USA > New Hampshire > Cheshire County > Marlborough > History of the town of Marlborough, Cheshire County, New Hampshire > Part 16
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SADDLE AND HARNESS MAKERS.
David Wilkinson, Sen., was the pioneer saddle and harness maker of Marlborough, commencing business as early as 1790, devoting his time to this trade when his labors were
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186
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
not needed upon the farm. We are informed that he was a good workman, and being the only saddler in this vicinity he found a ready market for his goods. He was succeeded by his son, the " Uncle David " of to-day, who has for many years occupied the old shop at the corner, and, though now . more than eighty years of age, is still active in his labors, retaining somewhat the vigor of youth, can mend or make a harness as well now as fifty years ago .* His three sons, Warren H., Solon S., and Cyrus K. learned the trade of their father. The two oldest carried on the business in Marlborough for several years. Warren H. is now en- gaged in the same business on a large scale in Springfield, Mass .; and Solon S. is located in Keene, where he has met with good success. Cyrus K. commenced business in Keene, but afterwards removed to Springfield, where he was in company with Daniel C. Frost for years. He died July, 10, 1867. John W. Bradshaw is also engaged in harness- making. He is at present located in Odd Fellows Block, doing good business.
BROWN EARTHEN WARE.
Nathaniel Furber is said to be the first to manufacture brown earthen ware in this town, but at what date he commenced the business we have not been informed. His shop was on the Herrick farm, now owned by Merrill Mason. The non-intercourse and embargo acts, together with the last war with England, gave such an impulse to the manufacture of this kind of ware, that it soon became a lucrative business, and some eight or ten shops were built in the north-west part of Dublin, and several in the north- east part of Marlborough. William Greenwood commenced the business about 1813 on the farm now owned by Milton White. It was also carried on for several years in the same neighborhood by Eben Russell, on the Abner Russell place, and likewise by Daniel Greenwood on his farm. About 1834, Chauncey Metcalf built a pottery on the hill, a little
*Mr. Wilkinson has died since the above was written,
187
MILLS AND MANUFACTORIES.
west of the present residence of Luke Knowlton. In a few years, these buildings came into the possession of Josiah Fitch, who removed them to Lowellville, where the business was continued for a few years by Mr. Fitch and others. The buildings finally came into the hands of James M. L. Parker, who converted them into a dwelling-house which is now owned and occupied by W. A. Russell.
In the spring of 1845, Capt. John Wight erected what has since been known as the " Old Pottery " on the Dublin , road. He was succeeded by his son Abner who did a good business there for several years. In the spring of 1866, James A. White purchased the property ; he subsequently removed the buildings to the village, and made them into dwelling-houses. No ware of this kind is at present man- ufactured in town. The declension of this business was caused partly by the low duties and large importation of English whiteware, and partly by the low price of tin, these two having almost entirely driven the brown ware from the market.
BRICK.
Hugh Mason was the first to commence brickmaking within the limits of the town, having started in the business soon after his removal here in 1793. His yard was on the west side of the road, and a little north of the barn of William C. Mason. There being an abundance of clay in the immediate vicinity, well adapted for this purpose, for a few years he manufactured a considerable quantity, which found a ready market in this and neighboring towns. John Wiswall, Sen., made brick for some years in the pasture and mowing now owned by George Holman. David Wilkinson was also engaged in this business for a short time, near the " Old Pottery " on the Dublin road. The bricks for his dwelling-house and the Congregational Church, were made at this place.
THE GRANITE QUARRY.
A little west of the centre of the town is a ledge of fine
188
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
and beautiful granite, which, for building purposes, is un- equalled by any in the State. This was worked quite ex- tensively for several years by Asa Greenwood who erected all the granite buildings in the village, except the Library, which was built by Jonathan Jones. Mr. Jones purchased the quarry in 1850, and in company with J. T. Collins worked it more or less for eighteen years. Mr. A. G. Mann of Worcester, Mass., the present owner, purchased it in May, 1868, and that year shipped to Worcester from three to four thousand tons, besides what was sent to other places. In 1873, he shipped to Worcester 6005 tons, to Lowell 135 tons, to Boston 360 tons, besides small lots to other places : add to the above figures the amount of wall-stone from the quarry, and it would amount to nearly 10,000 tons during that year.
The most prominent buildings constructed of this granite are the Union Passenger Depot of Worcester, and the Plymouth Congregational Church of Worcester, which is one of the most substantial buildings in the city. The beauty of this granite is that it retains its color the best of any light-colored granite known, and is well adapted for either fine or rough work, and also peculiarly so for block paving and wide flagging, or flat stones.
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CHAPTER XI.
TAVERNS AND STORES.
THE FIRST TAVERN. - ANECDOTE. - TAVERNS PREVIOUS TO 1792. - OLD RED TAVERN. - CUMMINGS TAVERN. - SWEETSER TAVERN. - FLOOD TAVERN AND OTHERS. - THE HALF-WAY HOUSE. - MARL- BOROUGH HOTEL. - SWEETSER STORE. - ROBERSON'S STORE. - FIFE- STORE .- AARON GAGE & CO .- ABNER BOYDEN .- W. & E. BOYDEN. - OTHER STORES OF THE OLDEN TIME. - UNION STORE. - PRESENT TRADERS.
TAVERNS.
ONE of the most important features of a country-town in the olden time was its public houses; and, as the number of inhabitants increased, the number of taverns multiplied, until they became too numerous for the good of the people. The first to open a public house within the limits of Monadnock, No. V., was Benjamin Tucker, being “ inholder in said township" as early as 1769. This house is thus described by the late Deacon Abel Baker of Troy. It was situated on the old County road from Keene to Boston, a few rods east of the mill formerly owned by Tarbell & Whitney. It was a little past the top of the hill, where it begins to slope toward the east, and on the north side of the road. It was a low house, perhaps 26x30; and, if there were four rooms in it, two of them must have been very small. No outhouse whatever was connected with it, except a horse-shed of some twenty-five feet in length, that run from the south-west corner of the house toward the road. On the opposite side of the road was a log barn, some
190
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
twenty-five feet square. After the death of Mr. Tucker in 1785, his son Moses continued the business until the completion of the turnpike in 1801, which took the travel away from this house. In a few years, the place was deserted; and nothing now remains except the marks of an old cellar and a few decaying apple-trees, to denote that this place was once inhabited by man.
It was here that the proprietors were wont to meet for the transaction of their public business. These meetings must have been a source of considerable revenue to "mine host"; for who would think of deliberating upon the weighty matters brought up at these meetings, without the inevitable rum, brandy, and sugar, which were freely used on all occasions? At one time about 1792, quite a number, among whom were some of the most influential men in town, met at the "Tucker Tavern " for the transaction of some business, but, having imbibed freely of the ardent, spent the night in carousing,-acting, said an eye-witness, as though they were " bedeveled." When the morning light began to dawn, they had just spirit enough in them to attempt to burn John Rogers- who was one of the party-at the stake. The stake was erected in a pile of green shavings. John was led out, tied to the stake, and the brand of fire applied ; but, not being able to make the shavings burn, Rogers was saved, and a calamity providentially prevented, which, had it taken place, must have put the town in mourning.
In 1770, William Barker opened a public house in the south part of the town, within the present limits of Troy. His sign was an upright post, with an arm projecting from the top, upon the end of which was the picture of a heart.
Col. Richard Roberts kept a tavern during the Revolu- tion, which was located in the south part of the town, on the old road leading from the highway near George Porter's to the Simon Butler place. He afterwards followed the same business for several years on the site of the brick house now owned by Rufus S. Frost.
In 1775, Jonathan Frost opened a hotel on the farm now owned by Ansel Nye : this was destined to be of short
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TAVERNS AND STORES.
duration, as he died the following year, and the place was not afterwards known as a tavern-stand.
In 1792, Phinehas Farrar opened his house to the public, having obtained the following license : -
September 2, 1792.
Phinehas Farrar is Licensed for to keep a tavern for one year from this date.
SILAS FIFE, OLIVER WRIGHT, Selectmen.
Eighteen days subsequent, these same official dignitaries, with the addition of Phinehas Farrar, who was first select- . man, licensed Seth Stone to "Retail Spirituous Lyquors " for one year from date.
About this time (1792), Abijah Woodward built the "Old Red Tavern," which was for so many years one of the principal objects of interest in our village. He was suc- ceeded in 1798 by David Thurston, Jr., and from this time until 1835 there were no less than sixteen different land- lords in this tavern. We present their names, as nearly in the order in which they come as it is possible : -
Samuel Thurston.
David Beard.
Spear & Ballou. Welcom Ballou.
Charles Deming.
Oren Sales.
Bennoni Shirtliff.
Olney Cook.
Reuben Muzzy.
Zimri Cook.
Elnathan Gorham.
Nathaniel Metcalf.
Alexander Ballou.
Gilman Converse.
Olney Ballou.
Lyman Tenney.
Isaac Cummings opened a public house as early as 1793. This was a two-story house, which formerly stood a little south-west of the old meeting-house, on land since owned by J. Merrill Davis. This was known for many years as "the Cummings Tavern." Mr. Cummings removed to Winchen- don in 1817, and was succeeded by George H. Lane who kept it open to the public until 1822, when he was followed by Samuel Tenney.
In 1793, Joseph Sweetser was licensed to keep a public house at the place 'since known as the "Sweetser Tavern," being the same that was occupied by Moses Hunt. In 1799,
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HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
he was succeeded by his brother Phillips Sweetser, Esq., who continued the business for many years. This tavern was always well patronized; the ready wit and good man- agement of the "old Squire," who always had the " best of accommodations " making it a very desirable place for the traveller. A large number always congregated about this place on training and muster days. Many ludicrous incidents occurred here at these times, which are well remembered by the older inhabitants. On a certain occa- sion, when all had partaken freely at the bar, some one in the crowd offered to bet a stipulated sum with Henry Hunt that he could not lead his two-year-old colt up the stairs into the hall. Mr. Hunt who was full of spirit, immedi- ately accepted the bet, and led the colt in triumph into the hall. The money was promptly paid but now a difficulty presented itself. The colt, which seemed willing to climb the stairs, utterly refused to descend, much to the discomfiture of its owner who appealed to his neighbors to assist him, but in vain. They were inexorable, until Mr. Hunt, in despair, offered to expend the whole amount of the bet in " toddy " with which to treat the crowd. Whereupon, he immediately received all needed assistance.
In 1794, Jonathan Ball received a license to open a public house which he kept for several years in the south part of the town within the present limits of Troy.
In 1796, two more were added to the number of taverns: Lemuel Foster's, the location of whose house is at present unknown ; and Widow Betsey Flood's, which was situated on the farm since known as the Daniel Priest place. At the time her house was opened for the entertainment of travellers, the road went directly by the house, and was the main thoroughfare from Jaffrey to Keene, making it a very desirable location for a tavern. Mrs. Flood was united in marriage to Capt. Benjamin Spaulding of Jaffrey, in 1797, after which the business was continued by her husband until the present highway was completed, when Mr. Spauld- ing built the house afterwards owned by Asa Hastings, and transferred his hotel business to the latter place, where he with others continued it for many years.
193
TAVERNS AND STORES.
Benjamin Longley commenced keeping tavern in 1797, at the place since owned by Aaron Stone. He was succeeded in 1808 by Elijah Boyden. Christopher Harris was also licensed this year, and kept the house which was formerly owned by Jonathan Ball.
In 1798, John Cummings and Aaron Rider each received a license for keeping tavern ; also William Pratt and William Pierce, but where they were located is now unknown.
Simon Piper in 1799 opened a house to the public on the site of the far-famed "Haskell Tavern." In 1804, he was followed by Joseph Haskell, who, in turn, was succeeded by his son Joseph and others of the family.
William Lincoln commenced the business in 1800 where Murry Fitch now lives.
Capt. Rufus Houghton kept a tavern in 1803, probably in the south part of the town. Jacob French was also licensed for this purpose the same year, and doubtless kept in the same quarter of the town.
In 1808, Jeremiah Frost, in company with Capt. Jonathan Frost, opened a public house where Levi A. Fuller now resides. We find in 1818 Joseph Carter " mine host " here, who was succeeded by Jacob Osborn in 1820. He remained here some eight years, and then rented it to his sons, Daniel F. and Leonard Osborn, who kept it four years, when Daniel F. sold his share to Leonard, who continued the business five years, and then let it to John and Oren Black, who were there in 1835. They were followed in quick succes- sion by James Spaulding, Elijah Pierce, and Cyrus Bruce, the latter commencing business here in 1838. Mr. Bruce was followed by Ebenezer Howard who sold to Amasa Fuller.
Justus Perry had a license in 1813 to keep a tavern where Gilman Whitcomb now resides. In 1818, this was kept by Jonathan Dwinnell.
In 1813, we find Silas Newton kept a hotel on the site of the house now owned by Granville Morse.
The same year, Levi W. Porter commenced the business of a hotel-keeper, which he continued for seven years at the house now owned by his son George A. Porter.
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194
HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
In 1826, John Pratt kept tavern for a short time at the old Cummings stand.
Calvin Tenney in 1829 built the famous "Half-Way House," so named from the fact that it was supposed to be just half-way from Keene to Jaffrey, and not half-way to the regions of woe, as was suggested by an aged man whose wit far exceeded his wisdom. This was one of the best locations for a public house, being a noted place of resort for the drivers of the Vermont "Pod Auger " teams, and here during the long winter evenings, regaling themselves with their toddy which " Uncle Cal." knew so well how to pre- pare, they would tell their stories and crack their jokes, much to the amusement of the younger portion of the com_ munity, who never failed to put in an appearance on such occasions.
In 1813, Robert Carpenter who then owned the brick mill built the Marlborough Hotel. - -
- Clark was the first landlord, and remained here some three years, when it came into the hands of Asa Maynard. Mr. Maynard kept one of the best public houses in the State, and it was known far and near as a temperance hotel. In 1859, he sold to George Thatcher who continued it as a temperance house for several years.
In 1871, a number of gentlemen formed an association known as the Marlborough Hotel Company, purchased the house, and still own and keep it as a temperance hotel.
The Converse House was opened to the public several years ago by its present proprietor, Col. Nelson Converse.
STORES.
Joseph Sweetser commenced trade in this town about 1792. His goods were kept in a small, low building which formerly stood in the corner of the roads near the house since owned by Moses Hunt. His stock in trade consisted of the usual inventory of a country store of those days, such as codfish, tea, rum, tobacco, sugar, and molasses. Previous to the opening of this store, the settlers were
195
TAVERNS AND STORES.
mainly dependent on the neighboring towns for such nec- essaries of life as could be purchased only at a store. Mr. Sweetser continued in trade but a short time, when he was succeeded by his brother, Phillips Sweetser, Esq., who did a thriving business in his store and tavern for many years.
In the spring of 1794, Jonas Roberson opened a store in the house of Reuben Ward, in the extreme south part of the town, near the Fitzwilliam line. After trading here one year, wishing to locate nearer the centre of business, he removed over the line into Fitzwilliam, and built a store on the site of the one now occupied by Charles W. Whitney in the village of Troy. Mr. Roberson, being an enterprising and honorable man, was not long in winning the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens, and he soon became a man of influence in the community. Possessing a talent for business, he worked up an extensive trade. It was here that the farmers and other citizens of the community were wont to gather on a long winter's evening, and over their mugs of toddy tell stories, and crack their jokes at each other's expense. It is related that upon one occasion, when quite a number had thus congregated, it was determined that the worthy proprietor should treat the company at his own expense. For a time all efforts in that direction failed. Suddenly some one called upon Samuel Wright, a good- natured, fun-loving fellow, to lead in prayer. Wright imme- diately assumed the attitude of supplication, and, among other petitions, asked the Lord to be pleased "to return to Harrington's mill-pond all the water which Roberson had taken therefrom with which to water his rum"; at the same time putting in the proviso that it might not all come at once, lest there be a flood. At this juncture, he was inter- rupted by Roberson, who declared he would treat; and thus their object was attained. Mr. Roberson remained in trade here until 1806, when he removed to Fitzwilliam village, where he died in August, 1819.
Samuel and Silas Fife, sons of Deacon Silas Fife, built a house some seventy years ago in the south part of the town, near the Jaffrey line, being the same that is now owned by
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HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
Mr. Fox. One part of this they fitted up for a store. Not being successful in business, they soon gave up trade, and removed from town.
In 1813, Aaron Gage, Asa Hastings, and - Roberts erected the building now used by David Wilkinson as a harness-shop. This they filled with goods, and for about one year traded in partnership. At the expiration of that time, Gage sold his interest to Hastings & Roberts, who continued in trade until about 1820, when they were succeeded by William Ward.
Alexander Ballou traded for a short time in the old Sweetser store. He afterwards removed to Providence, R.I. In May, 1820, Abner Boyden, in company with Dr. James Batcheller, purchased the goods in the Sweetser store, and continued in business until 1825, when Boyden, having bought the stock and trade of William Ward, removed his goods to the Ward store, where he remained in trade until 1837, and was succeeded by his brothers William and Elijah.
Abner Boyden was one of the most influential men of his time. His upright and manly course secured the con- fidence of his fellow-citizens who ever found in him a prudent and safe counsellor. For many years he was called by them to the responsible and arduous duties of conducting the business of the town, serving thirteen years as Town Clerk, fourteen years as one of the Board of Selectmen, and two years representing the town in the Legislature. It may be safely said that he never neglected or betrayed the trust reposed in him, but was ever faithful to his constituents. To him, perhaps, more than to any other man, our beautiful village owes its origin. Early foreseeing that the superior water-power in this locality would give rise to a village, he in 1825, as has been before stated, removed his goods from the middle of the town to what is now the old harness- shop. He aided in building the large brick house since owned by James Wakefield, Esq., which soon after came en- tirely into his possession, and through his influence the Con- gregational church was built upon its present site. His
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TAVERNS AND STORES.
store became the central point of the town, where the people informally came together for animated talks and the discus- sion of public and private measures. He died June 4, 1837, greatly lamented by a large circle of friends and ac- quaintances.
William and Elijah Boyden continued business in the old store until 1840, when they built the stone block now owned by Elisha O. Woodward. Here they continued in trade until 1852, when they sold their stock to G. D. Richardson.
John G. Bond fitted up a store, some seventy-five years ago, on the opposite side of the highway from the house now occupied by R. F. Greeley. Timothy Twitchell, a brother of Dr. Amos Twitchell of Keene, traded here for some time about 1804. It was in this building that Justus Perry, afterwards Gen. Perry of Keene, commenced business about 1811. His stock in trade for that year was invoiced at two hundred and fifty dollars. He removed to Keene about 1813.
In 1807, Reuben Ward, Jr., purchased a small stock of goods and commenced trading in a part of the house next south of the common. He died in June, 1808.
The following account was taken from the Day-Book of Reuben Ward, and is not only a fair sample of the accounts of merchants of that day, but serves also to show the cost of the various articles at that time : -
1807.
May 6. To 15 1b. Iron, . $1.20
12. 2 lb. Cotton at 32 cts., .64
13. 66 1 oz. Parsnip seed 8 cts., { 1b. Tea, . .33
13. 1 Tea pot 23 cts., 1 Cotton ball 25 cts., .48
June 5. 66 1 pt. N. Rum 9 cts., 134 1b. Iron, 1.15
17. 66 4.6 oz. Fish at 7 cts., .
.31
25. 2 Lemons at 7 cts.,
.14
July 1. 1 pt. W.I. Rum, .15
6 13. 66 1 lb. Sugar 17 cts., 1 qt. N. Rum 17 cts., .34
13. 1 lb. Sugar 17 cts., 2 pt. Boles at 9,-18, . .35
13. 1 Spelling Book, .25
Ang. 8
1 pt. Molasses, .09
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HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
Aug. 10
4.14 oz. Fish at 7 cts., 8 .34
14
1 peck Salt 38 cts., 4 lb. Tea 25 cts., .63
25 66 1 1b. Sugar 17 cts., 1 pt. N. Rum 8 cts., .25
: { yd. Cambrick 23 cts., Thread 2 cts., . .25
Sept. 2
6. 1 pt. W.I. Rum, .15
66
15
2} yds. Toe cloth, .63
66 2.1 66 } peck salt, .19
Oct. 22
} doz. Biscuit, .12
66 24 66 1 pt. Brandy, .17
Nov. 17 1 Spelling Book 25 cts., 1 1b. Raisins 16 cts., .41
17 4 1b. Tea 25 cts., ¿ 1b. Spice 13 cts.,
.38
Dec. 23 ¿ lb. Tea 25 cts., 1 Whip 13 cts., .38
66
20 ¿ 1b. Tea 25 cts., 1 Almanac 10 cts., .35
66
20
66 1 Pail, .40
Nathan E. Wild who afterwards occupied that place fitted up the old blacksmith-shop which had been used by Walter Capron and others, and putting in a small stock of goods traded here for several years
Some fifty years ago, James Nason had a store at the north part of the town. This building was near the present residence of Josiah H. Knight. A few years since it was moved across the highway, and now forms a part of the house owned by George F. Wise.
THE PROTECTIVE UNION STORE, DIVISION No. 241, was formed in the spring of 1851 by Dr. James Batcheller, Stillman Buss, and others. Their goods were placed in a part of the grist-mill at Lowellville; and Elisha O. Wood- ward, a young man from Swanzey, was employed as clerk. In 1853, Mr. Buss erected the building now occupied by N. M. Chase; and the Union Store was removed to that place. Mr. Woodward afterwards purchased the stock in trade of the Union. and remained there about one year. In 1858, he bought out G. D. Richardson at the old Boyden store, and removed his goods to that place, where he has remained to the present time, with the exception of about three years spent in Grafton, Mass., during which time Frank H. Robertson traded in this store.
Soon after the removal of Mr. Woodward from the
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TAVERNS AND STORES.
Lowellville store, it was opened by Daniel W. Tenney and William M. Nason. At the expiration of one year, Mr. Nason purchased the entire stock, and continued in trade at that place until 1865, when he sold to Wyman Sawyer and George Tilden. He is now associated with E. O. Woodward. Mr. Tilden soon sold his share to J. T. Collins. Subse- quently Mr. Sawyer became the sole proprietor; and, on the completion of the Town Hall Building, he in company with George G. Davis removed his goods to that place. Henry A. Spofford traded in the old Union Store building for several years.
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