USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Hampton Falls > History of the town of Hampton Falls, New Hampshire : from the time of the first settlement within its borders, 1640 until 1900 > Part 30
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The whole cost of building, lot, and furnishings was $4,322.16, which was the whole cost, including $75 paid for policy of insur- ance for five years. From this there was to be deducted $229.31, the proceeds of a town levee which had been held to aid in furnish- ing the house, which left the whole cost to the town, including in- surance, $1,093.37. The committee advanced the money needed to complete the house in excess of the appropriation.
The house was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies, Tuesday evening, October 31, 1877. Hon. John J. Bell of Exeter delivered an historic address of the town, and others made short addresses. There was music by the band. The house was filled to its utmost capacity on this occasion.
From this time until the annual meeting in March, 1878, the house remained in charge of the committee, who made arrangements for and held entertainments, lectures, concerts, balls, etc., and in this way inaugurated the hall for the purposes for which it was to be used in a social way. Among other things asked for was a spring floor, which was furnished by the committee, and which is much appreciated by the dancing public, and is of value at any time when there is a crowd in the building.
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TOWN HALL.
It was claimed by the opponents of the house that it was built altogether too large, but subsequent events have proved that it was not large enough. Some of those who found a great deal of fault because it was too large and cost too much have since blamed the committee because the house was not large enough, and because many additional things which would have cost a great deal of money had not been supplied. The lack of more extended stage room and dressing accommodations is frequently complained of.
At the annual town meeting in March, 1878, it was voted, after some discussion, to accept the building and furniture, and to pay the committee the amount of money which had been advanced by them. The committee did not make any charge, nor did they ever receive any compensation, for their services in building the hall. The building of a town hall is usually attended with considerable ill feeling, and ours was no exception to the rule. A great deal of bitterness was shown, but it has gradually passed away.
The writer has examined a great many of the town halls which have since been built in different parts of the state, and has never seen one which cost less money than ours, or one which is any better adapted to the purpose for which it is wanted. Some, which have a few more conveniences, have cost nearly double. Many of them are so arranged that the main hall is upstairs, which to the aged and infirm is a hardship, and in some cases a prohibition to their ever entering them. In the country towns, where land is plenty and cheap, there is no excuse for this. In many of the towns, no more wealthy than ours, the town halls have cost a great deal more than ours did.
The advantages which have resulted to the town from building the town hall have been fully as much as its friends claimed for it when it was first projected. No town at the present time is doing its duty by its inhabitants that does not provide a suitable place for meetings of a social character, where all may meet for purposes of enjoyment and improvement.
The want of some suitable place where horses could remain in comfort while their owners were comfortable and enjoying them- selves in the hall was soon felt. No man's Christianity is deserving of any respect who does not see that his dumb animals are cared for and protected from the weather. In 1892, twenty horse-sheds were erected at a cost of $487.57, which have been a great conven- ience as well as comfort to both man and beast.
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HISTORY OF HAMPTON FALLS.
In the spring of 1896, during a hard southerly wind, the sheds were all overturned. In the language of an eye witness, "Commen- cing at one end, they went over very much as a plow turns a furrow." They have since been replaced as good as ever, at an expense of $258.36.
TOWN MEETINGS.
THE town meetings are the outgrowth of the parish meetings. At first the meetings were almost entirely devoted to matters per- taining to the church: To make provision for preaching, to raise money for the support of the minister, and maintain the parsonage buildings and fences. Our records show that these matters received proper attention and were well cared for in this town. At first only church members were allowed to vote in these meetings. By degrees the suffrage was extended and at the present time is uni- versal to all American citizens. Other matters came to be con- sidered and a complete separation of church and town matters was the result. The parish meetings were held in the old meeting- house at the hill, as were the town meetings until 1770, when they were removed to the new meeting-house, and held there until 1842, when the house was demolished. In 1843, the town meeting was held in Farmers' Hall, which was in an outbuilding owned by Wells Healey, and was situated near his house. It was a poor room and ill adapted for the purpose. The town failed to elect a representative that year. The only time the writer ever saw the house "polled" was at that meeting.
In 1844 the annual March meeting was held in the Christian chapel, where the town meetings were held until the town hall was completed in 1828. During this time all the presidential elections save one, and nearly all the special meetings, were held here. At the first town meeting held in the chapel, the last Democratic rep- resentative ever elected in this town was chosen. Rev. Otis Wing, at that time pastor of the Baptist church, was elected.
There were a great many hard-fought contests over various mat- ters at some of the meetings held in the chapel, but they were not of a politieal character, as in some towns. The two political parties were not evenly enough divided in this town to make such contests possible.
The presidential election in 1864 was held in Academy Hall, as were some of the special meetings in the time of the war.
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HISTORY OF HAMPTON FALLS.
In 1774 the town meeting was called for the first time by the constable, in the same manner as they are called in Massachusetts towns at the present time. The meetings continued to be called in this way by the constable for fifty years, although in 1798 it was voted that the selectmen call future town meetings. This may have been done once or twice, but this order was soon disregarded and the constables again called the meetings until about 1825.
In 1780, fourteen different persons were elected constable, and all declined to serve, each paying the fine for not serving, which was five shillings. It was then voted to hire some one to serve as con- stable for the ensuing year. It was the custom at one time to dis- pose of the office of constable at auction to the highest bidder. The office of collector of taxes was similarly disposed of to the lowest bidder. The poor were auctioned off, in a humane manner, to those who would keep them at the least expense.
For many years after the separation of Seabrook from this town, the people united with us in choosing a representative. The elec- tions were held in Hampton Falls. I believe that in every case a citizen of Hampton Falls was chosen. This has been accounted for from the fact that the out-of-town voters were royally enter- tained when they came here to vote. Many of the visiting voters cared less who should be elected than they did to know a good enter- tainment was forthcoming.
At the annual parish meeting in 1773, Capt. Jonathan Tilton was chosen moderator without opposition. From some cause there was a contest in the election of town clerk. Caleb Sanborn was declared elected, defeating Benjamin Tilton, who had held the office for the two years previous. Tilton's friends claimed frand, and demanded a poll of the house, which was done a number of times. Sanborn's men refusing to poll, the oath of office was ad- ministered to Sanborn. The opposition claimed fraud, in that a number had voted for Sanborn who were not legal voters, and peti- tioned the governor and council to set aside the election and order another, which was done. John Phillips, Esq., of Exeter, the founder of Phillips Academy, was appointed by them to come here and preside in the meeting, which he did. At this meeting Ben- jamin Tilton was elected clerk and continued to hold the office until 1776. There was no contest over the election of selectmen. The contest for a clerk appears to have grown out of the new meet- ing-house quarrel. The cases are few where a non-resident is called to preside in a town meeting.
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TOWN MEETINGS.
Unavailing protests were made to the governor and council to declare illegal the calling of the mecting by Justices Walter Emery and Noah Bryant, which was the contested meeting in the new meeting-house in 1770.
In a warrant for a meeting of the inhabitants of Hampton Falls and Seabrook, to be held November 1, 1776, to choose one man to represent them in the congress at Exeter, and also to elect five councilors, is appended the following:
That no person be allowed a seat in the Council, or assembly, who shall by himself or any person for him before said choice, treat with liquor &c., any person with an apparent view of gaining their votes, or afterwards on that account.
At this meeting Henry Robie was chosen to represent Hampton Falls and Seabrook in the assembly to be holden at Exeter. The two towns united in choosing representatives until after 1800.
We find the following in relation to the first presidential elec- tion in 1788:
State of New Hampshire, Rockingham S. S. Pursuant to an act of the General Court directing the mode of choosing the representatives, and electors to choose a President of the Federal Government, and by Sd act the third Monday of December is appointed for that purpose.
Notice is hereby given to the freeholders, inhabitants of Hampton Falls qualified to vote for state representatives to meet at this place on Monday, the fifteenth day of December next, at ten o'clock A. M. for the purposes aforesaid-And as it is a matter of the greatest import- ance and consequence, to us and future posterity, it is to be hoped that a general attendance will be given and that each one will endeavor to gain such information as shall enable him to act with wisdom, pru- dence and discernment.
CALEB TILTON MICHAEL TILTON NATHI HEALEY
Selectmen.
This was the first election of Washington to the presidency. At this election thirty-five votes were cast for electors, and forty votes were cast for representative to congress. At the present time, many more votes are cast for president than for any other candi- dates which are upon the ticket at the same election.
In the next presidential election, 1792, Washington's second election, only eighteen votes were cast for electors; in 1796, twenty- eight votes were cast; in 1804, forty-five votes ; in 1808, eighty-eight votes.
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HISTORY OF HAMPTON FALLS.
The first town meeting held in the town hall was in March, 1878, where all meetings have since been held. It is a much pleasanter and more comfortable place of meeting than the chapel, and the metings have been attended with much less friction than in the smaller quarters.
From a careful examination of the records it appears that the affairs of the town have been well and prudently managed. Those intrusted with the town's interests appear to have been men of judgment, and to have been honest in the discharge of their duties. No appearance of intentional dishonesty appears. Where mistakes have been made it appears to have been an error of judgment, and not intentional dishonesty.
VOTES PASSED.
WE give below a variety of votes passed at different times and the reasons why some of them were passed.
To protect themselves from attacks by the Indians the early settlers carried their guns to meeting, to be used in defense if neces- sary. Some of the ungodly may have thought it a good joke to discharge their guns occasionally to frighten those who were timid. To prevent this a fine was imposed.
The act against using tobacco in and about the meeting-house was probably through fear of fire. The dwelling-houses were often clustered about the church, and a disastrous fire might be started from coals which had been used to light pipes.
Sometimes in stormy weather, as there were no sheds, horses were driven for shelter into the meeting-house, which was rough and un- finished. To prevent this a fine was imposed on those who did it.
Every family kept one or more dogs, many of which followed their owners to meeting on Sunday. There was always more or less noise and disorder among them. If not prevented they would come into the meeting-house during the service, and sometimes a lively dog fight would start up in the main aisle or in front of the pulpit during the sermon, which would require all the efforts of the church officer to quiet. While this was going on everything else came to a standstill. To keep the dogs from coming into the meeting-house and prevent interruptions of this kind, men were chosen in some towns, called "dog pelters," who sat near the door with cudgels in their hands to beat back any dog which might attempt to enter. Sometime's by a misdirected blow the dog would be forced in instead of out, and run howling through the house among the congregation. Instances of extreme cruelty are recorded against some of the dog pelters.
1661. Voted a fine of five shillings be imposed upon any person who shall discharge a gun in the meeting house, or in any dwelling house, without permission of the owner. The same penalty imposed upon any person who shall ride or lead a horse into the meeting house.
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HISTORY OF HAMPTON FALLS.
1665. To prevent damage by fire it is ordered that if any person shall take any tobacco, or carry any fire, or make use of any fire in the new meeting house or the south yard, they shall forfeit for every such offense 10 shillings, One half to the informer and the other half to the town.
1687. The constable is to keep the youth from playing upon the Sabbath day.
Tithing men were chosen, who had charge of a certain number of families, by way of oversight, and also to keep the boys in order about the church on Sunday. They were chosen for the latter pur- pose every year until 1854. It would appear as if there had been some improvement in good behavior since those times, as there is now no need of the enforcement of the above votes. There would seem to have been an advance in decency, even if there has been some falling off in religious observances.
1712. Voted, The town agree to allow the inhabitants of the Falls side to be at the expense of the fire wood furnished their minister, Mr. Cotton, and the expense of fencing the parsonage lands. The said expense to be collected by rate, the same as the rates for the whole town.
1721. At a town meeting held Jan. 1st 1721 of ye new parish of Hamp- ton falls, One of the Selectmen of Salisbury appearing at the said meet- ing with a copie of a vote from their record which signified that they would not tax any inhabitant to ye northward of Can's brook, Pro- vided we of Hampton falls would not tax any inhabitant South of sd brook, Voted, we would comply with this proposal in ye vote.
1723. Voted, any man who suffers his dog to come into ye meeting house on ye Lord's day shall pay a fine of five Shillings.
1729. Agreed by the selectmen of Hampton & Hampton falls, Where the line between the towns shall cross any man's land or marsh it shall be taxed where the larger part is situated, The other town not to tax the remainder.
1742. Voted, That if any person or persons belonging to this parish shall catch and kill any wolves within the limits of this parish from this day (Mar. Sth) to the last of June they shall have five pounds per head Old tenor.
1761. Voted, That the selectmen provide a cow for the widow Abi- gail Longfellow, at the charge of the parish. She was the widow of Green Longfellow who died of the Small pox in 1760.
1786. Voted unanimously in the negative, not to emit a paper cur- rency on the plan of the General Court.
1791. It was put to vote to see if the meeting would vote anything for the services of the Committee in building the meeting house. Voted in the negative.
1794. Caleb Haskel, Widow Eunice Wells, Nath1 Dodge & Nath! Healey have approbation to mix and retail spirituous liquors.
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VOTES PASSED.
1797. Annual meeting. Voted, that every man in the town ent what thistles he has in his own grounds, so as to prevent their seeding this year. And that it is recommended to non residents that they cut what thistles they have in their land among us. Voted, That the surveyors of the several distriets of highways in this town be directed to ent what thistles they find in the roads they repair in suel season as will prevent their seeding this year.
1827. The selectmen granted three licenses to sell spiritnous liquors on the training field at the fall muster.
1832. Voted, That the instructors employed to keep the schools shall be examined by a man that has a liberal edneation as the law requires.
In the warrant for the annual meeting. 1843. To see if the town will pass a vote to make a plan of the town showing each man's farm with the number of aeres, separately, and take such measures as are neces- sary to carry the same into effect.
Upon this article it was Voted, That the seleetmen be hereby em- powered to cause a survey to be made of the town, provided the ex- pense does not exeeed one hundred dollars.
This appears to have been a bright idea which had struck some one. The town let him down easily, probably to the satisfaction of all concerned.
1846. Resolved that our representative be and hereby is instrueted to use his best endeavor to abolish military musters in this state.
1848. Voted to buy a hearse for the use of the town.
1850. Geo. H. Dodge was unanimously ehosen a delegate to the Constitutional Convention to revise the Constitution of the state. Only 18 votes were cast.
1851. On the vote to accept the amendments proposed to the Consti- tution, by this Convention, this town voted them all in the negative by large majorities.
1835. Enoch J. Tilton was appointed town liquor agent. liquors to be sold for meehanieal and medicinal purposes only at 25 per cent above eost. 1856. Benj. F. Cram was appointed liquor agent. 1857. True M. Preseott. The ageney was soon after discontinued.
1859. Voted to present Levi Lane, Esq., a eane as a testimonial for his serviee in administering the oath of office to the town officers eleeted, he having performed this service at every meeting for a gen- eration past. John W. Dodge was selected to earry this vote into effeet. The cane was bought, suitably inscribed, and presented.
CATTLE UPON THE HIGHWAYS.
VERY soon after the war of independence was ended, we find that the town passed a vote at nearly every annual meeting to prevent cattle, horses, sheep, and swine from being pastured upon, or to run at large upon, the highways, under penalty of a fine. This vote having been passed with so much regularity, there must have been a strong sentiment against the practice, and the votes passed had some effect in restraining the evil. At the annual meeting, 1811,-
Voted, That no horse, mare, colt, mule, jack, or any horned cattle shall go on or have pasture in any highway in Hampton Falls for the space of one hour, or more, on any day from the second Tuesday of March to the first day of November, in each year. That the owners of each horse, mare, colt, mule, jack, or horned stock so going in said highway aforesaid shall forfeit and pay for each offense the sum of two dollars, to be recovered as by lawsuit. Voted, That no sheep, lambs, or swine shall go to pasture in any highway in Hampton Falls for the space of one hour, or more, on any day from the second Tues- day of March to the first day of November in each year. That for each sheep, lamb, or swine so offending as aforesaid the owner or own- ers thereof shall forfeit and pay the sum of twenty cents, to be recov- ered as by lawsuit.
This by-law of the town appears to have had some effect, as we find no vote recorded in relation to cattle for a number of years after. In 1822, we find that the town adopted the following act, which had been passed by the legislature:
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened. That any town at its annual meeting, or at any meet- ing legally holden for the purpose, may make by-laws to prevent horses, horse kind, mules, jacks, neat cattle, sheep, and swine from going at large in any street, highway, or common, or in any public place within its jurisdiction, defined by known limits, from and after the first day of April until the last day of October in each year. On penalty that the owner or owners, or persons having the care of any horse, or horse kind, mule, jack, neat cattle, sheep, or swine so going at large shall forfeit a sum not exceeding four dollars for the breach of any by-law so made, to be recovered by action of debt before any
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CATTLE UPON THE HIGHWAYS.
justice of the peace to and for the use of the person who shall sue for the same, with costs of suit, unless it shall appear that such horses, or other creatures, as aforesaid, was going at large without the knowl- edge of the owner or persons having the care of the same, any law heretofore to the contrary notwithstanding.
In 1822, the town voted to adopt the provisions of the above act, making the penalty one dollar for each offense. It would seem that this proved effective, as no other vote in relation to it was passed for a number of years. That the town was in earnest will appear from its having its action recorded by the clerk of the Court of Sessions.
Rockingham S. S. Court of Sessions, January term, Anno Domini 1823. On hearing and considering the foregoing by-law of the town of Hampton Falls, the Court of Sessions approve the same. Attest, P. CHADWICK, Clerk.
After a few years we again find the town passing votes in relation to the matter, as cattle and horses had become troublesome from being allowed to run at large and find pasture upon the highways. The last vote in relation to it was in 1863, making the penalty two dollars for each offense.
This evil was after a time effectually corrected in another way, which promises to be permanent. People refused to fence against animals in the highway. There is no law to compel land owners to fence against animals which may run at large. The owners are responsible for any damage done by their animals. When this came to be generally understood, the land owners removed their gates and fences on the road and around their buildings, which made a great improvement in the looks of their premises.
The owners of animals, who had previously allowed them to run at large, finding it expensive to continue the practice, have by com- mon consent concluded to feed their animals elsewhere, and a great nuisance and cause of annoyance has been removed.
WEARE BANK.
THE Weare bank received its charter from the legislature of 1854. It was duly organized and opened its doors to do business January 1, 1855. Moses Eaton, Jr., of South Hampton was presi- dent and John W. Dodge was cashier. The first board of directors consisted of Moses Eaton, Jr., Uri Lamprey. Isaac Elwell, John B. Brown, Thayer S. Sanborn, Richard Dodge, and James Locke.
The bank was located in the house of Thayer S. Sanborn. The entrance and piazza on the north side of the house were constructed for the accommodation of the bank. The two rooms upon that side of the house were used for banking purposes. The front room was used for the public, and was where the cashier received and paid out money to the customers who had any business with the bank. The room in the rear was used for the directors. A large burglar-proof safe was procured, in which to keep all moneys and securities.
The bank found no difficulty in loaning its money, as the first two years of its existence were years of general financial prosperity. By law the amount of loans could be nearly as much as the capital stock and outstanding circulating notes. A reserve of a few thou- sand dollars in gold had to be kept for the redemption of any of the bank's bills which might be presented, and specie payment demanded. All solvent banks redeemed their bills in specie when presented, if asked to do so. This did not occur to any great extent unless the reputation and standing of the bank had become im- paired, but in times of financial panic, or if rumors were afloat that everything was not right with the bank, a great deal of difficulty would arise from this cause, and a run made on the bank. This was sometimes done by enemies of the bank, when there was no good reason for doing so. When a bank could not redeem its bills which were presented, in specie, it must close its doors, and do no more business until things were put in proper shape to do so. When this had been done, it took a long time to restore confidence,
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