USA > New Hampshire > Merrimack County > Henniker > History of the town of Henniker, Merrimack County, New Hampshire, from the date of the Canada grant by the province of Massachusetts, in 1735, to 1880 with a genealogical register of the families of Henniker > Part 13
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Daniel Foster, spring term, 1842.
William Cowper Foster, fall term, 1842.
John S. Woodman, fall and winter, 1843.
Augustus Berry, fall terms, 1846, 1847, 1848, 1849, 1850.
Mr. Winchester, fall term, 1851.
Henry E. Sawyer, fall term, 1852. A. M. Johnson, spring term, 1853.
Ned Howe, spring and fall terms, 1854.
M. S. Thompson, fall terms, 1855 and 1856.
Hiram Rice, spring term, 1856.
Mr. Page, fall term, 1857.
Thomas L. Sanborn, three terms per year from fall term of 1858, clos- ing spring term, 1862. James L. Vose, 1863. Henry Colby, fall term, 1865. Mr. Johnson, 1866 and 1867.
163
THE ACADEMY.
The following females have been teachers in the institu- tion :
Miss Mary L. Childs, Miss Heath, Mary Childs, Miss Anne Maria Johnson, Achsah L. Cheney,
Susan C. Eastman,
and others.
William M. Chase, of Canaan, and Mr. Abbott, of Maine, were assistants with Mr. Sanborn.
The following persons have been presidents of the Board of Trustees :
Rev. Jacob Scales, Samuel Smith, Esq., John J. Prentiss,
Moses Brown, Esq.,
Daniel C. Gould, Jacob Sawyer.
Horace Childs,
Dr. Nathan Sanborn, Horace Gibson, and Edward B. S. Sanborn have been secretaries.
The school for several years was quite prosperous, and a large number of students attended from this and the adjoin- ing towns. Lectures were given upon the various branches taught, much to the edification of the students and the peo- ple, who were always invited to these entertainments. A lyceum was established and kept up for many years, in the debates of which some of the leading citizens took a promi-
nent part with the students. The instructors were able and faithful, and a good deal of interest was exhibited upon the part of the people towards making the terms profitable and pleasant to all. But as the population of the town diminished, and a good many of the founders of the institu- tion died or moved from town, the interest was allowed to abate, and for many years only one term was taught during the year. Mr. Sanborn, after graduating, set himself at work to again build up the school, and succeeded to a de- gree that was very pleasing, not only to himself, but to the people of the town. The breaking out of the war of the Rebellion again broke up the school. But few terms have been taught since, and those have not been very fully at-
164
HISTORY OF HENNIKER.
tended. The rise and decline of the institution only still further demonstrates the fact that institutions of this kind, without a fund to support them, cannot compete with the larger and well-endowed institutions which have arisen in various directions. Another and a very serious hin- drance to the success of the school in later years has been the aversion of the people to accommodate those wishing board. Many could not accommodate them, and others felt hardly equal to the trouble that arose from accommodating students. At one time a movement was made to hire or purchase the three-story brick block at the corner of the street below for a boarding-house, but the project never succeeded.
Notwithstanding all of these hindrances, a large number of students have pursued their studies here, either fitting themselves for college, or pursuing their studies so far that a short time at some other academy found them prepared for higher institutions. Hon J. W. Patterson, Hon. James W. Childs, Rev. Augustus Berry, Rev. Nathan F. Carter, Rev. Henry E. Sawyer, Miss Edna Dean Proctor, Rev. Addison P. Foster, Robert Wallace, Esq., Frank B. Medica, Esq., William B. Fisher, Esq., together with a large number of others whose names are not given, but who are filling high and honorable positions in the great drama of life, have attended this institution, and here laid the foundation for that knowledge that has led them on from one success to another, until many of them fill positions that are honorable, and have a name that will live long in the future ages. Mr. Enoch L. Childs taught the term during the fall of 1836, while the academy was being built, in Col. Gould's hall, afterwards owned by Mr. Stone. Mr. Childs was a graduate of Yale, and was an excellent teacher.
OTHER SCHOOLS.
Before the erection of the Academy, many terms of a pri- vate school were taught, in Bartlett's hall, in the house now
165
WAGES OF SCHOOL TEACHERS.
owned and occupied by George W. Rice, by different teachers, which was very fully attended. Mr. Nichols taught the first school in that hall in 1826. In 1831 Calvin Butler taught in the same hall. David P. Perkins taught several terms in the hall of the brick building now owned and occupied by William E. Davis. He was a very competent and success- ful teacher, and had a crowded school. Many of his pupils, after the lapse of upwards of forty years, look back with pleasure to the instruction received under him. The efforts made by the people of this town in the cause of education have been most creditable to them, and no one has been allowed to grow up in ignorance save by his own wish and desire.
Among the older teachers of the town were James Adams, " Master Connor," Mrs. Josiah Ward, who used for a table the stump over which her cabin was built, Mrs. Alexander Patterson, Mrs. Otis Howe, Ichabod Bartlett, afterwards a member of congress, and one of the ablest lawyers of this state, Jacob Gibson, Isaac Rice, Isaac Long, Timothy Darling, and a host of worthy men and women, whom I shall mention in the genealogical register of the town.
One book in constant use in the schools of the olden time was the "Shorter Catechism." It was used alike in the school and at home, and ignorant indeed was the boy or the girl who could not repeat it all by the time they came to years of discretion. It has now become obsolete in both the school and the home, but whether for the better or the worse, is for others to determine. Until the present cen- tury, the wages for teachers were from six to eight dollars per month and board, and females fifty cents a week and board.
CHAPTER XII.
MILITARY HISTORY.
OPENING OF THE REVOLUTION -PATRIOTISM OT THE PEOPLE - MILITIA ACT-FIRST CENSUS -- TRIAL OF JO- SEPH KIMBALL, ESQ. - COUNTY CONGRESS - ASSOCIA- TION TEST-NAMES OF MEN WHO SERVED IN THE REV- OLUTION-BRAVERY OF THE MEN-JOSEPH PATTERSON WOUNDED-SETTLEMENT OF SOLDIERS' ACCOUNTS - RECAPITULATION.
THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
A S the town was dotted here and there with the little patches of cleared land, upon which were situated the rude dwellings which in time were to give way to more comfortable structures, the mutterings of the on-coming storm of the Revolution began to be heard. The iron fin- gers of George the Third were more firmly closing around the throats of the loyal colonies. Debauchery and corrup- tion at home demanded more revenues, and to the colonies of America were his eyes directed for relief.
The spirits of the colonies became deeply depressed dur- ing the winter of 1774-'5. A cloud was gathering over them that the wiser ones saw must end only in open con- flict. A duty of resistance was instilled into the minds of the colonists, or they must forever be subjugated to serfdom. The settlers of this town were in sympathy with this feel- ing, and they waited anxiously for the first tidings of the
167
PATRIOTISM OF THE PEOPLE.
opening of the conflict. This spirit of resistance became more intensified as the storm deepened ; and when the skir- mish took place at Lexington, on the morning of the 19th of April, 1775, the Revolution began. Couriers were sent in all directions, giving the alarm. Early on the morning of the 20th a messenger on horseback came galloping through this town, giving the alarm, and calling for help. How quickly was that appeal responded to !
Ephraim Goss, who was ploughing near his house, un- yoked his oxen, left his plough in the furrow, stepped into his house, and, taking his trusty old fire-lock from the wood- en hooks upon which it hung, bade his family good-by, mounted his horse, and was away for Lexington.
Charles Whitcomb, who was near the log meeting-house, with his oxen hitched to a pair of wooden wheels, unyoked his oxen, and, heading them for home, headed his horse for the south.
Jonas Bowman did not stop to unyoke his oxen, but, bid- ding his family good-by, hurried to the scene of action in his own native town.
The Pattersons, fired with a glowing zeal of resistance to the British minions, came down from the hill and hurried to join their comrades.
Cornelius Bean, who had seen much service in the French and Indian War, left his team in the furrow, and hastened to Lexington.
James Reed, who lived in the east part of the town, was mending fence. He laid down his axe, picked up his gun, and was soon out of sight.
The exact number of men who went from this town to Lexington cannot be ascertained. Others in addition to the names given above were of the number. How dearly those old patriots must have prized their homes, and how strongly they must have longed for that priceless boon, liberty, for which and to receive which they pledged "their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honors!"
I68
HISTORY OF HENNIKER.
Runners were immediately sent to the several towns and parishes of the state to send delegates to Exeter, to consult upon measures to be adopted to meet the exigencies of the times. Timothy Gibson was the delegate chosen from this town.
The delegates met at Exeter, and formed a provincial con- gress, on the 17th of May, 1775. A committee of safety for the state was appointed; and each town was requested to form one within its limits, which should report to the com- mittee of safety for the state. It was the duty of this com- mittee to keep a strict watch over the inhabitants of the town. If any were suspected of furnishing aid and comfort to the enemy, they were publicly dealt with.
Joseph Kimball, Esq., one of the most prominent citizens of the town, one of the selectmen at the time, and who had been appointed a justice of the peace, was suspected of dis- loyalty. He was summoned to appear before the committee of safety for this town, to answer the charges preferred against him. The meeting was held in the log meeting- house, June 12, 1775. After a careful examination of the facts in his case, the committee made the following report to the state committee :
Henniker June ye 12 1775.
The Resolves of the Committee met to discourse Joseph Kim- ball Esquire, concarning his political principals in the dispute betwixt Brittain and this North America, Accusations as fol- lows: viz : the sd Kimball did say that he did not blame Gen- eral Gage for coming to this North America But did not justify, or approve his evil Conduct since he has been in ye Country. Further, the sd Kimball is for keeping up civil authority. Fur- ther the sd Kimball being accused of speaking favorably of Gov. Wentworth-But discoursing the Committee before the body of the people and finding the people disaffected, the sd Kimball saith he is sorry that the people are uneasy with him : and that he is sorry if he hath given any provocation of offense. But means to do all so far as lies in his power to Propegate ye lib- erty cause, and we the sd Committee of Safety do Receive ye said Kimball as a friend to the Common Cause.
Jonas Bowman, Joseph Lewis,
Aaron Adams,
William Powers Committee.
169
MILITIA ACT.
The charges made against him were of a serious nature; but there was a misunderstanding as to the meaning of what he had said. He was willing to agree that the cause then so dear to every heart should not suffer through him. Mr. Kimball made his promise good. He was chosen selectman again the next year, and throughout the war was one of the most zealous and influential citizens of the town and the state in furthering the cause of liberty.
This congress continued the militia laws then in force, provided for the raising and equipping of men, and for the safety of the towns. After the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776, another congress was convened at Exeter. A new militia law was now called for; and the two houses passed an "Act for the forming and regulating of the Militia within the State of New Hampshire." It provided for two
classes of soldiers,-a training band and an alarm list. The training band consisted of all the able-bodied male persons in the town between the ages of sixteen and fifty years, ex- cept certain persons in office, and negroes, Indians, and mulattoes. The alarm list included all between the ages of sixteen and sixty-five years not included in the training band, and not exempted by law. They were to serve as a separate corps, and were not subject to be called out of the town by any officer under the rank of colonel. Once in six months they were to be called out by the captains of the training bands, to have their arms and accoutrements in- spected. The alarm was to be given by firing three guns in succession, by firing the beacon, and the drums beating the alarm. The beacon was a large pile of combustible matter placed upon the highest hill. The one in this town was on Craney hill. It was often fired during the war, and was as often answered by the beacons of the neighboring towns. Strict watch was kept throughout the town for any approach of danger. These guards were taken from the men under sixty years of age.
In case of being called out in an emergency, the officers
12
170
HISTORY OF HENNIKER.
and men were to take with them at least three days' rations, and the selectmen were to immediately cause carriages (carts) to attend them with further necessary provisions, and utensils to cook the same.
Treating with victuals or drink on any training or muster days subjected any officer so offending to be removed from office by court-martial. When called out, "each officer and private soldier was to equip himself, and be constantly pro- vided with a good Fire Arm, good ramrod, a worm, priming wire, and brush, and a bayonet fitted to his gun, a scabbard and belt therefor, and a cutting sword, or a tomahawk, or a hatchet ; a pouch containing a cartridge box, that will hold fifteen rounds of cartridges at least, a hundred buckshot, a jack knife and tow for wadding, six flints, one pound of pow- der, forty leaden balls, fitted to his gun, a knapsack, a blan- ket, a canteen, or wooden bottle sufficient to hold one quart." Each town was to provide, and deposit in some safe place, for use in case of an alarm, a certain number of spades or shovels, axes, and picks, and to provide arms and equip- ments for those unable to provide them for themselves.
Such were the conditions the inhabitants of this town were obliged to keep themselves in, ready for a start at a moment's notice. And still it was not an uncommon or irksome task to them, so accustomed had they become to be on the alert; for they had been brought up in times which required a constant guarding against danger, and when even the stirring leaf in the forest might be the forerunner of the approach of an enemy. The readiness with which these old patriots answered every call for men, and the promptness with which they appeared at the scene of action, soon showed the British minions that they had a different class of soldiers to deal with than any they had yet met upon the field of battle; that they had "foemen worthy of their steel," and were to combat with men who had been tried in the " furnace of affliction," and who had not been found wanting in the hour of danger.
I71
SOLDIERS OF THE REVOLUTION.
In compiling the roll of the men from this town who served in the Revolution, we have endeavored to make it as full and complete as possible. After a careful and patient searching of the Revolutionary records now on file in the adjutant-general's office of this state, and from various other sources, we have gathered names and dates in such numbers that we think the roll must be nearly or quite complete. Such has been our aim; and if any name has been omitted, it has been for the want of proper information rather than an intentional error. Quite a number of names appear of those who enlisted more than once: those we have num- bered in the order of their enlistments.
The British forces, flushed with their successes at Lexing- ton and Concord, were bold and defiant. Troops were called for in all directions. The following men from this town en- listed for nine months, April 23, 1875,-four days after the fight at Lexington,-and were in the battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775. Together with the rest of the little Amer- ican army, they were entrenched behind breastworks be- tween Breed's hill and the Mystic river. Against this line the British hurled their best disciplined troops. Most gal- lantly did they defend their position ; and when at last they were obliged to retreat, they did so with their faces to the enemy! Among the very last to fall back were the gallant soldiers of this town. The names of these men are as fol- lows :
Alexander Patterson, James Dunlap, John Gordon, John Stone, Samuel Eastman,
Amos Gould,
Isaac Patterson,
James Carr,
James Palmer,
John Barnes,
Cornelius Bean,
James Stone,
Joseph Marsh,
Joseph Clough,
Charles Whitcomb, Elijah Rice, George Bemain,
Abraham Kimball,
Ephraim Goss,
Amos Gould,
Samuel Wardsworth,
James Reed.
172
HISTORY OF HENNIKER.
These men were in Capt. Hutchins's company and Gen. John Stark's brigade. Alexander Patterson and Abraham Kimball were wounded. The government charged Mr. Pat- terson three shillings for the loss of his equipments. Mr. Kimball lost his gun. James Reed will be remembered as one who so promptly responded to the appeal for help after the skirmish at Lexington. It is said, that as he passed out of town that morning, he stopped at Capt. Aaron Adams's and took a huge drink of cider. He never returned to town, having been killed at Bunker Hill.
The following persons are named upon the record, but no date of their enlistment is given. They were in the battle of Bunker Hill, and are recorded as having enlisted for " Henerka."
Ezekiel Stone,
John Clough.
In June, 1775, a company of rangers was raised for the defence of the frontiers on Connecticut river, under the command of Capt. Timothy Bedel. In July, two other com- panies were raised for the same purpose, when Capt. Bedel was commissioned colonel. The following men enlisted from this town July 10, 1775, for three months, and served in the rangers under Capt. John Parker:
John T. Connor, William Powers,
Jonathan Basford.
These men did duty in the fort at Charlestown, on the Con- necticut, and thence up as far as Haverhill.
A census was now taken of the inhabitants of the town, under the following order :
In Provincial Congress, New Hampshire August 25th, 1775.
Wheras, it is necessary that an exact Account of all the In- habitants of this colony should be taken, in order to be trans- mitted to the Congress of the United American Colonies :
Therefore resolved, that it be recommended to the Selectmen
173
CENSUS OF THE TOWN.
of the several Towns and Parishes and other Places in this Col- ony, to take an exact Number of the Inhabitants of their respec- tive Districts, including every soul in the same, in separate Col- ums, as follows :
Males under 16 years of age ; males from 16 years of age to 50, not in the army ; all males above 50 years of age ; Persons gone in the army ; all Females ; Negroes and Slaves for life.
And in such Places where no Selectmen are chosen, that the Selectmen of the next adjacent Town take the same ; or some suitable person living in such Place by their Appointment. And that the return thereof be made to the Committee of Safety for said Colony, as soon as may be, by the Select men or Select Man or Person Appointed, who shall take the same, upon oath to their Fidelity and Impartiality therein, which Oath any Jus- tice of the Peace, or Town Clerk, is impowered to administer. And whereas a late Requisition of this Congress, that every town, Parish and other Places within this Colony, return the Number of the Fire Arms in their respective Districts, fit for use, and the number wanting to compleat one for every person capable of using them, has not been complied with ; therefore it is now earnestly recommended that the same be forthwith done, adding these to the Quantity of Powder in each Place, and where there is a Publick Stock, to return a separate Ac- count thereof, and that the whole be returned to the Committee of Safety for this Colony. And it is further recommended that no Part of the aforementioned business be delayed : for its be- ing as speedily done as possible, will be of great Utility to the Colony ; and it is strictly, further enjoined, upon all Selectmen, and Committees, to endeavor to prevent all persons from burn- ing their Powder in shooting at Birds and other Game.
By Order of Congress,
Matthew Thornton, President.
The selectmen immediately took a careful census of this town, under this order, and made the following report :
Males under 16 years of age, II7
do. from 16 years of age to 50 not in the army, 67
All males above 50 years of age, I5
Persons gone in the army, 9
All Females, 158 I
Negroes and Slaves for life,
Total, 367
174
HISTORY OF HENNIKER.
Henniker, Sept ye 15th 1775.
In obedience to your Req't we have taken a true number of the Inhabitants of this Town and armes, and have Set them in their Collums according to your directions; we have made Sarch for Powder but find there is none of any value.
From Yours to Sarve.
Joseph Kimball, { Selectmen for Aaron Adams, Henniker.
David Campbell was the other selectman for this year, but he was away in the service, and the census was taken by the other two.
At a legal meeting, held Tuesday, May 23, 1775, Captain Jonas Bowman was chosen "to go to Amherst to Joyn the County Congress." This was the third county congress that had been called to meet at Amherst to devise means and measures for the better protection of the inhabitants of the county. A circular was issued to the several towns of the county, a portion of which has been preserved, and reads as follows :
God forbid ! Let every Breast swell with disdain at the Im- pious thought. The British troops have invaded every Sacred Right of Nature. Then let us defend them as long as we have life. And we believe the Great God that Gave them to us will look down with gracious Approbation and Cause us and our Posterity to Rejoice in his Salvation. And while we are vigor- ously Defending ourselves against the attacks of the British Troops, it is expedient and equally necessary to give due atten- tion to our internal Policy in this County.
Stimulated by these reflections, we have Thought proper, by and with the advice of a number of Respectable men in Am- herst, to appoint a County Congress. Accordingly Wednesday the 24th of this instant May, at eleven of the clock in the fore- noon, at the Court House in said Amherst, is appointed for that purpose, to consider and determine upon the following particu- lars, viz. : First, To see if the Congress will appoint a Com- mittee of Corrispondence to wait upon or join with the Con- gress in the Province of Massachusetts Bay.
Secondly, To go into some measure for the better security of the internal Polity of this County to prevent declining into a State of Nature.
Thirdly, Enforce a strict Adherence to the association of
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DISARMING DISAFFECTED COLONISTS.
the late Continental Congress. It is desired that you send your Delegates, and with them, a Certificate of their appointment. Gentlemen we are your hhble Servts Daniel Campbell, Committee for Jona Martin Calling a Congress. May 13th A. D. 1775.
This congress met upon the day designated, and voted to acquiesce in the resolves that had been passed by the Con- tinental Congress. It was also
Voted a Committee to act on any affairs that may come be- fore them, or any seven of them to be a Corram to act till fur- ther orders.
This committee consisted of fifteen persons, of which Mr. Jonas Bowman was one.
The following is the oath or declaration required of all persons suspected of disloyalty, and which they were to assent to :
I A. B. Do solemnly swear by the great Name of the Everliving God, that I will Do my duty as a good Subject of this State of New Hampshire, that I will to the utmost of my power and ability Disclose and make known to some officer or Magistrate acting for and under the authority of the united States, or some one of them, all plots & Conspiracies which I know or may Come to my knowledge, against this state, or these united States of America, or any one of them, as Independent of and in opposition to the King of great Brittain, and that I will not Directly or indirectly aid, assist, advice, or give intelligence to any person or persons, acting under the Authority of the said King of great Britain Relative to His or their Endevering to Bring the united States, or any one of them, under the Domin- ion of the said King, and that I take this Oath without any mental Reservation or Equivocation whatsoever, And mean Honestly and faithfully to perform the Same. So help me, &c.
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