USA > New Hampshire > Cheshire County > Keene > History of the town of Keene, from 1732, when the township was granted by Massachusetts, to 1874, when it became a city > Part 65
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SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
invested by the trustees. The board of trustees of the Keene academy still exists and has in trust a handsome property which may yet be used for pur- poses not foreign to the wishes and desires of the founders. It is to be hoped that such may be the case. There is still room for an academy in Keene whose course of study shall not conflict with the functions of the high school and which would meet legitimately the original purposes of the institution. The land on which the old academy building was placed was donated by Mr. Abijah Wilder. 1
Immediately connected with the educational work of a community, nothing is more needed than a well equipped library. From an early period there had been small circulating libraries in Keene, besides those owned by the different religious societies. These could do but little to meet the increasing need of a general reference library, such as the pres- ent age demands. To meet such a demand, the town established a pub- lic library in 1859. It was located for many years under the town hall, now the city hall. In 1898, the late Edward C. Thayer presented to the city the Henry Colony house upon West street, and a fund of $5,000 to purchase books was given by his widow, Mrs. Thayer, and his niece, Miss Chapin. The building was remodelled and a book-stack added, and the completed structure was dedicated Feb. 28, 1899. The generous donor did not live to witness the completion of the work.
Journalism is likewise the helpmeet of education. The history of journalism in Keene is especially interesting. Four weekly newspapers, all of much merit for their time, were established in Keene, between 1787 and 1795. They were the New Hampshire Recorder and Weekly Adver- tiser, the Cheshire Advertiser, the Columbian Informer, and the Rising Sun. All were short-lived. The New Hampshire Sentinel, which is now well along in its second century, was established here in 1799 by John Pren- tiss, who lived to be the oldest, as he had long been one of the ablest of American journalists. His brother and son were at different times associated with him in the publication of the paper. Among later editors of the paper, not now living, we find the names of Albert Godfrey, Samuel Woodward and Thomas Hale. A grandson of the founder is now con- nected with the Sentinel company. Oct. 20, 1890, the Sentinel company began the publication of a daily paper known as the Keene Evening Sentinel. Two more short lived papers were the American News, merged eventually in the Sentinel, and the New England Observer. The Cheshire Republican is the only paper in Keene which has been devoted to the interests of the Democratic party. This paper, as the successor of the Farmers' Museum, has a quite venerable antiquity. Under the older name, it originated in Walpole, in 1793, under the editorial management of the celebrated Isaiah Thomas, assisted by a Mr. Carlisle. In 1796 it passed under the editorial care of Joseph Dennie, a literary character of his time, who afterwards edited the Portfolio in Philadelphia. He was a descend- ant of the Mr. Green who edited the old Boston News-letter, the first
1 Azel Wilder had conveyed his interest in the same lot to Abijah Wilder, for a nominal consideration, that it might be legally conveyed to the trustees of the academy, of whom he was one.
726
HISTORY OF KEENE.
American newspaper. After the office was moved to Keene, the paper was edited by Nahum Stone. Under the present name, it has been edited by Benaiah Cook, Harvey A. Bill, Horatio Kimball, Morse & Allen, Julius N. Morse, and Joshua D. Colony & Sons. There is no other town in the state which can boast of two papers as old as the two in Keene. As we turn back the files of the old volumes of these journals, we find that both papers have had able editors, whose carefully written editorials have done much in shaping public opinion, one way or another, in this county and vicinity.
The most important events in the history of all the old New Eng- land towns, in their earlier days, were connected with the settlement of ministers and the locating and building of meetinghouses. Keene was no exception. These incidents in the history of Keene have been so often and so well told on the occasion of different church anniversaries that I can well pass over them rapidly.
All early New England towns were required by their grants or char- ters to support an "orthodox minister of the gospel." One of the first cares of our forefathers after they began the infant settlement was to organize a church and ordain a pastor. They did both, Oct. 18, 1738, and Rev. Jacob Bacon was their minister's name. He was a use- ful man in many ways. He was early made clerk of the proprietors, and the first records are principally in his handwriting. They are remark- ably legible for that period, quite full, and probably very accurate. He remained as the pastor until the colonists dispersed in 1747. The last appropriation was for his official year ending on the 18th of October in 1747. He was, however, released from responsibility when the settlers temporarily left their home. The rude church in which he ministered was at the lower end of Main street, about where the house of Mr. Elisha F. Lane stands. It was erected pursuant to a vote passed Oct. 1, 1736. The vote stipulated that it should be finished by June 26, 1737. It was a framed building and was destroyed by the savages after the settlers left the place.
The second pastor of the first church was Rev. Ezra Carpenter, who was installed Oct. 4, 1753, in connection with the church at Swanzey. His ministry was continued seven full years from that date, when he relinquished the Keene charge and remained with the Swanzey church. In the spring and early summer of 1753 another meetinghouse was erected in Keene. It was built of slabs, with the earth for a floor, near where the late John Henry Elliot resided. In December of that year they voted to build another meetinghouse, and, in January, decided to put it at a place which would not be far from the present Cheshire House.
The third pastor was Rev. Clement Sumner, who, through his wife, became an extensive landowner and real estate dealer. He owned large tracts of land in Keene, Gilsum, Sullivan and the vicinity. He was ordained June 11, 1761, and dismissed April 30, 1772.
The fourth pastor was the Rev. Aaron Hall, the ancestor of persons of that name who have lived in Keene until quite recently. He was ordained Feb. 18, 1778, in the midst of the Revolutionary war, and
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SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
remained the faithful and honored pastor of the church until his death Aug. 12, 1814. During his long pastorate of more than thirty-six years, he aided the town to grow from a rude settlement to an important village, a sort of metropolis in this region. During his ministry the pres- ent church was built, but stood seventy feet south of its present position. At a later date it was removed to its present site and has been several times remodelled. In its present form, it is one of the choicest gems of architecture in New Hampshire. Its pure, classic style, its harmonious proportions and its stately spire are the admiration of all true lovers of art.
The pastorate of Mr. Hall was succeeded by the very short one of Rev. David Oliphant, of only two and a half years, from May 24, 1815, to Dec. 1, 1817 (not November, 1817, as some authorities give it). The sixth and next pastor was the Rev. Zedekiah S. Barstow, D. D., so well remembered by all of my older hearers, one of the most useful and ac- complished men who have ever lived in Keene. He was ordained July 1, 1818. The fiftieth anniversary of this event was observed in a fitting manner. On that day he became the pastor emeritus and so continued until his death, March 1, 1873. He was the last pastor settled by the town, and here I must close the more particular account of ecclesiastical affairs.
A second trinitarian Congregational church was organized Oct. 15, 1867. Their church edifice, erected at a cost of $35,000, was dedicated Sept. 16, 1869. They have had six pastors.
A Baptist church was gathered at Ash Swamp, Sept. 9, 1816, through the efforts of Rev. Charles Cummings. A new organization was effected at the village and a pastor ordained Aug. 21, 1832. The first church was at Ash Swamp, the second edifice on Winter street, now the armory. Their present commodious structure, built at a cost of $52,000, was dedi- cated May 12, 1875. They have had thirteen regular pastors, of whom the Rev. Wm. H. Eaton, D. D., who remained sixteen and a half years, served the parish much longer than any other.
The Methodist Episcopalians had preaching here at irregular inter- vals between 1803 and 1824. Keene was included in the Winchester cir- cuit from 1824 to 1834. From 1834 to 1851, they were supplied from adjoining towns. In November, 1835, a church was organized, known as Grace Methodist Episcopal church. Since 1850, that church has had the benefit of local pastors, of whom there have been twenty-six in all. The present fine house of worship was built at a cost of about $40,000, and was dedicated on Nov. 23, 1869.
The Unitarian society was organized March 18, 1824, and a church was gathered Dec. 27, 1825. Their first meetinghouse was dedicated April 28, 1830. It was rebuilt and rededicated Aug. 16, 1868. The present handsome stone church on Washington street was dedicated Jan. 24, 1895, the corner stone having been laid on the 11th of July, 1894. This society has had six pastors. The first was Thomas Russell Sullivan, the second was Rev. Abiel Abbot Livermore, D. D., later a president of the Meadville Theological school. The third pastor, Rev. William Orne White,
.
728
HISTORY OF KEENE.
ministered to the society for twenty-seven years, an unusually long pas- torate for the present time. His useful and benevolent life in this city is gratefully remembered. He still resides in Brookline, Mass., having recently been bereaved of his excellent wife. The next two pastorates were quite brief. The present pastor, Rev. C. B. Elder, is in the four- teenth year of his ministry in this place.
The Universalists began to hire preachers as early as 1860. The first who settled here was Rev. I. C. Knowlton, father of the late attorney general of Massachusetts. A church was organized March 12, 1876. They have worshipped in the town .(now city) hall, in the old Baptist church, now the armory, and in a hall on Roxbury street, where their meetings are now held. They have had four pastors.
The parish of St. James' Protestant Episcopal church was organized May 13, 1859. Ground was broken for the beautiful church on West street, May 14, 1863. The building was first used Aug. 21, 1864, but was not consecrated until Nov. 22, 1877, after the debt had been extinguished. The present pastor is the tenth in succession. The esteemed first rector honored this community by establishing a permanent resi- dence here, where his many virtues and cultivated tastes have imparted a beneficent influence for many years.
The Roman Catholics began their labors in Keene as early as 1856. Eleven priests have successively ministered to the needs of their people, assisted, at different times, by as many as five others. The parishioners have been very devoted to their cause. Their first place of worship was a wooden structure on Marlboro street. Their elegant church on Main street, built after great exertions and many sacrifices, was consecrated Nov. 20, 1892.
Besides these older established churches, we have today the Bethany Pentecostal church, which worships in what was once the Methodist church, but now moved to a new location; a mission of the First church on George street; the Gospel Mission, on Pine street; a new church started by our Swedish citizens; and a Seventh Day Advent society. There was formerly, also, what was called a Christian Advent society.
The military history of Keene is a familiar story and needs only to be epitomized here. There were men from Keene in the old French war, so-called. Keene's Revolutionary history, the reception of the news from Lexington and Concord, the departure of Wyman and his men for the seat of the conflict, the heroic services of Keene men at Bennington, Sara- toga, in the Jerseys, and on the eventful expedition to Canada, have all been much discussed at recent meetings of patriotic societies.
There were men from Keene in the old Indian wars. One of them, Major Josiah Willard, died while engaged in such service. There were Keene men also in the War of 1812 and in the Mexican war.
In the great Civil war, besides Brevet Major General S. G. Griffin, who lived here after the war, Keene gave Brevet Brigadier General Fran- cis S. Fiske, Colonel Robert Wilson, Lieutenant Colonel John W. Babbitt, Majors Obed G. Dort and Edward E. Sturtevant, Surgeon George B. Twitchell, Captains Henry C. Handerson, Henry N. Metcalf, Solon A.
GEORGE B. TWITCHELL.
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SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
Carter, and John W. Sturtevant, as well as many more officers of lesser rank and scores of private soldiers. Let us hope that, before it is too late, full biographical details may 'be written of the deeds of all these brave men in that memorable struggle.
In the last war, that between the United States and Spain, Keene was represented in the New Hampshire regiment by Captain Paul F. Babbidge and many others.
As we approach modern times, we cast one look at the long line of worthy men who have helped to shape the destiny and the fortunes of Keene. We see a long line of lawyers, whose efforts at the bar, or in the discharge of public duties, have given lustre to their names. Among them are Elijah Williams, the first lawyer; Daniel Newcomb, a judge of the superior court, and first state senator from Keene; Peleg Sprague, elected to congress in 1797; Noah Cooke; Samuel Dinsmoor, Sr., elected to con- gress in 1811, a governor of New Hampshire; Samuel Dinsmoor, Jr., an- other governor of the state; James Wilson, Sr., elected to congress in 1809; James Wilson, Jr., who rose to the rank of general in the militia and served in congress; Levi Chamberlain, a member of the Peace con- gress of 1861; Joel Parker, chief justice from 1838 to 1848, later a pro- fessor of law at Harvard university; Joseph Buffum, who served in con- gress; Salma Hale, who also served in congress and wrote a prize his- tory of the United States; George S. Hale, son of the preceding, who was one of the most honored trust lawyers of Boston; Thomas M. Edwards, first president of the Cheshire railroad, also a member of congress; Elijah Parker; Foster Alexander; Elijah Dunbar; Phineas Handerson; Phineas Fiske; William P. Wheeler; Farnum F. Lane; Francis A. Faulkner, who declined a seat upon the bench of the supreme court; William Henry Burt; John Henry Elliot; Edward Farrar, long the clerk of the courts; C. C. Webster; and the late Francis C. Faulkner, who, like his father, declined promotion to the bench.1
We see, too, a succession of physicians, noted for their skill and suc- cess, including Dr. Pomeroy, who refused to sigu the Association Test, during the Revolution; Thaddeus McCarty, who introduced into Keene the inoculation for the small-pox; Daniel Adams, an early postmaster; still another Daniel Adams, who was the author of valuable school text- books; Amos Twitchell, who has been aptly called "the autocrat of surgery in New England," whose skill and genius earned for him an extensive reputation and an immense practice; Charles G. Adams, a son of the first named Daniel, whose sunny face and genial manners in the sick room are still well remembered; Algernon S. Carpenter, who was for many years one of our most honored physicians; George B. Twitchell, a nephew of Amos, an able surgeon, widely known and universally re- spected; Thomas B. Kittredge; Ira F. Prouty; Thomas E. Hatch; and H. H. Darling, a homeopathist well remembered.
Two dentists cannot be forgotten, the elder and the younger Strat- ton, the latter the nephew of the former. They were ingenious mechanics and were masters of their profession as it was practised in their time.
1 Alfred T. Batchelder, a prominent lawyer, lived but a few days after this address was delivered. No living person was mentioned.
730
HISTORY OF KEENE.
I shall attempt no account of the numerous secret and other social organizations in Keene, nor can I attempt to name the long roll of busi- ness men who did so much to build up this prosperous city. David Nims, first town clerk; John Elliot, Justus Perry, Sumner Wheeler, the two Halls, John H. Fuller, Francis Faulkner, Josiah Colony, Charles S. Faulkner, Aaron Appleton, William Dinsmoor; S. W. Hale, governor of the state; S. D. Osborne, Lanmon Nims; Henry Colony, first president of the Manchester & Keene railroad; the latter's brothers, Timothy, Alfred and John Edward; also Joshua D. Colony and sons, L. J. and O. E., E. C. Thayer, George Tilden, George W. Tilden, E. G. Whitcomb, J. R. Beal, Charles Bridgman, Elbridge and Charles Keyes, J. B. Elliot, Charles Lamson, Reuel Nims, Eliphalet and William S. Briggs, Henry Pond, Abijah Wilder, Abijah Kingsbury; also Jeremiah Stiles, the old land surveyor; are a few only of the names of those who have passed on to the great majority, in former years, among our business men. More recently the names of Peter B. Hayward, Caleb T. Buffum, G. D. Harris and Edward Joslin have been added to the number. This list will be conspicuous for the many names which it omits, nor can I allude to the business of any who are now living.
The succession of public improvements in Keene has been rapid in the past half century. Men now living have witnessed the completion of three steam railroads into this place, now operated by one company; the introduction of the telegraph and the telephone; the establishment of a good fire department, with two steamers; paved streets, macadamized highways, and a street sprinkling apparatus; the inauguration of a sys- tem of water works which supplies the city with an abundance of pure water; an adequate system of drainage; the introduction of illuminating gas and more recently of electric lighting; the founding of the Invalids' Home and of the Elliot City Hospital, which last named institution pre- serves the name of a generous benefactor, as well as the Edward Joslin Home for Nurses' which adjoins it; the building of the headquarters for the Young Men's Christian Association on West street; the founding of a daily newspaper; and, last of all, the construction of two lines of electric railways, under one company, the second of which was opened to travel yesterday. All these useful institutions and improvements are compara- tively recent. They are but a few of all that might be named, although they are the more important.
In addition to these public utilities, we must remember our park sys- tem, for which we are indebted to our worthy citizen, Mr. George A. Wheelock, as well as to certain ladies.
Now, as we look to the future, we fancy that the comforts of life which it has been our privilege to enjoy, manifold as they seem to us, are but few in comparison with the luxuries which applied science will bring to future generations. Let us be grateful for any part, however small, which it shall be the good fortune of any one of us to take in pro- moting the welfare of our honored town and city. Let the recollection of those worthy forefathers, some of whose names have been so hastily brought to your notice, stimulate you all to do your whole duty that
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SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
the Keene of the future may sustain the enviable reputation which the Keene of the past has enjoyed, of being one of the most orderly and best governed, as well as one of the most beautiful cities in the American Union.
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Additions and Corrections.
Discrepancies in the spelling of proper names were com- mon in the early days. To determine which of the various spellings are correct is well nigh impossible. For this reason uniformity has not been attempted in every case.
In the Biographical Sketches, pages 555 to 670, no living person has been included, and the likeness of no liv- ing person is given among the illustrations.
Page 10, line 2; for "Bethsaida " read "Bethesda."
Page 293, foot note; for "minister" lot read "minis- try " lot.
Page 404, line 13; for "Ellis" read "Eells."
Page 461, line 6; for "Association " read "Union."
Page 476. Between records of Streeter and Towns insert : Totten, James. Co. G: age 32; res. Marlboro; enl. April 22, '61; must. out Aug. 9, '61. See Fourteenth N. H. V.
Page 480, line 2; for "Bermuda Hundreds" read "Bermuda Hundred."
Page 481. Between records of Bridge and Califf insert : Britton, John L. Co. A; age 42; res. Surry, after the war Keene; enl. Aug. 18, '61; must. in as musc .; app. prin. musc. Oct. 10, '61; disch. disab. June 13, '62, Williamsburg, Va. See V. R. C.
Page 501. Between records of Metcalf and Muchmore insert :
Mitchell, John E. Co. G; age 33; res. Walpole; enl. Nov. 6, '61; disch. Jan. 19, '63, Philadelphia. See Fourteenth N. H. V.
Page 511. Between records of Hastings, John G., and Healey insert :
Hayes, Joseph R. Co. D; age 21; enl. March 9, '65; must. out July 8, '65. See U. S. navy.
Page 512. Between records of Nims and O'Brien insert : O'Brien, John. Co. D; age 20; enl. Feb. 28, '65; must. out July 8, '65. See miscel. org.
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ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS.
Page 514. To the history of the Sixteenth New Hamp- shire Volunteers add the following record :
Beverstock, Daniel O. Co. G; age 20; res. Nelson, after the war Keene; enl. Sept. 13, '62; must. out Aug. 20, '63. See Eighteenth N. H. V.
Page 673. Among the selectmen in the year 1849, for "Lanman " Nims read "Lanmon" Nims.
Page 674. Among the selectmen in the year 1871, for "Lanman " Nims read "Lanmon " Nims.
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General Index.
(Persons having the same family name, with firms and corporations named after them, are grouped together, although in some instances the strictly alpha- betical arrangement of the index is thereby slightly varied. Different individuals bearing the same name are distinguished from each other whenever practicable by the use of some brief explanation, title or number. When numbers are used, no relationship is to be necessarily implied between the persons thus numbered.)
Abbott, Abiel
221
Daniel 584
Elizabeth 624
Jacob
624
John T
686, 691, 695, 703
685, 694
Joseph B.
Joshua
586
& Holman.
410, 421
Mrs.
559
Rev. Mr
406
Stephen G
474, 705
Thomas
21
Agawam, Mass
23, 28, 136
Warren.
509
Agawams, the.
.32
William P.
461, 473, 608, 674
675, 685
Abbreviations, list of.
475
Abenakis, the
31, 33, 89
Abercrombie, Gen
130, 639
Abraham, Heights of.
718
Alarm list
163, 175
Abraham, Plains of ..
.131, 663
Academy fund
427, 724, 725
Academy trustees
427, 724, 725
Acquin
493
Aldrich, B. F
527
Acworth
193, 374
Col
289
Adams, Benjamin. 590
Benjamin (Dea.) .557
Benjamin F ... 391, 397, 407, 415 416, 430, 431, 435, 440, 453
454, 547, 675
B. F. & Co
448
Miss C.
365, 573
Charles Francis
.332
Niles
643
Thomas M
588
Alert, No. 1 (fire company)
.460
Alexander, Col.
241
Ebenezer .. 23, 25, 26, 83, 84, 89, 91
Elias.
.80
Foster ... 340, 364, 375, 376, 377 393, 557, 572, 589, 632, 673 675, 676, 678, 679, 729
Joseph
.81
L. A. (Mrs.)
541
Reuben
.557
Holman & Dutton
410, 433
Holman & Wood 416
Adams, John Quincy
.389, 663
Joseph
.556
Mary A
556
Nancy Ann
569
Thomas
128
William H.
.524
Adams's New Arithmetic ... 557, 637 Additions and corrections ....... 732-3 Address of Mayor Taft ...... 715, 716
Agricultural Society, Cheshire County ...... 378, 388, 398, 415
447, 458, 467
Agricultural Society, State ......... 457
Aiken, Enoch
.524
Ainsworth, Laban
369, 548, 600
Darwin M.
701
Diantha.
.637
Edwin C.
.702
Edwin V.
Herbert C.
341
294
450, 454, 555, 556, 557, 729
Daniel (Capt.).
.. 556
Daniel (Dr.) ....... 49, 70, 294, 305
307, 308, 344, 352, 356, 393 410, 416, 555, 556, 557, 566 614, 729
Daniel (Mrs.)
.406
Daniel (Dr. and author) .. 333, 557 569, 729
David
193
Lucian A
480
Eunice
.557
Sarah Foster
557
& Chamberlain
364
John ...... 107, 189, 288, 332, 398 | Alexandria 478, 488, 489, 499
Charles G ...... 242, 393, 407, 410
Albany.
32, 95, 120, 130, 131
Alden, Luther P.
674, 686, 705
735
GENERAL INDEX.
Alford, John.
Algonquins, the
Allard, Andrew 89
Allen, Amasa 308, 566
Calvin, Jr. 509
Chester
449, 467, 541
Daniel.
359
Daniel (Mrs.).
699
Deidamia
359, 703
Eleazar.
21
Ethan
255, 256, 261
Ira
261, 266
John E.
John J., Jr
685, 687
Joseph
.21
Sally
667, 668
84, 86, 87
683
Will T
535
& Bond
307, 308, 341, 566
& Dorr 302, 308, 309
Allied Metal Mechanics .714
Alstead
194, 206, 346
Altitudes
553, 705
Arlington, Mass.
.26
Amadon, Frank E.
.517
Armory.
.689
American Academy of Languages 396
American band
712, 714
American House.
.542
American News, the.
725
American seamen
.343, 353
Ames, Henry
.683
Manufacturing Company ....... 536 Silas 343
Thomas F ..... 362, 376, 398, 413 415, 442, 454 |
Ames's battery
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