several prin- cipals in succession since 1866; and within the last three years a post-office has here been established. The anvil of Jonathan Hill long rang here, and Mr. Manning, his suc- cessor, keeps its music good.
THE CENTER.
This part of the town was early settled. Here was built the Congregational meeting-house. Here Norton long did a thriving business in blacksmithing, and here the Hon. John Harvey acquired a large property in trade and in keeping a tavern; here Deacon J. Piper also traded, and kept for many years a public house, which became exten- sively known and was the favorite resort of travelers, who formerly were numerous on this highway between Concord and the lower towns ; here a post-office was early estab- lished, and here it remains ; while a modest and attractive church has taken the place of the first structure ; Coe's Academy stands by its side, under the care of the same principal since 1866. The district school-house, the black- smith-shop, and the hotel, together with the store of J. G. Mead, Esq., and the beautiful lake, contribute their parts to make this locality one of much attraction, and a favorite resort for those flying from the heat and dust of cities. Mine hosts, Hill & Co., have greatly improved the external appearance and the internal arrangements of the well- known Harvey House, and from long experience know how to make their guests comfortable and contented, whether they live to eat, exercise to enjoy, or sail or row for pleas- ure on the placid lake, whose waters abound with pickerel and smaller fish. Delightful drives are shown through diversified scenery of land and water, both near and re- mote. Few places present more attractions for the tourist than these around Harvey Lake.
The Center was formerly the scene of much activity. The old tavern was thronged with strangers, and made
Boston.
Heliotype Printing Co.
NORTHWOOD CENTRE.
Bulneed Boston
S. B. Piper
571
HISTORY OF NORTHWOOD.
cheerful by the jovial bowl. The tan-yard, under the management of John Harvey, jr., and, later, of Deacon Thomas Wiggin, afforded employment for some, and the extensive traffic in lumber brought from Pittsfield, Epsom, and Barnstead, as well as from the many parts of the town, for more hands. At present the shoe business brings employ- ment to many, and the box-factory of Ivory B. Hill, erected in 1877, is adding to the activity of the neighborhood.
Among the men known to fame who have gone forth from this part of the town, is the Hon. Sherburne Blake Piper of Lewiston, N. Y., the eldest son of Deacon Jonathan Piper. He graduated from Dartmouth College in 1832, taught Lewiston Academy, N. Y., read law with the late Judge Hotchkiss of Lewiston, was admitted to the bar of all the courts in the state in 1837, held the office of dis- trict-attorney for the county in which he resides from 1845 to 1851, was candidate for Congress in 1842, 1844, 1850, and in 1852, was an elector at large when Franklin Pierce was chosen president, has been for ten years a mem- ber of the board of supervisors of his county, being chair- man of the same for five years, was elected member of the Assembly in 1876, and re-elected in 1877. Mr. Piper mar- ried, November 5, 1835, Ann Eliza, daughter of the late David and Martha Goodwin of Batavia, N. Y., and they have a son and a daughter, the former owning and occupy- ing a plantation of thirteen hundred acres of land near the city of Brunswick in Georgia.
Mr. Piper's interest in the place of his nativity may be seen from the following letter : -
LEWISTON, N. Y., September 3, 1873.
REV. E. C. COGSWELL.
Dear Sir, - Yours of the 6th ult. was duly received. I have de- layed an answer in the hope that I might be able to comply with your very complimentary request. I deeply regret that my professional duties at the court, now in session, absolutely forbid my being present on the occasion of your celebration on Saturday next. Nothing but the most urgent necessity could prevent it. Every day since I was
572
HISTORY OF NORTHWOOD.
notified by you, in the spring, of the intended celebration, Northwood has been more or less the subject of my musings. In imagination, I have again traveled along the highways, seen the houses and those that dwelt in them, all as they appeared fifty years ago, or upwards. The faces, the dress, the manners of the people, appear to me as distinct and vivid as do those of my neighbors of to-day. The strange and the common place, all alike pass in review before me. Almost every place and thing belonging to Northwood forty years ago, has its story for me. The place of one's birth, the scene of his childhood and youth, however unlovely it may be in itself, has its attractions and charms for him. But Northwood, aside from these considerations, is attractive and interesting beyond most other places. I have never seen a place so picturesque as it. Within its narrow limits there are situated, wholly or partially, nine little lakes, the like of which I have never seen elsewhere. When a boy, these lakes afforded me great opportu- nities for sport. In their waters I learned to fish and swim. On their surfaces, I made my first attempts at skating and paddling a canoe. In the lake near my father's, season after season, I was in the habit of spearing fish in the spring, and of gathering water-lilies in the summer.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.