USA > New Hampshire > Sullivan County > Cornish > History of the town of Cornish, New Hampshire, with genealogical record, 1763-1910, Vol. I > Part 14
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HISTORY OF CORNISH.
suitable school, and the new law provided for the raising of addi- tional funds for this purpose. In this way equality of school privileges could be secured for all the scholars of the town better than was possible under the former system.
The term district as applied to the small local schools, was abandoned, and that of division, substituted therefor, as they were now but divisions of the one town district.
Notwithstanding all the advantages the new law offered, it was at the first stubbornly opposed by the majority of the voters of the town, who even instructed their representative in 1886, to use his utmost influence to have the new law repealed, but all efforts in that direction failed, as a matter of course. It was now the aim of the school board during this storm of opposition to exemplify the merits of the law to the best advantage, by judi- cious management. Their plans in this respect were to a large extent successful, and so the unfriendly feeling in opposition to the new law gradually subsided. The general verdict of public opinion a few years later was that the system is an advance step in the cause of education.
Schoolhouses.
There have been sixteen schoolhouses; one for each of the old districts in town. Each of these, in their years of prosperity were filled with interesting and intelligent children. As before stated, after the decline in population, the houses, especially in the back districts or divisions, began to suffer from need of repairs; notably those in divisions 12, 14, 15 and 16. Limited repairs from time to time had been bestowed upon these houses, but they had gradually grown more unfit for use, and extensive repairs were really impracticable. The new system was prepared to solve this problem. The scholars in these divisions were so few that the school board decided to convey them to other and more central schools, and the houses in those four divisions were removed or sold.
In nearly all of the old districts, the original houses have given place to houses of newer and improved pattern. The old brick schoolhouse at the Flat, which so many years served the village school of sometimes nearly a hundred scholars, was, in 1878, superseded by one of more imposing and modern type, on another site. Several of the other districts had a similar experience a few
147
SCHOOLS.
years before under the old system. After the town system was adopted, a new house on a different site was built in division 10; and also one soon after, south of the last, near the Claremont line. This last has received the number 12, as the former house of this number had been torn down.
At the present time (1909) there are thirteen schoolhouses in town in which schools are kept. Owing to the limited number of scholars, schools are not maintained in all of them at the same time, but when there is no school in a division, those scholars are to receive the benefit of another school in an adjoining divi- sion, thus increasing their school privileges.
Under this head the following suggestions are pertinent: Schoolhouses are in themselves educative.
It is a law largely governing our existence that we are what we have been made by our environments.
It is not alone the spoken precept, neither is it the printed page, but both of these, in conjunction with the object lessons of life with which we come in contact, that mould the character of men and women. This is emphatically true while young. The knowl- edge that children obtain of life, at first, is principally obtained through their visual organs. The objects they then come in contact with are continually shaping the future of their lives. A large portion of their early life is spent in the schoolroom. Every object within and without, contributes its mite to the characters forming there.
Thus the schoolhouse is a silent yet eloquent preacher. If the schoolhouse and its environments are unsightly from any cause, or constructed out of proportion, cheerless and uncomfort- able, the effect in embryo is stamped on the young mind that is ever seeking to adapt itself to its surroundings. It finally succeeds by becoming of like character. For such a house, a pupil edu- cated there, has no affectionate regard or even respect in after years.
On the other hand, let the schoolhouse and all its surroundings be neat and orderly; let an air of comfort pervade the room and everything around, within, without, give evidence of good taste and refinement; introduce the child into such environments and note results. Its attractiveness is winning. He delights in his surroundings. They become a part of his nature. His character is forming with a love for all that is desirable and good, and in
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HISTORY OF CORNISH.
after years, next to the parental home of his childhood, will he remember the old schoolhouse with unspeakable affection.
The value of proper educational privileges and surroundings cannot be overestimated, as they have to do with the choicest elements that enter into the trifold organism of man, as the im- mortal Daniel Webster has well said:
"If we work on marble, it will perish; if we work on brass, time will efface it. If we rear temples, they will crumble into dust; but if we work on immortal minds; if we imbue them with prin- ciples, and with the just fear of God and love of our fellowmen, we engrave on these tablets something which will brighten to all eternity."
High Schools.
Not until near the close of the nineteenth century has Corn- ish been favored by any legacy or fund for the establishment of a high school within her borders, or in any way made appropria- tions to favor those desiring high school privileges.
The need of a school supplementary to the district or division school has always been recognized by all progressive students. Hence from time to time private funds have been contributed for the establishment of brief terms of school in town for advanced scholars. These have been a great aid to many, especially to those whose finances were limited. After receiving these addi- tional school privileges many have left the schoolrooms for the activities of business. The advantages of such additional school- ing needs no proof.
Such schools have usually been held in the most eligible school- rooms of the town, principally at the Flat; and in some instances in suitable private dwellings. Usually, these terms have been sandwiched between the summer and winter terms when the dis- trict schools were not in session. Teachers of advanced qualifi- cations have been employed. These have generally been selected from some academy or college. The last terms of high school in Cornish before the town system was adopted were held in district No. 7, in 1880-81, conducted by Miss Emily Leavitt (now Mrs. C. F. Huggins), a teacher of large experience, assisted by Rev. James T. Jackson. These were very successful terms.
In addition to the local privileges already named, the advanced scholars of the town have, since 1813, been favored by the near
WILLIAM W. MERCER.
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SCHOOLS.
presence of an academy at Meriden. This academy has been a great boon to several scores of students from Cornish who have attended there, and have been fitted for college and otherwise prepared for the business of life. (See Kimball Union Academy.)
As adjuncts of the high school as well as of the district school, singing schools, writing schools, and even spelling schools, have played an important part in the education of our youth. All these occasions are remembered as seasons of pleasure and profit.
By the provisions of a will made by William W. Mercer of Cornish, who died September 19, 1895, a sum of nearly seven thousand dollars was left to the town on certain condi- tions. The income from this fund is to be devoted to the aid of worthy students of both sexes from Cornish, who, having passed the town schools, desire an academic or high school education.
The town warrant of March 10, 1896, contained this article: "To see if the town will vote to accept the provisions of the will of William W. Mercer, and take action in regard to said legacy."
At the meeting, the town voted to accept the legacy and to comply with the conditions of the will. The income has been expended agreeably to said will. Through this means a large number of worthy students from Cornish, who have attended Kimball Union Academy have received more or less aid from said income. Several students have been enabled thereby to pursue their studies longer, much to their advantage.
School Supervision.
From the settlement of the town until 1809, the selectmen were the sole guardians of the schools of the town. Upon them devolved the locating of the schools, the hiring of teachers and providing for schools and superintending the same.
As the population increased, and also the number of schools, it became evident that another set of officers should be chosen to have the entire charge of the schools, and thus relieve the se- lectmen of this duty. These were usually to be chosen by the people and were styled "Inspectors of Schools." This title was continued until 1827 when a law was passed defining their duties, and changing their title to that of "Superintendents of Schools." This title continued until 1885, when it was again changed to that of "School Board."
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HISTORY OF CORNISH.
The law of 1827 also provided that each district should be inde- pendent in all its local affairs, and that a prudential committee be chosen by each district, whose duties would be the hiring of teachers, the maintaining of schools and having a general care of them. In this way, the superintending committee was relieved of all the financial concerns of each and every district in town, their only province being that of determining the quali- fications of the teachers employed, and a general supervision of their schools while they were in session. This was under the district school system which ended in 1885. Since this date the supervision of schools, together with the duties of the pruden- tial committees have devolved upon the school board.
The following is a list of the supervisory officers of the schools of the town as far as can be gathered from the records.
For the list previous to 1809, the reader is referred to the list of the selectmen of that period. Then a record begins as follows:
Inspectors of Schools.
1809 Harvey Chase.
Rev. Joseph Rowell.
Rev. Ariel Kendrick.
1810 Rev. Joseph Rowell.
1819 Newton Whittlesey.
Timothy W. Hall. Newton Whittlesey.
Rev. Joseph Rowell. Rev. Ariel Kendrick.
1811 Rev. Ariel Kendrick. Rev. Joseph Rowell. Wm. Whittlesey.
1821
Twelve persons, one from each district, names not given.
1812 No record.
1822 Newton Whittlesey.
Rev. Ariel Kendrick. Rev. Joseph Rowell.
1814 One person for each school, name not given.
1823 No record.
1824 No record.
1815 Rev. Joseph Rowell. Rev. Ariel Kendrick. Eleazer Jackson, Jr.
Arunah Burnap.
Benj. Chapman.
1816 Rev. Joseph Rowell. Rev. Ariel Kendrick. Wm. Whittlesey.
1826 Newton Whittlesey.
Rev. George Leonard.
Rev. Joseph Rowell.
1817 Wm. Deming.
1827 Newton Whittlesey.
Rev. Joseph Rowell.
Rev. George Leonard.
Rev. Ariel Kendrick.
Rev. Joseph Rowell.
1818 Eleazer Jackson, Jr. Rev. Joseph Rowell. Rev. Ariel Kendrick.
1820 Eleven persons, one from each district; names not given.
1813 Rev. Joseph Rowell. Eleazer Jackson, Jr. Hon. Ithamar Chase.
1825 Eleazer Jackson.
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SCHOOLS.
After 1827 no record of these officers appears on the records of the town until 1843. During a part of these years, superin- tendents were probably chosen, but their names and the records of their doings have not been found. During several of these years votes were passed showing that the people desired to dis- pense with the services of the superintendents.
Superintendents of Schools, 1843-85.
1843
Harvey Chase.
1856
William Balloch.
Rev. Alvah Spaulding.
Lyman Hall.
Elijah Boardman.
1857
William Balloch.
1844
Rev. Oliver H. Staples.
1858
William Balloch.
Rev. Alvah Spaulding.
1859
Adophus G. Vinton.
Elijah Boardman.
1860
Adolphus G. Vinton.
1845 . Rev. Alvah Spaulding.
1861
Elihu H. Pike.
Rev. N. P. Foster.
1862
Rev. D. P. Deming.
Eleazer Jackson, Jr.
1863
Rev. D. P. Deming.
1846 Rev. N. P. Foster.
1864
Henry Ayers.
Rev. Alvah Spaulding.
1865
George W. Hunt.
Rufus A. Putnam.
1866
George W. Hunt.
1847
Elijah Boardman.
1867
George W. Hunt.
Lyman Hall.
1868
George W. Hunt.
Harrison Leslie.
1869
George W. Hunt.
1848
Lyman Hall.
1870
Henry M. Day.
Elijah Boardman.
1871
Henry M. Day.
Chauncey P. Jenney.
1872
Rev. Charles M. Palmer.
1849
Chauncey P. Jenney.
1873
Rev. Benj. P. Spaulding.
Eleazer Jackson.
1874
Rev. Benj. P. Spaulding.
William Balloch.
1875
Rev. James T. Jackson.
1850
Eleazer Jackson.
1876
Rev. James T. Jackson.
Chauncey P. Jenney.
1877
Rev. James T. Jackson.
William Balloch.
1878
Rev. James T. Jackson.
1851
Lyman Hall.
1879
Emily Leavitt.
Elijah Boardman.
1880
Emily Leavitt.
Carlos F. Huggins.
1881
Martha W. Day.
1853
Rev. Alvah Spaulding.
Herbert Deming.
1854
Rev. Alvah Spaulding.
1883 Herbert Deming.
1855
Rev. Alvah Spaulding.
1884
George L. Deming.
1856
Rev. Alvah Spaulding.
1885
George L. Deming.
1852
Rev. Alvah Spaulding.
1882
Martha W. Day.
Members of the School Board.
The following is a list of members of the school board since the town district system was adopted. The law was passed in 1885. On the March following (1886), the first members were
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HISTORY OF CORNISH.
elected. The law provided that one of the members of the board should be elected for three years, one for two years, and one for one year, and that thereafter, ordinarily, one member was to be elected annually to supply the place of a retiring senior member:
1886 Chester Pike.
Herbert Deming. W. H. Child.
1898 Maurice J. Duncklee. Frank J. Chadbourne.
1887 Chester Pike.
1899 Frank J. Chadbourne. Ella I. Richardson (Mrs. S.K.). Maurice J. Duncklee.
Herbert Deming. W. H. Child.
1900 Frank J. Chadbourne. Ella I. Richardson. Jennie L. Lear (resigned).
1888 Chester Pike. W. H. Child. Herbert Deming.
1901
Ella I. Richardson. George L. Deming. Josiah Davis.
Herbert Deming. Stephen A. Tracy (resigned). 1902 George L. Deming. Josiah Davis. Amy I. Hilliard.
1890 Herbert Deming. George L. Deming. W. H. Child.
1903 Josiah Davis. Amy I. Hilliard. Rebecca Bartlett.
1892 W. H. Child. James W. Fitch (appointed). Samuel Putnam.
1904 Fred C. Pardy (appointed). Alice O. F. Young (Mrs. W.E.). George L. Deming.
1893 James W. Fitch.
1905 Alice O. F. Young. George L. Deming. Fred C. Pardy.
Samuel Putnam (resigned). Herbert Deming.
1906 George L. Deming. Fred C. Pardy. Herbert Deming.
Herbert Deming. W. H. Child.
1907 Fred C. Pardy. Herbert Deming. George L. Deming.
1895 Herbert Deming.
1908 Herbert Deming.
W. H. Child. Frank J. Chadbourne.
George L. Deming. Margaret Beaman.
1896 W. H. Child. Frank J. Chadbourne. Rebecca Bartlett (Mrs. D. D.).
1909
Elwyn W. Quimby (ap- pointed). Fred C. Pardy (appointed).
1897 Frank J. Chadbourne.
Rebecca Bartlett.
Herbert Deming.
Nellic F. Gould (Mrs. Chas. E.) (resigned).
1910
Fred C. Pardy. Herbert Deming.
1898 Rebceca Bartlett.
Eben M. Johnson.
1889 W. H. Child.
1891 George L. Deming. W. H. Child. Albert E. Wellman.
1894 Frank J. Chadborne (ap- pointed).
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SCHOOLS.
In concluding the subject of the schools of Cornish, we would say that a chapter might well be devoted to the teachers of the schools during the several epochs of the town's history, but it would be a colossal undertaking to obtain a full list of those who have taught in town. Over seven hundred different teachers have had charge of the schools in Cornish since 1850. Prior to this date, extending back to the settlement of the town, a space of nearly eighty-five years, probably there were as many more.
In passing this great number, it is proper to say, that among their ranks have been enrolled many who were eminently adapted to their calling, and who have given abundant evidence of their fitness by being repeatedly employed in the work. Some of these completed nearly a half century of teaching service here in town:
It is also a matter of justice to make honorable allusion to a large number who were natives of Cornish, who have gone out and taken high rank as teachers and have spent, and are spending, their lives in educational work. Of such, Cornish may well be proud. A partial list of these may be found in the following article prepared from the records of Kimball Union Academy by Mrs. Marion W. Palmer.
Kimball Union Academy.
An important factor in the educational history of Cornish is its proximity to Kimball Union Academy. To this school, dis- tinguished during its existence for thorough mental training and high moral standards, Cornish has sent many of her sons and daughters. Indeed, the school itself may be said to be a child of Cornish, for Mrs. Kimball, the wife of the founder was a daughter of Moses Chase, one of the pioneers of Cornish, and was in full sympathy with her husband in the founding of the school, and, according to tradition, advised him in making it his residuary legatee. She gave freely of her counsel and her means to the school, enabling the board of trust to open the Female Depart- ment in 1839, which proved an important extension to the original design. From the year 1816 when we find the name of Levi Cobb, a farmer, upon the rolls until 1880 we may count up ninety-eight from Cornish who graduated or nearly completed the full course at Meriden. Of these sixteen became ministers, six physicians, four lawyers and a large proportion of the ninety-eight, both men and
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HISTORY OF CORNISH.
women, were teachers for a longer or shorter time. Beside these there is a still larger number who attended this school for a few terms, and from it received a touch of blessing which enabled them to do a better work in the world than could otherwise have been theirs. This work may be as important and count for as much in the great day of reckoning as that of those who went to higher schools and thence into professional life.
We cannot overestimate the worth of education and religious culture in the home, nor can we bring together for review these homes, scattered as they are, far and .wide, but we are thankful that Cornish has had these households and that she has sent her children forth to reproduce them through our own and other lands. It would be a labor of love to give a history of these ninety- eight mentioned, and recount the work they have done; but that would require volumes and the hand of a master. It is, indeed, a delicate task to select any names from so many that have done well, but we cannot refrain from mentioning a few individuals and families who have received especial benefit from the insti- tution :
Rev. Levi H. Cobb, D. D., winning as a preacher and teacher and efficient in his work for the Church Building Society.
The Leavitts, who went out from their Cornish Flat home and for two generations have been eminent and successful preachers of the gospel.
The Wellmans, through the influence of this institution have sent out one, eminent as a preacher, another as a physician and several teachers of rare merit.
The Rowells, a brother and sister going as missionaries to the Hawaiian Islands, and another brother, a clergyman promi- nent in religious work.
The Tracys, one of whom published four arithmetics and be- came professor of mathematics in Lansing, Mich., and teacher in several other places.
The Wymans, one becoming much noted for his musical gifts, while others of the name excelled as teachers.
The Spauldings, one of whom, the son of one who for thirty-six years was pastor at the "Center, " became a distinguished preacher of the gospel.
The Harringtons, one of whom became a clergyman and was a power in all religious work.
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SCHOOLS.
Champion S. Chase, whom the great West knew as the mayor of Omaha and very eminent in political and social circles.
The Powers, a name almost synonymous with good teachers, while others have adorned the legal profession, and the halls of Congress have listened to the voice of one of this name well known as a devoted alumni of K. U. A.
Nor would we omit to mention the apostles of healing: Ford, Jackson, Comings, Fletcher, and others who have attained high standing in their profession.
Others might be particularly mentioned as the Halls, the Comings, the Chases, the Richardsons, the Stones, the Fletchers, the Robinsons, and scores of others might be named upon whom Kimball Union Academy has set her seal of honor and influence.
The following is a list of the Cornish graduates of K. U. A. from the opening of the school in 1813 to 1880:
CLASS.
CLASS.
Jonathan Leavitt
1818
Samuel W. Rowell.
1845
Thomas Hall .
1819
Levi Henry Cobb.
1850
Jeffries Hall .
1824
William K. Fletcher
1852
Moody Chase
1825
Abbie B. Cobb. 1853
Moody Harrington .
1827
Emily S. Leavitt. 1854
Daniel F. Richardson
1827
William H. Child
1856
Calvin Tracy .
1827
Frances L. Wyman
1856
Levi N. Tracy .
1830
Lysander T. Spaulding.
1857
Daniel C. Rowell
1833
George R. Rowell
1833
Horace Richardson
1833
Horace B. Wellman
1859
John D. Ford
1835
Caroline M. Powers
1859
Horace Hall.
1835
Marion W. Powers.
1859
George C. Chase.
1836
D. Story Fletcher
1860
Benjamin N. Comings
1837
Erastus B. Powers 1860
George P. Comings
1838
Sarah J. Walker 1860
Truman Rickart.
1838
Ellen M. Spaulding
1861
Jonathan Wyman
1838
Oscar D. Robinson
1862
Francis B. Chase
1839
James N. Edminster
1862
Albert Chase .
1840
Flora M. Clark
1866
James C. Jackson
1840
Alice V. Powers 1867
William A. Stone.
1840
Samuel L. Powers
1870
Benjamin C. Chase.
1842
David L. Spaulding
1871
Joshua W. Wellman
1842
Martha W. Day
1872
Dudley T. Chase.
1844
Albert K. Smith
1873
Joseph Rowell .
1844
Wallace L. Bugbee 1880
Marcia L. Kelley
1857
Cordelia I. Richardson 1857
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HISTORY OF CORNISH.
List of Graduates from Cornish after 1880 to present, omitting dates.
Carrie M. Deming.
Ina Eliza Hilliard.
Edmund B. Chadbourne.
Perley L. Barton.
Lizzie S. Chadbourne.
Cora May Andrews.
Emily N. Tracy.
Claude H. Deming.
Nettie G. Williams.
Clyde Leroy Deming.
Edmund B. Hunt.
Leroy Harlow.
Arbella A. Johnson.
Charles S. Richardson.
Ada P. Wellman.
Herman L. Walker.
Nellie J. Johnson.
Harry D. Witherell.
George D. Austin.
Hubert I. Deming.
Henry S. Richardson.
Harold A. Fitch.
Ida L. Child.
Charlotte A. Davies.
Charles Alden Tracy.
Annie Rena Howard.
Clarence C. Walker.
Mildred Lucile Hunt.
Mary Ellen Goward.
George E. Hunt.
Nellie Lucy Wyman.
Time would fail us to mention all who have attained distinction nor would we place the work of those named above others who are not mentioned. In humble spheres and quiet homes the real work of the world is done. In the schools of Cornish, and in the lyceums of the olden day, many by the hands of others received blessing from Kimball Union, who had never been within her walls.
All good is not in the past. Cornish since 1880 has sent her usual quota to Meriden, graduating thirty. As the years go by, these also will come to places of influence and, even now, some are worthy to be remembered with the illustrious of the past.
CHAPTER X.
TOWN OFFICERS.
DURING the first twenty years after the organization of the town, ending with the election of 1787, the town annually elected five selectmen.
Ever after this year, beginning with 1788, the number of select- men annually elected has been three.
. SELECTMEN.
YEARS OF THEIR SERVICE.
Samuel Chase. 1767, 1768, 1769, 1770, 1771, 1772, 1773, 1774, 1775, 1785.
Elijah Cady .
1767, 1769.
Jonathan Chase
1767, 1768, 1769, 1775, 1777, 1779, 1780, 1787.
Dudley Chase
1767.
Moses Chase .
1767, 1768, 1771, 1772, 1773, 1777, 1778, 1782, 1784.
Dyer Spaulding
1768, 1769, 1770, 1771, 1772, 1773, 1777, 1788.
Daniel Putnam
1768.
William Richardson
1769, 1770, 1771.
Nathaniel Walker
1770.
John March.
1770.
Elias Cady
1771, 1773, 1774, 1778, 1782.
Samuel Chase, Jr
1772.
Jonathan Huggins
1772, 1774.
Joseph Vinton
1773, 1774.
Daniel Waldo
1774.
Samuel Comings 1775, 1776, 1781.
Thomas Hall.
1776, 1778, 1781.
William Ripley
1776, 1777, 1778, 1780, 1782, 1783, 1784, 1786, 1787.
Thomas Chase
1777, 1789.
Stephen Cady .
1778.
Eleazer Jackson
1778, 1781, 1783, 1795, 1800, 1804, 1817, 1818, 1819.
Abel Spaulding
1779, 1780.
Ebenezer Deming
1779.
Stephen Child.
1779, 1780, 1784.
William Paine
1779, 1780.
John Huggins
1781.
Daniel Chase 1781, 1783.
Reuben Jirauld 1782, 1783.
Benjamin Comings
1782, 1789.
Caleb Chase 1783, 1799.
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HISTORY OF CORNISH.
SELECTMEN.
YEARS OF THEIR SERVICE.
John Weld.
1784, 1791, 1792, 1793, 1794, 1807, 1809.
William Deming 1784, 1788, 1796, 1797.
Ichabod Smith .
1785, 1786.
Ebenezer Brewer. 1785.
Samuel Chase, 3d. 1785, 1787.
John Morse
.1785, 1786.
Elias Bingham 1787, 1788, 1807, 1808, 1811.
Andrew Tracy 1787.
Moody Hall. 1789, 1790, 1791, 1792, 1793, 1794, 1796, 1798, 1799, 1801.
Benjamin Dorr 1790, 1796, 1797, 1799.
Ithamar Chase
1789, 1798, 1799, 1800, 1801, 1802.
David Reed 1791, 1792, 1795, 1802, 1803.
James Ripley 1793, 1794, 1800, 1801, 1802, 1803, 1804, 1805, 1808, 1809, 1810, 1816, 1817, 1818.
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