History of Rockingham and Strafford counties, New Hampshire : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 54

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 54
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 54

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1 The bell now on the church was procured during Mr. Hall's term. J. P. Sanborn was the agent for its procurement, and the funds were raised in part by a levee (in which Dr. Batchelder was an efficient helper), and in part by subscription secured by L. E. Fogg. Its cost was three hundred dollars.

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HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

and convenience of the house. An elegant Bible and hymn-book were presented for the pulpit by Mr. Ben- nett, of Lowell. The custom of one sermon on Sunday was adopted during Mr. Jones' administration.

Rev. J. R. Bartlett came as Mr. Jones' successor in 1878, and remained one year. The old parsonage, which had been rented since the purchase of the new one, was sold for five hundred dollars, and the amount applied as a payment on the debt for the new one, thus reducing the indebtedness to two hundred dollars. Mr. Bartlett was very efficient in promoting the cause of temperance, and took an active part in legal prose- cutions against violators of the law against the selling liquor. He reported in 1879 : members, eighty-seven ; probationers, twelve; Sunday-school scholars, eighty ; raised for missions, fifteen dollars. His salary was eight hundred dollars, which was all paid. During Mr. Bartlett's year the parsonage was much improved by rebuilding the chimney in the L, so as to enlarge the kitchen and add to its conveniences very mate- rially. A new carpet was procured for the parlor.

Mr. Bartlett was succeeded in 1879 by Rev. J. Thurston, the present pastor (and the compiler of this sketch). During his first year the effort, com- menced the year previous, to paint the outside of the church, rebuild the front steps, erect new chimneys, etc., was carried to completion. Mr. Thurston served as pastor three years. A new communion service of plated ware was obtained in 1880. The church reg- ister was thoroughly revised, resulting in a decrease in the list of church-members.

An historical sketch of the church was compiled by the pastor, and recorded in permanent form for local presentation and reference. Mr. Thurston re- ported, in 1882, sixty-nine church-members.

Several ministers have been raised up in this church who have gone forth to the gospel field as itinerants, and have all, I believe, a good record. Rev. J. Stevens was a native of this town, and here he was converted and licensed to preach, and recommended to the Annual Conference. He did efficient service while his health held out. He re- turned to this town and worshiped with this church till his death.

Rev. D. W. Barber was also a son of this church. He joined the Conference in 1844, and is yet living, though in superannuation, after years of faithful ser- vice.1

Rev. George Barber, of Maine, and Rev. John W. Sanborn, of Western New York, were raised up in this church.

Hedding Camp-Meeting Association .- Camp- meetings were held in Fowler's Grove, in South New- market, annually from 1857 to 1862, inclusive. At the meeting in 1862 arrangements were made for a per- manent camp-meeting establishment, and a commit- tee of ministers and laymen was appointed to secure

a suitable location, purchase land, and make prepa- rations for a meeting in the autumn of the next year.

The ground now ocenpied at East Epping was bought of Daniel and Ezra F. Barker, and cleared and otherwise prepared, and the first meeting was held in 1863, under the direction of Rev. A. C. Man- son, presiding elder of the Dover District. Rev. Calvin had acted as agent of the committee in the purchase and preparation of the ground. An act of incorporation was secured from the Legislature of 1863, the organization taking the name of the " Hed- ding Camp-Meeting Association," in honor of the late Bishop Hedding. The following-named gentle- men were the original corporators : Rev. Calvin Hol- man, Rev. D. P. Leavitt, Rev. A. C. Munson, Rev. Sullivan Holman, Rev. Eleazar Smith, Rev. J. Thurs- ton, H. C. Matthews, C. W. Wentworth, T. D. Went- worth, S. Y. Brook, and N. Herrick, Esqs.

The charter declares that the above-named per- sons, " their associates and successors to be made a ' body politie and corporate for such religious, moral, and charitable, and benevolent purposes as said cor- poration may from time to time designate." A meet- ing of these corporators was held on the camp-ground on the 25th day of August, 1863, when the organiza- tion was completed by formally accepting the charter, adopting a constitution, and the choice of officers.

The association consists of all the pastors within the bounds of the New Hampshire Conference who may be in attendance, all "tent-masters," and owners of cottages on the grounds. The Executive Com- mittee, consisting of the president of the association (who is chairman), secretary and treasurer, and eight committee-men, all chosen annually by the associa- tion except the president, who holds his office by virtue of his presidingship for the time being.

The duty of the Executive Committee is to take charge of all the property and business, and to carry out the instructions of the association. They are re- quired to make an annual report of their doings and a statement of the financial condition of the associa- tion. The charter allows the association to hold property to the value of ten thousand dollars, free of taxation. The constitution provides that whenever any profit shall arise from the business above what is needed for the annual expenses and improvements it shall be devoted to the " Preachers' Aid Society" of the New Hampshire Conference, and if the ground and fixtures at any time shall cease to be used for camp-meeting purposes, they shall be transferred to the same society, and the income annually appro- priated to the benefit of widows and orphans of de- ceased ministers and such aged and disabled ministers as may need assistance. The Executive Committee conduct the establishments for boarding and refresh- ments and stabling, etc. No other person is allowed to carry on any temporary selling on the grounds without the consent of the committee. The income

1 Mr. Barber has died since the above was written.

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from the business, together with an allowance of ten cents for each passenger coming by the railroads, have been sufficient to meet the expenses and make neces- sary improvements. Additional land has been pur- chased from time to time, and the association now (1882) holds about two hundred acres.

Rev. A. C. Munson was the president of the asso- ciation from 1863 to 1867, four years. Rev. J. Thurs- ton was chosen secretary, and J. M. Sanborn, of East Kingston, treasurer, in 1864. In 1868 the grounds were enlarged by the purchase of adjoining land. Avenues were laid out and lots offered for sale, and private parties 'began to erect cottages, and families to make the grounds a place of summer resort. In 1869 the building devoted to the boarding department was erected. Rev. J. Pike, D.D., was the president from 1867 to 1871. The land on the north, known as the "Scammon land," extending to the l'awtucaway River and the county road, about sixty acres, was purchased, and the Barber farm subsequently. Rev. Dr. O. H. Jasper was president from 1871 to 1875, and Rev. Dr. L. D. Barrows succeeded him in 1875, and served two years. Rev. Dr. J. Pike again became president in 1877, and served four years. Rev. George J. Judkin became president in 1871. J. M. Sanborn, of East Kingston, served as treasurer for a number of years, and was one of the most efficient promoters of the enterprise to the time of his death, in 1875. He was followed by Rev. Dr. E. Adams, of Concord, who served as treasurer from 1872 to 1877. Prof. Stephen W. Clark, of Portsmouth, was treasurer in 1877-78. Rev. G. W. Norris was chosen to that office in 1878, and still holds the position. Rev. James Thurston, of Dover, served as secretary from 1864 to 1871, with the exception of one year, 1877. Rev. Otis Cole, the present secretary, was chosen in 1881.

Camp-meetings have been held annually on these grounds. The time of beginning is fixed by a stand- ing order on the last Monday in August. Meetings have been held on the Sabbath twice, but the asso- ciation has adopted the policy of not holding Sabbath meetings, and of excluding from the grounds all gatherings and exercises not strictly religious. This last rule has been observed, if we except in a few instances temperance and Sunday-school meetings.

The financial affairs of the association have been faithfully and judiciously administered, and its obli- gations have been promptly met. Its present indebted- ness is about two thousand dollars.

Arrangements were entered into with the Concord and Boston and Maine Railroads, when the associa- tion was formed, by which the conveyance of passen- gers at reduced rates was secured, and the sum of ten cents on each ticket sold is paid to the treasury for the expenses of the meeting. Similar arrange- ments are annually made with other railroads in the State. In 1881 the Concord and Portsmouth Railroad Company built a track from East Epping station to the grounds, the association paying the land damages.

Society of Friends .- Friends, commonly called Quakers, first settled and formed church organization in llampton and Dover, N. H., prior to 1680, and about the same time set up Monthly Meetings, each of which were composed of several particular meetings lying contiguous. These Monthly Meetings were held monthly for religious worship and for the transaction of the varied concerns which interested them as a church and society, and kept record thereof.

The first Friends' meeting-house built in Rocking- ham County was at Hampton (now Seabrook) in 1702, at or near the spot where the meeting-house now stands. The earliest record which has been preserved by Hampton Monthly Meeting bears date 6th mo. 15, 1701. An unbroken record has been preserved to the present time, to wit, 12th of 9th mo., 1882.

Hampton Monthly Meeting was changed to that of Seabrook in 1793, because Seabrook was taken from Hampton and incorporated a separate town some time before. Since its organization the Monthly Meeting has been held a portion of the time at vari- ous other places within its limits, namely, at Ames- bury, West Newbury, Epping, Pittsfield, and Weare.

Weare was separated from Seabrook Monthly Meet- ing in 1795, and was constituted a separate Monthly Meeting, called Weare Monthly Meeting of Friends.

The next Friends' meeting-house built in said county and within the limits of Hampton Monthly Meeting was at Newtown (now Newton), where a Friends' meeting-house was built prior to 1810 by some Friends living there. A meeting was set up by the Monthly Meeting, and continued for about eighty years ; many of its members bore the name of Peasley. Their history dates back to the earliest settlements in Massachusetts, as Joseph Peasley died in Haverhill in 1662, the father from whom descended the Peasley family.

The descendants of the Newton Peasleys are scattered from Maine to California, some of whom are yet connected and in fellowship with the society of Friends.

The Friends' Meeting at Newton was discontinued in 1804.

A few Friends resided in Brentwood as early as 1738, held religious meetings around at their houses at first, and built a house for worship in 1740. James Bean was a preacher among them. Samuel Dudley and Jonathan Beede were prominent members for a time. Hampton Monthly Meeting approved of this organization in 1746, but some of the individuals composing this meeting, including James Bean, did not conduct the meeting or otherwise behave to the satisfaction of the Monthly Meeting, and it was dis- continued in 1748. James Bean still continued his disorganizing course, and in a few years the meeting was entirely broken up, and those constituting it moved to other localities or ceased to be members of the So- ciety of Friends.

A few Friends resided in Epping prior to 1746,

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HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

and attended meeting with their friends in Brent- wood until the disorganizing course pursued by some of its members. The Friends at Epping withdrew from them, and held meetings for religious worship at their houses until 1788, when Friends at Epping built their first meeting-house on the ground near the present post-office at West Epping.

A new house was built by Friends of West Epping for religious worship, near the old one, in 1851.

Seabrook Monthly Meeting of Friends is held three times each year at West Epping, and has been for many years. Joshua Folsom, Jonathan Beede, and Joseph Peasley were prominent members, the two former ministers.

Joshua Folsom was much from home the last twenty years of his life in missionary labor, with the approval of his Monthly Meeting. He visited most or all the localities of Friends in New England, New York, and Pennsylvania. He died in 1793. Benjamin Folsom, his son, was a speaker among the Friends at Epping, and died in 1850, in his ninety-fourth year.

Mehitable Folsom, now in her ninety-third year, was for many years a public speaker. The meeting is at present favored with the religious services of Daniel Beede and Abigail M. IIanson.

CHAPTER XXXIL.

EPPING .- ( Continued.)

MISCELLANEOUS.

Native Ministers - Physicians - Public Officials - Attorneys-at-Law - Graduates from Colleges-Railroads-Banking Institutions-Popula- tion-Origin of the Name of the Town.

Native Ministers .- Many gentlemen from this town have chosen the profession of ministers of the gospel, and among them may be mentioned Rev. Nicholas Dudley, David L. Morrill, Samuel Stearns, and Josiah H. Stearns, who were members of the Con- gregational Church; Revs. Caleb Fogg, Jacob Ste- vens, Daniel W. Barker, Nathaniel Ladd, George Barker, and John W. Sanborn were members of the Methodist Church ; Benjamin F. Shepard was an Episcopalian, and Norris Hodgdon was a Universalist. These gentlemen made honorable record in their pro- fession.

Physicians .- Of the physicians who were natives of the town, mention may be made of Theodore and George W. Kittridge, both of whom became eminent ; the former recently died in Massachusetts, and the latter in Newmarket, N. H., where he earned a wide reputation for his skill as a physician and surgeon. He was also a prominent citizen, and his public record is elsewhere given. Prescott Lawrence graduated at the Harvard Medical School in 1823. Dr. Albert L. Norris, of Cambridge, Mass., is a native of the town, and he ranks high in his profession, and Dr. John W. Cbase, of Dedham, Mass., has a large, successful, and varied practice.

Universalist Society .- Between 1835 and 1840 a movement was made to organize a Universalist So- ciety. A liberal religious sentiment had strongly de- veloped itself here as elsewhere. It finally resulted in the associating together of several gentlemen of wealth and social influence, who purchased a site and erected the edifice now occupied by the Methodist Society. This structure was built in about 1837. The first pastor was James H. Shrigley, who preached here Nathaniel Bachelder practiced medicine for a long period, following his father, Dr. Nathan Bachelder, who practiced long before him. They were both emi- nent and had a large practice. Among those physi- cians who were not natives of the town may be men- tioned Ebenezer Fisk, Eliphalet How, O. Williams, liam Gilman, L. H. Angell, Locero J. Gibbs, Dr. East- man, J. Chesley, and others. The physicians now present in town are Hosea B. Burnham, Albert C. Boswell, and Frank W. Spaulding. one-half of the time and the other half in Exeter. He was a gentleman of pleasing address, and a for- cible speaker. He was followed by a Mr. Moore, who remained only abont one year. The Revs. Hosea and Moses Ballon, Henry Jewell, Thomas Whittmore, and other eminent ministers of this denomination ' George Kittredge, John Ladd, Ebenezer Moore, Wil- preached occasionally, and the Rev. Nathaniel Gold- smith, now a resident of the town, occupied the pulpit for several years. The interest which first brought the society into existence soon began to abate. Men died or moved to other places, so that it was found impracticable to sustain preaching and keep the church in repair. The result was the Methodist So- ciety abandoned their old house of worship and pur- chased this, and refitted it to meet the wants of this society. The Universalist Society occupied this church, ' tional governments. The following, though an in- and kept up their organization for about twenty-five years.

Public Officials .- This town has occupied a promi- Dent position in the State for one of its size, and many of its citizens who have remained within its limits, as well as those who have gone elsewhere, have occupied conspicuous positions in the county, State, and na- complete list, will give the positions some have held, and all to the satisfaction of those who appointed or elected them to their places of trust :

Governors of the State .- William Plumer, from 1812 to 1813, and from 1816 to 1819; David Lawrence Morrill, from 1824 to 1827; Benjamin F. Prescott, from 1877 to 1879. Governor Morrill resided in Goffs- town at the time he occupied the chair, but he was born in Epping, June 10, 1772, and died Feb. 4,

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EPPING.

1849. He was a student at Phillips' Academy in Exeter in 1790. He studied medicine, and commenced the practice of his profession in Epsom, N. H., in 1793. 1le then studied theology, and was ordained a pastor, but relinquished that profession to resume the practice of medicine. He was a representative to the General Court of the State in 1811, 1812, and in 1816. He was United States senator for six years. He was chosen State senator, and served as its president in 1823. He was a gentleman of varied learning, and wrote much on religious and secular topies. He was one of the prominent men of the State. During his administration as Governor, Gen. Lafayette visited this country and was given a public reception at Con- cord.

Col. Joseph Towle, of Epping, was then in con- mand of a portion of the militia of the State, and ; was present on this memorable occasion. Col. Towle the State.

United States Senators .- William Plumer, from 1802 to 1807; David L. Morrill, from 1817 to 1823 ; Jolın Chandler, from 1820 to 1829. Mr. Chandler was a native of this town, and was born of humble parent- age on what is known as "Red Oak Hill." He re- moved when young to the province of Maine, and there by industry became prominent in the affairs of that State, and when the province was a part of Massa- chusetts he represented it in the State Senate from 1803 to 1805, and in the Congress of the United States in the Lower House from 1805 to 1808, and for three years was sheriff of Kennebec County. In 1812 he was appointed a brigadier-general, and took a con- spicuous part in the Canadian campaign. He was wounded and taken prisoner at Stony Creek, and in that engagement had his horse shot from under hin. He was elected to the United States Senate in 1820, being one of the first two senators from the State of Maine after its separation from Massachusetts. He served in this position two terms, until 1829. In 1829 he was appointed collector of the port of Portland, serving till 1837. He died at Augusta in September, 1811.

Representatives in Congress .- William Plumer, Jr., from 1819 to 1825; George W. Kittredge from 1853 to 1855. Dr. Kittredge resided in Newmarket at the time he was chosen. John Chandler, of Maine, an account of whom is given under the head of United States senators.

Presidents of the New Hampshire Senate .- William Plumer, 1810; David L. Morrill, 1823.

Speakers of the New Hampshire House of Rep- resentatives .- William Plumer, 1791, 1799; David L. Morrill, 1816 ; George W. Kittredge, 1852.

Secretary of State .- Benjamin F. Prescott, 1872, 1873, 1875, 1876.

Electors of President and Vice-President .- Wil- liam Plumer was one of the electors in 1820. He cast his vote for John Quincy Adams, while the others

voted for James Monroe. But for this vote Mr. Mon- roe would have had a unanimous election. The favor- ite of Mr. Plumer was the next President.

State Councilor .- Samuel P. Dow in 1872, 1873.

State Senators .- William Plumer, 1810-11 and 1811-12; Joseph Shepard, 1816-17 ; Samnel P. Dow, 1858-59. Mr. Dow was a citizen of Newmarket when he was elected senator.

Postmasters .- William Stearns, 1809-10; William Plumer, 1810-11; William Plumer, 1811-17 ; George W. Plumer, 1817-28; Samuel Plumer, Jr., 1828-30; Nathaniel Batehelder, 1830-34; Nathaniel Morrill, Jr., 1834-41; George W. Lawrence, 1841-45; John W. Morrill, 1845-49; James M. Godfrey, 1849-50; Charles L. Godfrey, 1850-52; James L. Rundlett, 1853-61; George E. Lawrence, 1861-72; David Stiek- ney, 1872-82; Walter H. Stickney, 1882.

Attorney-General .- Hon. Daniel French, a native subsequently became major-general of the forces of , of Epping, was attorney-general of the State from 1812 to 1815. He was a resident of Chester at the time he held this high position.

County Treasurers,-Joseph C .. Plumer, 1833 and 1834; Charles M. Norris, 1857-59; George E. Law- renee, 1866-68; Winthrop N. Dow, 1872-74, and ap- pointed by Supreme Court April, 1882, to fill vacancy.

County Sheriff .- Joseph Towle was sheriff of the county from 1835 to 1840, the appointment being for five years.

County Commissioner .- Joseph C. Burley, 1880 -82.

Attorneys-at-Law .- There have been many promi- neut and successful lawyers in town, especially in its early history, before it became the practice for mem- bers of the bar to locate in places more densely popu- lated. Among this number can be mentioned Jotham Lawrence, William Plumer, Sr. and Jr., Samuel But- terfield, Amos A. Parker, Hiram Osgood, Silas Betton, Daniel Clark, James McMurphy, John S. H. Frink, Horace C. Bacon, Enoch Bartlett, Joseph F. Wiggin, J. Warren Towle, George Stickney, George W. Stevens, H. F. Hopkins, Elijah B. Hazen, W. H. Drury, and others, who remained for a short period. Epping for many years was a business centre, and the practice of the law was quite prominent in town.

Graduates from College .- Nicholas Dudley, Har- vard, 1767 ; Samuel Stearns, Harvard, 1794; William Plumer, Jr., Harvard, 1809; Benjamin F. Shepard, Dartmonth, 1833; John S. Ladd, Dartmouth, 1835 ; Josiah H. Stearns, Dartmouth, 1840; William Plumer .(3d), Harvard, 1845; Samuel G. Stevens, Dartmouth, 1850; Joseph Warren Towle, Harvard, 1851; Benja- min F. Prescott, Dartmouth, 1856; Charles Edward Lane, Dartmouth, 1866; Theodore Moses Barber, Dartmouth, 1870.

The above became prominent members of society. Nicholas Dudley, Samuel Stearns, Josiah H. Stearns, and Benjamin F. Shepard became ministers of the gospel. William Plumer, Jr., was a lawyer, a gentle- man of fine literary taste, and a member of the House

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HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

of Representatives in the Congress of the United States. John S. Ladd became a lawyer, and is at present an able judge of the municipal court of Cam- bridge, Mass., and Benjamin F. Prescott became Gov- ernor of his native State. William Plumer (3d} read law, and has practiced his profession. Samuel G. Stearns adopted the profession of teacher. J. Warren Towle, a lawyer. Benjamin F. Prescott read law, and afterwards became secretary and Governor of the State. Charles Edward Lane is agent in Chicago for a large publishing house, while Theodore MI. Barber is Professor of Latin in the Western University of Pennsylvania.

There have been many other eminent graduates from the academies and schools who have taken prominent position in the various professions.

Railroads .- There are two railroads in the town, viz., the Concord and Portsmouth and the Nashua and Rochester. They form a junction a little south of the village. The Concord and Portsmouth Road was constructed in 1850-52. The Nashua and Ro- chester was opened Nov. 24, 1874. The Concord and Portsmouth Road is now operated by the Concord Railroad under a long lease. The Nashua and Ro- chester road is operated by the Worcester and Nashua Railroad. These roads are of great advantage to the town, and they afford superior facilities to the people ! and also the increase in the manufacture of brick,

to ship wood, lumber, brick, bark, and manufactured articles of all kinds, as well as the products of the soil, which are quite abundant in the town, such as hay, potatoes, apples, straw, etc.

Banking Institutions .- There has never been in town but one bank of discount, and that was incor- porated under the State law, and closed before the present national banking system went into operation. The name of this bank was "Pawtuckaway." It was chartered in 1854, with a capital of fifty thousand dollars. John H. Pearson, of Concord, was its presi- dent, and Charles W. Sargent, of Epping, cashier. It was a successful and well-managed institution. The larger portion of the stock was owned in Con- cord. This bank surrendered its charter in 1864, after ten years of successful business. The directors were John HI. Pearson, George Clough, James W. Sargent, George A. Pillsbury, Peltiah Brown, of Con- cord, Nathaniel Bachelder, of Epping, and James H. Butler, of Nottingham.

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History of Rockingham and Strafford counties, New Hampshire : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 54

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