USA > New Hampshire > Sullivan County > Washington > History of Washington, New Hampshire, from the first settlement to the present time, 1768-1886 > Part 8
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
The early ministers were men of distinction, and lead- ers in the towns where they lived. They were usually thoroughly educated, and were strict in their theological opinions, firm believers in the creed, and stern opposers of anything which they considered as having a tendency towards heresy. "They preached morality as an essential element of true religion," practiced it in their own lives, and had but little charity for offenders against the laws of .church or state. They were treated with deference by their associates, and children were taught to show them a respect that almost seemed reverence. In some
100
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON.
churches it was customary for the congregation to remain standing in their pews while the minister passed from the meeting house, after the services were concluded. But the times have changed since the days of Mr. Leslie ; respect for superiors is no longer considered a cardinal virtue; and, although we may not wish to return to the austerity of the olden time, a more respectful demeanor of the youth of our day towards their elders, would be commendable.
At a town meeting held March, 1779, it was voted to raise fifty pounds to pay for preaching. Mr. Houston was paid for two days' preaching ; and Mr. Kendall for four days'. Rev. Thomas Kendall was graduated at Dartmouth College in the year 1774. He was born at Framingham, Massachusetts, in 1745, and died at Lebanon, New York, in 1836.
In 1779 proposals were made to Rev. George Leslie to settle in town, his salary to be fifty-five pounds, to be paid in rye, corn, beef, and other provisions. He was to have the two hundred acres of land provided in the town charter for the first settled minister. Rev. Mr. Kendall was chosen to transmit the proposal to him, and Robert Mann was to wait on him the first week in November, to receive his answer. He consented to come ; and money was raised by subscription to move him to this town.
It had previously been decided by the town to accept the Ashley lot for the first settled minister. This lot was bounded on the east by the Rounsevel lot, on the north by the Sampson lot. The house, which was the perma- nent home of Mr. Leslie, was built on the south-west side of the common, near where the North Stoddard road , forms an angle with the main street which passes through the common and goes on towards Marlow.
Mr. Leslie was a native of Colerain, in Ireland. He was born in 1727. His parents came to this country when he was less than two years old. He was graduated
IOI
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON.
at Cambridge in 1748. He married Hepsibah Burpee, of Topsfield, Massachusetts, in 1756. He was a man of more than ordinary literary attainments, and instructed many young men in the preparation for college, and also students in divinity.
He left Limebrook for Washington in March, 1780, and was nine days on a journey of eighty miles. His privations, during the first years of his settlement were great. The winter of 1779,-'80 was one of unusual sever- ity. On the 19th of October, 1779, snow fell to the depth of two feet, and did not disappear until late in the following spring. Many cattle died of starvation. A day of fasting and prayer was held on account of the sad prospects of the people. This was known as the hard winter all over New England. Boston harbor was frozen over, and the cold was very severe in all parts of the country, and a large quantity of snow covered the ground.
May 19, 1780, the "dark day" occurred, which added terror to the gloom of the desolate winter they had passed. Those who witnessed the weird and unnatural light of the "yellow day" of September, 1881, can imagine something of the awe and fear with which the darkness of that day was contemplated. The day was followed by an unusually dark night, but the sun rose bright and clear on the fol- lowing morning, and the glorious light of day was received with thankful hearts by those who had been terrified by the darkness of the preceding day.
Mr. Leslie remained here twenty years. He saw many changes in the church and town during that time.
When it was decided to build a meeting house, where it was finally located, a new impetus was given to the business of the place. Several houses were built near the spot, soon a blacksmith's shop and a shoe-maker's shop, and a hatter's establishment sprang into existence, and the romantic village on the hill was soon known as the centre.
IO2
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON.
Settlers had located on the west side of the mountain, and a new neighborhood of well-to-do farmers lived there. Among them were the Dinsmores, Eliphalet and John, who came from Littleton. Also Lieut. Ebenezer Wood, the Davises and Voses, all well known and influential citizens.
On the east side of the mountain quite a community had started up. The Graveses, Brockways, and Proctors had begun to lay the foundation of a thriving village. Mr. Leslie's congregation was composed of people from these distant .sections of the town as well as from the imme- diate vicinity. Some came on foot, some on horseback and others in various kinds of vehicles ; those who rode dis- mounting at the hewn log placed for that purpose near the door. The house was large and not provided with any means for warming it, and it must have been far from comfortable during the long services which it was the cus- tom to hold in those days. They had no Sunday School then, and during the hour between the services, in sum- mer the people gathered in little companies and passed the time in social intercourse, or wandered to the grave- yard where already many friends and neighbors had been lain to rest ; and where the frequent mound bore testimony to the fact that the "silent guest" visits every community. In the winter season they sought shelter from the cold in the hospitable dwellings near by ; and replenished their foot-stoves with coals from friendly fires.
But Mr. Leslie saw all this materially changed. Old customs gradually pass away, and give place to more con- venient modes of living. He lived to see a church well established and in a prosperous condition.
He died in the year 1800, and the town voted to place a head-stone at his grave, on which is engraved the follow- ing epitaph which may fittingly close this brief sketch of his life. "He was a man of brilliant genius and great learning, and eminent for piety and morality."
IO3
HISTORY OF WASHIINGTON.
After the death of Mr. Leslie the town ceased to take the control of church affairs, and the money that was raised by tax for the support of the gospel, was divided among the different sects which had arisen in the town.
From the year 1800 the History of each church will be given in a division by itself.
CHAPTER XV.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH HISTORY.
HIS church was organized in May, 1780. Eben- ezer Jaquith and John Farnsworth were chosen first deacons. After the death of Mr. Leslie, there was no settled minister for several years. Rev. John Stoddard and Daniel Weston preached, each a short time. The Rev. Isaac Robinson came as a candidate for settlement, but remained only a short time. He after- wards settled in Stoddard, and became celebrated as a scholar and preacher.
In 1803, Rev. John Lord was ordained as pastor, and remained until 1806. Mr. Lord was born at Lyme, Con- necticut in 1777; was graduated at Dartmouth in 1797. He died at Buffalo, New York, in 1839 .*
* John Chase Lord, D. D., was the son of Rev. John and Sarah (Chase) Lord, born in Washington, Aug. 9, 1805. He was educated at Kimball Union Academy, Meriden, New Hampshire; at Madison University, and Hamilton College, Clinton, New York. He was admitted to the bar in 1828, at Buttalo, New York, where he remained until 1831. He then entered the Theological Seminary at Auburn, New York, and was graduated from that institution in 1833. He was ordained pastor over the Presbyterian church at Genesee, New York. in 1834. In 1835 he was installed pastor of the Central Presbyterian church at Buffalo, New York, where he remained thirty-eight years. He died at Buffalo in 1877. Mr. Lord received the degree of Doetor of Divinity from Hamilton College in 1841. He was the author of many books-his published works reaching the number of thirty- seven-including sermons, lectures, addresses, and volumes on vari- ous subjects, and closing with a collection of poems in 1869.
BOSTOTH
٠٢٠٠
-
105
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON.
Rev. Caleb Burge preached during the year 1807. He was born in Tolland, Connecticut, in 1782; was graduated at Middlebury in 1806. He removed to the state of New York and commenced the practice of medicine, but was soon called upon to preach, and continued to do so until his death, which occurred in 1838, and which was the result of an accident, he being thrown from his carriage by his horse suddenly taking fright.
In 1810, Christopher Page was called to the pastorate of the church. He was a native of Hardwick, Massachu- setts, was graduated from Dartmouth in 1784. He died at Salisbury, New Hampshire, Oct. 12, 1822. Next came Cyrus Kingsbury, a young man of great ability. He de- clined a call to settle in Washington. He was a graduate of Brown University of the class of 1815. He devoted his life to labor among the Indians, and was a missionary of the American Board at Pine Ridge, in the Choctaw nation.
In 1817, Rev. Broughton White commenced his labors as pastor of the church, which enjoyed a great degree of prosperity during his pastorate. About fifty new mem- bers joined the church, and many more were converted and united with other churches. In 1818 Mr. White was ordained, and he remained here until the year 1831. The deacons of the church at this time were John Mellen and Jonathan Clark. Mr. White was the friend of education as well as religion, and served as Superintendent of schools, appointed by the town. He was a man of con- siderable ability, and was much esteemed by all. He was born in Westmoreland in 1779; was graduated at Dart- mouth College in the year 1797; was the Principal of Chesterfield Academy at one time. He died in Acworth, in the year 1861. His wife, formerly Ruth Sabin of Put- ney, Vermont, was a lady of superior intellect, and their children inherited the characteristics of their parents.
Rev. Walter Harris preached for a short time after Mr.
106
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON.
White's departure. He was an aged man, but still an able an impressive speaker. He was born at Lebanon in 1761. He was a soldier of the Revolution, and a brother fell at his side at the battle of Brandywine.
The next incumbent, the Rev. Joseph Goffe, was a man of great intellectual endowments, an able preacher, and of a social disposition. He was a grandson of John Goffe, for whom Goffstown was named. Mr. Goffe was born at Bedford in 1776. He was a graduate of Dartmouth College.
Mr. Asa Putney, who was not at that time an ordained minister, preached part of the year 1836. He was a native of Warner, studied at Amherst College, and was graduated at Andover. He was devoted to his work, and highly esteemed during the short time he remained here. After Mr. Putney came the Rev. Joel Davis, who remained here three years. He was affable and social in his man- ners, acceptable in the pulpit, and esteemed as a citizen. He was a native of Hubbardstown, Massachusetts. He was succeeded by Rev. Samuel Mason, a native of Caven- dish, Vermont. He had not been educated for the min- istry, but was a man of fine natural abilities, and only needed the advantages of a good education to enable him to rank among the leading men of his profession.
The church had long felt the need of a different place of worship from the town house, which they had occupied, together with other denominations, and could not have as a regular place in which to hold religious services ; accord- ingly they commenced to raise subscriptions, and suc- ceeded in getting a sufficient amount in the years 1839-40. The church building was erected in the summer of 1840, and dedicated the following winter.
Mr. Mason was succeeded in 1842 by Rev. Timothy Darling of Henniker, New Hampshire. He was gradu- ated at Cambridge in 1822, studied law and practiced at Richmond, Virginia, and in Michigan, and was clerk of
107
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON.
the House of Representatives in the latter state. Becom- ing interested in religion, he studied theology at Gilman- ton, New Hampshire, and engaged in the work of the ministry.
In the summer of 1844, Rev. John Griswold commenced his labors in Washington, and continued here for twenty- two years-a longer period of time than any other minis- ter has ever remained pastor of a church in this town. He was a man of energy and persistence in whatever he undertook, and manifested much interest in the cause of religion, and was greatly missed when he left town. He died at Brooklyn, New York, in 1877, at the age of sev- enty-six years. He was a native of Greenfield, Massa- chusetts, was graduated at Yale College in 1821, and pur- sued his theological studies at Andover. Mr. Griswold was not engaged in the ministry after leaving Washington. He resided for some time at Deerfield, Massachusetts, and at the time of his death was living with his son-in-law, Daniel G. Wild, Esq., who married his only daughter. Mrs. Griswold was a lady of cultivated mind and pleasing manners, and won the regard of the community in which she lived.
Rev. William Claggett came next after Mr. Griswold. He was much esteemed as a citizen and preacher. He died, suddenly, in 1870, deeply regretted by the church and community. He was born at Litchfield in 1796, was a graduate of Dartmouth College and studied theology with Samuel Wood, D. D., of Boscawen.
In 1871, Rev. Henry Colburn began his work here. He was born in Groton, New Hampshire, in 1833. He stud- icd theology with Rev. Mr. Conant of Hebron, New Hampshire. He was for some time in the services of the . New Hampshire Bible Society. During the last year of his pastorate here he preached also at Stoddard, part of the day in each place, residing in Stoddard during that time. In 188- he removed to Stewartstown.
108
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON.
J. A. Rowell, who was a licensed preacher, supplied the church in 1880. Rev. Harry L. Brickett, then a student at Andover, preached for the church in the summer of 1881. He is now a pastor of a church in Lynnfield, Massachusetts. Rev. W. W. Downs preached here dur- ing his summer vacations from his regular pastorate in Boston, in 1882, '83. Mr. Hall and Mr. Preston, theolog- ical students from Yale, respectively supplied the pulpit during the summers of 1884 and 1885.
CHAPTER XVI.
.
EAST WASHINGTON CALVINISTIC BAPTIST CHURCHI.
R ESIDENTS of the eastern portion of Washing- ton found it very inconvenient to attend church at the center of the town-the road was hilly, and the distance considerable-and, in the year 1800, they decided to form a church in their own neighbor- hood. The first Baptist church in New Hampshire was organized in 1755, and at this time there were about forty churches of that order in the state.
Oct. 1, 1800, a council met and the following persons united to form the Calvinist Baptist church : Caleb Wood- ward, Nathaniel Gordon, William Ayers, Reuben Brock- way, Sally Woodward, Millie Gordon, Abigail Benney, Susanna Witt, Polly Graves and Caty Graves.
Rev. Abishai Crossman, and Elders Cummings, Brooks, Gates, Wiltman, and Paul, the latter a colored man, are mentioned as preaching here occasionally. Elder Cross- man was born at Taunton, Massachusetts, in 1752, was a college graduate, and had been settled in Boston, Massa- chusetts, New Boston and Unity, New Hampshire, and in various places in Vermont. In the year 1813 he returned to Unity, where he continued to preach until his death, which occurred in 1830. He has one daughter still living in Unity, Mrs. Almira Clough, aged eighty-six years.
Rev. Nathan Ames preached part of the year 1826 and in 1827 he was called to take pastoral charge of the church. He was engaged to preach half of the time for the first
IIO
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON.
year, to be paid one hundred dollars, one-half in produce and the other half in money. Mr. Ames preached here until Jan., 1834. He was born at New Boston in the year 1785. He preached in Sutton, New Hampshire and New- buryport, Massachusetts, before coming here.
He was about twenty-five years of age when he was con- verted and joined the Congregational church, but he soon after changed his views and became a Baptist. He was a man of considerable talent, firm and decided in character, and under his care the church prospered and increased in numbers. He owned, while living here, the farm now belonging to Dea. Samuel Fletcher. He died in Jamaica, Vermont, in 1848.
At a meeting of the people living in East Washington and its vicinity held Dec. 18, 1826, it was decided to form a society and build a meeting house. At a meeting held at Gardner Spaulding's they voted to build by proprietors' shares, each share being twenty-five dollars; and the proprietors voted to accept the land offered by Gardner Spaulding, next to the grave-yard, he receiving one share in the building. A building committee was chosen con- sisting of Robert Carr, Benjamin Smith, Moses Woods, Joseph Crane, Jr., and Robert Carr, Jr. The house was built during the summer of 1827, and dedicated Nov. 6, of the same year. Until this time meetings were held in the school house or in some dwelling house. It is recorded that they met in Brother Brockway's east room.
Elder Nathan Ames was installed pastor the same day that the church was dedicated, he preaching the sermon on that occasion. This house was burned Dec. 1, 1841, and rebuilt during the summer of 1842.
Rev. David Gage came here in 1834 and was ordained and settled as pastor in 1835. He remained here until 1846. During his pastorate the church increased in num- bers and became amply able to sustain its religious organ- ization. Mr. Gage, while yet a young man, showed those
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON.
energetic, wide-awake traits of character, which he con- tinued to display in maturer years ; and which have emi- nently fitted him for a leader in the church and denomi- nation to which he belongs.
He removed from here to New Boston, New Hampshire, and has since preached in Marlow, Acworth, and Unity. In 1855 he was appointed State Missionary, and in 1862 he became agent and missionary of the New Hampshire Baptist Convention, in which position he continued until 1878. His home is now in Manchester, New Hampshire, where he celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of his mar- riage, July 30, 1885, receiving the congratulations of a large company of friends, both members of his own church, and many from other denominations. He still retains the intellectual vigor of manhood, and the keen sense of humor which renders him as interesting a speaker as in former years.
Daniel P. Deming was born at Cornish, New Hamp- shire in 1816. His early life was passed on his father's farm, where he had the advantages of the district school. Left the farm for the school at New Hampton, graduating from the Theological Department in 1844. Ordained for the gospel ministry at East Washington Oct., 1845, and remained here until 1848. He then removed to Cornish, where he remained for seven years. Afterwards preached in Plainfield for five years, was then obliged to give up preaching on account of ill health. He was married to Ann A. Clough of Campton, New Hampshire, in 1846. Second wife, Abby A. Hardy of Hollis, New Hampshire. He died in Cornish in June, 1885.
Nathan Chapman preached for the church about a year, leaving in 1849.
Rev. Simeon L. Elliott began preaching here in 1849, and closed his labors in the spring of 1851. He was re- spected as a clergyman while he labored here. Of his life
II2
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON.
since he removed from this place, nothing has been learned.
Rev. Albert Heald was pastor of the church from 1851 until 1865. He was born at Nelson in 1818. He attend- ed the winter terms of the district school until he was twenty years of age; afterwards the Academy at Han- cock, New Hampshire ; was graduated from the Theological department at New Hampton, New Hampshire, in 1847. He had taught school during a part of each year while en- gaged in his studies. He married Miss Harriet Munson of Whately, Massachusetts, in 1848. His first pastorate was in Lyman, Maine, where he was ordained in 1849.
In 1853, Mr. Heald bought the house in the lower part of the village built by James Howe, and some land on the opposite side of the stream, across which he built a bridge. Mr. Heald was a kind and genial neighbor, and friend and while being earnestly engaged in religious work, labored in the field, and met as an equal and on familiar terms with the laborers around him.
In the autumn of 1857, one of the most important re- ligious revivals began which this church has ever known. It continued many months, and, during the following summer, forty members were added to the church by bap- tism, and others by letter, which increased its membership from ninety to one hundred and forty.
Mr. Heald removed to Warner, New Hampshire, in 1865, afterwards settling in Amherst and Meriden, and in 1881 he removed to Felchville, where he still remains.
Rev. Eli P. Noyse came here after Mr. Heald's depart- ure. He was born in Jefferson, Maine, in 1835. His educational advantages were limited in his youth, but later on he attended school at Yarmouth, Maine, teaching, and working, and studying until he entered college at Waterville, Maine. Before finishing the college course he decided to enter Newton Theological Institute and prepare for the ministry. He was graduated from there
Reo. N.R. Wright .-
113
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON.
in June, 1861, and commenced his labors at East Wash- ington the following Sabbath. He removed to Amherst, New Hampshire, in 1868, and from there to South Acton, Maine, where he remained seven years. Failing health compelled him to leave the ministry in 1878. He bought a farm in Lebanon, Maine, hoping in time to regain his health ; but his hope was vain ; he continued to fail until death ensued in 1883. He was married to Miss Marcia C. Spaulding in 1865.
Rev. Horace G. Hubbard came here in 1868. He was born at Champion, New York, in 1829. He was graduated from the Theological School at Hamilton, New York, in 1858. He commenced to preach at Milford, Massachu- setts. He was afterwards settled in Bristol, Rhode Island, Chatham, Massachusetts, and in East Washington, from 1868 until 1871, when he removed to Meriden, New Hampshire, and afterwards preached at Lyndeborough, and Plaistow, New Hampshire. He was married in 1860 to Sophronia K. Percy of Bristol, Rhode Island.
Rev. Mr. Ballantyne came here after Mr. Hubbard left. He removed from this place to his former home in St. Johns, New Brunswick.
Rev. Addison Brown came here in 1874 and remained until 1877. He was born at Brentwood, New Hampshire, in 1823. He was licensed to preach in New Jersey in 1848, and also by the Baptist Church in Brentwood in 1849. Was sent a delegate of the Christian Commission in the Department of the Gulf in 1864. After leaving East Washington in 1877, he was appointed Soliciting Agent for several different charitable societies. His pres- ent home is at Boston Highlands, Massachusetts. Mr. Brown is of a genial and pleasant temperament, and in a quiet manner did much to bring about a kindly, Christian sentiment in the community, while he remained in East Washington.
Rev. Samuel H. Anderson was born at Rochester, New
114
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON.
York, in 1847. He commenced a course of study intend- ing to engage in the legal profession, but before finishing the course he felt called upon to enter the ministry. He fitted for college at Madison University, Hamilton, New York, and was graduated from Rochester Theological Seminary in 1876. Was licensed to preach by the Baptist church at Fairfax, Vermont, and ordained in 1877. Accept- ed a call to the pastorate of the church in East Wash- ington in March, 1877. In April, of the same year the church building was destroyed by fire. The work of re- building was soon commenced and the new church was dedicated Nov. 21, 1877. Mr. Anderson removed from this place in 1879, to Middlebury, Vermont, and, in 1881, com- menced his pastorate in East Hardwick the same state.
Rev. Levi M. Powers succeeded Mr. Anderson. He has been for thirty years a resident of East Washington and has many times supplied the church with preaching when there was no regular pastor, always being ready as a "minute man" when called upon. He commenced preach- ing in Vermont, was ordained in Bolton, Massachusetts, came to Hillsborough in 1844, where he labored as pastor of the Baptist church for five years. Mr. Powers has much natural ability as a speaker, and an earnest desire to work in the vineyard of the Lord, and had his educational advantages been greater would doubtless have followed a more extended field of labor. He is now well advanced in years but still retains his mental faculties in a good degree unimpaired.
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.