USA > New Hampshire > Cheshire County > Gilsum > History of the town of Gilsum, New Hampshire, from 1752 to 1879 > Part 20
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 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74
It is to be hoped the time is approaching when Vocal Music will have a place beside Geog- raphy and Grammar among the required studies in our public schools.
CHAPTER XXII.
LIBRARIES AND LYCEUMS.
IN molding the character of any place, the influence of Libraries and Lyceums is second only to that of Churches and Schools. Libraries and Literary Societies properly managed serve to refine and elevate the tone of society. They are worth more than can be estimated in money. No man is worthy of more lionor as a public benefactor, than he who founds a good Public Library. It purifies morals, restrains vice, refines the home, kindles honorable ambition, inspires hope, stimulates to activity, and broadens and develops true manhood. A good Debating Society strengthens the intellect, sharpens the logical powers, creates tact, and often awakens even the apparently dull and stupid to a fair amount of zeal and energy.
A Town Library was in existence here in the early part of the present century. It was probably begun about 1795. Shares were one dollar each. It consisted largely of the standard works of that day, such as Belknap's History of New Hampshire, Josephus's Works, Burditt's Sermons, Ossian's Poems, Goldsmith's Histories, and the like. About thirty years after its organization, it was decided to distribute the books among the shareholders. A few of them are still to be found in some of the older families of the place.
Nov. 30, 1831, a meeting was held at Stephen Day's to organize a " Gilsum Universalist Library Society." The organization was completed Dec. 6, by the adoption of a Constitution and By-Laws. The fee for membership was one dollar, with a provision for an annual tax of twenty- five cents on a share. Fifty-six volumes were obtained that year, of which nearly half were some- what theological and religious, favoring the peculiar views indicated by the namc adopted. A few
133
LIBRARIES AND LYCEUMS.
volumes were added each year till the whole number reached 110. After the first, they were of a general character, consisting almost entirely of History, Biography, and Travels. The records show only the routine business of annual meetings till Dec. 6, 1845, when it was "Voted to strike out the word Universalist and substitute the word Union in the constitution of the society." This was doubtless done to enlarge the membership, but met with only slight success. In 1847, the Directors were " instructed to dispose of such Books now in the Library, as in their opinion are not beneficial to be kept in the Library." The last record is of the annual meeting Dec. 5, 1848, at which time sixty-four cents were reported in the Treasury. Subsequently, some of the leading members took away portions of the Library. The remaining volumes are in the hands of Mrs. Sarah T. Loveland, widow of the last Librarian. The whole number of different members of this Society was forty-three. Only six are supposed to be now living, viz. : -
Otis Ammidon, William Banks, Roswell G. Bennett, David Bill, John Hammond, Hartley Thurston, of whom three are now residents of Gilsum.
Presidents : Israel B. Loveland, George W. Hammond, Jesse Jaquith, Samuel Woodward, Jr., Calvin May, Stephen Foster, Jr., Aaron Day, Hartley Thurston, Nathan Ellis.
Librarians : Daniel Day, Jr., Franklin W. Day, Allen Butler, Levi Gates, Aaron Day, Israel B. Loveland.
About 1844, through the efforts of Rev. James Tisdale, " the Ministerial and Congregational Church Library " was started. It was kept at the Parsonage, for the use of the minister and the families connected with the Congregational Society. It consists of about one hundred volumes. The last addition was made in 1854, by a subscription of about fifteen dollars. It pertains almost entirely to theological and religious subjects, and has been very little used.
The Sabbath Schools here have had libraries such as are usually found in small country towns.
At present the town is almost entirely destitute of facilities of access to good reading. No opportunity exists to become acquainted with the standard literature of the day, save to those who are able to buy for themselves.
In 1812, a society designed especially for young men was organized, called a "Moral and Literary Society." The records have not been found. It required its members to abstain from drunkenness and profanity. Meetings were held monthly at Smith's Hall, and afterwards at Dea. Pease's. The fee for membership was a " ninepence." The exercises consisted of written essays and addresses, and probably some discussions. It is remembered that the list of original members was nearly as follows : -
Justus and Vestus Chapin, Elisha S. and Samuel Fish, Clark and James Hudson, Lyman and Russell Hurd, Obadiah Pease, Edmund, Eleazer, and Lumund Wilcox.
The first President was " Squire Pease," and the Secretary, Elisha S. Fish. The first annual report written by the Secretary has been found. There were then twenty-seven members. The report laments that a " dull heartless stupidity, a death-like apathy universally pervades the members. No life, enterprise or activity is to be found among us." How long this Society kept np its existence is not known. It gradually died out from neglect.
The first Literary Society or Lyceum in this town of which we have the records, was formed in 1833. The record begins, as follows : -
At a meeting of the citizens of Gilsum at Messrs Day's Hall (now Chandler's Hall) Nov. 16, 1833 to consider the expediency of forming a debating Society - voted that it is expedient, and made choice of Jehiel Day for Mod erator and David Brigham Clerk. Appointed John Fletcher, David Brigham & H. G. Howe a Committee to draft bye-laws and present at next meeting -also to prepare an address on the utility of the debating system.
Made choice of John Fletcher for President
of Jehiel Day for V. President
& David Brigham Secretary.
as the officers of this
Voted to meet again next Saturday evening at 6 o'clock.
At the next meeting a Constitution was adopted providing for membership on payment of 25
134
GILSUM.
cents and subscribing to the Constitution. The only exercise provided for was the discussion of some question previously chosen. This was soon found to be insufficient, as in about a month, it was voted to admit written compositions. Judges were at first appointed to " decide the debate according to the weight of the arguments." This plan probably failed to secure har- mony, as it was soon abandoned. One rule forbade the admission of any but members to the meetings. This was soon amended so as to admit ladies once a month, and the public once a month. This Society had evidently a practical aim in the subjects introduced, for while there are occasionally the old stock questions of Bonaparte and Washington, the abolition of Capital Punishment, and the like, we find more having immediate reference to Gilsum affairs. The first question was,
Will the contemplated Road from Keene to Newport through this place be beneficial or detrimental to the Town at large ? Another question was, Which would appear the most agreeable to a traveler, a clean, neat street through this village, or as it is at the present day ?
This Society continued its meetings, except during the summer months, every week till Dec. 6, 1834, when it was " Voted that this Society be dissolved without day." The Presidents were John Fletcher, Jehiel Day, I. B. Loveland, C. H. Cummings, David M. Smith, Wm. Camp- bell, Ezra Webster, and H. G. Howe. The list of members includes most of the then active citizens who lived within convenient distance, besides some from the neighboring towns. More than forty of the 67 members have already deceased and only three are now residents of Gilsum, viz., Joseph M. Chapin, John C. Guillow, and Chilion Mack.
In the Fall of 1842, the " Gilsum Lyceum " was organized. The first record finds it already in operation, and is as follows: -
Dec. 23 1842 The members of the Gilsum Lyceum Met at D. H. Willson's agreeable to previous adjournment and was called to order by the President and the following business transacted 1st Voted to defer discussion until next meeting.
2ª Messrs Tisdale & Dr. IFammond introduced a plan whereby we might obtain the early history of this town Also that the annals of this town be kept hereafter.
It was resolved to carry the same into effect by choosing the following Officers Viz
&
Dr. Geo. W. Hammond, Historian. Mr. Amherst Hayward Annalist
Messrs. Lemuel Bingham, J. Q. A. Ware, I. B. Loveland, O. G. Hammond, Samuel Isham Jr. Amherst Hay- ward and Davis H. Willson Were chosen a committee to gather Statistics &c.
Rev. Mr. Tisdale, Dr. Hammond, Mr. Amherst Hayward & Kimball Metcalf were requested to propose ques- tions for the use of the aforesaid Committee on Statistics &c.
3d Voted the historian have power to fill all vacancies that may occur.
4th Voted that Mr. A. Hayward present at the first meeting held in Jan. 1843 a picture (or description) of this town as it now is.
5th Voted the next meeting be held in the vestry of Congregational Meeting house Dec. 29th at six o'clock P. M.
D. H. Willson Sec'y.
The " picture " above spoken of was presented Jan. 5, 1843, and is given substantially in Chap. 24. Out of this historical movement came the verses by Dr. Hammond. (Appendix G.) He also collected some materials pertaining to the early history, which have been furnished by his son for use in writing this book.
There was more real work done by this Lyceum than by any that preceded or followed. There were prepared and read 20 numbers of a paper called first " The People's Organ." After three numbers, the name was changed to " The Gilsum Pioneer." It was also voted that these papers should be deposited for safe keeping in the hands of the Secretary. Most of them have thus been preserved and are in the hands of Joseph M. Chapin. Lectures were also given by some of the members. Rev. Mr. Tisdale gave two, and Joseph M. Chapin and Amherst Hay- ward one each. Kimball Metcalf gave two Lectures on Phrenology with practical illustrations
·
135
LIBRARIES AND LYCEUMS.
from which he became generally known in town as " Bump Metcalf." Some Lectures from abroad were given. One on Phrenology by a Mr. Nichols, and one on Temperance by a Mr. Sanborn.
The editors of the paper so far as recorded were Kimball Metcalf, Rev. James Tisdale, Dr. G. W. Hammond, Geo. W. Newman, J. Q. A. Ware, Amherst Hayward, Lemuel Bingham, Hartley Thurston, Otis G. Hammond, Calvin May, Jr., David Brigham, Charles T. Wetherby, Samuel Woodward, and Joseph M. Chapin.
The Presidents, except the first who is not named, were Joseph M. Chapin, Charles T. Wetherby, William Campbell, J. Q. A. Ware, and Lemuel Bingham.
As in the old Debating Society, many of the questions discussed were of the most practical character such as the following : -
Is it advisable for the people of Gilsum to procure a town farm for the residence and support of paupers ? Would the prosperity of the inhabitants in Gilsum be promoted by the extension of a railroad to Keene ?
A Lyceum conducted in this practical and laborious manner, by the most prominent citizens of the town, could not fail to exert a valuable influence in educating and stimulating the minds of old and young. Seventeen of the 24 members are already dead, and only two are now living in Gilsum, viz., Joseph M. Chapin and George W. Newman.
Nov. 27, 1844, there was a re-organization under the same name with a new Constitution, A. P. Hemenway being the first President, and Geo. W. Newman, Secretary. It was very much on the same basis as before, except that the fee for membership was reduced from 25 to 10 cents, and a new President was chosen each week. The paper was called "The Evening Star," of which there were issued five numbers by Asa Withington, A. P. Hemenway, J. Q. A. Ware, George Webster, and George W. Newman. For some reason, which does not appear, the Society failed to meet after Jan. 8, 1845. Of its 16 members, ten are dead and three still reside in town, viz., Joseph M. Chapin, A. J. Howard, and George W. Newman.
Nov. 11 1848 Agreeable to previous notice those interested in forming a Lyceum met at Ezra Webster's Hall. D. S. Ware in the chair.
A Constitution was adopted with the name " Gilsum Young People's Lyceum." George Hammond was chosen President, and Silvanus Hayward, Secretary. Meetings were held through the Winter, sometimes in the different School Houses, and latterly in the Methodist Hall.
March 15, 1849, it was voted to adjourn sine die. This was the first Lyceum that admitted ladies as active members. It was not however a great success in this respect. An effort was made to secure their services in editing " The Evening Star," but only one number was read by ladies. This was by Christiana A. Spaulding (then teaching here,) and Sarah E. Horton. All others, who were invited, declined the service, and the remaining editors were Benjamin Hitch- cock, George W. Foster, Joseph M. Chapin, and A. P. Hemenway, making five numbers in all. The questions discussed were more general than formerly, the most practical question for im- mediate application being the following : -
Ought young Ladies to associate with young Gentlemen of intemperate habits ?
The Presidents, after the first, were Benjamin Hitchcock, Harvey B. May, Roswell W. Silsby, and David S. Ware.
Of the 44 members 17 have died, and only eight now reside in Gilsum, viz. : -
Joseph M. Chapin, Mary L. Dort (now Mrs. C. B. Hayward,) Aaron D. Hammond, C. B. Hayward, Silvanus Hayward, James C. Isham, Solomon Mack, and Elbridge Smith.
This was the last Lyceum of which there is any record. Attention has since been given mainly to Temperance organizations. (Chap. 19.)
136
GILSUM.
CHAPTER XXIII.
INDUSTRIES.
" In all labor there is profit."
GILSUM has no doubt had its share of shiftless loafers, but has always been free from that far more despisable class, who having gorged themselves with the fruit of others' toil, have settled down into luxurious case to enjoy their ill-gotten gains. No one here has become so enervated by wealth, as to rest contented with no profitable employment.
Farming stands first among all the industries of the place, - first in order of time, and first in the number of persons engaged in it. Though the soil is for the most part, hard, heavy, cold and stubborn, yet persevering labor on our hills and along our valleys has rewarded four genera- tions of diligent husbandmen, always with a comfortable living, frequently with easy competence, and occasionally with extensive wealth. The most valuable farm products are hay, apples, and maple sugar, - from five to ten tons of the latter being annually produced. Further particulars will be found in the Chapter on Census Returns.
In January, 1878, a Farmers' Club was organized and has sustained meetings about once in two weeks. A manuscript paper has been started, and much has been done through lectures and discussions to stimulate the members to greater zeal and better methods in the various opera- tions of agriculture. Two very successful Town Fairs were held in 1878 and 1879. The Presi- dents of the Club have been Daniel W. Bill and George H. Carpenter ; the Secretary, Oscar J. Wilson. For 1880 the President is George W. Newman ; the Secretary, Charles W. Bingham.
The natural features of Gilsum have specially adapted it to manufacturing enterprises. The river falls some three hundred feet in its passage through the town, thus affording a mill privilege almost every quarter of a mile. Many of the brooks, also, are suitable to carry mills a part of the year. Hence it happens the whole life of the place depends upon its manufacturing. First of all, the settlers necded
GRIST-MILLS.
The first one was built by Aaron Chapin, probably before 1765, where the mill now stands below Shaw's corner in Surry. The first within the present limits of Gilsum was built by Elisha Mack and his brother Solomon about 1776, near the Stone Bridge. (Map 100.) This soon became a place of great resort, people coming from the towns above as far as Camden, (now Washington,) often bringing their grists upon hand-sleds, or on their backs. This mill was kept running for about 75 years. The next grist-mill was built about half-a-mile down the river, (Map 104,) in 1802, by David Fuller and Stephen White. Mr. White sold out his share the next year, and in 1806, Capt. Fuller sold to Daniel Beverstock. Aaron Loveland afterwards owned it, from whom the hill is still named. He left in 1834, and the mill was no longer used.
About 1853, A. D. Towne put a small set of stones into the old Starch Factory, and Davis H. Wilson carried on grinding here, some three or four years. In 1857, A. B. Nash built a grist-mill on the Nash Brook, some twenty rods northeast of his house, (Map 371,) but never got it into running order. In 1871, Dart's mill, near " Burnt House Hill," was built, and is now the only grist-mill in Gilsum.
137
INDUSTRIES.
SAW-MILLS.
As in all new settlements, the first houses were built of logs. Very soon, however, there was a desire for something better. The skilful ax-men of those days could easily hew timbers for the frame, but for boards, saw-mills were necessary. The first boards were probably obtained at Chapin's Mill in Surry, from about 1765 till 1776, when Elisha Mack built at the Stone Bridge. These mills were sold by Capt. Maek to his brother-in-law Abishai Tubbs of Marlow in 1784. I have not been able to traee their ownership perfectly. They were owned for a time by Samuel MeCurdy of Surry, Turner White, Benjamin Baxter of Alstead, and after- wards by his brother William Baxter, who sold to Stephen Griswold for $1500 in 1803. Mr. Griswold sold in 1808 to Jonathan Pease for $1700. Dea. Pease run the mills for twenty years and sold to Aaron Day for $1500. Aaron and Stephen Day rebuilt and continued business here till 1843, when they sold to A. D. Towne. In 1845, Mr. Towne let the mills to Cheney Kilburn who established the chair business here. Mr. Kilburn was followed by Porter and Joel Cowee and afterwards by M'Key and Burbank in the same business. In 1868, Jesse Dart bought these mills, which were burned in 1869. (Page 47.) John S. Collins now owns the water privilege and has made liberal offers to induce manufacturers to build, but the place still remains vaeant, after having been used for over ninety years.
Soon after the Revolution, Ebenezer and Thomas Dart had a saw-mill on the Dart Brook, near where it touches the road between Darius Porter's and William Kingsbury's. (Map 364.)
The next saw-mill was built by Silvanus Hayward, about 1795, on Mill Brook, a little above C. W. Bingham's shop, where remnants of the dam ean still be seen. (Map 199.).
About 1820, Amherst Hayward built a saw-mill where the tannery now stands. The abut- ments of the old dam still remain. About fourteen years after, he sold to Dudley Smith, and he to Dalphon L. Gibbs, who run it two years. George W. Newman then bought it, and run it till 1849, when he sold to the Tannery Company by whom it was torn down.
In 1830, Orlando Maek assisted by his father built a saw-mill about a mile up the river. (Map 368.) In 1837, Jesse Hemenway bought it, and after four years sold to Charles Nash. In little over a year A. J. and F. A. Howard bought it, and continued business there for eiglit years. Then Mason Guillow bought a share, and soon after George W. Newman bought the remainder. They ran it in company for six years, when Mr. Guillow sold to Malone Norris who remained about a year. Since then it has been practically under the control of Mr. Newman, though nominally in different hands, at times. About 200,000 feet of lumber has been sawed there this year.
About 1836, Eleazer Wileox built a saw-mill on the brook southwest of his house. (Map 354.) So far as known, this was the only saw-mill in Gilsum south of the river. It could be run only a short time in the Spring, and was soon given up.
In 1836, Capt. Timothy Dort built a saw-mill northwest of his house on the Dart Brook. (Map 363.) In 1842, it was destroyed by a freshet, and never rebuilt.
In 1848, Charles Nash built the saw-mill about a mile above Newman's for his son George. (Map 369.) Four years after, Charles Nash, Jr., bought it, and carried on the business for nearly twelve years. After passing through several hands, N. O. Hayward bought it in 1877.
In 1871, F. A. Howard, Allen Hayward, and Jesse Dart built the saw-mill near " Burnt House Hill." (Map 223.) For the sake of having a grist-mill attached, the citizens raised 8800 to assist them in building. In 1872, they sold to Daniel Smith and he to Jesse Dart. A. D. Hammond and S. W. Dart then bought it, the latter being now the exclusive owner. This year's produet has been about 275,000 feet of lumber.
138
GILSUM.
CLOTH MANUFACTURE.
Several of the first settlers were weavers by trade in the old country, and almost every family, except the poorest, had not only " great wheel and little wheel " for spinning wool and flax, but, "dye-tub," " quill wheel," " warping bars," and loom. Raising their own flax and wool, the men well understood the now forgotten arts of breaking and swingling and hatcheling, while the women plied their cards, or were busy at wheel and loom. They were thus able to furnish all their own elothing, from the tow shirt and brecches to the finest linen for bed or table, woolen blankets, linsey-woolsey gowns for the women and girls, and even "go-to-meeting" coats for the men and boys. Nabby Kilburn, afterwards Mrs. Daniel Day of Keene, was specially skilled in making damask linen. The fine figured linen still used for the Communion Table in the Congregational Church, is of her manufacture. Mrs. H. M. Nye of Marlboro' has table linen of the same pattern by the same hands. It was probably woven about 1790.
John Bingham was a elothier, or eloth-dresser by trade, and at first went from house to house with hand-brushes and shears preparing eloth for men's wear. About 1780, he built a fulling mill on the brook south of Mason Guillow's. It probably stood near where the brook erosses the Keene road. He afterwards had machinery for shearing and dressing cloth in the mill by the bridge.
In 1813, Luther Whitney built a elothing mill on the brook south of his father's house, on the east side of the road, near the bridge. (Map 387.) This mill was burned about 1816, and another built on the same spot. This seeond mill was moved in March, 1820, to near where the west end of the tannery now is. The moving took two days, and was a great occasion. " Almost everybody was there." Many women and children eame from a long distance to see it. The mill was drawn through the pasture now owned by N. O. Hayward, and the hollow in the hill south- east of John Hammond's, coming out near where George N. Hayward's house stands. In passing over the hill the building had to be held up with ropes. This shop was burned about two years after. (Page 46.) Mr. Whitney rebuilt and continued the business till 1829, when he sold to David Brigham. Mr. Brigham took Thaddeus H. Flint into partnership, and they earried on the business about two years, when Mr. Flint sold out. In December, 1830, the mill was burned. (Page 47.) The citizens helped Mr. Brigham to build up again, and the next year he took Asa Cole as a partner. About the last of 1832, Harrison G. Howe bought out Mr. Cole. Brigham and Howe then enlarged the mill, and put in machinery for making cloth. They bought a fine bell, which hung under a tin-covered dome in the center of the building. Business revived and for a few years there was much activity and " great expectations" of the wealth and growth that were coming to Gilsum. Benjamin Hosmer was in company with them for a time, but withdrew on account of ill health. The company began to get into debt and Mr. Howe left. Dea. Brigham thought if he eould get money for a time, he could run on and pay up. Times were good, and many people had an idea money could be made very fast in manufacturing. Twelve men were indueed to form a company and loaned Dea. Brigham $500 each. These men beeame quite noted in this vicinity as " the twelve apostles." Two of them belonged in Alstead, and one in Sullivan. They were Aaron Brigham, Aaron Day, Jehiel Day, Francis Eveleth, Wil- liam Eveleth, Dalphon Gibbs, Benjamin Hosmer, Enoeh B. Mayo, Dudley Smith, Benjamin Thompson, Jr., Eliphalet K. Webster, and Alvin White. Only Mr. White is now living. Dea. . Brigham agreed to pay them the interest and $1,000 on the principal every year. The first year he succeeded in doing so. The second year he could no more than pay his help, and gave the company fifty dollars to wait. The third year he couldn't even pay his help, and the twelve
k
VILLAGE FROM NORTH-EAST. WITH GRANITE MIT-
139
INDUSTRIES.
were forced to take the Factory into their own hands to secure their debt. Five of the number thought they had seen enough of it, but the other seven, Aaron Brigham, Aaron Day, Francis Eveleth, Dalphon Gibbs, Dudley Smith, Benjamin Thompson, Jr., and Eliphalet K. Webster, con- cluded to go on, being in high hopes that they should not only recover what they had put in, but make a large amount in addition. They employed Dea. Brigham as their agent, and agreed to meet once a quarter. The first quarter they secmed to be doing well, but the second quarter found them running behind. They however kept on about two years, lured by the ever-receding hope of gain, till they found themselves $7,500 in debt. They then closed up the business with a loss of about $2,000 each. The actors in these scenes have nearly all passed away, but many still vividly remember the excitement of those times, probably hitherto unequaled in the business history of the town. Some enthusiasts expeetcd Gilsum to rival Lowell in a few years. The mortgage records of that time are a warning to such as live too fast for their carnings. Some are rather amusing. One spruce young man executed a mortgage of "One olive Green Coat, one skye blue pair of pantaloons, one silk Vest."
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.