USA > New Hampshire > Cheshire County > Marlborough > History of the town of Marlborough, Cheshire County, New Hampshire > Part 18
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CHAPTER XIII.
SKETCHES OF PROMINENT INDIVIDUALS.
CHARLES CUMMINGS. - CYRUS STONE. - OSGOOD HERRICK. - LUTHER WISWALL. - PHILANDER WALLINGFORD. - WILLIAM C. WHITCOMB. - EDWIN DAVIS. - SULLIVAN H. MCCOLLESTER. - JAIRUS B. COL- LINS. - JEREMIAH STONE .- TIMOTHY L. LANE .- JOHN Q. A. McCOL- LESTER. - DANIEL B. WOODWARD. - SUMNER A. MASON .- LUTHER FARRAR. - JOSEPH C. MASON. - ANDREW C. STONE. - JOHN W. CONVERSE. - JUSTUS PERRY. - SUMNER WHEELER. - CYRUS WAKE- FIELD. - WARREN H. WILKINSON. - RUFUS S. FROST. - WILLIAM H. GREENWOOD-DEACON ABEL BAKER.
REV. CHARLES CUMMINGS, son of Rev. Joseph and Anna Cummings, was born in Seabrook, N.H., Sept. 23, 1777. At the age of two years, his parents removed to Marlbor- ough, where he passed his childhood. He was married in 1798, and settled in Sullivan.
It was about this time, or a little later, that he felt impressed that it was his duty to preach the gospel, as he understood it. He struggled with his convictions for several years, feeling deeply his incompetency for the work, having but a limited education, such as was furnished by the common schools of those early days; but, finding no rest for the body or peace for the mind, his strong con- victions of duty prevailed. In 1805, he was licensed to preach by the Baptist board of ministers, and received ordination in 1810 in Sullivan, where he formed a church, and labored for many years, all or a part of the time. He was also instrumental in organizing churches in Keene, Swanzey, Marlborough, Peterborough, Hillsborough, Lynde- borough, and Antrim, and preached more or less in other towns in Sullivan, Hillsborough, and Merrimack Counties.
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In 1820, he was called to the Domestic Missionary work. He was truly one of the pioneers in the ministry. A man of great energy and earnestness, not shrinking from any sacrifice for the good of the cause he loved so well and labored so faithfully to sustain, nothing but utter inabil- ity could deter him from meeting his appointments, many times travelling until late into the night, and through the scorching heats and drenching rains of summer. He had a strong physical constitution, which enabled him to endure his arduous labors.
The following was copied from the Christian Watchman and Reflector, some time after his decease. It is from the pen of Rev. G. Robbins, who officiated at his funeral, be- ing at that time pastor of the Baptist church in Keene. Speaking of his successful labors in the ministry, he says: " He was a man of a kind, conciliatory spirit, humble, prayerful, and zealous in every good work. And he be- longed to a class of men that ought never to be forgotten, -that class which performed the labors and endured the privations of the pioneers of our cause in this State." After his death in 1849, the Dublin Association, as an expression of regard to his memory, passed the following: " Resolved, that his faithful and arduous labors in planting new churches in fields before unoccupied, and breasting the force of opposition commonly incident to such a work, claims from us not only a tribute of high respect, but of affectionate and Christian remembrance ; and, as life is still spared to us, may a sense of our increased obligations stim- ulate us to renewed devotion in the service of our divine Master."
He never wrote his sermons; but, in the early years of his ministry, he would select a text of Scripture before going to the field (for at that time he tilled the soil), and while laboring with his hands he mentally studied and wrought out his sermons. He had a strong, sympathetic nature, and possessed the power to move his audience to a remarkable degree. It was no unusual thing to see the congregation moved to tears. The last few years of his life he labored in
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Pottersville, and preached up to the last Sabbath but one before his death which occurred in Roxbury, N.H., Dec. 27, 1849, at the age of seventy-two years.
Rev. CYRUS STONE, son of Shubael and Polly (Rogers) Stone, was born in Marlborough, June 9, 1793. He became a professing Christian at nineteen years of age, and re- mained a farmer up to the age of twenty-four years. His attention being then turned to the condition of the pagan . world, he determined, after mature deliberation, to devote himself to the preaching of the gospel among the heathen.
He spent a year and a half at the Kimball Union Academy, Meriden, after which he entered Dartmouth in 1818, graduating in the class of 1822.
Possessed of little means and receiving but slight help from others, he mainly supported himself, both in his pre- paratory and through his collegiate course, by his own exer- tions ; laboring on the farm in summer, and in winter teaching in Fitzwilliam, Westminster, Vt., and other places.
His influence in college and in places of temporary labor was decidedly felt as a Christian worker. After graduating at Dartmouth, he at once entered " Andover Theological Seminary," graduating thence in the class of 1825.
It being deemed by the American Board desirable that their male missionaries to India at that time should be possessed of some medical knowledge, he spent the autumn of the same year at Hanover, N.H., in attendance on medical lectures. Early in 1826, he continued his medical studies at the Harvard Medical School, spending the year in their prosecution as well as in the performance of a large amount of religious work in Boston and vicinity. During this year, he was united in marriage to Miss Atossa Frost, daughter of Col. Joseph and Zilpha (Roberts) Frost of his native town, and with her sailed from Boston for Bombay in the ship "Emerald " - Capt. Heard - on the 7th of May, 1827, arriving safely in India in September of the same year.
The children of this marriage were two, Elizabeth W. and Atossa F., who, after the death of Mrs. Stone, were sent
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to America at a very tender age to be educated; their father remaining to prosecute his work.
In the year 1834, he married Miss Abigail W. Kimball, of Waterford, Maine, who had gone to India, a single lady, to teach in the girls' school, under the auspices of the American Board.
The children by this union were five, two of whom, Mary Sabine and James Farrar, were born in India, and are still living; and three, after their return to this country, of whom only Rev. Cyrus Stone of Minnesota survives .* Of the children by the first marriage, the elder, Elizabeth, died before her father's return; while the younger is still living.
In 1841, after fourteen years' service, he was compelled by the state of his own as well as his wife's health to return to America. He preached for varying times in Bingham, Maine, Harwich, Saugus, and East Bridgwater, Mass., and then located for several years in Melrose, Mass., seven miles from Boston, and engaged in the publication of the "Mother's Assistant " and " Happy Home," monthly maga- zines of a religious character, and books of a similar kind for families.
His final work, however, was in the ministry. He was instrumental in founding and providing with a permanent house a church in Beechwood, a portion of Cohasset, Mass .; and he was called to be the pastor of the flock he had gathered.
Here he died, on the 19th of July, 1867, of a chronic affection of the liver, aggravated, if not caused, by his residence in India.
Rev. OSGOOD HERRICK,} son of Ebenezer and Lydia (Eaton) Herrick, was born in Marlborough, Nov. 19, 1799. He worked upon his father's farm until the age of fifteen, when he was placed in a store in Keene, where he remained until he was twenty-one, giving entire satisfaction to his employers.
* He was killed by lightning since the above was written.
t This notice is taken mainly from a sketch of his life published, soon after his death, in the " Boston Recorder" of April 28, 1837.
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HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
In the year 1818, at a time of great religious declension, Mr. Herrick and two others became the subjects of renew- ing influences of the Holy Spirit, and in the month of July of the same year united with the Congregational Church of Keene, under the pastoral care of Rev. Z. S. Bastow.
Soon after, he felt an ardent desire to become more extensively useful than he could in the business in which he was engaged. Accordingly, he resolved, as soon as circumstances would allow, to prepare himself for the ministry. In the spring of 1821, he commenced the study of Latin, and in the fall of 1822 was admitted a member of Dartmouth College. As he allowed himself but little time for preparation, he entered college under many disadvan- tages, and consequently severe study became necessary during his first collegiate year. It was during this year that his constitution was impaired and the foundation of that disease laid which resulted in his death.
In the autumn of 1826, he graduated at Dartmouth College, being regarded as one of the most distinguished of his class. The following year he was engaged in teaching in the State of Virginia. In 1827, he became a member of Andover Theological Seminary, where he remained the usual term of three years.
On leaving the seminary, he received a unanimous call to become the pastor of the Congregational Church in Milbury, and on the 9th of December, 1830, was ordained and installed over that church and society.
Ten days subsequent, he was united in marriage to Miss Emily Wilder of Keene.
Mr. Herrick was a self-made man. By his own persever- ance, he overcame difficulties from which most young men would have shrunk. By his industry and economy, he defrayed nearly the whole expense of his education. Dili- gence and perseverance were among the distinguishing traits in his character. He was never idle. He felt the work of the ministry was too important to admit of indolence, and he felt too great an interest in the salvation of men and the honor of his Divine Master to be discouraged by any difficulties that were surmountable.
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Mr. Herrick's talents were more useful than splendid. He excelled rather in clearness of mind than brilliancy of imagination. His views were seldom confused or his conceptions feeble on any subject to which he directed his attention. He was a man of sound practicable wisdom. He formed his opinions on subjects, after taking a comprehen- sive view of their various bearings, and generally with such precision as not to have occasion to change. He was also a man of firmness of purpose, -did not form any plan of action without careful examination and a conviction of duty ; but, when his conclusions were formed, he was not wavering, and only on the presentation of weighty reasons did he desire to change. Cautious to resolve, convinced he was right, he firmly and with all the energies of his soul executed his resolutions.
His mind was well balanced; and his faculties were not only well proportioned, but cultivated in due symmetry. As a preacher of divine truth, Mr. Herrick was clear, instructive, energetic, and expressive. He never aimed, in the solemn work of preaching the gospel, merely to amuse the fancy or gratify a fastidious taste, but to enlighten the mind, arouse the conscience, affect the heart, and save the soul. His manner of delivery was earnest and impressive; his eloquence was that of clear thought, sound argument, and ardent feeling. As a pastor, he was devoted and labo- rious, ever ready to counsel the afflicted, to instruct the inquirer, to encourage and edify the saints; as a friend, frank, affectionate, and obliging.
In June, 1835, at a Sunday-school convention, immedi- ately after addressing the assembly, he was attacked with a slight hemorrhage of the lungs. A few days after, he had another severe attack, and from that time began gradually to sink. He was, however, able to discharge the duties of a pastor until the last Sabbath in December, 1836, when he preached his farewell sermon. It was a solemn occasion. He felt, and gave his hearers to understand, that he was preaching his last discourse.
At no time during his sickness was he desponding or
28
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gloomy, but always cheerful and happy. He spoke of death as "going home." "To me," he said, "there is nothing gloomy or terrible in death." He manifested the most entire patience and submission. During the whole of his protracted sickness, not a word of complaint escaped his lips. He often said: "I am an astonishment to myself. I did not suppose it possible that I could endure all the pain and languor I have, without a single impatient feeling. But such is the fact. I can truly say that I have not felt even the rising of a single impatient feeling." His countenance was always lighted up with a smile, and, though he shed tears, they were always tears of joy and gratitude. He died at Milbury, Mass., March 16, 1837.
Rev. LUTHER WISWALL was born in Marlborough, Jan. 9, 1801. He was the son of Maj. John and Mary (Tayntor) Wiswall. He early developed a thirst for knowledge, but had only limited educational privileges, having simply the advantages of common schools till he was seventeen years of age, when he began to teach winter schools, and con- tinued to do so for fifteen years. In the mean time, he attended two terms at an academy, and pursued his studies at home as he had opportunity. In 1829, he purchased a small farm, and in 1830 married Miss Sophronia Kendall of Athol, Mass. Six children were born to them, of whom only two survive, a son and daughter.
In 1822, Mr. Wiswall united with the Congregational Church, then under the pastoral care of the Rev. Halloway Fish. He was soon brought into active service in the church, and for several years superintended the Sabbath- school. In studying the Scriptures to qualify himself for the duties of his office, he became interested in study for its own sake, and the thought often arose that he would like to preach the gospel. This thought was not easily repressed. His activity in the church led, much to his surprise, to his election as deacon.
The church in Marlborough was at that time weak, and much disturbed by the coming in of those who preached
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another gospel. Others claimed the right to occupy their house of worship a part of the time. A small Unitarian Church was organized, and the Congregational Church was unable to procure preaching that was acceptable. But, after a struggle of more than ten years, they built a small house of worship, and have since seen better days. Mr. Wiswall did much, in those days of trial, to encourage and strengthen the despised band of believers, often bearing a large part of the burden of sustaining public worship. In 1834, while this house was building, he sold his farm and stock, and removed East, and entered the seminary at Bangor. His mind had been turned to the ministry by witnessing the great difficulty of small churches in obtaining ministers, hoping to qualify himself to meet the wants of some needy flock of God.
ยท
Mr. Wiswall was graduated at Bangor, Me., in 1836, and was settled as pastor of the church in Brooks and Jackson the following year. Here he labored till 1854, when he removed to Windham, Me., where he has since labored. Though late in entering the ministry, he has preached the gospel more than forty years. Nor has he preached in vain. Several seasons of refreshing were enjoyed by the church in Brooks and Jackson, and large additions made to the church. In Windham also, his labors have been blessed of God. He has uncommon skill in building a church on strong foundations, rooted and grounded in the great truths of the gospel. His own mind clearly appre- hends the foundation doctrines of the Christian system; and he has the power of so presenting them as to convince others of their truth.
Mr. Wiswall's intellectual structure is of a marked character. He has great mental acuteness, is profoundly logical and of sound judgment. He is therefore eminently fitted to grapple with sceptical minds, and either convince or confound them. A young man of sceptical proclivities at one time boarded in his family, not at all apprehensive that his confidence in the arguments on which he rested would be shaken. He was well assured of his ability to
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defend his position. Not many months of free intercourse with his pastor had passed, before his confidence in infidel sentiments gradually subsided; and it was not long before he gave in his adhesion to the truth and claims of the gospel, and yielded himself as a friend and follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. This young man subsequently, with great honor to himself and benefit to the public, occupied for years a seat on the bench of the Supreme Court of his native State ; and for several years he "used the office of a deacon well" in a prominent church. His death was a public loss.
At another time, two young men of public education came under his ministry. They belonged to the liberal school of theology. Their course for a while gave rise to the apprehension that they hoped to liberalize the church, and supplant good, old-fashioned orthodoxy. For a season affairs wore a threatening aspect. But the pastor was not caught napping. By a course of reasoning upon the ques- tions involved, and the wise use of Scripture, the sound- ness of the church remained intact, and the young men found it convenient to seek other places of residence.
Mr. Wiswall is a sound theologian, and an able defender of the "faith once delivered to the saints." Nor does he belong to that class of preachers who think it unprofitable to preach the doctrines, the great vital truths, of the gospel, - who seem to think they are effete, worn out, and not fitted to this enlightened age. Men of this day are too wise to embrace them, too free and liberal to yield to their authority. But not so with Mr. Wiswall. He regards them as the teachings of infinite wisdom, fitted to the spiritual wants of men of all ages, countries, and climes, and as the power of God unto salvation to all who cordially receive them. Hence he preaches them clearly and con- scientiously, as of vital benefit to his hearers. In his hand, they are not stale and commonplace, but racy, and instinct with life and energy.
Socially, Mr. Wiswall is one of the most genial and companionable of men. A quiet wit, guided by strong
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common-sense, adds much to the pleasure of social inter- course with him. One needs to know him well to appre- ciate him. He is a brother beloved in the churches of Maine, having the confidence and respect of all who know him, ministers and churches.
Rev. PHILANDER WALLINGFORD,* son of Ebenezer B. and Mary Wallingford, was born in Marlborough, N.H., June 6, 1812. His childhood was passed like that of other children, blessed, however, with the care of Christian parents, whose counsels and discipline laid the foundation of his future manhood. One incident, however, occurred at school, when he was five years old, that gave pleasure to his mother, and is worthy of notice, as it was the first sermon he ever preached.
It was the custom at intermission for the boys in that school to go down to Deacon Guild's to drink water out of
" The old oaken bucket that hung in the well";
and one day, while they were thus engaged, one of the little boys swore that it was his turn to drink next. Whereupon little Philander told him it was wicked to swear, and that God would be displeased with him. When the school assembled in the afternoon, the teacher came to him, and presented him with a beautiful little book, upon the fly-leaf of which was written : -
Presented to Philander Wallingford for reproving one of his school- mates for using bad language at intermission.
(Signed)
WILLIAM GUILD.
When he went home, his mother pressed him to her bosom, told him he was a good boy, and that the book was a reward of merit. From that moment he regarded that book of all others the best. Never did he prize one more highly,-not even the Book of books, which, more than twenty years subsequent, the bishop delivered to him, saying, "Take thou authority to read the Holy Scriptures in the church of God,
* This sketch is by Rev. A. K. Howard, formerly pastor of the Methodist Epis- copal Church.
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and to preach the same." Indeed, it was a primer con- taining Scripture lessons adapted to the capacity of little children, with pictures to illustrate the same.
In 1827, his parents removed to Claremont. He remained at home until he was twenty-one, laboring with and for his father, thus forming habits of industry and economy, which have been of great service to him through life. He early saw that character was formed by the society in which men move. He therefore chose his companions from the virt- uous and upright, shunning the vicious and evil. Thus, through good associations, as he reached his manhood, he was cultured in wisdom and integrity, and was respected by all.
Accustomed to attend public worship with his parents and to join with them in their hymns of praise (leading for some time the choir), he could but see and feel the necessity of " the one thing needful," yet this one thing he lacked.
A change, however, was soon to come over his life. In the summer of 1831, he became more thoughtful, and con- versed freely with an intimate friend upon his need of a Saviour. About this time, he decided to attend the select school of Rev. A. Buck, at Chelsea, Vt.
It was a time of religious revival; and the scholars, as well as the citizens, were sharers in its fruits. The favor- able time had come. The matter was well considered, and his conclusion was to give his heart to Christ and his life to the service of God. He immediately informed his parents of the happy change, and, when he returned to his friends, he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has continued a loyal member.
Having reached his majority, he resolved to improve his education, to fit himself better for some useful calling. His father gave him about one hundred and fifty dollars. This, with what he could add by teaching singing-schools, and other acts of industry, he expended at New Market Acad- emy. When his funds were gone, he asked himself, What shall I do? There was a sensible impression of a call to
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the ministry, seconded by the voice of the Church. But, in view of the responsibilities of the ministry and his inability further to prosecute his studies, he turned aside to useful and honorable business, which he pursued with fair success.
Jan. 1, 1838, he married Miss Caroline M. Treadwell, of New Market, N.H., a lady well qualified to share with him the responsibilities of his after life. She has been the light of his home, and her companionship he still enjoys.
Mr. Wallingford was not long to continue in his secular business. God had a higher and better work for him to do, and he very signally and unmistakably called him to it.
In a protracted conversation with a clergyman who was deeply solicitous that he should enter the ministry, and who had come a long distance to converse with him on the subject, and who pressed with great earnestness his en- treaties, a pledge was given that, if Providence opened a door that gave unmistakable evidence that it was of God, he would no longer resist.
Very soon after this conversation, he went to Framing- ham, Mass., to visit a sister, one hundred miles distant. There, on the street, he met Rev. Phinehas Crandall, a Presiding Elder in the New England Conference. They were entire strangers. After paying to each other common civilities, Mr. Crandall asked him if he was a preacher. He answered no. "Have you not had drawings and call- ings in that direction ?" This question was not directly answered. Following up the subject, Mr. Crandall said : "I think it is a Providence that has brought us together. I have a vacancy in my district, and I want you to fill it." Every objection named on account of inefficiency was laid aside by Mr. Crandall who still urged him to comply with his request; and, in view of the pledge he had so recently made, he yielded to his importunities, and consented to go. It was therefore arranged that at a given time he was to go to Brookfield, Mass., as preacher in charge of that appoint- ment, not having at that time a license to preach.
At the time appointed, he proceeded thither, and was received with great cordiality, the people not dreaming that
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their preacher was a layman till the expiration of about three months, when they were informed by their pastor that the quarterly meeting was approaching, and, if he remained with them in his present capacity, it would be necessary for him to have a license to preach, and that it must, according to the laws of the Church, come from them. At said quarterly meeting, he was licensed, and his license signed by Phinehas Crandall, P. E., dated Brookfield, Mass .. Sept. 20, 1842. In 1843, he joined the New England Con- ference. In 1845, he was ordained Deacon by Bishop E. S. Jones, and was subsequently ordained Elder by Bishop F. A. Morris. All this speaks well of his ability as a preacher, and progress in his theological studies.
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