USA > New Hampshire > Cheshire County > Marlborough > History of the town of Marlborough, Cheshire County, New Hampshire > Part 19
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He preached in the following places in Massachusetts : Brookfield, Natick, Barre, South Barre, Winchendon, North Brookfield, Shelburne Falls, and Holyoke.
On account of the feebleness of his wife, and a bronchial affection, which for the time impaired his efficiency as a speaker, in 1856 he returned and located at Claremont. He could not, however, be allowed long to remain unem- ployed. Many doors were opened for him to preach in his located capacity. He was called to supply in New Hamp- shire the following places: Rochester, Rye, South New Market, Walpole, Cornish, and Goshen; and, in Vermont, North Hartland and Weathersfield Bow. The church he served at the latter place was Congregationalist, where he preached more than two years.
The following report of the Windsor Association of Con- gregational Ministers, before whom he was examined while holding his pastorate there, will show how he was regarded by that fraternity : -
Report of the Windsor Association upon the case of Rev. P. Wallingford, acting pastor at Weathersfield Bow:
We found him a regularly ordained Elder in the Methodist I.
Episcopal Church.
II. A clear and full statement of his religious experience leaves no doubt on our minds that he is a converted man.
III. The statement of his views in entering the ministry makes the impression that he was actuated by an earnest desire for the salvation
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of souls ; and nothing in his ministry here leads us to think any other inotive actnates him now.
IV .- In a protracted examination of him as to his doctrinal views, he seems to us thoroughly sound, and in entire agreement with us on every point except election and perseverance.
V. In respect to worship and ordinances, he declares not only his purpose, but his choice, to conform to the usages of this church, so long as he shall minister to it.
VI. As to his proposed labor, he is to do all the church asks; namely, to preach one sermon each Sabbath, superintend the Sabbath school, and visit as if resident here.
VII. The Association find a very good degree of union and harmony in the church, and no opposition personally to Mr. Wallingford.
VIII. As to the question of applying funds for the support of any but a Congregational minister here, would say, were it to be done in any instance, we cannot conceive of a case in which, so far as any thing appears, it could be safer than in this case.
Signed by vote of the Association,
S. II. COBB, President. N. BISHOP, Clerk.
Thus it will appear that he labored with acceptance, not only with his own denomination, but with others, showing that he possessed a true catholic spirit.
His sermons were carefully prepared, and impressively delivered ; and, in all the churches he served, he strove to do the work of a preacher and pastor.
Especially was he efficient in aiding churches to build church-edifices and parsonages. His skill as a draughts- man enabled him to plan wisely, and his habits of economy led him to appropriate funds judiciously.
He has been an earnest worker in the temperance cause, seeking in this and in every other way the best good of society.
In the location and establishment of the Claremont June- tion Camp Meeting, he has been one of the leaders. The grounds have been laid out under his special direction, and whatever is beautiful and convenient in that regard is due to him. The Association has made him its treasurer, and he carefully looks after its interests.
What he accumulated before entering the ministry he safely invested, the proceeds of which afford him now a competency.
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He has made for his wife and himself a pleasant home on Central Street, Claremont, N.H., near the church of his choice. Thus, after his wanderings as an itinerant, he can now sing :-
" At home again from toil and strife, Home made for wife and me ; Where, in the evening of our life, We may in quiet be."
Rev. WILLIAM C. WHITCOMB, son of Deacon Simeon and Sally (Lincoln) Whitcomb, was born in Marlborough, Feb. 9, 1820. He was in childhood singularly dutiful to his parents, never requiring discipline to enforce their com- mands ; and in mature years was ever anxious, according to his means, to promote their welfare. He received from them a religious training, and in 1837 united with the Con- gregational Church in this town.
He pursued his literary and classical course at the Acade- mies in Jaffrey, Troy, and Ashby. He earned his money to attend them by teaching, always living in the most econom- ical way.
He studied theology at Gilmanton Theological Seminary, completing his course in 1847, at which time he was licensed to preach. He received several calls to settle in New Hampshire, but declined, as he wished to obtain further help for his work by attending the lectures of Prof. Park, in Andover Theological Seminary. He remained at Andover two years as a Licentiate student.
May 1, 1851, he was ordained pastor of the church in Stoneham, Mass. May 1, 1852, he was married to Miss Harriet L. Wheeler, of Concord, Mass. In August, 1855, he was dismissed from the church in Stoneham, after which he labored with the churches in Globe Village (Southbridge), in North Carver, and in Lynnfield Centre, all in Massachu- setts.
He received a commission as Chaplain of the United States Hospital at Newbern, N.C., which bears the signa- tures of Abraham Lincoln and Edward M. Stanton, dated July 5, 1862, which he held to the time of his death. His
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labors in Newbern, Portsmouth, and Morehead City, N.C., were very abundant and interesting, and continued two and one-fourth years.
In the summer of 1864, he came home on a furlough of some length. In September, he returned to meet the sad effects of the yellow fever, brought treacherously by the enemy to our soldiers. Soon after his return, he was attacked with malarial fever, and, before he had fully re- covered, was taken with acute bronchitis, from the effects of which he died at the hospital in Morehead City, Oct, 29, 1864.
Mr. Whitcomb's character was strongly marked, and he possessed many excellences. He had an untiring activity, always doing with his might what his hands found to do. He was in a remarkable degree frank and outspoken, being incapable of disguise and knowing little of concealment. But for nothing was he more distinguished than for a warm, loving heart. He set a value on friends, and was true in his friendships. That he had a devoted attachment to his family is seen in the fact that, when absent on his chap- laincy, his general practice was to write to them daily. He was a decided Congregationalist, but loved all Christ's dis- ciples of every name; union among Christians being a favorite theme. He cherished an affectionate remembrance of his native town, in evidence of which may be mentioned the gift of a bell for the school-house in the village a short time before his death. He loved the slave and the colored race, and from an early age was ever ready, according to his ability, to aid the cause of emancipation.
From the outbreak of the slaveholders' rebellion, he took a lively interest in the struggle ; and that he was able with so much cheerfulness to separate himself from a family he loved so well may be taken as evidence of true patriotism.
Mr. Whitcomb had qualities of mind and heart which could not fail to render him popular and useful as a pastor. Much good, we are assured, was accomplished by his labors in connection with the churches to which he ministered. But his active temperament and habits, his self-forgetfulness
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in his zeal to do good, his sympathy with the suffering, his cheerfulness, and readiness with thoughts and words for every occasion, seemed to fit him especially for the labors to which he was devoted, as hospital chaplain ; and much was he loved by those who were the objects of his benefi- cent labors.
Mr. Whitcomb was a pleasant newspaper correspondent. As an author, he published two volumes of original and selected matter in prose and poetry to comfort the bereaved. Although he fell in his prime, still he has left a full and useful life.
EDWIN DAVIS, son of Jonah and Sarah (Wilkinson) Davis, was born May 8, 1821, under favorable circum- stances. His ancestry reaches back to the first settlers of New England. His father was a man of mental strength, good judgment, and emulous to do good as he had oppor- tunity. His mother was a woman of remarkable good com- mon-sense and generous feeling. They were both extremely desirous to make the most possible of their only child. So Edwin was fortunately cared for in his early childhood, and at a suitable age was sent to the district school. Being of a genial disposition and full of fun, he was very much of a favorite among his school-mates. He always stood well in his classes. Having mastered to some extent the common branches, he left home at the age of fourteen, to attend Melville Academy in Jaffrey. Now, for several years, he spent most of his time in academies, pursuing the sciences, mathematics, English and classical literature. At the age of seventeen, he taught his first school, in Swanzey, N.H. Though a mere boy, he proved himself able to instruct and govern young men and women who were his seniors. For a number of successive winters, he taught with commendable success. In the winter of 1840, while teaching in Guilford, Vt., he formed an acquaintance with Miss Nancy S. Chase, whom he married July 2, 1845. Previous to this, he became acquainted with Rev. W. N. Barber who was preaching in that town. Up to this time,
Respectfully yours Edwin Davis
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he had not fully decided what he would do for a life-work. He had thought of studying theology or medicine. But, as he associated with Mr. Barber, his decision was made in favor of divinity, much to the gratification of his parents, and especially his father who thoroughly believed and prac- tised Universalism. After he closed this school, he remained in Guilford, studying for some time theological works under the tuition of Mr. Barber. Here he wrote his first sermons and certain articles for publication. In the last part of 1842, he went to Westmoreland, N.H., to continue his studies under the direction of Rev. C. Woodhouse. He had here a portion of the time, as a companion in his theological studies, Rev. Josiah Marvin. The aid received from Mr. Barber and Mr. Woodhouse has effectually told on his min- istry. In his case, at least, it would seem that the adage has proved true,-" As is the teacher, so is the taught." In the year of his majority, he preached his first sermon at Vernon, Vt. While pursuing his studies, he continued to preach occasionally. At this time, he was slim and tall, with quite a youthful-looking face ; and so often, when he would rise in the pulpit among strangers to preach, there would be silent questionings on the part of the older portion of the audience whether that stripling would be able to preach much, but they would usually become satisfied before he had advanced far, that he was equal to the emergency.
He was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry at the annual session of the New Hampshire Convention of Universalists at Winchester, June 19, 1845. His first stated engagement to preach was in his native town, where his labors were crowned with success. In 1845, he removed to Richmond, N.H., where he remained some five years, living in sight of the birthplace of Hosea Ballou, and preaching in the meeting-house in which that gifted one had proclaimed the gospel of glad tidings. In 1850, he changed his location to Hinsdale, N.H., taking charge of the Univer- salist society there, and preaching some part of the time in West Brattleboro' and Vernon, Vt., in Northfield, Mass., and West Swanzey, N.H. During his settlement here, he
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taught several select schools and devoted considerable time to overseeing the public schools. On account of the death of his father, which occurred on the 24th of March, 1856, he went to Marlborough that same year to reside, for the purpose of aiding his bereaved mother and settling his father's estate. By earnest solicitation, he made engage- ment with the society there for the second time to supply them with preaching for the year.
In the spring of 1857, he settled in Paper-Mill-Village, Alstead, N.H., where he remained four years, having a very successful ministry, still proving himself a most devoted friend to the cause of education.
In 1861, he had a call to settle in Methuen, Mass., which he accepted. He had already spent some twenty years in the ministry, living all the while in his native county. In this new field of labor, he made many warm friends and served well the society as a faithful, religious teacher. After laboring three years in Methuen, he located in West Acton, Mass., where he organized two societies, one in West and the other in South Acton. He faithfully ministered to these societies for seven years, being instrumental in having a good church edifice built in the West Village, and prepar- ing the way for another to be built in the South Village.
During the centenary year of Universalism in America, he was employed by the New Hampshire State Convention to take the lead in raising her quota of money for the Murray fund. In this enterprise, he accomplished all that could rightfully be expected. In December of 1870, he accepted a call, and settled in Canton, Mass., where he has continued for nearly nine years. During this charge, he has been employed a portion of two years by the Massa- chusetts Universalist Convention as financial agent of that body to raise money, and has been successful in securing more than ten thousand dollars. Few men are better adapted to solicit money for a good cause than Mr. Davis. The people feel at once, as he makes an appeal, that he is strictly honest and believes heartily in his cause.
As a writer, Mr. Davis's style is direct, smooth, and some-
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what florid. His sermons are quite methodical, and so illustrated as to render them plain and interesting. His published articles have been full of good thought, clearly and tastefully expressed.
He seldom speaks publicly without special preparation, and so he speaks because he has something to say. In manner, he is affable without the least ostentation or affec- tation. His voice is expressive of a good head and heart. As a reformer, his trumpet has given no uncertain sound. He has always been a bold advocate of freedom and tem- perance.
Mr. Davis is very much devoted to his family, consisting of a wife, a daughter, and two sons, one of whom, graduated in 1878 from the Medical School of Boston University, is now a practising physician in Milton, Mass., and the other is in the Senior Class of Tufts College.
Mr. Davis never repels, but draws others toward him, so he is a welcome servant of the Lord at the bridal altar, in the sick-room, or in the place of deepest sorrow.
The subject of this biography is now doing his best work. Though his hair bears the mark of fifty-five winters, still he is well preserved and vigorous. His countenance is fresh, and his eye as dark and vivacious as ever. Marlborough is the better for his being one of her native sons, and the world is better because he is living in it.
SULLIVAN H. MCCOLLESTER, D.D.,* one of the most dis- tinguished of the citizens, was born in Marlborough, Dec. 18, 1826, and has been on the stage of active life for a little more than half a century. He is the son of Silas and Achsah (Holman) McCollester. He is of Scotch descent, his ancestors having come from Scotland. His youth was spent like that of many New England boys, working on a farm and at some mechanical employment. During the winter, he was accustomed to attend the village school. Here he had good privileges; for Marlborough has ever
* Sketch by Rev. John S. Lee, D.D., of St. Lawrence University, Canton, N.Y.
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been noted for her good schools. In his fifteenth year, he first attended a select school and afterwards several of the educational institutions near his home: Mt. Cæsar Seminary in Swanzey, Dublin Select School, Winchendon (Mass.) Academy, Jaffrey Academy, and Melrose Seminary, Brat- tleboro', Vt., where he gained a thorough knowledge of the ordinary English branches, the higher mathematics, the Greek and the Latin languages, and thus was fitted for col- lege. I first met him at Mt. Cæsar Seminary, in the fall term of 1846. He afterwards attended Melrose Seminary when I had charge of it. I remember him as a mild, pleas- ant, genial, and social companion and scholar; eager for knowledge and interested in all that concerned the school. He was a general favorite among the students. He exerted a good influence in the school, and by his kindness and sympathy, aided the teachers in their arduous and trying labors.
When eighteen years old, he commenced teaching, first engaging in a school at Richmond, and receiving for his services only nine dollars a month. In Walpole, he taught four successive terms, which shows that his services were received with favor. He entered Norwich (Vt.) Univer- sity in the winter of 1848, and graduated in the summer of 1851, having finished the full classical course. - Leaving college with the reputation of a fine scholar, he entered Cambridge Divinity School, and studied there two years with the intention of entering the Christian ministry, when he took charge of Walpole Academy. In the mean time he was married, Nov. 23, 1852, at Dummerston, Vt., to Miss Sophia F. Knight, whom he first met in Melrose Seminary. His wife, a ripe scholar and a successful teacher, aided him in his school. As a woman adorned with genial, social qualities, quick sympathies, and all the graces of the spirit, she has been a most excellent helpmeet to her husband amid the labors and trials of their married life.
In 1853, he took charge of Mt. Cæsar Seminary, where for nearly five years he labored almost incessantly, doing double duty teaching and preaching. He is held in grate-
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ful remembrance here for his efforts in behalf of educa- tion, morality, and religion. From Swanzey, he removed to Westmoreland, and took charge of the Universalist Society there, and the one also in West Chesterfield. He taught a select school a portion of the time. He was soon elected to the responsible office of School Commissioner for Cheshire County, which he held till 1859. At the meeting of the State Board of Commissioners, he was appointed president. In winter, he visited schools and lectured on education. In spring, he held Teachers' Institutes, and thus made his influ- ence felt extensively among the teachers and the people.
From Westmoreland, he was called to take charge of Westbrook Seminary near Portland in Maine, commencing his labors there in April, 1861. He remained there nearly eight years, and raised the institution into a flourishing condition. His first term of thirty scholars, he was accus- tomed to say, was the hardest he ever taught. He sought to put the school upon a firm basis of discipline and systematic study; and he finally succeeded in infusing a healthy, moral, and intellectual tone among the students, and awakening a noble ambition in their hearts. The school became very popular, sometimes numbering from one hundred and seventy-five to two hundred and forty mem- bers. In 1864, he obtained from the State Legislature a charter for a woman's college, the first of the kind belonging to the denomination in New England. From this college, he graduated annually a class of young women who, by their scholarship and moral influence, gave tone and vigor to the society in which they moved. The seminary was noted for the cultivation of the social powers of the students. A common interest united teachers and pupils.
In the summer of 1866, in company with his wife, he visited Europe, and remained there till the spring of 1867. In their travels, they visited Ireland, Scotland, England, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. He was delighted with the varied and sublime scenery of the Alps, and spent several weeks there, breathing the pure air of the mountains in the warm weather, and dwelling on the
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shores of the Swiss and Italian lakes during the winter. He stopped a long time also in London, Paris, and Rome, and studied their history, antiquities, and social institu- tions, and the topography of the surrounding country. He wrote full, frequent, and interesting letters for the Portland Transcript, the Gospel Banner, and other papers, which were read with eager interest not only by his friends, but also by many who had never before heard his name.
In the spring of 1867, he returned to his school with fresh energy, and his mind invigorated and expanded by what he had observed and studied. He remained in the seminary till July, 1868, when, in company with the writer, taking one of the Montreal and Liverpool steamers at Quebec, and passing around the north of Ireland, he made his second tour of Europe, revisiting the countries which he on his former tour visited, and extending his travels to Egypt, Palestine, Turkey, and Greece. It was a memorable journey, espe- cially the month passed in the Holy Land ; and it produced a vivid and lasting impression upon his mind. We went up the Nile, ascended the Pyramids, landed at Jaffa, and spent nearly two weeks in and around Jerusalem, stood before the tombs of the patriarchs, bathed in the Jordan, walked along the shores of the Sea of Galilee, supped and slept in the birthplace and the home of the youthful Jesus, for two days rode along the sandy shores of the Mediterranean, stopping over night in the old, dilapidated cities of Tyre and Sidon. He rode over the Leban mountains, visiting Baalbec and the Cedars of Lebanon. Then we took steamer at Beyrout, and passed among the Greek and Turkish Isles of the Archipelago, spent a Sunday at Smyrna, and thence, along- side the plain of old Troy, through the Dardanelles to Constantinople ; thence to Athens, whence we made excur- sions to Pentelicus and other ports of Greece, to Corinth, Corfu, and Brindisi in Italy. He visited many of the cities where he stopped on his first tour, but spent less time in those, as his chief object was to pass through "the lands of the Bible." The journey was fruitful in results, and his social and professional life was greatly enriched by the offerings he gathered.
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On his return in February, 1869, he lectured extensively and his lectures were received everywhere with marked favor. He also wrote letters for some half a dozen papers, descriptive of the lands he visited; and these were read more eagerly even than were those of his first journey.
He remained in the school at Westbrook until the sum- mer of 1869, when he resigned, and in the fall took pastoral charge of the Universalist Church in Nashua, N.H. His pastorate was a success, productive of marked spiritual re- sults. In the fall of 1872, he removed to Akron, Ohio, and entered upon the presidency of Buchtel College, a new liter- ary institution, established chiefly through the labors and generous benefactions of John R. Buchtel of that city. In this honorable and responsible position, he has worked for six years; and with the aid of the benefactors, the patrons, and the members of the faculty, he has put the college upon a firm basis, and given it a name, and made it a power in the State. In addition to his official duties, he has preached and lectured in the principal towns and cities of the State, and thus extended his influence and the influence of the college, and done much in behalf of education and religion. In consideration of his merits as a scholar and his high posi- tion as an educator, St. Lawrence University, in June, 1874, gave him the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity.
In their domestic relations, Dr. McCollester and his wife have been called to experience much sorrow. Of five chil- dren born to them, only one remains, Lee, now growing up to manhood and fitting to become a blessing to his parents and the world. In his life, Mr. McCollester illustrates the phases that distinguish the genuine New Englander,- energy, patience, faith, industry, and perseverance. While he has not sought honors, he has obtained them. He has aimed to do good, and by faithfully pursuing his object he has been eminently successful in life.
Since the above was written, Mr. McCollester with his wife and son has spent another year in the old country for the purpose of making himself more familiar with men, institutions, and places. During his absence, he wrote for
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several different papers; and since his return he has had more calls to lecture on his travels than he could fulfil. He has a remarkably happy faculty in enabling others to see what he saw and feel what he felt.
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