USA > New Hampshire > Cheshire County > Marlborough > History of the town of Marlborough, Cheshire County, New Hampshire > Part 17
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There are at present eight stores in the village. George G. Davis is located in the Town Hall Building, and is a dealer in dry goods, groceries, hardware, flour, grain, meal, paints, and oils. C. Hale, meat and provision market, is also located under the Town Hall. Woodward & Nason, dealers in dry goods, carpetings, boots and shoes, gentlemen's furnishing goods, small wares, room paper, etc .; also Miss E. A. Knowlton, dealer in millinery and fancy goods, -in Woodward's Block. H. A. Powers, dealer in drugs, medi- cines, perfumery, toilet and fancy goods, confectionery, etc., and George K. Harrington, jewelry and variety store, in Odd Fellows Block. Charles Stay, dealer in boots, shoes, rub- bers, etc. B. F. Merriam, manufacturer of tin, sheet iron, copper ware, dealer in furnaces, stoves, pumps, lead pipe, zinc, glass, and wooden ware.
CHAPTER XII.
PHYSICIANS.
DR. JUSTUS PERRY. - DR. KENDALL BRUCE. - DR. DAVID CARTER. - DR. E. K. FROST. - DR. JAMES BATCHELLER. - DR. SAMUEL A. RICHARDSON. - DR. SAMUEL J. MARTIN. - DR. GEORGE L. HARRING- TON.
THE first physician to settle within the limits of Marl- borough was Dr. Justus Perry. Of the early life of Dr. Perry, but little is known beyond the fact that he was a native of Barre, Mass., and studied medicine with Dr. Stephen Batcheller, Senior, of Royalston. He settled in Marlborough in 1786; and, possessing rare natural and acquired ability, he soon gained the reputation of a skilful physician, and for a few years did an extensive business. Unfortunately, however, he acquired the habit of using ar- dent spirits, which so increased as to disqualify him for the practice of his profession. In 1796, he removed to the south part of the town, and located in what is now the village of Troy. That his usefulness might not be lost to his fellow- men, an effort was made to reclaim him. He was induced to sign a temperance pledge, and obligated himself to ab- stain from the use of all intoxicating drinks for one year. This pledge he faithfully kept ; but, at the expiration of that time, he relapsed into his former dissipated habits, and, losing his practice, returned the following year to the centre of the town, where he died in 1800.
Dr. Kendall Bruce was a native of Marlborough, Mass. He was in this town as a practising physician as early as
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1793. He remained here but a few years, and then removed to Washington, this State, where he continued his profession for several years, then went to Peterborough, and thence to Calais, Vt., where he died Jan. 12, 1832.
Dr. David Carter was the next physician. He was a pupil of the celebrated Dr. Carter of Lancaster, and came to Marlborough soon after the completion of his studies, in 1795. He was contemporary with the late Dr. Amos Twitchell of Keene, and always remained on intimate terms with him. It was in this town, and in company with Dr. Carter, that Dr. Twitchell first commenced the practice of medicine. In his profession, Dr. Carter reached no incon- siderable eminence : his practice extended much into adja- cent towns, and somewhat into places more remote. He removed to Peterborough in 1812, and thence to Dublin in 1820, where he died Jan. 9, 1828.
Dr. Carter was succeeded by Dr. Ephraim K. Frost who commenced practice here soon after the removal of the former from town in 1812. Dr. Frost was a native of Jaf- frey. His early education was obtained in a school of three months each year ; later, from a course in Dartmouth Col- lege. He studied medicine with Dr. Carter, paying his way by teaching school. He remained in practice here some six years, and then removed to Swanzey. He afterwards en- igrated to Lincoln, Neb., where he died in 1871.
Dr. James Batcheller was born in Royalston, Mass., June 5, 1791. He was the son of Dr. Stephen Batcheller, the first physician of that town, who established himself there in 1768, and continued in practice until his death in 1829, at the age of eighty-three. Dr. James Batcheller spent his youthful days in his native town; attended schools and academies ; then taught school two years in Pennsylvania. On his return, he studied his profession with an elder brother, Dr. Stephen Batcheller, Jr., and afterwards attended medical lectures at Dartmouth, and took his degree of M.D. In May, 1818, he came to Marlborough by invitation from Rev. Halloway Fish, and established himself as a practising physician. He was very social, and was generally liked by
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HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
the people as a man and physician ; was possessed of more than ordinary ability, and was frequently called out of town for consultation. So extensive was his practice, that it required the services of three horses to enable him to visit his numerous patients. As a physician, he ranked high, as is evident from the fact that he was honored for some time with the presidency of the New Hampshire Medical Society.
Dr. Batcheller was widely known as a politician. He was chosen Representative and Senator to the General Court of New Hampshire; was also elected Councillor, and per- formed the duties of each with honor to himself and bene- fit to his constituents. He was also a delegate to the Con- vention to revise the Constitution of New Hampshire in 1850-51. He was no timid advocate of the cause of eman- cipation of the slave, and this, too, when it required strong nerves to stem the large majorities against him.
At a meeting in Concord, for the purpose of discussing the anti-slavery question, Dr. Batcheller and Gen. Frank- lin Pierce, afterwards President of the United States, were pitted against each other. So well did the Doctor argue his side of the question, that he convinced his opponent ; and, as they came out of the meeting, Pierce slapped him on the shoulder, and said, "Doctor, you are right, but the time has not yet come."
He was also a zealous advocate of the cause of temper- ance, and was one of the first to proclaim the doctrine of total abstinence.
After a residence of some thirty-seven years in Marlbor- ough, he removed to Fitzwilliam, to be near his sons who had previously established themselves in business there. He obeyed some calls for about a year, when, his health suddenly failing, he gave up practice altogether. From that time, he continued to become more and more feeble in body and mind, and at length helpless as an infant gave up life without a struggle. Although he was not a college graduate, he was well educated. He was quick in motion, rapid in speech, and of untiring energy. He read much, thought much, and continued to gain as well as impart
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PHYSICIANS.
knowledge. He was a man in the noblest sense of the term, a pleasant companion, true friend, good neighbor ; and it may be truly said of him that the world was better for his having lived in it.
The author is indebted to William S. Leonard, M.D., for the following sketch of Dr. Samuel A. Richardson : -
Samuel A. Richardson was born in Dublin, Dec. 23, 1830. He was the youngest of four children, and the only son of Abijalı and Mary (Hay) Richardson. His parents were of the old Dublin stock; a little austere in manner, perhaps, as was the fashion of the time, but good types of those sturdy virtues, such as honesty, piety, industry, and thrift, which characterized a former generation in that mountain- town. His early life was spent on his father's farm, assisting in its duties and labor, as was usual with farmers' boys of that period. The common schools of Dublin at that time were equal, if not superior, to any in Cheshire County ; and the early education and training of the son were mostly gained in the somewhat famous School District, No. 2, which has produced many young men who have made their mark in the various walks of life. The Rev. Dr. Leonard, who was singularly unerring in his estimates of young men, early marked him as a boy of promise, and one who would some day be heard from in the battle of life. The good doctor was wont in his old age to enumerate the scores of Dublin young men who had fulfilled the promise of their youth and his own prophecy of success, and " Dr. Sam " was always mentioned among the number.
As young Richardson approached manhood, he supple- mented his common school education with such higher ad- vantages as could be obtained at the " Hancock Literary and Scientific Institute," an institution quite flourishing in those days, and the " Normal Institute " at Reed's Ferry. Beyond this, we are not aware that he enjoyed the benefit of any special school training before commencing the study of that profession to which he has devoted his life. He early con- ceived the idea of a medical education, and in the intervals of
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farm work bent his mind and studies in this direction. He was obliged to rely almost entirely upon his own resources and earnings; and we find him making the first decided move in this direction by attending a course of medical lectures at Philadelphia in 1852. The following spring (1853) he entered his name as a student in the office of Albert Smith, M.D., LL.D., of Peterborough, at that time among the most eminent professors and medical teachers in the State. He attended a course of medical lectures at the Woodstock (Vt.) Medical College in 1854, and still another course at the Albany (N.Y.) Medical College in 1855. In July, 1855, he located as a physician in Marlborough, taking the place of Dr. James Batcheller. He quickly gained the esteem and confidence of the people and a fair share of the business. Not content, however, with his medical acquirements, in the spring of 1856, Dr. Richardson secured another physician to fill his place temporarily, and attended still another course of lectures at Albany, N.Y., receiving from that college the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He also spent some time as resident physician at the Albany County Almshouse Hospital. The six following years were busy ones to him. Having returned to Marlborough, he entered upon the full tide of a very extensive and successful practice. His skill and good judgment were early recognized, and he was soon called to practise more or less in all the adjoining towns. In addition to the arduous duties of his profession, he identified himself to a considerable extent with the manu- facturing interests of the town.
In 1862, when the cloud of civil war darkened our horizon, Dr. Richardson offered his services to his country, and in September of that year was appointed Assistant Surgeon of the Thirteenth Regiment N.H.V., of which Aaron F. Stevens (afterwards General) was colonel, and George B. Twitchell, M.D., of Keene, was surgeon. The following extract from the army report of Col. Stevens to the Governor of New Hampshire, after the battle of Freder- icksburg, dated Dec. 13, 1862, will serve to show how soon Surgeon Richardson's sterling qualities were appreciated by
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his superior officer. He says: " With particular pride and pleasure, I call your attention to the services of Assistant Surgeon Richardson, who in those dreadful days proved himself an honor to his profession, and an invaluable aid to the army in its hour of suffering .* While I look with shame and horror on the conduct of men, who calling themselves surgeons attached to other regiments, I am proud to say that, from personal observation, I know that for two days and nights after the battle, and at times when the shells of the enemy were falling around him, Dr. Richardson pursued his arduous duties in the Hospital and out of it with a fidelity and ability that has endeared him to me personally, and gained him an enviable distinction among his professional brethren in the army."
In April, 1863, Dr. Richardson was promoted Surgeon of the Thirteenth Regiment N.H.V., vice Dr. Twitchell, resigned. June 23, 1863, he was detailed as operating surgeon to assist Col. Rivers, Fourth R.I.V. April 25, 1864, he was appointed Acting Medical Director of the Second Brigade, First Division, Eighteenth Army Corps. Dec. 6, 1864, he was assigned to duty with the Flying Hospital, Twenty-fourth Army Corps, as Chief Operating Surgeon, June 8, 1865, and was appointed surgeon in charge of the same. It is impossible to make any estimate of the extent or magnitude of Dr. Richardson's labors during this fearful period. That must ever be unwritten history; but from the lips of surviving soldiers, old comrades, and the sick and wounded who came under his care, there is but one expression, and that of gratitude and heartfelt thanks for his unselfish devotion to duty, his tender and skilful minis- trations to those in his charge, and, more than all, his never- varying good cheer and light heart in the darkest days, which infused new life and hope into the breasts of many a poor sufferer, and rekindled the spark of life almost extinguished.
*Surgeon Twitchell was unavoidably detained at Washington, and did not arrive until the Tuesday after the battle. In the same report, Col. Stevens says, " I sincerely regret his absence at a time when his distinguished abilities would have rendered him so useful to the unfortunate suffering victims of the day's carnage."
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HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
We cannot better close this brief epitome of Dr. Richard- son's military life than by quoting from a letter recently received from Gen. Aaron F. Stevens of Nashua. Under date of Sept. 9, 1878, Gen. Stevens says: "I desire to reaffirm now whatever you may find in my army reports favorable to Dr. Richardson, or in appreciation of his talents, industry, and professional accomplishments, his kindness of heart, and ever prompt discharge of his duties in camp, field, or hospital. He was a man of superior talent and extraor- dinary resources, admirably adapted to public professional service, as well by his force of character and power of organization, as from his professional knowledge and ac- complishments. Dr. Richardson was separated from my immediate command, early in his term of service, by well deserved promotion, but not until I had learned to appre- ciate and love him, and to witness personally his strength and fitness in the line of duty.
"We all deplore his misfortunes; and I pray you, my dear sir, to see to it that in Marlborough's History ample justice is meted out to my friend and the friend of the soldier.
"I remain sincerely yours,
"A. F. STEVENS."
Dr. Richardson, in speaking of his army life to an intimate friend, said simply, "It has cost me everything except life and honor."
Dr. Richardson returned to his home in Marlborough at the close of the war, and devoted himself assiduously to his profession for several years; but he brought with him that scourge of a Southern clime, fever and ague, which gradu- ally made inroads upon his health, and, as a sequel to the exposures, privations, and hardships of his army life, caused his professional labors, comparatively unfelt before, to be- come more and more a burden. In December, 1872, the death of his only child, "the apple of his eye," a beautiful girl, gave him a terrible blow, and threw him into a state of nervous depression from which it was feared he would not rally. When such strong hearts give way to grief and
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sorrow, there is not that reaction which comes to lighter natures. In the years that have passed since, there have been many long years of sickness and suffering; but it is our hope and belief that time and rest will accomplish a cure, and that Dr. Richardson will regain in a good measure his old-time elasticity and physical strength, as he retains unimpaired his mental vigor, his happy, genial manner, and personal magnetism.
It remains to speak of Dr. Richardson as a physician, a point that perhaps should have come earlier in this notice. There is quite as much difference in doctors as in men of other callings. People are very quick to find out who the good ones are, while "the poor ye have always with you " in medical practice. Dr. Richardson inclined towards surgery before the war; and his military life, with its splendid opportunities and practice, brought him, on his return, into the front ranks among New Hampshire sur- geons. He was ever firm, self-reliant, with nerves of steel, all subservient to excellent judgment and discretion. In the treatment of general diseases, he always has had distin- guished success, never a great medicine-giver, but relying much upon the vis medicatrix natural, -the benign influence · of nature in the eradication and cure of diseases. Many times it is the doctor's manner that helps the patient, quite as much as the drugs he carries in his medicine-case. Dr. Richardson always gained the confidence of his patients in the outset, then their esteem and regard. They believed in him thoroughly and completely, and got well oftentimes because he assured them they could not die. The late eminent Prof. Dixi Crosby used to say that a doctor's motto to his patients should be, "O King, live forever." There should be no such word as "fail " written upon his countenance. Dr. Richardson was always jovial, always had a good story to tell, and some amusing anecdote to call the sick man's attention from his own ailments, to get him away from and out of himself, so to speak. There was something positively infectious in his hearty laugh and his words of good cheer. Said one, "I don't know why it is,
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but I always feel better after Dr. Richardson has been here, even though he gives me not a drop of medicine." It is true that there is an untold amount of potency in "the hearty laugh that doeth good like a medicine." In those grave and desperate cases, where life and death are equally balanced in the scale, each struggling for the mastery, here, too, Dr. Richardson was equally at home, - watchful, vigi- lant, ready to meet any emergency, and combat dangerous symptoms at every turn with all the best chosen weapons of his art. Doctors cannot save everybody; and Doctor Holmes has truly said "that the best physicians lose the most patients," for the very reason that to them are in- trusted the most critical cases, and patients given over by others go to them as a last resort, in the vain hope of obtaining relief when there is none in this world.
Thus briefly we have recorded our impressions of one of Marlborough's physicians, giving glimpses of his early life, his home practice in the town, and his brilliant record in the service of the United States. It may be said that is written with the partiality of a life-long friendship ; but we claim that it only brings out into bolder relief and clearer expression the strong and salient points in a man's char- acter, if this delicate duty is intrusted to an intimate friend. The records of a physician's life must be at the very best imperfect and fragmentary, and the fame of the most noted is often embodied in those brief but impressive words which have the stamp of the Bible upon them, "the beloved physician."
The life of a country doctor, though oft-times hard and dreary, toiling on through summer heat and winter cold, with long cheerless rides upon rough roads, over high hills, and through stony valleys, has nevertheless its bright spots. It is something worth living for to have your name deeply graven upon the hearts of those whose suffering you have alleviated, whose lives you have helped to save; and, more than all, to feel that at all times and in all places, whether at home or upon the battle-field, you have ever done your duty, - so lived, been so disinterested, so forgetful of self, so
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humane, tender, generous, and noble, that "the nobleness that lives in other men, sleeping, but never dead, will rise in majesty to meet thine own."
Samuel J. Martin, son of Jefferson and Rhoda (Davis) Martin, was born in Weston, Windham County, Vermont, Sept. 9, 1830. When three years of age, his parents removed to Mount Holly, Rutland County, Vermont, where he received his early education, dividing his time between his studies and farm work. Previous to his seventeenth year, his help was much needed at home; and he conse- quently had limited advantages for study. At this time, however, he entered Black River Academy at Ludlow, Vermont, and spent two terms each year, during two years ; and for the next four years studied at the same place, during one term of each year. His studies during this time were confined to the English branches; but he afterwards spent two terms at Chester Academy, and there pursued the study of Latin, with other higher branches, earning money to defray his expenses by teaching penmanship and day school. After leaving school, he engaged in teaching, and continued it with the exception of one year - when he was in poor health - until his twenty-eighth year.
He early developed a taste for the medical profession, but in his desire to enter it was opposed by his father who preferred that he should become a farmer. Accordingly, at the age of twenty-eight, he yielded to his father's wishes, and purchased a farm with money, a part of which he had earned by teaching. At the end of one year, becoming dissatisfied with farming, he began the study of medicine at home, under the direction of A. E. Horton, M.D., of Mount Holly. One year later, he sold his farm, and gave his entire attention to his studies ; and after three years' study, and taking two full courses of lectures, graduated from the Eclectic Medical College of Philadelphia. He began his practice in February, 1863, at Marlborough, and remained there until April, 1866, doing a successful practice ; and at that time removed to Walpole, New Hampshire, and there,
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in addition to his practice, opened a drug-store with another gentleman who managed the latter business, while he devoted himself chiefly to his profession. At the end of eighteen months, having lost everything, he closed out his interest in the drug-store, and gave himself unremittingly to his studies and practice.
The force of circumstances induced him to investigate the subject of homeopathy; and, at the end of one year's observation and careful thought, he embraced the principles of that school. Not having recovered from his failure in the drug business, and desiring a larger field of action, he removed to the West in 1869. After spending four months looking for a place in which to settle, he established himself at Racine, Wisconsin, where he has since resided, building up an extensive practice, and making for himself a most worthy reputation as a skilful practitioner.
During his residence in Marlborough, he was elected superintendent of publie schools. He has filled the office two terms as Vice-President, and one term as President, of the Homeopathic Medieal Society of the State of Wisconsin. He is also a member of the American Institute of Homœ- opathy and the Illinois Homeopathic Medical Association.
Dr Martin has given much attention to self-culture, and by extensive reading and observation, has acquired that knowledge of men and things which, with his excellent conversational powers, renders him a most agreeable and social companion. This is but a brief outline of the life and history of one who, though having many experiences in common with others, has yet given an example of continued effort and will-power that entitle him to an honorable mention in these pages.
Dr. George L. Harrington, son of Leonard B. and Eunice G. Harrington, was born in Winchendon, Mass., Nov. 11, 1844. In his childhood and youth, he was quiet and unassuming, yet always thoughtful, fond of his books, and anxious to gain knowledge. Having made the most pos- sible out of his public school and academic privileges, he became a medical student in the office of Prof. Walter
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Carpenter, of Burlington, Vt. Here he enjoyed peculiar advantages under the instruction of a wise and experienced teacher. In due time, he entered the medical department of the Vermont University, and graduated in course M.D.
In the winter of 1872, he settled in Marlborough as a physician. Naturally enough, for the first two years he did not have a great run of practice. However, it became evident to those who early employed him that he was no quack, but one determined to establish himself in the confidence of the people by his works; and so gradually he grew into public favor, all the while extending his pro- fessional career. Long since it became extensively known that, if he is not a man of many words, he is a man of second thought, keen discernment, and sound judgment. He never has been known to praise himself, or tell of wonderful cures and almost miraculous deeds wrought by his skill. Perhaps, he has been too reserved and reticent at times for his own good and highest success. In the long run, no doubt, he will lose nothing from such a constitu- tional habit. The wise Socrates said he never had regretted keeping silence, but had often sorrowed for much speaking. From the fact he is an M.D., it is plain, he does not think he knows it all ; for he spends much time among his books, and finds it a necessity to acquaint himself with the latest journals and modern works of his profession. In the sick- room, he is affable, and naturally adapts himself at once to the situation of things. He seems to possess a ready faculty of reading disease, and a willingness, in case he fails of its diagnosis in any particular instance, to acknowledge his lack of comprehending it. Such frankness is a virtue, and most commendable, especially in a physician. So the sick under his charge can scarcely fail of trusting and confiding in him as a medical adviser. In not a few cases, he has proved himself a skilful and cultured physician. Already he has won a good field of practice, and certainly his future is more promising than the present or the past. He has proved himself a useful citizen and a Christian gentleman. With truth it may be said of him that he is a true friend to the sick and a well-wisher to all in health.
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