USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Candia > History of the town of Candia, Rockingham County, N.H., from its first settlement to the present time > Part 18
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BRUNSWICK N.Y.
METHODIST CHURCH.
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Many years ago, a young preacher by the name of Tash, held meetings in the school house and in dwelling houses on the North Road. Mehitable Smith, a daughter of J. Chase Smith and a sister of Jesse Smith, was hopefully converted under his preaching. Though it was in the depth of winter, Miss Smith, who was a confirmed invalid and was confined to her bed the greater portion of the time, insisted on being baptized without delay. All the re- monstrances of her friends were of no avail, and arrange- ments were made at once. A large hole was cut through ice, which was more than a foot in thickness, and the new convert was taken to the spot and baptized by the travel- ing preacher. When she came out of the water she was soon covered with a thin coating of ice. She was taken to her home and properly cared for, and, strange to say, she suffered no injury, whatever, but, on the contrary, the shock to her system seemed to cause a reaction. aud she was soon afterward completely restored to health and lived to be upwards of eighty-two years of age.
THE METHODIST SOCIETY.
In 1859, a Methodist society was organized in the town. A large proportion of the members had previously been connected with the Union Baptist Society. It was charged 1857 and 1858 by these persons that for a considerable length of time, some of the pastors of the Baptist Church had been in the habit of introducing political topics into their sermons, particularly the political aspects of slavery. The members of the society, who belonged to the Democratic party, complained that Republican ministers were in the habit of abusing the opposite party. They de- clared that such a course was not only unfair, but a viola- tion of the Sabbath. Finding that their remonstrances were of no effect, they seceded and organized a new socie- ty. A meeting was opened in the hall over Henry M. Eaton's store at the Corner, which is now occupied by the Masonic Fraternity. Rev. Elisha Adams, a prominent clergyman of the Methodist Church, preached many Sun, days. He was succeeded by other Methodist clergymen,
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and a Methodist Church was organized. In a few months this society proceeded to erect a meeting house on the cor- ner lot opposite the hall.
The society contracted with J. Rowland Batchelder to put up a building of good proportion on the lot. The base- ment was fitted for a vestry. Moses Eaton, of Southamp- ton, presented the society with a fine-toned bell. The church was completed in 1859. '
The following are the names of some of the prominent members of the society :
Rev. James Adams, Benjamin P. Colby, John Cate, Josiah M. Fitts, Jeremiah Brown, Abraham Barker, Benjamin Tay- lor, John C. Dearborn, John Smith, Alfred M. Colby, H. C. Mathews, Nehemiah Colby, Thomas Lang, Isaiah Lang, C. R. Norcross, Plumer W. Sanborn, James R. Batchelder, Daniel Davis.
Rev. Henry Nutter was the first minister who was sta- tioned here by the New Hampshire Conference. He came in 1858, and was succeeded by Rev. James Adams, Rev. N. L. Chase, Rev. Silas Greene, Rev. Mr. Stinchfield, Rev. Joseph P. Frye, Rev. George C. Noyes, Rev. Mr. Stuart, Rev. H. H. Hartwell and Rev. Joseph Robinson. Rev. James Pike also preached at the church a short time. meetings.
At an early period in the history of the society, there was a revival, and it is said that quite a large number of people believed that they were converted.
The society flourished for a time, but at last it became evident that three religious societies in the town could not be sustained. The audiences gradually became smaller and smaller, and meetings at the church were suspended about the year 1886.
THE UNIVERSALISTS.
One of the first to promulgate the doctrine of universal salvation in the United States was Rev, John Murray. He was succeeded by Balfour, Ballou, Kneeland and others.
These, and other teachers of the denomination, claimed that the texts of scripture which was relied upon by the Congregationalists, Baptists, Catholics and others, to sup-
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port the doctrine of the eternal punishment of the wicked were merely figures of speech, which are not by any means to be understood as literal. The' Universalists, on the other hand, rely upon many other texts in the Bible as proofs that all mankind will be finally saved.
More than seventy years ago, there was a number of Universalists in Candia, among whom were Col. Henry True Eaton and family and Jonathan Pillsbury, who lived in the house opposite to the present residence of Dr. Foster. At a later date, Capt. Gilman Richardson, Joseph Richard- son, and David Richardson were Universalists. Gilman Richardson was a subscriber to the Trumpet, the organ of the Universalist denomination in Boston.
It is said that, at a still later date, Amos . Morrison, Ira Godfrey, Shepherd Bean, Cyrus T. Lane, B. Smith and others, including several women, were professed Universa- lists.
During the summer of 1846, the Rockingham Association of Universalists held its annual session at the old Free- Will Baptist Meeting House. The session' continued two days. Among the clergymen present, were Rev. Moses Ballou, of Portsmouth, Rev. Mr. Jewell, of Exeter, Rev. Mr. Lake, of Kingston, and Rev. Solomon Laws, of Temple.
The towns of Portsmouth, Exeter, Kingston, Kensington, Southampton, Poplin, Deerfield, Nottingham and Raymond were represented at the convention. A considerable number of women, who belonged to the above mentioned towns, were also present.
The clergymen and delegates were handsomely enter- tained by the people who resided in the village and vicinity. During the afternoon of the first day of the session, the vis- iting brethren sat down to a sumptuous collation in the vestry of the new church, which was furnished by the peo- ple who lived in the village. Cyrus T. Lane was the caterer on the occasion. The courtesy of the proprietors of the new church, who allowed the Universalists to occupy their vestry, was fully appreciated.
During the convention, able and interesting sermons in support of the doctrine of the Universalists were preached
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by the Rev. Moses Ballou, Rev. Mr. Jewell, Rev. Mr. Lake, and also by Rev. Mr. Gage, formerly of Manchester. Various interesting addresses were made at the meetings by a number of delegates.
For a considerable length of time, meetings were held at the Village school-house once a fortnight by Universalist preachers, who belonged in Portsmouth, Exeter and vicin- ity ; but it was finally deemed impracticable to organize a Universalist society in the town.
THE SPIRITUALISTS.
The doctrine that the spirits of the departed often hold communion with mortals who exist in the present age of the world, was introduced into Candia about the year 1855. A few persons, who were denominated spiritual mediums, visited some of the families in the town at that time and gave sittings or seances, as they were called. In. the course of a few months, a considerable number of the peo- ple were converted to the idea that they received genuine messages from their relatives and friends, whose bodies had long been resting in the grave.
Spiritual physicians, who knew nothing about the science of medicine, in their normal condition, but professed to be guided and instructed by skillful practitioners, who had de- parted to the celestial regions, had some practice in town.
Among the converts to the new doctrine, were Leonard Dearborn and wife, Thomas Bean and wife, True French and wife, Mrs. Alamanza Roberts, Charles H. French, a Mr. Colby, who lived on the old Captain Libbee place, Lu- ther Flint and family, Plumer W. Sanborn, Leonard F. , Dearborn and wife and Henry Dearborn. Meetings were held at private residences for several years, at which ad- dresses, which were supposed to have been dictated by im- mortals, were delivered by professional mediums.
Leonard Dearborn, sr., and family removed to Lowell some time after they had become interested in spiritualism. After residing there a few years, Mr. Dearborn died, and his remains were brought to Candia for burial in the old cem- etery. His funeral took place at the Methodist Church,
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and Mr. N. H. Greenleaf, a distinguished Spiritualist orator, made an able address.
When Mr. Luther Flint died, his funeral was attended by a noted inspirational speaker.
All of those persons, whose names are here mentioned, professed to have derived much comfort and consolation from the additional evidence they had received, in proof of the immortality of the soul, and that the state of those who have passed on to the celestial spheres is one of infinite progression.
THE ADVENTISTS,
Many years ago, a preacher by the name of William Miller preached the doctrine that the world would soon be destroyed and that Christ would make his second appearance to mortals. By closely studying the prophecies of the Bi- ble, he regarded it as certain that the great event would take place in 1843. But nothing unusual happened that year. Miller and his followers acknowledged they had made a mistake in their calculations; but they were sure that the great event was very near, and might be expected at any moment.
A considerable number of the preachers of this doctrine have visited Candia at various times during the past forty years. Meetings have been held at the school-house on the North road and elsewhere, and converts to this system of theology have been secured.
THE SOUTH ROAD FREE-WILL BAPTIST SOCIETY.
About the year 1846, a Baptist minister named Winslow . came to town and preached at the school-house on the South Road. He awakened a strong religious interest among the people of that section of the town and the north part of Au- burn, and it was at length deemed expedient to build a meeting house to meet the demand for better accommoda- tions. With the assistance of some of the disaffected Con- gregationalists, who lived in that quarter of the town, and others, a small meeting house was erected. Rev. J. B
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Davis, a Free-Will Baptist minister, of Manchester, preached the dedication sermon. Public worship was sustained for a considerable time, and various ministers officiated, among whom was Rev. Thomas O. Reynolds, who was a native of the town. At length, the enterprise began to languish for the want of proper support. The audiences became smaller and smaller, and finally the building was sold, taken down and hauled to Auburn, and rebuilt on a spot near the rail- road station.
THE CATHOLICS.
More than thirty years ago, a few families, who were Catholics, came to the town. Some of them settled on small farms, and others lived in hired tenements. A num- ber of other families came at various periods, until now there are about thirty adults who are connected with the Catholic Church. For their accommodation, a Catholic priest, of Manchester, visits them at stated periods for the purpose of giving them instruction. Religious services, according to Catholic forms, are conducted at some of the dwelling houses of the faithful.
CHAPTER XXIII.
MISCELLANEOUS.
FREE MASONRY.
The institution of Free Masonry is said to have originat- ed in the time of King Solomon, at the building of the Temple of Jerusalem. It was introduced into the Ameri- can colonies previous to the War of the Revolution. Wash- ington, and many of the distinguished American citizens, were Masons. Lodges were established in most of the states of the Union, and the institution flourished up to the year 1826. A short time previous to that date, one William Morgan, who had been a member of a lodge in Batavia, N. Y., is said to have published a book in which all the se- crets of Masonry were exposed. It has been understood that the members of the Masonic fraternity charged that the statements contained in the book were mostly false and malicious. A few months after the book appeared, it is said that Morgan very mysteriously disappeared, and was never heard of afterwards. The story of the publication of Morgan's book and his sudden disappearence was soon known all over the country, and it was charged that he was assasinated by a band of Masons in retaliation for exposing the secrets of the order. When it became known that Morgan had dropped out of sight there was in- tense excitement all over the land, which was followed by a feeling of bitter hostility to the institution of Masonry. A political party, called the Anti-Masonic party, was or- ganized, and newspapers were established for the avowed purpose of overthrowing the institution. In some of the states the Anti-Masons were in the majority. In many instances, the Masons and Anti-Masons, who lived together as neigh- bors, chreished a feeling of bitter hatred towards each other.
The Masons in many parts of the country, who felt that
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they had been deeply wronged, deemed it best to close their lodge rooms until the storm of passion and prejudice had passed away. All the lodge rooms in New Hampshire were substantially closed, and all work was suspended for a period of about fifteen years. When a better feeling on the part of the public was manifested, the lodge rooms were re-opened, and in the course of a few years new lodges were established in all parts of the country. Dur- ing the last thirty years, the order has prospered to a very remarkable degree.
MASONRY IN CANDIA.
In November, 1826, the very year when Morgan is said to have been murdered, the people of Candia were afforded the first opportunity to witness the ceremonies connected with a Masonic funeral. Abel Follansbee, a native of Candia, died at Newmarket and his remains were brought to this town for burial in the old cemetery. Mr. Follansbee was a member of a Masonic lodge, and his funeral took place under the direction of the lodge to which he belonged. The lodge marched in procession from the Corner to the Con- gregational Church, where public services took place. Rev. Mr. Wheeler made an address, after which the customary masonic burial service took place. The body was then es- corted to the cemetery, where other exercises took place, and now, after the lapse of sixty-five years, a few Candia people can distinctly remember the portly frame of Thomas Jenness, of Deerfield, the chaplain of the lodge, as he bore the great Bible in front of him upon a little platform, which hung from his shoulders, and the response "So mote it be" from the brethren, which at intervals followed the words of the Worshipful Master and Chaplain during the ceremonies at the grave.
Previous to 1866, there was a considerable number .. f Masons in Candia who were members of lodges in Man- chester or other places in the neighborhood. Among them were Rufus Patten, Nehemiah Colby, Plumer W. San- born, Rev. James Adams, John H. Nutting, A. Frank Pat- ten. On June 16, 1866, a charter was obtained from the
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New Hampshire Grand Lodge for the accommodation of the members of the fraternity living in Candia and vicinity. This was called the Rockingham Lodge,
The territory of the lodge embraces the towns of Candia, Deerfield, Auburn, and the greatest part of Raymond. The members have been among the most intelligent and worthy citizens of the towns to which they belonged. The follow- ing are the names of the charter members of the lodge :
Charles Martin, James Adams, Plumer W. Sanborn, Carr B. Haines, Rufus E. Patten, John K. Nay, A. Frank Patten, Jacob L. Barker, David Patten, Orlando Brown, Josiah P. Stinchfield, Joseph C. Cram, George H. Stevens, John G. · Martin.
The lodge room was established in the second story of the building at the Corner, which had for nearly forty years been occupied for a store by Moore & Sargent, Henry M. Eaton, and others.
The following are the names of the members of the lodge who have held the position of Worshipful Master :
James Adams, Rufus E. Patten, A. Frank Patten, William B. Blake, Moses F. Emerson, Plumer W. Sanborn, Henry C. Sanborn, Walter J. Dudley, A. F. Truel.
Among the Candia members of the lodge who have died since it was organized are Rev. Silas Green, Rev. James Adams, Rufus E. Patten, Josiah S. Morrill, Henry R. Mor- rill.
All these were buried with Masonic honors. The re- mains of Rev. Mr. Green were escorted to Epsom for bur- ial by a very large number of the members of the lodge.
Rufus E. Patten died in 1879, and his funeral took place at the Methodist Church. A large number of the members of Rockingham Lodge, and more than sixty members of Trinity Commandery of Knights Templar of Manchester, of which the deceased was a member, were present on the occasion.
ODD FELLOWSHIP.
The order of Independent Odd Fellows was founded in Baltimore, mainly through the efforts of Thomas Wildey in the year 1819. It is a cooperative association and, upon the payment of certain fees and upon certain other speci-
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fied conditions. the members are pledged to watch over the sick, to bury the dead and to promote each other's welfare under all circumstances.
A lodge of Odd Fellows was organized by the officers of the New Hampshire Grand Lodge, March 6, 1885. The lodge is called Leola Lodge, No. 76. The following are the names of the first members :
L. E. Grant, J. H. Foster, Jonathan C. Hobbs, J. D. Bean, John T. Bean, T. B. Turner, C. H. Turner, Ira P. Godfrey, J. T. Nichols, George E. Eaton, Asa T. Truel Charles S. Smith, A. F. Smith, Charles S. Lang, Webster Varnum, E. W. Healey, George W. Bean.
First officers :
Noble Grand, L. E. Grant; Vice Grand, J. D. Bean ; Sec- retary, John H. Foster ; Treasurer, J. B. Turner.
Present officers :
Noble Grand, A. M. Freeman; Vice Grand, George W. Bean ; Secretary, John D. Bean.
John Brown, who resided for many years in the Lang- ford district, East Candia, was a member of this lodge. Upon his death in 1890, he bequeathed the lodge the sum of $500.
THE DAUGHTERS OF REBEKAH.
A branch of Odd Fellowship called "The Order of the Daughters of Rebekah" was instituted in Candia, October 17, 1889. The following are the names of the first officers :
Noble Grand, T. B. Turner ; Vice Grand, Mrs. Webster Varnum; Secretary, Miss Bessie Truel ; Treasurer, Mrs. A. F. Smith.
Present officers :
Noble Grand, Mrs. Charles Lang; Vice Grand, Addie Turner ; Secretary, Mrs. J. H. Foster ; Treasurer, Mrs. A. F. Smith ; District Deputy Grand Master, T. B. Turner.
THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.
The Grand Army of the Republic was instituted soon
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after the close of the war of the rebellion. The principal objects of the organization were to preserve and strengthen the fraternal relations which bind the soldiers who united to suppress the rebellion ; to perpetuate the memory and history of the dead ; to assist such comrades in arms as need help ; to extend aid to the widows and orphans of the fallen ; to maintain true allegiance to the United States and fidelity to the Constitution, and to encourage the spread of universal liberty, equal rights and justice to all mankind.
The national or central organization is called The United States Grand Army of the Republic There are subordi- nate organizations of the army in most of the Northern States. The local organizations are called Posts.
In 1864, a post called the D. B. Dudley Post, in honor of David B. Dudley, an officer in a Wisconsin regiment, who was killed at Antietam, was instituted in Candia. He was a brother of W. J. Dudley.
The following are the names of the first officers of the post :
Commander, E. J. Godfrey ; Senior Vice Commander, Lewis D. Moore; Junior Vice Commander, Charles A. Jones ; Chaplain, Charles R. Rowe ; Quartermaster, Cyrus W. Truel ; Officer of the Day, Merrill Johnson; Surgeon, Henry C. Buswell ; Officer of the Guard, D. F. Straw ; Adjutant, Charles H. Turner.
The following are the names of the officers in 1890 :
Commander, Alfred A. Mulliken ; Senior Vice Command- er, John K. Moore ; Junior Vice Commander, Daniel F. Straw ; Chaplain, Charles R. Rowe ; Quartermaster, Cyrus W. Truel ; Adjutant, E. J. Godfrey.
TAVERNS.
The first regular tavern in the town was probably opened about the year 1764, by Col. John Carr at his residence near the Congregational Church. Many of the first town meet- ings were held at the house both before and after the old meeting house was ready for occupation. During the progress of the War of the Revolution, the house was a sort
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of rendezvous or rallying point for the patriotic soldiers and citizens of the town. Soon after the close of the war, the house ceased to be a tavern.
Stephen Clay, who lived opposite to the Carr mansion, kept a tavern for a considerable length of time.
Samuel Anderson commenced keeping a tavern in 1805, on the completion of the old Chester Turnpike. He built a very large house on that thoroughfare, and he afforded ac- commodations to a large number of people who journeyed from their homes in the northern and western sections of the state and Vermont to Boston, Haverhill and Salem. His house was frequently filled to overflowing with guests. The stage, which passed from Concord to Haverhill and Boston, always stopped at his house to change horses. In 1822, the house, stable and other buildings were totally destroyed by fire. Other buildings were erected, and Mr. Anderson continued to keep a public house until 1842, when the Con- cord railroad was completed.
About the year 1821, Parker Morrill opened a tavern in a house situated on the north side of High Street, once owned by Capt. J. C. French, and now owned by Samuel A. Davis. He kept a tavern there about five years and then removed to Bridgewater.
About the year 1828, Frederick Fitts commenced keeping a tavern at his residence, a short distance east of the Con- gregational Church and now occupied by John Patten. He erected a fine stable on the south side of the highway and opposite the old Fitts' mansion. A very large number of people from all sections of the town were present at the raising. Deacon Fitts painted a beautiful sign, which hung on iron hinges from a tall post near the tavern. In due course of time, the hinges became rusty, and for many years when the wind was high, the sign, as it swung to and fro, produced a screeching noise loud enough to scare all travelers on the road. Mr. Fitts kept his house open as a tavern about eight years.
In 1835, William Turner commenced keeping tavern at the place at the Corner, now occupied by Henry W. Moore and previously owned by Benjamin Pillsbury. When the house was
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sold to John Moore, Esq., it was no longer kept as tavern.
In 1853, Stephen B. Fitts moved a building, which he had for some time occupied as a store at East Candia, to a spot near the passenger station on the Portsmouth railroad at the new Depot Village. He converted the building into a tavern or hotel, and was the landlord for a year or two, when he was succeeded by Robie Smith. Mr. Smith sold out his interest to B. F. Tilton, who came from Raymond. George W. Robinson was the next proprietor of the tavern. He added a hall to the main building for public meetings, dancing parties, and other entertainments. Mr. Robinson sold the concern to E. D. Webster, and he was succeeded by George W. Whittier, of Manchester. Mr. Whittier kept the house several years, and in 1887, he sold the property to Martin S. Butterfield. The present landlord is Timothy G. Fellows, formerly of Deerfield.
LIBRARIES.
In 1791, the following named citizens of the town estab- lished the Candia Social Library and purchased a collection of books. Among those who were members of the associ- ation, were John Robie, Col. Nathaniel Emerson, Ephraim Eaton, Samuel Anderson, Col. Henry True Eaton, Luke Eaton, Capt. John Sargent, Moses Fitts, Samuel Fitts, Dan- iel Fitts, Nathan Fitts, John Lane, sr., Moses Colby and Jonathan Pillsbury.
The library was kept for some time at the house of Wal- ter Clay, at the place where Mr. Spaulding now resides. Rev. Mr. Remington, who was a man of fine literary tastes, was greatly interested in the library, which was well sus- tained for several years. It is said that it contained an ex- cellent collection of books, John Lane, sr., charged Moses Fitts, an officer of the association, one pound and one shilling for a large case in which to deposit the books. About the year 1810, the interest in the library began to subside, and finally the books were divided among the members of the association.
THE FEMALE LIBRARY.
About the year 1795, a considerable number of the female
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members of the Congregational society formed an associa- tion, and purchased a collection of books for a library. A large proportion of the books were of a religious character. About sixty-five years ago, the library was discontinued, and the books were distributed among the members who owned it.
THE CANDIA LITERARY SOCIETY.
In 1824, a number of the principal citizens of the town associated themselves together, for the purpose of estab- lishing a new library. The following are the names of the first members :
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