History of Rockingham and Strafford counties, New Hampshire : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 171

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Philadelphia : J. W. Lewis
Number of Pages: 1714

USA > New Hampshire > Strafford County > History of Rockingham and Strafford counties, New Hampshire : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 171
USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > History of Rockingham and Strafford counties, New Hampshire : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 171

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).

In 1815, Rev. N. Bigelow was appointed as pastor.

Rev. John Lord was the pastor in 1816. Mr. Lord commenced his labors under very discouraging cir- cumstances. He was, however, a strong man, and overcame difficulties to such an extent that it was supposed this was the most prosperous year in the history of the society up to this time. There were, it has been supposed, about one hundred conver- sions, with an accession to the church of about sixty. During the years 1817 and 1818, Rev. P. Munger acted as pastor. Brother Munger was a physician, and tried

ris as an assistant. In the course of the year Mr. Norris was removed to another field of labor. This was the occasion of some dissatisfaction on the part of the people. The year, however; closed satisfacto- rily to the preacher in charge and profitably to the people. Rev. D. Young was appointed to the charge in 1821. During the year he had a very severe sick- ness. He attributed the fact that he did not die to the prayers of the people. Notwithstanding his affliction the year was a very prosperous one, show- ing a large increase in membership. In 1822, Mr. Young was reappointed, with Rev. Mr. Gardner as colleague. Brother Young's health continned poor, yet he labored so faithfully that at the close of the' second year he left the church in a very prosperous state. Of Brother Gardner nothing is said in the rec- ords. It is supposed he labored on some other part of the circuit.

Rev. J. Horton and Rev. William McCoy were the preachers in charge in 1823. They occupied the pulpit alternately to the entire satisfaction of the people. Rev. B. Jones was appointed pastor in 1824. Up to this time the people worshiped in the court- house. This year a subscription was secured for the purpose of building a church. Rev. H. Foster was pastor in 1825. The enterprise of building a church, started the preceding year, this year was carried to completion. The house was dedicated in October by Rev. E. F. Newell. The size of the church was forty- two by fifty-five feet. The cost of the house was only one thousand nine hundred and twenty-three dollars. Rev. Charles Baker was the minister in 1826. Mr. Baker was an able man. His preaching attracted large congregations. An act of incorporation was granted this year by the Legislature of New Hamp- shire to the trustees of the society, and to their suc- cessors in office forever. In 1827 Rev. J. E. Risley was appointed to the church. IIe was a moderate preacher, but an excellent pastor. Mr. Risley was received with some coldness, yet the year closed bet- ter than any expected. Mr. Risley was returned the next year and received very warmly by the people. The second was a very prosperous year. Over fifty were added to the church. This year a parsonage, eighteen by thirty-eight feet, was built, costing less than four hundred dollars. Brother Risley, it is said, left Rochester improved more than fifty per cent. Rev. Samuel Norris was the stationed minister in 1829 and 1830. Brother Norris was a very faith- ful pastor. In 1830 we have the first record of a Sunday-school connected with the church. It ap- pears, however, that prior to this time there had been a Sunday-school held in a school-house, in which

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ROCHESTER.

the people generally united. It is to be regretted that the files of the Sunday-school reports for years are lost. In 1831, Rev. B. C. Eastman was pastor. He was a very energetic preacher. Under him the church improved greatly in spirituality. It is thought that Mr. Eastman had a greater influence over the people than any minister who preceded him. He was returned in 1832. In 1833, Rev. L. Bennett was pastor. This year commenced under the most favor- able circumstances, there being a religious work of unusual interest in progress, notwithstanding that the year closed most unpleasantly for pastor and people. Rev. J. C. Smith, in 1884, followed MIr. Bennett. IIe commenced his work under very dis- couraging circumstances. Ile was, however, warmly received, and well sustained by the people. This year we have the first account of raising money for missions. Brother Smith was reappointed in 1835. Of this year many excellent things might be said. In 1836 Rev. S. Green was appointed as pastor, and returned in 1837. Mr. Green was a good man, and met with great prosperity. Many of the best people of the church were led to the Saviour through his influence. Rev. A. II. Worthing was appointed to the pastorate of the church in 1838 and 1839. Mr. Worthing suffered from poor health, which was the occasion of great trial to himself and embarrassment to his work. Ile labored faithfully, however, and at the close of his pastorate stood high in the esti- mation of his people. In 1840, Rev. E. Mason was appointed pastor, and returned in 1841. Mr. Mason labored with great earnestness in the temperance cause, holding meetings in all the school-houses in town. In 1840, a vestry was built and the church repaired at an expense of about four hundred dollars. Mr. Mason was much beloved by his people. Rev. William D. Cass was pastor during 1842 and 1843. Mr. Cass was an able preacher. In 1843 the Miller- ite excitement was very intense in Rochester. But for the labors of Mr. Cass the church would have been rent to pieces. He was faithful and fearless in exposing the extravagance which threatened the de- strnetion of the church. Rev. O. C. Baker was ap- pointed preacher in charge, 1844. He was received very warmly by the people. Very much to the re- gret of the congregation he was removed at the close of the first year because of a misunderstanding be- tween the presiding elder and the church. Rev. Henry Drew was the appointed pastor in 1845 and 1846. The beginning of this pastorate was not as pleasant as might be, owing to the state of feeling consequent upon the removal of Mr. Baker. After an interchange of views the people saw that who- ever might have been to blame Mr. Drew was not, and so concluded to sustain him and work with him. The church was remodeled, the gallery altered, and four new pews added at an expense of seven hundred dollars.

He was greatly embarrassed in his work by siekness in his family, but struggled manfully until his own health failed. He died September 6th, aged thirty- two years. He was a devoted, faithful minister. He passed away expressing feelings of gratitude that he had ever been a Methodist preacher. ITis successor in 1848 was Rev. D. M. Rogers. There were arrange- ments made by which Mr. Rogers supplied a part of the time at Milton Mills. This division of labor was an embarrassment to the work in Rochester, and it was thought no advantage to the cause in Milton Mills, Rev. S. Green was returned for a second pas- torate in 1849. When Mr. Green was here before, he left such an excellent record that now he was received by the people most heartily. The church this year was prospered. Rev. Jos. C. Cromack was appointed the pastor in 1850, and reappointed in 1851. Mr. Cromack gave especial attention to the financial in- terests of the church, with very encouraging results. Religiously, too, the society was prospered under his supervision. Rev. H. H. Hartwell was preacher in charge during the years 1852 and 1853. The first year Mr. Hartwell had eight preaching places. Two of them were supplied the second year by a local preacher. In 1853 the church was enlarged, the vestry improved, and an organ purchased. Entire amount of money required, a little over two thousand two hundred dollars. In addition to his other work, Mr. Hartwell worked up subscriptions to meet the expenses thus inenrred. In the spring of 1854 the New Hampshire Annual Conference was held in Rochester. Rev. S. Holman was appointed pastor by this session of the Conference. He had a successful year. The people this year contributed one thousand dollars to the Conference Seminary. During 1855 and 1856, Rev. Henry Hill was preacher in charge. The second year of Mr. Hill's pastorate was one of incessant toil. Many of his people were sick and died. He also secured a subscription of five hundred dollars, which freed the church from debt. Rev. George S. Dearborn was preacher in charge in 1857-58. The two years of his pastorate were very successful. Mr. Dearborn was regarded as a man of good ability. Rev. William Hewes was the appointed pastor in 1859-60. During his pastorate the congregations were unusually large. Mr. Hewes was a preacher of marked ability. Rev. John L. Trefren was pastor during 1861-62. Under his influence there was a re- markable religious awakening. Before the close of the year about a hundred people made a profession of of religion. In 1861 the present parsonage was built at a cost of three thousand dollars. In 1862 an effort was made to secure the enlargement of the church, but without success. In 1863 and 1864, Rev. C. IIol- man was the pastor. Mr. Hohnan was a very accept- able pastor, and did a good work. Rev. E. R. Wil- kins served the church as its minister during 1865 and 1866. During his pastorate the question of building

Rev. Samuel S. Matthews was the pastor in 1847. a new church was agitated.

732

HISTORY OF STRAFFORD COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

Mr. Wilkins was a genial man, an excellent pastor, always ready to render every possible assistance in sickness. Rev. F. K. Stratton was pastor in 1857. The corner-stone of the new church was laid the first day of August, in presence of five thousand people. The ceremony was participated in by the Masonic fraternity. Among other remarkable documents de- posited in the corner-stone worthy of mention was a letter from Lafayette expressing regrets at not being able to be present at the laying of the corner-stone of the old church, in 1825. The new church was ded- icated in April, 1868. The sermon was preached by Rev. J. M. Chapman. The house is built of brick. Vestry and class-rooms first story, with andience- room above. The dimensions of the church is sixty by ninety feet. The cost was over twenty thousand dollars. Rev. L. P. Cushman was appointed pastor in 1868, and served the church in this capacity three years. Mr. Cushman was a hard worker. As a pas- tor he was a success. He left the church much better than he found it. Rev. D. J. Smith was the pastor from 1871 to 1873. Brother Smith was one of the most thoughtful preachers who has ever been pastor of this church. He was very considerate of the poor and afflicted. Ilis pastorate here was a success. The people thought more of him the better they became acquainted with him. From 1874 to 1876, Rev. S. G. Kellogg was preacher in charge. Mr. Kellogg was a man of extended experience. Ile had been a pre- siding elder. He was an instructive preacher. Owing to misunderstandings between Mr. Kellogg and some of his people, the third year of his pastorate was not quite so pleasant as the two first. Rev. M. T. Cilley was the appointed pastor for the years 1877 and 1878. Mr. Cilley is spoken of as one of the most diligent pastors ever appointed over this church. He was constantly moving about among the people. He was successful in paying a debt of about two thousand dollars. Rev. J. M. Durrell became pastor in 1879, and continued in this position three years. Mr. Dur- rell from first to last was very popular with the people. Ile preached for three years to very large congregations. The people remember him kindly. His pastorate was eminently successful. Rev. Wil- liam Eakins was appointed, and is now (1882) acting pastor. The church at the present time is in a very desirable position financially. Miss Martha Robin- son left at her death about three thousand dollars to the society. Miss Robinson had been a very devoted member of the church for years, and in her death re- membered the church she so faithfully served while in health. We are now well united, have large con- gregations, a flourishing Sunday-school, and we think have bright prospects in the future.

Distinguished Men .- Hon. John P. Hale, repre- sentative in Congress, United States senator, and minister to Spain, was born in Rochester village, and resided here for twenty-two years.

Hon. Nathaniel Upham, a resident of Rochester

from 1802 to 1829, a successful merchant and public- spirited man, was one of the Governor's council in 1811-12, and a representative in Congress for three terms, from 1817 to 1823.

Hon. David Barker, Jr., was a native of Rochester, and resided here till his death, April 1, 1838. He was representative in Congress from 1827 to 1829. He was a lawyer of fine talents.

Hon. James Farrington, a physician of some celeb)- rity, resided here from 1818 till his death, in 1859. He was a representative and senator in the State Legislature, and a representative in Congress, 1837-39.

Hon. Jabob H. Ela is a native of and resident in this town. He has been a member of the Legisla- ture, United States marshal for New Hampshire, rep- resentative in Congress, and is the present sixth auditor of the United States Treasury. He has also held various other political offices of honor.

Rev. Thomas C. Upham, D.D., a professor in Bow- doin College for more than thirty years, author of many works, theological and philosophical, exten- sively used in this country, is a son of Hon, Nathaniel Upham already mentioned, and from early childhood a resident of the town until his appointment to the professorship in 1825. From July, 1823, for nearly two years, he was colleague pastor of the Congrega- tional Church.

Jonathan P. Cushing, son of Peter Cushing, was born in Rochester, March 12, 1793. By his own in- dustry and perseverance he prepared himself for col- lege, and graduated at Dartmonth, working at his leisure moments at his trade as a saddler to pay his expenses. He became president of Ilampden-Sidney College in Virginia, and after a carcer of usefulness died April 25, 1835.

Hon. Nathaniel G. Upham, a judge of the Superior Court of Judicature from Jan. 8, 1833, to Dec. 1, 1842, was a son of Hon. Nathaniel Upham. He was commissioner from the United States to Great Britain in President Pierce's administration ; died Dec. 11, 1869.

Francis W. Upham was also a son of Nathaniel Upham, and a native of Rochester. Ile was a law partner of Hon. Robert Rantoul.

Hon. Noah Tebbetts was born in Rochester in 1802. Graduated at Bowdoin College in 1822, was represen- tative in Legislature, and in 1843 was appointed judge of Court of Common Pleas. He died Sept. 9, 1844.

Hon. Charles W. Woodman, now a practicing law- yer in Dover, was a judge of the Court of Common Pleas from Ang. 26, 1854, to Aug. 18, 1855. He is a native of Rochester, and son of Jeremiah H. Wood- man, Esq.

Theodore C. Woodman, lawyer, a native of Roch- ester, also son of J. H. Woodman.

Richard Danna was a judge of the Court of Com- mon Pleas from 1816 to 1820; was a councilor 1809- 10 ; a senator and representative in the State Legisla- ture. Died Sept. 19, 1828, aged seventy-two.

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ROCHESTER.

Isaac and Seth Adams, though compelled to strug- gle with many disadvantages and obstacles in early life, rose by their perseverance and talents to great wealth. Isaac Adams invented the famous Adams printing-press, which has been so extensively used in this country.

Charles Main, a descendant of the first gospel min- ister of Rochester, rose to wealth in the mercantile business in San Francisco.

Hon. James IL. Edgerly was judge of probate for Strafford County, to which office he was appointed in October, 1866.

Hon. N. V. Whitehouse was a representative in the Legislature, and a member of the Governor's council in 1855 and 1857.

Population of Rochester .- In 1767, 984; 1775, 1448; 1790, 2857 ; 1800, 2646; 1810, 2118 ; 1820, 2471; 1830, 2155 ; 1840, 2431 ; 1850, 3006; 1860, 3384; 1870, 4104; 1880, 5788.

Rochester Bank .- This bank was organized Aug. 16, 1834, and began business May 1, 1835, with a capital of $100,000. Its first board of directors was James Farrington, Nehemiah Eastman, Charles Den- nett, Moses Hale, John Greenfield, Simon Chase, John A. Burleigh ; James Farrington, president; John Mc- Duffee, Jr., cashier. June 15, 1850, the capital stock of the bank was increased to $120,000. In 1854 the twenty years for which the bank was chartered having expired, it was voted to close it up, and a new one was organized with a capital of $80,000, with John McDuffee as president, and Franklin McDuffee as cashier. Up to this time this had been the frontier bank, there being on bank north of it, this side of the Canada line. This new bank continued until 1866, when nearly all State banks went out of existence, and national banks were organized. This bank was succeeded by John McDuffee & Co., bankers.

The Rochester National Bank was organized Jan. 27, 1874, and began business May 1, 1874, with the following officers: John MeDuffee, president ; Franklin McDuffec, cashier; John McDuffee, Charles Greenfield, Thomas C. Davis, Enoch Whitehouse, Joseph H. Worcester, Nathaniel Burnham, Franklin McDuffee, directors. Nov. 30, 1880, H. M. Plumer was chosen cashier in place of the late Franklin McDuffee, deceased.

The officers at the present time are John McDuffee, president ; H. M. Plumer, cashier ; John MeDuffee, Charles Greenfield, Joseph H. Worcester, Nathaniel Burnham, James Farrington, directors. Capital, $50,000; surplus, $6000.

The Norway Plains Savings-Bank was incor- porated July 2, 1851, and began business July 26, 1851. First board of trustees, Charles Dennett, J. D. Sturtevant, John Folsom, James C. Cole, N. V. Whitehouse, T. C. Davis, and E. J. Mathes ; Charles Dennett, president ; John McDnffee, Jr., treasurer and secretary. Sept. 5, 1866, Franklin McDuffee succeeded John McDuffee as secretary and treasurer.

John McDuffee was chosen president March 11, 1867, to succeed Charles Dennett, and has retained the office until the present time, Dec. 1, 1880. H. M. Plumer was chosen secretary and treasurer to succeed the late Franklin McDuffee, deceased.

The present board of trustees are John McDuffee, Charles Greenfield, Dominiens Hanson, James H. Edgerly, James Farrington, I. W. Lougee, N. Burn- ham. John McDuffee, president; 1I. M. Plumer, secretary and treasurer. Deposits, $500,000.

The Rochester Savings-Bank was incorporated July 3, 1872. President, Cyrus K. Sanborn ; vice- president, Ebenezer J. Mathes; treasurer, Stephen D. Wentworth ; trustees, Ebenezer G. Wallace, Cyrus K. Sanborn, John Legro, William Rand, Ebenezer J. Mathes, Augustin S. Parshley, and Ezra Standley. Said bank was organized in the year 1874, and on the second day of November, 1874, received its first deposit. The first deposit was made by Capt. A. W. Hayes, amounting to $500. Present deposits, March 28, 1882, 8230,000 ; present officers, same as at first.

Physicians .- Dr. James Jackson was the first physi- cian who settled in Rochester. He came from Con- necticut.

Dr. James Howe came here in about the year 1777, and practiced till nearly the time of his death, in 1807. He was surgeon's mate in the army of the Revolution.

Dr. Samuel Pray commenced practice here in Sep- tember, 1792, where he resided about fifty years.

Dr. Timothy F. Preston came to Rochester in 1807, but remained only one year.

Dr. John Perkins also came here in 1807. He re- mained until 1815.

Dr. Asa Perkins went from Dover to Rochester in 1816, and remained two years.

Dr. James Farrington came to Rochester in 1818. He was born at Conway in 1791. He was one of the leading physicians in this part of the State, and a man of influence in social and political circles. For several years he was president of the Strafford District Medical Society. He was a representative and sen- ator in the State Legislature, and in 1837 was elected a member of the Twenty-sixth Congress.

Other physicians have been in practice here as follows: Calvin Cutter, Theodore Wells, Dr. Turner, Rufus K. Pearl, John W. Pray, Richard Russell, Jer- emialı Garland, John Pray, Dr. Ham, James Farring- ton, I. N. Lougee.

Humane Lodge, No. 28, F. and A. M.1-The Hon. Jeremiah Hall Woodman, late of Rochester, is doubt- less entitled to the honor of founding Humane Lodge, No. 21, A. F. and A. M. He was a son of the Rev. Joseph Woodman, the first settled minister, and a landed proprietor of Sanbornton, N. H. He was educated at Dartmouth College, entered the legal profession, and settled in Rochester early in the

1 By John S. Parsons.

734

HISTORY OF STRAFFORD COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

present century. On the 25th day of October, 1809, a special communication of the Grand Lodge was held at the house of Mr. Andrew Lovejoy, near the old "Woodman" mansion, in Sanbornton. Edward J. Long was then Grand Master.

Mr. Woodman then presented the petition of ser- eral brethren, praying for the erection of a lodge at Rochester. At that time a dispensation was issued to Mr. Woodman, Timothy F. Preston, Benjamin Wiggin, and others to assemble as a lodge of Masons in the town of Rochester, and at a " quarterly com- munication of the Grand Lodge, held at Portsmouth on the 24th day of October, 1810, Clement Storer being Grand Master," a charter was granted to them to assemble under the title and denomination of "Humane Lodge, No. 21." The many eminent names found in the early records of this organization pre- dicted for this lodge a career of usefulness and honor. And so it has proved. Persecutions, prompted by misguided zeal, it bore long and bravely, yielding for a brief period to the popular prejudice. Again rallying and springing into new life, it has slowly but surely advanced towards its high standard of moral excellence and upright living.

More than two hundred and thirty members, re- siding in fourteen States and provinces, represent it in various professions and callings.

Of its benevolent mission we are silent. Those who have received its benefactions are best acquainted with their value.

The following is a list of the Masters and Secretaries from 1810 to 1882:

1810.

Master. Jeremiah 11. Woodman.

Secretary. John Fish. Pierce U. Furber.

1811

1812-13.

Levi Jours.

1814.

Willnun Barker.

Joseph Cross. ..

1817.

Jeremiali HI. Woodman. Levi Jones.

1819-20.

Joseph Cross.

1821

Wilham Joues.

1822

Levi Johes.

1×23-27

Charles Dennett.

1828.

Stephen M. Mathes.

1820-37 l'Inerles Dennett.

1850

James MI. Fessenden.

1851-53.

Josiah B. Edgerley. Juine's 11. Edge. ley.

1857

1858

1859

Alexander M. Winn.

1860.

Gourge Colson.

1861-62

David Hayes.

William Rand.

1863-64

Frank Melinffee.

1805

James H. Edgerley.

1866

George Colson.

1867

John S. Parsons.

1868-69

1870.

1871

Noah Tebbetts.

1872

Jobin S. Parsolis.

1873

1874-75. Russell B. Wentworth. 4.

Jolın S. Parsons. 4.

1877 Thomas II. Edgerley.

1878-80. Russell B. Wentworth.

1881 James E. Edgerley.

1883 .Juhn L. Cupp.

The first Masonic funeral in Rochester was that of Stephen Brewster. He was the oldest son of Capt. John Brewster, of Rochester, who commanded the seventh company in Col. Pierce Long's regiment during the war of the Revolution. The regiment

was organized Sept. 25, 1776. Six companies already enlisted were at Portsmouth. Capt. Brewster re- cruited the seventh in Rochester and vicinity, and on the 23d of November, 1776, Gen. Ward ordered the regiment to Ticonderoga, and it reached that fortress in February, 1777. The son (Stephen) was one of the first members of Humane Lodge, and, as already stated, was the first buried by the fraternity in this section of the State. (At that time the nearest lodge was in Portsmouth.) Hundreds of people came to- gethier at the funeral, prompted by curiosity, doubt- less, to witness the novel ceremonies. He died April 9, 1819, at the age of forty-seven years. The burial- place of the Brewsters is situated about one mile west of Rochester village, and is marked by a fine monu- ment of red sandstone, inclosed by a strong fence of iron and granite. The spot is nearly hidden from view by a thick growth of trees.

Kennedy Lodge, I. O. of O. F., was instituted Aug. 24, 1875, by Grand Master S. J. Osgood, assisted by Deputy Grand Master, G. A. Cummings; Grand War- den, A. F. Craig; Grand Secretary, Joel Taylor; Grand Treasurer, R. C. Fernald; and delegations from Dover, Great Falls, Farmington, Manchester, and Portsmouth. The charter members were Thomas Brown, Ira Doe, John Crockett, Charles W. Brown, Osman B. Warren, Wilbur F. Warren, John II. Pin- gree, and George W. Rollins, from Motolinia Lodge, No. 18; and James II. Warburton, from Miltonia Lodge, No. 52. Twenty-one were initiated the first evening, and the grand officers left a lodge of thirty members August 25th. The first principal officers of the lodge were Charles W. Brown, N. G .; Osman B. Warren, V. G. ; Ira Dbe, Sce. ; and Thomas Brown, Treas.

Norway Plains Encampment, No. 7, I. O. of 0. F., was instituted Sept. 11, 1849, by Past Grand Master, S. H. Parker. The charter members were Thomas Brown, Asa P. Hanson, Daniel W. Quimby, John James, Ira Doe, David Legro, and John L. Ilorn. The first officers were as follows, viz. : Thomas Brown, C. P .; Asa P. Hanson, H. P .; D. W. Quimby, S. W .; Ira Doe, Scribe; D. Legro, Treas .; John James, J. W .; and J. L. Horn, Sentinel. The encampment has always maintained its meetings, and now numbers one hundred and twenty members.

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History of Rockingham and Strafford counties, New Hampshire : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 171

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Philadelphia : J. W. Lewis Number of Pages: 1714

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Philadelphia : J. W. Lewis
Number of Pages: 1714