USA > New Hampshire > Sullivan County > Cornish > History of the town of Cornish, New Hampshire, with genealogical record, 1763-1910, Vol. I > Part 22
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
The only circus that ever made a showing at Cornish Flat
254
HISTORY OF CORNISH.
was there August 11, 1851. It drew quite a crowd for so small a place.
School exhibitions have sometimes furnished interesting enter- tainments. Some of these have displayed a good deal of merit, reflecting favorably upon those who have taken part in them.
Ascutney Mountain.
Situated outside the town, and outside the state, and "beyond the river," even its mention seems out of place. Yet, in truth, it comes in for its share of honorable mention among the associa- tions of Cornish.
This noble mountain has greeted the eyes of thousands who have lived in town that have since passed on to greater heights. Like a faithful sentinel it has stood with unchanged face looking down into the affairs of our town. Before Cornish had any history to record, it stood in silent majesty by her side. Would that it had been a chronicler of all the events that have been enacted within the radius of its vision! then the historian of today would have abundant material wherewith to accomplish his work. This mountain rears its lofty head 3,320 feet above the level of the sea. The traveler to its summit is richly paid for his toil by the view he obtains of the surrounding country on every side. For this reason foot paths, and even bridle paths have been prepared that the tourist may enjoy a day's outing on its summit.
O life-long companion of our days, we've watched thee from our homes; We've seen thee mid summer's bloom and winter's cheerless gloom;
Our homes, they change; our dear ones pale in death;
Our earthly aspirations are creatures of a breath,
But thou, O Mount, remain unchanged.
Thine attitude, thy friendly presence still remains
To cheer us on our way.
Mid all the changing scenes dost thou look down
With unchanged, benignant face, and fresh inspiration give.
No wonder then we love thee. No wonder we're here today1
To breathe into thine car the words of adoration pure.
What shall we render thee in token of our love
But tribute to our God who reigns above,
Whose handiwork thou art?
Thy beauteous form was moulded by His hand,
Thy nakedness was covered by a mantle green,
1 September 5, 1908.
255
MISCELLANEOUS.
ASCUTNEY MOUNTAIN FROM CORNISH HILLS.
256
HISTORY OF CORNISH.
Woven by the same.
We've never heard thee boast, there is no need of that,
Thy silent majesty is ample thy glories to repeat.
In reverence would we bow before thy shrine, O lovely Mount.
We would enjoy thy presence for a day,
And leave thee to thy solitude again .- But ere we go,
Permit thine admirers to ask thee questions profound :-
What are the secrets locked in thy bosom pure?
What tales of weal and woe hast thou been a silent listener to?
When didst thou first rear thy lofty head
Above the chaos of the plain?
Why didst thou appear in our lovely valley alone,
Rather than among thy kindred of the verdant hills?
Was it that thou shouldst receive adoration full by being alone?
When will thy watch-care cease, thy silent vigils end?
Ages have seen thy beauty, and basked in thy shadows,
And thy face remains the same.
The rains of summer and the snows of winter
Have swept over thy summit.
If thou hast rejoiced, we have not known it.
If thou hast sorrowed, the breezes of Nature hast wiped The tears from off thy face.
Is eternity written on thy brow?
Are thy years without end?
We will not pause for answer, for thou hast none to give.
Thy Maker alone can answer.
But today, thou art ours. We will enjoy thee as one of the gifts of His boun- teous hand.
W. H. CHILD.
President Roosevelt's Visit to Cornish.
During the closing days of August, 1902, President Roosevelt made a tour through Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Thursday, August 28, he was at the Agricultural Fair at Newport, N. H. The day following he spent his time in hunting in the noted game preserve of Blue Mountain Park, and spent the night there in the club house in "Central Station." Leaving this place about 8 a. m., on Saturday (30th), the presidential party crossed the mountain and arrived at Cornish Flat about 10 a. m., where many citizens from this and adjoining towns had assembled from curiosity and to do him honor.
The event had been anticipated to some extent by the citizens, therefore some preparations were made to give him a fitting reception so far as the circumstances would permit. The school
257
MISCELLANEOUS.
children and other young people, having been taught the "Flag Drill," which consists of a graceful salutation, in unison, of our national flag, accompanied by a pledge of loyalty to it, were stationed at the expected time in front of the soldiers' monument awaiting the coming of the president. On his arrival at this spot, the procession halted, the salute and pledge were rendered under the tutelage of Dr. G. W. Hunt. All the children then presented Mr. Roosevelt with a fine bouquet of flowers, banking his carriage almost to overflowing.
These tributes to the flag and himself, the presence of a body of the Grand Army ranged by the monument of their deceased comrades, all together presented a scene deeply impressive and evidently gratifying to the president, as he gave visible evidence of deep emotion. He then spoke substantially as follows:
"I want to thank you for what you have done, and for the very kind and graceful way in which you have greeted me this morning. I cannot think of anything that augurs better for the country, than in just such a typical old American town as this, to have the school children drawn up before a monument like that (pointing to the soldiers' monument), in the town which was the birthplace of Salmon P. Chase, and to have them look towards you, the veterans of the great Civil War, you who have proved your truth by your endeavor, and to see in you an example of what they are to be when they grow up.
"I believe in preaching, but I believe in practice a good deal more, and it has been given to you, my friends of the great Civil War, to practice in the four years when the life of the republic was at stake, the virtues which we so earnestly ask that our children shall learn-virtues that count in war as well as in peace. Of course, there are exceptions, but ordinarily the man who is a first-class soldier in war has got in him the stuff that will make a first-class citizen in time of peace. The men, who, in this beautiful country of yours, till the soil, make their living here and breed up American citizens have to show the same funda- mental righteousness, and the same virile virtues that you did in time of war.
"It is not enough, Gentlemen, to mean well either in battle or in civil life. You not only had to mean well, but had to do well, and it is the same in civil life.
"I think there is but one class of people who deserve as well
18
258
HISTORY OF CORNISH.
as the soldiers, and these are they who teach their children of the present, how to be the masters of our country in the future. I thank you."
After his speech the president shook hands with the members of the Grand Army and a few others, and then he and the rest of his party left the teams that had brought them to the Flat, and entered other carriages prepared to receive them. Two of these were each drawn by six horses and one four-in-hand team was driven by Winston Churchill of Cornish. The president chose the latter team and the party left for Windsor, Vt., where Mr. Roosevelt was to appear before an agricultural fair then in progress. As the party left the Flat they were enthusiastically cheered by the crowd they left behind. Accompanying the president were his secretary, George B. Cortelyou; Senator Proctor and Ex-Governor Dillingham, both of Vermont; ex-Senator Chandler of New Hampshire, and others, consti- tuting the president's bodyguard. The day was fine and the occasion one of interest to all present.
Old People's Association.
This institution apparently found its origin in the kindly hearts of a beloved pastor and wife who were ever on the alert to render a cheerful and happy service to all about them. In their family resided an aged widow, a native of the town and relic of a former prominent family. They planned, with her consent, to invite to the parsonage a goodly number of the elderly people of the town, chiefly ladies, many of whom she had not met for many years.
The time appointed for the visit was on Wednesday, August 15, 1877. The day was a beautiful one, and the gathering a complete success. Eighteen of the aged people were present. The pleasure incident upon the reunion of so many aged people, so long separated, was almost beyond expression. They seemed to forget they were old people, and again became boys and girls as of long years before. The occasion was one of thorough enjoy- ment to all present, and afforded them one of the happiest days of their lives. The writer's mother, then seventy-six years of age, was one of those present, who stated on her return home that she "never had so good a time in her life," as she had met some she had not seen since girlhood. As the party was about to
259
MISCELLANEOUS.
disperse, the question arose: "Shall we meet again?" "Yes, YES," was the eager and unanimous response. "But when?" By ad- vice of the pastor, Rev. James T. Jackson and his worthy wife, it was decided they again meet on the Wednesday nearest the 20th of August on the following year.
The second meeting, in 1878, was in the Center Church, and
REV. AND MRS. JAMES T. JACKSON.
seventy-five were present, "a social, happy company," followed by a picnic dinner in the vestry. On August 20, 1879, they met again, and one hundred and fifty were present. At this time it was voted to become an organization with the pastor as act- ing chairman, a secretary and a committee, and that the day of meeting hereafter should be on the Wednesday nearest the 20th of August of each year.
260
HISTORY OF CORNISH.
On August 18, 1880, more than two hundred were present. On August 17, 1881, more than three hundred were present. Thus the "visit" increased in favor and apparently became a permanent institution, and has held its convocations every year since with unfaltering interest. The numbers present, aside from those already noted, have varied from 300 to 800 every year. Sons and daughters of Cornish have come from nearly every state in the Union. It is a somewhat remarkable fact that every day of meeting has been clear and beautiful for the thirty years prior to 1907.
The first four years of its records were kept by Albert E. Wellman; the next two by George L. Deming, and since 1882 by W. H. Child.
The meetings have been of a thoroughly social nature. The pleasure of reunion with so many natives and former residents of the town has furnished a happy feast every year. The elderly people of adjoining towns have delighted to join in all the festiv- ities of the occasion. There has been no necessity of a set pro- gramme in advance to advertise the occasion, as every year so many have come from abroad who have contributed to the interest and enjoyment of the occasion by their presence and cheery remarks. The forenoon of each of the days is wholly informal and devoted to meeting and greeting the incoming guests. The dinner hour over, they assemble in church, where the exercises are more formal. These have always been prefaced by brief religious exercises, followed chiefly by reminiscent addresses from visitors, the whole being interspersed with appro- priate songs and other music.
The meeting of August 21, 1907, though fewer were in attend- ance than usual owing to unfavorable weather conditions, was possessed of its usual interest. Choice songs were rendered and interesting addresses given by several. We append a brief one by E. Wellman Barnard, Esq., of Springfield, Vt., a son of Cornish, who was present.
"Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen: I am happy in the knowledge that I first saw the light of day on a New Hampshire hill in the good old town of Cornish. Like its namesake over the sea, around it hovers rich memories of the best records of human impulse and mental and moral effort, and like other choice spots on earth's surface, it has an atmosphere peculiarly its own,
261
MISCELLANEOUS.
where mind and matter seem to come into close communion, giving a greater power to each production of thought and pur- pose.
"I believe it has been fairly settled that the Old Home idea originated right here, and this thirty-first anniversary is an earnest demonstration that it was not a passing fancy with Cornish people. Your persisting in it has brought about wonder- ful results, results you could hardly have dreamed of at the outset. The idea itself has encircled the globe, and the Old Home habit has taken strong hold of many communities in other lands beside our own. States now vie with each other in sending out Old Home literature and invitations. It also fosters the restoration and preservation of old-time structures, holding them out as visual reminders to adorn historic pages. It is well to preserve the relies of other times and days so the mind's eye and the visual eye may together grasp the full meaning of the long ago they represent. Old Home days mean something to all the families of New England, in that they preserve the relics of the past and intensify our regard for her institutions and for each other. I have all faith in a great future for upper New England. The cloud-capped granite hills of New Hampshire and the green hills of Vermont have a use in the annual routine of this nation. Ere long this territory will become the "Mecca" of tired brain. Men and women of art and literature, students of science and people of leisure will find solace in this beautiful landscape where hills in billows roll, and doubtless will make permanent homes among us. I need not remind you that Cornish has a big start in this direction, and today Cornish needs no political designation in the Hall of Fame. Long may she hold her proud position and be a magnet to draw benefits to surrounding territory."
It is proper to mention that the prime object of the insti- tution was the annual reunion among themselves of the aged people of Cornish and vicinity; hence its first name: "Old People's Visit." Soon the relatives and friends living abroad esteemed it a privilege to meet with their aged relatives in town. In this way the idea of family reunions on this day sprung up and added a prominent feature. In this way, too, the home-gathering spirit was fostered, and the importance of the occasion was increased, while it still retained its original name.
262
HISTORY OF CORNISH.
The sentiment spread to several other towns where similar organizations were formed with very gratifying results.
In 1899, after Cornish had enjoyed its "visits" for twenty- two years, His Excellency, Gov. Frank W. Rollins, who knew a good thing when he saw it, a man of generous impulse and kindly spirit, conceived the idea of a state organization based upon the identical principles embodied in the Cornish Old People's Visit. It was received by the state with great favor and added much to the name and fame of him who promulgated it from his high position. Instead of there being a single day devoted to reunion, a week was to be devoted to it, and one of its days to be used for a publie gathering. This new organization took the name of "Old Home Week." The new name, with a slight variation in its form, constitutes the only difference, while the spirit and purpose in both remain the same.
CHAPTER XX. LAWYERS-PHYSICIANS.
Lawyers.
A LIST of natives of Cornish, who have devoted their lives to the practice of law elsewhere, would be a lengthy one. It is not proposed to make mention of these. Many of them, however, receive brief mention in the records of the families from which they sprung, and also a few, among the records or biographies of Cornish men (which see). Mention here is made of only those who gave a greater or less portion of their lives to the practice of law in town.
The modern, up-to-date lawyer was an unknown quantity during the early years of the town. Justices of the peace had the handling of all cases of litigation between man and man, as well as the execution of necessary documents in the transfer of property, and all other business now devolving upon the modern attorney.
Judge Samuel Chase seemed to head the list of these. Coming to town in advanced life, bringing with him the rich experience of many years of such service in Sutton, Massachusetts, he was the acknowledged authority for, and executor of, such busi- ness as came before the early inhabitants of the town. His younger brother Moses was also found eminently capable of discharging a similar service. Doubtless other men beside the two named, rendered such service.
Of the second generation, the name of Harvey Chase, Esq., first presents itself. His is the first publicly recorded name of an attorney-at-law that lived in town, who had chosen the law as a profession.
Harvey Chase was born in Cornish, November 13, 1778. He was the son of Esq. Moses and Hannah (Brown) Chase, a lawyer of fair abilities and success, yet never attaining the distinction that some others of his name did. He was a graduate of Yale
264
HISTORY OF CORNISH.
College in 1800. He led a quiet life in town, dividing his time between the duties of his profession and those of agricultural pursuits. He lived in Cornish near Windsor, Vermont, where he obtained considerable patronage in his legal business.
He married Eunice Dana and by her had four children. (See his genealogy.) He died February 18, 1857.
Alonzo B. Williamson was born December 20, 1815, in Wood- stock, Vermont. He studied law in Claremont with P. C. Free- man, Esq., and was admitted to the bar in 1837. He first prac- ticed law in Claremont a few years. He then came to Cornish Flat where he established himself for about two years in the practice of his profession. These years were 1843 and 1844.
Not finding the field as lucrative and promising as he had hoped, and having received an appointment as postmaster at Claremont, he returned to Claremont where he spent the remainder of his life. Here he was postmaster, county solicitor, state senator, etc. He was a person of good ability, a respectable advocate, and quite a politician. Habits of intemperance somewhat in- terfered with his business during his later years. He married Sarah Ann Blake of Bellows Falls, Vermont, and had three children. He died March 19, 1860.
Edward Dimick Baker was born in Meriden, April 21, 1827. He availed himself of several years of study at Kimball Union Academy. He was a very successful teacher until he gave his attention to the study of law. He read in Enfield and Concord and was admitted to the bar in Sullivan County in July, 1851. Soon after this he opened a law office on Cornish Flat, where he continued in practice until October, 1855, when he removed to Claremont, where he spent the rest of his life.
Soon after his settlement in Cornish, he married, November 12, 1851, Elizabeth Tieknor of Plainfield, who after this was his life-long companion. They had no children. In social and legal standing, in prospering in his profession, and in securing an ample competence, he seemed to have made his life a success. He died February 1, 1895, at the age of nearly sixty-eight.
During his four years of practice at Cornish Flat, his business was comparatively light. This was due to several causes: a sparse population; the dislike of cases of litigation, by the
265
LAWYERS-PHYSICIANS.
staid people of the town, and the habit of patronizing petty justices on ordinary matters, thereby saving expense. These circumstances were not in harmony with the aspirations of the young, ambitious lawyer, so he decided to leave the town and go to Claremont, where his life record was chiefly made.
Physicians.
The following is a list of all the physicians who have practiced in town since its settlement.
The list may not include a few, who, for a brief period, have made a trial settlement and then left the town. Quacks of all kinds are excluded, but only men of principle and honor are included.
Neither does the list include natives of Cornish, who having chosen the profession, have gone forth and made a name and fame elsewhere.
The larger portion of those named have a family record in the genealogical department, to which the reader is referred for additional information. Repetition has been avoided as much as possible. Still, in order to do justice to each department, some repetition has been tolerated.
ISAAC ALDEN.
Dr. Isaac Alden for a few years was a practicing physician in Cornish and Plainfield, but was never prominent in his profes- sion. Of a modest and retiring disposition, he never won his way to great distinction. He was, withal, a man of many virtues, a safe counsellor and had many friends both in and outside of his profession. He was established as a physician in Orange and Chelsea, Vermont, before coming to town, but never acquired an extensive practice. As a lover of nature, he took great pleas- ure in farming and gardening pursuits, so that he, in his later years, gradually let his medical practice subside and gave his attention more to the cultivation of the soil. (See Alden Gen.) He was born February 11, 1770, and died August 25, 1845.
266
HISTORY OF CORNISH.
DR. JOHN S. BLANCHARD.
Dr. John S. Blanchard was born August 10, 1805, in Canaan, New Hampshire. He attended medical lectures at Dartmouth College, afterwards studying with Doctors Smith and Muzzey, the latter granting him his diploma. He located and first began to practice at Cornish Flat in 1829, immediately succeeding Dr. Aaron Pierce. He continued here in practice until about 1843 (?) when he removed to Meriden that his children might receive the benefit of the academy there. He still continued in practice at Meriden several years, as his health would permit, until his death in 1861.
Of the old school of medicine, he was counted a successful practitioner, and well skilled in his profession. He was much interested in all educational enterprises, and assisted several young men to obtain an education. He was a kind and indulgent parent and very anxious that his children should always be under Christian influence. Politically he was a Democrat, and was postmaster while at the Flat.
In 1832 he married Louisa Jackson of Cornish who survived him several years. (See Blanchard Gen.)
ELIJAH BOARDMAN.
Dr. Elijah Boardman graduated at Dartmouth College in 1818 and from the medical department in 1831. While pursuing his studies (he taught school many terms with excellent success, several of them being in Cornish) he formed pleasant associations that led him to choose it as his life home. He had previously studied medicine with Doctor Cole of Cornish, and later com- menced practicing in the same town. Doctor Boardman was a man of fine scholarly attainments, modest and reserved, con- scientious and distrustful of his own abilities, even though possessed of a mind richly stored with a knowledge of men and things. This lack of self-confidence probably was no aid to him in attaining those higher ranks of eminence in his profession to which he was justly entitled. But he had the full confi- dence of all who knew him and was reckoned a safe counsellor and an excellent family physician. He was a friend to every-
267
LAWYERS-PHYSICIANS.
body and everybody was his friend. It was a common saying regarding him, that he was never heard to speak disparagingly of any one.
He was born in Norwich, Vermont, July 24, 1794, and died in Cornish, January 27, 1880. (See Boardman Gen.)
DR. ELIJAH BOARDMAN.
JOSEPH CHAPMAN.
Dr. Joseph Chapman is said to have been one of the first doctors in town. He was born in 1757, and died in 1810. Records concerning him are somewhat meager, but the tradi- tions preserved by his descendants evidence him as a man of influence and culture for those times. Of his medical equip- ment little can be gleaned, but his success in the profession is confirmed by the united testimony of his posterity. Being settled upon a large farm, it is to be inferred that farming supplemented the practice of his profession, and that in both branches of his calling he was successful.
268
HISTORY OF CORNISH.
EBENEZER BREWER CHASE.
Dr. E. Brewer Chase, son of Lebbeus Chase, was born Novem- ber 30, 1815. The preparation for his profession is not known, but he was accounted quite skillful in his profession, and had a fair share of patronage, especially in his neighborhood along the river. Although strictly moral, he possessed a spirit of inde- pendence that rendered him somewhat indifferent to the eriti- cisms of others. This led him to be careless as to his speaking, manners and dress. These circumstances did not contribute to the popularity of which he was really deserving. He died Jan- uary 21, 1855. (Sec Lebbeus Chase Gen.)
SOLOMON CHASE.
Dr. Solomon Chase was born in Sutton, Massachusetts, Sep- tember 1, 1742. He left Sutton when of age, came to Walpole, New Hampshire, where he studied medicine and after receiving his diploma, practiced there until 1773 when he rejoined his rela- tives and settled in Cornish. He was the first physician known to settle in town; and his entire life was devoted to his profes- sion, unless we except an appointment as captain over a com- pany of militia, but in this case he soon changed the sword for the medical saddle-bags.
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.